Al'Hmatti

The al'Hmatti were a race of sentient beings native to the planet they called al'Hmat, and which the Klingon Empire named taD. They evolved from an ursine (bear-like) life form, and were covered with light colored fur, ranging from yellow to white to gray, which covered black skin underneath. They prefered to move on all four legs, but could also stand erect on two, which gave then a significant height advantage over the typical Klingon.

Politics and culture
Prior to the Klingon occupation, the al'Hmatti were ruled by a succession of female emporers, who took the name "me'Grmat" in honor of the first Emporer me'Grmat. me'Grmat VI reigned when al'Hmat was annexed by the Klingon Empire, and was revered in years to follow as a great warrior. Subsequent emperors were selected by the Klingon governor, and stripped of political power, though they retained their role as spiritual leaders.

In the 24th century, al'Hamtti resistance to Klingon rule increased, with rebels enlisting the help of off-worlders, including the Federation and the Kreel, for help. Eventually, in 2376, the Klingon Empire quietly shifted control of the planet to the native al'Hmatti, overseen by a Klingon emperor, Vall, who was to serve only a ceremonial function in the government.