D'Kursoli Kel

Commander D'Kursoli Kel is the first officer of the FSS Tahoma in the Star Trek game Into the Expanse. D'Kursoli has been in the Klingon navy for decades, but has stalled out on promotion long ago. She has served in many wars and skirmishes, but with little fanfare (though also no demerits). She was very surprised that she was chosen for this mission, though she sees it as her chance to prove her worth to the high council, while simultaneously suspecting she has been set up to fail.

Demeanor

Like most Klingons, D'Kursoli struggles with anger management and violence. However, long ago she embraced ancient Vulcan techniques which help her keep her emotions in check. She carries a specially made stress ball with a tough exterior and hyper viscous gel inside that she uses to regulate her outbursts. In Klingon society she is viewed as meek and passive, but in reality she has mastered emotional regulation to a much greater degree than the average Klingon has ever seen.

Her nickname 'Ghop-Du' is Klingon for hands, a reference to her constant squeezing of the stress ball.

Reputation

Her reputation as a 'peace-monger' is also accentuated by her embrace of deception and quick strike tactics and tactical doctrine. She prefers to rely on maneuver and battlefield intelligence rather than brute force, and analysis of her commands have shown that her losses of personnel and materiel are much lower than other commanders. In Klingon society, this is actually viewed negatively, as fewer warriors are allowed to ascend to Sto-Vo-Kor. She does understand why she is perceived as she is, but she is stubborn and unwilling to compromise because her methods are (in her view) better for the empire. The following is from a presentation she made to the high council before a costly set of engagements against the Breen 25 years ago:

"Fleets and armies win by tactical, implacable applications of force. Klingons are not insects. We win by the skill of our warriors, not by their number. Fewer warriors fight. Fewer warriors die. More warriors win!"

Her presentation met with a tepid, but polite response. While publicly she was praised for her willingness to think outside the official 'Overwhelming Force Doctrine' that the council had followed since its inception, privately some went so far as to call her cowardly, while others lamented that losers engage in guerilla warfare, great empires such as the Klingons do not. Her status as a member of the great house of Kor kept these accusations from gaining much traction.

Command Style

When dealing with superiors D'Kursoli tends to be deferential, but will question decisions on occasion. She is often rougher when dealing with subordinates, but not physically violent like many Klingons. She is not afraid to engage in biting wit when conversing with peers of any level.

In terms of diplomacy, D'Kursoli is a more traditional Klingon, preferring strong-arm tactics and intimidation to achieve short term goals. Her preference is to utilize the tactics listed above if those do not work.

Appearance

Physically, she is stocky and solidly built. She wears traditional warrior garb with 6 D'Ktahg and her various commendations all proudly displayed. She is 71 years old, but still very healthy, strong and active, though she is beginning to gray somewhat. Most who see her would guess her age to be mid 40s. She enjoys contests and games, especially those which involve deception and bluffing, like poker and Coup.

Her favorite dessert is lingonberry torte.