Rilians are a short, slim, humanoid race that spends most of their
time beneath the surface of their planet. They are completely
hairless, with a slate grey skin and thin pale yellow stripes
running down their backs. Rilians have very large refractive green
eyes that allow them to see in the dim subterranean light. Rilians
have long and agile fingers, and a number of retractable suction
cups along their hands, arms, and legs. Using these cups, they can
move along relatively flat surfaces at half normal speed,
regardless of angle. Their small size, inconspicuous color, and
their ability to hang in unexpected areas make them virtually
invisible in their home terrain, and those that have journeyed off
planet have found that many industrialized areas match their home
environment in many ways.
Leaders:
The Rilians are arranged along clan lines, with most disputes
handled by ritual combat, using their oddly angled fighting sticks
that are highly effective against many opponents.
World View:
Rilians tend to have a rather pragmatic view of the universe.
Their home tunnels are often infested by rather deadly creatures,
leading them to believe that the universe is a somewhat irrational
place, where you can die for no real reason.
Temperament:
Rilians have a rather quiet sense of humor, that allows them to
find something worth laughing about in just about any situation.
However, when a situation becomes violent, they are quite ruthless,
slitting throats without a thought.
History and Culture:
Rilians have spent a long time just surviving in the hostile
caverns of their homeworld. When they were first contacted by
explorers from the galactic community, they started contracting out
as mercenaries, in exchange for the advanced technology that they
saw as the only real power in the new, larger universe. They are
quite effective as mercenaries, and command high prices, which they
commonly take in either credits, technology or training. The
Rilian's affection for technology has catapulted them from being
just another race of cave dwellers to becoming the unquestioned
master of their planet. Several Clans are considering planting
colonies on other planets, and several factories and research
centers have opened across the planet.
Tech Level:
An odd combination of the primitive and the advanced. The Rilians
mad dash for industrialization has left several gaps in their
technology where they preferred the old way of doing things to the
best that the galaxy can offer.
Rilians in the Galaxy:
The Rilians have become known as professional mercenaries, willing
to take on some of the most difficult tasks for standard pay.
Relying on speed and stealth rather than muscle, they are not that
effective for those people that want to use mercenaries to show
their power, but they are unquestionably effective. They have also
become known in scientific circles for their inventiveness and
their relentlessness in pursuit of knowledge.
A Quote:
"That'll be ten thousand five hundred credits. Or three of those
new computer spikes."
Spaceships:
Rilians currently use stock and modified versions of the galaxies
most popular ships, though several clans are working on the
production of their own ships.
Stats:
Attribute Dice: 13D
Attribute Min/Max
Dexterity: 2D+1/5D+2
Knowledge: 2D/3D+1
Mechanical: 1D/4D+1
Perception: 2D/5D
Strength: 1D/3D
Technical: 1D/4D+2
Move: 8/14
Special Abilities:
Hide:
Due to the coloration and natural stealth of the Rilians, they gain
a +3D bonus to their hide rolls, when attempting to hide in areas
similar to their home tunnels. This includes just about any grey
toned ceilinged areas, so it is a rather useful skill.
Night Vision:
Because of the efficiency of their ocular system, Rilians can see
in just about any conditions short of absolute darkness. However,
they are uncomfortable in the sort of lighting conditions that
humans prefer, and suffer a -1D penalty to all actions unless they
are wearing some form of vision protection.
Climbing:
Due to their suction cups, Rilians can automatically climb on
reasonably flat surfaces without making any checks, and gain
substantial bonuses in all other situations. However, use of these
suction cups renders them particularly vulnerable to contact
poisons, a fact that those trying to protect themselves from
Rilians have not overlooked.