Talarian
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Talarians are a humaniod race that control a large swarth of space in the Alpha Quadrant, not far from Cardassian territory.
Physiology & Culture
Talarians are very similiar to Humans internally, with oxygen-based blood and comparable bodily systems. They are more sensitive to radiation and are also prone to respiratory diseases from other planets. Their ships have elaborate air filtration systems and heavy shielding to protect against various forms of radiation. Visitors to any Talarian world are expected to complete a vigorous decontamination. On the outside, they have a distinguishing hairless cranial crown that stretches from their forehead to the back of the skull along the tallest ridge of their heads.
Most Talarian males wear facial hair and a long lock of hair off the back of their heads as a status symbol and a sign of accomplishment. Military service is highly encouraged. All Talarians have xenophobic tendancies of which touching aliens is the most viled. Talarians normally wear gloves, since touching is reserved for their own kind and seen as a sign of affection and respect. Bowing is another way they show respect, but their version involves the touching of foreheads.
Age 14 is considered the Age of Decision, when a Talarian male can begin making his own choices in life.
Talarians are firm believers in the doctrine of quid pro quo.
When Talarians are in distress, they perform the B'Nar, which consists of a high-pitched shriek and rocking back and forth. It is also used as a mourning ritual.
Society & Government
Talarian society is based on a rigid patriachal system, with strict rules and customs. Women are only used in reproduction and child-rearing duties. Never are they allowed to have a have a social status above a man, and typically are not allowed to own land or take part in government. Once children reach a certain age, the woman has less and less of a role in their lives and men become their primary custodians. Their society is a very competitive one, and sports and other games play an important part in their daily lives. Males are expected to test themselves on a regular basis. Strength, both physical and mental, are highly prized. To show fear or pain are considered signs of weakness.
The system of government used by the Talarians is republic in nature, and they address themselves in the galactic community as the Talarian Republic. However, the Federation officially recognizes them as the Talarian Patriachy---given their policy of denying women equal rights. The home world of the Talarians is Talar.
Although somewhat lagging behind the other galactic powers in terms of military technology, Talarians have never been afraid to fight their neighbors. Anytime they feel their territory is threatened, they attack. What they lack in weaponry they more than make up for in tenacity, resourcefulness, and cunning. Over the last century alone, they have fought with the Tholians, the Cardassian Union, and the Federation. The latter involved the Galen Border Conflicts of the late-2350s, which saw the Talarians use numerous guerilla strategies to fight Starfleet.
In 2373, the Cardassians attempted to get the Talarians to join the Dominion, but they refused. Likewise, the Federation offered to extend the terms of the Khitomer Accords to them in 2380, but they also declined that.