Joe Beaudoin Jr.: Created page with "{{Separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}}{{Disambiguation|Lords of Kobol (TOS)|for the canonical counterpart}} The '''Lords of Kobol''' are an evolved form of humanity representing the legendary Thirteenth Tribe, existing in an advanced state beyond normal mortal existence. Descended from the original House of Kobol on the planet Parnassus, these beings operate t..."

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Created page with "{{Separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}}{{Disambiguation|Lords of Kobol (TOS)|for the canonical counterpart}} The '''Lords of Kobol''' are an evolved form of humanity representing the legendary Thirteenth Tribe, existing in an advanced state beyond normal mortal existence. Descended from the original House of Kobol on the planet Parnassus, these beings operate t..."

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{{Separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}}{{Disambiguation|Lords of Kobol (TOS)|for the canonical counterpart}}

The '''Lords of Kobol''' are an evolved form of humanity representing the legendary [[Thirteenth Tribe (TOS-RH)|Thirteenth Tribe]], existing in an advanced state beyond normal mortal existence. Descended from the original [[House of Kobol (TOS-RH)|House of Kobol]] on the planet [[Parnassus (TOS-RH)|Parnassus]], these beings operate the [[Ships of Light (TOS-RH)|Ships of Light]] and serve as guardians and observers of humanity's development across the cosmos.<ref name="ARM151">{{cite book/RH|1|151}}</ref>
== Origins and History ==

=== The House of Kobol ===

The Lords of Kobol originated as a family of priests on the planet Parnassus, the font of all humanity.<ref name="ARM54">{{cite book/RH|1|54}}</ref> While humanity on Parnassus fought amongst themselves on the basis of regional origins, gender, and flesh tone, the House of Kobol lived in seclusion, taking few acolytes but many followers.<ref name="ARM54" /> The priests who would become the Lords of Kobol spent every moment improving themselves through concentration, meditation, and inner vision.<ref name="ARM54" />

Over long millennia, they developed mental abilities far superior to those of other humans.<ref name="ARM54" /> Chief among these powers were telepathy—communication mind to mind without spoken words, often across great distances—and clairvoyance, the power to call to mind visions of the future or present, seeing what is impossible to see with normal eyes.<ref name="ARM54" />

Time seemed irrelevant to the Lords of Kobol, and their private writings discuss an "elevation or evolution," an "advancement to the light" which has never been explained in greater detail.<ref name="ARM55">{{cite book/RH|1|55}}</ref> They watched their rival Houses settle colonies on planets orbiting suns hundreds of light years distant, including worlds with sentient life whose evolution could be influenced.<ref name="ARM55" />
=== Migration to Kobol ===

Overpopulation was destroying Parnassus, leading humanity to develop interstellar travel over centuries.<ref name="ARM55" /> The Lords of the House of Kobol were first to realize that their system's star was going to go nova.<ref name="ARM55" /> They had yahren to plan their exodus, and when they finally left, most of the planet's other people had already departed for previously established colonies.<ref name="ARM55" />

The Lords led their acolytes and many followers to a remote planet which would sustain them well, naming it [[Kobol (TOS-RH)|Kobol]] after their House.<ref name="ARM55" /> However, mere centuries after settlement, the growing population began to squabble just as the people of Parnassus had done.<ref name="ARM56">{{cite book/RH|1|56}}</ref>

Having spent much of their solitude perfecting space travel, the Lords of Kobol made a radical decision: they left, simply and quickly departing the planet and leaving acolytes and followers behind to forever question what had happened to them.<ref name="ARM56" /> Their goal was to improve themselves and humanity as a whole.<ref name="ARM56" />
=== The Thirteenth Tribe ===

The departed Lords of Kobol became the legendary [[Thirteenth Tribe (TOS-RH)|Thirteenth Tribe]].<ref name="ARM56" /> When the people of Kobol spread out into space once more, inhabiting the twelve-planet system called "the colonies," the first group to leave—the Lords themselves—became the lost Thirteenth Tribe of Kobol.<ref name="ARM56" />

[[Zac (TOS-RH)|Zac]] confirms this truth to [[Apollo (TOS-RH)|Apollo]], revealing telepathically: "We are the lost Thirteenth Tribe, Apollo. We are the Kobollians, the Lords of Kobol."<ref name="ARM151" /> Their disgust with the rest of humanity stemmed from having already evolved far beyond their brethren.<ref name="ARM150">{{cite book/RH|1|150}}</ref> While many descendants and followers remained behind, the Lords went out into the universe to contemplate the fabric of reality, create beauty and peace, and aid their less evolved counterparts in whatever way they might.<ref name="ARM150" />

The wisdom of the Lords has proven invaluable for thousands of years.<ref name="ARM150" /> They are still worshipped, and the Books of the Lords of Kobol remain the philosophy by which humanity wishes it had the fortitude to live.<ref name="ARM150" /> The Lords have long sought the presence humans call God, though this quest has proven fruitless thus far.<ref name="ARM150" />
== Nature of Existence ==

=== Physical Reality ===

The Lords of Kobol exist in a real, physical afterlife—science, not magic.<ref name="ARM150" /> This is not a celestial home for the spirit but an actual dimensional plane where molecular structures are preserved and enhanced.<ref name="ARM150" />

When pure-blooded Kobollians die, their molecular structure is "accelerated."<ref name="ARM151" /> The Lords of Kobol left an ancestral memory, a genetic imprint, on all those of pure Kobollian blood.<ref name="ARM150" /> Upon death, these individuals are transported to the ''Ships of Light'', where their molecular structure is repaired.<ref name="ARM151" />

This afterlife is not eternal, but enduring enough that eternity does not seem impossible from the Lords' perspective.<ref name="ARM150" /> The process of joining them involves extensive learning and growing, taking considerable time even by their standards.<ref name="ARM151" />
=== Powers and Abilities ===

The Lords of Kobol possess advanced mental capabilities far beyond normal humans:

'''Telepathy''': Complete mind-to-mind communication without words, functioning across vast distances.<ref name="ARM54" /> Zac demonstrates this ability when speaking telepathically to Apollo aboard a ''Ship of Light''.<ref name="ARM151" /> Telepathy is described as "one of the attributes of all our people,"<ref name="ARM151" /> inherent to those of Kobollian descent.

'''Clairvoyance''': The power to perceive visions of the future or present, seeing things impossible to observe with normal vision.<ref name="ARM54" /> This ability allows the Lords to monitor events across the cosmos.

'''Dimensional Existence''': The Lords can manifest as beings of pure energy. In Apollo's vision, he experiences being "a beam of light himself, or at least it feels that way—as though his whole body were nothing but pure energy."<ref name="WAR181">{{cite book/RH|2|181}}</ref>

'''Advanced Technology''': The Lords operate technology far beyond Colonial or even Cylon capabilities, including the ''Ships of Light'' that use principles similar to but vastly superior to [[Quantum Shift-Effect Generator (TOS-RH)|QSE technology]].<ref name="ARM176">{{cite book/RH|1|176}}</ref>
== Descendants and Bloodlines ==

=== Pure Kobollian Blood ===

While many acolytes of the House of Kobol remained on Kobol, others traveled far across space to the [[Twelve Colonies of Kobol (TOS-RH)|Twelve Colonies]], specifically to [[Caprica (TOS-RH)|Caprica]], where they ruled.<ref name="ARM56" /> The family of [[Adama (TOS-RH)|Adama]], pure-blooded descendants of the House of Kobol, ruled for millennia until the [[Cylons (TOS-RH)|Cylons]] came.<ref name="ARM56" />

Apollo, [[Athena (TOS-RH)|Athena]], and Zac all possess this pure Kobollian blood.<ref name="ARM54" /> [[Troy (TOS-RH)|Troy]] is also confirmed as one of the handful of pure-blooded Kobollians within the [[Colonial Fleet (TOS-RH)|Fleet]].<ref name="ARM54" /> The people of Caprica always elected Kobollian leaders because they recognized this inherent wisdom.<ref name="ARM54" />

Descendants of the House of Kobol possess latent abilities that can be accessed through meditation and concentration.<ref name="ARM56" /> Humans use very little of their brains, but by accessing more of the mind's potential, pure-blooded Kobollians can master mental powers impossible for others.<ref name="ARM56" />
=== The Sanctuary ===

A [[Sanctuary (TOS-RH)|Sanctuary]] was built into ''[[Galactica (TOS-RH)|Galactica]]''{{'|s}} design when the ship was first constructed more than five hundred yahren ago, without the knowledge of the other colonies.<ref name="ARM56" /> This chamber serves as a place of power, spirituality, and focus for the commander, built with the intent that the commander would always be someone of Kobollian blood.<ref name="WAR34">{{cite book/RH|2|34}}</ref>

The Sanctuary contains ancient records and teachings, serving as the center of ''Galactica'' in many ways.<ref name="WAR34" /> Adama trained Apollo there for more than ten yahren, developing his mental skills through concentration, meditation, and inner vision.<ref name="ARM56" /> Apollo later brings Athena into the Sanctuary, believing she has just as much right to its knowledge.<ref name="WAR34" />

The chamber appears to function as "a blind spot to any kind of scan, electronic or telepathic," making it "the only truly private place in the fleet."<ref name="ARM234">{{cite book/RH|1|234}}</ref>
== Role and Purpose ==

=== Seeding Humanity ===

The Lords of Kobol have planted or nurtured many seeds of humanity across the universe.<ref name="WAR181" /> Some civilizations wither and die, while others thrive, but the Lords watch over all these seeds to ensure humanity achieves its destiny.<ref name="WAR181" />

In a vision, Apollo sees the entire journey of the Thirteenth Tribe laid out before him: "stars and nebulae and suns and constellations; all of these things appeared and fell away, replaced by another universe, faster and faster, images overlaying images." He witnesses the numerous planets the Thirteenth Tribe colonized or populated, scattering the seeds of humankind everywhere.<ref name="RES155">{{cite book/RH|3|155}}</ref>

[[Earth (TOS-RH)|Earth]] is one such planet where the Lords influenced evolution of existing sentient life.<ref name="ARM55" /> The location is never specifically detailed, with no coordinates given, but the Lords clearly knew of its existence and importance.<ref name="ARM55" />
=== Observation and Non-Intervention ===

The Lords maintain a policy of observation rather than direct intervention in mortal affairs. During a major battle between the Fleet and Cylons, ten Kobollian Lightships position themselves beyond the combat area, immobile and watching.<ref name="ARM248">{{cite book/RH|1|248}}</ref> They observe the conflict that will decide the final fate of the human race but do not participate.<ref name="ARM248" />

This non-interventionist stance frustrates some, like [[Starbuck (TOS-RH)|Starbuck]], who mutters "Lousy slaggers. We'll win without your help."<ref name="ARM248" /> Yet the Lords have their reasons. Adama explains: "The Lords of Light have led you back here, but that does not mean you are guaranteed victory. The Lords give us free will because they aren't here to guide us. We must clean up our own mistakes—the House of Kobol must be put in order once more."<ref name="RES154">{{cite book/RH|3|154}}</ref>
=== Rewards and Judgment ===

Despite their non-intervention policy, the Lords do provide assistance when humanity proves worthy. After the Fleet's return to Kobol, they are "judged worthy by the Lords of Light" and "rewarded by the ancient Kobollians with modified QSE technology."<ref name="RES240">{{cite book/RH|3|240}}</ref>

The colonials are "sorely tested, by the powers of darkness and the forces of light," and only after passing both tests do they receive the technological assistance essential for their journey.<ref name="RES240" /> The Lords understand that without this modified [[Quantum Shift-Effect Generator (TOS-RH)|QSE technology]], the Fleet could travel at the speed of light and still never reach their distant destination.<ref name="RES240" />
== The House of Iblis ==

=== Ancient Schism ===

Within the Lords of Kobol, there was a man who lacked the purity of his brothers—a spiteful, bitter, angry man who wanted power more than wisdom.<ref name="ARM152">{{cite book/RH|1|152}}</ref> When censured by the other Lords, this man broke ranks and founded his own dynasty.<ref name="ARM152" /> While the pure remained the House of Kobol, a portion of the population fell prey to his sharp tongue and devious wit, and with them as followers, he founded the [[House of Iblis (TOS-RH)|House of Iblis]].<ref name="ARM152" />

Generations later, on Kobol itself, the Kobollian forefathers cast [[Count Iblis (TOS-RH)|Iblis]] and his followers out of the House of Kobol.<ref name="RES173">{{cite book/RH|3|173}}</ref> They were exiled to "the most hostile and uninhabitable planet in the galaxy"—[[Cylon (planet) (TOS-RH)|Cylon]]—and left to die.<ref name="RES173" />
=== Iblis's Corruption ===

What Iblis did after his exile "constituted such horrors that we are forbidden to discuss it."<ref name="ARM152" /> Instead of dying, he and his followers nurtured the planet's life forms along the evolutionary path, instilling in the reptilian inhabitants an insatiable hatred for humankind.<ref name="RES173" />

When Iblis died, he was accelerated just as all the Lords of Kobol were.<ref name="ARM152" /> Yet his soul was so twisted, so horrible and filled with hatred of his human brothers, that he did not become one of them.<ref name="ARM152" /> In all the universe, Count Iblis is totally unique—a leech sucking the fear and death of countless planets into himself for sustenance.<ref name="ARM152" />

Iblis himself admits: "I vowed never again to be at the mercy of humans. Humans are weak, destined for extinction. I've known this for millennia, and on Kobol began my experiments, culminating at last with the Cylons, a perfect race, a species truly worthy of inheriting the universe."<ref name="RES173" />
== Apollo's Quest ==

Apollo's knowledge of the Lords of Kobol and his destiny to join them creates a personal conflict. While he is safe—"death was only another stage of life for Apollo, son of Adama"<ref name="WAR78">{{cite book/RH|2|78}}</ref>—he feels with agonizing clarity that this gift should not be only for pure-blooded Kobollians. It should be for all of humanity, all descendants of the race that began on Parnassus.<ref name="WAR78" />

Apollo believes that by following the path of the Thirteenth Tribe, he might somehow extend the advancement to all humanity.<ref name="WAR78" /> Looking down at the injured Starbuck, Apollo determines to pursue this idea further: "Perhaps one day all of humanity would be able to expand their minds to prepare for the acceleration of their spirits at the end of corporeal life."<ref name="WAR270">{{cite book/RH|2|270}}</ref>

The concept of selective acceleration based on bloodline strikes Apollo as illogical at best, elitist at worst.<ref name="WAR270" /> He begins to question why those not directly descended from the Lords cannot achieve that level of advancement, making this quest central to his mission as commander.<ref name="WAR270" />

Apollo also harbors anger toward the Lords. Unlike his father, Apollo feels the Lords "had given their descendants much, but they had then abandoned them to the vagaries of time, and to the predators of space. They were, he had decided, the scientists of the galaxy."<ref name="WAR271">{{cite book/RH|2|271}}</ref> He vows to find the truth about the Lords of Kobol and then demand that they explain themselves.<ref name="WAR271" />
== Legacy and Influence ==

The Lords of Kobol represent humanity's ultimate evolutionary potential and serve as both guardians and distant overseers of their descendants' journey through the cosmos. Their technology, philosophy, and genetic legacy shape the Fleet's quest for Earth and humanity's broader destiny.

The ancient Kobollians built a mirror city deep beneath Kobol's surface to "house the last generation of its people and preserve their sacred records."<ref name="RES99">{{cite book/RH|3|99}}</ref> All the information and wisdom of the ancients can be found preserved in this crystalline city.<ref name="RES99" />

Their influence extends beyond technology and knowledge. The Lords' books remain foundational texts for Colonial society, embodying ideals humanity strives toward even millennia after the Lords' departure. As living proof that evolution beyond mortal existence is possible, the Lords of Kobol represent hope that humanity itself may one day transcend its current limitations and join them among the stars.
== See Also ==

* [[House of Kobol (TOS-RH)|House of Kobol]]
* [[Thirteenth Tribe (TOS-RH)|Thirteenth Tribe]]
* [[Ships of Light (TOS-RH)|Ships of Light]]
* [[Quantum Shift-Effect Generator (TOS-RH)|Quantum Shift-Effect Generator]]
* [[Sanctuary (TOS-RH)|Sanctuary]]
* [[House of Iblis (TOS-RH)|House of Iblis]]
* [[Count Iblis (TOS-RH)|Count Iblis]]
* [[Parnassus (TOS-RH)|Parnassus]]
* [[Kobol (TOS-RH)|Kobol]]
== References ==

<references />
[[Category:Characters (TOS)]]
[[Category:Berkley Novelizations]]
[[Category:Lords of Kobol]]
[[Category:Thirteenth Tribe]]
[[Category:Kobollians]]

Lords of Kobol (TOS-RH) - Revision history