Post by vensarra on Mar 13, 2014 22:08:35 GMT
File: Last revision, 2413.
Species: Tel'kun
Homeworld: Astrana
Homeworld location: Unknown. UPDATED: Delta Quadrant, Galactic Rim.
We know of the Tel'kun to the degree we do by a single member. While most recently, we discovered two other members of the species in the Alpha Quadrant, and a third working with the Klingon Empire, most of the data we have is from the first found example of the species in 2259.
The Tel'kun are somewhat odd, by the standards of most known species. They're monogendered, with traits resembling that of female mammals. Their skin is deep red, and possess pointed ears, looking somewhat like a red Vulcan or Romulan. They have an extraordinary resistance to heat, capable of handling flame without injury up to approximately 3200 degrees Fahrenheit, although such temperatures are highly uncomfortable. Beyond that level, however, even they begin to burn. Fire, or rather, high heat, is part of the Tel'kun's reproductive cycle. When a Tel'kun wishes to become a mother, they often go to a warm place, or build a bonfire, at least over a thousand degrees, which trigger their reproductive hormones. They reproduce asexually, although due to their physiology, there is some DNA remixing in the daughters, it isn't as extensive as sexual reproduction in other species. New daughters develop slowly, taking nearly an entire century to fully mature.
Perhaps because of this, the Tel'kun have developed a long-term strategy in evolution. While they age, they do not grow old. Their DNA is extraordinarily resilient, and a Tel'kun is even capable of regrowing a lost limb should something happen. The first member Starfleet encountered has claimed to be over a thousand years old when she was found, and casually spoke of others on her homeworld who are even older, reaching five or even ten thousand years of age. Even after a hundred and fifty years of casual observation, that Tel'kun looks to be the same age as she was when discovered.
This extraordinary trait, however, brings about some downsides. Tel'kun culture and history is (apparently, we have no access to Astrana to confirm this) very long, with records going back over two hundred fifty thousand years, but because Tel'kun do not die of old age, only live until they are actually killed by other circumstances, a tyrannical dictator's rule could last easily for centuries before they are overthrown and executed. Cultural mores do change, but they happen very slowly. Despite their long history of civilization, the Tel'kun have only reached the equivalent of around late 15th century Earth in technology and understanding in physics. Superstition and religion are still very strong and powerful cultural forces.
Their physiology, as well, has trouble with cold temperatures. Humans are far more tolerant of the cold than the Tel'kun. While a Tel'kun can handle the cold, they require much more insulation in the same place as a human would. They would, however, feel much more at home on warmer class-M worlds, such as Vulcan, although they prefer more moist environments. They are also as vulnerable to radiation, toxins, and poisonous gases as other species, although they are quite hardy, they aren't invulnerable.
Addendum: DNA analysis indicates REDACTED----------------------------------
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File altered: Source 732856631
Species: Tel'kun
Homeworld: Astrana
Homeworld location: Unknown. UPDATED: Delta Quadrant, Galactic Rim.
We know of the Tel'kun to the degree we do by a single member. While most recently, we discovered two other members of the species in the Alpha Quadrant, and a third working with the Klingon Empire, most of the data we have is from the first found example of the species in 2259.
The Tel'kun are somewhat odd, by the standards of most known species. They're monogendered, with traits resembling that of female mammals. Their skin is deep red, and possess pointed ears, looking somewhat like a red Vulcan or Romulan. They have an extraordinary resistance to heat, capable of handling flame without injury up to approximately 3200 degrees Fahrenheit, although such temperatures are highly uncomfortable. Beyond that level, however, even they begin to burn. Fire, or rather, high heat, is part of the Tel'kun's reproductive cycle. When a Tel'kun wishes to become a mother, they often go to a warm place, or build a bonfire, at least over a thousand degrees, which trigger their reproductive hormones. They reproduce asexually, although due to their physiology, there is some DNA remixing in the daughters, it isn't as extensive as sexual reproduction in other species. New daughters develop slowly, taking nearly an entire century to fully mature.
Perhaps because of this, the Tel'kun have developed a long-term strategy in evolution. While they age, they do not grow old. Their DNA is extraordinarily resilient, and a Tel'kun is even capable of regrowing a lost limb should something happen. The first member Starfleet encountered has claimed to be over a thousand years old when she was found, and casually spoke of others on her homeworld who are even older, reaching five or even ten thousand years of age. Even after a hundred and fifty years of casual observation, that Tel'kun looks to be the same age as she was when discovered.
This extraordinary trait, however, brings about some downsides. Tel'kun culture and history is (apparently, we have no access to Astrana to confirm this) very long, with records going back over two hundred fifty thousand years, but because Tel'kun do not die of old age, only live until they are actually killed by other circumstances, a tyrannical dictator's rule could last easily for centuries before they are overthrown and executed. Cultural mores do change, but they happen very slowly. Despite their long history of civilization, the Tel'kun have only reached the equivalent of around late 15th century Earth in technology and understanding in physics. Superstition and religion are still very strong and powerful cultural forces.
Their physiology, as well, has trouble with cold temperatures. Humans are far more tolerant of the cold than the Tel'kun. While a Tel'kun can handle the cold, they require much more insulation in the same place as a human would. They would, however, feel much more at home on warmer class-M worlds, such as Vulcan, although they prefer more moist environments. They are also as vulnerable to radiation, toxins, and poisonous gases as other species, although they are quite hardy, they aren't invulnerable.
Addendum: DNA analysis indicates REDACTED----------------------------------
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File altered: Source 732856631