The 29th century boasted tremendously advanced technology, and the battlefield adapted to an exotic mix of advanced armor, force shields, and weaponry.

HERCULAN Flexors
The unique anthropomotive movement of a Herc depended on "flexor" technology. A flexor consisted of a ceramic alloy cylinder containing a superdense nano-engineered crystalline lattice that would expand almost instantly under an electrical charge. Conversely, cutting the charge caused near-instant contraction as the lattice returned to its dense state. A phased series of charges expanded and contracted the flexors in a pattern that drove the Herc's legs. Herc engines channelled power to the flexor arrays.

"Cool Fusion"
Leaps in materials science and superconductor technology made an intermediate fusion reaction possible in the late 25th century. "Cool" fusion provided huge amounts of energy quickly, while reducing the hazard of a hot fusion reactor breach on the battlefield. A reactor explosion still endangered nearby vehicles, but stopped far short of a thermonuclear level.

Armor
A variety of exotic armors protected 29th century combat vehicles. Metaplas, a light, durable synthetic with seemingly limitless application, made up the primary component of most armor systems. Anti-kinetic gels and ceramic-carbide alloys in honeycomb or laminate designs added immensely to armor's capacity to absorb damage. Stealth materials deadened radar, and nanotech-animate metals permitted limited reconfiguration of armor in the middle of combat.

Computers
Computers were a necessary evil from the standpoint of humanity, and never more so than on the battlefields of the Starsiege. Without targeting assistance and interpretation of sensor data, no human pilot would ever have been able to match a Cybrid counterpart. The NEXT, however treated computers almost as a human would a smart dog, and many warforms seemed to develop a relationship with their pilotforms.

Weapons & Shields
Before the advent of the Martian cache technology, armored warfare was a ballet of energy and ballistic weapons versus shields and armor. Energy weapons were generally less effective against armor, but could weaken shields, whereas ballistic weapons penetrated armor far more readily than they did shields. Adept pilots would therefore seek to drop shields with a fusillade of laser of plasma fire a heartbeat before striking with missiles or armor-piercing autocannon rounds.

Pilot Interfaces
Pilots controlled their vehicles via a complex mix of virtual and solid controls. Although direct neural interface (DNI) was possible, it carried serious medical risks. Instead, pilots used gauntlets incorporating force-feedback mechanisms that permitted customization of a virtual control panel and operation of vehicles via macros and hologram switches. Manual controls were also standard, but were considered less responsive than the virtual configurations.

<ADJUDICATOR>

Prometheus intends for the <Adjudicator> to terrorize humanity, and the design incorporates architecture and weaponry toward precisely that purpose. It is chiefly deployed against human civilian populations, but its heavy armament also serves it well on the battlefield.

COMMON COMPONENTS

The THETA heavy engine is necessary to direct the enormous energy load demanded by extra flexors and power-hungry weaponry. Best described as an electromagnetic shotgun, the particle beam cannon fires charged particles capable of punching through an enemy vehicle at close range. Since the <Adjudicator> lacks outstanding agility, the advanced ZETA-class shield offers maximum protection.

APOCALYPSE mk.V

A mainstay of the human forces during The Fire, the venerable and beloved "Apoc" is an outstanding design that the Empire has continued to upgrade for over two centuries. It serves as the TDF's main attack platform for ground operations.

COMMON COMPONENTS

Capacitors such as the Sung Vitastar can instantly recharge a Herc's energy reserves. However, repeated use damages power couplings and can cause reactor explosions. The Vigilance-9 ECM system offers the Apoc moderate protection from enemy missles for a minimal burden. Swarm missiles provide close-range volley fire that homes in on enemy heat signatures and strips protection from the target.

AVENGER

Dubbed the Avenger for the spectacular effects of its standard ELFs on a target, this tank is a mainstay of the Martian rebels. The design comes from a modified heavy ore hauler. Freed from the weight of a loaded mining train, the Avenger proves to be surprisingly speedy.

COMMON COMPONENTS

The Electron Flux Whip (ELF) fires chained lightning that can eviscerate targets at close range. However, its limited range and high energy use make it a chancy weapon. Avengers often carry heavy Selleum core batteries to provide an extra power reserve against the greedy demands of the ELF. The rebellion often swaps lighter engines with lower energy requirements into ELF-equipped Avengers. The change has minimal impact on Avenger agility.

BASILISK

A Terran Defense Force Basilisk sees action at Luna's Mare Imbrium. A heavier medium-weight Herc, the standard Basilisk offers above-average armor protection but is not noted for its agility. It serves best in the roles of fire support or escort duty.

COMMON COMPONENTS

One of the more efficient weapons in the Imperial arsenal, the Sunfinger-ND compression laser offers excellent penetration of shields and armor alike. With 90mm Kandala heavy autocannons, the "Bas" packs a killer punch against unshielded opponents. Quad-bonded metaplas (QBM) is standard vehicle armor. It consists of a four layer laminate of metaplas sheets, anti-kinetic gel, and titanium microweave.

<BOLO>

<Choosers-of-Tactics> often mount radiation guns and tangler weapons on <Bolos> . In a style similar to the ancient Roman retarius, a <Bolo> will immobilize an enemy Herc and then kill the pilot with radiation bursts.

COMMON COMPONENTS

The ALPHA-rated suite is the minimal NEXT sensor configuration. The <Bolo> needs only get close enough to apply its deadly strategy. The radiation gun eliminates human pilots while preserving the animals' equipment for conversion to NEXT Uses. The BETA-class engine gives the <Bolo> acceptable maneuverability for a moderate energy requirement.

DISRUPTOR

The latest tank in the Empire's "Combat Support Doctrine", the Distruptor tank is the only vehicle that can mount the Disruptor Cannon. The cannon fires a focused EM blast that inteferes with the propulsion systems of most Human and Cybrid vehicles, effectively immobilizing them.

COMMON COMPONENTS

The electrohull modification charges the surface of the Dreadlock with energy from the reactor so that ramming carries a near-explosive kick. Each hit from the Disruptor cannon slows the target’s flexor arrays. This weapon is used to weaken (and slow) the target in preparation for the ramming attacks to follow from the Disruptor tank. The Turbine Booster allows vast increases of speed for short durations. "Dis" pilots often use them to ram HERC legs for increased damage.

DREADLOCK

Perhaps the most distinctive product of the Martian rebels' "patchwork" armory, the Dreadlock is retrofitted from a sturdy bulldozer design. The thick dozer blade provides excellent frontal protection and ramming capability. The Dreadlock can also take a combat engineering role, moving soil and rock to assist in fortification or to clear a site of debris.

COMMON COMPONENTS

The electrohull modification charges the surface of the Dreadlock with energy from the reactor so that ramming carries a near-explosive kick. A Heavy-hitting weapon, the plasma cannon inflicts substantial damage on shields and armor, but carries a high energy cost. Thermosensors are passive sensors primarily geared to picking up IR emissions, particularly useful in the cold Martian nights.

EMANCIPATOR

A favorite of rebel pilots, the "Emanc" is descended from a cargo loader. It has earned a reputation as a reliable, tough machine, though not an agile one. It uses the cache weaponry to deadly effect, and forms the mainstay of the Martian force. Harabec is said to have a soft spot for the stubby Herc.

COMMON COMPONENTS

Though not shown on this Emanc, the Nanite Cannon is a favored alternative to the blaster. It fires nanotech disassemblers that literally take the target apart. Harabec has dubbed the cache's most efficient cloaking system "Cuttlefish." Like its cousin the "Chameleon," it blends the Herc with terrain while deflecting sensor probes. One of the more numerous examples of cache weaponry, the Blaster fires plasma pulses that maintain cohesion until they explode against a solid target.

<EXECUTIONER>

An <Executioner> engages the human\\animals on <Thrid-Planet's> moon. This Herc is a big, slow, and typically carried hideous firepower. It serves as a defensive unit or in occasional heavy assault missions where subtlety is not required. Human foes call it the "Potato Bug."

COMMON COMPONENTS

The BETA sensor suite is one of the standard models. <Executioners> defending an important base sometimes receive a more advanced suite. The GAMMA shield generator complements the <Executioner's> heavy carapace, making the Herc at best an extremely difficult kill. Crystaluminium is an advanced aluminium alloy produced under microgravity conditions. It is extremely durable and effective against energy weapons.

<GOAD>

One of the most feared Cybrid Hercs, the <Goad> is one of the fastest ground vehicle on the battlefield. Here, a <Goad> assaults a communication relay settlement on Luna. <Goads> on the moon have learned to kick up dust to hide their movements. They seem to attract the most innovative Cybrid pilots.

COMMON COMPONENTS

The NEXT frequently equip <Goads> with at least basic electronic countermeasures to make the agile Hercs less vulnerable to missile strikes. The field stabilizer effectively increases the amount of energy available to power shields, making them more durable. The blink gun functions on advanced quantum theory principles. Of moderate power, it is very accurate and can completely ignore enemy shields.

GORGON

An Imperial Knight Gorgon takes a stand at a subarcology on Venus. The Gorgon is designed as a heavy assault platform, and carries more firepower than almost anything on the battlefield. At close range, it demolishes its opposition. Lack of speed is its major weakness.

COMMON COMPONENTS

Heat-seeking Viper missiles fill the tactical space between the lighter Swarms and the longer-range Sparrows. The Titan heavy shield generator offers the best possible protection for the Gorgon. Gorgon pilots typically have to watch their energy budgets closely, however. An alternative to the Viper is the Juxao-Chiang laser-guided missle. Without a spotter to paint the target, however, the "Jinx" is far less effective.

MINOTAUR

The Minotaur is the premier Imperial raider. Its versatile combination of firepower and mobility makes it a favorite of the Imperial Knights. Four hardpoints give the "Min" a punch sufficient to eliminate any light Herc foolish enough to tangle with it.

COMMON COMPONENTS

The Knight's Minotaur boasts expensive Quicksilver armor, a nanite-saturated matrix that can reallocate itself to cover exposed or damaged areas. The so-called "thermal diffuser" actually operates to lower the entire passive sig-nature of its host vehicle. The electromagnetic autocannon uses magnetically charged projectiles to increase shield penetration and achieve a much greater success against shielded targets.

MYRMIDON

The mainstay of the TDF tank forces, the Myrmidon boasts impressive firepower and armor at a cost of speed and maneuverability. Typically considered a long-range weapons platform, it fills a fire support role extremely well.

COMMON COMPONENTS

The Electromagnetic Pulse Cannon fires a high-energy burst of plasma that causes enormous damage to shields but has minimal effect on most armor. CARLAM (Carbon Laminate) armor lowers a vehicle's radar signature in addition to its other protective qualities. The Milano-Koch Wolfburn engine gives the Myrmidon a solid but uninspired performance.

OLYMPIAN

In the last months of planning the Yoke Offensive, Martian strategists became aware that they needed a heavy Herc to support the smaller Emancipator. They designed the looming Olympian from a masssive cargo-loading Herc. Large enough to face the Gorgon, the Olympian boasts rugged construction that allows it to soak incredible punishment and keep functioning.

COMMON COMPONENTS

The Magento Fusion Assault Cannon was a bright spot in the cache weaponry. The MFAC delivers a killer punch, but is also considered an energy hog. The cache Quantum Gun operates on mysterious principles, but either does enormous damage or has no effect at all, making each use a gamble. The smart gun was one of the cache "duds." Despite months of testing, the rebels were never able to fire it without the guided projectiles attacking the wrong target.

PALADIN

Originally conceived as a missle platform, the Paladin serves a variety of roles in the TDF. Here a Paladin on training exercises in the Pacific Rim displays the traditional configuration.

COMMON COMPONENTS

The Raventhresh 5000 is the premier targeting computer on the Imprial market, a necessity for the Paladin's air defense function. The Minion is an optically guided missile that delivers a respectable payload. The Crossbow sensor suite excels at detecting and tracking targets by active means.

PREDATOR

Harabec modified this vehicle directly from the alien cache. The anti-grav propulsion system makes it quite maneuverable over any terrain, and the combination of regenerative equipment and heavy offensive capability gives it resiliency and kick on the battlefield. It is Harabec's favorite "hunting" platform.

COMMON COMPONENTS

Focused plasma pulses give the heavy plaster significant punch. The cache weapon uses a great deal of energy, but its pilots swear by its ability to bring an enemy vehicle down. Rebel scientists understand how to use the agrav generator, but they still don't understand how it works. Nanotech repair bots permit limited regeneration of vehicle damage in the field.

<RECLUSE>

Infamous in human eyes for its deployment of the feared Arachnitron mobile mines, the <Recluse> also plays a light fire support role.

COMMON COMPONENTS

<Recluses> are immediate targets because of fear of Arachnitron cargo, so most tanks include some ECM in their standard configuration. An ultrasensitive ZETA sensor suite allows this <Recluse> to serve as an effective scout when needed. The <Recluse> is most effective when it uses the cloaks stealth to approach to optimal range to release Arachnitron.

<SEEKER>

The swiftest of Cybrid Hercs, the <Seeker> serves Prometheus as a Cybrid scout and light attack Herc. The <Choosers-of-Tactics> often employ them in packs to bring down heavier enemy units. They provide excellent skirmishing units, and the bulk of their missions involves some combination of reconnaissance and raiding.

COMMON COMPONENTS

<Seekers> commonly sacrifice protection for speed, but this unit seems better protected with a BETA shield generator. A GAMMA medium engine gives the <Seeker> lightning speed. The DELTA sensor package is standard issue for many <Seekers>.

<SHEPHERD>

<Shepherds> earned their designation from their original role, wherein they provided convoy protection and executed defensive patrols. The <Shepherd> has respectable firepower and speed for its size, but is limited by a relatively low top speed.

COMMON COMPONENTS

Shield modulators permit Hercs to reorient the protective field toward the direction of greatest need. An alternative weapon commonly seen on <Shepherds> is the Nano-Infuser, which fires nanotech disassemblers at the target. It is less effective than the Martian Nanite Cannon. This <Shepherd> carries four 50mm autocannons, a devastating choice against unshielded targets such as light flyers.

S.U.A.V.

The Starsiege Universe Assault Vehicle (aka Magic Bus) is the most powerful marketing weapon in the arsenal of the Dynamix Corporation. Equipped with the latest in entertainment technology, it's tactical command suite provides a decisive advantage in any combat environment.

COMMON COMPONENTS

While alcohol consumption is technically illegal while on duty, the SUAV is equipped with cachetech-enhanced Canadian lager for marketing purposes. SUAV crews often record people drinking the brew and its effects afterwards for their own Omni-Web video channel. Mark Hamill uses his exceptional voice acting abilities to relay tactical information to TDF field units in order to boost morale. He is also the only officer with the authorization to order Pizza. Anthropomorphic "HERC Girls" started out in the eastern regions of Earth which proceeded to become a valuable marketing and morale tool. The SUAV houses a small "cosplay" squad to promote Dynamix's brands and projects.

TALON

Racing through an Arctic night in Earth's Denali protectorate, the Talon is the fastest of all Herc designs. Lightly armored, it excels as a scout or skirmisher. TDF also uses Talons to hunt down enemy scouts, a role Talon scouts relish.

COMMON COMPONENTS

The Titan Motors Hiawatha engine is enhanced to provide greater acceleration and maximum speed. Talon pilots yearn for such "agility" engines to improve their Hercs' performances. A shield amplifier increases the efficiency of the shield generator, such that the shield offers greater protection for the same energy budget. Two Sioux Firecoup-9 lasers comprises the Talon's only armament. Since the Talon doesn't run out of ammunition, it can carry out lengthy reconnaissance missions.