SFD: THE GOA'ULD

[Lornedo]

THE SPECIES

Goa'uld are a parasitical alien species native to the Milky Way, specifically the planet known as P3X-888. Their survival depends on their ability to take other races as hosts, including Unas and Humans. Throughout history, the Goa'uld have enslaved humans by means of advanced technology and a significantly higher intelligence than humans. Many of their human slaves, the products of the Ancients' device on Dakara, were genetically altered to create an army of Jaffa - a race reliant on Goa'uld larvae (prim'ta) to survive. Click here for the Goa'uld wiki entry.

The true appearance of a Goa'uld symbiote is a long, finned snake. Originally an aquatic species, there are still natural symbiotes living in waterways on some planets. At some point in their evolution, the Goa'uld began using technology requiring naquadah, and all hosted symbiotes now have the mineral in their blood, allowing them to utilize such technology.

When a symbiote takes a host, it will enter either through the mouth (the Tok'ra prefer this method) or the back of the neck, as this is the quickest route to the spinal column. Through multiple connections to the host's brain and spine, a symbiote can exert considerably mental force and completely control most suitable hosts. The process is known as blending by the Tok'ra, who pride themselves on taking only a willing host, living with them in a perfectly symbiotic relationship.

GOA'ULD TECHNOLOGY

Arguably the most important piece of technology scavenged by the Goa'uld is the sarcophagus. The sarcophagus is able to revive the dead in some circumstances, but is most often used by System Lords to extend their life substantially. However, the technology has side effects, most noticeably the way it can turn almost anyone evil (though, as proven by Shifu, the mere genetic memories of the Goa'uld can also do this). The technology is also highly addictive - one of the reasons the Tok'ra refuse to use them.

Weapons are an important part of Jaffa society, their first choice being the Ma'tok staff. Other weapons include the non-lethal Zat'nik'tel, automated defensive "Taks," the plasma repeater used by Anubis' Kull warriors, a larger canon variation of the Ma'tok staff and the kara'kesh, a personal defense device used by the Goa'uld. Click here for a list of Goa'uld technology.

THE SYSTEM LORDS

The ruling body of the Goa'uld, most hosted symbiotes not affiliated with the Tok'ra are referred to as System Lords by the Tau'ri and Jaffa - usually with an indication of rank such as minor or underlord. As a whole, the System Lords have been described as egotistical, selfish and arrogant, though much of the Goa'uld's typical personality can be blamed on extensive exposure to the sarcophagus.

The Goa'uld rarely form alliances, as none of them can be trusted to open a jar without blowing up their neighbor, but it has happened in the past when faced with a mutual threat. More often than not, Goa'uld can be found safely in their central or home planet throwing their Jaffa armies at a rival lord's Jaffa army in an attempt to gain rank or position, especially a seat on the High Council. Click here to read more.

THE TOK'RA

The offspring of the queen Egeria, who turned against the Supreme System Lord Ra, the Tok'ra are known to take great offense at being referred to as Goa'uld. With significantly smaller numbers, and in later centuries being hunted by Ashrak, the Tok'ra turned to subterfuge and sabotage to attack the Goa'uld. Unfortunately, most of their efforts were in vain as they failed to ever reach a point where they could destroy all of the System Lords at once - their ultimate goal. They have been criticised for this apparent inaction by both the Jaffa and the Tau'ri. Click here for more about the Tok'ra.

Recently, the Jaffa have taken control of most of the Milky Way, and while the Tok'ra did give aid to the Tau'ri and Jaffa during the rebellion, the Tok'ra are now unwelcome in their home galaxy. All known human populations have been warned away from the Tok'ra, and many have died in the last two years due to a lack of hosts. With all other avenues exhausted, the the remaining Tok'ra have turned to the Tau'ri for aid, and in exchange for technology have received it. A number of Tok'ra have joined the Pegasus Expedition in varying roles, though there is a degree of mistrust towards them.