How a robot moves is determined by its means locomotion. Most robots have only one means of locomotion, each of which comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, as shown below.
To build a mode of locomotion from scratch, a character must succeed at a Craft (mechanical) check (DC 25) after investing 24 hours in its construction. A character without a mechanical
tool kit takes a -4 penalty on the
skill check. The character must also make a
Wealth check against the
purchase DC for the given mode of locomotion.
Base Speed: Each mode of locomotion has a
base speed. This speed can be improved, but each 5-foot increase in speed also increases the
purchase DC by +1. The
base speed can never be increased more than double the listed amount.
Purchase DC: The cost of the components necessary to grant the robot this particular mode of locomotion. This cost is always a fraction of the base
purchase DC of the robot's frame (see Frame, above).
The robot takes in air through a vent and forces it out beneath itself, allowing it to hover about an inch off the ground. It handles poorly and moves at half
speed over poor surface conditions.
Base Speed: Fly 30 feet (clumsy).
Purchase DC: One-half the base
purchase DC of the robot's frame.
The robot has three or more mechanical legs that allow it to walk, after a fashion. The robot moves at half
speed when navigating obstructions, stairs, or poor surface conditions. Only robots equipped with legs can jump.
Purchase DC: One-half the
purchase DC of the robot's frame.
The robot has a propeller for air travel. It cannot travel on land without another mode of locomotion. If for some reason the robot's
speed drops below its
base speed during any given round, it falls.
Base Speed: Fly 40 feet (clumsy).
Purchase DC: One-quarter the
purchase DC of the robot's frame.
The robot has one or more propellers for water travel. It cannot travel on land without another mode of locomotion.
Base Speed: Swim 20 feet.
Purchase DC: One-quarter the base
purchase DC of the robot's frame.
The robot is equipped with a rotor, like a helicopter's. It doesn't move as quickly as a robot equipped with an air propeller, but it can hover without
falling.
Base Speed: Fly 30 feet (poor).
Purchase DC: One-quarter the base
purchase DC of the robot's frame.
The robot cannot move at all. It is most likely bolted or otherwise secured in place. Factory robots are usually stationary.
Base Speed: 0 feet. (This
speed cannot be improved.)
Purchase DC: Not applicable. (This cost is included in the robot's base
purchase DC.)
The robot follows a preset
track and cannot deviate from that course. If the robot is somehow separated from the
track, it becomes effectively stationary. The robot can maneuver over an obstacle only if the
track leads over the obstacle, but if something obstructs the
track, the robot comes to a halt.
Purchase DC: One-tenth the base
purchase DC of the robot's frame (rounded down).
The robot is equipped with a pair of tank-like treads that allow it to roll along over most terrain without significant difficulties. It can negotiate reasonably shallow steps, but stairs are beyond its abilities.
Robots with treads cannot jump or swim.
Purchase DC: One-quarter the base
purchase DC of the robot's frame.
Wheels are somewhat more effective than treads on level ground, but the robot moves at half
speed when navigating poor surface conditions. Most wheeled robots have four, six, or eight wheels. Robots with wheels cannot jump or swim.
Purchase DC: One-half the base
purchase DC of the robot's frame.
The robot moves about on spherical wheels, or casters. These are somewhat more efficient than wheels and enable the robot to change direction easily. Robots with casters cannot jump or swim.
Purchase DC: One-quarter the base
purchase DC of the robot's frame.
The robot is bipedal, walking on two legs as well as a human. Only robots equipped with legs can jump.
Purchase DC: One-half the base
purchase DC of the robot's frame.
Thrusters use a miniature impulse engine to produce a stream of high-energy particles, contained and directed by magnetic fields. The exhaust is hot, but not dangerously so. Thrusters enable the robot to fly and hover.
Base Speed: Fly 30 feet (poor).
Purchase DC: One-half the base
purchase DC of the robot's frame.
Induction engine technology allows the robot to move about on a thin cushion of artificial
gravity. The thrust does not enable the robot to corner quickly, but it can hover and float above liquid surfaces (including water).
Purchase DC: One-half the base
purchase DC of the robot's frame.
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