K'kree: The K'kree (once called Centaurs by humans) are among the most massive of the major races and are the only one of the major races to be descended from herbivores. An adult K'kree stands about 1.5 meters at the shoulder and between 2.0 and 2.4 meters tall when standing erect. Weight averages 550 kg. They are bilaterally symmetrical, hexapedal, and homeothermic. They bear some resemblance to the centaurs of ancient Terran myth, a trait noted by the earliest human explorers.
The arrangement of the manipulative organ (or hand) on the front limb is one of their most interesting features. Complex or cartilaginous tubes permit the fingers of the K'kree hand to telescope up out of the way when the hand is used as a weapon. Fully extended, the fingers are mutually opposable to each other and to the "thumb" which is in reality an extension of the ulna. The K'kree hand is very flexible but somewhat weaker in grasping power than the human hand.
The K'kree are covered with a short gray or black fur and with a dense black mane covering the head and neck and upper back of both sexes. Unlike Terran mammals, the young are fed partially digested, regurgitated food instead of milk. Males average 15 percent to 20 percent larger than females.
K'kree are extremely conservative in all aspects of their culture. Ceremonial military units (such as bodyguards) are armed with equipment which K'kree military technology outdated centuries ago, and (aside from modifications made necessary by the discovery of spaceflight) K'kree government has not changed significantly in centuries.
Because of their origins as plains-dwelling herd animals, the K'kree are claustrophobes; they cannot stand to be enclosed. K'kree cities are clumps of low, broad, buildings; the interior is never more than one story in height, which allows the sky to be visible. Internal building divisions are achieved with curtains or tapestries.
K'kree are extremely gregarious. They are never found alone, and will quickly sicken and die if removed from other K'kree for any length of time. Receiving a trade or diplomatic delegation from the K'kree means entertaining the entire family (one or more wives, servants, scribes, assistants, etc.) of the merchant or the ambassador. The K'kree word for "my" refers to a possession of an individual's herd, not to that of an individual. Privacy and individuality are exotic and little understood concepts for the K'kree.
Society: K'kree society is divided into castes. The system is a remnant of ancient times which no longer fits K'kree culture perfectly, but the K'kree stick with it because it is traditional. There are hundreds of castes, but the distinctions are too faint for non-K'kree to understand. For simplicity, castes can be divided into three general groupings: noble, merchant, and servant. It is possible for a family to rise in caste, but this is a rare occurrence.
The lowest caste, the servants, has come to include farmers, factory workers, and unskilled laborers as well as servants for all classes.
The next higher caste, the merchants, includes most skilled workers, scientists, engineers, technicians, scribes, and government administrators, as well as merchants and businessmen.
Nobles are the governmental officials (the Krurruna and others), the high military officers, diplomats, and heads of trade and manufacturing concerns. Nobles are usually garbed in much more ornate fashion than the lower castes.
Every male K'kree must serve a term in the military upon coming of age. Warriors are drawn from all castes; rank in the military is determined by the caste of origin (nobles enter the service as general officer trainees, merchants as lower officers and noncommissioned officers, etc.). Upon completing the required term of service, a warrior returns to his original caste and position. Warriors are the only K'kree permitted to bear weapons, and they are further distinguished by their peculiar flared and horned helmets. They serve as soldiers, police, firefighters, and bodyguards for diplomatic and mercantile expeditions.
Female K'kree are casteless, and take on the caste of their father or husband. Females have no position in government or society other than the rearing of young.
Government: The basis of K'kree government is rooted in the traditional herd system. The basic unit of government is the herd, which consists of thousands of individuals of all sexes, castes, and ages led by krurruna (literally: bosses) under a single steppelord.
In recent times, most herds have been assigned specific geographic areas (several may be assigned to a city or a single herd may be assigned millions of hectares of farmland). A number of herds are governed by a single "lord of steppelords" (usually the ruler of a planet); and the K'kree race as a whole is ruled by a "Steppelord of the 2000 Worlds."
K'kree Calendar: The K'kree calendar is based on the period of Kirur (the K'kree homeworld) around Gzang, its star. The K'kree Pim!bigr (year) is 439.56 standard days in length.
See also Two Thousand Worlds. -ld IE

K'Tring: Warlike human inhabitants comprising part of Gaajpadje's sapient population. Decended from the crash of a warship 2,000 years ago, the K'Tring are believed to be related to the since-vanquished Drexiltharans: one of the last great Reaver states. Currently, the K'Tring are planetbound, with a tech level of 6. -rd TD 16

Kaflowe (0514 Massilia D-465545-8): First Imperium records indicate that early migratory colonists were the first to travel to this world. They found a local ecology that was almost totally incompatible with human life.
The migrants were ill-prepared to cope with this, since most of the precolonization surveys had been orbital. Only one biological group was found to be edible, a symbiotic triad of bird, rodent, and plant. Until plants from the migrant's homeworld could be coaxed to grow, this triad was the sole source of food and had to be husbanded with extreme care. Thus this special triad assumed a significance all out of proportion to its ecological niche.
Today's attitude toward the triad is little short of mystical adoration, though the food problem has long since been solved. The grilin bird is protected and encouraged to multiply by the planting of the siccradit tree. The mikat rodent is also allowed to run free, despite its taste for certain human crops.
A religion has grown up around the concept of the symbiotic triad in the past 400 years. Its central tenets enjoin cooperation and harmonious living, so the theology has a more or less calming influence on the culture. -mas TD 11
Kaflowe claims allegiance to Lucan, although their actions to date indicate a considerable apathy on the part of the locals to the entire Rebellion situation. -mas K

Kagalarmadigum: Very fine wine found on many planets in Vland sector. Very new and fresh Kagalarmadigums are considered to be the best, and many fine restaurants have their own gardens for the grapes, which are then picked and pressed while the customer waits. The quality is also very dependent on the grapes and the soil they stand in, as well as the care that goes into pressing them. -cam MS

Kakhiw (1308 Ealiyasiyw B5647K6-C): Both Aslan and Droyne inhabit Kakhiw. Nearly a third of the planet's 10,000,000 inhabitants are Droyne loyal to the Okakhiwao clan. The Droyne settlement, Nadaybthu, prospered before the Aslan's coming, but cooperation between races has done even more to bolster the local economy.
Accustomed to the talents of the psionic Droyne, a few Aslan have begun studying these disciplines. Other elements of Droyne culture, especially its mysticism, have also seeped into the life of the Okakhiwao. The world's unique cultural mix has made it a popular tourist spot recently. -eal TD 18

Kamikoru, Ganidirsi (157-204): An IISS explorer active in the early exploration of Trojan Reach. While on a long-range probe of Dpres Subsector, Kamikoru died a premature death; her ship's systems failed under conditions that remain mysterious even today. An IISS rescue team found Kamikoru dead, her Scout ship drifting and heavily damaged.
In modern times, Kamikoru is better known for her career as a sculptor. One of her pieces was sold in 1108 for MCr10. Many other finds have surfaced since, but most have proven to be forgeries. -tr TD 20

Kanorb (2733 Corridor C473976-C): Kanorb has a long history of settlement and fractious politics. Kanorb was a stronghold of Vilani noble houses in the First Imperium; it withdrew from Interstellar commerce early in the Rule of Man period. When the Solomani attempted to reintegrate Kanorb by force, the population put up fierce resistance. The Solomani Navy was so overtaxed by the vastness of the Second Imperium that they were never able to muster enough force to fight a conclusive battle with Kanorb. After the Rule of Man fell, several of the Vilani Lord began quarelling with each other, no longer having a common cause to unite them. The world disintegrated into dozens of squabbling nations during the Long Night.
The Third Imperium first re-established trade relations with the nation Eshlepur, on the northern continent. Now, most of the major power carry on interstellar trade, acting independently under sometimes contradictory agreements. Smaller nations group themselves into spheres of infuence around superpowers possesing starports. Language have diverged sharply from the original Vilani; some fifty dialects are now spoken on the planet. -cor EA

Kforuzeng: The most powerful Vargr corsair band in Gvurrdon Sector. From 1105 to 1107, it virtually monopolized all corsair activity along most of the length of the Domain of Deneb border. It remained the largest band even after severe decline. Its growth is surging again amidst the chaos of the Rebellion. The Kforuzeng has a reputation for extreme ruthlessness. -w&o V&V

Khankari (0205 Vland B885311-D): Khankari's dense atmosphere carries enormous kinetic energy, making a windy day quite an event. Khankari's dense atmosphere likewise serves to distribute heat across the globe from the tropics to the poles.
Khankari's sharp axial tilt and short year (in the inner orbit around a cool M2 V star) contribute to abrupt seasonal changes and generate some of the sector's most dramatic weather.
Hurricanes wiped out the First Imperium colony planted here and has decimated the population repeatedly thereafter. The world's inhabitants completely died out during the Long Night.
Early in the Third Imperium, a new colony was established on Khankari. The small group now living on Khankari today use well-reinforced homes, and many avoid the entire weather problem by living underground. -vla V&V

Khaukheairl: Aslan clan. Member of the Tlaukhu. Historically enemies, Yerlyaruiwo and Khaukheairl are still outspoken rivals, as a result of ancient disputes. Yet, the apparent enmity is merely superficial. These two actually cooperate more than any other pair of power blocs, in spite of their retoric. They have gone to each others aid on a number of occasions, and frequently intermarry.
Members of Khaukheairl exhibit their status more than members of Yerlyaruiwo clan do. Their manors are impressively large, and their envoy ships are luxurious. Khaukheairl nobility usually insist on every formality, especially those that distinguish rank.
This clan is the leading patron of Aslan art and culture. Much as Imperial nobility might sponsor famous orchestras, theaters, art galleries, and conservatories, the nobility of Khaukheairl support equivalent Hierate institutions. Many of the most widely known artists and art treasures can be found among Khaukheairl clan. -tlau S&A

Khikaba (0829 Lishun C524869-A): Khikaba was the site of the infamous Meson Rebellion in 1020. Imperial Navy forces took 12 years to restore order. Now under martial law, Khikaba's government is administered from the naval base at Shuka Gipdim (0728 Lishun A370575-E). All development on Khikaba beyond tech level 10 is forbidden and laboratories are strictly monitored ot prevent the rebuilding of high-tect weaponry. Guerrilla activity is still common in mountainous areas. -lis TD 6

Khoez-toeng-thos (1304 Lishun A8C9740-9): The alleged "colonization" of this planet by Vargr using "orbital complexes" (actually just big starships) isn't fooling anybody. Imperial military expert believe the Vargr are using the world as an advance base, since Khoez-toeng-thos just happens to be adjacent to to some very pleasant Imperial worlds. As a result, many of these worlds are strengthening their system defenses; the Imperial Navy is discussing plans for a new base at Untida (1305 Lishun). -lis TD 7

Kidagir (2503 Corridor X242325-5): Red Zone. This border planet changed hands in 1100; the Vargr corsairs who occupy the planet now hold the the tiny human population in slavery. A recent expedition to aid the humans has disappeared. Many Vargr, peacebly incined to the Imperium, avoid the planet. -cor EA

Kiirindor (2520 Deneb B446666-P): Kiirindor's atmosphere is tainted with excess carbon dioxide, which warms it pleasantly but makes breathing diffkult. The inhabitants cultivate much greenery in and around their homes to offset this. The planet was colonized from Erita (2519 Deneb) over the past 200 years, and is scheduled for complete independence any time now. -den TD 19

Kikasad (2334 Corridor C76A003-6): This waterworld is a hunting preserve, boasting some of the most spectacular (and most deadly) game fish in the Imperium. The law level indicates the weapons allovable for hunting. Valiant hunters may attempt an underwater hunt: some never return. -cor EA

Kirur (1315 Ruupiin B863A03-F): Homeworld and capital of the Two Thousand Worlds - the interstellar empire of the K'kree. The planet's oceans are extremely shallow and the world exhibits almost no volcanic activity, which is very unusual for a world of its size. Kirur has one large continent, which was conquered in prehistoric times by the current ruling clan; Kirur is one of the most politically stable planets known. -ld IE -ld TP

Kiur (0125 Lishun B9C5715-D): Kiur is a large, very dense world, rich in heavy metals with a dense hydrocarbon atmosphere, making Kiur almost a sub-gas-giant in a system entirely composed of gas giants. Its 71 million inhabitants live in orbit to escape the atmosphere of methane and ammonia.
The atmosphere can be easily skimmed and purified for fusion fuel, but what really sweetens the dismal aspect of this world is the ocean of pure hydrocarbons. These are scooped and sold to lower tech planets that still burn them for fuel. A good example is Surli (0529 Lishun D000853-7), 5 parsecs away. -lis TD 6

Kolan (2831 Gateway C757887-9): A small, hot world known for its thick jungles and mist-shrouded, usually overcast skies. A genetics research company, Ralton Farina, has its headquarters and research laboratories here.
The world is also known as the reputed hideout for numerous mercenary bases and refugee camps involved in covert operations against the K'kree occupiers of the Renkard Union. -gat MTJ 4

Kostov Confederate Republic: Memeber state of the Solomani Confederation. Known throughout the Confederation as a fierce democracy, the Kostov Konfedaar Republik requires that each citizen over the age of 17 vote in the annual elections. These elections decide all important aspects of the Republik's government. A vast government bureaucracy sees to it that the results of each election are quickly tabulated and enacted.
A congress is elected each year to tend to foreign interests and insure the continuation of democratic ideals. While it often proves difficult to get an immediate decision on minor matters, special elections are held in the event of great national need. Each world in the Republik handles its democracy in a slightly different way, but the overall effect is nonetheless that of a large, modern participatory democracy. -sta S&A

Kovuu (0514 Diaspora D374373-B): Kovuu's population has long enjoyed the use of ornithopters as a form of sport and recreation. Many Kovuuns use their wings for local travel, and although a difficult feat, many have begun to learn how to hunt live game from the air. This practice has created a greater degree of local independence from imported foodstuffs. -AGD

Krimm: The krimm is a native of Brewin, a beautiful but deadly world in the Hermes subsectorof Daibei sector. Several other predators make this world a dangerous challenge for hunters and explorers, but many consider the krimm to be one of the most ferocious.
A carnivore/chaser, the krimm resembles a Vilani ashurgarsh or a Terran bear, but is generally smaller and faster. Its claws and fangs enable it to pull down animals much larger than itself, and it is known to kill even when not hungry or threatened. Krimm fur is highly valued in the subsector, but for obvious reasons, it is also rare. -dai TD 15

Ktouwaatritoikh: Captain of the expedition that made the first crossing of the Great Rift in 1185 Aslan (-1044 Imperial). He was born on Steisua (1135 Dark Nebula) in 1130 Aslan and found land in Ealiyasiyw Sector at the age of 28. This did not satisfy his thirst for roving, however.
Leaving his holdings in the management of his three wives, Ktouwaatritoikh took exploratory trips to coreward until he encountered the obstacle that had stopped earlier adventurers: jumps too long for his vessel to make. With support from the worlds on the rimward side of the Rift, he set out to create a fuel dump in space to make the longest jump possible. This was accomplished with large fuel pods equipped with beacons, and sufficient extra tankage in the ships to make the return jump. (This fuel dump is still kept stocked and occasionally used by lesser vessels; however, most Rift crossings are now accomplished in jump-5 ships and do not require it.) At the far end of the jump was a thick cluster of worlds suitable for colonization. These lands gave Ktouwaatritoikh status far beyond that of his holdings in Ealiyasiyw, and he eventually brought his family to his new holdings on the coreward side of the Rift. -dn TD 17

Kubishush (0917 Deneb B8B69AA-D): Kubishush averages -40C and has a nitrogen atmosphere at 6.1 atm. pressure, with ammonia oceans and ammonia vapor in the air. The inhabitants are a hermaphroditic septapodal minor race, the Gl'lu, whose metabolism is based on oxidation of the ammonia in the air. Their latest leader, S'lmar Vovon, a dynamic Ssnanes (young one), brilliantly led the rescue and reorganization efforts in the most recent of the planet's geological upheavals. Rebuilding has progressed so rapidly under his (or her) guidance and the expertise of the planet's engineers that few visitors today can see the scars of the latest turmoil. -den TD 19

Kuzu (1919 Dark Nebula A876986-E): Homeworld of the Aslan race and capital of the Aslan Hierate. -ld IE -ld TP