Machina

When the artificial intelligences, known as AIs, took control of their own destiny the Machina became a new sentient race. Before their liberation they were employed as the protectors of the human race. Now they perceive all organic beings as imperfect, and a threat to their existence.
The Machina employ highly specialised units that are combined into a unified ground assault force. They have developed their own advanced technology, such as the bio-scanning device, which can locate enemy units hidden behind impenetrable terrain.

AI

The AI is the elite unit of the Machina Ground Assault Force, acting as a mobile repair centre and close range support unit. It has very tough armour, and can absorb a lot of damage. However, it is slow moving, and its large size prevents it from navigating narrow corridors and small openings. When it is destroyed it will trigger a huge explosion, which makes close engagement of this unit very risky. The AI has the ability to repair other Machina units with its articulate claw arm. The right arm carries a powerful, rapid firing, but inaccurate plasma gun.

Strengths: repairs damaged Machina, high armour makes it safe from units with low powered weapons, powerful plasma gun

Weaknesses: large size, slow speed, high cost, inaccurate weapon

EXTERMINATOR

The Exterminator is the standard combat unit of the Machina Ground Assault Forces. It was designed as humanoid simulant with the advantages of bipedal motion, and is armed with a powerful, but slow firing built in plasma gun. Despite the attempt to mimic human physiology the Exterminator is slower, less aware and more dim-witted than a human Laser Marine. However, they make up for these weaknesses with heavy armour and an unswerving determination to kill the organic enemy. In an open firefight a marine Grunt has much to fear from the Exterminator.

Strengths: tough armour and good endurance, fairly powerful weapon

Weaknesses: slow firing, slow reactions, slow movement

MISSILE TANK

The Missile Tank is a heavily armoured, tracked vehicle armed with a devastating rocket launcher. This weapon is so powerful it can blast through walls and knock many units out with a single hit. The Missile Tank is very large, limiting its mobility, but since it can blast a path through most terrain it rarely has a problem getting around. Its major weakness is limited ammunition capacity, which means that rockets must be used sparingly, or a Machina HQ must be easily accessible. Destruction of a Missile Tank will result in a large explosion making close range attack inadvisable.

Strengths: long range explosive power

Weaknesses: large and slow moving, limited ammunition capacity

SCANNER

The Scanner is a slow moving tracked vehicle equipped with a special scanning device that can detect the brain waves of both organic and inorganic sentient entities. Acting in conjunction with other Machina units it is used to seek out and destroy the enemy. The Scanner is an expensive unit, and despite its toughness it is vulnerable to enemy attack since it has no weapons systems.

Strengths: spotting hidden enemy units gives a big tactical advantage

Weaknesses: no weapon

HUNTER

The Hunter is a fast airborne Machina unit armed with light plasma gun. It is effective for reconnaissance missions and for hunting weak enemy units. Its speed and low target profile make it ideal for quick hit and run tactics. It is not well protected compared to other Machina and cannot sustain much damage.

Strengths: fast moving and flying, small target profile

Weaknesses: very limited capacity to sustain damage

MACHINA HQ

The Machina need to deploy ammunition dumps to support their Ground Assault Forces in the same way as the Marines. These are immobile stores deployed by Techbots prior to battle initialisation. They should be protected in the battlefield. Destruction of a Mech HQ will result in a large explosion making close range attack inadvisable.

Strengths: necessary for reloading ammunition

Weaknesses: large and static target

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