The Phe'en
are a minor human subspecies transplanted from Terra and genetically modified by the Ancients. They have a deep bond with their Homeworld, Phe, and are trying to find ways to live with the recently arriving humans and the new tech they bring. The Phe'en where just discovering steam when the humans arrived in large numbers and they utilize archaic firearms for hunting and defense.
Their society is tribally structured with leadership positions voted on regularly by the whole tribe. These elected Tribeskahni then meet every 3 years in the commonly recognized capital of the tribes Tal'Tre to vote on a singular Phe'Kahn who will be called upon in times of need and when issues between tribes need to be resolved. The Phe'Kahn is also the recognized leader of Phe'en military.
Phe’en Travellers follow the same procedures and concepts as human Travellers, as detailed in the Traveller Core Rulebook.
PHE’EN
Phe’en Travellers have the following modifiers to their characteristics:
STR+1, DEX+2, SOC-2.
PHE’EN TRAITS
Phe’en Travellers all possess the following traits.
Poor Senses: Phe’en eyes are sensitive to bright lights but are superior in the dark. They suffer a penalty of DM-1 to all checks requiring vision in light equal to or greater than normal daylight unless wearing protective lenses such as sunglasses. In the dark, Phe’en gain a bonus of DM+1 to all checks requiring vision if there is some light source, no matter how dim.
STARTING AGE
Phe’en Travellers begin their careers at 18 years of age.
NAMES
Travellers may wish to use Phe'en Names (if so, they are encouraged to pick relatively pronounceable ones!). There is no necessity for doing so, although it adds flavour and atmosphere to a campaign.
TITLES
Phe’en use no titles among themselves and generally reject the use of titles by others. If titles must be used, they tend to be applied reluctantly or even belligerently.
BACKGROUND
Phe’en always have the LOW-TECH Background.
THE DRAFT
Phe’en Travellers may submit themselves to the draft just like any other Traveller.
CAREERS
Phe’en may enter any career as described in the Traveller Core Rulebook. Many favour the Entertainer, Merchant, Scout or Rogue careers. Many also pursue a Scientist career, specialising in the biological and environmental sciences. Few Phe’en adopt the Agent, Marine and none the Noble careers.
AGEING
Phe’en ageing is the same as standard. They commence ageing rolls at 34 (at the end of their fourth term).
PHE’EN LIFE EVENTS
Phe’en have similar life events to other humans. Use the Life Events table in the Traveller Core Rulebook.
MUSTERING OUT
Phe’en Travellers use the mustering out system as detailed in the Traveller Core Rulebook.
ROLEPLAYING PHE’EN
Phe’en are very friendly and cooperative. Phe’en will often be the first to greet strangers and if it appears someone needs assistance they will be the first to offer it. Their friendly nature leads to their need to feel they belong. Family is important to Phe’en and if they do not have any they are likely to view Travellers as their surrogate family and act accordingly.
As a result of living in tight nit tribes, Phe’en are almost obsessively polite and will actively prevent friction or insult. They will allow others to go before them, ensure others are let into queues before them, allow others to enter doors before them and so on. If a misunderstanding does occur, Phe’en will apologise first, humbly and sincerely, even if it is not their fault. In situations where friction develops, Phe’en will go to great measures to smooth things over, even acting as diplomats or mediators to assist others in living harmoniously and cooperatively.
While cooperative and peaceful, Phe’en value their way of life highly. If threatened, they will try to resolve the situation peacefully, making concessions and backing down to ensure things do not get heated. However, if these tactics do not work, they will defend themselves and their way of life ruthlessly. This makes them unsuitable for following orders they are opposed to, or which will prove dangerous to them or those they love. They would rather throw down arms than compromise these principles.
Phe’en deeply love the natural world and will often surround themselves with as much nature as they can. Even in the limited space of a starship, their quarters will house numerous plants and even a small menagerie of pets. Phe’en will volunteer to be the caretaker of any shipboard plants or animals. They champion the preservation of natural environments and fight – peacefully at first but with greater and greater violence if peaceful measures are unsuccessful – to protect endangered species.
Phe’en love novelty. Nothing brings a smile to Phe’en faces as much as a discovery, novel experience or new find. Others often find Phe’en love of novelty both somewhat childlike and at the same time disarmingly charming. Phe’en will always be on the lookout for something new and exciting to attract their attention. This can lead to some being flighty and lacking concentration, while with others it leads to them becoming obsessed with their new novelty until they have studied it completely if it is an object or subject, or work at it constantly until it is fully completed if it is a task. Sometimes, Travellers may have to find something new about an old task to draw a Phe’en’s attention but once they gain it they will have it for as long as needed.
