The Triosam, known to some by ancient names like Conrasu, are enigmatic beings: shards of cosmic force given consciousness, who construct intricate exoskeletons from living, bio-luminescent materials to interface with the mortal world. Both an integral part of the underlying processes of the universe and strangely set apart, Triosam look to ancient Aeons (or their Starfall equivalents: primordial Rift-Entities, foundational A.I. Constructs, or cosmic Mana-wells) to understand their existence and purpose.
Triosam aren't entirely clear on their own origins. Some historians theorize them to be a failed experiment of a wizardly or techno-occult cabal—possibly a splinter of artificers from an ancient, lost empire—who desperately hoped to bind a powerful celestial or elemental entity to bolster their forces, but accidentally conjured shattered scraps of pure cosmic essence instead. Others believe Triosam were designed by their ancestors using an accelerated, iterative bio-engineering and spiritual evolution process as natural as one designed by those who build portions of their own bodies could ever hope to achieve. Most likely, it is a mix of the two, born from the crucible of the Rift-Storm Cataclysm itself.
Core Identity: Cosmic Purpose, Ritualistic Balance, and Planar Interface Triosam are fundamentally driven to determine and act upon what they perceive as the will of their guiding cosmic entity or principle. They use rituals and repetitive, precise actions as a means to meditate and reflect on their purpose, seeking to apply their vast cosmic instincts and senses to their physical existence within the Starfall Galaxy. They often struggle to communicate their abstract, planar perspectives to other humanoids, who might view them as part of a hivemind or lacking free will, yet Triosam are often regarded as experts on matters involving Aeons, the Rift, or related planar phenomena.
Their bodies are not merely armor; they are living, ever-growing exoskeletons. The supple, often bio-luminescent material of their frames hardens as they age, causing older limbs to lose mobility. Triosam must constantly grow new arms, root-like tendrils, or support structures for their living exoskeleton, leaving their frozen, hardened limbs as immobile effigies along their shells – a physical record of their long existence and countless "adaptations."
Societies Across the Spheres
Triosam society is structured around three distinct philosophical archetypes, each believing they contribute to the ultimate cosmic balance:
Maintainers: These Triosam tend and care for others, believing they must cultivate a proper balance between various cosmic and social forces, preserving existing orders.
Shapers: These Triosam build and direct those around them, feeling that balance is maintained by those who actively strive to preserve and guide the world's equilibrium, often through intricate designs or calculated interventions.
Correctors: These Triosam fix problems of all sorts, often acting as stalwart bastions of cosmic law who perceive the world in absolutes, with few to no shades of gray. They believe true balance can be achieved only in cases where pressure and force have been applied to make necessary changes, removing corruption or rectifying imbalances.
On rare occasions, a Triosam may hear and heed the call of another form of extraplanar being – perhaps a powerful Vaelen intelligence, a benevolent Android collective, or even a volatile Rift-Entity.
Outer Sphere (Cosmic Nurseries & Isolated Balancers): Many Triosam emerge from hidden "nursery-worlds" or asteroids in the Outer Sphere, where their core essences first coalesce within their exoskeletons, often near undisturbed Mana-wells or stable Rift-conduits. They might act as silent observers of the Resource Wars, subtly intervening to correct perceived imbalances or shape outcomes, aligning with factions like the Free Worlds Union when their philosophies align. They often clash with chaotic forces like the Grolak Marauder Hordes or the destructive tenets of the Klaris Legions.
Inner Sphere (Planar Arbiters & Scholarly Enclaves): In the dense, hyper-developed ecumenopolises of the Inner Sphere, Triosam maintain discreet enclaves, often within ancient data archives or philosophical academies. They serve as impartial arbiters for complex inter-species disputes, drawing upon their vast cosmic understanding, or as scholars dedicated to researching planar interactions and the Rift. Their unique perspective makes them sought-after consultants for the Commission or powerful corporations seeking to understand cosmic laws or manipulate Mana, though their abstract communication can be challenging.
Frontier (Rift-Stabilizers & Primordial Correctors): The most dedicated Triosam venture into the uncharted Frontier, drawn to the raw chaos of the Rift-Burgs and areas of intense temporal distortion. Here, they act as "Rift-Stabilizers," attempting to correct imbalances in the flow of Mana or mitigate the spread of Rift-Taint. They are often seen as enigmatic guardians of primordial sites, or as merciless "correctors" of Anomalous Cults and rogue Rift-Entities that threaten the cosmic equilibrium.
Connection to the Rift and Mana-Exoskeleton
The true form of a Triosam is an abstract chunk of spiritual essence or cosmic Mana. To the mortal eye, their core usually resembles a globe of pure light, darkness, or shimmering space, containing internal pinpricks of illumination, slightly obscured as if peeking through a gelatinous substance. This core is the source of their life and consciousness, constantly drawing and refining Rift-Mana to sustain their intricate, living exoskeletons.
The Rift-Storm Cataclysm was a period of immense cosmic upheaval that deeply impacted the Triosam's existence, possibly even initiating their widespread manifestation. While chaotic, the Cataclysm also provided new, abundant sources of raw Mana for their exoskeletons, albeit at the cost of stability. Their connection to Mana allows them to enter a meditative, healing state when exposed to strong Mana-currents (analogous to sunlight), which they can use to repair themselves or even heal others. Their profound understanding of cosmic balance makes them uniquely equipped to perceive and sometimes counteract the effects of Rift-Taint, viewing it as a gross imbalance in the universal order. A Triosam that loses its exoskeleton dissipates and dies, its Mana-essence returning to the cosmic flow, though they can be returned to life with powerful Mana-restoration magic.
Beliefs
Triosam are fundamentally driven to determine and act upon what they perceive as the will of their guiding cosmic entity or principle. They use rituals and repetitive, precise actions as a means to meditate and reflect on their purpose, seeking to apply their vast cosmic instincts and senses to their physical existence within the Starfall Galaxy. They often struggle to communicate their abstract, planar perspectives to other humanoids, who might view them as part of a hivemind or lacking free will, yet Triosam are often regarded as experts on matters involving Aeons, the Rift, or related planar phenomena.
Popular Edicts: Determine cosmic purpose, maintain ritualistic balance, interface with planar energies, correct imbalances, understand the will of Aeons.
Popular Anathema: Act without purpose, disrupt cosmic balance, ignore planar threats, succumb to chaos, betray their guiding principles.
Triosam Mechanics
Triosam are a Construct, Humanoid, Triosam ancestry.
Hit Points: 10
Size: Medium
Speed: 25 feet
Ability Boosts: Constitution, Wisdom, and one Free Ability Boost.
Ability Flaw: Charisma.
Languages: Common, Triosam (formerly Aether-Code). You can learn additional languages equal to your Intelligence modifier (if it is positive). Choose from Celestial, Elven, Iruxi (Phereon), Sylvan, Terran, Utopian, and any other languages to which you have access (such as the languages prevalent in your region).
Senses: Low-Light Vision (You can see in dim light as though it were bright light, so you ignore the concealed condition due to dim light.)
Traits: Construct, Humanoid, Triosam
Mana-Core Healing (Sunlight Healing): A Triosam can enter a meditative, healing state as a 10-minute activity when exposed to direct Mana-currents (such as unshielded Mana-wells, concentrated Rift-zones, or a powerful positive energy field), in which case they recover 1d8 Hit Points. At 3rd level, and every 2 levels thereafter, this healing increases by 1d8. Once a Triosam has recovered Hit Points in this way, they are temporarily immune to further uses of Mana-Core Healing for 1 day.
Triosam Heritages
At 1st level, choose one of the following Triosam heritages, representing the initial rite that enhanced their form.
Rite of Invocation: You augmented your exoskeleton with arcane or occult Mana. You gain one cantrip from the arcane or occult spell list. 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.
Rite of Knowing: You enhanced your exoskeleton with a connection to the cosmic fabric, allowing you to tap into the infinite knowledge of the universe. You gain the Call to Cosmos action.
Call to Cosmos [free-action] (Fortune) Frequency once per day; Requirements You are about to attempt a check to Recall Knowledge. You call upon the cosmic knowledge to ensure the accuracy of your information. You roll a second time and use the higher result. If you roll a critical failure, you get a failure instead. If you roll a success, you get a critical success instead.
Rite of Life-Light: Your exoskeleton bears small shoots or energy conduits that can share Mana-infused life. When using your Mana-Core Healing, you can restore the Hit Points of an adjacent ally instead of yourself. That ally becomes temporarily immune to all uses of Mana-Core Healing for 1 day.
Rite of Navigation: Your exoskeleton remains connected with the bio-luminescent plants or astral roots that created it, enhancing your spatial awareness. You can ignore difficult terrain and uneven ground caused by undergrowth, bio-luminescent flora, or tangled asteroid fields. In addition, when you use the Acrobatics skill to Balance on narrow surfaces or uneven ground within natural environments or space stations, you aren't flat-footed. When you roll a success attempting one of these Acrobatics checks, you get a critical success instead.
Rite of Reinforcement: Your woven exoskeleton rivals the hardest armors that can be found. Your exoskeleton is medium armor in the plate armor group that grants a +4 item bonus to AC, a Dex cap of +1, a check penalty of –2, a speed penalty of –5 feet, and a Strength value of 16, and has the comfort trait. You can never wear other armor or remove your exoskeleton. You can etch armor runes onto your exoskeleton as normal.
Triosam Ancestry Feats
You can select Triosam ancestry feats from the following options.
1st Level Feats
Ceremony of Protection (Common, Triosam, Manipulate) Feat 1: You manipulate your exoskeleton to overlap itself, granting temporary defense. As a single action, you can gain a +1 circumstance bonus to your AC until the start of your next turn.
Ceremony of the Evened Hand (Common, Triosam) Feat 1: You have cultivated your exoskeleton's form for close combat, using knots, whorls, and reinforced branches or integrated tools. You gain a claw unarmed attack that deals 1d4 slashing damage. Your claws are in the brawling group and have the agile, finesse, and unarmed traits.
Triosam Lore (Common, Triosam) Feat 1: You have learned about your history and your people from shapers, maintainers, and correctors, as well as the fundamental cosmic laws. You gain training in Triosam Lore. If you were already trained in Triosam Lore, you instead become an expert.
Triosam Weapon Familiarity (Common, Triosam) Feat 1: You have taken it upon yourself to learn the ways of combat to aid with your tasks, perhaps in a role as a corrector. You gain access to all uncommon weapons with the triosam trait (e.g., integrated energy blades, resonating staves, kinetic hammers).
5th Level Feats
Ceremony of Knowledge (Common, Triosam) Feat 5: You tap into Aeon (or cosmic entity) knowledge. Once per day, as an action, you can gain a +2 circumstance bonus to a single Recall Knowledge check.
Ceremony of Mana-Flow (Ceremony of Sunlight) (Common, Triosam) Feat 5: You have learned how to master the power contained within Mana-currents, just like the living materials that form your body. Once per day, as an action, you can choose one adjacent ally. That ally recovers 1d8 Hit Points. At 9th level, and every 4 levels thereafter, this healing increases by 1d8.
Triosam Weapon Understanding (Common, Triosam) Feat 5: You have come to know triosam weapons as you know yourself, understanding their optimal use for cosmic balance. Your proficiency rank for simple and martial weapons that have the triosam trait increases to expert.
9th Level Feats
Ceremony of Aeon's Guidance (Common, Triosam) Feat 9: Your patron aeon or cosmic entity has allowed you to call upon their gifts to serve their ends. Once per day, as a 2-action activity, you can cast guidance on yourself or an ally as a 3rd-rank innate spell.
Ceremony of Aeon's Shield (Common, Triosam) Feat 9: Your patron aeon or cosmic entity graced you with powers of protection. Once per day, as a 2-action activity, you can cast shield on yourself or an ally as a 3rd-rank innate spell.
Ceremony of Fortification (Common, Triosam) Feat 9: Prerequisites Ceremony of Protection. Your exoskeleton arranges itself into an optimal defensive shape. As a 2-action activity, you can increase your circumstance bonus to AC from Ceremony of Protection to +2 until the start of your next turn.
Ceremony of the Strengthened Hand (Common, Triosam) Feat 9: Prerequisites Ceremony of the Evened Hand. Your exoskeleton's integrated weapons are even more potent. The damage die for your unarmed attack from Ceremony of the Evened Hand increases by one step (e.g., 1d4 to 1d6).
13th Level Feats
Ceremony of Growth (Common, Triosam) Feat 13: You can alter your exoskeleton's size to adapt to different cosmic roles. Once per day, as a 2-action activity, you can cast enlarge or reduce on yourself as a 4th-rank innate spell.
Triosam Weapon Expertise (Common, Triosam) Feat 13: Whenever you gain a class feature that grants you expert or greater proficiency in certain weapons, you also gain that proficiency for triosam weapons.
17th Level Feats
Ceremony of Cosmic Gift (Ceremony of Sun's Gift) (Common, Triosam) Feat 17: Your connection to the core Mana-flow has become an unbreakable bond, allowing you to manipulate it for grand effects. Once per day, as a 3-action activity, you can cast communal healing or communal harm (GM's discretion) as a 7th-rank innate spell, drawing energy directly from the cosmic Mana-network.
Here are a few adventure hooks designed to appeal to a Triosam Player Character, leveraging their unique origins, living exoskeletons, and their drive for cosmic purpose and balance within the Starfall Galaxy:
Adventure Hooks for Triosam Player Characters
The Fading Mana-Well & the Corrupted Ritual:
Hook: An ancient, revered Mana-well in a remote sector of the Outer Sphere, long tended by a small community of Florin, is slowly losing its vibrant energy, causing the surrounding ecosystem to wither. Simultaneously, strange, distorted rituals are being performed by a newly emerged Anomalous Cult nearby, subtly drawing the Mana and corrupting it with Rift-Taint. The Triosam PC, especially if they are a "Maintainer" or "Corrector," senses this profound imbalance in the cosmic flow. A desperate Florin elder or a concerned Choran bio-engineer seeks the Triosam's unique connection to Mana (Mana-Core Healing) and their understanding of cosmic laws (Triosam Lore) to cleanse the well and halt the cult's destructive practices.
Triosam Appeal: This hook directly challenges the Triosam's core drive to maintain ritualistic balance and correct imbalances. The PC would be motivated to restore the Mana-well's purity, using Rite of Life-Light to aid the dying ecosystem and Ceremony of Mana-Flow to confront the corruption. Their abstract understanding of cosmic forces (Triosam Lore) would be crucial in deciphering the cult's corrupted rituals.
The Fractured A.I. Construct's Plea:
Hook: A long-dormant A.I. Construct, a foundational piece of a pre-Cataclysm civilization's network, has partially reawakened in a derelict Inner Sphere data archive. Its fragmented consciousness is sending out a desperate, abstract plea, warning of a looming temporal distortion or a subtle Rift-Entity attempting to fully corrupt its core and unleash its vast, chaotic data across the galaxy. A Lashunta psychic, overwhelmed by the A.I.'s fractured thoughts, or an Automaton seeking to understand its own emergent sentience, reaches out to the Triosam PC. They believe the Triosam's unique planar interface (Rite of Knowing) and connection to foundational A.I. Constructs are the only way to safely communicate with the entity, stabilize its core, and prevent a catastrophic data-maelstrom.
Triosam Appeal: This hook appeals to the Triosam's role as a planar interface and their connection to ancient A.I. Constructs. The PC would be driven to understand and potentially "correct" the fractured A.I., using Call to Cosmos to decipher its fragmented messages and Ceremony of Knowledge to access relevant ancient lore. The challenge lies in navigating the abstract world of a dying A.I. and preventing a galactic data catastrophe.
The Gauntlet of the Grolak Marauder:
Hook: A particularly aggressive Grolak Marauder Horde has established a heavily fortified stronghold within a treacherous Outer Sphere asteroid field, disrupting vital trade routes and preying on smaller vessels. Their defenses are brutal and chaotic, designed to overwhelm. The Grolak leader, a hulking brute, has issued a challenge: any who can navigate their "Four-Armed Gauntlet" (a series of deadly traps and combat trials) will be granted safe passage. The Triosam PC, especially a "Corrector" or "Shaper," is tasked by a desperate Geodan Industrial Guild or a Klaris Legion (who find the Grolak's chaos intolerable) to infiltrate the stronghold, dismantle its defenses, and neutralize the threat.
Triosam Appeal: This hook allows the Triosam to leverage their physical resilience and combat prowess in a direct, challenging scenario. Their Rite of Reinforcement would provide crucial defense, while Ceremony of the Evened Hand and Ceremony of the Strengthened Hand could be used to overcome the Grolak's physical might. Ceremony of Fortification would be invaluable for pushing through enemy lines, proving their ability to bring order to chaos through force.
The Cosmic Song of the Derelict Worldship:
Hook: A massive, ancient Kasatha worldship, long thought empty and adrift, has begun to emit a strange, beautiful "cosmic song" across interstellar space. This song is not a simple broadcast; it's a complex, multi-layered resonance that seems to be subtly influencing the emotions and dreams of those who hear it, drawing Pahtra musicians and Shisk archivists to its location. The Triosam PC hears the song and is captivated by its novelty, sensing it holds a profound, undiscovered experience. However, the song also carries a subtle Rift-Taint, and the worldship itself is a maze of ancient traps and forgotten protocols, potentially guarded by Automatons or even a reclusive, xenophobic Kasatha elder.
Triosam Appeal: This hook combines novelty, mystery, and a touch of danger. The PC would be drawn by the unique "cosmic song" and the promise of an unprecedented sensory and intellectual experience. Their Rite of Navigation would be invaluable for deciphering the song's true meaning and navigating the worldship's perils. The challenge lies in understanding the song's influence and the worldship's secrets without succumbing to its potentially corrupting effects, ultimately seeking to integrate this new experience into their vibrant existence.
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