Ok so after literally being gone for one day, literally everything explodes in this thread. So for the reason behind the American Revolutionary War; I just think the idea of being the war for starting one of the most influential countries is a good start to what could be a good story. But yes, I do realize that technology would probably completely destroy some points of this time period but I'm just going to paraphrase an argument I had with my friend about this topic.
He told me that if technology similar to ours existed back then, there would be no Revolutionary War because of how the world would basically already be torn apart. Since back then, it was more about claiming each other's land than anything else. So he said this idea was entirely impractical but what my Russian friend told me was that "It's just the Revolutionary War but with robots, who cares about what would had actually happened." Which is quite similar to Will's statement about just throwing in something futuristic but still keeping the same esthetic. Of course, there are going to be some slight changes because of these giant fighting machines, such as certain key events taking a drastic turn and fighting formations being completely redistributed. But overall, just trying to keep the main points and ideas alive is what I'm trying to do. Also robots are cool.
And for those confused on technology restrictions and all that, I didn't clearly define it enough and that might of caused a lot of confusion. So let me redefine them again, (I'm still trying to set my own boundary on this, so anything that doesn't seem plausible or needs change, feel free to say) There are no planes or anything that is able to fly short or long distances, as this hasn't been realized. And I'm guessing that I painted the technology as more of a steampunk theme and that's perfectly fine but I do accept anything that is electronic. Because I wanted it to be more like it was happening in our time. (Except without planes) And I do know automatic weapons would probably completely destroy the premise of the time period so I'll put a ban on that. Let's just say that any weapons are limited to non automatic guns and anything melee that isn't a giant chainsaw or anything like that. Also about the camera thing, I'll keep it as something very basic. But any small boosters are allowed.
Also about the rapier thing. This is my take on it. Rapiers were used mostly for cutting the throats of people and stabbing. As a quick and nimble weapon, it was used for quick duels and quick kills. But in the scene of mechs? So depending on the thickness of armor and joint weakness, it could be a complete flop or deadly weapon. And about it cutting through metal? Unless it's titanium or on a similar caliber, it wouldn't be doing much. Longswords in general would basically be weak because of the mechs being thick armored. (Unless you're calculating power and durability of the weapon.)
My personal weapon choices? Guns are perfect for long range and getting through thick armor, especially for disabling mechs. But if we take out automatic, these guns would be useless at short range and close combat. For melee, giant maces or hammers would be the ideal choice for crushing your foes like soda cans. But their heaviness would be a huge factor in deciding who gets the first hit. Swords and scythes are quick but hard to inflict heavy damage. They can chip armor and block easily but their usage for heavy hitting is a no. And bombs, so far, no one has mentioned bombs. I'm allowing bombs. No nukes, but stick grenades and the such are allowed.
Now if I didn't clear up something, please tell me, because I should have been more clear on what the time period was and its limits. For now, I'll accept any ideas that fit those guidelines.
P.S. The Native thing? That was beautiful. I'll definitely make the mechs animal like in nature for them.
P.S.S. Yeah they could be easily knocked over if they had legs and arms, which is why I envision most of my mechs as with tank treads and very large legs for stability. And arms would be slow moving but easily open for joint destruction. For faster moving mechs, smaller body with boosters for speed and virtually no arms but instead guns on the side. Also cannons are cool.
P.S.S.S For those who still want swords and the such, just put a short explosive or booster on the blade to propel it so the force is enough to inflict heavy damage. Of course, this would probably be highly dangerous for the mech user and useless if it doesnt hit, it's one solution.
