Not my own words, but: "Enjoy memes and have a good time online, but develop a solid sense of self-worth that is rooted in a reality that doesn't disappear when the battery charge is empty."
The OOC is up! Detailed information on frames is there, along with your sheet templates and optional frames. I've also added a link to a Discord server I set up.
It is the year 1993 of the so-called 'New Renaissance' era. Mankind has long since traveled beyond the reaches of Earth, settling in new planetary colonies. The most notable of these are Mars, Venus, Saturn and Jupiter. Technological developments are at an all-time high and mankind has flourished thanks to the contributions of scientific research. However, not all is tranquil in the Solar System.
The majority of Earth’s continents, under the massive influence of the ITA: International Terrestrial Alliance, have a stranglehold on Mars and Venus. The facilities on these planets toil under the growing demands of the Earth population, churning out raw materials, foodstuffs and other necessities. Not satisfied and needing more resources to maintain its growing populace, Earth has turned its gaze on other planetary colonies. Jupiter is among the list of the ITA’s potential interests; a valuable source of quality gasses. Although the ITA has not made a move towards the independent planets yet, its massive fleet and ground assets could make short work of the colonies individually. The ITA and planetary governments cling to uneasy neutrality; the colonies are safe from the ITA’s full attention, thanks to insurgencies in non-Alliance-controlled regions and independent countries, rallying against the concept of a global political union.
Jupiter and Saturn are longstanding rivals and the most prominent players in the gas mining industry. While the conflict between them has not exploded into all-out war, there have been numerous engagements between Jovian and Cronian-sponsored forces. Clashes between colonies have usually been small-scale skirmishes involving aerospace craft and frames, fighting over resources and strategically-significant installations. Due to the fact that colony fleets are too small to pose much threat, direct, ship-to-ship warfare is rare. Only the ITA has the fleet large enough to challenge the other powers of the Solar System on a widespread scale.
Caught in the tension between the ITA, insurgents, colonies and corporations are numerous mercenary regiments which sell out their talents to the highest bidder. Often military veterans or deserters, these mercs do most of their employers' dirty work - keeping their employers’ hands clean, for the right price. There are many sell-swords out there willing to do just about anything for credits 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 Solar System of intrigue and backdoor deals, the jobs are never in short supply.
What Are Frames?
Frames are humanoid machines, standing between three and six meters tall and weighing between five and twelve tons. They are operated by a single pilot, seated in a cockpit within a frame’s chest. They are designed to perform functions that mirror human activity, only on a much larger scale. Initially, frames were used for labor, but their full potential was realized once companies started developing them as combat vehicles. They provide versatility and mobility to the battlefield, outshining many conventional assets, although they are not end-all super machines. They are noteworthy for their ability to perform well in a variety of terrain that may not be favorable to other vehicles, while bringing an array of respectable firepower to the field.
A frame’s cockpit is located in its chest 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. Cockpit designs closely resemble that of jets, having control systems that make use of combinations of sticks, throttles, and foot pedals.
The latest military-grade frames are powered by a reciprocating internal combustion engine. It is located in a backpack-like housing unit on the rear of the machine. At its core is a large, V-shaped support axle, to which multi-chamber cylindrical engine blocks are mounted. The cylinders are arranged parallel to each other. The pistons rotate around the support axle as the engine runs. Each engine block’s output shaft is connected to an assembly housing an axial piston pump, an electric generator and an axial-flow fan. This lets it run on both hydraulic pressure and electrical energy. These engines can run on a variety of fuels. Commonly, they are fed refined gasoline and kerosene, though natural gas, alcohol, machine oil, ammunition propellant, liquid rocket fuel and industrial cleaning solvents are technically viable.
Frames are held together by an internal skeleton of sorts, to which armor and components are attached. Myomers, thin tubes of artificial musculature, sheathe actuators, the joints of the machine. The combination of these components allows frames to perform precise movements and to an extent, mimic those of the human body. They can walk, run, crawl, turn, crouch and leap the same way the human form can.
Multiple layers of laminated steel and composite armor protect the machine’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, they sacrifice protection for ease of movement and speed, fulfilling a niche role on the battlefield. While impervious to small arms and machine gun fire, they 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 their 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, they can just as easily destroy each of these with the appropriate weaponry, especially when cooperating as a team.
As semi-modular machines, frames can be fitted with a variety of equipment and weaponry. Their armament tends to be lighter than that of tanks, as they lack the weight and mass to support heavier weapons. Most are armed with automatic cannons, resembling up-scaled rifles, as primary armaments. Usually, a rocket or missile launcher supplements the primary weapon. Most frames can carry around three armaments at maximum, with the addition of antipersonnel or integrally-mounted weapons. Light machine guns, Gatling guns and grenade launchers are typically employed to engage infantry and light targets. While the combat protocol of most militaries pass the notion of hand-to-hand combat between frames as impractical, there are examples of daring pilots who have either been forced or attempted to use their machine’s vibroknife to disable enemy frames.
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 a system of wheels located on their feet, giving them the ability to traverse ground quickly. These wheels are connected to the drive chain of the machine’s engine, or may be powered by electric motors. This provides them with a higher speed and fuel efficiency on roads and flat ground, and reduced wear on the leg joints. In difficult terrain, however, these advantages are mitigated by the small size of the wheels, and a potential lack of traction. Some variants replace standard wheels with treads, or heavier tires to combat this issue.
Your Role
Player characters will be assumed to be members of the Ganymede Ghosts, a mercenary unit based on Jupiter. It is named after Ganymede, the largest moon both of Jupiter and the Solar System. The unit is your family. The Ghosts are a collection of folks with nothing to lose, looking for a last chance at prosperity. There are ex-military and security personnel, ex-criminals, union workers, civil servants and university students. Men and women from many walks of life have thrown their lot in with the Ghosts. Currently, the Ghosts are under contract by Osgood Engineering to provide surveillance and security for one of their plants. The facility is located on an artificial colony near a dangerous region of contested space. Cronian incursions into this sector have increased over the past several months, and threaten to snowball into a heated offensive. Saturn denies allegations of these attacks, of course, citing bandit raids and mercenary work. There is, however, much more at work than meets the eye. The sleeping giant Earth is rumored to be expanding its influence, and shadowy entities direct the ebb and flow of unmarked frames, leaving ruin in their wake. What seems like a routine contract just might lead the Ghosts into a web of conspiracy and danger.
Character & Frame Sheets
Please leave sheets in the OOC for approval. They may be moved to the CS tab once given the green light.
[h3][b][i][color=FFA500][center]Cards On The Table[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3] [b][color=FFA500]General Skills:[/color][/b] [b][color=FFA500]Inventory/Possessions:[/color][/b]
[h3][b][i][color=FFA500][center]History[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3] [b][color=FFA500]Years of Combat Experience:[/color][/b] [b][color=FFA500]Background:[/color][/b] (What did you do before becoming a mercenary? How did you come to join the Irregulars? What have you done since?)
[h3][b][i][color=FFA500][center]Extras[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h3] [b][color=FFA500]Character Quote:[/color][/b] Something they say a lot or live by [b][color=FFA500]Theme Song:[/color][/b] What would be playing when they walk up if we were in a movie? [b][color=FFA500]Anything Else:[/color][/b]
(I'm using the Scopedog from Armored Trooper VOTOMS as an example of what a FRAME sheet will look like, and what sort of data will go in each section. All data sourced from mahq.net)
Technical Data
Model Number: ATM-09-ST Code Name: Scopedog Manufacturer: Gilgamesh Confederation/Melkian Federation Dimensions: 3.804 meters in height Weight: 6.378 metric tons dry; 6.627 metric tons at full load
Armaments
Fixed Armaments:
2x Arm Punch; uses replaceable cartridges
SMAT-38 9-tube shoulder missile pod
Hand Armaments:
GAT-22 30mm heavy machine gun w/grenade launcher
GAT-49 50mm Pentatrooper
SAT-03 60mm solid shooter bazooka
GAT-35 long gun
Equipment & Design Features
Equipment:
Sensors
MCT-128-C control computer
Optional ATC-BR01-S Roundmover, can be mounted on back
Optional ATP-BP01-ST Parachute Mission Pack, can be mounted on back
Miscellaneous
Technical & Historical Notes During the Hundred Years War between the Gilgamesh Confederation and the Balarant Union, military technology takes great leaps forward with the introduction of humanoid "machine troopers" and later "armored troopers" (code named VOTOM: Vertical One-man Tank for Offense and Maneuvers). However, the creation of the ATM-09-ST Scopedog in Astragius Year 7198 marks the turning point in the war. With its compact design, the Scopedog is suitable for various combat environments, including space, terrestrial battlefields and urban environments. The Scopedog is highly maneuverable thanks to gliding foils installed in the feet that allow it to roll on the ground. Muscle cylinders powering the limbs allow the Scopedog to perform human-like movements. The Scopedog also features a camera lens turret that links directly to the pilot's goggles. In addition, the Scopedog can load cartridges for its standard hydraulic-powered arm punch.
As part of its design, the base Scopedog can be outfitted with several pieces of optional equipment and weapons. The Roundmover pack provides space mobility, and the Parachute Mission Pack allows the Scopedog to be air dropped by an AT carrier. The Scopedog is commonly armed with a heavy machine gun/grenade launcher, but it can also carry optional weapons that include bazookas, Gatling guns and rocket launchers. Although a cease fire is announced in 7213, the mass produced Scopedog remains the mainline unit of the Melkian forces. Many units fall into civilian hands for use in the the arena combat game Battling. In addition, many variations are created for military and civilian use.
Color Scheme: Scopedogs come off the assembly line sprayed an olive green. Anything Else: The Scopedog’s gliding speed on its wheels is 82.6 km/h at dry load. At full load, with all optional armaments and equipment, this decreases to 41 km/h. The machine is rated at 230 horsepower, with 51 kg/m of torque. The Scopedog’s armor thickness is rated at 14mm in the thickest places, while the thinnest is rated at 6mm.
Prebuilt Frames
Collected here are a few common frame models. You're free to either use or modify these, or maybe use them as a starting point for an original design.
Technical Data
Model Number: VCF-01L-SC Code Name: Renard Manufacturer: LaCroix Industries Dimensions: 4.1 meters high Weight: 5230 kg
Armaments
Fixed Armaments:
Klayton RP-109 - a shoulder-mounted pod housing 24 high-explosive rockets.
Hand Armaments:
Bertrand light autocannon - a 20 mm caliber autocannon commonly used by smaller frames.
4x Hand grenades - high-explosive grenades for antipersonnel use.
Vibroknife - a utility blade for clearing brush and other obstacles, or for improvised close combat.
Equipment & Design Features
Equipment:
ECM - an offensive electronic warfare package, jams enemy electronics to prevent detection.
Laser designator - a targeting module used in conjunction with guided weapons, like missiles.
Miscellaneous
Technical & Historical Notes The Renard is a scout frame developed and manufactured by French company LaCroix Industries. It is lightly armored by necessity, designed foremostly for speed and mobility. At just over four meters in height, it is remarkably low-profile. A cutting-edge ECM system allows it to evade detection and wreak havoc, or scout critical enemy positions. It also features a laser designator to mark targets for other frames that may be using missile systems. Color Scheme: N/A Anything Else: The Renard’s speed on wheels totals 91.6 kph, while its walking speed is around 65 kph. The wheels are driven at 425 horsepower. Its armor thickness measures 20 mm in its most protected places. Its sensors can detect objects out to 5 km, and its communication range reaches 25 km.
Technical Data
Model Number: ACV-01M-SU Code Name: Cougar Manufacturer: Cradle Dynamics Dimensions: 4.3 meters high Weight: 6637 kg
Armaments
Fixed Armaments:
Mangonel rocket pod - a contemporary launcher housing 24 HE rockets.
AGL-6 grenade launcher - a shoulder-mounted grenade launcher for anti-personnel use, with mild effectiveness against armor.
Hand Armaments:
XF-25 autocannon rifle - a common 25 mm autocannon firing general-purpose HE rounds.
3x Hand grenades - high-explosive grenades for antipersonnel use.
Vibroknife - a utility blade for clearing brush and other obstacles, or for improvised close combat.
Equipment & Design Features
Equipment:
Hostile environment protection (desert) - a suite of temperature systems and external installations that protect the frame and its pilot from harsh desert conditions.
Miscellaneous
Technical & Historical Notes The Cougar is a design of US-Israeli origin, designed as a general-purpose combat frame. It was conceived with desert environments in mind, boasting an advanced climate control suite and specialized joint covers and wheels. It is a common sight throughout the Middle East and Central Asian regions. Though reliable and easy to maintain, its reputation with pilots is “remarkably unremarkable.” Color Scheme: Cougars come off the assembly line a flat, sandy color. Anything Else: The Cougar’s speed on wheels clock in at 74 kph. Its walking speed is rated at 41 kph. Its sensors have a detection range of 2 km, and the communication suite reaches out 10 km. Its armor thickness is 45 mm at its densest points.
Technical Data
Model Number: MCV-05H-GS Code Name: Paladin Manufacturer: Halabrad-Phell Dimensions: 5.1 meters in height Weight: 9210 kg
Armaments
Fixed Armaments:
2x Kodiak rocket pods - a pair of heavy launchers carrying 18 rockets each.
GU-10 Gatling - a rotary cannon mounted in the chest, for antipersonnel use.
FGM-76 mortar - a heavy mortar mounted on a hardpoint behind the frame, firing high-explosive shells out to 2 kilometers.
Hand Armaments:
PFC-9 heavy autocannon - a 40 mm cannon firing armor-piercing rounds, a slow fire rate is necessary to counter its recoil.
Vibroknife - a utility blade for clearing brush and other obstacles, or for improvised close combat.
Equipment & Design Features
Equipment:
Reinforced armor - an additional layer of composite armor protects the frame’s front arc.
Miscellaneous
Technical & Historical Notes: The Paladin is a hefty frame, built to provide fire support for lighter units. It works best with a team forward-operating scouts, which can mark targets with their laser designators for the Paladin’s guided mortar. It has a long and decorated service history, though remains an expensive machine to produce and maintain. Its armaments and bulk weigh it down considerably, hampering speed and mobility. Color Scheme: N/A Anything Else: The Paladin’s max speed on wheels hits 65 kph, while it can run at 38 kph. Layers of composite armor total at least 70 mm thick at the frame’s front. Its sensors can reach 2 km unaided, and its communication range is 10 km.
That’s right, I’m bringing back the original storyline of my FRAMEs roleplays! I have been wanting to reboot it, and have done so with mixed success over the Guild’s lifetime. I decided to go back to where it began - the future! Or at least, an alternate future. This is a very 80s future - CRT monitors, blocky cars, permed hair and shoulder pads. As usual, players will be mercenary pilots. They'll be offered a few premade frames to chose from, and given the opportunity to design theirs instead. Unlike the original RP, there will be no stats or hard mechanics - the narrative takes precedent. Previous veterans to the roleplays will probably know what to expect.
I’m looking for a number of players that I can rely on to have fun and stay active. No maximum, but I’m hoping for a larger crowd. Step right up if you have any interest in piloting a six-ton mech and blasting away mooks to synthy tunes.
For fans of: Armored Trooper VOTOMS Heavy Gear Macross Patlabor Blue Comet SPT Layzner Vaporwave Future Funk Neon Jean jackets Flip-up headlights And so on...
That makes sense. So a lot more AT than any other Takahashi mech.
Yes, out of the mecha series that have inspired this, AT VOTOMS probably resembles my vision for tech closest. Heavy Gear is also spot-on. Everything else is influential to a smaller degree.
Is there a hard limit you have for how big a mech can get?
6m seems to be the general size, but what about a 9m mech?
I'd like to top it off at around 6.1 meters, or 20 feet. Otherwise, they start to get too high-profile and easy to spot. The general design philosophy is being mobile and elusive. Frames fall between infantry and IFVs - nimble and versatile, bringing a variety of weapons and capabilities to the field.
Counting names, not including me, there are six interested players. That sounds like enough to warrant the OOC's arrival, and more are welcome in the meantime. I'm putting it together today and expect to have it up later on. I'll also create a Discord server, if folks wish it, for us to hang out and collab in. It's a little more intuitive to answer questions and chat there in a chat room.
I'm more inclined to stick with Macross's fighter jet feel, if only because that seems more realistic. But as I said before, VF-style frames are very rare and having two of them on the team seems a bit much for the setting.
I'm definitely interested. What are we looking at in terms of mech tech and aesthetics?
So the aesthetics of the frames are very similar to the mechs of VOTOMS or Heavy Gear. A quick Google search should get the idea across. They typically range from 4 to 6 meters in height, and weigh 5 to 9 metric tons. The majority are humanoid, with wheels or treads on the soles of the feet. The cockpit is located in the chest.
Tech-wise, we're looking at the real robot genre. Frames are machines, military hardware bound by the laws of physics and technology. Wikipedia's Heavy Gears entry pretty much mirrors how frames operate: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_Gear#Heavy..
We're also working with conventional ballistic weaponry. We might see a few gauss or rail guns down the line, and energy weapons are so experimental that they haven't been formally issued yet.
I have a much more detailed write-up I've used in the past, but I'll save it for the OOC, as I'm making some changes.
I was thinking it over long and hard; I've decided to follow the rule-of-cool and allow it. Macross is too iconic to pass up the inspiration! However, these will be rare, experimental frames, and require good explanation for possession.
Member
AP Ottovan
