Toggle menu
Toggle preferences menu
Toggle personal menu
Not logged in
Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits.

Twelve Colonies of Man (TOS-RH): Difference between revisions

From Battlestar Wiki, the free, open content Battlestar Galactica encyclopedia and episode guide
Joe Beaudoin Jr. (talk | contribs)
Created page with "{{subst::Twelve Colonies of Man}}"
 
Joe Beaudoin Jr. (talk | contribs)
m Text replacement - "Greetings from Earth" to "Greetings From Earth"
 
(15 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{inuse}}


:''This article discusses the Twelve Colonies of the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]. See [[The Twelve Colonies of Kobol]] for information on the Colonies of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]].''
{{disline|This article discusses the Twelve Colonies of the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] continuation books by [[Richard Hatch]]}}
 
{{TOS twelve colonies series}}


The '''Twelve Colonies of Man'''<ref>In the Original Series, the formal name of the unified worlds is the "Twelve Colonies of ''Man''". Its [[Re-imagined Series]] counterpart is known as the "Twelve Colonies of ''Kobol''".</ref>  included the colonies of:
The '''Twelve Colonies of Man'''<ref>In the Original Series, the formal name of the unified worlds is the "Twelve Colonies of ''Man''". Its [[Re-imagined Series]] counterpart is known as the "Twelve Colonies of ''Kobol''".</ref>  included the colonies of:


*[[#Aeries|Aeries]]
*[[#Aries|Aries]]
*[[#Cancer|Cancer]]
*[[#Caprica|Caprica]]
*[[#Caprica|Caprica]]
*[[#Gemoni|Gemoni]]
*[[#Gemini|Gemini]]
*[[#Leonis|Leonis]]
*[[#Libra|Libra]]
*[[#Picon|Picon]]
*[[#Picon|Picon]]
*[[#Sagitaria|Sagitaria]]
*[[#Sagittarius|Sagittarius]]
*[[#Scorpion|Scorpion]]
*[[#Scorpius|Scorpius]]
*[[#Taura|Taura]]
*[[#Tauron|Tauron]]
*[[#Virgon|Virgon]]
 
Four colonies, ostensibly similar to the astrological names of "Cancer," "Leo," "Libra" and "Aquarius," are never formally named in Original Series episodes.  However, Aquarus is mentioned in the novelization of "The Young Lords."


== Star System ==
== Star System ==
The Twelve Colonies of Man are located in an unnamed multi-star system within the [[Cyrannus (TOS)|Cyranus Galaxy]]. The tactical navigation display in [[Core Command]] of ''{{TOS|Galactica}}'' (below) indicates there are four local star systems surrounded by 21 planets, including a number of worlds (e.g. [[Carillon]]) that are outside the Colonial sphere on influence. Caprica orbits a close double star <ref>See the scene in "[[Saga of a Star World]]" where Adama examines the remains of his burned out house on Caprica following the Cylon attack. Two suns are visible in the sky.</ref>
The Twelve Colonies of Man are located in an unnamed multi-star system within the [[Cyrannus (TOS)|Cyrannus Galaxy]].  
 
[[Image:BattleOfCimtar_map.png|left|thumb|730px|
'''[[Battle of Cimtar]] main events and locations. ''' Cylon [[basestar (TOS)|basestar]]s within striking distance of Virgon, Sagitara and Caprica annihilate the Colonial homeworlds. Compared to [[w:Sol|Sol]] most of the planetary orbits shown are highly eccentric, producing extreme seasonal temperature variations.]]


{{clear}}
{{clear}}


== History ==
== History ==
The government of the Twelve Colonies first encountered the Cylons after the Colonials intervened to protect an alien race known as the [[Hasari]] from them. As a result, the Colonies have been [[Thousand Yahren War|at war]] with the alien [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]] for 1,000 [[yahren]].
 
[[Image:SOSW - Battlestars at Cimtar.png|right|thumb|Colonial battlestars.]]
=== First Exodus ===
=== First Exodus ===
According to the [[Book of the Word]], a religious text of the [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Kobollian faith]], humanity began on a planet called [[Kobol (TOS)|Kobol]].
According to the [[Book of the Word]], a religious text of the [[Religion in the Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Kobollian faith]], humanity began on a planet called {{TOS|Kobol}}. However, this is untrue, as the font of humanity is referred to solely as [[Parnassus]], and responsible for colonization of man well before Kobol was even settled by the {{TOS-RH|Lords of Kobol}}.


After an ecological disaster purported to be created by technology, the tribes of humanity fled outward to the stars.  Twelve tribes of Man eventually passed through a [[magnetic void]] and settled on a star system of 12 worlds, which would be later known as the Twelve Colonies of Man {{OS|Lost Planet of the Gods}}.
A [[Thirteenth Tribe (TOS)|thirteenth]] tribe is said to made another exodus to a planet known as {{TOS-RH|Earth}} {{OS|Saga of a Star World}}, however it is later revealed to {{TOS-RH|Apollo}} through {{TOS-RH|Zac}} that the thirteenth tribe were those of pure Kobollian blood<ref name="p154">{{cite book/RH|1|154}}</ref>, namely the family of Adama, along with {{TOS-RH|Troy}} and a scant few others in the Fleet {{RH|Armageddon}}.
 
A [[Thirteenth Tribe (TOS)|thirteenth]] tribe made another exodus to a planet known as [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]] {{OS|Saga of a Star World}}.


=== War ===
=== War ===
[[Image:Battleofcimtar.jpg|right|thumb|The destruction of the last Colonial fleet at the [[Battle of Cimtar]]. ''Galactica'' was already in alert posture, but her sister ships were not.]]
[[Image:Battleofcimtar.jpg|right|thumb|The destruction of the last Colonial fleet at the [[Battle of Cimtar]]. ''Galactica'' was already in alert posture, but her sister ships were not.]]
[[Image:Capricaattack.jpg|thumb|left|Cylon [[Raider (TOS)|Raiders]] begin their attack on Caprica. A reporter, [[Serina]], is seen in the foreground.]]
[[Image:Capricaattack.jpg|thumb|left|Cylon {{TOS|Raider}}s begin their attack on Caprica. A reporter, [[Serina]], is seen in the foreground.]]
Recent battles in the [[Thousand Yahren War]] included the [[Battle of Cosmora Archipelago]] (with Commander [[Kronus]], battlestar ''[[Rycon]]'' and the [[Fourth Fleet]]), the [[Battle of Caprica]], and the [[Battle of Molecay]] (with the [[Fifth Fleet]] and battlestar ''{{TOS|Pegasus}}'').
Recent battles in the [[Thousand Yahren War]] included the [[Battle of Cosmora Archipelago]] (with Commander [[Kronus]], battlestar ''[[Rycon]]'' and the [[Fourth Fleet]]), the [[Battle of Caprica]], and the [[Battle of Molecay]] (with the [[Fifth Fleet]] and battlestar ''{{TOS|Pegasus}}'').


The Thousand Yahren War brutally ended with an elaborate Cylon sneak attack at the [[Battle of Cimtar]], which destroys the last battlestar fleet, led by [[Adar (TOS)|President Adar]] {{OS|Saga of a Star World}}.
The Thousand Yahren War brutally ended with an elaborate Cylon sneak attack at the [[Battle of Cimtar]], which destroys the last battlestar fleet, led by [[Adar (TOS)|President Adar]] {{OS|Saga of a Star World}}.


One surviving battlestar, ''{{TOS|Galactica}}'', escapes destruction and is unable to ward off a simultaneous bombardment of the Twelve Colonies and its populace. Millions, perhaps billions of humans are killed. The survivors escape their worlds to follow ''Galactica'' in search of a safer haven.
One surviving battlestar, ''{{TOS|Galactica}}'', escapes destruction and is unable to ward off a simultaneous bombardment of the Twelve Colonies and its populace. An innumerable amount of humans are killed. The survivors escape their worlds to follow ''Galactica'' in search of a safer haven.
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


Line 48: Line 41:


[[Image:Paradeen.jpg|right|thumb|The planet of [[Paradeen]], one of many worlds that may have had contact with the Thirteenth Tribe.]]
[[Image:Paradeen.jpg|right|thumb|The planet of [[Paradeen]], one of many worlds that may have had contact with the Thirteenth Tribe.]]
Several planets, moons and asteroid colonies throughout the portion of the galaxy familiar to the Colonials boasted small croppings of Colonials.  Some who were well aware of the Colonies and the war with the Cylons {{OS|The Long Patrol|The Young Lords}},  others knew nothing of them, such as [[Sectar]] {{OS|The Magnificent Warriors}}, [[Equellus]] {{OS|The Lost Warrior}}, [[Eastern Alliance]], [[Terra]], [[Paradeen]] and [[Lunar Colonies]] {{OS|Greetings from Earth|Experiment in Terra}}.
Several planets, moons and asteroid colonies throughout the portion of the galaxy familiar to the Colonials boasted small croppings of Colonials.  Some who were well aware of the Colonies and the war with the Cylons {{OS|The Long Patrol|The Young Lords}},  others knew nothing of them, such as [[Sectar]] {{OS|The Magnificent Warriors}}, [[Equellus]] {{OS|The Lost Warrior}}, [[Eastern Alliance]], [[Terra]], [[Paradeen]] and [[Lunar Colonies]] {{OS|Greetings From Earth|Experiment in Terra}}.


{{clear}}
{{clear}}


== Culture ==
== The Colonies ==
 
=== Aries ===
 
The colony of Aries is little mentioned, aside from [[Dalton]] seeing pictures of a crumbled urban area that was similar to [[The Pit]] on ''[[Ursus]]''<ref name="p137">{{cite book/RH|1|137}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.


Each of the Twelve Colonies boasted its own race and dialect as to distinguish itself from the others.
=== Cancer ===


=== Holidays ===
Cancer is known for its sands<ref name="p205">{{cite book/RH|1|205}}</ref>, as well as its soothing, lulling percussion and windsong<ref name="p157">{{cite book/RH|1|157}}</ref>. Its people are called {{inlineref|Cancerian|Cancerians}}, and their women are known for their broad, squat bodies<ref name="p75">{{cite book/RH|1|75}}</ref>.


* [[Armament Day]]: a day for celebrating the [[Colonial Warrior|Colonial Military]] {{OS|Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I}}.
==== Notable Cancerians ====


* [[Otori Sect|High Worship of the Sunstorm]]: a period where the Gemini are permitted to have contact with members of the opposite sex, which occurs every seven years as decreed by the Gemini's High Priests {{OS|Saga of a Star World}}.
* [[Guinevere]]<ref name="p75"/>


== The Colonies ==
=== Caprica ===
 
Caprica is a colony of great influence within the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, primarily stemming from the [[Kobollian]] leadership that has been in place since the colony's founding<ref name="p54">{{cite book/RH|1|54}}</ref>. However, Caprica had an aboriginal people known as the [[Borellian Nomen]], and while the Kobollians successfully settled Caprica, the Nomen tribes remained displaced causing further issues between the two peoples<ref name="p43">{{cite book/RH|1|43}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
 
Capricans often honor the deceased by paying their respects privately before the formal funeral<ref name="p19">{{cite book/RH|1|19}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
 
Caprica is a planet possessing tarpits, a form of quicksand that the Nomen avoided with great care<ref name="p45">{{cite book/RH|1|45}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
 
In addition to native wildlife, [[heffala berries]] are known to have originated from Caprica {{RH|Armageddon}}.
 
==== Notable Capricans ====
 
* {{TOS-RH|Adama}}
* {{TOS-RH|Apollo}}
* {{TOS-RH|Athena}}
* {{TOS-RH|Starbuck}}<ref name="p184">{{cite book/RH|1|184}}</ref>
* {{TOS-RH|Troy}}
 
=== Gemini ===
 
Gemini is the colony of the {{inlineref|Gemon|Gemons}}, who are known for their ethereal quality, and thus their "divergent evolution" from their thinner air and brighter sun summoned qualities of increased height, litheness and pale complexion<ref name="p38">{{cite book/RH|1|38}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
 
Up until the destruction of the colony in {{TOS-RH|7342}}, Gemini was a well-established patriarchal society. In the yahrens following, a special interest group known as the [[Gemon Matriarchs]] arose, believing women to be far more capable than men when it came to leadership<ref name="p38"/> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
 
=== Notable Gemons ===
 
* [[Sire]] {{TOS-RH|Belloch}}<ref name="p101">{{cite book/RH|1|101}}</ref>
* {{TOS-RH|Cain}}<ref name="p277">{{cite book/RH|1|277}}</ref>
* {{TOS-RH|Cassiopeia}}<ref name="p38"/>
* [[Heimdall]]<ref name="p162">{{cite book/RH|1|162}}</ref>
* [[Marialis]]<ref name="p75">{{cite book/RH|1|75}}</ref>
* [[Teal]]<ref name="p39">{{cite book/RH|1|39}}</ref>
 
=== Leonis ===
 
Leonis is a colony in close proximity to its sun. Following the settlement of the planet, the humans who made Leonis their home began to undergo "divergent evolution," meaning that the skin pigmentation altered toward the darker end of the spectrum<ref name="p38"/> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
 
Denizens of Leonis are known as {{inlineref|Leonid|Leonids}}<ref name="p24">{{cite book/RH|1|24}}</ref>. Up until {{TOS-RH|Tigh}}'s appointment in {{TOS-RH|7360}}, no Leonid had been president of the {{TOS-RH|Council of the Twelve}}<ref name="p24"/> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
 
Cultural artifacts surviving the destruction of the colony in {{TOS-RH|7342}} include an unnamed ballad, which {{TOS-RH|Boomer}} listens to following the funeral of Commander {{TOS-RH|Adama}}<ref name="p31">{{cite book/RH|1|31}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
 
==== Notable Leonids ====
 
* {{TOS-RH|Boomer}}<ref name="p31"/>
* {{TOS-RH|Persephone}}<ref name="p204">{{cite book/RH|1|204}}</ref>
* {{TOS-RH|Tigh}}<ref name="p24"/>
 
=== Libra ===


=== Aeries ===
One of the twelve colonies, of which little is known. Its denizens are referred to as {{inlineref|Libran|Librans}}<ref name="p201">{{cite book/RH|1|201}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.


[[Robber]] and his family are from Aeries, and there is some suggestion other prisoners on [[Proteus]] may be Aerian as well, given their raspy Irish sounding accents which mirror that of Robbers'. [[Cassiopeia]] is familiar with the [[Aerian merchant code]] as her father was a trader fluent in such things, and may perhaps have been an Aeries himself {{OS|The Long Patrol}}.<ref>This would be revisited in the [[Re-imagined Series]], where natives of [[Aerilon]] are depicted as speaking with a raspy north English Yorkshire accent.</ref>
=== Sagittarius ===


The [[non-canon]]ical ''[[Encyclopedia Galactica]]'' describes Aeries as a small, crowded world. Due to the population surpassing the ability of the planet herself, the Aerians created orbital space stations that were capable of handling the food needs for the colony. From this, they were able to develop special crops adapted to growth in weightless space. A subsquent technology was in the form of the [[Agro Ship]]s, which were used to provide food for deep-space missions, prior to the invention of the [[lightspeed]] drives.<ref>{{cite_book|last=Kraus|first=Bruce|authorlink=|authorlinkurl=|coauthors=|year=1979|title=[[Encyclopedia Galactica]]|publisher=|location=|id=|pages=11}}</ref>
Sagittarius is a colony whose denizens are known as {{inlineref|Sagittarian|Sagittarians}}<ref name="p139">{{cite book/RH|1|139}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.


=== Caprica ===
In {{TOS-RH|7360}}, a Sagittarian cult known as the [[Cult of the Serpent]] consolidated its power on ''[[Ursus]]''<ref name="p139"/> {{RH|Armageddon}}
Caprica was said to be the world that led the technological renaissance among the Twelve Colonies of Man, rediscovering space flight along the way.<ref>The attack on Caprica in the first episode of the series, was filmed at California's Long Beach City Hall, which had been completed in 1976. The pyramids seen don't actually exist — they were added by special effects to appear behind the city hall building.</ref>


=== Gemoni ===
==== Notable Sagittarians ====


Many of the passengers about the freighter [[Gemini (TOS)|''Gemini'']] are from Gemoni<ref>This is the correct Original Series spelling. The [[Re-imagined Series]] counterpart is spelled "[[Gemenon]]".</ref>. The language of Gemoni is Gemonese (which {{TOS|Boomer}} can translate and [[Cassiopeia]] is able to speak fluently). Gemoni is home to the [[Otori Sect]] {{OS|Saga of a Star World}}.
* {{TOS-RH|Portia}}<ref name="p193">{{cite book/RH|1|193}}</ref>
* {{TOS-RH|Tybalt}}<ref name="p140">{{cite book/RH|1|140}}</ref>


=== Sagitara ===
=== Scorpius ===


Sagitara was located at coordinates 1-2-6 and was, along with Virgon and Caprica, one of the Inner Colonies, first to be attacked.  In the novelization, Adama stated that Sagitara had the most advanced defense system in the Colonies. 
Scorpius is a colony whose denizens are known as {{inlineref|Scorpion|Scorpions}}, whose pallor and light fur were results of "divergent evolution" to adapt to the planet's distance from the sun and the resultant colder climate<ref name="p38"/> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
President Adar hailed from Sagitara.


=== Taura ===
Prior to the arrival of settlers from Kobol, the [[Borellian Nomen]] were discovered and described as an aboriginal race, whose bulk and physicality, including the increase in body hair that made them "almost [[lupus|lupine]]," were attributed to a similar divergent evolution<ref name="p38"/> {{RH|Armageddon}}.


[[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] and {{TOS|Boomer}} run across a [[blonde Taurus]] woman.<ref>Judging by Starbuck's reaction to the Taurus' question on how he knew she was a Taurus, and from his taste in women, it can be inferred (despite the claim of recognizing "the dialect") that Taura women may be known for their beauty.</ref> {{OS|Saga of a Star World}}.
A ship in {{TOS-RH|The Fleet|the Fleet}}, ''[[Scorpius Ascendant]]'', is named after the colony<ref name="p42">{{cite book/RH|1|42}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.


=== Virgon ===
==== Notable Scorpions ====


Virgon was located at coordinates 0-3-5 and was, along with Sagitara and Caprica, one of the three Inner Colonies.  These were the first to be attacked and destroyed by the Cylon forces. 
* [[Puck]]<ref name="p36">{{cite book/RH|1|36}}</ref>
* {{TOS-RH|Sheba}}<ref name="p276">{{cite book/RH|1|276}}</ref>


== Notes ==
=== Tauron ===


* ''According to ''[[Encyclopedia Galactica]]'' (a non-canonical piece of merchandise published in 1979):''
Tauron is a colony whose denizens are known as {{inlineref|Tauran|Taurans}}, whose red-tinged skin and dark hair were identifiable physical characteristics<ref name="p71">{{cite book/RH|1|71}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.
: After the exodus, the settlers settled on twelve worlds, using their technology to prepare the land and provide "the basic necessities of life". However, once this was done, the settlers shunned their technology as it was blamed for the destruction of [[Kobol (TOS)|Kobol]]. This leads to the [[Era of Darkness]], where technology was forgotten and the Colonials regressed to a non-high technological period, where religion lead and influenced the lives of the Colonials.
: Being separated for two millennia, the Colonies developed their own cultural identities.
:* The Aerians are said to have "quickly separated into a number of hostile groups", tearing the colony apart by "petty wars among them for hundreds of [[yahren]].
:* The Capricans were "practical" people, retaining much of the science predating the exodus than the other colonies, thus leading the rest of the Colonials to a scientific renaissance in the [[Fifth Millennium]].
:* The Gemonese, who settled the "cold" planet, they condemned pleasure as a "temptation to evil", with the [[Otori Sect]] carrying this "ethic to extremes, permitting contact between the sexes" only once during the [[High Worship of the Sunstorm]].
:* The Sagittarians "became a contemplative people", producing philosophers throughout the modern era.
:* The Scorpios were "blessed with a fertile planet and a gentile climate" devoting "their lives to pursuit of art, music and pleasure".<ref>{{cite_book|last=Kraus|first=Bruce|authorlink=|authorlinkurl=|coauthors=|year=1979|title=[[Encyclopedia Galactica]]|publisher=|location=|id=|pages=27}}</ref>
: After the rediscovery of interstellar travel, each of the colonies joined together and conjoined their efforts to the development of interstellar spacecrafts, bringing 500 yahren of "unparalleled prosperity", establishing settlements on other planets and asteroids, as well as making peaceful contact with intelligent species of other worlds.
: It is said that by the time of first contact with the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]], the Colonials technology "had advanced beyond that of their ancestors of Kobol".<ref>''Ibid.'', 28.</ref>


* In ''[[Galactica 1980]]'', it is indicated that Colonials do not have fingerprints (and presumably, no hand prints either) and that gravity on the Colonies is higher than on [[Earth (1980)|Earth]]'s ("[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]"; "[[The Super Scouts, Part I]]"). While the lack of fingerprints is also noted<ref>{{cite_book|last=Resnick|first=Michael|authorlink=Michael Resnick|authorlinkurl=|year=1981|title=[[Battlestar Galactica 5: Galactica Discovers Earth]]|publisher=Berkley Books|location=|id=|pages=47}}</ref> in the ''[[Galactica Discovers Earth (Book)|Galactica Discovers Earth]]'' novelization, there is no mention of the gravity differential—as this is introduced in the following episodes—but the Warriors have speed, agility and mental abilities (such as the ability to learn, retain and use languages with the aid of [[language educator|technology]]) greater than their Earth brothers.<ref>''Ibid.'', pgs. 106-108</ref>
==== Notable Taurans ====


* In the ''[[Galactica Discovers Earth (Book)|Galactica Discovers Earth]]'' novelization, specially trained Galacticans (e.g. [[Warrior]]s) can use their body's fat deposits as a source of energy for their bodies, in much the same way a [[w:bear|bear]] is able to use its fatty deposits during hibernation. This allows Galacticans the ability to go without eating for weeks at a time during missions or [[Viper (1980)|Viper]] patrols and the system is fully efficient, thus leaving no waste products.<ref>''Ibid.'', pgs. 151-152</ref>
* [[Paris]]<ref name="p71"/>


== See also ==
== Notes ==


* [[Ascalon Control]]
* ''Armageddon'' does not make mention of two colonies, those relating to the signs of Aquarius and Virgos.


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Twelve Colonies, The (TOS)}}


[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:A to Z]]
Line 122: Line 155:
[[Category:Twelve Colonies|*]]
[[Category:Twelve Colonies|*]]
[[Category:TOS]]
[[Category:TOS]]
[[de:Die Zwölf Kolonien (TOS)]]
[[fr:Douze Colonies de l'Homme]]

Latest revision as of 03:24, 22 September 2023

This article is actively undergoing a major edit for a short while.
As a courtesy, please do not edit this article while this message is displayed. The person who added this notice is anonymous.



The Twelve Colonies of Man[1] included the colonies of:

Star System

The Twelve Colonies of Man are located in an unnamed multi-star system within the Cyrannus Galaxy.


History

First Exodus

According to the Book of the Word, a religious text of the Kobollian faith, humanity began on a planet called Kobol. However, this is untrue, as the font of humanity is referred to solely as Parnassus, and responsible for colonization of man well before Kobol was even settled by the Lords of Kobol.

A thirteenth tribe is said to made another exodus to a planet known as Earth (TOS: "Saga of a Star World"), however it is later revealed to Apollo through Zac that the thirteenth tribe were those of pure Kobollian blood[2], namely the family of Adama, along with Troy and a scant few others in the Fleet (RH: Armageddon).

War

The destruction of the last Colonial fleet at the Battle of Cimtar. Galactica was already in alert posture, but her sister ships were not.
Cylon Raiders begin their attack on Caprica. A reporter, Serina, is seen in the foreground.

Recent battles in the Thousand Yahren War included the Battle of Cosmora Archipelago (with Commander Kronus, battlestar Rycon and the Fourth Fleet), the Battle of Caprica, and the Battle of Molecay (with the Fifth Fleet and battlestar Pegasus).

The Thousand Yahren War brutally ended with an elaborate Cylon sneak attack at the Battle of Cimtar, which destroys the last battlestar fleet, led by President Adar (TOS: "Saga of a Star World").

One surviving battlestar, Galactica, escapes destruction and is unable to ward off a simultaneous bombardment of the Twelve Colonies and its populace. An innumerable amount of humans are killed. The survivors escape their worlds to follow Galactica in search of a safer haven.


Colonization

The planet of Paradeen, one of many worlds that may have had contact with the Thirteenth Tribe.

Several planets, moons and asteroid colonies throughout the portion of the galaxy familiar to the Colonials boasted small croppings of Colonials. Some who were well aware of the Colonies and the war with the Cylons (TOS: "The Long Patrol", "The Young Lords"), others knew nothing of them, such as Sectar (TOS: "The Magnificent Warriors"), Equellus (TOS: "The Lost Warrior"), Eastern Alliance, Terra, Paradeen and Lunar Colonies (TOS: "Greetings From Earth", "Experiment in Terra").


The Colonies

Aries

The colony of Aries is little mentioned, aside from Dalton seeing pictures of a crumbled urban area that was similar to The Pit on Ursus[3] (RH: Armageddon).

Cancer

Cancer is known for its sands[4], as well as its soothing, lulling percussion and windsong[5]. Its people are called Cancerians, and their women are known for their broad, squat bodies[6].

Notable Cancerians

Caprica

Caprica is a colony of great influence within the Twelve Colonies of Kobol, primarily stemming from the Kobollian leadership that has been in place since the colony's founding[7]. However, Caprica had an aboriginal people known as the Borellian Nomen, and while the Kobollians successfully settled Caprica, the Nomen tribes remained displaced causing further issues between the two peoples[8] (RH: Armageddon).

Capricans often honor the deceased by paying their respects privately before the formal funeral[9] (RH: Armageddon).

Caprica is a planet possessing tarpits, a form of quicksand that the Nomen avoided with great care[10] (RH: Armageddon).

In addition to native wildlife, heffala berries are known to have originated from Caprica (RH: Armageddon).

Notable Capricans

Gemini

Gemini is the colony of the Gemons, who are known for their ethereal quality, and thus their "divergent evolution" from their thinner air and brighter sun summoned qualities of increased height, litheness and pale complexion[12] (RH: Armageddon).

Up until the destruction of the colony in 7342, Gemini was a well-established patriarchal society. In the yahrens following, a special interest group known as the Gemon Matriarchs arose, believing women to be far more capable than men when it came to leadership[12] (RH: Armageddon).

Notable Gemons

Leonis

Leonis is a colony in close proximity to its sun. Following the settlement of the planet, the humans who made Leonis their home began to undergo "divergent evolution," meaning that the skin pigmentation altered toward the darker end of the spectrum[12] (RH: Armageddon).

Denizens of Leonis are known as Leonids[17]. Up until Tigh's appointment in 7360, no Leonid had been president of the Council of the Twelve[17] (RH: Armageddon).

Cultural artifacts surviving the destruction of the colony in 7342 include an unnamed ballad, which Boomer listens to following the funeral of Commander Adama[18] (RH: Armageddon).

Notable Leonids

Libra

One of the twelve colonies, of which little is known. Its denizens are referred to as Librans[20] (RH: Armageddon).

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is a colony whose denizens are known as Sagittarians[21] (RH: Armageddon).

In 7360, a Sagittarian cult known as the Cult of the Serpent consolidated its power on Ursus[21] (RH: Armageddon)

Notable Sagittarians

Scorpius

Scorpius is a colony whose denizens are known as Scorpions, whose pallor and light fur were results of "divergent evolution" to adapt to the planet's distance from the sun and the resultant colder climate[12] (RH: Armageddon).

Prior to the arrival of settlers from Kobol, the Borellian Nomen were discovered and described as an aboriginal race, whose bulk and physicality, including the increase in body hair that made them "almost lupine," were attributed to a similar divergent evolution[12] (RH: Armageddon).

A ship in the Fleet, Scorpius Ascendant, is named after the colony[24] (RH: Armageddon).

Notable Scorpions

Tauron

Tauron is a colony whose denizens are known as Taurans, whose red-tinged skin and dark hair were identifiable physical characteristics[27] (RH: Armageddon).

Notable Taurans

Notes

  • Armageddon does not make mention of two colonies, those relating to the signs of Aquarius and Virgos.

References

  1. In the Original Series, the formal name of the unified worlds is the "Twelve Colonies of Man". Its Re-imagined Series counterpart is known as the "Twelve Colonies of Kobol".
  2. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 154.
  3. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 137.
  4. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 205.
  5. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 157.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 75.
  7. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 54.
  8. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 43.
  9. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 19.
  10. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 45.
  11. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 184.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 38.
  13. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 101.
  14. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 277.
  15. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 162.
  16. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 39.
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 24.
  18. 18.0 18.1 Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 31.
  19. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 204.
  20. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 201.
  21. 21.0 21.1 Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 139.
  22. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 193.
  23. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 140.
  24. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 42.
  25. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 36.
  26. Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 276.
  27. 27.0 27.1 Hatch, Richard; Christopher Golden (1997). Armageddon. Byron Preiss, p. 71.