Editing Gorn (section)

=='''Biology'''==
The Gorn are a cold-blooded reptilian race native to the Ghdar system. In reality, the Gorn are actually three separate sub-species with many genetic similarities and each hailing from one of the three habitable planets in the inner zone of the Ghdar system. It should be noted, though, that the three species each have distinctive traits due to evolutionary differences from the differing climates of their home worlds.

==='''Ghdar I'''===
Being a class N planet, Ghdar I is covered with 98% water in the form of low lying marshes, bogs, and swamps. The Gorn native to this world tend to be taller and leaner than their other cousins, with smooth dark green scales. Unlike their kin, these Gorn still possess a fully developed tail that is usable as both a natural weapon and a means to propel them through the shallow bogs much in the same way an alligator swims. Most of the Gorn of this species are less inclined to all out conflict and generally assume the roles of Scientists, Engineers, and Medical.

==='''Ghdar II'''===
Ghdar II is a class M temperate planet much like Earth, with definitive hot and cold seasons, but with a much higher gravity. They have bright green scales, no tails, and a strong powerful build. The Gorn from this world are the most often encountered, as their outgoing attitude and wander lust makes them the perfect choice to fill the ranks of naval personnel. Equally as intelligent as their Ghdar I brethren, these Gorn value tactics and strategy, which makes them best suited for command roles within the navy.

==='''Ghdar III'''===
The class M desert world of Ghdar III is home to the least intelligent of the Gorn species, typically filling the role of Marines and general laborers. They are the shortest of the Gorn species, being only slightly taller than the average human. Their scales are a deep ruddy brown or tan, covered in spines and armor that both protects them and regulates the intense heat of their environment. They are also the strongest of the Gorn physically, but commands given to them must be kept simple and direct as their low intelligence can lead to mishaps. Nevertheless, their loyalty to their commanders is absolute.

Females tend to be slightly smaller than males, with less bulk and a more streamlined physique. During the "Brood Fever" (see below) the females are also far more aggressive and dangerous than their male counterparts.

Since the differing Gorn species are all 95% genetically identical, cross-breeding is possible, but the traits of the mother tend to overrule the traits of the father in the hybrid offspring.

Being reptilian, Gorn are an egg-laying species. A female Gorn is able to lay between one and five eggs after each mating. While tending her eggs, the female suffers what is known as "Brood Fever" that lasts until the eggs hatch. During this time, the female's maternal and protective instincts overrule conscious thought and she is prone to attack anyone that approaches her nest with the exception of her mate or a blood relative. The male Gorn in a mated pair, or a family member, is the only one able to care for the female during these times. As such, it is not uncommon for both parents to be granted a leave of absence from their given occupations when the female is expecting to nest until such a time as the children hatch and the fever subsides.

All three species of Gorn are resilient to damage. They are not indestructible by any means, but a phaser on low stun would hardly be felt. To actually stun a Gorn with Federation issue phasers would require multiple shots on high Stun, as the first shot would only serve to make the Gorn mad. A phaser set to kill has no guarantee of actually being fatal. Only a phaser at its highest setting is guaranteed to kill a Gorn with one hit, as he would be vaporized. Non-critical damage to a Gorn regenerates quickly. A severed arm or leg would regrow within a months time. Broken bones heal naturally within a week. Internal injuries heal quickly depending upon the severity. Burns, on the other hand, are far more serious for a Gorn. Burnt flesh takes far longer to heal than it does for other races and infection is almost guaranteed to set in, which could cause even minor burns to be fatal if not promptly treated.

On average, adult Gorn shed their skin every six months. Both shortly before and after shedding, the Gorn's skin is very sensitive and itchy, leading to them being very irritable. As such, Gorn generally prefer to go through shedding alone.

Typical Gorn lifespan is 275 standard years.

Mentally, Gorn are a highly pragmatic species. Though sometimes viewed as being dull witted due to their reptilian physiology, they are anything but. Gorn are decisive, calculating, and curious. They are slow to make friends, due to their long lifespans, but gaining the loyalty of a Gorn means that the Gorn in question would follow and guard his or her friend until death unless given suitable reason to do otherwise.