RE: DS - OT - Cross Genre Designs

Dirtside II is designed to be as generic as possible (while remaining as
uncomplicated as possible). Thus, most other systems and fictional
universes can be modeled somewhat, but often special genre-specific
rules need to be put in place to model a specific universe.

To put mechs in a Bettletech-like universe, you need to ignore the "1
size larger" rule to make them effective. Also house rules for jump
packs and physical attacks are fairly easy to establish.

If you want a Renegade Legion type setting, allow your Gravtanks to
perform as VTOLs (give them pop-up attacks and allow them to operate in
Low Mode or surface mode). You would probably want to add a house rule
on construction as well to increase bottom/top armor (pay points for 1
armor size larger to get front armor -1 on bottom, side, and top).

For the Ogre universe, you may need some other modifications. You are
welcome to view my modifications at
http://www.ftsrorg/ds2/multiverse/fmaogre.asp and/or join my discussion
group about my Ogre confersion at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fullmetalogre/

Most if you start the campaign with the idea if setting DS2 in a
specific universe, usually you will get little arguement about house
rules (unless they pull the balance too far off center).

If you wish to incorporate the ideas of several universes, then you need
to be sure to balance out advantages and disadvantages. Example to make
Mechs tougher, also make them more expensive. To add VTOL ability to
gravtanks, also allow them to be targeted by ADS (and add to the point
cost). Also you may decide that there would be further disadvantages to
a 'immobile' chit (grav tank falls and has a chance to be
damaged/destroyed, mech may tip over with a chance at damage/destroyed).
The trick is not to make something so good that it is the only
reasonable choice (or make something so bad that no one in thier right
mind would take it).

---
Brian Bell
bbell1@insight.rr.com
http://www.ftsr.org
---

Original Message:
-----------------
From: David Griffin carbon_dragon@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 2 May 2001 08:51:30 -0700 (PDT)
To: gzg-l@csua.berkeley.edu
Subject: DS - OT - Cross Genre Designs

[snip]

Additionally, it seems that certain systems are 
missing that a real mech would certainly want such
as jump jets, huge melee weapons for dealing 
physical damage to tanks (Giant axes and the like),
death from above attacks (stepping or landing on
tanks), and armor which must be tougher than we 
see in Dirtside.

Renegade Legion grav tanks look like they can be
designed, but they seem to have restricted flight
modes. Real grav tanks can fly (though it makes
them vulnerable to bottom hits). It doesn't look
like a grav tank could do this in Dirtside. If you
design them as an aircraft, the weapon load seems
to be quite restrictive. Of course flicker shields
are NOT represented (at least I haven't seen them).

Ogres could be designed as these multi section 
vehicles. I don't think the armor can be made
tough enough to replicate the feel of Ogre, and
they look like they can be immobilized too easily
(just 2 tread vehicle units immobilized). My
suspicion is they'd look neat rumbling across the
playing field but would be disabled without TOO
much effort.

Ok, am I right, or do I have it wrong? 

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