Fire Helm

Round, red and gleaming, Fire Helm looks like the helmet of a knight hurtling through space. Golden bands curve across its body, a dark visor slit stares forward, and a stubby nose points the way. Behind it, four rivers of orange and white flame pour from its thrusters, turning the purple void into a blazing trail.

The racer inside once rode in real jousting tournaments on a world that still kept the old traditions. He won every trophy and grew bored. When he heard that Upleveled ships could break the speed of thought, he sold his armour and bought a ticket to the Frontier.

He answers to no one now, racing for prize money and sometimes for pride. His signature move is the Lance Charge, a burst of speed so violent that the flames wrap around his hull like a battering ram. He slams through barriers, shields and slower rivals without slowing down. His defence is sturdy for a racer, so he can take a hit and keep his line. Every race, he salutes the crowd. Old habits.