Myenru

A species encountered by the USS Hades at Beta Seranis III.

Physiology and appearance

Myenru are stocky and typically range in height from 4 1/2 to 5 feet though some may get taller. Myenru up to 5 1/2 feet in height are not unknown. Physically they are similar in some ways to Klingons with pronounced brow ridges though their heads and faces tend to be fuller with a full head of hair. Hair runs the gamut of dark colors, from dark browns and reds to black with some tawny blonds thrown into the mix for variety. Facial hair is also highly prized by the males. Myenru also may color their hair wildly for parties and religious festivals. Their bodily organs have some redundancy with a larger liver and five chambered heart. Musculature especially among males runs on the heavy side. Hands and feet have five digits.

Culture

Myenru are a highly militaristic culture due primarily to their religious beliefs and are heavily caste regimented. The warrior and priest castes dominate the culture in every aspect. Women are unexpectedly treated well, but are not allowed to maintain positions of authority within the ruling castes. They may be recognized members of any lower caste and are highly prized by their male counterparts regardless of which caste those males may occupy. Children are born into castes but do have upward mobility, male children may be recognized by one of the ruling classes as having special capabilities and promoted after a period of training and testing. All Myenru males regardless of caste are required to take at least rudimentary martial training after reaching the age of 14. Those showing special promise have upward mobility.

The Imperial throne is handed down through hereditary bloodlines. Although the bloodline controlling the throne has changed hands a number of times in the last 1,800 years. High Prelate Mor'Lor'Shel'Shabaz believes he has a divine right to rule. Although he can not sit upon the throne by law, he seeks to dominate the throne by proxy. The only way for him to assume the throne directly would be through civil war. The throne and High Prelacy have only been combined once before and that through Mel'Kerah'Mesat'Hoku'Merak'Jela'Shan who is recognized as the author of the Myenru faith.

The Leadership of the Priestly Caste is chosen by a religious council known as the Arc Elders from among their number and is a lifetime position.

Children are born with given and family names but may acquire other names as awards for exceptional feats such as conquests.

Which leads us to religion...

The Myenru people at one time worshiped numerous deities, due to Mel'Kerah'Mesat'Hoku'Merak'Jela'Shan however the entire culture was forced into monotheism. Any who refused to recant and embrace the one "Angry God" were either conquered or killed. There were literally hundreds of deities and although their names are no longer remembered, it is suspected that their names would be exceptionally long, due to the dominant Myenru naming practices. The High Prelate is the supreme religious figure chosen by the Arc Elders. Other lesser priests are stationed according to need. The religious codices of the priests are carried in phylacteries worn upon their persons at all times when in public, these codices are the blueprints for the indoctrination of the faithful and the destruction of any infidel races they may find. Possession of religious literature or at the very least obedience to the codices is expected of every Myenru. There is a punishment of death for merely possessing the desire to leave the one true faith.

Origins

Myena system in the Beta Quadrant. A system of eight planets, the fifth world is the Imperial home world. Binary stars are yellow (Major) and blue-white (Minor). Myena V is Class M.

Stellar data:

Stellar information

The Myenru Empire spans 30 major and 80 minor star systems in the Beta quadrant, Federation exploration has penetrated near the outskirts of inhabited Myenru space as seen in the mission "In the Hands Of An Angry God"

Technology is roughly approximate to that of the Federation of one and one half centuries is the past, about the time of the "Wrath of Khan" episode.

An important fact I forgot to mention earlier, the Myenru also have the technology to use their version of the genesis device and are not shy in wielding it. Due to the belief in their divine duty they are quite willing to "Cleanse" a planet of its inhabiting "infidels". This is a large part of their effectiveness of expanding the scope of their imperial ambitions.

Credits

Image by Roger Wackowski