Races

Zish (Zissah and Ziyn) - by T.A. Saunders ©2010 v1.5

Racial Articles Racial Abilities (applies to Zissah and Ziyn, except where noted)

Enhanced Strength

Few races are as strong as Zissah. This increased hardiness allows Zissah to lift smaller boulders, bend mundane metals like iron in their hands and punch through solid wood. (+12% to melee and ranged attack checks, -25% armor rating, and 30% to break durable objects).

Poison Spit (Zissah only)

The Zissah can produce a toxic spittle that they can either spew forth in a gob at a target within ten feet of them or allow it to drizzle from their lips to coat the tip of a spear. This toxic spit is mildly adhesive and seeks to blind the victim, as well as possibly suffocate if the nose and mouth are both hit. Additionally, the spittle also seeps in through the pores, through the nostrils and the mouth, to induce nausea and disorientation in their targets. When used to coat a weapon, the toxic spittle has the possibility of causing the aforementioned effects. Zissah are immune to the poison effect, Ziyn are not. (Nausea and Disorientation last 1d4+2 rounds, usable 3 times per day).

Poison Bite (Ziyn only)

The Ziyn can produce a paralyzing venom that must be delivered by a bite, from fangs that extend when attempting to do so. This paralysis lasts 1d4+2 rounds and can be coated onto a spear or other bladed weapon if the Ziyn ‘milks' their fangs for the venom. The process of doing so takes one round. Ziyn are immune to this venom, Zissah are not. (Paralysis venom, 1d4+2 rounds, usable 3 times per day).

Regeneration

While resting or remaining only slightly physically active, Zissah can regenerate any kind of damage, short of decapitation and providing vital organs are not destroyed. Limbs regenerate within twelve hours, other wounds may take significantly less time. Burnt Zissah regenerate at half the normal rate.

Yaug-Taj (Spear Skill)

The Zissah people are deadly with spears and spear-like weapons. They are quite skilled at throwing them over great distances and incorporating them in their martial art, called Yaug-Taj or Second Tail. Zissah are able to do high risk shots in medium, short and point-blank spear range, similar to the Wild Elves and their ability to do so with ranged weapons. (+10% to hit with melee and ranged using any spear including pikes and javelins. 15% chance for instant fatality at point blank range on humanoid-sized targets or smaller at the end of rolled attacks, if the spear is being used as a ranged weapon. Otherwise, fatality does not apply).

Increased Lung Capacity

While not amphibious, the Zissah have secondary lungs that store extra air. Usually these secondary lungs are used to propel their venom spit, but can also be used to hold enough air to allow the average Zissah to hold their breath for up to forty five minutes at a time. This particular talent comes in handy when the Zissah go diving for crustaceans or bigger deep sea fish.

Heart of the Jungle

The Zissah of Irys and elsewhere are attuned with nature, providing numerous advantages while in the wilderness compared to other races. (+10% to melee and ranged when fighting in the wilderness, 55% to tracking, +5% to Animal Handling (Exotic)/Fishing/Hunting/Swimming).