"Quite frankly, I think we should have redesigned the helmet." - James Ephraim, CEO of Ephraim Labors
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To create an uncommon paramilitary unit for Ephraim Labors.
- Image Credit: (X)
- Role: A specialized commando unit.
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: Ephraim Labors, Thyferra
- Unit Name: Kovatroopers
- Affiliation: Ephraim Labors, James Ephraim
- Classification: Infantry
- Description: While looks can vary between Kovatroopers, most of them wear standard combat gear similar in style to what a Mandalorian might wear. They show no distinguishable markings or symbols over their outfit. The most notable things they wear are armor-weave capes, and their boxy helmets, modified from the standard issue armor they wear. Attitudes vary from trooper to trooper, although most are quiet and keep to themselves. The most you may get out of one is a light grunt or maybe a nod.
- Unit Size: Small(10 troopers)
- Unit Availability: Uncommon
- Unit Experience: Veteran
- Equipment: EL-VIA-1 Blaster Pistol, EL-KOR-3 Assault Slug Rifle, EL-CUS-5 Combat Armor, EL-DET-4 Baradium Grenade, EL-LOR-6 "Droid Hide" Combat Undersuit.
- Combat Function: Kovatroopers are typically described as being a commando unit. They specialize in urban combat, being very competent in stealth as well. They commonly employ flanking tactics and diversion, drawing attention to one area and encircling the enemy. They also make heavy use of ambush tactics, often hitting quickly and violently. Most battles they're involved with often start with a bang. They do, however, tend to suffer minor casualties with none of them carrying major medical supplies.
- Force Abilities: N/A
Strengths
- Calm - Kovatroopers are known for keeping a calm demeanor, often being able to shrug off most of the stress battle carries. In short, they operate much better under pressure.
- Stealth Training - While certainly not on par with a trained assassin or specialized stealth unit, the Kovatroopers have an understanding of how to keep quiet and use that to their advantage.
- Mobility - The troopers are very mobile, being trained in both endurance and long-distance sprinting. They pack light and don't carry much other than bare essentials.
- Prideful - Most Kovatroopers are very prideful, viewing their position as being something that deserves greater attention, even above their peers. This has led to petty fights among the troopers, and even sabotage of each other in worst-case scenarios.
- Disobedient Loyalty - While the troopers are often praised for their loyalty, this can cause disobedience towards others, especially towards a foreign command.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The Ephraim Kovatroopers are the first genuinely trained soldiers of the PMC, Ephraim Labors. Being primarily trained on the planet Thyferra, the troopers are made up of the best soldiers in the company, with each Kova unit comprised of 10 men. While conscripts carry standard-market gear, such as med packs, Kovatroopers carry specialized assault gear. Alongside this gear is a commando mentality, making them perfect for slipping behind enemy lines.
These soldiers were the product of project Kova (named after a common profanity on Thyferra), a program created by senior members of the company, and championed by James Ephraim. The idea was to combine Mandalorian tactics with that of an imperial trooper, many of the soldiers being previously the latter. While the product isn't what was initially intended, the troopers still serve as a great asset to the company. Of course, there are flaws that reside in the soldiers that would become Kovas. One such flaw is pride, which occasionally leads to infighting and competition. Most of them try to keep it sportsman-like, but it tends to escalate.
Loyal is another way to describe them. Aggressively loyal. They tend to only answer to the commander they're assigned to, which in itself causes problems. When placed under an unknown leader, they tend to ignore all they command. For this reason, most of the orders given to them are preplanned, instead of being given while on a mission.
A benefit of their specialized training is shown greatly while on the battlefield. They tend to act much calmer than an average soldier, making much more rational decisions in the heat of battle. With strict conditioning, they're much more mobile, being able to reach a destination quickly on foot, packing very light as well. Lastly, they sport a reasonable knowledge of stealth, mostly revolving around ambush tactics.
Something to note, while Ephraim labors considers many different soldiers for Kova training, The most likely candidates are typically those with a background in bounty hunting. Experience does tend to range, but being one previously greatly increases your chances of being picked.