The Post-Apocalyptic Role Playing Sourcebook for the HERO System

Copyright 1998 by Ronald A. Miller

Androids are a staple of the science fiction genre. They are "more human than human" in most stories, having better abilities than their creators, yet lacking emotional sensitivity making them inferior constructs with dangerous capabilities.

The Android, at least in Wasteland HERO, is a generic term for any computer-controlled biomechanically-enhanced artificial life form. Android humans are the most common, but some android animals may be encountered as well.

All Androids share the same properties, which can be thought of as the basic chassis of the artificial organism. The chassis consists mainly of the Cyberellum, Sensory Packages, the Power Supply Pods, and the Biomechanical Infrastructure. Modifications can be made from unit to unit in order to create soldier units, scientist units, entertainment units, maintenance units and so on. More menial tasks are left for their less-intelligent robot counterparts.

With exception of only the most complex android, all androids have a computer housed in their cranial area (the "cyberellum") with data storage devices and program retrieval units housed in the area of the human abdominal cavity and pelvis. A series of coaxial cables make up the "nervous system" which sends and receives information from all points on the Android anatomy.

Minimum Intelligence Computer. This is the standard option for an Android. More than 75% of all androids are made in this way since they are built for the purpose of doing a limited repertoire of tasks. Again, depending on the original functions assigned to the unit, skills and talents may be added or even taken away as required.

Enhanced Intelligence Computer. In exchange for a near-human quality cyberellum, roughly half-organic (lipid) matter and half-cybernetic computer construct the AIC. The inherent advantages include a "free-willed" machine in exchange for a more fragile machine. AIC units do need to consume "foods" to replenish the material if the unit is damaged (at no loss to Life Support see below). Should an AIC mode Android experience head-trauma, the unit will shut down as if it were "dead" until assisting units can repair it.

For advice on how to maximize computers in terms of programming, data, and software, see the Cyber HERO Rules Supplement.

An advantage that the artificial man possesses is the capability of housing advanced sensory packages. The basic sensory package includes human-level options of sight, sound and touch reception. Basic Androids don't have the capability to experience smell or taste (3 point Powers). Two more standard senses include the following:

High Range Radio Listen and Transmit (Open Circuit Communication)

Mind Link with any other Android and with nearest Overseer Unit (Closed Circuit Communication)

In addition, Androids may have any Enhanced Senses that are listed in the 4^th Edition HERO Rulebook, including a myriad of Detect possibilities based on the unit's function(s). Some more common applications include IR Vision, UV Vision, Ultrasonic Hearing, Radar, and Targeting Hearing.

All androids receive their energy from cold-fusion battery complexes (CFB Cages). In most models, these pods are located in the chest area with back-up units housed within the upper arm and upper leg regions. These pods are well-armored and regenerate energy at an impressive rate. Should the main battery be damaged, it would take no more than ten seconds (approximately 1 phase in game turns) for the unit to activate the back-ups. Since the back-up power supplies are in the major motivational regions, Androids are programmed to retreat if possible at this point of a unit's damage.

END Reserve 100 points, REC 10 IIF Cold Fusion Cage

END Reserve Backups (2) 50 points, REC 0 IAF Shoulder and Hip Modules (REC only when external power is supplied) - Time Delay 1 phase to activate

Armor +6rPD / + 6rED Internal, only for location 4 no external benefit (-2)

The Android's movements are governed by a series of ultrathin, malleable coils of Titer-X alloy. The rigidity and fitness of the individual components allow flexibility and ruggedness at the same time. The coils of alloy wrap easily around the Android's internal components for protection and movement. Thin plates of flexible plastic provide the look of musculature and physical protection. This protective quality differs depending on the unit's prime assignment, but any unit can be upgraded. The "bones" of the chassis are made of Titer-X rods that are designed to cause minimal resistance to the power units when moving. Joints are made from interwoven plastic threads filled with cushioning gel to protect the unit from moderate impact. The entire unit is covered with Neo-Flesh polymer combined with a matrix of small tubules, which carry sensitive response microbes to points of breach in order to "heal" wounded tissue in a matter of minutes. Androids do not bleed since they have no blood, medium viscosity hydrocarbon lubricant, saturated with gelatinous microspheres, runs through the Android. This lubricant absorbs blows, concentrates the response microbes and keeps the unit's motions fluid and "human-like". The overall density of an Android is easily twice that of a human.

• Does Not Bleed (Automaton)
• Takes No Stun (Automaton)
• Damage Resistance 2rPD / 1rED (upgradable)
• Density Increase 5 points
• Lack of Weakness 8 points
• Life Support: Self-contained breathing, no need to eat/sleep/excrete
• Power Defense 10 points (Solid State Insulated Circuitry)
• Running +2" (8" total)
• Superleap (+2")
• Stealth +5 to Roll (Stealth Mode)

The entire list is modular and upgradable.

Basic units are limited to non-psychological limitations. Only AIC units may have Berserk, Psychological Limitation and Rivalry. No Android may have Age, Dependent NPC*, Normal Characteristic Maxima, Public or Secret Identity or Unluck outside of highly specialized circumstances.

The common Android Limitations are:

Distinctive Features: No face, high density (easily concealable, causes extreme reaction) (15)

Watched by Artificial Intelligence Overseers (More Powerful, NCI, 14-) (15)

Physical Limitation: Registers as synthetic on bio- and electronic scans (Infrequently, slightly) (5)

Susceptibility: Magnetic Fields (Uncommon, 3D6/Segment) (30)

Susceptibility: Background Microwaves and X-rays (Uncommon, 2D6/Phase) (20)

Vulnerability: Electricity 2xBOD (Common) (20)

Vulnerability: Intense Microwaves, X-rays and Static Fields 2xBOD (Group Uncommon) (20)

Artificial Intelligent Units may have additional Limitations according to their Psychological Programming and "Experience".

The following list of modules can be used as templates to assist the GM in getting a feel for how to build Androids geared toward specific purposes.

*These models have outlived their usefulness to the Androids as a whole, so an encounter with them will be rare. They may be left over in some secluded areas of Ancient Cities (assuming that they're expiration date hasn't been reached). Some models may be continued in special cases where Androids may want to infiltrate Human society.

Android types in italics represent newer, harsher models used expressly towards the finding and destroying of Humans and their kind.

From what little information is available, the Humans have gathered that Androids to have certain societal tendencies in their remote and secluded Tech Bases. Based on loose reports there is active government practices, a well-defined caste system, quasi-social gatherings, research and even entertainment among the Created. This all has yet to be confirmed, and once an individual enters the Android ranks, there is little chance that they will escape in order to provide additional information.