Mecha in D&D 3.5/Pathfinder

[JadePhoenix]

Hello, playgrounders.
I'm trying to come up with rules for mecha in my games. I checked a WotC article (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20061020a), d20 Future and Dragonmech.
Now, the WotC article + d20 Future is a good option. I want this to have to do with elemental binding, so I just have to switch Use Computer for Use Magic Device, ignore the weapons (and add magical weapons/wands in place of them) and change the materials. The problem is changing the materials. I don't want to mess up a system that seems to work nicely just trading, dunno, darkwood for duralloy. And I want the consistency of having the mecha-darkwood work the same way as non-mecha-darkwood, so just refluffing is not an option.
And Dragonmech has good ideas, but I simply dislike the mechanics. I'm just pointing this out so no one needs to suggest it. :smallcool:
So, does anyone know of someone who's alreayd done something like this? Any links/tips would be greatly welcome.

[vitkiraven]

How large of a mecha are you looking at? There's golem armor in one book, which isn't terrible, but if you are looking for something hge, would an effigy work better?

[Jeraa]

If you can find a copy (or still find the free SRD online somewhere), d20 Mecha from Guardians of Order is a points-based system to custom design any mecha you want. It includes a section on how to convert the mecha points into D&D gold pieces as well.

[JadePhoenix]

How large of a mecha are you looking at? There's golem armor in one book, which isn't terrible, but if you are looking for something hge, would an effigy work better?
Between Large and Huge. You mentioned golem armor? Where would I find that?


If you can find a copy (or still find the free SRD online somewhere), d20 Mecha from Guardians of Order is a points-based system to custom design any mecha you want. It includes a section on how to convert the mecha points into D&D gold pieces as well.
I actually bought BESM d20 before reading any of it, and it greatly disappointed me. I gave my copy away. Is this mecha system you mention better than BESM d20?

[vitkiraven]

Between Large and Huge. You mentioned golem armor? Where would I find that?


Well, it's reproduced here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=193475), but it's medium sized. I can't find it's original location, but I know that there is another set in the Third Party Arms and Armor 3.5 by Bastion Press.

[Ravens_cry]

There was a short OVA called Orguss 02, where two cultures with approximately World War 1-2 tech and psychics who act like radar dig up these ancient mechs they call, in the English translation, Decimators.
The basic idea sounds like a pure awesome campaign, though I don't think I'll include the giant uber-mech.

[JadePhoenix]

My goal is to have mecha as a dwarven weapon. I want to stick as close to the rules on d20 Future, because they are very good.

Also, I wanted a name for them. 'mecha' simply won't cut it.

[Ravens_cry]

My goal is to have mecha as a dwarven weapon. I want to stick as close to the rules on d20 Future, because they are very good.

Also, I wanted a name for them. 'mecha' simply won't cut it.
Heh, compensating for anything much Mr. Dorf?
Riding Golem could work as a name.
Even if they are not strictly golems, names often come from existing nomenclatures even if they don't precisely fit.

[dgnslyr]

It may be homebrew, but this (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105858)may be of interest. The whole "runs off CHA mod" thing might not be ideal for a dwarf, but it's worth looking into.

[Curious]

I think your best bet would be to use Eidolons (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/summoner/eidolons) to represent the mecha, using them as if the pilots were Synthesists (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/summoner/archetypes/paizo---summoner-archetypes/synthesist).

[Ravens_cry]

I think your best bet would be to use Eidolons (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/summoner/eidolons) to represent the mecha, using them as if the pilots were Synthesists (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/summoner/archetypes/paizo---summoner-archetypes/synthesist).
The Synthesist sounds more Guyver (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guyver:_The_Bioboosted_Armor) than a magi-mechanical mecha, though you could certainly fluff it as such.