Mecha Heroes - Sign-Up and Concept Discussion Thread

[Willy Vereb]

Well, a completely original enemy faction is something you can freely develop.
They'd slowly shape up as the story progresses.

Hm, Neo-Nazi fish-aliens?
Sounds like an unique idea.
Albeit we can tinker on it more after decided on whether the enemy will be human or alien.
But from the looks of it, you're siding more on the idea about alien invaders.

[Xamusel]

Indeed. I was thinking of something original with the aliens.

Glad that it's unique.

[Cherry Lover]

Also I'd like to add Mike, that simply accepting mechas have unreasonably light mass won't solve too many problems.
Namely that their performance is still just flat ridiculous.

No, I understand that, but it's still somewhat more realistic.

So there's no point denying the weight such construct would realistically have.

It's like trying to fix a single letter in an essay full of grammatical errors.

Actually, that's kind-of what you're doing, by insisting on "realistic" masses whilst ignoring everything else that doesn't make sense.

But I guess there's also a confusion regarding what we see as "truth" here.

You appear to take in the "official" statement on the mecha's weight as absolute.
I look at the mecha, take the various details into account and then approximate how much such machine would weight.
Because visual representation and such are a much more integral part of a fiction. Like I said, I take in what I actually see.

The problem is that your eyes can deceive you. You don't know what is inside these things.

And, it's not so much that I take the official weight as absolute as it is that I think it's absurd for you to say "well, the weight is wrong" whilst ignoring the fact that making it heavier makes the physics even less plausible than it already is.

Anyways, I think this discussion went on for long.
We should be getting back to topic.

Well, yeah, perhaps....

[Willy Vereb]

Anyways, I haven't heard KAIZA's response but me and Xamusel choose aliens.

So we'd have alien aggressors as the first enemy.
Xamusel's idea is original but maybe too weird for the first type of foe we face.

[Xamusel]

Oh, right, KAIZA has college classes to attend.

That would explain it.

Well, how about we wait for him to get back before we make any final decisions, Willy?

[Willy Vereb]

College on Saturday and Sunday?
I guess these aren't the regular morning classes, then.

Anyways, I might post my character profile soon.

[Xamusel]

Yeah, that could very well be, Willy.

Also, I would like it if someone (maybe KAIZA) would draw my mecha, which would be from a yet-to-be-created VN set in a fictional Gundam universe. I'd even like it if someone drew the Gundam with the different packs attached to it (and unattached as well).

[KAIZA]

Sorry I'm late! Sorry I'm late!
Not college classes on weekend, but some family business to attend to.
*ahem*
Well, I was going to go with aliens in any case, but this was the idea I had in mind (the really short version):

Spoiler for Hiden:

Basically, an unknown energy source is discovered on Earth, and soon, people begin fighting over it. However, an alien race looking for the same power source comes in and tries to take it away, so the two factions put away their differences to stop them. However, it's eventually revealed the aliens actually wanted to get rid of the energy source, because it attracted the attention of an intergalactic locust swarm (so to speak), which is now making its way to Earth. Not helping matters is that one of the aliens actually wanted this, as he wanted to obtain control of this swarm. And so, the others team up, defeat the evil alien traitor and his lackeys, and defeat the locust queen once and for all. Cue the epilogue.

Not the most original, but it can be worked with.

[Xamusel]

Hmm... I think I like this idea.

Willy? What do you say?

[Willy Vereb]

Sorry I'm late! Sorry I'm late!
Not college classes on weekend, but some family business to attend to.
*ahem*
Well, I was going to go with aliens in any case, but this was the idea I had in mind (the really short version):

Spoiler for Hiden:

Basically, an unknown energy source is discovered on Earth, and soon, people begin fighting over it. However, an alien race looking for the same power source comes in and tries to take it away, so the two factions put away their differences to stop them. However, it's eventually revealed the aliens actually wanted to get rid of the energy source, because it attracted the attention of an intergalactic locust swarm (so to speak), which is now making its way to Earth. Not helping matters is that one of the aliens actually wanted this, as he wanted to obtain control of this swarm. And so, the others team up, defeat the evil alien traitor and his lackeys, and defeat the locust queen once and for all. Cue the epilogue.

Not the most original, but it can be worked with.

Not a bad idea at all.
But I don't think it's possible to outline the whole plot for what is essentially a free forum RP.
It'd develop naturally. And unexpectedly.

Anyways, like I said, this is a good setting.
So what would be that certain energy source/mineral/whatever everyone is fighting for?
You have to develop this pretty well.
And keep it balanced.
Make this energy source too useful and it'd dominate everything.
Make it too useless and the reader would wonder "why they even bother?".
This is the one fault I see with your idea.
It's especially problematic for an SRW-like verse where many things are meshed together.

But I believe this order of events can also occur without relying on some "super energy source" as plot device.
Actually, your idea pretty much describes the plot of SRW OG in rather broad strokes.
While it had hints of aliens attacks, the plot actually did start with the emerge of the Divine Crusaders which suddenly planned to take over the world.

In short, while with some conditions I detailed above, consider this plot being accepted by me.
So then all 3 of us agree.

On the other hand I'm still wary of beginning the game in a state of "civil war" (as in, humans vs humans).
It'd lead to the players being separated, supporting either group or maybe even neither.
Which complicates things in the beginning.
This "civil war" is a good background and the past allegiance of characters can also lead to interesting conflicts.
But like I said, it'd lead to complications which we might not want in the beginning.
At best we can do a "prologue mission" where everyone is present in the form of a major battle.
Maybe even the one which later decides the war. (If it finishes before the aliens arrive.)
But after that it's the best if we do a bit of time-skip to the present when they're fighting a new alien threat.

That's what I think.
Later there could be strife, betrayals and other twists.
But in the beginning it's the best if it's just black and white.
Humans fighting against the "evil" aliens (who are either really malicious or not, depending on how we develop the plot).

[Willy Vereb]

Okay, might as well post my own profile, as well.

Spoiler for White Phantom:

Name: Kurt Weissesdonnern (Alias: White Lightning)
Gender: Male
Race: Human
Age: 27
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
Weight: 160 lbs (72 kg)
Rank/Title: Specialist/2nd Lieutenant
Special: ESP

Bio:
TBA

Personality:
Kurt





Name: TCF-0000X7 "White Phantom"
Type: Experimental Transformable Frame (Real Robo)
Dimensions:

• height: 16.4 meters (in combat mode)
• length: 14.7 meters (in performance mode)
• wingspan: 13.9 meters

Weight: 44.8 metric tons
Armor: Hypercarbon Composite
Powerplant: Integrated Plasma Fuel Cell System
Propulsion: Plasma Torches (x4), auxiliary plasma jet motors (x24)

Stats:

• Strength: 10
• Structure: 5
• Firepower: 20
• Performance: 40
• Mobility: 20
• Energy Output: 15
• Sensors: 20

Description:
The TCF-0000X7 is an experimental Combat Frame (mecha) entering its latest phase of development. Created with excessive speed in mind, the light structure of this machine was heavily inspired by the design of aircrafts. As such the TCF-0000 is a skinny mech, almost nothing more than pure thrusters with 4 sticks for limbs. Anything not absolutely necessary for the machine's operation got removed. Paper-thin armor only enough to resist the missile attacks from infantry. In place of the massive hydraulics the TCF-0000 uses magnets and electric motors. Conventional rockets also got replaced with plasma jet engines that run entirely on energy, not needing to pack extra weight for fuel. Most parts of the mech can even serve multiple functions at once. For example the armor is a new type of hypercarbon polymer and its special feature that it also stores plasma in the space between the molecules. As such the TCF-0000's frame has the secondary function as fuel tank/energy battery, with no need for those to occupy extra space. Lastly, the TCF-0000 is capable of transformation, switching between the more mobile Combat Mode and the speed and cruise focused fighter plane like Performance Mode. Thus making the mecha earn its designation: Transformable Combat Frame (TCF).

After version X6 and the arrival of the new pilot (Kurt), the TCF-0000 earne the nickname of White Phantom. The mecha sported excellent speed and suffiicently heavy firepower. Its primary weapon is an adaptive rifle that can change between various previously configured firing modes. Its lower legs carried micro-missile launchers with the total capacity of 160. And for melee the mecha could compensate for its fragility by a pair of plasma sabers, stored in the underarm containers. For close-in-weapons the mecha's head sports a pair of pulse vulcans shooting a torrent of super-hot plasmic bursts.

Weapons:

• IWS-04EX Adaptive Rifle: The primary weapon of the White Phantom. A versatile system that combines the features of the railgun, beam rifle, pulse laser and plasma launcher to fit for many roles at once. The weapon has massive capacity for customizations, allowing it to be tailor-fit for the pilot's style.
• TEW-177 Pulse Vulcan x 2: A pair of small rapid-firing energy weapons that release bursts of superheated plasma. They are relatively weak and mostly used for point-defense.
• CIW-3007F Plasma Saber x 2: Hilts that store and emit concentrated streams of super-hot plasma contained by electromagnetic fields in the shape of glowing bluish white blades. These are the melee weapons to compensate for the White Phantom's relative lack of strength, capable of cutting though any regular Mobile Suit.
• MMM-80 Missile Theater Launcher x 2: Hidden launchers found in the White Phantom's legs, each containing 80 "micro-missiles" with the diameter of only 100mm. While small these missiles are fast and highly maneuverable, equipped with tiny plasma jet engines. MMM-80 is capable of launching several different types of missiles, albeit only one of these are specilaized for engaging other mechs. Said missiles have specialized dense penetrators to pierce any common Mobile Suit's armor, and then still carry enough explosives to cause considerable damage within.

Abilities:

• Transformation: The White Phantom is the first ever transformable Combat Frame. It borrows many features from other existing transformable mechs while also introducing revolutionary changes. The White Phantom is an extremely lightweight machine that can switch between the fast and economic fighter form (Performance Mode) and the versatile humanoid form (Combat Mode). The transformation is executed by the machine's own magnetic joints and a series of electromagnets, lessening wear and allowing to change between the two modes rapidly.
  • Combat Mode: The White Phantom's default form is when it assumes a humanoid shape. Focuses on mobility and overall fighting ability. In this form the White Phantom can access all of its weaponry and aim with its primary weapon with complete freedom.
  • Performance Mode: The mode which focuses on speed and energy-efficient travel. In performance mode the White Phantom assumes the shape smilar to a fighter plane, with all the Plasma Torches facing in one direction for maximal acceleration. In Performance Mode the combat options are more limited and the pilot must generally resort to dogfight tactics. On the other hand the Performance Mode's optimized energy consumption makes this form the ideal to use the stealth field at its full potential.
• Flight: Thanks to its light frame and set of plasma jet engines, the White Phantom is capable of flight even under the effects of gravity. Especially in Performance Mode which was designed with efficient and high-speed atmospheric flight in mind. To ensure this, in Performance Mode the machine can generate a plasma field which alters the mecha's air resistance thus lessening the drag forces. As a result the  White Phantom can even achieve speeds as fast as 36000 km/h or Mach 30. Albeit due to the increased energy requirements the White Phantom cannot maintain this speed for extended periods.
• Stealth Umbrella: Aside from manipulating the drag forces, the full-scale plasma field has a secondary role. Using the plasma's general characteristic to absorb electromagnetic waves, it can be tuned to defeat radar and many other forms of active detection. To an extend the field can also regulate heat, toning down the outsourcing heat of the plasma jets. In the atmosphere this feature can be effectively used to become stealthy and rather difficult to detect. In space complete stealth is impossible. Albeit it still makes targeting the White Phantom more difficult.
• Defense Rod: A reinforced rotor-like blade found on the mecha's left arm. Experimental technology to replace the bulky physical shields. While regular shields are passive and basically little more than an extra layer of armor, the Defense Rod is an active protection. It uses the same electromagnetic motors that move the left elbow joint, the Defense Rod rotates precisely and on high speed to deflect an incoming projectile. This allows the White Phantom to handle certain attacks which otherwise its armor would be hopeless to withstand. The Defense Rod can be also coated in a plasma field to effect beams and other energy attacks. Unfortunately this mechanism has two drawbacks. First, it was designed to handle a singular, moderately powerful attack. Which means weapons with high rate of fire can overcome it. Second, it requires precise positioning and skill which currently only its test pilot Kurt Weisserdonner can replicate.

Signature Moves:

• None

Left a few things like my character's bio empty for now.
I will fill them up once we discussed the details of the starting plot.

[KAIZA]

Not a bad idea at all.
But I don't think it's possible to outline the whole plot for what is essentially a free forum RP.
It'd develop naturally. And unexpectedly.

No, I know. It was just a possible outline.

Anyways, like I said, this is a good setting.
So what would be that certain energy source/mineral/whatever everyone is fighting for?
You have to develop this pretty well.
And keep it balanced.
Make this energy source too useful and it'd dominate everything.
Make it too useless and the reader would wonder "why they even bother?".
This is the one fault I see with your idea.
It's especially problematic for an SRW-like verse where many things are meshed together.

I see. It could work for the backstory and also as the power source of some Mechas, but I also had the idea it could be used for the usual "mid-season upgrade" for the Mechas when the second alien threat appears.

But I believe this order of events can also occur without relying on some "super energy source" as plot device.
Actually, your idea pretty much describes the plot of SRW OG in rather broad strokes.
While it had hints of aliens attacks, the plot actually did start with the emerge of the Divine Crusaders which suddenly planned to take over the world.

In short, while with some conditions I detailed above, consider this plot being accepted by me.
So then all 3 of us agree.

Huh...interesting. So, we're all in agreement, then?
Good.

On the other hand I'm still wary of beginning the game in a state of "civil war" (as in, humans vs humans).
It'd lead to the players being separated, supporting either group or maybe even neither.
Which complicates things in the beginning.
This "civil war" is a good background and the past allegiance of characters can also lead to interesting conflicts.
But like I said, it'd lead to complications which we might not want in the beginning.
At best we can do a "prologue mission" where everyone is present in the form of a major battle.
Maybe even the one which later decides the war. (If it finishes before the aliens arrive.)
But after that it's the best if we do a bit of time-skip to the present when they're fighting a new alien threat.

That's what I think.
Later there could be strife, betrayals and other twists.
But in the beginning it's the best if it's just black and white.
Humans fighting against the "evil" aliens (who are either really malicious or not, depending on how we develop the plot).

Well, the war between factions can be part of the backstory, and the prologue starts when the two factions join together to start fighting the aliens. Like I said, the idea can still be developed, and all that backstory can make for delicious drama/plot/character development later on if we apply them to the characters (who could have sided either way or be neutral before the RP)

[Mordalfus Grea]

I may join sometime, I am a pretty huge Gundam fan and I have created a lot of OC Mobiles suits over a period of time. So I gotta find a few, remodel them to work for this RP and gauge their stats