Animal Pelage
A character with this quality develops hair follicles that grow an unusual fur, or pelage. This hair has not only cosmetic functions like Unusual Hair (p. 122, RF) but an environmental benefit as well. Animal Pelage counts as Unusual Hair (p. 122, RF) for rules purposes as well. Some possible options are listed here, but gamemasters and players are encouraged to come up with their own if they want, keeping in mind the natural counterpart requirement.
Quills (5 Karma): These modified hairs are coated with thick keratin plates that resemble porcupine quills, interspersed with bristles, under fur and hair. Quills are 2 to 4 centimeters long, sharp as needles, and detach easily when used in close combat. Quills are used as a defensive mechanism to hold off attackers. If the character is successfully grappled in close combat (see Subduing, p. 195, CRB), the attacker makes a Damage Resistance Test against a DV of (STR + 1)P, AP +1, using the higher Strength attribute of the grappling pair. Quills can be wielded in melee combat using the Exotic Melee Weapon (Quills) skill, with the following stats: DV (STR + 1)P, Reach —, AP +1. The character’s arms or legs must be exposed and mobile to use any of these advantages. Quills is incompatible with other natural or artificial hair or skin modifications.
Insulating Pelt (4 Karma): This is a thick insulating pelt of fur covering the entire body. Pelts insulate the wearer from cold and immersion in water, providing characters with this quality a +2 dice pool modifier for Survival Tests in frigid environments (such as Arctic and Subarctic regions) and +4 Armor against Cold-based attacks. Characters face a –2 dice pool modifier for Survival Tests in extreme heat environments. Clothing and armor can be worn normally over this hair. Insulating Pelt is incompatible with other natural or artificial hair or skin modifications.
Camo Fur (3 Karma): Covered by dark or patterned fur, the character receives a +1 dice pool modifier for Sneaking Tests in any condition with decreased light levels and in environments appropriate to the pattern (stripes in tall grass, spots in a forest or jungle, etc.). Camo Fur is incompatible with other natural or artificial hair or skin modifications.