Theta Epsilon - An Analysis

[Guest Sar'vek t'Jhiin]

General Information

 

Homeworld: Mondusa (Theta Epsilon III)

Races: Mondusi

Affiliation: None

Landmass: 26.4%

Population: 9 million

Land Area: 202,000,000 km^2

Climate: Varying, moderate glaciation

Technology: Bronze-age

Orbiting Star: Theta Epsilon

 

Solar System

 

Theta Epsilon I (Class J - Geo-Morteus )

Theta Epsilon II (Class C - Reducing )

Theta Epsilon III (Class M - Terrestrial)

Theta Epsilon IV (Class L - Geo-Inactive )

Theta Epsilon V (Class F - Geo-Crystalline )

Theta Epsilon VI (Class G - Desert )

Theta Epsilon VII (Class B - Gas Giant)

 

Beyond Theta Epsilon VII is a widely distributed range of asteroidal debris. Early analyses also indicate six comets within orbit of the Theta Epsilon star, as well as evidence for large-scale meteor impact that resulted in the destruction in at least one protoplanet.

 

Noteworthy is the general absence of satellites throughout the system, including around the inhabited planet, Theta Epsilon III.

 

Planet Overview

 

Geography

 

Theta Epsilon III is made up of four major continents as well as two smaller, archipelagic continents in the southern hemisphere. The planet appears to be on the late, downward slope of an ice age, judging by dispersion of salinity levels between the poles and central oceans.

 

The landmasses mostly occupy the tropical and subtropical areas, with severe glaciation ranging up into the polar region. Most of the subtropics are characterized by a combination of heavy deciduous and coniferous forestation; ranging towards the poles, a more steppe-like environment with flora on a lesser scale.

 

Five, major, interconnected oceans separate the continents. There are remains of two, high-saline-content inland seas that may predate the current climactic variation. In this case, as sea-level rises, it can be expected that these seas will reunite with their parent oceans.

 

The Mondusi

 

Physiology and Appearance:

 

Mondusi carry the characteristics of most humanoids, with typical appendage and structural arrangements. Some variation accompanies in their internal composition, however; low-grade scans taken (of both genders) indicate a dual-coronary system as well as the inclusion of several vestigal organs that have no correlation to Rihan structures. Skin-tone is darker than both the iron-based blood norm and the northern-regional habitation would suggest; this leads to the possible conclusion that the studied Mondusi originated in a region closer to the tropics.

 

Lifespan: 50-70 cycles.

 

Mondusi Society

 

History

 

The name "Mondusi" as a reference to the inhabitants of Theta Epsilon III as a whole comes from the tribal language examined upon visit to the planet. "Mondusi" signifies the entirety of the known tribes, rather than a moniker for one. "Mondusa" being the home of all, Theta Epsilon III has been unofficially given this title.

 

As suggested earlier in this analysis, oral traditions implicate a mass exodus from the equatorial, hotter regions in an earlier time; the culture is young enough to remember such movements rather than relegating them to religious folklore or pure literary basis.

 

The transition to bronze-smelting appears to be a somewhat recent development, as exhibited by retention of stone domesticwares; this indicates that bronze has not existed long enough on Mondusa to "phase out" stoneware completely.

 

The architectural and artistic potential of this species cannot be strongly-enough stated: large-scale public works are of enough of an age that they have begun to weather under the elements; massive stoneworked sites of worship were examined. That the Mondusi could create such complexes before the perfection metal arrowpoints signifies great acumen for the arts and, as is logical to accompany the architectural aspects, the mathematics. Personal adornment is also common and taken as a sign of wealth; embellishment within and around residences serves much the same effect, albeit on a larger scale.

 

The Mondusi, while aware of the existence of other continents and tribes, are not aware of extraterrestrial beings.

 

Society

 

The Mondusi encountered function under a simplistic, patrilineal style of city-clans. This tribe was nomadic only as far as hunting and food-procurement was concerned; the vast majority of citizens were urban-bound, living in and around the town. This provides, obviously, both protection and a social center.

 

A single "king" leads each town, supplemented by a more complicated priesthood. The eldest priests serve as a balance to the autocratic authority, serving both to pass judgment on those brought before their tribunal and to pass ordinances that set forth their regulations.

 

Hunters and agricultural providers are viewed with the most respect in Mondusi society, which could suggest the origins of the patriarchial tendencies. However, this should not be taken to imply that the Mondusi have any exceptional schism between the sexes; as far as observation could provide, the two genders mixed equally in most things except power and ownership.

 

Religion

 

The Mondusi religion studied was a polytheistic, widespread worship of a three-deity pantheon. Two male gods and a goddess were revered for differing qualities; much of their artistic prowess is dedicated to and in honor of these deities.

 

The exact relationship between the gods themselves and between the gods and Mondusi is complex and was difficult to ascertain for numerous reasons. Offerings and prayers were offered by all ranks in society, with the general population seeming to believe their mythology.

 

These god-figures also had the importance of serving as the guise in which Talon crew could study the Mondusi without fear of cultural contamination.

 

* * *

 

A further study of the Theta Epsilon system is suggested at the earliest opportunity. Mondusa provides a living, accurate depiction of Bronze Age lifestyles that could be useful in both ethnoarchaeological and sociological research. Additional study of the planet and system could also yield resources beneficial to Galae.