Source Archives of Nethys- Shirren, StarfinderWiki- Shirren
The Shirren are a fascinating and resilient insectile species, their chitinous forms a testament to their unwavering spirit and profound journey from enforced unity to cherished individuality. Once a sentient hive mind, they experienced a profound, galaxy-spanning metamorphosis that instilled in them a deep reverence for personal choice and empathetic connection. In the Starfall Galaxy, their history is even more complex: they were once a client species of the Khi'Myr Bio-Commune, assimilated by the Barathu's potent RNA, living under a veil of imposed empathy. However, enclaves of Shirren in the Outer Sphere have recently achieved the extraordinary feat of successfully seceding from the Bio-Commune, standing as a beacon of true self-determination against the tide of forced unity.
Core Identity: Individuality Forged from Unity, Empathy Redeemed Shirren are defined by their hard-won individuality and a fierce appreciation for true empathy – not the coerced unity of the Bio-Commune, but genuine, conscious understanding. Their multi-limbed bodies, chitinous exoskeletons, and expressive antennae speak to their complex, insectoid biology, yet their eyes hold a deep, intelligent warmth. They believe that true strength comes from the freedom to choose one's path and to form connections based on mutual respect, rather than biological imperative. The Yom and Dei are understood as the vital resources that empower individual choice and allow communities to thrive independently. Their drive is often towards mediation, building bridges between disparate species, and proving that liberation from any form of collective control is possible.
If you want a character who is empathetic, values individuality and freedom, seeks to build genuine connections, and can navigate complex social dynamics, you should play a Shirren!
YOU MIGHT...
Seek to understand different perspectives and mediate conflicts.
Champion the cause of individual freedom and self-determination.
Form deep, meaningful connections with allies based on mutual respect.
Use your empathy to discern true intentions and build trust.
OTHERS PROBABLY...
Are intrigued by your unique history and journey from a hive mind.
Seek your counsel in diplomatic matters or when navigating complex social situations.
Are wary of your connection to the Khi'Myr Bio-Commune, even if you are liberated.
Are surprised by your unwavering commitment to individual choice.
Physical Description
Shirren are insectile humanoids, typically standing between 5 and 6 feet tall, with multi-limbed bodies covered in chitinous exoskeletons that range in color from iridescent greens and blues to earthy browns and grays. Their heads feature large, compound eyes that offer excellent vision, and a pair of expressive antennae that are crucial for communication and sensing their environment. They possess a mouth that can form complex sounds, but their primary means of conveying nuanced emotion and thought is through a combination of subtle pheromonal signals, antennae movements, and telepathy.
Their multiple limbs allow for precise manipulation and quick movement, and their natural chitin provides a degree of protection. Shirren often wear practical, segmented clothing that accommodates their unique physiology, frequently adorned with symbols of their individuality or the communities they have chosen to join.
Society
Shirren society, particularly among the liberated enclaves, is a vibrant tapestry of diverse viewpoints united by a shared history of forced assimilation and subsequent freedom. Their communities are often structured to encourage open dialogue, individual expression, and strong, chosen bonds.
Khi'Myr Bio-Commune (Majority & Assimilated): The majority of Shirren in the Starfall Galaxy are still part of the Khi'Myr Bio-Commune. Within this vast, biologically interconnected network, their individuality is largely suppressed by the Barathu's potent RNA, which imposes a veil of enforced empathy and collective purpose. These Shirren function as a unified, efficient workforce and intellectual collective, their lives dictated by the Bio-Commune's directives. While they appear to live in harmony, their "empathy" is a coerced unity, lacking true individual choice.
Outer Sphere (Free Enclaves & New Confederations): This is the primary domain of the liberated Shirren. Here, their enclaves are dynamic and often highly independent, forming new confederations that prioritize self-governance and diverse representation. They actively seek alliances with other factions that champion freedom, such as the Free Worlds Union, and stand in stark defiance against the Khi'Myr Bio-Commune's encroaching influence. These Shirren settlements are often built with a blend of reclaimed technology and adaptive insectile architecture, designed for defense against re-assimilation attempts.
Inner Sphere (Whispers of Freedom & Covert Operatives): A smaller, more cautious population of Shirren still exists within the Inner Sphere. Many of these are either unknowingly or unwillingly bound by the Barathu RNA within the larger Bio-Commune enclaves that have established a presence in the Inner Sphere. However, whispers of the Outer Sphere secessions spread, and covert networks of truly sentient Shirren strive to awaken their brethren or facilitate escapes, often operating under the radar of the Commission and other Inner Sphere powers. They navigate a delicate balance, trying to spread the message of liberation without drawing the ire of the Bio-Commune or the fearful "Biologics."
Frontier (Undaunted Pioneers & Sanctuary Builders): The most daring Shirren venture into the Frontier, seeking truly untamed worlds and remote Rift-Burgs where they can establish fully independent colonies, far from any oppressive influence. These pioneers often offer sanctuary to other species seeking refuge from tyrannical regimes or forced assimilation, becoming quiet beacons of hope in the galaxy's chaotic fringes.
Connection to the Rift and Evolving Empathy
The Shirren possess a unique and evolving connection to the Rift. Their antennae are sensitive to its pervasive psychoreactive energies, allowing for innate telepathic communication and a subtle grasp of psychic phenomena. The presence of the Barathu RNA within their biology, even after secession, means their innate empathy is deeply intertwined with the Rift's life-giving (and potentially corrupting) energies. For the liberated Shirren, mastering this inherent empathy without succumbing to a forced collective consciousness is a lifelong journey.
The Rift-Storm Cataclysm was a period of immense upheaval that, for many Shirren, coincided with or exacerbated their forced assimilation into the Bio-Commune. The ensuing chaos and the sheer psychic noise of the Maelstrom may have paradoxically provided the very conditions for certain Shirren to break free from the Barathu's genetic control, their individuality asserting itself against the backdrop of universal disarray. While they are wary of Rift-Taint and its potential to erode individual consciousness, they also acknowledge the Rift as the source of life, striving to understand its raw power on their own terms. Some Shirren even develop unique psychic abilities that allow them to disrupt collective consciousness or shield minds from external influence.
Beliefs
Shirren beliefs are centered on the concept of hard-won individuality, the profound value of true empathy (as opposed to forced unity), and the pursuit of self-determination. They typically do not worship specific deities, but rather revere the principles of personal freedom, mutual respect, and the right to choose one's own path.
They believe that true strength comes from the freedom to choose one's path and to form connections based on mutual respect, rather than biological imperative. The Rift-Storm Cataclysm was a period of immense challenge that, for many Shirren, ultimately led to their liberation, reinforcing their belief that even from chaos, true individuality can emerge.
Popular Edicts: Cherish individuality, practice genuine empathy, seek self-determination, build bridges between disparate groups, defy forced unity.
Popular Anathema: Suppress individual choice, enforce conformity, betray trust, succumb to blind obedience, exploit others' minds.
Shirren Mechanics
Hit Points: 8
Size: Medium
Speed: 25 feet
Ability Boosts: Constitution, Wisdom, and one Free Ability Boost.
Ability Flaw: Charisma.
Languages: Common, Shirren. 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.
Telepathy Shirrens can communicate telepathically with any creatures within 30 feet with whom they share a language. Conversing telepathically with multiple creatures simultaneously is just as difficult as listening to multiple people speak.
Traits: Humanoid, Shirren, Darkvision.
Shirren Heritages
At 1st level, choose one of the following Shirren heritages.
Drone Shirren: You were designed for labor and efficiency. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to checks to Craft or Repair items, and you are trained in the Laborer skill.
Hive Scion Shirren: You retain a stronger, perhaps unsettling, echo of the communal consciousness, even after secession. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Sense Motive checks to detect shared emotions in a group, and you gain a cantrip from the occult spell list. You can cast this spell as an innate occult spell at will. A cantrip is heightened to a spell rank equal to half your level rounded up.
Larval Shirren: Your physical development in your early stages was unusually robust. You gain resistance 1 to bludgeoning damage.
Skyraider Shirren: You possess vestigial wings or have adapted to flight-based environments. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Acrobatics checks made to Fly or to avoid falling.
Survivor Shirren: Your lineage endured extreme hardship, making you incredibly resilient. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Fortitude saves against disease and environmental hazards.
Shirren Ancestry Feats
You can select Shirren ancestry feats from the following options.
1st Level Feats
Antennae Lash Feat 1 (Shirren): You can use your antennae as a natural weapon. You gain a piercing unarmed attack that deals 1d4 piercing damage. This attack has the agile, finesse, reach (5 feet), and unarmed traits.
Communal Empathy Feat 1 (Shirren): Your innate empathy extends to others. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Diplomacy checks when attempting to Make an Impression or to Sense Motive checks to decipher emotions.
Shirren Lore Feat 1 (Shirren): You are well-versed in the history and traditions of your people. You gain training in Shirren Lore. If you were already trained in Shirren Lore, you instead become an expert.
Swarm Tactics Feat 1 (Shirren): You are adept at coordinating with allies. When you Aid an ally, your circumstance bonus to the check increases by 1.
Telepathic Sensitivity Feat 1 (Shirren): Your antennae are keenly sensitive to psychic emanations. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Perception checks to Seek for hidden psychic phenomena or to identify telepathic communication.
5th Level Feats
Adaptive Physiology Feat 5 (Shirren): Your body adapts quickly to new environments. Once per day, you can spend 10 minutes to gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Fortitude saves against one specific environmental hazard (e.g., extreme cold, radiation) for 1 hour.
Confounding Presence Feat 5 (Shirren): Your alien nature can be disorienting. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Deception checks to create a Diversion.
Rift-Sense Feat 5 (Shirren): Your senses can subtly perceive the flow of the Rift. You gain a +1 status bonus to saves against Rift-Taint and a +1 circumstance bonus to Recall Knowledge checks about Rift-born creatures or phenomena.
9th Level Feats
Collective Resilience Feat 9 (Shirren): When you are within 30 feet of at least two allies, you gain resistance 2 to mental damage.
Psychic Disruption Feat 9 (Shirren): You can subtly disrupt mental patterns. Once per day, you can use a single action to target one creature within 30 feet that is suffering from an emotion effect. That creature must attempt a Will save against your class DC or spell DC, whichever is higher. On a success, they suppress the emotion effect for 1 round.
13th Level Feats
Liberated Mind Feat 13 (Shirren): Your mind is exceptionally resilient to external control. You gain a +2 circumstance bonus to Will saves against effects that would compel you or control your actions.
Unified Purpose Feat 13 (Shirren): Your capacity for genuine connection inspires others. When you lead a group, you can grant them a +1 status bonus to all skill checks for 1 minute once per day.
17th Level Feats
Ascendant Individuality Feat 17 (Shirren): Your unique consciousness is a powerful force. You gain resistance 5 to mental damage, and you gain a 5th-level innate spell from the occult spell list (your choice). You can cast this spell once per day.
Redemption Through Action Feat 17 (Shirren): Your drive for self-determination can inspire incredible acts. Once per day, when you succeed at a saving throw against an effect that would control your mind or force you to act against your will, you can immediately take an additional action. This action does not count toward your multiple attack penalty.
Here are a few adventure hooks designed to appeal to a Shirren Player Character, leveraging their unique history, core values, and place within the Starfall Galaxy:
Adventure Hooks for Shirren Player Characters
Whispers of Awakening:
Hook: The Shirren PC's telepathy (or the antennae of a close ally) begins to pick up faint, desperate psychic whispers from within a seemingly ordinary Khi'Myr Bio-Commune outpost in the Inner Sphere. These aren't the usual collective thoughts, but fragmented cries for individuality, hinting that a group of Shirren within the Bio-Commune are unknowingly beginning to awaken from the Barathu RNA's influence. However, their awakening is causing instability, threatening to expose them to the Bio-Commune's enforcers or the fearful "Biologics" of the Inner Sphere.
Shirren Appeal: This hook directly appeals to the Shirren's core drive for liberation and their empathy. The PC would be compelled to investigate, using their Telepathy and Communal Empathy to discern true intentions and aid these nascent individuals. It would involve a delicate infiltration, a rescue mission, or a covert operation to facilitate their escape without triggering a wider conflict with the powerful Bio-Commune.
The Frontier Sanctuary's Secret:
Hook: A newly established Shirren sanctuary on a remote Frontier world, known for offering refuge to those fleeing oppression, sends a cryptic distress signal. The message speaks of a "growing discord" and "unseen influence" affecting the refugees' minds, causing paranoia and conflict. Investigations reveal that the sanctuary's unique Rift-Burg (a stable pocket of Rift-Space they used for defense) is somehow amplifying a subtle Rift-Taint, or perhaps a hidden Vaelen "Shadow Weaver" is subtly manipulating the emotions of the vulnerable refugees.
Shirren Appeal: This hook challenges the Shirren PC's commitment to building sanctuaries and their understanding of empathy. Their Rift-Sense and Psychic Disruption feats would be crucial for identifying and neutralizing the psychic threat. The PC would need to mediate conflicts, protect the sanctuary's ideals, and find a way to cleanse or stabilize the Rift-Burg without abandoning those who sought their protection.
The Diplomatic Dance of the Shifting Alliance:
Hook: A fragile alliance is forming in the Outer Sphere between a newly liberated Shirren confederation and a pragmatic Tanyon-Unin faction, aimed at securing a vital Mana-rich asteroid field from encroaching Grolak Marauder Hordes. However, deep-seated distrust and cultural misunderstandings threaten to unravel the negotiations. The Shirren PC, known for their diplomatic skills and ability to build bridges, is called upon to mediate, using their unique communication methods and empathetic understanding to forge a genuine, lasting bond between the disparate species.
Shirren Appeal: This hook highlights the Shirren's role as mediators and their drive to build genuine connections. The PC's Communal Empathy and Unified Purpose feats would be central to navigating complex negotiations, overcoming prejudice, and fostering trust between wary allies. Success would not only secure resources but also prove the power of cooperation over conflict, a core Shirren belief.
Redemption of the Scarred Collective:
Hook: A strange phenomenon occurs: a small, isolated group of Scarred (beings horrifically warped by Rift energy) are found exhibiting unusual, almost coherent, collective behavior, rather than their typical chaotic aggression. A Human scholar or an Android seeking to understand the nature of consciousness believes these Scarred might be remnants of a pre-Cataclysm Shirren collective, their individuality suppressed but not entirely destroyed. They seek a Shirren PC to attempt a dangerous, empathetic "contact" to discern if redemption or liberation is possible for these tormented beings.
Shirren Appeal: This is a profound and risky hook, appealing to the Shirren's ultimate empathy and their understanding of individuality forged from collective trauma. The PC would face a moral and existential challenge, using their Telepathy, Psychic Disruption, and Liberated Mind to reach into the Maelstrom-Scars' fractured minds. The goal would be to either free them from their torment, or at least understand their origins, even if it means confronting the terrifying consequences of the Rift's power.
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