IPC Integrated Tools & Features (Fluff and Flavor for our robot bois).

[Hazrond]

So when i read over the various forms of IPCs i was spellbound. Each of the chassis sounded so unique and interesting! A speedy paramedic chassis for medical! A shiny chrome fancy chassis for command and civillians! It all sounded so cool and i made a few IPCs to test out each of the various chassis and i was... disappointed.

Despite all the fluff surrounding them, each of the IPC types has very little to differentiate them from one another. But just adding racial abilities for each of them would be too powerful. So i was chatting about it in the Discord and someone else (i'm sorry for forgetting your name) mentioned a great idea.

Loadouts!

So that's when it all clicked. What i am suggesting is special race-restricted loadout items for each type of IPC that function similar to a spellbook, consuming the "kit" in question and giving them an ability to represent an inbuilt upgrade to their systems dependent on their type.

For a few examples i was thinking:

Universal (Any frame)

• Internal Storage Compartment: A 2 slot storage, same size as the Synthcotton Webbing.
• Mounted Lighting: A maglight-equivalent flashlight built into chassis, toggled using a button like the engihelmet.

 

Zeng-Hu Mobility Frame

• Integrated Syringe: A syringe that can be extended and retracted (IPC Door Cable style, but extended direct to hand). Otherwise functions as just a normal syringe.
• MedHud Suite: Basically just a medical HuD that doesn't takeup the eye slot (Required Role: Something in Medical)
• Liquid Storage Tank: Lets their chassis function as a rather large beaker. Can be directly interacted with by clicking on with appropriate items (syringe, beaker, cup of liquid, so forth) with a button to dispense into/draw from an adjacent container.

 

Bishop Cybernetics Chassis

• Liquid Storage Tank: Lets their chassis function as a rather large beaker. Can be directly interacted with by clicking on with appropriate items (syringe, beaker, cup of liquid, so forth) with a button to dispense into/draw from an adjacent container.
• Integrated EFTPOS (or however you spell it): An extendable/retractable card scanner for performing transactions.
• Integrated Drink Shaker: Extendable/Retractable drink shaker (like the bartender has). Can be filled from Liquid Storage if both are installed.

 

These are just a few ideas i had of some flavorful things that could be added as loadout options that the IPCs could "install". These would obviously cost your loadout points, and would probably have a limit of like, 2 maximum installed at once. But i think they are interesting and help to reinforce the "flavor" of different chassis.

[DeadLantern]

I would love this to be in game. Perhaps some IPCs would have more loadout points to add more things. Otherwise, this is a great idea.

[zyymurgy]

+1, honestly surprised this isn't a feature in game already given the specified differences between chassis on the wiki.

[Coalf]

I completely disagree with the Beaker, being able to carry a (relatively large) amount of pocket chemicals that cannot be seen or stolen/disarmed from me is madman level.

I'm okay with everything else if it has an increased point pool to about 3-5 depending on the module, maybe the flashlight should drain your battery faster?

+1 if beaker is removed

[Hazrond]

What makes the Beaker any worse than having one in your bag? Draining either would basically be the same amount of effort (since you need to be basically helpless for it).

Just use a syringe or something to drain it out if you are worried. For that matter for speed you could even use an IV drip if you can convince medical to share one.

Edit: As for not being seen. I never suggested as such. It could be visible on examine for instance (as should the Lights and Storage Compartment as well).

Plus, it is restricted to the Medical and Service focused chassis. AKA, the ones likely to be mixing chemicals and drinks internally. Rather than just every IPC frame having access to it.