SECTOR - 034

The previous entry arose some design problems I have with the Maximum Metal rulebook.

A motorbike is stated as having only 1 space. And you must reserve an space for the pilot … which mean you cannot use options that need more space.

It doesn't care that you may be working with a huge motorbike or even a trike. It doesn't take in account that thousands of people carry a companion on its motorbike on a daily basis.

It doesn't even take in account sidecars.

What if I want to put a sidecar with a mounted turret connected to the cybernetic controls of the motorbike?

My first reaction was to modify the cycle entrance to allow for 1 to 2 spaces.
My second reaction was to tweak the SDP rules to copy other vehicles so you needed to increase the SDP if you wanted more space.

My third reaction was to create an extra option (like increased speed) to allow for extra spaces at a speed cost and SDP cost.

The last option made me think about other kind of options for vehicles. The most obvious, being method of movement. Why I can’t make a cycle with continuous tracks (for a snowmobile)?

But alternate moving systems come with different speeds and acceleration … so I’m thinking on modifying the cycle entry to add variable SDP based on spaces (15 SDP per space) and adding another entry for cycles with tracks.

That’s not all.

Once you add a tracked cycle, you must ask yourself … and why not a walking car, truck or MBT? Because you know you want to make a personal walking MBT with robotic IA … you could be tempted to use ACPA rules, but Fuchikomas, Tachikomas work more like autonomous vehicles than ACPAs.

If you don’t know what a Fuchikoma is, go kill yourself.

So later (or not) I will try to make those entries an corresponding options (pincers, retractable wheels, grip pads, etc) to create track vehicles, and walking vehicles.

Edit: That was a fumble, books already cover vehicles with legs, etc