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Humans Humans, from the planet Earth, are the newest sentient species of notable size to enter the galactic stage and are the most rapidly expanding and developing. They independently discovered a Prothean data cache on Mars in 2148, and the mass relay networks shortly thereafter.
Human Trait
Human Culture Humans are generally seen to be very intelligent, abnormally ambitious, highly adaptable, individualistic and thus, unpredictable. They have a powerful desire to advance and improve themselves, and do so with such assertion that the normally st aid Council races have been taken aback by their restlessness and relentless curiosity.
>> Start with two extra Attribute points. >> Train one extra Skill. >> Fate +1. >> Cannot start with ve in any Attribute. >> Prejudiced by Turian and
Batarian.
Play a Human If You Want To... >> >> >> >> >>
Play a jack of all trades. Explore how a new species ts in the Galactic politics. Be exible in what you can do. Roleplay an up and comer. Make an avatar of yourself.
Physical Qualities >> >> >> >>
Average Height: 1.7m Average Weight: Weight: 75 kg. Average Life Span: 130 years. Species with the greatest genetic diversity.
Home World: Earth The homeworld and capital of humanity is entering a new golden age. The resource wealth of a dozen settled colonies and a hundred industrial outposts ows back to Earth, fueling great works of industry, commerce, and art. The gr eat cities are greening as arcology skyscrapers and telecommuting allow more efcient use of land. Earth is still divided among nation -states, though all are afliated beneath the overarching banner of the Systems Alliance. While every Human enjoys longer and better life than ever, the gap between rich and poor widens daily. Advanced nations have eliminated most genetic disease and pollution. Less fortunate regions have not progressed beyond 20th century technology, and are often smog -choked, overpopulated slums. Sea levels have risen two meters in the last 200 years, and violent weather is common due to environmental damage inicted during the late 21st century. The past few decades, however, have seen signicant improvement due to recent technological advances.
The Earth's economy, while much smaller than any of the Council races, is very powerful relative to their size, and their military prowess is amongst the greatest in the galaxy, despite the fact that only 3% of humans volunteer for the Alliance military, a far smaller proportion than other races. Their ability to engage the Turians in the First Contact War demonstrated graphically the potential of human military strength and is therefore a subject of concern for many races, who fear the consequences of another Human -Turian conict. The discovery of the Martian ruins fundamentally united the inhabitants of Earth, resulting in the swift and sudden culmination of the pan -global c ultural identity that had had been slowly but steadily developing since the 21 st centu ry. Upon the foundation of the Systems Alliance, Hu mans began to see themselves as a single, collec tive group: Human as opposed to alien.
Common Characteristics Optimistic, ambitious, headstrong, stubborn and hopeful.
Common Male Names John, James, David, Robert, Michael, Dale, William, Jack or Christopher.
Common Female Names Ashley, Jane, Maria, Anne, Laura, Sarah, M ichelle or Jessica.
Example Human Character John Jenkins was born on April 11, 2154, and was a Private in the Systems Alliance before being kicked out for refusing to follow an order he saw as immoral by one of his superiors. Now, he works as a freelancing Merc for hire. Though not many are hiring him right now.
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Asari The Asari, native to the planet Thessia, are often considered the most inuential and respected sentient species in the galaxy, and are known for their elegance, diplomacy, and biotic aptitude. This is partly due to the fact that the Asari were among the earliest races to achieve interstellar ight after the Protheans, and the rst to discover and settle the Citadel. A mono-gender race, the Asari are distinctly feminine in appearance and possess maternal instincts. Their unique physiology, expressed in a millennium-long lifespan and the ability to reproduce with a partner of any gender or species, gives them a conservative yet convivial attitude toward other races. Favoring compromise and cooperation over conict, the Asari were instrumental in proposing and founding the Citadel Council and have been at the heart of galactic society ever since.
Asari Trait >> Has the Natural Biotic trait (This is a free trait). >> +1 Culture, Command, and Conversation. >> +2 Max Inuence. >> Can Mind Meld with another creature with permission.
-2 Maximum Strength. >> -1 Maximum Focus. >> -2 Recovery. >>
Play an Asari If You Want To... Be the strongest possible Biotic. >> Can use your charms to navigate navigate the Galaxy. >> Want to be well-respected wherever you go. member of your group. >> Be an important social member >> Play as an ancient being who’s lived through centuries. >>
Physical Qualities >> >> >> >> >> >>
Average Height: 1.5m Average Weight: 70 kg. Average Life Span: 1000 years. Blue to purple complexion. Feminine mono -gendered species. Semi-exible, cartilage based scalp crests on head.
Home World: Thessia The Asari homeworld has been called the "crown jewel of the galaxy," the "apex of democracy," and the "beating heart of galactic love." Its republics have a remarkably low incidence of war, disease, violent crime or famine, riding a stable economy backed by wealthy colonies and Thessia's vast element zero reserves. Traces of eezo in the water and soil are so common that most life on Thessia has adapted to its presence.
Asari Culture Because of their long lifespan, Asari tend to have a "long view" not common in other races. When they encounter a new species or situation, the Asari are more comfortable with an extended period of passive observation and study than immediate action. They are unfazed that some of their investments or decisions may not pay off for decades or centuries. Matriarchs can seem to make incomprehensible decisions, but their insight is evident when their carefully-laid plans come to fruition. In interstellar relations, this long view manifests in the unspoken policy of centrism. Traditionally, Asari spread their inuence through cultural domination and intellectual superiority. They invite new species of advanced development to join the galactic community, knowing that their ideals and beliefs will inevitably inuence the existing culture. T he Asari tend toward com munal, consensus attitudes among themselves too: for example, they prefer to live in shared spaces aboard starships even if there are alternatives available. Asari believe that their offspring acquire the best qualities of the "father" from the melded genes, but evidence is anecdotal. They frown upon intraspecies conception, since genetic traits and cultural insight is gained from mating outside their species, so it's considered wasteful for Asari to reproduce together. The results of such unions are occasionally referred to as "purebloods", a great insult among contemporary Asari. A rare genetic defect known as Ardat -Yakshi, which makes Asari destroy the partner's mind during melding, occurs much more frequently among the daughters of purebloods.
Common Characteristics Mediatory, wise, sensual, elegant, and diplo matic.
Common Female Names Aria, Liara, Morinth, Samara, Nassa, Shiana, Nyxanna or Benezia
Example Asari Character Liara is a young (103) Asari with a mother who is an inuential Matriarch in Asari culture. She becomes an archaeologist due to her interest in the Protheans, but can easily protect herself with her well -trained Biotic abilities.
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Turians Known for their militaristic and disciplined culture, the Turians were the third race to join the Citadel Council. They gained their Council seat after defeating the hostile Krogan for the Council during the Krogan Rebellions. The Turians deployed a Salarian -created biological weapon called the genophage, which virtually sterilised the Krogan and sent them into a decline. The Turians then lled the peacekeeping niche left by the once cooperative Krogan, and eventually gained a Council seat in recognition of their efforts.
Turian Trait >> +1 Command, Small Arms and
Tactical.
>> +1 Focus. >> +2 to Assist ing someone else. >> -2 Max Resources. >> -4 to Spare Time rolls acquiring resources. >> Prejudiced by Krogan.
Play a Turian If You Want To... >> >> >> >> >>
Be a military mind. Be a devoted teammate. Win at all costs. Play a member of a rigid society. Be a respected presence of authority in the galaxy.
Turian Culture Since the Unication War, turians normally wear elaborate tattoos marking their colony of origin, though it is not known which markings distinguish which colony or if color has any m eaning. These markings are usually white — particularly on turians with darker carapaces — but can be of other colors such as blue for Garrus Vakarian or red for Nyreen Kandros. The lack of facial markings is looked down upon in turian society; the turian term "barefaced" refers to one who is beguiling or not to be trusted. It is also a slang t erm for politicians. Turians are noted for their strong sense of public service. It is rare to nd one who puts his needs ahead of the group. Every citizen from age 15 to 30 serves the state in some capacity, as anything from a soldier to an administrator, from a construction engineer to a sanitation w orker. Turians have a strong inclination toward public service and self -sacrice, so they tend to be poor entrepreneurs. To compensate, they accepted the mercantile Volus as a client race, offering protection in exchange for their scal expertise.
Common Characteristics Disciplined, stubborn, proud, authoritaand seless.
tive
Common Male Names
Physical Qualities >> >> >> >> >> >>
Average Height: 2m Average Weight: Weight: 90 kg. Average Life Span: 150 years. Greyish coloured metallic carapaces. carapaces. Mandibles instead of a mouth. Elaborate tattoos on their face,
Home World: Palaven When the Turians were introduced to the galactic community, an Asari diplomat poetically described their homeworld, Palaven, as “a silver world of fortresses and re. ” Because Palaven's weak magnetic eld is a poor shield from its sun, most of the planet's animal life developed metallic carapaces as defenses against solar radiation. Its photosynthetic life is similarly impressive, shutting down vulnerable metabolic processes during daylight hours and repairing cellular damage at night.
Septimus, Garrus, Galsius, Kaelus, Auso or Arbius.
Common Female Names Vetra, Talonia, Maevia, Naelia, Tuvea
Example Turian Character Garrus Vakarian is a former C -Sec ofcer who has become fed up w ith the bureaucratic nonsense and taken matters into his own hands. Travelling to Omega, the Spectre candidate candidate vowed to try and rid the asteroid asteroid of crime.
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Salarians The second species to join the Citadel, the Salarians are warm-blooded amphibians native to the planet Sur'Kesh. Salarians possess a hyperactive metabolism; they think fast, talk fast, and move fast. To Salarians, other species seem sluggish and dull -witted, especially the Elcor. Unfortunately, their metabolic speed leaves them with a relatively short lifespan; Salarians over the age of 40 are a rarity. Salarians are known for their observational capability and non -linear thinking. This manifests as an aptitude for research and espionage. They are constantly experimenting and inventing, and it is generally accepted that they always know more than they are letting on.
Salarian Trait >> +2 Intelligence. >> +1 Biotech, Leadership and Me dicine >> Do not suffer an inuence penalty for unethical research, >> -2 Maximum Strength. >> -3 to all Skill rolls of Untr Untrained ained Skills
(normally –2). >> Prejudiced by Krogan.
Salarian Culture The Salarians see information gathering and even spying as a matter of course when dealing with other races, but to them this is not underhanded: they simply embrace the dictum of "knowledge is power". Alliance counterintelligence agencies are constantly uncovering Salarian agents and cyber -warfare incursions, but there is little they can do to stop them. As a Salarian information broker once told David Anderson, "Your species has been transmitting data across the extranet for less than a decade. My species has been directing the primary espionage and intelligence operations for the Council for two thousand years." Normally, the rare Salarian females are cloistered on their worlds out of tradition and respect. Powerful female Dalatrasses are dynasts and political kingpins. They determine the political course of their respective regions through shrewd negotiation. Though male Salarians rise to positions of great authority in business, academia, or the military, they rarely have any input on politics; one notable exception to this rule is Valern, a male Salarian representing his race on the Citadel Council in 2183.
Common Characteristics Play a Salarian If You Want To... >> >> >> >> >>
Play a smart -ass. Play an energetic character. Prioritize subterfuge. Have many secrets. Always be thinking two steps ahead.
Smart, energetic, hyper, clever, and calculated.
Common Clan Names Mordin, Bekarth, Harnum or Laesoln
Common Male Names Solus, Zoss, Namal or Anoleis
Physical Qualities >> >> >> >> >>
Average Height: 1.9m Average Weight: Weight: 70 kg. Average Life Span: 40 years. Varying skin colours colours Tall, thin amphibian like bodies.
Home World: Sur Kesh ’
The Salarian homeworld has been likened to the jungles of Earth: pretty to look at, teeming with life, uncomfortable to live in and dangerous to the unwary. The technophilic Salarians had signicant pollution and waste problems early in the development of their society. They also embraced social solutions just as quickly, and through complex breeding rules, Sur'Kesh now maintains a crowded but sustainable population. The planet tends to be wetter than Earth, and Salarian cities spare no expense to collect and provide fresh water, as one might expect from an amphibious species.
Common Female Names Esheel, Namala, Erhin, or Rulsa
Example Human Character Mordin Solus is a Salarian geneticist, professor, and a former operative of the Special Tasks Group, where he per formed reconnaissance and participated in the modication of the genophage. In 2185, he is recruited by Commander Shepard to assist in a high -risk mission against the Collectors. Mordin has a moral character best described as consequentialistic, believing the ends justify the means, t hough he dislikes taking life without good cause. His actions are often guided by an impersonal logic, refusing to let his conscience, personal, and emotional connections cloud his judgment of what he believes is truly best in the big picture. Though he is affable, quick -talking and friendly, Mordin bears physical scars of his time in the STG and is still handling the consequences of his past.
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Krogans The Krogan are a species of large reptilian bipeds native to the planet Tuchanka, a world known for its harsh environments, scarce resources, and overabundance of vicious predators. The Krogan managed to not only survive on their unforgiving homeworld, but actually thrived in the extreme conditions. Unfortunately, as Krogan society became more technologically advanced, so did their weaponry. The end r esult is that they destroyed their homeworld in a nuclear war that reduced their race into primitive warring tribes. The rest of Krogan history was no kinder, being aficted by the genophage, a fertility illness created by the Salarians and deployed by the Turians to cut the fertility of females to slow the growth to 1 in 1000.
Krogan Trait >> Has the Regen Splice trait but treat it as though
it were not an implant. (This is a free trait). >> +2 Defense. >> +1 Armor. >> +1 Strength. >> -3 to all non -personal combat rolls for 12 hours after personal combat. >> Cannot assist or be assisted. >> -2 Maximum Intelligence. >> Prejudiced by Turian and Salarian.
Play a Krogan If You Want To... >> >> >> >> >>
Be the strongest. Tackle the morally gray genophage issue. Live for the ght. Have a chip on your shoulder. Not be the sharpest tool in the shed.
Physical Qualities >> >> >> >>
Average Height: 2.2m Average Weight: Weight: 150 kg. Average Life Span: 1000 years. Species with the greatest genetic diversity.
Krogan Culture The harsh Krogan homeworld conditioned the K rogan psychology for toughness just as it did the body. Krogan have always had a tendency to be selsh, unsympathetic, and blunt. Sometimes, when Krogan disagree, one of them will head -butt the other to show dominance. They respect strength and self-reliance and are neither surprised nor offended by treachery. Their worst insult is to call someone "not worth killing". The weak and seless do not live long. In their culture, "looking out for number one" is simply a matter of course. Krogan have powerful territorial instincts which serve them well in combat, but can create problems; when traveling on starships, for example, Krogan nd sharing quarters nearly impossible. Most Krogan trust and serve no one but themselves. This solitary attitude stems in part from a deep sense of fatalism and futility, a profound social effect of the genophage that caused Krogan numbers to dwindle to a relative handful. Not only are they angry that the entire galaxy seems out to get them, the Krogan are also generally pessimistic about their race's chances of survival. The surviv ing Krogan see no point to building for the future; there will be no future. The Krogan live with a gen erally violent and short -sighted attitude of personal gain.
Common Characteristics Solitary, strong, steadfast, stubborn, and fatalistic.
Common Clan Names Urdnot, Thax, Weyrloc, Gatatog or Raik.
Common Male Names Wrex, Wreav, Torn, Hird, or Strigg.
Common Female Names Zrero, Bakara, Haxe, Geyasa, or Grarni.
Home World: Tuchanka Scarred by bombardment craters, radioactive rubble, choking ash, salt ats, and alkaline seas, Tuchanka, the Krogan homeworld, can barely support life. Thousands of years ago life grew in erce abundance under the F-class star Aralakh (a Raik clan word meaning "Eye of Wrath"). Tr ee analogs grew in thick jungles, their r oots growing out of shallow silty seas. Life fed upon life in an evolutionary crucible. This world died in nuclear restorms after the Krogan split the atom. A "little ice age" of nuclear winter killed off the remaining plant life. In recent centuries many Krogan have returned to their homeworld. The reduced albedo has caused global temperatures to rise. In order to maintain livable temperatures, a vast shroud was assembled at the L1 Lagrange point. It is maintained by the Council Demilitarization Enforcement Mission (CDEM) which is based on orbiting battlestations.
Example Krogan Character A famed Krogan mercenary and bounty hunter, Urdnot Wrex is also one of the last Krogan Battlemasters: rare individuals who combine powerful biotic abilities with the devastating repower of advanced weaponry. Despite his chosen path of violence and killing for credits, Wrex is deeply concerned with the fate of his people after the genophage, and is one of the few planning for a new Krogan future.
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Quarians The Quarians are a nomadic species of humanoid aliens known for their skills with technology and synthetic synthetic intelligence. Approximately three hundred years before the events of 2183, the Quarians created the Geth, a species of rudimentary articial intelligences, to serve as an e fcient source of manual labor. However, when the Geth gradually became sentient, the Quarians became terried of possible consequences and tried to destroy their creations. The Geth won the resulting war and forced their creators into exile. Now the Quarians wander the galaxy in a otilla of salvaged ships, secondhand vessels, and recycled technology.
Quarian Trait +1 Mechanics, Engineering, and Medicine +4 in acquiring Research or Trade Goods while on an unexplored planet. >> Can break down looted materials into a trade good every 2 weight (rather than 4). >> -1 Fate. >> -4 Defense to poisons and diseases. >> Requires environmental outt or is suppre ssed at the start of each turn. You die if suppressed for three turns this way. >> >>
Play a Quarian If You Want To... >> >> >> >> >> >>
Want to feel like a wanderer. Are interested in lost relics. Want to hustle for everything you get. Tackle AI-centric themes. Teeth on the edge of death. Have techy inclinations.
Quarian Culture The Quarians' top priority is the survival and sustainability of the Migrant Fleet. Most of their laws and customs revolve around this goal. It is illegal for couples to have more than one child, so that the eet can maintain zero population growth (if the population begins to shrink, t his rule is temporarily lifted, and incentives may be provided to encourage multiple births). Families are thus very small and close -knit. Because every Quarian depends on his or her crewmates to survive, they are much more community-minded than individualistic species like the Krogan. Loyalty, trust, and cooperation are highly prized qualities. Even in their ancient past they were very emotional people, which the Protheans believed was a side-effect of their eco -symbiotic society. Young Quarians are required to undertake a Pilgrimage outside the eet in order to pass into full adulthood. The Pilgrimage is an opportunity for Quarians to experience the world outside the Migrant Fleet, interact with other cultures, and learn to appreciate life among their own people. The young Quarian cannot return to the otilla until they have found something of value to bring back - whether information, money, or supplies. When they return, they do not go back to their birth ship, but instead se lect a new ship to join; this helps maintain genetic diversity by preventing intermarriage be tween close relatives. The Quarian presents their gift to the captain of the new ship to prove they will not be a burden on the crew.
Common Characteristics Scrappy, loyal, resourceful, clever and hopeful.
Physical Qualities >> >> >> >> >>
Average Height: 1.6m Average Weight: Weight: 65 kg. Average Life Span: 130 years. Wear patterned environmental suits suits and masks that cover their face. face. Have three ngers/toes and bowed legs.
Home World: The Migrant Fleet/Rannoch Since their homeworld Rannoch was conquered by the Geth, the quarians live aboard the Migrant Fleet, a huge collection of starships that travel as a single eet. The Migrant Fleet is a collection of new and not -so-new ships that provide the backbone of all of Quarian culture. Most Quarians do not leave the Fleet, with the exception of their pilgrimage, and it is rare to see a non -Quarian species aboard the Fleet for fear of infection. The Migrant Fleet is also known as the Flotilla to the Quarians.
Common Male Names Kal, Han, Hilo, Lemm, or or Veetor.
Common Female Names Tali, Lia, Feda, Jaenni, or Saena.
Example Human Character Tali'Zorah nar Rayya is a Quarian and a member of Commander Shepard's squad. She is the daughter of Rael'Zorah, a member of the Admiralty Board. Though young, Tali is a mechanical genius. She is on her Pilgrimage, the rite of passage to prove her worth and bring something of value back to her people aboard the Migrant Fleet.
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