’Mech of the Week: BLD-** Blade

[Kotetsu]

’Mech of the Week: BLD-** Blade

Blade. Business end of an axe or sword. The subject of three movies about a vampire hunter. A 35-ton BattleMech that first appeared in the maligned Dark Age game. Notably as the ride of the reviled Ezekiel Crow.

To see how his story ends, see Dark Age Turning Points: Liao. (Note: he isn’t using a Blade there.)

The path to the Blade begins with the victory of the Coalition against the WoBblies. As the Coalition forces began to transition to becoming the Armed Forces of the Republic of the Sphere, the eclectic nature of the military equipment caused consternation among the higher-ups. As part of the standardization/stream-lining protocols put into place by Commanding General Victor Steiner-Davion, bids were accepted for a new standard light ’Mech. Even though their factory is technically outside of Republic space, New Hessen WorkMechs won the contract.

Producers of the Rook, New Hessen reused many of that machine’s components to streamline manufacturing and maintenance. Included in that are the electronics, cockpit, and a pared-down version of the heavier design’s chassis. This pared-down chassis now is made with endo-steel. Light-class ferro-fibrous armor was installed in a flat plate state that gives the design an IndustrialMech feel. Protection is one point off maximum and laid out in a 9, 16/5, 12/4, 12, 16 pattern (head, center front/rear, side front/rear, arms, legs respectively). A 245-rated GM extralight engine gives the design similar speeds to the infamous Blakist Gurkha. An extralight gyro adds to the weight-savings measures used. Weaponry consists of paired extended-model medium lasers and a Class-5 rotary autocannon, fed by three tons of ammunition stored in the CASEd right torso. Ten double-strength heat sinks deal admirably with the heat load. I will note that all of the weaponry is placed in the right arm, but this is less egregious for being on a light, fast machine (and a well-armored one for its weight).

This model, the BLD-XL entered service in 3087. Because of the semi-modular nature of the autocannon mount, two variants also appeared at the same time. The first, the BLD-XS swaps the rotary for an old-school Class-10 autocannon, with one ton of ammunition. The second, the BLD-XX instead uses a Class-10 LB-X autocannon, with two tons of ammunition. (Note: the fluff for the -XX model states that the ammunition bins should use the same type of ammo, yet the record sheet in the 3085 compilation ignores this.)

The popularity of the Blade soon outgrew production, so the design was licensed to Graham-Davis Enterprises on Tamarind. Budget-saving measures however downgraded the -XL’s gyro to a standard model, swapped one of the mediums for an extended-model small, removed the CASE. The BLD-7R also uses standard ferro-fibrous, but loses two points of protection from the center torso front. This variant is the source for most of the bad reputation that the design as a whole receives.

Using one of these starts with remembering the paradigm, “Speed is armor.” Keep your speed up, get in, strike, get out. While a running Alpha is easily taken care of by the heat sinks, do be careful with the rotary models. Jamming is still a possibility, and clearing it will require you to only walk. While protecting the right side is a good idea, as a light ’Mech any hits can be fatal.

Fighting one is a pain. You can fight like with like and bring your own fast machines. The standard fallbacks of pulse lasers, targeting computers and precision-loaded autocannons can assist with his to-hit numbers. On the subject of targeting computers, if you can target sections, the right torso is a great target. All of them have ammunition that if it explodes will at least take the Blade out, as losing the section will destroy the engine. And if he somehow trips or is knocked down, be sure to hammer him as he struggles to his feet.

The Blade is likely to continue to serve, at least until the nebulous end of the Dark Age period. Numbers are likely still in service with the Republic and Federated Suns, with some additional number with mercenary commands. Noting that the second factory is in the Duchy of Tamarind, part of the reborn Free Worlds League allows for them to have gained some, as should the Capellans (after New Hessen’s fall). This means the Blade is likely to be on the front lines (on both sides in some cases) for the time to come.

[Wrangler]

Nice article, Kotetsu.

I think this is a nice no-frills machine, but i don't know about the single ammo bin for the XS.  I guess every design needs a hobbled semi-bad variant, i like having standard autocannon.  I think it would have been worth it to have the ammo in the legs for sake of couple more rounds.

[Weirdo]

I do like to use this as a nasty little strike machine. There's always something good to be said for a machine that combines Locust-like speeds with a potential 40 damage. O0 You have to be VERY careful when running one though. Light 'mechs are a lot less fragile than some folks make them out to be, but this one cannot afford to lose that right arm. If you plan to use Blades on a regular basis, I recommend you learn to love the left side hit chart, and become an expert at making sure as many shots as possible come in on that side. Might also be a good idea to pair it with something carrying ECM, to increase the odds of it getting close enough to let rip with a truly nice blast from the RAC.

[UnLimiTeD]

I have to admit I never heard of this mech.
The more you know...

[Natasha Kerensky]

Considered on its own, the Blade is a solid design for a high-end Spheroid light mech.  But in the context of other designs, the Blade is fundamentally a Legionnaire minus the armor and targeting computer.  Game-wise, it's hard to see the Blade getting used; the BV2 is nearly identical to that of the Legionnaire.  And in-universe, the Republic would have been better off procuring Legionnaires from their FedRat allies (or obtaining a license to produce Legionnaires if the Achernar factory is gone), not blowing a wad on Blade development.

[UnLimiTeD]

I don't know, the Legionaire is two thirds more expensive and loaded with negative quirks (balanced my non-effectual stuff like a rumbleseat and being resistant to piloting rolls after melee attacks).
It's a matter of taste, I suppose, though personally I'd choose armour.  8)

[A. Lurker]

Well, if we're going to compare the two, I suppose the BLD-XL is an LGN-2D minus some toughness (in terms of armor and structure both) and the targeting computer...and plus two ERMLs that it can use with no heat worries. So it's not just all downside all the way -- so long as the Blade can avoid taking crippling damage, it can actually dish out more punishment than its bigger cousin, and the autocannon jamming or running out of ammo doesn't immediately render it basically helpless either.

Sure, it's got its vulnerabilities. Neither the XL gyro nor the all-guns-in-one-arm arrangement necessarily fill me with a surfeit of confidence. But I think I can see where the roughly comparable (within about five percent and change of each other) BVs are coming from.

[Scotty]

XL Gyros worry me exactly nothing on a Light 'Mech like this, where the first couple things to go internal will probably be taking the engine out the back with them anyway.  It's especially useful when you're saving a full ton with it.  The 35 ton frame is actually an almost ideal time to use an XL gyro with an 8/12 movement profile - you only lose out half a ton to a 40 ton 'Mech, and have more payload than anything smaller.

Also worth mentioning is that the all-arm weapons mean that the Blade is effectively capable of engaging enemies directly behind it, something the Legionnaire can't boast, and that can be immensely useful if another Light outflanks you.

[Prince of Darkness]

With the Dolorie, there really is no reason not to exchange the Blade's lasers for clan variants at first opportunity. I'd also be moving one (or two) to the other arm for obvious reasons- it's only a C-class refit anyways. The standard AC variant would really benefit from using Light AC/5, however- but I think that's what one of the MW:DA variants is.

I don't know, the Legionaire is two thirds more expensive and loaded with negative quirks (balanced my non-effectual stuff like a rumbleseat and being resistant to piloting rolls after melee attacks).
It's a matter of taste, I suppose, though personally I'd choose armour.  8)

IMHO, with the new sheet on living conditions in the IS and with so many designs now using XXL engines, price really doesn't matter much. The negative quirks however are something to consider.

[Nebfer]

The all right arm armament is the main reason I'm not fond of this mech, I would rather have the two lasers on the left, so that a lucky hit will not remove all the weapons.

[A. Lurker]

The all right arm armament is the main reason I'm not fond of this mech, I would rather have the two lasers on the left, so that a lucky hit will not remove all the weapons.

Mm. It also creates a blind spot towards the left rear arc, though I suppose that on a reasonably fast design that's a bit less of a concern since it's more likely to outmaneuver others than vice versa. (Until it runs into its peers, anyway.)

I suppose there might be fluff advantages to putting all guns on the same arm, I'm just having trouble coming up with much in the way of obvious in-game ones...okay, upon checking TacOps, it might come in handy on occasion when using the bracing or weapon-linking rules. (You can only brace and fire the weapons from one arm at a time, which isn't a constraint if all your weapons are in it already, and for linking purposes all weapons on the same arm obviously conveniently share the same firing arc.)

[Alanith]

Mm. It also creates a blind spot towards the left rear arc, though I suppose that on a reasonably fast design that's a bit less of a concern since it's more likely to outmaneuver others than vice versa. (Until it runs into its peers, anyway.)

I suppose there might be fluff advantages to putting all guns on the same arm, I'm just having trouble coming up with much in the way of obvious in-game ones...okay, upon checking TacOps, it might come in handy on occasion when using the bracing or weapon-linking rules. (You can only brace and fire the weapons from one arm at a time, which isn't a constraint if all your weapons are in it already, and for linking purposes all weapons on the same arm obviously conveniently share the same firing arc.)

I suppose it would come in handy for shooting around corners and from cover while keeping the rest of the mech protected. Just mount a sensor of some kind on the arm and link it to a window in the HUD or a MFD and you're good to go.

[Sabelkatten]

It really should have AES on the weapon arm!

[Alanith]

Yeah I suppose that would help too.

[Scotty]

That's not a bad ideas, though there's no easy place to find the spare room without dropping either the armor, the ammo, or one of the lasers you want the AES for.

[A. Lurker]

It really should have AES on the weapon arm!

My first reflex was to question whether that'd even fit, given that with all the weightsaving tech already used the chassis would have to be pretty cramped and the AES would of course have to share the arm with all the weapons.

But yeah, turns out that it should be reasonably doable if you can just scare up a spare ton for it somewhere. And that doesn't look so hard in turn, either.

[SCC]

Why is there no version of this 'Mech armed with a blade or other melee weapon?

[Weirdo]

The same reason there's no version of the Awesome that fights by waving Samuel L. Jackson at its enemies.

[SteelRaven]

Why is there no version of this 'Mech armed with a blade or other melee weapon?

Why isn't there a Warhammer with a warhammer!?

[Nahuris]

This mech is one of my favorites ..... However, they do work best in pairs.
Second, after you unload that Rotary, the first time, everyone and their brother tries to take shots at it....... There is just something about a fast light mech with a RAC/5 that makes everyone want to kill it NOW !!!!

In one of the most recent games I played at Game Matrix, in Tacoma...... my Blade was responsible for an Orion, and then an Atlas..... and also, never failed to put at least 5 shots from the Rotary on target each time...... However, after it chewed the head off of the Atlas.... my opponent did detail a lance of mediums and heavies to corner it, and put it down..... and he would have, if he could have caught it.

Nahuris

[Weirdo]

Even if he had killed it, I'd say that using a single light 'mech to draw the attention of a full lance of mediums and heavies away from the main battle even temporarily to be a rousing success. Between that and the actual kills you got, I'd say you more than got your money's worth out of that 'mech. O0

[Nahuris]

Even if he had killed it, I'd say that using a single light 'mech to draw the attention of a full lance of mediums and heavies away from the main battle even temporarily to be a rousing success. Between that and the actual kills you got, I'd say you more than got your money's worth out of that 'mech. O0

Part of that might have also been the fact that he got focused enough on it, that I was able to lead that lance into medium range of a pair of Alacorns, backed by a Shrek......

Nahuris

[AJC46]

The same reason there's no version of the Awesome that fights by waving Samuel L. Jackson at its enemies.

bahaha i wish i could draw this up because that's a hilarious mental image.

right up their with battlemechs in drag.

[Fragger]

The same reason there's no version of the Awesome that fights by waving Samuel L. Jackson at its enemies.

Isnt he already the pilot of every purple Awesome?

On topic: I love the Blade. It is one of those RAC mechs done right. While I understand the argument against having all your weapons in one arm, at least the pilot will bring the mech home functionally when that arm is gone and doesnt keep on fighting to get his mech killed.

[Weirdo]

Isnt he already the pilot of every purple Awesome?

If that were the case, I think the Marik Militia would have OSKed the Succession Wars...

[Auren]

Nah, they'd get stuck up on 'Honor' and dunked out of the succession wars by Lyrans with Marik accents.  :D

[Jimmyray73]

A fast mover with a rotary AC? Yes please, I'll try it! Add a few medium lasers of any grade as backups and I'm pleased as punch. I'd look to use this like a fast harasser unit, but with the ability to lay out far more damage than the popgun Vulcan I used to annoy people with in 3025 play.

[ScannerError]

I've used the -XX before, and even with only one type of ammo having a fast LB 10-X carrier does wonders for clearing the skies and immobilizing tanks.  It's easy to get in the side arcs of vehicles, VTOLs can't get away fast enough, and any ASF is in danger of the Blade just walking into an optimal firing position the turn they come in for a strafing run.  Only other IS Mech that does the same is the HSR-400-D, which is significantly more fragile and loses the lasers for just 1 more MP (albeit with 60% the BV).  And while the Scapha C and Zibler B are fast enough, hover movement is more restricted than legs and they're prone to enemy LBX shots immobilizing them. 

[garhkal]

The all right arm armament is the main reason I'm not fond of this mech, I would rather have the two lasers on the left, so that a lucky hit will not remove all the weapons.

Agreed.  Back when BT first allowed you to create your own mechs me and my brother made a pair of mediums to test it out.  I made the mistake of having 3 of the 4 weapons my medium had, all in my right arm (the last was in the head, a small pulse laser).  When i got critted and lost my arm, my effective combativeness was severely weakened.

[Nav_Alpha]

I do like to use this as a nasty little strike machine. There's always something good to be said for a machine that combines Locust-like speeds with a potential 40 damage. O0 You have to be VERY careful when running one though. Light 'mechs are a lot less fragile than some folks make them out to be, but this one cannot afford to lose that right arm. If you plan to use Blades on a regular basis, I recommend you learn to love the left side hit chart, and become an expert at making sure as many shots as possible come in on that side. Might also be a good idea to pair it with something carrying ECM, to increase the odds of it getting close enough to let rip with a truly nice blast from the RAC.

Weirdo, can I ask your opinion on what kind of ECM carrier you'd reccomend?
I've found the Blade a trifle fragile and see you point - but what do you typically pair a Blade with to keep the flies off?

[Weirdo]

Any 'mech of similar or greater speed will do the trick, such as the Locust-5W2, or Mongoose II. I can't say for certain, as ECM isn't something I usually select units for, just a handy bonus I like to make use of, so I don't know of many Republic ECM carriers off the top of my head.

[Nahuris]

I've found that the right arm of the Blade is not all that fragile .... I've had them routinely survive combat against a number of opponents.
As far as support goes, I like to pair them up with the Nyx-100.....
As a pair, these two can easily chase down hover tanks, and ruin their day.......

I do have a force that I like to field, which consists of 2 Blades, 2 Nyx-100's and a second lance with a Razorback 10T, a Talon 6W, and 2 Hollander III's in the D3 variant.

I use this to hunt down mediums that are trying to flank, fast hovers, and pretty much anything else that I can catch alone, or in small groups...... to include a lone, wandering Hauptmann..... sadly, he didn't last long.

Nahuris

[Nav_Alpha]

Hmm, looks good. I've just discovered the SPR-5F Spector has the same movement profile, ECM and is available to the Republic.

A Blade supported by a Spector and a Locust that can range far and wide while something like a WLF-5 can range back and forth using MASC?

[Empyrus]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Blade-XR? Featured in XTRO Republic 2.
That one has reactive armor and a LPPC and a LAC/2 with a ton of ammo in each arm. Looks awesome but wonder about function. Lacks the power of the standard model, but perhaps it works as a harasser?

[Wrangler]

The Blade-XR is long range fast harasser to me. It stuck in a certain role. Especially good that light AC/2 can swap out the ammo for Precision. I personally dont think this was big production run.

[Empyrus]

Per the XTRO, looks like there was at least 5 years of production but further production afterwards went to the FedSuns.

Overall, looks like the Blade was pretty much a Republic design until the 7R came along which is used by the former FWL states, and at that point the Republic ordered the XR. And then they lost that too.
EDIT 7R ate all the AC production :P

[GreekFire]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Blade-XR? Featured in XTRO Republic 2.
That one has reactive armor and a LPPC and a LAC/2 with a ton of ammo in each arm. Looks awesome but wonder about function. Lacks the power of the standard model, but perhaps it works as a harasser?

Yeah, not really a fan of this one. The armor is handy enough if your table uses Artillery Cannons as an anti-Light weapon, but the Small Cockpit adds another weakness and that's never fun.

The Light PPC and LAC/2 match up well in terms of range, and I guess it can be used to dance around lighter brawlers that rely on ER Mediums or RACs (like the original Blade, huh..) and it can act like more of a skirmisher, but there's something a lot more fun about bringing a Light 'Mech to the table that can puke out 40 damage in a turn.

With that said, I am definitely more interested in the Davion variant mentioned in the write-up. It looks like it could carry a RAC/5 w/ 2 Small Re-Lasers and the Reactive Armor, for less BV than the original even with the specialty armor - now that's worth talking about. Like Small Re-Lasers or not, they have more of a home on a quicker chassis like this. From what I can tell, the BV would be low enough to make it the cheapest (good) 'Mech to carry a RAC/5.

[Empyrus]

With that said, I am definitely more interested in the Davion variant mentioned in the write-up. It looks like it could carry a RAC/5 w/ 2 Small Re-Lasers and the Reactive Armor, for less BV than the original even with the specialty armor - now that's worth talking about. Like Small Re-Lasers or not, they have more of a home on a quicker chassis like this. From what I can tell, the BV would be low enough to make it the cheapest (good) 'Mech to carry a RAC/5.

Depending on how extensive we're talking, it could carry medium RELs. Would require XXL engine (not impossible, the FedSuns seem to love those things nowadays) and composite skeleton, maybe small cockpit depending on ammo. BV would be about 1400.

[Nav_Alpha]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Blade-XR? Featured in XTRO Republic 2.
That one has reactive armor and a LPPC and a LAC/2 with a ton of ammo in each arm. Looks awesome but wonder about function. Lacks the power of the standard model, but perhaps it works as a harasser?

I used this in a MegaMek scenario - a Knight Errant facing off a mixed Mech/vehicle/BA Wolf star. From memory, the Blade was backed by a couple heavy tanks.
Keep running and plinking away with those light ACs.  I scored a lot of vehicle mobility kills or outright kills with the Blade, but it struggled with facing down Mechs that could hammer it big missile salvos, bypassing the reactive armour.

[GreekFire]

Depending on how extensive we're talking, it could carry medium RELs. Would require XXL engine (not impossible, the FedSuns seem to love those things nowadays) and composite skeleton, maybe small cockpit depending on ammo. BV would be about 1400.

I worked backwards from the -XR, so kept the Small Cockpit as well. But while I can see the appeal of putting an XXL on a Blade, switching over to composite in addition to it would make me not so pleased.

[Empyrus]

I worked backwards from the -XR, so kept the Small Cockpit as well. But while I can see the appeal of putting an XXL on a Blade, switching over to composite in addition to it would make me not so pleased.

I assumed -XL would be the base due to the Tornado RAC. Composite Skeleton is necessary for XXL engine and medium RELs, no space for it otherwise. Of course if we stick to small RELs, neither is necessary.

[Colt Ward]

Yeah, the LAC/2 with Prec ammo was to me for scout hunting and plinking moderately fast vehicles . . . then again, if you can catch a 7/11+ hover to within 6 hexes, you can get -2 TH on it & the LPPCs.  But to me that would be its roll, flank security and pursuit force.

[GreekFire]

Yeah, the LAC/2 with Prec ammo was to me for scout hunting and plinking moderately fast vehicles . . . then again, if you can catch a 7/11+ hover to within 6 hexes, you can get -2 TH on it & the LPPCs.  But to me that would be its roll, flank security and pursuit force.

Bleh, at that point I'd prefer a Blade -XX with its LB-X for additional Flak duties and the added abilities to punch holes and force PSRs.

[Colt Ward]

I love the LB-10X, it was the absolute best multi-function gun in the game . . . now the Plasma Rifle gives it a run.  But a pair of LAC/2s increase your chances to hit fast movers (-2 instead of -1) and gives you more opportunities to hit with 2 rolls instead of 1.  Throw in you get another two chances with LPPCs, albeit at higher rolls, and its a better mech to send off in pursuit of fleeing enemies you are trying to slow down or to cause havoc against a flanking enemy armor column.

[Empyrus]

Figured out what the XR reminds me of. The Rokurokubi 4T. Similar mobility, a bit more range and more hits though less powerful ACs.
The Rokurokubi is about 100 BV cheaper, though naturally reduced range and overall firepower account for that.

[LastChanceCav]

Figured out what the XR reminds me of. The Rokurokubi 4T. Similar mobility, a bit more range and more hits though less powerful ACs.
The Rokurokubi is about 100 BV cheaper, though naturally reduced range and overall firepower account for that.

The first time I saw the XR it made me think of a Rifleman that had traded half its guns for twice the speed.

Cheers,
LCC

[Empyrus]

It occurs to me the Blade XR really should have a variant with twin LAC/5s and twin ERMLs, with four tons of ammo. Shorter range, but more damage overall and reasonable flexibility.

[mbear]

It occurs to me the Blade XR really should have a variant with twin LAC/5s and twin ERMLs, with four tons of ammo. Shorter range, but more damage overall and reasonable flexibility.

Looking at the XR I think you could drop the LAC/2s and ammo to swap in two more Light PPCs. That leaves you with 4 free tons you could use to swap in a regular cockpit and gyro, and maybe an extra heat sink. Not exactly a baby Awesome, but not terrible either.

[Empyrus]

Hmm, maybe not but i feel the Blade's feel requires ACs. Never been a fan of turning energy boats into something else, or non-energy 'Mechs to pure energy boats.

[Colt Ward]

The LACs let it load Prec rounds to hunt down fast vehs & VTOLs, plinking them to slow them down.

[Scotty]

I would rather have a Partisan AA Vehicle for that, or a single LB-5X and some meaningful backup weapons or durability, or even double Ultra/2s.  Range advantage is at minumum equivalent to the precision ammo bonus where the UAC has longer bands.  In this case, the LAC has advantage at 1-5 and 9-10, is identical at 6-8 and 11-15, and can't even shoot past that while the UAC is still at medium range.

It'd match the best looking Blade, though.

[Colt Ward]

You also get only one chance to hit and the LACs have a individually lighter weight.  Its why you put LACs doing that sort of mission on something fast like this . . . also LAC/2 hit out to 18.  The LAC/5 is at 15 max range . . . not looking it up, but is your weight comparison also off?

[Scotty]

You also get only one chance to hit and the LACs have a individually lighter weight.  Its why you put LACs doing that sort of mission on something fast like this . . . also LAC/2 hit out to 18.  The LAC/5 is at 15 max range . . . not looking it up, but is your weight comparison also off?

No, I made sure that there was enough tonnage based on what was being bandied about.  To be completely honest, I'd rather have one UAC/2 than two LAC/5s (responding to Empyrus), because that range advantage is indescribably important as an AA gun.

[Empyrus]

I don't really see the Blade as an AA 'Mech. A light support to be sure, and I'd strongly prefer to trade energy weapon range for increased AC power, LAC/2s are just kinda lackluster. With my twin LAC/5 concept, i'd probably go for AP, precision, flechette, standard as ammo options, though specifics would vary depending on the scenario and expectations about what enemy will bring, of course. Run around, slowly add some damage to 'Mechs, not unlike the Rokurokubi, possibly deal with infantry where relevant.

Of course, i don't play with air power, except maybe battlefield support stuff from BMM.

[Scotty]

I mean, most of the point I was going for is that multiple LACs is a lot of tonnage for only a little bit more than the same-class standard Autocannon.  Which is also pretty bad.  It sounds a lot like trying to be a generalist, which is already a fairly dead-end career for a Light 'Mech, but also doing so with a massive tonnage investment for not a lot of damage (damage being the great generalizer).

I am suddenly, however, very curious to see what happens when you put an MRM-30/40 on in place of the RAC/5 or AC/10.  That seems like a fun time for a fast Light 'Mech. :D

[Colt Ward]

No, I made sure that there was enough tonnage based on what was being bandied about.  To be completely honest, I'd rather have one UAC/2 than two LAC/5s (responding to Empyrus), because that range advantage is indescribably important as an AA gun.

Sorry, I was responding to Empyrus comments about mbear putting LPPCs on instead of LAC/2s.

Plus for me it was not about AA hunting, rather flank security against VTOLs and fast hovercraft.  The Prec gets the -2, which adjusts their move mod and you get 2 chances at the motive crit at longer ranges.  And 2 TH rolls is different than the Ultra's double tap.

[Scotty]

Rather than get bogged down in a confusing three-way discussion about two things at once, I'll return to my thesis statement: Light 'Mechs aren't good generalists (which is the beneificial use-case for LACs, you have an answer for multiple situations with special ammo) and you should use vehicles for that instead.  Having a Light 'Mech haul around multiple LACs and specialty ammo for flank support is something accomplished arguably better by a couple of Scorpions with genuine antique AC/5s you hauled out of mothballs.

One LAC is an acceptable secondary weapon if you're running out of crits for heatsinks on a bigger 'Mech.  LAC-as-primary-'Mech-weapon is a waste.

The tragedy of the Blade is that its coolest looking version (the XR) is also the worst, and doesn't even have the good graces to be cheap at the same time.

[Empyrus]

I'm not terribly interested in what's optimal use of unit X. And sometimes vehicles are not an option, so i'm inclined to take a light 'Mech. (BV cost isn't a big deal either, for Dark Age games i bump BV limit -but cap unit numbers- quite a bit due to inflation caused by greater access to Clan tech and various Dark Age techs like specialty armors being expensive.)

[Nahuris]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Blade-XR? Featured in XTRO Republic 2.
That one has reactive armor and a LPPC and a LAC/2 with a ton of ammo in each arm. Looks awesome but wonder about function. Lacks the power of the standard model, but perhaps it works as a harasser?

I have used it, and refer to it as my lot attendant.... with precision ammo, I still get over 20 shots per AC, and enough range to go after the hover tanks that are more prolific in the Dark Ages ... one of those floating around deals with a good number of flanking hovers in an era of combined arms ...... Park em and deal with them later......

Nahuris

[packhntr]

Good weaponry, Good armor, Good speed.  POOR decision on placing ALL the weapons in the right arm.  Otherwise, I like the mech.

[garhkal]

Yea, all in one arm is dumb, all in the arms, is ok if they'r split.

[Colt Ward]

Why?  All in one arm will have the mechwarrior retreating instead of trying to hang on when the weapons are lost.  Besides, anything significant enough to take the arm off in one blow stands a good chance of endangering the side torso's engine.

[packhntr]

XL Engine, XL Gyro in a torso with standard case...with three tons of ammo.  Something sets the ammo off, it's done.  An arm has 12pts armor as does the torso....  won't take much

[Weirdo]

Why?  All in one arm will have the mechwarrior retreating instead of trying to hang on when the weapons are lost.  Besides, anything significant enough to take the arm off in one blow stands a good chance of endangering the side torso's engine.

There is something to be said for a clear indicator that your harassment and strike unit is in over its head, and the battlefield in question is too hot for a wee little Blade. I like to think that by design, the "Your arm is gone" warning light flashes ”GO HOME" to the pilot, thus contributing to the longevity and overall experience level of Republic light mech pilots.

[packhntr]

There is something to be said for a clear indicator that your harassment and strike unit is in over its head, and the battlefield in question is too hot for a wee little Blade. I like to think that by design, the "Your arm is gone" warning light flashes ”GO HOME" to the pilot, thus contributing to the longevity and overall experience level of Republic light mech pilots.

Somewhat agree.  However, there is something to be said about having a weapon or two to cover your retreat

[Orin J.]

Somewhat agree.  However, there is something to be said about having a weapon or two to cover your retreat

ideally, those would belong to your fellow soldiers. it's a lot easier to run away when someone else is able to provide your covering fire.

[grimlock1]

There is something to be said for a clear indicator that your harassment and strike unit is in over its head, and the battlefield in question is too hot for a wee little Blade. I like to think that by design, the "Your arm is gone" warning light flashes ”GO HOME" to the pilot, thus contributing to the longevity and overall experience level of Republic light mech pilots.

If your main weapon is gone, that's a pretty good suggestion that it's time to go home.  That said, I like the idea of having some secondary weapons to discourage a potentially wounded enemy from trying to pounce, while I try to get away. But this is largely irrelevant in pickup games.

[Greatclub]

I was very sad when I looked again and saw 35 tons. Light mechs can't be part of rifle lances, otherwise Blades would be prime candidates.

Other than that meta flaw, it's a wicked little light in the best tradition of the wolfhound.