Biology
Alteans' exterior appearance are nearly identical to humans of Earth. The have an adult height of 1.8 metres, have four limbs with prehensile fingers, human facial features like noses and eyes, and flowing hair localised on their heads. Their distinguishing features are pointed elf-like ears and facial markings. Ancient Altean facial markings are sickle-shaped blemishes located under the eyes, but over the course of time, modern Altean markings have diversified to include stripes, and geometric shapes located on the foreheads, upper lips and jaws. Facial markings vary in colour by individual, as does hair, eye, and skin colour. For example, the royal family is known to have white hair and brown skin.
It is possible for Alteans to shapeshift to alter their height and skin tone. They can only change one colour at a time, and cannot transform into unnnatural shapes. They did this to blend in with other races for diplomatic missions, espionage, or hiding from persecution.
Alteans have a lifespan of more than 600 years. To expand on this, Alteans' relationship with quintessence may have enabled them to harness the life-force of the universe to increase their longevity.
Additionally, Alteans have the ability to manipulate quintessence for healing, constructing weapons and conducting life-force. Alteans with this ability are known as "Sacred Alteans" and treated with reverence. It is not known if this status runs in the royal bloodline.
Likewise, a small group of them are also capable of using and manipulating magical energy, since some have shown to possess a natural talent for magic.
Society
The culture of Alteans remains largely unknown, but they appeared to be a morally-sound, well-intentioned race that valued diplomacy, sheltering the weak, respecting other races, and peace. Their society was a monarchy based upon the undivided rule of a single person. The last known ruler was King Alfor, a war hero and alchemist.
Altean technology is highly advanced, powered by quintessence and artifacts from other races. Their unique blend of science and magic is known as Altean Alchemy; a set of pseudoscientific rules and procedures used for chemistry, engineering, healing and exploration. The qualifications for being a 'master' alchemist are unclear, but Alteans with the ability to channel quintessence - "Sacred Alteans" - are held in high regard. One of the races' most notable technological achievements was the development of Teledavs for travelling via wormhole.
While advocating for peace, Alteans were not above conflict. Alteans were trained in the art of war from a young age and warriors who possessed both a tactical mind and reputable fighting abilities were hailed as heroes. Altea had a large military fleet of spacecrafts, equipped for battle and peaceful exploration.
King Alfor had specific vessels for deep space exploration called Tel-Galax exploration shuttles. Battleships were powered by equally massive Balmera Crystals - blue, crystalline formations produced by the living Balmera planets. Owing to their respectful nature, the Alteans had a mutually-beneficial relationship with the Balmera: in return for extracting Crystals, they infused the planets with life-giving Quintessence.
The Altean currency was the "groggery", which came in the form of crown bills and was used by a multitude of other races. The groggery was named for "King Groggery the Infirm" and had his face printed on the bills.
Wound Die Type: 1d10
Racial Control Modifiers: 0 + x
Medical Classification: Group I-b (Near Human)
Medium Sized
Base speed: 30 feet
Cannot take Nei Reservoir
Universal Appeal (Ex): Altean's do not suffer any penalty to Charisma when interacting with creatures of a different species.
+2 Stat of your choice
Altean Magical Theory
Primal, Energy Control, Manipulation and Ritual Arts are changed to:
Quintessence Conduction (Magic Casting Skill)
Quintessence Coalescence (Learning Skill)
Unlocked as Character Skills
Any modifier that targets a Skill that was removed due to Altean Magical Theory. They gain +1 Racial control Modifier. This ability backtracks.
Altean Psionic Theory
Telepathy, Empathy, Telekinesis are changed to:
Quintessence Projection: Psicasting
When Psionic Entity is taken: Roll 1d5+1 instead of the standard roll
Chameleon Shifting
Add to Single Race only [When emulate a species they gain +4 to cha Interaction checks]
Adds that races ability modifiers as temporary attribute bonuses [do not use for level calculations]
Dextro/amino food Shift - Can eat appropriate food to species they are emulating. Assuming no toxins are present to Altean base Species. [Mass effect food mechanics - see mass effect game about race foods for add't information]
Quintessence Battery
Nei Reservoir Mechanics
Works Differently "Quintessence Battery" Attribute added
INT, WIS, CHA added together then divided by half to calculate value.