A Life More Synthetic; Emotionless

 Adapted from Starfinder 2e Playtest, and Android- Archives of Nethys

The Emotionless Feat innoculates an android from most emotional manipulation attempts. Characters with this feat become significantly more resistant to fear, intimidation, and other emotional manipulation tactics. This can be crucial in situations where characters might otherwise be overwhelmed by fear or anger. In social encounters or combat situations, the Emotionless Android can remain calm and collected, making more rational decisions and potentially gaining the upper hand over opponents who emotions may sway. While the feat provides a mechanical advantage, it also presents interesting roleplaying opportunities. A character who is completely devoid of emotion might struggle to understand or empathize with others, leading to unique interactions and potential conflicts.

While the Emotionless Android feat offers significant benefits, it also limits the character's ability to connect with others on an emotional level. This can make it difficult to build relationships or understand the motivations of others.

The feat aligns well with android characters who are designed to be logical and objective, but it might not be as suitable for androids who are more empathetic or have developed emotional attachments.

Emotionless Feat 1

Android

Your inhibited or malfunctioning emotional processors make it difficult for you to feel strong emotions. You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to saving throws against emotion effects. If you roll a success on a saving throw against an emotion effect, you get a critical success instead.

Adventuring Without Emotion

• The Infiltration Mission: The PCs are tasked with infiltrating a heavily guarded facility or a high-society gathering where emotional manipulation and social engineering are common tactics employed by the enemy. The Emotionless Android's resistance to such tactics makes them the ideal candidate for navigating these challenges.

• The Psychological Terror Plot: A villain is using fear or other strong emotions to control a population or manipulate key figures. The Emotionless Android is uniquely equipped to resist these effects and could be instrumental in uncovering and thwarting the plot.

• The Diplomatic Negotiation: The PCs are involved in delicate negotiations with a faction known for its cunning and manipulative tactics. The Emotionless Android's ability to remain calm and objective could be crucial in securing a favorable outcome.

• The Rescue Mission: The PCs need to rescue hostages who are being subjected to psychological torture or manipulation. The Emotionless Android could lead the charge, unfazed by the enemy's attempts to instill fear or despair.

• The Haunted House: The PCs investigate a location haunted by a malevolent entity that preys on fear. The Emotionless Android's lack of fear makes them the perfect candidate to confront the entity and break its hold over the location.

Synth Recruit Scholar 1

White	Red	Medium
Humanoid	Android	Construct

These androids, often trained in batches for specific military contracts, are known for their pronounced emotional detachment. Their lack of empathy and fear makes them ideal candidates for high-stress, dangerous missions where emotional responses could impair judgment or lead to hesitation. They are highly sought after by private military outfits in the Alcyon Sector for their unwavering loyalty, obedience, and resilience under pressure. However, their emotional unavailability can also make it difficult for them to integrate into teams that rely on trust and camaraderie. 

Recall Knowledge - Humanoid (Society): DC 15

Unspecific Lore: DC 13

Specific Lore: DC 10

 

Perception +4

Skills Athletics +6, Intimidation +6, Society +4, Local Lore +4

Str +4, Dex +1, Con +4, Int -1, Wis +1, Cha -1

Items Knife, Laser Rifle. Microcord Armor, Soldiers Pack

AC 13; Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +7

HP 25

Speed 25 feet

Ranged  laser rifle +9 (100 ft Range), Damage 1d8+4 Fire

Melee  knife +9, Damage 1d6+3 slashing

Synth Recruits in the Alcyon Sector

• Military/Mercenary Contracts: PCs might find themselves working alongside Synth Recruits as part of a larger force, hired for a specific mission or objective. This could lead to challenges in coordination and trust, given the Recruits' emotional detachment.

• Negotiations/Diplomacy: If PCs are interacting with the organization that employs Synth Recruits, they might encounter them as guards, enforcers, or even negotiators. Their unemotional nature could make them difficult to persuade or reason with.

• Adversaries: Depending on the campaign's plot, Synth Recruits could be antagonists, serving as relentless and efficient soldiers for a hostile faction. Their lack of fear and emotional vulnerability could make them formidable opponents.

• Rescue/Liberation: PCs might encounter Synth Recruits who have been mistreated, exploited, or abandoned by their creators or employers. This could lead to moral dilemmas and opportunities for the PCs to show empathy and understanding, potentially helping the Recruits break free from their programming or find a new purpose.

• Social Encounters: In less combat-oriented situations, PCs might interact with Synth Recruits in social settings, such as bars, markets, or public spaces. These interactions could highlight the Recruits' difficulties in understanding social cues and emotional expressions, leading to awkward or humorous situations.

• Understanding and Empathy: PCs could try to understand the Synth Recruits' perspective and experiences, despite their emotional detachment. This could lead to interesting roleplaying moments and potentially help the Recruits develop greater self-awareness and emotional understanding.

• Ethical Considerations: The existence and use of Synth Recruits could raise ethical questions about the treatment of artificial intelligence and the potential dangers of creating beings solely for combat purposes. PCs might grapple with these issues and advocate for the Recruits' rights or well-being.

• Cultural Exchange: Synth Recruits, with their unique upbringing and experiences, could offer insights into different cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking. PCs could learn from them and broaden their own understanding of the galaxy.

• Personal Growth: Interacting with Synth Recruits could challenge PCs' own beliefs and assumptions about emotions, consciousness, and the nature of being. This could lead to personal growth and development for the PCs.