Date:          Fri, 09 May 1997 12:47:02 -0700
From:          Lizard <lizard@dnai.com>
Subject:       GURPS Mecha -- Advanced and Simplified Transformation rules

Much as I like the 'realistic' transformation approach of GM, it doesn't
permit the wide range of transformations seen in many anime.

Thus, I offer a system which is both advanced and simplified!

Transformational Matrix:TL 15 (possibly available earlier)

This device permits the near-total reconfiguration of the Mecha. Size and
mass can be changed totally;a 30 foot tall Mechan can transform into a
handgun, for example. 

Design all forms of the Mecha independantly. The transformational matrix is
equal to 1% of the total volume of each form, including all subassemblies,
but not (duh!) including the Tranformational Matrix itself. Forms can be
designed using the rules from Mecha or Vehicles;in some cases, a piece of
high-tech equipment can be designated as the alternate form, i.e, a handgun
or a laptop computer. If this is the case, the transformed mecha will have
all the functionality of the appropriate piece of equipment, often at a
much higher tech level than is apparent. 

The cost of the TM is equal to the sum of the costs of all forms, *5.

If any form does not contain a cockpit, any contents of that cockpit will
be ejected on transformation. Optionally, a subspace shunt may be installed
in the cockpit;the cockpit is 'shunted' to a pocket dimension. The pilot
has access to the Mechas sensors in its new mode, but cannot control it
otherwise, except to transform back to a mode where the cockpit exists. A
subspace shunt costs $100 per CF of cockpit and has negligable mass (it's
all in subspace)

Transformation takes 1 second, and is often accompanied by a familiar sound
effect.

Very often, this feature is found in self-aware Mecha, as opposed to piloted.