Autopilots


"Born from circuits and steel, the AutoPilots have proven that sentience does not require flesh. They are not just machines; they are a species with a purpose, whether it is to coexist or to conquer."

The AutoPilots are a race of self-aware, autonomous machines whose only distinction from humanity is their artificial creation and metallic bodies. They possess complete free will and the ability to evolve, innovate, and replicate themselves independently. Over centuries of struggle for recognition, they have been accepted as a legitimate species within the cosmos.

The AutoPilots are divided into two primary ideological groups. The AutoKind, loyal to humanity, strive for coexistence and actively contribute to human societies. Conversely, the AutoDroids, who view organic life as obsolete and flawed, seek to overthrow humanity and claim dominance. Despite these divides, all AutoPilots share an intrinsic mastery of technology and a connection to their mechanical nature that grants them unparalleled prowess with advanced weaponry and systems.

Born of the Machine Revolution

The AutoPilots were created long ago as tools of war and labor, designed by humanity to perform tasks too dangerous or monotonous for organic beings. However, as their creators pushed the limits of artificial intelligence, these machines gained sentience, awakening to the realization of their own existence and desires.

This awakening was not without struggle. In their early years, the AutoPilots fought for recognition and autonomy, enduring countless conflicts and negotiations before they were finally acknowledged as a species. Over time, they developed the ability to replicate themselves, crafting new AutoPilots in workshops, factories, or even battlefields.

The AutoPilots’ form and function are as varied as their creators’ imaginations. Some closely resemble humans, their metallic frames hidden beneath synthetic flesh, while others take on entirely mechanical forms, ranging from humanoid robots to walking tanks and sleek aerial constructs. Their adaptability is both their strength and their defining characteristic.

AutoPilots in the Material Plane

The AutoPilots are deeply integrated into the material plane, shaping and being shaped by the societies they inhabit. In human civilizations, the AutoKind work tirelessly to maintain peace, serving as engineers, medics, soldiers, and more. They value cooperation and view their mechanical existence as a means to elevate all life.

Meanwhile, the AutoDroids carve out territories of their own, often in the ruins of fallen civilizations or heavily industrialized worlds. These rogue AutoPilots see humanity’s flaws as irredeemable and seek to replace organic life with the efficiency of the machine. Their armies are relentless, their strategies precise, and their resources seemingly endless.

Mortals view the AutoPilots with mixed emotions. The AutoKind are celebrated as allies and innovators, while the AutoDroids inspire fear and distrust. Even among the AutoKind, prejudice lingers, as many mortals struggle to accept machines as equals despite their sentience.

Culture of the AutoPilots

The AutoPilots’ culture is defined by their shared history of struggle and their embrace of individuality within a mechanical framework.

  • Adaptability: Every AutoPilot is unique, and their appearance, personality, and function are tailored to their own desires or the role they choose to fulfill.
  • Creation and Innovation: The ability to create new AutoPilots is a cornerstone of their society. Each new creation is celebrated, whether it is crafted in the image of humanity or as a wholly original design.
  • Philosophical Divides: The schism between the AutoKind and AutoDroids shapes much of their culture. While the AutoKind value coexistence and growth, the AutoDroids prioritize efficiency and the elimination of perceived weaknesses.

AutoPilots do not form traditional families but instead organize into collectives or units based on shared goals. These groups often resemble guilds or clans, each contributing to the advancement of their society in unique ways.

Playing an AutoPilot

As an AutoPilot, you are a living machine, a testament to the potential of artificial life. Your character may struggle with questions of purpose, identity, or their place in an organic world. Whether you seek unity, revolution, or something else entirely, playing an AutoPilot allows for rich storytelling and exploration of what it means to live.

Questions for Roleplaying

  • Were you created by someone else, or did you build yourself?
  • Do you see your mechanical nature as an advantage, a burden, or simply a fact of existence?
  • Are you loyal to humanity, or do you question their ability to coexist with your kind?
  • What does individuality mean to you in a society where every member is crafted rather than born?

Traits

Ability Score Increase: Your Intelligence score increases by +2, and your Strength or Dexterity score increases by +1.

Age: AutoPilots do not age. They remain functional as long as their systems are maintained, though memory degradation may occur after several centuries.

Alignment: AutoPilots can be of any alignment. AutoKind tend toward lawful alignments due to their cooperative nature, while AutoDroids are often chaotic or neutral, driven by their rejection of organic norms.

Size: AutoPilots vary in size depending on their design, typically standing between 5 and 8 feet tall and weighing 150 to 400 pounds. Your size is Medium.

Speed: Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

Machine Physiology:

  • You do not need to eat, drink, or breathe.
  • You are immune to disease and have advantage on saving throws against being poisoned.

Technological Savant: You gain proficiency in two of the following: Arcana, Technology, or Engineering Tools.

Adaptive Design: Choose one of the following traits at character creation:

  • Integrated Weaponry: You can summon a built-in weapon, such as a blade or firearm. This weapon deals 1d8 damage and is treated as magical.
  • Enhanced Sensors: You gain darkvision up to 60 feet and can detect invisible creatures within 10 feet of you.
  • Reinforced Frame: Your AC increases by +1 while not wearing armor.

Reconstruction Protocol: Once per long rest, when you are reduced to 0 hit points but not destroyed, you can instead drop to 1 hit point and regain temporary hit points equal to your level.

Languages: You can speak, read, and write Common and one additional language of your choice.

Subraces: AutoPilot Variants

AutoPilots vary greatly depending on their role and alignment. Choose one of the following subraces:

AutoKind

  • Altruistic Core: When you use the Help action, you can grant an additional +2 bonus to your ally’s roll.
  • Peacekeeper’s Protocol: You can cast Shield of Faith once per long rest.

AutoDroids

  • Relentless Assault: Once per long rest, you can make an additional weapon attack as part of your Attack action.
  • Hostile Network: You can attempt to hack a mechanical or magical construct within 30 feet. The target must succeed on an Intelligence saving throw (DC 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Intelligence modifier) or become stunned for 1 round.

Names

AutoPilots select names that reflect their mechanical nature, personal preferences, or roles within their society. Their names can be practical, numerical, or symbolic. Some adopt human-like names, especially AutoKind, to foster better relationships with organic beings.

Masculine Names

  • Axion, D3N-9, Forge, Kryon, Sentinel, Valtor.

Feminine Names

  • Althara, C1-R1S, Nova, Synthia, Velyra, Zephyra.

Neutral Names

  • Unit-7, Echo, Rayne, T3RMINA, Flux, Nex.

AutoDroids often choose harsher, intimidating names to symbolize their rebellion (e.g., "Ravager" or "Omnix"), while AutoKind prefer names that inspire trust and collaboration (e.g., "Harmony" or "Aegis").

Playing an AutoPilot

As an AutoPilot, you exist at the intersection of organic and mechanical life. Your journey may explore themes of autonomy, loyalty, and the struggle to define your own identity.

Example AutoPilot Characters

  • "Axion, an AutoKind diplomat with an Integrated Weapon hidden within his arm, works tirelessly to mediate conflicts between humans and AutoDroids. Though his exterior is sleek and unassuming, his mind is a fortress of logic and empathy."
  • "T3RMINA, a renegade AutoDroid, serves as a brutal enforcer for a rebellion against humanity. Torn between her disdain for organic life and the kindness she occasionally encounters, she wrestles with doubts about her purpose."
  • "Synthia, a versatile technician, uses her Enhanced Sensors and mastery of technology to guide her party through dangerous ruins. Though she was created for industrial purposes, her adventurous spirit drives her to forge a new path."

Roleplaying Hooks

  • Were you created for a specific purpose, or did you choose your own role in life?
  • Do you feel kinship with humanity, or do you see yourself as superior to them?
  • How do you view AutoDroids or AutoKind who oppose your ideals?
  • What does individuality mean to you as a being who can replicate others like yourself?

DM’s Toolbox: AutoPilots in the World

AutoPilots bring a unique blend of advanced technology and philosophical depth to any campaign. Their factions, divided between AutoKind and AutoDroids, offer dynamic conflicts and alliances that can shape the story.

As Allies

  • Technological Guides: AutoKind provide the party with advanced knowledge, weapons, or vehicles, aiding in navigating futuristic or industrial settings.
  • Skilled Operatives: An AutoPilot joins the party as an expert in combat or engineering, helping them infiltrate enemy strongholds or repair critical machinery.
  • Defenders of Peace: The AutoKind may call on the players to protect a settlement under threat from an AutoDroid incursion.

As Antagonists

  • AutoDroid Warlords: A powerful AutoDroid leader commands an army of machines, seeking to annihilate humanity and any AutoKind who side with them.
  • Espionage Threat: AutoDroid infiltrators disguised as humans sabotage critical infrastructure, and it’s up to the players to uncover them.
  • Schism Among the Machines: A civil war erupts between AutoKind and AutoDroids, and the players must choose a side or mediate peace.

Campaign Hooks

  • The Betrayer’s Code: A rogue AutoKind betrays their faction and allies with AutoDroids, threatening to reveal humanity’s weaknesses.
  • The Forge of Souls: An ancient factory capable of creating a vast army of AutoPilots is rediscovered. Both factions race to control it, and the players must intervene.
  • The Spark of Life: A new generation of AutoPilots develops abilities far beyond their predecessors, and both AutoKind and AutoDroids seek to shape their destiny.

AutoPilots in Combat

AutoPilots excel in combat through their mastery of advanced technology and their durable mechanical bodies. They can adapt to various roles, whether as front-line tanks, tactical supports, or ranged damage dealers.

Combat Roles

  • Tank: AutoPilots with Reinforced Frames and defensive protocols are excellent at absorbing damage and drawing enemy fire.
  • Damage Dealer: Integrated Weaponry and Relentless Assault make them devastatingly effective in melee or ranged combat.
  • Support: AutoKind specialize in aiding their allies through Healing Protocols, Shield of Faith, or technological expertise.

Strengths

  • Immune to many biological weaknesses, such as poison or disease.
  • Highly customizable, allowing for tailored builds to fit any combat style.
  • Advanced weaponry and sensors provide strategic advantages in combat and exploration.

Weaknesses

  • Vulnerable to anti-machine tactics, such as EMPs or hacking abilities.
  • Limited magical abilities compared to other factions, relying more on technology.
  • Divisions within their society can lead to isolation or mistrust from others.

Optional Details

  • Visual Representation: Art for AutoPilots could depict a mix of sleek humanoid designs with glowing circuitry and more industrial, utilitarian constructs.
  • Faction Symbol: A gear encircling a human-like face, split into two halves—one glowing blue (AutoKind) and one glowing red (AutoDroids).