I've recently created a character who has the droid tech tree with every intention of working up to having a small group of combat droids at my disposal. The only problem is that neither me nor the GM know exactly how the mechanics for that would work. Since they are technically considered NPCs we could probably just go with the squad rules they talk about in the Age Of Rebellion- Dead in the water Adventure Module, but it didn't quite feel right to either of us. Wanted to know how you guys would go about ruling this.

I've recently created a character who has the droid tech tree with every intention of working up to having a small group of combat droids at my disposal. The only problem is that neither me nor the GM know exactly how the mechanics for that would work. Since they are technically considered NPCs we could probably just go with the squad rules they talk about in the Age Of Rebellion- Dead in the water Adventure Module, but it didn't quite feel right to either of us. Wanted to know how you guys would go about ruling this.

We're going with the squad rules in general, but since they're NPCs, the GM still determines their actions. The player still gets to make appropriate Leadership checks and the like, of course. See the thread "Mechromancers and their droid armies!" for my own frustrated search for answers.

EDIT: And I just noticed WHO posted this... the player in question!

You could take a look at the Beast Riding rules in Stay on Target/Savage Sprites. It gives guidance on PC's directing NPC's under their control.

Some kind of implanted communications cybernetic could allow you more control in line with the Animal Bond talent in the FaD core rule book.

Or just let the PC use them along side his character. They could share the same initiative slot, or have their own. But you as GM manage many groups of NPC's at once, why couldn't the Player? He is pouring resources and xp into these things just let him use them normally. This is not a game where kills = Xp so your not limited in the number of enemies you throw at an encounter, if his squad is mowing through your NPC's then they fall back and call for backup. Its just another thing for you to consider where others will have Power Armour and Jury Rigged HRB's.

Order 66 did a recent podcast looking at the Droid Tech spec. Might be worth a listen.