Why did the Klingons get rid of the position of Emperor for 300 years?

Discussion in 'General Trek Discussion' started by The Overlord, Aug 18, 2012.

  1. Mr. Laser Beam

    Mr. Laser Beam Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    Re: Why did the Klingons get rid of the position of Emperor for 300 ye

    Probably not.

    There are strict rules in Klingon society regarding who can challenge who, and for what reason. And that's for starship crews, who are basically of equal standing (except for actual rank).

    I doubt a commoner would be allowed to bring a challenge against a noble.
     
  2. Drago-Kazov

    Drago-Kazov Fleet Captain

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    Re: Why did the Klingons get rid of the position of Emperor for 300 ye

    Probably not. Martok would had done that if it was possible.
     
  3. Timo

    Timo Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    Re: Why did the Klingons get rid of the position of Emperor for 300 ye

    How does one get ennobled in the Klingon society? In (most of) ours, this happens when a man of means provides military resources for a man of highest political power, in such an amount that he himself doesn't yet become a man of highest political power. But Klingons are all warriors (at least through several prominent members of each clan or bloodline or whatnot), and Martok did have a House, even if not a noble one, that brought its resources to the Empire's struggles.

    Is Klingon nobility a closed community of limited numbers, thanks to it really never needing any refreshment from among people who can factually provide military resources? In our society, nobility soon becomes incapable of performing its original duty, this duty ironically being too common for them, yet in the Klingon society this would not appear to be the case.

    Martok was a commoner officer, but even "Once More Unto" did not make it sound as if this would be, ahem, uncommon. Indeed, for all we know, most Klingon officers might be commoners, and for this reason inferior to those who are not, formal rank aside. A Klingon commands by his own choosing and through his personal strength, not by mandate from above. Apparently, a noble Klingon just adds the mandate from above to this to enjoy superior status when really big decisions are made.

    Martok's father apparently had never been an officer, nor had any of his ancestors. But Martok becoming one through bravery did not turn him into a nobleman. It is left unclear whether Martok would have been ennobled had he reached his commission through attending the Academy, which apparently produced "elite officer ranks". Such a thing would IMHO fit the Klingon mindset, though: a nobleman would create himself though martial achievements, but only if the right people approved.

    Timo Saloniemi
     
  4. The Overlord

    The Overlord Fleet Captain Fleet Captain

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    Re: Why did the Klingons get rid of the position of Emperor for 300 ye

    Klingon nobility seems to be based on "blood" and genealogy, kinda like the noble classes in the real world. Nobles are born into nobility and others are not. Noble families seem to trace their bloodline to past imperial dynasties, while other families do not have that connection. Kor barred Martak from military service, because his family did not have "noble blood". I think the Klingon Empire is a meritocracy to a point, but since they place a lot of importance upon tradition and rituals, it makes sense that some families would have more power then others, due to their bloodline.
     
  5. Timo

    Timo Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    Re: Why did the Klingons get rid of the position of Emperor for 300 ye

    But bloodlines die out. Getting ennobled, that is, moving from commoner to noble, ought to be part of the Klingon system somehow, or else there would be no noble Klingons left.

    How does that part happen?

    Timo Saloniemi
     
  6. Drago-Kazov

    Drago-Kazov Fleet Captain

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    Re: Why did the Klingons get rid of the position of Emperor for 300 ye

    We don't know and we won't unless KRAD can write some more Klingon books.