Aetherian

Backstory

Native to the upper atmosphere of a low-gravity gas dwarf, the Aetherians never developed agriculture; they hunt currents instead. Their corvettes are barely heavier than a thought and their snipers can hit a target across an asteroid field by reading wind shear in vacuum.

Physiology

Avian humanoids with hollow bones and bio-engineered anti-grav glands. Fragile in close combat; devastating at range.

Visual template

Tall (slightly over 2m) but feather-light humanoids with bird-like proportions. Hollow bones make them lean and angular. Bodies are smooth grey-white skin with a fine down across the chest, shoulders, and back. Two clear-membrane wings fold elegantly along the spine when not flying — semitransparent with visible vein patterns. A bony beak-like protrusion replaces the lower face; eyes are large, golden, with horizontal pupil slits. A high crest of long feathers in white-grey with one warm-orange or amber accent runs from the top of the head down the back of the neck. Hands have four long thin fingers tipped with small dark claws. Outfits are aerodynamic: layered light-grey wraps with belted utility pouches across the chest, lighter on the shoulders to leave the wing roots free. Weapons are long thin rifles or razor-edge crescent ranged blades thrown by hand. Posture is upright and forward-leaning, always reading the air.

Color palette

• #d8e6f5
• #8aa8d0
• #fcd87a
• #3a4858
• #fafafa
• #c8b070
• #e87838

Signature abilities

• Lift-Drive
• Slipstream
• Pickoff
• Flank