Near Human: Epicanthix

Sample Image of Near Human: Epicanthix

Species Data

Attribute Dice: 12D (+6D for PC)
DEXTERITY: 2D/4D+2
PERCEPTION: 2D/4D+2
STRENGTH: 2D/4D
KNOWLEDGE: 2D/4D
MECHANICAL: 2D/4D
TECHNICAL: 2D/3D+2
Size: 1.8 - 2.5 meters
Move: 10/13
Homeworld: Panatha

Description:
The Epicanthix are near-human people originally native to Panatha. They are known for their combination of warlike attitudes and high regard for art and culture. Physically, they are quite close to genetic baseline humans, suggesting that they evolved from a forgotten colonization effot many millennia ago. They have lithe builds with powerful musculature. Through training, the Epicanthix prepare their bodies for war, yet tone them for beauty. They are generally human in appearance, although they tend to be willowy and graceful. Their faces are somewhat longer than usual, with narrow eyes. Their long black hair is often tied in ceremonial styles which are not only attractive but practical.

Epicanthix have always been warlike. From their civilization's earliest days, great armies of Epicanthix warriors marched from their mountain clan-fortresses to battle other clans for control of territory - fertile mountain pastures, high-altitude lakes, caves rich with nutritious fungus - and in quest of slaves, plunder and glory. They settled much of their large planet, and carved new knigdoms with blades and blood. During their dark ages, a warrior-chief named Canthar united many Epicanthix clans, subdued the others and declared world-wide peace. Although border disputes erupted from time to time, the cessation of hostilities was generally maintained. Peace brought a new age to Epicanthix civilization, spurring on greater developments in harvesting, architecture, commerce, and culture. While warriors continued to train and a high value was still placed on an individual's combat readiness, new emphasis was placed on art, scholarship, literature, and music. Idle minds must find something else to occupy them, and the Epicanthix further developed their culture.

Over time, cultural advancement heralded technological advancement, and the Epicanthix swiftly rose from an industrial society to and information and space-age level. All this time, they maintained the importance of martial training and artistic development. When they finally developed working hyperdrive starships, the Epicanthix set out to conquer their neighbors in the Pacanth Reach - their local star cluster. These first vessels were beautiful yet deadly ships of war - those civilizations which did not fall prostrate at the arrival of Epicanthix landing parties were blasted into submission. The epicanthix quickly conquered or annexed Bunduki, Ravaath, Fornow, and Sorimow, dominating all the major systems and their colonies in the Pacanth Reach. In addition to swallowing up the wealth of these conquered worlds, the Epicanthix also absorbed their cultures, immersing themselves in the art, literature and music of their subject peoples.

Imperial scouts reached Epicanthix - on the edge of the Unknown Regions - shortly after Palpatine came to power and declared his New Order. The Epicanthix were quick to size up their opponents and - realizing that battling Palpatine's forces was a losing proposition - quickly submitted to Imperial rule. An Imperial governor was installed to administer the Pacanth Reach, and worked with the Epicanthix to export valuable commodities (mostly minerals) and import items useful to the inhabitants. The Epicanthix still retain a certain degree of autonomy, reigning in conjunction with the Imperial governor and a handful of Imperial Army troops.

Quite a few Epicanthix left Panatha after first contact with the Empire, although many returned after being overwhelmed by the vast diversity and unfathomable sights of the Empire's worlds. Some Epicanthix still venture out into the greater galaxy today, but most eventually return home after making their fortune. The Epicanthix are content to control their holdings in the Pacanth Reach, working with the Empire to increase their wealth, furthering their exploration of cultures, and warring with unruly conquered peoples when problems arise.

Special Abilities:
Cultural Learning: At the time of character creation only, Epicanthix characters receive 2D for every 1D of skill dice they allocate to cultures, languages or value.

Story Factors:
Galactic Naivete: Since the Epicanthix homeworld is in the isolated Pacanthe Reach section, they are not too familiar with many galactic institutions outside of their sphere of influence. They sometimes become overwhelmed with unfamiliar and fantastic surroundings of other worlds far from their own.