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.

[RyanW]

I've seen the "physically incapable of lying because they have an obvious tell" thing quite a bit (the Gao have it in the Deathworlder series, due to their sense of smell and their expressive ears). I'd like to see such a race that has a racial reputation as liars because "I am an expert engineer" and "I don't know squat about engineering" is the lay of the crest feathers.

[Pursuivant]

Originally Posted by RyanW

I've seen the "physically incapable of lying because they have an obvious tell" thing quite a bit (the Gao have it in the Deathworlder series, due to their sense of smell and their expressive ears).

Yeah, it seems to be something of an SF trope. A variant trope is, "What is this thing you call a lie?" for species which are incapable of understanding that people might tell deliberate untruths.

I'm not sure how you'd handle a species with a physical tell that made them seem like liars when they actually aren't. It's an interesting concept, I just can't think of physiology or game mechanics which would make that happen.

FWIW, the Cinrusskins in the SG universe are effectively serial liars (at least if Prilicla can be taken as being typical in this regard) because they will say whatever it takes to keep people happy and only reveal the truth later, when they can do so in a way that allows them to manage the recipient's emotional upset. (Presumably, a Cinrusskin in the position of having to deliver really bad news will desperately try to delegate the task, or spend hours agonizing over how to manage the situation.)

I gave them an Odious Racial Habit for being "Yes Men," and the only reason they don't get a bad Racial Reputation for lying is because they're so damned charming. I assume that people familiar with the species understand that Cinrusskins lie primarily to avoid hurting other peoples' feelings and usually get around to telling the truth, if only to avoid future social complications. (I could imagine some strained relations when Cinrusskin and Kelgians are forced to interact, however, with great comic roleplaying potential.)

[RyanW]

Originally Posted by Pursuivant

I'm not sure how you'd handle a species with a physical tell that made them seem like liars when they actually aren't. It's an interesting concept, I just can't think of physiology or game mechanics which would make that happen.

It would be more a cultural/linguistic thing the way I'm thinking of it. Their native language uses a non-vocal channel for important semantic functions (like, say, emphasis or negation), and they often mistakenly carry that over into other languages, accidentally saying the opposite of what they intended if the person they're speaking with doesn't catch the secondary channel.

Think using air quotes with someone who has never dealt with a sapient species that had fingers.

[Pursuivant]

Hudlar (FROB) (Hudla, Milky Way Galaxy) (340 points)

Huge, six-limbed aliens from a hurricane-swept planet. Their huge racial template cost reflects massive ST, multiple limbs, loads of DR, and a variety of advantages which allow them to work in space or high pressure, high gravity environments with minimal protection.

Description

Spoiler:  

Psychologically, Hudlars are a practical, hardworking species with few psychological limitations.

Their one technological limitation is that the nature of their home planet makes the practice of medicine difficult, while the remarkably tough adult Hudlar physiology makes it mostly unnecessary. As a result, they managed to build a relatively advanced society without ever developing medical technology.

On their home world, getting food is as simple as going outside for a walk. The gale-force winds that lash the planet blow a variety of organic debris against the Hudlar's bodies, where it is absorbed by external digestive organs. Hudlar traveling away from their planet must have specialized feeding facilities. Even then, Hudlar often forget to eat and quickly begin to suffer the effects of starvation. Portable Hudlar nutrient sprayers are standard emergency equipment in any multi-species setting.

Physically, their bodies are headless, squat, heavy, erect pear shapes with bilateral symmetry. Three pairs of widely-spaced, immensely strong, tapering tentacles are arranged on the underside of the body and serve as manipulators and legs. The front pair is optimized for manipulation but can serve as secondary locomotors. The middle and rear pairs are optimized for locomotion but can serve as secondary manipulators. All have a roughened “knuckle” near the tip which serves as foot. The front pair of tentacles is thinner than the others. All have tips divided into fingers which are curled upward and inward while walking.

The entire body is covered by an incredibly tough, smooth, hairless, dark gray skin, “like flexible armor plate.” The body lacks any orifices except for temporary orifices opened for mating and childbirth. Two large areas on the flanks and back, one on each side of the body, serve as osmotic food-absorption organs, although they can’t be distinguished from other areas of skin without microscopic examination. Off-world, these areas are typically covered by a brownish nutrient spray which flakes off as it dries or is absorbed. An organ of excretion is located on the underside of the body and works in the opposite fashion to the organs of absorption. Waste products take the form of a smelly white liquid.

Two lidless, recessed eyes, one on each side of the head, are protected by clear, domed coverings. A semi-circular fleshy membrane, similar in appearance to a cock’s comb, grows from the top of the body at the back of the head. This vibrates to produce sounds “like a tinny foghorn,” and serves as both a hearing and speech organ. Their tentacles produce muffled thumping sounds as they move.

Template

Spoiler:  

Attributes: ST: 25 (Limitation: Size 2, -20%) [120]; DX: 9 [-20]; IQ: 10 [0]; HT: 12 [20].

Optional Attributes: Increased ST [8/lvl]; Altered DX [±20/lvl]; Increased IQ [20/lvl]; Increased HT [10/lvl].

Secondary Characteristics: Damage 2d+2/5d-1; BL 125 lbs.; HP 25 (Limitation: Size 2, -20%.) [0]; Will 10 [0]; Per 10 [0]; FP 12 [0]; Basic Speed 5.25 [0]; Basic Move 5 [0]; Size 2.

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

Advantages: Acute Hearing 2 [4]; Amphibious [10]; Arms (Enhancements: Extra Flexible, +50%; Long (SM +1), +100%); Limitation: Foot Manipulators, -35%.) [13]; Breath Holding 10 [20]; Claws (Hooves) [3]; Damage Resistance 15 (Limitations: Cannot Wear Armor, -40%; Flexible, -20%.) [30];

Doesn’t Breathe (Limitation: Osmotic Breathing, -25%) [15]; Doesn’t Eat or Drink [10]; Extra Arms (4 Extra Arms) (Enhancements: Extra-Flexible, +50%, Long (SM +1), +100%. Limitations: Foot Manipulator, -35%.) [46];

Extra Legs (4 legs) (Limitation: Temporary Disadvantage (No Manipulators), -35%.) [4]; Filter Lungs [5]; High Manual Dexterity 1 [5]; Improved G-Tolerance (1G increments) [15]; Injury Tolerance (No Groin, No Head, No Neck) [17]; Nictitating Membrane 15 [15]; Night Vision 3 [3];

Parabolic Hearing 2 [8]; Peripheral Vision [15]; Pressure Support 2 (Limitation: Not if DR breached, -40%) [6]; Radiation Tolerance (PF 100) [30]; Recovery (Limitation: Accessibility (Only to regain consciousness when recovering from starvation), -80%.) [2];

Regeneration (Fast, Limitation: Accessibility (Only to recover HP lost due to Dependency), -60%.) [20]; Reputation (+1, Space Workers, Potential Employers (Large Group), All the Time) [3]; Resistant (+8, Disease) [10]; Sealed (Limitation: Osmotic Skin, -10%.) [14];

Temperature Tolerance 20 [20]; Vacuum Support (Limitation: Not if DR breached, -40%.) [3].

Optional Advantages: Arm ST [5/lvl]; Common Sense [10]; Constriction Attack [15]; Damage Resistance (with limitations) [2/lvl]; Fearlessness [2/lvl]; Fit or Very Fit [5 or 15]; Hard to Kill [2/lvl]; Hard to Subdue [2/lvl]; High Manual Dexterity [5/lvl]; High Pain Threshold [10];

Immunity (Disease) [+7]; Improved G-Tolerance [Varies]; Lifting ST [5/lvl]; Metabolism Control (Limitation: Hibernation, -60%.) [2/lvl]; Oxygen Storage [2/lvl]; Pressure Support [5/lvl]; Radiation Resistance [Varies]; Rapid Healing or Very Rapid Healing [5 or 15]; Reduced Consumption [2/lvl];

Resistant (Poison) [Varies]; Single Minded [5]; Talent [Varies].

Perks: Burrower [1]; Low Stance [1]; No Respiratory Intake [1]; Passive Feeding [1]; Penetrating Voice [1]; Separate Speaking Orifice [1]; Standard Operating Procedure (Move Carefully) [1].

Optional Perks: Deep Sleeper [1]; Standard Operating Procedure (Replenish Nutrient Spray) [1].

Disadvantages: Dependency (Native-type environment or Nutrient Spray (Common), Hourly (x4). Enhancements: Progressive ST Loss, +50%; Secondary Unconsciousness, +50%. Limitations: Can Stockpile Doses, -50%; Fatigue First, -50%.) [-40];

Ham-Fisted 1 (Limitation: 4 limbs only, -60%.) [-2]; Hemophilia (Limitations: Accessibility (Only if DR is breached by cutting, impaling, or piercing damage while in less than native G and pressure, -60%.) [-12];

Increased Life Support (Massive) [-10]; Low TL (TL0) (Limitation: Medical only, -80%.) [-11]; No Mouth [-5];

Unfit (Limitation: Accessibility (Only for FP expenditure rate), -60%.) [-2]; Vulnerability (x4, Chlorine Gas (Rare)) [-20]; Weakness (Chlorine on skin (Rare), 1d/minute) [-10]; Weakness (Lying on side (Occasional), 1d/5 minutes. Enhancement: FP lost before HP, +0%.) [-10].

Optional Disadvantages: Clueless [-5]; Hidebound [-5]; Honesty [-10]; Incurious [-5*]; Lame (Missing Leg/Arm) [-15]; Low Empathy [-20]; Low Self-Image [-10*]; Mistaken Identity [-5]; No Sense of Humor [-10]; Oblivious [-5]; Odious Personal Habit (Dour or Incontinent) [-5 or -10];

Pacifism [Varies]; Selfless [-5*]; Self Destruct [-10]; Sense of Duty (Mate or Family) [-2 or -5]; Short Lifespan [-10]; Shy [-5, -10, or -15]; Slow Eater [-10]; Susceptible (-3, Disease) [-15]; Terminally Ill [-50 to -150]; Truthfulness [-5*]; Wealth (Struggling or Poor) [-10 or -15]; Workaholic [-5].

Quirks: Cannot Climb [-1]; Cannot Jump [-1]; Cannot Swim [-1]; Distinctive Smell [-1]; Forget to Eat [-1]; Ignore the Dead [-1]; Lidless eyes [-1]; Messy Eaters [-1]; One Ear [-1]; Weak armor on inside of leg joints (DR 5) [-1].

Optional Quirks: Broad-Minded [-1]; Careful [-1]; Dull [-1]; Emotionally Sensitive [-1]; Forthright [-1]; Humble [-1]; Off-The-Shelf Looks [-1]; Polite [-1]; Shy [-1]; Staid [-1].

Skills: Area Knowledge (Hudla) (E) IQ [1] - 10; Computer Operation/TL11 (E) IQ [1] - 10.

Optional Skills: Brawling (E); Diplomacy (H); Driving/TL (Type) (E); Electronics Operation/TL (A); Electronics Repair/TL (A); Engineering/TL (H); Free-Fall (A); Machinist/TL (A); Mathematics/TL (H); Mechanic/TL (A); Navigation/TL (A); Piloting/TL (A); Professional Skill (Space Construction or similar) (A); Prospecting/TL (A); Survival (Type) (A).

Cultural Familiarities: Hudlar [0]

Languages: Hudlar (Native) [0]

Features: Aliens have trouble telling individuals apart. Can be Poisoned via Digestive Organs. Children require regular “patting” (i.e., beatings) and cleaning. Don’t believe in suicide. Elderly retain consciousness until death. Feed by standing in windstorms and absorbing food substances blown against their bodies. Food compound has distinct, sharp smell, unpleasant to humans in high concentrations. Hermaphroditic.

Infants are susceptible to many minor diseases. Keep names private. Hard to Read. Live underground. Rapid Maturation 2. Sleep on 2.3 days asleep, 4.7 days awake schedule. Switch sex after birthing/siring children. Tend to be shy, sensitive, self-effacing, and peaceful. Two hearts.

Vocal apparatus is bellows-like flap on top of body. Voice is somewhat disturbing to humans (“like a tinny foghorn”).

Physiological Data: Physiological Classification: FROB. Gravity: 4 G. Pressure: ~7 ATM. Preferred Temperature: Unknown, presumably -150 to 145 °F comfort zone, preferred temperature: 72 °F. Height: 6-7’. Length: 8-10’. Mass: 2-2.5 tons. Lifespan: ~100 years.