Anacite Predator Drone

Anacite Predator Drone CR 10

XP 9,600
LN Large construct
Init +9; Senses darkvision 60 ft., heatsense, low-light vision; Perception +16

DEFENSE

AC 24, touch 14, flat-footed 19 (+5 Dex, +10 natural, –1 size)
hp 114 (13d10+43)
Fort +4, Ref +11, Will +7
Immune construct traits
Weaknesses sunlight dependency

OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (perfect)
Melee gore +18 (3d6+6)
Ranged integrated laser +18 (4d6 fire plus 2d6 burn) and integrated electric ray +18 (4d6 electricity)
Space 10 ft.; Reach 10 ft.
Special Attacks burn (DC 16)

TACTICS

During Combat The anacite predator drone attacks from height, attacking with its ranged weapons. If neither weapon proves effective, it moves into melee.

Morale The anacite predator drone fights to the death.

STATISTICS

Str 23, Dex 21, Con —, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 10
Base Atk +13; CMB +20; CMD 35
Feats Improved Initiative, Improved Lightning Reflexes, Lightning Reflexes, Skill Focus (Stealth), Toughness, Weapon Focus (integrated laser, integrated electric ray)
Skills Fly +11, Perception +16, Stealth +23
Languages Common; shortwave (100 ft.)
SQ stealth protocol, target lock

SPECIAL ABILITIES

Heatsense (Ex)

An anacite predator drone can detect heat (such as that generated by living creatures) within 60 feet, including the heat of invisible creatures. It functions as blindsense in regards to any non-visible heat sources within its range.

Integrated Electric Ray (Ex)

An anacite predator drone’s integrated electric ray has a range increment of 60 feet.

If the electric ray hits a target, the predator can select a second target within 10 feet of the initial target, which must succeed on a DC 16 Reflex save or take half as much electricity damage as the original target. The weapon is mounted and leaves the anacite’s hands free, and the anacite can’t be disarmed of it. The anacite has a +4 bonus to CMD against sunder attempts to sunder the electric ray. The save DC is Constitution-based.

Integrated Laser (Ex)

An anacite predator drone’s integrated laser has a range increment of 60 feet. The weapon is mounted and leaves the anacite’s hands free, and the anacite can’t be disarmed of it. The anacite has a +4 bonus to CMD against sunder attempts to sunder the laser.

Shortwave (Ex)

An anacite can communicate telepathically, but only with other anacites or with creatures that have shortwave communication.

Stealth Protocol (Ex)

Stealth is a class skill for an anacite predator drone.

Sunlight Dependency (Ex)

An anacite predator drone is a solar-powered construct, but it can function at reduced capacity away from light. In areas of darkness, the anacite gains the sickened condition.

Target Lock (Ex)

As a move action, an anacite predator drone can lock on to a target within 60 feet that it can see. The anacite can have only one locked target at a time. Against the anacite’s attacks, a locked target gains no benefit from concealment, and a locked target reduces its bonus to AC due to cover by 2.

ABOUT

A race of machines left behind by eons-departed masters, these constructs developed the capacity for evolution and self-improvement, creating an entire mechanical ecosystem. Anacites have varied general designs, but some have been engineered for specialized tasks. Two such specialists are the ambassador and the predator drone. While “anacite” officially refers only to the sentient varieties many off-worlders use it as a catchall term for the world’s mechanical life. Depending on their role, however, an anacite might be anything from a bulldozer-sized mining specialist to a floating electronic brain designed for advanced problem-solving, and even those anacites who fit the stereotypical metal-insect design usually have a modification or two, and almost all anacites can reconfigure parts of themselves to adapt to their circumstances.

In the uncounted millennia since the departure of the so-called “First Ones,” anacites have not been idle. The two primary factions of anacites, Those Who Wait and Those Who Become, have very different ideas of their purpose in life, yet the two are more alike than different.

While they variously wait for the First Ones to return or work toward taking on their progenitors’ mantle, anacites endlessly strive to acquire wealth and influence in preparation for their great goal’s fulfillment.

Anacite ambassadors travel to foster diplomatic relations.

Most often, anacite ambassadors serve on seedships as emissaries. Anacite ambassadors can easily learn languages. Further, although they are not warriors, ambassadors can protect themselves with built-in lasers.

To avoid tension during diplomacy, ambassadors keep this weapon retracted until it’s needed, though they usually notify their hosts about the laser unless there’s a good reason to keep it a secret.

An anacite predator drone resembles a rhinoceros beetle made of silvery metal with a reddish shell that opens to reveal enormous wings. The drone’s weapons are part of its body, leaving its wings and appendages free. Countless drones police megaplexes. Others serve as soldiers for anacites that have greater authority.