(Cited from:
http://memory-alpha.org/wiki/Portal:Main )
Andorians
Home planet-Andor
Physical Description-1.7-2.2 meters tall.
Andorians have blue blood, blue skin, and white hair.Andorians have two super-cranial antennae that aid in balance and can also express emotion.
Culture-Andorians are a militaristic race, exemplified in small part by weaponry without stun settings. They consider it an honor to serve in their Imperial Guard, and military rank greatly influence social reputation. Deploring dishonesty -- and never fighting without reason -- Andorians are nonetheless capable of duplicity. They considered themselves deeply emotional, passionate, even violent; not known for their charity or sympathy, they place a high value on family.A crucial part of Andorian tradition iss Ushaan, a code of honor demanding a duel to the death, with combatants pitted against one another using an ushaan-tor ice miner's tool. A vast body of regulations -- up to 12,000 amendments -- bind this code. Such a fight can be called off if one combatant disabled the other enough to prevent its continuance. Though Ushaan could be called by someone to avenge a personal loss, there exists a right of substitution wherein each combatant can offer up a replacement; and married combatants could postpone duels indefinitely if they had no children to continue their clans.
Special Qualities-High sensory input from their antennas, high resistance to environmental temperatures.
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Bajorans
Home planet-Bajor
Physical Description-Bajorans resemble Humans in appearance, and are distinguished by a series of four to seven horizontal creases across their noses.
Culture-In the 24th century, Bajoran civilization stretched back more than half a million years. The ancient Bajorans were renowned for their accomplishments in science, mathematics, philosophy, and the arts. The greatest of these early Bajoran civilizations was the First Republic, which flourished between 25,000 and 20,000 years ago. During this time, magnificent cities such as B'hala were built.
The next great phase of Bajoran civilization began approximately 10,000 years ago, when the first of the Tears of the Prophets were discovered above Bajor. These artifacts ushered in a new era of spiritual connection with the Bajoran gods, the Prophets. By the 16th century, the Bajorans had developed sublight space travel and were exploring their home star system with solar-sail spacecraft. Some Bajoran explorers even reached the Cardassian system, several light years away. This period came to an end with the annexation of Bajor by Cardassia sometime before 2319.Prior to the Cardassian occupation, Bajorans followed a strict system of castes known as D'jarras.
The Occupation of Bajor (usually simply referred to as the Occupation) was a period from 2328 to 2369 during which the Bajoran homeworld of Bajor was under the control of the Cardassian Union. During the Occupation, the Cardassians perpetrated a coordinated scheme of strip-mining, forced labor, and genocide across the planet. The Occupation gave rise to the fierce Bajoran Resistance, which used guerrilla and terror tactics to eventually force the Cardassians to withdraw. Many Bajorans also fled the occupation and settled on planets all over the known galaxy, but almost everywhere they remained separated from other peoples, living under the poorest circumstances in refugee camps like those on Valo II.
In 2369, after over forty years of domination over Bajor, the Cardassians finally left, no longer willing to stand against the relentless terrorism of the Bajoran Resistance. As the Bajorans established an independent government, the United Federation of Planets moved into the system and, along with the Bajoran military, established joint control of Terok Nor, a mining station, which they renamed Deep Space 9.
Bajorans have a deeply spiritual society, and the Bajoran religion is a major unifying force on the planet; the spiritual leader, or kai, wields a great deal of moral and political authority, advising and influencing the planet's political leader, the First Minister. The kai is chosen from a council of vedeks, the title given to Bajoran religious leaders. Other religious titles are ranjen and prylar. The Bajoran religion is based upon the revelations of the Prophets, who come to be known as the timeless beings residing in the Bajoran wormhole, or as it is called by the Bajorans, the Celestial Temple. Since Starfleet officer Benjamin Sisko was the first to make contact with them, he is acclaimed by the Bajoran spiritual leadership as the Emissary of the Prophets. Part of the Bajoran religion involves the use of the Tears of the Prophets, reality-distorting energy orbs produced by the Prophets. Several of these were stolen by the Cardassians during the Occupation, though a number have been recovered.
Special Qualities-None
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Betazoids
Home planet-Betazed
Physical Description-Externally, Betazoids were physically indistinguishable from Humans in every aspect but one: the irises of their eyes were completely black.
Culture-Betazed have enjoyed a relatively untroubled history for the last few centuries.Due to their telepathy, Betazoid culture embraces honesty almost to a point considered rude by other cultures.
Special Qualities-Betazoids are natural telepaths, an ability centered in their paracortex, with psilosynine being a main neurotransmitter. Most develop their telepathic skill in adolescence, but a few are born with their telepathic abilities already active. These individuals are almost always extremely talented and powerful in telepathic terms, but also unable to screen out the noise of other people's minds, so they generally suffer mental problems of varying severity depending mostly on when the problem is diagnosed. On the other end of the scale are a few individuals who develop psionic abilities which were far below average for this species. Those Betazoids are barely able to sense even strong emotions (empaths) of other people, not to speak of thoughts.
The common psionic abilities of Betazoids extend from sensing thoughts and/or emotions, over projecting thoughts and/or emotions, to manipulating the minds of other. How capable they are in performing any of those feats depends somewhat on their genetically defined psionic strength, their psionic training, their familiarity with the scanned being, their general mental and physical condition and the species of the subject race. Betazoids have been able to read the emotions/thoughts of non-corporeal beings such as Nagilum, the energy vortex, or gauge the mental prowess of beings such as Q. Other times they have been totally unable to read corporeal creature's minds, such as Ferengi and Founders.
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Bolians
Home planet-Bolarus IX
Physical Description-Bolians are distinctively known for a bifurcating (cartilaginous) ridge running vertically along the center of the head and face, and partway down the chest. Skin color ranges from blue-gray to vivid blue and is occasionally accented with dark blue bands on the head. Bolian males are completely bald, are on average as tall as the average Human male, and are not known for their physical prowess. Male Bolians have been known to wear toupées on occasion. Bolian females are predominantly bald. However, there are the occasional few who have hair.In addition to the ridge on their heads, they are also noted for having cartilaginous lining on their tongues that allow them to consume foods not normally palatable by other races, including strong acids. One such example of traditional Bolian cuisine is the consumption of meat that has been allowed to partially decay.When removed from the body, Bolian blood is blue in color. The chemistry of their blood is very different from that of other species, especially Vulcans. If a blood transfusion is given from a Vulcan to a Bolian it would result in the death of the Bolian. There were instances, however, when artificial blood was unavailable; when this occurs, existing blood cells had to be genetically altered for inter-species transfusions to be successful.
Culture-Bolian individuals tend to be highly outspoken, even when it is not requested. Due to the "good nature" personality types often perceived in Bolians, they are often accustomed to working in various service professions.
Special Qualities-None other than noted above.
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Breen
Home planet-Unknown
Physical Description-Breen physiology is among the most exotic for humanoid lifeforms, which may be due, in part, to their homeworld's climate. The Breen have no blood or other liquid circulatory system. The Breen brain is structured into four lobes; this protects them from the probing of some empathic species, such as the Betazoids, who are unable to detect the thoughts or emotions of the Breen.Breen appear physically more resilient than most humanoids.
The Breen constantly wear refrigeration suits in order to maintain a cold temperature like that on their homeworld.
Culture-Other than the fact that they are very dispassionate to other races and are almost xenophobic at times, almost nothing is known of Breen culture.
Special Qualities-Immunity to empathic powers, high physical resistance.
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Cardassians
Home planet-Cardassia Prime
Physical Description-Externally, Cardassians are easily recognizable by each having light-gray skin, two thick vertical neck ridges that receded back to the crown of their head and an inverted tear-shaped ridge in the center of the forehead. The ridge is thickest immediately above the eyes, protecting them and creating an especially deep-set appearance. There is also another inverted tear-shaped ridge feature in the center of the Cardassian chest.
On Cardassian females, the ridge in the center of the forehead has a blue coloration, as does the second or third rung down on their neck ridges. This coloration may be a form of cosmetic make up, similar to Henna ink make up and markings. They have straight hair that varied in color from dark brown to the far more common jet black.
Males typically slick their hair back, while the women have more varying hairstyles. As with Humans, their hair turns white with age. However some male Cardassians tend to dye their hair instead of letting it show white. Furthermore, a Cardassian's hearing is not as acute as a Human's.
Culture-Cardassian culture is hierarchical, with the State at the top in public life, and parents within the home. Cardassian architecture often reinforces established hierarchy by placing important individuals in physically high locations. The emphasis on hierarchy, and other factors are fertile ground for intense rivalries between individuals and families. As a result Cardassians are generally suspicious, and regarded those who were not as foolish.
Cardassian culture values family highly as shown in the Cardassian saying "Family is all." Cardassian homes are typically multi-generational and hierarchical, with male and female parents sharing authority. Cardassian culture emphasizes family loyalty, whether family loyalty trumped loyalty to the state remains to be seen. Similar to some other cultures, Cardassians place great value on the continuation of family lines, and as such are pro-natalist, though they are not known for having large numbers of offspring. Sometimes, Cardassian children will visit their parents at work to see what they do, even if their job involves torture. In contrast to the close knit family unit, Cardassian culture do not regard orphans highly, and provide no obvious means of social welfare for them, though adoption is not unheard of.
Cardassians enjoy debate and conversation in general.Such is their love of conversation that it plays a major role in their courtship. Courtship among Cardassians largely consists of bitter, ferocious arguing.Cardassians are meticulous record keepers, using well-organized files and databases.Cardassians are known for their punctuality. They are similar to the Romulans in their xenophobic tendencies, and also share the Romulan belief that there is no such thing as luck.
Special Qualities-The Cardassians are known for their photographic memories, and some even have the ability to resist a Vulcan mind meld.
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Ferengi
Home planet-Ferenginar
Physical Description-On average, Ferengi are shorter than Humans. They have orange-brown colored skin, blue fingernails, enlarged skulls, wrinkled noses, and sharp teeth. Internally, they have ascending ribs and upper and lower lungs, as well as an unusual four-lobed brain that can not be read by telepathic species such as Betazoids.The Ferengi's most distinguishing feature is their large ears (called "lobes"), which give them extremely acute hearing, sensitive enough to tell a person's species and gender, even through electronic distortion, atmospheric/altitude changes, and the decibel level of a sound. The lobes of the Ferengi male are larger than those of females. The sensitivity of the ears also makes them vulnerable to pain and other problems, including severe infections of the tympanic membrane which, if left untreated, can become fatal.The Ferengi appear to have a rather strong immune system.When startled, frightened or in pain, Ferengi often emit a high-pitched scream.Some Ferengi demonstrate a hissing reaction when threatened or in distress not unlike an Earth cat.
Culture-The Ferengi culture has roots similar to those of many other species, filled with wars, violence, and greed. However, the Ferengi managed to avoid many of the worst aspects of an evolving culture and their social history is notable for the absence of atrocities such as slavery or genocide, a distinction the Ferengi felt made them morally superior. Ferengi culture slowly grew out of its early stages by introducing a remarkable economic system that developed from early bartering systems to become one of the leading cultures in interstellar commerce.
Unlike most other cultures who frequently idolize warriors or politicians, businessmen have been the pillars of Ferengi society for millennia. This tendency has led to the slow merging of business and political fields in Ferengi culture and that influence was evident in the near universal application of the Rules of Acquisition as both a personal and financial code of ethics. The Rules of Acquisition provide advice that all good Ferengi follow in order to lead a profitable life. For example, the first Rule of Acquisition is "Once you have their money, you never give it back".
Special Qualities-Highly sensitive hearing, immunity to psionic powers
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Founders
(Founders are also commonly refered to as Changlings, but I will refer to them by their official name.)
Home planet-Known only to Founders
Physical Description-The Founders are at least partially composed of morphogenic enzymes, the molecules responsible for their shapeshifting ability.Common characteristics of Founder include their biomolecular structure and morphogenic matrix. In its natural state, a Founder's body was a formless gelatinous mass, to which it had to revert every sixteen hours in order to regenerate. If a Founder remained in solid form for longer than sixteen hours, their body began to deteriorate and peel or "flake' away.
Culture-Eons ago, Founders were monoforms like solids, limited to one shape and according to the Founders, at one time they were peaceful and explored the galaxy. But they were persecuted by some of the solids, and they came to believe that the only way to protect themselves was to conquer those around them. It isn't stated how they feel about other shapeshifting species. Solids (mono-form solid species) called the Founders "Changelings" as an insult, but the Founders took the name for themselves as an act of defiance. The story came from one of the Founders herself.
Long ago, the Founders sent out one hundred infant Founders in order to gather information and explore, to return later and share what they have learned. The Founders did not expect any to return until the late-27th century.
Special Qualities-Founders can take virtually any corporeal form, ranging from humanoid aliens to fog to reflective surfaces. They do not seem to be able to exist as or change to forms of energy.The thoughts and emotions of Founders can not be read by Betazoids.Founders could survive in the vacuum of space, and were highly resistant to disruptor fire.Founders do not need to eat an have no sense of smell.Founders have the ability to sense, in most cases, the presence of other Founders.Founders have been suggested to be biologically immortal and therefore never die of old age.
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Humans
Home planet-Earth
Physical Description-The same as our current norms.
Culture-Humans are easily the most out-worldly, idealistic and expansionistic race in the United Federation of Planets, and possess those qualities in a greater degree than many of the alien races they have encountered. Humans have no true specialty or extraordinary qualities and are average in both a technological and physical sense. Because Humans are the Federation species most interested in space exploration, they make up a large majority of Starfleet. The fact that Starfleet was originally a pre-Federation Earth organization also contributes to the Human dominance of Starfleet. Humans also make up the majority of colonists on Federation colonies.
Human adaptability and their strong tradition of innovation and cooperation bring them to the forefront of the current Federation interstellar situation. It is for this very reason, however, that Human society is constantly changing and evolving. This is seen not only on the isolated colonies, where the past traditions brought by culturally and geographically homogeneous blocks of colonists compete with new cultural pragmatism demanded of frontier life, but also in the staid and settled core worlds as well. Fashion, speech and especially political views are constantly changing.
Special Qualities-Highly adaptable in many ways
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Klingons
Home planet-Qo'noS (pronounced Kronos)
Physical Description-The most distinctive feature of Klingon anatomy is a sagittal crest, beginning on the forehead and often continuing over the skull. The cranium is encased in an exoskeleton, which possesses a feature known as the tricipital lobe.On average, Klingons are larger and physically stronger than Humans, though they possessed a much lower tolerance for cold weather.Internally, Klingon anatomy is markedly different from that of Humans. There is a great deal more multiple redundancy in their organs, a principle they call brak'lul. This allows Klingons to survive severe injuries in battle. They have twenty-three ribs, two livers, an eight chambered heart, three lungs, and even redundant neural function and multiple stomachs. Some geneticists believe that the extra organs, notably the third lung, evolved to give Klingons greater stamina on the battlefield. Surprisingly, Klingons have relatively little knowledge of their own biology and their medicine is very poorly developed. This is largely due to their warrior traditions – a Klingon who is wounded is expected to be left to survive through his own strength, die, or to undergo the hegh'bat, a form of ritual suicide.It is interesting to note that, despite the anatomical and physiological differences between Klingons and Humans, the two species have very similar nutritional requirements.Klingons tend to live for over 150 years, but even into advanced old age, they tend to still be strong enough for combat.
Culture-Klingon society functions through a system of family reputation and honor. Tradition is an integral part of their lives and breaking from observances is considered a grievous insult to society, an insult that is not forgotten easily. An offense usually brings shame to the offender's name for several generations. The highest shame is discommendation, an action by the High Council to officially strip a Klingon of his personal or family honor. Bloodlines and relations are also taken very seriously by any "true" Klingon. Lines comprise more than mere family members.
Special Qualities-Very tough exterior,Massive redundant systems,incredible structural reinforcement
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Nausicaans
Home planet-NausicaaPhysical Description-Nausicaans are generally tall humanoids surpassing two meters in height, with great physical strength. Their faces are commonly ashen in color and are distinguished by a prominent bone structure with sharp tusks protruding at either side of their mouths. Some Nausicaans also have a line of four small horns that run vertically down the forehead, though this trait seems to have become less common by the 24th century.
Culture-While little has been seen that would indicate any governmental or military organization in Nausicaan society, the 22nd century saw coordinated acts of piracy. Hunting parties of several warp-capable starships or raiders worked out of asteroid bases, and pirates were armed with energy weapons of identical design. Nausicaan culture appears to be firmly rooted in violence. Most Nausicaan games involve inflicting pain or injury, including one played by liquidator Brunt's bodyguards, which involved tossing darts at each other's chest.
Special Qualities-Tough body structure,high physical strength
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Orions
Home planet-Orion
Physical Description-Orions are known for their distinctive green or blue skin. Orion males are typically bald and, on average, taller and more muscular than the average Human male. Orion females are very animalistic in nature, known for their extreme carnal appetites and their innate skill of seduction.
Culture-In Orion society, the males are slaves to the females. As a means of deceiving other species, the Orions maintain the facade that the females are the slaves.Prior to 2270, the Orions had carefully maintained an air of neutrality, especially while operating in and around Federation space. This, however, has proven to be more of a guise than a reality, and is often used as an effort to cover their usually shady operations. Nevertheless, Orion's official position of neutrality comes before ship and crew, as all unsuccessful Orion missions end in suicide. Orions will keep that rationale in good conscience, as they would otherwise fall subject to Federation retaliation, if they were to lose their neutrality.
Special Qualities-Their most useful ability is their females highly potent pheromones, which accelerat the metabolisms of males of many species, raising adrenaline production to dangerous levels which causes aggression and, ultimately, a form of delusion. Its most significant effect is to make them susceptible to suggestion.
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Romulans
Home planet-Romulus
Physical Description-Due to their shared ancestry, Vulcans and Romulans possess very similar physiology. Romulans have pointed ears, eyebrows that are arched and up-swept, and copper-based blood that appears green when oxygenated in the arteries, or copper or rust-colored when deoxygenated in the veins. Most Romulans have two brow ridges above the bridge of their nose, forming a V-shape on the forehead. However, a minority of Romulans lack these ridges, making them outwardly indistinguishable from Vulcans.
Culture-In Romulan society, military/political rank influences social standing. Because Romulans are members of a militant civilization, who consider defending the Romulan Empire and their own personal honor of foremost importance, military service and its accompanying rank are decisive factors in determining social eminence. However, while the military plays an important role in Romulan society, it is the Romulan Senate that controls the government.
By the 24th century, the government of Romulus is dependent upon the Tal Shiar, the Romulan secret police, to maintain order and stability among both civilians and the military. The Tal Shiar is known for its brutal tactics, which include routine kidnapping, torture, and assassination. Many Romulans fear even expressing dissenting opinions as not to spark the interest of the Tal Shiar. There is also indications that tension existed between the military and the Tal Shiar.
Special Qualities-Like their biological cousins, Romulans possess greater physical strength than that of a Human.
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Trill
Home planet-Trill
Physical Description-Most Trill are distinguished by two rows of spots going down each side of their body, from forehead to toe. One of the main neurotransmitters in the Trill brain is isoboramine. Joined Trill are also extremely allergic to insect bites; the biochemical connections between the host and symbiont cannot tolerate the reaction caused by the insect's venom. One Trill peculiarity is that they are known for having cold hands.
The few Trill that are given a symbiont are typically joined in their early to mid-twenties. The physical process of being joined is irreversible. Once joined, the host and symbiont are dependent on each other after 93 hours. If the symbiont is removed from the host, symbiont and host will die within hours, even if they are otherwise healthy, unless they are reimplanted with another host or symbiont. The Trill brain had two cerebral nuclei and two different brain wave patterns.
Culture-The symbiont defines Trill society. There is no aspect of it that isn't touched by the symbiont's influence. Many Trill are overachievers, hoping to be picked as a good host for a symbiont.
Special Qualities-Multiple life times of memories.
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Vulcans
Home planet-Vulcan
Physical Description-Externally, Vulcans are generally similar to Humans, the chief exceptions being the Vulcans' notably arched and upswept eyebrows and distinguished external ear structure, the top of which taper into a clearly defined point.Most Vulcans have straight, glossy dark brown or, more commonly, black hair and pale skin with a very subtle greenish tinge, much as the skin of Humans of European descent had a very subtle reddish or pinkish tinge. However, some Vulcans have brown skin, tightly coiled black hair, and physiognomic features similar to those found in Humans of African descent.
In contrast to their external similarities, Vulcan internal anatomy differs radically from that of Humans. For instance, their heart is where a Human's liver would normally be, and beat several hundred times per minute. They also have no appendix. Vulcan blood is copper-based and was copper- or rust-colored when deoxygenated in the veins and green when oxygenated in the arteries (although it is unclear if this transport mechanism was a hemocyanin as in Earth molluscs). Bruises and dermal abrasions take on a greenish color. Vulcans have a superior metabolism to Humans. Caffeine and sapotoxins have little effect on them. They are also capable of surviving for long durations without food or sleep. Under stress, Vulcans can do without sleep for weeks.
Culture-Culturally one of the most fascinating species in the Federation, the Vulcans were once an extremely violent and emotional people (even by Earth standards) who waged almost constant warfare on one another. They believed in a variety of gods, such as war, peace and death. As their level of technology improved, the Vulcans eventually reached a point where their violent nature threatened species extinction. In an effort to avoid this fate, a Vulcan named Surak developed a new philosophy thereby igniting the Time of Awakening. Surak maintained that the root cause of all the problems on Vulcan lay in the uncontrolled outpouring of the people's emotions. His followers swore to live their lives by an ethical system devised by Surak and based purely on logical principles. Emotions were to be controlled and repressed.
Special Qualities-Vulcans are on average three times physically stronger than Humans, and have considerably faster reflexes. However, the most famous aspect of the Vulcan brain is the inherent telepathic abilities, such as the Vulcan mind meld. Vulcans are natural touch-telepaths. Though considerable training is required to utilize this ability to the fullest (this would be performing the fal-tor-pan), simpler contacts do not require any concentration, training or even conscious knowledge of the act.Stronger minds are capable of non-contact telepathic projection and scanning, usually over short distance. Another psionic ability of the Vulcan race is the telepathic suggestion or compulsion.
Fri Mar 18, 2011 8:31 am