The actual battle will be a different phase. You can choose different command schemes, such as putting one player in charge or keep it voting based. Each will have it's advantages.
The build will happen over 1 month in four steps:
1. Frame
2. Power
3. Gear
4. Armor
The battle will take place on a hexagonal grid. Body segment damage and destruction. Momentum. Line of sight. All will be key factors of battle.[hr]
Week 1/4
FRAME
How does it move? Tank treads? Some number of legs?
1. The more mobile the more power hungry.
2. Both mechs will be of similar size and base material regardless.
3. This is mostly for fun and for designing the asthetic. However there are a few significant factors your choices at the end of this week will have.
4. Each body segment takes damage separately, while conversely consuming some more power.
5. You will be able to position yourself in battle to increase the chance a facing part will be hit, and a hidden part will not.
6. Power regenerates over time, and systems can be shut down to reduce the power cost.
7. Things like shields and swords are gear and are not part of the frame, but you may wish to keep such things as these and weapons in mind.
8. A weapon can be held or attached to the end of a mount.
9. At the end you will basically need to have a stickman shape of the design. Each leg or arm can end in a hand or mount, or a foot or what ever locomotion you've come up with, and a head for the cockpit.
Some tips for locomotion in general
Wheels are quick and power use may be low.
Treads are stable and low in power use.
Ambulation with legs is pretty low especially with few legs.
Any kind of flight will be very high power consumption. This may be able to be offset with fuel tanks later on. Continuous flight will be feasible but tricky, while flight assisted leaps will be more practical.
Oh and why not come up with a name?
See you Sep 20th