Android, Variant (5e Race)

Android

What separates androids from golems and other mindless constructs is that androids are living beings and as such possess souls. Similarly, androids don’t live forever, though, barring violence or tragedy, their bodies never deteriorate. Rather, an android’s cybernetic mind eventually shuts down and self-restarts after about a century or more, leaving its body vacant for several weeks as the old soul departs for its final reward in the Great Beyond and a fresh, new soul finds its way into the shell.

Physical Description

By Bob Garvin

Androids are superficially identical to humans in many ways, and to the uninformed, it can be difficult to differentiate the two. In the right light, though, androids’ alien nature is revealed by the metallic sheen in their eyes and the biological, tattoo-like circuitry that riddles their skin. Their bodies are completely artificial though, made of materials that mimic the flexibility, shape, and density of human flesh and bone. Their organs mirror those of humans so well that only by examining the materials and makeup of these systems—which use sheeny oils and polymer alloys rather than blood and marrow—could one guess that their physiology is alien. Androids are roughly the same size as humans. On average, they are 6 feet tall and weigh 200 pounds.

History

Shamans speak of great forges where androids are “born” from metal wombs and are cut from electrified umbilical cords. Even androids can’t refute or verify such stories since most who emerge from ruins do so naked and without any memories beyond their initial egress into the wide, unfamiliar world. Their complex design is unlike that of any race known, leading many to suspect that they originated from a distant star system or even another galaxy. These forges have long stopped working, making the androids a limited race.

It is speculated these androids are indeed alien technology, made to perhaps prolong life for those without a body. Most probable is the theory of extraterrestrial implants where the aliens build and leave a self-sufficient forge or factory on a planet. These forges then pump out, manufacture and maintain androids. These particular androids are desired and mimicked by human technology. However human technology is vastly inferior to these as they have no way to wire a soul like these androids were built to house. Ever since their discovery, humans have often sought after these rare models to help ensure their life after death in an ageless body. However, with so many imitations produced, people are hardpressed to differentiate androids now, which lets androids have some peace in their lives.

Society

Androids have no society. They try to blend in with the other humanoid races and become one with the community that they end up in. In human society, they are often viewed as commodities if their true nature is known. Otherwise, they can live free lives like humans and hold jobs and such. However, they rarely take families and often live very fast, exhilarating lives, as though thirsting for vivacity. They are sometimes known to take power in elected offices due to their programmed intellect.

Android Names

In an effort to blend in, many androids will take on human Names, and live out their lives under them.

Male: Lyle, Brian, Paul, Felix

Female: Lyra, Kiara, Pam

Android Traits

Living constructs with a soul.
Ability Score Increase. Your Dexterity, Constitution and Intelligence scores all increase by 1.
Age. An android ages as a normal human, though they start at age 0-years-old. Due to their technological nature, it is not known when an android dies of old age. They can be killed by any normal means that would fell a typical mortal.
Alignment. As androids have no set characteristics, they tend to adapt to their surroundings. And as such, their behavior is often based on the culture around them.
Size. Androids stand 6 feet tall. Rarely is a model that is smaller or taller than this height. Your size is Medium.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet.
Darkvision. 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.
Living Construct. Even though you were constructed, you are a living creature. You are immune to diseases. You do not need to eat or breathe, but you can ingest food and drink if you wish. Instead of sleeping, you enter an inactive state for 4 hours each day. You do not dream in this state; you are fully aware of your surroundings and notice approaching enemies and other events as normal.
Nanite Surge. Androids possess nanites within their body that can be used to repair any damage they sustain. As a bonus action, you may set these nanites to work and regain 1d6 + your proficiency bonus in hit points. The hit points increases to 2d6 at 6th level, 3d6 at 11th level, and 4d6 at 16th level. After you use your nanite surge, you can’t use it again until you complete a long rest.
Wired. As an android, you have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned and have resistance to poison damage. However, you have disadvantage in saving throws against acid and lightning damage.
Mechanical Mind. You notice patterns and shapes very easily. You are proficient in the Investigation skill.
Languages. You can speak, read and write Common, and one other language. This language is usually based on the people around you were created.

Random Height and Weight

Base Height	Height Modifier*	Base Weight	Weight Modifier**
6′ 0''	+1d4	200 lb.	× 1 lb.
*Height = base height + height modifier **Weight = base weight + (height modifier × weight modifier)

4.33

(3 votes)

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