Etecoon

Spritely, wide-eyed simianforms who lived in wild places on the fringe of society for many years. Regarded as wild animals until somewhat recently, when they decided to reveal their intelligence and integrate into galactic society. Warm, curious, and active, Etecoons take on all kinds of roles amenable to their somewhat diminutive stature and canny ability.

Physical Characteristics

Average Height: 74 - 90 cm
Average Mass: 35 - 52 kg

Ability Scores: +1 Dexterity, +1 Constitution
Size: Small
Speed: 5 squares
Skill Bonuses: +2 Acrobatics, +2 Endurance

Level 1 Species Power: Wild at Heart—You have a climb speed equal to 1+your move speed.
Level 6 Species Power: Skittishness—You may use your reaction abilities a number of times per round equal to your dexterity.

Play an etecoon if you want...

• to be a cute little space monkey person.
• to be a plucky hero who is easy to underestimate.
• to make the most of any reaction abilities you have.
• to favor the defender and striker roles.

Being small

• Any heavy weapon you wield uses the untrained weapon profile, even if you are trained in its use.

Etecoons stand about 80 cm tall and weigh about 44 kilos. They are proportioned with slightly longer arms and slightly shorter legs than humans, have skin tones that range from light blue to dark purple—with lighter tones on the inside and on palms and feet—have wide, conical ears, short vestigial antennae, and their hair grows in small spikes that form into little tuft balls on the end, making their heads look like a miniature orchard, or a row of golf tees. Their eyes are large, and range from white to gold for the inner eyelid, and have many different tones for the iris, though this is very thin and not usually pronounced. Etecoons prefer clothing that leaves their feet exposed, allowing them to make use of their foot thumbs freely. Etecoons have similar life spans to humans.

Playing an Etecoon

Etecoons are affable, affectionate, and cheerful people. They survive in a galaxy full of larger creatures and hostile environments by avoiding notice or, failing that, avoiding offense. Their appearance was so harmless that for many years, the other sapient species of the galaxy failed to recognize them as anything more than animals. They prefer to remain in comfortable niches, not gathering any fame or all too much attention.

Etecoons are practical and rational. They concern themselves with basic needs and simple pleasures; few dream of wealth and glory. Adventurers are no more rare among Etecoons than among the other species, but they usually embark on adventures out of curiosity, familial duty, or wanderlust. Etecoon adventurers are brave beyond their stature, relying on stealth and trickery in battle rather than raw firepower.

Etecoons integrate into other societies easily, requiring less space and needing less consideration than others: they rarely make a fuss, and are just as intelligent and useful as others.

Etecoons have never formed a government or even a self-contained community of more than a few hundred souls. One might take on a position within a bureaucracy, but one taking on political office would be beyond rare. Etecoons take store of familial and tribal ties, and for thousands of years passed on information and knowledge with oral and somatic histories.

Etecoons will almost habitually gesticulate as they speak, owing to their culture of sign and dance to convey information, and many enjoy sharing trivia, and seem to always want to share a story.

Etecoon characteristics: Witty, curious, handy, adoring, friendly, practical, optimistic, resourceful, warm.

Male Names:

Bheke, Cetsh, Cyprian, Dinu, Gumede, Ingane, Jamal, Letcho, Malal, Mguni, Mngu, Modinu, Omon, Pande, Senzan, Uzul, Wayo, Zankhon, Zweluli

Female Names:

Aa, Bheka, Bibi, Dina, Gomada, Ingana, Jama, Landela, Lithini, Lonolo, Mguna, Mpaia, Ndaba, Oho, Saienz, Shwana, Wayana, Zankhona, Zumana