WAR OF THE WORLDS

MARTIAN HANDLING MACHINE

Val	CHA	Cost	Notes
4	Size	20	2.5"x1.25"; -4 KB; -2 DCV
30	STR	0	Lift 1,600 kg; 6d6 HTH Damage
20	DEX	30	OCV:  7/DCV:  7
14	BODY	0
6	DEF	3	No protection for rider
4	SPD	10	Phases:  3, 6, 9, 12
Total Characteristics Cost:  63

Movement:	Ground:  12"/24"

Cost	Abilities and Equipment
	Power Systems	
5	Power Plant:  Endurance Reserve (10 END/10 REC); OIF Bulky (-1), Only Powers 
	Martian Mechanical Devices (-1/4)

	Propulsion Systems	
12	Jointed Legs:  Running +6" (12" Total), No Turn Mode (+1/4); Costs Endurance (-1/2), END 1
5	Mechanical Tentacles:  Extra Limbs (5 jointed legs)
5	Mechanical Tentacles:  Range for Touch Sense Group
8	Mechanical Tentacles:  Stretching 5"; No Noncombat Multiple (-1/4), END 1
35	Total Abilities and Equipment Cost
98	Total Vehicle Cost

Value	Disadvantages
	None
0	Total Disadvantage Points
20	Total Cost (98/5)

Description:
The Martian handling-machines are crab-like vehicles that possess a large number of strong manipulatory appendages. They are used to construct other devices, since their riders are capable of fast work under difficult conditions using their five jointed robotic legs/arms. The rider sits exposed on top of the device while it is in operation.

Notes:
The handling machines are a nice touch that Wells added. It would have been difficult to justify the speed at which the Martians worked, setting up their foundry and building their fighting-machines while struggling against the heavier gravity of Earth. The use of the handling-machines makes it that much more plausible.

Note that, as per The Ultimate Vehicle, these vehicles should be assumed to have about 2" of Stretching; however, in one instance, one of the Handling-Machines reaches through a door, across a coal cellar, and into the pantry beyond. This seems to me to be a little more than the given Reach, so I have bought it up.


Martians | Martian Fighting-Machine | Martian Handling-Machine

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