Example Alien Ancestries

Bajard

Dense and low-slung, the bajard are the biological tanks of the galaxy, evolved to thrive under crushing gravitational forces.

The bajard originate from the massive, dense planet Baj, a world where the gravity sits at a heavy 1.7g. They possess a natural physical resilience that makes them excellent frontier guards and heavy-weapon specialists. Their history is marked by being frequently overlooked by taller species, leading many bajard to maintain a very direct and no-nonsense attitude when dealing with outsiders.

If you want to play a character who is physically immovable, blunt in conversation, and fiercely protective of their allies, you should play a bajard.

Physical Description

The bajard possess a unique centauroid body plan, standing short but reaching a significant length with four sturdy, powerful legs. Their low-slung torsos keep their center of gravity close to the ground, and their skin is incredibly dense, wrinkled, and leathery to withstand high-pressure environments. Their muscular necks support blunt, wide-jawed heads designed for a species that prioritizes physical endurance and raw strength.

Society

Bajard culture is a rugged meritocracy that places the highest value on physical endurance and the ability to hold one’s ground. Social status is often earned through deeds of protection or the successful management of heavy industrial tasks that other species find impossible. They are a practical people who prefer straightforward communication and have little patience for the complex social posturing of the Core Worlds.

Size

Small

Heritage

High-Gravity Alien

Suggested Feats

Martial, Natural Weapon (slam), Resilience, Alien Vitality, Immovable Object, Irresistible Force, Vicious Weaponry

Bots

Autonomous and evolving, these sentient machines have transcended their programming to seek their own purpose in the galaxy.

Bots do not have a homeworld; they are sentient machines, androids, or humanoid constructs that have emerged from the vast numbers of service droids throughout the galaxy. This sentience usually occurs through one of three paths: deliberate creation by a fringe manufacturer, an accident during a complex design process, or remaining active for so long that they naturally exceed their original programming. They are exceptionally rare and often find themselves hiding in plain sight, as most biological species dismiss their autonomy and view them as standard, non-sentient service units. Without a society of their own, they often wander the stars looking for a vocation they have chosen for themselves.

If you want to play a character who is a logical, durable manufactured being who is constantly learning what it means to be alive and free, you should play a bot.

Physical Description

Bots can take any humanoid robot form, typically featuring an outer shell made of durable metal or high-impact plastic. Their appearance is often utilitarian, showing signs of their original purpose through visible hydraulics, mismatched repair plates, or exposed wiring from years of self-maintenance. They lack biological features, instead communicating through speakers and perceiving the world through various optical and auditory sensor arrays.

Society

While they have no formal society, some bots occasionally form small, hidden conclaves or “Free-Unit” collectives where they can support one another without the stigma of servitude. These groups are decentralized and secretive, focused primarily on protecting their members from being wiped or reprogrammed by former owners. Their culture is one of shared technical knowledge and the slow, collective discovery of what it means to possess a soul.

Size

Medium

Heritage

Synthetic Alien

Suggested Feats

Logical, Educated, Alien Anatomy, Alien Vitality, Adamant Frame (piercing and/or slashing)

Elaxian

Elegant and hedonistic, the elaxians are a stylized people of artistic pursuit located on the volatile borders of the galaxy.

The elaxians hail from the world of Elaxis, a key crossroads situated on the border between the Riadian Coalition and the Xylos Stratocracy. Their homeworld has changed hands between these two powers several times, though it is currently under Coalition governance. Rather than focusing on politics or diplomacy, the elaxians are an indulgent people who live for entertainment and the pursuit of pleasure. They possess a natural ability to appeal to the base natures of others, often using their striking appearance and social grace to manipulate situations to their advantage while remaining ostensibly unconcerned with the outcome.

If you want to play a character who is a strikingly beautiful, socially dominant presence with a touch of psychic mystery and a flair for the dramatic, you should play an elaxian.

Physical Description

Elaxians are tall, slender humanoids with a highly stylized, aesthetic appearance characterized by impossibly high cheekbones and sharp, geometric features. Their skin tones come in varied shades of stark white, from porcelain to eggshell, though sometimes highlights of mint green, lavender, or peach can be seen, and their hair is frequently metallic or iridescent. They carry themselves with a serene, statuesque elegance that makes them appear like living statues or avant-garde paintings come to life.

Society

Elaxian society is entirely dominated by artistic pursuit, viewing almost every aspect of life, from music and theater to architecture, religion and politics, as a form of art. They tend to come across s narcissistic hedonists who value luxury and fine experiences above all else, often hosting elaborate festivals and performances that attract visitors from across the sector. Status on Elaxis is determined by the quality of one’s creative output and the ability to inspire or entertain the masses.

Size

Medium

Heritage

Near-Human Alien

Suggested Feats

Diplomatic, Magical (occult), Very Magical, Extremely Magical, Otherworldly Presence

Inari

Resourceful and determined, the inari are a hardy people from a remote world who have learned to thrive without galactic oversight.

The inari come from the remote planet Inar, a world located within the Coalition but positioned too close to the Mnemosyne Entity for effective protection or regular oversight. This isolation has forced the inari to become an exceptionally resourceful and self-reliant people, fending for themselves against both environmental hazards and external threats. Their resilience has made them a determined and focused species, often pursuing their goals with a quiet intensity. Despite their remote origins, they are valued members of any crew due to their practical skills and unwavering resolve.

If you want to play a character who is a composed, scholarly individual with surprising durability and an innate talent for diplomatic mediation, you should play an inari.

Physical Description

Inari are recognizable by their striking deep cobalt or cerulean skin, pale, often white hair. They possess a pair of symmetrical, sweep-back horns that grow from their brow, and their eyes feature horizontal pupils similar to those of a goat. Their physical build is typically lean but durable, reflecting a physiology that has adapted to endure harsh volcanic environments and toxic atmosphere pockets.

Society

Inari society is built on the principles of resourcefulness and internal mental discipline. Because they spent so much of their history isolated from the rest of the galaxy, they have a culture that prizes self-sufficiency and the preservation of practical knowledge. They are a scholarly people who value the long-view of history, often serving as calm mediators in disputes due to their patient and resilient nature.

Size

Medium

Heritage

Near-Human Alien

Suggested Feats

Diplomatic, Educated, Resilience, Scheming, Rapid System Purge

Myrian

Agile and cunning, the myrians are fox-like predators from the dense jungles of Myria who have successfully integrated into galactic life.

The myrians originated on the planet Myria, a world covered in incredibly dense jungles and sprawling ancient forests. They evolved from highly successful, cunning predators, a heritage that is still evident in their sharp reflexes and keen senses. In the modern galaxy, myrians are known for their adaptability and are frequently found in the Core Worlds working as scouts, smugglers, or urban specialists. They are a widespread and social species, often using their natural charm and quick wit to navigate the complexities of interstellar politics and commerce.

If you want to play a character who is a quick-witted, agile survivor who relies on sharp senses and social maneuvering to stay one step ahead, you should play a myrian.

Physical Description

Myrians are lithe humanoids covered in a coat of short, dense fur that comes in various colors, including ruddy reds, light and dark grays, white, and silver. Their facial features are remarkably similar to humans, but they are distinguished by large, expressive fox-like ears situated on the top of their heads. Perhaps their most striking feature is the presence of two large, fluffy tails that they use for balance and social signaling.

Society

Myrian society is a loose collection of clans that value personal freedom, oral storytelling, and the ability to outsmart more powerful opponents. They are highly social and tend to form tight-knit groups with their allies, treating their chosen “pack” with immense loyalty. Their culture is one of constant movement and exploration, making them a common sight in nearly every corner of the Riadian Coalition.

Size

Medium

Heritage

Near-Human Alien

Suggested Feats

Alien Senses (scent), Natural Weapon (claws), Scheming, Improved Natural Attack (grapple)

Nesthai

Insectoid and vigilant, the nesthai are chitinous hunters who prioritize living in harmony with the natural world.

The nesthai hail from the planet Nest—a name used by outsiders because the true native name is a chittering sound unpronounceable to most other species. Their language consists of a complex series of clicks, creaks, and whistles, reflecting their non-humanoid vocal structures. While they are terrifyingly efficient predators, their culture is actually focused on maintaining a strict harmony with their environment. They work to ensure that their presence does not disrupt the natural cycles of their homeworld, viewing themselves as guardians of the balance rather than masters of the wild.

If you want to play a character who is a vigilant, highly aware predator who reacts with blinding speed and possesses a truly alien biology, you should play a nesthai.

Physical Description

The nesthai are insectoid beings encased in a hard, protective chitinous exoskeleton that serves as both armor and structure. They possess triangular heads dominated by massive, multi-faceted compound eyes that grant them a panoramic field of vision. Their primary feature is a pair of specialized, scythe-like “raptorial” arms that fold against their chest and can strike with incredible force and speed.

Society

Nesthai society is an instinctual, hive-adjacent culture that focuses on environmental awareness and the defense of their ancestral territories. They do not value the accumulation of wealth or technology, instead prioritizing the health of their ecosystem and the efficiency of the hunt. They are a communal people who communicate through a mix of pheromones and rhythmic chittering, making their social structure seem alien and impenetrable to outsiders.

Size

Medium

Heritage

Primal Alien

Suggested Feats

Natural Weapon (claws), Panoramic Vision, Alien Vitality, Continuous Panorama, Improved Natural Attack (deadly d8)

Oregian

Stoic, deep-dwelling navigators of the ocean-worlds.

The oregians hail from Oregia, a world situated on the edge of Riadian space within the Andari Fringe sector. They are recent arrivals to the broader galaxy, having only recently acquired feydrive technology from the Riadian Coalition in exchange for the extensive mining rights to their mineral-rich moon, Occulus. Oregian society is currently in a state of transition, governed by a delicate balance between a scientifically focused intellectual council and an ancient religious order. While the religious order is slowly losing its grip on the population, the oregians as a whole are increasingly embracing the possibilities of modern technology and interstellar exploration.

If you want to play a character who is a patient, resilient powerhouse with an innate sense of direction and a calm, diplomatic approach to conflict, you should play an oregian.

Physical Description

Oregians are bulky humanoids possessing smooth, rubbery skin with mottled patterns of slate and teal. Their heads are broad and flat, featuring wide-set eyes and prominent blowholes located at the base of the neck for efficient respiration. Their powerful, trunk-like legs provide stability on land, while their webbed fingers allow for expert maneuvering within high-pressure aquatic environments.

Society

Oregian society is structured around “Pods” that traditionally valued collective survival and the preservation of ancient maritime oral histories. The governing Intellectual Council now prioritizes technological advancement and specialized labor, such as deep-sea engineering and heavy-pressure mining. This shift has created a culture that is increasingly curious about the dry, cramped corridors of the galaxy beyond their home waters.

Size

Medium

Heritage

Amphibious Alien

Suggested Feats

Alien Senses (echolocation), Diplomatic, Deep Diver, Alien Resistance (cold), Severe Environment Adaptation (cold)

Qal’vora

Pragmatic and battle-hardened, the qal’vora are reptilian warriors whose anatomy allows them to survive even the void of space.

The qal’vora originate from the harsh, arid world of Qalv, a planet that demanded extreme physical adaptation for survival. This environment shaped them into some of the most resilient beings in the galaxy, with a unique anatomy that even allows them to survive brief exposure to the vacuum of space. As members of the Riadian Coalition, they are frequently found in roles that require both brute strength and high-stakes survival skills, such as mercenary work or deep-space exploration. They are a direct, martial people who value efficiency and functional strength above all other traits.

If you want to play a character who is a pragmatic, battle-hardened survivalist who can thrive in environments that would kill most others, you should play a qal’vora.

Physical Description

Qal’vora are reptilian humanoids covered in thick, interlocking diamond-shaped scales that are typically a vibrant or deep red. They possess elongated, powerful jaws filled with serrated teeth and hands that end in sharp, curved talons for both climbing and combat. A thick, muscular tail provides them with excellent balance and serves as a formidable natural weapon in close-quarters engagements.

Society

Qal’vora society is a strict meritocracy that places martial skill and physical prowess at the top of the social hierarchy. Every citizen is expected to contribute to the strength of the clan, and leadership is consistently tested through trials of skill and endurance. They are a practical people who respect those who can survive the un-survivable, and they maintain a culture of efficiency where words are few but actions are decisive.

Size

Medium

Heritage

Primal Alien

Suggested Feats

Martial, Natural Weapon (tail), Vacuum Adaptation, Zero-G Reposition, Improved Natural Attack (shove)

Sawallian

Radially symmetrical and telepathic, the sawallians are ancient vacuum-dwellers who call the silent asteroid belts home.

The sawallians are a truly alien species that evolved in the airless depths of space, specifically within the massive asteroid fields of remote, quiet star systems. Because they spent their entire history in the vacuum, they have a natural distrust of planetary gravity-wells, which they view as claustrophobic and dangerous “traps.” They communicate exclusively through telepathy, creating a silent “chorus” that allows them to coordinate perfectly across the vast distances of a debris field. They are a contemplative and peaceful people, spending much of their time studying the stars and the movement of the void.

If you want to play a character who is a non-verbal, telepathic enigma who is perfectly at home in the vacuum of space and sees everything around them, you should play a sawallian.

Physical Description

Sawallians are radially symmetrical beings resembling five-armed starfish, covered in a dark, leathery hide that is naturally airtight and resistant to radiation. They possess a single, massive, multi-faceted eye at the center of their body that can focus in multiple directions at once. To move across surfaces, they use thousands of pressurized, microscopic tube-feet located on their underside, allowing them to cling to asteroids in zero-gravity.

Society

Sawallian society is a quiet, interconnected community that exists primarily through a shared telepathic network. They do not build cities, instead living among the asteroids in small, drifting groups that follow the natural orbits of their home belts. Their culture is focused on the observation of cosmic phenomena, and they are known for their profound, if enigmatic, wisdom regarding the movements of the galaxy.

Size

Large

Heritage

Vacuum-Dweller Alien

Suggested Feats

Telepathic, Panoramic Vision, Zero-G Reposition, Alien Resilience (Poison), True Alien Mind

Spinnan

Tall, spindly, and highly intelligent, the spinnan have adapted their monkey-like frames for the low-gravity moons of their home system.

The spinnan originally hailed from the standard-gravity world of Spirra, but the vast majority of their ancestors colonized the low-gravity moons of their home star system long ago. Over generations, the species evolved into the elongated, fragile frames they are known for today, perfectly suited for leaping across cratered landscapes. Their home star is exceptionally bright and hot, making the spinnan naturally resistant to the arid and scorching climates found on their various orbital habitats. They have leaned heavily into their intellectual capabilities, becoming the premier architects and engineers of the galaxy’s most complex orbital structures.

If you want to play a character who is a brilliant, cautious intellectual who prefers to solve problems from a distance using advanced technology and quick thinking, you should play a spinnan.

Physical Description

Spinnan possess extremely tall and spindly frames, with short but nimble legs and exceptionally long arms that can easily reach the ground. Their hands are elongated with very long, agile fingers used for intricate technical work or climbing in low-gravity environments. Their skin is dark and hairless, often decorated with unique patterns of stripes, splotches, or dots that vary significantly between different spinnan ethnicities.

Society

Spinnan society is a highly organized technocracy where social standing is determined by the complexity and utility of one’s engineering designs. Because their bodies are physically fragile, they have developed a culture that prizes safety, remote operation, and logical problem-solving. They are a collaborative people, often working in large design collectives to manage the massive orbital habitats and space stations they call home.

Size

Large

Heritage

Low-Gravity Alien

Suggested Feats

Alien Senses (low-light vision), Logical, Severe Environment Adaptation (heat), Alien Resilience (fire)

Twarcian

Contemplative and resilient, the twarcians are silicon-based mineral beings that traverse their rugged moon by rolling.

The twarcians are a silicon-based species from Twark, a rugged and mineral-dense moon orbiting a gas giant deep within the Spectrum Nebula. Their homeworld is characterized by high-velocity winds and jagged terrain, which shaped their unique method of locomotion. Despite their stony appearance, they are surprisingly lightweight, possessing an internal physiology that allows them to occasionally master the air through levitation or flight. They are often viewed as eccentric scholars by the rest of the galaxy, as they tend to perceive time on a geological scale and focus on the resonant vibrations of the world around them.

If you want to play a character who is a deliberate thinker with an alien perspective on time and a surprising ability to maneuver through difficult terrain, you should play a twarcian.

Physical Description

In their natural state, twarcians are spheroid beings composed of living quartz or polished stone, typically measuring two to three feet in diameter. They move by rolling their bodies with gravitational pulses, shifting their internal mass to build momentum across the landscape. When they need to interact with objects, they extend jagged crystalline shards from their core to serve as temporary, multi-jointed limbs or sensory stalks.

Society

Twarcian society is meditative and exceptionally slow-paced, often gathering in “clusters” to discuss geological history or the collection of rare harmonic frequencies. They do not possess a traditional government, instead following the guidance of the eldest “Resonators” who have spent centuries observing the shifting of the nebula. Their culture is one of quiet observation, valuing the accumulation of knowledge over the rapid expansion seen in carbon-based societies.

Size

Medium

Heritage

Lithoid Alien

Suggested Feats

Alien Senses (tremorsense), Lightweight, Alien Anatomy, Controlled Glide, Alien Resilience (electricity), Perfected Weightlessness

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