Canon Facts Backstage
Info Speculation
First encountered by the Federation in 2370,
the Jem'Hadar are the military arm of the Dominion. They have been the
subject of heavy genetic engineering in order to increase their effectiveness
as soldiers; like many Dominion species, the Jem'Hadar are cloned rather
than breeding naturally. They are mature within three days of leaving the
birthing chamber, allowing for very rapid replacement of casualties. All
Jem'Hadar have an inbuilt ability to 'shroud' themselves, a form of camoflage
which effectively hides them from both sensors and the naked eye. In addition,
they are almost completely unaffected by many forms of anti-personnel forcefield.
Jem'Hadar do not need to sleep, eat, or drink - the only substance they
require is Ketracel White, an isogenic enzyme deliberately omitted from
their physiology by the Founders.
The vast majority of Jem'Hadar never actually
see a Founder, and many have built their service to the shapeshifters into
a religion. They literally regard the Founders as living Gods, to the extent
that Jem'Hadar have been known to commit suicide if they fail to protect
a shapeshifter from harm. The Vorta, as the representatives of the Founders,
are also given immense loyalty by most Jem'Hadar - even when such loyalty
is unwarranted. Absolute obedience is further guarenteed by the Vorta's
control of the Ketracel White.
Most Jem'Hadar die young, in battle - few reach
fifteen years of age and any who reach the age of twenty are considered
to be honoured elders. No Jem'Hadar has ever reached thirty years of age.
Last updated : 25th July 1998.
This page is Copyright Graham Kennedy 1998.
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