VANGUARD ARMS:
Much of the arsenal used by the Vanguard
originally belonged to the former Earth Defense Force, including some that were
in development but were abandoned when the organization was disbanded.
WEAPONS AND
EQUIPMENT:
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PLASMA PISTOL: The Plasma Pistol is a smaller, compact
version of the larger Plasma Rifle. While lacking the same power as its bigger
variant, the Plasma Pistol serves as an excellent sidearm and personal defensive
weapon while also being easier to conceal and carry.
SONIC RIFLE: Once
an experimental weapon that was rare in number in the EDF, the sonic rifle has
been mass produced and given to many soldiers within the ranks of the Vanguard.
They operative much like the sonic rifle used by Striker, though the Vanguard
has added improvements such as a larger ammo pack and a short charge-up time.
E-12 AUTOMATIC RIFLE: The E-12 is the EDF version of the FM2000,
but produced many years earlier. It is an ultra-modern, lightweight and powerful
firearm that gives a soldier an edge on the battlefield. It is easily to handle,
aim and fire, carries a large clip, is very accurate and carries an optical
scope with night vision. Like the sonic rifle, the E-12 has been produced in
large numbers for the Vanguard.
PLASMA RIFLE: The EDF
Plasma Rifle used by the Vanguard is unchanged from the version carried by
Alexander Illanov. However, they were never manufactured in large numbers and
thus are only used either as vehicle-mounted turrets or by specialized troops in
heavy combat situations.
SAPPER GUN: A
revolutionary breakthrough by scientists working on contract for the Vanguard,
the Sapper Gun is an energy weapon that can neutralize any super-powered
individual. The beam its fires not only causes a Road Rover or any other super
sapien's power to become nullified, but also leaves them weakened and tired.
This technology is still in its infancy, and requires a single soldier to carry
the gun and its power pack without any additional firearms barring pistols. Also,
the weapon does not work against regular humans.
SONIC GRENADE: The Sonic Grenade is a side-development of
work done on the Sonic Rifle. The device contains a single-shot sonic charge
that is activated once the trigger is pressed and has explosive power comparable
to most regular hand grenades. In addition, the device can be recovered and
reused after detonation in certain circumstances.
PROTO-L BATTLE
ARMOR: The Proto-L Battle Armor is another leap
forward in battlefield technology produced for the Vanguard. Issued to most
Vanguard soldiers, the Proto-L has electronic systems built into the armor that
keeps the wearer in peak shape, monitoring their health and administering
medical aid when needed and providing battlefield and combat information in
real-time. The Proto-L gives Vanguard soldiers the edge needed to fight in the
field, especially against super-powered opponents.
PROTO-N BATTLE ARMOR: The Proto-N Battle Armor is an upgraded
version of the Proto-L Armor with additional armor and Kevlar plating that
covers most of the wearer's body and is built to resist hazards such as fires,
chemical attacks or nuclear radiation. Although built with lightweight materials
they are still bulkier and heavier than their counterparts.
CRYSTAL GUN: The Crystal Gun is the Vanguard's first
attempt at adapting stolen KH Military Crysillis Crystals into weapon form. The
result is a powerful though bulky weapon that can fire bolts of energy capable
of piercing armor. The technology is still unstable and the guns can overheat or
spontaneously explode if fired continuously.
NANO COMBAT SUIT: The
latest product of the Vanguard's research and development department, the Nano
Combat Suit is made from millions of nanobots that are remotely controlled via a
microchip implant within the neck of the user. The user can then, with training,
manipulate the nanobots to change the suit from having the appearance of
civilian clothing to hardened combat armor. This not only allows the user to
easily blend in but also to switch to combat mode in an instant. The suit can
also help enhance the powers of any sapien it is given to. So far the suit is
still in a prototype stage, with the only usable version having been given to
Mei Jing for field tests.
ENHANCEMENT
AUGMENTATION: The Enhancement Augmentation is a special device created
for use by Animal Operatives. Vanguard research has discovered various methods
of improving super powers, ranging from increasing range and power to reducing
exertion and canceling out side-effects. The EAs are often custom-designed to
fit as bracelets, collars, vests or belts, depending on the individual
operative's abilities.
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VANGUARD SOLDIERS:
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VANGUARD SOLDIER:
Vanguard Soldiers represent the bulk of the Vanguard's force. However, they are
mostly mercenaries or ex-military troops who have been recruited by the
Vanguard and are not actual former EDF agents. They do receive excellent
training and are well-equipped to fight any opposing force. Most soldiers are
armed with standard western arms, but higher-ranking individuals are trained to
use EDF weapons.
NEUTRALIZER OPERATIVE: The
Neutralizer Operative, called N-Ops, are specially trained and equipped Vanguard
soldiers who are primarily tasked with fighting super-powered individuals such
as the Road Rovers. Armed with Sapper Guns the N-Ops can stop a Rover's powers
and make him an easy target for supporting troops. On their own, operatives are
not as well-equipped to deal with regular, non-super powered individuals as
their comrades.
TASK OPERATOR: The Task Operators are the heavy-duty
troops of the Vanguard used in combat zones and situations that pose too great a
risk to regular soldiers. Thanks to to their Proto-N Battle Armors these troops
are extremely difficult to injury, much less kill and their Crystal Guns allow
them to apply heavy firepower against opposing forces.
ANIMAL OPERATIVE:
Animal Operatives, or A-Ops, are the result of the Vanguard's own efforts into
creating cano-sapiens. While consisting primarily of canines, a number of other
mammal species comprise membership of the A-Ops. Along with being fitted with
standard Vanguard equipment, many of its members are fitted with Enhancement
Augmentations that magnify the strength of their super powers and reduce the
stamina required to use them.
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GROUND VEHICLES:
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VANGUARD RHINO: The
Rhino hummers used by the Vanguard were all taken from EDF storehouses and are
almost identical to the Rhino used by Striker, with a Sonic Cannon, Blackjack
Mines and flight capability. These particular Rhinos underwent an upgrade to
give them a slight more powerful engine, compound armor to replace the plated
armor and better flight manoeuvrability. The Rhinos serve as the primary ground
vehicles for the Vanguard.
ROADTRAIN TRUCK:
The Roadtrain Truck is an 18-wheel truck and trailer used by the Vanguard as a
mobile command and control centre as well as a troop transport. While usually
dark blue in colour, the Roadtrain can be painted to resemble a commercial
transport to travel unnoticed in civilian areas. The trailer boasts various
computers that provide communications, radar, signal interception and jamming
among other functions. It also fitted with armor plating to make it resistant to
enemy gunfire.
HEAVY COMBAT
UNIT:
Research work done on the remains of GONV robots recovered after the Techno War
has led to the creation of the Heavy Combat Unit, or HECU. This large, automated
robot is armed with two energy cannons on its arms and two built-in rocket
packs. Combined with thick armor plating, an advanced combat AI and mobility,
the HECU is a fearsome weapons platform that can be sent into extreme combat
situations.
LIGHT COMBAT
UNIT:
Further research work done on GONV robots has allowed the Vanguard to create and
field smaller versions of their HECUs, the Light Combat Unit (LICU). Although
lacking the armor and firepower of its larger brethren, the LICU is a capable
fighting unit and works well as support for the HECU or Vanguard soldiers. Their
claws not only allow them to engage in hand-to-hand combat but also to retrieve
items or objects when doing so would put a regular soldier in extreme danger.
DUSTKICKER AA:
The Dustkicker Anti-Aircraft Platform is the Vanguard's primary method of
protecting and guarding against hostile aircraft. It is fitted with gatling guns
and missile packs and equipped with highly advanced targeting systems that
allows the Dustkicker's operator to locate and lock onto enemy targets. Its
treads allow it to operate over a wide variety of terrain.
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AIRCRAFT:
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MOSQUITO: The
Mosquito is a very light attack helicopter created primarily for scouting and
light ground support. Developed to be easily controlled by a single pilot, the
Mosquito is highly maneuverable and capable of providing decent firepower and
air superiority. It also comes with stealth technology, allowing it to easily
slip through enemy lines undetected. Unfortunately its light design puts it at a
real disadvantage when confronted with heavily fortified positions and more
powerful assault helicopters.
CONDOR:
The Condor Helicopter was developed by the EDF
alongside the United States' V-22 Osprey. But while the original project was
shelved and the V-22 project continues to struggle, the Vanguard managed to get
the Condor to successful production. The Condor serves as a troop transport and
squad insertion vehicle and its tilt-rotor technology allows it to convert
between a helicopter and a light aircraft, depending on the situation.
SEEKER DRONE: The
Seeker Drone is the Vanguard's version of aerial combat drones: a miniaturized
version of a helicopter combined with the AI systems that run the HECU and LICU
robots. The Seeker can serve as either an airborne scout and recon unit, either
automatically or via remote control, or as a combat unit thanks to its small but
still formidable autogun and rocket packs.
AIRDROMEDA:
The Airdromeda is the Vanguard's next-generation cargo plane. It can carry heavy
cargo to Vanguard around the world thanks to its long range, four power engines
and ability to land on shorter runways than are required for most modern
aircraft. It can also service as a Air Radar and Early Warning craft or a
command centre due to its computerized interior. While unarmed, the Airdromeda
is capable of dodging and avoiding hostile with various countermeasures and
stealth capabilities.
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DEFENSIVE SYSTEMS:
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PORTABLE AUTO TURRET:
The Auto Turret is a tripod-mounted, computerized
automatic weapon that can easily be carried and deployed to serve as a defensive
or area denial tool. Its is made mostly from carbon fiber, which makes it
lightweight yet durable. It can carries several ammunition packs that can easily
be reloaded and is capable of friend-or-foe recognition.
