The Synthetic Arm of Occupation
The Empire’s Non Human Divisions
After the retreat of the primary Combine invasion fleet in 2008, only a fraction of what is called the ‘Synthetic Arm’ was left behind to aid in Earth's occupation. These remaining units, while formidable, represented a scaled-down force optimized for control and intimidation rather than open warfare. Their numbers were limited, and they were typically reserved for Citadel Cities, Sector Capitals, or conflict-heavy regions requiring hard deterrents and rapid pacification.
The known classes of the occupying Synthetic Arm include:
CLAW (Combat-Linked Aerial Watcher)
A heavily modified evolution of the civilian surveillance scanner. CLAWs were equipped with limited AI protocols, improved visual sensors, and compact ordinance deployment systems. Capable of laying proximity mines and emitting blinding flashes, they served as airborne harassers and support scouts during raids or manhunts.
STORM
Agile, humanoid synths with digitigrade legs and lightweight composite armor. Despite their speed and lean design, STORM units were brutal in close combat and proficient with their weaponry. Deployed for fast-response urban patrols, they were often the first synthetic force civilians encountered in crisis zones.
HAMMER
Towering and heavily armored, HAMMER units were elite enforcers of synthetic might. Eschewing conventional firearms, they were built around integrated energy-based weaponry: a shockwave hand cannon, volatile energy ball projectors, and a high-output beam cannon capable of melting armored vehicles or bunkers. Their presence was rare- but devastating when deployed.
NOMAD (Strider-Class Walker)
Iconic remnants of the Seven Hour War, NOMADs are towering tripod walkers outfitted with a slow-firing pulse cannon and a secondary dark energy beam weapon. When fully charged, this cannon could obliterate structures with surgical precision. Although sightings were rare in cities, they were known to patrol large-scale perimeters and suppress high-value resistance operations.
NOMAD-C (Construction Strider)
A logistical variant of the Strider class, NOMAD-C units assist in Citadel expansion, resource extraction, and large scale structural assembly. Though not primarily configured for combat, they retain defensive weapon systems and can be redirected to suppression roles when required.
ANVIL
Massive quadruped synths used as mobile heavy weapons platforms. The standard ANVIL carried an underslung rotary pulse minigun and bore an armored frontal shield to protect allies and suppress enemy fire. Variants included the ANVIL-M, which traded its minigun for a mortar-like barrage system used in wide-area denial or siege suppression.
VIPER
Slender but heavily armed quadrupeds that acted as walking artillery pieces. With their integrated long-range pulse cannons and stabilized platforms, VIPERs offered overwatch for ANVIL deployments or long-distance bombardment capabilities. Their AI emphasized precision and coordination with other synths in urban and frontier operations.
STAR (Stalker-Tactical Autonomous Recon)
Known colloquially as "Hunters," or "Rangers" these three-legged predator synths were feared for their animalistic behavior and psychological warfare. STARs thrived in dense woodland or suburban ruins, where cover and terrain gave them the upper hand. They often hunted in pairs or small packs, toying with targets before delivering lethal strikes. Notable for their use in counter-insurgency and search-and-destroy missions far from city centers. Cousinly affiliated or smaller breeds of subsumed NOMAD units.
The Objectives of Offworld Deployment
Beyond Earth’s atmosphere, beyond the scar of portal storms that still fracture the sky, the Combine continues its advance. Earth was subdued. catalogued, and stabilized. Earth witnessed only a fragment of the Combine’s power. Beyond the sky, across dimensions, their campaigns continue. What remains on Earth is a garrison, not the full invasion fleet. These offworld forces deploy where control falters, replacing failed garrisons with overwhelming precision.
Rebellion is not negotiated and is squashed by the Combine's heavy boot. Non-compliant populations are exterminated, assimilated, or repurposed. Strategic sites are secured, ancient artifacts extracted, and insurgents neutralized before they can organize. Penalization is absolute - resistance yields consequence.
Earth hosts only what is necessary for obedience. The greater empire wages wars humanity cannot comprehend, leaving behind a fraction of its synthetic might to remind us that submission is permanent.