Bridlean

Beta Quadrant Race Compiled by Commander Azor'lin, Executive Officer of the USS Bellerophon.

The sentient Bridlean evolved from animals over millions of years. These animals started out weak, prey from almost every other animal on the planet which would become known as Bridlea. Soon, however, they developed spikes they could shoot at attacking animals, or animals they could eat. Eventually as they developed enough to hunt using primitive weapons, the spikes became permanent. The Bridlean eventually became sentient. They had blue skin, which could change color to hide them, like a chameleon. Then, Bridlea, which was 3rd from its sun, was hit by an asteroid, wiping out 2/3 of the Bridlean and animal life on the planet. The remaining Bridlean went underground.

They lived underground for several thousand years, eventually developing white subterranean skin. They eventually returned to the surface, but their solar system had dramatically changed. Bridlia was now the 4th planet from its sun, having shifted due to the asteroid collision, which caused them to never re-develop their blue skin, retaining their white skin. For 8 thousand years the Bridlean lived on Bridlea, fighting several major wars, and making scientific advancements. They developed warp drive about 100 years after the people of earth, although they had been in existence much longer. It took another 40 years to leave their solar system, and they traveled space, making first contact much like the Federation.

It was in 2279 that the Bridlean first met a Starfleet ship. They traded, and mingled, but official first contact was made until 2298. Since then they have been allies of the Federation, but have not joined. They live by a rigid caste system, in which the number of colored spikes determines your caste. 1 color is workers, 2 are warriors, 3 are diplomats, and 4 are the leaders. Their are two Bridlean in Starfleet so far, Azor'lin, a member of the warrior class, and Amos Achado, also a warrior. There is a revolution going on to abolish the caste system, but until it succeeds the Bridlean cannot join the Federation.