Slamurai

Mercenaries of Mundus-Opinions Needed-Come take a look!

Large scale battles are great-and there will be plenty of them in this game with opportunities for all. But open warfare with large armies is simply not something that happens all the time (in the world of Mundus or real world history). To break the monotony of war, rest, train, war I want to give a variety of missions, guarding, searching, dungeon delving, assassinating, scouting etc. Small scale simply presents more opportunity for my world and your characters. Does that make sense?

@Polybius

I suppose so, yes; but there's also no reason why those kinds of missions can't be done by a few, key handpicked elites from a larger force. I could have, say, my best scout commander and a few men, plus a spy/assassin character go and observe enemy positions or raid a camp, while the rest of the army does something else.

In the Black Company, there are thousands of individuals within the Company, but only several are actually named and given center-stage in the day-to-day of the story. The same thing can happen here, with hundreds of mercs in the backdrop doing battle, but having a handful of central characters do the heavy lifting in and outside of battle, going on missions, etc.
There are grand battles, but the meat of the story is the small-scale endeavors of a few key characters, who are part of the whole they represent. Yet, without the context of their thousand-strong company and the goings-on of the wider picture, their actions would be meaningless.

Without the greater host of men and the context it provides, you're left with a few brigands or strongmen, which doesn't feel like a true merc company, in my eyes; Just a street gang.

FRAMEs: Internal Security FRAME Unit 3 [Sci-fi, mecha, law enforcement action]

Well alright I will give it a shot. Were is the CS? Also, i can be very good at fixing spelling and grammatical errors however, right now I am on my phone. My phone is horrible so my grammar might get a bit skewed when I cannot get on my computer.

@RedNightHunter

A CS skeleton will be up when the OOC is up. Can't give a definite ETA, as I'm still scouting for interest, but I'm putting it together.
In the meantime, think about what sort of role you'd like to fulfil: a FRAME pilot, a comms officer, support truck crew, weapons specialist, lieutenant, etc. etc.
There'll only be about 3 FRAMEs or so. The rest of the unit will tag along and provide support via helicopter, armored truck, or however else it is needed. The commanders will more than likely be on-board with the rest of the team, rather than in the seat of a FRAME.

FRAMEs: Internal Security FRAME Unit 3 [Sci-fi, mecha, law enforcement action]

>Armored core
>Front mission
>Ace Combat

...Why do I have to be doing other things?

[Intense sobbing and angst]

@LHG100

So do this instead.

Mercenaries of Mundus-Opinions Needed-Come take a look!

As a fan of Glen Cook's Black Company, I'm super down for this.

However, I'd like to make a proposal. As written, the RP seems to be very small-scale; most companies probably won't exceed 20 or even 10 men. Personally, I'd be more interested in a slightly larger scale; in the realm of controlling small, private armies.
I don't want to derail the initial system, but if other players are also more inclined towards a bigger scale, then I might suggest instead of hiring and equipping single individuals, we replace them with formations of men, and any equipment or upgrades they receive can be treated as unit-wide. The possibility for RPing interaction between key characters can still be there, while players can control companies with a little more substance and bearing on the setting.
Again, if popular opinion leans toward the single-man, small-scale, then I've got no problem with it; but I'd really be more invested in a RP with more bodies where our actions carry more weight.

Examples:

Rather than hiring one warrior with a fine-condition sword, I hire a unit of X warriors with fine-condition gear.
or I upgrade a unit of X scouts to skirmishers, and give the whole unit the Y feat.

The CON/DEX/WIS stats could represent the respective strength of a body of men, rather than a single man.
The HP system could represent casualties in the units, and fighting could still be done in a grid, with letters representing formations. Not much would have to actually change, mechanics-wise.

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

Wooshhhhh

A Gilded Throne - A Shadow Looms (Closed)

Somewhere along the Ignis/Khomeria border

Claw/Aristo collab

Dorias, along with his cousin Vermias and the Iron Guard now exited Khomerian territory and entered the territory of the Kingdom of Ignis of House Duvard. Having never seen anything else other than the mountains of Khomeria, he was mesmerized by his surroundings: scores of rolling, emerald hills and isolated woodland, but he couldn’t help already feeling like he has been away from home for years, with that, he just sighed and rode on, admiring the surroundings and sometimes exchanging a few words with his cousin, Vermias.

“Beautiful lands, right, cousin?” Dorias asked with a wide smile admiring the surroundings.

“Yes your highness, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what you consider beautiful here, the Duvard’s could consider it bland having lived in this place for their entire lives.” Vermias commented, never taking his eyes away from his surroundings in case of a attack, no matter how slim the chances may be.

Hearing his cousin mention the Duvard’s , a hopeful thought came to his mind, while he had maintained contact and friendly relations with them, he had never seen any of the members of the family in person, although he knew the chances to be slim, he was keeping the hope in his heart that he would meet one of the Duvard’s, maybe even the king himself. However that thought left his mind fairly quickly as he continued his conversation with Veimar.

“Maybe so, but I imagine they would get bored of the bland mountains and the barren plains.” he says, nostalgia coming over him again, he truly wished to return, but it was duty as king to head to head to the capital and vote for a new emperor, in truth, he knew who he supported, despite having never seen any of the candidates, the young prince Ralltene sounded like the best choice for him and he didn’t try to hide it.

“Not necessarily, my liege, they would probably consider the barren plains a beautiful and expansive sea of grass and the mountains a majestic natural fortress made by The Protector himself!” Vermias answered, still rather tense and still expecting an attack, it was duty to worry so that the king should not, it was duty to protect him as Head of the Iron Guard and his cousin.

Some time had passed before the Khomerians found themselves dwarfed by an Igensian fort. The land’s black and yellow sunburst flag hung lazily from its spire, in contrast to its men, who scattered around the wall like bees. The gate was peeled open, and a contingent of pikemen filed out, barring the path.

“Halt!” huffed a captain, waving a hand. He approached the Khomerian entourage, looking up at Dorias.

“My apologies, Your Highness, but there’s a strict quarantine. We’re under orders to inspect anyone from Khomeria and bar them entry if they’re ill. I’m afraid that goes for royalty as well.” The captain gestured, indicating for the Khomerians to dismount.

“Ah, but of course, my friend, though ten years have passed since the plague passed away, none of us are infected!” Dorias answered, a large smile forming on his face at the first Ignesian he met. “Get all your men down for the good man to check, Vermias!”

Vermias looked at the man suspiciously, Dorias had sent letters through the empire assuring that the plague had passed, surely this man had been informed of it and allowed Khomerians through. He was reluctant to get down, but it was an order of the king and he had to obey it and so with a simple hand gesture from Vermias, all the 50 Iron Guards dismounted and awaited.

“Has the elector of House Duvard passed already?” Dorias asked, still smiling. “It would be an honor for me to meet my closest ally!”

“Lord Roman is still in Ignis, last I heard. I can pass news of your arrival and ask him to expect you, if that would please Your Highness.”

The Khomerians were brought aside, a couple at a time, where physicians with masks inspected their conditions. The Iron Guard grudgingly complied, though with downturned lips and fidgeting legs. After an hour had passed, the Khomerians were back in formation.

“My doctors seem satisfied,” the captain remarked, “I sent a messenger ahead of you. Lord Roman will anticipate your arrival at Brionne.” The soldier tipped his morion and bid the Shieldbearers, “Fair travels!”

“Ah, thank you, my good man!” Dorias said nodding his head at the man. “Cousin, let’s move, I do want to make a good impression to our neighbors.” he says, a child like smile forming on his face. Vermias sighed and signaled for his men to mount their horses, which they did. Vermias knew that thanks to his ignorance, many people would try to fool the young Dorias were he not there, instead, now that he was with him, nobody would be able to trick him.

“Move out!” Vermias ordered to his men and to a lesser extent to his cousin, Dorias.

FRAMEs: Internal Security FRAME Unit 3 [Sci-fi, mecha, law enforcement action]

@boomlover

Patlabor, I think.

---

Interested!

@RainbowReindeer

Yep! Patlabor really serves as the main inspiration for this installment.

I should add that acceptance won't be strictly first-come-first-serve; I'm looking for quality characters and players who can stick around. This'll probably go in Advanced when the OOC is up, or barring that, Casual with a higher standard. There will be roles that need to be filled, and I'll appoint the best fits for each.

FRAMEs: Internal Security FRAME Unit 3 [Sci-fi, mecha, law enforcement action]

FRAMEs 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). While mech-on-mech action is its main appeal, FRAMEs also has the opportunity to grow into a deep sci-fi opera, wrapping players up in political and corporate tensions, with possibilities for character development. FRAMEs takes place on a fictional planet with hints of Earth, not unlike the Strangereal universe of Ace Combat.

I've decided to launch a new roleplay under my “FRAMEs” title, as the previous incarnation has fallen on its haunches. For the past two chapters, FRAMEs has followed the mercenary unit, Preying Panthers as it recovered and subsequently lost invaluable equipment designed by Cradle Dynamics, then found itself as an auxiliary unit of the Xiang Cooperative Dialogue military. While much time and thought has gone into the story of the Panthers, this roleplay will kick off a new plot in a standalone continuity. It is my hope that this will reinvigorate interest in and re-motivate myself for FRAMEs.

Unlike the traditionally large (12) roster of previous FRAME roleplays, I am only looking for five or six additional players; give or take. Not every character will pilot a FRAME; there are support roles to fill as well. The focus will be on a paramilitary unit belonging to the Ministry of Internal Security. Like the SV2 of Patlabor, or the Section 9 of Ghost in the Shell, our unit's jurisdiction includes roles ranging from FRAME-related crime investigation, to hostage rescue and counter-terrorism. Several characters may pilot FRAMEs, while others are needed to fulfill responsibilities as infantry, intelligence and weapon specialists, support truck driver/gunners, etc.

The roleplay is set in the fictional country of Yashina, largely within the Seyama Prefecture. The time period is analogous to a sci-fi tint of the late 80s/ 90s. Our unit will be forced to contend with internal affairs: crime, terrorism, conspiracy, and external threats: false flag operations, spies and illicit smuggling. In the midst of the action, there is room for character development, worldbuilding and plenty of flavorful dialogue. The roleplay will be just as much about the characters as people and their interactions as it will be the jobs they're on.

Another change to FRAMEs in this roleplay is that there will be no list of equipment or FRAMEs to select. Players will use standard-issue machinery and arms; details of which will be given in the OOC. The reason for this is to maintain a realistic portrayal of the unit's functions.

As usual, I'll leave previously-written material here to outline expectations regarding FRAMEs:

About 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.

Rules & Expectations

Your typical, sitewide RPGuild rules apply. Be cool to everybody and try to settle issues among yourselves 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 standards apply.
I will do my best to be active; I am not perfect and I vow to strive to do better in that regard. I ask that players do the same, and take their character sheets as contracts of commitment to the RP. If you will be unavailable for a length of time, I ask that you inform us beforehand. Players that drop out of thin air may find that their characters have done the same if they return...

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

Hey guys; sorry for the overdue post. It's a bit lazy, truth be told, and glosses over the arrival at the fort. On top of the new job I've had for a few weeks and other commitments, FRAMEs has been slow goings and I've been trying to motivate myself for it again.

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

Fort Huangdao, Nansheng, Xiang Cooperative Dialogue

The Samigina dropped its hatch, having closed to a crawl and eventual halt on the grounds of Fort Huangdao. The Panthers were lined up along the edge, unit jackets on and dancing in the wind kicked up by the landcruiser's turbines. Cecilia stood tall, eyes on the XCD flag atop the fort. A small contingent of XCD FRAMEs were arrayed like chess pieces before the landcruiser, firearms held at parade rest. Richard whistled. When they'd come to a stop, the Panthers were led down the ramp and greeted by a lanky officer, who corralled them down the path of FRAMEs.

After a brief security clearance, the Panthers shuffled into a hall, where a sunglasses-toting colonel awaited them. She regarded them only with a slight turn of her body as they entered the portal. The woman was solid, broad-shouldered and short. The Panthers deposited themselves in the rows of metal chairs and given the low-down on how things were going to be.

An hour or so, and the Panthers were back on-board the Samigigna. They'd use their landcruiser as their own barracks, but assemble within the fort daily for the day-today operations and procedures. Tomorrow, they'd begin their first joint-exercise with the pilots of the 26th, under the supervision of Colonel Wang, the bodybuilder of an officer that'd given them their briefing. They'd also be assigned new, XCD FRAMEs - for those who wanted to switch, anyway. Bentz had recommended they trade-in. He knew plenty wouldn't.

Cecilia was pacing the hallways of the landcruiser, shooting orders left and right to the support personnel on-board. Richard had instructed her to make the rounds, keep the Samigina and her crew in shape. He wanted to look good for their hosts, and so did she. Their job had taken them all over the globe, and now she was back home. There was some innate patriotic duty Cecilia found in their new assignment, and she'd be damned to let this one go sour.