Za'tachk: Minor race from Loza'tch, a world in subsector O of Wrenton.



      Zhodani: Starfaring human subrace with a bizarre culture thoroughly

permeated by the routine use of psionics. The typical Zhodani is about 1.9

meters in height and weighs about 70 kilograms (taller and thinner than

Solomani). Purebred Zhodani are usually dark complected, and often have dark

brown or black hair. Zhodani blood types include F, G, P, Q, R, V. and Z, with

F, Q, V, and Z most prevalent.

      By far the most important aspect of Zhodani culture is its utter

reliance on psionics - a reliance which Imperial humans detest and fear.

Perhaps the most infamous of all aspects of Zhodani culture is the Tavrchedl',

the Zhodani thought police.



      Zhodani Consulate: The Consulate contains more than 6,500 worlds in 175

subsectors. Three subsectors extend into the Spinward Marches. The Consulate

contains upward of 80% of all racial Zhodani. The Consulate is a democracy in

which only the nobles can vote. 

      The Supreme Ruling Council (Qlomdlabr) is composed of 2 representatives

from each of the eight provinces. An advisory council of former members of the

Qlomdlabr assists in making decisions. Senior members of the advisory council

travel throughout the Consulate, and they are respected leaders whose

instructions and advice is received and acted upon with appreciation.

      The hereditary nobles (and some commoners who show potential) monopolize

psionic training. This psionic ability in the hands of the rulers allows

imposition of very strict controls, but at the same time it is possible to

keep a large majority of the citizenry content and happy.

      The Zhodani base a claim to racial superiority on a supposed natural

talent for psionics. All indications, however, are that Zhodani nobles are

especially proficient only through training which begins in youth.



      Ziru Sirka Imperial Library of Enlugal: Enlugal is one the two most

important cities on Vland. This library is the oldest continuously open in

explored space.



      Zirunkariish: One of the largest insurance underwriters in the Imperium.

This banking and investment house prefers investing in various trusts rather

than in other megacorporations. The noble Shiishuginsa family founded

Zirunkariish in -425. In 679, Antiama, a member of the family, married the

Emperor Zhakirov.

      Interests: Capital investment, real estate, insurance.

      Stock ownership: Imperial family, 18%; Shiishuginsa family, 29%; Noble

families, 12%; Sharurshid trust, 17%; Hortalez et Cie, 7%; Investment trusts,

8%; Private, 9%.



      Zuchai Crystal: These crystals form the raw material for a vital

focusing element in jump drives. They are both naturally occurring and

manufactured, but the natural type appear to have longer operating lives.

Natural crystals in a raw state are worth about cr1000 per kilogram.