Vanilla Races Expanded - Starjack - Space Xenotype, Astrogenes and Genetic Abilities for RimWorld

Vanilla Races Expanded - Starjack is a RimWorld mod that expands the Starjack xenotype introduced in the Odyssey DLC, transforming these genetically modified humans into specialized space dwellers. The modification introduces new genes, abilities, and an Astrogene system that makes Starjacks particularly effective aboard gravships and in the vacuum of space, while creating additional challenges when they visit planetary surfaces.

Originally designed for life in zero gravity, Starjacks become more distinct from ordinary xenohumans through their genetic adaptations, oxygen sensitivity, and specialized capabilities.

Starjack Xenotype - Humans Adapted to Space

Vanilla Races Expanded - Starjack focuses on developing the biological characteristics of a xenotype designed for orbital environments.

Main features include:

• Space specialization: Starjacks are adapted for working and surviving in space.
• New genetic abilities: Additional genes expand their biological capabilities.
• Astrogene system: Special genetic bonuses become active only in space.
• Oxygen sensitivity: Planetary environments can negatively affect Starjacks.
• Gravship compatibility: Their abilities make them particularly suitable for orbital crews and space exploration.

These changes create a clear distinction between life aboard a gravship and survival on the planet's surface.

Astrogenes - Unique Space-Only Genetic Bonuses

The central feature of the modification is the Astrogene system, which introduces special genes that function exclusively in space.

By default, every newly generated Starjack receives two randomly selected astrogenes.

Unlike regular genes, astrogenes have several important properties:

• Their effects activate only in space.
• They provide additional advantages in orbital environments.
• They do not contribute to metabolic efficiency calculations.
• They do not increase genetic complexity.
• Their number can be customized through mod settings.

Players can adjust the number of astrogenes assigned to Starjacks from 0 to 5, with the default value set to 2.

This allows players to control how many space-specific genetic advantages their characters receive without changing their effectiveness on planetary surfaces.

New Genes and Genetic Customization

Vanilla Races Expanded - Starjack introduces several genes that expand the biological adaptations available to xenohumans.

New genes include:

• Vacuum-Impervious
• Cryostasis
• Vacuum Efficiency
• Spacejump Tail
• Oxygen Sensitivity genes with different levels of severity

These additions strengthen the distinction between space-adapted Starjacks and xenotypes designed for ordinary planetary life.

The genes introduced by the mod can also appear in genepacks, allowing players to obtain individual genes and apply them to other pawns.

This makes the new genetic options available beyond the Starjack xenotype itself.

Oxygen Sensitivity and Planetary Survival

One of the main disadvantages of Starjacks is their sensitivity to oxygen-rich environments.

Depending on their genetic configuration, living on a planetary surface can become increasingly hazardous.

Oxygen sensitivity only affects Starjacks on planetary surfaces. They do not experience these effects while aboard a gravship in orbit.

Players can also protect Starjacks from oxygen sensitivity by equipping them with apparel that provides at least 80% vacuum resistance.

This allows Starjack colonists to participate in surface expeditions while wearing appropriate protective equipment.

Requirements and Compatibility

Vanilla Races Expanded - Starjack requires both RimWorld Biotech and Odyssey DLC.

Biotech provides the genetic system used by the mod, while Odyssey introduces the original Starjack xenotype and space-related mechanics.

Compatibility information:

• Biotech DLC: Required.
• Odyssey DLC: Required.
• Existing saves: The mod can be added during an ongoing playthrough.
• Existing Starjacks: Characters created before installing the mod are not automatically modified. Only newly generated Starjacks receive the changes.
• Humanoid Alien Races (HAR): No separate HAR version is provided.
• Combat Extended: Compatibility has not been confirmed.

Removing the mod from an existing save is not confirmed to be safe and may cause problems with xenotype-related content.

Authors

• Oskar Potocki - Graphics and mod design.
• Sarg Bjornson - Programming.
• vitalii - Storyteller artwork.