Overview
A skulker is an autonomous patrol system capable of identifying, stalking and dismembering enemy combatants. Used extensively by the Viskr during the Perseus conflict, the skulker was and is a highly effective area denial device.
The device itself is a gyroscope-stabilised core, surrounded by a mesh of sharp rings. Two of these rings are used to drive the skulker across the ground, and the others are edged with razor-like blades. The skulker is controlled by a non-heuristic holo-based core, which is able to respond to certain stimuli with pre-determined patterns of behaviour.
Typically, skulkers will be left in contested territory in a dormant standby mode. They are usually triggered by sound, and on resuming will run an Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) routine. Unless a valid IFF code is returned, they will then home in on sound and movement. Veterans of the Liberation of Ressingale told tales of skulkers which could 'zero in on a heartbeat' (→SFTD).
Skulkers attack by simply colliding with the identified target. Because they use bladed edges as weapons they are ineffective against armoured units such as Kodiak transports, and usually are only deployed against infantry.
During an encounter with a skulker, the best that can be hoped for is that the victim is dealt a glancing blow resulting in serious lacerations. Less fortunate individuals will find themselves pulled through the interleaved ring assembly, causing near-instantaneous dismemberment and certain death.
The device itself is a gyroscope-stabilised core, surrounded by a mesh of sharp rings. Two of these rings are used to drive the skulker across the ground, and the others are edged with razor-like blades. The skulker is controlled by a non-heuristic holo-based core, which is able to respond to certain stimuli with pre-determined patterns of behaviour.
Typically, skulkers will be left in contested territory in a dormant standby mode. They are usually triggered by sound, and on resuming will run an Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) routine. Unless a valid IFF code is returned, they will then home in on sound and movement. Veterans of the Liberation of Ressingale told tales of skulkers which could 'zero in on a heartbeat' (→SFTD).
Skulkers attack by simply colliding with the identified target. Because they use bladed edges as weapons they are ineffective against armoured units such as Kodiak transports, and usually are only deployed against infantry.
During an encounter with a skulker, the best that can be hoped for is that the victim is dealt a glancing blow resulting in serious lacerations. Less fortunate individuals will find themselves pulled through the interleaved ring assembly, causing near-instantaneous dismemberment and certain death.
