Biology and appearence

Arkanians considered themselves the pinnacle of evolution, and as such many were distinctly arrogant. Arkanian scientists had been experts in genetic manipulation for millennia, and by the time of the Mandalorian Wars the species had been split into many sub-species, making it hard to determine exactly what a baseline Arkanian was. Most could pass for Human, though the most pure of blood had pure white eyes and four clawed digits on each hand.

Arkanians were capable of seeing into the infrared spectrum, and their eyes were sensitive to sources of extreme heat. This was helpful on their dark and frigid homeworld, but when traveling offworld, many were forced to wear blinders on planets with hotter, younger suns. It was also not unusual for an Arkanian to enhance themselves with internal and/or external cybernetics. It was also standard practice for Arkanians to undergo genetic manipulation of their own bodies, enhancing themselves so as to be better than "lesser" species.

Society and Culture

The most defining trait of the Arkanian species was their arrogance which stemmed from their belief that they were the pinnacle of evolution. This led to them often appearing arrogant and aloof to others as they saw themselves as being superior to all other species. Even those with a more moderate viewpoint tended to see themselves as being amongst the most intelligent beings in the galaxy. As such, they were highly confident of their abilities.

Visitors to their homeworld often faced unpleasant and arrogant Arkanians—despite this, Arkanians were deeply offended by impoliteness and when this occurred, the offending individual needed to make amends quickly or risk being ostracized. When offended, an Arkanian typically spoke badly of the other party once they were gone and when no apology was given—the Arkanians were known to lock up the person or detain their starship from leaving the planet with overt threats. Even at this point, however, it was possible to redeem themselves in the eyes of an Arkanian though failure meant that they became even more offended and storm away. But, if successful, the individual needed to also offer a gift to the offended Arkanian as a sign of their sincerity.

Names

Arkanian given names are typically multisyllabic. Surnames are familial.

Male Names. Arca, Arkoh, Artonian, Thraka, Nasdra

Female Names. Cratala, Elizie, Hanna, Serifa, Shenna

Surnames. Altunen, Dobonold, Duroth, Jeth, Magrody

Arkanian Traits

As an Arkanian, you have the following special traits.

Ability Score Increase. Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and one other ability of your choice increases by 1.

Age. Arkanians reach adulthood in their late teens and typically live less than a century.

Alignment. Arkanians tend toward no particular alignment. Arkanians are generally good-natured but are also known for their illegal genetic experiments on unwilling subjects.

Size. Arkanians stand around 5-6 feet tall and tend to be no more than 170 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base movement speed is 30 feet.

Darkvision. Your natural evolution allows you to see what others do not in dim and dark conditions. You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Historical Aptitude. You have proficiency in Lore.

Renowned Intellect. When making Charisma skill checks, you add half your intelligence modifier rounded up to the check in addition to any other bonuses.

Quick Study. After a long rest, you may choose a skill. If you are not proficient in it, become proficient. If you are proficient, gain expertise.

Insightful Recall. You may make insight checks with expertise against a creature to determine if the information they are sharing is false or illogical as long as it is open knowledge or a topic you are very familiar with.

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Galactic Basic and Arkanian. Arkanian is largely restricted to Arkania, however some non-Arkanians take up the language to communicate with their companions.