Bolian
Species Physiology
Bolians are distinctive for a bifurcating (cartilaginous) ridge running vertically along the center of the head and face, and partway down the chest. They are also noted for having cartilaginous lining on their tongues that allowed them to consume foods not normally palatable by other races, including strong acids. Skin color ranges from light green-blue to blue-gray to vivid blue and is occasionally accented with dark blue bands on the head. Both Bolian males and females are predominately bald. However, there are occasionally a few who have hair (and some are also known to wear toupees). They are on average as tall as the average Human, and are not known for their physical prowess.
Bolian hearts are on the right side of their body, and their blood was blue. The chemistry of Bolian bodily fluids is somewhat corrosive, so that intimate relations between Bolians and Humans typically caused adverse effects to the latter, which might include fatigue, nausea, and joint inflammation.
Culture
Typically Bolians are gregarious, hardworking, and meticulous. They enjoy cooperation and work group dynamics. You can always count on a Bolian — their selflessness is legendary and they are often found in service professions. Though individuals tend to be highly outspoken, even when it was not requested, Bolians work well in areas involving group cooperation and group effort; every branch of starship service suits their desire for teamwork and structure. Bolians also make good merchants, scientists, and soldiers. Bolians enjoy diplomacy and some of them are quite good at it. They are also known for banking. The Bank of Bolias is an interstellar financial institution based on Bolias. The Bolian Credit Exchange is an economic body run or owned by the Bolians.
Bolian courtship initiation consists of a male and female Bolian pressing foreheads with eyes closed, while both participants touch the neck of their partner with both hands, placing the fingers where one would check the pulse of a species with a circulatory system similar to that of Humans. Bolian marriages are sometimes polyamorous. Any additional spouse is referred to as a "co-husband" or "co-wife", respectively. Many believe that if one gives birth near a warp core, the experience improves the baby's disposition.
The traditional Bolian form of greeting involves extending the hand as if for a Human handshake, but with the palm down and the fingers curved part way.
The planet Myrmidon is considered to be the Bolian spiritual home, due to the Bolastre Crown of the First Mother resembling Bolian royal jewelry in the Orezes Codices sacred text. Archaeological research indicated that the Bolians and the Bolastre had a common ancestor. Nearly fifty million Bolians lived on Myrmidon.
Bolian food, to most non-Bolians, sounds unappetizing (although it can be tasty), as in some dishes, preparation involves the use of aged meat
It should be noted that he Human name Frederick bears a close resemblance to an impolite Bolian term.
History
Bolian mythology paints a rich and harsh beginning for their people. It is believed that it was due to the harsh weather conditions that three brothers set out to sea in hopes of finding a better land to settle. Sailing each in their own directions, they discovered the three continents that make up the surface of Bolarus IX, thus the first tribes were established. Though there were territorial wars as the Great Migration continued and tribes met one another, eventually the cooperative nature of the inhabitants lead them to work in unity.
These loose alliances would eventually grow to form three nation states, these states grew quickly, although they worked together they would usually view themselves as superior to the other states. Even if this period of history is viewed as turbulent, it also lead to some meaningful technological and cultural breakthroughs.
During the subsequent era of peace that lasted 400 years, they achieved spaceflight and explored their solar system. They had established research colonies on two planets and were working on warp technology when the Iren and Uzor, warring species of a neighboring system, entered the Bolarus system. Two of the main nation states made contact with the species and would choose a different side. This lead to turmoil among the Bolians. The third nation state isolated itself as they feared the chaos brought to the planet.
Eventually each nation was asked to take a side in the war and Bolarus IX would be the battle field. But, the war was avoided due to first contact with the Federation in 2252.
The presence of the Federation brought the nation states back to the negotiation table and pushed the warring species away from the Bolarus system. After some time the Bolians were made a special offer, if they could create a single government entity they would be taken into the Federation.
Since joining the Federation they have contributed a great deal including development of advanced antigravity technology and a new dilithium crystallization process.
Bolian territory was a hotbed between the Federation and the Dominion during the Dominion War. A front was established by the Sixth Fleet in 2374 to prevent Dominion forces from taking the Bolian border and outlying colonies. Starfleet developed a new strategy during the war on the Bolian front which was known as the Bolian Operation.
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