Please Stop Traumatizing the Infantry

The shared blog between “Lancer”, leader of the mercenaries Lancer’s Finest, and Cia, leader of the military contractors Cia’s Army.

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

So we saw how other MechWarriors have blogs here, and so I wanted to join in on the fun. Asked Cia if she thought it was a good idea and she decided to join in too. -Lancer

Personally, I wanted to give some representation for the tankers and infantry that everyone seems to forget about in lieu of the big, stompy, prohibitively expensive mechs that the pilots drive. -Cia

Well, guess we should probably go ahead and do personal introductions. Gonna keep these short, feel free to ask us any specifics if you’re curious.

Callsign’s Lancer (They/Them), leader of the comfortably not too well-known mercenary group Lancer’s Finest. From the Commonwealth, and the one who funded this operation.

Name’s Cia Trayer (She/Her), leader of Cia’s Army. From Canopus, and while Lancer may have been the one to fund our groups at the start, I’m the one who’s been funding it since. Infantry and tanks are a lot cheaper to replace than Mechs, after all.

[alkaline-dollbattery]

Had a random thought; which version is “correct” to you?

You’re not

You aren’t

Voting ended onMay 11, 2025

[the-clawtake]

Do I look like a spheroid? The correct version is "You are not."

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

you’rn’t

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Happy one year anniversary to this blog!

I started this blog a year ago, as a way to ramble about one of my favorite sci-fi franchises!

Four days later, on April 5th, I'd realized my knowledge of the actual game was lacking, so my answers to asks were often incomplete or partially incorrect. So I created Melissa as a way to answer asks in-character - after all, if the answer is an opinion, it can be wrong and/or misinformed withiut necessarily being objectively incorrect.

I also made her cuz I was bored...

And then things snowballed. By April 8, there were at least three of us RP-blogs. By the next week, over a dozen (by my count).

And then on April 14, TOUCHDOWN proper started. From there, it became a huge passion project, an entire new AU, and one of the things I am personally most proud of helping to create.

And now it's been a year. One wild, awesome, crazy, really really fun year. It's changed my life in a lot of ways.

So thank you everybody, whether you're part of Touchdown itself, or just a moot who's been along for the crazy ride. I am so thankful and proud to call y'all my friends.

Seyla.

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

It’s been a wonderful thing being part of Touchdown, thank you so much for starting this

[nyxgoddessofcandles]

A bad mech on the battlefield is worth more than a good mech in the hangar

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

A bad mechwarrior, however…

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Operation LATERAL

0430 hours

October 11, 3153 (D+5)

Helios

Star Colonel Astrid Tseng walked her Executioner across the snowy terrain of Helios. Beside her walked her lover, Major Isidora of the Star League Defense Force's 1st Royal Helios BattleMech Regiment. The Archangel assault 'Mech she piloted - if that was the right word for controlling a 'Mech via direct neural interface - had been painted the standard SLDF green, but with a stripe of white and red on the left torso, opposite the Cameron star on the right torso.

The other 'Mechs of her command - all ex-Manei Domini like Isidora - followed behind the pair as they trudged their way through the snowfall of the early morning, the constant aurora in the sky providing a scintillating and almost wondrous backdrop.

In the peripheral vision of her 'Mech's holographic 360-degree display, Astrid could see another column, roughly 500 meters to her right, the 'Mechs white, black, and purple paint marking them as the Clawtake Trinary under Star Colonel Jehan. Elementals in their battle armor were visible riding the 'Mechs like remoras attached to sharks.

Astrid had attempted to have a discussion with Jehan about who between them would have operational command, as both of them held the rank of Star Colonel within the Clans. However, it seemed that Jehan was under the assumption that all the Totem Warriors, including Astrid, were in fact SLDF - and since this was an SLDF operation, SLDF rank took precedence. Astrid had considering telling Jehan that, technically, as a mercenary on detached duty, she held no formal SLDF rank, thus leaving them with the question. But Jehan seemed resolute in thinking of Astrid as being in charge, and she did not want to confuse the younger warrior, who was by now on his -third? fourth? fifth? - concussion of the operation, so she accepted command and let the matter drop.

To her left, keeping pace with the other columns, was Star Commander Clarissa, her star, and detached combat vehicle, battle armor and infantry forces from the Combined Arms Mercenary Group.

In total, 54 'Mechs, several dozen battle armored infantry, a number of combat vehicles, and a few platoons of elite infantry were all pushing toward a manufacturing town and cargo dropport in the mountains northeast of Coen City.

Astrid pitied the Blakists. They did not stand a chance. She hoped they would be smart and surrender without much fight. But she knew better than to hope for that.

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa's breath came slow and steady as she prepared her mind for the inevitable combat to come. No matter how many fights she was in the tingles crawled up her spine before every one; old animal survival instincts demanding safety. But one did not achieve their goals in safety, especially not in the clans.

Her custom neurohelm transmitted all the information from her 'Mech's sensors directly into her visual cortex giving her a heads up display inside of her own brain. Despite her blindness at the controls of Bikini she could see better than anyone, a full 360 degrees of sight in multiple spectrums at once.

"Disengage weapon safeties," she said on her command channel. One by one the displays of her starmates flashed green and ready. "I want LRM cover as soon as we engage. Target priority is anything targeting the infantry, quiaff?"

"Aff," they said in unison.

She pushed her throttle forward and broke away from the main column, "Star Colonel, this is Sea Fox element. Proceeding to target area. Good hunting."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Clawtake Actual confirms. Sea Fox element advancing." Jehan eased the throttle of his Kodiak open, the cockpit beginning to sway as the huge battlemech lumbered along behind.

He didn't need to check on the rest of his command; he did so anyway, and was proud to see them falling into a reasonable formation despite their recent reorganizations.

"We'll follow you in." He continued, one eye watching the formation behind him. They would move at the pace of the slowest 'mech and that was probably the Dire Wolf. When it stopped accelerating, so would he.

They had some distance to cover, so he shifted about in his seat, trying to get comfortable, and attempted to relax as much as he could.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Information flows through Isidora. The stream of subvocal communications and status updates from the whole unit painting an image of her force and the C3i uplink data from her Level II painting a map of the surrounding area in the false colors of rangefinders and IRST. Her Archangel moves beneath her, as infallible as her own mechanical limbs.

The six Level IIs of her regiment follow her in three regimented rows of two. At the front, her Aces Level II and Spades Level II, both entirely formed from assault units, and both at full capacity. Behind them, Jacks and Queens Level IIs, with only one loss in Jacks Level II.

And in the rear rank, the two most damaged units: Clubs and Hearts. Clubs is her heavy Level II, and had lost two 'Mechs. Hearts was her light unit and had lost the same amount. She had taken the decision to utilize her entirely Omnimech force to refit Clubs as an artillery battery, all armed with Long Tom cannons and plenty of ammo. Two of the Malaks from Hearts were fitted as TAG spotters for guided artillery shells and linked into the Clubs C3i net instead of their own.

The skilled former Manei Domini pilots keep rank easily.

@combined-arms-merc-groups

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

As the newly-upgraded CA transports neared the engagement area, Broklaw opened up comms to the forces under his command.

“Alright everyone, you know what we're getting paid for. Focus on clearing the opposing infantry so they can't harass our big guys; I don't want to see any theatrics. Both you and your armor are expensive, and unless the situation goes sufficiently south we shouldn't need to engage the enemy mechs. Same thing goes for the tankers, don't make yourselves the crunchies by grabbing the wrong mech's attention."

As useful as the battlearmor was, and as much as Broklaw wanted to see the upgraded scorpions in action, it was best to try to keep everyone in line and focusing on the objective. After the company’s losses at Coen, they didn’t want to take unnecessary losses until the operation finished and the CA could replenish.

Switching off the comms, Broklaw addressed his platoon. “We’re nearly at our destination now, be ready to deploy as soon as those doors open. I’m not sure how hot it’ll be, so stick to cover until we know where we’re needed. Any last-minute questions?”

The CA forces were prepared to engage.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

As the force advanced, Astrid triple checked the Neutron Star uplinks to all the other vehicles in the group.

Finding everything in order, she opened a general, encrypted comms channel to every member of the assault force.

"Begin final prep. Specialist elements, break off at assigned waypoints."

Ten minutes later, at a predefined GPS marker on her HUD, Astrid opened a command encrypted channel to FOB Hawk.

"Old Bird Actual, Lateral Actual. ETA to objective, twenty minutes."

"Understood, Lateral Actual," replied Melissa. "Good hunting."

"And to you," Astrid replied.

The channel closed, and Astrid opened her own channel, to everyone else on the operation.

"All LATERAL elements. Minimize damage to structures and key equipment, but do not prioritize that over your own life."

A quote from a old mercenary friend - a Fusilier who was no longer with them - entered Astrid's mind.

"If someone tries to you, you kill them right back. Damn the consequences."

She pushed her 'Mech to flank speed.

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Ten minutes to estimated contact and Clarissa sent three sharp clicks over comms. Her lance slowed down. They weren't meant to hit first. If they did they'd get annihilated. Julie's ECM came online to cover the advance of their flanking force.

Two more clicks and everything came to a stop while Clarissa checked the satellite images and maps again. Outside snow fell on the ferroglass of her cockpit and melted off instantly. She switched her coms to extremely low power, only capable of reaching a few hundred meters. "Remember our priorities. First we secure the fuel storage and pumps, then any landed dropships, then the cargo."

Roderick's voice came in tinny and full of static as he responded, "And kill anything that tries to stop us, Star Commander."

Clarissa sighed, "Remove threats with as little collateral damage as possible. The less we destroy the more we keep, including enemy 'Mechs and vehicles. This is going to be our best way to get resupply fast, and the more intact the drop port is the better."

Ben's voice came next, "What if they blow the fuel tanks?"

"That's why they're top priority, Ben. Make sure that doesn't happen."

"And if it's a choice between taking a PPC to the cockpit or letting them blow the place?" Roderick asked with a wry lilt to his tone.

"Then I expect you to take one for the team. I will."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Hearts, full speed and push ahead. Clubs, halt here and begin hitting the static defenses. Switch to Copperheads when Hearts closes to TAG range. All other Level IIs, we are the main contingent. Hit the enemy with everything you have."

Isidora engages her ECM suite and focuses her PPCs.

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

Jehan straightened in his command chair as the edges of the dropport came into sight. Clicking his comm to the Clawtake's general channel, he addressed his troops.

"Alright, my Warriors. Go time. I will be thanking you all to not go getting yourself killed. And remember. Any dropships that have not taken off are to be taken in one piece. Knock out the APU's and they should have some difficulty lifting off."

Keying the zoom function of his hud, he scanned the dropport, looking for opposition, toggling his ammo selector to extended range ATMs.

@combined-arms-merc-groups

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

As they approached the objective, the CA transports scattered, switching from their relatively orderly formation to hovering behind allied mechs. Even upgraded, the tanks were transports first and foremost and did not have the weapons for approaching potshots and long ranged strikes like many of the mechs did.

"Good, everyone remember to keep your distance! Don't want to get crushed if a lucky hit topples your moving cover," Broklaw said over the comms. "I've give the go-ahead once we're close enough to break for the objective, just keep coasting behind the big guys until then."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

I swear to god, I better have just misheard the newbie’s comms.

-Lancer

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

…I did not.

[Linked Audio Transcription:]

[Voice: Glass, glass, glass, I’m gonna step on the glass!]

[The sounds of metal being crushed]

[Transcription end]

What the hell

-Lancer

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Is everything all right?

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

Dumbass newbie went and crushed a cored mech’s cockpit mid-battle, and wasn’t even the one who took the mech down.

I tried talking to the idiot after, and when I explained how crushing a helpless enemy is a bad idea since it just encourages the enemy to not surrender and do the same thing to us, the only response was “don’t get hit then”.

Got half a mind to offer the cocky bastard off to the lancemates of the mechwarrior they killed, don’t plan to keep someone like that around anyways.

-Lancer

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

I swear to god, I better have just misheard the newbie’s comms.

-Lancer

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

…I did not.

[Linked Audio Transcription:]

[Voice: Glass, glass, glass, I’m gonna step on the glass!]

[The sounds of metal being crushed]

[Transcription end]

What the hell

-Lancer

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

I swear to god, I better have just misheard the newbie’s comms.

-Lancer

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Operation LATERAL

0430 hours

October 11, 3153 (D+5)

Helios

Star Colonel Astrid Tseng walked her Executioner across the snowy terrain of Helios. Beside her walked her lover, Major Isidora of the Star League Defense Force's 1st Royal Helios BattleMech Regiment. The Archangel assault 'Mech she piloted - if that was the right word for controlling a 'Mech via direct neural interface - had been painted the standard SLDF green, but with a stripe of white and red on the left torso, opposite the Cameron star on the right torso.

The other 'Mechs of her command - all ex-Manei Domini like Isidora - followed behind the pair as they trudged their way through the snowfall of the early morning, the constant aurora in the sky providing a scintillating and almost wondrous backdrop.

In the peripheral vision of her 'Mech's holographic 360-degree display, Astrid could see another column, roughly 500 meters to her right, the 'Mechs white, black, and purple paint marking them as the Clawtake Trinary under Star Colonel Jehan. Elementals in their battle armor were visible riding the 'Mechs like remoras attached to sharks.

Astrid had attempted to have a discussion with Jehan about who between them would have operational command, as both of them held the rank of Star Colonel within the Clans. However, it seemed that Jehan was under the assumption that all the Totem Warriors, including Astrid, were in fact SLDF - and since this was an SLDF operation, SLDF rank took precedence. Astrid had considering telling Jehan that, technically, as a mercenary on detached duty, she held no formal SLDF rank, thus leaving them with the question. But Jehan seemed resolute in thinking of Astrid as being in charge, and she did not want to confuse the younger warrior, who was by now on his -third? fourth? fifth? - concussion of the operation, so she accepted command and let the matter drop.

To her left, keeping pace with the other columns, was Star Commander Clarissa, her star, and detached combat vehicle, battle armor and infantry forces from the Combined Arms Mercenary Group.

In total, 54 'Mechs, several dozen battle armored infantry, a number of combat vehicles, and a few platoons of elite infantry were all pushing toward a manufacturing town and cargo dropport in the mountains northeast of Coen City.

Astrid pitied the Blakists. They did not stand a chance. She hoped they would be smart and surrender without much fight. But she knew better than to hope for that.

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa's breath came slow and steady as she prepared her mind for the inevitable combat to come. No matter how many fights she was in the tingles crawled up her spine before every one; old animal survival instincts demanding safety. But one did not achieve their goals in safety, especially not in the clans.

Her custom neurohelm transmitted all the information from her 'Mech's sensors directly into her visual cortex giving her a heads up display inside of her own brain. Despite her blindness at the controls of Bikini she could see better than anyone, a full 360 degrees of sight in multiple spectrums at once.

"Disengage weapon safeties," she said on her command channel. One by one the displays of her starmates flashed green and ready. "I want LRM cover as soon as we engage. Target priority is anything targeting the infantry, quiaff?"

"Aff," they said in unison.

She pushed her throttle forward and broke away from the main column, "Star Colonel, this is Sea Fox element. Proceeding to target area. Good hunting."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Clawtake Actual confirms. Sea Fox element advancing." Jehan eased the throttle of his Kodiak open, the cockpit beginning to sway as the huge battlemech lumbered along behind.

He didn't need to check on the rest of his command; he did so anyway, and was proud to see them falling into a reasonable formation despite their recent reorganizations.

"We'll follow you in." He continued, one eye watching the formation behind him. They would move at the pace of the slowest 'mech and that was probably the Dire Wolf. When it stopped accelerating, so would he.

They had some distance to cover, so he shifted about in his seat, trying to get comfortable, and attempted to relax as much as he could.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Information flows through Isidora. The stream of subvocal communications and status updates from the whole unit painting an image of her force and the C3i uplink data from her Level II painting a map of the surrounding area in the false colors of rangefinders and IRST. Her Archangel moves beneath her, as infallible as her own mechanical limbs.

The six Level IIs of her regiment follow her in three regimented rows of two. At the front, her Aces Level II and Spades Level II, both entirely formed from assault units, and both at full capacity. Behind them, Jacks and Queens Level IIs, with only one loss in Jacks Level II.

And in the rear rank, the two most damaged units: Clubs and Hearts. Clubs is her heavy Level II, and had lost two 'Mechs. Hearts was her light unit and had lost the same amount. She had taken the decision to utilize her entirely Omnimech force to refit Clubs as an artillery battery, all armed with Long Tom cannons and plenty of ammo. Two of the Malaks from Hearts were fitted as TAG spotters for guided artillery shells and linked into the Clubs C3i net instead of their own.

The skilled former Manei Domini pilots keep rank easily.

@combined-arms-merc-groups

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

As the newly-upgraded CA transports neared the engagement area, Broklaw opened up comms to the forces under his command.

“Alright everyone, you know what we're getting paid for. Focus on clearing the opposing infantry so they can't harass our big guys; I don't want to see any theatrics. Both you and your armor are expensive, and unless the situation goes sufficiently south we shouldn't need to engage the enemy mechs. Same thing goes for the tankers, don't make yourselves the crunchies by grabbing the wrong mech's attention."

As useful as the battlearmor was, and as much as Broklaw wanted to see the upgraded scorpions in action, it was best to try to keep everyone in line and focusing on the objective. After the company’s losses at Coen, they didn’t want to take unnecessary losses until the operation finished and the CA could replenish.

Switching off the comms, Broklaw addressed his platoon. “We’re nearly at our destination now, be ready to deploy as soon as those doors open. I’m not sure how hot it’ll be, so stick to cover until we know where we’re needed. Any last-minute questions?”

The CA forces were prepared to engage.

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

Hey, anyone seen an Igor before?

I’ve seen multiple accounts that they were all over the Innersphere during the tail end of the Third Succession War and the Fourth Succession War, yet I’ve also seen people from the time say that they never existed, and overall the records I’ve found are all over the place.

It’s weird. Surely there can’t be independent accounts from all corners of the Innersphere of the same VTOL that never existed, right?

-Lancer

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

I have fought many an Igor.

I believe the confusion arises from the nature of their production. There does not, as far as I know, exist any permanent production lines for the Igor. Instead, the manufacturer, one Redline VTOLs Inc, sells the Technical Data Package to militia forces directly - dealing straight with the leaders of a planet rather than going through standard military procurement channels. That is why they often do not appear on records.

Now you may be asking "but Melissa, I have never heard of a Redline VTOLs Inc.?"

Aff, this is true. From everything I and Savannah and two generations of the Fusilier intelligence department have been able to turn up, none of the physical addresses supposedly owned as offices by Redline are occupied by Redline, in any of the Successor States or Periphery realms.

The addresses do, after several other layers of shell companies were peeled away, have a listed owner though.

The Quikscell Conpany.

[theurbanmechcomesforthee]

Of fucking course Quikscell would make a shell company called Redline.

Some people know what the Igor is, some people don't, they sell the technical data to the highest bidder and are picky about their buyers (militia forces/more secretive military channels).

Its a bit of a stretch of the imagination, but it does line up.

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

See, I’m not sure that it’s from Quikscell.

Don’t get me wrong, some of the stories match up; found some accounts of Urbies taking down multiple Igors in a fight with one shot each, matching the classic Quikscell quality.

On the other hand, I’ve found conflicting accounts of some being able to take multiple barrages before going down. You ask me, this reeks of Quikscell having obtained the design after initial, higher-quality productions like some of their other products.

Plus, all the other Quikscell VTOLs I’ve been able to find were designed by other companies (or clans).

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

Hey, anyone seen an Igor before?

I’ve seen multiple accounts that they were all over the Innersphere during the tail end of the Third Succession War and the Fourth Succession War, yet I’ve also seen people from the time say that they never existed, and overall the records I’ve found are all over the place.

It’s weird. Surely there can’t be independent accounts from all corners of the Innersphere of the same VTOL that never existed, right?

-Lancer

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Star Colonel Jehan MacKenzie, reporting for duty, Commanding General. I understand we are still tasked with taking the dropport, in concert with Star Captain Tseng and her bondsmen? Also, I do not suppose I could sit? It has been a long run from Kinship, and my ribs are complaining vociferously.

Certainly, Jehan, please, come in.

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa doesn't make these decisions. As much as she would like to have the best of the best watching her she does not control the Star League's coffers. Unfortunately. "I trust your expertise in this. I'm no infantry commander. In fact my direct superior is an Elemental, so I've never even made a suggestion to them on the field."

She spreads her hands in a placating gesture. "I can say that for every anti-mech missile system you capture I will provide your unit with five self heating arctic parkas in the color of your choosing. Provided we take the port instact so my supply dropship can land, of course."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Send the elites even if you do not insist." Jehan crunches on his fried meat.

"Like I said. The SLDF is footing the bill, and the dropport is a priority. Unless they have recieved a higher priority tasking, they are more than welcome." He gives a wry grin.

"Anyway. The more backup the better. I want to come out of at least one engagement on this operation less concussed than I went into it."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora nods.

"We can use any numbers over the enemy we can get"

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Then it is decided," Astrid says to Cia. "The Elites will be contracted. I will pay for them out of my own pocket, if the SLDF will not - though I doubt, after their performance during the Battle of Coen City, that Melissa will object to paying for them."

She is about to say something else, but the chime from her phone interrupts her thoughts. She peers at the screen and scoffs, looking to Jehan.

"It seems you have a surprise waiting for you in the Mechbay... someone left my sibkin Xerxes unsupervised, with access to your Kodiak, and possibly an energy drink of some kind..."

@combined-arms-merc-groups

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

Cia nods to Broklaw, who quickly walks out of the room while making a call of his own.

“Hey, Jen! Need you to start prepping all the remaining Battle Armor units for transfer…”

As Broklaw’s voice fades, Cia gives Astrid a confused look.

“So I haven’t had much time to keep up to tabs on who is in the Op, so if you wouldn’t mind me asking, who’s Xerxes and why’s him getting access to a Kodiak something worth noting?”

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"I have some rather useful pillows I could sell you, Star Colonel. We could glue them to your neurohelm," Clarissa says with a smile. She's finished off her fruit now and seems satisfied with that for someone who claims not to have eaten all day.

"Though I do fear what the Wolves might say about a soft headed Bear. Crash foam perhaps?"

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"I shall take my chances, I think." He pauses.

"Xerxes... is he the Star Adder Totem Warrior? Spending his time with the Blood Spirits? When he is not, apparently. Altering his allies mechs without permission?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Astrid's brother, yeah."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Aff, my sibkin," Astrid chuckles. "He enjoys tinkering with 'Mechs. I suppose he had gotten used to the environment of the Fusiliers, where he had practical free reign of the 'Mechbay - though he does usually ask permission. I will speak to him. Perhaps he felt you should have the refit before the next operation commenced."

"That said," she continues, still speaking to Jehan, "I have no doubt you will be intrigued by the refit. He has managed to add TSM, refitted the decorative claws into the legitimate articles, and added quite a bit of extra armor to the head, plus quite the suite of electronic and mechanical upgrades."

She turns to Cia. "I'm sure he could do similarly intriguing upgrades to your vehicles. Though I will get him to ask first in the event he becomes intrigued."

@combined-arms-merc-groups

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

Cia is silent for a moment, contemplating the possibility of Xerxes being given permission to mess with her tanks.

“…I wouldn’t be adverse to some free upgrades to my vehicles, especially if it’s to add high-grade tech. He better not mess with the transport scorpions’ ability to move troops though; at least not without supplying replacements! Already on thin terms with enough of my techs thanks to the Specials as it stands…”

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"I do hope he does not touch my 'Mech. I have everything in it just like I like it, and the sensor suite is extremely customized. It would take several weeks to get it back to its current settings." She takes off her glasses with an audible click behind her ears, and her head shifts slightly, no longer looking at anyone in particular.

"I rely on those sensors rather a lot, you know."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"I would indeed be more concerned were I not currently in the process of breaking in a new cockpit and weeding out some unauthorized additions to the operating system." Jehan shakes his head ruefully.

"The Jaguar techs have a sense of humour."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Well, my 'Mechs are all safely under the care of my own technicians, so I don't think I have any alignment issues to worry about."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Do not worry, I shall reign in my sibkin," Astrid chuckles. Her phone beeps again.

"Ah. And there are your Kodiak's new specification files, Jehan," she says, sending them over to his own device. "They should help you with your calibrations."

@combined-arms-merc-groups

Kodiak (Clawtake-Jehan-SLDF-XR)

Mass: 100 tons

Chassis: Argo Custom KDK-Comp-X1

Power Plant: Bergan Inudstries 400 XL

Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph

Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph (108 kph)

Jump Jets: None

Jump Capacity: 0 meters

Armor: Bergan Industries Compund 12A2

Armament:

6 ER Medium Laser

1 HAG/20

3 Improved ATM 3

1 ER Large Laser

2 Claws

Manufacturer: Bergan Industries

Primary Factory: Alshain

Communication System: Garret L20 (heavily modified) w/ Battle Computer

Targeting & Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark IX (heavily modified) w/ Nova CEWS

Introduction Year: 3153

Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-X-X

Cost: 42,557,333 C-bills

Type: Kodiak

Technology Base: Mixed (Experimental)

Tonnage: 100

Battle Value: 3,610

Equipment Mass

Internal Structure Composite 5

Engine 400 XL 26.5

Walking MP: 4

Running MP: 6(8)[10]

Jumping MP: 0

Double Heat Sink 21 [42] 11

Gyro 4

Small Cockpit 2

Armor Factor 280 17.5

Internal Armor

Structure Value

Head 3 9

Center Torso 31 40

Center Torso (rear) 15

R/L Torso 21 32

R/L Torso (rear) 10

R/L Arm 17 32

R/L Leg 21 34

Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons

and Ammo Location Critical Heat Tonnage

Double Heat Sink LL 2 - 1.0

Supercharger CT 1 - 3.0

ER Large Laser CT 1 12 4.0

CASE RT 0 - 0.0

HAG/20 RT 6 4 10.0

Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle/20 Ammo (12) RT 2 - 2.0

Double Heat Sink RT 2 - 1.0

3 Triple Strength Myomer RA/LA 3/3 - 0.0

3 ER Medium Laser LA 3 5 3.0

Claws Don't Worry About It - Nah

3 Improved ATM 3 LT 6 2 4.5

CASE LT 0 - 0.0

Extended-Range iATM/3 Ammo (20) LT 1 - 1.0

High-Explosive iATM/3 Ammo (20) LT 1 - 1.0

Double Heat Sink LT 2 - 1.0

Double Heat Sink RL 2 - 1.0

Nova Combined Electronic Warfare System HD 1 - 1.5

Armored Cowl HD 1 - 1.0

3 Triple Strength Myomer RA/LA 3/3 - 0.0

3 ER Medium Laser RA 3 5 3.0

Double Heat Sink RA 2 - 1.0

Features the following design quirks: Animalistic Appearance, Battle Computer, Battle Fists (LA), Battle Fists (RA), Combat Computer, Cowl, Distracting, Easy to Pilot, Extended Torso Twist, Improved Communications, Improved Sensors, Multi-Trac, Stable, Illegal Design

Claws Don't Worry About It - Nah

[the-clawtake]

Jehan makes some non-commital noises as he reviews the specs, then places his pad down beside his plate.

"We shall see." There is a sparkle in his eyes that suggests he's not quite as dismayed as he originally seemed, not that he would admit to that.

He turns back to Cia.

"So. Have you any other questions?"

@combined-arms-merc-groups

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

“Not outside of if this Xerxes could try working on some of my tanks… anyways, shall we continue planning the assault?”

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa's arms go up over her head in a stretch, then she leans back in her chair apparently quite satisfied with her bird's breakfast of fruit. "Since I will be assaulting the drop port proper with a relatively small force and I have addressed what intel we have on the site the rest of my part is logistics, I believe. I am afraid that if we keep discussing that part of the plan I shall end up with the better part of a Galaxy coming along which defeats the purpose of a scalpel strike to reduce collateral damage."

She gestures vaguely around, her glasses still off and her eyes unfocused and staring blankly at nothing. "By all means allow me to offer insights if you find them useful, but I am just a Star Commander. I doubt there is much I could contribute in such esteemed company."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"I am surprised that a Sea Fox would sell themselves short. It is my experience that there is no such thing as 'Just a Star Commander'." Jehan gives Clarissa a grin.

"But, Aff, you have the right of it. Your part in this, and mine, are well established."

Having emptied his plate, he settles back in his seat, lifting his mug.

"As for the manufacturing district assault..." his voice tails off.

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"My forces may be generally inexperienced, but we are well trained and have years of simulator time. The Manei Dominei of the 1st Helios will be enough."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"That they will be," Astrid agrees. "More than enough."

She looks to Cia. "If you can send over the specs of your vehicles to Xerxes, he can work something out. Probably not in time for the assault itself, but certainly you can begin upgrading afterwards."

She looks next to Jehan and Clarissa, as she finished the last bits of food on her plate. "Overall, it seems the plan is set, quineg?"

@combined-arms-merc-groups

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

“Seems like the discussion’s finished then. I’ll get those specs sent to Xerxes and Broklaw’s already making sure everyone’s prepped for the mission, was good meeting with you all in person. Happy hunting, and all that.”

As she finishes speaking, Cia gets up and exits the room, looking for her command vehicle.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Star Colonel Jehan MacKenzie, reporting for duty, Commanding General. I understand we are still tasked with taking the dropport, in concert with Star Captain Tseng and her bondsmen? Also, I do not suppose I could sit? It has been a long run from Kinship, and my ribs are complaining vociferously.

Certainly, Jehan, please, come in.

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa doesn't make these decisions. As much as she would like to have the best of the best watching her she does not control the Star League's coffers. Unfortunately. "I trust your expertise in this. I'm no infantry commander. In fact my direct superior is an Elemental, so I've never even made a suggestion to them on the field."

She spreads her hands in a placating gesture. "I can say that for every anti-mech missile system you capture I will provide your unit with five self heating arctic parkas in the color of your choosing. Provided we take the port instact so my supply dropship can land, of course."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Send the elites even if you do not insist." Jehan crunches on his fried meat.

"Like I said. The SLDF is footing the bill, and the dropport is a priority. Unless they have recieved a higher priority tasking, they are more than welcome." He gives a wry grin.

"Anyway. The more backup the better. I want to come out of at least one engagement on this operation less concussed than I went into it."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora nods.

"We can use any numbers over the enemy we can get"

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Then it is decided," Astrid says to Cia. "The Elites will be contracted. I will pay for them out of my own pocket, if the SLDF will not - though I doubt, after their performance during the Battle of Coen City, that Melissa will object to paying for them."

She is about to say something else, but the chime from her phone interrupts her thoughts. She peers at the screen and scoffs, looking to Jehan.

"It seems you have a surprise waiting for you in the Mechbay... someone left my sibkin Xerxes unsupervised, with access to your Kodiak, and possibly an energy drink of some kind..."

@combined-arms-merc-groups

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

Cia nods to Broklaw, who quickly walks out of the room while making a call of his own.

“Hey, Jen! Need you to start prepping all the remaining Battle Armor units for transfer…”

As Broklaw’s voice fades, Cia gives Astrid a confused look.

“So I haven’t had much time to keep up to tabs on who is in the Op, so if you wouldn’t mind me asking, who’s Xerxes and why’s him getting access to a Kodiak something worth noting?”

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"I have some rather useful pillows I could sell you, Star Colonel. We could glue them to your neurohelm," Clarissa says with a smile. She's finished off her fruit now and seems satisfied with that for someone who claims not to have eaten all day.

"Though I do fear what the Wolves might say about a soft headed Bear. Crash foam perhaps?"

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"I shall take my chances, I think." He pauses.

"Xerxes... is he the Star Adder Totem Warrior? Spending his time with the Blood Spirits? When he is not, apparently. Altering his allies mechs without permission?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Astrid's brother, yeah."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Aff, my sibkin," Astrid chuckles. "He enjoys tinkering with 'Mechs. I suppose he had gotten used to the environment of the Fusiliers, where he had practical free reign of the 'Mechbay - though he does usually ask permission. I will speak to him. Perhaps he felt you should have the refit before the next operation commenced."

"That said," she continues, still speaking to Jehan, "I have no doubt you will be intrigued by the refit. He has managed to add TSM, refitted the decorative claws into the legitimate articles, and added quite a bit of extra armor to the head, plus quite the suite of electronic and mechanical upgrades."

She turns to Cia. "I'm sure he could do similarly intriguing upgrades to your vehicles. Though I will get him to ask first in the event he becomes intrigued."

@combined-arms-merc-groups

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

Cia is silent for a moment, contemplating the possibility of Xerxes being given permission to mess with her tanks.

“…I wouldn’t be adverse to some free upgrades to my vehicles, especially if it’s to add high-grade tech. He better not mess with the transport scorpions’ ability to move troops though; at least not without supplying replacements! Already on thin terms with enough of my techs thanks to the Specials as it stands…”

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"I do hope he does not touch my 'Mech. I have everything in it just like I like it, and the sensor suite is extremely customized. It would take several weeks to get it back to its current settings." She takes off her glasses with an audible click behind her ears, and her head shifts slightly, no longer looking at anyone in particular.

"I rely on those sensors rather a lot, you know."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"I would indeed be more concerned were I not currently in the process of breaking in a new cockpit and weeding out some unauthorized additions to the operating system." Jehan shakes his head ruefully.

"The Jaguar techs have a sense of humour."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Well, my 'Mechs are all safely under the care of my own technicians, so I don't think I have any alignment issues to worry about."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Do not worry, I shall reign in my sibkin," Astrid chuckles. Her phone beeps again.

"Ah. And there are your Kodiak's new specification files, Jehan," she says, sending them over to his own device. "They should help you with your calibrations."

@combined-arms-merc-groups

Kodiak (Clawtake-Jehan-SLDF-XR)

Mass: 100 tons

Chassis: Argo Custom KDK-Comp-X1

Power Plant: Bergan Inudstries 400 XL

Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph

Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph (108 kph)

Jump Jets: None

Jump Capacity: 0 meters

Armor: Bergan Industries Compund 12A2

Armament:

6 ER Medium Laser

1 HAG/20

3 Improved ATM 3

1 ER Large Laser

2 Claws

Manufacturer: Bergan Industries

Primary Factory: Alshain

Communication System: Garret L20 (heavily modified) w/ Battle Computer

Targeting & Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mark IX (heavily modified) w/ Nova CEWS

Introduction Year: 3153

Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-X-X

Cost: 42,557,333 C-bills

Type: Kodiak

Technology Base: Mixed (Experimental)

Tonnage: 100

Battle Value: 3,610

Equipment Mass

Internal Structure Composite 5

Engine 400 XL 26.5

Walking MP: 4

Running MP: 6(8)[10]

Jumping MP: 0

Double Heat Sink 21 [42] 11

Gyro 4

Small Cockpit 2

Armor Factor 280 17.5

Internal Armor

Structure Value

Head 3 9

Center Torso 31 40

Center Torso (rear) 15

R/L Torso 21 32

R/L Torso (rear) 10

R/L Arm 17 32

R/L Leg 21 34

Right Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Left Arm Actuators: Shoulder, Upper Arm, Lower Arm, Hand

Weapons

and Ammo Location Critical Heat Tonnage

Double Heat Sink LL 2 - 1.0

Supercharger CT 1 - 3.0

ER Large Laser CT 1 12 4.0

CASE RT 0 - 0.0

HAG/20 RT 6 4 10.0

Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle/20 Ammo (12) RT 2 - 2.0

Double Heat Sink RT 2 - 1.0

3 Triple Strength Myomer RA/LA 3/3 - 0.0

3 ER Medium Laser LA 3 5 3.0

Claws Don't Worry About It - Nah

3 Improved ATM 3 LT 6 2 4.5

CASE LT 0 - 0.0

Extended-Range iATM/3 Ammo (20) LT 1 - 1.0

High-Explosive iATM/3 Ammo (20) LT 1 - 1.0

Double Heat Sink LT 2 - 1.0

Double Heat Sink RL 2 - 1.0

Nova Combined Electronic Warfare System HD 1 - 1.5

Armored Cowl HD 1 - 1.0

3 Triple Strength Myomer RA/LA 3/3 - 0.0

3 ER Medium Laser RA 3 5 3.0

Double Heat Sink RA 2 - 1.0

Features the following design quirks: Animalistic Appearance, Battle Computer, Battle Fists (LA), Battle Fists (RA), Combat Computer, Cowl, Distracting, Easy to Pilot, Extended Torso Twist, Improved Communications, Improved Sensors, Multi-Trac, Stable, Illegal Design

Claws Don't Worry About It - Nah

[the-clawtake]

Jehan makes some non-commital noises as he reviews the specs, then places his pad down beside his plate.

"We shall see." There is a sparkle in his eyes that suggests he's not quite as dismayed as he originally seemed, not that he would admit to that.

He turns back to Cia.

"So. Have you any other questions?"

@combined-arms-merc-groups

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

“Not outside of if this Xerxes could try working on some of my tanks… anyways, shall we continue planning the assault?”

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

You know, there are always people asking “why not just field 40 Savannah Masters?” After all, why not? They’re cheap, hit hard for their speed and price tag, and can outpace a Firemoth.

Well, having looked into it myself, the reason is simple: It’s hard to find 40 people suicidal enough to drive those Savannah Masters. And even if you do find 40 people with a death wish, there then comes the issue of training those 40 people to drive hovercraft that zoom around at over 200 kph while also aiming and firing the laser, all without crashing into a brick wall or a mech’s foot. Without proper training, the Savannah Masters’ pilots are either going to total their vehicle before it can get a shot off, or they’ll sit still to line up a shot and get themselves totaled because their armor is 95% speed. Ultimately, if you have the people willing to deploy in 40 Savannah Masters, you’d usually be better off sending them out in 13 Hetzers.

The real kicker though is that I know there are cultures that produce warriors with the dedication, lack of survival instinct, and skill to effectively deploy them in 40 Savannah Masters; only problem is that most of those cultures historically produce people who see driving combat vehicles as a grave insult to their personal honor.

-Cia

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

You should recruit from Clan Hell's Horses then.

- Melissa

[the-clawtake]

You want to take defensive contracts in border systems around their territory and wait for a Mad Stampede.

Once they are on the ground they are going to scatter. This is when you mobilize. Mobilize but nor deploy.

It's once you can extrapolate a general direction of trial you start to deploy. Common sense would suggest picking off stragglers but that doesn't earn respect.

So you are going to start with the front-runners and work your way back. You will want motive kills. Take surrenders. Claim the prisoners as Bondsmen.

Congratulations. You have crew for your Savannah Masters. Just be warned. If it can move, Hells Horses will race it.

Just do not place too much money on them. It will piss off the locals and you do not want that.

This has been "How to crew your Combat Vehicles" by Star Colonel Jehan MacKenzie. Tune in next time for "Why footballers make the best Elementals, and the converse."

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

Would designating or “bidding” sacrificial Hetzers be useful in reducing the damages caused by the races, or would that just result in them hot-rodding the Hetzers?

-Cia

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

Wait what am I saying, hot-rodded Hetzers would probably be more efficient and reliable than one new off the assembly line; either way, think I know where the CA will be heading next after the current operation’s over.

-Cia

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

You know, there are always people asking “why not just field 40 Savannah Masters?” After all, why not? They’re cheap, hit hard for their speed and price tag, and can outpace a Firemoth.

Well, having looked into it myself, the reason is simple: It’s hard to find 40 people suicidal enough to drive those Savannah Masters. And even if you do find 40 people with a death wish, there then comes the issue of training those 40 people to drive hovercraft that zoom around at over 200 kph while also aiming and firing the laser, all without crashing into a brick wall or a mech’s foot. Without proper training, the Savannah Masters’ pilots are either going to total their vehicle before it can get a shot off, or they’ll sit still to line up a shot and get themselves totaled because their armor is 95% speed. Ultimately, if you have the people willing to deploy in 40 Savannah Masters, you’d usually be better off sending them out in 13 Hetzers.

The real kicker though is that I know there are cultures that produce warriors with the dedication, lack of survival instinct, and skill to effectively deploy them in 40 Savannah Masters; only problem is that most of those cultures historically produce people who see driving combat vehicles as a grave insult to their personal honor.

-Cia

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

You should recruit from Clan Hell's Horses then.

- Melissa

[the-clawtake]

You want to take defensive contracts in border systems around their territory and wait for a Mad Stampede.

Once they are on the ground they are going to scatter. This is when you mobilize. Mobilize but nor deploy.

It's once you can extrapolate a general direction of trial you start to deploy. Common sense would suggest picking off stragglers but that doesn't earn respect.

So you are going to start with the front-runners and work your way back. You will want motive kills. Take surrenders. Claim the prisoners as Bondsmen.

Congratulations. You have crew for your Savannah Masters. Just be warned. If it can move, Hells Horses will race it.

Just do not place too much money on them. It will piss off the locals and you do not want that.

This has been "How to crew your Combat Vehicles" by Star Colonel Jehan MacKenzie. Tune in next time for "Why footballers make the best Elementals, and the converse."

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

Would designating or “bidding” sacrificial Hetzers be useful in reducing the damages caused by the races, or would that just result in them hot-rodding the Hetzers?

-Cia

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

Star Colonel Jehan MacKenzie, reporting for duty, Commanding General. I understand we are still tasked with taking the dropport, in concert with Star Captain Tseng and her bondsmen? Also, I do not suppose I could sit? It has been a long run from Kinship, and my ribs are complaining vociferously.

Certainly, Jehan, please, come in.

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

Clarissa doesn't make these decisions. As much as she would like to have the best of the best watching her she does not control the Star League's coffers. Unfortunately. "I trust your expertise in this. I'm no infantry commander. In fact my direct superior is an Elemental, so I've never even made a suggestion to them on the field."

She spreads her hands in a placating gesture. "I can say that for every anti-mech missile system you capture I will provide your unit with five self heating arctic parkas in the color of your choosing. Provided we take the port instact so my supply dropship can land, of course."

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"Send the elites even if you do not insist." Jehan crunches on his fried meat.

"Like I said. The SLDF is footing the bill, and the dropport is a priority. Unless they have recieved a higher priority tasking, they are more than welcome." He gives a wry grin.

"Anyway. The more backup the better. I want to come out of at least one engagement on this operation less concussed than I went into it."

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

Isidora nods.

"We can use any numbers over the enemy we can get"

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Then it is decided," Astrid says to Cia. "The Elites will be contracted. I will pay for them out of my own pocket, if the SLDF will not - though I doubt, after their performance during the Battle of Coen City, that Melissa will object to paying for them."

She is about to say something else, but the chime from her phone interrupts her thoughts. She peers at the screen and scoffs, looking to Jehan.

"It seems you have a surprise waiting for you in the Mechbay... someone left my sibkin Xerxes unsupervised, with access to your Kodiak, and possibly an energy drink of some kind..."

@combined-arms-merc-groups

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

Cia nods to Broklaw, who quickly walks out of the room while making a call of his own.

“Hey, Jen! Need you to start prepping all the remaining Battle Armor units for transfer…”

As Broklaw’s voice fades, Cia gives Astrid a confused look.

“So I haven’t had much time to keep up to tabs on who is in the Op, so if you wouldn’t mind me asking, who’s Xerxes and why’s him getting access to a Kodiak something worth noting?”

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[clarissaexplainsbatchall]

"I have some rather useful pillows I could sell you, Star Colonel. We could glue them to your neurohelm," Clarissa says with a smile. She's finished off her fruit now and seems satisfied with that for someone who claims not to have eaten all day.

"Though I do fear what the Wolves might say about a soft headed Bear. Crash foam perhaps?"

@the-clawtake

[the-clawtake]

"I shall take my chances, I think." He pauses.

"Xerxes... is he the Star Adder Totem Warrior? Spending his time with the Blood Spirits? When he is not, apparently. Altering his allies mechs without permission?"

@khanhannahlewis

[khanhannahlewis]

"Astrid's brother, yeah."

@is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

"Aff, my sibkin," Astrid chuckles. "He enjoys tinkering with 'Mechs. I suppose he had gotten used to the environment of the Fusiliers, where he had practical free reign of the 'Mechbay - though he does usually ask permission. I will speak to him. Perhaps he felt you should have the refit before the next operation commenced."

"That said," she continues, still speaking to Jehan, "I have no doubt you will be intrigued by the refit. He has managed to add TSM, refitted the decorative claws into the legitimate articles, and added quite a bit of extra armor to the head, plus quite the suite of electronic and mechanical upgrades."

She turns to Cia. "I'm sure he could do similarly intriguing upgrades to your vehicles. Though I will get him to ask first in the event he becomes intrigued."

@combined-arms-merc-groups

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

Cia is silent for a moment, contemplating the possibility of Xerxes being given permission to mess with her tanks.

“…I wouldn’t be adverse to some free upgrades to my vehicles, especially if it’s to add high-grade tech. He better not mess with the transport scorpions’ ability to move troops though; at least not without supplying replacements! Already on thin terms with enough of my techs thanks to the Specials as it stands…”

@clarissaexplainsbatchall

[combined-arms-merc-groups]

You know, there are always people asking “why not just field 40 Savannah Masters?” After all, why not? They’re cheap, hit hard for their speed and price tag, and can outpace a Firemoth.

Well, having looked into it myself, the reason is simple: It’s hard to find 40 people suicidal enough to drive those Savannah Masters. And even if you do find 40 people with a death wish, there then comes the issue of training those 40 people to drive hovercraft that zoom around at over 200 kph while also aiming and firing the laser, all without crashing into a brick wall or a mech’s foot. Without proper training, the Savannah Masters’ pilots are either going to total their vehicle before it can get a shot off, or they’ll sit still to line up a shot and get themselves totaled because their armor is 95% speed. Ultimately, if you have the people willing to deploy in 40 Savannah Masters, you’d usually be better off sending them out in 13 Hetzers.

The real kicker though is that I know there are cultures that produce warriors with the dedication, lack of survival instinct, and skill to effectively deploy them in 40 Savannah Masters; only problem is that most of those cultures historically produce people who see driving combat vehicles as a grave insult to their personal honor.

-Cia