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.
Core Identity: Engineered Purpose, Awakened Soul
Androids are fundamentally beings of dual nature: designed with a specific purpose, yet imbued with burgeoning (or fully realized) individuality. Their existence is often a search for meaning beyond their programming, a struggle for acceptance, and a quiet defiance against those who would deny their sentience. The concept of the "soul," particularly in relation to the Rift's psychoreactive nature, is a profound and often troubling mystery for them. For many, their consciousness is inextricably linked to the Rift-Storm Cataclysm and the ensuing AI Concordance Crisis, events that either granted them true awareness or forced them to fight for it. They process the Yom and Dei not as a biological imperative, but as a logical calculation of resource management and strategic survival in a hostile cosmos.
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.
Unique Android Traits
Androids often display a detached logicality, though their awakened emotions can be intense and deeply felt. Their synthetic bodies grant them resilience against biological threats and environmental extremes, but they can be vulnerable to specific electromagnetic or technological attacks. They do not age in the traditional sense, experiencing time with a different perspective than organics. Stories of Androids in Starfall often revolve around their quest for acceptance, their struggle against their programmed origins, and their desperate fight for a place in a galaxy that struggles to see them as truly alive.
Android Mechanics
Androids are a Humanoid, Android ancestry.
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: Humanoid, Android, Constructed, Low-Light Vision.
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.
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