Post by Flux on Jul 31, 2020 19:45:47 GMT -5
PLAYER INFO
Name/Alias: Ren
CHARACTER INFO
Name: Flux
Age: Mid Thirties
Gender: Mech
Species: Cybertronian Triplechanger
Faction: Decepticon
Original Occupation: Smelter / Metalsmith
Occupation/Specialization: Decepticon Soldier / Suppressive Fire Support
Appearance:
Coming up to around Shockwave’s shoulder, with a squared and stocky frame, Flux has the appearance of a weightlifter with a solid build. This is the only thing spectacular about him, as otherwise he is rather average in appearance, and boring in color - of which he is mostly a dull matte black. When under UV light, orange patterns appear - these look to have been painted on, and cannot be removed easily.
Breaking up some of the mundane black are orange optics and biolights around his hips, right arm, ankles, and neck, as well as some lighter gray coloring on his throat, wrists, and knees. Splatter-like scars litter the front of his frame, these areas are raised slightly, almost like a bad welding job - but have been painted over to match the rest of his dull color scheme.
The word ‘Earth’ along with some rough coordinates are engraved into the inside of his forearm, in hastily written scratches.
The fact he is a triplechanger is fairly obvious, even at a glance- with the rotor blades from his flying altmode hanging down the middle of his back starting from the top of his spinal-strut, with two doors from his ground-mode on either side, jutting out from his shoulder blades - these are only visible from the back, as he keeps them folded down and out the way.
The wheels from his altmode are nestled into the back of his shins and make up part of his shoulder armor from the other side.
Though he does not use it unless he is in battle, he is equipped with a heavy visor that is similar in style to a welder's mask from his days of working in a forge. His visibility is severely limited when it is down and over his faceplate, and so this is used as a last resort or when under heavy fire.
Altmode: Inkas Sentry Civilian & Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk - both in matte black, and neither form is armed in any way, yet are decently armored to help counter this drawback.
Pertinent History:
Sparked during the Golden Age of Cybertron, Flux - like so many of his kind - was swiftly put into work via the caste system. His build and mass made him perfectly suited to the thankless and exhausting task of working in the forges deep underground the city of Kaon.
The work was mundane, but routine. Originally tasked with working a smelter, Flux would deal with melting down metals and ores for industrial building materials to help build the ever-growing cities above, to the grim task of smelting down members of the lower caste who could not afford proper burial or disposal, effectively recycling them.
Somewhere along the way, he met a femme called Cintra who began showing him that there was more to life on Cybertron than working in a forge within the depths of the planet. She brought a newfound excitement about things, and he began to look at the broader picture.
While he never outwardly complained about his job, he found himself longing for something more fulfilling. The metals he smelted helped contribute toward the growth of Cybertron, but it wasn’t like he could leave a ‘mark’ or take any of the credit, as he was among many doing the same task.
With technology evolving at a rapid pace, Flux found himself drawn to the science behind how things worked. He was no intellectual by any stretch, but began in his rare moments of downtime to look at ways to make the forges more effective. That alone would be something that could contribute to the progression of Cybertron, something he could put his name to - and something he could be proud of. He found himself confiding in Cintra, who he had grown close to - and she supported him, urging him to move forward with his study.
He did not get far in his meager research before things began to shift.
There had been talk of an uprising among some of the lower working caste, something Flux had for the most part been trying to ignore. When the miners brought new batches of ore to be smelted, they brought with them word of a movement, started by one named Megatronus.
Eventually, though, he listened- and found himself agreeing with many of the things that were being said. What started as him going to one rally out of mere curiosity became him being a frequent sight, with Cintra along for the ride after much persuasion and effort. Eventually he would pour the majority of his spare time and extra funds into actively recruiting for the Decepticons, convincing those who remained unconvinced at his work and in his tiny friend circle to join the Cause that he believed in wholeheartedly. Social tensions had begun to rise, and the movement gained traction along with the numbers of those who stood alongside Megatronus and his beliefs.
War was upon them, with Flux instantly siding with the Decepticons and Megatron.
Soon, the ores - and now, fallen Autobot Soldiers - that were being smelted were being redirected from infrastructure. Used to forge weapons and to build upgrades at a rapid pace to the point they couldn’t quite keep up and it didn’t take long for disaster to strike. Under pressure to always work faster, incompatible materials were mixed in the forge, and there was an explosion that Flux quite can’t remember the details of. His processor damaged along with parts of his armor, the only specifics of the event he can recall are the aftermath - waking up with a modified frame, and a new gun.
Triplechanger modifications were not unheard of, even with it being a newer experimental technology, but with each side wanting that extra ‘edge’ over the other, it was being utilized more often - and in this case, done without consent as a disposable learning tool should things go astray. With his mass and build, they wanted him mobile to offer suppressive fire support, while able to navigate through the air when needed.
This was the first - and only - time he found himself questioning his choice about joining the Decepticons. He did not ask for this frame modification which meant he was to be forced onto the frontlines to fight, rather than assisting from the familiar depths of the Forge.
These brief moments of doubt did not last as he realized that now he would be useful to the Cause he had fought so hard to help build up. He could actively take down the Autobots who threatened to send Cybertron backwards into the Caste system once more.
He was sent into one of the many warzones, utilizing his new frame to his advantage, and providing much-needed cover fire in the push against the Autobots, as long as someone was there to point where to go. Eventually - and thankfully - reuniting with Cintra along the way, vowing to protect her as best he could from that moment forward, even if at times his memory issues proved problematic.
The war surged planet-wide, and Cybertron quickly became uninhabitable. Evacuations were underway, with many ships leaving the planet to try and secure new territory for the Decepticons. It was one of these transports that Flux and Cintra sought passage on, traveling to a world away from their home.
Here they held their ground, and a small Decepticon outpost was established until word came from the Nemesis that the majority of their forces - including Megatron himself - were on a distant planet called Earth.
Wanting to finish what was started, Flux and Cintra agreed to make their way to Earth, with Cintra engraving the name and coordinates of the planet into his arm so he would not forget should they get separated along the way. Their plans were unfortunately almost shattered when an Autobot attack fractured the outpost and its occupants, causing them to scatter and flee before further contact could be made.
Eventually, Flux and the others regrouped - and gained the upper hand, long enough to make a desperate SOS call. Unsure if it even got through, they bided their time- with the Autobots picking them off one by one. Using his armored frame to shield and protect Cintra, they waited.
What felt like an eternity later, the boom of a space bridge roared to life - and the pair quickly made their way to Earth.
Personality:
The term 'Gentle Giant' is apt for Flux. He is calm and so very patient. Able to take most verbal jabs and let them roll off his back, not a lot seems to phase him. He enjoys good conversation, and even though he does not fully grasp nor understand it, he loves talking about science.
Fiercely loyal to the Decepticon Cause, he believes the Autobots intend to bring back the Caste system and any words that say otherwise are lies.
Spending almost his entire life in the forges has tempered him some, and he is a hard and loyal worker, so long as he is provided the time and focus to get things done. Interruptions shatter his workflow and mental state, as an injury to his processor has left him with memory issues.
The only time this calm persona shifts is in the midst of battle, especially if Cintra or anyone else he cares about is in grave danger. Forgoing his own personal safety, he becomes reckless and doesn’t think things through.
Likes: Discipline and Order, Staying Busy, Cintra ♥, Brawling, Cats, Podcasts - especially ones about crime, Post-it Notes, White Noise, Science, Driving on Country Roads (take me hoooome), Classic Rock Music, Fireworks (from a distance).
Dislikes: Loud people & Noise in General, Autobots, His Memory Issues, Surgery, Earth, Datapads, Being Bothered While Working, Losing His Train of Thought, People Standing Behind Him, Trafficjams, Flying Over Open Water, Incessant Talkers (who aren’t Cintra), Small Spaces, Dropped Objects and Clutter.
Strengths/Weapons:
Business in the Front: Flux is heavily armored, able to shrug off most energy-based weapons from standard blasters. Melee weapons like standard swords and other knives are borderline useless, and most arrows (unless augmented with explosives etc) will not penetrate. This armor carries over to his altmodes, and while he cannot return any sort of fire, he can take the brunt of some attacks.
Heat Resist: Due to his prior occupation in a forge and the fact he was surrounded by blistering heat, Flux is able to withstand high temperatures from direct heat without them bothering him. His armor is tempered, making any unintentional splatter from the smelter a mere annoyance rather than causing any actual pain. On the opposite side of this spectrum though, cold environments are especially bad.
While resistant to high temperatures, chemical based caustic attacks such as acids will erode through his armor. Given his armor thickness compared to average individuals, it takes more to fully penetrate, at the cost of prolonged pain.
Adaptable: Being a Triplechanger has the advantage of him being able to take to the ground or the air, depending on the situation. His ground altmode can cross most terrain without issue.
That’s a Big Gun!: Flux's right forearm can transform into a rather respectable four barreled rotary cannon that rips through most medium armor, and damaging heavy. It feeds off his own Energon, and can fire an average of 250 energy bullets per minute before he needs to stop and recharge the cartridge. This process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes, depending on how many rounds he's fired. After five or so sequences it starts to take a heavy strain on his system. This weapon is used mainly for suppressive fire in a supporting role should it ever need to be used.
Workhorse: Once Flux has a goal, he will stop at nearly nothing to get it done. Brutally long hours in the forge has him honed to even the worst of jobs and nothing is beneath him, with the determination to see things through.
Battlemask: For an added layer of defense, Flux has a welders mask that can snap into place. While this adds protection, it also has an advantage in that flash grenades and other bright lights are completely ineffective on him.
Irresistible Force Paradox: Flux is heavy and has a lower center of gravity than most. It takes much to move him should he decide to stop somewhere. A basic shove, or even a running crash tackle attempt from a smaller Cybertronian would do little to budge him.
Fists of, uh, Fury!: Lacking any real weapons aside from his rotary cannon, Flux is not scared of throwing down when need be. Not trained in any specific way of fighting or martial art, he is more prone to lashing out with a punch and hoping he hits his mark. Absolutely not above playing dirty and using his size to his advantage. Should a punch hit, it would almost obliterate light armor, crush a fist-sized imprint into medium, while denting heavy.
Strong like Ox: With mass, comes power. While he does not possess any kind of super strength, he is stronger than most to be proportional with his mass- able to lift things without much strain. Need that heavy bench moved across the room? Flux is your guy.
Weaknesses:
Party in the Back: While from the front, Flux can withstand many heavy attacks and blows to his frame, his rear side is another story. Lacking the same standard of armor, it has several large vents to cool his systems from his previous occupation. They are exposed, and dotted on the other side of his arms, legs and back, meaning a direct hit to any of these would throw him off his game and cause some serious damage.
Wait Up a Sec: With mass, comes power - but at a direct hit to speed and dexterity. Flux is not fast in any sense of the word in any of his forms, to the point he can only manage a light jog with an inability to truly run. He also won’t be seen at any yoga classes, as he is not flexible at all. Clunky fingers mean that things like datapads are frustrating for him to use, and should something small be dropped on the floor? He ain't picking it up - simply because he can't without some awkward maneuvering.
Flank Attack: Given how slow he is at moving, and the fact his shoulders are rather clunky in terms of armor? It’s easy for others to get the jump on him. His sides are fairly armored, but can be taken advantage of as they are in his blindspots, especially so if he’s wearing his battle mask. By the time he turns to swing, someone more agile could’ve gotten a hit or two in.
Can’t See Shit, Sorry: The battle mask covers the majority of his faceplate, severely reducing his vision when it is down and in use. While he is not truly blind with it on, he cannot see well at all. It is used as a last resort when the risk of taking heavy fire is there, or when working with brighter than usual lights - like those in a forge.
Wait, What?: Due to an injury to his processor, Flux has issues with his memory - particularly storing and recalling things. Did Megatron ask to meet him at 3pm, or was it 4? Where the hell is x y z? This issue can be countered by his partner Cintra scrawling notes on him, but if she isn’t around and someone tells him something important? Chances are he won’t remember it, or will get details confused. This can, and unfortunately has, affected combat scenarios. With multiple targets and lots of movement, he's easy to distract and could lose track and be caught unaware by an enemy he forgot was even there.
How Big is Too Big?: Such an immense weapon is a target all in itself, and with orange biolights to match his frame? It stands out. It takes three seconds before it can roar up to speed before it can fire a single bullet, and the rev itself is loud- growing in volume to a high pitched scream as it fires that can be heard over most other gunfire, giving others time to try and evacuate or seek cover. Should he need to pause in firing, it takes just as long to ease down to a full stop - which is needed before it can become active again, or else he risks jamming the mechanisms entirely. This means that should he pause in an onslaught, he will need to wait six seconds no matter the occasion to resume cover fire.
While firing, he is unable to move beyond a few staggered and slow steps at a time, as he is more focused on trying to keep the thing steady, given its erratic nature.
Should the barrels of the rotary cannon be struck hard while the weapon is firing, the mechanisms will jam. If the cell pack on the side takes a direct hit, the entire system will fry out and expel any stored energy with a combustive boom that can damage those in the immediate area, including Flux himself.
Spray and Pray: With no way to really stabilize the gun once it's being fired aside from bracing himself and holding onto the handle, the gun is a little hit and miss. It's hard to control when it's going full tilt, and even harder to keep still as it wants nothing more than to kick up and swing towards the sky.
Roll Out! ...In a Minute: Given Flux has two altmodes, and the triplechanger modifications were a newer technology at the time, he can't transform to them as quickly as what would be considered normal. Whereas others take mere seconds to switch from altmode to back, Flux can take in excess of ten seconds, with an average of five to switch into either form. No running starts for this guy.
I'm fine, really: Not only does Flux have the disadvantage of taking a few seconds to switch between his forms, it physically hurts him to do so. The mass of parts, the speed at which he moves, all paired with the fact that triplechanger modifications were new when he went through the procedure? Means that he isn't exactly well optimized. While the pain isn't crippling, and more akin to a badly pulled muscle, it makes him think twice about transforming unnecessarily.
Surgery? No Thanks: Waking up with a modified frame is enough to put anyone off doctors, and Flux's fear goes a little further than simple Medical Bays. Any kind of surgery where he is to be put into a stasis? He won't do it. Or, he will - but he'll demand to remain awake. It's a trust thing, one that he can't shake.
Uhh… I'm Stuck: Even though he's had a long time to get used to being a triplechanger, it was not his natural form and sometimes things get a bit confused along the way. While it is very rare, he can get stuck between forms due to the amount of kibble and shifting parts. Should this happen, it takes a few minutes to sort himself out without any sort of aid. Naturally, should he be struck mid-transformation by a weapon, this also can mess things up.
Lack of Weapons: Both Flux's altmode forms are without any sort of weapon, not even the most standard of blasters. Should he find himself in a situation where he is under fire, he is effectively useless.
Temper Temper: While for the most part he is calm and rather collected, should Cintra - or anyone else he likes - be injured, he is quick to snap and jump to their defense. While raging he doesn't think, rushing (as best he can) in and making himself an easy target.
Not a Racer: While his helicopter altmode is capable of flying at over 200mph, his ground mode is considerably slower. With a top speed of around 60mph, he won’t be doing laps around anyone. Or at least, not very fast.
Did I mention I’m Slow?: While a punch from Flux would be almost devastating, actually getting that punch to hit against a smaller individual would be nothing more than luck or amazing timing. With slow, heavy movements, any attacks can be easily read by those with any sort of fighting skill, and therefore easily dodged.
Special Skills:
Lobbing: Using his size and mass to his advantage, Flux took up the sport of Lobbing. While he never entered any professional teams given he cannot run and truly participate, he did play it fairly often with others in the labor class. Because of this, he is able to throw most things - even things like cars, or other small-to-medium Cybertronian - with fairly decent accuracy.
Extra Info:
Physics: While he would never make it into this field due to the caste system and the later injury to his processor, Flux has a fascination with all things science, especially Thermodynamics and Energy Systems, even if he does not grasp it fully at all. He respects those in the Medical and Scientific fields, and since arriving on Earth has found himself trying to learn more, even if it'll go nowhere- watching Bill Nye and other human TV shows about Science. He is apt to watch the same episodes multiple times however, forgetting he ever saw them in the first place.
I Said What?: Another strange side effect of his processor injury is that he sleeptalks. This is only an issue for his roommates, and he is blissfully unaware until the next day when told of all the ridiculous things he said.
Scrawled Notes: Cintra helps as best she can with Flux's memory issue, and he'll often be found with various messages scribbled on his frame in white chalk-paint, or even scraps of paper and tape. These vary from important details like times and dates, to nonsensical things like how he's her Fluxywuxy. Gag. Should he fall into a body of water or it rains particularly hard, these notes can get smudged or washed away, providing issues should it have been something rather notable.
Repetition: While he has the occasional memory issue, should something be deemed important enough for him to remember, excessive repetition over the course of a few weeks seems to work. From things like other people's designations (but not Vehicons, they’re shit out of luck), to the layouts of anywhere he is stationed for long periods, he can and will remember things if given enough time. He isn't completely dependent on others, and knows the notes scrawled on his frame can only go so far in helping. He makes do with what he has, and tries his best to remember crucial details.
Name/Alias: Ren
CHARACTER INFO
Name: Flux
Age: Mid Thirties
Gender: Mech
Species: Cybertronian Triplechanger
Faction: Decepticon
Original Occupation: Smelter / Metalsmith
Occupation/Specialization: Decepticon Soldier / Suppressive Fire Support
Appearance:
Coming up to around Shockwave’s shoulder, with a squared and stocky frame, Flux has the appearance of a weightlifter with a solid build. This is the only thing spectacular about him, as otherwise he is rather average in appearance, and boring in color - of which he is mostly a dull matte black. When under UV light, orange patterns appear - these look to have been painted on, and cannot be removed easily.
Breaking up some of the mundane black are orange optics and biolights around his hips, right arm, ankles, and neck, as well as some lighter gray coloring on his throat, wrists, and knees. Splatter-like scars litter the front of his frame, these areas are raised slightly, almost like a bad welding job - but have been painted over to match the rest of his dull color scheme.
The word ‘Earth’ along with some rough coordinates are engraved into the inside of his forearm, in hastily written scratches.
The fact he is a triplechanger is fairly obvious, even at a glance- with the rotor blades from his flying altmode hanging down the middle of his back starting from the top of his spinal-strut, with two doors from his ground-mode on either side, jutting out from his shoulder blades - these are only visible from the back, as he keeps them folded down and out the way.
The wheels from his altmode are nestled into the back of his shins and make up part of his shoulder armor from the other side.
Though he does not use it unless he is in battle, he is equipped with a heavy visor that is similar in style to a welder's mask from his days of working in a forge. His visibility is severely limited when it is down and over his faceplate, and so this is used as a last resort or when under heavy fire.
Altmode: Inkas Sentry Civilian & Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk - both in matte black, and neither form is armed in any way, yet are decently armored to help counter this drawback.
Pertinent History:
Sparked during the Golden Age of Cybertron, Flux - like so many of his kind - was swiftly put into work via the caste system. His build and mass made him perfectly suited to the thankless and exhausting task of working in the forges deep underground the city of Kaon.
The work was mundane, but routine. Originally tasked with working a smelter, Flux would deal with melting down metals and ores for industrial building materials to help build the ever-growing cities above, to the grim task of smelting down members of the lower caste who could not afford proper burial or disposal, effectively recycling them.
Somewhere along the way, he met a femme called Cintra who began showing him that there was more to life on Cybertron than working in a forge within the depths of the planet. She brought a newfound excitement about things, and he began to look at the broader picture.
While he never outwardly complained about his job, he found himself longing for something more fulfilling. The metals he smelted helped contribute toward the growth of Cybertron, but it wasn’t like he could leave a ‘mark’ or take any of the credit, as he was among many doing the same task.
With technology evolving at a rapid pace, Flux found himself drawn to the science behind how things worked. He was no intellectual by any stretch, but began in his rare moments of downtime to look at ways to make the forges more effective. That alone would be something that could contribute to the progression of Cybertron, something he could put his name to - and something he could be proud of. He found himself confiding in Cintra, who he had grown close to - and she supported him, urging him to move forward with his study.
He did not get far in his meager research before things began to shift.
There had been talk of an uprising among some of the lower working caste, something Flux had for the most part been trying to ignore. When the miners brought new batches of ore to be smelted, they brought with them word of a movement, started by one named Megatronus.
Eventually, though, he listened- and found himself agreeing with many of the things that were being said. What started as him going to one rally out of mere curiosity became him being a frequent sight, with Cintra along for the ride after much persuasion and effort. Eventually he would pour the majority of his spare time and extra funds into actively recruiting for the Decepticons, convincing those who remained unconvinced at his work and in his tiny friend circle to join the Cause that he believed in wholeheartedly. Social tensions had begun to rise, and the movement gained traction along with the numbers of those who stood alongside Megatronus and his beliefs.
War was upon them, with Flux instantly siding with the Decepticons and Megatron.
Soon, the ores - and now, fallen Autobot Soldiers - that were being smelted were being redirected from infrastructure. Used to forge weapons and to build upgrades at a rapid pace to the point they couldn’t quite keep up and it didn’t take long for disaster to strike. Under pressure to always work faster, incompatible materials were mixed in the forge, and there was an explosion that Flux quite can’t remember the details of. His processor damaged along with parts of his armor, the only specifics of the event he can recall are the aftermath - waking up with a modified frame, and a new gun.
Triplechanger modifications were not unheard of, even with it being a newer experimental technology, but with each side wanting that extra ‘edge’ over the other, it was being utilized more often - and in this case, done without consent as a disposable learning tool should things go astray. With his mass and build, they wanted him mobile to offer suppressive fire support, while able to navigate through the air when needed.
This was the first - and only - time he found himself questioning his choice about joining the Decepticons. He did not ask for this frame modification which meant he was to be forced onto the frontlines to fight, rather than assisting from the familiar depths of the Forge.
These brief moments of doubt did not last as he realized that now he would be useful to the Cause he had fought so hard to help build up. He could actively take down the Autobots who threatened to send Cybertron backwards into the Caste system once more.
He was sent into one of the many warzones, utilizing his new frame to his advantage, and providing much-needed cover fire in the push against the Autobots, as long as someone was there to point where to go. Eventually - and thankfully - reuniting with Cintra along the way, vowing to protect her as best he could from that moment forward, even if at times his memory issues proved problematic.
The war surged planet-wide, and Cybertron quickly became uninhabitable. Evacuations were underway, with many ships leaving the planet to try and secure new territory for the Decepticons. It was one of these transports that Flux and Cintra sought passage on, traveling to a world away from their home.
Here they held their ground, and a small Decepticon outpost was established until word came from the Nemesis that the majority of their forces - including Megatron himself - were on a distant planet called Earth.
Wanting to finish what was started, Flux and Cintra agreed to make their way to Earth, with Cintra engraving the name and coordinates of the planet into his arm so he would not forget should they get separated along the way. Their plans were unfortunately almost shattered when an Autobot attack fractured the outpost and its occupants, causing them to scatter and flee before further contact could be made.
Eventually, Flux and the others regrouped - and gained the upper hand, long enough to make a desperate SOS call. Unsure if it even got through, they bided their time- with the Autobots picking them off one by one. Using his armored frame to shield and protect Cintra, they waited.
What felt like an eternity later, the boom of a space bridge roared to life - and the pair quickly made their way to Earth.
Personality:
The term 'Gentle Giant' is apt for Flux. He is calm and so very patient. Able to take most verbal jabs and let them roll off his back, not a lot seems to phase him. He enjoys good conversation, and even though he does not fully grasp nor understand it, he loves talking about science.
Fiercely loyal to the Decepticon Cause, he believes the Autobots intend to bring back the Caste system and any words that say otherwise are lies.
Spending almost his entire life in the forges has tempered him some, and he is a hard and loyal worker, so long as he is provided the time and focus to get things done. Interruptions shatter his workflow and mental state, as an injury to his processor has left him with memory issues.
The only time this calm persona shifts is in the midst of battle, especially if Cintra or anyone else he cares about is in grave danger. Forgoing his own personal safety, he becomes reckless and doesn’t think things through.
Likes: Discipline and Order, Staying Busy, Cintra ♥, Brawling, Cats, Podcasts - especially ones about crime, Post-it Notes, White Noise, Science, Driving on Country Roads (take me hoooome), Classic Rock Music, Fireworks (from a distance).
Dislikes: Loud people & Noise in General, Autobots, His Memory Issues, Surgery, Earth, Datapads, Being Bothered While Working, Losing His Train of Thought, People Standing Behind Him, Trafficjams, Flying Over Open Water, Incessant Talkers (who aren’t Cintra), Small Spaces, Dropped Objects and Clutter.
Strengths/Weapons:
Business in the Front: Flux is heavily armored, able to shrug off most energy-based weapons from standard blasters. Melee weapons like standard swords and other knives are borderline useless, and most arrows (unless augmented with explosives etc) will not penetrate. This armor carries over to his altmodes, and while he cannot return any sort of fire, he can take the brunt of some attacks.
Heat Resist: Due to his prior occupation in a forge and the fact he was surrounded by blistering heat, Flux is able to withstand high temperatures from direct heat without them bothering him. His armor is tempered, making any unintentional splatter from the smelter a mere annoyance rather than causing any actual pain. On the opposite side of this spectrum though, cold environments are especially bad.
While resistant to high temperatures, chemical based caustic attacks such as acids will erode through his armor. Given his armor thickness compared to average individuals, it takes more to fully penetrate, at the cost of prolonged pain.
Adaptable: Being a Triplechanger has the advantage of him being able to take to the ground or the air, depending on the situation. His ground altmode can cross most terrain without issue.
That’s a Big Gun!: Flux's right forearm can transform into a rather respectable four barreled rotary cannon that rips through most medium armor, and damaging heavy. It feeds off his own Energon, and can fire an average of 250 energy bullets per minute before he needs to stop and recharge the cartridge. This process can take anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes, depending on how many rounds he's fired. After five or so sequences it starts to take a heavy strain on his system. This weapon is used mainly for suppressive fire in a supporting role should it ever need to be used.
Workhorse: Once Flux has a goal, he will stop at nearly nothing to get it done. Brutally long hours in the forge has him honed to even the worst of jobs and nothing is beneath him, with the determination to see things through.
Battlemask: For an added layer of defense, Flux has a welders mask that can snap into place. While this adds protection, it also has an advantage in that flash grenades and other bright lights are completely ineffective on him.
Irresistible Force Paradox: Flux is heavy and has a lower center of gravity than most. It takes much to move him should he decide to stop somewhere. A basic shove, or even a running crash tackle attempt from a smaller Cybertronian would do little to budge him.
Fists of, uh, Fury!: Lacking any real weapons aside from his rotary cannon, Flux is not scared of throwing down when need be. Not trained in any specific way of fighting or martial art, he is more prone to lashing out with a punch and hoping he hits his mark. Absolutely not above playing dirty and using his size to his advantage. Should a punch hit, it would almost obliterate light armor, crush a fist-sized imprint into medium, while denting heavy.
Strong like Ox: With mass, comes power. While he does not possess any kind of super strength, he is stronger than most to be proportional with his mass- able to lift things without much strain. Need that heavy bench moved across the room? Flux is your guy.
Weaknesses:
Party in the Back: While from the front, Flux can withstand many heavy attacks and blows to his frame, his rear side is another story. Lacking the same standard of armor, it has several large vents to cool his systems from his previous occupation. They are exposed, and dotted on the other side of his arms, legs and back, meaning a direct hit to any of these would throw him off his game and cause some serious damage.
Wait Up a Sec: With mass, comes power - but at a direct hit to speed and dexterity. Flux is not fast in any sense of the word in any of his forms, to the point he can only manage a light jog with an inability to truly run. He also won’t be seen at any yoga classes, as he is not flexible at all. Clunky fingers mean that things like datapads are frustrating for him to use, and should something small be dropped on the floor? He ain't picking it up - simply because he can't without some awkward maneuvering.
Flank Attack: Given how slow he is at moving, and the fact his shoulders are rather clunky in terms of armor? It’s easy for others to get the jump on him. His sides are fairly armored, but can be taken advantage of as they are in his blindspots, especially so if he’s wearing his battle mask. By the time he turns to swing, someone more agile could’ve gotten a hit or two in.
Can’t See Shit, Sorry: The battle mask covers the majority of his faceplate, severely reducing his vision when it is down and in use. While he is not truly blind with it on, he cannot see well at all. It is used as a last resort when the risk of taking heavy fire is there, or when working with brighter than usual lights - like those in a forge.
Wait, What?: Due to an injury to his processor, Flux has issues with his memory - particularly storing and recalling things. Did Megatron ask to meet him at 3pm, or was it 4? Where the hell is x y z? This issue can be countered by his partner Cintra scrawling notes on him, but if she isn’t around and someone tells him something important? Chances are he won’t remember it, or will get details confused. This can, and unfortunately has, affected combat scenarios. With multiple targets and lots of movement, he's easy to distract and could lose track and be caught unaware by an enemy he forgot was even there.
How Big is Too Big?: Such an immense weapon is a target all in itself, and with orange biolights to match his frame? It stands out. It takes three seconds before it can roar up to speed before it can fire a single bullet, and the rev itself is loud- growing in volume to a high pitched scream as it fires that can be heard over most other gunfire, giving others time to try and evacuate or seek cover. Should he need to pause in firing, it takes just as long to ease down to a full stop - which is needed before it can become active again, or else he risks jamming the mechanisms entirely. This means that should he pause in an onslaught, he will need to wait six seconds no matter the occasion to resume cover fire.
While firing, he is unable to move beyond a few staggered and slow steps at a time, as he is more focused on trying to keep the thing steady, given its erratic nature.
Should the barrels of the rotary cannon be struck hard while the weapon is firing, the mechanisms will jam. If the cell pack on the side takes a direct hit, the entire system will fry out and expel any stored energy with a combustive boom that can damage those in the immediate area, including Flux himself.
Spray and Pray: With no way to really stabilize the gun once it's being fired aside from bracing himself and holding onto the handle, the gun is a little hit and miss. It's hard to control when it's going full tilt, and even harder to keep still as it wants nothing more than to kick up and swing towards the sky.
Roll Out! ...In a Minute: Given Flux has two altmodes, and the triplechanger modifications were a newer technology at the time, he can't transform to them as quickly as what would be considered normal. Whereas others take mere seconds to switch from altmode to back, Flux can take in excess of ten seconds, with an average of five to switch into either form. No running starts for this guy.
I'm fine, really: Not only does Flux have the disadvantage of taking a few seconds to switch between his forms, it physically hurts him to do so. The mass of parts, the speed at which he moves, all paired with the fact that triplechanger modifications were new when he went through the procedure? Means that he isn't exactly well optimized. While the pain isn't crippling, and more akin to a badly pulled muscle, it makes him think twice about transforming unnecessarily.
Surgery? No Thanks: Waking up with a modified frame is enough to put anyone off doctors, and Flux's fear goes a little further than simple Medical Bays. Any kind of surgery where he is to be put into a stasis? He won't do it. Or, he will - but he'll demand to remain awake. It's a trust thing, one that he can't shake.
Uhh… I'm Stuck: Even though he's had a long time to get used to being a triplechanger, it was not his natural form and sometimes things get a bit confused along the way. While it is very rare, he can get stuck between forms due to the amount of kibble and shifting parts. Should this happen, it takes a few minutes to sort himself out without any sort of aid. Naturally, should he be struck mid-transformation by a weapon, this also can mess things up.
Lack of Weapons: Both Flux's altmode forms are without any sort of weapon, not even the most standard of blasters. Should he find himself in a situation where he is under fire, he is effectively useless.
Temper Temper: While for the most part he is calm and rather collected, should Cintra - or anyone else he likes - be injured, he is quick to snap and jump to their defense. While raging he doesn't think, rushing (as best he can) in and making himself an easy target.
Not a Racer: While his helicopter altmode is capable of flying at over 200mph, his ground mode is considerably slower. With a top speed of around 60mph, he won’t be doing laps around anyone. Or at least, not very fast.
Did I mention I’m Slow?: While a punch from Flux would be almost devastating, actually getting that punch to hit against a smaller individual would be nothing more than luck or amazing timing. With slow, heavy movements, any attacks can be easily read by those with any sort of fighting skill, and therefore easily dodged.
Special Skills:
Lobbing: Using his size and mass to his advantage, Flux took up the sport of Lobbing. While he never entered any professional teams given he cannot run and truly participate, he did play it fairly often with others in the labor class. Because of this, he is able to throw most things - even things like cars, or other small-to-medium Cybertronian - with fairly decent accuracy.
Extra Info:
Physics: While he would never make it into this field due to the caste system and the later injury to his processor, Flux has a fascination with all things science, especially Thermodynamics and Energy Systems, even if he does not grasp it fully at all. He respects those in the Medical and Scientific fields, and since arriving on Earth has found himself trying to learn more, even if it'll go nowhere- watching Bill Nye and other human TV shows about Science. He is apt to watch the same episodes multiple times however, forgetting he ever saw them in the first place.
I Said What?: Another strange side effect of his processor injury is that he sleeptalks. This is only an issue for his roommates, and he is blissfully unaware until the next day when told of all the ridiculous things he said.
Scrawled Notes: Cintra helps as best she can with Flux's memory issue, and he'll often be found with various messages scribbled on his frame in white chalk-paint, or even scraps of paper and tape. These vary from important details like times and dates, to nonsensical things like how he's her Fluxywuxy. Gag. Should he fall into a body of water or it rains particularly hard, these notes can get smudged or washed away, providing issues should it have been something rather notable.
Repetition: While he has the occasional memory issue, should something be deemed important enough for him to remember, excessive repetition over the course of a few weeks seems to work. From things like other people's designations (but not Vehicons, they’re shit out of luck), to the layouts of anywhere he is stationed for long periods, he can and will remember things if given enough time. He isn't completely dependent on others, and knows the notes scrawled on his frame can only go so far in helping. He makes do with what he has, and tries his best to remember crucial details.
Sample RP: Rotary Cannon go brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
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Avatar credit: Zercon. Thank you. <3