Slamurai

FRAMEs (Mech combat, political intrigue & corporate struggles)

@Aristo
I did a thingy character!
Go look!

@WilsonTurner

I just added to the political section with overviews of the governments that appear on the map; with them done, maybe you could flesh out a bit of a history? It doesn't have to be terribly long, but just serves to inform me of your character's experiences prior to joining the Panthers and how they got there. Another paragraph or so to Disposition or so wouldn't hurt either. Don't forget the inventory and funds sections; I may have added them after you got your WIP up. Inventory just catalogs all the personal equipment your character carries (sidearm, uniform, helmet, personal belongings, etc. etc.)

I should also mention that Cradle Dynamics is based in the Sodroyan League, although has little affiliation with the government. SL is where we'll be starting off.

FRAMEs (Mech combat, political intrigue & corporate struggles)

Okey Dokey, I've got a few questions to get a better feel for the setting's tech level.

1. You mentioned Ace Combat, and I know it was just in the context of Strangereal, but this does raise the question to me; will there be wacky super weapons such as but not limited to flying fortresses and other wonderfully things?

2. Are Energy Weapons a thing in setting and if so to what degree? Same question with regards to things like Rail/coil guns

3. You mentioned the opening of the solar system but how open is it? Are there full on habitats and stations out in the void that house civilians yet or is high orbit and beyond the sole purview of Governments/Megacorps?

4. Finally what is the state of cybernetics, Genetic engineering, and Artificial Intelligence?

-----------------------

Also I'll have my character up shortly.

@Commodore Robot

1. It's a definite possibility - maybe not exactly the same vein as AC, but large 'super-FRAMEs,' landships, satellite systems, etc. might come into play down the road.

2. Energy and plasma-esque weapons are super-experimental and nobody actually uses them in combat... yet. Railguns and particle accelerators exist, though are rare. Only the best of the best have them, but there are plenty who would try to get their hands on them.

3. There aren't any colonies established off-Earth just yet; the possibility has been entertained and many nations are very, very close to wrapping up projects that may allow for it. Most of orbit is the domain of corporations who are eager to exploit resources off-world.

4. Cybernetics are relatively commonplace; many veterans will have cybernetic implants to replace lost limbs, eyes, etc. Some top-tier special operations units undergo mandatory cybernetic surgery to increase their performance. However, Ghost in the Shell-esque cyberbrains and wholly prosthetic bodies are just dreams as of now. AI exists and helps to manage functions in large installations or ships. They aren't as advanced as to have developed their own personalities, but you could say it's not too long before it happens.

FRAMEs (Mech combat, political intrigue & corporate struggles)

Character sheets and FRAME sheets to come shortly; I need to add briefs and a map displaying the major factions and we'll be set!

FRAMEs: Mech combat, political intrigue & corporate struggles on a fictional Earth, a la Front Mission/Armored Core

@Mr Allen J@Timeless@Dynamo Frokane@Vigfast@Terminal@WilsonTurner@Sophrus@Dreaming@Gun@Commodore Robot@Silverwind Blade
Hey all!
I have put the OOC up here: roleplayerguild.com/topics/88177-frame..
Note that I still am working on labeling a map and writing up briefs of the major factions, but I wanted to give you the basics of FRAME customization and let you sample the parts available at the start.
I'll be honest - I know the selection at the moment is rather sparse (two FRAMEs and four weapon selections) but after the 'intro' mission your options will open up greatly. I just wanted to K.I.S.S. for the opening and then let you get into the good stuff after we've gotten comfy.

FRAMEs (Mech combat, political intrigue & corporate struggles)

IntCheck can be found here: roleplayerguild.com/topics/88128-frame..

FRAME was/is intended to be a futuristic, mild sci-fi setting drawing inspiration from games and anime franchises like Armored Core, Front Mission, VOTOMS, Patlabor, Ghost in the Shell, Heavy Gear, etc. It revolves around the exploits of pilots and their FRAME machines (F.ully R.eactive A.rmored M.obile E.ngines). FRAME blends storytelling with a light numbers system - players are encouraged to modify their FRAMES using simple mechanics and reap the benefits within the IC narrative. While mech-on-mech action is its main appeal, Mobile FRAME also has the opportunity to grow into a deep space opera, wrapping players up in political and economical tensions and including possibilities for character development. While the original setting took place in our Solar System and involved a dominant Earth government and many independent planetary colonies, this reboot will take place on a fictional planet and in its immediate orbit, not unlike the Strangereal universe of Ace Combat. Detailed information on the setting, FRAMEs and so on can be found below:

Setting Overview

It is the year 2173 of the so-called 'New Renaissance' era. Mankind probes beyond the reaches of Earth, entertaining the possibility of establishing colonies elsewhere in the Solar System. Technological developments are at an all-time high and civilization has prospered thanks to the contributions of scientific and mechanical advancements. However, not all is tranquil on our blue planet.

The sovereignty of Earth's countries have given way to the dominance of powerful supranational unions and massive global corporations. The planet toils under the growing demands of its population as businesses churn out products, foodstuffs and other necessities. Hungry for more resources to maintain their growing populations and drive up profit, Earth's major powers turn their gazes to their neighbors.
Strife between supranational powers and corporate entities is a common and expected phenomenon. While no official declarations of war have been declared in recent years, tensions have sparked armed skirmishes across the globe, often in the form of false-flag operations and by means of proxy states.

Caught in the tension between the transnational governments and corporations are dozens of mercenary regiments which sell out their talents to the highest bidder. Often military veterans or deserters, these hired guns do most of their employers' dirty work - keeping their clients' hands clean, for a fee. There are many sell-swords out there willing to do just about anything for money and a bit of thrill, while others are more politically motivated. Mercenary regiments are as diverse as they come, yet one thing's for certain - in a web of intrigue and backdoor deals, the jobs are never in short supply.

FRAMES

"FRAME" is the name attributed to the machines which have taken Earth by storm. FRAME stands for “Fully Reactive Armored Multipurpose Engine.” They are (usually) humaoid in appearance - comprised of two arms and legs, a torso and head of some kind. These machines are designed to carry out functions which can be done by humans, only on a much larger scale. Initially used for labor, FRAMEs are more often associated with a military context nowadays.

While they are relied on greatly in civilian life, FRAME development has been guided by military-grade research. Within a combat role, FRAMEs are ideal machines for high-speed, high-mobility operations, in which other vehicles would be too unwieldy. They operate not unlike conventional infantry, but upscaled. FRAMEs vary in size depending on their purpose, although most military FRAMEs top off at six meters (approx. nineteen-and-a-half feet) in height. Civilian FRAMEs are considerably smaller.

FRAME squadrons are typically deployed as semi-independent strike units and given objectives such as force reconnaissance, or flanking maneuvers in conjunction with a conventional armor force. FRAMEs are ideal counters to infantry and light armored vehicles, and can easily outmaneuver heavier vehicles in compact urban or jungle environments. They are intermediaries between armored vehicles and infantry, more versatile than a typical IFV and bringing more firepower to bear than a standard infantry fireteam. Despite this, FRAMEs are rather vulnerable individually and hardly ever operate alone.

As semi-modular machines, FRAMEs can be fitted with a variety of equipment and weaponry and can bring an array of powerful armaments to an engagement. Most are armed with autocannons resembling up-scaled rifles as primary weapons. Supplementary armaments can include missile and grenade launchers, rockets, cannons and so on. Most FRAMEs can carry around three armaments at maximum, with the addition of antipersonnel or integrally-mounted weapons. Light machine guns, Gatling guns and canister shells are typical defensive weaponry. While the combat protocol of most militaries pass the notion of hand-to-hand between FRAMEs as unrealistic and impractical, there are mercenaries who try to make use of melee weapons on their FRAMEs, whether for better or for worse. Their effectiveness is dubious, but that hasn't stopped them from trying.

The cockpit of a FRAME is located in the torso and allows the pilot to perceive the outside world through electronic monitors. These displays are connected to various cameras fitted on the FRAME's body; the primary of which is typically mounted on a head unit. A number of sensor suites are also contained within the head unit, allowing it to see in infrared, thermal and night vision. Other systems allow for target acquisition, designation and enable use of GPS. Many FRAMEs are partially controlled through a helmet-mounted display. The pilot is able to slave his machine’s weapon systems to their helmet display, effectively controlling the movement of his weapons with his head, much like the system used by Apache helicopter gunners. Cockpit designs closely resemble that of jets, having control systems that make use of combinations of sticks, throttles, and foot pedals. Overall appearances and controls may vary from one manufacturer to another.

The latest military-grade FRAMEs are powered by miniaturized, thermonuclear reactors and held together by an internal skeleton of sorts, to which armor and components are attached. Myomers, thin tubes of artificial musculature, sheathe actuators, which are essentially the joints of a FRAME. The combination of these components allows FRAMEs to perform precise movements and to an extent, mimic that of the human body at the pilot’s slightest touch. Multiple layers of laminated steel and composite armor protect the FRAME's internals. In comparison to a main battle tank or armored personnel carrier, a FRAME’s armor integrity is rather light by necessity. To remain mobile, FRAMEs sacrifice protection for ease of movement and speed, fulfilling a niche role on the battlefield. While impervious to small arms and machine gun fire, FRAMEs can be damaged by a direct hit from a high velocity 40 mm grenade launcher and will fare worse to anything more powerful. Armor-piercing autocannon rounds can threaten a FRAME’s armor, and anti-tank rockets or missiles will surely knock it out. To protect themselves against guided weaponry, FRAMEs are fitted with smoke, chaff and flare launchers, and most have electronic warfare packages installed. Main battle tanks and aircraft are a FRAME’s most dangerous adversaries, especially on open ground. Despite this, FRAMEs can just as easily destroy each of these with the appropriate weaponry, especially when cooperating as a team.

FRAMEs are able to operate in a wide range of environments. Common methods of deployment include airdrops from aircraft with sturdy parachutes, amphibious landings by use of underwater propulsion packs, or direct transit via ground-based carriers. All FRAMEs have wheels affixed to the soles of the feet, which are what makes them so mobile. They can use these wheels to “skate” over both short and long distances and perform quick maneuvers or evasion. The style of wheels can be swapped depending on the terrain and can be replaced with tracks. Legs can even be replaced entirely with a tank or IFV chassis. The multitude of options available to FRAMEs makes them truly versatile machines.

Political Map & Faction Details

Details for transnational governments are given below, separated by continent:

NSU (North Sotraecan Union): The NSU is a leading global power, being among the first to develop and introduce FRAMEs as military assets. It has the second-largest economy in the world and enjoys a level of human development that puts other nations to shame. Despite this, it has become somewhat decadent in recent years – a flaw that many believe will enable the SSU to gain an edge in the war.
SSU (South Sotraecan Union): NSU and its neighbor have been at odds since their inceptions, with war undeclared but skirmishes between the two are an everyday occurrence. The SSU rivals its neighbor in terms of FRAME technology and boasts a greater population and military strength, though is at an economic disadvantage.

UKE (United Kingdom of Estovia): The UKE is in a comfortable position, buffered from the warring between the USK and PU by the ISS. The UKE is a kingdom in name only, having became a democratic union of states just three years ago. It clings to its old moniker and its beloved royal family as a figurehead; perhaps as a reminder of its past. It is on friendly terms with the EC and ISS, and cooperation between the three in overseas operations is common.
EC (Emarran Council): Several decades ago, the EC would had crushed the ISS, if it were not for the efforts of the UKE and NSU. Once a military dictatorship, the EC has reformed into a democratic republic and made amends with its neighbors. It is one of the leading nations in terms of technological advances.
ISS (Independent Sardonian States): The ISS was created by a collection of small countries to stave off the EC during its totalitarian regime. With the UKE's aid, the ISS avoided total defeat and proceeded to make its mark on the international community by launching a series of development projects that would spearhead its way from humble origins into one of the world's leading cybernetic producers.

USK (United States of Kamdesh): Just five years ago, the USK was part of the PU. A handful of states declared their independence from the fascist country and presently fight a war to preserve their sovereignty. The USK is supported militarily and economically by several countries: the EC, UKE, ISS and SL. With the backing of allied nations, the USK is faring well, but time will tell if the fledgling country will hold out.
PU (Perizian Union): The PU is a fascist, militarized state that once threatened both continents to its north. However, its reach suffered when several of its states broke off to form the USK. It has few allies, trading only with the OSU and SSU, and even then, relations are not all they could be. Rumors exist of progressive parties within the country, who aim to end the war with the USK and instate a new order.

OSU (Osbanian Socialist Union): The OSU is a collection of states that banded together in response to the formation of the PU. An industrial giant, the OSU managed to get along with its neighbor instead, forming a nonaggression treaty and even collaborating on economic and military developments. However, since the outbreak of the USK, the OSU has severed a few of its ties to its former partner, for fear of pressure from the USK's supporters. It is at odds with the SL over territorial disputes and clashes along the border are routine.
SL (Sodroyan League): The SL is made up of many diverse cultures and languages, and has somehow managed to maintain the loyalty of its member states over its course of existence. It is a true melting pot, and also a haven for many escaping war in their corners of the world. The SL is on poor terms with its western neighbor, as many of its ethnic groups consider the OSU to claim land that they feel is historically theirs.
XCD (Xiang Cooperative Dialouge): A number of countries both on the mainland and on neighboring islands formed the XCD in response to the NSU's growing influence. The XCD maintains a strict neutrality in the affairs of other nations, amassing its own strength while insulated from their troubles. It boasts a very developed economy, rivaling the NSU. It is suspected that the XCD has a finger in many global corporations, selling to both sides of conflicts and reaping the benefits.

FRAME Customization System

Players have the option of buying new equipment for their FRAMEs during downtime in-between missions. Black market arms dealers follow mercenaries on their travels, eager to do business with pilots that require a steady stream of supplies.
FRAMEs can be bought as whole units, each model having slightly different capabilities and selling points. These are noted in their entries. Each FRAME has its own power value, which is an abstract number representing the maximum weight of equipment it can operate. FRAMEs themselves have their own weight value, which is subtracted from their power value for determining capacity.
Weapons, additional systems and computers are bought and installed separately. Equipment of similar types are grouped together in hiders. Every piece of equipment has its own abstract weight value. The sum of a FRAME's equipment weight cannot exceed its total power value.

Example: A Cradle Dynamics ACS-3G Zaruga has a power of 130 and weight of 80. Using its 130 power, it can support its own weight of 80, plus a remaining total of 50 weight worth of equipment.

Over the course of the RP, more diverse and powerful ranges of equipment and FRAMEs will be available for purchase. The prices are listed in their entries. Player equipment that is outdated or unwanted may be sold back to markets.
All transactions post-start are to be recorded in the players' respective FRAME sheets and reported in the OOC with a mention to notify me of changes: @Aristo.

Available FRAMEs and Equipment

This is a list of options that are available to players at the start of the RP. This list will expand as the RP progresses and the Panthers travel to new locations. Players will be notified of changes to this list with posts in the OOC with everyone's username mentioned. Any combination of equipment may be fitted to a FRAME so long as there is room for it on the machine and the total weight does not exceed the FRAME's capacity. Owned/purchased equipment that is not affixed to the FRAME sits in a player's theoretical stockpile and can be swapped around outside of missions.

FRAMES:

ACS-3G Zaruga

Manufacturer: Cradle Dynamics
Height: 4.1 meters
Weight: 5230 kg
Armor: 20 mm durasteel alloy
Speed (Walk): 65 kph
Speed (Skate): 91.6 kph
Sensor range: 5 km
Communication range: 25 km
Operating range: 600 km
Extra Systems: ECM suite, laser target designator
Power (game mechanic): 130
Weight (game mechanic): 80
Price: 468,750c

A small, lightweight FRAME, the Cradle Dynamics Zaruga has been the reconnaissance machine of choice for many militaries. Its performance in combat proves its worth not only in a scout role, but in assaults and specialized operations alongside heavier FRAMEs. The Zaruga is lightly protected, although its speed and maneuverability makes up for its lack of armor.
The Zaruga was widely used by the SSU during its counterattack against a major NSU offensive in 2171. The machine gave SSU forces a considerable edge over their enemy in the country's rainforests; its small stature and strong radar and sensory computers enabled it to outmaneuver and ambush the NSU's more cumbersome FRAMEs. The powerful ECM and computer suites of the Zaruga make it a pricey machine, however.

MP21-AC Handou

Manufacturer: Kelhei Manufacturing
Height: 4.3 meters
Weight: 6627 kg
Armor: 45 mm durasteel alloy
Speed (Walk): 42 kph
Speed (Skate): 72 kph
Sensor range: 2 km
Communication range: 10 km
Operating range: 500 km
Power (game mechanic): 140
Weight (game mechanic): 85
Price: 221,590c

Kelhei's Handou is among the most popular FRAMEs for mercenaries, as they are plentiful, easily salvaged and very sturdy. The Handou has seen combat in all corners of the globe and is appreciated for its rugged simplicity. They are also cheap to buy and modify, making them a good start for up-and-comers to the mercenary business. The simplicity of the machine makes it easy to refit, keeping it up-to-date with newer technology. It can function well as a middle-ground machine, doing a number of things quite well, but leaves specialized fields to FRAMEs that are made for them.

LBG-22 Kirin

Manufacturer: Canton
Height: 4.1 meters
Weight: 5100 kg
Armor: 40 mm armorplast alloy
Speed (Walk): 52 kph
Speed (Skate): 84.2 kph
Sensor range: 4 km
Communication range: 30 km
Operating range: 700 km
Extra Systems: ECM suite, laser target designator, backup sensors
Power: (game mechanic) 135
Weight (game mechanic): 70
Price: 389,333c

The Kirin is Canton's answer to the Zaruga. Using an advanced alloy of steel, ceramics and aluminum, the Kirin boasts 40 mm of armor protection; twice the thickness of its competitor. The armor is also lighter, giving the FRAME a weight of 5100 kg – 130 less than the Zaruga. It boasts a greater communication and operating range, however, falls behind in speed due to a less advanced motor package and has a slightly shorter senor range. Despite these shortcomings, the Kirin is favored by the XCD's Haak Gwai (Black Ghost) special forces unit. It is also less costly than the Zaruga, thanks to more efficient license-sourcing and Canton's “affordability program."

Weaponry:

Machineguns

FRAMEs are armed with machineguns for anti-personnel purposes. Although ineffective against armored vehicles, their high rate of fire gives them an edge against soft targets. Most are mounted on some part of the FRAME's chassis, but some models are carried.

MG27 Light Machinegun

MG27 Light Machinegun
Manufacturer: Radley Arms
Caliber: 7.62 mm
Effective Range: 400 m
Penetration: 15 mm of vertical steel alloy
Rate of fire: 650 rds/min
Ammunition capacity: 800 rounds
Mount: torso
Weight (game mechanic): 2
Price: 250c

LBU-3 Heavy Machinegun

LBU-3 Heavy Machinegun
Manufacturer: Radley Arms
Caliber: .50 (12 mm)
Effective Range: 400 m
Penetration: 19 mm of vertical steel alloy
Rate of fire: 1,100 rds/min
Ammunition capacity: 800 rounds
Mount: torso
Weight (game mechanic): 3
Price: 300c

Autocannons

Autocannons are the primary weapons of most FRAMEs, resembling upscaled assault rifles. They are always carried in one or two hands, as dictated in their entries.

AFC-40/L Autocannon

AFC-40/L Autocannon
Manufacturer: Halabrad-Phell
Caliber: 25 mm
Effective range: 800 m
Penetration: 65 mm of vertical steel alloy
Rate of fire: 600 rds/min
Ammunition capacity: 60 rounds/magazine
Ammunition types: APDS-T, HEI-T
Mount: carried, one or two hands
Weight (game mechanic): 8
Price: 12,000c

GPR-21 Autocannon

GPR-21 Autocannon
Manufacturer: Canton
Caliber: 30 mm
Effective range: 1200 m
Penetration: 105 mm of vertical steel alloy
Rate of fire: 400 rds/min
Ammunition capacity: 60 rounds/magazine
Ammunition types: APDS-T, HEI-T
Mount: carried, two hands
Weight (game mechanic): 10
Price: 15,000c

Rocket Launchers

Rocket launchers are typically mounted on the shoulders of FRAMEs. They take the form of pods, fitted with several unguided warheads. The smallest carry eight, while the largest may hold more than thirty. Although rockets are unguided, they offer considerable punch and the ability to saturate a wide area with munitions.

LP-90 Light Rocket Launcher

LP-90 Light Rocket Launcher
Manufacturer: Halabrad-Phell
Diameter: 52 mm
Effective range: 400 m
Penetration: 140 mm of vertical steel alloy
Ammunition capacity: 8 rockets
Ammunition types: HEAT
Mount: shoulder
Weight (game mechanic): 24
Price: 21,000c

Missile Launchers

Like rockets, missiles bolster a FRAME's ability to combat armored vehicles. Missiles, however, are guided munitions and are much better-suited to destroying heavy targets like main battle tanks. The missile systems listed here may be either anti-tank or anti-air.

MGR-2A Anti-tank Missile

MGR-2A Anti-tank Missile
Manufacturer: Cradle Dynamics
Diameter: 152 mm
Effective range: 1200 m
Penetration: 625 mm of vertical steel alloy
Ammunition capacity: 1 missile/launcher
Ammunition types: tandem HEAT
Mount: shoulder
Weight (game mechanic): 20
Price: 30,000c

GAM-51 Anti-Air Missile

GAM-51 Anti-Air Missile
Manufacturer: Cradle Dynamics
Diameter: 70 mm
Effective range: 8 km
Penetration: N/A; Aircraft only
Ammunition capacity: 1 missile/launcher
Ammunition types: High Explosive Annular blast fragmentation
Mount: shoulder
Weight (game mechanic): 10
Price: 30,000c

Mortars

Mortars provide FRAMEs with indirect fire, allowing them to shell enemy positions from a distance and behind cover. They are less accurate than other weapons, but effective at creating kill-zones and hindering enemy morale and movement. While they are able of destroying light vehicles in optimal circumstances. they should not be relied on to provide a unit's primary source of firepower.

BAD Light Guided Mortar

BAD Light Guided Mortar
Manufacturer: Radley Arms
Diameter: 60 mm
Effective range: 1200 m
Penetration: 225 mm of steel alloy in optimal conditions (top angle-of-attack, 0 degree obliquity, etc.)
Rate of fire: 4-10 rounds/min
Ammunition capacity: 12 shells/launcher
Ammunition types: HEAT, HE, Guided munitions
Mount: shoulder
Weight (game mechanic): 20
Price: 20,000c

Bazookas

Bazookas are rocket-firing cannons, offering hard-hitting firepower. They have low ammunition capacity, but make up for this shortcoming with destructive power at close range. Despite being thought of as heavy weapons more suitable to artillery FRAMEs, they are most often employed in the hands of small, fast machines, which are able to get in close and use the weapons to their true potential. Bazookas are typically carried in one hand, while the length of the weapon is rested on the shoulder of the same arm. For this reason, the shoulder must be free of other equipment.

ATB-140 “Bully” Light Bazooka

ATB-140 “Bully” Light Bazooka
Manufacturer: Radley Arms
Diameter: 80 mm
Effective range: 800 m
Penetration: 250 mm of steel alloy
Ammunition capacity: 5 rockets/launcher
Ammunition types: HEAT, HE, APDS
Mount: carried (one hand) & shoulder-mounted
Weight (game mechanic): 25
Price: 32,000c

Other Systems:

EVF “Chameleon” Active Camouflage

EVF “Chameleon” Active Camouflage
Manufacturer: Various
Mount: N/A; internal systems & external coat
Weight (game mechanic): 5
Price: 35,000

The “Chameleon” active camouflage system was first developed by Canton as a means to hide the visual signature of its FRAMEs. It has now been copied in some form or another by most major defense companies. It consists both of an internal suite and external coating applied to the machine. When active, the coating blends with the FRAME's surroundings, much like the system's namesake animal. This makes it more difficult to spot at range, although the heat and radar signatures of the machine are otherwise unaffected.

Explosive Reactive Armor

Explosive Reactive Armor
Manufacturer: Various
Mount: external coat
Weight (game mechanic): 5
Price: 25,000

Reactive armor offers FRAMEs additional protection against AT weaponry. This armor package consists of many 'cubes' that cover the chassis of the machine. These cubes are actually out-ward facing explosives, which detonate when they come into contact with a penetrating weapon. The metal plates and the explosion will damage solid penetrators and disrupt the velocity and angle of the attack, and hinder a metal jet penetrator's path through the material. Once a section of reactive armor has detonated, that spot loses the protection it once had, and will be just as vulnerable as normal.

C3 Imaging Suite

C3 Imaging Suite
Manufacturer: Various
Mount: N/A, internal
Weight (game mechanic): 5
Price: 40,000

The C3 is an advanced suite of senors, radar and imaging software, ideally used by commanders and recon units. It makes use of powerful software and computing systems to fuse sensor data from all battlefield sources and known FRAME databases together to create an accurate overview of the battlefield. This presents pilots with an accurate, real-time picture of the combat environment outside his/her FRAME and doubles the effectiveness of conventional radar and senor systems. FRAMES with a C3 installed can share data with each other more readily than those without.

About the Preying Panthers mercenary unit

The Preying Panthers are a diverse collection of FRAME pilots and support and logistics personnel. Created three years ago by former UKE Army Captain Richard Bentz, the Panthers are a small but strong fighting force, having served a wide array of clients; both the political sphere and in the corporate sector.
The Panthers' base of operations is a Bhargest-class landcruiser named the Samigina. It boasts a powerful array of armaments and can accommodate up to twelve FRAMEs and a handful of armored vehicles. Bentz directs the day-to-day activities and missions of the unit from the bridge of the Samigina. His FRAME team leader is Cecilia Lang, a young pilot formerly from the XCD who takes charge of the unit in the field on his behalf.
The Panthers are currently under contract with Cradle Dynamics, which has seen hard times recently, as the warring between the OSU and SL has heated up in recent months. Cradle Dynamics suspects its competitors are trying to take advantage of the fighting to damage the company's assets.

Miscellaneous Setting Lore & In-Universe Objects

PADD

PADDs are the setting's equivalent of newest-generation personal phones and tablets. They are complex, multi-functional devices and used in both civilian and military applications. Every Panther is given their own PADD, which functions like a phone, but also is used to access FRAME and equipment data. It also allows access to emails, bank accounts, the internet and other multimedia applications. They can interface with store kiosks to make purchases. Richard's PADD allows him to oversee every detail of the Panthers' day-to-day activities, and gives him a rough overview of the Panther's combat activity, using similar technology found in the C3 suite. Military-spec PADDs are rugged, durable pieces of equipment, whereas civilian models are stylish and have various aesthetics, depending on the manufacturer.

Augmepazine

Augmepazine is a pharmaceutical drug prescribed to people with implants or mechanical prosthesis. It's used to treat symptoms of rejection; in many individuals, the human body will reject augmentations over time, which can be potentially life-threatening, if those augments are connected to vital organs. Augmepazine helps the body to function with, rather than against, foreign materials in the body. However, in a few rare cases, individuals have become addicted or overdose on the drug. Anyone with enhancements is expected to pay for prescriptions (doesn't count towards our gameplay mechanic), and so the poor sometimes are unable to fight their body's rejection, or avoid getting augments at all for this reason.

Rules:
Your typical, sitewide RPGuild rules apply. Be cool to everybody and settle issues in a civilized manner. Violence is to be expected. Romances are encouraged and even I like racy stuff, but if it belongs in PMs, then take it there.
I ask that posts contain a minimum of two or three well-thought-out paragraphs. Quality is more desirable than quantity. Advanced section standard apply.
Please, please, pleeeeeease make sure to read and understand how the power/weight and the buying/equipping systems work before writing up a sheet. Do ask questions if you're unsure!

Character Sheet:

Name:
Age: (18+)
Gender:
Disposition: (What is your character like? How does he/she perceive the world? What makes them tick?)
Background: (Where is your character from? What has he/she been through prior to joining the Panthers?)
Appearance: (A picture, and/or a descriptive paragraph are fine)
Inventory: (What does your character carry on his/her person?)
Funds: (Players start with 600,000c to spend on their first FRAME)
Other:

FRAME Sheet:

Name:
Manufacturer:
Height:
Weight:
Armor:
Speed (Walk):
Speed (Skate):
Sensor range:
Communication range:
Operating range:
Extra Systems: (if mentioned in entry)
Power:
Weight:

Equipped Armaments & Systems: (must meet power/weight restrictions)

Storage: (equipment possessed, but not equipped)

Roster

Active Characters:

• Cecilia Lang - Aristo
• Harold Bjornson - WilsonTurner
• Bernard Emmerich - EmptyArmor
• Ryder Octavio - OppositionJ
• Edward Johanson - Windicator
• Sarah Duncan - DarkStar
• Marlene Abdelkadar - Foster

7/12 Slots Filled

Characters either on indefinite personal leave, MIA or no longer with us:

• Cheryl Avice Azor - Darkspleen
• Elaine Morgan - Silverwind Blade
• Maia Leventis - Cerberov
• Jason Smith - Sophrus
• Isabella Leclerc - Commodore Robot

FRAMEs: Mech combat, political intrigue & corporate struggles on a fictional Earth, a la Front Mission/Armored Core

@Silverwind Blade
I knew it was just a matter of time till you stopped by!
You're welcome to join in; always did enjoy working with you.

FRAMEs: Mech combat, political intrigue & corporate struggles on a fictional Earth, a la Front Mission/Armored Core

So for clarity's sake, FRAMES are like Wanzers and Gears right? Decently mobile but not capable of flight or anything?

Edit: reading comprehension is a hell of a drug.

@Commodore Robot

Quite right!

FRAMEs: Mech combat, political intrigue & corporate struggles on a fictional Earth, a la Front Mission/Armored Core

@Aristo I vote to buy as a whole unit, call me simple but its just easier to focus on RPing for me.

@Dynamo Frokane

That'd definitely make the system simpler so more focus could be paid to the narrative. Also, less work for me!

FRAMEs: Mech combat, political intrigue & corporate struggles on a fictional Earth, a la Front Mission/Armored Core

@GunI'm wrapping that up today!
@Mr Allen J@Timeless@Dynamo Frokane@Vigfast@Terminal@WilsonTurner@Sophrus@Dreaming@Gun@Commodore Robot
In the meantime, I have a matter I'd like to call a vote of sorts on. I've been a bit indecisive about this and want to know how you as players would prefer it:

FRAME chassis: Would you like to buy the core, arms, legs, etc. separately as in Front Mission/Armored Core, or as a whole unit? Because the stats of the weapons and other equipment are narrative-driven, there isn't a tremendous reason to differentiate between chassis parts unless you want arms with built-in armaments or a tracked unit instead of legs. We could go with a hybrid system that allows for both options, allowing you to replace bits and pieces; that would mean assigning monetary costs to every part in addition to calculating their weight. If we buy parts separately, how in-depth would you prefer it? Do you want to buy left/right arms seperately? Should heads come with the core unit? Etc, etc.

FRAMEs: Mech combat, political intrigue & corporate struggles on a fictional Earth, a la Front Mission/Armored Core

@Gun
The weapons available to you will be mildly limited at the start of the RP. Over the course of our operations, the variety will grow and there will be many more distinct armaments to chose from. There will be rough categories, such as light, medium and heavy autocannons, which can be inferred from the statistics of the weapons. I will try to keep the equipment available diverse so you'll have plenty of choices.

Here's a sample of what a weapon entry might look like:

LFC-40/M Autocannon
Manufacturer: Halabrad-Phell
Caliber: 30 mm
Effective Range: 1200 m
Penetration: 105 mm RHA
Rate of Fire: 300 RPM
Ammunition Capacity: 50 rounds/magazine
Weight: 8 (Weight is an abstract value subtracted from a FRAME's power/weight output which signifies how much gear it can carry. It does not signify an actual form of measurement)

And weapons will be grounded together by type in hiders. The reason for starting off with a more limited roster is to keep things fresh and have better gear to look forward to. As a reminder, these values, asides from weight, have no hard effect on any battle system. They are just guidelines to follow in the narrative.

As far as things like flight go, no FRAME has obtained true flight at this point in time. There will be boosters and such that could allow for limited jumps, but sustaining flight has not been achieved. FRAMEs can control their descent from aircraft with boosters as well.

Energy/plasma in a weapon/defensive context is extremely experimental at this point. No FRAME unit has been formally issued equipment that makes use of the technology, but that's not to say it won't appear down the road. For protection, we're mostly looking at armor, positioning, conventional countermeasures, etc. Alloy shields exist, but are not widely used by professional militaries.

@WilsonTurner
That sounds fine to me; I will be sure to incorporate systems that'll be geared towards those kinds of roles in the starting allotment so you can grab them early and work towards that niche.