By now, you might have noticed an interesting trend in the Alien Archives of the first few volumes of the Dawn of Flame Adventure Path. As is appropriate to the subject matter of these adventures, Fire Starters introduces efreet and ifrits to the Starfinder universe. In case you are unfamiliar, an efreeti is a genie from the Plane of Fire, while ifrits are native outsiders who can trace their heritage to such beings or other similar fiery entities. Really, no surprises for an Adventure Path that takes place on (and in) the sun!
But then perhaps you noticed that Soldiers of Brass features jann—genies whose nature is split across the four elements—as well as sulis—native outsiders whose ancestors have connections to the jann. Plus, this volume also includes sylphs—native outsiders who are descended from beings from the Plane of Air, including djinn. But the stats for djinn are nowhere to be seen... until you check out the Alien Archives of Sun Divers that is!
Illustrations by David Franco Campos
If you're counting, that just leaves the Planes of Earth and Water, and their respective genies and planar scions. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait for the upcoming Dawn of Mud Adventure Path for those!
Just kidding! You'll find the marid and shaitan genies, as well as oreads and undines, in the upcoming volumes #17—Solar Strike—and #18—Assault on the Crucible.
Illustrations by Graey Erb and Nicolas Espinoza
Similar to the aasimar and tiefling planar scions introduced as playable species in Alien Archive 2, all the elemental planar scions will also be available as options for players. Each one provides slightly different ability score adjustments. For examples, sylphs are bit more dexterous, while oreads have powerful muscles. And each offers a different type of energy resistance; you won't be surprised to know that ifrits are somewhat resistant to fire. But what sets the planar scions apart from one another is that each receives a unique ability tied to the elemental plane they can trace their ancestry to. Usually, this is a simple spell-like ability, such as the undine's ability to cast energy ray at will, though it can only deal cold damage. However, as sulis have an affinity for all elements, they get a special ability that allows them to alter the type of damage any weapon they wield can do for 1 round. A suli can set her boring tactical doshko aflame and have it briefly deal half fire damage; she can even do the same for her fist!
Illustration by Mirco Paganessi
With the inclusion of genies and elemental planar scions, we've added a healthy heaping of fantasy to Starfinder's science-fantasy setting. We hope you enjoy them, and we can't wait to see some cybernetically enhanced undines and power armor-wearing ifrits out there!
Jason Keeley
Developer