Species Template: Tamarian

Species Template: Tamarian
By Will Hindmarch

Attributes
Fitness 2 [5]
Coordination 2 [5]
    Reaction +1
Intellect 1 [5]
Presence 2 [5]
    Empathy +1
    Willpower +1
Psi 0 [3]

Homeworld
A temperate and widely habited planet labeled Tamar by the Federation.

Description
Tamarians have approximately the same average size as human, though their taller extreme is greater than that of humans.

Narrow, high nostrils mark the Tamarian nose, which is set at the end of a long, subtle cranial ridge. Ridges rest over the eyes and continue around to the cheek bones. Cartilage formations twist about the sides of their round heads, protecting inset ears. The entire skull, except for the face, is often spotted in a watery red, purple, or greenish color. Long fingers and thumbs make Tamarian hand gestures and tools appear slightly different from other humanoids'. Little is known regarding their internal physiology other than the appearance of their blood (white) and some information regarding skeletal formations (which are not unlike those of humans).

There is little factual information on record regarding the Tamarians. Reports from the scarce contact made over the years suggest a deeply spiritual or religious people, with a rigid social structure and advanced technological capabilities. Communication, on the extremely rare occasions it had been attempted, was completely unproductive. Most information on modern Tamarian behavior and culture has been provided by the U.S.S. Enterprise-D from its mission to recontact the species at El Adrel. More specific information regarding physical description, physiology, and culture were obtained via first-person contact. Perhaps the most valuable information discovered was the basis of the Tamarian language: metaphor. Federation anthropologists believe that this unusual language basis supports theories of the race's long historical record and passion for storytelling, drama, and social structure. Although current communications with the Tamarians are somewhat infrequent, they are considered a friendly political body. Missions have been planned to further contact with these people, though most have been postponed due to political concerns on the Dominion frontier.

Story Notes
In a role-playing game adventure, the Children of Tama are most rewarding when encountered over a period of time, with progress made in cultural relations and anthropological study. They can provide exceptionally interesting role-playing situations due to language difficulties, and their superior weapons technology provides an adequate motivation to make peace.

Author's Notes
The Children of Tama first appeared in the TNG episode "Darmok," and I've been fascinated with them ever since. Although I do not recommend using them as a player template, one Tamarian delegate might make for an exceptionally interesting character in the short term. Language issues would soon frustrate most players. All information presented is extrapolated from the episode above, with only slight embellishment. Renting this episode (or consulting a personal library) is suggested before using them. You may also want to take another look at the photo of Paul Winfield as Captain Dathon on page 287 of the ST:TNG RPG Core Game Book (among other pages).

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