H'Tarrans
H'Tarrans are a humanoid species native to Szernas, a Pelagic-class planet located in the Tyran system of the Gamma quadrant.
Physiology
H'Tarrans are a humanoid species, characterized by their blue, spotted skin, indigo hair, expressive pointed ears, and vibrant iris pigmentation. H'Tarrans evolved from a sexually monomorphic cetacean mammal, similar to an Earth dolphin. This ancient creature used advanced telepathy to communicate, a gift which has diminished over time, but is still present in its descendants to varying degrees. H'Tarrans are capable of projecting thoughts, ideas, and feelings into the minds of other beings. Some have demonstrated the ability of suggestive influence, but this has only been found in subjects with an extremely rare recessive allele. The spots on their bodies will luminesce when they project their influence, an evolutionary leftover from a deep sea genetic ancestor.
The species only has one biological sex, which outwardly appears to resemble males from other species. This has resulted in several fundamental differences in functions like digestion in order to make room for additional reproductive organs. For example, their stomach acid is naturally potent, even rivalling the Bolian digestive system. This allows them to break almost anything they ingest down so finely that it's capable of passing through their bladder. Additional buffer organs with even more acidic and basic fluids exist between the stomach and the bladder to deal with exceptions. While effective at creating minimal waste, the potency of the acid limits nutrient absorption, requiring H'Tarrans to consume three times as many calories per day as humans.
Due to their unusual genetic make-up, H'Tarrans are by and large biologically incompatible with most known races for reproductive purposes, but birth control measures are still necessary due to intense hormonal and chemical imbalances that occur during their mating cycle, beginning once every two months at an average of 26 Earth years of age. During this period, H'Tarrans may be emotionally unstable and physically aggressive. H'Tarran genetics make them poor candidates for blood transfusion, with fundamental differences in chromosomal makeup and antibody production, as well as potentially toxic levels of silver and cobalt in their blood chemistry. Medical practitioners with H'Tarran patients are well advised to keep a large stock of synthetic blood on hand in case of emergency.
Because their homeworld has such naturally high gravity, over five times that of Federation standard, H'Tarrans are shorter than the average race, the tallest on record being 1.77 meters (5 feet, 8 inches) in height. On average, an adult H'Tarran is 1.47 meters (4 feet, 10 inches) tall. They more than make up for their lack of vertical presence by possessing disproportionate physical strength and durability in standard gravity environments, far exceeding that of their galactic contemporaries. Additionally, due to the slower rotation and revolution of their world compared to Earth, H'Tarrans age 33% slower than Humans. Despite these benefits, they come with just as many heavy drawbacks.
Because H'Tarrans are used to applying significant force to move their bodies on a day-to-day basis, transitioning to a Federation standard gravity environment is exceptionally difficult. Their sense of balance and spatial coordination is thrown off considerably by the disparity, requiring innovative technologies, such as gravitic body braces, to weigh them down and allow them normal movement outside of their standard environment. Frequent blood donation or leeching is also required for long-term survival in Federation standard gravity, as the decreased pressure on the H'Tarran circulatory system increases their resting blood flow, which could make even small cuts and lacerations dangerous. Some H'Tarrans opt to adapt naturally without the aid of technology, which can lead to muscle atrophy, low blood pressure, and loss of bone density without proper maintenance through daily high-gravity exposure therapy for at least nine to ten hours per day.
Culture
H'Tarran society is comprised of four distinct ethnic nation-states, each with their own language:
- Aeron
- Ezhdan
- Rikon
- Zaltir
Aeron is the second-largest nation on the planet, a theocratic monarchy that values service to the state, which in turn, is guided by the holy texts of Z'hin. In Aeron culture, personal freedoms come second to the wishes of Zhin, which are interpreted from the holy texts by a parliamentary body of religious leaders. They have a very xenophobic view of galactic politics and favor isolationist policies, which have frequently brought them into conflict with the other nation-states. Aeron are noteworthy for having extravagant and strict marriage customs in accordance with their religious beliefs.
Ezhdan is the biggest nation on the planet, and thus, represents the dominant language of the H'Tarran people. The Ezhdan are governed by a socially libertarian republic, rich in artistry and scientific advancement. This has historically brought them into conflict with the Aeron, as societal freedoms and religious beliefs have clashed over many centuries.
Rikon is a tribal democracy that embraces medicine, nature, and agricultural sciences. Rikon are notable for having vibrant culinary palettes and festivals every solstice, celebrating the planet's continued prosperity. They are the closest allies to Ezhdan, with several free trade and immigration agreements in place. The two states have enjoyed peace for the last 168 years, leading many to speculate that the Rikon and Ezhdan provinces may merge into one territory.
Zaltir is the smallest, most reclusive nation. They exist as a naturalist meritocracy whose citizens rebuff most technological advances and prefer to live as they believe nature intended. Zaltiri are notable for their athletic prowess and competitive nature. Their spoken language is the most primitive of the four, as they tend to rely more on telepathic communication of ideas and feelings to interact with others. The Zaltir traditionally host the annual World Games, where each nation's elite athletes gather to compete across a wide variety of sporting events.
History
H'Tarrans' biological need to consume substantial quantities of food relative to the small land mass afforded by their homeworld led to Ezhdan and Rikon governments enacting population control laws as a part of an economic sustainability pact, which in turn led to the development of advanced aquatic agriculture technologies by the turn of the 20th century. The Zaltir, and notably, the Aeron, rejected this notion, as it was against their belief systems.
Ezhdan and Rikon scientists jointly developed warp drive technology as part of their military and economic treaty agreement in 2262. This led to other planets in the system being terraformed to support the agricultural demands of the population's dietary requirements, leading to the repeal of population control laws. While Ezhdan and Rikon progressed, the Aeron grew frustrated and resentful with what they believed to be the tainting of Zhin's domain in the stars by non-believers who prospered, while the rest of the planet relied on their hand-outs. In 2379, they made their move, swiftly conquering the less advanced Zaltiri people and subjugating them to fuel a war machine that lashed out at its neighbors.
By 2382, the fighting on the homeworld had gotten so intense that Ezhdan and Rikon civilian refugee convoys fled the system, an event historically referred to as The Exodus. While most re-settled on nearby worlds with lower gravity, some opted to voyage onward. Three convoys happened upon the Bajoran Wormhole, resulting in First Contact with the Federation at Deep Space Nine. With the Federation's assistance, over two million H'Tarrans resettled in the Alpha quadrant on Toron V, now home to a prosperous colony modeled after a mix of Ezhdan and Rikon governing principles. This government, known as the H'Tarran Republic of Toron, successfully lobbied for Federation membership in 2407.
Character Creation
When creating a H'Tarran character in Star Trek Online, the following traits are mandatory:
- Physical Strength
- Telepathic