Klingon Empire

Facts

• Full name: Klingon Empire
• Center of government: Great Hall, First City, Qo'noS
• Imperial state expanding via annexation of neighboring territories and peoples
  • Annexed species known as jeghpu'wI', treated as servitors in Klingon culture
  • Known jeghpu'wI'
    • Manochai
    • Mempan
    • Pheben

History

• c.8th century: First established upon the union of Qo'noS under a single banner by the actions of Kahless (TNG: "Rightful Heir")
• Early 21st century: Start of the Vulcan-Klingon War upon first contact with the Confederacy of Vulcan, continuing through the mid-21st century (ENT Novel: A Choice of Futures; DIS: "The Vulcan Hello"; TNG: "First Contact")
• Mid-22nd century: Entered period of consolidation to resolve internal political conflicts (ENT Novel: To Brave the Storm)
• May 11, 2256: Protracted eight-month war with Federation begun following consolidation of Great Houses under a single direction (DIS)
• March 22, 2267: Opening volleys of a second war begun, averted only by intervention of Organians and the forced institution of the Organian Peace Treaty (TOS: "Errand of Mercy")
• 2293: Opened diplomatic talks with Federation following destruction of Praxis threatening the ability of Qo'noS to sustain life (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)
  • Talks result in the drafting of the Khitomer Accords, which by the 24th century becomes the foundational document for a broad alliance amongst Alpha and Beta Quadrant powers

Political Structure

• Klingon Defense Force serves as military body
• Head of State: Chancellor
  • Leader of the High Council
    • Body composed of representatives of the noble houses of the Empire, common seats assigned or appointed by Chancellor
    • Dominated by Klingon warrior caste c.2100, leading to general military domination of the Empire for centuries to follow (ENT: "Judgment"; ENT Novel: Live by the Code)
    • Klingon Councillors
  • Selected through combat
    • Any who consider the chancellor to no longer be fit to rule may challenge them to honorable combat, claiming the position if victorious (DS9: "Tacking Into the Wind")
    • The chancellor may at any time step down, relinquishing the position to a successor (DS9: "Tacking Into the Wind")
  • If death is inflicted in a manner other than challenge, an Arbiter of Succession will instead select the new chancellor amongst all viable claimants (ENT Novel: Live by the Code; TNG: "Redemption", "Redemption II")
  • Klingon Chancellors