Difference between revisions of "Orion Colonies"

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{{Government
{{icons|bfc}}{{Government
|name= Orion Colonies
|name= Orion Colonies
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* '''Botchok:''' Decentralized Clans (Klingon Subject)
* '''Botchok:''' Decentralized Clans (Klingon Subject)


}}The '''Orion Colonies''' consists of an area of space encompassing several dozen stars. Among them are fourteen inhabitable systems. Formerly called the "Borderlands," the Orion Colonies was once an area of wild space between the [[United Federation of Planets]] and the [[Klingon Empire]].
}}The '''Orion Colonies''' make up an area of space encompassing several dozen stars. Formerly called the "Borderlands," this was once an area of wild space between the [[United Federation of Planets]] and the [[Klingon Empire]], and are what remains of what was once a much larger string of Orion colonies and settlements. Largely subsumed by those two powers by the end of the 24th century, worlds in the Orion Colonies retain a distinct flavor from either the Klingon Empire and the Federation. In antiquity, these star systems made up the core worlds of successive Orion Empires.
 
Largely subsumed by those two powers by the end of the twenty-fourth century, the Orion Colonies retain a distinct flavor from both the Klingon Empire and the Federation. These worlds are what remain of what was once a much larger string of Orion colonies and settlements. In ancient Antiquity, these star systems made up the core worlds of successive Orion Empires.


== Associated Worlds ==
== Associated Worlds ==
The Orion Colonies straddle both Federation and Klingon space and the Orions no longer value the idea of a cohesive "Orion State." A "member" of the Orion Colonies is a misnomer- it only means that it is a star system that falls within this area of space. These worlds, thousands of years ago, were under a series of common governments.
The Orion Colonies straddle both Federation and Klingon space, and the Orions no longer value the idea of a cohesive "Orion State." A "member" of the Orion Colonies is a misnomer - it only means that it is a star system that falls within this area of space. These worlds, thousands of years ago, were under a series of common governments, but are now formally independent of each other, linked only by history and culture.


=== Orion (Beta Orionis IV) ===
=== Orion (Beta Orionis IV) - Independent ===
Orion is considered to be the original homeworld of the Orion species and is governed by the '''Orion Free States'''. An independent world, Orion did not have a unified world government until the 2370s, although an international organisation known as the Orion Union - comprised of the majority of Orion's nation states - had existed since at least the 22nd century. Like its predecessor, the Orion Free States places a strong emphasis on its own independence and diplomatic neutrality in interplanetary affairs. It was not until 2375, after the formation of the Orion Free States, that slavery was officially outlawed on Orion.
Orion is considered the original homeworld of the Orion species and is governed by the '''Orion Free States'''. An independent world, Orion did not have a unified world government until the 2370s, although an international organisation known as the Orion Union - comprised of the majority of Orion's nation states - had existed since at least the 22nd century. Like its predecessor, the Orion Free States places a strong emphasis on its own independence and diplomatic neutrality in interplanetary affairs. It was not until 2375, after the formation of the Orion Free States, that slavery was officially outlawed on Orion.


=== Vondem (Beta Orionis II) ===
=== Vondem (Beta Orionis II) - Federation Member ===
Vondem was the first Orion colony established outside of the homeworld. The colony was the preferred location to conduct trade and diplomacy with alien species and governments, and as a result over the centuries developed an acceptance and appreciation for diversity. This created a schism between Vondem and the homeworld nations, which held a much more xenophobic view of aliens, resulting in Vondem eventually declaring itself independent from the homeworld's influence and forming the '''Vondem Trade Confederacy'''.  
Vondem was the first Orion colony established outside of the homeworld. The colony was the preferred location to conduct trade and diplomacy with alien species and governments, and as a result, over the centuries developed an acceptance and appreciation for diversity. This created a schism between Vondem and the homeworld nations, which held a much more xenophobic view of aliens, resulting in Vondem eventually declaring itself independent from the homeworld's influence and forming the '''Vondem Trade Confederacy'''.  


Although illicit trade was still rife on Vondem for centuries, the Trade Confederacy began making reforms that eventually saw them ban slave trade and human trafficking. As trade and diplomatic relations with the Federation improved, largely to due to the Federation's proximity and expansion around Orion space, Vondem eventually applied for Federation membership in the mid-24th century. The membership was ratified by the Federation Council shortly before the Dominion War.
Although illicit trade was still rife on Vondem for centuries, the Trade Confederacy began making reforms that eventually saw them ban slave trade and human trafficking. As trade and diplomatic relations with the Federation improved, largely to due to the Federation's proximity and expansion around Orion space, Vondem eventually applied for Federation membership in the mid-24th century. The membership was ratified by the Federation Council shortly before the Dominion War.


=== Kolar (Beta Rigel VI) ===
=== Kolar (Beta Rigel VI) - Independent ===
Kolar is governed by the '''Kolari Vaj''', also known as the Twelfth Orion Empire, and is the last remnant of the Thakolarivaj ("Great Orion Empire") that spanned across the Orion Colonies in antiquity. Kolar has largely resisted the reforms that took place on other Orion worlds and has remained a bastion of ancient Orion culture and traditions. Officially ruled by the monarchy - traditionally headed by an empress - the true power behind the throne in recent times is a class of wealthy elites, many of whom are either directly involved with or have ties to the Orion Syndicate.
Kolar is governed by the '''Kolari Vaj''', also known as the Twelfth Orion Empire, and is the last remnant of the Thakolarivaj ("Great Orion Empire") that spanned across the Orion Colonies in antiquity. Kolar has largely resisted the reforms that took place on other Orion worlds and has remained a bastion of ancient Orion culture and traditions. Officially ruled by the monarchy - traditionally headed by an empress - the true power behind the throne in recent times is a class of wealthy elites, many of whom are either directly involved with or have ties to the Orion Syndicate.


Sometimes known as the Jewel of the Orion Colonies due to its vast wealth and opulent cities, Kolar has a highly stratified society with many of its citizens living in poverty and born into slavery. When reforms on Vondem began to impact illicit trade, Kolar became the home of the Orion underworld, allowing the Orion Syndicate to become the most powerful criminal organisation in the colonies. As the Kolari Vaj places few limitations on who may visit their world, a large part of Kolar's economy is fueled by tourism, with many flocking to the planet to view its magnificent architecture, experience its decadent culture and partake in illicit trade.
Sometimes known as the Jewel of the Orion Colonies due to its vast wealth and opulent cities, Kolar has a highly stratified society with many of its citizens living in poverty and born into slavery. When reforms on Vondem began to impact illicit trade, Kolar became the home of the Orion underworld, allowing the Orion Syndicate to become the most powerful criminal organisation in the colonies. As the Kolari Vaj places few limitations on who may visit their world, a large part of Kolar's economy is fueled by tourism, with many flocking to the planet to view its magnificent architecture, experience its decadent culture and partake in illicit trade.


=== Botchok (Mu Rigel VIII) ===
=== Botchok (Mu Rigel VIII) - Klingon Empire Vassal ===
A wild and untamed world, Botchok never experienced the unification or cultural development of the other colonies, and has no centralized government. It remains mostly rural, even after several centuries, with its population divided into thousands of clans living in settlements that are scattered across the planet. With a warm and humid climate consisting of thick jungles, dangerous wildlife and treacherous terrain, the clan settlements are largely insulated from each other. The Botchoki population is oftened considered to be primitive by other Orion cultures.  
A wild and untamed world, Botchok never experienced the unification or cultural development of the other colonies, and has no centralized government. It remains mostly rural, even after several centuries, with its population divided into thousands of clans living in settlements that are scattered across the planet. With a warm and humid climate of thick jungles, dangerous wildlife, and treacherous terrain, the clan settlements are largely insulated from each other. The Botchoki population is often considered to be primitive by other Orion cultures.  


The planet was occupied by the Klingon Empire in the late 23rd century and incorporated as a subject world. A Klingon station with a garrison of warriors remains in orbit since the occupation, but the Empire interferes very little with the daily life of the population, with the exception of collecting annual tributes from the clans. Not unified, the Botchoki have given little indication of insurrection and the skirmishes that occur usually result from visiting Klingon hunting parties wandering into clan territory.
The planet was occupied by the Klingon Empire in the late 23rd century and incorporated as a subject world. A Klingon station with a garrison of warriors remains in orbit since the occupation, but the Empire interferes very little with the daily life of the population, with the exception of collecting annual tributes from the clans. Not unified, the Botchoki have given little indication of insurrection and the skirmishes that occur usually result from visiting Klingon hunting parties wandering into clan territory.
== Factions ==
=== Orion Syndicate ===
''See: [[Orion Syndicate]]''
The '''Orion Syndicate''' is the most powerful Orion criminal organisation, and one of the most influential criminal organisations in the galaxy. Though its exact origins remain murky, the reforms on Vondem that cracked down on illicit trade saw the Orion black market reestablish itself on Kolar where the Syndicate seized the opportunity to grow and expand its influence. Over the centuries, it has firmly entrenched itself into Kolari culture, influencing rich and poor alike, and from there, it spread to other colonies and eventually to other non-Orion worlds. By the late-24th century, it has expanded its network across both the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. Its illicit activities include gambling, racketeering, smuggling, piracy, slave-trading, species trafficking, extortion, arms-dealing and assassination. 
In the 25th century, the Syndicate is perhaps the only pan-Orion organisation. Many Orion Houses and factions have influence spreading across multiple worlds, weakening their commitment to local government. The Syndicate and its leadership is a unifying force for Orions who serve it, a central authority and sense of social cohesion at a time the Orions as a whole are politically and legally divided.
=== Orion Free Traders ===
The '''Orion Free Traders''' came into being during the early days of the Orion Empire, making it one of the longest lasting Orion organisations to still exist. It began as a trading company to facilitate trade and transport of goods between Orion and Vondem. As the Orion Empire expanded, so did the Free Traders and they eventually grew into a megacorporation chartered by the various Orion nation-states and colonies to undertake trade, exploration and colonization on their behalf.
Unlike the Syndicate, the Free Traders largely maintain legitimate business practices. Some business takes place between the two, but the Free Traders work hard to maintain their centuries-old reputation of legitimate trade and neutrality and deny any involvement with the Syndicate.
Besides their chartered responsibilities, the Free Traders also take part in minor diplomatic negotiations. Select representatives from the various colonies authorised to undertake diplomatic negotiations in the absence of an official diplomat can be found throughout the Free Trader fleet. Although the individual Orion worlds primarily maintain their own defense fleets, the Free Traders possess a fleet that is well-armed and capable of defending interstellar trade routes. They are also contracted by some of the minor colonies to provide defense.
== Society, Gender, and Ethnicity ==
Ethnic diversity within the Orion species has been observed by Federation anthropologists, most notably in the distinction between, as they call themselves, 'green Orions' and 'blue Orions.' Green Orions are more numerous and are the peoples most commonly thought of at the mention of 'Orions.' The distinctions in the history, culture, or even biology between Orion ethnicities is little understood, but while there is known political animosity, both blue and green Orions can be found across the Colonies and at various levels of groups such as the Syndicate. Some Orion colonies and societies are multicultural, while others, particularly the more traditional communities, are more ethnically divided and homogenous.
Green Orions are matriarchal, a power dynamic reflected across most of Orion society. This is seen most acutely in their noble households, especially those which hold closer to Orion traditions, such as the families of Kolar or those loyal to the Orion Syndicate. After centuries of anthropologists believing Orion women to be subservient to men, greater understanding and closer relations between the Federation and Orions has disabused most people of this notion. Stereotypes such as the hyper-sexualised 'Orion slave girls' are considered backwards and ignorant in the Federation of today, rooted in historic slave practices that were further exoticised by stellar travellers. Certainly, Orion slavery has included the enslavement of young Orion women - and still does today - but it is considerably rarer, even within the contemporary slave trade. Some Federation anthropologists questioned how a matriarchal society could commonly enslave and exploit its women, though modern scholars point to class disparity, arguing most enslaved Orions, regardless of gender, were and still are from lower socio-economic backgrounds. It is unclear how limited opportunities are for green Orion men; while they are plainly excluded from certain laws around status and inheritance in Orion noble households, many have been seen as leaders of communities, as ship captains, and even as major figures within the Orion Syndicate.
Blue Orions, conversely, are known to be patriarchal. These societies are less understood by the Federation, with little known about their gender dynamics or the opportunities for or oppression of blue Orion women. Blue Orion noble households exist, with men holding positions of status within these hierarchies, but they are assumed to be less well-regarded in Orion society.
Federation anthropologists suggest these class dynamics to be more relevant when assessing Orion societies. Affluent and noble green Orion men still exercise significant power, and the advantages of being born to a privileged background, or even a comfortable one, is still decisive in determining any Orion's chances to excel in life.
== Orion Physiology ==
Orions are a mammalian humanoid species that evolved on a warm and humid Class M world. Their blood is green in appearance, utilizing hemocyanin to transport oxygen which results in the distinctive green skin colour common to their species. Varying melanin levels in different Orion ethnicities create wide spectrum of skin colours ranging from deep emerald green to the pale cyan of blue Orions. Orions are on average taller than the typical humanoid, with males averaging 6'2" (188cm) and females 5'10" (177.8cm). Like Vulcans, Orions also have a slightly higher muscle to fat ratio than other humanoids like Humans.
Orions exude strong pheromones that are well known for having an intoxicating or hypnotic effect on some humanoid species. Though the effect is produced by the pheromones of both males and females, it is more pronounced in females. How this affects humanoids vary between species and also within individual members of a species; some may be highly susceptible to the effects while others are considered immune to it. Many factors can play a role, including individual biochemistry, physical attraction preference, and age. The intensity of the effect also depends on the Orion in question's biochemistry.


== In Play ==
== In Play ==


* '''Slavery:'''
* The Orion Colonies are a region of geography and culture, not politics. Some worlds are independent, others are Federation members, while others have fallen under the rule of the Klingon Empire. The government of the Orion Free States, which is independent, rules only over some of the region.
* '''Pheremones:'''
*'Orions' and 'the Orion Syndicate' are not synonymous. The former is a species and culture, which can be found in worlds governed by many different powers. The latter is a crime organisation made up of many species, and is not a formal government.
* '''Orion Free Traders:'''
*Each world of the Orion Colonies is distinct, with its own history and culture. Some are more reformist, closer to the Federation and its values, while others remain traditional, adhering to old hierarchies of aristocracy and bloodlines. While the latter are ''more'' likely to be linked to criminal organisations such as the Syndicate, this is not always so.
* '''Orion Syndicate:'''
*'''Pheromones:''' When writing Orion characters, it is recommended to discuss the way pheromones will be handled with players to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding how it will affect characters. This ensures that no one has their character forced into a situation or reaction that would make them uncomfortable. For Orions as Starfleet officers or civilian personnel, characters can take pheromone suppressants so as not to affect others. Inversely, when Starfleet or civilian personnel encounter Orions, they can take medication to suppress their susceptibility to Orion pheromones.
* '''Slavery:''' Orions have long been known for their slave-trading, but progressive reforms in the latter half of the 24th century has ushered in a change on the Orion homeworld. Slavery on Orion and Vondem (now a Federation member) have been outlawed, and the Orion Free Traders do not facilitate human trafficking or slave-trade. On the other side of the coin, Kolar still views slavery as part of Orion tradition and the Klingons have no qualms about using Orions from occupied Botchok as forced labour.
*Remember when depicting Orion pheromones or human trafficking to be mindful of the Bravo Fleet [[Content Policy]], particularly as it relates to sexual violence. Notably, sexual slavery can only be depicted at rating 2, and therefore cannot be depicted in spaces such as Starbase Bravo. The canonicity of sexual slavery perpetrated by Orion criminals does not trump this policy.


== External Information ==
== External Information ==

Latest revision as of 14:00, 24 October 2024

This article is official Bravo Fleet canon.









The Orion Colonies make up an area of space encompassing several dozen stars. Formerly called the "Borderlands," this was once an area of wild space between the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire, and are what remains of what was once a much larger string of Orion colonies and settlements. Largely subsumed by those two powers by the end of the 24th century, worlds in the Orion Colonies retain a distinct flavor from either the Klingon Empire and the Federation. In antiquity, these star systems made up the core worlds of successive Orion Empires.

Associated Worlds

The Orion Colonies straddle both Federation and Klingon space, and the Orions no longer value the idea of a cohesive "Orion State." A "member" of the Orion Colonies is a misnomer - it only means that it is a star system that falls within this area of space. These worlds, thousands of years ago, were under a series of common governments, but are now formally independent of each other, linked only by history and culture.

Orion (Beta Orionis IV) - Independent

Orion is considered the original homeworld of the Orion species and is governed by the Orion Free States. An independent world, Orion did not have a unified world government until the 2370s, although an international organisation known as the Orion Union - comprised of the majority of Orion's nation states - had existed since at least the 22nd century. Like its predecessor, the Orion Free States places a strong emphasis on its own independence and diplomatic neutrality in interplanetary affairs. It was not until 2375, after the formation of the Orion Free States, that slavery was officially outlawed on Orion.

Vondem (Beta Orionis II) - Federation Member

Vondem was the first Orion colony established outside of the homeworld. The colony was the preferred location to conduct trade and diplomacy with alien species and governments, and as a result, over the centuries developed an acceptance and appreciation for diversity. This created a schism between Vondem and the homeworld nations, which held a much more xenophobic view of aliens, resulting in Vondem eventually declaring itself independent from the homeworld's influence and forming the Vondem Trade Confederacy.

Although illicit trade was still rife on Vondem for centuries, the Trade Confederacy began making reforms that eventually saw them ban slave trade and human trafficking. As trade and diplomatic relations with the Federation improved, largely to due to the Federation's proximity and expansion around Orion space, Vondem eventually applied for Federation membership in the mid-24th century. The membership was ratified by the Federation Council shortly before the Dominion War.

Kolar (Beta Rigel VI) - Independent

Kolar is governed by the Kolari Vaj, also known as the Twelfth Orion Empire, and is the last remnant of the Thakolarivaj ("Great Orion Empire") that spanned across the Orion Colonies in antiquity. Kolar has largely resisted the reforms that took place on other Orion worlds and has remained a bastion of ancient Orion culture and traditions. Officially ruled by the monarchy - traditionally headed by an empress - the true power behind the throne in recent times is a class of wealthy elites, many of whom are either directly involved with or have ties to the Orion Syndicate.

Sometimes known as the Jewel of the Orion Colonies due to its vast wealth and opulent cities, Kolar has a highly stratified society with many of its citizens living in poverty and born into slavery. When reforms on Vondem began to impact illicit trade, Kolar became the home of the Orion underworld, allowing the Orion Syndicate to become the most powerful criminal organisation in the colonies. As the Kolari Vaj places few limitations on who may visit their world, a large part of Kolar's economy is fueled by tourism, with many flocking to the planet to view its magnificent architecture, experience its decadent culture and partake in illicit trade.

Botchok (Mu Rigel VIII) - Klingon Empire Vassal

A wild and untamed world, Botchok never experienced the unification or cultural development of the other colonies, and has no centralized government. It remains mostly rural, even after several centuries, with its population divided into thousands of clans living in settlements that are scattered across the planet. With a warm and humid climate of thick jungles, dangerous wildlife, and treacherous terrain, the clan settlements are largely insulated from each other. The Botchoki population is often considered to be primitive by other Orion cultures.

The planet was occupied by the Klingon Empire in the late 23rd century and incorporated as a subject world. A Klingon station with a garrison of warriors remains in orbit since the occupation, but the Empire interferes very little with the daily life of the population, with the exception of collecting annual tributes from the clans. Not unified, the Botchoki have given little indication of insurrection and the skirmishes that occur usually result from visiting Klingon hunting parties wandering into clan territory.

Factions

Orion Syndicate

See: Orion Syndicate

The Orion Syndicate is the most powerful Orion criminal organisation, and one of the most influential criminal organisations in the galaxy. Though its exact origins remain murky, the reforms on Vondem that cracked down on illicit trade saw the Orion black market reestablish itself on Kolar where the Syndicate seized the opportunity to grow and expand its influence. Over the centuries, it has firmly entrenched itself into Kolari culture, influencing rich and poor alike, and from there, it spread to other colonies and eventually to other non-Orion worlds. By the late-24th century, it has expanded its network across both the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. Its illicit activities include gambling, racketeering, smuggling, piracy, slave-trading, species trafficking, extortion, arms-dealing and assassination.

In the 25th century, the Syndicate is perhaps the only pan-Orion organisation. Many Orion Houses and factions have influence spreading across multiple worlds, weakening their commitment to local government. The Syndicate and its leadership is a unifying force for Orions who serve it, a central authority and sense of social cohesion at a time the Orions as a whole are politically and legally divided.

Orion Free Traders

The Orion Free Traders came into being during the early days of the Orion Empire, making it one of the longest lasting Orion organisations to still exist. It began as a trading company to facilitate trade and transport of goods between Orion and Vondem. As the Orion Empire expanded, so did the Free Traders and they eventually grew into a megacorporation chartered by the various Orion nation-states and colonies to undertake trade, exploration and colonization on their behalf.

Unlike the Syndicate, the Free Traders largely maintain legitimate business practices. Some business takes place between the two, but the Free Traders work hard to maintain their centuries-old reputation of legitimate trade and neutrality and deny any involvement with the Syndicate.

Besides their chartered responsibilities, the Free Traders also take part in minor diplomatic negotiations. Select representatives from the various colonies authorised to undertake diplomatic negotiations in the absence of an official diplomat can be found throughout the Free Trader fleet. Although the individual Orion worlds primarily maintain their own defense fleets, the Free Traders possess a fleet that is well-armed and capable of defending interstellar trade routes. They are also contracted by some of the minor colonies to provide defense.

Society, Gender, and Ethnicity

Ethnic diversity within the Orion species has been observed by Federation anthropologists, most notably in the distinction between, as they call themselves, 'green Orions' and 'blue Orions.' Green Orions are more numerous and are the peoples most commonly thought of at the mention of 'Orions.' The distinctions in the history, culture, or even biology between Orion ethnicities is little understood, but while there is known political animosity, both blue and green Orions can be found across the Colonies and at various levels of groups such as the Syndicate. Some Orion colonies and societies are multicultural, while others, particularly the more traditional communities, are more ethnically divided and homogenous.

Green Orions are matriarchal, a power dynamic reflected across most of Orion society. This is seen most acutely in their noble households, especially those which hold closer to Orion traditions, such as the families of Kolar or those loyal to the Orion Syndicate. After centuries of anthropologists believing Orion women to be subservient to men, greater understanding and closer relations between the Federation and Orions has disabused most people of this notion. Stereotypes such as the hyper-sexualised 'Orion slave girls' are considered backwards and ignorant in the Federation of today, rooted in historic slave practices that were further exoticised by stellar travellers. Certainly, Orion slavery has included the enslavement of young Orion women - and still does today - but it is considerably rarer, even within the contemporary slave trade. Some Federation anthropologists questioned how a matriarchal society could commonly enslave and exploit its women, though modern scholars point to class disparity, arguing most enslaved Orions, regardless of gender, were and still are from lower socio-economic backgrounds. It is unclear how limited opportunities are for green Orion men; while they are plainly excluded from certain laws around status and inheritance in Orion noble households, many have been seen as leaders of communities, as ship captains, and even as major figures within the Orion Syndicate.

Blue Orions, conversely, are known to be patriarchal. These societies are less understood by the Federation, with little known about their gender dynamics or the opportunities for or oppression of blue Orion women. Blue Orion noble households exist, with men holding positions of status within these hierarchies, but they are assumed to be less well-regarded in Orion society.

Federation anthropologists suggest these class dynamics to be more relevant when assessing Orion societies. Affluent and noble green Orion men still exercise significant power, and the advantages of being born to a privileged background, or even a comfortable one, is still decisive in determining any Orion's chances to excel in life.

Orion Physiology

Orions are a mammalian humanoid species that evolved on a warm and humid Class M world. Their blood is green in appearance, utilizing hemocyanin to transport oxygen which results in the distinctive green skin colour common to their species. Varying melanin levels in different Orion ethnicities create wide spectrum of skin colours ranging from deep emerald green to the pale cyan of blue Orions. Orions are on average taller than the typical humanoid, with males averaging 6'2" (188cm) and females 5'10" (177.8cm). Like Vulcans, Orions also have a slightly higher muscle to fat ratio than other humanoids like Humans.

Orions exude strong pheromones that are well known for having an intoxicating or hypnotic effect on some humanoid species. Though the effect is produced by the pheromones of both males and females, it is more pronounced in females. How this affects humanoids vary between species and also within individual members of a species; some may be highly susceptible to the effects while others are considered immune to it. Many factors can play a role, including individual biochemistry, physical attraction preference, and age. The intensity of the effect also depends on the Orion in question's biochemistry.

In Play

  • The Orion Colonies are a region of geography and culture, not politics. Some worlds are independent, others are Federation members, while others have fallen under the rule of the Klingon Empire. The government of the Orion Free States, which is independent, rules only over some of the region.
  • 'Orions' and 'the Orion Syndicate' are not synonymous. The former is a species and culture, which can be found in worlds governed by many different powers. The latter is a crime organisation made up of many species, and is not a formal government.
  • Each world of the Orion Colonies is distinct, with its own history and culture. Some are more reformist, closer to the Federation and its values, while others remain traditional, adhering to old hierarchies of aristocracy and bloodlines. While the latter are more likely to be linked to criminal organisations such as the Syndicate, this is not always so.
  • Pheromones: When writing Orion characters, it is recommended to discuss the way pheromones will be handled with players to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding how it will affect characters. This ensures that no one has their character forced into a situation or reaction that would make them uncomfortable. For Orions as Starfleet officers or civilian personnel, characters can take pheromone suppressants so as not to affect others. Inversely, when Starfleet or civilian personnel encounter Orions, they can take medication to suppress their susceptibility to Orion pheromones.
  • Slavery: Orions have long been known for their slave-trading, but progressive reforms in the latter half of the 24th century has ushered in a change on the Orion homeworld. Slavery on Orion and Vondem (now a Federation member) have been outlawed, and the Orion Free Traders do not facilitate human trafficking or slave-trade. On the other side of the coin, Kolar still views slavery as part of Orion tradition and the Klingons have no qualms about using Orions from occupied Botchok as forced labour.
  • Remember when depicting Orion pheromones or human trafficking to be mindful of the Bravo Fleet Content Policy, particularly as it relates to sexual violence. Notably, sexual slavery can only be depicted at rating 2, and therefore cannot be depicted in spaces such as Starbase Bravo. The canonicity of sexual slavery perpetrated by Orion criminals does not trump this policy.

External Information