Species Template: Bynar
By Adam Toulmin

Bynaus, the Bynar homeworld, survived the death of the star Beta Magellan in their system in 2364. Physically, the Bynars resemble humans, but stand around four feet tall on average and have enlarged, bony craniums with slender bodies. Spread across the surface of Bynaus is the Bynar's extremely sophisticated main computer network, to which each Bynar is linked. Over time, they have merged their society and even their own identities into the structure of their vast computer operating system. Every Bynar has a buffer, a cybernetic device worn on their belts, that enables them to exchange information in digital form. All Bynars live and work in pairs, and are neither considered male or female but a linked pair. The Bynar's concept of logic is as close to binary as any organic being can get, dividing every issue into "1" or "0" choices, like that of a computer. Thinking in absolutes, Bynar logic may lead them to acts of questionable morality. In 2364 they attempted to steal the U.S.S. Enterprise when their computer system was under threat. Bynar logic dictated that the need was too great, and they could not absolutely guarantee that the Federation would agree to help them. Rather than except the possibility of failure, they were prepared deal unjustly with others.

Unlike the Borg, Bynars do possess a degree of individuality. Like the Borg, each Bynar can access any information that is available to any other Bynar through their computer links. The Bynars have an affinity with technology; they specialize in most science and technical skills, especially those dealing with computers. In fact, their computer skills are highly sought after within the Alpha Quadrant .

Attributes
Fitness 1 [3]
Coordination 2 [4]
    Reaction +1
Intellect 5 [6]
    Logic +2
    Perception +1
Presence 1 [3]
Psi 0 [0]

Skills
Computer (Programming) 2 (3)
Culture (Bynar) 2 (3)
History (Bynar) 1 (2)
Language, Bynar 2
Physical Sciences (Computer Science) 2 (3)
Systems Engineering (Computer Systems) 2 (3)
World Knowledge (Bynaus) 1 (2)

Typical Advantages/Disadvantages
Engineering Aptitude +3, Mathematical Ability +3, Multitasking +2, Synergy (only with other Bynars) +3, Obligation (Bynaus computer mainframe) -3, Pacifism (total nonviolence) -5

Author's Notes
Bynars can join a Series because of a number of reasons. The most logical is that the Bynars are on a quest for knowledge to increase the database of their main computer, or to conduct repairs or upgrades. Exactly how the Bynar link to their computer mainframe works is still a mystery. However, as was shown the Bynars depend on their main computer for survival. Should their main computer fail, the Bynars will die. This is represented as Medical Problem (Bynaus Computer Mainframe) -5. Most Bynars would be born and raised on Bynaus. With that in mind, the Early Life History package for a Bynar should be something like the following:

Bynar Upbringing (5 Development Points)
Any Academic Skill (per chart on page 71 of the core rulebook) 1 (2)
Computer (Choose Specialization) 1 (2)
Logic Edge +1

Being part of a linked pair, role-playing a Bynar can present a challenge. There are ways of dealing with this. The player can play one Bynar, with the other being a non-player character. Alternatively, the player can play the linked pair; i.e., both Bynars as one character. In either case, the Narrator makes the final decision. Exactly what happens should one of a linked pair of Bynars die or be killed is still unknown. This is also up to the Narrator. Narrators may consider giving Bynars the Dependent Disadvantage (-2).

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