Description
Termanid are enigmatic beings known for their distinct appearance and peculiar cultural practices. With an average height of 4 feet and slender, lightweight frames, typically weighing between 40 to 80 lbs, these creatures possess an unsettling visage characterized by skeletal faces ending in menacing, razor-toothed mouths. Their small antennae and large bulbous sensors, resembling eyes but functioning as unique psionic tools, allow them to navigate their surroundings with remarkable efficiency. Emitting a chittering, insectoid sound during conversations, Termanid often find themselves at odds with other races due to their stark differences.
Termanid are deeply rooted in a hive-like society, emphasizing collective harmony and a strong sense of communal living. Their inherent reliance on each other leads to distinct and sometimes perplexing social behaviors, further isolating them from the larger population. Intricate and complex systems govern their societal structures, making them appear alien and enigmatic to those unfamiliar with their ways.
Given their preference for living in tightly-knit colonies, encountering individual Termanid outside their societal framework is a rare occurrence. Consequently, those who venture into the broader world face substantial discrimination, suspicion, and various challenges in navigating the intricate web of Tarisia’s social fabric. The general populace often regards them with a mix of fear and distrust, wary of their unfamiliar customs and strange behavior.
Termanid are naturally gifted with Psi, granting them a distinct advantage in the savage wild. The bulbous sensors on their heads serve as psionic-eyes, enabling them to “see” in complete darkness and detect otherwise invisible threats. This natural aptitude for the mental powers of Psi, combined with their resilience, make them formidable adversaries.
Naming Conventions
Commonly born as one of hundreds within a wild colony, Termanid tend to lack individual identity until venturing out on their own, for this reason, their names tend to be given to them by those they meet in Tarisia and are often reflective of their distinctive chittering.
Examples include: T’zix, Chirruk, Zynk, Xertha, Ziktik, Chktk, Xhuk, Thryz, Vixz, Chyxx.
Characteristics
In Progress
These Racial Edges are a Work in Progress and subject to change!
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Attuned at Birth: Termanid are naturally attuned to Psi and begin with Arcane Background (Psi) and the following powers: mind link, detect psi
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Mentally Strong: Termanid are naturally strong Psions and have the Mental Resistance Edge.
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Chitin Armor: Termanids have a chitin exoskeleton that provides a natural +2 Armor.
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Inhuman Voice: Termanids have no vocal cords and replicate language sounds using the chittering and clicking noises created by their mandibles. It sounds vaguely like language, and can sometimes be understood, but has a distinctly unnatural feel to it. They suffer –2 to all Persuasion or Performance rolls that require speaking, and Language skills other than Termanid.
Additionally, they cannot take Arcane Background (Sorcery) as they cannot articulate the precise incantations necessary for spell casting.
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No Vital Organs: Termanid have unusual physiology, combined with their natural psionic senses, called shots against them do no extra damage.
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Sensory Abilities: Termanid have underdeveloped eyes, and “see” through a combination of sensory organs and innate Psi power. They halve Illumination penalties, even against invisible opponents.
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Outsider (Major): Termanid are feared and ostracized culturally due to the brutal consuming nature of their species. They suffer a –2 penalty on Persuasion rolls when not dealing with other Termanid, and are generally unwelcome in major city-states.