Zantaari
The Zantaari are a pre-warp canid-like species, originating from Zantaar III. When a disaster hit the homeworld (quite literally, in the form of a piece of the planet Zantaar IV), the Zantaari were forced underground and a societal shift took place. Legends were told to their young of Godmen who would come to take them from their doomed world. This doctrine put the Zantaari in a position to be used by Orion pirates - causing an act of intervention by Starfleet.
The Zantaari species now resides on New Zantaar in the Tau Zeta system. New Zantaar remains a Federation protectorate, though the species has begun to rebuild a society much on their own, and they have a promising future in the galactic community.
(An adult female Zantaari)
(An adult male Zantaari)
Physiology
The average male Zantaari is 1.63 meters. The average female Zantaari is 1.57 meters.
Zantaari are covered in a fine, bristle-like fur and possess a large, shiny canine nose - they earned the name 'dogmen' for a reason. The fur is usually white, cream or grey, and mottled fur patterns are common. Their ears protrude to the side and can indicate their mood more effectively than their face is capable of. Adding to their dog-like aesthetic is a short tail, small and often out of the way of their daily life.
Their hands resemble the paws that their feet are and the Zantaari go without shoes on a regular basis, using the protection of their leathery pads.
Zantaari are covered in a fine, bristle-like fur and possess a large, shiny canine nose - they earned the name 'dogmen' for a reason. The fur is usually white, cream or grey, and mottled fur patterns are common. Their ears protrude to the side and can indicate their mood more effectively than their face is capable of. Adding to their dog-like aesthetic is a short tail, small and often out of the way of their daily life.
Their hands resemble the paws that their feet are and the Zantaari go without shoes on a regular basis, using the protection of their leathery pads.
Psychology
The Zantaari are an inherently peaceful species. Their docile nature can first present as a lack of intelligence, but despite their (goodboy) canine appearance and their trusting nature, they are actually quite intellectual. Zantaari live in Packs and are fiercely loyal to their Pack - that being their immediate regional group of individuals. The apocalypse that forced them underground has bred in them an inherent trust in their fellow Zantaari and non-Zantaari. They have a societal trust based on compassion and service to their Pack and inherently expect the same of others, sometimes very much to their own detriment.
Society and Politics
The Zantaari society is composed of Packs. While in the past Zantaari have belonged to many Packs spread over the surface of Zantaar III, on New Zantaar their society is composed of a singular Pack led by High Chief Ooog. The title of High Chief is a position passed down from father to son. It is not ceremonial but is like a head of state. The High Chief is backed by the Zantaari Council.
The Zantaari Council is a group of Zantaari that are requested to serve by members of their Pack. The Council members are the Zantaari society's best healers, philosophers, architects and engineers. Any concerns members of the Pack have can be brought to the Council, and all dissenting opinions or concerns are voiced publicly before members of the Pack. These forums are almost never aggressive and wholly constructive. If members of the Council disagree, rather than discrediting their Packmates they are often seen offering compromises or opinions that will help build on the concerns of the dissenting.
The Zantaari Council is a group of Zantaari that are requested to serve by members of their Pack. The Council members are the Zantaari society's best healers, philosophers, architects and engineers. Any concerns members of the Pack have can be brought to the Council, and all dissenting opinions or concerns are voiced publicly before members of the Pack. These forums are almost never aggressive and wholly constructive. If members of the Council disagree, rather than discrediting their Packmates they are often seen offering compromises or opinions that will help build on the concerns of the dissenting.
Culture
The Zantaari culture is a culture currently in transition. The past several generations have lived underground on a dying planet. Under Federation protection on New Zantaar, new cultural norms will arise, but there are some constants.
(to be continued)
(to be continued)