Phoenician


This article is official Pegasus Fleet canon.
Phoenican
Survey Data
Star System:

Phaan system

Region:

Thuban Sector

Quadrant:

Alpha Quadrant

Classification:

Class-O

First Contact:

2278 (USS Farragut)

Political Information
Affiliation:

Non-allied galactic traders

Capital:

Aymar, Phaan Prime

Political System:

Representative Autocracy

Population:

~26 billion

Biological Information
Type:

Humanoid

Atmosphere type:

Oceanic

Development Stage:

Warp-Capable

Character:

Egalitarian traders

Number of Eyes:

2

[ Source ]

The Phoenicians (Phaan in their local language) are traders with a more egalitarian edge than the ruthless Ferengi. Their need for profit does not drive them individually but instead drives them as a people. They desire the incorporation of greater technology as well as trading in latinum. For the Phoenicians, trading is about the joy of the trade itself rather than a profitable outcome. For this reason, they are often seen as preferable trading partners to Ferengi, especially in the Galactic South.

Phoenicians usually reach around 7ft in height. The Phoenicians are strong swimmers, based on their evolutionary need to swim in the watery environment of their home planet. They carry themselves with a gangly, ill-postured gait - another throwback to their evolutionary dislike of land. Their skin is covered in numerous hexagonal plates which form a tough armour plating. Their skin is a mottled grey which becomes closer to luminescent in proximity to water.

The Phoenicians have created a complicated language composed of hundreds of different tribal languages and trade-terms over the centuries since they were first encountered by the Federation. If a Phoenician doesn't want you to know what he's saying then you may as well turn off your universal translator. It will never catch up.

It is rumoured that the Phoenicians can communicate with one another by pulses sent out from a discolouration on their forehead but this has not been proven.

History

Early History

The Phoenicians began trading amongst themselves. After years of fighting and tribal unrest, the leaders of the main tribes came together and decided to work towards a mutually beneficial society while maintaining their unique cultural identities. The Tyrian, who were famous for their cloth, began a trading arrangement with the Akkadian and the Cadmus tribes who were renowned for their shipbuilding and metalwork respectively. Many of the smaller tribes did their best to come in on this arrangement but they were quickly swallowed up and incorporated into the main three tribes, meaning an ever-expanding skills base was available.

Due to the planetary geography of Phaan Prime, the Phoenicians built stunning galleons to ply their trade in, many of which can still be seen perfectly preserved in museums on the planet today. It is an unusual fact of Galactic Anthropology that the Phoenicians did not perfect air travel until they had managed space flight, deciding that they had very little use for it.

21st - 23rd Centuries

The Phoenicians perfected warp flight with one thing in mind. Further trade. They had become unsettled merely trading resources between tribes and decided that if they came together, they could go out into the universe and find people to trade with. It is often speculated that had there been 'nothing out there', the Phoenician culture would have imploded on itself, descending into war and plunder. Luckily for them, the galaxy was teeming with life and they quickly garnered a reputation as able space traders, able to source pretty much anything that was required, if they were unable to make it themselves.

24th Century - Present Day

Since the early days of their trading empire, The Phoenicians have become one of the primary trading races in Galactic South. Trusted for their nature of joyous trade and their ability to deliver cargo on time. Phoenician trading outposts have become the norm in Galactic South, with many planetary bodies having one as well as many Federation Starbases. Recent Ferengi movements into Galactic South have done little to deter the Phoenicians who have continued to expand their reputation for fine products and excellent service right across the region.

Planetary Information

The planet of Phaan Prime is made up of more than 80% water which is why the Phoenicians have evolved as they have. The planet's layout and geography was most conducive to the the trading style that the Phoenicians adopted back in the early days of their planet.

Their capital, Aymar, is a city that spirals high into the sky, providing numerous docking ports for trading ships and the lower levels provide delights the likes of which many a weary traveller may have thought they'd never see again.

Technology

In terms of vessels, the Phoenicians do a lovely line in vessels known as 'Sprinters', a highly sought-after commodity. They are small craft (usually built for around ten to fifteen people) which can be piloted and maintained by one crewmember. Akin to the luxury yachts of old earth and a throwback to their own sovereign vessels from when they traded on the high seas of Phaan Prime, the Sprinter is a luxury that only the Galaxy's richest can afford.

For Phoenicians themselves, they have put all of their efforts into two classes of vessel. The first is a light, fast cruiser which is capable of maintaining warp 9 for prolonged periods. It is used to make small shipments and reach outlying areas quickly. The second is a heavy carrier which is capable only of warp 6 for prolonged periods but carries a staggering amount of cargo. These two vessels are the mainstay of the Phoenician Corporation and are a large contributor to their success as traders.

Government

The government works in a Corporation structure with a group close to a 'board of directors' making long term and short term decisions for their people. They are made up of:

  • The Idyal - The "Chairman" of the board (currently a Phoenician by the name of Nirian)
  • The Gadirs - Who act as the 'board', making decisions etc.

The Gadirs are made up of two representatives from each of the Grand Phoenician Tribes; the Tyrian, the Akkadian and the Cadmus. All of whom have traded peacefully for thousands of years.

Successful merchants (of which there are a great many) are able to vote for the board and these merchants are split into two categories:

  • Idiqra - Noble merchants, renowned and recognised for their work in Galactic South.
  • Idiqru - Merchants who have chosen to trade internally within the Phoenician Corporation.

The Idiqru are not as castigated as one might expect as they are seen as a vital economic cog in the machine of the Corporation, keeping the wheels of trade turning even after the goods have been brought in.