Risian
Species Physiology
The Risians or Risans are a humanoid species native to the Federation planet Risa. They resemble Humans, though most wear a small button-like decoration, called a ja'risia, on their foreheads. They also differ internally and tend to age at a slower rate than humans.
Culture
Risians are known both for accomplished geo-engineers and as gracious hosts who welcome all to stay on their paradise world. While their geo-engineering is impressive, tourism is the main economic source of income for Risa, which many casinos and resorts.
Risa is most noted for its native population having a frank and open attitude to sexuality. The horga'hn, a Risian fertility symbol, was omnipresent in Risian culture. Any individual who displayed a horga'hn statuette indicated their receptiveness to jamaharon, a mysterious and very pleasurable sexual practice. There are also several popular drinks associated with Risa, in particular, the Horga'hn Hammer, an alcoholic cocktail that is often used as an invitation to the ritual of jamaharon. However, despite their reputation for hedonism, the Risians were also quite diligent and prided themselves on providing a good experience for vacationers.
The Givers are deities in the culture of the Risian people. The Lohlunat, or "Festival of the Moon", is a popular Risian celebration celebrated at Suraya Bay.
The formal government on Risa is called the Risian Hedony, made up of a council selected from among the population. Most serve until they wish to step down or have to step down due to health or age. The various ministries actually do most of the work, but report back to the council which sets the policies and duties of each ministry.
History
Risa was originally a geologically unstable planet covered with vast jungles and plagued by violent earthquakes. However, the planet was transformed by the native Risians with a technologically sophisticated weather control system that provided almost-constantly desirable weather, industrial replicators, and seismic regulators to eliminate the geological instability.
Although this made Risa a warm and pleasant Class M world it still was not the lush tropical paradise that it would later become. The planet was often subject to frequent storms and its three moons created tectonic strains which made it geologically unstable. The Risian themselves were often found in small, isolated groups with limited technology and oral histories which cited how their ancestral settlements had often been destroyed by the gods.
However, by at least 2152 when first visited by Starfleet, Risa had become known for its beautiful tropical resorts and an abundance of pristine beaches, making it a popular tourist destination, though one in which the Syndicate and other criminal organizations also operated. This gradually changed as Risa moved toward Federation membership, and by its admittance in 2249 it was considered a safe 'shore leave' planet for Starfleet personnel and people from all over the Federation.
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