BYOB: Build Your Own Bot

[LordBlade]

I propose a new skill, probably under the tinkering skill tree, and working much the same.
Robotics. There should be a general Robotics skill allowing you to build your own robot, along with a three tier skill for making various robot parts (so you could get by just building a bot from random scrap or skill up to learn how to make specific bits).

The parts themselves would work much like tinkering. Made up of the various bits and pieces you get from scavenging stuff, however being a bit more pricey when being built.

The robot itself should be made up of 4 parts; head, torso, arms, legs. Higher tiers of parts would have bigger AV/DV values and higher bonuses.

Head:

Gives various bonuses to hit, vision, maybe a map function (like the mutation that lets you map out areas). Different types for different situations. Some might even have a self-repair function or heal other ability.

Torso:

Main defense point. Different types are mainly a variety of AV/DV values, with higher tiers being better.

Arms:

Choose from humanoid arms (which can hold weapons), or projectile (solid or laser) or melee arms (bladed or crushing). Each would have its pros and cons (having human style arms gives you options, while giant sword or axe arms would just do nice damage).

Legs:

The movement option for your robot. Different types vary in movespeed, AV/DV, and resistance to being knocked over. Higher tier ones might come with abilities like side-stepping or lunging.
Bipedal, basic humanoid legs, average with no real strengths or weaknesses.
Quad leg. Somewhat faster legs, with a bit of knockdown resistance.
Hover unit. Fastest legs, very vulnerable to knockdown and being put off balance.
Tank unit. Good old tank treads. Slow as hell, but nothing's making you move. Big bonus to charging things (and running them down).

You would use your skill much like tinkering to build the various parts, and when you have a complete set you can put together your own robot minion. They would loyally follow you around and fight stuff for you. They could be good battle partners, or decoys for you to run or hide behind. Of course, you risk losing them, which is costly with how hard they are to make.

They would also have an inventory system, so you could give them weapons (if they have arms that let them equip things) or energy cells and ammo for weapons and other abilities.

Of course, they are not without risk. An EMP blast on them, or even a big enough electrical hit could cause them to go haywire and turn against you. And if you've been relying on them to fight your battles for you, that can end up being lethal.

[zehelvion]

You had me at they"ll also have an inventory system. :D Great for a genius with 10 strength. :D
+1