SpectraSource Alien Archive 3 pg. 102
Spectra, a race of outsiders native to the newly discovered hyperspace plane of the Drift, are unique in the Great Beyond as a relatively recent addition to the multiverse, rising in prominence over the last 300 years alongside the proliferation of Drift technology. Concerned primarily with the protection and promulgation of the nascent plane, and of advanced technology in general, spectra are beings of paradox and dichotomy. Some metaphysicians believe that, just as the Drift grows by pulling in pieces of the multiverse each time a starship uses it to travel, so too are spectra created—amalgamations of raw, sometimes opposing energies born from the stolen pieces of other planes. Yet spectra are also undeniably of the Drift itself. They have inherent resistance to magic and can slip in and out of the Drift via innate esoteric—though purely technological—means. Some theorists posit that, like the beacons that enable travel through the Drift, spectra somehow exist simultaneously in multiple planes, manifesting in only one at any given time. Spectra rarely speak using their own voices, which are a mix of low-fidelity synthesized tones. They prefer to use their machine telepathy to temporarily harness nearby communication technology, speaking using a starship’s intercom or causing text to appear on a vidscreen, for instance.
Iridias are one of the few spectra encountered outside the Drift, most often on the Material Plane. Averaging 6 feet tall with opalescent skin and a coil of glistening rainbow light for hair, iridias serve as messengers and ambassadors to species of all planes, evangelizing the benefits of advanced technology and enforcing the tripartite will of Triune. Iridias have been known to visit remote worlds in the Vast where Triune’s original signal containing the secrets of Drift travel were lost or suppressed, bringing with them instructions and a second chance to join the galactic community. They are also keen to see mortal technology continue to grow and advance—an interest that can put them at odds with societies that choose to limit technology’s influence, as well as others wary of sudden unfettered progress, such as the tekhoinos aeons.
Aspecnas, powerful spectra paragons with fan-like tails and faces that resemble blooming flowers, rarely interact directly with the Material Plane. These formidable outsiders instead concern themselves with maintaining the precarious balance of power among extraplanar forces in the Drift, opposing any who would attempt to establish strongholds with the intent of laying their own claim to a substantial expanse of Triune’s realm. Aspecnas have on occasion appeared to correct the course of mortals who have become lost in the ever-shifting plane, and even intervened to protect weaker mortals from the predation of malevolent Drift-marooned outsiders. These rare but memorable acts have earned aspecnas the nickname “Drift angels” among those who regularly travel through the plane.Aliens in the "Spectra" FamilySource Alien Archive 3 pg. 102Aspecna CR 18 XP 153,600
N Huge outsider (extraplanar, spectra)
Init +8; Senses darkvision 60 ft., detect alignment; Perception +31
DefenseHP 320
EAC 31; KAC 32
Fort +16; Ref +16; Will +22
Defensive Abilities void adaptation; DR 15/chaotic, evil, good, or lawful; Immunities electricity; Resistances cold 5, sonic 5; SR 29
OffenseSpeed 50 ft., fly 100 ft. (Ex, perfect)
Melee slam +29 (8d8+22 B) or tail slash +29 (8d8+22 S)
Multiattack 2 slams +23 (5d8+22 B), tail slash +23 (5d8+22 S)
Ranged bloom beam +27 (3d12+18 F; critical stunned)
Space 15 ft.; Reach 15 ft.
Offensive Abilities balancing gaze, hyperflux
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 18th; melee +27)
1/day—chain surge (DC 27), greater discharge (DC 27)
3/day—control machines (DC 26), holographic image (5th level), remove radioactivity, synapse overload (DC 26)
At will—implant data, recharge, true seeingStatisticsSTR +4; DEX +8; CON +4; INT +11; WIS +6; CHA +6
Skills Acrobatics +31 (+39 to fly), Computers +36, Engineering +36, Mysticism +36, Sense Motive +31
Languages machine telepathy 100 ft., truespeech
Other Abilities seek outcome, slip drive, spaceflight (Mysticism)EcologyEnvironment any (the Drift)
Organization solitary or triad (1 aspecna and 2 iridias)Special AbilitiesBalancing Gaze (Su) As a full action, an aspecna can force each chaotic, evil, good, or lawful creature within 30 feet to attempt a DC 25 Will saving throw. Creatures that fail this save gain the staggered condition for 1d4 rounds, and the DCs of their spells and abilities are reduced by 2 for the same duration. Creatures that succeed at this save are immune to that aspecna’s balancing gaze for 24 hours. This is a sense‑dependent effect.
Bloom Beam (Ex) An aspecna’s bloom beam is a ranged attack with a range of 120 feet, the blast weapon special property, and the stunned critical hit effect.
Hyperflux (Su) The area surrounding an aspecna crackles with constant uncertainty and potential for change as it shuffles reality, reorganizing and optimizing the planar energies on which it draws. As a move action, an aspecna can change the type of energy damage (from fire to sonic, for instance) done by its bloom beam and spell-like abilities for 1 minute.
Seek Outcome (Su) An aspecna can peer into the causal nexus of ongoing events to calculate the most efficient course of action. An aspecna can take 10 on any skill check, even during combat or if stress or distractions would normally prevent it from doing so. In addition, three times per day, an aspecna can reroll a failed ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.Extra ContentThe following extra content was found for this creature:
- Spectra (Creature Subtype) Graft Template
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