August Challenge Update

At the beginning of August I started a challenge with a goal of eight troops per week. I was not able to make my quota so i lowered to quota to something more manageable. With this being said I have painted four troops except the bases, which should be finished as soon as I can get some new static grass and flocking material. I only have boring old green flock and to say the least it is boring to use again.

I am pleased to say I am painting about four troops per two weeks while working on other projects. My other projects are assembling Battletech mechs which take a lot of filing and pinning work. Some things I have changed with this batch.

Lower claws and hooves are now light grey instead of bone. I am not good at bone right now so it helps move me along, plus it doesn't cause attention to those areas at all. I want to go with a swampy, low lying wooded areas base theme so I changed the base color to a green. I also added Citadel texture paint to one gaunt base, but I decided to paint the green first then apply the texture after along with a secondary dry brush for color variation. I thought about changing the teeth color to a paler white, but I am afraid it would stall progress.

Here is one gaunt.

Here is another gaunt with a bit of the basing experimentation. The white are rocks molded on the miniature which have not been painted. I think I will  paint them brown or a dark mossy green such as a rock covered in lichen.

I should only need to finish the bases, apply a coat of sepia to the yellow armor, and perform minor cleanup details where paint has come off. I have been disciplining myself to hold the miniature by the base as much as possible now. I actually paint the tail last now so I can hold that area for a bit longer. It seems to have helped with this batch of gaunts.

Here is my next batch I have started.

I will follow the painting process I started with the first batch in hopes to develop an effective method for painting troops or all Tyranids essentially.

So my overall goal will be eight troops done by the end of August which is a standard brood size and fine with me.

On a side note I have been trying to remove the arms from a bunch of assembled spine guants. The process despite using uncuring solution is becoming fruitless. I have managed to remove one arm completely and break two arms leaving the shoulder joint. I am wondering if removing the arms by cutting out the shoulder joint is worth it. If I don't make a clean cut and smooth surface for the new arm it won't look right at all.

Till next time.

Battletech Battle Report!

Here I present my latest Battletech battle report for a game I played with Dah Masta Cheef about two weeks back. I hope anyone who reads it likes it and feel free to comment and follow for more.


Scenario Selection

Scenario - Meeting Engagement

Objective - Kill them all!

Mapsheet Selection

Mpsheets - 4

Mapset 6

Northeast Mapsheet - Desert Sinkhole #2
Northwest Mapsheet - Desert Mountain #1

Map Set 6

Southeast Mapsheet - Desert Mountain #2
Southwest Mapsheet - Desert Sinkhole #1


Mapsheet layout

North mapsheet touch short length to short length
North and South mapsheets touch long length to long length
South Mapsheets touch short length to short length

NE | NW
SE  | SW

Force Selection

Mercenary Force

Medium Lance

Cicada CDA-3G
Hunchback HBK-4J
Hoplite HOP-4D
Dragon DRG-? (Gauss Rifle Variant)

Support Units

Maxim (Fire Support Variant) (No Infantry)


Draconis Combine Force

Close Assault Lance

The idea for this lance was a fast unit which can close the distance either by speed or jump jets and then swarm enemy units with close range firepower. The major drawback was the lance had no long range weapons except two LPLs (Max range 10) and three ER MLs (Max range 12),  all other weapons had a maximum range of 6 to 9 hexes. To help I brought along a support Saladin with a class 20 autocannon to be either a fire magnet or place a lot of damage in a battlemech where needed.

Strider SR1- O F (Gun 3 / Pil 4)
Kintaro KTO-K (Gun 3 / Pil 4)
Wolverine WVR-7K (Gun 3 / Pil 4)
No-Dachi NDA-2K0 (Gun 4 / Pil 4)

Support Units

Saladin Assault Hover Tank Standard (Gun 4 / Pil 6)

Force Deployment

Mercenary Force

Deploy a single battlemech up to three hexes from the long deploy one of the four available corners of one long deployment edge. Deploy a single vehicle up to three hexes in one of the four available corners in which a battlemech has been deployed.

Mercenary

Northeast Mapsheet -  Desert Sinkhole #2

Northeast Corner - Hunchback and Maxim
Northwest Corner - Cicada

Northwest Mapsheet - Desert Mountain #1

Northeast Corner - Hoplite
Northwest Corner - Dragon


Draconis Combine Force

Deploy a single battlemech up to three hexes from the long deploy one of the four available corners of one long deployment edge. Deploy a single vehicle up to three hexes in one of the four available corners in which a battlemech has been deployed.

Draconis Combine

Southeast Mapsheet - Desert Mountain #2

Southeast Corner - No-Dachi
Southwest Corner - Kintaro and Saladin

Southwest Mapsheet - Desert Sinkhole #1

Southeast Corner - Wolverine
Southwest Corner - Strider

Battle Report

Less narrative this time. :( I found my notes were lacking, but I will improve and long as I can play Battletech.

Turn 1

The Mercenaries move forward traversing the terrain as best they could. The Maxim found a suitable location in the sinhole ridden terrain to have maximum coverage and range for its LRM launcher. The Draconis No-Dachi pilot heated up his battlemech to take advantage of its TSM. The Wolverine and Strider jumped down into the safety of the sinkhole sub levels.

Turn 2

The Maxim using its excellent fire position fired its LRM launcher at the No-Dachi scoring a head hit stripping all but the last outer armor. The pilot shrugged the damage off without a care.
The Kintaro jump jets allowed it just enough range to pour laser and missile fire at the Maxim jamming its turret in place. The Maxim's armor held the damage quite well, however the crew reported damage to the skirt and controls reducing its movement by more than a hlaf.

Turn 3

The No-Dachi's pilot had eyes on the Hunchback for destruction fully committing to chase it down. The Kintaro played cat and mouse with the Maxim while entertaining the Hoplite. The Saladin emerged from hiding and moved into position to engage the hunchback and missed with its AC/20 giving a giant sigh of relief from the Hunchback's pilot.

Turn 4

The Saladin went for the Maxim and despite a direct hit, the MAXIM's superior side armor absorbed all the damage. The Hoplite gave chase to the Saladin and damaged its skirt thereby cutting its movement speed by more than half.

Turn 5

The No-Dachi was now in perfect range and showered the Hunchback with PL fire. The Hunchback armor continued to absorb the damage and stay in the fight.
The Hoplite fired at the Saladin again causing more damage to the skirt and silencing the AC/20 for good. The Wolverine finally caught up with Hoplite and opened fire with a deadly mix of PL and SRM firepower. The Hoplite had the armor to shrug off the PL damage, but the shear luck of 11 SRMs from to the Wolverines dual SRM6 launchers overwhelmed the Hoplite's pilot causing the battlemech to fall.

Turn 6

The Hoplite stood up!
The Strider caught up with the Cicada in order to fire at its vulnerable rear armor. The Cicada showed no honor by keeping his battlemech's back to the Strider's pilot and flipped its arms in order to focus it main weapon elsewhere an direct its secondary weapons to the Strider. Both Pilots didn't manage to harm one another battlemechs.
The Kintaro jumped towards the Hunchback thereby sealing it in a death trap between it and the No-Dachi. The Hunchback took two full SSRM6 salvos resulting in a devastating gyro hit. Despite the gyro hit, the Hunchback kept upright
The Hunchback retruned fire to the Kintaro's face in hope the battlemech would back off with an additonal kick to the leg.The Kintaro stood fast in the short confusion of a had hit.
The No-Dachi closed in for the kill unleashing PL death causing the complete destruction of the left side of the mech following up with a hopeful to gut the Hunchback open from the rear armor with a quick and powerful sword slash to the rear armor, but only managed to slash the right arm. The Hunchback stood fast against the onslaught of the Kintaro, but could not hold upright against the No-Dachi and fell to the ground. The Hunchback's systems registered only scarce armor points protecting the mech's engine from complete destruction.
The Wolverine kept the Hoplite in check with more PL and SRM firepower. With the Hoplite witnessing the viscous attack against the Hunchback refused to fall a second time against the Wolverine's continuous onslaught.

Turn 7

The Hunchback stood up!
The Strider jumped towards the Dragon's right side and out of the firing arc of its GR to attack it. The Strider's weapon fire missed entirely.
The Hoplite still being punished by the Wolverin fired at the Kintaro finally strippping away enough armor to damage internal compnents in the left arm. The Kintaro's systems did not register any damage components or silencing any weapons.
The Wolverine continued to pummel the Hoplite with PL and SRM firepower, but the Hoptlite would not fall.
The No-Dachi fired another round of PLs at the Hunchback's exposed center torso and destroyed its engine completely.

Turn 8

Game ended due to time restraints.

Carnage Report

Mercenary


Cicada
Minor or no damage
Hunchback
The Hunchback was doing good damage with its twin LRM10s, but after the No-Dachi and eventually the Kintaro close ranks, the Hunchback was out gunned.
Major torso damage
Critical torso damage
Engine destroyed
Hoplite 
When the Maxim was forced back the Hoplite had to fend off both the Kintaro and the Saladin as they along witht he No-Dachi where all going after the Hunchback. The Hoplite would have been swarmed next, however the Dragon would have been in range at that point as well.
Major torso damage
Dragon
If the Dragon had gotten some of the GR hits in, the Kintaro most likely would have had to back off.
Minor or no damage



Strider
Minor or no damage
Kintaro
The Kintaro was a superb variant. The 5/8/5 movement, dual SSRM6s, 3 ERMLs to stay out of normal SR weapon ranges plus superior armor for its class made a touch opponent. The armor proved most useful from all the hellish LRM/AC10 fire coming from the combined efforts of the Hunchback, Maxim, and Hoplite. The Kintaro's ammo bins would have been exposed soon.
Major torso damage
Critical LA damage
Wolverine
The Wolverine variant was the opposite of the No-Dachi packing lots of PL and dual SRM6s. The JJ helped it stay out of sight from the Dragon and sneak up to the Hoplite.
Medium torso damage
No-Dachi
I tend to forget when the TSMs are engaged the pilot id subject to a +1 to gunnery. I found this worse with the 1K variant with the MRMs. Still the MPL array is just nasty up close.
Medium torso damage
Saladin
A/C 20 damaged
Movement severely reduced

Here is a small breakdown of the firefight in the NW Map's NW corner.
I - IV is the Hunback's movement till destruction.
I Start, II Movement to firing position, III Firing position close to the Maxim's firing postition, IV Chased by No-Dachi, V Trapped, IV Destruction.
SI Saladin's failed AC/20 attack on the Huncback and S2 is the Hoplite's Silencing of the AC/20.
The Kintaro really had good control of the middle of the map.

Thoughts

• We got started late so I think we lost the ability to get to round 10 which is half way of about 20 rounds.

• The desert maps where a lot of fun and I think we will have to use them again.

• I noticed a ran my units with the intention of swarming the enemy units with PL and SRM fire. I am not sure if it was pack mentality, but there is a Draconis Combine unit which resembles these tactics called the Amphigean Light Assault Group which I might use for painting purposes.

• I always making mechwarriors Gun 3/ Pil 4 which comsumes a lot of points. I think I need to dare the Gun 3/ Pil 5 or Gun 4/ Pil 5 areas for a change.

• Humorously, after the Strider failed to damage the Dragon it jumped into a nearby sinkhole for safety. I took the chance of losing the initiative next turn and would watch the dragon fire a GR round down into the sinkhole and out would come a bunch of dust, smoke, and Strider parts. 

• In this scenario I used 2 mechs with dual SSRM6s and one mech with dual SRMs and I find a mech with twin SRM6s or SSRM6s is dangerous for the following reasons.

• Dual SRMs

1. ~12 SRM hits ( ~12 x 2 = ~ 24 damage)
2. Potential HHs
3. Potential cricitical hits
4. Potential piloting skill roll (20 damage)

• Dual SSRM6s

1. 12 SSRM hitss (12 x 2 = 24 damage)
2. Potential HHs
3. Potential cricitical hits
4. Piloting skill roll (20 damage)

Close out July, begin August with a challenge.

The other day I had an idea for a challenge to get myself painting again. I was thinking about infantry and a lot of infantry and could I paint four Tyranid infantry figures a day. The challenge is to paint a little bit everyday or four figures a day, but I am not sure if four figures a day can be reached considering Tyranids are so tough to paint with all the curves

Four termagaunts would be 1/2 a brood, eight would be a full brood, and twelve to sixteen would be along the lines of of a brood size I normally field. Twenty termagaunts would be awesome, but it is really too high of a number. Termagaunts are the best troop choice to paint since I use them so much and I tend to run out of them a lot. I can switch to genestealers or hormagaunts or even gargoyles if needed. I can work in the larger models in between or on the weekends.

For real numbers I have about 32 termagunats assembled and maybe enough models to create another eight models. With five weeks in August I think eight figures a week is more than enough and a good challenge to make a goal towards. This would end with all my termagaunts painted and based.

With this is mind and needing a break from Fallout New Vegas I got out my paint supplies and Tyranids and started painting some termagaunts. I got a late start so I only got about 30% of each figure done. Either Tyranids take longer to paint or I am slow at painting so making a goal of eight figures a week is easier. I plan to make five posts during August for the weekly figure count and any extra WIP posts. Of course I will be posting my latest Battletech Report as well and hopefully another if Da Masta Cheef has time.

So please keep up with me and encourage me and throw things at me when I slack off.

No 40K to MTG to Fallout addict to Battletech recovery.

Since my last post I have not done too much at all, but I have been keeping busy.

The move from NC to TN went very well and I am glad to not have to wake before 6 or 7 AM and drive 1.5 hours to 45 mins to work. The wake and drive time depended upon where I as during the week. Mondays, I would  leave NC and return, Tuesdays I would leave NC and stay in TN in a rented room all the way through Friday when I would return to NC. It sucked, but a laptop, internet, and games with Corey worked well.

July 7, I attended a local Magic The Gathering  2013 core set prerelease and did surprisingly well. There were only 6 players, but I took them all down and grabbed 1st place and got myself five free booster packs. Sad thing is I didn't score any mythic or good rares. I built a black/green speed deck which turned out better than I thought it would as I saw cards combo off one another turn after turn. I'm glad I went with my gut feeling and dropped white for green because of the deck's aggressiveness. I actually splashed a bit of red in for direct damage. I ended up discarding one of the re cards one game and side-boarding another later.

I haven't done anything related to 40K yet as I still need to setup all my hobby area. Be honest the $75 rulebook price tag has me stuck as I see no point in playing 5th edition rules now.

I have completely lost myself in Fallout New Vegas for the XBOX 360. I think I am approaching 100 hours of game time now and I wouldn't have it an other way. I explore, I hoard, I loot, and their is so much more to do.

Some interesting points to note.

• I maintain very good karma
• I am only vilified by the Powder Gangers and even Caeser's Legion is neutral
• Of all the companions I like EDE and Veronica. EDE is awesome with an upgraded laser and Veronica punches anything to death rather quickly. Two pack mules FTW!
• I hate raiders, cannibals, feral ghouls, and fiends and usually kill them on the spot.
• I collect and do not sell any pencils and single cigarettes I find.
• I buy good armor and weapons from vendors and very rarely sell them something of the like. I ten to sell the cigarette cartons and packs, cameras, empty soda bottles. I love their last line "Thanks".
• I have good armor to use and don't use it for fear of breaking and not being able to find raw materials to repair it with. On the flip side I use a lesser quality armor which breaks often, but is cheaper to repair, but use a lesser armor. This might change next play time.
• I am probably a cheap skate in the game somewhat.
• If I didn't have a house in game with multiple storage containers to sort all my crap I would be screwed.
• I love backing out of an NPC conversation, donning the Naughty Nightwear (looks like leopard print pimp suit) which greatly enhances speech checks and make the NPC do as I please.
• Actually I carry a variable wardrobe for multiple enhancement purposes.
• My fiance plays Fallout and laughs at me because I hoard so much and it take me forever to clear a building.

If all goes well I'll have a game of Battletech this week so hopefully I will have some fine reading material for you to enjoy soon.

Busy, but will return. I promise.

Lately, I have been in the process of packing my current residence to move to a new residence. This move will give me back a lot of time and resources so I will be out of the hobby loop for another week or two.

However I am able to fit in some fun and gaming. Thursday I went to see Prometheus which was an awesome movie and really want to see it again. This is a movie no science fiction fan should miss.

This week, Master Cheef and I will be playing another game of Battletech so expect a Battletech report to follow.

BattleTech Battle Report

Here I present my latest Battletech battle report for the game I played with Dah Masta Cheef last week.
I hope anyone who reads it likes it and feel free to comment and follow for more.


Scenario Selection

Scenario - Scorched Earth

Defenders cannot allow the attacker to capture strategic buildings by destroying the strategic buildings
Attackers cannot allow the defenders to destroy the buildings

Objective buildings

Level 1 CF40 x 8 worth 200 BV destroyed for the Defenders and worth 200 BV intact for the Attackers
50% located in the Southeast and Southwest Mapsheets
Level2 CF40 x 6 worth 200 BV destroyed for the Defenders and worth 200 BV intact for the Attackers
50% located in the Southeast and Southwest Mapsheets

Mapsheet Selection

Mpsheets - 4

Mapset 6

Northeast Mapsheet -  Wide River
Northwest Mapsheet - BattleForce 2

Map Set 6

Southeast Mapsheet - City (Residential)
Southwest Mapsheet - City (Suburbs)


Mapsheey layout

North mapsheet touch short length to short length
North and South mapsheets touch long length to long length
South Mapsheets touch short length to short length

NE | NW
SE  | SW

Forces

Defending Force

Heavy Lance

Kintaro KTO-18
Thunderbolt TDR-5SS
Warhammer WHM-6D
Orion ON1-K

Support Units

Harasser Missile Platform (LRM Variant) - Harasser 01
Harasser Missile Platform (LRM Variant) - Harasser 02

Attacking Force

Heavy Lance

Cicada CDA-3C
Dragon DRG-1G - Dragon 01
Dragon DRG-1G - Dragon 99
Stalker STK-4N

Support Units

Maxim Hover Transport
Foot Infantry Platoon (Laser)

Deployment

Attackers

Northeast Mapsheet -  Wide River

Cicada
Dragon 01
Dragon 99
Maxim

Northwest Mapsheet - BattleForce 2

Stalker

Defenders

Southeast Mapsheet - City (Residential)

Kintaro
Warhammer
Harasser 1

Southwest Mapsheet - City (Suburbs)

Thunderbolt
Orion
Harasser 2


Battle Report

Turn 1
A small city sector sits evacuated, but guarded by a single heavy lance of battlemechs. The reason the heavy lance was sent to guard the city sector was never mentioned to the pilots. The mechwarriors received information enemy units had penetrate defensive lines and where invaded nearby cities in search of valuable resources. Their orders were to destroy buildings targeted for destruction to prevent enemy capture or control. Mission objective coordinates showed the buildings were spread evenly across the two sides of the city. The defending heavy lance chose to split up to destroy more buildings faster. The Orion, the Thunderbolt, and Harasser 01 began destruction operations in the southeast portion of the city. The Kintaro, the Warhammer, and Harasser 02 began destruction operations in the southwest portion of the city. Enemy units were detected outside the city limits before the first building was fired upon. The attacking force was identified as a heavy lance with a Maxim trailing alongside. The Maxim, a Cicada and a pair of Dragons were detected along the Northeast border while a Stalker was detected along the Northwest border. Without pause defending battlemechs opened fire on the first four buildings targeted for destruction.

Turn 2
The Orion, Thunderbolt, and the Warhammer each turned a building to rubble while the Kintaro's short range missile launchers failed to fire enough missiles out of their launchers to keep up the pace. Both Harasser units sped ahead towards the approaching enemy units. All attacking units advanced to towards the city except for the Stalker which slowed its speed.

Turn 3
The heavy battlemechs switched to new targets as the Kintaro finished off its first target. Both Harasser fired their LRMs in vague attempts to soften up the approaching enemy units. All attacking battlemechs entered the Southeast city limits and split up against the two heavy mechs in the Southeast section of the city. The Stalker was still outside of the city limits. The Maxim entered the Southeast city limits stopping long enough to drop its cargo of foot infantry near one objective.

Turn 4
The attackers engaged the defenders. Dragon 01 headed towards the Orion which destroyed another building. Dragon 99 and the Cicada both headed for the Thunderbolt. Dragon 99 prepared to fight the Thunderbolt face to face, heavy battlemech to heavy battlmech, but was denied by a common torso twist to entertain the attention of the Cicada. The Cicada used its speed to sneak behind the Thunderbolt to fire a PPC shot. Both the Dragon and the Tunderbolt exchanged introductory blows with not much worry. The Thunderbolt's earlier torso twist gave the Cicada a PPC shot in return which destroyed the Cicada's own PPC. The Maxim saw quick opportunity to speed in and provide additional support against the Thunderbolt. The Kintaro broke away from building destruction operations and sent SRM rounds towards the Maxim locking its turret in place. Harasser 02 speed toward the Maxim and unloaded LRMs registering critical hits, but the Maxim was able to shrug off any further serious damage. The Warhammer keeping to the Southwest city limits destroyed another building.

Turn 5
Harasser 01 finding it difficult to achieve a good shot against the attackers found it easy to achieve a good shot against an objective building. The Orion's destruction operations were interrupted by Dragon 01 wanting to pick a fight. The mechs traded weapons fire and then proceeded to start a kicking match. The Orion's kick was true while Dragon 01's kick was false. The Thunderbolt and Dragon 99 continued to fight each other, although Dragon 99 was caught off guard by the Thunderbolt's flamer causing rapid heat buildup.  The Thunderbolt and Dragon 99 started a kicking match as well with both mech kicks being true. Despite all of the serious damage Dragon 99' pilot was holding. The Kintaro resumed building destruction operations picking up at the location the Thunderbolt had damaged prior to Dragon 01's interference. The Warhammer continued building destruction operations and moved to a new target as the other mechs were fairing well and the Stalker still had not joined the fight.

Turn 6
Harasser 01 attempted a quick turn to achieve a clear firing line to Dragon 99, the driver lost control of the vehicle crashing into a nearby building damaging the front armor slightly. The attacking Dragons were a mirror image fight of one another trying to stall the defending Orion and Thunderbolt from destroying anymore buildings. Weapons fire on both side was proving useful, but not useful enough to cause serious harm. The defending heavy battlemechs kicking attacks were causing major problems for both Dragons as their leg armor was disappearing fast leaving only the internal structure to hold the mechs upright. Dragon 01 was suffering from major leg damage from the Orion's superior weight induced kicks. Dragon 99 although fared better in the leg armor was severely over heated reducing available weapons fire. The Kintaro was also showering Dragon 99 with SRM missiles further shredding the armor exposing vital critical elements. The Stalker, taking advantage of the stalled heavy mech brawl between Dragon 99 and the Thunderbolt, covered the distance to assist Dragon 99. The Stalker found an opening between the buildings and opened fire with as much firepower as it could dish out to the Thunderbolt while saving some for the Kintaro. The Stalker's large amount of damage was shrugged of by the Thunderbolt, but a single large laser seared the Thunderbolt's head armor down to the last armor plate.
The Cicada having been chased off by the Thunderbolt headed towards Harasser 01 stopping next to it in order to fire its machine guns at close range. The Cicada's machine guns ripped apart an air skirt causing massive critical damage which resulted in a complete hover ability system failure. The Cicada took anger on the Harasser further and kicked the vehicle causing the already weakened side armor to collapse in and render the vehicle useless.

Turn 7
The Stalker's intervention was successful at scattering the defending battlemechs away from Dragon 99 which needed to remain stationary and expel excess heat. The Thunderbolt having suffered a dangerous head hit broke off from fighting Dragon 99 and smashed through a nearby building escaping the view of the Stalker. The Kintaro followed the actions of the Thunderbolt and escaped the view of the Stalker as well. The Thunderbolt was not completely out of sight, the Maxim happened to be stationary on the side of the building where the Thunderbolt had emerged. The Thunderbolt fired its SRMs with great affect, but a few extra medium lasers finally tore through the remaining armor rendering the vehicle useless. The Orion and Dragon 01 established some distance from each other. The Orion, feeling a lower threat level from Dragon 01 split fire between Dragon 01 and a nearby building targeted for destruction. Dragon 01 relieved from having to face another potentially crippling kick attack was able to keep a steady weapons fire rate against the Orion. Dragon 01's relief was short lived as the Orion's AC/10 shot stuck the head tearing all the remaining armor off along with some of the internal structure. Along the main road connecting the Southeast and Southwest city limits the Warhammer emerged to attract the attention of the stalker. Both battlemechs fire their long range weaponry at each other to little affect. The Stalker's pilot was amazed as a large laser blast seared the same amount of armor off of the Warhammer's head just like the Thunderbolt moments earlier.

Turn 8
The defenders in the Southeast city slightly scattered from the Stalker's intervention changed combat roles. The Thunderbolt moved away from Dragon 99 and the Stalker while raining LRM and PPC fire at the building Harasser 01 started earlier. The thunderbolt was attacked by laser fire from an infantry platoon, but returned laser fire causing large amount of casualties. The Kintaro using speed against the Stalker to remain hidden engaged Dragon 99 and showered the battlemech in SRM glory. The SRMs were not enough to take down Dragon 99, but enough to cause an upper leg actuator on the mech's right leg to give out decreasing Dragon's movement to the speed of the slower Stalker. The Orion and Dragon 01 traded weapons fire with little effects, but Dragon 01 had removed enough to armor on the Orion's right torso giving rise to the fear of an ammo explosion. While contemplating the ammo issue, the Orion's pilot continued to focus fire on the objective building. The Warhammer moved back out of sight and resumed building destruction operations.

Turn 9
The defenders felt they had thwarted the attackers efforts to stop them from accomplishing their objective.  The Thunderbolt moved towards the upper limits of the Southeast city and starting destroying another building. The Orion began dumping AC/10 ammunition and destroyed another building. The Warhammer reported another building destroyed. The Kintaro stood fast for a kill and fired multiple medium lasers and multiple SRMs at Dragon 99. The projected firepower and SRM shower struck Dragon 99 all over shredding armor on multiple locations. When the pilot thought all was fine,  the battlemech released sounds of tearing, then a large pop followed by a blow to the head. The battlemechs sensors alarmed registering large amounts of critical systems hit. By the time Dragon 99 had recovered from the onslaught, the right arm PPC was offline and lifting the battlemech's right arm's revealed it had been blown completely off the right torso. The pilot noticed a large lean to the right side and saw the right foot was destroyed. When the pilot's eyes raised back up to those of the Kintaro, the pilot felt the road underneath the battlemech drop. The Kintaro kicked Dragon 99 so hard the left leg came loose and Dragon 99 felt face first to the ground. Despite the serious damage, Dragon 99's pilot was still in the battle.

Turn 10
Harasser 02 finished destroying the building started by Hrasser 01 and the Thunderbolt. The Kintaro needing to cool down, left Dragon 99 on its face and used the somewhat convenient rubble of an earlier destroyed building to cut across and put some buildings between it and the Stalker. Both the Thunderbolt and the Warhammer each reported another building destroyed. The Orion having destroyed all available objective buildings in the immediate area turned its focus on Dragon 01. In pursuit of Dragon 01, the Orion smashed through a building causing slight damage and registering a critical failure. When the Orion emerged the AC/10 had been silenced and mangled by the building's interior. Dragon 01 traded firepower with Orion in a last attempt to stop the Orion from crossing to the Southwest city to destroy more buildings. The Orion's armor held, but Dragon 01's frail leg armor finally gave in. Incoming SRMs completely blew off the left leg. Dragon 01 went crashing to the ground face to the sky.

Turn 11
With most of the objective buildings destroyed on the far east side of the Southeast city the defenders all moved to whatever objective buildings were left to destroy before moving to the Southwest city.
The Harasser 02 stopped to fire LRM missiles at the helpless out ranged infantry platoon leaving them with two active infantrymen. The Harasser left its guard down long enough for the Stalker to approach with enough laser fire to allow one large laser shot to burn the front armor all the way through the internal structure rendering the vehicle useless. The Kintaro used the same somewhat convenient rubble pass to pass by the fallen Dragon 99. The somewhat convenient rubble pass became somewhat inconvenient as the Kintaro lost its footing and fell in the rubble. The enraged Kintaro lifted upwards towards the fallen crippled Dragon 99 and fired a single medium laser and sliced its remaining arm off. The Orion determined to leave the area without anymore trouble stood before Dragon 01 and fired on the still downed mech. Dragon 01's pilot cockpit was blinded by bright laser fire and SRM explosions. Dragon 01's right arm PPC had been destroyed. To persuade Dragon 01 from any further pursuit the Orion kicked Dragon 01 while down severing the left leg completely. The Warhammer still keeping out of sight started destroying another building. The Thunderbolt moved towards another objective building towards the southeast city' northern limits. The Thunderbolt had been followed by the Cicada trying to pick at its exposed internal structure points. The Cicada's machine gun rounds tore through what was still protecting the Thunderbolt's left leg and damaged the upper leg actuator. The Thunderbolt' reponse was a perfect PPC shot to te Cicada's right side completely removing the right arm and what was left of the right torso. The Cicada' respone to the Thunderbolt's PPC shot was a swift kick which did nothing to cause the pilot any further worry.

Turn 12
The Kintaro stood up from the ground and traveled past Dragon 99. The Kintaro stopped momentarily to fire upon the crippled mech with a determination to turn the crippled mech instead a pile of useless slag and severed mech parts. The Orion, satisfied about trashing Dragon 01 moved towards the Southwest city. The Orion's sensors registered an unscathed objective building near the border of the Southern cities and fired upon it. The Warhammer destroyed another building. The Thunderbolt continued to move towards more objectives dumping SRM rounds. The Cicada followed close by followed by the Stalker.

Turn 13
The Kintaro and the Warhammer moved towards any leftover objective buildings. The Orion destroyed another building. The Thunderbolt was now caught between the Cicada and the Stalker. The Thunderbolt's rear ammunition bays were struck by the Cicada's machine gun rounds causing the SRM ammo to explode. The Thunderbolt's pilot ejected seconds before a large barrage of firepower from the Stalker struck what was left of the mech. The intense firepower blew off the left arm and smashed what was left of the head and cockpit. In the end, defying the odds, Dragon 01 stood up.

The attackers having the Cicada critically damaged, both Dragons crippled, and only two objective buildings left to be destroyed ended their attack and the game was at an end.

Objective BV

Defenders
Objective Buildings Destroyed
14 Buildings x 200 BV = 2800 BV
Attacking Units Destroyed (Gunnery and Pilot skilled included in BV)
1 Vehicles (Maxim) - 879 BV

Total BV = 3679 BV

Attackers
Objective Buildings Intact
2 Buildings x 200 BV = 400 BV
Defending Units Destroyed (Gunnery and Pilot skilled included in BV)
1 Battlemech (Thunderbolt) - 1845 BV
2 Vehicles (Harasser 01, Harasser 02) - 391 BV x 2 = 782 BV

Total BV = 3027 BV

The defending heavy lance was victorious!


Defender damage report


Heavy Lance

Kintaro KTO-18
Pilot hit (Fall)
Thunderbolt TDR-5SS
Pilot hit (Head hit)
Pilot hit x 2 (Ammo explosion)
Left leg upper leg actuator destroyed
Remaining SRM ammo dumped
SRM ammo explosion
Center torso destroyed
Head destroyed
Cockpit destroyed
Battlemech Destroyed
Warhammer WHM-6D
Pilot hit (Head hit)
Orion ON1-K
50% of remaining AC/10 ammo dumped
Remaining AC/10 ammo down to 1 round

Support Units

Harasser Missile Platform (LRM Variant) - Harasser 01
Air skirt damaged
Hover system damaged
Vehicle Destroyed
Harasser Missile Platform (LRM Variant) - Harasser 02
Vehicle Destroyed

25%     Battlemechs destroyed
0%       Pilots killed
100%   Vehicles destroyed
0%       Drivers killed

Attacker damage report

Heavy Lance

Cicada CDA-3C
PPC damaged
Right arm destroyed
Right torso destroyed
Dragon DRG-1G - Dragon 01
Pilot hit (Head Hit)
Pilot hit (Fall)
PPC damaged
Left arm destroyed
Left leg blown off
Battlemech Crippled
Dragon DRG-1G - Dragon 99
Pilot Hit (Head Hit)
Pilot Hit (Fall)
PPC damaged
Left arm destroyed
Right arm blown off
Left leg destroyed
Right leg upper leg actuator destroyed
Right leg foot actuator destroyed
Battlemech Fallen
Stalker STK-4N

Support Units

Maxim Hover Transport
Turret locked
Vehicle Destroyed
Foot Infantry Platoon (Laser)
90% Casualties

0%       Battlemechs destroyed
0%       Pilots killed
100%   Vehicles destroyed
0%       Drivers killed

Thoughts

• The mechs were chosen in advance and the scenario and mapsheets later. This made both forces somewhat unprepared for the battle.
• Roads can be a blessing and a nightmare for movement.
• Buildings not only block your enemy's LOS, but also your own LOS.
• The Kintaro was a good pick and really shined as a mech finisher.
• The Orion was interesting to use. I swapped the dual SRM for the LRM variant, however all of the buildings really mitigated most long range LOS.
• The Warhammer should have seen more combat, but the amount of BV it was racking up was worth it despite being chosen for heavy mech to heavy mech combat.
• Dah Masta Cheef actually said he liked the map sheets. +1
• The look on Dah Masta Cheef's face when he noticed the Thunderbolt had a flamer pointed at his overheating Dragon was priceless.
• The Stalker's speed limited its effectiveness at times, but the amount of large laser head shots it was able to achieve was heroic. 
• I enjoy scenarios compared to just a plain fight.

Till next time.

WIP Tyranid Hive Guard

Last Friday Da Masta Cheef and I played another great game of Battletech and while I prepare a proper Battletech battle report I would like to show off what I have been working on.

Currently I am working on a set of  two 3rd Edition Tyranid Tyrant Guard and set of  two 5th Edition Tyranid Tyrant Guard. While the progress is going well I decided to start on a set of Hive Guard as I had an idea of what color to paint the Impaler Cannons they carry.

Here are two WIP shots of both sides of one of the models. I know the lighting sucks. :( I am not sure why they are taking so long despite sitting hours at a time painting them. Maybe I look up at the screen too much as I am listening to and watching entire seasons full of episodes of Star Trek Voyager.

I think one thing I need to decide is whether to change the bone scheme for the claws. I have never found a good paint recipe and I always dread painting it when I get near those parts of the model.

Left Side

Right Side

Enjoy the WIP update for now. Check back in a few days and I will have a nice Battletech Report for your reading enjoyment.