Tenna

The Ants In Pants

Basic Information

Anatomy

Tenna (singular, plural is Tennae)
Height/Length: 4'0" - 5'0".
Usually glossy black exoskeleton, sometimes with hints of red or purple tones. Exoskeleton colour becomes more matte as they grow older (especially > 40 y/o).

Tennae are insectoid, ant-like creatures with 4 legs and a pair of arms. Unique to the Tennae is that each arm can either function as a single limb, providing more strength, or can split into two independent limbs, allowing for a wider range of actions but with less strength available to each limb.

General Features

• Size: You are a Medium creature.
• Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
• Languages: You know the common trade language, one of the Tenna languages (choose from Ancient, Upper Colonial, Lower Colonial), and any other language of your choice.
• Ability Point Increase: Increase your Strength stat by 2 and choose one of Constitution, Intelligence, and Wisdom to increase by 1.
• Powerful Build: You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift.

Optional Variant Features

Choose a maximum of one variant.

Sturdy Lineage

• Exoskeleton: You have resistance to slashing damage and bludgeoning damage. In addition, when you are wearing no armor, your AC is equal to 11 + your Dexterity modifier.

Toxic Lineage

• Poisonous Secretions: Any creature that grapples you or otherwise comes into direct contact with your skin must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 minute. A poisoned creature no longer in direct contact with you can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
  - You can also apply this poison to any piercing weapon as part of an attack with that weapon, though when you hit the poison reacts differently. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or take 2d4 poison damage.

Growth Rate & Stages

A Tenna can typically live up to ~55 years old. The initial larval stage can last up to 6 months followed by a 1-2 month pupal stage. Tennae are considered children usually up to 4 years old. Adolescence is between 5-9 years. Young adulthood is from 10-16 and mature adulthood is anything after 17 years. Tennae are often considered elderly after 45 years.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

The dominant species on 11 worlds across 7 star systems. Some of these are within Galactic Coalition space, one has been absorbed into the UFFR and the rest remain Independent Worlds. Tennae can be seen travelling through much of the galaxy.

Civilization and Culture

History

While much of the early history of the Tennae has been lost to time, this industrious species traces its roots to the now all but uninhabitable world of Paria, which fell victim to some unknown planet-wide disaster nearly 4000 years ago. Beneath the thick, noxious fumes that make up Paria's atmosphere some Tennae believe a remnant of their kind still try to make a living on the permafrosted surface of that dying world, however very few are brave enough to ever go back to investigate for themselves.
The Tennae that populate the galaxy now have sprung up from 3 off-world colonies in two distinct star systems that were established by the race prior to their homeworld's sudden and mysterious cataclysm. After almost 4000 years, these have expanded to 11 colony worlds across 7 star systems. Two of the original colonies and four of the newer additions have opted to join the Galactic Coalition, one has become absorbed into the UFFR, and the other four maintain their independance and prefer to build trade and political relationships with other independent systems rather than either of the galactic superpowers.
Tennae are extremely family-oriented and will often individually make great personal sacrifices for the good of their clan. Geneologies are very important to the Tennae and a family's social standing can still be greatly affected by choices of their ancestors and even which of the original three colony worlds they came from. Some claim to have maintained a record of family tracing back to the homeworld but most of these claims are treated with suspicion. Some Tennae come from families that have lost track of their geneology (either by some unfortunate event or by lack of diligence) and these Orphaned Clans are often treated with less respect even if they still have centuries of geneology still intact.
Tennae as a whole are not particularly interested in developing new technology or striving after progress but rather prioritize safety and adequate comfort for their clan and, having achieved that, maintaining the status quo.

Lifespan

50 - 60 standard years

Average Height

4'0" - 5'0"

Average Length

4'0" - 5'0"

_{Art Credit: Gabriel Craven, 2019
(Colour: Brandon VanGenderen)}