Iron Harpy
| Iron Harpy | |
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| Technology | |
| Invented by | Alexandre Silva |
| Used by | Military |
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In an age where warfare constantly evolves, the need for innovative weapons has never been greater. The Iron Harpy was conceived as Galudon’s answer to the devastating automatons deployed by their enemies in the north, combining speed and firepower into a deadly package.
History
While forever curious about the nature of military innovation, Alexandre Silva volunteered to join a trip headed for Eudai in early May with Merellien, Makaria, and Rin’elle Ravajor’elle. During this diplomatic mission, the crew witnessed the horrors of the war between the dwarven empire and the Elves to its fullest. But what caught Alexandre’s eye was the new weapon the dwarves had assembled: two-story mobilized automatons, fit with cannons, that ruled the battlefield - destroying everything in their wake with the brutal efficiency the dwarves were well known for. As Alexandre had spent years in the empire as a servant to a noble lord, this knowledge was not lost on him. If the nation of Galudon were to defeat the dwarven empire in the coming conflict, they would need a response to these destructive weapons of war. Thus came his idea of creating his own mobilized automaton. But unlike the dwarves, Alexandre believed what Galudon needed were - albeit smaller - more cost-effective solutions to these large creations.
Going right to work, he thought about the design functionality. Expecting this mech to fight in terrains such as mountains, cities, and woods, Alexandre believed that while sacrificing armor, the automaton would need mobility as one of its greatest assets. Another sacrifice was its size. The original design was to be just over one story tall, with most of its weight coming from the steam engine and the front-facing armor plating. Unlike its two-story dwarven counterparts it would face on the battlefield, this machine would be lighter and faster. Though it would lack armor, it would make up for it in firepower. The automaton would be fitted with a field cannon capable of penetrating heavily armored targets and entrenched defenses - a glass cannon through and through. This new design could speed across the battlefield and deliver devastating firepower in half the time it would take a five-person crew to do the same. In recognition of its semi bird-like appearance, Alexandre dubbed this invention the Iron Harpy.
Construction
The Iron Harpy is built to factory specifications. The first step in the process is the creation of the Harpy’s main body, taking inspiration from industrial oil tanks. The front-facing armor-plated shell is cylindrical, with a small circular port that serves as a mechanical eye for the automaton. The armored hull contains the steam engine, the components of which were mainly taken from existing airship parts to reduce production costs and ease the logistical need for repairs on the frontlines. The main machine that calculates the automaton’s decisions is located behind the eye, inside the shell, encased in steel for added protection. The sides of the Harpy contain joints and actuators that connect to the arms, allowing it to perform physical motion similar to that of a human. The steam engine is housed in the back, where parts of it - including the two steam stacks - are left unarmored.
Two mounted flashlights on the hull provide illumination during night operations. Its left arm is permanently fitted with a field cannon as its primary weapon. The right arm contains a claw “hand,” the primary purpose of which is to cycle ammunition or grab objects obstructing the Iron Harpy’s path. As for the legs, taking inspiration from avian species, the Iron Harpy sports backward knees and three-point claw feet intended to grip solid ground for support, while allowing flexibility when maneuvering on uneven terrain. The upper legs are armored with the same steel plating as the main body, though below the “thighs,” the lower legs are left unarmored to preserve mobility.
Cylindrical in shape, the main body of the Iron Harpy was inspired by industrial oil tanks, which house the steam engine’s mechanical components. On the front of the Harpy is a small cylindrical port used as a mechanical eye. It also features two mounted searchlights on its shoulders for night operations and two arms on either side. The left arm is permanently fitted with a field cannon, while the right arm has a claw “hand” used for reloading and manipulating objects. The legs, inspired by birds, feature backward knees and clawed feet. The upper legs are armored; the lower legs remain unarmored to maintain agility.
Application
A weapon of war, this rugged automaton performs best when working in teams or supporting infantry in combat. Being lightly armored, it struggles in prolonged fights against heavy automatons, field cannons, and other heavy weaponry. However, unhindered by most terrain, its maneuverability is its greatest strength. It excels in raids, reconnaissance, and hit-and-run attacks. Armed with an upscaled field cannon, it delivers heavy damage - albeit with a slightly slower reload time.
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