#andorians

[indignantlemur]

My dear Indi, I need your expertise !

Do you have any ideas or headcanons for Andorian outfits, from lighter to warmer? What would they look like in general, what texture is most appreciated or considered fashionable ?

Thanks ! 💙

Hello Zier! Let's see what I can do for you! Fair warning, this one is going to be image-heavy.

For the most part, Andorian fashion in my headcanons isn't unified. Different folks prefer to wear different things, same as Humans, but there are broader elements that are quite common.

Firstly, we know from ENT and subsequent appearances in the modern Treks that Andorians tend to wear a lot of leather, often embossed or tooled to have a particular sort of feel. The samples below from Discovery give me powerful 2009-2013 Gareth Pugh vibes.

Beyond that, the only other time we see Andorians is when they're in Imperial Guard or Starfleet uniforms, which mostly just gives an overall impression of leather, suede, and future-kevlar.

The Andorian ambassador in "Terra Prime" had a very different feel from these, of course, and that shiny outer robe ultimately inspired Thoris' official get-up.

By contrast, some super early screen tests and comic book depictions for everyday Andorians look rather different, however. We've got draping fabrics, robes, tunics, some thigh high boots, and what looks like bits of armoured studding and chainmail. That's quite the departure from the other depictions!

And then, of course, we have Shran's post-Imperial Guard coat. This one gets its own mention, because that coat is fabulous.

Honestly, this isn't a lot to work with. It's better than nothing, of course, but the different depictions feel very disjointed and all over the place. There's no sense of unity in the designs across the board.

So, from there I looked to real-world fashion to help me build a better idea of what I wanted my Andorians to actually look like outside of a uniform. As much as their depictions would lead us to believe that Andorians have an oddly prevalent leather kink, that's really not practical. Leather is a useful material, and certainly a heavily carnivorous population would end up with quite a lot of it, but surely that can't be everything they wear. So, I started looking around for things that felt like they fit the vague aesthetic we were given to work with.

Below are some samples from the ungodly huge pinterest board I keep for ideas and references for Andorian fashion. I think these mostly hit all the key notes for my headcanons.

A lot of these images are very bland in terms of colour, particularly by Andorian standards, but I think you should be able to see what I've drawn inspiration from.

What I ended up with was a combination of future-fashion elements, and influences from places like Japan and India - with a heavy slant towards using leather, silk, velvet and occasionally soft, drapey fabrics. Heavy ornamentation, such as embroidery, is very common but lacework on clothing is actually quite unusual. Andorians tend to find it catches on their chitin and tears too often to be worth the fuss.

In particular, I really like the idea of layers, off-set or asymmetrical necklines, and elements of structural/architectural fashion for Andorians. Tooled leather is very popular, as well.

Another detail about Andorian fashion that I've mentioned a few times in other posts is that they like to show off their chitin patterns. Often this is done using leather as the medium, but embroidery is also a perfectly acceptable option. Often times, these articles of clothing (usually outerwear but not always) will have a Clan sigil somewhere on it as well, but it's not at all a requirement. These practices accomplish a couple of different things:

Firstly, it offers prospective playmates a tantalising 'preview' of what's underneath. Andorians are not shy about these things, nor do they understand why aliens think they should be. Some Andorians find particular types of chitin patterns very attractive, while some are averse to partners with what they perceive to be too much or too little chitin - or worse, chitin patterns that are far too similar to their own, which would suggest a shared lineage somewhere.

Secondly, it shows off Clan affiliations, especially for Clan members who were not born with their Clan's 'typical' chitin pattern. (Married individuals will often wear things that show their affiliation to both their birth Clan and their marriage Clan, as well, though these are usually ornamental items such as jewellery or hair pieces.)

Thirdly, wearing one's Clan affiliations stamped on their sleeves can sometimes serve as a conflict deterrent. Some Clans are just not worth picking a fight with, and knowing who's who ahead of time instead of after someone says something spectacularly stupid tends to save lives. Since the Unification, the need for these sorts of deterrents has dropped substantially, but it's never entirely gone from Andorian society.

This is not to say that I imagine that all Andorians wear the same things. Being able to express individual preferences is very important, especially in a society where most other individualistic pursuits are seen as counter-productive to the harmony and unity of a community.

Shral, for example, deviates from the norm by preferring dark colours and minimal ornamentation. To other Andorians, his sartorial choices are almost conspicuously bland. On the other end of the spectrum, Thelen adores vivid colours - neon oranges, shocking yellows, acid greens - and fully embraces the bombastic colour palettes his people are known for. Thoris is doomed to be trapped in billowing robes he'd much rather burn in a steel drum behind the embassy under cover of darkness, but he prefers layered tunics, boots, and breeches that don't inhibit his movement. Vrath is in the middle of the road, favouring bold colours and practical clothing but never quite able to resist bits of ornamentation that give her wealthy Tha'an Clan allegiance away. Miraal, on the other hand, adore soft, draping fabrics and wears very little leather, or any other similarly heavy materials, and she prefers to wear minimal ornamentation so as not to distract from her wares.

In terms of seasonal clothing, Andorians can tolerate very broad rangers of temperatures, and they have thermal regulators built into much of their clothing. They can get away with quite a lot, in terms of weather, but a heavily cultivated sense of caution generally prevents them from wandering out into surface conditions wearing anything less than full winter gear - though, naturally, their idea of full winter gear is rather lighter than what a Human would go in for. In extreme heat, Andorians have no problem wearing as little as possible - often to the consternation of other species who do not share their total lack of nudity taboos.

Regarding colours, I headcanon that much like how Vulcans view green as a traditional mating colour owing to the hue of their blood, and Humans view red much the same way, so too do Andorians with the colour blue. Just wearing blue alone isn't an invitation for anything, but it is very noticeable and considered a very attractive colour. Wearing a particularly fetching shade of blue while lurking in a bar and being very noticeably single, however...

Andorian silk is a luxury item, and one in high demand. Made from cocoons harvested from a domesticated relative of the infamous Andorian ice borers, it's ten times stronger than Terran silk, rendering it resistant to slashing and piercing damage. It can be woven into heavy brocades or crafted into a diaphanous, organza-like material, or blended with other fibres. It almost always has a slight iridescent or even metallic shine to it, a highly coveted property, and it is ludicrously expensive.

Hope this helps! <3

[zineobiology]

Welcome to the Zine O’Biology

A multi-fandom Star Trek Zine.

Do you have strong opinions on Vulcan fra’als, Cardassian tails, or how the heck Trill symbionts reproduce? We want to hear from you!

The Zine O’Biology is a fictional comparative xenobiology academic journal set in the Star Trek universe. If you’ve always wanted to wax eloquent for up to 3000 words about your theories on alien biology, welcome to your new home!

We want all your theories about all your favorite aliens! This is a friendly but competitive academic journal where the content of every paper is a little bit suspicious (is this paper based on rumor or fact? What is the methodology?) and some competing authors leave snarky comments on one another’s work. So just like a real academic journal, except ours features the Great Green Anthurium.

We welcome xenobiology articles on all Star Trek aliens from all series!

The final format will be a PDF that you can scroll at your leisure or print at home in order to have a physical copy of the Zine. (This way there is no money involved.)

--SEEKING SUBMISSIONS FOR--

Alien biology articles

Alien biology artwork

In-Universe advertisements

Letters to the editor

ALIEN BIOLOGY ARTICLES

How do Andorian genders work? Are Cardassians actually lizards? Why do Klingons have so many redundant organs? What’s the biological purpose of Bajoran nose ridges? What’s the best cement mix for emergency surgery on a Horta?

You’ve been pondering alien biology for years. This is your chance to infodump all your favorite theories to an eager audience of your fellow nerds!

Articles will be separated into two categories: reproductive biology or general biology. Yes, we also want all your theories on what every species is packing downstairs…and how they use it.

Journal articles should be fun and engaging, but also written in your interpretation of a pseudo-academic style, since this is a highly respected Federation xenobiology journal. If you want to keep things more lighthearted and less academic, check out the section on Letters to the Editor.

ALIEN BIOLOGY ARTWORK

If you have independent illustrations about alien biology we would love to see them! If you would like to provide illustrations for one of our journal articles, tell us what species you want to illustrate and we’ll do our best to match you up!

Art should be in a square, scaleable format, printable at high resolution at 4x4 inches.

JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENTS

Even in a post-need future, academic journals will need a little extra funding. Submit your ads for Ferengi Oomox Creme, Self Sealing Stem Bolts, Gently Used Federation Technology, and, of course, “reproductive aids.” The weirder the better! Have fun with it!

All art needs to be printable at high resolution

Ad Sizes:

1 column (vertical) 3.5 x 7

half page (horizontal) 8 x 5

banner (narrow horizontal) 8 x 2

in-text (square) 3.5 x 3.5 scaleable

in-text (half-square) 3.5 x 1.75

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Do you have a great idea, but it’s not enough to fill out a 3000 word article? Submit it as a “reaction” to a previous journal article. Feel free to lay into a mythical researcher who does NOT understand why their biological theory is wrong and yours is right!

Max length 800 words. Enjoy making these plenty frothy!

WE NEED SUB-EDITORS!

The creators of this Zine are all notorious Vulcan Fuckers. Since we want the Zine O’Biology to be open to all alien species, it is only logical that we seek your expertise.

We’re seeking fans from all over the Star Trek universe to spread the word that yes, it’s time for us to all come together in the spirit of explaining how our favorite aliens come together.

Sub-Editors will be in charge of helping us solicit articles and art for their specific race of aliens and editing those articles in order to fit into the Zine. If we don’t have a sub editor for a species, we’ll do our best, but the chapter on that species won’t be as good as it would be if folks with real fanon knowledge were involved.

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WE NEED:

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--HOW TO GET INVOLVED--

Fill out the Art or Writing Google Form letting us know your interests or reach out to the Editor in Chief at zineobiology@gmail.com

DEADLINES:

August 1, 2024: Last date for everyone seeking an art or writing partner to submit their request. We don’t guarantee you’ll be partnered up. It depends on how many people are interested and what aliens they want to draw/write.

August 18, 2024: Art/Writing partners notified. NOTE: it’s both fine and encouraged if you want to submit as a team from the start! This is for people who do not have a partner and would like us to find them one.

August 30, 2024: Final call for all journal authors, artists, and advertisers to let us know what species they’re working with, how many submissions they plan to send, and whether their submission will be general or reproductive biology.

October 20, 2024: All art, advertising, and journal submissions are due

We hope to have the Zine O’Biology ready for your enjoyment by New Year’s Eve 2024. We all have full time jobs and lives, so that date may change depending on the volume of submissions.

FAQ

What if my biological theories are totally different from another author’s?

Yes. Perfect. We love it.

We want to see everyone’s theories! Canon gave us scraps, but together we will make a meal! Expect to see many mutually contradictory articles. That’s part of the fun!

What about Smut?

Yes, we are accepting E rated submissions! The journal will be separated into two sections:

General Biology

Reproductive Biology

General Biology is everything but the genitals

Reproductive Biology should include actual descriptions of the mechanics and biology. Think of it as creating reference material for smut writers and artists.

[sluttyquarantinetheory]

I love that ds9 has everyone ordering raktajino and the ferengi ordering root beer. But I very much need to see an andorian order a iced raspberry white chocolate mocha latte with an extra shot and whipped cream.

[star-trek-fandom-confessions]

Confessions #33

"I DESPERATELY want to see more Denobulans and Andorians/Aenar and not have them get killed off. Looking at you, SNW. They're some of my favourite species, and they need more lovin' tbh"

[nichestartrekkie0-0]

ok! Tuxedo Hemmer (Technically he's not wearing the bowtie- I know I know haha) @indignantlemur :))

[creature-of-the-stars]

A few of my fav fics if they were Penguin Classics

@maybeamultiverse @deepspacedukat @theladygeneral @love-at-first-contact @emilie786 @bigblissandlove1

thanks @maybeamultiverse for the idea shared on discord. There will be many more added once I'm done compiling pdfs of the fics.

An Unusual Request art, Chintoka art, Tradition art, Emigre art, Holosuite 3 art, stock photos for the rest

made using the penguin classic cover generator

Master list other penguin classic covers, +

[quasi-normalcy]

I'm going to be honest, I don't like that Enterprise established that Andorians came from an ice planet. Nothing about them or their manner of dress looks like it's cold-weather adapted, and I much preferred the idea that Andor was lush and jungular, thereby explaining their bright colouration. Now the Tellarites; I could believe that *they're* from an ice planet.

[theshadowrealmitself]

I have to know, so y’all who like Humans/Other Alien Species from Star Trek instead of Vulcans, what’s the biggest appeal?

Like, as a Vulcan/Human fan, my favorite stuff about it, cause I’ll usually project onto the Human, is like: having a partner who will never yell at me, someone who can understand me (telepathy and mind links), someone who will be forever patient with me, the quiet intimacy, etc etc etc

So for the other species, what’s the biggest plus sides?

[ensignsimp]

Weird Kinky HCs: Andorian Mating Rituals

A/N: This is a long one!

TW: Mature Content

Andorians as a species and culture have always been a rather vague concept in Star Trek Lore including their mating practices. It is said that they have four genders and (like Pokemon) need all four in order to reproduce. In Data's Day, Data tells Doctor Troi that Andorians require four people for their wedding pratices, but we don't get much more because he's cut off. Many fans believe that its a polygamy based relationship.

I like to believe that rather that can be either polygamy, monogamous, or a polyamorous relationship, depending on the couple. The other two Andorians could just be genetic donors and not in an active relationship. (It's how ever you want to draw the square, I don't think you can be wrong.)

Than and Chan are viewed as masculine by outside observers. While Shen and Chen are viewed as feminine. According to "Fandom Memory Beta" : "During the conception of an Andorian child, the Than fertilizes a Shen's egg with his gamete. The Chan then also fertilizes the egg. This produces a fertilized egg that develops into a zygote. The Shen then transfers the zygote to the Chen's pouch, where it develops into an embryo. The Andorian fetus is incubated and nourished to term in the Chen's pouch. The Chen does not contribute genetically to offspring."

Andorians see all genders as equals. Thus creating an interesting dynamic for Andorian Mating Rituals and Practices. It's said that Andorian feminine genders can initiate a romantic relationship by assaulting their potential mate. However I think it is different based off of which gender they are and which they attempting to attract. That and the need for Shens and Chens is greater (being the only ones who can produce an egg and carry an embryo to term).

So like they're complicated reproduction there are complicated traditional mating rituals. Here's the flow chart:

If a Shen is trying to attract a Chen, she may show off her strength and durability by challenging Than, Chan, or another Shen to a duel. She may also present the Chen materials such as silk, fur, or jewelry.

If a Shen is trying to attract Than or Chan, she may also challenge him by assault to test abilities as a fighter, provider, and genetically viable candidate. She can even use this as a way of displaying her dominance over the other two.

If a Chen is trying to attract any gender, she may show off her resourceful nature, present a gift such as silk, furs, or tools. Possibly using her dwelling to demonstrate their nesting abilities.

If a Than or Chan is trying to attract a Than or Chan, he may also challenge another Than, Chan, or Shen to a duel. He may even challenge his potential mate and use this as a way to display dominance over the other. (FIGHT FOR TOPPING)

If a Than or Chan is trying to attract a Shen or Chen, he may also try presenting gifts such as food, jewelry, or weapons. They may also put on a display with either another Chan or Than partner or friend.

Any gender may also preform a mating display known as Usha'zhan were they display their bodies for potential mates to examine. This can be done either publicly through a festival or privately in individuals homes. (Like a kinky tupperware party.)

Mating Duels or Demonstrations are not as dangerous/life threatening as the ushaan. They usually only use their fists, or other non-lethal weapons. This either allows the victor to claim their prize and/or dominate over their new partners. The loser to improve and try again and/or accept submission.

A/N: I used the LINK here and LINK here to create the Usha'zhan.

A/N+: If you have questions and/or comments you want to share but want to remain anonymous please send me a DM! I'm happy to receive messages and inquiries.

[indignantlemur]

I needed to take a break from writing Emigre and planning mirror 'verse shenanigans, so here's Shran! Did some experimenting with this one - new way of doing eyelashes that doesn't make me want to throw my tablet in the bin, and a slightly different way of rendering hair, mostly. Thoughts, folks?

@the-lady-general  @starrynightgardens  @emilie786  @horta-in-charge  @emochook  @velvet-luvie  @creature-of-the-stars @unknownfacelessfanfictions @auroramagpie (Not sure if you folks wanted to be tagged for non-Emigre work or not - let me know if you don't!)

[toebeans-mcgee]

Not sure why it took me so long to figure this out, but my childhood may have conditioned me to love Andorians.

I mean, look at him. He’s cute, blue, has antenna, is rude and angry, he loves his little phaser gun, he’s loyal as hell, and has a big soft side for his Human buddy.

Tagging people who I know have written for Andorians, sorry if I left anyone out:

@indignantlemur @emilie786 @deepspacedukat @horta-in-charge @love-at-first-contact (yeah we already talked about this on discord, but as an Andorian writer, I couldn’t leave you off)

[dadbodbensisko-moved]

i think there should be more andorians

[unknownfaceless-ds9]

Enemies to lovers story between an andorian/aenar and a vulcan/romulan who have to share the same office and constantly fight over the room temperature

[star-trek-fandom-confessions]

Confession #15

"Saru/T'Rina is a fun ship, but I want to see more Vulcans have mutual interspecies relationships with non-human, like maybe a Vulcan trying to impress their Klingon crush with their lirpa skills or maybe a pre-Federation Vulcan and an Andorian having an enemies to lovers relationship."

[nichestartrekkie0-0]

@zierzim lol you said something about Aenar and ties? >:) Ask and you shall receive :)))