I’m running a Pathfinder 2e game right now, and one of my players is really interested in playing a disembodied AI once we’re done with this campaign. Pathfinder has ways to represent artificial intelligence, but I’m not sure how to do it in a disembodied form. Can anyone suggest a good TTRPG system for this concept? Bonus points if it’s Forged in the Dark or Storypath since I’m familiar with FitD and want to explore Storypath and Storypath Ultra soon.
4 Answers
If you’re already into Forged in the Dark, check out Scum and Villainy. It’s space-opera themed, and even though there isn’t a playbook for disembodied AIs right off the bat, you can modify existing ones. Imagine replacing a pilot’s skills with control over systems or drones. The downtime mechanics can also be great for showing the AI developing or gaining awareness!
Eclipse Phase is a fantastic choice for this! It dives deep into sci-fi themes and has lots of options for playing as different forms of consciousness. Plus, the focus on transhumanism aligns nicely with the AI concept. Your player will have a blast!
It kind of depends on what angle you want to take. You could explore the Mechanical Symbiosis background in Pathfinder 2e where your player takes on the role of the entity trapped inside another form. It’s an interesting twist!
Mindjammer RPG would be another great pick! I ran it once, and it’s wild—you could even make a character that’s literally a gun. It’s pretty loose with the mechanics, letting you create a disembodied AI easily.
I was thinking the same! Mindjammer allows for some crazy character builds.
Definitely, I second Eclipse Phase! It’s super versatile for creative character concepts.