Integrated Mech Weaponry, Variable Charge, and attack actions

[Roudi]

Say a mech has an integrated energy weapon on one arm, that is modified by the Variable Charge gadget. The mech also has additional weaponry. Now, Variable Charge states that "priming", or charging up, an energy weapon requires an attack action. This means that a mech, building up a charge in its one weapon, cannot use its other weapons! Is this right? Should mech attacks be handled differently in such a case?

The way I see it, a mech should be able to prime an energy weapon while laying down fire with another weapon (preferably a non-energy one, since I'm sure with two energy weapons going at once that mech will wear down its power supply).

I'm specifically looking to answer this question because I envision Teslamechs using this tactic (Teslamechs will be detailed in Tesla's Legacy; a preview may be found here).

 

[Peterson]

Interesting. Had a similar situation pop up in my game too.

First question you need to answer though is are you going to allow the Gadget System to be applicable to Mechas (starships, vehicles, etc). I think that it's a wonderful system and should be applicable to all, so it is in my game.

Secondly, you have to address just how the weapon charges. For example, do you need to constantly adjust settings, monitor energy build-up, etc or is it as simple as in Demolition Man where Wesley Snipes' "Future Gun" merely charged up at his hip, and when it "pinged" it was full.

In my game, the problem we ran into is the main gunfighter carried two laser pistols and a high-powered Pulse Rifle with the Variable Charge gadget. We ruled that he could just sling the rifle over his shoulder while it charged and use his twin pistols as his main weapons until the rifle was ready. Now, of course, if he forgot about it.........BOOM!

So, in my case, we would rule that "Yes, the Mecha should be able to prime an energy weapon while laying down fire with another weapon".

Maybe a new gadget though could be used too?

Hope this helps.

Peterson