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Author	Topic: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
NaboosPrincess Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: May '01	Date Posted: 3/12/06 9:04pm Subject: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters - Date Edited: 10/11/06 6:36pm (3 edits total) Edited By: NaboosPrincess
	Please use this thread to discuss the unique aspects of playing alien characters from all over the galaxy (and even other galaxies!) Remember to clearly label your post so readers can easily identify the species you will be discussing in your post. -----signature----- Shark movies bring out a rough crowd. Imperial_Hammer
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NaboosPrincess Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: May '01	Date Posted: 3/12/06 9:06pm Subject: RE: Non-Human Characters
	Here are some tips from the old "Training Grounds and Informational Thread" to start us off! YUUZHAN VONG CHARACTERS Basic Information on the Yuuzhan Vong Answers to Some Questions Basic Information on the Yuuzhan Vong, by KnightHawk (Note: Some of this information will come from interpretation/mild reflection on material presented in the first five books [all I've read so far] in the New Jedi Order series, and some is paraphrasing from the Yuuzhan Vong Expanded Universe and Behind the Scenes files, located here and here, respectively.) The Yuuzhan Vong are a species of brutal, destructive invaders with one goal in mind: either convert the inhabitants of this galaxy to their beliefs, or kill them. They see their fight as a holy war, and not an average 'scuffle'. Some important opening information about the Yuuzhan Vong is as follows: the Yuuzhan Vong are unable to be sensed in the Force, and are also unable to utilize it. They view it as an abomination, equal to mechanical 'psuedo-life', which is seen as an affront to their religion and their gods. They resemble baseline humanity, but just barely, due to their extensive self-mutilation and the presence of many tattoos on their bodies. Honor, religious belief, and sacrifice play highly in their society, especially in this crusade. The gods that they worship have tasked them with a mission that cannot accept failure: claim this 'new land' as their new home. They will stop at nothing to fulfill this quest, even if it results in their own deaths. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The classes of Yuuzhan Vong society hold great influence in how everyday affairs are run, both normally and in the crusade against the 'infidels'. At the very top are the religious, who are said to speak directly with the gods themselves. Blessings for battle come from these deeply-revered beings. Divisions of the priest caste include: Supreme Overlord (membership of one; has secular/religious authority and direct connection with the creator, Yun Yuuzhan), High Priest/Priestess, Priests/Priestesses, Seers, and Savants. The next rank of Yuuzhan Vong social structure is that of the warrior caste, which is considered to be the class favored by the gods. These brutal, pain-loving, combat-adoring beasts are among the most populous in Yuuzhan Vong society. The Yuuzhan Vong military is a vast and powerful organ of their way of life, responsible for carrying out any and all wishes of the gods related to conquest and the destruction of infidels. Ranks include, but are not limited to: Warmaster, Supreme Commander, Commander, Sub-altern, and Warrior. Shapers are among the most important of the Yuuzhan Vong's societal structure. Their work is the formation of Yuuzhan Vong biotechnology, as well as the implementation of these masterpieces of living 'tools'. Ranks include, but are not limited to: Master Shaper, Adept, and Apprentice. Intendants among the Yuuzhan Vong maintain important functions that cater to the stability of the society. They work in fields of commerce, trade, bureaucracy, and slave-labor maintenance. Ranks include: High Prefect, Prefect, Consul, and Executor. The lowest of the castes, and the most heavily populated, is that of the worker class. They perform simple menial labor, and are usually made up of three groups of beings: those conquered in battle, those who failed in another caste, and those who were born into the worker caste. Slaves are seen as members of tbe worker caste, as are the Shamed Ones. These two groups are looked upon with disdain by their fellow workers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Some of the gods of the Yuuzhan Vong religion are as follows: Yun-Yuuzhan -- Also known as the Creator, the Supreme Lord, and the Cosmic Lord, Yun-Yuuzhan is hailed as the chief god of the Yuuzhan Vong. Many pray to him, but only the Supreme Overlord has direct communication with him. Yun-Yuuzhan created the universe that the Yuuzhan Vong live in, and then disfigured himself upon his completion, creating the other gods. His act of self-mutilation is carried out by the Yuuzhan Vong in light of any and all major accomplishments, including promotions and the fulfillment of great tasks. Yun-Yuuzhan is the chief god of the preist caste. Yun-Yammka -- Yun-Yammka is the war god of the Yuuzhan Vong, and is aptly referred to as the Slayer. Prayers made to this deity usually relate to desires for military victory or the swift downfall of an enemy. Yun-Yammka is the chief deity of the warrior caste. Yun-Harla -- The Cloaked Goddess, and also (I think) the Trickster, Yun-Harla is the patron deity of espionage and subterfuge for the Yuuzhan Vong. Many of the Yuuzhan Vong pray to her, be they intendants, her priests/priestesses, and/or military intelligence. Yun-Ne'Shel -- The Shaper Goddess is, quite obviously, the chief deity of the Shaper caste. She is responsible for aiding the shapers in the formation of the Yuuzhan Vong biotechnology. Yun-Txiin and Yun-Q'aah -- The twin deities, Yun-Txiin and Yun-Q'aah, are the goddess and god of love, respectively. They are also the gods of balance. Yun-Shino -- Yun-Shino is the god of the Shamed Ones. He is the only deity for that caste. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yuuzhan Vong biotechnology is just that: living technological developments that aid in the functions of their civilization, be it at home or on the battlefield, as most of these developments are oriented. Below is a list of major biotech devices in service in the Yuuzhan Vong military force. Amphistaff -- This deadly whip-like snake is teh primary weapon of all Yuuzhan Vong warriors. It is able to assume two other forms: the flat shape of a blade and the stiff form of a staff. All three forms are deadly in their own ways, and are made more powerful by the very dense skin of the beasts, which are able to resist the effects of lightsaber attacks and laser shots for quite some time. An amphistaff is also able to spit out venom at a considerable range. This venom has the ability to seep into the victim's body through the pores on the skin, making it very fatal. Thud Bug -- The thud bug is the Yuuzhan Vong equivalent of a thermal detonator, so far as is stated at the official site (linked above). According to information that will be paraphrased from that site, the thud bug explodes on impact, rendering the victim unconscious and prone to serious bodily harm if direct contact is made. Razor Bug -- A relative of the thud bug, the razor bug is a slight upgrade on its concussive fraternal brother: it has a shell that allows it to cut into objects, rending flesh and muscle in seconds. Vonduun Crab Armor -- This living, form-fitting shell is very durable, able to withstand repetitive strong blows from a lightsaber or direct hits from a laser rifle with ease, showing only scars as signs of damage. The armor does have a weakness, however: it cannot handle a hit in the armpit region of the wearer, and will convulse if struck in either of the two regions, crushing the wearer instantly. Field use has shown that the armor is terminally allergic to the pollen of a certain string of Bafforr trees found on both Garqi and Ithor. After the collection on Graqi was razed, an assault was made on Ithor. The planet was burned to a cinder after the defeat of Yuuzhan Vong warrior Shedao domain Shai to Jedi Knight Corran Horn in a one-on-one duel. The string of allergy-inducing trees was eliminated in the gigantic blaze. Ooglith Masquer -- An ooglith masquer is designed for stealth use, and is made with the intent of hiding the wearer from any and all obvious external detection. This is very effective against those who are not Force-sensitive, since the Yuuzhan Vong are walking voids in the cosmic energy field. Voxyn -- This is an example of enemy-specific biotechnology. The voxyn is a creature designed to pursue and eliminate the Jedi Knights, and does so with a relentless fervor. Gnullith -- The gnullith is independent Yuuzhan Vong scuba gear. The creature snakes its own tendrils down the user's throat, entering the lungs. The creature breathes through water, exhaling oxygen into the lungs of the user. I believe that it is able to pull from the water in the user's body, and could therefore be used in the event that a live gas mask is needed by a Yuuzhan Vong warrior. Grutchin -- These creatures were seen in Vector Prime, and information is somewhat scarce. Once released, a grutchin can never be recaptured. The only thought processes this insane creature can handle relate to eating and mating. As it eats, it releases a venomous compound that is strong enough to dissolve starfighter hull metal. Coralskipper -- The coralskipper is a living starfighter made of yorik coral. The 'control stick' analog in this ship is a cognition hood, which reads the thoughts of the pilot and maneuvers the fighter accordingly. The ship's ability to read the mind of the pilot is equal in magnitude to the ability of an amphistaff to understand the commands of its owner. Worldship -- With the loss of so many worlds and resources in a civil war, the Yuuzhan Vong require off-world habitats. Worldships came into existence at that moment. These ships are massive floating chunks of yorik coral, capable of supporting massive portions of Yuuzhan Vong society. Dovin Basal -- A dovin basal is similar to the gravity well projection unit on an Imperial Interdictor-class Star Destroyer, as well as a tractor beam emplacement. It can disrupt hyperspace flow, and make a black hole to deflect or absorb enemy fire, including warheads. The dovin basal is easily confused by alternating blaster fire strengths, so a combination of flicker fire followed by full-blast is able to sneak past it and do damage to the adjoining structure. The dovin basal can drain a starfighter's shields if it catches them in the gravity well. Also, it is a maneuvering device for coralskippers and worldships. A dovin basal was used to destroy Sernpidal in the Tosi-Karu incident that took the life of the Wookiee Chewbacca. Yammosk -- The yammosk is also known as the war coordinator, and is a giant being that is able to learn from experience and prior 'incarnations'. They are spawned, not grown, and retain the memories/knowledge of former spawnings. As such, the yammosk killed at Helska IV, when respawned, retained the memories it had of Jedi Knight Miko Reglia. It then encountered Jedi Knight Wurth Skidder in the Agents of Chaos duology, and recognized his Jedi potential very quickly. Yammosks live in a giant pool of goop, and material found in the AoC duology has shown that constant massaging of the yammosk increases the beast's efficiency, increasing the efficiency of the worldship it is living in. Answers to Some Questions, by KnightHawk Are there any limits to the organic technology? The organic technology of the Yuuzhan Vong is a tricky idea all its own, and there is some difficulty in setting a limit on it. Naturally, they wouldn't condone the shaping of a device that would grant them immortality, even if it did mean that they would forever be able to slaughter infidels. Likewise, as much as death is the great eternal truth, pain is also well-known as a key factor in Yuuzhan Vong society, and anything that alleviates pain would be considered a faux pas of sorts. Essentially, the only limits to Yuuzhan Vong shapings are really devices that would defy their culture and/or beliefs. Anything else that could be imagined could feasibly be made. Do the self-inflicted mutilations practically affect a warriors prowess? Do the Yuuzhan Vong gods even make a physical appearance, if so under what conditions, and how can they affect stuff? Or are they just fabrications of imagination that serve as a boost to morale and excuse for a lifestyle? These are very subjective inquiries, but I'll try to answer them. Some wounds, such as severe scars and burns to oft-used limbs would result in undue, unwanted pain in combat. The result is that the warrior would be at a physical disadvantage from the inability to perform to the top of his/her ability, and would be inefficient. An immediate result of that, and thus an indirect result of improper selection of what honor wounds go where, is the reduction of caste in society, and the eventual drop of the warrior to the Shamed Ones. Where a wound goes, and what damage it performs, must be considered with care, so as to not make something that robs the warrior of efficiency. Any injury that does not maliciously affect the warrior's skill is a helpful wound in the sense that it shows the warrior's honor and devotion to the Gods, including Yun-Yammka, the patron of the warrior caste. In regards to the Gods themselves, it is widely believed that they created the universe, as it is known to the Yuuzhan Vong. However, there is no proof beyond that, that I have seen personally, to denote their existence in what Star Wars would consider the corporeal world. As such, I am left to consider them to be nothing more than figments of ancient myth, and reasons behind the self-mutilation as well as aspirations for higher glory. These aspirations are what lead the Yuuzhan Vong to their suicidal battle tendencies: to endure pain for the sake of their Gods, that they may 'be with them' in the wake of a life that was lived with honor. If you find these answers suitable, then I hope you enjoy them. If you do not, then please let me know. Either way, it was a pleasure writing them. -----signature----- Shark movies bring out a rough crowd. Imperial_Hammer
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Detonating-Rabbit Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 3/31/06 9:00pm Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	The Imporance of Research in the Development of Alien Characters by Detonating-Rabbit There are as many aliens in the Star Wars universe as there are different ways to utilise, and develop your non-human characters in the context of TF.N’s ever-expanding Role Playing Forum. There are many approaches to how you can individually develop your own character, but there are some things you should consider before you commence your involvement in a game. Generally speaking, you will want your character to be original, unique, and memorable; this is one way in which you can leave your mark on the online role playing community. Furthermore, the actual process of developing complex characters – and non-humans are, I would argue, more difficult than the conventional human – can be an extremely useful experience, particularly if you want to provide yourself with a practical challenge to improve your own creative writing skills for future projects. Research is obviously an important task that should be undertaken by any serious writer. All non-humans are different, after all; if it’s not their appearance, then it’s their personality, and for continuities’ sake it is desirable to write and develop your character properly and comprehensively. I find that this leads to a more thorough and accurate development of a character, which will assist you later when you are using an alien protagonist on a regular basis. To highlight my point: if you were to use a Gand as a character (think Zuckuss from TESB, or Ooryl Qrygg from the Rogue Squadron series), it might be advisable to know of the limitations of their insectoid appearance, of the fact that they come from a rigidly traditional society, and that they rarely refer to themselves in first person when they speak. The Iktotchi (Saesee Tiin), for example, are suspected of being telepathic, and to fail to take this into account could substantially limit the future possibilities for your character. Finally, if you wanted to use a species that was quite obscure, like a Vratix, you would have to take into consideration the fact that they are not bipedal, nor readily found offworld. So, research is the first important step towards successfully developing an alien character. To begin with, the internet can be a particularly useful resource for those of you who are looking to discover more about a particular species with which to write. Starwars.com and the wikipedia are useful places for anything Star Wars. Even Google can provide you with an ample amount of sites that could be of assistance. For more specific resources, however, if you can get your hands on a copy of the Essential Guide for Alien Species, or Wizards of the Coast’s Ultimate Alien Anthology, then you’re doing quite well for yourself. When and if you find the material you’re after, there are certain things that you might want to take into consideration. Obviously, any image of the species would provide a useful visual reference. Aside from this, however, any biographical information, such as descriptions of general personality traits, physical traits, and example names are practical. Any further information that you can find, such as any possible limitations on the dialects a species can speak, will assist exponentially in the process of characterisation. Remember: the more information and images you can find of the species you’re after, the better. If you take more into account when you are researching the species, your character will appear more realistic, more plausible, and you will enjoy writing for them even more. Research may be time consuming, sure, but it will give you a substantial edge in your writing – both within the RPF, and with any other future writing projects you might have. -----signature----- "I've never met a zombie that I haven't killed." === "But she bit me! I didn't pay for that!" === "I'm sorry, Jonny. We had to shoot your mum. It turned out she was a zombie in the bedroom..."
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Sith-I-5 Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 4/3/06 5:35am Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	If you are going to create a character based on a non-standard Alien species, or perhaps even then, never assume that your fellow players have the same knowledge as yourself. A good idea, I think, is to include a link to a picture of your species, and give relevant description. One GM that I played with, posted a species that I had never heard off, and had it starting a bar fight. It was one of those rarity's where Google couldn't come up with an image for me, and the tf.n's own database couldn't help, so I had to have my own character, a female Twi'lek, tackled it, and it turned into a minor OOC spat as this creature was twice the size of my character. It could have been avoided if the originator had bothered to provide some description. -----signature----- "The Doctor likes to insult species when he's stressed. Cuts himself shaving, and its half an hour on lifeforms that he's cleverer than." 007 family - DVC's twin brother. http://www.geocities.com/acenhunter/
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Detonating-Rabbit Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 4/3/06 4:50pm Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	Following on from Sith's comments, here are some sites that are useful for images of alien/non-human species: The Star Wars Combine; Good ol' Star Wars.com; Pictures taken from the 'Ultimate Alien Anthology'... And there are many more. Those are some helpful ones, at any rate, and should help with most of the generic non-humans, and some of the more obscure ones... -----signature----- "I've never met a zombie that I haven't killed." === "But she bit me! I didn't pay for that!" === "I'm sorry, Jonny. We had to shoot your mum. It turned out she was a zombie in the bedroom..."
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NaboosPrincess Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: May '01	Date Posted: 10/11/06 6:36pm Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	Upping to save from the auto-lock. -----signature----- Shark movies bring out a rough crowd. Imperial_Hammer
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Sith-I-5 Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 10/12/06 4:37am Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	My thanks to Detonating-Rabbit for those links! -----signature----- "The Doctor likes to insult species when he's stressed. Cuts himself shaving, and its half an hour on lifeforms that he's cleverer than." 007 family - DVC's twin brother. http://www.geocities.com/acenhunter/
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Detonating-Rabbit Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 11/20/06 7:21pm Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	Always a pleasure! However, as I have recently discovered, the Wookieepedia is great as well for images and also includes those from the Updated Guide to Aliens and Species. -----signature----- "I've never met a zombie that I haven't killed." === "But she bit me! I didn't pay for that!" === "I'm sorry, Jonny. We had to shoot your mum. It turned out she was a zombie in the bedroom..."
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LightWarden Registered: Oct '01	Date Posted: 3/23/07 1:48pm Subject: Sense time
	Ladies and Gentlemen, a lesson on Basic Biology: In a vast sweeping majority of situations, different species cannot breed (though oddly enough some of them will mate). Owing to the differences in genetic codes, things don't easily crossbreed with other species. So though you may fancy that Twi'lek's flopping lekku, your human probably won't be able to concieve a child with one. Think of it this way: Humans and primates have some incredibly similar genetic codes... however, owing to tens of thousands of years of branching evolution, they are not genetically compatible (though I hope this isn't an issue you'd normally concern yourself with). Likewise, even if it was a human at one point, a few dozen millenia will make a hell of a difference if a baseline human genetic stock isn't intermingled there on repeated occasions. You might be able to get by with a Near-Human hybrid, but seriously folks, consider a few things: Minor Caveat: Science still has difficulties defining what exactly constitutes a species, so we've got room for argument. 1) We have lots of different kinds of dogs here on Earth... the poodle and the collie are two different looking dogs, but they're still both in the same species, Canis lupus familiaris, and as such can breed freely with perfectly healthy (if strange-looking) offspring. Likewise, some of these "species" may have different appearances, but are able to breed freely with humans... they might just be odd humans (like the Lorrdians, which are humans with a cultural history of mime). 2) Most of the different species on Earth can't breed. However, sometimes some species that are pretty dang similar can crossbreed (such as horses and donkeys, which can combine to form mules/hinnies). This isn't really a common occurrance among most species. 3) Even in the case of half-breeds like the aforementioned mules, a vast majority of them are totally sterile. This means that if you're able to produce an offspring of two sorta-similar species, odds are you won't be able to create a quarter-breed by combining the child with a member of one of its parent species. 4) Sure, there are examples of mules which were able to give birth, but there's only been a few dozen cases of that in the entire history of animal husbandry, and in a majority of those cases, the family tree... didn't fork. Think on that one. So, in conclusion: Please think before making your super-special hybrid snowflakes. If anything, you could do what thousands of other infertile couples do each year and... adopt. -----signature----- CDG Guild Master Strange how one small thing can determine the fate of so many... especially if it's a twenty-sided die The Internet is SERIOUS BIZNESS! It's all fun and games until someone loses a leg. TF.N RPGs: Less fun than pretending to have sex
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Sith-I-5 Registered: Aug '02	Date Posted: 3/25/07 8:05am Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	Bravo. Well, that was a good read. And I learnt something about Bimms. -----signature----- "The Doctor likes to insult species when he's stressed. Cuts himself shaving, and its half an hour on lifeforms that he's cleverer than." 007 family - DVC's twin brother. http://www.geocities.com/acenhunter/
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MasterJassano Registered: Apr '07	Date Posted: 5/1/07 12:46pm Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	But aren't there references to persons born out of a Human-Alien marrage? Like in the Rogue Squadron series, I thought that a Twi'lek man married a Human woman, and they planned to have a large family. And aren't Human-Alien hybrids sometimes referred to as mutants? Just wondering, because I think it would make sense in such a large galaxy with so many similar species that at least some of them would be able to interbreed. And yes, I know that most SW species are incompatable biologically with each other, but I don't think that applies to all of them. -----signature----- Defenders of the Light, stand up and fight! Long live the Light Side!
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LightWarden Registered: Oct '01	Date Posted: 5/1/07 7:02pm Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	Well, there are a few species that can do so, such as the Theelins, whose make-up is such that they seem to have fertility problems with themselves, but not with humans (though their offspring have a high infant mortality rate- go figure). Two such examples of hybrids are Shug Ninx and Rystall Sant (one of the dancers from RotJ). This tends to be an exception rather than the rule. As to the Rhysati and Nawara, it's not specifically stated as to what they did, though I think they adopted. Reason being that if humans and Twi'leks can cross-breed, I think we'd have seen an example of it by now, given the fact that Twi'leks are pretty much Star Whores. -----signature----- CDG Guild Master Strange how one small thing can determine the fate of so many... especially if it's a twenty-sided die The Internet is SERIOUS BIZNESS! It's all fun and games until someone loses a leg. TF.N RPGs: Less fun than pretending to have sex
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MasterJassano Registered: Apr '07	Date Posted: 5/3/07 11:04am Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	LightWarden- Star whores, yep, that pretty much describes Twi'leks, though most of the time it's not of their choosing. Zeltrons, on the other hand, are that way on purpose. But I guess the general consensus is that there are aliens that can interbreed with Humans and other species, but it's rare. Makes sense. I do know that there are many inter-species marriages, but most of them would probably have to adopt if they wanted kids. -----signature----- Defenders of the Light, stand up and fight! Long live the Light Side!
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Mitth_Fisto Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 5/3/07 1:17pm Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	Just wanted to ask a question of those with greater knowledge about what to do when encountering roleplayer (Such as in these boards) that take the positive pluses of a species and not their hinderences or speciesial(SP?) background, in my own experience I always spend at least a few days or even a week or two researching every aspect of my characters race before I even begin writing a bio to avoid these errors. What gets me is that I always seem to run into characters that neglect the differences in their characters biology to that of a human. For example they notice the cool things like for a popular example, a Faleens ability to exude controlling(emotionally) pheromones. But they ignore that this natural trate their character's are not immune to themselves, therefore creating an untrustful species as a whole due its play in natural society. Another point is for a bit rarer uses such as when a player is a Tynnan, Anx, or other species they tend to ignore the species physiological shortcoming such as shortsighted\bad eyesight(as seen in both species mentioned) and capatilize on their strengths. For the Tynnan they focus "Iam the best swimmer and fast witted this side of the Hapes Cluster and I can what your doing from what I saw when you where ten meters away!" When in truth the species they're using couldn't even make facial features from even just three meters away. Or with an Anx they assume a natural supperior nose that can smell how you feel (Even though the race with research, relies on general color changes to tell not scent) and give them automatically the ability to see as well as a human with perfect knowledge of any species weaknessess physiologically speaking when this knowledge is just a common learning in terms of generallity. -----signature----- Pride before the fall Humility before honor Friendship is unnecessary like philosophy like art It has ho survival value; rather it's one of those things that gives value to survival http://boards.theforce.net/fan_art/b10020/25366431/p1/?79
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MasterJassano Registered: Apr '07	Date Posted: 5/8/07 1:26pm Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	Mitth_Fisto posted: Just wanted to ask a question of those with greater knowledge about what to do when encountering roleplayer (Such as in these boards) that take the positive pluses of a species and not their hinderences or speciesial(SP?) background, in my own experience I always spend at least a few days or even a week or two researching every aspect of my characters race before I even begin writing a bio to avoid these errors. What gets me is that I always seem to run into characters that neglect the differences in their characters biology to that of a human. For example they notice the cool things like for a popular example, a Faleens ability to exude controlling(emotionally) pheromones. But they ignore that this natural trate their character's are not immune to themselves, therefore creating an untrustful species as a whole due its play in natural society. Another point is for a bit rarer uses such as when a player is a Tynnan, Anx, or other species they tend to ignore the species physiological shortcoming such as shortsighted\bad eyesight(as seen in both species mentioned) and capatilize on their strengths. For the Tynnan they focus "Iam the best swimmer and fast witted this side of the Hapes Cluster and I can what your doing from what I saw when you where ten meters away!" When in truth the species they're using couldn't even make facial features from even just three meters away. Or with an Anx they assume a natural supperior nose that can smell how you feel (Even though the race with research, relies on general color changes to tell not scent) and give them automatically the ability to see as well as a human with perfect knowledge of any species weaknessess physiologically speaking when this knowledge is just a common learning in terms of generallity. Mitth Fisto; Let me first point out that you are dealing with people who are obviously not quite as concerned about extreme realism as you seem to be. Second, most people don't research their alien characters very throughly. But speaking of research, not all aliens supposedly negative traits that you're describing are even recognized as official. There is much conflict and contention over even basic species traits. For example; Twi'lek females in the films are always shown wearing some type of headband with cones where their ears should be. There is no explaination in the films as to whether their ears are cones, or if it's simply Twi'lek fashion to cover their ears with cones in their headbands. Thus, some sources say that these cones are the Twi'lek females' ears, while others, citing that the males have Human ears, say that it's just something most Twi'lek women wear. My point is that there is simply too much conflict in sources to justify criticising those who do not take into account the species traits that you may have heard of, because they may have heard the exact opposite. For example, the Ultimate Alien Anthology from the Wizards of the Coast SW RPG contains 180 alien species and defines their traits and special abilities and disadvantages. Many players look to this book, and other alien guides by several publishing companies to create their characters. Also, there's the issue of playing against type. You mentioned the Falleen. They are indeed suspicous and untrustful, but that doesn't mean that some might be loyal, trusting, and friendly. And if someone chooses to play a Twi'lek or Zeltron female, it doesn't mean that they have to dress immodestly and hit on handsome males wherever they go. They could just as easily play a tough character that dresses in battle armor and would rather kick that handsome guy's backside than kiss him. There are always circumstances and even just personality quirks that can prompt a member of a given species to act differently than the norm. As to the physical traits (you mentioned eyesight), I so think that someone should take negative aspects of their species' physiology into consideration. I played a Thisspiassian character once, and while their serpentine lower bodies gave me a tremendous advantage in melee combat and enabled me to climb better than most, I couldn't ride normal speeder bikes or anything else that used foot pedals. I also could not disguise myself as a member of bipedal species, run as fast most species, or jump as high as someone with legs. But the lack of legs is a very obvious and un-ignorable trait. As I said before, there might not even be a consensus on a species eyesight or some other little-known trait. So be forgiving, but don't be afraid to inform people about the aspects of their characters that they might not even know about. -----signature----- Defenders of the Light, stand up and fight! Long live the Light Side!
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Saintheart Title: Manager and Wandering Swordsman of the RPF Registered: Dec '00	Date Posted: 5/13/07 7:55pm Subject: RE: Tips/Advice Articles: Non-Human Characters
	On playing alien races, I think a good way to start is to play up the physical characteristics of the species that you're playing. They aren't human, after all. Everything down to the voice of your character could be used. (Tim Zahn, to my mind, basically created a standard for 'speaking Wookiee', or Wookiee-accented Basic, when he surrounded his speakers' dialogue with brackets and trilled the 'r' sounds. [Like this forr example.] Simple, straightforward, but it perfectly describes the differences in a Wookiee speaking Basic.) Has the character got a prehensile tail? Does it switch in irritation like a cat? Does the character dribble something from his nose, which is entirely appropriate for his species, but is impolite in civilised society? Do his eyes have a multicoloured whirling to them? Does his fur ruffle when he's annoyed? A second technique is taking a leaf out of Grand Admiral Thrawn's book and considering the unique psychology of the species in playing the character. The best example I've seen of this (or at least the most hilarious) cropped up in a part of the IBOP. (From memory it was Winged_Jedi ... big surprise ) A member of my squadron was a species that had a high metabolism or something and ate approximately 8 meals per day. The posts for this character were interspersed with the character grabbing extra pies, and thinking about the precise length of time it was until his next meal (during the pilot briefing). I don't think Wings was playing it for laughs. Not all alien races will have the same moral code as humans. A 'lemming-like' alien might see death as nothing really to get rattled about at all. A species that lives 800 years or so might see death as tremendously fearful because they spend so much time waiting for it. Or even the way the race grew up might determine its predispositions: Mon Cals might (no evidence of this) hate Tatooine because it's all sand--a complete opposite to their own world. Iktotchi (with their suspected telepathy) might see subterfuge or deception as amusing rather than annoying, given they could see straight through lies. These things should be as important as personality traits of human characters; they can be played on or used as much as a character's reputation as 'angry', 'sad', or 'kind to small kittens.' -----signature----- Michelle: my Italian queen, my angel, my reason, my wife. Jessica: my little princess, my daughter, born 10 August 2007 Director -- Star Wars: Knighthood
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