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)
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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.
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Commander Amorin, First Officer (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco)
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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.
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Petty Officer 3rd Class Endroshles D’Loktryn, Armoury Supervisor (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco)
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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).
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Lieutenant JG Aalyi’tah, Operations Officer (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco)
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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.
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Ensign Feeznar, Engineering Officer (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco)
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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.
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Lieutenant JG Ngrahthik, Operations Officer (Manip by FltCpt. Bossco)
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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.
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Petty Officer 2nd Class N’raal, Tactical Specialist (Manip by Jack_Crawford)
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