Companions

Companions serve as invaluable allies, augmenting characters' capabilities in exploration, survival, and problem-solving.

Whether a character opts for a specialized drone, a bio-engineered creature, or an advanced droid, companions fulfill specific functions and can be commanded on the character’s turn. They respond to basic commands, carrying out tasks based on their primary functions and programming.

Companions are categorized by type, each designed for a range of roles—from scouting and resource collection to companionship and protection. They are not just tools but may exhibit distinct personalities or programmed characteristics, adding depth to the gameplay and interactions.

Players are encouraged to work with the game host to create fun and creative companions for their characters. The following provides some examples of different kinds of companions that are suitable for the setting. Players can use or customize from the following lists or create new types of companions (with the game hosts approval).

Drones

Drones are compact, mobile units designed for specialized support roles. They excel in areas like reconnaissance, medical assistance, and resource transport. Lightweight and efficient, drones are vital assets for any explorer.

TYPE	DESCRIPTION
Survey Drone	Lightweight aerial drones equipped with mapping and scanning tools for high-altitude reconnaissance.
Medic Drone	Hovering medical unit that performs field care, stabilizing injuries and administering first aid.
Utility Drone	Multi-tool drones for repairs and maintenance, equipped with diagnostic tools and basic repair tools.
Courier Drone	Specialized ground or air drones for delivering messages or small items in hazardous areas.
Scout Drone	High-speed, low-noise drones with night vision, designed for stealth reconnaissance.

Droids

Droids are more autonomous and robust than drones, performing complex tasks in security, repair, and exploration. Each droid is designed with a unique operational focus to assist with various needs in settlements and the field.

TYPE	DESCRIPTION
Survey Droid	Multi-legged droid for rough terrain, equipped with sensors for environmental data collection.
Security Droid	Colony security units with non-lethal defenses like EMP blasters or foam nets.
Domestic Droid	Humanoid assistants for household tasks, often with friendly conversation skills.
Repair Droid	Compact units for technical repairs and diagnostics, with a built-in toolkit.
Guidance Droid	Navigation assistant with a robust memory for colony layouts and optimized routes.

Animals

Animals include common domesticated and trained animals, or bio-engineered animals adapted to specific environments, providing unique skills in scouting, resource location, and transportation.

TYPE	DESCRIPTION
Reef Stalker	Aquatic companion for underwater scouting and object retrieval, ideal for coral-rich areas.
Desert Hound	Resilient to extreme heat and capable of locating water sources, camouflaged in sandy terrain.
Highland Ram	Sturdy pack animal for high-gravity planets, suited for carrying loads in rugged terrain.
Skylark	Winged scout that identifies mineral-rich areas, ideal for high-altitude surveillance.
Mire Crawler	Amphibious creature adapted to marshlands, with heightened smell and toxicity resistance.

AI Programs

AI companions provide digital support for tasks like data retrieval, navigation, and communication. Connected to neural interfaces or handheld devices, they enhance the functionality of explorers with intelligent assistance in various fields.

TYPE	DESCRIPTION
Archivist	Data management AI for cataloging findings and providing historical insights.
Navigator	Mapping and tracking assistant for route logging and terrain data collection.
Guardian	Security AI monitoring surroundings and alerting to hazards or intruders.
Translator	AI with extensive linguistic databases for translating dialects and aiding in negotiations.
Artisan	Creative AI offering crafting, design, and artistic advice, useful in construction tasks.

Support Utility

In addition to drones, droids, animals, and AI, a player can devise unique companions with niche applications. From hovering surveillance spheres to nano-swarms, these companions provide specialized support.

TYPE	DESCRIPTION
Sentry Sphere	Hovering surveillance orb with 360-degree cameras, night vision, and sound detection.
Medical Symbiote	Bio-engineered symbiote that provides emergency care like coagulation and regeneration.
Nano-Swarm	Programmable nanobots that assemble structures, perform micro-repairs, or create barriers.