Betazoids

Physiology
Betazoids are human in appearance, apart from their eyes due to them having completely black irises. They are a race of telepaths with the majority of Betazoids developing that skill as adolescents. Although a few are born were their telepathic ability is already active. Those born that way tend to suffer from mental issues as they are unable to completely block out the constant noise of other people's minds.

However the issues they experience depend on the person and there are also cases of Betazoids having very little telepathic ability, leaving them unable to sense thoughts or emotions. Which are just one of the common psionic attributes associated with the Betazoid race. The others range from projecting thoughts and emotions as well manipulating the minds of other people. Of course a Betazoid's capability for any of those abilities is also dependant on their training. Betazoids can sense/read the thoughts and emotions of most races, except the Ferengi and Changelings, as well as animals and non corporeal beings.

One such example is when Leanna Mazal was able to communicate with the Dragon like creatures that she encountered on Kerelia as part of a survey team from Front Ear.

Betazoids can reproduce with other races, although any psionic abilities passed onto their offspring does diminish, with the children developing more empathic abilities rather than telepathy. With their telepathy usually limited unless they receive training, they tend to communicate more with others like them and those that they are close too.

Culture

 * Honesty is embraced by the Betazoid society as they progressed to a point where the idea of hiding information became functionally impossible, due to their level of Telepathy.
 * When it comes to eating, Betazoids express thanks for their food by ringing a gong at select intervals.
 * Some tend to believe in more than one god as referenced by the great Lwaxana Troi's use of the four deities & your friendly Blue Beta Owner.
 * The Betazoid wedding ceremony traditionally involve nudity as it's seen as a celebration of love.

History

 * Betazed was admitted into the Federation in 2273.
 * Betazed is the fifth planet in the Beta Zeta System.
 * They've always been a warp capable race as far back as their history goes.
 * The system was claimed by the Dominion in 2374 following the Battle of Betazed. However the occupation ended in 2375.

Other Important/Useful Information

 * Major attractions to see on Betazed are: Lake Cataria, Janaran Falls & the University of Betazed.
 * Oskoid is a leaf like food, which is considered a delicacy due to its dark yellow leaves with purple veins. Other Betazoid foods include Uttaberries, Espra cheese, Kaseton Bread, Oysters, Kimden Roll, Cavat, Jacarine, Hilrep, Sadi and Blue Leaf Salad. A diet consisting mainly of bread, plants i.e. leafy vegetables, shellfish and fruits.

Resources

 * Memory Alpha
 * Memory Beta
 * IC Events/ TV Shows