VORTA: Cultural Index

The Vorta are the face of the Dominion and for most, the highest members of the organization that they'll ever interact with as the Founder changelings are kept hidden from the "Solids" of the galaxy.
The Vorta are in charge of the Jem'hadar, manage diplomacy and negotiations and tell the Founders how smart and clever they are.
But they have a rather tragic history I think.
This is the Cultural Index a series aimed at exploring various Science-Fiction species.
For outsiders to a series to get to know the basics and maybe even hardened Sci-fi nuts might discover something new.
Thanks for watching!
How to VOTE on what happens next:
Over on the Community tab there will be a voting option for one of the two species next up on the Index!
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Star Trek Online developed by Cryptic Studios and Perfect World.
Star Trek, Star Trek Enterprise/Voyager/Deep Space Nine/Discovery/Picard and The Next Generation are all owned and distributed by CBS.
Star Trek Films are owned and distributed by Paramount Pictures
This Video is for critical purposes with commentary.
"Halls of the Undead" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
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[@MrGrantNewlands]

Weyoun was one of the best Star Trek villains ever. A beaurocratic servant willing to perform genocide in the name of stability for the Dominion. Jeffrey Combs was a fantastic actor.

[@QarthCEO]

You misspelled hero.

[@michaelcarney6280]

Agreed an excellent villain but Gul Dukat was the best sci-fi TV villain for me Marc Alamo played him out of this world and his chemistry with Jeffrey was brilliant

[@binnihh]

Was?

[@WesStacey]

There's a reason they kept bringing him back playing 3 different characters on DS9 (more if you count the various Weyoun clones as different characters) and 2 of which became recurring characters. I'm convinced that the reason that the cloning element was introduced was just so they could continue to bring Jeffery Comb back to play Weyoun. His first appearance as Weyoun ended with him being killed by his own Jem'Hadar soldiers. My guess was that it was supposed to be the end of it, but when they needed a recurring Vorta they decided that Jeffry Combs was the best man for the job and decided to introduce the cloning aspect and bring him back.

[@michaelcarney6280]

@@binnihh think he said was because the show isn't new if it was new episodes every week it would be IS. That's my thoughts on why he said was

[@ptonpc]

In many ways the Vorta are a tragic species. Their kindness was 'rewarded' by being turned into genetically engineered slaves.

[@scottmantooth8785]

who worshiped those who had enslaved them

[@1986BNick]

I like to think that they have a cloaked and hidden homeworld in the Delta Quadrant and are more like the Ferengi and Vulcans put together. It looks a lot like The Founders were just abducting other aliens all across the universe and pumped them full of drugs along with good ole fashioned propaganda just to build a space nazi empire.

[@wasserruebenvergilbungsvirus]

@Ajax Aidy This comment is so incredibly dumb. The Dominion is a theocracy operating under a strict ethnic caste system. This has absolutely nothing to do with communism. The Founders never claim that "everyone is equal" or something like that - their entire ideology is based around the exact opposite of that, namely them being inherently superior to all solids. I genuinely don't get how you can think the Dominion is communist. Did we watch the same show?

[@wasserruebenvergilbungsvirus]

@Ajax Aidy There haven't been any ethnic caste systems in socialist nations, nor was there a religion built around worshipping party leaders or whatever as actual gods. If anything, this has more in common with the Nazis - especially the spiritual/religious aspect, which socialist nations for the most part opposed. In the end this is all fiction that doesn't neccessarily have a counterpart in real life. You could make parallels to any kind of society if you stretch it far enough, whether it is monarchism, socialism, fascism or anything else.

[@lastraven7205]

@@wasserruebenvergilbungsvirus Founders are the chosen ones.

[@CharlesUrban]

So to keep a Vorta distracted, give him a Rubik's Cube and some cashews. That'll give you some time to figure out how he's trying to screw you over in the name of the Founders.

[@velnz5475]

just dont invite them to a pizza party...

[@dragonsword7370]

And either grapes, blueberries, or cranberries.

[@aboveaverageazzuen2684]

@@dragonsword7370 But I like Grapes and Blueberries and cranberries

[@fumarc4501]

This is sad but brilliant.

[@VestedUTuber]

Assuming he's trying to screw you over to begin with. In the 2400s relations between the Dominion and the Alpha/Beta quadrant powers became a lot more, well... I wouldn't call it friendly, but at least they're no longer at odds. In fact, the Dominion storyline in STO is based around the Dominion contacting the Alpha/Beta quadrant powers for help against the returning Hur'q.

[@serpentsepia6638]

I often wonder if the Jem'Hadar were the very predators who once hunted the Vorta.

[@rupertmiller9690]

The various Weyouns were a delight. Jeffrey always delivers.

[@BlokenArrow]

They just need to stay away from Worf

[@KingOfMadCows]

Lack of aesthetics could be to prevent Vorta from being compromised. Art and entertainment can be very subversive and influential. The Founders wouldn't want the Vorta to start appreciating art that has anti-authoritarian anti-war messages. Lack of aesthetics may also make Vorta immune to things like seduction.

[@djmojo243]

Lack of aesthetics also serves in the Founders tendencies to punish resistance with obliteration. Even the Nazis were able to be bribed to let prisoners escape and their pillaging of art and priceless museum peices is well documented. If you don't have the ability to see the inherent value in a Rembrandt or a manuscript by Joyce or Salinger, then immolating and entire culture becomes piecework.

[@VestedUTuber]

In the former case, I doubt that would actually happen. The Vorta's subservience to the Founders is religious in nature, not governmental. Even if they did have an appreciation for aesthetics they would see such anti-authoritarianism as simply commentary on "conventional" governments while still following the Founders' orders.

[@thomasalvarez6456]

@@VestedUTuber It happened to Kevan, because he was dying. Bribe one with life ( a vorta with good food) they might sway. Probably another reason for their undeveloped taste.

[@xxxdumbwordstupidnumberxxx4844]

@@VestedUTuber Even then, you had the cases of Keevan, and the Founder's use of Ketracel White to control the Jem'Hadarr, even though all but two groups of Jem'Hadarr were seen to be fully loyal to the Founders. It would make sense from a Founder's point of view to remove aesthetics as a result.

[@VampireNewl]

I also think that the Vorta and Jem'hadar were deliberatly coded to hate each other as well, they always seem antagonistic to each other. The founders probably put it in so that the two would remain loyal to them rather than each other and so they would keep each other in check.

[@thomasconnors4338]

What the Vorta lack is a sense of aesthetics, not creativity. When Weyoun asks "would this be more aesthetically pleasing if it were blue", we see Weyoun can conceive of ways to change Ziyal's painting, but simply is indifferent to it's appearance no matter how he might creatively alter it. This may be part of their design for their role as the technocrats of the Dominion- their inability to be attracted to form might free them up to focus on function in any number of scenarios.

[@conroypawgmail]

Perhaps, the painting would look better if it was blue?

[@worndown8280]

I would think it would be needed so that they would not be aghast at the way some species look or their social norms. Makes them better diplomats.

[@chasduran4160]

The Vorta memories CAN be transferred. They do regular neural scans as a backup for their next clone if needed. Pretty sure it was mentioned in the episode with the Weyun defector.

[@echoplots8058]

For me the vorta are one of the most creepy and unsettling races in the entire star trek universe. They feel so overbearing. They're the nastiest combination of powerful and threatening. Add to that their infuriating smugness. You fear and hate them at the same time.

[@TranslatedAssumption]

Having the enemies of the Dominion fearing and hating the Vorta provides perfect cover for the Founders. The same dynamic exists between real world politicians and the oligarchs that control them.

[@zxb995511]

The Vorta seem to have short lifespans since they are replaced so often, and have so many limitations placed on them that they don't have the benefit of experience. To be able to lead one must have a certain confidence. No coward ever lead a group of men into a great victory....so in a sense the "smugness" and air of superiority was very much necessary. The Gem-Hadar would not follow the orders of a trembling coward, and negotiations would also be nearly impossible.

[@MOJOJONO]

DS9's Magnificent 7 Ferengi/Weekend At Bernie's Vorta episode was so funny.

[@kane357lynch]

Why did the ferengi beat rikers ass but otherwise always get fucked?

[@TheoAndHisPedals]

Is that the one with iggy pop?

[@marienbad2]

@@TheoAndHisPedals yes it is.

[@worndown8280]

@@kane357lynch Thats because Roddenbery was a dirty old man by that time and they decided to take the Ferengi in a different direction than Gene wanted. I do believe the quote was, "Gene this is a family show, you cant put that in a family show". The only "sexual" reference the Roddenbery had initially pushed that was left was the whip. The Ferengi would have been insane if Roddenbery had his way.

[@MedalionDS9]

Lack of aesthetics appreciation means having their minds focused on their duty over frivolous things like hobbies and art and forms of expression... they exist to serve the Founder's will. As for enjoying "games" in comparison... this facilitates not being boring and putting people at ease in how to host people and entertain them... something you wanna do if you are buttering people up, than controlling through Force (aka the Jem'Hadar).

[@sabletooth]

I think that the lack of creativity was described in DS9 specifically as having no sense of aesthetics. One can be creative with, say, science, tactics or negotiations, but still not have any artistic sense. And I think that's what the show was playing at.

[@zenkomenhi]

Another option for why they still have a sense of play could be that they view diplomacy as a game to win?

[@Fluffarmy223]

Or a good game loosens up the other, making "friends" for better results from diplomacy

[@DoctorProph3t]

I never thought of that, certainly probable. Diplomacy is very often alikened to poker or chess, or even baseball. Rules, players, application of game theory, statistics and averages, etc I’d think if I wanted a bioaugmented race to be my lieutenants and ambassadors, I’d make sure they have a healthy sense of competition and game theory.

[@MechaniclZ]

the vorta can dream. Weyoun had a bad dream in the runabout trying to escape with Odo. see the episode :Treachery, Faith, and the Great River

[@TheHopperUK]

That's right! He's terrified of the Federation and has a nightmare while dozing on the runabout. So they definitely dream.

[@espinoth9913]

No artistic appreciation? Thrawn: “So you have chosen... Death.”

[@Hylebos75]

Don't mix Star Trek and Star Wars, jesus. Nothing to do with each other.

[@supernukey419]

@@Hylebos75 It's a joke about 2 popular sci-fi franchises

[@solomonreal1977]

No artistic merit? So you have chosen... Lower Decks

[@supernukey419]

@@solomonreal1977 dang man

[@JayJayM57]

@@solomonreal1977 Solomon Réal*

[@Interitus1]

I've always interpreted their enjoyment of games as a nod to diplomacy. That every encounter where they are needed is a form of challenge or puzzle. Also, the story of the saviour changling may not be true. They could have uplifted any random species and simply told them that story to further encourage a sense of gratitude from the Vorta for saving them from their simple existence.

[@FEARSWTOR]

From a tactical perspective, I can see why the Founders would have left the Vorta's enjoyment in partaking in games. It allows them to be sociable and personable around their marks and thereby helps them develop rapport and relationships with them. This becomes a powerful tool in negotiations as people are more apt to deal with people whose company they enjoy, and more willing to bend when gently pressured by someone they like. It's the same reason salespeople wine and dine clients in today's business world.

[@robertmoore2619]

Thank you for an informative and entertaining description of the Vorta. I greatly enjoyed watching DS9. I was not familiar with DS9, having seen only a few episodes initially and moving on as I did not/not understand what was going on. I LOVE it now, and think that DS9 is superb. I am excited to learn all I can before I head back to enjoy the entire series again, this time with a stronger understanding of the big picture. Also, thanks for your efforts to produce an enjoyable production - I am especially grateful that you didn't flood the audio with a ton of loud background music. I find the need of some producers to introduce loud music during their commentary distracting and annoying. Good job, Sir!

[@jm823]

I feel the founders "neglected" creativity in the vorta, because "creativity" allows a being to question orders based on the idea that they may have a better way of doing things and this would be a no-no in a founder ruled world.

[@wasserruebenvergilbungsvirus]

Perhaps this is because the Founders themselves do not understand humanoid creativity, and therefore couldn't engineer it into their servants either.

[@jm823]

@@wasserruebenvergilbungsvirus No because odo has creativity as its shown in the way he administers his "job" on DS9 so I feel the founders just felt it was better not to install in a creation aka Vorta only what was necessary to accomplish their duties and nothing more.

[@Bacxaber]

Yeah this is the same reason I suspect the skirmishers in XCOM defected. Every soldier of ADVENT is a clone under mind control, but perhaps to allow their commandos (the skirmishers) more tactical creativity, they lessened their psychic grip on them too much.

[@nzappazapp1264]

I would love to see how the Founders would handle a Borg threat. Be very interesting battles

[@AprilGabrielle]

I would pay good money to see a battle between the Borg and the Dominion. I have no idea who would win in the long run and I'm definitely curious to find out.

[@quoniam426]

@@AprilGabrielle I don't think the Borg would be interested in ketracell addict soldiers unless nanoprobes can reverse that, then Jem'Hadar would become an ultimate form of Borg drone. But seeing harmony of the Great Link as perfection they could be interested into assimlating the Founders. Good luck with that... THe Borg would then decide to just eliminate the threat and bombard their planet from orbit.

[@VestedUTuber]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Dominion and Borg have had border skirmishes in the past. The Borg transwarp network crosses the Delta/Gamma border and actually goes pretty far into the Gamma quadrant.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

They may have engaged before, and if not, the Founders know about them from downloading the Federation's database anyway and will be ready for them.

[@TKinfinity01]

Borg would win.

[@VestedUTuber]

To be fair, we even see some individuality on how the Vorta prefer to show their obedience to the Founders. Some will show complete and total obedience to every individual Founder. Others are more willing to oppose an individual Founder if they feel that said Founder is acting outside of the interests of the Founders as a group.

[@ScarriorIII]

Said it once, I'll say it again...I think the Vorta were the primary resistance against the Founders, and they were punished by being turned into this.

[@mittensfastpaw]

Sad the founders ruined them over the years. They aren’t really an evil species.

[@scottmantooth8785]

they were just written that way

[@Crick1952]

@@scottmantooth8785 *engineered

[@DoctorProph3t]

The founders weren’t evil. They were scared. They were so scared of the solid and everything they did that they subjugated an entire quarter of the galaxy to feel safe and secure. The only objective evil in the series was the Pah wraiths.

[@worndown8280]

@@DoctorProph3t Trauma victims really. A Trauma they chose to never deal with. That doesnt make them evil, just foolish, like the rest of us.

[@erikshure360]

@@DoctorProph3t agreed.

[@mikevasquez1103]

Play is how we learn to interact with others so a species purpose built for interactivity would require a playful side.

[@MagnusGugilusVugilus]

The ‘oh no you killed Kenny, you bastards’ of ds9

[@RRW359]

About memory being transferred to clones, didn't the Vorta in "The Ship" mention that Weyoun told her about Sisko? Weyoun only met him one time at that point and was killed afterwards, so his next iteration must have retained some knowledge in order to be de-briefed.

[@zxb995511]

If they don't have the body of the previous one its impossible to make memory transfers. I think they simply make logs and read the important logs of the previous one.

[@lyxandrast0ttr0n1x8]

Vorta are my favourite Star Trek species. They're cold, slimy, manipulative liars, but at the same time they're bred to have dog-like loyalty, adoration and awe towards they're masters, and you just can't hate a dog. Weyoun's my favourite character. He does unspeakable things, but he's just so genuinely affable, playful, and curious that you can't help but think that if it weren't for the genocide thing he'd be a fun guy to have around. I'd love the see a story arc about a Vorta gradually overcoming their genetic programming.

[@mrmcscrub9753]

I decided to explore the idea of a Vorta separated from the founders a few days ago. You can basically create a Vorta in STO with the alien option, and the dialogue can lend itself to that kind of character. It's been an interesting journey so far. I haven't figured out the backstory yet, but the possibilities are intriguing.

[@r.connor9280]

So we've seen Fighters (Jem Hadar) bureaucrats in the Vorta which makes me question if they have a zero grav builder/engineering species behind the scene

[@theomnissiah-9120]

R. Connor they might use robots or slaves

[@DoctorProph3t]

Makes a lot of sense. Your men of gold, men of iron, and men of stone. Your lieutenants, your soldiers, your engineers. The trifecta of any effective military force.

[@michaelcarney6280]

Great video Rick as always thoroughly enjoy the content you produce

[@jahipalmer8782]

I could listen to you talk about Star Trek for hours.

[@thomashill6347]

Very well done like always, insightful and well explained, do like the Vorta.

[@Edd25164605]

While the Dominion was extremely powerful, I'd say either the Borg or the Voth had the strongest military in the Galaxy.

[@HotPinkst17]

Possibly species 8472, though too mysterious about numbers and intentions to be sure. Wonder if the Icononians should win the apex spot of most powerful military? Seems like the Voth dominate over Borg.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

It's hard to gauge the strength of the Dominion as we saw very little action within their own borders, and what limited action we saw was within the fringes of their border. Their empire should extend vast distances, years of high warp travel in diameter at least. The amount of ship building strength and genetic clones to be built would be in such high enormous numbers. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps even millions of ships could be constructed, with even billions of potential Jem'Hadar soldiers ready to fight to till the death in an endless supply.

[@joshknight3607]

@@HotPinkst17 i wished they would have showed a war between the borg and dominion that would of been awesome

[@HotPinkst17]

@@joshknight3607 Would be so next level if the Great Link hacked the collective and waged guerilla war from Unimatrix Zero.

[@adeosinowo3197]

Dont forget the strength of the fluid space inhabitants: species 84762.

[@VXGaming]

The Vorta are just a race full of Kenny's

[@michaelcarney6280]

😂

[@weldonwin]

"Oh My Founders, They Killed Weoun!" "YOU BASTARDS!!!"

[@DMSProduktions]

@@weldonwin Scwew yoo geys, erm gering herm!

[@weldonwin]

@@DMSProduktions *(Deploying Biogenic weapons)* RESPECT MAH AH-THORATAH!!!

[@DMSProduktions]

@@weldonwin Erm not feht, erm jus big boned!

[@johnhagan8565]

My aunt played the very first Vorta.

[@TheVeritas1]

Rick, Great video on the Vorta. I really liked your commentary on why the species lacks artistic appreciation and how that would impact their culture. As for the vote, I'm picking the Nightsisters.

[@thomashill6347]

Hi Ric, we have fell in love with the character Weyoun played by actor Jeffrey Combs, He is just great.

[@dustyprater7884]

Great video!! I wonder how the Founders got so good at Genetic Manipulation. Keep up the good work, sir!! 😁

[@paradoxchild01]

Has anyone else seen the character analysis of Weyoun on Tumblr? The writer states that the Vorta have no sense of outward need of touch, that he self soothes by way of his hands. The post shows many instances of how he grasps his own hands during intense moments, that he never touches his face, or hair. He does clench his hands when talking with Damar.

[@chissstardestroyer]

For a Vorta mindset on why play is vital for their functions for their gods; let me put it this way: "To work and play well with others is vital for a "front man" a diplomat, and an agent or scout for his country..." kind of deal should explain it at least somewhat better.

[@patz470]

Thx for the video. I enjoyed it very much. For years i played Star Trek as a Fed... Such as: Star Trek (Amiga), Star Trek birth of the federation (PC) , Deep Space Nine - Dominion Wars (PC, (PS)?), Away Team (PC) ...Unfortunately i did not have Klingon Honor Guard (PC) 😞 But thx to Cryptic Studios i had the chance to play a member of the KDF. But when the Dominion arrived to the game. I changed my main ! NOW: VICTORY IS LIFE ❗ It might not happen everytime in STO.... but i still have fun in them ships and after a respawn (many perhaps) i do win.

[@cormacmacsuibhne2867]

In star wars, there was this doctor and whenever his body died, a clone would be released from its tank but not with his memories but with a personality matrix so he is basically the same person as he was before.

[@jkm7983]

My first thought on why they had playfulness is because they could see conquest as a game and like any game, everyone wants to win

[@mediocreman6323]

I think the Founders did not imprint the Jem'Hadar on the Vorta, because they never really trust the latter, thus, the Founders control their soldiers in the end, and _not_ the Vorta. A rather intelligent move on the side of the Founders.

[@ucitymetalhead]

Gotta love having someone like iggy pop play an alien.

[@anthonytmein]

Remember when Iggy Pop was a Vorta? Loved it when rockstars were on Star Trek.

[@IdealConscience]

The Vorta can dream. Weyoun has a nightmare when shuttling with Otto when he defected.

[@gonsumir]

Not the first time I've watched. Not the first time I've been impressed. Not the first time I've liked. First time... I've sub'd.

[@Therosx]

Great Video

[@Torthrodhel]

I always wondered how the vorta's lack of a sense of aesthetics played into some of them wearing makeup. I guess they must just be copying the makeup of others they've seen who've worn it in successful negotiations, or something. Just a tactical detail, without any appreciation of why it works.

[@robertquiggleiv8696]

3:21 "...the Vorta genome was thus created by combining genetic material from Rob Lowe and Nicholas Cage."

[@Clin7Walker]

😂😂

[@rfc1526]

The Vorta sound incredibly interesting

[@ThePauloVJCastilho]

I've been guessing for a time, what it the Preservers had spread their genetic makeup through the galaxy in a kind of war? Like, the humanoid type was the minority and the galaxy was occupied by lifeforms similar to the aliens of HP Lovecraft? The Dominion would be survivors of these times. They are a typical lovecraftian alien.

[@injunsun]

Perhaps the "ripple" you mention would come in the form of a genetically engineered hybrid species of Vorta and Jem'Hadar? (See also: theme of "The Dark Crystal.") Perhaps they discover that they already shared much of their genomes, due to swapping of genes between species, done by The Founders? A union of their species could thusly both restore traits lost in uneven swaps, as well as create the hybrid vigour of a newly complete union of two essentially complete species.

[@arenthio]

rippleberries and kava nuts lol

[@ericfleet9602]

I really want a human cultural index.

[@midshipman8654]

play might also be a method of training. just like in nature. a conversation can be see. like a sort of game, and getting better at rules of engagement can be a transferable skill

[@paradoxchild01]

With the rumors of a dominion series in the works, I’m so excited to see how the Vorta have changed. Picard 3 established that Odo is still a face of his race, so what would have happened to them and the Jem Ha’Dar?

[@andrewarnold9818]

They're definitely able to dream. The "defective" Weyoun had a nightmare.

[@Zeithri]

7:15 - I'd like to add that for a Politican, the idea of games would be crucial. It's something they can manipulate if they know the rules for it.

[@elimgarak4667]

I guess the Vorta really had to lust for life...

[@shadowqueen1701]

Nice video.

[@chancellorgowron1546]

Glory to you and your house!

[@basemazter1064]

If the vorta can't dream,how did Weyoun have a nightmare?

[@katharina8963]

Because weyoun 6 was defect.

[@conroypawgmail]

@@katharina8963 - If Vorta can be defective, then they can dream. The question is "Do Vorta dream of defective sheep?"

[@joegrimes9232]

In a story I was kicking around in my head, it was in fact the Vorta who hunted the changelings millennia ago and the changelings in a cruel irony twisted them to be subservient and told them the tale of the Vorts who showed a changeling kindness as a means of instilling them with a sense of humility. Upon learning the truth from an ancient being who was around at the time of the founders turning on solids the Vorta who is a part of the Starfleet mission begins to have something of a crisis of faith. I don;t think I'll ever end up writing this book. So I thought I may as well get it out there lol

[@franconnorton7087]

Even if you don't write it it is a great idea. It would be just like the asshole founders too. Also I always wondered why telepaths couldn't find them. I mean if a chair is thinking its a bit of a giveaway.

[@joegrimes9232]

@@franconnorton7087 My idea has had a bit of expansion. It involves a greater "Pathfinder" idea of the Federation retraces Voyager's steps into the Delta Quadrant as a sort of goldrush coventure by the the Federation and Klingons. The accords that prevented expansion into the other quadrants as mentioned in Voyager by Chakotay (Jinkata, Gyncata? Gin.. That one) broke down as a result of the Dominion War, so the race was on to plant a flag. The Dominion ominously show up unexpecedly just before the launch to add a Vorta and a small guard of Jem'hadar as a Dominion representative for the mission. Odo himself makes the demand, having a moment on DS9 to touch on some fan service slightly. Stopping by what was Quarks to find a clinical clean museum of Bajoran history. He hurrumphs shaking his head, finding it ironic that the Bajorans chose this place to put a museum. Has a gift shop no doubt. But he secretly wanted to find Quark there. The Vorta joins the mission but is aloof and distant. Until their Jem'Hadar are no longer alive to protect them. thousands of lightyears away after a bad first few days. The Klingon spearheading their end is actually Martok's replacement. He took over when Martok realised he wasn't a politician. They preached co operation with the Federation and were out moved by a rival faction by a mysterious upstart that played him into essentially "taking the black" and plunging into the Delta Quadrant. Leaving the Empire at the Mercy of this Mordred type Arthurian figure. Spoiler alert for a non existent novel; it's Gowron's bastard. He\She it doesn't matter, have grown up. They have no feelings for Gowron. He was absent and only appeared at night occasionally flanked by strangers, but they will regain their honour. Making them a mirror but at odds with Worf but thats another whole thing lol. This story is about the Delta Quadrant and retracing a familiar trail as blazed by those who came before, but do you measure up to them? Your stories and the future are sat firmly on the shoulders of those before. As any pioneer. Archer to Janeway, Kahless to K'tarn. The Founders to Jetaan. Star Trek to this story. Edit -I sound like a silly buffoon reading that back

[@franconnorton7087]

@@joegrimes9232 Write it even if its just for your own writing experience. Don't have so many plots at once. Write a short reddit story first exploring one plotline, maybe the Vorta having to survive without the Jem'hadar. If it goes over well then work on a longer story or your novel.

[@VeritechGirl]

The Vorta definitely remind me of Ancient Rome.

[@simonjames3990]

Camp sly underhanded crafty I love them

[@dalegribble4308]

Why are weyoun and liquidator Brunt never in the same room???

[@conroypawgmail]

Heh, heh, heh. They could be. They have the technology. After all, we got to see Miles O'Brien from the future meet up with the other Miles O'Brien that wasn't suffering from radiation sickness, and... I hate temporal mechanics, as well.

[@Anomen1010]

Outro music link/name anyone? I love it !! Thy

[@LordReginaldMeowmont]

I believe it was mentioned in season 4 or 5 of DS9 that they don't dream.

[@TheHopperUK]

We definitely see Weyoun 6 dream once - he had a nightmare in the runabout while trying to escape with Odo.

[@notoriouswhitemoth]

@7:15 I have another theory: "play" in this context is just another word for operant conditioning - the most efficient means of controlling someone else's behavior. After all, the Vorta have the same function in the Dominion that dabo girls have at the dabo table. There's just a lot more at stake.

[@cmdshadow1765]

Do the UEG (United Earth Government) and the UNSC (United Nations Space Command)

[@classicrockandfurriesrule4743]

With those ears , a Vorta could hear a Who .

[@toddstewart9070]

What was this game with the Vorta in it? The last one I played was ST Force Elite 2. Wonderful game, I still play it occasionally on my XP comp.

[@kassar7146]

Most of this gameplay is from Star Trek online. There's an ok-ish quest line with the Vorta and Dominion in it.

[@CristySFM1234]

for a future vid rick you should try the iconians since they are very popular in sto

[@LordyT34]

"Vorta are unable to dream" Weyoun had a dream didn't he?

[@richardgregory3684]

Enjoying games is easily explained. Diplomacy - one of the Vorta primary functions - is a game itself. This is why game theory is used by diplomats. Many games - chess for example - are a stylised form of warfare, and diplomacy is too. Diplomats use weapons of bluff, counter-bluff, deception and intrigue. In TNG it is shown several times that _poker_ is seen as a very good way to develop the necessary skills. The Vorta have to be good at diplomacy - so therefore they are good at games. And for the most part, if you enjoy something, it is a very good motivator to become good at it. Most people are skilled or excel in things they enjoy - otherwise they would not put in the required effort and practise at it. Making the Vorta enjoy and be fascinated by games is a very simple way to ensure they make good diplomats. Sarek is a top level diplomat and ambassador - and he is also shown to be a grand master at chess. In _Ties of Blood and Water_ Weyoun is shown to enjoy the game of dabo. However, he finds even greater enjoyment and fascination in the scene where Sisko confronts Damar over some posioned _kanar_ "How delightful! The mysterious plots. The subtle innuendos. The veiled threats. It's all so ...entertaining!" They employ the same thing with the Jem'Hadar. They are not only made to excel at fighting, but to _enjoy_ it. Victory is life. And by the way, Vota can dream. This is shown by Weyoun 6 having a nightmare. In fact, dreaming is almost certainly something any species would experience as it is a very useful trait and therefore seected by evolution. Sleep deprvation is dangeorus becaus eof _dream_ deprivation. The brain uses the sleep state to re-order itsef and memories. Sleep deprivation quickly results in hallucinatory states and mental breakdown.

[@DSteerTV]

Their lack of artistic appreciation might be something the founders did to them. Makes them less bribable.

[@adamofgrayskull7735]

Don't know how I missed this video

[@kirkbolas4985]

In the first minute of the video, you made a point of the Founders being the preeminent military power in their quadrant. How would the Founders and their empire fare against the Borg?

[@oldtwinsna8347]

nobody knows, but the Founders already would know of their existence, if not from own experience or through their download of the Federation database. The Founders would see the Borg as solids, and Odo knew of the horrors of the Borg so would ensure to reinforce that these were "bad" solids that need to be annihilated.

[@RA10H56]

I wouldn't think any better then the federation.

[@paddy7812]

What became of the Jemhadar after the war?

[@fanboy3376]

Haven’t seen much videos on the Night Sisters of SW.

[@soulcrew1000]

one vorta had a lust for life.

[@dij7878]

I believe that the Founders created Vorta to demonstrate a certain ideal of "solids" that reinforces their own hatred of the solids.

[@imafgc]

Personally I think the Vorta, much like the Jem'Hadaar will be allowed to become free from the genetic manipulations and rigid lifestyle that they had under dominion rule. I do not know however how long that would take, but definitely by the 26th century (ie 2500-2599) I imagine the Jem'Hadaar to basically be a Gamma quadrant Klingon society and the vorta to still have a negotiator kind of role, but not by force, this time by choice... OR I have another idea that is Odo causes the collapse of "peace" in the gamma quadrant resulting in a man hunt for every vorta so they end up fleeing to the alpha quadrant and become part of the UFP

[@andrewsuryali8540]

The Vorta don't have a rigid lifestyle at all. They are the favored slaves who enjoy all the luxuries of Dominion society that the Founders themselves don't have a need for. They also have basically unlimited freedom to act once delegated outside the direct control of the Founders, like that Vorta who surrendered after letting his Jem'Hadaar be slaughtered. Their slavery is no different from that of the wealthy and powerful clergy of medieval Europe towards the God of the Catholic Church. Unlike the Jem'Hadaar the Vorta don't actually have a reason to release themselves from servitude because they are effectively the Dominion's ruling class in the absence of the Founders' direct involvement in governance. In any case, much like the Jem'Hadaar they're no longer a viable species outside Dominion control. As far as we can tell the Vorta can't breed, as hinted by Weyoun himself.

[@weldonwin]

I'd just like to note that since the Vorta are clones, they have no sexual desires or drives of their own, but we can see from this female Vorta 2:42 That they do understand these concepts and know how to exploit them. She wears sexy makeup and jewels, wears a plunging top to show off her cleavage and pretty much flirts with Sisko to try and influence him.

[@michaeldriggers7681]

We know that many are clones, but we do not know if they reproduce sexually or not.

[@weldonwin]

@@michaeldriggers7681 Its said on at least one occasion, during the episode The Magnificent Ferengi that the Vorta don't have sex, though mostly is was the fact they don't have any money that was shocking to them.

[@Locutus]

​@@michaeldriggers7681 I'm 50/50 on them sexually reproducing, and in balance, I would say no, they don't sexually reproduce. We have heard many times that they are all clones, and we've not heard once that they reproduce. Now, the Founders need LOTS of Vorta to administrate their empire. How many do you think are needed? 1,000s? 10,000s? 100,000s? That's a lot of clones. In some ways it might be easier if the Vorta get to sexually reproduce, but only select Vorta. That hot female Vorta, and Weyoun would be a match made in Heaven!

[@michaeldriggers7681]

@@weldonwin I'll have to rewatch that episode.

[@CheezyDee]

Her name is Kilana, and I wouldn't mind if the Founders sent me a copy for study...

[@benlevan5645]

I wouldn't say that every Vorta cline is exactly like its predecessor, not counting Weyoun 6 as he was an aberration. Each "standard" Weyoun clone was a bit harsher, more cruel than the one before it. Weyoun 8, the last one we dealt with, could be downright evil with how callous he was in carrying out the will of the Founder.

[@iona2225]

I’m surprised that the Founders didn’t make a laborer species, something strong and with remarkable endurance but very pliable, pacifistic, and not giving much weight to complex thought beyond what they are told to do, being either humanoids like the other servant species or like the Shoggoths from HP Lovecraft (which I would theorize if they are a more fluid, polymorphic species to be the Founders attempt at cloning themselves or what happens if something adverse effects their lifecycle). Oh! Speaking of theories; I have theorized that the Changelings are originally from Fluidic Space, given how many similarities the Founders and 8472 seem to have in common, plus the more isolationist instincts from Solids of the former would seem far more justifiable then simple humaniod paranoia, seeing as 8472 was on the onset to be omnicidal.

[@archontiverius]

I would imagine they have little need for a labourer species being honest. The amount of ships it's implied they pump out in the timespan they do I would say suggests a level of automation where your "labourer" species are actually more like engineers that keep the machinery maintained.

[@iona2225]

Liam Johnson Hmmm good point! Forgot to consider how the Dominion might be far more advanced than alpha quadrent powers, considering the advantages founders had in terms of technology.

[@EP3mentalist]

@@archontiverius Good point. In the TV show Alien Nation (excellent show by the way) a similar point came up. The aliens that crashed on earth were a genetically engineered slave race that were much faster, stronger, smarter etc than humans. When the question was asked why the slaves were made so intelligent the answer was "some of us had highly technical tasks in our culture, we weren't all miners or labourers" A lot of that shows cast ended up on star trek over the years too.

[@wasserruebenvergilbungsvirus]

With all the technology in Star Trek, why would there even be a need for physical labour?

[@iona2225]

@@wasserruebenvergilbungsvirus For setting up the infrastructure for extending supply lines, especially on worlds that have negligible industry. Sweep through, set up a base here, a factory there, a Ketracel production facility maybe, or at least set up the machines that would build such eventually, maybe industrial replicators? Deploying prefabricated installations on conquered worlds quickly or on non inhabited worlds of strategic importance?

[@grahamturner1290]

🖖

[@thomastakesatollforthedark2231]

Yay! I finally picked correctly!

[@randykerr1060]

the wayoun clone 5 came from star trek timelines game.

[@logangrimnar3800]

They are a species of Rob Lowe's

[@heartlessangel2910]

Weak eyes, huh? I hope in a future adaptation the Vorta consult the federation database and start wearing glasses.

[@dswynne]

Actually, game playing teaches a simple version of game theory, in which a child learns social interaction and critical thinking via application of skills. We, as adults, typically don't see game playing in that manner, but it's there.

[@chadsknnr]

Have you considered a Cultural Index series for WH40K? Or Mass Effect?

[@Bolookiarathi]

First! Also, I just started my girlfriend on DS9, so I'm excited to see the DS9 species.

[@DarinorSteven]

Mando seems inevitable! What kind of ship was orbiting in this video? Looks really cool!

[@gallendugall8913]

Serve the flounders!

[@bazzatheblue]

I like mine with salt and pepper and a little lemon juice.

[@KingPoseidon02]

Most of the Vorta we met, I had mixed emotions on. Weyoun by far was my least favorite. All the rest seemed to have a sense of genuine appeal about them Weyoun lacked.

[@shmee123ful]

Night sisters than Zerg. How do I find the community tap

[@joshuawells835]

Same question

[@thomastakesatollforthedark2231]

Go to the channel and to the community part of it

[@thomastakesatollforthedark2231]

@@joshuawells835 go to the channel and to the community section of it

[@joshuawells835]

@@thomastakesatollforthedark2231 Thank you