Predacon Transport - Leviathan

[NaitoKage]

I've noticed some confusion, and other things about the Predacon transport. So I suppose I'll post this information, as well as the reasons behind the madness that it is.
Originally the machine was developed as a means to make up for a lack of base for the Predacons in the first OC side story event, as a means to allow them to find the other Predacon group (which would of been impossible due to beastwar's nasty limit on long range radio technology, even WITH Glowstick's radio equipment already on his body), as well as a means of trying to keep the Predacons in one place. If you guys thought them wandering around was bad in Chain of Command, it's a lot worse in the earlier case as trying to band them together to one objective is near impossible without gaining something(even then that was marginal), that's the Predacon way. I understand that. This also presented a means of how to get characters from South America to Africa, while the icebridge in Alaska seems like an option(Not even entirely sure it exists in beast wars time line or not, but that is theorized as to how humans got to North America and spread about)

So originally the thing was made from the main source of technology, stasis pods. ALOT of them, originally alot of players landed in the OC story. Xzuk,Moonshine,Tantrum,Glowstick,Icebreaker,Orcariner,Linoes,Cerano,Snowtrix,Frilla,Luna,and Sonar(First time,now not considered canon which makes sense since only Glowstick talked to him once, then he spent the rest of the time hiding in a cave.) That's alot, and considered some pods were massive in size the transport became an idea, though you could probably more refer it to a rocket boat or RV. In the end, most those players quit or went MIA, some popping in confused trying to find a way to get back in.

My intentions were to originally completely scrap the thing (which is mentioned as to why it's stripped down in chain of command to the point of losing a roof and running on wheels), So here's the specs of the final version of the thing as I doubt I'll be getting rid of it any time soon.. Eventually I'll probably get around to posting sketches. And yes I realize I could of just made the thing fly around, but that would seem less fair considering only 3 to 4 maximals can fly and I'm assuming they will be attacking this thing anytime they see it.


NAME:Leviathan
ALLEGIANCE:Predacon
FUNCTION:Armored Personnel Carrier/Supply Transport/Mobile base
HEIGHT: 15 ft
LENGTH:32 ft
SEATING:10-11


History: The Leviathan is a craft developed by the Predacons who crashed onto earth isolated in South America as a type of mobile base of operations. The main constructor Glowstick's original intent as a means of traveling the planet easier due to his limited beast mode, it also served as the means of escape from the energon radiation and communication system that allowed them to find the main Predacon group. At first the craft was entirely composed and modified from Stasis pods left about by the Predacons and Maximals alike, the pod holding the Maximal Orcariner being a large amount of the frame (Estimated size of the pod was roughly 23 ft, or the size of a cabin cruiser boat.)

Upon joining the Predacons, the craft's value was less desired, being stripped down of much of it's more technical equipment and parts to repair and upgrade parts of the Predacon ship, much to the designer's disliking, this left Glowstick to re-plan and rebuild the device which still held a frame but needed armor and a roof. Using scrap from around the Pred base and even structural components of the Darksyde which were not noticed simply because the areas were so destroyed the Predacons avoided those areas, he managed to rebuild the carrier as something more efficient and less buggy then it's original state.

Capabilities:
Transport mode:The main use of the vehicle, using it's 6 wheels it can travel over rough terrain at speeds of up to 45 mph with a full load of supplies or energon. The internal cavity is sectioned into 2 main areas. The Cockpit and Carrier bay. The Cockpit,rear, and top deck of the ship use hatches equipped with magnalocks from the stasis pods(making them hard to open from the outside, or some cases inside), the rear being the largest as it comes down like a ramp for ease of exit and loading cargo.

The Cockpit is a basic two seat design on the left hand side of the vehicle, a bit cramped it's dis-advised for large Predacons (exceeding 10 ft tall) from being in the cockpit. The Cockpit is covered in array of controls and most importantly the craft steers with a basic joystick and boat/plane style throttle (Electric motors so it uses the motors for braking). The dashboard displays the short range radar and houses the radio system and controls for the Degauss field defense.

The Carrier bay is rather basic with a flat low roof on the right side of the craft and a curv on the left providing more headroom for larger predacons as well as some overhead storage. the Carrier bay has two long bench like seats, on the left side the bench splits into 3 sections which has a storage box for extra ammo, weapons, or energon supplys. the Right bench folds up to allow more space for cargo.

The Deck of the craft is rather strangely designed, given that the ship looks like a strange combination of a APC and an Aircraft carrier, the right side extends past even the front of the vessel as a long flat surface allowing for the load of more cargo on the deck, particularly stasis pods and Steel I-beams in construction. The top deck has 2 hatches plus the cockpit for entrance and exiting, but one acts as a turret bay (with no gun, insert your own, or someone else's!) providing a plate as defense against incoming fire.

Ground effect mode:Also referred to as "hover" mode, the vehicle's sides fold and extend with the tires projecting rocket thrust while the two rocket motors on the back provide main thrust. Originally this was the main method of the craft for moving but the system went through fuel too quickly. With modifications the ship now projects a "ground effect" forming a cushion of air under the ship the span of the "wings" providing it with sufficient lift that the under haul rockets can be turned off as long as the vehicle is going forward. This allows for fast long range travel with far more efficiency, making travel over water or wide open areas very fast.

Amphibious capabilities:The ship floats, while water tight Glowstick never intentioned the craft to go "underwater" but assumes it could go 200 meters, before imploding. While floating on the water surface the craft exhibits a lot of drag in transport mode and less drag in ground effect mode but still makes for a slow boat. Only used to park the craft or if the vessel is filled with cargo too heavy to use ground effect mode.


Equipment:
Broadcast package:An Array of long range antenna sensors designed to broadcast long distance radio signals. System includes a "repeater", a type of radio device which collects radio signals from weaker communication devices, repeats the audio broadcasting out on a stronger signal for long distance with only minor lag.

Laser sight Communication system:Long distance communication system using a focused beam for communication.

Basic Radar package

Degauss shield system: Modified from some of the equipment in stasis pods used as radiation shielding, deploys a Magnetic field along the haul of the craft protecting it from sustaining damage from plasma based weapons (Quasar and so on), at the cost of eating away at the fuel cell's power supply. Shield system is triggered by detection of enemy fire from a basic defense system developed by Frilla.

Exterior lighting

Interior lighting

Heating/Air conditioning

360 degree camera:Due to visibility issues, a camera was mounted on top of the cockpit to improve visibility, and keep the craft from messing up the Predacon cargo bay when parking.

Radiation defense field:Aligning the haul of the ship, allows the occupants inside to be shielded from Energon radiation, this is useful in allowing others to control the vehicle and allows complicated tasks like field repairs or equipment modifications to be done without the stress of the energon situation.

Tools:The inside and outside of the vessel are equipped with an array of spare tools for fixing the vehicle or assisting with missions(things such as winches, shovels, pickaxes). Basic medical equipment is on board stored under the seating of the left side of the craft.

WEAKNESSES:As an experimental vehicle, it can be at times rather glitchy. It's defense system eats away at it's fuel reserves rather quickly and has no equipped weaponry. The Degauss system does not protect the tires of the vehicle, and interferes with the communication system and radar system of the vehicle. Hovering in the same spot for a period of time eats away at the system's fuel supply. Extremely heavy cargo prevents use of ground effect mode. While able to obtain altitude, the short wingspan and weight make true flight impossible for the craft, more suited for "bouncing" arcs. While transport mode can be operated by anyone, ground effect mode requires an intelligent operator(Waspinator excluded as he's considered a pilot) or else the vehicle will just crash.

[Dalgaroth]

... That was awesome. NaitoKage, that was awesome.

Very cool and very detailed! I'd love to see sketches. This sounds like something very handy for the Preds. I wonder if any other tech will be invented for the RP then? Probably on an as-needed basis, but overall, exploring the tech possible in acheiving some of the things in the show adds three dimensionality to the RP imo... Er, sorry I was kinda confused at your wording - Waspy can or cannot drive it?

[Alak]

I don't think he's saying that Waspy will make an effective driver. If Waspy does drive it, however, then hoo-rah it's an automatic victory for the Maximals!

[Blazemane]

I actually think he was saying Waspinator could drive it- he's the one known exception to the "intelligent" rule, since he's already a pilot.

And this is very detailed.

[NaitoKage]

I believe I've seen that Waspinator was the pilot of the Darksyde in Beast wars, if that is the case then besides his inherent understanding of flying he could easily pilot it. However his bad luck would probably cause Maximals to instantly appear and crash it.

It also makes sense as they've always developed some sorta crazy gizmo in beastwars, to a point where it became obvious the Predacons were mining materials at one point (Like the giant deathray in season 3, if they were just taking parts off the ship alone, half or more the ship would be gone! Then there's the transport to Nemesis Tarantulus made, the bubble sub Black Arachnia made, the hauling containers, etc.. )

I also wouldn't be surprised if the Maximals developed something similar in time, though for now I guess Icebridges, rafts, and simplistic boats are what they'll use unless Orcariner or Rhinox build something if they need to send a land party to investigate some islands or ranges of the planet inaccessible by walking creatures.

[Alak]

If traveling by sea, Orcariner might be able to transport several Maximals on his back, but I'm not sure how effective a killer whale (robotic or otherwise) would compare to a motorized vehicle. The Maximals could try to create one-man vehicles based off of Orcariner's structure, though.

[NaitoKage]

Probably 2 could ride on Orcariner's back, though seems like such a dangerous thing as they could easily fall off and drown. As for motors, the Maximals could easily build that, either electric, or by cannibalizing the thrusters off one of their stasis pods in the hanger.. or Tigatron's pod. Sailing methods are also a possibility since Icebreaker would know some things about that (the survivalist is a bit of a extreme sports nut.)

[NaitoKage]

NAME:Leviathan
ALLEGIANCE:Predacon
FUNCTION:Armored Personnel Carrier/Supply Transport/Mobile base


image includes Glowstick and Orcariner to represent scale of the vehicle.

Update!
After the initial phase of it's launch, the Leviathan was updated using the collective of Predacon intelligence to improve and radically alter the craft to improve it's defensive capabilities.
Capabilities:
Appearance: Twice as large as it's original state with two decks, the craft gives a look like the cross between a tank, a spaceship, and a bloated squid. Bulky and stout looking with long thin but powerful manipulator tentacles on the back of the craft, with a tank style gun turret atop the vehicle and no noticeable windows. Points along the craft having recessed ladder and metal bars as handholds in case of combat outside of the craft.

Doors: Two roof hatches, a front Cargo bay door which moves like a reinforced shell in front of the ship and a rear airlock.

The bridge:The new driving center of the Leviathan, the bridge is a room at the top center of the ship with no windows. In the center of the room is two chairs in tandem with an array of controls. The front seat acts as the helm, the pilot seat with readouts of various sensors. The seat behind it acts as the manipulator control interface and gunner seat. While these controls are manual, there is also a means of a direct interface between the pilots and machine but is still under experimental phase as of this time. Around the pilot seats is a holographic display that projects an image based on cameras mounted to the exterior of the ship as a 360 view with only a few blind points. Along the walls of the bridge is a few more seats with a maintenance computer, radio controls package, and sensor control computer. Behind this stands a single seat near the rear door nicknamed as the Captains seat, which strangely.. has no features.

The Cargo bay lies along the bottom section of the ship, accessible through the front of the craft with a armored door and extending ramp.The Cargo bay takes up a large portion of the craft for carrying equipment, cargo, stasis pods, and troops. Along a wall is a stair way that leads up towards the bridge and quarters. At the back of the Cargobay is a array of tools,repair supplies, and even devices designed to work with the manipulators in certain tasks. Between these lies the rear airlock, a small room which seals, fills with air or water, and allows a Predacon to enter or exit the craft when underwater.

Quarters: A small area with some bunk beds in the walls for injured or tired predacons, the wall between them holding a closet filled with Predacon ammo and spare weapons including riot shields and Predacon standard assault rifles. (Like the one Terrorsaur sometimes used)

Flight capabilities: the Leviathan's current main form of locomotion is through an array of newly rebuilt Energon thrusters which are more efficient compared to it's original models, but to provide lift the craft has been equipped with 8 Anti gravity generators similar to the one inside of Glowstick. This allows the craft to control it's buoyancy in the air or underwater effortlessly, as well as control the yaw,pitch, and roll of the craft based on how much power is running through a particular generator. Along it's now rounded aerodynamic haul is two wing like structures capable of projecting directional thrust for minor adjustments when hovering.

Amphibious capabilities:The Leviathan much like it's namesake is capable of underwater travel to a depth of 300 meters, using either it's energon thrusters or manipulators to move it along the ocean's bottom, but at far slower speeds then compared to flying.

Manipulators:Attached to the back of the ship is two long tentacle like structures which have retractable three part claws on the end, the manipulators allow the ship to lift and move heavy cargo inside of it's self, as well as perform repairs to itself or other structures. Near the wrist of the manipulators are small retractable cameras to aid the operator when using the limbs in manual mode.

Weapons:
Double Barreled Heavy Quasar cannon: Acting more like a tank cannon, the weapon projects powerful long range blasts of plasma with different firing modes. The weapon is directly powered by the energon fuel cell bank inside the ship.

Heavy machinegun: A smaller gun turret is attached towards the front of the craft acting as a anti infantry/anti aircraft weapon.

Smoke screen emitter:Equipped to different points along the ship, the craft can emit a smokescreen which can even work underwater to mask the visual image of the craft for retreat.

Equipment:
Broadcast package:An Array of long range antenna sensors designed to broadcast long distance radio signals. System includes a "repeater", a type of radio device which collects radio signals from weaker communication devices, repeats the audio broadcasting out on a stronger signal for long distance with only minor lag.

Laser sight Communication system:Long distance communication system using a focused beam for communication.

Basic Radar package

Sonar package:A sonar system which uses some information from whale based Echolocation and the Predacon Sonar's expertise in Echolocation, the system has the ability to project 3D sound images on displays when underwater.This system has also been tweaked to enable a projection of Sonar's Sound illusions skills when interfaced with the user acting as the ship pilot.(Effect can only be used if Sonar is piloting.)

Degauss shield system: Modified from some of the equipment in stasis pods used as radiation shielding, deploys a Magnetic field along the haul of the craft protecting it from sustaining damage from plasma based weapons (Quasar and so on), at the cost of eating away at the fuel cell's power supply. Shield system is triggered by detection of enemy fire from a basic defense system developed by Frilla.

Exterior lighting

Interior lighting

Heating/Air conditioning

360 degree camera:Due to visibility issues, a camera was mounted on top of the cockpit to improve visibility,this camera also can act like a parascope.

Radiation defense field:Aligning the haul of the ship, allows the occupants inside to be shielded from Energon radiation, this is useful in allowing others to control the vehicle and allows complicated tasks like field repairs or equipment modifications to be done without the stress of the energon situation.System has been enhanced so with minor holes in the ship radiation levels are still low enough not to effect the occupants to allow ease of repairs when possible.

Tools:The inside of the vessel are equipped with an array of spare tools for fixing the vehicle or assisting with missions(things such as winches, shovels, pickaxes). Basic medical equipment is on board stored in the cargo bay.

WEAKNESSES:As an experimental vehicle, it can be at times rather glitchy. It's defense system eats away at it's fuel reserves rather quickly.The Degauss system interferes with the communication system and radar system of the vehicle. Extremely heavy cargo prevents the craft from getting off the ground.Manipulators are rather difficult to operate and piloting requires training or being capable of piloting aircraft (fliers, trained ship pilots,etc). Excessive use of the weaponry on the ship can also drain the Leviathan's energy reserves leaving it stranded.

[NaitoKage]

Update on the Leviathan's status, since.. why not.

Looks like Glowstick got around to putting that Pinup on the side of the ship before he died.

Since last posting, the Leviathan's systems have been replaced with more powerful engines,reactor,and upgraded navigational computer from Ironclaw's ship, making it's energy issues not really a issue, though probably took up alot of space in the back of the Cargobay.

Damage wise, isn't really that bad since it didn't take too much of a beating, but the main turret as shown in the image is missing, as that was the Behemoth unit. Yes, the gun turret itself transformed into a evil Orcariner clone, because it just seemed easier then unloading the thing from the Cargobay.

So what of Cecaelia's ship? Currently in a underwater cave facility, it's been taken apart with it's haul extended and some more primitive thrusters and components added. It'll remain there unfinished until end of season 3 if anyone is still alive to use it.

So what of the main gun? Well, the Preds or rather Steelclaw specifically has two eventual options. Either not bother replacing that big gun, or have the original turret installed which is hidden away.

[Alak]

They could just save the resources and use Tantrum as a turret instead. Either that or make new gun holes so that Steelclaw, Buster, Warspark, and Tantrum can have their flyby shootings.

[NaitoKage]

Put holes in a submarine?! Madness!

Technically it isn't a heavy use of resources since the old turret still exists somewhere. Though it is funny you mention using Tantrum.. his stats basically make him stronger then the original Leviathan or Behemoth ever was. The Leviathan just has him beat in speed and the mechanical arms are strong enough to carry him in case he gets defeated (Much the same purpose of the Crane on the Nomad for the Maximals and Orcariner, though it would be interesting if the Nomad got rebuilt at some point and maybe used more often.)

So I guess in that respect.. if Tantrum had more brains or skill.. he could do more damage then the Leviathan did on it's attack on the Maximal base.. Kinda scary.. 0_o