162 replies to this topic

[Bloodweaver]

Sjorpha, on 06 July 2015 - 04:24 PM, said:

This may be dissappointing, but i'll rather just say I'm wrong than than even attempt to challenge that massive wall of text

You win, well played. GGclose.

Overall, his argument is more likely to be right than not. It's not definitively proven, but that's only because BT scales have never been fully and consistently standardized. He has done a great job of collecting a large number of references, though, both in written specs and official artworks. And, overall, there does seem to be a trend where Endo and Ferro increase 'Mech size.

[Bishop Steiner]

Bloodweaver, on 06 July 2015 - 06:55 PM, said:

Overall, his argument is more likely to be right than not. It's not definitively proven, but that's only because BT scales have never been fully and consistently standardized. He has done a great job of collecting a large number of references, though, both in written specs and official artworks. And, overall, there does seem to be a trend where Endo and Ferro increase 'Mech size.

Well, I will say it's a rather Well-sian effort. But just like Deflategate, where's the actual PROOF?

[Koniving]

Hit the Deck, on 06 July 2015 - 03:08 PM, said:

BTW, Koni, as far as I know Warhawk only has Ferro and I think she can't be that different size-wise to a Dire Wolf mainly because they use the same pair of legs.

Even with the same legs, the body doesn't have to be that big. Supposedly the legs are all it shares (and yet it still manages to have less armor on those legs, go figure. Honestly think that recycling legs things just makes it easier to draw them). And you're correct it's sporting Ferro instead of both. (The lack of free slots tends to get me on that, it always feels like there's never enough slots and plenty of free tonnage).

Also because I didn't get to mention it: While BattleTechnology has its flaws, the main reason I like it (mostly the earlier editions) is because the authors of its articles include William H. Keith (and its best art is by him) and many individuals responsible for the 2nd and 3rd edition rules; these means the content is by people directly involved with making the game and thus gives you their vision and reasoning... rather than hired authors given a check and told "Make a story about Space China versus Space French-'Murica and include ninjas from Space Feudal-Japan, now have a sword wielding mech that rebounds off of walls. That's gold, Jerry! Gold!"

As you can imagine the Wiz Kidz novels made me lose all faith in BT for a while.

(If you're interested I can share the project I'm working on.)

Sjorpha, on 06 July 2015 - 04:24 PM, said:

This may be dissappointing, but i'll rather just say I'm wrong than than even attempt to challenge that massive wall of text

You weren't wrong. Bulk doesn't necessarily mean getting taller; however such can be a fluke from bulking up. Much like a Locust is significantly taller than a Flea...and quite a bit thinner too. It's all in how you allocate the materials.

With endo steel comes more bulk. Bigger bones either get much thicker or somewhat thicker and longer depending on what kind of space can be needed. Larger mechs with internal access hatches have a lot more room to eat up and thus wouldn't grow much if at all. Smaller ones or those with no room would inevitably 'bulk up' or get bigger. (An example of a mech with no room is the Atlas. Despite the free slots, in fluff the Atlas has consumed all of its internal space to the point that the LRM-20 is a 5-tube rapid reload hip pack on the Atlases AS7-D, D-DC, RS, and actually every Atlas short of the S, S-2, K and C. The K accomplishes this by replacing the SRM pack with the LRM pack The S does this by removing a lot of the heatsinks. The C is based on the K and is essentially the rushed K completed and improved. S-2 is based on the S.)

Sadly no Mechwarrior or Battletech game has displayed this due to budget/limitations...and admittedly MW 1/2/3 don't allow structural customization. Don't know about 4. Can't get it to work on my computer.