T’sa

A t’sa (pronounced “t-sah”) conveys a constant impression of speed and sharp reflexes. Standing 1.4 meters tall, they are sleek, reptilian humanoids covered in interlocking scales. Their expressive eyes and childlike exuberance make them very likeable to humans.

History

The t’sa evolved from a world resembling Earth’s prehistoric era where dinosaurs remained dominant. Spurred by natural curiosity and a lack of patience, they developed a technological society and founded a star-spanning empire (the T’sa Cluster) before humans even discovered faster-than-light travel. They are motivated by discovery rather than expansionism or power.

Special Abilities

• Action Check Bonus: Natural quickness grants a -1 step situation die bonus to action checks (base die becomes -d4).
• Jury-rig Bonus: Natural tinkering ability grants a -1 step situation die bonus to Technical Science-jury-rig checks.
• Adaptable: Negate 2 steps of penalty when dealing with unfamiliar technologies due to adaptability and keen instincts. Furthermore, when they activate an alien artifact, they have a 25% chance of avoiding any negative effects (this has no impact on artifacts that are always active).
• Uncanny Intuition: Receive a -2 step bonus on awareness-intuition checks. They survive through quick reflexes and uncanny intuition.
• Quick Reflexes: When making a surprise check (to avoid being surprised), even if they fail, they can take an action to move to a safer location. If they succeed, they have the leeway to alert others and completely avoid the ambush.
• Free Broad Skills: Athletics (STR), Covert Ops (DEX), Stamina (CON), Knowledge (INT), Awareness (WIL), Interaction (PER).

Culture & Roleplaying

Everything a t’sa does, they do quickly. They are consummate tinkers, disassembling devices to understand and improve them. They are cheerful, curious, and usually bond with group members as lifelong friends. They excel as Tech Ops, engineers, and inventors, but seldom aspire to violence.