Combat Frame

## Overview

Exo-Amplification Combat Frames, better known as Combat Frames, are a weapon in use in the world of Earlorania, typically classified under Infantry Support Vehicles. Used by every major power, combat frames have become a staple in every major army. Thanks to their smaller sizes, only standing anywhere from 2-4 meters tall, their mobility and flexibility have been used to great effect to support friendly infantry forces in areas where conventional ISVs couldn't, such as wheeled or tracked armoured units and multi-legged walkers.

## History

### Pre Guardian Era

The first concept of a humanoid controlled vehicle that would amplify the combat effectiveness and would serve alongside light infantry came in the form of Ancient Mesozonian Rock Armour during the 7th Century PGE. The Mesozonians of the time used high-powered earth e-crystals to form a suit of armour made out of plates of dense rock. The strength of these rocks made it almost impossible to pierce using non-elemental. However, due to their weight, these were deployed quite sparingly, and despite their potential, ultimately, they were not enough to stop the invasion of the Ancient Elementians.

### New Guardian Era

By the mid 2060s NGE, the thought of a bipedal vehicle was deemed as obsolete for combat purposes, with most nations opting for quadrupedal and hexapedal machines called '*walkers*'. Many reasons included the lack of effective protection from anti-armour systems, the ineffectiveness of moving a bipedal vehicle, and the overall weakness of the standard upright position of a humanoid. However, the development of a bipedal vehicles for civilian use did not stop there, as the creation of the NERVE Suit allowed for the simple instinct of an action to be transmitted to a set of motors, mimicking the intended motion. Using a forced-feedback system, *pilots*, as they were called, were able to get a sense of what they were feeling. These machines were dubbed, *Amp. Frames*

#### Tiansan Insurrection

In 2071 NGE, the Tiansan Insurrection broke out in the Xiunto Federation. The Federal Guard was deployed to retake the region from the insurrectionists, however, they were quickly beaten after a string of defeats on the outskirts of the Lingna Region. Once the Army was deployed, they faced heavy resistance from the jungles, with multiple armoured columns coming under fire as soon as they entered the province. The` Insurrectionists —backed by the Bastion— modified amp. frames from the local port, welding on steel plates to shrug off light arms fire, and equipping them with 50mm autocannons from the local garrison, the insurrectionists were able to quickly dispatch mechanized infantry. Their maneuverability also enabled them to quickly outrun tank turrets and hit weak spots on armoured vehicles.

Originally, to counter these modified amp. frames, Xiunto forces began utilizing MANPADs, however, due to the lack of effective computer systems in the rocket, they were quite easy to dodge. So, the Xiunto Federation began developing their own frames, dubbing them *Combat Frames*.

#### New Chauss Insurrection

During the New Chauss Insurrection in the United Elemental Republic, Bastion Insurrectionists utilized combat frames to counter the Special Law Enforcement in the city. Their superior armor and firepower proved to be too much for the SOLE officers present. However, when faced against high-profile vigilantes and Hayabusas, the combat frames were quickly dispatched by their elemental and aether attacks. Once UEBDT forces arrived in the city, they used their own combat frames to clean up the remaining insurrectionists.

#### 4th World War

During the 4th World War, every major faction deployed combat frames on a wide scale across numerous environments; ranging from the dense urban cities and forests as anti-infantry units, to the wide fields and deserts acting as anti-armour units. They were used during the first battle of the war when Xiunto Legion forces crossed the Leidenshaien border, engaging in fierce combat with Leidenshaien Border Army soldiers, and were a crucial part to ending the war in Saint Vakuloe.

#### Earloranian-Enqurasian War

By the time the Enqurasians had made their first assault on Earlorania, combat frames were introduced to a new variant; Medium Combat Frames. Contrary to their smaller brothers, the MCFs were larger, more armoured, and packed a bigger punch. They were used primarily as an anti-armour unit, and owing to their size, they were equipped to fight in areas in which ground warfare typical weren't able to happen, such as the surface of Lunas and large asteroids, to the ocean floor. Initially, the underdeveloped Enqurasian combat frames were decimated by the Earloranian MCFs, however, they began creating their own, leveling the playing field. Most engagements between Earloranian and Enqurasian heavy armour was typically between tanks and MCFs from both sides. It wasn't until the introduction of MECH Fighters that MCFs would have to take a more careful approach to combat.

## Types

Combat Frames can be separated into 3 primary groups; Infantry, Armoured, and Gunnery. Each group serves different roles and use vastly different tactics on the battlefield.

#### Infantry Combat Frames

ICFs, also known as Light Combat Frames, were the first form of combat frames ever developed. They typically stand from 3-4 meters tall, and are bipedal. most ICFs follow the same principal design, that being a operator pack in the back, a power-source in the chest, and cameras as the *head*.