Family Lines: Klingon lines are more than families and less then the great dynasties of old Earth. They are more like vast networks of mutual obligations and defense agreements. Lines rarely feud because this usually weakens both to the point of destruction. There comes a time when a line becomes so big that some members adopt a new name and become line-founders. Generally a petition is presented to the Epitai of the birth line and permission given. Any who leave thier line without permission are viewed with contempt and disgust by members of the original line. If permission is received then the new " Founder" may begin to build his line, through marriage and children, and gain power and prestiege. Some lines adopt orphan, lineless children from state run institutions to build thier line. This is wholly acceptable and there is no sociological stigma attached. Due to the rigors of Klingon society few Line Founders survive to reach Imperial recognition. Most fail because their first act, in order to become recognized by the High council, is usually something foolishly bold. Still, all Line Founder's are well respected and admired by other Families within the Empire.

Naked Stars: Since Klingons view themselves as the greatest lifeforms in the universe the urge to worship another entity is not very strong. Klingons control their own destinies and answer to no power (other then the Emperor or Internal Security) for their actions. The Empire acknowledges the power that religion has over other cultures but, it is not so prevalent or powerful in the Klingon experiance. As close to religion as the Empire comes is the belief that the stars see all. This allows for a belief in a higher form of Justice and eventual reward/punishment that is sometimes lacking in contemporary Klingon society. Due to heavy cloud cover a clear night is rare on Klinzhai and the stars are held in a certain reverence. Part of the following poem gives an example;

"... and though I had slain

a thousand foes less one,

The thousandth knife had found my liver;

The thousandth enemy said to me,

"Now you shall die, and none shall know."

And the fool looking down believed this,

Not seeing, above his shoulder, the naked stars,

Each one remembering."

Imperial Intelligence (II): Similar to the Gestapo of Nazi Germany. II (Imperial Intelligence) is the Emperor's personal watchdog agency. Answerable only to him. It's funtion is to keep an eye on rival house lines in the Empire. It's agents (Operation Masters) and structure is known only to the Emperor. II carries with it the power of the Throne. Entire Familiy lines have been exterminated and their Titles and wealth confiscated by the Emperor based on negative reports he received from Imperial Intelligence agents. Imperial Intelligence agents are both hated and feared as no other members of Klingon society. Even Internal Security cannot escape it's prying eyes.

Internal Security Service (ISS): If Imperial Intelligence is the eyes of the Emperor, then Imperial Security is the muscle. Maintaining constant survalliance on all members of the Empire. Even members of the High Council are not immune. This agency is responsible for all Covert Operations both in and outside the Empire. Surgical reconstruction and Drug experiments are within the authority of this organization. Anyone might be an Internal Security agent. The orders of a Internal Security agent can countermand those of any military officer. Even a Captain may be "removed" and his Command seized by an ISS Officer (though such commands are NEVER made permanent) if the Officer feels the Captain's loyalty is lacking. The "Political Officers" of Imperial Security use "Special Units" (the most ruthless and politically loyal) of the Imperial Marines as the soldiers and guards of thier organization. This organization maintains control of the Empire through domestic espionage, terror and intimidation.

Philosophy: Klingons are pragmatists to the extream. Good and Evil are not absolutes but means to an end. If an action brings Honor to one's self (and line) and Glory to the Empire Then it is good. Anything that diminishes this principle is bad. Also, the strong grow at the expense of the weak. The Klingon Empire itself is considered Komorex (the strucure that grows). Other Empires, such as the Romulan and Cardassian, also fall into this catagory. These two Empires must eventually be defeated in Glorious Combat if the Klingons are to survive. That is the way of the Komorex and the universe in general. That is why the Empire must continue to fight. Battle hardens the Empire so it will grow strong and not fall into decadence. Honor and Glory strengthen the spirit of the Warrior and gives them the right to control their future (Destiny). Other races in the universe have their own paths to follow. Since it is the destiny of most of the other races in the universe to serve or be conqured by the Empire, all other races (besides those considered Komorex) are considered one of three other types. 1) Khesterex - An Empire that may have been great but sold it's greatness for other things (eg. Andorian or Borg). 2) Ku've - a race whose very nature makes them natural servants (eg. Vulcans or Betazoid).

Dispite popular belief to the contrary, there is no dishonor or contempt associated with being a member of a race designated as Ku've. Indeed, a member of one of the Subject races of the Empire who serves well is considered a respected and valued member of the line he/she serves. Any Ku've that fufills it's destiny of servitude brings great credit to itself and it's race.The Empire goes to great lengths to Defend it's holdings in the Galaxy and does not consider any of it's possesions to be expendable or valueless. The third classification is Thar'vule similar to a paid or compensated worker, something of a scavanger or begger (eg. Orions or Packlet). This last classification is generally held in contempt because of the races dislike of Honorable Combat.

Members of this third racial classification are viewed as either to stupid (to know it's place) or to cowardly (to fight for it). Since they may have some desireable skill or talent they would be tolerated (barely), as long as they were useful. They have not the place in the grand design of the universe, as does ku've, to share an existance with Klingons. Destiny is paramount to a Klingon and Conflict the prefered path. Even in death the struggle to "Survive and Succeed" continues. If a Klingon has been true to Honor and has served the Empire well there will be a place for them in the Black Fleet. This is where Klingon Warriors who have died are sent to serve in the Afterlife. If they were fourtunate enough to die in Battle they will be given a post on a ship in the Black Fleet where past enemies are battled and defeated a thousand times to the sound of Glorious Laughter and praise.