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--- species:tulaki [2024/08/06 02:19]
conan Tulaki background and species page reformatting
+++ species:tulaki [2025/07/15 19:35] (current)
conan Saurian Tails
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 ====== Tulaki ======
-The Tulaki are a reptilian species that evolved in the [[:system:Origin]] system in the [[:Saggitarius Arm]] of the galaxy. Their genome allows for an extreme degree of physiological variability, which usually resolves into one of a number of distinctive castes. The majority of Tulaki are what the Ascendancy dubs "Saurian morphs", and are somewhat large than humans, with greater muscle mass, large jaws and clawed digits, and are notably aggressive. The second most numerous caste are the "Serpentine morphs", who are about the same build and size as humans, with finer features and less aggression. The least numerous caste display even greater genetic variability, but are universally much larger, broader and more physically powerful than humans - these hulking individuals are collectively grouped together as "Megasaurians".
+[{{:species:tulaki_priest_e5.jpg?250 |<html><font color="black">Dashak Vultaxin, renowned Scientist and Priest, guiding light of the Vultaxin Institute</font></html>}}]The Tulaki are a reptilian species that evolved in the [[:system:Origin]] system in the [[:Saggitarius Arm]] of the galaxy. Their genome allows for an extreme degree of physiological variability, which usually resolves into one of a number of distinctive castes. The majority of Tulaki are what the Ascendancy dubs "Saurian morphs", and are somewhat large than humans, with greater muscle mass, large jaws and clawed digits, and are notably aggressive. The second most numerous caste are the "Serpentine morphs", who are about the same build and size as humans, with finer features and less aggression. The least numerous caste display even greater genetic variability, but are universally much larger, broader and more physically powerful than humans - these hulking individuals are collectively grouped together as "Megasaurians".
 The Tulaki developed on the world of Origin, now the centre of the [[:Dominion]], and the Tulaki are the founders and remain the most populous species present in that Faction today. Their culture, with the [[:Path of Tulak]] at its core, formed the foundation of the Dominion's modern culture and society. Even prior to the introduction of the philosophy of [[:Immortal Spirits#Tulak the Illustrious]], the Tulaki were relatively culturally homogeneous for a pre-technological species, most likely due to the geology and geography of their home world, where the majority of available landmass consisted of a single supercontinent. Their early civilisation grew out of a society of various petty tribes and kingdoms, held together by merchant traders that traveled around the relatively fertile coastal region, with only a few tribes occupying the more arid middle of the supercontinent. Due to a few quirks of geology, most of the fertile, food-producing regions of Origin were relatively poor in mineral resources, and mineral-rich areas were relatively infertile and also tended to contain only a small group of specific minerals in each area. Trade, therefore, was essential, and the merchants created a sense of cohesiveness and spread cultural trends rapidly and widely.
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 ===== Appearance =====
-The three primary Tulaki morphs are defined by certain consistencies in appearance, but even within these groups there exists significant variation in scale colour and coverage, size and weight distribution, and facial structure. Colour in particular is highly variable - there are Tulaki coloured pale or vibrant emerald greens; lurid yellows, reds or oranges; silvery whites or matt blacks and purples; or many other colours besides. Tulaki do display some  sexual polymorphism, but with the added complexity of their highly variable baseline morphology it can be difficult for other species to distinguish the different characteristics without significant study into Tulaki biology.
+[{{:species:broodofdalathak_tulaki_e2.jpg?400 |<html><font color="black">Tulaki of various morphs, members of the Brood of Dalathak</font></html>}}]The three primary Tulaki morphs are defined by certain consistencies in appearance, but even within these groups there exists significant variation in scale colour and coverage, size and weight distribution, and facial structure. Colour in particular is highly variable - there are Tulaki coloured pale or vibrant emerald greens; lurid yellows, reds or oranges; silvery whites or matt blacks and purples; or many other colours besides. Tulaki do display some  sexual polymorphism, but with the added complexity of their highly variable baseline morphology it can be difficult for other species to distinguish the different characteristics without significant study into Tulaki biology.
 Despite their genetic variability, Tulaki are all identifiably reptilian, with scaled outer skin and lizard-like musculature. Their bones are somewhat lighter than terrans, but not hollow - compared to mammalian species, their body weight rests more on their musculature and an array of larger interlocking plate-like scales along the back on either side of the spine. In some Megasaurian morphs these load-bearing plates are enlarged into an external protective carapace or row of spines.
@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 Megasaurians, which form a small percentage of the overall population, are highly morphologically diverse. It is unknown what creates a Megasaurian, as one can arise from parents with very little Megasaurian ancestry. The prevalent theory is that certain key genes which are unexpressed in other morphs are, due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, activated in utero or in early childhood, and this causes a cascading effect that activates other genes and causes profound variation in certain growth characteristics. Megasaurians are almost all significantly larger and bulkier than other Tulaki, and most have numerous other characteristics beyond the Tulaki norms. These characteristics include large fused scales forming a protective shell, an enlarged cranium bearing huge horns or head frills, large armoured plates, clawed hands, significantly elongated snouts and teeth, or a profusion of other characteristics. It is rare that two Megasaurians with the same attributes would ever encounter each other, they display such a degree of variability.
+====== Game Rules ======
+  * **Species Keywords:** Reptilian
+  * **Default Faction:** [[:Dominion]] (Core Species)
+    * All Tulaki are considered the Core Species of the Dominion, and may purchase Dominion Status for 2 character points per rank.
+Tulaki have 3 different sub-types, which must be chosen at character creation. The different variations grant greater and more powerful abilities with increasing trappings requirements.
-====== Game Rules ======
 ===== Serpentine Tulaki =====
+[{{ :species:saukata_broodofdalathak_e10.jpg?250|<html><font color="black">Saukata, Priest of the Brood of Dalathak, has a scale pattern common among Serpentine Tulaki</font></html>}}]Serpentines are the smallest group of Tulaki, with a tendency towards a slighter build and more nimble limbs.
 ==== Serpentine Trappings ====
+  * Scaled face - Serpentines have patches of scales in some areas, the coverage of which varies in different individuals, but at a minimum covers the forehead, cheeks and backs of the hands. This trapping can be achieved with makeup in a scaled (typically diamond-shaped) pattern, which can be easily applied using a stencil. For characters with more pronounced scales, areas of prosthetic can be used to emphasise the scaly appearance.
+  * Optional Trapping - Vivid Flesh - Serpentine Tulaki commonly have skin that appears in various vivid colours, even in scale-less areas. These colours typically match or complement the colour of their scaled areas. This trapping can be achieved using makeup on other areas of exposed skin not coloured by scales, or a morph suit.
+  * Optional Trapping - Reptilian Eyes - Some Serpentines have thin vertical pupils like that of a reptile. This effect can be achieved using special effect contact lenses.
+  * Optional Trapping - Flat Nose - Some Serpentines have a less pronounced nose, which blends their nose with their face and upper lip, with the nostrils being smaller and less prominent. This effect can be achieved using a prosthetic or mask.
 ==== Serpentine Abilities ====
+  * 2 Locational Body Hits and a Death Count of 200 seconds.
+  * May purchase ranks of [[:devotion_skills#Priestly Devotion]], or [[:devotion_skills#Heroic Devotion]] if [[:devotion_skills#Devotion Ceremony|Devoted]].
 ===== Saurian Tulaki =====
+[{{ :species:xipil_firebringers_e1.jpg?250|<html><font color="black">Xipil, Saurian Tulaki & engineer of the Fire Bringers, has a discussion with a Terran on New-Horizon Alpha IV</font></html>}}]Saurians are mid-sized Tulaki, with a generally larger build supporting a prominent head.
 ==== Saurian Trappings ====
+  * Prominent Reptilian Head - Saurians have large heads that can take a range of reptilian forms - some resemble modern lizards such as geckos, while others are very reminiscent of dinosaurs. This trapping can be achieved with a large lizard or dinosaur mask, usually a foam mask.
+  * Optional Trapping - Vivid or Scaled Flesh - Saurian Tulaki commonly have skin that appears in various vivid colours, with patches of prominent scale patterns. This trapping can be achieved in a similar manner to the skin of Serpentine Tulaki.
+  * Optional Trapping - Reptilian Eyes - Some Saurians have thin vertical pupils like that of a reptile. This effect can be achieved using special effect contact lenses.
+  * Optional Trapping - Reptilian Tail - Uncommonly, some Saurians possess thick reptilian tails. Usually these tails are adorned with 2 or 3 rows of thick scales, an extension of their spinal scales, and in some rare individuals these scales are adapted into spikes.
 ==== Saurian Abilities ====
+  * 3 Locational Body Hits and a Death Count of 200 seconds.
+  * May purchase ranks of [[:devotion_skills#Priestly Devotion]], or [[:devotion_skills#Heroic Devotion]] if [[:devotion_skills#Devotion Ceremony|Devoted]].
 ===== Megasaurian Tulaki =====
+[{{ :species:broodofdalathak_megasaurians_e3.jpg?250|<html><font color="black">Three Megasaurians of various morphs, members of the militant Brood of Dalathak - Jug-Ur, Ank-Ur and Jalk-Ur.</font></html>}}]Megasaurians are large Tulaki morphs which display an incredible diversity of form and ability.
 ==== Megasaurian Trappings ====
-==== Megasaurian Abilities ====
+  * Prominent Reptilian Head - Megasaurians have large heads that can take a range of reptilian forms - some resemble modern lizards such as crocodiles, while others are very reminiscent of dinosaurs. This trapping can be achieved with a large lizard or dinosaur mask, usually a foam mask.
+  * Large & Bulky - Megasaurians are larger and broader than other Tulaki morphs. This can be achieved by using padding or other structured physreps that enlarge your physical form, such as American football padding or similar.
+  * Unique Phenotype - Megasaurians often have special physical features that make them unique among other Tulaki and grant them various enhanced physical abilities. If you are considering building a Megasaurian kit, you should [[:Contact Us]] and the Game Team will work with you so that your character can have abilities that match your awesome physrep. Example phenotypes and their associated abilities include:
+    * Loricate megasaurians – A crocodile head, large bodies with wide frames. Have extra hits and may have the strength to hit for strikedown or repel in melee combat. Claws.
+    * Tyrannus megasaurians - Bulky and spiky megasaurian with a particularly terrifying face, can cause others to flee in terror with their rubling roars.
+    * Testudinate megasaurians – Turtle-like morph, with large armour plates or a large shell on their back that offer resistances.
+    * Ceratopinate megasaurians – Triceratops-style heads and bulky frames. Strong and tough, and liable to fly into powerful berserker rages.
+  * Optional Trapping - Vivid or Scaled Flesh - Megasaurian Tulaki commonly have skin that appears in various vivid colours, with patches of prominent scale patterns. This trapping can be achieved in a similar manner to the skin of Serpentine Tulaki.
+  * Optional Trapping - Reptilian Eyes - Some Saurians have thin vertical pupils like that of a reptile. This effect can be achieved using special effect contact lenses.
-==== Advantages ====
+==== Megasaurian Abilities ====
-The different Tulaki castes have different advantages, usually dependant on the extensiveness of the physrep requirement. All members of the Dominion are allowed to dedicate themselves to the Path of Tulak and become Heroes. Tulaki of all castes are considered the Core Species of the Dominion, and may purchase Dominion Status for 2 character points per rank.
-**Serpentine Tulaki** have the least demanding physrep requirement, requiring a minimum of a scaled effect on their exposed skin, which can be achieved with makeup. They can become Priests or Heroes but have no other particular advantages or disadvantages. Serpentines have 2 locational body hits and a death count of 200.
-**Saurian Tulaki** must have a minimum of a foam lizard or dinosaur mask that enlarges the head shape. They are naturally more aggressive and confrontational as a caste than others. They can become Priests or Heroes, and have 3 locational body hits and a death count of 200.
-**Megasaurian Tulaki** must have physrep elements that significantly enlarge their physical form, such as American football padding or similar. Megasaurians get advantages depending on their subtype and physrep - new Megasaurians should contact the Game Team either prior to or at the start of the first event they attend so that their abilities can be worked out. However, Megasaurians find it difficult and frustrating to learn technical skills, and each rank of any [[:Professional Skills#Profession Skills]], [[:Professional Skills#Spaceflight Skills]] or [[:Devotion Skills#Priestly Devotion]] costs them an additional Character Point as they are more instinctive and easily frustrated by complex tasks than other castes. The larger Megasaurians often have difficulty with the fine manipulation required for Professional Skills. They can buy [[:Professional Skills#Reputation skills]] and [[:Devotion Skills#Heroic Devotion]] at normal cost.
+  * Baseline - 4 Locational Hits and a 200 second Death Count.
+  * May purchase ranks of [[:devotion_skills#Priestly Devotion]], or [[:devotion_skills#Heroic Devotion]] if [[:devotion_skills#Devotion Ceremony|Devoted]].
+  * Additional abilities depending on physrep.
+  * May make use of [[:Megasaurian Environmental Nano-treatment]] to reduce their bulky trappings for a time.
-Example megasaurians include:
+Megasaurians get a variety of additional advantages depending on their Unique Phenotype - new Megasaurians should contact the Game Team either prior to or at the start of the first event they attend so that their abilities can be worked out. We take your intended physrep and work with you to create a suite of abilities that reflect the rough "type" of Megasaurian you are going for. This can result in a wide range of abilities, such as switching to Global Hits, various immunities to specific Calls or even whole classes of weapons under certain conditions, being able to generate certain calls, having natural Armour Hits, and a whole range of other possibilities.
-  * Loricate megasaurians – Crocodile heads, large bodies with wide frames. Have extra hits and may have strength to hit for strikedown or repel in melee. Claws.
-  * Testudinate megasaurians – Turtle-people, with large armour plates that offer resistances.
-  * Ceratopinate megasaurians – Triceratops-style heads and bulky frames. They have extra hits and strength, and are liable to fly into powerful berserker rages.
-If you would like to play a megasaurian, you will receive a package of abilities based on your physrep. All megasaurian physreps should make you considerably bulkier than a normal human. Players of Megasaurian characters can also take advantage of [[:Megasaurian Environmental Nano-treatment]] rules at events where their costume would be prohibitive or punishing to attend - typically very hot summer events or player events in very small spaces.
+All megasaurian physreps should make you considerably bulkier than a normal human. Note that big, bulky or padded costumes can be difficult to wear for long periods, either because of the additional weight or the risk of overheating. Some of these risks can be mitigated by designing your costume to minimise the risks - water packs, fans, breathable fabrics, good weight distribution and the like can go a long way to helping with these issues. However, costume evolves over time so we are generally happy to make changes to abilities based on any changes or improvements you make over time. Additionally, Players of Megasaurian characters can take advantage of [[:Megasaurian Environmental Nano-treatment]] rules to take a break and strip the bulkier or more unwieldy parts of your costume for a time during events.
 {{tag>faction dominion tulaki species}}

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