Overview
Giant mechs are towering humanoid constructs of unknown origin, vastly exceeding the size, complexity, and purpose of modern Compact of Humanity in Assemblyor Realm military hardware. They are not to be confused with the more recent boarding mechs used aboard vessels like the Queen Maria Sophia, which are of a smaller scale and clearly manufactured for combat.
These ancient machines, ranging from 8 to 12 meters in height, appear dormant and non-sapient. Their architecture, burial depth, and environmental integration suggest a pre-human and non-terrestrial origin, likely tied to lost terraforming programs.
Known Discoveries
Aphrodite (428 IE)
The first known giant mech was discovered by Weiss, a [Cybercommand](yadawiki link=”Cybercommand”) officer, during a mission on Aphrodite. The unit was found partially buried in desert terrain and briefly powered up before collapsing.
Notably, Elizabeth Windsor examined the mech during its initial assessment. She later recognized elements of its design during a boarding action aboard the Sophie, showing how deeply the imagery was burned into her memory. The mech was relocated to [Deming](yadawiki link=”Deming”) for secure study.
Mud (433 IE)
A second unit was found within a cavern system on Mud, where JT Austin, Mitsuko Yamato, and both Windsor siblings sought shelter. Though dormant, its presence caused unease—especially for Elizabeth.
A Gelt Warrior suggested the mech might be part of a prehistoric terraforming network, consistent with theories that they were never intended for war.
Ares (435 IE)
Admiral Eileen Burke and the Children of Amargosa discuss a “giant mech disaster” during a strategy session on [Ares](yadawiki link=”Ares”). Though details remain classified, the context implies a mishandled attempt to interact with a newly uncovered mech—either another dormant unit or a partial reactivation attempt.
Admiral Burke refers to the incident as “the worst clusterf— of her career,” indicating serious operational and diplomatic fallout. The mech’s exact location on Ares remains undisclosed, but it adds to the growing pattern of such constructs buried beneath Class E worlds.
Distinctions from Combat Mechs
Boarding Mechs (e.g., Queen Maria Sophia):
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Modern design, modular weapon systems
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Manufactured by unknown or rogue Compact-aligned forces, likely Juno
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Human-scale or slightly oversized for tactical boarding and ship control
Giant Mechs:
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8–12 meters tall, non-humanoid proportions in some cases
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Dormant, possibly millions of years old
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No visible means of control or power source
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Non-combat function suspected (terraforming, planetary maintenance, or monument)
Technical Profile (Giant Mechs)
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Height: 8–12 meters
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Condition: Dormant, partially embedded in geological strata
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Apparent Function: Unknown; theorized as environmental/terraforming constructs
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Power Signature: Minimal or nonexistent
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Control System: No cockpit or interface; likely autonomous or pre-programmed
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Armor Composition: Resistant to modern scanners and excavation tools; alloy composition unknown
Theories of Origin
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Precursor Terraforming Systems:
The discovery of mechs on Aphrodite, Mud, and possibly Ares—all Class E planets with geological anomalies—supports the theory that they were part of ancient planetary engineering networks, long abandoned. -
Non-Human Civilizations:
The materials and design features are not consistent with known Compact or Realm technology. This suggests an alien origin or a lost civilization that predated human interstellar expansion by millions of years. -
Juno Interest:
Although Juno has not been explicitly tied to the creation of these mechs, their obsession with advanced and obscure technology makes them a likely faction to attempt recovery or replication. Their use of boarding mechs on the Sophia may indicate early-stage reverse engineering.
Research and Containment
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Deming:
The Aphrodite mech is currently stored at a classified Cybercommand facility, accessible only to select personnel. [Ellie Nardino](yadawiki link=”Ellie Nardino”) is known to have reviewed data from this unit and made offhanded comments in Checkmate indicating prior exposure. -
Ares:
Whether the mech involved in the “clusterf—” incident was moved or destroyed is not publicly known. Burke’s refusal to release further details suggests the incident may have involved a failed activation or sabotage during a joint Compact–Helios operation.
Appearances: “Sphinx Rising,” Checkmate, Royal Orders