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Contract 1, FedCom Extraction Raid

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Total Members Voted: 4

[Hanzoku]

Hahaha! Or going into battle with the baby in the rumble seat?

[EuchreJack]

An ultra green soldier gave birth to a son. He is already a better shot than her. (5+ compared to her 7+, 6+ now that I've spent her XP.)

And he's only going to get better as he ages!

Unless you're a monster who ignores child labor laws in favor of MechChild Combat.  Then his mother will probably won't have up to send him to college...

Mechwarrior cancels Fire Large Laser: Seeking infant.

Obviously, you need a Dual Cockpit Mech, so the infant can fire the weapons while Mommy pilots the Mech.

[RedKing]

Now I'm imagining the baby going "pew pew pew" while firing.

[Rince Wind]

Or sitting next to you, imitating all your moves like in the Simpsons opening.

And when they are older it is:
"Look Mommy, a Shadowhawk."
"I know, dear, not let me kick this Stin..."
"WOW! Is that an Atlas?"
"SHITSHITSHIT!"


Edit: Someone should tell my MechWarriors to stop taking AC/20 hits to the head. Aren't they thinking of the children? I can only save one of them with my infantry platoon. And that won't be you, Urist McRecentlyjoinedrecruit as I have another battle this week. And this one isn't even over yet.
That was the last thing the Saladin crew ever did though, because a split second later they were hit by all the close range weapons my Stalker had.


(I knew something was wrong when all the enemies were missing their 7+ shots.)

[EuchreJack]

Now I'm imagining the baby going "pew pew pew" while firing.

And now I am too.

Or sitting next to you, imitating all your moves like in the Simpsons opening.

Actually, that baby, with its killer accuracy, does remind me of Maggie...

[Neonivek]

Going to get this game up and running someday! (too bad it is a complicated multiple step process with resources scattered to the four winds)

Lets see, I think our current company is D rank.

[deoloth]

Figured this would be the best place to ask on b12.

I am interested in running a battletech/mechwarrior rpg for my gaming group after reading this lets play a bit and I am not sure which edition to get. Anyone have any recommendations whether I should do Classic BattleTech RPG or the current edition A Time for War?

[Neonivek]

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN!!!

I didn't know vehicles could screw the rules on the mech weight limits... Why hello 200-ton vehicle O_O... that costs 4mil... and carries a battalion of ER PPCs

Too bad it will die due to criticals way before anyone penetrates its 130 armor.

I can just see why Vehicles are actually a LOT more common the Battletech media suggests. You can just field such destructive vehicle forces for cheap... making them excellent on the defense, in fact far more then most mechs can.

Also don't worry Deoloth if we go to the next page I'll quote you so it isn't lost.

[EuchreJack]

DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN!!!

I didn't know vehicles could screw the rules on the mech weight limits... Why hello 200-ton vehicle O_O... that costs 4mil... and carries a battalion of ER PPCs

Too bad it will die due to criticals way before anyone penetrates its 130 armor.

I can just see why Vehicles are actually a LOT more common the Battletech media suggests. You can just field such destructive vehicle forces for cheap... making them excellent on the defense, in fact far more then most mechs can.

Also don't worry Deoloth if we go to the next page I'll quote you so it isn't lost.

Vehicles are also good on ambush.  Their weapons are quite powerful for the cost, and they can usually survive hits to the front without criticals triggering.  For that reason, they tend to dominate City maps.

Figured this would be the best place to ask on b12.

I am interested in running a battletech/mechwarrior rpg for my gaming group after reading this lets play a bit and I am not sure which edition to get. Anyone have any recommendations whether I should do Classic BattleTech RPG or the current edition A Time for War?

Everything I know about Battletech is from video games, so I'm afraid I can't help you.

[Hanzoku]

Same, the only boardgame battletech I did was about twenty years ago, and it was only the starter set.

[Rince Wind]

Video gamer here as well, sorry.

BUT! I have a question myself, concerning MekHQ/MegaMek: Shouldn't I get a bonus with Artemis IV LRMs? I use Artemis capable ammo as well, of course. But it seems the to hit numbers are the same, there is no modifier for using Artemis IV.

[GentlemanRaptor]

Figured this would be the best place to ask on b12.

I am interested in running a battletech/mechwarrior rpg for my gaming group after reading this lets play a bit and I am not sure which edition to get. Anyone have any recommendations whether I should do Classic BattleTech RPG or the current edition A Time for War?

I've had good experiences with AToW, but make sure you have the actual BattleTech rules around somewhere if your players want to do combat with miniatures.

[Mini]

Video gamer here as well, sorry.

BUT! I have a question myself, concerning MekHQ/MegaMek: Shouldn't I get a bonus with Artemis IV LRMs? I use Artemis capable ammo as well, of course. But it seems the to hit numbers are the same, there is no modifier for using Artemis IV.

Artemis 4 doesn't give a to-hit bonus, it makes it so that when you hit you get a bonus to the cluster hits table, so you'll hit with more missiles on averages.

[Rince Wind]

Ah ok, thanks.

[Hanzoku]

Episode 10 – A Soldier’s Life

Spoiler: Time Passes (click to show/hide)

The best definition I have heard of modern warfare is, “Months of boredom punctuated by moments of extreme terror."

For the Hammerers, it seems that this was now the norm. After months of frantic combat operations, it suddenly gave way to routine patrols and not a sight of pirates beyond those already in their brig. The techs continued to labor long and hard over the damaged mechs in their care, but beyond that, there was little to report. By Saturday, Roger’s Quickdraw was once again patrolling alongside the rest of Battle Lance, and Konrad’s Jenner was also ready.

The techs were hard at work on Jack’s Wolfhound, two different teams working on integrating a new right torso section and the left leg.

In the week of September 7th, the Hammerers hired on a new regular-quality mech tech, and by Saturday, the Hammerers were at full strength once more, with Jack’s much-battered Wolfhound once again taking its place at the head of his lance.

In the week of September 14th, a mechanic by the oddly appropriate name of Chris Benzine signs on with the unit. He’s assigned to maintenance duty on their battered motor pool and spends his time carefully repairing the Pegasus.

The next day, the unit receives an open call challenging their Jenner pilot to a duel to avenge the death of the Phoenix Hawk pilot back in July. While Han Zoku was all for rolling out there with a lance and blowing the pirate to kingdom come, Konrad refused and insisted on meeting him in his requested duel.

Spoiler: Ace Duel, Setup – Round 1 (click to show/hide)

The base is treated to the sight of the entire company, 13 mechs strong at this point marching out. At the designated location, the company stops, and only Konrad’s Jenner continues forward. The pirate emerges from hiding, a 55-ton Wolverine. Equipped with an AC/5, SRM-6 and Medium Laser, if it gets lucky it can do slightly more damage then Konrad’s Jenner per round. While it’s slightly slower in running speed, it has a similar jump radius and the advantage of about two and a half tons more armor spread across its frame.

However, the mech only counts for so much – Konrad is a superior pilot with a great advantage with his chosen weapon, and the battle value of the fight is tilted his way. An unlucky crit can change that, but crits can happen to anyone.

Konrad’s tactic will be to try to get in behind the Wolverine and cut it to pieces, but definitely to use his speed to stay out of melee range unless he can get in right behind it.



There were no words, nor need for them. The two mechs charged each other, Little Dog angling to the side and pushing his Jenner to its best speed to throw off the other pilot’s aim.

(12th Bay Hammerers) Jenner JR7-F
   Fired 4 times, hit 0 times for 0 damage
   Fired at 1 times, hit 0 times for 0 damage

(Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired 1 times, hit 0 times for 0 damage
   Fired at 4 times, hit 0 times for 0 damage

Even with Konrad’s skill, the range and the speed of both combatants threw off his aim, but the other pilot had the worse of it, finding that the only weapon that had even a ghost of a chance of hitting the Jenner was his autocannon, and that failed miserably.

Spoiler: Ace Duel, Round 2 (click to show/hide)

Konrad’s greater experience showed as he easily got in behind the Wolverine and lit into it with his lasers, finding the height difference perfect for a good kick as well.

(12th Bay Hammerers) Jenner JR7-F
   Fired 4 times, hit 3 times for 15 damage
   Fired at 1 times, hit 1 times for 5 damage
   Kicked (Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R for 7 damage

(Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired 1 times, hit 1 times for 5 damage
   Fired at 4 times, hit 3 times for 22 damage
   Was punched 0 times and kicked 1 times.

Konrad punched through its rear armor over the center torso, but the pirate was lucky enough to avoid damage… so far. His return fire pocked the armor on the Jenner’s right torso, but there was plenty more where that came from.

Spoiler: Ace Duel, Round 3 (click to show/hide)

The pirate started to get desperate, Konrad proving an elusive ghost that wouldn’t stay out of his rear arc.  Concerned with his rising heat slowing him down, Konrad only fired two of his lasers this time, letting his heat burden fade.

(12th Bay Hammerers) Jenner JR7-F
   Fired 2 times, hit 2 times for 10 damage
   Fired at 3 times, hit 3 times for 24 damage
   Kicked (Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R for 7 damage
   Was punched 1 times and kicked 0 times.

(Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired 3 times, hit 3 times for 18 damage
   Fired at 2 times, hit 2 times for 17 damage
   Punched (12th Bay Hammerers) Jenner JR7-F 1 times for 6 damage
   Was punched 0 times and kicked 1 times.

(Pirate)     Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired at 0 times, hit 0 times for 6 damage
   PRONE

This time, the pirate managed to land some hits, including punching the last armor off of the Jenner’s arm, but Konrad’s kick sent him to the ground.

Spoiler: Ace Duel, Round 4 (click to show/hide)

I forgot to take a screenshot after the movement phase this time. Oops.

(12th Bay Hammerers) Jenner JR7-F
   Fired 3 times, hit 3 times for 15 damage
   Fired at 3 times, hit 1 times for 10 damage

(Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired 3 times, hit 1 times for 10 damage
   Fired at 3 times, hit 3 times for 15 damage

Konrad backs off after he fails to gain initiative and fires three of his four lasers, striking with all three. However, the SRM pack from the Wolverine hits in return, and Konrad is in danger of losing his right arm.

Spoiler: Ace Duel, Round 5 (click to show/hide)

Konrad once again doesn’t win the initiative and jumps away, the Wolverine charging after him.

(12th Bay Hammerers) Jenner JR7-F
   Fired 2 times, hit 2 times for 10 damage
   Fired at 3 times, hit 1 times for 10 damage

(Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired 3 times, hit 1 times for 10 damage
   Fired at 2 times, hit 2 times for 10 damage

That SRM pack continues to be the main threat, hammering the Jenner in the chest and legs.

Spoiler: Ace Duel, Round 6 (click to show/hide)

Konrad continues jumping to avoid contact, and elects not to fire this round to let his growing heat problem dissipate.

(12th Bay Hammerers) Jenner JR7-F
   Fired at 3 times, hit 1 times for 10 damage

(Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired 3 times, hit 1 times for 10 damage

The pirate doesn’t have the same problem, and continues to be freakishly effective with his missiles.

Spoiler: Ace Duel, Round 7 (click to show/hide)

Konrad continues his game of cat and mouse as the Wolverine keeps trying to close to melee range. With his heat more manageable, he fires all four medium lasers.

(12th Bay Hammerers) Jenner JR7-F
   Fired 4 times, hit 3 times for 15 damage
   Fired at 3 times, hit 1 times for 5 damage

(Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired 3 times, hit 1 times for 5 damage
   Fired at 4 times, hit 3 times for 15 damage
   Crits received: Lower Arm[RA], +AC/5[RA]

While not the SRM pack, this cuts down on the Wolverine’s potential damage output, a good result.

Spoiler: Ace Duel, Round 8 (click to show/hide)

Konrad continues running, firing two lasers again this round.

(12th Bay Hammerers) Jenner JR7-F
   Fired 2 times, hit 2 times for 10 damage
   Fired at 2 times, hit 0 times for 0 damage

(Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired 2 times, hit 0 times for 0 damage
   Fired at 2 times, hit 2 times for 10 damage

It’s a death of a thousand cuts, but Konrad keeps picking away at the Wolverine.

Spoiler: Ace Duel, Round 9 (click to show/hide)

(12th Bay Hammerers) Jenner JR7-F
   Fired 2 times, hit 2 times for 10 damage
   Fired at 2 times, hit 1 times for 5 damage

(Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired 2 times, hit 1 times for 5 damage
   Fired at 2 times, hit 2 times for 10 damage
   Destroyed parts: RA

Konrad finishes off its right arm and strips the last armor off the center torso, but loses the last armor on his right leg. Given his mobility is what’s keeping him alive, he’ll have to hope he avoids more hits there.

Spoiler: Ace Duel, Round 10 (click to show/hide)

Geeze, I’m doing badly on saving screenshots this game. For reference, the Wolverine ran up to where Konrad was standing last round, and he run around it to face its rear.

Finally, the initiative turns Konrad’s way, and he circles behind the Wolverine and lights into it with all four lasers blazing.

(12th Bay Hammerers) Jenner JR7-F
   Fired 4 times, hit 4 times for 20 damage

(Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired at 4 times, hit 4 times for 20 damage
   Crits received: Heat Sink[RTR]
   Destroyed parts: RTR

(Pirate)     Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired at 0 times, hit 0 times for 6 damage
   PRONE

The damage done knocks the mech down, and the pilot loses consciousness. Konrad holds off kicking.

Spoiler: Ace Duel, Round 11 (click to show/hide)

Konrad coldly trains his lasers on the mech’s cockpit.

(12th Bay Hammerers) Jenner JR7-F
   Fired 4 times, hit 4 times for 20 damage

(Pirate) Wolverine WVR-6R
   Fired at 4 times, hit 4 times for 20 damage
   Crits received: Sensors[HD], Medium Laser[HD]
   Destroyed parts: HD
   DESTROYED (damage)

There wouldn’t be any prisoners this time.

Spoiler: Victory (click to show/hide)

In the aftermath, the FedCom smugly claimed the Wolverine as salvage. There was nothing the unit could do, as the mostly functional mech would have pushed them sharply over their allowed limit. Their mood brightened a little when Martin noted that underneath the pirate markings, the mech had originally belonged to the Guard, and they got to laugh roundly at their allies incompetence.

Konrad’s Jenner was fully fixed up except for the arm by the end of the day, however his mech was once again out of the workshop by Thursday.

The three vehicles were repaired and ready by Sunday, but lacked crew members to operate them.

In the week of the 21st, a platoon of jump infantry with some LRM launchers signed on with the unit and were assigned to the base security detail.

In the week of the 28th, a new mechwarrior joined the unit, Bohuslav Demitri, bringing his TDR-5S Thunderbolt with him.

With only the duel as excitement, the rest of the month had passed quietly.

Spoiler: October (click to show/hide)

October saw the infantry platoon arrange an APC for themselves from unspecified sources, and another repayment to the Rasalhague National Bank, mostly covered by the month’s payout from their contract.

A green mechwarrior without his own mech is turned down – the unit simply doesn’t have any spares available, and we already have a Dispossessed for the Phoenix Hawk, if we ever manage to find an engine for it. A veteran VTOL pilot is hired, and we start keeping an eye on the market for a single-person VTOL for her.

The commander of the infantry platoon hears the discussion about the Phoenix Hawk hulk in the bay, and his platoon quietly goes to do something about it. (Roll = 3, nothing happens) (Roll = 5, nothing happens) (Roll = 4, nothing happens)

With the weeks of training, Martin, Xidonius and Kevin are all promoted in the same week to Corporal, their skills now qualifying them as Regular Mech pilots.

A second infantry platoon joins, this one coming with their own SRM launchers, but lacking the jump capabilities of the first platoon.

A third platoon is turned down, as Han Zoku considered them too green to be as reliable as the other two platoons.

Spoiler: November (click to show/hide)

The enemy remains routed, but we roll a special mission for the month.

A motorized platoon with LRM launchers is hired. We’ll probably stop at four platoons.

On the 16th of November, the special mission is revealed – one of the pirates somehow found a Brian Cache (a Star-League era repository) containing a working mech! Only one of our pilots will be in position to intercept him and prevent him from fleeing with his advanced mech.