Little concrete information is known about the enigmatic Sidhe (pronounced
shee) Imperium. Intelligence data is largely second hand, gleaned
from other species along the frontier. It appears that the Imperium
is composed of a number of species in a cooperative alliance. The
exact relationship between the species is not completely clear and they,
at times, appear to act independently of one another.
The Aes Sidhe are rumored to be the oldest of the races in the
Imperium. By some accounts, they have been a space fairing power for
over a billion years, before the evolution of animal life on Earth, and
the Office of Star Fleet Intelligence actually places very high confidence
in that report. This implies that the Aes Sidhe are probably one of
the oldest and most advanced races in the galaxy. It is suspected by
some that they are associated with, or maybe even responsible for, the
legendary "Preservers" who seeded members of different alien species
throughout the galaxy.
At the same time, they seem to be extremely isolationist.
According to many other space faring races in the region, it is the Aes
Sidhe, a species spoken of with nearly god-like reverence and fear, that
defend the borders of the Imperium. No records exist of any
starships or probes penetrating the frontiers of the Sidhe Imperium and
returning. Meanwhile, records document the disappearance of
expeditions launched to send probes a short distance into
Sidhe-Imperium-claimed territory from the far side of the border.
The Bean (pronounced ban) Sidhe were one of the first members of the
Imperium to be encountered. Their technology is advanced in many
regards. They seem to make extensive use of phase cloaking
technology, even being able to use the devices on individuals wearing
battle armor little more bulky than a standard Federation space
suit. Noting a fondness for employing sonic weapons that produce an
audible wail when fighting in atmosphere, a tendency to phase through
solid objects, and an ability to probe minds from a distance to find
deep-seated fears which are then used in holographic projections, some
have actually theorized that the Bean Sidhe of the Imperium are
responsible for the Bean Sidhe (banshee) legends of Earth.
The second race of the Imperium to be encountered were the Baobhan Sith
(bah-vaan shee). It is not clear why the other races in the region
transcribe the second half of the name differently from other members of
the Imperium. They appear to be a strange race of female vampires
that prey on unwary traders. There appear to be no males of the
race and means of procreation are unknown. They farm unwarry males
of many neighboring species who have been unlucky enough to be caught to
use as a food supply. Their prey is not normally killed during the
feeding process. Unlike vampires of common Terran mythology, the
Baobhan, though sensitive to bright light because of their relatively dim
star, have no problem existing in daylight. They also do not have
particularly pale complections. Moreover, they pull nutrients
through the skin of their prey, leaving no marks on the victim, i.e. they
have no fangs. The species appears to not use space travel and to be
contained to the planet Xinde and it is not clear how or why they became
members of the Imperium.
One of the first of the new races encountered along the Indigo Fleet
Frontier, and the third identified species of the Sidhe Imperium were the
Iarlaisi, a race that was named after the changelings of Celtic
mythology. Little factual information is known of this new race,
including what they call themselves. They are known by various
names in the languages of the region, most translating into some varient
of "wraith," "demon," or "changeling."
The Iarlaisi are apparently a non-corporeal race which are capable of
possessing the bodies of other sentient beings. It is unclear how
this ability works or where this race may have evolved. This race
appears to be firmly loyal to the Sidhe Imperium, though it is unclear if
they are a member race or a servitor race of some sort. They are
used most often for intelligence work because of their natural advantages.
The fourth species of the Imperium to be encourtered was the Cu
Sidhe. It is not clear whether the Cu Sidhe are one species with
three subspecies or three distinct species. l The Federation has had
more direct contact with the Cu Sidhe (sometimes rendered Cu-Sith) than
with any other group within the Imperium. The Cu Sidhe seen
interested in developing a peace which will allow the Dalriadan Alliance
and United Federation of Planets to co-exist. The motive behind this
goal is not known.
The Cu Sidhe are a race of canids, with an appearance similar to dogs
and wolves of Earth. Like the better known Kzinti, they are large
and generally bipedal, though they sometimes run on all fours.
Interestingly, they appear to use a name system similar to the Kzinti
where only the most honored members of the pack have full names, less
honored members have half-names that include their profession, and those
who have not yet honored themselves have only the name of their
profession. They Cu Sidhe system of honor seems to be much more
based around service to the pack than individual courage. The
species/subspecies of the Cu Sidhe are are Gadhar (Mastiff), Cwn (Hound),
and Madadh (Wolf). Cwn and Gadjar are the most frequentyly
encountered.
Tha Madadh appear to be the eldest of the breeds and more
secretive. They have a sardonic sense of humor and a mystical
bent. They have the same pack mentality of the the Cu-Sith, but are
also somewhat less socialized. They speak less and say much with
few words, usually as riddles.
Gadhar and Cwn are both very up front types. Both can be fierce
fighters, but neither is particularly warlike. The pack structure is
very important and they often come out as harsh to races not acquianted
with them because they feel a need to establish themselves with the larger
pack that they are dealing with.
It should be noted that it is speculation and rumor that the Cu Sidhe
are part of the Imperium. They have been evasive when asked any
questions related to the Imperium and, though relatively forthcoming in
other areas, have not confirmed any information about the Imperium.
Of the tribes, the Gadhar are possible the most brutish, but they can
also be the most gentle. They might take offense quickly, but they
don't hold grudges unless the crime is particularly vulgar. The Cwn
are more refined, but also a bit more mercurial of temper.
Gadhar are the largest of the races. As noted below, they
average about 2.9m (though with the dog hind leg, they often do not stand
to their full height) and 350kg. Cwn are also tall and resemble
Scottish Dearhounds or Irish Wolfhounds (the main differences being
coloration and size, but the Cwn harken to an older hound before these
breeds would have been separated). Average height is about 3m and
average weight about 220kg. The Madadh are about 2.5m in height and
300 kg on average.
