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Welcome to this Mecha Design Quest! This is a spinoff/companion quest to Solace and the Knights of Insurrection. This quest takes place in an original Space Fantasy setting, where an AU Earth and Humanity have successfully spread colonies across not just the Milky Way, but also into neighbouring galaxies. I need to create a boatload of mecha designs for that quest, and I thought it might be more fun to make it a collaborative process since I'm doing the work anyway!
Take part in this quest if:
You want to design big stompy robots (and occasionally other sci-fi military equipment). Mecha are mostly based on Battletech, Robotech and Votoms designs, but Gundam & Armoured Core influence is present too.
You want to see your collaborative mecha designs drawn and added to a growing folio of sci-fi hardware!
You want a quest with lighter narrative/character elements and a gameplay-focused experience.
You want to affect another quest's experience by creating mecha that can and will show up there.
Advance a mecha-driven style of warfare and develop unique innovations that will shake things up.
Enjoy figuring out how to blend somewhat hard sci-fi technology with magical innovations that defy conventional physics!
Welcome to this Mecha Design Bureau Quest! This is a spinoff/companion quest to Solace and the Knights of Insurrection. This quest takes place in an original Space Fantasy setting, where an AU Earth and Humanity have successfully spread colonies across not just the Milky Way, but also into neighbouring galaxies.
I need to create a boatload of mecha designs for that quest, and I thought it might be more fun to make it a collaborative process since I'm working on it for another quest anyway!
Take part in this quest if:
You want to design big stompy robots (and occasionally other sci-fi military equipment). Mecha are mostly based on Battletech, Robotech and Votoms designs, but Gundam & Armoured Core influence is present too.
You want to see your collaborative mecha designs drawn and added to a growing folio of sci-fi hardware!
You want a quest with lighter narrative/character elements and a gameplay-focused experience.
You want to affect another quest's experience by creating mecha that can and will show up there.
Advance a mecha-driven style of warfare and develop unique innovations that will shake things up.
Enjoy figuring out how to blend somewhat hard sci-fi technology with magical innovations that defy conventional physics!
Project Knight - Mecha Design Bureau
Turn 1: Year 0 of Project Knight
Dear Director #########,
We want to congratulate you on your placement as the Head of R&D for Project Knight.
To recap your mission statement::
Lead the ideation and engineering of fully fledged Mecha under Project Knight.
Manage production contracts and allocation of industrial resources to ensure success.
Take on special projects at the request of your superiors and achieve their goals.
Guide the research and development and new technologies and support systems.
Support the engineering and development of other, non-Mech projects if deemed relevant.
As you know, Zaibatsu Space announced the first successful deployment of Warmecha as part of their ongoing operation against the Perseid separatists. We've long thought it would be possible to militarize some kind of large walking combat system, but we previously abandoned it as cost ineffective with few upsides compared to traditional, ground-based vehicles. It looks like we've been proven wrong - they were incredibly effective against traditional vehicles, owing to a combination of factors.
No one's really got experience in this sort of thing, but we're making you a top priority. Every major nation on Earth is now shopping around for their own Mecha - we can't let the Zaibatsus hold a monopoly. The lab rats are processing everything they know about the Zaibatsu Mecha, but we're going to be flying in the dark here.
Your first task is to commit to what type of contract we'll be trying to fill, get your engineers together, and get on it. We need a mockup ready by the end of this year if we're going to convince anyone that we're worth funding.
Welcome to the Company. Don't let us down.
Key Details about Warmecha thus far:
The term Warmecha is used to categorize any militarized walking robotic combat system standing at a height of 3+ meters.
Simple Industrial Mecha have been utilized for some time as a natural extension of Exo-Suit development.
Zaibatsu Warmecha are believed to be using some sort of neural link which allows the pilot to 'possess' the suit. We have classified information which should allow us to replicate this.
Despite the Zaibatsu being leaders in drone tech, it seems Mecha must be piloted by a living human. It is believed this has something to do with Humanity's innate ability to interact with the powers beyond the veil.
New Vote: What kind of contract are you taking on?
[] [CONTRACT] - Earth's leading superpowers are similarly surprised by the Zaibatsu's success in producing Warmecha. The Golden Empire of the Ning Dynasty and the North Atlantean Federation in particular are both looking for a high-performance combat model that can match or exceed the performance of the Zaibatsu Mecha.
[] [CONTRACT] - The Great Powers are interested in Mecha, but do not have the budget of the superpowers. The Commonwealth in particular has stated interest in a faster, lighter-weight model capable of combat patrols, recon, and infiltration.
[] [CONTRACT] - Second Tier States have also gathered interest in Mecha, but they can't afford the kind of tech the larger powers are asking for. They tend to prefer defensive tactics, and so they're looking for a cheaper model that just needs to hold the line.
[] [CONTRACT] - The Megacorps and some Third Tier States have interest in the security applications of Mecha. They've asked if we can put together a small, cheap, lightweight model armed for policing, anti-insurgency, and regional defence.
Voting is open until
at minimum, hopefully there'll be some interest in this one so it can continue! Compared to my other quests it's going to be narrative light and I'm hoping that'll keep it quick to update, but frequency of my update schedule is still TBD.
[X] [CONTRACT] - Second Tier States have also gathered interest in Mecha, but they can't afford the kind of tech the larger powers are asking for. They tend to prefer defensive tactics, and so they're looking for a cheaper model that just needs to hold the line.
Let's start with a lower tier contract, one without such large implications/appearances, and work our way up from there.
[X] [CONTRACT] - Second Tier States have also gathered interest in Mecha, but they can't afford the kind of tech the larger powers are asking for. They tend to prefer defensive tactics, and so they're looking for a cheaper model that just needs to hold the line.
It's Interesting lore that the Warmecha seem to be a full neuro-link/magic; we haven't really dived into the implications of that in Solace.
Also, could the QM pls put a link to Solace and the Knights Of Insurrection somewhere? On mobile users aren't able to see the signature with the link to this quest's other half.
It's Interesting lore that the Warmecha seem to be a full neuro-link/magic; we haven't really dived into the implications of that in Solace.
Also, could the QM pls put a link to Solace and the Knights Of Insurrection somewhere? On mobile users aren't able to see the signature with the link to this quest's other half.
Yes, I've been keeping the details mostly to 'as relevant' levels in that quest as I'm TRYING not to loredump more than I already have in that quest - it's not moving as quickly as I originally intended!
[X] [CONTRACT] - Earth's leading superpowers are similarly surprised by the Zaibatsu's success in producing Warmecha. The Golden Empire of the Ning Dynasty and the North Atlantean Federation in particular are both looking for a high-performance combat model that can match or exceed the performance of the Zaibatsu Mecha.
Robotech Mechs tend to be pretty up there, so I wonder mmm
[X] [CONTRACT] - The Megacorps and some Third Tier States have interest in the security applications of Mecha. They've asked if we can put together a small, cheap, lightweight model armed for policing, anti-insurgency, and regional defence
[X] [CONTRACT] - Second Tier States have also gathered interest in Mecha, but they can't afford the kind of tech the larger powers are asking for. They tend to prefer defensive tactics, and so they're looking for a cheaper model that just needs to hold the line.
These type of mechs will probably the first ones we see in the companion quest. I want to see them in action after designing them.
[X] [CONTRACT] - The Great Powers are interested in Mecha, but do not have the budget of the superpowers. The Commonwealth in particular has stated interest in a faster, lighter-weight model capable of combat patrols, recon, and infiltration.
[X] [CONTRACT] - Second Tier States have also gathered interest in Mecha, but they can't afford the kind of tech the larger powers are asking for. They tend to prefer defensive tactics, and so they're looking for a cheaper model that just needs to hold the line.
I haven't seen the associated other quest, although I'm interested for sure since mecha are one of my favorites. I will admit I've always had a soft spot for the mechs which don't have protagonist privilege. As cool as the Gundam or a Royal Highlander is, I have a soft spot for the humble Zaku, GM, Blackjack, Hunchback, and Griffin who you actually see on the frontline of conflict.
It's one of those little issues where reality and storytelling are at odds. You want your protagonist and company to be unique and stand out. But by nature, mass produced war machines are, well. Mass produced. Wonder weapons tended to be catastrophic failures in real life, but they make wonderful boss material for games and anime.
[X] [CONTRACT] - Second Tier States have also gathered interest in Mecha, but they can't afford the kind of tech the larger powers are asking for. They tend to prefer defensive tactics, and so they're looking for a cheaper model that just needs to hold the line.
That's my long winded explanation for why I want to some something rugged and utilitarian first, instead of going for slick top of the line machines
[X] [CONTRACT] - The Megacorps and some Third Tier States have interest in the security applications of Mecha. They've asked if we can put together a small, cheap, lightweight model armed for policing, anti-insurgency, and regional defence.
[X] [CONTRACT] - Second Tier States have also gathered interest in Mecha, but they can't afford the kind of tech the larger powers are asking for. They tend to prefer defensive tactics, and so they're looking for a cheaper model that just needs to hold the line.
[X] [CONTRACT] - Earth's leading superpowers are similarly surprised by the Zaibatsu's success in producing Warmecha. The Golden Empire of the Ning Dynasty and the North Atlantean Federation in particular are both looking for a high-performance combat model that can match or exceed the performance of the Zaibatsu Mecha.
[X] [CONTRACT] - The Great Powers are interested in Mecha, but do not have the budget of the superpowers. The Commonwealth in particular has stated interest in a faster, lighter-weight model capable of combat patrols, recon, and infiltration.
I haven't seen the associated other quest, although I'm interested for sure since mecha are one of my favorites. I will admit I've always had a soft spot for the mechs which don't have protagonist privilege. As cool as the Gundam or a Royal Highlander is, I have a soft spot for the humble Zaku, GM, Blackjack, Hunchback, and Griffin who you actually see on the frontline of conflict.
It's one of those little issues where reality and storytelling are at odds. You want your protagonist and company to be unique and stand out. But by nature, mass produced war machines are, well. Mass produced. Wonder weapons tended to be catastrophic failures in real life, but they make wonderful boss material for games and anime.
[X] [CONTRACT] - Second Tier States have also gathered interest in Mecha, but they can't afford the kind of tech the larger powers are asking for. They tend to prefer defensive tactics, and so they're looking for a cheaper model that just needs to hold the line.
That's my long winded explanation for why I want to some something rugged and utilitarian first, instead of going for slick top of the line machines
You know what? I'm largely in agreement - I love the Mechs of the Line so to speak, the common soldier's machine. The more advanced mechs are cool, and some of them are amongst my favourites, but there's something great about rooting for the underdog to succeed. While it wasn't the best executed overall, the first few episodes of Aldnoah.Zero were some of my favourite Mecha content specifically because it was a chance to see trash tier basic mechs figure out how to overcome and defeat your typical anime boss mecha through piloting skill, ingenuity, and teamwork.
tl;dr I'd probably be voting with you if I wasn't QM , but I'm sure I'll enjoy whatever you folks cook up!
[X] [CONTRACT] - The Great Powers are interested in Mecha, but do not have the budget of the superpowers. The Commonwealth in particular has stated interest in a faster, lighter-weight model capable of combat patrols, recon, and infiltration.
like would we be able to build a precognitive mech like the swallowtail from Lancer or less
(im not really sure that's a good comparison but it seems pretty out there in terms of tech)
or would magic help in other ways and be less about esoteric effects
[X] [CONTRACT] - Earth's leading superpowers are similarly surprised by the Zaibatsu's success in producing Warmecha. The Golden Empire of the Ning Dynasty and the North Atlantean Federation in particular are both looking for a high-performance combat model that can match or exceed the performance of the Zaibatsu Mecha.
like would we be able to build a precognitive mech like the swallowtail from Lancer or less
(im not really sure that's a good comparison but it seems pretty out there in terms of tech)
or would magic help in other ways and be less about esoteric effects
Discovering the exact limits and applications will to some extent be part of the fun of the quest, but I'd say the Swallowtail doesn't have anything I regard as impossible within the magic system I'm looking at. Esoteric abilities are definitely possible and part of the fun as technology gets more advanced, but early on the focus will probably be on subtler effects, and figuring out how to accommodate or enhance pilots who are capable of manifesting unusual powers.
Scheduled vote count started by Verisaimilitude on Jan 11, 2025 at 6:32 PM, finished with 17 posts and 12 votes.
[X] [CONTRACT] - Second Tier States have also gathered interest in Mecha, but they can't afford the kind of tech the larger powers are asking for. They tend to prefer defensive tactics, and so they're looking for a cheaper model that just needs to hold the line.
[X] [CONTRACT] - Earth's leading superpowers are similarly surprised by the Zaibatsu's success in producing Warmecha. The Golden Empire of the Ning Dynasty and the North Atlantean Federation in particular are both looking for a high-performance combat model that can match or exceed the performance of the Zaibatsu Mecha.
[X] [CONTRACT] - The Great Powers are interested in Mecha, but do not have the budget of the superpowers. The Commonwealth in particular has stated interest in a faster, lighter-weight model capable of combat patrols, recon, and infiltration.
[X] [CONTRACT] - The Megacorps and some Third Tier States have interest in the security applications of Mecha. They've asked if we can put together a small, cheap, lightweight model armed for policing, anti-insurgency, and regional defence
Project Knight - Mecha Design Bureau
Turn 2: Year 0 of Project Knight
[X] [CONTRACT] - Second Tier States have also gathered interest in Mecha, but they can't afford the kind of tech the larger powers are asking for. They tend to prefer defensive tactics, and so they're looking for a cheaper model that just needs to hold the line.
Looking over the options, there was a lot of disagreements. Many people felt this was an opportunity to really stretch our legs and put the highest grade tech out possible. In the end, it was agreed that we would be better off developing a budget option first. The bigwigs agreed this made the most sense; any prototypes aimed at the superpowers would be competing with both Zaibatsu tech and their own native defence industries. By aiming to impress the Second Tier nations, we'd have a large and diverse market across lots of different potential customers, and if the model was good enough we might even be able to impress some of the larger nations. Premium grade systems can come once we've got more experience building these things and are more confident in our ability to compete.
Building a Mech is no simple task, even without bringing military applications into the matter. First off, we needed to:
Develop a working Neural Link system to build a cockpit around.
Design and build a working, mobile skeleton of a chassis.
Develop a miniaturized power core suitable for our Mech's needs.
Another department would be developing the Neural Link system and cockpit, apparently it was so classified that we weren't allowed to know the full details. For now, they were leaving the design of the chassis and power core to us. It seemed like it would make sense to agree on the baseline specifications and requirements for the Mech first, then build a skeleton that matches those parameters.
Current Project Requirements:
Low price point per unit.
Easy to build in bulk.
Weapons and armour should reliably defeat armoured vehicles of the same tonnage.
Per the requirements above and our interested contacts, we have a few proposals regarding the chassis design and production which we think will be of interest to you:
Budget Zaibatsu Clone:
We know that the Zaibatsu use an agile bipedal design with multiple weapon hardpoints allowing for customisable loadouts, and their hand actuators are advanced enough to carry and hold external weapon systems if needs be. This makes a lot of sense for us too, given the broad number of customers we hope to sell to. We'll be making a second rate copy, but at least we're copying something we know works - and we can sell it a hell of a lot cheaper than they can.
[Bipedal Chassis], [+] Flexible Design Appeals to Many Customers, [-] Challenging to Design
Simplified Combat Mech:
The flexibility of the Zaibatsu designs are definitely appealing, but it's not like it's hard to imagine what kinds of firepower our customers want and provide it up front. They need a gun that can engage armoured vehicles and Mecha, infantry suppression, and enough armour to take hits and keep moving. Instead of flexible hardpoints for mounting differing weapon systems, we'll just set up the weapons hardpoints in a small number pre-determined locations and keep them simple and focused on just the relevant weapons. If we can cheaply produce hand actuators that can carry external weapon systems, that'll be a bonus, but not a priority.
[Bipedal Chassis], [+] Improved Build Speeds & Maintenance Requirements, [-] Reduced Tactical Effectiveness
Heavy Firebase Crawler:
The Second Tier States are mostly fighting pirates and insurgency movements, or positioning their militaries defensively to ward off potential invaders. They don't need a fancy Zaibatsu clone mech, they need something that can do that. We need to think outside the box! We're proposing a multi-legged platform, somewhere between 4 to 8 limbs, that crawls along the ground. It won't be too nimble, and the Pilots will take some getting used to it, but it'll provide a stable base of fire that will allow us to mount heavier weapons than a Bipedal model, while still being agile and mobile enough to outcompete vehicles in urban and rugged terrain.
[Multi-legged Chassis], [+] Heavy Weapons Options, [+] Limb Redundancy adds Survivability, [-] Reduced Agility and Flexibility, [-] Harder to Pilot
Converted Industrial Walkers:
The African Union is one of the leading interested parties. As one of the few powers on Earth still engaged in open conflict, they were hoping for a new weapon to turn the tides of their war against the insurgencies of Central Africa and the Sahel States. The East African Federation is particularly interested as one of the world's leading producers of Industrial Mining Mecha, and is prepared to source us with industrial chassis at cost, while providing us with additional funding for the rest of the project.
[Bipedal Chassis], [+] Extra Funding, [+] Cheap and Easy to Build, [+] Strong Lift Capacity, [-] Slow Movement, [-] System Needs an Overhaul to make Combat-Ready
Well Director, which will it be?
[] Budget Zaibatsu Clone [Bipedal Chassis], [+] Flexible Design Appeals to Many Customers, [-] Challenging to Design
[] Simplified Combat Mech [Bipedal Chassis], [+] Build Speeds & Maintenance Requirements, [-] Reduced Tactical Effectiveness
[] Heavy Firebase Crawler [Multi-legged Chassis], [+] Heavy Weapons Options, [+] Limb Redundancy adds Survivability, [-] Reduced Agility and Flexibility, [-] Harder to Pilot
[] Converted Industrial Walkers [Bipedal Chassis], [+] Extra Funding, [+] Cheap and Easy to Build, [+] Strong Lift Capacity, [-] Slow Movement, [-] System Needs an Overhaul to make Combat-Ready
[X] Converted Industrial Walkers [Bipedal Chassis], [+] Extra Funding, [+] Cheap and Easy to Build, [+] Strong Lift Capacity, [-] Slow Movement, [-] System Needs an Overhaul to make Combat-Ready
I'm torn between this and the Simplified combat mech, but the fact that we're building for defense convinced me to go for something we can make ubiquitous if we make it decent and affordable.
Also since this is gonna be an East African built mech with this option we could name it the Mkuki (Swahili for spear).
@Verisaimilitude, is there a set size for the converted industrial walker, or do we have some flexibility in how big it will be?
[X] Converted Industrial Walkers [Bipedal Chassis], [+] Extra Funding, [+] Cheap and Easy to Build, [+] Strong Lift Capacity, [-] Slow Movement, [-] System Needs an Overhaul to make Combat-Ready
I'm torn between this and the Simplified combat mech, but the fact that we're building for defense convinced me to go for something we can make ubiquitous if we make it decent and affordable.
Also since this is gonna be an East African mech we could name it the Mkuki (Swahili for spear).
@Verisaimilitude, is there a set size for this one, or do we have some flexibility in how big it will be?
You will have some flexibility with regards to overall size and tonnage with any of these options. In the case of industrial walkers, you'll get a choice of several different types of base Industrial Mecha in different sizes and quirks!
, but I'm sure I'll enjoy whatever you folks cook up!
