The Shard were a range of models produced by FASA for the Vor games system. Although FASA is no more, the models are still available from Iron Wind Metals (US) and Ral Partha Europe (UK). By Joe Prozinski The shard are one of the oldest races in the galaxy. They were once flesh and blood beings before they long ago discovered how to separate their essence from their bodies that bound them to their physical form and became beings of pure energy. Shard Army (Image supplied by Jeff Wilhelm, Shard Sculptor) After millennia of existence as virtual immortals, the Veil encroached on their world. The violence of the encroaching Veil was disastrous to their home world. Their planet was destroyed. The Veil was hungry for energy and their soul matrices are the most concentrated form of energy in existence. The Veil began devouring them; the strongest watched as millions of shard were consumed. They were forced to create bodies for themselves from the crystal that once formed their home world; the crystal shielded them from the hunger of the Veil. They view this as a personal attack by the universe itself. They have two goals, to escape the Veil and to destroy all organic life. They are arrogant and hateful, viewing all other races as universal viruses needing to be destroyed, their existence a harsh reminder of the shard's once exalted lives. Jagged Once artists and scholars, almost all shard are now warriors, instinctively drawn toward battle by their overpowering emotions, even in their earliest stages of life. The most expendable units on the front lines are the fledglings, who attack in massive swarms. They are closely followed by the jagged, with their bristling protrusions making their bodies living weapons. Behind them, giving support are the concussors, who use their own living energy matrices to power deadly weapons, and the awesome primes who are nearly insane from living so long with unending hatred that they are nearly consumed by it. AMP Suit The most destructive weapons in their arsenal are the massive eradicator war walkers and the mind-blowing powers of the ancient axions, whose weapons are gravity and time itself. Their hatred is so overwhelming, they do not fight to gain territory or slaves, they do it for revenge. Joe Prozinski has created an extensive army list and a summary page which are both available from the downloads page. Figure Availability Although FASA have ceased trading and nobody appears to be doing anything about relaunching the game, the models are still available from Iron Wind Metals and Ral Partha Europe. Ral Partha, 56-60 Parr Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 4JN, United Kingdom. Tel: 44 (0)151 707 6262 Fax: 44 (0)151 708 6622 Email: info@ralparthaeurope.co.uk Vor On eBay There is usually a good selection of Vor related items available on eBay and are very often at bargain prices.