Homebrew Android Species Details

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

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

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

 

Android Traits

Androids have the following racial traits

Ability Score Increase

Your Intelligence score increases by 2, and your Dexterity score increases by 1.

Alert

You are proficient with Perception checks.

Emotionless

You have problems processing emotions properly, and thus have disadvantage on Insight checks.

Darkvision

You have darkvision up to a range of 60 feet.

Constructed

You count as both a construct and a humanoid. You gain advantage on Constitution saving throws, and you are immune to sleep effects (though you still need to rest to recharge during a long rest) and disease.

Nanite Surge

Your body is infused with nanites. As a bonus action, you may cause your nanites to surge, causing your "tattoos" to glow and granting you a bonus equal to your half your level, rounded up, on your next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw. You must choose to use this ability before making the roll. Once you use this ability, you must complete a long rest before using it again.