Table of Contents
Variable Weapon System
The Variable Weapon System (VWS) is a module that most reploids are initially equipped with. This allows them to copy enemy weapons/tools and use them themselves.
History
The VWS was first introduced widespread with the creation of reploids (androids based off Megaman X) because the VWS was one of many systems that were integrated into X which were copied completely because their purpose was not well understood. Over time though as more research into Reploids was conducted though, they figured out what this system was and began to be able to remove it and modify it to benefit reploids.
Advantages
The VWS allows reploids the ability to store up to 8 more weapons than they normally could and access them on the fly. This allows them greater variety in combat situations. Even civilian reploids have this capability too, which means even in dangerous situations they too can acquire weapons and fight back against mavericks if necessary. (Though this is not recommended.)
Limitations
Because of the high power requirements of the variable weapon system, only 8 powers can normally be set active at one time. (More than 8 can be stored, but they cannot be used.) The system by its very design cannot and will not allow users to set a 9th power active. Users that do manage to download more than 8 powers can switch between them on their own, however this process takes about 10 minutes while the variable weapon system recalibrates to remove old data, load the new data, set up the system to use that weapon and then charge that weapon for use. (The Maverick Power Database set up at Hunter base though makes this process take less than a minute because it's processing power is huge and it integrates into the weapon system to deliver the data directly and then automatically charges the weapons for use.)
However in an experiment, Maverick Hunters were once fitted with experimental Dual Variable Weapon systems to allow 16 maverick moves to be stored. Though ultimately this proved to have too high a power drain for extended use. So the system was returned to its standard 8 power model. (Attention Rookies: Zero)
Another limitation is that users cannot copy weapons from each other's VWS normally. The only way to share weapon data is through a system like the Maverick Power Database. (Rumour is there is a black market version…)
