Mecha/Technology Creation Guide

[gundamoutlaw]

Overview
The purpose of this guide is to outline the rules that are to be adhered to when creating a mobile weapon or piece of technology on MSAD-UC. A lot of people find creating and/or customizing the available technology of a mecha RP the best part of such a site, and I have to admit that there's a certain appeal to it. That said however, there has to be a purpose to such things. Technology is always created for a reason, to fill a perceived need of some sort, and not just "because." One of the most common pitfalls encountered by mecha and sci-fi RP is an over abundance of pointless or redundant tech that is only there to fill an individual fanboy's need for it to be there. Once of the best examples of this that I have encountered is someone who tried to bring the Sinanju into a Gundam SEED roleplay just because they liked the appearance, despite the fact that it had no real role to fill in the faction it was being submitted to. Hopefully this guide will help you mold your idea into something that can fulfill your dream while at the same time serving an actual purpose to the RP. Throughout this guide, the Technology Templates will be referenced. As such, you may wish to refer to the one pertaining to your submission. As a rule, do not change any portion of the template for any reason unless instructed to do so.


Step 1: Devising a Concept
The first step in any good submission, be it character or technological, is that you have to have a general concept in mind. Even if said technology or mobile weapon is extremely vague, a single fact or personal preference is a starting point. Every person has a way of developing a their ideas, be it random brainstorming as they fill out a template, or making a complete visualization and outline beforehand. Both of these ideas are valid, and can certainly help walk you down the necessary path toward creating a brilliant idea. Obviously one of the first things you really should decide on early on is the faction your idea will be a part of/most benefit, and what purpose it is to serve within the RP universe. Reason being that no one would design anything without a good reason, and this would give you a sense of direction in which to pursue your ideas. As stated above, technology is always created for a reason, to fill a perceived need of some sort, and not just "because." So what perceived niche are you trying to fill with this idea? Why was this particular idea adopted instead of another one within the story? Once you have answered these questions then you are likely ready to move on to the next step.


Step 2: Filling out the Template to suit your Concept

Mobile Weapon Template

[img][/img][img][/img] The image for your mobile weapons submission goes here. Make sure it is centered in order to fit with our preferred format.

General and Technical Data

Model Number: The number designation of the mobile weapon. If this follows a pre-existing series be sure to refer to the MW database for number. Alternatively consult your Faction Leader for help.
Code Name: The name of the mobile weapon
Unit Type: The type and/or purpose of the mobile weapon. You must state whether the MW is a Experimental/Prototype, Limited Production, or Mass Production here.
Manufacturer: Company that made the mobile weapon, ask your Faction Leader for information regarding such companies
Operator: The faction who uses this mecha (EFF, NZ, Vist)
Capacity: Number of pilots and the type of cockpit, commonly the panoramic/linear seat
First deployment: Year it was created
Weight: -- Metric Tons, include unloaded weight as well.
Height: -- meters
Construction: The materials that make up the MW (i.e metals, alloys, etc).
Power Plant: The power source of the MW. Most commonly the ultra compact minovsky reactor. Check with your faction leader for help on this.
Equipment and Design Features: Using a bulleted list, give details regarding specific design features. Some things that might be included are as follows: Special sensors, enhanced thrusters, hardpoints for mounting additional equipment, etc.
Fixed Armaments: Using a bulleted list, give details regarding the weapons of this mobile weapon. In the case of any explosive weaponry (missile launchers, grenades, etc.) make sure to include an ammo count. If any weapons are new technology, they must have their own entry that denotes the specifications laid out by the MW Weapons Template. Example:

• 1 x Super Duper Beam Sword
  
• 2 x Xtreme Missile Pods
  
  • 8 rounds per pod (16 rounds total)

Optional Fixed Armaments: Basically the same as above. If the unit is capable of utilizing interchangeable fixed weaponry list it here, with a bulleted list.
Optional Hand Armaments:Same as above. If the mobile weapon is capable of utilizing any optional hand armaments, list them here using a bulleted list. If any weapons are new technology, they must have their own entry that denotes the specifications laid out by the MW Weapons Template.

Technical and Historical Notes
Here you would place development notes, construction notes, reason for the technology etc. This should be as descriptive as possible, should contain explanations of the various functions of the technology, as well as examples of uses for it. Be absolutely sure that the reasoning for this technologies existence is explained and fits into the MSAD-UC universe, rather than simply stating something such as, "it exists because xxxx faction needed more mobile suits." This will not be an accepted reasoning. Ever. Make sure you check your spelling and grammar, as this will improve the chances of your entry being accepted.

MW Weapon Template

General and Technical Data

Model Number: The number designation of the equipment. If this follows a pre-existing series be sure to refer to the MW database for number. Alternatively consult your Faction Leader for help.
Code Name: The name of the technology
Type: The type of weapon, such as a Beam carbine, Solid Ammo Rifle, Missile launcher, etc
Manufacturer: Company that made the weapon, ask your Faction Leader for information regarding such companies
Operator: The faction who uses this weapon (EFF, NZ, Vist)
First deployment: Year it was created
Weight: -- Metric Tons
Length: -- meters
Construction: The materials that make up the weapon (i.e metals, alloys, etc).
Equipment and design features: Using a bulleted list, give details regarding specific design features. Some things that might be included are as follows: Special sensors, cooling vents, etc.
Capacity: Ammo count of the weapon in question, clip/E-pac size/run-time. Consult your Faction Leader for help with this
Range: Designated effective range of the weapon; designations are as follows: Close-range, Medium-range, Long-range, Sniping-Range
Standard kit: List what comes with the load out of this tech. For example, if two such weapons are meant to be mounted to a MW, along with extra ammo clips, you would list these are part of the kit

Technical and Historical Notes
Here you would place development notes, construction notes, reason for the technology etc. This should be as descriptive as possible, should contain explanations of the various functions of the technology, as well as examples of uses for it. Be absolutely sure that the reasoning for this technologies existence is explained and fits into the MSAD-UC universe, rather than simply stating something such as, "it exists because xxxx faction needed more cannons or something." This will not be an accepted reasoning. Ever. Make sure you check your spelling and grammar, as this will improve the chances of your entry being accepted.

MW System Template

General and Technical Data

Model Number: The number designation of the equipment. If this follows a pre-existing series be sure to refer to the MW database for number. Alternatively consult your Faction Leader for help.
Code Name: The name of the technology
Type: The type of system or equipment, such as a payload module, enhanced sensor suite, etc
Manufacturer: Company that made the system, ask your Faction Leader for information regarding such companies
Operator: The faction who uses this technology (EFF, NZ, Vist)
First deployment: Year it was created
Weight: -- Metric Tons
Length: -- meters
Construction: The materials that make up the equipment (i.e metals, alloys, etc).
Additional armaments: Using a bulleted list, give details regarding the weapons of this piece of equipment if any. In the case of any explosive weaponry (missile launchers, grenades, etc.) make sure to include an ammo count. If any weapons are new technology, they must have their own entry that denotes the specifications laid out by the MW Weapons Template. Example:

• 1 x Super Duper Beam Sword
  
• 2 x Xtreme Missile Pods
  
  • 8 rounds per pod (16 rounds total)

Optional hand armaments: Same as above

Technical and Historical Notes
Here you would place development notes, construction notes, reason for the technology etc. This should be as descriptive as possible, should contain explanations of the various functions of the technology, as well as examples of uses for it. Be absolutely sure that the reasoning for this technologies existence is explained and fits into the MSAD-UC universe, rather than simply stating something such as, "it exists because xxxx faction needed more gear for our suits." This will not be an accepted reasoning. Ever. Make sure you check your spelling and grammar, as this will improve the chances of your entry being accepted.


Step 3: Getting your Concept Approved
After a few comments and the required revisions are made, the submission will be kicked over to the staff area for final review and then approval will be granted by one of the members of the staff. It will then be moved to the Mobile Weapon Database and you're ready to roll.