Velantri System

The Velantri system lies on the north-eastern wall of the Shackleton Expanse. It is a uni-star system with seven planets, only one of which is class-M (Velantri Prime) and third from the sun. There is a large asteroid belt, rich in dlithium deposits, between the fifth and sixth planets. The Velantri System also has many moons throughout the system, which are rich in dilithium deposits as well.

The Velantri system is now known to be under the control of The Concord, a tri-caste civilization, whose primary and controlling power is known as the Concordians - a genetically manipulated and state-bred hybrid of the native species Avyanii (avians) and Zhelicar (reptilians) of Velantri Prime.

The Concord

For much of the history of Velantri Prime, the Avyanii and the Zhelicar were at war with one another. There were several recorded periods of peace through the generations, though, and several hundred years ago, one such period led to the introduction of the Concordians - a genetically pure hybrid of both native species of Velantri Prime.

Both the governing bodies of the Avyanii and the Zhelicar, sensing another emergence of conflict between them, leveraged the creation of the Concordians and introduced them into a unified governing structure designed to bring both species together and maintain harmony. This was called The Concord.

Over time, the Concordians established a firm rule on Velantri Prime through tightly controlled propaganda and psyops. The populations of Velantri Prime believe that The Concord maintains peace through The Article of Synthesis. This dogma asserts that the controlled breeding product of unity between the Avyanii and the Zhelicar affirms the superiority of the Concordians, entitling them to govern/rule and control all peoples.

As a result, both the Avyanii and the Zhelicar have become the worker caste of their society and are used as a commodity of reproduction by the Concordians. This Concord, as a social construct and regime, has maintained the peace on Velantri Prime for over three hundred years to date. In the last couple of decades, growing unrest among younger generations of Avyanii and Zhelicar has emerged as tensions around their roles of living under a system that commodifies them continue to build.

The Concordians

Concordians are a hybrid species blending Avyanii grace with Zhelicar strength. They are tall, symmetrical, and psionically sensitive. They bear scaled skin with feathered accents and luminous eyes. Unlike the Avyanii, however, they are not capable of flight. They are also not capable of reproducing on their own and their population is reliant on the continued breeding programs established in The Concord. The Concordians were created through controlled breeding and bioengineering. They rule as the elite caste of The Concord and view themselves as the perfected union of their progenitors, destined to ensure the stability of Velantri Prime and their subjects.

The Avyanii

Graceful and hollow-boned, the Avyanii are a feathered, winged species capable of actual flight. Once a high-altitude civilization of scholars and spiritualists, they are known for their iridescent plumage, strong and bold eyes, and ceremonial attire. Historically, they were more advanced in their technology development as compared to the Zhelicar, and it was essentially the Avyanii who endorsed and created the initial breeding program that resulted in the hybrid Concordians. They would provide services across various intellectual fields in society.

The Zhelicar

The Zhelicar are a reptilian species marked by large, powerful frames and scaled hides. They have slit-pupiled eyes and spined symmetrical accents across their facial area and shoulders. They wear utilitarian armour that accents their natural spiny areas and broad frames. Once tribal warlords, they now serve as labourers and soldiers within The Concord.

Encounters

The Concord is a location rich in opportunity to explore stories of politics, diplomacy, and ethics. They have a wealth of knowledge and resources that may draw Starfleet in with a view to trade or scientific exchange, but the underbelly of inequality - which holds echoes of old Earth fears around eugenics - may prove unpalatable or difficult to navigate.

Some story concepts which could drive a mission using the Concord include:

• Trade Negotiations: A Concordian delegation invites Starfleet to discuss a potential trade deal for dilithium exports. The talks are rigidly controlled, and the visiting crew quickly notice the Avyanii and Zhelicar attendants’ fearful compliance - and perhaps whispered pleas for help.
• The Miner’s Revolt: A Concord-controlled mining colony in the Kwinwaith Belt has gone silent. On arrival, Starfleet finds the workers (largely Zhelicar) have taken control, demanding recognition and freedom. The Concord dispatches warships to retake the site.
• Foreign Interests: Klingon or Romulan traders arrive at nearly the same time as Starfleet, each seeking their own dilithium concession. The Concordians play all sides, testing which outsiders will uphold their authority - and which might exploit internal dissent.
• The Perfect Hybrid: A Concordian genetic facility requests Starfleet medical aid after an ‘accident.’ The project’s true goal - manipulating Concordian DNA toward greater psionic potential - raises ethical questions about consent and the caste system itself.
• Terms of Recognition: The Concord petitions Starfleet for formal recognition as a unified government. But the Avyanii and Zhelicar representatives are missing from the talks, their represented only by Concordian interpreters. Should Starfleet sign a treaty that validates an unequal regime?

In Play

• The Shroud had, until its disappearance, largely isolated The Concord. They are not used to interacting with many space-faring species outside of their own system. What little interaction has taken place in the two hundred years has been tightly controlled by the ruling caste so as not to upset their social/cultural structures.
• The Concordians are acutely aware now of what they sit on in their system and the importance of dilithium as a commodity in the quadrant. There is a desperation to secure their safety from the threats that surround them, which has led them to seek a trade deal with an allied species.
• Interactions with the Avyanii and the Zhelicar would be limited due to the tight control of the Concordians. Still, there are rumours of a coalition uprising between the two native species. A growing number of people are discontent with the inequities of their social standings. Encountering elements of this uprising would be possible.
• The Concord is a technologically advanced society and, in many ways, can compete with most technologies in The Federation. The only current shortfall would be their propulsion and faster-than-light systems as a result of life in the shroud.
• The Velantri System has an abnormal concentration of dilithium. This makes the system a prime target for many neighbouring powers seeking to exploit it for their own gains.