Homebrew Asari Species Details

Found in the distant land of Thessia, the asari are an all-female race with innate magical abilities. In their society, they prize personal freedom and wisdom above most others, and are often seen as peacekeepers. They are also the first race to claim to govern the Isles, later being joined by the salarians and turians.

(This version of the asari from Mass Effect is mildly changed from their "official" counterparts, giving them more fantasy elements and less sci-fi ones; feel free to change certain parts for your campaigns and characters, if you deem it necessary.)

 

Physical Traits

As a humanoid, all-female race, the asari strongly resemble human women in terms of size and build. However, there are several key differences, such as skin that is almost always a shade of blue or purple; a few, however, may have slightly redder or greener hues due to disease, environments, or magical alterations. Also, on the backs of their heads, they have a set of backwards-extending tentacle-like protrusions. Unlike the rest of their skin, these are rougher than the rest, feeling almost like leather as compared to the regular skin across the rest of their body.

Compared to most humans, they often appear a fair deal above average in terms of beauty, the vast majority being quite buxom, with very few having features deemed near-universally unattractive. Because of this, some individuals have stated that they were created purely as sex-appeal. Supporting this theory, many young asari are hired by taverns and similar establishments as dancers, barmaids, or prostitutes. However, the younger members of the race are nearly-exclusively in this group.

Some asari, depending on their upbringing and profession, may get tattoos or markings, usually of a shade of purple or white.

Society

The first of the races in the Council that governs the Isles, the asari, especially the Matriarchs, are renowned for their wisdom and peacekeeping abilities.

However, within their society, the asari live through three separate life stages; Maiden, Matron, and Matriarch. The first span lasts for about 350 years, and they spend most of this stage traveling around, pursuing whatever goals they may have at that time, whether they be seeking knowledge, fame, adventure, or any other focus. The second lasts until they're about 700 years of age, and during this time, most asari stop their adventures and instead seek to raise a family. Finally, their third stage lasts until their death, and at this point they put more focus on helping their communities, sharing the wisdom they've gathered over their centuries alive.

Beliefs

Most asari don't worship any deity, but still acknowledge their existence and effects. However, in times past, they used to pay tribute to Athame, their race's patron goddess. Because of this, a good deal still refer to her in certain situations, usually simply calling her "the Goddess." There is a minority who still partake in her worship, however.

History

The asari were the first race to attempt to govern the Isles, forming a council of their most respected individuals. They were soon joined by the salarians and turians, and are seen as the diplomatic head of the Citadel Council. However, on Thessia, their homeland, magic permeates the land itself, meaning almost every single asari has some sort of innate magic.

 

Asari Traits

Although the traits of the asari change from individual-to-individual because of the universal nature of their genes, there are several traits that are constants.

Age

Asari typically live to be at least 1000 (unless they die of unnatural causes). However, most of the ones on adventures are only 100-350 years old and in their Maiden stage.

Ability Score Increase

Your Wisdom increases by 2, and your Charisma by 1.

Alignment

Almost all asari are neutral or good in morals, however some can be considered evil. However, their ethical alignment may change depending on their life state. Maidens are more chaotic, while Matrons are often neutral, and Matriarchs are usually lawful. Of course, there are exceptions to these.

Innate Magic

You can choose one cantrip from the sorcerer spell list, and you may cast it at will, even if you are not of a magic class.

Langauges

You can speak Common and Asari.

Magical Defense

You gain +2 to your AC when being targeted by spells and magic effects.