Skorr

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The Skorr were a space-faring, bipedal avian race with what appeared to be feathered wings. They existed as a warrior race with advanced technology and the ability to breed vast armies very quickly.

In the mid-21st century Alar, a Skorr philosopher lead his race into a new era of peace. After Alar's death, his thought patterns were preserved in an indurite sculpture referred to as the "Soul of Skorr." (TAS: "The Jihad")

Military Rank Comparisons

Military Rank Comparison
UFP Rank	Skorr Heirarchy Rank
Federation President	High King
Planetary Governor	Crown Prince
Regional Governor	High Prince
Mayoral Governor	Prince
Admiral, Starfleet	Grand Flight Commander
Admiral	High Flight Commander
Fleet Admiral	Flight Commander
Vice Admiral	Flight Captain
Rear Admiral	Flight Leader
Fleet Captain/Commodore	Fleet Master
Captain	Wing Master
Commander	Wing Leader
Lieutenant Commander	Flight Leader
Lieutenant	Junior Flight Leader
Lieutenant, Junior Grade	Wingman
Ensign	Senior Cadet, Third Flight
Cadet	Senior Cadet, Second Flight

1.0 Racial Characteristics

The Skorr Race is evolved from a species of large avian that eventuall took on a more humanoid bipedal shape. They have a pair of functional wings which can reach as far as 20 feet when fully extended wing tip to wing tip. Their feet resemble those of a Terran raptor (avian) in that they are covered with scales and end in three forward and one opposing digit with sharp claws at the ends.

1.0.1 Racial Dimensions

The Average Skorr is slightly taller than an average Terran, approaching 6’6” to 6’8” for the male of the species, while females measure approximately 5’11” to 6’1” on the average. The average Skorr has approximately the same body width and is nearly twice as light as than their Terran counterpart. The difference in same height, same sex members of the two species can vary between 40 to 60 kg, with the Terran always being the heavier of the two.

The female Skorr is physically identical in outward appearance to the males ofd the species. Both possess a pair of arms that are identical in form and structure to those of a Terran Human. These limbs possess the same range of motion as those of the Terran species. In addition, they possess a fully functional pair of wings. These wings are easily folded behind the Skorr and are attached to the an additional split shoulder blade. The chest and back musculatiure in both genders is well defined as a result of constant activity.

The general cranial structure of the Skorr is birdlike in nature. The skull resembles a combination of avian and humanoid features. The Forehead is curved slightly towards the rear. This creates a slight sloping visual effect when viewing the Skorr face. The forehead, although slightly elongated, is not much larger than the Terran normal. Most Terrans relate the cranial structure of the Skorr with that of the Terran Eagle. The canial sturcture also possesses a heavy brow ridge which shield the eyes from extreme sunlight at high altitudes. The eyes of the Skorr are identical in appearance to those of Terrans, although each eye socket is slightly larger than that of the average human. The eye structure itself possesses a slightly oversized functional pupil, cornea and lens. This adaptation allows the Skorr to see in lower levels of ambient light, while maintaining excellent distance vision. They possess excellent binocular vision and are reputed to be able to identify small prey at great distances. The “Natural” color of all Skorr eyes is red or copper color.

The Skorr species possesses a pair of hearing memberanes to either side of the head. These structures allow the Skorr to detect even the tiniest of sounds. The interior of the structure vibrates whenever sound waves strike it just as a human eardrum does. The acute hearing of the Skorr is capable of detecting sounds slightly above and below the hearing range of the average Terran. The Skorr sense of smell is far inferior to that of a human with the olfactory glands located at the base end of the elongated beak. These glands appear to be similar in structure to those found in most Terran avian species although larger.

The Skorr possesses a strong jaw structure common to aviary animals. This structure extends from an area associated with the bridge of the nose by Terrans out into an extended beak-like structure resembling those of terran brids of prey, then withdraws into an area commonly seen as the “jaw” by most Terrans. This structure is symmetrical on both the horizontal and vertical axis. The Skorr Species eat only animal flesh and and related animal products. They are know to swallow smooth stones to help them grind their food in their gullets. The gullet of the Skorr also contains a series of serrated hardened knobs of material to further break up food once it enters the body.

Both genders of the Skorr Race possess a fully functional set of bipedal legs and claws. These limbs are similar in structure to those possessed by huamns, although the lower portion of the leg is further complicated by the addition of a digigrade joint which is located in the same position as the upper shin of most humans. They are capable of the same range of motion as a Human, and they possess an overall greater physical strength than most Humans as a result of the additional leverage that can be brought to bear. The legs of the Skorr each possess a single foot structure that ends in three heavy toes extending forward and one extending to the rear. These toes resemble those found in the Terran Taxonomy of Terran Avians of the Raptor variety. These digits are composed of three mobile sections and can be used to manipulate very basic grasping needs. The Skorr possess claws, at the end of each toe. As the Skorr species usually have very strong legs, this makes for a potentially dangerous weapon. As for the upper body of the Skorr, they possess a torso, arm and hand structure virtually identical to that of a Terran. They are capable of the same range of motion in these parts, as is a normal Terran. The fingers are just as nimble and capable as those of their Human counterparts.

Members of the Skorr Species possess a series of tail flight feathers ; similar in form to those possessed by Terran flighted birds.

1.0.2 Physiological Notations

Skorr Physiology is unique in several respects. There are a variety of very useful adaptations that Skorr physiology has managed to integrate and thus ensure their survival.

The main thing that Federation Medical doctors will note is that the bone structure of the Skorr race is very similar to that of humans in the Torso Area. The Torso possesses a series of ribs, a spinal column, a sternum, and scapula almost entirely identical to a Terran. In addition to these basica structures the Skorr also possess an additioanl split Scapula (shoulderblade) which floats, slightly blow their more traditional scapula and to which their wings are attached. The winds of the Skorr are identical in structure to that of avian species found on most habitable planets. They possess a pair of joined support bones over which is stretched the musculature and flesh that form the wings.

The arm and hand structure is also nearly identical and functions identically to those of an average Terran. The Cranial structure resembles a mix between that of a Terran eagle and a Human being, with structural similarities and characteristics of both. The Jaw structure, while visually and functionally similar to a large number of birds of prey from Earth, also possesses a series of sinal baffles which help a Skorr to differentiate atmospheric pressure. The bones are hollow and exceptionally lightweight, resembling the structure of an avian. This bone is incapable of withstanding heavy shocks and contains the blood producing marrow of the Skorr. As the bones are so light, and tend to fragent when broken, a broken bone is a very serious injury for a member of the species. The healing of such an injury has been known to take several years due to the complications brought on by a result of the bone structure.

The Brain of the Skorr is protected from impact injury by a thin layer of bone that is surrounded by a subcantenous layer of tissue. This tissue distributes impact forces to counter the effects of shock on the brain.

The interior of the Skorr torso reveals the major organs that they possess. Like humans the Skorr possess lungs, small intestine, large intestine, kidneys, liver, pancreas, appendix, and a heart. Unlike humans the Skorr also possess a muscular grinding organ in place of a stomach called a Gr'rar. This organ helps to further grind up difficult meats that the Skorr species should choose to eat. The Skorr digestive tract very efficient but because of their high metabolic rate they must eat a great deal of meat every day. As a result of this , the average Skorr must eat at least half its body weight in meat and proteins once every 18 hours or they begin to suffer effects of malnutrition. Most Skorr eat every five to six hours, although that frequency is not necessary. The appendix of the Skorr is capable of creating and neutralizing most organic poisons entered into the body. This allows the Skorr race to consume the flesh of some poisonous animals that would normally be harmful to other species. The lungs of the Skorr work exactly like those of a human, although they are larger and stronger than those found in their human counterparts.

The advanced clawerd foot, wings and resulting musculature allows the Skorr to leap amazing distances up to 12 meters from a standing position. Due to physical design, Skorr are abhorrent runners, as they are not well designed to handle repetitive impact stress on their leg bones.

1.0.3 Reproductive Data

Skorr reproduce through copulation, which requires a male and a female of the species to propagate their race. The reproductive cycle is identical to that of most avians. This cycle occurs only once every year and each pair of Skorr can produce approximately 6-8 eggs each breeding cycle. The fertilized eggs require a gestation period of nine months to hatch. After which time the young spend 15 years as young children and adolescents before becoming adults. The parents of the Skorr species are very attentive to the needs of their offspring. Once the young reach the age of 15 years they are drawn into the society as a functional member of the flock. Skorr normally establish consistent breeding mates. Most couples choose to regulate the results of their reproductive cycles through the use of advanced contraceptives. However in times of racial stress, such as war or severe population downturn such as is caused by plague, or natural disasters, Skorr are capable of reproducing in massive numbers.

1.1 Skorr History

The Skorr race possesses a rich and vibrant history filled with warfare, near ecological destruction, marvelous artistic ages and periods of rapid technological advances. As a race the Skorr are naturally willing to accept other cultures, beliefs and points-of-view, although they instinctively distrust non-carnivorous species. The Skorr people possess a great deal of patience as a whole and naturally make excellent warriors and diplomats. Skorr culture is carefully organized around the tribal organizations that developed on their homeworld. This organization is present throughout their history and cultural identity.

1.1.1 The Skorr Timescale

The Skorr Timescale revolves around the changing seasons of their homeworld. Because of a racial tendency to be semi-nomadic, Skorr are always willing to travel to new places and experience new things. Although a patient peoples, the Skorr species seems always to be hunting. This is a direct result of their evolutionary development, caused by their heightened awareness of potential prey caused by their predatory insitincts. The Timescale reveals some of these qualities during times when the periods of histories were bloody or violent. The entire history of the race is taught to each member of the species, and is often recited by word-of-mouth. The times when there were rapid sequences of events taken place are traditionally spoken as quickly as possible, to dictate the chaos of the times. Every member of the race also memorizes the Genealogies of the Royal Lineage along with their great achievements or failures. Every member of the species must be able to recite this information upon request, and this is sometimes done in formal meetings.

1.1.2 Skorr Ages

Skorr scholars use the term ages much in the same manner that Human scholars do. They represent a general period of history where a uniform social, economic, political, or technological condition was present. These ages may span through any number of years or members of the Royal line, or they may be isolated to a single sequence as history dictates. If more than one-age shares common conditions then usually those ages are named the same, although they are numbered sequentially, in the order that they occurred. Thus the First Golden Age and the Second Golden age are similar enough to have very similar characteristics, although the first golden age occurred first chronologically.

1.1.3 Major Events in Skorr History

In the history of the Skorr homeworld there are records of individual wars, followed by confederations fighting other similar confederations, and then finally a unified planetary governing body, the present Skorr Hierarchy.

Also present in the history of the Skorr people is the lean times, a period of near ecological extinction that almost destroyed all life on the planet. Only the development of ecological awareness and reclamation science allowed the continued existence of life on the planet.

The individual that finally brought an end to all the fighting was Alar, the first member of the current Ruling house of the Skorr Hierarchy. Alar preached peace and unity and began the Martial Religious Movement that later became the basis for the Skorr System of Honorable Deeds. He used a recently discovered Alien artifact, which he dubbed the Soul of Skorr to unify the people. This device has some amazing properties and is considered the most valued treasure of the Skorr people.

Alar's offspring have maintained their famous predecessor's legacy and maintained a unified and well run society. All members of the SKorr Royal Line possess a rare blood type that makes them readily identifiable by medical scanners, preventing pretenders and usurpers. The Senior generational Member of Alar's line is the High King of the heirarchy and must be a direct descendant to rule.

1.1.4 First Contact with the United Federation of Planets

The Skorr first contact with the federation was not without incident. In 2245, the Federation Starship Olympiad, NCC-0300, A Soyuz class starship, entered the Skorr star system on a standard surveying mission when it was attacked and destroyed by Skorr warships. The Federation Starship, Grendal, NCC-2033, a Constitution Class starship, was also destroyed after attempting to locate the lost Olympiad. After the loss of the two starships, Starfleet command suspected the Klingons or the Romulans, and decided to dispatch the USS Loredo, USS Montana, and the USS Johannesburg to investigate the situation. Upon the arrival of the three starships into Skorr space, the Skorr fleet set them upon. After several minutes of intense conflict the three Federation starships withdrew. There was no other contact with the Skorr species until 2269.

In that year, the USS Enterprise commanded by Captain James T. Kirk was dispatched inoto Skorr Space, when Starfleet command received an ultimatum to "...Return the Soul of Skorr or face the consequences." Faced with the possibility of a war with an enemy that they did not know or understand, the Enterprise crew eventually unmasked the culprit behind the theft and healed the relations between the Skorr Hierarchy and the UFP.

Prior to their disasterous encounter with the UFP, the Skorr had developed a warp 9 engine, although they lacked communications and computer technology to utilize it fully. Skorr government programs managed to retroengineer several of the primary components of the Federation Starships destroyed in those critical first encounters and began a serious warp space program of their own, now that they possessed subspace sommunications and advanced computers. After developing an orbital space-manufacturing shipyard they built their first truly advanced warp vessel. This first vessel, the Moonlight Stalker, was later responsible for the signing of the peace treaty between the Federation and the Skorr Species. This state of War was unknown to the UFP until the establishment of the official contact with the Skorr species in 2269. It was during these historic peace accords that it was discovered that the Skorr starships that had encountered the USS Olympiad and the USS Grendal in 2245 were not equipped with communications technology, and that said technology wasn’t developed by the Skorr Species until after the battles with the USS Loredo Taskforce. The attack was prompted by the detection of radio waves that were misidentified as an advanced weapon of some sort. These radio waves were, in fact, the hails of the Federation starships.

In 2380, after nearly 111 years of peaceful relations the Skorr Heirarchy joined the UFP in a technology and trade agreemanet and very limited military alliance.

1.2 Skorr Government

The Government of the Skorr people consists of 4 layers. At the local Level there is the Hirad'ja, overseen by the Prince. On the next Tier up there is the Mar'kaj overseen by the High Prince. Directly above the Regional level, is the Skorrjia, which is headed by the Crown Prince. Overseeing all levels of government, concerning the Skorr people as a whole is the High King.

1.2.1 Hirad'ja

At the local level of Skorr government is the Mayoral Level or Hirad'ja. The Hirad'ja is comprised of all of the persons living inside a specified urban region, usually that of a single urban area, or sparcly populated colonial district. These positions, as with all governing positions inside the government are held by the members of the royal Line of Alar. In the case of the Hirad'ja, these members are distant relatives, whose blood line has been diluted through intermarriage with other bloodlines, or those who are far down in the succession for the position of the High King. Those appointed to this position is subject to change should the Ruling High King be replaced.

1.2.2 Mar'kaj

At the regional level of the Skorr government is the Regional level or Mar'kaj . The Mar'kaj consists of all of the members living inside of a specified region, usually that of a district or state sized political region. All densely populated Skorr worlds are divided into 15 Mar'kaj districts. These districts are not assigned until the plaent in question reaches a predetermined population minimum, until such time as that happens, a planet with a population lower that that determined is considered to be a Hirad'ja. Each Mar'kajis ruled by a High Prince. A High Prince is within a few generations of the throne, although there can be numerous High Princes. They are usually considered the middle generations of the ruling High King. Those appointed to this position are subject to change should the Ruling high King be replaced.

1.2.3 Skorrjia

At the Global Level of the Skorr Homeworld is the Skorrjia. The Skorrjia consists of every member of the species living on Skorria. All other Skorr Worlds have no Skorrjia leadership, as they are considered colonies of Skoria and fall under the jurisdiction of the Skorrjia. They represent themselves in a council of the Mar'kaj which is considered an office of the Skorrjia. The Skorrjia is overseen by the Crown Prince, who is the next in succession to replace the High King.

1.2.4 The High Throne

Ther is only one High King, and he is the ultimate law. Currently this position is held by High King Kamuth. The high king has the complete and total authority over every aspect of Skorr life. He has the ability and authority to run any level of governemtn and holds the sole authority for dealing with non-Skorr Species. The High king is advised by a sect of Religious advisors, who maintain the traditions and ideologies of Alar. They are the keepers of the Soul of Skorr, which is said to contain the Conciousness and combined life experiences of not only Alar but of every prior High King. The High king is the only member of the Skorr Species entitled to directly mercge with the Soul of Skorr. However, there have been exceptions made, with the high kings permission for other members of the Royal Family to have their collective experiences added to the Soul of Skorr for the benefit of the king's advice.

1.2.5 Other Offices

The Princes can not be everywhere at once, nor can they maintain every aspect of their charges without the assistance of other members. Each of the Princes have the autrhority to can create or absolve any office, position or function of the government at their appropriate level as they see fit. They have the power to assign individual members of their population to governmental, social, or cultural positions within their respective regions as they see fit for the betterment of the region that they rule. These other offices vary wildly from region to region.

1.3.0 Skorr Technology

The Skorr People are adept at botanical technologies that they have the opportunity to study. This comes from a strong racial understanding and connection to their environment. . Most of Skorr Technology is geared toward maintaining their fragile ecosystem. This consists of advanced hydroponics technologies and is coupled with advanced energy production systems. Skorr Transportation systems are comprised of by simple muscle powered systems. With a few hovercraft vehicles reserved for military and political entities. These drives produce no harmful pollution while allowing a reasonable means of transportation. The Skorr People have also developed clean fuels and power supplies for use in alternate systems.

The highlight of Skorr Technology is their Social Engineering. They have developed advanced limited resource reclamation techniques; these techniques are applied toward mining and agricultural mediums as well. The Primary example of this social engineering is the creation of massive irrigation projects to maintain specific environments.

Skorr Starship Technology is basically the same as that used by the Federation used almost 150 years ago. This technology was retroengineered from destroyed federation starships. Since the Skorr people have effectively skipped the developmental stage of space exploration, they are lacking in several core technologies related to space exploration.

1.4.0 Skorr Culture

Skorr People are very artistic and pleasant to spend time with. They have a tendency to become attached to those around them and willing to defend them to the death if necessary. The Skorr people make a big show of holidays on every scale. Birthdays and Anniversaries are always largely shared events. Equinoxes and Solstices are usually celebrated by Skorr people, to commemorate friendships, renew oaths, pacts and agreements. The Skorr have a wonderful sense of Culture as a race. They exalt art of all sorts, especially martial ones oriented around the bow or spear, while maintaining intricate works, such as glass blowing. They also love a wide variety of music, and every City on the homeworld has at least 3 famous museums or auditoriums. Storytellers and playwrights are among the most respected members of the race, with musicians and Artists ranking a close second. Architecture is considered an art form, and most major cities contain several phenomenal structures to behold. A Skorr as a general rule will rarely choose not to express themselves in some form of artistic manner, most choosing music or acting.

Because of their own rich culture, the average Skorr often chooses to embrace other cultures artistic heritage openly. This acceptance of foreign culture by the Skorr People has often resulted in a strong tie between an individual Skorr and shipmates or co-workers. The Average Skorr is open to new experiences and individuals. They rarely choose to abstain from participating in activities or work-related tasks. They are careful to always find good in the activities and expressions of others before pointing out obvious flaws they may contain. Because of this it is supposed that the Average Skorr would serve well on most federation starships.

1.5.0 Stellar Data

Name: NCG-890422 [Equitia α] Spectral Class: Equitia α Type A9IV (White star, metal rich envelope, planets rich in minerals-Relative brightness 9 [much brighter than average]- Main Sequence star

1.5.1 System Data

• Name: Equitia System
• Affiliation: Member World United Federation of Planets
• System Type: Single Stellar System (NCG-89620 Type A9IV)
• Inhabited Planets: Equitia III (Type M)
• Other Planets: Equitia I (Type D), Equitia II (Type L), Equitia IV (Type M)
• Other Stellar Objects: The system possesses an Oort cloud and occasional cometary activity. Equitia III possesses 2 class D moons. A single, large Class G moon orbits the *Equitia IV along a 35° off-ecliptic path.
• Artificial Objects: Skorr Shipyard Facility Located in Orbit around Equitia III.

1.5.2 Planetary Data

• Name: Equitia I
• Planetary Classification: D (No Atmosphere, Extreme radiation and Temperature fluctuations, Life not normally possible)
• Atmospheric Details: None
• Planetary System Data: No Natural Satellites
• Gravity Notes: 0.65 G
• Year and Day: 26.75 standard days/1.35 standard hours
• Hydrosphere: 0%
• Temperature Range: -585°F Nighttime to 1770°F Daytime
• Flora and Fauna: None
• Resources: Heavy Metals, Rare Minerals

• Name: Equitia II
• Planetary Classification: L (Volcanically Active, Poisonous Atmosphere, Normal life not possible)
• Atmospheric Details: Primary Components are Sulfur Dioxide (45%), Carbon Dioxide (25%), with trace gases (Carbon Monoxide, Oxygen, Methane, Noble Gasses) making up *the remainder (30%).
• Planetary System Data: No Natural Satellites
• Gravity Notes: 0.76 G
• Year and Day: 216.85 standard days/12.56 standard hours
• Hydrosphere: 2% [Uranium and Plutonium Heavy Metal Salts are freely suspended in most bodies of water]
• Temperature Range: -385°F Nighttime to 270°F Daytime
• Flora and Fauna: None
• Resources: Metals, Rare Salts

• Name: Equitia III
• Planetary Classification: M (Earth-like World, Standard Atmosphere, substantial ground water-tectonically active presently. Life is present)
• Atmospheric Details: Primary Components are Oxygen (15%), Nitrogen (15%), with Noble and some trace gases (Neon Krypton, Hydrogen, Carbon Dioxide, Methane) making up the remainder (70%).
• Planetary System Data: Dual Moon (Equitia IIIa [Class D: uninhabitable]), (Equitia IIIb [Class D Uninhabitable])
• Gravity Notes: [Equitia III] 2.45 G, [Equitia IIIa] 0.46G, [Equitia IIIb 0.49G]
• Year and Day: 235.955 standard days/23.25 standard hours
• Hydrosphere: 71.5%
• Temperature Range: -85°F Nighttime to 110°F Daytime
• Flora and Fauna: Intense Flora with equally intense Fauna
• Resources: Heavy Metals

• Name: Equitia IV
• Planetary Classification: M (Earthlike World, Strong atmosphere, Magnetic Field, Life is possible)
• Atmospheric Details: Primary Components are Nitrogen (45%), Oxygen (20%), Carbon Dioxide (20%) with trace gases (Neon Krypton, Hydrogen, Methane) making up the remainder (15%).
• Planetary System Data: Single Moon (Equitia IVa [Class G: uninhabitable])
• Gravity Notes: [Equitia IV] 1.04G, [Equitia IVa] 0.73G
• Year and Day: 800 standard days/24.25 standard hours
• Hydrosphere: 58% [Various Salts are freely suspended in most bodies of water]
• Temperature Range: 32°F Nighttime to 120°F Daytime
• Flora and Fauna: Intense Flora with Equally Intense Fauna.
• Resources: Heavy Metals, Rare Salts and Minerals

The Skorr People

The Skorr People are a people very dedicated to a military tradition as well as an artistic one. As a culture they are rich in Literature, Sculpture and Poetry. They also Consider the practice of their Martial Art to be akin to a Master Artist performing a piece of dramatic Performance Art.

Important People

Alar

Alar was a Skorr religious leader, who, to the Skorr, was their salvation and their teacher.

In the mid-21st century he lead his species of warriors into a new era of peace. After his death, his thought patterns were preserved in an indurite sculpture called the "Soul of the Skorr". (TAS: "The Jihad")

Tchar

Tchar was a male Skorr and the hereditary prince of his race in the 23rd century.

In 2269 he stole his race's holy artifact, the Soul of the Skorr, hoping that this would ignite a galaxy-wide jihad and reestablish the Skorr as a warrior race. Insane, Tchar could not cope with a peaceful galaxy and planned to lead his people in this war.

When the Vedala sent teams to recover the artifact from an unstable "mad planet", Tchar joined Kirk, Spock, Sord, Em/3/Green and Lara, planning to sabotage the quest. As the team neared the strange building housing the missing artifact, Tchar was "abducted" by creatures evidently native to the mad planet. When the team gained entry to the building, he reappeared and challenged the remaining members of the party to honorable combat. He could not allow them to live, but was impressed by their skill in reaching the artifact. He disabled the internal gravity so that his ability to fly would not give him undue advantage. Kirk and Spock, experts in zero-gravity combat, were able to defeat him.

When the party returned to the Vedala asteroid, Tchar was remanded to the custody of the Vedala, who promised to cure him of his madness. (TAS: "The Jihad")