KelranniKelranni
Setting the stage- (The 2076 Invasion)
The Reshtarc had discovered the existence of the Kelranni early in 2073, neither was pre
occupied with the other until late in 2075. The Klingon ore freighter 132 was attacked by Kelranni
from Alpha Kel when the ship inadvertently crossed into the Kel system.
The freighter belonged to house Reshtarc and was delivering a load of unremarkable ores
to Behacor Prime. The Reshtarc responded immediately with an attack on a Kelranni Cruiser the
Kelranni ship suffered a hull breech and quickly fled the area.
The Kelranni responded swiftly and mounted a attack on a Reshtarc convoy, destroying
four merchantmen and two Destroyers. The Reshtarc Line Lord convened a military council, calling
all his battle lords to Behacor Prime.
K'Maal was determined to crush the Kelranni and take their worlds for the Empire, in particular
his own line. K'Maal selected Admiral K'rer zantai Reshtarc to take overall command of the Invasion
with Admiral Kleg zantai Reshtarc commanding the Naval forces and General K'Nesk zantai Reshtarc
commanding the Marine forces.
K'rer's plan called for Three squadrons for the invasion with a fourth in reserve, as well as
a ground force which included: 1 legion, 9 Regiments, 4 companies and Tac air Group. This force
was earmarked to seize the Kel system. The Kel system was made up of five inhabited worlds and seven
moons. The worlds were rich in minerals and the Kelranni possessed good technology, thus making the
conquering of their system very important.
Intelligence on the Kelranni was lacking since the race had very little to do with outsiders. Their
combat skills were reckoned to be poor. This was do in part to the defeat of the Kelranni cruiser in 2075.
The Reshtarc convoy which had been attacked and mauled by a Kelranni battle fleet was viewed as
insufficient evidence of their abilities to wage war.
K'rer believed the Kelranni had only 20 warships capable of fighting and beating a Klingon
vessel. K'rer and many Klingon experts were mistaken, the Kelranni possessed forty warships ten of
which were new. Furthermore the Kelranni had over five Legions of troops one for each tribe and a
large number of brigades and support units. The Kelranni physically were superior to Klingons in the
strength department and were excellent tacticians. Furthermore like Klingons they were fearless without
being foolhardy.
The Kelranni were also preparing for war with the Empire, they made plans to deal with any
impending invasion. The Kelranni decided that the Empires first strike would be aimed at Kel 4 and
Kelanis tribe. The Kelranni gathered three legions here as well as the bulk of their navy.
The forces were gathered slowly and the buildup was hidden behind a facade of quiet peace.
Neither side attacked the other fearing that suprise would be jeopardized. Admiral K'rer finally gave
the order and the Reshtarc forces launched their attack. The Klingon Task force was lead by a assault
squadron made up of the following ships: IKC Black Fist (HC), IKC Assassin (HC), IKC Solemn Rage (AC), IKD Pestilence (DE). This force was supported by two Escort squadrons made up of 5 Destroyers
(Revenge, Plague, Final Rage, Slow Death, and the Warriors Glory.) as well as three scouts ( Storm Shadow, Last Impression, and the Raging Storm.)
B'rer had also prepared a fourth squadron which was to act as a reserve squadron in case the
enemy was prepared. The Fourth squadron packed a powerful punch and would be committed almost
immediately. This did not change the fact that the Reshtarc forces were outnumbered 2 to 1 at Kel 4.
The only redeeming aspect to the initial attack was the Reshtarc landings which were successful
even though the Kelranni controlled the space around Kel 4. The Klingon squadrons engaged the
Kelranni forces initially outside the orbital zone of Kel4. The Kelranni commander had deployed most
of ships on the far side of the planet and a group of eight vessels initially opposed the landing.
The Reshtarc Cruisers Assassin and Pestilence were damaged and the Destroyers Final Rage,
Warriors Glory, and the Slow Death were destroyed. The Reshtarc were able to inflict casualties on the
Kelranni Naval units. The Kelranni lost Three Cruisers and two Scout class ships. B'rer ordered K'Nesk
to land his forces while the Naval forces pursued the retreating Kelranni.
K'Nesk's landing went off without a hitch and he landed the bulk of his troops and equipment
before the Kelranni legions fell upon forces. The Kelranni had Three legions about 36,000 men and
12 regiments (42,000) against a Klingon force numbering about 43,500. The Klingons were outnumbered
two to one. The Kelranni did not possess the Tactical Air support that the Klingons had. This allowed
K'Nesk to launch a powerful offensive after about six weeks of static warfare.
The Naval battles soon turned against the Reshtarc when a third of the Reshtarc forces were
destroyed in a battle near Kel 3. The Kelranni pushed the Reshtarc navy back and were able to bring
their Naval forces directly against K'Nesk's marine forces on Kel 4. K'rer possessing only seven ships
could do little to help K'Nesk.
K'Maal seeing the trap his troops were in ordered a force of thirty additional ships to Kelranni
space. He also added another 2 Legions and ten more Brigades to the battle. Admiral K'rer was relieved
of his command and Overall command passed to Admiral Kleg who was able to drive the Kelranni from
around Kel 3. This allowed K'Nesk and his additional forces to seize the planet.
The Kelranni were able to save a sizable number of troops about 26,000 and redeployed them
on Kel 2 and Kel 3. The Kelranni navy had suffered 15 vessels lost to the Reshtarc's 12 by the end of the
first year of fighting. The Ground losses were 50,000 Kelranni Killed, Captured and Wounded, to about
46,000 Klingon dead. The war was a stalemate in terms of losses, however the Reshtarc had successfully
captured Kel 4.
The Second year settled down to static Warfare as the Reshtarc sought to seize Alpha Kel. The
Kelranni navy was successful in fighting delaying actions in and around alpha Kel. The Kelranni even
managed a limited offensive aimed at retaking Kel 4. Admiral Kleg was unable to break the static war
and was soon replaced by the Young Klingon Admiral K'grath.
K'grath launched several short but sharp skirmishes all along the Kelranni defense line in the
hopes of discovering a weakness. K'grath was successful and found the Kelranni weakest near Kel 2.
Immediately he poured the bulk of his forces into breach made by the Navy.
Early in 2078 Kel 2 fell to the forces of K'Nesk and K'grath. The Kelranni had been able to
replace some of their naval losses were down to 26 warships. While the Reshtarc commanded 35 ships
in seven squadrons. K'grath and K'Nesk turned to Kel 2 and prepared to capture that world with it's
high grade ores important in weapons production.
The Kelranni launched a suprise offensive geared at knocking the Reshtarc offensive timetable
off. They were more successful then they realized initially. K'grath's command ship the IKC Deathurge
was destroyed and all hands were lost including the Admiral. The Klingons also lost two transports
carrying the 8th and 9th Brigades. The Kelranni losses were two Corvettes.
The Reshtarc forces responded several weeks later with a offensive aimed at hounding and
destroying the Kelranni Navy. The Reshtarc Ground forces dug in on Kel 3 & 4 building up planetary
defenses. The Kelranni Navy was hounded for a year and in three separate skirmishes was finally cornered and defeated.
The Kelranni still possessed some Naval strength, enough to make the Reshtarc respect them.
The Kelranni did not possess enough Naval assets to defeat the Reshtarc forces arrayed against them.
The Kelranni did possess powerful ground forces and a equally powerful will to resist.
Admiral K'Azin who commanded the Reshtarc forces following K'grath's death, suffered a massive heart attack. Cha'Wi K'Maal responded by giving command of all forces in the Kelranni Military District to General K'Nesk. This marked the first time that a Marine commander had overall
command of a joint operation.
The Reshtarc were prepared to finish the war this year. K'Nesk had earned the grudging respect
of the Kelranni. He had also learned to respect the Kelranni for their fighting prowess. K'Nesk respected the Kelranni for their views and began to develop a fervent hope of making them Kuve for House Reshtarc.
2080 saw K'Nesk launching a two pronged attack against two of the remaining three Kelranni
worlds. K'Nesk sent the largest force of 15 ships and two legions plus support units to Alpha Kel. A
smaller force comprised of 9 ships and 1 legion attacked Kel 2. The other 11 warships formed a defensive force protecting the Klingon bases on Kel 3 and 4.
The battle for Kel 2 lasted six months with the Third Reshtarc Legion "World Eaters", garnering
the glory for that victory. The surface battle for Alpha Kel lasted almost a year when the Two legions
the 1st "Blood Thirsters" and the 7th "Sons of K'Vek" finally ended all resistance. The Klingons and
Kelranni spent the remainder of the year regrouping and resting for the final battle.
In 2081 K'Maal joined the battle from the bridge of the newly completed IKC Stormbringer
he would join in the attack upon Beta Kel the last of the Kelranni worlds. K'Maal until now had been
embroiled in two other wars along Reshtarc borders. K'Maal lead the invasion force and they engaged
the remnants of the Kelranni battle fleet.
K'Nesk landed his troops once the Kelranni Navy had been brushed aside. The battles which
were fought on the surface of Beta Kel were bloody and long. K'Nesk and his forces three Legions
of Reshtarc troops plus four brigades including the Famed Reshtarc Cavalry Brigades, fought battle
after battle culminating at the battle of the Zinch Plains.
This battle lasted two days and ended with the Reshtarc in control of the Plains and approaches
to the city of Zinch. This was the last capitol of the Kelranni people. K'Nesk sent Captain K'Nev as
representative of the Empire. The last tribe the Kel had refused to surrender like the others, however
K'Nesk gave K'Nev direct and explicit orders destroy the other four tribes and spare the Kel.
This was done as a warning as well as to bring the Kel tribe into the Reshtarc sphere of
influence. K'Nev and K'Nesk both understood the Kelranni. They had spared the last tribe and shown
it great honor according to the Kelranni way. K'Nev took over as Military Commander Kelranni
Military District in 2081 and served in that position until 2082 when he left for other pursuits.
The Five Tribes of the Kelranni
Kel-
The Kel are the only surviving tribe of the space faring race known as the Kelranni.
The Kel tribe made their home originally on Beta Kel but have since occupied all five Kelranni
worlds. The Kel were physically stronger than Kelanis, Kelith, Kelran, and Kelor tribes. The Kel tribe
are called the Kelranni by most Klingons and non-Kel. Kel are the oldest of all five tribes and it is
now known that all the tribes of the Kelranni migrated from Beta Kel.
The Kel form a important part of Reshtarc society as well as the Military. There are currently
fifteen regiments of Kelranni troops and One assault legion. The Reshtarc have also supplied the Kel with
fourteen older Warships and at least one Vor'Cha "S".
Kelanis-
The Kelanis were found on the Kelranni world of Kel 4. They were the first tribe
to be wiped out by the Reshtarc. Kelanis tribesman formed the bulk of the Navy personnel and were
good ship builders. The Kelanis were the first Kelranni Tribe to leave Beta Kel. Kelanis were responsible
for attacking the Klingon Freighter 132 and starting the Kelranni war. The Kelanis were completely
eradicated by Captain K'Nev in early 2081.
Kelith-
The Kelith made their homes on Alpha Kel. They were the smallest of the Five Tribes.
The Kelith were known as planners and filled the majority of Kelranni command positions. The Kelith
were also great scientists as well. Kelith soldiers fought bravely, most notably the regiment of troops
which had escaped from Kel 4 and fought throughout the five year campaign. The Kelith suffered the
same fate as the Kelanis.
Kelrith-
The fourth tribe of the Kelranni. Kelrith were smaller than the other tribes and much
darker due to the close proximity to the systems sun and high gravity of Kel 2. Kelrith often filled labor and agricultural positions within the Kel hierarchy. Kelrith waged a fierce guerilla war against the Reshtarc during the occupation of Kel 2. The Kelrith were wiped following the total defeat of the Kelranni race.
Kelor-
The Kelor fought in both aspects of the war. In space as naval personnel and on the ground with existing ground forces. The Kelor were highly valued as scientists. The Kelor suffered same fate as their brethren.
Description-
Race- Kelranni
Type- Kuve (Humanoid)
Height: 3meters to 3.3 meters
Weight: 500 + pounds
Home system: Kelran system (5 habitable planets)
Society: Space faring Advanced/ Militaristic
Physical Description-
Kelranni are a reptilian like race. They are over 3 meters in height and extremely large in mass. These Kuve resemble large reptiles. They have a set of gill like growths attached to the corner of their faces. These gills are no longer used but point to the Kelranni as being descended from the sea. A set of horns jut from the sides just above the gills. These horns grow longer with age and can reach up to a foot in length. The Kelranni have a set of ears just behind the Gills and below the horns.
Their eyes are generally purple or red in color with no discernible iris.
Kelranni are covered in scales ranging from a deep purple in color to a dark black. their upper body and heads tend to be darker in color than the other portions of their bodies. The chest plates are a row of interlocking segments much like serpents and are white in color to a dusty beige. Females tend to be lighter in color and much smaller then their male counterparts.
Kelranni are physically stronger than Klingons possessing at least the strength of Ten Klin warriors. They also posses autonomic reflexes which allows them to repeat any type of movement or series of combat moves. Kelranni warriors are highly sought after as Weapons trainers and teachers to younger Klin. Kelranni are known to be a thoroughly loyal race and show a particular loyalty to House Reshtarc which defeated them.
Society:
Kelranni are a tribal society based around an elder called a "GleH". The GleH is responsible for running the clan which can number from as few as twenty to thousands. The warlike Kelranni select their leaders in a similar fashion to the Klingons.
The Kelranni society is highly stratified and hiearchal in nature. One is born and thereafter must earn his or her way up through the ranks by combat and deeds done. This creates a constantly shifting base among the tribe and no GleH is safe from the warriors below him. Thus the warrior who is second in the tribe by the time of the "Clan meet" can challenge his GleH to combat after listing his achievements.
The Kelranni have their own government and elect the overall representatives from the GleH's at clan meet. These will usually be the strongest and most intelligent of all the gathered leaders. The GleH's will appoint 100 of their brethren to the Kelranni Assembly. The one hundred will then vote one of their members the Supreme Lord of the Kelranni Assembly.
The Kelranni Assembly and the Supreme Lord answer to the Reshtarc Governor. The Kelranni Assembly is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure among the four inhabited Kelranni worlds in the Kel system. The Kelranni also posses their own military and are one of only a dozen or so Kuve who fight for the Empire in large numbers.
The Kelranni provide House Reshtarc with 10 regiments of Battle troops and 1 full Kelranni division. Some of the more famous regiments are the Kelranni Raiders, Krestex, Wild Hunt and the Blood Drinkers. The Kelranni Division called the Terror Troops was recently moblised during Operation
Ironhand and was transferred to Strike Base Vengeance. The Terror Troop division is expected to Join the 8th Imperial Division and the 4th Fleet for the final stages of the subjugation of the Imperial Klingon States.
In 2369/70 K'Paal epetai Reshtarc began to expand the Kelranni from its current Fifteen regiments to twenty regiments plus a full integral division. He also gave the Kelranni the beginnings of a navy. during the period of 2369-2373 he equipped the Kelranni with Five D-7's, Eight Bird of Prey Scouts and Vor'Cha "s" class battle cruiser.
All of the ships were staffed with Reshtarc command crews, but the majority of the crew is made up of Kelranni. He also saw to it the Kelranni received their own organic transport net. The infrastructure is in place to create a Kelranni Legion and rumors have it that Marrik plans on continuing K'Paals policy of increasing Kelranni involvement in House policy.
Marrik upon obtaining the Line lordship of House Reshtarc promptly gave the Fifth habitable planet in the Kel system to the Kelranni. He also awarded Beta Kel and the other five planets to elect their own Governors who answer to the Reshtarc appointed System Governor.
The Kelranni military is still outside the Kelranni political sphere and is also outside the Reshtarc Military chain of Command. The Kelranni Imperial Commander, General Mas'Ich zantai-Reshtarc (newly promoted after leading two regiments of Kelranni during the Triangle campaign.) answers directly to Marrik.
The Kelranni provide a powerful force of troops whose loyalty to the Empire (Line Reshtarc particularly) is unquestioned. They have proven themselves in countless campaigns. Beginning with the Jahzil conflict where Kelranni troops saved the life of Line lord K'VeHk epetai-Reshatrc.
The first full Kelranni Regiment was fielded in battle against the Jahzil during Gamma Eridon. Company sized units were used throughout the war and with much success. This prompted the Reshtarc to form three regiments.
The first the "Krestex" was formed from existing Kelranni companies and took part in the Gamma Eridon campaign assaulting Gamma Eridon B. They struck utter fear into the opposing Jahzil units and soon grew to legendary status. The next two regiments were drawn from existing companies and security detachments. These would later become known as the "Wild Hunt" a recon regiment initially and the Kelranni Raiders a heavy assault regiment.
The three regiments served throughout the Jahzil conflict from 2120-2122 garnering much glory and fame. The Regiments were then used sparingly in other Klingon conflicts. Though they were heavily employed in the war with the Kinshaya. The Kelranni found worthy adversaries for their great strength in the Kinshaya and hand to hand battles between these two adversaries was brutal and very bloody.
The Kelranni were also employed in a limited fashion during the Federation Campaigns of 2218. Though it appears they were never involved in any direct actions against the Federation. Though Reshtarc
Military logs show Kelranni garrisoned one of the fringe worlds captured during the Klingon advance.
Kelranni were used extensively during the Triangle campaigns particularly by the Reshtarc Expeditionary Forces in the Grell and Hardor systems. The Jem Hadar found them to be more than they had bargained for. Dominion intelligence on the Kelranni was sketchy and their use was a complete suprise to the Cardassians and Dominion.
The warrior dominated Kelranni are an aggressive species and their society amplifies these traits. Klingon rituals have also found their place within the Kelranni society. The Kelranni are a male dominated society though females fight as well.
New born tribal members belong to the tribe and not the parents. The young are trained by the best and most skilled in all areas of expertise. This provides the young with a broad range of skills. Kelranni at the age of eleven are expected to take part in battle.
After being blooded the best of the new brood are sent to the Reshtarc military academies further training. These warriors will make up the future regiments or replacements for the current regiments.
Tribal life is very stable with most tribes centered around a particular village or city. Though many tribes will inhabit larger cities. Tribes carry out their day to day lives similar to almost all other races encountered.
The Kelranni posses a remarkable knowledge of space travel and were a warp capable race when they were conquered. Kelranni and Klingon DNA is genetically incompatible.
Reshtarc Kelranni Military Commander-
General Mas'Ich zantai-Reshtarc heads the Kelranni military department. Mas'Ich came up through the Reshtarc marines and commanded several different regiments during his ascent to the most coveted Marine position within the Line.
Mas'ich served as one of K'Paal epetai-Reshtarc's military advisors and in 2373 was promoted to command the Kelranni. During operation Iron hand he commanded two regiments of Kelranni troops. Following the Iron hand operation he was put in charge of all Kelranni operating within the Triangle.
K'Paal promoted him to full Kelranni commander just before K'Paal died in a shuttle accident. Mas'Ich's promotion was reaffirmed by Marrik epetai-Reshtarc. The Kelranni commander does not answer to the Reshtarc Marine force commander. He has direct access to the Linelord and is probably the third or fourth most powerful member in the Reshtarc line.
Kelranni Military-
The Kelranni comprise 1 legion and Fifteen additional Regiments to the Reshtarc's Order of Battle. Five more additional Regiments are being formed with an additional five more Regiments slated to be formed in the next year. This will bring Kelranni Units to a grand total of 30 Regiments or 6 legions of Troops.
Naval Units:
7 D-7 b's
8 B'rel Scouts
1 Vor'cha "S" Battle Cruiser
Transport (Military)-
Imperial Security Battalions: (Mempa Sector or Reshtarc Holdings)
26 Battalions (Reshtarc Commanded)
Klingon Diplomatic Corp:
6 Battalions (Reshtarc Commanded)
