Val CHA Cost Notes 4 Size 20 2.5"x1.25"; -4 KB; -2 DCV 30 STR 0 Lift 1,600 kg; 6d6 HTH Damage 20 DEX 30 OCV: 7/DCV: 7 14 BODY 0 6 DEF 3 No protection for rider 4 SPD 10 Phases: 3, 6, 9, 12 Total Characteristics Cost: 63 Movement: Ground: 12"/24" Cost Abilities and Equipment Power Systems 5 Power Plant: Endurance Reserve (10 END/10 REC); OIF Bulky (-1), Only Powers Martian Mechanical Devices (-1/4) Propulsion Systems 12 Jointed Legs: Running +6" (12" Total), No Turn Mode (+1/4); Costs Endurance (-1/2), END 1 5 Mechanical Tentacles: Extra Limbs (5 jointed legs) 5 Mechanical Tentacles: Range for Touch Sense Group 8 Mechanical Tentacles: Stretching 5"; No Noncombat Multiple (-1/4), END 1 35 Total Abilities and Equipment Cost 98 Total Vehicle Cost Value Disadvantages None 0 Total Disadvantage Points 20 Total Cost (98/5)
Description:
The Martian handling-machines are crab-like vehicles that possess a large number of strong manipulatory appendages. They are used to construct other devices, since their riders are capable of fast work under difficult conditions using their five jointed robotic legs/arms. The rider sits exposed on top of the device while it is in operation.
Notes:
The handling machines are a nice touch that Wells added. It would have been difficult to justify the speed at which the Martians worked, setting up their foundry and building their fighting-machines while struggling against the heavier gravity of Earth. The use of the handling-machines makes it that much more plausible.
Note that, as per The Ultimate Vehicle, these vehicles should be assumed to have about 2" of Stretching; however, in one instance, one of the Handling-Machines reaches through a door, across a coal cellar, and into the pantry beyond. This seems to me to be a little more than the given Reach, so I have bought it up.