This is an attempt at resolving the various arguments and counter-arguments about just how these do or don't function, lifted entirely from the non-canonical Field Manual: 2785 by John "Takiro" Luther and his collaborators.
- - - - - -
Headhunter Missiles
One of the most advanced missile warheads ever designed by the Star League was the famous (or infamous) Headhunter. Their development was financed by Jonathan Cameron’s military renaissance shortly after he ascended the Star Throne. It was originally thought of as a weapon that when deployed by conventional vehicles could level the playing field with any BattleMech. This would give the Star League an advantage over any ‘Mech force.
The warhead is equipped with an advanced image recognition system that identifies the target and guides the missile towards the head of the ‘Mech. When launched the Headhunters automatically “fly high” heading straight for their target. Mechwarriors, of course, disliked this new weapon system immediately after learning of its successful development. Of course, after entering full production they were distributed to Star League Royal units only. Some SLDF officers refused to use the special ordinance, claiming it violated a Mechwarrior’s code of honor, and several false problems were reported. Despite these officers being disciplined for creating fake complaints this attitude remained prevalent.
Brutal fighting during the Periphery Uprising forced the SLDF to use any and all means at its disposal to end the rebellion. This allowed Headhunters to finally prove themselves in combat against the Periphery BattleMech Divisions. They performed exceptionally giving the SLDF an advantage they sorely needed against determined rebel opposition. Then, as many Star League Mechwarriors had long feared, the formidable Headhunter was turned against them following the seizure of the Terran Hegemony by Stefan Amaris. Despite partisan efforts to disrupt or destroy the Headhunter production line these missiles found their way into the Usurper’s forces. Both sides deployed the Headhunter Missile without mercy during the Amaris Conflict leading to high casualty rates on both sides. Commanding-General Aleksandr Kerensky dismantled the entire Headhunter weapon industry after the war, quite possibly with the assistance of Minister for Communications Jerome Blake.
Game Notes
Headhunter Missiles are highly specialized weapons designed for anti-BattleMech operations only. The missiles can only be used on standard SRM and LRM racks. Their specialized equipment reduces the missiles overall accuracy. They function best when targeting bipedal ‘Mechs and suffer only a +2 to hit modifier. Quad ‘Mechs can be targeted but at a +4 to hit modifier. Headhunters are not effective when used against targets other than ‘Mechs. If the Headhunters strike a targeted BattleMech use the punch tables for hit locations. To determine the number of missile hits, roll 3D6 and use the two lowest dice. Tons, criticals, and damage are dependent on the type of missile used.
