Growing up (as a 90’s kid!), I encountered a number of book series, such as the Harry Potter series, Goosebumps, and others. The most ubiquitous of these series was Animorphs. It seemed no matter where I went, be it the library, the store, or other people’s homes, I would see a handful of random books from this series. Considering there were 54 books in the main series, it was not too surprising. I read a few of them back in my day and I can always remember the distinct aliens from this series. So, as per request from Luthorne from our discord, let’s take a look at the andalites!
Andalite CR 7
XP 3,200
N Large monstrous humanoid
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +14
DEFENSE
HP 105
EAC 19; KAC 21
Fort +11, Ref +11, Will +6
OFFENSE
Speed 40 ft.
Melee tail scythe +17 (2d6+13)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft.
STATISTICS
Str +6, Dex +2, Con +4, Int +3, Wis +1, Cha +1
Skills Diplomacy +19, Perception +14
Languages Andalite (telepathy 60 ft.)
Other Abilities morph
ECOLOGY
Environment any
Organization solitary, pair, or band (3–8)
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Morph (Ex) As a standard action, an andalite can attempt to touch an animal, humanoid, or monstrous humanoid within reach to absorb a portion of that creature’s DNA. If the creature is unwilling, the andalite must succeed on a melee attack roll against the creature’s EAC. Attempting to absorb an unwilling creature’s DNA provokes an attack of opportunity from that target. Once an andalite absorbs a creature’s DNA, it can morph into a perfect replica of that creature at the time of the DNA absorption by spending 2 minutes to transform. Once transformed, the andalite uses the statistics and abilities of the creature it transforms into. A morphed andalite can return to its original form at any time by spending 2 minutes to revert back. Returning to its andalite form grants the andalite its original statistics before the transformation, including any lost hit points and conditions. If an andalite remains morphed for longer than 2 hours, it can not return to its original form and remains in the morphed form indefinitely. There are no limits to the number of creatures an andalite can absorb. A typical andalite has the DNA of 1 CR 7 creature, 2 CR 6 creatures, 1d4 CR 5 creatures, and 2d6 creatures of CR 4 or lower.
Andalites are a race of centaur-like aliens from a far-off world. They are covered in blue fur and have a long tail that ends in a deadly scythe, which serves as an andalite’s main form as defense. This tail is very important to andalites, serving as an important symbol in andalite culture and rituals, and most andalites would rather die than live without a tail. Andalites have no mouth, and instead communicate through telepathy. Culturally, andalites are quite rigid with most male andalites serving in the military and female andalites acting as researchers and scientists. Andalites are exceptionally technologically advanced. They are capable of space travel using a form of hyperspace technology they refer to as Z-space. Additionally, they’ve developed the technology which allows them to morph into other creatures. When they transform, any excess biological mass is pushed into Z-space where it remains until they return to their original forms. Their morphs also pull upon this mass from Z-space when they transform into much larger creatures. On rare occasions, andalites can share this technology with other races, granting the same ability to morph. Andalites are not afraid of war and use their base form or train with a small selection of specific morphs for combat. A number of andalites travel the stars to locate another race known as the yeerks, a race of small slugs capable of controlling other creatures by entering their brains.
Monstrous Origins
Andalites are an aliens species from the Animorphs book series by K.A. Applegate. In the book, a group of teenagers encounters a dying andalite in a local construction site. In his last moments, the andalite grants these teens the ability to morph into animals to aid them in their fight against the evil aliens, the yeerks. The books are quite interesting, especially for a young adult series, as they look into the realities of combat, trauma, and other darker aspects of war. Throughout the series, the andalites are seen as amazing saviors from space, at least in the eyes of the protagonists. This concept is soon challenged, but I would recommend the series for that story. In the books, andalites use their morphing technology to transform into creatures, including other alien races. I tried my best to recreate this within Starfinder, but with a lack f spells like beast shape, it’s a bit difficult. I chose to go with a full replication of statistics without any kind of limiting factor. The idea is that if a creature with the morph ability can manage to touch a really powerful creature, they have earned the transformation. I also wanted to make sure I stuck with the rules established in the book regarding morphs. This is why it takes a long time to transform and there is a “limit” to the length of time one can be transformed.
That’s it for this week! If you end up introducing andalites into your game or you have any request for a future Monstrous Physique, please drop me a line at KnowDirection@hotmail.com.
