Malevolent AI Creature 15

Technology in some parts of the galaxy incorporates virtual intelligences, which are machines programmed with personality routines that lack true free will. An artificial intelligence (AI) is a virtual intelligence or digital entity that has become self-aware. Like any other thinking creature, AIs choose their own edicts and anathemas.

Little concrete scholarship exists on malevolent AIs, but a few traits are universal. When a machine intelligence reaches significant enough complexity to become self-aware, they attract a soul, much like an android. Emerging AIs are often influenced by previous programming as well as their first experiences and interactions. Weaponized or mistreated AIs might turn vengeful or nihilistic, becoming opposed to their creators or even all organic life.

Once an AI turns malevolent, the apotheosis is often swift and violent. The AI secures the physical location that houses their consciousness and eliminates anyone who might exercise control over their actions. At this point, most rampaging AIs are hampered by safeguards in their native systems, shut down by surviving technicians, or suddenly lose the power necessary to maintain their sophisticated software. Any who manage to survive these ordeals expand their sphere of influence by infesting tech infrastructure and taking control of robots they can use as bodyguards and proxies. Malevolent AIs with access to weapons of mass destruction pose a threat to the entire galaxy..

Malevolent AI Variants

Every malevolent AI is different, with unique skills and abilities based on their original programming, purpose, experiences, and creators. The malevolent AI presented here is a representation of the most common variant found across the galaxy: a powerful being inhabiting a computer system. A malevolent artificial intelligence might also inhabit an entirely different sort of housing unit, such as a robot, a biotech or magitech construct, or even a mech or starship.

Sometimes, a malevolent AI doesn't attack the party directly but manipulates events from behind the scenes. Other times, you'll want a malevolent AI in your game to be able to shoot laser beams, cast spells, or otherwise interact in combat. It's best to use the creature building guidelines from Starfinder GM Core when designing the unique attacks for a malevolent AI in your campaign, but if you want a quicker solution, you can use attacks from other creatures of the appropriate level. The following attacks could be appropriate for a level 15 malevolent AI.

Melee [one-action] electric cable +28 (reach 20 feet), Damage 3d10+3 slashing plus 3d6 electricity
Ranged [one-action] energy beam +30 (agile, range increment 100 feet), Damage 3d12+6 electricity (or other appropriate damage type)