Hanging from an Flying Drone


Rules Questions

Liberty's Edge

I was looking at the Mechanic's flying drone when I realized that it had enough str to carry a goblin. So I was wondering, would you be able to attach say a rope to the Drone that a light Goblin Mechanic could hang from?


I don't see why not. However I wouldn't advise making any ranged attacks from this tactical position as I imagine any GM with a rudimentary understanding of physics would impose heavy penalties to ranged attacks as you would have no leverage points to steady your shots.

But a goblin hanging from a drone would be a funny sight to behold and quite enjoyable target practice. I'd shoot the drone to see what happens.


StarfinderHomebrewer wrote:
I was looking at the Mechanic's flying drone when I realized that it had enough str to carry a goblin. So I was wondering, would you be able to attach say a rope to the Drone that a light Goblin Mechanic could hang from?

It's GM's discretion. For me, a 6 strength tiny drone transporting a 10 strength small goblin would be a no. But if the drone just has to move you over a crevasse, or something like that, I may be ok if it takes its time.

In combat, because the tiny drone can't be mounted by a small goblin, I would consider a clear no.


The existence of the drone saddle and the stipulation that the drone be the same size or bigger than the rider would strongly indicate no as an answer to this being something you can do regularly.

Liberty's Edge

But I thought since 1 Bulk translates to about 10 pounds so the drone could carry 30 pounds it should work if the goblin is slightly below average weight (at around 30 pounds).


StarfinderHomebrewer wrote:
But I thought since 1 Bulk translates to about 10 pounds so the drone could carry 30 pounds it should work if the goblin is slightly below average weight (at around 30 pounds).

"As a general rule, an item that weighs around 5 to 10 pounds is 1 bulk (and every multiple of 10 is an additional bulk), an item weighing a few ounces is negligible, and anything in between is light. An awkward or unwieldy item might have a higher bulk."

This is just a rule of thumb to help the DM determine the bulk size of an item. But a goblin is kind of an awkward or unwieldy item. So, you can't translate the weight of someone into bulks.
It's the same for ridding saddle. The saddle says your drone can carry a rider, without stating the weight of the rider. If you take an overweight Vesk in heavy armor, I'm pretty sure you can go as high as 400 pounds. Still, your drone can carry it.

In your case, it's GM discretion. If you want to shoot from your drone, then it will be a clear no from a serious GM. If you want just to use your drone to go over small obstacles, your GM may be kind.
But, honestly, the drone is half the size and strength of the goblin, even by being logical I would rule it's not possible.


Don't forget that you have to take into account all of your equipment's bulk and the drone's equipment too. A naked goblin hanging from a drone isn't as intimidating...or is it more intimidating? For flying fun, check out the saddle mod and the diminutive Stellifera race that can ride the tiny hover drone.


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Felix the Rat wrote:
Don't forget that you have to take into account all of your equipment's bulk and the drone's equipment too. A naked goblin hanging from a drone isn't as intimidating...or is it more intimidating? For flying fun, check out the saddle mod and the diminutive Stellifera race that can ride the tiny hover drone.

Video or it didn't happen!

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