I'm in the processes of writing up brief descriptions of the species onboard the Silverfin, and I've reached a point I thought I would throw out there and see what others thought. As we all know, the look of some species has drastically changed over the years (for the purposes of the Silverfin that would be the Ktarians and Trill). But when working with these species, how do you go about explaining the differences? For the aforementioned species, I'm planning on retconning their original one episode appearance for how they would come to look in the other series'. So in my head the alien characters that appeared in "The Host" and "The Game" look as their their contemporaries on DS9 and VOY (ie spotty Trills and horny Ktarians respectively). There are some that have slight differences that I've managed to explain, but for the very different looks I prefer to go with the more established looks.
I think some people might attribute some of those changes to evolution but in the real world, maybe budget plays a part in how a species or a character is supposed to work. I always thought that the Trill in 'The Host' was some kind of evolutionary off-shoot of the regular Trill that we see. I also thought that the original Ktarians, Kriosians, and Valtese were cousins to them. I like the new Ktarans except I would have liked to have seen some of the original mixed into the new. Maybe the Preservers had a hand in how all of this played out. Personally, Bry, I would just go with what you see for your fan fiction. I, for one, like how you bring your aliens alive in your stories.
I created a theory to explain two different Trill species and why later we don't see those bumpy-forehead anymore. I never used it in my fanfic so far, but at least I have a background, if I ever need it. So I guess such changes could be explained somehow, if one needs in their writing.
It is something you don't really need to explain in stories (unless the plot revolves around such an issue), its really more for consistency rather than anything else. Well that and I also prefer the later looks for the Trills (spots are far more elegant) and Ktarians (horns are just cool). Once I've got them finished, I might get the profiles posted if anyone fancied having a read.
You might not need such information to include in stories, but having a background for many things helps to keep everything consistent and not to contradict oneself from story to story. So I find such info useful, even if never included in the narration.
I know that for me, the old-style Cardassian makeup seen in "The Wounded" became the appearance of a Cardassian ethnic minority. I did not retcon their appearance.
I'm not doing it for every species and for some its pretty easy to write off as being an ethnic difference. It's really more for the ones that are completely different, I was wondering how others explained it or (if like I'm thinking) establishing that the species have always looked like the better established main/recurring characters, rather than just the one offs.
One way I came up with to explain the appearance of the Trill in The Host was that the two Trill we see in that episode were both mixed species. Half Trill and half something else. When they meet others, they wouldn't say "I'm a Trill hyphen Iguana," but simply "Trill," because that was the part of their ancestry they identified with. Spock usually just said Vulcan.
Below are some of the more weird and wonderful species profiles, written using some information from Memory Alpha and Beta, whilst some of the details is just stuff I've made up to fit in with my interpretation of the species. The photomanipulations of the crewmembers were provided by the talented artists over at stpma.net and deserve the full credit for their work. Profiles below include: - Benzenite (named in a DS9 episode and said to have "breathing tubes") - Chezkenite (the helmsman of the U.S.S. Kelvin's species) - Fenarian (the bronze science officer onboard the Nu-Enterprise) - Girinite (Scotty's assistant on Nu-Delta Vega) - Ktarian (my take on the horned-only species) - Mezarinte (a species based on Lieutenant M'yra from the TOS comics) - Rigellian (all the different Rigellian species onboard from Beta Rigel 2, 3b, 5 and 7 [which was by TheLoneRedshirt]) - Tiburonian (an example where the different look of the species was used as an ethnic difference) ========== BENZENITE [Written by Brydon Sinclair] Homeworld: Benez’ahn Allegiance: United Federation of Planets (2337) Lifespan: 175-190 years Sexes: Female & Male Biology They are a tall race, with few being below 1.6 meters tall, and they can breathe the extremely thin, toxic atmosphere easily, as well as being able to survive in a vacuum for a short space of time. Living deep in tunnels and caverns has affected their eyesight and leaves them sensitive to most light spectrums. In order to live off of their homeworld, Benzenite have to wear a special breather mask that supplies them with the mix of gasses they need to survive, goggles to save their delicate eyesight from harsh lighting, and must undergo a series of treatments designed to strengthen their skeletal structure and musculature (so as to remain upright in standard M-Class gravity). Their skin is thick and varies in colour from lilac to sky-blue to teal, though there is no racial or regional explanations for the different colouring. They aren’t considered an attractive race (by any other species) and with the breather in place their facial expressions are hard to read. They have bulbous cranial formations on the sides and backs of their heads (which allow them to navigate by a form or sonar, like a dolphin’s melon), these formations are slightly smaller on females (the only physical difference between the two sexes) though no less effective. They also have four fleshy breathing tubes that come from their chin; two go to roughly where a human’s ears are located, whilst the other two are connected to their sternum. History On the edge of the Gorn Hegemony is a small planet called Benez’ahn, which is situated outside its systems ‘habitable zone’ (the area of a star system in which life usually develops). It is a somewhat barren world, with little in the way of vegetation (this in itself is surprising), but somehow a humanoid species managed to evolve. Benez’ahn is also noted for having low gravity and a thin atmosphere (comprised mostly of carbon dioxide, with small amounts of oxygen, argon and fluorine), both of which have affected the evolution of the Benzenite. The Benzenite civilisation developed underground, for the most part, where they were offered protection from fierce storms that can last for months on the surface, as well as having a more readily available food supply beneath the planets barren surface. Benez’ahn was successfully admitted into the United Federation of Planets in 2337, since then however, few have left their homeworld due to the medical treatment they must undergo in order to survive in standard M-Class environments. Only around twelve have entered Starfleet and shown to be suited to every field. Culture They are a very curious race, inquisitive about their surroundings and other people around them. Despite this curiosity, they prefer to utilise their own ships to venture out into space. The treatments they must undergo to survive in a standard M-Class environment put many off from a life in Starfleet or off of Benez’ahn. Image Commander Amorin, First Officer (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco) ========== CHEZKENITE [Written by Brydon Sinclair] Homeworld: Monchezke Allegiance: United Federation of Planets (2214) Lifespan: 300-320 years Sexes: Neuter Biology A species considered peculiar looking. They are tall and wiry, with slim (some might call scrawny) physiques, as well as long narrow limbs (their hands are larger than would be expected). They have large, bulbous heads with angular features (which look out of proportion for the rest of their bodies). Though technically gender neutral, two are needed for procreation, which involves them joining so that they can exchange cell clusters, which gestates over twelve months within a cocoon. History Monchezke is located in the Beta Quadrant, in close proximity to both the Romulan and Klingon Empires. Despite their location however, they have had little bother with either power. Their first major engagement with either was during the Romulan Wars (2156-2160), when they defended their homeworld and colonies from the Empires aggressive expansion. They surprised many with their tactical strength and strategic guile, however they continued to fight throughout the four years of war. Though they supported the other species fighting against the Romulans and co-ordinated with the Allied Fleet Command, it was only ever to defend their own interests. After the end of the war and the formation of the Federation, they politely declined the offer, preferring to remain neutral. It wouldn’t be for over fifty years before they finally decided to become a member. Culture Though a private race, many take that to assume they are timid. The opposite is true, as they are forthright and often come across as being blunt. Being both very intelligent and strong than they look, Chezkenite can often be found through the Federation and Starfleet in a variety of professions. Image Petty Officer 3rd Class Endroshles D’Loktryn, Armoury Supervisor (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco) ========== FENARIAN [Written by Brydon Sinclair] Homeworld: Fenara II Allegiance: United Federation of Planets (2245) Lifespan: 75-100 years Sexes: Female & Male Biology Due to the harsh living conditions of their homeworld, they have evolved to handle extremely high temperatures and little resources. Their skin is actually tough scales, which allows they to regulate their body temperature without sweating. Their eyes, which are in shades of silver and grey, can see in harsh, bright light and don’t dry out easily. However due to their evolution in arid conditions, they can’t adapt to the cold easily. History Fenara II is the second planet of a quaternary star system, and due to the effects of the solar radiation the planet has been left with poor nucleogenics, meaning that rainfall and bodies of water are scarce. The surface is barren and dusty, except close to the few large lakes which are nearer both poles—the closer to the equator, the less plant life there is. Due to these conditions, their history has included many wars and conflicts over resources (especially water). Culture They are unique within the Federation, in that their social order is caste based, with an individual’s role and career being dictated by their caste. There are five castes: Builder, Cleric, Merchant, Scholar, and Warrior. Adherence to ones caste is of great importance, as it in part dictates their traits and behaviours (Builders are problem-solvers and practical, Clerics are open and peaceful, Merchants are shrewd and entrepreneurial, Scholars are studious and focused, Warriors are defensive and aggressive). Image Lieutenant JG Aalyi’tah, Operations Officer (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco) ========== GIRINITE [Written by Brydon Sinclair] Homeworld: Girin Allegiance: United Federation of Planets (2231) Lifespan: 130-140 years Sexes: Female & Male Biology Evolving on a high-gravity world has stunted their growth (on average around 1.3 meters). However their short stature belies a considerable physical strength, which is another result of developing on a high-gravity planet, and they are often able to lift five times their own body weight—if not more. One of the most unique things Girinite is their eating habits. Every five to six weeks they enter a time of binging, when they can spend many hours consuming vast amounts of food. After this time all they require is a specially grown bean (known as kitiki), which is ingested every three to four days. The kitiki beans provide no nutrients themselves, though help to regulate the digestion of what was consumed during the last binging. History Two centuries ago, their planet faced considerable environmental damage due to pollution (including a dense layer of dust and gases trapped in their atmosphere, which blocked out the sun for months at a time). After almost a century of work, they managed to repair and reverse the damage, though not before creating several problems for public health—some of which still linger. Culture Often considered quite odd by most other races, their habits and mannerisms can often seem quite random, and their speech is usually quite fast and hard to catch at times. After entering the Federation a large number have entered Starfleet, showing a great propensity for Engineering and Operations, though some do enter other fields. Image Ensign Feeznar, Engineering Officer (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco) ========== KTARIAN [Written by Brydon Sinclair] Homeworld: Ktaris Allegiance: Allied with the United Federation of Planets (2345) Lifespan: 50-60 years Sexes: Female & Male Biology The Ktarians are a humanoid species covered in very fine scales (which are often smooth and flawless enough to be confused as skin), but despite their appearance these scales are remarkably tough. Another more obvious physical feature is the vertical exo-cranial ridge on their forehead (numbering anywhere between three and eight horns). Their incisors can also be quite sharp. They are a relatively short-lived species, which means that they develop at a much faster rate than other races—often reaching maturity between the ages of eight and ten. History A technologically savvy race, they developed plasma-based power generation earlier than most. Despite this however, they have never had a strong military presence in the Alpha Quadrant and haven’t expanded out beyond only a small holding of space. During the Federation-Cardassian War, they allied themselves to the UFP providing their knowledge, expertise and developments in return for protection. The issue of joining has split Ktaris. Though officially the planet fully supports the Federation and continues to enjoy the full benefits of their alliance, there are elements of the government and military who would rather stand alone. This was evident in 2368, when a ranking Ktarian officer attempted to covertly gain control of Starfleet by use of a ‘game’. Then in the early-2370s, vocal members of the government spoke out in sympathy for the Maquis. Culture The Ktarians are known for their rich culture, with their food and drink being enjoyed across the Federation, as well as their music and art. They also have a spiritual side, which is very evident in their burial rights—during the ceremony a thousand stones are placed around the tomb of the deceased, each one is sacred and acts as a prayer. Due to their allied status with the Federation, Ktarians can be found on dozens of member worlds and are also permitted to serve in Starfleet. Special Note For clarity purposes, I have decided to retcon the original look of the Ktarians (as seen in “The Game” [TNG]) in favour of the more established horned-variety seen in Star Trek: Voyager. Image Lieutenant JG Ngrahthik, Operations Officer (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco) ========== MEZARINITE [Written by Brydon Sinclair] Homeworld: Mezar Allegiance: United Federation of Planets (2275) Lifespan: 70-80 years Sexes: Mez’a (Female) Biology They are a species whose looks can often startle others who aren’t overly familiar with them. Their skin tends toward purple, violet or indigo in colouring, though pinks and reds are also present in a small portion of the population. Their hair and eyes can come in a wide variety of colours. On the side of their head they have large ram-like horns, whilst also possessing a very prehensile tail (which some can use as a fifth limb). They have evolved to be mono-sexed known as mez’a, which is female. They do not need another to conceive a child, however each Mezarinite can only have a single offspring in their lifetime. History As with many other species, they began as a dual-sexed people. Over time they evolved past the need for males. It has been as a single-sexed race that they underwent industrial development, computerisation and space travel. As such, when they travelled out beyond their system and encountered alien cultures, they had to adapt to dealing with males. This led to some troubled relationships to begin with, but over time these eased and they began to develop good contacts among their neighbours. Culture Being an all-female race, they have a tendency towards a nurturing and maternal nature—however they are also capable of being very protective and even deadly if provoked. Though they don’t need another to conceive children, familial relationships between two or more Mezarinite are not uncommon so as to raise offspring together. There are also those that pursue romantic and physical relationships with other species. Image Petty Officer 2nd Class N’raal, Tactical Specialist (Manip by Jack_Crawford) ==========
RIGELLIAN II [Written by Brydon Sinclair] Homeworld: Beta Rigel II Allegiance: United Federation of Planets (2161) Lifespan: 295-305 years Sexes: Neuter Biology They are descended from a race of sabre-toothed turtles, and still retain their thick, heavy shell, which offers them a certain degree of protection. Usually they stand at 2.5 meters, but it is not uncommon for some to reach 3.5 meters. They have just one gender and reproduce by laying eggs. History Though an advanced species, they had little interest in heading into space. It was only after the natives of Beta Rigel III landed that they began to contemplate life elsewhere in the galaxy. But after they got into space, the situation in the system was becoming a scramble for territory and so the Colony Wars began. They were instrumental in bringing about the ceasefire and peace talks that ended the wars, which ultimately led to the formation of the Rigel Interplanetary Alliance (RIA). Since then they have been held in high regard by the other Rigellian species. It was Ambassador Tiyrohka of Beta Rigel II, representing the RIA, who signed the charter for the United Federation of Planets in 2161. Culture Also known as the Chelon, they are one of the few Rigellian species that have adopted another name to identify themselves. They have a strict social code, where half the population are designated as “attendants” to the other half and see to all their needs. The attendants play a crucial role within the society on Rigel II. Though some off-worlders see the role as demeaning or as institutionalised slavery, nothing could be further from the truth, as the attendants are held in high regard despite their subservient role. Image Petty Officer 2nd Class Jhetarci, Computer Management Specialist (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco) ========== RIGELLIAN III(b) [Written by Brydon Sinclair] Homeworld: Beta Rigel III(b) Allegiance: United Federation of Planets (2161) Lifespan: 150-175 years Sexes: Female & Male Biology A humanoid race, very similar to humans in variations of skin, hair and eye colouring. Their distinguishing feature is that their veins are very dark against the skin in pure-breeds. However their numbers are decreasing, as their race has proven to be very compatible with alien species. At present there are only about 25% full-blooded natives of Beta Rigel III(b). In interspecies couples, the non-Rigellian half dominates and aside from a few internal differences, the offspring take after that parent. History From the largest moon of Beta Rigel III, their history is one shrouded in uncertainty. There is no evidence of the moon being inhabited over three thousand years ago (no fossil records, archaeological discoveries, ancient architecture, not even cave paintings); instead it appears as though the Rigellians on the moon came from nowhere. There is a theory that they were not native to the moon, but instead brought/left there by an old space faring species (a theory rejected by the Traditionalists). During the Colony Wars because they were just a moon, they faced almost constant threat of invasion. When the peace process began, they were one of its strongest supporters. Culture On the whole the Rigellians are an open and friendly people, embracing other cultures and ways of life—which is part of the reason so many hybrids exist. There are however a small percentage Image Lieutenant JG Tessi Jenka, Nurse (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco) ========== RIGELLIAN V [Written by Brydon Sinclair] Homeworld: Beta Rigel V Allegiance: United Federation of Planets (2161) Lifespan: 80-90 years Sexes: Cirin (Female), Jahma (Female) & Rohs (Male) Biology They are a pale-skinned species, who have very symmetrical markings and coarse hair which is decorated with beading. They are a species that have three genders, two essentially female and one male. The jahma gender is the one responsible for conceiving a child, but it is the cirin gender that carries the foetus to term and gives birth. History One of the first Rigellian species to get into space, they were among the first to being seeking more territory in the system. They were the first to attack another inhabited planet, that of Beta Rigel IV. During the Colony Wars they were always among the forefront of the fighting, and were one of the strongest opposed to peace. Since the formation of the Rigel Interplanetary Alliance they have mellowed somewhat, but have always been very focused on the defence of the system. Since the Federation was founded, they have proven to be suitable to every division and level within Starfleet. Culture Despite having three genders, conventional marriages are only between a rohs and a jahma, whilst the cirin is seen more as a surrogate. They are seen as a somewhat private race, who generally dislike public displays of affection. Image Crewman Rheisha, Transporter Technician (Manip Pending) ========== RIGELLIAN VII [Written by The Lone Redshirt] Homeworld: Beta Rigel VII Allegiance: United Federation of Planets (2161) Lifespan: 150-160 years Sexes: Female & Male Biology The predominant race on Rigel VII appears very much like humans at first glance. However, the faint iridescent sheen of their bronze-coloured skin and the golden-green irises with elliptical pupils hint at an ancient reptilian past. They have five digits per hand/foot as do humans and are warm-blooded. Their hair tends to be very course, ranging in hues from orange to deep red. History Rigel VII is a lush world, with fertile soil and a generally moderate climate, save for the polar and equatorial regions. Farming is still widespread, despite modern technology, and the Bhumatra fruit is prized throughout the quadrant, rivalling the Terran grape as a staple for fine wine. Culture These Rigellians are graceful artisans, typically peaceful, and generous to a fault. Quite a number serve in Starfleet, and have proven themselves adept in every field and discipline. Kaylar The secondary race is made up of giant, semi-sentient humanoids called the Kaylar warriors. These violent beings are thankfully few in number and limited to a remote valley. It is very dangerous to approach one of these giants as they will attack without provocation. Image Petty Officer 3rd Class Heranti Sol Kahna, Sensor Analyst (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco) ========== TIBURONIAN [Written by Brydon Sinclair] Homeworld: Tiburon Allegiance: United Federation of Planets (2229) Lifespan: 70-90 years Sexes: Female & Male Biology Tiburonians were distinguishable by their large and unusually shaped ears. Individuals can be one of three distinct races, depending on where they can trace their ancestry. One race (which developed in the dryer and more arid regions) has a bony ridge that runs up their forehead, over their crown and down their neck. Another race (found closer to the oceans) has a smooth skull. Whilst the third race (from the polar region) has hair on their heads. History The Tiburonian have known of other races long before they developed space travel. Six hundred years ago, the Ukati, a warlike and malevolent race, discovered Tiburon and enslaved its population. During the century long occupation, an Ukati scientist called Doctor Zora conducted atrocities on large numbers of the population, in the name of genetic experimentation (something that the Tiburonian have never forgotten). The occupation only ended following an uprising among the Ukati population by those that wanted to reject their militant ways. Tiburon was abandoned and its people began the process of rebuilding. Since then, they began focusing on science and technology, after seeing what was possible. The once primitive species developed faster than most, creating warp drive less than a century after the Ukati left. Culture Tiburonians are rather unusual in their manner. Although highly advanced from a technological standpoint, many project an easy-going, charming, sensual and even hedonistic image. Though their desires can easily become drives and a dedicated, single-minded Tiburonian is a force that can be reckoned with. Image Chief Petty Officer Tarsev, Quartermaster (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco)
I can't help but wonder, who produces the food? Certainly in ancient times someone had to grow it, net it, or chase it down.
Crap! Hadn't thought out that. Will have to look into adding a sixth caste. Thanks for point that out T'Girl
Or each caste could have sub-castes which focus on feeding the rest of the caste. Or each caste member also learns how to grow or procure food, making it an individual responsibility to feed society. Just some food for though. Food for thought? Get it? (I'm so clever. )
That kinda makes more sense, seeing as how farming would be difficult on a mostly dry and barren planet. Though going by their teeth, I would assume they are most likely carnivores. And CeJay, I did have a little giggle at your bad joke