Difference between revisions of "Cardassian"

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[[Image:367px-Dukat-closeup.jpg|thumb|Gul Dukat, a male Cardassian]]
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[[Image:367px-Dukat-closeup.jpg|thumb|[[Gul]] [[Dukat]], a male Cardassian]]
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The Cardassians are a [[humanoid]] species from the [[Alpha Quadrant]]. They are native to the planet [[Cardassia Prime]], capital world of the [[Cardassian Union]].
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The Cardassians are a [[humanoid]] species from the [[Alpha Quadrant]]. They are native to the planet [[Cardassia Prime]]. <br>
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<i>This species is playable with approval from the Admin team. </i><br>
  
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==Physiology==
 
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The Cardassians evolved from reptilian ancestors and they prefer a darker, hotter, and more humid environment than [[Humans]].
 
  
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Externally, Cardassians are easily recognizable by each having light-gray skin, two thick vertical neck ridges that recede back to the crown of their head and an inverted tear-shaped ridge in the center of the forehead. The ridge is thickest immediately above the eyes, protecting them and creating an especially deep-set appearance. There is also another inverted tear-shaped ridge feature in the center of the Cardassian chest. On Cardassian females, the ridge in the center of the forehead has a blue coloration, as does the second or third rung down on their neck ridges.
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==Biology & Physiology==
  
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They have straight hair that varies in color from jet black to, less frequently, dark brown. Males typically slick their hair back, while the women have more varying hairstyles. As with [[Human]]s, their hair turns white with age. Furthermore, a Cardassian's hearing is not as acute as a [[Human]]'s.
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Often referred to as "reptilian [[humanoid]]s", Cardassians prefer a darker, hotter, and more humid environment than other humanoid-type species.  
  
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Medical conditions to which Cardassians are susceptible include [[Coleibric hemorrhage]] and [[Yarim Fel Syndrome]].
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Externally, this species is easily recognizable by their light-gray skin, two thick, vertical neck ridges that recede back towards the crown of their head, and an inverted tear-shaped ridge in the center of the forehead. Said ridge is thickest immediately above the eyes, protecting them and creating an especially deep-set appearance. Some Cardassians have another ridged feature, also in the shape of an inverted tear, in the center of their chests, while other members of the species do not have this trait.
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* Some Cardassians, especially females, choose to "color in" their head ridge and/or neck ridges for cosmetic purposes.
 +
* Cardassian neck ridges were sensitive to touch and massaging them stimulated pleasure.
  
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==Society and Culture==
 
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===Philosophy===
 
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The ideal Cardassian life is one of complete loyalty and servitude to the State. The Cardassian government is assumed to be omniscient, omnipotent and benevolent. In a sense, when the Cardassians abandoned their spiritual ways and began their expansion throughout the [[Alpha Quadrant]] centuries ago, they simply applied a twisted form of their religion to their political philosophy.
 
  
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A typical example of the Cardassian approach to life is found in their criminal trials, in which the verdict is always determined beforehand, and the purpose of the proceedings is not justice in the [[human]] sense but bringing the offender to recognize the power and benevolence of the State. The typical Cardassian approach is direct, simple and ruthless, uncaring about how many aliens—or Cardassians—are trampled on in the interests of the state. Cardassians pride themselves on their attention to detail and memories. They have no interest in science for its own worth, and demand that scientific projects, like everything, serve military benefits.
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Cardassians typically have straight hair, which varies in color from dark brown to jet black.  
  
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In the aftermath of the [[Dominion]] War, and the utter devastation it created for Cardassia, it remains to be seen whether a new philosophy may emerge. One of the greatest questions facing the [[Alpha Quadrant]] is whether Cardassia will remain entrenched in its old, bloody system or if a reform to a more [[United Federation of Planets|Federation]]-style democracy is possible.
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As with [[Human]]s, their hair turns white with age, though some male Cardassians have a tendency to dye their hair, instead of letting it show white.  
  
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===Family===
 
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Family is considered a Cardassian's greatest asset, with three or more generations in one home.  Similar to some other cultures, Cardassians expect their young to remain loyal to their families; an order from one's mother or father should be obeyed.  Sometimes, Cardassian children will visit their parents at work to see what they do (e.g. a torture chamber).  On the other hand, Cardassian orphans have no place in their society.  To be looked upon favorably, one must also take care never to show weakness; indeed, the irony in the Human tragedy ''Julius Caesar'' was lost on Garak, who thought Caesar a fool for not suspecting that Brutus would betray him.
 
  
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===Education===
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* Cardassians have red blood.
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The education system implemented on Cardassia dictates that intellectual pursuits begin at the young age of 3 or 4. Every Cardassian is raised with an appreciation of fine arts and culture, though the government may not have always been so open-minded in its policies. Educational attainment is regarded as a major source of social status and the source of creativity in Cardassian society. The Cardassians are known for their photographic memories, while some even have the ability to resist a [[Vulcan]] mind meld.
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* The Cardassians have a reputation for having "photographic memories," which according to some accounts, are enabled by rigorous childhood training. <br>Some Cardassian minds are trained to be so hardy that they can resist a [[Vulcan]] mind-meld.
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:* Possibly due to this, Cardassians are known for being meticulous record keepers.
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* Their sense of hearing is said to be less acute than that of [[Human]]s.
 +
* Common medical conditions include Rudellian plague, Coleibric hemorrhage, Kalla-Nohra Syndrome, Pottrik Syndrome, and [[Yarim Fel Syndrome]].  
  
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===Legal System===
 
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Cardassian society has the most rigid and, to the [[United Federation of Planets|Federation]], incomprehensible of all legal systems. Every suspect is guilty before even appearing in court, their sentence already spelled out - almost always death. No prisoner ever escapes the death penalty, and only very tempting incentives can change the sentence to a lifetime in a labor camp. The criminal is given a Conservator, equivalent to a public defender, except that the Conservator is not supposed to win but to prepare the criminal for a moving confession of guilt on the floor of the court. The accused is also permitted an advocate, the Nestor, to advise them during the trial. The Chief Archon, or judge, of the court plays to a televised audience, her duty not to judge the prisoner's innocence or guilt, but rather to give an emphatic display of the futility of crime on Cardassia and reinforce the public's trust in the justice system.
 
  
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===Aging===
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===Evolution===
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Unlike [[Human]]s, Cardassians don't avoid or try to slow the aging process, instead welcoming old age and the power and wisdom it denotes. Aging is seen as a sign of strength and power in Cardassian society; for example, the 40th birthday of a [[Human]], a dreaded event in their culture, would thus be cause for celebration for a Cardassian.  
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Cardassians appear to have evolved from a creature with both reptilian and mammalian traits, perhaps similar to [[Earth]]'s prehistoric [[wikipedia:Therapsid|Therapsids]].
  
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Another aspect of great importance in Cardassian culture is to outlive your enemies. Enabran Tain told his son on his death bed ''"A man shouldn't allow his enemies to outlive him"''. When an elderly family member is dying, they will generally enact the tradition of Shri-tal, thus passing on all of their secrets to another family member so they may use them against the dying one's enemies.
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Their head and torso ridges evolved as a defense mechanism against predatory attack. (These ridges grow more prominent as Cardassians grow.)
  
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===Architecture===
 
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The Cardassian design ethic shows a preference for dark colors.  Their architecture tends to have things in sets of three, and to have a sense of symmetry.  Designs favor trapezoids instead of squares, and ovals instead of circles. Cardassian architecture also typically has the commanding officer's office above the rest of the operations center. This is so that all others present are forced to look up at the commander with respect.
 
  
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===Other Notes===
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===Anatomy===
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Like [[Romulan]]s, Cardassians do not believe in luck.
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* Cardassians are barrel-chested and slightly heavier than [[Human]]s, a result of both evolution and [[Cardassia]]'s thicker [[atmosphere]] and slightly higher gravity. <br>Their thick skins and tough bodies allow Cardassians to tolerate pain better than most other species which meant that they possessed a higher pain threshold.
  
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Cardassians, much like the [[Dominion]], are known for their punctuality.
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* Elongated vertebrae, covered in scaly plate sections, extend along their necks.  
  
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Men, as well as women, may serve in the military, though it may be that only men are drafted. Women, on the other hand, are the majority in the sciences.
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* Segmented brow ridges extend down from the forehead and circle the eyes, giving them a slightly "hooded" look.
 +
 
 +
* An unsegmented ridge known as "chufa" extends upward from the tip of the nose to a spoon-shaped protrusion in the center of the forehead.
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 +
* Heads and torsos have an array of prominent ridges, made up of cartilage, and evolved as a defense against predatory attack. <br>These ridges grow more prominent as young Cardassians develop through adolescence.
 +
 
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 +
Cardassians are well known for genetic engineering, even allowing other galactic powers to study their creations, such as the Federation. <br>To distinguish their own creations, Cardassians always built distinctive monoclonial links into the DNA they used.
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 +
 
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At age ten, it is told that Cardassians give their first molar to the Bureau of Identification.
 +
 
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 +
===Reproduction===
 +
Cardassians are able to produce offspring with a variety of species, including [[Bajoran]]s, [[Kazon]], and [[Human]]s.
 +
* Although the basic facial features of half-Cardassians are softened by hybridization, they nevertheless show additional unmistakable traits of their Cardassian heritage of dark hair and gray skin.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==Culture==
 +
This culture is hierarchical, with the State at the top in public life, and parents within the home.
 +
* Family are highly valued, with both male and female parents sharing authority.
 +
 
 +
Cardassians value advanced age as a sign of strength, power, and wisdom, and the thirtieth birthday in particular is cause for celebration.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
Cardassian architecture itself reinforces their established hierarchy by placing important individuals in physically high locations. The emphasis on hierarchy and other factors are also fertile ground for intense rivalries between individuals and families. As a result, Cardassians were generally suspicious and regarded those who were not as foolish.
 +
* Cardassian homes are typically multi-generational, and great value is placed on the continuation of family lines. <br>In contrast to the close-knit family unit, Cardassian culture did not regard orphans highly, and provided no obvious means of social welfare for them, though adoption was not unheard of.
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Cardassians are known for their punctuality, as well and their cleanliness.
 +
 
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===Relationships===
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Cardassians enjoy debate and conversation in general. Cardassian meal time is as much about discussion as it was about eating. They have been known to speak at length about a topic to show their knowledge, avoid saying something incriminating, or to obtain some piece of information from the person they were speaking to. Such was their love of conversation that it played a major role in their courtship. Courtship among Cardassians may include bitter, ferocious arguing. Pressing the palm of one's hand to another's palm was the equivalent of a kiss on the cheek.
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Neither of the two Cardassian genders are considered universally dominant over the other, though each tends to be dominant within certain specific fields within their society.
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Among their people, female Cardassians were generally considered too important to be allowed within the military, due to their ability to carry young.
 +
* Marriage ceremonies ("enjoinments") typically required the woman to return to relative safety, while the male continued to serve.
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* In the past, males had prominently lead a life focused on military and political service, and thus societal advances in technology and engineering have always been spearheaded by Cardassian females.
 +
:* This does not mean that women are relegated to maintaining the Cardassian technological base, as there were various female ship commanders and political leaders.
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Cardassians have been compared to [[Romulan]]s due to their xenophobic tendencies.
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They are known for treating their prisoners with little tolerance or sympathy, with no qualms regarding using torture in order to extract information.
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===Religion===
 +
According to Cardassian beliefs, their race was raised to sentience from the swamps of [[Cardassia]] by their creators, who watched over Ailam and Neeron; the first Cardassians.
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The Cardassians were gifted with both sentience and a soul by the creators, who gave the race the umbilicus that marks their foreheads.
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Post-Oralian religion practices the worship of the helmeted Galor, a type of demonic deity that symbolizes power.
 +
* This mythological, warrior being also inspired [[Cardassia Prime]] to launch the vessel class with the same name.
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Ancient Cardassian civilization exhibited vibrant religious practice; its rituals and structure were unknown. In order to survive frequent famine and plagues, Cardassian society embraced a totalitarian police-state. As the ancient religion was a deviation from utter devotion to the government, the modern Cardassian Union was founded as a non-theistic society where loyalty to the State achieved profound importance.
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After [[First_contact#Bajor_.2F_Cardassian_First_Contact|first contact with the Bajoran people]], the Oralian Way died out, though fragments of it continued to exist secretly in their society.
 +
* Following the collapse of the military regime in [[2376]], such religious suppression began to be lifted, and the Oralian way began to grow in popularity.
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Cardassian have been observed conducting funeral practices. Services are open to the public, especially in the cases of memorials. Graves are believed to be only in-ground burials, and are marked, especially those of high-ranking or famous people, such as war heroes or great scientists, with monuments of varying degrees. Cardassians considered viewing of their corpses by non-Cardassians taboo.
 +
 
 +
A unique aspect of Cardassian end-of-life practice was known as "Shri-tal", when a dying family member passed on all their secrets to their surviving relatives so they could use them against the dying one's enemies.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
===Judicial System===
 +
In jurisprudence and criminal trials, the conclusion is always determined beforehand: the ruling of each case is a guilty verdict.
 +
* The purpose of the proceedings were not justice (in the Human sense), but bringing the offender to recognize the power and benevolence of the State.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The purposes of a Cardassian trial are therefore opportunities for the State to reveal the defendant's guilt.
 +
The notion that an innocent man would be tried by mistake is a foreign concept to the Cardassians, as they always operate[d] under the assumption that "Cardassians don't make mistakes."
 +
 
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Cardassian philosophy typically upholds the idea that the ends justify the means.
 +
* For example, the extraction of [[Bajor]]'s natural resources was considered an appropriate means to feed Cardassia's population, despite the fact it required the occupation of the [[Bajoran]]s' [[homeworld]].
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===Education & the Arts===
 +
Cardassians consider their education system to be unparalleled in the [[Alpha Quadrant]]. Children are often put into intensive mind-training programs, from as early as three or four. During this time, they are trained to have photographic memories.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
The arts, specifically literature and painting, are highly regarded in Cardassian culture.
 +
* Literature often reflects values, such as family, duty, and the glorification of the state.  
  
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Cardassians give their first molar to the Cardassian Bureau of Identification at age ten.
 
  
 
==Technology==
 
==Technology==
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In 2367, Cardassian technology was notably inferior to that of the [[United Federation of Planets|Federation]]. A Cardassian warship was easily destroyed by the USS ''Phoenix'', even when the warship had the ability to penetrate the Phoenix's shields.  Cardassians on board the ''Enterprise''-D made several comments about the superiority of [[United Federation of Planets|Federation]] technology, notably the ship's transporter technology, as well as the vessel's sensors, which were able to detect the classification of Cardassian ships at long ranges, an ability that Cardassian sensors did not have.  However, at this time, Cardassians did possess the ability to mask the contents of their supply ships from the Enterprise's scans.
+
By [[2367]], Cardassian technology had become notably inferior compared to [[Starfleet]]. However, Cardassian ships did possess the ability to mask the contents of their supply ships from Federation scans.  
  
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Nevertheless, the Cardassians were formidable opponents. The bulk of the Cardassian Guard consisted of ''Galor''-class ships, which were outclassed by ''Galaxy''- and ''Nebula''-class Federation ships, though they had no trouble dealing with ''Miranda''- or ''Excelsior''-class vessels. Furthermore, despite the [[Federation]]'s superior vessels, the [[Federation]]-Cardassian War saw a stalemate between the two powers for a prolonged period of time. Admiral Haden told Jean-Luc Picard ''"the Federation is not prepared for a new sustained conflict"'' with the Cardassians, revealing that, despite the technological advantage the [[United Federation of Planets|Federation]] had, the Cardassians were an even match for the interstellar organization.
+
Despite advances in Federation technology, Cardassians remained formidable opponents to the Federation. Though shield technology was weaker, weapons were quite capable in their own right.
  
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During the [[Klingon]]-Cardassian War, the [[Klingon]]s rendered considerable damages to the Cardassian Guard due to their sudden, unprovoked invasion. Nevertheless, the Cardassians were able to sustain a stale-mate after the invasion blunted. Compensating for their ships' relative weaknesses, the Cardassians were able to win many engagements against the [[Klingon]]s by implementing decoys with sensor ghosts and holo-projections, before striking their confused enemies.
 
  
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:''Considering that the Cardassians are a militaristic society, it can be assumed that, despite their vessels' technological shortcomings, they are able to be formidable opponents in most engagements. This is probably why the [[Federation]]-Cardassian War proved to be a stalemate as opposed to an easy victory for the [[Federation]], as well as why the Cardassians were able to cause a stalemate in the later conflict with the [[Klingon]]s. ''
+
Known Cardassian technology includes [[starship]]s, [[transporter]]s, [[shield]]s, [[Starship Weaponry|phase weapons]], and [[cloaking device]]s.
  
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==Government==
 
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The governing body of Cardassia is the Cardassian Union. The elected Detapa Council has ruled for centuries but, over the years, the Council's power was usurped by Cardassian Central Command, the military branch of the government, transforming Cardassia into a police state similar to Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union. By the late 24th century, the Central Command's control was slipping due to civilian protests and the Cardassian dissident movement. The Obsidian Order had been given limited autonomy and thus took a very active role in Cardassians' lives, but it was forbidden from raising an army and its autonomy could be revoked at any time.
 
  
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The latter half of the century saw significant changes. A secret joint operation between the Obsidian Order and the [[Romulan]] Tal Shiar, intended to cripple the [[Dominion]], raised an armada of ships armed with cloaking devices. Led by Enabran Tain, the plan nearly succeeded but was sabotaged by a [[Founder]] infiltrator. The joint Cardassian-[[Romulan]] fleet was utterly destroyed at the Battle of the Omarion Nebula, and the staggering losses suffered by the Order combined with public outcry caused its downfall.
+
By the late [[24th Century]], Cardassians were known to use beritium, dolamide, kelindide, rhodinium and uridium in the construction of ships and military equipment.
  
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Without the Obsidian Order to keep the populace in line, the dissident movement eventually succeeded in securing control of the government. A civilian uprising reinstated the power of the Detapa Council, but this drew the attention of the nearby [[Klingon]] Empire. Claiming that the Detapa Council included [[Founder]]s, Chancellor Gowron (who was himself under the influence of a Founder infiltrator) initiated the [[Klingon]]-Cardassian War in a thinly veiled attempt to seize control of Cardassian territory. This tension, combined with terrorist pressure from the Maquis in the Demilitarized Zone, resulted in utter chaos... until Dukat secretly negotiated Cardassia's entry into the [[Dominion]].
 
  
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When Gul Dukat completed negotiations with the [[Dominion]] in 2373, the Detapa Council ceased to exist altogether, just as the Obsidian Order had two years prior. Placed as the leader of the Cardassian Union, Gul Dukat had control over the majority of Cardassian affairs. However, he was forced to work under the regulations of the [[Dominion]]. During the first three months of the [[Dominion]] War, Dukat generally controlled the Cardassian and [[Dominion]] fleets, with Weyoun, a [[Vorta]], overseeing his decisions. Dukat was able to maintain an equal standing with Weyoun, though both were subjected to the unquestionable orders of the [[Founders]].
+
The [[Cardassian Union]] -or at least the [[Obsidian Order]]- is proficient enough to hold superior mastery of espionage technology, genetic engineering, surgical alteration, torturing techniques and devices, and even memory wiping and implantation technology.
  
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After Dukat's breakdown into insanity due to the death of his daughter, Tora Ziyal, Damar was placed in command of the Cardassian people. Since the new leader lacked the self-confidence and leadership skills of his former mentor and predecessor, Weyoun was able to take more and more control over the Cardassian people, with Damar becoming little more than a figurehead. Eventually, Damar had absolutely no say in any political decisions. This became blatantly obvious when Weyoun made territorial concessions to the [[Breen]] in 2375 in order to convince them to join the [[Dominion]].
 
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Eventually, the Cardassians rebelled under Damar's leadership near the end of the [[Dominion]] War, allowing the [[Federation]] Alliance to gain a decisive advantage during the Battle of Cardassia and eventually win the [[Dominion]] War. The political future of Cardassia is left unknown at the end of the war, with the [[Dominion]] forced to surrender their governance over them.
 
  
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==History==
+
==Recent History==
 +
<i>For a full history of [[Cardassia Prime]], please click [[Cardassia_Prime#Timeline|HERE]]</i>.
  
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In its ancient history, before Cardassia became a military dictatorship, the Cardassian society was known as the Hebitians. It was home to fine art and beautiful architecture. Once the Hebitian civilization fell into decay from lack of natural resources, millions of Cardassians were starving and the planet was subjected to utter anarchy. Though the Hebitian society and way of life eventually became extinct, the remaining Cardassians turned to the military to solve their problems. This began the Cardassian policy of expansion into the galaxy, to provide the much-needed natural resources to sustain its population.
 
  
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During the 24th Century, Cardassians were involved in three cataclysmic wars. The first major war was with the [[Federation]] in the mid-24th Century, which ended in a turbulent peace treaty. A second war broke out when the [[Klingon]] Empire launched an unprovoked and unjustified invasion into Cardassian territory after a successful rebellion had overthrown the military's rule. The [[Klingon]]s believed the coup to be a result of [[Founder]] infiltration, and therefore attempted to take over the Cardassian Union. The coup was in fact successful due to the collapse of the Obsidian Order after the Battle of the Omarion Nebula. This war devastated Cardassian infrastructure, with a great loss of life and territory.
 
  
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The third and largest of these conflicts was the [[Dominion]] War. In order to drive out the [[Klingon]]s from their territory, destroy the Maquis in the Demilitarized Zone and regain Cardassia's status in the [[Alpha Quadrant]], Gul Dukat signed a treaty making Cardassia a member of the [[Dominion]]. Cardassian and [[Dominion]] forces proceeded to push the [[Klingon]] fleet out of Cardassian territory and wipe out the entire Maquis movement within a few days. While initially the alliance with the [[Dominion]] seemed to be beneficial to Cardassia, in the long run it resulted in an exponential loss of life ships. Near the end of the [[Dominion]] War, Cardassia Prime was struck by [[Jem'Hadar]] raids and orbital bombardment from the [[Dominion]] and [[Breen]] forces in orbit of the planet, which attempted to wipe out the Cardassian species entirely for their betrayal.
 
  
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{{Navbox
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When the [[4th Fleet]] attempted to secede from the Federation, Cardassians hoped the Federation would fall into civil war, and began to mobilize the [[Cardassian Union|Union's]] military to take advantage of it. <br>The Federation dispute was resolved before the Union was in position to take advantage of the chaos.
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| name      = Cardassian
 
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| title      = Additional Cardassian Pages
 
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| state      = {{{state|}}}
 
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| titlestyle = background:{{color {{!}} type={{#switch: {{#var:Affiliation}}
 
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| United Federation of Planets
 
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| Starfleet
 
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| Star Fleet=fed
 
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| Romulan=rom
 
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| Klingon
 
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| Klingon Empire=kling
 
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| Cardassian Union=card
 
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| Borg Collective=borg
 
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| Dominion=dom
 
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| Breen=breen
 
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| Vulcan=vul
 
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| Ferengi Alliance=fer
 
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| Bajoran Malitia=baj
 
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| Mirror Universe=mir
 
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| United Earth=ear
 
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| Species 8472=8472
 
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| Gorn Hegemony=gorn
 
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| Orion Syndicate=ori
 
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| 94a4b4}} }};
 
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| group1    =List of Cardassian Characters
 
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| list1      =<ncl style=compact maxdepth = 1>Category:Roster-Cardassian</ncl>
 
  
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}}
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Not wanting their military buildup to go to waste, the Cardassians began to claim several systems along their border with the [[Talarian Republic]] in [[2417]].
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In [[2418]], the Federation decided to explore the depths of the [[Alpha Quadrant]] and established [[Pioneer Outpost]] in the [[Dozaria]] System.
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This was seen as a hostile act by the Cardassian Union, as Pioneer's construction also cut off a planned route of Cardassian expansion, and tensions began to rise.
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<br><br>
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[[category: Cardassian]]
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[[Category: Cardassian Union]]

Latest revision as of 16:32, 12 October 2023

SPECIES
Cardassian Union logo.png CardassianCardassian Union logo.png
Cardassian Union logo.png
Homeworld:
 Cardassia Prime
Quadrant:
 Alpha
Affiliation:
 Cardassian Union
Biology
Average Male Height:
 175 cm (5 ft. 9 in.)
to 198 cm (6 ft. 6 in.)
Average Male Weight:
 79.4 kg (175 lb.)
to 117.9 kg (260 lb.)
Average Female Height:
 168 cm (5 ft. 6 in.)
to 191 cm (6 ft. 3 in.)
Average Female Weight:
 79.4 kg (175 lb.)
to 108.9 kg (240 lb.)
Minimum Academy Age:
 N/A
Life Expectancy:
 140
Distinctive Features:
Playability
PRC Rated:
 Approval from Admin team required
NPC Rated:
 Approval from Admin team required
AlphaQuadrant.jpg


Gul Dukat, a male Cardassian

The Cardassians are a humanoid species from the Alpha Quadrant. They are native to the planet Cardassia Prime.
This species is playable with approval from the Admin team.


Biology & Physiology

Often referred to as "reptilian humanoids", Cardassians prefer a darker, hotter, and more humid environment than other humanoid-type species.

Externally, this species is easily recognizable by their light-gray skin, two thick, vertical neck ridges that recede back towards the crown of their head, and an inverted tear-shaped ridge in the center of the forehead. Said ridge is thickest immediately above the eyes, protecting them and creating an especially deep-set appearance. Some Cardassians have another ridged feature, also in the shape of an inverted tear, in the center of their chests, while other members of the species do not have this trait.

  • Some Cardassians, especially females, choose to "color in" their head ridge and/or neck ridges for cosmetic purposes.
  • Cardassian neck ridges were sensitive to touch and massaging them stimulated pleasure.


Cardassians typically have straight hair, which varies in color from dark brown to jet black.

As with Humans, their hair turns white with age, though some male Cardassians have a tendency to dye their hair, instead of letting it show white.


  • Cardassians have red blood.
  • The Cardassians have a reputation for having "photographic memories," which according to some accounts, are enabled by rigorous childhood training.
    Some Cardassian minds are trained to be so hardy that they can resist a Vulcan mind-meld.
  • Possibly due to this, Cardassians are known for being meticulous record keepers.
  • Their sense of hearing is said to be less acute than that of Humans.
  • Common medical conditions include Rudellian plague, Coleibric hemorrhage, Kalla-Nohra Syndrome, Pottrik Syndrome, and Yarim Fel Syndrome.


Evolution

Cardassians appear to have evolved from a creature with both reptilian and mammalian traits, perhaps similar to Earth's prehistoric Therapsids.

Their head and torso ridges evolved as a defense mechanism against predatory attack. (These ridges grow more prominent as Cardassians grow.)


Anatomy

  • Cardassians are barrel-chested and slightly heavier than Humans, a result of both evolution and Cardassia's thicker atmosphere and slightly higher gravity.
    Their thick skins and tough bodies allow Cardassians to tolerate pain better than most other species which meant that they possessed a higher pain threshold.
  • Elongated vertebrae, covered in scaly plate sections, extend along their necks.
  • Segmented brow ridges extend down from the forehead and circle the eyes, giving them a slightly "hooded" look.
  • An unsegmented ridge known as "chufa" extends upward from the tip of the nose to a spoon-shaped protrusion in the center of the forehead.
  • Heads and torsos have an array of prominent ridges, made up of cartilage, and evolved as a defense against predatory attack.
    These ridges grow more prominent as young Cardassians develop through adolescence.


Cardassians are well known for genetic engineering, even allowing other galactic powers to study their creations, such as the Federation.
To distinguish their own creations, Cardassians always built distinctive monoclonial links into the DNA they used.


At age ten, it is told that Cardassians give their first molar to the Bureau of Identification.


Reproduction

Cardassians are able to produce offspring with a variety of species, including Bajorans, Kazon, and Humans.

  • Although the basic facial features of half-Cardassians are softened by hybridization, they nevertheless show additional unmistakable traits of their Cardassian heritage of dark hair and gray skin.


Culture

This culture is hierarchical, with the State at the top in public life, and parents within the home.

  • Family are highly valued, with both male and female parents sharing authority.

Cardassians value advanced age as a sign of strength, power, and wisdom, and the thirtieth birthday in particular is cause for celebration.


Cardassian architecture itself reinforces their established hierarchy by placing important individuals in physically high locations. The emphasis on hierarchy and other factors are also fertile ground for intense rivalries between individuals and families. As a result, Cardassians were generally suspicious and regarded those who were not as foolish.

  • Cardassian homes are typically multi-generational, and great value is placed on the continuation of family lines.
    In contrast to the close-knit family unit, Cardassian culture did not regard orphans highly, and provided no obvious means of social welfare for them, though adoption was not unheard of.


Cardassians are known for their punctuality, as well and their cleanliness.


Relationships

Cardassians enjoy debate and conversation in general. Cardassian meal time is as much about discussion as it was about eating. They have been known to speak at length about a topic to show their knowledge, avoid saying something incriminating, or to obtain some piece of information from the person they were speaking to. Such was their love of conversation that it played a major role in their courtship. Courtship among Cardassians may include bitter, ferocious arguing. Pressing the palm of one's hand to another's palm was the equivalent of a kiss on the cheek.


Neither of the two Cardassian genders are considered universally dominant over the other, though each tends to be dominant within certain specific fields within their society.

Among their people, female Cardassians were generally considered too important to be allowed within the military, due to their ability to carry young.

  • Marriage ceremonies ("enjoinments") typically required the woman to return to relative safety, while the male continued to serve.
  • In the past, males had prominently lead a life focused on military and political service, and thus societal advances in technology and engineering have always been spearheaded by Cardassian females.
  • This does not mean that women are relegated to maintaining the Cardassian technological base, as there were various female ship commanders and political leaders.


Cardassians have been compared to Romulans due to their xenophobic tendencies.

They are known for treating their prisoners with little tolerance or sympathy, with no qualms regarding using torture in order to extract information.


Religion

According to Cardassian beliefs, their race was raised to sentience from the swamps of Cardassia by their creators, who watched over Ailam and Neeron; the first Cardassians.

The Cardassians were gifted with both sentience and a soul by the creators, who gave the race the umbilicus that marks their foreheads.


Post-Oralian religion practices the worship of the helmeted Galor, a type of demonic deity that symbolizes power.

  • This mythological, warrior being also inspired Cardassia Prime to launch the vessel class with the same name.


Ancient Cardassian civilization exhibited vibrant religious practice; its rituals and structure were unknown. In order to survive frequent famine and plagues, Cardassian society embraced a totalitarian police-state. As the ancient religion was a deviation from utter devotion to the government, the modern Cardassian Union was founded as a non-theistic society where loyalty to the State achieved profound importance.


After first contact with the Bajoran people, the Oralian Way died out, though fragments of it continued to exist secretly in their society.

  • Following the collapse of the military regime in 2376, such religious suppression began to be lifted, and the Oralian way began to grow in popularity.


Cardassian have been observed conducting funeral practices. Services are open to the public, especially in the cases of memorials. Graves are believed to be only in-ground burials, and are marked, especially those of high-ranking or famous people, such as war heroes or great scientists, with monuments of varying degrees. Cardassians considered viewing of their corpses by non-Cardassians taboo.

A unique aspect of Cardassian end-of-life practice was known as "Shri-tal", when a dying family member passed on all their secrets to their surviving relatives so they could use them against the dying one's enemies.


Judicial System

In jurisprudence and criminal trials, the conclusion is always determined beforehand: the ruling of each case is a guilty verdict.

  • The purpose of the proceedings were not justice (in the Human sense), but bringing the offender to recognize the power and benevolence of the State.


The purposes of a Cardassian trial are therefore opportunities for the State to reveal the defendant's guilt. The notion that an innocent man would be tried by mistake is a foreign concept to the Cardassians, as they always operate[d] under the assumption that "Cardassians don't make mistakes."


Cardassian philosophy typically upholds the idea that the ends justify the means.

  • For example, the extraction of Bajor's natural resources was considered an appropriate means to feed Cardassia's population, despite the fact it required the occupation of the Bajorans' homeworld.


Education & the Arts

Cardassians consider their education system to be unparalleled in the Alpha Quadrant. Children are often put into intensive mind-training programs, from as early as three or four. During this time, they are trained to have photographic memories.


The arts, specifically literature and painting, are highly regarded in Cardassian culture.

  • Literature often reflects values, such as family, duty, and the glorification of the state.


Technology

By 2367, Cardassian technology had become notably inferior compared to Starfleet. However, Cardassian ships did possess the ability to mask the contents of their supply ships from Federation scans.

Despite advances in Federation technology, Cardassians remained formidable opponents to the Federation. Though shield technology was weaker, weapons were quite capable in their own right.


Known Cardassian technology includes starships, transporters, shields, phase weapons, and cloaking devices.


By the late 24th Century, Cardassians were known to use beritium, dolamide, kelindide, rhodinium and uridium in the construction of ships and military equipment.


The Cardassian Union -or at least the Obsidian Order- is proficient enough to hold superior mastery of espionage technology, genetic engineering, surgical alteration, torturing techniques and devices, and even memory wiping and implantation technology.


Recent History

For a full history of Cardassia Prime, please click HERE.



When the 4th Fleet attempted to secede from the Federation, Cardassians hoped the Federation would fall into civil war, and began to mobilize the Union's military to take advantage of it.
The Federation dispute was resolved before the Union was in position to take advantage of the chaos.


Not wanting their military buildup to go to waste, the Cardassians began to claim several systems along their border with the Talarian Republic in 2417.


In 2418, the Federation decided to explore the depths of the Alpha Quadrant and established Pioneer Outpost in the Dozaria System.

This was seen as a hostile act by the Cardassian Union, as Pioneer's construction also cut off a planned route of Cardassian expansion, and tensions began to rise.




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