Approved Tech U-XIII Veritas Series Battle Droid

[Amelia von Sorenn]

Out of Character Information​

	Intent:		Battle Droid for the Hellknight Corps
	Image Source:		[HERE][HERE][HERE][HERE][HERE]
			Artist Currently Unknown - Image Found in multiple locations
	Canon Links:		Guided Missiles
			SD-10 Battle Droid
			SD-6 Hulk Infantry Droid
			SD-9 Series Battle Droid
			X-1 Viper Droid
			Glory-class Dark Trooper
			L8-L9
			Z-X3 Experimental Droid Trooper
			Manipulator Claw
			Triple-Opposing Midweight Pincher
			Stun Gauntlet
			Double-Barrel Repeating Blaster
			R-88 Suppressor Riot Rifle
			Pulse Cannon
			Cluster Missile
			Grenade Launcher
			E-Web Blaster Cannon
			Ion Cannon
			Flak Gun
			Turbolaser Cannon
			Gas Grenade
	Permissions:		Not Applicable
	Primary Source:		M58 Flame Projector
			M58 Kinetic Autocannon
			M58-A Heavy Kinetic Rifle
			M58-A Kinetic Rifle
			M58 Flechette Launcher
			M58/Mg Thermite Rifle
			M58 Tau Squad Weapon Mk II
			Phase II Hellplate
			Phase II Prometheus Heavy Armor
			Self Propelled Artillery Droid Mark II
			Dreadnought

Production Information​

	Manufacturer:		Titanica Automatica
	Affiliation:		The Confederacy of Independent Systems; The Hellknight Corps
	Model:		U-XIII Series
	Modularity:		Yes; Weapon Loadout and Variant as well as Colorization and Unit Emblems
	Production:		Limited

Materials​

	Outer / Armor Plating		Internal Structure		Miscellaneous
	Quadranium		Titanium		Bronzium
	Molytex		Alusteel		Droid Components
	Carbon-Durasteel		Diatium

Technical Information​

	Classification:		Class 4
	Weight:		Very Heavy
	Height:		Very Large
	Movement:		Bipedal

Armaments​

Blank Chassis Variant​

None​

Anti-Infantry Variant​

	Virtus Series		Bellona Series
	(1) Manipulator Claw		(3) E-Web Blaster Cannons
	(2) Fire-Linked M58-A Kinetic Rifles		(2) Fire-Linked M58-A Kinetic Rifles
	(1) M58/Mg Thermite Rifle		(1) M58 Tau Squad Weapon Mk II
	or​		or​
	(1) Twin Fire-Linked E-Web Blaster Cannon		(2) Triple-Opposing Pincher w/ Stun Gauntlet
	(1) Triple-Opposing Pincher w/ Stun Gauntlet		(1) M58 Tau Squad Weapon Mk II
	(1) M58 Tau Squad Weapon Mk II		(2) Fire-Linked M58 Flechette Launchers

Anti-Vehicle / Anti-Air Variant​

	Aletheia Series		Honos Series
	(16) Guided Missiles		(24) Guided Missiles
	(1) Twin Fire-Linked M58 Kinetic Autocannon		(16) Cluster Missiles
	(1) Grenade Launcher		(1) M58 Kinetic Autocannon
	or​		or​
	(2) Twin Fire-Linked M58 Kinetic Autocannons		(16) Cluster Missiles
	(1) Medium Ion Cannon		(2) Twin Fire-Linked Flak Guns
	(2) Double-Barrel Repeating Blaster		(2) Light Ion Cannons

Conflagration / Area of Control Variant​

	Vulcan Series		Cacus Series
	(2) Twin Fire-Linked M58 Flame Projectors		(4) R-88 Suppressor Riot Rifle
	(2) M58/Mg Thermite Rifles		(2) Grenade Launchers w/ Tear Gas
	(1) Grenade Launcher		(1) M58 Tau Squad Weapon Mark II
	or​		or​
	(4) M58/Mg Thermite Rifles		(2) R-88 Suppressor Rifle Rifle
	(2) Triple-Opposing Pinchers w/ M58 Flame Projectors		(2) M58 Flechette Launchers w/ Non-Lethal Slugs
	(1) Pulse Cannon		(2) Manipulator Claws w/ Stun Gauntlet

Artillery Variant​

	Decima Series		Opis Series
	(2) Fire-Linked Pulse Cannons		(2) Manipulator Claws
	(1) M58-A Heavy Kinetic Rifle		(2) Light Turbolaser Cannons
	(1) Light Turbolaser Cannon		(1) M58 Kinetic Autocannon
	or​		or​
	(3) Fire-Linked M58 Kinetic Autocannons		(2) Manipulator Claws
	(1) Light Turbolaser Cannon		(1) Double-Barrel Repeating Blaster
	(8) Guided Missiles		(1) Heavy Turbolaser Cannon

Resistances​

	Blasters / Plasma:		Average
	Kinetic:		Average
	Lightsabers:		Low
	Ion:		Low
	EMP:		Very Low
	Sonic:		High
	Elemental, Heat:		Average
	Elemental, Cold:		Average
	Elemental, General:		Average
	Radiation:		Average
	Acid / Corrosive:		Low

Miscellaneous Equipment​

	Sensors	Auditory Sensor		Processors	Behavioral Circuit		Miscellaneous	Acoustic Signaller
		Droid Motion Tracker			Central Processor			Analytical Core
		Droid Perception Sensors			Obedience Module			Balance Stabilizer
		Infrared Receptor			Motivational Processor			Broadband Antenna
		Photoreceptor						Circuitry Cooling Cable
		Radiation Sensor		Motivators	Motivator			Command Signal Receiver
					Motivation Circuit			Comm Scrambler / Transmitter
	Translator Unit	Tranlang IV Module			Motivation Actuator			Sound System
					Motivator Boosters			Heavy-Duty Suspension System

Miscellaneous Equipment Continued​

	Miscellaneous	Intelligence Matrix		Reactivate Switch		Spotlight
		Internal Comlink		Rheostat		Vocabulator
		Locomotor		Servo Motors		Voxchip
		Memory Core		Servo Processor

Special Features​

	Modules	Battle Upgrade		Processors	AA-12x Verbobrain		Miscellaneous	Parabolic Guides
		Combat Enhancement			Heuristic Processor			Self Sustaining Unit
		Warfare Upgrade			Cogitative Theory Unit			Electrical Defense Grid
					Dual-Linked Analyzer Unit			Gyroscopic Stabilizer
	Sensors	Com-Signal Detector			Personality Matrix			Gyro-Balance Circuitry
		Droid Omniscience Unit						Rust Inhibitor

Strengths​

Safe Target System - A safety feature present in a number of the weapon systems installed in the Veritas Series, it is intended to prevent instances of friendly fire by locking the triggering mechanism when the weapon is pointed towards individuals with the matching IFF Circuitry in their Armor.

Droid Self-Sustaining Unit - A specialized system that was often equipped in a number of droids; it reprogrammed the internal systems of a droid to ensures that basic diagnostic routines would be capable of self-repair. Though a number of several complex processes, the unit is capable of sustaining and repairing itself even without the availability of repair kits.

Electrical Defense Grid - A specialized system included to provide the unit with a defensive capability in handling close-quarter combatants. The system discharges an electrical current over the unit providing a shock to combatants that make contact with the unit, though only if contact is made directly or with a conductive weapon. Likewise, weapons made of non-conductive materials or Lightsabers are immune to this electrical shock.

Blank Chassis - The base, and primary strength, of the U-XIII Veritas Series is its blank chassis which is designed to accept a number of variation kits that alter the droid in a number of means to produce four distinct variants, each with their own specialized series depending on the armaments that the units are outfitted with.

Gyroscopic Stabilizer - A system commonly found in a number of Starfighters and Droids, this system, along with the Gyro-Balance Circuitry, maintains the unit's stability in all three planes, keeping the larger upper body of the unit upright and balanced in comparison to its slightly smaller lower frame. This also provides the unit with what appears to be a rocking gait when the units are moving - either marching in formation, attacking a position, or moving into position.

Upgrade Modules - The U-XIII Veritas series is equipped with a number of Combat Modules that enhance its capabilities by providing additional information and tactical knowledge that allows the unit to overcome a multitude of problems it may encounter. While these upgrades ensure that it is capable of operating as a more efficient combat machine, it still does not impart upon the unit the more creative thinking and problem solving that organic troops are capable of developing.

Heuristic Processor - Considered a step-up from the standard Droid Processor, this advanced processor imparts upon the unit the capability of learning by doing rather than just by acting upon knowing and without instruction via commands sent to the unit. This ensures that the droid can reason through several potential solutions to a problem that it has encountered while performing a task, thus formulating the best approach and enacting upon this solution in an effective means.

Specialization - Each unit is capable of being a highly specialized variant depending solely on the need of the unit they are attached during a conflict. With each variant focusing on specific roles dependent upon their armaments currently installed to otherwise act upon that role for which they are intended to execute.

Weaknesses​

Variant Installation - While the U-XIII Veritas shares a standardized blank chassis permitting it to be outfitted in a number of variations, this installation time is one of the primary drawbacks of the unit - as the time to modify the unit between variations often takes hours. This can, in turn, cause military units to go without support, leave the blank chassis vulnerable to attack - potentially destroying them - or cause an assault to grind to a halt as a unit is modified to meet a specific need in the field.

Specialization - Each variation of a specific series is highly specialized - meaning that they are otherwise ill-equipped to attempt to fill in a role that they are otherwise unsuited to be acting upon. This also means - that while the units are highly interchangeable - more units are required to be fielded, or time must be spent refitting a unit, in order to fill in multiple roles or needs as required. This can also be used against U-XIII formations, with an intelligent enemy capable of causing an inexperienced commander to switch out their units to meet a threat, only to have that threat be a feint and exposing the units to the original threat that they are no longer capable of meeting effectively.

Broadside of a Barn - Otherwise known as being unmissable, a walking hill, or any other term or phrase to describe its size in terms of the sheer fact that all one needs to do is point their weapon in its general direction and they will more than likely hit one of these units. If by some chance they do miss, perhaps the operator of the weapon attacking a U-XIII should get their eye-sight checked by a medical professional.

Gyroscopic Stabilizer - The primary system that keeps the upper portion of the unit stabilized - in comparison to its smaller, lower half - it is often found in a number of droids and starfighters. However, the system itself is rather fragile, and prone to damage. In those instances in which the system is damaged, the unit loses its capability to remain stabilized in all three planes, often resulting in the unit falling forward - as the weight of the upper body pulls it down - or loses its capability to move in a proper direction - with some instances of the units beginning to travel in a circle. This often leaves them more vulnerable to enemy fire, if not outright rendered immobile or disabled.

Mounting Brackets - Each U-XIII series contains a number of specialized brackets that assist in keeping the armaments, armor, and other features of a specific variation attached to the otherwise blank chassis. In those instances where they are exposed, or damaged, the unit can experience lose of armaments, armor plating, or in some cases, have more sensitive internal components exposed. This can often render the units vulnerable in a number of means - making them easier to pick off and remove from the conflict.

Munition Dependency - A number of the variants rely on Kinetic based weaponry - more commonly known as 'Slugthrowers' - for their primary and secondary armaments. In these instances, those specific units are more dependent on having munitions on hand in order to be properly refitted to continue a fight. This can often cause problems as units run low, expend their munitions entirely, or have to be pulled from a line of defense or assault in order to be properly refitted - often weakening a formation or slowing an assault.

Electrical Defense Grid - Though installed as a means to provide additional protection against close-quarter combatants - the system itself often wreaks havoc on the unit when discharged too frequently, or in other cases, ceases or otherwise feeds back into the droid when active during specific weather patterns such as rainstorms and showers. This can often disable or put the droid at a disadvantage as the system must be shut down to prevent damage to the unit.

Geographical Quagmire - The units size and weight add to a number of problems that it often faces; specifically those regarding geographical features. Terrains such as mud, sand, bogs, and other similar features can often drag, trap, or otherwise render the units immobile due to their weight. In such instances, they quickly become easy targets to pick off at range or be left to sink further into the terrain.

Blind Spots - The sheer size of the droids and the limited field of view - even with a series of additional sensors - has caused a number of blind spots to develop around the droids. These spots are often more localized to areas immediately behind or to the sides of the droid where they must either turn completely or have an additional unit or friendly forces at their rear to ensure they are not attacked from behind.

Heavy Arms Fire [Anti-Infantry / Conflagration] - Unlike the heavier Artillery and Anti-Vehicle variants; these variants are more lightly armored by comparison, making then more vulnerable to Anti-Vehicle weaponry or the heavier weaponry often deployed on vehicles.

Sustained Infantry Assault [Artillery / Anti-Vehicle] - Though more heavily armored than their Anti-Infantry and Conflagration counterparts, their limited Anti-Personnel weaponry or total lack thereof makes them easier - in some cases - to approach by Infantry and be disabled utilizing anti-vehicle weaponry or similar weapon systems often carried by Infantry forces.

Safe Target System - The downside of the safety feature present in a number of the weapon systems installed is the definition of "in danger" that the system dictates. At times it will often lock the weapon systems at inopportune times, often requiring that a larger structure or obstacle is placed between the weapon system and those with the corresponding IFF Circuitry in their armor.

Description​

The U-XIII Veritas Series Battle Droid consists of a shared base blank chassis that can be configured into one of eight distinct variants focused on Anti-Infantry Support, Anti-Vehicle and Anti-Air Support, Conflagration and Area of Control Support, and Artillery Support. Designed to fill a multitude of roles, the standard appearance of the U-XIII Veritas series Battle Droid is a simple blank, near-humanoid chassis which is capable - as mentioned above - of being altered to fill a number of roles depending on the needs of the unit that it has been attached. Likewise, this capability of being interchangeable to fill a specific specialization as needed allows for the unit to be more versatile - however, it is also a glaring drawback, as it often takes a considerable amount of time for these units to be properly refitted to meet a new specific role. In this instance, it causes a unit to field multiple Veritas units in order to ensure that all their requirements are meet as needed - which often drains resources or otherwise puts a greater strain on those with fewer units that must rapidly refit them as required. This can often be taken advantage of by a more cunning enemy - in that they can convince a less experienced or tunnel-visioned commander to refit the units to meet a threat that is otherwise a bluff or feint for the real threat, rendering the Veritas units vulnerable. In this manner their variations each have their own strengths and weaknesses - while the lighter Anti-Infantry and Conflagration units are more susceptible to enemy fire as they have lighter armor, the heavier Artillery and Anti-Vehicle units can often find themselves overrun by mass infantry tactics; even more so if those infantry units are deployed with anti-vehicle weaponry. While the units are installed with a specialized Electrical Defense Grid as an additional means to protect against infantry or those that have come into melee range with the Veritas - it has the undesired side-effect of feeding back and damaging the internal systems of the unit when met with environmental hazards such as storms and showers, requiring that the system be shut off. In very much the same vein, these large hulking droids are easily spotted and struck - and should an individual somehow miss with their weapon, they should likely seek medical consultation regarding their eyesight. This weight however also causes problems when dealing with such terrain features as sand, bogs, marshes, and other similar geographical features - as they can often render the units immobile, drag them down to the point that they sink, or adversely affect their capabilities in combat. This can often also slow the heavy units down - allowing an enemy to take advantage of the unit's blind-spots - often striking from behind in hit and run tactics that also serve as an attempt to wear down the unit's munitions; as unlike many other droids, the bulk of the Veritas unit's weapon systems are focused on slugthrower technologies. However, that is not to say that there are no upsides or strengths to the Veritas units; rather, their primary strength is within the blank chassis, as well as the internal systems that assist the droid in maintaining its normal operational status. As such it is equipped with a specialized Droid Self-Sustaining Unit, which reprograms a droid's internal systems to allow for its basic diagnostics systems to be capable of self repair regardless of the availability of repair kits. Its Safe Fire System ensures that instances of friendly-fire are few and far between - however, it still suffers from the drawbacks of those systems as seen in the commonly utilized M58-A Kinetic Rifle and M58-A Heavy Kinetic Rifle. A series of module upgrades provides additional combat capabilities to the unit - while a Heuristic Processor ensures that the droid learns by doing rather than from having the knowledge directly programmed into or acting by knowing the information already. Albeit, its capabilities for critical thinking still falls short of those more out of the box thinking capabilities of organics. Though it has a number of weaknesses that many would consider outweigh the strengths of the unit; its capabilities, ease of fielding, and its means to switch between a number of variations depending on the situation finds itself becoming deployed and active on a number of conflicts - specifically by those that the Hellknights have begun to take part in. It is only a matter of time though to discover if those weaknesses really do outweigh the strengths of the Veritas, or if the Veritas Units find success and see greater numbers rolled out of the factories.

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

John Locke

It is ready for judgement

 

[Beltran Rarr]

Looks good!

APPROVED.

Amelia von Sorenn