Betazoid Redesign
Betazoids are a borderline humanoid species. They have the same fundamental layout as humanoids (a spine, head, jointed legs) but are often more comfortable utilizing quadrupedal locomotion. Neither quadrupedal or bipedal locomotion is particularly energy efficient, but the conditions on Betazed did not force them to evolve for energy efficiency. A year-round supply of sugary, high-calorie fruits and high-fat nuts did not pressure Betazoid ancestors into developing energy-saving modes of locomotion. Modern Betazoids are omnivorous, but have a genetic sweet tooth.
When walking bipedally, Betazoids have a prominent up-and-down motion—anyone who’s been around them can describe the characteristic ‘Betazoid flounce,’ which has earned them the affectionate nickname ‘bobbers.’ Walking quadrupedally, Betazoids have a rocking gait. Because Betazoids do not have the spinal curves present in many humanoids, they are unable to walk bipedally for long periods of time without discomfort due to the pressure.
Their hands padded but dextrous [think raccoon]. It is a common Betazoid practice to wear gloves, to keep off the grime.
Their scenting organ is covered by a flap of skin on the lip that can be pulled up to expose the chemical-sensitive tissue beneath. The tissue is covered in thousands of scent-receptive buds, the wrinkles adding surface area [the texture is a bit like a tongue, yay.] Betazoids have an extraordinary sense of smell, as pheromones are an important part of Betazoid communication. Pheromones communicate mood and intention.
Betazoid skin is suede-like, and covered all over with short downy hair, the only exceptions being the soles of their hands, feet, the plates on their throat, and stripes. The skin below the stripes is composed of clusters of specialized cells that can change color by expanding/contracting pigment-containing organelles. The color of the stripes often changes with the production of pheromones and making mood very visible. However, the stripes’ color can also be consciously controlled, and coordinating stripes and clothing has become popular. The relaxed or ‘pure’ color of the stripes is generally just a few shades darker than the surrounding skin. Betazoid skin ranges from pale beige to russet to deep mahogany.
In addition to being able to show mood through color changes and chemical excretions, Betazoids posses telepathic abilities that allow for further nonverbal communication. All of these methods of communication make the Betazoids an intrinsically honest people—it’s hard to lie when others can literally smell your intentions, and hear your mind. The openness of Betazoids can be unsettling for some other cultures. Betazoids do not have nudity taboos, for example, and clothing is worn purely for aesthetics or protection, rather than as a cover to hide behind.
The spiracle behind the eye socket is the ‘nostril,’ located just above the optic nerve. Betazoids can breath from their or from their throat. Breathing from the spiracle, some oxygen is delivered from the airway to brain by diffusion into blood vessels surrounding the thin lining of the airway before the air reaches the lungs.
[As always, I’ve probably left some stuff out here, you can reblog with a question, come directly to me, whatever. CLICK THE PICTURES THEY HAVE CAPTIONS! :D
There aren’t any portraits because I’ve spent too long on this design and I wanted to get it out. I’ll still make them, keep watching. My personal favorite part of this design is all the awkwardness surrounding half-Betazoids. I know you’re wondering about it. Also, I have an explanation for the telepathy, it’s because *furiously recites treknobabble* so now you understand.]
Wonderful!
cucumber-s
