1. Introduction
2. History of Contact
3. Technological Profile
4. Physiological/Medical Profile
5. Cultural/Historical Profile

6. Threat Assessment
7. Strategic Objectives
8. Tactical Considerations
9. Vessel Database
10. Intelligence Reports

11. Return to Main Page

12. ASR Home Page

CULTURAL/HISTORICAL PROFILE

The Tholian government, known collectively as the Holdfast, is rumoured to be based on a planet called Tholia, though rumours of a Dyson Sphere at the centre of their space are popular. They are basically a republic, with a single ruler, called the Essence, advised by an appointed group of advisors called the Assembly. Representatives are taken from each of the major sectors of Tholian society, and are in most cases leaders in their respective fields.

The Essence is more than just a political figure, however, he is also a religious, military and cultural icon, revered by Tholians in a similar manner as the Klingon Emperor. He is no figurehead, however. Traditionally, the representative Assembly has acquiesced to the Essence's will due to the immense respect and admiration the Essence commands within the populous. Only on very rare occasions does the Assembly differ in opinion with the Essence, which has always signalled the end of his reign due to the loss of respect and power amongst the people. The Essence reigns for life, when his authority is challenged and he loses, the Essence has always opted for ritual suicide rather than live with the shame of being successfully challenged.

When an Essence dies, a new one is elected from the Assembly by the Assembly members. The Essence has, to this date, always been male, although no laws are on record restricting females from this role.

The Tholian Government has always been, and by all estimates will always be, xenophobic in the extreme. This has something to do with the origins of the Tholians in the Alpha Quadrant, though much of the information available on that subject is unconfirmed.

Economically, the Holdfast is completely self contained and supporting.

Tholians live in a male-dominated society (this is from conditioning or natural tendencies; no laws pertaining to male superiority are known to exist) in complete service of the state; whether it be in military, political or civilian pursuits. In this way, their society has developed into almost a true communism; everything for the good of the state, and personal satisfaction a secondary goal. All Tholian males serve in the military for a mandatory 4-year stint upon turning 20 Terran Standard years; females are allowed to serve, but are not required to do so unless a state of war is in effect.

The populace is divided into several castes, though it is believed that these castes are based on talent as opposed to by birth. Only three castes are currently known (being worker, soldier and scientist) though others are believed to exist. There does not seem to be any animosity between the castes, sacrificing their personal advancement in favour of the enrichment of their people.

Their society is an extremely religious one. Their beliefs revolve around the existence of a single, all-powerful being (whose name is unpronounceable to humans) who is uncompromising but fair. The Essence is this being's representative in life. From this most likely extends their famed trait of punctuality, although in what context is unknown. Suffice it to say that Tholians are not merely offended by a lack of promptness; they consider it almost blasphemous.

Tholian culture seems to be a rich, spiritual one. From this comes their service to the state; since the Essence is the cultural and spiritual leader (the man through whom their deity speaks) as well as the political one, he alone is deserving of their labours.

They also believe that they are destined for "greater things" than their current situation, though no one seems to be sure of just what that may be; only the Essence has an inkling to such knowledge. Most Essences have maintained a fairly consistent policy regarding expansion and foreign relations through the years. They consistently terraform planets within the asteroid belt, and have begun to expand (recently towards Gorn space) and have not establish meaningful foreign relations in recent years.

They are also extremely territorial by nature, defending their borders zealously. This stems from their traditional caste-based society, when mineral rich land necessary for industrialization was at a premium on Tholia, as well as xenophobia and the still present fear of repercussions from the rebellion which drove them to the Alpha Quadrant.

However, they are also basically a peaceful people, wishing only to keep to themselves and grow spiritually and territorially. Given this, however, one would be prudent to wonder just how long they can remain peaceful.