It's on the list of things to do. I have it in a note on my desktop. Other things on it are the Battleship idea, The triplets being more geared for support roles than front lines, and the building of more Pegasus class dropships for our Super Robot Platoons. do remember that now that we have 2 full platoons with 2 more in the process of forming. we need to give them Support units and transport dropships to ferry them around to various targets. Beowulf and Perseus are fully formed while Thunderbolt and Ichiro are in the ending and beginning stages respectively of getting a platoon put together as support.
I'm somewhat tempted to have our aquatic unit be a hybrid of those Saddle helicopter bits and some as of yet unnamed watercraft requisitioned from the Marines that we give the triple changer treatment.
We could also give a Seeker a super robot treatment, but I really like the idea of a destroyer or submersible rising from the ocean on jump jets and using the momentum to piledrive a kaiju.
Sheol:: HAHHAHHAHHAHHAH I have you now Brat!
Hiroki: Have, just who the hell do you thing we are!!!!
Every Super Robot suddenly forms into a super uber mega badass Super Robot and proceeds to one shot sheo's entire army
I'm somewhat tempted to have our aquatic unit be a hybrid of those Saddle helicopter bits and some as of yet unnamed watercraft requisitioned from the Marines that we give the triple changer treatment.
We could also give a Seeker a super robot treatment, but I really like the idea of a destroyer or submersible rising from the ocean on jump jets and using the momentum to piledrive a kaiju.
A submarine/aircraft/humanoid triple changer sounds damn useful, actually. I was focusing too much on making it seaworthy to consider that it wouldn't take much effort to turn hydrofoils into wings, since they're literally the same thing. You've got my support on this submersible triple-changer idea of yours. I kinda wanna make it an AI, but then I wanna make everything an AI these days so I'm not a reliable judge of practicality on that front. Anyway, now to start brainstorming names, both for the generic version and the Super version...
And a super Seeker seems good, aside from how it might lead to character/robot bloat. Getting our amphibian Super Robot up sounds like a higher priority to me, to be honest; don't wanna wind up with so many pilots that Basa can't give any of them focus. If he thinks he's up for it, though, we should absolutely go for it.
...and it's just striking me that, aside from how it doesn't split up into multiple vehicles, the Seeker is probably the closest equivalent to the Getter series in-setting from a purely mechanical standpoint. Thus, if we do make a SR version, I insist on giving it an axe as its primary melee weapon.
A thought, can we look through the Earth Union's vehicle inventory for an underperforming gunboat or PT boat? That might be a good start for an aquatic unit if we don't want to use the stuff we got from the Marines.
A thought, can we look through the Earth Union's vehicle inventory for an underperforming gunboat or PT boat? That might be a good start for an aquatic unit if we don't want to use the stuff we got from the Marines.
Sadly, not quite what I'm looking for. Boats of most types are specifically designed to not sink; thus, we'd either need to specifically go hunting for submarines (difficult since submarine warfare hasn't been a thing since around the time the Super Robot Era started, as stated in Year 3 Turn 7) or design one ourselves.
Thankfully, making it a triple-changer should eliminate the "overspecialization" issue that no doubt led to standard submarines' decommissioning.
edit: Further brainstorming regarding the specifics of this new triple-changer follows...
Multiple small rotor-blades keep it aloft in aircraft mode; these rotors shift to propulsion in submarine mode.
Pterawing wings will be good for both aircraft-mode wings and submarine-mode hydrofoils. Submarine mode will likely double as a glider due to this. I envision 4 wings/hydrofoils, like an X-Wing from Star Wars.
The nose of its vehicle modes is a drill (we all know how much our pilots like ramming, so might as well build to support it); this drill could become one of the arms in mecha mode.
Having issues coming up with a ranged weapon that would be useful no matter where it is; torpedoes wouldn't be worth much in an air engagement, and I can't think of much that'd work underwater if it's not designed for it... Considering harpoon launchers, but those unfortunately sound kind of like one-shot weapons.
Potential arm for a Super Robot? We've already got the Duo considering giving the Perseus a drill rocket punch...
QM Note: I admit this one is a little messy, but based on the rolls, I felt this was appropriate. Hope you all like it.
1530, 18 December A.D. 2072 C-Crystal Chamber
"...holding steady..." Dr. Brand and Dr. Carlson were both fussing over their respective monitors in the circular chamber. The rocky walls were mostly smoothed out, its crevices and uneven surfaces helping to cast odd shadows from the main source of light in the chamber. "Sam? Frequency?"
"Bit more from the top," came the noncommittal reply. "Candidate's making it pretty easy, honestly."
"I'm still annoyed," Dr. Brand huffed. "'Purity of heart?' How do you even judge such a thing?"
"What, do you want a scorecard based on adherence to the Golden Rule?"
"I would, actually. Would help to actually quantify this data." Dr. Brand peered up from her console, staring directly at the figure standing in front of the Master C-Crystal. "You! Stop fidgeting!"
"You know that's not going to make me stop, right?" Richard Callaghan was standing in front of the C-Crystal, and for the life of him he couldn't recall a similar time when he felt so judged by an inanimate object. "And before you ask again, yes, I did remember to go to the bathroom before I started the test."
Left with nothing else to do but glance around from his fixed position, Richard could only glance around as best he could. Behind the main holding capsule that dominated the center of the chamber, both of the doctors were working on...something on their consoles that were on an upper gantry level. But it was hard to focus on them when the central capsule just dominated all attention in the room.
The Master C-Crystal. A large floating red crystal that spun softly around, casting cheerful red light across the chamber - and very specifically across Richard. It might have been due to how bright and almost blinding it was, but the crystal seemed to change shape. One moment, it looked like something that would fit on the crown of royalty. The next, it glinted in a shape that seemed like a stereotypical 'jewel' picture from roleplaying games. And yet again it almost appeared like a perfectly shaped sphere. The only thing that remained constant was that it wasn't.
All the while, Richard couldn't help but keep thinking back to certain memories, memories he hadn't dwelled on in quite some time. His time in highschool, and the bullying that he had to endure. The cute girl he never worked up the nerve to ask out on a date. His commissioning into the U.S. Army, followed by his secondary commission to the EUDF-
"Well, stop anyway!" Any additional words from the irate doctor was put on hold as a final notification popped up on her console. "Alright, for the marbles or lack thereof this time. Hold. Still."
"But-" Suddenly, Richard, found he didn't exactly have a choice. The light suddenly grew even more blinding, all but obscuring Doctors Carlson and Brand, and even the shape of the crystal itself momentarily vanished.
< His duel against the Dragon, and the Dragonfly it became. His manic aerial ballet against the Warlord. All of his combat experience seemed to flash before his eyes - >
- WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR? -
- but Richard cast them aside. He couldn't stop staring in fascination, as memories that were misty from the length of time returned to him in picture-perfect clarity.
'This is Callaghan! Kausen engaging downed friendlies! Engaging!'
'Pleasure to meet you, Sir. I hope our discussions can go forward in peace.'
< - the CRX prototype held firm, the crude limbs ripping the roof of the wrecked Coyote clean off to allow his fellows to escape as he engaged the Westphalian Frankenstein machine - >
- But you all volunteered for this job. Maybe not for this post, but you all volunteered to help Sam with his research. -
The answer came clearly to Richard, even as a more recent memory came unbidden.
1752, 16 December A.D. 2072 Engineering Bay, Temporary Rocket Testing Zone
The alarms had started sounding right as what Dr. Brand had called the 'audition' C-Crystal had been installed into his K-Suit.
"All Engineers, evacuate the immediate area!" Katarina's voice sounded frantic, more so than usual. "Misfire in the Rocket Testing Zone! All Enginee-!"
The Beowulf Fenrir, already pre-combined from earlier experimentation, was already charging away from its hangar, and Richard had barely felt the maintenance harness neatly rip apart from the sudden impact. Already ahead, he could see the bright flares of the discontinued rocket system Major Devin had acquired, and his mind was already starting to feed data considerations of force and possible trajectory of the rocket - and more critically, the possibility, however remote, of the rocket hitting a nearby civilian center.
He never noticed the C-Crystal's light filling the cockpit.
With one giant leap, the Beowulf Fenrir launched itself into the air just as the rocket began to lift off - and the boosters of what was the Foxhound screamed into life as it propelled the combined mecha directly onto the fuselage. Large, metal hands dug deep into the surface as the pilot's mind worked overtime, forcing the physical might of the Fenrir to wrench the rocket onto the ground even as the MMI was running hot to feed calculations into the booster's flight computer.
Callaghan didn't consider that a head on collision might destroy him and the Fenrir and the rocket in one fell swoop. He only was concerned with wrenching the rocket back to the ground, beyond the Institute's walls, well short of it hurting anyone else-
His world collapsed as he momentarily blacked out, even as the light of the crystal flared even more brightly -
THE PRESENT THE FUTURE
"...research that could, just maybe, hold a secret we need to help keep the dream of the Union alive long enough so our children will remember what we did for them. And if these tests pan out? We just might call on you to perform another great service to the Union and all she stands for. So from the bottom of my heart…thank you."
Richard blinked as the memory of the recent near-accident flashed before his eyes. But that was all he had time for before the clarity of the memories once again cut off, leaving only the chamber he was standing in front of.
With a concerned pair of doctors peering at him from just inches away.
"...lieutenant? Hello? Earth to Callaghan?" Max snapped her fingers in front of his face a few times. "You've been standing there for two hours. Did you just find enlightenment or something?"
"I..." A flash of red light appeared once again - this time from Richard's chest.
A triangular red crystal hanging on a loose thread of golden string rested against his chest. "...I'm...not sure."
0943, 17 December A.D. 2072 Commandant's Office
"...on the one hand, whoever your contact was, Sir?" Katarina's hands were on her hips as she did her best to stare you down. "There were some systems in there that they hadn't fully defueled." The effect still looks more adorable than terrifying - but you know her better than to make the mistake of the former. "Someone could have gotten hurt from it!"
"So I noticed." You're still staring at the long, long de facto irrigation ditch that the rocket had dug right outside of your walls. The rocket's fuselage still stuck upwards, miraculously not destroyed or permanently damaged.
And the collapsed form of the Beowulf Fenrir, still clutching it tightly as if it were still intent on keeping it pinned to the earth.
"...on the other hand, thankfully even if Lieutenant Callaghan hadn't interfered, it wouldn't have landed anywhere that could hurt someone," she concludes, visible relief on her face. "I mean, it's the principle of the thing!"
"But he did interfere." Your arms are crossed behind your back as you continue to study the display before you. You can't help but allow a proud, satisfied smile to cross your face. "And I'm glad he did." Turning your attention back to Katarina, you give her a thoughtful glance. "That said...he was able to aim that fairly easily."
"It does give food for thought," Katarina agrees reluctantly. "Maybe not for the combined mecha, but...an initial strike glider? It would only be a one way trip for it..."
"I could also see it for payload and support module delivery." You nod, making a note for yourself. "See what we can make out of it later. But first things first - make sure Callaghan is alright, if just so I can smack him across the face with his commendation for worrying us."
C-Crystal Integration and Usage Requirements definitely tested. Purity of heart and strength of character directly leads to greater focus and potential power output for the pilot and the machine respectively.
Beowulf Fenrir fully integrated with C-Crystal.
New potential options for Rocketry System - Support Module Delivery or One-Way Strike Craft. New Engineering Options available next turn.
Hmm Integrate C crystal to Perseus then they should have enough deeds considering they held the line 2vs1 while still not complete then keep on fighting to support against the 3rd kaiju.
Edit:Our SAI should still needs some more exp to probably pass and a Test if C Crystals can boost Kausenlike.
Hmm Integrate C crystal to Perseus then they should have enough deeds considering they held the line 2vs1 while still not complete then keep on fighting to support against the 3rd kaiju.
Edit:Our SAI should still needs some more exp to probably pass and a Test if C Crystals can boost Kausenlike.
Perseus would presumably need two C-Crystals (one for each pilot). On the one hand, that's a taller order than Beowulf; while they work for the good guys, that doesn't necessarily mean they're Good Guy enough to satisfy the Crystals. On the other... that sounds like it'd give it a bigger boost than the Beowulf will get from Rich's new Crystal.
As to whether the C-Crystals work on Kausen (and, by extension, our AI Super Robots)... pretty sure they do; when the Regency first activated, it specifically mentioned "viable candidates" in plural, with the implication that Cavalier is one of them (admittedly I might be reading too much into this bit). It's presumably having issues with Zulu because it doesn't have as strong of a personality, and is thus harder to scan (though even without that Zulu probably isn't Good enough for a C-Crystal of its own).
Well, aside from making an AI based on someone's personality and sticking them into a Super Robot? Our only real option is to con another branch convince other military branches to send us potential pilots. And that tends to not happen all that often, really.
True enough, as far as it goes, but unfortunately Super Robot-tier pilots are few and far between- and likely to become more so as our roster grows, if only to prevent character bloat.
We can Contact Ground Force to ask if they were wiliing to Second Tank Pilots for a Centurion Support squad which can give us another pilots. Also we do need an Artillary squad which centurions can provide especially with DFRI version using Energy Blasters instead of Normal Ammo.
True enough, as far as it goes, but unfortunately Super Robot-tier pilots are few and far between- and likely to become more so as our roster grows, if only to prevent character bloat.
Honestly, I think the 3 Super Robots and their Pilots we have rn is a good number. Wait, is it 4 because of Jessica? Anyways, we have a good number rn. We should probably avoid expansion at the moment and the near future so we can roll out upgrades.
Honestly, I think the 3 Super Robots and their Pilots we have rn is a good number. Wait, is it 4 because of Jessica? Anyways, we have a good number rn. We should probably avoid expansion at the moment and the near future so we can roll out upgrades.
To be fair, we're nowhere near as action-strangled as we used to be thanks to our new ability to assign 2 projects per advisor, so we might be able to manage one more robot in the near future. Especially since I'm pretty sure Beowulf is, essentially, feature-complete, so most upgrades we could give it, specifically, would be incremental (and can thus be postponed until we have several new developments to apply at once).
So you're kinda right with both numbers: We have 4 total Super Robots, but only 3 that particularly need the upgrades.
It just occurred to me that out of what we've got, the Charged Cannon would probably be the best weapon for the submarine/aircraft/mecha triple changer. Might have some issues keeping the electricity from dispersing too much underwater, but other than that it'd work pretty well. Would give pretty good incentive to upgrade it some, too; it kinda bothers me how we haven't really invested much into it- I mean, it's a lightning gun, which means it's awesome.
That said, if we could get our hands on the tech behind Cav's Concussion Blaster that'd probably be ideal.
...I hate how I keep having these "eureka" moments when I'm trying to get to sleep...
