Professional Documents
Culture Documents
By Anthony Pryor
Planetarium: Khetorash
©2017 Bill Webb, Frog God Games & Necromancer Games. All rights
reserved.
Reproduction without the written permission of the publisher is expressly
forbidden. Frog God Games and the Frog God Games logo is a trademark
of Frog God Games. Necromancer Games and the Necromancer Games logo
is a trademark of Necromancer Games. All rights reserved. All characters, Compatibility with the Starfinder
names, places, items, art and text herein are copyrighted by Frog God Roleplaying Game requires the Starfinder
Games, Inc. The mention of or reference to any company or product in Roleplaying Game from Paizo Inc. See
these pages is not a challenge to the trademark or copyright concerned. http://paizo.com/starfinder for more
Frog God Product Identity: The following items are hereby identified as Frog
information on the Starfinder Roleplaying
Game. Paizo Inc. does not guarantee
Games God Games LLC’s Product Identity, as defined in the Open Game License
compatibility, and does not endorse this
version 1.0a, Section 1(e), and are not Open Game Content: product and
product line names, logos and identifying marks including trade dress; product.
artifacts; creatures; characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, Starfinder is a registered trademark
dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, of Paizo Inc., and the Starfinder
likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic Roleplaying Game and the Starfinder
and other visual or audio representations; names and descriptions of Roleplaying Game Compatibility Logo
characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses are trademarks of Paizo Inc., and are used
and special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment,
under the Starfinder Roleplaying Game
magical or supernatural abilities or effects, logos, symbols, or graphic
designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly identified
Compatibility License. See http://paizo.
as Product Identity. Previously released Open Game Content is excluded com/starfinder/compatibility for more
from the above list. information on the compatibility license.
2
Planetarium: Khetorash
Other Products from Frog God Games
You can find these product lines and more at our website, froggodgames.com, and on the shelves of many retail game stores.
Superscripts indicate the available game systems: “PF” means the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, “5e” means Fifth Edition,
and “S&W” means Swords & Wizardry. If there is no superscript it means that it is not specific to a single rule system.
GENERAL RESOURCES LL2: The Lost City of Barakus PF, S&W
LL3: Sword of Air PF, S&W
Swords & Wizardry Complete S&W LL4: Cults of the Sundered Kingdoms PF, S&W
The Tome of Horrors Complete PF, S&W LL5: Borderland Provinces 5e, PF, S&W
Tome of Horrors 4 PF, S&W LL6: The Northlands Saga Complete PF, S&W
Tome of Adventure Design LL7: The Blight 5e, PF, S&W
Monstrosities S&W LL8: Bard’s Gate 5e, PF, S&W
Bill Webb’s Book of Dirty Tricks LL9: Adventures in the Borderland Provinces 5e, PF, S&W
Razor Coast: Fire as She Bears PF
Book of Lost Spells 5e, PF
Fifth Edition Foes 5e QUESTS OF DOOM
The Tome of Blighted Horrors 5e, PF, S&W
Quests of Doom (Vol. 1) 5e
Book of Alchemy* 5e, PF, S&W
Quests of Doom (Vol. 2) 5e
Quests of Doom (includes the 5e Vol. 1 and 2, but for PF
THE LOST LANDS
and S&W only) PF, S&W
Rappan Athuk PF, S&W Quests of Doom 2 5e
Rappan Athuk Expansions Vol. I PF, S&W Quests of Doom 3 5e, S&W
The Slumbering Tsar Saga PF, S&W Quests of Doom 4* 5e, PF, S&W
The Black Monastery PF, S&W
Cyclopean Deeps Vol. I PF, S&W PERILOUS VISTAS
Cyclopean Deeps Vol. II PF, S&W
Razor Coast PF, S&W Dead Man’s Chest PF
Razor Coast: Heart of the Razor PF, S&W Dunes of Desolation PF
Razor Coast: Freebooter’s Guide to the Razor Coast PF, S&W Fields of Blood PF
LL0: The Lost Lands Campaign Setting* 5e, PF, S&W Mountains of Madness PF
LL1: Stoneheart Valley PF, S&W Marshes of Malice PF
* (forthcoming from Frog God Games)
3
Khetorash
Planetarium: Khetorash
Khetorash, The Dragon World
Galactic legend speaks of an ancient world, hidden Khetorash is the second of six planets orbiting a
from prying eyes, where a mysterious race of powerful yellow sun called Domá, or “Mother” in the outer
space-faring dragons rules over a population of lesser dragons’ tongue. The four outer planets are gas giants,
races. It is said that the world contains fabulous riches, each with several moons, while the innermost world is
magical and technological wonders, and loot aplenty for a rocky world called Maekevá, a sun-blasted wasteland
the adventurer lucky enough to find it. Yet the tales all inhabited only by the solar dragons and their outerkin
come with a stern warning — like all dragons, the world’s minions.
masters guard their treasures jealously, delivering swift Khetorash is orbited by two moons, Eá and Nyaé (“Son”
and merciless punishment to any and all unwanted and “Daughter” respectively). These two bodies are all
visitors. Few are those who have even gazed upon the but identical in mass and diameter, moving in apparent
secret dragon world from space, and fewer still are those absolute harmony with one another providing the world
who have returned alive. with regular and predictable tides as well as an elaborate
Most experienced spacefarers scoff at these stories, lunar calendar system. The very perfection of the lunar
considering them to be nothing more than tall tales at system is yet another suggestion that Khetorash is not a
best and delusional myths at worst. Yet many legends natural world, but an artificial construct.
bear a grain of truth at their center, and the stories of Just as its planetary aesthetics are all but perfect,
Khetorash the Dragon World are actually nearer to Khetorash’s climate and seasons are similarly flawless
the truth than anyone suspects. and predictable. Northern polar caps give way to tundra
and picturesque mountains, then to vast coniferous
Physical Description
forests, grasslands, and jungles. There are no deserts
on Khetorash, and all regions are both fertile and full of
living things.
The Khetorashi year is exactly 300 days long, divided
An almost aesthetically ideal planet, Khetorash’s seas
into four 75-day seasons, each of which predictably
and continents are perfectly balanced, its colors and
represents its nature perfectly — bright spring follows
proportions all but flawless. Even the region of space it
cold winter and hot summer is followed by gloomy and
occupies is beautiful — surrounded by a delicate nebula
increasingly cold autumn. While specifics of weather
and studded with stars. Its perfection is such that an
patterns vary from year to year, with storms and hot
observer might be tempted to think that the world was
spells striking in different places depending upon
artificially designed by a higher intelligence, and there is
conditions, their frequency and severity never vary.
evidence that this may well be the case.
4
Planetarium: Khetorash
Civilizations, History, and
Outer Dragons
Sentients
vast distances in relatively short periods of time. How
they got to Khetorash is not known, and it is entirely
possible this is actually their homeworld, and the
Outwardly Khetorash is a world where several different legends of old dragon gods are actually true. While
races live together in relative harmony under the knowledge of the very existence of this planet would
benevolent rulership of the all-powerful outer dragons. cause a sensation throughout the galaxy, its true
Reality is somewhat less rosy, as the world is actually history and the secrets of the dragons’ origins would
a tightly controlled society under the dragons’ absolute be even greater discoveries.
rulership through both their own agency and that of
their appointed surrogates, the outer-kin. Outerkin
Outer Dragons Legend tells that while the humans, elves, dwarves,
and goblins of Khetorash form the world’s peasantry
While the dragons of Khetorash are not the draconic and laboring classes, the outer dragons did not trust
gods of old, they are nevertheless worshipped as such their new subjects to govern themselves. Instead the
by the world’s teeming mortals. Outer dragons are dragon gods who created the world also made a new race
among the rarest of their kind — ancient and mighty of sentients to govern in their name. These so-called
outerkin were smaller, humanoid versions of the five
5
beasts who can soar through interstellar space, borne
Planetarium: Khetorash
outer dragon breeds, each with abilities similar to their kingdoms or even mighty empires. Such individuals are
masters, but lacking the ability to travel in space. highly exceptional, and are still lauded in story and song
Khetorash, The Dragon World
Culture
and cities to socialize or observe, traveling in humanoid
disguise or offering great wealth to those who can
solve their puzzles or otherwise amuse them. They also
sponsor contests among humanoids — these can vary
Khetorash is no more or less than a vast noble estate from simple mental or physical competitions to blood
ruled by the various houses of dragonkind, with its sport and fights to the death. The two lunar dragons
humanoid population in the role of servitors and take the role of tricksters in Khetorashi mythology, and
retainers. As long as they behave themselves, these chaotic individuals such as thieves and rogues pray for
subject races are treated relatively well, but should their blessing.
trouble arise the dragons have few qualms about setting Selantus is master of the vortex dragons, who act as
things right by whatever means are necessary. emissaries and messengers. These dragons always seem
The dragons luxuriate at the top of Khetorash’s social to be in motion, coming and going to places all across
pyramid, and among them the Master Dragons — the Khetorash and beyond. The appearance of a vortex
five colossal great wyrms who are the oldest and most dragon is considered a potent omen, for either good or
powerful of their kind — reign supreme. These dragons ill, as they invariably bring news of momentous events,
seem all but immortal and it is even possible they are summons or judgement from other dragons, and other
directly related to the legendary dragon gods of old. important items. Selantus does not have a permanent
The eldest and most powerful of the masters is the abode, but dwells in the fortresses of the various other
time dragon Taràhengá. It is estimated that this awesome Master Dragons.
creature is millions of years old, but Taràhengá itself Last among the Masters is the self-proclaimed Lord
claims time itself has become irrelevant to its existence, of Chaos, the void dragon Natòmagís and his spawn.
allowing it to transcend mortality and even lesser The void dragons do not dwell permanently in physical
concepts such as morality, consciousness, personal space, but rather live in transdimensional pockets
identity, and gender. Dwelling in the vast Temporal located in the space surrounding Khetorash, emerging
Fortress suspended high above Khetorash’s north pole, seemingly at random to visit death and destruction
Taràhengá rarely emerges, but prefers to remain at the upon the world’s unfortunate mortals, and even preying
center of a labyrinth that is said to exist in all places upon the other outer dragons. Natòmagís and his kin are
of both time and space, silently observing the flow of seen as pure forces of nature, carrying out the violence
existence. required for the cosmos to continue functioning.
It is entirely possible Taràhengá has indeed moved There are no gods on Khetorash save the outer dragons,
beyond mere mortal existence and become a god in its for it is from them that all good things flow. Yet these
own right, but if so it is a passive and unresponsive god, are not benevolent deities, rather they are arrogant and
7
tyrannical, demanding worship and absolute obedience.
Planetarium: Khetorash
While the common mortal folk speak familiar languages — Elven, Dwarven, Goblin, Common — the Imatál and
their servants the outerkin communicate in a much older and elaborate tongue. A brief sampling of outer draconic
is listed below, but this does not even scratch the surface of this ancient language.
Worship consists primarily of placating the world’s A rich and fertile world, Khetorash provides well for
masters with labor, tribute, and loyalty. Taràhengá both its rulers and their subjects, and in good years
is the passive, distant and all-powerful supreme god, humanoid populations soar, with towns, cities, and
Osomoé the stern judge, Lyssaena and Thelssae the nations growing as their people grow prosperous.
mischievous tricksters, Selantus messenger and bearer These periodic population booms have a variety of
of omens, and Natòmagís the bringer of darkness and consequences, both good and bad. Should the bad
chaos. As the great wyrms all actually fill these roles consequences — war, famine, shortages, overpopulation,
and their power on Khetorash is all but limitless, the and deprivation — grow too pronounced, the ruthless
real debate is whether they are truly “gods,” or simply outer dragons have been known to take steps to remedy
very powerful material creatures, and in the end what the situation, culling humanoid populations with
the true difference is, if any. brutal efficiency. These purges are carried out by the
The mortals of Khetorash live in perfectly-managed outerkin, by loyal humanoid legions or, in especially
and balanced societies, overseen by the benevolent dire circumstances, by the outer dragons themselves.
outerkin, who care for their needs and act as intercessors In reality, the humanoids of Khetorash are little more
for the all-powerful Masters and other outer dragons. than serfs, toiling for their masters and surrendering the
The dragons themselves are the supreme authority, and lion’s share of what they produce. It is not surprising then,
their wishes are obeyed instantly by their loyal subjects, that there is invariably an undercurrent of resentment
who thank them for their benevolence and generosity. and anger toward the dragons and outerkin, as well as
…Or so the outer dragons would have it. In reality toward the nobles — usually elves — whom the dragons
Khetorash’s non-draconic inhabitants are every bit as have appointed as rulers. This resentment is especially
willful and fractious as their counterparts elsewhere in common among the young, and among more rugged
the galaxy. Content to serve and obey the dragons in individuals such as hunters and adventurers. While the
times of plenty, and relatively calm if left in peace to go outright overthrow of the Masters is all but impossible
their own way, the humans, elves, dwarves, and goblins without outside help, these individuals usually confine
of Khetorash have also made trouble for their masters, their rebellion to quiet resentment and surly defiance of
rising up in anger if ill-treated and even — rarely — authority.
engaging in full-scale rebellion.
Technological Level
The various humanoid communities and kingdoms of
Khetorash have their own needs and interests as well,
engaging in trade and diplomacy, competing with one
another for the Masters’ favor, and sometimes going to
Khetorash is a world of magic, with arcane forces
war with one another. For their part the Masters allow
taking the place of science, providing the outer dragons
such things to happen so long as they do not unduly
with concealment, protection, and control. All-powerful
disturb the world’s harmony, or rob them of the tribute
and masters of significant magical forces, the outer
they feel is their due.
dragons are quite capable of defending themselves, even
8
Planetarium: Khetorash
against technologically-advanced foes. For the most part
Ioun Technology
however the outer dragons prefer to simply avoid the
9
keeping Khetorash hidden and ruthlessly destroying any
Planetarium: Khetorash
Economy and Resources
creatures with little in common. Unlike humans, the
dwarves are usually self-governing, for they like elves
Khetorash, The Dragon World
Ecology
outer dragons casts a long shadow over Khetorash and its
people, even in their daily lives and economic pursuits.
10
two races treat each other as if they are entirely foreign
Planetarium: Khetorash
and are fed upon by a wide range of predators. On the that is then carried off to their interplanetary homes,
surface, Khetorash’s ecosystems resemble those of many to engage in governance, or deliver judgement. At any
Apex Creatures
instantly reshape themselves, adjusting to the fact that
the visitor never came into being.
It is relatively certain that while the palace may exist
Khetorash’s true apex creatures are of course the throughout time, it remains in a fixed location, able
outer dragons who rule here. Exactly how many the to observe many places but unable to actually move
world and its environs hold is not known — certainly a there. Its relative stability in space (if not time) may be
single world can’t support more than a few hundred of a function of its design, suggesting that if it can easily
these remarkable creatures. Outer dragons can be of any exist in one dimension, it must be required to remain
age category save one — though the exact mechanism utterly stationary in all others. No one knows for sure,
is a mystery, only a single great wyrm of each subtype and those Khetorashi humanoids who have speculated
can exist at any time, and the current Master Dragons about the place generally keep their theorizing very,
have been around for eons. It is entirely possible that very quiet.
the Masters are immortal, and there is no evidence that Taràhengá lives somewhere in the palace’s labyrinthine
any have ever passed on or been replaced. In effect, the interior. It is said that the great time dragon occupies
Masters are now and always have been, though naturally a vast, dimensionally-transcendental chamber where
they refuse to share any information regarding their it floats in absolute serenity, watching time unfold
longevity and succession traditions. on a series of floating orbs that transmit images from
Besides the Imatál, the most powerful creatures on across the cosmos. If indeed Taràhengá does exist in
Khetorash are the wild beasts of the wilderness, drawn many times at once, it may have an infinite ability to
from many worlds to create a varied and often dangerous observe and consider, but at no time in living memory
environment. Tigers, lions, and other predatory cats has the mighty creature ever stirred from its vigil, nor
rub shoulders with packs of wolves, hyenas, wargs, does it communicate with anyone outside its fortress
and various dire creatures. Many familiar monsters, (even other outer dragons, much to their frustration)
aberrations, and magical beasts such as bulettes, save through the agency of its most trusted time dragon
chimera, hydra, displacer beasts, gibbering mouthers, advisors. Even then Taràhengá’s pronouncements are
sphinx, lemure and all non-outer dragons are, as noted cryptic at best and utterly incomprehensible at worst.
above, entirely missing from the scene, but the wild is a Time dragons of all ages come and go from the palace
challenging place nonetheless. at will, and some claim that a single dragon may enter
at one age, then leave at another — older to younger,
of their transgressions). Others might find great wisdom — graceful silver structures with tall thin towers
here, or possibly even powerful spells that might grant and spidery bridges that would normally have been
near-divine mastery over time and space. On the other impossible to construct under normal gravity. Like the
hand, it’s far more likely that any visitors will end up in moon the temples are utterly airless and only the lunar
a state of acute non-existence, and for all anyone knows, dragons can live here — in addition to the twins, the
they already have, and all memories of them and their temples serve as home to several other adult and ancient
exploits have been erased. lunars, who sometimes accompany the Masters on their
journeys to Khetorash and elsewhere.
The Flawless Garden Non-draconic visitors are rare, but the lunarkin
sometimes come here, and the twins or their fellow
lunars have been known to spirit away mortals to their
The magnificent and mathematically perfect demesne realm, providing their “guests” with magical breathing
called the Flawless Garden (Décannöetàs in the outer aids, or temporarily altering their physiologies so that
dragon language) is home to the creature generally they do not need air — the alternatives are at the whim
acknowledged as Khetorash’s ruler, the solar dragon of the dragons themselves. Though they can be cruel
Osomoé. Or rather, it is the great wyrm’s semi-permanent and mean-spirited, the dragons are not sociopaths, and
residence, for both Osomoé and his fellows spend have never done anything that would result in death or
much of their time dwelling on Khetorash’s sun, Domá, permanent injury to those they abduct (unless of course
dividing the remainder of their time between Khetorash their victims attempt to fight or retaliate, in which case
proper and the Flawless Garden. all bets are off).
The Garden takes the form of a great octahedron, Those few mortals privileged enough to visit the
orbiting precisely 300 miles above Khetorash’s equator. temples report that they are places of wild, unrestrained
“Flawless” is not merely a title — in keeping with the solar beauty and, in some cases fear. Their interior chambers
dragons’ lawful nature, every line and curve is perfect, change size and shape, mad splashes of color decorate
every angle exact. Within the great eight-sided structure walls, ever-shifting and reforming. Paintings and
lie great avenues, vast atria, wide picturesque galleries tapestries appear and disappear, sometimes coming to
and soaring sculpted arches, each so utterly perfect as to life and transforming into full three-dimensional life.
defy mere mortal perception. Many of these spaces are Statuary and sculptures likewise animate and move or
both wide to accommodate dragons on foot, and high so speak.
they may fly. There are no stairs in the Flawless Garden. Many legends surround the temples and what lies
The purpose of the Flawless Garden is to represent inside, many of which involve a supposedly-lucky
the perfection of Khetorashi society and the unyielding individual who is carried off to one of the moons, only to
consistency of the solar dragons. At its center lies the meet with terrible misfortune or an ironic fate — riches
high-vaulted hallway called the Shakasìlédha or Path of that vanish upon return to Khetorash, a joyful return
the Law, which is lined with colossal stone tablets, each only to find that decades have passed, or a boon that
inscribed with the laws of Khetorash in tiny, intricately- proves to have the opposite effect of that desired (a man
carved runes. Legend holds that these laws were created wishes for wealth only to find that it comes with vast and
the same day as Khetorash, and remained unchanged crushing responsibilities, a noble demands immortality
since, so perfect were they. The laws themselves only to be transformed into an unchanging statue,
are elaborate, detailed and for non-dragons, all but etc.). The moral of these tales is that “mere” humanoids
incomprehensible, but Osomoé and his fellow solar should never meddle or even consider involvement in
dragons — the Lédhaúlask or “Lawgivers” — state with the affairs of the outer dragons, but instead be content
absolute certainty they address and govern every single with their lot in life.
possible situation that might arise on Khetorash.
The Void
Of course, no one can question the dragons, especially
the Masters, so Osomoé’s assertion cannot be tested. It
is known, however, that the laws are enforced absolutely
and consistently, even when they do not favor the While the Lunars are the mischievous tricksters of
dragons (which is rare, but not entirely unknown). There Khetorashi mythology, the role of the masters of evil and
is certainly no question that Osomoé is an impartial mayhem falls to the void dragons, led by the fearsome
judge, and that his dragons enforce the law without Natòmagís. Creatures of dread and fear, the void dragons
emotion or prejudice. dwell in the eternal darkness of interdimensional space,
the place collectively called Natakhál, or “The Void.”
The Lunar Temples The Void is a place separate from the other planes
of existence, lying effectively in between dimensional
spaces, where only the void dragons can survive. While
On each of Khetorash’s twin moons, Eá and Nyaé, the very concept of a place of absolute emptiness and
stands a shining silver palace, home to the twin non-existence is in itself terrifying, there is an even
embodiments of chaos, the lunar dragons Lyssaena and worse aspect to the Void — that it can be used to travel
Thelssae. As the two palaces have identical floorplans to virtually any location on or near Khetorash, and that
and design, it is highly likely that they were designed by the void dragons and voidkin might unexpectedly appear
lawful entities (such as the solar dragons or their rigidly in even the safest and most seemingly-secure of places.
lawful forebears), but the presence of the sisters has And this is just what they do — though rare, the void
transformed both into random chaotic wonderlands filled dragons’ appearances are considered the direst of ill
with strange objects, devices, and magical phenomena. omens, for they invariably accompany death, destruction,
Officially called Et’hakhaná — the Lunar Temples — and terror throughout humanoid lands. The void-folk’s
and despite their name these dwellings are not actually destruction alone is of course terrible, but their arrival
places of worship, unless it is worship of disorder. The also comes with terrible misfortune that persists for
twins themselves are capricious, mischievous pranksters months or years after the dragons’ departure.
who enjoy spreading confusion on Khetorash and even When they vanish, the void dragons return to a place
teasing other outer dragons (though they rarely risk the of utter darkness and immateriality — how they survive
wrath of the other Masters). As such they are worshipped and what they do when they are there isn’t certain.
as trickster gods by the humanoids of Khetorash, and Some claim that Natòmagís and the other void-dwellers
those who feel the sting of their sometimes-cruel humor do not truly exist either — that they merge with the
12
Planetarium: Khetorash
Void’s absolute nothingness, but are summoned up by the daily struggles for survival and advancement.
the dark, incomprehensible forces of the cosmos, when Some of Lapangis’ neighborhoods are labyrinthine
A number of other smaller kingdoms and city-states The wreckage of a crippled scoutship may contain a
compete with the great Lapangan Empire, and chief lone survivor, or logs of an accidental FTL mishap that
among them is the Hysatian Federation, a fractious but landed the crew in the Khetorashi system, and include
powerful alliance of about a dozen smaller states who descriptions or images of mighty dragons attacking in
banded together under a single electoral authority to space! A character may have had a relative or ancestry
protect themselves from the Empire’s growing influence. who had discovered the world and barely escaped,
Sharing a long border with the empire, the Federation and left behind a journal or other evidence of the
has managed to maintain a regular and growing trade world’s location. A government, corporation, or secret
network, avoiding the Empire’s ruinous tariffs and organization may have their own evidence and dispatch
bureaucracy. the adventurers to the coordinates of the mysterious
From the Federation’s capital in the city of Hysatia, “anomaly” to discover what is truly there. These, and
the Elector (officially “First Citizen”) Artossa Morkhen many other options, are available to enterprising GMs.
manages a vast state with dozens of competing political Once evidence of Khetorash has been obtained the
and economic factions. So far his diplomatic and next step would naturally be to outfit an expedition
economic skill has kept the Hysatians a step or two to the place, either using the party’s own resources —
ahead of the Lapangans, and even forged an alliance supplies, starships, weapons, etc. — hiring a starship for
with the neighboring Madine Republic, but as always the transportation or signing on with an existing expedition.
Federation prospers at the pleasure of the dragons, who Regardless, the characters will need to get to the strange
have noted the region’s growing population, political and part of space where a vast nebula and arcane spells
military power. Should the Masters allow the Lapangans of concealment keep Khetorash hidden from view. At
to invade or, worse yet, decide that it’s time for a cull, this point, piercing the veil that hides the world is all-
the fragile alliance that keeps the Federation together important, and naturally the dragons have created other
may collapse into chaos. barriers, including ioun-based explosive mines, hostile
space creatures such as the whale-like oma, and spells
The Madine Republic of misdirection and confusion to keep intruders at bay.
Once past this line of defense, the party’s challenges are
Unlike the Hysatians, the more cosmopolitan Madine only just beginning, for if they approach Khetorash proper
Republic has a strong national identity, with several they must decide whether to use stealth or move in openly.
different human houses and cultures banded together A stealthy approach is probably best, for it is best not to
for the greater good. Ruled by the elven Lord Mhylos disturb or draw attention from the outer dragons who
Brightwing, the republic is comprised of 15 individual patrol Khetorashi space. An open battle with the dragons
provinces, which select senators to attend a biannual is likely to go badly for adventurers in a single starship,
congress, passing laws and managing the nation’s but any creative option should be allowed at this point. It
society. Mhylos and his allies in the senate know the is entirely possible the dragons will be aware something
new alliance with the Hysatians is risky, for any change momentous is coming, from the cryptic prophecies of
in the balance of power that threatens the dragons’ Taràhengá and the other dragons — fortunately their
prosperity could lead to open conflict, but the chance visions of the future when it comes to events outside
to create a new trade alliance independent of the Empire Khetorash, and the actions of aliens like the characters are
was too much of a temptation. Some of Mhylos’ advisors likely to be dim and indirect at best.
think that he has become too “human” for his own good, Reaching orbit undetected, players will have to locate
ignoring his family’s past obeisance to the dragons in a good place to land and fortunately, despite their near-
favor of human-style greed, but he dismisses these godlike status, the dragons are not all-powerful, and are
criticisms contemptuously. not well equipped to detect a small vessel or monitor all
places on the world. Planetfall in one of the wilderness
Adventure Hooks
regions would allow the characters to set up a secure
base, while coming in near settled areas would give them
quick access to locals and more opportunities to learn
about the new world. Once on the world, the characters
War!
In this case, adventurers would take the role of explorers,
diplomats, and scientists, journeying to Khetorash
incognito. Advanced probes and surreptitious observation
Khetorash can easily be the setting for a truly epic will have established many local customs, languages, and
set of adventures, either when its people rise up in full behavior, allowing characters to go in disguise, seeking out
rebellion against their draconic masters (see above), the fascinating and unique aspects of Khetorashi culture,
or when the galaxy at large learns of the world and gathering information, artifacts, folklore, and current
seeks to plunder its wealth by force. In either case, if events to help their employers form a full picture of this
the characters find themselves opposing the Masters, hidden world and its strange ways. Under no circumstances,
they will have their work cut out for them. Hundreds or the heroes are warned, should you interfere with or change
thousands of spacefaring dragons would be a challenge the planet’s indigenous culture.
for even advanced spacefleets, and their arcane powers Adventurers can once more engage in many different
(extradimensional travel, time manipulation, mastery of events this way — exploring and delving, collecting treasure
the elements and ioun technology among others) would and participating in Khetorashi society — though discovery
make any conflict long and utterly catastrophic. It is would lead to disaster, with the dragons learning that the
also possible that the balanced factions of Khetorashi outside galaxy has discovered them. In this case, they
dragons, destabilized by contact with the galaxy, or by may wish to actually make peaceful contact, or (as is more
the arrival of the characters themselves, finally turn on likely) double down and prepare for conflict. It’s possible
each other, plunging the world into out and out civil war. that the characters’ own skills may prevent this, allowing
Should Khetorash be ravaged by war, whatever the them to actually talk and reason with the normally-aloof
cause, characters will have a wide range of missions and and arrogant dragons, persuading them that it might be
adventures available. They may be spies, seeking out best to negotiate rather than fight.
enemy strengths and dispositions or freedom fighters,
working behind the lines with hard-pressed humanoid
partisans. They may command space fleets or armies, or
work to smuggle refugees out of war zones, or get vital
Natives
supplies to the rebels. It is also possible they may be In addition to all of the campaign ideas above, the most
able to contact factions within the draconic hierarchy, radical (and in some ways, most interesting) of these
and find the rare wise individuals who see the futility options is simply to start the characters as ordinary
and ultimate disaster of war and seek out peaceful inhabitants of Khetorash, a world ruled by dragons.
solutions, or even in extreme cases, throw their lot in There are several ways this can go, some of which might
with the rebels against their fellow dragons. require some outright subterfuge on the GM’s part. It’s
As noted above, this scenario rises naturally from possible that a campaign starts out as fantasy will take
others, including first contact and rebellion adventures, a sudden sharp turn into science fiction when outsiders
making a massive campaign that can possibly follow arrive, or when the PCs discover the truth about their
characters from first level on up. world through such plot twists as the discovery of a
crashed starship, the arrival of outside explorers, etc.
Ioun Smugglers
Needless to say, GMs should be aware of their players’
characters and how well such a twist will go down
before trying it — a group of players primed for fantasy
Should the characters not have a taste for inciting adventures who find themselves facing epic space opera
rebellion and leading the freedom-loving humanoids might take umbrage. If the players are game however,
of Khetorash in a near-hopeless struggle, there are a a band of adventurers who move from a strange but
number of other options, including learning about the familiar medieval setting into intergalactic exploits
world’s unique ioun technology. The myriad uses of ioun might have a great deal of fun.
15
Planetarium: Khetorash
OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a modifying or distributing, and You must add the title, the copyright date,
The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is and the copyright holder’s name to the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any
Legal Appendix
Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc (“Wizards”). All Rights Reserved. original Open Game Content you Distribute.
1. Definitions: (a)”Contributors” means the copyright and/or trademark 7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity,
owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b)”Derivative including as an indication as to compatibility, except as expressly licensed
Material” means copyrighted material including derivative works in another, independent Agreement with the owner of each element of that
and translations (including into other computer languages), potation, Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility or co-adaptability
modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work
compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may containing Open Game Content except as expressly licensed in another,
be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) “Distribute” means to reproduce, independent Agreement with the owner of such Trademark or Registered
license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does
distribute; (d)”Open Game Content” means the game mechanic and not constitute a challenge to the ownership of that Product Identity. The
includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such owner of any Product Identity used in Open Game Content shall retain all
content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over rights, title and interest in and to that Product Identity.
the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game 8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly
Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, indicate which portions of the work that you are distributing are Open
including translations and derivative works under copyright law, but Game Content.
specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) “Product Identity” means product 9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish
and product line names, logos and identifying marks including trade dress; updated versions of this License. You may use any authorized version of this
artifacts; creatures heros; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally
dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, distributed under any version of this License.
likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic 10. Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with
and other visual or audio representations; names and descriptions of heros, every copy of the Open Game Content You Distribute.
spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and special 11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market or advertise the Open
abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment, magical Game Content using the name of any Contributor unless You have written
or supernatural abilities or effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and permission from the Contributor to do so.
any other trademark or registered trademark clearly identified as Product 12. Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the
identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which specifically terms of this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game Content
excludes the Open Game Content; (f) “Trademark” means the logos, due to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then You may not
names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to identify Use any Open Game Material so affected.
itself or its products or the associated products contributed to the Open 13. Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to
Game License by the Contributor (g) “Use”, “Used” or “Using” means to comply with all terms herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of
use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise create becoming aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall survive the termination
Derivative Material of Open Game Content. (h) “You” or “Your” means the of this License.
licensee in terms of this agreement. 14. Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable,
2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that such provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it
contains a notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be enforceable.
Used under and in terms of this License. You must affix such a notice to any 15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added to or subtracted Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
from this License except as described by the License itself. No other terms System Reference Document. Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.;
or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content distributed using Authors Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, based on material by
this License. E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.
3.Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Starfinder Core Rulebook. © 2017, Paizo Inc.; Authors: Logan Bonner,
Your acceptance of the terms of this License. Jason Bulmahn, Amanda Hamon Kunz, Jason Keeley, Robert G. McCreary,
4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this Stephen Radney-MacFarland, Mark Seifter, Owen K.C. Stephens, and James
License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, L. Sutter, with Alexander Augunas, Judy Bauer, John Compton, Adam
non-exclusive license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Daigle, Crystal Frasier, Lissa Guillet, Thurston Hillman, Erik Mona, Mark
Game Content. Moreland, Jessica Price, F. Wesley Schneider, Amber E. Scott, and Josh
5.Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing Vogt.
original material as Open Game Content, You represent that Your Tome of Aliens © 2017 Frog God Games, LLC Authors: Anthony Pryor,
Contributions are Your original creation and/or You have sufficient rights Jeff Swank, Lance Hawvermale, Patrick Lawinger, and Edwin Nagy
to grant the rights conveyed by this License. Planetarium: Khetorash © 2017 Frog God Games, LLC Authors: Anthony
6.Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT Pryor, Jeff Swank, Lance Hawvermale, Patrick Lawinger, and Edwin Nagy
NOTICE portion of this License to include the exact text of the Planetarium: Khetorash © 2017 Frog God Games, LLC Author: Anthony
COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any Open Game Content You are copying, Pryor
ISBN 978-1-62283-412-9
16