Racial Bonuses

LOTJ has a wide array of races available to players, most of them with unique physiology and certain traits that help them perform better at some tasks than others. The idea that I’m proposing be discussed is racial bonuses: Not in the conventional statistic way, but in the form of certain kinds of feats or special techniques available only to that race.

For example: The Ithorians have four throats that can generate ridiculous audio power. An Ithorian character could be graced with a ‘Shout’ ability of some sort that can temporarily stun or lag a target(s) for a few seconds.

Just an idea that might add some variety to races. There’s of course an issue of balance, and abuse, as with everything. Figuratively there should be timers so they wouldn’t be spammed, etc. Feedback appreciated.

Adding various racial features is something I’ve been thinking about for a while — things like Toydarians being able to float and Hutts changing their gender. In general I don’t feel like there’s much difference between races other than RP, which isn’t a [i:3ue4bcoa]problem[/i:3ue4bcoa], it’s just that coded dew claws made all the Yevetha about 2598340639468 times more awesome than they would have been otherwise.

Combat benefits:
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[b:3ue4bcoa]Regeneration[/b:3ue4bcoa] – I know that Whiphid have ridiculous regen, but there are other races that are supposed to heal faster than the average sentient, such as Firrerreo, even if they don’t heal quite as fast as Whiphid do.

[b:3ue4bcoa]Force Resistance[/b:3ue4bcoa] – Dashade are known for their resistance of force powers. This actually might be in game for all I know, but I thought I’d mention it.

[b:3ue4bcoa]Four Arms[/b:3ue4bcoa] – I seriously doubt this will ever make it in-game, since it’d probably end up making the four armed races way too overpowered, but if Besalisks/Quermians could hold four weapons… Since dual-wield requires at least level 70 combat, it could be a level 150 skill or something like that. Or carry with it some serious draw backs, like a dexterity penalty. Like I said.. not likely this one will go through, but I’m just tossing around ideas.
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Non-combat:
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[b:3ue4bcoa]Skin tones[/b:3ue4bcoa] – Certain races, such as Falleen or Firrerreo, can change their skin color. It could work in a similar fashion to the hairstyle command, except that it would have to vary by race. Or it could be a simple toggle for Firrerreo between silver and gold, then only Falleen can access the longer menu for the various shades of red and green. I’m not aware of other races that can do it, but there may be some.

[b:3ue4bcoa]Antennae[/b:3ue4bcoa] – Balosar are capable of retracting their antennaepalps, making them indistinguishable from humans. True examine/know essence would still say the subject was Balosar, but looking at them would display them as human which would be particularly useful during the Imperial Era. Nobody would lose their dub/greet, though, it isn’t a disguise, their face stays the same.

[b:3ue4bcoa]Radio Communication[/b:3ue4bcoa] – Verpine were known for being able to communicate with each other though radio waves. Speaking Verpine should broadcast to other Verpines nearby, either echo throughout the whole system or work more like shouting does, but for Verpines only.

[b:3ue4bcoa]Pheromones[/b:3ue4bcoa] – I haven’t given a lot of thought to this one, but [i:3ue4bcoa]some[/i:3ue4bcoa] sort of coded support for Zeltron/Falleen pheromones would be awesome. Just a message like the one that pops up when a forcer uses unfamiliar would be great. It doesn’t even need to insist the "victim" plays along, just let them know that the other player is attempting to use their pheromones. They can choose to ignore it if they think their character is strong willed enough to resist it.

[b:3ue4bcoa]Aquabreath[/b:3ue4bcoa] – This is already in game, but there are a couple races which need it and don’t have it, like Chagrian.
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Aside from that, Miraluka-vision needs a complete revamp. A Miraluka should never need a flashlight… the infrared flag is useful, but doesn’t come close to replicating not needing light at all. Also, the "So-and-so looks at you."/"So-and-so glances at you." messages shouldn’t be echoed for Miraluka — they have no eyes, you can’t tell where they’re "looking".

…I know this all sounds like a lot of work for the coders. ..Did I mention it would be awesome?

Well, a few of us have been visiting this issue and I’ve begun to work on various of these ideas. Any other thoughts on this?

Verpines also have a Verpenis. LULZ.

I can’t say yay or nay on that. Not my place. But I definitely want to hear more ideas about making races more distinct.

I like this idea.