Post by Tokrochiru on Mar 19, 2014 2:14:09 GMT -5
This is a guide for anyone who wants to participate in the Expanse RP and isn't quite sure what to do with psyframe creation, or simply doesn't know how psyframes work (which at this point is basically everyone). Not knowing what to do just yet is nothing to be ashamed of, since for most of us, the mech RP is new territory. I'm hoping that this thread will shed some much needed light on how these mechs function, as well as help you guys come up with your own custom psyframes.
Section 1: What Is a Psyframe?
Structure
Psyframes are special (often bipedal) vehicles that are controlled by a device called a psycable. The psycable is a metallic full-body suit that is kept within the psyframe's cockpit that, when worn, directly connects the wearer's body and mind to the vehicle's computer, allowing him to see what the psyframe sees, as well as control it with his own body and thoughts. If you need a reference to help you visualize it, think about how the mechs in G Gundam or Pacific Rim are controlled. The way mechs are controlled in those works of fiction are very similar to how psyframes are piloted in the Expanse.
Most psyframes stand at around 8 to 12 meters tall (around three stories high) and have two arms and two legs. The arms often do not have 'hands' with which to grab things, but instead have large guns or other weapons attached. Even so, psyframes with human-like hands are not unheard of. Psyframes also generally have a small head, which contains the sensory system and, and jet boosters on the back and behind the legs, which allow the mech to fly both in outer space and within a planet's atmosphere.
A psyframe's power core and cockpit are most often located within its torso. They are also likely to be the most heavily protected parts of the mech, since they are almost always buried underneath numerous layers of powerful metal and force shielding.
All the information listed here, with the exception of the information relating to psycables, is not guaranteed to apply to every single psyframe. Some psyframes, for example, have cockpits located within the torso, and don't have a head at all.
Most psyframes are designed to only be able to be used by a specific species, though there are exceptions to this rule as well.
It should be noted that a psyframe that is not operated via a psycable is not a psyframe at all. This type of mech is referred to as a 'techframe'. 'Gearbox' is also a common slang word used to describe a techframe.
Types of Origins
Nobody knows who created the first psyframe, since their existence predates recorded history. Across the galaxy, the ruins of ancient civilizations can be found, most of their aged psyframes lying or standing still and inoperable. Almost all modern psyframes are heavily based on the designs and specs of these "archaic" psyframes. There are rare exceptions, however, that are built from the ground up, using new experimental technology.
So, the three different types of origins for psyframes are....
Archaic: Psyframes designed and built by ancient civilizations. Most of these are inoperable to the galaxy's current populace, but there are a select few that can be populated by just about any sentient species. In addition, some modern species have the capability to scientifically alter themselves to be capable of piloting archaic psyframes.
Derivative: Psyframes based on the designs, principles and mechanics of archaic psyframes, but updated to be usable by modern pilots. The majority of the universe's usable psyframes fall under this classification.
Experimental: Psyframes that, aside from the implementation of a psycable, are not based on archaic psyframes. These psyframes are rare, highly valued, and often highly unstable.
Builds
The specs of a psyframe (its weight, loadout, and overall design) determine what a psyframe's official build classification is. Not every psyframe is made with the same purpose in mind, which is why it is necessary for psyframes to be given a name for their build. Below are listed a list of example classes for psyframes...
Jack: Well rounded combat frames that can handle ground, air, and space combat. They have a good mix of defensive and offensive capabilities, and are neither light nor heavy, small nor large.
Guardian: Defensively oriented combat frames that are designed to protect their respective pilots, as well as others. These psyframes often carry shields, in addition to some sort of melee or ranged weapon (perhaps even both.)
Behemoth: Large, often ground-bound combat psyframes that often exceed heights of 17 meters. These frames lack maneuverability, but often have lots of armor, as well as a large arsenal of heavy weaponry.
Skitter: Small, light frames that only stand at about 4 to 6 meters tall. These mechs are designed to run, dig, or fly quickly in order to perform recon. They can also be used to effectively attack larger psyframes in droves.
Gale: Medium-sized, often flight-based frames that emphasize maneuverability over heavy weaponry. Not lightly armored per se, but often not as as heavily armed as other types of frames.
Section 2: What are they used for?
Psyframes are, first and foremost, combat vehicles. No one operates a psyframe for the sole sake of helping with construction projects. Such tasks are generally accomplished using less complicated machinery, including techframes.
Section 1: What Is a Psyframe?
Structure
Psyframes are special (often bipedal) vehicles that are controlled by a device called a psycable. The psycable is a metallic full-body suit that is kept within the psyframe's cockpit that, when worn, directly connects the wearer's body and mind to the vehicle's computer, allowing him to see what the psyframe sees, as well as control it with his own body and thoughts. If you need a reference to help you visualize it, think about how the mechs in G Gundam or Pacific Rim are controlled. The way mechs are controlled in those works of fiction are very similar to how psyframes are piloted in the Expanse.
Most psyframes stand at around 8 to 12 meters tall (around three stories high) and have two arms and two legs. The arms often do not have 'hands' with which to grab things, but instead have large guns or other weapons attached. Even so, psyframes with human-like hands are not unheard of. Psyframes also generally have a small head, which contains the sensory system and, and jet boosters on the back and behind the legs, which allow the mech to fly both in outer space and within a planet's atmosphere.
A psyframe's power core and cockpit are most often located within its torso. They are also likely to be the most heavily protected parts of the mech, since they are almost always buried underneath numerous layers of powerful metal and force shielding.
All the information listed here, with the exception of the information relating to psycables, is not guaranteed to apply to every single psyframe. Some psyframes, for example, have cockpits located within the torso, and don't have a head at all.
Most psyframes are designed to only be able to be used by a specific species, though there are exceptions to this rule as well.
It should be noted that a psyframe that is not operated via a psycable is not a psyframe at all. This type of mech is referred to as a 'techframe'. 'Gearbox' is also a common slang word used to describe a techframe.
Types of Origins
Nobody knows who created the first psyframe, since their existence predates recorded history. Across the galaxy, the ruins of ancient civilizations can be found, most of their aged psyframes lying or standing still and inoperable. Almost all modern psyframes are heavily based on the designs and specs of these "archaic" psyframes. There are rare exceptions, however, that are built from the ground up, using new experimental technology.
So, the three different types of origins for psyframes are....
Archaic: Psyframes designed and built by ancient civilizations. Most of these are inoperable to the galaxy's current populace, but there are a select few that can be populated by just about any sentient species. In addition, some modern species have the capability to scientifically alter themselves to be capable of piloting archaic psyframes.
Derivative: Psyframes based on the designs, principles and mechanics of archaic psyframes, but updated to be usable by modern pilots. The majority of the universe's usable psyframes fall under this classification.
Experimental: Psyframes that, aside from the implementation of a psycable, are not based on archaic psyframes. These psyframes are rare, highly valued, and often highly unstable.
Builds
The specs of a psyframe (its weight, loadout, and overall design) determine what a psyframe's official build classification is. Not every psyframe is made with the same purpose in mind, which is why it is necessary for psyframes to be given a name for their build. Below are listed a list of example classes for psyframes...
Jack: Well rounded combat frames that can handle ground, air, and space combat. They have a good mix of defensive and offensive capabilities, and are neither light nor heavy, small nor large.
Guardian: Defensively oriented combat frames that are designed to protect their respective pilots, as well as others. These psyframes often carry shields, in addition to some sort of melee or ranged weapon (perhaps even both.)
Behemoth: Large, often ground-bound combat psyframes that often exceed heights of 17 meters. These frames lack maneuverability, but often have lots of armor, as well as a large arsenal of heavy weaponry.
Skitter: Small, light frames that only stand at about 4 to 6 meters tall. These mechs are designed to run, dig, or fly quickly in order to perform recon. They can also be used to effectively attack larger psyframes in droves.
Gale: Medium-sized, often flight-based frames that emphasize maneuverability over heavy weaponry. Not lightly armored per se, but often not as as heavily armed as other types of frames.
Section 2: What are they used for?
Psyframes are, first and foremost, combat vehicles. No one operates a psyframe for the sole sake of helping with construction projects. Such tasks are generally accomplished using less complicated machinery, including techframes.