GURPS Sector General

[Pursuivant]

Over the past couple of years, I've been amusing myself by adapting James White's Sector General books for GURPS, mostly as an exercise in generating odd species templates and to teach myself spaceship design.

One of my favorite species in the books is the Kelgians. They're tailor-made for roleplayers, but sadly aren't very effective in combat roles.

Feedback on template design is welcome.

Crunchy bits closed off with Spoilers to avoid wall of text.

Kelgian (DBLF) (Kelgia, Milky Way Galaxy) (11 points)

Description

Spoiler:  

Their shtick is that they've got semi-mobile fur that works in tandem with their spoken language, creating a literal "body language." This makes it impossible for Kelgians to lie, and many have problems grasping the very concept. This makes them truthful to a fault, and relatively honest as a species, but also incredibly obnoxious because they have no concept of the "social white lie" or even "holding your tongue." A Kelgian says exactly what it thinks regardless of how offensive their words might be to aliens.

Because their fur is socially so important, and because it's actually an incredibly complex organ rather than just dead tissue that can be regenerated as needed, Kelgians are incredibly appearance conscious. They hate getting wet or dirty, and the mere thought of damage to their fur causes them visible distress. The concept of a "haircut" is the stuff of Kelgian horror stories and individuals with extensive fur damage are social outcasts. The idea that there are other sophants in the universe with "dead" immobile fur on their bodies creeps Kelgians out. A running joke in the books is Kelgian characters visibly expressing strong emotions by twitching their fur in various ways.

Physical Description: Cylindrical caterpillar-like body with 12 pairs of stubby, thin, hairless legs, each terminating in a small, twin-toed, slightly flexible sponge-like pad. Toes lack toenails or other bony terminations. Four pairs of short, hairless, flexible arms, each terminating in a three-fingered nailless hand, extend from the upper portion of the torso. Two pairs are arranged relatively close to the head.

The head is cone-shaped, with delicate, tightly-grouped facial features. Four thin eye stalks are topped by bright, beady eyes. Two hearing antennae. They have two orifices in their heads; a small mouth used exclusively for eating and tasting and another orifice exclusively used for breathing and smelling.

Their skin is pink, including their heads, hands, and feet. Their backs are covered with beautiful, thick, fine, constantly-rippling, silver fur which increases in thickness from the neck to the tail and ends in a short tufted tail. They also have thick, silvery fur on a chest pad which covers the upper portion of their torso. Injured areas of fur are stiff, yellowish, and lifeless. While it is possible to apply prosthetic fur to damaged areas, it lacks the mobility and luster of living fur.

They move with a vertically undulating gait, humping along like a caterpillar while holding their upper torso erect so they form a sideways “S” shape as they travel. They also prefer to rest and sleep in an “S” position, either erect or lying down. When eating, working, or scanning their environment, they rear up on their two hindmost sets of legs, holding themselves partially erect so they form a “question mark” shape when viewed from the side.

Their voices sound like small foghorns, and their native speech consists of growls, hisses, hoots, moans, whines, and whistles, which can range from low- to high-pitched. Their mouths barely move when they speak.

They don’t wear clothing, but sometimes carry equipment pouches or similar small items on their bodies.

Physiological Data: Physiological Classification: DBLF. Gravity: Unknown, presumably 1.0 G. Pressure: Unknown, presumably 1.0 ATM. Preferred Temperature: Unknown, presumably 35-90 °F comfort zone, preferred temperature: 72 °F. Length: 6’-7’. Mass: 100-200 lbs. Lifespan: ~100 years.

Template

Spoiler:  

Attributes: ST 10 [0]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 10 [0].

Optional Attributes: Altered ST or HT [±10/lvl]; Increased DX or IQ [20/lvl].

Secondary Characteristics: Damage 1d-2/1d; BL 20 lbs. HP 10 [0]; Will 10 [0]; Per 10 [0]; FP 10 [0]; Basic Speed 5.0 [0]; Basic Move 4 [-5]; Size -1 or 0.

Optional Secondary Traits: Reduced HP [-2/lvl]; Altered Basic Speed or Move [±5/lvl]; Increased Per or Will [5/lvl]; Altered FP [±3/lvl].

Advantages: 360-Degree Vision (4 eyes) [25]; Acute Hearing 2 [4]; Appearance (Attractive) (Enhancement: Universal, +25%) [5]; Clinging (Limitations: Accessibility ((Can’t Break Falls. Can’t cling to sheer surfaces (other than ladders) with an angle of 60 degrees or greater. Require hand and foot holds), -80%.) [4];

Damage Resistance 1 (Limitations: Limited (Only against cutting and crushing attacks), -40%; Limited (Torso only), -20%; Flexible, -40%) [1]; Damage Resistance 2 (Limitations: Limited (Crushing only, -40%; Flexible, -40%; Tough Skin, -40%) [2];

Extra Arms (6 Extra Arms. Limitations: Short, -50%; Soft, -20%; Weak (50% of body ST), -25%) [12]; Extra Legs (18 legs (Limitations: Cannot Kick, -50%; Short, -25%; Soft, -20%; Weak (50% of body ST), -25%.) [6]; Flexibility [5]; Injury Tolerance (No Neck) [5];

Injury Tolerance (Unbreakable Bones. Limitation: Accessibility (Only to determine crippling damage), -60%.) [4]; Parabolic Hearing 2 (Limitation: Easy to Hit (hearing antennae), -20%) [7]; Racial Reputation (+1, Truthfulness, Everyone, All the Time) [5];

Telecommunication (“Fur Reading,” Telesend, Enhancements: Broadcast, +50%; Cosmic (No skill roll required), +50%. Limitations: Accessibility (Only to send complex emotions, Requires unobstructed view of sender’s fur.), -40%; Always On, -10%; Racial, -20%; Reduced Range (x1/10), -30%; Send Only, -50%; Sense Based (Vision), -20%) [9];

Terrain Adaptation (Uneven Ground) [5].

Optional Advantages: Acute Hearing [2/lvl]; Acute Vision [2/lvl]; Ambidextrous [5]; Appearance (Possibly with Universal enhancement) [Varies]; Constriction Attack [15]; Empathy or Sensitive [5 or 15]; Enhanced Tracking [5/lvl]; Intuition [15]; Parabolic Hearing [4/lvl]; Resistant (Disease, Limitation: Known diseases only, -10%) [Varies]; Silence [4/lvl]; Talent [Varies]; Temperature Tolerance [1/lvl].

Perks: Can Rear [1]; Catnaps [1]; Fur [1]; Low Stance [1]; Separate Respiratory Intake [1].

Optional Perk: Prehensile Fur [1].

Disadvantages: Arms (Cannot Punch; Short; Soft; Weak (50% of body ST)) [-8]; Easy to Read (Limitation: Racial, -40%.) [-6]; Horizontal (Limitation: Accessibility (Semi-Horizontal), -50%) [-5]; Extra Sleep 1 [-2]; Hemophilia (Limitations: Accessibility (Cutting attacks to back of torso only), -60%; Accessibility (Reduced Damage (1 HP/minute), -60%.) [-6];

Invertebrate (Limitation: Accessibility (BL is only halved, -50%.) [-10]; Low Empathy (Limitation: Only to understand deception, lies, etc. by aliens, -80%) [-4]; Missing Digit (Fingers) [-2]; Odious Racial Habit (-2, Blunt to the point of rudeness) [-10];

Restricted Diet (Herbivorous (Very Common). Limitation: Substitution, -50%.) [-5]; Slow Healing (Limitation: Accessibility (Cutting attacks to torso only, -60%) [-2]; Soft [-5]; Truthfulness (All the Time (x4)) [-20]; Weak Bite [-2].

Optional Disadvantages: Bad Temper [-10*]; Bully [-10*]; Cannot Speak (Limitation: Only with respect to other Kelgians, -40%) [-9]; Clueless [-5]; Cowardice [-15*]; Gullibility (Limitation: Accessibility (Only with respect to aliens), -40%) [-6*]; Honesty [-10]; Intolerance (Aliens and/or Liars) [-10]; Low Pain Threshold [-15]; Oblivious [-5]; Odious Personal Habit [-5 or -10]; Pacifism [Varies]; Phobia (Dirt or Water) [Varies]; Sense of Duty [Varies]; Unfit or Very Unfit [-5 or -15].

Optional Disadvantages Related to Fur Damage: Appearance (Unattractive or Worse) [Varies]; Berserk [-10*]; Chronic Depression [-15*]; Chronic Pain [Varies]; Guilt Complex [-5]; Jealousy [-10]; Neurological Disorder [Varies]; On The Edge [-10*]; Phobia (Agoraphobia, Demophobia, Teratophobia, or similar) [Varies]; Sadism [-15*]; Shyness [Varies]; Social Stigma [-5/lvl]; Stuttering (Limitation: Only with respect to other Kelgians, -40%.) [-6]; Unnatural Feature (Damaged or Missing Fur and/or Scarred) [-1 to -5].

Quirks: Incompetence (Diplomacy) [-1]; Limited Climbing Ability [-1]; Limited Vocal Ability [-1]; No Skull DR [-1]; Non-Adaptable Hands [-1]; Sensitive About Fur [-1]; Vulnerable Fur [-1].

Languages: Kelgian [0].

Cultural Familiarities: Kelgian [0].

Skills: Area Knowledge (Kelgia and surrounding space) (E) IQ [1] - 10; Computer Operation/TL (E) IQ [1] - 10.

Features: Aliens have difficulty telling individuals apart. Estrus. Mouth barely moves while speaking. Nudity Preferred. Social Stigma linked to reduced Appearance and Unnatural Feature. Taboo Trait (Compulsive Lying, Shyness, Any trait which directly relates to deception, lying, or politeness - including Acting, Fast-Talk, Detect Lies, Diplomacy, Disguise, Mimicry, and Propaganda skills). Vulnerable to Hudlar nutrient spray.

[Pursuivant]

Variations On The Basic Template

Spoiler:  

Variation: Minor Fur Damage (-10 points). This variation represents a Kelgian who has suffered minor fur loss or damage. While such individuals can still function in Kelgian society, they are considered to be unattractive social cripples.

Advantages: Remove Appearance (Limitation: Kelgians Only, -80%) [-4].

Disadvantages: Add limitation to Easy to Read (Limitation: Accessibility (+3 to rolls only), -25%) [+2]. Add Social Stigma (-1, Damaged Fur) [-5]; Stuttering (Limitations: Accessibility (-1 to rolls only), -50%; Only with respect to Kelgians, -40%.) [-2]; Unnatural Feature (Fur Damage) [-1].

Optional Disadvantages: Up to -10 points in mental disadvantages representing psychological damage as a result of fur loss.

Variation: Moderate Fur Damage (-24 points). This variation represents a Kelgian who has suffered moderate fur loss or damage. Such individuals must withdraw from Kelgian society, can never find mates, and are pitied and shunned by their fellows.

Advantages: Remove Appearance [-5].

Disadvantages: Add limitation to Easy to Read (Limitation: Accessibility, +2 to rolls only, -50%.) [+4]. Add Appearance (Unattractive) [-4]; Social Stigma (-2, Damaged Fur) [-10]; Stuttering (Limitations: Kelgians Only, -40%.) [-6]; Unnatural Feature (Badly Damaged Fur), [-3];

Optional Disadvantages: Up to -20 points in mental disadvantages representing psychological damage as a result of fur loss.

Variation: Severe Fur Damage (-59 points). This variation represents a Kelgian who has lost most of its fur. It is a social cripple, unable to function in society.

Advantages: Remove Appearance [-5].
Perks: Remove Fur [-1].
Disadvantages: Remove Easy to Read [+6]. Add (Limitation: Vague, -50%) to Telesend [-15]. Add Appearance (Ugly) [-12]; Cannot Speak (Limitation: Only with respect to Kelgians, -40%) [-12]; Social Stigma (-3, Damaged Fur) [-15]; Unnatural Feature (Fur Damage) [-5].
Optional Disadvantages: Up to -30 points in mental disadvantages representing psychological damage as a result of fur loss.

Variation: Military Kelgian (+6 points): Members of Kelgian military units have fur dyed with black, red, and blue patterns which both act as camouflage and rank insignia. They are trained to be less sensitive about getting their fur dirty, wet, or damaged.

Optional Attributes: Increase ST or HT [10/lvl]; Increased DX or IQ [20/lvl].
Optional Secondary Traits: Increase HP [2/lvl]; Increase Basic Speed or Move [5/lvl]; Increase Per or Will [5/lvl]; Increase FP [3/lvl].
Advantages: Fit [5].
Optional Advantages: Combat Reflexes [15]; Fearlessness [2/lvl].
Quirks: Remove Sensitive About Fur [1].

[Dustin]

That's a fun series, I was just thinking about it last week. Got introduced to it by Barlowe's Guide to Extraterrestrials and the Cinruss/Cinrusskin in there (which would also make a challenging template).

[Pursuivant]

Per "request"

Cinrusskin (GLNO) (Cinruss, Milky Way Galaxy) (130 points)

Template cost is high because this is a species of flying, multi-limbed empaths. They're another great race for roleplayers, but almost useless in combat.

Description

Spoiler:  

Native to a largely tropical low gravity world Cinrusskins are incredibly fragile physically. They survived as a species by developing fast reflexes, flight, and a keenly-honed sense for hostile intentions. They are natural cowards; only the bravest of the brave travel off-planet, and only in carefully controlled low-gravity conditions. They make make no bones about their cowardice, however, pointing out that it's a necessary survival trait for their species since they're not designed for fighting.

As telepathic empaths, Cinrusskins are compulsively nice. Hostile or negative thoughts cause them severe emotional distress, to the point that they physically shake. Cinrusskin society is remarkably peaceful and psychologically well-adjusted, with virtually all group decisions based on consensus. Cinrusskin dealing with aliens do everything they can to keep the peace and avoid quarrels or ill feelings, giving them a well-deserved reputation as yes men and cowards.

Physical Description: Insectoid with a delicate, spindly, hairless, tubular, exoskeletal body. Overall appearance is reminiscent of a dragonfly or butterfly. Four thin, delicate arms with fine manipulators emerge from the front of the upper thorax. Six long, sucker-tipped, multi-jointed, pencil-thin legs extend from the lower ventral portions. Arms and legs are dark-colored, shiny, and reminiscent of pencils or pipe-stems. Adults have two or more large, beautiful iridescent, nearly-transparent wings which emerge from the medial, dorsal thorax. Sub-adults have only vestigial, seemingly atrophied, wings.

The head resembles a convoluted eggshell, with two large, triple-lidded eyes, one on each side of the head. The mouth is small and beak-like with at least two mandibles. There are different orifices for eating and speaking. Ears are small and slit-like. No other sensory organs are visible.

Eye and skin color are never described but enhance the attractive appearance.

Cinrusskins encountered off-world inevitably wear at least one antigravity belt.

Template

Spoiler:  

Beautiful, fragile, empathic, butterfly-like aliens. Length: 18-24” Mass: 26-30 lbs. Size -3.

Attributes: ST 6 [-40]; DX 12 [40]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 9 [-10].

Optional Attributes: Decreased ST [-10/lvl]; Altered DX or IQ [±20/lvl]; Increased HT [10/lvl].

Secondary Characteristics: Damage 1d-4/1d-3; BL 7.2 lbs.; HP 5 [-2]; Will 10 [0]; Per 12 [10]; FP 8 [-3]; Basic Speed 5.5 [10]; Basic Move 6 [5].

Optional Secondary Characteristics: Altered HP [±2/lvl]; Altered Will or Per [±5/lvl]; Altered FP [±3/lvl]; Altered Basic Speed or Move [±5/lvl].

Advantages: 360-Degree Vision (Limitation: Accessibility (Monocular vision outside of front hexes), -20%) [20]; Acute Vision 2 (Limitation: Accessibility (Only for Color Vision), -50%.) [1]; Appearance (Beautiful) (Enhancement: Universal, +25%. Limitation: Off-the-Shelf Looks, -50%.) [9]; Catfall (Enhancement: No Success roll needed, +100%. Limitation: Accessibility (Only in atmospheres of at least 0.5 G), -20%.) [18];

Charisma 1 [5]; Clinging (Limitation: Accessibility (Not on loose surfaces), -20%.) [20]; Detect (Sentient Life (Common), Limitations: Psionic, -10%; Reduced Range 1, -10%) [24]; Empathy (Limitations: Nuisance Effect, -5%; Psionic, -10%.) [13];

Extra Arms (2 Extra Arms. Limitation: Weak (50% of ST), -25%.) [15]; Extra Legs (6 legs. Enhancement: Long (SM +1), +100%. Limitation: Cannot Kick, -50%.) [15]; Flight (Limitation: Winged, -25%) [30]; High Manual Dexterity 1 (Limitation: Accessibility (2 arms only), -20%) [4];

Mind Control (Limitations: Accessibility (Only to implant positive emotions), -60%; Mind Reading Required, -20%; Psionic, -10%.) [10]; Mind Reading (Enhancement: Universal, +50%. Limitations: Detailed Empathy, -25%; Psionic, -10%.) [35];

Precognition (Limitation: Psionic, -10%; Unconscious Only, -60%; Vague, -50%.) [5]; Sealed (Limitation: Mandibles and Limbs only, -60%.) [6]; Sensitive Touch [10]; Social Regard 1 (Good Neighbor) [5];

Telecommunication (Telesend, Enhancements: Broadcast, +50%; Weakened Outside of Species, +25%. Limitations: Always On (Social Effects Only), -10%; Detailed Emotions, -20%; Nuisance Effect (Shakes when receiving unpleasant emotional radiations), -5%, Psionic, -10%; Reduced Range 3, -30%; Temporary Disadvantage (Supersensitive, Truthfulness (All the Time)), -40%.) [18];

Vacuum Support (Limitation: Only to deal with low pressure environments down to 0.5 ATM), -60%.) [2].

Optional Advantages: Acute Psionic Sense (Varies) [2/lvl]; Acute Hearing [2/lvl]; Acute Smell & Taste [2/lvl]; Acute Vision [2/lvl]; Allies [Varies]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Common Sense [10]; Contact Group [Varies]; Contacts [Varies]; Danger Sense [15]; Discriminatory Sight [15];

Double-Jointed or Flexibility [5 or 15]; Enhanced Dodge [15]; Enhanced Move (Flying, Jumping, or Running) [10 or 20]; Extended Lifespan [5/lvl]; G-Experience [1 to 10]; Hard to Kill [2/lvl]; High Manual Dexterity [5/lvl]; Infravision [5]; Intuition [15]; Longevity [2]; Microscopic Vision [5/lvl];

Microscopic Vision [5/lvl]; Mind Shield [4/lvl]; Parabolic Hearing [4/lvl]; Pitiable [10]; Reduced Consumption [2/lvl]; Reputation [Varies]; Regrowth [40]; Sensitive Touch [10]; Silence [5/lvl]; Social Chameleon [5]; Social Regard (Good Neighbor) [5/lvl]; Subsonic Hearing [5]; Talent [Varies];

Telescopic Vision [5/lvl]; Ultrahearing [5]; Ultrasonic Speech [10]; Vibration Sense [15].

Perks: Folding Wings [1]; Separate Respiratory Intake [1].

Optional Perks: Controllable Disadvantage (Cowardice or Light Sleeper) [1]; Deep Sleeper [1]; Extra Wings [1 per pair]; Standard Operating Procedure (Inspect and maintain antigravity equipment.) [1]; Standard Operating Procedure (On guard against danger with escape routes planned) [1].

Disadvantages: Compulsive Behavior (Yes-Man) (12-) [-5*]; Cowardice (12-) [-15]; Dependency (Microgravity (Common), Constantly) [-50]; Easy to Read [-10]; Fragile (Brittle) (Limitation: Limited (Limbs only), -40%.) [-9]; Horizontal (Limitation: Doesn’t affect ability to carry objects while flying, -25%.) [-7];

Increased Life Support (Massive) [-10]; Pacifism (Self-Defense Only) [-15]; Revulsion (Strong negative emotions (Common), Enhancements: Population-based sensitivity range, +25%. Limitations: Accessibility (Not while sleeping), -20%; Accessibility (Weakened with distance), -50%.) [-6];

Sleepy (Half the time) [-8]; Supersensitive (Enhancement: Population-based sensitivity range, +25%. Limitations: Accessibility (Strong emotions only), -40%; Resisted by Will, -20%; Weakened with Distance, -25%.) [-6]; Unfit (Limitation: Only for FP loss and recovery, -40%.) [-3];

Weak Arms (50% of ST) [-2]; Weak Bite [-3].

Optional Disadvantages: Bad Sight (Nearsighted) [-25]; Charitable [-15*]; Chummy or Gregarious [-5 or -10]; Cold-Blooded [-5 or -10]; Curiosity [-5*]; Delusion [-5 or -10]; Easy to Kill [-2/lvl]; Easy to Subdue [-2/lvl]; Fearfulness [-2/lvl]; G-Intolerance [-10 or -20]; Hemophilia [-20]; Honesty [-10];

Loner [-5]; Low Pain Threshold [-10]; Mistaken Identity [-5]; Odious Personal Habit [-5 or -10]; Phobia [Varies]; Selfless [-5*]; Stress Atavism [Varies]; Vulnerability [Varies].

Quirks: Always polite and non-controversial [-1]; Broad-Minded [-1]; Drowsy [-1]; Large Head [-1]; Nudity Preferred [-1]; Reduced Skull DR [-1]; Sexless [-1].

Optional Quirks: Careful [-1]; Humble [-1]; Optimistic [-1].

Skills: Aerobatics (H) DX-2 [1] - 10; Area Knowledge (Cinruss) (E) IQ [1]; Computer Operation/TL (E) IQ [1] - 8; Detect Lies (H) Per-2 [1] - 13*; Diplomacy (H) IQ-2 [1] - 8; Flight (A) HT [2] - 9; Free Fall (A) DX-1 [1] - 11; Psychology (Cinrusskin) (H) IQ-2 [1] - 11*.
*+3 for Empathy.

Optional Skills: Acting (A); Camouflage (A); Connoisseur (E); Driving/TL (Type) (E); Electronics Operation/TL (A); Electronics Repair/TL (A); Engineering/TL (H); Fast Talk (A); Interrogation (A); Mathematics/TL (H); Mechanic/TL (A): Navigation/TL (A); Observation (A); Piloting (A); Jumping (A);

Running (A); Savoir-Faire (E); Stealth (A); Psychology (Other species) (H); Stealth (A); Survival (Type) (A).

Cultural Familiarities: Cinrusskin [0]

Languages: Cinrusskin [0].

Features: Additional sets of wings grow with age. Prefer to hover while eating. Small Hands. Small Mouth. Taboo Trait (Any trait specifically designed to provoke negative emotions, e.g., the Bloodlust, Sadism disadvantages, Intimidation skill, or the Terror advantage). Wings grow in as adult.

Physiological Data: Physiological Classification: GLNO. Gravity: 0.08-0.125 G. Pressure: Unknown, presumably 1.5 to 2.0 ATM. Preferred Temperature: Unknown, presumably 45-100 °F comfort zone, preferred temperature: 82 °F. Length: 18-24” Mass: 26-30 lbs. Lifespan: ~100 years.

[Pursuivant]

Variations

The benefit of being such a physically and emotionally fragile species are that Cinrusskins are masters of psychological manipulation. Not only are their iridescent wings and bodies beautiful, but their ability to sense what other people want and give it to them gives them both Empathy and Charisma. They also have a limited mind control ability, which allows them to improve the mood of anyone nearby. Even people naturally repelled by Cinrusskin cowardice and seeming inability to stand up for their interests find themselves liking them despite themselves. Over time, Cinrusskins can reassert control of a bad social situation by turning their enemies into friends, then making their new friends feel bad for hurting their feelings by not taking their needs into consideration. This makes Cinrusskins some of the best diplomats and "soft-sell" sales-beings and customer service representatives in the galaxy. Those with the courage to leave their home planet make great doctors, psychologists and negotiators. Their ability to sense life and emotions at a distance also makes them natural rescue workers, but very few can withstand the constant psychological stress of being in dangerous situations filled with scared and injured people.

Spoiler:  

Variation: Adventurer (+9 points). This variation represents a remarkably brave Cinrusskin who is willing to leave its planet and explore the galaxy. Dr. Prilicla falls into this category.

Optional Secondary Traits: Increased Will [+5/lvl];

Advantages: Choose one of the following: Reduce Cowardice to 15- [+8] or replace Cowardice [+15] with Careful [-1]; Controllable Disadvantage (Cowardice) [1]; and Reputation (-3 Cowardice, Those who value physical courage (Large Group), All the Time) [-7]. [+8].

Add Reputation (+1, Bravery, Cinrusskins (Large Group), All the Time) [3].

Optional Advantages: Fearlessness [2/lvl]; Resistant (Mental Influence) [Varies].

Optional Perks: Standard Operating Procedure (Check antigravity equipment or constantly on guard) [1 each].

Disadvantages: Add Reputation (-1, Foolhardy, Cinrusskins (Large Group), All the Time) [-2].

This variation represents the minimum qualifications for a Cinrusskin adventurer. It should be combined with at least one other occupational template.

Variation: Subadult (-49 points). Cinrusskin only develop the ability to fly as adults and continue to grow new sets of wings as they age. Juveniles and young adults can’t fly without the aid of antigravity belts. Since Cinrusskin learn to fly with the aid of antigravity belts before their wings grow out they retain Flight skill, but lose the Aerobatics skills that winged flight provides.

Disadvantages: Remove Catfall [-18] and Flight [-30].

Skills: Remove Aerobatics [-1].

[AOTA]

Love this series. Well done on the character templates.

[Pursuivant]

Tralthan (FGLI) (Traltha, Milky Way Galaxy) (167 points)

This is another high-cost character template, as befits a massively strong, armored, high gravity species with multiple limbs and eyes.

Compared to the physically fragile Cinrusskin and the "diplomatically-challenged" Kelgians, they can be adapted to just about any campaign role and suit players who don't want too much of a roleplaying challenge. In a more violent universe Tralthans would make great fighters, only limited by their large Size. They prefer roles as academics, bureaucrats, diplomats, merchants, scientists, and technicians, however.

Description:

Spoiler:  

Tralthans are a psychologically well-adjusted, peaceful species with a reputation for being great engineers and merchants, and are one of the galaxy's most important species, in terms of economic, political, and scientific clout.

While they could be formidable fighters if they wanted to be, they prefer more peaceful roles. Unlike the timid Cinrusskins, the brassy Kelgians, and the somewhat more volatile humanoid species, Tralthans seem downright placid, possibly even boring. They are patient, hard-working, and used to succeeding at whatever they set their minds to. Common personal faults are Hidebound, Incurious, Overconfidence, and Stubbornness.

Physiological Data: Physiological Classification: FGLI. Gravity: 2.0 or 4.0 G. Pressure: Unknown, presumably 1.2+ ATM. Preferred Temperature: Unknown, presumably 45-100 °F comfort zone, preferred temperature: 82 °F. Height: 4-6 feet. Length: 6-8 feet. Mass: 500-900 lbs. Lifespan: ~150 years.

Description: Elephantine, six-limbed, and seemingly headless. Body is broad, heavily built and low slung. Six short, thick, blocky legs ending in flat spongy feet which terminate in short toes.

Four warty tentacles emerge from the front shoulders, two on each side of the body. The two smaller tentacles have fine manipulators on the end and are used for eating and fine manipulation. The two larger tentacles are used for lifting and heavy manipulation.

The brain is contained within a large, bony, flattened ovoid dome which projects from the upper body just above the tentacles. Four gill-like breathing and speaking orifices are arranged around the cranium.

In front of the cranium are four mobile eyestalks. Openings for aural and olfactory sensors are mounted near the brain dome. The eating mouth is in the front of the body between the tentacles and below the eyes. It opens horizontally, is lined with blunt teeth, and isn’t easily visible when it is closed. Instead of a tongue, Tralthans have a taste pad which covers the inside of the upper lip.

Skin is thick and hairless and is covered by fine scales.

Clothing isn’t typically worn, but equipment is sometimes carried on equipment harnesses. Tralthans don’t wear body ornaments such as jewelry.

Their native speech sounds vaguely a foghorn, consisting of deep, modulated, bellows, hoots, and moans. Translated Tralthan can seem ponderous and pedantic to Earth-Human ears.

Template:

Spoiler:  

Tralthan (FGLI) (Traltha, Milky Way Galaxy) (167 points)

Six-legged, tentacled, elephantine aliens native to a high gravity world. Height: 4-6 feet. Length: 6-8 feet. Mass: 500-1,000 lbs. Size 2.

Attributes: ST 17 (Limitation: Size 2, -20%.) [56]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 10 [0]; HT 10 [0].

Optional Attributes: Increased ST (Limitation: Size 2, -20%.) [±8/lvl]; Altered DX [±20/lvl]; Increased IQ [20/lvl]; Increased HT [10/lvl].

Secondary Characteristics: Damage 1d+2/3d-1; BL 57 lbs.; HP 20 (Limitation: Size 2, -20%.) [5]; Will 11 [5]; Per 10 [0]; FP 10 [0]; Basic Speed 5.0 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0]. Ground Move: 8. Size 2.

Optional Secondary Characteristics: Increased HP [2/lvl]; Altered Will or Per [±5/lvl]; Altered FP [±3/lvl]; Altered Basic Speed or Basic Move [±5/lvl].

Advantages: 360-Degree Vision (Limitation: Easy to Hit, -20%.) [20]; Acute Hearing 1 [2/lvl]; Acute Touch 1 (Limitations: Tentacles only, -50%.) [1]; Arms (Enhancement: Extra Flexibility) [5]; Arm ST 3 (Limitation: Size 2, -20%.) [12];

Damage Resistance 10 (Limitation: Limited (Skull Only), -70%.) [15]; Damage Resistance 5 (Limitation: Limited (Body Except For Skull), -10%; Flexible, -40%.) [13]; Enhanced Move (Ground) 0.5 [10]; Enhanced Tracking 3 [15]; Extended Lifespan 1 [2];

Extra Arms (2 Extra Arms. Enhancement: Extra Flexibility, +50%. Limitation: Weak (50% of ST), -25%.) [25]; Extra Legs (6 Legs) [10]; Improved G-Tolerance (0.3 G Increments) [5]; Injury Tolerance (No Head, No Groin, No Neck) [17]; Metabolism Control 1 (Limitation: Hibernation, -60%.) [2]; Pressure Support 1 [5];

Reputation (+1, Excellent Craftsmanship and Engineering, Aliens (Large Group), All the Time) [2]; Vacuum Support (Limitation: Only to resist Low Pressure down to 0.5 ATM, -60%.) [2].

Optional Advantages: Acute Hearing [2/lvl]; Acute Smell & Taste [2/lvl]; Acute Vision [2/lvl]; Allies [Varies]; Charisma [5/lvl]; Common Sense [10]; Contact Group [Varies]; Contacts [Varies]; Danger Sense [15]; Discriminatory Hearing [15]; Discriminatory Touch [10]; Empathy or Sensitive [5 or 15];

Extended Lifespan [5/lvl]; Favors [1 each]; Fearlessness [2/lvl]; Filter Lungs [5]; G-Experience [1 to 10]; Hard to Kill [2/lvl]; Hard to Subdue [2/lvl]; High Manual Dexterity [5/lvl]; Indomitable [15]; Intuition [15]; Longevity [2]; Metabolism Control [4/lvl]; Reputation [Varies];

Resistant (Disease, Mental Influence, Pain, or Poison) [Varies]; Subsonic Hearing [5]; Subsonic Speech [10]; Talent [Varies]; Temperature Tolerance [1/lvl]; Ultrahearing [5]; Vibration Sense [10]; Wealth [Varies].

Perks: Extra Eyes (2 Extra) [2]; Hard to Read [1]; Low Stance [1]; No Degradation in Lower G Environments [1]; Penetrating Voice [1]; Separate Respiratory Intake 4 [4]; Standard Operating Procedure (Careful Movement) [1].

Optional Perks: Acceleration Tolerance [1]; Honest Face [1]; Patient [1].

Disadvantages: Horizontal [-10]; Increased Consumption 1 [-10]; Increased Life Support (Massive) [-10]; Noisy 1 [-5]; Weakness (Lying on back or side (Occasional), 1d per minute. Enhancement: Double damage if lying on back, +50%.) [-30].

Optional Disadvantages: Bad Temper [-10*]; Clueless [-5]; Code of Honor [Varies]; Curiosity [-5*]; Guilt Complex [-5]; Hard of Hearing [-10]; Hidebound [-5]; Honesty [-10]; Increased Consumption [-10/lvl]; Incurious [-5*]; Klutz [-5 or -10*]; No Sense of Humor [-10]; Noisy [-5/lvl]; Odious Racial Habit [-5 or -10];

Overconfidence [-5*]; Selfless [-5*]; Sense of Duty [Varies]; Stubbornness [-5]; Truthfulness [-5*]; Workaholic [-5].

Quirks: Cannot Climb [-1]; Cannot Jump [-1]; Cannot Sit or Lie Down [-1]; Cannot Rear [-1]; Cannot Swim [-1]; Chinks in armor [-1]; Have Difficulty Getting Up After a Fall [-1]; Nudity Preferred [-1].

Optional Quirks: Broad-Minded [-1]; Dull [-1]; Humble [-1]; Likes Water [-1]; Proud [-1]; Staid [-1]; Vegetarian [-1].

Skills: Area Knowledge (Home World) (E) IQ [1] - 10; Computer Operation/TL (E) IQ [1] - 10.

Optional Skills: Acting (A); Bioengineering/TL (H); Biology/TL (VH); Brawling (E); Chemistry/TL (H); Cooking (A); Connoisseur (E); Diplomacy (H); Driving/TL (Type) (E); Electronics Operation/TL (A); Electronics Repair/TL (A); Engineering/TL (H); Finance (H); Games (E); Mathematics/TL (H);

Mechanic/TL (A); Merchant (A); Navigation/TL (A); Physics/TL (VH); Piloting/TL (A); Propaganda (A); Survival (Type) (A).

Cultural Familiarities: Tralthan [0].

Languages: Tralthan (Native) [0].

Features: Do all activities while standing. No face. Sleeping and waking cycle is longer than in Earth-humans. Tend to look up rather than down. Yearly mating period.

[Pursuivant]

Human (AKA Earth-Human) (DBDG) (Earth, Milky Way Galaxy) (2 points)

One of the running jokes in the Sector General series is playing against human assumptions about what's "normal" behavior. In particular, aliens are constantly bemused by the fact that humans insist on wearing clothing and that while they're one of the galaxy's more sexually active species, they have so many sexual and romantic hang-ups. Multi-legged species are constantly amazed that humans manage to walk around without falling over.

The distinctly imperfect "universal translators" used in the series also make human speech idioms incomprehensible to aliens.

Description:

Spoiler:  

Humans are the main "point of view" species in the Sector General books. They are generally conceived as being psychologically and socially advanced, while retaining an unusual desire, and capacity for, for adventure. The "default" human society is reminiscent of the advanced and peaceful worlds, or slightly more primitive and rugged colony worlds, depicted in Star Trek. Humans are one of the galaxy's most numerous species and one of the most adaptable. In particular, their physiological and psychological makeup makes them best suited for ship-board military and exploration duties. Humans make up most of the space-faring Monitor Corps personnel, although many other species serve in other roles.

Template:

Spoiler:  

Human (AKA Earth-Human) (DBDG) (Earth, Milky Way Galaxy) (2 points)
Bipedal primate-descendants with nudity and sex taboos.

Optional Attributes: Altered IQ [±20/lvl]; Increased HT [10/lvl].

Optional Secondary Characteristics: Altered Will or Per [±5/lvl]; Increased FP [3/lvl]; Increased Basic Speed [5/lvl].

Optional Advantages: Appearance [Varies]; Charisma [5]; Claim to Hospitality [1 to 10]; Common Sense [10]; Cultural Adaptability [10]; Eidetic Memory [5]; Empathy or Sensitive [5 or 15]; Extended Lifespan [5/lvl]; Fearlessness [2/lvl]; G-Experience [1 to 10]; High Manual Dexterity [5/lvl];

Intuition [15]; Lightning Calculator or Intuitive Mathematician [2 or 5]; Longevity [2]; Rank [Varies]; Reputation [Varies]; Resistant (Disease, Mental Influence, or Pain) [Varies]; Single Minded [5]; Social Regard [Varies]; Talent [Varies]; Versatile [5]; Wealth [Varies].

Optional Perks: Acceleration Tolerance [1]; Adaptable Hands [1]; Alcohol Tolerance [1]; Honest Face [1].

Optional Disadvantages: Bad Temper [-10*]; Code of Honor [Varies]; Compulsive Behavior (Carousing or Spending) [-5* or -10*]; Delusion [-5 or -10]; Guilt Complex [-5]; Honesty [-10]; Intolerance [-10]; Laziness [-10]; Odious Personal Habit [-5 or -10]; Overconfidence [-5*]; Pacifism [Varies];

Reputation [Varies]; Selfless [-5*]; Selfish [-5*]; Sense of Duty [Varies]; Social Stigma [Varies]; Truthfulness [-5*]; Workaholic [-5]; Xenophilia [-10*].

Optional Quirks: Broad-Minded [-1]; Dreamer [-1]; Proud [-1]; Suspicious [-1].

Skills: Area Knowledge (Home World) (E) IQ [1] - 10; Computer Operation/TL (E) IQ [1] - 10.

Optional Skills: Acting (A); Artist (H); Boating/TL (Type) (A); Carousing (A); Connoisseur (E); Driving/TL (Type) (E); Electronics Operation/TL (A); Electronics Repair/TL (A); Engineering/TL (H); Hiking (A); Intimidation (A); Mathematics/TL (H); Mechanic/TL (A); Navigation/TL (A); Philosophy (H); Pilot/TL (A); Running (A); Stealth (A); Survival (Type) (A); Swimming (E).

[Pursuivant]

Normal (7 points)

While they are never a focus of the major books in the series, the Sector General series introduces one really socially explosive idea, the idea of the "normal" - a xenophobic, misfit member of a given species who cannot or will not fit into galactic society.

The majority of "Galactic Citizens" consider Normals to be violent, psychologically-disturbed criminals, but Normal communities, and some charismatic Normal individuals, exert an unhealthy influence on young and impressionable people.

Normals are effectively kept in open air prisons and are constantly monitored and sabotaged by the authorities. Within their own regions and communities they have remarkable freedom of action - up to and including killing each other, but they are strongly discouraged from traveling to areas where aliens might be found and are even more strongly discouraged from leaving their planet.

Normal communities are under pervasive surveillance by the Monitor Corps and planetary law enforcement. Any attempts to foment violence or upset the planetary government are sabotaged by neutralizing key instigators while keeping ordinary Normals distracted and divided.

When Normals can't be kept from killing each other, the authorities channel their violence in ways that limit the mayhem to just willing participants, such as duels and blood sports. The authorities also step in when Normal violence threatens unwilling participants or when Normals pose a threat to "Galactic" interests.

When Normals of different species insist on going to war, the Monitor Corps arranges carefully orchestrated "Normal Wars," designed to limit bloodshed while discouraging future militaristic urges. These take place on a few specially designated, uninhabited planets (chosen their horrible climates, difficult terrain, and nasty local flora and fauna), use obsolete Monitor Corps-supplied arms, and involve procedures designed to turn most military campaigns into comic blunders. Careful Monitor Corps sabotage typically discredits the military leaders on both sides while limiting battles to nothing more than indecisive skirmishing.

Description:

Spoiler:  

“At the bottom of the social scale were the malcontents, who were generally neither too ethical nor well-educated, and grouped into settlements which varied in size from a large town to tracts of territory which took up a respectable slice of a continent. And they were intensely, almost fanatically, proud of their glorious past. Because they believed that only among themselves was to be found the drive, idealism and sheer ruggedness of character that had typified the race in the past, they thought of themselves alone as being truly representative of their respective species.”
- “Occupation: Warrior”

“The Normals possess all the freedom including the right to kill each other if that is what they desire, the Monitors being present only to see that any Normal not sharing this desire will not suffer in the process.”
- Monitor Corpsman Williamson (“Hospital Station”)

This template represents a “normal” - someone who cannot or will not become a Galactic Citizen and who lives in a community of like-minded people. Normals might be violent criminals or ordinary people who reject Galactic society for cultural, philosophical, or religious reasons.

Template:

Spoiler:  

Attributes: ST 10; DX 10; IQ 10; HT 10.

Secondary Traits: 1d-2/1d Dam; BL 20; HP 10 [0]; Will 10 [0]; Per 10 [0]; Basic Speed 5 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0]; FP [0].

Advantages: Resistant (+3, Disease) [5] and 15 points from one or more of improved Attributes or Secondary Traits. Allies [Varies]; Ally Group [Varies]; Appearance [Varies]; Charisma [5/lvl]; Combat Reflexes [15]; Contact Group [Varies]; Contacts [Varies]; Danger Sense [15]; Empathy or Sensitive [5 or 15];

Fashion Sense [5]; Fearlessness [2/lvl]; Fit or Very Fit [5 or 15]; High Pain Threshold [10]; Pitiable [5]; Reputation [Varies]; Social Chameleon [5]; Talent [Varies].

Disadvantages: Add Reputation (-1, “Dangerous Criminal,” Almost Everyone (Everyone but fellow Normals), 12-) [-2]; Social Stigma (Second Class Citizen) [-5]; and -13 points from one or more of reduced Attributes or Secondary Traits or Absent-Minded [-15*]; Addiction [Varies];

Alcoholism [-15*]; Bad Back [-15 or -20]; Bad Temper [-10*]; Berserk [-10*]; Bully [-10*]; Chronic Pain [Varies]; Code of Honor (Pirate’s, Professional Ethics, or Soldier) [-5 or -10]; Compulsive Behavior [-5* or -10*]; Cowardice [-15*]; Delusion [-5 or -10*]; Fat, Overweight, or Very Fat [-1, -3, or -5];

Gluttony [-5*]; Guilt Complex [-5]; Greed [-10*]; Hidebound [-5]; Honesty [-10]; Incurious [-5*]; Intolerance [-10]; Jealousy [-5]; Lame [Varies]; Laziness [-10]; Lecherousness [-15]; Maintenance [Varies]; Missing Digit [-2 or -5]; Obsession [-5 or -10]; Odious Personal Habit [-5 or -10]; One Arm [-15];

One Eye [-10]; One Hand [-10]; Overconfidence [-5*]; Pacifism [Varies]; Phobia [Varies]; Reduced TL [-5/lvl]; Reputation [Varies]; Sadism [-15*]; Selfish [-5*]; Sense of Duty [Varies]; Truthfulness [-5*]; Unfit or Very Unfit [-5 or -15]; Wealth (Struggling or Poor) [-10 or -15]; Workaholic [-5]; or Vow [-5 or -10].

Skills: Area Knowledge (Local Normal communities) (E) IQ [1] - 10; Brawling (E) DX [1] - 10; Streetwise (A) IQ-1 [1] - 9.

Optional Skills: Choose 2 points from one or more of Animal Handling (H); Anthropology (H); Architecture (A); Area Knowledge (E); Artist (H); Boxing (A); Carousing (A); Computer Operation/TL (E); Connoisseur (E); Driving/TL (E); Electronics Operation/TL (A); Electronics Repair/TL (A); Farming/TL (A); Fast-Talk (A);

Filch (E); Forced Entry (E); Fortune-Telling (A); Jeweler/TL (H); Gambling (A); Gardening (E); Guns/TL (E); Holdout (A); Hiking (A); History (Local or Species) (H); Hobby Skill (E); Intimidation (A); Judo (H); Karate (H); Knife (E); Leadership (A); Lockpicking/TL (A); Machinist/TL (A);

Mechanic/TL (A); Melee Weapon (A or H); Musical Instrument (H); Naturalist (H); Navigation/TL (A); Pickpocketing (H); Politics (A); Psychology (A); Professional Skill (A); Running (A); Sex Appeal (A); Shadowing (A); Stealth (A); Tactics (H); Teamster (A); Theology (H); Singing (A); Sport (A); Survival (A); Wrestling (A); Writing (A).

Language: Own Species [0].

Cultural Familiarity: Own Species [0].

[Pursuivant]

Galactic Citizen (25 points)

This is the "background template" for virtually all citizens of the Galactic Federation, and is required for anyone in a position of responsibility or who might have dealings with aliens.


Description:

Spoiler:  

This template represents a typical “citizen of the galaxy,” an inhabitant of a reasonably wealthy, well-governed, law-abiding, and technologically advanced planet within the Galactic Federation who has completed the necessary course of study to become a Galactic Citizen. It can be used as a “base” template when combined with other templates. On its own, it can be used to represent ordinary citizens of the Galactic Federation.

“. . . in the case of Earth, which was a fairly average one, over ninety-five percent of the population consisted of Galactic Citizens. Apart from a small proportion of scientists and medical men, who admittedly did useful work, they were nothing but a great mass of ineffectual, pleasure-loving aesthetes who did not feel strongly about anything, least of all who ran things in the Galaxy.”
- “Occupation: Warrior”

“His parents were not there to stop him yelling, or to remind him that the pretend targets he was shooting down had imaginary people inside them, and that it did not matter what kind of horrible monsters he was pretending to shoot at because they were still people.”

“Some of their other-species neighbors really were horrible monsters, at least to him, and if any of them had visited the house and found him shooting down things that looked like the visitors, his parents had said, they might take offense and consider the whole Hewlitt family to be less than civilized and not call again.”
- Patient Hewlitt (Final Diagnosis)

Template:

Spoiler:  

Attributes: ST 10 [0]; DX 10 [0]; IQ 11 [20]; HT 11 [10]. Secondary Traits: HP 10 [0]; Basic Speed 5.25 [0]; Move 5 [0]; Will 10 [-5]; Per 10 [-5]; FP 10 [-3]. -13

Advantages: Resistant (+3, Disease) [5] and 15 points from one or more of improved Attributes or Secondary Traits. Allies [Varies]; Ally Group [Varies]; Appearance [Varies]; Charisma [5/lvl]; Contact Group [Varies]; Contacts [Varies]; Cultural Adaptability or Xenoadaptability [10 or 20];

Eidetic Memory [5]; Empathy or Sensitive [5 or 15]; Fashion Sense [5]; Fearlessness [2/lvl]; Fit or Very Fit [5 or 15]; Intuitive Mathematician or Lightning Calculator [2 or 5]; Pitiable [5]; Reputation [Varies]; Social Chameleon [5]; Talent [Varies]; Versatile [5]; Voice [10]; Wealth [Varies].

Disadvantages: -20 points from one or more of reduced Attributes or Secondary Traits or Absent-Minded [-15*]; Bad Temper [-10*]; Bully [-10*]; Charitable [-15*]; Chronic Pain [Varies]; Code of Honor [-5 or -10]; Compulsive Behavior [-5* or -10*]; Cowardice [-15*]; Delusion [-5 or -10*];

Fat, Overweight, or Very Fat [-1, -3, or -5]; Gluttony [-5*]; Guilt Complex [-5]; Gullibility [-10*]; Hidebound [-5]; Honesty [-10]; Incurious [-5*]; Intolerance (Ignorant, Violent, or Xenophobic People) [-10]; Jealousy [-5]; Laziness [-10]; Maintenance [Varies]; Obsession [-5 or -10];

Odious Personal Habit [-5 or -10]; Overconfidence [-5*]; Pacifism [Varies]; Phobia [Varies]; Reputation [Varies]; Selfish [-5*]; Selfless [-5*]; Sense of Duty [Varies]; Truthfulness [-5*]; Unfit or Very Unfit [-5 or -15]; Workaholic [-5]; Vow [-5 or -10]; or Xenophilia [-10*].

Skills: Area Knowledge (Galactic Federation) (E) IQ [1] - 11; Computer Operation/TL (E) IQ [1] - 11; Diplomacy (H) IQ-2 [1] - 9; Expert Skill (Political Science) (H) IQ-2 [1] - 9; Expert Skill (Xenology) (H) IQ-2 [1] - 9; Geography/TL (Physical) (H) IQ-2 [1] - 9; History (Galactic Federation) H) IQ-2 [1] - 9;

Philosophy (H) IQ-2 [1] - 9; Sociology (Comparative) (H) IQ-2 [1] - 9.

Optional Skills: Choose 3 points from one or more of Administration (A); Anthropology (H); Architecture (A); Area Knowledge (E); Artist (H); Astronomy (H); Carousing (A); Cartography/TL (A); Cooking (A); Connoisseur (E); Driving/TL (E); Electronics Operation/TL (A); Electronics Repair/TL (A);

Engineering/TL (H); Environment Suit/TL (A); Jeweler/TL (H); Gardening (E); Group Performance (A); History (H); Hobby Skill (E); Leadership (A); Machinist/TL (A); Mathematics/TL (H); Mechanic/TL (A); Musical Composition (A); Musical Instrument (H); Naturalist (H); Navigation/TL (A);

Piloting/TL (A); Politics (A); Psychology (A); Poetry (A); Professional Skill (A); Sex Appeal (A); Singing (A); Sport (A); Survival (A); Theology (H); Writing (A).

Language: Own Species [0].

Cultural Familiarity: Own Species [0].

Features: Taboo Traits (Intolerance (Aliens), Phobia (Teratophobia, Xenophobia, or similar), Social Stigma. Any physical disadvantages not listed above.)