There are hundreds of worlds where Mecha construction and maintenance are economically impossible, due to factors such as the local scarcity of niobium or a lack of knowledge about crystal farming. On these planets, local forces rely on traditional armored vehicles, which use wheels or tracks for locomotion, and remain dependent on 2- or 3-man crews rather than advanced A.I. As a result, they are very inexpensive, but they also have a very limited capacity for upgrades and equipment.
Of these vehicles, by far the oldest and most common is the Bantam military utility vehicle. Developed in the First Galactic War as a squad transport, it combines all-terrain four-wheel drive with respectable speed and maneuverability. Both the driver and the commander are issued Viper hand-cannons, equivalent to a mech's Viper Laser when combined. Upgraded vehicles include space for one or two fire-teams, each armed with a single heavy weapon -- usually a Small Cannon or Proto Beam -- on a tripod mount. Ammunition and single-shot fuel cells for these weapons are stored in overhead compartments.
COST
Ferrite: 42
Bioptics: 21
STATISTICAL READOUT
Tonnage: 3 tons
Armor Points: 5
Start Weapons: 1
Levels per Weapon: 7
Minimum Level: 1
Manufacturer: Talbus Arms, Alpha Corporation
ARMAMENTS
Viper Laser
If purchased individually, these weapons alone would cost: 10 ferrite, 8 bioptics.
BONUSES
Build: Speed +5
Build: Dodge (2)
Level 3: Laser damage +3%
Level 3: Projectile damage +3%
Level 4: Dodge (2)
Level 7: +1 weapon slot
Level 10: Laser damage +3%
Level 10: Projectile damage +3%
Level 11: Dodge (2)
Level 14: +1 weapon slot
Level 15: Speed +5
Submitted by Damien Valentine (#885659)