Subtan

Subtan, A History...

Subtans are small humanoids that live primarily deep underground. Due to their expert mining and tunneling skills, they can build enormous tunnel systems that closely resemble ant colonies and create expansive underground cities. Subtan artisans are second to none and are at the forefront of invention and innovation.

Anatomy

Adapting to underground living, Subtans are extremely pale, usually stand two to three feet tall, and typically prefer to be barefoot. They are completely covered in thick fur that is sensitive to vibrations around them. This fur allows them to feel even the slightest shift in the air, makes them keenly aware of their surroundings in tight spaces, and is the primary reason for their mining and tunneling expertise. Due to their fur's sensitivity, they hate being sticky or matted or getting stuck in anything inhibiting their feeling or mobility.

Due to life underground, Subtans have nearly perfect vision in pitch-black environments. While they can see perfectly in the dark, they have extreme light sensitivity. This has led them to use some form of darkened eye protection when in the presence of any light.

Subtans have no visible pupils. Their eyes are one complete color: purple, red, yellow, or white. These colors also play a role in the hierarchy of their society.

Culture

Subtans have a uniquely distinct hierarchy. Their standing in the colony is based on the color of their eyes. If they are born with purple eyes, they are groomed to be the elite, taught to lead, and are the only ones permitted to procreate. Those born with red eyes become crafters and artisans, while those born with yellow eyes become miners and laborers. If a Subtan is born with no color to their eyes, they are referred to as “white eyes” and become servants to those with purple eyes. If white eyes are not chosen as servants or find disfavor with their masters, they are cast out of the colony and shunned, doomed to become scavengers.

Becoming a scavenger is not necessarily a death sentence. Many clans are formed by shunned white-eyed scavengers underground and above ground.  Their ingenuity and the ability to adapt to almost any situation make them one of the most resilient species.

Skilled in negotiation and haggling, Subtans are excellent traders and are almost single-handedly responsible for most innovation and the manufacturing of handmade trade goods.

Behaviors

Subtans are naturally born tricksters, and though not typically violent individuals, they do have a mischievous spirit. Due to the similarities in their caste systems, Subtans share many personality and character traits with humans. They are typically friendly and well-meaning, but there are also those who can be malicious and have ill intent toward others.

Subtan Stats

Creature Size

Medium

Default Trait

Each Subtan character begins with +1 to Intelligence .

Chosen Trait

The Chosen Trait for a Subtan is a selection made at the time the character is created.

  Subtan characters learn their craft based on the color of their eyes, and subsequent place in  society. While players are welcome to deviate from this to select the bonus of their choice, traditionally these are traits that should be considered inscribed in those characters birth, based on their eye color.

• Blue Eyes - Elite (nobility)

  • +1 to the Culture Skill Score

• Green Eyes - Crafter

  • +1 to the Metallurgy Skill Score

• Brown Eyes - Miner

  • +1 to the Mechanical Skill Score

• White Eyes - Scavenger

  • +1 to the Survival Skill Score

Movement Speed

A Subtan character’s Movement Speed is standardly 10 ft. per action.  Subtan characters take no movement penalties on naturally Rough Terrain, or when traversing natural terrains found in cave systems or tunnels underground. This does not apply to Rough Terrain under the   effects of active magic or abilities.

For example: A spell turns non-Rough Terrain into Rough Terrain. In this example, the terrain was terraformed, and the end result is Rough Terrain so the Subtan is not impacted (provided the terrain is still not in motion). Alternatively, if Rough Terrain is caused by a magical or ability effect, such as spider webs, then the Subtan character is impacted. In the latter case, the ability is active and so the  penalty is still   applied to movement. A GM can decide based on the scenario whether or not to apply the penalty.

Base Health Points

When determining the starting HP of a Subtan character, the rolled amount will always be added to 5 Base Hit Points.

Recovery Points

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

Menace

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