Shakuran
A splinter faction of protoss who sought the secrets of the void. Exiled as heretics, they found a new home in Shakuras, a planet attuned to the dark energies they longed for; and the way of the void, a mantra that obscures their image to a mere hint of a shadow to those they wish to hide from. Drawn to secrecy and arcana, shakurans take positions where discretion and expertise are paramount.
Physical Characteristics
Average Height: 160 - 181 cm
Average Mass: 69 - 100 kg
Ability Scores: +1 Dexterity, +1 Strength
Size: Medium
Speed: 6 squares
Skill Bonuses: +2 Lore, +2 Skulduggery
Level 1 Species Power: Void Mantra—You get a +2 bonus to void defense.
Level 6 Species Power: Void Embrace—You can choose to become invisible, rendering you impossible to detect with optical sensors.
Play a shakuran if you want...
- to become cloaked without equipment.
- to be have knowledge of the void.
- to fight from the shadows.
- to favor the controller and striker roles.
Shakurans share most physical characteristics with protoss, and usually have slightly shorter, heavier frames. Their connection to the void changes their aging cycle and eye color: they do not live as long as other protoss and their eyes favor red to yellow colors. Shakuran garb features many more folds of clothing, almost always a scarf and bandana that covers the chin and shoulders, sometimes trailing along the Shakuran's body or wrapped around the arms.
The Shakuran council was a matriarchy for thousands of years, ending with Matriarch Raszagal, who was murdered before another matriarch could be named, passing leadership instead to the stoic warrior Zeratul. Female Shakurans have locks extending from the sides of their heads as well as the crown, which they spread into fans and adorn with jewelry. Much of Shakuran dress is taken from early ritualistic garb of those first Dark Templar who formed a splinter sect from protoss religion.
As the void mantra is difficult to maintain with heavy gear, Shakurans almost always travel lightly: some go into battle wearing nothing but their scarves.
Playing a Shakuran
The first Dark Templar were dispossessed of the love of pride and duty of the Khalai, and modern day Shakurans still hold a grudge against those who exiled them millennia ago. Protoss and Shakurans have a difficult time getting along with one another thanks to this ancient grudge. Their love of secret knowledge makes them naturally selective about whom they will associate with and trust. The most powerful Shakuran friendships are built up over many years; a Shakuran will sometimes befriend a bloodline of people. They get along with etecoons, pathomorphs and terrans very easily: thinking them naive and therefore harmless.
The knowledge they have garnered of the void has given rise to powerful technologies, both large and small, and Shakurans take pride in these advances.
A Shakuran is always curious to learn more about this power, which is thought to be a missing pair of psionic power, and at any rate was instrumental in the defeat of the Overmind, as void energy is capable of severing connections to the Archonosphere, where the Overmind's consciousness would retreat if its physical manifestation were under attack.
That victory secured Shakurans a place of standing in galactic society, though they still guard themselves and their secrets jealously.
Shakuran characteristics: Haughty, learned, secretive, unreadable, vexing, brooding, cunning, still
Male Names:
Zeran, Gul'khas, Atul, Aga'nagat, Duin, N'alagat, Tandazi, Kharenator, Ul'hazan, Ursneen, Gul'zera, Gholazegul, Tulcaanos, Khahazul, Urultengat, Nagaduin, Gau'gholan, Tassazan, Genaurul
Female Names:
Ulrashza, Alashzexi, Genadla, Gulshzi, Gholaghola, Atulataa, Rashzaul, Galagula, Galkhashz, Shzashza, Otassi, Azanshza, Urulu, Abanagal, Anishza, Abeduini, Tankhashzas, Assaniola, Gannatet
