Machine Merging
Created by Brett Hegr
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The technology to intentionally create a pilot/machine link is not common
knowledge and limited to Archie Three (Rifts® Sourcebook 1 and 2), the
Noro (Phase Worldtm), CAN Republic (Mutants
in Orbittm), the Aglians (Rifts® Manhunter),
the Naruni (Rifts® Mecenaries), the Men-Rall (Rifts® South America 2),
the Techno-Gods (an rumored Rifts® book), and the Struthios (Aliens
Unlimitedtm). In Robotech®, the mecha
gain their superior combat abilities as a side effect of being powered by
protoculture. Dr. Lang could definitely create a non-protoculture mecha
with similar abilities.
Groups that could develop the technology within a decade of study are Triax
Industriestm, the Kassans and the Capucis
(Aliens Unlimitedtm), the Kittani (Rifts®
Atlantis), the Arkhons (Rifts® South America 2), and any of the companies
out of Rifts® Japan. The Coalitiontm could
also, but they use a strictly technological approach (no psychics or mutants).
The first few efforts of these groups would probably only have bonuses equal
to those found under the 'Linking Via Powers/Implants' heading below.
Mechano-Link can be found on page 282 of Heroes Unlimited, but there is an
improved version available here.
- Specially Designed Link: A link between the pilot and the machine
can be created to provide additional bonuses. That link must be specialized
for either a psychic with the Telemechanics ability (costs 4
I.S.P.tm to power the link and lasts for the
normal duration), a mutant with the Mechano-Link super ability (used at will),
or a direct mental link (like the VRRDS system from Mutants in
Orbittm). The bonuses function only
for an operator with the needed ability or a pilot wearing the appropriate
gear. The link gives the following bonuses:
- Two additional attacks per melee
- +3 on initiative
- +3 to strike with all weapon systems
- +2 to strike with a punch, kick, or body block
- +1 more to strike with a flying melee attack
- +3 to pull punch
- +4 to roll with impact
- +3 to parry normally, with hands and arms
- +1 more to parry with hand to hand weapon systems (vibro blades and such)
- +3 to dodge on ground and +6 in air
- Extensive research could only provide another +1 or +2 bonus.
- Linking Via Powers/Implants: The character must have either the
psionic power of Telemechanics (found in most core books) or Mechano-Link,
or a datajack to plug into the machine. The created link is good, but not
as good as they would be with a specially designed link. When used in
conjunction with power armor, robots, or vehicles the character gets
these bonuses:
- One additional attack per melee
- +1 on initiative
- +2 to strike with all weapon systems
- +1 to strike with a punch, kick, or body block
- +1 more to strike with a flying melee attack
- +2 to pull punch
- +2 to roll with impack
- +2 to parry normally, with hands and arms
- +1 more to parry with hand to hand weapon systems (vibro blades and such)
- +3 to dodge on ground and +4 in the air