MEPARCHKANS

1. PHYSIOLOGY
2. PSYCHOLOGY
3. GOVERNMENT
4. COSMOGRAPHY

1. PHYSIOLOGY
    Meparchkans are typically taller than humans on average.  Their average
range in height is from 2.2 meters to 2.8 meters.  The average build is wiry
and muscularly defined.  There are very few obese Meparchkans.  Facial
structure is usually very gaunt, with hollowed cheeks, sharp brow and jaw
lines and aquiline noses.  Their ears are long and pointed, sweeping
backwards approximately 10 centimeters, making them look somewhat like elves
from Terran mythology.  There is very little physical distinction between
males and females in height, weight or build, although standard differences
such as swollen mammary glands apply.
    Meparchkans have skin that is colored a light grey and have naturally
bright red lips.  Their eyes are refractive, and change color at random,
sometimes showing several colors at once.  This color change is
uncontrollable by the individual.  Meparchkan hair is exclusively black.
    Internally, Meparchkans are most similar to Vorta, leading Federation
researchers to believe that the Vorta were engineered based on Meparchkan
physiology.  Bone density is very light, making their overall weight much
less than humans of similar size.  This does not mean that their bones are
brittle, but they are more easily broken than in humans.
    Meparchkans are fairly long lived.  They acheive adolescence at
approximately 10 Terran years and are considered as such until approximately
35 years of age, although they are considered independant at age 23 Terran
years.  At 23, they complete their secondary education and are allowed to
explore their own pursuits, however, they are not allowed to participate in
government or have careers until 35 Terran years.  Physically, they age very
little until approximately 240 years of age, when they enter Middle Years.
Average life span is approximately 620 years for males and 680 years for
females.  

2. SOCIOLOGY
 a. POPULATION
    Population on Meparch is approximately 9 billion.  With 58% of them
female.
 a. PSYCHOLOGY
    Meparchkans tend to switch very easily between demeanors, being jovial
and social one minute and quiet and introspective the next.  This is a very
common trait among them, probably due to a distinct lack of attention spans
in young Meparchkans.
 b. SOCIOLOGY
    Meparchkans follow Paths which function much like religions, careers or
even castes, although they are completely voluntary.  Two Paths are chose
during life.  One at adolescence and a replacement Path at adulthood.  Paths
dictate a certain sense of morality and study.  Some of the most prominent
Paths are listed below.
    KNOWN PATHS FOR ADOLESCENTS:
        Aliam- The Way of Aliam is a Path of hedonism, requiring the
follower to indulge in social practices to excess.  Intoxicants, sexuality
and social interaction are experienced as much as possible.  The idea behind
this path is that it will lead to full experience of life and more moderate
practices in adulthood.  Unconditional acceptance of other ways of life is
essential.
        Aridian- The Way of Aridian is the Path of the Reluctant Warrior.
Followers of Aridian are the protectors of those around them, usually
latching onto one younger or smaller than themselves, who is facing hardship
from their peers, or even from adults. By choosing Aridian, they swear to
themselves to stand by this person until the person is able to support
themselves, no matter how long it may be; it is easily the most serious and
mature of the adolescent paths, and the one least chosen.
        Javimal- The Way of Javimal practices extreme discipline.  Followers
are diligent in abstinance from all forms of physical pleasure.  Although
not expected to remain socially isolated, they are expected to keep social
interaction to a minimum.  Respect for the privacy of others is a primary
tenet.  Surprisingly, this Path is the most popular among Meparchkan teens.
    KNOWN PATHS FOR ADULTS:
        Avoclar- The Way of Avoclar is much like the Vulcan Kohlinar.  Logic
and scientific method are the order of business.  Followers of Avoclar focus
on scientific and philosophical pursuits.
        Filendar- Filendar, literally translated, means "Death without
Life". The path chosen by those who form the core of the Meparchkan
military, they are the ones who deal more often with death, without the
study of it, and of life, that you would find from those who follow Sevian.
They are not usually cold-blooded; far from it, they feel it is their
responsibility to take on this mantel, so that others do not have to face
the hardship that they must.
        Majmet- Followers of Majmet investigate the mysteries of emotion and
intuition.  Instincts are held in high regard.
        Sevian- This is the study of life and death.  Followers are usually
adept at areas of spirituality and medicine.

3. GOVERNMENT
    Meparchkan government is led by a Council of Learners who make laws for
their people.  The Council is made up of three Elders (age 540 or over),
three Masters (age 240-540) and three Adults (age 35-240), one each from the
three different continents on Meparch.  All nine Learners have an equal vote
in all matters considered before them, but only deal with the most
fundamental matters of law.
    Directly beneath the Council is a Congress of Representatives comprised
of representatives from different Constabularies (states), and based on
population.  The approximate number of Representatives is 742 and their
primary purpose is to handle more minute matters of law and send other
matters on to the Council.
    Both Council and Congress are elected by popular vote.
    Local government is usually run by a smaller Council of three for each
Constabulary.
    The Meparchkans have a military that is based on voluntary service.
Their isolationism over the last several centuries has lowered the need for
a very large military, but that military is now growing somewhat due to the
more extroverted political trends.
    There technology is roughly equivalent to the Federation.
    The Meparchkan government has expressed no interest in joining the
Federation and has disavowed that they will be considering such a move in
the near future.  However, a treaty of alliance was signed on SD 11.1214 and
embassies were established on Earth and in the Cocoon at SB OMEGA.
    The current Meparchkan Ambassador to the Cocoon is Or'Nonya Matala.
Although he lives on the USS HORIZON, he keeps constant contact with his
aides on SB OMEGA.

4. COSMOGRAPHY
    The planet Meparch is located in a star system approximately 82 light
years from the Gamma Quadrant side of the Bajoran Wormhole.  It is the only
system in the sector and is surrounded by a large dark matter nebula that is
impossible to traverse without the singular technology that the Meparchkans
have developed in order to do so.
    It has recently been learned that the nebula was created by the
Meparchkans themselves centuries ago when they refused to join the Dominion.
It has kept them from being targeted by the Dominion, but the isolation went
against their nature and due to the Dominions reduced activities, they
decided to make contact with the Federation.


Meparchkans created and description written by Adam M West, with
contributions from Jonathan Lee.


 



 

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