Post by Vio on Dec 19, 2017 14:16:52 GMT -5
There are a vast number of sapient races (sometimes called Tribes) that have been revealed to exist in the world of One Piece, each with their own unique cultures and physiological adaptations, ranging from average humans to towering Giants and even the denizens of the deep ocean, the Fishmen. All of the races listed below are available as options for both player characters and NPCs, and each has their own strengths and weaknesses to take into account when playing them, represented by a selection of Traits.HUMANS
The most populous and so-called ‘dominant’ race in the world, humanity serves as a staple in most cultures and — thanks to the World Government’s reach and power — they tend to be found all over. They vastly outnumber other races, whose own opinions of them tend to vary between extremes, and tend to hold the majority of power in most cultures.
Humans as a whole tend to average around 5’ to 6’ tall (approx. 153 to 183 cm) and have a variety of builds, skin tones, eye colors, and hair colors. Some might have fairer skin or dark complexions, depending on their origins, and some tribes or individuals possess unusual features — we’ve seen people with oddly sharp teeth, horns, and even peculiar features that vaguely resemble animals. While humans can be quite small by nature, some of them can reach impressive heights, growing as large as 10’ (approx. 300 cm) and sometimes even larger still! Gecko Moria, an absolutely enormous human, stands at almost 23’ (approx. 700 cm)! Human characters can reach up to a maximum height of 25’ (approx. 760 cm).
Because humans are so diverse, they begin with any 3 Traits of their choosing. Human Traits typically relate to physical capabilities that they possess that make them stand out from others of their kind. If a human is 10’ (approx. 300 cm) or taller, then they must choose either Inhuman Strength or Inhuman Toughness to compensate for their size.FISHMEN
Often regarded as monsters by humans who aren’t at all familiar with the race, such as those native to the East Blue, Fishmen — also called Gyojin (Japanese: “Fish-person”) — are aquatic humanoids native to the deepwater country of Fishman Island. They come in various shapes and sizes and have features based on various species of fish, with some even taking after cephalopods such as squid and octopi.
Fishmen have more variable heights than humans do, ranging from 4’ to 8’ (approx. 122 to 244 cm) on average, and tend to have wildly variable builds and body shapes. Their skin tone can range from similar to humans to much more exotic colors, such as red or blue, and their features are often exaggerated in ways that represent a particular species of fish or cephalopod. Arlong (a Sawshark Fishman) had sharp teeth and an elongated, jagged nose, while Hatchan (an Octopus Fishman) had multiple, highly flexible arms and an elongated mouth. Those based on fish species tend to have a dorsal fin on their upper back, gills around their collar, and webbing between their fingers. The largest Fishmen can reach a height of 25’ (approx. 760 cm). A Fishman must be based on a species of fish or cephalopod that exists within the real world.
Fishmen are said to be much stronger than average humans — a strength that is magnified further underwater — and so they automatically have the Inhuman Strength Trait. In addition, Fishmen are naturally adapted to be able to survive underwater, able to switch between using their lungs and gills and being generally better swimmers than most other races, which is represented by their Child of the Sea Trait. Finally, Fishmen can choose 1 optional Trait of their choice, which can also be used to represent their unusual physiology — e.g. Hatchan’s physiology gives him additional arms and the ability to spit ink, while Arlong has strong and sharp teeth that he can readily replace.MERFOLK
Renowned for the immense beauty that most of the females (Mermaids) are said to possess (though this is by no means an absolute), Merfolk are an iconic symbol for sailors the world over, whether they’re aware of their existence or not. Directly related to Fishmen, Merfolk also originate from Fishman Island, and are a similarly diverse species typically possessing human-like upper bodies and fish or cephalopod-like lower halves.
Merfolk, just like Fishmen, range in size. Though they typically average around 5’ to 7’ (approx. 153 to 213 cm), their heights are a little more ambiguous due to the fact that a good portion of their overall size is actually the length of their tails. Merfolk are typically much more human in appearance, though some — especially Mermen — might have exaggerated features. Their tails are a lot more like the body of a true fish, with colorful scales and patterns that don’t always seem to reflect on their particular type of fish. Merfolk have a minimum body length of 1’ (approx. 30 cm), which isn’t a very common thing, and can grow to a maximum length of 40’ (approx. 1220 cm). In terms of proportions, even the largest Merperson is roughly equal to the largest humans. A Merperson must be based on a species of fish or cephalopod that exists within the real world.
Like their direct relatives, Merfolk are built for the water, so their specific Traits match this. However, because of their diversity, Merfolk have two potential options that can reflect upon their physiology. Option #1: Considered the fastest race underwater by outpacing even the Fishman race, Merfolk may choose to take the Supreme Swimmer Legendary Trait, but in doing so must also take the Negative Fish Out Of Water Trait — a reflection of the fact that they are not suited for moving on dry land and thus cannot gain or use abilities that would boost their speed or mobility on land.
Option #2: Merfolk characters can forgo being incredibly fast in favor taking the Child of the Sea Trait without having to acquire the negative Trait. These Merfolk may be slower in water, but it can reflect well on characters that have adapted to living on land, cephalopod Merfolk (who technically have multiple legs), Mermaids whose tails have split into legs, or other Merfolk types whose fish species isn’t known for being swift.
Regardless of which of the above options you choose, Merfolk gain 1 optional Trait of their choice, which can represent their physiology, such as how Hyouzou — as a Blue-Ringed Octopus Merman — had multiple legs and the ability to produce venom.
Additional Features: As mentioned above, Mermaids over the age of 30 experience a tail split, allowing them to walk about on land (though some may take a while to get used to it). Mermen do not experience this. Furthermore, Merfolk possess the ability to communicate with fish and cephalopods through sound waves inaudible to other races.GIANTS
Legendary even among humans for their incredible size and strength, Giants themselves are considered one of the most dangerous races to deal with, especially those from Elbaf, though not all of them are brutish warriors. These entities absolutely tower above all other species, referring to the largest of humans as nothing more than oversized ants, and their proportions are often slightly skewed to support their gargantuan forms. They are also unique among the races in that they live far longer, as 100 years old is considered to be in their prime, with the oldest of Giants living to around 300 years and over.
On average, Giants hover somewhere between 50’ to 65’ (approx. 15.2 to 19.8 m) in height, but otherwise resemble humans in most regards — skin tones, eye colors, and hair colors especially. However, some of them still demonstrate unusual features, even if a little less extreme compared to the miniature humans. The smallest of Giants are still immense compared to other races, standing at 40’ (approx. 12.2 m), which is about as tall as the largest of Merfolk are in length. On the other hand, the tallest Giants very nearly double the height of their smallest brethren, reaching up to 75’ (approx. 22.8 m).
Due to their immense size, Giants are the strongest race in terms of raw physical power, possessing a Legendary Trait called Colossal Might, which enables them to smash through stone structures and even crush metal objects with some exertion. This unique ability comes with a downside in the form of a negative Trait called Cumbersome, which makes them too bulky to easily dodge attacks, as well as preventing them from developing Traits related to their speed (e.g. Inhuman Swiftness) and even other abilities such as Soru or Geppō. However, their heavy bodies are hard to damage, so they get Inhuman Toughness, and round off with 1 optional Trait of their choosing.DWARVES
The smallest known race — as well as one of the most secretive — the Dwarves are a species of diminutive humanoids distinguishable by their tiny features, typically pointed noses, and by the unique fact that they possess a fluffy tail. Interestingly, certain groups of Dwarves refer to normal humans as “big humans”. Dwarves themselves are not too wild in terms of features, though their tails show a great deal of variation between individuals, but always tend to be about the same size as their body.
The average height for a Dwarf is hard to distinguish, but seems to be around 7” to 9” (approx. 18 to 23 cm), with some individuals growing larger in a much more compact parallel to the differences between average and large humans. The tallest of Dwarves stand at a maximum height of 12” (approx. 30 cm), which is considered relatively large even by their diminutive standards. Besides this, they mostly share rather standard human varieties when it comes to skin tone, eye color, and hair color.
As a whole, Dwarves are a varied race of people whose one common factor is that they are very fleet and agile, represented by the Inhuman Swiftness Trait. Able to scurry swiftly between places without being seen, this makes them hard to catch. Beyond this, Dwarves gain 2 optional Traits of their choosing.
Additional Features: Despite their size, Dwarves are still roughly as strong as the average human would be, and so those who are exceptionally strong even among their race can still match up to most species that boast higher than human strength.SKY ISLANDERS
Also known as Sky People, this race is one native to the skies of the White Sea, coming in various forms distinguished by the presence of feathered wings upon their backs. Three canonically confirmed types exist in the form of the Skypieans, the Shandians, and the Birkans, though many more exist here. Aside from their wings and rather alien cultures, Sky Islanders typically resemble humans in every other way, varying between individual cultures. For example, the Skypieans were fair skinned and typically light haired, while the Shandians had a darker complexion and darker hair by nature.
Like humans, Sky Islanders average out between 5’ and 6’ (approx. 153 to 183 cm) tall, and can sometimes demonstrate more unusual features. Typically they’re a lot like humans, with the wings upon their backs being the main feature of their anatomy. Wing shapes and styles seem to vary between specific types of Sky Islander, such as how the Skypieans and Shandians had similarly short and protruding wings — different in that the former had gentler and less defined feathers compared to the latter — and how the Birkans had very typically angelic wings that dominated their backs. Like humans, Sky Islanders can reach a maximum height of 25’ (approx. 760 cm).
Due to their extreme diversity, all Sky Islanders gain 3 optional Traits of their choosing, just like a human. For a Sky Islander to be any larger than 10’ (approx. 300 cm), they must take either Inhuman Strength or Inhuman Toughness.LONGARMS, LONGLEGS & SNAKENECKS
While some races are quite wild in appearance, others are distinctly more human, and the Longarm, Longleg, and Snakeneck Tribes are three such examples. Though not much different from the average human, they each possess a single feature that makes them extremely unusual, and for which they are renowned. The Longarms possess extended arms that feature an additional elbow joint, the Longleg Tribe’s elongated legs mean they stand far taller than the average human, and the Snakeneck Tribe have necks about as long as their entire torso.
Longarms, Longlegs, and Snakenecks show a lot less variance in height than humans, with no abnormally large individuals yet revealed. The average Longarm stands between 5’ and 6’ tall (approx. 153 to 183 cm), but can still reach heights of up to 10’ (approx. 300 cm). Meanwhile, the average Longleg reaches a range of 9’ to 10’ (approx. 274 to 300 cm) in height — a result of their legs being substantially longer than the rest of their body — and can scale to heights of 15’ (approx. 457 cm). The same is true of Snakenecks, whose bodies aren’t anything absurd, but whose necks increase their height to the same averages and maximum height of Longlegs. The cultures of these races can vary, though Longlegs tend to prefer to show off their legs and often adorn them with tattoos. The Longarm and Longleg tribes have been engaged in a blood feud for much of their known history, though exceptions exist and some are more than willing to forget such trivial things.
Despite their unusual anatomy, Longarms, Longlegs, and Snakenecks each gain access to 3 optional Traits of their choosing. They do not have any fixed racial Traits.MINKS
A race of humanoids whose features resemble those of animals, the Minks — just like the Fishmen — are an extremely varied race. Mostly native to the county of Zou, settled upon the back of a gigantic elephant, the Mink are a rarely seen race rumored to have a closed door policy to outsiders, though this isn’t necessarily true. Each Mink takes after a particular mammal species that possesses fur or a full coat of hair, and their coats — also called “Mink” — are the pride of their race.
The Minks tend to share their average heights with those of Fishmen, ranging from 4’ to 8’ (approx. 122 to 244 cm), often influenced by whatever mammal they take after, and show a variety of different body shapes. Eye and hair colors tend to vary quite a bit, though their actual fur tends to be more natural colours and reflect upon their specific animal, ranging from simple brown coats to mottled or spotted ones. Their features are strongly influenced by the animal they are based on, with canine Minks (e.g. Inuarashi and Wanda) typically having snouts, for example. Squirrel Minks have large, bushy tails, while bovine Minks have horns and hooved feet! The largest Minks can grow to a height of 25’ (approx. 760 cm). Minks must be based on a species of mammal found in the real world, and that animal must possess a full or extensive coat of fur or hair.
The Minks are considered a warrior race, with many being wary of attacking their homelands. The main ability that all Minks possess is a Legendary Trait called Electro, which allows them to generate and channel electricity through their fur in order to enhance their attacks. This comes with a counterpart Trait called Heat Vulnerability, which weakens and exhausts them in hot climates or during exposure to extremes of heat. Minks also gain 2 optional Traits, 1 of which can be used to represent their animal physiology.LUNARIANS
Known by some as a tribe of “gods”, Lunarians are black-winged humanoids who have been all but wiped out through the efforts of the World Government. Once inhabiting the Red Line, they are now a people scattered to the winds, with full Lunarians being rare to the point of being near-mythical in status. The majority of Lunarians who exist now tend to be the children of Lunarians and other races, hybrids who lack much of the fabled toughness of their ancestors.
Information about Lunarian physiology is scarce, though they seem to have many physical similarities to humans — barring their large, black-feathered wings and the natural flame they bear. Full Lunarians are additionally noted to have darker skin tones and silvery or white hair. Part-Lunarian folk may possess any of these features, lean more closely to their other heritage or heritages in terms of look, or even have some sort of blend. While they may not fully look like their Lunarian ancestors, this is a boon in the current landscape of the world, as the World Government has an active bounty for any information regarding living Lunarians. Although the one known Lunarian was quite large, Lunarians mirror human height ranges, averaging around 5’ and 6’ (approx. 153 to 183 cm) tall, but can reach up to a maximum height of 25’ (aprox. 760 cm).
The Lunarians’ most famous trait — the burning flame they carry — is carried on by their descendants in the form of the Lunar Flame Legendary Trait, which allows them to generate fire from their body so long as the flame they carry is lit. While the Lunarian can opt to extinguish their flame of their own volition, care must be taken to avoid having the flame doused! Their Frailty of Flame Negative Trait renders them more susceptible to physical harm (even going so far as to negate the benefits of any existing Toughness Trait) if the flame they carry is extinguished by a large amount of water. Even if the flame is extinguished to avoid this, the Lunarian cannot reignite their flame without triggering this fragility effect unless they can dry themselves appropriately first. Lunarians also get 2 optional Traits. For a Lunarian to be any larger than 10’ (approx. 300 cm), they must take either Inhuman Strength or Inhuman Toughness.ANIMALS
Not all characters have to be one of the human-like species. Sometimes, you might want to play an animal, and characters like Chopper can exist here on site. Animals vary dramatically in the world of One Piece, with some very exotic species existing, but characters of this type are mostly confined to being based on real creatures.
Animals vary massively in size depending on their species, and even larger than average variants have been seen in the world, such as Richie, a massive lion. As such, there’s no specific average for how big an animal character can be, though it should make some sense given the type of animal. Instead, animals can be anywhere from as small as a Dwarf at around 6” (15 cm) to about as long as the shortest Giants are tall at 40’ (12.2 m)! Animals themselves must be themed after real world species, such as cats or penguins, but can be made in the form of “unique” species whose features are bizarre, but not necessarily otherworldly. The majority of unusual One Piece world species are not suitable for player characters or NPCs, so we have to address this on a case by case basis where applicable, to see if something is suitable.
Because of how vastly varied animals tend to be, animal characters begin with 3 optional Traits of their choosing, which may also reflect their physiology. Animals larger than 10’ (300 cm) in height must take either Inhuman Strength or Inhuman Toughness as one of their optional Traits in order to compensate for their bulk.
Additional Features: Most animals don’t speak the human language, even if they do understand it, and are forced to convey meanings through gesticulation and cries for attention. Some animals, however, learn to speak the language of the people, surpassing this limitation. If you want your animal character to be able to speak, you can do so without issue, but you might also prefer it if they can’t do so! It’s your choice!CYBORGS
Not all characters and wholly organic. Some, either due to injury or personal choice, alter their bodies with technology in order to hold onto life or surpass mortal limits. These people are referred to as Cyborgs (“Cybernetic Organisms”) and are considered a unique race. Cyborgs are dependent on their mechanical bodies for survival, so they’re different from people who’ve simply had to have a mechanical replacement for a limb or two.
Cyborgs do not have a distinct height average or limitation, as they are still considered to use the heights of whatever species they were before being converted to a mechanical hybrid. In addition, the technological variance of Cyborgs can be quite extreme, from rudimentary patchwork of old machinery to far more advanced pieces of technology. Cyborgs are divided into two distinct categories — “Light” and “Heavy” — which represents the type of mechanical framework their body might possess. Light Cyborgs tend to have more subdued frames and substantial internal alterations, while Heavy Cyborgs’ augmentations are so extensive that most of their external body is heavily reinforced, but tend to have a more distinct vulnerability. Some Cyborgs’ alterations are so extensive that they even sacrifice natural features that they would ordinarily have.
Light Cyborgs automatically gain the Inhuman Toughness Trait to represent their mechanical alterations and more durable body, retaining 2 optional Traits of their choosing that can reflect upon their original race’s abilities.
Heavy Cyborgs have the special Trait Iron Body, which represents the fact that their bodies are heavily modified to the point of being far more durable than any species can normally get. Without the ability to break through tough materials, these Cyborgs have incredible defensive properties, which are balanced out by the fact that they always have a distinct weakness of some kind. A Cyborg’s Vulnerability Trait represents a particular weakness of their body, such as an exposed fuel supply, or an extreme conductivity to a particular energy type. In addition to these, Heavy Cyborgs gain 2 optional Traits of their choosing that can reflect upon their original race’s abilities.ROBOTS
While some races augment themselves with machinery, others create entirely new beings using advanced technology. While very rare, some scientists develop the means to create artificially intelligent entities — Robots designed with a purpose in mind.
Due to their variable designs, Robots don’t have an average height range, but can instead range from as small as 3’ (approx. 91 cm) to as tall as 25’ (approx. 760 cm). Some Robots appear humanoid, or are otherwise constructed to resemble humans or other races. Others are hulking mechanical monstrosities that readily display their artificial forms to the world at large. Just like Cyborgs, Robots range from primitive constructs to very advanced pieces of technology, and are similarly divided into two categories — “Light” and “Heavy” — to represent their frames and designs.
Light Robots possess Inhuman Toughness, often having lighter and more vulnerable bodies as a feature of their design. In addition, they have the Artificial Being Trait — a representation of their unique status as non-living entities and their resistance and immunity to things that would ordinarily affect living beings, such as toxins, lack of oxygen, or effects that would attack the moisture in a creature’s body. They also gain 1 optional Trait of their choosing.
Heavy Robots instead gain Iron Body, representing their heavily armoured bodies, as well as its associated Vulnerability Trait — an exposed fuel source, weakness to a particular energy, or similar things that can bypass their insane protection. Heavy Robots otherwise share the same Traits as their lightweight counterparts, being an Artificial Being, and gaining 1 optional Trait of their choice.