On Worldbuilding in RWBY
By AndrewJTalon
DISCLAIMER: This is a fan based work of prose. RWBY is the property of Rooster Teeth and ViZ. Please support the official release.
Given the barebones nature of RWBY's worldbuilding, filling it out can help you come up with new story ideas. In this volume I will post technical data, character bios, nation histories, politics, philosophies, and many other things you can use in RWBY fanfic or other forms of fanfic to help build the world and create new plots. It can also aid in worldbuilding for other writing, fan or original.
Airpower covers a multitude of sins, and fighting the Grimm requires a lot of it. Huntsmen and Huntresses are important, yes, but you need close air support. And in the canon, it doesn't say that Vale doesn't have a military. Just that it focuses more on independent Huntsmen forces. But you do need a military for many things, and combat aircraft that are focused on shooting and not just gunships would be very attractive and useful. So I whipped up two strike fighters for the Vale Defense Force and the Atlasian Military. Both using the technology of the world to carry out the missions of air supremacy, close air support and Grimm suppression. Which are both available for your use if you'd like to explore other ways of fighting the Grimm.
VSF-47 Tempest Viper
Overview
The Tempest Viper is the latest Dust-powered, multi-role strike fighter developed by Wayland Air Motors engineers for the Valean Defense Force, designed to counter the Grimm threat and rival nations' advanced militaries, particularly Atlas' airships and robotic forces. It combines speed, maneuverability, and adaptable Dust-based weaponry to engage diverse threats, from massive Grimm hordes to heavily armored human targets. Its sleek, aerodynamic frame reflects Remnant's futuristic yet grounded aesthetic, with a folding-wing design inspired by mecha-shift principles that in concert with its Dust-based engines makes it fully VTOL. This mechashift technology and VTOL capability allow it to operate from remote outposts as well as from airborne carriers.
Specifications
Crew: 1 pilot, 1 RIO
Length: 16 meters
Wingspan: 12 meters (extended), 8 meters (folded for VTOL or high-speed flight)
Power Source: Dual Dust Reactor Turbofans (Gravity and Fire Dust primary, modular secondary Dust types)
Top Speed: Mach 1.2 (supersonic bursts using Wind Dust boosters)
Range: 1,500 km (extendable with auxiliary Dust crystals)
Armor: Lightweight Dust-infused titanium alloy plating, resistant to Grimm claws and basic ballistic weapons
Sensors: Actively Scanning Doppler Radar, Infrared scanners.
Aura Integration: Cockpit systems sync with the pilot's Aura for enhanced reaction time and feedback.
Design Features
Mecha-Shift Airframe: The Viper features a variable-geometry wing system that shifts between extended (for maneuverability and VTOL) and swept-back (for high-speed strikes). This mirrors Remnant's transformable weapon philosophy, allowing the fighter to adapt mid-combat. Retractable reinforced landing gear enables vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), crucial for operations in Remnant's rugged, Grimm-infested terrain.
Dust-Powered Propulsion: Dual Dust reactor Turbofans combine Gravity Dust for lift and Fire Dust for thrust, providing exceptional agility and sustained hover capabilities. Modular Dust slots allow pilots to equip Wind Dust for speed bursts or Ice Dust for stealth (cooling exhaust signatures), tailoring the fighter to specific missions.
Cockpit and Controls: A holographic interface, powered by Hard-Light Dust, displays real-time Grimm movement (via ground-based sensors) and enemy positions. Aura-linked controls amplify the pilot's reflexes, allowing precise maneuvers against fast-moving Grimm like Nevermores or Griffins. The cockpit monitors the pilot's Aura, warning of overexertion.
Defensive Systems: Dust-infused alloy plating resists Grimm physical attacks and low-caliber projectiles but is vulnerable to heavy anti-aircraft fire (e.g., Atlas' beam turrets). A Hard-Light Dust shield generator pod provides temporary protection against energy-based attacks or Grimm projectiles (e.g., Nevermore feathers), with a 30-second uptime and 2-minute cooldown. Countermeasures include Gravity Dust flares to disorient flying Grimm and chaff to disrupt missile locks from rival nations.
Armament
The Viper is equipped with modular, Dust-based weaponry to handle both Grimm and human threats. Its arsenal leverages Remnant's reliance on high-explosive, Dust-augmented munitions, as traditional metal bullets are less effective against Grimm's durable hides.
Primary Weapon: Winchester Arms 30mm Dust Cannon: Mounted under the nose, this rapid-fire cannon shoots Dust-infused rounds. Default Fire Dust rounds explode on impact, ideal for shredding Grimm hordes or damaging unshielded vehicles. Modular Dust types allow switching to: Ice Dust: Freezes targets, slowing large Grimm (e.g., Goliaths) or disabling mechanical systems. Lightning Dust: Disrupts robotic enemies (e.g., Atlesian Knights) or chains between Grimm in close proximity. Gravity Dust: Launches kinetic bursts to knock back aerial Grimm or destabilize enemy aircraft.
Secondary Weapon: Multi-Mode Missile Pods: Each wing houses a pod with eight missiles, configurable for: High-Explosive Dust Warheads: For annihilating Grimm swarms or breaching airship armor. Cluster Munitions: Scatter smaller explosives to clear Creeps or Beowolves in open terrain. Tracking Missiles: Homing Gravity Dust warheads for engaging fast-moving targets like Sea Feilongs or Atlas dropships. Missiles are limited (16 total), requiring strategic use against high-value targets.
Experimental Weapon: Pulse Emitter: A prototype Hard-Light Dust emitter in an external pod projects a short-range shockwave that disorients Grimm by simulating positive emotions, briefly disrupting their aggression. Ineffective against older, smarter Grimm (e.g., Alpha Beowolves) but useful for escaping swarms. Against human targets, the emitter can overload electronic systems, temporarily disabling the enemy unit.
Tactical Roles
The Viper is designed for three primary mission profiles, addressing Remnant's dual threats of Grimm and rival nations:
Grimm Suppression:
Objective: Rapid response to Grimm incursions, targeting hordes or high-threat individuals (e.g., Leviathans, Nuckelavees).
Tactics: Use VTOL to deploy near settlements, employing cluster munitions and Fire Dust cannons to thin hordes. For larger Grimm, pilots use Gravity Dust missiles to immobilize targets, followed by Hard Light Pulses or Ice Dust to slow movement.
Strengths: High maneuverability counters flying Grimm like Nevermores; Dust versatility handles diverse Grimm types.
Weaknesses: Limited missile reserves struggle against overwhelming numbers; armor is insufficient against elder Grimm's heavy strikes.
Anti-Air Superiority:
Objective: Engage rival nations' aircraft, particularly Atlas' Manta gunships or airships.
Tactics: Leverage supersonic bursts and tracking missiles to outmaneuver slower, bulkier enemy craft. Lightning Dust cannons disable robotic systems, while Hard-Light shields absorb return fire.
Strengths: Speed and agility outmatch most Remnant aircraft; Aura-linked controls give pilots an edge in dogfights.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable to concentrated anti-aircraft fire from Atlesian beam turrets or airship volleys.
Precision Strikes:
Objective: Target enemy infrastructure (e.g., Dust mines, command centers) or large Grimm (e.g., Monstra).
Tactics: Use stealth configurations (Ice Dust cooling) for covert approaches, deploying high-explosive missiles or kinetic Gravity Dust strikes. The pulse emitter can disrupt defenses before retreating.
Strengths: Modular weaponry allows tailored loadouts; VTOL enables flexible deployment.
Weaknesses: Reliance on Dust makes resupply critical; prolonged engagements drain pilot Aura.
Strategic Fit in Remnant
Grimm Threat: The Tempest Viper addresses the Grimm's numerical advantage and durability by prioritizing area-effect weapons and mobility. Its pulse emitter offers a novel counter to their emotion-driven aggression, though it's less effective against Salem's smarter Grimm breeds. The fighter's ability to rapidly deploy from small outposts as well as major bases and carriers aligns with Remnant's need to protect scattered villages.
Rival Nations: Against Atlas' technological superiority, the Viper counters with agility and electronic warfare (Lightning Dust and pulse emitter), exploiting weaknesses in robotic infantry and slow airships. Its versatility makes it a viable deterrent against Mistral's less advanced but numerous forces or Vacuo's guerrilla tactics.
Technological Level: The fighter relies entirely on Dust, adhering to Remnant's tech constraints (no spaceflight, no non-Dust power sources). Its mecha-shift design and Aura integration reflect the setting's focus on individualized, soul-enhanced technology, while its holographic systems and Dust reactors align with Atlas' cutting-edge advancements.
Limitations
Dust Dependency: Like all Remnant tech, the Viper is limited by Dust availability. Prolonged missions risk depletion, especially for exotic Dust types like Hard-Light or Gravity.
Pilot Strain: Aura-linked controls enhance performance but tax the pilot's stamina, limiting sortie duration against relentless Grimm waves.
Armor Trade-Off: Lightweight plating prioritizes speed over durability, making the fighter vulnerable to sustained fire from advanced anti-air systems or elder Grimm.
Production Costs: Dust-intensive systems and complex mecha-shift components make mass production challenging. The Viper is thus limited for now to elite squadrons of the Valean Defense Force.
AF/A-25 Sindri Industries Cavalier Strike Fighter
Overview
The Cavalier is an Atlesian strike fighter engineered by Sindri Industries to complement Atlas' hybrid carrier battleships, designed for air superiority, precision strikes, and support of robotic ground forces against Grimm and rival nations. Built with Atlas' signature blend of cutting-edge technology and militaristic efficiency, the Cavalier emphasizes firepower, durability, and integration with Atlesian command networks over agility. Its angular, armored design and glowing Hard-Light Dust accents reflect Atlas' cold, utilitarian aesthetic.
Specifications
Crew: 1 pilot (optionally autonomous with AI control)
Length: 18 meters
Wingspan: 14 meters (fixed, reinforced for stability)
Power Source: Triple Dust reactor Turbofans (Gravity, Ice, and Fire Dust primary)
Top Speed: Mach 1
Range: 2,000 km (supported by carrier resupply)
Armor: Heavy Dust-forged titanium plating, resistant to Grimm attacks and ballistic fire
Sensors: Active Scanning Doppler Radar, Infrared Sensors
AI Integration: Onboard Atlesian AI for autonomous operation and coordination with carrier battleships
Design Features
Reinforced Airframe: The Cavalier features a fixed-wing, angular design optimized for stability and durability, reflecting Atlas' focus on overwhelming force rather than maneuverability. Its bulky frame can withstand significant punishment, ideal for prolonged engagements. Retractable landing gear allows deployment from carrier battleships, with magnetic clamps for securing to airship decks during resupply.
Dust-Powered Propulsion: Triple Dust reactor turbofans use Gravity Dust for lift, Ice Dust for cooling and stealth, and Fire Dust for thrust. The system prioritizes sustained output over burst speed, ensuring reliability during extended missions. Exhaust ports are reinforced with Hard-Light Dust shielding, reducing vulnerability to Grimm attacks from below.
Cockpit and Controls: A sealed cockpit with a panoramic Hard-Light Dust display provides 360-degree battlefield awareness, linked directly to the carrier battleship's command network for real-time tactical updates. The fighter can switch between piloted and autonomous modes, using an Atlesian AI to execute pre-programmed attack patterns or respond to Grimm movements. Autonomous mode reduces pilot strain but risks hacking (e.g., Watts' tech expertise).
Defensive Systems: Heavy titanium plating infused with Ice Dust absorbs kinetic impacts from Grimm claws and rival projectiles, though it sacrifices speed. A Hard-Light Dust barrier projector creates a forward-facing shield capable of deflecting energy attacks (e.g., Nevermore feathers or Dust cannons) for 45 seconds, with a 1-minute cooldown. Countermeasures include Ice Dust chaff to freeze and disrupt Grimm sensory organs and electromagnetic pulses to disable enemy drones.
Armament
The Cavalier is equipped with energy-based and heavy Dust weaponry, reflecting Atlas' preference for precision and overwhelming force. Its arsenal is designed to support carrier operations, targeting both Grimm and enemy aircraft with lethal efficiency.
Primary Weapon: Odin Arms Hard-Light Beam Cannon: Mounted on the nose, this cannon fires concentrated Hard-Light Dust beams, capable of slicing through Grimm hides or piercing enemy airship armor. The beams have a high rate of fire but overheat after 10 seconds of continuous use, requiring a 15-second cooldown. Adjustable settings allow for wide-area beams to sweep Grimm hordes or focused shots for precision strikes against high-value targets.
Secondary Weapon: Heavy Missile Launchers: Each wing houses a launcher with five heavy missiles, designed for:
Hard-Light Warheads: Penetrate armor, ideal for disabling rival airships or large Grimm (e.g., Monstra).
Fragmentation Missiles: Detonate mid-air, releasing shrapnel to shred flying Grimm like Griffons or clear ground-based Creeps.
Tracking Missiles: Use radar guidance systems to lock onto fast-moving targets, effective against agile fighters like Vale's Tempest Viper. Missiles are limited (10 total), requiring resupply from the carrier.
Support Weapon: Drone Deployment System: The Cavalier can deploy up to four Atlesian micro-drones per mission, each equipped with a small Hard-Light Dust laser. These drones provide reconnaissance, target painting, or direct fire support, controlled via the fighter's AI. Drones are vulnerable to Lightning Dust attacks and can be hacked by skilled enemies.
Defensive Weapon: Ice Dust Turret: A rear-mounted turret automatically fires Ice Dust projectiles to slow pursuing Grimm or enemy fighters, creating a temporary barrier of ice shards. Effective for covering retreats but has limited ammo (50 shots).
Tactical Roles
The Cavalier is designed to operate as part of Atlas' carrier-based strategy, supporting large-scale military operations against Grimm and rival nations.
Air Superiority for Carrier Defense:
Objective: Protect Atlesian carrier battleships from enemy aircraft and flying Grimm (e.g., Nevermores, Wyverns).
Tactics: Use Hard-Light beam cannons to engage at long range, supported by tracking missiles for fast targets. The AI coordinates with the carrier's defenses, prioritizing threats to the airship.
Strengths: Heavy armor and shields withstand sustained attacks; beam cannons outrange most Remnant weaponry.
Weaknesses: Limited agility struggles against highly maneuverable fighters like the Tempest Viper.
Precision Strikes on High-Value Targets:
Objective: Neutralize key enemy assets (e.g., Dust mines, command posts) or large Grimm threats.
Tactics: Deploy from the carrier with a full missile loadout, using warheads to breach defenses. Drones scout ahead, marking targets for beam cannon strikes.
Strengths: AI precision ensures minimal collateral damage; heavy firepower overwhelms defenses.
Weaknesses: Slow speed makes it vulnerable during approach; reliance on carrier resupply limits independent operations.
Air Support for Ground Forces:
Objective: Provide air support for Atlesian Soldiers, Knights and Paladins against Grimm hordes or enemy infantry.
Tactics: Use fragmentation missiles and wide-area beams to clear Grimm swarms, while drones assist with targeting. The Ice Dust turret covers retreats if ground forces are overwhelmed.
Strengths: Excellent synergy with robotic units; durable design allows sustained support.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable to anti-air fire from fortified positions; drones can be countered by tech-savvy enemies.
History and Development
Origin: The Cavalier was developed prior to the Vytal Festival Atttack, as Atlas sought to bolster its aerial capabilities amid rising Grimm aggression and tensions with other kingdoms. General Ironwood commissioned the project to ensure carrier battleships could project force without relying solely on manned units.
Development: The Atlesian Military Research Division collaborated with the Schnee Dust Company to integrate Hard-Light Dust into the fighter's weaponry and defenses, a breakthrough that gave Atlas an edge over other kingdoms. Initial prototypes struggled with power management, as Hard-Light Dust drained reactors quickly, but the addition of Ice Dust cooling systems resolved the issue by the Vytal Festival Attacks.
Deployment: The Cavalier first saw action during a defense of Argus, where squadrons launched from the Atlesian airship Aegis successfully repelled a Leviathan attack, though at the cost of several fighters to the Grimm's energy blasts. By the Vytal Festival Attacks, the fighter became a mainstay of Atlas' aerial fleet, often deployed alongside Manta gunships to suppress Grimm incursions in Solitas' frozen wastes.
Reputation: Among Atlesian pilots, the Cavalier is seen as a symbol of Atlas' might—reliable, powerful, but rigid. Rival kingdoms, particularly Vale, criticize its lack of adaptability, nicknaming it the "Flying Brick" for its relative lack of maneuverability. Despite this, its ability to dominate the skies around a carrier battleship is undeniable.
Strategic Fit in Atlas' Doctrine
Carrier Integration: The Cavalier is designed to operate as part of a larger fleet, launching from hybrid carrier battleships to extend their reach. Its AI systems ensure seamless coordination with Atlesian command, allowing it to execute complex battle plans with minimal pilot input.
Grimm Threat: Against Grimm, the fighter's heavy armor and Hard-Light weaponry provide a significant advantage, particularly against large, durable targets like Leviathans or Wyverns. However, its lack of agility makes it less effective against swarms of smaller, faster Grimm like Griffons.
Rival Nations: The Cavalier excels in air superiority against other kingdoms' aircraft, using its beam cannon and tracking missiles to outrange and overpower lighter fighters like Vale's Tempest Viper.
Technological Level: The fighter's use of Hard-Light Dust, AI, and heavy Dust reactors aligns with Atlas' cutting-edge tech, surpassing other kingdoms in raw power but lacking the individualized flair of Vale or Mistral's designs.
Limitations:
Limited Agility: The focus on armor and firepower sacrifices maneuverability, making the Cavalier a poor match for agile opponents in dogfights.
Carrier Dependency: Its range and ammo reserves rely on resupply from carrier battleships, limiting independent operations—a critical flaw if the carrier is disabled. Data links to the carrier can also be jammed, which can be crippling to the Cavalier in autonomous mode.
AI Vulnerability: The autonomous mode, while efficient, can be hacked by skilled enemies (e.g., Arthur Watts), potentially turning the fighter against its own fleet. The AIs are also very predictable in dogfights and easily bested by competent human/Faunus pilots.
Dust Consumption: Hard-Light Dust weaponry drains reactors quickly, requiring careful energy management during extended engagements.
Cost: Despite Atlas' massive industrial capacity, these fighters are still fairly expensive to maintain and produce.