Mission #7: Killboard, Roster and Mech Selection order

Well done boys!  That was a close one, you managed to drop both Clan Stars at a pretty high price. Maverick will be missed, but the stand he made in his Penetrator against Star Captain Gehrig in his Warhammer IIC was epic.  It was unfortunate he was under that bridge when his ammo cooked off triggering his ejection.

First up the Killboard. This is it set in stone, don't like it too bad.  Kills are awarded for bold actions, doing or saying something that makes most or everyone in the room laugh, and whenever I feel like it.  Anyways here it is for Mission #7.

And the current mech roster.  Command will be sending us a replacement for Maverick.  (OOC: If you have a yellow area next to your name, you need to let me know what you would like added or changed.  Meaning, Larry, Scott and Fab...Do you want the 3 gunnery or maybe drop your piloting by 2.  Also Larry and Scott I need your veteran skill from the skill page.  You may take a 3rd regular skill if you wish...dunno why but you never know.  Likewise Fab, need your three skills.  I need the skills BEFORE I release the list of new mechs you will be getting, so please get picking.  Email me your selections or reply to the blog.  Also Dereck, if you write up your character dossier you can bump up to 10 kills and have all the benefits...3 gunnery, and 3rd skill.)

 More OOC:  We had 5 players help me push Smoke Jaguar mechs, but I didn't keep track of how many player kills those guys got...so to be fair I'm awarding 1 Blue Falcon award for each of those 5 (Mitch, Jay, Jeff, Gregg and Lee.)  So when we have the new mechs...here is the selection order.


1) Mitch (Blue Falcon, jumps over Fab)
2) Fab (Dead Mechwarrior rule)
3) Jay (Tied with Kyle...tie breaker goes to Kyle with more kills in the last mission, but Jay uses BF)
4) Kyle
5) Scott
6) Larry
7) Dereck
8) Gregg (BF over Derek)
9) Jeff  (BF over Derek...ouch)
10) Lee (BF over Derek...ummm, wow)
11) Derek (who must be sore)

So here we are...Skill guys, pick your skills and then I'll tell you what new mechs command is shipping us.

Mission #7: Meech gets a mech...

  So the player that was to have the 1st pick for mechs was going to be out of town for our March event.  Knowing this rather than secure the best mech, Meech skipped his pick, and I told him he could have 1st pick next mission, no matter what.  But then I got sick and we bumped the event a week and Meech can make it.  So rather than having everyone re-pick, I threw 4 mechs out there for Meech to pick from.

Tried to pick mechs that somewhat fit his skills (Laser, Brawling, PPC)
Here is the Email I sent him... 



 

Giving you 4 to choose from. (Two 80 tonners, and two 75)..tried to select ones that fit your skills or that you might like.  Figure that any one of these might have been taken by you before the Marauder.

Hatamoto-Hi (2 PPC, 4 MPL, one hand, easy upgrade to CM mech if you guys land another c3 master computer, most armor by far) Kurita paint job
http://www.solaris7.com/TRO/HTMLBattleMech/BattlemechInfo.asp?ID=13375

Zues 9S (ERPPC, ERLL, LRM15, MPL, MPL <rear>) no hands, ok not really in your skills area[standard engine, lots of armor, great range] Davion green or Steiner blue white paint job
http://www.solaris7.com/TRO/HTMLBattleMech/BattlemechInfo.asp?ID=694

Black Knight 6  (PPC, 2LL, 4ML, 2 hands) This one can use all your skills, wanted to give you an option with two hands for brawling.  Only 20 regular HS so heat can be an issue with this one, but base to base you could shoot 2 ll, 2ml and punch twice.  Comstar white, Davion green or a merc Steel grey paint job.
http://www.solaris7.com/TRO/HTMLBattleMech/BattlemechInfo.asp?ID=5210

Falconer (Gauss, ERPPC, 4 ML, fastest of the bunch, no hands) has 10 Double HS...link shows only single hs and is wrong.  Only one of the 4 with an XL engine, but also moves 5/8/5 where the others are slower. Davion Green paint job.
http://www.solaris7.com/TRO/HTMLBattleMech/BattlemechInfo.asp?ID=901

I expect to hear from Meech any time now.  I think I gave him some good alternatives to the Marauder.  
So which one do you guys think he should take?

Player Dossier: Patrick "Warlock" McDreamy

1st Davion Guards Dossier

Type: Mechwarrior

Name:  Patrick McDreamy

Callsign: Warlock

Unit: 1st Davion Guards, 7th Company

Battlemech: Vemon SDR-9K

Specialty:  Light Mechs

Patrick McDreamy started his piloting life making courier runs for his father’s company on Bacrelona, a Lyran Commonweath world the borders the periphery.  The rough terrain of mountains, ravines and constantly blowing gale force winds give Barcelona a unique culture and commerce structure. Specialized mechs were used to transport goods along the wildly uneven ravine floors as the surface winds were too violent to allow air travel. The dexterity needed to navigate the crags and gulches as well as avoid the random whirlwinds that plagued the ravines would have granted most couriers a spot on an Olympic team. The same was true of Patrick.

Eventually wanderlust set in and he left his homeworld of Barcelona and followed his love of mechs, not into a house army, but to the Mecca of all mech sport enthusiasts – Solaris VII. Initially he found work as a junior astech, which basically meant he drove the mech retrieval truck for one of the arenas. It wasn’t until he was assisting a senior tech in the repair of a Hermes 4S and took the mech for a test run around the speed track that his exceptional skills were noticed. Patrick activated the MASC on the mech and consequently broke the track lap record. The manager of the Hermes’ mech pilot witnessed the event and soon had signed Patrick up as a pilot for his newest venture: NASMECH racing.

   

His first season on the circuit he was an alternate driver and only saw one race midseason when the primary was in detox. He had been a bit overzealous and wound up trashing his mech and that of another racer when he overestimated his clearance and drove them both into the wall.

The next season the team picked up a second mech and Patrick was allowed to race full time. Playing it a tad more conservatively he finished toward the front of the pack and garnered a small amount of notoriety. Unfortunately he had only a handful more races under his belt when the clans attacked.

Word came that his homeworld of Barcelona had been overrun by Clan Jade Falcon in the initial waves of the Clan invasion.  Devastated, he reached out to his team owner, wanting out of his contract to seek revenge.  The owner, Hugh Gibbs, a well to do Davion business man, didn't want to see Patrick throw away his life by leaving Solaris just to join up with some lowly Merc Unit.  Gibbs secured Patrick a training position on New Avalon's NAIS.  Patrick graduated with honors, excelling with light mechs in a scouting role.   Now a member of the 1st Davion Guards, 7th company, Patrick hopes to put his skills to liberating the inner sphere. 

Addendum:  With the 7th lacking any light mechs, Warlock has taken the controls of a Hunchback IIC.  "At least the armor is like a light mech", he jokes with his fellow mechwarriors.

(Written by Gregg, Edit by RangerRob)

Mission #7: Mission Briefing

Mission 7: Defend the HPG Firebase

Garrison Duty...where you actually have to work.

Primary Objectives:
+ Defend the HPG

+ Defend the Firebase 

Secondary Objectives:
+ Eliminate all opposing Jaguar forces

Mission Briefing:

We have incoming hostiles.  Showing Two Stars of Smoke Jags inbound from the north.  They are ranging from Light to Assault chassis. 

This is the push for this HPG we expected since the Nova Cats gave it to us.  Let's not hand it back over to the Jags, shall we.  We have 4 Automated turrets helping us defend the base.

Looks like the force is being led by our old friend Star Captain Gehrig.  Though he is not in his Mad Cat, you boys must have done a number on it from your last battle with him.  He has broadcast that he is aware that the "Lucky 7th" is the unit that defends this firebase, and that no honor duels will be offered.  Looks like a straight up fight.  That will make things a little tougher. 

Expected Jaguar forces:

Warhammer IIC: Star Captain Gehrig (2/3)

Thor A: Mechwarrior "Tommy" John (3/4)

Hunchback IIC: Mechwarrior Wells (3/4)

Vulture Prime: Mechwarrior Sanders (3/4)

Huntsman A: Mechwarror Sax (3/4)

Shadow Cat Prime: Star Commander Mattingly (2/3)

Grendel B: Mechwarrior Rivers (3/4)

Incubis (Vixen): Mechwarrior Tartabull (3/4)
Locust IIC: Mechwarrior Knoblauch (3/4)
Howler (Baboon) 3: Mechwarrior Abbott (3/4)

Automated Turrets:

The South East and North West corners of the firebase are protected by a pair of turrets.

One of the pair has Dual Ultra AC2's, the other has an LRM 20 launcher.

The control building for the Turrets is on the south side of the base.  If the Clanners drop this building, all the turrets will stop working.

Good Luck!

Nash out. 

 

OOC:  Where we bumped the date a week, Mitch will be able to make it.  Rather than re-pick all mechs, I gave him a list of 4 mechs to choose one from (Hatamoto-Hi, Zeus 9S, Black Knight 6, Falconer).  All the mechs are chassis I think he might have taken before the Marauder.  He will make the pick when he is back from Florida and back online.  No he can't swap the ride he picks with one of you guys.  See yah in 9 days

Smoke Jaguar Dossier: Locust IIC

Smoke Jaguar Dossier

Type: Battlemech

Name: Locust IIC

Mech Class: Light

Weight: 25 Tons

Tech Base: Clan

Description:
One of the best known BattleMechs in the Inner Sphere for its low production and operation costs, the Locust is also well known in the Clans. In 2832, Clan Mongoose unleashed an upgraded version of the venerable 'Mech on the Clans, known as the Locust IIC. The speedy design complemented Mongoose tactics, enabling them to win many Trials. When Clan Smoke Jaguar absorbed the Mongooses, they became the owners of the production line on Circe. Since it is a second-line unit Inner Sphere MechWarriors rarely see it in action.

Armament: 
Designed as a fast and light reconnaissance vehicle, the Locust was also tasked with fast-strike raids and at least became a front-line unit in the Inner Sphere. Larger than the original Locust, the IIC gives MechWarriors comparable speed with more protection and terrifying offensive capabilities. The main armament consists of a Medium Pulse Laser, flanked by eight Extended Range Small Lasers, allowing the Locust to be an excellent anti-infantry BattleMech with capabilities to harass heavier BattleMechs. Its larger size also allows it to be a more durable weapon platform, the Locust IIC is a far more difficult enemy than its Inner Sphere twin.

Captain Nash's Analysis:  You folks have already faced one of these guys.  Just realized you never saw the dossier on it.   Might just be the scariest 25 ton mech ever created.  Keep it at arms reach and you should be ok.  When those eight ER small lasers come into play is when it gets ugly. 



Tech Readout: http://www.solaris7.com/TRO/HTMLBattleMech/BattlemechInfo.asp?ID=912

Mission #7: Prelude

Setting: Port Arthur, Southern Hemisphere, Smoke Jaguar Firebase Gamma, Primary Communications Room.  One week after the assault on his Firebase, Star Captain Gehrig is contacted by Star Colonel Giambi.

Star Colonel Giambi: Well Done Star Captain.  It pleases me that you have Firebase Gamma back up to 100%.  Now tell me of your mechwarriors and their mechs.  I have a mission for you.

Star Captain Gehrig: Sanders is fine. His Mad Dog was mostly untouched during the assault.  Sax took some significant damage in his Huntsman, but that was repaired as of yesterday.  "Tommy John" took some engine damage with his Summoner, but he took priority in the repair bay and should be fully repaired by tomorrow.  Wells is in need of a replacement, his Hellbringer was a total loss.  My Timberwolf is now being repaired, but it most likely will not be ready for about a week.

Star Colonel Giambi:  A week is too long.  My plan is for you to strike the HPG the day after tomorrow.  I'll be sending you two replacement mechs...

Star Captain Gehrig:  (Holding up his hand, interrupting Giambi) Star Colonel, I only need the one for Wells.  I still have the "Iron Horse". 


 

Star Colonel Giambi:  You still have that relic?  I have told you numerous times a non-omni mech is beneath your station.  You should be rid of this "Iron Horse".  It is from a bygone era, and better technology is available to you.


 

Star Captain Gehrig:  Respectfully Star Colonel, I am a Star Captain thanks to that relic.  Furthermore, I believe that in an assault, such as the one you are planning, the "Iron Horse" will perform better than a Timberwolf.  I feel a measure of a warrior is how he uses the tools gifted to him, not through the use of performance enhancing technology.  Just a replacement mech for Mechwarrior Wells, thank you.


Star Colonel Giambi:  Very well.  (Grinning to himself) Oh, I have just the replacement for that dezgra warrior.  He will never sit in an omni-mech again under my command.


 

Star Captain Gehrig:  It will matter little to that one.  I believe he is beyond caring... so long as after the battle, his platter full of food and his cup full of ale.  

Star Colonel Giambi:  Bah! I would ship him back to Huntress if the means available. (pauses briefly, looks down over his notes)  I'm also sending you a unit to join in the assault.  Star Commander Mattingly and the rest of his star should be arriving at Firebase gamma in a couple of hours.  Use them as you see fit.  They have recently been reassigned from the north and I know little of them...(looks up and in a sacrastic tone) Other than they pilot second line mechs, so you should feel right at home with them and your "Iron Horse".   I'll contact you in eight hours with the details of your assault on the HPG.  Giambi out. (Screen goes blank)

Star Captain Gehrig:  (shakes head, rolls eyes.  Then pushes an intercom button, which broadcasts to the entire firebase.)   This is Star Captain Gehrig,  We have a Star of Jaguar mechs inbound, should be here withing the next two hours.  Furthermore, would all mechwarriors report to the briefing room immediately, we have a mission. 

Smoke Jaguar Dossier: Warhammer IIC

Smoke Jaguar Dossier

Type: Battlemech

Name: Warhammer IIC

Mech Class: Assault

Weight: 80 Tons

Tech Base: Clan

Description:
The original Warhammer was designed as an assault BattleMech. However, it had been overrun by heavier 'Mechs, though it remained a powerful weapons platform. The Clans wisely maintained and built on this solid frame a real assault 'Mech, the Warhammer IIC. Thanks to their technological expertise, they were able to add ten tons with the same speed and firepower. The Warhammer IIC is built on an Endo Steel frame and is protected by twelve tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor. The result is a dangerous 'Mech, able to hold its own in any battle against the Inner Sphere.

Armament: 
Paired Mk. XVII ER PPCs allow the Warhammer IIC to inflict fifty percent more damage than the regular Successor States' PPCs. Added to an SRM-6 launcher and five Medium Pulse Lasers, this firepower overwhelms most 'Mechs of equal or lesser tonnage. Twenty double heat sinks keep the design relatively cool.

Captain Nash's Analysis:  It's going to start getting scary from this point on.  First of the Jaguar Clan assault mechs you guys will probably face.  Too bad you did such a number on Star Captain Gehrig's Mad Cat, recon satellites have confirmed that one of these beasts is his back up ride.  Recommendation, given the choice I would stay at range with this monster.  The twin ERPPC's are scary, but not so much as the 5 Medium Pulse Lasers, ERPPC and SRM6 it unloads when she gets close. 









Tech Readout: http://www.solaris7.com/TRO/HTMLBattleMech/BattlemechInfo.asp?ID=914