This is the place for out-of-character discussions about the game.

As stated in the Game Introduction, I currently have three ideas for a campaign achitecture around which to base the PCs and their story:

• Military/Exploration: characters are members of the Alliance Survey Service or a Corporate Exploration Company, freelance or in-house.

  This one has the best potential for inclusion of mecha as a regular part of the stories.  It also has the fewest options for variation among characters as they should all be military.  If it is Exploration then the crew is more like a Star Trek crew.

• Merchant: characters crew members of a merchant starship.

  This option I see as somewhere between Firefly and Dark Matter, though neither of those have mecha; and as mecha are expensive this one would have a low chance of mecha involvement.

• Espionage/Diplomatic: characters are members of the retinue of a diplomatic mission (an Ambassador and their staff.)

  This option would not likely have any 1:1 scale mecha for PC use; if we want mecha it would be at the human or roadstriker scales.

It is important to re-state that I do not think this campaign requires mecha at all.  I chose this system because I like it and CyberPunk and I am very familiar with it.  However, since it is called "Mekton Zeta" I expect many people interested in playing will be attracted to that aspect of the system, hence detailing above how I see mecha interacting with those campaign architectures.
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:46, Fri 23 Feb.

Hello everyone... you can look at my profile to tell what story I'd like... but a mechajock space merc is flexible.. working for himself or working for explorers or as the "bodyguard" for a wealthy merchant..all the same job really.

OH!?! Hi Skyrah!  A Mecha-Babe perhaps? ^^

That would be her. :) I plan to have her live up to her callsign of Reader too. A very electronics oriented Mecha and if I can muster it the skills to match. Looking at things, I think I can pull it off. ;)

Sweetness! Very Cool!  EW Mecha bird gives us a lot of options.. if you can swing it go for stealth as well!

In reply to Jherad Monroe (msg # 5):

That's the plan!

Gah, I just realized I messed up some parts of the lifepath. lol I forgot about some of the changes. lol

Jherad, when you click on Change Portrait, at the top it should give you the option to choose from the game portraits.  Yours is the only one there now.

In reply to Referee (msg # 7):

AH! Coolness... Done!

In reply to Skyrah Valentine (msg # 6):

The "Invasion Tera", Mecha File book has an Imperial 'Gorgon' model that is a "wild weasel" EW build... but its like 300+ CP... i'll fiddle around with the 'Scimitar Type-100' design in my char description see what kind of EW/Stealth build I can come up with.  Might give you some design ideas for your mekton build.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:17, Wed 28 Feb.

Skyrah, you should have access to the character sheet now.  If you have an image you want for her I can make it a portrait for the game as well.

Okay, right now we have two mecha jocks angling for a mercenary company.  Do you want to be on-contract as security for an exploration party or a diplomatic party?  Also, make sure you can do stuff outside of mecha.

I am going to make a new thread for Background NPCs.  Please create a post with all of the NPCs from your lifepath with a brief description.  If you give me the personality and appearance stuff from the lifepath charts for an NPC with the hooks it will make it easier to work them into the game.

In reply to Referee (msg # 11):

Well... I think  Mercenary Contract for Security with a diplomatic envoy or foreign negotiator service would allow us to explore the political tapestry for the setting of your world better, a true "space opera" kind of story, and be easier for you GM than a 5-year Star Trek-like exploration mission where everything is new with each encounter scenario.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:47, Wed 28 Feb.

Those worlds and in some cases scenerios are easy to generate via the paths in Zeta Plus and other supplements. As for who/what we meet, that could be from anything to nothing. Kinda No Man's Sky or Starfield-ish.

I found one I really like, will link it to you after work tonight. Figure about 12 hours or so from now.

In reply to Skyrah Valentine (msg # 13):

This true, though.. it might then be more difficult to utilize the npc's of our lifepaths if we are out on the fringe of known space exploring the unknown.

However, in truth this fact of the plot never stopped Star Trek from introducing the lifepath family friends and relatives of their Enterprise crew... like James T. Kirk's brother Sam Kirk... even though it did eventually kill him off.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:49, Wed 28 Feb.

Sorry. Was delayed at work... didn't get to finish my npcs post or the "Stilleto Eclipse" Scout/Recon~Sniper Mekton design I was making as an example... for Skyrah... finish it when I get home...
This message was last edited by the player at 18:41, Wed 28 Feb.

Actually in Skyrah's case the introduction of family and friends could be easy. Her parents went missing, and she is an only child according to her lifepath. So quiet possibly her family went missing on an exploration mission and she requested assignment to a mission going the same route they went when they went missing. Lovers could easily be explained as a member of the exploration crew that decided to join the mission (common thing on ST: TNG, Robotech, Macross, Gundam and many others). Or they could be at home and only occasionally around.

In reply to Skyrah Valentine (msg # 17):

That could work too.. story plot can make many things possible.

Well here it is.. not sure if its the BEST design.. and I could only afford with 150CP scouting sensor hardware.. the EW stuff is Expensive!

Stilletto Eclipse – [ 148.6796{Recon} / 147.6796{EW}cp ] – 41tons {dry} / ’45.1’ tons; MV {-4}: -4, MA: 4gr/ ‘10’ 8fly

Servos -      Armor –      Spaces -
H  - St {3}          MS {4}              2BuSnr, 1DCP
MB/T – MS {8}       MS-B {6, 4sp} <DmCo: 4>             [1Cockpit-Virtual] 1MSnr-MW, 3Recon/EW {SR/ECM}, 1EsPd, 2-th
LA – St {4}          MS {4}       [Mel: +0k, Th: 4hx] 1EW {ECM}
RA – St {4}          MS {4}       [Mel: +0k, Th: 4hx] 1EW {ECM}
LL – HS {6}          MS {4}              [Mel: +2k] 6-th
RL -  HS {6}         MS {4}              [Mel: +2k] 6-th
Pd – St ‘3’            St {3}              {0 ton-Servo} [+6sp] 5Recon {ASP, R/RA, RI, SR, TA}, 1SE
LWg – St {3}        Sl {1}               [+2MA fly] 3EW {ECM}
RWg – St {3}       Sl {1}               [ - fly] 3EW {ECM}
LHd {2} [1k]         Handy, Quick        - hold [4]
RHd {2} [1k]         Handy, Quick        - hold [4]
[44CP ’20.5t’] [31CP ’14.5t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.0> Cockpit Controls – Screen [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<-x0.25> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Hot’
<x0.2> Stealth = No Detection by Spotting Radar, No track with ASP Recon sensors
-x0.0

[9CP / 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors-MW = Sensors ‘150’ 15km, Comm 1,500km, 2K [T – 1sp]; {1t}
[2CP / 2K] {BuSnr} Backup Sensors = Sensors 1km, Comm 300km, 2K [H – 2sp]; {1t}

{33CP} Recon Systems:
[10CP] ASP [Pd – 2sp];  [5CP] Radio/Radar Analyzer [Pd - 1sp];  [3CP] Resolution Intensifiers/6-Visual = x64 [Pd – 1sp];
[10CP/ ‘4K’] Spotting Radar = ‘4’ 5K, ‘3’ 5sp [kill sacrifice +2sp/ -1K, T - 3; {2t}];  [5CP] Target Analyzer [Pd – 1sp]
OR
{32CP} Electronic Warfare:
[16CP] ECM-Radar Jamming = Value 3 <4cp>, Radius 3hexes <x2.0>, Beamer Range: 8Hexes <x2.0>
[Pd – 5sp, T – 3sp, L/RWg – ‘6’ 3sp ea, L/RA - '2' 1sp ea];
[8CP] ECM-Sensor Jamming = Value 3 <4cp>, Radius 3hexes <x2.0>, Beamer Range: 8Hexes <x2.0> [Pd - 0sp];
[8CP] ECM-Missile Jamming = Value 3 <4cp>, Radius 3hexes <x2.0>, Beamer Range: 8Hexes <x2.0> [Pd - 0sp];

{6.7CP} Options –
[0.4CP] Anti-Theft Code Lock- Silent Alert;  [1CP] {DCP} Damage Control Package [H – 1sp];  [2CP] {EsPd} Escape Pod [T – 1sp];  [0.3CP] Liftwire;  [5CP] {SE} Statistical Enhancement – Logic Processors +2 INT [T – 1sp]

Weapons -
[9.45CP / 4K] ’Sniper’ Beam Cannon = DM: 4k <6cp> / Ra: ‘20hx’ 8hx {+250%} <x1.75>, WAcc: +0 <x0.9>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: 4K, 2hh- ‘8’sp <se: +1sp> {2t}

[13.5296CP] Thrusters = lift {1.6912} 8 MA ‘13.5296cp’ [T – 6sp, L/RL – 6sp ea, L/RA – 2sp ea]

[0.5CP] Space Efficiency = +1sp [2hh Beam +1sp]

<< [ 148.6796{Recon} / 147.6796{EW}CP ] {“45.1” w/fuel, 41 tons} >>


Notes:  Its not fast.. but with its wings is faster than it would be.  The multipliers for your Enviro, powerplant and controls with Stealth added cancel each other out.  So your power-plant is a little fragile.. you do have an escape pod and your a scouting unit not meant for front-line heavy combat ~ which is also why your armor is lighter.  However, your torso armor is Beta-Grade, meaning it take a hit of at least 4kills to stage your torso armor if a hit is less damage than that no degrading staged penetration.  But your Beam Cannon has been enhanced to have a 1km range '20hexes' so you can sniper with the best..also your completely immune to detection by normal sensors, spotting radar and Advanced Sensor Packages {ASP}.  Break line of sight on someone and they cannot track you.  But YOU have most of the scouting and imaging sensors for visual and spotting radar with a range of 150km {3,000hexes} '10 times' your normal sensors range... which I also upgraded to be better than standard Medium Striker {MS} sensors.  Also while piloting your mekton your INT is upped by two for all those EW 'Electronic Warfare' rolls with the builtin logic enhancers for analyzing data.  Your Sniper Cannon can hit something in its normal range 20hexes away 1km with no penalty.  So you have teeth to hit back with and don't run out of ammo for it.

Not sure its what your looking for but it will at least give you some ideas to mull over...

EDIT:  Oh and I also added the option to go the other way with Electronic Warfare hardware instead for a similar price.  Downside EW hardware is space costly... so your spaces for it will need to be distributed in your wings and arms a little to cover the spaces unlike Recon Sensors.  Though there is NO Reason you could not do both EW and Recon Sensors but you'll have to pick and choose how much for each.. they are Both costly...

But these are just suggestions... feel free to build as you, of course, see fit.  At the very least it gives the GM some more mecha designs to pull from!  :)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:35, Fri 01 Mar.

Here is my outline for the campaign:

The group is aboard an exploration cruiser.  The mission is run by a university but funded by government grants.  The mercenary company (considered an ethical company, white hat mercenaries) was hired for protection in the unknown.  Alliance star force personnel were not assigned to it so that the non-Alliance and unaligned nations would allow them passage through their space.  There are several groups aboard the ship, and several command structures.  The ship has a captain and crew; the ship's crew answers to the captain and s/he has final authority where the safety of the ship is concerned and in the operation of the ship itself.  The mercenaries have their own chain of command, the leader of the mercenaries directs their operations.  There is a chief scientist in charge of the research teams, science labs, and mission execution.  All three (captain, chief scientist, mercenary leader) answer to the mission command which consists of a university administrator, a government attaché, and a military liaison.  In ordinary times the university administrator is in charge, in times of war or serious security threat the military liaison takes charge; the government attaché decides when that happens.  Sometimes they have observers from other government agencies or allied nations and the scientists and researchers come from all over the Alliance and allied nations.

How does that sound?  The command structures are there to give friction surfaces for conflict and because it is fairly realistic as to how something like this would be organized, based on my experience.  We need to then decide how big and how many people are aboard.  I'm guessing the mercenary company is no more than a dozen mecha, pilots, ground crew and command staff.  The ship should have shuttles and other small craft.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:29, Thu 29 Feb.

In reply to Referee (msg # 19):

THAT sounds Awesome!!!

I know your reticent to give more starting money... but as a "signing bonus" could we get access to some starting standard security gear as part of the mercenary compliment?

Security Commlink
Sidearm-pistol
Longarm-rifle
Security Armor-Vest
Spacesuit

How about:

Skinsuit (combination flight suit and space suit) SP5 Torso and Limbs, SP10 helmet.  p. 127 of Starblade Battalion.
Security comm link (Though everyone has a datalink and can connect to the ship's network)
Sidearm pistol (generally a Combat Pistol from MKZ)

Since the skinsuit serves as armor, you don't need the armor vest.  Long arms would be available as needed, not issued standard, certainly not aboard ship.  Event he sidearm it is frowned upon carrying it aboard ship.

The mercenaries are billeted near the hangars, with pilots doubled up (2 per room), ground crew are four per cabin (each mecha has four ground crew); the command staff are also double occupancy except the commander has their own room.  Still working on specific NPCs and will take suggestions.

The Ship's crew are largely fore (operations and command) and aft (engineering) and also billeted near their stations, with officers in double occupancy and enlisted four per cabin, CO, XO and chief engineer have their own cabins.

Mission Command personnel (three) have their own cabins, as does the chief scientist.  Other scientists are double occupancy with research assistants in quad cabins.

Ok. Jherad will wear the Skinsuit as a normal uniform he already has a purchaced Spacesuit for Piloting, but I would not call 5SP 'armor' maybe in a fist fight but not in a serious firefight. And he'll carry the combat pistol... though I'd eventully like an energy pistol from MKZ.

Which leads to my next questions... we are mercenarys; so how much and how often are we paid?

I know skill improvement is a bitch cause its Sooo expensive in IP so we are not likely to improve in skill very much, I know you really don't want to give us more CP to be improving our Mektons in a arms race... so all that's really left to us is personal gear and perhaps cyber enhancements {another sort of arms race in itself}.

Will we be allowed to purchase new personal gear with our mercenary pay? Its part of the reason I would prefer being in the known areas of space rather than an exploration mission as new purchases would be made at known markets... not so much in unknown space.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:41, Thu 29 Feb.

Yeah, I'll work out a pay scale.  The rules of engagement are that the mercs are not supposed to be threatening to the other crew, so skinsuits and combat pistols are ordinary.  If you want to sell-back the spacesuit that's fine, odds are you can requisition one if needed.  Likewise, armored vests and heavier weaponry are in the arms locker, usually to repel boarders or such.  It is not expected to happen really ever, of course...

The idea I'm running with story-wise is hopping back and forth between known space and exploration.  Also, a lot of systems within and about the Alliance are 'lost' in that they are in 'known space' but because of history (war, etc.) they are now largely unknown.  Also, swapping out of personnel would happen somewhat regularly, re-supply of ship's stores, shore leave and R&R, etc. are all needed.

In reply to Referee (msg # 23):

Ah.. that sounds cool.

Sure I'll look at it I might sell back the skinsuit... but not likely.. having a spacesuit that doesn't make normal movement around a pain is something a highrider coloney inhabitant would value.

I was talking about selling back the spacesuit you bought, but if you want to keep it for reasons based on his background and character I applaud it!

In reply to Referee (msg # 25):

Oh..haha! Yeah, his practical reason is... you don't go into combat wearing a leotard ~ IF you want to live... that is.

His purchased space suit has more SP and durability than a simple skinsuit... its survival of the best equipped. Never know what will happen in combat.

His Mekton 'Starknight ORION' is Very fast... clearly his usual role is a fast strike interceptor. He hits hard... but does not have the armor or ordinance for a front-line heavy assault.  Though my intention to add some weapon mounts might eventually allow him to multi-role as a strike assault Mekton... and command armor might allow even heavy strike assault eventually.

But the Starknight ORION also has damage control package for doing other things than just combat.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:05, Thu 29 Feb.

I hope we didn't scare skyrah away! Lol ^^

Another person asked me if I am still accepting players and I replied yes, of course.  Waiting for an RTJ.

Welcome Rulee Canera!

Welcome Rulee Canera!!! Great to have another Dramatic Personae to interact with!  What's YOUR Flavor of Big Robot, Cool Starship ~ in the Anime' Genre of "Space Opera"???

Hello, everyone! Glad to be here!

Hello Rulee!  Nice to have you with us too!  So what kind of Anime' Trope you favor for your mechameister ~ character type and mecha philosophy?!?

Some Generic Mekton Designs for everyone to peruse... perhaps they will inspire some of your own designs?

{Generic Mektons}

Scimitar, Type 100 – [ 97CP ] – 44.5tons {dry} / ‘48.84’/wFuel tons; MV {-4}: -4, MA: 4gr/ 12fly  {MEKTON II, p.32}

Servos -            Armor –              Spaces -
H  - HS {5}          HS {5}                   1MSnr
MB/T – HS {10}   LH {7}                  [1Cockpit-Virtual] 4RL, 5-th
LA – St {4}          HS {5} MW 'error'  [Mel: +0k, Th: 2hx] 2.5-th
RA – St {4}          HS {5} MW 'error'  [Mel: +0k, Th: 2hx] 2.5-th
LL – HS {6}          MW {6}                 [Mel: +2k] 6-th
RL -  HS {6}         MW {6}                 [Mel: +2k] 6-th
LHd {2} [1k]         Handy, Quick        - hold [4]
RHd {2} [1k]         Handy, Quick        - hold [4]
[39CP ’19.5t’]      [34CP ‘17t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.0> Cockpit Controls – Screen [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<-x0.25> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Hot’
-x0.2

[4CP / 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors = Sensors 7km, Comm 1,000km, 2K [H – 1sp]; {1t}

Weapons -
[4CP / 4K] Rocket Launcher = DM: 4k / Ra: 7hx <0.4cp>, WAcc: +0 <x1>, sh: 10; sv: 4K, T - 4sp {2t}
[9CP / 4K] Beam Cannon = DM: 4k / Ra: 8hx <6cp>, WAcc: +2 <x1.5>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: 4K, 2hh- ‘8’sp <se: +1sp> {2t}
OR
[9CP / 9K] Heavy Beam Gun = DM: 6k / Ra: 10hx <9cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: 6K, 2hh- ‘8’sp <se: +1sp> {4.5t}

[21.978CP] Thrusters = lift {1.8315} 12 MA ‘21.978cp’ [T – 5sp, L/RL – 6sp ea, L/RA – 2.5sp ea]

[0.5CP] Space Efficiency = +1sp [2hh Beam +1sp]

[3.2CP] ‘we’ Weight Efficiency = -1.6tons

<< [97.1316w/we, “93.7316CP”, 112.478 ] {48.84w/we “50.6” w/fuel, 44.4-w/we / 46 tons} >>


Salamanca, 2XS-101 – [ 101CP ] – 44tons {dry} / ’48.4’  tons w/Fuel; MV {-4}: -4, MA: 4gr/ 14fly  {Custom}

Servos -            Armor –          Spaces -
H  - MS {4}          MS {4}              1MSnr
MB/T – HS {10}   LH {7}              [1Cockpit-Virtual] 6-th
LA – St {4}          MS {4}              [Mel: +0k, Th: 4hx] 1sh
RA – St {4}          MS {4}              [Mel: +0k, Th: 4hx] 1sh
LL – MS {5}          HS {5}              [Mel: +2k] 5-th
RL -  MS {5}         HS {5}              [Mel: +2k] 5-th
Pd – St ‘3’            St {3}              {0 ton-Servo} [+6sp] 6-th
LWg – St {3}        Sl {1}               [+2MA fly]
RWg – St {3}       Sl {1}               [ - fly]
LHd {2} [1k]        Handy, Quick     - hold [4]
RHd {2} [1k]        Handy, Quick     - hold [4]
[45CP ’21t’] [34CP ’17t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.0> Cockpit Controls – Screen [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<-x0.25> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Hot’
-x0.2

[4CP / 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors = Sensors 7km, Comm 1,000km, 2K [H – 1sp]; {1t}

Weapons -
[6CP / 1K] Energy Sword = DM: 6k [-4sp] <6cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, Use: Inf; sv: 1K, 1hh- 4sp; se: +2sp> {0.5t}
[9CP / 9K] Heavy Beam Gun = DM: 6k / Ra: 10hx <9cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: 6K, 2hh- ‘8’sp; se: +1sp> {4.5t}

[21.825CP] Thrusters = lift {1.81855} 12 MA ‘21.825cp’ [T – 6sp, L/RL – 5sp ea, Pd – 6sp]


[1.5CP] Space Efficiency = +3sp [EMW +2sp, 2hh Beam +1sp]

<< [ 101.104CP ] {“48.4” w/fuel, 44 tons} >>


Stilletto Eclipse 2ES-Recon/EW – [ 149{Recon}CP / 148{EW}CP ] – 41tons {dry} / ’45.1’ tons; MV {-4}: -4, MA: 4gr/ ‘10’ 8fly  {Custom}

Servos -            Armor –          Spaces -
H  - St {3}            MS {4}              2BuSnr, 1DCP
MB/T – MS {8}     MS-B {6, 4sp} <DmCo: 4>    [1Cockpit-Virtual] 1MSnr-MW, 3Recon/EW {SR/ECM}, 1EsPd, 2-th
LA – St {4}          MS {4}              [Mel: +0k, Th: 4hx] 1EW {ECM}
RA – St {4}          MS {4}              [Mel: +0k, Th: 4hx] 1EW {ECM}
LL – HS {6}          MS {4}              [Mel: +2k] 6-th
RL -  HS {6}         MS {4}              [Mel: +2k] 6-th
Pd – St ‘3’            St {3}                {0 ton-Servo} [+6sp] 5Recon {ASP, R/RA, RI, SR, TA}, 1SE
LWg – St {3}        Sl {1}                [+2MA fly] 3EW {ECM}
RWg – St {3}       Sl {1}                [ - fly] 3EW {ECM}
LHd {2} [1k]         Handy, Quick    - hold [4]
RHd {2} [1k]         Handy, Quick    - hold [4]
[44CP ’20.5t’]      [31CP ’14.5t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.0> Cockpit Controls – Screen [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<-x0.25> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Hot’
<x0.2> Stealth = No Detection by Spotting Radar, No track with ASP Recon sensors
-x0.0

[9CP / 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors-MW = Sensors ‘150’ 15km, Comm 1,500km, 2K [T – 1sp]; {1t}
[2CP / 2K] {BuSnr} Backup Sensors = Sensors 1km, Comm 300km, 2K [H – 2sp]; {1t}

{33CP} Recon Systems:
[10CP] ASP [Pd – 2sp];  [5CP] Radio/Radar Analyzer [Pd - 1sp];  [3CP] Resolution Intensifiers/6-Visual = x64 [Pd – 1sp];
[10CP/ ‘4K’] Spotting Radar = ‘4’ 5K, ‘3’ 5sp [kill sacrifice +2sp/ -1K, T - 3; {2t}];  [5CP] Target Analyzer [Pd – 1sp]
OR
{32CP} Electronic Warfare:
[16CP] ECM-Radar Jamming = Value 3 <4cp>, Radius 3hexes <x2.0>, Beamer Range: 8Hexes <x2.0>
[Pd – 5sp, T – 3sp, L/RWg – ‘6’ 3sp ea, L/RA - '2' 1sp ea];
[’16p’ 8CP] ECM-Sensor Jamming = Value 3 <4cp>, Radius 3hexes <x2.0>, Beamer Range: 8Hexes <x2.0> [Pd - 0sp];
[’16p’ 8CP] ECM-Missile Jamming = Value 3 <4cp>, Radius 3hexes <x2.0>, Beamer Range: 8Hexes <x2.0> [Pd - 0sp]

{6.7CP} Options –
[0.4CP] Anti-Theft Code Lock- Silent Alert;  [1CP] {DCP} Damage Control Package [H – 1sp];  [2CP] {EsPd} Escape Pod [T – 1sp];  [0.3CP] Liftwire;  [5CP] {SE} Statistical Enhancement – Logic Processors +2 INT [T – 1sp]

Weapons -
[9.45CP / 4K] ’Sniper’ Beam Cannon = DM: 4k <6cp> / Ra: ‘20hx’ 8hx {+250%} <x1.75>, WAcc: +0 <x0.9>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: 4K, 2hh- ‘8’sp <se: +1sp> {2t}

[13.5296CP] Thrusters = lift {1.6912} 8 MA ‘13.5296cp’ [T – 6sp, L/RL – 6sp ea, L/RA – 2sp ea]

[0.5CP] Space Efficiency = +1sp [2hh Beam +1sp]

<< [ 148.6796{Recon} / 147.6796{EW}CP ] {“45.1” w/fuel, 41 tons} >>


Rapier, MK II – [ 155CP ] – 54tons {dry} / ’59.4’/wFuel tons; MV {-5}: -5, MA: 4gr/ 10fly  {MEKTON Z  ~ Variant, p.68}

Servos -             Armor –           Spaces -
H  - MS {4}            HS {4}              2BuSnr, -‘2x’SL
MB/T – HS {10}     HS-B {7.5, 5sp} <DmCo: 4>    [1Cockpit-Virtual] 1MSnr ; 6LC, ‘6’ 2-th
LA – MS {5}          HS {5}                [Mel: +1k, Th: 3hx] 4RL, 1sh
RA – MS {5}          HS {5}               [Mel: +1k, Th: 3hx] 4RL, 1sh
LL – MS {5}          MW {5}              [Mel: +1k] 4RL, 1mm
RL -  MS {5}         MW {5}              [Mel: +1k] 4RL, 1mm
Pd – St ‘3’            St {3}                {0 ton-Servo} [+6sp] 6-th
LWg – St {3}        Sl {1}                 [+2MA fly] 3-th
RWg – St {3}       Sl {1}                 [ - fly] 3-th
LHd {2} [1k]        Handy, Quick      - hold [4]
RHd {2} [1k]        Handy, Quick      - hold [4]
[47CP ’22t’]        [36.5CP ‘17t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.0> Cockpit Controls – Screen [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<-x0.15> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Cold’
-x0.1

[4CP / 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors = Sensors 7km, Comm 1,000km, 2K [H – 1sp]; {1t}
[2CP / 2K] {BuSnr} Backup Sensors = Sensors 1km, Comm 300km, 2K [H – 2sp]; {1t}

{3.1CP} Options –
[0.4CP] Anti-Theft Code Lock- Silent Alert;  [0.3CP] Liftwire;
[2CP] 2x Micromanipulators = L&RL – 1sp/Leg;  [’0.4’ 0.2CP] 2x Spotlight = 1hx;

Weapons -
[16CP / ‘12’ 3K ea] 4x Rocket Launcher = DM: 4k / Ra: 7hx <0.4cp>, WAcc: +0 <x1>, sh: 10; sv: ‘12’ 3K, L&RA – ‘8’ 4sp/Arm, L&RL – ‘8’ 4sp/Leg  {‘6’ 1.5t ea}
[‘6.6’ 3.3CP ea/ ‘6’ 3K ea] 2x Light Cannon = DM: 3k / Ra: 5hx <3cp>, WAcc: +0 <x1>, Sh: 10 <’0.6’ 0.3cp>; sv: 3K, T – ‘6’ 3sp {‘3’ 1.5t}
[2CP] + Weapon Link
[9CP / 9K] Heavy Beam Gun = DM: 6k / Ra: 10hx <9cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: 6K, 2hh- ‘8’sp <se: +1sp> {4.5t}
[6CP / 1K] Energy Sword = DM: 6k [-4sp] <6cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, Use: Inf; sv: 2K, 1hh- 5sp; se: +1sp> {1t}
[7.5CP / ‘6K’] 'sh' Small Shield-Std / SL = 6SP <6cp>, DA: -2 <x1.25>; {3t}

[17.82CP] Thrusters = lift {2.2275} 8 MA ‘17.82cp’ [T – 2sp <se: +4sp>], L&RWgL – 3sp ea, Pd – 6sp]

[3CP] Space Efficiency = +6sp [2hh Beam +1sp, 1hh Energy Sword +1sp, T +4sp ‘Thrusters’ ]

[9CP] ‘we’ Weight Efficiency = -4.5tons

<< [154.9272 w/we “145.9272CP”, 160.52] {59.4~w/we “64.35” w/fuel, 54~w/we / 58.5 tons} >>
This message was lightly edited by the player at 12:49, Mon 04 Mar.

In reply to Jherad Monroe (msg # 32):

I'm a Gundam fan, but I was leaning towards making a mechanic. Groundcrew intrigues me, and gives me the opportunity to do some things around the ship.

In reply to Rulee Canera (msg # 34):

Hey that's cool too Every Kou Uraki, needs their Mora Boscht... right? {Gundam Stardust Memories  ~ Reference}

But even the ground crew can and do use Roadstriker-Scale Work pods and Exosuits... if not full-sized Mekton with the Mekton sized costs you could still build a roadstriker-scaled worksuit.

And make no mistake Jherad is not going to be sealed away in his Mekton on ship.. he will Certainly be interacting with the crew in non-combat circumstances too.  Mostly trying to get over missing his love Valkyrie who is soo far away ~ 'snort'
This message was last edited by the player at 17:08, Mon 04 Mar.

In reply to Jherad Monroe (msg # 35):

I was thinking more Chan Agi, but yes, along those lines!

In reply to Rulee Canera (msg # 36):

Ah Yes. I liked her... she was more of an actual Mobile Suit engineer and also a Genius!  I was literally ENRAGED how she died... almost spoiled the entire  Movie of Char's Counter Attack for me.  Her death was So pointless and tragic!  Hopefully you will not have a similar fate...

BUT that said I DO appreciate that CLEARLY her death ... among others still haunts a grown up Hathaway and has changed the trajectory of his life as a resistance fighter against the Federation Tyranny ~ as per "Gundam: Hathaway's Flash".

It's clear his father Bright Noah is funding his efforts to 'change' the composition of the Federation Corruption and tyranny from the outside as Noah opperates in a more constrained fashion inside the Federation military.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:08, Tue 05 Mar.

Rulee and Skyrah, when you get a chance please put something in the description.  You do not need as much info or details as Jherad has (though thank you for the effort).  A picture if you have one, a narrative description of what you look like typically, some character traits or mannerisms that are known, any background information they share regularly with comrades, and the APP and BT scores (those are pretty obvious to everyone).

True folks.. I'm a Virgo.. we are "detail oriented"... so all my Rpol character profiles are THIS detailed.  So ~ You do YOU. Don't be daunted by my having too much time on my hands with my uber detailed profile! lol!
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Tue 05 Mar.

In reply to Rulee Canera (msg # 36):

Though... Chan Agi did pilot the Gundam Mark II reasonably well enough into battle fought with Quess Paraya in the Alpha Azeru - Mobile Armor and killed her!  Chan was no slough as a Mobile Suit pilot for certain... though this IS Quess were talking about; spoiled bratty princess ... another unfortunate and tragically slain woman ~ misled, used and abandoned by Char Aznable in his self-absorbed quest for Power.

Char got off too easy... never had to face the music for all the suffering he'd caused.  Becoming an immortal spirit with Amuro Ray and Lalah Sune was MORE than Char deserved.. as seen in Gundam: Unicorn.

Chan would have been good for Amuro.. so sad.

In reply to Referee (msg # 38):

RL was very busy on Tuesday, but today I should have enough time to make my character.

And yes, Chan was fun however short a time she lasted. But then, the Noas are almost the only survivors in Char's Counterattack.

In reply to Rulee Canera (msg # 41):

Sayla Mass survived... but she has 'Wisely' left the stage and that whole sordid life behind her.  Her brother's attempt to literally destroy the World I guess made her decide best let others worry over whose calling the shots and leave her the fuck out of it!

For some reason I think she might have retired to a certain Saturn Orbital Resort Colony with Camille Vidan and Roccoca{sp}?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:44, Wed 06 Mar.

Okay, I've got the core rules now and I'm off and running on making Rulee.

In reply to Rulee Canera (msg # 43):

I have ALL Mekton Supplements on PDF... drop me an E-mail address and I'll share.

I am interested in the books I don’t have on pdf, I have them all in print.  Just be careful not to violate the forum rules.

In reply to Referee (msg # 45):

I also possess them ALL in print... but also in PDF...

Join this Facebook Group and we can chat and trade e-mails outside the Rpol policies..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1677587739180129
This message was last edited by the player at 05:40, Thu 07 Mar.

Phew! Finally just about done

In reply to Rulee Canera (msg # 47):

Awe Sweet ~ Grace Park... a Very lovely avatar! lol!

In reply to Jherad Monroe (msg # 48):

Okay, bought my gadgets. Still formatting things but I think all the character decisions are made.

We have one more player, welcome Gary Kosta!

A reminder that if you want a portrait not found in the general list, like say a portrait of the image you found for your character outside of RPOL, I can add it to the game portraits.  Jherad did that.

Sweet! Welcome to the roster Gary!!!

By the way.. my profile has some generic mekton designs at the bottom that might give you some help or ideas for your own 150CP Mekton!  Any questions we're all ears!
This message was last edited by the player at 12:33, Mon 11 Mar.

I am working on an NPC list of people not from the Lifepaths of the player characters, generally people on board the ship right now.  I will reveal it tonight, still a bit of a work in progress.  Two things that I will take input on:

1.  The head of the mercenaries aboard (not necessarily the head of the company, as the mercs on board are only some of the mercs that work for this company) is named Chance Darwin.  I have a proposed picture of him but wanted some input into his personality from the players; what sort of boss do you want?

2.  We need to name the ship.  It is an exploration ship owned by a University, so it won't have a 'badass' name.  Also need to name the University and place it on an Alliance world (not Earth.)

In reply to Referee (msg # 52):

Hmm, I'll have to think up a cool ship name.

In reply to Referee (msg # 52):

Ok.. lol..sure.

1. The picture make me think of "Dark Matter" - 'Four' {Emperor Ryo Ishida}... I think THAT would be a Great personality for the overall Merc Commander.
"He is a stoic person and a man of very few words, but when he is up against an opponent he is fierce and relentless. He is a skilled master in regards to the blade and Mekton piloting spending at least two hours a day in the simulators keeping his piloting and fencing skills honed to a fine precise and deadly edge."

2. Name of ship ~ Archimedes 'Arc' in slang used by the pilots.

3. The University ~ Say the Kullbaru Institute for Higher Studies; On planet Kullbaru {Cruifus System - Cruifus III} [Mekton Empire, p.42]

Something you might need to decide...
What is the Standard Federation Alliance - Mekton?  What is its CP Value?  Are our Mektons at 150CP above of below this standard?

My thoughts if we are basically 'Contracted' Mercenaries... its makes better sense to me at least that our Mektons are owned by us... in that like Ronin and Landless 'Mercenary' Knights of ages past we are swords for hire that have invested our earnings into our most valuable possession our weapons and armor... namely in THIS Era our personalized Mektons.  As 'licensed' or at least contracted Security we pay a annual dues to re-up our registered license as independent professional solo 'Mekton Pilots'.  Or at least those of us who are mercs of that sort.

Now its possible we could also be contracted that we take a little less pay for each merc ticket we take on to pay toward maintaining our license to operate and own military -grade hardware... like our Mektons.  A 'Class M' weapons carry license.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:14, Tue 12 Mar.

I'll wait to hear from the others on the basic questions.

The Alliance Star Force leans towards starfighter/humanoid transformers, or starfighters.  As a rule the Star Force avoids ground engagements as much as possbile.  I haven't made any specific models yet, but the sort of things mercs use are generally modified/customized civilian or military surplus.  As such, the base unit (unmodified) would not be as capable as a current generation military unit.  Naturally, with customizations, the merc units end up wildly variable.  Pirate forces are in a similar position, starting with surplus, stolen, or civilian units and then customizing them extensively.

I think that I will add to this campaign a feature of another campaign I ran once a upon a time that centered on a team of Mecha tournament pilots.  There are combat leagues, national and private teams, rules of engagement, and of course, backworld illegal fights.

In reply to Referee (msg # 55):

Fair enough, is cool!

Humanoid/starfighter transformationes eh?  Like the Mekton Empire ~ 'Ranma -Type 0.5'. I'll do a Mekton Z+ conversion and post it.  Along with a version of it thats pure starfighter that doesn't transform. With a 'Cold' fusion plant it "should" be more than 150CP.

I like the idea of an illegal Mekton Unlimited sport fighting curcuit.  But I know as ex-military himself.. Jherad would have nothing to do with that.  He's a consumate Mercenary Professional!
This message was last edited by the player at 11:51, Wed 13 Mar.

Hey everyone,
Gary Kosta here, Former Search and Rescue member and medic.

My Character is almost done, I will get to my description and background later this week.


Regarding your questions.
Archimedes is cool, here are some other ideas:

• Pinta (Columbus' Ship)
• Beagle (The ship Darwin travelled on when he wrote 'The Origin of Species')
• Resolution (James Cook's ship in the exploration of Antarctica)
• Duyfken (First European ship to make landfall in Australia)

I also wrote a good list of fictional ships, but decided against it. (Here is a gold mine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...fictional_spacecraft)

Personally I would go for Beagle. A name for an exploration ship which does not instill some sort of martial prowess and has a nice scientific reference for a university.

I don't have an opinion the university, I don't know the universe well enough.

Regarding the commanders:

*Dijkstra* (The Witcher Series)
Sigismund Dijkstra was man of razor-sharp intellect and great ambition who arose from common origins to become the head <> Intelligence service. Alas, betrayal later forced his retreat. This setback, however, merely served to open another door for one as shrewd and enterprising as he. Seeing the great potential in the mercenary world, he entrenched himself under the alias Sigi Reuven and quickly garnered tremendous influence.

In reply to Gary Kosta (msg # 57):

Welcome, welcome!

I suggest Viracocha as the ship name.

Ok.. how about these designs?  They are certainly more points than our Mektons.

I did a straight conversion from the Mekton Empire for the first example and a starfighter using it 'fighter' transformation as the basic stats.  But the second set I did an extrapolation and advanced its abilities as per Mekton Z+

The Weapon mounts on my 'Variants' are so mission specific ordinance and weapons or systems can be mounted without changing or modifying the base Mekton for added field flexibility.

-----

Ranma Type 0.5 - [189cp] 52.5tons {dry} / ’57.75’/wFuel tons; MV {-5/-7tr}: -5/-7tr, MA: 4gr/ 8 {16tr}fly  {MEKTON EMPIRE, p.91}

Servos -             Armor –           Spaces -
H  - HS {5}            LH {7}              1MSnr
MB/T – HS {10}     LH {7}             [1Cockpit-Screen] ‘8’ 2xBC, 1-th
LA – HS {6}          LH {7}                [Mel: +1k, Th: 3hx] 1sh
RA – HS {6}          LH {7}               [Mel: +1k, Th: 3hx] 1sh
LL – HS {6}          LH {7}              [Mel: +2k] 6-th
RL -  HS {6}         LH {7}              [Mel: +2k] 6-th
LHd {2} [1k]        Handy, Quick      - hold [4]
RHd {2} [1k]        Handy, Quick      - hold [4]
[43CP ’21.5t’]        [42CP ’21t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.0> Cockpit Controls – Screen [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<x0.3> Transformation – Astrofighter = -2MV, 2x MA, Min 4hx
<-x0.15> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Cold’
x0.2

[4CP / 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors = Sensors 7km, Comm 1,000km, 2K [H – 1sp]; {1t}

[‘18’CP / ‘4’ 2K ea] 2x Beam Cannon = DM: 4k / Ra: 8hx <6cp>, WAcc: +2 <x1.5>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: ‘2’ 4K [kill sacrifice +4sp/ -2K], T – ‘8’ 4sp ea <se: +2sp> {‘2’ 1t}
[2CP] + Weapon, Link
[‘12’CP / ‘2’ 1K ea] 2x Energy Sword = DM: 6k [-4sp] <6cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, Use: Inf; sv: 2K, 1hh- 5sp; se: +2sp> {‘2’ 1t}
[15CP / ‘12’ 6K ea] 2x 'sh' Small Shield-Std / SL = 6SP <6cp>, DA: -2 <x1.25>; {‘6’ t}

[17.325CP] Thrusters = lift {2.1656} 8 MA ‘17.325cp’ [T – 1sp, L&RL – 6sp ea <se: +4.325sp>]

[4.1625CP] Space Efficiency = +8.325sp [2x BC +2sp, 2x 1hh Energy Sword +2sp, T +4.325sp ‘Thrusters’ ]

<< [“188.985CP”, 157.4875] {“57.75” w/fuel / 52.5 tons} >>


{Starfighter} Ranma “Type One” - [80cp] 29.5tons {dry} / ’32.45’/wFuel tons; MV {-3}: ‘-5’, MA: -gr/ 20 fly  {Fighter extrapolation}

Servos -             Armor –           Spaces -
H  - HS {5}            LH {7}              [1Cockpit-Screen] 1MSnr
MB/T – HS {10}     LH {7}             ‘8’ 2xBC, 2-th
LWg – HS {5}          LH {7}                [+2MA fly] 4-th
RWg – HS {5}          LH {7}               [ - fly] 4-th
[25CP ’12.5t’]        [28CP ’14t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.0> Cockpit Controls – Screen [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<-x0.15> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Cold’
x-0.1

[4CP / 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors = Sensors 7km, Comm 1,000km, 2K [H – 1sp]; {1t}

[‘18’CP / ‘4’ 2K ea] 2x Beam Cannon = DM: 4k / Ra: 8hx <6cp>, WAcc: +2 <x1.5>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: ‘2’ 4K [kill sacrifice +4sp/ -2K], T – ‘8’ 4sp ea <se: +2sp> {‘2’ 1t}
[2CP] + Weapon, Link

[9.735CP] Thrusters = lift {1.2169} 8 MA ‘9.735cp’ [T – 1sp, L&RL – 6sp ea <se: +4.325sp>]

[1.3675CP] Space Efficiency = +2.735sp [2x BC +2sp, T +0.735sp ‘Thrusters’ ]

<< [“80.0931CP”, 88.1025CP] {“32.45” w/fuel / 29.5 tons} >>


RONIN - VAF 05 - [257cp] 35.5tons {dry} / ’39.05’/wFuel tons; MV {-3/-5tr}: -3/-5tr, MA: 4gr/ 14 {28tr}fly;  MP: +33%  {MEKTON EMPIRE, Variant p.91}

Servos -             Armor –           Spaces -
H  - MS {4}            MS {4}              1MSnr
MB/T – HS {10}     MW {6}             [1Cockpit-Screen] 1BuSnr, ‘8’ 2xBC, ‘4’ 2xwm
LA – MS {5}          HS {5}                [Mel: +1k, Th: 3hx] 1mm; 1sh, 2wm
RA – MS {5}          HS {5}               [Mel: +1k, Th: 3hx] 1mm, 1sh, 2wm
LL – HS {6}          MW {6}              [Mel: +2k] 6-th, ‘2’ wm
RL -  HS {6}         MW {6}              [Mel: +2k] 6-th, ‘2’ wm
Pd – St ‘3’            St {3}                {0 ton-Servo} [+6sp] 4-gv
LWg – St {3}        St {3}                 [+2MA fly] 1-th
RWg – St {3}       St {3}                 [ - fly] 1-th
LHd {2} [1k]        Handy, Quick      - hold [4]
RHd {2} [1k]        Handy, Quick      - hold [4]
[49CP ’23t’]        [41CP ’20.5t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.0> Cockpit Controls – Screen [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<x0.3> Transformation – Astrofighter = -2MV, 2x MA, Min 4hx
<-x0.15> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Cold’
x0.2

[4CP / 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors = Sensors 7km, Comm 1,000km, 2K [H – 1sp]; {1t}
[2CP / 2K] {BuSnr} Backup Sensors = Sensors 1km, Comm 300km, 2K [H – 2sp]; {1t}

{3.1CP} Options –
[0.4CP] Anti-Theft Code Lock- Silent Alert;  [0.3CP] Liftwire;
[2CP] 2x {mm} Micromanipulators = L&RA – 1sp/Arm;  [’0.4’ 0.2CP] 2x Spotlight = 1hx;

[‘18’CP / ‘4’ 2K ea] 2x Beam Cannon = DM: 4k / Ra: 8hx <6cp>, WAcc: +2 <x1.5>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: ‘2’ 4K [kill sacrifice +4sp/ -2K], T – ‘8’ 4sp ea <se: +2sp> {‘2’ 1t}
[2CP] + Weapon, Link
[‘12’CP / ‘2’ 1K ea] 2x Energy Sword = DM: 6k [-4sp] <6cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, Use: Inf; sv: 2K, 1hh- 5sp; se: +2sp> {‘2’ 1t}
[15CP / ‘12’ 6K ea] 2x {'sh'}  Small Shield-Std / SL = 6SP <6cp>, DA: -2 <x1.25>; {‘6’ t}
[‘12’ 2CP ea] 6x {wm} Weapon Mounts [2x T – 4sp <se: +4sp>, 2x L/RA – 2sp/Arm, 2x L/RL – 2sp/Leg <se: +4sp>]

[14.6437CP] {-th} Thrusters = lift {1.4643} 10 MA ‘14.6437cp’ [L&RL – 6sp ea , L&RWg – 1.3218sp ea]
[4.0232CP] {-gv} Gravitic Propulsion = lift {1.9525} 2 MA ‘3.905cp’, MP x1.33 {+33%} [Pd – 4sp]

[6CP] Space Efficiency = +12sp [2x BC +2sp, 2x 1hh Energy Sword +2sp, T-wm +4sp, L&RL-wm +4sp]

[+38CP] {39.66max} ‘we’ Weight Efficiency = -19tons

<< 257.3203CP w/we [“219.3203CP”, 182.7669] {“59.95” w/fuel w/we 39.05tons / 54.5 tons, w/we 35.5tons} >>


BUSHI - VAF 01 - [131cp] 25.8tons {dry} / ’28.38’/wFuel tons; MV {-2}: ‘-4’tr, MA: - gr/ 28 fly;  MP: +33%  {Fighter extrapolation}

Servos -             Armor –           Spaces -
H  - HS {5}            HS {5}              1MSnr, ‘4’ 2xHBG
- {belly turret}
MB/T – HS {10}     LH {7}             [1Cockpit-Screen] 1BuSnr, ‘4’ 2xwm, ‘8’-th
Pd – St ‘3’            St {3}                {0 ton-Servo} [+6sp] 6'sh-act'
LWg – St {3}        St {3}                 [+2MA fly] 3EMW
RWg – St {3}       St {3}                 [ - fly] 3EMW
[24CP ’10.5t’]        [21CP ’10.5t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.0> Cockpit Controls – Screen [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<-x0.15> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Cold’
-x0.1

[4CP / 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors = Sensors 7km, Comm 1,000km, 2K [H – 1sp]; {1t}
[2CP / 2K] {BuSnr} Backup Sensors = Sensors 1km, Comm 300km, 2K [H – 2sp]; {1t}

{3.1CP} Options –
[0.4CP] Anti-Theft Code Lock- Silent Alert;  [0.3CP] Liftwire;
[2CP] 2x {mm} Micromanipulators = L&RA – 1sp/Arm;  [’0.4’ 0.2CP] 2x Spotlight = 1hx;

[‘18’CP / ‘6’ 3K] 2x Heavy Beam Gun = DM: 6k / Ra: 10hx <9cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: ‘3’ 6K [kill sacrifice +6sp/ -3K], H – ‘4’ 2sp ea <se: +2sp> {‘4’ 2t}
[2CP] + Weapon, Link
[‘12’CP / ‘2’ 1K ea] ‘emw’ 2x Energy Sword = DM: 6k [-4sp] <6cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, Use: Inf; sv: ‘1’ 2K [kill sacrifice +2sp/ -1K],  L&RWg – 3sp <se: +2 ‘1sp/Wing’  {‘1’ 0.5t}
[‘15’CP / ‘10’ 5K ea] 2x {'sh-act'} Shield-Active / SL = 5SP <7.5cp>, DA: -2 <x1.25>; Pd – 3.75sp ea, <se: +1.5sp> {‘5’ 2.5t ea}
[‘8’ 2CP ea] 4x {wm} Weapon Mounts [2x T – 4sp <se: +4sp>, 2x L/RWg – 2sp/Wing <se: +4sp>]

[11.22CP] {-th} Thrusters = lift {1.122} 10 MA ’11.22cp’ [T – 8 <se: +3.22sp>]
[2.992CP] {-gv} Gravitic Propulsion = lift {1.496} 2 MA ‘2.992cp’, MP x1.33 {+33%} [Pd – 4sp]

[9.856CP] {19.8696max 15%} Space Efficiency = +19.712sp [2x HBG +2sp, 2x L&RWg {Energy Sword} +2sp, Pd {Active Sh} +1.5sp, T-wm +4sp, L&RWg-wm +4sp, T {th} +3.22sp, Pd {gv} +2.992sp]

[+9.6CP] {4.8max 15%} ‘we’ Weight Efficiency = -4.8tons

<< 130.6618CP w/we [“121.0618CP”, 133.168CP] {“35.2” w/fuel w/we 29.92tons / 32 tons, w/we 27.2tons} >>
This message was last edited by the player at 00:20, Tue 23 Apr.

In reply to Jherad Monroe (msg # 59):

Just don't break it, I'll have to fix it each time.

In reply to Rulee Canera (msg # 60):

Heh, We wish.  The above 'proposed' Mektons are a submission of a possible example of what the Star Alliance Military uses as their "F-15 Strike Fighter" used with all their forces.

We are Mercenaries ~ our Mektons are what we have managed to cobble together and arm with personalized military grade ordinance, armor, and systems.

The above "proposed" Mektons are more than our 150 CP limit on what we could assemble... less than the Star Alliance Military standard issues to their Mekton pilots.

As you can expect the non-transformable 'Starfighters' are less complex than a full Mekton and as such are 'cheaper' relative in CP costs.

In reply to Jherad Monroe (msg # 61):

More complex means more to go wrong, means more to fix. I don't mind less advanced types.

In reply to Rulee Canera (msg # 62):

This is true.

The Mekton's chief advantage is it is far more agile than a fighter and that translates to far more lethality in combat!

That complexity is directly relatable to combat effectiveness.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:00, Fri 15 Mar.

I'm mostly done with my character; only things left are background related stuff.

How do you guys like the notion of the ship being Archimedes, and most of the people aboard call her Archie?

Jherad, I thank you for the effort put into the various mecha.  I'm still not 100% on reading the notation but I'll figure it out eventually.

Skyrah is dealing with RL issues.  I hope she can join us.  I will also bump the advert once again and see if anyone else joins.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:37, Thu 21 Mar.

Hey is cool man... you don't 'HAVE' to use my designs... but I'm ALWAYS ready to explain my notations to you or anyone else.. please questions and definitions are my bag baby!

Sorry to hear about Skyrah's IRL problems.. hope she can get them resolved amicably!


----

So I'll put this up to give a crash course on my  'Notations'... I'll just use one of my more simple designs...
Full Notations will be in [AQUA] color.

I give you the Scimitar Type-100 {Explained!}

Scimitar, Type 100 – [ 97CP ] – 44.5tons {dry} / ‘48.84’/wFuel tons; {Maneuver Value - Mecha Reflex 'penalty'} MV {-4}: -4, {Movement Allowance 'In-Hexes'} MA: 4gr/ 12fly  {MEKTON II, p.32}

Servos -                                                                                       Armor –                                          Spaces -
{Head}                   H  - {Heavy Striker} HS {'Cost in CP' 5}           {Heavy Striker} HS {'Cost in CP' 5}  {1space - Main sensors} 1MSnr
{Main Body/Torso} MB/T – {Heavy Striker} HS {'Cost in CP' 10}   {Light Heavy} LH {'Cost in CP' 7}
- 'Spaces' [{1 space - Cockpit} 1Cockpit-Virtual] {4 spaces - Rocket Launcher} 4RL, {5 spaces of Thrusters} 5-th
{Left Arm}              LA – {Striker} St {'Cost in CP' 4}                      {Heavy Striker} HS {5} "Mediumweight" MW 'error'
- 'Spaces' [Mel: +0k, {Throwing Range in Hexes} Th: 2hx] {2.5 spaces of Thrusters} 2.5-th
{Right Arm}           RA – {Striker} St {'Cost in CP' 4}                      {Heavy Striker} HS {5} "Mediumweight" MW 'error'
- 'Spaces' [Mel: +0k, {Throwing Range in Hexes} Th: 2hx] {2.5 spaces of Thrusters} 2.5-th
- OOC: the original design in Mekton II gave the arms Medium Weight Armor... this is an error as this is heavier than striker arm servos can be armored 'More the 2 levels higher than the servo'
{Left Leg}            LL – {Heavy Striker} HS {'Cost in CP' 6}           {Mediumweight} MW {'Cost in CP' 6}
- 'Spaces' [{Melee bonus - 2kills} Mel: +2k] {6 spaces of Thrusters} 6-th
{Right Leg}           RL – {Heavy Striker} HS {'Cost in CP' 6}         {Mediumweight} MW {'Cost in CP' 6}
- 'Spaces' [{Melee bonus - 2kills} Mel: +2k] {6 spaces of Thrusters} 6-th
{Left Hand}           LHd {'Cost in CP' 2} [{hands inflict 1 kill damage in hand to hand-unarmed} 1k]         Handy, Quick - hold [{In-Spaces of Weapon} 4]
{Right Hand}         RHd {'Cost in CP' 2} [{hands inflict 1 kill damage in hand to hand-unarmed} 1k]         Handy, Quick - hold [{In-Spaces of Weapon} 4]
[39CP {total tons of Mass} ’19.5t’]      [34CP {total tons of Mass} ‘17t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.0> Cockpit Controls – Screen [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<-x0.25> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Hot’
-x0.2

[4CP /{Kill Capacity} 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors = Sensors 7km, Comm 1,000km, 2K [H – 1sp]; {1t}

Weapons -
[4CP / {Kill Capacity} 4K] Rocket Launcher = {Damage inflicted  in kills} DM: 4k / {Range in Hexes} Ra: 7hx <0.4cp>,
{Weapon Accuracy 'Added to attack roll'} WAcc: +0 <x1>, {Shots} sh: 10; {Structure Value 'Kill Capacity'} sv: 4K, T - 4sp {2t}

[9CP / {Kill Capacity} 4K] Beam Cannon = {Damage inflicted  in kills} DM: 4k / {Range in Hexes} Ra: 8hx <6cp>,
WAcc: +2 <x1.5>, {Shots} Sh: Inf <x1>; {Structure Value 'Kill Capacity'} sv: 4K, {2hands - Handheld weapon} 2hh- ‘8’sp <{Space Efficiency} se: +1sp> {2t}
OR
[9CP /{Kill Capacity} 9K] Heavy Beam Gun = {Damage inflicted  in kills} DM: 6k / {Range in Hexes} Ra: 10hx <9cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, {Shots} Sh: Inf <x1>; {Structure Value 'Kill Capacity'} sv: 6K, {2hands - Handheld weapon} 2hh- ‘8’sp <{Space Efficiency} se: +1sp> {4.5t}

[21.978CP] Thrusters = lift {1.8315} 12 MA ‘21.978cp’ [{Torso} T – 5sp, {Left/Right Leg} L/RL – 6sp ea, {Left/Right Arm} L/RA – 2.5sp ea]

[0.5CP] 'se' Space Efficiency = +1sp [{2hands - Handheld weapon} 2hh Beam Cannon or Heavy Beam Gun +1sp]

[3.2CP] ‘we’ Weight Efficiency = -1.6tons

<< [97.1316w/we {with/ Weight Efficiency}, “93.7316CP”, 112.478 ] {48.84w/we “50.6” w/fuel, 44.4-w/we / 46 tons} >>


-------

I "hope" that clarifies some of my notations.

In reply to Referee (msg # 65):

Archie, I like it.

Okay, getting ready to start the game.  For reference, although the universe is TL7 I will assume FTL is faster than 1 ly/week as listed for TL7 default in MKZ+.  If I had to pin it down we can use the TL8 speed of 1 ly/day.

In reply to Referee (msg # 68):

Not everything a society has developed is at the exact same TL.  So its perfectly resonable for FTL travel to be of a higher TL than the general societal access.

Of more importance to us... as players is our character's pay scale and rate as personal gear is likely our 'real' reward for our efforts as skill improvement IPs and ... {seeing as I'm apparently the ONLY PLAYER even remotely interested in mecha piloting...} CP ~ increases are not likely to happen with any regularity.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:08, Mon 18 Mar.

I'm going with 50 credits a day as the base rate.  With 30-day months and 360-day years that is 1,500 per month and 18,000 per year.  Danger pay and bonuses to follow, but that is the pay you get for being there.  This will go up with your position on the crew.  If it sounds low remember that room, board, any ammo, maintenance, and other expenses of performing your mission are free.  So it's like R&R mad money.

I guess that sounds ok for just sitting around waiting.  The hazard and combat pay are where a mercenary would really charge a hell of a lot more anyways.

Good thing I'm not paying for repairs or ammo... even though the 'Starknight ~ Orion' carries no expendable ordinance
This message was last edited by the player at 15:41, Mon 18 Mar.

Gary, are you making a mecha and part of the company?  Or will you pilot the craft that are native to the ship?

In reply to Referee (msg # 72):

{Jesting tone} Hey if no one else builds a mecha... can I have some of their CP...?
10 or 20 more would suffice.. lol!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:00, Mon 25 Mar.

Sorry about my absence guys, as the GM knows I had some emergencies creep in rather suddenly. If he allows I am still here and still willing to play, making Skyrah the groups Scout Mekton pilot. :) That's why she's called Reader after all.

In reply to Skyrah Valentine (msg # 74):

Welcome back! I'll be fixing anything you happen to pilot!

In reply to Skyrah Valentine (msg # 74):

Awesome!  I'd feared we'd lost you!  Great!  "Reader" will remember that!'

Don't know if you saw this when I posted it Skyrah... you never replied... but here is a 'Scout' Mekton ... maybe it will give you some ideas for what You want to build?

----

Stilletto Eclipse 2ES-Recon/EW – [ 149{Recon}CP / 148{EW}CP ] – 41tons {dry} / ’45.1’ tons; MV {-4}: -4, MA: 4gr/ ‘10’ 8fly  {Custom}

Servos -            Armor –          Spaces -
H  - St {3}            MS {4}              2BuSnr, 1DCP
MB/T – MS {8}     MS-B {6, 4sp} <DmCo: 4>    [1Cockpit-Virtual] 1MSnr-MW, 3Recon/EW {SR/ECM}, 1EsPd, 2-th
LA – St {4}          MS {4}              [Mel: +0k, Th: 4hx] 1EW {ECM}
RA – St {4}          MS {4}              [Mel: +0k, Th: 4hx] 1EW {ECM}
LL – HS {6}          MS {4}              [Mel: +2k] 6-th
RL -  HS {6}         MS {4}              [Mel: +2k] 6-th
Pd – St ‘3’            St {3}                {0 ton-Servo} [+6sp] 5Recon {ASP, R/RA, RI, SR, TA}, 1SE
LWg – St {3}        Sl {1}                [+2MA fly] 3EW {ECM}
RWg – St {3}       Sl {1}                [ - fly] 3EW {ECM}
LHd {2} [1k]         Handy, Quick    - hold [4]
RHd {2} [1k]         Handy, Quick    - hold [4]
[44CP ’20.5t’]      [31CP ’14.5t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.0> Cockpit Controls – Screen [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<-x0.25> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Hot’
<x0.2> Stealth = No Detection by Spotting Radar, No track with ASP Recon sensors
-x0.0

[9CP / 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors-MW = Sensors ‘150’ 15km, Comm 1,500km, 2K [T – 1sp]; {1t}
[2CP / 2K] {BuSnr} Backup Sensors = Sensors 1km, Comm 300km, 2K [H – 2sp]; {1t}

{33CP} Recon Systems:
[10CP] ASP [Pd – 2sp];  [5CP] Radio/Radar Analyzer [Pd - 1sp];  [3CP] Resolution Intensifiers/6-Visual = x64 [Pd – 1sp];
[10CP/ ‘4K’] Spotting Radar = ‘4’ 5K, ‘3’ 5sp [kill sacrifice +2sp/ -1K, T - 3; {2t}];  [5CP] Target Analyzer [Pd – 1sp]
OR
{32CP} Electronic Warfare:
[16CP] ECM-Radar Jamming = Value 3 <4cp>, Radius 3hexes <x2.0>, Beamer Range: 8Hexes <x2.0>
[Pd – 5sp, T – 3sp, L/RWg – ‘6’ 3sp ea, L/RA - '2' 1sp ea];
[’16p’ 8CP] ECM-Sensor Jamming = Value 3 <4cp>, Radius 3hexes <x2.0>, Beamer Range: 8Hexes <x2.0> [Pd - 0sp];
[’16p’ 8CP] ECM-Missile Jamming = Value 3 <4cp>, Radius 3hexes <x2.0>, Beamer Range: 8Hexes <x2.0> [Pd - 0sp]

{6.7CP} Options –
[0.4CP] Anti-Theft Code Lock- Silent Alert;  [1CP] {DCP} Damage Control Package [H – 1sp];  [2CP] {EsPd} Escape Pod [T – 1sp];  [0.3CP] Liftwire;  [5CP] {SE} Statistical Enhancement – Logic Processors +2 INT [T – 1sp]

Weapons -
[9.45CP / 4K] ’Sniper’ Beam Cannon = DM: 4k <6cp> / Ra: ‘20hx’ 8hx {+250%} <x1.75>, WAcc: +0 <x0.9>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: 4K, 2hh- ‘8’sp <se: +1sp> {2t}

[13.5296CP] Thrusters = lift {1.6912} 8 MA ‘13.5296cp’ [T – 6sp, L/RL – 6sp ea, L/RA – 2sp ea]

[0.5CP] Space Efficiency = +1sp [2hh Beam +1sp]

<< [ 148.6796{Recon} / 147.6796{EW}CP ] {“45.1” w/fuel, 41 tons} >>
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Mon 01 Apr.

Not didn't lose me, just been having a rough start to the new year. In January my house was condemned and I've been doing repairs on it sense until I could find a contractor to do the work I cannot do, such as fix the foundation. Thankfully for me they start work in 2 weeks.

Then a couple weeks ago my stepmothers house was condemned. Which was just after I had signed up to play in this game. So needless to say I went from coordinating repairs for just my house, to coordinating them for both houses as well as finding a place for my stepmother and daughters to stay in the interim.

The reason all this happened? One of my daughters got herself on house arrest for something that wasn't wholly her fault.

Anyway, to the game! I'll take a look at the mecha you posted here, as well as a couple others I spied. I kinda wanna take an odd approach with her mekton, so might toss some idea's of concepts out later to see if they are feasiable.

Skyrah, you are more than welcome to pick up where you left off and join us.  I can hold off updating the Chapter 1 thread until you are ready.  Anyone may post in the Prologue thread as long as the action does not advance beyond T -14 days.  As I said in the OOC note in Chapter 1, I plan to use the prologue thread for flashbacks as needed.

First things first though Skyrah... complete your character profile.  Your the only one who has Not done that.

Welcome Boris Bluestar, another merc and mecha pilot.

Welcome aboard Boris!

Glad to be here. Going to be working through CC shortly.

Welcome!

Still not getting any motion from Skyrah, so we will proceed when Boris is ready and Skyrah is welcome to join in when she is ready.

Hmmm... looks like a new player has joined us .. welcome Zephrim!!!
This message was last edited by the player at 12:35, Mon 15 Apr.

Yes indeed!  Welcome

Yes, thank you all! I'm looking forward to this game as have been a fan since Mekton I. :)

In reply to Zephrim Cephras (msg # 87):

Same here... been a fan since Mekton II... but I own hardcopies of ALL editions of Mekton I to Z+!!!

I edited the start of the Chapter 01 thread to put Boris also on the ready to go on CSP.

So Boris... what's your mecha design philosophy? Fast, and heavily armed, melee, heavy armor?

I was thinking heavy weapons type. Slow, armored, and ranged.

In reply to Boris Bluestar (msg # 91):

Cool.  You going for a transformable... or just a pure battliod?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:36, Tue 16 Apr.

So. I lost an arm in CC. Is there a price somewhere for getting a good replacement? Like If I used CP2020 as a basis there is no way but the pay scale seems way different between the games.

In reply to Boris Bluestar (msg # 93):

I think if its just a "replacement" cyberlimb... with no enhancements you don't have to pay for it.

Not ALL Cyberlimb replacements are top-end high-grade cyberlimbs ...like Takashi got Kristin Ortega in 'Altered Carbon', Season 1.

Even Yoko's/Alita 'The BattleAngel' her initial cyberbody that Ido provided for her was just civilian cyberbody he built for his then deceased daughter.  It was Yoko/Alita's PanzerKunzt martial arts skill that made her a combat terror for a time until the non-combat built civilian cyber-body reached its operational limits going up against actual combat borg-bodies.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:29, Fri 19 Apr.

Sure, not ALL are. But I would certainly like it to be!

In reply to Boris Bluestar (msg # 95):

'snort' Wouldn't we all?!? the Mekton Z 'family and wealth' stat credits provided is out of touch with the cost of gear even in its own book!  The GM and I have discussed this...
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Fri 19 Apr.

I might try and negotiate to use the favor I got from a windfall in a different year for that then.

The Rules Clarifications and FAQ thread has info on cyberware costs, using the rules in Starblade Battalion.

Boris as a character looks just about finished, still need to work on the mecha.  Skyrah and Zeke are still blank.  However, I would like to try and get back out momentum, so in the meantime, Gary can post his 'starting position' in Chapter 01, Boris is in his mecha on standby alert and will launch with Jherad when the order is given.

Mind if I 'fashion' a mecha proposal for your design..?  Not something you have to stick with but might be useful so you can partisipate in the current chaper 1 scenario.

I'm thinking like the russian jager [ Cherno Alpha Mark I ] from the first Pacific Rim movie... simple heavy hitting guns 'lots' and heavily armored... like you were thinking.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:33, Mon 22 Apr.

If you want to that is fine. I have a spread sheet that automates most of the mecha design. It's more of a "what is actually reasonable" and "what actually works well" that I'm uncertain on and need to cross check.

In reply to Boris Bluestar (msg # 101):

Sure!  I'll cook something up real quick...

Ok.  Grrr... this is crude... but destructive....
My issue with this design is how ponderously clumbsy it is... at 60+ tons your Mecha Reflex is penalized a nasty -6... and in the faster Jet mode its a -8!  I suppose it can work... but I'd not prefer such a penalty personally.  I  built the heaviest arms I could; you do NOT want to get into melee with this monster... you will pound the hell out of most mecha in physical melee [+2k on all melee damage with physical weapons 'ouch']!  The weapons are straight out of the Mekton Z core... I only modified the Medium Cannons with a range cost boost... so can fire artillery shells a 10 hex / 1/2 Kilometer range.  Your two 'Artillery' Mass-Drivers are linked so when you hit you'll inflict 12kills of damage to some poor SoB!  I sacrificed kills of durability for the Medium Cannons to get more space int he torso for them ~ but I'd hardly call 4 kills of 'sv' {Structural Value} 'Kills' "fragile".

My original design had a Beam Rifle as well cause I wanted an unlimited shots weapon unlike your limited ammo for the Medium 'Artillery' Cannon-Mass Drivers, but the cost was just too far over [165+CP] ... even this version is 3 CP over!

Here is the beam Rifle I wanted to add... but for cost overuns...

[9CP / 9K] Heavy Beam Gun = DM: 6k / Ra: 10hx <9cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: 6K, 2hh- ‘8’sp; se: +1sp> {4.5t}

But I guess this will do for a temp thing... if we could eventually add some maneuvering verniers to lower that MV penalty some...

----

Czernobog RS-MK II “Hammer & Sickle” – [ 154CP ] – 56.5tons {dry} / ’62.15’  tons w/Fuel; MV {-6/-8tr}: -6/-8tr, MA: 4gr/ 10 {20tr}fly

Servos -            Armor –          Spaces -
H  - MS {4}          MS {4}              1MSnr
MB/T – MW {12}   LH {7}              [1 Cockpit-Screen] 4sp-2MC, 3-th
LA – LH {8}          MS {4}              [Mel: +2k, Th: 6hx] 5sp-Mc ‘H’
RA – LH {8}          MS {4}              [Mel: +2k, Th: 6hx] 5sp-Sw
LL – HS {5}          HS {5}              [Mel: +1k] 5-th
RL -  HS {5}         HS {5}              [Mel: +1k] 5-th
Pd – St ‘3’            St {3}              {0 ton-Servo} [+6sp] 6-th
LWg – MS {4}        Sl {1}               [+2MA fly]
RWg – MS {4}       Sl {1}               [ - fly]
LHd {2} [1k+2k]        Handy, Quick     - hold [8]
RHd {2} [1k+2k]        Handy, Quick     - hold [8]
[57CP ’28.5t’] [34CP ’17t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.0> Cockpit Controls – Screen [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<-x0.25> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Hot’
<x0.3> Transformation – Astrofighter = -2MV, 2x MA, Min 4hx
x0.1

[4CP / 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors = Sensors 7km, Comm 1,000km, 2K [H – 1sp]; {1t}

Weapons -
[4CP / 6K] Rocket~”Hammer” Mace = DM: 8k+2k, WAcc: +0, Use: Inf; sv: 6K, LA-4sp; {3t}
[5CP / 6K] Chainsaw~”Sickle” Saw = DM: 6k+2k AP, WAcc: -1, Use: Inf; sv: 6K, RA-5sp; {3t}
[‘15’ 7.5CP ea/ ‘8’ 4K ea] 2x Medium ‘Artillery’ Cannon-Mass Drivers = DM: 6k <6cp> / Ra: ‘10’hx [+150%] <x1.25cp>, WAcc: +0 <x1>, Sh: 10ea; sv: ‘4’K [-2K ea / +4sp ea ‘+8sp’], T – ‘4’ 2sp {‘4’ 2t}
[2CP] + Weapon Link

[18.645CP] Thrusters = lift {2.3306} 8 MA ’18.645cp’ [T – 3sp, L/RL – 5sp ea, Pd – 6sp]
‘139.645’

<< [ 153.6095CP ] {"62.15" w/fuel, '56.5’ tons} >>
This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Tue 23 Apr.

My apologies!

Some unexpected family stuff came up and my finishing Zeke's stats got delayed. I'll have those shortly. One question, is there a Text character sheet or do I just lay him out as appropriate? :)

In reply to Zephrim Cephras (msg # 104):

Not as far as I've seen or the GM has posted.  Make something that organizes your abilities for easy referece for YOU ~ I guess?  Its what I did.

So Zephrim... what's YOUR mecha design philosophy?

I thought the form sheet I found was too complicated and as I restructured characters a bit it wouldn’t really have worked anyway.  The important thing is that everything is there and it is e say to read.

Just a reminder... all the MEKTONs I've designed here for this game are listed at the bottom of my Description in my profile... at least might grant some ideas... or free for anyone to use as long as they fit the 150cp limit!  Enjoy!

SWEET!!! Love your mecha designs GM!!! New ideas for me... never thought of putting thrusters in a tail servo... but its SOOOO Obvious lol!

Love the "Star Falcons"... just cuious... how many CP were they?

Plus the B5 'Starfury' style non-transformable starfighters are sweet...great idea!!!

Can't wait to Get It ON!!!
This message was last edited by the player at 11:58, Fri 26 Apr.

Thank you.

I didn't keep careful notes on the cp as I was more interested in the configuration.  The ballpark figures are 205 cp for the interceptor (the metaform wings really increases the cost multipliers) the attack unit is around 195 cp (transformation costs).  Both come in just under 40 tons, used maneuver verniers to get the interceptor down to MV -3.  Didn't want to spend the points for that on the transformer as it is more of a multi-role fighter, so master of none, plus most of the time production models tend to be not that expensive (5th gen fighters not withstanding).

They both use the +5 cp slave mecha controls with a human-scale power armor as the master mecha, which I just posted.  So if you are wearing the power armor it connects in the pilot space of the larger mecha and becomes a VR control suite.  When you eject you do so in the power armor, giving you a better chance of survival.  After scaling, the power armor is only about 18 cp.

As soon as I get the points... THIS is a upgrade I'm wanting to add to the Starknight - Orion1

Here is the Starknight done up in YOUR Format Referee!

----

Federated Alliance 'Salvaged' Mecha {Custom} ~ Starknight - Orion

Transformable Humanoid/Fighter Mecha 39.6 tons w/fuel, 36tons dry
{Mekton} {Astrofighter}
- Styling: Metallic Blue, with Gold & White Paneling

Humanoid Mode:
 - MV -3, Land MA 5, Flight MA 15
Fighter Mode:
 - MV -5, Land MA 0, Flight MA 30

Servo locations: Torso SP 4/ DC 4 Beta class armor, Head SP 3, Arms SP 4, Legs SP 5, Pod SP 3, Wings SP 1

Head/Avionics Turret
3 K [Backup Sensors, Escape Pod, Style & Decor]
Torso/Main Hull
8 K [Pilot 'Cockpit-VR'; Main Sensors, Damage Control Package, Hot Power Cell-Standard Charge, Energy Pool, Thrusters 3]
Right Arm
4 K [Shield Mount, Hand]
Left Arm
4 K [Shield Mount, Hand]
Right Leg/Engine
5 K [Thrusters 5]
Left Leg/Engine
5 K [Thrusters 5]
Pod Engine
0 K [Energy Pool 2, Thrusters 2, Gravitics 2]
Left Wing
2 K [Thrusters 1, Gravitics 1]
Left Wing
2 K [Thrusters 1, Gravitics 1]

Main Sensors
        7 km range, 1,000 km communications range
Back-Up Sensors
        1 km range, 300 km communications range
Anti-Theft Lock;  Damage Control Package {suitable to search and rescue operations};  Escape Pod;  Liftwire;  Style & Decor Enhancement {+3Cool}

Armed with Energy Pool-Mutli Configuration Weapon, hand held in humanoid form - 5kills Destroys both configuration at once
1. Mega Beam Cannon (WA +1, Range: 10 hex, Damage 6K, Shots: Infinite)
2. Hyper-Plasma Beam Saber (WA +1, Range: Melee, Damage 10K [-4 SP], Use/Turns: Infinite)
- Mounted on Center Underbody External Weapon Mount in fighter form fixed foward
Armed with {R.A.M.} Radiation Absorbing Material Shield mounted on either arm (DA -2, AbC 1/4en, SP 4 <DC 4 - Beta>)
- Mounted on underbody in fighter mode
Equipped with Space environmental protection 'Technically with Gravitics can renter with RAM Shield underbody, but tricky and risky'

NOTES: I actually miscalculated my CP costs.  The Starknight is supposed to have Beta Grade Armor on its shield and it supposed to have a single weapons mount to mount its Energy Pool weapon on the undercarriage in Astrojet/fighter mode...
That would make the Starknight cost 158CP, without those two components  its 149.4567CP which is why those components are 'Greyed' out... maybe the GM will be nice and let me keep them?  If not the Energy Pool weapon is not usable in jet mode as it is a 1handed-held weapon.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:44, Fri 26 Apr.

I moved it to the Mecha and Vehicles thread with slight formatting changes to make it a bit easier for me to reference.  Thanks.  I like the idea that it needs to transform to use the weapons, it is super fast in fighter mode so definitely an assault-interceptor, or rapid-response role.

Once mecha or vehicles are finalized I'll add them to that thread also.  Of course, save the 'messy' post with the CP numbers for record keeping and so that we can upgrade easier later.

Confirming here:

Gary and Zeke are on the Search & Rescue team.  When needed they will take out one of the Pelican-class shuttles with the appropriate mission module.  Boris and Jherad are mecha jocks on contract with the mercenary company, two of six pilots.  Boris' role is still TBD, Jherad is an interceptor/chaser.  Rulee is a mechanic with the mercs as well, for now Technician In Charge (TIC) for Jherad.  Each mecha has one TIC, and one assistant tech; any that have physical ammunition also have an Armorer that handles the ammo.

Skyrah has gone silent again and I recognize their RL issue is complicated right now.  She is also a merc pilot, her mecha more of a scout.

Let me know if any of this needs correction.

In reply to Referee (msg # 113):

Sounds good!

Works for me. :)

In reply to Referee (msg # 113):

Looks just fine...

In reply to Boris Bluestar (msg # 101):

So Boris you still there?  Any comments, suggestions, out-right hatred; for the Czernobog RS-MK II “Hammer & Sickle”?  You've not posted again since...  again its just a suggestion if you have some idea of what you want I can craft to your specifications...?
This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:33, Mon 29 Apr.

When Mecks launch, does the chamber depressurize or is there some kind of force field?

Yes, it depressurizes.  No force shields, that is why they are not permitted for mecha either.  Even EMWs are not avilable smaller than 1:1 mecha scale (hence power swords not available.)

The skinsuit uniform functions as a space suit with life support.  I think I said earlier each bay holds two mecha, there are four mecha bays.  The mercs only have six mecha, however.

I give up... No One playing a mecha pilot actually WANTS to talk about Mecha. So I'm playing a lone mecha pilot.

'Shrug'

I'll just STOP making mecha designs no one is interested!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:26, Sun 05 May.

Boris withdrew from the game.  Skyrah is still non-responsive and Gary hasn't visited the forum since March 31.  I will bump the advert.

Jherad, I may have missed something but your mech doesn't have either an EW suite or any advanced sensors.  Without a local, native TV tuner or one of those you're not going to pick up anything, even the fact that the signals are out there.  It's all lost in the background noise.  OOC text should be in orange, please.  Not green.

It doesn't look like anyone else is going to post.  Let's see if I can move it along.

In reply to Referee (msg # 122):

Ok, so regular Sensors do not pick up alien radio transmissions...  then I expect alien enemy mecha without enhanced sensors should NOT be able to detect our transmissions either.  Cool.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:57, Wed 15 May.

Alien probably can't pick up your transmissions, right.  Not all enemies are alien.

Sorry for the delay in reply.. will get one out hopefully tonight...

Jerad was raised in the Solían Empire so his paranoia and conspiracy theorizing makes sense, but the point here is that the records were erased during the imperial days, not Alliance era.  Things don’t work exactly as you laid out, but the Alliance purposely acts transparently in opposition to how the Solían Empire functions.  I will tell you now as GM, there is no conspiracy here involving anyone connected to the Alliance.  I have no plan to do any story where the bad guys are within Alliance structures or organizations.  They are the good guys.

Is cool, Jherad is just following his instincts... more a cyberpunk 'do not trust the man' ...kind of thing really.

Its kind of obscure, but I'm curious of you know referee.  Does Mekton Z still use the beam attenuation options of Mekton II?

Meaning energy beam weapons inflict more damage at close range and less damage at long ranges.  1-3hexes [+2k dm]/ 4-7hexes [+1k dm]/ 9-11hexes [-1k dm]/ 12+ hexes [-2k dm]...

Also that obscure option also adds that projectile and missile weapons inflict +1k dm at 1-3 hexes range but don't ever loose damage from range especially in space with no gravity. Kinetic kill weapons are mean.

I've looked in the Mekton Z rules but can't find that Mekton II option anymore from The Advance Tactical Combat supplement... maybe they removed it from Mekton?
This message was last edited by the player at 14:07, Tue 21 May.

They removed it, yeah.  No longer part of the rules.

In reply to Referee (msg # 129):

Is cool was just curious.

Good afternoon from US EST. Nice game you've got here. It would be a shame if no one else played it.

I'm just looking over the pdf before I make rolls and fire up a starter mecha. ;-)

In reply to Kogane No-Hadashi (msg # 131):

Sweet welcome to the party!!!

You can look at my profile at the bottom for some mecha designs... I've cooked up...

In reply to Jherad Monroe (msg # 132):

Cheesy crispers, man, that's a lot of Mekton action. Yeah, I'm going to need my Texas Instruments calculator to double-check your Mekton mathematics... (casually taps at a match-three game) :-) Seriously, those are awesome designs.

I was just telling our Referee about my soft spot for what was called "Robotech" in the States. I like the Mospeada Cyclone bike idea. That, and the Mobile Fighter G Gundam story. That classic anime came to mind first, so I'm sticking with them and whatever my Lifepath dice rolls say.

Wish me luck and alacrity.

In reply to Kogane No-Hadashi (msg # 131):

Welcome, welcome! I'm the resident mechanic!

In reply to Rulee Canera (msg # 134):

:-o [_>Note: Keep things away from starship to keep Miss Canera alive. End of line.]

Thank you, you are kind. I'm looking forward to gaming with you all.

In reply to Kogane No-Hadashi (msg # 133):

Cool.  The cyclone 'Mospeda' bikes are more a roadsriker scale... and I at least could not figure out a way on only 150pts to build an effective mekton AND still afford a roadstriker of any use.  But more power to you... good luck affording that G-Fighter, Gunbuster "Reflex" control cockpit... its a multiplier system and expensive!  Not really useful to us right now with our pilot skills capped at 5 as the maneuver pool bonus increase only applies at mecha pilot skill level 6+...
This message was last edited by the player at 02:10, Thu 23 May.

Actually... the Salamanca could work.  It's not a "weak" Mech by far even being under 150CP and with a little tweaking you get your G-Fighter Reflex controls AND 36.5CPs to build your Cyclone!  Could not squeeze in a Transformation system though..sadly.

-------

Salamanca, 2XS-113 EX – [ 113CP {+36.5CP - Roadstriker}] – 44tons {dry} / ’48.4’  tons w/Fuel; MV {-4}: -4, MA: 4gr/ 15fly, MP: +100%  {Custom}

Servos -            Armor –          Spaces -
H  - MS {4}          MS {4}              1MSnr
MB/T – HS {10}   LH {7}              [1Cockpit-Reflex] 6-th, 2-Gv, 1-Strg Md
LA – St {4}          MS {4}              [Mel: +0k, Th: 4hx] 1sh
RA – St {4}          MS {4}              [Mel: +0k, Th: 4hx] 1sh
LL – MS {5}          HS {5}              [Mel: +2k] 5-th
RL -  MS {5}         HS {5}              [Mel: +2k] 5-th
Pd – St ‘3’            St {3}              {0 ton-Servo} [+6sp] 6-th
LWg – St {3}        Sl {1}               [+2MA fly]  0.21-Gv
RWg – St {3}       Sl {1}               [ - fly]  0.21-Gv
LHd {2} [1k]        Handy, Quick     - hold [4]
RHd {2} [1k]        Handy, Quick     - hold [4]
[45CP ’21t’] [34CP ’17t’]

Hydraulics-Standard = lift x1
<x0.1> Cockpit Controls – Reflex {+67% MP} [T – 1sp]
<x0.05> Environmental Protection-Space
<-x0.25> Powerplant-Power Cell = Standard Charge, 6-24hrs ‘Hot’
-x0.1

[4CP / 2K] {MSnr} Main Sensors = Sensors 7km, Comm 1,000km, 2K [H – 1sp]; {1t}

{1CP} Options –
[1CP] {Strg Md} Storage Module [500kg '0.5t'] {1sp};

Weapons -
[6CP / 1K] Energy Sword = DM: 6k [-4sp] <6cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, Use: Inf; sv: 1K, 1hh- 4sp; se: +2sp> {0.5t}
[9CP / 9K] Heavy Beam Gun = DM: 6k / Ra: 10hx <9cp>, WAcc: +1 <x1>, Sh: Inf <x1>; sv: 6K, 2hh- ‘8’sp; se: +1sp> {4.5t}

[21.825CP] Thrusters = lift {1.81855} 12 MA ‘21.825cp’ [T – 6sp, L/RL – 5sp ea, Pd – 6sp]
[2.42CP] Gravitic Propulsion = lift {2.42} 1 MA ‘2.42cp’, MP x1.33 {+33%} [T – 2sp, L/RWg - 0.21sp '0.42'ea]

[1.5CP] Space Efficiency = +3sp [EMW +2sp, 2hh Beam +1sp]

<< [ 113.4045CP ] {“48.4” w/fuel, 44 tons} >>
This message was last edited by the player at 10:16, Thu 23 May.

Remember the creation guidelines, maximum efficiency is 15% and space efficiency must be in whole spaces.

In reply to Referee (msg # 138):

Fixed.

Still working on the "cyclone-style" mecha-bike roadstriker...

In reply to Jherad Monroe (msg # 139):

Heck yeah! Those are essential for tactical combat superiority... and egress. >.> (I'm so happy)

And on this mission it may be all you have.  The Pelican-class transport can only carry one full-sized mecha in the mecha bay module. Hadashi could be assigned as tactical security while Jherad handles the Big Stuff.  Also, if Zeke is gone someone will have to fly that thing down.

In reply to Referee (msg # 141):

Jherad can pilot aircraft/shuttles...

So... Kogane... what type of 'cyclone' are you interedted in?  The Scott Bernard "Battler", the Lancer "Saber", Rand's "Stock" - 'Beam Rifle' or Rook's "Missile Laucher" variant?
This message was last edited by the player at 11:53, Thu 23 May.

Please no EMWs at smaller than Mecha scale.  It goes against the world rules.

In reply to Referee (msg # 143):

Ok. Gundam physics...

Sort of yes, but just as there are no EMWs for people (no laser swords) there should not be any for the smaller sized mecha.  Thanks.

I think Hadashi is more of a VR-052 Battler kind of mechajock. I appreciate your talents, Jherad.

Referee, I'm glad you pointed out that the CAD mounted vibration blades are by functional nature EMWs. That just saved me time from the mecha I've been sketching. Far too exotic to be practical in battle, anyway hahaha. Arigatou.

In reply to Kogane Hadashi (msg # 146):

Technically, CADS are a physical melee weapon... in Mekton terms they'd be the equivalent of a 'Saw' weapon... which halves armor stopping power rather than the flat -4 to stopping power that EMW 'hot knife through butter' effect.

The Zaku 'Heathawk' would be a similar effect...

And Ouch... the cycle Transformation is a x.35 cost multiplier... MORE than the Astrofighter transform {x0.3}!  Turns that 36.5CP to a measly 27.037CP.  Don't get you hope up for something spectacular... not much to work with!
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Thu 23 May.

Well... Not sure if this is efficient.. but here were are...

CRV-02 "Hurricane" {Military Mecha Bike} [35CP] {'290hits~ 2.9tons} = MV: -2, MA: {gr} '60'/ {wh-tr} '110'/ {fly} '80'
* Pilot Max BODY 10

Servos:
H - St {1.3cp} = 4sp, 20Hits {0.2t}  -  2P; 1-MnSnsr
T - St {2.6cp} = 8sp, 40Hits {0.4t}  -  4P; 3-LtLsr
LA - Lt {1cp} = 3sp, 15Hits, Th- 35m {0.2t}  -  1P; 2MnMsl
RA - Lt {1cp} = 3sp, 15Hits, Th- 35m {0.2t}  -  1P; 2MnMsl
LL - Lt {1cp} = 3sp, 15Hits, +5Add DM {0.2t}  -  1P; 1.45-th
RL - Lt {1cp} = 3sp, 15Hits, +5Add DM {0.2t}  -  1P; 1.45-th
LHd - {0.7cp} = 1sp, DM: 5Hits, 5Hits {0.1t}
RHd - {0.7cp} = 1sp, DM: 5Hits, 5Hits {0.1t}
LFt - DM: 10hits
RFt - DM: 10Hits
{9.3cp / 1.6t}

Armor:
{1.3cp} Torso - St {1.3cp} [20hits-SP] {0.2t}
{3.5cp} All 5x other - Lt {0.7 '3.5'cp} [10hits-SP] {0.1 '0.5't}
<x0.35> Transformation - Cycle = +5MA

{1.3cp} Main Sensors = Ra: 7km, Comm: 100km - 1sp {Head}, 10Hits {0.1t}

Weapons -
{2.9cp} 'LtLsr' Light Laser = Ra: 5hx, Wa: +1, DM: 30H, Hits: 30, Sh: Inf [T - 3sp] {0.3t}
{'2.6' 1.3ea} 2x Mini-Missiles = Ra: 5hx, Wa: +0, DM: 40H, Hits: 15 ea, Sh: 6ea [L/RA - '2' 3sp ea <se: +1sp ea>] {0.2 '0.4't}

{1.3cp} 2x Wheels - St = +2MA{Gr} 10 hits each {0.2t}
{2.9cp} Thrusters = {Lift 0.3625} 8MA [ LL - 1.45p, RL - 1.45sp ]

{1cp} Space Efficiency = +2sp [L/RA +1sp ea]

<< 35.235CP >>
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Thu 23 May.

In reply to Jherad Monroe (msg # 148):

Phenomenal. 😎
[makes motorcycle noises. jumps sideways making blaster noises. misses couch. likes it.]

I'm almost done with the character creation. The rolls worked surprisingly well with my initial concept, so nothing has changed. I'll be distributing digits for Stats and Skills tonight. Equipment should be simple.

I'm completely new to Mekton, so I am eager to see what mecha design will be like.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:18, Thu 23 May.

In reply to Kogane Hadashi (msg # 149):

Mecha Design is the funnest part!!!  Start with the Core Mekton Z rules before tackling the Mekton Z+ options and customization...

It looks like for this first mission Hadashi may be piloting the drop ship.  I have not heard from Gary or Zeke in a while.