Peri

Peri, A History...

Peri are a staple of Persian mythology as a superhuman being, originally presented as demons. Interestingly, the Spartans at the battle of Thermopylae were likened to Peri by Persian infantry officers in their fighting valor and technique. As a homage to this concept, in SURGE!, Peri have adopted a very Spartan-like demeanor and civilization structure. They also maintain their angelic appearance, but are mortal souls with a typical life span of 80 years.

Anatomy

Peri could easily be mistaken for normal humans if not for one noticeable mutation. Often called “sky people” by other species due to their large, feathered wings, they are often seen as benevolent creatures. That is not always the case however, as some of them could have the capacity be quite evil.  There have been sects of Peri activists that take their indifferences from human anatomy to an extreme distaste and crusaded to purge humanity for their "lesser" existence.  Luckily, this ended in failure.

Culture

Peri live in giant droves called “Constellations”, taking much of their heritage and lore from  stories of the night sky. Most Constellations are democratic societies, with appointed political   officials, called “Oikoi” through sortition rather than election. Decisions on important issues are held in public debates where the population votes on the outcome of policies, hosted by these  officials.

Peri are highly militaristic. Almost every Peri is a member of the Wing Guard, a militia ready for war at a moment’s notice. All Peri begin Wing Guard combat training at a young age.  Once their training is complete, they are free to choose secondary professions. The only exception to Wing Guards are those who display  exceptional talent at a young age for clerical or scholarly work – these are the individuals who may be appointed to political roles by lot.

Females are treated equally within the territorial borders of the constellation they are from, and are considered able-bodied for combat, public office, and all other lines of work.

Behaviors

Truly believing that their purpose in life is to live to the fullest and die in battle, Peri stand ready to fight at all times. That’s not to say that they don’t retreat when it’s to their tactical advantage. Even in the face of insurmountable odds, you would be well aided by a fearless Peri comrade.

Peri Stats

Creature Size

Medium

Default Trait

Each Peri character begins with +1 to Dexterity.

Chosen Trait

The Chosen Trait for a Peri is a selection made at the time the character is created.   Players have the ability to choose one of the following Astral signs, which may play into a character’s backstory, roleplay, and general place in society. These signs do not predetermine a character’s profession, just classify their strengths.

• The Arrow - Wing Guard Archer

  • +1 to the Marksmanship Skill Score

• The Maiden - Lawperson

  • +1 to the Clerical Skill Score

• The Pendulum - Scholar

  • +1 to the Culture Skill Score

• The Shield - Wing Guard Spearman

  • +1 to the Survival Skill Score

Movement Speed

A Peri character’s Movement Speed is standardly 10 ft., in any direction due to their ability to fly, per action.

Base Health Points

When determining the starting HP of a Peri character, the rolled amount will always be added to 7 Base Hit Points.

Recovery Points

A Peri character’s Recovery Points is standardly +1 HP.

Menace

The Peri Playable Species does not provide any menace for choosing it.  The default value for a Peri character’s Menace score is 0. Menace rules for equipment still apply.