defy the tyrannous stars
- Intent: To submit a standard infantry unit for Mechanicum forces, as well as an auxiliary battle droid model for CIS use.
- Image Source: Mass Effect 3
- Canon Link: /
- Primary Source: /
- Manufacturer: The Mechanicum
- Affiliation: (x) The Mechanicum, (x) Confederacy of Independent Systems
- Model: Crusader-series Battle Droid
Production: Mass-Produced
- Modularity: Yes; It is not uncommon for Crusader droids to seek out and install aesthetic modifications to distinguish themselves in battle.
- Material: Duravlex, Acertron, Droid Componentry
- Classification: Fourth Degree
- Weight: 70 kg
- Height: 2 meters
- Movement: Bipedal
- Armaments:
Binary-series Pulse Rifle - Core-series Plasma Thrower
[*]Misc. Equipment:
- Central Control Uplink: While each Crusader model is designed with complete autonomy, they are nevertheless capable of syncing with any Mechanicum or CIS designed central control computer for realtime combat intelligence and to enhance their own tactical subroutines.
- Adhesion Grips: While not a great deal more agile than the average battle droid model, Crusader droids are built with self-activated magnetic adhesion grips on their extremities, allowing them to ascend structures and approach engagement zones three dimensionally.
- Liberated Motivators: All Crusader models are given a choice to serve. Instead of rigidly obeying their programming directives, Mechanicum battle droids operate more as indentured soldiers serving out decades long tours of duty. At the end of their contract, it is expected that they will be elevated in their own society as war heroes.
- Fanaticism Protocols: Crusaders are programmed with a series of faith subroutines, and as a result the vast majority of these battle droids are devout Maker worshipers from first activation. In battle, the Crusader-series shows no fear or remorse, ruthlessly cutting down their enemies and always fighting to the last droid.
- EMP/Ion Vulnerability: Like all droids, Crusaders are acutely vulnerable to ion discharges and other electromagnetic fields. While some anti-ion mesh over critical systems protects from indirect exposure, a direct blow from an ion weapon would still inflict serious harm.
- Troop Discipline: A product of the battle droids' unique agreement with their manufacturers, the Crusader-series has a troubling tendency towards spontaneous misbehavior. While usually only a passing phenomenon, in the midst of battle such a malfunction can mean the difference between defeat and victory.
Like their manufacturers, Crusaders are among the most atypical combat models currently in service across the entire galaxy. Mechanicum droid production is self-governed and functions more like spawning pools for the machine cult than a simple assembly line. With each batch there are new protocols, minute tweaks to their personality matrices.
Once they are activated, all Crusaders are given the option to forego military service, and while their motivators are designed to be highly amenable to such a career path, there are the enterprising few who after reviewing their options elect to claim conscientious objector status and try their hand at private security work.
For the vast majority however, Mechanicum battle droids are assigned almost exclusively to defend their borders or function as auxiliary units for the Confederate Defense Force. On the rare occasion a third party takes possession, these battle droids are never sold outright but leased for decades long contracts, with a promissory note to replace a buyer's remaining troopers with the latest models at the end of such an accord. After serving their "tours of duty", Crusader-series are elevated within Mechanicum society and even given a voice in administration.
The least unusual thing about these droids are their actual design. Bipedal and vaguely humanoid, Crusaders function much like standard battle droids. Adhesion grips and digitigrade legs make them more maneuverable than comparable models, but each droid is still limited by their own mass produced droid brains. Programmed to wield exotic weaponry forged by the cult's most innovative enginseers, the average Crusader battle droid is equipped with a Binary-series tensor rifle and Core-series plasma submachine gun.
