Ludeon Forums

Now.....I THOUGHT I knew everything about mechanoids and I knew how to take care of them right....I found something truly disturbing. When I was watching videos and going over the wiki I noticed that centipedes are incapable of communication...scythers  on the other hand...Have HUMAN FEATURES AND CAN COMMUNICATE.....Doesn't that make anyone else think JUST A TINY BIT?

Not me if Centepides cant communicate I find that very usefull, if they could they cant call backup Scythers on the other hand are human-like with some features but they have hearing and speaking sensores

According to lore,  Mechnoids are "autonomous intelligent robots built for domestic, industrial or military purposes. Only available to advanced cultures because such complex AI is needed to control them."

So, one would need to somehow interface with the AI controlling them as opposed to the individual mechanoids themselves. Unless said mechanoids are specifically built for human interaction, I suppose.

Judging by their size, durability and the scope of the weapons they use, I'm gonna guess that Centipedes are meant to be tanks in all but shape while the Scythers are more akin to infantry. That said, both mechanoids moan and groan when downed, so the Centipedes do have some amount of voice modulation.

Maybe Centipedes are like Hunters/Mgalekgolo from the Halo games in that their communication is largely unneeded but otherwise possible. Hunters make guttural taunting laughs when they manage to kill you and the few times they are friendly during the original trilogy when playing as the Arbiter, they do make guttural grunts in response to you looking at them when close to them.

What do you guys think the mechanoids look like, in terms of artwork? The skirt on the Scythers along with their reclining posture implies to me that they are tracked gun platforms, and a great hulking 10-12ft (at least, judging by their ingame size) tall Centipede with the back mounted gun makes for an awesome image in my head.

EDIT:
Something else that came to mind is perhaps the ability to disable the AI of crashed ship parts with colonists that have high crafting, allowing dissassembly of the part for metal, recovery of the core and not waking the numerous mechanoids that are likely to be aboard. One could even go as far as to contemplate turning some of the mechanoids on after turning them friendly. They are robots after all, going all Fallout 3/NV on them and redefining their concepts of an enemy should be possible. That all depends on Ty's lore reasoning for them. If the lore says it's kay, then it's simply up to Ty to make it so, or expose the code necessary for modders to make it so.

DOUBLE EDIT:
Another thought. Drag back wounded Scythers or Centipedes to a workshop and fix them up to make them friendly. They are practically whimpering in pain when crippled, render them some aid and perhaps they would appreciate the repairs.

TRIPLE EDIT:

RAIDERS WITH SALVAGED MECHANOIDS. OH GOD THE HORRORS OF 50 MAN RAIDS WITH MECHANOIDS.

Quote from: Goo Poni on August 31, 2014, 07:32:22 AM
Judging by their size, durability and the scope of the weapons they use, I'm gonna guess that Centipedes are meant to be tanks in all but shape while the Scythers are more akin to infantry. That said, both mechanoids moan and groan when downed, so the Centipedes do have some amount of voice modulation.

Maybe Centipedes are like Hunters/Mgalekgolo from the Halo games in that their communication is largely unneeded but otherwise possible. Hunters make guttural taunting laughs when they manage to kill you and the few times they are friendly during the original trilogy when playing as the Arbiter, they do make guttural grunts in response to you looking at them when close to them.

What do you guys think the mechanoids look like, in terms of artwork? The skirt on the Scythers along with their reclining posture implies to me that they are tracked gun platforms, and a great hulking 10-12ft (at least, judging by their ingame size) tall Centipede with the back mounted gun makes for an awesome image in my head.

EDIT:
Something else that came to mind is perhaps the ability to disable the AI of crashed ship parts with colonists that have high crafting, allowing dissassembly of the part for metal, recovery of the core and not waking the numerous mechanoids that are likely to be aboard. One could even go as far as to contemplate turning some of the mechanoids on after turning them friendly. They are robots after all, going all Fallout 3/NV on them and redefining their concepts of an enemy should be possible. That all depends on Ty's lore reasoning for them. If the lore says it's kay, then it's simply up to Ty to make it so, or expose the code necessary for modders to make it so.

DOUBLE EDIT:
Another thought. Drag back wounded Scythers or Centipedes to a workshop and fix them up to make them friendly. They are practically whimpering in pain when crippled, render them some aid and perhaps they would appreciate the repairs.

TRIPLE EDIT:

RAIDERS WITH SALVAGED MECHANOIDS. OH GOD THE HORRORS OF 50 MAN RAIDS WITH MECHANOIDS.

You may have found the next update my freind

I voted "unsure" :D

I actually would need to think about and write a lot more backstory on the mechanoids for this to be answerable.

Really, "mechanoid" is just a class of thing, like "animal" or "android", so you'd really have to come up with a specific backstory for these mechanoids.

While I am certainly in no position to be telling you how to write the lore to your own game, the mechanoids we have now appear to just be drones. Vicious drones, but drones nonetheless. If a ship part lands, they defend it and I have had events where mechanoids are marauding under the orders of an off-map AI. If these controllers can be removed or communication cut, then that may make it possible to reprogram the mechanoids. As I said in my earlier post, this is probably much easier when they are not trying to pump coilgun slugs into you.

To me, reprogramming them is not outside the realm of possibility but you still have final say. You could just nope it all away and say that tampering causes explosive results.

It would be pretty awesome if you could "rescue" incap mechs and try to reprogram them. If you succeed, you get a perma-drafted robot. If you fail, you get scrap metal... or an explosion.  But I think you should only be able to try with an incap mech. It should probably use the research skill.

 :o

Quote from: Tynan on August 31, 2014, 02:37:35 PM
I voted "unsure" :D

I actually would need to think about and write a lot more backstory on the mechanoids for this to be answerable.

Really, "mechanoid" is just a class of thing, like "animal" or "android", so you'd really have to come up with a specific backstory for these mechanoids.

:o Um....thank you for your input.......People consider you like the rimworld god right.......nice update videos btw

Tynan is cool, Best Dev I've met in a long time.

On this topic it'd be interesting if mech's were like robobrains from fallout.
Though reasoned with is meh~ Not sure if they should be.

Maybe Recover an AI core and rebuild it into a 'drone control center' which a researcher can use as a station to attempt to convert downed mechanoids into defense drones.

Quote from: Zeta Omega on August 31, 2014, 05:36:01 PM
:o

Quote from: Tynan on August 31, 2014, 02:37:35 PM
I voted "unsure" :D

I actually would need to think about and write a lot more backstory on the mechanoids for this to be answerable.

Really, "mechanoid" is just a class of thing, like "animal" or "android", so you'd really have to come up with a specific backstory for these mechanoids.

:o Um....thank you for your input.......People consider you like the rimworld god right.......nice update videos btw

He created Rimworld, he works 6 days a week and on the 7th day he looked, and he saw that it was good.

And then went right back to work :D

Thanks for everyone supporting this little thread, love to hear your opinion and ideas and opinions.

personally, i think mechanoids need a little more development before any decisions can be made on this issue. For one i think we need some type of "controller" or "queen" mechanoid, or more development with their apparent psychic abilities.

P.S. I voted unsure

Quote from: Tynan on August 31, 2014, 02:37:35 PM
I voted "unsure" :D

I actually would need to think about and write a lot more backstory on the mechanoids for this to be answerable.

Really, "mechanoid" is just a class of thing, like "animal" or "android", so you'd really have to come up with a specific backstory for these mechanoids.

Mechanoids are very advanced, so they probably have technology of the Glitterworlds (The most advanced "humans" know in the Rimworld universe) but Glitterworlds are very peacefull. So could traitors be in the Glitterworlds? Or were they raided so other people made them to raid even more? Who will know?

As Tynan said, Mechanoids are just things. To my knowledge, any largely autonomous robot that can carry out tasks without assistance appears to be called a mechanoid. From tanky Centipedes down to serving robots at fancy dress parties, they're all the same thing, a mechanoid.

They likely do hail from glitterworlds or urbworlds. Pretty much anywhere that's not as backwater as the rimworlds.

I added in unsure. Since generally Mechs are made by someone I figure that may play a role in how to approach them. Were they built with a friendly A.I. ..ie Data from Star Trek TNG, or with a hostile AI?
Slightly related link here about Mechanoids. PDF incoming..
The Mechanoids  (http://www.fractal-cortex.net/rpg/RIFTS/Rifts%20BOOKS/Sourcebooks/Rifts%20-%20Sourcebook%2002%20-%20The%20Mechanoids.pdf)

A rogue AI goes crazy, manufacturing and distributing hostile mechanoids across the galaxy. (ala Skynet with it's Terminators, Shodan from System Shock 2, HAL from 2001 Space Odyssey). Sounds very plausible and was the assumption I made about why they were not in anyone's faction. I think if "re-programming" happens it should be an almost impossible achievement for even the most advanced colonies.

Quote from: Necronomocoins on September 07, 2014, 03:59:59 AM
A rogue AI goes crazy, manufacturing and distributing hostile mechanoids across the galaxy. (ala Skynet with it's Terminators, Shodan from System Shock 2, HAL from 2001 Space Odyssey). Sounds very plausible and was the assumption I made about why they were not in anyone's faction. I think if "re-programming" happens it should be an almost impossible achievement for even the most advanced colonies.

Hackers and programmers can do a lot of interesting stuff these days, Who says that a futuristic society like Rimworld cant reprogram a scythe to DEFEND then ATTACK

Quote from: Drahkon on August 31, 2014, 07:20:43 PM
Maybe Recover an AI core and rebuild it into a 'drone control center' which a researcher can use as a station to attempt to convert downed mechanoids into defense drones.

I feel this is a really good idea, seeing as the technology to coerce an AI into being a ships computer is there. Also mechanoids controlled by players would be very powerful, and the relative rarity of AI cores would mitigate this fact. Also it can force the player to make a perhaps difficult choice, escape on the ship or stay and have a ROBOTIC ARMY (in retrospect not so difficult a choice)

Quote from: Eonoc on September 08, 2014, 06:18:53 PM

Quote from: Drahkon on August 31, 2014, 07:20:43 PM
Maybe Recover an AI core and rebuild it into a 'drone control center' which a researcher can use as a station to attempt to convert downed mechanoids into defense drones.

I feel this is a really good idea, seeing as the technology to coerce an AI into being a ships computer is there. Also mechanoids controlled by players would be very powerful, and the relative rarity of AI cores would mitigate this fact. Also it can force the player to make a perhaps difficult choice, escape on the ship or stay and have a ROBOTIC ARMY (in retrospect not so difficult a choice)

99.99999% of army 0.00001% of leaving

so could all mechanoids be controlled by a single person/ai relaying a persons orders in the hive?

i think we found a new late game ending idea (Fight The HIVE!)

Quote from: Garen on September 12, 2014, 04:54:15 PM
so could all mechanoids be controlled by a single person/ai relaying a persons orders in the hive?

i think we found a new late game ending idea (Fight The HIVE!)

This makes me think of the final mission in the original Xcom =P
Just send your guys in the end for that one final mission with no turning back
and watch half of them get mind controlled and panic and shoot eachother right at the doorstep to the main base =P

then barely pull through it and shoot the brain issuing all the orders to the aliens
with your last four remaining guys

Tears were shed that day!

#Offtopic #Memories #Amazingclimax #Unlikethenewxcom #kkthxbai

My idea is that you'd have to take parts from already destroyed or incapacitated mechanoids, either repair them or use pristine parts, build a new mechanoid and then get completely untouched sensory systems and an artificial brain. Afterwards you'd need to power it up an voila, you have a mechanoid that you can use to fight raiders, grow crops or blow up corpses, or maybe protect you from hordes of squirrels. The mechanoid could then be slowly repaired by someone with a high Construction skill if any non-vital parts are damaged, but the mechanoid don't regen. A vital part such as a sensory part or artificial brain must be replaced with a new one.

Quote from: Shinzy on September 12, 2014, 05:09:49 PM
This makes me think of the final mission in the original Xcom =P
Just send your guys in the end for that one final mission with no turning back
and watch half of them get mind controlled and panic and shoot eachother right at the doorstep to the main base =P

then barely pull through it and shoot the brain issuing all the orders to the aliens
with your last four remaining guys

Tears were shed that day!

#Offtopic #Memories #Amazingclimax #Unlikethenewxcom #kkthxbai

You mean the one that has pretty much the exact same ending? Where you send your team into the alien ship on a one way suicide mission that most of them won't come back from? The ship that's filled to the brim with mind controlling aliens? I'm not saying new Xcom is better than old Xcom (Xenonauts is better than both of them put together anyways.) but the ending was basically the same.

Xenonauts and X-com unknown and within....Man that takes me back all the way. Loved those mechs.

So you all do know what comes along with this,right?

The centipede in the middle of your base as been revealed as a spy for the mechanoid raid party and is now trying to escape. It will attack all those who get in its path....

i will swap the AI core with a potato!

because.. GLaDOS..

The potato is a lie.

I say strap on a saddle, christen her with the name Taun-Taun, and use her as a transportation device, exploring the land and feeding it slag and scrap metal to keep the inner-ragebeast at bay.

Quote from: Angie on September 17, 2014, 03:13:07 PM
I say strap on a saddle, christen her with the name Taun-Taun, and use her as a transportation device, exploring the land and feeding it slag and scrap metal to keep the inner-ragebeast at bay.

Gee, wouldn't it be fun to have a giant 6 foot evil death machine, armed with a rapid-fire laser cannon and laughs in the face of explosives as a pet?

Quote from: HatesYourFace on September 13, 2014, 10:01:41 AM

Quote from: Shinzy on September 12, 2014, 05:09:49 PM
This makes me think of the final mission in the original Xcom =P
Just send your guys in the end for that one final mission with no turning back
and watch half of them get mind controlled and panic and shoot eachother right at the doorstep to the main base =P

then barely pull through it and shoot the brain issuing all the orders to the aliens
with your last four remaining guys

Tears were shed that day!

#Offtopic #Memories #Amazingclimax #Unlikethenewxcom #kkthxbai

You mean the one that has pretty much the exact same ending? Where you send your team into the alien ship on a one way suicide mission that most of them won't come back from? The ship that's filled to the brim with mind controlling aliens? I'm not saying new Xcom is better than old Xcom (Xenonauts is better than both of them put together anyways.) but the ending was basically the same.

ironically it was actually my first trooper to get possessed by sectoid commanders that killed the etheral leader. she was an australian who signed up for the MEC project and became both a legend and scary folklore tale for the troops, aliens and civvies. wearing a hat suited to crocadile dundee; donned in an orange painted mech with flamethrowers, railgun and grenade launchers, xcom loved her, until they met sect command, who MC'd her and managed to nearly decimate her entire squad within 2 turns. our french traumatized sniper was calling it quits when command realized Ms King broke free and, redistributed her fiery vengeance on the enemy.

she got given the nickname 'Demon', because xcom truly realized what happens when you make deals with devil... that you will be brought by degrees to wield his sword.

Quote from: HatesYourFace on September 13, 2014, 10:01:41 AMYou mean the one that has pretty much the exact same ending? Where you send your team into the alien ship on a one way suicide mission that most of them won't come back from? The ship that's filled to the brim with mind controlling aliens? I'm not saying new Xcom is better than old Xcom (Xenonauts is better than both of them put together anyways.) but the ending was basically the same.

Basically the same ending with the exception of the new one having to freaking try to have the aliens to explain everything
aliens able to communicate to you and using that new gained ability to spoil all the remaining intrique.. It's like watching a magician perform tricks while explaining how everything works =P

Oh Firaxis.. they're great at making addictive games but fail at proper showdowns at the end =P

they should have switched the Exalt and Alien endings
them Exalts could have used to have ridiculous boss figure who maniacally lays out the whole plan in front of you.. But nooo they decide to take all the secrets with them to the grave.. bastards! *shakes fist*

*Choo choo train labeled "On topic Express" leaves the sidetracks, "Choo choo" he says puffing tracts of smoke up up in the air, "Hoold on tae yer seats guys and gals cauuuse ...Weeee're baaack on track!"*

Rideable centipede mount =P *nods repeatedly in exictement*

Centipede mount, lol.

*Base under attack*

DONT WORRY IM COMING!!!
*Centipede moves super slowly in the direction of the base*
.....Yeah...Im still coming....Ill be there eventually

Quote from: Zeta Omega on September 07, 2014, 12:28:22 PM

Quote from: Necronomocoins on September 07, 2014, 03:59:59 AM
A rogue AI goes crazy, manufacturing and distributing hostile mechanoids across the galaxy. (ala Skynet with it's Terminators, Shodan from System Shock 2, HAL from 2001 Space Odyssey). Sounds very plausible and was the assumption I made about why they were not in anyone's faction. I think if "re-programming" happens it should be an almost impossible achievement for even the most advanced colonies.
Not me, I didn't say "can't" I said "almost impossible" which means it should be very difficult but not impossible.

Hackers and programmers can do a lot of interesting stuff these days, Who says that a futuristic society like Rimworld cant reprogram a scythe to DEFEND then ATTACK