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Overview: |
The Telrak exist in an Energy Flow (Reference Code 5) Quantum Zone that is both highly stable and has a high Potentiality Discriptor. This area also has Essence (Reference Code 5) and Psionics (Reference Code C) Quantum Zones.
The Planet itself is much like Earth in mineral makeup; however, it tends to be more mountainous. There are valleys between the mountains that are both heavily forested as well as cultivable. Being like Earth in mineral content, quartz is the most abundant and widespread mineral on the planet. Quartz plays a big part in the creation of the sentient life form (the Telrak) via the ideas of an Energy Flow Quantum Zone. The planetary filtration of the energy flow, in creating the Telrak, incorporated quartz into the biological building blocks of the species. Quartz is therefore prevalent throughout the bodies of the Telrak. This leads to many interesting aspects of the Telrak including the following:
The Telrak have a high technological level that focuses almost entirely upon crystals of many different substances. They use diamond ships for interstellar travel along the energy currents, as well as using rose quartz as amplifiers for their thought-lattices, thus allowing them to keep in contact with the world-mind even when they are a great distance away. They are not a war-like people, but they do have the means to adequately defend themselves. While they worry about thieves trying to steal the rich crystal and gem deposits of their world, they are interested in trade, especially with a Particle Quantum Zone, and try to keep open borders with other Empires. |
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Navigation:CoLC Index |
Index:Q-dex / Technology / Magic
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Q-dex: |
T 5.1/9 M 5C/75Energy Flow (Reference 5) [Librae Note: This is utilizing the old Q-dex classification. An updated referent should be available soon] |
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Technology: |
The Telrak empire has a crystal based technology that is highly advanced. The Telrak can "grow" crystals for any number of uses, in any size and shape. (This includes crystals large enough to be used as interstellar ships.) The crystals can also be used as energy storage devices. While the ships are in an energy current, the crystal stores energy to be used in the star drive engines. This gives ships the ability to move both in and out of the energy current. The technology also includes the use of crystals as parts of another machines. Thus, there are computers with liquid crystal displays and fiber optic cables to transmit data and light, etc. The Telrak have learned which crystals can be used to produce whatever they need, via filtration, so that they can have their computer systems etc., and can also continue with other scientific research into a variety of fields. All technology on Telidor can be traced back to crystals, or to a product of crystal filtration. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Magic: |
Magic is not prevalent. However, the Telrak do have a purely defensive psionic ability called Komo-tachi. An individual Telrak can cloak his mind from other individuals via a thought-shield. (See vocabulary list, and description of Kuji.)
There is also an Essence Q-zone present, but it is not utilized because of the high level of technology. The Telrak crystal technology manipulates the energy of the area in the same manner as a magician would tap into the innate magical energy present. So, as long as the Energy Flow Q-zone remains stable, the Essence aspect of this system will not be used that much. Therefore, the innate magical abilities of the Telrak will never be fully realized unless there is a drastic change to there society. |
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Size: |
The Telrak are only found in the Raleki system, which is composed of a single star, two planets, and an asteroid belt located beyond the second planet. The first planet, named Teldan, is uninhabited. The second planet, Telidor, is the home world of the Telrak. The Dorran Belt, is a rich source of the crystals for the Telrak’s use.
Being a planet formed from energy currents, Telidor has always been generating energy and matter. When the planet was rather young, and had few life forms on it, there was a great deal of spare energy. This energy precipitated the formation of a giant volcano, which erupted every so often to release the built up energy. The reason the energy did not dissipate at once was a result of the high concentration of gems and minerals in the planet’s strata. These crystals would trap the energy within themselves. When the energy built up to a high enough level, it would be released from the crystals, thus producing the eruption. When the Telrak entered the picture, they began using up the surplus energy, which in turn caused the volcano to become inactive. Even though the volcano was dormant, it was still a focus of tremendous energy. With the cessation of eruptions the great crater, or caldera, was found to be full of fertile ground from the high ash concentration.. This caldera measured some 125 miles in radius, and 1000 feet deep. Thus, the Telrak formed their civilization in, and around, this volcano that they named Mi’azum. (Which is also their name for the city that is located in the caldera.) With time the caldera became divided into a region of heavy forestation and a smaller area of fields and plains. Over the same period the Telrak built there cities on the interior aspect of the cliff walls surrounding the caldera. The old magna chamber now is the home of the great crystal, called Di’ha’mut by the Telrak. The Telrak have sealed off the outside vent accesses, so that it is more difficult to get to the gem and mineral deposits that exist all around Mi’azum. |
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Population: |
The Empire of the Telrak is not large. Because of the longevity of their race, derived from the chemical stability of the crystal against changes occurring with time, the Telrak are not a numerous race. (Probably a total of about 150,000. If it turns out that compared to all the other empires this is a large number, I will of course reduce the number.) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Climate and Geography: |
Most of Telidor is rather mountainous, with the intervening valleys filled with forested and rich cultivated land.. Mi’azum is the most prominent landmark on the planet, being the only structure recognizable from orbit. Most of the planet's water supply exists in subterranean rivers that the Telrak can also use to travel great distances. This is very useful because the spaceports have been situated a good distance away from Mi’azum.
The weather on Telidor is generally very mild, with nighttime temperatures in the 40° F range and daytime temperatures in the 60-70° F range. However, some of the really high altitude areas have a bit cooler temperatures. Periodic thunderstorms pass over the mountains and into the lowlands, thus helping to keep the forests watered. |
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Flora and Flauna: |
A couple of types of cave dwelling creatures exist in the caverns that house the subterranean rivers. These rivers team with a multitude of marine entities, that make up a part of the Telrak diet. There are also a few varieties of furry creatures that live in the caverns and live off the fish. Some other terrestrial animal species live in the low-lying forest areas, but they do not have a great deal of contact with the Telrak.
The forests and mountains have plant varieties that are of a type that would be expected on an Earth-like planet of this climate. I plan to have more specific flora and fauna descriptions, with proper names, at a later date. The Telrak are the only "intelligent" species in the Raleki system. |
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History: |
[Librae Note: No specific information was provided for the history section of this empire. More details are sure to follow.] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Government: |
The Telrak rule the entire Raleki system. They are governed by the Kuratep, or The Council of the Seven. The head of each family is called the Grandus. (See vocabulary list above) Six of the seven family Grandi and Ceru make up the Kuratep. The Grandus Thysis is not a part of the Kuratep because his family’s sole responsibility is the security of Di’ha’mut. Thus they are an elite internal security force.
Each Grandus and Ceru has a vote in the Kuratep, which sets most aspects of foreign policy and some parts of domestic policy, and in which a simple majority passes a resolution. The rest of the domestic policy is handled by the family that oversees that particular area. In most cases only the Kuratep vote on whatever issue comes before them. However, in some special cases, the entire Telrak race votes. This is accomplished with the aid of Ceru, who broadcasts all the arguments and discussions over the thought-lattice thus allowing all the Telrak to be educated voters. They then register their vote with Ceru, who in turn tallies the votes and announces the outcome. The Kuratep is accepted by the Telrak, because they have easy access to all debates, via Ceru, and because they can remove a Grandus from his position if they are not happy with him. Methods of doing this vary greatly, from a vote of no-confidence to a challenge to ritual Katal combat. The individual families play a larger role in the day to day life of the average citizen then the Kuratep, due to the caste aspect of the families. (See "Society" section below.) Very few laws are ever broken by a native Telrak. This is due to the closeness formed by being part of Ceru and the thought-lattice. Because most people believe that what they are doing is for the best of the race, there is generally very little resistance to the government, and therefore not much need for a legal system. However, a penal system for outsiders who are caught stealing crystals, gems etc., is in place. This system is quite severe to discourage other attempts. Foreign Policy:The Telrak are open to the outside for trade and the exchange of knowledge. They will willingly trade with just about every race imaginable. However, they require complete honesty in their interactions with others. Any attempt to swindle, steal, etc. is highly frowned upon by the Kuratep. The Telrak like to portray a sense of quiet strength, epitomizing a sleeping giant. While they are slow to anger, when the Telrak finally stir, there reprisals are to be feared the galaxy over. On the other hand, neighboring races need not fear the Telrak as they are generally not expansionist and certainly non-aggressive. The Kuratep strives to keep the Telrak borders open, if well defended. The Telrak will also offer aid to any ships stranded in their region of space, and will help any wayward ships on their way. Domestic Policy:The Kuratep, being the main governmental body of the Telrak, keeps on very good terms with its own people. Because all Telrak have access to Ceru they are kept informed as to what is going on, both at a family level and at a national level. Since all Telrak are also part of the thought-lattice, they are in almost constant contact with others of their race. Thus, they have the inherent belief that all they, and everyone else, are doing is for the best of the Telrak Empire. This belief is the reason there is very little internal disloyalty and why the Telrak believe, and follow, the Kuratep. Free speech is not an issue on Telidor, as everyone has the right, and the ability, to say what they want. Since Ceru distributes the information almost instantaneously to the Telrak, people’s views will always be heard and everyone has equal access to that information. There is no tax burden for the Telrak. Since everyone is aware of his function in society, and freely gives of his talents to help improve the race as a whole, there is no need for a monetary system. All work toward the bettering of the Telrak Empire, enabling them to thrive using a type of barter system. The only internal security force consists of members of the Thysis family. Their job is to protect the great crystal, Di’ha’mut. This elite force can also be used, as needed, for aid in disasters, to augment the Mondai, etc. However, their main responsibility is the protection of Di’ha’mut, and this supersedes all other duties. |
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Society: |
Telrak society is family based, with the presence of Ceru and the thought-lattice playing an intricate part in everyday life. (See "Listing of Telrak Families" above.) Every member of the Telrak is born into a specific family with identical eye color. Never will there be a child born with eyes differing in color from the rest of his family. Each of these families has a specific area of expertise that is its responsibility, (see above list). Members of these families will interact in order to further the Telrak Empire. As mentioned above, the Grandus of each family (except for the Thysis family) is a member of the Kuratep. There is also a family ruling structure, with the Grandus making all the decisions, but with the aid of an advisory council. This is how the individual families control the area of expertise that is under their obligation. This is a rather rigid form of a family caste system, which has caused a few problems. (See Chronic Problems below)
The family’s responsibilities are obvious from the listing above, except for the Ja’adan. They are a sub-family. There eye color makes outsiders believe that they are part of the diplomatic core; however, they are highly skilled explorers and operatives for the Telrak. They are trained by members of all the families, thus they have a high military proficiency, a good science and technology background, enough artistic skills to keep up the repair of their Katal, a strong engineering background, and a potent diplomatic sense. The Ja’adan gather information, explore, and learn whatever they can about the universe surrounding them. They could be viewed as a Telrak version of the Vestis Inquisitors. (I would appreciate if the Ja’adan description wasn’t publicly distributed). The other major difference about Telrak civilization is the presence of a world-mind, Ceru. Ceru is a thought-lattice that has evolved from the crystalline nature of the Telrak, and the presence of Di’ha’mut, the great crystal. Ceru is a type of "world consciousness" formed using Di’ha’mut as the focus and the crystalline deposits of the Telrak as anchor points of the lattice. Just as individual crystal molecules can combine to form a crystalline lattice, the Telrak have formed a mental lattice. They can access Ceru as if it were a data net. Since every native born Telrak is a part of the lattice, he can be easily located and reached. A Telrak can send a message to any other Telrak by "posting" it on Ceru. These messages are receiver specific so that they cannot be read by anyone else, unless the sender "posts" a general message or request. This network allows for efficient communication, even over intergalactic distances, if repeater crystals are used. This system also functions as an intruder alert system. Ceru has a consciousness of his own, that is centralized in Di’ha’mut. Ceru works as a type of overseer, directing some aspects of Telrak society. He can use all the individual Telrak in the thought-lattice like parallel processors, making the sum more "intelligent and wise" than its parts. Thus, Ceru functions as a synthetic mind for the Telrak. The many faceted nature of Di’ha’mut allows Ceru to simultaneously focus on a nearly infinite number of different areas, or Telrak, ensuring constant bi-directional access. When "speaking to" or accessing Ceru, a Telrak will appear to focus inwardly. What he is actually doing is communicating to Ceru using his multifaceted eyes as the outward focus. (While every Telrak is a part of Ceru due to their crystalline structure, he must use a focusing point to actually access Ceru. Just as Di’ha’mut is Ceru’s focus, the eyes of a Telrak is his focus.) Ceru is the main reason that the Telrak civilization is so peaceful and ordered. He can "see" overall patterns and serves as an advisor to all the Grandi, thus greatly increasing the efficiency of the Telrak. Ceru is also the one who suggested the unique training procedures for the Ja’adan. Even though everyone has access to Ceru, it does not mean that typical conversations and social interactions have disappeared. The Telrak do not just sit in their homes and "log on" to Ceru. They view him as just another member of the society, with whom they consult on a regular basis. Ceru is also invaluable to trade with outsiders. Not only do the Telrak trade crystals, and some crystal technology, but they also trade access time to Ceru. An outsider can "buy" time to use Ceru to look up information, or to take advantage of his great computational powers. This is achieved by placing a special necklace around the individual, which allows him access to the thought-lattice. As might be expected, these necklaces are kept under tight guard by the Thysis. There is also no chance of the visitor "hacking" into secret Telrak information because Ceru, having a consciousness of his own, would recognize the attempt. Languages:There is only one language on Telidor. (I assume that there is a galactic standard language of some sort---whatever they were speaking in the first book. This would be the language they are speaking, or maybe some dialect of it.) Vocabulary of the Telrak Empire:
Religion:There is no religion in this empire. As long as the highly advanced Energy Flow Q-zone exists, there won’t be one. However, if this society became a highly advanced magical one, Ceru would still be present but they wouldn’t have a means of explaining him, so Ceru would then start to be worshipped by the Telrak. Castes:The caste system has already been described in the "Society" section of this paper. The families of the Telrak do interact, quite frequently, but a Telrak is trained to do only what his/her family does, (with the exception of the Ja’adan being crossed trained). Therefore a diamond eyed Telrak will never become an intellectual; he will always be in the military. This generally does not cause any problems because of the belief that he is doing what is best for the race. (See "Chronic Problems" below.) No one caste is ranked higher than any other; it is a horizontal caste system. The vertical chances for improvement come within in the family where one tries to rise to the position of Grandus. Families:
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Economy: |
Aspects of the Telrak economy are already described in the "Society" and "Domestic Policy" headings above. As mentioned, this is a type of barter system where the people exchange services and knowledge. It all revolves around the inherent belief that what they are doing is the best thing that they could do for the empire. Food production is a responsibility of the Paz.
Technically all members of the society work. For example, the best job for a Telrak at a young age is to study and go to school. As members learn more they can move to other jobs that are in the best interests of the race. As mentioned before, there is no monetary system. The Telrak do, however, trade raw crystals, some crystalline technology, and access to Ceru. Thus, one of there main sources of trade is information. |
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Military: |
All members of every family have at least a rudimentary military training, and instruction in how to use a Katal, as well as other weapons. This is necessary as the population is small, and worried that Telidor could be invaded one day. The military is run by the Mondai family, with the Grandus Mondai being in charge. Other families have an indirect role in the military, especially the Thysis and the Ja’adan.
The Mondai keep the Montak operational and in orbit around Telidor. Montak is a multileveled planetary defense station with a radius of 20 miles. It slowly rotates as it travels the nearby energy currents around Telidor, thus producing an artificial gravity for the crew. The multifaceted geodesic sphere, made of a diamond alloy, has a number of offensive and defensive capabilities, to be determined later. It has, as well, a fighter bay for the crystal attack ships of the Mondai, called the Xyn. The Mondai space fleet is composed of crystal ships of varying sizes. The geodesic spheres, like Montak, are used as capital ships with many smaller ships in attendance. The smaller ships, corvettes or destroyers, have surface attack capabilities as do the capital ships. Extremely quick and maneuverable fighters also exist. There is also a modified Xyn fighter class that is used by the Ja’adan, called the Xyntak. All of these ships travel along the energy currents of the Energy Flow Q-zone, without any active energy consumption. This is because the ships become immersed in the energy current and travel within it. While in the current, the ships store energy so that they can use their star drives to move from one current to the another, and also to travel in areas where there are no currents. As a result of the crystal technology, the ships are resistant to beam attacks, lasers etc. and slightly resistant to concussion attacks because of the diamond aspect of the hulls. Offensive weapons focus on the manipulation of the energy currents. There are a few other types of weapons, yet to be detailed. Because of repeater crystals on the ships, the people are still in contact with Ceru. Thus, they can use Ceru for tactical map presentation, and battle information. Telrak weaponry includes some of the following:
The Telrak do not use conventional ground troops. They use a number of aircraft, from heavy transports to light and heavy fighters. These ships, crystalline in nature, perform in the same manner as their big space-faring brothers. The aircraft work in teams. A single heavy transport lands an armored personnel carrier (which has some of the capabilities as the capital ships) while a pair of fighters fly cover. The armaments of the previously mentioned vehicles are all slightly different, and will be detailed at a later date. The troops that come out of the personnel carrier wear a type of woven armor. This armor incorporates the diamond alloy used in the capital ship’s hulls, but in a fibrous form that is woven into their normal clothing. These troops carry their own personal Katal, as well as a type of beam weapon. The beam weapon is a rifle that can focus the energy emanating from it into many different beam widths and strengths. It can be fired as a pin point beam, or wide enough to fill entire hallways. It can stun an enemy, or it can blow through four foot thick steel plates. This weapon is as adaptable as the soldiers who use it. It also comes in a smaller pistol version. Note: the military aspects of the Telrak still need some work. |
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Sports and Leisure: |
There is a form of ritual combat using the Telrak sword, the Katal. (See Kuji character description below.) This is almost a type of dance combat, in which style and grace play as big a part as does winning the match.
The Telrak perform a type of music that requires crystals of different pitches to be struck. It is a form of 12 tone music in which the composer of the piece makes a 12 note "row." (A sequence of 12 notes, in any order, but each note can only be used once in the row.) This "tone row" can the be inverted, retrograded, or transposed to make a number of different rows, which are then strung together to make the piece. By having more than one performer playing at the same time, multiple rows can be played simultaneously to form harmonic, as well as melodic counterpoint. The difficulty of the piece depends on how many crystals are being used in the performance. Telrak art takes two major forms, both have to do with crystal growing. The first is the production of the Katal. These blades are in themselves a work of art. Different master swordsmiths use different materials, and a great deal of work also goes into the handle, guard, and scabbard production. The second is the growing of crystals into different shapes, for a type of sculpture. These pieces come in a variety of sizes, from hand held, to some that fill an entire room. A major difference in crystal sculpture is that the artist will use many different types of crystalline material, whereas the swordsmith works with only the single crystal type. |
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Major Population Centers: |
The major population center on Telidor is located in the extinct volcano Mi’azum, and called by the same name. The city is carved on the interior aspect of the volcano, as well as into a large rock tower that branches off one part of the wall. The rooms of Mi’azum are an integral part the volcano, with caverns running through the walls and under them. The old vent system of the volcano has had the exterior openings sealed off so that outsiders can’t sneak in, but the Telrak still make use of the tunnels themselves. The families do not live in segregated areas, but each family does have an area that the Grandus lives in. This area thus becomes the heart of each family. The Thysis headquarters are just outside the old magna chamber that holds Di’ha’mut. There is also a high security area that is the home of the Kuratep. This is were the Grandi meet, along with Ceru, to hold their conferences. There is a sophisticated imaging system that allows Ceru to project a presence into the room during meetings so that the Grandi don’t have to speak to a disembodied voice. This area is under the protection of the Thysis, because they are the only family which doesn’t have a member in Kuratep, thus there is no chance of a conflict of interest.
There is also a starport, quite a distance from Mi’azum. Due to worries about an attack, the port is on a plateau in a isolated mountain range. The only ways to get from the starport to Mi’azum are either via the subterranean river passages, or on a Telrak aircraft. Any non-Telrak aircraft flying toward Mi’azum will be attacked. The Telrak can launch attack craft from Montak, as well as from an airbase located within Mi’azum. (I hope to have a picture of Mi’azum to upload in the near future.) The Telrak also have a few training, mining, and research stations located in the Dorran Belt. These bases can be reached from Montak and Telidor by shuttle. More specific information will be available later. |
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Chronic Problems: |
At times Ceru can come into conflict with wishes of the Council. Because Ceru has free will, there are times when he thinks that he knows what is best for the Telrak Empire. This does not generally cause a problem because Ceru has only one vote on the Kuratep, but he has been known to cause trouble among the Grandi from time to time. Because Ceru has control of all the information, it is still a worry that one day he will take complete control and do away with the Kuratep.
There is also a problem with some of the younger Telrak. They want to break out of the family system and to join together and take the Montak and journey around the universe. They believe that the Telrak should be more aggressive, and because of the fine military history on Telidor they think they can easily take what they want. They also think that all Telrak should be trained in the fields of their own choosing, rather than being limited by their eye color. This rebel group is made up of around 50 Telrak youths who represent the best of the next generation. The youths represent all seven families. These individuals are highly trained, very intelligent, and capable of almost anything. The Kuratep is aware of problem, but does not think that the rebels will do anything. This could be a huge problem in the future if the rebels actually proceed with the theft of Montak. That number of highly skilled individuals could easily run Montak and go gallivanting across the universe causing untold trouble. This is not an imminent problem though, as it would take the rebels quite a while to set up a theft of Montak. |
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