The Black Rope – Issue 5

Welcome to the fifth issue of The Black Rope, KAG’s Imperial Xeno Legion’s official newsletter! The theme this issue is ANDORIANS!!!! The Imperial Xeno Legion is a portal for space-faring Alien Mercenaries to join in battle with the Klingons of KAG in support of the Klingon Empire. KAG is a unique Star Trek fan club in that respect. We unite under a single banner, space-faring Aliens from any franchise. Join us, Alien Warriors!!!!

 

 

FROM THE THOUGHT ADMIRAL

Greetings, Legionnaires!

As most of you probably know by now, my big costuming project recently has been the Klingon Justice League. This mashup of Klingons with comic book superheroes has proved to be an excellent recruiting tool. We’ve been getting lots of interest at cons and other events, and we’re still growing.

What does this have to do with the IXL, you ask? Plenty! The concept of mashups in general should be near and dear to Legionnaires, as mixing Klingon and other alien appearances together can make for some really unique and interesting characters. And when you start mashing together Star Trek aliens and comic book characters, “unique and interesting” doesn’t even begin to describe the results.

The Klingon Justice League is predicated on the idea that the Klingons are the heroes. And what are heroes without villains to fight? It was this idea that led to plans for a group of characters to serve as nemeses for the KJL: the FEDERATION OF DOOM! Each FoD character is a blend of a DC villain and a Star Trek alien race (or specific character). Led by Jean-Lex Picard-Luthor, some of the characters we have planned include Romulan Joker, Lwax-Circe, Bane’hadar, Kazon Bizarro, and Cardassian Grundy. At the moment these characters are in the planning stages, but we have several members express interest in bringing them to life.

To tie this into the theme for this issue, Andorians, I did a quick sketch of another possible Federation of Doom character: Andorian Harley Quinn. Enjoy.

Krikor
AKA Klingon Batman
for KAG

 

FROM THE LEGATE

Hail Alien Mercenaries in service to the Klingon Empire!

Federation and tribble infestations have delayed the writing of this issue of The Black Rope, of course. The theme this issue is Andorians, a fellow Warrior race. We have several Andorians among the Imperial Xeno Legion and they have all served with honor. Their Warrior spirit is well suited to battle alongside Klingons. At right is a holo-image of Andorians from the Wild Frontier Quadrant of Dark Moon Fleet. Beside them are two Andorians from Dark Star Quadrant. I believe we will soon see more Andorians throughout KAG. Qapla’!

Fairly recent news is that our Global Fleet Legion Brigadier, IXL Captain Athena Dejar vesta-Hovbe’-Kurkura, is now married! In a touching pagan ceremony Friday night (October 3, 2014), and a glorious Klingon ceremony Saturday (at Archon 38 wherein KAG celebrated its 25th anniversary), she was wedded to Lt. Kathog Thor tai-Kurkura. No one can stand against the beating of two Klingon hearts! Qapla’!

I unfortunately bear some sad news. In issue # 4, I was able to include a synopsis of Athena’s biography. The complete version was translated from German by Robyn Wallace (K’Triss) and her fellow translator, Erich Lander. It is found in the files section of both the KAG: Klingon Assault Group Facebook group and KAGlistserve Yahoogroup. In late 2014, it was reported to me by K’Triss that Erich Lander was presumed dead in altercations in a troubled area of planet Earth. Join me in a howl for the departed. AAAAAARRRROOOOOOOOOOOOAAARRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!

My noble Xeno Warriors, you are the color and spice to the Klingon Assault Group. KAG is a unique fan organization in that we are able to incorporate space-faring Alien Mercenaries from other universes, galaxies, timelines, etc., into our ranks. Klingons respect the Warrior spirit, no matter where it’s found. However, due to the intense hatred of huMans and any species that looks huMan (possibly due to the devastation wreaked upon our kind when the huMan Augment virus destroyed so many of us), we do not accept them into the Imperial Xeno Legion. We have no problem with half huMans/half Aliens, however. Feel free to recruit such Warriors.

To survive, we must grow. Join me in recruiting members to our ranks. The IXL is one of the fastest-growing combat division of KAG. We are attracting the attention of our fellow Klingon Warriors. I point to the Demon Fleet article in the most recent Mindscanner, written by my good friend Qaolin. I left his tongue where I found it (in his cheek) because I know he is an honorable Warrior on many levels. So I urge you to recruit not only among your own species, but others as well. As long as the Alien in question does not appear huMan and is space-faring, tell them about KAG. Create and hand out your own IXL business cards. Good hunting!

FROM THE CTF LEGION BRIGADIER

ANDORIANS

Andorians are a humanoid race native to the icy Class M moon Andoria (also called Andor), which orbits a blue, ringed gas giant. Distinctive traits of Andorians include their blue skin, a pair of cranial antennae, and white hair. Andorians were one of the four — along with humans, Tellarites, and Vulcans — founding members of the United Federation of Planets.

Biology:

Andorians have blue blood, blue skin, white hair, and antennae on the forehead or the crown of the skull.

There are at least two Andorian subspecies: those with blue skin, the majority of the population; and the more reclusive, blue-white-skinned Aenar, long considered a myth until contact was remade with blueskins circa 2154. The Aenar are blind, but exhibit telepathic and telemetric abilities. Aenar appear to use their antennae as telepathic receptors.

 

FROM THE CKF LEGION BRIGADIER

Darkness and bitter cold
Winters cruel might haunts the land
Come warmth banish ice

Not my best work, but then (often) these days dreams come slowly, if at all. Now most often I write this column as RYU. Yet, as I was considering it I realized something. The idea that sparked Ryu’s creation came to me almost 14 years ago. Ryu first appeared (at a local con) in 2003 and it got me to thinking about the life span of costumes.

Oh not how long a given piece may last. After all, my armored vest is far older than this. No, about how often one can wear a certain one, before it is put in storage, or discarded. The reasons for this happening are several, but chief among them is the item has become effectively mundane in some way. This can be from personal feelings, where one has worn it so often it is not at all interesting any more. To overheard comments at some event, which tell you it has had its day.

Now, here in the chilly north, the Thought Admiral is running with his idea of a Justice League Klingon. Which is a worthy and majestic project, which will result in great stories, even if some may have issues with it. But in one way it, and constructing certain aliens in general, does speak to my point. As certain ideas, for all their worthiness, perhaps should remain just that. Simply because the lifespan of the given thing does not match how much time or resources need to be committed to seeing it completed. Now yes that sounds defeatist, or possibly just dreary, but consider some examples. Years ago, a then friend (lost to a his moving far distant) constructed a Kosh suit. This was amazing to see, even when it was simply displayed, but within a few years it was shelved. This despite it took (literally) every moment he had (aside from work and sleep) for 13 months to construct. Yes I, and others still remember this fondly, but was it really worth the cost? Not to mention, of course, that transporting the thing was all but impossible, and it couldn’t really be worn outside, as it wasn’t €˜weather proof.

A second example, one of far less scope, was of an acquaintance who decided to attend a local con as a (classic) Cylon. For me, this was an even more glorious achievement, as he did not have the resources, or many of the skills the other did. Nor did he drive, and so transport was even a greater challenge for him. But construct it he did, and though he won no awards (as far as I know) the reflections of camera flashes off his silver hide told of his success. They had to, as after that one convention, he never wore it again, partially due to discomfort, and partially from issues unforeseen.

But the point is made, some ideas are merely difficult, and some are just not good ones. Reasons differ, and some may not stop people, if in their minds the dream™ is strong enough to ignore such. But consider, if only for a moment, the concern, not of can I, but should I. Proper alien costumes are not easy to pull off. They take skill to construct and sometimes even more to wear, as one of my earlier articles touched on. But even if one has the cash and skills to do something, it does not necessarily follow it is a good idea. Some will require a certain number of people also in similar costume; others will have difficulties with the venue; still others will have a limited window of use, possibly due to why the idea came in the first place.

Which I suppose might bring me back to Ryu and why he came to be. His creation I attribute to one (1) main issue and shaped by two (2) things that in retrospect could have amounted to nothing. These were: who I would be working for at a local con that year, and my coming into possession, and watching several video tapes. The main issue though, as unlikely as it sounds now, was that I needed 6 degrees between myself and the standard Klingon, as there were tales of corporate powers bringing legal action against those who wore unlicensed costumes. Not Klingons, not then, but I could see it as a possibility (given other actions the studio did in those days). Thus Ryu came to be, and I think has had a fine run. Not that I am retiring him, but he just may not be seen as often as he once was.

But this is not about me (or him) but YOU. Articles like this are, or should be, about helping you to move forward within the dream we all share. So I offer you a quote, though I don’t recall who first said it: Dream big, but keep at least one foot in the real world. Dreams are great, they help to keep us warm on snowy nights, and spark many pleasant conversation late at night with friends. But some may not be realized, or if they are not by us. But that is okay, because perhaps another may hear it and take it up, or one dream may spark two new ones, both with far greater possibilities.

Oh and by the way, if you do build something that only lasts a day or a week or a single season, that is okay too. After all the most fragrant blossoms are the shortest lived and many are the flowers that give us color but for a single summer.

FROM THE DMF LEGION BRIGADIER

Hail Xeno Warriors,

Thiptho lapth!

Last issue, I talked a bit about Andorian society and culture. This time, I am going to discuss how to bring your original character to life.

The big question is usually how to get antennae. For Thalassan (TOS style) Andorian™ antennae, I have put together a tutorial using air-dry clay (see article below). Model Magic or paperclay will work fine for this. If you would rather purchase your antennae, ImpaQt FX sells a Bishee-style (ENT style) prosthetic and antennae set, along with makeup.

There are a few ways to get your skin blue–or white, if you are an Aenar. The exact color used on-screen for Enterprise is PAX Paint by Thom Suprenant. The most cost-effective way to get blue though is to use water-activated cake makeup such as Mehron Paradise AQ. This is applied with a brush or sponge after wetting with water or Mehron Mixing Liquid and can be set with sealing spray and/or setting powder. IXL Lt. Lissan tai-Zahar has created a video on applying makeup this way. To cover large areas of the body aside from the face, PAX/Pros-Aide can be mixed with acrylic paint and applied. If you are willing to make the investment or know someone with an airbrush kit, airbrush makeup is also a possibility.

At right: Pogo, IXL Lt. Lissan tai-sh’Zahar, IXL Captain Ell vestai-ch’Lethlaen, and IXL Captain Vynni vestai-sh’™Chavar at Star Trek Cherry Hill in 2013. Photo by Kelly Phillips.

In TOS, Andorians have sort of a medieval look; we see Shras and Thelev wearing mail tunics and leather tabards. When Andorians came back in ENT, we saw them wearing mostly dark leather. Think about your character’™s backstory–as an IXL warrior, maybe you would rather be caught dead in steel spine armor than a ceara. The books Worlds of Deep Space Nine: Andor and Among The Clans: The Andorians can also provide valuable reference.

We have a list of costume resources over at the The Andorian Mining Consortium on Facebook, which is now 70 members strong. Join us if you a™re thinking of adopting an Andorian persona, or just have an appreciation for our people.

Wishing you a good and prosperous 2015,

FROM THE GLOBAL FLEET LEGION BRIGADIER

Athena shows her Klingon face at her workplace in Colonge for The Old Woman Days of Karneval. This is her story.

The national work force celebrated their party for the clerk and office people. We worked a short time and afterwards I changed my outfit. The half-goddess/half-Klingon Athena put her Klingon clothes on. With a loud trumpet noise, and waving the small trifoil Klingon flag, I went to the party location. The huMans were very surprised to see my outfit. They liked it, especially my Klingon mug. I met some interesting humans there with their various styles of costumes. There was a zombie and a cowboy and a man who came from the sea. Qapla’!

 

 

FROM THE KLIN-FIRE FLEET LEGION BRIGADIER

2014 Overview for the IKV Karnage
written by Aelaidoann and Rh’vaurek

Our year began with a February outing to Amazing Arizona ComicCon in downtown Phoenix. There were many costumed attendees, though not very many in Trek that I saw. Kurt Colin showed up in his TNG Klingon to the delight of all. Next came a fun outing to the Arizona Renaissance Festival in March. Star Trek was out in force for our day at the Ren Fair with many in full costume and many more in Trek T-shirts (it gets pretty hot and dusty). DevCon was a smaller, first year convention held on the University grounds at ASU West. This cozy little con was a fun outing at end of March, and Trek was well-represented. Thoughts are that it may be a good convention to look into a table for club recruiting next year.

Phoenix ComiCon in June was bigger and better than 2013 with just shy of 78,000 attendees. Star Trek was again well-represented with a full line-up of panels, and more folks in more varied costumes. Sadly, I did not see any other than the usual Vulcan, Romulan, Klingon in aliens, but I have hopes for this year’s turn out.

Then, of course, came STLV in August. What can I say? Star Trek, Star Trek, and more Star Trek. Creation’s Star Trek Las Vegas is one of the largest gatherings of Trek fans, and one of the few places in the West where one will see more types of aliens than the usual: Trill, Orions, Andorians, and more!

September brought Comics & Media Expo, another small, yet fairly well attended convention. Trek, sadly was rather under-represented at the time we went. Perhaps we will have a better showing next year.

In October, Queen Creek’s Schnepf Farms hosts the annual Pumpkin and Chili Festival, a Halloween fair with rides, exhibits, food, and of course, chili and pumpkins. This outing was a joint venture by the IKV Karnage and USS Nightstrike. Temperatures were a little too high, and the location a little too dusty and dirty to wear our outfits, but we did all have our Trek t-shirts so folks at least knew Trek was there.

Tucson ComicCon was a mid-November event. Tucson’s Star Trek fan group had quite a set-up at this one. Besides their club table, they had built and set of a photo area where one could get pictures of themselves on the TOS Enterprise captain’s chair. In addition to this, they ran a table in the gaming area where folks could try out the game Artemis. This was a well-attended even with many Trek outfits including the Vulcan high priestess T’Pau.

Lastly came the ICon Toy and Collectable show in December. More of a toy show than a convention, we decided to attend this one at the last minute. Well, we WERE in the area. Other than a few toys, there was no Trek to be seen. Maybe next time.

Overall, a fun and active year for KAG in AZ. We had a lot of fun, made a lot of friends, and ate a lot of food. 2015 looks like it will be another great year with lots of opportunities for us to let our Trek flags fly.

JEFFREY COMBS aka SHRAN: Honorary KAG Member

Excerpts from AER: ConCarolinas 2012

Shortly after opening ceremonies began, Rich Siegfried called me up and I commanded all KAG members to rise and join me. There were about 15 or more warriors. I asked Jeffrey to come forward. The look on his face was priceless! I explained that we had an important presentation, but first there was a video slide show we wanted to show him.

I had asked K’Lara if she would be able to make a slide show of him in all his roles. I gave her a list of characters and she found them all, labeled them, and even put the television show titles between the sections. The music background was a selection taken from Emmett Charles Plant’s “Honorbound” CD. At first there was a problem with the lights (even Jeffrey went to help), and they finally got dimmed. Jeffrey watched with all of us and once commented, “Oh, I forgot about that!” to which I responded, “WE didn’t.”

After it was over and the lights were back up, I said something like because of your great contribution to the Star Trek, we of the Klingon Assault Group have an announcement. Then I read::

“Whereas this noble Warrior has brought Glory and Praise to the Star Trek Community we confer on this day all the rights and privileges of an Honorary Membership in the Klingon Assault Group.” Whereupon everyone raised their voices in a cheer and huge Qapla’! [I got stuck on the word “day” (looked like “boy” and I thought, whoa that can’t be it), but the audience just laughed, so it turned out OK.] Jeffrey took his certificate and seemed really pleased. He said a few words in appreciation. All of the audience and Jeffrey joined us in shouting “Qapla’!” Afterwards, the KAG members dispersed into the crowd or wherever they needed to be.

During the [next] day (first order of business) I was able to get an autographed holo-image of Shran (Jeffrey Combs). He once again commented on how much he appreciated his certificate. I told him it was our honor to do this. I got my picture taken with him as well. It was glorious!! I was a little star struck, but he’s very down-to-earth and fan friendly. I ask that all KAG members greet him as an honorable brother in arms at any convention he chances to attend. And support him by getting his autograph. He is the first of the Star Trek actors to be accepted as an Honorary Member into the Klingon Assault Group. Qapla’!

The day was spent with photo ops and wonderful discussions with Klingons and huMans alike. I was unable to attend any panels due to all the interactions. But I managed to get back to Jeffrey to let him know when and where we would muster for the dinner. We of KAG are very grateful he accepted our invitation to take him out Saturday night (thanks Ron McClung, Hope Diaz, Carol Cowles, and, by extension, John Billingsley and Bonita Friedericy because they survived the first one unscathed!). Everyone involved was on pins and needles with excitement. We were to meet him at 5:30 at the bottom of the escalator and honor guard him over to the restaurant.

The huMans were surprised to see us all mustered in two lines from the general escalator area on either side of the exit doors. We set the Warriors with weapons at the front and matched the others up two by two. Jeffrey ended up being beside K’Lara and K’vada for most of the route I led the way with the Ferengi head which (appropriately) housed the latinum to pay for Jeffrey’s meal. When we got there, everyone sat according to the number they had drawn out of the bowl. Jeffrey sat at the head and I sat at the foot.

Jeffrey was very genial, he went around to everyone at the table individually, and asked them personally what they were going to order. He could have anything and as much of it as he wanted! He ordered a huge plate of King Crab legs with fixings and beer to drink. Qapla’!

I got up to speak before our food got there. I asked who all at the table belonged to the Klingon Assault Group. You should have seen Jeffrey! He threw his arm up along with everyone else’s, but with the eagerness of a young child wanting to answer a question. Me! Me! Me! I know the answer. It was hilarious and so awesome!!! Everyone responded with a huge “Qapla’! in appreciation.

During the meal he called John Billingsley! What a treat, as many of us were here last year! Everyone yelled their greetings, even though I was a little late with mine. I got up to voice a well-wish for him and Bonnie before Jeffrey hung up. That was so neat! Thanks, Jeffrey!

Everyone, including Jeffrey, had a great time. Jeffrey was invited to Klingon Karaoke, but he declined, which is understandable. He had a huge take-home box to deal with. Afterwards, we offered to escort him back to the hotel, but he demurred saying he would be fine. He did allow us to take pictures with him which thrilled everyone. Thank you so much, Jeffrey!!!

IXL Colonel Keela zantai-Septaric

 

 

HOW TO MAKE ANDORIAN ANTENNAE

Hail Xeno Warriors,

I made a tutorial here: http://priorityonepodcast.com/indevelopmenttos-antennae-tutorial

I don’t take commissions at the moment, but I make antennae from Crayola Model Magic and paint them with cheap acrylics. They’re inexpensive and fairly easy to make at home. I’ve attached some images of ours.

Regarding wigs: I usually buy our wigs from Epic Cosplay, but I also recommend Arda Wigs. eBay is cheap, but can be hit or miss.

RECIPES FROM ANDOR

WARP SPEED ANDORIAN ALE from Ell and Vynni

1 part blue raspberry vodka to two parts lemon-lime soda. Easy and effective!

ANDORIAN ALE

2 oz raspberry vodka to 1 oz Blue Curacao
sprig of mint

Andorian Tuber Root (from Star Trek Cookbook by Ethan Phillips and William J. Birnes)

2 large sweet potatoes
1/8 cup (1/4 stick) butter, melted
1/2 cup whole milk (you can use half-and-half)
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tablespoon plain or vanilla yogurt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch nutmeg
1 16-ounce package marshmallows (optional)
1 packaged pie crust

Wash and pierce sweet potatoes, then microwave on high for 20 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350 degrees. When potatoes are cooked, mash them in a mixing bowl while they are steaming hot, add the melted butter, and stir thoroughly. Next add the sugar, vanilla, milk, and yogurt. Finally add the nutmeg. Line a pie tin with the crust and spoon in the sweet potato pie filling. Bake for 30 minutes. If you want to top with a nice marshmallow crust, cut marshmallows in half and arrange them over the top of the pie. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, and serve.

Andorian Cabbage Soup (from Food Replicator at Tumblr.com)

1/2 head of a medium-large white cabbage (or 1 whole small one)
1 litre vegetable stock
2 carrots, chopped into chunks
3 celery sticks, chopped into chunks
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil or butter

In a large, heavy pot, heat a small amount of oil or butter, and then add the onions and garlic. Cook on medium heat until the onions begin to soften. Add the carrots, celery sticks and 2 of the sprigs of thyme and cook until the vegetables soften slightly, about 5 minutes. Add the vegetable stock, salt and pepper, bring to the boil and then reduce the heat until the vegetables are completely cooked and soft all the way through — about 30 or 40 minutes. When the vegetables are soft, turn up the heat again and add the cabbage. Push it down into the liquid as much as you can, and simmer for 3-4 minutes only — until the cabbage is tender and softened but not limp or watery.

At this point, taste the broth and add more salt or pepper if needed. Using a blender (stick would work well, or just a normal counter top one), puree the soup until it is smooth. Serve with the remaining sprig of thyme as a garnish. (serves 2)

HuMan Notes:

[One can use] vegetable broth to ensure the soup is vegetarian (or vegan if you use oil and not butter). [One] could use a different variety of cabbage if desired — red cabbage would be fine but Napa cabbage [is not recommended] as it would get very watery in the broth.

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