Ventaxian
The Ventaxians are an intelligent, humanoid race, native to the planet Ventax II.
- Externally, Ventaxians are physically identical to Humans.
Though they were once heavily industrialized, the Ventaxians embraced an agrarian society around their 14th century, with no interest in advancing their technology, and had virtually no wide-spread social problems.
Before the 14th century, Ventaxians were a highly advanced industrialized society, divided in numerous and overcrowded city-states constantly at war.
These conflicts destroyed the planet's ecology with industrial pollution, resulting in frequent starvation and epidemics.
Ventaxian leaders created the mythology of "Ardra" to convince their people to stop fighting. They promised, via the Contract of Ardra, a millennium of peace and prosperity, in exchange for the enslavement of the population at the conclusion of the contract with their new theology's version of the "devil." The deeply troubled population agreed to the contract, and was amenable to change at the threat of enslavement.
After the Contract was drawn up and agreed upon, a council was convened to consider options for a new government. They brought the various factions together, signing a treaty of non-aggression.
They also were able to work together and purified the planet's water and atmosphere, and invented ecologically sound methods of waste disposal.
In 2367, when the contract came due, an alien impostor that had studied the myth posed as the god "Ardra," and attempted to claim the planet.
Riots resulted in a hostage situation at the Federation science station, drawing the attention of the passing USS Enterprise.
While government officials were convinced Ardra was true, Captain Picard confronted her, and was able to expose the woman for an imposter.
Culture:
Ventaxian art included vases and tapestries. Ventaxian clothing often incorporated thick collars, and toga-like draped fabrics.
Ventaxian law was particularly detailed, requiring time to interpret decisions. Cases are often and typically decided via arbitration, rather than trial. Both sides are required to choose an arbiter.
