"If they succeed you can drink to their courage. And if they fail...you can still drink to their courage." - Darok, on recognising courage and sacrifice Born of war and forged in fire and blood, the Klingon Empire is built, at least in principle, on the foundations of strength and honour laid down by the greatest warrior to have ever lived - Lord Kahless the Unforgettable, who 1,500 years ago united the Klingon people and overthrew the dreaded tyrant Molor. Spreading across the stars, the Empire is now one of the most respected powers in the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. Ruled from the Great Hall of the First City on Qo'noS, the Klingon Empire stretches across a vast stretch of the Beta Quadrant, and incorporates a number of conquered 'protectorate' worlds. With a rich culture permeated by ancient warrior tradition, Klingon society is based around family, each family forming a House named after its patriarch. Smaller Houses swear fealty to one of the Great Houses of Qo'noS, the 24 strongest of which make up the High Council - the Empire's ruling body. For all the vaunted traditions of honour that dominate Klingon culture, the High Council is actually known for its corruption and underhanded plays for power. Wise Chancellors turn this ambition towards more productive goals. Wars have been started simply to keep the Empire unified. The Klingon Empire shares borders with both the Federation and the Romulan Star Empire, and has been involved in bloody wars with both powers. Aggressive and boisterous warriors by nature, it can be difficult to earn the friendship of even a single Klingon, let alone the Empire as a whole. Even after the signing of the Khitomer peace treaty, it took decades before the Klingons came to respect the Federation as friends and allies. The effort, however, is surely worth it - the Klingons are formidable allies, and will stand beside (or in front of) their friends against any enemy, even in the face of certain death. There is no greater glory.