One more question (as I'm designing my character now): I notice the map is very similar to real-world Earth's, but none of the names are the same besides the planet being called "Earth." Is this an alternate universe, or a future Earth where the landmasses shifted greatly?

EDIT: Reread the first paragraph. Nevermind! Thanks! Got the info I needed to write.

Aaaand there's my guy.

Well, working on a CS!

I guess that would mark the point where I can practically just sit doing nothing so I'll have time to contribute to the sit.
For that matter, I'll just import Edward and both trim the profile up to standard write in to the BG a short part about the former part of the RP.

Just give me a little time to catch up with everything else and to work on the sheet but I'm definitely alive

Win, develop a rocket-assisted bayonet.

So, as far as roles in a group and tactics go... Do we want to discuss that?

I know I planned for Maxwell and his FRAME to play a "shock trooper" role in the group. You know: fighting as normal, but being very capable of charging positions and creating opportunities for others to capitalize on the surprise / mistakes of their opponents. He's got armor, a shield, and a close range weapon.

That's what I'm thinking, anyway. I'm totally okay with changing that if someone thinks that's a bad idea.

Well... using the 30mm autocannon with a riot shield is going to be difficult, since we've established that model being pretty much the Dragunov SVD in proportion to a FRAME... so you can probably imagine how ungainly it'll be to shoot it one-handed.

The AFC-40/L Halabrad-Phell 25mm autocannon is going to be easier to wield, but something smaller like a 23mm or 20mm is probably going to be more like the size of a one-handed operation.

I didn't know that, actually. I'll see about switching it out then, since a one-handed weapon would be best.

How effective could a physical shield be? Surely any weapons capable of destroying the FRAME would quickly damage the shield, let alone purpose built anti-tank weaponry.

I actually got the idea of using a shield from the first picture in the OOC. My thoughts on how the shield works are something like this:

A shield in this setting definitely would get destroyed over the course of a mission. It would probably, however, absorb some damage, especially if it wasn't used all the time. It is not intended to be used every moment of the fight: actually staying behind real cover would be much safer, and avoiding shots altogether is better than trying to soak them. But it would have its uses.

For example, the shield could be used to provide some cover while you're running from one position to the next, or to shield a gap between two places so the other teammates can get by, or to provide some a buffer when you're at the rear of a retreat (hooking it onto your back and getting the heck outta there).

As to exactly how much it can soak, I figure "It's probably at least as effective as a layer of FRAME armor." Any given spot can take a few shots, and while really nasty anti-tank shots can most definitely pierce through it, it'll dull the impact that has on the FRAME itself.

That's my thoughts on the matter. I also think it makes a cheap, easy-to-produce option to bring to a fight, since it's literally just a big hunk of metal. I expect Max to have to get a new shield after most missions.

If this seems unreasonable, I'm okay with changing this, too. I didn't ask Aristo if the shield would be sensible, though I probably shield have.

I could see shields functioning primarily to mitigate the effects of shrapnel and indirect ordnance. They could absorb the force of explosions nearby the FRAME and prevent flying debris from obstructing the operation of the machine. They probably wouldn't hold up to a direct AP autocannon round, or anything larger; anything designed specifically to penetrate armor could put a hole in a shield, and the damage could very well just pass onto the body of the FRAME itself. Glancing hits might be mitigated, and shields could provide a buffer against HE grenades, mortars and small arms fire that could hit an optic or other vital piece of kit. Shields would probably be more useful against infantry, and I imagine police FRAMEs using them in anti-riot contexts.

Shield with ERA-plating would prove rather nifty, though.

Shield with ERA-plating would prove rather nifty, though.

A shield with ERA plating on it would be awesome, but I don't think I'd be allowed to use that immediately.

...Would I? Since that would make the shield all the better.

Either way, I'm gonna make a change or two to my sheet once I get back. Are there tactics we should discuss? Things characters that have been preparing to go on missions together would know?

Marlene is the marksman/support (the mortar provides higher rate of fire and generally suppresses soft targets better, while the HMG is somewhat more useful at these distances too). Her frame is also the slowest (and now oldest) of the bunch.

Sarah is the close-up brawler (20mm autocannon that spams TONS of rounds per second), optical camo, and a 'stun'-function means she tends to infiltrate and then shreck their mechs.

Lang is our sniper/can-opener with limited versatility in combat (less payload).

The key difference between Lang and Marlene is that Lang has a command-FRAME that provides her with much better situational-awareness, and much better sensors than anyone else right now until somebody apps a Zaruga.

<Snipped quote by Foster>

A shield with ERA plating on it would be awesome, but I don't think I'd be allowed to use that immediately.

...Would I? Since that would make the shield all the better.

Either way, I'm gonna make a change or two to my sheet once I get back. Are there tactics we should discuss? Things characters that have been preparing to go on missions together would know?

Well, you did "purchase" ERA for the FRAME, so I'm okay with that applying to the shield as well. Makes sense to me, right?

Old fashioned mech enthusiast and a general gun nut. Here I am.

Mind if I hop in?

Mind if I hop in?

Send your CS to Aristo

Okay, made a few changes to the FRAME's equipment (autocannon > 22 mm, shield > has ERA, missile system > has manufacturer named now because why not).

Marlene is the marksman/support (the mortar provides higher rate of fire and generally suppresses soft targets better, while the HMG is somewhat more useful at these distances too). Her frame is also the slowest (and now oldest) of the bunch.

Sarah is the close-up brawler (20mm autocannon that spams TONS of rounds per second), optical camo, and a 'stun'-function means she tends to infiltrate and then shreck their mechs.

Lang is our sniper/can-opener with limited versatility in combat (less payload).

The key difference between Lang and Marlene is that Lang has a command-FRAME that provides her with much better situational-awareness, and much better sensors than anyone else right now until somebody apps a Zaruga.

This information is really helpful. Okay, cool.

So, we have a brawler, a shock trooper, a sniper/commander, and a marksman/support for sure. I can see strategies forming from that. Awesome. And that's without knowing what the other FRAMEs and pilots are going to be like.

EDIT: Actually, we know who the fifth person is now, looking at the character sheets section. That sounds like a big, scary gun.

As a side note the Flamethrower in Maxwell's arsenal could probably render a FRAME inoperable through simple overheating, or outright destroy them as ammunition, explosives or missiles cook off like popcorn.