’Mech of the Week: BLR-** BattleMaster

[Empyrus]

Any thoughts on the Capellan BLR-4L?
Pondering about it as the Cappies have limited BattleMaster options.

Seems to be OK in principle but has some dubious decisions. No CASE? Arguably excessive ammo for a single MML. Weird Guardian placement. Less than full jump capability (though 3 JJs at 4/6 is OK, unlike 3 JJs at 5/8....).

[Sharpnel]

An MML-7 (or 9) requires at least one ton of each size (2 tons). An MML-3 is a waste as there is no way to justify two tons per launcher unless you are a madman.

[Alexander Knight]

An MML-7 (or 9) requires at least one ton of each size (2 tons). An MML-3 is a waste as there is no way to justify two tons per launcher unless you are a madman.

Two tons for two MML-3s is acceptable though.

[Arkansas Warrior]

In a vacuum I don’t mind 3 tons of ammo for an MML-7, but given the lack of CASE it’s an odd choice. Likewise the needless lack of a left hand.  It’s not like the design is completely crit-packed; move a ton of LGR ammo to the torso.  It’s not a bad design, but it is an odd one.

[Luciora]

I loved Waco's variant, and wished HBS gave us Streaks so I could try it out in the game.

Rogers Beemer was a interesting variant to create. I had severe limitations in technology to work with, and tried to look at how to create something more effective, keep the design's "spirit" intact, and within a merc's budget. I figured Rogers wouldn't care about heat dissipation if when he got within close range and fired all but the PPC, because if his heat shot up like that against a dragoon, that would mean he would be doing a fair amount of guaranteed damage.

To be honest, I have no idea what Rogers Bemmer (with Blakist assistance) may look like. I'd assume a next generation of technologies upgrades.

[Empyrus]

In a vacuum I don’t mind 3 tons of ammo for an MML-7, but given the lack of CASE it’s an odd choice. Likewise the needless lack of a left hand.  It’s not like the design is completely crit-packed; move a ton of LGR ammo to the torso.  It’s not a bad design, but it is an odd one.

Right hand but... shit.
I can't tolerate BattleMasters that miss hands.

As it happens, i'm not a fan of Royal Beemers either... need to find another home for a BattleMaster mini then.

[GreekFire]

Any thoughts on the Capellan BLR-4L?
Pondering about it as the Cappies have limited BattleMaster options.

Seems to be OK in principle but has some dubious decisions. No CASE? Arguably excessive ammo for a single MML. Weird Guardian placement. Less than full jump capability (though 3 JJs at 4/6 is OK, unlike 3 JJs at 5/8....).

It's not that bad as a command platform, and it tends to mesh well with the multitudes of Stealth/Gauss 'Mechs the Capellans have. The Gauss 'Mechs draw attention and deal heavy damage, the BattleMaster finishes off the targets and tends to last a while since it's a bit less threatening and has decent maneuverability.

As such, the 3 tons of MML ammo are there to encourage you to wear your opponent down at range for as long as possible, or if its more of a pick-up game, to load up on some Thunder rounds to make closing with your Stealth-snipers that much harder. You should also look at the JJs as a means to better position the -4L as a ranged sniper, or as a way to maintain the distance between you and your opponent by jumping over broken terrain or water.

It's not flashy, but it works pretty well.

[Firesprocket]

Any thoughts on the Capellan BLR-4L?
Pondering about it as the Cappies have limited BattleMaster options.

It's not real good at much of anything IMO.  The best thing it has going for it is it has stealth armor and is an assault mech, which the Cappys have better designs.  Its damage potential at long range is insignificant when compared to a medium mech and its close range fire isn't that much better.  If you want a Battlemaster to command with they have access to the BLR-1GB.  If you are considering other options through quirks they have acesss Mad-5L.  If you want LGRs and Stealth you take a Tian Zong instead.  Other than jump the 4L doesn't nothing better than any of these other options.

[SteelRaven]

I have to agree, I can see the BLR-4L working as a command mech of a all stealth unit but it's load out is rather light compared to others Beamers. 

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

I've used a number of different BattleMasters over the years, to varying effect.  Had a 3M I took in a duel against a Highlander 732- did real well while I was winning initiative but the moment I lost and the Highlander was able to start putting distance between us things went bad.  On the other hand, I've chewed up a variety of assault mechs with a BattleMaster C, and the 4S has always performed well for me.  Not the best mech by a long shot, but most of the time it's performed quite well.

[grimlock1]

Anyone have thoughts on the Calvin and Calvin II?  I messed with the Calvin in Megamek a few times and was underwhelmed, but that may just be me using it wrong. It's storm of 5 point spam, but it's reliant on team mates to open holes.  I'm not a fan of the RAC because there's no way to improve the odds of landing multiple hits.  The ER mediums are nice but the long range punch is a bit light.  The paired lppc do hit as hard as the old school ppc but a pair of 5 pointers don't dig holes as well as a single 10. The slightly shorter range of the RAC hurts even more when you look at the how many of it's opponents in the Opacus Venatori are packing PPCs.

Between all those PPCs and the VSPLs the OV are packing, the reflective armor on the Calvin II is pretty welcome but the swap of to mlas for a pair of machine guns leaves me dubious. Unless it's a dedicated walking war cri.... anti-infantry mech, machine guns don't give me warm, fuzzy feelings.

Anyone else have thoughts?

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

I had similar experiences with the Calvin.  I've been leery of the CII simply because a lot of Blakist mechs, especially the Celestials, are geared toward melee combat.

[SteelRaven]

I have had good luck with the RACs (which is weird considering I suck with most cluster weapons) but It does seem like a weird mix. I guess it pairs well with the rest of the Black Widow Company. As long as Calvin is buddy up with ether Jacob or Stacy, you will be teamed up with mechs with similar firing brackets.

[grimlock1]

I have had good luck with the RACs (which is weird considering I suck with most cluster weapons) but It does seem like a weird mix. I guess it pairs well with the rest of the Black Widow Company. As long as Calvin is buddy up with ether Jacob or Stacy, you will be teamed up with mechs with similar firing brackets.

I guess it just doesn't mesh well with my style.  I usually want at least 1 hole-maker, especially in an 85 tonner.  Its a bit like the Awesome -11M.  It would look absolutely epic in a cutscene but is a bit underwhelming on the table.  I can just imagine the Calvin walking across the screen, from stage right, the left arm held out straight, firing the lppc's, 1-2, 1-2, at a target behind the camera.  Then it stops and pivots on its left foot, turning to face the camera, swinging the RAC up to fire from the hip.  Camera zooms in on the barrel cluster and we watch as the cluster spins up over 2-3 seconds.  Pull back so the whole mech is in frame and the RAC stats spitting fire and we are treated to the report of a 75mm(ish) cannon, speed up to the "braaaaaaap" of a GAU-8.

[Colt Ward]

One thing to consider, was the Battlemaster RAC design before or after the TC changes?  With a TC tied into the gun, previously it would place all that damage on 1 location.

[Empyrus]

One thing to consider, was the Battlemaster RAC design before or after the TC changes?  With a TC tied into the gun, previously it would place all that damage on 1 location.

The thing comes from post-Total Warfare product.

[SteelRaven]

You can fire the RAC5 like a normal AC along with the LPPCs using the targeting computer. Still not that impressive at range but if your Lance mates are firing at the same target, the 5 point shots start adding up.

[Colt Ward]

You can fire the RAC5 like a normal AC along with the LPPCs using the targeting computer. Still not that impressive at range but if your Lance mates are firing at the same target, the 5 point shots start adding up.

Well, the point was a design like the JM7-F was able to potentially place two 30 point hits on a target though I always forgot that ability.

[Caedis Animus]

I'd honestly rather fire the RAC-5 at full burst than just fire one RAC shot at -1 in 90% of situations.

[Weirdo]

You can still fire a burst at -1. You just can't target locations.

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

Which was a ridiculously broken ability.

[Weirdo]

I hardly ever saw anyone use it even pre-TW. The +3 penalty was just too harsh compared to improved general shots.

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

It was very situational, but when you could pull it off the results were devastating.

[Sabelkatten]

Which was a ridiculously broken ability.

But it was OK for all other weapons (other than UACs which got hit by the same nerfbat).

[abou]

Which was a ridiculously broken ability.

It felt pretty good though when it happened.

[grimlock1]

One thing to consider, was the Battlemaster RAC design before or after the TC changes?  With a TC tied into the gun, previously it would place all that damage on 1 location.

It's a bit moot since this version doesn't have a TC. :-(

[MarauderD]

Welp, it's been 6 weeks since Rec Guide 3 was released.  Anyone want to take a stab at the three new variants released in there?

as for the 6G:  I like it, but that PPC setup creates a pretty big firepower weakspot from 1-3 hexes.  Which is fine--BV is relatively low and it is a good machine otherwise.  The inclusion of the H-PPC is curious when clan spec PPC's seem to be growing on trees now in the FedSuns.  (Exostar Pinnacle PPCs on the Marauder and Marauder II)  I'd love to hear the thoughts behind the mech from whoever designed it!

[Empyrus]

The 6G, pretty good though i'm mildly disappointed it doesn't use machine guns. Not that this would be possible due to space limitations. Probably my second favorite Beemer after the 4S, discounting the original model.
The C 3 is nice. Very traditional without any nonsense but pure Clan-tech! And without using XLFE, endo-steel or ferro-fibrous... There are several alternative ways to build this i would've preferred though, think we need a workshop thread.
The 6C is funny. I'm not sure it is that good but it is cool nod to Rolling Thunder scenario pack cover. https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Rolling_Thunder_(scenario_pack)

[MarauderD]

6C not having a pistol-gripped weapon just feels so weird to me.

[Giovanni Blasini]

6C not having a pistol-gripped weapon just feels so weird to me.

That's something that's actually bothered me about not just the BattleMaster 6C, though I'm semi-accepting of it because we've seen forearm-mounted PPCs on Unseen BattleMasters occasionally as far back as FASA's invasion of Luthien sourcebook.

On the other hand, there's the new art for, say, the Wolverine and the Wasp, that continues the trend we saw in Project Phoenix of dropping those handheld-style mounts.  Even the new Phoenix Hawk and Griffin are much less pronounced in that regard.

OK, on the new BattleMasters themselves:

I seriously dig the BattleMaster C 3.  Very straightforward conversion.  I like the banked light PPCs of the BLR-6G, and while I'd prefer a standard engine, can live with a light engine.  The BLR-6C is a great homage to Rolling Thunder, but really feels underwhelming in terms of actual firepower.