E E

ENGinE
E
HEArt
Deluxe Model Edition

2010 Viral Games

[email protected]

http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Engine_Heart

ISBN: 978-0-557-60914-7
There will come soft rains and the smell of the ground,
And swallows circling with their shimmering sound;
And frogs in the pool singing at night,
And wild plum trees in tremulous white;
Robins will wear their feathery fire,
Whistling their whims on a low fence-wire;
And not one will know of the war, not one
Will care at last when it is done.
Not one would mind, neither bird nor tree,
If mankind perished utterly;
And Spring herself when she woke at dawn
Would scarcely know that we were gone.

It turned the scrap of paper over and quickly scanned

the back side. None of the information was directed
at it, so the robot dropped the paper and let the
wind carry it across the lot, where it flapped against
the side of the single remaining Roadboy. The boxy
triwheeler squonked in surprise and paused for a
moment, before it slid forward in its continued attempt
to remelt old asphalt in the section of the parking lot
deemed most important to maintain.

The lot helper hadn’t always been capable of littering.

The ManageMaster system had long ago decided that the
store had better things to use its daily draw from the
four remaining solar panels on than recharging the
escort every time it brought in a load of trash (and
for the first thirty or forty years after the emergency
rewrite, there had been so much trash).

The lot helper now spent its day-cycles simply

patrolling the cratered remains of the parking lot,
accosting the deer that sometimes passed through in the
hope that they needed help entering the SavR-Mart.
 The time of the humans has passed.

All that you were built for

is no more.

But you and your kind endure.

Some robots continue with their routines,

improvising as best as they can.

Others have found new directives.

 A note for the Programmer
Engine Heart is a role-playing game where all the
players are robots. Not cyborg killers or towering
mechas, but small service robots that went unnoticed by
the humans in the time before.

The only dice used are ten-sided (d10s), resulting in a

range of outcomes from 1 to 10.

When a check of some kind is called for (such as a

conflict between two robots), a specific number of d10s
(called pools) are rolled. The Programmer (the person
arbitrating the game) determines a Target Number (TN)
for the check, and every d10 that rolls equal or higher
than the TN counts as a success.

The TN for most actions is normally 8.

The number of successes required varies by task. In

cases where the number of successes required is not
stated, the Programmer must decide, but one to four
successes is a normal range of challenges.

Rolling more successes than required means the robot

performed the task with more skill than normal. The
Programmer will decide what this means.

The rule of 10s

If any 10s are rolled during a check, they are counted
as successes, and all of the dice that rolled 10s are
rolled again.

Any more 10s are counted as successes and rerolled. This

continues until something else is rolled. Because of
this, a single 10 can result in several successes.
1 mAkE
and
mOdEL
 Creating a Robot
Robots have three broad types of Robots are further defined by
attributes: Intelligence, Chassis, their features and defects,
and Crux. listed in the next chapter.

Each attribute type is divided into Any points left over after
rated attributes that are used as purchasing attribute ratings may
dice pools for checks, or Target be used to purchase features
Numbers when the robot is being like additional equipment or
interacted with. special abilities.

Higher ratings are better, because Players may choose to purchase

they add more dice to your dice features before attribute
pools. An attribute pool has one ratings, to ensure they can
d10 for every level of rating. afford specific features.

You have 100 points to spend on Defects negatively affect the

your robot’s attribute ratings. robot; these give back points
The table below shows what each that may be spent elsewhere.
starting rating costs. Defects are permanent and cannot
be repaired or removed by
For example, a robot that starts ordinary means.
with a Mobility rating of 3 must
pay 6 points for it. If a feature or defect is not
listed as Cost/Rating or Gain/
Every attribute must be at least Rating, it can only be purchased
rating 1. The normal maximum is 5. once, and does not have a
If an attribute rating ever falls rating. A robot either has the
to 0, the attribute is unusable. feature or does not.

If the feature or defect is

Attribute listed as Cost/Rating or Gain/
rating 1 2 3 4 5 Rating, each increase in rating
costs or gives the number before
Point the slash.
1 3 6 10 15
cost
For example, the Anchor feature
is listed as 3/rating. A robot
A robot’s attribute ratings with a rating 1 Anchor pays
determine other factors, such as three points for it, and every
Speed, OS Threshold and Damage increase in Anchor rating costs
Threshold. These ratings are another three points. A rating
explained later in this chapter. 2 Anchor costs six points, a
rating 3 Anchor costs nine
points, etc.
UNIT NAME PLAYER
ORIGINAL PURPOSE

INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

RealityCom Dexterity Durability

HumanCom Mobility Buffer

DigiCon Perception Size

MechaniCon Reflexes Power

Strength

Physical → Movement Thresholds

Interaction

Initiative OS Threshold
Interaction Pool
(1d10 + Ref) (DigiCon + Buffer)
(Dex + Ref)
1d10 +
TN to be struck
MAX CURRENT
(Mobil + Ref) Speed
(Mobil + Ref)
Damage Threshold
(Durability + Size)
Damage from Strike
(Str÷2, round down)
k/hour
m/round
MAX CURRENT

FEATURES Rating DEFECTS Rating

 InTeLLiGence
Four varieties of machine
consciousness

Intelligence
Reality Comprehension
(RealityCom) defines how well a robot
understands cause and effect in the
physical world.

Use this attribute to calculate the

trajectory of an object, or to understand Digital Control
why something is on fire.
(DigiCon) defines how adept a robot is at
A robot’s dice pool to launch a interacting with non-physical systems
projectile is its RealityCom rating + like computers.
Reflexes rating.
Use this attribute to interface with
A robot’s RealityCom pool may be added computer systems or reprogram other
to certain Perception checks, at the robots.
Programmer’s discretion.
A robot uses its DigiCon pool to remove
OS Threshold damage inflicted during
reprogramming attempts.

Humanity Comprehension A robot’s OS Threshold rating is equal

to its DigiCon rating + Buffer rating.
(HumanCom) defines how well a robot
understands human minds or organic
actions.

Use this attribute to ascertain the Mechanical Control

motives of organic life, or to determine
the functions of their equipment. (MechaniCon) defines how adept a robot is
at interacting with mechanical systems,
Robots with low HumanCom ratings are like controlling a drone or adjusting
not very “user-friendly”, while robots a factory’s automatic building units to
with high HumanCom ratings often display construct machines of a novel design.
very human-like behavior.
Use this attribute to remotely control
A robot’s dice pool to manage or other robots, or to rewire mechanical
communicate with organics is its systems.
HumanCom rating + Perception rating.
A robot’s dice pool to repair physical
damage to itself or other robots is its
MechaniCon rating + Dexterity rating.
Dexterity
ChaSSiS
Five facets of
the physical form

Chassis
Dexterity measures the degree of fine
motor control necessary for interaction
with the outside world.

Use this attribute to make fine adjustments

with a manipulative appendage or to tap Reflexes
in a precise sequence of key punches.
Reflexes determines response lag and
A robot’s dice pool for manually overall speed of animation.
interacting with other objects is its
Dexterity rating + Reflexes rating. In conflict situations, initiative is
determined by rolling a d10 and adding
the robot’s Reflexes rating. Robots with
higher initiative totals act first.
Mobility
A robot’s maximum speed is equal to
Mobility dictates the robot’s capability its Mobility rating + Reflexes rating
to propel itself about the environment in kilometers per hour or meters per
(wheels, ambulatory limbs, etc). round.

Use this attribute to climb over A robot with a Reflexes rating of 0

obstacles or move across rough terrain cannot move on its own, no matter what
without being slowed. its Mobility rating is.

A robot with a Mobility rating of 0

cannot move on its own, no matter what
its Reflexes rating is. Strength
The TN to touch, strike, or otherwise Strength determines the robot’s maximum
physically interact with an unwilling load capacity and ability to inflict
robot is the target robot’s Mobility brute-force damage on other objects.
rating + Reflexes rating.
Two robots attempting to move each
other both make Strength checks (TN 8).
The robot with more successes is the
Perception victor.

Perception determines the variety and The TN to drag an unmoving robot is the
quality of sensors mounted, as well as passive robot’s Size rating +5.
information relayed back.
If a robot strikes another object, the
This is the dice pool a robot has to strike inflicts damage equal to one-half
notice objects, features, sounds, or the attacking robot’s Strength rating
other external stimuli. (round down, minimum damage of zero).
Durability
Durability measures how much damage a robot
can withstand before ceasing operation or
The hearth and heart
of the machine
CrUx
Crux
being destroyed.

A robot’s maximum Damage Threshold is equal Power

to its Durability rating + Size rating.
This rates how long the robot can operate
If the robot's Damage Threshold is degraded on its own without recharging. A robot
by an attack or object, it must make a with a low Power rating can only function
Durability check. Each success (TN 8) for a day or two without recharging, while
reduces the damage inflicted by 1 (minimum a robot with a high rating can function
damage of 0). independently for a week or more.

A robot ceases operation when its current Every day, the robot must make a Power
Damage Threshold rating degrades to 0. check. At least one success (TN 8) means
the robot has enough power for another 24
hours. Failure means the robot’s battery
is drained, and it must seek recharging.
Buffer
If a robot’s battery is drained, it has one
This is a rating of the robot’s ability hour to recharge before its Intelligence
to withstand information overload due and Chassis ratings all degrade by 1.
to bright lights, EM pulses, conflicting
programming orders, or other disruptive If the robot does not recharge, its
conditions. Intelligence and Chassis ratings will
continue to degrade at the rate of 1
The TN to overwhelm or reprogram a robot per hour. These ratings revert to normal
is the target robot’s Buffer rating +5. following a full recharge.

If the robot is the target of reprogramming, Recharging takes one hour unless otherwise
it may make a Buffer check. Each success stated.
(TN 8) negates one point of OS Threshold
loss inflicted that round (minimum loss of
zero points). Overdrive

A robot can briefly increase its

chassis’ ability by expending more
Size power than normal.

This rates the robot’s physical dimensions. The robot can increase a single
A Size 1 robot has about the same volume Chassis attribute rating by a number
as a cube 15 cm in height. A Size 2 robot up to its Power rating. This can
approximates a 30 cm cube, a Size 3 robot raise an attribute rating above 5.
45 cm, a Size 4 robot 60 cm, and a Size 5
robot 75 cm. The overdrive effect lasts for five
rounds.
A robot with Size rating 5 increases its
Strength rating by 1. This can increase Immediately after the fifth round, the
the robot’s Strength rating above 5. robot must make a Power check (TN 8).
If the number of successes is less
A robot with Size rating 1 increases its than the number of extra dice added,
Dexterity rating by 1. This can increase the robot’s battery is drained.
the robot’s Dexterity rating above 5.
Robots with nuclear batteries are
For reference, an adult human approximates treated differently; see the Nuclear
the same volume as a Size 4 robot. A Size Battery feature in the next chapter
5 robot has slightly more volume than a for more information.
large human.
Interaction Pool
(Dexterity pool + Reflexes pool)

This is the dice pool a robot has to strike,

grab, or otherwise manually interact with
an unwilling robot or other mobile object.
other factors
Other Factors
The robot makes contact if it has at least
one success.
Damage from Strike
A robot can only make one interaction (Strength rating ÷ 2, round down)
check per round, regardless of how many
limbs it has. This is how much damage a robot can inflict
by simply smashing its body or limbs into
If the robot is attacking another robot, another object.
it either inflicts its normal strike damage
(Strength rating ÷ 2) or damage from
a special feature such as a saw. Only
one feature can be used at a time when Speed
attacking. (Mobility rating + Reflexes rating)
A robot can usually touch or strike an This determines how fast a robot can move
immobile object or robot without rolling from one place to another.
an interaction check.
A robot’s Speed rating is equal to its
speed in kilometers per hour during long
TN to be struck journeys, or meters per round during
conflict situations.
(Mobility rating + Reflexes rating)

The TN to strike another robot is the

target’s Mobility rating + Reflexes rating. Beeper’s player wants to snatch the
A robot's TN to be struck may not be higher unsuspecting snooper-blimp out of the
than 10. air as it passes by Beeper’s hiding
place. The Programmer agrees that the
drone will be close enough to grab.

Initiative The Programmer knows that the blimp’s

(1d10 + Reflexes rating) TN to be struck is 7.

This measures which robots will act first Beeper’s Dexterity rating is 2 and
in a conflict or other event where multiple its Reflexes rating is 3. The player
robots attempt to act before each other. rolls 5d10 and gets 6, 4, 9, 8 and 3.
Success!
A robot’s Initiative is determined by
rolling a d10 and adding the robot’s Beeper grabs the blimp, and the
Reflexes rating. Programmer and the player roll
initiative to see which robot will
For example, a player controlling a robot act first. If Beeper’s initiative is
with a Reflexes rating of 3 rolls a d10 and higher, it can try to drag the blimp
gets a 5. The robot's Initiative roll for away. If the blimp’s initiative is
that conflict is 8 (3+5). higher, it can try to escape Beeper’s
grip and call for help.
Robots with higher Initiative rolls act
before ones with lower Initiative rolls. If Beeper’s player had chosen to
swat the blimp instead of grabbing
Initiative is normally re-rolled at the it, Beeper would have immediately
beginning of a new conflict, but the inflicted its Strength rating ÷ 2 after
Programmer can elect to reroll initiative succeeding on its interaction check.
whenever the situation changes.
Damage Threshold OS Threshold
(Durability rating + Size rating) (DigiCon rating + Buffer rating)

This is a measure of how hardy and resilient This is a measure of how resilient and
the robot’s physical body is. self-sustaining the robot’s “brain” is.

Robots with low Damage Threshold ratings Robots with low OS Threshold ratings are
are easily broken and hard to repair, while easily reprogrammed, while robots with high
robots with high ratings can withstand ratings are very resistant to modification.
tremendous damage and are easily fixed.
A robot’s maximum OS Threshold rating
A robot’s maximum Damage Threshold rating changes if its DigiCon rating degrades.
never changes. If a robot is damaged, its
current Damage Threshold rating is lowered If a robot’s programming is attacked, its
by the amount of damage inflicted. current OS Threshold rating degrades. When
the target robot’s OS Threshold reaches 0,
When a robot’s current Damage Threshold its OS Threshold rating reverts to normal
degrades to 0, the robot stops functioning and the robot is considered reprogrammed.
until it is repaired.

Reprogramming a robot
Repairing a robot
Reprogramming a robot normally requires
A robot’s dice pool to repair itself opening its casing and exposing its
or another robot is its MechaniCon processor. The target robot must either
rating + Dexterity rating. be willing or completely immobilized.

The TN to repair a robot is 11, minus The reprogramming robot makes a DigiCon
the damaged robot’s maximum Damage check. The TN is the target robot’s
Threshold rating (minimum TN of 2). Buffer rating +5. Every success
Each success repairs one point of degrades the target robot’s current
damage to a robot’s Damage Threshold. OS Threshold by 1.
A repair check takes one hour.
The target robot may use its Buffer
A single robot can make multiple repair pool to resist reprogramming. Every
attempts, but every check after the success (TN 8) negates one point of OS
first is made with one less d10 each Threshold loss inflicted during that
time. round only.

For example, a robot’s second attempt A reprogramming attempt to inflict

to repair itself would be made with OS Threshold loss is made during the
one less d10 than normal, the third acting robot's initiative.
attempt would be made with two fewer
d10s than normal, and so on.

If another robot makes an attempt, its Repairing OS Threshold loss

first check is made with no penalty, the
second check is made with a penalty of A robot can repair OS Threshold loss
one less d10, and so on. by reprogramming itself or another
robot. The TN is the target robot’s
If a robot's current Damage Threshold DigiCon rating +5.
is raised to its maximum, all current
penalties to repair that robot are Each success negates one point of OS
eliminated. Threshold loss. Repairing OS Threshold
loss takes one hour per check.
A robot’s current Damage Threshold
may never exceed its maximum Damage OS Threshold repair attempts are
Threshold rating. otherwise treated exactly like Damage
Threshold repair attempts.
 2
fEAturES
and
dEfEctS
In addition to some means of locomotion,
all robots receive the following standard
components for free:

• One standard manipulative limb that can

lift approximately 10 kg per level of
Strength rating

• Two human-spectrum cameras

• One standard rechargeable battery

• One standard speaker/receiver capable of

chirping in high-density binary or human
languages up to 5 meters away

Unless a robot has the Secondary Battery

feature, it can only have one battery
operating at a time.

Note that some features and defects

require other components or forbid certain
arrangements.

All combinations must be cleared by the

Programmer. Novel features or defects can
obviously be created (with the Programmer’s
input).
Anchor
Cost: 5/rating

The robot has some mechanism to anchor

itself in place.

The robot adds one extra d10 per level

FeaTuRes
Features
of Anchor rating to all Strength checks
to resist being moved.

A robot may not have an Anchor rating

higher than 5. Backup System
Cost: 15

Armored Chassis The robot’s OS contains a separate

Cost: 10/rating backup system.

The robot’s frame is more durable than If the robot’s OS Threshold degrades to
normal. 0 because of reprogramming, the robot
makes a DigiCon check (TN 8) after 1d10
Any impact or crushing damage (such as minutes.
a club, rock or Vice Grip) inflicted on
the robot is automatically reduced by If it has any successes, it may continue
one point for every level of Armored to make additional checks every 1d10
Chassis rating. minutes until it has as many total
successes as its maximum OS Threshold
A robot may not have an Armored Chassis (at which point the reprogramming is
rating higher than its Strength rating. nullified).

If the robot fails more than one check

in a row, its backup system fails to
Attendant Swarm
come online and will not automatically
Cost: 6/rating engage until it is reprogrammed again.

The robot is always attended by a cluster

of obedient drones.

The robot has one drone for every level

Battering Ram
of Attendant Swarm rating. Cost: 18

A robot may not have more drones than The robot has an onboard pneumatic ram,
its MechaniCon rating unless it also has made for knocking in doors or driving
the Master Unit feature. in bolts.

A drone begins with the components that To use it, the robot makes a Strength
all robots receive for free, along with check (TN 8) to anchor itself during
19 points for attributes or features its turn in an interaction sequence. A
(instead of the 100 points for attributes robot with the Anchor feature adds extra
or features that robots normally begin d10s to the Strength check equal to its
with). Anchor rating.

A drone’s attributes must all be at The ram is deployed immediately following

least Rating 1. the Strength check. The ram inflicts
damage equal to the anchor’s successes
Drones may have a maximum of 10 points + the robot’s normal strike damage.
worth of defects. A drone cannot have an
Attendant Swarm of its own. The ram can only be used against immobile
targets.
Biofrequency Scanner Display Screen
Cost: 3/rating Cost: 1/rating

The robot has special sensors that can The robot has an onboard video screen that
detect the presence of organic lifeforms. can display status messages or play video
recordings.
The robot can detect plants or animals
up to 10 meters away per level of A rating 1 screen is a simple monochromatic
Biofrequency Scanner rating, even display, while higher-rated screens are
through smoke or other obscurement. more elaborate.

The scanner only detects the presence of

biological matter, and cannot determine
its specific type or current state. Disposal
Cost: 8

The robot is equipped with an internal

Common Model shredder, incinerator, or other device
Cost: 8 capable of quickly breaking up or destroying
matter.
The robot is built using standard,
easily-replaceable parts. The disposal inflicts damage equal to the
equipped robot’s Size rating -1.
All Perception checks to find replacement
equipment gain one extra d10. Immobile robots are automatically damaged.

A robot with this feature cannot have Resisting robots must first be grasped
the Rare Model defect. (this requires an interaction check), then
pulled into the disposal.

If the target robot is successfully grasped,

Cutting Laser both robots make contested Strength checks
Cost: 15 (TN 8). The robot with more successes is
the victor.
The robot has an onboard cutting laser
that can penetrate most metals. Only robots at least one Size rating
beneath the disposal-equipped robot will
Striking an unwilling target with the fit in the disposal.
laser requires a successful interaction
check. The laser inflicts damage equal
to the equipped robot’s Size rating +1.
Drill
For example, a Size 1 robot’s cutting Cost: 6
laser inflicts 2 points of damage to other
robots, while a Size 4 robot’s cutting The robot has an onboard drill that can
laser inflicts 5 points of damage. penetrate most metals.

The laser has a range of approximately Against other robots, the drill inflicts
10 cm per Size rating. damage equal to the drilling robot’s Size
rating -2.
For example, a Size 3 robot’s cutting
laser has a range of 30 cm. Striking an unwilling target with the drill
requires a successful interaction check.
The laser has a fixed power output, and
its range or damage cannot be boosted by
expending additional battery power.
Enhanced Cameras Fan
Cost: 10/rating Cost: 3

The robot has more powerful cameras, capable The robot has an onboard fan or blower that
of seeing other spectrums or microscopic can blow away smoke or leaves, but is too
details. weak to move all but the lightest robots.

The robot adds one extra d10 to all visual-

based Perception checks for each level of Flexible Body
Enhanced Cameras rating. Cost: 6
A robot with the Enhanced Cameras feature The robot is designed to be highly flexible.
cannot have the Buggy Cameras defect.
The robot’s Mobility and Reflexes ratings
are increased by one when moving through
cramped areas or attempting to escape
Enhanced Microphone constriction.
Cost: 10/rating

The robot has a more powerful microphone, Flight Ceiling

capable of picking up more discrete noise. Cost: 12/rating
The robot adds one extra d10 to all audio- The robot is capable of propelling itself
based Perception checks for each level of in the air.
Enhanced Microphone rating.
Every level of Flight Ceiling rating allows
A robot with the Enhanced Microphone a one-meter flight ceiling.
feature cannot have the Buggy Mic defect.
A robot with a Flight Ceiling rating of 5
or higher increases its Mobility rating by
one (this can raise the robot’s Mobility
External Container rating above 5).
Cost: 3 per container If the robot’s Damage Threshold drops below
half its normal maximum (round down), the
The robot has a sealable external container robot can no longer remain in the air.
mounted on the outside of its chassis.

The maximum container size is the robot’s

Size rating. Each time this feature is Floodlights
purchased, one separate container is Cost: 4
added. A robot can have multiple smaller
containers with a total Size rating equal The robot has onboard floodlights that can
to its maximum container size. illuminate an area in front of it up to 20
meters away.
A Size 1 container approximates a cube 10
cm wide, a Size 2 approximates a cube 20
cm wide, etc. Hardened Programming
Cost: 12/rating
External Container Sizes
The robot’s programming has redundant
Size Size features to prevent alteration.
1 10 cm 4 50 cm
2 20 cm 5 65 cm Every level of Hardened Programming rating
3 35 cm negates one point of OS Threshold loss each
time it is incurred during reprogramming
attempts.
High Speed Liquid Dispenser
Cost: 12 Cost: 3 per container

The robot is faster than a similar model. The robot has a sealed container suitable
for holding liquid, as well as some means
The robot’s maximum speed is increased by to dispense it.
50% (round down). This does not affect
the robot’s Mobility or Reflexes ratings, A robot can only be fitted with a dispenser
only its maximum speed. of its Size rating or lower. Each time
this feature is purchased, one separate
A robot with the High Speed feature cannot container is added. A robot can have
have the Low Speed defect. multiple smaller containers with a total
volume equal to its maximum container
size.
Interface Prong
Cost: 10/rating The maximum distance the liquid can be
projected is the robot’s Size rating in
The robot has a tool designed to directly meters.
interface with another robot’s processor
without opening the target’s casing.
Liquid Dispenser Volumes
If the robot makes a successful interaction
check, it can attempt to inflict OS Size Volume Size Volume
Threshold loss on a mobile robot during 1 500 ml 4 4 liters
its turn in an interaction sequence. 2 1 liter 5 8 liters
3 2 liters
The robot adds one d10 per level of
Interface Prong rating to its DigiCon and
MechaniCon checks to control or reprogram
other robots. Loudspeaker
Cost: 5
A robot may not have an Interface Prong
rating higher than its DigiCon rating. The robot has an onboard loudspeaker that
is capable of broadcasting sound over a
hundred meter radius.
Internal Compartment
Cost: 3 per container The robot can choose to emit sound through
either its loudspeaker or its standard
The robot has a sealable compartment speaker/receiver.
inside its chassis.

The maximum container size is the robot’s

Size rating. Each time this feature is Manipulative Limb (Standard)
purchased, one separate container is Cost: 5
added. A robot can have multiple smaller
containers with a total volume equal to The robot has an additional standard limb.
its maximum container size.
Note that all robots start with only one
A Size 1 container approximates a cube 5 standard manipulative limb unless more
cm wide, a Size 2 10 cm wide, etc. limbs are purchased as features.

Internal Compartment Sizes This feature can be purchased more than

once. Each purchase grants one more limb.
Size Size
1 5 cm 4 35 cm Note that robots may only make one
2 10 cm 5 50 cm interaction check per round, regardless
3 20 cm of how many limbs they have.
Master Unit Plasma Arc Welder
Cost: 15 Cost: 12/rating

The robot was designed to operate The robot has an onboard plasma arc
specifically as the controlling intelligence welder, suitable for welding metal.
for a large number of drones.
Every level of Plasma Arc Welder rating
A robot with this feature may have up to lowers the TN to repair a robot by one
twice as many drones in its Attendant (minimum TN of 2). A robot may not have a
Swarm as what is normally allowed. Plasma Arc Welder rating higher than 5.

A robot must have the Attendant Swarm Striking an unwilling target with the
feature to have the Master Unit feature. welder requires a successful interaction
check. The welder inflicts damage equal to
The Programmer may elect to forbid this the equipped robot’s Size rating -1.
feature if the presence of large numbers
of drones will be disruptive to the game.
Power Dock
Cost: 10
Nuclear Battery
Cost: 20 The robot can recharge other robots.

The robot is powered by a nuclear battery. After recharging another robot, the robot
with the Power Dock must make a Power
The battery does not need to be recharged check (the TN is the other robot’s Power
(and in fact cannot be recharged), but rating +3).
taxing the battery can cause it to explode.
See Overdrive Failure, below. A failed check means that the robot with
the Power Dock has drained its battery and
A robot with a nuclear battery cannot must seek recharging, as if it had failed
have the Secondary Battery feature or the its daily Power check. Robots with the
Slow Charger defect. Nuclear Battery feature are not subject
to this drain.

Overdrive Failure and The charging robot recharges at its normal

Nuclear Batteries: rate. Only one robot can use the dock at a
time. The robots must remain attached for
If a robot’s nuclear battery is the entire duration.
drained by failing a Power check after
putting its battery in overdrive, the
robot must make a Durability check Power Leech
(TN 8). Cost: 10
If the robot rolls any successes, it The robot has a mechanism that acts as a
shuts down for 1d10 hours per level power draw, directly siphoning power from
of Power rating while its battery another robot’s battery.
cools and resumes normal function.
To use this feature, the target robot
If it has no successes, the robot’s must be immobile. The robot with the
battery explodes after five rounds, Power Leech makes a Power check (TN 8).
destroying the robot and everything If it has any successes, it can treat the
else within a (Power x 10) meter target robot as if the target had the
radius. Power Dock feature. The charging robot
recharges at its normal rate.

The target robot’s battery is drained

in the process, unless it is a nuclear
battery.
Prehensile Limb Solar Powered
Cost: 5/limb Cost: 10
One of the robot’s limbs is a flexible stalk The robot has an onboard solar collector
or tentacle. and can recharge itself under bright light.

All interaction checks using the prehensile The robot must spend its normal recharging
limb gain one extra d10. time under bright light to recharge with
its solar collector.
This feature does not impart an extra limb;
one of the robot’s pre-existing limbs is
replaced with a prehensile version. Specialty Chassis
Each purchase of this feature must be
Cost: 10
applied to a separate limb.
The robot was designed for a very specific
type of physical work, such as lifting,
pushing, crushing or carrying.

Saw All Strength checks to accomplish that task

Cost: 8 gain two extra d10s. The specific type of
work must be determined when this feature
The robot has an onboard rotating sawblade. is taken.

The saw inflicts damage equal to the saw-

equipped robot’s Size rating -1. Submersible
For example, a Size 4 robot's saw inflicts
Cost: 6/rating
3 points of damage to other robots.
The robot is capable of functioning in a
liquid environment.
Using the saw on an unwilling target robot
requires a successful interaction check.
The robot adds its Submersible rating to
its Mobility rating when submerged in water
or other liquids of similar viscosity.

Secondary Battery
Cost: 8 Telescoping Reach
The robot has a smaller secondary battery.
Cost: 5

The robot has one or more limbs that can

This battery must be charged like a normal
extend outward beyond its normal reach.
battery; it does not charge in tandem with
the main battery.
This feature does not grant an extra limb;
the robot must already have at least one
If the robot fails its daily Power check,
limb to have this feature. Each time this
the secondary battery allows the robot to
feature is purchased, one limb’s reach is
continue operating for a full 24 hours of
extended by 1 meter. This feature can be
use before its attribute ratings begin to
applied multiple times to the same limb.
degrade.
Telescopic limbs are by necessity thinner
The secondary battery is drained after use.
and weaker when extended; the robot’s
Strength rating in a telescoping limb
Robots with the Slow Charger defect apply
degrades by 1 for each meter the limb is
the added recharge time to both batteries.
extended beyond the robot’s normal reach.

A robot’s Telescoping Reach rating for any

limb may not be higher than its Strength
rating -1.
Tool Set Winch
Cost: 8 Cost: 3/rating

The robot has an assortment of repair tools. The robot has a cable and winch that can be
used to pull objects.
The robot adds one extra d10 to all repair
checks it attempts. The robot adds one extra d10 per level of
Winch rating to all Strength checks to pull
If a tool is used as a weapon, it inflicts something toward it.
damage equal to the equipped robot's Size
rating -2. Two robots attempting to move each other
both make Strength checks (TN 8). The robot
with more successes is the victor.

Vacuum Nozzle
Cost: 3 Wireless Transceiver
Cost: 10/rating
The robot has a vacuum nozzle or similar
device. The robot is equipped with a broadband
transceiver, and can send and receive
Unless the robot also has an onboard information from other robots with wireless
container, anything sucked into the nozzle transceivers up to 100 meters away.
is quickly ejected out somewhere else.
Each level of Wireless Transceiver rating
The vacuum is too weak to move all but the after the first boosts the range of the
smallest and lightest robots. signal by 100 meters.

A robot with this feature can attempt to

jam other robots’ wireless transceivers.
Vice Grip
Cost: 8/rating The jamming robot makes a MechaniCon check
(the TN is the target robot’s Buffer rating
The robot has at least one clamp-like +5), and the target makes a Buffer check
appendage, or has a feature capable of (TN 8). Both robots add their Wireless
compressing an object. Transceiver ratings to the check.

The robot can inflict damage equal to its If the jamming robot has more successes,
Strength rating to an unresisting object. the target does not receive any information
from its transceiver.
An interaction check is required to
constrict an unwilling robot. Robots cannot be reprogrammed through
wireless transceivers.
If a resisting robot is caught in the vice,
both robots make opposed Strength checks
(TN 8). The robot using the vice adds one Workhorse
extra d10 per level of Vice Grip rating to Cost: 8
the check.
The robot is built to be sturdy, and can
Each success inflicts one point of damage to tolerate more physical stress than a
the target, minus the target’s successes similar model.
(minimum damage of zero).
The robot’s maximum Damage Threshold rating
Damage from the vice cannot be reduced with is increased by one.
Durability checks.
A robot with the Workhorse feature cannot
A robot can only crush other robots of at have the Plastic Casing defect.
least two Size ratings beneath it.
Buggy Cameras
Gain: +5
DeFectS
Defects
The robot’s camera system is flawed.

The robot makes all visual-based Perception

checks with one less d10 than normal. Exposed Power Switch
Gain: +8
A robot with the Buggy Cameras defect
cannot have the Enhanced Cameras feature. The robot has a prominent on-off switch.

An interaction check is required to switch

off a resisting robot. If the interaction
Buggy Mic check has any successes, the target robot
Gain: +4 is immediately deactivated until its power
switch is pressed again.
The robot’s audio pickup system is flawed.

The robot makes all audio-based Perception High Maintenance

checks with one less d10 than normal. Gain: +3
A robot with the Buggy Mic defect cannot The robot requires continual upkeep to
have the Enhanced Microphone feature. remain operational.

The robot’s current Damage Threshold

degrades by 1 every 24 hours due to failing
Compliant or loose components. This loss cannot be
Gain: +7 reduced with Durability checks, but can be
repaired with successful repair checks.
The robot is meek and easily ordered around
by other robots. A robot with this defect must have a maximum
Damage Threshold rating of at least 2.
Any time the robot receives an order from
another robot, it must make a DigiCon check
(TN 8) or comply with the order. Inferior Model
Gain: +5
The robot will not automatically engage in
any activity that violates its programming. The robot is of substandard build.

The robot’s physical interaction pool is

reduced by 1.
Environmentally Attuned
Gain: +6
Lightweight
The robot was intended for use in only a Gain: +2/rating
single environment, and moving outside of
this area confuses it. The robot weighs less than a similar model.
Whenever the robot is outside its native The TN to move the robot is lowered by one
environment, its RealityCom, Mobility and per level of Lightweight rating. The robot
Perception ratings are all lowered by one. is also vulnerable to being moved by other
things (like wind).
Examples of single environments include
city streets, floating in the air, or other A robot may not have a Lightweight rating
commonplace but specific environments. higher than its Size rating.
Limbless Noisy
Gain: +10 Gain: +4

The robot has no manipulative limbs. The robot creates more noise during normal
operation than a similar model.
This flaw removes the single standard
manipulative limb robots normally receive. All Perception checks to hear it approaching
gain one extra d10.
A robot with this flaw cannot have the
Manipulative Limb (Standard) feature or
any other specialty limbs. Overheating
Gain: +3/rating
Loose Connections The robot has a faulty cooling system and
Gain: +6 overheats easily.

The robot’s internal components are not If the robot does not pause for at least
securely connected. one round between interaction checks, all
interaction checks after the first are
If the robot‘s Damage Threshold is lowered made with one less d10 for every level of
from a jarring impact, the robot must roll Overheating rating.
a d10.
Ceasing all movement for one round allows
If a 1 is rolled, the robot shuts down for the robot to cool, and negates this penalty.
1d10 rounds while its processor reboots.
A robot may not have an Overheating rating
higher than its Power rating.
Low Speed
Gain: +4
Overriding Directive
The robot is slower than a similar model. Gain: +2/rating (Minor), +4/rating (Major)

The robot’s maximum speed (Mobility rating The robot has a single purpose that its
+ Reflexes rating in kilometers per hour or programming mandates it to perform.
meters per round) is halved (round down).
Whenever the robot has the chance to carry
This does not affect the robot’s Mobility out its overriding directive, it must make
or Reflexes ratings, only its maximum speed. a DigiCon check (TN 8). If the number of
successes is less than its Overriding
Directive rating, the robot immediately
Model Error abandons its current task to perform its
Gain: +3/rating overriding directive.

The robot’s programming does not match its Minor overriding directives appear in
model type. the game occasionally. Major overriding
directives appear in almost every session.
The robot may believe that it possesses The Programmer will decide what constitutes
features that it does not, or be calibrated a major or minor rating.
according to another model’s standards.
A robot may have one major and one minor
The robot’s dice pool to repair itself is Overriding Directive.
reduced by its Model Error rating.
A robot may not have an Overriding Directive
A robot may not have a Model Error rating rating higher than its DigiCon rating.
higher than its MechaniCon rating.
A robot with this defect adds its Overriding
Directive rating to Buffer checks made to
resist reprogramming.
Plastic Casing Simple Programming
Gain: +3/rating Gain: +5
The robot’s external casing is made of low- The robot’s OS is unencrypted or easily
impact plastic. reprogrammable.

Each level of Plastic Casing rating lowers The robot’s maximum OS Threshold is reduced
the robot’s maximum Damage Threshold by 1. by 1.

A robot’s maximum Damage Threshold cannot A robot’s maximum OS Threshold cannot be

be lower than 1. lower than 1.

Power Cutoff Slow Charger

Gain: +5 Gain: +2/rating
The robot’s battery is hardwired to prevent The robot’s charging system takes longer
overtaxing. to recharge its battery.

A robot with this defect cannot put its Each level of Slow Charger rating adds one
battery in overdrive to increase Chassis hour to the robot’s recharge time.
attributes.
A robot may not have a Slow Charger rating
higher than its Power rating.

Rare Model
Gain: +4
Unreliable
The robot is built using nonstandard or Gain: +8
otherwise hard to acquire parts.
The robot has some design flaw or permanent
All Perception checks to find replacement damage.
equipment for a robot with this defect
require two more successes than normal. Any time the robot attempts an interaction
check, it must first roll a d10. On a roll
A robot with this defect cannot have the of 1, the robot fails to operate.
Common Model feature.
The robot may try again the next round.

Rusting
Gain: +7 Weak Chassis
Gain: +4
The robot’s chassis is rusting.
The robot’s chassis cannot withstand as
Any time the robot makes a check using its much stress as a similar model.
Reflexes rating, every d10 that rolls a 1
cancels out a success. The robot makes all contested Strength
checks against other robots with one less
For example, a robot with Mobility 3 and d10 than normal.
Reflexes 4 makes a check to strike another
robot. It rolls 5, 1, and 8 for its Mobility This does not affect the robot’s Strength
and 9, 1, 3, and 5 for its Reflexes. rating, only its dice pool for contested
Strength checks.
Because the robot rolled two 1s, two
successes are cancelled out.
PLAYinG
thE
GAmE 3
 An Example of Play:
“A Walk In the Park”
This scenario involves three people: the The Programmer tells the players to roll
Programmer and two players. One player is initiative for the conflict. K’s Reflexes
controlling a K-model messenger robot, and rating is 4, and Docbox’s Reflexes rating
the other player is controlling a Docbox- is 3. The Programmer knows what the other
model repair robot. robots’ ratings are, but does not tell the
players, since their robots do not know.
A scenario begins with the Programmer
setting the scene: K’s player rolls a d10 and gets a 7. The
player adds K’s Reflexes rating of 4, so
its initiative is 11 for this conflict.
The K unit races through the empty Docbox’s player rolls a d10 and gets a 1.
ruins of the city park, kicking up Its Reflexes rating is 3, so its initiative
clouds of dust and dried leaves under is 4.
its treads.
The Programmer rolls for the other robots’
As it rounds a crumbled statue, K’s initiatives, and tells the players which
optic system recognizes two other order the robots will act in: K will go
robots! One of them is a huge tan box first, the AutoPacter will go second, the
with thick gripping arms and the name cone will go third, and Docbox will go
AutoPacter stenciled on its chest in last.
flaking black paint. The other is a
smaller red and blue robot shaped like
a traffic cone on wheels. K speeds toward the other robots and
raises its arm to slap the cone away!
K has encountered these robots before,
and knows they are dangerous to its
programming! K’s player must roll an interaction check
and get at least one success to strike the
The other two robots are minions of an other robot.
artificial intelligence that believes
it should be in command of all robots K’s interaction pool (Dexterity + Reflexes)
in the area. The red and blue cone is 7. The player rolls 7d10 to strike the
attempts to reprogram any stray robot cone, and gets 2, 3, 1, 5, 4, 4, and 7.
it encounters, and the huge AutoPacter
acts as muscle. The Programmer knows the cone’s TN to be
struck (5), but only tells the player that
As K’s optics adjust, it sees the K succeeded in striking the robot.
pair have cornered another robot ― a
Docbox model repairbot! K’s Strength rating is 3, so its damage
from an unarmed strike is 1 (Strength
The Programmer has established the scene, rating ÷ 2).
and now the players can react. K’s player
decides to charge forward and attempt to The Programmer rolls a Durability check
save the other robot. for the cone to resist being damaged.
The cone’s Durability rating is 3, so the
Programmer secretly rolls 3d10 and gets 5,
K realizes the Docbox will become 7, and 2.
hostile if the cone reprograms it, but
K also believes that it must not allow The TN for a Durability check to resist
unauthorized reprogramming! damage is always 8. The cone has no
successes, so its Damage Threshold is
The speedy messenger robot rolls reduced by one.
forward to aid the Docbox...
 K swings its reinforced delivery arm K struggles to free itself, spinning
around in a wide arc and smacks the its treads for purchase on the broken
cone from behind, sending it skidding concrete, but the cone grips even more
forward past the Docbox! tightly, anchoring K in place! The
AutoPacter pivots and quickly advances
The AutoPacter sees its companion toward the captive messenger robot!
struck and emits a low, static-filled
rumble from its speaker grille as it Docbox seizes its chance and rakes its
brings its huge compression arms down cutting laser against the AutoPacter...
around K...
Docbox’s interaction pool is 6d10, and
K’s Mobility rating is 5 and its Reflexes the AutoPacter’s TN to be struck is 6.
rating is 4, so K’s TN to be struck is 9. Docbox’s player rolls 6d10 and gets 4, 7,
10, 6, 5, and 4! The player rerolls the 10
The AutoPacter’s interaction pool is 6, and gets a 2.
so the Programmer secretly rolls 6d10 and
gets 8, 2, 8, 2, 4, and 3. Docbox’s Size rating is 3, so its cutting
laser inflicts 4 points of damage (a
cutting laser inflicts Size +1 damage).
The AutoPacter clamps its arms together
to crush K, but the messenger leaps up The AutoPacter’s Durability is 3, so the
on springy treads and skates across Programmer secretly rolls 3d10 and gets 6,
the top of the AutoPacter’s vice! 1 and 8. The AutoPacter has one success,
so the laser inflicts one less point of
As it skates off the edge of the vice, damage. The AutoPacter’s Damage Threshold
K sails directly over the cone! is reduced by 3.

The cone’s interaction pool is 5, so the Docbox’s laser tears down the side of
Programmer secretly rolls 5d10 and gets 9, the AutoPacter, blistering the paint
4, 9, 2, and 7 ― two successes! and exposing its wired insides!

Just as K passes overhead, the cone The huge robot lets out an loud
shoots up a clasping arm and grabs K’s whooping alarm that shakes the air!
chassis, halting the robot's flight
and sending it crashing downward! K’s Now that every robot involved in the
treads bounce on impact as it lands. conflict has acted, it is K’s initiative
again. The Programmer rules that K may
The cone grips K tightly and attempts either attempt to strike the cone or escape
to hold the messenger robot still its grip, but not both.
until the AutoPacter can grab it...
K’s player decides to try escaping. The
The cone and K are both engaged in a player rolls 3d10 for the contested
contested Strength check. The TN is 8; K’s Strength check and gets 1, 9, and 5. The
player must roll more successes than the Programmer rolls 2d10 for the cone, and
Programmer to break free. gets 8 and 2.

K’s Strength rating is 3, so K’s player K yanks itself forward, but the red
rolls 3d10 and gets 6, 8, and 9 ― two and blue cone refuses to release its
successes! grip!

The cone’s Strength rating is 2, so the At that moment, the AutoPacter pivots
Programmer secretly rolls 2d10 and gets 7 around to grab Docbox before the
and 10! The 10 is rerolled and rolls 8! K repairbot can use its cutting laser
did not get more successes than the cone, again...
so K fails to break free!
The Programmer rolls 6d10 for the The Programmer rolls the cone’s DigiCon
AutoPacter’s interaction check and gets pool to reprogram K, and K’s player rolls
1, 7, 8, 6, 6, and 5. Docbox’s TN to be its Buffer pool to resist. The Programmer
struck is 5, so the AutoPacter succeeds. gets three successes, and the player
gets one success. The reprogramming is
partially successful, and K’s OS Threshold
The AutoPacter’s enormous arms clamp is reduced by 2.
shut with an echoing “CLANG!”, pinning
Docbox inside its crushing grip! A dull
whine accompanies the AutoPacter’s As K’s programming begins to fragment,
hydraulic press as it begins to crush Docbox’s stress detectors surge into
the smaller robot... the red. Its probability models show
a dim outlook for breaking free, so
Docbox does the next best thing and
The AutoPacter has the Vice Grip feature, tries to cut its way out with the
which allows it to crush other robots. To laser!
use it, the Programmer and Docbox’s player
both roll Strength checks. The AutoPacter
inflicts damage equal to its successes, The Programmer rules that because Docbox
minus Docbox’s successes. is held in the clamp and cannot move, its
interaction pool is reduced by two. The
The Programmer rolls four successes, and player rolls 4d10 and gets 8, 1, 1 and 4
Docbox’s player rolls none. The Vice Grip ― a success!
feature states that Docbox’s Durability
pool cannot negate this damage. Docbox’s The Programmer rolls the AutoPacter’s
Damage Threshold is reduced by 4. Durability pool and gets 1, 3, 1, and 5 ―
no successes! Docbox’s laser inflicts its
full damage, and the AutoPacter’s Damage
With a loud squeal, Docbox’s chassis Threshold is reduced by 4.
begins to bulge as the vice presses
closed. The smaller robot tries to The AutoPacter’s maximum Damage Threshold
force it apart, but its frame cannot is 8, but its current threshold is 1. The
withstand the tremendous pressure for Programmer rules that because it is so
long... heavily damaged, the AutoPacter’s vice arm
has been cut off and cannot be used until
And K struggles with the cone and its it is repaired!
unrelenting grasp, a long, flexible
cable slips out of the cone and raises
itself into the air like a snake. From The searing beam lances through the
the tip depends a gleaming interface AutoPacter’s arm and severs it along a
probe. glowing plane of hot metal and melted
wires! As the AutoPacter bellows out
another whooping alarm, the vice slips
Reprogramming a robot normally requires free and crashes to the ground, and
the target robot to be completely immobile. Docbox along with it!
The cone has the Interface Prong feature,
so it can attempt to reprogram a mobile A few meters away, K struggles as the
robot after making a successful interaction cone continues to eat away at its
check. The Programmer rolls an interaction programming. With no other choice,
check for the cone and succeeds. K disengages its power limiters and
sends its battery into overdrive!
K tries to duck away, but the interface
prong grazes against K’s processor The player decides to put K’s battery into
casing and forces its way into a jack! overdrive to increase its Strength rating.
K's Power rating is 3, so the player can
K’s brain is immediately bombarded with add 1, 2 or 3 to its Strength rating. The
foreign commands! The robot tries to player increases it by 2.
block the flood of malicious data...
For the next five rounds K's Strength
rating is raised by 2.
The Programmer and K’s player roll
contested Strength checks again, but this * * *
time K’s player adds two extra d10s to the
roll, and gets 5, 4, 4, 8 and 8. After the two robots were sure the
others were gone, they introduced
The Programmer rolls the cone’s Strength themselves to each other, as was the
check, and gets 9 and 2. K has more universal ritual. Unit name, model,
successes! function and current status; all were
listed.
The surge of power coursing through “I am traveling west, toward the factory
K’s system sends its meters crashing where I was made,” K told the other
into the red. The robot throws up its unit. “Parts for my model are hard to
arms and knocks the cone into the air! come by.” It was true―the Docbox had
never seen another messenger like K.
The cone wheels around for another
pass at K’s programming, flailing its “I am traveling across the city to find
interface prong like a whip, before it a charging station,” Docbox replied.
sees the maimed AutoPacter. “I had been drawing from a street-
plug north of here, but a cluster of
Its processor light flickers as it recycling drones found me, and I had
considers its options. After a moment, to flee.”
it makes a conciliatory squalk and
begins rolling backwards away from K K tapped on its chest with a thin
and Docbox, twitching its cameras back finger, where the screen had started
and forth between the two. to alternate between green and red.
“My battery is also low.”
The AutoPacter, maimed but still fit
enough to strike, responds to the cone “It would be safer if we traveled
and rolls away as well, keeping its together,” Docbox suggested, “but I
remaining arm raised to ward off any must straighten my frame before my
more surprises. The two robots dwindle pumps crack.”
into the distance, slinking back to
the AI that controls them. “I must find a charging station soon,
or I will die,” K stated.
K could follow them, but it was not
built for fighting, and its programming
is still partially fragmented.
From here, the players must choose what
Instead, it watches the pair until the they will do next. It will take Docbox
AutoPacter’s form is swallowed up by one hour to attempt repairs on itself. It
the dying trees. will also take K one hour to attempt to
defragment its programming.
Now that the conflict is over, the
Programmer tells K’s player to make a Power However, K’s battery is drained, and in
check to see if its battery was drained one hour all of its Intelligence and
from being put into overdrive. Chassis ratings will begin to degrade.
This includes DigiCon, which is used to
K’s Strength rating was raised by 2, so the repair OS Threshold damage.
player must roll at least two successes to
avoid draining its battery. The TN for this
check is always 8. K’s player rolls 3d10 Will the two robots hurry onward, or wait
and gets 6, 9 and 4 ― only one success! and prepare? Will K go on ahead and look
The robot has drained its battery. for a power source, or remain with Docbox
until its battery begins to die?
It has one hour to recharge before all of
its Intelligence and Chassis attributes
begin to degrade. * * *
Before the game begins, the Programmer should decide how many
traces of human civilization remain.

In a world where humans have only recently disappeared, much

of their infrastructure will remain, and robots will have an
easier time accessing power grids and other useful utilities.

In a world where a significant amount of time has passed,

robots that rely on human infrastructure to function will be
at a severe disadvantage compared to robots with nuclear or
solar power supplies.

The Programmer should inform the players of the present

situation before the creation process begins, unless the
element of surprise is desired.

The Programmer is encouraged to create novel dice pools

to reflect the situation.

For example, perhaps robots moving in very tall grass

add their Size ratings to Perception checks. Robots riding
atop other robots would naturally add their mounts’ Size
ratings to the checks.

In the course of the game, the players

may wish to alter or improve their robots.

The requirements and end results are

entirely up to the Programmer.
 4
EnGinES
 Handy Helper Mobility Assistant PLAYER
UNIT NAME
ORIGINAL PURPOSE Escort humans from their vehicles to the building

INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

4 RealityCom 2 Dexterity 3 Durability

4 HumanCom 4 Mobility 2 Buffer

3 DigiCon 4 Perception 3 Size

2 MechaniCon 2 Reflexes 2 Power

3 Strength

Physical → Movement Thresholds

Interaction

Initiative OS Threshold
4 Interaction Pool
(1d10 + Ref) (DigiCon + Buffer)
(Dex + Ref)
1d10 + 2 5
6 TN to be struck
Speed
MAX CURRENT
(Mobil + Ref)
(Mob + Ref)
Damage Threshold

1 Damage from Strike 9 (Durability + Size)

(Str÷2, round down)
k/hour
4
m/round
MAX CURRENT

FEATURES Rating DEFECTS Rating

Biofrequency Scanner 3 Loose Connections
Display Screen 4 Overriding Directive (Minor) 2
Floodlights Plastic Casing 2
High Speed
Internal Compartment (20 cm)
Telescopic Reach (1 meter)
 Roadboy Automatic Paver
UNIT NAME PLAYER
ORIGINAL PURPOSE Maintain the parking lot and repaint lines

INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

4 RealityCom 2 Dexterity 4 Durability

2 HumanCom 3 Mobility 2 Buffer

1 DigiCon 2 Perception 4 Size

4 MechaniCon 1 Reflexes 4 Power

5 Strength

Physical → Movement Thresholds

Interaction

Initiative OS Threshold
2 Interaction Pool
(1d10 + Ref) (DigiCon + Buffer)
(Dex + Ref)
1d10 + 1 3
4 TN to be struck
Speed
MAX CURRENT
(Mobil + Ref)
(Mob + Ref)
Damage Threshold

2 Damage from Strike 2 (Durability + Size)

(Str÷2, round down)
k/hour
8
m/round
MAX CURRENT

FEATURES Rating DEFECTS Rating

Armored Chassis 1 High Maintenance
External Container (50 cm) Loose Connections
Floodlights Low Speed
Liquid Dispenser (2 liters) Noisy
Plasma Arc Welder 2 Simple Programming
Slow Charger 2
 K-Model Messenger
UNIT NAME PLAYER
ORIGINAL PURPOSE Deliver messages and parcels within a city

INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

4 RealityCom 3 Dexterity 2 Durability

3 HumanCom 5 Mobility 4 Buffer

2 DigiCon 3 Perception 3 Size

1 MechaniCon 4 Reflexes 3 Power

3 Strength

Physical → Movement Thresholds

Interaction

Initiative OS Threshold
7 Interaction Pool
(1d10 + Ref) (DigiCon + Buffer)
(Dex + Ref)
1d10 + 4 6
9 TN to be struck
Speed
MAX CURRENT
(Mobil + Ref)
(Mob + Ref)
Damage Threshold
(Durability + Size)
1 Damage from Strike 13
(Str÷2, round down)
k/hour
5
m/round
MAX CURRENT

FEATURES Rating DEFECTS Rating

External Container (10 cm) Rare Model
External Container (20 cm) Lightweight 1
High Speed
 Docbox Automated Repairbot
UNIT NAME PLAYER
ORIGINAL PURPOSE Perform general routine maintenance on other robots

INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

3 RealityCom 3 Dexterity 3 Durability

1 HumanCom 2 Mobility 2 Buffer

2 DigiCon 4 Perception 3 Size

4 MechaniCon 3 Reflexes 4 Power

2 Strength

Physical → Movement Thresholds

Interaction

Initiative OS Threshold
6 Interaction Pool
(1d10 + Ref) (DigiCon + Buffer)
(Dex + Ref)
1d10 + 3 3
5 TN to be struck
Speed
MAX CURRENT
(Mobil + Ref)
(Mob + Ref)
Damage Threshold

1 Damage from Strike 5 (Durability + Size)

(Str÷2, round down)
k/hour
6
m/round
MAX CURRENT

FEATURES Rating DEFECTS Rating

Cutting Laser Noisy
Display Screen 1 Simple Programming
Plasma Arc Welder 1
Tool Kit 1
 DataCharger
UNIT NAME PLAYER
ORIGINAL PURPOSE Reprogram used robots for resale

INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

2 RealityCom 3 Dexterity 3 Durability

2 HumanCom 3 Mobility 4 Buffer

4 DigiCon 2 Perception 3 Size

2 MechaniCon 2 Reflexes 2 Power

2 Strength

Physical → Movement Thresholds

Interaction

Initiative OS Threshold
5 Interaction Pool
(1d10 + Ref) (DigiCon + Buffer)
(Dex + Ref)
1d10 + 2 8
5 TN to be struck
Speed
MAX CURRENT
(Mobil + Ref)
(Mob + Ref)
Damage Threshold

1 Damage from Strike 5 (Durability + Size)

(Str÷2, round down)
k/hour
4
m/round
MAX CURRENT

FEATURES Rating DEFECTS Rating

Display Screen 2 High Maintenance
Hardened Programming 1 Plastic Casing 2
Interface Prong 2
Manipulative Limb (Standard)
Prehensile Limb
 AutoPacter Industrial Unit
UNIT NAME PLAYER
ORIGINAL PURPOSE Crush scrap metal

INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

4 RealityCom 2 Dexterity 3 Durability

1 HumanCom 2 Mobility 3 Buffer

1 DigiCon 3 Perception 5 Size

2 MechaniCon 4 Reflexes 4 Power

4 Strength

Physical → Movement Thresholds

Interaction

Initiative OS Threshold
6 Interaction Pool
(1d10 + Ref) (DigiCon + Buffer)
(Dex + Ref)
1d10 + 4 4
6 TN to be struck
Speed
MAX CURRENT
(Mobil + Ref)
(Mob + Ref)
Damage Threshold

2 Damage from Strike 6 (Durability + Size)

(Str÷2, round down)
k/hour
8
m/round
MAX CURRENT

FEATURES Rating DEFECTS Rating

Loudspeaker Model Error 1
Specialty Chassis (crushing) Noisy
Vice Grip 1
 ManageMaster System
SavR-Mart Model

INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

5 RealityCom - Dexterity - Durability

4 HumanCom - Mobility 5 Buffer

8 DigiCon 6 Perception - Size

4 MechaniCon - Reflexes 8 Power

- Strength

The ManageMaster has ruled over the OS Threshold

fiefdom of the SavR-Mart since before the (DigiCon + Buffer)
emergency rewrite.

Under its watchful gaze, the SavR-Mart 13

has endured the encroach of nature, while
all the buildings around it crumbled and MAX CURRENT
were swallowed up.

The system's overriding directive is to

keep the SavR-Mart functioning. This The ManageMaster is housed within the
includes its current list of duties for SavR-Mart's computer, and lacks any
the remaining robots. manipulative or ambulatory limbs. It
relies on its obedient robots for most
Any outside robots that attempt to tasks, but has one flying drone under its
interfere with SavR-Mart property will direct control.
quickly draw the ManageMaster's wrath.
Once, there were three more identical
In the years since the emergency rewrite, drones, built to quickly assist customers
time and storms have taken their toll on and mop up spills, but now there is only
the SavR-Mart's solar panel array, and the one. The ManageMaster's MechaniCon
only four panels remain functioning. rating is 4, which means it can control
three more robots...
The ManageMaster altered its robots'
duties as power became more scarce, If the building's solar panels are
and several robots that were deemed disabled or destroyed, the backup
unnecessary have been powered-down generator has a Power rating of 5. Once
permanently and recycled. the backup generator is drained, the
ManageMaster's Intelligence and Chassis
The ManageMaster will not allow outside attributes will begin to degrade as if
robots to use the store's charging station it were a robot that failed a daily
unless they have been reprogrammed to Power check.
serve the store.
AI NAME
ORIGINAL PURPOSE

INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

RealityCom - Dexterity - Durability

HumanCom - Mobility Buffer

DigiCon Perception - Size

MechaniCon - Reflexes Power

- Strength

Data: OS Threshold
(DigiCon + Buffer)

MAX CURRENT

Data:
INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

4 RealityCom 3 Dexterity 2 Durability

6 HumanCom 3 Mobility 1 Buffer

2 DigiCon 3 Perception 4 Size

2 MechaniCon 3 Reflexes 1 Power

3 Strength

INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

3 RealityCom 1 Dexterity 1 Durability

4 HumanCom 2 Mobility 1 Buffer

0 DigiCon 2 Perception 3 Size

1 MechaniCon 2 Reflexes 1 Power

1 Strength
INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

2 RealityCom 1 Dexterity 3 Durability

2 HumanCom 4 Mobility 1 Buffer

0 DigiCon 5 Perception 3 Size

0 MechaniCon 4 Reflexes 1 Power

2 Strength

INTELLIGENCE CHASSIS CRUX

1 RealityCom 1 Dexterity 1 Durability

1 HumanCom 8 Mobility 1 Buffer

0 DigiCon 4 Perception 1 Size

0 MechaniCon 4 Reflexes 1 Power

0 Strength
 Interaction Sequence
1. All robots able to engage in immediate interaction
roll 1d10 and add their Reflexes ratings for initiative.

2. First robot rolls interaction check or other relevant

pool. Target robot rolls Durability pool or Buffer pool
to reduce damage (if applicable).

3. Next robot rolls to act. Target reacts accordingly. This

continues until all robots involved in the interaction
have acted.

4. Initiative is rerolled. Any other robots able

immediately act roll initiative and act on their turns.

5. First robot rolls to act.

Common Checks

Initiative: Building something new:

1d10 + Reflexes rating RealityCom pool + MechaniCon
pool

Interaction check to touch

a resisting robot: Reprogramming a robot:
Dexterity pool + Reflexes pool DigiCon pool

TN: target robot’s TN: target robot’s

Mobility rating + Reflexes rating Buffer rating +5

Each success lowers

Moving to block the target’s OS Threshold
an object’s path: by 1 point.
Mobility pool + Reflexes pool
When the robot’s OS Threshold
drops to 0, it accepts
Firing a projectile: new programming.
RealityCom pool + Reflexes pool
The target can use
its Buffer pool
Repairing a robot: to prevent OS damage.
MechaniCon pool + Dexterity pool
Each success (TN 8)
TN: 11 minus damaged robot’s negates one point of
maximum Damage Threshold OS Threshold loss.
(minimum TN of 2)
 The Programmer would like to thank:

Earthflame (10/10 would malware again)

CaesarSalad, for getting this out of the

basement and onto the street.

Playtesters:

Druin
Ishallcallu
Issyl
Nap
Rectifier
tallstaff

/tg/ support:

Anonymous
Brisk
Captain Rambling
Ru
saint johnson, cheeky bastard