DIAGRAM OF A DROID

   The construction rules presented here are heavily influenced by the zombie creation rules found in the All Flesh Must Be Eaten RPG (p. 146). You follow the same steps here as in that book. Take the basic model and add any appropriate Features (akin to Aspects). These are divided in a number of categories ranging from how large they are, to how they think, to any special equipment they have. Each Feature has a Complexity number assigned to it. The higher the number, the more powerful/useful the Feature.

Basic Model

            In order to create a new droid model for your campaign, you have to start with the basic model. This is the mold from which all others are created. The basic model is a 1.7 meter-tall metallic humanoid with human-equivalent sight and hearing, and able to communicate verbally. Despite being two-legged, most droids cannot move as fast as human. However, unlike living beings, druids don’t need nourishment – their internal generators are more than enough to supply them with energy for their entire lifespans--, nor do they have to worry about endurance.

            Droids have all the normal attributes, except they replace Constitution with Toughness (a measure of the durability and redundancy of droid systems. They do not get to allocate points among attributes, but have a base of 2 with everything. Instead of Life Points, droids have Damage Points (DPs). Slashing and blaster damage do not double against droids.

STR	2	INT	2
DEX	2	PER	2
TOU	2	WIL	2

DPs: 25           Spd: 6
Skills: None
Attack: D4 x 2 (4) bash
Frame: Standard
Servos: Regular
Locomotion: Legged
Sensors: Basic
Communication: Vocabulator
Processor: Heuristic Level 1
Accessories: None
Complexity: 30

Frame

Light   Complexity: -3

Droids with a Light frame are built with less sturdy materials. This reduces their Toughness by 1 and halves their DPs. For example, a Light-framed Sub-Compact droid has Toughness 0 and 4 DPs.

Sub-Compact Complexity: -2

This droid has a diminutive size (around 20 cm). Ranged attacks against this unit are at -4; close combat attacks are at -1. It also gains a +5 bonus to Stealth/Crime and a +2 bonus to hit normal-sized targets. A Sub-Compact droid has Toughness 1 and 8 DPs.

Compact         Complexity: -1

A compact droid is around 1 m tall/wide. Ranged attacks against it incur a -1 penalty. However, it has +3 bonus to Stealth/Crime and +1 bonus to hit normal targets. This droid type has only 13 DPs.

Standard        Complexity: 0

The usual size of the basic model, a Standard frame is around 1.7 meters tall.

Large  Complexity: +3

Large droids (2.5-3 m) are towering machines that can intimidate even the most seasoned mercenary. They have 40 DPs.

Oversized      Complexity: +5

Oversized droids (around 4 m) are more vehicle than robot. In fact, this frame is often used in conjuction with the Vehicle one to build tanks and starfighters. This frame gives Toughness 3 and 50 DPs to the droid.

Reinforced     Complexity: +3

Reinforced frames are built to withstand more stress than the average droid is used to. It is commonly found in combat droids or those that operate in hostile environment, and can take the form of a hardened structure or redundant systems. The former increases Toughness by 1 and the latter DPs by 50%. For example, a Reinforced droid of standard size either has Toughness 3 or 38 DPs.

Vehicle           Complexity: +10/+25/+50

These droids are built to function primarily as combat vessels, but other uses, like transportation, are not uncommon. This frame multiplies the droid’s DPs, AV, shields and weapon damage by a factor based on the scale. Speeder frames frames multiply values by 2, Walker ones by 5 and Starfighter frames by 10.

 

Servos

Regular          Complexity: 0

The droid has the basic complement of actuators, motivators and appendages.

Claw   Complexity: -1

Instead of a hand, the droid has a claw or tentacle. Though it can hold items with the same strength, it lacks the precision of a fine manipulator: the droid is able to hold a blaster, but cannot fire it.

No Manipulators      Complexity: -3

The droid lacks any form of manipulation.

Actuators       Complexity: -3/+5/+10

Responsible for a droid’s Strength, actuators can range from Restricted to Enhanced, to Superior. Restricted actuators reduce Strength by 1 and Complexity by 3. The Enhanced type gives the droid Strength 4 and increases Complexity by 5. Finally, Superior actuators increase Strength to 7 and Complexity by 10.

Motivators     Complexity: -5/+5/+10

A droid’s Dexterity is directly related to the quality of its motivator system. Like actuators, motivators range from Restricted to Enhanced, to Superior. Restricted-quality motivators reduce Dexterity by 1 and Complexity by 5. An Enhanced system raises Dexterity to 3 and Complexity by 5. Superior motivators give a Dexterity of 4 and increase the Complexity by 10.

Extra Manipulators  Complexity: +3/arm

The droid has extra manipulators beyond the normal two. Each additional arm allows the droid to make another offensive or defensive maneuver that round without multiple action penalties.

Locomotion

Stationary     Complexity: -5

The droid can’t move. It is fixed at one location.

Drivetrain      Complexity: -2/+2/+5

A drivetrain is the main system behind a droid’s movement. A Restricted drivetrain halves Speed, an Enhanced one doubles it and a Superior one multiplies it by 5.

Wheeled/Tracked     Complexity: -1

Instead of legs, the droid has wheels or tracks. It is incapable of climbing stairs and the like.

Legged            Complexity: 0

The droid has two legs and moves with a Speed of 8.

Magnetic Feet           Complexity: +1

Magnetic plates on the droid’s feet allow it to walk on metal structures like starship hulls without falling.

Extra Legs      Complexity: +2/pair

The droid has extra legs beyond the normal two. Each additional pairs increases the droid’s Speed by 10. This Feature refers to legs used to move the droid. If the robot has extra legs, but they only increase the unit’s stability, they don’t increase Complexity.

Submersible  Complexity: +2

The droid is adapted to the underwater environment. It can swim at the same Speed it can move on the ground.

Burrower       Complexity: +3

The droid can move underground with a Speed of 1.

Repulsorlift   Complexity: +5

The droid moves by means of repulsorlift. It can hovers up to 10 meters above ground.

Ion Engines   Complexity: +15/Space speed

The droid is equipped with ion engines giving it space flight capability. Note that use of ion engines inside a planet’s atmosphere is frowned upon due to radioactive pollution. Because of that, ion propelled-droids usually have repulsorlift generators. In this case, the droid also possess an atmospheric speed equal to its space speed x 110 kph. This Feature requires the droid to also have the Starfighter Vehicle frame.

Hyperdrive     Complexity: +100/divisor

This Feature allows a droid with the Starfighter Vehicle frame to travel through hyperspace. The droid needs the Nav Database or Nav Computer Features, or another droid with them, in order to take full advantage of this Feature. Unless the droid was built to function only in space, it will also need Ion Engines and Repulsorlift.

Sensors

Sensory Package      Complexity: -1/+2/+5

Sensory Packages decodes the information the droid receives through its optical and aural receptors. A Restricted Package reduces Perception to 1, meaning the droid has only one sense, usually sight, and it’s not all that good. Enhanced Packages raise Perception to 4, while Superior ones raise it to 7.

Telescopic Sense      Complexity: Perception

One of the droid’s senses has a greater range. Sight or hearing (or both if this Feature is bought twice) can function with a magnification of Perception x 5.

Infravision     Complexity: Perception x 2

The droid can distinguish heat differentials up to Perception x 10 in meters.

Motion Sense            Complexity: Perception x 2

The droid can detect movement up to Perception x 10 in meters.

Communication

No Vocabulator         Complexity: -1

Though the droid understands all the languages it knows, it can only communicate in chirps and whistles of Binary.

Vocabulator   Complexity: 0

The droid can speak all the languages it knows.

Translator Unit         Complexity: +2/+5/+8/+10

After a point, it becomes more cost effective to install translator units than to hardwire language skills. These devices come in four models with ever increasing linguistic databases. The most common languages in the galaxy are available in all the models, but obscure ones may not. To find out if a translator unit has the appropriate language, roll a D10 and add the unit’s rating. A success indicates the translator has it stored in its database. Depending on the rarity of the language, the GM may apply negative modifiers. Translator units come in the following ratings: 2, 4, 6, 8.

Comm Array Complexity: +4/+8/+20

The droid is equipped with a long-range communication device. A commlink that can broadcast and receive transmissions up to 50 km away increases Complexity by 5. A 200 km-range increases it by 10. Finally, droids equipped with subspace transceivers (requires a Large frame) have their Complexity raised by 20.

Processor

Dedicated       Complexity: -10

The droid is only capable of performing that which it has been programmed to do. Even then, it does not display any kind of creative reasoning, doing his job within pre-established parameters. Intelligence drops to 0. Examples include the remote drones used in blaster and lightsaber training.

Advanced        Complexity: -5

Droids with an Advanced processor are able to find new solutions to small-scale problems. For example, a messenger droid would be able to find alternatives paths if the main one was blocked. Intelligence drops to 1.

Remote           Complexity: -3

The droid’s processor is not housed in its body, but in another place. This Remote processor can command thousands of droids equipped with the appropriate receiver within a range that can vary from 5 to 5,000 km, depending on the processor’s model. The drawback is that the volume of traffic slow the droid’s operation, giving it a –2 modifier to initiative. Remote processors also decrease Willpower to 1.

Heuristic        Complexity: 0 for Level 1/+5 for Level 2

The basic droid has a complex reasoning matrix that allows it to learn with its experiences and increase the volume of its databases. This ability extends to social interactions, enabling the automaton to develop behavioral sub-routines – i.e., personalities. At the GM’s discretion, droids with Level 1 Heuristic processors can slowly increase their hard-wired skill levels. However, despite all their flexibility, these droids can’t use skills they were not programmed with. Sure you can guide a 3PO unit to pilot a ship, but, by itself, it would never be able to do it. The ability to attempt unprogrammed skill use (what humans do) is only available to droids equipped with Level 2 Heuristic processors. Again, at the GM’s discretion, these units can gain new skills during their existence. A Level 2 Heuristic processor also raises the droid’s Intelligence by 1. A few rare times, Level 1 processors can spontaneously evolve to Level 2.

Logic System    Complexity: -5/+5/+10

Logic systems are the core of any processor. Though databases and neural nets are an integral part of a droid’s brain, it is the logic system that integrates it all. A Restricted logic system reduces Intelligence by 1, an Enhanced one raise it by 1, aand a Superior one by 2.

Independent     Complexity: +10

This Feature requires the Second Level Heuristic one. The droid’s learning ability transcended his built-in limitations and broke free of his original programming. It no longer recognizes a master or owner, seeing himself as a free, living individual. Increase Intelligence and Will to 3.

Accessories

Tool Mounts  Complexity: -3/0/+1/+2

Most droids leave factory with all the tools it needs to perform its job built-in. If a droid requires external tools, reduce its Complexity by 3. If it can use its internal devices as makeshift weapons, doing from D4 (2) to D10 (5) points of damage, increase it by 1. Retractable tools increase it by 2.

Equipment     Complexity: +1/equipment

This Feature encompasses all the minor equipment a droid may carry. Devices in this feature should not be very powerful or useful – no mine dispensers --, but can have minor game effects. For example, a fire extinguisher can neutralize 3 points of fire damage every round. Fire extinguishers, holorecorders etc.

Internal Compartments       Complexity: +1

Besides the space necessary to accommodate all the accessories and internal systems, the droid also has empty compartments to store other items. The compartment have a fixed volume, but its configuration can vary -- enough to hold a blaster pistol or a lightsaber. This feature can be bought multiple times to represent several such compartments or a really big one (the droid’s size should be taken into consideration).

Armor    Complexity: +1/5 AV

The droid is intended to be used in armed conflicts. To increase its survivability, it receives armor plating. Every level of this Feature confers an AV of 5. It is rare to find droids with armor greater than level three. Like personal versions, the droid’s armor is only half effective against blaster damage.

Nav Database    Complexity: +2

Though not a full fledged nav computer, this droid can store enough astrogational information for 10 jumps. A nav database negates the penalty for not having a nav computer. However, the GM may require the player to specify which jumps are programmed in the droid. Remember that going from A to B and back are two different jumps. The information stored can be replaced at any time.

Nav Computer           Complexity: +5

The droid’s brain functions as a nav computer allowing it to support unlimited astrogational computations.

Shields           Complexity: +10

The droid possesses shield generators similar to the ones found in starships. The shield has an AV of 25 and a Damage Capacity of 50.

Weapon Mounts        Complexity: By weapon

Built for conflict and security, or shadier activities, armed droids can come with a varied arsenal ranging from regular swords to repeating blasters. Use the first value for fixed weapons and the second for concealed or retractable ones.

Healing (by C.J. Carella)
     Every time a Droid is damaged, it can make a Toughness doubled roll. The robot regains 2 points per Success Level as secondary systems come on line to replace damaged ones. Only one roll per new wound is allowed, and each subsequent Toughness roll is at a -2 cummulative penalty. Given a replicator or spare parts and a competent mechanic, anything short of impairment damage can be repaired quickly, at the rate of 5 points per Success Level in a Mechanic + Intelligence roll (one roll per 20 minutes). If the body part is crippled, it takes much longer to repair; a Mechanic + Intelligence -2 roll recovers damage as above (1 roll per hour). Totally destroyed parts must be replaced.

---

DROID PCs

            Creating a droid PC follow the same steps as creating a zombie PC (check Enter the Zombie sourcebook for AFMBE) with a few differences. The player should choose his character’s model -- the basic one is available, from the write-ups below, or have the GM design another one. He should also add the Heuristic Level 2 and Independent Features to his droid. Then, he gets 6 points to spend in Attributes (1 point per level up to 5, 3 points per level after that), with each point spent increasing the character’s Complexity. Remember that droids are not limited by human maximums. Calculate Speed and Damage Points (as if they were Life Points) normally, but apply the modifiers from the appropriate Features, like Reinforced and Drivetrain. Subtract the droid’s Complexity from 95. The difference is the number of character points the player has available to spend on Qualities, Skills and Droid Features.

            Qualities and Drawbacks are purchased normally, except for the Force and racial ones which are, obviously, unavailable. Additional Damage Points can be acquired through the Hard to Kill Quality. Skills cost the regular prices. Only Features from the Processor and Accessories categories can be bought by the droid character, all others are forbidden. For example, if the droid model has the Enhanced Motivator Feature, the Superior one cannot be bought (but Dexterity may be raised using the 6-point Attribute Pool mentioned before). The Complexity of a Feature equals its cost in character points.

Example: Edson wants to create a bounty hunter protocol droid. He selects the 3PO model and adds the Heuristic Level 2 and Independent Features, increasing the model’s Complexity to 55. Then he spends his 6 points to raise Strength, Dexterity, Toughness and Perception to 3. Subtracting the character’s current Complexity of 61 from 95 leaves Edson with 34 points. He buys a 3-point Contact in the Galactic underworld, Fast Reaction Time and five levels of Hard to Kill. Edson decides X-3PO, the character’s name, has an Adversary, his old owner, who wants his property back. This gives him 3 more points. Now he has 25 points to spend in skills and Features. For the first, he picks Acrobatics 3, Blasters 4, Computers 2, Crime 4, Driving 2, Melee 3 and Notice 4. Edson also picks one level of the Armor Feature and a built-in electronic lockpick as an Accessory, spending 2 more points. Finally, Edson spends the last point to get an extra 1,000 credits (remember all characters have a 1,000 credits for free) and buys a heavy blaster pistol, a vibrosword and three fragmentation grenades. The last 400 credits are kept as spare money.

X-3PO, Bounty Hunter

Model: Cybot Galactica 3PO Human-Cyborg relations protocol droid

STR	3	INT	3
DEX	3	PER	2
TOU	3	WIL	3

DPs: 32           Spd: 12
Qualities: Contact (Galactic Underworld) 3, Fast Reaction Time, Hard to Kill 5
Drawbacks: Adversary (Old owner) -3
Skills: Acrobatics 3, Blasters 4, Computers 2, Crime 4, Driving 2, Influence 2, Knowledge 2, Melee 3, Notice 4
Attack: D4 x 3 (6) bash, D6 x 5 (15) blaster, (D6+2) x 3 (15) slash
Frame: Light -3
Servos: Restricted Actuator-3
Locomotion: Legged
Sensors: Basic
Communication: Vocabulator, Translator Unit
Processor: Heuristic Level 2, Independent
Accessories: Armor 5, Electronic Lockpick, Recording Unit

---

WRITE-UPS

The write-ups below use the Cinematic skill list. This is a result of my laziness and o ftrying to make droid design easier. If you want a a more Classic approach, just check the old version of these stats. Note that some skill levels have changed. Also remember to rais ethe droid's Complexity accordingly when you add the new skills.

FIRST DEGREE

2-1B Series
Model: Walking Medical Droid

STR	2	INT	4
DEX	4	PER	4
TOU	1	WIL	2

DPs: 13           Spd: 5
Skills: Computer 2, Medic 6, Science 2
Attack: D4 (2) stab
Frame: Light
Servos: Superior Motivator
Locomotion: Legged, Restricted Drivetrain
Sensors: Enhanced Sensory package
Communication: Vocabulator
Processor: Enhanced Logic System, Heuristic Level 2
Accessories: Computer Interface Tether, Tool Mount
Complexity: 60
Cost: 4,300 credits

 

SECOND DEGREE

R2 Astromech Droid
Model: Industrial Automaton R2 Astromech Droid

STR	1	INT	3
DEX	2	PER	4
TOU	2	WIL	2

DPs: 13           Spd: 4
Skills: Computers 3, Pilot 1, Repair 3
Attack: D6 (3) slash or electric
Frame: Compact
Servos: Restricted Actuator
Locomotion: Wheeled, Restricted Drivetrain
Sensors: Enhanced Sensory package, Infravision
Communication: No Vocabulator
Processor: Heuristic Level 2
Accessories: Extendable video sensor w/360-degree rotation, Fire Extinguiher, Holorecorder/projector, Internal Compartment, Magnetic Feet, Nav Database, Tool Mount, Video Display Screen
Complexity: 55
Cost: 4,525 credits

THIRD DEGREE

3PO Protocol Droid
Model: Cybot Galactica 3PO Human-Cyborg relations protocol droid

STR	1	INT	2
DEX	2	PER	2
TOU	1	WIL	2

DPs: 13           Spd: 6
Skills: Influence 2, Knowledge 3
Attack: D4 x 1 (2) bash
Frame: Light
Servos: Restricted Actuator
Locomotion: Legged
Sensors: Basic
Communication: Vocabulator, Translator Unit
Processor: Heuristic First Level
Accessories: Recording Unit
Complexity: 40
Cost: 3,000 credits

 

FOURTH DEGREE

Battle Droid (Commander)
Model: Baktoid Combat Automata Commander Droid
Appearance: 1.8 meter

STR	2	INT	2
DEX	3	PER	2
TOU	2	WIL	1

DPs: 26           Spd: 10
Skills: Blasters 2, Influence 2, Notice 2, Wild Card (Tactics) 2
Attack: D6 x 5 (15) blaster, 3/30/100/300
Frame: Standard
Servos: Enhanced Motivators
Locomotion: Legged
Sensors: Basic
Communication: Vocabulator, Comm Array (50 km)
Processor: Heuristic Level 1, Remote
Accessories: Armor 5
Possessions: Blaster rifle
Complexity: 45
Cost: 1,000 credits
Notes: Can be stored in racks at half-size.

Battle Droid (Infantry)
Model: Baktoid Combat Automata Battle Droid
Appearance: 1.8 meter

STR	2	INT	1
DEX	3	PER	2
TOU	1	WIL	1

DPs: 13           Spd: 8
Skills: Blasters 2, Notice 2
Attack: D6 x 5 (15) blaster, 3/30/100/300
Frame: Light-3
Servos: Enhanced Motivators +5
Locomotion: Legged
Sensors: Basic
Communication: Vocabulator, Comm Array (50 km) +3
Processor: Advanced -5, Remote -3
Accessories: None
Possessions: Blaster rifle
Complexity: 31
Cost: 800 credits
Notes: Can be stored in racks at half-size.

 

Destroyer Droids
Model: Colla IV Droid Manufacturing "Droideka" Destroyer Droid
Appearance: 1.2 meter

STR	2	INT	1
DEX	3	PER	3
TOU	3	WIL	1

DPs: 26           Spd: 12, 24
Skills: Blasters 3, Notice 2
Attack: D6 x 7 (21) blaster, 3/50/120/300
Frame: Standard, Reinforced
Servos: Enhanced Motivators, No Manipulators
Locomotion: Enhanced Drivetrain, Wheeled
Sensors: Enhanced Sensory Package
Communication: No Vocabulator
Processor: Advanced, Remote
Accessories: Armor 10, Shields, Weapon Mount (Light Repeating Blaster, fire-linked) x 2
Complexity: 56
Cost: 9,000 credits

 

Rim Securities' K4 Security Droid
Model: Rim Securities' K4 Security Droid
Appearance: 1.6 meter

STR	2	INT	2
DEX	4	PER	2
TOU	2	WIL	2

DPs: 26           Spd: 12
Skills: Blasters (Rifle) 5, Dodge 5
Attack: D6 x 5 (15) blaster
Frame: Standard
Servos: Superior Motivators
Locomotion: Legged
Sensors: Basic
Communication: Vocabulator
Processor: Heuristic Level 1
Accessories: Armor 10, Weapon Mount (Blaster Rifle)
Complexity: 56
Cost: 7,500 credits