Steersman

Steersmen are strange, spindly things, a bizarre cross between radially and bilaterally symmetrical body plans, with four thin legs at the base of their torso and three arms, two of which were manipulatory. The third was akin to a predator insect’s labial palp, usually resting against the chest.

Steersmen had dark skin, tinted orange, yellow or red hues. Albinism was more common in their species than others and when an albino and normal-hued Steersman had children, vitiligo was common in these offspring. If they hadn’t had their sideways mouths, it would be almost impossible to tell what part of their head was front, back or side. Sensory organs encircled their heads, giving Steersman three hundred and sixty degrees of vision – or at least what passed for vision in their species. Tympanic membranes gave them auditory senses, but without fully-developed ears, the species tended to have difficulty localizing the source of sounds.

A crown of horns topped their heads; males had fewer and larger horns while females had many smaller ones. Children and genderless adults had none, or a few very small horns.

Steersman’s ability to absorb and process information rapidly made them exceptionally valuable as starship helm crew. Few made it to command roles. They were ill-suited to such positions – it was better for them to focus on clear duties rather than be distracted or overwhelmed by an influx of information and decisions. Still, they had continually impressed the Compact and were being given more autonomy and chances to prove themselves.

Notable Steersmen
- Crusade Commander Nameless