Klingon Empire
Honor is the only law; death in battle is the highest glory.
The Star Trek: Klingon Empire series is a set of interlinked Klingon-centric novels written by Keith DeCandido. Published by Pocket Books from 2003 to 2008, it was originally published as Star Trek: I.K.S. Gorkon. The series follows the crew of the IKS Gorkon, a Qang-class war cruiser named for Chancellor Gorkon from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991). The Gorkon is 500 meters in length, carries over 2,000 crew, and was among the first of its class in service. The novels begin after Chancellor Martok orders the Gorkon to the unexplored Kavrot Sector to find new planets to conquer for the Empire. Captain Klag, introduced in The Next Generation episode "A Matter of Honor," commands the ship.
- Capital World
- Qo'noS
- Primary Language
- Klingon (tlhIngan Hol)
- Government Type
- Imperial Monarchy / High Council
- Military Branch
- Klingon Defense Force
- Notable Leader
- Chancellor Gowron (TNG era) / Martok (DS9 era)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Following positive reaction to his novel Diplomatic Implausibility (2001), DeCandido was curious if there was sufficient interest in a Klingon-centric series. In Voyages of Imagination (2009) by Jeff Ayers, DeCandido said "Pocket Books … was willing to take a chance." He had "already set it up" in Diplomatic Implausibility and The Brave and the Bold, Book Two (2002), so he "took it forward" with two novels. A third novel followed in 2005. In 2008, the series was relaunched as Klingon Empire. The scope of A Burning House expanded the setting beyond the crew aboard the Gorkon. Members of the Gorkon crew appear in the Destiny (2008) miniseries, by David Mack, and in A Singular Destiny (2008), by DeCandido. Only one relaunch novel has been published, though representatives of Simon & Schuster suggested new 'Klingon' novels were forthcoming as late as 2012. DeCandido explained in numerous interviews he has not queried new novels for the series since he submitted the unrelated short story "The Unhappy Ones," later collected in Seven Deadly Sins (2010).
In Their Own Story
The IKS Gorkon is a Qang-class, or Chancellor-class, war cruiser named for Chancellor Gorkon first introduced in The Undiscovered Country (1991). The cruiser is 500 m (1,600 ft) in length, and carries a complement of over 2,000 crew. When launched, the Gorkon was among the first of the Qang-class cruisers in service. A Good Day to Die (2003) begins sometime after Chancellor Martok ordered the Gorkon to the Kavrot Sector—an unexplored region of space—with the objective of finding new planets to conquer for the glory of the Empire. Captain Klag, captain of the Gorkon, was introduced in The Next Generation episode "A Matter of Honor."
Reader's Guide
All novels in the series were written by Keith DeCandido. The series originally ran as I.K.S. Gorkon from 2003 to 2005, then was relaunched as Klingon Empire in 2008. Captain Klag's history was the subject of three short stories, with one set in the Mirror Universe, all written by Keith DeCandido. Related novels include Diplomatic Implausibility (2003), which introduced the Gorkon and her crew. The Destiny (2008) crossover miniseries explores the origin of the Borg, and the Federation's response to a destructive invasion by them.
Did You Know?
- The series was originally published as Star Trek: I.K.S. Gorkon before being relaunched as Klingon Empire in 2008.
- The IKS Gorkon is a Qang-class war cruiser named for Chancellor Gorkon from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991).
- Captain Klag, who commands the Gorkon, was first introduced in The Next Generation episode "A Matter of Honor."
- Only one relaunch novel has been published, though Simon & Schuster suggested new 'Klingon' novels were forthcoming as late as 2012.
- Members of the Gorkon crew appear in the Destiny (2008) miniseries by David Mack and in A Singular Destiny (2008) by Keith DeCandido.
Origins and Early Portrayal
The source does not cover the origins and early portrayal of the Klingons in the original Star Trek series.
Visual Evolution and Cultural Redesign
The source does not cover visual evolution or cultural redesign of the Klingons.
Shifting Political Alliances
The source does not cover shifting political alliances between the Klingon Empire and the Federation.
Linguistic Development and Cultural Impact
The source does not cover linguistic development or cultural impact of the Klingon language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines the structure and culture of the Klingon Empire?
The Klingon Empire is a militaristic interstellar state governed by an Emperor and the High Council, centered on the capital world Qo'noS. Its society operates under a rigid warrior code where personal honor determines status, and achieving death in battle is revered as the sole path to Sto-vo-kor, the afterlife paradise.
What role does the Klingon Empire play in galactic politics?
As a dominant power in the Alpha Quadrant, the Empire relies on the Klingon Defense Force to enforce its influence through military might and strategic maneuvering. Throughout Star Trek history, they have shifted from being the Federation's most dangerous adversaries during the Cold War to becoming trusted allies essential for galactic security.
Who holds political power within the Klingon Empire?
Sovereignty belongs to an Emperor, though day-to-day governance is managed by a Chancellor chosen from the High Council of nobles and military leaders. Notable figures include Chancellor Gowron, who led during the Dominion War era, and General-turned-Chancellor Martok, who represented a bridge between traditional militarism and diplomatic cooperation.
What language do Klingons use and how does it reflect their culture?
The Empire's primary tongue is tlhIngan Hol, a language distinguished by its guttural sounds and object-subject-verb syntax that mirrors the directness of Klingon communication. Mastery of this language is deeply tied to cultural identity, serving as a vital tool for expressing concepts related to honor, battle, and lineage.
What is Sto-vo-kor and how does it influence Klingon society?
Sto-vo-kor is the Klingon warrior's paradise, an afterlife realm that can only be reached by dying in battle or living a life of exceptional honor. This religious doctrine drives their expansionist ambitions and social hierarchy, as failure to uphold these standards results in spiritual damnation and loss of status.
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