Name: Einhorn (Art by nickonplanetripple) Faction: Maximal Protoform: Battle bot. Einhorn is primarily a melee fighter, relying on his horn and beastmode face plating to both attack and defend. In robot mode he can fire lasers from his beast mode legs but their position behind his back makes them somewhat inaccurate. Beast Mode: Monocorn Personality: Einhorn is a simple robot who doesn't see the need for subtlety. He is not stupid but knows he is no strategist so he will happily leave that to others, but he can come with simple but effective tactics from time to time. While he is not aggressive he actually enjoys fighting, as long as it is more along the lines of a brawl or friendly spar than a fight to the death. Einhorn is a loyal Maximal but tends to judge others more on personality than which faction they are on and has no issue befriending Predacons. Background: Einhorn used to be Cybertron's equivalent of a professional wrestler, though the matches weren't faked. When he heard about the rescue mission and that is would be a bipartisan effort he signed up, both for the challenge and out of belief that Predacons and Maximals can and should work together.
Name: Nautica Faction: Biologically, she is a predacon, but identifies as a cybertronian. She does not use 'Terrorize' as her activation code, having changed it to the ancient 'Transform' instead.
Protoform: Science bot
Nautica is a combat engineer. As such she serves as a support to other combatants by using her extensive knowledge to help navigate obstacles, use explosives, repair equipment and even serve as a field medic. She is not fit for first-line combat, having less armor than dedicated battle bots, nor does her intelligence rival dedicated, non-combat scientists.
Nautica's transformation is of a 'shell' type, with her protoform being enveloped by an alternate mode armored shell. As such, she is more vulnerable in her protoform state, relying on her alternate mode to get her through heat of battle. As such, she picked an organism that evolved a particularly sturdy shell by absorbing minerals into it's skin and forming hardened plates instead of the usual scales over its' critical organs. Her protoform is very fast and agile though, with the armor shell forming only a 'backpack' of sorts. She uses two fin blades as a primary weapon in her protoform. In her beast mode, she can hover in the air, up to two meters off of the ground, and move through air like water, albeit at reduced maneuverability due to the lower density of the gas.
Nautica is one of the transformers who is fully behind the idea of unification, citing greater efficiency of such a civilization. That said, she recognizes that there needs to be a mechanism for differing opinions to be heard and given a chance to be evaluated fairly before one is selected to be put into practice.
She volunteered for the rescue mission, intending to demonstrate that predacons are capable of working towards a common goal.
Septishock is dedicated to research and invention, focusing on learning more about the planet they have arrived at and how best to accomplish their goals. Though he does not consider himself a combatant, many are often surprised by his efficacy in battle, but that is thanks to his cunning, willingness to use newly-invented and dangerous equipment, and the ability to act decisively and ruthlessly with little-to-no regard for ethics, as that is, to him, the most expedient, logical, and rational action. An unexpected glass cannon, if you will.
Beast Mode:
Corpse Stinger - A beetle-like creature with mantis-like claws. They are opportunistic predators that wait in ambush near feces or corpses to hunt down other insectoids hoping to lay their eggs in the nutrient-rich, rotting matter. Instead of developing its own venom, Corpse Stingers instead gather the potent mix of toxic microbes that thrive on the decaying material near which they spend so much of their time, making their stings particularly difficult to heal from.
Personality:
Septishock is driven by logic and discovery. He pursues his goals with a cold, surgical precision that is unnerving to many. Reclusive and anti-social, Septishock only becomes talkative when delving into his research interests, at which point it becomes difficult to get him to shut up. He is fascinated by new things and enjoys taking stuff apart to understand how they work. Septishock is observant, analytical, adaptable, eccentric, and erratic. The things he hates most are those that obstruct him from doing what he loves. He believes that Cybertron has stagnated, and that Cybertronians need to evolve, so he welcomes anything that might cause their planet and people to stir, even if it comes in the form of conflict; after all, competition drives evolution and conflict breeds innovation.
Background:
An ambitious and brilliant science bot who joined Cybertron's research division, Septishock was dismayed to see the "greatest minds of Cybertron" sitting on their laurels, endlessly congratulating themselves, and arrogantly believing that they had already unlocked the secrets of the universe. Disillusioned, embittered, and hardened by the slow pace of discovery, the constant red tape, and worst, the pointless social functions, Septishock hoped for an environment where he could be unshackled to study, learn, discover, invent, and grow as he desired. So when Megatron's rebellion occurred, Septishock was intrigued and saw an opportunity to, if nothing else, at least to study the sociology of Cybertron, its history, and what factors might lead to division. Perhaps the perpetrators could be captured and interrogated to further understand their motives. Joining the expedition just to get away from the work environment that had stifled his genius, Septishock was pleasantly intrigued to learn that there was some mystery, some unknown, potentially malevolent threat at work here. Septishock knew that if Cybertron did not evolve, they would eventually fall prey to some outside force, and it seems that what he had predicted had come to pass. But prey could fight back too; even if they weren't stronger, they just had to be smarter and willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
Weapons and abilities:
Corrosive Search Laser - Replacing Septishock's left arm and taking the form of his beast mode's stinger, The Corrosive Search Laser is, in fact, not a laser, but a particle beam that fires volatile, ionizing particles that cause the fissile decay of heavier elements that it comes into contact with. A sustained beam has the ability to 'melt' through even the toughest armors, but simply being 'scanned' by it can leave a persistent wound that continues to burn and corrode unless treated properly. Additionally, a weapon of this caliber would normally require a heavy, fixed barrel, making it difficult to aim, but Septishock has innovated his weapon so that the particle emitter sits at the end of the weapon on a versatile swivel with intelligent auto-aim features, which is why he refers to it as a 'search laser'. Now he simply has to point his arm in an enemy's general direction, and the auto-targeting system takes care of the rest. Given that the beam only has to tag an opponent to leave lasting damage, this combination of features is extremely dangerous.
Chain Grappler - Septishock's beast mode's mantis blades come together to form a claw-like weapon. The serrations are chainsaw-like, and when curved inward, form a grasping claw. However, the blades can also straighten and go back-to-back, creating a long, arm-mounted double-bladed chainsword. The Chain Grappler is also rocket-propelled and attached to Septishock's forearm via a chain, allowing him to launch the grappler out to medium-range to ensnare an opponent.
Flight - While Septishock can fly in both beast mode and bot mode, the Corpse Stinger is not a very fast, nor acrobatic flyer, being more of a terrestrial, ambush hunter, using it's wings primarily to avoid predators and change its hunting location to the trees. As such, Septishock's flight only grants him the ability reposition or gain access to out of reach locations, and does not really allow him to dodge or move quickly while in the air.
Inspiration:
Given that a lot of Beast Wars are heavily inspired by classic Transformers characters, I decided to re-imagine classic G1 Shockwave.
Septishock's beast mode is based on the Nerubian Crypt Lords from Blizzard's World of Warcraft.
Scout bot - Farsight’s design has him tend to be exploratory and prepared for any possible danger. As such he is often deployed into unknown territory as a scout, getting a lay of the land before other Maximals are sent in. Part of his scout design is self defense, so Farsight is skilled at using a sniper rifle and survival knife.
Beast Mode:
Gremlin Dog - Slightly smaller than the size of a golden retriever, Gremlin Dogs are somewhere in between a mammal and a reptile. Patrolling the forest biome in packs, these creatures are vicious hunters. With a set of razor sharp teeth, capable of piercing most natural defenses, and retractable claws that allow them to climb trees speedily, Gremlin Dogs are a deadly predator in the forest, irregardless of its smaller size. Gremlin Dogs also have excellent hearing and have amazing vision, able to see long distances and in infrared.
Personality:
Farsight is an explorer at heart, always wanting to see everything in existence. As such he was a long time member of the Maximal exploratory fleet, a fact that he prided himself on. Farsight respects the chain of command and believes in a need for order, otherwise chaos would consume his people, like during the Great War. He’s also a big believer in the unity of the Maximals and Predacons, as it strengthens Cybertron as a whole. As such he will treat pretty much any other Transformer with respect, especially if they are a higher rank than him.
Another aspect of Farsight’s nature is that he views Transformers as superior beings, buying into certain propaganda. As such Farsight tends to look down on other alien species, especially those not yet capable of space flight. In his mind, the needs of his people take precedence over the unevolved animals, not having a problem with taking one of their lives.
Background:
Created during an age of peace for Cybertron, Farsight was brought up on the idea of Cybertronian unity. As a scout bot, Farsight had little to do on his home planet, so he quickly joined up with the Maximal exploratory fleet. It was while serving on an explorer vessel that Farsight was exposed to talk of Cybertronian exceptional nature. Essentially Farsight was told that Transformers were the greatest beings in the universe and that they had the right to spread their civilization across the stars. Farsight quickly fell into this belief, as he helped discover new worlds for his kind to colonize.
It was while Farsight was out discovering new worlds that the Predacon known as Megatron rose to prominence. While Farsight was initially a fan of him as he espoused some of the great rhetoric that he was into, Farsight did disagree with dividing the Maximal and Predacon civilizations, as he felt that Cybertron was stronger united. Farsight’s views on Megatron were made firm when he returned to Cybertron and found out that Megatron and a band of rebel Predacons had committed various crimes before escaping.
Farsight would remain in the city of Iacon following this, as his tour of duty with the exploratory fleet had ended. He would believe that Megatron would be captured soon, especially when he learned that a vessel from the same explorer’s fleet he worked with was in pursuit. However, both Megatron and the Maximal vessel would disappear. This caused gossip to consume Cybertron, but Farsight paid it no heed. Instead he volunteered for the joint Maximal-Predacon mission to find the missing vessels, as he wanted to hunt down Megatron himself and prove that Cybertron was great while united.
Name: Blitzwing Faction: Predacon Protoform: Flyer Beast Mode: Bat
Like many transformers Blitzwing's beast mode head forms his robot mode chest while his wings attach to his back. He doesn't have real hands as he keeps the claws but since his tail becomes a shoulder mounted rifle that doesn't make him any less dangerous.
Personality: If there is one thing Blitzwing hates it's a fair fight, almost as bad is an opponent that poses any threat to him whatsoever. On the other hand shooting an opponent from just close enough to see the life leave their eyes is his biggest hobby. Like the coward he is he is fine following the orders of stronger 'bots and has zero ambition to actually lead but if he is mistreated often enough he will strike back at the right moment and make sure it's fatal.
Background: Blitzwing had only one reason to join the rescue mission and that was the fact that he figured that with a bunch of powerful Cybertronians, even if some were pathetic Maximals he would have plenty of protection while shooting the wildlife. A bonus was that it would be very hard to prove he killed any members of the rescue mission if there were no witnesses nearby
This creature is built to soar, but is just as comfortable crawling, surprisingly fast, along the ground. Resembles a bat, but with a more canine like head.
Personality: Wingwraith tried in the past to assert himself as "Megatron's" right hand; a vicious enforcer, and not at all a conniving opportunist... Yeah, in private, he couldn't be happier that Megatron is currently out of the picture, feeling it's now his time to shine. Where other Predacons could get by relying on brute force, he considered himself superior in cunning, in willpwer, more useful than a mere combat bot, and thus better suited for leadership. Now that he was out of Megatron's shadow, he was going stab as many backs and think circles around as many bots as he had to in order to amass, and keep, power...
Background: In addition to managing spy work (that he grumbled was beneath him- but not too loudly...), he'd helped keep tabs on earlier recruits, reinforcing the idea that Megatron was practically omnipotent- being his eyes and ears taught him how he, himself, could become a powerful and feared leader. He similarly worked information to his advantage in order to position himself and loyal Predacons within the "rescue mission". Of course, he'd assured the more loyal, but stupid, this was to rescue their glorious leader from the clutches of their hated enemies, but in his absence, he'd have to do his best to keep the movement afloat until Megatron could escape and reclaim his "throne". The truth, of course, was that Wingwraith dreamed of murdering Megatron, and usurping him. He was positioning himself to (hopefully) catch Megatron in a compromising position; vulnerable, and ready to be picked off where everyone would see it, allowing Wingwraith to slip right into his place. This mission was a golden opportunity, if he played his cards right...
Beast Mode: Toraton; slow, but heavily armored, and powerful. The natural, non-robot-in-disguise specimens are the largest terrestrial organisms in their planets' history.
Personality: Gigatron is a simple Transformer; he doesn't burden himself with academic pursuits, enjoys putting his size and strength to use, and doesn't think too much if he doesn't have to. This, unfortunately, made him a particularly ideal recruit for such personalities as the so-called "Megatron".
Background: There's little to say for why Gigatron joined the mission; he goes where he's told to go, and does what he's told to do.
Protoform: Science bot Beast Mode: Slickribbon; A predatory, aquatic/amphibious centipede, capable of projecting it's jaws like dragonfly nymphs on Earth.
Personality: Slickback was at a disadvantage from the day he came online. Due to a freak deviation from normal protoformation, his vocal processors were irreparably retrograded, randering him incapable of normal speech. Instead, he makes noises that 1990's humans would recognize as "Dial-Up". Some Transformers can understand him, others cannot, and nobody really knows why.
Background: Megatron fanatics aren't especially forgiving of overt design flaws, so he compensated by being particularly gifted with computer systems. He says, "They speak to me." He's never clarified if this is figurative or literal, as holding back at least some useful information is also to his advantage.
Beast Mode: Quad-Horn; a pair of the horns become hand held blades, per Bushwhack's preference for melee combat.
Personality: Bushwhack is an "Old Guard" sort of bot; he believes in Predacon ideals, and adheres to a code of honor, most of all loyalty.
Background: This Transformer never had a problem with his lot in life; the ancestors lost, so they answer to the greater power. Lately, though, he's beginning to question that status quo. The Maximals have grown complacent, they've begun to show weakness. Cybertron needs strong leadership, or they'll surely weaken as a civilization and come to harm. He does his part to keep up morale, encouraging the others loyal to Wingwraith and, by extension, Megatron.
Beast Mode: Tyranornis Rex; an ambush predator that thrashes and throttles its prey to death in its powerful jaws.
Personality: Strife is a bully, always looking for a fight. He can't rely on his size, like some bots, but he compensates by being more nimble- they can't hit him if they can't catch him.
Background: This bot likes to hang out with bigger bots- he was recruited around the same time as Gigatron. "Alright, buddy, I'll knock 'em off balance, and you slag 'em!... Ugh, stop aiming where they are, and aim where they're going to be!"
Sideways is one of Megatron's spies. He is presently posing as a maximal within the ship's ranks as a sleeper agent, ready to be activated in case Megatron needed a new ship. Likewise, he is gathering intelligence on the other predacons, looking for any weeds to root out.
Sideways transforms into a terrifying insect form, with four sharp claws for legs and mandibles with a powerful bite. As a spy bot, his armor is quite pathetic, however his speed is only trumped by fliers, and he can easily burrow underground.
Personality:
Determined - Loyal - Cunning - Brutal - Snarky - Has hard time making decisions
Background:
Sideways' background is shrouded in mystery. It is not known if he is even originally cybertronian, having crashed in Kaon with his ship from outter space. Whether he has left cyebertron long time ago or originates somewhere else even he does not know, due to amnesia caused by the aforementioned crash landing. Strangely, he possessed a beast alternate mode from the get go, although the beast is nothing like any lifeform on either cybertron or the planet where the ship crashed, suggesting it was obtained on another planet on his travels.
