Mechanical Infantry Fighting Unit

The **Mechanical Infantry Fighting Unit**, or MIFU, affectionately known as "Grunts," represents a significant leap in the realm of futuristic warfare on Nexonia Prime. These combat droids, the first ever of its kind to be mass-produced and deployed by major military forces, as well as smaller factions, private corporations, and even select terrorist groups, have reshaped the battlefield with their relentless presence.

## Overview

The Mechanical Infantry Fighting Units, with their formidable and identical design, have earned their nickname "Grunts" as the first-ever mass-produced combat droids in Nexonia Prime. These machines have become a common sight in the theaters of war, a symbol of the changing face of conflict.

A Mechanical Infantry Fighting Unit appearance is distinct, bearing little resemblance to Nevian soldiers. Their boxy, aerodynamic heads lack the features of the typical Nevian face, eschewing flashy lights or expressive features. This head design can vary in its aesthetic, depending on the preferences of the faction employing them. They Grunts are built to withstand the rigors of warfare, their bodies encased in self-healing composite armor plating. This robust armor provides superior protection against various forms of attack, making them challenging adversaries on the battlefield.

While Grunts are designed for combat superiority, they do not rely on integrated weapon systems. Instead, they equip themselves with conventional weaponry, attaching webbing to carry their ammunition. This approach allows for flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of MILITECH weapons, showcasing their adaptability.

In terms of mobility, Grunts shine. They possess remarkable agility and strength, easily overpowering regular Nevian soldiers. Their swiftness allows them to evade missiles and rockets with calculated maneuvers, making them a formidable force to reckon with.

One of the defining features of Grunts is their integration into a distributed A.I. hivemind network. This network, overseen by their controlling faction, prevents direct control through DNI (Direct Neural Interface) or NEX-OS, safeguarding them against cybernetic hijacking. While users cannot take direct control, the Grunts' physical functions and even their friend-or-foe indicators remain vulnerable to hacking, posing additional challenges to their foes.

## Trivia

### General

* While the official designation of these combat droids is the "Mechanical Infantry Fighting Unit," they are more commonly referred to by their acronym, "MIFU," due to the unwieldy length of their official name.
* All Mechanical Infantry Fighting Units possess a level of superhuman strength sufficient enough to kill nevians with their bare hands and pry open armoured doors with ease.
* Despite their formidable design, the MIFUs have a vulnerability to gunfire, albeit primarily with larger caliber firearms. The joints of these combat droids can be sensitive to the impact of heavy rounds like those fired by the MOW BOARS-8 battle rifle, which utilizes the potent 7.8x54mm ammunition. However, they display greater resilience when facing smaller caliber projectiles, such as those fired from standard assault rifles and pistols, making them a more challenging target for infantry armed with conventional weaponry.
* The original and principal manufacturer of MIFUs is the sinister Theta Dynamic Technologies, or THETA, a corporation deeply entrenched in unethical practices and shadowy operations. However, the demand for these combat droids extends beyond THETA, with MILITECH, a significant player in military technology, also engaging in their mass production.
* Affectionately known as the MIF, or "Droid MUF'kers" by the CDP's soldiers, not insurgents.
* They are designed to function as a hive mind, following the orders of their superiors and being a mechanical soldier are their only roles.
* Unsurprisingly, MIFUs can be effortlessly used in mining and labour.