=== Races | Technology ===

====== COURIER DRONES ======

{{ :courierdrone_scenicview_2.png?200|}}

Courier Drones were agile aerial delivery units originally used aboard the [[the_humans|Exohuman]] spaceship [[last_frontier|Last Frontier]] for critical intra-ship logistics. After the crash, these drones became essential to rebuilding operations across multiple settlements within the [[beta_age|Beta Age]].

Three key models of drones were deployed planet-side:

  * **Flying Seed Drones** — designed to scatter seeds across wide terrain, enabling rapid crop restoration.
  * **Local Courier Drones** — short-range delivery bots for distributing medical supplies, tools, and lightweight parts between Hope’s decentralized hubs.
  * **Combat Drones** — autonomous defense units designed for escort missions and perimeter protection during planetary exploration. Equipped with light weaponry and [[gaia_system|GAIA-AUX]] targeting systems.

These drones were originally manufactured on [[the_earth|Earth]] by Olympia Cybernetics, a megacorporation specializing in humanoid robotics and adaptive AI.

===== History and Development =====

==== The Last Frontier Era ====

  * Courier Drones were primarily used to transport urgent materials and repair tools across the massive decks of the Last Frontier.
  * Maintained by the Frontier Engineering Corps (FEC), ensuring full GAIA-AUX compliance and firmware consistency.
  * Their modular cargo vessel system was first introduced aboard the ship, allowing quick swaps between sealed medical containers, tool compartments, or secure document cases — making them indispensable for diverse logistics.

**Of the original units brought aboard the ship:**

  * 80 [[seed_drones|Seed Drones]]
  * 120 Courier Drones
  * 2,000 [[Combat Drones|Combat Drones]]

==== The Beta Age: Logistical Backbone ====

  * During the crash, 101 Courier Drones were destroyed.
  * The remaining 19 were salvaged and recovered by [[Drones of Hope Inc.|Drones of Hope Inc.]], founded by a former FEC engineer.
  * These drones were offered to companies, maintenance crews, and key logistical actors, often under a leasing agreement with bundled maintenance support.
  * The exchangeable cargo system proved vital — drones could switch roles between medical supply drops, technical tool delivery, and lightweight part transport. This adaptability made them the logistical backbone of early settlements.
  * Though most operated in Hope, makeshift repairs allowed a few units to serve in the other [[exohuman_settlement_and_housing_in_the_beta_age|exohuman settlements of the Beta Age]].


==== The Gamma Age: Decline and Black Market ====

  * Courier Drones were officially banned in 2631 under the [[peace_treaty|Peace Treaty]], citing high energy consumption.
  * Drones of Hope Inc. was nationalized shortly before the ban.
  * Despite legal restrictions, certain drones were secretly stored by settlers or repurposed by organized crime groups such as the [[jane_bold_gang|Jane Mendoza Gang]].

===== Appearance and Features =====

  * **Size:** Sleek quadcopters with a wingspan of 55–65 cm.
  *** Frame:** Reinforced carbon-polymer shell, optimized for speed and payload protection.
  * **Power Source:** Micro-Grade [[quantum_fusion_batteries|Quantum Fusion Battery (QFB)]]; recharge interval every 24 hours depending on payload and range.
  * **Payload Bay:** Exchangeable cargo vessel, roughly toolbox-sized, with shock-absorption lining to protect delicate goods. Modules could be swapped depending on mission profile — e.g., medical vials, repair kits, or toolboxes.
  * **Manipulator Arm:** Retractable gripping arm used to pick up, secure, and load cargo into the vessel.
  * **AI Module:** GAIA-AUX-driven, with collision avoidance, dynamic rerouting, and secure drop-point confirmation.

===== Technical Specifications for Gameplay =====

  * **Armor Class (AC):** 14 (evasive but lightly armored)
  * **Hit Points (HP):** 30
  * **Speed:** 70 feet (flying)
  * **Primary Role:** Logistics and Support

**Actions:**

  * **Medical Priority Drop** | Effect: Delivers a healing vial or medicine pack to a downed ally within 30 feet, restoring 1d8 HP.
  * **Emergency Reroute** | Reaction: When intercepted, attempts a DC 13 Escape Maneuver; success allows retreat without triggering opportunity attacks.
  * **Secure Supply Transport** | Effect: Can carry critical lightweight goods (e.g., encrypted data cores, fragile scientific samples). Any attempts to intercept require a contested Dexterity check vs. the drone’s Escape Maneuver DC (13). | Module: Secure Vessel
  * **Payload Swap (Utility Action)** | Effect: If docked at a settlement or workshop, the drone can exchange its cargo vessel within 10 minutes. This allows the drone to switch between medical, technical, or secure transport functions depending on mission needs.

===== Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters =====

==== Beta Age: Potential Storylines and Encounters ====

  * **Critical Package:** A Courier Drone carrying a vaccine prototype crashes in the wilderness. PCs must recover it before local wildlife or scavengers interfere.

==== Gamma Age: Potential Storylines and Encounters ====

 * **Ransom in Morningstar:** A hacked Courier Drone modified into a weaponized combat drone attacks Morningstar. It threatens to destroy houses unless the townsfolk pay a ransom. The PCs must either track and disable the rogue drone or uncover who’s behind the attack.
===== Related Pages and Further Information =====

  * [[beta_age|Beta Age]]
  * [[exohuman_technology_of_the_beta_age|Exohuman Technology of the Beta Age]]
  * [[hope|Hope Region]]
  * [[gaia_system|GAIA System]]
  * [[quantum_fusion_batteries|Quantum Fusion Batteries (QFBs)]]
  * [[Drones of Hope Inc.|Drones of Hope Inc.]]
  * [[peace_treaty|Peace Treaty]]
  * [[jane_bold_gang|Jane Mendoza Gang]]

**Drones of the Exohumans:**

  * [[Combat Drones|Combat Drones]]
  * [[Courier Drones|Courier Drones]]
  * [[seed_drones|Seed Drones]]