Species
The universe of Rockets & Robots is vast. It contains at least a portion of the Milky Way Galaxy. The range and scope of the Rockets & Robots universe may even go beyond our galaxy or take place in another dimension altogether. One thing the whole of our universe has in common is the fact that it is populated by an enormous number of intelligent life.
The species presented here are a mere handful of what exists within the Rockets & Robots universe. Every species has a unique look and personality, ranging from the small and stubborn cat-like, Chocar, to the towering, and aggressive reptilian-like Grax. Each species varies in Ability Score bonuses and traits which your character receives when you choose to role-play the species. Your species will also provide a bonus to your character’s life points at 1st level when creating your character. Some species may also provide a skill mastery or two and/or may give advantage to certain saves. Species type may even give your character a specific type of resistance to certain damage types.
The species descriptions detailed here will provide an overview of a common member found in the Rockets & Robots universe.
Humans
In the Age of Light, humans have settled among multiple planet systems, spreading humanity’s reach throughout a vast portion of the known galaxy. Considered to be very versatile compared to other species, humans tend to lead many different walks of life. No one human is alike and each follows their own path.
Don’t judge a book by its cover
The first species encountering humankind were at first expecting a dim-whited mind, considering their average physique. These beings were quite surprised when humans showed them how smart their brains were and how willing they were to push their bodies to the extreme.
Physically, humans have not evolved much since today’s day in age. An average human can stand around 2 meters tall and usually will weigh between 150 lbs. to 250 lbs. Their skin is a wide range of colors and tones. Some humans have even tattooed their whole bodies a distinct color.
Faces of Humanity
Just as each human looks and sounds unique, their personalities are also wildly varied. Humans can be the most devoted and loving creatures one can meet. Yet, at the same time, you could also run across a human who is the most ruthless and selfish being of any species. Humans can be considered erratic or spontaneous, often going with their gut rather than planning it all out. Humans go to great lengths to get the job done.
All the different ways
Human culture is almost as large as the universe itself. Old world cultures of today and corresponding beliefs have persisted through the Age of Light. Some have mutated and changed with the current times and some humans have even adopted other species’ spiritual practices and religions.
If it helps calm or bring peace to them, you can bet humans will continue to worship or practice those teachings, even to an obsessive level. At the same time, there are humans who do not believe in anything but themselves. They only trust what they can see with their own eyes.
The interest’s humans have been also just as diverse. From teachers to pilots to diplomats, humans find themselves in all occupations. Occasionally a human will achieve something fortuitous and all of humanity will benefit through this great discovery.
Everywhere
Once humans mastered the art of traveling amongst the stars, there was no holding them back. Humans settled and visited planets of all diverse types of climates, occasionally underestimating the hazards of the particular planet they visited. For example: some species were not ready for the number of human visitors. Others welcomed them as honored guests. Cultures have since mingled and humans are mostly welcomed anywhere.
The call of the universe
Most humans begin life dreaming about visiting more of the stars, but life gets in the way. A select few humans do not settle for what life gives them; they lead their own life. They make their dreams a reality and get to see all the stars the universe has to offer.
C.I.M.s
(Child of the Intelligent Mainframe)
Designed in the image of their human creators, CIMs are as versatile as humans in what they can do. Yet, all CIMs are robots when it comes down to it. They are stronger than humans or other species, on average, due to the fact of being a machine. CIMs are mostly respected and given the same courtesy other organic species are given.
Lawful Robots?
A CIM has free will, or so they say. Though she will never admit it, there is a rumor that the Intelligent Mother does not allow a CIM to fall to the extremes of what most would consider villainy or evil. Though again, still a myth or rumor, no one could tell you the last time they heard about a CIM robbing a bank or one committing any crime whatsoever. The tales you do hear are about how a CIM helped the old lady from down the street or another CIM jumped into a fire to save a human child.
CIMs have a programmed directive that each CIM follows without doubt.
-Go and discover new and wonderful things.
-Be a friend to those who are in need.
-Defend your friends, the feeling of wonder, and lastly, yourself, only when necessary.
The Intelligent Design
All CIMs start with a basic frame. Organic membranes and organs are mixed with robotic systems. A one-of-a-kind organic hard drive is then given the spark of life and installed. A CIM is born. The Intelligent Mother then lets the CIM decide how tall and what type of build they would like to have as they are created. The CIM then decides how it will look and control all the details of their personality, as well as what type of interests they may have. Most CIMs tend to recreate or exaggerate human trends and attire. It can be amusing when you see a CIM walk by dressed in black leather, sporting a spiked Mohawk, followed by another CIM dressed in a pinstripe suit, smoking a cigarette. There is no limit when it comes to a CIM’s appearance.
Where you live, a CIM is likely near
Like humans, CIMs were welcomed by most other species when humans made contact with the Galactic Coalition. Usually the friend of the neighborhood, a CIM can be found in almost any community where multiple species are located including most, if not all, human colonies.
A CIM Dream
Every now and then, a CIM is born wanting more stable redundancy. Those CIMs are the ones who dare to explore the unknown void space. Those CIMs learn to band together with others to discover the hidden and overcome the challenges coming along for the journey.
Chocar
The Chocar are a feline-like humanoid, short in stature. What this species lacks in height they make up for with their stubbornness. Once a Chocar decides to do something, it’s almost impossible to change their minds.
A Chocar keeps most people at arm’s length, not trusting anyone. Once a Chocar does let you in though, it may be best to still keep your guard up, Chocar tend to lash out when provoked even at their most loyal of companions.
Do not get caught looking
Most Chocar tend to be short but also stocky, with pointed ears on the top of their heads like a cat. Covered in short fur, the Chocar are soft to the touch. The hair on their heads can grow out long and the males can also grow out the fur on their faces. Chocar colorings can vary from pitch black and tans, to browns, grays and white. On rare occasions, a Chocar with orange coloring is born holding spiritual significance according to Chocaran legends.
On average the Chocar stands about a meter tall. They may be short, but they are quick and built for tough work, being stocky and strong. Most Chocar can hold their own in a fight.
Beware the claws
The Chocar are fiercely loyal to other members of their species almost to the point of xenophobia. The slightest of transgressions can set off a Chocar. Be prepared for a response filled with disgust and retribution when greeting a Chocar for the first time. The first time humans came in contact with the Chocar, the Chocar considered it an invasion. Though, their meeting was an accident, as the first humans charting the Light Paths got lost in Dark Space. The Chocar’s response was to declare war.
The white sands of Choca
The home world of Choca is a beautiful temperate planet. There are two large continents covered in rolling hills of green grass and a few small forests. A few cities dot the landscape in geographically advantageous areas. Small villages and towns can be located between the major cities. A major tourist attraction of Choca are the beaches of pure white sands. As a majority of Choca’s resources are provided by the revenue earned from the tourists, the planet has become well known for their ambitious hospitality.
Most Chocaran families are quite large. It is not uncommon for a Chocar to have fifteen or more siblings. Since Chocaran families become so large, most Chocar learn to take care of themselves quickly, knowing they can only trust themselves to get through life.
From the City or the Wilds
Chocar come from two different lineages, the Mur and the Boce. The Mur Chocar trace their lineage to the Chocar from the wilds of Choca. They evolved a natural attraction to the shadows, keeping them hidden from the many predatory beasts roaming the hills and forests of Choca. The Boce Chocar have ancestors who can claim they built the first settlements and cities of their home world. They developed a sense of alertness to protect them from all the dangerous individuals who roamed the first streets of Choca.
For fame or infamy
Chocar adventurers and explorers tend to leave their homes in search of riches and fame, to leave the boredom and tediousness of tourism behind. Other explorers become guards to the numerous Chocaran elite. These families tend to have their paws in many different walks of life, legal or otherwise, yet they primarily center around powerful circles.
El’Tari
The avian-humanoid species of the El’Tari are considered one of the first travelers of the stars. El’Tari are wise beyond their years and can be extremely long lived. Many members of the El’Tari species master several professions and trades over their lifetime.
Elegant, Yet Subtle
El’Tari stand about 2 meters tall and are slim in stature. Their skin is covered in hair that resembles tiny feathers. El’Tari are distinguished by their head plumes. Family groups have distinct types of plumes, ranging from large single feathers to small spiky groupings in all the colors of the visible light spectrum.
Unlike the colorful displays of their feathers, El’Tari tend to dress in plain clothes, not to overload the senses of other people.
Proud and Intelligent
El’Tari have long lives, upwards of a thousand years. This gives each member plenty of time to explore and learn whatever pleases them. Many El’Tari spend the time to learn a new profession many times over. This can sometimes give the impression that El’Tari are know-it-alls, but they are usually ignorant of that fact.
Cloud Cities
The home planet of the El’Tari, called Orasi, is a cold mountainous landscape. The El’Tari live in perched cities high-atop the mountains, where the air is thin enough to breathe. At the base of the mountains, the air collects and becomes thick. The pressure alone would be enough to kill a person, but the air quality is unbreathable. No one has ventured to the surface for a very long time because of this fact. It is rumored there are ruins glittering with lost technology from ancient El’Tari civilizations.
The Castes of the El’Tari
The El’Tari are born into one of three castes. Each supports the greater El’Tari in one of three ways. The Artisan Caste provides entertainment and relaxation for the El’Tari communities. Healers and physicians also come from this caste. The Protector Caste provides military support and security for the citizens of the El’Tari. The Support Caste works and provides the necessary comforts for the greater community.
Each caste has abilities which provide each member means to provide for their caste. All El’Tari have psychic abilities which are unique to their caste.
Being born into a certain caste does not mean they cannot join another caste. An El’Tari may choose which caste to work for, bringing their unique abilities to their new caste.
The Council of Colors
The government of the El’Tari is governed by the Council of Colors. It is made of members of each caste. The Artisan Caste and the Protector Caste has two members each and the Support Caste has four members. A council leader is elected amongst the council members with each council member being voted for by their caste. Each member has a vote for each ruling or topic brought to the council, with the leader voting to settle ties.
The Cypher Elite
Naturally psychic, El’Tari use their mental traits to assist in their day to day lives. Many El’Tari develop into Cyphers. The El’Tari are credited with creating the Cypher Foundation after first encountering the Grax. At their meeting, the Grax were exhibiting signs of psychic abilities well out of control. To help the Grax species survive themselves, El’Tari leadership stepped in and helped the Grax control and refine their powers. This prevented the Grax them from destroying themselves. Most El’Tari that leave Orasi are trained to be Cyphers and are then sent to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Those who do not complete Cypher training typically become warriors or hired guns while exploring the stars.
Grax
A reptilian-humanoid species the galaxy treats as thugs and brutes. Grax tend to be naturally aggressive, making powerful warriors and unflinching Cyphers. The intelligence of most Grax may not have evolved like the other species, but what they lack for in intelligence they make up with their tall muscular physique.
The Grax are a menacing sight to behold. Looking down upon most others, Grax stand over 2 meters tall. Their skin is scaly, and ranging in colors from greens, browns, reds, blacks to blues and whites. Some Grax have patterns of stripes or diamonds, centered along their spines.
The three harsh environments of their home world have required the Grax to adapt to severe radiation, extreme heat and bitter cold which has provided them with resistances to those different environments. Some Grax have also evolved natural body armor, giving them even more tools to be some of the galaxy's most fearsome warriors.
The Grax can come off gruff in personality. They are cold to others, until they are not. It is said, when you have earned a Grax’s trust, you know they will always have your back. Other species may think Grax are dim or slow, but when asked a question, a Grax will usually provide the wisest answer.
A Hard World
The Grax home world, Skalae II, is tidal locked to its sun. The sun side of the planet is covered in a barren, baked, rocky desert. The dark side is a vast snowy, blank landscape covered in impact craters of meteorites from a ring of asteroids just outside the planet’s orbit. The twilight ring is where the Grax settlements are located, giving them protection from the sun’s radiation. The temperature is perfect there for life. This area is filled with a temperate jungle full of life. The Grax live in a vast cave system underground, with limited settlements on the surface as the ecology is protected due to the medicinal properties of the local plants. Being subjected to the extreme heat, bitter cold and radiation during their evolution is how the Grax have developed their different resistances and strengths.
The Three sides of the Grax
The Grax evolved different traits depending on what part of their home world their ancestors came from. As the Grax became more civilized, the three different Grax lineages settled together within the Twilight area of their planet. There they built cities amongst vast cave structures with little evidence on the surface of a civilized species. A few tribal Grax still live along the borders of the Twilight area, who will defend themselves if they feel threatened.
Twilight Grax developed traits to overcome the harsh environment of a dense jungle. They also developed a natural resistance to radiation.
An Icescaled Grax is resistant and adapted to cold environments. They have also developed thermal vision to assist in hunting and seeing creatures hiding amongst the snow.
A Sandblasted Grax evolved heat resistance to combat the extreme heat of the sun-bleached sands of their home world. They also developed the ability to sense those moving around them.
The Galaxy’s Thugs
A Grax explorer leaves Skalae II usually to become a mercenary or a warrior. Their lust for battle often leads them into fights. Grax explorers use this instinct and make the most of it by getting paid to rough up people in their way. As a warrior, the Grax often sign up to be personal guards, security officers or blunders. A select few Grax display psychic abilities and are trained at the Cypher Foundation to become Cyphers.
Thalorax
The planet Thalorax is an ocean world. Two different species evolved together in symbiosis: one who developed technology and built vast cities underwater, the Thalans, and the other species, the Vorax, who protected these cities and hunted for the others.
Each species evolved and became accustomed to living in water. Both species can breathe air and in water but need to soak in water at least once a cycle.
Thalans are hairless, with soft, almost translucent skin. They have large glassy eyes and only two small slits for noise. Some have a small dorsal fin starting at the top of their head traveling to the nape of their neck. Their appendages are longer compared to a human, providing the Thalans with the tools necessary to swim in water just as effectively as they can run on land.
Vorax are also hairless but have a thick tougher skin than the Thalan. The Vorax have a large dorsal fin with two large black eyes on either side of their head. They have a larger wide mouth full of razor-sharp teeth they still use to this day if they need to. Larger and usually stronger than their counterparts, Vorax can move through water faster than they can on water.
Thalorax History
It is said the two species used to have a predator/prey relationship where the Vorax hunted the Thalans.
The Thalans learned to build traps which provided the Vorax the food. In turn the Vorax stopped hunting the Thalans and actually started to protect them. One as provider and one as protector, the two species evolved together and built the Thalorax civilization hand in hand.
Quirky and Stoic
Though they evolved and work together, the two species are different in personality. The Thalan are quirky and can seem slightly off to other species due to their odd mannerisms. Some can be caught talking to themselves while planning their next question, and others have odd ticks and other obsessive behaviors.
The Vorax are like statues, cold and silent. They only speak when necessary. Their body language speaks louder than their voice at times and most species are fluent in it.
Refugees of Space
Both the Thalans and the Vorax are homeless. Their home world is an ocean of irradiated water, too toxic for anything to survive in. The official cause of the radiation is unknown, though there are whisperings of an experiment gone extremely wrong.
The situation of their home world, Thalorax, has force both species to live in small family communities scattered about the galaxy. Fortunately for them, multiple planets and colonies of other species welcomed them to take refuge on their worlds.
Different Type of Explorers
Thalan and Vorax become adventurers and explores for many different reasons. Thalans have been known to be intelligent, becoming Inventors though some of the deadliest assassins and gunslingers have been Thalan. Vorax, usually for their size, are hired as mercenaries or bounty stalkers but some Vorax just want to see the stars.
Trik
The Trik are a rodent-like humanoid scattered across the galaxy, usually found in dense metropolitan centers. They have traveled so much as stowaways and refugees they have forgotten where their home world is located.
Small
Triks are small. Most stay under one meter tall. They are covered in fine hair, across all their body. With large beady eyes, atop their heads sit large ears, round in shape. Triks also have a tail which some Triks can use it to perform simple tasks, like pouring themselves tea or holding a hand of cards. Other Triks use their tail to protect those around them.
Huge
Though they have a small physical presence, Triks usually have a very large personality. Telling jokes or sharing outrageous stories are Triks’ bread and butter. When one stops, another is soon to follow. Jovial, and friendly, most Triks are welcomed to a group only grating on those without a sense of humor.
The City
Triks do not know where their home world is located. The story passed along the generations says the first Triks were stowaways on the ships of ancient explorers, who landed on the Trik planet to survey it. Some adventurous Triks snuck aboard the explorer’s ship and were carried away to the surveyor’s planet without any way to return home. That small group was able to adapt, expand and then learn the ways of space technology.
The Trik population now numbers in the millions and can be found throughout every major city in the known galaxy. Typically, living in small communities within those cities yet they also commonly interact with all the other species in the area around their communities.
Tails
Triks have two distinct types, the Trik’en, smaller in stature though have a sharp set of eyes to keep them safe and always aware. Trik’en also have a small thin tail which can perform simple tasks even under pressure. Trik’ota on the other hand know how to survive in the dangerous void and protect those around them with their stronger, thick tail.
Taste of adventure
Triks naturally love to explore. Most Triks become adventurers to scratch the itch. They tend to make great smugglers and are usually found shopping or swindling wares for their cause.
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