Ssi-ruuk
Species: Ssi-ruuk
Home Planet: Lwhekk
Ssi-ruuk
The Ssi-ruuk (pronounced /'si ruk/), Ssi-ruu in singular form, were a saurian species that invaded from the Unknown Regions of the galaxy and initiated the Battle of Bakura in 4 ABY, shortly after the Battle of Endor. This race relied on a technology called entechment that involved extracting the life-energies of sentient beings and using them as power sources for their mechanical technology. They had a sizable war fleet and ruled an empire called the Ssi-ruuvi Imperium in the Ssi-ruuk Star Cluster near the galaxy's rim.
Ssi-ruuvi society was deeply compartmentalized—being dominated by a rigid caste system based on skin color which signified one's socio-economic standing. As a species, most Ssi-ruuk were xenophobic towards members of other species due to their stringent religious beliefs and the compartmentalized state of their society. Due to the remote position of their home territory in the Ssi-ruuk Star Cluster and their religious fear of dying on an unconsecrated world, few Ssi-ruuk traveled outside their Star Cluster. Thus, they remained largely unknown to the rest of the galaxy, and contact with outsiders was limited even in the days of the New Republic and the Galactic Alliance.
Biology & Appearance:
The Ssi-ruuk were large bipedal lizards that displayed traits from both saurian and avian species. They walked on two powerful hind legs with balance attained by a muscular tail along with two upper limbs that sported three prehensile claws. Whilst they were reptilians, they were in fact a warm-blood species. An average adult reached a height between 1.9 to 2.2 meters (approximately 6 feet) and weighed close to 350 kg (750 pounds). They were notable for their physical strength, comparable to that of a typical adult Wookiee. It was known that their race moved with remarkable grace and speed for creatures of their size. Their skin was so thick that it could withstand blaster shots with only minor burns to show for it. The massive bodies of an adult Ssi-ruu were covered in shining scales that ranged in color from brown to turqoiuse. They had long beak-like muzzles which contained sharp teeth and used their talons to kill prey as they were carnivores by nature. The average lifespan of a Ssi-ruu was anywhere between 100 to 120 standard years though members of their ruling hierarchy lived far longer compared to this norm.
In terms of eyesight, Ssi-ruuk were extremely sensitive to light which led to them holding triple eyelids in order to protect their vision from sudden bursts of illumination. Their large black eyes possessed the traits common with most reptilian species namely that they suffered from poor eyesight. The unusual structure of their eyelids made them far less suspectable to being blinded by sudden light impacting the eyes. Despite this being the case, the species did not rely on their eyes alone the way Humans did. Instead, they made use of their keen sense of smell which was made potent by two forked "tongues" that emerged from their nostrils. This heightened sense of smell allowed them to determine the emotional state of their associates simply due to change of scent thus allowing Ssi-ruu to "read" an individual. These olfactory sensory organs were typically known as "scent tongues" that were black and flickered out when used. This was only the case once a Ssi-ruuk was familiar with the "scent" of a being which allowed them to detect signs of deception and thus making it hard for others to lie to them. However, at the same time, they found the scent of other species to be distasteful. Their own odor was described as being both strong and acrid that had the distinct scent of reptilians.
The Ssi-ruuvi language was made up by a series of musical tweets and whistles. This complex language made use of bird-like honks, whistles, growls, and throat clicks. Several of the higher pitches in the Ssi-ruuvi vocabulary were above the Human hearing range. Ssi-ruuvi chord-phrases were able to convey a great deal of information in a few notes. It was believed that species such as Humans were either unable to or struggled to speak their tongue. This was because their mouths were unable to speak the critical components of the language. The one example of a Human speaking Ssi-ruuvi was noted by the native speakers as being a halting and stuttering version of their own language. Instead of wearing clothing, they wore bandoliers which carried their tools, weapons, and other equipment. This led to their species finding the concept of covering a body in clothing to be a humorous idea.
It was believed that there were no Force users amongst the Ssi-ruuk and as a species, they were in fact blind to the Force.
Society & Culture:
History:
Ssi-ruuk in the Galaxy:
Attribute Dice: 12D
DEXTERITY 2D/5D
KNOWLEDGE 1D+1/4D
MECHANICAL 1D/3D+2
PERCEPTION 1D/3D+1
STRENGTH 3D/5D
TECHNICAL 1D+2/3D+2
Special Abilities:
Claws: A Ssi-ruu's claws do STR+2D damage.
Enhanced Sense (Smell): Ssi-ruuk have highly developed olfactory senses. They receive +1D to searchrolls if the search attempt is scent-based (maximum range of 20 meters). In addition, Ssi-ruuk can often tell by scent if a human is lying: if the Ssi-ruu makes a Moderate alien species: humanroll (the Ssi-ruu must have the specialization), increase the interrogation subjects willpower difficulties by one difficulty level if the Ssi-ruu is actively seeking duplicity.
Force Blindness: The Ssi-ruuk are incapable of sensing or using the Force. Ssi-ruuk may not be Force-sensitive, although they may earn, posses and use Force Points and Character Points.
Natural Body Armor: The thick hide and scales of the Ssi-ruu provides +2D against physical and +1D against energy attacks.
Poor Vision: Ssi-ruuk have poor vision compared to humans. They suffer a -1D penalty for actions involving vision at a range of greater than 50 meters. (This penalty does not apply for starship or vehicle weapons which have a fire control modifier and similar cases where computers or sensors negate the limitations of their vision.)
Tail: A Ssi-ruu's tail does STR+1D damage.
Story Factors:
Ssi-ruuvi Religion: Ssi-ruuvi religion states that if a Ssi-ruu dies away from a properly consecrated world, that Ssi-ruu's spirit is doomed to wander the galaxy without rest. Consequently, Ssi-ruuk tend to avoid open conflict away from their own planets, preferring to have droids and P'w'ecks do their fighting for them, while they monitor the battle from a distance. If confronted on an unconsecrated world, they are very likely to flee from battle.
Move: 11/14
Size: 1.9-2.2 meters tall
Source: Alien Encounters p.145-146 & Wookieepedia (For the Ssi-ruuk Description)