’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?