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Transformable Robots | |||
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SPECIAL OPTION: MINIATURE BODY TYPE
SPECIAL OPTION: TRANSFORMING CYBORG
Giant robots can come in handy in a fight, no question about that. But there are also several liabilities. The main one being that you can't take a giant robot just anywhere. People would panic if they saw a 20' mechanical monstrosity running down main street. Ideally, there would be some way to disguise the robot so that it could operate in a public setting.
A transformable robot
requires the purchase of two robot bodies (+10% to both costs). One for the
robot form (usually humanoid), and one for the other form (usually vehicular).
Use the chart below to select the appropriate body. This article does not cover
the creation of vehicles which turn into other vehicles. If you want a car that
turns into a plane or boat, then I recommend getting a copy of Ninjas &
Superspies. Their super vehicle section has quite a few of these conversion
options.
NOTE: All of these forms may be ridden in or piloted in vehicular form. When
you purchase the Piloted Humanoid Body option, you are paying for a redesign in
the transformation process which retains the pilot compartment. This only
applies to the front seat. Any equipment, passengers, etc. which is in the back
seats must be vacated, or it is crushed.
| Disguised Form | Humanoid Height | Piloted Humanoid Body Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | 6-8' | $10,000 (must be an exoskeleton) |
| Compact Auto | Giant Humanoid (12') | $4,000 |
| Sports Car | 14' | $5,000 |
| Mid-Sized Sedan | 13-15' | $4,500 |
| Full-Size Sedan | 15-20' | $4,500 |
| Mini-Van/Utility | 16-18' | $4,700 |
| Jeep | 15-17' | $4,250 |
| Full-Size Van | 16-20' | $5,000 |
| Tank | 18-24' | $3,000 |
| Jet | 29-26' | $5,000 |
The vehicular form
may be purchased from a standard vehicle or Hardware: Super Vehicles vehicle,
but at an added cost of $50,000.
An additional form may be selected, but there are limitations. First, the 10%
additional cost per body type is raised by 5% for every additional form and the
new form's body type must be purchased. Second, the new form must be comparable
in size to the other transformed form, so a robot who turns into a jet could
not also become a compact car. Third, the Piloted Humanoid Body Cost is doubled
for every additional form.
Step 2: Determine Transformation Style:
If heavy weapon systems are installed on the robot, then the player may select one or two of them (one is recommended) to transform into a handheld weapon to be used in robot form.
Step 3: Determining Speed
A Note concerning S.D.C. and A.R.
The same SDC is applied to each form. In either form, this S.D.C. applies to the main body. The maximum S.D.C. available is the average between the maximum S.D.C. of each form. A.R. must be bought separately for each form.
It is up to the players to determine component S.D.C. based on their own system for doing so. My system is presented below as an example:
Main Body: 100% of S.D.C.
Arms: 30%
Hands: 15%
Head: 15%
Legs: 50%
Feet: 25%
SPECIAL OPTION: Miniature Body Type
NOTE: The high cost of these comparatively weaker robots is due to the degree of miniaturization involved. They are fairly useless for combat, but make excellent spies. Also, the humanoid body types may be replaced with animal bodies for a savings of 40% of the body type cost.
Body Type: Miniature Transformable Humanoid (can also be used as a remote probe)
Transformation options include but are not limited to boom box, personal computer, television (uses LCD display, add $10,000 to cost), light vehicle weapon system or handheld rifle.
Body Type: Micro Transformable Humanoid (Can only be used as a remote probe for a larger robot)
Transformation options include but are not limited to small handheld communicator, cassette tapes or videocassettes, portable disk drives, microscopes, telescopes, or handguns.
These robots are all able to combine to form one larger robot.
Step 1: Create the component robots
Create five or six robots using the standard rules for robots or transformable robots. If five robots are creates, then the one which will become the torso must be larger than the others (ie: a giant humanoid and four basic humanoids). If six robots are created, then they are all the same basic size, and two of them combine to form the torso. All robots which form the gestalt must use reinforced frames.
Step 2: Assign the robots as components of the gestalt form
This step involves purchasing the extra components for each robot. Needless to say, this costs extra.
NOTE: The gestalt robot armor is not available to the robots in their individual forms because it is too bulky and ungainly.
Step 3: Purchasing S.D.C. and A.R. for each component
To purchase S.D.C. and A.R. for each component, purchase the points as normal (but at 1/4 price), but only apply them to the gestalt form (you are buying improvements to the armor plate). Limbs and half torsos can only recieve S.D.C. and A.R. equal to the limit of their individual forms, but full torsos can receive armor up to 200% of their maximum S.D.C. and 2 points above their maximum A.R.
Step 4: Purchasing P.S. and Spd.
The P.S. and
Spd. attributes are purchased for each component. These attributes have nothing
to do with individual robot's attributes. All limb modules begin with a P.S. of
20, and legs begin with a Spd. of 22. Additional P.S. for each limb costs
$4,000 per point. Additional Spd. for each limb costs $200 per point.
Flight is a possbility for the gestalt form, but it's expensive. A full hover
system must be purchased for each leg and for the lower torso, and a $500,000
procedure is required for each module to adapt the hover system to propel the
gestalt robot. The maximum flight speed is equal to 50% of the lowest speed and
the maximum altitude is 50% of the lowest maximum altitude. Also, each of these
robots must have a nuclear power system.
Spd is limited to 500 MPH. P.S. is limited to 200.
Step 5: Sensors and Weapons Systems
The gestalt
form has access to all sensors, but each version of a sensor is only counted
once when determining bonuses. The gestalt form also has access to the weapons
built into the torso.
The gestalt form does not normally have access to the weapon systems built into
the limbs (they are covered by armor), but any weapons may be configured to
function in gestalt mode with a $20,000 conversion process.
Step 6: Assigning control of the gestalt robot
If the robots
are to be piloted by humans, then the gestalt form should be controlled by the
pilot of the upper torso.
If the robots are to be controlled by A.I., then it is up to the players and/or
GM whether the gestalt form is to be controlled by the upper torso or by a
combination of all of the robots. If these robots are to be player characters,
then I would suggest making the robot controlled by the main module. Another
option is to have an A.I. which is only used by the gestalt form.
If the A.I. combine to form the gestalt form's mind, then the Split Personality
rules found in the Insanity section may apply (GM's call). In this case, the
gestalt A.I. is the main personality and each component has a 20% or 17% chance
of emerging. Fortunately, the computer system is able to handle this problem
and the gestalt A.I. will regain control in 1D4 melees.
Gestalt robot
transformation is much easier if the upper body parts (torso and arms) have
flight capabilities. Otherwise, the robot will have to form lying down, and
then get up (which takes 4D4 melees)
Gestalt robots may be forced to disengage by powerful attacks. An attack to the
torso which inflicts 10% or more of that module's total SDC has a 60% chance or
causing a disengagement.
Humanoid robots may transform into guns for the gestalt robot. Use standard
transformable robot rules and purchase a basic humanoid body.
Humanoid robots may also form the head of the gestalt robot. In this situation,
the robot which becomes the head takes control of the gestalt form.
SPEICAL OPTION: Transforming Cyborg
A transformable
cyborg must be full conversion. From here, the borg can become a large gun or
cannon, a motorcycle, or other device of comparable size.
First, the other form must be purchased.
Second, the borg and the device must both be reconfigured and combined into
each other. This costs $5,000,000
Body Type: Transformable Sports Car
Size: Robot: 14' tall. Car: 8' long. Crew: 2
A.R.: Robot: 9, Car: 12
S.D.C. By Location
Targets with a * are small and difficult (-3) to hit
Audio
Optics
Sensors
Weapons
Features
Bonuses
| Itemized Cost | |
|---|---|
| Item | Cost |
| Sports Car | $160,000 |
| Giant Humanoid Body | 1,510,000 |
| Transformation Adaption | 7,000 |
| Piloted Robot Cost | 5,000 |
| Additional S.D.C. (150) | 150,000 |
| Additional Robot A.R. (3) | 300,000 |
| Additional Car A.R. (6) | 600,000 |
| Fusion Power | 3,200,000 |
| Wheels | 2,000 |
| Vehicle Speed | 60,000 |
| Robot Speed | 15,600 |
| P.S. | 3,600 |
| Audio Package: | 465,000 |
| Optics Package | 530,000 |
| Sensor Suite | 700,000 |
| Weapon Systems | 1,550,000 |
| Features | 1,250,000 |
| Total | $10,509,200 |
Body Type: Transformable Tower P.C./Miniature Humanoid
Size: Robot: 2' tall. Computer: 1'-7 long.
A.R.: Robot: 9, Computer: 5
S.D.C. By Location
Targets with a * are small and difficult (-3) to hit
A.I.
Audio
Optics
Sensors
Weapons
Computer Features
Bonuses
| Itemized Cost | |
|---|---|
| Item | Cost |
| Tower P.C. | $1,400 |
| Miniature Robot | 600,000 |
| Transformation Cost | 75,000 |
| A.I. (and A.P.M.) | 4,500,000 |
| Micro-Fusion Power System | 5,300,000 |
| S.D.C. | 7,500 |
| Robot A.R. | 400,000 |
| P.S. | 18,000 |
| Audio Package | 1,015,000 |
| Optics Package | 425,000 |
| Sensor Suite | 600,000 |
| Weapons | 50,000 |
| Total | $12,941,900 |
Note: Since Microhumanoid bodies are too small for AI to be installed, Blast acts as a remote probe for an android
Body Type: Transforming Ion Pistol/Micro Humanoid Reinforced
Size: Robot: 10" tall. Pistol: 8" long.
A.R.: Robot: 4, Pistol: 8
S.D.C. By Location
Targets with a * are small and difficult (-3) to hit
Audio
Optics
Weapons: None other than the blaster form. Blaster is capable of entering a half-transformed state where his upper body is a blaster and his legs are extended, but his balance is affected and he is -4 to strike
Blaster Form Stats: Damage: 4D6. Range: 200'. Maximum shots per melee: 4. Clip: 10 shots. Blaster's android user is +4 to strike while using the blaster because of the optical enhancements.
Bonuses
| Itemized Cost | |
|---|---|
| Item | Cost |
| Robot Body | $1,700,000 |
| Ion Blaster | 250,000 |
| Transformation Adaptation | 250,000 |
| Super Solar | 1,000,000 |
| P.S. | 26,000 |
| Spd. | 800 |
| A.R. | 400,000 |
| Audio Package | 490,000 |
| Optics Package | 645,000 |
| Total | $4,761,800 |
NOTE: For convenience, I have decided that this gestalt robot will be composed of 6 variants of the Chrome robot presented earlier. They are all identical except for individual gestalt modifications. Presented below are the stats for the gestalt robot Road Rage:
Body Type: Gestalt
Size: 45' tall. Crew: 12 (2 per car). The pilot of Chrome I controls the gestalt form.
Configuration: Upper Torso/Head: Chrome I. Lower Torso: Chrome II. Arms: Chrome III & Chrome IV. Legs: Chrome V & Chrome VI.
Hover Systems Added to CHrome 1-4 to Aid Gestalt Formation: The robots which make the torso and arms are each equipped with a standard convealed hover system.
A.R.: Robot: 0, Car: 0
S.D.C. By Location
Targets with a * are small and difficult (-3) to hit
Audio (from Chrome I)
Optics (from Chrome I)
Sensors (from Chrome I)
Weapons (Upper Torso/Chrome I)
Weapons (Lower Torso/Chrome II)
Weapons (Left Arm/Chrome IV)
Features (Each Module)
Bonuses
| Chrome Body Type: Transformable Sports Car Size: Robot: 14' tall. Car: 8' long. Crew: 2 A.R.: Robot: 9, Car: 12 S.D.C. By Location: Main Body: 750. *Head: 112. Arms (2): 225. *Hands (2): 112. Legs (2): 375. *Wheels (4): 60 P.S.: 28 Robot Speed: 60 MPH Vehicular Speed: 240 MPH Power Supply: Fusion Audio: Advanced Audio. Radar Detector. Bug Detector. Wide Band Scrambled Radio Transceiver. Audio Recorder ("Black Box"). Loudspeaker Optics: Advanced Optics. Targeting Sight. Telescopic Vision. External AudioVisual Surveillance System. Video Transceiver Sensors: Motion Detector. Maxi-Radar. Radiation Detector Weapons: Eye Lasers. Wrist Blasters. Electrical Discharge. Spike/Towline. .50 Cal. Machinegun (converts to rifle). Mini Missile Pod: Payload: 8 Features: Telemental Helmet. Pressurized Cabin. Life Support. Radiation Shielding Bonuses: +12 initiative. +1 to strike. +1 to strike with ranged/modern weapons. +7 to parry. +8 to dodge. +1 to pull punch |
|---|
| Itemized Cost | |
|---|---|
| Item | Cost |
| Chrome #1-6 | $63,055,200 |
| Upper Body Conversion | 425,000 |
| Lower Body Conversion | 300,000 |
| Arm Conversions | 300,000 |
| Leg Conversions | 200,000 |
| P.S. | 960,000 |
| Spd. | 36,000 |
| Hover Systems for Torso and Arm Units | 2,200,000 |
| Left Arm Weapon Conversion | 20,000 |
| Total | $67,496,200 |
Note: WPs and sniper skill do not apply to his own gun form, since Road Rage is the one aiming the gun
Real Name: Ben Taylor
Occupation: Cybernetic Secret Agent
Power Category: Bionic/Transformable giant blaster
Alignment: Unprincipled
Height (As Humanoid): 6'-2"
Length (As Blaster): 7'-4"
Level: 5
Education Level: Trade School
| H.P.: 28 | S.D.C.: 230 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| I.Q.: 14 | M.E.: 19 | M.A.: 13 | P.S.: 22 |
| P.P.: 18 | P.E.: 15 | P.B.: 12 | Spd.: 77 |
Saving Throw Bonuses: Psi/Insanity/H.F.: +2
Combat Skill: Hand to Hand: Martial Arts. A.P.M.: 5
Combat Bonuses: +4 initiative, +2 to strike, +2 todisarm, +5 to parry, +7 to dodge, +3 to roll, +3 to pull punch
Moves: Karate Kick: 2D4, Wheel Kick: 2D6, Roundhouse Kick: 3D6, backward Sweep, Tripping/Leg Hook. Jump Kicks
Bionic Features
Skills: Navigation: 90%, Read Sensory Equipment: 70%, Weapon Systems: 80%, Automobile: 85%, Motorcycle: 95%, Jet Fighters: 75%, Jet Packs: 77%, Detect Ambush: 70%, Intelligence: 57%, Wilderness Survival: 70%, Tracking: 65%, Sniper, Computer Operation: 65%, Basic Electronics and Mechancis: 55%, Research: 75%, Prowl: 50%, Pick Locks: 45%, Basic Radio: 60%
W.P.s: Pistol, Revolver and Submachinegun
Armor: Bionic Armor: 900 S.D.C. and 18 A.R.
Bionic S.D.C. By Location
Targets with a * are small and difficult (-3) to hit
| Itemized Cost | |
|---|---|
| Item | Cost |
| Full Bionic Conversion | 7,500,000 |
| Blaster | 1,400,000 |
| Transformation Modification | 5,000,000 |
| P.S. | 16,000 |
| Bionic Eyes | 560,000 |
| Bionc Ears | 1,280,000 |
| Sensor Suite | 691,400 |
| Independant Oxygen | 40,000 |
| Total | $16,487,400 |