Essa-Construct
Tidal Drone
CR 6
Large Essa-Construct — Directed (Port Authority programming)
In the World
Port Authority harbor drones, built for open-water patrol and contraband interdiction. A Tidal Drone can hover above the waterline to survey vessels, submerge to check hull attachments, or ram a smaller craft. They operate in pairs. Destroying one without disabling the second is tactically poor — the second unit enters Pursuit Mode and can maintain a vessel track for up to six hours before its Essa core requires return to base. The Corsair Compact has a standing bounty on Tidal Drone schematics. The Port Authority knows.
Traits
Amphibious Patrol
The Tidal Drone can breathe air and water. It does not suffer penalties for underwater combat.
Pursuit Mode
If the Tidal Drone observes a creature or vessel flee, it can enter Pursuit Mode as a bonus action. While in Pursuit Mode, it gains +10 ft speed and advantage on Perception checks to track the target. Pursuit Mode ends when the target is apprehended or the Drone returns to base.
Essa Suppressor Aura
Essa Techniques activated within 20 ft of the Tidal Drone require the user to succeed on a DC 14 CON save or the Technique fires at half effect (minimum base effect). This does not affect the Drone's own systems.
Actions
Multiattack
The Tidal Drone makes two Pressure Cannon attacks.
Pressure Cannon
Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 60/120 ft, one target. Hit: 18 (3d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage. If the target is in water, it must succeed on a DC 16 STR saving throw or be pushed 15 ft away and knocked prone.
Ram
Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft, one target. Hit: 22 (4d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage. If used against a vessel, it deals double damage to the vessel.
Interdiction Field (Recharge 5–6)
The Drone projects a suppression field in a 30 ft cone. Each creature in the area must succeed on a DC 14 CON save or gain 1 Burn level and have its speed reduced by half until the end of its next turn.