Verpine
VerpineTall, bipedal insectoids, Verpine are an advanced species well known for their technological
accomplishments. They have thin, stick-like bodies with awkwardlyarticulated joints. Flexible plate of
chitinous material covers their bodies. They have two huge black eyes, short snouts, and small,
toothless mouths. Two antennae jut from the sides of their heads.The species lives in the Roche Asteroid Field, an old and orderly collection of space debris with
asteroids ranging in size from tiny meteorites to large planetoids. The asteroids maintain an orbit
pattern that is almost regular, and a large number of space slugs and mynocks also make their home
among the swirling rocks.While it is almost certain that the Verpine did not evolve on the lifeless asteroids, they have gone to
considerable trouble to establish homes within the drifting chunks of frozen rock. Some speculate that
the Verpine were wandering nomads who decided to settle in among the asteroids for some unknown reason.
A second theory states that the Verpine inhabited a planet in the same orbit as the asteroid field, and
as the planet slowly disintegrated into space debris they found ways to live on the asteroid which
remained. The Verpine themselves have legends that speak of a catastrophic civil war, believing that
the asteroid field is all that remains of their aggressive foolishness.Verpine have evolved from especially hardy insects. Their large black eyes are adaptations of
insectoid compound eyes, giving them the ability to see nearly microscopic detail with clarity and
precision. Their antennae contain tympanic nerves which detect sound wave vibrations and relay them to
the brain. They also pick up radio waves, and Verpine can generate their own radio emissions by
controlling their biological frequency modulation. Their nervous system has an unusually powerful
electromagnetic aura, and the Verpine can communicate through these emissions with other members of
their species.This biological radio network spans the asteroid field, allowing each member of the colony to remain in
nearly constant contact with the others. Some species see this as a form of telepathy, but it is simply
a mode of organic telecommunication.The Verpine are innate experts in most fields of technology. They have a child-like sense of wonder as
far as machinery is concerned. This expertise and wonder has been put to good use in the asteroid
field, where they have hollowed out rocks to use as colonies. The asteroids are sealed against vacuum
and the cold of space, creating living and working space for twenty to one hundred inhabitants,
depending on the size of the asteroid. Some of the larger planetoids near the center of the field
contain cities of one thousand Verpine or more.Each colony is self-sufficient, producing all of the energy, food, air and water the inhabitants need
to survive. Repulsor field shells envelop inhabited asteroids, creating bubbles which harmlessly
reflect debris and other asteroids. Because their lives depend on it, the Verpine have a great respect
and understanding of technology and machinery.Starship building has been one area the Verpine have excelled at, and they have earned their reputation
over and over again with their unique and functional designs. The Slayn & Korpil Corporation, named
for two neighboring Verpine colonies, has been a respected name in starship design since the days of
the Old Republic, and many Verpine joined the efforts of the Rebellion during the galactic civil war.
Today they remain members of the New Republic, though Verpine can be found securely established in
private and fringe society.All Verpine colonies are unified in a single hive. They have developed a limited form of communal
consciousness due to their organic telecommunications abilities. Every member of the hive takes part
in the decisionmaking process, and a single Verpine in contact with the communal consciousness can
speak with complete authority for the entire hive.
(for more information, see pages 91-92 of Galaxy Guide 4: Alien Races.)
• Verpine
Attribute Dice: 12D
DEXTERITY 1D+1/3D
KNOWLEDGE 1D+1/3D
MECHANICAL 1D+2/3D+2
PERCEPTION 1D+1/4D
STRENGTH ID+1/3D
TECHNICAL 2D/5D
Special Abilities:Body Armor: The Verpine's natural chitinous plate armor gives them a +1D bonus against physical
attacks.Microscopic Sight: +1D bonus to search when looking for small objects, due to their highly evolved
eyes.Organic Telecommunication: Because Verpine can send and receive radio waves through their antenna, they
have the ability to communicate with other members of their species and with specially-tuned comlinks.
The range is very limited when they are acting individually (1 km) but greatly increases when in the
hive (covers the entire Roche asteroid field).
Technical Bonus: All Verpine receive a +2D bonus when using their Technical skills.
Move: 10/13Size: 1.9 meters