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Mecha
Mecha
Image from Kevin Williams (copyright; used with permission)
Humanoid Armoured Fighting Vehicle, basically a manned walking weapons platform used in fighting sports. Can range from an armoured exoskeleton only slightly larger than the occupant, to an excessively large construct the size of a skyscraper.

Robotic (unmanned) mecha are generally known simply as Mechs; turingrade humanoid fighting vecs are sometimes known as vecha, although they are generally classified in the larger class vechai or vechidae. Externally, mecha, mechs and vechai may look very similar.

Mechas are generally vulnerable because of their erect posture, as they present an easier target than a tank or scrub slug in war games, but their uncanny gigantic humanoid appearance can itself be effective, striking fear into many human (and some non-human) clades in the first rounds of a cage match.
Mechas are sometimes useful for construction and other tasks which low-lying vehicles are not suited for, but are not actually practical in warfare.
 
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Appears in Topics
Contests and CompetitionsGames and PastimesMiddle Tech / Midtech
Surface Transport
 
Development Notes
Text by Steve Bowers
Initially published on 29 April 2010.

 
 
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