I tried to make the entry as if it was from the rulebook. It came to me in a feverish dream, I guess it was kinda like to goa'uld from Stargate but not really. Anyhow, here it is below. I think the main criticism will be over what powers the Silathis give? We'll see. Also sorry for formatting.

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Usually, when people refer to a Vaseld, they think about two separate entities instead of one. The humanoid entity is what originally bore the name, while the symbiotic or parasitic eel-like creatures that inhabit them are called Silathis. While most wars end up with a winner in a loser, in a rare twist of events, the Vaseld-Silathis conflict led to their modern, united society. So much so that it would now be difficult for one to live without the other. Whether or not a Vaseld follows the norm, they all have a similarity that other species may find disturbing: their ventral pouch serves both to become a host to the Silathis in a symbiotic relationship.

Despite their civilization being less technologically advanced due to them being a younger race and cultural values that keep them close to nature, the Vaseld are smart and wise but are rather reserved and private. Their species is generally well-respected throughout the Vast when others take the time to get to know them.

Ability Adjustments 2 to Dexterity and Wisdom, -2 to Charisma.

Hit Points: 6

ALTERNATE ABILITY ADJUSTMENTS

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Most of the Vaseld who wish to leave their homeworld behind and be part of the galactic life usually live in climate-controlled environments, such as space stations or starships. They are forced to interact with other species which develops their social intelligence, but the gravity often being lower than that of their home planet makes it more difficult for them to develop their core muscles. Those individuals instead get -2 Strength, 2 Dexterity, 2 Wisdom.

Combat-bred

While most Vaseld wish for nothing more than a peaceful existence, the horrors of conflict are a reality they cannot avoid. They often need to fight against poachers who would take the Silathis to sell to the highest bidder as an exotic creature, or even fight off the local fauna and flora and protect their towns. These Vaseld are most often bred and trained to be the best in close-combat, and receive 2 Strength, 2 Dexterity, -2 Charisma.

RACIAL TRAITS

Size and Type

Vaseld are Medium humanoids and have the Vaseld subtype.

Ventral Pouch

Vaseld have a ventral pouch they use to accommodate the Silathis. In terms of gameplay, those function as having an extra slot of equipment that cannot be destroyed or stolen. Only one Silathis can merge with a Vaseld at any given time, but a Vaseld can reject it whenever they so choose.

Survivalist

Vaseld have adapted to the difficulties of their planet. They get a 2 racial bonus to Perception and Survival when in natural environments.

Darkvision

Vaseld can see in total darkness up to 60 ft.

Amphibian

Vaseld can breathe underwater, just as if they were on land.

ALTERNATE RACIAL TRAITS

The cultural, genetic, and mystical influences that some Vaseld are subjected to can produce racial traits different from the norm.

Sunwalker

Two centuries ago, the Vaseld exiled some of their criminals to outer space, never to come back. During a plasma storm, their ships crash-landed on the desert planet now known as Malaha. Those who survived the crash had to face an entirely different climate, and most of them perished as a result. But some held on to life, driven by a desire of vengeance and adapted to the condition of their new home. Their skin hardened, granting them 1 Natural Armor Class. This replaces Survivalist.

Silathis Hunter

While most Vaseld enjoy the peace and the symbiotic they now have with the Silathis, some either recognize that there must be a contingency plan in case the sea-serpent rebel, or simply refuse to have another creature inside of them. Therefore, they have learned to adapt to their enemies’ environment: the sea. The Silathis Hunters get a swimming speed equal to their base land move speed. This replaces Ventral Pouch.

Camouflage

Both the fauna and the flora are deadly on the Vaselds’ home planet. Being able to conceal themselves in their environment has proven to be a very valuable skill. Camouflage grants the character a 3 racial bonus to Stealth in any natural environment. This replaces Amphibian.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

To some races, the Vaselds’ appearance can be interesting. While they eat through their mouths, they breathe through pores on a set of three protuberances they have on each side of their heads. Most importantly, though, their Ventral Pouch, a hole in their stomach surrounded in malleable and semi-prehensile appendages, is almost always left exposed, even when wearing clothes.

Usually about half a foot taller than humans, their skin colour can go to various shades of green, blue or grey, though some rarer Vaseld have a tan or red colour, especially if they live in desert environments. It is also entirely hairless and has a surprisingly soft and smooth texture. They have deep dark eyes that hint at their wisdom.

HOMEWORLD

The main homeworld of the Vaseld and of the Silathis, is called Yoael. It is a natural planet covered in oceans, swamps and jungles located far in the vast, mostly untouched by technology. It does, however, bear the scars of war and poaching aliens, looking to either acquire or eat the Silathis, or sell the Vaseld into slavery as caravan guards or hunters. Perhaps fortunately, though, Yoael itself makes it difficult for the criminal to get anything. Whether it is the huge beasts roaming the wildlands or the sentient carnivorous plants, many non-natives have been sent to an early grave.

PLAYING A VASELD

YOU LIKELY…

· Have a deep sense of community with others of your race or the family you choose.

· Value your own privacy and don’t believe you shouldn’t bother others with your issues.

· Love exploring and find new horizons.

· Have a deep distrust of strangers and have a hard time making first contact.

OTHER RACES PROBABLY…

· See you as mysterious and reserved but wise and dependable.

· Wonder why you talk to yourself so much, while in actuality you speak with your symbiote.

· Are extremely disgusted by the whole symbiosis with the Silathis or the hole in your stomach.

· Underestimate your capacity for learning due to your preference for archaic technology.

SOCIETY AND ALIGNMENT

Vaseld society is organized in a rigid hierarchy structure where a single leader sits on the throne of an individual tribe. These kings are groomed from their childhood if they are healthy and wise enough, and they will be taught about leadership, combat, strategy, history, arts and empathy. Many can be prepared in such a fashion, even within a single tribe; those chosen ones will compete to demonstrate their abilities until the current king dies or is otherwise unfit to lead. On a more planetary level, the leaders will unite into a council to make the decisions for their whole species.

While Vaseld may appear emotionless to an outsider, nothing could be further from the truth. It is simply a cultural taboo to have an outburst of emotion in public and are kept in check. However, they are often explored in a communal way, either inside the family or with close or loved ones. They are often reflected through music and painting. Some also choose to paint their own bodies or faces to represent their current emotional situation.

They are not religious. Any mention of someone having control or influencing their actions are perceived as a threat of invasion, or simply as nonsense. Missionaries are of course not welcome in their towns.

RELATIONS

Vaseld do not make friends easily. It takes a long time to earn their trust. An individual has to go through great lengths to be accepted in Vaseld communities, and the newly gained trust will only apply to a single person rather than a whole race. However, some prejudice exists. While there is no hate, they find Humans and Ysoki very unpleasant due to their natural energy and the way they are extroverted. Androids, on the other hand, are more easily trusted because of their more careful and relaxed approach. Encounters with the Vesk usually end up in a bloodbath since the latter are the main poachers on Yoael. They have very little contact with the Shirren and the Lashunta and as such have little opinion of them, but it is not inconceivable to think they could get along. They have a certain admiration for the Kasathas, sharing some core values. They also find them very attractive.

ADVENTURERS

The Vaseld love nothing more than finding new natural wonders. They are well willing to risk their lives to find new landmarks, especially if they can later be accessed or exploited by their community. They have an innate wanderlust which can drive them to leave their planet and serve as scouts for an employer from the pact worlds. They will also take arms for any righteous cause, especially if it is to fight oppressors that threaten their homeworld.

NAMES

Vaseld have a hard time pronouncing hard sounds such as “t”, “c” and “k”, and occasionally “r” as well. Therefore, they rely on soft sounds such as “sh”, “m” “l” and “v”, in addition to the common language’s vowels. Each individual is given two names at birth by the parents, while a third one is chosen at the beginning of adulthood. The first name is given to strangers, the second to acquaintances and friends, while the third one is shared with very close friends and family. Some of the most common names are a variation of a word in their language and include names such as Vimalid, Bowan, Daleïs, Lajda, Omeis, Zish, Uwel, Annenith, Lafivia.

SILATHIS

The Silathis are a race of eel-like creatures possessing strong psionic powers as well as having an extremely adaptable morphology. Being of limited intelligence and lacking the appendages to move easily on land, the Silathis have everything to gain by associating with the Vaseld. By merging into a host, they can grant them various powers through their psionic link.

Each Vaseld starts their adventure with a Silathis of their choice. Replacing a Silathis costs 1,000 credits. Only one Silathis can be merged with a Vaseld at any given time. They retain their consciousness and can talk mentally to their host as if using the Limited Telepathy ability. The host cannot answer back mentally and must do so vocally. They can see and hear through the host’s senses, but cannot read their mind.

Below is a list of improvement a symbiote can grant its host:

· 2 to a single saving throw

· 3 Hit Points

· 1 Natural Armor

· 3 to any one skill

· The ability to cast a single level-0 spell at will

· The ability to cast a single level-1 spell once per day