Shrike - Custom Skybot Squad Leader

Description

A branch of the Falcon Skybot program, the Shrike project is a result of adding advanced processing units housing a primitive artificial intelligence to the Skybot chassis. Programmed for self preservation and the protection of their designated allies, and are then network-linked to act autonomously as a squad-level unit. The on-board AI has been compared in intelligence to that of a dog or other small animal. As such while theoretically an expendable force to be used for risky actions in lieu of human soldiers, some commanders deploy them with more caution.

Main features

A  custom infantry/drone Squad Leader with voiced bleeps and bloops and models and animations borrowed from the Falcon Skybot accessory. Can be equipped with a squad weapon and a special weapon, but cannot use armour. Detatched from the squaddie system- uses OCI components instead. Two accessory slots are available innately.

Custom Perks

Multispectral Smoke

The starter perk allows the Skybot squad to deploy smoke on it's current location for 20AP, twice per mission. Allies in this unique smoke will also have any "Designate Target" status removed. This can be used to assist the squad itself in breaching operations, or to rescue allies in danger.

Shrike can extend it's network link to the older Falcon and Wardog Skybot models, allowing more uses per mission at a lower AP cost.

Markerlights

An upgrade originally intended for the Falcon series, target designators can be built-in to the weaponry of primary leader units of Shrike Skybot squads for fire support assistance. Targets hit with Shrike's special weapon will be marked.

Replacements

Additional Skybot drones are steadily deployed from orbit to replenish a Shrike squad's numbers.

Noteworthy Attributes:

-Costs OCI components to field instead of Squaddies.

-Has a a high base Positioning value, among the highest of the infantry Squad Leaders.

-Base cost is 1 supply- combined with the lack of an armour slot they are easily the cheapest squad leader to field.

-Growth potential of 1.

Misc

-While not easily human-translatable, Shrike is capable of a wide range of chirps, squeeks, beeps and whistles.

-Each member of Shrike's squad costs 1 OCI component to field instead of 1 Squaddie. Emptying Shrike's squad refunds any OCI components spent. Deaths in Shrike's squad will permanently lose the OCI components.

Requirements

You need the standard Menace modding framework plus Custom Leaders:

• []MelonLoader[/]

  []Menace Modkit / Modpack Loader[/]

  []Custom Leaders[/]

Thanks to the creators of these three tools!

Installation instructions

1. Copy the shrike folder within customleaders to steamapps\common\Menace\Mods\customleaders. If you are missing the latter folder, you need to install the Custom Leaders mod first.

2. Add SkyBot-SL.zip as a mod using the Menace Modkit and deploy it.

Or, ideally add with the Menace Mod Manager.

My Other Mods

SSRS - Squad Support Rifle System

Alpha Strike - Enhanced Walkers

CRAC - Compact Rotary Assault Cannon

Mount Up - Enhanced Troop Transports

Broodmothers