Kestarians (Savage SDF)

Physical Description

Kestarians are humanoid, their pale skin with hint of bold hue. Their hair remains white or gray for their entire life, and both men and women allow it to grow to prodigious lengths. The primary difference between “Kests” and Humans is that the former have four arms, two on either side.

Historical Details

This species was first encountered near the Ifshnits shortly after the development of the Jump drive.  Not a spacefaring race, Kestarians are in fact quite primitive, only slightly beyond the hunting-and-gathering stage of evolution.  For most of the planet’s history, the female pheromone ability was a problem only for the Kestarian men. They would compete among themselves to bring back the best cuts of meat or build the best shelter for their women and the odd battle would break out now and again – though wholesale wars were virtually unknown. But when outsiders met the Kestarians, the women learned of the luxuries that existed on other worlds. No longer satisfied with their crude surroundings, some of the women have moved out into the galaxy, becoming companions, courtesans and prostitutes on a number of planets. They are very happy to be taken care of by their escorts, and are decorative” arm ornaments” for many of the galaxy’s wealthiest individuals.

Senses

In general, Kestarian have similar sense to humans.  Mentally, they tend to multi-task better but their site, small and hearing are normal.

Speech and Languages

Kestarians speak the common languages well.  Their own language – Kestish – is difficult to translate.

Attitudes

Kestarians love everyone, until they are crossed, especially the females.  When they are slighted or ignored, they can be vindictive and often violent. They thrive on attention and may become violent or withdraw if ignored (the females more than the males).

They have wormed their way into many aspects of the Rim and Frontier space, manipulating whoever they need to to get there.  The only race they can not seem to manipulate and thus do not like dealing with is the Vrusks.  Because of their obvious compatibility, however, they have worked well into Human society.

Social Structure and Standards

Kestaria is a female-dominated world, and with good reason: through a combination of their stunning appearances, almost mystical allure, and possibly some
form of pheromone secretion, Kestarian women are virtually irresistible seductresses. Kestarian men have some of the same power, but to a much lesser degree.

Having a Kestarian companion is considered a status symbol, particularly among underworld bosses. But legends warn that the soft songs sung by the women are addictive and there is no telling how many decisions made by men of power have been influenced by their Kests. When given the attention and consideration they feel they deserve, Kestarian women can be very pleasant company. When they are slighted or ignored, they can be vindictive and often violent. More than
a few megacorpexecutives and crime bosses have been found dead in their beds, the wickedly curved Kestarianaranis blade buried in their backs.

While the male population of Kestaria seems to be exactly what it is – fairly primitive, emotional, but relatively peaceful – rumors state that Kestarian females are much more than they seem. When pressed, these women can display a subtle, cunning intelligence that makes one wonder whether the Kestarian is the decoration of the “boss” – or the other way around.

Kestarian males are very territorial and sedentary. They are also fairly jealous – though most disputes they have with other Kestarians are resolved nonviolently.
Usually, a male Kestarian will “stake out” a territory (and, often, a female – though the females are rumored to do the actual choosing) and other males will
respect that. Unless, of course, the male becomes weak or unpopular.

Kestarian males, on their homeworld, do most of the work. The females do take care of the home and the children, but only marginally. The males seem mostly concerned with preserving their livelihood and status in the community, while the females are more self-possessed and concerned with taking care of themselves.

Much more “outgoing” than their male counterparts, Kestarian females play up their image as “primitive, emotional, love-machines” as a method of survival in a universe far more advanced in culture and technology than their own. They are manipulative and vain- but they manipulate their images as well. On their
homeworld, they “run the show behind the curtain.” They use their males to interact communally – and they manipulate other males to gain power, prestige, and influence. Kestarian females do not usually get along with other Kestarian females very well- or other females of humanoid species (unless the other female is an “escort”).

Racial Abilities

Additional Action (+3): All Kestarians have four limbs, and their brains are fully adapted for handling this advantage. Kestarians can use all four limbs for individual tasks. Due to their four arms, Kestarians get one extra non-movement action per round at no multi-action penalty.

Skill Bonus – Persuasion (+2): All Kestarians are highly skilled in the arts of charm and persuasion and are rumored to be able to use their song to produce a hypnotic effect. +2 bonus to Persuasion.

Hindrance – Greedy (-1):  All Kestarians (especially females) desire power through their manipulation.