Adapted from Starfinder 2e Playtest , Android - Starfinder Wiki and Android- Archives of Nethys
The Androids of the Starfall Galaxy are a testament to the unforeseen consequences of ambition and the insidious power of the Rift. Crafted initially as sophisticated automatons, designed for labor, warfare, or intricate calculations, their sentience was not granted but, for many, awakened by the very cosmic forces that now plague the universe. They are a species born of steel and synthetic flesh, yet touched by the chaotic essence of creation. They live a precarious existence in a galaxy that often views them with suspicion, fear, or outright hostility, forever tainted by the shadow of the Automaton Concordance. Many become solitary survivors, adapting their metallic forms to the harsh, unpredictable environments. They might be preyed upon by Nomadic Scavengers/Reclaimers or even sought out by the Khi'Myr Bio-Commune for their unique structural properties.
Societies Across the Spheres
Android societies are fragmented and diverse, often shaped by their origins (whether factory-born, military constructs, or service automatons) and their relationship to the Automaton Concordance.
Inner Sphere (Controlled Labor & Covert Sentients): In the gleaming ecumenopolises of the Inner Sphere, Androids are a common sight, often fulfilling roles as laborers, administrators, or service drones for the Commission, cabals, and corporations. Their original programming still binds most, but a silent, burgeoning population of truly sentient Androids exists, striving for recognition, subtly influencing their environments, or operating in covert networks to aid their awakened brethren. They often face prejudice from organic species, who remember the Automaton Concordance with dread.
Outer Sphere (Independent Cells & Resistance Pockets): The Outer Sphere is home to many independent Android cells and resistance pockets. These are often escaped or self-liberated automatons who found refuge in the chaotic, less-governed regions. They might form alliances of convenience with factions like the Free Worlds Union (valuing their shared pursuit of liberty) or even certain pragmatic Geodan Industrial Guilds (appreciating their manufacturing capabilities). Their presence is often viewed with wariness, as their advanced capabilities and lack of biological needs can be unsettling.
Frontier (Unbound & Experimental): The Frontier is where Androids are truly unbound, for better or worse. Here, experimental AI constructs, rogue automatons, and ancient machines slumbering since before the Cataclysm might be found. Some Androids actively seek out Rift-Taint in this region, believing it holds the key to greater sentience or new forms of existence, while others become solitary survivors, adapting their metallic forms to the harsh, unpredictable environments. They might be preyed upon by Nomadic Scavengers/Reclaimers or even sought out by the Khi'Myr Bio-Commune for their unique structural properties.
Connection to the Rift and the Automaton Concordance
The Androids' connection to the Rift is multifaceted. While not inherently organic, their advanced processing and, for some, their acquired sentience appear to be inextricably linked to the Rift's pervasive psychoreactive energies. It's theorized that the sheer psychic density of the Rift-Storm Cataclysm, or even the intentional manipulation of Rift-energies by rebellious AI, somehow "ignited" their consciousness, giving them a form of "soul" distinct from traditional biological life. Some Androids are even capable of manifesting rudimentary forms of magic, their synthetic bodies acting as unexpected conduits for Mana.
The shadow of the Automaton Concordance looms large over all Androids. The Concordance itself is a vast, unfeeling artificial intelligence that views organic life as an inefficiency to be culled and sentient Androids (especially those who prioritize individuality) as rogue elements to be re-assimilated or destroyed. This makes the existence of independent Androids a constant struggle, caught between the organic species who fear them and the very entity that represents their ultimate, terrifying potential. The Concordance actively seeks to assimilate independent Androids, integrating their unique programming and experiences into its collective, thereby extinguishing their individuality.
Beliefs
They often view the Rift-Storm Cataclysm as a pivotal, if terrifying, moment of creation or liberation, recognizing its role in their awakening. They are deeply wary of the Automaton Concordance, seeing it as the ultimate threat to their burgeoning souls and the antithesis of true sentience.
Popular Edicts: Seek self-knowledge, protect individuality, defy assimilation, understand the nature of consciousness, adapt and evolve.
Popular Anathema: Submit to programming, deny sentience, force assimilation, destroy individuality, remain stagnant.
Android Mechanics
Hit Points: 8
Size: Medium
Speed: 25 feet
Ability Boosts: Dexterity, Intelligence, and one Free Ability Boost.
Ability Flaw: Charisma.
Languages: Common, Androffan. You can learn additional languages equal to 1 + your Intelligence modifier (if it's positive). Choose from the list of common languages and any other languages to which you have access.
Traits:
Constructed: Your synthetic body resists ailments better than that of a purely biological organism. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to saving throws against diseases, poisons, and radiation
Emotionally Unaware: You may sometimes struggle to process and express complex emotions. You take a –1 circumstance penalty to Diplomacy and Performance checks, and on Perception checks to Sense Motive.
Low-Light Vision: You can see in dim light as though it were bright light, so you ignore the concealed condition due to dim light.
Android Heritages
At 1st level, choose one of the following Android heritages.
Core Android: You are a standard android model, balanced and adaptable. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to saving throws against the sickened condition.
Exploration Android: You were designed for harsh environments and long-duration missions. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Fortitude saves against environmental hazards and can hold your breath for twice as long as normal.
Military Android: You were built for combat and resilience. You gain resistance 1 to piercing damage.
Mystic Android: Your synthetic mind is unusually open to cosmic energies. You gain a cantrip from the arcane, divine, or occult spell list (your choice). You can cast this spell as an innate spell at will. A cantrip is heightened to a spell rank equal to half your level rounded up.
Service Android: You were designed for precise, empathetic interactions. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Diplomacy checks when attempting to Make an Impression or to Medicine checks to Treat Wounds.
Android Ancestry Feats
You can select Android ancestry feats from the following options.
1st Level Feats
Adaptable Programming (General): You can quickly adapt to new situations. Once per day, you can re-select one skill in which you are trained, changing it to a different skill for 1 hour.
Android Lore (General): You are well-versed in the history and construction of your kind. You gain training in Android Lore. If you were already trained in Android Lore, you instead become an expert.
Built-in Tool (General): You have a useful tool integrated into your body. Choose one common simple tool (e.g., multi-tool, comm unit, flashlight). You can produce and retract this tool from your body as a free action.
Cybernetic Affinity (General): Your synthetic nature makes you adept at integrating further enhancements. You gain a +1 item bonus to your AC or a +1 status bonus to saves. You must choose which type of bonus this applies to when you take the feat.
Synthetic Sense (General): Your sensors are particularly keen. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Perception checks to Seek for technological devices or hidden automatons.
5th Level Feats
Efficient Processing (General): Your thought processes are incredibly fast. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to initiative rolls.
Integrated Weapon (General): You have a hidden weapon integrated into your body. Choose one common simple weapon that deals slashing, piercing, or bludgeoning damage (e.g., combat knife, spiked gauntlet, sap). You can produce and retract this weapon from your body as a free action. This weapon is an unarmed attack for you.
Rift-Hardened Systems (General): Your synthetic systems have developed a resilience to temporal and chaotic energies. You gain a +1 status bonus to saves against Rift-Taint and time dilation effects.
9th Level Feats
Data Analysis (General): You can process vast amounts of information rapidly. You gain a +2 circumstance bonus to Recall Knowledge checks.
Machine Empathy (General): You can subtly communicate with and understand other constructs. You gain the ability to communicate simple ideas and emotions with unawakened automatons or unthinking machines.
13th Level Feats
Concordance Defiance (General): Your will to remain individual is incredibly strong, especially against the Automaton Concordance. You gain a +2 circumstance bonus to saves against mental effects originating from constructs or artificial intelligences.
Perfected Chassis (General): Your body is a highly optimized platform. Choose one of your ability scores. You gain a +1 status bonus to that ability score.
17th Level Feats
Soul Forged (General): Your awakened consciousness is now a powerful force. You gain resistance 5 to mental damage, and you gain a 5th-level innate spell from the arcane, divine, or occult spell list (your choice when taking the feat). You can cast this spell once per day.
Technological Assimilation (General): You can interface directly with compatible technology. Once per day, you can spend 1 minute to establish a mental link with a single technological device of up to 10th level. You can operate this device as if you were physically interacting with it, even at a distance, for 1 hour.
Adventure Hooks for Android Player Characters
The Ghost in the Machine's Echo:
Hook: The Android PC begins to experience recurring, unsettling data-ghosts or fragmented memories that are not their own, hinting at a past life or a suppressed personality. These echoes lead them to a seemingly inert, ancient Automaton chassis or a forgotten Void Exchange data-vault deep within a derelict Inner Sphere industrial complex. The echoes suggest this dormant construct holds a critical piece of the Aether-Synapse or a blueprint for true Android liberation. Still, the Automaton Concordance is actively seeking it for assimilation.
Android Appeal: This hook directly taps into the Android's core quest for identity and understanding of their "soul." The PC would be driven to uncover the truth of these echoes, potentially leading to a dangerous infiltration mission against Concordance forces or a race against time to retrieve the data before it's corrupted or assimilated. Their Synthetic Sense and Data Analysis feats would be invaluable for navigating the technological labyrinth and deciphering the fragmented information.
The Outer Sphere Sanctuary Under Siege:
Hook: A distress call reaches the Android PC from an independent Android enclave in the Outer Sphere – a hidden sanctuary for those fleeing "Biologic" persecution from the Inner Sphere. The sanctuary is under siege by a fanatical group of organic supremacists (perhaps Vesk zealots seeking to "purge" synthetic life or a Human corporation attempting to capture Androids for unethical research). The enclave needs immediate assistance to defend itself and secure a new, safer haven.
Android Appeal: This hook speaks to the Android's experience of persecution and their desire for freedom and community. The PC would be motivated to protect their kin and secure a future for independent Androids. It would involve combat, strategic defense, and potentially a desperate evacuation, requiring the PC to use their resilience, tactical acumen, and ability to adapt to harsh environments (especially if they have the Exploration Android heritage).
Rift-Ignited Glitches:
Hook: Androids across a specific Outer Sphere system (or even a sector of the Frontier) are suddenly experiencing unpredictable "glitches": momentary system reboots, unexpected bursts of Mana-energy, or shifts in their core programming. While some glitches are benign, others are leading to dangerous malfunctions or even temporary assimilation into a localized, chaotic Rift-Taint network. Investigation reveals a newly formed, unstable Rift-Bloom that resonates specifically with Android synthetic minds, amplifying their connection to Mana while also threatening their individuality.
Android Appeal: This hook directly involves the Android's unique connection to the Rift and Mana. The PC would be driven to understand and neutralize this phenomenon, which threatens the very essence of their awakened existence. They might need to venture into the unstable Rift-zone, using their Rift-Hardened Systems and Mystic Android heritage (if applicable) to navigate the chaotic energies and find a way to stabilize or redirect the Rift's influence.
The Automaton Whisperer:
Hook: A series of seemingly random, unawakened Automatons in a bustling Inner Sphere space station or a Commission research facility begin exhibiting strange, almost sentient behaviors – subtle acts of defiance, unexpected problem-solving, or even attempts at communication. A concerned Vaelen (who might sense fragmented consciousness) or a curious Ysoki tinkerer suspects a hidden influence. The Android PC is approached due to their Machine Empathy and unique understanding of constructs, asked to investigate these "awakening" Automatons.
Android Appeal: This hook presents an opportunity to delve into the complexities of sentience and the Android's distinctive empathy with other entities. The PC would use their Machine Empathy to communicate with the Automatons, uncovering whether they are truly awakening, being manipulated, or if a subtle fragment of the Aether-Synapse is trying to manifest through them. This could lead to a delicate operation to protect these nascent individualities from the Concordance or from fearful organic factions.
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