Editing User:Hordes/Mechanitor

{{Biotech}}
'''Mechanitors''' are used to control [[mechanoid]]s in the [[Biotech (DLC)| Biotech DLC]].

==Mechlink==
Colonists can become mechanitors through a [[mechlink]], which can be obtained in the following ways:
*[[Scenario system|Starting out]] with one
*Destroying an Ancient Exostrider. This allows you to call in a mechanoid ship, with an extractable mechlink and some hostile mechanoids.
*The "discovered mechinator complex" quest.

Outside of starting with it, obtaining the mechlink will have you extracting the mechlink from the long-dead [[corpse]] of an ancient mechanitor.

Mechlinks are self-installed implants, meaning a solo colonist can become a mechanitor. Multiple mechanitors may exist at once, and function normally. Mechanoids may be transfered to different mechanitors.

==Summary==
Mechanitors are required to control and build [[mechanoid]]s. They are required to initiate the mech gestation processes, and at least one mechanitor must be present in order to work on mech-related [[research]]. Mechanitors are limited to controlling mechs they have enough bandwidth for (See [[#Bandwidth]] for detail).

They can't tame mechanoids that are already hostile.

===Mechanoid Control===
Mechanoids may be drafted like a colonist. However, they may only be controlled if their destination is within a 25-tile radius from their mechanitor, and the mechanitor must be controllable by the player. They may defend themselves and carry out orders outside of this range, however.

Outside of combat, mechanoids can be put into '''control groups'''. These groups can then be assigned to one of four orders:
*'''Work''': Do available work tasks. Start charging after reaching a configurable % of power left.
*'''Escort''': Follow the mechanitor around and fight enemies. Start charging after reaching a configurable % of power left.
*'''Recharge''': Look for available recharging stations and use them.
*'''Dormant self-charging''': Turns off the mechs. While dormant, mechs recharge a very small amount of power (+1% power / day) without any pollution.

If the mechanitor and their mechs aren't in the same map, mechs will continue to do their tasks, but control groups and their orders can not be changed.

By default, each mechanitor has 2 groups available. Control groups can be increased by wearing a [[control pack]] or installing a [[control sublink]]. Both [[control sublink (standard)]] and [[control sublink (high)]] may be installed multiple times; 3 for standard, and a further 3 for high.

==Bandwidth==
'''Bandwidth''' controls how many mechs a single mechanitor can control at any one time. The mechlink itself gives +6 Bandwidth. To increase it, you must build or craft items.

Mechanoids cannot be gestated without enough bandwidth. If a mechanitor's bandwidth decreases below their bandwidth cost, then the mechanoids will become uncontrolled. Uncontrolled mechanoids may leave or become hostile.

===Bandwidth Cost===
The heavier the mechanoid is, the more Bandwidth it takes up:
*1: [[Lifter]], [[Militor]], [[Cleansweeper]], [[Paramedic]], [[Fabricor]]
*2: [[Scyther]], [[Pikeman]], [[Scorcher]], [[Lancer]], [[Legionary]]
*3: [[Tunneler]], [[Tesseron]]
*4: [[Centipede]] (all)
*5: [[Centurion]], [[Diabolus]], [[Warqueen]]

===Increasing Bandwidth===
Apparel items must be worn, and band nodes must be [[power]]ed, for bandwidth to actually increase.

*[[Mechlink]]: +6
*[[Band Node]]: +1
*[[Airwire Headset]]: +3
*[[Array Headset]]: +6
*[[Bandwidth pack]]: +6
*[[Mechcommander helmet]]: +6
*[[Integrator headset]]: +9
*[[Mechlord helmet]]: +12
*[[Mechlord suit]]: +12

==Mech Signaling==
Mechanoid bosses may be called in by a mechanitor via the Summon Mech Threat gizmo. 

*[[Diabolus]] - Powered [[Comms Console]]
*[[War queen]] - [[Mechband antenna]]
*[[Apocriton]] - [[Mechband dish]]

Except for the comms console, the building used to call in the mech will be destroyed. After a delay, the respective boss will drop in from the outskirts of the map. There is a cooldown before spawning in another boss.