Editing Factions Within the Alpha and Beta Quadrants (section)

== The Klingon Empire ==

Klingons are a warrior species; they stand taller than most humanoids, have both endo- and exoskeletal features, redundant organs, and far greater muscle density than even Vulcans. Klingon honor forms the cornerstone of their culture, by which is meant living up to one’s role within society and preferably even exceling in it. Klingons are expected to succeed at whatever goals they set themselves in life. Note that this form of honor is extrinsic and societal in nature – it does not mean that Klingons are especially ethical, although of course some individuals are. 

The Empire is a confederacy of Great Houses, each of which is in essence a micro-nation with its own sovereign territories and laws. The Emperor and High Council deal with matters which concerns the Klingon species as a whole, provides common legal ground, and serves as arbiter between the Houses.


'''Politics'''<br>
Relationships with other species are complicated by the Great Houses. Dealing with one House inevitably draws one into a web of alliances and rivalries with other Houses. The only exception to this is formal war. If the Empire declares war upon a faction or species, then all Klingons are expected to treat the enemy with hostility. Note that the Klingon term for peace simply means the absence of war. In “peacetime” raids and skirmishes are no longer mandatory, but that doesn’t mean they are forbidden!

Some Klingon Houses frequently conquer other species and enslave them. 


'''Technology'''<br>
In most areas of science and technology Klingons are a decade or two behind the Federation. That’s not the case when it comes to tactical systems though. Klingon disruptors are some of the best, field-tested and perfected through repeated use. Most Klingon warships are outfitted with cloaking devices although these are not nearly as good as those of the Romulans.

Klingons do excel at transporter technology however. Klingons can carry transporter signals along tunneling antiproton beams, allowing materialization even through a vessel’s shields – although this is quite risky and comes with serious imperfections in the materialization process. Less robust species wouldn’t be able to engage in combat after such a procedure. Many Klingon warriors use this technology to board ships and seize the vessel from within. Klingon fleets often include reserves of mixed composition, captured ships which have been retrofitted along Klingon preferences. To face an enemy in personal combat and seize their vessel is considered the hallmark of a great warrior.


'''Strategy'''<br>
The Empire is volatile right now. Some Houses openly battle against one another, others try to tighten diplomatic relations with the Federation or the Romulans, and yet others are raiding anywhere they can for glory and resources. The recent Dominion War has set a lot of things in motion and things have yet to calm down.

The Klingons live in interesting times. And that inevitably means, so does everybody else.