The Skittermanders are a small, six-armed, and perpetually cheerful species known for their boundless helpfulness and an almost insatiable desire to make friends. Originally from the Inner Sphere, their early history is marked by a period in which their natural industriousness and amiable nature led them to be tragically misunderstood and exploited, often being kept as unthinking menials and even pets by more dominant species. Only through the tireless efforts of a groundbreaking delegation comprising Humans, Vaelen, Geodan Industrial Guilds, and Tanyon-Unin (either from the Asenobi Dynasty or the early Free Worlds Union) was their profound sentience finally recognized. This pivotal moment transformed their place in the galaxy, allowing them to finally ascend and share their unique talents and vibrant optimism with the wider cosmos.
Core Identity: Friendship, Helpfulness, and Earned Belonging Skittermanders are driven by an innate desire for connection and a profound joy in aiding others. Their six arms are constantly in motion, whether performing complex tasks, offering comfort, or simply giving a multitude of hugs. Having spent generations overlooked, their recognition of sentience instilled in them an immense gratitude and a fierce loyalty to those who acknowledge their worth. They understand the Yom as the collective effort needed to sustain community, and the Dei as the simple, reciprocal joy found in mutual support. For a Skittermander, every interaction is an opportunity to build a bridge, every problem a chance to offer a helping hand, and every friend gained is a treasure. Their easily excitable but quick-to-recover nature, always seeking the positive, and their history of being underestimated fuel their drive to prove their capabilities through action rather than words. Stories of Skittermanders in Starfall often involve their unexpected bravery, their ingenious problem-solving with their many limbs, and their heartwarming ability to forge unlikely friendships across the vast divides of the galaxy.
YOU MIGHT...
Offer a helping hand to anyone in need, regardless of their species or background.
Act as a cheerful and optimistic presence, even in dire situations.
Find ingenious ways to solve problems using your many limbs and quick thinking.
Strive to build new friendships and foster cooperation between diverse groups.
OTHERS PROBABLY...
Are charmed by your boundless enthusiasm and eagerness to help.
Underestimate your intelligence or combat prowess due to your small size and friendly demeanor.
Are impressed by your dexterity and ability to multitask with your six arms.
Find your unwavering optimism inspiring, or perhaps a little bewildering.
Physical Description
Skittermanders are small, six-limbed, furry humanoids, typically standing between 2 and 3 feet tall. Their bodies are covered in soft fur that comes in a variety of natural colors, from earthy browns and grays to vibrant greens and blues. Their heads feature constantly twitching antennae, which are highly sensitive to environmental stimuli, and large, expressive compound eyes that convey endless curiosity and a perpetually cheerful disposition. They possess a small, vocal mouth capable of rapid chirps, clicks, and chitters, often accompanied by enthusiastic gestures with their many arms.
Their most iconic feature is their six arms, arranged in three pairs along their torso, which they use with astonishing dexterity and coordination for complex tasks, offering comfort, or simply giving a multitude of hugs. Skittermanders often wear minimal, practical clothing that doesn't impede their movement or the use of their many limbs. Their movements are quick and nimble, reflecting their energetic and helpful nature.
Society
Skittermander society is a loose, democratic network of communities, often integrated within larger, multi-species populations, particularly in the Inner Sphere. Their settlements are bustling, efficient, and filled with a palpable sense of warmth and camaraderie.
Inner Sphere (Integrated Citizens & Helpful Hubs): Most Skittermanders reside in the Inner Sphere, where they have found a place as valued, if still occasionally underestimated, members of society. They are often highly integrated into the Commission's sprawling bureaucratic apparatus as efficient administrators or diligent laborers, their six arms making them exceptionally productive. They can also be found working closely with Geodan Industrial Guilds (appreciating their shared industriousness), assisting Vaelen in complex research (their helpfulness is invaluable), and even serving as friendly intermediaries between the Asenobi Dynasty and the Free Worlds Union due to their unique, non-threatening charisma. Their cities are vibrant, multi-level structures, optimized for their six-limbed movements.
Outer Sphere (Outreach & New Communities): Some adventurous Skittermanders have begun to establish small, pioneering communities in the Outer Sphere, bringing their ethos of helpfulness and community-building to new frontiers. They often find common cause with the Free Worlds Union, aiding in establishing new outposts and fostering cooperation among diverse species. Their innate non-aggression makes them surprisingly effective diplomats in the often-brutal environment of the Resource Wars, capable of de-escalating tensions through sheer goodwill.
Frontier (Curious Explorers & Rift-Friendly Guides): A brave few Skittermanders, driven by boundless curiosity and a desire to help, venture into the Frontier. They are fascinated by its raw, unpredictable nature, often seeking to understand the chaotic patterns of the Rift or to offer aid to stranded travelers. Their unique charm can sometimes disarm even the most wary inhabitants of Rift-Burgs, and their six arms make them adept at navigating treacherous, unstable terrain.
Connection to the Rift and Unflappable Optimism
The Skittermanders perceive the Rift not with fear, but with a curious, almost childlike wonder, tinged with their innate helpfulness. While they may not possess direct psychic abilities like the Lashunta, their unique collective empathy and their fundamental optimism seem to grant them an unusual resilience against its more insidious effects. They often experience the Rift-Storm Cataclysm as a profound, galaxy-shaking tragedy that made everyone in the cosmos need more help, reinforcing their natural inclination to provide it.
Their six arms and nimble bodies make them surprisingly adept at navigating environments affected by Rift-Taint, and their friendly disposition often leads them to unexpected discoveries within unstable Rift-currents. While they may not seek to master Mana, their very presence can sometimes have a calming effect on minor chaotic eddies, as if their good nature naturally smooths the flow of energy. They represent a unique perspective on the galaxy's darkest aspects: that even in the face of overwhelming cosmic horror, there is always an opportunity for connection and a chance to offer a helping hand.
Beliefs
Skittermander beliefs are centered on the concept of friendship, boundless helpfulness, and the joy found in mutual support. They typically do not adhere to complex theological doctrines, but rather embody a practical philosophy of proactive kindness and community building. They might revere abstract concepts like "The Great Handshake" or "The Cosmic Hug," seeing the universe as a place where connection and aid are paramount.
They believe that every interaction is an opportunity to build a bridge, every problem a chance to offer a helping hand, and every friend gained is a treasure. The Rift-Storm Cataclysm was a profound, galaxy-shaking tragedy that made everyone in the cosmos need more help, reinforcing their natural inclination to provide it.
Popular Edicts: Make friends, offer aid freely, build community, seek mutual support, remain optimistic.
Popular Anathema: Isolate yourself, refuse to help others, sow discord, exploit friendships, succumb to despair.
Skittermander Mechanics
Skittermanders are a Humanoid, Skittermander ancestry.
Hit Points: 8
Size: Small
Speed: 25 feet
Ability Boosts: Dexterity, Charisma, and one Free Ability Boost.
Ability Flaw: Strength.
Languages: Common, Skittermander. You can learn additional languages equal to 1 + your Intelligence modifier (if it's positive). Choose from the list of common languages and any other languages to which you have access.
Traits: Humanoid, Skittermander, Low-Light Vision.
Skittermander Heritages
At 1st level, choose one of the following Skittermander heritages.
Adaptive Skittermander: You were designed to adapt to diverse environments. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Fortitude saves against environmental hazards and can hold your breath for twice as long as normal.
Community Skittermander: Your lineage has focused on integrating into diverse communities. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Diplomacy checks when attempting to Make an Impression on a creature of a different ancestry.
Curious Skittermander: Your natural curiosity drives you to explore and discover. You are trained in the Lore skill of your choice.
Helpful Skittermander: Your innate desire to aid others is exceptionally strong. When you use the Aid action, your circumstance bonus to the check increases by 1.
Scrappy Skittermander: Despite your size, you are surprisingly tough and resilient. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to saves against the Frightened condition.
Skittermander Ancestry Feats
You can select Skittermander ancestry feats from the following options.
1st Level Feats
Allied Vocation Feat 1 (Skittermander): Your multiple arms make you an excellent assistant. When you use the Aid action, you can use a skill you are not trained in.
Charming Feat 1 (Skittermander): Your friendly demeanor is infectious. You gain training in Diplomacy. If you were already trained in Diplomacy, you instead become an expert.
Grappler Feat 1 (Skittermander): Your numerous limbs make you adept at grappling. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Athletics checks to Grapple.
Skittermander Lore Feat 1 (Skittermander): You are well-versed in the history and social customs of your people. You gain training in Skittermander Lore. If you were already trained in Skittermander Lore, you instead become an expert.
Six-Armed Feat 1 (Skittermander): You are accustomed to using all your limbs simultaneously. When wielding two different melee weapons, you gain a +1 circumstance bonus to your AC.
5th Level Feats
Combat Scramble Feat 5 (Skittermander): You are adept at using your six arms to quickly get out of trouble. As a reaction when you are targeted by a melee attack, you can Stride up to 5 feet. This movement does not trigger reactions.
Quick Swap Feat 5 (Skittermander): You can quickly change weapons or items in your many hands. You can Interact to draw or stow an item as a free action once per round.
Rift-Optimism Feat 5 (Skittermander): Your cheerful disposition seems to deflect some of the Rift's chaotic energies. You gain a +1 status bonus to saves against Rift-Taint and temporal distortion effects.
9th Level Feats
Many-Handed Master Feat 9 (Skittermander): Prerequisites Six-Armed. You can make an additional Strike with a different weapon you are wielding as part of the same action. This second Strike incurs your multiple attack penalty.
Persistent Aid Feat 9 (Skittermander): Your helpfulness is unwavering. When you successfully Aid an ally, the circumstance bonus you grant them lasts until the end of your next turn.
13th Level Feats
Friend to All Feat 13 (Skittermander): Your ability to make friends is legendary. You gain a +2 circumstance bonus to Diplomacy checks to Make an Impression on creatures of any ancestry, and you can attempt to make an Impression on an indifferent creature as if it were unfriendly.
Unflappable Helper Feat 13 (Skittermander): You can perform complex actions even under duress. You gain a +2 circumstance bonus to skill checks when you are Frightened.
17th Level Feats
Cosmic Empathy Feat 17 (Skittermander): Your empathy extends to the very fabric of existence. You gain a 5th-level innate spell from the primal or divine spell list (your choice), reflecting your natural harmony. You can cast this spell once per day.
Heroic Cheer Feat 17 (Skittermander): Your boundless optimism can inspire those around you to incredible feats. Once per day, as a single action, you can grant yourself and all allies within 30 feet a +1 status bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws for 1 minute.
Here are a few adventure hooks designed to appeal to a Skittermander Player Character, leveraging their unique traits, history, and place within the Starfall Galaxy:
Adventure Hooks for Skittermander Player Characters
The Great Station Malfunction:
Hook: A bustling Inner Sphere space station, a hub of multi-species activity, is experiencing a cascading series of malfunctions. Automated systems are failing, life support is flickering, and panic is spreading. The Commission technicians are overwhelmed, and traditional methods aren't working. The Skittermander PC, known for their helpfulness and dexterity, is uniquely positioned to assist. The cause might be a subtle Rift-Taint affecting the station's core AI, or a rogue Spark Droid inadvertently causing chaos.
Skittermander Appeal: This hook is a perfect fit for a Skittermander's boundless helpfulness. The PC would be in their element, using their Many-Handed Master or Quick Swap feats to rapidly repair systems, stabilize equipment, and comfort panicked citizens. Their Rift-Optimism might even help them intuitively navigate the chaotic energies, proving their worth as indispensable members of any community in a crisis.
The Frontier Friendship Bridge:
Hook: A newly discovered Frontier world, rich in resources, is home to both a cautious Geodan Industrial Guild outpost and a wary community of Tuken observers. Both groups are struggling to establish a stable presence due to the planet's unpredictable Rift-currents and the presence of aggressive Scarred. Diplomacy has stalled, and tensions are rising. A neutral party (perhaps a Human explorer or a Pahtra merchant) suggests a Skittermander PC as the ideal mediator, believing their innate friendliness can bridge the cultural divide and foster cooperation.
Skittermander Appeal: This hook plays directly into the Skittermander's desire to make friends and build community. The PC would use their Friend to All and Community Skittermander heritages to break down barriers, mediate disputes, and help both groups find common ground against shared threats. Their Unflappable Helper trait would be invaluable in the face of fear or aggression, allowing them to maintain their optimistic approach.
The Overlooked Automaton's Plea:
Hook: A seemingly unawakened Automaton in an Outer Sphere salvage yard or a Commission research facility begins to exhibit subtle, almost imperceptible signs of distress, which only a Skittermander's keen empathy might notice. It's attempting to communicate a dire warning about a hidden Automaton Concordance infiltration or a dangerous Rift-tech device that is about to activate. No one else believes the "unthinking machine," dismissing it as a malfunction.
Skittermander Appeal: This hook highlights the Skittermander's empathy and their history of being underestimated. The PC would be driven to help the overlooked Automaton, using their Cosmic Empathy (if they have it) or general helpfulness to understand its silent plea. They would need to use their Persistent Aid and ingenuity to uncover the truth and convince others of the impending danger, proving that even the smallest and friendliest can possess profound insight.
The Lost Shipment of Cheer:
Hook: A vital shipment of "Cheer-Crystals" (a rare, Mana-infused crystal used in Skittermander celebrations and as a mood stabilizer) has gone missing in a notoriously chaotic Rift-lane. Without it, a major multi-species festival or a critical medical operation (relying on the crystals' stabilizing properties) will fail. The Skittermander PC, perhaps part of the festival committee or a medical aide, is tasked with recovering the crystals. The lane is filled with temporal distortions and minor Scaleglitch entities drawn to the Mana.
Skittermander Appeal: This hook appeals to their core optimism and their unique relationship with the Rift. The PC would be motivated to restore joy and stability, using their Rift-Optimism to navigate the dangerous lane and their Six-Armed dexterity to retrieve the crystals from precarious positions. They might find themselves unexpectedly befriending a lost Shimmering or a less aggressive Scaleglitch, showcasing their ability to find connection even in chaos.
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