Adapted from Lashunta - Starfinder Wiki, Lashunta- Archives of Nethys, and Elf Ancestry- Archives of Nethys
The Lashunta are a species of refined and ambitious psychics, their intellect and drive for self-perfection mirroring the very grandiosity of the Inner Sphere from which they ascended. Unlike the physical evolution of other species, Lashunta development is a carefully guided process, allowing them to adapt their own biology and mental capabilities. They have a long and intricate history of interaction with the Vaelen, often in complex academic and artistic exchanges, but also in ancient rivalries, which has shaped their nuanced understanding of galactic history and esoteric power. Lashunta are defined by their perpetual desire for growth, both personal advancement and societal enlightenment, driving them to value education, focus, and the boundless potential of the awakened mind.
Core Identity: Psychic Mastery and Adaptive Self-Perfection
Lashunta are fundamentally beings of intellect and will, capable of subtly shaping their own physical and mental development. Their short forehead antennae are not mere cosmetic features, but sensitive organs that focus their potent telepathy, allowing for communication beyond the spoken word and an intuitive grasp of psychic energies. Their ambition is not conquest, but mastery of self, knowledge, and the subtle forces that govern the cosmos. The Yom and Dei are seen as raw components in the grand equation of existence, resources to be meticulously managed and leveraged for the advancement of their society and the blossoming of individual potential. They strive to be the best version of themselves, eternally driven by the pursuit of knowledge, mental discipline, and new discoveries.
Societies Across the Spheres
Inner Sphere (Academic Hubs & Political Influence): The Inner Sphere is the historical heartland of the Lashunta. Their cities are renowned for their sprawling universities, vast libraries, and advanced psychic academies, making them centers of learning and innovation. Lashunta often occupy influential positions within the Commission, its cabals, and powerful corporations, leveraging their innate charisma and psychic abilities to navigate complex political landscapes and guide societal development. Their long-standing interactions with the Vaelen have fostered a mutual, if sometimes competitive, respect for ancient knowledge and the subtleties of advanced civilizations.
Outer Sphere (Pioneering Scholars & Psychic Vanguard): In the chaotic Outer Sphere, Lashunta often establish highly self-sufficient, academically-focused enclaves. These are outposts dedicated to studying anomalous phenomena, charting uncharted Rift-lanes, or observing new species, often under the protection of highly skilled psychic warriors. They approach the Resource Wars of the Outer Sphere with a calculating mind, seeking intellectual gain or strategic advantage, and may forge alliances with factions like the Free Worlds Union when their interests in liberty or knowledge align.
Frontier (Undaunted Researchers & Isolated Philosophers): Only the most dedicated or eccentric Lashunta venture into the Frontier. These are often solitary researchers, seeking raw Rift-energy for study, analyzing the profound impacts of Rift-Taint, or simply pursuing undisturbed philosophical inquiry. They might establish temporary, highly specialized facilities within stable Rift-Burgs, seeking to unlock deeper secrets of the universe, unbothered by conventional galactic politics.
Connection to the Rift and Psychic Evolution
The Lashunta possess a direct and profound connection to the psychoreactive energies of the Rift. Their innate psychic abilities are a manifestation of this bond, allowing them to interact with Mana directly through thought and emotion. Their society's unique practice of guiding biological development at puberty (the choice between Damaya, Korasha, or Unbound forms) is, in part, a sophisticated application of psychic-gene therapy, subtly influenced by their understanding of the Rift's biological genesis of all life.
The Rift-Storm Cataclysm was a period of intense psychic and biological upheaval for the Lashunta. While their disciplined minds and advanced psychic defenses helped many survive, the event also profoundly influenced their perception of cosmic chaos, reinforcing their drive for knowledge and control. Exposure to intense Rift-Taint can have unpredictable effects on Lashunta, sometimes manifesting as new, uncontrolled psychic abilities, or more dangerously, as mental instability or a terrifying amplification of their innate telepathy. Their understanding of the Rift makes them invaluable Rift-Navigators, capable of sensing temporal distortions and psychic echoes with unsettling clarity.
Unique Lashunta Traits
Lashunta society values eloquence, self-reflection, and continuous self-improvement. They communicate telepathically as much as audibly, making them astute judges of character and often unnerving to those not accustomed to direct mental contact. They are naturally charming and possess a commanding presence, whether through intellectual poise (Damaya) or martial confidence (Korasha). Stories of Lashunta in Starfall often revolve around their intellectual breakthroughs, their powerful psychic feats, and their unwavering pursuit of self-mastery in a galaxy brimming with both cosmic horrors and boundless knowledge.
Lashunta Mechanics
Lashunta are a Humanoid, Lashunta ancestry.
Hit Points: 8
Size: Medium
Speed: 25 feet
Ability Boosts: Intelligence, Charisma, and one Free Ability Boost.
Ability Flaw: Constitution.
Languages: Common, Lashunta. 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, Lashunta, Telepathy (30 feet), Low-Light Vision.
Lashunta Heritages
At 1st level, choose one of the following Lashunta heritages.
Damaya Lashunta: You've embraced the adaptive genetics that lead to becoming a damaya. You tend to be tall and graceful with delicate features, suited for intellectual pursuits and political occupations. You gain an attribute boost to Intelligence.
Korasha Lashunta: You've chosen the adaptive genetics that lead to becoming a korasha. You are shorter and more muscular, gravitating toward military service, exploration, and wartime leadership. You gain an attribute boost to Strength.
Unbound Lashunta: You decided against activating your ancestry's adaptive genetics. You defy traditional roles and labels, and you may express traits and innate proclivities common to both damaya and korasha or neither group. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Diplomacy checks when attempting to Make an Impression on a creature of a different ancestry.
Lashunta Ancestry Feats
You can select Lashunta ancestry feats from the following options.
1st Level Feats
Lashunta Lore (General): You are well-versed in the history and traditions of your people. You gain training in Lashunta Lore. If you were already trained in Lashunta Lore, you instead become an expert.
Psychic Sense (General): Your antennae are exceptionally sensitive to psychic emanations. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Perception checks to Sense Motive or to Seek for hidden psychic phenomena.
Student (General): Lashunta love to learn. You become trained in two skills of your choice.
Telekinetic Hand (General): You can use a rudimentary form of telekinesis. You gain the mage hand cantrip as an innate occult spell at will. It is heightened to a spell rank equal to half your level rounded up.
5th Level Feats
Adaptive Charm (General): Your innate charisma makes you adept at navigating social situations. You gain a +1 status bonus to Diplomacy checks to Make an Impression, and you treat any creature you are telepathically communicating with as one step friendlier towards you for social skill checks (e.g., indifferent becomes friendly).
Mind of the Collective (General): Your telepathy allows for quick communication in a group. When you are within range of your telepathy, you and your allies gain a +1 circumstance bonus to initiative rolls.
Rift-Psionics (General): Your psychic connection to the Rift is unusually strong. You gain a +1 status bonus to saves against Rift-Taint and time dilation effects.
9th Level Feats
Aura of Calm (General): You can project an aura of tranquility. As a single action, you can suppress emotion effects on yourself and allies within a 10-foot emanation for 1 minute.
Cosmic Awareness (General): Your mind is open to the vastness of the cosmos. You gain a +2 circumstance bonus to Recall Knowledge checks about celestial bodies, space phenomena, or the Outer Planes.
13th Level Feats
Psychic Shield (General): Your mental defenses are formidable. You gain resistance 5 to psychic damage.
Telepathic Command (General): Your telepathic abilities are strong enough to influence others' actions. Once per day, you can cast command as a 3rd-rank innate occult spell.
17th Level Feats
Ascendant Mind (General): Your psychic potential is fully realized. You gain a 5th-level innate spell from the occult spell list (your choice). You can cast this spell once per day.
Perfected Form (General): You have achieved a remarkable balance in your adaptive genetics. You can reallocate one ability boost or flaw granted by your heritage (Damaya or Korasha) to a different ability score of your choice. This decision is permanent.
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