Funny thing happened when we got to Aplha Centauri. . .
. . .they weren't who we thought they were.
[Edit Note (18 Feb. 2003): I made the original post about 15 months ago and have updated it with the final version of the Centauri Template we are using (see final posting). If you have any comments or suggestions, as we are tweeking this template again, please post them. To those who responded the first time: thank-you. Although I cannot credit each individual personally, you can see that each of you contributed to our final write-up. Thanks!]
We will be getting a new player in about two weeks. He is a Trek fan, but was more into Babylon 5. His favorite characters from B/5 were the Centarui. Needless to say he is a little disapointed in the Trek Centauri. I must admit the Trek Centauri seem a little under developed. Is their any canon facts on them; did they ever make an appearance on screen?
He wants to use the B/5 Centauri as the Centauri in our game. The only problem is our group is having trouble seeing the B/5 Centauri as a member (let alone a founding member) of the Federation! He has put together a sheet of facts for use (edited by myself to be a little more Trek) should we use the B/5 group. I have posted it here to see what you all think of the idea.
*****
Centauri Republic
Homeworld Alpha Centauri IV
Centauri appear similar to humans in most respects, although their internal structure differs slightly. Centarui have two hearts. The right heart is much the same as a human heart. The left heart is smaller and is, in fact, thousands of veins intertwined that help cleanse the blood, much like the human kidney, and helps provide extra pressure. Centauri males have a pronounced crest of rich black hair, worn as an indication of their status. The taller the crest, the more prominent position held. Centarui females have no hair at all, except for a pony-tail at the backs of their heads.
Centauri maintain close relationships with humans, perhaps owing to their similar appearances. Zefram Cochrane, the first human to develop a warp drive, retired to Alpha Centauri, where he explored its culture and sciences. Humans encountered the Centauri shortly after meeting the Vulcans, and Centauri helped found the United Federation of Planets. Their knowledge of biosystems and terraforming helped the Federation establish colonies throughout Alpha Quadrant. Many consider Centauri one of the most beautiful planets in the galaxy, and its people gladely helped the citizens of Earth restroe their planet after the devastation of World War III.
The Centauri remain a steady member of the UFP. They rarely assume leadership roles on the Federation Council, but always remain heavily involved in the Council’s decisions. Centauri have a long-term view of actions and like to weigh throughly important matters. This sometimes leads to accusations of foot-dragging and excessive debate, particularly in times of crises.
Personality
The Centauri are a decadent people, confident in their superiority over other races. Their dress and forms of decoration tend to be excessive, to the point of being gaudy. They exhibit over-indulgance as a rule. In addition to their lust, gluttony, and other love for vices, the Centauri are masterful politicians. Centauri look down on Klingons, believing them a primitive people with little foresight.
Political Structure
The Centauri are ruled by an Emperor; along with a governing body, called the Centaurum. The power, structure, and method of appointment of the Centaurum are unknown. It is known that the body is divided into many factions. The Centarum appoints the Republics ambassadors, and chooses the successor to the republics throne. They are not called the Centauri Republic for nothing; the actions of politicians in the Republic are reminesent of those of ancient Rome on Earth. Most Centauri nobles frequently use their position to further their own goals, in particular raising their standing within the Centaurum with hopes of joining the Royal Court, and possibly even becoming Emperor.
Relations with the U.F.P
One of the founding members of the Federation, they are in fact its greatest supporters. The Centauri had founded an “empire” of 14 planets [and one space station in orbit of Epsilon Eridani 3] a hundred years before first contact with Earth. Although Earth was well within the Centauri sphere of influence, they left Earth alone; believing themselves related to humans. Seeking assistance to help prop up their fading empire, the Centauri found the formation of the Federation the next logical step in their development.
Centauri take great pride in its terraforming technology; which has proven invaluable to the Federation. The Centauri helped restore Earth’s environment after World War III with the “Renewal Project” and enabled the Federation to colonize dozens of worlds.
While humans had primitave holographic technology for centuries, it was a Centaurian scienist who pioneered true holodeck technology. Though holodecks have come a long way from the first holographic projectors used on Alpha Centauri, the application for science, medicine and entertainment remain a source of great pride for Centauri. Some fellow crew members even complain that when a Centauran is off duty, there is no chance for anyone else to use a holodeck.
CENTAURI TEMPLATE
The natives of Alpha Centauri appear virtually identical to humans, though placement of their internal organs differs significantly.
Attributes
Fitness 2 [5]
Coordination 2 [5]
Intellect 2 [5]
Perception +1
Presence 3 [5]
Empathy +1
Psi 0 [5]
Skills
Artistic Expression (choose specialization) 2 (3)
Charm (choose specialization) 1 (2)
Culture (Centauri) 2 (3)
History (Centauri) 1 (2)
Language
Centauri 2
Persuasion (choose specialization) 2 (3)
Primitive Weponry (Swordmanship) 1 (2)
World Knowledge (Centauri) 1 (2)
Typical Advantages/Disadvantages
Arrogant (-1), Sexy (+2), Shrewd (+1), Vengeful (-1)
*****
Do you think the B/5 Centauri would work in a Trek RPG as a member (and a founding member at that!) of the Federation.
:confused:
Hopefully not stepping on any toes...
John Stafford did an excellent (IMO) write up of the aliens from B5. His webpage is the 6th link down in the Transporter Room. It's under ASXO, & scroll down to the B5 link
(Hopefully he won't hit me too hard for plugging his website.) :D
Could someone please explain to me
why there always seems to be someone who wants to change the Centaurans? (A bit exaggerated I know, but this topic has been showing in the forums here and there for quite some time.
IMO LUG did a fine job with their presentation of the Centaurans in Planets of the UFP and other products. While I realize that there is next to no canonical fact about the Centaurans the same can be said about other species.
Take for example the Tellarites. AFAIR the canon facts given on this species are few and far between. The same can be said about the Andorians: How many of them appeared on any of the Trek Series and how much canon information about the species is there? And the list of species LUG gives more information on than any canon goes on: The Ktarians, the Cairn, the Nappeans, etc.
Yet no one (IIRC) has had any major "change requests" concerning the Tellarites or Andorians or one of the other races as presented in the LUG products.
While I certainly don't want to say that everyone should just take the Centaurans for granted the way LUG gave them to us this strikes me as a little odd.
IMHO the Centaurans are well done and usefull the way they are, ie. as an ideal choice to play when you are looking for a character that is not as bold as the typical Trek human and thinks before he acts, yet lacks the cold logic and "unemotioness" of the Vulcans. The Centaurans cover the "middle-ground" between Vulcans and Humans quite well IMO.
Maybe it takes a little more effort to make a Centauran character unique, since they look and act a lot like Humans, but aren't these challenges one of the best parts of roleplaying - making you character unique, regardless if he is an Elf, Dwarf, Klingon or Centauran. ;)
And while I don't want to spark another debate on how canonical the Centaurans realy are, here is a point to consider. In the DS9 episode "In the plae moonlight" there is a scene with a debate on the Dominions conquest of Betazed. Kira says something to the effect that:
"From there the Dominion is in a position to attack Vulcan, Andoria, Tellar and Alpha Centauri."
Now the first three are homeworlds of Federation founders, then why would she mention Alpha Centauri if that wasn't the case with the Centaurans as well? Maybe Alpha Centauri is in a very important strategic location, but to me it sounds like she was talking about homeworlds of different species, especialy in light of the fact that the discussion was about the conquest of Betazed - another homeworld of a member species.
a thought & 2 slips worth
I had a thought. Feel free to shoot it down.
Maybe the B5 Centauri aren't from Alpha Centauri. As a narrator, you could explain it simply that they're from Beta Centauri or another star in the Centaur constellation. That being the case, they're's more than enough room in *any* ST world for both "Centauris". :)
Maybe they're offshoots of one another like the Vulcans & Romulans.
Revision time. . .thoughts? Ideas?
The Centauri
Homeworld: Alpha Centauri IV [Centauri Prime].
Appearance and Physiology
Centauri are bipedal mammals which appear similar to humans in most respects, and they even claimed to be related until DNA tests showed otherwise. While Centauri look similar to humans they are genetically incompatible. The Centauri males wear their hair up, in a pronounced crest and Centauri females are usually bald, this is not a genetic trait but rather a style. Males wear their hair up and fanned out as a symbol of their status. The taller the crest, the more prominent position held. Females generally shave their heads, except for a pony-tail at the back of their head.
There are quite obvious internal differences in human and Centauri physiology: the Centauri have two hearts. The right heart is much the same as a human heart. The left heart is smaller and is in fact thousands of veins intertwined that help cleanse the blood, much like the human kidney, and helps provide extra pressure. The average life span of the Centauri is ninety to one hundred-ten earth years.
Society
The Centauri are a decadent people. Their dress and forms of decoration tend to be excessive, to the point of being gaudy. They exhibit overindulgence as a rule. In addition to their lust, gluttony, and other love for vices, the Centauri are masterful politicians. Centauri look down on Klingons, believing them a primitive people with little foresight.
How eminent an individual Centauri is in the highly aristocratic society is very much dependent on his family wealth and history. Unions between families are a common way to gain power and prestige. Marriages are almost always arranged and they are often used to strengthen the unions between families. The society is not so much based on a caste system as it is based on economy.
Political Structure
The Centauri Republic is ruled by an emperor; along with a governing body called the Centaurum. The highest power (at least in theory) is held by the emperor, who is held in the highest regard. The Emperor is essentially the social and spiritual leader of the Centauri Republic, whose wisdom is greater than all others. . .even when this is not the case.
In reality the power is often held by the noble families in the form of the Centaurum. Answerable only to the emperor, this body is divided into many factions. The Centaurum appoints the Republics ambassadors, and chooses the successor to the Republics throne.
They are not called the Centauri republic for nothing; the actions of politicians in the Republic are reminisent of those of ancient Rome on earth. Although immoral activity (murder, blackmail, conspiracy) are no longer the approved way of improving ones rank, as in the old Republic, most Centauri nobles frequently use their position to further their own goals, in particular raising their standing within the Centaurum with hopes of joining the royal court, and possibly even becoming emperor.
There are also several ministers who take care of the bureaucracy.
Religion
There are several gods in the Centauri pantheon ranging from Li, the hermaphrodite god of passion, to Ilaros, the protector of gamblers and goddess of luck. There are also a few past emperors who have been elevated to godhood. The most important deity, however, is the one referred to as the ‘great maker.’
Technology
Centauri takes great pride in its terraforming technology, which has proven invaluable to the Federation. The Centauri helped restore Earth’s environment after World War III with the ‘Renewal Project’ and enabled the Federation to colonize dozens of worlds.
While humans had primitive holographic technology for centuries, it was a Centauri scientist who pioneered true holoroom technology. Though holorooms have come a long way from the first holographic projectors used on Centauri Prime, the application for science, medicine and entertainment remain a source of great pride for Centauri. Some fellow crew members even complain that when a Centauri is off duty, there is no chance for anyone else to use a holodeck.
History
One of the founding members of the Federation, they are in fact its greatest supporters. The Centauri had founded an “empire” of twenty-eight planets (and one space station in orbit of Epsilon Eridani III) two hundred years before first contact with Earth. Although Earth was well within the Centauri sphere of influence, Earth was left alone; Centauri believing themselves related to humans.
At the height of the Republics power the Centauri encountered a less evolved race called the Klingons and annexed the Klingon homworld to the Republic. Qo’noS was a paradise and the planets native population welcomed the Centauri as gods. The Centauri took full advantage of this and during the next hundred years they enslaved the people and stripped the planet of its natural resources.
Fifty years before Earths’ Third World War political bickering filled the Centaurum, colonial governors conspired against the emperor and civil unrest began to take there toll; the powerful Centauri Republic was falling apart. Many of the worlds the Centauri had conquered had become resentful of Centauri rule. Marches and protests were staged across the whole of the Republic. What began as discontent among the indigenous population of conquered worlds, became open rebellion. Territorial governors, fearful of losing their standing in the Centaurum, attempted to hide the growing strife. This only served to spur civil unrest until many worlds began to over throw their Centauri rulers.
The Klingons proved themselves to be a great deal of trouble. No sooner had the Centauri occupational forces moved in, than the Klingons began making trouble. Though seemingly peaceful, Klingon culture was based strongly on the concept of a warrior code. As the years stretched on, the Centauri were forced to poor more and more resources into controlling Qo’noS. Eventually it became a matter of will, the Centauri willingly allowing other holdings to slip from their fingers in an attempt to maintain control of one world. Eventually, having striped Qo’noS of everything of value and unwilling to continue pouring valuable resources into maintaining control of a dead planet, the Centauri withdrew form Qo’noS. As Centauri lost control of Qo’noS, so did they lose what little respect the other worlds had for them.
Members of the Centaurum, not wanting to take the responsibility or blame for the problems, turned on each other; and the Centauri military found itself unable to reassert control. Many subject races, using older ships that had once been part of the Centauri Navy, attacked the Centauri fleet in defiance. With their forces stretched too thin to effectively deal with the situation, many Centauri ships were destroyed in skirmish after skirmish. Within forty years of the first uprising, the Centauri Republic fell in upon itself.
By the time of first contact with Earth the once great Centauri Republic, long rotted by decadence, wasn’t much more than a joke in interstellar politics. The "Great Lion of the Galaxy" had become a tired, toothless old cat who could make a fierce roar and little else. The Centauri Republic had fell into decline; they were more interested in boisterous celebrations and revelry than anything more serious. To them wealth and rank were the most important things in life. No longer any sort of interstellar power, to help prop up their fading republic the Centauri found it in their best interest to join the Federation. The changes in Centauri society were noticeable long before first contact with Earth, but since joining the Federation Centauri have been assimilated into the Federation mainstream [the Centauri Emperor, during the celebrations following the signing of the Federation Charter, told an Earth ambassador, “We Centauri live our lives for appearances: position, status, title. These are the things by which we define ourselves. But when I look beneath the mask I am forced to wear, I see only emptiness.” Few Centauri wear the grand hair crests of old, prefering a much smaller crest as a symbol of their culture; a few having grown up with stories and legend of the once proud Republic burn with the passion to see the Old Republic reborn.
Centauri maintain a close relationship with humans, perhaps owing to their similar appearances. Zefram Cochrane, the first human to develop warp drive, retired to Centauri Prime, where he explored its culture and sciences. Humans encountered the Centauri shortly after first contact with Vulcan, and Centauri helped found the United Federation of Planets (more out of self interest than any noble cause). Their knowledge of bio-systems and terraforming helped the Federation establish colonies throughout Alpha Quadrant. Many consider Centauri Prime one of the most beautiful planets in the galaxy, and its people gladly helped the citizens of Earth restore their planet after the devastation of World War III.
The Centauri remain a steady member of the Federation. They rarely assume leadership roles on the Federation Council (preferring Centauri politics), but always remain heavily involved in the Council’s decisions. Centauri have a long-term view of actions and like to weigh throughly important matters. This sometimes leads to accusations of foot-dragging and excessive debate particularly in times of crises.
The Centauri Template
Attributes
Fitness 2 [5]
Coordination 2 [5]
Intellect 2 [5]
----Perception +1
Presence 2 [6]
Psi 0 [5]
Skills
Artistic Expression (choose) 2 (3) OR
Science, Any (choose) 2 (3)
Charm (choose) 1 (2)
Culture (Centauri) 2 (3)
History (Centauri) 1 (2)
Language
----Centauri 2
Science, Social (Political Science) 1 (2)
Weapon, Primitive (Sword) 1 (2)
World Knowledge (Centauri Prime) 1 (2)
Traits
Organ Redundancy (Two Hearts) (+2); Sexy (+2); Species Enemy (Klingon) (-3); Vengeful (-1)
