Obscure Character Archive!

[Telsij]

** SPOILERS for STAR WARS JEDI: FALLEN ORDER video game ***

Finally found a few free moments to finish an entry that was already in-progress. And so, here are stats and write-up for one of SW's better-developed, well-acted, and tragic antagonists!

OBSCURE CHARACTER ARCHIVE presents SECOND SISTER, the Imperial Inquisitor once known as Jedi Padawan TRILLA SUDURI, from the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order video game!


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SECOND SISTER
aka: TRILLA SUDURI
Type: Sadistic Imperial Inquisitor



Quotes:

• "Outstanding."
  — The Second Sister, to Cal Kestis, after he ignites his blade rather than submit willingly to her questioning.
  
  
• "I wagered one meaningless Padawan against a prize that will win me the Emperor's favor."
  — The Second Sister to Cal Kestis
  
  
• "You will refer to me as Inquisitor. And if you could handle yourself, Commander, I wouldn't be here."
  — The Second Sister to Commander Atty
  
  
• "It appears that there are no survivors left, Inquisitor. We found nothing of value."
  "No. You didn't look hard enough…."
  ― A Purge Trooper and the Second Sister
  
  
• "I recognize that stance. Perhaps you've had some training after all. Who was your master, Padawan? Someone I killed, perhaps? What Jedi gave their life so that you might live?"
  — The Second Sister to Cal Kestis
  
  
• "There is no technique Cere has that I haven't perfected."
  — The Second Sister to Cal Kestis
  
  
• "You're a monster."
  "I am what Cere made me."
  ― Cal Kestis and the Second Sister
  
  
• "I'm stronger now, because of the pain."
  — The Second Sister to Cal Kestis

DEXTERITY 3D
Brawling parry 5D, dodge 6D+1, grenade 5D, lightsaber 7D, lightsaber: Inquisitor lightsaber 8D, melee combat 7D, melee parry 7D, running 5D+1, thrown weapons 4D+2
KNOWLEDGE 4D
Alien species 5D, bureaucracy: Empire 6D, cultures 6D, intimidation 7D+1, intimidation: psychological manipulation 8D, planetary systems 5D, survival 5D, willpower 6D+1
MECHANICAL 2D
Astrogation 5D, communications 5D+2, repulsorlift operation 4D, sensors 4D+2, space transports 4D+2, starfighter piloting 5D+2, starship gunnery 5D
PERCEPTION 4D
Bargain 5D+2, command 5D, con 7D, investigation 7D+1, investigation: psychological profile of prey 8D, persuasion 6D, search 6D, search: tracking 7D
STRENGTH 3D
Brawling 5D, climbing/jumping 5D+2, stamina 5D
TECHNICAL 2D
Computer programming/repair 5D+2, equipment repair 4D, lightsaber engineering/repair 5D, lightsaber engineering/repair: Inquisitor lightsaber 6D, security 5D

Force Skills: Control 7D+1, Sense 7D, Alter 7D+1

The Second Sister knows the following Force powers:

• Control: Absorb/dissipate energy, accelerate healing, burst of speed, control pain, enhance attribute, force of will, hibernation trance, remain conscious, remove fatigue, resist stun
  
  
• Sense: Combat sense, danger sense, direction sense, life detection, life sense, magnify senses, receptive telepathy, sense Force
  
  
• Alter: Force push, telekinesis
  
  
• Control and Sense: Farseeing, lightsaber combat, projective telepathy
  
  
• Sense and Alter: Dim other's senses, Force wave (Force pulse), inflict pain, lesser force shield
  
  
• Control and Alter: Accelerate another's healing, accelerate healing, control another's pain, drain life/wither (Force drain), feed on Dark Side, Force jump, inflict pain, transfer Force
  
  
• Control, Sense, and Alter: Affect mind, control mind, drain life essence

Species: Human
Gender: Female
Height: 1.7 meters

Force Points: 7
Dark Side Points: 7
Character Points: 13
Move: 10



Special Abilities and Story Factors:

• A Master's Betrayal: The Second Sister was once Padawan to Jedi Knight Cere Junda. In the aftermath of the Clone Wars, Suduri and Junda went into hiding, fleeing the newly-risen Empire with a group of Jedi younglings in their care. Ultimately, both Master and Padawan were captured and subjected to torture, allowing the dark side of the Force to transform Suduri into the Second Sister.
  
  During the Imperial attacks, Suduri had insisted that she and her master stick together, but Junda attempted to lead the Imperials away from their position on her own. Suduri had begged her not to leave them, but her master left to confront the enemy nonetheless, and she was instead left to protect the younglings. Although Junda succeeded in leading the Imperials away, she was eventually captured. Imprisoned at Fortress Inquisitorius on Nur, Junda was subjected to torture by her captors and, in the end, revealed the location of Suduri and the younglings.
  
  As a result, Suduri was soon captured and subjected to the same torture as her master. Coupled with her master's perceived betrayal, the Imperial torture broke Suduri's will and she succumbed to the dark side, becoming an Inquisitor known as the Second Sister. When Junda saw her former Padawan dressed in Imperial garb, she flew into a rage, used the dark side to kill everyone in the room except Suduri, before fleeing.
  
  Although Junda escaped with her life, and though Suduri would climb the ranks of the Imperial Inquisitors, the Jedi Hunter eventually known as the Second Sister would not forget, nor perhaps ever forgive, her master's betrayal.
  
  "She was weak. Cracked in an Imperial torture chair. Surrendered the location of her naïve Padawan. They would never have found me… if it wasn't for her. She betrayed me."
  ― The Second Sister, to Cal Kestis, regarding Cere Junda
  
  "When faced with the choice to protect herself or her Padawan, she chose self-interest.... She'll sell you out too."
  ― The Second Sister, to Cal Kestis, regarding Cere Junda
  
  "I've carried so much hate for you."
  ― Second Sister, to Cere Junda
  
  
• Ambition and Arrogance: The Second Sister seeks the favor of Emperor Palpatine, and to rise within the ranks of the Galactic Empire. And the Second Sister knows very well that she has the talent and skill to do so.
  
  
• Analytical Approach: The Second Sister couples a brilliant but cruel intellect with psychoanalysis in her pursuit of prey, allowing her to anticipate her target's behavior as she discovers their fears and exploits their and weaknesses.
  
  "Cal Kestis. How predictable. Oh yes, I know your name… Your past… And most importantly… about Cordova."
  ― The Second Sister, to Cal Kestis
  
  "There is no technique Cere has that I haven't perfected."
  ― The Second Sister
  
  
  
  
• Inquisitorius: Composed largely of fallen Jedi Knight and their Padawans, the Inquisitors were trained by Darth Vader in the ways of the Dark Side of the Force. Inquisitors were then tasked with investigating reports of possible Force Sensitives, and with capturing, turning, or kill those individuals. In game terms, due to the nature of their missions, Inquisitors have the authority to commandeer any required Imperial military forces, and even officers were required obey their orders. In practice, they appear outranked only by Darth Vader himself, Grand Moff Tarkin, the Grand Inquisitor or those in the Emperor's inner circle.
  
  
• Sadist: The Second Sister's methods are as effective as they are cruel. And she will often toy with her prey before administering the killing blow. Despite her psychology-focused approach having proven deadly for her targets however, the Second Sister's desire to taunt her victims has at times prolonged a hunt, even when a mission's success is already all but assured.
  
  

Capsule: Ambitious and cruel, the Second Sister was one of the deadliest members of the Imperial Inquisition. Unpredictable, agile and relentless, she relished hunting down both Force-sensitives and political dissidents for the Empire. Already an expert lightsaber duelist adept in wielding the dark side of the Force — capable of even esoteric feats such as draining the very life essence of her victims — she was an able slicer as well. However, the Second Sister's greatest weapon was her cunning intellect and ability to deduce and predict the behavior of her prey. This probing nature, and a charismatic sociopathy, allowed her to patiently manipulate almost any adversary into revealing their weaknesses and fears, paving the way for their own undoing. And ever the sadist, the Second Sister often toyed with her prey before moving in for the kill.

Rivaled only by the Grand Inquisitor among the Inquisitorious in skill and tenacity, the Second Sister was once the Jedi padawan known as Trilla Suduri. Nearly a decade and a half before the Battle of Yavin, she would face her most daunting challenges: a nigh galaxy-spanning pursuit of the padawan survivor Cal Kestis, and the search for a hidden holocron containing the identities of Force-sensitive children who could restore the Jedi Order — for in this quest came confrontation with her former master, Cere Junda.

Although the Inquisitor succeeded in learning Kestis' history in order to exploit his weaknesses — she would taunt the young man of the loss of his master, Jaro Tapal, insinuating that the Lasat Jedi would be disappointed to see his pupil keeping company with Cere Junda, a betrayer who'd wielded the Dark Side — the Second Sister's series of victories came at a cost: the toll extracted from her psyche, in facing her own past and becoming consumed by its harsh "lessons."

The Second Sister did defeat Kestis time and again, but each time the latter grew wiser, while managing to elude the killing stroke, often with the timely aid of Junda, the Padawan's exploration droid, BD-1, and even the Nightsister, Merrin. And though the Second Sister managed to manipulate Kestis into (unwittingly) finding the holocron on her behalf — tracking it to the Zeffo Vault on Bogano, she would meet her end when next they met.

Taking the holocron to Fortress Inquisitorius on the Nur moon of Mustafar, the Second Sister seemed on the verge of decisive victory. She had secured an item that could end any hope of a resurrected Jedi Order. Unfortunately for her, Cal Kestis remained persistent.

Due to his powers of postcognition, upon retrieving the Second Sister's lightsaber, Kestis saw the suffering Trilla Suduri had endured. And now, he told her it was not to late to let go of her hate. But the Second Sister refused, claiming the pain made her stronger. This time however, it may have unbalanced her, at last and in earnest. Disarmed in a final duel with Kestis, the Second Sister came face to face with Cere Junda once again. And this time, Junda offered plaintive apology for all the pain she had caused her former Padawan. And this time, it seemed at long last that Trilla Suduri might truly listen... and finally forgive.

Trilla Suduri had already fallen to the Dark Side once, but upon emerging from the depths of the Second Sister's scarred and cruel shell, perched on the precipice of possible reconciliation with Cere Junda and her past, Trilla Suduri was instead felled once and for all. Before the words came. Before absolution. Trilla Suduri was killed by Darth Vader for her "failure," and before the eyes of her old Master. Indeed, were it not for Kestis and Cere Junda, the Second Sister might have succeeded in her desire to gain the Emperor's favor... and in wiping out the Jedi Order for good.

"Avenge us."
―The Second Sister's last words




Equipment: Cape (+1 vs. edged physical attacks, +2 bonus to any attempts at concealing items beneath its cover; appearance: black with red inner lining), comlink, customized Imperial Inquisitor body armor and helmet (+1D vs. physical and energy damage; no Dexterity penalties; covers torso, arms, and head only; visor's visual augmentation allows user to see clearly in both low-light or blindingly-bright environments, while granting access to vision in infrared, ultraviolet, and other wavelengths. In game terms, helmet visor prevents reduces darkness-related penalties by 4D, and reduces effect of visually-based/blinding attacks by 4D; helmet is also equipped with toxin/atmosphere filters capable of providing ten hours of breathable atmosphere if/when vacuum seal is activated. In game terms, helmet grants +4D bonus to Strength or stamina checks versus effects of toxins or harsh atmospheric conditions; appearance: black with red piping/trim, and white Imperial crest on shoulders), flash grenades (6D/5D/3D/2D "flash blinding" damage, range: 0-8/16/25, blast radius: 0-2/4/6/8, Game Notes: Damage is rolled normally, but treat any result greater than Stunned as the target becoming temporarily "blinded" — apply a -4D penalty to target's visually-based actions for a number of rounds equal to the number before the D in the damage die code for that range band. Flash grenades are rechargeable), Inquisitor lightsaber (see entry below), TIE Interceptor starfighter.


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SECOND SISTER'S INQUISITOR LIGHTSABER



"Be careful with that thing. It's been through hell."
― The Second Sister, regarding her lightsaber

Type: Melee weapon / thrown weapon
Scale: Character
Skill: Lightsaber: Inquisitor lightsaber / double-bladed lightsaber, thrown weapons
Cost: Unavailable for sale
Availability: 4, X
Difficulty: Difficult or Very Difficult depending upon mode used
Damage: 5D

Game Notes: Making full use of an Inquisitor lightsaber requires the specialization Lightsaber: Inquisitor lightsaber / double-bladed lightsaber. Without this specialization, the base difficulty to wield a double-bladed lightsaber is Very Difficult, and none of the special benefits of the double-bladed lightsaber are available to the user. If used with only a single blade ignited, treat double-bladed lightsaber as standard single-bladed lightsaber, sans its model-specific penalties or bonuses. With any mode, as with single-bladed lightsaber, if wielder rolls lower than base difficulty number by more than a margin of 10, she has injured herself with the weapon.

Blade Configurations and Modes of Use:

• Double-blade mode: If wielded as double-bladed weapon by user with specialization lightsaber: Inquisitor lightsaber / double-bladed lightsaber, user gains a +5 bonus to all parry rolls.
  
  
• Flying/gliding mode: Equipped with a repulsorlift generator powerful enough to lift most humanoids, and guided by use of the spinning double-blades, the Inquisitor lightsaber may be used to "fly" or glide in bursts, over short distances.
  
  In game terms, such maneuvers require a Moderate climbing/jumping skill check at minimum, depending upon terrain/surroundings. If successful, the Inquisitor can move up to 50 meters vertically and horizontally. Use of the flying/gliding mode may also be used as a defensive measure and as a "reaction skill" by those with the specialization lightsaber: Inquisitor lightsaber. In such cases, the maneuver's success is then determined by a parry roll of their specialization.
  
  Please note: The Second Sister rarely makes use of her lightsaber's extended flight capabilities, but will make use of the gliding maneuver to quickly move out of engaged/melee range, relative to her opponents.
  
  
• Spinning double-blade mode: If wielded by user with specialization lightsaber: Inquisitor lightsaber / double-bladed lightsaber, user gains +10 bonus to all parry rolls, and a +5 bonus to strike.
  
  
• Thrown weapon: May be used as thrown weapon: 5D damage, skill: Thrown weapons, range: 3-5/8/15.

Sources: Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order video game, starwars.com, d6holocron.com (fan-made Force powers such as Burst of speed, Force push, and Force wave), Star Wars: Rebels Season 2 fan sourcebook (Inquisitor lightsaber stats, revised by Telsij), Star Wars: The Old Republic fan sourcebook (Drain life/wither Force power), Wookieepedia, https://pandorarp.com/threads/suduri-trilla.56746/ , and https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4441529/ .

Images: Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order video game (photo mode screen captures) and The Art of Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order book (masked full body image and Inquisitor lightsaber hilt image).

First paragraph and (parts of) second paragraph of capsule text adapted from https://www.starwars.com/databank/second-sister and Wookieepedia entry for Second Sister. Stats and additional original text by Telsij.
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[Telsij]

A recent request on the WEG D6 facebook group for stats of one of the Kenner mini-rigs made me look through my Kenner write-ups. I *thought* I had already posted all of the figures I'd done character stats and write-ups for, BUT only then realized I'd forgotten a few. And so:

Here are stats and write-up for everyone's favorite 1980s peg-warmer, the AT-ST DRIVER from Return of the Jedi! And while the character's Legends iteration is named Marquand for RotJ's director (who cameoed *as* the character), new canon calls him Newland. And as nothing about his new iteration contradicts the old, why not combine both as Major Marquand Newland!

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MAJOR MARQUAND NEWLAND
Type: Ground Assault Vehicle Commander

A Quote: "Get him off of there!"― Newland, upon spotting an Ewok assailant

DEXTERITY 2D+2
Blaster 4D+1, blaster artillery 4D+2, brawling parry 3D, dodge 3D, vehicle blasters 5D+2
KNOWLEDGE 3D+2
Bureaucracy 4D+2, intimidation 4D+1, survival 4D, tactics 4D, tactics: ground assault 5D
MECHANICAL 4D
Walker operation 6D+1
PERCEPTION 3D
Command 5D+2, command: Tempest Force scouts 6D+1
STRENGTH 2D+2
Brawling 3D+2, stamina 4D
TECHNICAL 2D
Security 3D, walker repair 4D, walker repair: AT-ST 5D

Species: Human
Gender: Male
Homeworld: Kessel
Height: 1.78 meters

Character Points: 5
Move: 10



Capsule: The spectre of the spice mines was very real for those that grew up on Kessel. The presence of the mines was as inescapable as their physical confines were reputed to be. As plumes of smoke hid the horizon and the stench of death filled the air, young Marquand Newland swore that he would not make the mistakes made by those now toiling away in such labor camps. He would make something of himself. This personal mission was a success, to which Newland’s swift rise to a position of some authority in the Imperial Military is sound testament.

As an AT-AT pilot assigned to the ground force complement of the renowned Star Destroyer, Devastator, Major Newland served with such distinction that he was recruited into Tempest Force, an elite unit populated by many of the Empire’s top soldiers. While others in his position might have been content to blindly carry out the orders of their superiors, Newland made certain that he had substantial input in shaping and even directing operations on Endor. Despite or perhaps because of this strong showing, Newland’s independent streak later lent credence to the notion that he had turned against the Empire during the rebel raid on the Endor shield generator.

As Newland’s AT-ST, the Tempest Scout 2, advanced upon rebel commandos and the savages who had allied themselves with the insurgents, one furry native somehow found his way atop the walker. Instructing his gunner Lieutenant Blanaid to investigate, Newland was shocked to see Blanaid suddenly pulled out of the walker and thrown overboard before he himself was violently subdued. Newland’s hijacked AT-ST was then used against his own forces, with both Newland and Blanaid being branded as traitors as a result. What became of Major Newland in the wake of such a decisive rebel victory is unknown.



Equipment: AT-ST walker (Tempest Scout 2), blast helmet (+1D vs. physical damage, +2 vs. energy), goggles (provides +2D protection against vision-based attacks or environmental effects), X-30 “Lancer” target blast pistol (3D+1 damage, range: 3-10/30/120, ammo: 50).

Sources: Return of the Jedi film, Wookieepedia entries for Newland and Marquand, Decipher CCG, Star Wars: Card Trader app, and http://thestarwarsbox.blogspot.com/2012/09/kenner-at-st.html . Images: Kenner action figure and vehicle photos by Nekoman, and still image from Return of the Jedi film. Stats and capsule text by Telsij.
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[Telsij]

One more of my "forgotten" Kenner figure write-ups, this time from the 1985 post-Rotj Power of the Force subline, which included a collector's coin and whose name was later re-used for the late 90's "muscle-bound" Special Edition era of figures.

The original Kenner figure was sculpted in the likeness of Barada, but was painted to resemble Kithaba. Which character the figure actually represents is of course left to the discretion of the GM / your 1980's childhood self, but because official stats of Barada already exist, here then is "Barada II" KITHABA from Return of the Jedi.


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KITHABA (Barada II)
Type: Indomitable Assassin



DEXTERITY 4D+1
Blaster 5D+1, brawling parry 5D+2, dodge 5D, melee combat 6D+1, melee parry 5D+1
KNOWLEDGE 2D
Intimidation 6D, planetary systems 4D, streetwise 5D+2, survival 5D, willpower 6D+2
MECHANICAL 3D
Musical instrument operation 4D+1, repulsorlift operation 4D+2, space transports 4D+1,
starfighter piloting 3D+2
PERCEPTION 3D
Hide 4D, search 5D, sneak 4D+2
STRENGTH 4D
Brawling 6D, stamina 6D+1
TECHNICAL 2D
Demolitions 3D, musical instrument repair 3D, security 4D+1

Species: Klatooinian
Gender: Male

Force Points: 1
Character Points: 8
Move: 10



Special Abilities and Story Factors:

• Rises to the challenge: Kithaba established his reputation as a feared assassin by being relentless. Although he was sometimes outmatched by opponents or by particularly elusive targets, Kithaba managed to soldier on to victory through sheer force of will and determination alone. This led many to believe that he possessed an ability to somehow rise to a superior level of skill whenever the situation called for it.

Capsule: Why would an assassin of Kithaba’s caliber remain at such a lowly position in Jabba’s Court of his own free will? The fearsome Klatooinian was not indebted to the Hutt Cartel, nor had he been pressed into indentured servitude. Moreover, unlike many of his more traditionally-minded brethren, Kithaba did not revere the Hutts as demigods simply because of their long lifespan or history of dominion over the Klatooinian people.

The truth was that Kithaba never felt fulfilled by the business of assassination. He appeared so driven largely because he was always searching for a sense of satisfaction that was missing from a successful kill. It was not until he discovered his love of playing music that Kithaba finally felt a sense of real accomplishment. He accepted a (relatively) low-risk position within Jabba’s criminal organization simply so that he could hone his musicianship and begin to focus upon building a music career after retirement.

Despite being the first of Jabba’s vanguard to fall from the skiffs above the Great Pit of Carkoon, Kithaba was (appropriately enough) the last one seen alive — struggling valiantly against the might of the Sarlaac, relentless to the bitter end.



Equipment: BlasTech DL-18 blaster pistol (4D damage, range: 3-10/30/120, ammo: 100), force-pike (STR+2D damage, melee difficulty: Moderate), red bandana and matching pants, tan tunic-vest, three-pouch bandolier.

Sources: Return of the Jedi film, Decipher CCG, https://www.swccgstore.com/Star-Wars-CCG-Kithaba-p/12537.htm , http://www.rebelscum.com/VINtBarada.asp , and Wookieepedia. Images: http://www.rebelscum.com/VINtBarada.asp (figure), https://www.swccgstore.com/Star-Wars-CCG-Kithaba-p/12537.htm (card) and Return of the Jedi: Special Edition film. Stats and capsule text by Telsij.
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[Telsij]

Yet one more "forgotten" Kenner write-up — but this time, it's teamed with ye olde Star Wars Holiday Special.

While the "Blue Snaggletooth" Kenner story is well known by now, there was also some back-and-forth regarding the identity of the later, stockier "Red Snaggletooth" figure. Despite my issues with the "inconsistent" quality of a lot of the writing therein, Wookieepedia — ever the invaluable resource! — actually does explain it pretty well:

[Whill]

https://rancorpit.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=168069#168069

[Telsij]

[Ray]

Oh oh oh!!! Do Gunny next!

[GreenSnaggletooth]

Great write up on Zutmore! I've always had a soft spot for Snivvians!

[Whill]

[Telsij]

[Telsij]

FINALLY getting the chance to finish off the last couple of Solo characters that I had previously claimed as part of the Solo: A Star Wars Story sourcebook project from the G+ days. After our Nithorn friend below, of my formally-claimed Solo characters write-ups, only the Dwuni brothers Crodit and Blawz, and Zuzanu Lett, remain outstanding.

Per the blurb for HIRANG BIRREN here: https://www.starwars.com/news/secrets-of-the-solo-a-star-wars-story-creature-shop , the costume/character was known as "Parrot Man." So in a meta-nod to that, I leaned into parrot-like language acquisition characteristics, and the song/music-associations with the two individuals we have as examples of the species, to supplement the scant info about the NITHORN and Birren himself!

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HIRANG BIRREN
Type: Absent-minded Talent Scout

DEXTERITY 2D
Dance 2D+1
KNOWLEDGE 3D+1
Alien species 5D, business: cruise ship entertainment 5D, cultures 5D+2,
languages 5D+1, planetary systems 4D+2, scholar: music 6D, value 4D
MECHANICAL 2D+2
Musical instrument operation 3D+2
PERCEPTION 3D+2
Bargain: contract negotiation 5D, search 4D+2, search: musical talent 6D
STRENGTH 2D
TECHNICAL 2D+1

Species: Nithorn
Gender: Male
Character Points: 1
Move: 10

Special Abilities & Story Factors:

• "Gutteral Birdsong" and Overtone Singing: Not unlike real world overtone singing which originated in the Mongolian and Tuuvan regions, or in-universe songs such as “Sugaan Essena” (performed by the Hu, as heard in the Jedi Fallen Order video game), the Nithorn have an affinity for a style of singing in which the performer manipulates resonances in order to produce additional overtones above the fundamental note being sung. This resonant tuning, created in the vocal tract, allows singers to produce more than one pitch at the same time (ie: the fundamental pitch and one or more selected overtones), while actually generating only a single fundamental frequency with their vocal folds. In some circles, this has been referred to in a derogatory manner, termed “Gutteral birdsong.” In game terms, Nithorn gain a +1D bonus to any rolls related to, or attempts at, throat-singing or overtone singing.
  
  
• Just Vibin': Hirang Birren has such a deep appreciation and love for music that when a tune moves him, he more often than not loses himself in a performance. Absent-mindedly singing along or swaying subconsciously to the music, he is often so enrapt that he becomes semi-oblivious to his surroundings otherwise. In game terms, when Birren encounters a musical performance or song he enjoys, and when in non-dangerous circumstances, he must make an Easy willpower check to avoid becoming distracted by it, and suffering a -1D penalty to all actions as a result. If in dangerous conditions, the difficulty of this willpower check is reduced to Very Easy.
  
  
• Keratin Beak: The beak of the Nithorn inflicts STR+2 physical damage if used to bite or peck when brawling.
  
  
• Language Acquisition/Affinity: Perhaps due to their own facility for vocal overtones, Nithorn have a gift for languages as well. They are able not only to quickly parrot the unique sounds of languages still foreign to them, but they also progress toward proficiency in new languages faster than many other species. In game terms, at character creation, Nithorn gain 2D for every 1D placed in the languages skill. In addition, rather than having to make 10 Difficult skill checks in order to gain fluency in a particular language, the difficulty for Nithorn is reduced by one level, allowing them to roll against Moderate difficulty to gain fluency.
  
  
• Recumbent Crest: The crest of feathers "displayed" atop a male Nithorn's head is often used for persuasive purposes, and is often reflective of that Nithorn's mood or disposition — an evolutionary callback to the species' ancestral mating signals and practices. In game terms, if a male Nithorn spends a full round presenting his crest feathers while performing no other actions, and succeeds on an opposed willpower check, he gains a bonus to his Persuasion checks against his target romantic partner, equal to +1 for every +3 by which he beat his potential romantic partner's roll. This bonus lasts for a number of rounds equal to the margin by which he won the opposed roll. However, a female Nithorn in turn gains a +1D bonus to her opposed willpower roll if she has more than one suitor, with an additional +1 bonus per additional suitor beyond the second.

Capsule: Often a guest aboard the Nau'ur-class yacht of Crimson Dawn underboss Dryden Vos, Hirang Birren was a cruise ship talent scout with a keen ear for music. Prone to getting caught up in the performances of talent he had either "discovered" or booked, Birren will often unwittingly sing along with the yacht's entertainment in his own gutteral birdsong... *especially* if he has had a drink or two.

Equipment: Holocorder and recording rod, metal cocktail tumbler, silk shirt, sateen-collared-and-cuffed formal longcoat.

Sources: Solo: A Star Wars Story film, Solo: A Star Wars: Story: The Official Guide (p.80-81), https://alienanthology.wordpress.com/2018/04/03/showdown-at-dennys/ , Wookieepedia, and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtone_singing . Capsule text adapted from Solo: A Star Wars: Story: The Official Guide (p.80-81). Image: Wookieepedia-cropped costume test/behind-the-scenes image from https://www.starwars.com/news/secrets-of-the-solo-a-star-wars-story-creature-shop . Stats and additional original capsule text by Telsij.


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Above: A Nithorn at the Lodge on Vandor, performing overtone singing, circa 10 BBY.*


NITHORN

Attribute Dice: 12D
DEXTERITY: 1D/4D
KNOWLEDGE: 1D+1/4D+1
MECHANICAL: 1D/4D
PERCEPTION: 1D/3D+2
STRENGTH: 1D/4D
TECHNICAL:1D/4D

Move: 10/12

Special Abilities & Story Factors:

• "Gutteral Birdsong" and Overtone Singing: Not unlike real world overtone singing which originated in the Mongolian and Tuuvan regions, or in-universe songs such as “Sugaan Essena” (performed by the Hu, as heard in the Jedi Fallen Order video game), the Nithorn have an affinity for a style of singing in which the performer manipulates resonances in order to produce additional overtones above the fundamental note being sung. This resonant tuning, created in the vocal tract, allows singers to produce more than one pitch at the same time (ie: the fundamental pitch and one or more selected overtones), while actually generating only a single fundamental frequency with their vocal folds. In some circles, this has been referred to in a derogatory manner, termed “Gutteral birdsong.” In game terms, Nithorn gain a +1D bonus to any rolls related to, or attempts at, throat-singing or overtone singing.
  
  
• Keratin Beak: The beak of the Nithorn inflicts STR+2 physical damage if used to bite or peck when brawling.
  
  
• Language Acquisition/Affinity: Perhaps due to their own facility for vocal overtones, Nithorn have a gift for languages as well. They are able not only to quickly parrot the unique sounds of languages still foreign to them, but they also progress toward proficiency in new languages faster than many other species. In game terms, at character creation, Nithorn gain 2D for every 1D placed in the languages skill. In addition, rather than having to make 10 Difficult skill checks in order to gain fluency in a particular language, the difficulty for Nithorn is reduced by one level, allowing them to roll against Moderate difficulty to gain fluency.
  
  
• Recumbent Crest: The crest of feathers "displayed" atop a male Nithorn's head is often used for persuasive purposes, and is often reflective of that Nithorn's mood or disposition — an evolutionary callback to the species' ancestral mating signals and practices. In game terms, if a male Nithorn spends a full round presenting his crest feathers while performing no other actions, and succeeds on an opposed willpower check, he gains a bonus to his Persuasion checks against his target romantic partner, equal to +1 for every +3 by which he beat his potential romantic partner's roll. This bonus lasts for a number of rounds equal to the margin by which he won the opposed roll. However, a female Nithorn in turn gains a +1D bonus to her opposed willpower roll if she has more than one suitor, with an additional +1 bonus per additional suitor beyond the second.

Sources: Solo: A Star Wars Story film, Solo: A Star Wars: Story: The Official Guide (p.80-81), Solo-themed Denny's television commercial https://youtu.be/uIWiCjiYi7o?t=11 , https://www.starwars.com/news/secrets-of-the-solo-a-star-wars-story-creature-shop , Wookieepedia, and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overtone_singing . Capsule text adapted from Solo: A Star Wars: Story: The Official Guide (p.80-81). Image: https://alienanthology.wordpress.com/2018/04/03/showdown-at-dennys/ . Stats and additional original text by Telsij.

*My personal headcanon has this character as also being Hirang Birren, who is using the seedy "keep a low-profile" environs of the Lodge to surreptitiously indulge his desire to sing. But because this singer may soon be given with his own distinct canon identity, this idea is not incorporated into Birren's stats (for now).
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[Telsij]

With what I believe is the official release of issue six of Star Wars: Adventurer's Journal announced in mid-late November, I'm now in the clear to post the article I wrote which appears therein! And so, to celebrate that and today’s rare “Great Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter” making for an apt astronomy-themed connection — it’s been “... 400 years since the planets passed this close to each other in the sky, and nearly 800 years since the alignment of Saturn and Jupiter occurred at night...” per NASA — here are ZIGO STELLARSAND and PROJECT STARMAN!

A character and concept inspired not only by David Bowie’s various stage personas, but also and more specifically by unused TROS concept art by Calum Alexander Watt, whose permission to use the art for non-commercial/hobby purposes I secured for Adventurer's Journal #6. (Note: The Aurek Jenth character referenced in the Project Starman article is the AJ’s continuing solo-adventure character, who has been drawn to resemble and homage David Bowie, while the director of Project Starman is none other than Afrofuturist-pioneer, and self-proclaimed extraterrestrial, "Sun Ra.")

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PROJECT STARMAN


Project Starman was supposed to do what the Empire — and the Republic before it — could not: introduce people to the wonders of space travel, but without fear… and without faction. Founded in the waning days of the Clone Wars, yet only truly hitting their exploratory stride during the Imperial and New Republic eras, the independent organization known as Project Starman soon became a fixture of Wild Space and Unknown Region exploration, largely because of its approach: Project Starman mission crews were composed of Hyperspace Scouts carefully selected for an ability to navigate new cultures with tact.

These social-specialists were tasked with making crucial “first contact” with newly spacefaring peoples. And in the strife-torn galaxy, these “Starmen” were specifically instructed to welcome nascent spacers into galactic culture without conflict, and without the trauma of war. The Starmen would often live among a people first, conducting research, sometimes for years, to ensure that they established contact using as familiar and approachable — yet aspirational — appeals as possible.

The charismatic Zigo Stellarsand was one such scout.

A Clawdite who used a primarily masculine but still-androgynous persona, even when in his natural form, Zigo was a born performer. And he supplemented that talent with ongoing study of music and song. Countless trips spent mapping hyperlanes would only bolster the strength of this musicianship. And in time, he could “shred the hallikset” better than many professionals.

Serving thus as vanguard for Project Starman, Zigo made his way to uncharted worlds and used his shapeshifting abilities to live amongst and as one of various peoples, learning what appealed to them and what their own culture might most appreciate about the larger galaxy. And of course, wherever he went Zigo sang and played his hallikset, wooing people into the wonder of stars above.

After many cycles of success, Zigo himself became the “star” of the Starman scouting program. Even his incognito persona had transformed into only a thinly-veiled version of his own cool, swaggering personality. And it was not long before heads of Project Starman recognized the strength of his otherworldly charisma, as cultures with whom he made first contact remembered him fondly and spoke well of their experience with him specifically. Zigo was good. Perhaps too good….

His scouting support-team — so diverse in technical skills that their multi-pronged, multi-faceted versatility earned them the nickname “The Spiders” — grew jealous. Demand for Zigo’s deployment on missions began to exceed those of other scouts. Even other Clawdites were outshined because they were incapable of matching Stellarsand’s charisma. And so, feelings of resentment arose amongst the Spiders. Some members suggested they cripple and crush Zigo’s sweet hallikset-playing hands, just to teach him a lesson. What actually wound up happening was far worse however... starship sabotage!

En route to a newly discovered system on the edge of Wild Space and the Unknown Regions, Zigo’s starship suffered a deadly malfunction. A suddenly suspiciously-faulty hyperdrive motivator gave out at the worst possible time. So where were the Spiders? (In)conveniently out of range. Incommunicado.

Fortunately, a man named Aurek Jenth spied the ship going down. And he intervened in time to save Zigo’s life. But all was not well with the Clawdite. By Jenth’s own account, the near-death experience appeared to have driven Zigo mad. It was a “miracle” that the Clawdite lived, yes, but how Zigo explained chance and happenstance was anything but either. Anything but random.

Zigo claimed to have seen "The Other Side” during his wayward sojourn through hyperspace. He claimed to have physically touched a “higher plane of being” — a Project Starman concept used to convince newly spare-faring but-still-superstitious civilizations of the benefits of space travel. But the way Zigo explained it? A religious experience that only seeing the cosmos could provide.

“It was no hazy cosmic jive,” Jenth quoted Zigo as saying that night. He — Zigo Stellarsand, First Contact Scout for Project Starman — *was a Starman* waiting in the sky. Perhaps even *the* Starman, a messiah destined to deliver any and all who were willing to join him, to their greater destiny.

And because Aurek Jenth’s was the first face Zigo saw upon awakening, the Clawdite instinctively mimicked Jenth’s form — although it was a stylized likeness, an amalgam also inspired by the kaleidoscope of sensation Zigo felt permeating his being as he was wrenched from hyperspace. Since that fateful night, it would be some form of Jenth’s face that Stellarsand — henceforth answering only to "Starman" — would wear for the rest of his days. Days that would be spent as a self-proclaimed messiah, leading peoples who were only now discovering space, on a “mystical journey” aimed at achieving their true potential.

Even years later, Aurek Jenth often retold the tale of Zigo Stellarsand: the Starman who now bore *his* face. It was a story he spun as a cautionary tale, but in its telling, Jenth always made clear that Zigo was earnest in his messianic altruism.

The “Starman” still travels the galaxy to this day, introducing alien civilizations to the siren song of the true frontier — and to space travel’s life-changing possibilities. But only if “you” heeded his call. Only if you embraced it. Opened yourself up to it. Gave yourself up to it. Maybe it was the Force whispering to him. Maybe it was something else, entirely new. Either way, if you opened yourself up to the infinite possibilities of the cosmos, maybe you could feel it — use it, whatever *it* was — too.

As Aurek Jenth said, “There's a starman waiting in the sky. He'd like to come and meet us, but he thinks he'd blow our minds. There's a starman waiting in the sky. He's told us not to blow it, cause he knows it's all worthwhile. He told me: Let the children lose it. Let the children use it. Let all the children boogie. I had to tell someone so I picked on you. Hey, that's far out, so you heard him too. Switch on the HoloNet, we may pick him up on channel two. Look out your window, I can see his light, if we can sparkle he may too.”


PROJECT STARMAN

Type: Interstellar scouting organization (private non-profit entity; initially comprised of volunteers)
Headquarters: Spaceport THX1138, Earth system, Fath sector, Galactic Grid Coordinates: K-6
Leadership: Le Sony'r Ra and his Arkestra for Ethical Exploration
Principal Activities: Establishing first contact with newly-spacefaring species, exploration, hyperlane charting, collection and analysis of planetary and populace data, stellar cartography
Known Affiliations: None
Known Adversaries: Unknown
Key Figures: Zigo Stellarsand (most well-known Project Starman scout), Le Sony'r Ra (project director, ethical exploration advisor, self-proclaimed “cosmic philosopher”)
Area of Operations: Primarily Wild Space and Unknown Regions, though based in Outer Rim.
Size: 250-500+ scouts (Clone War / Rise of Empire era), 1000+ scouts (Imperial to New Republic era).


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ZIGO STELLARSAND
Type: Messianic Scout

DEXTERITY 2D+1
Blaster 5D, brawling parry 3D+1, dance 4D+1, dodge 5D+1, running 3D+2
KNOWLEDGE 3D+2
Alien species 6D+2, artist: singer-songwriter 6D, bureaucracy: Project Starman 4D+2, cultures 6D+2, languages 5D+2, planetary systems 7D, streetwise 4D+2, survival 5D, value 4D, willpower 4D+1
MECHANICAL 3D+1
Astrogation 6D+2, musical instrument operation 4D+1, musical instrument operation: 7-string hallikset 7D, repulsorlift operation 5D, sensors 6D, space transports 5D+1, starship gunnery 4D+2, starship shields 4D
PERCEPTION 4D
Bargain 5D+2, con 6D, con: disguise 7D, persuasion 6D+2, search 5D, (A) shapeshift 2D+2
STRENGTH 2D
Brawling 3D+2, climbing/jumping 3D+2, stamina 4D+2
TECHNICAL 2D+2
Computer programming/repair 4D+2, first aid 4D, space transport repair 4D+2

Species: Clawdite
Gender: Male
Height: 1.78 meters tall
Weight: 70kg

Force Sensitive: Yes
Force Points: 3
Character Points: 9
Move: 10

Special Abilities & Story Factors:

• Messiah Complex: As a result of a hallucinatory near-death experience during his hyperspace accident, Zigo Stellarsand now believes himself to be the “Starman” — a savior whose destiny it is to lead people to greater understanding of themselves and their role in the cosmos, through space flight.
  
  
• The Savior’s Face: Zigo no longer changes his facial features from that of a stylized, blue-skinned orange-haired version of Aurek Jenth’s likeness, one with a circular emblem on his forehead, representing the “third eye” and an ability to see beyond one’s previous perspectives and accepted abilities. As Jenth played a crucial role in saving Zigo’s life — and thus the life of the messiah-like “Starman” — Stellarsand bases any subsequent alterations in appearance upon Jenth’s face and build.
  
  
• (A) Shapeshift: Some Clawdites have developed their skin-changing talents to a greater degree, allowing them to change the length, color, shape, and texture of their hair, as well as the coloration of their eyes. This fine control can even be used to alter specific portions of the Clawdite's body. This skill counts as an Advanced skill, with a prerequisite of the Con: Disguise skill specialization at 5D or greater. The Shapeshift skill adds its dice to any Con: Disguise rolls required to imitate a member of a different humanoid species.
  
  
• Skin-Changer: Clawdites are able to change the color, texture, and shape of their skins, allowing a Clawdite to mimic that of another humanoid species of the same general physical shape. This does not allow Clawdites to generate extra limbs or other appendages, but they are able to imitate the texture and patterns of skin-tight clothing. The transformation is quite painful, and the skin-changer will revert to its normal form if stunned, unconscious, dying, or dead.

Equipment: Comlink, flight helmet, heavy blaster pistol (5D damage, range: 3-7/25/50, ammo: 25), holocorder, holster and utility-belt, seven-string hallikset, spacer’s vest, “Space Oddity” scout ship (Game Notes: Exact description of make/model varies by culture and era of play, and is dependent upon which era of Bowie music is referenced; appearance/design is thus left to GM discretion), vacuum suit.

Sources: The Art of Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker book: “Star Man Pilot Version 02” character concept artwork by Calum Alexander Watt — used with artist’s written permission for hobby/non-commercial purposes, Wookieepedia, and Wikipedia. Species stats adapted from Aliens Stats fan-made D6 sourcebook credited to Thiago S. Aranha (p. 30-31). Embroidered patch images: https://www.etsy.com/listing/473395355/embroidered-patch-ziggy-stardust-david and https://www.etsy.com/listing/473392187/black-star-david-bowie-ziggy-stardust . "Project Starman" article was first published in issue six of Star Wars: Adventurer's Journal (November 2020). Use of additional Bowie iconography, for Project Starman insignia and Blackstar call sign nametag, contributed by Brian L. Bird during editing/layout phase. Stats and text by Telsij, based upon the songs “Ziggy Stardust” and “Starman” by David Bowie.


Above: "Blackstar" — Zigo Stellarsand's call sign
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[Whill]

This is awesome. I love Bowie. I just listened to Bowie in the car when I was out running errands earlier today. I love this.
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[GreenSnaggletooth]

Another top notch post!

[Telsij]