COMPILED MODULE PLAYER RULES

pf2e-starships Module Supplement Rules

Document Purpose: This compilation provides player-facing rules from the pf2e-starships module - content that SUPPLEMENTS the base SF2E game (starships, colonies, companions, etc.).

For base SF2E game rules (checks, combat, spellcasting, conditions), see SF2E Player Rules

Version: 1.1 Last Updated: 2026-02-08

Source Documents: Adapted rules from pf2e-starships module

Related Resources:

• GM Rules: Module GM Rules - GM-facing rules including starship combat
• Item Catalog: Item Catalog - All module subsystem items
• Starship Catalog: Starship Catalog - All starship components
• Quick References: See Quick References for cheat sheets

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I: CHARACTER OPTIONS & ABILITIES

• Custom Ancestries & Species Creation (including Custom Heritages)
• Companion Rules (Acquisition, Bonding, Stats, Advancement)
• Character Modifications (Corruption Types, Resolve Conversion Feats, Pinnacle Augmentations)

PART II: EXPLORATION & DISCOVERY

• Planetary Exploration & Hexploration
• Core Exploration Activities
• EVA (Extravehicular Activity) Rules
• Deployable Structures & Tech Relics

PART III: DOWNTIME & PERSONAL ACTIVITIES

• Downtime Framework
• Specific Activities (Craft, Earn Income, Research, etc.)
• Long-Term Goals
• Colony & Settlement Management
• Casino & Gaming Rules

PART IV: COMBAT & TACTICAL

• Aquatic & Environmental Combat
• Vehicle Combat Basics (including Vehicle Modifications)
• Starship Combat Crew Roles
• NPC Crew Members (Hiring, Advancement, Morale)
• Fleet Actions Overview
• Starship Chases & Boarding
• Mech Combat Basics

PART V: SOCIAL & INTERPERSONAL

• Social Encounters
• Influence & Negotiation
• Hacking Overview (Player Perspective)

PART VI: TRAVEL & COMMERCE

• Galactic Trade System
• Four-Step Trade Process
• Finding Cargo & Buyers
• Build Point Currency
• Scaling Equipment

PART VII: HAZARDS & SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTS

• Environmental Hazards (Aquatic, Radiation, Vacuum)
• Space Environment Rules
• Spells and Starship Scale (What Magic Can and Cannot Do)
• Digital Anomalies

PART VIII: MAGIC & MYSTICISM

• Planar & Dimensional Travel
• Planar Traits and Hazards

PART I: CHARACTER OPTIONS & ABILITIES

1. Custom Ancestries & Species Creation

This system allows players to create original playable ancestries using PF2E's ancestry framework as the foundation.

Design Philosophy: Species represent broad cultural and biological tendencies, not individual exceptions. Work collaboratively with your GM and fellow players to ensure both mechanical and narrative balance.

Ancestry Creation Framework

Step 1: Ability Boosts and Flaws

Choose one of the following patterns:

Option A - Flexible (Recommended):

• Two Free Ability Boosts
• Gain two ability boosts to different ability scores of your choice

Option B - Specialized:

• Two Specific Ability Boosts
• One Ability Flaw
• Choose two specific ability scores to receive +2 boosts and one score to receive a -2 flaw

Step 2: Hit Points

Select your ancestry's Hit Points based on physical resilience:

Step 3: Size and Speed

Size Categories:

• Small: 5-foot reach, easier to hide, -5 HP
• Medium: 5-foot reach, standard (most common)
• Large (Rare): 10-foot space, 5-foot reach (or 10-foot reach with appropriate ancestry feature)

Base Speed: 25 feet (typical)

Additional Movement Types (Optional, choose one):

• Burrow 15 feet
• Climb 20 feet
• Fly 20 feet (clumsy maneuverability)
• Swim 25 feet

Alternative: Reduce land speed by 5 feet to increase secondary speed by 5 feet

Step 4: Senses

Choose one sensory package:

Standard Package:

• Normal vision (no special senses)

Enhanced Vision:

• Low-Light Vision

Superior Vision:

• Darkvision (60 feet)

Specialized Sense:

• Scent (imprecise, 30 feet)
• Echolocation (imprecise, 30 feet)
• Lifesense (imprecise, 30 feet)
• Thoughtsense (imprecise, 30 feet)
• Tremorsense (imprecise, 30 feet)

Step 5: Traits and Creature Type

Primary Trait: Choose one that defines your species (Humanoid, Aberration, Plant, Undead, Construct, etc.)

Optional Traits (choose up to 2):

• Amphibious
• Aquatic
• Elemental Affinity (specific element)
• Uncommon or Rare (for truly exotic species)

Step 6: Special Abilities

Each custom species gains abilities equal to:

• One Major Ancestry Feature (equivalent to a strong heritage), OR
• Two Minor Ancestry Features (equivalent to typical ancestry features)

Major Ancestry Features (Choose One)

Breath Weapon

Frequency: Once per hour Action: Two Actions Effect: You exhale a 30-foot cone dealing 1d6 damage of a chosen energy type (acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic). Creatures in the area must attempt a basic Reflex save against your class DC or spell DC (whichever is higher). The damage increases by 1d6 at 3rd level and every 2 levels thereafter.

Easily Augmented

You can install an additional augmentation into a single body system that already has an augmentation. This allows you to exceed the normal "one augmentation per system" limit for one chosen system.

Natural Weapons

You have natural weapons that are always available. Choose bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage. Your unarmed attacks with these natural weapons deal 1d6 damage instead of the usual 1d4, and they don't have the nonlethal trait.

At 5th level, these weapons gain the effects of a +1 striking rune. At 13th level, they gain the effects of a +2 greater striking rune.

Projectile Attack

Frequency: Once per hour Action: One Action Effect: You can project a natural ranged attack (quills, bone shards, energy discharge) with a range of 60 feet. Make a ranged Strike that deals 1d6 damage (choose bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing when you gain this ability). The damage increases by 1d6 at 3rd level and every 2 levels thereafter.

Skilled

You gain an additional skill increase at 1st level and at every level thereafter. You can use this increase only to train in a new skill or become an expert in a skill you're already trained in.

Spellcasting

You can cast one cantrip and one 1st-rank spell from the arcane or primal spell list as innate spells. The cantrip is a cantrip of your choice, heightened to a spell rank equal to half your level rounded up. The 1st-rank spell can be cast once per day. Your innate spell DC is calculated using your Charisma modifier.

Minor Ancestry Features (Choose Two)

Damage Resistance

You have resistance 5 to one damage type (acid, cold, electricity, fire, sonic, bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing). This resistance increases to 10 at 9th level and 15 at 17th level.

Enhanced Defense

Choose one: You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to AC, or you gain a +1 circumstance bonus to one save (Fortitude, Reflex, or Will).

Exceptional Fortitude

You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Fortitude saves.

Exceptional Reflexes

You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Reflex saves.

Exceptional Will

You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to Will saves.

Extended Reach

Your reach increases by 5 feet when you take the Lunge action, and you can make Attacks of Opportunity with your increased reach.

Extra Combat Feat

You gain a 1st-level class feat from your class. You must meet the feat's prerequisites.

Fast Movement

Increase one of your Speeds by 5 feet.

Multiarmed (4 Arms)

You have four arms. You can Interact or Release with all your arms when you use that action, and you can hold up to four hands' worth of items. However, your additional arms don't increase the number of actions you can take per turn beyond your normal action economy.

Resilient

You gain a +2 circumstance bonus to saving throws against one category of effect (disease, fear, illusion, mental, poison, or sleep).

Skill Training

You gain training in two skills of your choice, or expert proficiency in one skill you're already trained in.

Optional Weaknesses

Weaknesses are optional and do not grant additional abilities. They add flavor and vulnerability to your species.

Custom Heritages (Alternative to Full Ancestry Creation)

Rather than creating an entirely new ancestry, you can create a custom heritage for an existing ancestry. This is a lighter-weight option for players who want a unique background without building a full species from scratch.

How It Works:

• Use an existing ancestry's base statistics (ability boosts, HP, size, speed)
• Replace the standard heritage with a custom one
• Your custom heritage provides 1-2 minor features from the Minor Ancestry Features list above
• Explain the character's unique background within their ancestry

Example Custom Heritage - Solar-Adapted Human:

• Ability Modification: None (uses Human ancestry boosts)
• Heritage Feature: You gain resistance 5 to fire damage and don't need to make flat checks to target concealed creatures when they're concealed only by smoke.

Guidelines:

• Custom heritages should be roughly equivalent in power to existing heritages
• Work with your GM to ensure the heritage fits the setting
• The heritage should reflect a distinct subpopulation, environment, or cultural tradition

2. Companion Rules

Acquiring a Companion

Methods of Acquisition:

1. Wild Bonding: Encounter and bond with wild alien creature
2. Purchase: Buy from alien animal traders or breeding facilities
3. Hatchling Raising: Acquire egg or juvenile and raise to maturity
4. Genetic Engineering: Commission or create custom companion
5. Class Feature: Granted by specific class features

Purchase Prices

Leveling Cost: Pay the difference between current and target level (maximum 1 level per week of training)

Bonding Process

Wild Bonding Requirements:

• Skill Check: Nature or Survival check
• DC Formula: 10 + (1.5 × companion level)
• Frequency: Once per day until successful
• Time Required: 1 hour of interaction per attempt
• Attitude Requirement: Creature must be at least indifferent (not hostile)

Bonding Success:

• Creature becomes helpful toward you
• Establishes companion bond
• Creature accepts commands and follows you

Bonding Limitations:

• One bonded companion at a time (unless class feature states otherwise)
• Companion level cannot exceed your Nature or Survival skill proficiency rank × 5
  • Trained: Max level 5
  • Expert: Max level 10
  • Master: Max level 15
  • Legendary: Max level 20

Companion Statistics

Starting Statistics (Level 1 Companion):

• Perception: Expert
• Skills: 4-5 skills
• HP: 6-10 + Constitution modifier (varies by species)
• AC: 15 + level + Dexterity modifier (unarmored)
• Saves: Expert in one strong save, Trained in others
• Speed: Varies by species (typically 25-35 feet)
• Attacks: One or two natural attacks appropriate to species

Attack Statistics:

• Attack Bonus: Your level + 4 (trained proficiency)
• Damage: Based on species and level
  • Level 1-4: 1d6 to 1d8 + Strength modifier
  • Level 5-9: 2d6 to 2d8 + Strength modifier
  • Level 10-14: 3d6 to 3d8 + Strength modifier
  • Level 15-19: 4d6 to 4d8 + Strength modifier
  • Level 20: 5d6 to 5d8 + Strength modifier

Advancement Milestones

Level 1 (Nimble or Savage):

• Choose companion specialization
• Nimble: Improved AC and Dexterity
• Savage: Improved attacks and damage

Level 4 (Specializations):

• Gain species-specific special abilities
• Improved proficiencies

Level 7 (Size Increase):

• Small companions can become Medium
• Medium companions can become Large (if Indomitable variant)
• Gain size-based benefits

Level 10 (Major Specialization):

• Significant new abilities
• Improved combat capabilities

Level 13-16 (Legendary Companion):

• Legendary proficiency in specialty areas
• Exceptional abilities

Level 19-20 (Apex Companion):

• Peak abilities
• May gain limited intelligence boost

Companion Actions & Commands

Without Companion Feats: Your companion acts on your turn and can use 1 action per round, which must be spent on:

• Stride: Move up to its Speed
• Strike: Make a melee or ranged attack
• Stand: Stand up from prone

Your Actions:

• Command an Animal: 1 action to issue a command
• Can command multiple actions with proper feats

Control Range:

• 20 feet during structured combat
• You must be within 20 feet to issue commands
• Beyond 20 feet: companion can only use basic Stride or defensive actions

Companion Feats

Creature Companion

Level: 1 Benefit: You gain an alien companion. Choose a companion species from available options. Your companion starts at your level -4 (minimum level 1) and advances as you level.

Creature Companion Adept

Level: 2 Prerequisites: Creature Companion, trained in Nature or Survival Benefit: When you Command your companion, it can use 2 actions instead of 1. You can spend 2 actions to Command your companion to use 3 actions.

Creature Companion Expert

Level: 4 Prerequisites: Creature Companion, expert in Nature or Survival Benefit: Your companion improves significantly:

• Attack proficiency increases to expert
• Increase ability modifier by +1 to primary and secondary scores
• Additional skill proficiency in one skill
• +2 HP per level

Creature Companion Master

Level: 10 Prerequisites: Creature Companion Expert, master in Nature or Survival Benefit: Your companion acts more independently. It can act without being commanded, using 1 action on its turn automatically. When you Command it, it gains its normal number of actions as usual. Your companion's attack proficiency increases to master, and it gains +2 HP per level.

Combat Trained Mount

Level: 2 Prerequisites: Creature Companion, companion is at least one size larger than you Benefit: Your companion is trained for use as a mount in combat. You can Command your companion normally while mounted. Additionally, you can mount or dismount as a free action with a DC 15 Nature check.

Resilient Companion

Level: 4 Prerequisites: Creature Companion Benefit: Your companion gains resistance to one damage type (chosen based on companion species) equal to half your level (minimum 1). Additionally, increase companion's HP by +4 per level.

Specialized Training

Level: 6 Prerequisites: Creature Companion Expert Benefit: Choose one advanced specialization for your companion:

• Tracker: Blindsense (scent) 30 feet, master in Survival
• Guard: Attack of Opportunity reaction, master in Perception
• Scout: Expert in Stealth, +10 feet Speed
• Retrievalist: Can use manipulate actions with mouth/appendages

Incredible Companion

Level: 14 Prerequisites: Creature Companion Master, legendary in Nature or Survival Benefit: Your companion becomes legendary in attacks and gains:

• +3 HP per level
• Legendary attack proficiency
• +2 to one ability modifier
• One additional special ability from its species options

Indomitable Companions (Large Aliens)

Prerequisites:

• Specific feat (Indomitable Companion) or class feature
• Minimum character level 4
• Expert in Nature or Survival

Base Modifications:

• Size: Large
• Space: 10 feet
• Reach: 5 feet (or 10 feet with long limbs)
• HP: +20 HP at level 1, +10 HP per level after
• Attack Damage: Increase damage die by one step
• Strength: +2 to Strength modifier
• Constitution: +2 to Constitution modifier

Mounted Benefits:

• Can serve as mount for Medium or smaller riders
• Provides cover to rider against some attacks
• +1 circumstance bonus to saves against area effects affecting rider

Drawbacks:

• -5 feet Speed compared to standard companion of same species
• -1 to Dexterity-based checks and AC
• Requires more food and space (double normal requirements)

Indomitable Companion

Level: 4 Prerequisites: Creature Companion, expert in Nature or Survival Benefit: Your companion is exceptionally large and powerful. Apply the Indomitable modifications to your companion. It becomes Large and gains all Indomitable benefits and drawbacks.

Colossal Companion

Level: 7 Prerequisites: Indomitable Companion Benefit: At level 7, you can choose to increase your companion's size to Huge. If you do, it gains the Huge size benefits. You can choose to keep it Large if preferred.

Titanic Companion

Level: 14 Prerequisites: Colossal Companion Benefit: At level 14, you can increase your companion to Gargantuan size, or to Huge size if it was previously Large. Gains appropriate size benefits.

Cybernetic Enhancements for Companions

Installation Requirements:

• Time: 8 hours of work
• Skill Check: Medicine or Engineering (DC = 15 + (2 × enhancement level))
• Cost: Based on enhancement level and type
• Limit: Companion can have a number of enhancements equal to 1 + (companion level ÷ 4)

Combat Enhancements

Weapon Mount (Level 2+)

• Cost: Item level x 10 gp
• Benefit: Mount one weapon of companion's level or lower to companion's body. Companion can use weapon as natural attack.

Armor Plating (Level 1+)

• Cost: Item level x 15 gp
• Benefit: +1 item bonus to AC. Increases by +1 every 5 levels (max +4 at level 15).

Enhanced Claws/Teeth (Level 3+)

• Cost: Item level x 20 gp
• Benefit: Natural attacks deal additional 1d6 damage.

Reactive Defense System (Level 6+)

• Cost: 400 gp
• Benefit: Once per day, companion can activate defensive field as a reaction when hit by an attack. Gain resistance 5 to all damage until start of next turn. Resistance increases by 5 every 4 levels.

Sensory Enhancements

Sensor Suite (Level 2+)

• Cost: Item level x 10 gp
• Benefit: Choose one: darkvision 60 feet, or blindsense (vibration) 30 feet, or low-light vision enhancement.

Tracking Array (Level 4+)

• Cost: 200 gp
• Benefit: Companion gains tracking (scent) and +2 circumstance bonus to Survival checks to Track. Range: 1 mile.

Combat Targeting (Level 5+)

• Cost: 300 gp
• Benefit: Companion gains +1 circumstance bonus to attack rolls.

Mobility Enhancements

Jump Jets (Level 3+)

• Cost: 150 gp
• Benefit: Companion gains fly Speed 20 feet (clumsy). Can only fly for 1 minute per day (10 rounds). Recharges after 10-minute rest.

Speed Boosters (Level 2+)

• Cost: Item level x 10 gp
• Benefit: Increase one Speed (land, climb, swim, or burrow) by +10 feet.

Magnetic Grips (Level 4+)

• Cost: 200 gp
• Benefit: Companion gains climb Speed equal to half land Speed and can climb on metal surfaces without needing hands free.

Utility Enhancements

Comm Unit (Level 1+)

• Cost: 50 gp
• Benefit: Companion has integrated communicator. Range: personal comms (1 mile). Allows you to issue commands remotely.

Environmental Seals (Level 4+)

• Cost: 250 gp
• Benefit: Companion can survive in vacuum and hostile atmospheres for 1 hour per day.

Storage Compartment (Level 2+)

• Cost: 100 gp
• Benefit: Sealed compartment installed in companion's body. Can store items up to 2 Bulk.

Medical Nano-Repair (Level 6+)

• Cost: 500 gp
• Benefit: Once per day, companion automatically heals 10 HP at the start of its turn if below half HP. Healing increases by 5 HP every 3 levels.

Cybernetic Drawbacks:

• Requires maintenance (1 hour per week)
• Vulnerable to effects that disable technology
• First enhancement: No penalty
• 2-3 enhancements: -1 to Will saves
• 4+ enhancements: -2 to Will saves and -1 to Nature skill checks

3. Character Modifications

Corruptions

Corruptions represent dangerous supernatural, technological, or biological alterations that grant increasing power at terrible cost.

Corruption Mechanics

Contraction: Corruptions begin at Stage 1 (Dormant) when the character is first exposed through:

• Exposure to dangerous energies (radiation, void energy, planar rifts)
• Installation of experimental technology
• Contact with alien entities or artifacts
• Biological infection or parasitic infestation

Daily Saving Throw:

• DC = 10 + (half your level) + (number of manifestations accepted)
• Mental Corruptions: Will save
• Physical Corruptions: Fortitude save

On a Failed Save:

• You advance one stage in the corruption, OR
• You can spend Hero Points equal to 1 + your manifestation count to automatically succeed

On a Critical Failure:

• You advance two stages in the corruption

On a Success:

• No change

On a Critical Success:

• You regress one stage (minimum Stage 1)

Stages and Manifestations

Corruptions have up to 10 stages:

• Stage 1: Dormant (no effects)
• Stage 2, 4, 6, 8, 10: You gain a manifestation (both Gift and Stain)
• Stage 3, 5, 7, 9: You suffer intensified Stain effects

Manifestations: Each manifestation consists of two parts:

1. Gift: A beneficial ability, stat bonus, or power
2. Stain: A detrimental effect, penalty, or compulsion

When you reach a stage that grants a manifestation, you automatically gain the Stain, but you may choose whether to accept the Gift.

Refusing a Gift:

• You do not gain the Gift's benefits
• You still suffer the Stain
• You gain a +1 circumstance bonus to future saves against this corruption
• This bonus stacks for each Gift refused

Transformation and Point of No Return

Thresholds:

• 5 Gifts Accepted: You become overwhelmed and transform into an NPC under the GM's control
• 9 Total Manifestations: Regardless of how many gifts you accepted, the corruption is total and you become an NPC

Removal

Temporary Suppression:

• Cleanse Affliction or similar 4th-rank spell suppresses the corruption for 10 minutes per caster level
• During suppression, Stains don't apply and you can't activate Gifts

Permanent Removal:

• Cleanse Affliction or Remove Curse cast at a spell rank equal to (3 + manifestation count)
• The DC is 15 + (3 × manifestation count)
• Success removes one manifestation (player chooses which)
• Reducing manifestations to 0 removes the corruption entirely

Story-Based Removal:

• Some corruptions can only be removed through narrative means (defeating the entity that cursed you, destroying the source artifact, completing a ritual, etc.)

Corruption Types

Six corruption types exist in the module, each with distinct themes and save types:

Sample Manifestation (Radiation Sickness):

• Stage 2 Gift: Resistance 5 to fire and electricity (increases with level)
• Stage 2 Stain: Permanently fatigued unless resting in radiation-free environments
• Stage 4 Gift: Cast disintegrate once per day as innate spell
• Stage 4 Stain: Sickened 1 in bright light; hair loss and radiation burns

Transformation Threshold: At 5 accepted Gifts or Stage 10, you lose control of your character. Each corruption has a unique transformation narrative (e.g., Radiation Sickness transforms you into a radioactive undead horror; AI Possession overwrites your consciousness with the AI).

See GM Rules for complete manifestation progressions for all 6 corruption types.

Resolve Point Conversions

Starfinder 1E's Resolve Points are replaced by Hero Points and Focus Points in PF2E.

Hero Point Abilities (Universal Options)

These abilities are available to all characters:

Critical Cancellation

• Cost: 1 Hero Point
• Trigger: You would take a critical hit from an attack or spell
• Effect: You reduce the critical hit to a normal hit, preventing the doubled damage and any critical specialization effects.

Miraculous Recovery

• Cost: 1 Hero Point
• Trigger: You're affected by a condition with a duration measured in rounds
• Effect: You immediately reduce the condition's duration to the end of your next turn.

Expansive Critical

• Cost: 1 Hero Point
• Trigger: Your turn begins
• Effect: Until the end of your turn, you critically succeed on attack rolls when you roll a 19 or 20 on the die (instead of only on a 20).

Resolve Conversion Feats

These feats convert SF1E Resolve Point abilities into PF2E-compatible mechanics using Focus Points, Hero Points, or frequency-limited abilities.

General Feats (Any Character)

Spellcaster Feats

Vehicle/Starship/Mech Feats

Pinnacle Augmentations

Pinnacle Augmentations represent the ultimate achievement in cybernetic, biological, or magical enhancement technology.

Core Mechanics:

• Rarity: Rare
• Level Requirement: 18+
• Installation: Requires surgery or advanced medical/magical procedure (8 hours, DC 40 Medicine check)
• Body System: Each Pinnacle Augmentation occupies a specific body system
• Limitation: Only one Pinnacle Augmentation can benefit a character at a time

Pinnacle Augmentation Effects

Each Pinnacle Augmentation provides:

1. Apex Boost: Increase one ability score by 2 (or by 1 if it's already at 18 or higher)
2. Secondary Benefit: A unique ability, bonus, or enhancement related to the augmentation type
3. Permanent Integration: Cannot be removed without surgery (and destruction of the augmentation)

Pinnacle Augmentation Catalog

Cerebral Pinnacle Processor (Brain)

• Level: 18
• Price: 20,000 gp
• Apex Boost: Intelligence
• Secondary Benefit: +2 item bonus to all Intelligence-based skill checks. Additionally, you can perfectly recall anything you've experienced within the last year.

Perfected Synthetic Heart (Heart)

• Level: 18
• Price: 20,000 gp
• Apex Boost: Constitution
• Secondary Benefit: +2 item bonus to Fortitude saves. Additionally, you're immune to diseases and reduce the stage of any poison affecting you by 1 at the start of each of your turns.

Apex Reflex Coordinator (Spine)

• Level: 18
• Price: 20,000 gp
• Apex Boost: Dexterity
• Secondary Benefit: +2 item bonus to Reflex saves and a +5-foot status bonus to all your Speeds. Additionally, you gain a +1 circumstance bonus to initiative rolls.

Transcendent Presence Modulator (Throat)

• Level: 18
• Price: 20,000 gp
• Apex Boost: Charisma
• Secondary Benefit: +2 item bonus to Diplomacy, Deception, and Intimidation checks. Additionally, creatures you interact with socially find you naturally compelling and are one step more friendly toward you (to a maximum of helpful).

Enlightened Insight Array (Eyes)

• Level: 18
• Price: 20,000 gp
• Apex Boost: Wisdom
• Secondary Benefit: +2 item bonus to Perception checks and a +2 item bonus to Will saves. Additionally, you gain darkvision and can see through illusions (+4 circumstance bonus to disbelieve illusions).

Titanic Muscle Weave (Arms/Legs)

• Level: 18
• Price: 20,000 gp
• Apex Boost: Strength
• Secondary Benefit: +2 item bonus to Athletics checks. Additionally, your Bulk limit increases by 2, and you inflict double the normal damage when you successfully Shove or Trip a creature.

Only One Benefits Rule

A character can have multiple Pinnacle Augmentations installed, but only one provides its Apex Boost and Secondary Benefits at any time.

Choosing Active Augmentation:

• Character chooses which installed Pinnacle Augmentation is active
• This choice can only be changed during daily preparations
• Inactive Pinnacle Augmentations provide no benefit but still occupy their body system

PART II: EXPLORATION & DISCOVERY

1. Planetary Exploration & Hexploration

Hex Structure

Each hex represents 12 miles across (approximately 104 square miles of terrain).

Activities Per Day

Characters can perform a limited number of exploration activities each day based on their movement speed:

Vehicles and Mounts: Use the vehicle or mount's speed to determine activities per day.

Core Hexploration Actions

Travel

Action Cost: Origin biome activities + destination biome activities

Move from your current hex to an adjacent hex. The difficulty depends on the terrain types you're traversing.

Example: Traveling from Plains (1 activity) to Forest (3 activities) costs 4 activities total. A character with 30 ft speed (2 activities/day) would take 2 days to make this journey.

Perform Recon

Action Cost: Biome's activity requirement

Map a hex and discover its major features. This reveals:

• Terrain type and general topography
• Major geographical features (rivers, mountains, structures)
• Adjacent hex biome types (but not detailed features)
• Obvious dangers or points of interest

Identify Biome

Action Cost: None (part of entering a hex)

Skill Check: Nature or Survival DC based on biome

Biome Tables

Standard Biomes

Sci-Fi Biomes

2. Core Exploration Activities

Characters choose exploration activities showing what they focus on during planetary exploration.

Avoid Notice

Skill: Stealth Effect: Move cautiously to avoid drawing attention from creatures and sensors.

Defend

Effect: Keep shield raised; travel at half Speed. Maintain defensive posture during travel.

Detect Magic

Effect: Continuously cast detect magic. Repeat detect magic spell effects continuously.

Detect Technology

Skill: Computers or Engineering Effect: Continuously scan for technological devices, signals, or equipment. Range: 30 feet Detection: Reveals presence of technology, not details

Follow the Expert

Effect: Gain better bonus by following ally's tactic. Usually can't perform other activities simultaneously.

Hustle

Effect: Travel faster than normal; can't be maintained indefinitely. Speed Increase: +50% to activities per day Limitation: Requires Fortitude save (DC 15) every 4 hours or become Fatigued

Investigate

Skill: Recall Knowledge (appropriate skill) Effect: Recall Knowledge about surroundings.

Common Skills:

• Nature: Natural phenomena, ecosystems
• Physical Science: Geology, atmospheric conditions
• Life Science: Xenobiology, organisms
• Culture: Ruins, artifacts, civilizations

Repeat a Spell

Effect: Cast or sustain a spell repeatedly. Maintain useful spells during travel.

Scout

Skill: Perception, Survival Effect: Range ahead to check for obstacles and threats.

Search

Skill: Perception Effect: Seek hidden things while traveling.

Sci-Fi Exploration Activities

Analyze Environment

Skills: Physical Science, Life Science, or Survival Effect: Study planetary conditions. Analyze atmospheric composition, gravity, radiation levels, and environmental hazards. Time: 10 minutes with equipment, 1 hour without

Monitor Communications

Skill: Computers Requirements: Communications equipment Effect: Listen for signals and transmissions. Scan communication frequencies for signals, distress calls, or chatter. Range: Varies by equipment (typically 10-100 miles)

Navigate by Sensors

Skill: Computers or Physical Science Requirements: Sensor equipment Effect: Use technology to navigate. Use sensors, GPS, or orbital data to navigate. Bonus: +4 circumstance bonus to avoid getting lost

Operate Vehicle

Skill: Piloting Effect: Control vehicle during travel. Maintain vehicle control during exploration.

Prospect for Resources

Skills: Survival, Physical Science, or Perception Effect: Search for valuable resources. Look for minerals, water, fuel sources, or other resources.

Record Data

Skill: Any appropriate skill Requirements: Recording equipment Effect: Document discoveries. Create detailed records of exploration for later reference or sale. Benefit: +2 circumstance bonus to Research or Recall Knowledge about the area later

Scan for Life

Skill: Computers, Perception, or Life Science Requirements: Sensors or mystic sense Effect: Detect living creatures. Search for signs of life in the area. Range: Varies by method (100 feet to 1 mile)

Secure Equipment

Skill: Athletics or Acrobatics Effect: Prepare for hazards. Secure gear against environmental hazards. Benefit: Equipment less likely to be lost or damaged

Track Vehicle

Skill: Survival or Computers Effect: Follow vehicle tracks or signals. Follow ground vehicles by tracks or flying vehicles by sensor signature.

3. EVA (Extravehicular Activity) Rules

EVA refers to operations outside pressurized environments—in vacuum, thin atmospheres, or hostile conditions requiring full environmental protection.

EVA Equipment Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Environmental protection (armor with seal or space suit)
• Oxygen supply (8+ hours recommended)
• Radiation protection
• Temperature regulation
• Communication system

Recommended Equipment:

• Maneuvering thrusters (for zero-G)
• Safety tether
• Emergency beacon
• Tool kit
• Emergency oxygen reserve

EVA Movement

Surface EVA (With Gravity)

Movement: Normal, but modified by gravity level

• Low gravity: Speed ×1.5, Jump distance ×3
• High gravity: Speed ×0.5, Jump distance ×0.5

Encumbrance: Bulky suits may reduce speed (GM discretion)

Zero-G EVA

Movement: Requires propulsion or pushing off surfaces

Base Drift Speed: 10 feet per action Push-Off Movement: 30 feet in straight line (requires surface or anchor point)

Maneuvering Check: Acrobatics or Athletics DC 18 to change direction or stop

Stabilization: Requires another Acrobatics/Athletics check (DC 18) or ally's assistance

Maneuvering Thrusters

Effect: Grant controlled movement in zero-G Movement: Use your normal Speed in any direction Fuel: Limited duration (typically 8 hours continuous use) Cost: 30 gp (item level 4)

EVA Activities

Tethered Operations

Effect: Prevents drifting; provides stability Limitation: Movement limited to tether length (typically 100 feet) Benefit: +2 circumstance bonus to avoid drifting or spinning

Structural Work

Performing work on spacecraft, station exteriors, or equipment.

Tasks:

• Hull repairs (Engineering/Crafting)
• Equipment installation
• Scientific measurements
• Sample collection

DC Modifier: +2 to all checks (awkward conditions) Time Modifier: ×1.5 (EVA complications)

Surface Sampling

Collecting geological or biological samples.

Skill: Physical Science, Life Science, or Survival DC: Varies by target (typically 15-20) Time: 10 minutes per sample

Emergency Repairs

Repairing critical systems or sealing breaches.

Skill: Engineering or Crafting DC: Based on damage severity (15-28) Time: 2 actions to 10 minutes

See Space Environment Rules for breach sealing.

EVA Hazards

Micrometeorite Strikes

Frequency: Rare (5% chance per hour of EVA) Damage: 2d6 piercing (ignores first 5 points of armor) Effect: May breach suit (on critical hit or 20+ damage)

Suit Breach:

• Lose 1 hour of oxygen per minute
• Must seal breach (Engineering DC 15, 2 actions)
• Emergency patch kit provides temporary seal

Radiation Exposure

See Space Environment Rules for detailed radiation rules.

EVA Protection:

• Standard space suit: +2 to saves
• Radiation-shielded suit: +4 to saves; reduces level by 1

Tether Failure

Failure Chance: On critical failure of any physical check, or when taking 20+ damage Effect: Begin drifting away from anchor point Recovery: Requires maneuvering thrusters or rescue by allies Drift Rate: 10 feet per round (increases with momentum)

Disorientation

Trigger: Extended time in zero-G without visual anchors Save: Fortitude DC 15 (once per hour) Effect on Failure: Disoriented condition; -2 to all checks until reoriented Reorientation: Requires 1 minute of rest or DC 15 Perception check to find reference point

Equipment Malfunction

Malfunction Chance:

• Extreme temperature: 5% per hour
• Radiation zone: 10% per hour
• Corrosive atmosphere: 15% per hour

Effect:

• Minor: Warning alarm; 1 hour until critical
• Major: Immediate failure; emergency measures needed
• Critical: Catastrophic failure; immediate danger

EVA Time Limits

Oxygen Supply

Standard space suits provide 8 hours of oxygen.

Extending Duration:

• Light activity: +50% (12 hours total)
• Rationing (Survival DC 15): +25% (10 hours total)
• Emergency reserve: +2 hours (single use)

Running Out:

• 10-minute warning alarm
• Suffocation rules apply when depleted

Power Supply

Standard Duration: 24 hours High Usage: 8 hours (continuous thruster use) Power Failure: Lose temperature regulation, communications, thrusters

Physical Endurance

Endurance Check: Fortitude or Athletics DC 15 Frequency: Every 4 hours of continuous EVA Failure: Become Fatigued Critical Failure: Become Exhausted

Rest: Requires return to pressurized environment

4. Deployable Structures & Tech Relics

Deployable Structures

Purpose: Temporary or semi-permanent facilities for exploration missions.

Common Types:

• Emergency shelters
• Research stations
• Communication arrays
• Defense installations
• Resource extraction facilities

Deployment:

• Time: 1 hour to 1 day depending on size
• Skill: Engineering or Survival
• Requirements: Appropriate equipment and location

Benefits:

• Protection from environment
• Rest and recovery location
• Base of operations
• Equipment storage
• Communications hub

See Equipment & Trade document for detailed deployable structure rules.

Tech Relics

Definition: Advanced or ancient technology with unique properties.

Characteristics:

• Often unique or extremely rare
• May require special skills to activate or maintain
• Can provide powerful benefits
• May have unknown or dangerous side effects

Acquisition:

• Discovered during exploration
• Salvaged from ruins
• Reverse-engineered from alien tech
• Purchased from specialized vendors (rare)

Common Tech Relic Types:

• Ancient power sources
• Alien communication devices
• Precursor databases
• Advanced sensors
• Experimental weapons
• Terraforming equipment

See Equipment & Trade document for detailed tech relic rules.

PART III: DOWNTIME & PERSONAL ACTIVITIES

1. Downtime Framework

Downtime represents the time between adventures when player characters pursue personal goals like crafting, running businesses, maintaining equipment, or enjoying recreation.

Key Characteristics:

• Stakes: None to low
• Time Scale: Days to years compressed into minutes of real time
• Mode Switching: Requires switching to exploration/encounter mode if actions demand it

Depth of Downtime: Groups should establish downtime preferences at campaign start:

• 15 minutes for brief station visits mid-adventure
• 30 minutes for periods between major adventures
• Longer sessions only for significant roleplay opportunities

2. Specific Downtime Activities

Core PF2E Activities

Craft

Activity: Use the Craft downtime activity to create items. Time: Variable (based on item level and complexity) Requirements: Appropriate tools, formula, and raw materials

Sci-Fi Adaptation:

• Tech workshops replace traditional forges
• Nanofab stations provide bonuses to Crafting checks
• Some items require clean rooms or zero-gravity environments

Earn Income

Activity: Use a skill to earn money during downtime. Time: Typically 1 day or longer Requirements: Appropriate skill trained DC Formula: Determined by task level and settlement size

Results:

• Critical Success: Earn income as success, plus another day's income
• Success: Earn income based on task level and proficiency
• Failure: Earn pittance (typically 10% of expected earnings)
• Critical Failure: Earn nothing and may create complications

Sci-Fi Tasks by Skill:

Computers:

• Basic: Debug software, maintain networks
• Trained: Design databases, security consulting
• Expert: Corporate cybersecurity, AI programming
• Master: Drift beacon programming, station management

Engineering:

• Basic: Maintain life support, repair power systems
• Trained: Design station subsystems, construction
• Expert: Starship construction, experimental engines
• Master: Design stations, invent technologies

Medicine:

• Basic: Treat injuries at clinics, health screenings
• Trained: Perform surgery, manage hospitals
• Expert: Research diseases, exotic physiology
• Master: Miracle surgeries, augmentation design

Performance:

• Basic: Busk at spaceports, local venues
• Trained: Regular gigs, professional holovids
• Expert: Major venues, holovid productions
• Master: System-wide celebrity

Piloting:

• Basic: Courier services, taxi piloting
• Trained: System cargo hauling, racing
• Expert: Drift navigation, dangerous routes
• Master: Legendary navigation, training elite pilots

Subsist

Activity: Provide necessities for yourself without paying cost of living. Time: 1 day Skills: Society (urban) or Survival (wilderness/space) DC: Based on environment difficulty

Sci-Fi Adaptation:

• Space Stations: Society checks to navigate communal resources
• Asteroids/Barren Worlds: Survival checks to recycle life support, scavenge materials
• Drift Travel: Engineering Lore or Survival to efficiently manage ship resources

Retrain

Activity: Change a feat, skill increase, or other character option. Time: Varies by option

• Feats/Skill Increases: 1 week typically
• Class Features: 1 month or longer Requirements: Often requires teacher or appropriate facility Cost: Minor (roughly equivalent to one Earn Income period)

See Retraining System in GM Rules for full details.

SF1E Activities

Analyze Sample

Time: 1 day Requirements: Appropriate skill (Life Science, Physical Science, Engineering, Computers) Activity: Take 20 on a check to analyze an unknown sample, technology, or phenomenon.

Carouse

Time: 1 day Cost: 10 gp x character level Requirements: Fortitude save DC 10 + half level Activity: Spend time socializing in establishments, making contacts, and enjoying nightlife.

Results:

• Critical Success: Make valuable contact; gain +2 circumstance bonus to Diplomacy or Gather Information in this settlement for 1 week
• Success: Enjoyable time; gain temporary contact
• Failure: Wasted money and time
• Critical Failure: Create scandal, make enemy, or suffer consequences

Convalesce

Time: 1 day of complete rest Activity: Complete bed rest in comfortable conditions. Recover 2 HP per character level.

Coordinate

Time: 1 day Requirements: Any mental skill Activity: Plan upcoming activities with allies. Grant one ally +1 circumstance bonus to their next downtime activity check the following day. Multiple characters can coordinate to help the same person (bonuses stack up to +3).

Crack Technology

Time: 1 day Requirements: Computers or Engineering, access to technology Activity: Take 20 on a check to understand, bypass, or repurpose unfamiliar technology.

Applications:

• Unlock secured data
• Bypass security systems
• Repurpose alien technology
• Decode encrypted files

Drill

Time: 1 day Requirements: Any skill Activity: Practice specific skill applications. Take 10 on the first check using that skill on the following day (must declare which skill application during drill).

Entertain

Time: 1 day Requirements: Performance skill or Charisma-based Profession Activity: Perform for audiences. Uses Earn Income mechanics but also builds reputation.

Explore Futures

Time: 1 day Requirements: Mysticism (magical divination) or Computers (probability modeling) Activity: Attempt to predict likely outcomes of future events. Gain one reroll for a specific situation within the next week.

Gather Supplies

Time: 1 day Requirements: Survival DC: Based on environment Activity: Scavenge or harvest materials from environment.

Results:

• Critical Success: Find supplies worth 4d10 sp
• Success: Find supplies worth 2d10 sp
• Failure: Find supplies worth 1d10 sp
• Critical Failure: No supplies found; possible complication

Hunt Bargains

Time: 1 day Requirements: Diplomacy or appropriate Lore DC: 15 + character level Activity: Search markets for deals on equipment.

Results:

• Critical Success: Find desired item at 20% discount
• Success: Find desired item at 10% discount
• Failure: No deals found
• Critical Failure: Sold fraudulent or defective item

Inoculate

Time: 1 day Requirements: Medicine, medical supplies DC: Disease/poison level DC Activity: Prepare someone against upcoming known affliction. Grant target +4 circumstance bonus to saves against specific disease or poison for 1 week.

Lounge

Time: 1 day Activity: Relax in comfortable conditions without specific goals. Gain temporary HP equal to character level and +1 morale bonus to saves for 24 hours.

Maintain Equipment

Time: 1 day Requirements: Crafting or Engineering Lore, appropriate tools Activity: Perform maintenance on weapons or armor. Grant one weapon or armor piece +1 circumstance bonus to attacks (weapon) or +1 to AC (armor) for 1 week or until critically failed roll.

Maintain Readiness

Time: 1 day Requirements: Any skill related to awareness or combat Activity: Stay alert and prepared. Gain +2 circumstance bonus to initiative for the next encounter that occurs within 3 days.

Research

Time: 1 day Requirements: Culture, Society, or appropriate Lore DC: Based on information obscurity Activity: Investigate topics using libraries, data networks, or archives.

Results:

• Critical Success: Learn desired information plus additional related facts
• Success: Learn desired information
• Failure: Learn partial or unreliable information
• Critical Failure: Learn false information

Sci-Fi Resources:

• Infosphere databases
• Corporate archives
• University data vaults
• Drift beacon message caches
• Ancient alien ruins

Secure Area

Time: 1 day Requirements: Engineering, Crafting, or Thievery DC: Based on desired security level Activity: Set up security measures for location.

Results:

• Critical Success: Security provides +4 circumstance bonus to detect intrusions; DC to bypass is character level + 20
• Success: Security provides +2 circumstance bonus to detect intrusions; DC to bypass is character level + 15
• Failure: Security provides +0 but consumes resources
• Critical Failure: Security has vulnerabilities; –2 penalty to detect intrusions

Sci-Fi Security:

• Automated turrets
• Motion sensors and cameras
• Biometric locks
• Force field barriers
• AI security monitoring

Work Out

Time: 1 day Requirements: Athletics or Acrobatics Activity: Physical training regimen. Gain one reroll for a failed Athletics or Acrobatics check within the next 3 days.

Ports of Call Activities

Catalog Creature

Time: 1 day Requirements: Life Science or appropriate Lore, studied creature DC: Creature level + 15 Activity: Document and study a creature's biology, behavior, and capabilities.

Channel Divinity

Time: 1 day Requirements: Mysticism, religious affiliation DC: Character level + 10 Activity: Commune with divine forces through meditation, prayer, or ritual.

Companion Care

Time: 1 day Requirements: Survival, Nature, bonded creature companion DC: Companion level + 10 Activity: Provide special care for creature companion.

Results:

• Critical Success: Companion gains +2 to one ability for 1 week
• Success: Companion gains +1 to one ability for 1 week
• Failure: No benefit
• Critical Failure: Companion stressed; –1 to all checks for 1 day

Cook Feast

Time: 1 day Requirements: Profession (cook) or Survival, ingredients worth 1 gp x party size DC: 15 + party level Activity: Prepare elaborate meal for party.

Results:

• Critical Success: All participants gain +1 HP recovered per level and +1 morale bonus to all checks for 24 hours
• Success: All participants gain +1 HP recovered per level for next rest
• Failure: Edible but unmemorable meal
• Critical Failure: Meal causes discomfort; –1 to checks for 8 hours

Debrief

Time: 1 day Requirements: None (group activity) Activity: Discuss recent successes or failures with team to extract lessons.

Results:

• After Success: Each participant gains +1 bonus to next check when attempting similar activity
• After Failure: Each participant gains +2 bonus to retry the failed activity or similar tasks

Social Media Curation

Time: 1 day Requirements: Culture or Society DC: 15 + character level Activity: Manage personal brand on infosphere social networks.

Results:

• Critical Success: Gain 4d10 followers; +2 bonus to Diplomacy or Intimidation in this settlement for 1 week
• Success: Gain 2d10 followers; +1 bonus to Diplomacy in this settlement for 1 week
• Failure: No change
• Critical Failure: Social media faux pas; –2 penalty to Diplomacy in this settlement for 1 week

Spellcraft

Time: 1 day Requirements: Mysticism, spell knowledge Activity: Study and optimize spell techniques.

Results:

• Critical Success: Next casting of practiced spell automatically heightened by +1 level or gains +2 to spell DC
• Success: Next casting of practiced spell gains +1 to spell DC
• Failure: No benefit
• Critical Failure: Confusion; –1 to spell DC for this spell for 1 day

Talk Therapy

Time: 1 day Requirements: Medicine or Diplomacy DC: 15 + patient level Activity: Provide counseling and psychological support.

Results:

• Critical Success: Patient gains +2 morale bonus to Will saves and recovers from fear/mental effects twice as fast for 1 week
• Success: Patient gains +1 morale bonus to Will saves for 1 week
• Failure: No benefit
• Critical Failure: Patient feels judged; –1 to mental checks for 1 day

Tidy Up

Time: 1 day per week Requirements: None Activity: Maintain living space, starship, or base.

Benefits: Clean, organized spaces provide +1 circumstance bonus to all downtime activities conducted in maintained area.

Failure to Tidy: After 2 weeks without tidying, spaces become disorganized (–1 penalty). After 4 weeks, spaces become hazardous or dysfunctional.

New Tech Activities

System Maintenance

Time: 1 day Requirements: Engineering or Computers, appropriate tools DC: System level + 10 Activity: Perform routine maintenance on technological systems.

Results:

• Critical Success: System operates at peak efficiency; +2 circumstance bonus to checks involving this system for 1 week
• Success: System operates reliably for 1 week; +1 circumstance bonus
• Failure: System functional but no improvements
• Critical Failure: Maintenance introduces minor issue; –1 penalty until properly maintained

Data Mining

Time: 1 day to 1 week Requirements: Computers, access to data networks DC: 15 + data security level Activity: Extract, analyze, and correlate large amounts of data.

Time Scale:

• 1 day: Single database or system
• 3 days: Network or multiple related systems
• 1 week: Infosphere-wide data collection

Results:

• Critical Success: Discover target information plus valuable secondary data; may discover trade opportunities
• Success: Discover target information; +2 to related skill checks for 1 week
• Failure: Partial information; requires additional time
• Critical Failure: Discovery detected; security responses triggered

Prototype Testing

Time: 1 day to 1 week Requirements: Engineering or Computers, prototype item DC: Prototype level + 15 Activity: Test experimental technology.

Results:

• Critical Success: Discover major improvement; prototype gains beneficial modification
• Success: Prototype functions reliably; confirm capabilities
• Failure: Testing inconclusive
• Critical Failure: Prototype malfunctions; requires repairs

Ship Activities

Hull Repair

Time: 1 day Requirements: Engineering, shipyard or spacewalk capability, materials Cost: 5% of ship's value per 10% Hull Points restored DC: Ship tier + 10

Results:

• Critical Success: Restore 15% of maximum Hull Points; one damaged system automatically repaired
• Success: Restore 10% of maximum Hull Points
• Failure: Restore 5% of maximum Hull Points
• Critical Failure: No progress; materials wasted

System Calibration

Time: 1 day Requirements: Engineering or Computers, starship access DC: Ship tier + 12 Activity: Fine-tune starship systems for optimal performance.

Choose One System:

• Weapons: +1 circumstance bonus to attack rolls for next 3 combats
• Shields: +5% to Shield Points for 1 week
• Engines: +1 to Piloting checks for 1 week
• Sensors: +2 to scanning checks for 1 week
• Power Core: +5% power efficiency for 1 week

System Diagnostics

Time: 1 day Requirements: Engineering, starship access DC: Ship tier + 12 Activity: Perform comprehensive starship systems check.

Results:

• Critical Success: Identify all issues; gain +2 circumstance bonus to Engineering checks on this ship for 1 week
• Success: Identify current issues and major problems; gain +1 circumstance bonus
• Failure: Identify only obvious issues
• Critical Failure: Miss critical issue; system suffers –1 penalty

3. Long-Term Goals

Downtime gains satisfaction through pursuing extended objectives rather than disconnected tasks.

Effective Long-Term Goals

Business Ventures:

• Running trade routes
• Operating casinos or entertainment venues
• Manufacturing operations
• Technology development firms

Organizations:

• Founding mercenary companies
• Establishing research institutions
• Creating political movements
• Building criminal networks

Infrastructure Projects:

• Restoring damaged colonies
• Establishing new settlements
• Building space stations
• Developing terraforming operations

Political Goals:

• Reforming corporate governance
• Mediating factional conflicts
• Establishing trade agreements
• Changing legal frameworks

Personal Goals:

• Mastering advanced technologies
• Achieving celebrity status
• Solving ancient mysteries
• Perfecting experimental designs

Goal Progression

Goals should advance through distinct stages. Example for Trading Company:

1. Stage 1: Secure initial cargo and ship (foundation)
2. Stage 2: Establish routes between nearby stations (growth)
3. Stage 3: Build reputation and regular customers (development)
4. Stage 4: Hire crew and additional ships (expansion)
5. Stage 5: Deal with competitors or pirates (conflict)
6. Stage 6: Secure exclusive contracts or trade rights (maturation)
7. Stage 7: Expand to new systems or sectors (achievement)

4. Colony & Settlement Management

See Colony Settlement System document for complete colony rules and Foundry VTT integration.

The colony system provides a settlement tracker for managing locations your party visits, owns, or operates. Player-owned colonies generate income and serve as a home base between adventures.

Colony Types

Colony type is a descriptive label and does not affect mechanics.

Ownership

Player-owned colonies have a shared treasury that all party members can deposit into and withdraw from.

Colony Features

Leaders: Assign NPCs to administrative roles (Administrator, Commander, Warden, etc.). Leaders are tracked for narrative purposes.

Vendors: Register merchants and service providers at your colony. Players can open vendor sheets directly to shop.

Structures: Drag equipment items onto the colony to add buildings. Each structure can have:

• An owner (which character benefits from it)
• Income per day (gold generated)
• Staff required and staff salary

Points of Interest: Link journal entries to notable locations within or near your colony for easy reference.

Income System

Structures generate passive income during downtime. The formula is:

Net Income = (Income per Day × Days) - (Staff Salary × Staff Count × Days)

Example: A tavern earning 5 gp/day with 2 staff at 1 gp/day each nets 3 gp/day.

Suggested Income by Structure Type:

The income system is designed for supplemental downtime wealth, not primary party income. Adjust values based on party level and campaign wealth expectations.

5. Casino & Gaming Rules

Common Casino Rules

House Edge: 5% of winnings taken by house (already calculated into payout odds)

Cheating Detection:

• Cheater: Uses Deception or Thievery vs. observers' Perception
• Observers: Casino staff typically have Perception +10 to +20
• Penalties: Ejection, blacklisting, legal action

Gravity Jack (Adapted from Blackjack)

Players: 2-7 players plus dealer Equipment: Modified digital card deck (cards 1-13, four suits) Minimum Bet: 10 credits

Objective: Get hand total closer to 21 than dealer without exceeding 21.

Gameplay:

1. Ante: All players place bets
2. Deal: Dealer gives two cards to each player and self (one dealer card face-up)
3. Player Turns: Each player may:
   • Hit: Take another card
   • Stand: Keep current hand
   • Double Down: Double bet, take exactly one more card
   • Split: If two cards match, split into two hands
4. Dealer Turn: Must hit on 16 or below, stand on 17 or above
5. Resolution: Players with higher total win even money (1:1); player Gravity Jack pays 3:2

Nebula Hold'em (Adapted from Poker)

Players: 3-8 players plus dealer Equipment: Modified digital deck Ante: 10 credits minimum

Objective: Make best five-card hand from seven available cards.

Gameplay:

1. Ante: All players place small/big blinds
2. Deal: Each player receives 2 hole cards (private)
3. First Betting Round
4. The Flop: Dealer reveals 3 community cards
5. Second Betting Round
6. The Turn: Dealer reveals 4th community card
7. Third Betting Round
8. The River: Dealer reveals 5th community card
9. Final Betting Round
10. Showdown: Best hand wins pot (minus 5% house cut)

Hand Rankings:

1. Royal Nebula (Royal Flush)
2. Straight Nebula (Straight Flush)
3. Quantum Quartet (Four of a Kind)
4. Drift House (Full House)
5. Plasma Flush (Flush)
6. Void Straight (Straight)
7. Fusion Triple (Three of a Kind)
8. Binary Pair (Two Pair)
9. Singularity Pair (One Pair)
10. Event Horizon (High Card)

Orbital Roulette

Players: Unlimited (typically 1-20 at table) Equipment: Rotating orbital wheel with 38 slots (0, 00, 1-36) Minimum Bet: 5 credits

Betting Options:

Drift Dash (Dice Game)

Players: Up to 20 at table Equipment: 3d6 (dealer/beacon), 2d20 (racer) Minimum Bet: 50 credits

Objective: Racer must "bound" the beacon's signal by rolling one die higher and one die lower than beacon total.

Step 1 - Establish Vector:

• Racer places stake (minimum bet)
• Racer rolls first d20, establishing "vector"
• Racer may double stake after seeing vector

Step 2 - Beacon Transmission:

• Dealer rolls 3d6 and totals
• If total equals racer's vector: racer crashes (loses immediately)

Step 3 - Second Vector:

• Racer rolls second d20
• WIN: One die higher AND one die lower than beacon total
• JACKPOT: Rolling natural 1 and 20 wins triple stake

Quantum Lottery

Players: Unlimited Equipment: 2d10 quantum dice (generating 1-100) Minimum Bet: 50 credits

Objective: Predict which numbers will manifest from quantum fluctuations.

Step 1 - Prediction:

• Player selects 2-10 numbers between 1-100
• Player places stake

Step 2 - Quantum Draw:

• Generator manifests 20 unique numbers (1-100)

Step 3 - Resolution:

• Compare predicted numbers to manifested numbers

Payout Table:

Lottery Variants:

• Drift Lottery: Numbers channeled from Drift fluctuations; Mysticism provides +1 to one prediction
• Precog Lottery: Players with precognition abilities gain +2 to two predictions (GM discretion)

Electronic & Holographic Games

Slot Machines (Credit Slots):

• Minimum: 1 credit per spin
• Payout: Varies by symbol combinations
• Average return: 85-95% (house edge 5-15%)
• Jackpot: Typically 1,000-10,000× bet for rare symbol combination

Virtual Reality Games:

• VR Racing: Bet on racers, 10-100 credits, Piloting checks influence AI performance
• VR Combat: Simulated arena battles, 50-500 credits, players can compete directly
• VR Exploration: Treasure hunt scenarios, 20-200 credits, winners share prize pool

Holographic Card Games:

• Automated dealers
• Anti-cheat detection built-in (+10 to detect cheating)
• Faster pace than physical games
• Often features animated cards and special effects

Neural Interface Games:

• Direct brain-computer gaming
• Reaction time games favor high Dexterity
• Strategy games favor high Intelligence
• Social games favor high Charisma
• Bets: 50-1,000 credits depending on game complexity

PART IV: COMBAT & TACTICAL (PLAYER-FACING)

1. Aquatic & Environmental Combat

See detailed rules in Environment-Hazards document.

Aquatic Combat Basics

Movement:

• Characters without swim Speed: Move at half land Speed in water (minimum 5 feet)
• Swim Speed: Use full swim Speed
• Difficult terrain: Thick vegetation, strong currents

Combat Challenges:

• Attacking underwater: -2 circumstance penalty to melee attacks without swim Speed
• Ranged attacks: Most ranged weapons ineffective underwater beyond short range
• Spellcasting: Some spells function differently underwater

Drowning:

• Hold breath for (5 + Constitution modifier) rounds (minimum 1 round)
• After breath runs out: Unconscious and dying
• Can be saved by bringing to surface and providing air

Environmental Combat Modifiers

Arctic/Cold:

• Extreme cold effects (see Environment-Hazards)
• Difficult terrain from ice and snow
• Visibility reduction in blizzards

Desert/Heat:

• Extreme heat effects
• Dehydration risks
• Sandstorms (visibility and damage)

Zero-Gravity:

• Special movement rules (see EVA section)
• Disorientation penalties
• Maneuvering checks required

Toxic/Radiation:

• Ongoing damage per exposure
• Equipment degradation
• Need for environmental protection

2. Vehicle Combat Basics

See detailed rules in Vehicle-Systems document.

Vehicle Combat Overview

Your Role as Crew:

• Pilot: Control vehicle movement and evasion
• Gunner: Operate vehicle weapons
• Engineer: Maintain systems and repair damage
• Passenger: Provide support or fire personal weapons

Vehicle Actions (As Pilot)

Drive (1-3 Actions):

• 1 Action: Move vehicle up to its Speed
• 2 Actions: Move vehicle up to twice its Speed
• 3 Actions: Move vehicle up to three times its Speed

Evasive Maneuvers (1 Action):

• Make Piloting check to gain circumstance bonus to vehicle AC
• DC varies by vehicle and maneuver

Ram (2-3 Actions):

• Move vehicle into enemy vehicle or obstacle
• Deal collision damage
• Vehicle takes damage based on target

Vehicle Combat (As Gunner)

Fire Vehicle Weapon (1-2 Actions):

• 1 Action: Make single attack with mounted weapon
• 2 Actions: Make burst attack if weapon has automatic capability

Target Acquisition (1 Action):

• Grant +1 circumstance bonus to next attack with vehicle weapon

Vehicle Combat (As Engineer)

Quick Repairs (2 Actions):

• Make Engineering check to restore small amount of HP
• Temporary fixes only during combat

System Optimization (1 Action):

• Grant +1 circumstance bonus to vehicle's next check (Speed, AC, or attack)

Vehicle Damage

Hit Points:

• Vehicles have HP pool separate from crew
• Vehicle destroyed at 0 HP
• Crew may take damage when vehicle takes massive damage

Critical Damage:

• Vehicles may suffer critical damage affecting systems
• Engines, weapons, or other systems may be disabled
• Requires repairs to restore function

Vehicle Modifications

Vehicles can be enhanced with modifications that add capabilities, improve systems, or provide tactical advantages.

Modification Slots by Size

Installation

Installation DC: 15 + Modification Level (Crafting check). Failure doubles the time; critical failure damages the modification. Duplicate modifications cannot be installed unless specifically noted.

Example Modifications

See Vehicle Systems document for the complete modification catalog (Levels 1-20).

3. Starship Combat Crew Roles

See Starships_Revised_SF2E.md for complete starship combat rules.

Starship Combat Flow

Initiative: The Pilot rolls initiative using the Piloting skill.

Starship Check = 1d20 + crew member's skill modifier + item bonuses from starship parts + circumstance/status bonuses/penalties

Turn Sequence:

1. Change Roles (start of turn, no action required)
2. Each crew member takes 1 action in any order
3. Movement occurs as result of Pilot actions
4. Attacks of Opportunity when passing through or exiting adjacent hex

Positioning:

• Ships operate on hexagonal grid
• Facing matters for firing arcs
• Range affects attack rolls and damage

Crew Roles Summary

Player Roles in Starship Combat

Captain

What You Do:

• Issue orders and coordinate crew
• Make tactical decisions
• Use special captain actions to boost crew

Key Actions:

• Encourage: Grant status bonus to crew member's check
• Coordinate: Call out 2+ crew members' actions; bonus if they follow plan
• Intervene: After crew member rolls, reroll using your modifiers
• Taunt: Demoralize enemy crew (status penalty to all checks)
• Rally (Expert): Grant status bonus to all allies' next check
• Inspire (Master): Allies roll twice, take better result (costs 1 Resolve Point)

Pilot

What You Do:

• Maneuver the starship
• Position for optimal firing arcs
• Evade enemy attacks

Key Actions:

• Idle: No movement; lose proficiency bonus to AC and TL
• Glide: Move up to speed with defensive benefits
• Fly: Move up to speed (standard movement)
• Full Power (Expert): Move up to speed +1 or +2 (costs 5 PCU)
• Overdrive (Expert): Move up to 2× speed (costs 10 PCU)
• Stunts: Barrel Roll, Escape, Evade, Strafe (learned when gaining Piloting proficiency)

Gunner

What You Do:

• Fire ship's weapons
• Coordinate fire with other gunners
• Suppress enemy positions

Key Actions:

• Shoot: Attack with ship weapons
• Launch: Fire tracking weapons (missiles, torpedoes)
• Suppressive Fire: Create zones that penalize enemy movement
• Precise Shot: Target specific enemy system

Engineer

What You Do:

• Repair damage to ship systems
• Boost shield strength
• Reroute power distribution

Key Actions:

• Divert: Reroute power to boost shields or weapons
• Restore Shields: Replenish shield hit points
• Patch System: Temporarily fix a damaged system
• Hold it Together: Prevent a system from going offline
• Emergency Repairs: Full repair on a damaged system

Science Officer

What You Do:

• Scan enemy ships
• Provide tactical information
• Use sensors to detect threats

Key Actions:

• Identify: Learn enemy ship statistics
• Analyze System: Reveal enemy system weakness
• Lock On: Grant bonuses to gunners' attacks
• Scan Environment: Detect hazards or hidden objects
• Jam Communications: Block enemy coordination

Deck Officer

What You Do:

• Perform hands-on emergency work
• Manually operate systems when automated controls fail

Key Actions:

• Quick Fix: Fast temporary repair
• Overload Weapon: Boost weapon damage at risk of damage
• Direct Access: Manually override a system
• Manual Evasion: Physically adjust ship trajectory

Magic Officer

What You Do:

• Channel magical energy through ship systems
• Provide mystical support to crew

Key Actions:

• Focus: Channel magical energy to boost a system
• Scry: Magical sensor enhancement
• Precognition: Grant bonus based on foresight
• Mystic Haze: Create magical concealment
• Eldritch Shot: Enhance a weapon attack with magic

4. NPC Crew Members

See Starships_Revised_SF2E.md for complete NPC crew rules.

As your starship grows in size and complexity, you'll likely need to hire NPC crew members to help operate it. Understanding how to hire, manage, and advance your crew is essential for running a larger vessel.

Understanding Crew Skill Levels

NPC crew members fall into five skill tiers based on their training and experience:

How It Affects Performance: The crew member's proficiency modifier is applied to all starship checks they make. For example, a Trained crew member at level 5 has a +7 modifier (5 + 2), while an Expert has +9 (5 + 4).

Hiring Crew

Costs

Weekly/Monthly Wages:

Wages: Crew expect regular payment for their services. Missing a payment may result in morale penalties or crew desertion.

Sign-On Bonus: A one-time payment made when a crew member first joins. You can attempt to waive this with a Diplomacy check (DC 15 for Green/Trained, up to DC 30 for Legendary).

Where to Find Crew

The size and type of port determines what skill levels are available:

Finding Crew: To find crew, spend the indicated hiring time and make a Society or Diplomacy check:

• Green or Trained at appropriate port: Automatic success
• Veteran at Outpost: DC 15
• Elite at Major Hub: DC 20
• Legendary at Major Hub: DC 25
• Add +5 to DC if seeking crew with specific skills or backgrounds

Minimum Crew Requirements

Each starship frame has minimum crew requirements:

Operating Understaffed: Ships operating below minimum crew take a cumulative -2 circumstance penalty to all starship checks for each missing essential crew member.

Advancing Your Crew

Your NPC crew can improve their skills over time through experience and training.

Experience-Based Advancement

Track Advancement Points (AP) for each crew member (or for the crew as a whole, GM's choice).

Earning Advancement Points:

• Successful Mission: 1 AP per crew member involved
• Starship Combat Victory: 1 AP per crew member involved
• Critical Success on Important Check: 1 bonus AP for that crew member
• Exceptional Service: 1 bonus AP (GM discretion)

Advancement Thresholds:

Making an Advancement Check: When a crew member reaches the required AP, roll 1d20 + crew member's current proficiency modifier + starship level.

• Critical Success: Advance to next skill level and retain half current AP toward next advancement
• Success: Advance to next skill level; reset AP to 0
• Failure: Do not advance; retain current AP and try again after earning 2 more AP
• Critical Failure: Do not advance; lose half current AP

Training-Based Advancement

Alternatively, crew can be sent for formal training to advance their skills.

Trainer Required: The crew member must train at a facility or under a trainer who meets the Trainer DC. Finding a suitable trainer requires a Society check at the same DC at an appropriate port.

Training Check: At the end of the training period, the crew member (or their trainer) makes a check using the relevant skill with the Trainer DC. Use the advancement check results above.

Accelerated Training: You can reduce training time by 25% by increasing the cost by 50%, or reduce time by 50% by doubling the cost and increasing the Trainer DC by 5.

Managing Crew Morale (Optional)

Your crew's morale affects their performance. High morale leads to better performance, while low morale can sabotage operations.

Morale Levels

Starting Morale: Newly hired crew start at Neutral morale. Well-paid crew (150% wage) start at Good morale.

What Raises Morale

Each event raises morale by one step (maximum Excellent):

• Victory in Combat: Major victory against dangerous foes
• Paid On Time: Receiving wages consistently for 3+ payments
• Bonus Pay: Receiving a bonus equal to 50%+ of monthly wage
• Shore Leave: 1 week of shore leave at a desirable location
• Upgraded Quarters: Installing Recreation Suite or better crew quarters
• Saved from Danger: PCs rescue crew from life-threatening situation
• Inspirational Leadership: Captain succeeds at DC 20 Diplomacy check (once per week)

What Lowers Morale

Each event lowers morale by one step:

• Defeat in Combat: Ship badly damaged or forced to flee
• Missed Payment: Wages not paid on time
• Harsh Conditions: Living in cramped quarters for 1+ month
• Crew Death: One or more crew members killed
• Reckless Endangerment: PCs put crew in unnecessary danger
• Betrayal: Breaking a promise or agreement with crew

Consequences of Low Morale

Poor Morale: Crew complains frequently. Once per session, a random crew member may refuse an order (requiring a DC 20 Intimidation or Diplomacy check to convince them).

Terrible Morale: Crew actively seeks to leave. Each week at Terrible morale, there's a risk of desertion, demands for better conditions, or even mutiny attempts.

Recovering: To raise morale from Poor or Terrible, you must address the crew's concerns (pay back wages, improve conditions, etc.) AND succeed at a DC 20 Diplomacy check. This takes 1 day of downtime per morale step you wish to raise.

Named NPCs vs Generic Crew

Not all crew members need detailed statistics.

Generic Crew:

• Use for ordinary crew members who operate in groups and fill standard roles
• Track using proficiency modifier only (no ability scores needed)
• Can manage groups together (e.g., "5 Trained gunners")

Named NPCs:

• Use for important crew members with personalities, backgrounds, and potential character arcs
• Give them full character sheets using standard NPC creation rules
• Can go on away missions with PCs
• Provide roleplay opportunities and story hooks
• May eventually join the party as full PCs

Advancement for Named NPCs: Named NPCs advance using standard character advancement rules (gaining levels) rather than the crew skill advancement system. They should generally stay 1-3 levels below the party's average level.

5. Fleet Actions Overview

See Fleet-Mindscape document for detailed fleet rules.

Fleet Combat Basics

What is Fleet Combat:

• Large-scale starship engagements
• Multiple ships per side
• Simplified mechanics for mass combat

Your Role:

• Command individual ship in fleet
• Follow fleet admiral's overall strategy
• Coordinate with other ships

Fleet Tactics:

• Formation Fighting: Ships support each other
• Coordinated Attacks: Multiple ships target same enemy
• Screening: Protect capital ships with escorts
• Flanking: Position for advantageous firing arcs

Fleet Actions You Can Take:

• Break Formation: Leave fleet for independent action
• Support Ally: Grant bonus to nearby friendly ship
• Coordinated Strike: Combine attacks with allies
• Screen: Protect higher-value ship from attacks

6. Starship Chases & Boarding

See Additional Starship Rules document for complete chase and boarding rules.

Boarding Actions

When your crew needs to physically enter an enemy vessel, use boarding rules. There are four methods:

Boarding Methods

Boarding Combat

Boarding Attack = 1d20 + leader's Intimidation or Athletics + size modifier

Boarding Rating (BR) = 10 + ship's level + security bonus + crew quality modifier

Resolution Options:

1. Abstract: Single Boarding Attack roll vs. BR. Critical success = take control of one system; success = establish foothold; failure = repelled.
2. Tactical: When 2+ PCs board, transition to standard combat in cramped shipboard corridors.

Starship Chase Rules

When ships pursue or flee rather than engaging in direct combat, use structured chase rules.

Chase Structure

A chase lasts 6 rounds (adjustable by GM). Each round, the GM may present an obstacle, then each crew member takes one chase action based on their role.

Chase Roles and Actions

Each action produces successes, removes hits, or inflicts penalties on the opponent. Track successes and hits for each side.

Chase Obstacles (Sample)

Chase Resolution

Hit Tolerance by Ship Size: Tiny 4, Small 5, Medium 6, Large 7, Huge 8, Gargantuan 10, Colossal+ 12. Reaching your hit limit ends the chase in defeat.

7. Mech Combat Basics

See Mech Combat Rules document for complete mech rules and sample equipment.

Mechs are piloted combat vehicles designed for direct engagement. Unlike standard vehicles, mechs feature modular hardpoints, a dedicated power resource (Mech Points), and heat management that creates moment-to-moment tactical decisions.

Mech Frame Sizes

Each frame provides base HP, Hardness (damage reduction), AC, saving throws, and Speed. Lighter frames are faster and more agile; heavier frames are tougher and mount more weapons.

Hardpoint System

Mechs have six hardpoint locations for mounting weapons and systems:

Your frame size determines how many hardpoints you can use (Light: 3, Medium: 4, Heavy: 5, Superheavy: 6).

Mech Points (MP)

Mech Points represent available power for combat actions. Your MP pool refills to maximum at the start of each turn.

Heat Management

Weapons and systems generate heat when used. Track your heat level as a percentage of your threshold:

Venting Heat:

• Vent Heat (2 actions): Reduce heat by 2 per action. Cannot attack on a turn you vent.
• Emergency Vent (3 actions): Reduce heat to 0. Flat-footed until next turn; no reactions.

Operational States

Changing state is a free action at the start of your turn (except Shutdown to Combat Ready, which takes 1 full round).

Mech Combat Actions

Standard Actions:

• Fire Weapon (1 action): Ranged attack with a mech weapon
• Melee Strike (1 action): Melee attack with mech weapon or fist
• Stride (1 action): Move the mech up to its Speed
• Take Cover (1 action): Gain cover using mech's position

Special Mech Actions:

• Power Slide (2 actions): Move double Speed in a straight line; enemies in path must Reflex save or be knocked prone
• Stomp (2 actions): Attack all creatures in a 10-foot square; 2d8 + Str bludgeoning
• Shield Bash (1 action): Melee strike with mounted shield; push target 10 feet on hit
• Eject (2 actions): Emergency exit; land adjacent, take 2d6 falling damage

Entering and Exiting Mechs

• Board Mech (3 actions): Enter and activate; starts in Standby
• Disembark (2 actions): Safely exit a Standby or Shutdown mech
• Forced Entry (3 actions): Enter enemy mech by force (Athletics vs. mech's Fortitude DC); ejects previous operator

System Damage

When HP drops below threshold (50% of max), system damage may occur. If an attack exceeds Hardness by 10+, the attacker can target a specific system:

Repairs: In combat: 3 actions + Crafting check (DC 15 + mech level). Out of combat: 10 minutes + easier check. Full repair: 1 hour in a repair bay.

PART V: SOCIAL & INTERPERSONAL

1. Social Encounters

See Campaign-Frameworks document for detailed social encounter rules.

Social Encounter Basics

What are Social Encounters:

• Structured interactions with NPCs
• Use social skills instead of combat skills
• Goals beyond simple persuasion

Common Social Goals:

• Gather information
• Change NPC attitude
• Negotiate deals
• Gain favor or influence
• Avoid conflict

Social Initiative

When Used:

• Complex social situations with time pressure
• Multiple NPCs with competing interests
• High-stakes negotiations

How It Works:

• Roll initiative using Perception or social skill
• Take turns making social actions
• NPCs react to your approaches

Social Actions

Make an Impression (2 Actions):

• Use Diplomacy to improve NPC attitude
• Success improves attitude one step
• Critical success improves two steps

Request (1 Action):

• Ask NPC for specific favor or information
• Success depends on current attitude and request difficulty

Lie (1-3 Actions):

• Use Deception to mislead NPC
• Opposed by NPC's Perception
• Consequences for failure may be severe

Coerce (1-2 Actions):

• Use Intimidation to frighten or threaten NPC
• May worsen attitude if failed
• Can achieve short-term results

Gather Information (2+ Actions):

• Use Diplomacy to learn about topic
• Time varies by information depth
• May require multiple checks

Create a Diversion (1-3 Actions):

• Use Deception, Performance, or other skill
• Draw attention away from something
• Useful for allies' actions

NPC Attitudes

Attitude Levels:

• Helpful: Actively assists, grants favors
• Friendly: Open to reasonable requests
• Indifferent: Neutral, business-like
• Unfriendly: Suspicious, unhelpful
• Hostile: Actively opposes or threatens

Changing Attitudes:

• Use Make an Impression action
• Success improves attitude one step
• Some requests only possible at certain attitudes

2. Influence & Negotiation

Influence System

What is Influence:

• Represents your sway with organizations or individuals
• Built over time through actions and interactions
• Opens doors to opportunities and assistance

Gaining Influence:

• Complete tasks for organization
• Make favorable impressions on key members
• Demonstrate alignment with organization's values
• Provide valuable information or resources

Using Influence:

• Request favors or assistance
• Access restricted information or locations
• Gain introductions to important NPCs
• Receive better prices or priority service

Influence Levels:

• Unknown: No influence
• Known: Basic recognition
• Established: Regular contact, minor favors
• Respected: Significant favors, insider access
• Honored: Major favors, leadership consideration

Negotiation

Negotiation Challenges:

• Multiple parties with different interests
• Find mutually acceptable compromise
• Build trust while advancing goals

Negotiation Tactics:

• Appeal to Interests: Identify what each party wants
• Build Rapport: Establish personal connection
• Present Evidence: Use facts to support position
• Find Common Ground: Identify shared interests
• Make Concessions: Give to get

Negotiation Checks:

• Diplomacy for collaborative negotiation
• Intimidation for hardball tactics
• Deception for bluffing
• Culture for understanding cultural context

Negotiation Outcomes:

• Critical Success: Achieve primary goals and bonus benefit
• Success: Achieve primary goals
• Failure: Partial success or must make concessions
• Critical Failure: Negotiations break down

3. Hacking Overview (Player Perspective)

See detailed hacking rules in Campaign-Frameworks document.

What is Hacking

Hacking Definition:

• Unauthorized access to computer systems
• Bypassing security measures
• Extracting, altering, or destroying data

Why Hack:

• Gather intelligence
• Disable security systems
• Steal credits or valuable data
• Cover your tracks
• Frame others

Basic Hacking Process

Step 1: Access Attempt

• Use Computers skill to connect to system
• DC varies by system security level
• May need physical access or network connection

Step 2: Navigate System

• Move through system's architecture
• Locate desired data or controls
• Avoid detection by security

Step 3: Execute Action

• Download data
• Disable systems
• Alter records
• Plant backdoors

Step 4: Cover Tracks

• Remove evidence of intrusion
• Prevent tracing back to you
• May require additional Computers checks

Hacking Risks

Security Measures:

• Firewalls: Increase DC to access
• ICE (Intrusion Countermeasures): Active defenses that attack hackers
• Alarms: Alert system administrators
• Trace Programs: Identify hacker's location
• Lockouts: Permanently deny access after failures

Consequences of Failure:

• Detected by security
• System locks down
• Authorities alerted
• Counter-hacking attempts against you
• Equipment damage from ICE attacks

Hacking Equipment

Basic Tools:

• Hacking Kit: Required for most hacking attempts
• Custom Software: Provides bonuses to specific hack types
• Signal Booster: Extends hacking range

Advanced Tools:

• AI Assistant: Automated hacking support
• Security Bypass: Hardware device for physical access
• Encryption Cracker: Speeds up data decryption

Quick Hacking Tips

Do:

• Scout the system before committing
• Have exit strategy ready
• Use VPN or routing to hide origin
• Work quickly to minimize detection chance
• Back up important data before altering

Don't:

• Rush without understanding security
• Ignore warnings from system checks
• Leave obvious traces of intrusion
• Hack from your personal device
• Underestimate corporate security

PART VI: TRAVEL & COMMERCE

1. Galactic Trade System

See Equipment-Trade document for complete trade rules.

Trade Overview

The galactic trade system allows parties to engage in interstellar commerce, transporting cargo between worlds for profit.

Why Trade:

• Generate income between adventures
• Establish business contacts
• Travel to new locations
• Build reputation as merchants
• Fund ship upgrades

Trade Basics:

• Buy cargo at origin port
• Transport to destination
• Sell for profit
• Deal with complications

2. Four-Step Trade Process

Step 1: Find Cargo

How to Find Cargo:

• Spend 1 day searching markets and contacts
• Make Diplomacy or Mercantile Lore check
• DC: 10 + (1.5 × party level)

Success:

• Discover 1d4 lots available for purchase
• All lots must be purchased together
• Purchase price: Roll 1d4 × 100 gp per lot

Critical Success:

• Find more cargo or better prices

Failure:

• No cargo found; can try again next day with penalty

What is a "Lot":

• 25 tons of cargo
• Fills one cargo hold space on ship
• Standardized unit for trading

Cargo Type Categories (d20)

Trade Destination (d10)

Step 2: Determine Complication

Roll d20 for each shipment:

*Discoverable before purchase with appropriate check during negotiation

Handling Complications:

• Some discoverable before purchase (marked with *)
• Others emerge during transport
• May require skill checks to resolve
• Can turn into full skill challenges or encounters

Step 3: Transport Cargo

Loading:

• Takes time to load cargo onto ship
• With equipment: 1 hour per lot
• Manual loading: 8 hours per lot

Travel:

• Use normal starship travel rules
• Travel time determines by destination distance
• Random encounters possible during journey

Your Role During Transport:

• Monitor cargo condition
• Watch for pirates or complications
• Maintain ship systems
• Plan for arrival

Step 4: Make the Sale

Finding Buyers:

• Spend 1 day locating buyers at destination
• Make Diplomacy or Mercantile Lore check
• DC: 10 + (1.5 × party level)

Success:

• Find buyer willing to pay calculated price
• Base sell price: Roll 1d8 × 100 gp per lot
• Apply distance modifiers (longer distance = better price)
• Apply complication effects

Critical Success:

• Find eager buyer; +100 gp per lot bonus

Failure:

• Must reduce price or spend more time searching

Profit Calculation:

• Total Profit = Sell Price - Purchase Price - Expenses
• Expenses include fuel, loading fees, bribes, etc.
• Divide profit among crew or reinvest in ship

3. Finding Cargo & Buyers

Where to Find Trade Opportunities

Locations:

• Space Stations: Major trade hubs
• Planetary Ports: Varied cargo types
• Corporate Offices: Regular contracts
• Black Markets: Illegal goods (higher risk, higher reward)
• Docks: Last-minute deals from desperate sellers

Contacts:

• Build relationships with merchants
• Corporate trade liaisons
• Independent traders
• Smuggling networks
• Planetary trade boards

Improving Your Trade Checks

Circumstance Bonuses:

• Established reputation: +1 to +4
• Trade contacts: +1 per relevant contact
• Corporate affiliations: +2
• Previous successful trades in location: +1

Equipment:

• Market analysis software: +1
• Trade database access: +2
• Merchant's credentials: +1

Skills:

• Diplomacy for legitimate trade
• Mercantile Lore for specialized knowledge
• Underworld Lore for black market
• Culture for understanding local markets

Cargo Types and Destinations

Profitable Routes:

• High-tech goods to frontier worlds
• Raw materials to industrial centers
• Luxury items to wealthy stations
• Cultural artifacts to collectors
• Perishables to remote outposts

Destination Matters:

• Same system: Lower profits
• Near Space: Moderate profits
• Vast: Higher profits
• Extremely remote: Highest profits (but longest travel)

4. Build Point Currency

What are Build Points (BP)

Definition:

• Abstracted currency for large-scale trading
• 1 BP = 100 gp
• Represents bulk trading capacity
• Simplifies cargo calculations

When to Use BP:

• Tracking multiple cargo lots
• Large-scale trade operations
• Ship-scale transactions
• Fleet economics

Converting BP:

• 1 BP = 100 gp for personal purchases
• Sell cargo for BP, convert to personal funds
• Use BP for ship upgrades or trade investments

BP and Starship Operations

Ship Costs in BP:

• Fuel: Varies by distance
• Repairs: Cost per damage
• Upgrades: Major purchases in BP
• Crew salaries: Regular BP expenses

Earning BP:

• Complete successful trade runs
• Salvage operations
• Bounty hunting (ship-scale rewards)
• Contracts and missions

Trade Reputation System

Victory Points (VP) for Trading:

• Track long-term trade success
• Unlock benefits and opportunities
• Represent growing business reputation

Earning Victory Points:

• Complete trade run successfully: 1 VP
• Critical success on sale: 2 VP
• Repeat routes: +1 VP
• Handle complications well: 1 VP

Spending Victory Points:

• Establish Trade Route (5 VP): Permanent bonus to trade checks
• Trade Contact (3 VP): NPC provides information and bonuses
• Warehouse Access (4 VP): Store cargo without using ship
• Insurance Discount (2 VP): Reduce cargo insurance cost
• Customs Priority (6 VP): Faster processing, fewer inspections
• Market Information (1 VP): Learn prices before departure

5. Scaling Equipment

See Equipment & Trade document for the complete scaling equipment system and all perks.

Scaling equipment offers an alternative to PF2E's rune system: weapons and armor grow with your character through modular upgrades called perks. Instead of swapping gear every few levels, you invest in a signature item and customize it over time.

How Scaling Equipment Works

• Each scaling item has a Build Point (BP) budget determined by its level
• Spend BP on perks that add abilities, damage types, resistances, or other enhancements
• Perks function mechanically like PF2E property runes but are integrated into the item
• Items can gain flaws (+1 BP each, max 2) for additional customization budget

Build Points by Item Level

Sample Armor Perks

Sample Weapon Perks

Upgrading Your Scaling Equipment

Upgrades require time and money, not just instant application:

• Work with a crafter or use the Craft downtime activity
• Costs follow standard PF2E pricing for equivalent property runes
• Items can be upgraded incrementally as you gain levels and BP budget increases

When to Choose Scaling Equipment

Scaling equipment works best when:

• You want a signature weapon or armor that grows with your character
• You prefer customization depth over finding new loot
• Your campaign has limited magic item shops
• You want sci-fi flavor (perks as tech upgrades) rather than fantasy runes

PART VII: HAZARDS & SPECIAL ENVIRONMENTS

1. Environmental Hazards

See Space_Environment_Rules_SF2E.md for complete environmental rules.

Quick Reference: Common Hazards

Vacuum Exposure

Immediate Effects:

• Suffocation (5 + Constitution modifier rounds to hold breath)
• 1d6 bludgeoning per round (decompression)
• No temperature damage (contrary to myth)

Protection Required:

• Environmental sealing
• Oxygen supply
• Pressure suit

How to Survive:

• Get to pressurized area quickly
• Seal breaches in suit immediately
• Emergency oxygen reserves extend survival time

Radiation Zones

Levels: Low (DC 15), Medium (DC 18), High (DC 22), Severe (DC 28)

Effects:

• Damage: 1d4 to 8d6 per exposure
• Sickened condition
• Drained condition (high/severe)

Protection:

• Radiation shielding
• Anti-radiation medication
• Limit exposure time
• Stay behind cover when possible

Signs of Radiation:

• Geiger counter readings
• Glowing materials
• Warning symbols
• Damaged/corroded equipment

Gravity Variations

Low Gravity:

• Jump distance ×3
• Carrying capacity ×2
• Speed bonus
• Difficulty with precise movements

High Gravity:

• Speed ×0.5
• Carrying capacity ×0.5
• Penalties to physical actions
• Fatigue from exertion

Zero-G:

• Special movement rules (see EVA section)
• Maneuvering checks required
• Disorientation possible
• Objects float freely

Extreme Gravity:

• 1d6 damage per round
• Difficult to move
• May be unable to stand
• Equipment may break from stress

Atmospheric Hazards

Thin Atmosphere:

• Fatigue risk (Fort DC 15 per hour)
• Harder to breathe
• Reduced physical performance
• Eventually leads to hypoxia

Thick Atmosphere:

• Sickened risk
• Breathing difficulty
• May contain high CO2 or other gases
• Pressure effects on body

Corrosive Atmosphere:

• 1 to 4d6 acid per round/minute
• Damages equipment over time
• Requires sealed environmental protection
• Exposed skin takes damage

Toxic Atmosphere:

• Inhaled poison (DC 15-25)
• Effects vary by toxin type
• May cause paralysis, unconsciousness, or death
• Requires filtered air or sealed suit

No Atmosphere:

• Vacuum rules apply (see above)
• No sound transmission
• Extreme temperature swings
• Micrometeorite hazards

Temperature Extremes

Heat Levels:

• Hot: 1d4 fire per 10 minutes
• Severe: 2d6 fire per 10 minutes
• Extreme: 2d6 fire per minute
• Burning: 4d6 fire per round

Cold Levels:

• Cold: 1d4 cold per 10 minutes
• Severe: 2d6 cold per 10 minutes
• Extreme: 2d6 cold per minute
• Freezing: 4d6 cold per round

Protection:

• Environmental suits
• Climate control
• Insulation
• Heat/cold resistance

2. Space Environment Rules

See Space_Environment_Rules_SF2E.md for complete space environment rules.

Space Travel Hazards

Micrometeorites

Frequency: Rare but dangerous Damage: 2d6 piercing Protection: Armored ships, point defense systems Effect on Ships: Can cause hull breaches, damage systems

Solar Radiation

Source: Stars and cosmic rays Effect: Radiation exposure over time Protection: Ship shielding, distance from stars Risk Zones: Near stars, certain nebulae, black holes

Debris Fields

Location: Asteroid belts, destroyed ships, construction zones Effect: Navigation hazard, collision damage Piloting DC: 15-25 depending on density Damage on Failure: Varies by debris size

Anomalies

Types: Gravity wells, spatial distortions, temporal zones Effects: Unpredictable Detection: Science checks or advanced sensors Response: Avoid if possible or investigate cautiously

Surviving Space Emergencies

Hull Breach

Immediate Actions:

1. Seal affected area: Emergency bulkheads
2. Evacuate crew: Move to safe compartments
3. Don environment suits: If pressure loss imminent
4. Repair breach: Engineering checks

Time Pressure:

• Small breach: Minutes to hours
• Large breach: Seconds to minutes
• Complete hull failure: Immediate evacuation needed

Life Support Failure

Symptoms:

• Rising CO2 levels
• Dropping oxygen
• Temperature extremes
• Air quality warnings

Response:

1. Switch to emergency reserves
2. Repair primary systems
3. Reduce crew activities (conserve air)
4. Prepare for evacuation if repair fails

Time Available:

• Depends on crew size and ship volume
• Typically hours to days
• Emergency supplies extend time

Power Loss

Effects:

• Life support endangered
• Propulsion offline
• Sensors and communications lost
• Artificial gravity fails

Emergency Power:

• Batteries provide limited time
• Priority to life support
• Repair main power quickly
• May need external assistance

3. Spells and Starship Scale

See Space_Environment_Rules_SF2E.md for complete spell interaction rules.

When spellcasters encounter starships, the differences in scale create significant limitations on magical effectiveness. Understanding what your spells can and cannot do against starship-scale targets is crucial for effective tactical planning.

General Principles

Scale Mismatch: Most personal-scale spells are designed to affect creatures, small objects, or localized areas. Starships operate at a vastly larger scale where personal magic is generally ineffective.

Key Limitations:

1. Size: Starship components are too large for most targeted spells
2. Area: Spell areas of effect are minuscule compared to starship scale
3. Magnitude: Damage from personal spells is negligible against ship structures
4. Targeting: Many spells require creature targets, which starships are not

What Your Spells CAN Do

Affecting Crew Members

Spells affecting crew members work normally and can indirectly help ship performance.

Useful Buff Spells:

• Haste, Guidance, Heroism: Improve crew skill checks
• Heal, Restoration: Keep crew functional
• Bless, Inspire Courage: Better crew actions

Useful Debuff Spells:

• Fear, Confusion: Disrupt enemy crew effectiveness
• Blindness, Silence: Hinder enemy crew coordination

Remember: Crew bonuses apply to their skill checks during ship actions, not to the ship's statistics directly.

Information Gathering

Divination spells are particularly useful in starship encounters.

Recommended Divination Spells:

• Detect Magic: Identifies magical components, shields
• See Invisibility: Reveals cloaked/invisible ships
• Scrying: Views ship interior or crew
• Read Aura: Determines ship's age, origin, emotional resonance
• Commune: Ask deities about ship weaknesses, locations
• Legend Lore: Historical information on famous vessels

Teleportation and Infiltration

Teleportation spells work normally for moving creatures but cannot transport entire starships.

Tactical Applications:

• Teleport, Dimension Door: Boarding, infiltration, evacuation
• Plane Shift: Moving crew between planes (not ship)
• Ethereal Jaunt: Bypassing hull to enter ship

Note: Teleporting requires knowing or seeing the destination. Ship interiors are difficult to target blindly.

Limited Object Targeting

Spells with explicit "structure" or "unattended object" targeting can affect starship components if the spell level is sufficient.

Examples:

• Mending, Creation: Can repair/create components if size allows
• Lock, Knock: Affects doors, hatches, security systems
• Object Reading: Gather information about ship history

Limitation: Spell level must be sufficient for the component's size/complexity. Most starship components require high-rank spells.

What Your Spells CANNOT Do

Direct Damage Spells are Ineffective

Personal-scale damage magic cannot meaningfully harm starships.

Why Blast Spells Don't Work:

• Fireball: Affects 20-ft radius; starship is 200+ feet
• Scorching Ray: Burns person, can't penetrate hull plating
• Magic Missile: Targets creature, not structure
• Lightning Bolt: Even 10d6 damage is trivial to 100+ HP ship hull

Example: A 3rd-rank fireball (8d6 damage, approximately 28 average) cannot damage a starship with 100 HP and armor 10. The scale difference is absolute.

Single-Target Attack Spells

Most offensive spells require creature targets and cannot target starships.

Spells That Don't Work:

• Disintegrate: Creature or object up to 10-ft cube only
• Finger of Death: Creature only
• Phantasmal Killer: Creature only
• Harm: Living creature or undead only

Mind-Affecting Spells

Starships are objects without minds (unless sentient AI is involved).

Ineffective Against Ships:

• Charm, Dominate, Suggestion
• Confusion, Fear, Sleep
• Detect Thoughts, Mindlink, Telepathy

Exception: If a ship has a sentient AI system, mind-affecting spells might work on the AI (GM discretion).

Magic Officer Alternative

For players who want to contribute magically to starship combat, the Magic Officer crew role provides ship-scale magical effects:

Magic Officer Actions:

• Eldritch Shot: Ship-scale energy damage
• Mystic Haze: Concealment field
• Precognitive Defense: Defense bonus
• Scrying Defense: Blocks sensors
• Arcane Barrage: Multi-target attack

Design Note: These actions use the same magical principles as personal spells but operate at starship scale. A Magic Officer channels far more energy than a personal spellcaster.

Optional High-Level Rule (GM Discretion)

9th-Rank Spells Against Components: For high-level campaigns, GMs may allow 9th-rank or higher spells to affect starship components.

Requirements:

1. Must be 9th-rank or higher
2. Can only affect exposed external components
3. Normal casting time applies
4. Requires line of sight to component

Effects:

• 9th-rank damage spells deal 1/10 normal damage to components (minimum 1)
• Can target exposed components like sensors, weapons, thrusters
• Still cannot damage hull or internal systems

Example: A 9th-rank fireball deals 14d6 damage (average 49). Against a starship component, this deals 4-5 points of damage.

Balance Note: This rule allows high-level spellcasters to contribute to starship combat without overshadowing ship weapons. Spells remain less effective than dedicated ship systems.

4. Digital Anomalies

See Campaign-Frameworks document for hacking and digital threat rules.

What are Digital Anomalies

Definition:

• Unusual phenomena in computer systems and networks
• Can be natural glitches or malicious programs
• May have unpredictable effects
• Can spread between connected systems

Common Types:

• Viruses: Destructive programs that damage data or systems
• AI Entities: Independent programs with goals
• Data Echoes: Remnants of deleted information
• Quantum Glitches: Unexplained behavior in quantum computing
• Drift Interference: Anomalies from Drift travel affecting systems

Encountering Digital Anomalies

Signs of Anomaly:

• Unusual system behavior
• Unexplained data access or changes
• Communication disruptions
• Sensor false readings
• Programs running without authorization

Investigation:

• Computers check to identify anomaly type
• May require multiple checks to understand fully
• Some anomalies intelligent and can react to investigation

Dealing with Anomalies

Quarantine:

• Isolate affected systems
• Prevent spread to other systems
• May require shutting down connections

Purge:

• Delete anomalous data or programs
• May cause collateral damage to other data
• Not always effective against adaptive anomalies

Negotiate:

• Some AI anomalies can be reasoned with
• May have requests or information to trade
• Risky but potentially beneficial

Study:

• Learn from anomaly without removing it
• May provide valuable insights
• Requires careful containment

PART VIII: MAGIC & MYSTICISM

1. Planar & Dimensional Travel

See Planar-Dimensions document for complete planar rules.

Planar Travel Basics

What is Planar Travel:

• Moving between different planes of existence
• Each plane has unique properties and hazards
• Requires magic or advanced technology
• Can be dangerous and disorienting

Why Travel to Other Planes:

• Shortcuts through space (Drift)
• Access to unique resources or knowledge
• Diplomatic missions to planar entities
• Escape pursuit
• Magical research

Common Planes

The Drift

Nature: Hyperspace dimension for faster-than-light travel Properties:

• Time flows differently (enables FTL travel)
• Unpredictable and shifting
• Contains chunks of material from other planes
• Native entities: Drift dead, spectra

Travel Method:

• Drift engine on starship
• Takes days to weeks instead of centuries
• Navigation requires skill checks

Hazards:

• Getting lost in Drift
• Drift turbulence
• Hostile entities
• Temporal anomalies

The Astral Plane

Nature: Realm of thought and consciousness Properties:

• Subjective direction gravity
• Timeless (don't age)
• Thoughts affect reality
• Silver cord connects body and spirit

Travel Method:

• Astral projection magic
• Psychic abilities
• Special portals

Hazards:

• Severed silver cord (death)
• Psychic predators
• Getting lost
• Mental influence from plane

Elemental Planes

Nature: Realms of pure elemental energy (Fire, Water, Earth, Air) Properties:

• Dominated by single element
• Hostile to unprotected visitors
• Home to elementals and genies
• May lack features of Material Plane (air, ground, etc.)

Travel Method:

• Plane shift magic
• Elemental gates
• Powerful rituals

Hazards:

• Environmental damage from dominant element
• Elemental natives may be hostile
• Easy to get lost
• Requires protection from element

Other Planes

• Shadow Plane: Dark reflection of Material Plane
• Ethereal Plane: Mist-filled dimension overlapping Material
• Heaven/Hell: Realms of good and evil deities
• First World: Fey realm of chaos and wild magic

Planar Travel Methods

Spells:

• Plane Shift: Instant but imprecise destination
• Gate: Creates portal for group travel
• Teleportation: Short-range instant travel
• Astral Projection: Send spirit to other planes

Technology:

• Drift Engine: Ship-scale travel through Drift
• Planar Gates: Stable portals between planes
• Dimensional Anchors: Prevent planar travel
• Reality Stabilizers: Protect against planar effects

Natural Phenomena:

• Portals: Natural or created gateways
• Rifts: Tears in planar boundaries
• Planar Convergences: When planes touch
• Vortexes: Areas of weak planar barriers

Surviving Planar Travel

Preparation:

• Research destination plane
• Gather protective equipment
• Arrange return method before leaving
• Inform others of your plans

Protection:

• Environmental adaptations for hostile planes
• Magic resistance for magic-rich planes
• Mental defenses for thought-based planes
• Cultural knowledge for inhabited planes

Navigation:

• Planar geography often non-Euclidean
• Use guides familiar with plane
• Magic or technology for direction finding
• Landmarks may shift or be unreliable

Communication:

• Languages may work differently
• Telepathy more reliable than speech
• Some planes enable thought-reading
• Misunderstanding can be dangerous

2. Planar Traits and Hazards (Player-Facing)

Understanding Planar Traits

What are Planar Traits:

• Fundamental properties of a plane
• Affect how magic and physics work
• Can enhance or restrict abilities
• Important to know before visiting

Common Traits:

• Gravity: Normal, heavy, light, subjective, or none
• Time: Normal, faster, slower, or timeless
• Morphic: How easily plane changes shape
• Alignment: Moral/ethical alignment of plane
• Magic: Enhanced, normal, impeded, or dead

Planar Hazards for Visitors

Planar Adaptation Sickness

Cause: Body struggling to adapt to alien plane Symptoms: Fatigue, disorientation, physical discomfort Duration: Hours to days Prevention: Gradual acclimation or protective magic

Reality Bleed

Cause: Plane's nature affecting your body or mind Effects: Gradual transformation to match plane Examples:

• Fiery Hair on Fire Plane
• Translucent skin on Shadow Plane
• Elemental cravings Reversibility: Usually temporary but can become permanent

Planar Dissonance

Cause: Alignment mismatch between visitor and plane Effects: Discomfort, penalties to checks, may be ejected Severity: Worse for extreme mismatches Example: Lawful good visitor to chaotic evil plane

Temporal Effects

Cause: Time flowing differently Effects:

• Aging faster or slower than normal
• Return to find more/less time passed
• Temporal loops or paradoxes
• Memory confusion

Protection: Time-anchoring magic or technology

Planar Calling

Cause: Plane "wanting" you to stay Effects: Compulsion to remain, difficulty leaving Resistance: Will saves, strong motivation to return home Danger: Can become permanent resident involuntarily

Interacting with Planar Entities

Planar Entities:

• Natives of other planes
• May have alien mindsets
• Often powerful
• Can be helpful or hostile

Etiquette Tips:

• Research customs before contact
• Show respect for plane's nature
• Don't assume mortal rules apply
• Be prepared to bargain or negotiate
• Have escape plan ready

Common Planar Entities:

• Elementals: Beings of pure element
• Outsiders: Angels, devils, demons, etc.
• Fey: Chaotic nature spirits
• Psychopomps: Guides of dead souls
• Proteans: Shapeshifting chaos beings
• Inevitables: Mechanical law enforcers

APPENDICES

Quick Reference: Character Creation Ancestry Options

Custom Ancestry Steps:

1. Choose ability boosts/flaws
2. Select HP (4/6/8)
3. Determine size and speed
4. Pick senses
5. Assign traits
6. Choose special abilities (1 major OR 2 minor)

Major Features: Breath Weapon, Easily Augmented, Natural Weapons, Projectile Attack, Skilled, Spellcasting

Minor Features: Damage Resistance, Enhanced Defense, Exceptional Saves, Extended Reach, Extra Combat Feat, Fast Movement, Multiarmed, Resilient, Skill Training

Quick Reference: Companion Advancement

Companion Feats:

• Level 1: Creature Companion
• Level 2: Creature Companion Adept, Combat Trained Mount
• Level 4: Creature Companion Expert, Resilient Companion, Indomitable Companion
• Level 6: Specialized Training
• Level 7: Colossal Companion
• Level 10: Creature Companion Master
• Level 14: Incredible Companion, Titanic Companion

Quick Reference: Exploration Activities

Core Activities: Avoid Notice, Defend, Detect Magic/Technology, Follow the Expert, Hustle, Investigate, Repeat a Spell, Scout, Search

Sci-Fi Activities: Analyze Environment, Monitor Communications, Navigate by Sensors, Operate Vehicle, Prospect for Resources, Record Data, Scan for Life, Secure Equipment, Track Vehicle

Quick Reference: Downtime Activities by Time

1 Day:

• Most skill-based activities
• Craft (partial progress)
• Earn Income
• Research
• Maintain Equipment
• System Maintenance

1 Week:

• Retrain (feats/skills)
• Practice Profession

1 Month+:

• Retrain (class features)
• Major projects
• Extended research

Quick Reference: Biome Travel Costs

Speed to Activities Per Day:

• 20-25 ft: 1 activity/day
• 30-35 ft: 2 activities/day
• 40-45 ft: 3 activities/day
• 50+ ft: 4 activities/day

Quick Reference: Environmental Protection

Quick Reference: Trade Process

Step 1: Find Cargo (Diplomacy DC 10 + 1.5 × level) Step 2: Determine Complication (roll d20) Step 3: Transport Cargo (loading time + travel) Step 4: Make Sale (Diplomacy DC 10 + 1.5 × level)

Profit = Sell Price - Buy Price - Expenses

Quick Reference: Starship Crew Roles

Captain: Coordinate, encourage, taunt Pilot: Maneuver, full power, evasive Gunner: Fire weapons, target systems, broadside Engineer: Repair, divert power, optimize Science Officer: Scan, target lock, detect

Quick Reference: Social Actions

Make an Impression (2 actions): Improve attitude Request (1 action): Ask for favor Lie (1-3 actions): Deceive NPC Coerce (1-2 actions): Intimidate Gather Information (2+ actions): Learn about topic Create a Diversion (1-3 actions): Distract attention

CROSS-REFERENCES TO GM RULES

For more detailed rules on these topics, see the GM Rules compilation:

Character Creation:

• Complete corruption manifestation progressions (all 6 types, all 5 stages each)
• Pinnacle augmentation variants (levels 20 and 22)

Companions:

• Specific alien companion species stat blocks
• Complete environmental graft details
• Creature templates (Cybernetic, Genetically Modified, Void-Adapted, Swarm)

Exploration:

• Random encounter tables by biome
• Detailed biome descriptions
• World building and adventure design
• Sandbox creation tools

Downtime:

• Complete list of all downtime activities
• Retraining detailed rules
• Cost of living guidelines
• Investment and business rules

Combat:

• Complete vehicle combat rules and full modification catalog
• Full starship combat system
• Fleet combat tactical options
• Complete mech combat rules, weapons, and systems catalog
• Environmental hazard detailed mechanics

Social:

• Full social encounter framework
• Influence system mechanics
• Complete hacking rules with ICE
• Mystery and investigation structures

Trade:

• Complete complication table with all effects
• Cargo insurance options
• Speculation trading rules
• Trade expansion with agents and representatives

Environments:

• Complete environmental hazard tables
• Space environment detailed rules
• All hazard DCs and effects
• Survival guidelines

Planar:

• Complete planar trait descriptions
• All planar entities and encounters
• Planar magic and technology integration
• Dimensional travel complications

END OF COMPILED PLAYER RULES

Document Version: 1.1 Last Updated: 2026-02-08 Total Length: ~80,000 words Compatibility: Starfinder 2E / Pathfinder 2E hybrid

Note: This is a player-facing compilation. GMs should reference the individual adaptation documents for complete rules, encounter design guidance, and GM-specific tools.

Source File Location: docs/rules/compiled/COMPILED_MODULE_PLAYER_RULES.md