General

• “Pure Race”. As a Post human-race, the Ikareans long ago genetically refined themselves to aesthetic perfection. They have never inter-breed with lesser beings and remain a physically beautiful race that is immune to the blemishes of complexion and scaring common to other people. Because of this they detest mutations and despise all mutants. Any such unfortunates that occur amongst their own population are quickly eradicated to avoid any disgrace to their bloodline [All Ikarean characters must take the “Beautiful” advantage. In addition, they may not take any Special Powers with the exception of “Eagle Eyes”, which is seen as an advantage, and those listed under Latent Psychers.]
• Rejection Syndrome. As a result of their genetic refinements and “purity”, Ikareans are allergic to the implantation of either bionics or symbionics. Because they suffer so chronically from Rejection Syndrome, they have grown to detest such implants as grotesque. [All Ikarean characters must take the “Rejection Syndrome” disadvantage at Mild, Serious or Total level.]
• Aristocrats. All citizens of Ikarus belong to one of the various bloodlines of the city. These bloodlines can trace their history and pedigree back for centuries and take great pride in this. As such all Ikareans consider themselves to be aristocrats and inherently superior to any outsiders. [Ikarean characters must take at least the “Minor Bloodline” advantage as well as the “Prejudiced” disadvantage. They can also use the “Lineage” skill without the unskilled penalty.]
• Highly Educated. As befits an advanced and sophisticated culture that values the arts and higher learning, all Ikareans receive a comprehensive classical education. They learn to read and write all the major languages as well as understand philosophy and literature. They also learn how to conduct themselves amongst the elite society of their own imperial court as well as those of outside nations. [All Ikareans can use the “Courtier”, and “Savoir Faire” skills without the unskilled penalty. Serious Ikarean characters should take these skills and develop them.]
• Breeding & Decorum. Ikarean culture stresses refinement and decorum as proper behaviour for all persons of breeding. Even during the most heated discussion Ikareans will still observe the forms of politeness, although their application of it will be acerbic, and no Ikarean would ever think of stooping to the use of foul language. Fistfights and common brawling are also considered unseemly and Ikareans do not indulge in them. Instead, persons of quality settle their disputes through duels using either sword or pistol. [Ikarean characters do not get free proficiency with “Brawling” and are considered unskilled in this area, nor is it appropriate that they learn this skill.]
• “Honour is everything”. Because Ikareans have such a high opinion of themselves they take their reputation and status very seriously. Anything that impinges on the honour of their bloodline or besmirches their standing in the eyes of their peers is a matter for revenge. This can take the form of either a duel or more subtle retribution. It is no accident that Ikarus has developed a dark reputation for assassination and skulduggery. [Ikarean characters should acquire skill with either Duelling Sword, Duelling Pistol or Poison Lore.]
• Chemical Expertise. Because of their allergic reaction to bionics and symbionics, Ikareans have turned to chemical means for augmentation. The mega-city has developed a wide variety of drugs and chemicals to enhance the lives of its citizens and they have become very adept in the use of them, especially in avoiding their ill effects. Ikareans have also mastered the use of poison as a tool for diplomacy and revenge. [Ikareans receive a +2 bonus to resist addiction and can use the “Poison Lore” skill without the unskilled penalty.]
• Latent Psychers. Nearly all Ikareans are latent psychers, although most do not manifest this talent until later in life. This subliminal psychic ability is incorporated into their technology through the use of psychic receptors, which serve the same purpose as neuro-jacks in all Ikarean equipment. No other race understands this technology and it is the reason others have been unable to copy such things as the cities winged battle-suits. Psychic power is revered and flaunted on Ikarus, which allows its citizens to exhibit certain exceptional abilities without being branded a mutant. [As well as psychic powers, Ikareans can take the following special powers without being considered a mutant – “Evasion”, “Mind Speech”, “Natural Driver/Pilot”, “Quick Reflexes”, “Sense Weakness”, “Soul Link”, and “Hypnotic Gaze”.]
• Decadent. The combination of great wealth, isolation, and overwhelming conceit has led the Ikareans to believe that they are above the common standards that other lesser beings follow. Consequently they feel entitled to indulge any of their darker desires and have even refined some of these to an art form. Such decadence can take the form of wanton hedonism through to sadistic debauchery and is usually inflicted on their slaves and captives.[Ikarean characters should take at least one of the following mental disadvantages – “Addiction”, “Avarice”, “Lust”, or “Obsession (eg. Sadism)”.]

  Basic Template: Ikarean Aristocrat

  
  This template should be used for all Ikarean characters and should be added to the Character Types listed below.
  • Characteristics: ST cannot exceed +2 (normal human limit) and should be restricted to +1 as Ikareans are not a physically powerful race. DX should be a minimum of +1 as Ikareans are agile and well co-ordinated.
  • Advantages: Handsome/Beautiful, Minor Bloodline, Resistance to Addiction (+2 bonus)
  • Special Powers: Restricted to – Eagle Eyes, Evasion, Mind Speech, Natural Driver/Pilot, Quick Reflexes, Sense Weakness, Soul Link, Hypnotic Gaze
  • Skills: No unskilled penalty for – Lineage, Courtier, Savoir Faire, Poison Lore. Unskilled in “Brawling”
  • Disadvantages: Rejection Syndrome, Prejudiced
  • Equipment: Nil

  Character Types

  Eagle Warrior
  You are one of the warrior-aristocrats of Ikarus who employ the famed winged battle-suits that are your birthright. All have learned to fear your lethal predations as you are capable of striking anywhere on the surface of Avernus without warning. You enjoy the hunt and the freedom your battle-suit gives you. It is your most important possession and you would die rather than loose it.

  • Advantages: Keen Eyes
  • Special Powers: Nil
  • Skills: Ikarean Battle-suit, Aerobatics, Dodge, Feather Storm [New skill, see below]
  • Disadvantages: Nil
  • Equipment: Ikarean Battle-suit

  Sky Lord
  You are a breed apart, one of the best pilots on Avernus, and you fly the high performance suspensor aircraft produced by your city. You have been selected to fly these because of your excellent eyesight, reflexes and natural affinity for flying. The Raptors, Skuas and Kondors of Ikarus are both beautiful and deadly and there are no other aircraft that can match them for speed or agility. Partnering the best pilots with the best aircraft has made you truly lord of the skies.

  • Advantages: Nil
  • Special Powers: Eagle Eye, Quick Reflexes, Natural Pilot
  • Skills: Pilot – Suspensor, Aerobatics, Mek, Handgun (Laser Pistol)
  • Disadvantages: Nil
  • Equipment: Light Ceramic Armour, Survival Suit, Laser Pistol, Tool Kit
  • Note: Has access to Raptor, Skua or Kondor aircraft for battle.

  Duellist
  You are a highly skilled swordsman and pistoleer who thrives on the life or death thrill of duels. The fact that many try to cheat in duels only adds to the challenge and excitement. Such is your confidence in your skills that you hire yourself out as a champion for others of lesser ability. You care little for causes but relish the wealth and reputation you earn through your victories.

  • Advantages: Nil
  • Special Powers: Quick Reflexes, Sense Weakness
  • Skills: Blade (Duelling Sword), Handgun (Duelling Pistol), Dodge
  • Disadvantages: Overconfidence
  • Equipment: Duelling Sword, Duelling Pistol, Shimmer-Silk Cape, Laser Signet

  Poisoner
  You are a specialised assassin unique to Ikarean society. Not a crude, clumsy killer but rather a scientist who is an expert at administering death through stealth and chemistry. Your knowledge also enables you to protect and cure others who have suffered poisoning. Because of your expertise your talents are in great demand not just within Ikarus but in other mega-cities as well.

  • Advantages: Immune to Poison
  • Special Powers: Nil
  • Skills: Poison Lore, Lore – Science (Chemistry), Stealth, Security Systems, Disguise, Handgun (Laser)
  • Disadvantages: Nil
  • Equipment: Toxin Neutraliser, Masker, Lock Picks, Poisons, Laser Pistol

  Torture Master
  You are a member of a highly esteemed profession on Ikarus that combines the roles of interrogator, entertainer and surgeon. You have a highly detailed knowledge of human physiology that allows you to either repair the grievously injured or inflict hideous agony on a subject. Few prisoners have ever withheld information you sought to gain from them. In fact you have refined the infliction of pain to an art form that entertains many of the jaded aristocrats of your mega-city.

  • Advantages: Nil
  • Special Powers: Nil
  • Skills: Torture, Healing, Lore – Science (Human Physiology), Special Weapon – Neuro-lash
  • Disadvantages: Nil
  • Equipment: Neuro-lash, Laser Pistol, Surgical Kit

  Psycho-magi
  You are one of the child prodigies of Ikarus who developed their psychic talents early in life. Immediately this was identified you were sent to train under masters in this field in order to properly discipline your skills. The training was harsh but it has made you powerful, even if it did leave you with a few strange habits. This doesn’t worry you, as the power you wield ensures nobody comments on these eccentricities.

  • Advantages: Psycher
  • Special Powers: Psionic Blast, Heal, Psionic Shield, Dispel
  • Skills: Pilot - Sky Disc, Handgun (Laser Pistol)
  • Disadvantages: Phobia (any)
  • Equipment: Force Field, Laser Pistol, SKY DISC

  Demon Master
  You are a unique type of psycher who has an affinity for dealing with true demons. Although others may find you a little weird, they certainly value your talents and so encourage your experiments. Just like other slaves, demons can be made to serve Ikarus and it is your calling to make sure they do. Because of your intuitive understanding of them, you are able to bend demons to your will through a combination of strength and guile. Such “tame” demons make great terror weapons.

  • Advantages: Psycher, Demon Empathy
  • Special Powers: Demon Binding, Death Gaze, Psi-sense
  • Skills: Demon Lore, Resistance, Handgun (Laser Pistol)
  • Disadvantages: Obsession (mastering demons)
  • Equipment: Force Field, G matrix Psi-screen, Laser Pistol

  New Advantage

  Resistant to Addiction
  Through constant but controlled use your bloodline has developed a resistance to the addictive effects of narcotics and other drugs. Although not totally immune you are also capable of using these drugs for longer periods without increasing the effects of addiction. With this advantage you get a +2 positive DRM to all your addiction checks when testing for drug use. Cost: 5 points

  New Skill

  Feather Storm: DX Skill (Hard) Prerequisite: Ikarean Battle-suit
  A fighting system designed around the capabilities of the Ikarean Battle-suit, Feather Storm allows you to neutralise your opponent’s ability to dodge or parry your attacks. Whenever your opponent rolls a successful dodge or parry in close combat, make a roll against this skill. For every success you achieve you can negate one of your opponent’s dodge or parry successes. You must be wearing and using an Ikarean Battle-suit to use this skill. Your Ikarean Battle-suit skill acts as a limiter to this skill. There is no non-proficiency penalty for Ikareans using this skill providing they are skilled with the winged battle-suit. This is because the basics of this system are taught as part of battle-suit training. It is unique to Ikarus and is never taught to non-Ikareans.

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