Drone Guide

Key Stats

• Ability Scores: Intelligence. Dexterity if you want to not control them via direct neural interface.
  • Note: It is possible to get a Magic-based direct neural interface via a few Electromagnetism-linked abilities. Obviously Wisdom becomes important at that point, but the only relevant thing that it affects here is Initiative (which becomes WIS-based when controlling things via DNI instead).
• Skills: Hackcraft, Knowledge [Technology], Mechanics, and Use Computer. Endurance, Initiative, and Perception are always good.

Backgrounds

In theory any work, but if you're looking for ones that specifically boost your key skills or stats...

• Artisan
• College Educated
• Criminal Past
• Help Desk
• Lore-Keeper
• Magical Family
• One of the Masses
• Upper Class Upbringing

Themes

Themes that boost the medic role...

• Cybernetic Seeker: Relevant bonuses, but really not the focus of the theme.
• Hacker: This should be obvious, given drone use's dependence on computing.
• Pilot: So if you want to get technical here, Drones are vehicles. They're just so simple to pilot they don't require a category in the Pilot skill.
• Renaissance Sentient: Literally good for anything.
• Scholar: If you want to go the knowledge angle more.
• Technician: Sooner or later you're going to need to repair or upgrade those drones.
• Xenoarchaeologist: Not 100% on-theme so to speak, but it does get Drone Operations as a bonus feat, boost INT, and get two relevant skills.

Base Specializations

• Digital Denizen - If you want to go the 100% drone use all the time, Multitasker is a top-tier ability since you need all the swift actions you can get.
• Independent AI - Obviously this is only relevant if you're an AI.
• Mundane

Advanced Specializations

• Drone Commander - Its right there in the name. If you're wanting to use multiple drones at once, this is the way. If you're wanting to use a single drone, you've probably got some other focus going on - focus on that one instead for your first Advanced Specialization.

Feats

• Brilliant Defense - 1/Encounter add your INT mod to your Reflex defense as a reaction. Yes, this does work with Predictive Defense (see below).
• Predictive Defense - You're smart enough to not get hit. Use Intelligence instead of Dexterity when determining your Reflex defense.
• Skill Focus - +5 to a skill. Always useful.
• The Pen Is Mightier - Look at some point you're going to have to persuade someone. Might as well do it in writing and add your Intelligence and Wisdom.