Above the Moon, an apocalyptic void battle would determine the ultimate fate of the orbital.

If the UCM
forces were able to break through the Scourge defence line, the moon would be ripe for assault.
Whilst huge cruisers had engaged each other, smaller dogfights had emerged between the larger vessels
and around orbiting debris from the very first Scourge invasion. Large chunks of the Moon had been
ripped from its surface some 150 years ago, left to orbit around the various stations setup on its surface.
Vicious battles broke out between pilots of the UCM and the Scourge as the space between the two fleets
was fought over. The larger ships bristled with void and rail weaponry illuminating space with each volley,
pummelling both fleets.
Sabina had experienced void battle many times in her simulation training. She had been the ace pilot
in her class and she thought herself ready for combat. Nothing could have prepared her for how war
actually felt. The thought briefly crossed her mind before she pushed it down. Now was not the time for
distractions. Rolling to her left, Sabina spun to avoid more shots from the Scourge fighter engaging her.
Spying a series of asteroids, Sabina moved to cover herself in them, the Scourge hot on her tail.

1
Nimbly weaving through the asteroid belt, Sabina noticed that the larger Scourge ship struggled to
manoeuvre as deftly as her own ship could. Rolling, Sabina exited the asteroid field and pulled hard on
the reverse, spinning her ship to face the exit she had just left. The Scourge fighter turned the corner, not
realising that the trap had been set.
Sabina opened fire, letting out a cry of emotion as the Scourge fighter was blasted from view. Panting from
the exertion and adrenaline coursing through her, Sabina leant back to catch her breath. Her moment
of triumph was cut short however, as her tactical visor alerted her to another Scourge fighter heading
towards her. This was going to be a long engagement, Sabina grunted to herself.

2
 United
Colonies of
Mankind
Forged in desperation, united by adversity and
resurgent in power, the UCM exists for a single
purpose – to wrest mankind’s lost strongholds
from the clutches of the Scourge. A collection of
diverse and remote frontier worlds, the UCM is
a restless cultural melting pot, bubbling with a
righteous desire for vengeance.
One and a half centuries after the Scourge
captured Earth and the Cradle Worlds, the UCM
expanded beyond all recognition. Its militaristic
society assembled the greatest army and fleet in
human history and hurled it at its hated foe to
recapture its lost territories. This monumental The Colonies
endeavour is known as the Reconquest, a galaxy-
wide conflagration of war and death. The UCM consists of a series of former frontier
planets, once peopled only by desperadoes, ne’er
Its decision to exploit an early opportunity to do wells and enterprising characters, eager to
invade Earth will likely define the future of the forge new lives and seek fortunes. These worlds
UCM and its place in the galaxy. Success would were not chosen for their beauty or amenity, but
be a momentous leap towards final victory. rather for their considerable mineral wealth.
Failure could mean an end to the Reconquest
and hopes of a bright future for mankind. The course of their development was irrevocably
altered in the chaotic aftermath of the Scourge
Reconquest invasion, when scores of fleeing refugees
descended on these obscure backwaters. A
Central to the entire UCM’s very soul is the measure of the enterprising and hardy character
Reconquest, a species-wide effort to regain what of the original inhabitants influenced this
was lost during the Scourge invasion of 2507. massive influx of new blood, creating a new and
The key prizes are the verdant and bountiful dynamic civilisation.
Cradle Worlds and of course, Earth. This effort
is virtually total, the resources of the UCM are Today, the Colonies are industrial powerhouses,
almost entirely focused on the undertaking. churning out the mighty war machine required
to take on the Scourge. Their extensive natural
In the years since its inception, the Reconquest resources have proven crucial to mankind’s
has claimed the lives of millions. The campaign spectacular recovery from total defeat. The
was beset by problems, setbacks and delays, estimated population of the UCM has recently
exacerbated by the involvement of the Post exceeded 20 billion souls, although the millions
Human Republic and the Shaltari. However, of deaths in the Reconquest are taking its toll.
the Cradle World systems of Eden, Elysium and However, millions of ex-resistance fighters on
Shangri-La are now fully in Colonial hands. conquered Cradle Worlds, hardened veterans
Already, these conquered worlds are providing all, have added to the UCM’s potential recruiting
sorely needed additional resources and grounds. Newly raised Legions from these
manpower. worlds are elite from day one, and may prove
pivotal in the Battle for Earth.
Recently, the Reconquest has taken a dramatic
and seismic shift - an opportunity to invade The Colonies are located far beyond the
Earth itself came, and the UCM took it. Efforts Western Spiral Arm of the Galaxy. While there
to finally invade Olympus Prime were halted, are officially hundreds of worlds in the UCM,
production stepped up to unsustainable levels the majority are nothing more than barren
and shaky alliance known as the Triumvirate rocks, with only tiny outposts and mining
made with the PHR and the rogue colony of concerns. A relatively small number are of
Kalium. The invasion of Earth is the largest central importance and house the vast majority
military operation in human history - this of its population. The grandest of these are
total commitment is typical of the UCM’s colloquially known as ‘The Big Dozen’.
uncompromising will to win at any cost.

3
Most important is Aurum, current seat of they inflicted disproportionate damage when
the High Council and most populous of the counting the civilian population. The choice of
Colonies. Cuprum, Titania and Ferrum are targets seemed random, suggesting these were
the largest industrial powerhouses, servicing, the only worlds the Scourge could accurately
housing and building much of the UCM’s mighty jump to. How they were able to break security
Legions and armoured brigades. The planets of protocols and lay Foldspace nodes at the targets
Maganum and Aluminia are the bread baskets haunts the High Council, though the weight
of the Colonies and provide much of the food for of speculation lays the blame at the feet of the
mankind’s billions. The orbital slips above the Shaltari.
blue gas giant of Niccolum house and construct
the UCMF’s mighty warships. Whatever the cause, the Colonies were clearly
no longer able to direct the war from an aloof
Previously isolated from the war, the Colonies distance - the carnage had come home. High
have recently suffered a surprise Scourge ranking officials are currently protesting that
counter-offensive. The factory world of Ferrum the colossal resources directed at the hastily
was the first hit. Second, the lightly defended planned invasion of Earth will leave the home
ocean world of Aluminia was forever defiled by front too lightly defended. War is unpredictable
the Scourge fleet at the close of 2671, followed by and the die is cast – the future belongs to those
bloody fighting on penal world of Wolfrum from who fight to the very limits of their being.
early 2672. Although the enemy were repulsed,

4
 immediately relinquishes all existing positions,
Government and concentrating solely on the weighty task of
Politics serving as first among equals. The incumbent
is President Helena Belaque, a strong, popular
There are two levels of government in the UCM. figure who has been serving since before the
Each planet has reasonable freedom to govern Reconquest began. Her inspiring leadership in
itself, and often laws, practices and institutions countering the attacks on the home front have
vary between Colonies. A sensible measure, been instrumental in maintaining morale and
since each has quite different concerns. Each galvanising the public towards further struggle.
planet is controlled by an elected assembly,
chaired by a Planetary Governor, chosen by that Military figures have a prominent presence in
assembly. both the High Council and the Senate. Supreme
Admiral “Granite” Halsey and Supreme Marshal
The concerns of the UCM as a whole are directed Zachiev (heads of the UCMF and UCMA
by a central government, currently based in respectively) have permanent seats – although
Aurum’s capital, the recently renamed Aurum they often send representatives, given the
City (its original namesake on the Cradle weight of their military responsibilities. Also,
Worlds, Atlantia, has come to symbolise disaster noted industrialists and powerful businessmen
after its destruction by thermonuclear fire). hold honorary seats in the Senate, representing
The majority of this assembly consists of the many concerns, and serving a crucial advisory
UCM Senate. The number of seats held by each role. The President’s foremost confidant, High
planet is determined by population, but every Councillor Jonas Crowe is one such figure as
Colony has at least one seat. One of the roles of CEO of CLAW (Cuprum Light Armour Works),
the various planetary governments is to elect although as a native of Wolfrum, he sits for that
these representatives. In the Senate, decisions planet on the Council.
which affect the UCM in its entirety are made,
predominantly diplomatic or military in To the average citizen, the actions of distant
nature. As such, the Senate plays a crucial role institutions such as the High Council, Senate
in directing the will of the UCM, and is largely and even their own planetary government may
responsible for coordinating the efforts of the seem far removed from their daily struggles.
Colonies. Directives made thousands of light-years
distant often seem aloof,unsympathetic or even
Major policies and directives are normally invasive. However, the ominous threat of the
proposed by a senior institution – the High Scourge is a powerful force for cohesion. This
Council. Each planet with a population over 500 has been sorely tested already and not yet found
million returns a representative to this body. wanting. Perhaps, the success or failure of the
During crucial sessions it is customary for the Solar campaign will be the thing that forever
Planetary Governors themselves to take up this secures the UCM’s solidarity, or the cause of
role. While serving, members gain the rank of irreparable fractures.
High Councillor. Every eight years, the Council
elects a President from among its ranks. He/she

5
 Military service is seen as paramount for the
Military State survival of mankind, especially now. Today,
Despite its democratic underpinnings, the UCM over 5.2% of the population are mobilised – a
is essentially a military state. This has arisen higher percentage than at any other time in
not through tyranny, but necessity. Many senior history and a figure which has actually risen
army and fleet offices come automatically with since the outbreak of hostilities, despite massive
Senate or even High Council seats. Most civilian casualties.
politicians recognise the need for defence issues In total, the UCM has over a billion men and
to supersede all other concerns and are still women in uniform, although only a small
firmly behind the Reconquest. The UCM has fraction are “bayonets”, as every armed force
essentially been in a state of war since its very needs multitudes in support roles. Military
foundation. service was voluntary, until the onset of the
Most citizens live austere, often harsh Battle for Earth. Reluctantly, the Senate used the
lives, human toil being the lifeblood of the UCM’s constitutional provision for conscription
Reconquest. Most accept this with stoic for the first time. This has proven predictably
determination, hoping to one day see the unpopular, inciting protest rallies across many
bountiful Cradle Worlds and even Earth itself Colonies, but has provided a crucial boost in
with their own eyes. These distant jewels have manpower, perhaps enough to tip the balance.
a place in the heart of many who once listened However, conscription is viewed as a gross
in awe to their grandparents’ tales of great breach of human decency and has the potential
cities, verdant gardens and lives of leisure. All to turn public opinion against the military-led
understand that a free future can only be theirs status quo, should a quick victory and return to
through annihilating the Scourge. voluntary service not occur.

6
 Their arrival has been timely, to say the least - a
The Army huge morale boost for the lowly troops fighting
The United Colonial Army (the UCMA) has on Earth. The tactical uses of such colossal
greater manpower than the fleet, though fewer death machines are different from those of
materiel resources. The bulk of the UCMA’s regular ground forces, so the Anvils enjoy a good
soldiers form the mighty Colonial Legions. measure of autonomy.
Each numbers around a million fighting men The UCMA’s ground troops are delivered to the
and women plus support staff and is generally front by the Army Air and Space Corps (AASC).
raised from the same planet. More populous This organisation includes all dropship and
colonies raise many Legions. Some of the most gunship crews and their support staff. The AASC
potent are actually the newest - the Eden 1st and works closely with the fleet, as they are the vital
2nd, the Elysium 1st and the currently forming interface between ground troops and ships in
Shangri-La 1st have all been raised from newly orbit.
conquered Cradle Worlds and consist almost
solely of ex-resistance fighters. These grizzled The UCMA is commanded by Army
soldiers have a lifetime’s worth of experience Headquarters (AHQ), possibly the most
in killing Scourge and will surely prove their influential military body in the UCM, although
worth on Earth, where they are even now being the Admiralty would beg to differ. AHQ also
deployed for the first time. includes Army Intelligence as well as the
Military Science Division, although the latter
The Legions are supported by the Colonial also works closely with the Admiralty.
Armoured Corps, vast formations which include
all ground vehicle crews and support staff. The Inter-service rivalry is mostly a source of light
CAC includes the formidable Colonial Tank amusement rather than conflict, although
Battalions, some of the most potent fighting occasionally friction does flare up. Recently,
entities anywhere in the galaxy. accusations have been levelled by AHQ at the
fleet due to perceived lack of support or over-
The most recent branch of the CAC is the so- zealous bombardment, as was the case in Star-
called Anvils: brigades consisting solely of Casablanca. Casualties are inevitably higher
Behemoth class battle mech operators and in the UCMA, the greatest source of friction
support crew. These towering engines bestride between army and fleet. However, those with
the field like avatars of destruction, dwarfing access to a full and uncompromising picture of
super-heavy tanks. These additions to the the Reconquest and its needs rarely make such
Colonial arsenal were developed in response comments and understand that death in the
to similarly gargantuan machines deployed by void can be just as visceral and more often total.
other races. Although the UCM took years to
develop and deploy Behemoths of its own, these
first operational units have proven more than
up to the task of felling their opposite numbers.

7
 The second-largest fighting body in the UCMF
The Fleet is the Fleet Air Arm, which includes all strike
The United Colonies of Mankind Fleet (UCMF) is craft personnel from Fighter Command,
the smaller military body in manpower although Strike Command and the Air Logistical Corps.
it has the greatest share of materiel resources - These pilot and maintain the UCMF’s fighters,
shipbuilding is the single biggest drain on the bombers, shuttles and other ancillary craft. They
UCM. However, it has been deemed that can be are the only part of the UCMF to see much action
no such thing as “too many ships” in this war. on the surface, in support of ground troops.

Home port to the UCMF is Niccolum, a The Colonial Marine Corps is responsible for
blue gas giant ringed by mineral-rich rock ship security and close protection for surface
containing rare metals and materials central landings. The Corps includes the elite Marine
to shipbuilding. Most UCM vessels are built Force Recon (MF-R) and the shadowy Marine
here using mainly local resources. Niccolum’s Force Black (MF-B) – the latter directed by
population is the largest ever to live out their the Office of Naval Intelligence, a mysterious
entire lives in space. Niccolum is encircled by organisation which is said to have the ear of the
thousands of orbital instillations, shipyards and President. ONI conducts counter-espionage
defence emplacements. Though the Scourge and keeps tabs on prominent citizens and
control the surface of Olympus Prime, the officers. The extent of the latter is not widely
capture of its vast orbitals has recently granted known, but such activities have increased
humanity a second, epic shipyard. Although tenfold, given the suspicion of PHR agents
only beginning to be brought back online and in senior positions; even as far as the High
reconfigured to build modern ships, the extra Council. In an unexpected development, ONI
capacity will be a huge boon for the Admiralty. recently uncovered an extensive Kalium spy-
ring within the UCMA. The ONI is also tasked
The Admiralty oversees the actions of the fleet, with answering some of the greatest questions
plans and directs its operations, frequently in troubling mankind, such as seeking the location
person. All commissioned officers above the of the PHR homeworlds.
rank of Lieutenant are members. Given the
decisive, destructive power it can unleash, it is While unglamorous, the Fleet Logistical Corps
said that the Admiralty is the most powerful is the third-largest employer in the UCM,
institution humanity has ever known. responsible for the supply of the UCM’s forces.
Without it, the entire Reconquest would
The Battlefleets themselves include thousands instantly grind to a halt. The FLC controls almost
of ships, from the smallest lighter to the as much tonnage as the Battlefleets, mostly
largest dreadnought. Though they hadn’t fully supply haulers and support staff. Many joke that
recovered from the Battles of Olympus and if they were ever armed, the Reconquest could
Ferrum, they boasted over 4250 fighting vessels be over in a year, although of course the jokers
of frigate tonnage, 1114 cruisers, 103 battleships, seldom care about how their last meal got to
14 dreadnoughts and 11 supercarriers before them or where their tank’s fuel and ammunition
the invasion of Earth. However, the truly came from.
cataclysmic engagements there have so far
reduced this strength by almost a third.

8
9
 effectiveness against active countermeasures
UCM Ground is achieved through staggering velocity. The
Forces projectiles ignite the air though sheer friction,
often exposing the shooter’s position. The most
UCM ground forces are distinctly utilitarian and common is the UM-100 “Avenger”, although
compact, designed for mass orbital insertion larger versions of this weapon exist, right up to
and efficiency in manpower and resource the colossal UMH-1 used the Anvil’s Behemoths.
consumption. Their vehicles are a far cry from
the lumbering contraptions of the 20th century. The UCM still routinely deploys chemically
They are necessarily lightweight, since Colonial fuelled rockets. These offer negligible power
military strategy calls for efficient planetary consumption, low cost, portability and lethality.
assault from orbit. Almost all UCM materiel However, despite recent advancements,
has been designed with this in mind, from the their airspeed is relatively low, and thus
heaviest dropship to the humble assault rifle. best employed at close range and in urban
environments, where they might overcome
Most UCM vehicles feature a single driver or countermeasures. The UM-105 “Phoenix”
pilot. Advanced control systems and limited provides man-portable, anti-armour firepower
automation allow a single individual to operate while its multi shot cousin – the UM-105B – is
a main battle tank. This makes best use of utilised by light scout vehicles.
valuable crewmen. The UCM shuns the use of
drones en-mass, as they are far too vulnerable While the ground forces of the UCMA are
to electronic warfare. There is also a strong more and more frequently fielding advanced
feeling in AHQ that there’s no substitute for weaponry like the experimental UMX-1
the split second, nuanced judgements made by “Marksmen” laser, they still rely quite heavily on
a living pilot. A common theme in UCM tank traditional chemical-propelled weapons. From
design is an extremely low profile. This allows the small but multi-purpose UM-3 Modular
for maximum transport efficiency and presents Assault Weapon (a standard for all UCMA armed
a smaller target. This necessitates cramped crew forces due to its adaptability to fulfil a variety
compartments, where operators often lay prone of roles, with interchangeable barrel length,
inside their machines. sights and calibres), all the way to the UM-40
“Retributor” which provides merciless killing
To assist the pilot and defence of the vehicle, all power with negligible power drain at over 300
UCM fighting vehicles feature a broad suite of rounds per minute. Traditional gatling and
active counter-measures. These include point machineguns are also commonplace, often
defence lasers, sub-munitions and even local due to the saturation of air-based units on the
energy shield projection. These systems have battlefield. High rate of fire is still one of the
a low power consumption compared to true best ways to deal with enemy units, even those
energy shields, since they are only temporarily with advanced counter-measures, where sheer
activated over a small area. They are ineffective weight of numbers can still shred a tank in
against directed energy weapons, and can be seconds.
defeated by a high velocity projectiles or close
range attack.
The best defence the UCMA has is nothing to
do with advanced technology or the layered
composites used to armour their vehicles
though; it is the sheer numbers of units able
to be fielded. The UCM’s colossal industrial
base churns out armour at a staggering rate,
with many Colony Worlds expending the vast
majority of their workforce on the construction
of materiel for the war effort.
A common component on UCM vehicles are
weapons mounted on armatures which can
fold flush to the hull. They also facilitate rapid
target acquisition and tracking. They can also
be raised, allowing the vehicle to “peek” and fire
over terrain whilst keeping the hull in cover.
Many vehicles are armed with railguns: the
UCM’s premier anti-armour, kinetic energy
weapon. Railguns magnetically accelerate a
disc-shaped, melon-sized projectile, delivering
tremendous energy downrange. Limited

10
 Tanks Wheeled Vehicles
UCM tanks come in a wide variety of sizes. The The UCM makes considerable use of traditional
smallest currently in the field are the Katana and vehicle types. Generally, these are in auxiliary
Fireblade light tanks, designed for additional roles rather than in the vanguard, since they
speed over ultimate armour protection. These tend to be lighter than tanks. By far the most
share the same footprint as the stalwart Sabre common to see action is the ubiquitous Bear
Main Battle Tank, the most common type found APC, which gets most mechanised Legionnaires
in the Colonial Tank Battalions. Several variants to combat with a good degree of protection. The
use the Sabre chassis, such as the anti-air Rapier. Kodiak command vehicle uses the Bear hull,
although the interior is heavily modified and a
The next largest chassis is the Gladius Heavy comms trailer is added.
Battle Tank, the standard variant packing fully
twice the firepower of the Sabre. This platform is Wheels can be faster than treads in urban
also used for the experimental Scimitar tank- environments, and as such they are often used
hunter and the Maul self-propelled mortar. The on scout vehicles such as the Wolverine LAV.
most formidable chassis currently in the field
is the Broadsword Super-Heavy, which packs Support Vehicles
an enormous railgun and an articulated hull,
allowing its massive frame to cope with uneven More unusual types generally fit into peripheral,
ground. The rarer Claymore is also based on this unorthodox roles. The Longbow and Crossbow,
platform. for example, are dropship-deployed artillery
pieces which cannot move themselves but are
designed for rapid re-deployment.
The Ferrum class Drone Base is one of the largest
vehicles the UCM has that is capable of dropship
deployment. This is effectively a mobile airstrip
for the release and control of Starsprite drones.
The Ferrum chassis is also used for the Chromia
class Orbital Relay Base.

11
12
 Infantry Dropships
Although the UCM boasts colossal numbers of Virtually all first wave or fast tactical operations
armoured vehicles, it is the humble Legionnaire are deployed from aerial dropship. UCM types
that makes up the bulk of the UCMA’s are especially light and utilitarian, eschewing
manpower. Each Legion numbers roughly one heavy armament in favour of efficiency. The
million men and hails from a single Colony or most common type is the Condor, specifically
– more recently – a Cradle World. Legionnaires the Ferrum pattern, although many other
are decently trained and equipped, but – save patterns regularly see battle. This can carry up
those recruited from the Resistance – very to three medium battle tanks, two APCs, or even
few have more than a couple of years’ combat single super heavy tank. A single UCM New
experience. Legionnaires are equipped with Orleans class Strike Carrier carries 100 Condors
a variety of weapons, the largest of which are in its capacious hangars.
served by a two-man crew. These are deployed as
distinct Flack and Mortar teams, for example. The UCM’s typical light dropship is the Raven,
which can either carry ten infantrymen or
More elite than the Legions, the Pretorian Corps a pair of Wolverine LAVs. Ravens are rarer
fulfils the role of army special forces. These than Condors and less efficient in manpower
are consummate urban assault specialists, requirements, but much faster, so generally
especially lethal at room clearance and rapid reserved for scouting or infiltration type
insertion. Within the Praetorians, there are missions. Ravens are also used to deploy
several specialist vocations, such as sniper Longbow and Crossbow artillery pieces.
teams.
The UCM’s premier heavy dropship is the
The UCM’s heavy infantry go into battle wearing Albatross, which can carry a colossal nine
Hazard Suits – hulking, armoured exoskeletons medium battle tanks, or even a single Ferrum
originally designed for dangerous jobs on hostile Drone Base. Given its high capacity and
worlds. They enhance the strength of the wearer, relatively low armour, it is the most efficient
allowing them to carry a light railgun and its dropship delivery vehicle per ton, but is also a
associated power-pack. tempting target, necessitating careful use.

13
 Under the auspices of the fleet rather than
Aircraft the army, high speed, fixed-wing aircraft are
The UCM employs several VTOL aircraft for occasionally brought in to support ground
persistent close air support of ground forces, forces. The Archangel is the most common, a
generally based on dropship airframes. The single-seater interceptor also capable of strafing
Falcon-A is the most common and is designed runs against lightly armoured targets.
for the anti-tank role. The rarer Falcon-B carries The heavier Seraphim is designed specially
AA missiles and is particularly lethal against for the ground-attack role. The regular variant
enemy dropships. carries four bunker busters on under-wing
A heavier gunship is also in service – based hardpoints and the internal Heavenfire system:
on the Condor airframe, the Eagle carries one of the UCM’s first combat-ready plasma
a pair of massive underslung railguns and weapons. A variant of the Seraphim known as
missile pods, designed for stand-off ranged fire the Retaliator also exists, configured more for an
support. However, by far the largest gunship anti-armour role.
is the Phoenix, a massive aircraft which packs
a plethora of offensive weapons as well as a
command suite. An even more formidable
development exists, nicknamed the “Super-
Phoenix”.

14
 commanders had sent to aid them. The Office
Behemoths of Morale and Media were quick to capitalise
The UCM has only recently accepted that such on this. Possibly, the numbers of new recruits
gargantuan, costly units are necessary for emboldened by these poster-children for
victory. In general, their existence opposes Colonial warfare may outweigh their actual
the UCM’s mantra of high-volume, high effectiveness on the battlefield.
efficiency. These gods of the battlefield require The UCM took several cues from known
considerable resources to produce, maintain Behemoths of other races, choosing to focus
and deploy – so much so than many argue the on walker designs seriously for the first time,
UCMA would be better off with more tanks. deeming treads too inflexible for something
However, only a Behemoth is a true match for this large. AHQ refers to their constructs as
another, and given their increasing use by other Battle Mechs, to distinguish them from the
races as the conflict intensified, AHQ eventually generic “walker” term used for the machines
bowed to the inevitable. of other races. A parallel development was the
However – as is often the case with the UCM Drop-Harness system, derived from the PHR’s
– once it committed, it did so with dynamic, Behemoth delivery system, since these war
forceful gusto. In less than two years, combat- engines are far too large for dropships.
ready groups of Behemoths, known as Anvils, Currently, there are two broad types of
were deployed for the first time in the assault Behemoth types in service on the front line with
on the surface of Earth. Besides their obvious the UCM. However, this is new technology for
destructive power, this proved a huge morale the Colonies, so many more are in development
boost for the troops on the ground, who stared or awaiting their first combat deployment.
up in awe at the towing death-machines their

15
 The two variants currently in use are the Brazil
Light Battle and the India.
Mechs The Brazil class is optimised for anti-Behemoth
Although the Heavy was actually the first to hit operations. Its primary armament is a pair of
the frontline, AHQ intends the Light form to UMH-2 Mass Drivers. These are lower powered
overtake the Heavy in terms of numbers, given than the UMH-1 carried by Heavies, however
its lower cost and greater practicality. Lights are they are still utterly lethal, high-energy weapons
perhaps less glamorous, but more dangerous able to lay low larger foes.
relative to their size, since their designers chose
to focus on power rather than quantity for The India class is a rare example of a Behemoth
weaponry. optimised for an anti-air role. For this, it mounts
four UMH-19 Flak Cannons in two pairs, with
The standard UCM Light Battle Mech chassis is limited independent traverse. These massive
quadruped and omni-directional, with no front weapons are high enough energy to down
or back legs as such. It sits low to the ground, strategic fliers, such as Bulk Landers – the India’s
ensuring that should multiple legs be destroyed, primary target. Against tactical, battlefield-
it will only be immobilised, not destroyed. The level targets such as dropships, the UM-19s are
knees also function as hardpoints for two optical laughably overpowered. However, almost as
targeting clusters and two UM-88B chainguns soon as it was deployed, commanders quickly
for close-protection. The crew compartment is realised how effective they were against enemy
buried in its centre, requiring a single operator, tank formations and began to value the India for
but normally using two for redundancy and its ability to wipe anything short of a Behemoth
load-sharing. from the battlefield.

16
 The current classes of Heavy Battle Mech in
Heavy Battle service with the UCMA share the same hull
Mechs and chin armament: a battery of six newly
developed Vindicator MKII Gatling Cannons.
These are enormous, bipedal monsters, They also feature the shoulder-mounted Hailfire
heavier in sheer tonnage than all other known Missile System, which may be loaded with heavy
Behemoths. Their massive weight is party due munitions optimised for anti-Behemoth use, or
to their first-generation nature, but also the vast light munitions for laying waste to swarms of
firepower on offer. However, as with all UCM lesser vehicles.
designs, the Heavy is not without practicality.
The legs feature an ingenious folding system, There are two broad variants currently in use:
allowing the machine to fold down to a the America and Russia.
surprisingly compact package, for maximum
efficiency aboard ship or bulk-lander. These The America is armed with a pair of mighty
legs can also extend considerably, providing a UMH-1 Mass Drivers. This is a term for familiar
superior vantage to all but Shaltari Dragons. UCM railgun technology once it reaches a
certain gauge, more commonly associated
A weakness of this bipedal design is lack of with starships. These weapons are as tall as an
redundancy – if the legs are targeted effectively, apartment block if stood upright and powerful
it is possible to immobilise or even bring down enough to tear into the core of the toughest
a UCM Heavy without having to contend with armoured machines known to man.
the extremely thick composite armour of its
hull. Besides this weakness though, these are Meanwhile the Russia is a bit more general-
some of the toughest war engines anywhere purpose and slightly cheaper to produce.
– a spectacular feat of engineering and an Instead of Mass Drivers, the primary arm
unequivocal success for a first attempt. weapons of the Russia are chemically fired
rotary UMH-9 Stormcrow Cannons. The low
Befitting the UCM’s usual practices, the Heavy power consumption of these weapons gives
has a low crew requirement: three at full the Russia extended endurance, though its
compliment, but intelligent systems allow ammunition takes up more physical space and
the entire edifice to be operated by a single depletes quicker, given its blistering rate of fire.
individual, if necessary. The additional crew are Not as high energy as the UMH-1, the Stormcrow
of benefit in load-sharing for target acquisition is best employed against Behemoths with lighter
and tracking. armour or concentrations of conventional units,
which may be expeditiously pummelled into
dust.

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