Human, Chimera

+2 STR, +2 DEX, -4 INT , +2 EGO | 5 HP

Physical Appearance and Structure

Chimeras are trans-genetic hybrid humans who were engineered with feline DNA to be genetically superior mentally and physically. Chimeras appear to be ordinary humans. Female chimeras are slightly shorter than the average human female while males are slightly taller. All chimeras are fit and lean with well-toned muscles. Their unique physiology requires a high meat protein diet.

A side effect of their physiology is a defect in the processing of tryptophan which doesn’t allow the pituitary gland to produce enough melatonin without gorging on protein. Melatonin depletion causes mood disorders, irregular sleep cycles, inability to control body temperature, accelerates sexual maturity, susceptibility to radiation, memory loss, delirium, headaches, and in extreme cases seizures and death. In addition, melatonin depletion may cause female chimeras to go into heat irregular to their 4 month cycle.

Senses

In addition to the normal human range of sight, a chimera has a layer of extra reflecting cells and has excellent nighttime vision. Chimera audible range of frequencies is usually 60 to 65,000 Hz, but like humans there is considerable variation between individuals. Like a cat, chimera have an olfactory organ in the roof of their mouth making their sense of taste and smell three to four times greater than that of a human.

Speech

Chimera and humans share common physiology and speak the same languages.

Society and Customs

Chimeras are part of human society though there are a few chimera support groups, and some borderline secret societies. Chimeras were developed during the early 21st century as part of a super soldier program. All chimeras today are descendants of the Delta VI project. The success and failure of Delta VI project was splicing mitochondrial DNA strands to create the transgene. Before group Delta VI, all chimeras were created in vitro. The mitochondrial transgene allowed the feline traits to be passed onto the mother’s offspring greatly reducing the cost of creating an army. When the Delta VI program ended the Delta VI chimeras were to be terminated but the order was never carried out and female chimera continued to pass on their gift and curse.

Few chimeras openly reveal their nature not even to loved ones. They are just as likely to receive rock star treatment as discrimination and both generally lead to unwanted attention. Chimeras mature faster than normal humans and reach adulthood around age 9. Chimeras and their children move frequently to avoid suspicion in intolerant regions.

Attitudes

Chimeras share the prolific and adventurous nature of their human progenitors and share the same racial diversity as the human species. Chimeras are tolerant of most other species with a few exceptions.

Heroes

Many chimeras are born to nomadic families which nurtures a natural wanderlust. Most become heroes to simply to explore the verse and experience new things. Chimeras are best suited for combat-spec, scout, and other physically demanding roles in a Aether.

Chimera Racial Traits

Chimeras are physically superior to most humans and have the following racial traits;

Age: 9 years

+2 STR, +2 DEX, -4 INT, +2 Ego: the feline transgenes make chimeras physically superior, but lowers their will power.

Medium: Chimeras are Medium creatures and have no bonuses or penalties due to their size.

Fast Speed: Chimeras have a base speed of 40 feet.

Low-Light Vision: Chimeras can see 4x as far as humans in conditions of dim light.

Keen Senses: Chimeras receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception skill checks.

Athletic: Chimeras gain +2 to Acrobatics skill checks.

Melatonin Depletion: a defect in the pituitary gland causes several negative effects, see Conditions.

Radiation Vulnerability: Chimeras receive a -2 penalty to END saves avoiding radiation sickness

Languages: Chimeras begin play speaking Pan Sol. Chimeras with high Intelligence scores can choose any languages they want (except secret languages)

MELATONIN DEPLETION

Although any human and many other species can suffer from a milder form of melatonin depletion this more serious condition is specific to chimera humans when certain conditions are met.  A chimera must eat at least two pounds of protein, drink two gallons of whole milk, or meet the same nutritional requirements through supplements every day or progress into melatonin depletion.  A chimera can also achieve their protein needs with Ambrosia.

Each day the chimera doesn’t meet their nutritional requirements has a cumulative effect on their condition.  Once depleted, a chimera must literally eat and/or drink their way out of a depleted state.  A chimera can gorge on up to five times their normal requirement per day to catch up.

Stage One:  1-5 days behind

• Sleep requirement reduced to 4 hours
• Moody, -1 on all Ego based skill checks

Stage Two:  6-10 days behind

• Sleep requirement reduced to 2 hours
• Bad attitude, -2 on all Ego based skill checks
• Distracted, -1 on all Intellect based skill checks.
• Hot flashes, the character will treat temperature as 10 degrees warmer than actual temperature

Stage Three: 11-15 days

• Can no longer sleep, or gain the benefits of sleep to regain Hit Points, but can still rest for 10 minutes to regain Stamina Points
• Euphoric, -2 on all skills checks, attacks, and saving throws
• Hot flashes, the character will treat temperature as 20 degrees warmer than actual temperature.  Failure to adjust body temperature for more than 2 hours causes fatigue
• Hot and bothered, female chimera go into heat and males suffer from a similar malady, both females and males are considered fascinated at the beginning of all encounters

Stage Four:  16+ days

• Can no longer sleep or gain the benefits of sleep but must spend 2 Edge while resting to regain Stamina Points
• Euphoric/Delusional, -4 on all skills checks, attacks, and saving throws
• Hot flashes, the character continues treat temperature as 20 degrees warmer than actual temperature. Failure to adjust body temperature for more than 1 hour causes fatigue
• Hot and bothered, female chimera go into heat and males suffer from a similar malady, both females and males are considered fascinated at the beginning of all encounters
• Fragile, any failed saving throw or critical failure causes the chimera to have a seizure.  The seizure will last 1d6 minutes, unless a successful Medicine skill check (DC 20) is made to stabilize the chimera. At the end of the seizure the chimera must make a Fortitude save (DC 20) to regain consciousness.  A failure results in the character remaining unconscious.  A critical failure results in the chimera’s death