Editing Bolian (section)

==Sports and Games==

The Bolian Vectorboard, similar in appearance to a surfboard, is an aerodynamic form constructed out of polyduranide and slightly larger than its aquatic forebears. The vehicle is propelled through the air at speeds reaching up to 200 MPH. The rider stays on board using either magnetic boots or polyduranide foot straps, and operates the board through a combination of balance and reaction control thrusters directed via a foot pedal under the lead foot. Vectorboarding is a popular pastime on many Federation planets, though strict ordinances regulate when and where a vectorboard can be ridden. They come in a variety of sizes and colors.

Modern adel'iin (see Prehistory below for more) is still practiced in tournaments, with the loser going slack to simulate death and signify his surrender to the judges. Certain families also still make a point of forcing a suitor to defeat one of his intended's fathers before he can be permitted to wed the daughter.

It should be noted that the custom of completely shaving the head is a direct result of the rise of adel'iin as a means of resolving disputes. While the practice of challenging another Bolian to a duel beneath the waves is rarely used, it has never formally been outlawed. Having a head of hair is a decided disadvantage when using adel'iin, not only because of the added drag but because it provides an ideal handhold (early adel'iin resembled 'catfights' from pre-warp Earth, with much hair-grabbing). The shaved head has persisted into modern times as a silent message: 'I know adel'iin, and can best you.' Whether or not the Bolian in question really knows adel'iin is another story, but the message is there. Bolians who take to pacifism for one reason or another grow their hair out in silent protest.

The process of the duel beneath the waves, or the tzian'adel'iin ('taking the dispute to the sea'), is not nearly as formal as the Andorian ushaan, or any similar Terran custom. Rather, it more resembles the simplicity of a Klingon duel: A Bolian challenges another, they immediately head to the nearest deep water with a neutral judge, and fight until one is subdued. In the past, such duels would be to the death, but in modern times it more resembles a tournament bout; the loser slackens and yields their position in the dispute.

Where the tzian'adel'iin differs from the Klingon way of resolving conflicts is the frequency (or lack thereof) of its use. It is very rare that two Bolians arrive at an impasse they cannot talk or negotiate through, and invoking the tzian'adel'iin is a last resort - because in actuality, more than half of the Bolians who shave their scalps do not actually know the forms and techniques of adel'iin.