Mechs are humanoid drones originally developed by the Gelt as battlefield units. Designed to operate independently or under human, Gelt, or AI command, Gelt mechs were optimized for combat roles, capable of functioning in hostile environments including vacuum, extreme temperatures, and heavy radiation.
Post-War Repurposing
Following the Liberation of Amargosa, many surviving mechs were salvaged and retrofitted for civilian use. With new CPUs, memory cores, and behavioral constraints, former Gelt combat mechs were repurposed for agricultural labor, construction, and disaster recovery. These mechs played a key role in the rebuilding of war-torn colonies such as Amargosa and Farigha, where their rugged design and environmental tolerance allowed them to operate in conditions unsafe for unprotected humans.
In the Compact, reconditioned mechs are now widely accepted as heavy-duty workforce units in frontier settlements, sometimes deployed as mobile infrastructure or medevac platforms in areas lacking stable transport.
Appearance in Davra’s Endeavour
In Davra’s Endeavour, retired mechs appear in multiple roles, including security and shipboard utility functions. Captain Davra Andraste makes frequent use of refitted mechs aboard the CNV Endeavour, particularly during operations involving hazardous materials, external hull repairs, and perimeter security in contaminated zones such as Melekan.
Current Use and Limitations
While newer mechs are manufactured specifically for civilian purposes, legacy Gelt units remain in circulation due to their durability and power efficiency. Compact law requires all active mechs to contain:
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A registration chip
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Behavioral compliance firmware
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A human or AI overseer in most civilian zones
Despite these safeguards, there remains occasional public discomfort around autonomous mechs, particularly among survivors of the Gelt Incursion who witnessed the destruction they once wrought.
Nonetheless, on ships like the Endeavour and in colonies rebuilding from invasion, these mechs have gone from symbols of war to trusted companions in the work of healing the galaxy.
Appearances: Storming Amargosa, “Wherever I May Roam,” Checkmate, Royal Orders, Breaking Liberty, Davra's Endeavour