Saturday Battletech, Careful with that Axe, Marcus,

A little background.

I played Battletech with my best friends and my little brother back in High School.  Like any teenager, I tinkered with designs.  And, like now, I loved my joke names.  I decided early on one of my Mechwarriors was going to be a son of a pair of historians.  While the bad fiction I wrote has been lost to the mists of time (for the better I'm sure) I remember the first lines I wrote about Marcus.

My name is Marcus Aurelius Borden.  Marcus Aurelius, because my parents were historians by trade.  Borden, because my family maintains the tradition of a family name.  One of my ancient ancestors achieved a level of infamy, and I named my 'Mech after her.

Cheesy I know.  But it stuck with me.  So of course his Mech's name was Lizzy.  (If you don't get it, google it and complain to your American History Teacher).  I've played Lizzy in one form or another for 30 years now.  So now I share her with my few readers.  Happy Gaming!

Field Testing Summation: Prototype Hatchetman HCT-3F refit designated HCT-3B

Producer/Site: New Avalon Institute of Science, New Avalon

Supervising Technician: Marcus Aurelius Borden

Project Start Date: 3029

Non-Production Equipment Analysis:

None

Overview

“Lizzy” was a reconstruction project supervised by the graduating class of 3029, but her ‘final exam came in the defense of the NAIS by the cadets and staff, and of course First Prince Hanse Davion.  While severely damaged in the fight, she was later rebuilt and became the personal ride of the newly graduated Leftenant Marcus Aurelius Borden.  The ‘Mech takes her name from an ancestor of Leftenant Borden’s

The frame of the Hatchetman was rebuilt around a DAV 225 fusion engine, and the larger gyro taken from an “Avenging Angel” Vindicator.  To make room the Defiance Killer Autocannon was replaced with a ChrisComp 43 Special large laser, “donated” from a wrecked Enforcer, along with additional heat sinks.  The communication and electronics systems were replaced with components from captured Ravens, giving her better communications than the standard model This required removing the Ares-8a and the sensors were replaced with a spotlight.   The Defiance B3M medium laser was moved from the right arm to the left, which helped the balance.  Finally, armor was increased almost 50%, making her as well armored as ‘Mechs 10 tons heavier.  Limitations of the frame meant that the jump capacity remained 120 meters but the resulting increase in ground speed remained the biggest surprise to opponents expecting a ‘regular’ Hatchetman. 

Combat History

Marcus Borden and Lizzy served with distinction along the Federated Suns/Capellan Confederatuib prior to thewar of 3039.  As the 3039 war escalated Marcus was rotated to the Draconis March, where the combination of superior speed and ammunition independency made for an ideal raider and hunter killer.  When teamed with other Hatchetmen or slower Medium units, Marcus would play the role of “wounded bird” holding back and using his medium lasers to lure foes closer, thinking he was simply out of autoncannon ammunition.  He would then use his ‘Mech’s superior speed to get to the flank of his foes, when he would fire all his weapons and use the hatchet, only to jump away to quickly cool down.  Marcus was eventually promoted to command a fire support company, where he often would keep his speed equal to a standard Hatchetman’s 64.8 KPH maximum, only to suddenly shoot ahead and provide spotting or a surprise physical assault to the enemy.  When asked about the risk in his tactics, Marcus replied “When you’re facing down close to 120 long range missiles and multiple PPCs, a medium ‘Mech with a stick seems a slightly lower threat.”

Notes: If playing with advanced rules, Lizzy has a full head ejection system.  Lizzy has the following quirks. Improved Communications, Spotlight, Difficult to Maintain.

Type: Hatchetman HCT-3B “Lizzy”

Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Introductory)

Equipment				Mass
Internal Structure:				4.5
Engine:		DAV 225		10.0
	Walking MP	5
	Running MP	8
	Jumping MP	4
Heat Sinks:		13		3
Gyro:				3.0
Cockpit				3.0
Armor Factor:		152		9.5
		Internal Structure	Armor Value
	Head	3	9
	Center Torso	14	21
	Center Torso (rear)		6
	R/L Torso	11	17
	R/L Torso (rear)		5
	R/L Arm	7	14
	R/L Leg	11	22

Weapons and Ammo	Location	Critical	Tonnage
2 Medium Lasers	LA	2	2.0
Large Laser	RT	2	5.0
Hatchet	RA	3	3.0
Jump Jets	LL	2	1.0
Jump Jets	RL	2	1.0

Heatsinks are in the left arm, left torso, center torso and right torso respectively.

As always, the Battletech Universe belongs to Topps. (unless I win the Powerball, then we'll talk) Marcus Aurelius Borden however is mine

Saturday Mechwarrior New design SDR-8N Nagaina

A brief overview.

Battletech the game system has existed since the 80's.  While not quick playing by itself, (though there are apps that can speed the rolling up, one of my favorites is here)  it is a game that I've fond memories of.  There's even the popular unofficial version of the game, Megamek.  There are official computer based RPGs; Mechwarrior Online and Hairbrained Schemes Battletech.  These articles won't be touching those, since a) I can't run them on my old machine and b) they don't have the customization that the tabletop (and Megamek) has.  So I'll be posting some custom designs and if anyone wants to use them, great, just let me know if you enjoy them.

Disclaimer: Battletech and all its associated trade dress, trademarks and logos are property of Topps Company Inc, and this does not challenge that.  Frosch Military Technologies, Kabaker Agricultural Technologies, the names and places created for these articles are property of me.  Also, if you want to play me on Megamek or table top, drop me a line.

So without further rambling, I give you the Nagaina!

Field Testing Summation: Prototype Spider SDR-8R refit

Producer/Site: Frosh Military Technologies, Summerstide

Supervising Technician: Sally Frosh

Project Start Date: 3074

Non-Production Equipment Analysis:

Engine Supercharger

Partial Wing

Small X-Pulse Laser

Overview

The Nagaina began as the personal ride of Lieutenant Gina Taklachak.  A former AFFC mechwarrior, she operated an independent command of light hunter mechs.  She found her ride was too short ranged for her preferred style of being able to provide cover for her command.  The pulse lasers, while highly accurate, just did not have the range needed.  Clan made pulse lasers would have been too expensive, and too difficult to maintain.  The answer came with a shipment of Magna extended range medium lasers.  The initial plans to replace the two pulse lasers with four of the extended range lasers  were scrapped when she realized the heat burden would quickly overwhelm the Spider’s cooling system.  Instead she planned to install just two, with the extra weight to electronics. 

An ambush by a Word of Blake infantry battalion changed those plans.  The scout lance was able to extradite themselves from the ambush and route the Blakests in good order, but she realized she also would need the anti-infantry abilities a flamer, machine gun, or small pulse laser would provide. 

The answer came with the arrival of an FMT repair and refit team.  The technicians of Frosch Military Technologies were able to provide a compromise that filled all of Lieutenant Taklachak’s needs.

By replacing the paired pulse lasers with paired extended range medium lasers, the Nagaina’s range doubled, with a slight reduction in damage potential.  The diminished accuracy was compensated for in part by the installation of a Suns made targeting computer, which was installed in the head.  Finally, to help deal with the threat of infantry and fast moving targets, an expensive FMT Small X-Pulse laser was added to the right arm, mimicking the placement of the flamer on the original 5D variant.

The end result, a longer ranged and still cool running light ‘Mech, suited Lt. Taklachak’s style of leadership perfectly.  She can often be seen leaping from skirmish to skirmish on the battlefield, using the 300 meter jump distance (in normal atmospheric pressure) to dictate the range of one on one combat, or to suddenly support a member of her scout lance with well placed laser fire.  Whatever units her lance might be supporting, many have found the sight of the brilliantly painted red and gold Spider a welcome sight.

Type: Spider

Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Advanced)

Equipment				Mass
Internal Structure:		Endo Steel		1.5
Engine:		240 XL		6.0
	Walking MP	8
	Running MP	12
	Jumping MP	8(10)
Heat Sinks:		10(20)		0
Gyro:				3.0
Cockpit				3.0
Armor Factor:		104		6.5
		Internal Structure	Armor Value
	Head	3	9
	Center Torso	10	15
	Center Torso (rear)		4
	R/L Torso	7	11
	R/L Torso (rear)		3
	R/L Arm	5	10
	R/L Leg	7	14

Weapons and Ammo	Location	Critical	Tonnage
2 ER Medium Laser	CT	2	2.0
Small X-Pulse Laser	RA	1	1.0
Targeting Computer	H	1	1.0
Partial Wing	LT/RT	4 LT/4 RT	2.0
Jump Jets	LT	4	2.0
Jump Jets	RT	4	2.0

[Empires Aflame] Terran Supremacy before 3095

Terran Supremacy before 3095

So, Empires Aflame gave us a bare bones campaign setting, a ‘what if’ Battletech.  So I’ve some loose thoughts on how we got there.

First Succession War.  There are two major events in the opening salvos of the FSW.  The first is the seizing of the systems ‘within 60 light years’ of Terra.  Per Sarna’s lovely map and Wiki entry, we see that this was 54 systems, 55 including the Sol system.  Per Liberation of Terra II roughly 1K regiments of combined arms and Comstar has 170.  We’ll assume that 128 defected to the great houses, but I’d say it is maybe half that, with DeChevallier and Blake welding the SLDF together with charisma and rage.

And of course 414 warships of varying sizes and ages.  So 55 systems could be ‘seized’ quickly with those forces. 

The second event is the first shots in the FSW took place differently.  While we can spitball 114 or so Mech Regiments in the SLDF/Comstar makeup, that put them on par with the other Successor states. I would say the simultaneous attacking of the FWL armies and the DCMS armies had help.  Either by tossing around nukes, orbital bombardment or subterfuge.  Or, more likely, D) all of the above.  Operation Black Shield, as mentioned above, allowed the Terran Supremacy to hold planets and most importantly… heal.

The interdictions of Black Shield played to the TSDF’s strengths.  The Great Houses suddenly both had to worry about if their neighbors were also interdicted or if they could take advantage of the blackout.  It also meant that they couldn’t concentrate their forces in any one place, for fear that someone would move elsewhere.  This allowed the Supremacy to bring their numbers to bear in force, overwhelming unprepared troops by two or more to one.  It also allowed for ‘removing’ some of the rogue units who had pledged to the Great Houses.

What resources aren’t spent stabilizing the budding Supremacy are spent rebuilding it.  Regardless of the timeline, the planets of the former Hegonomy/future Supremacy were devastated by war.  Within the breathing space provided by Black Shield, the Supremacy would focus on repairing the environmental, physical, and financial losses of the war. Mental as well as physical health would be essential.  Both the Kerensky boys, and Jennifer Winson/Jez Cole seem to be better adjusted in this reality Not being cooped up on the dropships and warships of the Exodus seems to have meant that they, and likely other SLDF soldiers got the help they need.  She also seems to be the Jennifer adopted by Aaron DeChevallier.  Amusingly this could mean that a Cameron leads the Terran Supremacy.

Adventure Seeds.

• Repo Men: The players are SLDF troops.  Someone has decided to take his services, and his PHX-1c, to the Capellan Confederation.  You’re sent to stop him.  Oh, did they mention he took his entire lance? 
• Kentares Redux:  The players are on Kentares IV providing relief when they receive word of the assassination of Minoru Kurita.  They’re hearing rumors of refugees being rounded up and slaughtered.  Then a transmission come in with a plea to get video off world.  Can the players get the news of the Kentares massacre out to the Terran Supremacy?  Or do they engage on a mission of revenge on their own?
• Should I stay or should I go? The players are a diplomatic corps, sent to the Magistracy of Canopus to establish relations between the Supremacy and the state.  Things are going well, too well in fact.  Is Stephan Ebon exceeding the mandate given by the Terran Supremacy?
• The Nightwings: The players are SLDF special forces.  They have the latest in light armor, the Nighthawk Mk. XXX.  So what could go wrong in a HALO drop into Atreus?  Did we mention it is an assassination mission, with the target to be revealed once on the ground?
• Black Shield/Black Sword: Another special ops mission.  An unscrupulous tech has made off with several Supremacy designs, including the schematics for the advanced SLDF neurohelmets.  With Black Shield going on he can’t send the plans over the HPG net, not even encrypted, so he’s on a dropship, making its way to Tharkad.  Can the players recover the plans and eliminate the threat without causing a major diplomatic incident?

Visiting the Pound, or why I hate humanity.

So, we’re on a quest for a new Service dog.  Becca needs something bigger than a Jasper for mobility work so we’ve been looking.  She’s been thinking Mastiff, I’ve been hoping for something smaller, and admittedly fluffier, like a Mastidoodle.  Either way, it would be a tight fit in the Hermitage.

Of course we’ve kept our options open.  I’ve read The Dresden Files, I know how this ends with a Mastiff.  “Thomas?  Why did you buy Large Breed puppy food?”  To that end we’ve been checking the animal shelters in Franklin, Licking, Delaware, and Fairfield Counties looking for suitable dogs.  Becca thinks she found one so back to the Franklin County Animal Shelter, where almost four years ago, we brought Jasper into our lives.

I felt the anxiety hit me as soon as we stepped into the shelter.  And the sadness.  All these dogs.  While we were there, we saw at least two surrenders.  One may have a happy ending.  Man had to return a dog because he didn’t get along with his girlfriend’s dog.  Fate had it that a couple of guys were there who were interested.  So hopefully Scooby will have a new home.  It’s still got to be traumatic for the poor dog.

And so many dogs who have the odds stacked against them.  We found a couple that looked to meet the size/weight minimums, but they were too old (too long to train vs use) or too hostile (couldn’t be around kids or pets) or in one case, one guy who was happy and cute, but had a broken leg before, meaning we’d have to worry about weight bearing.  We may have found a suitable dog.  He’s not Mastiff sized, but strong and smart.  The question is, is he Jasper compatible.  Watch this space.

What overwhelmed me was the cruelty.  Not in the shelter, the cages were clean, the staff nice and polite, and you can see they care.  They know what it is like for these poor dogs, and their possible fates.  It is the cruelty of people who would abandon their dogs to be locked up in the shelter.  Talking with the staff, I found most of the chipped dogs they find, aren’t picked up.  Literally, people abandoning these beings that rely on them, that their world revolves around.  I could no more abandon Jasper than I could cut off my arm.  Losing Rocky was just as painful as losing his mom.  If I could I’d save them all.  But what can I do now?  We can’t release all the dogs to roam the streets, we can’t take them all in.  And their previous owners don’t want or don’t deserve them for the hell they’ve been placed in.  How can these dogs not be traumatized to see people every day, and not go home with them?  We’ve spent maybe thirty six thousand years breeding socializing and training them to function alongside us.  And then we turn our backs on them?

What kind of monster drags their pets off to be incarcerated, lost in the system, or destroyed, with some lucky few like Jasper who find the homes they need?  I’m reminded again of a quote from an old TV show, War of the Worlds.  It has stayed with me for years, and as a card carrying mutant I think of it often.

“I have nothing really against humans. Some of my best friends are humans. But as a group, they stink, and you know it. I say, kill them all.”

Prove me wrong, donate to an animal shelter, or a service dog support group.  Or go for yourself and see them and take them into your home, even only one.  Don’t expect the county to do it. 

Origins and Endings.

Well Origins 2018 is over, now begins the ritual detox from soda (had to tap the Mt. Dew) and regaining of sleep.  To quote Murtaugh “I’m too old for this shit.”  This also looks to be the last Origins for me, unless there are changes.

First and foremost, let me start with the good. 

• ·         The Columbus Convention Center continues to be a great venue.  Spacious, clean and welcoming. I lost my phone (bad) Hyatt security found it (good) and held it for me.  Of course this blew my sleep schedule to hell, and I quickly became one of the walking dead (see above quote)
• ·         Paizo and our local Pathfinder/Starfinder Society continue to do a bang up job of support.  Of course we have several out of state GMs, Venture Officers and others to help run things, but a lot of the set up falls on our local core of people, as well as the breakdown.  Of course without the player base, we’d all have nothing to do.  Also kudos to Crystal Frazier
• ·         The dealer room.  While full of dealers, stores, publishers and other vendors, I didn’t feel crowded or overwhelmed on Friday (Wasn’t there to report on Saturday)  Of course I visited Iron Wind Metals and Catalyst Games.  Very enjoyable meeting, we talked minis at Iron Wind, and economics of scale, which Becca would have enjoyed.  I also cursed Harmony Gold, and wished they die in a dumpster fire.
• ·         Becca and Beth.  For hauling my fat aft back and forth to Origins and the like.

Of course there’s also the bad.

• ·         Paizo.  Seriously guys, what the hell?  We get apparently record breaking tables and you don’t have a booth?  “Oh, you enjoyed the game and want to buy our stuff?  Ummm, I’m sure someone down there will have it, good luck!”
• ·         Timing.  Having Origins on Pride weekend just makes traffic a mess.  Factoring in VP Pence’s visit on top of it… Glad I wasn’t there Saturday (aside, guys he wasn’t there to rain on your rainbow party.  You want to keep calling the first president who was for Gay marriage before he became president, the man who nominated Richard Grenell ambasador to Germany, the man who said he “will do everything in my power to protect our LGBTQ citizens from the violence and oppression of a hateful foreign ideology” (and looks like he means it with Iran) anti-gay.  Go ahead.  I’ll keep laughing at you.)
• ·         Lack of sleep.  Yeah I could have used more.

And then there’s the ugly.  The reason I won’t be going back to Origins, and that Becca didn’t go.

For those of you who understand conventions, there are guests of honor.  This year, Origins invited Larry Correia, a successful writer, gamer, and gun nut who has his own game coming out soon (we couldn’t afford to join the kickstarter.  When the social justice whiners started badmouthing him, John Ward disinvited him.  Note, he didn’t call up the man he invited, nor did he even do his research himself, he just caved. 

Hell, my knee put up more of a fight when it went out from under me and the tendon was shredded.  This isn’t the first time the cowards have shouted down people they don’t like.  ConCarolinas and John Ringo came to an agreement that he wouldn’t come.  Because the people who said that he made them uncomfortable were threatening violence.  Of course at the end of the Con the staff apologized to John Ringo. The same cowards who threatened to disrupt the Con put up a petition to have the management removed, it got as of this writing a measly 107 signatures.  David Weber’s petition for free speech and assembly?  Looks to be closed, but already had 3704 signers, including me, in a week.  That’s 3704 people who put their names where there mouth is.  When David Weber and Eric Flint (and Jim Butcher and Sarah Hoyt and Salena Zito and David Gerrold ….) say you fucked up?  You done fucked up.

I was looking forward to meeting Larry.  So was Becca.  I even have a copy of book one of the Grimnoir here, that I was hoping he’d sign.  Instead, Origins pulled a bait and switch, giving in to cowards.

Another thing to think of.  Those numbers.  107 anonymous signatures, vs 3704 public.  That’s the kind of fuck up they caused.  Not only that the people supporting them outnumber those who don’t 30+ to 1, but those 3704 aren’t afraid to hide.  Aside, I wish I’d seen those numbers before tonight, as I’d have raised them to Tonya Woldridge, when I told her why this was likely my last game.

The reason is all of the above.  Origins dis-invited without warning an award winning author and gamer.  When called out, they double down and said there were threats of behavior as protest.  Larry himself breaks it down here.  It’s all nice and vague “some fans” “disruptive” nothing solid.  And I was there, nothing of the sort happened.  But John Ward basically called me (a fan of Larry, and his work) unwelcome.  Well fine, I’m unwelcome.  I went this year because I’d promised to GM, and, unlike Origins apparently, I honour my commitments.  I did protest.  I proudly wore my Monster Hunter’s International hat and had my Professional Monster Hunters sticker on my laptop.  I didn’t make a scene, I didn’t yell.  Indeed, I met other fans of MHI who recognized my hat and we talked about the books.  I explained calmly that it was my ‘protest hat’ and what I was protesting and why.  My goal of catching a picture of me and John Ward together with my hat on was a goal unfulfilled, but I at least educated some people.  Whether they take action or not I can’t control, but at least they’re aware.

Finally, today, I told Tonya that I enjoyed it as always, but this was my last Origins.  I explained I loved GMing at conventions, stress and all, but I won’t be back.  When she asked why, I tapped my hat, then explained.  I told her what I said above on why I still came at all, but can’t do it again.  I think she was surprised, likely thought I was insane but we left on good terms as far as I can tell.

So that’s it.  I’ll continue to play, I’ll continue to support Paizo, even though they’re way to the left of me as a whole, because I can talk to them.  But Origins?  If they don’t want Larry, if they’re happy that David Weber won’t be accepting any guests of honor positions?  Yeah I look around and I’m in good company.

Matthew C. Morris.

Lent sacrifice, a heretic's POV

I've heard that a lot from people of late, because I've chosen to give up television (and Hulu/Netflix/Amazon Prime) for Lent.  With one morale related lapse (my house was down, so I ordered a Guardians of the Galaxy Night) and assuming my willpower won’t erode in the next 6 days, I’ll have done it.

But why? While most Lutherans (and I do still consider myself a Lutheran, albeit a heretic, and not ELCA) do observe Lent, I do not remember ever giving up anything for Lent.  Nor do I remember non-Catholic friends giving up anything, but Catholic friends, yes.  I remember a friend who gave up pizza for lent in High School, but then we were on a fieldt rip on a paddle wheeler, and all we had was pizza…

So why this year?  Well, part of it is a matter of Will.  I am a heretic, if a well read one.  I’m looking at old practices and rituals, to bring me closer to G_d.  I wanted to see if I could make a commitment to Him and myself, and give up something that is common and everyday.  It has been enlightening on many levels.

First few days were, of course, the hardest.  To (maybe incorrectly) use the term from Judaism, my yetzer ra, was trying loopholes. “You could watch Prime on the computer, that’s not breaking it…  Catholics eat meat on Fridays…” and I was tempted.  As I’m fond of saying, I’m a Hermit, not a Saint.  Then, it got easier.  I listened to audiobooks and the radio.  I've been listening to the Bible as well, I read more.  The temptation was still there, but I resisted.

The more I did, the more I realized what the purpose of the sacrifice was to me.  It started as proving I could do it, but it evolved into something more.  A realization that I didn't *need* what I gave up.  A separation from the distraction and the ensnarements of the mortal world.  Does that sound vaguely Gnostic?  Maybe, but I don’t know that I’m in a hurry to catch up on The Flash, Agents of Shield, or any of the other shows I enjoy.

I joked years ago, I gave up organized religion for Lent.  It’s not far from the truth, I left the ELCA years ago, in part because of their stance on Israel, and in part because they seemed to be embodying the worst aspects of a hierarchy.  Checking over the ELCA webpage, the repeating of the lies of Ferguson, their condemnation of Israel’s right to build in their own lands, and other official documents do not make me regret this choice. 

So this past Lenten season has gone from a challenge to a revelation, and has strengthened myself in a dark time.  He has again shown me the Way, and maybe a new view in the complexities of how His will, self-determination, and the promise of His Son all interact into one greater whole.  So while it is a time of great grief, amplified for me with the upcoming anniversary of losing Donna, it’s been a quite time of revelation as well.

Long strange trip to Florida.




Well, that was a jaunt. We left at 8:45 Sunday morning, stopping just for gas and leg stretching. Rocky got bored after a bit and tried to crawl into my lap. The phrase, “Are we there yet?” was clear in his eyes.

If G_d was my copilot, and Rocky was sidekick, then Bear McCreary was on morale duty. Except for the We are the Fallen CD in the first queue, it was all Battlestar. If not for traffic, I'd have made it to Macon just on BSG. Thanks to traffic I came into the hotel parking lot to the sweet sounds of Caprica.

Slept well once the room got to “Ohio Habittable” conditions (meaning turning the AC up to full blast). We launched about 9:00 Monday morning, and got gas at a Kroger's. Felt nostalgic. Krogers, Supercuts, GNC store all in one strip mall. Could have been Ohio. :-)

Then things went to hell. More construction as we left G_d forsaken Georgia (No, really. We should burn Atlanta every 10 years or so.) First, more construction. Then the rain. Gods above the rain! In addition to my MPG going to hell, I got all the cloud cover of Ohio, with all the heat and humidity of Florida. Rocky isn't happy with all the thunder.

Fortunately the rain seems to have broken. I have to run tomorrow morning to get Beggin Strips and maybe some benedryl for Rocky. At least now that I have the correct GPS in the phone I can find my way back.

I needed a couple of pairs of shorts, so we hunted down the local Big or Tall shop.  Sheryl picked up a couple of shirts for dad and paid for mine.  So of course when I ran to get dinner I paid for it.  Yes they'll be mad.  They'll live.

Even though I left the big camera at home, I hope to get some photos. If not here, then on the trip to the Space Coast and on the way home.


Enough for now, more tomorrow.