Mechs

Common term for mechanized vehicle platforms used throughout the Milky Way Galaxy. Originally designed as a means of combat, mechs evolved and specialized as they were introduced to the private sector. Today, they are considered essential tools to many different planetary and interstellar industries.

## History

As the galaxy entered the AZ epoch, the ancient art of warfare traveled with it.  Military forces evolved from being land based armies to space based fleets, fighter jets advanced into starfighters, and the scale of war grew to encompass entire planets and systems.  Over this period, technological advancement allowed the science of war to more than keep pace with demand, until in the year 1828 AZ, the Perseus War erupted and changed the outlook for the galaxy.  This conflict showed that technology had advanced to a point of absolute destruction, and though peace was achieved, it left none too eager to live on the knife’s edge the same way.

From this war, the Pact of Juravia was born, an interstellar treaty that sought to limit the scale of combat and destruction in future wars by capping the size of military forces and banning the development and production of all non-manned combat units.  The goal was ambitious and more than a touch idealistic, but in the face of such destruction, the accords were followed.  Peace settled in one year at a time, though never without incident.  Smaller scale skirmishes and conflicts sprung up like weeds that proved to planets that their defense budgets could not be eliminated entirely.  If the militaries could not win on numbers alone, then they would have to be able to win on quality, and if they were forced to include living people in the design, then it only made sense to train them to be the best of the best.  And thus, the Mechanized Combat Unit was born.

In common day, like their computer ancestors before them, mechs have seen their sophistication advance and their production costs fall to the point civilians could afford them as well, which only served to usher in the golden age of space piracy.  With the entirety of a galaxy available for the criminals to flee to, planetary and colonial law enforcement have taken to a hands off policy.  So long as threats stay small and stay away, then there's nothing for *them* to worry about.  Thus enters the mercenary company, pilots for hire with mechs of their own that can be contracted to ensure a security presence in dangerous space.  There’s always money to be made with a small team of mechs and a few gutsy pilots.

## Mech Companies

### Stellaris

Once a subsidiary of a popular entertainment company, Stellaris Mechs are known for the power they add to a mech’s weaponry. Stellaris is the go to source for pilots that value being able to hit much harder than they will be hit.  After all, a glass cannon is only bad if you get caught.

Stellaris offers a variety of mech models such as the Rigel, Draconis, and Centauri.

The manufacturing plant for Stellaris is located in the Orion Sector.

### Prime Manufacturing

Known for pushing the limits of mech performance, PM units are all about putting it on the line to ensure your skills have the best vehicle they can have to show off.

PM offers a variety of mech models such as Vortex, Chromia, and the Optimus.

The manufacturing plant for PM is located in the Centaurus Sector.

### Toyota

Considered the old reliable of manufacturers, Toyota mechs are not going to impress much, but will rarely leave you high and dry when the pressure is on.

Toyota offers a variety of mech models such as the Camry, Himilia, and Europa.

The manufacturing plant for Toyota is located in the Norma Sector.

## Standard *Class*ifications

Outside of manufacturer model, how a mech operates or what form of equipment/weaponry it has access to is denoted by it's classification. There are currently 12 recognized standard classifications. However, truthfully, there are infinite possibilities, with some people choosing to mix-and-match different parts to make their own unique classification.

Each classification comes with a block set of features unique to that styling. Listed:

* Barbarian- Rage, Reckless Attack
* Bard- Spellcasting, Bardic Inspiration
* Cleric- Spellcasting, Channel Divinity
* Druid- Spellcasting, Wild Shape
* Fighter- Fighting Style, Action Surge
* Monk- Ki, Martial Arts
* Paladin- Spellcasting, Divine Smite
* Ranger- Spellcasting, Favored Enemy
* Rogue- Sneak Attack, Cunning Action
* Sorcerer- Spellcasting, Metamagic
* Warlock- Spellcasting, Invocations
* Wizard- Spellcasting, Spellbook

Once a pilot has chosen a classification, they can delve even deeper and specialize in certain abilities, creating a sub-classification type effect.