Races of The Galaxy
Most of these races are adapted from Sci-Fi settings, but could work in other genres well with minor changes.
Dralasites
Dralasites are a race of short amobea-like aliens which have no hard body parts. Their internal organs float in a jelly-like substance composed of protien and organic fluids. They are completely color blind and can only see in black and white. However their sense of smell is so finly attuned that they can identify people and objects by smell alone. They can even distinguish between a person and their possession simply by smell. They can also distinguish between the pheromones released when someone is telling the truth and when they are lying. Dralasites are well known for their "unique" sense of humor. Bad human comedians can make a fortune entertaining Dralasites with jokes that would be seriously distressing to other races. Dralasites also enjoy a good steambath with perfumes and other scents mixed in. This has the same intoxicating effect on Dralasites that alcohol has on humans. Dralasite communities are very small, and many Dralasites live alone.
8 Character Points
Attributes: Elasticity Level 2, Enhanced Senses Level 1 (Smell), Extra Arms Level 3 (Growable), Life Support Level 1, Light Armour Level 3, Sixth Sense Level 1 (Sense Truth)
Defects: Sensory Impairment Level 1 (Color Blind), Unique Defect Level 1 (Bad Sense Of Humor)
Fraal
The fraal are tall, thin humanoids, with large, dark eyes and delicate facial features. They physically resemble the "Greys" of human mythology. Fraal are naturally telepathic, and often have other psionic abilities, particularly ESP and telekinesis. For tens of thousands of years, they have traveled through the galaxy aboard vast city-ships, so long that even they do not know the true location of their homeworld. They are a peaceful race, preferring to observe other species, but rarely interfering with them. Fraal are highly social and prefer the company of other fraal. In fact, extended separation from telepathic contact with others of their race put fraal into a deep depression, and can even drive them insane.
6 Character Points
Mind +1 Soul +1
Attributes: Energy Bonus Level 1, Telepathy Level 2
DEfects: Not So Strong Level 1, Not So Tough Level 1, Unique Defect Level 1 (Telepathic Addiction)
Humma
Humma are a frontier race that look very similar to a kangaroo. They are not well liked by other races, which is fine since they don't like any other race themselves. Their short arms are not well suited for holding melee weapons and they have evolved a prehensile tail which can deliver a sound whacking or hold a blade or other weapon. They hate the Sathar with a passion that is unmatched by any race. Humma society is feudal and war-like, although they have begun to extend their sense of honor into other areas as well. Humma are warriors and carousers without peer.
7 Character Points
Body +2
Attributes: Extra Arms Level 1 (Prehensial Tail), Features Level 1 (Longevity), Jumping Level 2, Natural Weapons Level 1 (Tail Striker), Special Defense Level 2 (Posion), Speed Level 1
Defects: Awkward Size Level 1, Sensory Impairment Level 2 (Smell/Taste)
Mechalus
The mechalus are humanoids that make extensive use of cyberware. Their gray skin is covered with a fine network of circuitry. "Mechalus" is a human name; their true racial name is Aleerin. They come from the planet Aleer, a small, cold world in Rigunmor space. Earlier in their development, the Aleerins were quite warlike. On their first explorations into space, they encountered another intelligent species in their home system and wiped them out in a terrible war. Out of shock at what they'd done, a reform movement swept Aleer, turning most of the race towards pacifism and away from dangerous, primitive emotions. A small rebel faction advocates a return to their old, warlike ways.
6 Chracter Points
Mind +1
Attributes: Combat Mastery Level 1, Light Armour Level 1, Telepathy Level 4 (Computers Only)
Defects: Attack Restriction Level 2 (Self Defense Only)
Nemtac
Nemtac are a race of feline-like humanoids. They resemble upright cheetahs and evolved from a species of hunting cat on their homeworld. Their ancestors were solitary and even today Nemtac live in small family groups rather than large communities. Their planet is still largely rural and the only cities tend to be multi-racial affairs. They are great lovers of beauty and will go out of their way to aquire a new piece of art. Nemtac art galleries and museums are the pride of the galaxy and art lover will travel to distant systems to view their collections.
8 Character Points
Body +1
Attributes: Features Level 2 (Fur, Night Vision), Heightened Senses Level 1 (Hearing), Jumping Level 1, Natural Weapons Level 2 (Claws, Fangs), Special Movement Level 2 (Balance, Cat-Like), Speed Level 2
Defects: Easily Distracted Level 1 (Art), Not So Strong Level 1, Not So Tough Level 1
Sesheyans
The sesheyans were originally primitive arboreal dwellers. They were discovered some two hundred years ago by VoidCorp, a Vrusk corporation, which arranged a contact placing all sesheyans in the company's service... in perpetuity. In the generations since, the sesheyans have learned the visitors to their world were not gods or spirits, and that they have been unfairly enslaved. Some have chosen to rebel and escape to other worlds. Sesheyans average 1.5 meters tall, with green skin and six limbs. The upper pair of limbs are arms, the lower pair legs, while the middle pair of limbs is a set of wings, allowing the sesheyans to fly on worlds of 1G or lesser gravity and Earth-normal atmospheric density. Their head is oval-shaped, with eight small eyes, giving them enhanced night vision, but sensitivity to bright light.
1 Character Point
Attributes: Features Level 1 (Night Vision), Flight Level 1, Natural Weapons Level 1 (Claws)
Defects: Not So Strong Level 1, Owned By A Megacorp Level 2, Unique Defect Level 2 (+2 to all rolls in direct sunlight)
T'Sa
The t'sa are a humanoid reptilian species that average 1.6 meters in height. Their skin is covered with tough scales, giving them natural armor, and they have slim, whip-like tails. T'sa are fast-moving and skittish, evolved from a species preyed upon by larger reptiles on their homeworld. They breed only once per year. The female t'sa lays a clutch of eggs and cares for the hatchlings. T'sa reach physical maturity in only three months, after which their mother has nothing more to do with them. T'sa family bonds are between members of the same egg clutch rather than parent and child. The t'sa have a fairly peaceful history of technological development. They achieved space flight early, but did not discover stardrive on their own. They received the technology from their first contacts with humans, still a sore point among the t'sa, who think it was just "dumb luck" that humans discovered stardrive first. Even without stardrive technology, the t'sa managed to settle other star systems using vast cryogenic "sleeper ships."
6 Character Points
Body +2
Attributes: Combat Mastery Level 1, Light Armour Level 2, Mechanical Genius Level 1, Natural Weapons Level 1 (Teeth)
Defects: Easily Distracted Level 1 (Technophile)
Weren
Weren are tall, bipedal humanoids covered in thick fur. They have tusks and sharp, retractable claws on their hands. When discovered, their homeworld had achieved a late-Renaissance level of development. Weren are fiercely warlike and deeply philosophical. A weren who embraces a particular philosophy becomes nearly fanatical about it, and weren arguments tend to degenerate into brawls. Weren often find employment as soldiers and mercenaries. They have no difficulties learning to use advanced technology; a gun is a gun, even if they don't understand how it works.
6 Character Points
Damn Healthy! Level 2, Light Armour Level 1, Natural Weapons Level 2 (Claws, Fangs), Special Defense Level 1 (Cold), Stealth Level 1 (Vision)
Defects: Awkward Size Level 1, Easily Distracted Level 1 (Philisophical Debate), Not So Fast Level 1
Vrusk
Vrusk look like large insects. They have an abdomen which has eight legs attached. However, the torso is upright, like a humans, and it has two arms attached at the shoulders and a head above that. The Vrusk seem to have evolved from some kind of communal insect, like an ant or bee. Almost every Vrusk belongs to a corporation which defines every part of their life. The exceptions are renegades and outcasts which form the bulk of Vrusk adventurers. So important is the corporation to Vrusk that they place the company's name before their own when identifying themself. Vrusk prize harmony and order above all else. Despite this, the laws that govern Vrusk corporations are so complex that only Vrusk can understand them.
3 Character Points
Body +1
Attributes: Extra Capacity Level 1, Features Level 1 (Ambidexterous), Light Armour Level 3, Natural Weapons Level 1 (Mandibles), Speed Level 2
Defects: Awkward Size Level 1, Owned By A Megacorp Level 2, Physically Unappealing Level 1, Unique Defect Level 1 (Cannot Swim)
Yazirians
The Yazirians are a humanoid race which physically resemble terran chimps. However this resemblance breaks down when one notices the the membrane of skin growing under their arms. When their arms are rasied above their head, these mebranes stretch taunt and can be used to glide for short distances. Because Yazirians are evolved from nocturnal hunters, their eyes are sensitive to light and they must wear dark goggles to work in normal sunlight. The Yazirians have a custom of naming a life-enemy when the achieve adulthood. In the early days it was generally a member of an enemy clan, but today it is much more varied. A Yazirian doctor might name an incurable disease as his life-enemy. Once named, the Yazirian must work always towards the destruction of that enemy. A Yazirian may name a life-enemy at any time once they reach adulthood but a Yazirian who dies without naming a life-enemy is considered to be unlucky.
4 Character Points
Body +1
Attributes: Combat Mastery Level 2 (Must Make A Soul Stat Roll To Use), Features Level 2 (Fur, Night Vision), Flight Level 1 (Gliding Only)
Defects: Nemesis Level 1 (Life Enemy), Unique Defect Level 2 (+2 to all Stat Rolls Made In Direct Sunlight)
Most of these races are adapted from Sci-Fi settings, but could work in other genres well with minor changes.
Dralasites
Dralasites are a race of short amobea-like aliens which have no hard body parts. Their internal organs float in a jelly-like substance composed of protien and organic fluids. They are completely color blind and can only see in black and white. However their sense of smell is so finly attuned that they can identify people and objects by smell alone. They can even distinguish between a person and their possession simply by smell. They can also distinguish between the pheromones released when someone is telling the truth and when they are lying. Dralasites are well known for their "unique" sense of humor. Bad human comedians can make a fortune entertaining Dralasites with jokes that would be seriously distressing to other races. Dralasites also enjoy a good steambath with perfumes and other scents mixed in. This has the same intoxicating effect on Dralasites that alcohol has on humans. Dralasite communities are very small, and many Dralasites live alone.
8 Character Points
Attributes: Elasticity Level 2, Enhanced Senses Level 1 (Smell), Extra Arms Level 3 (Growable), Life Support Level 1, Light Armour Level 3, Sixth Sense Level 1 (Sense Truth)
Defects: Sensory Impairment Level 1 (Color Blind), Unique Defect Level 1 (Bad Sense Of Humor)
Fraal
The fraal are tall, thin humanoids, with large, dark eyes and delicate facial features. They physically resemble the "Greys" of human mythology. Fraal are naturally telepathic, and often have other psionic abilities, particularly ESP and telekinesis. For tens of thousands of years, they have traveled through the galaxy aboard vast city-ships, so long that even they do not know the true location of their homeworld. They are a peaceful race, preferring to observe other species, but rarely interfering with them. Fraal are highly social and prefer the company of other fraal. In fact, extended separation from telepathic contact with others of their race put fraal into a deep depression, and can even drive them insane.
6 Character Points
Mind +1 Soul +1
Attributes: Energy Bonus Level 1, Telepathy Level 2
DEfects: Not So Strong Level 1, Not So Tough Level 1, Unique Defect Level 1 (Telepathic Addiction)
Humma
Humma are a frontier race that look very similar to a kangaroo. They are not well liked by other races, which is fine since they don't like any other race themselves. Their short arms are not well suited for holding melee weapons and they have evolved a prehensile tail which can deliver a sound whacking or hold a blade or other weapon. They hate the Sathar with a passion that is unmatched by any race. Humma society is feudal and war-like, although they have begun to extend their sense of honor into other areas as well. Humma are warriors and carousers without peer.
7 Character Points
Body +2
Attributes: Extra Arms Level 1 (Prehensial Tail), Features Level 1 (Longevity), Jumping Level 2, Natural Weapons Level 1 (Tail Striker), Special Defense Level 2 (Posion), Speed Level 1
Defects: Awkward Size Level 1, Sensory Impairment Level 2 (Smell/Taste)
Mechalus
The mechalus are humanoids that make extensive use of cyberware. Their gray skin is covered with a fine network of circuitry. "Mechalus" is a human name; their true racial name is Aleerin. They come from the planet Aleer, a small, cold world in Rigunmor space. Earlier in their development, the Aleerins were quite warlike. On their first explorations into space, they encountered another intelligent species in their home system and wiped them out in a terrible war. Out of shock at what they'd done, a reform movement swept Aleer, turning most of the race towards pacifism and away from dangerous, primitive emotions. A small rebel faction advocates a return to their old, warlike ways.
6 Chracter Points
Mind +1
Attributes: Combat Mastery Level 1, Light Armour Level 1, Telepathy Level 4 (Computers Only)
Defects: Attack Restriction Level 2 (Self Defense Only)
Nemtac
Nemtac are a race of feline-like humanoids. They resemble upright cheetahs and evolved from a species of hunting cat on their homeworld. Their ancestors were solitary and even today Nemtac live in small family groups rather than large communities. Their planet is still largely rural and the only cities tend to be multi-racial affairs. They are great lovers of beauty and will go out of their way to aquire a new piece of art. Nemtac art galleries and museums are the pride of the galaxy and art lover will travel to distant systems to view their collections.
8 Character Points
Body +1
Attributes: Features Level 2 (Fur, Night Vision), Heightened Senses Level 1 (Hearing), Jumping Level 1, Natural Weapons Level 2 (Claws, Fangs), Special Movement Level 2 (Balance, Cat-Like), Speed Level 2
Defects: Easily Distracted Level 1 (Art), Not So Strong Level 1, Not So Tough Level 1
Sesheyans
The sesheyans were originally primitive arboreal dwellers. They were discovered some two hundred years ago by VoidCorp, a Vrusk corporation, which arranged a contact placing all sesheyans in the company's service... in perpetuity. In the generations since, the sesheyans have learned the visitors to their world were not gods or spirits, and that they have been unfairly enslaved. Some have chosen to rebel and escape to other worlds. Sesheyans average 1.5 meters tall, with green skin and six limbs. The upper pair of limbs are arms, the lower pair legs, while the middle pair of limbs is a set of wings, allowing the sesheyans to fly on worlds of 1G or lesser gravity and Earth-normal atmospheric density. Their head is oval-shaped, with eight small eyes, giving them enhanced night vision, but sensitivity to bright light.
1 Character Point
Attributes: Features Level 1 (Night Vision), Flight Level 1, Natural Weapons Level 1 (Claws)
Defects: Not So Strong Level 1, Owned By A Megacorp Level 2, Unique Defect Level 2 (+2 to all rolls in direct sunlight)
T'Sa
The t'sa are a humanoid reptilian species that average 1.6 meters in height. Their skin is covered with tough scales, giving them natural armor, and they have slim, whip-like tails. T'sa are fast-moving and skittish, evolved from a species preyed upon by larger reptiles on their homeworld. They breed only once per year. The female t'sa lays a clutch of eggs and cares for the hatchlings. T'sa reach physical maturity in only three months, after which their mother has nothing more to do with them. T'sa family bonds are between members of the same egg clutch rather than parent and child. The t'sa have a fairly peaceful history of technological development. They achieved space flight early, but did not discover stardrive on their own. They received the technology from their first contacts with humans, still a sore point among the t'sa, who think it was just "dumb luck" that humans discovered stardrive first. Even without stardrive technology, the t'sa managed to settle other star systems using vast cryogenic "sleeper ships."
6 Character Points
Body +2
Attributes: Combat Mastery Level 1, Light Armour Level 2, Mechanical Genius Level 1, Natural Weapons Level 1 (Teeth)
Defects: Easily Distracted Level 1 (Technophile)
Weren
Weren are tall, bipedal humanoids covered in thick fur. They have tusks and sharp, retractable claws on their hands. When discovered, their homeworld had achieved a late-Renaissance level of development. Weren are fiercely warlike and deeply philosophical. A weren who embraces a particular philosophy becomes nearly fanatical about it, and weren arguments tend to degenerate into brawls. Weren often find employment as soldiers and mercenaries. They have no difficulties learning to use advanced technology; a gun is a gun, even if they don't understand how it works.
6 Character Points
Damn Healthy! Level 2, Light Armour Level 1, Natural Weapons Level 2 (Claws, Fangs), Special Defense Level 1 (Cold), Stealth Level 1 (Vision)
Defects: Awkward Size Level 1, Easily Distracted Level 1 (Philisophical Debate), Not So Fast Level 1
Vrusk
Vrusk look like large insects. They have an abdomen which has eight legs attached. However, the torso is upright, like a humans, and it has two arms attached at the shoulders and a head above that. The Vrusk seem to have evolved from some kind of communal insect, like an ant or bee. Almost every Vrusk belongs to a corporation which defines every part of their life. The exceptions are renegades and outcasts which form the bulk of Vrusk adventurers. So important is the corporation to Vrusk that they place the company's name before their own when identifying themself. Vrusk prize harmony and order above all else. Despite this, the laws that govern Vrusk corporations are so complex that only Vrusk can understand them.
3 Character Points
Body +1
Attributes: Extra Capacity Level 1, Features Level 1 (Ambidexterous), Light Armour Level 3, Natural Weapons Level 1 (Mandibles), Speed Level 2
Defects: Awkward Size Level 1, Owned By A Megacorp Level 2, Physically Unappealing Level 1, Unique Defect Level 1 (Cannot Swim)
Yazirians
The Yazirians are a humanoid race which physically resemble terran chimps. However this resemblance breaks down when one notices the the membrane of skin growing under their arms. When their arms are rasied above their head, these mebranes stretch taunt and can be used to glide for short distances. Because Yazirians are evolved from nocturnal hunters, their eyes are sensitive to light and they must wear dark goggles to work in normal sunlight. The Yazirians have a custom of naming a life-enemy when the achieve adulthood. In the early days it was generally a member of an enemy clan, but today it is much more varied. A Yazirian doctor might name an incurable disease as his life-enemy. Once named, the Yazirian must work always towards the destruction of that enemy. A Yazirian may name a life-enemy at any time once they reach adulthood but a Yazirian who dies without naming a life-enemy is considered to be unlucky.
4 Character Points
Body +1
Attributes: Combat Mastery Level 2 (Must Make A Soul Stat Roll To Use), Features Level 2 (Fur, Night Vision), Flight Level 1 (Gliding Only)
Defects: Nemesis Level 1 (Life Enemy), Unique Defect Level 2 (+2 to all Stat Rolls Made In Direct Sunlight)
