ALEERIN

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*“We Agree.”*

An Aleerin can be easily mistaken for a human at a distance or in poor lighting, for he bears the general shape and size of a human. Closer inspection, however, reveals veins of circuitry that weave with the Aleerin’s flesh and blood to form a totally synthesized body. An Aleerin’s hair consists of combined protein strands and filaments of cable and wire. Even the Aleerin’s skeleton has been reinforced with super-strong synthetic materials, and bony protective plates cover the bioorganic flesh at the shoulders and across the chest. The Aleerins’ appearance has led to humans calling them “mechalus” (singular and plural), and the Aleerins don’t seem to mind. Aleerins are slightly heavier than humans, on average, but their builds are less varied. The average Aleerin stands approximately 6 feet tall and weighs 175 to 200 pounds. Aleerins tend to have well proportioned, athletic frames. Their lustrous turquoise eyes are opaque and have no visible pupils.

Aleerins share an affinity for computers. While they can easily employ standard computer interfaces, Aleerins have the ability to personally connect with computer systems. Filaments can extend from an Aleerin’s fingers, snake into a computer, and form a solid link between Aleerin and machine. This link gives the Aleerin speed-of thought access to the computer system, with more precise control than any manual interface can provide. Aleerins have ordered minds, which translates into a highly structured society and an equally organized outlook on life. Although they think with the precision and logic of a machine, they are deeply emotional people who work hard to subdue their negative emotions. They possess the same range of emotions as humans, although they downplay hostility or aggression. Aleerins have demonstrated violent tendencies in the past. Their early forays into space placed them at odds with another warlike race, which the Aleerins ultimately annihilated. Appalled by this heinous act and jarred by an unexpected emotional backlash, modern Aleerins have made a conscious and consistent effort to suppress or regulate their more primal nature. In a tense or dangerous situation, Aleerins are likely to remain calm and rational. They easily suppress their emotions when they deem such action appropriate or necessary. However, in a climate of relaxation and celebration, their emotional pendulum can swing to the other extreme—to other species, it seems as though they are making a special effort to appear cheerful or jubilant. The Aleerins do not consider their behavior at such times to be exaggerated. Strong displays of positive emotion, when the situation permits, afford them the chance to demonstrate that they are not merely machines encased in biological bodies.

-**ALEERIN SPECIES TRAITS** -

• • **Speed:** 10 meters.

• • **Computer Link (Ex):** As a move action, an Aleerin can link with any computer he can reach, using short filaments that extend from his fingertips. Once the physical link is achieved, the Aleerin can use the computer to accomplish complex computer-related tasks more quickly than normal. A task that normally requires 1 or more minutes to complete on the computer takes a full-round action instead, while a task that normally requires 1 or more hours takes 1 minute instead. The TN of the skill check increases by 5, however, as the Aleerin trades caution for expedience. An Aleerin retains his Dexterity bonus to Defense while linked to a computer. Disconnecting from the computer is a free action, and a linked Aleerin who takes an attack action automatically severs the link. The link is also broken the instant the Aleerin can no longer reach the computer.

• • **Cybernetic Adaptability (Ex):** An Aleerin can have an additional number of cybernetic attachments equal to his level. Improper removal of a cybernetic attachment installed on an Aleerin causes 1d4 points of temporary Constitution damage (instead of 1d4 points of permanent Constitution drain, as normal).**Skill Bonus:** Aleerins gain a +2 species bonus on Computer Use checks.

• • **Free Language Skills:** Read/Write Aleerin, Speak Aleerin.

• • **Size:** Medium-size. Aleerins have no special bonuses or penalties due to their size.

• • **Ability Modifiers:** +2 Constitution, –2 Wisdom, –2 Charisma. Aleerins are more resilient but less perceptive and personable than humans.