We already have the jackal version so I am going to say No to modifying the Coyote. The Coyote was good as a starter project but we now have newer and better versions out there that are available for the Super Robot. So lets not add more projects we don't actually need to focus on to our list okay.
Bruticus? I always thought of that guy's name as Devastator...
But my Transformer knowledge isn't particularly great soo yeah...
As for our creation...
So, by the sounds of it from here on out instead of creating ever improving prototypes we'll be straight-up churning out actual SUPER ROBOTS for use. The hope being that they'll do well enough in the field to be viable without necessarily getting a ton of RP support from us. But that in turn, means that as tempting as it might be to go all-out in creating a terrific machine we really need to weigh the costs and benefits of any particular creation we come up with. Also, our loot tables. What happens if the bad-guys get ahold of our tech when we lose?
Sooo Here's my thoughts on the loot table considerations:
Kausen tech-unfortunately probably some degree of necessary just off Shard Processing. Might want to keep use of this one limited unless Galbinus feels like making a giant broadcast to declare his alliegence with the EUDF. Once it happens though we can happily roll these toys out!
Kaiju Bioengineering- I half-want to make a throwaway Kaiju-mech to get the tech out there, since it has the potential to make Sheol look like a giant loot pinata. Problem is, once his beatdown ends the other factions might turn towards kicking OUR butts for further K-Scale resources. Something to be wary of!
ESP-Peters wants to hog this for the time being which I'd call unfortunate...Except this one hasn't actually gotten far enough that the really good shinies that people are going to want are available on it's own. It seems to be much more of a 'support' tech rather then a prime 'heart of the mech' technology that one could build a Super Robot and base it's powers around.
Configuration-Beware the Boomerang effect- but we're already putting this out there enough that I think we should feel free to utilize this. Notable in that Westphalia already has the beginning steps of this and just haven't refined it much yet.
Max's artifact-we don't have jack from this thing.
I'll see about plan-making once I take a closer look over what we have availible.
There are multiple combiners in Transformers. For reference, Bruticus is mostly military vehicles (Jeep, Missile platform, Tank, Helicopter, Rocket), while Devastator is (ironically) made from construction vehicles.
Fair enough on the Perseus, the Centurion and the Steed. I've more or less abstracted how they shift because they haven't really taken center stage like the Beowulf has.
The Beowulf, on the other hand...well, there's an actual picture!
Mmm, thats actually part of the problem see. We've been iterating model names over changes and the art is of the name at a given iteration. So to formalize my suggestion, a sort of template of useful info for new players or old mechs:
-Unit name
--Unit version history: <Past names>
--Unit appearance(per mode): <Short description or image>
--Unit mechanical qualities
Also a list of pilot candidates and their attributes, since they can't be found either
Indexing, bane of long quests!
Mmm, thats actually part of the problem see. We've been iterating model names over changes and the art is of the name at a given iteration. So to formalize my suggestion, a sort of template of useful info for new players or old mechs:
-Unit name
--Unit version history: <Past names>
--Unit appearance(per mode): <Short description or image>
--Unit mechanical qualities
Also a list of pilot candidates and their attributes, since they can't be found either
Indexing, bane of long quests!
Also, since @Alectai did point it out, I just added the Charged Cannon as an Upgrade option. This includes the passive upgrade to the Charged Cannon you all researched awhile ago, so the Shock status itself will now roll at 2d6, not 1d6.
(Note: A successful Shock Roll will remove 1d6 from an enemy's next Roll.)
Also, Oscar Tellison's pilot profile was updated as well. You can see the new effects Leadership will have on the other formations (such as the Steed or the Phalanx formations).
Maniple Formation - If operating with other Phalanxes, can rally them to the Perseus for a massed charge. Roll 2d6, Threshold of 5-6, inflicts 2 HP. Chance to inflict 'Shock' damage.
You're doing well. If you're feeling tired though, you can try updating this every other day instead of all the week, which becomes taxing very quickly.
Phalanx Formation: Can rally the Phalanxes to charge a designated target en masse. Roll 2d6, Threshold of 5-6. Will inflict 2 HP and has a chance (1d6, Threshold of 5-6) to inflict Shock status. A successful Shock Roll will remove 1d6 from an enemy's next Roll.
Maybe we should focus on one base super robot chassis for each weight class, like having the Beowulf be the base unit that all combinations stem from for our more lightweight robots, Perseus for middleweight and the probably the super big Tank/Artillery mecha that we'll inevitably one day make for heavyweight.
I'd like to also point out that we still don't have a robot that can transform into a flight capable form. I mean we have anti-gravity tech but we don't have any mechas that are built specifically for flying. I was expecting the Pilum to become a vtol/mech but it just ended up being a support combo. Might be something to consider for the future.
You pause as you look at the resultant A.I. "...huh."
"Is something the matter, Major?" Ignatov asks. "I did tell you that this A.I. personality is going to be different from the girls."
"No, no," you shake your head, "I get that." You gesture towards the data box holding the A.I. personality, one that is still slumbering and not properly 'online' so to speak. "But it's a little weird to not just see them floating around the campus like they do."
"Well, he's going to have to be linked directly to one of the Mecha," Katarina explains. "He...won't exactly have an avatar form like we do. His identity is going to be tied directly to whichever he is installed into. Kind of like the Kausen if you think about it."
You blink as you consider that thought. "Are you saying we are creating our own Kausen?" you ask incredulously.
"Very primitive versions," Ignatov corrects you, "But close enough." He shakes his head in amusement. "In all respects he will be very similar to them, enough to cause our friends in the Legion some confusion. If, for example, we installed him into the Beowulf, he would for all intents and purposes become Beowulf. As long as Lieutenant Callaghan is not piloting him, he would be autonomous on his own. He would also be sentient enough to have thoughts, emotions and wants, so we would need to cater to that." He shrugs. "That said, I am strongly recommending that come our first effort to create or retrofit a Super Robot, we install him directly in. He can only be of a great help."
You start to nod, before Katarina's avatar perks up. "...um, Major? Ivanna's asking for you to come by Dr. Brand's lab." She looks...anxious. "The artifact is...talking? That can't be right!"
By the time you realize it, your feet are already carrying you directly to the Xenotechnology Labs.
Gained New A.I. Pilot Personality! Will gain sentience and identity upon installation to Super Robot! Depending on chassis, players will roll for personality.
1947, 28 July, A.D. 2071
Xenotechnology Laboratories, Artifact Containment
"It talked." Max is just staring blankly at the artifact.
"I talked, yes," a strange voice echoes. The words sound less like sound is carrying it, and more like you are recalling the words from a recent television show. It's somewhat disconcerting.
"It talked."
"Yes, I-"
"We were studying a live and separate alien species and we didn't know!?"
"It's not exactly that-"
"Reality has jumped the shark!" Max declares in frustration as she stomps towards the nearby computer terminal.
"...what does...marine wildlife have to-?"
"Don't mind her," you say wearily. The jewel, which was pulsing a soft red color, seems to flare a bit more brightly. And you get the impression that its attention is now squarely on you. "I'm just wondering why you're choosing to say something now instead of when we were poking at you to study."
"My communications software was badly damaged," the artifact explains. "It was a little difficult to do anything besides glow."
"Software?" You study the artifact for a moment, even as in the background Sam is doing his best to keep Max away from the nearby bottle of alcoholic concentrate. "Are you a mechanical construct?"
"In a manner of speaking," the artifact agrees. "I was constructed as an heirloom and aide to my homeworld's ruling family."
"Do you have a name we can call you by?" you ask curiously. "Since you can clearly hold an intelligent conversation - "
" - this makes no sense!" you hear Max continues to howl.
" - a name would help," you finish. By now, you think you've trained yourself to ignore her outbursts.
Mostly.
"Officially, I am identified as the Regency of Varulne," the artifact says. "I am only brought online in times of need." The jewel dims somewhat. "Such as now. I would not be here if the throne world was not being overrun."
"You're a refugee?" You just stare at the semi-sentient jewelry. "Then...how and why did you end up on Earth?"
"It was not necessarily by choice," Regent (as you start identifying it in your head) says. "I was blindly launched away, and it is possible that I collided with debris during the journey. My chronometer is not yet online, so I have no means of ascertaining how long I have been here."
Which...isn't helpful. "You wouldn't be reaching out to us if you didn't need our help," you say bluntly. One hand goes to your chin, tapping against it idly in thought. "Or, at bare minimum, want something. What are you trying to do?"
"An exchange," Regent says matter-of-factly. "Enough of my scanners are still online that I am aware that your government is facing a multitude of threats. I am willing to provide assistance, if you are willing to do the same."
At least it's up front about it. You'll give Regent that. "I take it you want some help to return home?" you ask.
"Just to start." The jewel dims slightly. "I do not know if the Principality of Varulne still stands, or is even a memory. But my programming is clear: I must at least make the effort to find out what happened. To see if there is anyone or anything left to save." The glow then turns extremely harsh, the soft red abruptly sharpening to that of a fiery sunset. "And then gain some measure of justice against those who attacked."
"But who or what were they?" you press. "You haven't said a damn thing about the attackers."
"Record File...corrupted." The harsh red fades. "I was not given time to lay sensor scans on the aggressors. I only have my instructions."
You find that a little dodgy. But this is ultimately not your decision to make. Not yet. And thank goodness for that. "...fine. Then what can you offer us if we help you?"
"The Principality is home to a gathering of the greatest minds of its time," Regent says. More than a little boastfully, you think, but you'll hear it out first. "To great warriors and masterful orators alike. The Great Prince did authorize me to trade some of His Principality's findings as a means of returning home." It pauses, as if thinking of what to say next. "But I am specifically in need of a champion to imbue power into. One that would be able to bear me home, and dispense justice or salvation. Come what may."
There's something about the way it speaks... "Do you know who or what you're looking for?" you ask.
"Yes. I have already scanned some individuals when you posted me above your feeding halls. I have found compatible candidates." Regent pauses. "A fair bargain, I would think. I empower one of your own to become a champion, and with that champion and designs provided from my database, I will help you restore peace and order to your world. In exchange, you will render assistance to bring the champion and myself back to the throne world. Do you accept my offer?"
"It's not my call to make," you admit. "I will relay your offer to my superior. If she accepts, then you can consider it a deal. If not...well." You pause, your turn now to think. "You're not a prisoner here. If she turns down your offer, we'll do what we can to send you on your way."
"Then I eagerly await your superior's response."
I'll bet you are, you think grimly. There's a lot about this you're not getting the warm and fuzzy over.
Artifact revealed to be Regency of Varulne! Offer will be relayed to BG Peters at the beginning of next turn!
Fun fact: I rolled a fair bit to see how much the Regent was willing to divulge. It wasn't much, due to a mixture of being cautious and simply not having the memory of the event.
Turn will open up sometime tomorrow. The build list is almost finalized (plus or minus a few things here and there), but one note.
The Steed and the Pilum will always have an option to Combine, but I am also willing to provide a build option that converts it into its own Core Unit. I'll have to reassign some stats here and there, but it's there if you want.
Anyway, I'm going to go to bed early today I think. Creating this next post is going to require brainpower I currently don't have.
"Well, he's going to have to be linked directly to one of the Mecha," Katarina explains. "He...won't exactly have an avatar form like we do. His identity is going to be tied directly to whichever he is installed into. Kind of like the Kausen if you think about it."
"Officially, I am identified as the Regency of Varulne," the artifact says. "I am only brought online in times of need." The jewel dims somewhat. "Such as now. I would not be here if the throne world was not being overrun."
