Homebrew Cardassian Species Details

"Two years I spent on the Cardassian border. Two years fighting Guls and Legates and Glinns. They were cunning enemies. Always had us chasing holo-projections and sensor ghosts. Everything was a game with them. Always had a plan within a plan within a plan leading into a trap. It was an honor to kill them."

―Leskit, a Klingon, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, "Soldiers of the Empire".

 

Cardassians are a spacefaring humanoid species with reptilianoid traits and a militaristic, totalitarian government which controls the Cardassian Space surrounding their homeworld of Cardassia Prime.

Cold-Blooded

Cardassians are a typically humanoid species: bipedal, about the same size as Humans and possessing similar external anatomy. However, they also possess typically reptilianoid traits, both in biology and sociology, perhaps hinting on a synapsid-like nature. Their skin color ranges from light grey to dark, brownish grey and their hair is always black, smooth and combed. They possess scaly ridges running on the head, neck, shoulders and chest. Cardassians prefer a hotter, darker and more humid environment than Humans. It has been hinted that they are cold-blooded, which could explain their intolerance of cold. Their preference for darker environments, however, could be best explained by a more sensitive eyesight.

High Suspicion, Low Honor

Cardassian sociology and moral values differ greatly from those of Humans and other species. The Cardassian society is highly hierarchical and is more centered on the good of the state than the individual well being. While they value a comfortable quality of life as much as any other species, they will favor justice, order and loyalty to the government over things as individual freedom and equality. Cardassians are also a naturally suspicious people, who will think twice before deciding to trust someone, even someone they know well. Like Klingons, Cardassians place a high value at loyalty, both to their families and their government. Unlike Klingons, however, Cardassians have little to no concept of honor. As much as they value loyalty to their families and to the state at large, most Cardassians will have no problem at betraying friends or acquaintances if they believe this will benefit themselves.

Perfect Memory

Cardassians have a photographic memory, and can even have some greater resistance to a Vulcan mind meld. However, resistance to the mind meld is not inherent, it takes lots of skill and practice. 

Cardassian Traits

The Cardassian society is highly hierarchical and is more centered on the good of the state than the individual well being. While they value a comfortable quality of life as much as any other species, they will favor justice, order and loyalty to the government over things as individual freedom and equality.

Alignment

Cardassians believe their government and laws to be of the upmost importance, making them quite lawful. However, as they are not afraid to betray even a close ally, they are usually neutral or evil as well. A good or chaotic Cardassian would seem traitorous to others of their kind. 

Thick Skull

Through years of training, Cardassians can gain the ability to resist Vulcan mind melds, which is a powerful psychic ability. You will have advantage on wisdom saving throws. 

Darkvision

On your home planet, you are accustomed to low light and dark spaces. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray. 

Ability Score Increase

Your Strength score increases by 2.

Age

Cardassians have a shorter adolescence period in comparison to their average lifespan, entering adulthood around their 20s. They have an average lifespan of 140 years, but could live anywhere upwards of 200 years. 

Size

Adult Cardassians are usually at height or taller than an average human, from 5'10 to well over 6 feet tall. Regardless of your position in that range, your size is Medium.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Kardasi. While Cardassians have never spoken their language in a canon show, many have spent their time creating the potential sounds and words of the language. It has many glottal stops and is not a soft or fluid language. It is as strong as the Cardassians themselves.