A Life More Synthetic; Emotionless

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

The Emotionless Feat innoculates an android from most emotional manipulation attempts. Characters with this feat become significantly more resistant to fear, intimidation, and other emotional manipulation tactics. This can be crucial in situations where characters might otherwise be overwhelmed by fear or anger. In social encounters or combat situations, the Emotionless Android can remain calm and collected, making more rational decisions and potentially gaining the upper hand over opponents who emotions may sway. While the feat provides a mechanical advantage, it also presents interesting roleplaying opportunities. A character who is completely devoid of emotion might struggle to understand or empathize with others, leading to unique interactions and potential conflicts.

While the Emotionless Android feat offers significant benefits, it also limits the character's ability to connect with others on an emotional level. This can make it difficult to build relationships or understand the motivations of others.

The feat aligns well with android characters who are designed to be logical and objective, but it might not be as suitable for androids who are more empathetic or have developed emotional attachments.

Emotionless Feat 1

Android

Your inhibited or malfunctioning emotional processors make it difficult for you to feel strong emotions. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to saving throws against emotion effects. If you roll a success on a saving throw against an emotion effect, you get a critical success instead.

Adventuring Without Emotion

• The Infiltration Mission: The PCs are tasked with infiltrating a heavily guarded facility or a high-society gathering where emotional manipulation and social engineering are common tactics employed by the enemy. The Emotionless Android's resistance to such tactics makes them the ideal candidate for navigating these challenges.

• The Psychological Terror Plot: A villain is using fear or other strong emotions to control a population or manipulate key figures. The Emotionless Android is uniquely equipped to resist these effects and could be instrumental in uncovering and thwarting the plot.

• The Diplomatic Negotiation: The PCs are involved in delicate negotiations with a faction known for its cunning and manipulative tactics. The Emotionless Android's ability to remain calm and objective could be crucial in securing a favorable outcome.

• The Rescue Mission: The PCs need to rescue hostages who are being subjected to psychological torture or manipulation. The Emotionless Android could lead the charge, unfazed by the enemy's attempts to instill fear or despair.

• The Haunted House: The PCs investigate a location haunted by a malevolent entity that preys on fear. The Emotionless Android's lack of fear makes them the perfect candidate to confront the entity and break its hold over the location.

Synth Recruit Scholar 1

White	Red	Medium
Humanoid	Android	Construct

These androids, often trained in batches for specific military contracts, are known for their pronounced emotional detachment. Their lack of empathy and fear makes them ideal candidates for high-stress, dangerous missions where emotional responses could impair judgment or lead to hesitation. They are highly sought after by private military outfits in the Alcyon Sector for their unwavering loyalty, obedience, and resilience under pressure. However, their emotional unavailability can also make it difficult for them to integrate into teams that rely on trust and camaraderie. 

Recall Knowledge - Humanoid (Society): DC 15

Unspecific Lore: DC 13

Specific Lore: DC 10

 

Perception +4

Skills Athletics +6, Intimidation +6, Society +4, Local Lore +4

Str +4, Dex +1, Con +4, Int -1, Wis +1, Cha -1

Items Knife, Laser Rifle. Microcord Armor, Soldiers Pack

AC 13; Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +7

HP 25

Speed 25 feet

Ranged  laser rifle +9 (100 ft Range), Damage 1d8+4 Fire

Melee  knife +9, Damage 1d6+3 slashing

Synth Recruits in the Alcyon Sector

• Military/Mercenary Contracts: PCs might find themselves working alongside Synth Recruits as part of a larger force, hired for a specific mission or objective. This could lead to challenges in coordination and trust, given the Recruits' emotional detachment.

• Negotiations/Diplomacy: If PCs are interacting with the organization that employs Synth Recruits, they might encounter them as guards, enforcers, or even negotiators. Their unemotional nature could make them difficult to persuade or reason with.

• Adversaries: Depending on the campaign's plot, Synth Recruits could be antagonists, serving as relentless and efficient soldiers for a hostile faction. Their lack of fear and emotional vulnerability could make them formidable opponents.

• Rescue/Liberation: PCs might encounter Synth Recruits who have been mistreated, exploited, or abandoned by their creators or employers. This could lead to moral dilemmas and opportunities for the PCs to show empathy and understanding, potentially helping the Recruits break free from their programming or find a new purpose.

• Social Encounters: In less combat-oriented situations, PCs might interact with Synth Recruits in social settings, such as bars, markets, or public spaces. These interactions could highlight the Recruits' difficulties in understanding social cues and emotional expressions, leading to awkward or humorous situations.

• Understanding and Empathy: PCs could try to understand the Synth Recruits' perspective and experiences, despite their emotional detachment. This could lead to interesting roleplaying moments and potentially help the Recruits develop greater self-awareness and emotional understanding.

• Ethical Considerations: The existence and use of Synth Recruits could raise ethical questions about the treatment of artificial intelligence and the potential dangers of creating beings solely for combat purposes. PCs might grapple with these issues and advocate for the Recruits' rights or well-being.

• Cultural Exchange: Synth Recruits, with their unique upbringing and experiences, could offer insights into different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking. PCs could learn from them and broaden their own understanding of the galaxy.

• Personal Growth: Interacting with Synth Recruits could challenge PCs' own beliefs and assumptions about emotions, consciousness, and the nature of being. This could lead to personal growth and development for the PCs.

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.