Kahje is the homeworld of the hanar and the capital of the Illuminated Primacy, which now forms the Hanar Sector within the United Federation of Nations (UFN). With 90% of its surface covered by the vast Encompassing ocean, Kahje is an aquatic world permanently enveloped in thick cloud cover generated by the intense radiation of its white star. Beneath this perpetual haze, the planet’s land area consists only of small islands, which serve as the primary settlements and cultural centers for the hanar and the drell who share their home.
Kahje’s atmosphere is uniquely suited to hanar physiology, consisting primarily of oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, with traces of ammonia. However, the high humidity has proven detrimental to the drell, who were rescued from their dying homeworld two centuries ago. As a result, many drell reside in climate-controlled domed cities, the largest of which is Cnidaria City, where temperature and humidity are regulated to prevent the onset of Kepral’s Syndrome, a degenerative lung disease that disproportionately affects the drell population.
The planet’s deep connection to the Protheans has profoundly shaped hanar society and religion. Numerous Prothean ruins dot the ocean floors and island chains, reinforcing the hanar’s deep spiritual reverence for their ancient benefactors. The underwater volcano Mount Vassla is one of the most sacred locations on Kahje, home to one of the largest surviving Prothean ruins. Each year, the winners of the Nyahir ("First Cresting Bloom") religious festival are honored with inscriptions in bioluminescence on the mountain’s slopes, reinforcing their status within hanar culture.
Geography and Climate
Kahje’s geography is dominated by its oceanic expanse, with small, scattered islands acting as hubs of civilization. The planet’s humid, mist-laden atmosphere supports a thriving marine biosphere, teeming with life that has evolved in tandem with the hanar. The hanar, as naturally aquatic beings, inhabit subsurface cities, floating sanctuaries, and oceanic metropolises, while the drell maintain a largely terrestrial existence in carefully controlled environments.
The climate remains a challenge for offworld visitors, particularly species with terrestrial respiratory systems. Due to the thick atmosphere and high humidity, non-aquatic species require protective gear or climate-controlled habitats to avoid health complications. The UFN has introduced advanced environmental controls in certain settlements, particularly expanding and modernizing drell accommodations to improve their quality of life.
Urban Development and Infrastructure
Hanar architecture is a marvel of bioluminescent beauty, incorporating fluid, organic designs that blend seamlessly with the oceanic environment. The majority of hanar settlements are submerged, with structures suspended in the depths or anchored to the ocean floor. Artificial reefs and floating platforms allow for above-surface development, though these are primarily used for commerce, diplomacy, and interstellar trade.
The largest terrestrial settlement, Cnidaria City, serves as the primary residence for the drell. Once notorious for its crime-infested slums and deteriorating conditions, efforts under the UFN integration initiative have led to urban revitalization programs aimed at reducing poverty, improving public services, and establishing a stronger security presence.
Economic and Scientific Significance
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Kahje is one of the foremost scientific hubs of the UFN, specializing in marine biology, biochemistry, and Prothean research. The planet’s vast archives of Prothean ruins attract archaeologists, historians, and xenoanthropologists from across the galaxy, many of whom work in close collaboration with hanar scholars to unlock the mysteries of the ancient species. These discoveries have influenced UFN technological development, particularly in areas such as bioluminescent computing, neural interfacing, and bio-organic energy systems.
The hanar economy is largely centered around trade, diplomacy, and intellectual exports, leveraging their long-standing connections and influence to facilitate interstellar agreements. Kahje also serves as a center for theological and philosophical study, particularly regarding the Enkindlers (Protheans) and their influence on galactic history. The hanar maintain a careful balance between economic ambition and spiritual duty, ensuring that commerce never outweighs their deeply held beliefs.
Governance and UFN Integration
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The Illuminated Primacy operates as a theocratic oligarchy, where priestly scholars and spiritual leaders hold immense authority over political and societal matters. Traditionally, governance was deeply intertwined with religious doctrine, with the Enkindlers serving as the divine justification for many policies. Integration into the UFN has required adjustments, particularly in areas of secular governance, legal reform, and interspecies cooperation.
While the Primacy remains the governing body, it now works within the UFN’s diplomatic framework, aligning its trade policies, security forces, and judicial practices with broader Federation standards. Hanar officials have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, finding ways to preserve their traditions while embracing the benefits of interstellar cooperation. The UFN has also played a significant role in advocating for drell rights, ensuring that social and political reforms continue to improve their status within hanar society.
Cultural Identity and Religious Significance
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Hanar society is steeped in ritual, reverence, and poetic expression, with language, diplomacy, and etiquette playing central roles in daily life. The worship of the Enkindlers (Protheans) remains the dominant faith, with annual ceremonies, sacred sites, and religious festivals reinforcing their spiritual legacy.
The Nyahir festival, held annually at Mount Vassla, remains a cherished tradition, with winners inscribed in radiant bioluminescence upon the underwater volcano for all to see. With the UFN’s influence, the festival has expanded to include cultural exchanges, allowing non-hanar participants to take part in the event for the first time in history.
Drell culture, while historically subjugated under hanar governance, has seen a renewed resurgence under UFN-backed social initiatives. Greater educational opportunities, healthcare access, and civic representation have helped integrate drell voices into planetary governance, ensuring that their historical hardships are addressed while preserving their unique identity.
Kahje remains one of the most unique and spiritually significant worlds within the UFN, balancing ancient traditions with modern innovation. As the capital of the Hanar Sector, it plays a vital role in diplomatic affairs, scientific exploration, and theological study, shaping interstellar discourse while maintaining its deep cultural roots.
With ongoing reforms improving the conditions of drell citizens, expanding Prothean research, and modernizing urban infrastructure, Kahje stands as a testament to harmonizing tradition with progress. As the hanar and drell continue to evolve under the Federation’s guidance, Kahje ensures that their legacy endures as a beacon of enlightenment, faith, and intellectual curiosity.
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