BESALISK

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Besalisks evolved from a large flightless avian species, though they are often mistaken for a reptilian species. They are bulky, fleshy beings able to survive for long periods without food or water. During the reign of the Galactic Empire, Besalisks narrowly avoided enslavement by calling in favors with various influential underworld connections. Many are still working off their freedom, especially those Besalisks foolish or desperate enough to seek aid from the Hutts.

Besalisks have never sought official representation in the Galactic Senate, and generally seem content to go about their business and leave galactic affairs to politicians and bureaucrats of other species. Communities on their home world are sparsely populated, and few off-world colonies of Besalisks exist in any era.

Although Besalisks have contributed little to the galaxy in terms of resources and technology, they integrate easily into almost any civilized society, and have no trouble using what other species have to offer.

**Personality:** Besalisks are seen as gluttonous, an unfair characterization considering their bodies store water for days, and food for over a week. Another false assumption is that they are nervous or in poor shape because they sweat profusely. In truth, they're simply accustomed to much cooler temperatures than most other species. Besalisks are sociable, gregarious, and keen-witted.

**Physical Description:** Besalisks are stocky humanoids with thick arms, a bony headrest surrounded on either side by short feathers, and a wide mouth with a large elastic sack dangling from it. The average Besalisk stands about 1.8 meters tall. Male Besalisks have four arms, while female Besalisks can have as many as eight arms.

**Home Worlds:** Ojom, located in The Outer Rim, is a cold ocean world covered in giant glaciers that slowly move across the planet's surface. Each glacier supports a small Besalisk commune. Ojom has many space stations orbiting it, most of them larger than any planet-based commune. These stations fill the role of Ojom's spaceports and are more hospitable than the planet's surface.

**Languages:** Besalisks speak their own language, made up of grunts, growls, and barks. Written Besalisk uses a simple alphabet and short words. Besalisks learn Basic with ease.

**Example Names:** Lexia Trexor, Taster Dannex, Dexter Jettster, Rysken Mokksi, Henk Zessek.

**BESALISK SPECIES TRAITS**

• • Ability Modifiers: All Besalisks receive a +2 bonus to their Constitution but suffer a -2 penalty to their Dexterity. Besalisks are hardy and tough, but their large build tends to make them clumsier than other species.

• • Medium: As medium creatures, Besalisks have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

• • Speed: Besalisks have a base speed of 10 meters.

• • Cold Resistance: Besalisks add a +5 Species bonus to their Fortitude Saves to resist Extreme Cold.

• • Extra Arms: Besalisks have four arms, which allows them to wield and hold up to four hands’ worth of weapons and equipment. While their multiple arms increase the number of items they can have at the ready, it doesn't increase the number of attacks they can make during combat.

• • Food Stores: Besalisks can go without food for twice as long as they normally could (For a total number of days equal to twice their Constitution score), and go without water for three times the normal (for a total number of hours equal to three times their Constitution score).

• • Automatic Languages: All Besalisks can speak, read, and write both Basic and Besalisk.