Mecha Show Expo! (Open)

Basic rules and guidelines to follow:

+All (approved) characters are welcome.

+Pony or Anthro? Considering certain arguments in the past, this thread allows both if you actually feel more comfortable playing one style over the other. Assume your characters are used to this sort of mixture in the same world.

+Villain characters allowed, but are required to behave in the Expo or suffer the wrath of the GM by turtle-based punishment.

+Don't plan on being part of the main event directly but want to be in the thread anyway? It's totally acceptable to just entertain yourself with the various miscellaneous stalls and knicknacks, run a stall yourself, or just chat with whomever. It IS a social event after all, so no need to feel alienated despite the main point of the thread.

+It's completely acceptable to be in the thread to only showcase other scientific or technological wonders that aren't Mecha. Ever felt like showcasing something you'd more likely see in Fallout Equestria than regular MLP for example? This is your chance.

+Extra suspension of disbelief is required on account that there will be Mecha(Machines, mobile suits, Robo-Dexo 2000, take your pick) in this thread; Let me explain(THIS IS IMPORTANT): My intention with this thread is to get some players to participate as part of the main event which involves a showcase of Mecha. Now, if you don't have any characters who could be potentially proficient in actually creating their own mecha, worry not as my advice to you is to have them as being given the training to operate/control/guinea pig/test pilot those made by others(random NPCs if necessary) instead.

The other important thing is that if you're wanting to be part of the main event, you'll be showcasing a Mecha of your own devising. This means that you'll be making your own Mecha for RPing with to an extent. If, however, you feel you can't come up with something and need to explicitly take a concept from elsewhere, it's acceptable, but then remember the following...

+Whether made up or borrowed, TRY to make sure the Mecha used doesn't end up being a ridiculously overpowered machine since we ARE trying to bring Mecha to MLP here. That said, and this is also VERY IMPORTANT, this is a sort of trial and error thread as well and meant as a precursor of sorts to a later thread with a more defined plot involving Mecha. What sort of Mecha you choose to bring here, and how you use it, will define how I will gauge you for later if that other thread comes to be and you want in, so let's try and be reasonable as to how far we push the boundaries here. (That means no Giga Drill Breaker through the planet and destroying it if I wasn't clear enough for those who know what I'm referring to). On that note, that also doesn't mean I'll be tossing out anyone unless they're really messing up the Expo for the intended overall purpose regardless of what Mecha is used.

+Players that join but start taking too long to post without proper justification for it while interacting with others(At least have the courtesy to write yourselves away temporarily in-character if you got something going on for real. It's not hard and no one gets held up.) will be skipped by yours truly, if not outright written out... I mean it! õ3õ

+To Dualthrones and Obsidian Pony, and anyone in particular I have my eyes on: If you do join this thread, and I start seeing way more posts here than the threads I'm already with you on without proper justification for it, I'm writing you out... I mean it! õ3õ

Annnd I think that about covers it... So let's begin.


**************************************************************************************


((The Pilot Episode!))


It was early in the day on a broad field in the outskirts of Neightrotpolitan where the first Sensational Super Scientific Social Summit was being held, fireworks being set off from various locations as well as some more elaborate samples being ignited by a few of the participants of the main event as well to show off their knowledge of chemistry and pyrotechnics. Left and right, it seemed visitors and ideas from around the world had come to show what they had for fun, prestige, or to simply enjoy the multicultural stalls meant to cater broad needs in a relatively safe environment... Or as safe as could be when someone's flamethrower jetpack had a little too much exhaust output near one of the ice cream vendors.

Minor setbacks aside, to those who came for the main event, it was a goldmine of knowledge to be as inventors, nerds, mad scientists, flukes, and novice fans of the intricate workings of the world in various locations prepared themselves for the showcase, answering and sharing their inventions with joy... or threatening to remove fur and feathers with Sheddenators by those that preferred to keep their machine's deepest secrets a secret.

In any case, the field was bright and clear for exploring all around about and/or preparing one's own devices; Or at least clear just about everywhere but the corner with faulty weather machines and so-called prototype Doomsday devices. Welcome, have a good time, enjoy the music, admire the unusually tall steel golem that stood still posing in the middle of the event that didn't seem to be moving at all yet had large footprints leading up to it from behind, don't drink every potion you get offered, watch out for magical clockwork box turtles on patrol, and remember: some are never too old to play with big toys.

(( This going intresting.))
Wow, an event that I might find useful.
Sandy was actually kind of happy, walking around the expo seeing other's tech. Her backpack had a fair amount of bits, and a couple of misc. tech, she build herself that's she willing to trade. 
 She left her revolver in the hotel's room safe. But, She did keep her air cannon. holster on her back, her metal arm, and her pendent on. Which went over her blue button up long sleeve, ( with one of the sleeves missing for her metal arm.) She was also wearing black jeans.

For RP:

A rumbling  would shake the ground as mecha from all over walked, ran and... Was that one dancing? Truly the mecha scene was getting more and more popular. There were mecha for just about everything. One company in particular though was looking to make out with a government contract. They brought out the project they had been working on for a couple of years now.

The beast of a mecha was as big as a three story house. It's huge stature slowly pacing into its spot at the expo. It was painted a plain black, with empty mounts ready to be installed with the gear they had brought along. It's head was triangular with a flat top, and the body was packed with so much armor it put a strain on the hydraulics.

Along with that, the small company seemed to being tests on some sort of exoskeleton as well, one of the engineers working on the thing right now.

"See if you can adust more powe to the joints." A synthetic voice came from inside the suit as its arm waved back and forth. The engineer did so and the being in the suit gave a thumbs up in satisfaction. "Yeah, that's good right there. I'll take it put for a spin later but I'm gonna walk it around fist to make sure it holds there." The helmet of the suit starts to fold back, bits of metal unlatxhing and revealing the very organic, red faced stallion inside. "Good thing we installed the cooling system or this thing would get hot in here." Alpha says, jumping in place a couple of times.

Lost amidst the noise of the fair was a set of relatively lithe and silent footfalls, the briefest of shimmering lights the only indicator that anything was even there. "Sir, the cloaking mechanism is holding up... you're hidden from sight and from sensors," the voice crackled over the headpiece of the pilot, and she giggled happily as she guided her mech passed a view, unaware machines.

"Perfect... where exactly should I stop?" She asked, slowing her mech down to let a few people pass in front of her.

"In our spot. The one that we paid for. That one... and sir, do try not to break anything." The voice sounded exasperated on the other end of the line, and the mare giggled again. Guiding the mech to its designated spot, she smirked, before flicking a switch.

To those watching from the outside, one moment there would an empty patch of grass, and the next, a bird-like mech would shimmer into existence, weapons not armed, but giving the machine a very cruel appearance.

Alpha started walking around the expo, giving the exoskeleton a test to make sure all of the calibrations were correct. Everything was pretty fine tuned so far. Nothing was leaking, and all power was good. And movement was fluid, with no lag to speak of. It was running great. Perfect for when he would present it. He started to run across the field, really giving the suit a test, nearly sprinting the whole way without really feeling tired at all. He'd show off the advanced targeting later, though, as something caught his eye. One of the mechs had some kind of cloaking technology. And that was interesting! He goes over to the mech, admiring its simplicity in design.

Whoa, mechs. Good for a other robots but could be flaw again some pony of small structure. Now the exoskeleton i could get into.
Sandy watch as the red pony do his little trick. OH... It flawed.
She still was curious about the skeleton, so she kind of followed him to the other Mech.
"Interesting design, for a giant, but if a single shot can take it down. it not all that impressive." She state out loud, while walking up to the bird mech. May of got a few stares.

The mare inside flicked several switches and the mech powered down, descending on its gracefull legs before extending a ladder to the ground. Climbing down said ladder, the mare was revealed to sunlight to the first time, being a tall, limber pony dressed in a tight black combat suit. Stepping onto the grass, she stretched her limbs and waved to several of the ponies who had approached her mech. "Hello there everyone."

Alpha looks to the pilot and gives her a short wave, looking up at her mech. "Nice tech you go there." He says, reaching out a hand in greeting. "Alpha Protocol, SteelTech Independent. It's small and hard to see. Scout mech, right?"

An announcement would eventually be broadcasted over the various megaphones installed throughout the field as well as a few small balloons in the air with signs to make sure all heard and read properly what was to come. "Attention, machine-goers! Our main event, the Mecha showcase trials, shall begin within the hour. Please be sure your machines and mechanical parts are well maintained, keep account of all your ammo and weapons in check... Barton Ballistics, I'm talking to you..., and tune those joints so you don't trip in front of all the watching crowd. After all, you don't wanna embarrass yourselves over potential sponsors who could hold your futures in machine development forever; No pressure... Also, to all our sticky fingered guests, please refrain from snatching up the Turtle Bots, we haven't finished getting insurance on them. Have a nice day!"

Meanwhile, a middle-aged couple was passing by the small group that was gathering to greet and chat over some of their own machines. The mare in a lab coat and goggles was idly playing with a colorful yo-yo, and rather expertly too with just her hoof as she watched the machine that had just revealed itself with eager interest; Her much taller husband in overalls would regard the younger pilots instead, silently judging them with eyes veiled by bushy brows as he smoked idly from his pipe.

"Visual distortion...? Is it caused by colloidal fragments, orgone spray, or a boson coupling...? Quite the neat little trick, I wonder who designed this..." said the mare softly, looking at the machine from top to bottom.

"Mmm..." was all her husband had to say.

"I can see how concealment would serve to gain the upper hoof in battle... Hah! See! Concealment! What irony!"

"Mmhm!"

"And yet, looking at this machine... One must wonder how well it can hold up in a frontal encounter... I'd never live it down if this one beat my own devices... I can't tell is this was made just for power or for justice..."

"Mmm."

"... Dear, what are you looking at? Oh! You're trying to see if those youngn's have the spark, aren't you?"

"Mmhm."

"Well, they seem like a nice bunch."

The mare giggled and gave a quick bow, before shaking his hand with a firm grip. "Ruby Flame, at your service. And I guess you could call it that, yes. But not just hard to see my friend, completely invisible~" she purred and patted the mech's leg gently.

Pausing for a moment, she looked around. "What's this about turtle bots? They sound adorable..."

At the sounding of the announcement, Alpha groaned with a laugh. "We'll chat more later." He says, turning away and waving with a smile. "Gotta make sure the crew's getting along without me. Good luck with your presentation!" He waves to the others and runs all the way back to his hanger. The exoskeleton was holding up just fine.

His crew was setting the last few bolts on the rocket system and calibrating controls in the pilot seat. They informed Alpha that everything was ready and waiting for him. He climbs up the back, climbing into the torso. The heavily armored back closes up and locks to a close. The display comes alight and Alpha can now see everything as if he was looking through his own eyes. He grabs the controls and reaches over to grasp the heavy machine gun, setting in the large box magazine and loading the ammo. "Ready to roll. Targetting's active. Temperature is good. Tritium batteries holding charge. I daresay we're going to earn ourselves a contract today."

Well looks like they about to put on the show.
Sandy began to walk among the crowd and vendors. Actuary would be kind of fun to build a mech, but, I defiantly don't have the supply for it or a budget.
Sandy spotted an elderly couple in overalls and lab coats. Perhaps they know something about this place or know where I could find usable scraps. Old folk know that kind of stuff, I think.
She approach the couple. "Evening, can ether of you two know where I could find some scrap parts, or somewhere for mech parts."

Ruby, and perhaps anyone else just as curious, would soon have her question answered as one of the emerald painted Turtle Bots, barely 2 feet high and looking rather unintimidating aside from the light magical blue silver glow from its glass eyes, slowly came by on little wheels while ticking and whirring. Its head spun to inspect its surroundings, lightly waving its arms as it did so while speaking through a voice box briefly in a monotone voice. "Turtle. No threat detected. Turtle." And so it moved on... slowly... continuing whatever task it had actually been given.

[\[o3o]/]
  {XXX}
   @=@

For Alpha, just about everything was going smoothly... except for one particular detail he'd notice once he got a reply over the radio. The voice of a male, somewhat elderly sounding and a bit on the high-pitched screechy side that he probably didn't recognize, was giving anything but sound instructions. "Yeess, yeess, that's all well and good, now be a good lad and aim your left arm cannon at 11 o'clock and open fire. Don't worry about the results, that's what we engineers are here for to observe." If Alpha were to follow instructions, he'd be aiming right at the crowd as well as another hangar by the opposite side.

Sandy would be constantly observed in her approach by the bushy brows of a silent stallion and his wife, particularly at her mechanical parts and weapons with respectful interest before making eye contact, soon to likely be smelling the not-so-unpleasant smoke from the pipe; Whatever it was, it didn't smell of tobacco. She'd then be greeted with a bright smile from the goggled mare who kept playing with her yo-yo. "Oh, honey, you'll find scrap in just about any corner you hear the most explosions from in this place. Finders keepers...!" The mare would get a light nudge from her husband soon after, to which she chuckled, nosed him in return, and kept speaking. "But you won't find any good parts that way. Unless you know a good mechanic, get yourself going East from here. Prof. Anaheim and Prof. Zimmand made the mistake of having their sales stalls and supply hangars too close to each other, so they're constantly trying to get the most customers by selling cheap. Take the chance, they're excellent part makers, and longtime business rivals... Unless you'd be interested in other things not for sale here? We just came to observe and participate, but we could show you some of the things we brought after the main event if you'd like. Our institution does accept custom orders sometimes."

Alpha raised a brow and turned his head, the head on the mech turning at the same time to look towards his 11 o'clock. He looks down to his crew and gets back on coms. "Uhh, who is this?" He asks. "That ain't a funny joke. Get serious, guys." It certainly wasn't a funny joke. Firing at civilians was no laughing matter. In fact, it was downright appalling!

Alpha instead starts going through his weapon systems. Rockets, missiles, countermeasures, and of course the oversized assault rifle in the mech's hands, making his own adjustments and safety checks.

Well, not the first time my arm got a few stares.
"East side, prof. anaheim and zimmand. Thanks, and if we do catch up after the event, maybe we could show each other stuff. Thanks again. and good luck with the event." Sandy trying to make a decent good bye before heading east to the recommended professor.
Did I just made friends with an old couple? Wow, sandy.

Rubu stared at the tiny, adorable robot before gasping excitedly and bending down, trying to scoop it up in her arms. "Oh my gosh, you are soooo cute~" she purred, nuzzling the turtle-bot's head.

Eventually she put the little robot down, climbing back up the ladder and flicking several switches, waiting for her mech to warm up.

The Turtle Bot wiggled its flippers while the wheels moved as it was lifted off the ground by Ruby, seemingly confused for the affection. "Turtle. Please put me down. I must dispose of threats. Turtle." As harmlessly as it had been picked up, it moved away without issue when released while the head spun for a short while, whistling a bit as well. One thing still hadn't changed though, and that was the elderly couple still looking at her machine up close. Despite pilots being made wary for the main event, they remained as calm as could be.

Once Sandy traversed through the bunch of characters along the way, she'd come across a rather lively scene just as the mare had described earlier. It was a heated battle of wits as the sellers from both factions kept one-upping on their offers and prices, and lo and behold, they were in fact selling mass produced quality goods of machine parts that ranged from hydraulics, to generators, to CPUs, and even a limited selection of varying weapons and appropriate ammunition or energy supplies. She might also find some parts worth applying to prostetics to improve or replace previous ones if she looked close enough. Granted, the crowd was just as unruly as the sellers given the unusually cheap prices, lines just barely in any proper order. It would take effort to even approach the stands.

Alpha would hear the voice clearing his throat nervously over the radio, eventually even hearing something else. "W-What? No joke here, just follow my orders. Why would I ever want to lead you astray as if to sabotage you and any competition?" Just then, another voice in monotone was heard.

"Turtle. Hostile signs detected. Turtle."

"Agh!? What is this thing!? How did it get here!?"

"Turtle. Commencing countermeasures. Turtle." Soon, sounds of electricity being generated were heard, as well as even more monotone voices.

"Turtle. Who the hell do you think we are. Turtle."

"Turtle. You are terminated. Turtle."

"More of them!? What's with the yellow eyes...? Ah!? Ow!! OUCH!! STOP, THAT HURTS!! AAAAHH-...!!!" From Alpha's position, an explosion would go off not far from the hangar. In fact, he might feel a light shake from it as the radio cut off for a moment until it was working again, this time being able to hear the concerned voices of his crew mates instead that have been trying to communicate with him to run the usual tests.

Sandy, started to see an crowd and yelling. Safe bet those are my mechanics, well I don't want to get kick out so I need to get over their with out killing some one.
With that in mind sandy garbed her air cannon for her back and gave it several pump till the point of it needs a lot of effort to close. Reaching in to her pocket to pull out a small scoop. Crowd, five ponies deep, vendors, spit apart, landing, small tuck away only.
With her plan set. She got to a good running start with the cannon still in her hands. When she was close to the crowd, she points the barrel behind her towards the ground and pulled the trigger.
With a grand burst of air enough to for the first three rows of ponies to feel. "INCOMING" Sandy lunched her self over the crowd and ground pound in between the two vendors, clear of any pony. Standing up and brushing her self off.
" I'm just here for ether of you two that could help me out with this, *Shows off her metal arm* and perhaps this. *Show off her air cannon* And any other weapons."  

About the cannon:

Alpha looked over to the small explosion as soon as the transmission cut out. He raised a brow at the the little cloud of smoke that showed up and got back on with his crew. "Hey, we need to do a check on signal security." He says, tweaking a few knobs and getting on with his tests.

And soon it would be time to roll, or walk rather, out of the hanger and make their way to the field. New code installed to the communications would help deter unwanted conversationalists, while they conducted their demonstration. The back of the mech hissed open and Alpha climbed on top of it, looking out at the field and the crew that was ready to set up for their turn.

Ruby giggled as the turtle squirmed, cuddling it happily before putting it back down. The reactor inside her mech eventually warmed up, and she grinned as the mech rose, ready to participate as she checked weapon systems and ammo counts.

In a field, the live-fire part of the expo took place. Obviously, it was in the middle of nowhere to prevent... Incidents. Very few people were actually there, due to the damage it could cause to your ears without protection. Always wear protection, kids. The ponies that were there, though, had large earmuffs to prevent hearing damage.

One of the mechs there was piloted by, ironically, Dust. It was a steam-powered one, aiming for the retro feel. As a result, it had to be very big to house the boilers. The mech was shaped like a rectangle connected to a cylinder. The cylinder was, in turn, connected to four legs. There was a wide pane of one-way glass, presumably where the bridge was, on the rectangle. The reason people were there, though, was because a missile launcher and a curious glowing weapon were mounted on the sides. The unknown weapon was a experimental project, and it was first being publicly tested in the expo.

Of course, many waivers had to be signed.

Right now, only the missile launcher was active, which was firing it's missiles of a classified targeting system at glorified skeet. The experimental weapon would come later, when the event properly started.

Another mech came from the east, loud bounds and the machinations of metal slamming against the ground filled the air then silence would follow the loud earth shattering sound of the same clank hitting the earth below. Every time it happened the sound struck closer and closer to where the fair grounds were. Suddenly the heavy thuds stopped and then clanking echoed through the air. The mech’s visage came around the corner, a giant spider walking on thick metal legs that clanked against the ground. Carefully coordinating all of its limbs into a terrifying visage of metal moving across the street and stopping right in front of the other mechs, in comparison it was smaller in general to the other mechs yet it still packed a fair amount of firepower into its structure. The spider mech stood at the very edge of the ring right before the place with a name plate, “The Illusion.” The giant beast of a mech flared its several red optical eye like sensors around and rotated its twin 20mm Gatling guns before setting itself down on the floor and out came a Zebra who jumped out of the middle section of the spider and landed on the ground. A proud smile stood over his face as he raised his hoof to wave at the other ponies around.

Upon Sandy's landing, a few of the others in the line were none too pleased with her cutting ahead, but none were actually able to do anything about her as the ones that did try to go for her to pull her back tripped on something small, metallic, and oddly chatty as it moved about through the crowd. "Turtle. This is no Zaku. Boy. No Zaku. Not a Gouf. Not a Dom. Turtle." More importantly, Sandy was right up next now as she stood between a Dog and a Griffon currently clashing with heated axes each up until they saw the mare. What followed would be an unusual waltz of lists of offers ranging from employment benefits, to delivery services, to arguments between the duo about merging once and for all, to talk of performance vs. maintainability of purchased parts, to more arguing and insults, to discount offers, to continuously clashing weapons against each other, until they finally actually managed to focus on her weapon and that they could both help. Sandy just might find what she was looking for so long as she was clear with what she needed, as well as keep a cool heat in the heated location, plus her literal head since the axes kept swinging.

Meanwhile, an announcement was made once more. "Ladies and gents, it seems we've got quite a few eager beavers today, but more than that, we've got more participants than we'd been hoping for. So, seeing as we've got a few of the single pilot machines near the field (Ruby, Alpha, Dust, and Haruspex, that's your cue), we're encouraging early performances so as to keep with the schedule for the day. We've also come to an agreement that if we let the larger machines go up first, the field might be more uneven for the other participants. Keep in mind, this will not affect the overall judging process if you arrive later, but it will certainly look good to be ready and willing upfront. Without further ado, let the first round of the main event, begin!!" Whether they had wanted the attention or not, those whom had gone ahead of time to the main event field would be cheered as well as those on their way there.

All arriving machines and their pilots were admired in some form or other, but the ones least impressed as expected were many of the very engineers and other pilots themselves who wanted recognition for their work. Haruspex in particular would hear both cheers and some booing from nearby. The booing came from a rather scantily clad bunch of young mares who managed a machine of their own, while the cheering came from elderly sorts who seemed more interested in his machine and capabilities as a pilot; If nothing else, he did have some fans from the proper places already.

To those that were ready, the field had been set up for the first round as follows:

Break the Targets!

One target remained in the center of a spinning ring, hitting dead center is what counts. Another target on the ground would move farther away when targeted or locked on. A third one would be seen popping up and down from the ground at random. A fourth one was moving at the mercy of the wind in the air. A fifth one merely kept in its place under a large and deep puddle.

Order doesn't matter. Go for style if you please, but be efficient if you can. How you proceed to deal with each target is up to you... And if you can't get all targets in one go, the targets will come for you then. There is more than enough for one of each type of target for ALL participants.

Sandy glance back at the crowd argumentative crowd. "As you guys complained about how full the glass of water is, I drank it." What could i say low soical skill.
 She then turn her head back to the two battling professors. She garbed a seeming cylinder from her belt holster. With a little tossed in the air and flick of the wrist the cylinder un-folded in to a metal baseball bat. Which she use to clash with any close call axes swings. " Sorry, mates, I'm a bounty hunter/ merc. I could do escort, if the prize it right . Any ways, I want something that could improve my arm, which already has an heat element to it so, perhaps, some form of other element that useful. Some thing for melee, but I want mobility, so those axes of your is a no. and lastly something of range. and one thing to keep in mind. I'm good at my job. If others see me holding your stuff, they think your good. Catch my drift?"

With the reactor now at full power, Ruby's grin grew and she flicked a switch, the mech's weapon systems primed themselves. Moving wifh a grace that shouldn't really have been possible for a machine that size, she brought the Stilleto to face the five targets.

Planting the feet firmly on the ground, she licked her lips and switched to her missile systems. Almost instantly, three of the targets were lit up by the targeting reticle of the missile system, and she pulled the triggering, giggling as six missiles streaked out from her missile pods, two striking each target's centre.

The moment the bobbing target appeared, she switched to the mech's gauss rifle, and unleashed a high velocity round into its centre.

The final target, underwater, posed only the tiniest of challenges, before she aimed the gauss rifle, and unleashed a high velocity round into it, the shockwave generated alone enough to shatter it.