Skorr
The Skorr are a space-faring, bipedal avian race with what appeared to be feathered wings. They exist as a warrior race with advanced technology and the ability to breed vast armies very quickly. They are native to the Skor System and the Planet Skoria.
| Symbol of the Skorr Hierarchy | ||
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Racial Characteristics
The Skorr Race is evolved from a species of large avian that eventually 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. They are believed to be very closely related to the Aurelians.
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 of 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 musculature 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 cranial structure 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 membranes 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 birds 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 humans, 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.
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 basic structures the Skorr also possess an additional split Scapula (shoulder blade) 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 fragment 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 subcutaneous 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 clawed 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.
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.
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 home world. This organization is present throughout their history and cultural identity. As a culture they are rich in Literature, Sculpture and Poetry. They also highly value Martial Skills.
The Skorr Timescale
The Skorr Timescale revolves around the changing seasons of their home world. 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 instincts. 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.
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.
Major Events in Skorr History
In the history of the Skorr home world 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 hierarchy and must be a direct descendant to rule.
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, Grendel, 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 Laredo, 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 to 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 disastrous 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 retro engineer 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 communications 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 Grendel in 2245 were not equipped with communications technology, and that said technology wasn’t developed by the Skorr Species until after the battle with the USS Laredo Task force. The attack was prompted by the detection of subspace 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 Hierarchy joined the UFP in a technology and trade agreement and very limited military alliance.
Skorr Government
| Military Rank Comparison | ||
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| UFP Rank | Skorr Royal Navy 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 | Wing man | |
| Ensign | Senior Cadet, Third Flight | |
| Cadet | Senior Cadet, Second Flight | |
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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.
The 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.
The 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 planet 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'kaj is 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.
The Skorrjia
At the Global Level of the Skorr Home world is the Skorrjia. The Skorrjia consists of every member of the species living on Skoria. 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.
The High Throne
There 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 government and holds the sole authority for dealing with non-Skorr Species. The High king is advised by a sect of Religious advisers, who maintain the traditions and ideologies of Alar. They are the keepers of the Soul of Skorr, which is said to contain the consciousness 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 merge with the Soul of Skorr. However, there have been exceptions made, with the High King's 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.
The Skorr possess a formidable Fleet, which consists of a large number of starships and personnel. Due to their limited Military Alliance with the UFP, they respect Starfleet rank equating it with a rank equivalent in their own fleet. The Skorr Military is responsible for all levels of military activity, including space combat as well as planetary actions and occupational roles as needed.
Other Governmental 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 authority 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.
Skorr Technology
The Skorr People are adept at adapting and developing any military technologies that they have the opportunity to study. This comes from a strong racial understanding and connection to their martial nature.
Most non-military Skorr Technology is geared toward maintaining their planetary ecosystem. This consists of advanced hydroponics and terraforming technologies and is coupled with advanced energy and food production systems.
Skorr Mass Transportation Systems are comprised of clean electromagnetic propulsion. With a electromagnetic hovercraft vehicles commonly used to move goods. 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 roughly fifty years ahead of that used by the Federation. Their primary weapons design is based on phased plasma technology.
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 home world 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.
The Soul of Skorr
| Soul of Skorr Replica | ||
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Soul of Skorr was an extra-dimensional object that was attuned to the unique lineage of Alar. As such distance is irrelevant to it. Any Skorr attuned to the artifact is capable of depositing their memories into the device once they had achieved the necessary mental state, although only the High King can retrieve any memories so stored there.
Only the High King knows the origins of the device, since only he can see the wisdom and memories of Alar; the first Skorr to use the device. There are speculations of course. They range from being an alien artifact found by Alar to a gift from the Ancient gods of the Skorr people. In any case, the artifact is said to protect the collected knowledge of the royal lineage and also to protect the Skorr People. How exactly that would be done was unknown, but within Skorr Society it is believed beyond all other things. It truly is considered the Soul of all that the Skorr people are.
There are only replicas on display across the Skorr Hierarchy. The actual artifact is such a valued item that only the High King and a handful of attendant priests know of it's location. Even Dralar, a member of the royal line would never know where the Soul was kept unless, by some twist of fate, he became the High King.
A replica of the Soul of Skorr rested in the outstretched hands of the Statue of Alar, located in one of the most sacred places in Skorr Culture; the great Temple of the Sky at Mozna Amar.
The True Soul of Skorr, is a knot of unique materials that has never been identified. The material in some manner bends time, space and dimensions. It was such an amazing thing that even to this day, no Skorr Scientist or priest understands how it works. They only know that it does.
The Temple of the Sky
The primary religious center for the teachings of Alar. the Great Temple of the Sky at Mozna Amar is the most sacred places in Skorr Culture.
The temple itself is situated atop a great mountain top that had been leveled in ancient times. The mountain is known as Kelja or "The place where the world meets the Sky" In the later days of Alar, the Skorr people removed and flattened the last 300 meters of the stone mountain top. On that plateau the ancient temple had been built.
The structures were made entirely of the stone taken from the top of the mountain. Each hand carved over the millennium by master craftsmen.
| Temple of the Sky | ||
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The busts of the descendants of Alar, all High Kings throughout the ages lined a broad avenue flanked by stone pillars decorated with gold leaf and intricately etched into beautiful abstract patterns.
At the end of the long avenue of colonnades was the temple building. An Acropolis like structure ringed with more columns reminiscent of those found on earth during the Greco-Roman period. Large lintel pieces spanned the columns and their carvings were enhanced with precious metals and jewels. They represented the life of Alar, the single most important figure in Skorr history. It was his wisdom that united the once warring clans of the Skorr people into a single purpose. It was his legacy that turned the Skorr into a star faring people. It was his desire and teachings that allowed them to reach out to other species with peace and understanding without sacrificing their strong martial traditions.
At the end of the Avenue there are wide steps, purposely designed to be uncomfortable to Skorr physiology. Visiting Skorr are not permitted to use their wings to aid them when climbing these stairs. These were the only steps found anywhere on the planet and they were here to remind the royal family of humility.
At the top of the steps there is a broad open area of the temple where a group of priest wait for Royal visitors. In that open space a replica of the Soul of Skorr rests in the outstretched hands of the Statue of Alar. A representation of his gift to the Skorr people.
The Ritual of Ahk'kan
The ritual of Ahk'kan is a religious ceremony presided over by the High Priests charged with the welfare of the Soul of Skorr. The ritual can only be performed upon a member of the Skorr species who is a direct descendant of Alar. On Stardate 2407.07.04, Dralar the 45th Prince of Skoria undertook the ritual. below are excerpts showing the stages of the ritual.
Dralar was wearing his full regalia as was befitting a Skorr of his stature.
The uniform was a rich orange and gold and was made of a fabric the allowed the light to cause the colors to appear to shimmer as it reacted with the fabric. The symbolism of the colors was that of Sunset. The ending of the day just as there could be a potential ending to Dralar's life in the coming days of the battle.
He wore his princely Brocade that clearly announced his heritage to the trained eye. His badges of office and right of lineage were pinned to his breast for all to see. His foot talons were tipped with Golden caps, a ceremonial version of the claw blades that his people still wore into battle. Rich elaborate ribbons made of the same material as his formal attire wrapped around his lower legs below the feather line.
His royal feather crown had been coated with a light dusting of gold and orange fleck. The only special indicator of his lineage. Even if he were complete stripped of all other affairs of state, his head feathers would immediately identify him as a member of the royal lineage. It was a genetic disposition that only the members of his bloodline carried. It had been that way for millennium and dated back to the time of Alar the greatest member of their people. He was first High King and savior of the Skorr species. It was his collected wisdom as well as that of every member of the Royal lineage that resided inside the Soul of Skorr. It in turn was accessible only to the High King of Skoria. In this manner all experiences and knowledge could be saved and reviewed as needed for Generations to come.
That was why he was here. To ensure that his memories would not be lost.
It had been explained to him as a child that the Soul of Skorr was an extra-dimensional object that was attuned to his particular lineage. As such distance was irrelevant to it. Any Skorr attuned to the artifact could deposit their memories into the device once they had achieved the necessary state, although only the high King could retrieve any memories so stored there.
The scene was one of the most sacred places in Skorr Culture; the great Temple of the Sky at Mozna Amar.
Dralar strode up the long avenue facing each of the 600 Skorr High Kings, his ancestors and reciting their names in turn. Once that was finished, he strode up the wide steps, purposely designed to be uncomfortable to Skorr physiology. He climbed them slowly and with difficulty. He understood well enough that he was not permitted to use his wings to aid him. These were the only steps found anywhere on the planet and they were here to remind the royal family of humility.
Once he had defeated the steps he moved into the broad open area of the temple where a group of priest stood waiting for him.
"Halt, Skorr Prince." The voice of the high priest commanded, and Dralar stopped were he was.
"Since the times of the ancients, Alar has given us his wisdom. Why do you now come to this, our most sacred place?"
"I come to impart my experience to the Soul of Skorr, that all those of my lineage shall know of my deeds and my experiences. I come to deposit my Ahk'kan so that in the coming days my contribution to my people shall not be lost." he replied.
The priest regarded him down the length of his long jagged beak.
"What do you have to contribute that shall be stored for all time, prince of Skoria?"
I have intimate knowledge of our Allies, great priest. I have seen things that shows that there are those among the stars that we should count among our friends. I wish to share their struggle so that the people of Skoria shall understand their plight and our role in the galaxy. I serve the blood of Alar and I serve the Skorr people. I seek no glory nor self aggrandizement. I seek only to impart my experiences so that our people do not lose them for all eternity as was the way before the time of Alar. Should you deem that I am deceitful in this, may you shatter my wings and throw me from this high place so that my spirit will forever walk the world unable to ride the winds for all eternity."
"You must show that your desire is pure." the priest replied. "You shall now partake of the Misact Essence and prove that your heritage is true."
Dralar nodded.
A second group of priests came forward bearing a gold box. In it was a vial of poison. This was the only aspect of the ritual that was not replicated. It was the actual elixir that his people used in this very ritual.
Dralar knew from experience that the poison was painful, as it would attack the pain receptors throughout his body. He also knew that the same genetic disposition that made him a prince of Skoria would not allow the poison to kill him. It would be excruciating, but he would not die.
This part of the ritual was designed to ensure that no impostor could ever influence the Soul of Skorr for personal gain.
The golden box was opened and a junior priest removed the crystal vial from the container.
He held it out to Dralar. A second junior priest removed the cut crystal stopper.
Dralar reached out and took the bottle in his right hand.
"Recite the words." The high priest ordered.
I am Dralar 45th Prince of Skoria, Keeper of the Great Sky Key of Harridan. I trace my lineage back through the ages calling all of my ancestors to recognize my worth. I descend from the blood of Alar and declare my heritage pure. Should I be deceitful, may the poison of the Misact claim my pathetic life and may my name be forever stricken from the history of the Skorr peoples and all my descendants made outcasts for all time."
"You may prove your worth, Dralar, 45th Prince of Skoria for all to bear witness here." The priest intoned.
Dralar turned up the small crystal bottle, emptying his contents down his gullet. As expected the pain started immediately as the poison went to work.
It began as a knotting and cramping of muscles deep in his body The pain and convulsions followed soon after and his feathers shook with spasms as the muscles at the base of the feathers began to spasm. Dralar doubled over as a cry of pure agony escaped from his beak. He lost his balance and pitched forward. The priests did not move to aid him. He rested on his hands and knees as the poison coursed through his body, sending wave after wave of unimaginable pain through him.
His body reacted. Glands in his body began pouring a hormone unique to his bloodline into his body before the poison could stop his heart or make it impossible to breath.
Slowly the pain and spasms receded. After a short time, Dralar pulled himself back to his feet. He straightened his formal attire and held his head high.
"I have shown my lineage to be true and pure. I claim as my right the ritual of the Ahk'kan transfer, that my contribution to my people not be lost or forgotten. I call on you now priest and keepers of the Soul of Skoria to grant me my blood right."
The priest looked down at Dralar.
"Come great prince and give your contribution to the greatness of your people. Your knowledge shall become one with the Soul of Skorr that you shall never be forgotten and your knowledge shall be always there to guide the High King in his stewardship of the Skorr race."
Dralar moved forward to the stand before the outstretched hands of the statue of Alar.
The three attendant priests moved forward surrounding him. The eldest priest spoke directly to the statue of Alar.
"Our great ancestor, most beloved and celebrated of our peoples. I present before you Dralar, of your lineage. The 45th Prince of Skoria and Keeper of the Great Sky Key of Harridan. He claims the blood right of the Ahk'kan transfer, that his contributions may be used for the benevolence of the Skorr people and that his experiences not be forgotten."
"Alar, grant his request," all three Priests repeated simultaneously.
Dralar's body suddenly went rigid as he felt the presence of the Soul of Skorr come over him. He had experienced it before and still found it an amazing experience. He was in a state of sublime ecstasy as the Soul overcame him. He knew that his entire life was being recorded, and that the process of recording would continue for several standard weeks, or until he died whichever came first. Only at this very moment, when the soul accessed his entire history would he be aware of it. Later as the days progressed, he would instinctively know it was being recorded, but he would be unable to detect the presence of the process.
It would not be until later, when the affects of the connection finally ended that Dralar would be consciously aware that the process had stopped.
Dralar could never tell how long the process of the transfer spanned, he only guessed that it was minutes before he felt the ecstasy subside.
"It is done, Dralar, Prince of Skoria." The high priest chimed.
"Know that your actions now bear the scrutiny of your people, so that you may always act with honor, duty and in glory. May you fly high and true, great prince and may you always find favorable winds." he concluded.
"May the wings of Alar guide me in all things." Dralar replied.
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")
High King Kamuth
Kamuth is the Current high King of Skoria. He holds absolute power and is a strong ally of the United Federation of Planets.
Prince Dralar
Dralar is the 45th son of the High King Kamuth; as such he is in the direct line of succession (45th) . He is the Hirad'ja of the capital City of Siradran on Skoria. he is responsible for the building and Maintenance of a Starfleet preparatory Academy there, in the hopes of forging an even tighter alliance between the UFP and the Skorr Hierarchy. Dralar also bears the honor of being the Keeper of the Great Sky Key of Harridan, as such he is entitled to undertake the Ritual of Ahk'kan. he has served in the Skorr Royal Navy at the rank of Fleet Master. He has participated in Military campaigns against the following quadrant powers:
For Skoria
- Romulan Skorr Conflict (2402-2404)
- Orion Syndicate Conflicts (2406-2407)
For the 52nd Fleet
- Battle of Sector 001 (Late 2407)
Drola
Drola was the First Skorr astronaut to leave the atmosphere of Skoria in 2105. She made two complete orbits around the planet before returning safely. She is credited with ensuring the Skorr people are a space faring species. She is highly revered among explorers and scientists.
