Bystander

The Bystander is a customized Janissary, stolen and currently still owned by Valentina Variscite, a war correspondent on the planet Aureate. Modified into the Type-VCR variant post-theft, the Bystander posesses a gyroscope-stabilised, insulated and shock-proofed left arm into which a heavy-duty camera rig is built.

Further modifications, added later at Valentina's request, include the gliding foils installed to the Bystander's feet which allow it to dash and 'glide' short distances across flat surfaces.

Janissary Type-VCR
The Type-VCR (Variant Camera Rig) Janissary was originally created by a small Tribunal think-tank formed with the intent of finding peace-time applications for various Polymetis Branch designs. Modified for use as a mobile recording platform able to film in arduous conditions and follow targets over rough terrain, the Type-VCR saw too limited success in its moment and was quickly removed from sale.

As sold models changed hands and saw use on a few high-profile projects however, demand returned for the Type-VCR: aftermarket retailers quickly began to offer parts to allow for private refitting of decommissioned Janissarys into a similar specification. Aftermarket Type-VCRs are close enough to the original Polymetis Branch automata that a distinction is very rarely made, and usually not even noticeable unless the viewer is particularly familiar with certain more niche Dodonan machining practices, as those are where the differences primarily lie.