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The idea is to build a unit of 12 PA pilots with at least 3 different types of PA. How would you build it how many of which PA.

Blue_Lion wrote:The idea is to build a unit of 12 PA pilots with at least 3 different types of PA. How would you build it how many of which PA.

Power Armor only or would the light bots/super heavy power armors count?

What other limits are involved here....
Budget? Location? Avaliablity? Dimension? Manufacturer?
Is this a sample generic mercenary armor team....or is this some sort of 'dream team' with unlimited funds, access to the most exotic equipment from the far corners of the Megaverse....the load out will vary wildly based on the two. (by probably a billion or so credits)

Blue_Lion wrote:The idea is to build a unit of 12 PA pilots with at least 3 different types of PA. How would you build it how many of which PA.

You might want to clarify your definition of Power Armor. For example, my personal definition means the pilot's hands are inside the hands of the suit, and the pilot is not using a control panel. That rules out many models that are labeled as power armor (such as the Glitter Boy and Ulti-Max).

Although for simplicity, you may just want to go with any labeled as power armor in the books, which would dodge everyone's personal classifications (including mine).

Also, what is the purpose of this squad?

Glistam's and Mack's questions are pertinent.

Book definition

4 Triax Glitterboy
4 MUTT
4 Silverhawk

Standoff Artillery, Infantry, Air support


Mack's definition

4 Silverhawk
4 Triax Super Trooper
4 ??? (still thinking on this one)

Mack wrote:

Blue_Lion wrote:The idea is to build a unit of 12 PA pilots with at least 3 different types of PA. How would you build it how many of which PA.

You might want to clarify your definition of Power Armor. For example, my personal definition means the pilot's hands are inside the hands of the suit, and the pilot is not using a control panel. That rules out many models that are labeled as power armor (such as the Glitter Boy and Ulti-Max).

Although for simplicity, you may just want to go with any labeled as power armor in the books, which would dodge everyone's personal classifications (including mine).

Agreed. For me, the defining factor is Robots have Reinforced Pilots Compartments, Power Armors do not. That means, to me, a Glitter Boy and a Ulti-Max are small Robots and a Samson is a large power armor (this actually makes a difference to how effective the Anti Robot Specialist Headhunter is since they deal extra damage to Robots, but not Power Armor).

Likewise, Exoskeleton needs to be defined as well. To me, its a battery (or other temporally limited, finite duration) powered suit of body armor (Power Armors typically have nuclear that lasts years, not batteries that lasts days) that provides augmented stats to the wearer (as opposed to a Power Armor's static speed, prowess, and strength), does not require a piloting skill, and does not need combat elite to receive combat bonuses. So to me, the Coalition CA-6EX, Triax T-11, and Naruni NE-BA-55 would all be examples that would NOT be able to be picked for the sake of this thread since I do not consider them Power Armors.

The NG Gladius has always been riding the line of exoskeleton and power armor for me. Back in its original printing, it matched 2 of 3 criteria to be an exoskeleton (own combat bonuses and ran off of batteries). Now it uses RPA Elite combat bonuses in addition to it having its own running and strength stats (as opposed to augmenting the wearer's existing stats) and I would consider it a power armor that happens to run on batteries instead of nuclear power.

lol If they'e allowed,

10 Silverhawks.
1 VSam (I just like the look)
1 Mauler (Again I just like the look)

The 10 Silverhawks will do ya. lol. The other two just round out the stipulated need for 3 types of PA.

I know that's probably not exactly what you're looking for... but... have you looked at those things? They're stupid OP.

Pepsi Jedi wrote:I know that's probably not exactly what you're looking for... but... have you looked at those things? They're stupid OP.

Silver Hawks are by far the most powerful Power Armor in the game.

Kagashi wrote:

Mack wrote:

Blue_Lion wrote:The idea is to build a unit of 12 PA pilots with at least 3 different types of PA. How would you build it how many of which PA.

You might want to clarify your definition of Power Armor. For example, my personal definition means the pilot's hands are inside the hands of the suit, and the pilot is not using a control panel. That rules out many models that are labeled as power armor (such as the Glitter Boy and Ulti-Max).

Although for simplicity, you may just want to go with any labeled as power armor in the books, which would dodge everyone's personal classifications (including mine).

Agreed. For me, the defining factor is Robots have Reinforced Pilots Compartments, Power Armors do not. That means, to me, a Glitter Boy and a Ulti-Max are small Robots and a Samson is a large power armor (this actually makes a difference to how effective the Anti Robot Specialist Headhunter is since they deal extra damage to Robots, but not Power Armor).

Likewise, Exoskeleton needs to be defined as well. To me, its a battery (or other temporally limited, finite duration) powered suit of body armor (Power Armors typically have nuclear that lasts years, not batteries that lasts days) that provides augmented stats to the wearer (as opposed to a Power Armor's static speed, prowess, and strength), does not require a piloting skill, and does not need combat elite to receive combat bonuses. So to me, the Coalition CA-6EX, Triax T-11, and Naruni NE-BA-55 would all be examples that would NOT be able to be picked for the sake of this thread since I do not consider them Power Armors.

The NG Gladius has always been riding the line of exoskeleton and power armor for me. Back in its original printing, it matched 2 of 3 criteria to be an exoskeleton (own combat bonuses and ran off of batteries). Now it uses RPA Elite combat bonuses in addition to it having its own running and strength stats (as opposed to augmenting the wearer's existing stats) and I would consider it a power armor that happens to run on batteries instead of nuclear power.

Did the Gladius get a new write up in NG 2?

As to my reply to the OP:

3 Flying Titan Power Armors all fully loaded with 6 Armor Piercing Short Range Missiles each
3 NG Samsons
3 Glitter Boys
1 Wild Weasel SAMAS
1 Triax T-31 Super Trooper Power Armor
1 Naruni Mecha-Knight Power Armor

dragonfett wrote:
Did the Gladius get a new write up in NG 2?

Unfortunately. Still called an exoskeleton, but they made it more of a power armor and is listed among the power armors along with a zillion others.

Kagashi wrote:

dragonfett wrote:
Did the Gladius get a new write up in NG 2?

Unfortunately. Still called an exoskeleton, but they made it more of a power armor and is listed among the power armors along with a zillion others.

you know. I've seen what seems to be an inordinate amount of complaints about this. I really don't get it. Who cares? If you -do- care, then classify it as an exo and be done. You'd think they painted it bright pink and put bunny ears, and glitter on it, the way people are reacting.

This is -not- a shot at you Kagashi. I've seen this brought up repeatedly by others, and I'm just wondering... why care? It didn't have good stats. Just who was choosing to use the thing when there ware dozens and dozens and dozens of other, better equipped units out there? I mean if the ONLY THING your GM ever let you have access to was the Gladius, then if it's changed, sure, I could see people getting upset, but I've never witnessed that.

Where's the hate and need to complain come from on this? What am I missing? Is it because when classified as an exo you didn't need the extra skill to use it? If so, where they really being used to such a huge extent to dodge that skill choice, that made them some how viable against 'real' power armors and bots?

Careful, if you don't get the restrictions right the first time and people keep coming back with loopholes, requiring you to tweak restrictions/requirements the post may be locked.

Power armor, you wear. Small bots have reinforced power armor. But some authors, screw that up and Q/A doesn't catch it.

The Artist Formerly wrote:

Blue_Lion wrote:The idea is to build a unit of 12 PA pilots with at least 3 different types of PA. How would you build it how many of which PA.

Power Armor only or would the light bots/super heavy power armors count?

Any thing the books identify as PA weather correct or not.

Glistam wrote:Also, what is the purpose of this squad?

You can either build a general purpose dream team or use any purpose you want.
You could come up with a list of your top 3 all time favorite PA for all I care.

OK by the book definition then I stick with my first group

4 Triax Glitterboy (with ultimax railgun for secondary weapon)
4 MUTT
4 Silverhawk

Long Range pounding, fast heavily armoured infantry, and superior air support.

4 x MK IV Glitter Boy (cause a flying, reinforced pilots compartment, laser reflective 800 MDC armor is better than laser reflective 700 MDC bot; and effectively unlimited 4D6x10 MD is better than 100/1000 rounds of 3D6X10 MD)
4 x Silverhawk (cause....it fills every role...)
4 x Angrar MK II (cause 700 MDC, self-regenerating, PPE powered shock troops would come in handy).

Send in the demon armors as the driving force, supported by the long ranged glitter boys and air support from the Silverhawks. If the enemy gets to the support elements, the GBs are tough enough to hold them at bay. (Although I think I am cheating with the Glitter Boys which should be classified as Robots).

What are these MUTT power armors that people keep posting? Is that a new power armor in NG 2?

4 Wild Weasel Samas
4 Naruni Stealth armor
4 Triax Super Trooper

dragonfett wrote:What are these MUTT power armors that people keep posting? Is that a new power armor in NG 2?

Rifts Manhunter

Kagashi wrote:

dragonfett wrote:
Did the Gladius get a new write up in NG 2?

Unfortunately. Still called an exoskeleton, but they made it more of a power armor and is listed among the power armors along with a zillion others.

Actually one of the big gripes is that the gladius actually now lists that it needs power armor piloting skill to fully use it unlike before. That and the thunderhound are both very borderline between heavy EBA and power armor sort of like ultimax on the high end of the PA spectrum.




For an NG fast moving PA unit I would probably go with

3 Samsons
2 Missile man variant samsons for long range striking punch
3 red hawks
2 aurora blazers (as fast all terrain scouts as they are very good underwater and fast on land and capable of limited flight.

I am having trouble finding my copy of Anzo and one of the PA I want to use is in it. Going to do my best without it.

2 Wild Weasel Samas (From new West provides electronic warfare.)
6 of the Jack Rabbit PA from Anzo. (PA with auto dodge, Ground harrasers.)
4 Nurni Mecha-knight (Rifts Mercenaries close air defense and combat)

If you like PA with auto dodge the NG prophet, mantis have that feature as well. The prophet is I think my favorite head hunter/bounty hunter PA of all times. Its not terribly expensive, good armor, with the universal clip link you can use whatever gun you want basically so easy to modify your weapons to your target and has a great on board database so you can scan for bounties of opportunity easily.

Mantis is pretty sweet as well but its pretty heavily melee oriented so its a very good special ops unit but not as good all rolls unit as the prophet.


The Arzno PA are very nice though especially if they are being worn by people some some extra PPE or have a techno wizard or mercs adventure combat mage in the group.

There is more to my choice than just what I said. I will stick with my choice.

1 x VR-038R Scout Cyclone armed with EP-37 (for the recon suite)
1 x VR-040H Saber Cyclone armed with EP-37 (for the heavy hitting missile volley and the CADS would aid in cutting holes in places that need holes)
10 x VR-057 Super Cyclone armed with EP-37 (for superior auto dodge and armor, and also utilizes kinetic weapons as well as energy)

Why? Because MDC isnt everything and versatility to be able to transform into a moto can aid in concealing the identity that the unit is really a power armor. Plus, being laser resistant and having auto dodge are important aspects, as well as the capability to fly, even for only short distances.

Alright, here's my take on a "heavy" PA squad. Main assumptions are 1) the team is supported by a robust TW shop, and 2) they somehow acquired all these unique PAs.

(4) X-700 "Fat Boy" Glitter Boys (Triax 2, p118). 980 MDC to start, with a double Boom Gun for 6D6x10 MD. TW Additions (each at Device Level 5):
-- Invulnerability (which includes impervious to energy, plus 50 MDC)
-- Invincible Armor (125 MDC shield)
-- Winged Flight (for maneuverability, though I would restrict the Boom Gun)
-- Energy Sphere (Ley Line powered, stores 500 PPE for 10 days, used to power the other TW devices)
-- Mend the Broken (the armor can repair itself, though it's PPE intensive)

(4) Mark IV Glitter Boys (MiO, p68). 800 MDC to start, with a Particle Beam for 4D6x10 MD. Add on the Rimouski Weapon Package (FQ, p82). TW Additions (each at Device Level 5):
-- Invulnerability (which includes impervious to energy, plus 50 MDC)
-- Invincible Armor (125 MDC shield)
-- Winged Flight (for maneuverability, doesn't restrict the Particle Beam)
-- Energy Sphere (Ley Line powered, stores 500 PPE for 10 days, used to power the other TW devices)
-- Mend the Broken (the armor can repair itself, though it's PPE intensive)

(4) Naruni Mecha-Knights (Mercs, p134). 400 MDC plus 160 MDC force field, with a Particle Beam for 2D4x10 MD. Serves as scouts and fills the role of a FQ Side Kick. TW Additions (each at Device Level 5):
-- Invulnerability (which includes impervious to energy, plus 50 MDC)
-- Magic Net Gun (for pranks at parties)
-- Invisibility
-- Energy Sphere (Ley Line powered, stores 500 PPE for 10 days, used to power the other TW devices)
-- Mend the Broken (the armor can repair itself, though it's PPE intensive)


EDIT - And I'm tempted to swap either the Mark IVs or the MK's for some X-710 Hell Angels (aka the flying Glitter Boy, Triax 2 p121)

Well damn, and here I thought it was to be out of the box ready to go....I'll have to rethink my choices if I can add TW stuff

Well then, 6 Triax Ulti-maxes in two groups of three(yes, thank you maybe I WILL marry one), Four sidewinder SAMAS and two Wild Weasel SAMAS, broken into two groups of two sidewinders and one Wild Weasel.

The Artist Formerly wrote:Well then, 6 Triax Ulti-maxes in two groups of three(yes, thank you maybe I WILL marry one), Four sidewinder SAMAS and two Wild Weasel SAMAS, broken into two groups of two sidewinders and one Wild Weasel.

why groups of 3? Typically military units work in pairs.

Blue_Lion wrote:

The Artist Formerly wrote:Well then, 6 Triax Ulti-maxes in two groups of three(yes, thank you maybe I WILL marry one), Four sidewinder SAMAS and two Wild Weasel SAMAS, broken into two groups of two sidewinders and one Wild Weasel.

why groups of 3? Typically military units work in pairs.

Twos allow for only one attacker, one defender who can attack when/if the other guys run out of attacks. Threes allow over whelming force without having to give up the same. Attacks that might overwhelm with missile fire from the other side. An armored unit that runs out of missile defensive fire, is dead in a few seconds.

Blue_Lion wrote:

The Artist Formerly wrote:Well then, 6 Triax Ulti-maxes in two groups of three(yes, thank you maybe I WILL marry one), Four sidewinder SAMAS and two Wild Weasel SAMAS, broken into two groups of two sidewinders and one Wild Weasel.

why groups of 3? Typically military units work in pairs.

3-1 is current Army doctorine. It came out of WW2 when our Shermans couldn't go up against the either the Panzers or the Tigers (I forget which one has heavier armor).

Tiger. Perfect illustration of this tactic was in the movie Fury.

I'll go all Kittani armor types.

2 War Fish

2 Serpents

2 Raptor

4 Flying Fox

1 Centipede

1 Allosaurus

I think this group could take on a lot of enemies in most environments. Especially Hand to Hand. If only these aliens were friendly.

The Beast wrote:

Blue_Lion wrote:

The Artist Formerly wrote:Well then, 6 Triax Ulti-maxes in two groups of three(yes, thank you maybe I WILL marry one), Four sidewinder SAMAS and two Wild Weasel SAMAS, broken into two groups of two sidewinders and one Wild Weasel.

why groups of 3? Typically military units work in pairs.

3-1 is current Army doctorine. It came out of WW2 when our Shermans couldn't go up against the either the Panzers or the Tigers (I forget which one has heavier armor).

Most infantry tactics from currant army doctrine is moving in battle buddy pairs.
A us army tank platoon is 4 tanks, two pairs.

The checking I did 3-1 is MP tactics and do not see it in any other branch I have contact with.

That is why it threw me off. currant military doctrine is working in pairs not threes.

The Artist Formerly wrote:Power armor, you wear. Small bots have reinforced power armor. But some authors, screw that up and Q/A doesn't catch it.

Writers work on established canon material. Original SB-1 lists the Ulti-Max as a Power Armor suit, though it is described as having a pilots compartment and th pilot sits in the chest, like a robot.

4 Triax Predator 2
2 Ultimax 2
2 Hell Angel Flying Glitterboy
2 Fatboy Heavy Glitterboy
2 Triax 550 Glitterboys.

I would pick any 10 that the Coalition manufacture, doesn't even matter which kind, and have them piloted by CS soldiers. Because they have plot immunity so my squad would be indestructible and would triumph over all of your selections!





j/k


I will come up with a real squad when I am back home with my books.



but seriously that CS squad would be protected like none other and we all know that to be true.

You should read more of the books Razz. Just for example, what a CK did to a squad of CS including a glitterboy killer, with nothing but his psi tomahawks.

Sir Thorpe for the win!!!!

"barely". Twice.

Win is a win

The Galactus Kid wrote:

The Artist Formerly wrote:Power armor, you wear. Small bots have reinforced power armor. But some authors, screw that up and Q/A doesn't catch it.

Writers work on established canon material. Original SB-1 lists the Ulti-Max as a Power Armor suit, though it is described as having a pilots compartment and th pilot sits in the chest, like a robot.

I know. They do this kind of stuff all the time. Grab a few NPCs out of the books, then check their skills and attributes. See how many 16s you can find. See how many people have skills from outside their skill packages, or extra perks to their build like bonuses to saving throws that appear from no where. The writers have, let's call it, a very loose relationship with the core rules and mechanics. We put up with it because a time traveling psionic dinosaur with a plasma axe in one hand and George Patton's ivory handled pistol with MDC dealing slugs in the other is kind kick ass.

Blue_Lion wrote:The idea is to build a unit of 12 PA pilots with at least 3 different types of PA. How would you build it how many of which PA.

-4 Zentreadi Female Power Armor from 1E Robotech (2600mph flying and a 126 SRMs, 2E is different) piloted by Power Armor Specialist (1E, Strike Force). Technically these ARE Power Armor for 30-40ft tall people. They provide the air power. (I see no restriction that the PA has to be for human sized pilots). If they are further customized...
-4 Kittani Raptor Power Armor (SA1), auto-dodge, in melee they can be deadly biting, kicking, and with their tail with regular strikes. high running speed, and some powerful lasers (which might call for mounting a railgun for diversity if expecting magic users)-
-2 Wild Weasel SAMAS (New West), electronic warfare.
-2 Glitterboys for the heavy firepower (not sure which model)

Though I'm considering replacing either the Glitterboys or the SAMAS (or even one from each) with another pair of 1E ZFPA, though I don't think I need to. the ZFPAs should be able to each carry one of the other PA easily, given that each pilot in 1E would have a regular PS that is x100 when full size (so a PS of 15 is not 1500, which means they can carry 15,000lbs or over 7tons), so I can't see the PA being weaker than the pilot in terms of strength.

I'd go with:

A. 2 Wild Weasel SAMAS (ECMs for the win!)
B. 2 Kittani Raptor PA
C. Eight Silverhawks

/Sub

ShadowLogan wrote:

Blue_Lion wrote:The idea is to build a unit of 12 PA pilots with at least 3 different types of PA. How would you build it how many of which PA.

-4 Zentreadi Female Power Armor from 1E Robotech (2600mph flying and a 126 SRMs, 2E is different) piloted by Power Armor Specialist (1E, Strike Force). Technically these ARE Power Armor for 30-40ft tall people. They provide the air power. (I see no restriction that the PA has to be for human sized pilots). If they are further customized...
-4 Kittani Raptor Power Armor (SA1), auto-dodge, in melee they can be deadly biting, kicking, and with their tail with regular strikes. high running speed, and some powerful lasers (which might call for mounting a railgun for diversity if expecting magic users)-
-2 Wild Weasel SAMAS (New West), electronic warfare.
-2 Glitterboys for the heavy firepower (not sure which model)

Though I'm considering replacing either the Glitterboys or the SAMAS (or even one from each) with another pair of 1E ZFPA, though I don't think I need to. the ZFPAs should be able to each carry one of the other PA easily, given that each pilot in 1E would have a regular PS that is x100 when full size (so a PS of 15 is not 1500, which means they can carry 15,000lbs or over 7tons), so I can't see the PA being weaker than the pilot in terms of strength.

Good point. Actually, just deploy 12 FPAs for the win. You get air to air combat rules, superior pilots, mecha combat rules and the best power armor unit in the game.

you need a minimum of 3 different types

jaymz wrote:you need a minimum of 3 different types

iirc, there are two or three versions of the FPA.