What is the in universe explanation for power cores not starting at max at the start of an encounter?

[Skabb]

Between encounters, it would seem to me that a power core would be underused, and thus be able to build up excess energy. Additionally, if you end an encounter with more energy than the starting amount, you end up losing energy between encounters? strange.

I'm sure you could come up with a somewhat plausible explanation (though I bet it will feel a little flimsy no matter what), and I think if you want to keep it that way, there needs to be something in the final release, because it makes no sense on its face.

[Garretmander]

It's an overcharge that's unsafe to leave at those levels for an extended period of time.

Or, it's inefficient to run at higher power levels, so the bean counters who built the mechs make sure they run in efficiency mode most of the time.

[Claxon]

Yeah, why do you drive you car at wide open throttle the whole time?

[Raia of Jabask]

Essentially, like another 'why doesn't this work at full power all the time' issue that was raised, it isn't a matter of the power core being underused outside of combat, it is being overused during combat.

If you need a real-world example of this type of phenomenon that you have probably experienced regardless of who or where you are, do people run around with massive amounts of adrenaline in their system? That is pretty much restricted to life threatening fight or flight situations, and it wouldn't be healthy long term.

[Pantshandshake]

I believe the term we're looking for here is "Maximum Rate vs. Maximum Sustained Rate."

[Cellion]

Honestly, considering the deep inspiration the entire mech(a) genre gets from anime, I'm surprised that Paizo didn't go with a "Fighting Spirit" resource instead of power points. Fighting Spirit could start low and get built up over the course of a fight, then spent on special, iconic moves, usually deployed while shouting something loudly.

[BigNorseWolf]

People like their DNA in a double helix shape?

[ZombieKira]

Honestly they can always release a fighting spirit variation core later. Though maybe half of the mecha I’ve seen are fighting spirit most just run on a reactor. The anime broken sword had one of the neatest alternative power sources. The mecha used a mage, the stronger the mage the stronger the mech. It’s a great watch if you ask me.

Maybe 2 of the gundam Series aren’t reactor.

[Metaphysician]

BigNorseWolf wrote:

People like their DNA in a double helix shape?

I mean, if you want to pilot a mecha at full potential, you probably better hope you have double helix DNA. . .

*coughGurrenLaganncough*\