Mazdan

Mazdans were one of two sentient humanoid species which evolved on the planet Arima in the R-517 star system. They eventually migrated to Arima’s twin planet.

They were members of the Federation and worshiped a deity named Grolgar.

History
Limited resources on their planet led the Mazdans to war with the Ariman race, a rivalry which became a religious crusade as they both progressed from cavemen into feudalistic societies. When advanced to the point of developing spacecraft, the Mazdans colonized, yet continued the war.

The Mazdan’s religious and political leader was the Mazdan high priest. Neither he nor the Ariman high priest would sign a peace treaty, but both sides desired membership in the Federation in the 23rd century. The Federation Council allowed both worlds to join the Federation so long as they maintained a cease-fire and agreed to continuous observation by Starfleet.

Prophesy stated that the deity Grolgar would appear at an appointed time and lead the Mazdans to victory. This was on the same day that the Ariman’s deity was expected to materialize. In 2267, the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) visited R-517 on the prophecy day. Both deities seemed to appear, prompting both sides to restart their war. Professor Osric Whipple redirected the Enterprise’s deflector shield energy into a magnetic wall that adhered the enemy ships to each other, preventing them from being able to fire their weapons. Inadvertently, the energy converted Whipple into a non-corporeal state. Each side thought he was a manifestation of their deity who was asking for peace. Mazdans and Arimans both agreed to permanently end the war.