Mech Assembler

The Moss Assembler is a specialized unit assembler exclusive to the Erekir content set that constructs units by consuming payload-form items and payload-form units rather than raw items. It accepts walls and other required block payloads directly from production blocks or payload-transfer infrastructure, and it produces a finished unit only when the required payload set for one unit has been fully supplied. The assembler clears its input payload counters after a unit is completed and can then accept payloads for the next production cycle.

Unlike refabricators, the Moss Assembler never accepts raw inventory items; everything must arrive in payload form. Units produced by factories remain in payload form until they “spawn,” and those payloads can be routed straight into the assembler from the factory or via payload-capable conveyors such as Reinforced Payload Conveyor. Payload-carrying units like the Quell can also drop required payloads into the assembler, while core units are limited to picking up and dropping blocks only.

When the Moss Assembler is powered and begins a production cycle it first spawns four Assembly Drones and then proceeds toward creating the selected output unit. While preparing an output, the assembler displays a construction boundary — a dotted square — and a highlighted preview of the output unit in the center of that boundary. This boundary is the only valid placement area for Basic Assembler Modules; modules must point toward and touch the construction boundary to affect production. If a Basic Assembler Module is correctly placed adjacent to the boundary the assembler will be forced to produce the higher-tier variant that the module enables; the module must be destroyed to revert to producing the lower-tier variant.

Production will be prevented if the construction area is obstructed. Specifically, if the 3×3 space immediately around the center is occupied by a solid block, or if a ground unit occupies the broader 4×4 area (expanded to 7×7 when a Basic Assembler Module is present), the boundary and center highlight will turn red and unit production will pause until the obstruction is removed. If the obstructing entity is the same type as the unit being produced, the center highlight disappears instead of showing a blocked preview.

Practical usage and considerations:

• Route payloads from factories directly or use payload-capable conveyors and payload-holding blocks to buffer inputs until a full set for one unit is present. Inputs are consumed on entry and cannot be withdrawn once accepted.
• Use Constructors to fabricate required wall payloads and feed them into the assembler via payload conveyors.
• Payload-carrying mobile units like the Quell can deposit payloads into the assembler to enable flexible logistics; cores cannot directly supply non-payload factories.
• Place Basic Assembler Modules adjacent to the construction boundary and oriented toward it to upgrade output tier; be aware this forces the assembler to that tier until the module is removed or destroyed.
• Keep the construction area clear of blocks and units to avoid blocked cycles; plan space or automated clearing to prevent production stalls.