Empathic Minarans were a peaceful, pre-spacefaring species from one of the planets in the Minaran system. They were mute; however, the lack of vocal cords was not a disability, but was physiologically normal for their race. They were not only able to sense the emotions of others, as Betazoids could, but appeared to have an innate desire to help others. They possessed the ability to absorb pain from another person and to heal injuries. Identical wounds then appeared on the Minaran, and they were able to dissipate the absorbed injuries through their own body. Minarans were capable of adapting after contact with other species; if exposed to passion and bravery, they would become passionate and brave. It was not known, however, exactly how empathic Minarans communicated. (TOS: "The Empath" )