Edward: For thousands of years, from the Ancient Roman war chariot to modern American tank, mankind has continuously invented terrifying new machines meant for war and destruction.
Louis: And yet, it always seems to be the Japanese who come up with the best machines:
GIANT MOTHERFUCKING ROBOTS!!!
Edward: However, at the hearts of of these technological terrors lies a small and human pilot at its controls. Whether driven by purpose, duty, or survival instinct, these two young men took command of their government’s ultimate weapons and defeated many of their enemy’s finest aces. Their incredible feats in combat would inspire admiration from their friends and fear from their foes. And their names are…
Amuro Ray, the first Gundam pilot!
And his opponent…
Suzaku Kururugi, White Knight of the Britannian Empire!
Louis: As a diehard mecha fan, it’s no secret how excited I am to see a matchup like this! And as usual, we’ve invited two people from each character’s universe to do the stuff we’re too lazy to–
Edward: (Glares at Louis) Ahem!
Louis: I–I mean, give us valuable insight into each contestant’s backstory, mech, strengths, and weaknesses! Representing Amuro, we have the legendary Captain Bright Noa, a fellow Federation war hero who served alongside Amuro for two campaigns.
“The One Year War and the Second Neo Zeon War, to be exact. Also, thank you for giving me the honor of being invited here.”
Louis: Of course, Captain! And representing Suzaku, we have……this weirdo.
“My, such an indignity. I come all this way to share info on one of my greatest test pilots, and I don’t even get a proper introduction? For the record, I’m Lloyd Asplund, senior director of the Britannian military’s R&D division.”
Edward: My deepest apologies, Mr. Asplund. My co-host tends to forget his manners sometimes. (To Louis) You remember what Chris told you last episode, right, Louis!?
Louis: Right! Right! Don’t be rude to our guest hosts! I got it! (Sighs) Just remember he told you not to be a stuck-up prick either, Edward!
Edward: (Groans) Fair enough.
Anyway, I’m Louis LeVainquer, the Blue Knight!
And I am Edward Elvis, the Red Mage!
Louis: And when these two masters of mecha warfare engage each other inside their machines, we can only ask one simple question: Who will survive?
Edward: As always, the one and only way to determine the winner is………a Death Battle.
Louis: First off all, thank you so much for joining us, Captain Bright! It’s a tremendous honor to have such a legendary war hero co-hosting this Prelude with us!
Bright: (Shakes Louis’s hand) I should be the one thanking you. I feel lucky to be invited to this program, despite all the work I have to do for the Federation.
Edward: I’m sure you’re a very busy man, Captain Bright, so we’ll make this interview as short as we can for you.
Louis: Bien! Now, before we get started with Amuro’s biography, I believe that we should start by going over the origins of the conflict that he’s most famous for: the One Year War.
Edward: Uhh, couldn’t we just mention that in his origin story somewhere?
Louis: Doing it this way reflects on how the war was introduced in the anime. (To Bright) Are you okay with doing it this way, sir?
Bright: It’s no problem at all! Please, roll the video.’
Louis: Rolling the clip! (Clicks remote)
A half-century has passed since Earth began moving its burgeoning population into gigantic, orbiting space colonies.
It is the year 0079 of the Universal Century.
The cluster of colonies furthest from the Earth, Side 3, proclaimed itself the Principality of Zeon and launched a war of independence against the Earth Federation.
Initial fighting lasted over one month and half the human population was lost.
People were horrified by the atrocities that had been committed in the name of independence.
After eight months had passed and they were at a stalemate, one boy had a fateful encounter with a Mobile Suit.
Who will survive?
Bright: And that boy’s name was…
Amuro Ray:
* Alias: The White Devil (No, it’s not supposed to be racist)
* Day of Birth: November 4, 0063 UC
* Age: 15-16 (as of 0079)
* Birthplace: Prince Rupert, Canada
* Nationality: Earth Federation
* Height: 168 cm. (5’51 in.)
* Weight: Undetermined
* Affiliation: EFSF (0079-0080)
* Rank: Chief Petty Officer; Ensign
* Genetic Type: Newtype
* Theme Song:
Edward: Huh. I admit, that was actually a fairly interesting way of opening up. Not bad, Louis.
Louis: See? I told you I can do something right!
Edward: (Annoyed) You did one thing right, Louis. Don’t let it go to your head!
Louis: Whatever happened to not being a stuck-up jerk?
Edward: Well, whatever happened to showing a little humility once in a while?
Louis: Like you’re one to talk about humility, you Scottish fils du pu–
(Bright slaps them both)
Edward: (Rubbing his cheek)Ow! What the Hell was that for!?
Louis: (Groans)……Did we just get Bright-slapped?
Bright: (Sternly) Yes, you did. I was told by someone how immature you two are. Clearly she was right. She wanted me to show both of you some “discipline” in case you start arguing with each other.
Louis: Who the Hell told you about us!?
Bright: A young woman named Emily. I believe you and her related?
Edward: (Facepalms) My sister. Of bloody course.
Louis: (Growls) (That little brat.)
Bright: So, while I’m here, are you two going to act like adults for the rest of the episode!?
Louis and Edward: (Humiliated) Yes, sir. We will.
Bright: (Smiles) Good! Now, what’s the first thing you need to know?
Edward: (Deep sigh) So, Captain Bright, is it? Could you please tell us about Amuro’s origins and your past experiences with him?
Bright: Well, I’ll give you as much as I can, but I don’t think I’m the best to ask for Amuro’s early life. I didn’t really even know him before the One Year War.
Louis: Just tell us as much as you can, please.
Bright: (Sighs and touches his chin) Well, from what I do know about Amuro’s childhood, he was born on Earth in North America, but hardly lived there at all before his father Tem took him up into space, away from his mother.
Amuro and his father, Tem Ray.
Bright: You see, Amuro’s father was one of the head researchers behind the Federation’s secret mobile suit program Project V. The colony Side 7 needed his expertise in developing mobile suits to rival those used by Zeon. Because of Lieutenant Tem’s obsession with his work, he and his son were never really close. The only person who really took care of Amuro was his childhood friend, Fraw Bow.
Edward: Ahhhhh…..a fellow scholar and scientist, I see! I like this boy Amuro already!
Louis: (BORING! No one watches Gundam for family drama!) Captain Bright, could we please fast forward the tape a little? When did Amuro pilot the Gundam for the first time?
Bright: The first time Amuro got into the Gundam was during the latter stage of the One Year War. Three Zakus sent by the Zeon ace Char Aznable infiltrated Side 7 in order to capture or destroy our Project V prototypes. Amuro was one of the civilian evacuees trying to flee Side 7.
Bright: Eventually, he caught up to his father Tem, who was trying to move his latest creation, the RX-78-2 Gundam, out of the colony. Instead of escaping, Amuro took control of his father’s machine and–with no prior training or experience–took out all three Zakus, and even held his own against Char!
Bright: From that point on, Amuro–along with his friends Kai Shiden, Sayla Mass, Fraw Bow, and Hayato Kobayashi–became a valued member of the White Base crew and a legendary hero of the Earth Federation. In the following months, he’s taken down some of Zeon’s toughest pilots, including Ramba Ral, the Black Tri-Stars, and Dozle Zabi, and he even fought Char Aznable himself to a draw every single time!
Edward: Very impressive! It’s amazing what one can do at such a young age!
Louis: But like every anime mecha hero, a pilot is only as good as his machine! Let’s list the rest of his accomplishments in the Feats section and then move on to his Mobile Suit!
Feats:
* Piloted the Gundam and killed three Zakus with no training or experience.
* Was the first Mobile Suit pilot to survive re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.
* Defeated several Zeon aces or fought them to a draw:
** Notable victories: Ramba Ral, Black Tri Stars, M’Quve, Challia Bull
** Has rivaled or surpassed his nemesis Char Aznable on every battle
* His skills advanced to the point that not even his own Gundam could keep up with him.
* With the help of Sleggar Law, destroyed the Big Zam and its pilot Dozle Zabi.
* Accidentally killed Newtype pilot and love interest Lalah Sune.
* Despite losing the Gundam’s head and left arm, fought Char’s Zeong to the end and fired its final shot on auto-pilot.
* Escaped the exploding Zeon space station A Baoa Qu in the Gundam’s Core Fighter.
* Became one of the Federation’s youngest and most famous war heroes.
** Left a legacy of young, powerful Newtype pilots flying Gundams of their own.
** The Gundam itself left a legacy of more advanced Mobile Suits modeled after it.
* Amuro went on to serve in the Gryps Conflict and the 2nd Neo Zeon War.
Edward: Bollocks! This is the longest list we’ve had so far! How many feats has this kid accomplished!?
Louis: How many Zakus do you see get killed in every Gundam episode?
Edward: You know I don’t watch these bloody robot shows! How am I supposed to know!?
Louis: Well, maybe if you’d start watching quality anime for a change instead of obnoxious merde like Baka and Test!
Edward: Hey, that is a perfectly legit anime and you know it, Louis!
Louis: Are you kidding me!? The main character’s a moron who couldn’t pass a basic math test and got stuck in the idiots’ class!
Edward: Just because you can understand the concept of comedy doesn’t mean you–
Bright: (Raises his right hand)
Edward: Uh….the Mobile Suit! We’re talking about the Mobile Suit, now!
Louis: Y-yes! Let’s discuss the robot that made Amuro a legend: the RX-78-2 Gundam!
Bright: (Thinking) Works every time. 
Mobile Suit:
RX-78-2 Gundam
Basic Info:
* Manufacturer: Earth Federation
* Lead Designer: Lt. Tem Ray
* Known Pilot(s): Amuro Ray; Sayla Mass (briefly)
* First Appearance: Mobile Suit Gundam Episode 1: Gundam Rising
* First Launched: September 18, 0079 (Side 7 Attack)
* Destroyed: December 31, 0079 (Battle of A Baoa Qu)
* Theme Song:
Short Bio:
One of the most famous Mobile Suits of the One Year War. Designed by Tem Ray and piloted by his son Amuro, the RX-78-2 Gundam was one of the Federation’s first Mobile Suits and the pinnacle of MS technology for its time. The Gundam was responsible for destroying countless Zeon Mobile Suits, including Zakus, Goufs, Z’Goks, and Gelgoogs. By the end of the war, the Gundam took down several Mobile Armors as well, including the gargantuan Big Zam and the experimental Newtype vehicle Elmeth.
Designed for mid-to-close range combat, its primary weapons included a beam rifle on the right arm, and a Luna Titanium shield on the left. It could also be armed with non-beam weapons, such as an RPG-firing Hyper Bazooka, or a spiked ball-and-chain called a Gundam Hammer. A pair of vulcan cannons were stored in the Gundam’s head unit for close-range engagements. For melee combat, the Mobile Suit had a pair of shoulder-mounted beam sabers that easily sliced through even the toughest metals. The sabers also had adjustable hilts that made them convertible into beam javelins.
Throughout the war, the Gundam has rivaled or surpassed the customized machines of Char Aznable, the Red Comet of Zeon. Both the Gundam and Amuro himself have became symbols of hope for the Federation and terror for Zeon. The Gundam was finally destroyed in the Battle of A Baoa Qu at the end of the One Year War. But even then, its amazing feats left a legacy of stronger, more advanced Gundams created and young Newtypes to pilot them.
Physical Specs:
* Main Armor: Luna Titanium Alloy
* Power Plant: Minovsky Ultracompact Fusion Reactor
* Height: Appx. 18.5m. (60ft)
* Weight: 43.4-60 metric tons (95,680.62-132,277.36lbs.)
* Max Speed: 165 km/h (102.526 mph) with thrusters
* Turning Time: 1.5 seconds (1.1 after magnetic coating)
* Has multiple targeting systems, allowing it to keep track of the enemy even if the head is destroyed.
* Armor is strong enough to tank missiles, machine gun fire, and even some beam shots.
* Rockets engines on its back and feet allow for maneuverability in aerial and space combat.
Weapons:
2 x 60mm. Head Vulcan Cannons:
* The first weapons fired from the Gundam
* Effective against missiles, small vehicles, and personnel
* Less effective against Mobile Suits and large vehicles
* Used more as sub-weapons for emergencies
Beam Rifle:
* Primary Ranged Weapon
* Fires heavily charged Minovsky Particles focused into a singular beam
* Beam output equivalent to a battleship’s cannon
* Strong enough to one-shot Zakus
* Magazine capacity: 16 shots.
** Cannot be recharged in battle
Hyper Bazooka:
* Non-beam projectile weapon
* Fires 380mm. RPGs over a long distance
* Can kill weaker-armored foes in one hit
* Deals heavy damage against large aircraft and heavily armored foes
* Slow rate of fire and few missiles
Beam Sabers:
* Basically lightsabers
* Primary melee weapons
* Both housed on the Gundam’s shoulders
* Focuses charged Minovsky Particles into a single I-field used to cut objects
* Sabers can be recharged by storing them back on the backpack
* Can be combined to form the Beam Javelin.
Gundam Hammer:
* Literally a spiked ball attached to a chain
* Large size can inflict heavy damage
* Can be used to block non-beam projectiles such as missiles (GIF above)
* Contains rocket thrusters, allowing for greater propulsion in space
Gundam Shield:
* Designed to take heavy blows that the Gundam cannot withstand
* Can be held either by hand or on the forearm
* Stored on the back when not in use
* Sometimes thrown as a projectile to catch enemies off guard
Other Equipment:
* Onboard self-learning computer – Studies and records enemy movements while in battle
** Data can be further studied and calculated to improve the Gundam’s overall performance
Louis: Hey, Edward.
Edward: Yes, Louis?
Louis: For my next birthday, I want you to get me one of those Gundams! Those things are freaking awesome!!!
Edward: Ha! Like I would seriously get you a ten-story battle robot with laser guns, lightsabers, and giant shields! You do enough damage to this place as it is!
Louis: (Glares and bares teeth at Edward)
Bright: (Chuckles) Well, it’s certainly true that the RX-78 was a marvel of Mobile Suit technology and the machine that helped the Federation with the One Year War. But that said, a weapon is just a weapon. I’ve served with the Federation military for almost twenty years, and I know for a fact that it’s the man–not the machine–that really counts. Of course, any moron who can handle a joystick can learn to be a Mobile Suit pilot, but Amuro–he’s something different. It was his unparalleled piloting skill that really made him a hero and helped the Gundam reach its fullest potential.
Louis: Brilliantly said, Captain Bright! After all, what would a giant mecha be without its pilot at the helms?
Edward: I dunno…….not a giant, walking, robotic death machine?
Louis: Exactly! And we can’t have that, can we?
Amuro’s Strengths and Abilities:
* Genius-level engineer:
** Designed ways to upgrade his Mobile Suit
** Invented Mobile Suits of his own in the future
* Can figure out how to operate a Mobile Suit on his first try
* Combat Pragmatist:
** Will not hesitate to fight dirty
** Tactics included:
*** Shooting distracted enemies
*** Attacking from behind or the side
*** Sacrificing limbs or weapon
*** Throwing the shield as a projectile
* Newtype Abilities:
** Possibly Amuro’s greatest strength.
** Amuro is a Newtype, a human that can sense the thoughts and emotions of other people.
** This power grants him superhuman levels of focus and spatial awareness, allowing him to predict his enemy’s movements.
** Can also sense hostile intents from the enemy, giving him time to dodge or counterattack.
** Has developed psychic rapports with powerful Newtypes like Lalah Sune.
Bright: So as you can see, all of the above abilities are what make Amuro such a force to be reckoned with. It’s kind of funny when you think about it–you know how in boot camp where your instructor drills you on how you and your rifle should never be apart? That’s sort of like the connection between Amuro and the Gundam. Without Amuro, the Gundam is useless, and without the Gundam, Amuro is useless. The two must always go hand-in-hand, and the same can be said for any Mobile Suit pilot!
Edward: (Clapping) Well said, captain! Bloody well said!
Louis: Awesome! I can clearly see why you’re such a fantastic commander, Mr. Bright! Now, we only have one more topic to cover: weaknesses. Even such a great duo like Amuro and his Gundam should have a few flaws that the enemy could take advantage of.
Edward: But, since we’re counting the pilot and the mech as two separate entities, we’ll make one list for the Gundam and the other for Amuro himself. So Captain, what would you consider to be the greatest weaknesses for each of them?
Bright: As spectacular a pilot Amuro is, he’s certainly not without his faults. And neither is the Gundam. These are what I consider to be their biggest flaws.
Mech Weaknesses:
* Shares the same weaknesses of all Mobile Suits
* Long range weapons have limited ammo.
* Can only use two weapons at a time.
* If the pilot is dead, untrained, or unavailable, the Mobile Suit is useless.
* Limbs and weapons often get damaged.
* Engine on the back could explode if damaged.
* Outdated compared to Mobile Suits post-One Year War.
Pilot Weaknesses:
* Can be whiny due to teenage angst.
** Mostly grew out of it thanks to Captain Bright.
* Has not become a full Newtype until 2nd Neo Zeon War (Char’s Counterattack)
* Often short-tempered and reckless
Bright: (Looks at the BRIGHT SLAP meme and chuckles) Ah, those were good times.
Louis: Ugh….now I know how Amuro feels.
Edward: You said it, lad. I just hope we don’t get slapped again. So, Captain Bright. What are your final thoughts for our first contestant?
Bright: Well, despite the Gundam’s flaws and Amuro’s…….”attitude”, I seriously doubt why this challenge should be too much for him. He is after all the hero of the One Year War and the pioneer for all mecha pilots of anime for decades to come. There’s a reason that Amuro Ray’s earned the nickname “The White Devil.”
Louis: Fantastic! Now, let’s see what our second combatant has in store for our Gundam pilot!
(“Amuro! Let’s do it!”)
BONUS VIDEO!!!
(Ding!)
(Bright waves goodbye and leaves through the guest exit; Enter Lloyd Asplund)
Lloyd: (Sits down) My, what a charming little interview room.
Edward: (Shakes Lloyd’s hand) It’s an extreme pleasure to meet a fellow gentleman and scholar like yourself!
Louis: Well, as long as he doesn’t slap us.
Lloyd: Hmm? Why on Earth would I want to slap you?
Edward: It’s a long story. One we’d rather not get into right now. (Sighs) Well, since we introduced the last bio using a clip of the respective anime, we might as well do so for this one. What do you say, Louis?
Louis: Hell yeah! Let’s get on with it!
Lloyd: Very well. I’ll just sit and enjoy this nice cup of pudding as the video plays.
The Holy Britannian Empire had just declared war on Japan.
The Far East island nation had held fast to its neutrality, and now Britannia looms as the world’s only superpower.
In the deciding battle for the mainland, Britannian forces introduced into combat the humanoid autonomous armored knight known as the “Knightmare Frame.”
Japan became a dominion of the Empire. The country was stripped of its freedom, its rights, and its name.
Edward: Well…..that explained surprisingly little.
Louis: Sorry. It was hard for me to find a proper video to explain Code Geass’ backstory.
Lloyd: Not to worry! I’ll be more than happy to fill the rest of our anime’s backstory! (Takes another spoonful of pudding) Mmm! Lovely!
Suzaku Kururugi:
Alias(es): The White Knight; The White Grim Reaper
Day of Birth: July 10, 2000 ATB
Age: 17-18 (as of 2018)
Birthplace: Area 11 (formerly Japan)
Race/Nationality: Japanese-Honorary Britannian
Height: 177 cm. (5’10)
Weight: 65 kg. (143lbs.)
Affiliation: Holy Britannian Empire
Rank(s): Soldier; Private; Warrant Officer; Major; Knight of the Round
Theme Song:
Edward: Right! Mr. Asplund, before we talk about Suzaku himself, what can you tell us about the backstory and conflict of Code Geass?
Lloyd: Hmmmm…….I suppose this whole ugly mess began when our beloved leader, Emperor Charles zi Britannia, decided to expand our country’s rich and glorious heritage with the rest of the world.
Louis: (Coyly) By which you mean invading other countries with advanced weapons, blowing the shit out of everything, and taking over the whole world?
Lloyd: Precisely! Despite some resistance, country after country ended up becoming new Britannian territory. Before long, Japan ended up being next on His Majesty’s hitlist. They were also the country with the tremendous honor of being the testing ground for our then-brand new war machines, the Knightmare Frame.
Louis: Finally, a weapon named after me!
Edward: Just because it says the word “Knight” doesn’t mean it’s named after you, you twat.
Louis: (Annoyed growl)
Lloyd: Well, in any case, the Japanese military was no match for Britannia’s new and superior Knightmares, and before long, they ended being yet another piece of land in the Empire’s collection. And as final insult, Japan wasn’t even allowed to keep its name. The country and its people would be forever known as “Area 11.” As the Brittanian occupied the island country, its native citizens–now dubbed “Elevens”–were persecuted as second-class citizens and forced to live in crumbling, war-torn ghettos while us Britannians lived on top. (Sighs) Such a cruel and ugly thing, this war. (Smiles again) Oh, well! That’s politics for you!
Louis: (Pauses) Why does this whole thing sound a repeat of World War II, except if Nazi Germany was the British Empire?
Lloyd: (Confused) Hm? I’m sorry, “Na…..zi?” I’m afraid I’m not familiar.
Edward: (Puzzled)……Oh, that’s right. Your world’s timeline is different from ours. Let’s just say that things weren’t going so well for the world during the early 1940’s. But we’re getting off track. How does our boy Suzaku fit into all this?
Lloyd: Ah, yes. Suzaku Kururugi, my favorite little test subject. Shortly before the invasion, Suzaku was born to his father Genbu, the last Japanese Prime Minister before Japan’s subjugation to Britannia. When he was ten, he was an unfortunate witness to the violence and horror of war, and begged his father over and over to call off Japan’s resistance. One night, during an especially heated argument between himself and his dad, our little Susu became so desperate and angry that he decided to settle the score with his father in a more……….permanent way.
Louis: (Shocked) Merde.
Edward: He didn’t. Not at such a young age!
Lloyd: He did. The funeral was not long after. Of course, the circumstances around Prime Minister Genbu’s death were covered up and Suzaku was let off free. Personally, I would’ve said “good riddance” to the bastard, but Suzaku isn’t a cold-blooded sociopath like I am. He felt a great deal of remorse over killing his dear old dad. As recompense, he uses his status as an Honorary Britannian to join the military, becoming the first and only Eleven to do so.
Edward: I’m sorry, but could you please explain what an “Honorary Brittanian” is?
Lloyd: It’s a title we give to people who aren’t Britannian by birth, but have sworn absolute loyalty to the Empire in exchange for equal rights and citizenship. For Suzaku, his Honorary status was something of a double-edged sword; it allowed him to attain many of the most noble and powerful positions in His Majesty’s Army. But it has also led to him facing prejudice and scorn from Britannians and Elevens alike. Though it certainly didn’t keep him from winning the heart of our dear late Princess Euphemia, though!
Edward: A tale as old as time. Beautiful, pure-hearted princess falls in love with the brave, heroic Louis. My sister used to be obsessed with that sort of fairytale bollocks.
Louis: (Sighs sadly) Poor Euphie. She and Suzaku were such a beautiful couple, but it was far too good to last.
Edward: (Surprised, but amused) Why–Louis, I have to admit. I never pegged you of all people to be the shipping type. Maybe you have more in common with my sister than I thought!
Louis: (Blushes) Well I–I enjoy a good romance sometimes! If you’d watched the anime and seen Euphie and Suzaku’s relationship before the former was so cruelly killed off, you’d agree with me! (Fuck you, Lelouch, you complete bastard!)
Lloyd: Um, pardon me. I didn’t come here to discuss Suzaku’s tragic love life. Can we please move on?
Louis: You’re right. Before we drag this on too long, is it alright if we put the rest of Suzaku’s backstory in the Feats section?
Lloyd: Not a problem. I’m actually looking forward to talking about the Lancelot more.
Feats:
* Was the first and only Eleven (Japanese) to join the Britannian Army.
* Outran and destroyed an automatic turret by kicking it! (In just 0.05 seconds!)
* Became the official pilot of the Lancelot:
** Scored a 94% success rate on his first flight.
** Later piloted the Lancelot Conquista and Albion.
** Earned the nickname “White Grim Reaper” for the number of Black Knights he killed
** Fought rival pilot Kallen Kozuki to a draw on nearly every engagement
*** Though he was defeated, got in one last blow that disabled Kallen’s GUREN
* Chosen by Princess Euphemia to be her personal Knight
* As Zero’s Knight, killed four of the remaining Knights of the Round and hundreds of Britannians without backup
* Assassinated Lelouch and took his role as the new Zero.
Edward: Well, that was surprisingly weak. You’d think with a franchise as popular as Code Geass, we’d have an easier time finding enough feats for Suzaku.
Louis: Yeah, it was fairly hard to fill up this section. But oh, well! No one pays that much attention to the Feats anyway! Let’s get to what the readers really want to see!
Lloyd: (Excited) Finally! I simply can’t wait to start talking about my masterpiece of a Knightmare!
Knightmare Frame: Lancelot Albion
Basic Info:
* Manufacturer: Camelot
* Lead Designer: Lloyd Asplund
* Known Pilot(s): Suzaku Kururugi
* First Appearance: Code Geass R2 Episode 22: Emperor Lelouch
* First Launched: Date N/A (Knights of the Round Uprising)
* Destroyed: Date N/A (Zero Requiem)
* Theme Song:
Short Bio:
The third and last in the line of the Lancelot Knightmare Frame series produced by Britannian research and development institure, Camelot. Suzaku Kururugi, one of the Empire’s top aces, was chosen as its pilot due to his experience with the previous Lancelot models. The Albion made its debut during the sudden Knights of the Round Uprising, shortly after Emperor Lelouch vi Britannia’s rise to power. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Albion single-handedly destroyed nearly the entire enemy force and most of the renegade Knights.
A descendant of the previous Lancelots, the Albion shares much of the same weapons and technology, but introduces some of its own. Its main ranged weapons are the Super VARIS rifles, high-powered rail guns that shoot laser-like projectiles. Its sub-weapons include Slash Harken rocket rappeling hooks, and a pair of energy wings that not only give the Albion flight, but fire its own panels as projectiles. For close range, the Albion has a pair of Maser Vibration Swords that easily cut through a Knightmare’s armor.
A few weeks later, the Albion would once appear during the Battle over Mt. Fuji as it defended the flying Britannian superfortress, Damocles. During the intense battle, the Albion defeated the Black Knight ace Kyoshiro Tohdoh and held its own against the advanced Knightmare Guren, piloted by Kallen Kozuki. The Albion was ultimately destroyed in its fight against the Guren, but not before striking its own fatal blow against its foe.
Physical Specs:
* Main Armor: Tungsten; Sakuradite
* Power Plant: Yggdrasil Drive
* Height: Appx. 17ft. (5.15m.)
* Weight: Appx. 9.12t (8273kg.)
* Energy-projected wings allow for flight and hovering
Weapons:
Super VARIS (Variable Ammunition Repulsion Impact Spitfire) Rifles:
* Main weapons of the Albion
* Upgraded versions of the older VARIS Rifles
* Fires beam-like rounds, using railgun technology
* Has two barrels, one which serves as a machine gun, and the other firing high-powered shots
* Barrels can also split to reveal the weapon’s Hadron Cannon
* Far more powerful than the traditional assault rifles used by less advanced Knightmares
* The only Knightmare defense system known to survive a direct hit from the VARIS was the GUREN’s Radiant Wave Surger
Maser Vibration Swords (MVS):
* Primary melee weapons
* Giant twin swords designed as anti-Knightmare weapons
* Able to slice through a Sutherland-class Knightmare in one swing.
* Can also resist being broken by other MSV’s due to those possessing similar oscillation rates.
* Gains cutting power and stability through a super-high oscillation and temperature.
* The deeper red the blades are, the more powerful they become.
Slash Harken:
* Rocket-boosted grappling hooks attached to a carbon wire fired from the Lancelot’s wrists and hips
* Primarily designed for climbing or grappling
* Can be used as ranged weapons
Landspinner:
* Set of high-powered wheels attached to the heels of every Knightmare.
* Used for high-speed transportation and manuverability
* Can be used for climbing walls in conjunction with Slash Harkens
* Folded back into the legs when not in use
Blaze Luminous Energy Shield:
* Projects a defensive energy shield via the forearms
* Provides defense without sacrificing speed or mobility
* Also contains two generators on the shins for additional kicking power
* Require a lot of power to activate, and will go down faster the more they block damage
Energy Wings:
* Large Blaze Luminous panels sprouted from the Knightmare’s back, allowing for continued flight and hovering
* Allows for extremely high flight speed and manuverability
* Also able to shoot smaller BL panels as projectiles
Factsphere:
* Multi-information gathering system installed on every Knightmare
* Essentially an advanced camera/thermal sensor that relays thermographic images to the pilot
* When not in use, protected beneath a retractable layer of armor
Louis: Ed…….
Edward: Not a chance. No way I’m getting you a Lancelot, either.
Louis: (Grumbles) Cheapskate.
Lloyd: Excuse me, but I believe I still have time for this interview. Is there anything else about Suzaku or the Albion you’d like to ask me about?
Edward: Aye, there is. Now that we know about Suzaku’s robot, we need to know about the lad himself in terms of his piloting skill.
Lloyd: I see. Well, Suzaku has proven time and again to be a very impressive test subject–I mean, “pilot.” While the Lancelot itself was an excellent machine, it would never have reached its full potential were it not Sir Kururugi in the cockpit.
Suzaku’s Strengths and Abilities:
* Elite training:
** Trained by expert pilot Kyoshiro Tohdoh and the Britannian military.
* Outstanding speed and reflexes:
** Outran and destroyed a camera-mounted machine gun in 0:05 seconds. By kicking it.
* Extremely high piloting score:
** Has earned a 94% efficiency score on Lloyd’s simulator tests.
* Geass command (“Live.”):
** In the episode “I Order You, Suzaku Kururugi”, Lelouch uses his Geass to order Suzaku to live, no matter what.
** This command is permanent since Geass has no time limit or countermeasure.
** Kicks in whenever Suzaku is in danger or is feeling suicidal.
Louis: (Laughing hysterically)
Edward: What the bloody hell are you laughing at, you jackass?
Louis: (Still laughing) I’m sorry! It’s just–that blond chick at 0:41! “It’s Suzaku Kururu–” BOOOOM!!! I mean, how can you not think that’s funny?
Edward: (Facepalms) You see what I’m paid to work with, Mr. Asplund?
Lloyd: (Giggles) Actually, now that he’s mentioned it, it actually is quite humorous!
Edward: Good Lord, you too? (Sighs) Well, we’ve only one more topic to cover before we wrap this up. What weaknesses do Suzaku and the Lancelot have. Keep in mind that we’re splitting both into two separate lists.
Lloyd: As far as weaknesses go, Kururugi has had his share of them, despite his excellent record.
Mech Weaknesses:
* Completely useless if pilot is dead or unavailable
* Unknown if cockpit contains ejector seat
* Ultimately defeated by Kallen’s 9th gen Knightmare, Guren SEITEN
Pilot Weaknesses:
* Intelligent, but impulsive
* Relies on the Lancelot’s abilities in order to stand a chance
* Fairly hotheaded and emotional
* Was completely wrecked by Kallen in an one-on-one fistfight
Louis: Edward……..
Edward: No, I’m not getting you a bloody Lancelot! Stop trying to beg me!
Louis: I wasn’t going to ask that. I was going to ask why your coat’s suddenly on fire.
Edward: Wh-what!? (Sniffs around and notices a small fire burning on the back of his coat) Oh, sweet mother of–get it off! Get it off! (Rushes out of the booth and towards the bathroom.)
*BEAT*
Lloyd: (Laughs quietly) You did that, didn’t you?
Louis: Oh, yes sir! (Holds up a can of gasoline and a box of matches.) It’s what he gets for being a cheapskate.
Lloyd: Deceptive and cruel. I like that. Well, I suppose my interview here is done?
Louis: Yep! We’re all done, Mr. Asplund! Thanks for all your help in this Prelude!
Lloyd: Well then, I look forward to seeing how my favorite test subject does against this other boy Amuro! Farewell! (Exits the booth.)
Louis: Salut! (Takes a long look at the images of the Gundam and the Lancelot.) Someday, I’ll get to fly you both.
(“Is it bad to be weak? Back then, when I was 10, the world seemed like such a terribly…sad place, a world without any hope at all. Disease; Racism; living in a never-ending cycle of hate. The cycle must be broken; somebody has to do it. Of course, it’s doubtful that the one who does it will make the bad things go away…no one should lose more of the people they love. At least, a world without war. I don’t know how you would do it, but if I stop trying, then my father’s will have been in vain.“)
BONUS VIDEO!!!
