CHAOS: AMAF Gear

[Delirium]

It's become clear to me that Magi will never allow us to be equal. The entirety of their system, from top to bottom, is built on the idea of mass oppression. No kingdom in Esshar differs; all treat us as expendable. Asura Nomont's projects have proven the concept that combat against Magi is possible, however the technology is still lacking.

That, and he foolishly believes he can make a change without bloodshed. That is the only thing they respond to.

The MDF gear shall work as a prototype to what I have envisioned. A successor, built not simply to defend and offer survival against Magi... But to fight evenly with them. I suppose I have Osrona to thank for the vision. After they exiled me from their walls for my words, I was forced into the wilds. Survival as a Non-Magi was... Difficult, until I found a sanctuary. As it was, even wild beasts were gifted with more magical ability than I...

But these same beasts produced crystallized essences of magic, in the elements that they wielded. These have historically been utilized for magical purposes. So, I set about acquiring the most useful sorts to my plans. Fire and lightning crystals.

Ah, but with Asura Nomont imprisoned, how was one supposed to acquire his unique equipment? In truth it was a rather simple thing. Asura's warehouses had become vulnerable with his jailing, and while guards stood post, they weren't exactly putting their heart and soul into it anymore. After all, they didn't know if they'd even be getting their next paycheck, with their employer slated to be on the chopping block.
 
I broke in. Traveled into Osrona during the dead of night, via the sewers. It wasn't pleasant, but it got me in without being seen. One quietly broken window later, and I had access to the warehouse. Perhaps I would advise Asura on not keeping such valuable things in mere crates; the MDF gear was easily acquired. A guard did spot me, but not before I had already donned the armor, and I quickly fled. I'm sure Asura received a report on the break in, but it mattered little. Now, all that was needed was to modify the equipment. Alter it to fit the ideas in my head, experiment and convert it into the hope of Non-Magi.

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The MDF gear was more troublesomely intricate than I'd first imagined. I'd have to keep the power source after all; which presented a problem with my original design. I'd have to accommodate the weight of both the batteries, as well as fuel supply. It would be heavier as a result. The added tyrium and steel plating to make the equipment into a full platemail design also further made the suit problematic. The steel became necessary as a layer of protection for the wearer, as despite the intent for Non-Magi to wear the gear, the metal still had ill effects. I'd found that out the hard way, becoming sick to my stomach within hours of donning the first design.

Hydraulics would be required, the sort that Achyon used for their mechanical assaults. Fair enough. Powered by the battery, that made the weight of the suit null, a heavy carapace of sorts to protect the Non-Magi within. Operation time for the armor was only three, maybe for hours at a time. If the battery were to fail, the suit would become impossible to move by a Non-Magi. It presented a problem I had no solution for other than short operations with the equipment.

Perhaps the best news however, was that the weapons system of the prototype was a complete success. Using a combination of lightning crystals and fire crystals, and an orichalcum containment unit, one could produce a mimicry of magic. Gouts of flame, lightning, or plasma even, were very possible, carried along pipes of the same magically conducting golden metal. These pipes were placed beneath the back of the armor, and went down and along the arms of the suit. Though not as skillfully manipulated as a true Magi's abilities, it was certainly capable of power that lesser Magi would have to respect. Explosive devices that could be triggered with a pin pull were also something I developed in my exile, using a similar idea.

The helmet of the new gear was created with a visor and air filter. The filter was an idea I came up with, as the suit produced much smog and exhaust. It wasn't perfect, but it would work. The visor itself was but glass, with small lights in it to act as system alerts. Green for optimal, red for danger. Alarms too, were set to ring if damage to the suit was critical. I also installed a recording device in the helmet, to allow for records as I moved forward with experimentation.

I would come to name the prototype the Anti-Magus Assault Force gear. I'd intentions on that point, of giving the design back to Asura Nomont, so that it could be produced amongst his soldiers. I later found he would have nothing to do with direct attacks on Magi, even with the enhanced equipment. The name still, stuck. AMAF gear, for short.

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Unfortunately, the first prototype had some glaring problems that came to be even more present. Ambushed by a Dullahan, I decided that such a dangerous foe would be a valuable stress test for the equipment.

The magical being's defenses weren't even penetrated by the use of explosive devices. The plasma of the suit seemed to work to some degree, however it's usage quickly depleted fuel supplies. I found myself at extreme disadvantage. Fortunately, the Dullahan did not seem intent on taking my life, merely some coin I had upon me. What need did a spirit have for coin? It was strange. It also became abundantly clear that despite the filter, the Non-Magi inside the suit was vulnerable to attacks from curses and air alike.

I unleashed a canister of smoke, and made my escape. Reviewing the footage of the battle, it became obvious that the offensive capabilities of the suit needed enhancement, particularly concentration of firepower as well as fuel efficiency.

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Modifications were made quickly. I created 'fuel cells', which would be consumed at an individual rate. I also created a focal point for amplification of the magical energies, a simple focusing crystal attached within the right gauntlet of the suit.

Naturally, the next step was to test the changes. An Ookami in Moxtli was more than happy to oblige. A young Magi. Ironically, they also used plasma as a magic. The comparison to actual plasma magic was a useful data point. The result was that the armor of the suit was damaged this time around, and my right arm was burnt. However, the offensive capability of the suit had dramatically improved. The Ookami actually found it to be a fight, even if I had lost. They turned out to be quite the interesting person, one I'd be maintaining contact with for some time to come.

The prototype of the AMAF gear had proven an overall success now. There were perhaps tweaks that could be done, new weapons to be developed - But I had stood, as a Non-Magi, against a Magi. Lived, mostly uninjured as well.

Perhaps more defensive attributes could be given to the equipment? Some of Achyon's creations had been able to project shielding and other such things... I would need to consider these as I moved forward.

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AMAF gear critically damaged by Rogue Magi. Unknown opponent. Suspicion of betrayal from within organization. Equipment defenses MUST be improved.
Prototyping phase over. Second generation AMAF gear to be produced. Beginning repair on prototype in the meanwhile.

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AMAF gear completely destroyed by same Rogue Magi. Betrayal of organization confirmed. Asura Nomont dead.

I survived.

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