g e a r s

GEARs is a mecha-based, anthro RPG with heavy sci-fi elements and a rich, detailed background.
I originally created it several years ago, and it went through several iterations, though eventually died for good after I lost the resolve to restart it yet another time after numerous people dropping out.

I have decided to resurrect it again, as I have the desire to run a mecha-based RPG that draws heavily on my interests in mecha anime, sci-fi and anthropomorphic characters.

GEARs is set in a far-off world in an unknown time, and follows a race on the world of Arvara as they spiral into a dangerous world of impending warfare and violence. Among all the animal-like people of this world exists the knowledge that their species is created, but not the knowledge to the questions of why, who did it, for what purpose, and what happened to their creators.
The development of their technologically sophisticated species has obviously been influenced by these creators. The differing reactions to the knowledge of their creation has set in motion a brewing storm of conflicting ideals, goals, and beliefs in how to react, and as such the world of Arvara stands on the precipice of war.

The main weapons in this war will be GEARs, armed robots used as fighting machines alongside more conventional weapons and equipment, on all sides of the battle.
The player characters will take on the roles of pilots in a new unit belonging to a coalition of nations. Their unit pilots the newly-produced transformable VG-0 V-GEAR (much like the Variable Fighters of macross in role and operation), and carry out Special Operations in support of the goal of avoiding the war, or ending it before it begins - as well as dealing with other brewing, and more nebulous, sinister and mysterious problems going on across Arvara.

Naturally their squadron will - as is the nature of such things - find themselves at the hub of unfolding events, and it could ultimately be their choices and beliefs that end up determining the course of fate for all Arvarans...

I am ideally looking for up to six players, and no less than three. Anyone who has played before is welcome to come back; though do be warned: it isn't the same game as before, which I know will turn people off.

I'm also not looking to run a deeply grim, gritty and massively realistic game; there will be some level of reality to the events and technology in the setting, and much of it is based in realistic concepts and terms, but I am adamant that no nit-picking of the technology of the setting be the focus. The story, plot, and journey of adventure come first.

For old time's sake, I may toss my hat back into this. Hopefully some old faces show up!

Yeah, I'm hoping we see some old faces, as well as some new ones. It'd be good to have a mix of both.
Really eager that it gets off the ground, as I have a lot of ideas for it too.

That thread from a couple days ago got you thinking, huh?

Depending on time I would love to be a part of this again.

That thread from a couple days ago got you thinking, huh?

I'd been considering it for a while before that, and it kind of tipped me over the edge, combined with returning to my roots and watching a lot of mecha anime lately, which kind of inspired some of the ideas for changes.

Depending on time I would love to be a part of this again.

And if you have time, I would love to have you again! Who am I to refuse the king of the ferrets.

This sounds super awesome, I'd love to join!

This sounds super awesome, I'd love to join!

And it's super awesome of you to say that! It'd be cool to have you aboard :D

@Silverwind Blade So I know you want mainly Macross Mecha but would it be fine to have a Gundam Mecha and just describe the Fighter and Walker forms?

@Silverwind Blade So I know you want mainly Macross Mecha but would it be fine to have a Gundam Mecha and just describe the Fighter and Walker forms?

No; all the mecha used by the PC's will be the same model in one or two variants. I know a lot of people won't be as fond of that, as most games like this have people creating their own machines. But it keeps it a bit closer to the idea of it being an actual military unit as part of a larger force, and also harks back to Macross too, where pilots flew/piloted the same craft.

In the old version of GEARs it made my brain hurt trying to work out why any military organization would have upwards of 6+ different models of any kind of combat machine in service, for the same role, and in the same unit. It also didn't really accurately reflect most of the 'real robot' mecha anime the game was inspired by either.

The players' mecha in this instance of GEARs are based on the VF-0 Phoenix from Macross Zero for reference, as I really like the look and design of it particularly.
When this thing gets off the ground (pun not intended), I have actually written a full guide to the mecha in the GEARs universe as part of the RPG background. Because, you know... that's my kind of thing o.o
It will look like the VF-0 and have some things in common, but will of course be based around the GEARs universe and its' technology.

@Silverwind Blade Damn. that's unfortunate. Will there be any customizability in sort of, optional equipment or anything like that?

@Silverwind Blade Damn. that's unfortunate. Will there be any customizability in sort of, optional equipment or anything like that?

You'll be able to customize the paint scheme to suit your individual tastes, and the warload - being as how they're aircraft as well as robots - can also be swapped out from mission to mission as needed (i.e. different kinds of bombs, missiles and so on), much like any real-world fighter jet.

@Silverwind Blade Okay so it's much more character and plot focused, seeing as how everyone pretty much has the same options in combat?

@Silverwind Blade Okay so it's much more character and plot focused, seeing as how everyone pretty much has the same options in combat?

Yes, very much so. The mecha are an integrated part of telling that story, and allow for greater expression and interaction for characters, and for some memorable combat and the like, and give opportunities for our characters to get into situations where they can find out things and share experiences, but the idea is that the characters will drive the plot forward as much as the conflict, and that not all of that conflict will necessarily be combat either.

@Silverwind Blade I see. I'm not sure how Interested I am now. I'll continue stalking the thread and asking questions but I may not join the RP when the time comes, if that's okay with you?

@Silverwind Blade I see. I'm not sure how Interested I am now. I'll continue stalking the thread and asking questions but I may not join the RP when the time comes, if that's okay with you?

Fair enough, it's up to you what you want to do after all and you're under no pressure to join or not.

Count me in! Looks awesome 👌
Fabulous, an opportunity to come up with another gritty character. Then again I already have one in mind who's quite techno savvy and would fit in really well.
Look forward to it ^^

You know what I'm gonna take the chance and say I'm gonna join. Every unit needs a medic so why not me.

Really great to have you both confirmed, with me as well (I'll be having my own character as usual), that brings us up to at least the minimum numbers!

I've had a reread of the intro and I am glad there's not going to be too much 'nit pickyness' of the technological aspects and
I do tend to prefer character driven RPs as well.

Did you want me to ask another friend of mine who may be interested in joining? I haven't known him that long but he was going
to join the RP I was going to set up. Or are you good for numbers at this point?