What's your favorite BattleDress?

[Magnus von Thornwood]

What it says on the tin.

I am at work and have a slew of filing to do yet, so I will keep it short. Basically it is both an aesthetics and functional question.

Me, I dig the Zhodani BD. I still remember coming around the corner at Napoleon's and seeing the Detrick cover with that sweet Zho BattleDress and that swauve Zho Noble (but at the time I saw it, merely some important dude who was looking for some problem and might be looking at me as its cause). Then I bought the book of the Grand Psionic Race and found a cool culture and some wicked cool Psi rated and usable BD.

At first I used to think the clam shell helmet was cool, but stupid since the crease would be in the way. Then I realized that I often don't spend a lot time noticing me nose so the crease might not be that distracting. Still later I realized with TL-E it probably just seals to finely to see and has optical overlays. Also, I think the faceplate design is better than the Imperial version since if the fancy optical/comp stuff goes to crap the Zho has a much wider and deeper field of view than the Impy does.

And now with Staging and QREBS the Zho can have some nice TL-E BD that can equal Imp BD in some manners (it already beats it for use of psionics.

So that is my vote and comments?

 

[aramis]

For me, it's always been the Scout Walkabout Suit. It's battledress optimized for a non-combat purpose, and while the AV is somewhat lower, the visibility cannot be beat - it's an armored dome!

The Zhodani is a close second. Tho' I much prefer the sleekness of their Combat Armor... which other than being sleek rather than bulky, looks much the same.

 

[Spinward Scout]

 

[Timerover51]

What it says on the tin.

I am at work and have a slew of filing to do yet, so I will keep it short. Basically it is both an aesthetics and functional question.

Me, I dig the Zhodani BD. I still remember coming around the corner at Napoleon's and seeing the Detrick cover with that sweet Zho BattleDress and that swauve Zho Noble (but at the time I saw it, merely some important dude who was looking for some problem and might be looking at me as its cause). Then I bought the book of the Grand Psionic Race and found a cool culture and some wicked cool Psi rated and usable BD.

At first I used to think the clam shell helmet was cool, but stupid since the crease would be in the way. Then I realized that I often don't spend a lot time noticing me nose so the crease might not be that distracting. Still later I realized with TL-E it probably just seals to finely to see and has optical overlays. Also, I think the faceplate design is better than the Imperial version since if the fancy optical/comp stuff goes to crap the Zho has a much wider and deeper field of view than the Impy does.

And now with Staging and QREBS the Zho can have some nice TL-E BD that can equal Imp BD in some manners (it already beats it for use of psionics.

So that is my vote and comments?

You allow your player characters to have Battle Dress? I take it that they really like to kill people with impunity.

 

[whulorigan]

You allow your player characters to have Battle Dress? I take it that they really like to kill people with impunity.

I don't think Magnus said anything about player characters having or not having Battledress in his campaigns. He only asked which do CotI Memebers like the best.

As to the question: For aesthetics, I definitley like the look of the Zhodani Armor also.

 

[rancke]

For me, it's always been the Scout Walkabout Suit. It's battledress optimized for a non-combat purpose, and while the AV is somewhat lower, the visibility cannot be beat - it's an armored dome!

I agree. I never did use it in any of my games, but I did note that it's a poor man's battledress. Outfit your rebels with them and equip them with laser drills and you've got a force that has to be taken seriously.

I like the look of it too.


Hans

 

[Timerover51]

I don't think Magnus said anything about player characters having or not having Battledress in his campaigns. He only asked which do CotI Memebers like the best.

As to the question: For aesthetics, I definitley like the look of the Zhodani Armor also.

I do not allow Battle Dress in my Universe, except for active-duty military members on actual combat missions. I do not like the idea of Battle Dress in the least. Of course, I have the same low view of man-portable energy weapons.

 

[rancke]

I allow battledress in my universe.


Hans

 

[aramis]

I do not allow Battle Dress in my Universe, except for active-duty military members on actual combat missions. I do not like the idea of Battle Dress in the least. Of course, I have the same low view of man-portable energy weapons.

It's on its way in the real world...

Uncle Sam is putting linear frames (cyberpunk term for human augmentation exoskeletons) into field testing. Once the frames test out, it's only a matter of time before integral armor is added. Leg-infantry may soon go the way of the dodo. I somehow doubt it, but it's at least plausible now.

 

[Spartan159]

I prefer the DGP writeup of Battledress per MTJ-1. Though I would love to see Traveller stats for Halo's Mjolnir Armor... I'm thinking TL 15 recon BD

 

[Meeko100]

It's on its way in the real world...

Uncle Sam is putting linear frames (cyberpunk term for human augmentation exoskeletons) into field testing. Once the frames test out, it's only a matter of time before integral armor is added. Leg-infantry may soon go the way of the dodo. I somehow doubt it, but it's at least plausible now.

Perhaps. I don't see it being practical for more armor then what a average man can carry now though.

"Seargent, what's taking so long to secure that apartment?"
"We can't get past the second floor!"
"What?"
"The place is booby trapped!"

In a building that been shelled or otherwise mucked up, then you may end up with places for really heavy men to fall through.

I don't like it game wise because it makes a fight one-sided. If the PC's have dress, then the other side will be creamed because they won't be able to hurt the characters*. If the NPC's have dress, then the characters are either dead, or have to run from the fight. If there's only one guy with dress, then perhaps he could be a bit of a boss to fight. But the way the OTU uses it makes it seem like every marine and merc worth his salt have a battle dress. I just have the max AV be 10ish. Any more and most man portable weapons that you don't need a BD to carry become worthless.

*I use Mongoose Trav most often, so this is in the context of their armor system.

 

[Magnus von Thornwood]

Quick responses.

Whoo-hoo! Let's go. :coffeegulp:

For me, it's always been the Scout Walkabout Suit. It's battledress optimized for a non-combat purpose, and while the AV is somewhat lower, the visibility cannot be beat - it's an armored dome!

The Zhodani is a close second. Tho' I much prefer the sleekness of their Combat Armor... which other than being sleek rather than bulky, looks much the same.

Never heard or seen the Scout Suit. Might have to check it out.

That is either what T5 calls Oversize or even Titan Dress. Is that a WarMachine by the way? And last the Mark 3+ Iron Man suit is like TL-C+ BattleDress, it uses reaction engines as opposed to grav and more slug/missile weapons and less energy weapons.

You allow your player characters to have Battle Dress? I take it that they really like to kill people with impunity.

Sometimes. Still, I remind them they are grow ups and misuse comes with concequences. And who doesn't love the fantasy of a world of no-concequences and killing the badguys with impunity? Not that I run a world with no concequences.

I don't think Magnus said anything about player characters having or not having Battledress in his campaigns. He only asked which do CotI Memebers like the best.

As to the question: For aesthetics, I definitley like the look of the Zhodani Armor also.

Exactly! And it does seem that we all Impy or not, dig on the look of the Zho BD, even if we also dig that IM swept back hat BD.

I agree. I never did use it in any of my games, but I did note that it's a poor man's battledress. Outfit your rebels with them and equip them with laser drills and you've got a force that has to be taken seriously.

I like the look of it too.


Hans

Interesting take, I most def have to find this stuff and check it out. Peeps seem to dig it.

I do not allow Battle Dress in my Universe, except for active-duty military members on actual combat missions. I do not like the idea of Battle Dress in the least. Of course, I have the same low view of man-portable energy weapons.

Wow, timerover, while Hans is Chief OTU Pontificator (much love Hans :devil you are the poster child for the 1940s go to space.

Why do you have such hate for the high tech sci-fi? :rant: I mean Piper had bloody time travel and ray guns for crying out loud, as did Norton so I am confused why you have such a dislike of such trappings? Not saying you are bad for it, just it is super-limited for its Pulp Age flavor.

I prefer the DGP writeup of Battledress per MTJ-1. Though I would love to see Traveller stats for Halo's Mjolnir Armor... I'm thinking TL 15 recon BD

Well. Never seen it or I have to see if I have I copy of the mag and check it. As to HALO armor, that is pretty low end for BD, I mean it has no Grav pack, uses Slug Throwers, and is bulky as hell. Nope, HALO Dress is TL-A, maybe TL-B, maybe.

And last thanks all for the responses!

 

[Spinward Scout]

I take it that they really like to kill people with impunity.

Or Bugs.

Or Xenomorphs.

Is that a WarMachine by the way?

It's the Iron Man Hulkbuster armor from the upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron movie.

 

[Spartan159]

Well. Never seen it or I have to see if I have I copy of the mag and check it. As to HALO armor, that is pretty low end for BD, I mean it has no Grav pack, uses Slug Throwers, and is bulky as hell. Nope, HALO Dress is TL-A, maybe TL-B, maybe.

The article went into a lot of detail, covered some disadvantages, looked at variants such as forward observer, commando, Imperial Marine Assault, Scout Walkabout suits and even touched on lower tech Battlesuits (T5 oversize / titan). It talked about availability and restrictions, it also had a diagram of a suiting up sequence and equipment sheets for different versions.

The HALO armor has built in fusion power, shields and could use an anti-smallcraft power laser, not to mention supporting sensors and an advanced AI package. It had a strength modifier. It was agile enough to be used close quarters combat and even piloting a space fighter while apparently not suffering an agility penalty. It could support a jump jet pack. It also survived atmospheric re-entry and impact on 2 different occasions, keeping the operator alive both times. I dunno, I could see it at TL F sans shields and the re-entry bit. /shrug YMMV given that we are looking at two different fictional universes.

 

[Reban]

The two Battledress units that hooked me on Traveller were both from the BARD archive.

The Reaver
Features an armoured skinsuit as an undergarment worn inside the actual heavily armour suit. That became the standard shipboard uniform for Marines aboard ship IMTU.

http://www.downport.com/bard/bard/vera/vera5507.html


The Cougar
Features different packs that can be worn on the armour to expand the basic suits capabilities and support mission specialists. The acronym PAR for Plasma assault Rifle was really cool too. IMTU standard Imperial equipment uses an armoured pack about the size of a PLSS in different types including cargo, munitions launcher and flight. and my Marines use FARs.

http://www.downport.com/bard/bard/vera/vera5508.html

 

[Blue Ghost]

While not actually my favorite I think it worth noting;

 

[WistfulD]

Wow, timerover, while Hans is Chief OTU Pontificator (much love Hans :devil you are the poster child for the 1940s go to space.

Why do you have such hate for the high tech sci-fi? :rant: I mean Piper had bloody time travel and ray guns for crying out loud, as did Norton so I am confused why you have such a dislike of such trappings? Not saying you are bad for it, just it is super-limited for its Pulp Age flavor.

I'm not Timerover, but I agree, and for the following reason. Battledress takes the skilled character out of the skill based game. Traveller has always been about PCs who win or lose based on their ingenuity, their shrewdness, and of course what skills they have. Even in spaceship combat, tactics, skill and guile can overcome technical superiority. In firefights, fist fights, and so forth, battledress determines who wins (unless vehicles such as tanks and jets come into play). The end. Nothing less well prepaired combatants do has any say in the matter. Sure, I guess 4-5 of them could try to sneak up on him lugging a man portable fusion gun, but if they have one of those, why don't they have battle dress, so that they can reasonably carry it? It turns an individual soldier into a tank, except one that you don't send tank-killer air support after because he blends in with the rest of the squishies.

It's very much like Iron Man--it's awesome to have as the lone badass hero, but once you make them ubiquitous (Iron Man 3), they had better start dying off real easily or they become plot busters.

 

[Magnus von Thornwood]

Ummm, okay, I guess.

I'm not Timerover, but I agree, and for the following reason. Battledress takes the skilled character out of the skill based game. Traveller has always been about PCs who win or lose based on their ingenuity, their shrewdness, and of course what skills they have. Even in spaceship combat, tactics, skill and guile can overcome technical superiority. In firefights, fist fights, and so forth, battledress determines who wins (unless vehicles such as tanks and jets come into play). The end. Nothing less well prepaired combatants do has any say in the matter. Sure, I guess 4-5 of them could try to sneak up on him lugging a man portable fusion gun, but if they have one of those, why don't they have battle dress, so that they can reasonably carry it? It turns an individual soldier into a tank, except one that you don't send tank-killer air support after because he blends in with the rest of the squishies.

It's very much like Iron Man--it's awesome to have as the lone badass hero, but once you make them ubiquitous (Iron Man 3), they had better start dying off real easily or they become plot busters.

BD only determines who wins if only one combatant is wearing it, but if I let PCs have it, then NPCs get to have it too. So, it is balanced.

Do you use that same reason for not letting PCs have lasers either? Or is that a different reason?

I guess I am a child of my era, to me gadgets are part of the meme, but then I suppose I am biased as both a cyberpunk (who while he likes his meatbag, recognizes that it is merely a container for the important bit, the mind) and a major technophile, sci-fi without high technology isn't sci-fi, but just plain drama which I can find plenty of cooler flavors.

Again, not saying you are bad people, but your idea of sci-fi boggles me, it is like eating a steak bone, but not the steak.

 

[Meeko100]

BD only determines who wins if only one combatant is wearing it, but if I let PCs have it, then NPCs get to have it too. So, it is balanced.

Do you use that same reason for not letting PCs have lasers either? Or is that a different reason?

I guess I am a child of my era, to me gadgets are part of the meme, but then I suppose I am biased as both a cyberpunk (who while he likes his meatbag, recognizes that it is merely a container for the important bit, the mind) and a major technophile, sci-fi without high technology isn't sci-fi, but just plain drama which I can find plenty of cooler flavors.

Again, not saying you are bad people, but your idea of sci-fi boggles me, it is like eating a steak bone, but not the steak.

Giving both sides dress doesn't really make it balanced. It just ups the destructiveness of the fight. Say you are a free trader crew, smuggling something incredibly valuable, or the guy your doing it for will kill you if it doesn't make it. Customs boards with a few marines. They find the stuff. Done.

I like tech in my game, but I don't like it permeating and getting in the way of telling the story logically. Who would fight a bunch of dressed marines if I described to the guys that its basically iron man, and their fighting back with handguns and rifles? I don't have lasers because I explain them as finicky, needing proper mainenence that the players often don't know how to perform. Their still there technically. But the NPc's will only interact with them as extremely fancy, rare to find pieces.

Best to sum up, I like to keep my PCs capable of fighting the NPC's if they think they have to. I like that they have several options to use in adventures they go on. If they have to fight the army to steal a high tech escort, then I'd like that option to remain open. Battle dress close that off, unless I get them dress too, which is a bit expensive, and well, suspicious. Not including the weapons needed to fight dress with. The assault rifle the ex-marine has may not cut it on dress.

 

[WistfulD]

Again, not saying you are bad people, but your idea of sci-fi boggles me, it is like eating a steak bone, but not the steak.

Well, then you are boggled by some pretty common sci-fi. Star Trek relies on characters with skill and handguns being the dominant away team. Sure, there are some invincible walking tanks (such as the borg), but situational limitations or hero ingenuity circumvents that. Star Wars has the force, which is a pretty significant plot hammer, but is used by a total of five people in the holy trinity. For the rest of the guys, people like Han Solo are heroes who get things done, and he has a blaster pistol and a cloth vest, and can lay down a dozen guys in armor suits.

In most other highly popular forms of scifi or space fantasy, if they have powersuits, robot bodies, or indestructible cyborgs, take great pains to give situations where they do not work, people cannot be in them, or else use them as isolated heroes or villian boss-fights.

This is not to say that this kind of combat isn't fun. Giving both sides +50 to all their rolls and enjoying the splatter is fine, in games where their individual qualities aren't important. However, when I first started playing Traveller (CT in the early 80s), there were two types of games. D&D (OD&D, Classic D&D, and 1E) had characters who were basically their combat stats, what fancy spells/magic items they had, and no skills. He who had more +s to damage, more hps, and more fireballs memorized won. Traveller was the game of character skills and winning by being smart. Battle dress is such a game changer in that regard that it has always struck me as being a weird inclusion in the game that I always assumed that it existed solely as a plot hammer (no your party is not attacking the emperial guard, I'm putting them in battledress).