NWod Mass Effect/Species Merits
Contents
Species Merits
The Mass Effect universe has a number of quite distinctive non-human species in it. There are a number of possible ways of handling this in an RPG, and the approach we've gone for here is a simple one. Species is largely modelled through choice of Merits. Outlined here are the Merits which are synonymous with the various species. These are suggestions only, expressions of the factors that are commonly encountered in each species. If you wish to build a character who is a typical member of their species, they will have all or most of the suggested Merits.
Asari
Almost all asari have Embrace Eternity, a Merit unique to asari alone (and the means by which they reproduce). Most asari have Striking Looks (there are various theories as to whether their apparent attractiveness to all is some sort of subtle empathic manipulation or some other property). A long lifespan means a greatly increased potential to cultivate many of the Social Merits like Allies, Contacts and Resources.
New Merit: Embrace Eternity (o)
Prerequisite: Asari
Effect: All asari, regardless of their biotic potential, are able to join their nervous system and consciousness to another being. The primary purpose of this ability is for reproduction, but it can also be used to join minds in order to share experiences and memories.
Batarian
Due to their four-eyed faces, most batarians have (and exploit) Unnerving Gaze.
New Merit: Unnerving Gaze (oo)
Effect: Something about your character is off-putting, in a way that can be leveraged in certain social situations. Your character gets a +1 modifier to all Intimidation or Manipulation rolls when you use your appearance to pressure, beguile and distract others.
Drell
Given the evolutionary pressures on their homeworld, most drell possess the Arid Adaptation, Direction Sense and Eidetic Memory Merits.
New Merit: Arid Adaptation (o)
Effect: +2 Survival/Stamina in hot/dry conditions.
Drawback: -2 in wet/humid conditions.
Human
Humans are notably more resistant to diseases than many other species. As a result, most healthy humans have Natural Immunity.
Krogan
Krogan have a whole host of Physical Merits, representing their robust physiology. Iron Stamina, Iron Stomach, Natural Immunity, Strong Lungs and Toxin Resistance are all common in healthy krogan. Giant is not uncommon amongst some of the bigger specimens.
Quarian
To represent their facility with technology, most quarians have the Technophile Merit.
Salarian
All salarians, due to their amphibious nature, have Water Breather. In addition, their accelerated metabolism and brain functions means most have Fast Reflexes.
New Merit: Water Breather (oo)
Prerequisite: Salarian
Effect: Your character can breathe in water, suffering no ill effects from submersion and carrying no risk of drowning.
Turian
Given their development on Palaven, most turians have Radiation Resistance.
New Merit: Radiation Resistance (o)
Effect: Your character gains a +4 modifier on rolls to resist the effects of radiation.
