Shocktroopers

Shocktroopers, also known as Stormtroopers, Stormgrenadiers, and Shockgrenadiers (Stadtverisch: Stosstruppen, Sturmtruppen, Sturmgrenadiere, Shockgrenadiere) are a type of infantry and combat role that exists in dedicated combat formations of the Menschlicher Sternenstaat. More specifically, they incarnate as direct-assault troops within the Sturmheer of the Staatswehr and the Kampf-Staatsschutz of the Staatsschutz, and are featured in the vanguards (or "forlorn hopes") of many different divisions such as panzer divisions, panzergrenadier divisions, and dedicated shock divisions. One of the most perilous roles of Sternenstaat infantrymen, shocktroopers are nevertheless revered in society for their sacrifices, honor, and loyalty unto the state even to death.

The origin of shocktroopers within the context of the modern Sternenstaat polity comes from the dedicated assault squads of the SS that existed even during the era of the Veran Star Confederation. These formations would directly plunge themselves into the thick of combat in order to break the balance of battle unto the Vaterlandspartei's favor - and were expected to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the party if necessary. This ferocity and zeal of such formations later inspired various Staatswehr commanders following the Day of the Phoenix to create similar types of contingents for the proper military. These formations would be baptized in fire during the Second Human-Kizankai War, and would prove integral for breaking the lines of the Kizankai hordes and for destroying the inner fortifications of hives, allowing "softer" infantry to follow up behind and fortify captured positions.

The modern shocktroopers of the Sternenstaat are some of the most heavily-armored and high quality troops existent among the direct combat forces of its armies - they are only beaten in training and quality of equipment by dedicated terrestrial commando forces or the infamous Weltraummarinesoldaten of the Weltraummarine. Boasting thick MKh-Gc Modularer Kampfhelms and complementary insulated-atmosphere Fr-Tb Flakrüstung power armor as protective apparel, shocktroopers are also trained to the maximum in the psychological suppression of pain. They are also assisted to resist agonizing pain through self-administered chemical concoctions consisting of a mix of Titan, Nioclarin, and Allevarin.