In 297 HE, the Battle of the Metal Head Nest was fought in the Wasteland between the Krimzon Guard under Baron Praxis against the Metal Heads under Metal Kor during the Metal Head Wars.
Why did it happen?
In 3000 BHE, the Precursors fought a terrible war with a techno-organic alien race called the Hora-Quan, later known as the Metal Heads. Driven by Metal Kor, the Metal Heads destroyed the Precursor civilization and swarmed the universe unopposed, looking for the last relic of the Precursor’s power: the Precursor Stone. In 2 BHE, the Metal Heads invaded the planet through a Rift Gate opened by Jak, after which they scoured the planet looking for the Precursor Stone. After the foundation of Haven City by Mar, the Metal Heads established their headquarters southwest of the city. Although Mar planned to use a high-powered energy cannon to break open the Metal Head Nest and destroy their leader, he died in battle before we could use it. The dynasty founded by Mar ruled Haven City until 297 HE when Baron Praxis usurped the throne and created a military force known as the Krimzon Guard to enforce his rule. Arrogant and inexperienced, the Baron decided to launch an assault on the Metal Head Nest that same year.
Who was involved?
The Krimzon Guard force at the Metal Head Nest numbered an estimated 15,000 Guards and 12 Security Tanks. Led by Baron Praxis himself, the Krimzon Guard’s plan at the Metal Head Nest was to conduct a quick, surprise penetration known as a “Thunder Run” towards the nest using Security Tanks supported by infantry. Once through the enemy lines, the Guards and Tanks would use their superior firepower to penetrate the nest and destroy the Metal Heads. The Metal Head army at the Metal Head Nest numbered an estimated 100,000 Stingers, Wasps, Mantises, and Flying Spiders, as well as 3 Ele-Beasts. While Ele-Beasts acted as perimeter defences, Mantises and Stingers hid in the ground before emerging to either jump around to confuse their prey (Mantises) or move in a zig-zag pattern along the ground towards their victim (Stingers). In addition, Wasps and Flying Spiders acted as air support and attacked KG forces from above using their dark eco blasters. Flying Spiders could also act as ground support, with their dark eco-blasters being able to mow down dozens of enemy forces.
What happened?
Although details about the course of the battle are scarce, some details can be inferred from surveying the battlefield. It appears that after landing via KG Air Trains, the Krimzon Guard army under Baron Praxis advanced toward and secured the area around Mar’s Gun. As the KG Security Tanks advanced up the valley towards the Metal Head Nest, the supporting Guards came under attack from Metal Head Mantises and Flying Spiders, who inflicted severe casualties upon the KG forces. At the same time, 3 Ele-Beasts advanced toward the Krimzon Guard army. Although the KG Security Tanks opened fire upon them, the Ele-Beasts were able to destroy them with their physical bulk and arcs of electricity emanating from their sides. Upon seeing his forces faltering, Baron Praxis led a desperate counterattack, only to be severely wounded by the Metal Heads. With their leader wounded in action, the remaining Krimzon Guard forces retreated, having suffered an estimated 7,000 casualties.
What changed as a result?
The Battle of the Metal Head Nest was a Metal Head victory. While Metal Kor deployed Ele-Beasts around the Metal Head Nest to act as perimeter defences for any future Krimzon Guard assaults, a large contingency of Metal Heads decided to counterattack. In 298 HE, the Metal Heads decided to launch an attack on the Slums of Haven City to feed on the energy of the Sacred Site (Samos’ Hut). At the Battle of Dead Town, the Metal Heads forced the Krimzon Guard to retreat, although Samos Hagai used his eco powers to stop the Metal Heads from advancing towards the site. Baron Praxis would later acknowledge that attacking the Metal Head Nest prematurely was a “foolish plan” and commemorated the anniversary of the battle via his propaganda stations located around Haven City. The Metal Head Wars would continue until 300 HE when Metal Kor was killed by Jak.
Bibliography
Naughty Dog. Jak II. Sony Computer Entertainment. PlayStation 2. 2003.
Off, Greg. Jak II: Official Strategy Guide. Indianapolis, Brady Games, 2003.
Schrader, Nathali. Jak II: The Complete Official Guide. London, Piggyback, 2003.
Tim H. “Metal Head nest (Jak II) map.” Jak and Daxter Wiki. Accessed October 12, 2022. www.jakanddaxter.fandom.com/wiki/Metal_Head_nest_(Jak_II)?file=Metal_Head_nest_%2528Jak_II%2529_map.png