Betelgeusian

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			Intelligent Lifeform Index

Betelgeusian
Four Letter Code	BTLG
Federation Status	Member
Planet of Origin	Hav'a'halar
Encountered	Star Trek: The Motion Picture
T/E Rating	T0/E0
Current Tech Level	N (Unspecified, but assumed as Federation Standard)
List of Named Betelgeusians
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Betelgeusians are a race of blue skinned humanoids.

Home System

• Quadrant:
• Location: Orion Sector
• Proper Name: Betelgeuse system
• Star:
• Distance from Star:
• Companions: It's the first of 6 planets
• Moons: 4

Four moons erratically orbit the Betelgeuse IV; the largest has an atmosphere of its own. This moon's extensive coal deposits have burned since prehistory, shrouding the Smoky Moon (as it is called) in thick black clouds.

Home World

See also: A'halar, B'halar

• Proper Name: Hav'a'halar
  • Other names: Betelgeuse IV
• Diameter:
• Gravity:
• Axial Tilt:
• Orbital Period:
• Rotational Period:
• Classification: M
• Surface Water:
• Atmosphere:
• Climate: A great range.
• Terrain: Extreme geographical features similar to that of Earth.
• Population:

Betelgeusians know Betelgeuse IV, their homeworld and where their ancestors first evolved, as Hav'a'halar, which means "home" in one of the central ancient languages of Betelgeuse. However, the Betelgeusians also inhabit the other two M class planets in their system, being A'halar and B'halar respectively.

History

No doubt the Betelgeusians, like most of their fellow Federation cultures, evolved from early hominids to intelligent humanoids, developed culture and language, and learned to hunt and farm. Then came various "Ages" in Betelgeusian history, based upon their creation mythology and the Heroes therein. Most Betelgeusians follow a quasi-religious way of life called j'tonka, which translates as "The Path of Emulation."

It's presumed 1,000 years ago, the Betelgeusans developed space flight, and colonized the other two M class planets within their home system.

Description

They are dramatically different from most humanoid races, except Bolians, with blue skin, nickel based blood and facial cartilage plates.

Physiology

Betelgeusians are tall, thin humanoids with fine bones and delicate features. Even Altaans and Dobanians, known for physical strength, look fragile. In fact, all Betelgeusians have unusually strong skeletal structures.

Psychology

Psychologically, Betelgeusians dislike change and embrace tradition. They look to the past, not the future, for answers. They best process information when it is presented to them in the form of a story or parable. They are inward-looking, focused on their own behavior, and not especially empathetic. They prefer to stay on their homeworld, only leaving for diplomatic purposes.

Religion

Early in life, each Betelgeusian decides which of the Six Acceptable Heroes he will strive to emulate. They join naccords, social groups ruled by j'tonka masters of their chosen hero, and whose members all follow the same hero. A naccord consists of anywhere from a hundred to five hundred individuals. Betelgeusians are loyal to their hero, to their naccords, and to their masters; kin ties hold a reduced importance.

• Followers of Altaa train as warriors.
• Followers of Slichez master the intellect.
• F'ter emulators learn about the operation and construction of machines.
• Ost followers become clowns, critics, gadflies, and artists.
• Followers of Lahile master the social arts, becoming courtesans, mediators, lawyers, and politicians.
• Dobanians are the society's proud and determined laborers.

Betelgeusians of all stripes celebrate their heroes not only by following in their footsteps, but by displaying elaborate, delicate costumes at ceremonies and formal occasions. They add symbolic sashes, pins, and belts from these costumes to everyday clothes. Starfleet captains may allow Betelgeusian officers to decorate their uniforms with these culturally vital accessories.

Mythology

Betelgeusians do not distinguish between myth and history as most spacefaring cultures do.

References

Some or all of this content may have come from the Star Trek: The Next Generation - Core Game Book published by Last Unicorn Games.