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.