Kalikari Dominion

Overview:

 Born of chaos and mystery, the Dominion began long before the Shattering of Suns. A secretive culture with many complexities, what was only recently known as the Kalikari Empire became a tattered remnant of another Dominion lie. Deceit and subterfuge are the Dominion's tools, and to outsiders they are extremely effective. When one believes they have touched on the inner truths of the Dominion, they find that their entire research was for naught.

A highly dominant mystickal society, the Dominion prides itself on the exclusion of technology, considering it a farce and weakness. The magickal powers inherent within the Dominion's grasp are truly powerful, and have reached such amazing potential to virtually simulate all forms of quantum realities.

Independent beyond logical understanding, the Dominion stands alone with only minimal contact with the rest of the galaxy. With a reality so different than what most humans and similar sentients are accustomed to, it is no wonder that the Omnet has begun warning its citizens of the dangers the Dominion quantum zone poses.

Though little of the internal workings of the Dominion are known, the Omnet has begun collecting a relatively complete set of information regarding the Dominion's Outer Circle, the area of space which is more prone to human understanding than elsewhere in the zone. [For the remainder of this entry, assume the Outer Circle is described if unclear when the Dominion is mentioned.]

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Military / Sports & Leisure / Major Population Centers / Chronic Problems
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Q-dex:

T 111/000 M 000/000

An Aberrant quantum zone, the exact physics which control Dominion space is unknown. Knowledge from the old Kalikari Empire and theories regarding its collapse shed some light upon which laws dominate, though these are uncertain, and further research must be done.

Magick is predominant in Dominion space, though only the specific magick used by the Kalikari will operate properly. Any technological or magickal device otherwise noted will malfunction if introduced to Dominion space, and will probably be destroyed in some way or another. The space itself retains certain characteristics of danger zones across the galaxy, where travelers will enter, lose all communication with the outside, and never return. This was the unfortunate demise of many early explorers who ventured into Dominion space.

This destructive property has not been neutralized by anyone aside from the Kalikari, who are either apparently immune to it, or can subconsciously (and sometimes consciously) negate the effect, allowing for foreign vessels to enter their space. Only with Kalikari aid can such passing into Dominion space be made, and the exact procedures for such have not been fully explored.

The major difficulties with warning sentients of the dangers of the Kalikari quantum zone stem from the fact that the Dominion does not appear on any standard maps. Likewise, when travelling through space, sensors do not pick up what lies within the Dominion, and instead sees the Empire directly across the Dominion from the one they are in. It seems to galactic travelers that the Dominion is simply not there, until the Void is breached, and travelers find themselves in a completely different quantum zone than they expected.

This seems to be a result of what can be called a 'raised' quantum zone. Whether the Dominion is simply not there (residing on another plane), or infinitely thin until entrance is made remains a mystery.

Safe pathways through Dominion space are created by special magickal drives. Because the Dominion had no historical need for spaceships, these drives are a fairly new phenomena, and sale outside the Dominion has not yet begun.

A foreigner finding himself in Dominion territory will find that his magick, whatever style he had been used to, will not function properly. This is the same for every form of technology brought into the Dominion. By some mystick effect, similar to that of Dominion Space Drives, these chaotic effects can be negated. By studying other cultures from around the galaxy, specifically those within the vicinity of Sector H, the Kalikari have been able to simulate, almost recreate, the science referents of other quantum zones. The catch here is that they are not actually creating a new reality and set of laws, rather, making it look so. The same mystick powers which grant Kalikari their magick, affects the foreign science. Note however, that it is only through Kalikari will that such is made possible. Without a Kalikari host or other mystick device, these effects will cease to work, and the foreigner himself might even cease to exist.

Technology:

 Looked down upon by the Dominion in nearly every form imaginable, technology was the cause of an outbreak by "anarch" citizens who supported technological evolution instead of the favored mystickal practices of tradition. These events brought forth the Imperial/UAC Wars, which were silenced after the Dominion removed their Imperial masquerade.

Though rumors hint at a long ago prevalent technological age, citizens of the Outer Circle consider technology a weak form of magick. Considering that nothing without mystick roots will operate properly in their quantum zone, these opinions are well founded.

In recent times, the old Kalikari Empire began dealing with technology on an outside basis, purchasing technological vessels and drives from neighboring Empires to further commerce outside their own systems. The Outer Circle has continued such efforts only to maintain ties outside the Dominion, and perhaps to promote their own mystickal practices.

Magic:

 The basis for Dominion culture, magick is prevalent in both the Inner and Outer Circles. The exact nature of the Kalikari understanding of magick remains a mystery. Multiple systems have been recognized and studied by the old Kalikari Empire, and knowledge of these systems remains a primary source of trade for the Outer Circle.

What is known of Dominion magick is that is somehow linked to each individual Kalikari. There doesn't seem to be a source for this power, and no non-Kalikari can utilize their magickal training within Dominion space.

The aberrant nature of Dominion magick allows for a virtually unlimited power base. Elder Kalikari can destroy whole structures with but a thought, while members of the Inner Circle are rumored to be able to destroy whole fleets, and alter the course of every citizen's life.

Considering that most magickal foci and tools are unnecessary, citizens of the Outer Circle continue to use a variety of rituals and styles for no other purpose aside from habit. Elder Kalikari are usually seen without such physical manifestations, and look down upon such bastardized magick. Regardless, these arts continue to be studied by practitioners of the Outer Circle, and remain accepted in the lesser Kalikari ranks.

Size:

 Four stars are positioned in an equidistant fashion, forming the general outline of a three-sided pyramid. These stars move in a chaotic fashion, with no apparent pattern aside from their continuous equidistance. A fifth star orbits the illusionary pyramid, with no specific pattern either, moving anywhere about the pyramid but never inside it. Orbiting each star are two planets, exactly opposite one another across their respective sun. And as everything else in Dominion space, their orbits have no set pattern.

The old Kalikari Empire included this same cosmological idea, though at the time no planets orbited each sun. Instead, seven moons, positioned such that each was placed at the center of each side of an invisible cube, moved in a similar fashion as the pyramid described above. This cube was placed within the pyramid above in the exact center. Within this imaginary cube, at the center, was the only Kalikari planet, known to those of the old Empire as the "Homeworld." Foreign Empires and Omnet listed this planet as "Kalikar," an apparent reference to the Kalikari gods.

These seven moons continue to exist, each placed in the vicinity of the Inner Circle's border. The Homeworld however no longer seems to be present, being within the confines of the Inner Circle's space. Whether further celestial objects exist within the Inner Circle is unknown.

Moons Planets Stars
Q'ran Lochnor Gjux
Berat Dimarus  
Och'yut Ma'acht Qerim
Fyst Kyra  
Raska P'nuut C'nyt
Schktula Distna  
Serabim Jhurna Murek
  Yw-Fys  
  Sturn Veros
  Hykiis  

Because of the makeup of the Kalikari quantum zone, these moons and planets may or may not appear as normal cellestial objects. Whether the moons of the Dominion are in fact 'moons' or 'planets' in the traditional sense remains unknown.

Furthermore, some Kalikari dwell in F'eyt, a mystick realm of unexplained origin and size. The exact definition as to how F'eyt is connected to the Dominion is unknown to the Omnet and the Greater Galaxy.

Population:

 At the time of the old Kalikari Empire, a rough estimate could be made, though such is no longer possible. Dominion culture can be split into three general factions:
  • The Inner Circle
  • The Outer Circle
  • The Pariah

The Inner Circle includes the most powerful Kalikari, including the most ancient of Elders and what some presume to be the Kalikar, the creators of the universe. Sometimes referred to as Ancients, the extent to the population of this faction is unknown, as is almost everything about them. Few if any citizens of the Dominion know the truth, and it is rare when the Inner Circle deals with the rest of Kalikari society. For all practical purposes, the Inner Circle takes no part in trade, communication, or has any other connection with the Outer Circle aside from the fact that they are the rulers and masters of Dominion space. Their wishes are to be followed, and their power backs up their claim of leadership. Revered almost to the point of god-hood (a wide-spread practice among many of the Outer Circle), they are said to control the fate of the Dominion and those within. The state in which members of the Inner Circle are said to dwell is known as a sort of ascension, something almost all Kalikari strive to achieve.

The Outer Circle makes up the brunt of the Dominion populace. Consisting of nearly all survivors of the old Empire's collapse, the Outer Circle is that faction in which Omnet and the greater galaxy deals with. In the space the Outer Circle resides in, Omnet has its installations, and day-to-day law and government takes place. The population includes younger Kalikari as well as those hundreds of years old, Elders who have not yet reached Ancient status. When referring to the Kalikari Dominion, it is the Inner Circle which is usually looked at.

The Pariah are those Kalikari who managed to escape the old Empire's collapse. Whether these were simply Kalikari on external missions or members of the UAC in hiding, one fact remains: they were not within Kalikari space when the old Empire fell, and thus unaffected by whatever caused the reformation of the former Kalikari Empire. This faction is very small, and has been estimated to die out within the next hundred standard years.

Climate and Geography:

 There is no single set of climates or geographical patterns which are present in the Dominion. While certain characteristics of each can be identified, they are by no means static. Weather that has never before been seen or remembered may suddenly appear, while geographic locations may vanish and restore themselves countless times a day. This shifting of reality, fairly common-place in the Dominion, makes it only further difficult to study the Dominion in any true depth. These chaotic alterations are attributed to the aberrant nature of the Dominion quantum zone, and as usual, only those places affected by strong counter-magick will remain unchanged for any somewhat lengthy period of time.

Flora and Fauna:

 Aside from the Kalikari and the mysterious Inner Circle, no other natural lifeforms seem present. By natural, the point is made that all other sentient lifeforms are created through the use of magick. While some such creatures have relatively large populations in the Outer Circle, they are considered disposable, and not considered true sentients by Dominion citizens.

The variety of such animals go from small rodent-like creatures to large rideable beasts. Almost always, these creatures are created with a purpose in mind, and when that purpose has been completed, the creatures are replaced or simply destroyed. Such creatures range from simple-minded rideable beasts to intelligent imp-like messengers. The Kalikari do not however consider themselves as slave-holders; what they create, they have a right to command. The old adage "I created you, I can destroy you," remains a shocking truth in Dominion space.

Whether there were at one time native creatures in Dominion space remains a mystery to the Omnet, as no such evidence has yet been found.

Whether the plantlife in Dominion space is as unnatural as the creatures is another mystery. Large forests and jungles cover much area on certain planets, and are presumed to have been there for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Yet the Kalikari are just as adept at creating plantlife as they are animals, and it could very well be suggested that all forms of life in the Dominion were creations of the Kalikari long ago.

History:

 What we know of Dominion history comes mainly from what we learned during the false Empire. For this reason, these historical notes may well be wrong. After all, an Empire created to deceive may have proven its point well. The Omnet cannot verify if these events were true, or if they were part of the lie the Dominion established.

History can be divided into four sections, known as Ages (sometimes referred to as Circles). Each Age is divided by a celestial event, not by a fluid count of time. (There is no equidistant passage of time between ages.) Whenever the Homeworld, the moon Q'ran, and the sun Qerim aligned, a new Age was said to have begun. Again, without the presence of the Homeworld, this system may no longer continue.

As it stands however, the present Age is the fourth. This is modeled on their calendar as X.Y.Z.4. The "Z" represents the current yugori, something similar to a year. (One yugori is approximately 2,730 standard days long.) The "X" and"Y" represent the current day, known to the Kalikari as a ring. The "X" is the ten's place, and the "Y" is the one's place. There are approximately 35 standard days per ring, and approximately 78 rings per yugori.

Each Age is generally referred to with a name, rather than a number. This practice is now regarded as tradition, and many prophets of the Outer Circle consider it a necessary identifier. The Ages, in order, are referred to as "Rebirth", "Lies", "Darkness", and "Revelation". The fifth Age, although still not upon the Dominion, is referred to as the "Age of Ascension," when the Outer Circle will join the Inner to Ascend all space and time. [Sidenote: the naming scheme of each Age seems to stem off a clear metaphorical meaning referring to major events occurring in each Age.]

The Dominion's origin precedes the first Age, and began long before current historical records even begin. Even the Age of Rebirth, the supposed time when the first Kalikari were born, extends beyond current historical records. Traditional stories refer to this Age as the grounding of Kalikari magickal practice and the beginning of organized Clans. It may well be possible that the Inner Circle retains records of even knowledge of this time, though if they do, they still aren't talking.

The Age of Lies, still beyond the recorded flow of time, is spoken of as the founding of technology. Likewise, magickal practices sprung up like wildfire, only to be discarded the next. This was the intermediary phase between magickal ignorance, and magickal mastery. The first of the Houses were formed in this Age, as was the first Kalikari Council, which would eventually lead to formation of the Kalikari Empire. [This is known to be false, as the Empire was a pawn for the Dominion. The exact details surrounding the Empire's creation is shrouded in mystery, much like everything else the Dominion has dealt with.]

The Age of Darkness began after the Houses united under Kalikari rule and the population spread to the seven moons. Technology was by this time rejected, and a profound understanding of the mystick principles had begun. Using local stores of Blackvoid and a huge source of magickal power, the entire Kalikari Empire was phased out of existence, where it remained in quiet, watching and occasionally infiltrating nearby Empires.

The Dawning of the Age of of Revelation was marked by the removal of the Shroud, even though a slight time difference separates the two events. Opening its borders and hoping to establish peaceful relations with the galactic community, the Kalikari Empire was threatened by emerging Anarch activity. These criminals, wishing to destroy traditional magick procedures and replace them with high technology, became an incredible threat to the Empire until its fall. Events surrounding the delusion of the old Kalikari Empire include a powerful energy wave which enveloped most of the quantum zone (all area between the 'pyramid'). When the energy wave dissipated, the Empire was no more, and what remained was drastically changed.

The Omnet has assumed, via current contact, that the Dominion has been around for a long time. Statements from the Outer Circle admit that the Kalikari Empire was a farce, constructed by the Inner Circle. Only now are we beginning to shed further light on the actual history of the Dominion.

The exact methods in which the Empire fell remain a convoluted and hazy subject. From what few reports Omnet stations in the old Empire were able to relay, an ancient Kalikari House was somehow given the power to control the flow of time and space hundreds of years ago. By using such ancient magick, this mysterious House brought about the downfall of the Kalikari Empire by the wishes of some higher power, which most presume to be the Inner Circle. Why the Dominion ended its masquerade remains unknown, as do the whereabouts of many figures who took part in these chaotic events.

In the perspective of the old Empire, and those onlookers who knew the Empire during its days of establishment, the seven initial moons were joined by those orbiting each Star after the great spell introduced by House Nw-X's. Apparently cloaked by powerful magick and Blackvoid, in a similar way the entire system was shrouded during the Age of Darkness, the joining moons had developed a society apart from those of the Empire. What will ensue now that the cultures of two Empires have merged into the Dominion's Outer Circle remains to be seen.

Government:

 The Dominion's Government hierarchy remains a bit of a mystery, and seems far more complex than that of the old Empire. How the Inner Circle governs the Dominion is unknown.

The Outer Circle has a government system in itself, used for diplomacy between moons and the galaxy at large. Each moon has a Lunar Council, made up of one Kylarin (representative, executioner, and diplomat) and five Netores. Each planet has a similar structure, known as the Elder Tribunal. There are 17 Kylarin altogether, which make sure relations between moons and planets remain peaceful. They have the final say in nearly any situation, and must only bow down before the combined Lunar Councils and Elder Tribunals or a representative of the Inner Circle. The Lunar Councils and Elder Tribunals look up to a grand Council (Elysium) which mirrors their own structures. Elysium is made up of a Yw-Kylarin (supreme Kylarin) and seventeen Yw-Netores (supreme Netores). Each member of Elysium has more say than an entire Lunar Council or Elder Tribunal, though their power is restricted to that dealing with Dominion-wide events. Though for all practical purposes Elysium is the final word regarding dealings with the Dominion, it should be known that the hierarchy does not in truth end there; all attempts at contacting the Inner Circle have simply failed.

Foreign Policy:

The Dominion remains an isolationist government, without taking special interest in outside affairs of any kind. The Outer Circle is the exception, and though isolationism continues to be a major limitation in their dealings, they have begun outside trade and external relations.

The Dominion does not seem aggressive; it has not composed a military in the traditional sense, as no suggestions have been given that they would attack to conquer any time soon.

The borders to Dominion space remain closed, and only with official help will pathways be opened and controlled in Dominion space to allow entrance to foreigners. One such example is the well-established Darknode embassy, lying outside of Qerim's orbit. Built during the Empire's supposed reign, Darknode continues to serve as the main link between Elysium and the greater galaxy. Talks within Darknode range from trade agreements to alliances in times of war.

Domestic Policy:

As seen during the UAC/Imperial wars, any deviation from traditional magickal practices are seen as dangerous, and quickly quelled. Each Kylarin has the power to execute the laws of the Outer Circle to their fullest extent, whether that may warrant hostile action or not.

While speech is free, and new ideas considered important, if they incite the people against tradition, these ideas will be quelled alongside the masses. Nothing stands in the way of tradition, and the Kylarin make sure it remains thus.

Surely, 17 Kylarin cannot control the masses alone. While some of the major Houses have their own militia, the Outer Circle's military is the equivalent of the police force. Any violation of major law or tradition will warrant a quick reply. The power given to them by each Kylarin is enough to keep things going.

Society:

 Society is made up of four main factions:
  • Clans
  • Houses
  • Independents
  • Government

The Clans are small groups of Kalikari, usually related by close family ties, that adhere to similar standards. Usually, Clansmen all have the same job as their brethren, and they move from place to place as an entity. None are left behind, and leaving a Clan is usually disgraceful, and often punished by death. While there are far less Clans now than there once were, they remain an influential force in society.

Houses began when the Clan structure of the old days was too rigid, and the population of Clansmen grew too large to continue the traditional ways. Today, Houses remain the prominent force behind political seats and lawmaking. Spread throughout the Outer Circle, each House retains the honor of the Clan structure, but allows for more leniency amongst members. While the largest Houses are ruled by a single family, members come from many different bloodlines. The House structure includes the largest population of Kalikari.

Independents are those Kalikari who refuse to acknowledge allegiance to a Clan or House, and rather live the way they choose. Without the backing of either entity however, life may be harder to succeed into a higher societal position, though for many, this matters not. Those who are uninterested in politics or such explicit honor, find more comfort by themselves, friends, or close family. Some Independents eventually do form their own Houses or Clans, but this is become rare. The Independent way of life includes the second largest population percentage.

Government officials, like Independents, do not hold allegiance to any Clan or House. However, they may have done so before their initiation, and many return to their brethren after their seat in office is complete. Law dictates that every Kalikari must give up his allegiance to a House or Clan before taking office.

Kalikari society includes a similar race known as the Valikaru. While virtually identical at birth, Valikaru develop powerful magickal abilities early on, and eventually 'evolve' into a higher form. History would show that some of the greatest figures in Kalikari society were Valikaru. Considered virtually immortal, some hint at a closer link between Valikaru and the Inner Circle.

Languages:

The primary "language" of the Dominion is a form of psychic-speech. Unlike telepathy however, it takes the form of emotions, pictures and feelings. In the same period of time, a well-versed Kalikari can mention, define, simulate and explain an event regarding a door, whereas with traditional telepathy, a telepath may only have mentioned the fact that he ran into a door earlier that day. All Kalikari are expected to learn this method of speech.

A more "barbaric" speech is used by younger Kalikari who have not yet fully learned the psychic-speech of their elders. While this is a choppy and somewhat brief language by Kalikari standards, it remains in practice with over a hundred used 'letters.' Various dialects exist, some more discernable than others. It is not uncommon to find a Kalikari who cannot understand another by means of this spoken language.

Religion:

Religion in the Dominion varies, depending on the interpretation one wishes to follow. All agree that the Kalikar, esteemed gods and founders of the Dominion (the Inner Circle?) created the Kalikari, after which they are named. Magickal practice remains the fundamental tool and focus of what can more accurately be considered the Kalikari way of life, rather than simply religion. It is not a "do or do not" art, rather, something which is done out of tradition.

Castes:

The Inner Circle can be considered the "highest" class in the Dominion, though almost nothing about them is known.

Below them, is the Outer Circle, split into the four major social groups (Clan, House, Independent, Government). With the exception of this last group, most do not interact well, and tend to argue when it comes to politics or influencing the people. Inter-House and Inter-Clan relations are similar, with challenges and social progression not uncommon. Oftentimes, Houses will use these methods to seduce Independents into their sway, though this does not always succeed.

Economy:

 Dominion economy in the Outer Circle consists of bartering rather than actual monetary currency. Because nearly anything can be made with one's magick, things one Kalikari is well-versed in making, is traded for something else. The two items need not always be of like value, which tends to confuse other Empires. This concept remains evident in Dominion/Galactic trade.

Generally speaking, the majority of women remain home to take care of their family when such a time occurs. Otherwise, both women and men are members of the "work force" and no discrimination is evident. Those jobs which may not require magick, or are otherwise deemed simple or degrading tasks, are done by magickally created creatures. Their intelligence usually varies depending on the job they have been assigned.

Military:

 Dominion military is currently increasing because of the threat the galaxy poses to the Outer Circle. While space-faring vessels are virtually unheard of, the majority of soldiers move about with the use of portals. Each major regiment is led by an Adizan, a rank synonymous with "General" or "Warlord."

While the military is currently not that large, it includes a fairly large grouping of magickally created creatures. These beings may help with specific tasks, but are usually used to patrol certain areas and alert Kalikari soldiers if things are amiss.

While only one primary Outer Circle branch existed for some time, the newly formed "navy" remains as a temporary project. Led by the efforts of Adizan Ch'rak, this prototypical branch is composed of Dominion-made ships and those traded for from other Empires.

Most weapons, as would be expected, are magickal. Each soldier is trained in the use of magick which will either harm or hinder an opponent defenseless.

Sports and Leisure:

 The greatest sport in the Dominion is the magickal combat on Raska, consisting of a series of magickal tournaments and challenges. Testing a wide range of magickal abilities, the tournaments are held every seven rings.

Kalikari art is a blend of magickal emotions embedded in crystals, which can be tapped and experienced by perusers. Due to the aberrant nature of the Dominion's quantum zone, however, not much art remains intact, as it is embedded in a physical manifestation.

Magickal shows, depicting complex rituals or spells with extraordinary effects, are often put on for the public. Such shows are in demand for both the common citizen and the noted scholar.

Major Population Centers:

 Coming soon

Chronic Problems:

 During the old Kalikari Empire, the Anarch movement was a great threat to tradition and the old way of life. While some members of the UAC (United Anarchist Collective) remain as Pariahs, the Movement has, for the most part, died out. Because of the danger faced if the UAC attempts to continue a campaign in Dominion space, the majority of their efforts have moved to other nearby systems. Because of the knowledge they have of Kalikari mysticks, they remain a threat to the Dominion and a potential leak to outside systems. With limited control of the Dominion's quantum zone, they are capable of entering and leaving Dominion space without the direct necessity for a specific quantum drive. Their efforts to communicate and ally with other Empires remains a danger, albeit limited, to the Dominion as a whole.

Because of the collapse of the old Kalikari Empire and the joining of the 'lost' Empire, the integration between the former Kalikari Imperium and the ten planets remains a major concern. Until these two different yet very similar entities merge in full, the Dominion's Outer Circle will take some time to settle completely.

Submission Information:

Submitter's Name: Frank Torkel
Submitter's Email: mendax@starshield.com
Sifter Name: Frank Torkel
Sifter E-Mail: mendax@starshield.com