Mass Effect: Blackwell

The asari are the most widespread race in Citadel space, and are generally accepted to be the first to utilize Prothean technology. They discovered the Citadel Station over 3,000 years prior to 2157 and were the founding members of the Citadel Council with the salarians. Though they are monosexual in definition, their features are much like human women; tall, slender and well-proportioned. Their faces are described as feminine with a somewhat angelic quality. Typically their skin is colored green or blue, but with modern cosmetics a human displaying such skin colors is not uncommon. The asari have an exceptionally long lifespan, preferring study and observation rather than immediate action.

The asari are a true democracy, with no proper government. The decisions of the asari are made through polls of public opinion. But in a crisis, the asari turn to the Matriarchs for advice. The Matriarchs are millennia-old asari in the final stage of their life cycles. Asari are fairly centrist in diplomacy, often trying to find the middle ground in politics.

By far, the asari are the most influential race in Citadel space, possessing the largest galactic economy and a well-established diplomatic reputation. The asari have a virtual monopoly on advanced biotic technology because of their numerous craft guilds. With their economy and persuasive influence, a trade embargo by the asari would be a disaster for the Systems Alliance.

Despite their vast influence, the asari have a rather small military presence. However, their soldiers are well-armed and very skilled, excelling in the use of biotic powers. Asari biotic commando’s are stronger than the most talented human adepts, with biotic abilities that humans cannot replicate. Despite this, their actual military is little more than a collection of local warrior bands. Therefore, they are not organized enough for large-scale military campaigns.

The asari are a multi-faceted race that embraces their beauty and intelligence as a whole. A number of asari serve as dancers or consorts for hire, but they’re also extremely wise; admired and highly respected by every other race in Citadel space. Being the first to adapt Prothean technology for their own purposes, they hold more territory and influence than any other race.

Mating for the asari involves a mental rapport and what amounts to the asari “reading” the genetic code of her mate, and incorporating this information into any offspring which may result. Due to this mating process, the arari have developed a societal preference for cross species romances; it is seen as strengthening the asari race to do so, with there being some prejudice against “pureblood” asari.

• Beautiful: Almost without exception, Asari are considered to be some of the most beautiful creatures in the universe, regardless of the beholder’s species. Asari possess the “Attractive” Edge, but may still gain the “Ugly” hindrance.
  
• Biotic Aptitude: An Asari who chooses the “Arcane Background: Biotics” edge at character creation gains 10 bonus Power Points. If an Asari somehow gains the ability to use Biotics after character creation, they do not gain this benefit.
  
• Weak: While skilled in many areas, Asari are not known for their physical strength. An Asari with a d6 or higher Strength must spend two Advancements to increase their Strength any further.
  
• Slender: While they may look like human females, Asari biology is completely different. Asari may not select the “Obese” hindrance.