Enemies of NeoExodus: Cyrix (PFRPG) by Jeff Lee is a role playing game supplement published by LPJ Design for use with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. As such, it is covered by the Open Game License and some parts are considered to be Open Game Content as a result.
The supplement is available from DriveThruRPG as an 18-page PDF for $3.99 although it was purchased at a reduced price during a sale. One page is the front cover, one the Open Game License and two are ads. There is a second, more printer-friendly version of the PDF that lacks the page backgrounds.
This is an NPC for the NeoExodus setting; in fact, it’s two different versions of the NPC with completely different backgrounds, never mind the different CR versions.
The Lies of the Powerful explains that both the Arman Protectorate and the Imperial Alliance deny the existence of Cyrix.
Cyrix, the Self-Aware Greatwork is the first version of the being. It starts with some background; Alka Kryszkaslawa and her lover Ivan Tibor were machinesmiths with a rather odd relationship. An accident resulted in Tibor being killed; Alka, after recovering, built a replacement which she used in a similar manner to her lover. Then she started repeatedly killing it and over time the automaton started remembering things, becoming conscious and building a new version of its body before finally escaping.
The CR 6 version is a Medium construct resembling an armoured skeleton, the form it originally constructed from parts that were to hand.
The CR 11 version is a Large construct that now sports a chassis and is more durable.
The CR 16 is a Large construct has now started creating necrotic golems and is exploring the concept of spreading its consciousness across multiple forms.
Finally, the CR 22 version is a metallic cloud of insectoid mechanisms that can work collectively or separately. It might be termed a macroscopic nanite cloud.
New Monster: Necrotic Golem is a cross between a flesh golem and a necrostruct.
Stats are then given for Alka Kryszkaslawa, a human machinesmith 11/transmechanical ascendant 5, who seeks out her former creation.
The second version follows; Cyrix, Rogue Psionic Matrix, which uses the Psionics Unleased rules from Dreamscarred Press. The different versions are similar to the previous ones, but have the addition of psionics. Again, it starts with some background. Section Omega of the Imperial Alliance tried to create a stable psionic matrix, a repository of knowledge. Eventually, they used Cyrus Emond, an aging psion and metamind, together with Alix Leone, a psion becoming an uncarnate. The personalities were merged into the being called Cyrix, but could not be controlled and escaped, and now continues the research that created it.
The CR 6 version is a Medium construct resembling an armoured skeleton again.
The CR 11 version is again a Large construct with a chassis.
The CR 16 version now starts creating thralls using the crystallised brains of the unworthy and again is looking to free itself from corporeal form.
The CR 22 version is an incorporeal construct.
Thrall of Cyrix Template is a new template for creating the being’s thralls.
Finally, Jarvuk Benda was the head of the research team that created Cyrix, and his wife was incorporated into the being.
Enemies of NeoExodus: Cyrix (PFRPG) in Review
The PDF is decently bookmarked with major and minor sections linked. Navigation is good. The text maintains a two-column format and appeared to be free of errors. As well as the cover illustration, there are some other colour ones that appear to be custom. Presentation is good.
Describing NPCs at several different CR levels is not that uncommon; there are a number of different supplements that do it. Possibly even with completely different abilities added. Where this stands out, though, is the psionic version of Cyrix is not merely the same creature with psionic abilities tagged on; it’s got a completely different back story as well. Essentially, two new NPCs in one supplement. If one of them is renamed, they could even be used as two different NPCs, though the descriptions might need tweaking. All told, this is an excellent little supplement with a monster, times two, plus associated story, minions and NPCs. Enemies of NeoExodus: Cyrix (PFRPG) is definitely recommended and it can be found by clicking here.
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