Jernwerks

All Jern are defined by a two digit identification scheme as outlined by the Terran Khaganate. The first digit defines the Jern’s role and general style. The second digit defines the production level of the Jern and outlines, in general, how many of a specific mech are created. These are not strict rules but general guidelines so that manufacturers and customers may grasp what type of machine a Jern is with just a glance. A Jern’s full designation would read something like this, Jern Model “Semple” 66. Below is a brief description of what those designations mean and what gameplay elements are suggested by the classification.
Role:

0. “Experimental.”: These are suits that are being used to experiment with unique systems or weapons and generally do not easily fall into another category. They do not have bespoke characteristics and are likely to be esoteric but mechanically interesting. A Jern with a unique combination of abilities but lacking in a unified vision may fit this role.
1. “Ace.”: A high performance suit used by a lone operative these Jern are designed to make the most of skilled pilots. They tend to have a balanced weapon loadout but high Thrust and Handling. They are likely to have fewer weapons but a wider suite of combat Maneuvers.
2. “Scout.”: Another lone operative Jern this suit is designed to work on its own for extended periods of time with minimal support. They tend to focus on Systems and Handling with a wide amount of Maneuvers and a tendency to focus on ranged combat. Their maneuvers also tend to be support focused, though not within a team structure.
3. “Duelist.”: Some Jerns are not for military or hunting purposes but instead are play things of the rich or exceptional. A Dueling suit is an elegant machine but ultimately extremely limited, with an extreme focus on Handling and Power. They are close combat focused suits designed to eliminate single targets with extreme prejudice.
4. “Close Assault.” The hammer to the Duelist’s scalpel, a Close Assault Jern focuses on Armor and Power. They are tough bruisers with exceptional damage potential but limited mobility. They will almost always wield shields and be pound for pound the most survivable of the various Jern.
5. “Artillery.”: Sometimes the best solution to a problem is the proper application of extreme firepower. An Artillery Jern will be focused on ranged firepower, often mounting their many weapons on their chassis. They will have a relatively high Power in order to work their various systems but generally be fragile compared to the damage potential they wield.
6. “All-Rounder.”: A general purpose suit, these Jerns don’t excel in any single action but tend to be well balanced. They will be overcome by a specialist in most cases but will be useful in all situations. They will have a wide range of Maneuvers and provide support to their team. All-Rounders work best within a team but are not useless without support.
7. “Support.” True support Jern are rare but become more common in larger groupings. They will focus primarily on Systems and Armor as they are survivalists designed to keep their teammates alive. They will have limited offensive capabilities but be difficult to remove and help their teammates survive as well.
8. “Command and Control.”: A specific breed of support Jern C&C mechs are drone controllers and communications managers. They focus on Systems above all others and allow others to fight for them. They have a wide range of abilities and are always accompanied by drones but tend to be very weak on their own.
9. “Industrial.”: While generally not on the frontlines a Jern may also be used in the industrial sector, especially in zero gravity. They have high Power and high Systems but are generally not very combat effective. They may be used in a pinch however. After all, a 4 ton fist slamming into anything will leave a mess.

Production Level.

1. “Unique.”: The Jern is a singular example. There are no other examples of this Jern, no custom variations, there is only one. They are the most expensive of all Jern and tend to be only deployed against the greatest threats. For high level games and those who seek to emulate some aspects of more “colorful” media such as Super Robot stories. They are the most expensive “standard” adventure at 700 points.
2. “Master Crafted.”: These are made by a great craftsman and are usually carefully maintained over centuries by zealous acolytes. There may be so called “sister suits” but never more than a handful of them have ever been created. Like a Masamune sword each Jern is a treasure to its owners. This would be the level of a legendary Baghatur fighting extremely powerful foes and allows 600 points to be used.
3. “Craft Built.”: Made in small batches these Jern are of extreme quality but can be purchased by a wealthy user with relative ease. They are more likely to have custom variations, examples of a high end Jern being further customized by a skilled artisan. These may also be upgrades of more common Jern but are always of a superior build. For heroes that have served many years and have grand adventures, these Jern are 500 points.
4. “Batch Crafted.”: These are specialized units designated for skilled pilots. They are commonly seen in special forces groups or professional hunter leaders. They are good quality but ultimately defined mostly by the customizations by the pilot. There may be many of these, but they are also the most customized within their production level. A dozen Jern with the same name and designation may have just as many variations. For those seeking a more robust but not extreme power level game, they cost 400 points.
5. “Serial Production.”: A workhorse of a machine these Jern are made by various traditional manufacturers as well as industrial powers. They fill the ranks of squad leaders and often provide the basic Jern for an up-and-coming hunter. They may have some basic customization, especially for those seeking to hunt Jotnar, but lack the extensive abilities of a X4. The most common level of game these are made for 300 points.
6. “Mass Produced.”: While most Jern are for Baghatur, individuals of exceptional skill and rank, there are a few that are piloted by the less invested. They are the security forces of grand corporations and the generic soldiers of long forgotten armies. They have no customization save the weapon they wield. The generic soldier suit is 200 points.
7. “Obsolete.”: While technically not a level of production this is the designation given to those Jern that are no longer in production and a catchall for the barely functioning junk that choke trash heaps all over the universe. These are extremely weak and cost only 100 points.
8. “Gallowglass.” These are Jern who don’t fit in any other category. They may be custom jobs so far removed from the original as to be unrecognizable or bizarre unique hodgepodges that are too haphazard to be an X0. What unites them is that they don’t fit anywhere else. These are for games where none of the other levels of points work for the desired experience.