Klingon

Species Name: Klingon
Homeworld: Qo'noS (Kronos, Klingon Empire)
Physiology: Robust and heavily redundant humanoids with cranial ridges, layered muscle density, and a unique internal structure known as brak’lul—multiple backups for vital organs. Klingons possess natural dermal armor, pain tolerance, and metabolic resilience, making them extremely difficult to kill by conventional means. However, their biology reacts poorly to extreme cold, and their complex organ systems can confound non-Klingon medics.

Cultural Overview:

• Honor Above All: Klingon society is built around a warrior ethos where honor, loyalty, and personal glory define status. Cowardice is disgraceful; victory is celebrated, but how it is earned matters more than its outcome.
• Death as Triumph: Klingons embrace mortality as part of the path to Sto-Vo-Kor (the afterlife for honored dead). They do not fear death—only dishonor.
• Rites and Rituals: Life is punctuated by ceremonial acts—bonding, vengeance, naming, challenge. Even medical decisions and command transitions are infused with ritual.
• Empire and Politics: While devoted to personal valor, Klingons are no strangers to intrigue. House rivalries, blood feuds, and shifting alliances shape internal politics. Strength and cunning are both required for survival.

Starfleet Roles:

• While rare, Klingons in Starfleet often serve in Tactical, Security, or Command roles.
• Some join as part of Federation-Klingon exchange programs, others as independents seeking a greater purpose or exile from their Houses.
• Their bluntness and martial instinct can cause tension with Federation protocols, but their loyalty—once earned—is unshakable.

Species Mechanics (STA 2e RAW + Canon Expansion):

ATTRIBUTES: +1 Daring, +1 Fitness, +1 Presence
TRAIT: Klingon

• Stronger and more resilient than most humanoids: may gain Advantage or reduce Difficulty in physical contests, resisting toxins, or enduring injury.
• Cold-sensitive: +1 Difficulty or environmental Complications in freezing or arctic conditions.
• Complex physiology: may increase Difficulty for non-Klingons attempting to treat serious injury or surgery.
• Cultural code of honor: may trigger Complications when forced to deceive, retreat, or allow perceived insults to pass unchallenged.

SPECIES ABILITY — BRAK’LUL:

• Gain +1 Protection, stacking with worn armor.
• When another character attempts First Aid on you, they may re-roll one d20 on the task.
• This reflects your redundant organs and internal resilience, making you harder to kill and easier to stabilize—if the medic knows what they’re doing.