Ancestries
In Far-Star Victoria, Humanity is the predominant ancestry on both planets of the star system. All other ancestries came along as a result of genetic alterations, involuntary accidents, or unknown origins yet to be discovered. Non-Human ancestries are commonly known as "Post-Humans".
At the end of the 21st century, the manipulation of the Human Gene came to its zenith. It became possible to genetically alter or engineer individuals with particular characteristics and it became fashionable for those with the political or financial power required to acquire such technologies to undergo the process that would turn them or their children into Post-Humans. It became a trend among the rich and powerful, something that accentuated the differences between the rich and poor in the years before the 3rd World War. It is speculated that the rise of Post-Humanism among the rich elites of Earth was one of the causes that precipitated the war.
After the 3rd World War, negative public opinion and religious views forced the new world government of the United Nations of Earth to make laws against post-humanistic therapies, research, and experiments. The fear of a superior master race and the religious implications of changing the "sacred" genome of Humanity created resentment against those who were considered post-humans, especially those who now looked like beautiful beings from fantasy.
After the discovery of faster-than-light propulsion and the start of interstellar travel, and due to the hostile environment they now encountered on Earth, many groups of Post-Humans decided to emigrate to the new distant planets that were being colonized by Humanity to start their societies. The Post-Humans races on the Far-Star Victoria star system are the descendants of several such groups. Post-humans make up only about 10% of the total population of both planets. In comparison to baseline Human beings, Post-Human beings are rare. However, some of the Post-Human races are numerous enough to have their own cities and settlements. Still, most Human beings have never seen an Elf or any other Post-Human. Therefore, when traveling through the less cosmopolitan areas, they tend to draw attention.
The following are ancestries that can be encountered in Far-Star Victoria (click race name for more info):
Automaton
(Construct)
Sentient beings made of metal, cogs, and steam. They are the constructs of mad scientists or relics from the high-tech past.
Azarketi
(Homo ichtyus)
An amphibious race, born and at home in the water but comfortable on dry land. They are the descendants of Post-Humans that took to the oceans.
Catfolk
(Homo felinus)
Catlike humanoids driven by curiosity to collect interesting artifacts, gather tales and stories, and lay eyes on all the world's wonders.
Dwarf
(Homo robustus)
Picks and hammers in deep mines, blazing forges, commitment to tradition, and a hatred of Astraea Corp. – the common threads of all dwarves.
Elf
(Homo nobilis)
The Elves are a long-lived and majestic people of otherworldly grace, ethereal beauty, and knowledge of forgotten high-tech.
Fetchling
(homo umbrarum)
Fetchlings are ghostly and shadowy beings that were accidentally created long ago by the power of a psionic holocaust.
Fleshwarp
(Construct)
Fleshwarps are people who were created or radically transformed by technology, alchemy, or unnatural energies.
Gnome
(Homo insolitus)
Strange, odd, and some might even say demented, a gnome’s energy and enthusiasm for living shines through every inch of his or her tiny body.
Goblin
(Homo Coboloris)
Small, cunning, and vicious creatures with a knack for invention and mischief. They tend to be unpredictable and have an affinity for chaos and shiny things.
Halfling
(Homo pilosipedibus)
Despite their small size, Halflings can display remarkable ferocity when their friends, families, or communities are threatened.
Human
(Homo sapiens)
Humans possess exceptional drive and a great capacity to endure and expand, and as such are currently the dominant race in the world.
Leshy
(homo similiplanta)
A race of sentient beings who receive nourishment via photosynthesis and thrive to protect their lush habitats and live in harmony with nature.
Other races might be available. A player that wants to be a race that's not listed here must present a very strong case for playing that race, and they must write a background story that fits the setting of the campaign, and explains their status as an exceptionally unusual character. Races that are extra-dimensional in original or with overpowered magical or natural abilities are not allowed.