Homebrew Chiss Species Details

"The Chiss do not simply accept alien concepts without careful consideration. We certainly do not submit to domination. By anyone."

— Mitth'raw'nuruodo

The Chiss are a tall blue-skinned, near-human sentient species that possess red eyes and dark blue hair. They hail from the planet Csilla.

The Chiss Ascendancy is the governing body of the Chiss. Their domain is located in the Unknown Regions. They have little contact with the rest of the galaxy, and until Grand Admiral Thrawn's ascent in the ranks of the Galactic Empire, their existence was regarded as mostly a legend even within the Unknown Regions.

Biology and Appearance

The Chiss are near-humans, meaning their shape, features, and dimensions are greatly similar to those of humans. However, some notable differences being that their skin is blue, their hair a shimmering blue-black, and their eyes a glowing red. Besides their coloration, Chiss eyes are slightly better than those of humans, their visible spectrum edging a little into the infrared range. Additionally, their hearing is sharper.

Society and Culture

"But one fact has always remained constant: The Chiss must be approached from a position of strength and respect. One must have strength, for the Chiss will deal only with those capable of keeping their promises. One must have respect, for the Chiss must believe that those promises will be kept."

— Passage from Thrawn's journal

The Chiss are technologically advanced, keenly interested in art and science, and skilled at mathematics. Though logical in their mindset, they are also appreciative of philosophy, and interested in other cultures. Given their xenophobic tendencies, it comes as no surprise that the Chiss use their understanding of non-Chiss cultures to gain a tactical advantage over potential adversaries.

Chiss society is highly ordered and structured. Rule of law is controlled and enforced by a small number of ruling "Families." These ruling families, also known as clans or houses, are more akin to different branches of government than to actual familial units. As a rule, a Chiss will never knowingly do anything to bring shame upon his or her family, for entire lines have been exiled for the actions of a single family member.

The culture of the Chiss is based on a strict code of conduct. As a rule, they do not attack an opponent unless they are attacked first. Although most Chiss are peaceful, once embroiled in military conflict, they do not relent until their opponents are either totally destroyed, or completely subjugated. The ruling class of the Chiss Ascendancy was known as the Aristocra. The Chiss military consisted of the Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet.

Chiss Names

Chiss traditionally have long, tripartite names. When dealing with non-Chiss, these names are abbreviated. Examples of abbreviated Chiss names include Deel, Prakk, Karyce, Lev, Sorn, Szardra, Thrawn, Voss, and Zilvad.

  

Chiss Traits

Your Chiss character has the following traits.

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and one other ability score of your choice increases by 1.

Age

Chiss mature by 14 years of age, and most are expected to settle down into an adult life by around age 40. They can live 80 to almost 100 years.

Alignment

Chiss society is built on fidelity to a rigid, unforgiving code of conduct. As such, they tend toward lawful evil.

Size

Chiss are about the same size as humans, ranging from 5 to 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

To set your height and weight randomly, start with rolling a size modifier:

Size modifier = 2d8

Height = 4 feet + 9 inches + your size modifier in inches

Weight in pounds = 110 + (2d4 × your size modifier)

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision

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 red.

Csilla Ancenstry

Acclimated to your frigid world of Csilla, you have resistance to cold damage, additionally you can tolerate temperatures as low as −50 degrees Fahrenheit without any additional protection.

Decadent Mastery

You learn one language of your choice, and you are proficient with one skill or tool of your choice.

Mental Discipline

You have advantage on saving throws against the charmed and frightened conditions.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Basic and Cheunh. Cheunh is the complex and nuance-laden language of the Chiss.