In some cases these devices, particularly Frames, have Hit Dice (HD), these are D8 and should be rolled once initially. There may be ways of improving these, see Enhanced Frames in "Modification Devices".
The appropriate degree of Mechanical Theory is all that is required to build these devices, unless noted otherwise.
Dart Gun L=1 Dart Rifle L=1 Dart Clip L=- Dart Clip Reloader L=1 Charged Dart Gun L=1 Charged Dart Rifle L=1 Short Bow of Power L=1 Charged Darts L=1 Field Plate L=1 Improved Armour L=- Lock L=1 Trap L=1 Clock L=1 Robot Arm L=1 Arm L=1 Robot Claw L=1 Claw L=1 Robot Hand L=1 Basic Hand L=1 Vehicle Frame L=1 Damage Reduction L=- Vehicle Volume L=- Vehicle Passengers L=- Groundster Frame L=1 Flitter Frame L=1 Mini Vehicle Frame L=1 Light Frame L=1 Bow of Power L=2 Improved Plate L=2 Improved Chain L=2 Robot Multi Purpose Hand L=2 Multi Purpose Hand L=2 Hand L=2 Robot Tentacle L=2 Tentacle L=2 Robot Interface L=2 Robot Frame L=2 Light Robot Frame L=2 Medium Robot Frame L=2 Hidden Wheel Robot Frame L=2 Astrer Frame L=2 Cellular Astrer Frame L=2 Standard Vehicle Frame L=2 Stabaliser L=3 Robot Weapon L=3 Large Robot Frame L=3 Bigger Robot Frame L=- Mini Robot Frame L=3 Smaller Robot Frame L=- Heavy Robot Frame L=3 Heavy Hidden Wheel Robot Frame L=3 Crustacea Robot Frame L=3 Varient Vehicle Frame L=- Maxi Vehicle Frame L=3 Standard Frame L=3 Prosthetic Frame L=4 Ogre Robot Frame L=4 Micro Robot Frame L=4 Heavy Crustacea Robot Frame L=4 Humanoid Robot Frame L=4 Varient Robot Frame L=- Heavy Frame L=4 Modular Vehicle Frame L=4 Lesser Giant Robot Frame L=5 Nano Robot Frame L=5 Heavy Humanoid Robot Frame L=5 Android Robot Frame L=5 Android Robot Skin L=5 Transforming Vehicle Frame L=5 Giant Robot Frame L=6 Heavy Android Robot Frame L=6 Very Heavy Frame L=6 Macro Frame L=6 Immense Frames L=- Greater Giant Robot Frame L=7 Super Heavy Frame L=7 Stellar Frame L=7 Frame Synthesiser L=7 Titan Robot Frame L=8 Galactic Frame L=8
Explanation of Mechanical Devices
Dart Gun: casts small darts with great force and effect as a light crossbow but with 9" maximum range and 3 shots per 2 rounds. May be built if are at least 3rd level (1st-2nd level (INT+DEX/2)x3% chance, e.g. (15+10/2)x3=60%). Uses a standard, replaceable (in one round) 'clip' of 10 darts, clips are not reloadable in the field with new darts, and one clip is made with each gun. Cost: 50gp (x2 to be able to cast Charged Darts). Price: 500gp (750gp for Charged Dart Gun). Weight: 10gp (including clip), Clip- 3gp. Non Micro Miniturisable.
Level: 1st.
Dart Rifle: casts small darts with great force and effect as a light crossbow but with 18" maximum range, doing 2D4 damage, and giving 3 shots per 2 rounds. May be built if are least 5th level (3rd-4th level (INT+DEX/2)x3% chance, e.g. (15+10/2)x3=60%). Uses a standard, replaceable (in one round) 'clip' of 10 darts, clips are not reloadable in the field with new darts, and one clip is made with each rifle. Cost: 100gp (x2 to be able to cast Charged Darts). Price: 750gp (1000gp for Charged Dart Rifle). Weight: 25gp (including clip), Clip- 3gp. Non Micro Miniturisable.
Level: 1st.
Dart Clip: is a standard, replaceable (in one round) 'clip' of 10 darts suitable for a Dart Gun or a Dart Rifle. Each dart has its own spring and clips are not reloadable in the field with new darts. Clips are a 'zero level' device and take one day to make if built on their own. Clips may be reloaded in minutes in a repair or work shop, at half the construction cost. Cost: 10gp, reload- 5gp. Price: 75gp, reload- 10gp. Weight: 3gp. Non Micro Miniturisable.
Level: -.
Dart Clip Reloader: enables reloading of used darts into a clip in the field, by a Tech or someone with Technophile skill. Each dart has a sixth chance of being useless and not reloadable, and one turn and a (INT+DEX/2)x3% chance roll must be made for each dart; a 00 roll always wrecks the whole clip, a 96-99 roll always means the clip will jam on this dart when cast, and a 91-95 roll always wrecks the dart, other failing rolls mean a turn has been wasted. An Understand Machine roll can be made to attempt to spot darts which will jam, +25% is gained if attempt to spot a wrecked clip. This device is not required if a workshop is available, and Techs are often discouraged from building it or using one. Cost: 100gp. Price: 750gp. Weight: 50gp. Non Micro Miniturisable.
Level: 1st.
Charged Dart Gun: see Dart Gun.
Level: 1st.
Charged Dart Rifle: see Dart Rifle.
Level: 1st.
(Short) Bow of Power: a special, highly tensioned short bow which gives arrows fired from it +1 H.prob and damage. However has a 2% chance of breaking per arrow shot doing (1D6)D6 damage to the user. As a 2nd level device the breaking chance may be reduced to 1% or a Composite Bow built. Weight: 20gp/30gp. Non Miniturisable.
Level: 1st.
Short Bow of Power: see (Short) Bow of Power.
Level: 1st.
Charged Darts: see "Weapon Devices", these are included here for completeness even though they are not mechanical.
Level: 1st.
Field Plate: is armour made from shaped interlocking plates of metal to a set of measurements for one person. This gives a base AC2, and is less cumbersome than Plate Mail. If DMs desire the damage 'soaking' rules for Field Plate may be used (from Unearthed Arcana), or optionally you could simply give it a DR of 1. For encumberance consider it to 'weigh' 400gp. See Improved Armour. Price: 2000gp. Uses: none. Weight: 600gp. Non Miniturisable.
Level: 1st.
Improved Armour: could be produced by Techs to quite high quality, probably up to +3 equivalent using normal materials (up to mild steel) and superior workmanship, but they avoid doing so as this is far too easy for non-Techs to duplicate, can be maintained by non-Techs, does not use power, and does not have the Tech mystique. Note that the techniques they use do not rely on metallurgy, if they run into problems Techs use better materials, such as Crystal, mithral, or adamantite. See Crystal Sheet in "Alchemical Devices" for Crystal Armour, unenchanted mithral gives +1 AC, unenchanted adamantite gives +2 AC; see Workshop in "Modification Devices" for working these.
Level: -.
Lock: a good quality mechanical lock which is quite difficult to pick and includes a dead-lock. Three keys may be made with the lock, and every lock is different. The skill in this device is making it reliable, a simpler version of this is a 'zero level' device. Cost: 10gp. Uses: none. Weight: 10gp.
Level: 1st.
Trap: a good quality mechanical trap which is quite difficult to detect and to remove. Does not do anything in itself but can give quite a strong pull or push, or a small but hard blow, to activate other things. Things activated could include a dart gun, a mechanical noise maker, a mechanical dust thrower or sprayer, etc. At +1L may incorporate a resetting mechanism. A disarming key may be made with the trap and every trap is different. The skill in this device is making it reliable, a simpler version of this is a 'zero level' device. Cost: 10gp. Uses: none. Weight: 10gp.
Level: 1st.
Clock: gives reasonably accurate time based on a mechanical movement on an analogue display. A simple, and less accurate, version of this is a 'zero level' device and is mechanically powered. Includes a Power Cell/Feed on which it can run for two years, if external power is unavailable. Passive Sensor. Uses: almost none. Weight: 10gp.
Level: 1st.
Robot Arm: is the basic arm for a robot with three joints (shoulder, elbow, wrist). A basic/multi-purpose hand, an Interface, or a weapon can be attached to the end. A suction cup or magnetic clamp may be added at no extra cost. At +1L and x2 cost can be built so the attachment at the end of the arm can be swapped in one round. For Heavy Robot Frame +1L is required, a Heavy Robot Arm. Concealed arms may be built at +1L (+2L for Heavy) which have -5 on the standard STR and can be folded into the Frame, a (Heavy) Concealed Robot Arm; if an Arm can be concealed it is assumed anything attached to it can be also, within reasonable limits, say light weapons (maximum an eighth the Frame Weight). Note that quite a bit of the strength that a Claw/Hand, etc, applies comes from the arm. Each arm requires the 1 Arm Control program for simultaneous use. A second arm may be built for +50% time and cost. Two of these are included in the Android Robot Frame. Power usage and weight is considered to be part of the Robot Frame. Cost: 100gp. Uses: none. Weight: none.
Level: 1st.
Arm: see Robot Arm.
Level: 1st.
Robot Leg: is not normally required as a separate device as legs are included in the appropriate Robot Frame (i.e. not Hidden Wheel). However if needed to be constructed separately, for example to provide spares, then they take the same time and cost as Robot Arm, and are assumed to include Feet. The rules for Heavy, Concealed, and constructing a second Leg are the same as Arm; a (Heavy) (Concealed) Robot Leg. Legs in the Humanoid or Android Robot Frame require Bipedal Control program to maintain balance, unless a Tacticoder or Pattern Synthesiser is used. Power usage and weight is considered to be part of the Robot Frame. Uses: none. Weight: none.
Level: 1st.
Leg: see Robot Leg.
Level: 1st.
Robot Claw: is a two-fingered hand and is the minimum manipulator that can be attached to the end of a Robot Arm. It includes a simple force sensor for minimum feed-back, and is hard to use with small or rounded objects. For Heavy Robot Frame +1L is required, a Heavy Robot Claw. A second claw may be built for +50% time and cost. Power usage and weight is considered to be part of the Robot Frame. Cost: 100gp. Uses: none. Weight: none.
Level: 1st.
Claw: see Robot Claw.
Level: 1st.
Robot (Basic) Hand: is a multi-fingered hand that can be attached to the end of a Robot Arm. It includes a number of simple force sensors for feed-back and can be used in very delicate work. For Heavy Robot Frame +1L is required, a Heavy Robot Hand. A second hand may be built for +50% time and cost. Power usage and weight is considered to be part of the Robot Frame. Cost: standard x2. Uses: none. Weight: none.
Level: 1st.
Robot Hand: see Robot (Basic) Hand.
Level: 1st.
Basic Hand: see Robot (Basic) Hand.
Level: 1st.
Vehicle Frame: gives the basic structure on and around which a vehicle may be built. There are three Frame shapes: Groundster for ground vehicles, Flitter for air vehicles, and Astrer for space vehicles. Water surface vehicles would use Groundster or Flitter Frame, underwater vehicles would use Astrer Frame. Frames come in three forms: mini, standard, and maxi. The basic L of a Vehicle Frame is the (standard) Light Frame, which is relevent for things like Modular Frame, see "Modification Devices", i.e. L=2 for Groundster and Flyer, L=3 for Astrer. Light Frame groundsters have open tops, unless they are maxi when they have a soft top. Light Frame flitters are just an open framework, unless they are maxi when they are solid with an open top. All astrers are air-tight. Mini Standard Frame groundsters have a soft top, otherwise a hard top. Mini Standard Frame flitters have an open top, flitters a soft top, and maxi flitters a hard top. Heavy Frames are all (capable of being) air-tight. Very Heavy, Super Heavy, Macro, Stellar, and Galactic Frame is only used for astrers. The exact shape in which 'Frames are built is up to the constructor, as are the materials used within reasonable limits. However, unless ridiculously strong materials are used, the heavier frames (probably Macro, and likely Stellar) need force-field internal bracing if they are to take more than minimal stress, and hence cease to be purely Mechanical Devices. 'Frames are defined in terms of their AC, HD, DR (Damage Reduction), weight, and maximum weight carried. See individual (Vehicle) Frame explanations for further details, and Damage Reduction, Vehicle Volume and Vehicle Passengers (also note some Bigger Robot Frame can act as Vehicles). See Immense Frames. See Frame Synthesiser in "Modification Devices". Cost: see details. Uses: none. Weight: see details. Maximum Weight: see details.
Level: 1st.
Damage Reduction: abbreviated 'DR'. Is the amount by which the Frame protects what is within it, only Vehicle and Robot Frames normally have a DR value. A normal roll is made to hit against AC, if a hit is successful then the DR is taken from the damage, if any damage remains it is taken from the Frame's HP. This has been added because it was discovered that Frames were wrecked far too easily in ways increasing AC and HD would not improve, even by 'light' weapons; volleys of arrow fire should no longer take out spaceships.
Level: -.
Vehicle Volume: is calculated by assuming vehicles have an average SG of 1 to calculate their total volume, assume their usable internal volume is half this (this includes leaving room for drives, controls, power supplies etc). Thus 22000gpwt (1tn) Maximum Weight gives approx. 22 3/4 cubic ft total volume, 11 3/8 cubic ft usable volume. If two metre hexes are used each hex corresponds to about 4tns, or 8tns for each hex of usable internal volume. As a rough rule-of-thumb each x10 (Maximum) Weight increases all dimensions by x2 (actually it is x8 not x10), so if the proportions remain the same x10 means double height.
Level: -.
Vehicle Passengers: depends on how tight they are to be jammed in. Packed in special seats, or bunks, 29333gpwt (1 1/3tn) Maximum Weight is sufficient for one human-sized passenger, 8tns/passenger gives reasonable comfort, and 48tns/passenger gives sufficient room for comfortable living. However if the vehicle is just an open framework, or open top, it can be assumed that half the passenger sticks out of the vehicle, and hence needs half the Weight. With the Light Frame vehicles the passengers are most likely on the outside of the vehicle, unless it is fitted like a glove.
Level: -.
Groundster Frame: see Vehicle Frame. Groundster Frame is used for building ground vehicles, and come in three versions: mini, standard at +1L, and maxi at +2L. Further they may be built as a Light, a Standard at +2L, or a Heavy Frame at +3L, e.g. a mini Light Groundster Frame, a (standard Standard) Groundster Frame at +3L, a maxi Heavy Groundster Frame at +5L. 'Seal' tops can be made air-tight. 'Wt' and 'Max' is in tonnes.
Frame: Light Standard Heavy
mini stan maxi mini stan maxi mini stan maxi
L 1 2 3 3 4 5 4 5 6
AC 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0
HD 2 3 4 4 6 8 8 12 16
DR 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Wt 0.05 0.1 0.2 0.5 1 2 5 10 20
Max 0.25 0.5 1 2.5 5 10 25 50 100
Top open open soft soft hard hard seal seal seal
Cost: standard, maxi- +50%, Standard- x2, Heavy- x4. Uses: none. Weight: (mini/Light-) 1100gp(0.05tn), standard- x2, maxi- x4, Standard- x10, Heavy- x100. Maximum Weight: x5.
Level: 1st.
Flitter Frame: see Vehicle Frame. Flitter Frame is used for building air vehicles, and come in three versions: mini, standard at +1L, and maxi at +2L. Further they may be built as a Light, a Standard at +2L, or a Heavy Frame at +3L, e.g. a mini Light Flitter Frame, a (standard Standard) Flitter Frame at +3L, a maxi Heavy Flitter Frame at +5L. 'Frame' tops mean the entire vehicle is an open framework, 'seal' tops can be made air-tight. 'Wt' and 'Max' is in tonnes.
Frame: Light Standard Heavy
mini stan maxi mini stan maxi mini stan maxi
L 1 2 3 3 4 5 4 5 6
AC 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
HD 2 3 4 4 6 8 8 12 16
DR 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Wt 0.05 0.1 0.2 0.5 1 2 5 10 20
Max 0.5 1 2 5 10 20 50 100 200
Top frame frame open open soft hard seal seal seal
Cost: standard, maxi- +50%, Standard- x2, Heavy- x4. Uses: none. Weight: (mini/Light-) 1100gp(0.05tn), standard- x2, maxi- x4, Standard- x10, Heavy- x100. Maximum Weight: x10.
Level: 1st.
Mini Vehicle Frame: see Vehicle Frame. A small version of a vehicle frame.
Level: 1st.
Light Frame: see Vehicle Frame. A light-weight vehicle frame.
Level: 1st.
Bow of Power: see (Short) Bow of Power.
Level: 2nd.
Improved Plate: is Plate Mail constructed using similar techniques to Field Plate, and to a set of measurements for one person. This gives a base AC1, but note that the style is very plain and functional without such things as an ornate helm. If DMs desire the damage 'soaking' rules for Improved Plate may be used (from Unearthed Arcana), or optionally you could simply give it a DR of 2. For encumberance consider it to 'weigh' 500gp. See Improved Armour. Price: 4000gp. Uses: none. Weight: 750gp. Non Miniturisable.
Level: 2nd.
Improved Chain: is Chain Mail constructed using improved techniques, and is as well made as Elven Chain. This does not improve its AC, but it is less cumbersome than normal Chain Mail. See Improved Armour. Price: 4000gp. Uses: none. Weight: 150gp. Non Miniturisable.
Level: 2nd.
Robot (Multi Purpose) Hand: is a delicate hand that can be attached to the end of a Robot Arm. It includes an array of force sensors for full feed-back and is rather like the human hand. For Heavy Robot Frame +1L is required, a Heavy Robot Multi Purpose Hand. A second hand may be built for +50% time and cost. Two of these are included in the Android Robot Frame. Power usage and weight is considered to be part of the Robot Frame. Cost: standard x3. Uses: none. Weight: none.
Level: 2nd.
Robot Multi Purpose Hand: see Robot (Multi Purpose) Hand.
Level: 2nd.
Multi Purpose Hand: see Robot (Multi Purpose) Hand.
Level: 2nd.
Hand: see Robot (Multi Purpose) Hand.
Level: 2nd.
Robot Tentacle: is an octopus-like tentacle and requires no arm and may be used for gross manipulation. It includes a number of simple force sensors for feed-back, hits as a medium flail, and requires 1 Arm Control program. For Heavy Robot Frame +1L is required, a Heavy Robot Tentacle. Concealed tentacles may be built at +1L (+2L for Heavy) which have -5 on the standard STR (hit as a light flail) and can be folded into the Frame. A second tentacle may be built for +50% time and cost. Power usage and weight is considered to be part of the Robot Frame. Cost: standard x2. Uses: none. Weight: none.
Level: 2nd.
Tentacle: see Robot Tentacle.
Level: 2nd.
Robot Interface: see Interface in "Computer Devices". A terminal for communicating with, and/or controlling, machines, e.g. computers, vehicles. Requires specialised programs (such as Robot Control), could be incorporated into the centre of a suction cup to give the hand limited manipulatory ability (a la Darlek). Power usage and weight is considered to be part of the Robot Frame. Uses: none. Weight: none.
Level: 2nd.
Robot Frame: gives the basic shape and movement system about which a robot may be built. This is one way of making computers more mobile and includes a body, head, and legs where appropriate. There are four basic Frame Shapes: Hidden Wheel (body & head on wheels, move 6"), Crustacea (+1 L, insect body & head on four+ legs, move 4"), Humanoid (+2 L, body & head on two legs, move 9") and Android (+3 L, full human including Arms and Multi Purpose Hands, move 12"). All are obviously robots except Android which has a synthetic 'skin' (grown by similar to a one-off Android Mould). They are rated in terms of their STR (and DEX), AC, HD, frame weight, cost to construct, maximum weight carried (including frame wt), and power usage (carrying the maximum wt at full move). All have DR1 (see Damage Reduction), except Android where the skin gives +1 DR = DR2 to the Frame while still alive. The base Light Frame gives STR and DEX 11 with AC4 and 2HD, +1 may be added to AC or HD. A Medium Frame gives +2 STR, AC and HD, +25% frame weight, and +50% cost, maximum weight and power usage. A Heavy Frame requires +1L and gives +4 STR, +3 AC and HD, +50% frame weight, and +100% cost, maximum weight and power usage. With careful redesign (this is a research task), and the ability to construct devices of +2L that of the frame, up to DEX 16 might be possible (+1L might allow DEX 13). In some cases robots may be living, due to the nature of their mind, but not have a living skin; in this case assume their CON is equal to their STR. Senses, arms (except for Android), power supply and some form of control must be added; weapons and other attachments are also possible. Standard robots (except Android) are assumed not to be water and air-tight, for this to be the case the Cost must be doubled. Assume that the frame apart from the movement system is 90% of the weight. See individual (Robot) Frame explanations for further details, and Damage Reduction. See Immense Frames. See Frame Synthesiser in "Modification Devices". Cost: standard, medium- +50%, heavy- +100%. Uses: 1ep, crustacea- 2ep, humanoid- 5ep, android- 10ep/turn, medium- x1.5, heavy- x2. Weight: 440gp, crustacea/humanoid- +25%, medium- +25%, heavy- +50%. Maximum Weight: 1100gp, crustacea- x3, humanoid- x2, android- x1.5, medium- x1.5, heavy- x2.
Level: 2nd.
Light Robot Frame: see Robot Frame.
Level: 2nd.
Medium Robot Frame: see Robot Frame.
Level: 2nd.
Hidden Wheel Robot Frame: see Robot Frame. Hidden Wheel Robot Frame consists of a body and head on wheels with a move of 6". Arms and some form of hands, or weapons, are generally added. They only move well over smooth surfaces and stairs are a real problem without some extra means of transport. They are obviously robots unless some elaborate disguise is used (statues?). Cost: standard, medium- +50%, heavy- +100%. Uses: 1ep/turn, medium- x1.5, heavy- x2. Weight: 440gp, medium- +25%, heavy- +50%. Maximum Weight: 1100gp, medium- x1.5, heavy- x2.
Level: 2nd.
Astrer Frame: see Vehicle Frame. Astrer Frame is used for building space vehicles, and come in three versions: mini, standard at +1L, and maxi at +2L. Further they may be built as a Light, a Standard at +2L, a Heavy at +3L, a V.Heavy/Macro at +4L, a S.Heavy/Stellar at +5L, or a Galactic Frame at +6L, e.g. a mini Light Astrer Frame, a (standard Standard) Astrer Frame at +3L, a maxi Heavy Astrer Frame at +5L, a Galactic Frame at +7L. Note that the Macro, Stellar and Galactic frames use a rather different design philosophy to the Heavy, V.Heavy and S.Heavy frames. All astrers are air-tight, and a tenth of the volume may be separately air-tight (e.g. an air lock), and may be further sub-divided. For +50% cost the entire volume may be divided into separate air-tight volumes, or 'cells', each at most 10% of the total volume; a Cellular Astrer Frame. Astrer frames may be assumed to include mechanical airlocks at no extra cost, and/or one-use emergency exits. For long-term use at least a mini, and preferably a standard, Standard Astrer Frame is recommended, see Vehicle Volume and see Vehicle Passengers. See Immense Frames. 'Wt' and 'Max' is in tonnes.
Frame: Light Standard Heavy
mini stan maxi mini stan maxi mini stan maxi
L 2 3 4 4 5 6 5 6 7
AC 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 -1 -2
HD 4 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 24
DR 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Wt 0.25 0.5 1 2.5 5 10 25 50 100
Max 1 2 4 10 20 40 100 200 400
Frame: Very Heavy Super Heavy
mini stan maxi mini stan maxi
L 6 7 8 7 8 9
AC -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8
HD 32 40 48 64 80 96
DR 13 14 15 16 17 18
Wt 250 500 1000 2500 5000 10k
Max 1000 2000 4000 10k 20k 40k
Frame: Macro Stellar Galactic
mini stan maxi mini stan maxi mini stan maxi
L 6 7 8 7 8 9 8 9 10
AC -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8 -9 -10 -11
HD 128 160 192 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
DR 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Wt 25k 50k 100k 25M 50M 100M 25G 50G 100G
Max 100k 200k 400k 100M 200M 400M 100G 200G 400G
Cost: standard x2, maxi- +50%, Standard- x2, Heavy- x4, V.Heavy- x8, S.Heavy- x16, Macro- x32, Stellar- x64, Galactic- x128. Uses: none. Weight: (mini/Light-) 5500gp(0.25tn), standard- x2, maxi- x4, Standard- x10, Heavy- x100, V.Heavy- x1000, S.Heavy- x10,000, Macro- x100,000, Stellar- x100,000,000, Galactic- x100,000,000,0000. Maximum Weight: x4.
Level: 2nd.
Cellular Astrer Frame: see Astrer Frame. An Astrer Frame sub-divided into multiple air-tight 'cells'. Cost: standard x3, maxi- +1/3, Standard- x2, Heavy- x4, V.Heavy- x8, S.Heavy- x16, Macro- x32, Stellar- x64, Galactic- x128.
Level: 2nd.
Standard Vehicle Frame: see Vehicle Frame. A standard version of a vehicle frame.
Level: 2nd.
Stabaliser: is a precision crystal and metal device consisting of three gyros which gives stabilisation control information. Requires a Reflex Processor II (with Stabaliser Analysis program) or three Associative Matrix Is. It will not work within a Momentum Generator field, except relative to the field, and can be confused by changing gravity fields. A DEX of at least 14 is required to build this. Passive Sensor. Uses: 4ep/day. Weight: 10gp (not including Reflex Proc. etc). Non Miniturisable.
Level: 3rd.
Robot Weapon: is a weapon that can be attached to the end of a Robot Arm, or placed in a fixed mount on the body. The only change from a normal weapon is the grip is modified and any power required is drawn from the robot. Weight (not usually above an eighth the Frame Weight) is considered to be part of the Robot Frame. (Retractable) STR-powered weapons, such as claws or blades, are possible. Eye Hand Coordination program, acts with, or replaces with fixed weapons mounts, 1 Arm Control program to give full H.Prob with missile and tight beam weapons. Uses: none. Weight: none.
Level: 3rd.
Large Robot Frame: is as standard Robot Frame but at +1L (i.e. base L=3th). Their base STR is 18 (Heroic) if Light, +2 if Medium, +4 if Heavy (+1L). Base DEX is 10, AC4, and 4HD. Have DR2, no matter the HD, but note the +1 DR if Android. Note that Accessories (Robot Arm, Claw, Hand, etc) are also +1L. See Bigger Robot Frame. Uses: x2. Weight: 880gp, x2. Maximum Weight: 2200gp, x2.
Level: 3rd.
Bigger Robot Frame: it is possible to build far bigger Robot Frames than the standard ones. Typically the STR and damage done by these is comparable to some sort of giant, though their Weight and Maximum Weight are far greater than the sort of weight that Giant Strength could move. They have a base DEX progressively worse as their STR gets greater, due to their being more cumbersome (really good design can compensate for this), steadily better AC and HD, but only the same Move as base standard Robot Frame. Where the frame weight gives extra AC or HD this is x2 (including the basic +1 that may be added to AC or HD), and the DR (see Damage Reduction) equals the base HD (except for Large Robot Frame), +2 DR if Android. The various bits fitted to Robots (Arm, Hand, etc) need to be built at higher level, otherwise they are the same (though stronger and less dextrous). Many consider the really large Frames totally impractical, and something only of interest to Mad Scientists. Note that sufficiently large robots can use the Vehicle Volume and Vehicle Passengers rules for spare space inside them, to use them as space craft it is advised to make them air-tight, as a rough rule each x10 (Maximum) Weight doubles the height. In addition the Modular Vehicle Frame and Transforming Vehicle Frame in "Modification Devices" may be used for suitable robots (and Vehicle and Robot Frame be modules of, or transform into, each other, with DM permission).
Level: -.
Mini Robot Frame: is as standard Robot Frame but at +1L (i.e. base L=3th). Their base STR is 8 if Light, 11 if Medium, and 13 if Heavy (+1L). Base DEX is 13, AC4, and 1HD, Medium AC2 and 2HD, Heavy AC1 and 3HD (+1L). Note that Accessories (Robot Arm, Claw, Hand, etc) are also +1L. See Smaller Robot Frame. Uses: x1/2. Weight: 44gp, x1/10. Maximum Weight: 110gp, x1/10.
Level: 3rd.
Smaller Robot Frame: it is possible to build far smaller Robot Frames than the standard ones. Typically the STR of these is far less, and their Weight and Maximum Weight are even less. They have a base DEX progressively better as their STR gets less, due to their being less massive, the same AC due to their smaller size making them more difficult to hit, steadily worse HD, but only the same Move as base standard Robot Frame. They do not get any DR, except for Android. The various bits fitted to Robots (Arm, Hand, etc) need to be built at higher level, otherwise they are the same (though weaker but more dextrous). Conceivably things like (nano/micro) miniturised Prosthetics might be fitted. Very small robots may be built without using Robot Frame, for example using Holographic Circuitary of devices onto Crystal, and moving around and manipulating things using various fields generated by these.
Level: -.
Heavy Robot Frame: see Robot Frame.
Level: 3rd.
Heavy Hidden Wheel Robot Frame: see Robot Frame.
Level: 3rd.
Crustacea Robot Frame: see Robot Frame. Crustacea Robot Frame consists of a segmented insect-like body and head on four or more legs (often six) and move at 4". Arms, and hands, may be added but weapons are often mounted directly on the body. They are very stable and can move easily over rough ground. They are obviously robots though could be painted to resemble giant insects if there are no obvious weapon mounts (stinger tail?). Cost: standard, medium- +50%, heavy- +100%. Uses: 2ep/turn, medium- x1.5, heavy- x2. Weight: 550gp, medium- +25%, heavy- +50%. Maximum Weight: 3300gp, medium- x1.5, heavy- x2.
Level: 3rd.
Varient Vehicle Frame: there are varieties of Vehicle Frame other than the standard ones. A Technologist capable of building the basic L of a Vehicle Frame can build almost any 'Frame, using the 'standard' ones as a basis. Typically this means taking a frame, and increasing the Weight and Max by up to 50%, and interpolating the rest of the values, while keeping the same L and Cost. For example, a 10th level Tech (who is capable of L=4) wants a 1.5tn Weight 6tn Max maxi Light Astrer Frame. This is still L=4 and Cost x2 +50%, and the rest of the values are interpolated with the next heaviest weight Vehicle Frame, the mini Standard, giving AC4, 7HD, DR6, i.e. average and round down, as this gives the minimum change in values. If the same Tech wanted a 0.75tn Weight 3tn Max maxi Light Astrer Frame then this would be possible with no other changes in the values, as they would be interpolated with the (standard) Light Astrer Frame, and 25% of the difference between the values requires no change. DMs may have to fudge this a lot more beyond L=5, as the re-designs for the different classes beyond Heavy are quite major. Another thing that may be done is to increase the vehicle volume for a given Weight, at a cost of making it more fragile, i.e. reduced AC and DR; double volume gives -1AC and -1DR, and DMs might not allow more than two doublings of volume. Reduced volume might increase AC and DR; beyond a certain point tougher materials, such as dureum, would be required, but DMs should be careful about vehicles such as very small near-indestructable tugs. Varients come in particularly useful when juggling the frame weight for things like Modular Frames, see "Modification Devices".
Level: -.
Maxi Vehicle Frame: see Vehicle Frame. A large version of a vehicle frame.
Level: 3rd.
Standard Frame: see Vehicle Frame. A standard-weight vehicle frame.
Level: 3rd.
Prosthetic Frame: see Prosthetics in "Weapon Devices".
Level: 4th.
Ogre Robot Frame: is as standard Robot Frame but at +2L (i.e. base L=4th). Their base STR is 25 (Ogre) if Light, +2 if Medium, +4 if Heavy (+1L). Base DEX is 9, AC3, DR8, and 8HD. Note that Accessories (Robot Arm, Claw, Hand, etc) are also +2L. See Bigger Robot Frame. Uses: x10. Weight: 4,400gp, x10. Maximum Weight: 11,000gp, x10.
Level: 4th.
Micro Robot Frame: is as standard Robot Frame but at +2L (i.e. base L=4th). Their base STR is 5 if Light, 7 if Medium, and 9 if Heavy (+1L). Base DEX is 15, AC4, and 1/2HD, Medium AC2 and 1HD, Heavy AC1 and 2HD (+1L). Note that Accessories (Robot Arm, Claw, Hand, etc) are also +2L. DMs may impose a minimum DEX of 13 to be capable of building these. See Smaller Robot Frame. Uses: x1/4. Weight: 4gp, x1/100. Maximum Weight: 11gp, x1/100.
Level: 4rd.
Heavy Crustacea Robot Frame: see Robot Frame.
Level: 4th.
Humanoid Robot Frame: see Robot Frame. Humanoid Robot Frame consists of a body and head on two legs and move at 9". Arms and some form of hands, or weapons, are generally added. They are obviously robots though very heavy robes could hide this. If they are built in a human shape with two arms and hands then an external Prosthetic Frame may be used, or concealed (miniturised) prosthetics may be fitted internally. Cost: standard, medium- +50%, heavy- +100%. Uses: 5ep/turn, medium- x1.5, heavy- x2. Weight: 550gp, medium- +25%, heavy- +50%. Maximum Weight: 2200gp, medium- x1.5, heavy- x2.
Level: 4th.
Varient Robot Frame: there are varieties of Robot Frame other than the standard ones. A Technologist capable of building a Humanoid Robot Frame of a given size (i.e. +2L on the base Hidden Wheel Robot Frame) can build almost any 'Frame. For example a Large Heavy Crustacea Robot Frame (L=5) could be built as a frame for a Light Horse, if could build a Large Heavy Humanoid Robot Frame (L=6), or an Ogre Heavy Crustacea Robot Frame (L=6) could be a Heavy Horse (given L=7), sacrificing some Maximum Weight for a greater Move, or a Feline Predator where even more Maximum Weight is sacrificed for Move. The amount the Maximum Weight is reduced is the amount the Move can be increased, i.e. half Maximum Weight means double Move; the Maximum Weight may not normally be reduced below frame Weight +50%, but DMs may allow special redesigns to only frame Weight +25% (this is a research task). For example the Large Heavy Crustacea Robot Frame has 1650gpwt, 13,200gpwt maximum and 4" movement, so to get 18" movement (x4.5) the maximum becomes 2933gpwt; the limit is 21" without Research, the ultimate limit about 26". Robot Weapon may be used to add things like (retractable) claws, and legs replaced by arms (or tentacles), or vice versa. An even more drastic varient would be a composite like a Centaur, probably from a Heavy Humanoid Robot Frame (L=5) and an Ogre Heavy Crustacea Robot Frame (L=6), requiring L=7.
Level: -.
Heavy Frame: see Vehicle Frame. A heavy-weight vehicle frame.
Level: 4th.
Modular Vehicle Frame: see "Modification Devices".
Level: 4th.
Lesser Giant Robot Frame: is as standard Robot Frame but at +3L (i.e. base L=5th). Their base STR is 42 (Stone Giant) if Light, +2 if Medium, +4 if Heavy (+1L). Base DEX is 8, AC2, DR10, and 10HD. Note that Accessories (Robot Arm, Claw, Hand, etc) are also +3L. This is about the smallest Bigger Robot Frame which is capable of acting as a Vehicle which you can sit inside (base about 57 cubic ft (0.63 2m hexes) usable volume), see Vehicle Volume and see Vehicle Passengers. See Bigger Robot Frame. Uses: x100. Weight: 2tn, x100. Maximum Weight: 5tn, x100.
Level: 5th.
Nano Robot Frame: is as standard Robot Frame but at +3L (i.e. base L=5th). Their base STR is 1 if Light, 2 if Medium, and 3 if Heavy (+1L). Base DEX is 17, AC4, and 1HP, Medium AC2 and 1/2HD, Heavy AC1 and 1HD (+1L). Note that Accessories (Robot Arm, Claw, Hand, etc) are also +3L. DMs may impose a minimum DEX of 15 to be capable of building these. See Smaller Robot Frame. Uses: x1/8. Weight: 0.4gp, x1/1000. Maximum Weight: 1.1gp, x1/1000.
Level: 5th.
Heavy Humanoid Robot Frame: see Robot Frame.
Level: 5th.
Android Robot Frame: see Robot Frame, and see Android Robot Skin. Life Theory I is required. Android Robot Frame includes Arms and Multi Purpose Hands and move at 12". They are not obviously robots as they have a synthetic 'skin', grown by means similar to a one-off Android Mould (note this is half of the frame weight, e.g. light frame 440gpwt is 220gpwt of skin and 220gpwt of metal etc). The Robot Frame AC applies to the under-frame, the organic skin is the same AC as natural skin. If an Android Mould is used to grow the skin over the frame then -1L is sufficient, but at +50% cost. Concealed (miniturised) prosthetics may be fitted internally, but unless Implanted Prosthetics is used activation of them will rupture and kill the skin. Android Robots will usually need some form of advanced Artificial Intelligence (5th+ Gen), unless they are under very tight Robot Control, to pass for human. Robot Eyes, rather than Video Cameras, are usually used. Cost: standard, medium- +50%, heavy- +100%. Uses: 10ep/turn, medium- x1.5, heavy- x2. Weight: 440gp, medium- +25%, heavy- +50%. Maximum Weight: 1650gp, medium- x1.5, heavy- x2.
Level: 5th.
Android Robot Skin: see "Life Devices".
Level: 5th.
Transforming Vehicle Frame: see "Modification Devices".
Level: 5th.
Giant Robot Frame: is as standard Robot Frame but at +4L (i.e. base L=6th). Their base STR is 58 (Fire Giant) if Light, +2 if Medium, +4 if Heavy (+1L). Base DEX is 7, AC1, DR12, and 12HD. Note that Accessories (Robot Arm, Claw, Hand, etc) are also +4L. See Bigger Robot Frame. Uses: x1,000. Weight: 20tn, x1,000. Maximum Weight: 50tn, x1,000.
Level: 6th.
Heavy Android Robot Frame: see Robot Frame.
Level: 6th.
Very Heavy Frame: see Vehicle Frame. Mechanical Theory II is required. A basic design of very heavy-weight vehicle frame, unlike Macro Frame, only used for astrers. It is argueable that this is just on the limit being considered under Immense Frames.
Level: 6th.
Macro Frame: see Vehicle Frame. Mechanical Theory III is required. A very heavy-weight vehicle frame, only used for astrers. See Immense Frames.
Level: 6th.
Immense Frames: describes Vehicle Frames more than about 100tns, and Robot Frames more than 30tns. In this case not only the construction of the Frame device needs to be considered, but also getting the materials together needed to build the Frame. It is assumed that an Organic Synthesiser and/or an Inorganic Synthesiser, or even an Organic Mass Processor and/or a Mass Processor, is used as a source for the massive amounts of raw materials required; the top devices probably need access to 8th+ L. The raw materials must be made available in some form which is often the limiting factor, mining asteroids is one possibility; the availability of something like a large supply of 2m square standardised metal sheets or iron wood panels might make things a lot easier. Other possibilities include a Matter Creator, or salvaging the materials from somewhere. These Frames may strain the Tech restriction on ecologically damaging processes quite hard, and setting something like asteroid mining up to minimise any impact, might be a project taking years in itself.
Level: -.
Greater Giant Robot Frame: is as standard Robot Frame but at +5L (i.e. base L=7th). Mechanical Theory III is required. Their base STR is 75 (Storm Giant) if Light, +2 if Medium, +4 if Heavy (+1L). Base DEX is 6, AC0, DR14, and 14HD. Note that Accessories (Robot Arm, Claw, Hand, etc) are also +5L. See Bigger Robot Frame. See Immense Frames. Uses: x10,000. Weight: 200tn, x10,000. Maximum Weight: 500tn, x10,000.
Level: 7th.
Super Heavy Frame: see Vehicle Frame. Mechanical Theory II is required. A basic design of super heavy-weight vehicle frame, unlike Stellar Frame, only used for astrers. See Immense Frames.
Level: 7th.
Stellar Frame: see Vehicle Frame. Mechanical Theory III, and probably Force Field Theory III, is required. A very, very, heavy-weight vehicle frame, only used for astrers. See Immense Frames.
Level: 7th.
Frame Synthesiser: see "Modification Devices".
Level: 7th.
Titan Robot Frame: is as standard Robot Frame but at +6L (i.e. base L=8th). Mechanical Theory III is required. Their base STR is 92 (Greater Titan) if Light, +2 if Medium, +4 if Heavy (+1L). Base DEX is 5, AC-1, DR16, and 16HD. Note that Accessories (Robot Arm, Claw, Hand, etc) are also +6L. See Bigger Robot Frame. See Immense Frames. Uses: x100,000. Weight: 2,000tn, x100,000. Maximum Weight: 5,000tn, x100,000.
Level: 8th.
Galactic Frame: see Vehicle Frame. Mechanical Theory III, and probably Force Field Theory III, is required. A very, very, very, heavy-weight vehicle frame, only used for astrers. See Immense Frames.
Level: 8th.