Credits ∆
CREDITS Table of Contents ∆
WRITERS
Benjamin Wright INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . .4
Michael MacDonald Tech Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
ORIGINAL SYSTEM Roleplaying Tech . . . . . . . . . .6
DESIGN BEYOND THE COMBAT GAME .6
Adrian Kaehler Designing Mecha . . . . . . . . . .6
CONTRIBUTIONS BY Complexity Table . . . . . . . . . .6
Darren Miguez Pooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Gilbert Milner CONSTRUCTING MECHA . . . .7
Mike Pondsmith Tech Construction Table . . . . .7
Mark Schumann How Long Will It Take? . . . . . .8
James Teal What’s This Going To Cost? . .8
Ross Winn PARTS UNKNOWN™ . . . . . . .8
EDITOR Parts Unknown™ Catalog . . . .9
Janice Sellers Big Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
PLAYTESTERS LONG TERM RESEARCH AND
Steven Douglas BREAKTHROUGHS . . . . . . . . . .9
Ryan Fisk Improvement . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Tristan Heydt Innovation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Scott Hill Invention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
John Mehrolz COMBINATION RESEARCH . .10
Darren Miguez The Research Process . . . . . .10
Craig Sheeley Breakthroughs . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Robert K. Willis Getting Stumped . . . . . . . . .10
Mike Zebrowski PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . .10
COVER ARTIST MTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Yuji Kaida THE MEKTON
COVER MECHA TECHNICAL SYSTEM . . . . . . .11
ple
DESIGNED BY NEW SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . .11
Don Choi Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
INTERIOR ARTISTS Kills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
m
David Ackerman SYSTEM DEFINITIONS . . . . . .12
Don Choi Additive vs Multipliers . . . . . .12
Sa
Newton Ewell Weapon and System Design .12
Malcolm Hee Weapons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Karl Martin Weapons Linkage . . . . . . . . .13
Alex Racine Damaging & Destroying
Jeff Strout Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Bryant Velez EFFICIENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
LAYOUT BUILDING YOUR MECHA . . .15
Benjamin Wright MTS Design Flowchart . . . .16
THE FRAME . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
COVER DESIGN
SERVOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Mark Schumann
Torso Servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Head Servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Arm Servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Leg Servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Wing & Tail Servos . . . . . . . .20
Copyright© 1995 R. Talsorian
Pod Servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Games. All Rights Reserved.
WHEELS & TREADS . . . . . . . .21
MektonZeta © is R. Talsorian’s ARMOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Trademark name for its anime Energy-Absorbing Armor . . .23
adventure game. Mek & Mekton WEAPONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
are both trademark R. Talsorian Beam Weapons . . . . . . . . . .25
Games Inc. All incidents, situa- Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
tions, and persons portrayed Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
within are fictional, and any Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
similarity, without satiric intent, Shots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
of characters living or dead is Clip-Fed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
strictly coincidental. Warm-Up Time . . . . . . . . . . .26
Wide-Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
All shows, characters and subjects Burst Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
mentioned herein are trademarks Anti-Missile . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
of their respective owners. Anti-Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Page 2
dLøwi
g'o'i;o-≤K
Anti-Missile & Anti-
Personnel Varaible . . . . . . . . .26
All-Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Mega-Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Long Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Fragile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Disruptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Hydro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Example Beam Weapon
Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Energy Melee Weapons . . .28
Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Attack Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Turns in Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Rechargeable . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Thrown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Quick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Hyper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Beam Shield . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Example EMW Designs . . . . .29
Melee Weapons . . . . . . . . . .30
Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
file
Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Thrown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Handy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Entangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Quick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Armor-Piercing . . . . . . . . . . .30
Disruptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Example Melee Weapon
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Missiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Blast Radius . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Smart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Skill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Long Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Hypervelocity . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Nuclear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Foam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Countermissiles . . . . . . . . . . .34
Flare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Scatter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Smoke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Smoke/Scatter . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Example Missile Designs . . . .35
Projectile Weapons . . . . . . .35
Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Burst Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Long Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Hypervelocity . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Multi-Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Phalanx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Anti-Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Phalanx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Anti-Personnel/Phalanx . . . . .37
All-Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Example Projectile
Weapon Design . . . . . . . . . . .37
AMMUNITION . . . . . . . . . . .37
Ammunition List . . . . . . . . . .38
High Explosive . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Foam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Paintball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Tracer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Tangler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Kinetic Energy . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Armor-Piercing . . . . . . . . . . .39
Disruptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Incendiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Shock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Scattershot . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Blast Radius . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Nuclear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Energy Pools . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Cost/Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Power Available . . . . . . . . . . .41
Maximum Power . . . . . . . . .41
Kills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Morphable . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Example Energy
Pool Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Weapon Mount . . . . . . . . . .42
Weapon Mating . . . . . . . . . .43
Shields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Stopping Power . . . . . . . . . .45
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Defense Ability . . . . . . . . . . .45
Binder Space . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Turns In Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Weakness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Reflectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
ADDITIVE SYSTEMS . . . . . .48
Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Extra Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Extra Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Commanders . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Recon Systems . . . . . . . . . . .51
Advanced Sensor Package . . .51
Radio/Radar Analyzer . . . . . .51
Resolution Intensifiers . . . . . .51
Spotting Radar . . . . . . . . . . .51
Target Analyzer . . . . . . . . . . .51
Marine Suite . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Gravity Lens . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Magnetic Resonance Lens . . .52
Electronic Warfare . . . . . . . .52
Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Cost & Space . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Radius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Beaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
ECCM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Remote Control . . . . . . . . . .54
Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
 g'o'i;o-≤K
Control Multiple . . . . . . . . . .54
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Control Range . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Wire-Controlled . . . . . . . . . . .55
Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Stereo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Liftwire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Antitheft Codelock . . . . . . . .56
Spotlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Nightlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Storage Module . . . . . . . . . .56
Micromanipulators . . . . . . . .56
Slick Spray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Bogg Spray . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Damage Control Package . . .56
Quick-Change Mount . . . . . .56
Silent Running . . . . . . . . . . . .56
Parachute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Re-Entry package . . . . . . . . . .57
Ejection Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Escape Pod . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Maneuver Pod . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Vehicle Pod . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Stat Enhancement . . . . . . . .57
SPECIAL SYSTEMS . . . . . . . .58
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Base Fuel Load . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Buying Extra Fuel . . . . . . . . .60
Internal Fuel Tanks . . . . . . . . .60
External Drop Tanks . . . . . . .60
Fuel Consumption . . . . . . . . .60
Propulsion . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Types of Propulsion . . . . . . . .61
Ges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Hydrojets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Thrusters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Gravitics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
The Ins and Outs of
Buying Propulsion . . . . . . . . .62
What’s With These
G’s Anyway? . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
A Note on Reverse
Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Boosterpacks . . . . . . . . . . . .63
MA Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Kills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Balance Modifier . . . . . . . . . .64
Max Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Command Armor . . . . . . . .64
Torso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Limbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Stopping Power . . . . . . . . . .64
Balance Modifier . . . . . . . . . .65
Balance Verniers . . . . . . . . . .65
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
COST MULTIPLIERS . . . . . . .66
Powerplant . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Explosion Save . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Modifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Option (Splitting) . . . . . . . . .68
Cockpit Controls . . . . . . . . .69
Control System . . . . . . . . . . .69
Enclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Hydraulics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Cost Multiplier . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Melee Damage Bonus . . . . . .71
Lifting Capacity . . . . . . . . . . .71
Environmentals . . . . . . . . . .71
Arctic Environment . . . . . . . .71
Malfunction Table . . . . . . . . .71
Desert Environment . . . . . . .72
Underwater Environment . . .72
High Pressure Environment . .72
E.M. Environment . . . . . . . . .72
Re-Entry Environment . . . . . .72
Maneuver Verniers . . . . . . .73
Cost & Space . . . . . . . . . . . .73
A.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Internal Automation. . . . . .74
Automation Level . . . . . . . . .74
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Cloaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
file
Basic Cloaking . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Active Cloaking . . . . . . . . . . .75
Pulse Refract . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Magnetic Refract . . . . . . . . . .75
ple
Beam Refract . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Fire Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Combat Cloak . . . . . . . . . . . .75
m
Stealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Shadow Imager . . . . . . . . . .76
Sa
# of Shadows . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Shadow Type . . . . . . . . . . . .76
ESPer Lens . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Rank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Portfolio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Draw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Backlash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Thought Control . . . . . . . . .78
Turbocharger . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Techno-Organics . . . . . . . . .80
Regenerating . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Lightspeed . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Teleportation . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Combat Teleport . . . . . . . . . .81
Global Telport . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Cost Multiplier . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Dimensional . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
Transformation . . . . . . . . . .82
Humanoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Fighter (Corvette) . . . . . . . . .83
Hybrid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Helicopter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Submarine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Boat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Mecharider . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Ship (Base) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Table of Contents ∆
Beast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Avian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Transformable Options . . . .86
Concealment . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Conditional Movement . . . . .87
Efficient Transformation . . . . .87
Metaform Legs . . . . . . . . . . .87
Metaform Wings . . . . . . . . . .87
Modular Metaforms . . . . . . .87
Transat Ability . . . . . . . . . . . .88
VTOL Ability . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Weapon Network . . . . . . . . .88
Combiners . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Combining Weapons . . . . . .89
What About All Those
Guys In The Feet? . . . . . . . . .89
FINAL TOUCHES . . . . . . . . .90
Stupid Mekton Tricks . . . . .91
Dimensional Storage . . . . . . .91
Expanding Plasma . . . . . . . . .91
Material Absorption . . . . . . . .92
Merging With Your Mecha . .92
Morphable Mecha . . . . . . . .92
‘Oid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
Ninja Leaping . . . . . . . . . . . .93
Piracy System . . . . . . . . . . . .93
Self-Duplication . . . . . . . . . . .94
Special Effect Weapons . . . . .94
Super-Deformed Mektons . . .94
Summoning Your Mecha . . .95
Building Form . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Gizmo Form . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Gun Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Mundane Form . . . . . . . . . . .96
Tunneling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
SFX: You Can Change the
Laws of Physics! . . . . . . . . . .97
Tons of Trouble . . . . . . . . . . .98
Damaging Results . . . . . . . . .98
Tipping the Scales . . . . . . . . .98
Speed and Time . . . . . . . . . .99
When Burst Comes to Burst .99
Sample Construction . . . . . .99
Sample Playsheet . . . . . . . .103
Sample Playsheet . . . . . . . .104
SCALING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106
Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Scaling MA . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
Human Scale . . . . . . . . . . .107
Scaling Armor . . . . . . . . . . .108
Roadstriker Scale . . . . . . . .109
Corvette Scale . . . . . . . . . .110
Starship Scale . . . . . . . . . . .112
Excessive Scale . . . . . . . . . .113
ADVANCED RULES . . . . . .114
Let’s Active! . . . . . . . . . . . .115
About Knockback . . . . . . .115
Tailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Reversing A Tail . . . . . . . . . .116
Lifting Capacity . . . . . . . . .117
Nukes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Electromagnetic Pulse . . . . .118
Mechapunk: Mekton Zeta
Meets Cyberpunk . . . . . . . .118
Conversion: Range . . . . . . .119
Conversion: Cost . . . . . . . . .119
Conversion: Kills . . . . . . . . .119
Conversion: Damage . . . . .119
Conversion: Others . . . . . . .119
Psionics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120
CREATING A PSIONIC
CHARACTER . . . . . . . . . . . .120
Active or Latent? . . . . . . . . .120
PSI POINTS . . . . . . . . . . . . .121
How Psi Points Are Spent . .121
Increasing Psi Points . . . . . .121
Wild Talents . . . . . . . . . . . . .121
PSIONIC SKILLS . . . . . . . . . .121
Resisting Psi Skills . . . . . . . . .122
Using Psionic Skills . . . . . . .122
Concentration . . . . . . . . . . .122
Distractions . . . . . . . . . . . . .122
Psi Unpredicatbility . . . . . . .122
Psi Skill List . . . . . . . . . . . . .123
Astral Projection . . . . . . . . .123
Aura Viewing . . . . . . . . . . . .123
Clairvoyance . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Danger Sensing . . . . . . . . . .124
Emotion Scan . . . . . . . . . . .124
Energy Manipulation . . . . . .124
Healing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
Illusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
Levitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
Mind Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
Possession . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
Precognition . . . . . . . . . . . .126
Psi Blast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126
Psi Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126
Psychometry . . . . . . . . . . . .126
Pyrokinesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127
Regeneration . . . . . . . . . . . .127
Retrocognition . . . . . . . . . . .127
Stat Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127
Suggestion . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Telekinesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Telepathy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Teleportation . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Roleplaying Psionics . . . . .129
Powerful Psionics . . . . . . . . .129
B-3: Building The Better
Beast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129
Animal Stats . . . . . . . . . . . .130
Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
Temperament . . . . . . . . . . .130
Reflexes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
Movement Allowance . . . . .130
Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
Abilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
ANIMAL COMBAT . . . . . . . .131
Anime-To-English I . . . . . . .131
Anime-To-English II . . . . . . .132
Hurting Animals . . . . . . . . .132
Fight or Flight . . . . . . . . . . .132
SAMPLE ANIMALS . . . . . . . .132
The Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133
The Series and Its Premise . .133
The Series Synopsis Sheet . .133
Stock Premises of Anime
Mecha Series . . . . . . . . . . . .133
SAMPLE SERIES: ALGOL . .134
Blank Series Synopsis
Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140
Blank Play & Build Sheets .141
MEKTON ZETA ERRATA . .144
Page 3
 INTRODUCTION
INTRO

file
ple
m
Sa
 xTeaw Introduction ∆

INTRO
MEKTON ZETA PLUS

W
elcome to Mekton Zeta Plus, the preferred source for informed mecha
mashers. Within these pages you will find many improvements and
refinements of the basic Mekton Zeta game; these changes and additions “The Mekton ...
complete the advanced version of the game. From the most comprehensive (and What power it has!
usable) mechanical-design system ever published to new combat rules, this book The enemy’s will is
has it all. Mekton Zeta Plus is the ultimate tool for the advanced Mekton Zeta player.
The heart of Mekton Zeta Plus is the Mekton Technical System, with which players
crushed when he
and referees can build literally any mechanism they can imagine; this section includes sees his home and
a sample construction procedure, which takes the reader through the MTS design family trampled
process step-by-step. MTS is capped off with scaling rules, which expand MTS to han- underfoot by a
dle any size design, from a pocket-sized switchblade to a planet-busting battlecruiser. hundred ton metal
With the same vigor found in MTS, Mekton Zeta Plus takes the game’s rules to new
levels of playability. In the advanced rules section, the immeasurable powers of the
man.”
mind explode into Mekton Z—the psionics system not only applies to characters, but
interfaces with MTS (see the ESPer lens) for an incredible new dimension in mecha —Arkon Verian,
combat: Psyber-Psychic Mecha Conflict! Other new rules include expanded terrain from The Merits of
explanations, new combat maneuvers and tips on how to speed play. The Advanced Mekton Combat.
Rules Section ends with a discussion of how to mix Mekton Zeta with RTG’s other
Interlock System games, particularly Cyberpunk.
file
Tech Levels ∆ oid*L≥K
ple

“Of all the weapons

B
eing that Mekton Zeta is designed as Mekton Zeta has a Tech Level listing, and
a potentially generic anime mecha some other systems do as well (notably light- of the Empire, the
m

RPG, capable of simulating all the speed drives and medical technologies). In greatest were the
myriad universes of Japanese mecha-ani- MTS, the various systems have not been
Sa

Metal Knights. The

mation, we need a way for players (and given corresponding Tech Levels, for the sim-
referees) to keep track of the technologies ple reason that, in anime, there is seldom any
MeKs had served
available for their mecha and equipment. governing logic to what mecha can or cannot the Bendari
Thus, in Mekton Zeta, we introduced the do. Various anime features have placed giant Emperors for gener-
concept of Tech Levels. robots in medieval settings, in feudal Japan, ations—wreaking
Tech Level is measured on a scale from 1 to and in the 20th century (not to mention the vengeance and
10, with one being the technological equivalent near to far-flung future). The types of tech- striking terror in
of the Stone Age, and 10 being a super-science nology available to mecha have also been the Empire’s ene-
society where even death has fallen before the scattered throughout time; psi-tech in the
scientific might of humanity (or whomever). early 21st-century, a late 22nd century with-
mies. These
Below is a list of the ten Tech Levels, as out beam weaponry, an alternate World War mechanical giants
well as a rough guide for placing them in a II with 15-meter mecha... It’s all dependent were shaped like
campaign setting. Most equipment in upon the style of the series. men ... Shaped like
men so that the
alien blasphemers
T. L. AGE WEAPONS PROPULSION MEDICAL
would know that it
1 Stone Clubs Walking Dream on!
2 Iron Swords Riding Beasts Bloodletting was Man who
3 Bronze Bows Trained Animals Basic Pharmacy defeated them.”
4 Industrial Guns Early Vehicles Basic Surgery
5 Nuclear Missiles Jet Vehicles Advanced Surgery —Lady Attican,
6 Information Railguns Walking Vehicles Meat Cloning addressing the
7 Superconductors Beam Weapons Civilian Flyers Full Cloning Vanguard Host
8 Biotech EMWs Anti-Gravity Regeneration assembly in Muria.
9 Nanotech Planet-Busters FTL Resurrection
10 Magic Magic Teleportation Immortality

Page 5
 Introduction ∆ xTeaw
INTRO

Roleplaying Tech ∆ oid*:-K¯L-

BEYOND THE 2) For every 25 (or less) Construction Points

of the proposed mecha’s cost, your Mekton
COMBAT GAME Zeta character will spend 1 day in the process
Kenty stared at

M
TS was created to be an effective of actually designing the unit. At the end of
the blueprints for a and comprehensive way to design this period, he must roll his:
long time. Finally any one of a hundred types of
she said, “Let me mecha from almost as many anime and sci- INT+Mecha Design Skill+1D10
get this straight ... ence fiction sources. As a system for creat- versus a Difficulty Number found on the
ing units with which to play massed mecha Complexity Table (below). A successful roll
six arms?” battles, it will give enterprising roleplayers means he staggers away from his Computer
and wargamers hours of fun, building and Aided Design terminal with a completed set of
Jesse looked at fighting with their favorite war machines. blueprints. A failed roll means he must spend
her smugly. “I got one additional day of design work, then roll
a great deal on a SO YOU SAY YOU WANNA ROLEPLAY THE again at the end of that day. This process con-
MECHA-DESIGN PROCESS .... tinues until he makes a successful Mecha
half-dozen Design roll and lurches off into the night to find
beamswords,” he If you are simply planning to use Mekton someone to work from his revised blueprints.
grinned. Zeta as a mechanized combat game, you will
probably want to skip this section. But if you
use Mekton Zeta as the basis for roleplaying COMPLEXITY TABLE
Kenty picked up a
file
adventures (which we hope you will), you’ll The Difficulty of designing a Mekton is
wrench and hit definitely want to read this. based on the square root of the
him. mecha’s total cost (before scaling). For
Designing Mecha those of you without a scientific calcu-
ple

Theoretically, anyone should be able to lator, see below:

design a Mekton—after all, you just flip TOTAL COST OF
through the Mecha Construction System in
m

PROPOSED DESIGN DIFFICULTY NUMBER

Mekton Z, put together the best possible bal- 1-100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diff 10 (Easy)
ance of components, weapons and armor for
Sa

101-225 . . . . . . . . . .Diff 15 (Average)

your particular needs. No problem, right? 226-400 . . . . . . . . . .Diff 20 (Difficult)
Here, however, is where game realism 401-625 . . . . . . .Diff 25 (Very Difficult)
catches up to the unwary Mekton Zeta play- 626-900 . . .Diff 30 (Near Impossible)
er. Suppose you wanted to build a modern- 901-1225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diff 35
day jet interceptor: say, an F-16? Obviously, 1226-1600 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diff 40
it wouldn’t be as easy as sitting down with a 1601-2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diff 45
rulebook, would it? No, you’d need to know 2026-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diff 50
about aeronautics, engineering, weapons 2501+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diff 55
technology, materials science, electronics—
dozens of specialized fields which all go into
the creation of a highly advanced piece of
machinery. Likewise, your Mekton Zeta Pooling
character has also had to learn a lot of new Sometimes you won’t have enough skill
skills in order to know exactly how to con- to finish a design at all. However, two or more
struct his complex vehicle. This huge body mecha designers can combine their talents,
of knowledge is integrated into the skill of rolling 1D10 for the total. Use the highest
Mecha Design. INT and add everyone’s Mecha Design skills.
Whenever a roleplaying character For example: With an INT of 9 and a
intends to design a mecha unit, he must sit Mecha Design of +4, Jesse can’t possibly design
down with a CAD program and actually go the Rapier Commando (1000 CPs) by himself.
through the process of blueprinting the thing. However, Rocket Russel (INT 8, Mecha Design
Here’s how it’s done: +6) and Professor Kodai (INT 10, Mecha
Design +8) agree to work on the Rapier
1) Go ahead and design your intended unit, Commando project; the skill roll becomes INT
using the rules for construction on pages 52- 10 (Kodai) + Mecha Design [+8 (Kodai) +4
65 of Mekton Z or use MTS in this book. Once (Jesse) +6 (Rocket)] = 28+1D10. This team has
you’ve done all the designing, it’s time for a much better chance of success than Jesse did
your character to go to work. all by his lonesome.

Page 6
 xTeaw Introduction ∆

The design process offers Mekton Zeta modern war machine. As any fighter jock can

INTRO
players and referees infinite possibilities for role- tell you, it’s the crew chief down in the shop
playing fun. Characters can become design who makes sure the jet gets airborne. A Mekton NEW
specialists, hiring themselves out to the highest Zeta technician is more than just a mechanic— CHARACTER
bidder. They could have plans stolen, or steal he or she is a gifted artist who takes a mere blue-
plans themselves. Budding entrepreneurs can print and makes it work. Here’s how: PROFESSION:
go into business with their own mecha facto- Every mecha will have some or all of
ries, engaging in industrial espionage or other these systems: Hydraulics, Armor, HEROIC AND SUICIDAL TEST
corporate skullduggery. Remember: Mekton Powerplant, Sensors, Weapons and PILOT (D)
Zeta is a roleplaying game. So why not use Movement Systems. For each system pre- ADRENALINE JUNKIE, GUINEA PIG, ETC.
these opportunities to add more depth and sent, the Techie constructing the vehicle will Mecha Pilot: +1 Awareness: +1
substance to your adventures? roll once on the appropriate Tech Jury Rig:+1 Survival: +1
Construction Table (below) for that system, Mecha Tech: +1 First Aid: +1
Aircraft/Shuttle Pilot: +1
CONSTRUCTING adding his or her Tech Stat +Mecha Tech skill
+1D10; the difficulties are the same as those
MECHA from the Complexity Table, and the Pooling
Your Mekton Zeta character has just rule applies as well. Depending on the out-
rushed into the hangar bay, blueprints come, each system of the newly constructed
clutched in his sweaty little mitts. But who’s mecha may or may not have little “hidden
going to build the thing for him? This is where flaws”—flaws which will only show up during
the skill of Mecha Tech comes into play. use (usually at some embarrassing or poten- “Some pilots
Mecha Tech is the knowledge of how to tially deadly time). For this reason, it’s always think there’s a
bring together the complex amalgamations of advisable to shake down your new unit before
electronics, fusion power, hydraulics and taking it into combat (creating an entirely new
symbiotic relation-
ship between Man
weapon technology that goes into an ultra-
file
career class, the Heroic & Suicidal Test Pilot).
and Mekton—that
TECH CONSTRUCTION TABLE the machine
FAIL WEAPONS SENSORS POWERPLANT becomes an exten-
ple

15 All beams lose power; Sensors cut out after Overheat: Mecha shuts sion of yourself,
Range, damage lose 2. 1D6 turns of use. down after 1D10 turns. integrated into
m

10 All rapid-fire weapons Flawed array: Ranged Bad power transmission;

the whole of mind-
jam after 1D6 turns. weapons at 1/2 range. lose 1 from MV.
body-spirit. This,
Sa

6 All beam weapons Targeting misalignment; Readouts show false

overheat & shut off
for 1D6 turns.
3 All missiles/rockets
jam after 1D6 turns
of use.
1 Faulty guidance; -4 for
missiles & rockets WA.
0 No problem.
FAIL ARMOR
15 Cheap armor from
contractor; value is 1/2
normal SP!
10 Armor placed wrong;
-1SP from two
random locations.
6 Armor fitted wrong;
random location -1SP.
3 Refractive coating
flawed; -2 SP vs
beam weapons.
1 Inconsistent density;
-2 SP vs missiles and
-projectile weapons.
0 No problem.
ranged weapons at -3
to hit.
Bad shielding; you get
random TV and radio
signals for 1D10 turns.
Sensors cut out for 1
turn after 1D6 turns.
No problem.
MOVEMENT SYSTEM
Movement System cuts
out after 1D10 turns
of use!
System sluggish;
move up to only 1/2
normal MA.
Throttle jammed; move
at 1/2 MA or not at all.
Directional system
stuck; turning radius
increased by 1 hex.
Movement System
misalignment; lose -1
from MA.
No problem.
“Critical Overheat” alarm ladies and gentle-
after 1D6 turns operation. men, is a crock.
Engine underpowered; Don’t get caught
Land MA drops by 1D6/2 up in this delu-
after 1D6 turns. sion! A Mekton is
Overheating drops XS#
a means to an
by 1 until fixed.
No problem.
end; you use it to
attack the enemy
HYDRAULICS and to protect
Too much pressure; mecha yourself. You are
will be unable to move the weapon—the
after 1D10 turns use. Mekton is a tool.
Cracked pump; lose use
Nothing more,
of 2 random locations after
1D6 turns.
nothing less.”
Leak; lose use of 1 random
location after 1D6 turns use. —Major Altair
Hydraulic fluid is burning; Attaris, from his
cockpit fills with smoke, speech to the
-2 to all rolls. graduating cadets
Low pressure in fluid; all of the EMA.
hand-to-hand and melee
attacks lose 2 Kills.
No problem.

Page 7