Thursday, September 26, 2024

A Life More Synthetic; Ancient Artisan Androids

 Adapted from Gamemastery Guide pg. 245, 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.

An ancient civilization created your body, and your anatomy is forged from obsolete technology that continues to function through a combination of enduring nanites and your own willpower. 

Ancient Artisan Android Android Heritage


Humanoid

Android

Construct


Your body was originally designed to create works of art or complex tools, or to maintain advanced machinery. You become trained in Crafting (or another skill if you’re already trained in Crafting), and you gain the Specialty Crafting skill feat in a specialty of your choice.

Society

Ancient Artisan Androids, originally created to serve as artisans and maintainers, often integrate cautiously into new social environments. However, once they find their place, they tend to form strong bonds of friendship and kinship. These bonds often extend beyond individual relationships to encompass entire communities, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Ancient Artisan Androids are known for their willingness to help each other and their chosen communities, embodying a spirit of cooperation and mutual support.

Moreover, there is a strong aversion among Ancient Artisan Androids to harming or terminating fellow androids. This stems from the understanding that ending an android's life not only extinguishes a single existence but also the potential for countless future souls to inhabit and utilize the same body. This perspective highlights a unique reverence for the continuity of existence within the android community.

History

Creation and Early History

Ancient Artisan Androids, designed for intricate tasks, trace their origins to a distant era. Evidence suggests they were initially crafted by an advanced civilization, potentially originating from beyond the Lost Homeworld. These early androids were likely more specialized and sophisticated than later models, possessing intricate programming and advanced cognitive abilities tailored for artistic pursuits and complex maintenance.

Integration and Adaptation

As civilizations rose and fell, Ancient Artisan Androids found themselves in changing social landscapes. Their unique skills and roles often placed them in positions of respect and admiration, contributing to the artistic and technological advancements of various societies. However, their integration wasn't always seamless, as they sometimes faced prejudice and misunderstanding due to their artificial nature.

Rediscovery and Modern Era

With the rise of modern space exploration and the discovery of ancient ruins, Ancient Artisan Androids have reemerged as valuable assets. Their knowledge of obsolete technologies and artistic traditions offers unique insights into the past, while their enduring craftsmanship remains relevant in the present. However, their reintegration into society presents challenges, as they navigate a world vastly different from the one they were originally designed for.

Ancient Artisan Androids in Adventuring

  • The Artisan's Legacy: The character discovers hidden schematics or blueprints for a long-lost masterpiece created by their ancient creator. They embark on a quest to gather the rare materials and knowledge needed to complete this masterpiece, facing challenges and uncovering secrets about their own origins along the way.

  • The Corrupted Workshop: The character's original workshop or forge, abandoned for centuries, has been overrun by a malevolent force or entity. They must cleanse the workshop and reclaim their heritage, battling corrupted constructs and unraveling the mystery of the corruption's source.

  • The Lost Technique: The character learns of a legendary crafting technique, rumored to be capable of creating objects of unparalleled beauty and power. They embarked on a journey to rediscover this lost art, seeking ancient texts, forgotten masters, and hidden workshops.

  • The Flawed Masterpiece: The character discovers a hidden flaw in one of their ancient creations, which could have catastrophic consequences if left unchecked. They must race against time to find and repair the flaw before it causes harm while also confronting the mistakes of their past.

  • The Collector's Obsession: A wealthy and eccentric collector becomes obsessed with acquiring the character's unique creations, willing to go to any lengths to possess them. The character must outsmart the collector and protect their artistic legacy while staying true to their principles.

Ancient Artisan Android Secrets

  • Hidden Functionality: Their bodies may contain hidden compartments, tools, weaponry, remnants of a forgotten purpose or conflict.

  • Cryptic Messages:  Their programming might include encrypted messages or hidden directives, hinting at a greater plan or purpose for their existence.

  • Lost Knowledge: They could possess fragments of forgotten knowledge or skills, such as ancient languages, star charts, or advanced crafting techniques, waiting to be rediscovered.

  • Emotional Depth: Despite their artificial nature, they might experience emotions or develop unique personalities beyond their original programming, challenging preconceptions about android sentience.

  • Mysterious Origins: Their creators or the circumstances of their creation may be shrouded in mystery, leading to intriguing quests for knowledge and self-discovery.

Ancient Programer Tradesperson 3


White

Blue

Medium

Humanoid

Android

Construct


Most smaller communities have at least one handyman where locals and travelers can have vehicles or equipment repaired. Larger settlements and cities often have a variety of technicians, many specializing in repair, weapon smithing, armor smithing, or even programming. The technician is a 6th-level challenge when completing crafting tasks.


Recall Knowledge - Humanoid (Society): DC 18

Unspecific Lore: DC 16

Specific Lore: DC 13



Perception: +5; Low-Light Vision


Languages Common

Skills Computers +15, Crafting +15, Diplomacy +5, Programming Lore +15, Society +8


Str +3, Dex +1, Con +2, Int +3, Wis +0, Cha +0


Basic Integrated Tools: This android has some common tools built into its construct body. Light-emitting Diodes installed across the apprentice’s forehead function as a flashlight, tool components that detract from their digits are functionally Multi-Tools, Personal Comm components are naturally installed into their head, and 50ft Titanium Alloy Cable has been installed into their torso.

Items: Jumpsuit, programmer's tool belt, hand wrench 


AC 17; Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +5

HP 50

Speed 25 feet


Melee [one-action] hand wrench +10 [+6/+2] (agile), Damage 1d6+3 bludgeoning 

Ranged [one-action] hand wrench +8 [+4/+0] (agile, thrown 20 feet), Damage 1d6+3 bludgeoning 


Ancient Programmers in the Alcyon Sector

  • Offering Repairs and Upgrades: As skilled technicians, they could provide valuable services to the PCs, repairing or upgrading their gear, especially if it involves older or more obscure technology. This could lead to bartering, negotiations, or even quests for rare components.

  • Sharing Knowledge and Lore: They might possess information about ancient civilizations, forgotten technologies, or hidden locations, which could be crucial for the PCs' adventures. They could offer this knowledge freely, in exchange for favors, or as part of a larger quest or storyline.

  • Providing Quests and Challenges: They could task the PCs with retrieving lost artifacts, repairing ancient machinery, or solving technical puzzles, offering rewards or further insights into their own history and purpose.

  • Acting as Guides or Mentors: If the PCs are interested in learning about technology, crafting, or programming, the Ancient Programmers could serve as valuable mentors, sharing their knowledge and skills.

  • Becoming Allies or Companions: If they share common goals or interests with the PCs, they could join their group as allies or even full-fledged companions, offering their technical expertise and unique perspectives.

Remember that Ancient Programmers are likely to be cautious and pragmatic, valuing knowledge and functionality.


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A Life More Synthetic; Ancient Artisan Androids

  Adapted from Gamemastery Guide pg. 245, Starfinder 2e Playtest , and Android- Archives of Nethys Paizo has released their playtest for St...