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we-r-nomad β€” FMP Tech Update 05: SPECIAL

Published: 2009-02-14 23:55:07 +0000 UTC; Views: 16181; Favourites: 143; Downloads: 537
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Description SPECIAL: Self PropElled CupId effect ArtiLlery.

The SPECIAL, or "Stud" as it is alternatively known, like all matters of the heart, is a story of compromises.

Early attempts to field the Cupid Effect Ray Emitter were met with limited success.

It was discovered that the effect of the ray, while completely enthralling, was not lasting. Often, those influenced by the beam had reacquired their baseline disposition within minutes of initial exposure.

It was then thought that a CERE Seeker could restrain a target damsel, once she had wandered into its optimum area of engagement. However, carrying neutralization gear in addition to the equipment required to produce a medium to long range Cupid Effect proved to be mutually exclusive tasks.

Eventually FMP development decided to try and extend the duration of theCupid Effect Ray as well as its effective radius. The result was an energy hungry array that was simply too heavy and bulky to be carried by anything resembling a maneuvering platform; but it would entice lovestruck enemy combatants from hundreds of yards beyond visual range. (In fact, there was even discussion at this phase of rechristening the device, "Pied Piper Ray".)

The increased range and effectiveness of this new heavy emitter made it an ideal candidate for the role of self propelled artillery.

Stationed in the rear of armored "recruitment columns" SPECIALS would destabilize organized resistance from a safe distance, and make the jobs of more active, front line Seeker units much easier, as any damsels they'd encounter while the beam is in operation would become suddenly, and exceedingly cooperative.

Since a damsel, of any power level becomes geometrically less inclined to harm a Stud with increased proximity. it was deemed unnecessary to outfit them with the light, nigh-invulnerable neutronium, adamantium, and depleated Kyptonite alloys that armor the smaller, faster TTS's. Hence, tons of conventional Chobum armor protect the SPECIAL's, adding to their already intimidating size and weight. (And earning their affectionate nickname.)

The conventional armor and lackluster titanium framework renders a SPECIAL exceedingly vulnerable on during recruitment drives. In fact, the mighty super-heroine adjacent to the Stud pictured here could easily pulverize it beyond repair with a single blow, were she not repeating to herself the phrase "Mrs. Carol Danvers-SPECIAL" over and over again.

Big, vulnerable, and only just fast enough to keep pace with an armored recruitment drive, the SPECIAL is mainly "special" in the fact that it's the product of so many design concessions but still proves to be effective at its assigned task.
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Comments: 160

we-r-nomad In reply to ??? [2020-05-20 19:24:10 +0000 UTC]

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Unb3kann1 In reply to we-r-nomad [2020-05-20 21:15:28 +0000 UTC]

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JazzySongBird [2016-12-13 00:23:37 +0000 UTC]

Wouldn't it make sense to keep these things inside Benefactor mansions? Or better yet, maybe within those reformed schools?

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we-r-nomad In reply to JazzySongBird [2016-12-13 00:45:08 +0000 UTC]

That sounds like an excellent idea. In the field, they are just attractive targets for AMAZON aerial and anti-tank assets.

One Special casting its spell over a mansion would be more efficient than distributing individual chips.

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JazzySongBird In reply to we-r-nomad [2016-12-13 00:46:33 +0000 UTC]

It might also keep raids from happening as the AMAZON first have to take out the cupid device before assaulting the mansion.

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we-r-nomad In reply to JazzySongBird [2016-12-13 00:55:05 +0000 UTC]

That is a wonderful point, and would constitute an elegant security measure for Benefactors living on the edge of Frempire space.

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JazzySongBird In reply to we-r-nomad [2016-12-13 01:00:41 +0000 UTC]

Yin Shin: I told you not to engage!

Irene: How was I to know our Magi was going to be in range of the Cupid device?

Yin Shin: You're lucky that we were close enough to get you out of there. But now, Masters is going to have a field day on this!

Speaking of which, how does Amazon react to suffering losses? Is there a memorial? Perhaps a time to honor those in an unfortunate place?

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we-r-nomad In reply to JazzySongBird [2016-12-13 01:38:35 +0000 UTC]

Actually a Forward mage would be a perfect countermeasure for a Cupid Device, especially on installed to subjugate a mansion harem. Such a concentration of forcibly subjugated spirits would send up a HUGE red flag to any advanced scout.

Sadly for AMAZON, the detection of an active CD would likely result in the bypassing of a target.

The proximity of the device to friendlies would preclude an air strike, and while a special forces team of War Magi could shield themselves from the Cupid Effect long enough to take the CD out of play, command would not risk them in such an action.

I'm starting to think this would be a good time for PortiaΒ  to disobey orders.

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JazzySongBird In reply to we-r-nomad [2016-12-13 01:40:10 +0000 UTC]

Y’know it could be the straw that breaks the camels back, but would it convince Braidy?

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we-r-nomad In reply to JazzySongBird [2016-12-13 02:13:44 +0000 UTC]

I just saw a John Wayne movie today, called They Were Expendable.

It was about a squadron of patrol torpedo boats in 1941. Throughout the movie, the nimble, potent fighting machines are relegated to messenger duty, to the frustration of The Duke, and his supporting cast. In a world of heavily armed battleships and destroyers, the admirality routinely failed to see the utility of the plywood speed boats.

The PT Boats finally get their moment in the sun, when it is realized that they are the only vehicles with the speed necessary to rescue the legendary General MacArthur from Corregidor prior to its fall to Japanese forces. This action (At least, according to the movie.) covers the boats in glory, and establishes them as a fast and effective gun platforms, which would capture the public imagination.

I suppose the AMAZON Magi could use a Corregidor; and operation that not only establishes them as an escape hatch, but as valued tactical assets.

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JazzySongBird In reply to we-r-nomad [2016-12-13 02:15:36 +0000 UTC]

At least it would give them the chance to fight in certain raids. Heck, even my proposed counter measure for keeping the maids hostage and the benefactor alive would be countered by a few spells from Magi.

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we-r-nomad In reply to JazzySongBird [2016-12-15 17:46:35 +0000 UTC]

I could see the magi eventually throwing their own insurrection.

Portia: "I'm beginning to realize, there is no real reason for us to follow your orders. This isn't really a military. We represent no nation. We may have a flag, but we have no culture, no long standing traditions, or established way of life to preserve.

We're all just playing at war, and we do what you tell us only because you sewed some stars on the collar of your 'soldier girl cosplay'. If we leave, we're not committing treason against any country. You have no authority beyond what we give you, and I for one am sick of having my loyalty repaid by condescension and empty promises.

We fight with you, as equals, or we fight without you. Good luck getting off this planet without us!"

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JazzySongBird In reply to we-r-nomad [2016-12-15 17:48:27 +0000 UTC]

Oh snap! That's friggin mutiny. Would Braidy take kindly to that? I know Masters likely wouldn't tolerate it, but would Braidy try to be reasonable?

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we-r-nomad In reply to JazzySongBird [2016-12-15 20:01:56 +0000 UTC]

Oh yea, MastersΒ  would probably want to see the lot of them put in irons, for mutiny and desertion. Braidy would likely calm her down by pointing out that Andrea herself is a deserter from MASA.

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JazzySongBird In reply to we-r-nomad [2016-12-15 20:05:10 +0000 UTC]

Plus, getting divided like this would ultimately prove fatal. I doubt they have the resource to deal with an internal uprising. Eventually the FMP find out and then they're goners.

Aema: We cannot afford to fight each other now. Not while my people are harvested like livestock and paraded as pets. I don't what your troubles are, but settle them. Divided like this, we have no chance.

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we-r-nomad In reply to JazzySongBird [2016-12-15 21:38:18 +0000 UTC]

Capitalizing on the moment of calm brought about be Aema's speech, Braidy addresses Portia.

Braidy: "What do you want, Portia?"

Portia: "To fight. Not to 'do our part' like some protected children, 'in the rear with the gear', but to use our full potential up front and center, to hurt the Fremps the way we know we can!"

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JazzySongBird In reply to we-r-nomad [2016-12-15 21:45:17 +0000 UTC]

Yin:Β They've more than proven themselves as fighters, and without them we don't stand a chance against the CUPID emitters. (I know I didn't say that right Β ) They're the only reason we have been able to last without a fleet for so long, we need to give them an opportunity to do more.

Aema:Β (to Braidy) Is that reasonable? They seek to prove themselves. Why not give them a chance?

(does Prin care about this? Or is she just concerned with the best angle to slice up a robolord?)

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we-r-nomad In reply to JazzySongBird [2016-12-15 21:56:16 +0000 UTC]

When Prin joined, she was inducted into the Enchantment Corps because she looked like a magical girl. When it was proven she wasn't, she was harassed by the magi, especially Portia. In fact, Prin was personally recruited by Marshal Fields into the infantry after the later saw her beat up three magi with her fists.

"This girl wants to fight. I say we should let her."

Prin would likely not care if the magi all deserted, but her ears would perk up when her mentor. Marshal Fields would pipe in. "When I see women who want to fight, it's my policy to give them a shot. So far, it's worked out well for me."

She would look to Prin, who would be shocked to be singled out as an example in the magi's favor.

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JazzySongBird In reply to we-r-nomad [2016-12-15 21:59:07 +0000 UTC]

Aema: I think we're agreed then? Because my sisters are currently losing there very identity to fuel some gynoid's fanatasies. Your comrades have likely suffered worse. We have work to do.

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we-r-nomad In reply to JazzySongBird [2016-12-16 01:16:03 +0000 UTC]

Prin: "And you are...?"

Fields: "Be nice. That's an order."

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JazzySongBird In reply to we-r-nomad [2016-12-16 01:22:18 +0000 UTC]

Aema gulps.

Aema:Β Aema. Acting Admiral of the Aldamari people and acting Commander of the Aldamari Defense force.

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ForestWolfDragon [2012-01-27 05:35:51 +0000 UTC]

Isn't that Ms Marvel? I never thought I'd see her that way? lol

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we-r-nomad In reply to ForestWolfDragon [2012-01-27 20:13:35 +0000 UTC]

Why yes it is.

Rather than going toe to toe with such a powerful being, getting her to surrender is preferable. This ray may not work on Prin but Carol Danvers just doesn't have the right amount of anger and hate. (Well perhaps she does against Rouge of the X-Men but not against robots. )

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ForestWolfDragon In reply to we-r-nomad [2012-01-28 07:28:23 +0000 UTC]

God I was so confused by that one episode from the animated X-Men show where the showed how Rogue got most of her powers....at that time I didn't realize that was Ms. Marvel. It wasn't til later I found out bout Marvel.

And how could that ray not work on Prin but work on Marvel??? LOL.

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phantomdotexe [2011-09-11 01:48:53 +0000 UTC]

Lovely!

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we-r-nomad In reply to phantomdotexe [2011-09-11 02:32:03 +0000 UTC]

It's been a while since I posted this one. Glad you like it.

Hopefully, you'll get a kick out of the smaller version as well.

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phantomdotexe In reply to we-r-nomad [2011-09-23 17:33:02 +0000 UTC]

Ah, a man-portable ... erm, mecha-portable version! Excellent work. I can definitely see it having good use by customized sniper-drones - hitting a celebrity in the middle of a speech, for example. Turning a few sound bytes from topics like the use of technology in the classroom to a half-slurred discussion on 'just how cuddly tape buddies are.'

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we-r-nomad In reply to phantomdotexe [2011-09-23 18:07:52 +0000 UTC]

Or on a power female executive during a board meeting.

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phantomdotexe In reply to we-r-nomad [2011-09-28 22:17:50 +0000 UTC]

"...as you can see, our partnerships have paid off this year, and MIRAGE welcomes our new partners-"

-bzzt-

"...Seeker-class drones and their wriggling, squirming cargo! We can expect the entire female portion of our company to be maidified within the quarter!"

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Psychologist-Roachy [2011-01-17 01:00:46 +0000 UTC]


Question: How effective is the STUD against airborne targets?
and
Speculation: If you gave personalities to the recruitment aids,
then I'm betting the Stud/Special would be the timid but tactical one
who says stuff like: "I hope my plan works cuz if it don't then we'll all wind up as scrap metal."

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we-r-nomad In reply to Psychologist-Roachy [2011-01-17 20:17:35 +0000 UTC]

Well, against airborne assets, the Ceasar would be better suited. Admittedly, it is large and comparatively slow, but it's far more effective against aircraft then the lumbering Studs.

Hmmmm, the NITE Bears are imbued with personalities, some that are often mission specific, but I never gave thought to giving the front line "recruitment" drones artificial dispositions as well. It might hamper their effectiveness as pieces of mass produced cannon fodder, but it's still something to consider.

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Psychologist-Roachy In reply to we-r-nomad [2011-01-19 07:45:58 +0000 UTC]

it would make for better reading if the front line grunt-bots had a bit more personality
...
I would love to read a comic about zaq island.

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Firest [2011-01-08 14:52:54 +0000 UTC]

Turns out that the USSR might have been working on one of these for themselves. [link]

Oh, they say it's for electronic countermeasures, but all I can say is, "In Soviet Russia, mind control laser tanks find you.

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salsathegeek [2010-10-24 17:57:12 +0000 UTC]

Nice, I'm kinda wondering if you used a little of the Bradley in there.

If it's only hundreds of yards beyond visual range, would orbital bombardment be an effective tactic against these things? Maybe a couple of R-bombs?

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we-r-nomad In reply to salsathegeek [2010-10-24 19:10:22 +0000 UTC]

Probably.

Especially against the aerial version .

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salsathegeek In reply to we-r-nomad [2010-10-24 19:56:44 +0000 UTC]

Why so sad? Personally, I prefer kinetic weapons. They tend to leave bigger craters. >

In all seriousness though, I have always enjoyed your technical designs. Although the hearts are pretty creepy.
>_>
<_<

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we-r-nomad In reply to salsathegeek [2010-10-25 01:44:06 +0000 UTC]

It's because my beautiful mind control waepons could be destroyed by those insolent AMAZON's, which could deny me my daily supply of artificially enamored femmes.

Why are robots always so picked on?

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salsathegeek In reply to we-r-nomad [2010-10-25 06:42:56 +0000 UTC]

Could be worse. You could have me following through with an idea I had about putting Sci-Fi ships into a real environment and see how they fare against a realistic ship. The Big-E wouldn't have done so well...



I also have to wonder how maneuverable that plane is with that giant on top.

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we-r-nomad In reply to salsathegeek [2010-10-25 16:24:31 +0000 UTC]

About as manuverable as all the various planes with giant disc's on top, I should imagine. It's not a fighter, afterall.

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salsathegeek In reply to we-r-nomad [2010-10-25 20:44:45 +0000 UTC]

Well, I have to ask if Amazon has any missiles on par with the AIM-54 Phoenix's range? I doubt the Cupid effect works at more than 10 to 20 miles. Or do they not trust computers enough to allow them to put seeking equipment on them?

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we-r-nomad In reply to salsathegeek [2010-10-26 00:02:24 +0000 UTC]



"We implanted a nuclear powered pacemaker inside a man whose every cell is saturated with Gamma Radiation!!

Talk about overlooking the obvious!!"

Tony Stark from Invicible Iron Man #132

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salsathegeek In reply to we-r-nomad [2010-10-26 00:18:21 +0000 UTC]

sorry, guess I shouldn't try and carry on a conversation when tired (felt like I'm gonna fall asleep at any time all day).

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Failanex [2010-06-22 17:20:40 +0000 UTC]

I love TANKS!!!!!

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we-r-nomad In reply to Failanex [2010-06-22 17:51:26 +0000 UTC]

Watch it. You mind be standing within its projection sphere.

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Failanex In reply to we-r-nomad [2010-06-22 19:39:39 +0000 UTC]

O 'Really?

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we-r-nomad In reply to Failanex [2010-06-23 02:00:07 +0000 UTC]

Well since you dig tanks, you might like this. [link]

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Failanex In reply to we-r-nomad [2010-06-23 02:13:49 +0000 UTC]

This is a peace I did back in 08 I might be repeating myself but I don't think the reply sent.... Tanks and craft,.. Awesome. I've seen this peace you show and have been studying your art from time to time for four years.. Your a pretty powerful artist. Hears the last craft I created..[link]

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we-r-nomad In reply to Failanex [2010-06-23 02:42:56 +0000 UTC]

Yea, you did send this one, but it's cool. So few people put any thought into mechanical devices. I don't really know why that is. But it's nice to meet someone who actually does.

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Failanex In reply to we-r-nomad [2010-06-23 03:14:48 +0000 UTC]

Mechanically and Organically I rock,. I spend all my time in photoshop.. I'm really really good a with digital paint but all my commissions that I would show are under NDA.. That's why when I get a moment to breath I RP or sketch something out real quick. I live on my computer...

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Failanex In reply to we-r-nomad [2010-06-23 02:08:40 +0000 UTC]

I love tracks and tanks Awesome,! Jeez the last time I drew a vehicle was in 08?? Makes me want to get back into some perspective to see how far I've come.. Hear's a VTOL design I did,. You might get a kick out of the idea.[link]

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