Thri-Kreen

“This one not speak with quivering soft shells that lay all night. This one might eat them. Never speak.” ―Tu’tochuk

For Player Characters

• Insectoid: Bonus natural armor, but many armors don't fit. Thri-Kreen do not sleep. To gain the extended rest benefit - they merely need to be present when 1 or more nearby 'clutch' members gain an extended rest. Bonus to dexterity. Big penalty to Charisma

• Natural weapons: Claws and mandible are considered natural weapons (not as good as typical weapons)

• Naturally psionic: Gain the power for 1-way (from the Kreen) psionic communication with any known language. However, the cannot speak non-kreen languages very well, even when learned. (Can only speak in short, broken sentences)

• Multi-limbed: Always considered at a 'running start' for jumping and charging purposes. Extra limbs are functional for anything that does NOT require a skill check or attack roll (swapping weapons in combat, taking potions, grabbing objects off the floor, holding a torch, etc)

Civilization and Culture

Naming Traditions

Kachka,  Ka’Cha,  Ka’Ka’Kyl,  Klik‐Chaka’da,  Sa’Relka, T’Chai

Major Language Groups and Dialects

Thri-Kreen speak a language that the other races call 'Kreen'. The language is very different from those of other intelligent races. Thri-Kreen have no lips or tongues, and so the language is made up of clicks, pops, or grinding noises.
Only the the most skilled 'dra' linguists can perform the language in way that is safe from misunderstandings. Fortunately, if a Thri-Kreen knows the 'dra's language, it can telepathically communicate via psionics. Some of the more gifted Kreen can also read surface thoughts, in order for the telepathic communication to run in both directions.

Culture and Cultural Heritage

Thri-kreen are formidable nomadic hunters who respect the land and hate creatures that despoil it. They will attack anyone who disturbs their home. The pack mentality dominates a Kreen's mindset.
When Thri-Kreen are born they immediately imprint with the person they see first. Sometimes this allows other races to utilize them easily as slave labor. Thri-kreen do not have families in the traditional sense, they are born to clutches, a group of individuals that work together to survive. Thri-kreen believe in the survival of the clutch above all and will fight their leader if they think they are endangering the clutch. Those that lose their clutch for any reason sometimes adventure with other races eventually forming a new clutch bond.

Interspecies Relations and Assumptions

The thri-kreen society is very organized, and they have a strong hive mentality when in groups. Not much more is known since they have a difficult time associating with the humanoid races. That said, a Thri-kreen would defend its clutch to the death - even if they are not Kreen.
Thri-kreen do not understand the concept of sleep, and it often disturbs them to see 'dra' (sentient meat-creatures such as humans) lie unconscious for a third of their lifetime.
Thri-Kreen only own what they carry, caring little for money or treasures. They believe it is presumptuous to think one can own buildings, land, and even whole herds of cattle. Thri-kreen also do not understand the complexity of the other races' cultures and politics - life should be simple: Hunt prey.
Thri-Kreen seldom eat 'dra' that aren't a part of their clutch, but do have a fond taste for Elf. For this reason, Elves may be highly uncomfortable around them. If the Elf is a part of the Kreen's clutch - they have nothing to fear.

Lifespan

30 years

Average Height

7 ft

Average Weight

400 lbs