The Skedic

At some point at or near the end of the Great War the Skedic cities appear according to historical documents. There were a dozen or so magnificent cities of shimmering glass and metal spread across the land, although only three are confirmed to have existed, and still survive to this day: They are the cities of Aja, Eta, and Amma.

The architecture of these cities is entirely unlike anything else in the Palladium world. Most structures are constructed of glass, metal, and unknown materials that are impervious to the scrutiny of even skilled alchemists. Although we might consider these buildings to be of technologically advanced construction, most scholars agree that they are quite ancient and arcane in style and construction.

Many of the Skedic weapons and tools are also considered arcane and esoteric, having value to art collectors and scholars, but seen as having little practical value. When looking at the myriad of parts required to assemble a semi-automatic pistol in consideration of the weapon's overall effectiveness, it is easier to understand how such items might seem needlessly complex and difficult to maintain in comparison to more commonly available weapons. Ammunition is also impossible to come by outside of Skedic cities (and no Skedic will sell ammo to a non-Skedic) so this further reduces the desire for anyone but collectors to own one of these archaic weapons.

As a people, there Skedic are reclusive and aloof. They are like the documentary film crew who passively observe the world around them. The would dispassionately watch as a helpless turtle is flipped on its back and becomes victim to a predator hours later and never once think to interfere with the course of nature. They are scientists at heart and hardly ever indulge in the magic arts except as an academic exercise.

Of course, not all Skedic are so distant. When they are young men and women, usually sometime in their twenties, a Skedic will leave the safety of their city and journey across the lands for 4 to 6 years to observe life in Palladium up close. Such adventurers must be well equipped and armed, for they are often targeted by bandits who would love to steal and sell their arcane weapons and devices to collectors. Almost all Skedic eventually return to one of their cities and settle down to alife within the protective walls.

There are two kinds of Skedic: Riga and Sekai. Riga defines a character class (OCC) that is essentially a men-at-arms with access t certain modern weapons, engineering and computer skills. If you would like to be a Riga OCC, let me know and we can work out what your special skills would be.

Sekai are a race almost like androids, except that they have an organic brain and central nervous system. No other mortal flesh remains. They are cyborgs designed for human, machine, intelligence interface protocol. Yes, sort of like the protocol droids you all know, except designed to be indistinguishable from humans when clothed (their hands and heads are covered with synthetic skinlike polymers and hair). The rest of their bodies look remarkably human in form and shape as flexible carbon-nanofiber muscles cover and control a composite skelaton that has many of the same parts as a human would have. Protective plates cover joint areas and help prevent debris from interfering with motion.

Sekai are very strong and agile, although they do not posess the super-speed of some well known droids like Bishop. They make good fighting characters, preferring hand-to-hand combat and lighter swords or paired weapons. They rarely wear armor, and when they do, only very light armor. Although they sometimes were trained to serve as body guards back in their world of origin, it must be remembered that they were not designed as combat robots, but as protocol droids that could blend in seamlessly with society.

Powers and abilities: Sekai have a wopping 500 S.D.C. , but Sekai cannot heal themselves, and can only be repaired by another Sekai with the aid a very specific machine which is only available in the Skedic cities. Natural forms of fire only do 1/4 damage, and natural sources of electricity have zero effect on them 70% of the time ( the rest of the time they are stunned for 1d4 rounds, but take no damage unless a second attack is made while they are stunned). Magic fire does full damage as does magic electricity. Most acid does double damage. Sekai do not need to breathe as mammals do, but they do need a source of oxygen in order to "metabolize" energy in their power cells. A Sekai can hang out indefinitely in water (that has free oxygen in it i.e. not distilled), but could not operate at full power for very long in a vacuum.

Sekai have never been known to be practictioners of magic...ever. Some believe that their synthetic bodies prohibits the proper channeling of forces. So, Sekai are men-at-arms class characters just like the Riga, although they have more inherent technical ability than a Riga.
If you would like to play a Sekai, let me know and I will give the stats and info to start building your character.