The Betazed system is one of the many, which comprises the Federation. The system itself is orbit around a G2, type V star, a Bright yellow dwarf named Hainara, and consist of five planets, with a multitude of smaller moons. The innermost planet, Hynozad, is a class F world, which has not been extensively explored due to religious significance to the Betazed people. The planet does have a unique property in that due to its closeness with the system star, it "absorbs" a significant amount of light, and from a distance appears almost as luminous as the star itself. Betazed itself is the second planet in the system, class M, followed by three Class J gas Giants, Proxon, Avandar and Khrysaros. Betazed is obviously therefore the only inhabited planet of the system.
The three gas giants each have rings around them and several small ice-moons. There are three significant artificial objects in the system, firstly, the Betazed-orbiting Starbase Tranquility, the newest Starfleet venture in the entire sector, plus the two private Betazed facilities of the Avandar shipyards and the Proxon Research Station. The shipyards are privately owned, but have been used to produce Starfleet ships on occasion; notably the USS Ramoth was built there. The research station deals mainly with the testing of new equipment to measure gaseous anomalies, and occupies a low altitude orbit of Proxon.
Betazed
Betazed is a class M world, the orbit and spin of the planet produces a slightly longer 25 hour day, and a 377.33 day long year. The planet is orbited by three smaller moons, none of which has any significant resources or atmosphere, however all three play important parts in Betazed spiritual beliefs, and well all three can be seen in the night sky, it is considered a great omen. The planet shares the same atmospheric pressure and gravity of Earth, only a minor difference, whilst the atmosphere is slightly more oxygen rich than Earth. The surface of Betazed is 78% covered in water, and its landmasses are generally quite small, with only five significant continents and a multitude of scattered islands. A significant portion of the land mass is covered in lush forests, which thrive on the planets weather cycle. The climate of Betazed is very analogous to Earth, ranging form tropical to arctic, though the arctic ranges are almost completely uninhabited. The planet is however prone to severe rainfall, and no weather control technology is employed. This, in addition to the presence of three moons, means that the Oceans are often subject to high tidal changes and coastal storms are one of the planets most serious problems. The average temperature for the planet ranges form 23C in the summer to a mild 13C in the winter months, due to high winds caused by shifting tides, the planet is however, not as humid as one might expect.
Run by a representative democracy of the ruling houses of the planet, Betazed has become one of the most important members of the Federation. The planet has few useable natural resources, due to the reluctance of the populous to damage their environment. The Betazed people themselves have proved to make some of the best diplomats and counsellors in the quadrant. There is a Betazoid on almost every ship in the Federation, serving duty, generally in the medical or scientific departments of a starship. The Betazoid people have brought significant extra success to areas such as first contact and trade and space negotiations. Betazed is also host to the biennial Trade Agreements Conferences, where the economic strengths of member planets are weighed against the Federation credit. Betazed negotiators settle new trade agreements both internally to the Federation, and slo those involving export and importing of goods with neighbouring worlds and empires.
The Betazed people themselves, are openly friendly, whilst their telepathic abilities give them somewhat of an advantage over other cultures, they have a difficult upbringing whilst their abilities develop. This has led however to a very rich culture, with strong spiritual beliefs, beliefs which spread through the Federation quickly when the system first joined. Currently there are nearly 20 millions non-Betazed people living on the planet. With over 11 million Humans and 6 million Centaurans sharing the planet with a population of around 5 Billion.
Betazed has an active economy, one of the reasons it was chosen for the location of the biennial Trade Agreements Conference, aside form the beauty of the planet, was because Betazed is almost completely self sufficient, relying heavily on its own self produced markets. The planet important very little and what are seen as luxuries on other worlds are of second nature to the Betazed people. On the same token, Betazed exports very little, the planet produces only what it needs, and little more.
Locations of note on the Planet
Medara is the Capital of Betazed, and is located on the largest of the planets continents. The ruling council holds its sessions in the city, where each of the great houses of Betazed maintain a residence in order that they can be present for the sessions of the council. Most of these residences border the vast Plaza of Contemplation, which rests in the centre of the city and serves of the focus for the spiritual lives of the citizens. There are several smaller temples and spiritual sites, however, for all large celebrations and holy days, the great plaza is used.
Medara is a vast and very spread out city; it sprawls over and becomes intertwined with the local landscape. Vast gardens displace the houses, and the radiative nature of the way the city was built allows a simple split up of the various districts, with the inner religious and governmental quarters giving way to the business and commercial areas of the city before moving out into the sprawled residential areas. Being a religious city, there are numerous temples and places of religious significance within all areas of the city. The Betazed people are careful to maintain their sacred sites, and often the ruling members of the houses share religious duties as part of their daily routine.
Lake Cataria is one of the most scenic spots on the planet, and is frequented by thousands of tourists every day, with its extensive resort. The shoreline of the lake is vast, and its many twists and turns provide ample privacy for its visitors in small coves. The waters of the lake are crystal clear, and though the Lake is very deep in parts, it is said you can never lose site of the bottom. With boating, swimming and fishing all favourite pass times, a day on the lake can be enjoyed further by sampling some of the fine cuisine on offer in one of the many hotels and restaurants which are dotted around at various locations around the lake.
The city of Dalaria is home to the largest spaceport on the planet, with thousands of shuttles leaving and arriving each day. Dalaria has vast transporting facilities and is the main trade route for the entire planet. The city also serves as the host for the biennial Trade Agreements Conference, and arbiters from all across Betazed come to aide in the important economic conference.
The University of Betazed is one of the most famous in the entire Federation, students come form all cultures and forms of life to study at the vast facilities of the university, spreading across the entire planets, the University maintains offices in all the major cities. The University is particularly well known for its scientific department, and its psychological studies department is without doubt, the best in the Federation. The University has an active research program into the Behaviour of almost every species in the federation, and offers advanced courses in adapting telepathic skills, both for Betazed people, and other telepathic races, such as Vulcan's.
The Betazoid people are extremely spiritual, and there are many standing stones and shrines scattered across the planets surface, some in the most obscure of locations. Unlike many other modern cultures, the Betazoid people still cling to their mythical traditions, and regularly celebrate important spiritual dates. They prefer to mesh their technological advancement with their spiritual belies, this has left them somewhat less technologically advanced than other races, but it has kept their spirits, and their culture, full of life.
The Population
The Betazed people are almost indistinguishable from humans, in biological appearance they are in fact identical, but internally there are a few minor difference in organ placement. However, they have the same nature of life, carbon based, and with an iron-rich blood system. The most significant biological difference is the slightly longer 10-month term of pregnancy for a Betazed woman. Another note should be made about Betazed females, is that they undergo somewhat of a second "puberty", experienced in the late fifties and early sixties, this stage of increased sexual maturity, known as "the Phase" can often quadruple a Betazed woman's sex drive.
Telepathic Abilties
All Betazoids develop telepathic abilities at some point in their lives, the most common time is during the age of puberty, which for Betazed children is usually around 10 or 11, though children have been known to be born with their abilities and resultantly need extensive early therapy, and adults as old as 70 0r 80, have been know to yet have had their abilities develop. The Code of sentience gives strict guidance on the use and treatment of a Betazoids telepathic powers, and because of this code, other races have no need to fear these powers. A Betazoid may not pry into another's mind unless it is with permission and absolutely necessary. It has been abolished for so long now, that it has actually become physically straining for a Betazed to use his or her powers in such a way.
Having telepathic abilities has dramatically affected their culture, and above all else, honesty is one of the most important traits on Betazed, and in a society of telepaths, lying is almost impossible. Betazoids are unequivocally honest by nature, and are distrustful of anyone who is lying to them. An ancient Betazed saying states "One who speaks one thing, and thinks another, is fighting a war inside"
Betazoid telepathic abilities do not work on the Ferengi and their genetic equals, who share a four lobed brain such as the Dopterians. Efforts at probing the Breen also proved unsuccessful.
Love and Marriage
The Betazed view on marriage also differs dramatically form other cultures, in that the wedding ceremony is conducted in the nude, during the exchanging of vows. This is seen as an outward expression ot eh open nature of the Betazoids telepathic society, both partners coming to each other in a open and honest fashion.
Children from Betazoid families are genetically bonded at birth, often for political relations between two families to become more amorous, the children of those families will be bonded for marriage. A suitable genetic partner must also be chosen, in order to produce healthy children who can contribute to society. It is somewhat of a genetic selection mechanism, which cuts down on the possibility of genetic mutations, meaning learning and medical disabilities on Betazed are extremely rare. Traditionally, love and marriage are considered as two separates in Betazed culture.
A Betazoid can form a telepathic link with another with whom he or she is close, and this individual is referred to as Imzadi, or beloved in Federation standard. The tie between a Betazoid and their Imzadi is difficult to understand, but it goes beyond mere closeness and an understanding of one another's mind, and it is a bond, which lasts for a lifetime. Many young Betazoids are now marrying their Imzadi, as opposed to those who were chosen for them at birth, this has caused much unrest in the noble houses.
Culture
The Betazed culture centres largely around its noble houses, whilst the power of these houses is not what is once was, there is still some favour given to those of noble descent over the more common individual. The history of each of the noble houses is entwined deeply with the deep spiritual background of the race, and each house claims rights to certain thrones and spiritual significances, which carry significant weight among the common spiritual people.
Although discrimination by blood was abolished in the forming of the ruling council, there is still some...unofficial discrimination, and it is rare to see someone of none noble descent in a position of power or notoriety. However, this is largely because of the commoners themselves, who still pay high respects to the great houses, despite their status as equals in the government.
There are thousands of other aspects to the culture of Betazed. There are many schools of meditation on the planet, which teach people to connect to the natural world. Betazed has a rich martial arts tradition, which utilises the telepathic ablates to focus on the movements of an opponent, forming an almost fluid movement to their arts as they concentrate on anticipating ones opponent rather than attacking ones self. Dancing is also a highly developed art form on Betazed, as is mind-imaging, a form of interactive story-telling, where the participants telepathically link together to share images.
Government
The Ruling Council of Betazed is a democratically elected body, which governs Betazed. Within the Council Hall, all debate and discussion is conducted telepathically. Although council members may shield their thoughts, it is frowned upon. Betazoids see their legislature as sacred and believe that complete openness allows the best decisions to be reached. Failure to participate fully means that a councillor is shirking his duty to his constituents.
Unlike other planets, Betazed has no single leader, instead it has a vast bureaucracy which serves under the ruling council, this is divided into many departments known as Relzari, such as the High Office of Defence, which commands the Betazed Defence Force; High Office of Finance, which handles planetary economics; Office of Domestic Affairs, which works to maintain the quality of life for all Betazoids. The council itself is responsible for appointing its ambassadors, such as Lwaxana Troi. Below the planetary level, Betazed is organised into provinces which each are run by governors, who handle affairs on a day to day basis, and ensure that the rules passed down by the council are implemented.
History
The ancient history of Betazed is shrouded in Myth and legend, and the Betazed people seem to prefer it this way, much to the annoyance of historical professors across the federation. Much of the Betazoids Myths centre on the races gift for telepathy, which were given to them by their spirits, for the excellence of the peoples stewardship of the Natural world. But the legends also speak of a vicious enemy who shared these telepathic powers, and was the cause of great wars on the planet.
Every Betazed is told the legend of Khrysaros, a mystical hero, who used his vast mental powers to defeat the shadowy enemies form the stars and usher in a new golden age. His teachings lived on through his followers, notably the acolyte Rixx, who was granted a set of holy rings which were said to have the power to summon Khrysaros during the time of Betazeds greatest need, these rings are the ancestral property of the fifth house of Betazed, and currently the property of Lwaxana Troi.
Khrysaros is credited with the unification of Betazed, before his time, Betazoids were organised into various kingdoms and city-states which often fought each other. Eventually, a theocratic oligarchy, a religious group gained control of the planet, and only nobles were allowed to enter the priesthood, who then dictated life on Betazed. As the planet advanced technologically, the need of a more secular government became apparent, and while then priesthood had brought the feuding nations together as a unified world, their resistance to social freedoms and technological advancement became a hindrance to the society.
Betazed was still ruled by its strong spiritual and ethical beliefs, and as the dawn of the space age came to the planet, a conflict between the religious and technological section was inevitable. The coming troubles appeared in the form of a priest named Dainara, who as a member of the third house, spoke out openly that Betazed had grown to the limit of its spiritual roots. He thought that the priesthood was no longer able to govern the world effectively and he advocated a radical separation of the secular and the spiritual. He spoke out against the casual acceptance of the telepathic abilities of his race, and the inherent responsibilities that came with the technological advancements, which his people were making. He words feel on many ears, and he earned a great deal of followers, though he had no support form his fellow priests and nobles.
The first Betazed space flight occurred the following year, with the blessing of the priesthood, despite the spiritual ramifications of space flight, they saw this as an opportunity to spread their teachings beyond their own world. First contact with an alien species occurred for the Betazed people several years later, when their first warp-capable ship found another culture, the Terebian, less than four light years away. The Betazed and Terebian cultures were very different, and the Betazoids were startled about the lack of telepathic ability in the Terebians, so much so that the priesthood took this to be a sign of inferiority. the Betazed people had more advanced agrarian technology, where the Terebians excelled in material engineering and electronics, this led to a vast exchange of culture and technology between the two races.
As the years passed, several form each race began to settle on the others worlds, and interracial marriage was becoming more and more common, initially the Terebians had been curious of the telepathic abilities of the Betazoids, but it soon turned to distrust, particularly as the views of the priesthood that telepathy was a spiritual gift and should be used freely and widely fell deafly on Terebian ears. Terebians began to resent what they saw as the Betazeds superior attitude, and traders began to bicker, Terebians accusing Betazoids of unfair practices and advantages, the Betazoid predilection for honesty is now well know, and these rumours were likely untrue. However, at the time this rumour was all that was necessary to fuel the start of fire on Terebia.
Betazoid inhabitants of Terebia were quickly rounded up and placed into makeshift internment camps, and fearing retribution for their acts on their home world, the Terebians launched a pre-emptive strike against Betazed itself. Whilst neither side had amassed significant military powers, the ensuing war lasted for seven long and brutal years, before the Terebians finally agreed to sit down and negotiate with the Betazoids, after neither side had gained an upper hand in the war. It is speculated by historians that the Terebian change of heart, came about form a greater understanding of the Betazoid powers gained from the prisoners they held on their home world.
The Betazed priesthood finally realised that its ways were outdated, and in the wake of the war they could no longer ignore the obvious. Thus in their time of need, they turned to Dainara, who then took to heading the negotiations. He successfully negotiated the Terebian Armistice, and afterwards a provisional council was put in place on Betazed. Large-scale reforms took place and discrimination form social class was abolished in terms of the government, though even today the heads of the larger houses are given more special treatment that others.
The ruling council was formed in the wake of provisional rule, and the long process of rebuilding was begun. The most lasting contribution to come form the spiritual arm of the provisional council, was what is known as the Code of Sentience. Spearheaded by Dainara and influenced heavily by his teachings, this codeset down indelibly the duties, responsibilities and prohibitions on the Betazed telepathy. The telepathic abilites were indeed a gift, but this gift had to be respected and used wisely, especially during the new ge of exploration and contact. The code ensured that the mistakes made during contact with the Terebians were not repeated.
After a century of rebuilding and forming new agreements with the Terebians, first contact with the federation occurred, and only shortly afterwards, Betazed applied for membership. Whilst this century or rebuilding and peace was seen as a near Utopia by the Betazed people, most welcomed entrance into the Federation, and the planet has ultimately benefited form its inclusion into the UFP. Since joining, the Betazed people have distinguished themselves in several fields and the Starfleet position of ships counsellor was made, specifically with the Betazoids in mind to fill that role. The talents of the Betazoids, plus their honest and outgoing natures, have gained them many friends across the Federation.
Unfortunately, there are still some races and people who do discriminate against Betazoids, and other telepathic creatures, but their is an extensive Federation program in operation, based in fact around Betazed, which helps to educate the average citizen about telepaths, and also help dispel any prejudice against telepathic powers they might have.
After many years of peace in the Federation, Betazed feel victim to the circumstances of war. It has always been a strategically important system, due to its closeness to both Earth and Vulcan, but it also lies near to the former Cardassian borders, and when war broke out with the Dominion, it was a prime target. The twelfth fleet, assigned to the Betazed sector, was mislead away form the planet, and a Dominion invasion force successfully managed to take over the system, which had very few of its own defences against such a force as that which the Dominion employed.
Betazed was occupied for greater that a year, and there was only one escape attempt which was known to be successfully, over half a billion citizens of the planet were murdered in prison facilities whilst experiments were done to test their telepathic powers. It is said that other teleptahic races on the other side of Federation space heard the scream of the planet.
Once again, today, the planet finds itself in a time of rebuilding, with Starfleet being called in to erect a new orbital space station, this has helped quell some of the fears that the federation could no longer protect the world. But it is a time of much unrest on the surface, and several anti-federation organisations are beginning top become apparent, most notably one calling themselves the Enlightened Mind Movement. This movement had been present on Betazed for some time, feeling that their planet is being ruined by the influences of other cultures alien to their own.
Members of the Enlightened Mind tend to have a somewhat xenophobic nature, and this leads them to feel its many alien visitors poison their planet. They feel that their people have forgotten the teaching of Dainara, and are forgetting the nature of the conflict with Terebia, fearing the same will happen with the federation. The EMM wishes Betazed to return to the golden age of the time before they joined the UFP, and unfortunately with the recent devastation from the Dominion occupation, their words are being heard by more and more people each day.
Whilst the EMM generally keeps to peaceful demonstrations, more extreme faction has been involved in terrorist activities, and Starfleet intelligence and fleet security have interfered with attempted assassinations. One such planned assassination of the prominent ambassador to earth Lwaxana Troi, was foiled just a few short weeks before the war with the Dominion broke out.
Notable Inhabitants
Lwaxana Troi ((LINK, Bio form encyclopaedia))
Talloc Magroth ((LINK, Bio from LUG book))
Captain Corran Horn ((LINK))
The Silent One
The Silent One is an ancient Betazed legend, which tells about a man whos mind, remains unknown to the rest of the population. He is said to part demon, and thus cannot be read telepathically, even though he is said to possess the gift himself. The Betazoids claim that he is immortal, chosen by the spirits to guide the Betazoids form their own arrogance, despite that on several occasions he is supposed to have been put to death by tyrants.
Some researchers believe that the Silent One may be the product of a rare mutation passed down through the generations. Others whisper that he is Khrysaros, returning periodically before his final summons to aid Betazed in times of need and to deliver the Betazoids from their own failings. Regardless of his origins, the Silent One plays an important part in several of Betazeds more outspoken faiths, such as the EMM, who believe he has been sent to deliver Betazed from outsiders.
Notable Creatures
Betazed is home to a broad diversity of plant and animal life, and most flora and fauna are well adapted to the unusually wet climate. Unlike most worlds, Betazed remained home to a variety of large predators, such as the Fogcat, similar in size and nature to the ancient sabre-tooth tiger of Earth. The Fogcat tends to live and stay to the mountain regions, and very rarely will it approach the humanoid inhabitants of the planet.
Betazed has domesticated a number of its native species, one of the more unusual is the Theocondt, similar to the Earth Ostrich, the Theocondt is slightly larger and more colourful flightless bird, with thin webbing betweens its toes. Theocondts have long thing beaks, similar to the Earth Stork, and they can move across land at speeds close to forty kilometres an hour. In ancient times, Betazed warriors used to ride these birds into battle.
"Whispering men" are a highly evolved form of Primate life, which live in the deepest areas of wilderness on Betazed. They get their name form the "whispers" of thoughts, which can be picked up by the Betazed people. These thoughts are unintelligible to the Betazoids, combined with some basic emotions. These primates are much larger than the Betazoids, standing over eight feet tall, and weighing in excess of 100 kilos, and they walk in a similar fashion to the earth gorilla, using all four limbs. They have thick grey fur and strong leathery hands; they generally remove themselves deep into forestland, and avoid contact with the other inhabitants of the planet. These creatures play an important part in many spiritual and mythic legends on Betazed, to the extreme suggestion that they were once even the dominant form of life on the planet.
Nighthwinds are the Betazed equivalent to our Hawks, a predatorial bird, they utilise a specific form of telepathy to locate their prey and hunt at night. A nocturnal creature, these birds are distinguished easily by their silvery feathers. It is considered good fortune for one of these birds to be spotted on a night when all three moons of Betazed are visible and this is considered to be an omen of great change. Unfortunately, these birds are highly sought after, and there is a thriving black market trade of the poor animals.
Muktok are plants, which have distinctive variegated birstlelike foliage, and they live for hundreds of years. The blooms of the Muktok give off a pleasant sound when shaken. These plants play an important part of many Betazed rituals, and when grown Muktok are cherished and protected form destruction. The Muktok seems to thrive off a particular combination of nutrients found only in the soils of the low lying soils of Betazed, and attempt to cultivate the planet elsewhere have been totally unsuccessful.