'Mass Production NCM's' were already planned. They won't be there from the start, but certain innovations will allow such things to exist relatively soon in RP.
Anyway, still writing the updated stuff up, and nah man it's completely fine by me. I like it when people reasonably critique my stuff, I want to make my things reasonably realistic. Do note I loev grimdark though, so I apologize if something seems TOO METAL \m/ \m/... heheh. mecha amusement park tho.
In summary, would it be better, if, say, the neural plugs modify the neurology of the subject for maximum combat efficiency slowly over time until the point it goes from 'Awkward to move the NCM' to 'Awkward to move their person', and it gains the 'space' for the combat related knowledge by changing the 'sociable' parts of the brain (emotion bits, long term memory, whatever parts deals with relationships, that sort of stuff)?
And I'll remove the absolute need for such extreme cybernetics, yet, they will occasionally still make an appearance, and the PC's could 'trade' them for less 'humanity', yet more brutal efficiency.
I'd be fine with the helmeted things too, It does make some more sense, doesn't it?
And G's aren't just about altitude.
In any case, I'll change the summary in the OP to something that's more reasonable, explained, and a bit less extreme. Do continue complaining, but don't be nitpicky! be as constructive as possible please. You're already doing that, honestly, but y'know..
Well, you know how modern fighter jet pilots have flight suits that constrict blood flow to the legs for example during high-G maneuvers so they don't go unconscious? Basically that, up to eleven. About the eyes, do note that the world did suffer an apocalypse, and still hasn't completely recovered. In my mind, originally Neural Plugs could 'input' what the NCM was seeing 'through' the system, but that particular part of the technology was simply lost, and the only solution the Ruling Companies could find was the very crude system now. You could just use a view port or something, but that offers much less situational awareness, not to mention glass or other see through materials generally just aren't all that durable compared to actual armor.
And yeah, that's sort of what I was thinking on the legs. sure more 2spooky but that works too 100%
And trying to imply a little that NCM pilots suffer from 'cybernetics eat your soul' a little. And I like grimdark so y'know.
And about the skeletons, they're not the most notable, but imagine if YOUR bones were replaced by titanium. Do you think you'd ever get 100% used to it? At the beginning, you'd probably move strangely as your body gets used to moving additional weight, and magnets possibly affecting you is always really weird to explain when you're out drinking with your buddies.
AA&T Is always at the forefront of Explosives and Reactor technology. Their NC's are noted for their heavy armor, massive power outputs, rugged designs, and superb missile computation. Their NCM colors are brown, with blue lights. They use their NCM's as highly effective shock troops, artillery platforms, and base defence units. Their leader has a massive grudge with Serbia Dynamics. Have complete ownership of Denver and New York burrow, fighting SAU over Austin Burrow. NCM Squads named after ancient weapons manufacturers. A customized AAT-NCM037G, AA&T's most famous and, commonly stated, well-rounded NCM model. The first production run produced one hundred and fifty, making it the most prolific NCM model at this time. Fortunately, (for Howling Sands), many of these are currently in storage waiting for their pilots. It features thick armor, superb missile compatability, and decent maneuverability with the stock turbojets for something so heavy. This one has been modified by its' pilot for additional knee armor, and a flashy yellow paintjob. It features two 'AAM-98' model missile pods on the back, which are suited for anti NCM work.
Notable AA&T NCM Squadrons:
Colt Battalion is noted for their extremely aggressive tactics in battle, and being the 'tigers' of the AA&T. While the other two notable battalions expect each other for assistance in combat, similar to a pack of wolves, each Colt Battalion member generally fights mostly alone, not expecting any assistance in their attacks. This highly unusual fighting style has surprisingly brought them a few victories, mainly due to how unexpected and 'weird' it is this day and age.
Winchester is the premier long-ranged squad in AA&T, actually having an NCM part specially designed for their use, AAM-98 missile pods. They feature munitions that combine a perfect blend of numbers, individual punch, and maneuverability. This reflects well on their primary tactic: To overwhelm enemy anti-missile defenses on all sides with missiles coming from all directions, then following that up with superior sniper firepower.
The Wesson test group is the smallest official battalion at only 3 fairly skilled members. They have a special purple paintjob, and their favorite tactic, called by them the "Line 'n shoot", is actually quite debilitating when paired with the other squads. They tend to form a single line, one after the other, each with their preferred weapon. First, the captain charges at the enemy with a bayonetted shotgun, firing wildly, jumping behind the target and stabbing them in the back while the second one charges right after him, firing his dual MG's. All the while, the third in line, piloting a Vertical Missile oriented craft, makes sure the main target isn't allowed to move, before a final charge, likely ramming the target at extremely high speeds. Against other NCM's, this tactic is generally a guaranteed kill.
A group of small corporations, they're world renowned for their superbly stable NCM parts, to the point that an NCM using SAU parts is said to be able to have half of its' body missing, and fight just as effectively. Currently fighting AA&T over Austin Burrow. Their NCM colors are Sand-yellow with black highlights. Their NCM squads are noted for stability, speed, and a love of jamming devices. Squads named after types of snakes. An example of a Cobra Squadron NCM
The 'tip of the spear' NCM wise for the SAU, this squad uses highly maneuverable digigrade types, mainly mounting large arm-mounted dumbfire rocket pods, that could seriously damage other NCM's in single hits. They've always suffered from ammo inefficiency, however.
Copperhead squadron is SAU's rookie squad, which relies on numbers, (being very large at 12 members!), and the element of surprise to win their battles. They all use a setup similar to Cobra Squadron, but combat knives and automatic assault shotguns replacing rocket pods, and fitted out to be more durable, replacing Cobra's speed and momentum.
Located in Canada and Alaska, Ironhide Dev. is well known for using political favors and economical sway to meet its goals. Its NCM parts are the most fuel efficent and versitile in the world, able to preform many tasks with just one module. Their equipment is also well suited for colder climates but not to the point of Coldiron. Their most famous NCM model is actually more of a utility unit called the Sentinel. It's not armored enough to be an assault mech, nor mobile or sensitive enough to be a scouter, yet its' spacious internal equipment bays allow it to be a very good support unit over-all, and it can fit any niche well enough with the right modifications. Standard colors are orange and white.
Africas:
Owning central and south africa, the S-N Corp doesn't make anything worth running home about, using decent, if not stellar equipment in any one area. However, they control a large chunk of the world's remaining rare earth elements that needed for the creation of NCMs and have profited greatly from selling the minerals. Their colors are light brown and red with bits of silver. Interestingly, the unique mercenary, Raymond Alexander, often takes missions from these fellows. Noted to not particularly hate Howling Sands, but they're definitely not allies.
A middle eastern-based company with its roots in Istanbul, their most important facilities are located in North Africa at this time. they put major emphasis on heavy weapons and heavy armor. Thus they have created great engines/power drives and are famed for the best internal structural supports for everything from buildings to NCMs to vehicles. Their iconic NCM is the Berber, an unusual tripedal NCM which is able to field as many siege weapons as an artillery tank company, and is generally much more accurate then one, due to impressive recoil dampening systems. The colors they wear are white and purple with a hint of red or gold, usually.
BDS is the only ruling company of what used to be Germany, and is one of the smallest ruling companies in existence. They only control a single, tiny burrow in Berlin, the others in the area were some of the worst hit locations in the cataclysm, for reasons unknown. Their NCM pilots, however, are the absolute best in the world to compensate for their rarity and relatively 'generic' quality of NCM parts. Their top-ace, Nietzche is one of the oldest NC pilots still alive at 46, it's utterly unknown how he's survived to this point, but hardcore cybernetics is not out of the question. Their NCM's are black and grey, and commonly use non-BDS parts, due to BDS simply not having the relevant materials and infrastructure to create their own lines of parts. Their Neural Computers are easily the best in the world however, they're fast and compatible enough for even the least suitable pilots to have synchronization rates of at least 70%
BDS is, miraculously, actually led by a council of sorts, and their actual 'serf population' benefits from decent enough rights, considering the circumstances. While they're the 'least horrible' of the corporations, they're sadly simply too small at this time to survive, not being able to bounce back from what losses they do suffer fast enough. Every day, is a sad day in the BDS, but they hold onto hope in the face of this darkness.
Again, the oldest still-living NC pilot currently. While he has very little information about his personal life available, he is noted in combat to favor 'all directional attacks', as in, he and his elite squad surround and utterly thrash certain targets, as perfectly coordinated as possible. His NC, the 'Bloody Valentine' custom model, is a red, extremely fast machine with high acceleration boosters. To help withstand the massive G forces he's expected to handle daily, he has had his skeletal structure enhanced and an additional heart implanted, to make absolutely sure he won't blackout during combat maneuvers for any reason.
Led by Nietzche, BDS's one and only squad is extremely effective, even if they're almost always excessively outnumbered, and commonly using outdated technologies. Even with their relative rustbuckets, their raw piloting skill, each of them being classed 'Royalty-level' pilots, and synch rates easily compensate. Even with their abilities, however, the age of their machines is showing every time they launch. Constantly suffering from faulty weapons, engines, or other equipment, they commonly have to make do on-the-fly.
Controlling what used to be Russia and China, Volkov is easily the largest of the Ruling Companies. They have a gigantic amount of conventional weapons, and seem to have a distrust of the NCM concept utterly. What few NCM's they allow in their militaries are generally geared to aerial domination, which fits in perfectly with their existing love of giant multi-purpose airships, and having massive air fleets in general. Their colors are gray and red. Pictured is one of their 'Hresvelgr' class flying fortress type airships, each having a wingspan of up to 600 meters. Three of those monstrosities are operational, and they use thermal turbojets (the same propulsion system as NCM's) to reduce the need for on board fuel, saving weight for weapons systems and hangar bays. It's commonly said each is able to take on the entire military staff of a burrow, and win.
Their only notable NCM pilot is one 'Vladimir Lyadov', who is generally thought to be serving completely against his will.
Vladimir Lyadov is a happy enough man in person, considering the rumored circumstances. His NC, the 'Greased Lightning' (translated) is built entirely for speed and maneuverability. Due to this, it has very few heavy weapons, the only system on it that could be classified as one is a back-mounted folding energy cannon. Other then that, it has an extra lightweight rifle and plasma blade.
Volkov is led entirely by one man, who rules with an iron fist and with a heavy hand.
The single most powerful man in the world, he rules Volkov and its' serfs with absolute, unwavering authority, and anyone who detracts him is silently eradicated. While his lands are peaceful, serene, and easy, if you go one too far of a step out of line, you and everyone you love may just 'go missing'. Such is life in Volkov, such is life in this world.
Another Ruling Company on Eurasia, based in Belgrade Burrow, they're effectively the equal, yet opposite of Volkov, being small, and filling the niche of extreme land warfare specialization. They developed the concept of the 'Sand Crawler', effectively, utterly massive trains built with NCM grade hover technologies to hover above the dunes. Fitted with battleship grade armor and firepower, they're the only things that could be called 'conventional', and could realistically take on multiple NCM's and survive. With support, possibly even win. They've made massive amounts of money selling the concept and test data to other companies, yet haven't done much with it yet. Colors are black and red. The original test Sand Crawler, codenamed 'War-Track'. Still operating today, defending their borders with its' massive amounts of weaponry.
The TTC is based in what is left of Korea and Japan. While it is a small ruling company, it excels at nano-technology with many of its creations able to transform or alter themselves in some way. They have a number of special creations to help their cause such as the Geass Perpetual Motion Drive, Projected Wire Anchors and High Frequency weaponry. Their equipment often runs with black and gold colors with a light grey being thrown in sometimes. A 'Tai 18' prototype transforming NCM. Toyomomi has been experimenting with the concept for a few months now, and has very recently been public about it. While the transformation systems would make an NCM more fragile, the tactical flexibility and improved aerodynamics of a jet mode could be a great boon. TTC does plan to roll out the first production models very soon.
Strangely, they're noted for an extremely high fraction of female pilots, thirty-two of their forty NCM pilots being female.
A ruling company based on the remains of a largely untouched Australia, their hovercraft and low altitude flight abilities are second to none. ArOs vehicles are incredibly flexible in their uses since they aren't bothered by things such as rough terrain. Weapon wise, they enjoy the idea of using focused beams of energies and solar power. They have rapidly expanded into the rest of Oceania and Polynesia and are pushing on Asian companies. Their colors are shades of tan, biege and brown.
At the forefront of NCM development, the BUA have the most NCM units active of any company on the world. They have a large stake in almost every corner of the globe, with most companies somehow tying back to them in some form. Being at the head of the NCM game, they naturally have the most advanced models and their newest, called the MO-Z44 Mk. VIII Lancelot Modle Sabre (Which is still being developed) has highly advanced technology behind it. In many cases surpassing pre-war NCM designs.
Its most notable ability is that its generator is able to produce newly discovered SANM particles, which can be manipulated for various purposes. For example, the VIII could create a 'blanket' of SANM particles below it to hover in mid air for long periods of time. Their colors are white, red and a touch of gold, blue or green depending on where its made (gold for England, Blue for Ireland, Green for Scotland)
Recently, there have been reports of a strange new weapon that's similarly designed to BUA NCM's attacking Volkov. Only a single photograph exists of this extremely unusual craft, which is commonly thought to be a hoax or propaganda by Volkov to stir up resentment of BUA in their populations and military.
In any case, BUA has reported that their top test pilot, 'Arthur', has been missing... is there a connection?
Poles:
Coldiron is located in what was the southern polar ice caps back before the war. Unlike many other companies, they use giant ships and large rigs as factories and buildings as there is very little space to actually build on land since much of the ice has melted. They comb and mine the ocean floor for resources which has resulted in their NCMs and sea-borne vehicles to be very resistance to pressure and sometimes some of the most armored of any other company. Their NCMs are incredibly effective in otherwise hazardous environments and many of their technologies are well suited for aircraft as its built to with stand high pressure and freezing cold temperatures. Their colors tend to be white and shades of blue and lighter blues. An example of one of their NCM's, a CI7 Arctic Defense Type.
Lovely, Eklispe! Your setup is decently balanced, and Shinon is looking pretty good. I think we'll wait on the two others a bit for theirs, and I'll do some more fluffy things in the characters tab. Please, feel free to post your PC's there, they're approved. (to both Echos and Eklispe)
REMEMBER THOUGH that you're all not exactly 'pretty' due to the NCM related surgeries. I've said this already, y'know, replacing your legs, skeleton, and eyes
An extremely mysterious NC, is legendary even to the common individual in the Burrows. Its' origins, motives, and objectives are completely unknown. All that is certain is that it shows up to combat zones across the world, utterly destroys one side, and heavily damages the other. Each battle, it gets notably stronger... Some say it's an evolving test NCM made by some pre-war government, which has turned into a near-literal living god. Others say it's sent from a distant, horrific future, erasing itself battle by battle to make sure it never needs to be necessary.
Whatever the case, it's the poster child of a well-designed NCM: at 25 meters tall, it's large, strong, fast, and whatever controls it is highly skilled. Its' 'wings' are its' main weapons, aside from propelling the unit at massive speeds and generating a powerful energy shield which makes it almost immune to energy weapons, they contain micro-missile launchers, and one gigantic energy cannon each. Its' arms can open up, revealing powerful machine guns in each arm, and its' elbow-blades are actually high-density plasma emitters, meant to be used as close combat weapons. It's unconfirmed, but its' also said it can morph into different modes...
Raymond 'Ray' Alexander.
The only remaining completely independent NC pilot in the world.
The only 100% independent NC pilot on Earth. All of the others have either been absorbed into the corporations, the last rebel group (Howling Sands), or have died. Being the ultimate independent, he's highly skilled. Some say, though, he's just very lucky. He's a quiet, simple man, yet... If anyone has talked to him for an extended period of time, he's more interesting then he looks. Few people know this, but he has a small family to support. He's also, fairly depressed and quite saddened about the current difficult duality of his life.
His current NCM setup is a high-speed brawler type, a medium weight with its' legs replaced by large thrusters, and with two automatic shotguns as main weapons. It has sensor-jamming devices mounted internally and anti-radar coating equipped, which, combined with its' advanced sensor suite, effectively means he'll see you before you see him. NCM:
'Jack'
An unknown individual, he's a world-famous serial killer using knowledge gained from working on NCM pilots and related surgical procedures to cause as much pain and suffering from his victims. One of the least painful ways he does this is drugging people unconscious, then experimenting on their nervous system and how it interacts with massive amounts of electricity, effectively forcing his 'patients' to convulse themselves to death when they wake up. Some think he's just a story used to scare kids straight, but as more and more corpses are found around the world with their nervous systems fried...
(More to be edited in later as I finish their concepts.)
Note: No possible implications are necessarily intended by the 'rough estimate of appearance' images.
Higher ups:
Thermidor Neuton
Face always stolen from sight by his strange mask, he's the 'official leader' of Howling Sands.
Thermidor is noted to be highly charismatic, yet, in private, to have emotional distance to all of his underlings and peers. However, he has inspired massive loyalty from Howling Sands, none of his compatriots would dare betray him. His quarters are accessed by a special hallway in the third floor's barracks, with six doors inside, each having a different biometric key system. Has mentioned being very partial to fine cheeses. Nothing else is completely concrete.
Jeanne Meridia
A repentant corporate Ace, nervous system damage and just plain combat injuries means she'll likely die in months. The right hand woman of Thermidor, when it comes to military action. Rough appearance: Jeanne is noted to have had one of the most botched Neural Plug procedures in history, yet, her determination and pure stubbornness allowed her to survive. She was officially an 'Ace' before deciding to join Howling Sands. While Neural Plug degradation has completely removed the possibility of piloting an NCM, she still has a massive amount of experience. Fighting a simulated version of her is the final, hardest test in the HS base's combat simulation pods.
She's also trained each PC (coming from Howling Sands anyway) to the absolute best of her abilities, while you're all easily not at her level, you're all definitely proficient.
Henry Traore
The only man in HS able to, and who procures, much needed supplies and NCM parts. Rough Appearance:
The black sheep of a prosperous, somewhat influential merchant family (which is able to theoretically have 'fair' competition against at most one of the smaller Ruling Companies), he's the most 'sociable' of the higher ups. He's quite obsessed with his looks, and will likely be fairly pissed if you ruin one of his expensive suits. However, he isn't one too hold grudges for too long, and is simply in HS to create a better world.
Howling Sands
What used to be a DUMB for an unknown party before the war, (Deep Underground Military Base) It was recently discovered by Howling Sands after they 'liberated' a newly-found pre-war military database from a Ruling Company. A few more are around the world, and Howling Sands has hidden those as well, in case this one is found out. In the event it is, it's ready to blow at Neutons' discretion at any time. It has six launch rails that were originally meant for aircraft modified to fit NCM's, and enough storage space for twelve connected to it. It has all amenities you'd expect a military facility to have, and an on-site nuclear reactor, which HS had to spend a fair amount of resources to fix when they found it. While it's been a costly endeavour for HS the entire time, it's served them well through the years, and will likely serve them for many more.
Its' list of rooms include:
The Primary hangar & entrance, currently mostly unused, due to it still being renovated. It seems to have been meant for a specific type of cargo craft. The Secondary hangar & entrance, next to the primary one, which with its' six opening launch ramps is perfect for launching the NCM squadron. The primary cargo elevator, which is able to maneuver NCM's through each level,due to being connected to the two. Mainly the the first and third floor, so engineers can move the NCM's to the third one for repairs.
The second floor holds all of the 'perssonel' rooms, such as the briefing room (connected to a stairway that leads to the first floor's secondary hangar), a currently non-functioning command room being refitted, barracks (including kitchen and such), and other amenities.
The third floor is primarily devoted to power generation and storage, where a large amount of emergency repair material is held. Also, however, it does have backup primary facilities in case the second floors' command rooms and barracks are disabled. Thus, the third floor command room is the current one. Also, Neuton spends most of his time here it seems in his private quarters.
Oh, and another update, everyone is allowed to start with flying thrusters, yet I will allow you to downgrade them/remove them, which will make me be fine with you upgrading other things. (I'm fine with you trading speed and flying for more dakka, effectively. Just note that flying is going to be a useful thing to have in general, though!)
Oh and Echos, I'll assume from now on that's totes what you were planning, since with that your mecha seems balanced enough. I'd remove the AIN though, you can 'unlock' that later. huhuhuhu.
Go with both! I should've said this sooner, each PC can have one co-pilot, HOWEVER, the co-pilot does NOT have the Neural Plug implants, and I humbly request they're close enough friends at the start.
Edit: Co-pilots are like RIO's (the guy in the back who handles the radar and communications, maybe run diagnostics and makes sure the NCM is operating at full efficiency in combat)
