Homebrew Apex (Starbound) Species Details

The Apex are one of the seven playable races in Starbound, and one of the six races entrusted with an Ancient artifact.

They were originally a much more human-like race until a completely natural mysterious water-borne pathogen of unknown origin threatened their survival. Fortunately the ruling government, known as the Miniknog, had developed a cure that countered the harmful effects of the pathogen... with the unexpected side effect of starting the VEP (Vestigi-Evo Process), which "devolved" their bodies to a more ape-like state. On the other hand, it also greatly increased their mental capabilities, leading to even bigger advances in super-science.

This process took less than ten years to spread to the entire race, and also coincidentally at the same time the Miniknog began a complete societal  restructuring. All records of the Apex society prior to VEP were destroyed, and the Miniknog's leader Big Ape took complete and total control over the Apex society... for their safety and security, of course. Apex leadership dictates jobs, the economy, fashion trends, food rations, and who "volunteers" for tests in the advancement of Apex biological science. Big Ape's rule is so all-encompassing that nobody knows exactly how long Apex society has actually been this way. And thus the Apex were happy and complacent, under the watchful eye of Big Ape and his many, many, many surveillance cameras and heavily-armed guards.

For some reason this has bred resentment in some very ungrateful and rude Apex, and rebel cells have begun to pop up here and there but it is such a small thing really, and totally not a huge undercurrent that has spread through the entire society.

Carry on about your day, citizen. Big Ape is watching you.

Apex (Starbound) Traits

Your species is driven to greater technological and scientific heights by a profit motive or a functioning, academically-centered society. Most members of your society enter a kind of technical school at an early age and come out of it with a strong capacity for working with machines or within the laws of science. Alternatively, you might all simply possess an innate ability to manipulate and modify mechanical systems.

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence score increases by 2 and your Dexterity or Strength score
increases by 1.

Age

Your species ages at about the same rate that humans do, reaching maturity around 16-18 solar years and living to be just under a century without advanced medical technology.

Group Behavior

Your species gets along decently well with others and usually forms complicated social orders. You are proficient in a Charisma skill of your choice.

Herd Animal

Your speed counts as 5 feet further if you are traveling parallel to the movement of a friendly creature within 60 feet who moved earlier in the round. You also have thicker skin than most species, granting you a +1 to your AC.

Languages

You can speak, read, and write Apex as well as Common.

Size

You are the shape of a typical humanoid, making you Medium size.

Speed

Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Technocratic

You are proficient in the Science skill or a tool kit of your choice.