Interest Check: Mech Arena Combat RP - ONE VACANCY LEFT

[Vergil Tanner]

Greetings and salutations to you all! I've got a brand new idea cooking up my brain, and I'm looking for some intrepid writers to embark upon the adventures it shall encourage with me, and I should probably stop talking like this now before you roll your eyes out of your head. I don't talk like that normally, I promise. I just thought it best to give a friendly opening, since the rest of this pitch is a little heavy and a warm opening is better than a cold one, wouldn't you say? Anyway, on to the idea; it's been sitting in my head for a long-ass time, and I thought I would finally put pen to paper and pitch it to all of you lovely individuals. The premise is, as the title of this post would suggest, a Mech Arena Combat. What this means is that the game will revolve around a handful of individuals who each belong to one of a few teams (I'll decide how many teams there are once I know how many people are interested) engaging in Glorious Combat in a selection of pre-constructed arenas for the promise of money, fame and glory. These teams can either hate each other or love each other - I leave that to your discretion - but one thing I can promise: Cross-team drama is welcomed, nay, encouraged! The characters will be spending just as much time out of their Mechs as in them, and as such, I am not just looking for shiny mechs (though that is a bonus). I'm looking for character, for drama, for interesting dynamics and complex characters, I'm looking for accomplished writers who want to really bring this game to life. Interested? Continue on, dear lad and/or ladette, and I shall explain.


It is the year 2163, and the human race has expanded across their home system with colonies on every planet, planetoid and moon that lies in a stable, predictable orbit (and even some less legitimate settlements in other, more dangerous locations), its numbers reaching far in excess of 100,000,000,000 individuals...and that's one of the conservative estimates. Humanity has fractured massively in the century and a half since 2015, with each new extra-planetary colony and moonbase and Satellite State eventually suing for independence from its mother (or father) land, to the point where there are now thousands, if not tens of thousands of different nations, each with their own customs and languages. Hundreds and thousands of bitter wars have been fought between many of these new identities - as if often the case with humanity, no independent factions can exist without some conflict - but each day, life moves on for the billions upon billions of people spanning the solar system. But there is one thing that unites the varying cultures and nations in at least a token way; the bloody, violent sport of Mechbowl. With the march of technology, older and more antiquated systems became cheaper and easier to obtain, and soon entire scrapyards were full of gears and hydraulic pipes and rusty, dented weaponry. A group of engineers and small-time businessmen decided to start up what, in their day, had been a mere fantasy; giant piloted robotic suits duking it out in a variety of locals for the entertainment of the paying public. It began, as most things do, rather humbly...but soon enough, the new sport had taken hold across the various colonies and nations of the human race. Sponsorship deals, television programming, rival promotions...everything that happens to a new craze happened, and with the heightened stakes and brutal action that humans seem to enjoy so much, it quickly supplanted all other contenders as humanities sport of choice. The twisted metal, the brutal combat, the earth-shaking footsteps and explosions of larger-than-life, commercialised warfare...the ridiculously huge jackpots, the inter-planetary fame and - of course - the sheer awesomeness of owning a giant, armed and deadly device of pure power.
And you? You are all contenders in the greatest sport to be broadcast across dozens of planets. You could be a green recruit, a veteran, a new transfer from another promotion...you could be a farmer looking to make his fortune, or a rich boy just looking for a bit of fun. The choice is yours; all the crowd cares about is whether you can fight.

I know it isn't a comprehensive history of the world(s) we're playing in, but I figured that it worked as a framing narrative, and leaves plenty to the imagination for me to build upon later. Similarly, it leaves you with a lot of room to create your own characters history; with thousands and thousands of colonies and nations spanning the solar system, it leaves you with plenty of room to invent your own nation, your own characters family, your own identity within that and your own history to bounce off of other people. If you're interested, please take a moment to just post below saying "I'm interested," before proceeding; character creation may take a while, since there's quite a bit to cover, so just let me know that you're working on the proposal if indeed you're interested. Please and thank you! :D



Now, there are just a few major factions and planetary traits I want to nail down to begin with, just to add some flesh to the background and give you an idea as to where to start:

These spoilers are long, so if you don't care about fluff, just skip them.

The roles of the varying planets in the System-wide economy

Due to the nature of space-flight - in the 22nd century, travelling from one planet to another can easily take weeks, if not months - most families live on the same planet that they work on. Therefore, you can easily distinguish the rich from the poor simply by journeying to new planets.


Mercury: Used primarily as "Magma-Farms," the people who live and work in the Bio-domes are usually poor and working-to-lower-middle-class. The "Magma-Farms," as they are known, are primarily used to supply thermo-energy which is then exported to the rest of the system. The Magma-Farms are also used as cheap and effective waste disposal, though those sections are kept away from the residential areas. Whilst the people who live and work there tend to be on the poor side, the owners of the various energy factories and disposal sites are all, without exception, very wealthy. Mech-Pilots who start out from Mercury usually salvage their first Mech from the Junk that has been sent to be disposed of or recycled. As such, Mercury has a thriving Independents scene where the contests aren't so much displays of tactical combat but street-fights in dusty, rocky arenas.

Venus: Despite its status as the hottest planet in the solar-system, its high concentration of CO2 (96%) makes it an ideal place to grow rare and valuable vegetation. Though most of the plants are kept inside the Biodomes to shield them from the worst of the surface heat, the domes are designed to allow most of the CO2 from the outside environment to enter. The owners of the various biodomes have genetically engineered the plants to grow faster and larger the more CO2 is present in the atmosphere - having been unable to simply increase the size of the plants, a catalyst was required - and the produced O2 is siphoned off and sold as "Pure Oxygen" on Earth. Much like Mercury, it is staffed primarily by the Working Class, though due to extreme atmospheric pressure and the high concentration of CO2, specialised worksuits must be worn in all areas except the Residential Sections. It doesn't have the thriving Independent Mechbowl scene that Mercury does, which just means that when the major products decide to tour on Venus, they almost always sell out every event.

Earth: Earth at this point is almost one giant city that has been carved up between the several major factions; the three major ones, and a handful of other, smaller nations. The population on Earth has long since exceeded Earth's natural resources and as such, it must rely on income from the other planets of the system to maintain its population. Whilst pollution has, thanks to various strides in renewable energy, halted, it will still be many more generations before the atmosphere clears completely. As such, pure untainted oxygen from Venus fetches a very, very high price and is sometimes served alongside a fine wine or an aged scotch. The Earths moon, due to its strategic location, has been kept neutral by international treaty. Every faction on Earths surface is allowed a small colony on the moon, but that is it. As such, most of it is still empty. Most of the families living on Earth are either upper-middle-class or upper class, being primarily businessmen and politicians.

Mars: Mars is entirely barren, being used almost entirely for production and factory work. Every major and middle-card faction has some holdings on Mars, and every other faction has a contract with at least two or three factories located on its surface, but the Zhu Dynasty is by far the most powerful on this particular planet. The workers on Mars are usually from the Middle Class, either being technicians and engineers to keep the production machines online, or in order to oversee day-to-day workings as managers or bureaucrats. Several of the major Mechbowl promotions have heavy presences here due to the planets wealth and manufacturing power, and as such almost any pilot of any skill arrives on Mars at some point in their career. Any decent pilots found living on Mars are quickly given a sponsorship deal. Because of the major promotions clout on Mars, the Independent circuit doesn't really have a presence on Mars.

Jupiter: Being a gas giant, you can guess what the hundreds of satellites orbiting the planet are harvesting. Much like Mars, the Satellites are mostly home to the Middle Class, who primarily work as office workers. Since the Mech Combat can only take place on specialised satellites, illegal Mechbowl matches and Independent Circuits aren't present.

Saturn: Though a Gas Giant, Saturn is a little more stable than Jupiter on its surface, and as such the few solid areas have iron and nickel mines peppered along its surface. These mines are protected by Biodomes and are worked by much the same class of people used to staff Venus and Mercury, with much the same Independent Circuit of Mechbowl. The Independent Circuit relies heavily on what is discarded from the Satellites above, however, since it doesn't have the second-hand industry that Mercury does. It has one, but Mercury's is far stronger. The aforementioned Satellites are very similar to Jupiters in that they are staffed by the Middle Class who oversee the Bureaucracy of harvesting the various gases from the planets atmosphere.

Uranus and Neptune: Being ice giants, their primary export is pure water and ice, which is oftentimes hard to find on many of the other planets. Much like the Gas Giants Saturn and Jupiter, they are staffed by a mixture of Middle and Working Class individuals, with a few select Upper Class families whose job it is to oversee the planets functions.

Pluto: Whilst Pluto is not technically a planet and is too far away and too small to really export anything meaningful, Pluto does have the ability to at least supplement Neptune's supply of water and ice and was the landscape for an extremely brutal theatre of the Second Solar War. As such, the three major factions have each staked a claim on a section of Pluto to A) give them a small supply of water, and B) to at least gain the semblance of a win to their people after fighting so hard over the planet(oid).

Other: There are a variety of asteroid belts and hundreds of moons within the Solar System today, each of them being home to small independent Colonies, city-states and slums. Many of the asteroid belts inevitably hide criminals, fugitives and black market traders, but no matter how many times the various police forces and militaries sweep through them, they always evade capture or move somewhere else. As such, law enforcement has largely given up on clearing these areas out and larger factions view subjugating the various independent nations as too much trouble for too little gain, so they are largely left alone except for token trade.

Three of the Major Factions. Feel free to add to them or create some more!

- The UFP, or The United Federation of Planets: After the Second Solar War in 2135, the UFP - modelled on a combination of the 21st century UN and EU - was formed from the majority of nations on one side of the conflict to attempt to safeguard humanity-wide peace in a bid to prevent another system-wide conflict. To this end, the UFP unified over a thousand nations across the system under one democratically elected Republic (which is governed by an elected Prime Minister), giving each nation only basic powers in its own day-to-day affairs whilst maintaining a federal oversight, much in the way that the USA governed its States in the early decades of the 21st Century. The nations within the UFP, however, have far less power than those United States in that they may not pass their own laws unless they are approved by the Republican Senate. Each "state" in the UFP has immediate defensive command of a branch of the UFPC (The United Federation of Planets' Corps), though they ultimately answer directly to the Republican Senate and the UFP Prime Minister. The UFP's main areas of influence (both directly through holdings and indirectly through allies and trade agreements) are Mercury, Saturn, the North-Eastern section of Pluto and roughly 70 of the 442 known natural satellites inhabiting the Solar System. Its base of operations is the former North American continent on Earth.

- The Zhu Dynasty: Formerly the Pan-Asian League (including China, North Korea, sections of annexed Japan and most of the smaller Asian mainland countries) at the time of the First Solar War (2069, when Humanity was only just beginning to colonise planets past Mars), the League quickly morphed into an Empire as the more dominant factions either crushed the opposition or combined to further their own interests, the first official Emperor being crowned in 2128. The Empire has passed through many Dynasties in its life - at this count, close to thirteen - and is currently firmly under the control of the Zhu family. It boasts, amongst other things, a cornering of the technology and production markets, thanks to its influences over Mars, Jupiter, the Asian mainland on Earth and the southern hemisphere of Pluto.

- The ANN, or Alliance of Neutral Nations: Originally created in the middle of the Second Solar War to unify those nations wishing to stay neutral in the conflict but also desiring to maintain their own sovereignty. This alliance - whilst having been fractured more than a few times as splinter groups went their own way - is governed by a Senate of representatives from each nation. Whilst each nation has complete control over its own laws, system of government and culture, in the event of conflict each nations military is put under the direct command of the Senate itself. Its main areas of influence - that is, its strongest allies - reside in large parts of Neptune, the north-west of Pluto and most of the "Middle East" on Earth.

Now that the fluff is out of the way, here is how the RP will work:

- Each player controls one character, who is allocated a team once I know how much interest there is.
- We are all Freelance teams who compete in whichever Promotion offers us the most money. Right now, we have all shown up in our respective teams to compete in one of the Productions annual tournaments, whose first heats take place on Mars and are televised system-wide. We will be living, breathing and interacting on Mars for the first couple of rounds of the tournament. The final of this particular tournament will take place on Earth.
- Out of Mech Combat, we will be free to roam the Residential areas that have been provided to us. Each team will have a separate Residential building in the same Biodome. How your characters feel about each other - whether they know each other, whether they like each other, etc etc - is up to you.
- Inside Mech Combat, for the moment, there will not be a dice rolling system. I want to see if the players that are interested can play nicely and fairly. If you can't, I will implement a dice rolling system to ensure fairplay. To encourage fair play, even the losing teams will be rewarded with winnings upon completion of the round. Not as much as the winner, but you WILL get paid. Mech repairs between rounds are free.
- Please follow the instructions below to apply.


1) Please fill out the character Bio below:

Player Name:
Character Name:
Age: Must be 18 or over. No 16 year old savants, please.
Sex:
Planet or colony of origin: You can choose one of the planets I described above, or create your own unique colony or nation to come from, it's entirely up to you.

Appearance: Can be a description or a faceclaim.

Brief History and Motivations:


2) Provide a Mech proposal using the template and instructions below.


- There are four classes of Mech in this universe: Scout, Assault, Heavy and Command.
--- Scout Mechs are lightly armoured and fast. Common uses for them include scouts, harassment from the flanks, or - if high ground can be found - snipers. They're most effective when in a support role because, on their own, Scout Mechs are easily dealt with.
--- Assault Mechs are the all-rounders. They're well-armoured but reasonably fast and agile, and are the most versatile of the classes. They can fill any roll from rapid-response to dependable soldier to heavy fire-support. However, without a Scout Mech providing intel or covering fire and without a Heavy providing heavy fire-support, they can be easily overwhelmed by a coordinated or specialised enemy.
--- Heavy Mechs are extremely heavily armoured but very slow. They have access to the heaviest weaponry, but are usually sitting ducks for faster, more agile Mechs. They usually need to be supported by other classes, or they can easily be ganged up on and eliminated.
--- Command Mechs are the Mechs given to Team Leaders. They can be any Class - Scout, Assault or Heavy - but gain access to some unique Support Gear and some other small benefits in order to fill the Leadership role more effectively.

The first thing you need to do is decide what role you want to fill. To begin with, I'll be giving each Team ONLY one of each role, to ensure that they are relatively balanced.

Secondly, you'll need to decide on the equipment that your Mech will carry into combat. Don't worry, this lot is just starting gear, and you can use the money gained in-game to customise and alter your Mech as you go along. As we progress, I'll be introducing more unique and flashy weapons and equipment. :-) One thing that I should note, however; every mechs cockpit is encased in a nigh-indestructable material. This way, even if a pilots mech is entirely mangled, the pilot will survive with, at worst, a few bumps and bruises. So don't worry about your pilots safety. ;) Of course, this means no open topped Mechs. Well, maybe in the illegal Underground circuits, but not on live System-wide television. :P

In order to balance it properly, each "Class" will have different equipment available to them. I'll give instructions on outfitting your Mech in spoilers, so if you've decided to use an Assault Mech, you can skip straight to that spoiler.

Scout Mech

Scout Mechs are the smallest and fastest of the three classes, but as such, have the least choice when it comes to weapons and equipment. When outfitting a Scout Mech, remember these four rules:
- Every weapon class has a "Weight Rank," or "WR." This gives you an easy-to-remember indication of whether or not your Mech can carry the weapons you want it to. Scout Mechs have a WR of 10.
- Scout Mechs may also either choose three Sub-Systems that add abilities to the Mech itself, OR the Class-Specific Support System that gives your Mech unique abilities that you may or may not want to consider.
- Weapons are given values depending on their stats. These stats won't be used in a numerical system (unless I find that it's necessary to implement one), and are for reference for gameplay only. It should be self-explanatory.
- Scout Mechs always have humanoid, agile limbs. Pilots control them through an interface as if they were their actual limbs. As such, Scout Mech arms can perform fine motor functions such as climbing, picking something up, grabbing something, etc etc. Therefore, if you equip a weapon, you must be holding it to use it. If it says "One Handed," it means that you may wield it in one hand. If it says "two handed," you may only use it in two hands.

Scout Mech Weapons. Scout Mech WR Max: 10

Light Weapons (WR:3)

-Light Pistol: One Handed. Range: Medium. Accuracy: High. Damage: Low. Magazine Size: Medium. Reload Speed: High. Rate of Fire: Medium.
-Heavy Pistol: One Handed. R: Medium. Acc: Medium. Dam: Medium. Mag: Medium. Reload: High. RoF: Low.
-Machine Pistol: One Handed. R: Medium. Acc: Low. Dam: Low. Mag: High. Reload: High. RoF: High.


Medium Weapons (WR:6)

-Assault Rifle: Two Handed. R: Medium. Acc: Medium. Dam: Medium. Mag: High. Reload: Medium. RoF: High.
-Battle Rifle: Two Handed. R: High. Acc: High. Dam: Medium. Mag: Medium. Reload: Medium. RoF: Medium (3-shot-burst).
-Shotgun: Two Handed. R: Low. Acc: Low. Dam: High. Mag: Low. Reload: Medium. RoF: Low.

Heavy Weapons (WR:7)

-Sniper Rifle: Two Handed. R: Very High. Acc: Very High. Dam: High. Mag: Low. Reload: Medium. RoF: Low.
-Bazooka: Two Handed. R:Medium. Acc: Medium. Dam: Very High. Mag: Low. Reload: Low. RoF: Low.
-Grenade Launcher: Two Handed. R: Medium. Acc: Medium. Dam: Medium. Mag: Medium. Reload: Low. RoF: Medium.

Sub Systems, Three Max

- Jump Jets: Allows prolonged ascension. Comes with a "Climbing Claw" on one hand. Perfect for Sniper-Scouts.
- Advanced Sensors: Allows you a higher chance of spotting "Stealthed" Units.
- Stealth: Temporarily renders you invisible, and immune to lock-on. Breaks established lock-on.
- Smoke Dispenser: Provides a Smokescreen. Blocks you from view, and may interfere with Lock-On. Not affected by Advanced Sensors.
- Enhanced Aiming: Makes weapons more accurate, allowing your shots to hit their target a little more often.
- Ammo Delivery System: Decreases reload time.
- Marker: Transmits targets location to the rest of your team and allows them to instantly lock on. Continues broadcasting for thirty seconds, even if target enters stealth.
- Target Lock: Tracks targets movement, even behind cover. Broken by deploying a smokescreen or entering Stealth, unless target has been hit with a "Marker."

Scout Mech Support System: This is an OPTIONAL REPLACEMENT for the Subsystems

The Scout Mech transforms into a four-wheel-drive, all-terrain buggy. The Scout Mech gains wheels or tracks on its feet that allows it to move faster when in humanoid mode. It also gains basic jump-jets, an activated speed boost when in Buggy mode and the ability to either deploy smoke or enter a weak stealth mode in which the buggy becomes mostly invisible, save for a light-refraction effect that isn't as pronounced in the "standard" stealth sub-system. The buggy also has access to any one one-handed weapon that is being carried on the Scout Mechs person at time of transformation, as well as any one shoulder-mounted weapon should the Mech possess any. If either of these weapons is lost or disabled, the buggy loses the ability to use that weapon. The appearance of this buggy is, to a large degree, up to the controller of that Mech and should be described alongside the Mech-form.

Assault Mech

Assault Mechs are the "middle" class, and are the most versatile of the three classes and often move just as a human might. As such, it has the most choice when choosing its equipment. When outfitting an Assault Mech, remember these four rules:
- Every weapon class has a "Weight Rank," or "WR." This gives you an easy-to-remember indication of whether or not your Mech can carry the weapons you want it to. Assault Mechs have a WR of 10, up to a max of three weapons. Assault Mechs also get access to the unique "Assault Weapons" Class.
- Assault Mechs may also either choose three Sub-Systems that add abilities to the Mech itself, OR the Class-Specific Support System that gives your Mech unique abilities that you may or may not want to consider.
- Weapons are given values depending on their stats. These stats won't be used in a numerical system (unless I find that it's necessary to implement one), and are for reference for gameplay only. Their stats should be self-explanatory.
- Assault Mechs can either have humanoid, agile limbs which pilots control as if they were their actual limbs that can perform fine motor skills, or fixed-limbs that do not move and are more like platforms for heavier weapons. Some weapons require a fixed-limb. If you equip a weapon that is listed as "Humanoid Arm," you must be holding it to use it. If it says "One Handed," it means that you may wield it in one hand. If it says "two handed," you may only use it in two hands.

Assault Mech Weapons. Assault Mech WR Max: 10

Light Weapons (WR:2)

- Light Pistol: One Handed, Humanoid Arm. Range: Medium. Accuracy: High. Damage: Low. Magazine Size: Medium. Reload Speed: High. Rate of Fire: Medium.
- Machine Pistol: One Handed, Humanoid Arm. R: Medium. Acc: Low. Dam: Low. Mag: High.  Reload: High. RoF: High.
- Heavy Pistol: One Handed, Humanoid Arm. R: Medium. Acc: Medium. Dam: Medium. Mag: Medium. Reload: High. RoF: Low.
- 4-Missile-Pod: Shoulder Mounted, Humanoid or Fixed. R: High. Acc: Medium. Dam: Medium. Mag: Low. Reload: Medium. RoF: Medium.
- Officer Vibro-Saber: One Handed, Humanoid. R: Low. Acc: Medium. Dam: Medium. Mag: N/A. Reload: N/A. RoF: N/A.


Medium Weapons (WR:4):

- Assault Rifle: Two Handed, Humanoid. R: Medium. Acc: Medium. Dam: Medium. Mag: High. Reload: Medium. RoF: High.
- Battle Rifle: Two Handed, Humanoid. R: High. Acc: High. Dam: Medium. Mag: Medium. Reload: Medium. RoF: Medium (3-Burst-Shot).
- SMG: One Handed, Humanoid. R: Medium. Acc: Low. Dam: Medium. Mag: High. Reload: Medium. RoF: High.
- Autocannon: One Handed, Fixed Arm. R: Medium. Acc: Medium. Dam: Very High. Mag: Low. Reload: Low. RoF: Low (Single Shot).
- Shotgun: Two Handed Humanoid or One Handed Fixed. R: Low. Acc: Low. Dam: High. Mag: Low. Reload: Medium. RoF: Low.
- 6-Missile-Pod: Shoulder Mounted, Humanoid or Fixed. R: High. Acc: Medium. Dam: Medium. Mag: Low. Reload: Medium. RoF: Medium.
- Rail Rifle: Two Handed, Humanoid. R: High. Acc: High. Dam: High. Mag: Low. Reload: Low. RoF: Low.


Heavy Weapons (WR: 6)

- Bazooka: Two Handed, Humanoid. R: Medium. Acc: Medium.  Dam: Very High. Mag: Low. Reload: Low. RoF: Low.
- Grenade Launcher: Two Handed, Humanoid. R: Medium. Acc: Medium. Dam: Medium. Mag: Medium. Reload: Medium. RoF: Medium.
- Light Machine Gun: Two Handed, Humanoid. Must be on Tripod. R: Medium. Acc: Medium. Dam: V. High. Mag: High. Reload: Low. RoF: High.
- 8-Missile-Pod: Shoulder Mounted, Fixed. R: High. Acc: Medium. Dam: High. Mag: Medium. Reload: Medium. RoF: Medium.
- Battle-Cannon: One Handed, Fixed. R: High. Acc: Medium. Dam: Medium. Mag: High. Reload: Medium. RoF: Medium (3-Shot-Burst).
- Flame-Thrower: Two Handed, Humanoid. R: Low. Acc: High. Dam: High. Mag: Low. Reload: N/A. RoF: N/A. Fuel vulnerable on back.


Assault Weapons (WR:8)

- Machine Gun: Two Handed, Humanoid, Must Be On Tripod. R: Medium. Acc: High. Dam: High. Mag: High. Reload: Low. RoF: High.
- Mini-Gun: Two Handed, Humanoid, Must Be Stationary To Fire. R: High. Acc: Low. Dam: Medium. Mag: High. Reload: Low. RoF: High.

Sub-Systems, Three Max

- Advanced Sensors: Allows a higher chance of spotting stealthed units.
- Smoke Dispenser: Deploys a smoke screen. May interfere with Lock-On.
- Flares: Can interfere with lock-on, including deflecting locked-on weapons.
- Stability Modules: Increases stability of arms. Increases weapon accuracy.
- Ammo Delivery System: Decreases reload time.
- Ammo Belt: Increases ammo storage.
- Target Lock: Tracks target, even through cover. Allows equipped missiles to track and follow target.
- Nanobots: Basic Nano-Armour. Can repair light damage.
- Heavy Armour: Increases armour strength, but sharply reduces speed and mobility.

Assault Mech Support System: This is an OPTIONAL REPLACEMENT for the Subsystems

This upgrades the Assault Mech to a Tactical Strike Mech, or a "Striker" for short. A Strike Mech has access to advanced Jumpjets and advanced mobility blades on its feet that allow it to move at high speeds with extreme agility. It has access to the basic nanobot subsystem, and two humanoid arms that are each armed with an advanced type of combat-blade. It also has a Scout Mech's stealth subsystem that renders it temporarily invisible to the naked eye, radar and lock-on. This, however, comes at a cost: the only ranged weapon it has access to is a Heavy Pistol light weapon.

Striker Blades: One Handed (x2) R: Very Low. Acc: Medium. Dam: Very High. Mag: N/A. Reload: N/A. RoF: N/A.

Heavy Mech

Heavy Mechs are the largest, slowest and most heavily armed of the three classes, but are also the least agile. Instead of ducking and weaving between cover like the other two classes, the Heavy Mechs stand in the open, soaking up the punishment and returning fire with blistering salvoes of their own. When outfitting a Heavy Mech, remember these four rules:
- Every weapon class has a "Weight Rank," or "WR." This gives you an easy-to-remember indication of whether or not your Mech can carry the weapons you want it to. Heavy Mechs have a WR of 12, with a maximum number of 4 weapons.
- Heavy Mechs may also either choose three Sub-Systems that add abilities to the Mech itself, OR the Class-Specific Support System that gives your Mech unique abilities that you may want to consider.
- Weapons are given values depending on their stats. These stats won't be used in a numerical system (unless I find that it's necessary to implement one), and are for reference for gameplay only. Their stats should be self-explanatory.
- Heavy Mechs, due to the weight of their weapons, always have "fixed limbs," which are more akin to stationary platforms than arms. They can either be in the shape of arms, small outcroppings or having the weapons directly grafted onto the torso itself. It's up to you. However, these arms/platforms do not move like the Scout and Assault Mech's humanoid arms do. They also do not have access to Light Weapons.

Heavy Mech Weapons (Max WR: 12):

Medium Weapons (WR:3):

- Assault Cannon: Fixed. Range: Medium. Accuracy: Medium. Damage: Medium. Magazine Size: Medium. Reload Speed: Medium. Rate of Fire: High.
- Rail Gun: Fixed or Shoulder Mounted. R: High. Acc: Medium. Dam: High. Mag: Low. Reload: Low. RoF: Medium.
- Automatic Shotgun: Fixed. R: Low. Acc: Low. Dam: High. Mag: Medium. Reload: Medium. RoF: Medium.
- Battle-Cannon: Fixed. R: Medium. Acc: High. Dam: Medium. Mag: High. Reload: Medium. RoF: Medium (3-Shot-Burst).
- 6-Missile-Pod: Shoulder Mounted. R: High. Acc: Medium. Dam: High. Mag: Low. Reload: Low. RoF: Medium.
- Plasma Rifle: Fixed or Shoulder Mounted. R: High. Acc: Medium. Dam: High. Mag: Low. Reload: Low. RoF: Low.


Heavy Weapons (WR:4):

- Minigun: Fixed. R: High. Acc: Low. Dam: High. Mag: V. High. Reload: Low. RoF: V. High.
- Plasma Cannon: Fixed or Shoulder-Mounted. R: High. Acc: Medium. Dam: V. High. Mag: Low. Reload: Medium. RoF: Low.
- Flame Cannon: Fixed. R: Medium. Acc: Medium. Dam: V. High. Mag: Low. Reload: N/A. RoF: N/A. Fuel supply vulnerable.
- 8-Missile-Pod: Shoulder-Mounted. R: High. Acc: Medium. Dam: High. Mag: Medium. Reload: Medium. RoF: Medium.
- 14-Missile Pod: Shoulder-Mounted, occupies both shoulders. R: High. Acc: Medium. Dam: High. Mag: Medium. Reload: Medium. RoF: Medium.
- Grenade Cannon: Fixed or Shoulder-Mounted. R: Medium. Acc: Low. Dam: Medium. Mag: High. Reload: Low. RoF: High. Can be Indirect

Sub-Systems, Three Max

- Advanced Sensors: Allows a higher chance of spotting stealthed units.
- Specialist Grenades: Must have the Grenade Launcher equipped. May use Smoke, flash and sticky grenades as well as explosive.
- Flares: Can interfere with lock-on, including deflecting locked-on weapons.
- Ammo Delivery System: Decreases reload time.
- Ammo Belt: Increases ammo storage.
- Target Lock: Tracks target, even through cover. Allows equipped missiles to track and follow target.
- Nanobots: Basic Nano-Armour. Can repair light damage.
- Fortress Armour: Increases armour strength to incredible levels, but sharply reduces speed and mobility.
- Overcharge: Allows you to charge up and increase the strength of Plasma and Rail weapons, but each time you overcharge, you are more likely to overheat or break the weapons.

Heavy Mech Support System: This is an OPTIONAL REPLACEMENT for the Subsystems.

The Heavy Mech may transform into an "Earthshaker Artillery Platform." The Heavy Mech possesses the Advanced Sensors and Fortress Armour Subsystems, along with one Fixed Arm weapon from the Heavy Mech Medium Weapon list. The Mech is also equipped with one "Siege-Class" Weapon, from the list below. To use the Siege Weapon, the Mech must enter "Platform Mode," which will vary depending on the appearance and design of the Mech in question. The transformation will take thirty seconds, in which time the Mech will become completely immobile, the Siege Weapon will shift to a usable position - be it braced along the mech's back, or planted firmly on the ground or any other position from which it can be fired depending on the design of the Mech - and the Medium Weapon will assume a defensive turret-like position somewhere on the Mech's platform in order to offer basic protection from attack. The Siege Weapons are indirect, and as such will require coordinates fed from other Mechs in order to be fully effective.

Possible Siege Weapons (pick one):

- Rail-Cannon: Range: V. High. Accuracy: Low (without spotter). Damage: V. V. High. Magazine Size: High. Reload Speed: Low. Rate of Fire: Low.
- Artillery Cannon: R: V. High. Acc: Low (without spotter). Dam: V. High. Mag: High. Reload: Medium. RoF: Medium.
- 25-Pod-Siege Missiles: R: V. High. Acc: Medium. Dam: High. Mag: Medium. Reload: Low. RoF: High. May fire all 25 individually, or all at once.

Command Mech

Command Mech's are not, strictly speaking, a separate class. Command Mechs may be any "class," be it Scout, Assault or Heavy, but do get a number of basic upgrades to help them carry out their leadership responsibilities with greater efficiency. They have slightly better armour than "normal" members of their respective class, and gain two extra Sub-Systems - regardless of whether or not they are equipped with their classes unique Support System - that must be chosen from the following list. Each team gets only one Command Mech.

Command Subsystems:

- Localised Shield Generator: The Command Mech may deploy a portable shield generator that creates a spherical shield around the generators current location. Mechs and humans may pass through the shield unhindered, but gunfire may only leave the shield and not enter it. Once deployed, the shield cannot be moved, and after the shield has sustained a certain amount of damage, it will shut down. One use per generator. Start battle with 2 generators.
- Ammo Cache: The Command Mech may deploy a single ammunition duplicator that supplies the controlling team with unlimited ammo refills. Can be captured. Cannot be moved or redeployed. Max per Command Mech: 1.
- Communications Scrambler: May periodically disrupt enemy teams communications. Lasts for forty-five seconds. Takes five minutes to recharge.
- Advanced Radar: Upgrades the basic Mech radar. It has longer range, can tell what class the mech is and estimates its current loadout. Basic radar can tell friend from foe.
- EMP: The Command Mech may periodically disable all weapons - friend and foe - in a localised area. Duration: 20 seconds. Recharge time: 90 seconds.
- Advanced Nanobots: May apply advanced nanomachines to self or ally to repair light to medium damage. The nanobots must take two minutes between uses to recharge.
- Mobile Turret: The Command Mech may deploy a Machine Gun Auto-Turret. May be picked up and redeployed. Can be destroyed.
- Advanced Communications Relay: The Command Mech has a protected communications line that is immune to scrambling. This line connects to one and only one other Mech.
- Sophisticated Communications Relay: The Command Mech possesses a protected Communications Relay that protects its line to all team members from scrambling. Team members may talk to the Command Mech and vice versa during scrambling, but team members communications to non-Command Mechs are disrupted as usual. This Subsystem takes both slots.
- Hidden Weapon: The Command Mech may carry one Scout Mech Light Weapon in addition to its other weapons.

And there you go! If you got through that, you should be ready to create your mech!


Step 3) Please provide a writing sample; I would like you to write an average (for YOU; I want to know what to expect from you in terms of content in-game) post from the perspective of your proposed character. The scenario can be whatever you want, so long as it is one that could occur in-game.



So, as a recap:

I need:

1) A brief character Bio using the template below:

Player Name:
Character Name:
Age: Must be 18 or over. No 16 year old savants, please.
Sex:
Planet or colony of origin: You can choose one of the planets I described above, or create your own unique colony or nation to come from, it's entirely up to you.

Appearance: Can be a description or a faceclaim.

Brief History and Motivations:


2) A brief Mech Bio, using the template below:

Mech Name: What your character has nicknamed their Mech.

Mech Class: EG, Scout, Assault, Heavy, Command Heavy, etc.

Mech Armaments: The weapons and subsystems your Mech possesses, including whether or not it is using the optional Special System.

Mech Appearance: You can use a written description, a picture or a drawing if you want so long as it gives me an idea of what your Mech looks like. It must fit the class and requirements. EG, a Scout Mech is not going to be gigantic or heavily armoured. If your Mech can transform, include a description of the alternative mode as well.



3) I need a written sample, from the perspective of your proposed character. It can be any scenario you can think of, I just want to get a feel for your writing style. :-)



And that's about it from me! I hope you're all still paying attention, and I hope this interests a few people. It took me literally 8 hours to write, so I hope somebody likes it. XD

[Vergil Tanner]

Before anybody asks, I do have a character in mind, piloting a Command Assault - as GM, it makes sense for me to be playing a Team Leader - but I won't go through the character template until I know whether there are any interested players around. :-)

[Jarred109]

Neat idea! I'm interested, will start coming up with a character concept soon!

[Vergil Tanner]

Sweet, I'm pleased to hear it :-) This idea has been knocking around in my head for at least a year, so I'm glad that somebody else likes it, at least. ;) I look forward to seeing your concept bio. ^_^

[Jarred109]

Player Name:
Character Name: Ivan Hermes
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Planet or colony of origin: Mercury

Appearance:

Brief History and Motivations: Ivan's pretty much got the stereotypical mercury farmers kid turned mech warrior background. Ivan didn't have high expectations for life growing up. His parents were honest hardworking magma farmers, his two older siblings were going to be magma farmers and for a good portion of his youth he was planning the same. Then Ivan saw his first Mech battle. It wasn't a massive complex event like they had on the nice planets, just two scrappers testing out their rigs. Ivan was hooked immediately, working with a waste disposal team to collect spare parts and spending large portion of time putting them together. It was plenty of trial and error,with his first two mechs almost getting him killed.Silver Lady III was the one the made it, and hes kept it ever since. Admittedly, so much of its been replaced and improved over the years it's hardly the same mech, but its the thought the counts.
Ivan is obsessed with money, always working to acquire the big payoff that'll help him move his family to earth to live out their years in comfort and luxury.


2) Is that... is that tape holding that gyro up? And where do half there wires even go to?!
Silver Lady III is exclusively worked on by Ivan, because if anyone else would go mad attempting to understand it's design and inner workings. Ivan certainly doesn't mind, and is actually very protective of his 'Number one girl'. She was the third mech he finished building on Mercury many years ago, with Ivan having made multiple improvements and replaced many of the older parts as he made it to the 'Big Leagues'
Mech Name:  Silver Lady III

Mech Class: Scout

Mech Armaments: Heavy Pistol, Grenade Launcher. Jump Jets, Advanced Sensors, and Marker.

Mech Appearance:
Similar to the image.
Silver Lady's humble origins still show through in her design, with parts of the bent and mismatched colorful parts that originally made her up still showing up occasionally on her frame. Still, a lot of her is still new.. or at least newer compared to some parts. Silver is a bit of a stretch though, she's gun metal grey for the most part with the occasional exception from an often brightly colored spare part. A humanoid shaped mech almost thin and feminine in shape. Two arms end differently, a clawed hand useful for catching walls when climbing and a more dexterous hand for manipulating and using weapons. It carries few weapon systems: On its 'hip' is attached its large pistol, more then able to put rounds through all but the heaviest armors. On it's lower back it carries the seemingly scout inappropriate grenade launcher, army green in color and clearly originally carried by another mech. Large jet boosters, mismatched of course, extend from her back almost like angel wings.



3) " Come on baby girl, work for daddy.."
Ivan stared at the numbers on the screen in front of him, eyes silently pleading them to stay within limits. He was in the pilot section of his Lady.He was dressed in tied off coveralls and a wife beater stained with oil, dirty rags and tools scattered around him. He was hardly dressed or prepared for a fight, unfortunately he might not even make the fight if he couldn't get his thrusters to sync and align. The main problem was the left was Terrajump 5, and probably older then he was. It had a tendency to kick in late, which meant the other one, a newer Metal Angel 320 with start him toppling in a somersault. Even better, when it did fire up it would come on full blast before setting to its desired output and then send him somersaulting the other way.

Ivan probably should have replaced it by now and get a matching set just to make it easier. Still, even single thrusters were ridiculously expensive. Not that he'd even have time to install it before tomorrow. Besides, all he had to do was delay the firing on the angel side until Terrajump had a chance to warm up. Then of course have Angel turn initially to full blast to compensate for the first jump in power, before also falling to desire level. It would be a little jerk in the beginning but otherwise fine. At least he hoped.

The tricky part was timing, which is why he was watching the output level on the screen so closely. So far it was good, the delay was in and now for the initial jump in power..
The cockpit jumped and started leaning to the side then the other righting itself, scattering tools and rags everywhere. Ivan calmly hit the controls to power off, sighing in defeat. They were still a half second off from each other, which could work if need be. Maybe he could get it just a little closer..
"Aww, you're just acting up cause you want daddy to spend more time with you.. Just a few more hours, we both need to get some rest before tomorrow alright Lady?"

[Vergil Tanner]

Ivan looks good! It's always interesting to have a farmers kid, especially in a setting where he will be coming into contact with plenty of wealthier individuals...and it's always fun to play with the Mercenary type characters who are in it for the money. Well, I suppose they're ALL in it for the money, but you know what I mean :P

There is one thing that I would like to point out, though; not your fault, since I wasn't initially clear, but as Lady is a Scout Mech with a Grenade Launcher, it means that she doesn't have it attached directly to her arm; Scout Mechs aren't sturdy enough for that kind of arm-mounted ordinance, especially not with humanoid arms. As such, if she's equipped with a Grenade Launcher, she literally has a giant grenade launcher that she holds in her hands. If a weapon is listed as "One Handed" or "Two Handed," it means that the weapon is carried as a separate gun; if it's an attachment to the arm, it will say "Fixed" or "Fixed or one/two handed." That also means that she needs to sling it across her back or something in order to use her pistol. Other than that, it looks good! Once we have a couple more people interested, I'll whip up my own character to fill in any gaps we might have (EG, if we have two males and one female, I'll make my character a female).

But long story short, besides the slight discrepancy with her description, it looks good! :D

[Jarred109]

Ah ok, easy fix then! Lady has two hands now!

And to be fair, he does want the money for a good cause!  ::)

[Vergil Tanner]

Suuuuuure, that's what they all say ;) :P

Anywho, let's hope we get some more interest! We can't have a team-RP with only two people, after all :P

[Vergil Tanner]

Still need more people; we can't have a team-based RP with only two people, now can we? :P

[King Serperior]

I might be interested as I love mecha and when organized arena combat is added in, I like it even more!  However, I have some questions regarding the Heavy Mech class:

The Heavy Mech possesses the Advanced Sensors and Fortress Armour Subsystems, along with one Fixed Arm weapon from the Heavy Mech Medium Weapon list.

Does this mean that the fixed weapon that is mentioned is an additional weapon that comes with the Mech along with the optional basic systems and the Siege weapon?  Or is it the only weapon, besides the siege weapon, that is allowed?  What I mean is, let's say I chose to equip the mech with four medium weapons.  Would I be able to add this one fixed arm weapon as well as the Seige weapon?  Or am I reading this incorrectly?  Also, would all weapons equiped on the mech while in Siege-mode be active?

Next, are there any specific mech designs that you are looking for?  I could be mistaken, but it is not limited to humanoid forms, right?  Ex.  Spider-like, Tank-like, etc.

[Vergil Tanner]

Hey there, Serp! So, to answer your questions:

1) The Siege Weapon and the two Subsystems replace all weapons that would otherwise have been equipped; much like the Assault Mech replaces the choice with a specific build, so too does the Siege Mode. So, you only get what is listed in that section, nothing more, nothing less. So the Siege Mech would get the Super Heavy weapons, the two systems, one Medium weapon and that's it. Trade-off for huge indirect firepower is not much direct defensive capabilities of its own.

2) They don't have to be humanoid, no, but they would only be basic equipment...no special stats or enhanced characteristics until you bought some in-game. So yes, you could have your Heavy be a Spider-Mech if you wanted....so long as it has legs. If it has tracks, it's just a giant tank rather than a mech. :P

[King Serperior]

Hey there, Serp! So, to answer your questions:

Hello there!

1) The Siege Weapon and the two Subsystems replace all weapons that would otherwise have been equipped; much like the Assault Mech replaces the choice with a specific build, so too does the Siege Mode. So, you only get what is listed in that section, nothing more, nothing less. So the Siege Mech would get the Super Heavy weapons, the two systems, one Medium weapon and that's it. Trade-off for huge indirect firepower is not much direct defensive capabilities of its own.   Too bad that it doesn't get two of the super-heavy weapons.  The missile pods and the Rail Cannon sound like fun:  Use the missiles to pin them, the go for the fatal direct hit.  :P

Alright, that clarifies things greatly!  If I go for the Heavy, I'll just forgo Siege-Mode and just take on the Fortress Armor Sub System.  I'm not one who prefers to play the covering-fire type of mecha!  I love my speedy Sniper mechs with the occasional dipping into overwhelming barrage of firepower side of mecha.

2) They don't have to be humanoid, no, but they would only be basic equipment...no special stats or enhanced characteristics until you bought some in-game. So yes, you could have your Heavy be a Spider-Mech if you wanted....so long as it has legs. If it has tracks, it's just a giant tank rather than a mech. :P

True, very true, haha!  I like the idea of multi-legged mecha as it is a very stable base for weapons that need to be held stable to be effective. 

Also, I do have a question about the weights of each weapon for each class.  For example, Scout light pistol weigh 3 while the light pistol of the Assault weigh 2.  Is it because of the mech's size?  I would assume that all weapons of all classes weighed the same.

[Vergil Tanner]

Haha, fair enough! Yeah, if you took the Fortress Subsystem, it would be less "dip in and out of cover" and more "stand and shoot." The Fortress subsystem turns your already slow Mech into more of a slow-moving Battlestation. :P

As for the weight, they aren't fully representative of the actual weight of the weapon, more like the weight in relation to the size of the mech. In all honesty, I just use them as shorthand to stop people loading up on three Heavy weapons. They are nowhere near representative of the actual weight of the Mech. :P

[Yukina]

I'm very interested. :) Also a question: I'll be piloting basically Strike Gundam and I was wondering that with its backpack switching gimmick, would it be more of a command mech or an assault mech?

[Vergil Tanner]

I can honestly say that I have no earthly idea, since I don't know anything about Gundam. I will note, however, that from what I understand, it's unlikely that you'll be able to get Strike Gundam exactly, given that Jetpacks are only available to Scout Mechs, and I'm angling for a slightly more "realistic" movement speed for them. :P Also, a "Command" Mech isn't a separate chasis; it's just an upgraded version of one of the other three classes. So a Command Mech can be either a Scout, Assault or Heavy. Command just gives it a couple more Subsystems and upgraded armour and mobility. I would probably lean more towards Assault for a Gundam, though I would bear in mind that this is closer to MechWarrior and Armored Core than it is to Gundam Wing. :-)

[Yukina]

Understood. I'm aware my mech won't ever be the actual thing, though it's more a homage to the suit. I think have a good idea what specs to give it now thanks to your help. :)

[Vergil Tanner]

No worries! I look forward to seeing what you come up with :D :D

[Yukina]

(Retracted)

[Vergil Tanner]

Ok, lessee....only a couple of minor issues:

"by a bunch of nerdy Asian billionaires"
Um...I'm not sure about that line. Leave it in if you want, just be wary of creating caricatures, y'know? :-)

The characters appearance. I know it's inconvenient, but since this is more on the realistic side, I would prefer it if it was a more realistic picture. It doesn't have to be a photo, but the art style is too different to the actual style of the RP to really fit in. If you can't find a "realism" style picture or photo that matches your ideal description, a written one is perfectly fine. :-)

I'm also not completely sold on the concept of the colony itself...I mean, it just feels like you're trying to find a way to crowbar in an anime style to a more realistic, grungy RP, and I'm not convinced that the peg is going through the right hole, if you get my meaning. I mean, it seems like a caricature of a subset of culture, and I find it odd that in a "realistic" society, that sort of thing would take over an entire colony. Just maybe...tone it down a little? At the moment, with the extremes you're going to, it does feel like you're trying to force a certain style in where it doesn't fit.


But those are the only real issues I can see. :-)

[Yukina]

Ok, lessee....only a couple of minor issues:

"by a bunch of nerdy Asian billionaires"
Um...I'm not sure about that line. Leave it in if you want, just be wary of creating caricatures, y'know? :-)

The characters appearance. I know it's inconvenient, but since this is more on the realistic side, I would prefer it if it was a more realistic picture. It doesn't have to be a photo, but the art style is too different to the actual style of the RP to really fit in. If you can't find a "realism" style picture or photo that matches your ideal description, a written one is perfectly fine. :-)

I'm also not completely sold on the concept of the colony itself...I mean, it just feels like you're trying to find a way to crowbar in an anime style to a more realistic, grungy RP, and I'm not convinced that the peg is going through the right hole, if you get my meaning. I mean, it seems like a caricature of a subset of culture, and I find it odd that in a "realistic" society, that sort of thing would take over an entire colony. Just maybe...tone it down a little? At the moment, with the extremes you're going to, it does feel like you're trying to force a certain style in where it doesn't fit.


But those are the only real issues I can see. :-)

I think I'll retract my interest then. When I look at your points, I see that I do not fit in this game. Best of luck. :)

[Vergil Tanner]

Well, that's a shame. :-( I understand, of course. I'm sorry you feel that you don't fit in, and I wish you luck in future. :-)

[King Serperior]

Okay, one last question for the moment:

For shoulder-mounted weapons, let's say that I choose a spider-based design, which obviously doesn't have shoulders, how would that work?  For example, let's go with the 8-missile pod on the heavy class.  Would I be able to set it pretty much anywhere on the mech?  Or are there certain locations in this scenario?  Also, would weapons on such mech body structures be mounted on turrets?

[Vergil Tanner]

Ok, there's a very simple answer to that: even if you're doing a Spider Mech, it still has to have a cockpit on the top, as a torso. Kinda liiiiike.....



Doesn't have to look exactly like that, but you get the idea. It has to have legs, then a torso that is distinct from those legs, rather than an undercarriage or an actual spider-shape. And in that case, the rocket pods would go where the shoulders would be, if it had arms. Now, if you're going for "Fixed position" arm weapons, then it would have to have some kind of attachment, like a platform attached to where the arms would be. If you're using a one handed or two handed weapon - that is, a weapon labelled specifically as "Humanoid," you HAVE to have arms to use it.
Does that answer your question? :-)

[King Serperior]

Ah, okay.  I was visualizing a mech that looked sort of like this:



I saw the giant cannon atop it and thought, 'That's a great place to put a Rail Gun.'  But, since it needs a distinct torso-like cockpit, I'll need to dig up other mech ideas. 

[Vergil Tanner]

Yeah, that mech is more the sort of thing you would expect a crew to pilot...and honestly, the head is extremely cumbersome if you only have the one pilot. I mean, think about it; what's more tactically sound, having the driver and only crew member in a front-mounted head that has to turn the entire body to look around, or having a cockpit on top that can rotate 360 degrees? The former wouldn't last very long in open Mech combat, would it? :P As for the Railgun, that would likely be tucked up on the back of the Mech, and only folded out when it turned into a Platform. :P

I can see what you were going for, but that sort of thing is more of a multi-crewed Mech rather than a solo-piloted mech, y'know?

[King Serperior]

True, very much true!  Anywho, I think I've found the mech that fits what what I am looking for and the design you were talking about:  Six legs for increased stability when firing weapons (plus it could lose a couple of legs and continue on as if nothing happened!), heavy armor, distinct legs and torso that can rotate 360 degrees, and looks more like something someone could pilot solo.



Once this is settled, I think I can begin work on on a punk-ish, ex-mercenary gal who decided to enter the world of hard steel and extreme destruction in the arena!   ;D

[Vergil Tanner]

That looks good! Though I would say maybe consider starting with four legs, and expand to six later on in the RP. After all...leg mechanisms are expensive and require a lot of maintenance, haha! :P

[King Serperior]

That looks good! Though I would say maybe consider starting with four legs, and expand to six later on in the RP. After all...leg mechanisms are expensive and require a lot of maintenance, haha! :P

Well, I could go for that and use the image above with a note that the two middle legs are not yet added.   Also, with such a design, a four-legged mech, should one leg be blown off, could rotate one leg into a tripod-style and continue on.  Though, you did say in the opening post that:

Mech repairs between rounds are free.

so maintenance would be at a minimal as I would assume that all damages, however minute, are fixed up.  :P

[Vergil Tanner]

Sounds good!

And haha, I mean to buy in the first place :P Six legs are more expensive to attach than four. :P

[King Serperior]

Player Name:  King Serperior
Character Name:  Angela 'Angel' Blair
Age:  24
Sex:  Female
Planet or colony of origin:  Born on one of the small colonies on the Earth's moon
Appearance:  Image =>;  Standing at about 5'5" and weighing about 125lbs, Angel is rather striking, especially with her pixie-like looks.  She's very attractive and wears clothes that promote her looks, as shown in the picture to the left.  Really, she is not someone who looks like the type of person who pilots a mech, but rather a model for a movie.  It's part of her charm, really.
Brief History and Motivations:  Angela was born on one of the small colonies on Earth's moon and was raised by her grandparents, her parents owning a few decently-sized factories that build and repair mechs.  She was born on the moon because her parents didn't want her to live on Mars which was no place for a child to grow up on.  So, the first ten years of her life was spent going to one of the better schools on the moon and growing up.  By the time she was thirteen, she learned how to drive a small loader mech, the very one that that her grandfather drove to load and unload shipping containers at the colony's main port.  When she was sixteen, she caught the attention of someone who worked on one of the Mars mech combat circuit.  It turned out that the guy had never seen someone so young pilot a machine like that with such ease and thought she had potential.  By the time she was eighteen, she was piloting a Scout mech and winning one-vs-one battles with little effort.  By the time she was twenty, she'd upgraded to an Assault mech and was working on two-man teams.  By the time she was twenty-one, she'd won one of Mars' larger tournaments and that supplied her enough money, along with the selling of her winning Assault mech, to buy a Heavy mech.  Her parents, having followed her progress, helped her upgrade and work on her newest mech which was based on an 'Omni-Shell' system, one of the most adaptable of the Heavy Mech shells.  Her parents were thrilled to learn that she was planning on Piloting a Heavy Mech as their factories built the frames and weapons for that Class.

Overall, Angel is a part of the mech combat scene because nothing thrills her more than piloting a deadly piece of machinery and crushing her foes under the weight of Ragnarok's unrelenting force.  Plus, this gives her a chance to show her parents the fruits of the factories they run as well as get a nice pocket of money.  Not to mention that every time she entered a battle with Ragnarok, she was representing her parents' Heavy Mech Factories.

~ * * * ~

Mech Class:  Heavy
Mech Name:  Ragnarok
Description:  Ragnarok is a large, somewhat squat, Quadrupedal mech with thick armor plating covering most of the mech's body.  Due to it's increased weight and the way it's legs are designed, it is not very fast or agile.  It's thick legs instead provide stability when firing it's weapons, no matter the terrain.  Each leg has a 'traction spikes' on the bottom of each 'foot' that allow it to stand it's ground while the pilot aims and fires it's weaponry.  Ragnarok has the Blair Factory Logo printed on it to represent it's pilot's family's factories.  Other than that, it can easily be painted multiple coloration, but it is usually a rusty brown, giving it the illusion of it being little more than a giant rust bucket.  The main gun is the largest and most central of the armaments and is the most powerful ranged weapon the Ragnarok has (Though a full barrage of missiles outdoes it).  The Minigun is more for closer work and the missile pod is for pinning down targets until Ragnarok can bring it's other weapons to bear.  Angela hopes to eventually win enough prize money to add two more legs to the Ragnarok as the extra armor plating would help keep flanking attacks to a minimal and the extra stability would help it fire more accurately.  As of the moment, the Ragnarok, should it lose a leg, can detach a damaged leg and engage into a tripod configuration.  While much less stable and slower, it keeps the mech moving in battle rather than be a sitting duck.
Weapons:
Rail Gun:  Central weapon and main gun, the Rail Gun fires a long piece of hardened Tungsten that is designed to penetrate even through cover.  It can only fire one shot before requiring reloading and requires a three second charge time before firing.  However, once fired, the seven pound projectile travels at speeds that exceed Mach 5, making a direct hit devastating.  It takes 10 seconds to load up a new projectile.  The Rail Gun has a total of 50 projectiles, more than twice the number she would ever need, theoretically anyway.  Most Rail Guns only take in 10 due to the weight each projectile is, but that increased weight isn't a problem for Ragnarok.
Minigun:  Mounted just above and to the right of the main gun, the Minigun is designed for closer work than the Rail Gun and can help pin down a target while the main gun charges and takes aim.  The minigun fires depleted uranium rounds that can tear apart smaller mechs.  Fully loaded, the minigun has a total of 360,000 rounds of ammo and the gun fires at a rate of 12,000 rounds per minute.  It takes about a second for the barrel to spin up before it fires.
14-Missile Pod:  Featuring 14 explosive high-yield missiles, this pod is mounted on the just above, behind, and to the left of the main gun in a half-hexagonal, half-cube launcher whose safety covering can flick open to rain either direct or suppressing fire on the targets.  Each missile carries a high-yield payload and travels at 350 mph towards its target.  Each missile can be fired either individually or at the same time as any number of others, providing either precise attacks or an overwhelming assault.  The pod has three full pods of replacements, totaling 42 missiles overall, though the missile pod must be emptied before the replacement set can be loaded (which takes up to thirty seconds).  The Missile Pod is set on a rotating turret and, as such, is currently only weapon that can be fired backwards on Ragnarok.  It is mainly used to pin down a target, get them out of cover, or for pure offensive purposes.


Subsystems:
Ammo Delivery System:  Halves the time it takes to reload ammo.  Extremely important for the Rail Gun's lower reload rate.
Target Lock:  Makes the Rail Gun and Missile System much more accurate and deadly.
Fortress Armour:  The mech doesn't need speed, rather it needs heavy armor to survive in the arena while picking off targets.  Instead of maneuverability, it uses it's armored legs as a stabilizing platform to steady each and every shot, no matter the terrain.

~ * * * ~

Shots Fired!
Angela was focused as she moved Ragnarok into position in the desert-based arena.  The artificial sandstorm was messing with her sensors somewhat, but that also meant that her opponent's sensors were even worse off.  About fifteen minutes ago, she managed to take down the Scout mech with the sniper rifle that crippled the arm of her current teammate as well as rendering his mech's Battle Rifle little more than a bludgeoning tool.  The dumbass already wasted all of the missiles on his missile pod, none of them doing anything but blowing up dust.  Seriously, the guy was a handicap to her and if they lost, she'd strangle the idiot herself!  However, she had to focus.  The last target was an Assault mech with Bazooka and it had fired at her, somehow missing her mech as well as revealing his position.  Angela had fired a single missile at that location and the sound of multiple explosions meant that she must have hit at least one ammo case for the heavy weapon.  However, it was a Command mech and she knew it kept an ammo cache.  Since her partner was stuck with just a Heavy Pistol, she'd sent him out to figure out where it was.  Angela was down by about 30-40,000 rounds on her minigun and a reload would be appreciated.  She checked her data which revealed that she only had six missiles remaining, which would be more than enough to pin down the rough foe long enough to fire a finishing blow with her rail gun. 

Suddenly, she heard her teammate yell out that he found the target and moments later, she heard the reports of the pistol shots.  What a moron!  Couldn't he have waited until she was closer!  Still, they weren't too far.  In a couple of minutes, she'd moved to a position where she could take aim.  From where she was, she could see that the command mech also had a mobile turret alongside it.  Angela smiled as she locked on all of her missiles, activating the Rail Gun and running up a charge.  She thumbed the trigger and fired her last missiles, timing them so that they would cut off any escape routes, pinning the target, and taking out the turret all at once.  Just as the last missile exploded, the Rail Gun became fully charged and fired, the impact of the projectile nearly severing the lower half of the enemy from the upper half.  Victory.

As the artificial sandstorm faded, Angela sighed in relief.  This was easily the longest battle she was ever in, the total time from start to finish was nearly 45 minutes.  It was a wonder that she managed to win with a stupid partner who didn't know how to hold his fire.  She knew that this victory was his first 'win' in almost three months.  Still, it was satisfying and she had to hand it two her opponents.  They worked extremely well together, much better than she and her teammate did.

[Vergil Tanner]

Ok, looks good! :D There are a couple of tiny nitpicks I have, but for the moment, that's good enough to be getting on with :-) All we need now is one or two more people in order to make two teams, then I'll whip up a bio, then we'll be able to get this party started! :D

[King Serperior]

Ok, looks good! :D There are a couple of tiny nitpicks I have, but for the moment, that's good enough to be getting on with :-) All we need now is one or two more people in order to make two teams, then I'll whip up a bio, then we'll be able to get this party started! :D

Great!  I was worried that the mini-descriptions of the weaponry wasn't what you envisioned.  Glad you liked it.   ;D  Though, the mentioning of nitpicks made me realize that I forgot to change the old nickname of 'DJ' to 'Angel' since I changed her name about halfway through profile creation.  >.>;

Anywho, I do hope that the Ragnarok lives up to it's name on the battlefield.   XD

EDIT:  Okay, fixed the minor issue of forgetting to change the old nickname to the newer one.

[Vergil Tanner]

Haha, well, the description of the weapons was unexpected and I might have a few niggles with them, but for now they're ok. :P

[King Serperior]

Well, after a couple of others join in, I'll happily see what I can do about the weapon descriptions that you have a slight issue or two with.  I just went with what research on them that I could to make them seem more accurate.   :-)

[Vergil Tanner]

Haha, don't worry, I understand :D I just hope we get some more people. >.<

[CrazyIvan]

I am interested! I am making a character and should have her up by tomorrow sometime!

[SargentToughie]

Same! ^^

It's really late right now, so I'll get a character skeleton and a mech up some time in the next few days.

[Vergil Tanner]

No worries, guys :-) Let me know if you have any questions :D

[King Serperior]

2) Is that... is that tape holding that gyro up? And where do half there wires even go to?!
Silver Lady III is exclusively worked on by Ivan, because if anyone else would go mad attempting to understand it's design and inner workings. Ivan certainly doesn't mind, and is actually very protective of his 'Number one girl'. She was the third mech he finished building on Mercury many years ago, with Ivy  having made multiple improvements and replaced many of the older parts as he made it to the 'Big Leagues'
Mech Name:  Silver Lady III

Mech Class: Scout

Mech Armaments: Heavy Pistol, Grenade Launcher. Jump Jets, Advanced Sensors, and Marker.

Mech Appearance: Silver Lady's humble origins still show through in her design, with parts of the bent and mismatched colorful parts that originally made her up still showing up occasionally on her frame. Still, a lot of her is still new.. or at least newer compared to some parts. Silver is a bit of a stretch though, she's gun metal grey for the most part with the occasional exception from an often brightly colored spare part. A humanoid shaped mech almost thin and feminine in shape. Two arms end differently, a clawed hand useful for catching walls when climbing and a more dexterous hand for manipulating and using weapons. It carries few weapon systems: On its 'hip' is attached its large pistol, more then able to put rounds through all but the heaviest armors. On it's lower back it carries the seemingly scout inappropriate grenade launcher, army green in color and clearly originally carried by another mech. Large jet boosters, mismatched of course, extend from her back almost like angel wings.

Well, while I was looking around for other mech ideas, I came across this mech that looks somewhat like how you described the Silver Lady III.  Sure, there are some differences (The large Jump Jets and Wings), but it's an visual image idea.

[CrazyIvan]

Player Name: CrazyIvan
Character Name: Eva "Wolf" Woo
Previous Names: Gwen Hughes, birth name; Liz, Jess, Rachel, and many other, while she was working on the station; W-00AV3, designation on Elysium; Jay or songbird, while working with the PLM; and Raven while working with aligned governments.
The Story Behind the Names: "You know" she paused taking a bite out of the greasy chicken wing she held in her hand, the hot sauce from which was now glazed onto her fingers. Making it hard to tell where the chicken finger ended and her fingers began. "I don't always used to be called Eva, in fact my first name was Gwen, Gwen Hughes, I think it was?" She seemed to leave it as a question, letting the other who sat across from her on the bed to decide if this was true or another half made up lie that she was constructing for his amusement.

"After that I was called Jess, or Liz, or one of many names, they kept changing our names for us, made us seem new and interesting for the clients, at least that is what they told us. Our game" she always referred to it as a game, whether to hide the pain or if that was how she truly viewed it at the time "was to make them happy, well still protecting something. Show, but don't tell; let them imagine, but not touch; and that sought of thing."

"Eventually though that life came to an end and I was taken in by a nice group, they might not have been the nicest of people to all, but they were good to me. They called me Jay, something about being their little song bird that brought a joy to the group. Another group called me Raven, something about me must have seemed bird like to them." By this time she had finished off the wings and started to work over the remaining sauce on her fingers, the person across from her lay entranced at the sight of this and her, hooked on her story and the way she moved and acted. "And now I am known as Eva, a name I chose for myself, don't ask me why, as you already ask too many questions, I just like it!"

Age: 28
Sex: Female
Planet or colony of origin: An orbital colony around Saturn, birth place of Eva Woo
True Birth Place: She was born on one of the solar system space stations, in the outer rims of the solar system, that knew of Elysiums and had a partnership with it. The installation was a large one, specializing in meeting select needs and manufacturing that is easier to do in space between certain import hubs. There exists a large disparity between the haves and have nots, with the poor often on the fringes of the station, living, forging, and working where ever they can. The work is often dangerous as they are view as expendable; they work as vent works, cleaning and maintaining older machines, and general jobs that keep them out of sight and out of mind.

The other bulk of the people living on the ship are middle class, they live closer to the station center where the factories and hub of the facility is. They are functionally like working class citizens now and much like how people walked past and ignored beggars and that sort in the 21st century they do the same now. A few are kind enough to try and help, but the police are quick to discourage this, as they want the class system maintained.
A Home Forgotten "My birth place?" assuming a quizzical look "why would you want to know about that? It's not that interesting and a rather boring place, not to mention in the past, you sure you want to hear?" she asked sitting up further on the bed as the other nodded quickly in agreement.

"Okay, but if you fall asleep while I am telling it don't blame me, I did warn you. I was born on one of the many orbital stations around Saturn and lived an absolutely boring life, the end, can we eat now?" The man that laid across from her seemed displeased with the answer, donning a frown, as he gave off a fake "ha ha, you know what I meant, tell me about the place you really grew up, where you really were born."

"Aw, honey, why do you want to know so much about the past? It is done and gone, why not live in the present; it is so much nicer then the past you seem so fixated on." But her words didn't seem to have an effect on his demeanor, he wanted to know and so with a small sigh she related or at least seemed to. "Fine, but after this I get to eat all the pizza I want, got it!"

"I was born on some station on the far reaches of the solar system, away from the rest of humanity. I don't even know what it was called, and I couldn't read back than so I couldn't tell you its name even if I did. All I remember is a large signs everywhere with a Taoist symbol and pickaxes on it, but that changed a total of 3 times while I lived there. The station had a high turnover rate of which company owned and was in charge of it at any one time. I doubt you could even find the thing on a system map if you tried, they did a good job of keeping it hidden."

"My family and I lived in the back workings, mechanical rooms, and vent of the station, in the guts of it. This was where many of poor, lost, or unwanted came to live, separated from the rest of the population. My whole world growing up with this small tight knit group, like a village in the machine, there were a few of these, or so I was told and didn't realize how many hundreds of thousands of people lived on the station till I was taken away from my home. Well..." she paused her thinking back on the actual events "till I was sold would be more accurate." The idea of a person being sold seemed to offend the other person, much more than it bothered Eva "your parents sold you? How could they do that to their own child!"

"Oh, Devin, you always see the world as so black and white, you’re so quick to judge. They didn't have a choice, and they truly thought they were giving me a better life, and they had to provide for their other children as well. But that is where I was born and grew up living and playing among the pipes and machines of the stations, hearing them hum and purr with working precision. It was only later that I would be taken to Elysium" she knew the other name of the place, but never referred to it as such. Though she also never really talked much about it in great detail, always skimming past it or telling small vignettes about it.


Appearance: Eva is tall, compared to most women and some men, standing at 5'-11" though it might be closer to 6'-0" hard to say sometimes. She weighs about 150lbs~160lbs, despite her lithe appearance as most of it is muscle hidden behind her more cold and graceful side. She as a few tattoos/modifications present on her, though only the ones on her face are clearly visible at all times. She gives off a cold stare/presence naturally and seems distant most of the time, and it shows in the way she carries herself and walks. When not in her suit, she often wears large clothes, reveal almost nothing of her figure and her skin, baggy jackets, jeans, just anything that is not revealing or frilly.

Old Images: [Redacted] Below you can see what she used to look like during her service as an active terrorist cell member of the People's Liberation Movement (PLM) and during her time working for the government under the code name Raven.

What she looked like while she fought

Brief History: She grew up the only daughter of a small family that lived on the orbital colonies around Saturn. Her parents were hard workers, they did what they could for her, but were taken away from her at a young age. She grew up going from foster home to foster home, till finally she was adopted by a set of upper middle class people who took her off Saturn and moved her to Mars, where they worked and ran a small mecha construction firm. Though she got along with her new family well enough she always felt left out and never really fit in. She eventually left and ran away from home and took to living on the streets in her mid to late teens. She eventually got involved with a crowd that introduced her to the carnage and joy of mecha fighting and joined up with them. In her early twenties she left Mars and got involved in independent and illegal mecha fighting. Eventually she was caught and given and after paying a hefty fine she joined up with an official team as part of her probation. That is how she got here, or rather all she will say/the record shows. If you probe too deep you are more likely to wake up with a sore nose and blood on your face than an in-depth tale of what really happened.

Her History: Age 0 - 5: Eva, born Gwen Hughes, to a poor family on board the Wen Co Manufacturing station, as it was called at the time. The entire station, which housed more than a few hundred thousand people on record, was owned and operated by the company. The typical propaganda associated with the station was that it was placed on the outer rim of the solar system as a way of keeping them safe, out of the way, and the easiest way to get the parts they needed. Although the last was true, it was mainly to keep the larger governments out of their hair.

She had a total of five siblings, at the time of being sold off, three of which were older than her, two older brothers and an older sister, and two younger siblings, a brother and a sister. She lived in one of the small make shift housing/villages that made up the back sections of the station and hidden reaches that were need the heart of the machines that ran and powered them. For this reason many of them were employed with cleaning, or doing dangerous work, that was too dangerous for "normal" people and where robots getting damaged was more expensive than using people. Though her family fell on hard times and need a way to money fast, which could always be solved by selling off the attractive children, mostly females.

Age 6 - 10: For the next four years she worked as a peddler, selling odd things in main hub of the station. She was given a single used bed in a crowded room, that housed about 10~12 other young people, including her older sister that was sold along with her. The person who bought her gave her food, shelter, and protection, but not much else. Though in some regards it was a better standard of living then she had been living before.

She made enough money doing this and "playing a game" where she was told to trick men into taking her with them and than just at the right moment her dealer would appear, before anything happened, and he would make them feel ashamed and charge them in order for him to remain quiet. It made enough money that she was one of his favorites, but she never wanted to get close to him, as he had a family and she didn't really desire to be apart of it. Eventually though this life came to an end and she, along with the others and her sister, were split up and sold off to other people. The man that had been in charge of her before had found his way out of an airlock without a suit, a tragedy, yet common thing in the seedier sides of things.

Age 11 -13: This marked a darker period in her life, when she was sold and lived on Elysium and given a variety of names, or sometimes just a number. She also underwent a modification process that made her more appealing to those she was expected to entertain. For her entertainment could range from singing, dancing, giving baths, touching, and over a whole host of different things. She mainly managed to skip out on some of the more unsavory things that were requested of others. Her previous background saved her slightly from that, why have a potentially tainted person when you can have a fresh, new unspoiled individual.

Her she was treated as nothing more than an object and taught only a few minor skills, only ones that would allow her to serve her clients better. She was trained to sing, yet she was still unable to read or write; she was trained in how to talk; how to act; and how to dance. She spent two years doing whatever the masters asked of her as the punishment was far worse than the actual action. She made herself think of it as a game, to avoid dwelling on the unpleasantness of it. thankfully this part of her life came to an end and she was given a new chance at life when she turned 14.

Age 14 - 19: When she turned 14 she was being taken on one of the long voyage ships from one of the stations to Elysium, to pleasure and entertain the those who were inbound, this was a punishment of sorts for her acting out, as well as proof of all of her training. During the trip to the station and while there they were hidden away, her and the few other young girls and a few boys, till it was safe. Once they were far enough away they were introduced to their clients and hers was a rather large disgusting globe of a man, that laid his paws all over her. Something inside of her snapped and she can't remember much about what went on once she was taken into his private room. The next thing she does have a memory of is waking up on another ship surrounded by strangers dressed in white. They were doctors and care takers for the People's Liberation Movement, a terrorist group according to some nations and a welcome aid group by others. The received aid and support from certain governments mainly ones closer to the inner workings, though never acknowledged as a way of combating the slavery and issues on the outer ring.

For the next five years she helped them out on their ships and bases, they didn't go in the inner rim often and couldn't just drop her off. They taught her how to read and about the people who had kept her locked away, and what the organizations goals were. She enjoyed her time here, helping them and mainly feeling like she was a part of a family. They did have support and backing from a the shadows, certain governments detested the slave trade and were doing certain illegal things to try and prevent it. Much like how navies hired out pirates in the old days of sea travels a new way was to hire "pirates" or "terrorist" to do the work. They were all citizens and in the eyes of the government were doing the right thing, even if legally they denounced them. She spent most of her time fixing the mechs, only fighting when she had to, but they did train her.

Age 20 - 24: When she was about 24 they have finished their tour of duty and she was brought into the main offices and into the inner systems. Here she was given a "Choice" either serve as an agent under the government for four years, at which point they would award her an ID and citizenship, or be turned back out and left to her own. She accepted the deal and already had a nice set of skills that allowed her to do a variety of jobs, under the codename Raven. She was trained in how to entertain, dance, sing, distract, fight, and even pilot and all from a young age. They did offer her some more education, after all she would have to know about the missions and the targets.

She worked for the aligned governments for a four years and was awarded a fake ID and person hood when she left. They also set her up far away from themselves and others, out of sight and out of mind. Though she didn't have much real job experience and they didn't set her up with a job or money really. They just gave her ID and turned her loose on the solar system.

Age 25 - now: Without having any real experience aside from in pleasure, being an agent, and a Mech pilot he prospects weren't the best. As she didn't want to entertain/pleasure in that way, and so she turned to the one thing she knew best at this point, fighting. She got involved in underground fighting of Mechas rather quickly and was eventually caught. She was given a hefty fine, over jail time, and now has to pay it off while on probation.
Motivations: Money and fame, is all that she seems to want on the outside. She wants to make enough to live comfortable and not have to worry about it like she did while she was younger.
True Intentions:[She seeks to gain enough money, fame, and power to find her sister and the others that were split up. Maybe have enough sway in terms of fame to try and better the lives of those in need so they don't have to take the same path as her. She may want revenge, but if so it is not a direct sort, but against the institutions and machine that keeps them in place and protects them.

Mech Name: Oryx

Mech Class: Assualt

Mech Armaments:

• 4WR Veritech Assualt Rifle: A specialized assault rifle, with a back loading clip and cartridge catcher. No casings are released while firing, they are stored in the back above the loaded ammo; has a scope along the top for more accurate shots; has a replaceable trigger guard to protect the wielders hand; and has the ability to switch from full-auto to semi-auto. The gun's design also allows it to be attached to the back of the mech, so as not required to be held at all times, though if attached it does take a few second to get ready. this was mainly a feature used in transportation, and long marches.
• 2WR Left Rear Mount Missile Pod 4 Count: Located on the back of the Mech on the left side is a rotating missile pod. I can launch up to four at a time, assuming they reload, slowly turns as it fire, letting the others load up.
• 2WR Right Rear Mount Missile Pod 4 Count: Located on the back of the Mech on the right side is a rotating missile pod. I can launch up to four at a time, assuming they reload, slowly turns as it fire, letting the others load up.
• Flares: The back mounting on the machine unleashes a volley of flares that can be used to break lock-ons with the machine.
• Nanobots: Designed to heal the light wounds and scraps that a mech might go through
• Target Lock: Can lock on and track targets with missiles and with the gun scope.

Mech Appearance: Look to the left it mainly looks like that!


I also have backstory/writing samples built in to the character sheet is that okay? I find oral history from a character's perspective gives it more depth and reality to it, as well as a personality.

[Vergil Tanner]

Okey dokey! That certainly is a rather different character to who we have at the moment, but as always, I do have a few niggles. So, let's get started!

"It also functions as slave hub buying, selling, and mating them"
- Then it can't be orbiting Saturn, since that's a fairly high profile area and slavery is outlawed. I have no issue with slavery being a thing, since there will always be a black market for human cargo, but it orbiting Saturn and being known to "certain governments" creeps a little too close to slavery being deemed acceptable. I think it would work better if it was hidden in an asteroid field out of the way somewhere, because I can almost guarantee that if it orbited Saturn, it would be discovered by the authorities almost immediately.


"It is the worst place you can imagine full of hatred, death, despair, and lust that you can't escape from."
- I get that you're going for a whole "Vat-grown-bitter" character, and that's cool - so long as you don't go too overboard with the wangst - but I would remove that line. It seems too much like you're telling everybody else "this is the worst place imaginable and you can't possibly make it any worse, my character has had the shittiest life ever." Just let the atrocities speak for themselves. :P

"With the government crack down on the movement she was forced to leave, they didn't want to see her tried for something that they believed she had a right to do, exact revenge on the world that wronged her."
- Are you talking about the government letting her go? Because...that wouldn't happen. A terrorist is still a terrorist, no matter how understandable their anger is, and they would punish that terrorist regardless. Or are you talking about her Cell telling her to escape? It's unclear, but if you are talking about the government...if it's as corrupt as you suggest earlier in the bio, they wouldn't let her get away without punishment of some sort.

"She was eventually caught and arrested and given the choice of which one she wanted."
- I'm assuming this is referring to the whole "join a team or go to prison" thing, which is...I'm sorry, but it makes absolutely no sense. If you're caught participating in illegal dog races, or underground unlicensed cage fighting, you don't get offered the chance to go legit and escape punishment, you just go to prison or get fined depending on your countries laws. If she was caught in illegal mech fighting, she may well be offered a part of a team as a rehabilitation program near her release, but she would go to prison. Or at least face a trial. She did, after all, break the law. But that's a small thing that can be easily changed.


The Mech's weapons:

- I know the first post was really long, but every Mech has a maximum of three weapons. Not five. Also, if you mean that the assault rifle can be attached to the back to stow it, then that's fine; it's what I had in mind anyway. But if you mean it attaches to the arm then I'm afraid I have to veto that. This is supposed to be close to basic equipment gameplay-wise to make sure everybody has an equal starting point.

- I would say just stick to the proscribed list for now. I gave it for a reason, and whilst more unique, custom gear will be available later on in the RP, for now it's just basics. Stick to the equipment given, please. Fir example, the flares; most Mechs would have an inbuilt filter to stop their pilots being blinded by the sun, for example. So flares would only be used to break lock on or obscure their movements.

I like the attempt to add a bit of style to it, don't get me wrong, and I like the enthusiasm...but for now, just try to stick to the list of equipment provided. Thanks :-)

[King Serperior]

I've been thinking and, if we manage to get enough people for two teams and no one else is planning on using a Command mech, I may upgrade my character's mech to Command.  It's just a thought and I'm good either way as I have two ideas for the extra two subsystems if I do upgrade:
1).  Psudo-Siege Mode:  Adding the Localized Shield Generator and Ammo Cache would allow for the Ragnarok to hunker down in a location and continuously fire it's weapons at anything that happens to stick it's head out of the cover.  Combined with the Fortress Armor it already has and it'll be a very tough nut to crack.  Plus, if the situation gets too hot, unlike the actual Siege Mode, the Ragnarok can actually move to cover and retreat instead of waiting until it disengages Siege Mode and having to re-enter it again later.
2).  Hunter-Killer Mode:  Going with Advanced Radar and Advanced Nanobots allow it to become a dangerous tank that is able to follow over any terrain, absorbing hits and dishing out massive damage.

That said, this is just a little thought and depends on who else chooses Command, if anyone, as I know you said that you'd be piloting a Command Mech yourself, Virgil.   :-)  It really doesn't matter to me if I play a Command or not.

[Vergil Tanner]

Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, Serp. :-) For now, I'm closing off further applications for Assault; we need a Scout Mech, and preferably a second Scout and second Heavy to balance it out somewhat. You're right in that I will be using a Command Mech, and I'm reckoning that I'll take the last Assault slot, for now. But, I'll wait to see what else we get before whipping up a bio. :-)

Although, remember that Fortress Armour means that your mech moves at almost a crawl...and that despite having enhanced armour, there are weak points that can crack it easily. The joints to the legs, for example, or the back of the torso where the power source is placed.

I am thinking of implementing a rudimentary hit-roll thing. Basically, every weapon would have a percentage to hit at certain distances, and you would roll a dice. If you got that number or under, you'd hit. If not, you miss. That way, it stops people from accidentally making it so that their mechs never got hit at all. Also makes who wins the rounds a bit more random, rather than having me have to decide who wins every time. Haha.

[King Serperior]

Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, Serp. :-) For now, I'm closing off further applications for Assault; we need a Scout Mech, and preferably a second Scout and second Heavy to balance it out somewhat. You're right in that I will be using a Command Mech, and I'm reckoning that I'll take the last Assault slot, for now. But, I'll wait to see what else we get before whipping up a bio. :-)

Agreed.  The option is there if it's ever needed.

Although, remember that Fortress Armour means that your mech moves at almost a crawl...and that despite having enhanced armour, there are weak points that can crack it easily. The joints to the legs, for example, or the back of the torso where the power source is placed.

Well, a crawl is better than being totally immobile.  :P  As for the weak points, I figured about the leg joints, which would be a problem for all of the mechs, but I didn't know about all the power sources being placed on the back.  That seems like a fatal weakness for all types.  I would have thought their power sources would be set in a less vulnerable point than the back, such as internally.

I am thinking of implementing a rudimentary hit-roll thing. Basically, every weapon would have a percentage to hit at certain distances, and you would roll a dice. If you got that number or under, you'd hit. If not, you miss. That way, it stops people from accidentally making it so that their mechs never got hit at all. Also makes who wins the rounds a bit more random, rather than having me have to decide who wins every time. Haha.

While that sounds like a good idea, it also sounds slightly complicated as well.  In my case, I know that nearly all attacks will land on the Ragnarok unless they aim badly (Grenade Launcher for example).  I guess that could be an option if people start making their mechs 'dodge all attacks.'

[Vergil Tanner]

Well, the power source would need to be somewhere, and the rear of the mech makes more sense since you would like to think that the back is the part of the mech that will be taking less fire, y'know? I mean, most tactical retreats don't have you turning around and running away. :P Besides, the back armour is not as sturdy as the front armour, which makes flanking in combat far more important. For example, Ragnarok could hold a long stretch of rocky canyon easily if he parked at the end of it, so while - for example - an Assault Mech would be drawing her fire, they'd be attempting to send smaller, faster mechs to flank her and take her out from the flanks. After all, having an impenetrable defence isn't entertaining TV....it's the Superman Problem. No danger = no suspense. :P Long story short, it would likely be in the back because, ideally, that's the part that wouldn't be getting hit as much.

Yes, it's a little complicated, but it would be a simple matter of writing down the percentages next to the weapons and comparing your rolls to the numbers. It might take you a couple of minutes, but it's nowhere near Warhammer or D&D levels of complexity. :P

[King Serperior]

Well, the power source would need to be somewhere, and the rear of the mech makes more sense since you would like to think that the back is the part of the mech that will be taking less fire, y'know? I mean, most tactical retreats don't have you turning around and running away. :P Besides, the back armour is not as sturdy as the front armour, which makes flanking in combat far more important. For example, Ragnarok could hold a long stretch of rocky canyon easily if he parked at the end of it, so while - for example - an Assault Mech would be drawing her fire, they'd be attempting to send smaller, faster mechs to flank her and take her out from the flanks. After all, having an impenetrable defence isn't entertaining TV....it's the Superman Problem. No danger = no suspense. :P Long story short, it would likely be in the back because, ideally, that's the part that wouldn't be getting hit as much.

Ah, yes, that makes more sense.  Though, I would say that the power source is covered by some kind of layered armor that can be slowly shot off to reveal the source, which can be then disabled.  I'd say that there are more layers than others, depending on the mech's class, and some weapons are more effective at taking off the layers than others (I.E. rapid fire weapons are better than single shots).

Yes, it's a little complicated, but it would be a simple matter of writing down the percentages next to the weapons and comparing your rolls to the numbers. It might take you a couple of minutes, but it's nowhere near Warhammer or D&D levels of complexity. :P

Well, you're the GM, so the end choice is yours, but I wonder how the you'd set things up for the different factors (Jump Jets, environmental issues (like dust and smoke), damages, etc) as a flat system would work best in a 'perfect' combat scenario.

[Vergil Tanner]

Well, more than one shot doesn't necessarily make it more likely to get at the power source; a sniper round is more likely to penetrate the armour than shoot it off, after all, and a rocket to the back is likely to just shred it entirely. On the other hand, no matter how many times you shoot, you are NEVER gonna penetrate a tanks hull with a Desert Eagle. Different weapons, different effects. I'm not gonna start going "Well this class has THIS type of protection for its power source, and THIS one has this one..." it's more of a "Scout mechs have light armour. Heavy mechs have heavy armour. You're adults, figure it out." :P I mean, obviously the power source isn't gonna be exposed, but saying what specific type of armour covers it is a tad excessive. Also, layered armour isn't as effective as you would think; most modern armoured vehicles have very few layers, instead having the armour angled so as to deflect the worst of the impact. I mean, an armour-penetrating round isn't gonna do much if it hits at an angle and skims off the side because it didn't get a direct hit, after all. And no type of armour is gonna help if it takes several high-yield rockets dead on. :P

I'll figure it out, somehow. It might just end up being that certain things decrease accuracy. So....say if somebody has a 50% chance to hit, and they roll a 49, the person being fired at could respond by using a smoke dispenser which decreases accuracy by 5. That would take the hit chance down to 45, which would make the shot miss instead. That way, you get a chance to respond with any defences you might have, but no system is powerful enough that it guarantees a miss being turned into a hit or vice versa. Similarly, certain weapons might have terrain advantages (EG, a sniper rifle is more effective on high ground). It would get a leeeeeeetle complex, but nothing unmanageable.

[CrazyIvan]

"It also functions as slave hub buying, selling, and mating them"
- Then it can't be orbiting Saturn, since that's a fairly high profile area and slavery is outlawed. I have no issue with slavery being a thing, since there will always be a black market for human cargo, but it orbiting Saturn and being known to "certain governments" creeps a little too close to slavery being deemed acceptable. I think it would work better if it was hidden in an asteroid field out of the way somewhere, because I can almost guarantee that if it orbited Saturn, it would be discovered by the authorities almost immediately.

Changed where she was born and how she got to Elysium. The born on Saturn thing is part of a fake identity that was given to her, Elysium is in the outer reaches of the solar system, not of Saturn's outer asteroid belt.

"It is the worst place you can imagine full of hatred, death, despair, and lust that you can't escape from."
- I get that you're going for a whole "Vat-grown-bitter" character, and that's cool - so long as you don't go too overboard with the wangst - but I would remove that line. It seems too much like you're telling everybody else "this is the worst place imaginable and you can't possibly make it any worse, my character has had the shittiest life ever." Just let the atrocities speak for themselves. :P

Changed this and reworked her entire character and what I actually wanted when I boiled it all down, after reading your criticism

"With the government crack down on the movement she was forced to leave, they didn't want to see her tried for something that they believed she had a right to do, exact revenge on the world that wronged her."
- Are you talking about the government letting her go? Because...that wouldn't happen. A terrorist is still a terrorist, no matter how understandable their anger is, and they would punish that terrorist regardless. Or are you talking about her Cell telling her to escape? It's unclear, but if you are talking about the government...if it's as corrupt as you suggest earlier in the bio, they wouldn't let her get away without punishment of some sort.

Changed this to a sympathetic government picked her up. With so many nations and governments out there I would imagine some would have a shadow war going on and that this sort of thing could happen, as it happens now. That due to her background and the "favor" she did for that many years it wouldn't be hard to imagine them giving her a fake ID and sending her away, out of sight and mind.

"She was eventually caught and arrested and given the choice of which one she wanted."
- I'm assuming this is referring to the whole "join a team or go to prison" thing, which is...I'm sorry, but it makes absolutely no sense. If you're caught participating in illegal dog races, or underground unlicensed cage fighting, you don't get offered the chance to go legit and escape punishment, you just go to prison or get fined depending on your countries laws. If she was caught in illegal mech fighting, she may well be offered a part of a team as a rehabilitation program near her release, but she would go to prison. Or at least face a trial. She did, after all, break the law. But that's a small thing that can be easily changed.

I now have her caught and paying a heft fine, one she has to pay off by doing the fights!

- I know the first post was really long, but every Mech has a maximum of three weapons. Not five. Also, if you mean that the assault rifle can be attached to the back to stow it, then that's fine; it's what I had in mind anyway. But if you mean it attaches to the arm then I'm afraid I have to veto that. This is supposed to be close to basic equipment gameplay-wise to make sure everybody has an equal starting point.

I totally missed over that part, sorry and I fixed it all up! Still not a 100% set on the weapons, but getting close I just can't decide.

- I would say just stick to the proscribed list for now. I gave it for a reason, and whilst more unique, custom gear will be available later on in the RP, for now it's just basics. Stick to the equipment given, please. Fir example, the flares; most Mechs would have an inbuilt filter to stop their pilots being blinded by the sun, for example. So flares would only be used to break lock on or obscure their movements.

Fixed!


Also for command roles I could see Eva possibly in one, now that she is redone and more like I want her to be.

[Vergil Tanner]

Okey dokey. After reading your edits, I am mostly ok with it. There are still a few doubts I have over certain details, but they can be ironed out at a later stage (and once I've formed them properly in my head; you know the sort of vague uncertainty you get sometimes, but it takes some contemplation before you can put it into words? Yeah, that. Nothing huge, but still), but for now, I don't see any glaring issues. A lot of the things that were bothering me have been cleared up with your reworking of the bio without me having to mention them. :P Some of the niggles are to do with certain events, some are to do with specifics of locals and motivations and whatnot and some of them are just me being slightly pedantic...but I guess being pedantic comes with the territory of being a GM, eh? Anywho. For now, it looks good as a concept bio, but I do feel I have to warn you all; there is another stage after this, and in it, I will be doing my best to shred apart your bios. I won't be nasty about it, it's just the best way that I've found to get everybody gelling together. It gets any issues anybody might have with the characters out of the way, and helps plug any loopholes in the character. Hell, when we get there, I expect you guys to do it to my character. I'm warning you in advance so that you don't think I'm just being mean :P

Anywho! If you want to change her into a Command Mech, you would need to come up with a brief story as to how she got to be the leader of a team - did she get hired and rose through the ranks, or did she create her own team? Or something different? - and to answer your last question, whilst I appreciate the oral histories, I would like to insist on the writing sample, please. The point of the writing sample is not only to get to know the character, but also your writing and RPing style. Oral history samples tell me nothing about how you specifically will write this character within the RP, which is what I am really interested in when it comes to samples. Please and thank you! :D

[CrazyIvan]

I am curious to know what other critiques you have coming, but I guess I will wait and see. As for the second stage I can't wait!

As for writing up a history, or potential history, of how she became a leader I can do that, not sure if I will have time tonight though.

The oral histories I wrote from an RP perspective and was how I was intending on writing her, though I can add an actual writing sample at the end, again it just might not happen today as I am tired and my brain not work too gud....

[King Serperior]

but I do feel I have to warn you all; there is another stage after this, and in it, I will be doing my best to shred apart your bios. I won't be nasty about it, it's just the best way that I've found to get everybody gelling together. It gets any issues anybody might have with the characters out of the way, and helps plug any loopholes in the character. Hell, when we get there, I expect you guys to do it to my character. I'm warning you in advance so that you don't think I'm just being mean :P

*gasp*  I knew there was a part two!  *laughs*  Let's hope that there aren't too many worries to iron out!  Though, you know me:  I'll wind up over-analyzing everything and think too much on details.  D:

That said, I totally forgot until just now to say what Angela's motivations were!  She's basically getting off on the thrill of crushing opponents with Ragnarok.  >.>;  Just added that part in there, haha!

[Vergil Tanner]

If you don't have time tonight, don't worry about it; just get it in as soon as you can...I'm anxious to get this started, once we have maybe a person or two more.

As for the oral stuff...I can appreciate that, but most of it - being an oral history - is speech, and what I'm looking for is more of a situational narration. Like, how would you write her in a combat scene? I doubt she would be monologuing in a fight, instead settling for short, sharp orders, so I'm kind of looking for how you would write her thought processes and actions in a scene where there is inherently not much dialogue. :-) Again, take your time...I want to get an accurate idea of how you would write, which means letting you go at your own pace (within reason). :-)


And haha, Serp...well, you went through it all before, and probably saw some in the history of the WCBH character thread. Except then you had about four voices...I have to be extra harsh to make up for being the only one. :P But you, at least, have had dealings with me in the past....I try to be harsh but fair when in GM mode. :P

[Jarred109]

Sorry! Haven't been following the thread that closely! But new people, awesome!
@ Vergil Tanner: Wait.. two more scout mechs? We got the Lady, you don't need no more stinkin' scout mechs then that!

@King Serperior I like the picture, it does kinda look like how I had pictured. I may use it as a reference base to build off of!

[Vergil Tanner]

Right, sorry, for some reason I thought Lady was an Assault. No clue why, but there you go. So, current mech count stands at 2 Assaults (Oryx and whatever I decide to call mine, when I eventually get the time to write up the character in my head >.> ), one scout (Lady) and one Heavy (Ragnarok). That means that, at minimum, we need one more scout and one more heavy to make two balanced teams. :-)

[King Serperior]

Right, sorry, for some reason I thought Lady was an Assault. No clue why, but there you go. So, current mech count stands at 2 Assaults (Oryx and whatever I decide to call mine, when I eventually get the time to write up the character in my head >.> ), one scout (Lady) and one Heavy (Ragnarok). That means that, at minimum, we need one more scout and one more heavy to make two balanced teams. :-)

My vote's on 'Negotiator' or 'Law Maker.'   8-)

@King Serperior I like the picture, it does kinda look like how I had pictured. I may use it as a reference base to build off of!

Glad you like it!  I may keep an eye out for ones that may look more along those lines.   :D  I frequent places where mech images are common!

[Vergil Tanner]

Haha, well, I was toying with the idea of an ex-soldier who fights in Mech tournaments because the soldiers pension is pretty shitty, and he doesn't have other skills to capitalise on. If I go with that concept, his Mech will likely just be called "Sarge," or "Soldier" or something utilitarian like that. :P

[Kadigan]

Putting some interest in here, if I can figure out a character concept I like and a picture for the mech I like..

[Vergil Tanner]

No worries, I look forward to seeing whatever you come up with. :-) Also, just a note, you don't have to have a faceclaim; you can just provide a written description, if you want. :-)

[King Serperior]

Haha, well, I was toying with the idea of an ex-soldier who fights in Mech tournaments because the soldiers pension is pretty shitty, and he doesn't have other skills to capitalise on. If I go with that concept, his Mech will likely just be called "Sarge," or "Soldier" or something utilitarian like that. :P

Heh, I can sort of see that!  If that were the case, expect a lot of sarcasm from Angela about the 'uncreative name.'  :P

Putting some interest in here, if I can figure out a character concept I like and a picture for the mech I like..

If you need help, I can certainly find a good mech image.  I'd just need to know sort of what you're looking for.


On another note, I've been thinking more about that 'Mecha Killswitch' that were discussed a little bit and I think I may have an idea that works somewhat better:

Each mech has a well-protected internal power source rather than a very vulnerable one (I think that would make taking out the power source the focus rather than the battles themselves which would take out a lot of the creativity in the battles).  In that place, there should be arenas that have various themes that can give advantages and disadvantages to various mechs (Mists, sandstorms, icy conditions, jungles, thick fog, heavy rain, etc).  Some of them would give advantages to Scout mechs (fog, smoke, thick jungles) and others would give advantage to heavier mechs (Icy areas).  There could also be preset traps like artificial rockslides that can be initiated to fall on foes that are below.  As a mech's leg joints are of dire importance, that would add some major strategy as well.  Some battles could have a 'King of the Hill' style where whoever controls the hill has an advantage, but become big targets or something like 'Capture the Flag.'  The 'Big, glowing killswitch' on the backs seems to be an easy way out when targeting the weapons systems and luring others into traps would be more entertaining.  Plus, if someone fires off a few good rounds with heavy weapons and they continue to hit the same spot over and over, what's not to say that something will make it to the power source anyway and shut the mech down?  I could see a team of Scout Mechs armed with Sniper Rifles making that their win condition, haha!

Those are just some more thoughts on the matter though.  If the power source on the back is your final decision, I can roll with it and eventually figure something out to help defend against that.   :-)

[Vergil Tanner]

Well, assuming for a moment that Angela and my character are on the same team, that would be followed by a snarky "Would you prefer that I come up with an original name, or spend the time instead coming up with strategies to help us actually win?" :P


Everything you said about the different style arenas is something I've already considered and incorporated. What, did you think we were just gonna be fighting in a vast dome filled with sand, a la Ancient Rome? :P Nah, the arenas I have planned are faaaaar more interesting than that. :P You forget, I've been thinking about this RP for about a year now. ;) Come now, dude. This isn't my first rodeo. :P :P

As for the "weakspot," I wasn't suggesting that they be giant glowing orange orbs, just that they would be more vulnerable than the front chest of the Mechs, which kinda goes without saying. That being said, each arena would have its own set of special objectives - for example, Point Capture - and if for example one team held two of the three points for 70% of the match, but all of their mechs ended up disabled, they would still win since objective completion is worth more "points" than simply disabling the enemies mechs. It's entirely possible for a team to win and not have disabled a single enemy mech. Don't worry, Serp, I've thought of that :D Obviously the power source will have armour on it, it will just be weaker armour than the front chest. It adds an extra element of "We need to get the objectives, but we can't afford to be flanked...." which also lends itself well into certain modes. Say, for example, King of the Hill (or, as a possible pun, King Of The Hull); the base gives you MASSIVE amounts of points as long as you hold it, but it's very easy to surround and flank, and is in an exposed position making it very easy to assault. Little problems like that for the Commanders to solve. :P

[King Serperior]

Well, assuming for a moment that Angela and my character are on the same team, that would be followed by a snarky "Would you prefer that I come up with an original name, or spend the time instead coming up with strategies to help us actually win?" :P

And she'd tell him that she'll make the name as he's so 'busy.'  :P 

Everything you said about the different style arenas is something I've already considered and incorporated. What, did you think we were just gonna be fighting in a vast dome filled with sand, a la Ancient Rome? :P Nah, the arenas I have planned are faaaaar more interesting than that. :P You forget, I've been thinking about this RP for about a year now. ;) Come now, dude. This isn't my first rodeo. :P :P

Great!  I've been overanalyzing and thinking things wayyyyy too much for the last couple of days!  :P  *Here's hopes for a watery arena*

As for the "weakspot," I wasn't suggesting that they be giant glowing orange orbs, just that they would be more vulnerable than the front chest of the Mechs, which kinda goes without saying. That being said, each arena would have its own set of special objectives - for example, Point Capture - and if for example one team held two of the three points for 70% of the match, but all of their mechs ended up disabled, they would still win since objective completion is worth more "points" than simply disabling the enemies mechs. It's entirely possible for a team to win and not have disabled a single enemy mech. Don't worry, Serp, I've thought of that :D Obviously the power source will have armour on it, it will just be weaker armour than the front chest. It adds an extra element of "We need to get the objectives, but we can't afford to be flanked...." which also lends itself well into certain modes. Say, for example, King of the Hill (or, as a possible pun, King Of The Hull); the base gives you MASSIVE amounts of points as long as you hold it, but it's very easy to surround and flank, and is in an exposed position making it very easy to assault. Little problems like that for the Commanders to solve. :P

Okay, now I get what you're saying.  I was worried that it was kind of a One-Hit KO type of deal.  :o  I would assume that the back has about 60% of the armor of the front? 

Haha, now I am even more excited to get things going than I was before.   XD

Apologies for my over-analysis of everything recently.  You know how detail oriented I am on things!  :P

[Vergil Tanner]

And he'd tell her to "fuck off and worry about your own damn Mech." :P

I'm not entirely sure how a watery arena would work with Mechs but I'll see what I can come up with. :P

One Hit Kill? You wound me with how stupid you think I am to even consider that. ;) :P Of course it wouldn't be a OHKO. And yeah, between 60-70% armour of the front. *nods*

Haha, yes, I do....but likewise, you should know by now how nitpicky I am. ;) :P

[King Serperior]

And he'd tell her to "fuck off and worry about your own damn Mech." :P

Haha!

I'm not entirely sure how a watery arena would work with Mechs but I'll see what I can come up with. :P

Well, depending on the minimal size of a mech, the water would go to about knee-deep which would make moving more difficult for some mechs.  Plus, it would add a massive noise factor to the equation.

One Hit Kill? You wound me with how stupid you think I am to even consider that. ;) :P Of course it wouldn't be a OHKO. And yeah, between 60-70% armour of the front. *nods*

No wounding meant!  I've heard of games where mecha have 'killswitches' along those lines where if the power source was disabled, the mech in question would fall apart.  Though, that usually is seen in games where the power sources in question is fragile and complicated like a pocketwatch, where if one thing goes wrong, everything does.  >.>;

Apologies for any accidental implying as to your intelligence.  D:  I'm not the best with words when it comes to explaining things.....

Haha, yes, I do....but likewise, you should know by now how nitpicky I am. ;) :P

*nodnod*  I guess we'll both have to keep each other on our toes with our nitpicky details.  :P

[Vergil Tanner]

:P

Well, then you would need something extra than just ankle-deep water. I'll consider it, see what I come up with. Maybe some kind of Island-Hopping arena, where you fight on plateau's set into lakes and have to travel along thin bridges to get between them, and there are the occasional hidden tunnels that lead beneath the lake itself, and periodically the platforms will shift and rearrange, some getting higher and some disappearing beneath the lake...I'll have to work out a system to randomise that, but I have time yet. Just ideas for the moment!

Dude, I was joking :P Don't worry about it. :P

Oh, you don't get to nitpick me unless I ask. In this game, I have more power than any god you care to mention. (again, a joke :P )

[King Serperior]

Well, then you would need something extra than just ankle-deep water. I'll consider it, see what I come up with. Maybe some kind of Island-Hopping arena, where you fight on plateau's set into lakes and have to travel along thin bridges to get between them, and there are the occasional hidden tunnels that lead beneath the lake itself, and periodically the platforms will shift and rearrange, some getting higher and some disappearing beneath the lake...I'll have to work out a system to randomise that, but I have time yet. Just ideas for the moment!

Not Ankle deep, but knee deep!  Though, I was thinking more along the lines of there being a very rocky or hilly arena that starts dry.  Then, over time, the waters start rising and force the mechs onto the hills that become islands that are connected by thin bridges that occasionally submerge and leave those on the islands stranded for a few minutes.

Another idea I had was for an arena that gradually gets smaller and smaller the longer the battle becomes.

Dude, I was joking :P Don't worry about it. :P

Oh, you don't get to nitpick me unless I ask. In this game, I have more power than any god you care to mention. (again, a joke :P )

*laughs*  No worries.  It's been a long day and I'm slightly tired, so things that may be jokes may not register as jokes until a little after the fact.  >.>;

[Vergil Tanner]

Well, I'll figure something out. We need to start the RP before we can start worrying about whether or not the types of arenas are diverse enough. :P

Haha, I get that feeling, believe me. XD

[SargentToughie]

Alrighty! After talking things out with Vergil, and making some much needed modifications, here is my legitimate character submission.





Player Name: SargentToughie
Character Name: Shana Lefabre
Age: 20
Sex: Female
Planet or colony of origin: Mars

Appearance:

Brief History and Motivations: Shana was born and raised in the slums of the Martian industrial districts, where her father ran off to Earth before she was even born, and her mother had so little money to her name that Shana essentially spent every waking hour alone because her mother was always out working, and trying her absolute hardest just to keep her and her daughter's heads above the water. Life was a constant struggle for the two of them, though when she was only eleven years old, Shana would make the decision to leave home along with a friend of hers, where the two of them would join up with one of the many, many small time criminal outfits that dotted the Martian slums. Due to it's overwhelmingly industrialized nature, and the lack of a solid economy to give people a solid ground, it was only natural that Mech theft became a prime flavor for how small time criminals were able to amass their fortune and fame. At first it was relatively simple, the outfit only having the two children break down small components to find out what could be sold for scrap metal, and what had to get sent to the fine parts section instead. However, as they got older, more and more responsibilities got placed on the two of them, and around age 16, Shana was starting to get tasked with the thefts of the mechs themselves.

This involved little more than breaking into a completed mech cargo bay, letting one of her comrades crack open the cockpit, doing some hotwiring, and walking right out the bay door in her new prize. It wasn't anything complicated, but it gave her a basic, fundamental understanding on how to move the gigantic robots, something that would come into play later down the line, when a young man she met during one of their 'joint heists' expressed an interest in going clean, and using his intimate mechanical knowledge of how to maintain/repair mechs for something far more meaningful than just ripping down the belongings of another, and selling them across the black market. Seventeen years old at the time, Shana ended up spending nearly a month dwelling on the thought. She'd spent the most defining years of her life with the same seven or eight people... Even when that childhood friend of hers that had gotten her here in the first place moved on to a different group, she opted to stay.

In the end though, when all was said and done, she called him up and expressed her interest in going clean as well. In the end, she did want to try and leave her old way of life behind her, she wanted to try and make something of herself... Be somebody more relevant than just the girl that stole that one mech, and made her co-workers a boat load of money. And so, with one final job, one last robbery from a small and relatively unassuming freelance battling crew that had made the mistake of staying in their city for the week, the Lefabre crew was born, both members changing their last names and posing as a brother/sister pilot and mechanic tag team. They fled town as quickly as they could, scrubbing themselves of their criminal records and taking to small scale backyard tournaments with their newly re-specced, re-licensed, and re-painted mech that they had re-acquired, the Einenlancer.

The only problem that stood in their way was the fact that taking part in combat tournaments required Shana to be a combat pilot, when she'd only walked and run the giant things around a little bit.

Piloting was extremely different from raw mechanical work, and although she had piloted mechs countless times growing up in her old outfit, moving the thing around and wielding it in combat were two entirely different beasts. It was stressful, exhausting, frustrating, and there were times where Shana felt like she just wanted to spend an evening curling up in a ball and crying because of just how bad she felt at it... But the sensation of victory she got, the adrenaline flowing through her veins... No matter just how taxing on her body and mind combat piloting turned out to be, Shana always found herself crawling back ready for more, and going to bed each and every night with thoughts about how she could do things faster, smarter, smoother... Were she a more jaded mind, she would consider her newfound addiction self-destructive, but the pain, the headaches, the stress got less intense each and every time she gripped those controls. Everything felt more organic, the arms and legs of her mech felt more and more like extensions of her own body. Before long, she felt like she was ready to stop fighting in the underground fighting arenas and back alley tournaments, and head for the big leagues. It was just a huge pain in the ass that Mars didn't have any sort of middle ground in between fighting under the table in matches that didn't count for jack shit, and the big leagues... The closest comparison would be like playing backyard baseball, and then suddenly finding yourself pitching for the MLB.

Nevertheless, she and Nathan, her new 'brother' moved forward to try and get themselves a big name sponsorship. If they could do that, then the rest would work itself out... It didn't matter what it took, how difficult it was, or how many things stood in their way, their lives as criminals and thieves was going to come to an end. Three years of training and combat experience in the underground martian circuit was enough to get her in to the big leagues, right? She could only hope...



Mech

Mech Name: Einenlancer

Mech Class: Scout

Mech Armaments:
Default loadout
-Assault Rifle
-Light Pistol

subsystems
Special system

Mech Appearance:




Writing sample

Shana gripped the handles inside Einenlancer's cockpit harder, her heartbeat quickening as she stepped out onto the battlefield. Seeing as how this was just an underground circuit, it was basically just a huge battle arena akin to the Roman circular coliseums of old, no real area hazards or gimmicks to speak of outside of it's huge, rocky sloped boundaries. She was going to have to be smart if she wanted to use the rubble and debris scattering the arena as enough meaningful cover to stop her from getting shot to bits... Looking at her opponent, she sighed in relief at the sight of another scout type mech, and while this one seemed to be a bit behind the technology curve when compared to Einenlancer, she couldn't disrespect the fact that it was loaded out with a Bazooka... One direct hit from that thing, and it was going to be light's out for Shana... That, or it could just peg two or three of them nearby, and catch her in the explosions. There were quite a few win conditions that this beater had, but as long as Shana kept them in mind, and didn't give her opponent any of those openings, things should work out just fine...

The buzzer rang out, signaling the start of the battle, and almost instantly Shana was transforming into her buggy, zipping away as a round fired onto her previous position, a huge explosion racking against the now closed entry gate while Shana simply saw the plumes and flames in her rear view mirror. So he was trigger happy, was he? That was good to know. Slipping behind a piece of debris, she transformed back into her humanoid form and looked upwards, watching as her opponent seemed to be doing the same, albeit a fair bit slower since he was stuck to his humanoid form. She stood up quickly, opening fire on the exposed figure while he was still making his way to cover. To her delight, she noticed that she was able to get in a few pot shots around his knee joints. Nothing more meaningful than some dents and some scratched paint, but it felt good to draw first blood. With her opponent now behind cover, Shana quickly went back into buggy form, zipping around the outlines of the arena far faster than that rocket launcher could get a proper bead on her. As long as she kept the petal to the metal, and kept an eye focused on her opponent, he wouldn't be able to fire on her without running the risk of just wasting more ammo for no real gain.

She traced him with his eyes, her opponent being clever as he used the time where she was stuck in buggy form to boost upwards, standing atop the border of the arena as he brought his rocket launcher down towards her. Just what in the world was he firing at, though? She didn't see how he was going to connect with any of them... Still, bazooka rounds fired off one after the other, some of them getting surprisingly close and forcing Shana to veer off to the sides in order to not get blown to bits. She had to give him credit, either he was using some kind of advanced targeting system, or he was just really good at reading her movements. She transformed back into a mech, hopping up onto one of the rocky slopes where she would unload a clip from her assault rifle while she was off against his flank, just below and to the right of him. The ground beneath his feet caved a bit, but it was only enough to cause him to boost off of the ground. Yeah, it was clear that this guy was using enhanced jump boosters, ones more potent than what she had available since he was able to move from a dead halt like that. Looking over towards him, she cursed loudly, realizing that he now had the flank on her while he was still in mid-air. He fired the bazooka once more, Shana dropping downwards to avoid the first explosion, but she'd have bigger problems to deal with once the round collided with the wall.

The rocks shifted, whined, and caved under the explosion. Rocks came tumbling down, smashing into Einenlancer one after the other and sending her off the rocky slope, and crashing down to the ground below as boulder after boulder slammed into it's hull. Dazed, Shana groaned as she rubbed the back of her head where it had slammed into the cockpit behind her. "Damn it..." She got cocky, her arrogance now causing some pretty severe damage to the hull as she slowly started to make her way out of the rubble. Looking up towards her opponent, she counted her blessings at the fact that his clip had run out, and he had to use the entire time reloading after he slammed back down into the ground, his leg joints clearly taking some pretty severe hits of their own once his jets gave out and he came crashing down. She transformed quickly once she broke free, speeding away as she kept to the outsides of the arena. He wasn't able to move as easily now thanks to his damaged legs, but he was still able to limp his way to a piece of rubble to hide behind... However... Judging from the fact that he was now sandwiched between that piece of metallic rubble, and what looked to be a particularly oddly shaped rock that slanted upwards, Shana saw her opportunity.

She drove as quickly as she could, slamming on her speed boosters as she zipped around faster than he could react in his damaged state. She flew right off to the side of him, still speeding as quickly as she could before she slammed on the emergency break and tilted the steering wheel slightly, causing the buggy to slide around 180 degrees to where it now faced that slanted rock head on. Speed boosters were back on, and the buggy drove up the rock at full speed, ramping off of it, as it started to fly towards the mech. Shana transformed back to mech form in mid-air, using one of her leg jets without it's brother to shift her weight over towards one leg while she still moved towards her opponent with all that built up speed and momentum that she'd built up in buggy form. With a fearsome shout, Shana used the jet booster on her leg to slam one of Einenlancer's feet into the side of the other mech's head with so much speed, force, and momentum the whole opposing frame let out a huge groan of metallic agony, the head's sockets snapping and breaking, and nearly ripping the whole head off with one single, decisive move as the older mech slammed into the floor.

Einenlancer's left foot was fucked, but it didn't matter. Still in humanoid form, she kept to her knee and pulled out her heavy pistol, emptying an entire clip's worth of rounds right into the downed scout's rocket launcher wielding arm. The rocket launcher was dropped, the mech's hand looking more like a pile of molten slag by the time Shana was done with her point-blank clip. Well... Einenlancer's repair costs were going to be pretty overwhelming after this, and Nathan always bitched whenever Shana fought too recklessly, but it was a victory, wasn't it?

[Vergil Tanner]

Ok then! Since most of the kinks were ironed out in-PM, I don't see any problems that need to be addressed now, so that's good. A few more minor nitpicks, but minor enough to be left until the next stage. :D

The only things I want added are a description or picture of the Mech when it's in Buggy-Mode - is it four wheeled, six wheeled, a half track? How does the Mech transform into it? - and an RP writing sample, please. :-)

[Jarred109]

Oooh.. another scout. A rivalry waiting to happen perhaps?

[King Serperior]

Very nice!  Shana Lefabre looks to be a scary opponent (and valuable ally)!  Though, I do wonder.  I thought the special subsystem for the Scout class gave a max WC of 7?  I seem to remember reading that and that turned me a little away from the Scout Class.

Ah well, no worries!  I love the Ragnarok too much to care about a possible misreading on my part!   XD 

Soooo, it looks like all we need is a Heavy.  I wonder if anyone knows someone who might be interested?  I've already spoken to a couple of friends who might have been interested in the role, but to no avail.  Perhaps adding that we're seeking a Heavy may help as well?

[Vergil Tanner]

Haha, after a conversation with a few different people, I decided that the Scout Mech's special system was too weak compared to the other Mechs special systems, and that it didn't offer as much as a normal Scout Mech could, so I decided to give it a bit of a buff to help rebalance it. The new version of the Buggy is a bit more viable without being OP, methinks.

I have one or two people who may be interested in the role...once one or all of them have committed, I'll whip up my own bio to complete the set and we should be ready to go to Stage 2.

[King Serperior]

Haha, after a conversation with a few different people, I decided that the Scout Mech's special system was too weak compared to the other Mechs special systems, and that it didn't offer as much as a normal Scout Mech could, so I decided to give it a bit of a buff to help rebalance it. The new version of the Buggy is a bit more viable without being OP, methinks.

Ah!  That explains it!  When I was originally looking at the Scout Class, I was thinking of calling it "Grasshopper."  It'd have been an annoying little devil as it'd use it's jets and climbing claw to pick apart it's foes......at a cost of effectively having the armor of a wet paper bag.  >.>;  That said, I do like the changes very much. 

I have one or two people who may be interested in the role...once one or all of them have committed, I'll whip up my own bio to complete the set and we should be ready to go to Stage 2.

Great!  Can't wait to see what might be thought up.  ^-^

[Vergil Tanner]

LOL, I think you overestimate just how fragile the Scout will be. Sure, it won't be able to take a Siege-class Railgun to the face and keep on trucking, but it isn't like it will shut down after three Assault Rifle rounds. :P But yeah, I liked the changes too...I think it makes the Scout Special System a lot more viable. *nods*

[SargentToughie]

Posted the buggy pic and the writing sample, as requested.

[Vergil Tanner]

Danke schon! :D

[King Serperior]

I made some small edits to Angela's profile.  The factories that I mentioned that her parents owned on Mars are primarily factories that build the frames and weaponry of Heavy Mechs.  I also added that Angela and Ragnarok represent her parents' factories every time she enters the arena.  I figured that I needed to add a little more detail to that subject as it was kind of lacking.

[Vergil Tanner]

No worries, I understand. :-)

Right, so, as I understand it we have one or two new profiles being prepped for submission. Can those of you who haven't given me a writing sample please do so? Thank you!

[Vergil Tanner]

So, I figured I should whip up a bio. So here he is! Thoughts? :D



Player Name: Vergil Tanner

Character Name: Zachariah "Zack" Masselli.
Age: 37
Sex: Male, straight.

Planet or colony of origin: Venus.

Appearance: "Zack" is not what you would call a "pretty boy." He's starting to approach middle-age, and as such his face is no longer smooth and warm but rather is rough, pock-marked and more than a little grizzled. He has a little bit of stubble around his cheeks and chin, and a harsh, squared jaw and flat, boxy chin. His nose is a little squashed and has been broken and re-set more than a couple of times, but his eyes - whilst carrying a little bit of weight in the slight bags beneath them - aren't as unfriendly as the rest of the face may have you believe. There are lines from frequent smiles and laughs etched into the skin around them, and his brow carries the furrows of more than a few raucous nights out. He doesn't have any wrinkles - despite the slightly weathered look, he still looks about 30 - but he does have several lines and small scars dotting his face from previous encounters. He's not a small man, standing at about 6 feet with a relatively bulky, athletically muscular build and a rather broad pair of shoulders. He's leaning more towards the bulky rather than the lithe side, but is by no means body-builder level instead maintaining a sensibly proportioned build. Still...he is bigger than most average people you would care to mention. He might be starting to get a little older, but he makes it a point to stay in shape, especially given his current chosen profession; you don't see many unfit and successful mech pilots for a reason.

Brief History and Motivations: Zachariah was born in 2126, and grew up in a poor family on Venus just as the Second Solar War (2126-2135) was reaching its zenith and eventually winding down. His father had managed to avoid conscription due to his position as a worker on Venus's oxygen farms, which were under extra stress thanks to the fighting on the as-yet un-colonised planets of Pluto [Yes, Pluto isn't technically a planet in 2015, but it got recategorized in 2103. Why? Because I said so. So....nyeah] and Neptune, and the inhospitable and barren wastelands of Mars, where most of the fighting was taking place. Despite the strain on the economy of the planet, and despite various invasions against the different colonies on Venus by rival factions, Zachariah's family managed to make it out of the war relatively intact, with Zachariah being constantly aware that the chances were good that he would only ever work in the same industry as his parents. The education levels, residences and general career prospects on Venus were poor - barely meeting the minimum requirements for the standard of education mandated by most governments - and the chances of getting off of Venus due to success in the O2 and plant farms were all but non-existent. It was possible, if you were intelligent and well-educated, but if you were intelligent and well-educated, then you either didn't grow up on Venus, or you were part of a wealthier family anyway and didn't have to worry about working in the Biodomes for your entire life in the first place. All Zachariah knew was that he had to get off of Venus somehow; he couldn't face the same crushing work day after day in some boring old Biosphere for next to nothing pay for the rest of his life so, as soon as he turned 18, he joined the UFP military and left Venus for basic training.

He went on a grand total of eight tours - some obviously lasting more than others - being deployed to a variety of locations. From general policing work in the outer moons to peace-keeping exercises on "independent" planetoids to pirate-suppression in various asteroid belts and even open warzones on some moons and planetoids, the range of duties he was given was unlike anything he had dreamt of back on Venus. Oh, the profession wasn't exactly pleasant and it was oftentimes brutal, crushing and depressing, but he managed to get through it all, determined not to go back to live on Venus and work the same dead-end job as his parents. He didn't necessarily enjoy being a soldier - if anybody actually enjoys killing enemy combatants, they should probably not be given a firearm in the first place - but he made some extremely good friends while serving, and for every bad day and every horrific experience, there was at least one moment of camaraderie, laughter or wonder as he witnessed something he couldn't even imagine as a pre-teen lying awake back home. However, every good thing must come to an end, and he eventually retired at the rank of Major after 14 years of service at the age of 32. He just got....tired. After a while, the soldiers lifestyle catches up with you, and after 18 years of yearning for adventure and action and 14 years of getting it, he was ready for peace and quiet. Of course, that didn't last long; not a year after his retirement, he found that he actually - bizarrely - missed the intensity of combat (if not the imminent threat of death), and without anybody to keep him company in his approaching old age, he found himself reminiscing all day as he sat on his laurels. That, combined with the fact that a soldiers pension isn't actually that good and the brutal truth that - as a soldier - he didn't really have any skills that he could take into a normal 9-5 office job on Earth, he decided to enter the apparently lucrative world of Mechbowl. He was a soldier, so he figured that he would have an advantage over the younger competitors, it was intense and furious with little risk of death or injury...and the prizes were always big. So at the age of 33, he got himself a Mech, tinkered and tampered with it with the help of some old friends from the UFP Engineering Corps, and set out to make some money and keep his life interesting.

Two years later, he found himself hitting a wall in the Singles competitions; the prizes were enough to live on, but it was always an every-man-for-himself affair, and he found that without a team backing him up, he never managed to get the "big" prizes. Soldiers work in teams, after all, not individually and so his supposed advantage was actually slowing him down. He always finished in the top five, but without the mentality of having eyes in the back of his head - and with the younger competitors being so much more bloodthirsty - he never managed to get "Top Prize." And so, he applied to the Team Rankings, where the big prizes were, and where he could hopefully find a team to watch his back and actually start winning things more regularly. He got taken on as the "junior" member of a lower-rung team and, over the years, got to know other competitors and the way things worked until - about a year ago - he left and founded his own team, with him as the Captain. Now, he's looking to lead his team to bigger and better prizes, and maybe start making some real money to put into his pension.



Mech Name: "Sarge"

Mech Class: Command Assault.

Mech Armaments:
Weapons:

- 4WR Assault Rifle: The A-52 Suppressor Assault Rifle fires a sturdy armour-piercing tungsten round from a high-velocity muzzle at speeds of around 2,000 MPH and a rate of 30 rpm, each round hitting with a power rating in excess of thirty thousand pounds of pressure per round (this might sound high, but I've actually done the math, taking into account just how gigantic these guns actually are). The magazine can support a minute of sustained fire before requiring reload, and the unique sectioned, railed stock in addition to the motion dampening padding within the gun itself reduces recoil by up to 50%. Whilst it doesn't have the capacity for a scope, it fires enough rounds to make up for the lack of precise accuracy.

- 4WR 6-Missile-Pod: Featuring six explosive high-yield pods, this pod is mounted on the right-hand shoulder in a half-hexagonal, half-cube launcher whose safety covering can flick open to rain either direct or suppressing fire on the targets. Each missile carries a high-yield payload and travels at 350 mph towards its target [which isn't that ridiculous, since modern RPG's can fire their ordinance at about 230mph ]. Each missile can be fired either individually or at the same time as any number of others. The pod has three full pods of replacements, totalling 18 missiles overall, though the missile pod must be emptied before the replacement set can be loaded (which takes up to thirty seconds)

- 2WR 4-Missile-Pod: Identical to the above, save that it has six less overall missiles and is mounted on the left shoulder instead.


Subsystems:

- Advanced Sensors: Allows a higher chance of spotting stealthed units.

- Target Lock: Tracks target, even through cover. Allows equipped missiles to track and follow target.

- Flares: Can interfere with lock-on, including deflecting locked-on weapons.


Command Systems

- Localised Shield Generator: The Command Mech may deploy a portable shield generator that creates a spherical shield around the generators current location. Mechs and humans may pass through the shield unhindered, but gunfire may only leave the shield and not enter it. Once deployed, the shield cannot be moved, and after the shield has sustained a certain amount of damage, it will shut down. One use per generator. Start battle with 2 generators.

- Mobile Turret: The Command Mech may deploy a Machine Gun Auto-Turret. May be picked up and redeployed. Can be destroyed.

[Vergil Tanner]

Oh, I do need another Commander Mech, so if somebody wants to take on that role, let me know. We won't be able to start without another Commander anyway, sooooo....yeah. Haha.

[King Serperior]

So, I figured I should whip up a bio. So here he is! Thoughts? :D

Everything looks good to me at a first glance!  I'll list my thoughts below:

Appearance: "Zack" is not what you would call a "pretty boy." He's starting to approach middle-age, and as such his face is no longer smooth and warm but rather is rough, pock-marked and more than a little grizzled. He has a little bit of stubble around his cheeks and chin, and a harsh, squared jaw and flat, boxy chin. His nose is a little squashed and has been broken and re-set more than a couple of times, but his eyes - whilst carrying a little bit of weight in the slight bags beneath them - aren't as unfriendly as the rest of the face may have you believe. There are lines from frequent smiles and laughs etched into the skin around them, and his brow carries the furrows of more than a few raucous nights out. He doesn't have any wrinkles - despite the slightly weathered look, he still looks about 30 - but he does have several lines and small scars dotting his face from previous encounters. He's not a small man, standing at about 6 feet with a relatively bulky, athletically muscular build and a rather broad pair of shoulders. He's leaning more towards the bulky rather than the lithe side, but is by no means body-builder level instead maintaining a sensibly proportioned build. Still...he is bigger than most average people you would care to mention. He might be starting to get a little older, but he makes it a point to stay in shape, especially given his current chosen profession; you don't see many unfit and successful mech pilots for a reason.

I don't know why, but this has me picturing this guy:

Mech Name: "Sarge"

Yeah, Angela will likely offer a few name suggestions.  :P

- 4WR 6-Missile-Pod: Featuring six explosive high-yield pods, this pod is mounted on the right-hand shoulder in a half-hexagonal, half-cube launcher whose safety covering can flick open to rain either direct or suppressing fire on the targets. Each missile carries a high-yield payload and travels at 350 mph towards its target [which isn't that ridiculous, since modern RPG's can fire their ordinance at about 230mph ]. Each missile can be fired either individually or at the same time as any number of others. The pod has three full pods of replacements, totalling 18 missiles overall, though the missile pod must be emptied before the replacement set can be loaded (which takes up to thirty seconds)

I need to add something like that to Ragnarok's Missile description.  Since it's larger, I'll likely say it has 4-5 pods of replacements.  I'll add that as soon as I get through typing this message up!

Oh, I do need another Commander Mech, so if somebody wants to take on that role, let me know. We won't be able to start without another Commander anyway, sooooo....yeah. Haha.

Well, if no one else is willing to take the role and the person(s) who you said may be interested in piloting a Heavy aren't interested in a Command Role, I'll upgrade the Ragnarok to Command.   I think I have just about decided which combinations of the two Command Subsystems that I'd have her have.  ;D

[Vergil Tanner]

Eh, I thought about using him as a faceclaim, but he wasn't close enough to what I was thinking for me to be happy using it.

Assuming that they're on the same team :P

I'd say leave it at three. The extra size, after all, is just accommodating the extra missiles, isn't it? I mean, it will still have functionally more missiles than the smaller pods, but there just wouldn't be any room for an entire 'nother rack of missiles in the pods. :P

Well, you'd have to write up how she got to be leading her own Squad, if that's the case. :P

[King Serperior]

Eh, I thought about using him as a faceclaim, but he wasn't close enough to what I was thinking for me to be happy using it.

Assuming that they're on the same team :P

I'd say leave it at three. The extra size, after all, is just accommodating the extra missiles, isn't it? I mean, it will still have functionally more missiles than the smaller pods, but there just wouldn't be any room for an entire 'nother rack of missiles in the pods. :P

Well, you'd have to write up how she got to be leading her own Squad, if that's the case. :P

Ah, well, if you are having difficulty looking for a faceclaim, there's always Christa's Character thread in the F/S board.  She's a master at finding good character models!

*Nods*  True enough! 

Okay, three sounds reasonable.  Especially when I think about the number of projectiles used for her Rail Gun and the Minigun's three barrels of ammo. 

Haha, well, if I do decide to do so, I'd likely have her not technically having her own squad, but rather running through teammates constantly because they either fail horribly (as seen in the 2v2 in the writing sample) or because they cannot seem to work with her for some reason or another and quit!  :P  Still, I'll wait a little bit and see.

EDIT:  Okay, updated the Ragnarok's Missile Description.

[Vergil Tanner]

I think you misunderstand me a little...I don't particularly care about Faceclaims. I had a cursory look, couldn't find one I liked, so wrote the description instead. I'm not about to go hunting for a faceclaim because it really isn't that important. :P

Yeah, you might want to keep some room for the ammo. :P

Well...considering that we're gonna have two groups of three players as two established teams, I think you've just talked me out of letting Angela be a Command Mech since she doesn't seem to be the type to be in Command of a Squad. :P

[King Serperior]

Ah, alrighty then!  Just thought I'd offer a suggestion!  ^.^

*Nods*  Though I think Ragnarok has enough space to store ammo for, when it eventually gets upgraded, 2-3 more weapons as I think the spare Missile Pods take up the most space.  Three barrels of minigun ammo shouldn't take up too much space and the projectiles used for the Rail gun are each about 2 feet long, give or take.  As they are relatively thin (but dense), they shouldn't take up much more space than a large motorcycle, even at 50 projectiles stacked atop one another.  Plus, they aren't explosive. which adds to safety.  :D

*Laughs*  No problem at all!  She just has an itchy trigger finger.  I see her as a weapon in her own right:  Dangerous, but moreso when pointed in the right direction and let go.  ;)

[Vergil Tanner]

Oh, I appreciate it, I just don't really see faceclaims as all that important. :-) The only times I've spent hours looking for one is when the game I'm in made them compulsory. >.>

LOL, you think you're gonna be getting a total of 6 weapons on that thing? Heeeeeeell no. The weapon caps will be staying pretty much where they are for the moment. What Mech game do you know of that has a Mech with six weapons on it? :P :P
Seriously, though, you'd be surprised. How fast does the minigun fire? Quite fast. If you want to actually be able to get through a match without running out of ammo, you're gonna need a lot of space for the rounds. :P

Well, I might ask you to tone that attitude down juuuuust a little, since it's unlikely anybody would put up with an uncontrollable trigger-happy barbarian who is just as likely to shoot her own teammates....which would result in her Commander likely kicking her off the team. So maybe dial it back a little to where it's actually believable that she's on a team. :P

[King Serperior]

LOL, you think you're gonna be getting a total of 6 weapons on that thing? Heeeeeeell no. The weapon caps will be staying pretty much where they are for the moment. What Mech game do you know of that has a Mech with six weapons on it? :P :P
Seriously, though, you'd be surprised. How fast does the minigun fire? Quite fast. If you want to actually be able to get through a match without running out of ammo, you're gonna need a lot of space for the rounds. :P

Haha, a slight exaggeration!  Though, I have seen some mech ideas where they can put energy weapons that pull from the mech's energy core.  Obviously not relevant to the game, but energy weapons are ways to put in multiples.  :P   

Though, now that you mention it......should I up the ammo count from 60,000 to something higher for the minigun?  The way you make it sound, it's likely I estimated low.  >_>;

Well, I might ask you to tone that attitude down juuuuust a little, since it's unlikely anybody would put up with an uncontrollable trigger-happy barbarian who is just as likely to shoot her own teammates....which would result in her Commander likely kicking her off the team. So maybe dial it back a little to where it's actually believable that she's on a team. :P

No problem on that count.  In battle, she'll likely act just as she does in that writing sample.  She's no trigger-happy barbarian, but she does really enjoy battle and is pretty competitive.  She'd just as likely use her mech as a shield for her weaker-armored teammates.....a shield that can fire back!  ;D

[Vergil Tanner]

Well that's as may be, but for the foreseeable future, 3 is all you're getting. :P

Probably. I mean, miniguns with three barrels burn through their ammo FAST. I mean...a modern day minigun has six barrels and fires 6000rpm. So by modern standards, your minigun would fire 3000rpm. Now factor in the advancements in firearms in 150 years, and you'll likely come up with something like 6-9000/minute. On the conservative side, that's maybe ten minutes of firing you have there in your ammo count. :P

Well, so long as you keep her believable! :P :P

[King Serperior]

Well that's as may be, but for the foreseeable future, 3 is all you're getting. :P

Not complaining one bit!  I rather like the setup Ragnarok has.   8-)

Probably. I mean, miniguns with three barrels burn through their ammo FAST. I mean...a modern day minigun has six barrels and fires 6000rpm. So by modern standards, your minigun would fire 3000rpm. Now factor in the advancements in firearms in 150 years, and you'll likely come up with something like 6-9000/minute. On the conservative side, that's maybe ten minutes of firing you have there in your ammo count. :P

I think you misunderstood.  Ragnarok has three barrels of ammo.  The minigun itself has six barrels.  That said, I'll up the ammo count from 60,000 to something that seems more appropriate......perhaps 120,000 -180,000 rounds?  My word, I severely underestimated the speed of a minigun, haha! 

Well, so long as you keep her believable! :P :P

As long as she is believable in her current state, there's no need to change her.  She's just a girl who likes big guns.  :P

[Vergil Tanner]

You should, since it's your mech :P

As long as you have room on the mech for it! And yes, you kinda did. :P A futuristic minigun would probably fire 12,000 rounds/minute. :P

Haha, well, we'll see how that pans out!

[King Serperior]

Okay, by my calcs and your estimate as to the RPM of a futuristic minigun of 12,000 R/M, I can put 360,000 rounds of ammo into the Ragnarok.  The reasoning behind this is that the Rail Gun's projectiles, when stacked neatly, give an ammo supply mass of about a Motorcycle, which is extremely small when compared to a mech the size of Ragnarok.  The three spare Missile Pods should be about the size of an average car lengthwise if stacked correctly, maybe two.  Either way, that would still leave a massive amount of room for 360,000 rounds of ammo, which should give it about 20-30 minutes of continuous fire (not that Ragnarok will actually fire for 30 minutes straight!). 

[Vergil Tanner]

Preliminarily, that sounds good. :-) Though I might alter that number a little closer to the time. :P

[King Serperior]

Preliminarily, that sounds good. :-) Though I might alter that number a little closer to the time. :P

Well, it's been edited and fixed up in the profile.   :-)  I think that's about the vast majority of the changes that I'll do to the profile until the last of the characters pop in to be picked apart and glued back together.

[Vergil Tanner]

No worries! So, still looking for one more heavy and a Commander...so, let's hope we get what we need soon!

[Jarred109]

I suppose I could offer Ivan as a commander? He's pretty much constantly working on Lady or practicing, so he would definitely have the drive to put the time and effort to be a commander. The only problem I'd see would be that he doesn't have a lot of leadership experience, and because of that I can't imagine him being a particularly dominating leader. "Well, what do you guys think we should do, this isn't a mechtatorship, its a mechocracy!"

That and Lady is going to start complaining if he adds too many more systems to her. She's supposed to be this light and agile flower, tracking down enemies and marking them with grenade explosions.  ::) Though I'm sure he'll be able to talk her into some upgrades if no one else wants to take the position. Two gentlemen from lower class farming planets commanding their own mech teams has a nice bit of a ring to it.

Made some small changes to the profile, fixed the spelling errors I caught and a picture King Seprerior found that I liked.

[Vergil Tanner]

Haha, well, if you want the Commander slot, you have but to ask; have a think about it and decide whether it's something you want for your character, and if it is, write up how he got the position. :D

[Jarred109]

Hmm, I'll throw some ideas around tonight and write it up if no ones volunteered for the spot by sometime tomorrow.

[Vergil Tanner]

Okedoke, no worries. :-)

[Zaer Darkwail]

Hi, King Serperior told about this game and I read the past pages and I got interested on the heavy spot (and act also leader). Here comes my char;

Player Name: Zaer Darkwail
Character Name: Richardo ('Richie') Monteu Tarkanna
Age: 24
Sex: Male
Planet or colony of origin: Venus, but lived most life in Earth

Brief History and Motivations: Richardo Monteu Tarkanna for a reason has long name as his mother is from Venus colony which is mostly inhabited by people who trace their ancestry to latinos and italians in century ago in earth. However most important part of his name is last one; Tarkanna as that is name which belongs to high ranking noble with lots influence in The Zhu Dynasty. At first affair between his father and mother was kept secret as it was sort of thing what advisor did not never wish reveal (he was married after all when he met Richardo's mother first time). Richardo was five years old when his father's wife passed away and then after year mourning her advisor took new wife (Richardo's mother) and took Richardo in as 'adopted' child (when in truth he was biological son of his). A year later his younger sister was born and he learned in the empire heir status moves by bloodlines but because Richardo was taken as adopted (being secretly unrecognized bastard), he had no right to claim heir status of Tarkanna family line.

But even so if he was second place in inheritance wise he did not miss anything; he got everything he wanted and grew to be bright and educated (if having big ego and hot temperament which caused occasional drama and scene in Zhu empire strict social environment where self-control was highly valued). He tried out many hobbies until he saw his first mechbowl arena battle in age of eighteen and then told his father he wanted to be a pilot. Thanks to his father's connections he quickly got experienced veteran as tutor and he was next six years taught about mech combat. He used highly advanced combat simulators with advanced AI's as his opponents (reaching 60% win rate with hardest difficulty) and daily practiced combat and military theory and overall about mechbowl and mechs themselves. His father even got him sponsor for one more successful Zhu empire companies; Dragon Energy Tech. Naturally that company provides all advanced hardware for his first mech which has advanced energy systems and electronics as main production items (note; mechanics wise he starts like anyone else but future upgrades kept in mind this detail).

Now in age of twenty four he enters to his first fight debut, he feels confident and ready to go for real deal after years of practice. To him this is a hobby, expensive hobby but considering he is not heir and thus he has no future taking over father's legacy he enjoys his life so far. However there is going to be change to that lifestyle....(cue the write example scene)

Mech Name: Kyojin ('giant' in japanese)

Mech Class: Command Heavy

Mech Armaments:

Siege Weapon: Hades Mark-III Artillery Cannon, it's capable launch explosive ammunition charges over to several miles away in rapid sequence to provide suppressive bombardment support to front lines. Even if none missiles land directly on target, they cause devastation in area and destroys potential covers (but also create it when there is none thanks massive debris clouds the missiles do in landing).

Battle Cannon: Kami-24TC is a battle cannon which launches 24 tons caliber ammunition in rapid semi-automatic triple shot sequences onto target. It's intended for safety for Kyojin in case foe comes too close to use artillery cannon. With solid reload speed and accuracy and damage it's considered by military standards a 'old and reliable' model.

Subsystems: Using Heavy Mech Support System package.

Command Subsystems: Advanced Radar, Advanced Communications Relay

Mech Appearance: Pic presents Kyojin in mobile form and artillery cannon is strapped on left side of the pic and battle cannon on right. Although his mech has legs but his mech is very slow to move overall. When he transforms he sinks his feet partly onto ground (thanks digging and drill equipment located at base of the feet) and becomes a more tower alike (cannon sliding from side to his back and extend forward out and able make full 360 turns slowly and battle cannon becoming a mobile circling turret onto side of the metal tower). Battle cannon can aim different target than artillery cannon naturally. There is massive radar disc which appears more clearly in tower mode and also advanced communication antenna opposite side from it. Energy core is located directly behind his artillery cannon in tower form, so when rail cannon turns so does position of energy core.

Time for chick leave the nest

Richardo was checking on the systems on Kyojin, feeling them out as it's had been brought out fresh from the factory and installed a prototype energy core by Dragon Energy Tech company. The entire mech had various advanced electronics on it, but most mentioned radar and ability to communicate secure manner with a team mate, despite potential scrambling methods used which are common in higher league. However he is not sure which teammate he gets for his team as he goes to Mars, hopefully find a good scout or assault mech user as either one would be ideal target for communication. A stealthy scout would help him locate and mark targets for him. But his mech is designed on support and has upgraded radar and communications because his greatest weapon is not his heavy artillery but his tactical mind which had been trained and harnessed by ten years of stimulation and training with practice mechs.

All this went through Richie's mind as he inspected everything...

Six...when I started it felt so long time but now as I look back it's mere flash. Yet I can feel how I have changed since then I was eighteen years old, I know lot more about mechs and mechbowl.

He hears then his father is here on the hangar, so he turns off the systems and climbs out from the mech to outside where his father stood in his usual blacks and white business suit. As Richie came closer his father looked with his usual neutral stern and serious expression and spoke; "The mech, it's up to specifications you requested?" Richie smiled, he could had hugged his father but he knew he disliked it, so he simply bowed and kept small smile as he replied; "Yes father, he's magnificent. Thank you so much giving money to purchase him." father smiled little in turn and replied; "No problem, it was your inheritance after all." Richie became surprised and asked; "Inheritance? But, your no where near dying...I hope at least!"

Father made short laugh and replied; "Thank you for concern, but no I am not dying. But this, is your dream Richie. I thought you may want study become a doctor, professor or businessman. But no, a mech pilot. But mechs, good ones, cost a lot money when your not using spare and used parts. There is plenty inheritance left over still though from all purchases so you can live comfortably in Mars and I got you already a one sponsor your presenting in Mechbowl matches. It's time Richie that you depart from the nest, all money you have is yours and yours alone. But further money you have to earn yourself."

Richie was hurt, shocked but also bit angry as he asks; "B-but why?! Am I not your son and would I not deserve more from you?! Could you not sponsor me?" Father smile faltered little and was back stern as he lectured his son; "My income is not bottomless, I could purchase your mech but repairs are done by your sponsor. In truth you had been frivolous with money for many years, it's time you learn it's value. Also yes, your my son but we both know why your listed in family records as adopted son. Despite that I promised your mother always get you what you desired and look after you.

However, do not think this as means for me being cruel to you. As how else you can bring your full brilliant potential in line for your matches, if your not afraid nor caring loosing a match? Loose, and you get mech only repaired and bit over that for living and other expenses. Win and you make your mech better to win greater battles."

Richie sighs as he realizes his father is right and considering how generous he has been and kind overall, if bit stern side, he cannot hold grudge of him if he now decides cut financial bond with him. But still they retain their familial bond and so he smiles again and bows to him and says; "Thank you so much father, I hope make you and your family proud of me." Father then smiled and said; "Do so, so this investment past ten years and today has not been for nothing. You had brought occasional shame to me but now you get chance redeem yourself."

And so Richie spend last dinner with his family; mother, father and his sister who was studying in university as he then departs to Mars....to start his entry debut matches and start long climb to galactic championship.

[Vergil Tanner]

Okey dokey, I'm going to bed so I can only hit a couple of points really quickly, and I'll do the rest tomorrow. :-)

"But even so if he was second place in inheritance wise he did not miss anything; he got everything he wanted and grew to be bright and educated (if having big ego and hot temperament which caused occasional drama and scene in Zhu empire strict social environment where self-control was highly valued). He tried out many hobbies until he saw his first mech arena battle in age of sixteen and then told his father he wanted to be a pilot. Thanks to his father's connections he quickly got experienced veteran as tutor and as thirteen of age he was next ten years taught about mech combat. He used highly advanced combat simulators and daily practiced combat and military theory, his father even got him sponsor for one more successful Zhu empire companies; Dragon Energy Tech. Naturally that company provides all advanced hardware for his first mech which has advanced energy systems and electronics. Thanks advanced energy core he could mount one rare (and sold used) military used rail cannons mounted for his mech."


I would tone that down a little bit, since at the moment it kinda sounds like "and he's really awesome no really you guys." Not saying that was the intention, but saying that by the time he was 24 he had ten years experience in a Mech is already suggesting that he's heads and shoulders above everybody else. Maybe reducing it so that he started training when he was 17 or 18....of course, if you're planning to do the whole "Never been in a contest before, and his first taste of actual combat is a sharp wake up call," in which case, that sounds a little easier to stomach.


The second point is....would you mind listing your weapons, subsystems and Special system in a list-format please, rather than doing it in a block paragraph? It just makes it easier to read at a glance. Please and thank you! Further analysis and criticism will come tomorrow, once I've slept. :P

[Zaer Darkwail]

Ok, I will edit those things when you bring rest criticism in :). Also yeah, point is more that he got ten years of simulators and tutorial and some pilot tests but overall he has got not genuine feel for combat (and that can be serious wake up call). Sort of comparing your char who has actual genuine combat experience under his belt, where my char got none (nor he had been trained with teammates which he know before hand, he know tactics but he is not sure are others capable stuff he asks of them).

[King Serperior]

Hey, Zaer!

Great character and a scary mech to boot!  That Rail Cannon is easily the scariest thing on the mechs we have, haha!

[Zaer Darkwail]

Yeah, it has V.V.H damage after all so I expect it blasts through anything really :P. But I wonder what 'spotter' means? Does it mean other mech needs LoS to target for me aim and fire? Also does it apply even if I have advanced radar and also advanced sensors? Can I aim accurately on target I see on my radar?

[King Serperior]

Yeah, it has V.V.H damage after all so I expect it blasts through anything really :P.

Haha, yea, that's why I chose to use the regular Rail Gun.  Pretty high damage and I still get to be somewhat more mobile.  Plus, with the Ragnarok's own Minigun and missile pods, it has a chance to pin down a target long enough to freely fire it's Rail Gun  :P  I was tempted to go for the Siege myself with the Rail Cannon, but the lack of overall mobility and the inability to use the Cannon unless it's rooted into once place kept me away from it.  Though, if I did go for a Siege, I would have ended up with the Artillery Cannon as it would have allowed massive AoE damage instead of focusing on a singular target like the Rail Cannon.  The way I see it, the Rail Cannon is a scalpel while the Artillery Cannon is a sledge hammer.  The former would take longer to reload and fire, thus meaning that you'd absolutely need a spotter to help you aim, else you'll miss during the time it takes for the Rail Cannon to charge and fire it's projectile.  The latter means that you could aim in the target's general direction and blast away with less worry about missing.

But I wonder what 'spotter' means? Does it mean other mech needs LoS to target for me aim and fire?

Indeed.  Without another mech letting you know where you need to aim, at best you'll be digging deep holes into the ground and kicking up dust.  The Rail Cannon is like a giant sniper rifle in my mind.

Also does it apply even if I have advanced radar and also advanced sensors? Can I aim accurately on target I see on my radar?

I have no idea, but the sensors just allow you a better chance to hit stealth targets and the radar would help figure out what mech is likely the bigger threat. 

Vergil will need to confirm all of this though.  I am going by the information I have researched on Rail Guns and Siege weaponry.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Ok, so rail cannon is big ass huge sniper rifle....which probably is ideal vs other heavy mechs if scout or assault mech spots them and sends coordinates (as it has also very long range; so possible fire it from position where foe does not even see you). But I guess even with heavy mech with fortress plating does not want take even single hit from rail cannon (and anything less than that may get one shot). I assume it burns even through force fields but with reduced damage on direct hit.

I took battle cannon as good 'medium all' category sort solution for closer or regular firing in combat (or if anyone comes close to my mech once it has went to siege mode). I imagine as support mech my char job is just to communicate with teammates and tell what stuff I see on radar (and when opportunity arrives, shoot single target with shot which may end match instant).

[King Serperior]

Again, Vergil will need to confirm or deny any of this, but from what I understand, even with coordinates, a direct hit would be lucky unless said target is pinned down somewhere.  A Rail Gun's damage comes from direct hits because it's projectiles aren't explosive.  Sure, a glancing blow will hurt like heck, but if it's not direct, I doubt the target would take massive damage.  That said, I think a Fortress Armor Heavy Mech could take one or two direct hits and I'm sure it'd be much harder to hit an Assault or Scout class as they are generally much more mobile.

Knowing Vergil, he's got it down so that it's very balanced as I am pretty sure the Rail Cannon is the most powerful weapon that any Mech can come equipped with.  The goal of any Siege weapon, past, present, or future, is not to directly destroy, but rather cause chaos for the opponents and provide cover for your teammates so that they can close into position.

But, as I said, take what I have analyzed with a grain of salt.  Vergil's got all the answers and I just have speculation, haha!

[Zaer Darkwail]

Ok, we wait Vergil then in regards how the siege weapons differ from each other in function and ability wise :). I may swap depending on answer but I decided go with rail cannon (for the classic 'kameha' weapon from mech series).

[Vergil Tanner]

Ok, to answer the questions as simply as I can, Serp is right in that the Rail cannon is basically a giant sniper rifle. You need a spotter to provide coordinates, otherwise your chances of hitting are like, one in ten. You can fire at targets on your radar, but since you have literally no information about their actual surroundings other than the rough distance and their direction, it's unlikely that you'll hit them. Besides, the radar only has a limited range, and that range is far lower than the Rail-cannons maximum range, so to use the rail cannon to its full effectiveness you need to have somebody feeding you information. Once you have the coordinates, hitting the target is actually pretty easy; you have a 60% chance of hitting them, but every round increases that chance by 5% as you adjust your bearings and you get new information, to a maximum of 75%. Now, if it hits you directly, unless you're a Heavy, you're probably fucked. If it lands next to you...well, you take a giant non-explosive shell, speed it up to several thousand mph and launch it directly into the ground and see how big a crater and how big a shockwave it makes. Though it might not necessarily damage you, it would at least knock you off of your feet. As Serp also noted, a Scout or Assault is much harder to hit, so the percentages would be slightly lower for them. Artillery shells are just big whopping explosive shells that don't have to hit directly to damage you, but they do notably less damage than a Rail Cannon.


Ok, so, onto the bio:

- "to chief advisor of present emperor of The Zhu Dynasty."
I'd rather avoid having the illegitimate son of the Emperor of the Zhu Dynasty in the game. He can be the bastard son of a prominent political figure, sure, but the Emperor? Yeah, way too high. It gives your character significantly more clout than anybody else, and throws a whole mess of problems into the mix that I'd rather not deal with.

- What I mentioned about his age when starting.

- "Naturally that company provides all advanced hardware for his first mech which has advanced energy systems and electronics. Thanks advanced energy core he could mount one rare (and sold used) military used rail cannons mounted for his mech."
Whilst a nice bit of fluff, just bear in mind that functionally, his equipment is the same standard as everybody elses starting stuff.

- "nor he has never honestly lost a match to anyone expect against his mentor few times which he holds high regard."
I thought you said he only ever played simulations? And he's never lost? Again, that sounds a bit too much like "he's really awesome no really you guys." Did he never lose because he's that good, or because people were worried about beating him since he's the son of somebody important? Maybe tone that down a little, it's starting to sound a bit...well, a bit "He's just awesomer than all of you." :P

- Mech Armaments:
Please organise them into a list for easier reading rather than a block paragraph.

- Appearance:
Just bear in mind that your Mech isn't able to move that quickly, probably isn't that much larger than the Assaults, and that for your communication and radar array, you will need some part of it jutting out; Radar works on sound waves that bounce back from things, so you need an external source and receiver. Likewise, your communications array will need to have some part outside of the Mech to give it the best possible quality.


That's what I can see at the moment, so if you fix those, then you should be good for the time being.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Sorry if my writing is unclear but he is not a son of emperor himself, but rather son of a advisor of the emperor. You know, king, queens, emperors etc have one or handful of people whom they go for advice regarding political decisions? My char father is one those people and position wise he is just a high profile political figure.

What comes to never loosing; it's based on combat vs AI's and handful of people who were 'too afraid' to win a match against 'xx guy's son'. Mentor was expection as he did not use kiddy gloves when he fought practice matches in simulator against Richardo. But as said I edit the entire background once I got feedback on the rest stuff.

Anycase rail cannon causes blastwave (even on a miss) but blastwave only knocks mechs over where arttilery cannon just makes lots explosions. I may swap to arttilery cannon than rail cannon when comparing the two (later on get perhaps upragded version of rail cannon when have long distance scanner/targeting systems to help aim with it even without a spotter).

Anycase curious what 'advanced radar' means in being 'bigger' in radius than regular one? How much larger it is?

[Vergil Tanner]

Regardless, that's still a bit too high up for my liking. It gives the character far too much influence, even if indirectly.

So...he never lost against the advanced AI, not even when they cranked up the difficulty? I find that rather hard to believe, for obvious reasons. I mean, we've all played computer games and we've all - no matter how stupid the AI is - lost at some point. To go through training with advanced AI and never lose is just completely unbelievable.

I don't see the "without spotter" happening. I need some way of balancing it, and requiring somebody to go off and pinpoint targets is an excellent check to the weapons obvious power.

I'd say by a factor of two.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Ok, I will edit then out the detail he has never lost then. Would it be okay say 'high win rate against AI's'?

[Vergil Tanner]

A high win-rate is fine, so long as it's a believable win-rate. Everybody makes mistakes, after all, and I imagine that the AI in 150 years time will be orders of magnitude better than today.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Ok, can you define in more detail what around six or eight years of simulation training would provide as win rate vs AI's? Assuming if we go advanced as it can get?

[Vergil Tanner]

What am I, Google? :P I don't know off the top of my head...I know I do a lot of calculations when GMing, but contrary to popular belief I despise maths, especially statistics. You're asking me to come up with a sensible win rate on a simulation that doesn't exist vs AI that are far more advanced than what we have today in a society that is so fragmented and advanced technologically speaking that it may as well be an alien culture. You do realise that any number I come up with is coming straight out of my backside, right? :P :P

Um....I dunno. Most skilled individuals get a win-rate of maybe 60-80% Vs. Advanced AI, so somewhere in that bracket. Anything more than that would be coming straight from mah butt.

[Zaer Darkwail]

Okay, edited. Check is it okay now for you or did I miss something. Anycase swapped rail cannon to artillery cannon.

[Vergil Tanner]

Ok...for the moment, looks good. There are still some things I want to address, but we'll get to that in Stage 2. :-)

[Zaer Darkwail]

Ok, waiting then stage 2 unless you point out something to fix :)

[Vergil Tanner]

Ok, guys....we have six people, which means two teams of three. The problem is this:

At the moment, the automatic teams are:

Team 1:
Zachariah
Angela

Team 2:
Richardo
Eva


In order for each team to have a balance of Assault and Heavy, with the two scouts getting to choose which one they want to go to. HOWEVER, Team 2 consists of the spoiled rich boy and the ex-slave. Sooooooo Ivan, would your character be willing to take orders from Richardo, or would she be there against her will, or would she be planning some kind of score, or what? I need the teams to be believable in-universe as well.

[Vergil Tanner]

Ok guys, CrazyIvan isn't responding to PM's so he has until tomorrow to appear or I'm kicking Eva. What that means is that we now probably have a space open for an Assault Mech, so if you have anybody you think would be interested in the vacancy, let me know! :-)

[Rhynarion]

I would like to toss my name in the hat for the assault mech, but I have one question - I am still interested if this is unnacceptable.

Is there room for / a way to get a gunlance priced on the assault chassis by points?

For those unfamiliar, it is exactly what it sounds like - a lance that shoots explosive shells with steeply short range. It is from Monster Hunter but the weapon would only realistically come from a Mecha without being way anime-y.

Bonus points if it comes with a shield. Would it be a modded shotgun? Shield on the other hand.

I really dont like common ballistic weapons (except shotguns), but if this cant be twiggled to jive with your idea then I will make a more standard mecha.

I can provide a picture if needed. In fact, here is <a href=data:image/jpeg;base64,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">one</a>.

[Vergil Tanner]

Well, I'm unsure about the Gunlance - it seems overly fancy with no real advantages over shotgun or rocket launcher, what with its short range and extremely cumbersome length - but a shield will be making an appearance at some point. A Gunlance might appear later on, but for the starting equipment, I'm gonna have to say to keep to the starting equipment list please. We can talk about the Gunlance appearing later, but if it appeared, it would be a specialist equipment and wouldn't be on the starting list anyway, haha.