Difference between revisions of "Major Race"

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==== Aslan ==== <!--T:4-->
 
==== Aslan ==== <!--T:4-->
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The [[Aslan]] of {{WorldS|Kusyu|Dark Nebula|1226}} are a [[Wikipedia:bipedal|bipedal]] species slightly larger than Humans. They are a species with a high level of sexual dimorphism, and their culture has distinct gender roles. They are intensely loyal, honorable, ordered, and full of a deep level of respect for nature and life. The Aslan are the youngest of the major races, developing the Jump Drive in [[-1999]].  
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The [[Aslan]] of {{WorldS|Kusyu|Dark Nebula|1226}} are a [[Wikipedia:bipedal|bipedal]] species slightly larger than Humans. They are a species with a high level of sexual dimorphism, and their culture has distinct gender roles. They are intensely loyal, honorable, and ordered race, divided into ancestral clans of ancient lineage. The history of the Aslan race is a history of the interactions of these clans. The Aslan are the youngest of the major races, developing the Jump Drive in [[-1999]].  
  
 
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===== Vilani ===== <!--T:24-->
 
===== Vilani ===== <!--T:24-->
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The [[Vilani]] developed on [[Vland (world)|Vland]]. The Vilani are not physically distinctive when compared with Solomani, but they possess a distinctive cultural and psychological outlook. They were the first race of Humaniti to invent the [[jump drive]] in , and created the [[First Imperium]].
+
The [[Vilani]] developed on [[Vland (world)|Vland]]. The Vilani are not physically distinctive when compared with Solomani, but they possess a distinctive cultural and psychological outlook. They were the first race of Humaniti to invent the [[jump drive]], and created the [[First Imperium]].
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The [[Vilani]] were the rulers of the [[Ziru Sirka]] or [[First Imperium]], and that government was an [[oligarchy]]. However, the majority of [[Vilani]] are currently part of the [[Third Imperium]]. Many practices and traditions of the Imperium date back to the time of the Vilani Empire.
  
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The [[Vilani]] were the rulers of the [[Ziru Sirka]] or [[First Imperium]], and that government was an [[oligarchy]]. However, the majority of[[Vilani]] are currently are a part of the [[Third Imperium]]. Many practices and traditions of the Imperium date back to the time of the Vilani Empire.
 
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===== Zhodani ===== <!--T:25-->
 
===== Zhodani ===== <!--T:25-->
 
The [[Zhodani]] are a subspecies of Humans who have built one of the most harmonious interstellar empires and cultures ever known. The [[Zhodani]] are known for their high level of [[psionics|psionic]] ability and its formal integration into their society. Those with psionic ability are ennobled and moved into the ruling class. The Zhodani invented the [[Jump Drive]] in -5415.
 
The [[Zhodani]] are a subspecies of Humans who have built one of the most harmonious interstellar empires and cultures ever known. The [[Zhodani]] are known for their high level of [[psionics|psionic]] ability and its formal integration into their society. Those with psionic ability are ennobled and moved into the ruling class. The Zhodani invented the [[Jump Drive]] in -5415.
  
 
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The [[Zhodani]] government is known as the [[Zhodani Consulate]] and describes itself as a ''Psionic Republic''. It is again an [[oligarchy]] with power entrenched in the psionic noble classes.  The  [[Zhodani]] have peaceful, harmonious, and stable [[supra-polity]] than any other branch of [[Humaniti]].
+
The [[Zhodani]] government is known as the [[Zhodani Consulate]] and describes itself as a ''Psionic Republic''. It is again an [[oligarchy]] with power entrenched in the psionic noble classes.  The  [[Zhodani]] have a more peaceful, harmonious, and stable [[supra-polity]] than any other branch of [[Humaniti]].
  
 
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) == <!--T:29-->
 
== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) == <!--T:29-->
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==== Geonee ==== <!--T:31-->
 
==== Geonee ==== <!--T:31-->
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The [[Geonee]] are Humans adapted to high gravity who once ruled over a large former empire that was conquered by the [[Ziru Sirka]]. [[Vilani]] research during the [[First Imperium]] showed the Genoee had reverse engineered the Jump Drive from an [[Ancient]] starship they discovered in planetoid belt in their home system -9240. Some Geonee claim this is was lie and that they are a Major Race. Some even claim that the Geonee were the original Ancients themselves, but this seems unlikely based on genetic and archaeological evidence.
+
The [[Geonee]] are Humans adapted to high gravity who once ruled over a large former empire that was conquered by the [[Ziru Sirka]]. [[Vilani]] research during the [[First Imperium]] showed the Geonee had reverse engineered the Jump Drive from an [[Ancient]] starship they discovered in planetoid belt in their home system -9240. Some Geonee claim this was a lie and that they are a Major Race. Some even claim that the Geonee were the original Ancients themselves, but this seems unlikely based on genetic and archaeological evidence.
  
 
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==== Two Thousand Worlds ==== <!--T:43-->
 
==== Two Thousand Worlds ==== <!--T:43-->
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The [[K'kree]] have a societal goal to preserve the world for herbivores and eliminate carnivores. They have little to no hesitation against committing genocide against those in their way. The [[Two Thousand Worlds]] rules over a number of [[Minor Race]]s that have been "converted" to vegetarianism under threat of annihilation.
+
The [[K'kree]] have a societal goal to preserve the universe for herbivores and eliminate carnivores. They have little to no hesitation against committing genocide against those in their way. The [[Two Thousand Worlds]] rules over a number of [[Minor Race]]s that have been "converted" to vegetarianism under threat of annihilation.
  
 
==== Vargr Extents ==== <!--T:44-->
 
==== Vargr Extents ==== <!--T:44-->
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The [[Vargr Extents]] are a balkanized polity with no central control. However, the [[Vargr]] have a fierce racial loyalty and pride that allows them to come together when induced by a charismatic leader. Several societies within the [[Vargr Extents]], notably the [[Julian Protectorate]], have been successfully experimenting with racially integrated societies of many different species of [[sophont]]s. Few other societies can match the receptiveness that is a hallmark of many [[Vargr]] cultures.
+
The [[Vargr Extents]] are a balkanized political region with no central control. However, the [[Vargr]] have a fierce racial loyalty and pride that allows them to come together when induced by a charismatic leader. Several societies within the [[Vargr Extents]], notably the [[Julian Protectorate]], have been successfully experimenting with racially integrated societies of many different species of [[sophont]]s. Few other societies can match the receptiveness that is a hallmark of many [[Vargr]] cultures.
  
 
==== Zhodani Consulate ==== <!--T:45-->
 
==== Zhodani Consulate ==== <!--T:45-->

Latest revision as of 11:15, 15 March 2024

Imperial-Sunburst-Green-wiki.png

Major Race is a concept used throughout Charted Space to identify the six races who have independently developed the jump drive: Aslan, Droyne, Humans, Hiver, K'kree, and Vargr. It is a subjective term used by the most powerful races of Charted Space based upon political sophontology.

Description (Specifications)[edit]

There is some disagreement about what makes a Major Race and exactly which species are major races. A Major Race is generally defined as one that independently developed jump drive technology, allowing vastly more efficient interstellar travel. While it is generally agreed that there are six Major Races, how they are specifically defined varies. All races that are not Major Races are Minor Races by default.

Even within Charted Space, this is understood to be a somewhat arbitrary distinction and something generally used for promoting the status of one's own race or diminishing that of another species.

The Major Races[edit]

These are the six major races near universally recognized throughout Charted Space. Of these, Humaniti has three recognized major race branches. This would mean there are actually eight Major Races, if Human variants are grouped as separate races, but six, if Humaniti is considered a single race.

In order of their acquisition of the Jump Drive they are as follows:

0. Ancients (?)

1. Droyne (Antiquity?)

2. Humaniti (Vilani) -9235

3. Humaniti (Zhodani) -5415

4. Hiver -4698

5. K'Kree -4142

6. Vargr -3810

7. Humaniti (Solomani) -2431

8. Aslan -1999

Aslan[edit]

The Aslan of Kusyu (Dark Nebula 1226) are a bipedal species slightly larger than Humans. They are a species with a high level of sexual dimorphism, and their culture has distinct gender roles. They are intensely loyal, honorable, and ordered race, divided into ancestral clans of ancient lineage. The history of the Aslan race is a history of the interactions of these clans. The Aslan are the youngest of the major races, developing the Jump Drive in -1999.

While at the time of the Imperium there was little or no dispute as to their status as a Major Race, during the Rebellion period it was alleged that the Aslan had attained jump drive through reverse-engineering a crashed Solomani vessel (similar to how the Geonee achieved jump technology -- see below), and allegedly are thus not a Major Race.

The Aslan government is known as the Aslan Hierate and consists of a confederation of Aslan clans .

Droyne[edit]

The Droyne of Eskayloyt are a race of hexapodal flyers with a mysterious past and lineage. They are known to possess psionic aptitude as well as advanced technology that is distinctive from all other races. Though the oldest of the jump capable races, the Droyne were the last to be recognized as such because their race is scattered across Charted Space and they do not have a discrete empire. Droyne control some worlds but also share some with other races. The Droyne homeworld is unknown though it is speculated it is probably in the Spinward Marches Sector of the Imperium, as this represents the astrographic center of known worlds with a Droyne population. It is unknown when the Droyne developed the Jump drive, but evidence supports they did so at least 75,000 years ago.

Scholarship late in the Third Imperium largely confirmed the Chirpers, originally thought to be a separate race, are Droyne that have reverted back to a primitive form.

There are many Droyne governments and they tend to be variations on a Hegemony. Some speculate that all of the smaller Droyne polities are really part of a sort of secretive supra-polity known as the Droyne Oytrip Yatroy.

Hivers[edit]

The Hivers of Guaran (Ricenden 0827) are a race of echinodermoid non-humanoids with a modified six-fold radial symmetry. They have no aural (spoken) language. Despite their name, Hivers have a highly individualistic society. They avoid direct violence and war whenever possible, preferring instead to work behind the scenes via all forms of covert manipulation. They take a paternalistic viewpoint to many other species, preferring to raise as many of them to sophonthood as possible. At the same time, their predilection for macrosocial manipulation intimidates many. The Hiver developed the Jump drive in -4698.

The Hiver government is known as the Hive Federation and bears some properties of a Confederation, as well as being as close to a stateless society as can be found in the major states of Charted Space. Most Imperial political scientists classify the Hive Federation as a Confederation with strong properties of anarchy.

K'kree[edit]

The K'kree of Kirur (Ruupiin 1315) are a race of large, centauroid, and non-humanoid hexapods. They are intensely social herd sophonts and are rarely found alone. They are militant and often aggressive herbivores with a disdain for all meat eaters.

The K'kree developed the Jump Drive in -4142.

They aggressively oppose carnivorous and omnivorous species, and their communal, collective, and claustrophobic psychology is distinctive. They have a black and white morality that places most others in a "need to exterminate" category known as G'naak. In Human terms, one might characterize them as "violently militant vegetarians". An individual K'Kree is bound into a strict caste hierarchy by birth. Their society is dominated by males, with females in a subservient role at every social level.

The K'kree government is known as the Two Thousand Worlds and is a feudal Hegemony with strong autocratic properties.

Vargr[edit]

The Vargr of Lair (Provence 2402) are a bipedal canine slightly smaller than the average Human. This species resembles Terran wolves and it is generally understood that the Ancients genetically manipulated wolves into a bipedal form, either in an attempt to create servants or for some other inscrutable reason. The Vargr developed the jump drive in -3810.

The Vargr culture and society is dynamic with social controls based on the personal charisma of individual leaders. Charismatic rulers appealing to the intense racial pride of the Vargr can establish strong unified states, but only for as long as they can maintain personal appeal. For this reason, they have great difficulty maintaining lasting polities, but tend to splinter into new groups with each change in leadership.

The Vargr Extents is the general term used for the area of Charted Space dominated by Vargr polities, which are unstable and short-lived by the standards of Humaniti.

There are a large number of Vargr states, almost all of which are variable in government types. The only commonality is that Vargr states tend towards the extreme ends of the government spectrum, either towards highly decentralized government in the form of confederations, or highly-centralized governments in the form of empires with supreme autocrats, though these often last for only one generation.

Humaniti[edit]

Three sub-species of Humaniti of Terra (Solomani Rim 1827) independently developed jump drive technology and are therefore classified as Major Races in their own right. The Vilani in -9235, the Zhodani in -5415, and the Solomani in -2431.

The Third Imperium, which absorbed much Solomani and Vilani culture, recognizes distinctions between Major and Minor Races, and includes all three branches of Humans as major races. Most Humans within the Imperium are a genetic mix of Solomani, Vilani, and sometimes several Minor Human Races.

Solomani[edit]

The Solomani names derives from "Men of the Sol system." Since 588, with the confirmation of the Solomani Hypothesis, it is generally accepted that Terra was the original homeworld of Humaniti, and that they were spread to the stars thousands of years ago by the Ancients. The Solomani established the Second Imperium, or Rule of Man after the Interstellar Wars. The ease with which the Solomani defeated the Vilani in the Interstellar Wars, along with Terra being the origin of all original Human stock, are cited as arguments for the supremacy of pureblood Solomani by the Solomani Supremacy Movement. In fact there is little external or internal variation that distinguishes a pureblood Solomani from a Human of mixed blood.

The Solomani-dominated polity is known as the Solomani Confederation and is an oligarchy under the control of the [Solomani Party].

Vilani[edit]

The Vilani developed on Vland. The Vilani are not physically distinctive when compared with Solomani, but they possess a distinctive cultural and psychological outlook. They were the first race of Humaniti to invent the jump drive, and created the First Imperium.

The Vilani were the rulers of the Ziru Sirka or First Imperium, and that government was an oligarchy. However, the majority of Vilani are currently part of the Third Imperium. Many practices and traditions of the Imperium date back to the time of the Vilani Empire.

Zhodani[edit]

The Zhodani are a subspecies of Humans who have built one of the most harmonious interstellar empires and cultures ever known. The Zhodani are known for their high level of psionic ability and its formal integration into their society. Those with psionic ability are ennobled and moved into the ruling class. The Zhodani invented the Jump Drive in -5415.

The Zhodani government is known as the Zhodani Consulate and describes itself as a Psionic Republic. It is again an oligarchy with power entrenched in the psionic noble classes. The Zhodani have a more peaceful, harmonious, and stable supra-polity than any other branch of Humaniti.

History & Background (Dossier)[edit]

Other Claimants:[edit]

Various other races have claimed to be Major Races based on their interstellar travel ability. Some races were later proved to have not developed jump technology themselves but rather found and/or reverse engineered jump drives from Ancients sites or lost modern ships of other races. Other were discounted because their interstellar travel depended on non-jump technologies such as generation ships or sleeper ships using suspended animation.

Imperial Man[edit]

Imperial Man is primarily a blend of Solomani and Vilani Human subspecies, but it also includes genetic variation from many other Minor Human Races. It is widely believed that it has produced: increased genetic variation, physiological vigor, and psychological vigor. However, the term is more of a political designation than a scientific or biological one. Nobody argues that Imperial Man is an actual race, or a Major Race.

The Third Imperium, which absorbed much Solomani and Vilani culture, is called an Imperium, or Empire, is a feudal Federation under the control of a single person, the titular Emperor.

Darrians[edit]

The Daryen or Darrians are a Human variant from the Spinward Marches. The Darrians never claimed to be a major race, having obtained the Jump Drive (and other advanced technology) from a group of Solomani immigrants during the Twilight period of the Long Night. The Daryen government is the Darrian Confederation.

Geonee[edit]

The Geonee are Humans adapted to high gravity who once ruled over a large former empire that was conquered by the Ziru Sirka. Vilani research during the First Imperium showed the Geonee had reverse engineered the Jump Drive from an Ancient starship they discovered in planetoid belt in their home system -9240. Some Geonee claim this was a lie and that they are a Major Race. Some even claim that the Geonee were the original Ancients themselves, but this seems unlikely based on genetic and archaeological evidence.

The Geonee Confederation has long been advocating for more autonomy from the Third Imperium. The Geonee are part of the Third Imperium in 1116.

Suerrat[edit]

The Suerrat are a Minor Human Race from Ilelish Sector who once held a large empire that was conquered by the Ziru Sirka. The Suerrat claim to be a Major Race as they independently developed interstellar travel. However this was based on generation ships, not jump technology, so the claim is not accepted by other races who classify them as a Minor Race. They later acquired the jump drive from the Vilani. The Suerrat are part of the Third Imperium in 1116.

Suspected Major Races: 1105[edit]

Canon:

Non-canon:

Major Race Relations: 1105[edit]

Major Race Relations: 1116
Polity Race/s A. Aslan Hierate B. Droyne Oytrip Yatroy C. Hive Federation D. Solomani Confederation E. Third Imperium F. Two Thousand Worlds G. Vargr Extents H. Zhodani Consulate
Aslan Hierate Aslan X Internal:
Affinity 		No Borders:
Affinity 		Borders:
Animosity 		Frontier:
Affinity 		No Borders:
Enmity 		No Borders:
Enmity 		No Borders:
Affinity
Droyne Oytrip Yatroy Droyne Internal:
Cordial 		X No Borders:
Cordial 		Internal:
Cordial 		Internal:
Cordial 		No Borders:
Cordial 		Internal:
Cordial 		Internal:
Cordial
Hive Federation Hivers No Borders:
Affinity 		No Borders:
Affinity 		X Borders:
Affinity 		No Borders:
Friendship 		Borders:
Enmity 		No Borders:
Affinity 		No Borders:
Affinity
Solomani Confederation Solomani Borders:
Animosity 		Internal:
Enmity 		Borders:
Enmity 		X Borders:
Hatred 		No Borders:
Animosity 		No Borders:
Neutral 		No Borders:
Affinity
Third Imperium Humaniti Frontier:
Affinity 		Internal:
Affinity 		No Borders:
Affinity 		Borders:
Enmity 		X No Borders:
Neutral 		Borders:
Affinity 		Frontier:
Enmity
Two Thousand Worlds K'kree No Borders:
Enmity 		No Borders:
Enmity 		Borders:
Hatred 		No Borders:
Animosity 		No Borders:
Enmity 		X Frontier:
Hatred 		No Borders:
Enmity
Vargr Extents Vargr No Borders:
Neutral 		Internal:
Neutral 		No Borders:
Neutral 		No Borders:
Affinity 		Borders:
Affinity 		Frontier:
Animosity 		X Borders:
Affinity
Zhodani Consulate Zhodani Frontier:
Enmity 		Internal:
Friendship 		No Borders:
Neutral 		No Borders:
Affinity 		Frontier:
Enmity 		No Borders:
Enmity 		Borders:
Affinity 		X

Key:

  • Marriage (+++)
  • Friendship (++)
  • Affinity (+)
  • Neutral/Cordial (0)
  • Enmity (-)
  • Animosity (--)
  • Hatred (---) [genocide]

Aslan Hierate[edit]

The Aslan Hierate is an expansionistic super power with a low level of unification expressed through the Tlaukhu. Population pressures expressed through the Ihatei complicate interstellar relations for the Aslan.

Droyne[edit]

Droyne remain subordinate to most polities. Some Droyne participate in other societies, but for the most part the Droyne remain a society apart.

Hive Federation[edit]

The Hive Federation has a goal to raise as many species as possible to sophonthood. Hivers attempt to maintain friendly relations with all races and are eager to conduct mutually beneficial commerce. The Hivers are mysterious society and eager to manipulate others, a popular pastime for their species and society.

Third Imperium[edit]

The Third Imperium is an expansionistic hyperpower. The Imperium has a societal goal to preserve order in the relative chaos of Charted Space. The relative federalism of the Imperium's "feudal confederation" sometimes leads local sub-polities (duchies, counties, etc.) to conduct interstellar relations contrary to the wishes of the Emperor. These differences don't tend to last for long.

Solomani Confederation[edit]

The Solomani Confederation is an expansionistic super power with a noted chauvinism against non-Humans. The Solomani restrict the rights of non-Solomani societies, favoring their own race and genetically engineered species of their own making known as Variant Races, mostly Terragens.

Two Thousand Worlds[edit]

The K'kree have a societal goal to preserve the universe for herbivores and eliminate carnivores. They have little to no hesitation against committing genocide against those in their way. The Two Thousand Worlds rules over a number of Minor Races that have been "converted" to vegetarianism under threat of annihilation.

Vargr Extents[edit]

The Vargr Extents are a balkanized political region with no central control. However, the Vargr have a fierce racial loyalty and pride that allows them to come together when induced by a charismatic leader. Several societies within the Vargr Extents, notably the Julian Protectorate, have been successfully experimenting with racially integrated societies of many different species of sophonts. Few other societies can match the receptiveness that is a hallmark of many Vargr cultures.

Zhodani Consulate[edit]

The apparent Zhodani goal is to maintain their stable society. The are rivals to the Imperium only because of proximity. Their very acceptance of psionics makes them appear malevolent to the Imperium, and this is a perceived danger to them. The true Zhodani focus is on research expeditions to the Galactic Core, and their rivalry with the Imperium is a distraction from that.

See also[edit]

Sophont[edit]

§ == ( Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information: ) == §

References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]

This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
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