Se7en Sagas

In the world of Ars Mechanica, where towering war machines clash on the battlefields of the Thirty Years’ War, the role of the Machina pilot is both coveted and feared. Pilots are seen as the driving force behind their faction’s most formidable weapons, responsible for controlling massive, steam-powered machines that can alter the course of history with every battle. But what does it truly mean to be a Machina pilot? This post dives deep into the daily life, training, and challenges faced by these elite warriors. We’ll also explore the psychological toll of piloting these mechanical behemoths and the vital relationship between pilots and engineers.

The Path to Becoming a Machina Pilot

Machina pilots are not simply born—they are forged through years of intense training, dedication, and sacrifice. Both the Protestant Union and the Catholic League have developed rigorous training programs designed to create the best pilots capable of mastering these powerful machines. Each faction has its own methods, but all share the same goal: producing pilots who can handle the immense physical and mental demands of Machina warfare.

Training Programs: A Test of Endurance and Skill

Training to become a Machina pilot is as grueling as it is competitive. Not everyone can handle the stress of piloting machines that tower over battlefields, nor the responsibility of leading armies into the fray.

• Physical Training: The sheer force required to control the complex systems of a Machina puts enormous strain on the body. Pilots must develop tremendous physical strength and stamina to endure the rigors of battle, especially when operating in heavy armor and thick steam. Extensive training ensures they are conditioned to handle the heat, vibrations, and exhaustion that come with every battle.
• Technical Mastery: Pilots must also become experts in the mechanics of their machines. Understanding how the steam engines, clockwork mechanisms, and hydraulics function is crucial. During training, pilots spend months learning to diagnose and fix common issues, ensuring they can manage repairs in the heat of battle if engineers are unavailable.
• Tactical Education: Machina pilots are not just warriors—they are tacticians. Understanding battlefield strategy, maneuvering through difficult terrain, and knowing when to advance or retreat are vital skills. Pilots undergo extensive training in the art of war, with seasoned commanders guiding them through simulations that mirror the chaos of real combat.

The Selection Process: Not Everyone Makes It

Becoming a pilot is not guaranteed. The selection process is ruthless, and many aspiring pilots fail to meet the high standards. Whether due to physical weakness, poor tactical decision-making, or an inability to bond with their machine, many are cut from the program before ever seeing a real battle.

Those who make it through are celebrated, joining the ranks of the most respected warriors in their faction. Protestant pilots are known for their adaptability and precision, while Catholic pilots are revered for their steadfastness and resilience. However, for every successful pilot, countless others are left behind, either to serve as engineers, foot soldiers, or in lesser roles.

The Relationship Between Pilot and Machina

Piloting a Machina is more than a job—it’s a deeply personal experience. Each machine is unique, and over time, pilots develop a bond with their Machina, treating them almost like living beings. These machines become extensions of the pilot’s will, and the relationship between pilot and Machina is a key factor in battlefield success.

A Personal Bond: Machines as Companions

Despite being machines of iron and steel, many pilots speak of their Machina as though they were living creatures. The more time they spend inside the cockpit, the more attuned they become to their machine’s movements, quirks, and needs. A veteran pilot can tell when something feels wrong with their Machina long before it malfunctions, just as a rider might sense discomfort in a trusted horse.

Some pilots even go as far as to name their Machina, viewing them as loyal companions who protect them in battle. The sense of mutual reliance deepens over time, as pilots come to trust their machines to endure the horrors of war, just as the Machina depends on the pilot’s skill to avoid breakdowns or catastrophic failure.

The Pilot-Engineer Relationship

No pilot can function without a skilled team of engineers backing them up. Engineers are the unsung heroes of Machina warfare, responsible for keeping these massive machines operational. Pilots and engineers form close bonds, working together to ensure that the Machina is in peak condition before every battle.

• Pre-Battle Checks: Before every engagement, engineers go through a rigorous checklist, inspecting every part of the machine to ensure it is ready for combat. Pilots are involved in this process, sharing insights about how their Machina performed in previous battles and any potential weaknesses they’ve noticed.
• In-Battle Repairs: On the battlefield, engineers become even more crucial. If a Machina is damaged during combat, engineers work rapidly to repair the machine under enemy fire, knowing that the survival of the pilot—and the battle itself—may depend on their speed and skill.
• Post-Battle Maintenance: After a battle, engineers often work long into the night, repairing damage and making adjustments based on the pilot’s feedback. This constant cycle of maintenance ensures that the machines remain operational, and the bond between pilot and engineer grows stronger with each battle.

The Psychological Toll of Machina Warfare

While the physical challenges of piloting a Machina are immense, the mental strain is equally taxing. Being at the heart of a massive war machine capable of immense destruction is a heavy burden, and many pilots struggle with the psychological toll of constant battle.

The Isolation of the Cockpit

Pilots often speak of the isolation they feel inside the cockpit. While surrounded by engineers and comrades outside of battle, the moment they step inside the Machina, they are alone. The roar of the steam engine, the rattling of clockwork mechanisms, and the clanking of iron joints become their only companions. In the heat of battle, pilots are entirely dependent on their own skill and judgment, knowing that a single mistake could cost them their lives.

The Burden of Destruction

Machina pilots wield immense power. With a single shot from a cannon or a devastating blow from a massive pike, they can level buildings, destroy enemy forces, and alter the course of entire battles. While some pilots thrive on this power, others find it overwhelming. The knowledge that they hold the lives of hundreds—perhaps thousands—of people in their hands weighs heavily on them. Many struggle with guilt, especially when innocent civilians are caught in the crossfire.

Battlefield Trauma

Like all soldiers, Machina pilots are not immune to the horrors of war. The sights and sounds of battle—the screams, the explosions, the sight of comrades falling—can leave lasting psychological scars. Pilots often feel the pressure of being placed in positions of extreme responsibility, and the stakes of each battle only exacerbate this strain. Veterans frequently experience battlefield trauma, which manifests in nightmares, anxiety, and a reluctance to engage in future battles.

The Role of Religion and Morality

For pilots in the Catholic League, religious faith often provides solace. They see their role as part of a holy war, with each victory serving a divine purpose. Protestant pilots, meanwhile, often find strength in their sense of duty and personal conviction. However, the weight of their actions remains a constant struggle for many, leading some to question the morality of their role in the war, particularly as the line between soldier and executioner begins to blur.

The Unspoken Costs of Being a Pilot

Despite their status as elite warriors, many Machina pilots pay a heavy price for their service. Few pilots make it through their careers without sustaining significant injuries, both physical and emotional. The constant strain on their bodies often leads to long-term health problems, and many pilots retire early due to the toll of repeated battles.

Veteran pilots may carry a certain degree of prestige, but they are often haunted by the memories of war. The bond they form with their Machina and the camaraderie with their engineers are among the few constants in their lives, but even those can fade as machines break down and new pilots replace them.

Conclusion: A Life Defined by Steel

The life of a Machina pilot is one of constant struggle, not just against the enemy, but against the machine itself, the isolation of battle, and the weight of responsibility. While many pilots are celebrated as heroes, their lives are marked by physical and psychological challenges few outsiders can fully understand. Their bond with their machines, their engineers, and their comrades is the only thing that keeps them going in a war that seems without end.

This next weekend I’m going to be demoing Durandal again, this time at the monthly meeting of the Grupo de Roleplayers de Lisboa, at the Versus Gamecenter in Parque das Nações, Lisbon. Durandal is my new game, using a slightly modified version of the system I used in Dawnfall, in a mythic chivalry setting inspired by The Song of Roland and The Matter of France; it will be on Gamefound early next year – be sure to check it out, spread the word!

Cheers!