Homebrew Turian Species Details

Hailing from the distant realm of Palaven, the turian people are a hardy species renownwed for their powerful military and unmatched martial traditions. Their might has only even been rivaled by the krogan, who nearly brought them to heel alongside the asari and salarian in ages long past, but whereas the krogan have fallen to disorganized infighting, the turians have only grown stronger.

(This is my interpretation of the turian species from the Mass Effect trilogy. Due to the vast differences in mechanics, setting, and presentation, there are some clear alterations made, though I have tried to remain as loyal to the source material as I can manage.

(This version of the turians 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 

The turians have much physical difference between the males and females, but also many similarities. They all have very tough, scaly, almost plate-like skin, and are often described as bird-like and cat-like, the former being more synonymous with males while the latter being more for females. Additionally, they have three-digited hands--having two thick, taloned fingers and an opposable thumb--and two-digited feet, and backwards-facing, dog-like legs.

Males are taller, usually standing between 6’6” and 7’, usually weighing over 200 pounds. Additionally, they have largely protruding collarbones that rise up in a 3/4-ring around their necks. Their heads, behind the scaly faces, extend backwards into bony spike-like tendrils in place of hair. 

Females, on the other hand, are usually about 5’4” to 6” and between 120 and 165 pounds. Their collarbones are less pronounced, and their frames are much lither than their male counterparts. Their faces are covered in mask-like plates, and they lack the protrusions on the backs of their heads that the males have. 

Another major feature synonymous with the turians is their facial markings. Nearly every turian gets them, usually colored white, but some get them in other colors; typically, these are done to mark their birthplace or a great achievement. Those who don’t have markings aren’t considered trustworthy within turian culture.

Society 

Turians are the military might of the Citadel, the governing power of the races that exist in the same area around the turians, such as asari and salarians, and additionally have a seat on its Council, giving them great political power. Their elected Councilor is often a person with great experience in leadership and military strategy, such as a retired general or war hero.

Because of their military prowess, the bulk of the Citadel’s fleet is made up of turian ships, which are expertly crafted, and manned by turian soldiers, who can defeat almost any opponent, even if they are outmanned and outgunned through their strict training and martial disciplines.

Beliefs

Turians, unlike most races, do not worship the gods; most believe that they exist, but instead worship and pay tribute to the powerful Archfey. On Palaven, their homeland, there are portals to the Feywild, but are hidden deep inside of wild, untamed forests that flourish in Palaven's hot, humid environment... that is, the parts not covered in large, metallic cities of silver.

They are extremely militaristic, as has already been stated, and this takes up most parts of their everyday lives as well. They live in massive cities, every turian having combat training, and most serve in the military at one point or another. Turians also value honor and duty above almost all else, including family, which often leads to months or even years where they don't see their family or friends.

History

The turian people have been around since before the Council, but were only inducted after they helped to quell the Krogan Rebellions, in which krogan attempted to take over the entirety of the Citadel's territory. It was a hard fought war, and the combined might of turian martial ability, asari magical talent, and salarian sciences was barely enough to hold the line against the krogan horde; it wasn't until the salarians developed a secret bioweapon, the genophage, and the turians broke the line to distribute it that they were victorious, although with massive losses.

Because of their pivotal role, however, the turians were granted a seat on the Council, and the turians make up the bulk of the Citadel military to this day.

Turian Traits

The turians are very powerful combatants, and their skillset reflects that.

Ability Score Increase

 As a turian, you are very durable and physically powerful. Your Constitution increases by 2, and your Strength by 1.

Age

Turians age at the same rate as humans, but live longer; they typically live around 120-150 years.

Alignment

Turians are usually lawful in nature, but are also typically dogmatic, meaning they are morally neutral, rather than good/evil. However, certain ones have been known to break the mold and act opposed to tradition, causing chaotic alignments as well.

Languages

You may speak English and Turian.

Martial Focus

As a bonus action on your turn, you gain advantage on all attack rolls you make, while all which are made against you are made with disadvantage. This lasts until the start of your next turn.

After using this feature, you cannot do so again until you complete a short or long rest.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Unarmored Defense

When not wearing armor, you have an AC of 8 + your Dexterity modifier + your Constitution modifier.

This armor can be used in place of armor if it is greater than the bonus given to you by whatever armor you are currently wearing.