[H4]Karman[h4]

A newly discovered species, Karmans are an alien simian (specifically, gorilla)

race, once subservient to the Therians, their "creators" but now emerging as an
independent force on their own. Originally intended as a project of the Therian
race to strip planets of resources rapidly through the "seeding" of rapidly
industrialising societies, the Karman experiment failed after the race came to
"Enlightenment".
[P]After seeing the destruction their own evolutionary path was taking them, the
Karman race entered a period of soul-searching meditation that birthed a new
philosophy of Karma, from which they are named.

[P]Now they seek enlightenment and peace primarily, though they still possess the
capability for great violence, when called for. The Karmans journey across the
universe in all directions to learn, observe alien civilizations, and seek their
karma. Nomadic by nature, they feel at home anywhere.

[P][B]Physiology:[b]
Karmans are large quadrupeds that appear to have evolved from simian mammals.

[P]They are tall, wide, and have hairy skin that ranged in color from black and
browns to silver and white. A few Karmans display white stripes down the sides of
their head and arms. Thier hair naturally turns silver as they age.

[P]Karmans move around by knuckle-walking, although they sometimes walk bipedally

for short distances while carrying food, using tools and weapons, or in defensive
situations. They have immense strength and fortitude and are used to carrying heavy
burdens. They are also adept at climbing.

[P][B]Society:[b]
The karmans developed a unique understanding of the universe, a philosophy in which
memories of the past and potential future become one. Time does not exist in this
Karman way of thinking. Everything exists simultaneously for this people. No one
can predict the future or change the past, but everyone must study the consequences
of their decisions.

[P]The philosophy of the karma, unknown to any other species in the galaxy,
influences Karman society in many ways. The Karmans envision the universe, as a
whole, in motion and its every element, which are also mobile, are all inter-
connected. In this philosophy, all a person's actions cause a reaction in the
universe, which contributes to the life vibe or energy of said person. This
"karma", either good or bad, will result in subsequent reactions in the universal
balance (a bad action will result in cosmic retribution for example) or at rebirth
and reincarnation.

[P]The wisest of Karman sages have progressed to a new understanding of time, able
to predict the future and influence it by their actions in the past and in the
present. They are even aware that they may be living in several simultaneous
incarnations in any one period of time as they perceive it, a difficult concept to
grasp.

[P]The Karmans also have a specific view of History. They believe that today and
tomorrow are nothing but illusions. Any action causes a reaction; every event has
an origin to be understood and analyzed. To live a fulfilled life, one must be
aware of one’s alternative existences, those that could have been lived if one had
acted differently and if other choices had led to other consequences. Some of the
great sages of Karma are rumored to be able to change the future by slightly
modifying the present. Karmans are often viewed as lucky by those who do not
understand the mysteries of Karma.
[P][B]Homeworld:[b]
Karma is the Karman homeworld. Located in the Unknown regions, it is a planet of
lush jungles, oceans, and great snowcapped mountains.

In under four centuries, and with technological "gifts" from thier Therian masters,
the Karmans reached the industrial age. Destroying forests to create cities,
factories, mines and thermal power plants was unacceptable to the Karmans who
decided to create a more respectful technology. Since then, the Karmans have become
extraordinary environmentalists. Few other species equal them in this field.
[P]On Karma, a few industries remained, carefully limited to the minimum required
to develop space travel. With their independent technology, the Karmans built space
machines and started exploring their stellar system less than five hundred years
after they had been created. Karma remained intact under their care, particularly
as they built their polluting industries in space.

[P][B]Language:[b]
Karmese is the language of the Karmans from the planet Karma. Most Karmans also
learn to speak Basic.