Knightmare Frames
Knightmare Frames are humanoid war machines developed by the Kingdom of Edolas. First unveiled in 1800 A.D.W with the introduction of the Ganymede, Knightmare Frames are almost exclusively used in place of practically obsolete main battle tanks, helicopters, and jets. The name "Knightmare Frame" is a play on the word nightmare and a knight's mare. There also exists derivative types of war machines based on the Knightmare Frames called Knight Giga Fortresses.
Contents
Overview
Knightmare Frames often have a humanoid shape and are usually between five and six meters tall. In addition to the standard range of bipedal movement, Knightmare Frames are equipped with Landspinners, self-propelled roller skates attached to the ankles of the machines, which allow them to achieve high mobility and speeds on most terrain. Visual data is gathered through Factsphere sensors, which have thermographic capability and an array of other data-collection functions which are collated in real-time. Factspheres are commonly protected under a layer of armor which can be retracted to improve system sensitivity. Knightmare Frames are piloted from a cockpit set in the protruding 'hump back' in the unit. The cockpit is a self-contained control center which can be ejected in case of emergency. Although Knightmare heads usually have no real function besides housing Factsphere sensors, they are required to pilot the Knightmare.
Knightmare Frames are typically armed with rocket-propelled anchors called Slash Harkens and a number of other weapons. Mass-production Lancelot models usually carry handheld V.A.R.IS rifles, which can adapt their projectile repulsion output to any situation, and a number of Chaos Mines (cylindrical air burst grenades that spray deadly shrapnel over a small area). Other common equipment are Maser Vibration Swords (MVS), a form of vibroblade which oscillates at a high rate to cut through almost anything, Plasma Swords, and Hadron Cannons; powerful energy cannons which can obliterate almost anything in their path. Energy Wings, devices which allow Knighmares to fly at medium-high speeds, were introduced somewhere in the middle of Knightmare history. Generally, Knightmare Frames have been mainly designed by two leading Ventus scientist; Lloyd Asplund and Rakshata Chawla, who's combined brilliance has lead to the development of numerous advanced frames.
Knight Giga Fortresses are similar to Knightmare Frames, but are much larger, and unlike Knightmares are not constructed in a humanoid shape.
Power Source
Knightmare Frames are generally powered by the Yggdrasil Drive, a powerful energy source. Its centerpiece is a Sakuradite device called the Core Luminous, where in a cube of refined Sakuradite is weightlessly suspended. The centerpiece also contains a kind of liquid to aid in the process. The cube revolves at high speeds during a state of drive activation known as Yggdrasil Resonance, involved in the conduction of electricity. The technology is named after the Yggdrasil Tree of Norse Mythology. The drive is recharged through a Sakuradite Energy Filler, and it's location is around the waist for most Knightmare Frames.
Newer models, such as the Mordred Knightmare Frame, the Shen Hu Knightmare Frame, and the Prototype Lazengann Knightmare Frame, use miniature Sakuradite Fusion Drives to power them; due to the outstanding power requirement for both frames. But despite this, both the Mordred and the Shen Hu's Knightmare Frame Fusion Drives are limited and are only fully unleashed when they fires their main weapons; due to the incredible power generated by the drives. The Lazengann does not share this limitation; it's drive always on full due to the unbelievable power consumption of the Plasma Blood Energy Shaping System.
List of Knightmares
Knightmare Frames
The Lancelot Albion
Edolas' mainline Nine Generation Knightmare Frame, as a high-performance unit; the Lancelot featured a large number of new and innovative devices in it's construction. The Lancelot features two retractable Factspheres affixed on its chest, Radient Wave Shielding, and four Slash Harkens (two on its wrists and two on its hips). These Slash Harkens have thrusters called Harken Boosters which can improve their speed and allow them to change direction midflight. It also sports either a pair of Maser Vibration Swords (MVS), or Plasma Swords. It comes equipped with duel oversized railgun rifles, electromagnetic cannons or autocannons, miniature Hadron Particle Cannons, or plasma cannons. It is named after Lancelot, the famed Knight of the Round Table of Arthurian Legend.
It's primary distinguishing feature is the Energy Wing System, a powerful variant capable of accelerating the frame to Mach 1.5 in atmosphere. This offense, defense and propulsion system gives the Albion astounding speed and agility, as well as the ability to fire dozens of lethal energy bolts over a wide area; each one capable of destroying a non-shielded older model Knightmare in a single hit. Besides the improved performance, the wings can also be used to envelope the Albion in a protective, full-body energy shield to add onto the defensive capabilities of it's Radient Wave Shielding.
The Lancelot stands at 5.15 meters tall and weighs 9.12 metric tons. It's the iconic Ventus Knightmare Frame due to the fact that it's predecessors, the Lancelot and the Lancelot Conquista, were elite prototype Knightmare Frames before it's current version was finished and replaced the mainline Vincent Knightmare Frame; thereby granting it instant recognition among Ventus. The frame's ability in combat is impressive, but as with all vehicles; it's true worth in combat depends on it's pilot.
The Tristan
The Tristan is Edolas' main air-specialized Knightmare Frame. It's a transformable Knightmare Frame which is capable of transforming into a jet (Fortress Mode) in mid-air and utilizes a pair of machine guns. It has two Slash Harkens mounted on its forearms that are also equipped with Harken Boosters. The Tristan is a high-mobility model Knightmare, specializing in hit-and-run tactics using its slash harkens and wide-bladed MVS or Plasma Polearm to cut through enemies quickly and cleanly. It's Energy Wing System is similar to the Lancelot's, but is specialized even further to allow for blinding supersonic speeds nearing Mach 2.8.
A ninth generation model, the Tristan, named after the Knight of the Round Table, is the first transforming Knightmare Frame ever developed, able to switch between humanoid (Frame) and jet (Fortress) forms. It is highly maneuverable, able to fold out and transform in mid-air. It can utilize a pair of Plasma Autocannons in its jet form. It has two massive Slash Harkens mounted on its forearms, which are equipped with Harken Boosters. The two Slash Harkens can combine to fire an energy blast, powerful enough to effectively match the the Lancelot Albion's Hadron Cannon. When in humanoid form, it can wield two pickaxe-like Maser Vibration Swords called the MVS Polearms, which can be joined together at the hilts to form a single, double-edged scythe (This can be replaced with a Plasma variant).
It's equipped with Radient Wave Shielding similar to the Lancelot's. Although already agile normally in it's Frame mode, the Tristan's ability to transform into a jet makes it a capable streamlined fighter for high-speed attacks that can match with any empire's air superiority fighters in dogfights. It stands at 5.45 meters tall, weighs, 7.35 metric tons, and is powered by a Yggdrasil Drive similar to the Lancelot Albion.
The Mordred
The Mordred, named after the Knight of the Round Table, is Edolas' heavy-artillery Knightmare Frame. It has an integrated Float Energy Wing System enabling flight. The Mordred exchanges speed for thick armor, making it highly durable; it is able to take a direct hit from the a chainsaw-blade without being scratched, whereas any other Knightmare would have been cut deeply, or sliced in half.
It possesses two sets of Hadron Cannons mounted on each shoulder, which are unfolded and merged into a quad-barrel cannon called the Stark Hadron Cannon; focusing their power into a single blast capable of obliterating an aerial cruiser in a single shot. This weapon is usually used on large targets, strong opponents, or enemies within a straight line of fire. It could also be used to entrap an enemy, enabling the cannon to place pressure on that enemy. To attack multiple targets at once (if they are small and/or scattered in different parts of the battlefield) or a fast-moving one, the Mordred also possesses miniature proximity missiles, fired from the wrists, chest, hips, and legs which leave purple trails behind as they move. Although lacking in close-range weapons, the Mordred's raw strength allows it to crush other smaller vehicles and Knightmares with ease.
It has a height of 4.71 meters, and weighs 10.23 metric tones. It's power source, unlike the previous Knightmares, is a limited Sakuradite Fusion Drive; due to the incredible power needs of the Stark Hadron Cannon.
The Shinkirou
The Shinkirou, meaning 'Mirage' in Japanese, is a Ninth Generation Transformable Knightmare Frame constructed for stealth and tactical deployments. It possesses an integrated Air Glide Energy Wing System for flight and can transform into a submarine/jet fighter to move underwater and/or fly, which can be used to travel during battles undetected. Its armor is primarily black and gold, and it has several unusual physical features. Its feet are not round, instead consisting of four large toes, and its head has four eyes. Its cockpit is also much wider. It's controlled by a direct mental-link system similar to other Knightmares, but more refined.
The Shinkirou possesses an Absolute Defense System which uses an array of hexagonal energy shields that can be projected over any part of the Knightmare. Its Druid System plots the trajectories of incoming projectiles and shifts the shields accordingly, giving the Shinkirou the highest defensive power of any Knightmare Frame. All these are controlled by the Druid system and the mental controls. The system requires incredibly complex calculations to form effective barriers, such that it takes a high-level intellect to use the system to its full potential. At its full potential, the Absolute Defense System can block a sustained blast from a Mordred's Stark Hadron Cannon, albeit at the cost of much of its power reserves.
Its main weapon is a chest-mounted Diffusion Structure Phase Transition Cannon. When activated, a prism-like object is fired from the Shinkirou's chest. The Shinkirou then fires a powerful beam into the prism, which refracts the blast into dozens of devastating pinpoint lasers. The beam can be fired without launching the prism for a concentrated attack. The shields must be deactivated around the area of firing for the weapon to be fired. The Shinkirou also has a pair of Hadron blasters mounted on the underside of its wrists which fire sphere-shaped blasts, rather than continuous beams. It's numerous stealth systems make it nearly undetectable to most sensors, which is compounded by it's ability to use Active Camouflage Invisibility.
The Shinkirou does indeed feature a set of Slash Harkens, concealed within its knees. The unorthodox design requires Shinkirou to bend its knee in order to fire them. However, the Slash Harkens are in the perfect location to be used in Fortress Mode. In addition, the Shinkiro mounts one missile launcher. It has a height of 4.67 meters and weights 8.06 metric tons, and is powered by a Yggdrasil Drive.
The Shen Hu
The Shen Hu, meaning 'Divine Tiger' in Chinese, Knightmare Frame is an anti-mecha Knightmare Frame created to deal with Knightmare-like threats posed by Galactic Threats. It has blue armor with red and gold parts, and its head unit has an intricate design with a red spike protruding from the top. As a mainly Anti-Mecha unit, it's specialized in combat against other Frames; but still possesses the ability to deal with other enemy threats.
Having been built by Lloyd Asplund and Rakshata Chawla working together, the Shen Hu is equipped with an Energy Wing System. Mounted in its torso is the powerful Baryon Cannon, a weapon similar to the Hadron Cannon which was developed using the same mechanism as the Etherion-Class Dreadnought's Baryon Cannon; at a full level of power it can completely shatter even a Sleipnir-Class Corvette's Radient Wave Shielding.
Its main weapons are two dagger-shaped Slash Harkens mounted on its wrist. By wrapping or impaling an enemy with the Slash Harkens, the Shen Hu can send a powerful electrical charge along the cable, instantly destroying the Knightmare or mecha on the receiving end. The Shen Hu's wrist armor can also spin in place to turn the Slash Harkens into powerful flails which can double as shields to augment the defensive ability of it's Radient Wave Shielding. Finally, the Shen Hu has a Plasma Sword stored near its shoulder. In addition, it has white armor plates on the its shoulder and waist which can be used as metal shields in case the energy shielding is pierced. It stands at 4.53 meters tall, weights 9.33 metric tons, and is powered by a limited Sakuradite Fusion Drive similar to the Mordred due to the power needs of the Baryon Cannon.
The Lazengann
The Lazengann, meaning "Spiral Face", is a Prototype Knightmare Frame being developed by Edolas. It's armor is black in color, with a tail used for attacks, a horned helmet, and a mouthplate on its chest armor.
Unlike other Knightmare Frames, the Lazengann is piloted by a dedicated combat A.I programmed solely for combat. This is necessary, as the Lazengann is both too dangerous and complex to be used by a living pilot, and does not have the space necessary for a Ventus-size cockpit due to it's complex technology. It's main, and only, weapon is the Plasma Blood Energy Shaping System; an unbelievably powerful weapon that uses the plasma created by it's Sakuradte Fusion Drive to unleash plasma from the many holes in it's body. This allows it to decimate any enemy vehicle, be it an MBT or a jet, with relative ease.
It's powered by a non-limited Sakuradite Fusion Drive due to it's incredible power needs, stands at a height of 7.20 meters, and weighs 6.89 metric tonnes. It's capable of fast flight due to it's new prototype Gravity Defiance System, which unfortunately restricts it to fighting in-planet only. It's equipped with Radient Wave Shielding similar to other Knightmares, but needs to deactivate the shielding when using it's Plasma Blood System. Due to it's experimental design, the instability of the un-limited Fusion Drive, and the sheer complexity of the Plasma Blood System, it's prone to failures; the Knightmare losing entire limbs or even exploding if the Plasma Blood System experiences even a single error. This is why the Knightmare Frame is currently only a prototype, and is being worked on and improved by several Knightmare engineers around Edolas.
Knight Giga Fortresses
The Siegfried
The Siegfried is a Knight Giga Fortress created to replace standard troop-transport and ground attack aircraft and vehicles, with the use of a special Float Energy Wing System and a number of verniers (thrusters) all over its body, the Siegfried boasts excellent mobility despite its size. Its armament consists of large cone-shaped slash harkens, a belly-mounted Hyper-Velocity Railgun or a Plasma Cannon, an array of missile launchers, five conical Slash Harkens positioned in a way that two are mounted on the front as makeshift hands -which can channel the energy from the generators on the hull to deliver an electric shock-, with two more being lined up parallel to the engine, and the remaining one being placed perpendicular to the cannon. Its tough construction and energy shields make it incredibly durable; managing to survive having a building dropped on it without taking even cosmetic damage.
The Knight Giga Fortress is enormous; having a height of 34.5 meters and weighing 50.24 metric tons. This is due to it's need to transport several dozen troops and several tons of supplies at once, being the main troop transport of Edolas. It's powered by a Yggdrasil Drive, and utilizes Radient Wave Energy Shielding.
The Scarab
The Scarab Knight Giga Fortress is a powerful mobile fortresses developed by Edolas. The quadrupedal behemoth is typically deployed from medium orbit, or from high atmosphere. It is used to attack heavily-defended structures and emplacements, and it often lends quick, but unstoppable support to Ventus troops on the ground. It possesses the same variant of Float Energy Wing System seen on the Siegfried, and uses anti-gravity technology to accentuate this allowing to to fly at sub-sonic speeds.
The Scarab is extremely powerful, possessing an army devastation-capable Beam Cannon, one dorsally-mounted Anti-Air Laser Turret, 10 Point-Defense Laser Cannons. and 20 Anti-Armor/Personel Plasma Turrets. Their "bodies" are massive and multi-level, and they possess four legs. Scarabs usually walk across the battlefield using their massive legs, which are surprisingly swift and precise given their massive size. The legs can also be used to crush enemy forces on the ground. The Scarab's anti-gravity system, usually used to allow it easier flight, is also used to reduce stresses on the massive legs allowing to to move even faster when walking. It weights 3,159 metric tons, stands at 22.8 meters tall, uses Radient Wave Energy Shielding, and is powered by a limited Sakuradite Fusion Drive due to it's size and power requirements.
