The Founders

The Founders are the power behind the Gamma Quadrant. Evolved from an ancient race of peaceful explorers known as "Changelings". With their specialized skill in shapeshifting, they found nothing but fear and hatred in their journeys. Races feared them and soon hunted them until the Changelings sickened of the senseless hatred by the "solids" and retreated to a remote planet within the Omarion Nebula. There, free of hostile enemies, the Changelings could meld together to form the Great Link, where they can exist as individual minds in a collective environment.

From here, the Changelings began The Dominion. The slaughter of their species convinced them that only through absolute control over every part of the Universe will they live in peace. Upon this basis, the Changelings set up a form of absolutist government with themselves as supreme executives, adopting the title of "the Founders". In time their government's reach extended across the entire Gamma Quadrant. Daily administrations are relegated to the Vorta, a race they genetically altered to serve their needs, and the warring business was given to the blindly obedient Jem'Hadar. Their explorer roots did not vanish, however. To compensate for being land-bound, the Changelings sent out hundreds of infants to serve as their eyes and ears. In years to come, it was expected these Changelings would return to the Great Link and input new knowledge into their society. The Dominion demands obedience and compliance from its members and enemies. The Dominion exacts vigilance. If the founders wishes are not met the Jem Hadar are sent in to exact punishment.