The Mrlssi or Mrlssti of Mrlsst in the Tapani Sector were a species renowned throughout the sector as scholars and scientists. The Mrlssti are native to the verdant world of Mrlsst, which lies on the very edge of Tapani space on the Shapani Bypass. They lacked space travel when the first Republic and Tapani scouts surveyed their world 7,000 years ago, but have long since made up for lost time; Mrlssti are regarded as scholars and scientists, and are vey good at figuring out how things work. They jump-started their renowned computer and starship design industries by reverse engineering other companies’ products.
Biology & Appearance
The Mrlssti are diminutive flightless avian humanoids. Unlike most avians, they are born live. They are covered in soft gray feathers, except on the head, which is bare except for a fringe of delicate feathers which cover the back of the head above the large orb-like eyes. Mrlssti speak Basic with little difficulty, but their high piping voice grate on some humans. Other find it charming.
Society & Culture
Young Mrlssti have dusky-brown, facial plumage which gradually shifts to more colorful coloring as they age. The condition and color of one’s facial plumage plays an important social role in Mrlssti society. Elders are highly honored for their colorful plumage, which represents the wisdom which is gained in living a long life. “Show your colors” is a saying used to chastise adults not acting their age.
History
When their civilization was first developing, Mrlsst was geologically unstable. Mrlssi found that while possessions and buildings were impermanent, knowledge could not be lost. Millennia later, once their continents had stabilized, this tradition continued. Though the Mrlssi still had not developed space travel when Galactic Republic and Tapani scouts made contact with them circa 7,000 BBY, they quickly caught up to the rest of the galaxy by reverse-engineering hyperdrives and modern computers. By the time of the Galactic Empire, Mrlssi universities were among the finest in the Tapani Sector, attracting students of all species.
The Mrlsst Trade and Science Academy was one of their leading applied science institutions. Its research led to many findings that eased the shipping of food and livestock between worlds, along with innovations that became standard practice in regards to building structures and vessels on a planet or in space.
Mrlssi stayed out of the wars of the Galaxy, and their planet was mostly left alone. They did suffer some discrimination under the New Order due to its Humanocentrism views.
Characteristics
Mrlssi were flightless avian humanoids, less than one meter tall on average. Their bodies were covered in gray feathers, while their head was bare except for a fringe of feathers covering the back of their head. Their head feathers were brown in young Mrlssi, but became more colorful with age.
When they spoke in their native language, it was considered very musical. However, when they vocalized in Basic, many species found it grating. Mrlssi were not very adventurous and were rarely found off their home planet. When they did travel, they did so with a specific purpose and destination and quickly returned home. They were quick-witted and very curious and valued knowledge more than material possessions.
Mrlssti humor is very dry to humans. So dry, in fact, that many humans do not realize when Mrlssti are joking.
Attribute Dice: 8D
DEXTERITY 1D+2/2D+1
KNOWLEDGE 3D/4D+2
MECHANICAL 3D/5D
PERCEPTION 1D+1/3D
STRENGTH 1D/1D+2
TECHNICAL 2D/4D
Move: 5/8
Size: 0.3 – 0.5 meters tall
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