artificial_lifeforms_sourcebook.pdf

The ship lurched as the disruptor blast hammered

into the starboard warp nacelle. The nacelle began

venting plasma into space, threatening to ignite and

send the U.S.S. Vindicator and her crew to a fiery

death.

“Captain,” said Lieutenant Pandora, the operations

officer, “we have been hit. Shields are down. We

are in danger of exploding.”

“Damn it, Pandora, tell me something that I don’t

know!” bellowed Captain McElroy. “What are our

options?”

“I suggest that we…” began the Lieutenant.

“Just do it!” interrupted McElroy.

With that, Pandora’s fingers danced like mercury

across the lighted panel and almost immediately the

ship regained its bearings. The bridge seemed to rock

slightly as the Akira -class vessel made a near-180º

turn.

The viewscreen showed the Vindicator launch a

barrage of quantum torpedoes toward the Borg

sphere. They shimmered and, much to the crew’s

surprise, pierced the enemy’s shields, striking the

sphere’s hull.

The Borg ship erupted in a ball of silent green flame.

The explosion knocked the Vindicator off her pre-

carious positioning, but Pandora quickly regained

control.

“How in the hell did you do that?” asked the captain.

“Quite simple, really,” replied Pandora. “I recog-

nized a pattern in the Borg vessel’s shield harmonics

and compensated by adjusting the resonance of the

torpedoes. It was a simple matter of…”

“That’s just right,” interrupted the captain once

again, “that’s just so. Set our heading for Starbase

114 and proceed at maximum warp.”

“Aye sir,” said the lieutenant.

“It’s really nice having you back aboard, Pandora,”

said the captain with a smile. “I’m glad your repairs

were completed ahead of schedule.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Introduction

Artificial lifeforms, from Soong-type androids like Data

and Lore, to the Exocomps, the sentient nanites, and even

Cravic Automated Units are all examples from the S TAR

T REK universe. V’ger, the synthetic Ilia, and Mudd’s an-

droids, too, are excellent examples of artificial intelligen-

ces from the original S TAR T REK . One could even include

the U.S.S. Voyager’s Emergency Medical Hologram as an

artificial lifeform.

And yet, despite these stellar examples of the variety of

artificial life present in the S TAR T REK universe, for some

reason we are not given rules to create synthetic beings

for use in our games. This is a sore point that must be

remedied.

I have therefore taken the task in hand and created a set

of rules for generating artificial beings for use in Last Uni-

corn Games’ S TAR T REK role playing series. The following

rules can be used to generate artificial lifeforms as player

characters or NPCs (as the Referee sees fit).

Since artificial lifeforms in S TAR T REK tend to appear

humanoid, then we will focus on beings of that type. To

begin, any anthropomorphic artificial lifeform should

appear human (or humanoid). Some, like Data and Lore,

resemble their creator to some degree. Others, like

Mudd’s androids, are designed to appear as perfect speci-

mens of a specific race. Regardless, most (but definitely

not all) artificial lifeforms encountered will be bipedal,

possessing two arms, two legs, a body, and a head. As

these specifications are standard for the majority of the

races characterized in S TAR T REK , there is no particular

point value assigned to them.

Other, more exotic body types are possible. Some artifi-

cial lifeforms may consist of nanites, mimetic polyalloys,

or biomolecular plastic. They may look more like appli-

ances than characters. They may even be simply sentient

programs in a computer core. Nevertheless these artifi-

cial beings all deserve some attention. If the Referee

wishes to utilize a synthetic lifeform other than a bipedal

humanoid robot or android, these rules can easily be ex-

panded to cover such beings.

In terms of Attributes, Edges, and Traits, it would seem

that the sky is the limit. A sufficiently powerful android

can be far stronger than even the most brutal Klingon

warrior can and more intelligent that the brightest Vulcan

scientist. For this reason, the highest Attribute scores

available to artificial humanoids should be 6. Edges are

also appropriate in many instances, both positive and

negative.

Traits are tricky. For a typical android, there is a package

of old and new Traits that should be considered standard.

Though designed to be as balanced as possible, some

Traits may be discarded from or added to this Template

to suit the needs of the particular campaign. For a run-of-

the-mill humanoid robot or android, use the Basic Tem-

plate presented here.

There are, as mentioned, other types of artificial life pre-

sent in the S TAR T REK universe. These lifeforms vary

widely in form and function, but the majority of those

encountered has appeared humanoid and was, in fact, cre-

ated by humanoid races.

Nevertheless, the rules presented here should allow for

the creation of any sort of artificial lifeform for use in any

S TAR T REK Role Playing Game setting. Just realize that

these are not “hard and fast” rules and are absolutely sub-

ject to the whims of the Referee.

Below is detailed a Template representing the typical

humanoid cybernetic lifeform (android or robot).

Artificial Lifeform – Humanoid (Typical)

Attributes

Fitness 3 [6]

Vitality +1

Strength +1

Coordination 2 [6]

Intellect 3 [6]

Logic +1

Presence 1 [5]

Empathy -1

Psi 0 [0]†

Standard Skills:

Any Science (choose Specialization) 1 (2)

Computers (Programming) 1 (2)

Culture (Creator’s Race) 1 (2)

Engineering, Theoretical (Cybernetics) 2 (3)

History (Creator’s Race) 1 (2)

Language

Varies (based on programmer’s language) 2

Physical Science (Mathematics) 2 (3)

Advantages/Disadvantages:

Eidetic Memory (+3), Multitasking (+2), Sense of Time (+1), As-

sisted Healing* (-5), Emotionless* (-3), Pacifism (Self Defense

Only) (-3), Synthetic Being* (+2 or +5)††

* Represents a new Trait

† Generally speaking, artificial lifeforms cannot possess Psi ability, but this is, as

always, up to the individual Referee. If unable to use such powers, then they should

probably possess the Telepathic Resistance Advantage.

†† If the Synthetic Being (+2) option is taken, then add ONE of the following Traits

to the Template: Battle Hardened +3, Engineering Aptitude +3, Mathematical Ability

+3, Pattern Recognition +3l, Scientific Genius +3, or Tactical Genius +3.

This is only a basic template. There are other Advantages

and Disadvantages that are equally applicable and may be

chosen in addition to or in place of those listed above.

This artificial humanoid is merely a standard model that

may be encountered during an Episode or Series. Though

not totally balanced in terms of points, it is pretty close.

Any alterations that the Referee feels necessary may be

made to alter the Template to suit a particular campaign.

Afterwards some new Advantages and Disadvantages are

listed, most of which are unique to artificial lifeforms.

Some apply to androids and robots while others apply to

other synthetic beings like sentient holograms and such.

The use of artificial lifeforms is an integral part of S TAR

T REK . The exploration of humanity is a powerful motiva-

tion for any character and even more so for one that is not

alive in a biological sense. I suggest you not use these be-

ings just to have a superhuman character, but rather to

explore the nature of humanity from the outside.

This information is presented only as a basic template

with some simple suggestions for using synthetic beings

in your games. These rules can be altered to suit your spe-

cific needs.

Though not specifically explained here, many of the

Traits listed may be used to create a fairly accurate cyborg

as well as a completely artificial lifeform.

Finally, synthetic beings can be used just as any other

character by developing that character using Overlays and

other Packages.

New Traits

There are many other Traits that are certainly appropri-

ate, but unless the artificial lifeform is biological in na-

ture, Traits relating to medical issues and healing are best

left alone.

Ageless (+3): Due to the nature of the artificial being, it

does not suffer the effects of age. In fact, its physical

specifications never change naturally. In order for an arti-

ficial lifeform to alter its physical structure, it requires a

complete reconstruction.

Rules governing aging characters as described in the TNG

Player’s Guide do not apply to synthetic beings (unless

they are organic).

This Advantage can also apply to non-artificial beings as

well (if circumstances warrant).

Assisted Healing (-5, -7): When damaged, whether by

accident or design (i.e. combat), the artificial lifeform

does not heal naturally and must be repaired. These types

of repairs depend on the severity of the damage. A

Stunned damage rating can be repaired by the lifeform

itself.

Injured status can be corrected by anyone with an Engi-

neering skill of 2 or higher. A Wounded synthetic must

be repaired by an engineer or scientist skilled in Engineer-

ing (Cybernetics) with a rating of at least 3 in that Spe-

cialization.

An Incapacitated android or other synthetic can only be

repaired aboard a starship or other sufficiently advanced

facility possessing at least a basic cybernetics laboratory,

while one Near Death can only be repaired at a Starbase

or other institution of cybernetic research (or by a Dra-

matic Success against high levels of Difficulty).

Any sort of a head shot (or strike to where the character’s

“brain” is located) may indicate damage to the being’s

mental faculties. These repairs must be made using both

Engineering (Cybernetics) and Computer (Programming)

skill rolls. The level of damage should indicate the Diffi-

culty of the task. Even a single failed repair roll can ir-

revocably damage the artificial lifeform (which could lead

to new Disadvantages).

Holograms and isomorphs are a special case. They are

subject to similar restrictions, but if a hologram’s matrix

is damaged it must be repaired by a professional (someone

possessing at least Computers (Holographic Program-

ming) 3 (4)) in an appropriate environment (a holodeck, a

holosuite, a holographics lab, etc.).

Holograms are unable to intentionally alter or repair their

own programming. This must be preformed by an out-

side source. For this reason, all holograms incapable of

self-repair possess this Disadvantage at -7 rather than -5.

Note that not all artificial beings possess this Disadvan-

tage; many are designed for self-repair or automated reini-

tialization.

Collective Will (-2, -4): Races (artificial or otherwise)

possessed of a Collective Will are at a distinct disadvan-

tage when disconnected from the main intelligence. Gen-

erally, drones are incapable of functioning effectively

when detached and receive a -1 penalty to all Skill rolls in

such a situation. A Collective Will may be natural or

artificial (mechanical) in nature.

Though still limiting, the -2 Disadvantage is somewhat

less crippling than the -4 point version. At the -2 level,

disconnected drones are capable of functioning independ-

ently, using their own Skills and knowledge, but at a pen-

alty as mentioned above. Permanently disconnected be-

ings can buy off this Disadvantage, reintegrating into a

normal society, but may experience flashbacks or night-

mares. Former groups may also seek disconnected

drones.

The -4 point version, however, is dangerous, even life

threatening. When disconnected from the Collective

Will, members of the race will become catatonic. They

will wither away and die shortly unless reconnected to

the Collective Will. Though completely incapable of in-

dependent thought or movement, members of this race

can survive for a number of days equal to their Fitness

score, or twice that if receiving external mental stimula-

tion (such as a cortical stimulator) and continuous medi-

cal supervision. Finally, they can be placed in stasis until

such time that they can rejoin the Collective Will; this

method can preserve a disconnected member indefinitely.

Races with the -4 point version are often (but not always)

unintelligent and function only by control of the Collec-

tive Will.

Computer Interface (+3): If cybernetic in nature, the

character is able to interface directly with typical (and

sometimes atypical) computer systems via a dataport,

injection tubules, or whatever. This includes not only

computer systems, but possibly other artificial lifeforms

as well. This provides two additional dice to any Com-

puter Skill roll involving the interfaced system (like data

alteration or programming).

Additionally, most Computer Tests are resolved in a frac-

tion of the normal time (most can be completed in one

round).

Cyborg (+2): Organic characters capable of purchasing

synthetic-specific Traits are considered cyborgs. Despite

the negative connotations associated with incorporating

technology into one’s body, many Federation citizens

(and others) choose to “better” themselves by receiving

cybernetic implants and alterations.

In order to possess any of the Advantages and/or Disad-

vantages listed as specifically for artificial lifeforms, char-

acters must purchase the Cyborg Advantage. This Trait

is often accompanied by Dark Secret (Cyborg) (-2).

Note that holograms cannot be cyborgs (though they can

be made to look like cyborgs).

Disturbing Appearance (-2): The synthetic character has

some feature that causes others (mainly humanoids) to

feel uneasy around it. This causes a penalty of one die to

all Social Skill rolls relating to those who would react

negatively to the character’s features.

Examples include Data’s extremely pale skin and yellow

eyes, the Cravic Automated Units’ lack of facial features,

or possibly other discrepancies such as glowing eyes, an

exceptionally inhuman voice, and so on. This is not lim-

ited to physical appearance; it also covers disturbing

behaviors as well.

Emotionless (-3): Similar to Hides Emotions (-2), but

more so. The synthetic being has no emotions whatso-

ever. Consequently the being cannot comprehend emo-

tions and therefore suffers a two dice penalty on all Pres-

ence skill rolls. Further, the being has exceptional diffi-

culty reacting to certain situations involving emotions

and appears cold and callous. Though used as a standard

Disadvantage for artificial lifeforms, this can be replaced

by another Trait of equal value if so desired (at the Refe-

ree’s discretion).

Until the inclusion of his emotion chip, Mr. Data suffered

from the Emotionless Disadvantage.

Hive Mind (varies): The race is connected mentally by

some mechanism, be it technological or biological. Due to

the nature of the link, it is generally resistant to standard

forms of disruption (i.e. energy surges, psionic interfer-

ence, etc.), functions instantaneously, and has an effec-

tively limitless range at the highest levels.

Point

Cost

Range

Effect(s)

may be extended to the next level at the cost of one addi-

tional point.

The Hive Mind Advantage may also be bought at a cost

of +1 point at a range of one light year IF there are no

Skills or Skill bonuses provided; this is simply a method

of silent, instantaneous communication among members

of a race.

All levels of the Hive Mind Advantage provide instanta-

neous communication to all participating units using ei-

ther an unknown telepathic means, by sending signals

through subspace, and so on.

Holographic Invulnerability (+3): Possessed by (and

ONLY by) holograms and isomorphs, this Advantage

illustrates the fact that, for all practical purposes, these

characters are unable to take damage from conventional

sources (hand-to-hand and melee attacks).

They can be harmed by energy weapons like phasers and

disruptors in the same fashion organic beings can, but the

effect is different; once a hologram receives enough dam-

age to Incapacitate it, it goes offline. At this point its

holographic matrix has been destabilizes to the point that

it can no longer manifest itself safely.

Damaging its source can also disable a hologram, be it a

holodeck module, a holoprojection matrix, or a mobile

emitter. Damage to these items will most likely cause the

program to fail, and, in a very bad situation, destroy the

program altogether if the hologram is stored in that loca-

tion. Generally, however, holograms are stored in mas-

sive computer mainframes and are merely projected from

various locations.

This does not mean that a hologram cannot cause damage

to others, however. In fact, many combat-oriented holo-

grams are quite capable of maiming or even killing a hu-

manoid target.

The only way to truly damage a holographic entity and

make sure that it doesn’t come back is by altering or eras-

ing its program. Holograms are simply massive amounts

of programming code and, provided they can be accessed,

are easily changed or deleted. Fortunately, most holo-

grams are coded with numerous levels of tamperproof

encryption and other safety protocols, but this is not al-

ways the case; someone else almost always has the access

codes to the hologram’s programming.

Informational Database (+2): The character is a veritable

encyclopedia of information. The computer brain of the

artificial being is literally filled with information on

thousands, possibly even millions of topics. Though this

does not provide additional Skills, it can (at the Referee’s

discretion) provide additional dice to research tasks and

other related Skill Tests.

Furthermore, in any event when some trivial piece of

knowledge is sought or required, the character may make

an Intellect Test against a Difficulty of 7 to determine if

it has any information on that particular topic.

All drones may access any 0-point Skills the Refe-

ree feels are appropriate to the hive mind

1 light year

All drones may access any Skills possessed by the

hive mind at level 1 or at +1 to an already existing

Skill

1,000 light years

All drones may access any Skills possessed by the

hive mind at level 2 or at +2 to an already existing

Skill

100,000 light years

All drones may access any Skills possessed by the

hive mind at level 3 or at +3 to an already existing

Skill

The cost of this Advantage increases by +1 if the Hive

Mind has subordinate repositories for the collective

knowledge (i.e. Borg cubes act as foci for the drones “at-

tached” to them). Further, an extra +1 may be added to

the cost of this Trait if the hive mind signals are en-

crypted or otherwise exceptionally difficult to decode us-

ing outside resources (minimum Difficulty of 12 to tam-

per with or decipher the hive’s signal). Finally, range

Infinite (includes

other dimensions)

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