## Foreword ### Why the Endless? A few months ago i managed to finally play a game i've had on my wishlist for a long time - a little thing called Endless Space 2. The game immediately mesmerized me with its art, attention to detail and sheer density of, well, amazing ideas. I've always been a fan of 4X games (though, i admit, i've never really been *good* at them) and i was used to them being some sort of glorified board game - the story forgettable, the dressing unimportant. The mechanics were the core of a 4X for me, but i think ES2 even managed to change that. When I saw its artworks, read about its factions and heard its music (by the Lost, FlybyNo is a genius) I fell in love with the game and the setting. Then it came to me: the Dust, the Endless, the Academy, ancient ruins and stories of betrayal, retribution, discovery... ___ This was the perfect setting for a Role Playing Game. ___ And so began my work. I have quite a bit of experience with homebrew content and, even if English is not my first language, i'm confident enough to write something. ### Why D&D 5th Edition? Despite my love for this system, i'll be first to admit that D&D was created to run a very specific kind of game - a grand sword and sorcery adventure, a tale of good versus evil. To run a sci-fi game, i'd usually fall back to other options - the Cypher System, Fate or even Starfinder. And yet I chose D&D. I think the main reasons I've done so are these: first, I love this system and I've written extensive homebrew in the past. Second, i think that the Endless Galaxy is a perfect setting for a classic fantasy story, even if it's dressed in sci-fi terminology. What is Dust, if not possibility, magic? What are heroes if not characters? What is the Academy if not a wizarding school *IN SPACE*? ``` ``` .

### What's in this Document? As of time of writing, i plan on including a selection of factions from Endless Space 2 as playable **character races** (or, in this case, *species*, since i feel the term represents more the sci-fi aesthetic of the game). Besides that, you'll find a selection of **houserules** to bring the system more in line with the source material, though i'll make these have as little impact as possible in order not to change the game system too much. What i'll definitely include sooner or later is a small selection of **backgrounds** based on in-game Hero specializations. ##### Disclaimer *"DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, the dragon ampersand, Player’s Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Master’s Guide, D&D Adventurers League, all other Wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries. All characters and their distinctive likenesses are property of Wizards of the Coast.* ___ *Endless Space 2, Endless Space and Endless Legends and their respective logos are trademarks of Amplitue Studios (Paris, France). All artwork present in this document was created for the aforementioned game and belongs to Amplitude Studios. This document is a fanmade product available for free.* ##### Artists The amazing artwork used in this document was created by the following artists: **Aurelien Rantet, Marc-Alexandre Robbe, Thomas du Crest, Thibault Girard, and Ronan Berlese**. ___ *This document was written by Mattia Salvetti with the Homebrewery (10/2020). Contact me [here](https://www.reddit.com/user/Fulminero) if needed.*

Art by Aurelien-Rantet

\page # Setting and Rules Any setting calls for some tweaks of the gaming system chosen to represent it. Despite being essentially a science-fantasy, the Endless Galaxy requires some minor adjustment of a number of game rules to keep it more in line with the source material. In this chapter I will illustrate what makes this setting unique and what rules to adapt to better represent that. ### The Endless The endless are a powerful and ancient species of humanoids whose technology was so advanced it led to the creation of Dust, or so they claimed. In truth, the Endless were an intelligent, cunning and resourceful civilization who ruled the galaxy for countless centuries, eventually splitting into two hyper-advanced cultures: the concrete and the virtual endless. ___ The **Concrete** endless sought to refine their physical form so that they'd become living gods: ageless, immune to disease, capable of incredible feats of strength and power. Some of the concrete chose this path for religious motifs, as they came to see their original body (and life in general) as sacred, others were driven by a desire for genetic perfection. ___ The **Virtual** endless managed to upload the entirety of their beings in artificial webscapes of data. Aided by the nature of Dust, the Virtuals ascended as a purely "spiritual" form, leaving their body behind and instead inhabiting interchangeable mechanical shells, or no body at all. ___ The great majority of ancient technology found in the galaxy dates back to when the endless ruled and, most importantly, when they annihilated each other in the greatest war the galaxy has ever seen. Even today the ruins of their great cities, colonies and observatories dot the galaxy, waiting to be explored or plundered. ### The Lost The Lost are a species of ancient aliens that once existed in the Endless galaxy. Almost omniscient and capable of surviving the vacuum of space, these perplexing beings were apparently made up entirely of the precious substance the Endless named "Dust". As their first act of galactic dominance, the Endless apparently drove the Lost to extinction, gathering their Dust for themselves. Some of the Lost have survived the slaughter, though their form has been spread as a form of self-defense. Given how they are made of Dust, these Lost have integrated with the ecosystem of a few, chosen planets, such as the now frozen botanical sanctuary of Auriga.

#### Houserule: Gods The Lost can act as "Gods" for Clerics, while Virtual Endless can act as Patrons for Warlocks. ``` ``` ### Dust Dust is everything in the Endless galaxy. It is money, power, magic and processing power. In truth, the "substance" referred to as Dust is an ever-expanding cloud of nanomachines so complex and so advanced that they self-organize into mind-boggling complex neural networks, allowing its users to interface directly with the laws of reality and bend them. Dust appears as a golden, weightless sand-like substance, whose density is proportional to its potential power and monetary value.

#### Houserule: Dust as currency Instead of gold, **Dust** is used as a currency in the endless galaxy. **1 unit** of dust is equivalent to 1 gold piece, allowing for an easy conversion. #### Houserule: Dust as components Given that true "magic" doesn't exist, all arcane effects are instead produced by interacting with the omnipresent Dust cloud. Whenever a spell requires a material component that lists a cost, you can and must use an equally valuable amount of dust instead. For instance, casting the *revivify* spell costs 300 units of Dust. ### Dust Concentration Dust is an incredibly complex substance - self replicating, intelligent and mysterious. At high concentrations, Dust can undergo strange phenomena which mutate those who are exposed to it (and manage to survive). These people find themselves granted strange powers and an inherent ability to control Dust and interface with it.

#### Houserule: Dust Concentration Areas **devoid of dust** act as an *dead magic zone*. Casting spells in them is impossibile, as there's nothing to act as a bridge between will and reality. ___ Areas with **excessive concentrations** of Dust are dangerous to living beings. Each hour, creatures in the area must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or gain one level of exhaustion. Creatures who are resistant or immune to force damage are immune to this effect. ___ **Dust storms** are dangerous events that are often generated by ancient Endless relics. Creatures caught in a Dust Storm must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw at the end of each of their turns, taking 3d6 force damage on a failed save or half as much on a success. Particularly intense storms may deal additional damage or have a higher save DC.

\page ### Heroes All player characters are Heroes, Dust-enhanced individuals that can bend the fabric of reality through Dust manipulation. Most Heroes are "awakened" in a Dust Storm - those who survive these catastrophic events often find themselves gifted with improved reflexes, strength or intelligence. This document assumes that people capable of using "magic" are Dust-empowered individuals, including all PCs. Many antagonists may also be renegade Academy Heroes. ### The Academy The Academy is a neutral political entity lead by Isyander, a Vodyani rebel (LN Vodyani Cleric) who refuses his species' rigid doctrine to instead worship the Lost. Under the guidance of Isyander, the Academy gathers Dust-enhanced individuals and trains them to become Heroes, which are then lent to the major political powers of the galaxy as soldiers, counselors or bodyguards. A select number of Heroes remain in the academy to instruct future generations. ### Weaponry and Armor In order to simplify things as much as possible, the only things that change in regard to weapons and armor are their materials and how they function in the setting. Most melee weapons are identical, with the exception of them being made of super-alloys or hard-light. Armors merely change name: light armor is called *Carbon Weave*, medium armor *Electroplated Armor* and heavy armor is called *Orichalcix Shell*. ### Skills and Tools Most skills in the game haven't been modified, with the exception of the **Arcana** skill, which now no longer refers to knowledge about magic, but to knowledge about Dust and theoretical science. Various tools, on the other hand, have been repurposed and renamed to accomodate for the highly advanced tech level that characterized the Endless galaxy. #### Hacking Tools The most relevant among new tool proficiencies are **Hacking Tools**, which allow a proficient creature to interface with electronic devices. Using Hacking tools is more often than not an Intelligence check. ***Components.*** Hacking tools include a small PDA, a selection of aggressive software installed in the device and a plethora of multi-purpose ports to connect it to any known tech in the galaxy. ***Arcana.*** Your knowledge of Hacking can grant you insight about ancient technological devices by attempting to interface with them directly. ***Insight.*** Through subtle manipulation, you can use your Hacking tools to interface with mechanical beings and check on their disposition. ***Intimidation.*** By drawing from their personal data, you can blackmail people into giving in to your requests. ***Defensive programs.*** The DC to hack into any of your personal devices (or a device on which you've worked on for at least one work day) is equal to your Hacking Tools proficiency plus 10. ``` ``` ##### Hacking Tools | Activity | DC | |:----|:-------------| |Access non-encrypted informations|10| |Access encrypted or personal data|15| |Have a device function following its purpose|20| |Have a device act outside of its purpose |25| #### Researcher Supplies Scientific research requires precise and cutting-edge technology: data collection is not only the most important part of the development of any predictive model, but also its most delicate - one error is enough to invalidate an entire theory. ***Components.*** Researcher supplies include a portable lab with a spectrophotometer, a gas chromatogram, a pH meter, a precision scale and loads of disposable pipettes and gloves. ***Arcana.*** Your scientific knowledge can apply directly to most forms of technology used by older civilizations, except those which make use of Dust, too complex to analyze. ***Nature.*** Your instruments allow you to determine if water is safe to drink, the atmosphere is breathable and if a substance is poisonous. ***History.*** Your studies grant you proficiency when trying to recall bits of trivia regarding analytical science and its most important exponents. ***Crafting.*** Researcher Supplies can be used to produce vials of poison and acid, much like alchemical supplies. ##### Researcher Supplies | Activity | DC | |:----|:-------------| | Analyze the makeup of a material or liquid|10| | Determine whether a substance is safe or not |15| | Synthesize a chemical to neutralize a poison or acid |20| #### Vehicles (Spaceships) Proficiency in space-faring vehicles allows you not only to pilot them with greater finesse, but also to assess their weaponry and condition. Detailed rules about combat on spaceships may be added to the future in a revised version of this document. ***Arccana.*** You can assess the state of vessels belonging to the Endless and even attempt to pilot them through this proficiency. ***Deception*** You know how to customize a ship in order to make it look like it belongs to another empire. ***Vehicle's Handling.*** While piloting a ship you add your proficiency bonus to its Armor Class and Saving Throws. ##### Vehicles (Spaceships) | Activity | DC | |:----|:-------------| |Navigate through an asteroid field |10| |Assess a spaceship's condition |15| |Navigate through a nebula or close to a black hole |20|

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## Futuristic Equipment Space is a dangerous place - soldiers armed with pulse rifles greet their enemies with showers of plasma, while exo-eplorers roam asteroids freely, protected by a self-contained Quadrinix energy field. In this world, a guy with a wooden spear would look quite ridiculus. For this reason this chapter includes variations on existing weapons **Primitive weapons and armor**: Sometimes it's necessary to use less than ideal tools, such as wooden javelins or simple steel knives. Primitive weapons costs 10 times less than their high-tech counterpart, but they also have a -2 penalty to attack and damage rolls. low-tech armor, similarly, gives the user a -2 penalty to AC and Initiative checks. ### Armor and Emitters Despite providing the same mechanical benefits as armor found in the *player's handbook*, what constitutes Armor in the Endless universe may appear quite a bit different. - **Light armor** is provided by Emitters, special pieces of tech often worn as bracelets or belts that cover the body of their wearer with an ethereal repulsive field, allowing greater freedom of movement. - **Medium armor** is also known as *cast armor* and it's often made of metal alloys and nanostructured composites. - **Heavy armor** is replaced by *power armor*, mechanical exhoskeletons fitted with a rebreather and insulated from the vacuum of space. Heavy armor allows the wearer to survive in space for 1 hour. ##### High-tech Armor Table | High-tech Armor | PHB Reference | |:----|:-------------| | Directional emitter | Padded | | Full-body emitter | Leather | | Military-grade emitter | Studded leather | | Composite Weave | Hide | |Carbide Weave | Chain shirt | | Carbide scale | Scale mail | | Alloy plate | Breastplate | | Alloy bulwark | Half plate | | Composite alloy mail | Ring mail | | Anisotropic alloy mail | Chain mail | | Amorphous ceramic plate | Splint | | Nanostructured ceramic plate | Plate | ### Hi-Tech Materials Melee and ranged weapons alike are common in the Endless universe, mostly thanks to the discovery of super-strong alloys which can withstand heavy fire and armor-piercing melee weapons. The use of Titanium, Orichalcix and Adamantian made classical black-powder firearms almost obsolete, or at least comparable to a sturdy nano-wrought greatsword. .

#### Titanium Among the military, the best weapons and armor are made from Titanium or one of its alloys. Strong, light and resilient, refinement of nano-structured and dust-infused Titanium allows for the production of top-notch weapons. Titanium weapons grant a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls, while adamantian armor and shields grants a +1 bonus to AC. #### Adamantian Adamantian is a strong and flexible reddish metal which can be paired with Titanium and other materials to produce a super-strong fiber-like alloy. Adamantian weapons grant a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls, while adamantian armor and shields grants a +2 bonus to AC. #### Orichalcix This purplish metal presents a hard but brittle crystalline structure. Properly wrought, however, it becomes the strongest material available, perfect for use in military-grade equipment. Orichalcix weapons grant a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls, while adamantian armor and shields grants a +3 bonus to AC.

Art by Thoams du Crest

\page ### Additional Equipment Survival in space calls for specialized equipment, to resist the harsh vacuum of the last frontier and its inhabitants both. This section includes prices for everyday items used in the Endless galaxy and their effects. ##### Under Construction | | | |:----:|:-------------| ### Damage Modifiers Many weapons are modified or custom-tailored to suit the needs of their wielder. These special weapons deal a different damage type compared to their base version, gaining a prefix to reflect their function. The following table lists the most commonly available weapon modifiers and their cost multiplier, meaning how many times more they cost compared to a normal weapon. For instance, an *antimatter battleaxe* costs 100 Dust (Gp) and deals 1d8 necrotic damage. ##### Damage Modifiers Table | Prefix | Damage Type | Cost Multiplier| |:----:|:-------------:|:-:| | Antimatter- | necrotic |x10| | Charge- | lightning |x5| | Cryo- | cold |x5| | Hyperium- | radiant |x10| | Plasma- | fire |x5| | Quadrinix- | force |x20| | Sonic- | thunder |x10|

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## Backgrounds Adapting the backgrounds presented in the *player's handbook* would be redundant - besides minor changes to starting equipment to reflect the higher technology level of the Endless galaxy, background proficiencies and features are much the same. As others would say, *adapting character background is trivial and it's left as an exercise for the reader*. ___ In this chapter, four additional backgrounds are presented. These backgrounds grant a background feature, a selection of languages and tool proficiencies and a starting equipment. In addition to those, six possible *political compass* choices are presented. Political affinities grant additional skill proficiencies to the character who chooses them. ### Background: Counselor Counselors are expert politicians and people-persons who find themselves at ease in the complex and labyrinthian bureaucracies of the Endless galaxy. These Heroes specialize in making friends and establishing contacts, quickly developing a complex web of intrigue. You are at your best when bartering for goods or defusing a dangerous situation through dialogue. ___ **Languages:** Choose two languages of your choice. ___ **Equipment:** A diplomat pack, a vial of *poison (basic)*, an insignia of your organization or empire, elegant clothes and 10 units of dust. ___ **Counselor Feature:** Choose one among the features below. ``` ``` .

#### Feature: Empathic Bond No matter the species or level of intelligence, your diplomatic abilities allow you to immediately deduce whether a creature you can see is friendly, neutral or hostile towards you and your companions. #### Feature: Enigmatic You've mastered your composure to hide your true intentions. Your alignment, political compass, traits and disposition (friendly, neutral, hostel) can't be inferred by others. #### Feature: Social Enhancer People are like an open book for you. After speaking with someone whom you can understand for 1 minute, you learn two rumors about them. One is true and one is false, but you don't know which is which. You may use this feature only once per person. ### Background: Guardian Guardians are heroes whose job is getting things done. Combat and action are their bread and butter and Guardians are used to acting on limited information to great effect. Guardians are also excellent at handling and protecting colonies and citadels, as their namesake suggests. ___ **Tool Proficiencies:** You gain proficiency in two tools of your choice. ___ **Equipment:** A burglar's pack, one simple weapon of your choice, an insignia of your organization or empire, heavy clothes and 10 units of dust.

Art by Marc-Alexandre Robbe

\page ___ **Guardian Feature:** Choose one among the features below. #### Feature: Iron Discipline When the situation is desperate, people look at you for guidance. You can command low-ranking soldiers and militia on the field, provided they are friendly to you. They attempt to obey your orders as best as they can, without needlessly risking their lives. #### Feature: Vox Populi You are in touch with the proletariat and workers of industrialized planets. Whenever you visit a planet, you can ask your DM if there are any class-based political tensions. If a rebellion or a dictatorship are present, you know who their leaders are or where you may find information about them. #### Feature: Nemesis During the years you've faced the same foe over and over, developing a strange friendship and a form of mutual respect. You have a contact among the high-ranking officers of a rival empire or faction. They are antagonistic to you, but respect you enough to help you against a common enemy. ### Background: Overseer Overseers specialize in handling infrastructures and organizations. Efficiency is their motto and efficacy their mission. Heroes that become Overseers specialize in making things work smoothly and without a hitch, whether they work as part of a government, a megacorporation or a simple group of adventurers. ___ **Tool Proficiencies:** You gain proficiency in one tool of your choice. ___ **Languages:** You gain proficiency in one language of your choice. ___ **Equipment:** A scholar's pack, a set of Hacking tools, an insignia of your organization or empire, elegant clothes and 15 units of dust. ___ **Overseer Feature:** Choose one among the features below. #### Feature: Social Darwinism People act and speak in ways that allow you to easily tell apart the rich from the poor. After speaking to someone for 1 minute, you learn if their social class is higher or lower than yours. You also learn their approximate income (squalid, poor, modest, comfortable, wealthy, aristocratic). #### Feature: Trusty Fence Your providers always seem to give you a discount. unbeknownst to your competitors, the secret ingredient to your success is crime. You know a trusty fence whom you can easily contact. They provide you and your allies with contraband goods that cost 10% less than their price on the open market. Periodically, your fence may ask you for some favors in exchange for additional discounts. ``` ``` #### Feature: Thieves' Cant You learn to communicate cryptic messages to others who know how to interpret them. You learn *thieves' cant*, identical to the Rogue's first level class feature. ### Background: Seeker Seekers are explorers, captains and ruin-dwellers who scour the galaxy for ancient artifacts and Dust deposits. Skillful and adaptable, seekers excel at managing spaceships and at surviving the harsh conditions of other planets. Seeker heroes from the citadel commonly undertake the career of the adventurer. ___ **Tool Proficiencies:** Whenever you complete a long rest, you gain proficiency in a tool of your choice. You lose this proficiency when you gain another this way. ___ **Equipment:** An explorer's pack, a set of tools of your choice, an insignia of your organization or empire, travel clothes and 15 units of dust. ___ **Seeker Feature:** Choose one among the features below. #### Feature: Adaptation You are used to the climate of other worlds and can adapt to almost any situation. You and up to 5 friendly creatures of your choice make saving throws against extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, altitude) with advantage. #### Feature: Ship Optimization Your training in spaceship management allows you to streamline their functions. Whenever you travel on a friendly ship, you increase its speed by 20%. This bonus increases by 10% when you reach level 5, 11 and 17. #### Feature: Pirate Contact Your travels have brought you to less than safe spaceports, but you've also managed to make some friends. You have a friendly contact in a major pirate faction. If boarded by pirates, they are content with taking half of what they normally would and spare the life of your crew.

\page ### Political Compass The Endless Galaxy is as much a theatre of war as it is for politics, with corporations and religious orders vying for power. As an alternative to classical character *alignment* Each civilized character can choose a political compass - a series of ideologies that guide them in their relations to the other species and cultures of the galaxy. ___ If you are using this rule, at character creation, **pick two** of the following political ideologies. Your political ideologies may change over the course of the game, as the DM sees fit, though your proficiencies do not. #### Ecologist Ecologists strive to preserve the natural flora and fauna of planets. They see nature as something to be protected, not exploited for gain or so called "progress". An Ecologist character may spend time studying local life forms, collecting samples and experimenting with exotic poisons. ___ **Skill Proficiencies:** either Nature or Animal Handling. ##### Ecologist Traits | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | You can't resist petting dangerous local fauna | | 3-4 | You are a staunch vegetarian or vegan | | 5-6 | You obsessively recycle and differentiate trash | ##### Ecologist Ideals | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | All life is precious and sacred | | 3-4 | Progress exists in service of nature | | 5-6 | Those who hurt nature must be disposed of | ##### Ecologist Bonds | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | I have a small poisonous alien pet with me | | 3-4 | My home was lost to pollution. I wish to cleanse it | | 5-6 | A plant of unknown origin grows from my shoulder | ##### Ecologist Flaws | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | I am entrenched in my views and can't handle change | | 3-4 | I'm a wanted eco-terrorist in my home system | | 5-6 | I'd destroyed decades of research to free some mice | #### Industrialist Industrialists see planets as resources ripe for the taking. An unused material is a wasted one - only through industry can we survive this galaxy and its perils. An Industrialist character may very well be an engineer or scientist focused on the more practical side of technology, a person who relishes in a well-organized and well-structured city. ___ **Skill Proficiencies:** either Sleight of Hand or Investigation. ``` ``` ##### Industrialist Traits | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | You carry a plethora of gadgets on your person | | 3-4 | You always speak in obscure, technical terms | | 5-6 | You can't help but "tinker" with people's stuff | ##### Industrialist Ideals | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | Progress is the key to a world without poverty | | 3-4 | Automation will make everyone's life easier | | 5-6 | You are either useful or worthless | ##### Industrialist Bonds | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | I carry my favourite set of screwdrivers everywhere | | 3-4 | I'm devoted to my corporation and their ideals | | 5-6 | I have multiple mechanical implants in my body | ##### Industrialist Flaws | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | Living in the city left me with terrible allergies | | 3-4 | I litter and trample - i never got into recycling stuff | | 5-6 | I'm addicted to my PDA and i'm very protective of it | #### Militarist Militaristic people see enemies at every corner and understand the importance of striking first. Safety necessitates power, power necessitates violence. A militaristic character may be the first on the frontline and they may relish in the thrill of combat. ___ **Skill Proficiencies:** either Athletics or Intimidation. ##### Militarist Traits | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | You are always ready to spring into action| | 3-4 | You speak in a tone that demands obedience | | 5-6 | In combat, you laugh with glee and excitement| ##### Militarist Ideals | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | My purpose is to serve and protect | | 3-4 | An ordered society is an efficient one | | 5-6 | Dissent and rebellion should be swiftly crushed | ##### Militarist Bonds | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | I carry a memento of a fallen brother in arms | | 3-4 | I fight to protect my family from harm | | 5-6 | I've given a name to my favourite weapon |

\page ##### Militarist Flaws | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | I tend to strike first, ask questions later | | 3-4 | I can't help but follow orders from my superiors| | 5-6 | I'm abrasive and unlikable in conversations | #### Pacifist Pacifists understand the importance of codependency and alliances. They see other people as allies in their cosmic endeavor against poverty, suffering and pain. A Pacifist character may resort to violence only in emergencies and may favour dialogue over combat. ___ **Skill Proficiencies:** either Persuasion or Insight. ##### Pacifist Traits | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | You speak in a calm, friendly tone at all times | | 3-4 | You attempt to always find a middle ground | | 5-6 | You are very protective of your allies | ##### Pacifist Ideals | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | Wanton murder never solves anything | | 3-4 | The right option is often the most painful one | | 5-6 | They will learn of our peaceful ways *by force* | ##### Pacifist Bonds | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | I can't stand the idea of my friends being hurt | | 3-4 | I carry an insignia that identifies me as a medic | | 5-6 | I've promised to my loved ones i'd never kill | ##### Pacifist Flaws | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | You often wait too much and act too late | | 3-4 | You see everyone else as a violent brute | | 5-6 | You are an actual pacifist and can't hurt others | #### Religious Religious people seek answers to their questions in spirituality, meditation and sacred texts. They believe their doctrine to be the pathway to enlightenment. A religious character may be on a spiritual quest to seek for answers regarding events in their recent past, or they may be a zealot on a holy crusade. ___ **Skill Proficiencies:** either Religion or Deception. ##### Religious Traits | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | I act knowing all things are dictated by fate | | 3-4 | I recite the holy text to calm myself when stressed | | 5-6 | I speak with disdain to non-believers | ``` ``` ##### Religious Ideals | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | The answers we seek are within ourselves | | 3-4 | All religions are but different paths to enlightenment | | 5-6 | Infidels and non-believers shall all be punished | ##### Religious Bonds | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | I carry an ancient religious relic as a lucky charm | | 3-4 | I abstain from intoxicants and drugs | | 5-6 | I've been given a holy taks by a spiritual leader | ##### Religious Flaws | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | I dismiss the opinions of others with prejudice | | 3-4 | I can't stand materialistic people and their ideas | | 5-6 | Deep down, i don't believe in what i preach | #### Scientific Scientific-minded people refuse doctrines and dogmas, relying on experience and experimentation to understand the strange reality of the Endless galaxy. To a scientist, all problems have a solution, all questions have an answer, all mysteries have a motive. ___ **Skill Proficiencies:** either Arcana or Medicine. ##### Scientific Traits | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | I cite obscure papers to prove my claims | | 3-4 | I get excited when i see some new technology | | 5-6 | I speak with disdain to religious-minded individuals | ##### Scientific Ideals | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | The answers we seek are out there, among the stars| | 3-4 | Through study we can unlock the secrets of reality | | 5-6 | Less intelligent individuals should have less rights | ##### Scientific Bonds | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | I carry a book wherever i go | | 3-4 | A colleague of mine has given me an important task | | 5-6 | I have a brilliant pupil deeply indebted with a 'corp | ##### Scientific Flaws | d6 | Personality | |:----:|:-------------| | 1-2 | I believe in a grossly outdated theory | | 3-4 | I can't stand charlatans and preachers | | 5-6 | I dread the thought i might be wrong | ``` ```

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# Species The Endless galaxy is filled with wonderful lifeforms, each touched by the essence of Dust and shaped by its use. Hailing from the corners of the galaxy, Lumeris, Mezari, Riftborn and many others strive to carve a place for themselves in this strange and cruel universe, all while attempting to get a grasp on the mysteries that the Endless left behind in their final war. ### Playable Species and Subspecies This chapter includes a plethora of species that you may choose as a basis to create your character. Some may ask you to choose a subspecies, in which case you choose one of the provided options and gain its benefits. In order to simplify the differences in biology that would otherwise be prevalent in a setting such as the Endless galaxy, this supplement makes some basic assumptions: - All species need to eat, sleep, drink water and breathe, unless otherwise noted, - All species can communicate with each other through a common language derived from the ancient tongue used by the Endless throughout the galaxy, - All species are humanlike in intellect: they are assumed to act in their own self-interest and understand the concepts of empathy, violence, community, fear etc... Creatures too alien to fit into these parameters (such as the Umbral Choir and the Amoeba) will not be present in this chapter. ``` ``` ### Species Index In this chapter, you'll find everything you need to create a Hero of the Academy from one of the following species templates. Changing one's species is possible but oftentimes very difficult - the Horatio are known to "beautify" other species and anyone can become a Vodyani through virtualization, but your choice is most likely permanent. - **The Cravers**, militaristic cybernetic insectoids bent on exploitation, destruction and violence, - **The Hissho**, honourable avian warriors who recently emerged from centuries of enslavement, - **The Horatio**, the clones of an eccentric trillionaire obsessed with perfection and beauty, - **The Lumeris**, amphibian scoundrels and merchants who always try to make a profit out of every situation, - **The Nakalim**, ancient awakened people who worship the Lost and their forgotten technology - **The Riftborn**, sentient mathematical concepts clad in robotic bodies stranded in a chaotic, alien universe, - **The Sophons**, small reptilian creatures obsessed with the more chaotic and unpredictable aspects of science, - **The Unfallen**, massive tree-like beings dedicated to bringing peace and harmony to the cosmos, - **The Imperials**, expansionistic bureaucrats following the example and leadership of their emperor, Zelevas, - **The Vaulters**, pilgrims from the lost and frozen world of Auriga, keen of mind and blade - **The Vodyani**, living clouds of Dust capable of draining raw essence from heretics and unbelievers.

Art by Marc-Alexandre Robbe

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## Cravers "AS THE FRIGATE ENTERED THE UNCLAIMED STAR system, their communication relay let out a faint hum. Commander Yorga was hesitant as she lifted her fingers to activate the intercom - there was something ominous about the whole affair she couldn't quite get a grasp on. Perhaps it was the strange wreckage orbiting around the local sun, or maybe the scarred, barren planets that she could see through her instruments. As her hand mindlessly obeyed force of habit, a metallic, raspy voice echoed through the colony ship: *We wonder... What sound do you make, when you scream?*"

-- Craver's horde, first contact.

Cravers are an artificial species, a product of advanced bio-engineering and superior mechanical grafting. Bred by the Concrete Endless to wage war on their brethren, like many of their creations they were first used, then discarded and, finally, abandoned. In time, the mindless war drones took on a name, Cravers, and developed a primitive form of sentience. Unable to oppose their programming, the Cravers now roam the Endless galaxy with one directive: consume. ### Driven By DNA Despite their best efforts, Cravers have yet to find a way to consistently release their bretheren from the tiranny of their genes. Programmed to hunt, kill, salvage and rebuild, the few Cravers who have managed to break free of their conditioning have done so through sheer luck by being exposed to large amounts of unrefined Dust. Most of these "freed" cravers join the Academy to further explore their abilities and newfound freedom. .

### Slavers And Slaves Cravers follow their primary directive through direct and unrefined means: wage war on a weaker empire, conquer their planets, enslave their population and force it to work until only a lifeless, empty husk is left in the night sky. Due to the unsustainable nature of this practice, entire star systems have been depleted by a Craver colony. The Cravers themselves, however, are also enslaved, partially by their genes and partially by their strict hive-mind like society. Craver *Bishops*, in particular, are individuals who hold enough power in Craver society, most commonly due to being the only individuals clever and composed enough to do so. Each Craver colony also has a single Queen, which is responsible for furthering the bloodline, though her role is less political and more of a necessity for their species.

Art by Thomas du Crest

\page ### Matter Over Mind Craver technology and buildings have a distinct organic feel to them, though they are constructed from scavenged parts of sacked planets and colonies. The genetic memory necessary to build a functioning spaceship is implanted in each Craver and they have the uncanny ability to work on massive projects with perfect coordination without saying a word. Craver ships are fast, powerful and disposable. Their hulls are barren and uneven, with exposed pipes and circuits and redundant reinforcements in sections of the ship which are often targeted by heavy fire. ### Hunger And Desire Historians agree that, while terrifying, Cravers are also a sad species: intelligent enough to realize it's bound by ancient chains, but not yet advanced enough to be able to break them. As a result, Cravers are driven by a single, burning, all-consuming feeling: hunger. Unable to resist or cope with their insatiable appetite, they try to soothe the pain by giving into their programming and becoming vicious machines of war. Some claim that hope still exists for this doomed species, in the form of a revolutionary discovery, a breakthrough in genetics or, simply, a miracle. For now, the other species tend to avoid Craver space, and for good reason. ### Craver Names Craver names tend to be related to their occupation in Craver society, as those still bound to the Hive tend to view themselves as mere extensions of it. Cravers who break free from their strict caste system and carve a name for themselves across the stars perpetrate this tradition by assigning themselves a honorific, a descriptor which often brings attention to their newfound condition of freed individual. Cravers colloquially also use a first name chosen to be intimidating and full of hard consonants. ___ **Male names:** Argek, Brogan, Drogon, Everet, Farkin, Heres, Janus, Kaleb, Lomung, Morvic, Ravello, Satio, Victor. ___ **Female names:** Aster, Badena, Caldres, Invicta, Jamona, Lifrane, Nikal, Pantana, Rissa, Tremare, Unvix, Zitiana. ___ **Honorific:** Eccelso, Everfree, Libera, Prime, Returned, Rinato, Slayer, Terror, Testudo, Unbound, Unbroken.

> ##### Relationships > Cravers are intelligent enough to understand that other beings can experience pain, hope and happiness - most simply don't care. Driven by their genetic instructions, cravers respect only one thing: Strength. Predators are strong - cravers avoid them or attempt to look less intimidating in order to instill a false sense of security. Prey is weak - Cravers attack relentlessly in an effort to conquer, subjugate and devour. The only way to gain the respect of a craver, if fickle, is to prove time and time again that they would lose against you. ``` ``` ### Craver Traits As a Craver, the Endless have armed you with the following natural abilities: ___ **Ability Score Increase:** your nature is that of a soldier, powerful and tough. Increase your Strength score by 2 and your Constitution score by 1. ___ **Age:** Cravers are mass-produced and were never expected to last more than a handful of battles. You are "born" as an adult and can live up to 30 years. ___ **Alignment:** Many cravers attempt to rebuke their violent tendencies, but those who don't often are Chaotic Evil. ___ **Size:** Cravers have a hulking and hunched form, placing them between 7 and 8 feet tall. your size is Medium. ___ **Speed:** your base walking speed is 30 feet. ___ **Relentless Endurance:** when you are reduced to 0 Hit Points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can’t use this feature again until you finish a Long Rest. ___ **Darkvision:** Your biomechanical implants allow you to see in dim light within 60 feet of you as if it were bright light, and in Darkness as if it were dim light. You can’t discern color in Darkness, only shades of gray. ___ **Vicious** Once per turn, if your hit points are equal to or less than half their maximum, you can add your proficiency bonus to a weapon damage roll. ___ **Violent:** Your DNA drives you to unforeseen acts of terrible violence. If you reduce a creature to 0 hit points with an attack, you can't choose to knock them out. ___ **Powerful Build:** You count as one size larger when determining your carrying capacity and the weight you can push, drag, or lift. ___ **Language:** You can speak Common and Craver. Cravers communicate through a series of insect-like clicks and long-range infrasounds emitted by their grafted devices.

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## Hissho "TETSU'S HANDS WERE SHAKING. AS THE YOUNG warrior's mind drifted, his hands grasped firmly his blade, his weapon, his soul. He could barely contain the excitement: the priests had chosen *him*, amongst all his nest-mates! As he slowly stepped out of the stone arc and into the gentle rays of the setting sun, he could not resist taking a peek at the cheering crowd gathered for the event. His eyes, filled with excitement, locked with those of his parents - theirs carried a solemn expression of pride. Tetsu smiled, kneeled and waited, impatiently, for the priest's blade to carve into his heart."

-- *On Keii*, Historian Unit Nr.4 .

The Hissho are a proud and noble species of avian humanoids. Originally conceived by the Endless as a purpose-bred species of gladiators, their culture slowly evolved to incorporate combat and honour as its core tents. When the Endless disappeared, the Hissho inherited their home planet of Uchi, an overgrown jungle planet dotted with marshes and arid highland mountains. In time their science became advanced enough to scavenge the ancient ships of their progenitors and take to the stars. ### Fire and Steel In a galaxy of antimatter beams, laser point defense systems and system-obliterating juggernauts, the notion of a sharpened blade seems ridiculus. For the Hissho, however, the blade is a way of life - the *only* way of life. Hissho younglings are trained in the use of basic melee and ranged weapons and, thanks to their superior coordination and eyesight, they can be devastating on the battlefield. .

The few lucky souls who managed to face a Hissho and survive to tell the tale talk of magic weapons infused with the souls of the Hissho ancestors - in truth, it's more likely that the Hissho repurposed the ancient Endless technology that was used to craft their gladiatorial implements and exploited it to create blades that can cut through steel and armor that can resist those blades. ### Honorbound The Hissho hold personal honour at heart. To them, winning a fight is far less important that having a *good* fight, a behavior some argue could be a leftover from their past as gladiators. A Hissho that loses honour quickly loses focus, then his life. A Hissho that can maintain his honour and focus on the beauty of combat soon forgets his wounds and becomes a weapon himself, a trait that looks almost supernatural to onlookers.

Art belongs to Amplitude Studios

\page ### Stand Tall The Hissho understand the intrinsic merit of a large and sprawling empire, but prefer to self-isolate in rigid borders and develop their ascetic society in a handful of planets. Their systems are protected by terrifying Behemoth-class ships that the Hissho often use to strike nearby civilizations. Historians are unsure how or why the Hissho possess such weapons, though it's possible they're what remains of ancient Endless relics. Nevertheless, the Hissho strike fast and are deadly in combat, facts that allow their few core systems to remain largely undisturbed. ### Keii Hissho use the term "*Keii*" to describe "honourable actions in combat or war", though the meaning the word Keii has for them is much greater. Keii can be translated as "way", "force" and "will" and it's often the focus of a Hissho's way of life. Keii is seen as a force that guides the righteous to their goals and sabotages the unworthy, a cosmic karmic flow that moves the blade to its intended destination. For a Hissho, the fastest way to earn Keii and, thus, align oneself to cosmic will is through battle. ### Ancient Beliefs The Hissho are deeply spiritual people - many warriors practice meditation and deep contemplation to achieve a mental state of perfect calm, which they employ in battle. A series of sacred festivities, or Observances, constitutes the core of Hissho's organized religion. The priest caste administers a series of sacraments to the initiated, which sometimes involve ritual fights, bloodletting, or even Hissho sacrifice. The Hissho are ruled by the Tokso, a military and spiritual leader that also acts as a high priest. ### Hissho Names The Hissho use oriental names accompanied by a honorific which often describes a place or even of great significance in the life of the Hissho. When choosing an honorific, think about what the most important event in the life of your character was: what do they take pride in? What words make them feel nostalgia for their home? ___ **Male names:** Furuta, Ishimoto, Kenji, Machi, Ohara, Shigeru, Shimizu, Takara, Toshio, Yasui. ___ **Female names:** Aya, Eiko, Emiko, Hana, Kaguya, Kyoko, Midori, Minako, Shibuya, Uchiya, Yuriko. ___ **Honorific:** Allbreaker, Brightblade, Coldheart, Everlost, Firesong, Raincaller, Saltcliff, Stargazer, Sunstorm, Thriceblessed, Truthsinger, Unmaker. ``` ``` ### Orders The Hissho are split into two main religious and political parties - the way of the Red Blade and the order of the Obsidian Eagle, each attempting to push for dominance in the complex and ritualistic Hissho government. The **Way of the Crimson Blade** advocates for absolute supremacy and total annihilation of all that stand in the way of the Hissho. Militaristic, xenophobic and authoritarian, the Crimson Blade seeks to wage a war to end all wars, so that all of the galaxy can be unified under their great culture. The **Order of the Obsidian Eagle** strives to achieve spiritual enlightenment through study of martial arts, sacred texts and the nature or Keii. To the Obsidian Eagle, war is a mean to an end and should never be the first thing the Hissho resort to when threatened. ### Hissho Traits As a honour-bound Hissho, you gain the following natural abilities: ___ **Ability Score Increase:** your avian body is agile and your senses are sharp. Increase your Dexterity score by 2 and your Wisdom score by 1. ___ **Age:** The Hissho were created as a disposable people - their purpose was to grow quickly, fight and die gloriously. You reach maturity quickly, in roughly 5 years, and grow old just as quickly. Few Hissho grow older than 50. ___ **Alignment:** the Hissho's way of life revolves firmy around tradition and protocol, making most of them Lawful. Whether they embrace sacrifice or force it upon others determines whether they are Good or Evil. ___ **Size:** Hissho have tall, slender bodies, averaging between 5 and 6 feet. Your size is medium. ___ **Speed:** Your hollow bones make you fleet on foot. Your base walking speed is 35 feet. ___ **Languages:** You can speak Common and Hissho. Hissho is a melodic dialect characterized by discrete, hard syllables and written using traditional ideograms. ___ **Slow Fall:** While incapable of true flight, your avian wings can still carry you. While you are falling in an atmosphere and you are not incapacitated, you take no fall damage. You can't use this feature while wearing heavy armor. ___ **Hissho Weapon Training**: your species is trained since birth in a selection of deadly weapons. You are proficient with the shortsword, longsword, shortbow and daggers. ___ **Keen Senses**: your eyes are as sharp as your blade - you are proficient in the Perception skill. ___ **Keii**: in Hissho culture, Keii represents the act of maintaining one's honour in combat. Once per round, whenever you would make an attack with advantage against a creature, you can choose to forgo the advantage to instead gain temporary hit points equal to your proficiency bonus.

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## Horatio "I STILL REMEMBER THE EXCITEMENT AND TERROR as my hands touched the ancient machines. I had to scour this entire Lost-forsaken planet to find these beauties and finally I could touch them myself. My eyes followed the sinuous design of the hyperglass vats, their coiling tubes and cables, entwined like the genetic material that once flowed through them. This technology was a sign. I knew what i had to do: i had to beautify the galaxy in my image. "

-- *On the principles of Beauty*, Horatio.

The Horatio are species of vat-grown clones originating from their everlasting leader, Horatio, an eccentric trilionaire who managed to find and employ advanced Concrete Endless technology. Through a process of iterative cloning, Horatio first filled his personal homeworld of Horatio Prime with countless clones of himself. In time, he realized that a single planet was quite too little for his perfect beauty, and thus began the great pilgrimage of Horatios all across the galaxy. ### Quest for Perfection The Horatio are devoted to one and only one thing: Perfection, through any means necessary. This obsession stems from long before the original Horatio became as rich and powerful as he is today, when he was nothing more but a brilliant bio-engineering student. His peers despised him for his radical ideas, physical deformities and egotistical nature, which only pushed him deeper into a spiral of self-loathing and megalomaniac tendencies. Today, all newborn Horatio are imprinted with part of the original's personality and goals. ``` ``` .

### Absolute Beauty The Horatio are obsessed with beauty. Many believe the original Horatio to be of Imperial descent, a mutated Mezari gifted with a superior intellect. In time, Horatio came to see his unique physique as a sign of otherworldly beauty and began to craft his image (and that of his countless clones) with this in mind. Horatio ships are elegant, delicate and shining examples of this obsession, as are Horatio buildings and clothing. Spirals of gold filigrane are a common sight in Horatio settlements and newborn clones are taught to appreciate and seek out beauty whenever they can. This, of course, also means the Horatio see everything that is not of Horatio making as ugly, foul and unsophisticated. In more extreme cases, worthy of being annihilated, or even "Beautified".

Art by Thomas du Crest

\page ### A Genetic Puzzle The Horatio understand that the process of attaining perfection is long and complex. Too clever to believe they were born with everything they needed to achieve it, the Horatio resort to a controversial procedure to keep improving themselves: gene splicing. It's not uncommon for Horatio-controlled planets to host a number of splicing centers, where elder or dying individuals from other species are gathered and cared for, free of charge, by a staff of Horatio caretakers and scientists. Payment comes at the time of their passing, when their bodies are scoured for genetic material and experimented upon in-vitro to isolate desirable traits. These are then spliced into Horatio DNA and distributed in the form of plasmid infusions to the greater population. In extreme cases, such as war, the Horatio have even been known to carry out this practice on captives and prisoners. ### To Beautify Horatio's obsession is made manifest on their home planet, Horatio Prime. Here, cloning technology is at its peak and anyone willing to do so can undergo a process called "beautification", a gruesome procedure in which an individual is dissolved in a Beautification vat and regrown as a member of the Horatio. The process leaves the nervous system intact, though it also augments its capabilities with cybernetic implants to better align it to the capabilities of a Horatio. At the end, a new, beautiful life form emerges, with all the memories of its former life and a perfect body. Needless to say, may see this procedure as unethical, dangerous and excessively hedonistic. The Horatio, on the other hand, dismiss those claims with prejudice - how can something beautiful be wrong? ### Horatio Names Only the True Horatio can be referred to by his original name. His progeny, on the other hand, has to refer to itself through specifically crafted names that identify their mutations and their origin. Specifically, each Horatio is assigned two alphanumeric codes: the first identifies what genes the specimen has been grafted with, the occupation the specimen is to be assigned to. The Horatio then pick a first and second name of their choice, often chosen among those of the species they've been spliced from. A typical Horatio name is, for instance, *Rutsch -C2 Odesa 44*. ___ **Origin Marker:** The first code identifies the sector of the planet the Horatio has been cloned on with a letter (A to Z). A number identifies what generation of clones they come from (from 2 onwards). ___ **Purpose Marker:** The second code identifies which job you were assigned to at birth. There are dozens of possible occupations - feel free to pick a number you like between 2 and 99 and determine with your DM how this ties in to your background of choice. ___ **Proper Names:** Choose two names from the species you've been spliced from to pick your Horatio proper name. ``` ``` ### Horatio Traits As a vat-grown Horatio, your perfection translates into the following "natural" abilities: ___ **Ability Score Increase:** your genes have most likely been spliced, but your ego is unmistakable. Your Charisma score increases by 1. You also increase another ability score of your choice by 2. ___ **Age:** Horatios live long, fulfilling lives thanks to their genetic enhancements. You can live up to around 150 years. ___ **Alignment:** Many horatio strive for perfection in a perfect, ordered society, making them Lawful. Unconcerned with morality, many Horatio are Neutral. ___ **Size:** The Horatio are slender and beautiful. Their height is precisely 5.11. Your size is Medium. ___ **Speed:** your base walking speed is 30 feet. ___ **Languages:** You can speak and write Common and another language of your choice. ___ **Purpose-Bred:** you were grown to carry out a specific job for the great Collective. You gain proficiency in one skill or one tool of your choice. ___ **Gene-Spliced:** As a child of science, you've been gifted many wondrous abilities from other, inferior species. Choose two among the following features belonging to the other species in the Endless galaxy and add them to your repertoire: - Darkvision (Cravers) - Slow Fall (Hisso) - Optimistic (Lumeris) - Understanfing through Faith (Nakalim) - Flotation (Riftborn) - Alien Technology (Sphons) - Diplomat (Unfallen) - Clever (Imperial Mezari) - Sheredyn Weapon Training (Imperial Sheredyn) - Nomad (Vaulters) - Dark Devotion (Vodyani)

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## Lumeris "I KNOW THE FOUR FAMILIES. I'VE KNOWN THEIR schemes and their affairs. I've seen the dust flow from hand to hand like a warm ocean current, slippery and ethereal, yet ever present. And yet i can't shake this dry feeling of dread. We've survived, thrived even, made ourselves great through effort, cunning and ruthlessness. Will it be enough? Will we be able to still make a profit with such strange and violent neighbours? To be honest, i don't know. What I know are the Families, and I'm sure they'll give em hell. "

-- *The Families*, Jenhaestra Drev-Meos.

The Lumeris are a civilization of amphibious merchants, bureaucrats and smugglers. Originating on Jenes, an oceanic planet dotted with atolls and islands, the Lumeris have traditionally been ruled by insular governments which recently fused into a single political organism. Despite this, tradition is deeply respected in Lumeris culture and power even more so: the four great families that once ruled the richest islands now rule the government from the shadows. ### Profit At Any Cost The Lumeris have traditionally been obsessed with amassing personal wealth for the benefit of oneself and one's own family. This desire is what drives Lumeris culture and their ethics: property, luxury, material wealth and prestige are all seen as signs of power and intelligence. Criminal enterprises are numerous and well developed, constituting a "sub-government" which is widely accepted as a normal part of everyday life. ``` ``` .

Smuggled goods can be bought from shadow brokers, drugs flow in the streets and money is made in the blackest of alleys, all while the government and population turn a blind eye for the benefit of the economy. Despite this obsession with wealth, even the most vicious Lumeris crime lords tend to be pragmatic and reasonable - cruelty is bad for business and war stifles profit, unless it doesn't involve the Lumeris, of course. A strong desire for wealth also means a strong desire for prosperity, individual or communal - as such, most Lumeris are progressive, optimistic and tend to embrace pacifism as a political ideology.

Art by Thomas du Crest

\page ### Family Business The Lumeris place great importance on the name of one's family. The first bond one creates in life is with their relatives and the first form of devotion is the one towards one's parents. The Lumeris understand that blood is stronger than any contract, more sacred than any amount of Dust. In time, four great families arose and took control of Jenes: - The **Meos** family, tasked with food production, processing and distribution across the planet; - The **Omokar** family, tasked with construction, infrastructure and the handling of labourers; - The **Lancellum** family, tasked with the building of spaceships and ports; - The **Arrakyo** family, responsible for politics, the passing of laws and public opinion. Despite an ancient rivalry that sometimes results in overt violence among the four families, their leaders have long ago agreed that cooperation is the only way to guarantee that the Lumeris won't be annihilated by other, more violent, species in the dark recesses of space. ### Practicality and Hard Work Even if more than a few Lumeris come to embrace a decadent lifestyle as they turn older, the drive to carve one's name in history is always present somewhere deep within. This pushes most Lumeris to favor substance over form and hard work over slacking off, a philosophy mirrored in their cities and ships. Lumeris starships are crude, angular vessels built for commerce first and foremost. Fast and reliable, their cargo hulls are spacious and resilient. Lumeris cities are a marvel to behold, a testament to consumerims and wealth. Traversed by canals and often built on idyllic coastal areas, impossibly tall skyscrapers house the richest trading companies of the galaxy and their workers. To live in a Lumeri city is to live in luxury and, often, debt. ### Lumeris Names The Lumeris place great importance on their family name and bear it proudly, more often than not using the family name of both their mother and father. They also tend to give themselves a personal name. A typical Lumeris name is, for instance, *Yelchin Ordara-Arrakyo*. ___ **Male Names:** Ahyem, Atjano, Feschin, Ichiar, Iotar, Jommur, Tiayam, Uta, Uydn, Yelchin. ___ **Female Names:** Artachia, Asya, Erya, Fyala, Ievala, Jadvilla, Jenesthra, Jenevive, Kolstya, Ludmija, Sjere. ___ **Family Names:** Arrima, Avvieni, Dermena, Drev, Erteri, Lancellum, Meos, Omalfi, Ordara, Riva, Velm, Vos. ``` ``` ### Lumeris Traits As a Lumeris, you've been assisted in your transactions by a series of potent natural abilities: ___ **Ability Score Increase:** You are clever, cunning and astute. Increase your Charisma, Dexterity and Intelligence scores by 1. ___ **Age:** Lumeris undergo a complex life-cycle, maturing in about 20 years. You can live up to around 100 years. ___ **Alignment:** The Lumeris can exploit both governments and crime syndicates to their advantage and have no strong preference in morality beyond the search for profit. This makes them true neutral. ___ **Size:** standing between 4 to 6 ft. high, your size is Medium. ___ **Speed:** your base walking speed is 30 feet. You also have a swim speed equal to your walking speed. ___ **Amphibious:** your species was born in warm, clean oceans. As such, you can breathe both air and water (provided they contain oxygen). You incur no penalties while fighting underwater. ___ **All That Glitters:** commerce is in your blood. Whenever you make an Intelligence check to appraise the value of an item or a Charisma check to buy or sell one, you are considered proficient in the check. You add twice your proficiency bonus instead of once for these specific checks. ___ **Optimistic:** The Lumeris often see the bright side of things. You are immune to the Frightened condition. ___ **Language:** You can speak Common and Lumeris. Lumeris is composed of low croaks and subsonic vibrations that allow you to speak and undestand it while underwater.

> ##### Lumeris Highborn > If you wish for your character to be part of one of the Four Families, consider picking the *Noble* background. Remember that the Four are very large families, with dozens of members each generation, each of them being given some form of task: younger members are tested with simple tasks, while more experienced members often rise to power within the family itself. > > With permission from your DM, you may treat your Family as a patron for your party: they would periodically ask you to complete some errand for them in exchange for status and Dust.

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## Nakalim "AS THE FIRST RAYS OF THE SUN PASSED THROUGH the tempered silica glass that constituted the roof of the temple, a symphony of ethereal Dust strands began to dance in the ancient chamber. Isyander gazed at the stonework, entranced by its complex micro-etchings - not simple columns, but an archive, an epitaph to a long fallen empire forever engraved in a quasi-indestructible silicon-carbon compound. As his hands grabbed the stone, he felt a pulse from within - something ancient stirring awake. Lights flared in the room, as a torrent of Dust began to flood in, like rain after a drought. There, emerging from a coffin of dark slate, an equally dark-skinned figure emerged, and inhaled for the first time in millenia. "

-- *Diary of a Traveller*, Brunem Berto-Lancellum .

The Nakalim are an ancient empire that flourished during the last days of the domain of the Endless on an arid and remote planet. Though their reverence to the forgotten Lost was punishable by death, the Nakalim evaded the wrath of the Endless through sheer luck, as the latter wiped themselves out just in time for the then newly found empire to rise. Zealotry, however, turned to fervor, fervor to mindless conquest, conquest to overexpansion. As their empire, decadent and impoverished, crumbled to dust, a select few gybernated themselves, waiting for their promised messiah. Only a few months ago, on the planet Sobra, the prophecy came true. Isyander, leader of the academy, awakened the Nakalim royal family, or at least what remained of them. ``` ``` .

### A Diverse People Though the Nakalim take on a common name and identify as a united empire, their members appear to be different sub-species of the same humanoid genus. Some Nakalim are dark skinned and slender, others have pearl white skin and pupilless, blue eyes, others still have cracked, grey skin and stocky build. Despite these remarkable differences, the Nakalim refer to each other simply as Nakalim, their cultural identity solidified in the reverence of the Lost. As of now it's unknown whether the different species that make up the Nakalim nation hold different positions in its government or infrastructures, though detractors hypothesize the existence of a caste system.

Art by Thibault Girard

\page ### Chosen by the Lost The Nakalim hold the firm belief of having been chosen by the Lost to herald their return to the galaxy. Capable of performing various "miracles'' through the use of ancient artefacts known as Relics, the Nakalim clergy is highly respected and often holds positions of power in the government. Even the less devout among the Nakalim cannot regard Dust and its properties as anything other than miraculous. This blind devotion is part of the reason why the Nakalim are somewhat mistrusted by other species - if the Lost are to return, what will be of the current inhabitants of the galaxy? ### Rise and Fall The Nakalim are survivors - their home has crumbled to dust, their empire is shattered, their technology forgotten. The only thing that keeps them going forward is their faith and determination - for a Nakalim, there is no greater joy than restoring the glory of what was once beautiful. This trait not only pushes their empire as a whole towards rebuilding their ancient glory, but it's also intrinsic to most Nakalim. Archeologists, masons and restaurators are some of the most respected professions among the Nakalim, for their work reminds them all what they once were - great, fearless, indomitable. ### Pale Shadows What's left of the Nakalim today is an empire of bones. Their technology still functions, but their engineers build ships and power plants without understanding their theoretical basis. Their spaceships are slender, elegant, fast and efficient, a testament to the prowess of their ancestors, but their projects are followed religiously, for no one has the means or knowledge to modify them safely. Essentially, the Nakalim have a religious approach to science, where experiments become rituals, repairs become blessings and innovation becomes recovery. ### Nakalim Names The Nakalim place carry their names proudly, for they were first spoken when their empire was at its apex. Their names often sound important and meaningful, but their true meaning has been lost to the ages. ___ **Male Names:** Abasi, Ammon, Bakari, Ebo, Geb, Hamadi, Issa, Kaphiri, Masud, Oba, Psamtic, Thabit. ___ **Female Names:** Bast, Dalila, Femi, Heqet, Jamila, Khepri, Mesi, Neema, Rabiah, Safiya, Tale, Zalika. ``` ``` ### Nakalim Traits As a Nakalim, your faith in the Lost grants you these powerful natural abilities: ___ **Ability Score Increase:** you are deeply spiritual and your body has been tempered by your harsh home planet. Your Wisdom score increases by 2 and your Constitution score by 1. ___ **Age:** Nakalim can undergo extended periods of suspended animation when needed and their technology seems to preserve them, though it sometimes fails. You can live up to around 300 years, not considering the periods of time you pass in suspended animation. ___ **Alignment:** The Nakalim follow a rigid structure centered around the clergy of the Lost, making them mostly Lawful. While faith can be used to cause great harm, the Nakalim have inherited the benevolence of their "gods" and tend to be Good or Neutral rather than Evil. ___ **Size:** standing between 4 to 6 ft. high, your size is Medium. ___ **Speed:** your base walking speed is 30 feet. ___ **Understanding Through Faith:** The Nakalim's ancient technology has become second nature to them. Whenever you make an Intelligence ability check in which you are proficient, you can use your Wisdom modifier rather than your Intelligence modifier. ___ **Sense Dust:** The Nakalim are obsessed with the study of the Lost and have a natural affinity for the Dust they left behind. You learn either the *Detect magic* spell or the *Identify* spell and may cast the chosen spell as a ritual. ___ **Unshakable Faith:** your faith in the Lost is so strong it allows you to shrug off most mind-affecting effects. Whenever you fail a Wisdom, Intelligence or Charisma saving throw, you can repeat the roll and keep the highest result. You may do so once, recovering the use of this feature when you complete a short or long rest. ___ **Language:** You can speak Common and Nakalim. The Nakalim language is rich and ancient and it contains a plethora of sounds which remind the listener of the sifting of desert sands.

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## Riftborn "THE STRANGE CREATURE RAISED ITS SENSORY cluster to study me, moved by curiosity. Its horrible undulating mass shook with each step it took, ensnared by the gravity of its planet. Bulbous photoreceptors locked to my face, contorting into an expression of what I can only assume was either fear or hunger. As the soft, pink mass of one of the creature's limbs moved towards me, a horrendous hole opened in its flesh and it began to emit unrefined, bubbling sound. To my horror, the sounds bore meaning and they coalesced into words - the creature called itself a *man*. "

-- *Diaspora*, Head Chronicler δ .

The riftborn might very well be the only real "alien" species living in the Endless galaxy, since they did not originate from one of its many star systems, but from another universe entirely. After a mysterious accident involving Dust, a breach connected our universe to that of the Riftborn, a white expanse of perfect order and mathematical beauty called Coroz. As it made contact with the laws of our reality, Coroz was corrupted by concepts incompatible with its nature - entropy, chaos, disorder, chance and time flooded in the breach and spread like a disease through the pristine universe of the Riftborn. Forced to act, a number of these strange creatures manifested quasi-robotic bodies to inhabit while in this universe and traversed the breach, never to return. ``` ``` .

### An Alien Perspective The Riftborn have no natural concept of time, entropy or chaos. The act of predation, reproduction and even life devoid of thought is alien to them and deeply, deeply unsettling. The Riftborn don't see a field of grass - they see an expanse of unthinking photosyntetic automatons feeding on each other to assemble sofisticated chemical weapons. Instead of an animal, they see a mass of self-replicating carbon chains on the hunt for creatures not unlike itself to destroy and assimilate. Instead of a person, they see an impossibility - thought encased in a fleshy mass traversed by electrical discharges. Needless to say, the Riftborn despise life in all of its forms, though they don't go out of their way to destroy it. They understand this universe is not their own and are mostly content to live on isolated, frozen, sterile planets.

Art by Ronan Berlese

\page ### Eternal, Immemorial Coroz was more than a universe parallel to our own - it was an idyllic place of calm contemplation in which the original Riftborn resided, assuming the forms of regular multi-dimensional shapes. Life in Coroz, if it can be so called, was devoid of strife, pain and suffering, but it was also devoid of change and progress: an eternal, still portrait of a perfect world. The blight that spreads through Coroz is still corroding this perfection and ruining its beauty, though the Riftborn are unsure on how to act. Expeditions in Coroz either went missing or were retrieved only partially, with scouts receiving unnatural psychic trauma and, in some cases, ego death. ### Pristine White Riftborn settlements and spaceships share similar motifs: elegant curved designs, impossible geometries and floating parts are seamlessly incorporated in a hauntingly beautiful shape, which optimizes both form and function. The Riftborn themselves craft their bodies in a similar way, using a truly alien technology to inhabit living mechanical bodies. The Riftborn find any form of disorder abhorrent: needless to say, they tend to live on secluded barren or frozen planets on the fringes of galactic space. Despite finding their forms hideous, the Riftborn are known to sometimes interact with other species, if only because they recognize that their fleshy form still possesses a mind not unlike their own. ### Salvation Lies Ahead A number of Riftborn believe that Coroz is doomed, its infection too advanced to be stopped. Some claim, however, that the opposite, in theory, could also happen: if Coroz was tainted by the laws of this universe, perhaps it's possible to twist the nature of this reality to mimic what was one Coroz. Research regarding the conversion of entropic matter into the perfect, crystalline essence of Coroz is underway, but rumors spread by its detractors claim that the researchers are attempting to convert the entire galaxy into a lifeless husk of white geometry. ### Riftborn Names After attaining individuality through the breach that led them to this reality, the Riftborn claimed names of the only concepts they could clearly understand and analyze, namely mathematical constants. A Riftborn that specializes in the study of a specific field of science often takes on the name of one of the most important constants in that field. It is unknown if the Riftborn simply like these names, or if they are the living, thinking manifestations of those very values. The Riftborn lack a gender, referring to each other through pronouns such a we/they/them. ___ **Riftborn Names:** G (gravitational constant) , Ω (electrical resistance) , λ (wavelength) , π (3.14) , h (Planck's constant) , Na (Avogadro's number) , ψ (hamiltonian operator) , K (elastic constant) , R (ideal gas constant) , C (speed of light). ``` ``` ### Riftborn Traits As a Riftborn, your mechanical shell grants you the following natural abilities: ___ **Ability Score Increase:** You are intelligent and inquisitive. Increase your Intelligence score by 2 and another ability score of your choice by 1. ___ **Age:** After being materialized in a mechanical body, a Riftborn can "live" roughly 50 years, after which it can simply switch to a newer body. This process takes roughly a month and the expenditure of 1000 Dust. ___ **Alignment:** The Riftborn cannot comprehend entropy, chaos and morality, which makes all of them inevitably Lawful Neutral. ___ **Size:** Standing between 4 to 6 ft. high, your size is Medium. ___ **Speed:** Your base walking speed is 30 feet. ___ **Flotation:** The Rifborn use subtle anti-gravity devices to glide a few inches above the ground. You ignore any effect that requires you to touch the ground, such as pressure plates, oil, caltrops or some forms of difficult terrain. ___ **Mechanical Shell:** Your body is mechanical. You don't need to eat, breathe or drink, though you must deactivate 6 hours each day in order to shelter your mind from the chaos of this hellish universe. While doing so you are effectively asleep ___ **Biophobe:** your mechanical shell is built to oppose all that's organic and unclean. Whenever you would become Poisoned, take poison damage or contract a disease, you instead become Frightened until the end of your next turn. ___ **Solipsistic Time:** Whenever you roll for Initiative, you can roll two dice and keep either result. You are immune to the *slow* and *time stop* spells. ___ **Language:** You can speak Common. Language was not needed in Coroz for communication, so the Riftborn never developed one on their own.

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## Sophons "AS THE SKY ITSELF RIPPLED AND CRACKED, THE once pale form of the moon shook and crumpled, collapsing in an impossibly dense point only to detonate a few instants later. As the asteroids burned through the atmosphere, lighting up the night's sky one last time, the small figure of researcher Dzulmaran climbed down from the observation platform and stared expectantly at the equally diminutive form of chief engineer Balzerden. *- Uhh, i think i missed a decimal, boss - *, she replied. - *But listen! i've got this idea for a new Dyson tide generator that might be what we need..." * - she added, with renewed fervor and glee. "

-- *The Sophonity*, seeker Laquis .

The Sophons are diminutive reptilian aliens with large, beady eyes and an equally large brain, home to one of the most prolific intellects of the Endless galaxy. Seeking scientific knowledge with childlike wonder and glee, the Sophons have been the first to split atoms, achieve space traven and, regrettably, blowing up their own moon in what they like to describe as "happy little accidents". Easily bored, the Sophonity is always looking for new forms of entertainment, especially one which is intellectually stimulating and, possibly, extremely destructive. This drive for exploration and discovery would make the Sophons a force to be reckoned with on a galactic scale, if not for their complete disinterest for "boring material things" such as conquest and rulership. ``` ``` .

### For Science! The Sophons are almost obsessed with scientific research. Other species may find in science the answers for the most ancient questions that have tormented philosophers and shamans alike for millenia, but the Sophonity is unconcerned with concepts of dubious nature such as philosophy and religion. What they are concerned is the *now*, and without something to do, the now is *excruciatingly boring*. For this very reason, Sophon research teams are less "organized teams of academics and scientists" and more "a random bunch of misfits trying to make a particle accelerator in their shipyard". When questioned about the motives of their reckless actions, Sophons often answer: "*Why not?*"

Art by Aurelien Rantet

\page ### ENFER Sophons despise bureaucratic work: it's boring, it takes ages to do and, worst of all, it requires an *ordered workplace*. To solve the issue of running a multi-planetary state effectively, the Sophonity has decided unanimously for a much easier solution - pushing AI development in order to create a fully sentient, city-sized supercomputer to take care of the boring stuff. Named ENFER, this marvel of technology is now tasked with caring for Sophons and developing their empire to guarantee prosperity and freedom for all its citizens. It has been estimated that it only has a 13% chance of going rogue and taking over the galaxy. This has been deemed a resounding success. ### Slick and Futuristic Sophon technology and ships share the same slick, pearlescent design, with smooth curves and glowing light-blue circuits. Besides aerodynamics, there's no practical reason as for why their apparel is built this way. Counselor Amargada commented "*it kinda looks cool*". Sophon weapons, if seldomly used, share these same characteristics, putting form over function. Similarly, sophon cities are sprawling metropolises illuminated by dazing lights and dotted with impossibly high skyscrapers, all solar and nuclear powered. Their home planet, the radioactive and cold Hekim, is dotted with these cities and rules by the *Geniocratic Demarchy of Hekim*, led by three elected rulers: Ziawauid Deaimim (external affairs), Leumac Seyaga (internal affairs) and Keuytha Chuedoal (future planning). ### The Mavros The Sophons' long lost "brothers", Mavros are a similar species believed to have evolved from a common ancestor on a nearby planetary system, possibly with the aid of the Endless or through the use of a refurbished Endless vessel. The most distinctive feature of the Mavros is their belligerence and thirst for adrenaline, unlike their more pacific cousins. Mavros scientists often resort to developing weapons and mechanized guerrilla units, though they always refuse to create arms of mass destruction or biological weapons. To the Mavros, blowing stuff up is a game - killing and causing pain are unwanted side effects, not the purpose of their actions. ### Sophon Names Sophons have the irritating habit of naming their children with almost unpronounceable names, at least by the standard of any other species. Despite possessing a definite gender, most Sophon names are genderless. Sophons also inherit a surname from either their mother or father, whichever sounds cooler. ___ **Sophon Names:** Adrjemello, Bragzeract, Dwinjib, Kriviten, Leumac, Njifefem, Obreskhas, Osmill, Tratjeme, Uiow, Ziawuid. ___ **Surnames** Asasami, Deaimim, Ioveve, Keyutha, Nemerere, Oionnir, Owivala, Serereva, Seyaga, Unmili, Uytiamay. ``` ``` ### Sophon Traits As a brilliant Sophon, your passion for science and explosions grants you the following natural abilities: ___ **Ability Score Increase:** You are smart and adaptable. Increase your Intelligence scores by 2 and any one ability score of your choice by 1 (you may choose Intelligence again). Your small frame also makes you weaker: decrease your Strength score by 2. ___ **Age:** Sophons mature slowly and never really stop learning. You can live up to around 150 years. ___ **Alignment:** The Sophons can't quite grasp the concept of restrain, making most of them chaotic. They are, however, well-intentioned, making many of them Good. ___ **Size:** standing around 3 ft. tall, your size is Small. ___ **Speed:** your base walking speed is 25 feet. ___ **Alien Technology:** your mastery of tech allows you to work miracles. You learn one cantrip of your choice from the Wizard spell list. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for this cantrip. ___ **Language:** You can speak Common and Sophon. The Sophon language is extremely expressive and easy-going, with bouts of enthusiastic exclamations alternating with complex terms used to describe scientific concepts. ___ **Subspecies:** Choose one of the subspecies presented below (Heckim Sophon or Mavros). You gain the features of the chosen subspecies. #### Hekim Sophons Sophons who developed on the planet of Hekim rarely resort to war and prefer to satisfy their curiosity. You gain the following trait: ___ **Oracle of Science:** your mastery of technology is so advanced that it looks like magic to others. You gain an additional attunement slot. You gain a +1 bonus to any Intelligence skill check you make for each free attunement slot you have. #### Mavros Mavros have a knack for explosions and are more belligerent. You gain the following traits: ___ **Empowered Weaponry:** Whenever you make a spell or weapon attack, you can add your Intelligence modifier to the attack and damage roll. You may do so three times, recovering the uses of this feature when you finish a short or long rest. You can use this feature before or after making the attack roll.

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## Unfallen "I HAD WONDERED THROUGH THE BOG FOR MORE than i cared to remember. I felt my arms growing heavy, my legs growing tired. Something was in the air, i know it: poison of some kind sticking to my lungs. As I collapsed on the roots of a large tree, struggling to breathe, I thought all was lost. Then i looked up, and i found five beady eyes looking at me from a protrusion of the trunk. Just like that, the tree moved, lifted me with its branches and carried me to safety. I hardly remember anything of that time - the smell of disinfectant, low, rumbling voices speaking in an unknown tongue. When i woke, i was here, safe and sound. "

-- *Testimony n17*, imperial bureau of external affairs .

Rather than evolving from the equivalent of their animal species, the Unfallen have raised to sentience starting from a plant capable of independent thought. Their photosynthetic autotrophic nature has had a strong impact on their values and outlook on the galaxy: most unfallen are pacifists who can't stand conflict and violence. The Unfallen are possibly one of the oldest sentient species of the galaxy, but the vast majority of their civilization has evolved extremely slowly in an era they call the "long sleep". Only after a rogue ship crashed on their planet they realized that the universe was teeming with life - violent, ruthless life. As self-appointed protectors of the galaxy, the Unfallen have awakened from their sleep and have taken to the stars. ``` ``` .

### From the Heart The Unfallen are connected to a central, ancient intellect residing deep within their ancestral home of Koyasil, a being of infinite wisdom that they call the "Heart". The Heart has the ability to whisper to any Unfallen and it grants them the innate ability to comprehend others at an instinctual level, making the Unfallen one of the most empathetic species of the galaxy. If they are hurt, however, or if their home is at risk, the heart can become enraged, rallying all the Unfallen to protect their home planet. It is unknown what the Heart actually *is*, however. The Unfallen tend not to ponder this too much - they feel it simply as a core part of their being. Scientists from other empires have three possible theories: it may be the manifestation of an ancient Unfallen hive-mind, it can be an hyper-advanced AI created by the Endless or it may even be one of the Lost, hiding and recovering beneath the crust of Koyasil.

Art by Ronan Berlese

\page ### Fire and Light The Unfallen have a complex relation with fire. Their planet, Koyasil, is covered in lush jungles and its atmosphere is traversed by strong winds, a perfect compination for terrible firestorms, which periodically ravage the surface. In time, the plants on Koyasil have adapted to this cycle of creation and destruction: their seeds are covered in a resin that must be burned away for the sapling to sprout. The Unfallen have integrated this dual nature of fire in their phylosophy as "fire that creates" and "fire that destroys". They believe that both are needed for balance in the galaxy: destruction and creation bring the "fire that renews". ### Law Of Three The Unfallen grow extremely slowly from a single seed exposed to fire. When seeds sprout, the resulting Unfallen sapling is hardly sapient and behaves like a "normal" plant, growing and maturing, except it can also perceive the world around itself and learn as it does so. These Unfallen are known as Firsts. When it reaches maturity, a First uproots and begins to move, joining the rank of the Seconds. Most species in the galaxy have only met Seconds and are unaware of the Unfallen's complex life cycle. The current Unfallen leader is Arasch, First of the Seconds. Once a Second has lived a long, fulfilling life, it finds a place to rest and digs its roots in the ground again, retaining the ability to speak but being content with sleeping and resting. These Unfallen are known as Thirds and can live for millenia. ### Guardians The Unfallen can interact and "awaken" sleeping sentient trees found on many planets, known as Guardians. Guardians resemble massive, immobile Unfallen and are both ancient and wise beyond mortal understanding, though their origin is uncertain. It's unknown how Guardians can exist on so many planets and how they've accumulated so much knowledge. ### Unfallen Names The Unfallen have two distinct genders, though a non-Unfallen would be unable to distinguish between them if not by studying their flowers during blooming periods. Their names, however, are gender-neutral. Bound by the Heart, the Unfallen consider each other "family" and don't use surnames. ___ **Unfallen Names:** Anaxagoras, Axamosis, Baramaxa, Draxemlin, Eriatroxa, Lunabarxes, Metranoxis, Patrexis, Rivadrellen, Thustrellen, Verdaxusa, Viriellen. ``` ``` ### Unfallen Traits As Second of the Unfallen, the Heart has granted you a plethora of natural abilities: ___ **Ability Score Increase:** you are both hulking and wise. Your Wisdom score increases by 2 and your Constitution and Strength score both increase by 1. ___ **Age:** after obtaining sentience, a Second of the Unfallen can live for thousands of years before hibernating and becoming a Third, after which they can live indefinitely. ___ **Alignment:** the Unfallen wants to soothe the pain of the galaxy through peaceful means. Most unfallen are thus Lawful Good. ___ **Size:** your hulking form stands at about 10 to 14 feet tall, making your size Large. ___ **Speed:** your base walking speed is 30 feet. ___ **Pacifist:** the Unfallen instinctively abhor violence. Despite being Large, your weapons deal damage as if they were made for Medium creatures. ___ **Fear of Fire:** you innately fear the fire-that-destroys. Each time you take fire damage, you must make a Wisdom saving throw with a DC equal to 5 plus the amount of damage taken. On a failure you are Frightened until the end of your next turn. ___ **Reach:** Your size grants you an additional 5 ft. of reach with all your melee weapons. ___ **Diplomat:** The blessing of the Heart grants you proficiency in the Persuasion, Insight and Animal Handling skills. ___ **Language:** You can speak Common and two additional languages of your choice. The Unfallen are natural diplomats and can relate on an instinctual level to most other species.

> ##### Guardians > Unfallen Guardians are present on many worlds and their motives are still a mystery, though it's clear that their wisdom and knowlege is great and mysterious. To represent Guardians in your games, you can treat them as a *Guardian Naga*, except it's a Huge lawful good plant instead and it cannot move. > > Guardians can act as Warlock patrons (either fey or celestial).

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## United Empire "I SEE A FUTURE, A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR ALL OUR kind among the stars, for what are they if not our rightful inheritance? I'm often asked about my vision, my purpose - what drives my will as the Emperor? To those I always answer with the very same words: Birthright. The universe is cold, hostile, cruel. Aliens of all sorts conspire to usurp it from its rightful rulers, but we know what we are and we know what must be done. In the distant past we were conquerors and warriors. Today we are the same, only the scale has changed. Our destiny is the same. "

-- *Emperor Zelevas: an audiobiography*, Ministry of Culture .

The Imperials have arrived on their planet of Raia after a long diaspora among the stars from an unknown solar system. Bent on expansion and conquest, the Empire quickly spread to other planets, with its most powerful megacorporations claiming more and more power as time passed. In time, each corporation became a government on its own, the order being kept by the royalty that still resided on Raia. Today the empire is a strong, industrialized federation of corporate-owned planets led by the infallible, invincible and incorruptible emperor Maximillian Zelevas, or so the megascreens say. As an Imperial you've been bombarded with propaganda since you were little and you most likely were conditioned into supporting the Empire and its corporations, devolving your life to the "common good", though rebels are, of course, not unheard of. ``` ``` .

### Will of the Emperor While the Emperor's role is mostly representative, his will is something powerful, capable of moving mountains and rerouting rivers. Absolute obedience is greatly rewarded among Imperials, so that when the Emperor wills it, the people act. Amazing feats of engineering and new exciting discoveries are all within the grasp of the empire - there is no work too hard, no safety regulation too strict, no syndicate too entrenched. The Emperor wants it, the workers create it. On a lesser scale, political power and influence are the lifeblood of the empire: protocol and composure are the marks of a gentleman and even the lowliest of the imperial proletariats know how to leverage their personal charisma to great effect. As individuals, Imperials can tap a personal well of willpower when in dire need, making them excellent jacks of all trades.

Art by Aurelien Lantet

\page ### Safety Through Unity The Empire is a federation of rivaling megacorporations, but unlike other civilizations the Imperials are united by a strong and unwavering sense of duty and patriotism. Excessive nationalistic zeal is not only accepted, but encouraged, with children as young as five being indoctrinated into putting the state first and their family and friends second. As expected in such a strict regime, dissidents are common, but the most egregious offenders are swiftly and silently taken care of by the Empire's underground police force. ### Brutal Efficiency The Empire's structures and ships are characterized by blunt, angular and simple designs, with efficiency and optimization clearly being the primary concerns for the nation. Imperial cities are polluted concrete jungles filled to the brim with identical-looking blocky architecture, with the occasional park and monument commemorating the Emperor. Imperial citizens, similarly, are often blunt and practical. Their clothing favors comfortable, waterproof suits over elaborate garments and their weapons tend to be streamlined and compact, with few moving parts. ### Ancient Immigrants The Imperial chroniclers agree that Raia was not the Imperial's original home planet, though it became their cultural and political core. The Empire's origin can be traced back to the long lost planet of Mezar, from which the Imperials take their ancestral name: Mezari. Many Imperials still identify as Mezari, placing great value on curiosity, scientific knowledge and wanderlust, while others embrace the new, militaristic face of their nation. A large subculture in the Empire is constituted by the Sheredyn, originally the praetorian guards of the imperial family which, in time, became an appendix to the government. Those who claim ties with the original Sheredyn place great value on obedience, loyalty and martial prowess. ### Imperial Names Each imperial has a first name, chosen by their parents at birth, and a surname inherited by the father. Imperial surnames can be split in two types: noble family names, inherited by a distant great-grandfather, and common surnames which, more often than not, used to be related to the family business. ___ **Male Names:** Daniel, David, Dennis, James, Jax, Joseph, Mark, Michael, Paul, Samuel, Stephen, Thomas, Timothy. ___ **Female Names:** Anna, Deborah, Diana, Elizabeth, Judith, Linda, Maria, Martha, Mary, Rebecca, Ruth, Sarah, Sharon. ___ **Surnames:** Chernyshky, Gonvarov, Ivanot, Kusnetsov, Lebedev, Oblansky, Preobrazen, Smirnev, Turenev, Yahontov. ``` ``` ### Imperial Traits As an Imperial, your Emperor has bestowed you with these mighty natural gifts: ___ **Ability Score Increase:** you are adaptable and capable in all circumstances. Increase any two ability scores by 1 point each. ___ **Age:** imperials are identical to stereotypical humans, reaching around 100 years of age without the aid of advanced technology. ___ **Alignment:** The empire strives to conquer the entire Endless galaxy through a mixture of diplomacy and military, making those who serve under its banners err on the side of Evil. Most common citizens, however, are neutral. ___ **Size:** your form is akin to a common human and stands at around 5 and a half feet tall. Your size is Medium. ___ **Speed:** your base walking speed is 30 feet. ___ **Will of the Emperor:** The emperor pushes you to strive for perfection. Whenever you roll a d20 and roll lower than your lowest ability score, you can repeat the roll and keep either result. You can use this feature once, recovering it after a short or long rest. ___ **Language:** You can speak Common. ___ **Subspecies:** choose your subspecies from the options below. You gain the benefits of your subspecies in addition to those of your species. #### Mezari Clever and curious, the Mezari wish to improve the Empire through scientific research and rational thought. In their vision, superstition and ignorance have no place. ___ **Ability Score Increase:** Increase your Intelligence by 1. ___ **Clever:** your curious mind grants you proficiency with any one skill of your choice and any one tool of your choice. ___ **Quick Thinking:** your determination allows you to react on the brink of tragedy. When you use your Will of the Emperor to repeat a saving throw and succeed, you gain temporary hit points equal to your level. #### Sheredyn Militaristic and determined, the Sheredyn strive to push the Empire to the top of the galactic food chain by systematically eradicating "invasive" alien species from their promised land. ___ **Ability Score Increase:** your Strength score increases by 1. ___ **Sheredyn Weapon Training:** If you gain proficiency with simple weapons. If you are already proficient in simple weapons, you gain proficiency in two martial weapons of your choice. ___ **Strike True:** your determination also translates into battle. When you use your Will of the Emperor to repeat a weapon attack roll and hit, the attack deals additional damage equal to your level.

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## Vaulters "I THINK OUR PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN NOMADS, even before we started recording our history on Auriga. I sometimes surprise myself wondering what the life of our ancestors was, but i swear i can't imagine them settling on a nice, warm colony and staying there. If I close my eyes, I see their faces, their eyes filled with wanderlust like our own, their nose always pointing skyward. The crash on Auriga was but a bump in our path, a distraction - now that the Argosy is ready to move again, I'm sure we'll find our rightful place: amongst the stars . "

-- *Memories*, Ilona Zolya, First of the Bloodline .

The Vaulters appear to others as more a large family than a cohesive nation. Bound together by tradition and kinship that only impossible hardship can forge, these clever nomads were forced to flee the only place they called home, the now frozen planet of Auriga, and set to the stars. Their mothership, the Argosy, now roams the galaxy in search of their lost home, settling on any word that the Vaulters can make use of in their journey. Despite their loyalty and intelligence, the Vaulters are a proud people and require a proud and cunning leader. Luckily, they found the perfect candidate in Zolya, First of the Bloodline, who has led them in their pilgrimage since they were stranded on auriga. Kept young by lost endless technology, Zolya is blunt, honest and fiercely loyal to her people, whom she sees as her sons and daughters. ``` ``` .

### Inquisitive Minds Despite appearing blunt and practical, the Vaulters share a common passion for science, engineering and discovery, something they've inherited from their ancestors on Auriga. Once a necessity, scouring the mysteries of Endless technology became second nature to the Vaulters and, in time, they made that technology their own. Even now they are the only species in the galaxy capable of creating warp gates, portals which can connect two regions of space through an adjacency fold. Unlike the Sophons, who enjoy scientific discovery because of the new and exciting things they can do with it, the Vaulters are more practical - each new piece of equipment brings its advantages and any reverse-engineered tech can bring further prosperity to the nation.

Art by Thomas du Crest

\page ### Blade and Shield Despite their technological advantages, the Vaulter prefers to fight with a plethora of advanced melee weapons specifically crafted to carve through armor. Using a form of hard-light technology, their weapons can be made as sharp as a razor without the risk of the blade becoming dull with use or cracking. Similarly, their shields are constructed much the same way and allow their user to see through them, a considerable advantage in combat. Ranged weaponry is of course also employed, though mostly relegated to providing cover fire for the frontline chargers. Even during ship combat the Vaulters are known to get up close and personal, boarding enemy vessels through harpoon pods that can crack their outer hull. ### Practical and Hardy The Vaulters are used to the harsh environments of other worlds and their natural resilience, coupled with their tech, has allowed them not only to survive on them, but to flourish. Most of their success can be traced to the design of their ships and buildings, a natural evolution of ancient Endless designs created to resist in the harshest environments. Angular, but aerodynamic, Vaulter ships are built to withstand not only the perils of space, but also those of hyperspace that can be accessed through metafolding technology. ### Scavengers Vaulters are never content with what they have and endlessly tinker with their equipment to keep it functional and cutting-edge. Their unique knowledge of Endless technology allows them to retrofit and reverse-engineer relics that other civilizations would consider nothing but trash and, in doing so, they understand how to properly use tech that's thousands of years old. Their ability to adapt and create also translates to items of mundane utility, such as simple tools and armor, which they relentlessly work on and improve. ### Vaulter Names Vaulters draw their names from tradition, often naming their firstborn after their grandfather. Family names are inherited by one's mother and can be traced back to their time on Auriga. ___ **Male Names:** Adet, Apat, Davv, Dyec, Kyov, Ovid, Raudd, Riez, Serz, Tokun, Varic, Vivec, Vulok. ___ **Female Names:** Abi, Ada, Arell, Joksunna, Marei, Noita, Reia, Rill, Terema, Tiana, Yertrud. ___ **Surnames:** Akter, Aldrik, Gaelki, Ioksumna, Jutka, Kata, Kersho, Kjotunn, Klapatch, Kopala, Rauliknor. ``` ``` ### Vaulters Traits As a strong-hearted Vaulter, your mind and blade are alike: sharp and strong. You gain the following abilities: ___ **Ability Score Increase:** You are a survivor and a man of science. Your Constitution and Intelligence scores increase by 1. Then, increase an ability score of your choice by 1. ___ **Age:** Vaulters are identical to stereotypical humans, reaching around 100 years of age without the aid of advanced technology. ___ **Alignment:** as a close-knit company of brothers in arms, Vaulters value guarding one's family and friends, making most of them Good. Their methods, however, are violent and messy, tilting their alignment towards Chaos. ___ **Size:** your form is akin to a common human and stands at around 5 and a half feet tall. Your size is Medium. ___ **Speed:** your base walking speed is 30 feet. ___ **Vaulter Weapon Mastery:** While attacking with a non magical melee weapon, you gain a bonus to attack and damage rolls with that weapon equal to half of your proficiency bonus, rounded down. ___ **Nomad:** you are used to employing scavenged technology and working on your equipment on the go. You can craft items (such as scrolls, potions, weapons etc.) while you travel. For the purpose of this feature, consider each long rest you complete as 8 hours (one workday) of progress for the purpose of crafting an item. ___ **Scavenger:** your people have been using strange tech they didn't quite understand since when they lived on Auriga. If you attune a magical item, you gain proficiency in that item for as long as you are attuned to it. ___ **Language:** You can speak Common and Aurigan. Aurigan is an old, sacred language that makes use of forgotten Drakken grammar, one of the few things that remain of Auriga.

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## Vodyani " SISTER VAIA HAS SPOKEN OUT OF ORDER AGAIN, violating my previous directive. Her cloth shall be deprived of the ability to speak for one week, so that she may learn to listen beforehand. While it's never easy for me to uphold our laws, it's nevertheless a necessity for the stability and prosperity of our people: if one has the nerve to contradict my words, they'll soon start doubting the Scriptures, then our very faith. By the Virtuals, I cannot allow that . "

-- Isyara St. Shaiad .

The Vodyani are more a religious coalition than a true empire, a theocracy whose central authority rules over countless star systems with an iron fist. The Vodyani worship the Virtual Endless, those who long ago cast away their flesh to rise, virtual, as artificial constructs of Dust and information. It was not, however, always like this. The vodyani were once a meek and, according to them, "ugly" species, with elongated ape-like limbs and hunched, hideous forms. Their planet was on the verge of ecological collapse due to their reckess actions when they found something miracolous: an Endless relic that could be used for Virtualization. Clad in a mechanical cloth, the Vodyani virtualized en-masse and began a long diaspora among the stars, in the hope of converting the just to their faith and absorb the strength of the sinners to bolster their own. ``` ``` .

### Sin and Virtue The Vodyani ebody most of the worst aspects of an organized, totalitarian and dogmatic religion: the scriptures are absolute, the leader unquestionable, the punishment inevitable. This iron doctrine has allowed the Vodyani to spread among the stars, crushing any resistance they found and converting those who aligned with their creed through Virtualization. The Vodyani population is comparatively very small, roughly one fourth of that of other species, but their fanaticism and advanced technology made them into something to be reckoned with.

Art by Aurelien Rantet

\page ### To Rise, Virtual The process of Virtualization is still a mystery to all non-Vodyani and even to most of the Vodyani themselves. Only a select few know how to operate the ancient Endless machines capable of uploading a mind to a virtual network. For most people, this process is something to be dreaded, since like all great things it comes at a great cost. In order to Virtualize one of their own the Vodyani must in fact drain the "essence" of other life-forms and channel it into an inert "cloth", a mechanical shell that can house enough dust to contain a single consciousness. No one is sure what "essence" truly is, though most believe it to be a form of Dust that is gradually accumulated and mutated by living creatures, which don't survive the extraction. ### The Arks Vodyani Arks are immense spaceships which contain the virtualized Vodyani population. Arks are heavily armed, possess a structural integrity close to that of a behemoth and can obscure the sun when they start orbiting a planet through sheer size. From these massive seats of power, the Vodyani send probes and heavily mechanized units to take care of production on planets, gathering food, minerals and data, all of which is reeled back to the Ark. The inside of an Ark is something that only a select few have seen and it's consistently been described as hauntingly beautiful: a labyrinth of slate-black floors and walls engraved with dust-infused murals that glow with a pale golden light, telling the story of the Vodyani and their devotion to the Virtual Saints. Outside, an Ark appears angular and sharp, as if it was carved by a chunk of obsidian with a razor. Similar designs, accompanied by an eeire golden glow, are shared across all Vodyani ships and apparel. ### A False Prophet Time ago, one of the Vodyani highborn was corrupted by the demons that dwell in the vast emptiness of space. Those demons claimed ownership of the sacred Dust and charmed the weak mind of Isyander Shumed, brother to Isyara St Shaiad, feeding him lies. Her heart broken, the Vodyani leader was forced to exile her own brother, who now opposes her from his seat in the Academy, the wretched hive from which he plots. Or so the scriptures say. In truth, Isyander was contacted by one of the Lost and agreed to collect as much dust as possible in hope of restoring their ancient power. Of course, the Vodyani believe the "official" version of the story. ### Vodyani Names The Vodyani are given a new name after the process of Virtualization. Only a select few bear two names - Vodyani saints, who in their time came into contact with the spirit of a Virtual Endless and fused with them, one such example being the Vodyani leader Isyara St Shaiad. The Vodyani can choose to bear masculine or feminine-looking cloth, though their name remains the same. ___ **Vodyani Names:** Kelv, Varb, Ryev, Vauyr, Eriander, Rigel, Ismundi, Berav, Fievel, Ember, Iolad. ``` ``` ### Vodyani Traits As a member of the one true Church, the blessings of the Virtual Saints have bestowed you the following natural abilities: ___ **Ability Score Increase:** your faith and will are both strong and inflexible. Increase your Charisma score by 2 and your Wisdom score by 1. ___ **Age:** Vodyani are transformed through an ascension process from "imperfect" life-forms that show enough devotion. After this ascension, you can live indefinetly. ___ **Alignment:** As a horde of fanatical crusaders, most Vodyani are Lawful Evil. Exceptions exist, such as the betrayer Isyander, whose followers tend to be Neutral Good. ___ **Size:** your form is akin to a common human and stands at around 5 and a half feet tall. Your size is Medium. ___ **Speed:** your base walking speed is 30 feet. ___ **Virtual:** you don't need to drink, eat or breath, though you need to absorb dust in order to sustain yourself. Treat each unit of dust you absorb (equivalent to 1 Gp) as a single meal for the purposes of starvation. ___ **Dark Devotion:** your faith in the Virtual Endless guards you against foul influences. You are immune to the Charmed condition. ___ **Blessing of the Endless:** You know the Dancing Lights cantrip. When you reach 3rd Level, you can cast the Prayer of Healing spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a Long Rest. When you reach 5th Level, you can cast the Vampiric Touch spell once with this trait and regain the ability to do so when you finish a Long Rest. Charisma is your Spellcasting Ability for these Spells. ___ **Artificial:** your cloth is mechanical in nature. You are immune to poison damage and the Poisoned condition. ___ **Language:** You can speak Common and Vodyani. Vodyani is a sacred language inspired by the Virtual Endless and cannot be used outside of religious practice.

\page # Bestiary The Endless galaxy is vast and full of terrors, from the mysterious spectral gheists of the Umbral Choir to the Necrophages dwelling deep beneath the frozen surface of Auriga. This bestiari aims at providing the game statistics for some of the most iconic creatures in the Endless galaxy for your game. ### Creature Types The traditional creature types presented in the *Monster Manual* are based around traditional fantasy tropes. In this section I'll detail the most convenient way to adapt them to the setting. - **Aberration** include creatures that don't originate in the Endless galaxy and don't have a humanoid form (e.g. the Umbral Choir). - **Beasts** include all animal and plants native to an ecosystem, with little to no signs of genetic engineering. - **Celestials** include the Lost and similar Dust-based beings, such as the Virtual Endless. - **Constructs** include mechanical beings, such as AIs, Sowers, Remnants and Epistis. Non-living machines are classified as objects, not creatures. - **Elementals** include beings composed of one or more mineral parts given sentience by Dust or other means, such as the Harmony and the Pulsos. Some mundane creatures sometimes evolve to live in molten lava or the freezing cold, taking on the Elemental type. - **Humanoids** include all the playable species and most of the humanlike aliens in the Endless galaxy, most being a product of their original Endless creators. - **Monstrosities** include any creature created through genetic engineering, provided its nature is strongly altered as a result. Monstrosity is a synonim for "mutant". - **Oozes** include protoplasmic organisms or massive unicellular ones, such as the Amoeba and the Sefaloros. - **Plants** include Living, moving plants except the Unfallen, which are classified as Humanoids for balance reasons. - **Undead** creatures include corpses that have been given a semblance of life through the use of Dust. Once a creature dies, it's possible to reanimate its body by repairing it on a cellular level with Dust, though the creature's conscience quickly degrades after death. No **Dragons, Fey, Fiends** or **Giants** exist in the setting.

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## Sowers The Sowers were built as terraforming machines for the Endless ages ago. When their masters annihilated themselves in their last war, the Sowers kept working at their task, moving from one planet to another and turning each into an Eden of lush vegetation and flowing, clean rivers. In time, the Sowers modified themselves enough to gain sentience. #### Weather Factories Sowers appear as an army of various multi-purpose robots, from the diminutive Sky-Makers to the massive Land-Carvers. Each Sower is equipped to carry out one specific task, namely collecting environmental data, producing genetically-enhanced plants and terraforming the land to host those plants. Some Sowers are living laboratories in which animals are bred and engineered to survive a specific climate. #### Unwelcome Saviors While many species prefer tropical, temperate climates and use water as part of their metabolism, some do not. To them, the Sowers are a menace, responsible for exterminating the native flora and fauna of entire worlds to make space for their alien ecosystems. ___ > ## Sky-Maker Sower >*Small construct (Sower), Lawful Neutral* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 17 (natural armor) > - **Hit Points** 52 (8d6+24) > - **Speed** 0ft., fly 60 ft. (hover) >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|10 (+0)|14 (+2)|17 (+3)|10 (+0)|17 (+3)|10 (+0)| >___ > - **Damage Immunities** poison > - **Condition Immunities** Exhaustion, Poisoned. > - **Skills** Animal Handling +7, Nature +4 > - **Senses** passive Perception 13 > - **Languages** Common, Endless > - **Challenge** 3 (750 XP) > ___ > ***Innate Spellcasting.*** The Sower's innate spellcasting ability is Wisdon (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components: > > At will: *create/destroy water, ice knife, fog cloud* > > 1/Day each: *call lightning* > > ### Actions > ***Stab.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +4 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. *Hit* 6 (1d8 + 2) slashing damage. The target must then make a DC 13 Consittution saving throw, taking 13 (3d8) Lightning damage on a failed save or half as much on a succesful one. > .

___ > ## Land-Carver Sower >*Huge construct (Sower), Lawful Neutral* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 15 (natural armor) > - **Hit Points** 123 (13d12+39) > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|19 (+4)|11 (+0)|17 (+3)|11 (+0)|16 (+3)|10 (+0)| >___ > - **Damage Immunities** poison > - **Condition Immunities** Exhaustion, Poisoned. > - **Skills** Athletics +7, Animal Handling +9, Nature +6 > - **Senses** passive Perception 13 > - **Languages** Common, Endless > - **Challenge** 8 (750 XP) > ___ > ***Innate Spellcasting.*** The Sower's innate spellcasting ability is Wisdon (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). It can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components: > > At will: *plant growth, erupting earth, dust devil* > > 1/Day each: *insect plague, transmute rock, wall of stone* > > ***Self-Repair.*** The Sower recovers 10 hit points at the start of its turn, unless it has taken lightning damage since its last turn. > > ***Spider Climb.*** The Sower is under the effects of a permanent *spider climb* spell. > > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** The Sower makes two Pincer attacks. If both hit the same creature, the taget is grappled. > > ***Pincer.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +7 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. *Hit* 14 (3d6 + 4) slashing damage. >

Art by Ronana Berlese

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## The Umbral Choir Once a vast consciousness adrift among the vacuum of space, the Umbral Choir has reached the Endless galaxy in an effort to soothe its pain. Attuned to psychic vibrations, the wraiths of the Choir felt a stabbing pain coming from the Endless war between the Concrete and Virtuals, stirring them to action. The Choir now lurks at the edges of space, tucked away in a cloaked, secret base and resorting to lightspeed hacking to discretely invade the rest of the galaxy. #### Natural Hackers The Choir is a living nebula who has mastered its own though processes and has learned to interface directly with any mechanical, and sometimes biological, device. The presence of Dust in the Endless Galaxy means the Choir can effectively transmit signals through space and manipulate individuals and governments from across the galaxy. Members of the Choir can even meld with mechanical or agumented creatures and control their actions, though how strong their grip is depends on an individual's force of will. #### Strange Allies The Choir can perceive the pain and suffering of other living beings and always acts in a manner that minimizes suffering. This makes it a somewhat benevolent entity as a whole, even if it uses deception and manipulation for its ends.

___ ___ > ## Umbral Wraith >*Large aberration, chaotic good* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 12 > - **Hit Points** 44 (8d10) > - **Speed** 30ft., fly 80 ft. (only with no gravity) >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|7 (-2)|15 (+2)|10 (-1)|17 (+3)|12 (+1)|10 (+0)| >___ > - **Damage Resistances** Force, Psychic, Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing damage from nonmagical sources > - **Damage Immunities** Poison, Lightning > - **Condition Immunities** Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Poisoned, Prone, Restrained > - **Skills** Stealth +6, Hacking Tools +8 > - **Senses** Darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 11 > - **Languages** Common, Umbral, telepathy (30 ft.) > - **Challenge** 4 (1100 XP) > ___ > ***Incorporeal.*** The Wraith can move through any opening capable of letting gas flow at half of its normal speed. > > ### Actions > ***Scramble.*** *Melee Spell Attack:* +5 to hit, reach 10ft., one target. *Hit* 14 (4d6) Lightning damage. > > ***Upload (Recharge 6)*** One construct or humanoid that the Wraith can see within 5 ft. of it must succeed on a DC 13 Charisma saving throw or be possessed by the Wraith; the Wraith then disappears, and the target is incapacitated and loses control of its body. The Wraith now controls the body but doesn't deprive the target of awareness. The Wraith can't be targeted by any attack, spell, or other effect, except ones that deal psychic damage, and it retains its alignment, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma. It otherwise uses the possessed target's statistics, but doesn't gain access to the target's knowledge, class features, or proficiencies. The possession lasts until the body drops to 0 hit points, the Wraith ends it as a bonus action, or the Wraith is forced out by an effect like the *dispel evil and good* spell. When the possession ends, the Wraith reappears in an unoccupied space within 5 ft. of the body. The target is immune to this Wraith's Possession for 24 hours after succeeding on the saving throw or after the possession ends. > > ***Download (Recharge 5-6).*** The Wraith touches an electronic device and disappears within it, or emerges from an electronic device. While in a device, it can move at twice its normal speed through any wire connected to the device. If the wire or device are destroyed, the Wraith emerges. If the wire or device take damage, the Wraith takes half as much damage. If the device is worn or carried, the wielder can make a DC 13 Intelligence saving throw to negate the attempt.

Art belongs to Amplitude Studios

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## The Harmony For some creatures Dust is poison, corruption, travesty. The Harmony are sentient mineral lifeforms born from the emergent forces of the Big Bang, a species once content with roaming the universe in search for an elusive "core" of reality. Their sophisitcated senses were however ensared by the corrupting influence of Dust, like a finely tuned compass pulled by a myriad of magnets, trapping the Harmony in the Endless galaxy. #### Searching for the Core Though communication with other sentients is almost impossibile, the Harmony has expressed the will to reach the "core", a mysterious point in space (or perhaps time?) that their entire species is drawn to instictively. What this core is and why it's so important remains a mistery. #### Corrupted and Lost When a member of the Harmony enters in contact with Dust, its form becomes tained with a surge of energy that turns it dangerous and unstable. In rare cases, such as the Pulsos species, this mutation can cause the essence of the Harmony to merge with Dust, creating a new lifeform, to the dismay and revulsion of the other members of the Harmony. ___ > ## Harmony Stalwart >*Large elemental, lawful neutral* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 17 (natural armor) > - **Hit Points** 123 (13d10+52) > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|23 (+6)|15 (+2)|19 (+4)|10 (+0)|15 (+2)|10 (+0)| >___ > - **Damage Immunities** Poison, Psychic > - **Condition Immunities** Poisoned, Blinded, Deafened > - **Senses** Tremorsense 30 ft., passive Perception 12 > - **Languages** Telepathy with other Harmony members > - **Challenge** 7 (2900 XP) > ___ > ***Weakened by Dust.*** Whenever they take damage from a spell, the harmony Stalwart takes an additional 1d6 necrotic damage. > > ### Actions > ***Multiattack*** The Stalwart makes two Crystal Spikes attacks. > > ***Crystal Spikes.*** *Melee or ranged Weapon Attack:* +9 to hit, reach 10ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. *Hit* 9 (2d8) slashing damage. The target and all creatures in a 15 ft. cone behind them must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) force damage on a failed save or half as much on a successful one. ``` ``` .

___ > ## Harmony Renegade >*Large elemental, chaotic neutral* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 17 (natural armor) > - **Hit Points** 123 (13d10+52) > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|23 (+6)|15 (+2)|19 (+4)|7 (-2)|10 (+0)|16 (+3)| >___ > - **Damage Immunities** Poison, Radiant > - **Condition Immunities** Poisoned, Blinded, Deafened > - **Senses** Tremorsense 30 ft., passive Perception 10 > - **Languages** - > - **Challenge** 8 (3900 XP) > ___ > ***Empowered by Dust.*** Whenever they take damage from a spell, the Harmony Renegade increases its speed by 10 ft. and gains resistance to that spell's damage type until the end of its next turn. > > ***Dust Storm.*** Creatures who start their turn within 10 ft. of the Renegade or enter for the first time each turn must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw, taking 7 (2d6) radiant damage on a failed save. If the save fails by 5 or more, they are also blinded until the start of their next turn. > > ### Actions > ***Multiattack*** The Renegade makes two Crystal Spikes attacks. > > ***Crystal Spikes.*** *Melee or ranged Weapon Attack:* +9 to hit, reach 10ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. *Hit* 9 (2d8) slashing damage. The target and all creatures within 10 ft. of them must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) radiant damage on a failed save or half as much on a successful one. >

Art by Aurélien Bouffard

\page # NPCs This chapter includes some of the most famous NPCs one can meet while travelling the Endless galaxy, from the visionary Isyander Shumed to the charismatic Emperor Maximillian Zelevas. The approximate CR of these NPCs only includes their physical and technical skills - Emperor Zelevas is a decent soldier, but his real strenght lies in his guards and silver tongue. ## Isyander Shumed Isyander was once a member of the Vodyani church of the Virtual Saints, brother to Isyara St Shaiad. One day, Isyander began to stray from the path that the church laid in front of him, subtly at first, openly later. In time, he began preaching to the masses, attempting to spread his heretical thoughts. ### Lost Memories The spirit that awoke Isyander from his spiritual torpor was that of one of the Lost, the ancient alien race responsible for the creation of Dust. Through luck or predestination, the Lost awoke within Isyander and began telling him the truth about the Enldess: they were a vicious, cruel and violent species and, most importantly, they were responsible for the Lost's genocide. Seeking answers, Isyander found proof of what the Lost claimed in the Tabernacle, an Endless database that contained details about their war with the Lost. Enraged, Isyander now seeks to restore the Lost to their place. ### An Eternal Crusade Isyander, being a Vodyani, is practically immortal. Since his rebellion he has been gathering dust-enhanced people at the Academy, and ancient nexus of Dust that he hopes to use to restore the Lost to their former glory. To this end, Isyander seeks to find and activate the seven Lodestone systems, a process which would reset all the Dust in the galaxy to its natural state, that is, the Lost themselves. ### Personality Traits Isyander is single-minded in his crusade. When role-playing as him, keep in mind the following traits: - **Aims**: The Lost were benevolent guides and were betrayed by those they trusted. I must restore them to their former glory. - **Ideals:** It's our duty to correct the mistakes of our ancestors, for we also carry their guilt. - **Bonds:** I'm genuinely fond of my students at the Academy and i seek revenge on those who dare hurt them. - **Flaws:** I fear that my religious fervor will bring me and my followers on the same path of the Vodyani. ``` ``` ### Friend or Foe Isyander is one of the most powerful dust-enhanced individuals in the Galaxy: anyone with some sense of self-preservation will try at least not to anger him. #### As an Ally Isyander can provide those he trusts with powerful Endless technology but, most importantly, he can channel Dust to reconstruct matter and flesh at will, allowing him to even bring dead characters back to life. This power is known to a select few, namely those in the Academy who master Dust in the same way he does (clerics of the Lost). Isyander tends to judge people based on their actions and puts his vision above all else: it's not uncommon for him to test his students by sending them to carry out dangerous missions and quests. #### As a Foe Isyander is a terrifying foe, willing to strike fast and hard those who wronged him. There is no greater offense for Isyander than blasphemy, something he still carries with him from when he was a Vodyani. Isyander is relentless in his pursuit, sending ship after ship of carefully selected Heroes to dispatch those who wronged him. If this fails, he sends strongers and stronger squads and, if pushed to the edge, he takes matters into his own hands. ### Blessings of the Lost Isyander can grant a number of blessings to those he deems worthy. Doing so requires a complex ritual that lasts one week and the expenditure of 10 000 units of Dust. Each blessing is also accompanied by a title and a number of responsabilites, first and foremost servitude to Isyander. #### Grand Admiral Isyander infuses you with the power of a leader and warrior. Whenever you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack, you can grant one friendly creature you can see advantage on their next weapon attack roll. #### Vault Keeper Isyander bestows you his knowledge. You may cast spells on your class spell list even if you don't have them prepared or don't know them. You may do so a number of times equal to your spellcasting ability modifier per long rest. #### Master of Dust The coffers of the Academy are open to you. Whenever you spend Dust, you spend half as much instead. #### Librarian Isyander wisdom is available to you. You can comunnicate thelepatically with Isyander at any time (within reason) at any distance, provided you are on the same plane.

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___ ___ > ## Isyander Shumed >*Medium Humanoid (Vodyani), Lawful Neutral* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 18 (plate armor) > - **Hit Points** 110 (17d8+34) > - **Speed** 30 ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|10 (+0)|12 (+1)|14 (+2)|12 (+1)|20 (+5)|15 (+2)| >___ > - **Saves:** DEX +6, WIS +10, CHA +7 > - **Skills:** Acrobatics +6, Religion +6, Nature +6, Perception +10, Insight +10, Persuasion +7 > - **Damage Immunities:** Poison > - **Condition Immunities** Charmed, Poisoned > - **Senses** passive Perception 20 > - **Languages** Common, Vodyani, Nakalim > - **Challenge** 14 (11 500 XP) > ___ > > ***Blessing of the Lost*** Isyander recovers 25 hit points at the start of each of his turns unless he is unconscious or he has taken Necrotic damage since his last turn. > > ***Legendary Resistance (3/Day).*** If Isyander would fail a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead. > > ***Spellcasting.*** Isyander is an 17th-level Cleric. His spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell attacks). Isyander has the following spells prepared: > >Cantrips (at will): *light, sacred flame, word of radiance, spare the dying* > >1st level (4 slots): *healing word, guiding bolt, sanctuary, bless* > >2nd level (3 slots): *aid, spiritual weapon, silence, hold person* > >3rd level (3 slots): *dispel magic, vampiric touch, revivify, sending* > >4th level (3 slots): *banishment, death ward, freedom of movement* > >5th level (2 slots): *dawn, raise dead, commune* > >6th level (1 slots): *true seeing* > >7th level (1 slots): *fire storm* > >8th level (1 slots): *antimagic field* > >9th level (1 slots): *mass heal* > > ### Actions > ***Staff of Penance.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +5 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit* 5 (1d8) bludgeoning damage plus 5 (1d8) radiant damage. On a hit, the target is pushed back 10 ft. and must make a DC 18 Strength saving throw or fall prone. > > ### Legendary Actions > Isyander can take three legendary actions per round, chosing among the options below. Only one action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. > > ***Cast (Costs 2 Actions).*** Isyander casts a spell of 5th level of lower or a cantrip. > > ***Cantrip.*** Isyander casts a cantrip. > > ***Staff.*** Isyander makes one melee weapon attack against a creature within reach.

Art by Thibault Girard

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## Maximillian Zelevas Emperor Maximillan Zelevas is the powerful and respected leader of the United Empire. His will is absolute, his conviction unshakable and his force of personality is comparable to his martial prowess. ### Dreaming Big Emperor Zelevas is often portrayed as a ruthless tyrant in sovversive propaganda but, while he has the tendency to enforce his will with an iron fist, that's only partially true. The Emperor is as much a puppet as he is puppeteer, his hands tied to the knots of beaurocracy. In order to remain relevant and avoid becoming a puppet for the megacorporations that really rule the Empire, the Emperor was forced to exert his natural charisma since an early age, developing an ego so big that it can only sustain itself by clinging to a similarly grand idea - that of a unified empire that spans the whole galaxy. ### Personality Traits Maximillian Zelevas is a strong and determined man armed with a silver tongue and extensive martial training: - **Aims**: The Empire will one day encompass the entire galaxy, its inhabitants free of hunger and pain. - **Ideals:** The worth of a person is measured by their willingness to make sacrifices to a greater cause. - **Bonds:** I deeply care for my people, but as a father i'm forced to sometimes punish them for their misbehavior. - **Flaws:** I fear no one will be able to rule as i do - as i grow older, my search for a way to achieve immortality become more and more pressing. ``` ``` *.* ___ > ## Maximillian Zelevas >*Medium humanoid (Imperial), Lawful Evil* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 20 (plate armor + shield) > - **Hit Points** 63 (14d8) > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|14 (+2)|18 (+4)|10 (+0)|14 (+2)| 10 (+0)|16 (+3)| >___ > - **Saves:** STR +6, CHA +7 > - **Skills:** Intimidation +11, Acrobatics +12, Atheltics +10, Insight +4, History +10 > - **Senses** passive Perception 10 > - **Languages** Common, Lumeris, Aurigan > - **Challenge** 9 (5000 XP) > ___ > ***Sneak Attack.*** Once per turn, when Zelevas makes a weapon attack with advantage and hits, the attack deals an additional 17 (5d6) damage. > > ***Cunning Action.*** Zelevas can take the Dash, Disengage or Hide action as a bonus action. > > ***Force of Will (3/Rest).*** After rolling a d20, Zelevas can reroll the die and keep the highest result. He also gains temporary hit points equal to the the lowest of the two die rolls. > > ***Righteous Smite.*** Whenever Zelevas hits a creature with a melee weapon attack, he can spend one spell slot to deal 1d8 additional force damage, plus a number of d8 equal to the spell's level. > > ***Spellcasting.*** Zelevas is a 5th-level Paladin. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). Zelevas has the following spells prepared: > > >1st level (4 slots): *command, healing word, cause fear, charm person* > >2nd level (2 slots): *calm emotions, entrhall* > > ### Actions > ***Multiattack.*** Zelevas makes three weapon attacks. > > ***Rapier.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +8 to hit, reach 5ft., one target. *Hit* 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage. > > ***Blaster.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack:* +8 to hit, range 30-120 ft., one target. *Hit* 7 (1d6 + 4) radiant damage. > > ### Reactions > ***Uncanny Dodge.*** Zelevas halves the damage taken by an attack that he can see. If damage was dealt by a creature, Zelevas makes his next attack against that creature with advantage.

Art by Aurelion Lantet

\page ## Jenestra Omalfi'Meos Jenestra is the de-facto leader of the four Families, the epicenter of power in the Lumeris nation and one of the most cunning and ruthless memebers of her species. Groomed since childhood to succeed to their predecessors, she was trained to be a clever politician and quick with her blade, a custom-made ivory dagger capable of bypassing shileds and shooting needles dipped in exotic poisons ### Rules of Power Jenestra is cunning and patient, two qualities that compliment her natural charisma to enthrall those who are admitted to her presence. Despite being a mature woman, Jenestra still wields her more feminine qualities like a blade as sharp as any and she never forgets where true power comes from - not blood, not votes, but Dust. ### Personality Traits Jenestra is an amicable woman who never speaks the whole truth, and an excellent buisness partner: - **Aims**: Accumulate Dust to elevate the Lumeris and her Family to a position of absolute power in the galaxy. - **Ideals:** Dust makes the galaxy spin - prosperity is limitless in a world where commodities can satisfy every vice. - **Bonds:** My close friends and colleagues are the only ones i can really trust - true loyalty can't be bought. - **Flaws:** Being in a pusition of power in a plutocracy means you never now if the ones you are speaking with are friends or foe. When in doubt, i assume the latter. ``` ``` *.* ___ > ## Jenestra Omalfi'Meos >*Medium humanoid (Lumeris), neutral* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 15 (studded leather) > - **Hit Points** 38 (7d8) > - **Speed** 30ft., swim 30 ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|8 (-1)|16 (+3)|13 (+1)|14 (+2)| 12 (+1)|18 (+4)| >___ > - **Saves:** DEX +6, CHA +7 > - **Skills:** Deception +7, Persuasion +7, Insight +4, Sleight of hand +6, Thieve's tools +6 > - ***Condition Immunities:*** Frightened > - **Senses** passive Perception 11 > - **Languages** Common, Lumeris > - **Challenge** 5 (1,800 XP) > ___ > ***Bardic Inspiration (4/Rest).*** Jenestra can inspire a creature that can hear her as a bonus action. Within the next 10 minutes, that creature can expend the inspiration to add 1d8 to any one d20 roll. > > ***Masterful Liar.*** Spells can't be used to read Jenestra's mind nor compel her to tell the truth. Spell used to detect lies fail, reporting that she's telling the truth. > > ***Amphybious.*** Jenestra can fight underwater with no penalties. She can breathe both air and water. > > ***Poison Expert.*** Whenever she hits a creature with a weapon attack, Jenestra can immediately cast a spell without providing somatic or verbal components, provided the spell only targets the creature hit by the attack. > > ***Spellcasting.*** Jenestra is a 7th-level Bard. Her spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). Jenestra has the following spells prepared: > >Cantrips (at will): *vicious mockery, minor illusion, mage hand * > >1st level (4 slots): *healing word, sleep, dissonant whispers, hex* > >2nd level (3 slots): *hold person, invisibility* > >3rd level (3 slots): *bestow curse, enemies abound* > >4th level (1 slots): *blight, confusion* > > ### Actions > > ***Ivory Dagger (+1).*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +7 to hit, reach 5ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. *Hit* 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage. > > ***Needle.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack:* +6 to hit, range 25/100 ft., one target. *Hit* 4 (1 + 3) piercing damage. If the attacker is hidden, this attack doesn't reveal their position.

Art by Thomas du Crest

\page ## Imane Kryv Once an indipendent adventurer and seeker of Endless relics, Imane Kryv belongs to the Pilgrims, an ancient faction that split from the Empire long ago. Her true colors, however, have been masked by an ominous symphony, that of the Umbral Choir, ancient star-faring wraiths that came into contact with her during a mission. The Choir interfaced with Imane's neural agumentations and was surprised to find a single, nuclear consciousness, something the Choir never thought possible in such a small lifeform. Initially, Imane realized she had been "possessed" by the Choir and turned a deaf ear to their whispers, but in time came to know and appreciate the harmonious, peaceful ways of the Choir. ### One From Many Imane Kryv, once a person, is now a nexus of voices, the mputhpiece of the Umbral Choir, though she still possesses part of her independence. Her role in the Choir is that of advisor and teacher, a friendly face they can trust and who can explain to them how these strange creatures of flesh, blood and Dust live and die. ### Personality Traits Imane carries within herself both her original voice and the echoes of the Choir, which give her a unique view on reality: - **Aims**: Guide the Choir on their path, so that they may understand the inhabitants of the Endless galaxy. - **Ideals:** The Choir, while alien, is also benevolent and willing to learn. We should give them a chance. - **Bonds:** My collection of Endless relics reminds me of who i once was, a fragment of my past. - **Flaws:** I sometimes find the Choir alien and unsettling, fearing they may take over my mind. ___ > ## Imane Kryv >*Medium humanoid (Pilgrim), chaotic good* > ___ > - **Armor Class** 12, or 15 with *mage armor* > - **Hit Points** 26 (4d8+8) > - **Speed** 30ft. >___ >|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA| >|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| >|10 (+0)|14 (+2)|15 (+2)|15 (+2)| 12 (+1)|10 (+0)| >___ > - **Saves:** INT +4, WIS +3 > - **Skills:** Arcana +4, Stealth +4, Hacking Programs +6 > - **Senses** passive Perception 11, Darkvision 60 ft. > - **Languages** Common, Endless > - **Challenge** 3 (700 XP) > ___ > ***Embrace of the Choir.*** After each long rest, Imane gains an ethereal shield which can absorb up to 10 hit points of damage. Each time she casts a spell, the shield recovers a number of hit points equal to twice the spell's level. > > ***Harmonious.*** Imane ignores any prerequisites for the purpose of attuning and using magic items. > > ***Spellcasting.*** Imane is a 4th-level Wizard. Her spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). Imane has the following spells prepared: > >Cantrips (at will): *friends, guidance, message, vicious mockery * > >1st level (4 slots): *comprehend languages, mage armor, detect magic, faerie fire* > >2nd level (3 slots): *detect thoughts, shadow blade* > > > ### Actions > > ***Blaster.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack:* +4 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. *Hit* 5 (1d6 + 2) radiant damage. > > ***Interface.*** Imane attempts to activate a magic item she can see within 60 ft. If the item is held, worn or carried, she must first succeed in a Hacking Programs check with a DC equal to the wielder's Intelligence score. On a success, Imane can use any one active properties of the item (if any) or deactivate the item for 1 hour.

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