Kel Dor

Kel Dor
Homeworld	Dorin
Language	Kel Dor language and Galactic Basic [1]
Distinctions	Protective masks when in oxygen-rich atmospheres [1]

Overview

The Kel Dor are a race of aliens who have highly developed sensory organs and a natural aptitude for perception. They hail from a world named Dorin, whose position between two black holes gives it a radically different type of atmosphere (composed of helium and a unique gas[1]), one that would be toxic to most beings. The species travels off world often enough that a Kel Dor with a breathing mask is not such an uncommon sight. The sophisticated pair of goggles and breathing mask are required for Kel Dor who leave their homeworld to filter out oxygen atoms, which have proven to be most dangerous to the Kel Dor. Also, carbon dioxide and nitrogen are also fatal to them. The mask also amplifies their voices, as they are forced to shout to be heard outside of their native atmosphere. Without their protective goggles, Kel Dors are considered effectively blind when away from Dorin. They are also able to survive in the vacuum of space for a short time though it is unknown exactly how long they could withstand it. [1]

Biology and appearance

The majority of the Kel Dor are regular-sized beings, typically a little larger in build than other species, but what they lack in physical strength they make up for in perceptiveness. They have skin of varying tones, from orange to red, even blue and green, whom of which the society states as blessed. They are typically around 1.6-1.9 meters in height. Their external sensory organs can sometimes have a frightening appearance, with all the lumps and coils on their head, and their breath masks can be quite intimidating.

Most have dark, black eyes, although some were born with silver irises, a mark that was often seen as an affinity for the Force. [1]

Kel Dors are, as a whole, considered an unattractive species due to their strange facial structure. Their noses are described as falling short of becoming a beak, with a gaping opening that descended to the mouth, a toothless chasm with drooping fleshy strands. In place of teeth, Kel Dor have an upper and lower hard-palate, visible only when they pull their lips back. [1]

The other subspecies of Kel Dor are the warrior Kel Dor. Though they are a minority of the population, their involvement in the culture is colossal. They share the basic attributes of the normal Kel Dor, except for their physique. Though remaining relatively the same height, their bodies and muscles can reach to be twice the size of the normal Kel Dor, making them a most formidable combatant. Their heads seem to remain the same size, giving them a most unproportional look to them, which too many races can seem quite humorous. Though, seeing the warriors in battle will quickly wipe the smirk of any person. The Kel Dor warriors, given their enhanced strength combined with the Kel Dor’s superior hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes, are very fierce fighters. One of the greatest mysteries of the Kel Dor would have to be their enlarged, external sensory organs, which allow them to interpret basic external stimuli as well as extrasensory input.

It is said that these organs are the cause of many of the Kel Dor’s magical powers. These powers include the famed ability to enter other beings minds, giving them a telepathy skill that is both feared and envied by species all over the galaxy.

Society and culture

Kel Dor are attentive almost to the point of being conspicuous, however their odd behavior is mild in comparison with other alien species. Kel Dor tend to be relatively quiet but attentive, waiting in the wings and learning as much as possible before jumping into a situation. They are often said to possess a power that allows them to see all issues in black and white. They usually press for quick, simple justice, even if that means placing matters into their own hands. They are generally cooperative and helpful, but like any species they have their flaws. They are sometimes seen as nosy, but then the next moment their perceptiveness provides them with wisdom and insight into almost any situation.

The Kel Dor are usually brought up to be outstanding fighters, yet they are a most peaceful race. Physical violence is usually a final alternative, but when it is needed the Kel Dor excel in it. A youth Kel Dor is usually sent to the Dorin Academy at an early age. There, the child spends a majority of his or her childhood studying martial arts, ground tactics, and other means of warfare. Though, as they adapt their physical skills, they continue to push for knowledge of the mind, studying mathematics, philosophy, mechanics, and other useful subjects.

A strong part of the Kel Dor’s culture was the granting of Guardianship. The Guardians were an elite group of the wisest and most talented warriors of the Kel Dor. Often a Kel Dor noble had to prove himself worthy on numerous occasions, and be popular enough for the monarchy of that time to notice him or her. Actions to prove worthiness varied from settling minor disputes among traders to leading groups victorious in battle. The normal process for Guardianship started with a current Guardian presenting and sponsoring a Kel Dor noble to be granted Guardianship before the monarch of Dorin. If approved, the monarch usually proceeded to arrange an interview with the nominee before making the final decision. If he or she was approved, a large celebration was normally arranged after the ceremony. Upon naming the Kel Dor a Guardian, they must swear an oath of allegiance to the monarch as well as to follow a standard code of living, which was called the Code of Gallantry. Once named a Guardian, the skilled craftsmen of Dorin usually constructed a custom-made sword for the new warrior, which were called Guardian Rapiers. The sword was a symbol of their heritage, as well as an elegant weapon.

The Kel Dors were aware of, and used the Force long before they joined the Galactic Republic and the Jedi. This proud Force tradition was known as the Baran Do Sages. The Baran Do Sages often acted as advisers to rich and powerful Kel Dor families. Initially, their powers centered on weather-prediction, but as the Baran Do Sages learned more about the Force, they realized they had an affinity for detecting, and subsequently preventing, dangerous events. Wars and disasters were often averted simply by the insight of a Baran Do Sage. After joining the Galactic Republic, the Baran Do Sages dwindled in power and number, due to the Jedi's greater knowledge of the Force, and their taking of Force-sensitive infants. [1]

Names

Kel Dor surnames, like Human surnames, are based on ancient family trades or jobs, or even a description of a particularly famous Kel Dor in the family. The Koon family name, for example, meant 'explorer'. [1]

Kel Dor given names are based, loosely, on the sounds generated by Dorin's unique atmospheric phenomena. This tradition was highly popular among the Kel Dors, and the upper classes considered it bad luck to name a child away from Dorin. Kel Dor names tend to be short, usually monosyllabic, due to an ancient superstition about the "wind spirits" of Dorin. Upon hearing the sustained wind-sound of a long name, so the story went, the wind spirits would have mistaken the child for one of their own, and carried him or her off to be raised as a wind-child. No one believed in this myth for thousands of years, but the effect it had on Kel Dor naming conventions remains. [1]

The tradition of using the sounds of atmospheric phenomena means that Kel Dor given names appear to have almost no meaning to an outsider, but another Kel Dor who hears the sound in question and could identify the phenomenon would understand the significance and meaning of the name. [1]

Likewise, objects and techniques are often named after their purpose or effect. [1]

References: [1] - http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Kel_Dor