Skelebot question

[Mack]

On the FASSAR-20s (the original model) is there a canon reference that states the weapon-power link (the one used to power the CV-213) is in just one hand, or both hands?

Reason I ask is that each 'bot has WP Paired Weapons, so if there's a link in each hand it would make a ton more sense to have each of the older -20 models dual wield CV-213s (even if a GM does decided to give a strike penalty for using a rifle with only one hand).

Likewise for the newer -30 models, which could dual wield the C-200 rail gun. Either use two small ammo drums (one each) or have one large drum feed both.

[Colonel_Tetsuya]

On the FASSAR-20s (the original model) is there a canon reference that states the weapon-power link (the one used to power the CV-213) is in just one hand, or both hands?

Reason I ask is that each 'bot has WP Paired Weapons, so if there's a link in each hand it would make a ton more sense to have each of the older -20 models dual wield CV-213s (even if a GM does decided to give a strike penalty for using a rifle with only one hand).

Likewise for the newer -30 models, which could dual wield the C-200 rail gun. Either use two small ammo drums (one each) or have one large drum feed both.

W.P. Paired Weapons has never let you dual wield firearms. The fact that such is, in fact, a special ability of a few very specific classes, would seem to explicitly support that.

However, wielding a rifle in one had seems to be perfectly permissable (IIRC, there is a Rule in Triax 1 about FSE clips providing better balance for two-handed use, and it gives bonuses (and penalties for using an FSE weapon in one hand), which implies, if not outright states, that with non-FSE weapons using a rifle in one hand doesnt have a penalty, though W.P. Sharpshooting may contradict this.

Not near my books atm.

Edit: I’d have the FASSAR-20s use a CV-213 in one hand and the DMRG in the other, for versatility.

[Mack]

W.P. Paired Weapons has never let you dual wield firearms.

Based on how one interprets RUE p327, that's up for debate. (It can be read multiple ways, but I don't want to go down that rabbit hole. The point of the discussion is Skelebots.)

Regardless, Skelebots ought to be dual wielding whenever possible. Even if the power-link is only in one hand, then the 'bot could power a CV-213 directly in one hand while the other fires a CV-213 with an e-clip, and then swap them once the e-clip runs out.

[Axelmania]

Isn't the main benefit to that if someone disarms or destroys the one hooked up for unlimited shots? Better to keep your backup stowed in a pack than visible in the hand.

[Colonel_Tetsuya]

Isn't the main benefit to that if someone disarms or destroys the one hooked up for unlimited shots? Better to keep your backup stowed in a pack than visible in the hand.

Exactly what "pack" does a Skelebot wear?

And even if it did, what kind of pack do you believe exists that you can simply stow a -Rifle- in and just grab it out?

FWIW, id imagine that the port is in both hands, just for backup in case one arm is destroyed or something.

I still wouldn't arm them with double CV-213s, though. Just for versatility and extra range, id arm them with one CV-213 and a DMRG, as i outlined above. Best of both worlds (one gun with infinite ammo, one with double the range and ability to harm people that are impervious to energy (and possibly vampires/monsters if you think you're going up against those kinds of enemies, via special railgun ammo).

Why the CS effectively downgraded the Skelebots with the FASSAR-30, i have no idea.

[Mack]

Of course, this is the same CS that gave the -30 models a rail gun as standard issue but didn’t include the corresponding WP in their programming. (I’d like to assume that was just an author’s oversight, but there’s even a bit of fluff text that says they can’t use a rail gun.)

[Mack]

Isn't the main benefit to that if someone disarms or destroys the one hooked up for unlimited shots? Better to keep your backup stowed in a pack than visible in the hand.

I’d take double the offense over a remote chance of losing a weapon any day of the week.

[Colonel_Tetsuya]

Of course, this is the same CS that gave the -30 models a rail gun as standard issue but didn’t include the corresponding WP in their programming. (I’d like to assume that was just an author’s oversight, but there’s even a bit of fluff text that says they can’t use a rail gun.)

Hah, i never caught that. Thats hillarious.

[Vincent Takeda]

They must be carrying that railgun for another trooper like a pack mule.

We need a six armed skelebot. One pair is shootin, the second pair is passing a loaded weapon to you, the third pair is taking and reloading the gun you're handing him.

[ShadowLogan]

On the FASSAR-20s (the original model) is there a canon reference that states the weapon-power link (the one used to power the CV-213) is in just one hand, or both hands?

Reason I ask is that each 'bot has WP Paired Weapons, so if there's a link in each hand it would make a ton more sense to have each of the older -20 models dual wield CV-213s (even if a GM does decided to give a strike penalty for using a rifle with only one hand).

Likewise for the newer -30 models, which could dual wield the C-200 rail gun. Either use two small ammo drums (one each) or have one large drum feed both.

I don't think it is ever clarified and I looked at RUE, WB11 and SB1o. IMHO there is only one link on the Skelebot, other wise it would be mentioned. Power availability might be a reason to also restrict it to one hand link as the FASSAR-20 (and all the other power plants in Rifts) are going to have some limit on power out put, we just don't know what it is or even how much a given system is going to need.

That shouldn't stop a Skelebot from dual wielding guns, it just means they are going to have to contend with payloads and Eclips. Which they likely have the capacity to deal with given the link can be damaged (suggesting it is just one hand, otherwise the 'bot could just pass it to the other hand) and they have the WP (includes reloading).

[glitterboy2098]

WP paired weapons doesn't allow dual wielding of guns.. but it does let them use the vibroblade found in each forearm together should it lose its rifle. (note.. the write up even specfies that WP paired is for use with the vibroblades)

[taalismn]

They must be carrying that railgun for another trooper like a pack mule.

We need a six armed skelebot. One pair is shootin, the second pair is passing a loaded weapon to you, the third pair is taking and reloading the gun you're handing him.

Well, you just designed most of my next companion-bot/gun-steward android right there.

"Pass me the Wilks, Perkins."
<<"Quite certainly, sir. Shall I reload the Triax, just in case?">>

[Daniel Stoker]

You need to have it voiced by Anthony Hopkins.


Daniel Stoker

[The Beast]

Alan Tudyk not good enough for you?

[Daniel Stoker]

Hopkins does a better butler, or be really 'meta' and use Jim Carter.


Daniel Stoker

[ShadowLogan]

WP paired weapons doesn't allow dual wielding of guns.. but it does let them use the vibroblade found in each forearm together should it lose its rifle. (note.. the write up even specfies that WP paired is for use with the vibroblades)

I agree, but in the case of the Skelebot (or similar) they could be programmed to be able to use firearms in a dual nature without mentioning it. In Robotech the Beta's forearm guns, Cyclone GR-97s, Defender/Tomahawk Destroid arm weapons can all be fired paired. I can't think of an equivalent Rifts example off hand, but if piloted mecha can execute a dual ranged attack from their arms then an automated skelebot (or similar) should also.

A PC/NPC solo no, you would need the appropriate skill/training.

[glitterboy2098]

In those examples you give though, the ability to fire multiple weapons as a linked attack is specifically spelled out in the weapon write up. They are also all built in weapon systems, not handheld guns.

[ShadowLogan]

I agree its a specific ability spelled out in the writeups and built in weapon systems. There isn't any reason though the Skelebot couldn't have something similar in its programming for hand-held weapons. If programming can allow a mecha to aim arm weapons at the same target, then it should be able to work for hand-held weapons in those same arms. The Super Sling FCB Frame (New West pg191-2) due to its combat computer (in fluff text as opposed to implant list) does give it the ability to fire 4 weapons simultaneously. I guess it depends on how extensive the GM wants to make the combat programming on the Skelebot (and similar), but we have precedent for computerized action of this nature with hand-held ranged weapons.