Program Creature

Program creatures gain a +4 bonus to saves against mind-affecting effects unless those effects specifically target constructs. A creature can target a program creature with a spell that could affect a computer or other technological device, such as remote operation (Starfinder Character Operations Manual 140), or a mechanic’s overload class feature. The program creature can attempt a Will saving throw to negate this effect, even if the effect doesn’t normally allow a saving throw; use the effect’s regular DC or a DC of 10 + 1/2 the effect user’s level + the effect user’s key ability score modifier, whichever is higher. If the program creature fails this saving throw, they become afflicted with one condition (chosen by the effect user) for the ability’s duration or a number of rounds equal to the effect user’s level, whichever is shorter. The conditions that can be chosen include: blinded, confused, exhausted, frightened, or staggered.

Program creatures gain the technological subtype and count as both their original type and constructs for all effects (whichever type allows an ability to affect them for abilities that affect only one type, and whichever is worse for abilities that affect both types). A program creature receives a +2 bonus to saving throws against disease, poison, and sleep unless those effects specifically target constructs. Non-program creatures wielding a hacking kit can attempt to alter a nearby program creature’s subroutines, allowing them to attempt a Computers checks to feint or lie to a program instead of using Bluff, change a program’s attitude instead of using Diplomacy, bully or demoralize them instead of using Intimidate, or to perform any skill task of the Medicine skill instead of using Medicine.

A program creature can exist only within the virtual space in which it was created. If forcibly removed from the virtual space, it dies immediately, but computer backups in the virtual space usually recreate the program creature 1d4 minutes later. Directly modifying the code of the virtual space, or destroying its server, is the only way to ensure the destruction of a programmed creature.