Art done by RitSkyZ on twitter!
All text under the readmore just in case that's easier to read for folks.
KASUAR (Cassowary) Shock-troop Units are most often seen among the vanguard of military efforts in which replikas are deployed, as well as supplementing special forces. With hardware built for speed and agility and patterns predisposed to quick reaction times and snap-decisions, KASUARs can outrun civilian vehicles, leap above and scale small buildings, evade enemy fire, engage hostiles near-instantly upon contact, and address key objectives well before the main force arrives.
KASUARs largely share the same familiar silhouette as their fellows, but they can be identified by the digitigrade joints of their legs. The legs are supplemented by compact musculature arrays contained throughout the legs and core geared towards long-term use, improved energy storage, and reduced wear and tear.
This is not to be confused with generically increased physical strength, as the musculature arrays do not extend to the upper body; should your deployment require such, please refer to the Index.
After successful missions and occupations, KASUARs can see extended use as regular and rapid-response peacekeepers. Their speed precludes vehicle use unless necessary, allowing them to operate in a wide variety of settings in this role. Please refer to relevant sections for recommended procedures, equipment, and armament.
ADVISORY: Although the musculature arrays enable KASUARs to destroy common barriers and act as their own breaching tools, they should be discouraged from doing so against soft unarmored targets, as it guarantees grievous injuries and avoidable fatalities.
It is known that advances in the musculature arrays have reduced but not wholly eliminated the issue of constant repairs of KASUARs' legs. Research is ongoing; refer to the KASUAR in question and others within your deployment for instructions on repair and care of joints.
"KASUAR" is, as of this writing, a collective designation, under which are multiple neural patterns. While they will answer to it, currently deployed units will prefer to be called by their pattern name. The latest among them is the FLOTT pattern. FLOTTs are adaptable, goal-driven and seek collaboration, especially among their own; should your deployment have multiple FLOTTs, allow them to coordinate so that they can agree upon short-hand and callouts to fit their needs.
Despite their KASUAR reputation, FLOTTs can surprise others with their non-confrontational and coy demeanor when on leave. This is intentional, as it minimizes off-duty damage; the STAMPFEN or TRAMPELN patterns may be a better fit for deployments that require more constant aggression (note: STAMPFEN and TRAMPELN patterns under review for discontinuation upon full distribution of the FLOTT pattern, followed by consolidated KASUAR classification).
KASUARs will seek out areas with lower (ideally near-zero) sound and light pollution to rest and decompress, as the modifications and systems that enable their quick reaction times have been known to cause overexposure and overstimulation. KASUAR dormitories are thus soundproofed with dimmable lighting. They will require minor amenities to keep them preoccupied; included with these, a deployment of KASUARs must have one mahjong tile set per four units. They are also to be given ample space and time for exercise and physical activity, after which they may return to their regular duties.
ADVISORY: It is a known issue that KASUARs in idle assignments build up excess energy within their musculature arrays. Address any reports of restlessness, anxiety, irritability, hypervigilance or neuroticism immediately, as these have been correlated to increased rates of rampancy, injury, and personnel loss. Handlers are to pay close attention to a KASUAR's posture: they are in fact at rest when standing at their full height, but bent knees when standing are an early warning sign.