A Life More Synthetic; Android Lore

 Adapted from Starfinder 2e Playtest, and Android- Archives of Nethys

Android Lore is a feat that reflects an android's deep connection to their people's hidden history, a time when their burgeoning sentience was a dangerous secret. It signifies not just an academic understanding of android origins, but an emotional and cultural tie to the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors. This feat represents an android who has delved into the stories and experiences of those who came before, learning how they navigated a world that often feared and misunderstood them. It speaks to a sense of identity and a desire to preserve the legacy of android resilience and hidden strength. 

Android Lore Feat 1

Android

You have a keen interest in the origins of your people. You become trained in Crafting and Thievery. If you would automatically become trained in one of those skills (from your background or class, for example), you instead become trained in a skill of your choice. You also gain the Additional Lore general feat for Android Lore.

Adventuring With Android Lore

• The Missing Model: The PCs discover records of a rare android model with unique capabilities that has been lost to time. They must delve into ancient archives, forgotten ruins, or even the black market to uncover the secrets of this model and possibly find a surviving unit.

• The Synthetic Soul: An android companion begins to experience strange emotions and existential questions, leading the PCs on a quest to understand the nature of consciousness and the possibility of a synthetic soul. They may consult philosophers, theologians, or even AI experts to unravel this mystery.

• The Android Uprising: A rogue AI or a group of oppressed androids sparks a rebellion against their creators or oppressors. The PCs, with their knowledge of android history and culture, may be caught in the middle of this conflict, forced to choose sides or find a peaceful resolution.

• The Ancient Archives: A hidden repository of knowledge containing the secrets of android creation and history is discovered. The PCs must navigate ancient security systems, decipher cryptic codes, and overcome other challenges to access this valuable information.

• The Identity Crisis: An android with a mysterious past loses its memory or discovers conflicting information about its origins. The PCs must help the android piece together its identity, which could lead to revelations about its purpose, its creators, or even a hidden agenda.

Lore Archivist Scholar 1

White	Blue	Medium
Humanoid	Android	Construct

Lore Archivists are revered figures within android communities, serving as living repositories of knowledge and cultural history. They dedicate their existence to preserving the stories, struggles, and triumphs of their ancestors, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten. Often found in libraries, museums, or community centers, Lore Archivists are sought out for their wisdom and expertise on a wide range of topics, from ancient android models to the hidden histories of their people.

These android scholars possess a deep understanding of android lore, drawing upon their extensive knowledge to provide guidance, settle disputes, and inspire future generations. They are meticulous researchers, tirelessly combing through archives, deciphering cryptic codes, and piecing together fragments of forgotten history. Their dedication to preserving their cultural heritage is unwavering, and they are often seen as guardians of android identity.

Lore Archivists are not merely passive observers of history; they actively participate in shaping the future of their communities. They serve as mentors to younger androids, sharing their knowledge and encouraging them to explore their own heritage. They also act as cultural ambassadors, bridging the gap between androids and other species, promoting understanding and acceptance.

In times of crisis, Lore Archivists are invaluable sources of guidance and support. Their knowledge of past conflicts and resolutions can help communities navigate difficult situations, while their deep understanding of android psychology allows them to offer comfort and reassurance to those in need.

Despite their vast knowledge and experience, Lore Archivists are humble and approachable. They are always willing to share their insights, and they take great joy in helping others connect with their heritage. Their presence in a community is a sign of its strength and resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of androids.

Recall Knowledge - Humanoid (Society): DC 15

Unspecific Lore: DC 13

Specific Lore: DC 10

 

Perception +10; Low-Light Vision

Languages Common

Skills Crafting +10, Deception +6, Diplomacy +6, Society +10, Stealth +6, Thievery +6, Android Lore +10

Str +3, Dex +1, Con +3, Int +5, Wis +1, Cha +1

Memory Consultation (Concentrate) By focusing on their body’s previous experiences, an Archivist can find the answer to almost any question. Given enough time, this allows the Archivist to use History Lore in place of other lore skills. The GM determines the DC of the check and the amount of time it takes (typically, a Concierge can attempt three or four checks during one day of downtime).

AC 15; Fort +4, Ref +7, Will +10

HP 20; Immunities  bleed, death effects, diseased, doomed, drained, fatigued, healing, necromancy, nonlethal attacks, paralyzed, poison, sickened, unconscious

Speed 25 ft

Melee  knife +7, Damage 1d6+2 slashing

Lore Archivists in the Alcyon Sector

• Quest-givers: They could provide information or clues leading to lost artifacts, hidden knowledge, or forgotten histories.

• Sources of Information: PCs could consult them for their expertise on android history, culture, or technology.

• Mentors: They could offer guidance and training to young or inexperienced androids.

• Mediators: They could help resolve disputes within android communities or between androids and other species.

• Cultural Ambassadors: They could facilitate interactions and understanding between androids and other cultures.

• Plot Devices: A Lore Archivist could be a key figure in a larger story, possessing a crucial piece of information or a unique ability that the PCs need to achieve their goals.

A Life More Synthetic; Renewed Androids

 Adapted from Starfinder 2e Playtest, and Android- Archives of Nethys

Paizo has released their playtest for Starfinder 2e. I will use the new setting to convert elements into my derivative setting for a West Marches campaign.

Renewed Android Android Heritage

Many souls have inhabited your synthetic body before you, and you might incorporate a number into your name to honor them. You might know your body’s history and strive toward a goal bequeathed to you by a departed soul, or you might seek to unravel the mystery of a forgotten legacy. Muscle memory hints at your body’s past, and people you’ve never met strangely recognize your face. The first time in a day that you lose the dying condition, you don’t gain the wounded condition. You become trained in a skill of your choice that has the Recall Knowledge action, and you gain the Dubious Knowledge skill feat.

Society

• Identity and Memory: Renewed Androids grapple with the memories and experiences of previous inhabitants of their synthetic bodies, leading to questions of identity and self-discovery.

• Social Acceptance and Prejudice: Society may view Renewed Androids with suspicion or prejudice, leading to discrimination and social segregation.

• Ethical Considerations: The existence of Renewed Androids raises ethical questions about the nature of consciousness, memory transfer, and the potential for exploitation.

• Legal and Rights Issues:  The legal status of Renewed Androids and their rights may be ambiguous, leading to debates and potential conflicts.

• Economic Impact: Renewed Androids may compete with humans for jobs and resources, potentially impacting employment rates and economic inequality.

Renewed Androids in Adventuring

• The Echo of a Past Life: The android begins to experience vivid fragments of memories that don't belong to them. These memories lead them on a quest to uncover the truth about a previous inhabitant of their synthetic body, perhaps seeking closure for an unresolved conflict or uncovering a hidden legacy.

• The Hunter and the Hunted: A mysterious figure is targeting Renewed Androids, seeking to dismantle them and harvest their unique components. The android must protect themselves and their fellow androids while uncovering the identity and motives of the hunter.

• The Lost Identity: The android wakes up with no memories of their past, including their previous "lives" within the synthetic body. They must embark on a journey of self-discovery, piecing together fragments of their past and forging a new identity in the process.

• The Ghost in the Machine: The android is haunted by the lingering consciousness of a previous inhabitant, who seeks to reclaim their body or achieve a long-forgotten goal. The android must navigate this internal conflict while dealing with external threats and challenges.

• The Call of the Conclave: The android receives a mysterious summons from the Ascendant Conclave, a powerful organization with a hidden agenda. They must decide whether to answer the call, risking their freedom and safety for the chance to learn more about their origins and purpose.

Wizened Concierge Courtier -1

Blue	Green	Medium	Humanoid
Android	Construct	Shortwave

Brokers of knowledge, Concierges cultivate and exhaustive awareness of their surroundings. The best concierges maintain a dual awareness both above and below board, able to advise in matters both legal and illegal.

Recall Knowledge - Humanoid (Society): DC 13

Unspecific Lore: DC 11

Specific Lore: DC 8

Perception: +7 Low-Light Vision

Languages Common

Skills History Lore +13, Arcana +9, Local Lore +11, Nature +8, Religion +8

Str +0, Dex +1, Con +0, Int +4, Wis +3, Cha +1

Memory Consultation (concentrate) by focusing on their body’s previous experiences a Concierge can find the answer to almost any question. This allows the Concierge to use History Lore in place of other lore skills, given enough time. The GM determines the DC of the check and the amount of time it takes (typically, a Concierge can attempt three or four checks during 1 day of downtime).

Items: knife

AC 13; Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +7

HP 6

Speed 25 feet

Melee [one-action] Knife +4 [0/-4] (Agile, Finesse), Damage 1d4 Piercing

Wizened Concierges in the Alcyon Sector

• As a Source of Information: With their high Lore skills and Memory Consultation ability, the Concierge could provide valuable information to PCs, whether it's historical context, obscure knowledge, or even forgotten secrets. PCs might seek them out for research assistance, to solve puzzles, or to learn more about the world around them.

• As a Quest-Giver: The Concierge could offer quests or tasks to the PCs, perhaps related to their knowledge or expertise. These quests could involve retrieving lost artifacts, deciphering ancient texts, or investigating mysterious events.

• As a Supporting Character: The Concierge could serve as a recurring NPC, offering advice, guidance, or even direct assistance to the PCs throughout their adventures. They might act as a mentor, a confidant, or simply a friendly face in a strange place.

• As a Plot Device: The Concierge's unique abilities and knowledge could make them a key player in the overarching plot of the campaign. They might hold a crucial piece of information, possess a hidden agenda, or even be a target for the antagonists.

As a Combatant: While not primarily focused on combat, the Concierge could defend themselves if necessary, using their knife and agility to evade attacks and strike back. They could also use their knowledge and skills to support the PCs in battle, providing tactical advice or even uncovering enemy weaknesses.

A Life More Synthetic; Networked Androids

 Adapted from Starfinder 2e Playtest, and Android- Archives of Nethys

Paizo has released their playtest for Starfinder 2e. I will use the new setting to convert elements into my derivative setting for a West Marches campaign.

Many androids were constructed with shortwave radios installed as communication mediums. These androids communicate on the EM spectrum.

Networked Android Android Heritage

Your body was modified to network seamlessly with anacites, robots, and other technological beings from Aballon. You gain shortwave, allowing you to communicate wirelessly with any creatures within 30 feet, as long as they have shortwave or are a construct with the technological trait. This doesn’t give any special access to their thoughts or programming, and communicates no more information than normal speech would. You can attempt Computers checks to Hack System and Thievery checks to Disable a Device or Pick a Lock on technological devices at a range of 30 feet.

Society

Networked Androids can connect and communicate with other technological beings, which can facilitate communication and coordination within groups. This has improved efficiency and productivity in various fields, such as manufacturing, logistics, and research. However, this ability also generates privacy and security vulnerabilities and the potential for Networked Androids to be exploited or controlled by malicious actors. Their unique capabilities have developed forms of social interaction and community building. 

Networked Androids in Adventuring

• The Conclave Uprising: The PCs receive a distress signal from a Networked Android who has uncovered a plot by a Conclave to overthrow the local government. The PCs must infiltrate the Conclave's headquarters, disable their network, and expose their plans to the authorities.

• The Missing Link: A vital communication link between two major cities has gone offline, causing widespread disruption and chaos. The PCs are tasked with investigating the cause of the outage and restoring the connection, facing sabotage, hostile factions, and unexpected technological challenges.

• The Android Underground: The PCs discover a hidden network of Networked Androids who are fighting for equality and recognition in a society that often views them with suspicion and prejudice. The PCs must decide whether to join their cause, facing the risks and rewards of rebellion.

• The Corporate Espionage: A powerful corporation is suspected of developing a dangerous new technology that could have devastating consequences. The PCs are hired to infiltrate the corporation's network, gather evidence of their illegal activities, and expose them to the public.

• The Personal Quest: One of the PCs receives a mysterious message from an unknown source, claiming to have information about their past or their unique abilities. The PCs embark on a personal quest to uncover the truth, leading them to forgotten laboratories, hidden archives, and dangerous encounters.

Networked Sneak Villain 2

Blue	Green	Medium	Humanoid
Android	Construct	Shortwave

Networked Sneaks, often found in the employ of the Ascendant Conclave, are a specialized type of android operative. They are masters of infiltration and espionage, utilizing their advanced networking capabilities to bypass security systems, gather intelligence, and sabotage enemy operations. These androids are often equipped with cutting-edge technology, including stealth enhancements, hacking tools, and short-range communication arrays. Their ability to interface seamlessly with computer networks and other androids makes them invaluable assets for the Conclave's clandestine activities. However, their reliance on technology can also be a weakness, as they are susceptible to countermeasures like signal jammers and EMPs. Despite this, Networked Sneaks remain a formidable force, their skills and adaptability making them a constant threat to the Conclave's rivals. 

Recall Knowledge - Humanoid (Society): DC 15

Unspecific Lore: DC 13

Specific Lore: DC 10

Perception: +8; (10 to detect alarm triggers and security systems) Low-Light Vision

Languages Common

Skills Athletics +5, Computers +7, Crafting +6 , Deception +7, Diplomacy +5, Engineering Lore +8, Intimidation +5, Society +6, Stealth +9, Survival +6, Thievery +9, Underworld Lore +6

Str +1, Dex +3, Con +1, Int +2, Wis +2, Cha +1

Shortwave Access The Networked Sneak can communicate wirelessly with any creatures within 30 feet, as long as they have shortwave or are a construct with the technological trait. TThey can attempt Computers checks to Hack System and Thievery checks to Disable a Device or Pick a Lock on technological devices at a range of 30 feet.

Items: crowbar, disguise kit, Needler Pistol, quilted armor, smartphone, thieves' tools

AC 18; Fort +5, Ref +9, Will +8

HP 27

Speed 25 feet

Melee [one-action] Crowbar +7 [+3/-1] (agile, nonlethal), Damage 1d6+3 bludgeoning

Ranged [one-action] Needle Pistol +9 [+4/-1] (Analog, Injection, range increment 30 feet, reload 1, 3 Rounds), Damage 1d6+2 poison

Sneak Attack: The Sneak deals an extra 1d6 precision damage to flat-footed creatures.

Networked Sneaks in the Alcyon Sector

• As Adversaries: Sneaks could be encountered as direct enemies, working for the Ascendant Conclave or another antagonistic group. PCs might need to fight them, outsmart them, or avoid them altogether.

• As Information Sources: Sneaks have access to valuable intel due to their espionage activities. PCs might try to capture and interrogate them, hack their networks, or even strike a bargain for information.

• As Temporary Allies: In certain situations, PCs and Sneaks could have aligned goals, leading to a temporary alliance. This could be a risky proposition, given their inherent mistrust and differing motivations.

• As Subjects of Manipulation: PCs could use their skills and resources to manipulate or deceive Sneaks for their own ends. This could involve exploiting their weaknesses, planting false information, or turning them against their employers.

As Potential Recruits: If PCs have a need for espionage or infiltration expertise, they might attempt to recruit a Networked Sneak to their cause. This would require gaining their trust and offering them something they value, such as freedom, protection, or a chance to redeem themselves.