Fal

The Fal are a race of Human native to the lush **UDS** planet Falskath.

## Physiology

Biologically speaking, there is little that differentiates the humans of the lush planet Falskath with those who inhabit the rest of the galaxy. The reason why the Fal are considered another subspecies entirely is because they possess a latent ability to store and manipulate electricity which is not found in other humans. This electrical affinity is not typically very showy, and most commonly manifests itself through a resistance to levels of voltage that would harm or kill other humans, as well as some control over static electricity, which allows the Fal to discharge a nasty stinging shock from their fingertips if they have plenty of electricity stored up.

Fal are commonly distinguished from other humans by their vivid blue eyes, a trait which every Fal possesses. The intensity of these eyes indicates the amount of latent electrical power they possess. While most Fal could pass as a particularly blue eyed non-Fal human, those with strong electrical powers have neon blue eyes that are striking even from a distance. Those with immense power will often crackle, their eyes flickering with electric menace when they are threatened.

## Culture and Behaviour

As one can imagine, electricity plays a defining role in Fal society. All Fal worship a deity known as Voltanis, God of Thunder, and their electrical ability is considered Voltanis’ gift. Those with unusually high electrical affinity are not automatically lifted to higher status, but they are looked upon with awe by the Fal, and often gain celebrity status. The bounty hunter Tesla is an infamous contemporary example of such a celebrity. Possessing powers that are unrivaled by any living Fal, Tesla has been vocal in claiming that the ‘gift of Voltanis’ is in fact a symbiotic relationship between a Fal and an intangible electrical spirit living inside of them. In Tesla’s case, she claims that her spirit is powerful to such a degree that it can often take control of her body and mind, resulting in the brutal violence for which she is known. Most Fal dismiss her claims as heretical and unrealistic, and gladly attribute her violence to an unstable personality.

Despite any differences of opinion, almost all Fal are fiercely loyal to their home planet and will make the protection of it a major part of everything they do. As a result, Falskath is a well-maintained and bountiful planet, and is a popular tourist destination given its place in central UDS space. It enjoys a close, positive relationship with both Earth and the UDS government at large, and is frequently seen as one of the ‘big three’ UDS representatives, along with Earth and the rocky planet Taragonn.

Fal are a proud, loyal people with a strong sense of justice. They do not react well to being wronged or cheated, and can often be taken advantage of in a political climate by painting a potential opponent as a liar and cheat. Fal who can overcome this bias make excellent judges and law enforcement officers, and Fal soldiers are overwhelmingly common in the UDS military. The X-Crew leader known only as ‘Captain’ is a well known Fal military veteran who played a major role in helping Falskath join the UDS during its formation. His actions are viewed as traitorous by certain fanatical political factions on Falskath, who vie for the planet’s independence from the self-righteous UDS.

## Notable Fal

* Captain
* Tesla