Slamurai

FRAMEs: Chapter II [Reboot] (Mech combat, politics & corporate intrigue)

<Snipped quote by Aristo>

I'd change mine, but I don't really like the design of either of them much, so... ^^;;

@Silverwind Blade

The XCD sure does tend towards round, bulbous designs. The SL, NSU, and the "Euro" governments tend towards more boxy, angular FRAMEs.

FRAMEs: Chapter II [Reboot] (Mech combat, politics & corporate intrigue)

I've added two FRAMEs to the available list: the MS-30 Fenghuang FR Type and the MHA-16 Leopard. One's a high-mobility force recon/frontliner, and the other is a superheavy fire support platform. You're free to stay with the FRAMEs you've got; especially if it's a Kirin, but these are available once we hit our new base of operations.
(and they might not be a bad idea if your FRAME is held together with ductape)

MS-30 Fenghuang FR Type

Manufacturer: Wong Dynamics
Height: 4.6 meters
Weight: 6123 kg
Armor: 51 mm armorplast alloy
Speed (Walk): 52 kph
Speed (Skate): 84 kph
Sensor range: 3.5 km
Communication range: 30 km
Operating range: 600 km
Weight: 3
Power: 3

Unique Subsystem: Jump jets (does not count towards total)

The Fenghuang has been the standard service FRAME of the XCD for only five years, replacing the aging Marauder. It is unique in that it has no discernible “head” unit. Rather, cameras and sensors dot the bulbous torso in all directions. The FR (Force Recon) variant has upgraded sensor and electronic packages, rivaling that of the Kirin. Its bigger frame and power output allow it to carry more armaments than its lighter counterpart. The Fenghuang FR is widely used by XCD special operations-capable units. The FR also features a pair of jump jets, allowing the FRAME to leap small distances and reach high places. The jets can also be used to propel the FRAME on the ground, giving it unparalleled maneuverability.

MHA-16 Leopard

Manufacturer: Canton
Height: 5 meters
Weight: 8990 kg
Armor: 90 mm armorplast alloy w/ ceramic alloy
Speed (Walk): 35 kph
Speed (Skate): 62 kph
Sensor range: 2 km
Communication range: 21 km
Operating range: 400 km
Weight: 4
Power: 2

The XCD's Leopard boasts exceptionally thick armor, and towers over most recon FRAMEs. Designed for fire support, it has the power and durability to carry four weapon systems, plus a reasonable number of subsystems. Its defense comes at the expense of speed and mobility, and its electronic systems are not as state-of-the-art as other modern FRAMEs. In light of these shortcomings, the Leopard does its intended job very well: dropping rounds from afar when and where they're needed.

As usual, you can change your weapon loadouts and create role-specific subsystems. Just thought I'd give you a sneak-peek of the cool stuff ahead.

Star Heresy

<Snipped quote by Aristo>

Lol, yes we are. Sorry.

@AmongHeroes

Well, I think I'll keep myself subscribed in case somebody drops. Everything in the OP is right up my alley; just bad luck to stumble on the OOC late!

FRAMEs: Chapter II [Reboot] (Mech combat, politics & corporate intrigue)

Hope I'm not going too fast; anyone can reference past dialogue/info in their posts. Breaks in time can be separated by the hr tags.

You can respond to the Q&A and everything that's happened in the briefing, and are also free to jump forward to the voyage to the Fort.

FRAMEs: Chapter II [Reboot] (Mech combat, politics & corporate intrigue)

"My thoughts exactly," Bentz replied to the recon pilot. "We can't afford to get by on table scraps any longer. A partnership with the XCD will get the unit back on its feet. This is the most practical course of action the Panthers can take."

Richard pressed a button on his PADD and the holo-table's display changed once more. Images of several FRAMEs were imposed in the air, along with datasheets and promotional videos depicting the models in action. Cecilia recognized some of them: all high-end XCD machines. They were leagues apart from some of the old Handous that were decaying in the Samigina's bay.

"Director..." Cecilia gasped. "The XCD is actually supplying us with these?"

Richard smirked, still studying the holo-display. "The option is there, if you feel the need to retire your old-timers. In any case, if we're going to be operating as an auxiliary of the XCD, it'd save us a lot of trouble to get familiar with their equipment. When in Carth..." *

"I've made arrangements for Fort Huangdao to receive the Samigina," Colonel Leung said. "The Panthers will be attached to the 3rd Battalion, 26th Armored Reconnaissance Regiment. For the duration of your contract, the Panthers will receive orders from Battalion HQ. As an auxiliary unit, you'll have some degree of autonomy under Captain Bentz, but will be expected to abide by standard XCD Army conduct while on its premises."

"The Samigina will embark for Fort Huangdao, Nansheng first thing tomorrow morning," Richard added. "We should arrive within the day. In the meantime, I've uploaded material to your PADD clouds to familiarize yourselves with the way things are done in the XCD Army. I'd recommend studying up on the trip. If there are no further questions, I'll let Colonel Leung be on his way."

* FRAME-universe equivalent of "When in Rome," saying.

---

Later, outside the Samigina

"<Colonel? It's me.>"

"<Sir. The Panthers have been briefed on the venture between themselves and the XCD. I just stepped off the landcruiser.>"

"<With any luck, the Panthers ought to be a useful asset. I know it must seem like a risk to invest so much in them, but at least it'll keep them in the dark until the time is right. You saw how they handled Captain Tong's unit.>"

"<I agree, Sir. Dangerous, but expendable. I just hope the Regiment HQ will have enough errands to keep them busy with.>"

"<If not, we can always create some. I've passed instructions to Colonel Yu. I need you back here for the time being. We need to talk about the League.>"

"<On my way, General.>"

{Closed}

Got a post up! I think Ezheia is probably the only one with something other than "Kill it!!!" in her head. But maybe she's looking too much into things.

{Closed}

_{Sister Ezheia}

Unknown Location - 500/500 HP - 6/6 Stamina

---

Ezheia's eyelids slid ajar, welcoming her not to the faces of her troupe in the wagon, but to a dead, slate sky. Her ears rang and vision blurred for several moments, before she forced her senses to normalize. Her nostrils burned with the scent of embers, followed by the reek of decay that lingered after a battle. Her fingers eased themselves around her bow, which had slid from its sheathe and now lay parallel to her. The grass beneath her resembled white ash more than it did vegetation. The Decanus strained to lift herself from the ground; a struggle made harder than it should have been, given that she did not feel completely... inside of her own body.

The other members of the troupe were easing themselves from the dirt. She recognized their faces, but struggled to piece each to a name. The only one she managed to recall in that hazy moment was Fiona, another sister of the Order. Ezheia drew herself to full height, approaching her subordinate to discern her condition. The girl was unhurt, but no less dumbfounded by whatever instance had led them here. As Fiona pushed herself to her feet, Ezheia caught a glimpse of the trio in red.

They stood facing the party, faced hid in the folds of their hoods. While Ezheia could clearly see them, they appeared... unwhole; as if they were both present and somewhere else entirely. It was a strange notion to wrap one's head around, and before Ezheia could attempt to draw an explanation, two of them were gone. The third raised its - her? hand, and a handful of figures materialized from the wisps of shadow that rolled lazily through Ezheia's vision.

The summoned were grotesque amalgamations of men and excess flesh. They bore no faces where they should have had them. They were armed with rudimentary weapons, but did not brandish them. Their movements were sluggish, unsure. The last crimson wraith disappeared from view, and Ezheia's ears caught the words, "...survive this ordeal, a great reward awaits you." Now, the featureless constructs gurgled and moaned to each other. Though difficult to look at, they were peculiarly nonthreatening.

Almost as if they weren't intended to...

Several members of the party were already charging with blades in hand, nothing on their minds but the annihilation of the ghouls before them. Ezheia raised a hand, shouting "No!" in warning, but blades had already struck flesh. The Decanus cursed, striking her thigh with a fist. She prayed her hunch was wrong, as she notched an arrow and let it fly into the bare face of the nearest brute.

Star Heresy

Awwww... you're full.

FRAMEs: Chapter II [Reboot] (Mech combat, politics & corporate intrigue)

Entirely unrelated to any current discussion, but this is the sort of firepower and intensity I imagine us putting downrange, times four.

FRAMEs: Chapter II [Reboot] (Mech combat, politics & corporate intrigue)

@Dark Light
Poor Kat... I'm really wondering how we'll handle her condition; considering there are still lots of ops awaiting the unit and things to get done. But I do like that we have some tension and character depth to play with!