One of Luna City’s top tourist attractions is the 1,000 foot diameter “flying dome”. Here the low gravity allows unmodified humans to strap on plastic wings and fly like birds. The dome is also frequented by Luna City’s 1,600 strong population of Chiroptians. For six hours of every day the flying dome is exclusively for their use.
Chiroptian Parahuman
67 points.
The Chiroptian (High Frontier p.78) is a type of parahuman originally created in response to wildly optimistic projections regarding Martian terraforming. Bat genes give them a number of radically nonhuman features, including wing membranes that enable them to fly given a combination of low gravity and an Earth-like atmosphere. Some now live in domed communities on Titan or in larger space colonies, but many reside near the “Flying Dome” in Luna City.
The arms of a Chiroptian double as wings, although they cannot be used as arms when they are flying.
Chiroptians are physically very light so weigh about half that of a typical human of the same height.
Attribute Modifiers: ST -1 [-10]; DX +1 [20] Date: 2077 Cost: $167,000 LC3
| Flight (Requires Low Gravity,0.35 G, -30%; Temporary Disadvantage, No Fine Manipulators, -30%; Winged, -25%) [8] | Thin Frame [-1] |
| Acute Hearing +2 [4] | Unusual Biochemistry [-5] |
| Acute Taste and Smell +1 [2] | Unnatural Features 5 (Bat-like face and wings) [-5] |
| Doesn’t Breathe (Oxygen Storage x25, -50%) [10]* | Vulnerability (Crushing x2) [-30] |
| Extended Lifespan 1 [2] | |
| Extra Arms 2 (Foot Manupulators, -30%) [14] | |
| Immunity to Disease [10] | |
| Longevity [2] | |
| Radiation Tolerance 2 [5] | |
| Sharp Claws [5] | |
| Sharp Teeth [1] | |
| Fur [1] | |
| Scanning Sense (Sonar : Reduced Range x ½ , -10%) [18] | |
| 3D Spatial Sense [10] | |
| Ultra-hearing [5] | Early Maturation 1 [0] |
| No Degeneration in Zero-G [1] |
Camazotz Parahumans
Camazotz were an earlier attempt at creating bat-humans and some of the lessons learnt were used in the creation of the Chiroptians.
While the number of Camazotz parahumans created was low, they may be encountered in various low gravity environments that have sufficient room to permit flight.
The arms of a Camazotz double as wings, although they cannot be used as arms when they are flying. They possess large, pointed, bat-like ears, fangs, and soft fur, as well as a modified voice box with natural sonar abilities. Aside from serving as a night-vision aid, this has security (peering inside packages) and medical (performing sonograms) uses.
An early parahuman Camazotz would be 11 points. In 2077 some of the improvements developed for the Chiroptians were incorporated into the Camazotz line. This “later” model costs 23 points.
Camazotz are slightly weaker fliers than Chiroptians, needing 0.3 G rather than 0.35 G. The Chiroptians also have a better developed sonar sense. Due to their hollow bones and slight build, weight is 50% of the norm for their height.
The future of Camazotz is uncertain. Some parents opt for Chiroptian children while others insist their offspring should be Camazotz like them.
While Camazotz have never been numerous, some of the older Camazotz have been around long enough to have acquired some influence and power and might potentially be patrons or employers.
Early Camazotz Parahuman
11 points.
Attribute Modifiers: ST -2 [-20]; DX +1 [20] Date: 2071 Cost: $91,000 LC3
| Flight (Winged, -25%; Requires Low Gravity: 0.3 G, -35%; Temporary Disadvantage,: No Fine Manipulators, -30%; Winged, -25% ) [8] | Thin Frame [-1] |
| Acute Hearing +2 [4] | Unusual Biochemistry [-5] |
| Acute Taste and Smell +1 [2] | Unnatural Features 5 (Bat-like face and wings) [-5] |
| Sharp Claws [5] | Vulnerability (Crushing x2) [-30] |
| Sharp Teeth [1] | |
| Fur [1] | |
| Scanning Sense (Sonar:Air; Reduced Range x1/5, -20%) [16] | |
| 3D Spatial Sense [10] | |
| Ultra-hearing [5] |
Late Model Camazotz Parahuman
23 points.
Attribute Modifiers:ST -1 [-10]; DX +1 [20] Date: 2075 Cost: $123,000 LC3
Attribute Modifiers:ST -1 [-10]; DX +1 [20] Date: 2075 Cost: $123,000 LC3
| Flight (Winged, -25%; Requires Low Gravity: 0.3 G, -35%; Temporary Disadvantage,: No Fine Manipulators, -30%; Winged, -25% ) [8] | Thin Frame [-1] |
| Acute Hearing +2 [4] | Unusual Biochemistry [-5] |
| Acute Taste and Smell +1 [2] | Unnatural Features 5 (Bat-like face and wings) [-5] |
| Doesn’t Breathe (Oxygen Storage x25, -50%) [10]* | Vulnerability (Crushing x2) [-30] |
| Sharp Claws [5] | |
| Sharp Teeth [1] | |
| Fur [1] | |
| Scanning Sense (Sonar:Air; Reduced Range x1/5, -20%) [16] | |
| 3D Spatial Sense [10] | |
| Ultra-hearing [5] |
Chiroptian and Camazotz Fashions
Chiroptians and Camazotz cannot wear conventional jackets, shirts or coats. A tabard-like garment may be worn instead. When not flying cloaks or shawls may be utilized.
Various forms of wing decoration are popular with some groups of Camazotz and Chiroptian parahumans and may serve to distinguish individuals. These may be permanent markings such as tattoos or may be temporary or semi-permanent markings such as body paints.
Chiroptian and Camazotz Sports
Not surprisingly, most Chiroptian and Camazotz sports involve flying, with races and aerobatics being popular.
“Bat-Ball” is a passing game similar to basketball or rugby. The goals are vertical hoops set eight yards above the ground. After each goal the ball is replaced with another which is selected by a randomizer. Balls vary in size, shape and density. Some balls have a helium filling causing them to float to varying degrees. Some of the “balls” are actually frisbees or rings.
TitanBat® Modification
Camazotz and Chiroptians can fly in low-gravity Earth-like environments such as inside space habitats or within the domes of Luna or Titan. To fly outdoors on Titan needs the TitanBat® Modification.
The TitanBat® Modification involves cutting away the organic wing membranes and encasing the arms in an insulating polymer cladding. A synthetic wing membrane is then attached to this new framework. With wings that are now indifferent to the cold temperatures of the Titan outdoors the Camazotz or Chiroptian can fly outside. Obviously the Camazotz or Chiroptian still needs an oxygen supply and sufficient warm clothing for the rest of the body.
An added bonus of this modification is that the new membrane is detachable and can be removed for repairs or even just when the owner wants to change their appearance. Many Camazotz or Chiroptian have membranes brightly decorated with designs and symbols. The more expensive membranes have the properties of varicloth or videocloth.
Camazotz or Chiroptian prospectors and explorers often use wing membranes of high-visibility green colour which is easy to see in the Titan wilderness. Conversely, Camazotz or Chiroptian attempting to go unnoticed opt for a clear orange matt-finish membrane.
The basic synthetic membrane or arm cladding is easily repaired using a small spray-can of foam. The foam acts as a raw material for repairs and contains microbots. Repaired areas will be a basic grey and lack any decorative features the wing might have had. Restoring such decorations will require more extensive repairs. The more expensive wing modifications include a small repair cyberswarm hive in the cladding just behind each triceps.
Synthetic wing membrane and arm cladding is DR 15 vs. burning or piercing damage, DR 5 vs. other types of damage.
TitanBat® Modification can be applied to Camazotz or Chiroptian parahumans, bioroids or bioshells. It would be unusual but not unheard of to encounter a Camazotz with this modification away from Titan.
There have been a number of sightings of armed Camazotz with low-visibility membranes in the wilds of Titan. These are assumed to be bioroids, but their allegiance and intentions as yet remain uncertain.
Camazotz Bioroid
42 points
A number of bioroid lines have also been based on the Camazotz. A Camazotz bioroid might be grown as an unusual toy or courtesan but they are mainly intended for work in a microgravity habitats such as a hollow asteroid or domed lunar city.
A Camazotz bioroid worker might not have the Sharp Claws and Sharp Teeth attributes and may have the Workaholic [-5] attribute. Camazotz bioroids tend to be built on the small side to make them more flight efficient and this should be reflected by limiting final ST to 9 or less.
A bioroid’s skeleton is grown around a synthetic framework and in the case of Camazotz bioroids this gives them a very light but strong bones, ideal for a flyer. Bioroids are therefore somewhat more robust that Camazotz and Chiroptian parahumans. Camazotz bioroids obtained from less that reputable sources might have been subject to corner cutting. For -30 points the Camazotz bioroid is subject to double damage from crushing attacks. Vulnerability (Crushing x2) [-30].
Due to their hollow-bones and slight build, mass for Camazotz bioroids is 50% of the norm for their height.
Attribute Modifiers: ST -2 [-20]; DX +1 [20] Date: 2082 Cost: $86,000 LC3
| Flight (Winged, -25%; Requires Low Gravity: 0.3 G, -35%; Temporary Disadvantage,: No Fine Manipulators, -30%; Winged, -25% )[8] | Thin Frame [-1] |
| Acute Hearing +2 [4] | Unusual Biochemistry [-5] |
| Acute Taste and Smell +1 [2] | Unnatural Features 5 (Bat-like face and wings) [-5] |
| Sharp Claws [5] | |
| Sharp Teeth [1] | |
| Fur [1] | |
| Scanning Sense (Sonar:Air; Reduced Range x1/5, -20%) [16] | |
| 3D Spatial Sense [10] | |
| Ultra-hearing [5] | Early Maturation 4 [0] |
| No Degeneration in Zero-G [1] | Sterile [0] |
Camazotz Bioshells
Camazotz bioshells are popular and can be rented in many low gravity locations. A Camazotz bioshell will usually be a modified bioroid but a clone of a parahuman is also possible. When occupied by an infomorph it has the following additional attributes:<
Advantages: Absolute Direction (Requires Signal, -20%) [4];
Immunity to Metabolic Hazards (Partial, Skull hit locations only, -70%) [9];
Telecommunication (Cable Jack; Sensie, +80%) [9];
Telecommunication (Radio; Sensie, +80%) [18].
Perks: Accessory (Tiny or Small Compact Computer) [1].
Disadvantages: Bioroid Body [-4];
Electrical (Partial, Skull hit locations only, -70%) [-6].
The infomorph may need additional software to effectively utilize the bioshell’s sonar and ultra-hearing abilities.
Costs an additional $35,000 plus cost of computer and software.