Black Widow

XL Zone 2022 is fast approaching! Focht’s News Channel will be running War of 3039: Battle of Vega scenario all day. You can get more info at www.extra-life.org/participant/palladion and follow along on Twitter or Facebook for event updates.

When I first started looking into BattleTech art commissions, I dug around for information about the “official” artists–people who did covers or interior art for Catalyst books or novels. One of the people I have had my eye on was Eldon Cowgur (go buy his stuff), his art shows up everywhere (especially if you read Sarna.net like other people read Wikipedia). Eldon was very accommodating and quick to respond and I cannot deny this loveable quality to his art–even when dealing with destruction and stompy robots. I just realize about 10 minutes ago that he also does work on Heavy Gear! Eldon will have the following image available for prints on his website in the future, so you can order and support him if you like what you see.

Two Natashas by Eldon Cowgur

While I would like to think I am getting my Wolf’s Dragoons knowledge up to par, I have to admit I had not read much about Natasha Kerensky except on the previously touted Sarna.net. At the time of this article, I am only about halfway through Wolves on the Border (which probably means I will be done by the time this article goes up), but even there I am not getting the full Black Widow experience? Regardless, Kerensky is an iconic character and I felt that Eldon’s previous illustration needed a counterpoint to the later half of her life where she was Khan of Clan Wolf.

I have made comments in previous articles about both the Warhammer and the Dire Wolf, so I am just going to leave a picture of both miniatures (painted by Les Mandeville) here instead.

Until next time MechWarriors!

‘Mech Drafting Game

After a looong hiatus (thank you COVID), we got together again to play BattleTech. Several of the players were new to the game (and I was not altogether sure of all the rules), so the process was a bit slow. The two teams drafted ‘Mechs from a pool and both Lances rushed the hills.

Team D(i)M Sum was able to down two opposing Light ‘Mechs and nearly took out the BattleMaster as well. The Locust was the hero ‘Mech with its 8/12 movement getting into the back armor. The new players also learned that it does take quite a bit of damage to down one ‘Mech–they are not flimsy. Also, AAS(h)ATT (All Alpha Strike All The Time) does not work because of little mechanic called heat.

Born from the Destroid Tomahawk Unseen, the Warhammer is a really great looking ‘Mech. It is iconic. However, with the Introductory rules, it is not a ‘Mech I would ever use at 1,299 BV. It has too many weapons, too few heat sinks (16 single) to fire said weapons, and only 10 tons of armor (160 pips) for a 70 ton Heavy ‘Mech. It can be quite deadly in point-blank range (under 3 hexes), but then that leaves two PPCs with nothing to do.

Until next time MechWarriors!