Remote Control Bases

[Jason Lee Scott]

I was going to post this under the smol-questions on discord but it ended up feeling not so smol.

So I'm planning down the road for a fleet of Zords, and Dragonzord is the one complication I'm running into. Specifically, it's the one mech of the Rangers' that's controlled by remote usually, but has a cockpit for the Rangers to use as needed, is a means of travel, and all in all seems to fit "Base" more than "Summon" based on the rules. But, I've been through everything and unless I've missed something I don't see anything specified for controlling a base you aren't physically present in.

So, I'm really bad at this system, but these are the two possible solutions I've drummed up, and would love some feedback if I'm on the right track or if this is even doable.

1. Every single ability on the Dragonzord base has the Indirect modifier bought with coin.

2. Have a summon with essence that is just "Dragonzord Onboard Computer" or the like that has the single purpose of commanding the base. Or could this be accomplished with a minion that is replaced if damaged in battle?

Either way, remote control of it would need to be linked to an ability for the Dragon Dagger (the device that remote controls it), I would assume, but I'm also not completely sure how to do that? Again, I'm out of my wheelhouse so any guidance is much appreciated.

As a last note, by having a remote control option and a cockpit option, the cockpit controls override the remote control options, so it could be boarded. Is that something I can drop on a modifier like Limited or Removable?

 

[Mickey Mouse]

Just wanted to check in and say this is being discussed in staff discussion! We’ll get back to you when we come to a further consensus, but I didn’t want you to think you were just being ignored, lol.

 

[Jason Lee Scott]

Thanks! I figured it was either a really good question, or a really bad one!

 

[Rebecca Chambers]

Here’s what I’m thinking:

Spoiler

DRAGONZORD

Base Cost (1000 Coin)

Drill Tail: Damage Rank X (100 multiplied by X)

Missiles: Damage Rank X (100 multiplied by X)
-- Ranged (50 multiplied by X)

Armor: Protection Rank X (100 multiplied by X)
-- Ongoing (100 multiplied by X)

Speed Rank X (200 multiplied by X)
-- Ongoing (100 multiplied by X)

Size Cost (Multiply All of the Above x2)

TOTAL COST: ???

Dragonzord is a mech outfitted with a variety of offensive weaponry. This mech will usually be remotely controlled via the Dragon Dagger during combat, but it may also be used as a means of travel and piloted from the inside if someone were to climb into its cockpit.

The Dragonzord has a long tail that can function as a drill and be swung around to deal great damage to foes. It can also fire missiles from its fingertips that may target a single opponent at range. Finally, Dragonzord’s top speed of travel is X mph and its armored chassis is capable of defending its inner mechanisms and pilot from harm.

Notes on Missiles

• If you want these missiles to be heat-seeking/chase opponents, add the Indirect modifier and mention that they are heat-seeking in your description.
• If you want the missiles to hurt multiple people when they explode, add the Affects Multiple modifier and mention that this Effect can harm multiple opponents in your description.

Overall Notes

• If you want the character piloting this mech to be able to “see” through this mech’s eyes even if they are not in visible range of the mech, purchase the Sense Effect with the Indirect and Ongoing modifiers applied to it.
• You could also add the Concentration modifier to all of the Effects Dragonzord’s “pilot” would need to directly control, in this case the Damage effects.
• I do not think the Limited modifier would apply here unless there are Effects that ONLY work when your character is inside the cockpit or ONLY work when your character is outside the cockpit.

Is this kind of in line with what you’re wanting to do?

 

[Jason Lee Scott]

That is definitely along the track I was thinking (only thing I would need to add is a melee ability because sometimes it'll just slap a monster). I'm not 100% sure that concentration is the route I'd want to go, because Jason and Tommy have both controlled the Dragonzord while fighting on foot or controlling other mechs at the same time. It might not work, unless I'm misreading that effect.

 

[Klarion]

Yeah the Concentration modifier is more of a suggestion to bring the cost down, you don’t gotta include it.

 

[Jason Lee Scott]

Awesome. I guess my last question is do I need to add in some sort of ability on the Dragon Dagger to control it remotely?

 

[Arthur Morgan]

You do not! So long as the remote control base's description mentions that the Dragon Dagger can be used to control it, you should be good.

 

[Jason Lee Scott]

Awesome! Thanks again for all your help on this.