Target: Shank Race: Fallen Machines designed to support Fallen troops. These machines are hardly ever by themselves minus a few spots in patrols. In quests, strikes, and events they are always armed with weapons that are driven to battle success. Most of the time they are equipped with an equivalent to a shock pistol. Others use the shock rifle, while the more advanced models in tougher fights are snipers using the wire rifle. The equivalents are have some extended range and in those hard fights, they will do critically more damage. They hover just above the ground at eye height, but are able to boost upwards to avoid incoming fire or low throw grenades. Mobility wise, they can move from point A to point B quickly. During this they do not have active weapons. If they engage they will slow down to an evasive speed that still allows them to dodge, but maintain steady weapon fire. In some cases a Shank can be treated as a bee. Their shots are annoying, but not threatening. Get a bunch, then you have issues if not dealt with. Shanks come in many models. The mid-range support models, sniper models, and kamikaze models. Mid ranged models can range from annoying to high threat depending on the fight you are in. Mostly they just support Dregs and higher beings in the Fallen, but as the fighting goes on, these models become more accurate, do more damage, shoot more rapidly, and some are even equipped with shields. Sniper models are sneaky. Most of the time you won't know they are there unless you happen to be where they spawn, By this point they have already dropped your shields down to nothing and have you on the run. Some times it is so confusing that you start looking for Vandals, who are more known to snipe, and ignore the machine floating in the air, because you are use to them shooting the shock pistol. The kamikaze models are good ol' fun. Mostly seen in the Strike "S.A.B.E.R", these models are becoming more popular and seen in other strikes, patrols, quests, and raids as the patches come through. These guys do not hover in evasive mode like the shooters, they use their full boost and charge right at their targets. They are strapped with bombs and blow up once in range to their target. I have not seen weapon systems on these guys except for the bombs, yet. The blast range is hard to tell, I believe they share the same blast range as Chaos Thralls. My guess anything within 10 meters it is a near instant kill. Within 3-5 meters this is a given. Outside of 10 meters I would say splash damage is good, but not enough to kill you unless your shields are already down. At 15+ you should be safe. Shanks are just as common as Dregs. Most are assisting teams of Fallen, some are summoned by bosses, and some are released during Fallen Tank fights from the tank itself. How to handle: Shanks are like Dregs, a one shot deal. That is for the weak models. Advanced models can take some punishment. I mention they are evasive. Well they can be, but choose not too. I notice on a Night Stalker (Hunter), and on weapons with targeting sensors, a weak spot is marked. These do not give precision shots. But the front of the Shank or in the back between the engines is a good spot to place your attack. Sniper models need to be taken out asap. Do not let them keep you pinned. That would be bad considering that a boss or bigger mob is on you. Mid-ranged can be handled as needed. If you notice that these models are getting stronger each kill, then the more important it becomes to clean them out. For both Mid-range and Snipers, use LoS to help avoid and get a better vantage point. Weak models I would just simply shoot them. One solid shoot or a few rapid hits takes them out. Kamikaze models need to be taken out from a safe distance asap. Be mindful of team mates and make sure all are far enough away to avoid damage. Or be a polite dick. Kill the kamikaze and blow up your team mate, but make sure you can get in there and hand out a rez. During tank fights the tanks release these guys a lot. I would make sure to mop these up as their only focus is protecting the tank. Grimoire: First Tier → 150 Kills, Second Tier → 375 kills, Third Tier → 750