Future of Pariahs

*The War Goddess looked down at the*
smaller gynoid. Down, but only in the physical sense; there was no derision, no
condescenion, no contempt in the War Goddess’s gaze upon the former Pariah,
only sympathy and dignified gravity.

*“You have proven yourself again*
and again to your clan, that is without doubt. Such as been the nature of your
proving, that none among your clanswomen doubt that your former disgrace was
nothing less than an artifice of the Dark One, and not your personal failing.
That the Goddess Shemar has not seen to reveal to you your original name, or
relight the fires that would pronounce your return to the ranks of the
Warriors, is not to be seen as a lingering taint, a remaining failure of your
worthiness, but instead, it is a sign that the Goddess has considered you for
other things. She has seen in you another course than that of War, and She will
doubtlessly reveal all to you in Her good time. “

*A gauntleted hand reaches out,*
touches lightly on the bowed Reclaimed’s head.

*“Among us, the Goddess may be*
closest to you, as she seems yet unfinished with you. I can only offer my
simple blessings on your coming union with the Scout Aneras Forest-Runner, and
my wish that it give us many strong children to our clan, but these would pale
beside what the Goddess has already given you and may yet gift you with.”

Among the EShemar,
the Pariahs are known as ‘the Reclaimed’, at least initially. Their primary
role among the EShemar is not espionage, as originally planned by ARCHIE-3 and
Hagan, but to help fill out the numbers of the Ecotroz Shemar, as camp
domestics, support personnel, liaisons to outsiders, and caretakers of new
NeShemar. Though regarded with some sympathy by their fellow EShemar, such is
the power of suggestion of the original Shemarrian imprint that many EShemar
still regard the former Pariahs with suspicion, until the Reclaimed have proven
that they are indeed truly reformed(or otherwise proven inncoent of whatever
charges got them branded Pariahs in the first place), and effectively taken off
probation.

In time, though, it
is inevitable that many(if not most) of the Reclaimed will redeem themselves in
the eyes of their clanswomen. Some, through the Rites of Upgrade, will ‘return’
to some degree of their ‘former’ prowess as Warriors, whie others will find
happiness in their tasks as camp caretakers and support personnel. It is also
inevitable that the Reclaimed will be granted access/asked to Progen, and help
create future generations of EShemar.

Acolites are
regarded much as NeShemar; they are seen as ‘blanks’ at birth, and are shortly
afterwards tested to find a lifepath that they are inclined towards. Many will
choose Warrior, or follow the path of the Tinkers, but many others will go into
the sciences, domestic support and administration, diplomacy, and other
‘softer’ professions, in support of the rest of their kin. By large the
Acolites are pacifistic, non-confrontational, and fairly serene in disposition,
working long hours in work that Warriors would find frustratingly boring,
Tinkers would find menial, and Males would regard as distracting. This is not
to say that the Acolites are lacking in combat ability; indeed, all are born
with the original Pariah weapons training, and Acolites will readily take up
arms to stand beside their warrior sisters and brothers in defense of their
society, but for most other times they are content to serve their people in the
necessary non-combat roles. In many ways, the Acolites are the ‘paperwork
caste’ of the EShemar.

## Progen Born

Besides being born
without the integral weaponry and hardware of other castes, about 30% of Acolites
are born of fairer appearance, and about
25% are born with some distinguishing 'birthmark', such as a pale false scar,
distinctive eyes, smaller stature, or other minor physical difference. These
are sometimes known as the 'Marks of the Goddess' among the EShemar.

While born lacking
in integral armaments or other caste-specific hardware, Acolites DO have a
higher incidence of psionics amongst them. While not as powerful as
Psi-Shamanesses/Shamans, Acolites essentially are minor psychics.

### Stats

Acolites created by progen will have a +1d6 P.B. and +1d4 M.A. bonus.

#### Psionics

ISP: 1d4x10 +M.E.
+2d4 per level of experience.

In
addition to the standard Ecotroz telemechanics and related talents, can select
4 powers from either the Sensitive or the Healing categories, and select
another one power from either of the two categories at levels 3, 9, and 12 of
experience.