Overview
The robotic allies of soldiers on the battlefield. They come in two distinct categories, with four sub-varieties beneath them. Drones are divided into dependent, and independent versions. For a soldier to use a drone they must have a neural jack inserted into their head. This allows the low-grade AI to use the neural network of the human mind to process its surroundings and to interpret orders. For a drone to turn on, the neural jack must be turned on as well, the AI is incomplete without the neural circuitry of a human. For a dependent, or D-drone, this is all they have. The machine can follow basic orders and react well enough, for example shoot back if a new threat starts shooting at it. However, the robot can not adapt well and must be given precise instructions. This is not the case for independent I-drones.
I-drones will have an animal brain inside the machine. While the neural jack is still required to properly relay orders, the robot can exercise a level of adaptability and creativity unseen on a D-drone. If ordered to patrol a building, for instance, it will do so, and if it encounters a force it cannot handle, it can know to retreat or how to make the best use of the situation. The I-drone is still ultimately slaved to the will of the operator. But they can develop personalities of their own much like mammalian pets. Both I and D-drones can be further broken up into bugs, hawks, dogs, or bears.
Bugs
Bugs are the smallest of drone varieties. They can easily fit in the palm of one’s hand. Most can only walk, but they can scale sheer surfaces. Their main function revolves around reconnaissance, and providing a long range connection to computers and electronic warfare. Their minimal strain on the mind makes them an attractive option.
Hawks
Hawks are flying drones, kept in the air by multiple rotors. Most employ a quadcopter approach, but heavy ones will go for an octuple setup or jets. Light hawks will come equipped with mag-pistols or smgs as their primary armament. Meanwhile heavy hawks can employ rifles, lmgs, and even hardkill rockets. Their thicker armor also allow these drones to tank multiple hits, unlike their smaller cousins. Hawks are often described as the hardest to control, as the AI has to use a ground based brain to fly. But with some training, hawks can prove invaluable on the battlefield, negating cover for the enemy and providing an eye in the sky for a squad.
Dogs
Named after their mammalian counterparts from Haven, they represent the most common frontline drone. They are four-legged and will have frequency teeth mounted, so that their bite can cut through even the toughest of armor. On their backs, a rifle or lmg will often be mounted. Their armor grants the drones a level of protection against mag-rounds, not going down after just one or two hits. Dog drones are also often used to carry the ammunition of heavy weapons, an invaluable service. Operators often form close bonds with their I-drone dogs, treating them as if they were pets.
Bears
Heavily armored and slow, tall as a human and bulky bear drones serve as a battering ram in an assault. Anti-vehicle weaponry is required to bring one down, their thick hide being able to shrug off even mag-60 rounds. Such a drone requires a trained operator to handle the mental strain, but employed correctly, and they can become a nightmare on the battlefield. Mag-60s serve as the weakest armament they carry, often fielding corona weaponry, hardkill launchers, grenade launchers and javelin breachers.