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Summary: Create Qin characters for play or NPC
Qin Overview
In the 22nd Century, humanity is not alone. The Qin walk among us for reasons not totally known to us humans, yet. They provide a great sense of mystery in the Aeon Universe, and when played by a responsible player, they can provide some great role-playing opportunities.
The possibility of playing one of our enigmatic guests is a challenge to a serious role-player that could also enhance the enjoyment of the rest of the group.
The Qin are not too powerful by the standards of the Psion characters but could easily ruin a story if left unchecked. The Qin creation rules listed here allow for the creation of Qin Diplomat and Qin Warrior characters well balanced for a game.
Qin characters could join a group of Psions for any number of reasons. The group might have to accomplish a specific mission or objective of common concern to both species. The Qin may be part of a cultural and technological exchange program designed to learn the maximum about the other species. The possibilities are as endless as the imagination of the group.
Qinshui
Diplomatic relations began between Qin and humans immediately after their historical meeting in 2107. Both have since established embassies in the other’s system, the Qin on Luna and humans in a domed facility on the Qin home world of Qinshui in the Qinjunan system.
The Qin have a great deal in common with humans, including home planets. Qinshui has similar gravity to Earth’s and is composed mostly of water, although Qinshui’s land masses are smaller, with no recognizable continents. The atmosphere is very thick, soupy and humid but earth-like; vegetation, animal life and weather resemble those of Earth’s marshy regions. Qinshui has no moons, and therefore no tidal forces, resulting in relatively calm oceans.
Qinshui is locate on the edge of the 47 Tucanae globular cluster. In this extremely dense group of stars, one need merely look up to know how far he is from Earth. The sky is brilliant at night, with stars packed so closely together that the concept of constellations is alien to the Qin.
The intense stellar concentration gives daylight a radiance equal to that of a sunny Earth day, despite even extreme cloud cover. Nights are ethereal, the stars casting a gentle glow over the world. Qinshui’s seasons are similar to Earth’s, and are determined by the cluster core’s position in the sky during daylight hours throughout the year.
Qin Welcoming Speech
“We are cheerful [pleased?] to engage in the dual [mutual?] advancement of our two selves [peoples?]. Please be accepting of [we hope you enjoy?] the pond [home?] we have poured [built?] for you here on Qinshui. If there is anything that you thirst for [require?], do not falter in inquiring. This is an honorable [historic?] time, and we shall allow nothing to dam [stop?] it from becoming a successful future.”
Qin Nations
For the present, official Aeon Trinity nomenclature uses the term “houses” for the division of Qin society, and the phonetic transcripts of individual names. The original Chinese names are to be phased out. The use of the “House of X” form is permitted where it illuminates the point.
There are six major houses and an indeterminate number of smaller ones (at least three, possibly several dozen). The descriptions of the houses functions are tentative at best. The major houses are:
Name |
Designation |
Function |
(Former
Label) |
| Lle-brib |
House of Speech |
Diplomacy? |
(Hsiao Kou) |
| Lle-llau |
House of Walls |
Defense? |
(Kuei) |
| Lle-ji |
House of Roads |
Exploration? |
(Tung Jen) |
| Lle-sosh |
House of Wheat |
Food? |
|
| Lle-av |
House of Beasts |
Domesticated
animals? |
|
| Lle-tha |
House of Servants |
Labor
relations? |
Further detail is extremely sparse. Most human contact has been with Lle-ji. Its relationship with humanity is arguably friendly, but it is clear that at this point the houses use this relationship to strengthen its position among the other houses. This has, thus far, rebounded to humanity’s benefit, but we cannot be certain how long this pattern will continue.
All player character Qin are from either Lle-ji (Qin Diplomats, and some Bodyguards) or Lle-tha (some Qin Bodyguards).
Qin Biosuits
Qin Biosuits are built to resemble idealized humans. Their first attempts were considered unconvincing at the time, but recent reviews of file footage indicate that the original Biosuits were near perfect in shape, but presented entirely the wrong color, being crystalline and shimmering.
The current hypothesis is that the Qin originally had no idea what colors would best serve them in establishing cordial relations with humans, and were forced to experiment, only settling on the current mix of blues and whites after some time.
They also, eventually, chose to present a less physically precise form; modern Qin suits are somewhat stylized, but in ways that humans find easy to accept. (This is similar to the way cartoon characters can have radically altered proportions but still appear human and – more to the point – easy to identify with).
The character creation and character development processes are different for that of human characters. The following steps are required to create a Qin characters.
- Step1: Choose Concept
- Step2: Choose Nature
- Step3: Note Allegiance
- Step4: Choose Attributes
- Step5: Apply Biosuit Modifications
- Step6: Choose Abilities
- Step7: Choose Backgrounds
- Step 8: Determine Psi
- Step 9: Choose Aptitude Modes
- Step 10: Calculate Initiative
- Step 11: Calculate Movement
- Step 12: Spend Freebie Points
- Step 13: Calculate all Ability Totals
Qin Concept
Although there are many types of Qin, those that humanity are in contact with are either Qin Diplomats or Qin Bodyguards. The players chooses which type of Qin he or she will be and that will decide other factors during character creation.
Diplomats serve as ambassadors to the human population and the Aeon Trinity. They represent the interests of their homeworld, Qinshui, in talks on political, trade, technological and other subjects.
Bodyguards are the combatants of the Qin. They primarily protect the Qin Diplomats and are available to respond to violence when necessary.
Qin Nature
Even the alien Qin possess unique personalities. Choose an appropriate nature for the character. Suggested natures include Analyst, Architect, Bureaucrat, Explorer, Leader or Visionary for the Diplomat. The Bodyguards usually have natures such as Analyst, Follower, Martyr, and Traditionalist.
Allegiance
All Qin, even Qin characters hold allegiance to the Qin.
Qin Attributes
The alien nature of the Qin means that character creation for attributes is somewhat different to that of other characters. A Qin’s Biosuit (which also dictates its purpose) provides the Qin with its attributes. Before applying the modifications brought on by the adoption of a Biosuit the Qin’s basic attributes need to be determined. The Qin’s bodies are remarkably different to that of humans and do not have the same type of attributes as humans. A ‘loosely’ kept secret is that Qin are in fact slug-like in appearance, approximately 1 – 1 ½ feet in length with mottled gray coloring with spots of translucent pastel colors such as pinks, blues and whites.
The basic score for each physical attribute of every Qin, including Appearance is one (1), and cannot be adjusted. These attributes are modified by the capabilities of the Biosuit that you choose later in the character creation process. As for the remaining Attributes, the base score is also one (1) but the character Concept chosen (Diplomat or Bodyguard) alter the base score. The Attribute points listed below can be spent as the player sees fit.
Diplomat - Spend 11 points on Perception, Wits, Intelligence, Manipulation and Charisma
Bodyguard - Spend 6 points on Perception, Wits, Intelligence, Manipulation and Charisma
Qin Abilities
As all Qin are allied to the Qin, ability groups are determined by the purpose of the Qin character – Diplomat or Bodyguard. The Qin characters have 10 points to spend on the skills in the associated ability group. No starting ability can be higher than three (3) at character creation.
Diplomat - Academics, Awareness, Bureaucracy, Etiquette, Rapport, Subterfuge
Bodyguard - Awareness, Brawl, Firearms, Intimidation, Melee, Might
Qin characters (all types) have a further 13 points to spend across all abilities once the ability group allotment has been spent. It is important to note that Diplomats cannot choose (at any point during character creation) to invest any ability points in Awareness, Brawl, Firearms, Melee and Might. A Bodyguard likewise cannot choose (at any point during character creation) to invest any ability points in Academics, Bureaucracy, Rapport and Subterfuge.
Each Qin is trained to serve a specific function, hence the prohibitive points allocation system. All Qin characters can invest experience points in any ability provided someone chooses to teach him (it).
Qin Backgrounds
The true nature of the Qin is somewhat of a mystery. Although humanity has a fair idea about their true alien appearance, little or nothing is known of how Qin culture, technology and social beliefs (if such a thing as Qin society exists) really works.
To accommodate this ‘alien’ veil of secrecy, all Qin characters, regardless of Concept, receive a Cipher rating of 3 at character creation. Likewise all Qin characters automatically receive a Devices rating of 4 due to their Biosuits. Otherwise Qin characters have four (4) points to spend on any other appropriate background. Recommended backgrounds for Qin characters include Resources, and Contacts specifically for the Diplomat Concept.
Qin Psi
Although Qin do not have ‘psi’ in the truest sense, it is tiring for a Qin to use their powers excessively. For the purpose of game mechanics Qin characters pay for psionic powers in the same way that Psions do. Qin characters, therefore, have a ‘psi rating’ calculated in the same way as normal Psions (Stamina + Wits + Charisma) / 2 rounded up. Note that Stamina is always a base (un-modifiable) score of one (1), regardless of the benefits of Biosuits.
A unique ability benefits the Qin, which comes from their complete understanding of biotechnology. For the purpose of calculating tolerance for carrying bioapps, double the Qin characters Psi Rating!
Qin Aptitudes
Although not truly ‘psionic’, the Qin have displayed several abilities that seem to emulate psionic capability. It is widely believed that these abilities are the result of millennia of evolution in response to their environment.
Qin characters receive three points to spend on the Empathy Mode (Telepathy) or any Mode in Clairsentience. Qin characters can use any other Aptitude Mode (excluding Mindshare, Psychbending and all three Teleportation Modes) as Auxiliary Modes. This means that every Mode except Empathy, Psychometry, Psychonavigation and Telethesia can never be raised above one (1).
On a more positive note, Qin characters do not suffer from Psionic Dysfunction.
Qin Initiative
To determine initiative, add Dexterity and Wits together (which can later be modified by freebie points and experience points).
Qin Movement
Calculated in the same way as it is for human characters (Walk = 5M, Run = Dex +12M, Sprint = [Dex x 3] + 20M).
Qin Freebie Points
Qin have 15 freebie points to spend. The Freebie Point Chart for the Qin is slightly different for usual characters:
Item |
Freebie
Points Cost |
| Attribute | 5
(only on Perception, Intelligence, Wits, Charisma and Manipulation) |
| Ability |
2 |
| Specialty |
1,
maximum of 3 per Ability |
| Empathy
Mode |
4 |
| Clairsentience
Modes |
5 |
| Auxiliary
Modes |
7 |
| Willpower |
2 |
| Psi |
5 |
| Initiative |
1 |
Qin Spark of Life
While a Qin character may be different than normal characters, the Qin still need the individual attention to detail that creates a truly unique and interesting character. Adding quirks to the Qin character helps to round and interpret those statistics that were just generated. Try asking a few questions about your character:
- How long have you been on Earth? Humanity first made contact with the Qin in 2107. Some Qin have been on Earth since first contact. The relative experience of Qin among the populace of Earth may temper their reactions to this ‘alien’ culture. A Qin that is new to Earth may look upon the world in a constant state of awe.
- What are your opinions of humanity? Are humans selfish and malignant, or do you believe them to be good-natured at heart. Perhaps you think humans are in some ways like children, and you feel ‘responsible’ for their well being? How are your opinions of humanity formed? By the opinions of other Qin, human media or do you judge each human on his or her own merits?
- What are your quirks? Every Qin is an individual to some degree. Maybe you are fascinated (as are almost all Qin) by Hard Technology to such a degree that you constantly experiment with it, sometimes preferring it over the Qin’s advanced Bioware? Perhaps you are not doing to well at fitting into human society, you may mispronounce common phrases and humans find this habit irritating, insulting or amusing?
- What is your purpose here on Earth? Are you on a diplomatic mission with the Aeon Trinity? Or are you enrolled in a military attaché program with the Legions? Perhaps you are on a mission to recover a ‘runaway’ Qin, prevent the spread of a Biotech virus, or stop the machinations of Aberrants?
Qin Technology
An important facet of everyday life for the Qin is their almost total mastery of Bioware. On Qinshui, away from the areas where the humans are allowed to reside, the Qin have fabulous ‘creator beasts’ that can produce any Biotechnology that the Qin require. It is widely believed by humankind that Qin can simply ‘create’ any Biotech they need when situations require.
The most commonly recognized Qin Bioware is the Biosuit. As part of character creation you will have decided upon a concept – Diplomat or Bodyguard. The Qin, seeing the need to interact with humanity as well as defend itself from all aggressors (such as the Aberrants), developed both the Qin Diplomat and Bodyguard Biosuits to provide the Qin with resources to fill these dual roles.
The statistics and capabilities of each of the Biosuits is detailed below. If you chose the Diplomat Concept, then you have a Diplomat Biosuit etc.
Suit
Type |
STR |
STA |
APP |
Armour |
| Diplomat |
+1 |
+1 |
4 |
[1/2,
0] |
| Bodyguard |
+3 |
+2 |
2 |
[2/4,
0] |
Each suit provides full life support for up to a week under Earth-normal conditions. If the Qin has access to a regular supply of food (or other organic materials) and water the suit can be worn indefinitely. Food is consumed through the suits ‘mouth’ and converted into sustenance for the Qin.
The suit is equipped with internal sensors that identify anything potentially dangerous to the Qin physiology. Any food identified as such is shunted to a receptacle for later analysis. While not designed as a vacuum suit, a Biosuit can support a Qin in a vacuum for up to 2 full hours.
Biosuits also function as armour. Assume that a Qin in his Biosuit has the usual seven health levels. Further the suit augments some of his traits as detailed in the chart above.
Qin Character Development
Qin characters earn experience in the same way that human characters do, but they spend it in a slightly different fashion. Use the following rules for the allocation of experience points towards character development.
- Attributes The Qin can raise their Perception, Intelligence, Wits, Charisma and Manipulation Attributes at the standard cost of the current rating x 6. The dependency of the Qin on the Biosuits hampers their development of the other Attributes. Strength, Dexterity and Stamina can be raised at an inflated cost of the current rating x 10. This reflects the relative lack of use of the Attributes that are augmented by Biosuits. Appearance cannot be raised because the Attribute is relative to human standards, and the Qin in their natural state simply are never going to be physically appealing.
- Abilities All Abilities can be raised at a cost of their current rating x 4. The maximum score in an Ability is, of course, 5. New abilities may be purchased at a cost of 4 points.
- Backgrounds Backgrounds may be raised at the cost of the current rating x 3. New Backgrounds may be purchased for 3 experience points. Backgrounds will be strictly controlled, and without the proper role-playing, the character will not be able to raise the trait.
- Aptitude Modes The only Modes the Qin may advance above the level of one is Empathy (Telepathy) and the three Clairsentience Modes. The cost to raise an aptitude mode by one level is the current rating x 5 in experience points. Not even these Aptitude Modes can even be raised higher than three (3).
- Auxiliary Modes An auxiliary mode costs 10 experience points. Auxiliary modes can never be higher than one (1).
- Specialties These may be gained by spending a number of points equal to the current rating of the ability to which the Specialty belongs. No character may have more than three (3) Specialties for a single attribute.
- Willpower The Qin may increase their willpower at a cost of current rating x 3.
- Psi ‘Psi’ may be improved by spending experience points at a cost of the current rating x 6. Note that this is a very difficult and arduous task for the Qin, and should be role-played accordingly.
- Initiative The cost to raise initiative is equal to the current rating.
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