Klingon Empire

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Klingon Empire
Basic information
Capital(s)	First City, Qo'nos
Founded	9th century
Official Language	Klingonese
Official Currency	Klingon darsek
Political Information
Military Branches	Klingon Imperial Fleet Klingon Defense Force
Template:Government

The Klingon Empire (also referred to as the Imperial Klingon Empire or Klingon Imperial Empire) is the official state of the Klingon people, founded in the 9th century by Kahless the Unforgettable, who first united the Klingon homeworld of Qo'noS. Since then the Klingon Empire has expanded its sphere of influence by conquering numerous systems and incorporating them into the Empire.

Non-Klingon subjects of the Klingon Empire are called "jeghpu'wI'", a status greater than slave, but less than citizen.

History

See also Klingon history

Following the end of the Dominion War, much of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants (including the Klingon Empire) saw a return to relative peace and stability. Thanks to the leadership of Chancellor Martok, reconstruction efforts advanced considerably, and the Great Houses have kept disputes either as largely political matters or settled them in private.

Much of this reconstruction effort was focused on the Klingon Defense Force which, having sustained massive losses both leading up to and during the Dominion War, required considerable replenishment. A massive project was undertaken to modernize their aging reserve fleet. Although this has reduced their capabilities by roughly thirty percent as forces are rotated in and out, it is expected to be completed sometime before the year 2400.

Martok's rule has brought other benefits to the empire as well, thanks to being seen as highly popular both within as well as beyond the empire's borders. It has been said this is a result of his commoner upbringing, successful war record, natural charisma, and direct manner of speaking. Regardless, he has not only managed to keep the Great Houses in line, but also maintained good relations with neighboring powers such as the Federation. Indeed, joint ventures of mutual interest have been commonplace.

Despite these many successes, the empire has also seen its share of conflict in recent years. Rogue commanders, political machinations, and the situation involving the Romulan supernova have created various challenges for Martok and his supporters. Additionally, tensions with the Gorn Hegemony have been on the rise as escalations and insults along their mutual border have grown in intensity, leading the empire to declare a limited-scale, open conflict against the hegemony in 2394. Speculation abounds as to the motivation behind this decision, though some believe Martok may be allowing this as a means to remove his enemies from Qo'nos while he deals with the ongoing Romulan refugee crisis in Klingon space.

Territory

See also Klingon territory

Government

The Klingon Empire was first formed around the end of the first millennium, though this Empire fell to the Hur'q. As well as the ancient Karsid Empire. The Klingons soon recovered and began to rebuild their Empire. By the 22nd century the Klingons had become a major power in the Beta Quadrant.

Officially, the Klingon Empire is a feudal monarchy, with power residing in the Emperor, who is traditionally a descendant of Kahless. In reality, however, power lies with the Klingon High Council. The position of emperor was abandoned (but not officially abolished) in the mid-21st century, but was revived in 2369 when a group of clerics created a clone of Kahless, who was accepted as the new Emperor, albeit only as a religious figurehead.

The Chancellor, the true leader of the Empire, is head of the High Council, which consists of twenty-four members representing various Great Houses (tuqmey, essentially, the nobility). The Chancellor is protected at all times by the Yan-Isleth (Brotherhood of the Sword).

Women are not normally permitted to hold seats on the High Council. Despite that, Azetbur, the daughter of Chancellor Gorkon, was permitted to succeed him as Chancellor in 2293. Chancellor Azetbur was later assassinated by a Klingon named Ditagh, who hoped that after her death the more powerful General Kaarg would rise to power. Kaarg did indeed rise to power and it was he who would forbid women ever on the High Council again.

Various factions almost constantly challenge the leadership of the Empire, and so over time the Klingons have developed a strict and rigorous Rite of Succession to determine their leader. According to tradition, one was permitted to challenge the leader on the grounds of cowardice or dishonourable conduct and fight in single combat. Should the challenger slay the incumbent, he assumed the role of the new leader.

Because of the Klingon propensity for violence, shrewd Klingon chancellors have always redirected hostilities outward, where they would otherwise cause a civil war. In the 2150s, the Klingon chancellor instructed Duras to recapture Jonathan Archer after the latter escaped imprisonment on Rura Penthe. In this way, the chancellor focused the blame for certain internal problems on an external cause. Likewise, Gowron focused his soldiers' energies on invading first the Cardassian Union and later the Federation in order to avoid internal conflicts at home.

Aside from challenges to the primary leadership of the Empire, there is also frequent feuding between the various Great Houses. Most often, the challenge is made on the floor of the High Council and resolved on the battlefield. However, on occasion, some "dishonourable" House leaders choose to make more insidious attacks by undermining the standing of their enemies.

Agencies and institutions

• Klingon Defense Force (KDF)
  • Klingon Oversight Council
  • Order of the Bat'keth
  • Order of Kahless

• Klingon High Council
  • Great Houses

• Klingon Imperial information net
• Klingon Intelligence
• Klingon Medical Division
• Warrior caste
• Yan-Iselth (Brotherhood of the Sword)

Culture

See also Klingon

Klingon law is quite brutal towards offenders, with criminal sentences including imprisonment on the ice mines of Rura Penthe or even death. During the trial, the Judicial Charter of Koloth allows the Advocate to attack the charges made against them at any point during the tribunal.

Klingon colonies tend to be equipped with special structures that appeal to the Klingon race such as the Hunting Grounds and Hall of Learning.

Religion plays an important part in the Klingon Empire, and many are devout worshipers of Kahless, or the Kuvah'magh. Many Klingons also celebrate religious holidays, including the Day of Honor and the Kot'baval festival.