Ortolan



The Ortolans are a race of stocky, pachydermoid bipeds with long snouts, and large floppy ears. Ortolans come from the frigid, mineral-rich planet Orto.

Biology and Appearance
While most Ortolans appear to have blue skin, Ortolans are actually covered in short velvety fur which they often dye in bright colors, including not only blue, but pink. This tradition began when a Devaronian trader tried to sell Ortolans a shipment of food dyes — they considered dyeing their food a waste of time, but found dyed fur to be quite stylish. Ortolans have a thick layer of blubber beneath their skin, which insulates them against cold weather and sustains them when food is scarce.

Ortolans are born with their teeth and musculature fully developed. Education is the responsibility of their parents, though gifted youngsters are often traded to other families to get specialized education. At the age of seven, Ortolans are expected to support themselves, and are forced out of the family unit unless they have a particularly valuable talent.

Society and Culture
Ortolan society is reasonably industrialized, though not as technologically advanced as other species. Despite this, their economy was mostly based on barter, with credits primarily used to trade with offworlders. One of the most notable societal characteristics among outsiders is the Ortolan's penchant for food.

Stats & Skills

 * Attribute Dice: 12D
 * DEXTERITY: 1D/3D
 * KNOWLEDGE: 2D/4D
 * MECHANICAL: 1D/3D
 * PERCEPTION: 2D+1/4D+1
 * STRENGTH: 2D+2/5D
 * TECHNICAL: 2D/4D
 * Move: 5/7

Special Abilities
Foraging: Any attempt at foraging for food (weather as a survival technique or when looking for a good restaurant) gains +2D.

Ingestion: Ortolans can ingest large amounts of different types of food. They gain +1D to resisting any attempt at poisoning or indigestion.

Story Factors
Food: The Ortolans are obsessed with food and the possibility that they may miss a meal. While members of other species find this amusing ,the Ortolans believe that it is an integral part of life. Offering an Ortolan food in exchange for a service or a consideration gains the character +2D (or more, if it is really good food) on a persuasion attempt.