BETA

“BETA” is an acquired template that can be added to any creature identifiable by the Life Science skill (referred to hereafter as the character). Betas are healthier, stronger, and possess greater Stamina than typical members of their species. The process used to create betas is utilized extensively by mega corporations on the edges of civilized space, in mining colonies, and on hostile worlds to increase the survivability and obedience of their workforce. 

The beta template is generally applied to a subject while it is still in the womb, though it may also be applied to an unmodified subject as part of endogenous metamorphosis. A first level character can begin play with the alpha template by permanently spending 1 Edge.  A character may acquire the alpha template later on by undergoing endogenous metamorphosis and permanently spending 1 Edge.

BETA SPECIAL QUALITIES

A beta retains all the special qualities of the character and gains the additional special qualities listed below.

Early Development (Ex): A beta reaches adult-hood at 12 years old, but otherwise ages normally.

Toxin Resistance (Ex): Due to their hearty constitutions, betas are better able to shrug off the effects of poison and disease. Beta characters gain a +4 bonus to saves made to resist the effects of diseases and poisons.

Born Follower (Ex): Betas are born followers and do not excel in positions of authority or in rolls which often require life or death decisions.  A beta will not act until its leader directs them into action. Even if a beta might succeed on its  Perception check to avoid surprise, it will wait until after its leader’s first action to take its own.  If the leader is surprised, the beta will continue waiting into the following round forfeiting their action in the surprise round. 

A beta must declare who their leader is and will only follow the instructions of another if their leader instructs them to or their leader is incapacitated.  If their leader is incapacitated they will naturally follow the instructions of the first friendly character to give them instructions and will follow this character until their leader recovers.  If a beta’s leader dies or is removed from play, a beta must declare a new leader, although, this decision isn’t often left up to the beta.

Ability Scores: An alpha gains a +2 racial bonus to their Strength and Constitution scores, but must reduce one of their mental scores (Intellect or Ego) by -2.

Feats: Same as the character’s, but may not take improved initiative or any feat that improves their leadership abilities.

Advancement: By character class or creature type

Level Adjustment: +0