Most robots don’t have professions, careers, or the accumulated life experiences of other heroes. This is why they don’t receive the benefits of a starting occupation. Even so, a robot’s creator may bestow special programming within its artificial intelligence to incorporate a primary purpose. The robot’s operating system then gains a core programming affinity for certain skills and feats, allowing the machine to more efficiently fulfill its defined role.

Creating a core programming affinity from scratch requires a Computer Use check (DC 30) and 60 hours of work. A heroic robot may never have more than one affinity. If the robot is eventually destroyed, its core programming affinity may be salvaged like any other skill software per the Robot Resurrection rules.

Skill Affinity: In the case of nonheroic robots, or heroic robots who have elected to forego having class skills and earned feats in favor of skillware, the robot gains a +2 competence bonus on checks using each skill selected as part of a core programming affinity

Class Skills: For heroic robots who do not make use of skillware, any skills selected as part of a programmed affinity become permanent class skills. If a selected skill is already a class skill, the robot gains a +1 competence bonus on checks using that skill as a result of the software.

Purchase DC: 10 + one-half the base purchase DC of the robot’s frame.

Engineering robots work with all types of technology, acting as maintenance drones, technicians, and mechanics.

Skills: Choose two of the following skill affinities: Computer Use (Int), Craft (chemical, electronic, mechanical, structural) (Int), Disable Device (Int), Knowledge (earth and life sciences, physical sciences, technology) (Int), Repair (Int).

Bonus Feat: Select Builder, Gearhead, or Salvage.

As one of the earliest roles assigned to robots, exploration-oriented machines find service as reconnaissance drones, search-and-rescue units, guides, and trailblazers.

Skills: Choose two of the following skill affinities: Climb (Str), Drive (Dex), Handle Animal (Cha), Hide (Dex), Investigate (Int), Jump (Str), Knowledge (life sciences, physical sciences, technology) (Int), Listen (Wis), Move Silently (Dex), Navigate (Int), Pilot (Dex), Search (Int), Spot (Wis), Survival (Wis).

Bonus Feat: Select Alertness, Guide, Track, or Zero-G Training.

With tireless precision, robots with a labor affinity carry out the most menial tasks in construction assembly, transportation, agriculture, sanitation, and industry.

Skills: Choose three of the following skill affinities: Climb (Str), Craft (electronic, mechanical, or structural) (Int), Drive (Dex), Handle Animal (Cha), Jump (Str), Navigate (Int), Pilot (Dex).

Bonus Feat: Select Builder, Spacer, or Vehicle Expert.

As smart weapons, robots serve in every possible branch of the military, embracing roles as common foot soldiers, artillery specialists, sappers, and special operations units.

Skills: Choose one of the following skill affinities: Balance (Dex), Demolitions (Int), Drive (Dex), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (military) (Int), Pilot (Dex), Survival (Wis), Treat Injury (Wis).

Bonus Feat: Select Light Armor Proficiency, Personal Firearms Proficiency, or Simple Weapons Proficiency.

Robots focused upon scientific pursuits take up assistant positions as researchers, lab technicians, and inventors.

Skills: Choose three of the following skill affinities: Computer Use (Int), Concentration (Con), Decipher Script (Int), Knowledge (social sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, technology) (Int), Research (Int), Search (Int).

Bonus Feat: Select either Educated or Studious.

Robots in the business world serve as managers, administrators, or salesmen.

Skills: Choose three of the following skill affinities: Bluff (Cha), Diplomacy (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Knowledge (behavioral sciences, economics, current events, technology) (Int), Profession (Wis), Research (Int), Sense Motive (Wis).

Bonus Feat: Select Deceptive, Iron Will, or Meticulous.

Robots with a caretaker affinity typically find roles as medical practitioners, tutors, nannies, chauffeurs, or other domestic and service-related roles.

Skills: Choose two of the following skill affinities: Computer Use (Int), Craft (pharmaceutical) (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Drive (Dex), Knowledge (social sciences, life sciences, technology) (Int), Search (Int), Treat Injury (Wis).

Bonus Feat: Select Medical Expert, Meticulous, or Trustworthy.

Some robots are given a flair for the creative talents, performing as musicians, artists, comedians, and a variety of other entertainers.

Skills: Choose three of the following skill affinities: Bluff (Cha), Climb (Str), Craft (visual art, writing) (Cha), Disguise (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (construction, social sciences, current events, humanities, criminal, religion) (Int), Perform (any) (Cha), Sleight of Hand (Dex), Swim (Str), Tumble (Dex).

Bonus Feat: Select Creative or Deceptive.

By PL7, robots become sophisticated enough to handle even the most delicate of social situations, adopting roles as diplomats, messengers, and negotiators.

Skills: Choose three of the following skill affinities: Bluff (Cha), Craft (writing) (Int), Decipher Script (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Gather Information (Cha), Knowledge (social sciences, administration, current events, humanities, criminal, religion) (Int), Read & Write Language, Sense Motive (Cha), Speak Language.

Bonus Feat: Select Attentive, Deceptive, or Trustworthy.