Dark Matter Nova Reactor

A Dark Matter Nova Reactor is an experimental and potent Tau power source developed during the Third Sphere Expansion, and only employed by XV104 Riptide Battlesuits and XV107 R'varna Battlesuits. Each such reactor is an experimental power-pack that fuses dark matter, producing energy on scales closer to that of small stars than conventional engines. Such devices have been used to empower the mighty fleets of the Air Caste, but until recently, could not be reduced to a suitable size. Although still in the prototype stage, the Nova Reactor has proven largely stable, despite some problems in safely releasing the vast energies it produces. Both the XV104’s and XV107’s higher functions can draw upon this almost unlimited source of power when the reactor is activated, but not without some risk. While attempting to utilise it, the Battlesuit can suffer dangerous power vents capable of wounding or even killing its pilot. That a pilot willingly risks using the Nova Reactor -- even through the radiation may kill him -- highlights his heroic self-sacrifice and the nobility of the Greater Good.

Both Battlesuits feature a similar design, and incorporate the Dark Matter Nova Reactor in their heavily armoured torsos. When viewed from the front, an XV104’s or 107’s Nova Reactor can be seen as the larger box on the left side of the torso, whilst the standard and more reliable fusion reactor normally used by the Battlesuit is on the right.

XV104 Riptide Battlesuit Variant
The experimental Dark Matter Nova Reactor prototype is an essential component of the XV104 Riptide's design. Once the XV104 pilot deems it necessary, the reactor can be activated to supply near limitless amounts of energy. The resulting energies unleashed can be harnessed to either nova-charge the Riptide's primary weapon system so it becomes truly devastating, boost the Riptide's Jetpack so that it can propel itself over large distances with immense thrust power, ripple fire its secondary weapon systems at a rate of fire roughly double what would otherwise be possible, or nova-charge the Riptide Shield Generator to make it an all but impenetrable energy field that deflects virtually all incoming fire.

When multiple XV104 Riptide Battlesuits operate as a Riptide Wing formation, the tightly knit group can also benefit from the ability to network together the Riptides, harmonising their reactor frequencies when in close proximity with each other to greatly reduce the chance of dangerous radiation emissions, as well as allowing the Riptide pilots to carefully coordinate their attacks and targeting systems to achieve maximum effectiveness.

XV107 R’varna Battlesuit Variant
The experimental Dark Matter Nova Reactor prototype is an essential component of an XV107 R’varna's design, and is a slightly modified version of an XV104 Riptide Battlesuit’s rerouted to different systems. Once the XV107 pilot deems it necessary, the reactor can be activated to supply near limitless amounts of energy. The resulting energies unleashed can be harnessed to either nova-charge the R’varna's primary weapon systems and double their rate of fire, boost the R’varna's leg locomotive systems and allow it to move at a flanking speed, emit an electromagnetic shockwave around the Battlesuit and cause havoc with nearby electronic systems, or nova-charge the R’varna’s integrated Shield Generator to make it an all but impenetrable energy field that deflects virtually all incoming fire.