The Dominion
The Dominion
The Dominion is a powerful alliance of planets from the Gamma quadrant.The Dominion was established 2 millenia by the Founders,a shape shifting race that was once hunted by the "solids" of the universe.After going into hiding,the Founders formed the Dominion to rid the galaxy of the solids,partially because of their problems with humanoids in the past and partially because they see "solids" as imperfect.The Dominion have attempted to take over the Alpha quadrant by infiltrating various governments with shape shifters posed as high ranking officers.The were defeated by the combined efforts of the Klingon and Federation governments but they still remain a major threat in the Gamma quadrant.
Major Races of The Dominion
The Founders
The Founders are an ancient civilization from the Gamma quadrant.After being hunted by the "solids",or non-shape shifters,the Founders retreated to a planet in the Omarion Nebula.Once a peacful people,the Founders formed the Dominion through which they controlled hundreds of planets,imposing order through ruthless violence and fear.The Founders,being shape shifters,can assume the form of any humanoid,mimicking their bodies down to the finest detail.One method of detecting Founders is to take a blood sample since any part of the assumed shape that is removed reverts back into the Founders true form.They exist as a gelatinous liquid until they form a shape and must return to their liquid state to regenerate every 16 hours or so.Though the Founders are a reclusive race,they still were interested in exploring the galaxy.For this reason,they sent out several of their offspring to different parts of the galaxy to learn about new races,the offspring being called back when the Founders felt the time was right to return home.On their home planet,the Founders exist as a large lake called the "Great Link".When in this state,Founders link their minds to share knowledge and experiences.The Founders have learned to biologically engineer races for their control of other planets,2 of these being the Vorta,which act as speakers and negotiators,and the Jem'Hadar which are the soldiers of the Dominion.
The Vorta
The Vorta act as politicians,negotiators,and speakers for the Dominion.The Vorta are cloned and biologically engineered to view the Founders as Gods,thus keeping them in line.The Vorta are sent out to do most of the work for the Dominion since the Founders as so reclusive.Although they have extremely acute hearing,Vorta have very poor eyesight.The deadly Jem'Hadar soldiers are controlled by the Vorta using a compound called ketracel-white,or just "white".A highly addictive drug,the "white" is neccesary to control the Jem'Hadar.This drug is passed out to Jem'Hadar who are loyal to the Founders by the Vorta,though many Vorta doubt it is sufficient to completely rein the Jem'Hadar.
The Jem'Hadar
The Jem'Hadar are the soldiers of the Dominion.Biologically engineered and extremely volatile,the Jem'Hadar are a powerful foe.They are engineered to see the Founders as Gods,though few have seen a Founder,and also to not fear death.The Jem'Hadar see themselves as already dead,having to fight to earn their lives.The Jem'Hadar are genetically engineered without the isogenic enzyme needed for their survival.The Founders provide the enzyme which is a narcotic know as ketracel-white,or just "white".The Founders use this chemical dependancy to control the Jem'Hadar.The drug is delivered through a tube in the neck and the "white" is passed out to the Jem'Hadar in tubes by the Vorta as long as the Jem'Hadar remain loyal.The Jem'Hadar live for battle.They do not eat,they do not sleep,feel almost no pain,and they do not mate since they are bred to be only males.They are able to fight within 3 days of emergence and do not live very long due to their constant battles.Few Jem'Hadar reach the age of 15 and Jem'Hadar who reach the age of 20 are considered honored elders.The Jem'Hadar are well fitted for battle.They carry personal cloaking devices that allow them to shroud to infiltrate encampments unseen until they strike.
