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. 102Iridia CR 8 XP 4,800
N Medium outsider (extraplanar, spectra)
Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +16
DefenseHP 115
EAC 20; KAC 21
Fort +7; Ref +7; Will +13
Defensive Abilities void adaptation; DR 5/chaotic, evil, good, or lawful; Immunities electricity; Resistances cold 5, sonic 5; SR 19
OffenseSpeed 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (Ex, perfect)
Melee slam +16 (1d12+8 B)
Ranged dusk ray +18 (1d10+8 C & E)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 8th; ranged +18)
1/day—holographic image (3rd level), teleport (self only)
3/day—caustic conversion, implant data, make whole, recharge
At will—detect tech, disguise selfStatisticsSTR +0; DEX +4; CON +2; INT +6; WIS +2; CHA +2
Skills Acrobatics +16 (+24 to fly), Computers +21, Diplomacy +16, Engineering +21, Mysticism +21, Sense Motive +16
Languages machine telepathy 100 ft., truespeech
Other Abilities slip drive, spaceflight (Mysticism)EcologyEnvironment any (the Drift)
Organization solitary or sequence (2, 3, 5, or 8)Special AbilitiesDusk Ray (Ex) An iridia’s dusk ray is a ranged attack with a range increment of 60 feet and the line weapon special property.Extra ContentThe following extra content was found for this creature:
- Spectra (Creature Subtype) Graft Template
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