V'tharians

V'tharians are an avian species from the planet Velthar in the Alpha Quadrant and are Federation members. One strength of their society are their technological skills, usually applied to reduce the species' environmental impact in their home system.

History and Politics
V'tharians have gained access to Warp technology in the early 2300s, after already advancing far in the field of environmental technology. Shortly thereafter they made contact with the Federation, who had already probed their world before that via Starfleet Officer Cardinal Leyton, grandfather of the current Federation President, Edward Leyton.

Physiology
The V'tharians are an avian, bipedal species that has evolved from a species of ratite birds on Velthar. They are of average height and spur colourful feathers, which usually changes its color between winter and summer seasons. Some V'tharians cut their feathers to appear more sentient while others prefer a more natural style and let their feathers grow without hindrance. They have beaks, which usually have dark colour, yellow eyes and small claws on their hands, which are covered by long feathers - the remains of wings. Their feet show larger claws, which originally were used to hunt. Due to that they also possess a strong sense of hearing.

Society
V'tharian society is technologically highly advanced, especially in civil engineering. Technical skills are well thought of in society and also an aptitude of the species, which tries to live in harmony with nature. The major goal of V'tharian technology and society as a whole is to reduce their impact on the environment and creation in general.

As originally the V'tharians lived in forests of large trees (several hundred meters tall), the majority of cities is still situated there, which is important for the V'tharians, as they desire to keep atuned to their roots.

Food
V'tharians are predators but by now have reduced the amount of animal food they consume. However due to their belief in a circle of life and existence they do not consume artificially created meat or food, but prepare everything fresh. Consuming non natural food is considered blasphemy by them as it mocks the Great Mother and neglects their gifts.

Spirituality
V'tharians have a very nature linked religion, profoundly believing in the Great Mother, being a celestial entity that created the universe and especially all life. She is usually depicted as a large bird protecting an egg, which is a symbol for all creation.

As a consequence of their admiration of life, V'tharians are strongly opposed to killing.