Câroon

The Câroon are a tough people of survivors that have developed limited control over the elemental forces around them, but even more limited when away from the extreme conditions of their home planet. The planet of Câroon is the source of their abilities, and they have become dependent on the link they hold to it. Their health depends on the balanced state of the seven energy centres - the "zi'naaq" - inside their bodies, and if unbalanced, they may die. They are best distinguished from humans through their exotic physical appearance and the colouring of their eyes with their subtly unique irises. Furthermore, the zi'naaq inside their bodies light up when they manipulate the elements around them - making light shine through their eyes and mouths when they do so. All in all, they are a hardened species of survivors that have suffered the conditions of their dear planet for millennia.

Physiology

The Region they were born to largely determine the physical traits of each Câroon. Generally speaking, they are a humanoid race that looks quite human, although those of the Wind Region are smaller than the average human, and even smaller than the other Câroon. Those of the Water Region tend to be taller than the average human while the Earth and Fire Regions are of average human height. Furthermore, they look like people who have suffered extreme weather, with tough, bronze-coloured skin and unkempt hair. Another difference from the human species is that the muscle tone of the Câroon is notably developed. At first, one might think that it's a higher metabolism that explains the lean bodies of the Câroon, but it's actually an effect of their heightened awareness and control of the seven energy centres in their bodies their psionic ability of controlling elemental energy that flows around them. A secondary effect to their method of surviving the harsh conditions on Câroon. For more information, see "Special Notes".

Their extraordinary eye colours are also tied to the different Regions, and are perhaps the most noticeable trait that may stand out in comparison to humans. Besides the extraordinary colouring, close inspection of the iris clearly shows differing texture:

Those of the Earth Region in the subterranean cities have eyes ranging between brown, green and teal. The Water Regioneers have light blue eyes ranging to bright turquoise. The Wind Regioneers in the mountains have grey eyes in all shades between white and black, and the people of the deserts in the Fire Region all have yellow, red and orange shades to their irises. Regardless of colour, their eyes all emit a shining white light when they access their energy centres and touch the elements around them. The light may even shine through their mouths if they speak. In darkness, and if their bodies are bare when this is done, the seven zi'naaq may even be discerned as orbs of light inside their bodies - the bright light seen through the skin and outlining their spines.

The backs of their hands are all tattooed in whirling patterns customary to their Regions and the cities/settlements they were born. The patterns that are inked, with colours made from the ores of their individual Regions, are a symbol of coming of age - given to them the age of sixteen. The tattoos are natively called the gadd.

The reproductive system of the Câroon is greatly similar to that of humans; an external phallus, and an internal clitoris. However the shape is slightly different due to the different evolutionary paths they took on their weather-dominant planet. The male penis has an identical shaft section, only human differences being the slightly larger dimensions of Câroons. However the glans features a more petal-like shape than mushroom, with a more pointed end, and urethras slightly under the head instead of the tip.

This trait is favored due to its resilience during extreme weather conditions, increasing the surface area of contact with vaginal walls. The two symmetrical, round lobes extending from the start of the glans allow the penis to latch on with greater ability. They form a sort of suction while engaging in intercourse, creating a watertight seal if there should be flooding or extreme storms. Two human-like testes are located in a sack underneath the penis. The vagina features three chambers within the clitoris, allowing semen to become trapped a lot easier. The uterus and ovaries might seem indistinguishable from humans, but in actuality are very complex organs. The rapid cellular regrowth in these structures allows for a much more stable struggle for homeostasis. Impregnated Câroon can withstand extreme heat or cold, with their fetuses remaining at a constant, optimal temperature.

Psychology

Psychologically, the Câroon race is quite human, yet far more accentuated. Their emotions tend to be more intense; pronounced to the extreme side of the spectrum. Moreover, the personality traits of the Câroon individual is largely determined by the Region of their birth and the influence of the elements they have an affinity for. If one might generalise crudely, then those born in the Fire Regions - the deserts - have terrible tempers and a history of domestic war. The Wind Regioneers of the mountains tend to be like the changes of the wind, with both squalls of wild whether and the gentle caress of the breeze, but they value unhindered freedom over everything else. Those from the oceans of the Water Region tend to be very halcyon, silent when content, whispering when curiously dampening new shores of discovery yet still able to deal crushing force when heaving with anger. Like the sea is an ancient graveyard, they hide their secrets well, and complete order defines their society. Those of the Earth Region are efficient people, industrial in their toil to build their underground cities - sharp wit and sharp stone. Idleness and weakness is not tolerated, inefficiency a crime, and if threatened, they make the ground heave in answer.

However, if their energy centres - their zi'naaq - are unbalanced, the throes of their emotions may actually kill them. Both their mental and bodily health depend on the balanced state of the zi'naaq and if they try to manipulate the elements in such an unbalanced state, they may actually die of self-combustion. In Câroon society, great efforts and funds have been put into the cause of protecting themselves from such dangers. This through methods of meditation and techniques to exert their emotions in ways less harmful to themselves and the people around them,

Their affinity to control the elements of their home planet come from the planet itself, and it is an evolutionary development over millions of years. Likewise, if removed from the planet of Câroon, their abilities and the psychological traits of the elements lessen over the years. The extreme facets of their different tempers and emotions diminish as well. Touching the elements around them becomes harder, and in some cases, Câroon feel as if they loose their souls if not returned to their native planet. The loss of self-esteem may occur, and even if it may be overcome, the desire to return to their planet some day always prevails. The bond to Câroon and the gifts it has bestowed upon its people is a very strong link, and it can never truly break.

Because of the Câroon immunity towards empathic and telepathic abilities, they consider such attempts equivalent to rape. Yet because of their immunity, however, they have not felt the need to make laws that forbid and punish such futile attempts upon their own, but that does not make it any less frowned upon when it observed happening to other species.

Language

Humans have spoken languages and body languages. Other species also communicate through less complex systems such as chemicals (like Earth's insects and plants) because they have ascended via different evolutionary paths. Taste, touch, smell, telepathy or electric impulses are equally possible. Therefore, trying to describe verbal speech to a scent-speaker or a telepath is difficult. In the case of the Câroon, they have a deeply symbiotic relationship with their planet, but it is not explained in their spoken words - only tangible through the energy that flows through their bodies.

Their spoken language - for when they speak to each other - also bears the name of their planet, and does not have the same kind of syntax, word structures or grammatical elements as other species do. The language of Câroon is, however, sequenced into Starfleets universal translators, and the filtered result renders them to speak in an exotic version of British - an accent of Federation Standard.

Home World

Câroon - the first planet in orbit of the star Roona in the Roon System - is not very hospitable to visitors. The planet's very nature is one of extremes. The deserts are blistering hot with raging wildfires in the grass tundra. The mountains tower over the clouds and the air gets thin and freezing cold. The water systems are vast and can either be exceptionally calm or particular violent, without much in-between. The depths of the earth are dark and the earthquakes have forced many cities to rebuild. Volcanic eruptions fill the tunnels with lava, pour down the mountains and raise tsunamis across the seas.

It is not fully understood by the Federation as to what forces occur in the planet to cause such strong effects on both the planet's surface and its inhabitants, but the effects are unmistakable.

Culture & Customs

The Câroon hailing from the Wind Region prefer to not use any footwear - merely donning loose coats and a pair of wide-ankled slacks in the colours of their nation. The lack of footwear is a homage to their planet's soil that have survived despite the lack of any current religious beliefs - the need for protective clothing fallen away with their developed affinity with the elements. Therefore, it is only natural that the Câroon who serve in Starfleet feels the uniform suffocating and the shoes an instrument of torture.

Earth Regioneers, however, wear slightly different clothing. With lush flora and fauna, and a diverse assortment of rich rocks and minerals, masterful dyes with artistic fabrics are created in the many factories scattered around the landscape. These beautiful textile products are found everywhere; in slimmer, casual robes, formal robes, and even the Council’s thick uniform tunics. Vibrance tends to be found in even the darkest of the most common colors, such as browns and tans, greens, and varying grays, all paying tribute to the holy ground the Câroon walk upon.

Each Region has its own customs, just like their gadd are different depending on where they hail from. Their sayings and analogies often refer to the elements, and specifically the Regions where they hail from. A Wind Regioneer may, for example say, "By the winds...", "like a twist in the wind", "to sow the whirlwind you must start with the breeze" or "scatter it to the wind".

Cities have tended to rise and fall on the borders between Regions and inhabitants usually choose to congregate there for matters of study, technology or for those few Câroon who experience wander-lust. Land rights typically are based on familial lines or mutual agreement. As population tends to be low in most Regions, there is generally a lot of land to go around. Each Câroon prefers to live their life as they wish, and so peace is generally not hard to maintain between Region natives. Worth mentioning is that the the Fire Region tend to not get along well with the others, particularly the Water Regioneers - but for historical reasons no one can remember.

History

The historical records of the Câroon people have been lost repeatedly over the many millennia that they have built and rebuilt their cities in defiance of the planet's unrest. It is still uncertain if the cities that now stand will survive the soil upon which they have raised. Yet with each fall they suffered over the course of their planet's history, the Câroon learned and managed to fortify their constructions.

Eventually, the Earth and Wind Regions became advanced enough for warp-field technology and space-fare, closely followed by the secretive Water Region. They initiated its own first contact with surrounding star systems. First by communication only, and then they began branching out for trade treaties. In 2364, they encountered the Federation and a line of communication was opened, though they chose not to petition for membership. In 2369, the Fire Region launched their first space ships.

As of 2381, Câroon have still not joined the Federation, but are otherwise allied with them. The different Regions now have agreements with various trading partners around them. Over the years, there have been some Câroon who have chosen to leave their home planet to make a living off-world and some even joined Starfleet, but most do not last. Câroon holds a strong pull on its native world and most return before long.

Government & Military

The Câroon generally have a volunteer military. It is convened only when it is needed. They are called together on a certain rotation for training, but otherwise, it is not a 'job' though the City Councils provides for wages and/or supplies to the member's family for the time spent training or fighting, if necessary.

Legislation is firm, much stronger in the Earth Region, with the exception of the Wind Region which is more focused on the rights of individuals to their freedom, but if the evidence of crimes is found for a guilty verdict, Câroon justice is swift and in measure with the crime. There are some prisons, although execution is not uncommon in extreme cases. A very vital belief in the criminal justice department is the need for detaining all suspects to crime. However this governmental restraint is quickly lifted shall there be any counter-evidence provided to the court. Past judiciary matters, the government mainly focuses on the cities. Each Region is usually left to its own governing, but the cities are where those from all Regions come together and so the City Council sees to it that there are laws in place to protect each individual, particularly against customary/inter-region differences.

Technology

The Câroon have developed a great deal of technology in their past, equalling the Federation, but over the past century there has been movement back to simpler living. Technology is almost exclusive to the large cities now. Those interested in it move there and the rest live further from it, surrounded by the nature of their dear planet. Their lives are considered 'quaint' or 'archaic' by modern Federation opinions, but they prefer to be in touch with the nature around them.

Câroon do not, however, shun technology. Most simply prefer to live with as little of it as possible - using only what each individual or family feels they need in their lives. Those who wish for more, move to the cities.

This is not a trait owned by the Earth Region, instead, focusing on their industrious prosperity and requiring citizen involvement in City development.

Mythology

Over the course of their long history of building and rebuilding in the wake of the planet's shifting conditions, the people of Câroon have worshipped their planet's soul in many ways. Numerous religions have come and gone, all naming their planet in different ways and tried to quell its violent nature, but over time, the need for religions have died away - leaving the people of Câroon still in awe of their home world, but at peace with the fact that they are both depending on it and trying to survive it. The myths have ceased to be spoken, and the cults have died away. The acceptance of their planet's soul, the zi'naaq and the gifts they bring to them as a species have come to suffice. Nonetheless, scholars are still left in wonder as to how the formation of such a mysterious aura came to be — how the zi’naaq manifested itself in the people with its bond to the planet.

Special Notes

With great focus and mental effort, the Câroon are able to manipulate the elements around them - the four distinct elements of their planet: Air, Fire, Water, Earth. They can do this with any element they can touch or get very close to. If they touch water, they can make waves, air can make a breeze or they can change the shape or size of a flame or make the ground shake. It tends to be very limited and short lived, requiring significant concentration. There are only two directions that the psionic energies of the elements can travel - outwards or inwards - and the seven zi'naaq funnel the direction in which they are absorbed and released.

The zi'naaq run parallel to the spine from the root zi'naaq at the base through to the crown zi'naaq on the top of the head, and with one zi'naaq in each shoulder. They form a part of a subtle energy body, along with the energy channels extending from them all

To be precise, two side channels cross the centre channel at the location of each zi'naaq - possessing a number of spokes. The activity of each zi'naaq is to receive and transmit the four energies within the Câroon body’s energy system. When admitting energy and releasing it, the seven zi'naaq become temporarily unbalanced, and by funnelling too much energy, the Câroon may fall unconscious or even die.

The word "zi'naaq" is Câroon term meaning a turning wheel or disk, and the effect of seven balanced zi'naaq result in one’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual centres working together in a balanced and harmonious manner. If one - or more - zi'naaq are under-active or over-active (too open or too closed for the energy flow] then the individual it out of balance. This would effect his or her physical, mental and emotional centres. Manipulating the elements in such a state has the same effect as when trying to funnel too much energy. In short, if a Cârroon's energy body is out of balance, his or her real body takes the toll.

Historically, when the Câroon first found the abilities of their zi'naaq, the few surviving myths say that some Câroon were able to use the elements on large scales, but no one with this strength has been seen in centuries.Their ability of elemental manipulation is at its strongest on their home planet, although it does not go away completely if they leave Câroon. It simply weakens, and the manipulation requires a great deal more effort to achieve.

Federation scientists have debated that the zi'naaq energy body - akin to the chakras of Earth's ancient tantric traditions among humans - has no proven relationship with the anatomy or physiology of the Câroon body. Nothing resembling the energy of the zi'naaq nor the chakras has ever been detected, despite the exquisite sensitivity of modern instruments. All that is known is that the psionic energy of the zi'naaq only becomes visible when a Câroon manipulate the elements - showing on tricorder readings and even more plainly in how the light of the crown zi'naaq shine through their eyes. Yet as much as a mystery the dormant zi'naaq may be, nor can the Federation scientists explain "regular" psionic energy that is associated with telepathy, so the elemental psionic powers of Câroon still fall into the same unexplained category as the abilities of Vulcan.

There is a last unique element to the Câroon species, although it's source is not fully understood, but something in their neurological make-up makes it impossible for the empathic and telepathic races to get a 'read' on them. Speculation holds it that the energy centres in their bodies disrupt the perception of their brain synapses, but as of yet, no definitive answers have been found.