The spell "Raise Dead" specifically says that it cannot be used on Constructs.
The Android description says that it counts as both Humanoid and Construct, AND if either could apply - you are to use the one that has the *worst* result.
That would seem to mean that Raise Dead cannot be used on Androids.
POSSIBLE RESPONSES:
1) Yep. You die, you die - too bad. That's just how it is playing an android.
[But there seems to be no super-cool offset to balance this.]
2) The 'worst result' rule wasn't intended to be used in this case. Raise Dead works on androids because they are a creature and the spell targets creatures.
[But, I can find no basis to assume it wasn't intended this way.]
3) Home rule a separate spell that is "Raise Android". Works the same but must be known and prepared separately.
[Possible but seems bland and pointless]
4) Androids can't be raised, but they CAN be *backed up*. They can go to computer storage vaults and have their minds backed up. Backup services costs are about the same as paying for a Raise Dead spell to be cast (for game balance). If you die, your body can be repaired and your backup downloaded back into it by returning it to the vault. This is ALMOST like raising, except the character is whatever level they were when the backup happened. And, they only know what they knew up to that time (the other PCs can bring them up to speed in most cases). Relationships may be a little different, which could have some cool roleplaying possibilities.
[I'm leaning this way, but want to hear other responses thanks!]
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From the FAQ:
When the constructed ability for androids says they count as both constructs and humanoids, whichever effect is worse, does that mean they cannot be targeted by a beneficial effect that only targets one of those two types, since not getting the benefit is "worse"?
No. When determining what abilities affect an android, and how, replace the first sentence of the constructed ability with the following. "For effects targeting creatures by type, androids count as both constructs and humanoids (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)."
Thanks Hammerjack!
I had done searches before posting and didn't see anything on this, but since I also found this thread:
https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ut9f?Androids-and-Raise-Dead
Which seems to be consistent with the FAQ too.
Thanks much :)
From the FAQ:
{. . .}
Do you have a link to that part of the FAQ?
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It's right up top. The 4th question or so.
https://paizo.com/starfinder/faq#v5748eaic9wbj
It's right up top. The 4th question or so.
Of course, I should have thought to look in the Starfinder FAQ, not the Pathfinder FAQ. Dain bramage . . . .