XL9 Manticore

The **XL9 Manticore**, an imposing mecha utilized exclusively by the Communist Defence Pact (CDP), represents a formidable presence on the battlefield. This heavy assault exoskeleton, designed and manufactured in Roji, boasts impressive firepower and robust armor.

## Overview

The XL9 Manticore is categorized as a heavy assault exoskeleton due to its massive size and significant firepower. It serves as a powerful asset for the CDP in various combat scenarios. The Manticore is heavily armed, featuring a wide array of weaponry designed to engage both infantry and armored targets. Its arsenal includes high-caliber cannons, missile launchers, and anti-armor systems, making it versatile and capable of taking on a range of threats.

The XL9 Manticore is a walking arsenal, boasting a wide array of weaponry designed to obliterate adversaries. Its left arm is equipped with a 30mm Grinder autocannon, a triple-barreled rotary gun that delivers a relentless hail of high-caliber fire. On the right arm, the Manticore features the upgraded XSW/Medusa, a system even more powerful than the RTL-8. These weapons are well-suited for dismantling armored threats and turning infantry into mere casualties.

The XL9 Manticore boasts exceptionally heavy Hytherion armor plating, significantly enhancing its durability. It can withstand dozens of hits from anti-armor explosive weaponry, such as the DARPA-80, before succumbing to damage. This level of protection makes it a formidable presence on the battlefield, particularly when facing hostile armored units.

To counterbalance its moderate movement speed, the Manticore is equipped with nitro thrusters positioned on its rear. These thrusters provide bursts of speed, enabling the mecha to swiftly maneuver, close distances to targets, or reposition as needed, granting it tactical flexibility despite its massive frame.

Despite its impressive capabilities, the XL9 Manticore is not widely available for purchase. Its size and relatively moderate movement speed make it a vulnerable target on the battlefield, limiting its adoption by other factions or organizations.

## Trivia

### General

* Essentially an oversized and up armoured XL5 PAAWS.
* Categorized as a heavy assault exoskeleton, the XL9 Manticore is characterized by its colossal size and substantial firepower. It serves as the ultimate asset for the Communist Defence Pact in various combat scenarios. The Manticore's design is a testament to its aggressive role, featuring a formidable array of weaponry optimized for engaging both infantry and armored targets.
* The Manticore is produced in the nation of Roji, known for its advanced military technology and manufacturing capabilities. This ensures that the mecha meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
* The XL9 Manticore indirectly caused the rise of mechas being piloted mobile weapons after its introduction.
* It coined the classification of a mecha as a "direct pilot mobile weapon system" or a walker mech.
* Manticore is also used as the name for PROJECT's toxic chemical weapon.
* Unlikely for a walker mech, its legs are well armoured, nimble, and not high maintenance.
* It is notably used by the CDP soldier known as Qūzhújiàn.
* It shares the same codename with the same chemical weapon, used by THETA, and a thousand years later, PROJECT.