Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Star Knight Saga Lore: The Destrier

Destrier


General and Technical Data

Model Number: VSG-GV-044
Code Name: Destrier
Unit Type: Motorcycle
Manufacturer: Harlan Motorworks of Olympus Mons, Mars (under direct license)
Operator(s): Vatican Solar Guard, Church military orders
First Deployment: 2701 A.D. (Mk.I); 2972 (Mk.VII)
Accommodation: One Rider & Passenger
Dimensions: 9.4 ft (2.85m) long, 3.3 ft. (1m) high, 3.3 ft. (1m) wide (motorcycle); 9.4 ft. (2.85m) long, 4 ft. (1.2m) high, 3.3 ft. ft. (1m) wide (ATV) Weight: (empty); (max gross)
Armor Materials: Unarmored
Powerplant: Aramaki Type battery-powered engine
Propulsion: 4x Grand Tour All-Terrain wheels governed by CHM Smart Power transmission
Performance: 124 mph (cruise), 250 mph (maximum)
Equipment & Design Features: Headlight (multiple frequencies possible; visible light is default, w/ options output into rider's helmet). Variable-configuration chassis to support two-wheel and four-wheel operation modes. UI link to rider's helmet or ride goggles.
Fixed Armaments: None
Optional Fixed Armaments: Anti-Personnel blasters on front wheels; grenade launchers on back wheels.
Optional Hand Armaments: N/A

Technical and Historical Notes

The Guard sought a new general purpose personal ground vehicle at the dawn of the 28th century. It commissioned the Destrier in 2701, using a pre-Cataclysm design archived in the City of God. A Mars-based company, Harlan Motorworks, won the contest to produce the design for the Vatican Solar Guard and began delivery later that year. Its use of double-wheels forward and rear, allowing it to go from traditional motorcycle to four-wheel ATV mode, made it a favorite among Guardsmen since its inception and many buy surplus Destriers for personal use. It's been a staple of Guard facilities for three centuries now, with few changes over its service life due to being a rugged, easily-maintained, and adaptable design. Retired Guardsmen take their Destriers with them, and it is not uncommon to see an older model donated to a local diocese for the local clergy to use.

The current model, the Mk. VII, entered service in 2972 A.D. and is most often used as a patrol vehicle. Its lack of standard fixed armaments reflect this mission profile. After the Mk.I's introduction it has since entered service with the Church's military orders, painted in their colors, with the Poor Knights of St. John being second-most common after the Guard. Riders rarely use fixed arms on their rides, resorting to personal arms if required to engage in combat or dismounting to fight on foot, as ramming attacks against hard targets will damage or destroy the vehicle.

The Mk.VII design is the basis for a transformable model, intended to reconfigure around the rider to become a powered armor; this variant is VSG-GV-044(a), code named "Cavalier", has since been re-designated for elite operators such as the Star Knights. (Editor: This will get a separate entry at a later date.)

Miscellaneous Information

Pilot: Lord Roland (Cavalier variant)
First Appearance: Hounds of Nimrod
Original Mechanical Designer: (TBD)

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