Android Traits

All androids share common traits that set them apart from purely organic beings.

Age. An android’s lifespan varies widely depending on its purpose. Some are constructed with predetermined lifespans, some built on organic frames that face insurmountable aging challenges, and others are potentially immortal with proper maintenance, upgrades, and care.

Size. Androids are constructed to suit their function. Some from heavy, dense metals to give momentum and strength, others from lighter materials for dexterous movement or realistic skin feel. They vary in weight from 50 to 500 pounds. Your size is Small or Medium, unless otherwise stated by your gift.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Artificial Advantage. You have the construct creature type instead of humanoid. You are immune to poison damage and do not need to breathe. You do have to consume Supply, though this takes the form of power cells or other fuel, rather than food.

Constructed Constitution. Many standard healing methods for humanoids are completely ineffective on you, as in the case of psionic powers. Medical treatments utilizing nanobots work on you as normal, however, and specialized treatments exist (see Medicine in Chapter 3: Equipment). Most rolls that would call for a Medicine check for an organic creature are substituted for an Engineering check, depending on the condition and availability of parts. Additionally, you can still expend Hit Dice and regain hit points as normal on a short or long rest due to your self-repair functions.

Basic Programming. You gain proficiency in computers.

Android Gifts

An android’s eventual function and indeed personality is up to them, but is often guided by their construction. Any cybernetic construction type can be partially organic, and partially cybernetic. You gain the following heritage gift.

Integrated Systems

You have specialist systems integrated into your frame which enhance your performance or grant you unique capabilities. Choose two of the following traits.

Access Ports. You are able to plug into computer systems directly, granting you an expertise die on all computers checks when you are within reach of the target system.

Armored Chassis. You are built to withstand the violence of battle. While you wear no other armor your chassis provides an AC of 13 + your Dexterity modifier. You also have disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) rolls due to the clank of metal, the buzz of processors or the whirring of mechanized parts. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit. You can select this trait a second time to gain an AC of 14 + your Dexterity modifier instead.

Compact. Your size is Tiny. You gain a +1 to your Armor Class against creatures of a size category larger than you. You can select this trait a second time, gaining the ability to hover up to 5 feet off the ground and a fly speed equal to your normal Speed. Your carrying capacity is halved and you can’t carry bulky items. Additionally, you can’t use shields or armor that haven’t been made for you (this restriction doesn’t apply to force shields). Customizing items or equipment for your size generally costs three times as much as the item’s standard price. Your base Speed is 25 feet.

Enhanced Senses. You gain proficiency and an expertise die in Perception . You can see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.

Expert Subroutines. You gain proficiency in one of the following skills: Culture , Engineering , History , Nature , Science , or Religion . In addition, you gain a specialty of your choice in the chosen skill. You can select this trait a second time to gain proficiency and a speciality in a second skill from the above list.

Integrated Transmitter. You are always considered to be carrying a personal communicator, which cannot be taken from you.

Integrated Weaponry. You have either an integrated ranged weapon or an integrated melee weapon. You may choose the appearance of this weapon. The weapon cannot be disarmed or thrown, and deals damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier (if it is a melee w eapon) or 1d4 + your Dexterity modifier (if it is a ranged weapon). Choose the damage type of this weapon when you first select this trait from the following list: slashing, piercing, bludgeoning, fire, lightning. If it is a ranged weapon, the integrated weapon has a range of 30/100.

Jump Jets. You can jump 30 feet vertically and horizontally. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus , after which you must take a long rest in order to reset your uses.

Linguist. You are programmed with many languages. You can automatically speak, sign, understand, and write in any current language by making a DC 10 Culture check. Extinct languages require a DC 15 History check. This does not enable you to break codes, cyphers, or encryptions.

Mechanized Might. You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and you can carry a number of additional bulky items equal to your proficiency bonus .

Mimic. You have a voice synthesizer which can mimic any voice or sound.

Organic Appearance. Your synthetic technological capabilities are subtle and not immediately apparent to the casual observer. Your inorganic systems are hidden beneath layers of skin-like polymers making you look wholly organic without close inspection. Creatures can discern your cybernetic nature if they observe you take lightning damage or if they succeed on a Medicine check against your passive Deception .

Reconnaissance Drone. You have the service of a utility drone (you may select any variety of utility drone), a robot you command with voice control or through one of your devices. Your drone normally rests in a docking port amidst your machinery, but you can deploy it as an action. In combat it takes its turn immediately after you. It follows your directions, but commanding it to Attack uses your action and its reaction. Repairing your drone is free if you have access to its remains and your gear over the course of a long rest. Otherwise, the materials to replace your drone cost 25 credits.

Sentinel. Your charge cycle does not require you to lose consciousness. This allows you to monitor systems and perform other low level activities and you remain fully conscious during rests.

Tractor Beam. You have the power to project a small tractor beam as an action. This beam can reach up to 30 feet, carry up to 10 pounds, and can be used to operate simple switches. You can move a held object 10 feet each round using your bonus action.

Tracks. You move on tracks rather than legs. You are able to ignore the effects of difficult terrain .

Wheels. You move on wheels rather than legs. Your base Speed increases by 5 feet.

Android Paragon

Your subroutines constantly suggest ways to enhance your performance. At 10th level you finally complete a significant upgrade. Choose one from the following list.

Cybernetically Superior

One of your ability scores increases by 2, to a maximum of 22.

Jet Propulsion

You gain a fly speed of 30 feet. Maintaining this speed requires a check after the first minute and every minute after as though you were undertaking a forced march. You gain an expertise die on these checks to avoid fatigue from a forced march.

Lore Upload

Choose four from the following: Arcana , Culture , Engineering , History , Nature , Religion , and Science . You gain an expertise die on checks using the chosen skills, as well as two specialities of your choice. These specialties must be selected from the chosen skills.

Systems Upgrade

Choose two more traits from the Android Gifts section.

Android Culture

While they may exist in the universe, pure android cultures are rare. However, shared experiences are almost pre-programmed into every android, as impossible to remove as a charge cycle protocol or a self-preservation sub routine.

Androids are usually accepted into the company of organic beings, whether by necessity or with enthusiasm, but they are not organic beings. As creatures of binary, data and neat lines, it is difficult, though not impossible, for an android to understand the tangled, illogical social messes of organic beings. It’s harder still to understand illness or the inevitable decay of organic bodies when almost any malady that could befall a cybernetic being is easily patched up or programmed out. Androids are very often a part of organic culture, but they are always apart from it.

Suggested Cultures

While you can choose any culture for your android character, the following cultures are linked closely with this heritage: artificial , Freelinking: Node title programmed does not exist , technetronic , virtual .

Cultures composed entirely of artificial beings are unusual, but they are not unknown. In some cases, organic beings evolve to integrate themselves with technology before eventually completing the transformation to a fully robotic society. Others might be enclaves of androids who have deliberately created their own spaces, free from the prejudices of organic species–or, worse, opposed to them and dedicated to their destruction–and yet others may have somehow evolved as robotic people from the very start. There are even stories of artificial civilizations which abduct and assimilate beings from other cultures, turning them into machines. Of course, one does not need to be artificial to grow up in an artificial society; some organic beings may prefer the company of robots. 

Characters raised in the artificial culture share a variety of traits in common with one another.

I Know A Back Door. Your lifelong familiarity with robotics and computers gives you an intuitive sense of how they work. You get an expertise die when using hacking tools.

Pattern Recognition. You are so used to an environment where everything is ordered and in its place that something unusual sticks out to you like a sore thumb. You gain an expertise die  on Investigation checks and initiative rolls.

Surrounded By Tech. You gain proficiency in computers and Engineering, and an Engineering specialty in robotics.

Languages. You can read, sign, speak, and write Common and Machine.

Axon Traits

Characters with the axon heritage share a variety of traits in common.

Age. Axons mature at about the age of 40, and typically live about 200 years.

Size. Axons stand over 7 feet in height. Your size is Medium, Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Powerful Build. You count as size Large for the purposes of determining carrying capacities.

Fur Coat. Your thick fur protects you from cold environments. You have resistance to cold damage, and you gain an expertise die on Survival checks made in arctic environments.

Keen Senses. You gain an expertise die on skill checks that rely on hearing or smell.

Axon Gifts

In addition to the traits found in your axon heritage, select one of the following gifts.

Extendable Claws

Some axons sport sharp, extendable claws. The claws are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes that deal slashing damage equal to 1d8 + your Strength modifier.

Mighty Roar

As a bonus action you can bellow a loud and frightening roar. Your roar affects all creatures who are not allies within a 15-ft. cone. Targets within that area must make a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of you until the end of its next turn. The DC of the saving throw is equal to 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier. Once you have used this feature you cannot use it again until you take a long rest .

Thick Fur

Your fur is thick enough to protect you from attacks. While you aren’t wearing armor, your AC equals 12 + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit.

Axon Paragon

When you reach 10th level, you are an exemplar of axonkind, and you gain one paragon gift from the following list.

Bellowing Roar

Prerequisite: Mighty Roar

When you use your Mighty Roar feature, it affects all non-allied creatures within 30 feet of you. Additionally, you now regain use of your Mighty Roar feature whenever you complete a short rest .

Fierce Claws

Prerequisite: Extendable Claws

Your claws, and your fang-like teeth, are longer and sharper than many of your kind. Your claws and teeth are natural weapons which do damage equal to 1d10 + your Strength modifier. Your claws do slashing damage and your teeth do piercing damage.

Massive Build

All axons are strong, but some grow even larger as they get older. You have advantage on all Strength ability checks and saving throws .

Axon Culture

While axons are technologically advanced, they evolved in jungle environments and many still retain that innate natural connection. As such, axons often form very rustic communities which exist in harmony with nature; technology serves its purpose, but where possible it is hidden or as subtle as possible. Fierce-looking though they are, axons evolved for survival rather than warfare; indeed the oldest origin stories of the species rarely feature conflict. Those survival skills, and the physical prowess that comes along with them, however, make for fearsome foes should an axon or their community be threatened.

Suggested Cultures

While you can choose any culture for your axon character, the following cultures are linked closely with this heritage: backwater , belter , drifter , rustic , underclass .

Not every world is a sparkling jewel of dazzling skylines and dizzying society galas, filled with elites and the underclass that supports them and supported by shipyards and places of great commerce. Sometimes it’s because the world has so little to offer; others times what the world had to offer has already been taken. Whatever the case, there are backwaters.

Most citizens of backwaters spend their lives scrounging and scavenging to make a few credits while the void hangs over their heads, shining in the night and tantalizingly out of reach. A lot of backwater brats spend their time trying to gather the parts of a ship or the creds to at least buy a ticket off their rock. Some even make it.

Spaceports and criminal enclaves are the only place to really find excitement on a backwater— or a valuable job. There are far more credits to be had working a counter at the spaceport as a facilitator than scavenging, while running messages and merchandise pays even more—if one is smart and fast enough to stay a step ahead of the law.

But whether they’re running, or scrounging, or kissing up to tourists, the goal for would-be voidrunners is getting off this rock and seeing what is out there to see. Because until then they’re stuck, hanging out with childhood friends, doing odd jobs, and staring up at the stars when everyone around them is looking at the ground.

Characters raised in the backwater culture share a variety of traits in common with one another.

Blastin’ Rats. You gain proficiency with rifles and land vehicles and gain an expertise die on checks to repair them, even if you do not have the appropriate tools.

Eye for Parts. Whether you’re at a spaceport, on a space station, or visiting an alien world, you know how to find parts and components for ships, weapons, and armor, as well as where to get the right parts at the right price. So long as you have two hours to work through junk yards and consignment shops, you can get almost any part or material component for 15% below market value.

Tightened Belt. On backwater worlds supplies can be scarce. You can go a number of days equal to half your Constitution modifier without suffering any fatigue from lack of Supply.

Versatile Skill. Living in a lonely world where the population tends to be very condensed into pockets of civilization means you often need to be self-sufficient just to make it through the day. You gain proficiency in Survival and one other skill of your choice.

Languages. You can read, sign, speak, and write Common and one other language.

Shipyards need a lot of things to keep voidrunners moving: raw materials for hulls, fuel for generators, and countless other necessities. And they need it all in bulk, because ships are large and plentiful. That’s where Belters come in.

Mining planets for their unique mineral contents and rare materials is something most societies accomplish well before the beginning of an industrial era. By the space age, though, a lot of those minerals are already in use, and the ecological damage of tearing new supplies out of your own world can cause socio-political upheaval and strife. All this is why most societies start mining uninhabited—and largely uninhabitable— rocks drifting in space.

Bouncing around the accretion disks of countless stars in the night sky are belters: people raised on starships and space-stations that are designed to land on a particularly large asteroid and act as a central hub and workstation for the processing of ores, crystals, and any other materials the asteroid might have that are worth taking. Life as a belter is one of cramped quarters, loud noises, and families doing their best to live in a dangerous and difficult profession. There are endless stories about atmo leaks, reactor breaches, and monsters just outside the bulkhead told to children at bedtime, after a long day of playing tag in narrow corridors or hide-and-seek in the ore-processing center.

When not planted on an asteroid, the behemoth ships drift slowly to stardock to deliver their cache of goods or toward the next asteroid in the belt to hollow it out in turn. This travel time gives belters plenty of time in between to try and live something resembling a normal life with their loved ones.

Characters raised in the belter culture share a variety of traits in common with one another.

All Hands on Deck. From an early age you got to know the machines of your asteroid hopper, and as you grew up you were instructed on their care and maintenance. You gain proficiency in the Engineering skill and space vehicles. In addition, when you undertake the Repair journey activity, you count your result as one higher. Critical failures become failures, failures become successes, and successes become critical successes. If you roll a critical success, you can remove an additional critical malfunction of your choice.

Gauge Threat. Growing up on asteroid hoppers and the space stations where you dropped your cargo, you learned how to pick out the petty toughs from the actual threats. You can use an action to make an Insight check against a DC equal to the target’s passive Deception check score (or an Engineering check in the case of androids and other constructs) against a creature you can see within 60 feet. On a success, you learn the creature’s Challenge Rating (or level in the case of a creature with character levels).

Vent-Rat. As a child and young adult you got skilled at hiding in cramped spaces, particularly if you were boarded. You gain an expertise die when making a Stealth check in cramped spaces and can move at full speed while squeezing.

Languages. You can read, sign, speak, and write Common and one other language.

Some voidrunners grew up hearing stories of their ancestors who lived on a planet once upon a time. This could be as recent as within the last decade or so, with parents being able to recall exactly where and how they lived, or as distant as an era before their elders’ elders. Massive evacuations from planetary-scale destruction, catastrophic failure of the environment or civilization, or warfare that bombarded the entire planet could all be the cause. More peaceful tales involve ambitious plans of migrating to a habitable planet in a different galaxy, establishing colonies, or scientific expeditions expected to last generations.

Many young drifters spend their entire lives never coming into contact with land, so learning how to work spaceships and space stations is a matter of duty and obligation. Such voidrunners are utterly at home in space, making them valuable assets for any voidrunner crew.

Given that adventuring provides a chance to break from the routine life and duty, many drifters jump at the opportunity to leave their home ship or station, whether as an act of rebellion or as a sanctioned representative of their floating colony.

Characters raised in the drifter culture share a variety of traits in common with one another.

At The Ready. You developed the habit of keeping your tools on your person for quick access. You are proficient with a tool of your choice. Taking the Use an Object action to use this tool is a bonus action for you.

Familiar Operations. Living in a space colony means you are well-versed in such systems. You gain proficiency in your choice of computers or Engineering, and with space vehicles. You also gain an expertise die on checks with the chosen skill that involve working with your home ship or station or similar system.

In addition, being born into a life in the cold blackness has made you mentally resilient. You gain an expertise die on checks to resist becoming rattled or suffering a level of strife.

System Hotwire. Your familiarity with starships and space stations allows you to optimize their systems. Choose two deck types. Up to three times per long rest, when you make a system maneuver through those decks, you can reduce the power point cost of the maneuver by 1, to a minimum of 0. You can change your chosen deck type over the course of a long rest.

Void Native. You know how to maneuver easily with little gravity. Zero-g does not count as difficult terrain for you. When you make a Dexterity check to maneuver in zero- or low-gravity conditions, any rolls under 10 count as 10 instead.

Languages. You can read, sign, speak, and write Common and two other languages.

In the wide, beautiful, and uncaring cosmos, the only thing we can control is ourselves. The “enlightened” cultures who follow this path center a contemplative and intellectual lifestyle in balance with galactic events. For them, the main objective in life is selfcultivation. At their best, enclaves of this culture are truly spiritual and practice contemplation as a liberative practice and support their allies on their mutual quest for liberation. At worst, these enclaves believe that their way is “the true way”, leading them to be self-righteous, aloof, or even colonialist or tyrannical. The truth is frequently somewhere between.

The people of this culture generally have a mature disposition towards science. In their view, science is a worthy path of investigation, but technology is to be subordinated to the correct way of living. Craftsmanship among the enlightened is often highly artistic, accentuating or blending in with the features of nature. Ruins of enlightened cultures feature beautiful stonework and woodwork merged seamlessly with their high tech, practically whispering the story of certain enclaves who used their technology to transcend the mortal coil (or become extinct due to a perilous final mistake). Empires of this culture often do not shy away from using behavior control technology to enforce adherence to “the way.”

Characters raised in the enlightened culture share a variety of traits in common with one another.

Defensive Training. Self-cultivation also includes the practice of meditation and martial arts. Choose one of the following:

Student of the Body: Choose one 1st degree combat maneuver from any tradition. Once per short rest, you can use this combat maneuver without spending exertion.

Student of the Mind: You learn one psionic reflex. Your psionic ability for this trait is your choice of Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma.

Inner Path. Your people value cultivating the intellect and spirit, so you can always find your way in life. Choose two from History, Insight, Nature, Religion, Performance, or Science. You have proficiency in the chosen skills.

Artisan. You have proficiency in a musical instrument or artisanal tools.

Languages. You can read, sign, speak, and write Common and three other languages.

The world can be a dangerous place and the environment might pose a deadly threat all by itself. In addition to their inherent danger, encounter elements offer ways to enhance the perils of exploration challenges or combat to make both more satisfying. A duel atop a bridge or traversing a narrow crossing is all the more exciting when deadly lava runs below rather than rushing water, and a hallway fight or dungeon trap with a plethora of green slime is a different kind of challenge altogether!

Challenge Rating Increase

The challenge rating of a combat encounter or exploration challenge can be increased when an encounter element is included so long as it poses an active threat—a cage match near a volcanic pit is more dramatic, but no more dangerous than usual.

Bombarded (+2)

An area which is under constant bombardment from artillery or starship fire can be very hazardous.

Loud Noise. Creatures within the area participants can only hear sounds within 15 feet of them (except for loud, explosive noises).

World Actions

Artillery. Each creature in the area makes a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw or they take 4d6 bludgeoning damage.

Irradiated (+2)

Deadly radiation fills the air, threatening the lives of all who brave exposure.

Every five minutes a creature spends in an irradiated area it must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw . On a failure, the creature contracts radiation sickness (see Maladies on page 281).

Creatures immune to poison damage, or who are wearing radiation shielded clothing, are not affected by irradiated areas.

Irradiated, Severe (+4)

Nuclear meltdowns, quasars, and breached antimatter engines create even more intense radiation.

Creatures immune to poison damage, or who are wearing radiation shielded clothing, treat severely irradiated areas as irradiated areas.

World Actions

Radiation Poisoning. A creature which begins its turn in a severely irradiated area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw . On a failure, the creature takes 28 (8d8) poison damage and is poisoned until medically treated using an anti-rad drug or similar effect. Additionally, the creature contracts radiation sickness .

High Gravity (+2)

The ranges of ranged weapons are halved, as are all jump distances. When a creature makes its first attack in a round using a weapon that does not have the dual-wielding property, it makes a DC 12 Athletics check or subtracts 1d4 from its attack rolls for 1 round. Falling damage is treated as twice the distance in the area and there is no maximum amount of damage that can be taken from a fall. For every hour spent in the area, a creature not acclimated to it makes a Constitution saving throw (DC 8 + the number of hours spent in the area) or gain a level of fatigue (maximum 4 levels of fatigue).

Low Gravity (-1)

The ranges of ranged weapons are doubled, as are all jump distances. Falling damage is treated as half the distance in the area. In addition, damage from bludgeoning weapons is reduced by half.

Zero Gravity (+1)

While artificial gravity is a staple of most sci-fi settings, many settings stick to a more realistic depiction of weightless movement, using the environment around them as useful handholds and points to kick off from.

Creatures treat zero-G environments as difficult terrain so long as they are adjacent to a solid surface. Creatures may move into areas without an adjacent surface in this way, but if they end their turn with no adjacent surface they begin drifting and their movement speed is reduced to 0. Drifting creatures can throw any item on their person that weighs at least 5 pounds or use any propellant item (such as a cytospray, construction foam, spray adhesive, spray paint, or zero-friction lubricant) to move up to 10 feet as a bonus action.

Spacesuits. Creatures with the spacefaring feature or creatures wearing armor with the spacefaring feature ignore the difficult terrain caused by zero-G environments and are immune to drifting. Creatures with a natural climb speed also ignore the difficult terrain caused by zero-G environments, but are not immune to drifting.

Thick/Thin Atmosphere (+1)

While both thick and thin atmospheres are very dissimilar, their effects on creatures are not so different. Creatures can breathe in these atmospheres, but it is harder. Every hour, a creature in a thick or thin atmosphere must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or gain one level of fatigue .

Vacuum (+2)

An area of vacuum has no air, so creatures that need to breathe must use another source of air or begin to suffocate once they cannot hold their breath. In addition, the area carries no sound, so hearing-based checks made to perceive automatically fail.

Spacesuits. Armor with the spacefaring classification protects its wearer from hard vacuum, but even the smallest puncture in a suit can be deadly. As such, most spacefaring suits are equipped with self-sealing technology to protect against small punctures, tears, and fractures, but a critical hit renders a spacefaring suit damaged. When a creature’s spacefaring suit is damaged, roll 1d6 at the start of each of the creature’s turns. On a roll of 6 the suit is no longer able to provide protection from hard vacuum. A second critical hit before the damage is patched or repaired completely breaks the suit, rendering it broken and ineffective.

Vacuum Breach (+3)

When there is a pressure differential between two areas, such as a hull breach or an open door leading to the surface of an airless rock, the atmosphere rushes out in an attempt to level out the differential. This takes the form of a rushing wind.

Ranged weapon attacks and Perception checks that rely on hearing have disadvantage in high winds. In addition, the rushing air extinguishes any open flames, disperses fogs and smoke, and forces any flying creature to land before the end of its turn or fall.

World Actions

Rushing Winds. Each creature in the area must make a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be pulled 20 feet in the direction of the winds. A creature with one or more spare limbs (at the Narrator’s discretion) may use a bonus action to grab on or anchor itself, which allows it to make the saving throw with advantage .

Hard Vacuum & Lingering Injuries

The vacuum of space is also utterly chilling or scorching hot, depending on whether a creature is in sunlight or shadow. The vacuum deals 11 (3d6) cold or fire damage to a creature at the start of each of its turns in the area. If cold damage (but not fire damage) from a vacuum drops a creature to 0 hit points or happens after they are already at 0 hit points, they suffer a lingering injury. The Narrator can dictate an injury and its effects or determine it by rolling a d4: 1—blindness, 2—burns, 3—loss of taste, 4—frostbite (see Table: Frostbite).

After a day of rest, the affected creature may make a DC15 Constitution saving throw , made with advantage if it has received medical attention since the exposure. On a success, the creature heals; on a failure, the affliction persists. The creature may make further Constitution saving throws after each subsequent day, but the DC increases by 1. If the creature fails three of these saves, the injury becomes permanent.

Zirkon Crystals (+2)

Zirkon is a rare natural crystal which dampens psionic energy. The cost to manifest psionic powers in an area containing zirkon crystals is doubled. Additionally, psionic powers of level III or less cannot penetrate solid zirkon barriers (see Objects).
 

Grey Traits

Characters with the grey heritage share a variety of traits in common.

Age. Greys are fairly long-lived, reaching adulthood at around 30 years of age, and entering old age at about 150.

Size. Greys stand about 5 feet in height, but their frames are very slender, weighing around 75lbs. Your size is Small.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet. Natural Psionics. All greys are born with inherent psionic abilities. You learn two psionic reflexes which do not count towards any limit to the number of reflexes you may know.

Telekinesis. You can freely telekinetically move and manipulate a single object which you can see within 30 feet, weighing up to 3 pounds, a distance of up to 30 feet. If the object is held by another creature, they can make a Strength saving throw against a DC equal to 8 + your Wisdom ability modifier + your proficiency bonus to prevent you from moving it. If the object would normally require a Strength check to move, you must make a Wisdom check to move it against the same DC. You can only move one object at a time using this feature, and you cannot use it to make attacks.

Grey Gifts

Grey Gifts In addition to the traits found in your grey heritage, select one of the following gifts.

Improved Telekinesis

You can freely telekinetically move and manipulate a single object weighing 10 pounds or less which you can see within 60 feet.

If the object is held by somebody else, they can make a Strength saving throw against a DC equal to 8 + your Wisdom ability modifier + your proficiency bonus .

If the object would normally require a Strength check to move, you must make a Wisdom check to move it against the same DC. You can only move one object at a time using this feature, and you cannot use it to make attacks.

Telekinetic Shield

You maintain a telekinetic shield to protect yourself from damage. When you are not using a shield, you can use your bonus action to gain temporary hit points equal to 3 times your proficiency bonus . The temporary hit points wear off after 1 minute. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus. Your uses reset when you finish a long rest .

Grey Paragon

When you reach 10th level, you are an exemplar of greykind, and you gain one paragon gift from the following list.

Greater Shield

Prerequisite: Telekinetic Shield

Your telekinetic shield grants you even more protection. When you are not using a shield, the temporary hit points granted by your Telekinetic Shield feature are doubled to 6 times your proficiency bonus.

Greater Telekinesis

Prerequisite: Improved Telekinesis

You can freely telekinetically move and manipulate a single object weighing 30 pounds or less which you can see within 100 feet. If the object is held by somebody else, they can make a Strength saving throw against a DC equal to 8 + your Wisdom ability modifier + your proficiency bonus .

If the object would normally require a Strength check to move, you must make a Wisdom check to move it against the same DC.

You can only move one object at a time using this feature, and you cannot use it to make attacks.

Grey Culture

If there is an original homeworld for the grey species, nobody knows what it is–except, perhaps, the greys themselves. Greys are found everywhere, and are prolific travelers and explorers–indeed many civilizations’ first contact with alien life is with a grey. A generally benevolent species, most greys avoid conflict when they can. Grey enclaves or exploration ships are the closest one usually comes to grey society. Greys are rarely found alone; they find comfort in the presence of other minds, and their innate psionic nature means that they become miserable and withdrawn when denied the company of others, and those left alone for too long can become ill, or even die.

Suggested Cultures

While you can choose any culture for your grey character, the following cultures are linked closely with this heritage: enlightened , stoic , technetronic .

In a fleeting and inhospitable cosmos, all that matters to some is having the strength to live and die with honor. On a small scale, honorbound cultures adapt extremely well to harsh environments—their enclaves are found even on the remotest planets. On a larger scale, the honorbound culture may be but one culture within a larger civilization. In this case, it is likely followed by a particular subset of the population, most often the warrior class.

For the honorbound, duty is a priority in all things. The particulars vary between individual communities, but they often focus on honesty, valor, and a sense of fairness. Compassion and charity towards the weaker or less fortunate is a great virtue among the rich, strong, and powerful, and all are expected to fulfill their roll to the utmost. Even the most mundane work brings its own kind of honor if done with diligence.

Those who are found violating the community’s terms of honor are expected to feel an equal amount of shame (often along with their families) and to make public shows of remorse and recompense, such a performing community service or making a large donation to a righteous cause or religious institution. The more prominent the member of the culture, the more substantial their reparations to their people must be. Many such cultures espouse the idea of death before dishonor, and to willingly dishonor oneself is to become a pariah at best.

Characters raised in an honorbound culture share a variety of traits in common with one another.

Gentler Pursuits. While combat and physical capabilities are important to your culture, there is little respect for one who spurns intellect and beauty. You are proficient with your choice of either Culture, Performance, two musical instruments, or two artisan’s tools.

Peak Performance. You have trained relentlessly to become a paragon of physical capability. Choose two from Athletics, Acrobatics, or Intimidation. You are proficient with the chosen skills.

Save Face. You are careful not to show weakness, lest your capabilities or dedication be questioned. If you miss with an attack roll or fail an ability check, you can gain a bonus to the roll equal to the number of allies you can see within 30 feet of you (maximum +3), possibly changing a failure into a success.
Once you use this trait, you cannot do so again until you finish a short or long rest.

Weapon Training. You have been taught the ways of combat from an early age. You gain proficiency with 2 martial weapons of your choice and with starship weapons.

Languages. You can read, sign, speak, and write Common, plus one other language.

Houseki Traits

All characters with the houseki heritage share the following traits.

Age. Houseki do not die of old age. They reach maturity somewhere between 40 and 150 years.

Size. The growth process of the houseki is not fully understood. Your size is based on your adventuring tier. At Tier 0 you are Small and weigh between 50 and 75 pounds; at Tier 1 you are Small and weigh about 100 pounds; at Tier 2 you are Medium and weigh between 200 and 300 pounds; at Tier 3 you are Medium and weigh between 300 and 400 pounds; and at Tier 4 you become Large and weigh in excess of 400 pounds.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 25 feet.

Crystalline. As a crystalline creature, you do not need to breathe, and are unaffected by vacuum. Additionally, you are immune to poisons and poison damage, but when you take thunder damage you make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or become rattled until the end of your next turn.

Enervore. You consume energy instead of food. A small hand-held electronic device contains enough power to constitute 1 Supply for you.

Grinding. When you move, you cannot hide the tinkling and grinding noises of your crystalline joints. Unless you remain still, you make Stealth checks with disadvantage.

Houseki Gifts

Houseki characters may choose one of the following gifts.

Color-change

Whenever you take a long rest, you may alter the color of your crystalline body. You can only be one color all over, usually choosing from red, blue, green, and yellow. The color you choose grants you resistance to one damage type–fire (red), cold (blue), acid (green), or radiant (yellow).

Crystal Healing

Your crystalline body repairs itself at a rapid rate, visible as new crystals form and grow. You can use an action to expend one hit die, rolling it and adding your Constitution modifier. You recover that many hit points.

Implacable

Houseki are noted for their slow, ponderous nature. You have advantage on saving throws made to resist the charmed , confused , and frightened conditions.

Jagged Crystal

Jagged crystals protrude from your body. Creatures who hit you with a natural melee weapon take 1d4 piercing damage.

Houseki Paragon

When you reach 10th level, you have grown into a paragon of houseki-kind. Choose one of the following paragon gifts.

Hard As Diamond

Your crystalline body is as tough as diamond. You gain resistance to slashing and piercing damage.

Ponderous

You are so slow and deliberate in your thoughts that you rarely make mistakes. When you make an Intelligence or Wisdom check, any roll of less than 10 on the d20 counts as a 10. This does not apply to attack rolls or saving throws .

Shockwave

As a bonus action you can emit the energy you consume as a spherical shockwave emanating from you. All creatures within 10 feet of you must make a Strength saving throw with a DC equal to 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier. On a failure, the target takes 6d8 force damage and is pushed 10 feet and knocked prone . On a success, the target takes half damage and is not pushed or knocked prone. Once you have used this feature you cannot use it again until you take a long rest .

Houseki Culture

The houseki don’t ask for a lot in life, do not tend to seek wealth or glory, and it is not uncommon to see a houseki perfectly content with a role as a laboror, engineer, or even a bartender. Houseki society is quiet, contemplative, and slow. Houseki are–usually–very good natured, and it is almost unheard of to see one lose their temper or display anger.

Houseki are very at-home in space, need little in the way of excitement or company, and are generally unaffected by trivial details like atmosphere or temperature. They are often found on starship crews, asteroid mining outfits, and remote outposts. Comfortable with their own company, a houseki is able to spend extended periods of time alone, and it is unusual to find groups of houseki away from their homeworlds.

Suggested Cultures

The houseki can be found throughout known space. However, the following cultures are linked closely with this heritage: belter , enlightened , stoic , underclass .

Hurroc Traits

All characters with hurroc heritage share the following traits:

Age. Hurrocs reach physical maturity at around 18–20 years of age and die of natural causes at around 150.

Size. Most hurroc have an imposing stature and stand between 6 and 7 feet tall and average about 250 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Lesser Darkvision. You have darkvision to 30 feet.

No Use For Doubt. You gain an expertise die on saving throws against fear effects.

Adrenal Burst. Hurroc can use their adrenaline to perform incredible feats of physical prowess. You can choose to gain advantage on any Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution check, attack roll, or death saving throw. Once you have done so, you cannot use this feature again until you have taken a short or long rest .

Hurroc Gifts

The hurrocs’ survival prowess does not present in only one form. Like all heritages, they are varied and adaptable, filling a wide range of roles across the cosmos. Choose one of the following gifts.

Adrenal Surge

The adrenal glands for which Hurroc are known are even more pronounced in your metabolism. You can use your Adrenal Burst feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus between long rests .

If you do not already have the Adrenal Burst trait, you gain the Adrenal Burst trait instead.

Deadly Horns

Your horns are particularly sharp and are considered to be natural weapons with which you are proficient. You can make a horn attack which does piercing damage equal to 1d6 + your Strength bonus, and if your target is a creature of your Size or smaller it must make a Strength saving throw vs. your maneuver DC or be knocked prone .

Indomitable

The adrenaline which permeates your body lends you courage. You are immune to the frightened condition. Additionally, if you have the Adrenal Burst trait, can use a bonus action to use your Adrenal Burst feature to recover a number of hit points equal to three times your proficiency bonus .

Resilient

While all hurroc are physically tenacious, you have a particularly tough physique and determined mindset that’s unusually difficult to harm. You gain the following traits:

Naturally Armored. While you aren’t wearing armor, your AC equals 13 + your Constitution modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit.

Diehard. When you are reduced to 0 hit points, you are instead reduced to 1 hit point. You cannot use this trait again until you have taken a long rest .

Hurroc Paragon

The trials you encounter on your path to 10th level have made you one of the most impressive of your people. Choose one of the following paragon gifts.

Iron Core

Prerequisite: Resilient

Your adventures have made you one of the hardiest of your kind. You gain one additional hit point per level, as well as resistance to poison damage and an expertise die on saving throws against poison effects. Additionally, your Constitution score increases by 1, to a maximum of 20.

Unstoppable

Your tenacity and determination know no bounds. You are unaffected by difficult terrain , immune to the slowed condition, and your armor class increases by 1.

Relentless Pursuit

Like the greatest warriors and hunters of legend, your skill for pursuing your enemies knows little equal. Your base Speed increases by 10 feet. You gain both a climb speed and a swim speed equal to your base Speed. In addition, your dextrous grip means you can climb even on difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without having to make an ability check. Additionally, you gain an expertise die on Perception and Survival checks made to track.

Hurroc Culture

Hurrocs are most often associated with militant cultures but they are more than just warriors. While hurrocs most often leave their planet of origin in vast armies, after the war and glory are won they are left to begin new families wherever their battles have ended. Even those not raised with such ethics often seek fulfillment in less traditional pursuits that still reward their hard-wired pugnacity, finding victory on virtual battlefields as hackers, in academia as single-minded researchers, or as (mostly) metaphorical raiders in corporate takeovers.

Suggested Cultures

The hurroc have traveled the cosmos as valued mercenaries, soldiers, diplomats, and even scholars and merchants. However, the following cultures are linked closely with this heritage: honorbound , imperium , militant , rebel .

Duty, diligence, and sacrifice. While they are important to any civilization, they are the central conceits of most empires. Such civilizations seek to expand their borders to fuel their growing needs, which in turn expands its borders and increases the cost of governance, repeating the vicious cycle. However, this “progress” does not come without cost from its people. Soldiers, civilians, and even entire worlds may fall securing resources for the ever-teeming masses of the empire. It is the greatest hope of the imperial leadership that star charts will, some day within their lifetime, show that the empire has no borders. That all will have been welcomed into it—either through diplomacy or the barrel of a blaster.

Full citizens in the heart of such an empire live quite comfortably, and though there are always discrepancies in wealth and power even the near-destitute enjoy comforts and luxuries unheard of in distant colonies. Medicine and education, relatively safe streets at night, a judicial system that generally works for them rather than against them—all are taken for granted as a base living standard. Regardless, every adult citizen must be prepared to join when conscription begins on their world. After all, sacrifices must be made for the greater good.

Characters raised as an imperium subject share a variety of traits in common with one another.

Conscript. All citizens must register for the draft and receive basic training packets and educational courses on blaster safety, as well as basic vehicle skills. You are proficient with pistols and rifles. You also have proficiency with land, air, and space vehicles.

Sheltered Education. Those at the safe center of empires often have privileged access to fine teachers and the opportunity to follow academic interests that might otherwise be too impractical. You gain proficiency in History and either Culture, Nature, Performance, or Religion.

Station in Society. As a citizen of the empire you benefited from some measure of station that those outside your society did not. When interacting with merchants from a sector associated with your empire, you are able to use your station to secure a 10% discount on most goods and services.

Languages. You can read, sign, speak, and write Common and one other language.

Keridani Traits

Characters with the keridani heritage share a variety of traits in common with one another.

Age. Keridani physically mature at a similar rate as humans. They intellectually mature faster, as they possess lifetimes of memories from birth, but their emotional maturity develops at the same rate as their bodies. Keridani can live to be 200 years old without advanced medicine.

Size. Keridani are tall and slim, typically standing between 6 and 7 feet tall. They have similar masses as humans, and are thus built lighter. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Telepathy. Keridani are able to communicate mentally with others. You can speak telepathically to any creature you can see within 60 feet of you that shares a language with you. This does not give the creature the ability to respond to you telepathically.

Venomous Mandibles. Your mandibles are natural weapons, which you can use to make unarmed strikes that deal piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier. A creature damaged by your mandibles makes a Constitution saving throw . The DC for this saving throw is 8 + your Constitution modifier + your proficiency bonus. A creature takes 2d4 poison damage on a failed save. You can use the poison element of this feature number of times equal to your proficiency bonus before you need to take a long rest .

Adhesive Pads. Keridani are able to secrete adhesive fluid from their hands and feet, helping them to climb. You gain an expertise die on ability checks made to climb and on saving throws to resist being disarmed .

Keridani Gifts

Keridani are exemplified by their mental control, their telepathy, and their ancestral memories. In addition to the traits found in your keridani heritage, select one of the following gifts.

Ancestral Walking

Some keridani have stronger ties to their ancestral memories. They gain access to the skills and wisdom of their ancestors as they lucidly walk through those past lives. Whenever you finish a long rest , choose one skill , tool, or language. You are proficient with the chosen skill, tool, or language until you complete a long rest. If you were already proficient, you instead gain an expertise die .

Empathic Sense

Some keridani display more sensitive innate psychic ability than others. You are able to sense emotions in creatures you can see. A creature may attempt to hide their emotions from you by making a Deception check vs. your passive Insight .

Stronger Poison

Your poisonous bite is even more toxic. Your target makes their saving throw against it at disadvantage , and additionally gains the slowed condition upon a failed save. The target may make a saving throw at the end of each turn to end the condition.

If you do not already have the Venomous Mandibles trait, you gain the Venomous Mandibles trait instead.

Telepathic Bond

You can create a mental link between you and up to a number of willing creatures equal to your proficiency bonus. For the next hour, you and the targets can speak telepathically with each other. You need physical contact in order to create the bond, but once it is established it continues to operate no matter the distance, as long as you are on the same plane of existence. After you use this trait, you must complete a long rest before you can use it again.

Keridani Paragon

It takes a lifetime of experience to master one’s mental abilities. Upon reaching 10th level, you gain one of the following paragon gifts.

Ancestral Awakening

Prerequisite: Ancestral Walking

You can channel the skills and strengths of your forebears. Each time you use this feature, choose two ability scores to represent these ancestors. As a bonus action, you can gain an expertise die to all rolls using the chosen ability scores for 1 minute. Once you have used this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency modifier, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest .

Inscrutable Mind

Your insectoid mind is almost impenetrable. You are immune to effects which would detect or read your thoughts or emotions, and you have advantage on saving throws made to resist the charmed , confused , frightened , or rattled conditions, or to maintain concentration. Finally, you recover one level of strife any time you take a long rest , even if you are not at a haven .

Telepathic Intrusion

Prerequisite: Empathic Sense

Your empathic sense becomes sensitive enough to read the very thoughts of your targets. You learn the read mind psionic power and can activate it once per long rest without expending psionic points. Choose Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma to be your manifesting ability for this power. Once you make this choice, you cannot change it. If you have a psychic reservoir and are able to use psionic powers, you can activate this power with those points as normal.

Keridani Culture

Keridani are stoic thinkers, aspiring towards peace and enlightenment, though such aspirations must often be put aside for more immediate concerns of survival. The insectoid people were born of struggle on their harsh homeworld and they found life among the stars no easier. Their early diplomatic efforts fell on warlike ears, and their enlightened age has been marred by countless conflicts. Still, keridani have spread throughout the stars, still stoic, still learning, and perhaps wiser for the hurdles they’ve overcome. Day to day life for keridani is one of ritual and rote, simple activities and chores they set their bodies to while their minds are deep within their own psyches or communing with their neighbors. To outsiders they seem like blank husks robotically performing pointless rituals, but inside they are alight and living. Keridani are reflective, introspective, and awash with emotional vibrancy that rarely transitions outwardly into the expressions or inflections that other beings relate to. Most desperately want to make these sorts of connections with other beings, though, a drive that often leads them down the dangerous and exciting life of a voidrunner.

Suggested Cultures

While you can choose any culture for your keridani character, the following cultures are linked closely with this heritage: backwater , drifter , enlightened , stoic , union .

While medical advances make many common health hazards inconsequential, some maladies still present a threat to voidrunners who are unlucky enough to suffer them.

Treating a diseased creature over the course of a short rest with a successful Medicine check (tier 1: DC 10, tier 2: DC 14, tier 3: DC 18, tier 4: DC 22) grants advantage on its next saving throw against the disease.

Severe diseases. The diseases below are presented in their most common form. Sometimes a more severe version of a disease is encountered. These diseases are considered one tier higher, and all saving throws made against the disease are made at disadvantage .

Mental stress effects. Some maladies inflict a short or long-term mental stress effect (see Appendix A of the Adventurer’s Guide). The duration of these effects is noted in the malady’s description.

Fatigue and strife. Some maladies either inflict levels of fatigue or strife , or they prevent the victim from recovering levels of fatigue or strife, even if they are able to rest at a haven.

Recovery. Each malady describes the ways in which a victim might recover. Typically this requires three successful consecutive saving throws.

Apoplectic Psychosis (Tier 2)

This disorder affects the emotional regulation of the brain, resulting in extreme anger and aggression. Victims are provoked to outburst of rage by insignificant triggers, often resulting in violence.

A creature which contracts apoplectic psychosis gains the enraged condition. Additionally, they suffer from the enraged mental stress effect.

Recovery. The victim makes a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw after each long rest. After three consecutive successful saving throws, the victim recovers.

Brainpox (Tier 3)

This virus affects the brain and nerve centers of its victim. It is often caught via physical contact, especially via the eyes or nose. The victim begins to lose their senses of sight and hearing, with paralysis being the end result.

At the end of each week, the victim must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw . After the first failure, the victim gains the blinded condition. After the second failure, they gain the deafened condition. After the third failure, the victim gains the paralyzed condition and stops making weekly saving throws.

Recovery. On a successful weekly saving throw, the victim loses the most recent of those three conditions which it gained via this malady. Once they have made a successful saving throw while not suffering from one of the conditions, they recover.

Victims which have reached the paralysis stage of this malady do not recover naturally. However, a DC 21 Medicine check performed by a practitioner who keeps the victim under their care for a full week removes the paralyzed condition and allows the victim to resume making weekly saving throws.

Cellular Shingles (Tier 2)

This painful viral infection, affects the victim at a cellular level. While it is not life-threatening, it is intensely painful. The victim develops rashes and blisters all over their body, and becomes very sensitive to bright lights.

A creature which has contracted cellular shingles gains the agonized condition.

Recovery. The victim makes a DC 15 Constitution saving throw after each long rest. After three consecutive successful Constitution saving throws, the victim recovers.

Orman’s Syndrome (Tier 2)

This illness attacks the neural structures of the brain, gradually causing memory loss. By the time it reaches its conclusion, the victim loses all sense of identity and all long-term memories. The victim will not recognize close friends or family members, or recall their own name, career, or skills.

At the end of each long rest, the victim must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw . On a failure, their Wisdom score is reduced by 1 point and they spend that day suffering from the amnesiac condition.

A creature whose Wisdom is reduced to zero suffers complete, permanent amnesia.

Recovery. After three consecutive successful Wisdom saving throws, the victim recovers and their Wisdom score returns to its normal value.

Macrovirus (Tier 1)

This airborne illness is particularly dangerous because it reduces the victim’s desire to actually do anything about it. The illness causes extreme lethargy, worsening to the point where the victim will not eat, and simply wastes away.

A creature which has contracted macrovirus cannot recover fatigue during a long rest, even if they are in a haven.

Recovery. Creatures with macrovirus do not recover on their own. However, it can be treated with daily DC 12 Medicine checks, with the victim recovering after three consecutive successful checks.

Psionic Evervation Syndrome (Tier 2)

This malady only affects creatures with psionic ability. After every long rest, the creature makes a DC 15 saving throw using its psionic ability score. On a failed saving throw, the creature’s maximum psionic points are reduced by 1 point.

Recovery. After three consecutive successful saving throws, the victim recovers. Their psionic pool recovers by 1 point per long rest until it has been restored to its normal value.

Psychic Melancholia (Tier 2)

This malady plunges the victim into a rapid, increasing spiral of depression. After each long rest, the victim must make a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw . On a failed save, the victim gains one level of strife .

A creature which has contracted psychic melancholia cannot recover strife during a long rest, even if they are in a haven.

Recovery. After three consecutive successful Wisdom saving throws, the victim recovers.

Radiation Sickness (Tier 2)

Radiation is deadly, and those exposed to it risk contracting radiation sickness. Symptoms include vomiting, intestinal pain, bleeding, hair loss, and fever.

A creature with radiation sickness is poisoned . Additionally, at the end of each long rest, the creature must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or their hit die maximum is reduced by 1 die. A creature whose hit die maximum is reduced to zero hit dice dies.

Recovery. Left alone, radiation sickness will result in death. However, it can be treated with daily DC 15 Medicine checks, with the victim recovering after three consecutive successful checks. The checks are made at advantage if anti-rad drugs are available (see Chapter 3: Equipment).

RAR-1 (Tier 3)

This frightening malady, Rapid Aging Retrovirus, causes its victims to age rapidly. It is believed that this malady is an artificially created bioweapon, but its specific origins are unknown.

A creature which has contracted RAR-1 ages one year during each long rest. For every 5 years in which the creature ages in this manner, its Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution ability scores are reduced by 1 point. When any of these scores reaches zero, the victim dies of old age.

Recovery. Creatures with RAR-1 do not recover on their own. However, it can be treated with weekly DC 21 Medicine checks, curing the victim after three successful checks. However, the victim does not recover the lost years, and remains at the biological age it reaches before it was cured. The victim recovers half (round up) of any lost ability score points.

Rigellian Fever (Tier 1)

This powerful virus causes extreme fever, sweating, and nausea, eventually resulting in the victim’s death. At the end of each long rest, the victim must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or suffer a level of fatigue .

Recovery. After three consecutive successful Constitution saving throws, the victim recovers.

Salt Plague (Tier 1)

This unpleasant disease feeds on the victim’s salt levels. The victim eventually loses their humanity as their salt cravings become so intense that they become violent, seeking the salty blood of other victims. This malady has many things in common with legends of vampirism.

A creature which has contracted salt plague suffers intense fatigue if it does not consume sufficient salt. It can draw salt from the blood of other living creatures, making an unarmed attack roll, and dealing 1d4 piercing damage on a hit. Each day, the creature must successfully drain salt three times from one or more living creatures or gain one level of fatigue .

Normal salt deposits, or even table salt, can help to alleviate the cravings. A creature with salt plague which consumes regular salt can make a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw. On a success that dose of salt counts as one of their three required doses per day. On a failure, the salt has no effect. A creature can only attempt to alleviate cravings in this way three times per day.

Recovery. The only cure for salt plague is isolation. After 7 days with no intake of salt, the victim is cured of the malady–if they survive the process.

Space Dementia (Tier 1)

Space dementia affects a small number of space travelers when they first encounter FTL speeds. It can be treated, but left alone it will result in hallucinations, and madness.

After each long rest , the victim must make a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw . On a failed saving throw, the victim suffers a randomly determined short-term mental stress effect (see Trials & Treasures) until their next long rest.

Recovery. Space dementia is usually temporary. The victim recovers after a single successful Wisdom saving throw.

Space Ennui (Tier 1)

The void affects different people in different ways. Space ennui degrades the victim’s emotional centers, causing depression, weariness, and apathy. The victim simply stops caring about things, including their own interests, hobbies, friends, family, and even food.

At the end of each long rest , the victim must make a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw . On a failure, they spend that day suffering from the placid condition. Medical treatment cannot assist with these saving throws, and the victim does not make the saving throws at advantage as normal when under medical care.

A creature which has contracted space ennui cannot recover strife during a long rest, even if they are in a haven.

Recovery. After three consecutive successful Wisdom saving throws, the victim recovers.

Some cultures embrace the principles of trade and commerce almost to the exclusion of all else. Everything is a transaction, and everything has a price. In such societies, trading houses or corporations reign supreme, and the rules of commerce supersede other ethical considerations. Such rules encourage honesty in trade, as adherence to contracts is the foundation of a mercantile civilization, and the punishments for breach of contract are amongst the most severe in such jurisdictions.

Members of mercantile societies are often expert hagglers, and highly accomplished businessfolk, with an excellent grasp of legislation and an almost instinctual ability to estimate the value of anything.

Characters raised in a mercantile culture share a variety of traits in common with one another.

Accumulated Wealth. You start play with twice the credits you ordinarily would. If you are creating a character of higher than 1st level, this feature does not affect your starting wealth.

Expert Trader. Negotiation is a fundamental skill. You gain proficiency in Culture, Insight, and Persuasion.

Quick Valuation. You can readily determine the value of any object by examining it for one minute.

Languages. You can read, sign, speak, and write Common and two other languages.

Despite their endless variety, all humanoid races have a tendency for war. Militant cultures are steeped in traditions which value glory and honor and proudly display both whenever possible. In battle they follow their chosen warrior code to the hilt, and take pride in hopeless causes and valiant struggles between equals.

Militant cultures place the military at the center of society, venerating warriors above all others. Military prowess is taught from an early age, and military victory is rewarded while failure is often punished. Naturally, even militant societies need non-warriors to function, but such individuals are not treated with the same respect that those who choose the path of war do, often regarded as lesser citizens despite their importance to the running of the state.

These cultures can be violent in nature, with many disputes resolved by force of arms. Insults often result in duels, and vendettas between individuals and families can last decades.

Characters raised in a militant culture share a variety of traits in common with one another.

Dueling Challenge. You can issue a challenge of single combat to a single creature you can see who can hear and understand you. If that creature accepts your challenge, you enter a duel with them. When engaged in a duel, you gain an expertise die on attack rolls against your designated foe. If any other creature attacks your foe, or assists you in any manner, you no longer gain that expertise die.

Military Traditions. You are proficient in History, and gain a specialization in military history. You are also proficient with light armor, starship weapons, one martial weapon of your choice, and your choice of land, air, or space vehicles.

Quick Valuation. You can readily determine the value of any object by examining it for one minute.

Languages. You can read, sign, speak, and write Common and one other language.

Naato Traits

Characters with the naato heritage share the following traits:

Age. Naato are long-lived, reaching adulthood at about the age of 30, and becoming old-aged at around 150 years. Naato typically live about 200 years.

Size. Naato stand about 6 feet in height, weighing around 200 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Cold-blooded. When you take cold damage you are slowed until the end of your next turn.

Balancing Tail. You get advantage on ability checks and saving throws made to balance or avoid falling prone . Scales. When you are not wearing armor, your AC is equal to 13 + your Dexterity modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit.

Naato Gifts

In addition to the traits found in your naato heritage, select one of the following gifts.

Amphibious

You can breathe normally in both air and water and you have a swim speed of 30 feet.

Camouflage

While all naato have some ability to alter their coloring, you can use a bonus action to change the color of your scales to match your surroundings for a period of up to one minute. You gain advantage on Stealth checks. Once you have used this feature you cannot use it again until you have taken a long rest.

Spiky

When a creature grabs you it takes 1d6 piercing damage. Each turn it maintains the grab, it takes this damage again.

Tail Swipe

Your tail is edged with spikes, making it a potent weapon. You can use a bonus action to make an attack with your tail with a reach of 5 feet, and which counts as a natural weapon and does piercing damage equal to 1d4 + your Strength modifier. Alternatively, if you use it to trip your target with the knockdown basic maneuver, the target makes their saving throw at disadvantage .

Naato Paragon

Upon reaching 10th level, you become a personification of the ideals of your people. You gain one of the following paragon gifts.

Perfect Camouflage

Prerequisite: Camouflage

Your camouflage ability becomes more pronounced, enabling you to blend in perfectly with the environment. You can use a bonus action to become invisible . You remain invisible for as long as you continue to use your bonus actions to maintain your camouflage. If you take damage, you must make a Wisdom saving throw against a DC equal to 10 + the amount of damage, or your camouflage ends. Once you have used this feature you cannot use it again until you take a long rest.

Poison Breath

You are able to exhale poisonous fumes in a 15-foot cone in front of you. As an action, you exhale poisonous fumes, and all creatures (except yourself and other naato) in the area must make a Constitution saving throw or take poison damage equal to 3d8 + your Constitution modifier. The DC of this saving throw is 8+ your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier. You can use this feature a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, after which you must take a long rest before using it again.

Naato Culture

Naato do not traditionally form large communities, settling in smaller territorial or nomadic groups with fierce rivalries. As such, they make for natural wanderers and tend to be loners, often becoming bounty hunters or mercenaries for hire. This lack of evolutionary society has made naato very individualistic, and results in behavior which does not lend itself towards the benefit of the majority.

Naato do not tend to form large societies, and as such rarely develop technology on their own. They do not have any trouble adapting to new technology, however, and a naato wearing a mismatched collection of powered armor, weapons, and other gear, is not an uncommon sight.

Suggested Cultures

While you can choose any culture for your naato character, the following cultures are linked closely with this heritage: drifter , rustic , underclass .

Even in a densely populated galaxy teeming with space travelers, many worlds exist which have not yet joined that stellar community. Some may not even know that life even exists beyond their own horizon, while others may have been visited by life from beyond the stars–even if they don’t realize it.

Pre-industrial cultures are characterized by a lack of machines, limited production, and agricultural economies. Some are little more than simple villages and collections of farms; others may boast cities and palaces–these societies range from humble groups of hunter-gatherers to renaissance-era civilizations. Feudal governments and monarchies are common in such societies, but other forms of leadership can be found, including theocracies, republics, and other more unusual arrangements.

When a character hails from such a society, the wonders of voidrunning may be overwhelming at first, but many folk adapt and embrace their new life, and throw themselves into adventure with wild abandon.

Characters raised in a pre-industrial culture share a variety of traits in common with one another.

Rural Life. You are proficient in Animal Handling, Nature, and Survival. Additionally, you are proficient in your choice of an artisan's tool, a musical instrument, or smith’s tools.

Simple Cooking. You gain an expertise die on saving throws made to resist the effects of poisons.

Temporary Expert. You pick up new skills quickly. Each time you gain a level, you may choose to lose proficiency in one skill or tool and gain proficiency in a different skill or tool in its place. You cannot trade a skill proficiency for a tool proficiency, and vice versa.

Weather Sense. After observing an area for 1 minute, you can predict the weather in this terrain within the next 24 hours. You cannot foresee non-natural changes, but you can use an action to make an Insight or Perception check to notice them.

Languages. You can read, sign, speak, and write Common and one other language.

Psyche Unleashed

When the mind’s eye opens, a psion begins their journey towards self improvement, but the accidental triggering of a psychokinetic push in the wrong place at the wrong time might have dire consequences. And even when such an unleashing of psychic power actually ends up doing good rather than causing disaster, those that witness it (including the psychics themselves) may react in fear.

In the best case scenario, the burgeoning psychic has someone they can trust and a mentor they can seek out or study under. In the worst case, fear of these uncanny powers can drive many negative behaviors, even from the well-meaning.

Self-Empowered

Psions direct their thoughts, master their emotions, and temper their bodies. They are at the pinnacle of self actualization. Sometimes a psionicist’s powers are mistakenly attributed to dark, sorcerous ways or ancient religions. In truth, psionics is powered by an internal force, willed into being, cultivated through effort, and mastered by self discipline.

Creating a Psion

A psion’s personality often informs their psychic abilities and vice versa. You may be an athlete who excels in altering your physiology and augmenting your strength and speed. You might be an intellectual whose impatience with the incompetence of others has led you to habitually transfer your thoughts directly into their heads. Your psionic powers and abilities set you apart from others. As you create your psion, consider how this may have affected you. Did you hide your psychic talent? Do you still? What was your psionic awakening moment? Did it occur in early childhood or later in life? Were you supported in your efforts or shunned for your uncanny nature? Are your psychic talents more intellectual, sensory, or visceral in nature?

CLASS FEATURES

As a psion, you gain the following class features.

Hit Points

Hit Dice: 1d6 per psion level

Hit Points at 1st Level: 6 + your Constitution modifier

Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d6 (or 4) + your Constitution modifier per psion level after 1st

Proficiencies

Armor: Light armor, medium armor

Weapons: Simple weapons, medium mauls, tk gauntlets

Tools: None

Saving Throws: Constitution, Intelligence

Skills: Arcana, plus three from Animal Handling, Athletics, Insight, Investigation, Perception, Religion, and Stealth

Equipment

You begin the game with 200 credits which you can spend on your character’s starting weapons, armor, and adventuring gear. You can select your own gear or choose one of the following equipment packages. Also consult the Suggested Equipment section of your chosen background.

• Pensive Sage’s Package (cost 137 credits): antiinhibitive (2 uses), backpack, data wafer with historical lore, medium shock maul, canvas armor, focusing agent (2 uses), nano-bandage, notebook and pen, rations (10 Supply), psychic crystal (totem), two-person tent
• Commercial Telepath’s Package (cost 115 credits): personal communicator, slugger, synthweave, fine clothes
• Field Medic’s Package (cost 185 credits): antiseptic (5 uses), anxiety medication, blanket, 2 data wafers (medical journals), first aid kit (15 uses), flashlight, hyperweave armor, medium maul, handgun and 5 standard ammunition cartridges (20 ea.), smelling salts, sleeping bag, tactical case, two-person tent, universal airhypo.

Pionic Powers

At 1st level you have learned to tap into your reservoir of psychic energy to manifest and channel psionic powers.

Reflexes

At 1st level, you learn certain fundamentals of psionics. Level 0 psionic powers, called reflexes, can be channeled without spending psionic points. You learn one reflex of your choice from the psionics powers list. You learn additional reflexes of your choice at higher levels, as shown in the Reflexes Known column of the Psion table. Whenever you gain a level in this class, you can replace one of the psychic reflexes you know with another reflex from the psionics powers list.

Psionic Points

The Psion table shows the total number of psionic points you have. To use one of your psionic powers, you must expend a number of points equal to its level. When you finish a short rest, you may expend one or more hit dice to regain some of your energy. You gain a number of psionic points equal to the result, up to your total psionic points. You regain all spent psionic points when you finish a long rest.

Psionic Powers Known of Rating I And Higher

You know one level I psionic power of your choice from the psionic powers list.

Whenever your power rating increases, as shown in the Power Rating column of the Psion table, you learn one new power of your choice. This power must be of a level less than or equal to your power rating.

Additionally, when you gain a level in this class, you can replace one power you know with a different power of your choice. This power must also be of a level less than or equal to your power rating.

Psionics Ability

There are many paths to mental mastery. Choose Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma to be your psionics ability. Once you make this choice, you cannot change it. You use the chosen ability whenever a power or feature refers to your psionics ability. In addition, you use that ability modifier when setting the saving throw DC for a psionic power or feature and when making an attack roll with one.

Psionics save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your chosen ability modifier

Psionics attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your chosen ability modifier

Psionic Focus

You can use a psionic focus, such as a psychic crystal, for any of your powers. This enables you to concentrate on one additional power you know, as long as the sum of the powers’ levels is less than or equal to your power rating. If you have to make a check to maintain concentration, roll for both powers individually.

Psionic Blast

Starting at 1st level you learn to direct your mental energies as a focused blast. Choose a damage type from the following list: cold, fire, lightning, psychic, or thunder. Your Psionic Blast deals damage of the chosen type, also called your primary damage type. Once this choice is made it cannot be changed. You can use an action to strike a creature you can see within 30 feet. Make a ranged psionic attack against the creature, dealing 1d8 damage plus your psionic ability modifier of the chosen type. The damage dealt increases as you gain Psion levels, as shown in the Blast Damage column of the Psion table.

Cognitive Discoveries

At 2nd level you gain one cognitive discovery of your choice. As a psion, much of your exploration is inward facing. However, sometimes being aware of your surroundings is exactly what is needed to reach the next level of psionic mastery. Your discoveries are detailed at the end of the class description. The Discoveries Known column of the Psion table shows when you learn more cognitive discoveries. If you gain a bonus discovery, it does not count against your Discoveries known.

Psionic Speciality

When you reach 2nd level and again at 11th level, you can choose a psionic discipline to specialize in: dynakinetic, kinesthetic, telekinetic, or telepathic. All psionic powers belong to one or more of these disciplines. As your psionic power grows, your focused dedication allows you to manifest more strongly within one discipline over the others. You gain the following benefits from this focused specialization:

• You learn one power from this discipline. This power does not count against your number of powers known.
• Once per long rest you can manifest a power you know from this discipline without expending points from your reservoir as long as that power’s level doesn’t exceed your current power rating. You must still expend points for any surge options you wish to apply.

Unassailable Ego

At 2nd level, the ability to transform reality with the power of your mind requires removing any self-imposed limits or doubts. It requires a measure of belief that borders on blind faith. Choose one of the following features.

Ambition

You believe you are born for greatness and nothing must stand in your way; the rules that pertain to most don’t apply to you. You gain proficiency with History and Intimidation or an expertise die if you already have proficiency.

Order

You believe you must always follow a strict code, whether that be religious or legal. Whatever the consequences, the ends justify the means. You gain proficiency with Culture and Investigation or an expertise die if you already have proficiency.

Selflessness

You believe your powers must be used in service to a greater purpose. You gain proficiency with Medicine and Religion or an expertise die if you already have proficiency.

Psion Archetype

At 3rd level, you choose a psion archetype that reflects the journey upon which you have embarked, which are detailed at the end of the class description. Your choice grants you features at 3rd level and again at 7th and 15th level.