Mechcrafting
A MOSAIC Strict framework for giving your character a mech suit.
Set #31313. ©2013 LEGO Group.
Cores
The size and weight of a cinderblock, all three common cores are basically similar. Fitted into an appropriate exoskeleton, they amplify the wearer’s strength, extend their reach, prevent RSI, etc.
Mechs are not independent armor, weapons, or tooling platforms, but their cores do provide other “edges.” In any test of the mech’s edge, the mech succeeds with the highest degree of success.
RCX (9747)
- Yellow
- 3 inputs, 3 outputs
- Edge: Strength.
The RCX has a 100m tether to its generator, which cannot be moved while in use.
Scout (9735)
- Blue
- 2 inputs, 2 outputs
- Edge: Speed.
Scouts must recharge in full sunlight. A full 8-hour charge lasts 8 hours.
Micro (9748/9754)
- Gray with red or blue accents
- 1 input, 1 output
- Edge: Precision.
Motion recharges the Micro. A full 8-hour charge lasts 8 hours of inactivity, but it doesn’t deplete while in motion.
LEGO EV3 programming code by Klaus-Dieter Keller. CC0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Programming
Every millisecond the core reads its inputs, executes its program, and sends its outputs. Cores are programmed in Lua, offline. Programs are written by players, but interpreted by a third party (likely another player or referee). So be kind in your coding.
The tables input and output are reserved for the sensors and actuators, accessed as input.1, input.2, etc.
Additionally, in an offline process, three full sequences of movement can be recorded and “played back” by a core. These are triggered by writing “1” to playback.1, playback.2, or playback.3, which will stay “1” until playback is finished. Integrated corrections prevent overbalancing, tripping, etc.
.jpg "By Sebastiaan ter Burg. CC By 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.")
By Sebastiaan ter Burg. CC By 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Inputs
Inputs are attached to sensors, devices that output a signal between 1 (maximum sensing range) and 0 (minimum sensing range). Calibration must be done offline, the player recording the maximum and minimum range of each sensor. Resolution is 1/256 of the sensing range. Inputs and sensors might include:
- knob
- switch
- button
- mech output
- temperature
- pressure
- strain/weight
- brightness
- volume
- distance
- oxygen concentration
- tachyon density
- aetheric disruption proximity
Multiple sensors can be attached to one input. Only the highest value is used.
Wearable robotic aid for training and exercise by IHMC. CC By-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Outputs
Outputs are attached to actuators, devices that translate a signal between 1 and 0 into an action. Outputs are integrated into the exoskeleton offline, along with any necessary mechanical linkages and signal conditioners.
The value of the output can control continuous properties like brightness, pitch, speed, etc. Actuators that only accept 1 or 0 understand the ranges 0.75-1 and 0-0.25 for those values, respectively, with the center range indicating no change in current behavior (hysteresis).
Actuators and outputs might include:
- power tools
- firearms
- wheels
- mech inputs
- lights
- fans
- speakers
- short-range emergency warp
- apotropaic ritual drive
Multiple actuators can be attached to one output. They all receive the same values.
Hardiman I Prototype by General Electric Co et al. Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Chassis
The usual starter chassis is a “doubler:” humanoid and twice as tall, twice as strong, and twice as heavy as a typical operator, outside of any specific function.
Charon Assault Mech by Justin Nichol. CC BY-SA 3.0 via OpenGameArt.org.
The Jam
This is of course an entry into Anne’s Second Summer LEGO RPG Jam, which still has plenty of time left. You should consider joining!
The names and images of all Lego products are copyrights of the LEGO Group and are used here without permission. All names and images of Lego products used here are intended to represent Fair Use under the 1976 Copyright Act. Their use is non-commercial, and is part of a transformative artistic project, which is not a substitute for the original products, and should not affect those products’ value.