COMPILED PLAYER RULES

Complete Player Reference

This document combines all player-facing rules into a single reference, covering both the Starfinder 2E base game mechanics and supplemental content from the pf2e-starships module.

Last Updated: 2026-03-12

Related Resources:

• GM Rules: GM Rules for GM-facing rules
• Quick References: See Quick References for cheat sheets

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BOOK ONE: SF2E BASE GAME RULES

PART I: CORE MECHANICS

• 1.1 Three Modes of Play
• 1.2 Check System & Degrees of Success
• 1.3 Proficiency Ranks & Bonuses
• 1.4 Action Economy

PART II: COMBAT & DEFENSE

• 2.1 Initiative
• 2.2 Attack Rolls (Melee, Ranged, Spell)
• 2.3 Multiple Attack Penalty
• 2.4 Armor Class & Saving Throws
• 2.5 Damage System
• 2.6 Critical Hits

PART III: HEALTH & RECOVERY

• 3.1 Hit Points & Temporary HP
• 3.2 Death & Dying System
• 3.3 Wounded & Doomed
• 3.4 Hero Points

PART IV: MOVEMENT & PERCEPTION

• 4.1 Speed & Movement Actions
• 4.2 Movement Modes
• 4.3 Cover & Flanking
• 4.4 Perception & Detection

PART V: CONDITIONS

• Full conditions reference (detection, senses, death/dying, attitudes, abilities)

PART VI: SPELLCASTING

• 6.1 Magical Traditions
• 6.2 Spell Slots & Preparation
• 6.3 Heightening
• 6.4 Cantrips & Focus Spells
• 6.5 Rituals

PART VII: EQUIPMENT BASICS

• 7.1 Bulk & Carrying Capacity
• 7.2 Item Levels & Grades
• 7.3 Armor, Shields, Weapons (mechanics only)
• 7.4 Augmentations (mechanics only)

PART VIII: EXPLORATION & DOWNTIME

• 8.1 Exploration Activities
• 8.2 Downtime Activities

BOOK TWO: MODULE SUPPLEMENT RULES

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

BOOK ONE: SF2E BASE GAME RULES

The following sections cover core Starfinder 2E mechanics from the official Player Core rulebook. These are the foundational rules that all players need to know.

Source Files:

• docs/rules/sf2e-base/introduction.md
• docs/rules/sf2e-base/playing-the-game.md
• docs/rules/sf2e-base/spells.md
• docs/rules/sf2e-base/equipment.md
• docs/rules/sf2e-base/conditions.md

PART I: CORE MECHANICS

1.1 Three Modes of Play

Starfinder 2E structures gameplay into three distinct modes, each with different pacing and rules complexity:

Encounter Mode

Structured combat or time-critical challenges use initiative and rounds. Each character takes their turn in initiative order, receiving 3 actions and 1 reaction per round. Used when timing matters and every action counts.

Exploration Mode

Free-form investigation, problem-solving, and interaction. Used when traveling, exploring, or engaging in non-combat activities. Characters can perform exploration activities like Avoiding Notice, Detecting Magic, Scouting, or Searching.

Downtime Mode

Extended periods for recovery, crafting, research, and long-term goals. Measured in days or longer. Activities include repairing equipment, researching spells, and preparing for adventures.

1.2 Check System & Degrees of Success

All uncertain outcomes in Starfinder 2E use checks: roll d20 + relevant modifier versus Difficulty Class (DC).

Four-Step Check Process

1. Roll d20 and identify modifiers, bonuses, penalties
2. Calculate total result
3. Compare to DC
4. determine degree of success

Check Formula

d20 + attribute modifier + proficiency bonus + bonuses + penalties

Degrees of Success

Every check has four possible outcomes:

Natural 20/1 Rule

• Natural 20: Improves result by one degree of success (failure becomes success, success becomes critical success)
• Natural 1: Worsens result by one degree of success (success becomes failure, failure becomes critical failure)

1.3 Proficiency Ranks & Bonuses

The proficiency system measures your character's aptitude in specific tasks and scales with level to ensure continuous improvement.

Five Proficiency Ranks

What Uses Proficiency?

Proficiency applies to:

• Weapons (simple, martial, advanced)
• Armor (light, medium, heavy, unarmored defense)
• Skills (all skills from Acrobatics to Survival)
• Saving throws (Fortitude, Reflex, Will)
• Spellcasting (spell attacks and spell DCs)
• Perception (awareness and initiative)

Level-Scaling Advantage

Because proficiency bonuses include your level, a 10th-level trained character (+12) has better odds than a 1st-level expert (+5), even though expert is a higher rank. This ensures characters remain effective as challenges increase in difficulty.

1.4 Action Economy

The action economy defines what you can do during your turn in encounter mode.

Per Turn Resources

Characters receive each turn:

• 3 actions (use for most activities)
• 1 reaction (usable off-turn when triggered)
• Free actions (don't count toward the action limit)
• Activities (require multiple actions combined)

Action Types

Single Action

Brief, self-contained effect like Striking, Striding, or Interacting.

Symbol: One action icon

Activity (2-3 Actions)

Multiple actions in succession. Must spend all at once. If interrupted, lose all committed actions. Examples include Casting most spells (2 actions), Full Attack sequences, or complex maneuvers.

Symbol: Two or three action icons

Reaction

• Uses 1 reaction per round
• Has a trigger (specific event that allows you to use it)
• Can occur any time trigger is satisfied (including on other creatures' turns)
• Regains at start of your turn

Symbol: Reaction icon

Common Example: Attack of Opportunity triggers when an enemy within reach takes certain actions.

Free Action

• No action cost
• With trigger: Acts like reaction (occurs when triggered)
• Without trigger: Acts like single action on your turn
• No limit to number used

Symbol: Free action icon

Simultaneous Actions Rule

Only one single action/activity/free action without trigger at a time. Free actions with triggers and reactions can interrupt other actions.

Subordinate Actions

Actions called within another action don't cost extra actions (cost already included). They retain normal traits and effects but are modified as specified by the parent action.

PART II: COMBAT & DEFENSE

2.1 Initiative

At the start of combat, all participants roll initiative to determine action order.

Initiative Roll

Perception check = d20 + Wisdom modifier + proficiency bonus + modifiers

Turn Order

• Highest initiative result acts first
• Continue in descending order
• On tied results, higher Perception modifier goes first (or PC before NPC if still tied)

Uses of Perception

• Determines awareness
• Sets initiative order
• Notices hidden creatures or objects
• Searches for clues

2.2 Attack Rolls (Melee, Ranged, Spell)

Attack rolls determine whether attacks hit their targets by comparing the result to the target's Armor Class.

Melee Attack Roll

d20 + Strength modifier (or Dexterity for finesse weapons) + proficiency bonus + modifiers

Ranged Attack Roll

d20 + Dexterity modifier + proficiency bonus + modifiers

Spell Attack Roll

d20 + spellcasting attribute modifier + proficiency bonus + modifiers

Attack Roll Results

Compare your attack roll total to the target's AC:

Bonuses and Penalties

Attack rolls can be modified by:

Bonus Types (Use Highest of Each Type)

• Circumstance bonuses (flanking, higher ground, favorable conditions)
• Status bonuses (from spells and conditions like bless)
• Item bonuses (from weapons with the tracking trait or magic items)

Penalty Types

• Typed penalties: Use worst of each type (circumstance, status, item)
• Untyped penalties: All stack together (multiple attack penalty, range penalty)

Range Penalty (Ranged Attacks)

Example

120-ft rifle:

• At 240+ ft (2nd increment): -2 penalty
• At 360+ ft (3rd increment): -4 penalty
• At 720+ ft (6th increment): -10 penalty (maximum range)

2.3 Multiple Attack Penalty

Making multiple attacks in the same turn imposes cumulative penalties to subsequent attack rolls.

Multiple Attack Penalty Table

Rules

• Penalty applies only during your turn
• Calculate based on weapon used for that attack
• Does not apply to reactions taken on other creatures' turns
• Resets at the start of your next turn

Strategy Notes

The multiple attack penalty makes it increasingly difficult to land hits after your first attack. Often more effective to use your third action for movement, raising a shield, or other tactical options rather than a third attack at -10.

2.4 Armor Class & Saving Throws

Defenses protect you from attacks and harmful effects.

Armor Class (AC)

Your AC is the DC for attack rolls targeting you.

AC Formula:10 + Dexterity modifier (capped by armor) + proficiency bonus + armor bonus + modifiers

Dexterity Cap

Armor limits how much of your Dexterity modifier applies to AC:

Off-Guard Condition

When you're off-guard (surprised, flanked, or otherwise vulnerable), your AC is reduced, making you easier to hit.

Saving Throws

Saving throws defend against area effects, spells, poisons, diseases, and other threats that allow you to resist.

All saves use: d20 + attribute + proficiency bonus + modifiers

Save DC

When you force others to make saving throws: 10 + total modifier for that save

Basic Save Results

Many area damage effects use "basic saving throws" with standard result scaling:

2.5 Damage System

When an attack hits or an effect deals damage, follow this process:

Five-Step Damage Process

1. Roll damage dice (weapon/spell determined)
2. Add attribute modifier
   • Melee: Strength
   • Thrown: Full Strength
   • Propulsive: Half Strength (rounded down)
   • Spells: Typically no modifier
3. Determine damage type
4. Apply immunities, weaknesses, resistances (in that order)
5. Reduce target's HP

Damage Types

Physical Damage

• Bludgeoning (B) - Blunt force trauma
• Piercing (P) - Puncture wounds
• Slashing (S) - Cutting wounds

Energy Damage

• Acid - Corrosive damage
• Cold - Freezing damage
• Electricity - Electric shock
• Fire - Burning damage
• Sonic - Sound vibrations
• Vitality - Life energy (harms undead)
• Void - Death energy (harms living)

Other Damage Types

• Force - Pure magical energy
• Spirit - Spiritual essence
• Mental - Psychic damage
• Poison - Toxins and venoms
• Bleed - Persistent bleeding
• Precision - Exploit vulnerable spots (sneak attack)

Damage Modifiers by Attack Type

Melee Damage

Damage die + Strength modifier + bonuses + penalties

Ranged Damage

Damage die + bonuses + penalties

Special cases:

• Thrown weapons: Add full Strength modifier
• Propulsive weapons: Add half Strength modifier (rounded down)

Spell/Grenade Damage

Damage die + bonuses + penalties (no attribute unless noted)

Doubling and Halving Damage

When effects double or halve damage:

1. Roll normally with all modifiers
2. Double or halve the total
3. Round down when halving (minimum 1 damage)

Immunity

Complete negation of damage type or effect type. Creatures are still targeted but don't apply that effect.

"Immunity to critical hits": Converts double damage to normal (but other critical effects may apply).

Weakness

Increase damage by weakness value when taking damage of that type.

• Use highest weakness if multiple apply
• Example: 2d6 fire damage + weakness 5 to fire = 2d6+5 total damage

Resistance

Reduce damage by resistance value (minimum 0) when taking damage of that type.

• Use highest resistance if multiple apply
• Example: Resistance 5 to fire reduces 7 fire damage to 2 damage

2.6 Critical Hits

Critical hits represent exceptional strikes that deal devastating damage.

Critical Success Conditions

You score a critical hit when:

• You roll natural 20 on attack roll, OR
• You exceed target AC by 10 or more

Critical Hit Effect

Critical hits with the Strike action deal double damage.

Process:

1. Roll damage normally with all modifiers
2. Double the total
3. Apply immunities, weaknesses, resistances
4. Apply critical specialization effect (if any)

Critical Specialization Effects

Weapons with critical specialization effects based on weapon group grant bonus effects on critical hits. These effects can be voluntarily declined.

Examples include:

• Knocking targets prone
• Causing persistent bleed damage
• Creating difficult terrain
• Stunning the target

PART III: HEALTH & RECOVERY

3.1 Hit Points & Temporary HP

Hit Points (HP)

Hit Points represent health and heroic drive - the combination of physical vitality and determination that keeps adventurers fighting.

• Damage reduces HP on 1:1 basis
• Healing restores HP up to maximum
• Starting HP = Ancestry HP + Class HP + CON modifier
• Gain additional HP each level (Class HP + CON modifier)

Temporary HP

Temporary Hit Points are a special protective buffer.

Rules:

• Track separately from current/max HP
• Damage reduces temporary HP first
• Can only have one source of temporary HP (new source replaces old)
• Cannot be healed; only gained via new effects
• Lost when you rest to recover HP

Fast Healing

Regains listed HP each round at beginning of turn. Represents accelerated natural healing.

Regeneration

More powerful than fast healing:

• Regains listed HP each round at beginning of turn
• Prevents dying from exceeding death threshold
• Deactivates when taking specified damage type until end of next turn (e.g., "regeneration 10, deactivated by fire")

3.2 Death & Dying System

Starfinder 2E's death and dying system creates dramatic tension while giving characters chances to recover.

Getting Knocked Out (Reaching 0 HP)

Non-Player Characters

Typically die immediately at 0 HP.

Player Characters

When reduced to 0 HP:

• Move initiative before your next turn would occur
• Gain dying 1 condition, OR
• Gain dying 2 if knocked out by critical hit or critical failure on save
• If damage was nonlethal, become unconscious instead (without dying)

Dying Condition

Dying tracks death status with value 0-4. At dying 4, character dies.

Recovery Check (Start of Each Turn While Dying)

Flat check, DC = 10 + current dying value

This is a flat check - roll d20 only, no modifiers/bonuses/penalties apply.

Taking Damage While Dying

• Increase dying value by +1
• Increase dying value by +2 if from critical hit

Losing Dying Condition

• When dying reaches 0, remain unconscious at 0 HP
• Gain wounded 1 or increase wounded by 1 if already wounded
• Full recovery at 1+ HP automatically removes dying and unconscious conditions

Death Effects

Spells/abilities with the death trait that reduce you to 0 HP instantly kill without reaching dying 4 first.

Massive Damage

Instant death if damage ≥ double your maximum HP in a single blow.

3.3 Wounded & Doomed

Two conditions interact with the dying system to make repeated injuries more dangerous.

Wounded Condition

Wounded tracks accumulated injuries and trauma.

Gaining Wounded

• Gained when losing dying condition
• Stacks: Increase by 1 each time you lose dying

Effect on Dying

If you gain dying while wounded: increase dying value by wounded value

Example: If you're wounded 2 and get knocked out, you gain dying 3 instead of dying 1.

Removing Wounded

• Successful Treat Wounds activity (Medicine skill)
• Full HP + 10 minutes rest
• Decreases by 1 daily with full night's rest

Doomed Condition

Doomed represents supernatural forces drawing you toward death.

Effect

Maximum dying value reduced by doomed value

Example: Doomed 1 = die at dying 3 instead of dying 4

Removal

Decreases by 1 after full night's rest

Death

Instant death if maximum dying value reaches 0 (e.g., if you have doomed 4)

3.4 Hero Points

Hero Points represent narrative control and dramatic interventions that keep heroes alive in desperate situations.

Gaining Hero Points

• 1 per session start (automatic)
• Maximum: 3 Hero Points
• Reset: Each session

GM Awards

GMs award additional Hero Points for heroic deeds:

• Selfless actions that risk character safety
• Daring feats that advance the story
• Actions beyond normal expectations
• Creative problem-solving

Hero Point Uses

Use 1: Reroll Check

Cost: 1 Hero Point

Effect: Reroll check; use second result (fortune effect, so incompatible with other fortune effects)

Not an action: Usable when unable to act

Timing: Declare before GM reveals result

Use 2: Avoid Death (Heroic Recovery)

Cost: All remaining Hero Points (minimum 1)

Timing: At start of turn or when dying would increase

Effect:

• Lose dying condition
• Stabilize at 0 HP
• Don't gain/increase wounded from this recovery

Not an action: Usable when unable to act

Describing Heroic Deeds

When spending a Hero Point, describe how your character's:

• Deed
• Determination
• Remembered item
• Lucky break

Enables the success or survival. This adds narrative flavor and makes the Hero Point expenditure memorable.

PART IV: MOVEMENT & PERCEPTION

4.1 Speed & Movement Actions

Speed

Speed defines movement distance per action spent moving.

Stride action moves up to Speed distance.

Typical humanoid Speed is 25 feet, though this varies by ancestry and equipment.

Basic Movement Actions

Difficult Terrain

Difficult terrain costs extra movement (typically double).

Examples:

• Rubble
• Thick vegetation
• Steep slopes
• Shallow water

Special Cases: Climbing, swimming, flying may cost extra based on specific terrain.

Forced Movement

When another creature moves you involuntarily:

• Forced movement triggered by attack doesn't trigger reactions based on movement (except for Reactive Strike-type reactions)
• Examples: Shove, Trip, spell effects that move you

4.2 Movement Modes

Beyond standard walking, characters may have alternate movement modes.

Using Movement Modes

When you have a specific movement mode (like climb speed or swim speed), you can use the Stride action to move using that mode instead of walking.

4.3 Cover & Flanking

Tactical positioning provides significant combat advantages.

Cover

Cover represents protection from physical barriers between you and attackers.

Effects

• Grants +2 circumstance bonus to AC
• Blocks line of effect for some effects

Types

• Lesser cover: +1 bonus (partial obstruction)
• Standard cover: +2 bonus (substantial obstruction)
• Greater cover: +4 bonus (nearly total protection)

Special Cover Uses

Riot shields and mobile bulwarks can be used with Take Cover action to increase circumstance bonus to +4.

Flanking

Flanking represents coordinated positioning to attack from multiple directions.

Requirements

Two allies on opposite sides of enemy (or near-opposite, at GM discretion).

Effect

Each ally reduces enemy AC by 2 (functionally equivalent to +2 bonus to attacks, but implemented as enemy gaining flat-footed condition).

Flat-footed condition represents exposed position and doesn't stack with other sources of flat-footed.

4.4 Perception & Detection

Perception determines awareness of your environment and hidden threats.

Perception Check Formula

d20 + Wisdom modifier + proficiency bonus + modifiers

Detection States

Creatures have one of four detection states relative to each observer:

Observed

• Observer knows your exact location
• Observer can see you
• Attacks against you have normal accuracy

Hidden

• Observer knows your general location but not exact position
• Observer cannot see you
• Attacks against you require DC 5 flat check or miss
• Can attempt to Seek to find you

Undetected

• Observer doesn't know you exist in the area
• Observer cannot see you
• Can't be targeted directly
• Assumed position unknown
• Detected by successful Perception check or when taking obvious actions

Unnoticed

• Observers unaware of presence
• Treated as undetected to those unaware
• Can transition to observed when noticed

Key Perception Actions

Seek one-action

Attempt Perception check to find hidden/undetected creatures or objects.

Sense Motive one-action

Read creature's intent using Perception or Insight check.

PART V: CONDITIONS

Conditions change your state of being and represent everything from attitudes others have toward you to what happens when taking damage or being affected by magic.

General Condition Rules

Duration and Persistence

Conditions persist until their duration ends or they are removed. You can have a given condition only once at a time. If an effect would impose a condition you already have, you now have that condition for the longer of the two durations.

Condition Values

Some conditions have numerical values indicating severity. If a condition value is ever reduced to 0, the condition ends.

Overriding Conditions

Some conditions override others, suppressing but not removing the overridden condition. When the overriding condition ends, the suppressed condition resumes if its duration has not expired.

Detection Group Conditions

Observed

• Observer knows your exact location
• Observer can see you
• Standard attack rolls apply

Hidden

• Observers unaware of exact location
• Attackers must succeed DC 5 flat check or miss
• Can be targeted if observer guesses location correctly
• Detected by successful Perception check or when attacking

Undetected

• Observers don't know you exist in area
• Can't be targeted
• Assumed position unknown
• Detected by successful Perception check or other means

Unnoticed

• Observers unaware of presence
• Treated as undetected to those unaware
• Observed by those who noticed you

Senses Group Conditions

Blinded

• Can't see
• Automatically fail Perception checks relying on sight
• -4 status penalty to Perception
• All creatures and objects are hidden or undetected to you
• -4 status penalty to attack rolls

Concealed

• Harder to find and target
• Attackers must succeed DC 5 flat check or miss
• Doesn't change detection state (you can still be observed)

Dazzled

• Everything is concealed to you
• Bright light impairs vision

Deafened

• Can't hear
• Automatically fail Perception checks requiring hearing
• -2 circumstance penalty to Perception
• Immune to auditory effects

Invisible

• Observers can't see you
• Treated as undetected to creatures relying on sight
• Can't be targeted by attacks needing to see target
• If using Stealth, observers must succeed at Perception check against your Stealth DC

Death and Dying Group Conditions

Dying

• Unconscious
• At death's door
• Value 0-4; reaching 4 = death
• Attempt recovery check each turn (DC 10 + dying value)
• Taking damage increases dying value
• At dying 0, lose dying but gain wounded

Unconscious

• Can't act
• Fall prone
• Drop held items
• -4 status penalty to AC, Perception, Reflex saves
• Gain blinded and off-guard conditions

Waking Up

If Unconscious from Dying: Wake only if restored to 1+ HP.

If Unconscious at 0 HP (Not Dying): Naturally recover after 10 minutes to several hours.

If Unconscious with 1+ HP: Wake from:

• Taking damage (unless reduced to 0 HP)
• Receiving healing
• Being shaken (Interact action)
• Loud noise (Perception check against noise DC)
• Restful sleep

Wounded

• Value tracks injury severity
• Gained when losing dying condition (value = 1 + previous wounds)
• If gain dying while wounded: increase dying by wounded value
• Removed by full HP + 10 minutes rest or Treat Wounds

Doomed

• Maximum dying value reduced by doomed value
• Example: Doomed 1 = die at dying 3 instead of dying 4
• Decreases by 1 after full night's rest
• Instant death if maximum dying value reaches 0

Attitudes Group Conditions

NPC and creature attitudes toward characters:

Hostile

• Actively working against you
• Will attack if able
• Opposes your goals

Unfriendly

• Dislikes you
• Won't help willingly
• May hinder your efforts

Indifferent

• No particular feelings
• Default attitude for most NPCs
• May help if benefit is clear

Friendly

• Likes you
• Will help with reasonable requests
• Gives benefit of doubt

Helpful

• Goes out of way to assist
• Provides aid without need for persuasion
• Takes risks to help you

Lowered Abilities Group Conditions

These conditions reduce specific ability scores or related statistics.

Clumsy

• Status penalty to Dexterity-based checks and DCs
• Penalty = condition value
• Affects AC, Reflex saves, ranged attacks, Dexterity-based skills

Drained

• Reduces maximum HP by condition value × your level
• Status penalty to Constitution-based checks
• Decreases by 1 after full night's rest

Enfeebled

• Status penalty to Strength-based checks and DCs
• Penalty = condition value
• Affects melee damage, Athletics, Strength-based attacks

Stupefied

• Status penalty to Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma-based checks
• Penalty = condition value
• Affects spellcasting, Will saves, mental skills
• When casting spell: DC 5 + condition value flat check or lose spell

Additional Common Conditions

Off-Guard

• Extra defense vulnerability
• -2 circumstance penalty to AC (or functionally, others get +2 to hit you)
• Surprised creatures begin combat off-guard
• Applies when flanked, prone, or caught unaware

Frightened

• Value indicates fear severity
• Status penalty to checks and attack rolls equal to value
• Decreases by 1 at end of turn automatically

Slowed

• Lose actions equal to value each turn
• Value decreases by 1 at end of each turn
• Slowed 1 = 2 actions instead of 3
• Slowed 2 = 1 action instead of 3

Quickened

• Gain extra action each turn
• Extra action specified by effect granting condition (e.g., "quickened, can use extra action to Stride or Strike")
• Condition ends with effect

Persistent Damage

• Recurs each round at end of turn
• After taking damage, attempt DC 15 flat check to recover
• Specific damage type (persistent fire, persistent bleed, etc.)
• Can have multiple types simultaneously

Example: 1d6 persistent fire damage = roll 1d6 fire damage at end of each turn until DC 15 flat check succeeds

Broken (Items)

• Item can't function normally
• Doesn't grant bonuses (except armor, which still grants reduced bonuses)
• Must be repaired to function properly
• Broken armor imposes status penalties based on type

PART VI: SPELLCASTING

6.1 Magical Traditions

Spellcasters access one of four distinct magical traditions, each with unique characteristics and philosophy.

Arcane

Practitioners employ "logic and rationality to categorize the magic inherent in the world."

• Strengths: Broadest spell list, excellent for offense and utility
• Weaknesses: Poor at affecting spirits or souls
• Practitioners: Witchwarpers, technomancers

Divine

"The power of the divine is steeped in faith, the unseen, and belief in a power source from beyond the Universe."

• Strengths: Healing, protection, spiritual effects
• Weaknesses: Limited offensive options
• Practitioners: Mystics with cosmic healing or shadow connections

Occult

Practitioners "seek to understand the unexplainable, categorize the bizarre, and otherwise access the ephemeral in a systematic way."

• Strengths: Mental effects, divination, illusions
• Weaknesses: Limited physical damage
• Practitioners: Witchwarpers touched by the Gap, mystics linked to Akashic Record

Primal

"An instinctual connection to and faith in the world, the cycle of day and night, the turning of the seasons, and the natural selection of predator and prey."

• Strengths: Elemental damage, plant/animal effects, weather
• Weaknesses: Limited social/mental magic
• Practitioners: Mystics with elemental or cosmic rhythm connections

Tradition Application

When casting spells, add your tradition's trait to the spell. Classes determine which tradition(s) you access. Some abilities grant spells from alternate traditions, which then use your tradition rather than the spell list's original tradition.

6.2 Spell Slots & Preparation

Characters from spellcasting classes cast spells using spell slots. Spell ranks range from 1 to 10, indicating overall power.

Spell Slots

A 1st-level character has few 1st-rank slots daily; advancement grants more slots of higher ranks.

Prepared Spells

Prepared spellcasters (such as Technomancers) select spells daily during preparation.

Process:

1. Choose spells during daily preparations (typically 8 hours rest)
2. Select number of different-ranked spells determined by character level and class
3. Prepared spells remain ready until cast or until next preparation

Cantrip Exception: Once prepared, cantrips can be cast repeatedly without expenditure.

Multiple Castings: Preparing the same spell multiple times allows casting it multiple times daily. For example, preparing magic missile in two 1st-rank slots lets you cast it twice.

Mid-Day Swaps: Some abilities enable mid-day spell swaps, though only daily preparation counts for duration-based effects lasting "until the next time you prepare spells."

Spontaneous Spells

Spontaneous spellcasters (including Mystics) select casting spells from their repertoire at the moment of casting.

Process:

1. Learn limited spells for your spell repertoire
2. During daily preparation, refresh all spell slots
3. When casting, choose any spell from repertoire that fits slot rank

Trade-off: "More freedom in your spellcasting, but you have fewer spells in your spell repertoire."

6.3 Heightening

Both prepared and spontaneous casters can cast spells at higher ranks than listed—called heightening.

Heightening Mechanics

When heightened, "the spell's rank increases to match the higher rank of the spell slot you've prepared it in or used to cast it."

For Prepared Casters: Prepare spells in higher-rank slots to heighten them.

For Spontaneous Casters: Must know spell at that rank OR have signature spell feature for that spell.

Heightened Benefits

Many spells list additional specific benefits when heightened, described at the spell's end. Heightened entries specify required ranks for extra advantages.

Example: "Slice reality says 'Heightened (+1) The damage increases by 1d8.' Because slice reality deals 7d8 void damage at 6th rank, a 7th-rank slice reality would deal 8d8 void damage, an 8th-rank spell would deal 9d8 void damage, and so on."

Cumulative Benefits

Some heightened entries use "+X" notation, indicating benefits per rank increment above the base rank. These benefits stack cumulatively with each additional rank.

Heightened Spontaneous Spells

Spontaneous casters must know spells at the specific rank they wish to cast them. Spells can be added to the repertoire at multiple ranks, allowing different casting options.

Example: "Skyfire wings added as 3rd-rank and 7th-rank spells allows casting at either rank but not 5th-rank."

Signature Spells

Many spontaneous classes offer signature spell features permitting heightened casts of limited spells even when known at a single rank. This allows greater flexibility with favorite spells.

Lower-Rank Casting

Spontaneous casters may cast lower-rank known spells using higher-rank slots without heightening. The spell uses its known rank without heightened effects—generally inefficient except in specific circumstances like using utility spells when higher slots would otherwise go unused.

6.4 Cantrips & Focus Spells

Cantrips

Cantrips are "weaker than other spells but can be used with greater freedom and flexibility."

Key Rules:

• Carry the cantrip trait
• Don't consume spell slots
• Cast "at will, any number of times per day"
• Auto-Heightening: Automatically heighten to "half your level, rounded up"

For Prepared Casters: Prepare specific number of cantrips daily but cannot prepare them in spell slots.

Example: A 10th-level character's cantrips automatically function as 5th-rank spells.

Focus Spells

Focus spells derive from specific sources like fields of study, mystical force connections, or alternate reality exposure.

Key Rules:

• Learn exclusively through class features or feats
• Not from spell lists
• Use Focus Points (separate from spell slots)
• Auto-Heightening: Like cantrips, automatically heighten to "half your level rounded up"

Focus Point Mechanics

• Casting any focus spell costs 1 Focus Point
• Characters gain focus pools upon first obtaining focus-granting abilities
• Maximum pool size equals "the number of focus spells you know or 3, whichever is lower"
• Pool counts only spells requiring Focus Points

Refocusing

All Focus Points refresh during daily preparations.

Refocus Activity: Allows regaining 1 Focus Point through prayer, study, or meditation (typically 10 minutes of appropriate activity).

"You can Refocus multiple times to regain multiple points, up to your pool's maximum."

6.5 Rituals

Rituals are "esoteric and complex spells that anyone can cast. It takes much longer to cast a ritual than a normal spell, but rituals can have more powerful effects."

Casting Rituals

Requirements:

• Need not be spellcasters
• Primary casters must know the ritual
• Spell rank must be no higher than "half your level rounded up"
• Must possess required skill proficiency

Timing:

• "A ritual always takes at least 1 hour to perform, and often longer"
• Often listed in days (each day = 8 hours of participation)
• Downtime activity (risky during exploration)

Process:

1. Primary caster leads ritual
2. Secondary casters (if required) assist
3. At culmination, primary caster attempts skill check
4. Results determine outcome

Ritual Costs

Ritual costs appear in Cost entries, listing "valuable components required to cast the ritual."

Consumption Timing: Cost consumed when you attempt the primary skill check.

Cost Formulas: Often "a base cost multiplied by the target's level and sometimes the spell's rank."

Creature Creation Ritual Table

Secondary Casters

"Many rituals need additional secondary casters, who also don't need to be able to cast spells."

Requirements: Unlike primary caster, secondary casters don't need minimum level or skill proficiency.

Secondary Checks: "Often, a ritual requires secondary checks to represent aspects of its casting." A different secondary caster must attempt each secondary check.

Secondary Results

• Critical Success: +2 circumstance bonus to primary check
• Success: No bonus or penalty
• Failure: -4 circumstance penalty to primary check
• Critical Failure: As failure, plus reduce primary check success degree by one step

Ritual Outcomes

"A ritual's effect depends on the result of the primary check."

Save DC Calculation: "If an effect lists a save DC, use your spell DC for the ritual's magic tradition (or 12 + your level + your highest mental attribute modifier, if you don't have a spell DC)."

Learning Rituals

"Learning a ritual does not count against any limits on spells in your spell repertoire or on any other normal spellcasting ability."

Availability: "Rituals are never common, though if you look hard, you can probably find someone who can perform an uncommon ritual for you. They may still be unwilling to teach it to you."

Casting Spells - Additional Mechanics

Sensory Manifestations

Spellcasting creates "obvious sensory manifestations, such as bright lights, crackling sounds, and sharp smells."

Nearly all spells manifest visible "spell signature—a colorful, glowing ring of magical runes or circuitry" appearing near hands or adjusted by tradition/class.

Visual Customization: "How spellcasting looks can vary from one spellcasting tradition or class to another, or even from person to person. You have a great deal of freedom in flavoring your character's magic however you wish!"

Spell Components

Spellcasting involves "gestures and utter incantations," so inability to speak prevents most casting.

Costs

Some spells require listed monetary resources or valuable materials like gems or reagents, which are expended during casting.

Loci

A locus "is an object that funnels or directs the magical energy of the spell but is not consumed in its casting." During casting, retrieve the locus and can replace it afterward.

Disrupted and Lost Spells

Certain abilities and spells disrupt others, causing no effect. "When you lose a spell, you've already expended the spell slot and spent the spell's costs and actions."

Ranges, Areas, and Targets

Ranges: Vary from feet to miles, planets, or beyond.

Touch Range: Require physical contact using unarmed reach. "You can usually touch them automatically, though the spell might specify that they can attempt a saving throw or that you must attempt a spell attack roll."

Areas: Some spells create areas like bursts, cones, emanations, or lines.

Targets: Allow selecting creatures, objects, or specific entities within range. "The target must be within the spell's range, and you must be able to see it (or otherwise perceive it with a precise sense) to target it."

Durations

"If a spell's duration is given in rounds, the number of rounds remaining decreases by 1 at the start of each of the spellcaster's turns, ending when the duration reaches 0."

Sustained Spells: "Last until the end of your next turn unless you use the Sustain action on that turn to extend the duration of that spell."

Long Durations: Spells lasting "until your next daily preparations" can be extended by preparing/expending spell slots during daily prep.

Unlimited Durations: "Last until counteracted or Dismissed. You don't need to keep a spell slot open for these spells."

PART VII: EQUIPMENT BASICS

7.1 Bulk & Carrying Capacity

The Bulk system abstracts weight and encumbrance into a simple tracking mechanism.

Bulk Limits

Bulk Values

Bulk Examples

• Armor: 3 Bulk (heavy), 1-2 Bulk (medium), L-1 Bulk (light)
• Sword: 1 Bulk
• Knife: Light (L)
• Spell gem: Light (L)
• Battery: Negligible (—)

Creature Bulk by Size

7.2 Item Levels & Grades

Item Levels

• Each item has a level representing complexity and technology (0-20)
• Characters cannot craft items exceeding their own level
• Higher-level items are more powerful and expensive
• Item level serves as guideline for appropriate treasure

Equipment Grades

Equipment typically comes in seven grades with progressive improvements:

1. Commercial (baseline)
2. Tactical
3. Advanced
4. Superior
5. Elite
6. Ultimate
7. Paragon

Grade Benefits

• Higher grades provide additional upgrade slots
• Armor gains resilient traits improving saving throws
• Weapons gain damage dice improvements and tracking traits improving attack rolls
• Shields gain increased Hardness, Hit Points, and Broken Threshold values

Improving Equipment

Upgrade Requirements

Upgrading an item by one grade requires:

• Crafting Check: DC equal to the finished product's item level

With Formula:

• Cost: UPBs equal to half the price difference between grades
• Time: Multiple crafting days

Without Formula:

• Cost: Full price difference
• Time: 1 day

7.3 Armor, Shields, Weapons (Mechanics Only)

Armor Mechanics

Armor Class Calculation

AC Formula:10 + Dexterity modifier (capped by armor) + proficiency bonus + armor bonus + modifiers

Armor Statistics by Category

Donning and Removing Armor

Environmental Protection

All armor except those with the exposed trait provides breathable environments in:

• Thick atmospheres
• Thin atmospheres
• Vacuums
• Non-hazardous liquids

Duration: Item level in time units (minimum 1 day)

Activation: One Interact action Deactivation: One Interact action Recharging: 10 minutes at functioning starship or recharging station

Armor Specialization Effects

Only medium and heavy armor provide specialization effects granting additional benefits based on armor group. Light armor provides no specialization effect.

Shield Mechanics

Shield Statistics

Using Shields

• Shields require wielding in one hand
• Must be raised via the Raise a Shield action to grant AC bonuses
• Compact and irising shields don't occupy hands if the hand is free or holding light non-weapon objects
• Can use Shield Block reaction to reduce damage (costs shield HP)

Special Shield Uses

Riot shields and mobile bulwarks can be used with Take Cover action to increase circumstance bonus to +4.

Shield Bash Attacks

Shields function as martial weapons using shield bash statistics, available only for shields not designed as weapons.

Weapon Mechanics

Weapon Statistics

Weapon Categories

Damage Dice Progression

Damage dice increase in the following order:

1d4 → 1d6 → 1d8 → 1d10 → 1d12 (maximum)

Effects can increase die size once; multiple increases cap at d12.

Ammunition & Magazines

Projectile Weapons:

• Use magazines holding specific ammunition amounts
• Cost: 10 projectiles per sp (1 sp)

Battery-Powered Weapons:

• Use charges equal to battery maximum

Chemical Weapons:

• Use non-rechargeable tanks

Critical Specialization Effects

Weapons with critical specialization effects based on weapon group grant bonus effects on critical hits. These effects can be voluntarily declined.

Weapon Upgrades

• Weapons can be customized with technological modifications and magical fusions
• Installed into upgrade slots via 10-minute Install Upgrade activity
• Upgrades function only when weapon is wielded
• Some upgrades attach to specific weapon parts (e.g., sights) - one such upgrade per weapon

Item Damage System

Hardness & Hit Points

• Every item has Hardness values that reduce incoming damage
• When Hit Points drop to or below the Broken Threshold (BT), items become broken and unusable
• At 0 HP, items are destroyed

Material Hardness Reference

7.4 Augmentations (Mechanics Only)

Implantation Requirements

• Requires professional augmentation surgeon or master Medicine proficiency
• Session takes 1 hour per 2 item levels (minimum 1 hour)
• Implantation cost typically includes procedure

Implant Limit

• Maximum: 4 implanted augmentations per character
• Cannot exceed limit
• Must remove one existing augmentation to install new one when at limit
• Some augmentations don't count toward limit
• Apex augmentations never count toward limit

Augmentation Types

Biotech

• DNA modifications plus biological implants integrated into physiology
• Non-magical but may originate from magical creatures

Cybernetics

• Machine/circuitry integrated into flesh/bone
• Technological but not subject to effects targeting technology unless specified as affecting cybernetics

Magitech

• Combination cybernetic/magical components
• Mystically charged crystals, starmetal alloys, rune-engraved microchips
• Magical but not dispellable unless effect specifies augmentations

Apex Augmentations

Effects

• Improve one attribute by +1 modifier or to +4 total modifier (whichever higher)
• Only one apex provides attribute increase per day (choose during daily preparations)
• All other apex effects apply
• Can be biotech, cybernetics, or magitech

Augmentation Activation

Continuous Function: Many augmentations function continuously.

Activate Entries: Specify action costs (typically Interact or Concentrate), frequency limits, and cooldown periods between uses.

Currency & Carrying

Starting Wealth & Currency

Starting Wealth

Characters begin with 15 gp to purchase common items. In the Pact Worlds economy, 10 credits equals 1 gold piece, so this is equivalent to 150 credits in setting flavor.

Credits as Flavor

Credits serve as the primary galactic currency across the Pact Worlds, functioning as both digital and physical assets. The system includes credsticks, portable devices roughly finger-sized that securely store funds with optional biometric or magical protections. For game mechanics, all prices use gold pieces (gp) following PF2E's level-based pricing curve.

Selling Items

Key Rule: "Most items can be sold for half their Price, but coins, gems, art objects, and raw materials can be exchanged for their full Price."

Universal Polymer Base (UPB)

Definition: Tiny multifunction components used in crafting most common galactic goods.

Properties:

• Bulk: 1 per 1,000 units
• Currency Use: Serve as alternative currency in major settlements
• Crafting: Primary material for creating technological items

Item Carrying Methods

Cost of Living by Standard

PART VIII: EXPLORATION & DOWNTIME

8.1 Exploration Activities

Exploration activities have exploration or downtime traits and occur during non-encounter play.

Rules

• Can perform other minor tasks alongside exploration activities
• If interrupted: Lose time spent but no additional penalty
• Can't use exploration activities during encounter mode

Common Exploration Activities

Avoid Notice

Move carefully to avoid detection using Stealth.

Detect Magic

Concentrate on magical auras while traveling.

Scout

Range ahead of group to spot threats.

Search

Look for hidden doors, traps, or clues.

Investigate

Examine environment for useful information.

Defend

Stay alert for danger with weapon ready.

Track

Follow tracks or trail of creatures.

Cover Tracks

Obscure your passage.

8.2 Downtime Activities

Measured in days:

Common Downtime Activities

Craft

Create or repair equipment using Crafting skill.

Time: Multiple days based on item level and quality Requirements: Formula (for reducing time), appropriate tools, raw materials

Earn Income

Use skills to make money.

Time: Varies by employment Skills: Any skill can potentially earn income in the right context

Research

Learn about topics using appropriate skills.

Time: Multiple days Skills: Typically academic skills like Computers, Engineering, or appropriate Lore

Retrain

Change character options like feats or skills.

Time: Typically 7 days per change Restrictions: Can't retrain away prerequisites still in use

Repair

Fix broken items using Crafting.

Time: Based on item complexity Cost: 10% of item's Price in raw materials

Prepare for Adventures

Ready yourself and your equipment for upcoming challenges.

Recover from Injuries

Long-term bed rest to heal lingering wounds.

Long-Term Activities

Many downtime activities assume you're dedicating several hours per day over multiple days. You can typically do one significant downtime activity plus other minor tasks like resting, socializing, and basic maintenance.

General Game Conventions

GM Has Final Say

Uncertain rules resolved by GM considering fairness and fun.

Specific Overrides General

Specific rules supersede general ones in conflicts.

Rounding

Round down unless specified.

Halved 1 = minimum 1.

Multiplying

Multiple multipliers combine (each after first adds 1 less):

×2 and ×2 = ×3×2 and ×3 = ×4

Duplicate Effects

Only highest level/rank effect applies.

Newer effect if equal rank.

Ambiguous Rules

If interpretation seems too good/problematic, collaborate with group on sensible solution.

Key Attributes

Six Attributes

Attribute Modifiers

• Range from -5 to +5 for ordinary creatures
• Starting characters capped at +4
• Each +1 modifier represents a significant advantage (roughly 5% better odds on checks)

Summary

This compiled document provides the complete SF2E base game mechanics for players, covering:

• Core Mechanics: Three modes of play, d20 check system with degrees of success, proficiency ranks, and action economy
• Combat: Initiative, attack types, multiple attack penalty, AC, saving throws, damage system, and critical hits
• Health: HP, temporary HP, death and dying rules, wounded/doomed conditions, and Hero Points
• Movement: Speed, movement actions, movement modes, cover, flanking, and detection
• Conditions: Complete reference for all condition types and their mechanical effects
• Spellcasting: Four magical traditions, spell slots, preparation vs. spontaneous casting, heightening, cantrips, focus spells, and rituals
• Equipment: Bulk and carrying capacity, item levels and grades, armor/shield/weapon mechanics, and augmentation rules
• Exploration & Downtime: Activities for non-combat play

For module-specific rules (starships, colonies, vehicles, etc.), see COMPILED_MODULE_PLAYER_RULES.md.

For complete details on any topic, refer to the original source files in docs/sf2e-rules/.

PART IX: CHARACTER CREATION

9.1 The 10-Step Character Creation Process

SF2E uses the same character creation process as PF2E. Follow these steps to create a character:

Step 1: Create a Concept

Define your character's archetype, personality, and role in the party. Consider their backstory and motivations.

Step 2: Start Building Attributes

All attributes start at +0. You'll apply boosts and flaws from ancestry, background, and class.

Step 3: Select an Ancestry

Choose your heritage (species). Gain:

• Hit Points (ancestry HP)
• Size and Speed
• Attribute boosts and flaws
• Languages
• Ancestry traits and special abilities

Step 4: Select a Background

Choose your pre-adventuring career. Gain:

• Two attribute boosts (one fixed, one free choice)
• Training in a skill
• Training in a Lore skill
• A skill feat

Step 5: Select a Class

Choose your adventuring profession. Gain:

• Key attribute boost
• Class HP per level
• Proficiencies (attacks, defenses, skills)
• Class features and starting equipment options

Step 6: Determine Attribute Scores

Apply all boosts and flaws:

• 4 free boosts at level 1 (max one per attribute)
• Ancestry boosts/flaws
• Background boosts
• Class boost

Boost: +2 to ability (if 10-17) or +1 (if 18+) Flaw: -2 to ability

Step 7: Record Class Details

Note all class features, proficiencies, Class DC, special abilities, and feature progression.

Step 8: Buy Equipment

Use starting wealth (15 gp) to purchase weapons, armor, adventuring gear, and tech items.

Step 9: Calculate Modifiers

Determine all derived statistics:

• HP: Ancestry HP + Class HP + Con modifier
• AC: 10 + Dex (capped by armor) + proficiency + armor bonus
• Saves: 10 + ability + proficiency
• Skills: Ability + proficiency + modifiers

Step 10: Finishing Details

Name your character, write backstory, determine personality, and note starting Hero Points (usually 1).

9.2 Versatile Heritages (PF2E Option)

Versatile heritages are special heritage options that can apply to ANY ancestry. Instead of choosing a standard heritage, you can choose a versatile heritage to represent planar ancestry, supernatural lineage, or unique origins.

How They Work

1. Select ancestry normally (gain all standard ancestry benefits)
2. Choose versatile heritage instead of standard heritage
3. Access unique ancestry feats from your versatile heritage line

Restriction: Only ONE heritage can be selected (standard OR versatile).

Available Versatile Heritages

SF2E Flavor Interpretations

Compendium Access: PF2E Foundry system → Heritages → Filter "Versatile"

9.3 Archetypes & Multiclassing (PF2E Option)

Archetypes are optional character customization that lets you multiclass into another class, specialize in a particular fighting style, or gain abilities outside your base class.

How Archetypes Work

Step 1: Take a Dedication Feat

• Usually available at level 2+
• Grants core archetype abilities
• Requires meeting prerequisites

Step 2: Take Archetype Feats

• Use class feat slots for archetype feats
• Must take 2 archetype feats before taking another dedication

The Dedication Rule: You cannot take another dedication feat until you have taken at least 2 other feats from your current archetype.

Archetype Types

Class Archetypes (Multiclassing) Take abilities from another class (Fighter, Rogue, Wizard, etc.). Grants reduced versions of class features.

Skill Archetypes Specialize in particular expertise: Acrobat, Assassin, Beastmaster, Bounty Hunter, Cavalier, Duelist, Marshal, Medic, Poisoner, Scout, Sentinel, and many more.

Spellcasting Archetype Progression

Free Archetype Variant Rule

Optional Rule: At levels 2, 4, 6, 8, etc., characters gain a FREE archetype feat that doesn't use their class feat slot.

Benefits:

• More character customization
• Every character can multiclass/specialize
• Doesn't sacrifice class progression

GM Considerations: Increases character power slightly, adds complexity. Great for experienced groups.

Compendium Access: PF2E Foundry system → Feats → Filter "Dedication"

9.4 PF2E Content Compatibility

"The rules for Starfinder and Pathfinder are fully compatible." — SF2E GM Core, Chapter 5: Anachronistic Adventures

All PF2E content works in SF2E campaigns. The SF2E system is built on the PF2E foundation, so all PF2E classes, ancestries, spells, and equipment are mechanically compatible.

Item Naming Equivalents

These are the SAME mechanics with different flavor names:

Equipment Enhancement: Runes vs Grades

Both systems work. Choose based on campaign tone. You can even mix them.

Currency

All item prices use PF2E gold pieces (gp), aligned with PF2E's level-based pricing curve.

In the Pact Worlds setting, "credits" is the in-world name for currency. For game mechanics, use gp. In mixed campaigns, use whichever flavor term fits the scene.

In Foundry VTT: All item prices are stored in the gold piece (gp) field.

Thematic Guidance

Option 1: Full Integration - Use all PF2E and SF2E content freely. Maximum player choice.

Option 2: SF2E Flavor Preference - Use SF2E naming when available for consistent sci-fi tone.

Option 3: Separated by Origin - PF2E items = archaic/magical; SF2E items = technological.

See Also: docs/rules/quick-references/PF2E-CONTENT-IN-SF2E-GUIDE.md for complete compatibility reference.

Last Updated: 2026-01-17

BOOK TWO: MODULE SUPPLEMENT RULES

The following sections cover supplemental player-facing rules from the pf2e-starships module, including starships, colonies, companions, vehicles, trade, and more. These expand on the base SF2E game with additional systems and options.

Source Documents: Adapted rules from pf2e-starships module

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