THE TARDIS
- An acronym for Time And Relative Dimension In Space, the TARDIS is the Doctor's ship. His is an older Typ 40 model and the last of it's type still in operation.
- Like all TARDISes, it is dimensionally transcendental, meaning it's bigger on the inside than the outside. In more technical terms, it's interior is a different dimension placed within the exterior shell.
- The TARDIS is equipped with a chamelion circuit which allows it's outer shell to morph into any shape, blending in with it's surroundings. After an extended stay in 1960s London, the circuit burned out, leaving it stuck in the shape of a Police Box.
- The TARDIS was in for decomissioning when the Doctor stole it. Due to it's age, it is constantly requiring repairs.
- The TARDIS is actually biomechanical. It was grown and is alive, posessing a certain level of sentience. The Doctor affectionatly refers to it as "Old Girl".
TIME LORDS
Beyond their power of regeneration, there are many other important facts about the Doctor's people.
- Although this hasn't been clearly defined, it is assumed that ordinary Gallifreyans, while long-lived, have the same biology as humans and no ability to regenerate. Only the elite become Time Lords.
- Gallifryan society is divided into 'houses', each house owned by a prominent family. The houses are scattered across the land, while the Time Lords live in the Capitol, a citdel inclosed in a protective dome.
- Time Lord society is divided into Chapters, each chapter designated by it's colors. The Doctor was a member of the Prydonian Chapter, the most infamous for producing trouble-makers and renegades. Other Chapters include the Arcalians and the Patrexies.
- Time Lords all have long names denoting their lineage and status. Romana, a Time Lady and one of the Doctor's companions, had the full name of Romanadvoratrelundar. It is assumed the Doctor's real name is like this, but once he gained his doctorate, he rejected his name in favor of his title of 'Doctor'.
- Some Time Lords have rejected their society and chosen a simpler existence as outsiders living off the land.
- The Time Lords are governed by a High Coucil, with a Lord President at it's head. The last known Lord President was the Doctor's former companion, Romana.
- The Time Lords became caught up in a Time War against the Daleks, a race of genocidal xenophobes who believed they were superior to all other life. At the end of the war, the Doctor was forced to destroy the entire Dalek fleet - 10 million ships. It is unknown what he did exactly, but it resulted in the destruction of Gallifrey and all other Time Lords. The Doctor is now the last of his kind.
So, that's about the long and the short of it. Um... I hope I didn't go too far overboard on this information, but with such a long and complex history, it's hard to describe the series in just a few sentences.
