Illithid Servitor Species Part One: Tzakandi

This post covers one of the Illithids' most common slaves races: Tzakandi.

The Tzakandi were the Illithid's first attempt that blending their DNA with that of a species from the Milky Way. The first species conquered by the Illithid was an unknown species of reptilian humanoids. The Ith-kon described them as very primitive, but their DNA was rated as being ripe for modification and splicing. The results were a species built and bred for combat, just what the Illithid were hoping for. 

Tzakandi are used primarily as shock troops. The Illithid send them in waves against opposing ground forces. Thanks to their fearlessness and total loyalty to their masters, they are more than willing to sacrifice themselves by the thousands if that is the desire of their masters. Their physiology is tailor-made for swamps and marshes, but they are still effective in other climes as well. 

At the end of the Illithid Invasion, most Tzakandi fled with their masters only to be largely abandoned. Without the will of the Illithid to guide their actions, they fell into total barbarism and any that were near other species had to be quickly and decisively dealt with. A few were taken captive by the Concord Navy. Once it was determined there was little hope for integration into Galactic Society, and releasing them on an uninhabited planet was also deemed out of the question they became essentially lab rats. Most died in captivity, but supposedly there are still 8-10 being held in a research facility. The Concord is studying their DNA in hopes of unlocking some secrets into the nature of the Illithids. 

Tzakandi stand around 6.5 - 7 feet tall. They have humanoid bodies that are lithe, but with corded muscles. Green scales over their bodies with their underbellies being greenish-yellow in color. Their mouths are like Illithids: a circular, fanged mouth ringed by four tentacles. (Tzakandi do not need to feed on cerebral material like the Illithids appear to, so they typically just bite to cause head trauma.) Tzakandi fingers and toes are webbed for fast swimming and are tipped with wicked claws. They have a long tail that aids in balance and swimming. Tzakandi are in telepathic contact with any Illithid within half an AU (astronomical unit). 

As to the species that the Tzakandi were, the Ith-kon said that none live. Since they were a primitive species on the utmost edge of the Alpha Quadrant, and Illithids are notorious for stripping planets of their resources before moving on, it is unlikely that any of the original species still live. 

Tzakandi in Savage Worlds

Tzakandi: Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d8, Strength d6, Vigor d6

Skills: Fighting d4, Psionics d6, Stealth d6, Swimming d10
Charisma: -; Pace: 6; Parry: 4; Toughness: 7 (2)
Edges: Ambidextrous, Arcane Background (Psionics)

Powers: Stun (mind blast cone)
Special Abilities
• Armor +2: Tough scales

• Claws: Str+d6.

• Tentacles: Str+d6; Reach 1"; Grab.
• Darkvision: No vision penalties for darkness (range 12").
• Grab: Pin your opponent if you hit with a raise, they require a raise on an opposed Strength roll to escape.
• Hold Breath: Can hold breath for Vigor x 10 minutes.

Tzakandi for Rogue Space

DRM: +2; TP: H; SZ A; MV 30' (walk), 20' (swim); AR L; DM M; HP 4; SP *

Gear: Tzakandi are typically armed with melee weapons, but occasionally they will carry weapons like laser pistols or slugthrower rifles (expendable troops don't get the best gear).

Grab: Tzakandi tentacles do L damage. If a tentacle attack beats their opponent's Fighting roll by 5 or more, they grab their foe and pull their skull toward their mouth. The victim gets one chance to break free before getting bitten for L damage by succeeding in an opposed Fighting roll against the Tzakandi. 

Psionics: Tzakandi are not true Espers, but they do have the Psychic Blast power. They roll their power rolls with a +2 Empathy bonus.