The Cardassians once possessed a rich, vibrant culture, but because their world has few resources, they eventually found themselves ignoring loftier matters to concentrate on simple survival. The result was veresh-var, a gradual decline of Cardassian civilization that lasted for centuries. Art and religion were abandoned in a desperate struggle for survival that gave rise to a harsh military dictatorship. All Cardassians were expected to serve the needs of the state, from providing a molar for identification purposes to living under strict authoritarian laws.

By the 23rd and 24th centuries, the Central Command (military) and the Obsidian Order (intelligence agency) dominated Cardassia. Necessarily harsh and aggressive, the Cardassians turned outward to solve their resource problems. Their first encounter with the Klingons led to an eighteen-year-long war. Similarly, they approached their early encounters with the Federation with suspicion and mistrust, perhaps seeing the Federation as a competitor for resources and hindrance on their ability to expand. The most infamous example of their ruthless exploitation of other worlds can best be seen on Bajor.

Although this militaristic culture lauded devotion to the state and purported to reward citizens based on merit, personal contacts and influence (vesala) were what really mattered. Among Cardassians, who you know is more important than what you know. Another Cardassian tradition to survive is devotion to one’s family; Cardassians typically give preference to family members over outsiders, which sometimes leads to someone holding a position not because of their abilities, but rather because of a well-placed relative. The price for failure, however, ranges from exile to death, so even the most undeserving officer quickly learns his job.

After the Dominion War, REDACTED.

Personality: Most other species regard Cardassians as aggressive, harsh, and xenophobic. However, since Cardassia looks outward into the galaxy for natural resources and sources of income, many if not all Cardassians travel to other planets and colonies. All Cardassian males are required to serve in the military for a short period. Cardassians are capable of great cleverness, cunning, and eloquence. Those who excel in the latter might serve the Obsidian Order.

Physical Description: Descended from a species with reptilian and mammalian traits, Cardassians have gray skin and black hair. They are as tall as, but slightly heavier and broader than, Humans. Elongated vertebrae covered with scale-like plates support their necks. Segmented brow ridges almost encircle their eyes; they have slightly less pronounced unsegmented ridges along the nose, chin, and jaw line. A chufa, or spoon-shaped vertical protrusion, stands out from the center of the forehead.

Example Names: Aamin Marritza, Elim Garak, Iliana Ghemor, Talarn Damar.