CopTech

CopTechs (short for Copy Technology), informally known as Mimics, are large pilotable mechanical units originally developed by The General but now primarily used by The Rebellion. They were first introduced in Hellgate 2 Part III.

Function
Unlike The General's equivalent, the X-1 units, CopTechs are not operated via a standard control console; instead the Mimic acts as a sort of extension of the pilot's body, submerged in a vat of liquid inside the torso. The pilot's movements inside the solution are translated to the robot. Uniquely, Mimics are also polymorphous and assume the approximate shape of their pilot's body.

Mimics are equipped with both an energy sword for melee combat and a blaster for ranged fighting, with power adjustments for each depending on the pilot's preference. This is in opposition to the more specialized X-1 units which typically come equipped with either melee or ranged weaponry.

Mimics are also notable among mechanical units for their capacity to enhance the magic abilities of the pilot up to 1000% of their normal level. This trait was the reason why The General abandoned research on those machines, since he does not typically employ spellcasters. Incidentally, the same trait is part of what makes Mimics so popular with the Rebellion, which does count a fair number of magic users. The other part is that Mimics require almost no training to get the hang of, compared to the more traditional X-1 units.

Oddly, Mimics appear significantly less powerful in the Xat RP. SDM states this was done for balance reasons. Canonical justification for this is that the enemies the CopTechs face are strong enough to render their 1000% power boost meaningless by comparison, as well as being set in the past, meaning the Mimics are not quite as powerful as their future incarnation.

Design inspiration
SDM did not originally intend Hellgate 2 Part III to feature giant robots, but reconsidered his decision at the request of certain players such as Arachnos. However, to avoid alienating those players who did not want the abilities of their characters made useless due to them being inside robots, SDM came up with the idea of giant robots that can use and amplify the pilots' magical abilities. This is also why the Mimics have motion-capture controls; to make the players feel like they're still controlling their characters instead of the mech.

The idea of the CopTechs originally being developed by The General are then subsequently used against him by the Rebellion draws parallels to the Incom T-65 X-Wing from the Star Wars franchise.