Robotech/Macross Resource Thread (Revamped 5/16)

[YPU]

I vote sticky for this one. 

[Elbows]

ZENTRAEDI: SOLDIERS

The average Zentraedi clone is the product of a cloning chamber where a small Micronian is used to draw the genetic map for the super-sized end result.  This system is later used to change Zentraedi to human size and back.  The average Zentraedi soldier is approximately the height of a Veritech in Battloid mode - say around 45'.  It is obvious from the animated series that some Zentraedi are much smaller, some a bit larger (perhaps up to 60' in Breetai's case - rather huge).  If the animated series is to be believed they are so big that short periods spent in the vacuum of space are possible.

When re-entering from space, Breetair (fleet commander) is seen to say "I am not built as weakly as you..." to one of the bewildered soldiers nearby.  This indicates that while the Zentraedi force are all cloned/upscaled they are designed in different castes or for different purposes.  Fleet commanders and officers are capable of independent thought, strategy, etc. where the normal soldiers tend to be around the intelligence of an average high school student, maybe less.



Above shows the standard uniform of a Zentraedi soldier, and the light body armour version.  Two versions of body armour exist: light and heavy (though it appears heavy is simply made by adding a few additions to the standard body armour).  On several toys this is advertised as "Space suit" so we can guess that the body armour has a limited survival capability in space - thuogh no oxygen packs or similar are seen - so perhaps only a few minutes or so (allowing stranded pilots to be recovered from wreckage?).



This box art shows the "heavier" combat armour.  Note the bigger chest piece, enhanced fore-arm armour, and the optional blast visor added to the helmet (seen in the first picture as well).

[Elbows]

ZENTRAEDI: BATTLE PODS (REGULT)

The primary fighting mecha of the Zentraedi forces is the simply designed bi-pedal mecha called the Regult (Reguld in various Japanese forms).  The Regult is the chassis upon which several variants are produced, each with its own modified name.  The pilots wear light (or heavy) combat armour and sit inside the pod, in a rather scrunched up position, operating the mecha with simple levers and foot controls.



The pilot enters the mecha through a large hatch in the back.  The mecha squats down in a crouch when the pilot is entering/exiting.  The Regults are also stored onboard ships in the squatted position to reduce space and lower the center of gravity -as well as keeping the Regults ready to accept pilots immediately.





Mobility
In the animated series the Regult pods (in all forms) are seen flying rather well in space, but incapable of flight in an atmosphere.  They can run and perform large leaps (enough to clear buildings).  In one episode they're even seen gliding down a hill, though this is a bit unexplained.  A Regult is incapable of entering or leaving atmosphere by itself and must rely on a re-entry pod.  In several episodes the battlepods are shown "ejecting" their legs and firing upwards on powered jets - a type of ejection seat function?  It's unknown how far the pod can travel or how long it's capable of this limited flight.

Regult Types

The Regult appears in four major types frequently throughout the animated series.

Regult
The standard Regult is often referred to as simply a "Battle pod" or a "tactical pod" or indeed a "tactical battle pod" in various fluff.  It is armed with two large beam weapons (though one is shown to be multi-barreled in an episode suggesting a gatling/chain gun type weapon?) two smaller beam weapons around the bottom of the pod (possibly for protecting against small targets up close) and a rear cannon which is likely an anti-aircraft weapon, possibly firing on its own.  Due to the 45' stature of the pilots, the standard Regult must realistically be 60'+ in height though there seems to be a lot of leeway with the size of Regults in the animated series.



Gluuhaug-Regult
The Gluuhaug model is the "Light Artillery" or "Light Missile" model of the Regult family.  The part "Gluu" is used in several Zentraedi forms to indicate "light".  Haug must mean artillery or missiles.  The Gluuhaug Model replaces the rear gun pod with a pivot mount for two large missile pods.  While rockets might be used as well the animated series indicates these are guided missiles (not sure if they're radar or heat or both...).



Serauhaug-Regult
The partner to the light artillery Regult is the heavier artillery model, the Serauhaug.  It features similar missile pods but the lighter, short-range missiles are replaced with much larger and heavier missiles - likely capable of long-distance engagements, possibly even anti-ship use.  These are shown with varying frequency but it's quite simple to imagine that a single missile from a Serauhaug would be suitable for incapacitating or indeed destroying a Veritech or Destroid with a single shot.



Quel-Regult
The final version of the Regult is the Quel model, or "Scout".  In various vehicles the term "Quel" is used to indicated scouting or reconnaissance work.  This is the only unarmed model of the Regult family.  Assume a full ECM capability: long range radar, medium range jamming, signals interception, long-range video observation, laser targeting/designation, radar and infrarer detection etc.

[Elbows]

ZENTRAEDI POWER ARMOUR

In addition to the common Regult line of mecha, the Zentraedi appear in a few other forms of mecha - namely two types of power armour suits.  Unlike the Regult which is piloted by standard controls, the following two mecha are worn like large suits of armour...albeit with mecha capabilities.

Nousjadeul-Ger (Male Power Armour)

The two forms of Zentraedi power armour seem to be divided into male and female versions.  It is unknown if there is any reason a male could not pilot a female power armour suit and vice versa (physical size notwithstanding).  The Nousjadeul-Ger is seen in several episodes of the original Macross series.  It does not appear to be nearly as agile as the female power armour version (which definitely appears to be the best all around Zentraedi mecha).

The Nousjadeul-Ger does not appear frequently until very late in the Macross saga - namely after the climactic battle which leads to the re-building of planet earth.  The N-G gives the user significant strength, as it is shown picking up and throwing a Veritech mecha in one episode.  It's armament include a chest mounted cannon, a shoulder mounted beam cannon (which stows horizontally across the shoulders when not in use), and it is shown with a pistol in a few points during the show.




This second paint scheme appears later in the Macross saga and is shown when Breetai's Zentraedi forces have allied with the UN Spacy forces - it's possible this colour scheme is used only by "friendly" Zentraedi - the previous enemy Zentraedi suits are shown in the green/orange scheme above.


The head/torso pivot to allow the pilot to enter.


Two large thrusters in the shoulders and a bank of leg-mounted thrusters - the Nousjadeul-Ger is shown flying in space, but never shown hauling copious amounts of ass like its female counter-part.




This picture shows that the Nousjadeul-Ger should easily be 60'+, a real freakin' brute.


Queadluun-Rau (Female Power Armour)

The Queadluun-Rau is the female power armour used by the Zentraedi.  From simply observation of the show it appears this is a super deadly, super fast, heavily armed mecha.  It also appears that female Zentraedi pilots may all be of very high skill level.  Females in Zentraedi culture operate on their own vessels (apparently) and do not regularly interact with their male counterparts.  It appears they're quite segregated though they work together in combat.  Fraternization is not readily apparent.

The Queadluun-Rau is about the same size as the Nousjadeul-Ger.  It should be around 60' tall.  The Queadluun-Rau features three-barreled cannons in each forearm, two large barrel cannons in the chest and vast missile pods in the hips and shoulders (the Q-R is shown unleashing dozens and dozens of missiles in a single volley --- very small missiles though, likely very short range).  The Queadluun-Rau has articulated three-finger hands but they're not shown carrying rifles in the show.




Fictional paint scheme I did up for a game project a while ago.




Note the gigantic thrusters on the back of the Queadluun-Rau ----- it's shown being obnoxiously fast (easily keeping pace with any Veritech mecha.  Also note the inset of the tiny missiles.

[Elbows]

OTHER ZENTRAEDI MECHA

The Zentraedi are shown using a few other form of mecha (and standard aircraft).  The two covered here are the Glaug (A heavily armed battle pod which appears to be limited to officer use), and the Gnerl (the standard combat aircraft of the Zentraedi forces).

Glaug (Officer Battle Pod)

The Glaug is seen in several episodes - namely piloted by the evil and slightly crazed Khyron (a malcontent Zentraedi military leader).  Later it is shown being used by other Zentraedi.  It is a bipedal design like the Regult though it is heavily armed, and the pilot sits in a more relaxed position (more similar to how a human sits in a car seat vs. scrunched up like a standard Regult).  Standard armament is a beam cannon up top, beam cannon(s) in the arms, and two small defensive beam weapons in the lower snout.  It is listed as having missile launchers in some later games by Palladium but I didn't really see any evidence of this.  I'll watch the season again and make sure.  I also haven't seen sketches etc. that indicate it carries missiles.





Glaug Eldare (Officer Pod's booster sled)

The Glaug is shown in several episodes using an additional booster sled (which appears to be heavily armed with missiles).  It is likely this is used to boost the performance of the Glaug in dogfights (like all Zentraedi mecha it is capable of space flight, but limited ability to fly in an atmosphere).  It is also very likely that a Glaug Eldare pod would allow the Glaug to breach or enter orbit without assistance (it is likely this must be transported to/from the surface of a planet like normal Regults).  We never see the Glaug enter or leave this Eldare pod, but it's likely it can be jettisoned while in flight or possible ejected while stationary.  In the show the Glaug with the Eldare is shown firing around a dozen missiles at a time (located in the sides of the pods).





The Gnerl (Fighter)

In addition to the standard line of Regult mecha the Zentraedi make heavy use of a simple, agile, fast, and seemingly deadly fighter aircraft called the Gnerl.  It is shown in many episodes and is one of the predominant antagonists in the early episodes.  It is armed with a three-barreled cannon and missiles (which launch from the dark slots on the side/rear of the fuselage).  It seems to be an equal match for the average Veritech in a dogfight and appears to be able to enter/leave orbit unassisted - so it must have rather capable thrusters.

[Jaeger]

Sterling Work on this thread. 

[Elbows]

Bump, simply because Robotech RPG Tactics Kickstarter "should" be shipping Mid-August.  I'll believe it when I see it. 

A picture post of some random UN Spacy vehicles (ground maintenance vehicles, infantry vehicles, civilian fanliner jets etc.)










And UN Spacy spacecraft and aircraft.  You see loads of transport shuttles, helicopters, random aircraft in the show.  Sometimes just in the background and occasionally transferring characters.  Some can break atmosphere while others can not.

[Malebolgia]

Excellent to see more new stuff

[TwoGunBob]

Well, Palladium and Siembieda did announce they were giving their collective backers on kickstarter the two finger salute and selling the set at Gencon rather than actually shipping product to the backers. Not that I'm surprised as Palladium has about as much integrity as a skeet having a conversation with Fred Missildine on the range.
I fully expect to get my first shipment around December or possibly January 2015. I really feel sorry for the overseas backers as they're really going to get screwed to the wall on shipping dates.

[beefcake]

  Very soon I shall buy that Destroid Defender, yes very soon. 

Initially I thought this stuff was taken from Battletech. Guess I was wrong.
You also just made me download the Mechwarrior game from Abandonia. Can't wait to play it again, it was a favourite for some time. My favourite mechs from that game were, funnily enough, the Rifleman (Defender), Warhammer (Tomahawk) and Marauder (Glaug). The locust from battletech seems to be quite like some of the Macross stuff too.

[Elbows]

Yep, this is my surprised face: 

I admit I begrudgingly backed the Kickstarter...I love Robotech (obviously) but Kevin Siembeda and Harmony Gold, Palladium etc. have done nothing short of ignore the franchise for 20 years.  They're the sole reason Robotech in America is fading into extinction.  Palladium is a crap company, and I've zero respect for Kevin.  Thus I was not at all surprised when he said the first few hundred sets or whatever will go to GenCon instead of to the actual backers of the project (who've already been waiting more than what a year and a half?).  The guy is a clown.

Unfortunately there is no other reasonable way to game/play Robotech so I had to invest in the KS.  I don't even plan on using the game itself.

Beefcake: Unsurprisingly the most popular mechs from Battletech were all what are now referred to as "Unseen" mechs - taken from Robotech, Dougram etc.  They formed the basis for Battledroids (the original concept which became Battletech).  They were legally acquired images at the time (not sure what went down eventually to end that).  But yes the "best" and most popular mechs were all non-FASA/non-Battletech mechs.  The in-house designers for Battletech were pretty rough.  All of their new stuff is currently boring and uninspired (and why I'll be sticking to the older stuff for my BTech project).

[Booboo]

The guy is a clown.

I know the game needs to gain market penetration quickly upon release, but I can't see a couple hundred "sales" that day making as big a difference as Kevin made it out in his last updates compared to the thousands pre-sold via kickstarter.  And honestly, given the delays of this project, there ability to have EXTRA units available for the con was their own responsibility for keeping on time.

[Elbows]

Precisely.  You want to take a couple copies and have some built minis, and show it off?  Sure, no problem.  People will rush home and place a pre-order.  You want to have some demo games?  Absolutely.  But the idea that having stock at GenCon somehow "launches" a game which EVERY Robotech fan has already been made aware of is nonsense.  Shame really.  But, again...not surprised at all.

[Elbows]

Zentraedi Ships and Craft*

The Zentraedi fleet of warships is huge.  When I say huge, think: millions of ships.  With the ability to cross the galaxy with FTL travel, there appears to be no limit to the Zentraedi's available resources.  While this is never explained or discussed it's safe to assume that vast armies of Zentraedi clones operate on dozens if not hundreds of worlds mining resources for the incredible fleet.  The Zentraedi fleet consists of various smaller fleets, and one which is referred to as the "Grand Fleet".  This fleet, biggest of all, numbers into the 4-5 million ships range.  In common sense terms this all seems a bit silly, as it's unlikely any opposition in space could ever pose a threat to such a number of ships.

However, it is mentioned and explained in the animated series that Zentraedi ships are run by clones, but that no engineers or repair crews exist.  The ships and their crews/soldiers are completely expendable.  Think Zulu, when the chieftains sacrifice warriors to gauge the firepower of the British soldiers.  It's likely that Zentraedi forces operate on the strategy of sheer overwhelming force without any regard to losses.  The only reason the Macross saga which follows the SDF-1's exploits is different is that the Zentraedi have a vested interest in not destroying the ship itself.

It is likely that if a ship becomes damaged so heavily it is inoperable the ship is simply abandoned or destroyed.  The ships and crew are disposable.

Zentraedi Fleet Headquarters

The Zentraedi fleet headquarters is actually a gigantic planet-sized ship, resembling a large asteroid in some shots.  This is home to the command structure of the Zentraedi, including their supreme commander, Dolza.  The vast ship/planetoid can house hundreds if not thousands of Zentraedi ships.  It's scope is beyond that of normal human understanding.  Buried inside the ship is a huge central corridor where ships can move and dock.  This ship is only seen sparingly in the animated series, but is the target for the final battle.




The Zentraedi Robotech Factory

Only seen very late in the animated series, the Robotech Factory is a gigantic ship-building factory which is itself a ship (it is capable of FTL travel like other vessels).  It's size is beyond unbelievable according to the animated series.  The massive flagship of Breetai's fleet is seen entering the factory, appearing as a speck against the world-sized vessel/factory.  I'd have to watch the series again to see if they mention multiple Robotech Factories.  It is likely that with millions of ships there are several of these factory ships.  They make no mention of how fast ships or mecha are produced (battle pods and fighters are produced here too - the factory produces almost every facet of the Zentraedi war machine - it's acceptable to assume cloning chambers etc. as well). 




Nupetiet Vergnitz (Flagship)

The Nupetiet Vergnitz is Breetai's flagship.  Breetai is the name of the commander of the Zentraedi forces present in the animated series.  He'll be discussed later in a post covering "characters".  The Nup-Verg is only seen as Breetai's vessel.  It is unknown if the ship is one of many flagship-class vessels or if it is a special vessel for Breetai only (unlikely).  It is gigantic, larger than the SDF-1 and bristling with all manner of weapons and a huge complement of mecha.  There is limited information on most of the Zentraedi ships seen in the series.  The Nupetiet Vergnitz is showing moving a large portion of its front section (opening almost) to fire its main cannon.






Zentraedi Picket/Scout Ship - Unnamed

This small vessel is seen in a couple of episodes and shots, namely one where Breetai instructs his fleet commanders to deploy "scout ships".  It is likely this is a small fast vessel for scouting or interception.  No real details exist that I can find.




Thuverl Salan (Destroyer)

The Thuverl-Salan is seen frequently in the animated series.  It appears to be the command ship for many smaller formations or brigades/divisions.  It is seen under the control of Khyron (a megalomaniac commander in the Zentraedi fleet).  It is a large ship (nearly the size of the SDF-1).  It is a Thuverl-Salan that finally crashes into the SDF-1 at the close of the series, destroying both ships.






Queadoll-Magdomilla (Multi-part frigate?)

The Queadoll-Magdomilla is a little confusing. I believe it is only see in the service of all-female units (Azonia's ship etc.).  It is a frigate/destroyer sized ship, and is notable that the front catfish looking section can separate from the rest of the ship.  The purpose for this is unknown (perhaps for landing on a planetary surface or escape when the ship is damaged?).  Again, very few details about the ship.




Quiltra-Queleual

Another ship which is frequently seen - but I have zero info on it.  Perhaps a standard light carrier or frigate/destroyer?  No size comparison that I can find.




Qualitra-Quelamitz

Another vessel I don't even recall seeing in the show.  It's been detailed in some fan posts, but I have no information on it.  Assume another ship of some sort of naval service.




Quel-Quallie (Recon Ship)

The Quel-Quallie is a scout/landing ship which is featured in several episodes.  It can carry a decent amount of mecha in its bays, but serves predominantly as a long-range scouting vessel.  It can be crewed by as few as three.  It features a vast array of reconnaissance gear (radars, optics, electronic interference, etc.).  Inside the ship has banks of monitors for the crew to observe.  It features a pair of double-barreled laser cannons and a small array of missiles.  The large grey pylons can rotate down to allow the ship to land and possibly even walk on a planetary surface (it's never seen walking in the animated series).  There are some animated scenes where the ship scales seems vastly over-rated.

For reference, Rick Hunter's 45' tall Veritech punches its way in through the "Cyclops" eye at the front of the ship.  So assume a dozen or so mecha could be carried on board.





A large radar assembly can be deployed underneath the fuselage of the Quel-Quallie, dropping through two large bomb-bay doors.  This would be for extreme distance radar and monitoring - obviously stowed for travel or combat.


Zentraedi Shuttle

The Zentraedi shuttle is seen in a few episodes.  It apparently carries a half dozen or more Zentraedi in full size from ship to ship (possibly to a planet's surface but this is not shown in the animated series - assume ship-to-ship primarily).




Landing Craft/Reentry Pod

Never mentioned by a Zentraedi name, the common entry pod is a drop ship capable of delivering several dozen mecha to a planet's surface.  It can submerge in water (shown several times in the animated series) and has large bay doors which open and lay flat (draw bridge style).  No weapons are shown firing in the animated series, but it's safe to say that some weapons must be present --- some items resembling Zentraedi missile launchers are present at the top four "shoulders" of the pod.  This craft is the primary way that Battle Pods and similar mecha are delivered to a planet since they are in capable of breaking atmosphere by themselves (another tactic is for a larger ship to enter the atmosphere and drop battle pods off via a kind of airborne drop (battle pods have enough thrusters to sustain limited flight/drops).





*This post brought to you by my procrastination in finishing a college paper...and using this as an excuse to delay that another half hour...

[Yuber Okami]

ARMD Platform

The ARMD Platform or "Armor" series of ships are featured in the first few episodes.  I believe all of them (there must be around a dozen) are destroyed in the fighting.  It's unknown if the ARMD series were in existence prior to the arrival of the SDF crash landing.  During the opening attack the crew of the SDF-1 mentioned losing several "Armor" ships.  They likely served as defensive fighter platforms in orbit around the Earth.  They are seen firing missiles and beam weapons and launching space craft.

According to "the book", there were four ARMD platforms in orbit during Breetai's fleet initial attack. What you see on the screen is the ARMD throwing nuclear missiles against the saladin scout first sent to check Earth's defenses. In the Robotech "creative translation" Breetai and Exedore cannot believe it to be shooting such uneffective and antique projectiles (which seems wrong, as it just blew up one of their ships, so their reaction is a bit illogical). In the original Macross series they are amazed because they understand that the missiles contained reactive (i.e., nuclear) warheads, a technology lost with the protoculture thousands of years ago. That's what makes Breetai hold the attack and try to get Macross intact instead of blowing it (and Earth itself) up to pieces (standard zentraedi procedure when contacting other peoples since the times of the galactic civil war, what that's another story), as he guesses the people aboard the vessel maybe the last remnant of the protoculture.

UN Spacy Cruiser

This is a spacecraft which is shown a handful of times and not really mentioned in any detail.  I haven't dug up any origins or notes on it.

This spacecraft (wrongly identified in the paladium books as a fighter) is the Obert-class cruiser. According to the Perfect Memory`books, the Macross' commanding officer won his post after destroying a hijacked unit (hijacked by antiunification forces who killed the people assigned to Mars base) in the first humanity's space battle ever (and the only Oberth vs Oberth confrontation so far). You can see its stats here:

http://www.oocities.org/timessquare/realm/7194/oberth.htm

Also, there is a free papermodel somewhere on the net (but it is aout of scale with the kickstarter stuff)