Species Reference Sheet
The Keth'Rok
The Unbending Will of the Second Quadrant
Forged in the harsh realities of the Second Quadrant, the Keth'Rok are a proud, ancient, and formidable species defined by absolute discipline, psychic prowess, and a deep-seated belief in their own superiority. As the primary power of the Second Quadrant, they are the Galactic Council's most significant military and political counterweight to the Axrathans. While they adhere to the Meridian Accords, their history is one of conquest, and many believe their compliance is a matter of strategy, not true peace.
At a Glance
Homeworld:
Keth'Rok Prime (Primusworld). A world of stark, dramatic landscapes and highly structured city-states.
Appearance:
Tall, slender humanoids with distinctive bone-white or alabaster skin, often marked with intricate silver or black patterns signifying lineage and rank. Their eyes are universally solid black.
Key Trait:
Innate Telepathy: All Keth'Rok are empaths, with the ruling and military castes possessing powerful telepathic and psychokinetic abilities.
Governance:
A rigid, hierarchical oligarchy led by a shadowy body known as the Conclave.
Signature Tech:
Psionically-bonded weaponry known as ‘Singularity Discs’. Neural-link ‘rehabilitation’.
Galactic Role:
The dominant military power of the Second Quadrant; the primary rival to Axrathan influence.
Philosophy & Culture: The Logic of Dominion
Keth'Rok society is built on a philosophy of order, strength, and the logical application of power. They view the galaxy not as a community to be nurtured, but as a chaotic system to be brought under control. Emotion is seen as a weakness to be mastered, and their interactions are often marked by a cold, analytical detachment. Their social structure is a rigid hierarchy, with individuals bound by a strict code of honor where failure is met with severe consequences. Secrecy is a cultural obsession; they guard their true names, homeworld locations, and internal politics with paranoid fervor.
Technology: The Mind as a Weapon
Keth'Rok technology is a direct extension of their psychic abilities. Where the Axrathans grow living metal, the Keth'Rok forge weapons bonded to the minds of their wielders.
Singularity Discs: The signature weapon of Keth'Rok Commanders. This is not a manufactured device, but a psionically-created and sustained micro-singularity. It is bonded to its user for life, acting as an extension of their will. The disc can absorb energy and consume matter, making its wielder a devastatingly powerful opponent. Losing one's disc is considered a fate worse than death.
Neural Link Interface (NLI): The Keth'Rok have perfected an invasive form of NLI, allowing them to subjugate and control other species. This technology turns conquered peoples and lesser allies into "Sentries" or neurally neutralized soldiers, their wills completely subsumed by Keth'Rok command.
Society & Governance: The Conclave
The ultimate authority in the Second Quadrant is the Conclave, a secretive senate of the most powerful Keth'Rok leaders. Their identities are largely unknown to outsiders, and their decisions are absolute. The Conclave dictates all military, political, and economic policy, with a long-term strategic vision focused on expanding Keth'Rok influence and eventually supplanting the Axrathans as the galaxy's preeminent power.
The Military: The Legions of the Void
The Keth'Rok military is one of the most disciplined and feared forces in the galaxy.
Commanders: The officer caste is composed exclusively of powerful telepaths like Tiavra and Zeriak, whose psychic abilities allow for silent, instantaneous communication and coordination on the battlefield.
Fleet: Their warships are typically obsidian black, with sharp, angular designs that prioritize overwhelming firepower. Their super-ships, like the crescent-shaped vessel seen at Cat's Paw, are capable of deploying singularity pulses that can neutralize even the most advanced planetary defenses.
Did You Know?
It is considered a grave insult to use a Keth'Rok’s name publicly.
Due to their psychic nature, Keth'Rok are known to feed on the psychic energy released during moments of intense emotion, particularly fear and death.
While they have a long-standing rivalry with Axratha, they also harbor a deep, almost religious hatred for the Triscendants, whom they view as the ultimate expression of chaotic, uncontrolled power.