Shin Legion Test Paint And Other Stuff...

I am working on a canon unit called the Shin Legion. A Liao unit who in the 3060s went over to Kurita over some base betrayal. Their colors are a deep green trimmed with yellow, and they have a really neat unit insignia:

So I ordered some decals for them from Fighting Pirannha. In the meantime I am working on the paint scheme and model selection, and since it's going to be a Capellan/Draconis unit, I wanted to have a healthy mix of those two state's iconic units--Vindicators and Panthers! I am a big proponent of doubles and triples in Alpha Strike/BattleTech units. I think any normal military unit would field as many duplicate 'Mechs as possible to facilitate repair, spare parts, and logistics.

So I intend to have at least three Vindicators and two Panthers as the backbone of this 12 'Mech Shin Legion company. I will also include a 70-ton Cataphract as part of the unit's main muscle. It's a distinctly Capellan 'Mech and I love the revised plastic model. I also used it as the first test paint model for the unit.

Here it is pictured with some Angel Barracks 6mm sci-fi characters:

I used a Russian Green Surface Primer from Vallejo, and then built up from there. All this 'Mech needs are its numbers and decals, and it's ready for battle! I may also include some weathering too.

With its emphasis on 45-ton Vindicators and 35-ton Panthers, my Shin Legion company is going to be on the lighter side, but very maneuverable with all of the jump capability. I am debating whether or not to include a 90-ton Cyclops as a command 'Mech, or just make this Cataphract the centerpiece and build in lighter units around it.

This unit planning stage really makes Alpha Strike fun for me; I love the thinking and storytelling that goes into a force's creation. I'll be sure to share more as I go along!

Thanks for reading!

--Scott

Dragon's Honor: A Showdown of Sorts

As the mercenary Wagner's Legion and Vistula Legion melted away due to terrible battle losses and treachery, only the forces of Kurita and the 5th Dneiper Explorer Corps remained to contest ownership of the lostech cache on Lycos II. It was time to settle scores.

As each commander jockeyed for position, the two command lances of each main company found themselves in direct conflict. The battle was joined in earnest!

A pair of 5th EC Quickdraw QKD-Cs take cover.

Each force (about 160 pts. per side) quickly sought cover as they advanced. For Kurita, General Nagumo's orders were clear--death or dishonor.

Kurita Grand Dragon & Guillotine advance past deserted vehicle repair domes.

Charlie Blookhawk and his heavily damaged Victor VTR-C draw down on a Kurita 'Mech!

Kurita forces used their superior speed to seize the right flank!

In the foreground, a Centurion takes aim! 

Mysterious MW Kgosi Z. seeks cover, his Swayback HBK-5P laying down a blistering laser barrage!

Combined fire from Kgosi's Swayback and Riggs' Quickdraw bring the Grand Dragon down! 

As the battle ranged, the Kurita forces drew the EC into a high-stakes, all or nothing game of total destruction! [Stu claimed Kurita honor to forgo the Forced Withdrawal rules, and I agreed this was super-cool, so despite some lucky shots on my part that left his reinforced lance hurting, we played on!]

Drunk, crazed, or both, Yandorak and his QKD-C jump into deadly close quarters!

Gallant Kurita Guillotine fights to the last! Honor was served! 

In the end, the Kurita forces lost, but they upheld their honor to the last. While the EC won, they paid a terrible price, with Kgosi Z. and Gord Riggs injured, and Z.'s Swayback HBK-5P a total loss! They did salvage Riggs' Quickdraw and the Kurita Catapult and Guillotine, so Kgosi Z. will not join the ranks of the dispossessed!

Will Nagumo first seek vengeance against Wagner's Legion (the mercs who deserted him)? or will he again try for the lostech cache, this time back on the EC's home planet of Dneiper?

While this chapter of the campaign draws to a close, the larger story remains unfinished!

Thanks to Stu for a great game!

--Scott

In the Maws of the Dragon; A Pursuit Battle Report

Fresh off the meeting engagement with the combined Vistula Guard and 5th Dneiper Explorer Corps, the Kurita forces withdrew to examine their prize. The engagement saw little damage and spirits were high.

Upon returning to their staging area, the engineering staff quickly realized a horrible truth! The recovered tech was not in fact the drive, merely junk! Furious, general Nagumo ordered his second in command, Arata Ito, to swiftly pursue and retrieve the lostech. Mounting his No-Dachi, Arata gathered a pursuit force and quickly set out.

The Kurita forces made good speed, and caught up to the Vistula Guard at a river ford a mere 50km from their supposed landing zone. Catching sight of the enemy in flight, Arata ordered a charge, determined to ride down the retreating mechwarriors. 

Upon seeing the closing Kurita pursuit force, the Corps leader decided to perform a fighting withdrawal. Sending off the lighter mechs with the precious tech, the remaining Vistula Guard prepared for the worst. 

Seeing the enemy turn to face, Arata charged into the enemy. Fire exchanged between both units was fierce, as the close-in fighting offered little opportunity to miss. It appeared both sides had suffered equally, until Ayaka Kito, piloting a panther, delivered a fatal shot to the Guards banshee. Hitting the ammo stores, the mech exploded in a momentous blast, offering little hope that the pilot had escaped alive.

Seeing their leader fall, the remaining Guard units started to withdraw. Arata drove his men onward, determined to destroy as much of the enemy as possible. Without proper support, the units were harried to the riverside, and made a final stand on it's banks. Fire from the pursuit lances crippled first the Guard Zeus, and then the Orion. Charging forward, Arata cleaved off the arm of the enemy Zeus, before driving it deep into the mechs torso. Yet the Zeus pilot was not one to take this quietly. Blasting all he had, he managed to destroy Arata's No-Dachi and force him to eject!

The battle had been won, but the lostech had escaped, undoubtedly due to the sacrifice of the Guard's lance. A telling blow had been struck, but allowing the objective to escape could spell disaster. The enemy could easily slip away, and the prize lost with them.

Musings On The Campaign Storyline...

My Cicada, Sky's awesome Coolant Truck! 

 I'm off to do Wilderness EMT training this weekend, so no campaign games for me! I've been talking with Sky about our recent epic throwdown for the DropShip. I was lucky. He failed just enough rolls, and I made just enough rolls, to cause him some real financial pain in terms of his company's ability to recover from the battle.

Losing his Jaegermech was big. Having to repair and rearm most of his unit is big. So what would a merc unit like Wagner's Legion do? Go rogue. That's what we decided. They're going to break with their Kurita employers, do a murderous raid on Mining Hab 101, then flee the region with whatever booty they can haul.

In effect, they'll become Periphery pirates. Sky and I will fight one last battle, but I will run an under-strength lance of local 'Mechs maintained by the ragtag miners of Hab 101. Sky will attack in force with his weakened mercs, and we'll see what happens.

Meanwhile, Dave needs to recover from his disastrous throwdown with Stu's Kurita (battle rep, gentlemen?), and then the 5th Dneiper Explorer Corps needs to stage some kind of climactic battle with Kurita to close down this first story arc of the campaign.

So lots to think about!

--Scott

AAR: Battle On Lycos II, Part 2: Re-Taking The DropShip!

Outworlds Alliance
Sunday, 8 / 2 / 3071
Lycos II, Second Moon of Risin
1130 Hours Standard

As the 5th Dneiper Explorer Corps' Striker Lance and Infantry Detachment made off with what they believed to be a key piece of lostech, the rest of their Company battled to re-take the unit's DropShip! 

Wagner's Legion, previously misidentified as the 4th Arkab Legion, seized the EC DropShip New Horizon in a bold move to cut the unit off and strand them on Lycos II. Captain Charlie Bloodhawk moved the bulk of the EC's 1st Co. back into position for a counter-assault to quickly retake the priceless craft. 

Above, Wagner's spy-drone images (time roughly 0530 standard) of the 5th Explorer Corps' 1st Co. before they split to tackle the mission to recover the lostech. In the background, the EC's DropShip, the New Horizon, to the right, Lycos II's abandoned A. Wilson Arcology, and to the left, the Grinholt Woods and Mining Hab 101. 

Above, the scene from a different angle. Shortly after this pic was transmitted, Wagner's drone was shot from the sky! 

Above, the resourceful Mercs of Wagner's Legion stress combined arms warfare--here we see a 60 ton Dragon and anti-Mech Infantry advancing beneath the massive New Horizon's shadow. 

Above, Wagner's daring Clint and Spider pilots take position atop the New Horizon's hull!

Above, Mousa's Jaegermech and his comrade in a Panther boldly step forward to pour fire into the advancing EC 'Mechs! 

Wagner's deadly AeroSpace support would prove pivotal in the coming battle--pinpoint bombing runs would have the EC running scared! 

Above, initially the EC sought cover in the woods, but then realized they had to spread out or suffer the horror of aerial bomb runs! 

Advancing into the withering fire of the well-placed Wagner's Legion, the EC tried to return the favor with some concentrated fire of their own! They spread out, with Yandorak's Quickdraw holding the far right flank, and Charon Crawford's Cicada rushing to claim the left flank and Mining Hab 101. 

When it came, the AeroSpace attack run left a trio of EC 'Mechs heavily damaged! 

Mysterious EC MechWarrior Kgosi Z. returns fire against the streaking Rievers of Wagner's AeroSpace lance! The devastating firepower of his HBK-5P Hunchback's massed medium lasers strikes home, seriously damaging the fighter's fire control and nearly knocking it from the sky! 

Salazar (Dervish) and Wilson (Trebuchet) trade fire with Mousa in his Jaegermech! Mousa's true feud lay with Kwint Savak in the EC's other Dervish, and it was only fitting when Savak (a Blood Stalker) dealt the final shots that exploded Mousa's heavy 'Mech! 

When Mousa's Jaegermech went down, and Rievers took heavy damage, Wagner's crew pulled back and quit the field. Mousa escaped, and the 5th Explorer Corps claimed the remains of his 'Mech for salvage. The spoils of war! Now the 5th EC and their allies in the Vistual Legion possess a clear means to escape Lycos II with their lostech booty. 

House Kurita, General Nagumo, and their Merc allies will not rest, or let this defeat sway them from their desire to claim the treasures Shango Agathi and his intrepid warriors seek! 

--Scott 

Identify That 'Mech Pt 3

This will be the last request for help in identifying 'Mechs. At least until next time!

First up is an easy one. This is a Dervish.

This one was easy as well. The much beloved Hunchback.

This 'Mech is a total unknown to me. Hopefully it isn't for you.

Another uknown to me. Is it even a BattleTech 'Mech or is it another mecha from another gaming system?

Well I hope you had a good laugh at my ignorance. I hope even more that you can school me. Thanks for reading.

Oh, and to give credit where credit is due; I did not paint these 'Mechs. The wonderful paint jobs and finishing work were all done by Scott Pyle. The ignorance is all mine though!

-Dave

Identify That 'Mech Pt 2

Continuing on in my public display of ignorance, here are four more 'Mechs to help me identify.

This one I call an Orion. Am I right?

I think the next two are Orions. They are just posed differently. Correct me if I am wrong.

I can't identify this one. Help me if you can.

Again, thanks for reading. I appreciate any help you can give in relieving my ignorance.

-Dave

Identify That 'Mech Pt 1

I am about to display my ignorance of the overall BattleTech universe.

Going through the "lost tech" 'Mechs, I discovered I was unable to identify several of them. So I am asking help here.

This one I am fairly certain of. I identify it as a Vindicator. Am I right?

The next one is an "I don't know". It is armed similar to Battlemaster with an underslung PPC on its arm and missile launcher on the shoulder, but it is not a Battlemaster. Anyone know?

I haven't a clue on the 'Mech below. Please help.

This one looks like a Banshee except it has a PPC instead of a left arm. A variant perhaps?

Thanks for reading and help give me a clue if you can. Parts 2 and 3 are coming up.

-Dave

Lost Tech Found by Vistula Guard

While exploring the ancient ruins on Risin's second moon, elements of the Vistula Guard stumbled on a secret cache. When they managed to bypass the old security systems and open the aged vault they were amazed at what they discovered.

It was the Mother Lode.

Inside, stored in perfect condition were 12 'Mechs. That was three lances worth of the fighting machines. An entire company!

Here are a few vid captures of the treasure trove. The 'Mechs are arranged in size order, more or less.

(Some nice Assault and Heavy 'Mechs)

(Recovered Heavy and Medium 'Mechs)

(Recently found Medium and Light 'Mechs)

Although the lost tech was discovered by the Vistula Guard, it is understood that the 5th Explorer's Corps may, if they wish, invoke salvage rights.

Enjoy!

-Dave

Link To Some Great Homemade Terrain

Could not resist sharing this!

http://lasersandbroadswords.blogspot.com/2015/06/something-to-fight-over-pt-2.html

Great stuff!

--Scott

The Vistula Guard as Currently Painted

Here are some quick snaps of the Vistula Guard at its current painted status. As it stands now, the Guard is a short battalion in strength. It consists of two full 'Mech companies and one partial mixed company:

Vistula Guard

Here is the Command Lance:

Vistula Guard Command Lance

This is Able Company. Able Company is made up of an Assault Lance, a Battle Lance and a Pursuit Lance:

Able Company

Next up is Baker Company which contains an Assault Lance, a Striker Lance and a Support Lance:

Baker Company

And finally there is Charlie Company which is a mixed company made up with an Infantry Lance a partial Assault Armor Lance and two support 'Mechs.

Charlie Company

Now to be clear, this is what I have painted. Not what I am fielding in our current campaign. What I am fielding is considerably less. The fielded units represent the Vistula Guard as they first started out; a reinforced company.

Enjoy!

-Dave

This Sunday's Games...

My proposal is we run two games, with two Pursuit scenarios. Dave and I will each take an objective. We won't know until we have time analyze it which one is the actual prize.

Dave, you Stu will play one Pursuit scenario.

Sky and I will play the second. Ours will be modified and "storified" if you will. Sky's forces will have beaten me to my DropShip and seized it. We have a model for this, so the battle will take place in and around the DropShip.

Stu, if you and Dave want to add some cool stuff of your own, please do!

--Scott

I Bought An Arcology!

We need to up our terrain game. Today I picked up a neat piece from Micro Art Studio that will help us do just that!

It's their 28mm Generator, but what passes for a sci-fi generator in 28mm makes a damn fine Arcology in 6mm, at least IMHO.  What do you folks think?

Sky, care to try your hand (and your airbrush) at painting this sucker for Sunday's game?

Thanks!

--Scott

AAR: Battle On Lycos II, Part 1

Outworlds Alliance
Sunday, 8 / 2 / 3071
Lycos II, Second Moon of Risin
0830 Hours Standard

Elements of the 5th Dneiper Explorer Corps and its allied mercenaries the Vistual Guard faced stiff resistance while scouting the ruins of a subterranean research facility beneath Klondike, and abandoned mining town. The resistance came from the forces of House Kurita and its own Merc allies, the 4th Arkab Legion. 

Both forces fielded only light scouting units and infantry--no one daring to bring heavier units to bear in the ruins of the geologically unstable facility. 

Above, the Kurita 9th Galedon Regulars scout elements directed from afar by the ruthless and ambitious Colonel Nagumo.

Above the scout elements of the BattleMech elements of the 4th Arkab Legion--they also brought three units of pesky anti-Mech infantry! 

Above, the Exploer Corp's scouts assemble before entering the complex. 

Above, they were accompanied by light elements of the Vistula Guard.

The scenario centered around a Meeting Engagement with four Tech objectives to battle over. One of those four objectives contained critical information on a Star League era Neural Net interface that could provide advancements in BattleMech and AeroSpace command and control. It was something both Agathi and Nagumo wanted badly. Now their forces would have to fight to claim it.

Above, initial movement saw some of the EC's infantry using a commandeered Maultier transport to cover extra ground! 

Above, 4th Arkab Spider and Jenner cautiously approach the ruins; their speed and maneuverability would be key as things developed.

Meanwhile, the Vistula Guard fielded its own Jenner! Behind it, an Explorer Corps Flea FLE-17 hauls a unit of elite Longinus XMEC Battle Armor into the fray!

Above, the 4th Arkab's lightning fast Hermes races ahead and enters the ruins--the first objective lies within its grasp! 

Above, 5th Dneiper Explorer Corps and the Vistula Guard cannot reach the ruins ahead of the swift Arkab 'Mechs! 

Meanwhile, Kurita battle armor and a pair of Panthers stalk forward in support of their swift 'Merc allies!

The Arkab Hermes reaches one of the Tech objectives and takes control of it--now his daring pilot must spirit it off the board before his enemies reach him. 

Above, the Vistula Raven and the Longinus Battle Armor scan for the 4th Arkab Spider. 

The 4th Arkab Spider leaps in and seizes a second objective! 

The Flea trades shots with the Arkab's well posiitoned  Clint...

Explorer Corps veteran Imam Mustafah Khamul seeks higher ground in his Spider SDR-C. 

Meanwhile, Longinus Battle Armor seizes the third objective. 

The Arkab Hermes darts through an enfilade of fire, objective in hand! 

Flea and Longinus BA trade shots with the Clint--the Flea takes the worst of it! 

Khamul (in his trusty Spider) takes a serious risk to try to stop the 4th Arkab's Spider and gets surrounded for his trouble!

The 4th Arkab Spider trades shots as he escapes with his objective! 

Vistula Wolfhound and Raven double-team the Arkab Clint, but...

...the Arkab anti-Mech infantry knocks out the Raven with LRM fire!

With each force securing two objectives, we diced off to see who got the "pivotal" piece of Tech. Because they got the better of the EC and the Vistula Guard, the Kurita forces and their Merc allies got a +1 on the roll, but it did not help!  One of the EC's objectives turned out to be key Tech!

Next time, dual Pursuit battles once Colonel Nagumo discovers his troops got the wrong item, he sends them after his foes in force!

Thanks for reading! 

--Scott