Peacekeepers of the Vast/Orknos Khanate

Template:TOCright The Orken are a sapient species found within the Peacekeepers of the Vast/Interstellar League. They are the dominant species of the Orknos Khanate, a mutli-species polity and voting member of the League.

Physiology

Orken are roughly 7 feet tall, four limbed bipedal creatures. They descend from desert dwelling quadrupeds similar to reptiles and have scaly skin which is hardened at the skull and extremities, and reinforced by a sturdy rib cage around the vital organs in the torso. Compared to most space-faring species, they are poor at regulating their own temperature, but can survive with little water and calories for longer.

Orknos Khanate

The Orknos Khanate is a multi-species, elective monarchy led by a khan of khans. The cultural traditions and rituals of the Orknos are that of a dangerous warrior species fond of piracy and pillaging. The truth is that the Khanate is a successful merchant empire with interests across League space. Khanate expansion is driven by Orken entrepreneurs seeking to raise their status. They will often ally with members of poorer, less advanced species, offering superior Khanate logistics, technolgoy, and funding for advanced planetary expansions. Orken hold onto the most favored positions within the Khanate, but their corporations and councils are filled with other member species upon whom the Orken rely.

The Khanate operates a massive merchant navy, while the Khanate Military is dominated by squadrons of small attack ships. In wartime, the largest freighters of the navy can be coverted into huge carriers for attack craft and straighteners and their crews are reserve members of the Khanate military.

Interstellar League Politics The Khanate is an expansionist, anti-war force in the Interstellar League, seeking to maximize prosperity for themselves and whoever is smart enough to get in on the deal. They are fierce advocates for their associate members.