Sgt Ron's Leonard Nimoy Memorium Submitted By Ron Frye#879655

I am a nerd. I have always been a nerd and always will be a nerd. I have spent my life as a "jock" most of the time, whether it be in school or in the military, but deep inside I maintained part of that young, idealistic nerd-boy that stared in wonder at the television every afternoon as he watched the intrepid crew of the Enterprise as it soared through the universe in search of new civilizations, boldly going where man kind had never gone before.

Today, an icon died. Not only an icon, but a role model, and a much beloved member of our greater community. We lost Leonard Nimoy , aka Mr. Spock. We will miss you old friend, long time teacher, and fellow traveler of those seeking knowledge and growth. He now watches us from afar and guides us as we continue our journey without his physical presence leading the way; but, the journey must continue. That being said, I ask all of you, "Who will carry his load. Who will continue his work. Who will devote their lives to personal growth and the pursuit of knowledge?"

My answer is, yes.

I will end this with one of the last quotes he made,

"A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory." - Leonard Nimoy 2015

Thank you,
Sgt Ron Frye#879655
US Army, Med. Ret. / Cmbt. Injuries












Submitted by Ron Frye#879655

Tinsel EMP Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

This was a prize weapon during the Xmas Clan Wars/raid, as such there is no longer information listed for pricing, limits, etc. What I can tell you is it has straight damage of 111, and a speed of 111, with the abilities of Crit-kill at 10%, and a freeze of 55%. That makes this the fastest ice weapon I have seen as of yet.

It goes without saying this is a great weapon to stick on any Ice thrower mecha. I use mine on my Frigis which produces a 100% freeze with each successful hit anyways. I have used it on my Sever, and my Boreas from time to time and have had great success with it no matter where I put it mech wise. It's fast, it's hard hitting, it's powerful and I wish I had gotten a hold of more for the limited time they were on sale. If you ever see one or come across it again, buy it!

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Faction Wars 3 Tea For Two By Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

There can be only fun. That's how wars got started, people arguing about what they call 'fun.' Like it wasn't enough you could salvage resources from fights you lose in. Let's not forget about the lottery. Many wonder who's pocket's are taking those ferrite, and what are they doing with it?! Too many incidents, big and little, here and there. Over time those mole hills turned into mountains no longer surmountable through words alone. I don't speak “manese” after all so half my own species I have issues with. What the hell should I expect out in space?

Last year's drills wore me down. Chassis repair last spring slowed me down. Replacement hasn't held and will need to go in again, soon as Acme has the back-order filled. ~waiting is the hardest part~ ♫ Irony of songs in the background has to make you chuckle, if you're listening. The universe has a wicked sense of humor. Learning how to dance in the storm is the key to most life's hardest moments.

I swear I think there were real Smurf's in those scones. Need to get one of those pieces tested, just to double check. Not sure what went wrong but my sensors weren't functioning and I swear that second battle crew must have gotten a fleck of the memorytin that I've coveted in my own Jadoon from a previous wars. It was unmistakable, the synchronicity as our opponents met up with our fleet, even without seeing another Jadoon. Wonder how much they can do with a speck? Flakes I saw were all picked up, or so I thought. Using a flake with my spare parts that I lost and replaced after a drill could explain a bit. Damn pirates, should have offered rum.

I never expected a carrier, who actually uses those services anymore? LOVED the outfit and the singing telegram style of days long gone was most endearing I admit. What a unique way to send an invite, but during wars? Really?? I know many of my men had genuine concern but I was intrigued.

~This message is from John T. Mainer, Renown Commander of Bouncing Blue Legion. Leader of men and machines. “My lads and lasses have put in the time to push for medals. Shall we dance.” As the messenger read in singsong the note, he piped in, “One, two, three, AND...”

A war dance with tea, very intriguing. None would leave a man behind so both sides allowed for body recovering under cease fire for one hundred twenty clicks. If you're too slow, time is up. <b00m> Why not take a break for a civilized cup of tea? History has documented many a pact made over tea, before distilling took it's place. Might note the 'fairness' of pacts tends to be more even from the former.

When I walked into the hangar, I wasn't expecting table service.

“Nice to see you again Deborah. Looking powerful and intimidating as ever!” John smiled as he stepped forward, hand outstretched in greeting.

“Always a pleasure,” I replied, accepting his offer and was led to the table.

As we sat and tea was served, Smurfberry scones were presented. I didn't recognize who brought them in, the name sounded familiar, but John didn't have any issue with the sudden appearance. “We shall see if we can't give you a bit more of a run for your money this time.”

Wish we spent as much as some teams can. Then again, maybe we would change if we could, who knows. “You're men continue to improve."

John's pride in all they've worked for showed. “You know, time was marching on and I hadn't seen you. I really thought we could take you, but not all of my players stepped up to the plate.”

I know the scene all to well. Family emergencies pull some away, malfunctioning equipment plague others. John continued, “First rate performance as always. Glory to Northwind, for her Brotherhood regiments do her proud. Those who gave their all to this battle know the worth of those we faced.”

As I raised my tea cup, I added, “Respect and regards to the Legion, may your mecha serve you indefinitely.”

It was an eloquent dance some say. Swift and sharp, weapons from both sides doing their job. I rarely see Zilla step out but she jumped for scones before I knew what happened. This wasn't looking good at all. The time delay was genius I must admit. Those jacuzzi time machines sure must be nice, gotta save up for one. Maybe I can find some wreckage one day and fix it up.

Never expected my point mecha to go haywire. All day after tea, things went fine. Checks were made, tweaks done and performance was fine. Back in the hangar, power went down, a few times. The frustration of working in substandard lighting wasn't helping anything. No alarms tripped overnight and things seemed fine until wars began. The gyroscope that was supposed to be my compass was so off, next thing I knew I was on 110th Street. Slumming for resources wasn't new to me but the timing was all wrong. Zilla was unresponsive, I'm certain someone slipped something in the scones. The memorytin was misfiring with Momma and other mecha weren't marching in time.

By the time I got everything under control and back on track, little time remained. Tried bouncing back but when I saw where I was, it was far too late. We may have won Gold in the first Faction Wars but this was not our best showing. I can think of at least ten thousand reasons we might have a hard time but malfunctions wouldn't have been one I'd prefer. Reports from the other division have come back with similar situations, trying to bring up 140 tons and 600 show up instead. Who knows what is dressed properly or not? No way to risk the mission. If equipment dropped in that hangar on the way out, you'd never even know it! Not like I really wanted to dance through this storm but made an appearance at least. Getting a visit from their Commander was a highlight ending. Momma enjoyed serving up a little CWs specialists hospitality. Pretty sure that Gold Medal from the first FWs caught the light just right, knew it was worth the time getting it to shine it's best.

The men and I need rest, we'll get this raid done, have a shake down and clean house. Once we see where we stand, a sit in might be called. Acme needs to get those back-orders filled or we're dead in the water. Damn ads aren't fulfilling all the dreams come true as they promise. Seems some things will never change over time.

Submitted by Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

Locust Swarm Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

This missile system is available for levels 83 and up first off, it has a price tag of 2,500 Ferrite, 1,600 Bioptics, and 70 Crystal. Bulk buy is an option here of 5 for 280 Crystal with a limit of 70. It does 68 Straight Damage, with a speed of 99, and the ability of Splash at 7%.

Great for your Torrents, or Magnus mecha as well as the smaller Shocklite, Luison, or Orester mecha. Of course with proper set up you really could stick them on just about anything. As usual equipment load out, stat allocation, and mecha build will determine just how much of a bonus you get to the weapons you use. The speed is about average for a missile system, the straight damage is decent and honestly for a crystal weapon the Splash percentage is pretty good. Really the only question here is how many are you going to need and what will you put them on?

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Weapon Review For The Widowmaker By Kalevi Karvinen#863817

"When it fires three shots in close succession, its victims get a one-way ticket to their final home."

When usually warriors first "best" projectile weapon is Fist of Fury (at level 8 from Axe Bot), now there is a available new alternative option starting from level 9. With damage of 35 and speed of 103, Widowmaker will do marginally less damage and is slower than FoF, but it will compete with reasonable price tag. When purchasing FoF (Axe Bot) you need 35 niodes, Widowmaker will be yours using only 17 Niodes, 390 Ferrite and 270 Bioptics... or 5 weapons bulk offer, only 68 niodes.

Of course there is 4 percent 3x damage boost with Wild targeting. Release amount of this weapon is 300 pieces, and it looks like that they will run out fast. So if your skills are aimed to the projectiles, this could be just what you would need to get your career started.








Submitted by Kalevi Karvinen#863817

Commander's Log-NWHL Where The Air Is Thin By Deborah Roache-Hudak#289133

It's been far too long since the last transmission from the General, I fear his technical difficulties may leave him stranded longer than any expected. His humor is missed by the troops as much as myself, no one replaces anyone after all. Some ask and I have little to offer in the way of news. I don't bring up the subject and most have let things lay.

~note send new transmission to inquiry on repair status

I remember being a little noob pilot, joining with the team and working my way up the ladder. I knew it would take a year or two of training, making it up where the big boys fought wouldn't come easy. I know when I joined, my lack of expertise to pilot many of the specialty mechas wasn't a plus in my favor. That didn't stop me from applying since I had a plan of my own.

When the first test pilots took up the 50 ton mechas, it was a cosmic experience for most. None would have imagined how much more was to come. As the technology increased and our ability to link into the system with organic components improved, it was inevitable. The connections reached 100 and those were some dizzying heights at the time. Some dropped off before they could reach it, leaving the program and wandering off without a word. Others couldn't handle the stress and blew up.

Now a few are well past 150 connections and the levels of operation are mind staggering. Having reached 187 so far, the air up here is thin. Options become limited at these speeds, you could tear apart your mecha if you pull up hard enough. Knowing how to maintain a pace you're comfortable with is the only way to keep up. Too many burn out before they can reach their maximum, best to avoid that.

The General would be pleased to know I am no longer in the orbital shitter, doing 10x more drills than anyone else. As the limit kept rising for me, he encouraged me to keep going. Eventually it had to crest and he was right. Now it's smooth sailing, toned and prepped I'll soar like a bat out of hell without all that weight tacked on. He always said the sky's the limit. Here's to 200 boss, ~cheers.

~end of transmission

Submitted by Deborah Roache-Hudak#289133

Commander's Log-NWHL Cyborgs By Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

Some say the strongest addition to the fleet were the induction of cyborgs. It became a game changer none would deny. Wars have been won thanks to the new technology implemented and improved upon over time. Many will compare themselves to the tireless drones. Hearing someone say, "You are like a cyber" has become commonplace.

Utilizing the best money can buy does get the best results if thought is put into it. Without their technology, it wouldn't be possible to Frankenstein off them. Many who can't afford the high price tag for genuine parts have learned how to best adapt. Factory stock can be more than what you think an arm or a leg would cost after all.

~note see to replacing broken chassis before going on test runs

The tidbits some make do with never ceases to amaze me. Some men have more heart is what I see, their drive is strong and they never give up. It's become routine to find another way, the highway has always been where it's at. If you aren't in the system, you can't mainstream like the rest. If you haven't shelled out the price, the ticket won't be there for you

Some do try to find a backdoor, most never even get that far. If you won't pay the admission price, why bother to peek at what you are missing out on? Seems counterproductive in some ways. Better to spend your energy getting things done. Too many spend too much time trying to not do things. Getting by, skating along-more like dragging behind.

In the end, it's all about stamina. If you can't keep up, you'll drop out. Outlasting is why cyborgs are what they are. Finding a way to get it done is the ingenuity that keeps humanity moving forward. Our fresh ideas keep the wheels rolling. Got to keep our eyes open and work on more testing.

~end of entry

Submitted by Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

Widowmaker Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

A new Niode slug thrower just hit the market for levels 9 and up. Its cost is 390 Ferrite, 270 Bioptics, and 17 Niodes. A bulk buy option is available for 68 Niodes for 5. At the time of this write up there are 284 left out of 500. It deals straight damage of 35, has a speed of 103, and the abilities of x3 damage at 4% and Wild.

Not a bad slug thrower for the level or the money. It's fast and mecha build can augment the x3 damage, stat allocation can help pump the projectile damage and the right choice for equipment can possibly bump both. The Wild is fun at least I think so. You can aim at a mecha directly across from you, pull the trigger, and wind up hitting the guy three down the row from who you aimed at. Why? Because the gun felt like hitting him!  So why not go for it? Treat yourself to a Niode Slug Thrower see how it works for you.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Being In The Brotherhood During Faction Wars By Pat Willis#224534

Faction wars are just like any other big clan event around here. The higher ups first do a roll call see who is in or out, then figure out who would best be used where, then after they make up their minds we get our marching orders. Some grumble, and complain, they don't want to be in whichever division, they don't want that much experience, or even their mechs aren't up to snuff yet. But usually such complaints, or protests are few and far between thankfully. Once we get our orders we report to whichever clan we are going to call home for the duration of the war.

Being in the Brotherhood we all pretty much know each other, so hellos are said, notes are made on mecha load outs, questions are asked and techs go over everything head to toe. All in all it's a pretty relaxed feeling for such a huge event, no one panics, Honor Guards are carefully planned out in advance, and everyone knows their place. Mechas are reviewed for specialist positions, the few that are allotted are handed out, and if you are one of the chosen you are a specialist representative of your clan for the duration of the war.

Some new faces are introduced here and there through alliances made with other clans for the purposes of war, but even those "new" faces which can in fact be folks you knew from other clans for sometime, are easy enough to get along with and cause little to no problems. This is after all the Brotherhood and while we respect others willing to fight with us, we will not tolerate those amongst us causing problems or making too many mistakes too often. We all calmly suit up, check over our mechas one last time and wait for the signal to go to war. We are prepared, we are well outfitted and advised, we are armed to the teeth, we are The Brotherhood.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Liquid Hot Magma Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

Available to levels 20 and up comes this new niode fire weapon. Costing, 460 Ferrite, 390 Bioptics, and 31 Niodes it's pretty cheap. No restrictions or limitations here, at the time of this writing there are 184 left out of 300. It does a straight damage of 54 at a speed of 103, with the abilities of Splash at 8% and Burn at 3%.

The straight damage alone available to the lower levels here sums up why it's such a good buy, well that and it's cheap relatively speaking. As usual stat point allocation, equipment, and mecha build stats can push the damage up. The abilities for being available at level 20 are pretty nice to boot, and may also get some bonuses from proper equipment etc.. all in all this is a solid little flame weapon. Most likely it will sell out fast being released in limited numbers in time for Faction Wars, so make your move and pick yours up now.

  Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Setaline Torch Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

A new crystal fire weapon has been unveiled for levels 92 and up. It runs 2,600 Ferrite, 1,700 Bioptics and 72 Crystal to buy. Bulk purchases are also an option for  288 Crystal for 5 of them. It does have a limit of 40 so keep count. It has a straight damage of 70, and a speed of 102, with the ability of Burn at 10%

Great for all of your fire mecha needs from a Cindron all the way through the Yallan mechas. As usual stat allocation, mecha build, and equipment load outs can enhance this weapon a deal so arm up wisely. A Burn percentage that is pretty respectable on a crystal weapon, with a higher end straight damage rating make this a good weapon to have. Shame there only 40 at present you are allowed to have as the newer mechas have more and more weapon slots available to them, and they seem to get more all the time. One can hope they join the 60 limit club sooner rather than later.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Scion Beam Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

One of the new crystal weapons released for level 98 and up, costing 2,650 Ferrite, 1,700 Bioptics, and 75 crystal. Bulk buy is also an option with 5 for 240 crystal with a limit of 40. It does 71 straight damage, with 101 speed, and the ability of Precision of (7).

Not too bad for a crystal weapon there are better out there for speed, the straight damage isn't bad but a well spent bunch of niodes can net you a stronger weapon with more abilities attached to it aside from just precision. Of course mecha build, stat allocation and equipment load out is important for this laser to really shine. Out of the box as is, it isn't too shabby but I think the higher levels have better things to spend crystals on or just supplement the crystal for niode and this becomes obsolete fast.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Dusseldorf Niode Laser Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

I got this weapon from the last KOTM tourney which was a classic chrono tourney, I did not see these in the shop under laser weapons so minimum level, pricing, and limits/availability will not be applying here. What I can say is this has a straight damage of 37, a speed of 104, with the abilities of x3 Damage at 7%, and Crit-Kill of 3%.

Personally I am going to use this as either a back up weapon or for sale for the niodes as it really doesn't do much for me. At  lower levels this may be a very worthwhile weapon given the speed and the X3 ability, crit-kill is always welcome as it meshes nice with equipment load out. The straight damage is by and large to myself unimpressive, however may be very worth while to a lower or mid level player should they find themselves with one of these. All in all not really a bad weapon, just not my style.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Fall Crippler Niode Ice Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

I got this weapon from the last KOTM tourney which was a classic chrono tourney, I did not see these in the shop under ice weapons so minimum level, pricing, and limits/availability will not be applying here. What I can say is it is a nice weapon with 40 straight damage, a speed of 100 (usually ice is 99), and it has the abilities of Freeze 15 %, and slow of 15.

An ice weapon above the average speed of 99 for such is always welcome, the damage while nothing to shout about isn't bad really once you equip it on a mech that is likely to produce X2 or X3 damage results. The Freeze ability is nice as it breaks the 10% mark, combined with mecha build, stat allocation, and equip load out could actually be pretty nice. Like say a high level Frigis, or one on its way through the levels seeking to obtain the 100% freeze ability. The slow is also nice as it can keep those speed demon mechs from getting the jump on you every round.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Crash Landing Back To Reality By Kalevi Kavinen#863817

Reality sucks! Big time! Specially when it lets you fly so high in your dreams before it kicks you back down.

I felt so secure with my grand plan, where to use niodes, what medal to take from kotm and when. Hah! I even get away with it some time. Took few bronze and gold, only two misfire with silver (one when I was too tired to stay awake, so it don't count), so I was so sure that all was on my control. Sure there was competition, couple strong ones who hunt in kotm with kinda identical strategy, but usually we take turns when we try gold. For that purpose that four turn penalty is really useful. Only when there is too big a change on player levels in division, we could end in “wrong” company and are forced to postpone our hunt (or fight). Or so I thought...

It started to go all wrong after last King Chrono. Feeling all high and mighty I rushed in to next one, Double Rainbow, and sped through my niode spending to make things more easy. That ended spectacularly in a crash and burn with lots of xp, but I did manage avoid silver and took still bronze. Well, that was only second “real” misfire, so I was not worried, disappointed yes but not worried... little did I know that it would be a trend after that!

So again in kotm, now Limited Gateway, and with mech and upgrade sale I boosted my line to the way over to the top formation. Unbeatable by anyone. Or at least a “normal” player in five level radius. Hah! Either level means a lot more that I thought or my strategy, and outfitting skills are nothing to brag about.

It started fine, I was early enough in, so all was in my grasp. Player levels were little wide, top was that five levels bigger than me, but with same amount of mechs so no big deal. And in here, at low end, variety of possible equipments are not so high that there could be really big surprises. Or at least my equipments are as good as theirs. So it would go by luck if they try to kick me down. And sure they did. Few ladders down. Then some more. And more.

Some of those drops I managed to track, who was one to do it. Couple levels bigger but equal tons with regular mechs, no raid loot on sight... Maybe just luck then, bad for me and good for them. I, on the other hand, boosted with multiple Keradons with all niode equipments and weaponry. Must admit that weapons weren't top quality ones, I haven't gone so far with my plan that I could use niodes to buy weapons, so all were from kotm or came with mechs. But still all were niodes ones... of course, others got access for those too, and even more, if they done raid with little luck on their side...

Time goes by, end fight creep ever closer, and I was in spot 40. Situation was way worst that it should be. Even bronze would mean two fights, gold at least five. Between need of niodes and avoiding xp, I was forced to make a selection. Postpone everything little and wait next event or take xp now and stay on schedule. I am little trigger happy, so fight it was.

And then reality kicked me. Hard. What should been easy climp up turned to be failure after another. It took eight friggin try to go in striking distance for bronze. Eight! Good grief if lost battles would give xp... At least next one took only two, so with 20 xp i was in spot 22 and could start waiting for end (or drop). What irked me little was, that almost all opponents were “new” ones? Old ones I did know, what mechs they own, what weapons they use, how to place mechs to counter their formations. But where those all came from? Did the factions wake them up? And will they stay?

End with bronze. Time to readjust formation. Strip all away and think everything again with hopefully new perspective. There usually is enough time to do main formation before next event. At least when you got only small amount stuff to rearrange. When I was sort of happy with results, it was again time to wait... and hit refresh button often...

KOTM. As unlimited. And I was only one level smaller than what was division max level. Lucky! Time to hunt! Waited for players to emerge, hit join when top 10 was full. Spot 11. Easy striking distance for gold if dangerous ones won't show up. I was so pleased for myself. It couldn't get much better than this.

First drop was little shock, but hey, lucky hit can happen, so no big deal. Second was kinda okay too but third formed pattern already. Some reason I was out gunned and badly.

Formation change, rearrange weapons, nukes in use.

Drop!

More rearrange with everything.

Drop!

Again rearrange, more repair in use.

Drop!

I was desperate. Everything I did didn't mean anything. Unable to see how many hits it took to drop me, this felt like total failure... again I was in spot 40 when last fight started. Again I made decision to take xp to get guns, so I did fight. To my relief it was much easier than last time, so only two tries and I was in top 25.

Time to spend, I looked more closely all top 25 players in that division. And one division up and down. Still lots of new names. Well, kinda familiar, but haven't had a fight with them. Oh crap! Division chance could be bad, but I thought that bad ones would go one up when I go one up. That only familiar enemy would be continuous nuisance. Not this tons of new ones whom I don't know anything about!

Well, end again with bronze. At least there is faction war ahead, most will take level or two from there, so there should be room for me to continue hunt after that. And if I go slow enough, they will stay ahead of me...

Ah, next event. Classic Chrono (or again unlimited for us small ones). Join just to the spot 11. Good. Wide at levels again, I'm in low end this time. But hey, it's chrono! I have won those before, bronze is easy... First day, spot 51... There definitely is pattern here, I get my arse kicked from left and right... This round is done, can't stay up long enough that it would mean anything... other than xp for me...

I do hope, that explanation is that all others had too gone shopping, so when I get my hand's on new stuff, I can again fight with equal terms... or that after faction wars all those new guys go back to sleep until next war (preferable next faction). But I'm afraid that this got something to do with how I use mechs and stuff, and how others do it. Start was easy because there were many new players yet to learn all tricks... now I hit a wall of campers, ones that had played who knows how long, with one account or another...

To counter this I need to observe their behavior, there should be a strategy that lets me win again. If nothing else then I collect bronzes when I wait for those to level out of my way. And if they drop me, it's xp to them, and they are one step closer to level up... I have time, so screw you reality, I will win again!

Submitted by Kalevi Kavinen#863817

Weapon Review Frozen Star By Kalevi Karvinen #863817

“Star of ice, star in flight, swiftly eliminate your target tonight...”

New elite ice weapon, Frozen Star, is terrific weapon for low level mech pilot. With minimum level requirements (level 9) you now could wield ice power way earlier than before (level 18 Sleet Storm). And with 35 points of damage that is delivered with speed of 99, it does almost double damage than next possible ice weapon. And it do it faster.

And just icing to the cake, Frozen Star come with chance of 2% Crit-Kill And 3% Freeze. Only downside is it's limited quantity of 250 pieces, which sell fast because of it's reasonable cost of 17 Niodes, 355 Ferrite and 260 Bioptics. Or 68 Niodes as bulk offer. But if you are new pilot, just starting your career as bad ass mech warrior, and want test different weapon types, this is your chance to get ice in your collection, but be fast, others want those too.

Submitted by Kalevi Karvinen #863817

Liquid Torch Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

A nice little niode fire weapon available to levels 37 and up if you buy it, otherwise it is also a reward for the mission boss Tory should you beat her, and has been awarded for various CWs and KOTM prizes in the past.To buy it you will need to shell out 555 Ferrite, 259 Bioptics, and 33 niodes. It has a bulk buy option with five for 132 niodes with no limits or restrictions. It'll do 52 straight damage at 104 for speed, and has the ability of burn at 16%.

Needless to say this is an excellent choice for everything from the Cindron through the Yallan mechs for their fire bonuses. The speed and burn damage really are strong selling points as 104 is nothing to sneeze at for speed, and burn can lead to shut down of opponents mecha by damaging it across multiple rounds. They may be found all over the place but these are really good weapons to have, either as a back up at higher levels or as a main weapon at the lower weapons. As always mech build stats, stat allocation on the pilot profile, and equipment load out helps the performance of this weapon. So get as many as you like, load up smart, and burn the town down with as many as you can carry.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Boreas Mecha Review By Pat Willis#224534

The latest 95 ton monster niode ice mech from Alpha Corporation is no joke. Neither is its price tag coming in at 17,400 Ferrite, 14,200 Bioptics, and 150 niodes just to purchase one at level 1. Remember as it is a niode mech it will also then cost three niodes per level plus basic resources to level up. It has an interesting selection of weapons that come standard when you purchase one. It comes equipped with two Winter's Grasp Ice weapons, one Burning Ice weapon, one Polar Vortex ice weapon, two Gorgon ice weapons, and four Enveloper ice weapons.

As a fan of ice throwers I had to get a hold of one of these really. It cost me a small mountain of niodes to outfit and equip but was well worth it. The following is based on my personal Boreas which is at level 97 now. Currently it has a whopping 42 weapon slots, 6 cockpit slots, 6 chassis slots, 5 engine slots, and 5 shield slots. Before equipment it has its own built in precision stat of 45, x3 damage at 8%, slow of (10), Trample shield at 50%, Splash shield at 25%, Laser shield at 40%, and wide fork at 4%. Again this is at level 97 so stats will vary dependent upon level.

This mecha is a monster plain and simple, not a real fast mover given the tonnage of course but if equipped right it can still move and keep up with other mechs no problem. The shielding is great and with the slots available it has the possibility to gain much more protection. In a nutshell this mech is a walking death machine with its standard shielding, and the two big guns it comes equipped with. Once you start to play around with the weapon configuration after leveling you begin to see the potential to be had here. It can take a hit and keep on coming while returning fire like no ones business. Basically it takes one heck of a large hit to break through all the shielding, or one hell of a lucky crit-kill shot which lets face it will drop anything.

I highly recommend this mech to anyone looking for a heavy hitter and heavy tonnage to fill their ranks as long as you can afford to outfit it both in weapons and equipment. This mech will treat you right on the battlefield. Before this mech came out my favorite bar none was my Frigis mech, and while that still holds a place in my heart and serves on my line loyally I am quickly becoming a huge fan of this new ice beast. So save your niodes and pick one up, in the end you only stand to gain wins and huge armor so you may as well go for it.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Frozen Star Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

Here we have a new Niode ice weapon for levels 9 and up, fairly inexpensive to boot. It'll cost you 355 Ferrite, 260 Bioptics, and 17 Niodes. Bulk buy as usual is available at 5 for 68 Niodes total, with no restrictions or limitations. At the time of this writing there are 229 left out of 250. This little snow ball chucker will do 35 straight damage with the usual ice weapon speed of 99, it also features abilities of crit-kill of 2%, and Freeze of 3%.

This easily outdoes the Blue Reaper which up until this point was the lowest level gun available for Niode weapons in the ice category. The Reaper came in at level 20, with 29 straight damage, speed of 96 and only the freeze ability but it was at a higher percentage coming in at 8%. The Frozen star does more damage, is faster, and has multiple abilities which although at a smaller percentage can be amplified through equipment load out and mecha build stats, not to mention skill point allotment. Overall a superior weapon to be had at a lesser level doing more than its well known cousin. As a fan of ice mechas and weapons I'd say jump on this one while they are still around and give yourself an elemental advantage from the get go.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Green Reaper Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

A new Niode laser is now available for levels 19 and above. It will run you 480 Ferrite, 380 Bioptics, and 31 Niodes. As usual there is bulk buy option of 5 for 124 Niodes, with no restrictions, and at the time of this writing there are 281 left out of the 500 released. This laser does 55 straight damage, with a speed of 102, and the abilities of x2 Damage at 5% and a precision of (4).

Not too shabby damage wise for lower level pilots, decent speed, and the pricing really isn't that bad especially now that regions are reset so often. The X2 damage is always a good thing which can further be augmented by mecha build and equipment load out. Precision is just a nice bonus to have also in conjunction with cockpit equipment, after all every little bit helps. The fact it is available for lower levels will most likely ensure that these are snapped up quickly so get yours while they are still in stock.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Faction Wars 3 By Pat Willis#224534

Well fellow warriors the third Faction Wars are almost upon us. Clans are scurrying to make alliances so that they can fill their ranks and claim the title of top dogs in their division. Uneasy truces exist in some quadrants of the galaxy and tried and true enemies join forces to fight side by side, as it is better than facing those you know to be accomplished. The call has gone out far and wide for clan liaison officers to start getting interviews in to feed the rabid appetites of mecha fans everywhere.

Battle plans are being made and lines are being drawn with everyone awaiting in anticipation for the hour to draw near so that they may unleash hell upon their opponents, rack up the prizes, and take home the gold. Speculations abound as to what kind of raid we will see upon the completion of this war. One thing is for certain, there will be carnage and smoking craters that used to be mechs littering the battlefield in both the war and in the raids. Make your choices carefully, your alliances wisely and come out gunning. We here at Galaxy Gathering wish you all the best of luck and happy hunting, see you in the winners circle!

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Overlords By Dan Huhn#838025

"If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst that would be the splendour of the OVERLORDS. "We have become Death, the shatterer of worlds". “You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival.”

We are death, the destroyers of worlds, fully developed, and we are now active an about to overthrow the Galaxy. Even without you, the warriors standing in the adverse hosts shall cease to be. Therefore, join up ; obtain glory, and, vanquishing your foes, enjoy are prosperous clans. All have been already killed. Be only the instrument. Fight with us, and in the battle you will conquer your foes.

Submitted by Dan Huhn#838025

Galaxy Gossip News Flash Special Report Allegations of Pilots on Steroids By Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

This just in, pilots are flying through levels at lightning speed. Although the newest mecha are purported to be great in stopping the opponents in their tracks, nothing can push the number like we are seeing for speed. It was documented that one million experience was needed to go from L171 to L174 yet other pilots are making the jump in less than 2 weeks, one in as short as ten days! That's one hundred THOUSAND experience per day, there is no mecha out there you can push to that limit and missions are a drop in the bucket comparatively, being more time consuming.

It is unknown at this time what authorities might head up the investigation but this scandal may be worse than the mining exploits that went on near Vupa 6 last year. We'll bring you all the news before you hear it, right here at Galaxy Gossip.

Editorial reports were made months ago when discrepancies in the amount needed for pilots to level first appeared, apparently dying as soon as it made print. Can you pull a magic 100k xp rabbit out of the hole? Do the math, see for yourself. The first pilot to go from L174-177 had to go through 660k drills for experience each jump, taking nearly two months per level. How fast can this newest shiny star in the galaxy get it done? Stay tuned and we'll find out.

That concludes this special report. Until next time, this it Deborah Roaché-Hudak bidding you safe travels and successful battles.

Disclaimer-This report contains more fact than fiction.

Submitted by Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

Birth of Small Bouncing Faction By Kalevi Karvinen#863817

Oh boy, really big xp storm is coming. That was my first thought when I heard declaration of Faction War. But hey, that's not my problem, I do what boss say. That attitude keep me little out of loop, what's going to happen next but I'm used to that... and seriously talking, I'm not so interest of all that decision making. Especially because I have seen in real life how one of those leaders frets over details in game. No wonder that there is some “not so active leaders”, who in his right mind want to worry about what others do or not do in game.

But luckily we got leaders who are active, so it took now time at all before shuffle started. This time it was not our own family boss, Papa Smurf, who kicked ball in motion. Instead instructions came from John Mainer, leader of Bunny family. He said that he took over big guns, Brian Kelley should take middle guns and Huijari Peli ended with small guns. Don't know what other two did first, but Huijari emerged in chat and did try hand over work to the current Camp leader... (and I find my name as possible leader? Scary thought that!!) Huijari had no luck there... but other hand, I'm not sure how serious he was. He sometime do complain a lot, and swears by the name of laziness, but at the same time is online in game crazy amount of time.

I wonder if leaders did know this war before it was announced public. Shuffle did star so fast, it did feel like they got plans ready beforehand. Maybe they did, there was two faction wars before, so maybe they got plans ready if there is next one... What if they keep track all clans all the time? That would be crazy amount of work, even if they concentrate only clans that are close to their own clans average. Talking about no life there...

New “old” leaders were inviting Smurfs through whole clan family, and Bunnies in their clan family. Also Black Company, Myth and Legend, 13th Black Cat, Fighting Furies of Mythic Doom and Knights of Vengeance was mentioned. Some I did know before, but most were new names. Player count in my clan increased by little jerks. Nothing moved, then came bunch of players and then again nothing moved. Again there was complains in chat from Huijari, something about Zombie Smurfs that won't move. And update how many players he had, how many was invited but not moved yet. Sounded little worried... wonder why, there is still week before lock down.

Happy happy, joy joy, Mech Sale, happy happy, joy joy!

This was what I was waiting for. I can get new Keradon and there is almost enough time to upgrade it before war. Almost, but not quite, need spend little when war is closer... only if there would be equipment sale too before that. Got just enough niodes to fill my new toy... was so tempted to buy two Keradons, but then I would be forced to use crystal equipment. And if there is equipment sale first, then I can use what niodes is left to update my mech... maybe it will be fully upgraded before first round. But if not, it will be close enough that I can use it.

More complains from Huijari in chat. Still missing players. Something about new invites and people who asked to join. If those numbers were realistic, we could end clan with 80 or more players... I do wonder what happen those who don't fit in because of that 60 player maximum. Will there be kicking out that “better” ones can come in... If leaders rank clans all the time, probably they do that to players too... so there could be some sort dream team list somewhere. This is starting to sound more and more what I have heard about RND. Maybe all leaders are little “something” in the head...

Upgrade sale! Now? Talk about wrong order. This need calculating. If equip sale will come, and is maybe 15%, then cost of needed stuff is that... so I can use this much to upgrades. Ah, there is at least one circuit before, so that's one upgrade more... could I sell some weapons? Darn, did that before that misfired Nephi hunt. Maybe sale continue long enough, so kotm have time to end and I could sell loot from there. Would be so tempted if niode sale would start now...

No new players in clan? Still missing 8 players, so can't register... What is taking so long? Big and middle clan looks like ready to go, I do wonder if they are locked already. New list from Huijari, still same players who haven't moved. I did even check kotm, if I could help, but all in there seems to be in some clan already... This sounds a lot at that kinda situation, when one can be tempted to make alt. Or two. Faction of One. Really no life solution...

Well, what happen will happen. Time to upgrade as far as I can and make specialist ready. Again. No new slots in base, but at least got new weapons to use, and couple equipment to try. Need to trust to the leader that we will go in the war.

Registration is active! Finally!Oh, more bunnies. Kinda big when compared to rest of us... well those gonna take full load of points for us, if they can't then nobody else can either. But this was relief, we can go war. I think this mean that all invited were zombies, and those bunnies were our last hope to fill clan. Ah, now there is advantage warning about lock down for war. Countdown is started, less than day left. I do wonder how many would show up any more...

Morning. Yes, clan is locked. Small Bouncing Faction is completed and on it's way to the war. Count is 57 players. If I read chat right, there was few last second entry to the clan, and I bet there will be some who remember too late that there was something they needed to do. But I'm in and even got specialist to do, now to make that as strong as I possible could. Still hoping that equipment sale, would help a lot... as would upgrade sale helped, if it had continued one day more... well, at least I'm get mechs fully upgraded and ready in second round.

But big thanks to all leaders who made this possible, and to all other people who worked too to make this happen. Our group got three factions in working condition, and amongst them is Small Bouncing Faction, newly born clan, who's first and probably last trial is this war. How do we fare? It's up to us, and that entity called Luck, but we are ready to make our Clan proud of us... or we could blame leader if everything else fails.









Submitted by Kalevi Karvinen#863817

Equipment Review Comparison of the Plasma Core Vs. the Grizzly Engine Vs. the Dark Matter Converter by Robert Clay #726411

The Plasma Core is a new Crystal engine to the market this year. It is designed for mechs in the 90 to 95 ton range. It has a Speed component, an Auto Repair component, and two Vulnerable components. The Plasma Core is priced at 1725 Ferrites, 1542 Bioptics, and 73 Crystals.

The Grizzly Engine has been a mainstay Crystal engine in the market for the last few years. It is designed for mechs in the 80 to 90 ton range. It has a Speed component, an Auto Repair component, a Damage component, and a Vulnerable component. The Grizzly Engine is priced at 1389 Ferrites, 1068 Bioptics, and 56 Crystals.

The Dark Matter Converter is a Niode engine that has also been a mainstay in the market for the last few years. It is designed for mechs in the 80 to 90 ton range. It has a Speed component, an Auto Repair component, a Damage component, and a Vulnerable component. The Dark Matter Converter is priced at 1193 Ferrites, 387 Bioptics, and 52 Niodes.

The Grizzly Engine has a Speed component that increases the Speed of every weapon on a mech by 2 points. The Speed component on the Plasma Core increases the Speed of every weapon by 4 points. The Grizzly Engine has an Auto Repair component that repairs 1 point of damage per cycle. The Auto Repair component on the Plasma Core repairs 3 points of damage per cycle. The Grizzly Engine increases Projectile damage by 4%, the Plasma Core does not. The Grizzly Engine opens its mech up to a 5% vulnerability to Opponent’s Projectile weapons. The Plasma Core opens its mech up to a 30% vulnerability to Opponent’s Fire weapons and a 5% vulnerability to Opponent’s Laser weapons.

With these comparisons in mind there can be an argument made for the safety of the mech using the Grizzly Engine. A counterargument can be made for the increased Auto Repair of the Plasma Core. A further argument can be made for the greater increase of weapon Speed in the Plasma Core. Even with the two vulnerabilities of the Plasma Core it proves to be a better Crystal engine then the Grizzly Engine.

The Dark Matter Converter has a Speed component that increases the Speed of every weapon on a mech by 5 points. It also has an Auto Repair component that repairs 3 points of damage per cycle. The Dark Matter Converter opens its mech up to a 4% vulnerability to Opponent’s Fire weapons. The Dark Matter Converter also has a 3X Damage component with 3% damage.

Hands down the Niode Dark Matter Converter, when compared to the Crystal Plasma Core, is the best engine for mechs in the 80 to 90 ton range. For the 95 ton mechs there is another engine to look at. But, that is another comparison for another day.

Submitted by Robert Clay #726411

Vadhar Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

To own this elite niode slug thrower you'll need to be level 84 or above, and will shell out 2,000 Ferrite, 1,200 Bioptics, and 56 Niodes. This also has the bulk buy option to it of 5 for 224 Niodes, with a limit of 70. It deals 105 straight damage, with a speed of 107, and packs the abilities of 3x damage at 28%, also adds precision of (8).

This is a solid weapon all around both in speed, as well as damage potential. It works great on mechas like Ammonites, Dreadnoughts, Harrells, Antithesis, Magnus, and Boreas mecha. Anything with in built projectile damage modifiers, as well as room for equipment to further enhance such will make this a devastating weapon in you arsenal. The straight damage alone is great but add in the x3 multiplier with a rather high percentage and you can single shot kill many a mecha.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Locust Swarm Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

Today we have missile weapons on the evaluation table in the form of this Locust Swarm missile system, it is available to pilots level 83 and up. It costs 2,500 Ferrite, 1,600 Bioptics and 70 Crystal. As usual a bulk purchase option is available of 5 for 280 Crystal. It deals 68 straight damage with a speed of 99, and has the splash ability at 7%. Limitations on this one are set at 70.

A decent damage boost for a missile weapons straight damage, speed stays within missile rating norms. The splash can be optimized with equipment and mecha type. Not really too hefty a price for a higher end crystal weapon. It has potential no doubt, it has a good price, and it has decent damage stats.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Weapon Review The Arbalest By Robert Clay #726411

If you have ever wanted a medieval weapon, your wait is over. The Arbalest is here. This weapon has the shape of a double crossbow. However, the projectile that comes out is a missile. The bow like shapes on each side is used to stabilize the missile as it leaves the chamber, and to absorb the recoil from the missile launch.

This weapon is a new release for Mecha Warriors starting at level 104. The Arbalest inflicts a minimum of 125 points of damage. It has a high reload speed of 100, which makes it a very desirable Missile weapon. Because of its outstanding appeal the initial offering has a limit of 45 units per customer.

The price for the initial offering of the Arbalest is a very reasonable 2100 Ferrites, 1000 Bioptics, and 58 Niodes. And, within the 45 unit limit, this weapon can be purchased in bulk. The bulk price is 5 units for 232 Niodes.

The Arbalest is a Missile weapon that can inflict 125 points of damage on the opponent in front of you. The weapon has state of the art targeting that searches for the most vulnerable spot to attack and directs the missile to that location. Depending on the direction the opponent is facing, with reference to the point of impact by the missile, the opponent next to your opponent will also receive 125 points of damage. Additionally, the type of missiles will splash molten metal at high velocity at an opponent next to your opponent causing 12% more damage to that other opponent.

Strap on your medieval weaponry today. The Arbalest will quickly become one of the main weapons that are standard on all your mechs.

Submitted by Robert Clay #726411

The Shape Of Things In The Galaxy Now By Pat Willis#224534

Good afternoon one and all Pat here with the news and things you need to know in your galaxy today. First off after much petitioning to various government officials in different factions, the Galactic Senate has forced Star Factories to relinquish their stranglehold on mecha production. Star Factories was forced to sell off designs to Alpha Corporation, Talbus Arms, and Consolidated Mecha. So check your retailer to see if they still carry your mecha or if it has been shipped to another dealer due to contract negotiations.

Also the Craftsmen guild has been very generous to us pilots lately. Upon leveling we used to get two free niodes as we leveled up to encourage us to keep at it. Last weekend that amount was upped to five niodes per level instead of two. All niodes were retroactively added to the pilot accounts to make up the three niode per difference level. A personal thank you from those of here at the Gathering goes out to Artemis Molly and Brainchef  De Cuisine for the extra niodes, rest assured they will be put to excellent usage.

Finally we have Faction Wars round three coming up, and you can tell by the sheer amount of groups trying to hash out who is going to join whom, and under which name for this event. The Brotherhood won the first Faction War, took silver in the second, and as a member I can assure you we are going for gold once again. The entire brotherhood may stand united against the rest of the Galaxy if push comes to shove. So get your pilots sorted and your mechas checked over cause it is coming up fast! Also a reminder to all Clan liaison officers, now is as good a time as any to go ahead and start your prewar interviews, we will be running pre, during, and post war interviews as we get them in for this war.  That does it for me Pat Willis thanks for reading Galaxy Gathering and happy hunting to one and all, good day.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Commander's Log NWHL Patience Grasshopper By Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

So much debate lately about campers and their origins. We have a few of the ancients with us so there's no debate when you hear it from the source. As the only viable way to stay alive after being stranded, it became a natural part of life. Recycling is just the beginning, re-inventing is why they excel.

Adapting and ever changing, finding new life in old hunks of junk others would throw away. Miserly some would say, thrifty would be the preferred word choice for most. The young bucks up and coming have no memory of the famine, they can't imagine ever doing without. Those who've walked through Hell and back will never forget.

~note order suckling pig and more rum for pre FWs roast

Hoped the campers would rub off on the new recruits but seems they are a special breed. Not everyone can sit on their hands and not go stir crazy. Patience grasshopper, you either build it or you break. We've lost a few to the Asylum. Good men, lost in their own delusions. Forever traveling through the labyrinth of their mind, lost in the canyons of yesteryear.

Missions are a 'no' for campers, battles only as ordered. As laid back as these guys are, it's hard to imagine the scars they bear. Hearing some of the nightmares makes me shudder. Men passing by so fast, their mechas tore apart before their very eyes. Images of the pilots face, frozen forever in their minds. It's hard to imagine what would be the last thoughts to go through your mind as your mecha explodes. To translate them into an expression would vary as much as species do.

I'm so proud of these men. The fortitude they have is beyond compare. They know they are the backbone, they also know the odds of breaking and take the risk for us all. If all it takes is a shipment of Rum to keep the wheels rolling, we are better off than most.

~end of entry

Submitted by Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

Frozen Wind Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

This ice weapon is for pilots level 39 and up, it will run you 585 Ferrite, 273 Bioptics, and 34 Niodes. Or as usual you can bulk buy 5 for 136 niodes, no limit or restrictions. It has a straight damage of 52, with a speed of 94, and the ability of Slow at (12).

These are some nice ice throwers once they go off. The speed is slower than most ice weapons which come in at 99, but it will stop someone cold if applied to the right mecha say a Frigis at 100% freeze ability. As usual mecha build, and equipment load out is important if you want this weapon to work for you effectively. You can find these by the dozen in most weapon shops around the galaxy or maybe pick up a few as prizes for various tourneys, wars, raids, etc.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Glace Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

Got a new crystal ice weapon in for review today for the big boys & girls again. This one is a minimum level of  89 to buy all told it will cost you 2,550 Frrite, 1,600 Bioptics, and 72 Crystal. Or you can bulk buy 5 for 288 Crystal with a limit of 60. It does straight damage of 73 with a speed of 99, and the ability of slow at (9).

This weapon replaces the Gorgon as far as damage goes (Gorgon 67 Damage, Glace 73 Damage), they both share the same speed of 99, and the Gorgon only has the slow ability at (4). So your damage goes up, as well as your weapon ability. Great weapons to put on any ice mecha from Nifthel all the way through to the Boreas. Again smart weapon load out, mecha build stats, and proper equipment can make quite a difference so choose wisely.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Commander's Log-NWHL Quarterly Maintenance By Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

Polishing medals seems the most tedious of tasks. Big wigs show up and we get dressed for pomp and circumstance type ordeals. Need to order a new case. Perhaps the old case could be kept. Not sure how long it would take to fill with only Gold but if the past was any indicator for the future, might be better off letting the grand kids have it for a shadowbox for their next school project. Three King's, one Faction and one War didn't seem substantial compared to the vets. Circuits are nothing more than drills, counting those medals would be pointless.

~note Email Acme dimensions required for new medal case~

The buzz about the Boreas is undeniable. All the men seem to be working double-time to get this mecha whipped into shape, with a smile I should add. Starting to wonder if some freon or other gas is leaking in the hangar. After once losing a man to depression despite his clan obtaining Gold, not sure how they can all whistle while they work, if it's really all about the Gold.

Perhaps things are clicking and it's all falling into place. Years of study, months of drills, weeks in practice and it all boils down to three battles. Like it or not, top brass promotes based on those results. Doesn't matter how smartly you managed your resources, how smoothly you fly or how well you transition. If you fail to meet the challenges of CWs, you're doomed to retraining eventually.

I would have thought by now the specialists wouldn't pose such a problem. Just a few are still rattling to disrupt here and there but it's enough. The new program should have things back in order in no time. Then again, having more Legendary Pilots under The Brotherhood banner should lighten the load a bit. Allsop snagging the most elite mecha was the highlight of our after-CWs party.

~end of entry~










Submitted by Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

Commander's Log-NWHL Clan Wars XXI By Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

Some days working with new recruits is like being back at the Academy. Problem is, I'm like the Principle here. You get sent to my office and you've either done something where praise will be coming or you've done something bad. Swift to act for both, I want no doubts where my men should stand.

This last 'legal' CWs was perhaps the most fun. Maybe the vets have become more seasoned, maybe my faith in them grew enough to relax. Not many remain from the frontier clearing days, when they pioneered this sector and planted our banner. Not sure the men can convince me it wasn't all about the rum but I'll let it slide. At least we didn't have Smurfs overrunning the place like the holidays. Damn near took all month to get everyone's mecha buffed from all those stains.

~note order more Rum for the Spring CWs

There's still a few adjustments to make but we're almost there. Months of planning and movement will soon tell how effective it's all been. The newest recruits have done well, their recent Gold medal hangs beside the others earned. The glint of silver here and there reminds us that our work is never done.

Raids have been successful and the new toys can be heard night and day. Next week I need to get on maintenance about the back-orders. It's crazy to have these guys risking their life and limb with inferior replacement parts. If Star Factory needs to raise prices to stay competitive, I wish they would just do it and be done already. It's impossible to get ahead when things break down all the time.

Post-raid party this weekend should be a blow out. We expect to enjoy the month and have some time to prepare for the next war. Wonder who will show up besides the cyber boys? Aff, time will tell soon enough.

~end of entry

Submitted by Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

Weapon Review Powerful Weapon Suite By Robert Clay #726411

There is a suite of weapons that are a custom collection for the Mecha Warrior who has achieved level 45. This suite of weapons may not be new as separate presentations, but as a suite of weapons they are one of the most powerful set of weapons on the market. This suite of weapons contains a weapon from each of the 5 weapon types (Laser, Missile, Cannon, Fire, and Ice). Each weapon has a damage level of 70. However, each weapon has a different recharge speed. The Missile weapon has the slowest speed at 80. Next, the Ice weapon recharges at 98, then the Laser weapon at 100, the Fire weapon at 105, and the Cannon weapon at 109. This suite of weapons will keep any opponent busy for the brief period of time it will take to declare your victory.

These weapons are a bargain at any price. However, each weapon is very reasonably priced at 600 Ferrites, 360 Bioptics, and 40 Niodes. Each weapon can also be purchased in bulk at 5 for 160 Niodes. There are plenty in stock, so get your finances in order for this powerful suite of weapons.

The Missile weapon is the T9 Berserker. When its missiles are fired they will inflict at least 70 points of damage on the opponent in front of you. With a Fork ability of 60% a second opponent in the front line will receive 60% of the damage inflicted on the first opponent.

The Ice Weapon is the Arctic Gale. Its icy blast will freeze the opponent solid enough to inflict at least 70 points of damage on the opponent in front of you. With a Freeze component of 25%, an additional 25% of the icy blast will cause the opponent to sustain further damage.

The Laser Weapon is the Flavian Spear. Its beam also inflicts at least 70 points of damage on the opponent in front of you. With sophisticated laser guidance a Critical Kill of 15% can be achieved. That means that at least 15% of the shots taken will instantly defeat an opponent.

The Fire weapon is the Diablis Nozzle. Again, its fiery spray will inflict at least 70 points of damage on the opponent in front of you. With a sophisticated concentration of the fiery spray an extra 30% of Burn damage can also be inflicted on the opponent.

The Cannon weapon is the Big Bertha. This weapon will initially inflict at least 70 points of damage on the opponent in front of you. If the opponent is hit in the right place the concussion from this weapon will multiply the damage 3 times.

Any Mecha Warriors would be proud and confident with this Weapon Suite on their mechs.

Submitted by Robert Clay#726411

Weapon Review The Arbitrator By Robert Clay #726411

As a Mecha Warrior, no doubt you have faced a situation where you and another Mecha Warrior had a dispute the same common ground over and over. You try to get your point across. He tries to get his point across. Neither of you are able to come to satisfying settlement. What you need is an Arbitrator. The Arbitrator will help you get your point across very clearly, and there will not further dispute.

With a minimum of 72 points of damage and a recharge speed of 104 nobody is in a position to argue with the Arbitrator. This weapon is new to the standard list of weapons and currently is available to Mecha Worriers at or above level 95. Because of its outstanding appeal the initial offering has a limit of 60 units per customer.

At the initial offering price of 2700 Ferrites, 1900 Bioptics, and 75 Crystals, it will be hard to keep them in stock. As always, and within the 60 unit limit, this weapon can be purchased in bulk. The bulk price is 5 units for 300 Crystals.

The Arbitrator is a Cannon weapon. When it is fired it will inflict at lease 72 points of damage on the opponent in front of him. The weapon has state of the art targeting that searched out the most vulnerable spot to attack. However, the projectiles can be a little unpredictable. Occasionally a projectile will hit the opponent in just the right spot and the explosion will cause a concussion that doubles the initial damage. Equipment can be installed on your mech that will not only enhance the initial damage, but also improve the weapon's accuracy which will increase the secondary damage.

Settle your disputes with an Arbitrator. It will prove to be one of the main weapons in your arsenal.

Submitted by Robert Clay#726411

Arbitrator Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

This is a new crystal weapon for the big boys and girls, this one happens to be a slug thrower, so projectile fans rejoice! This bad boy is minimum level of 95 to purchase, costing 2,700 Ferrite, 1,900 Bioptics, and 75 Crystal to get a hold of one. Or you can spends 300 crystal for a bulk buy of 5 with a limit of 60 on these. This weapon does 72 straight damage, with a speed of 104, and the ability of 2X Damage at 10%.

Projectile weapons are some of the best in the game just due to sheer speed, this weapon seems to be keeping that tradition live. 104 speed is nothing to scoff at, add to that speed from a mech with full equipment load out and a build that is made for projectile weapons and this gun can shape up to be a nasty customer fast. It has straight damage that is deadly as well especially when you consider how many niode guns do only 50-55 damage. This is stepping into the deep end of the damage pool, and once you're in it's just too much fun to get out again.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Weapon Review M-75 Tetrad (Elite) Missile By Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

A missile trend keeps your choices coming and this one is said to be electrically charged so watch that fork hit with a 25% chance. Pretty good odds for making that connection. There's also a 5% chance you'll have 3x damage so for a minimum level 30, this is a weapon to consider if you're short on missiles. The 99 speed won't slow you down too much and the 62 damage is better than average.

This weapon will set you back 35 niodes, 650 ferrite and 560 bioptics, but you can save resources buying in bulk. Pack a few of these on your lusion or dread and let the damage add up. The M-75 Tetrad has a few bonuses so you have options where you can place this weapon. Don't overlook another opportunity, with only 300 at the drop, it may not be seen again when it sells out.










Submitted by Deborah Roaché-Hudak #289133

Mecha Spotlight Northstar The Boreas By Pat Willis#224534

I love a good ice mech no secret there, my Frigis, Frozen Dream has long been a favorite of mine. So when I saw the Boreas available for purchase I just had to have one really. These puppies are expensive though no doubt about it. They run 17,400 Ferrite, 14,200 Bioptics, and 150 Niodes. Also remember that as a Niode mecha they cost 3 Niodes per level plus resources to gain a level and these aren't even available until you have a minimum pilot skill of 50. Right off the assembly line they come with two Winter's Grasp ice weapons, a Burning Ice, a Polar Vortex, two Gorgons, and four envelopers. No equipment per usual.

For the record I am now level 96, my mech is only level 59 at the moment so the build is more to show the direction I am taking this in, the final result once it attains my actual level may have variances. At level 59 however the stats are as follows just with build stats before equipment.

Tons: 95
Level: 59
Armor: 841
Class: Boreas
Bonuses before
equipment:
Ice Damage + 60%
Speed - 24
Speed + 18
Precision (27)
3X Damage 8%
Slow (5)
Trample Shield 50%
Splash Shield 25%
Laser Shield 40%
Wide Fork 4%

What I have done so far with the six available cockpit slots is filled them all with Haptic Interfaces for the 13 per piece Precision bonuses. The five chassis slots are taken up by Muon Junctions for added fork and freeze ability  at 6% each and a dodge of 10 per piece. So far the four engine slots are filled with R.A.C.E. Engines for additional dodge at 1% per piece, auto repair of one per piece, and overall speed of +10 per piece. So all told the build stats above after my equipment additions are as follows...

Level: 59 / 96
Armor: 841
Ice Damage + 60%
Proj. Damage + 16%
Speed + 34
Fork 30%
Trample 18%
Wide Fork 4%
3X Damage 8%
Crit-Kill 12%
Slow (5)
Precision (105)
Dodge (54)
Freeze 30%
Auto Repair (4)
Splash Shield 25%
Trample Shield 50%
Laser Shield 40%
Class: Boreas
Weapons: 29

Keep in mind it isn't fully leveled up yet so the stats will assuredly change once it hits the proper level. It has a long way to go and has been costly in niodes to equip and arm so again just an idea of the direction I am going in with this.

For weapons I kept the dual Winter's Grasp ice cannons, I added three Khron Ice weapons, one Tinsel EMP, two Big Bertha cannons, four Sikuliaq ice weapons, I added my five Tricks Not Treats slug throwers, and added twelve Gorgon crystal ice weapons. It will need more weapons as it will equipment slots once the leveling is complete so I have room yet to improve upon the design or change out weapons as needed. No shielding has been added yet as is this has cost a bit to outfit, so shielding will be last on the list of things to do with this particular build. As is with the equipment stats above it should be able to take a beating, add to that the armor levels still to come, this stands to be a rather intimidating and nasty opponent on the battle field.

So thus far I can honestly say as a fan of ice mechas when you can pilot it and afford it get one of these. It has much possibility to it, and the slots are rather nice to see in a larger mecha. There you have it folks the build thus far for Northstar, it may change as I go but for now this is what I am running on it, make of it what you will.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Illyrian Hegemony Equipment Wishlist By Sean Wadey# 356597

This crystal equipment has been around for since the early 3100's the equipment for the the lightest mecha actually was first introduced with the Red Ant in 3087 and the Shocklite in the 3090's. This equipment can be found on the mercenary, gladiatorial and black markets easily and is still in use by many Illyrian security forces and clan military units on tight budgets as well as the insane remnants of the Illyrian garrison on Vupa 6.

(I have not yet figured a balancing cost for these pieces of equipment but due to inherent draw backs like the Emminence Engine they will be relatively low cost compared to the bonuses they give.)

Equipment Name: Aquilam Cogitum
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 10 MIN 25 MAX
Bonuses: Precision (5), Crit-Kill 2%, Ice Vulnerable 12%
Flavor Text: See the enemy as clearly as an eagle see its prey.

Equipment Name: Lupus Cogitum
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # crystal
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 30 MIN 50 MAX
Bonuses: 5% 2xDam, Precision (6), Crit-Kill 2%, Ice Vulnerable 11%
Flavor Text: Cross communicates targeting data with other friendly mecha.

Equipment Name: Leo Cogitum
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # crystal
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 55 MIN 70 MAX
Bonuses: 5% 3xDam, Precision (8), Crit-Kill 3%, Ice Vulnerable 10%
Flavor Text: Designed for the master hunters of the Hegemonian fleets.

Equipment Name: Ferre Cogitum
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # crystal
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 75 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: 5% 2xDam, 5% 3xDam, Precision (10), Crit-Kill 3%, Ice Vulnerable 9%
Flavor Text: Calculating optimal targeting data to tear through anything..

A powerful standard among the Hegemonian fleets and infantry, their designs have been improved countless times. Unfortunately the same operating system has been in use for more than 200 years so there are a lot of known hacks.

Equipment Name: Scout Upgrade
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 10 MIN 25 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (10), Shield (3), Fire Vulnerable 12%
Flavor Text: An optimized upgrade package for the light mecha of the Illyrian infantry.

Equipment Name: Battle Upgrade
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # crystal
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 30 MIN 50 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (9), Shield (4), Fire Vulnerable 11%
Flavor Text: An optimized upgrade package for the medium mecha of the Illyrian infantry.

Equipment Name: Elite Upgrade
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # crystal
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 55 MIN 70 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (8), Shield (5), Fire Vulnerable 10%
Flavor Text: An optimized upgrade package for the heavy mecha of the Hegemonian fleets.

Equipment Name: Custos Upgrade
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # crystal
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 75 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (7), Shield (6), Fire Vulnerable 9%
Flavor Text: An optimized upgrade package for the huge mecha of the Illyrian defense forces.

A standardized set of armor and actuator upgrades used among the Hegemonian infantry, their designs have been improved countless times. Unfortunately the lubricant for the actuators and armor plating burns easily if exposed to excessive heat.

Equipment Name: Renown Engine
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics
Type: engine
Tonnage: 10 MIN 25 MAX
Bonuses: Speed +10, Auto Repair (1), Laser Vulnerable 13%
Flavor Text: A variant of the Emminence engine for the light mecha of the Illyrian infantry.

Equipment Name: Excellence Engine
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # crystal
Type: engine
Tonnage: 30 MIN 40 MAX
Bonuses: Speed +8, Auto Repair (1), Laser Vulnerable 12%
Flavor Text: A variant of the Emminence engine for the medium-light mecha of the Illyrian infantry.

Equipment Name: Distinction Engine
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # crystal
Type: engine
Tonnage: 45 MIN 55 MAX
Bonuses: Speed +6, Auto Repair (1), Laser Vulnerable 11%
Flavor Text: A variant of the Emminence engine for the medium-heavy mecha of the Illyrian infantry.

Equipment Name: Prominence Engine
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # crystal
Type: engine
Tonnage: 75 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Speed +3, Auto Repair (1), Laser Vulnerable 9%
Flavor Text: A variant of the Emminence engine for the huge mecha of the Illyrian defense forces.

These are the rest of the engines in the same series as the well known Eminence Engine. They are a powerful standard among the Hegemonian fleets and infantry--their designs have been improved countless times. Unfortunately these sturdy engines begin to falter when subjected to focused radiation of many sorts; this is a problem that has yet to be resolved.

Equipment Name: Scutum Flamma Mk I
Cost: 100 ferrite, 120 bioptics
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 10 MIN 25 MAX
Bonuses: Fire Shield 34%, Missile Vulnerable 12%, Ice vulnerable 10%
Flavor Text: Illyrian infantry fire shield for light mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Glacies Mk I
Cost: 100 ferrite, 120 bioptics
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 10 MIN 25 MAX
Bonuses: Ice Shield 34%, Missile Vulnerable 12%, Fire vulnerable 10%
Flavor Text: Illyrian infantry ice shield for light mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Lumen Mk I
Cost: 100 ferrite, 120 bioptics
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 10 MIN 25 MAX
Bonuses: Laser Shield 34%, Missile Vulnerable 12%, Projectile vulnerable 10%
Flavor Text: Illyrian infantry laser shield for light mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Missilis Mk I
Cost: 100 ferrite, 120 bioptics
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 10 MIN 25 MAX
Bonuses: Missile Shield 34%, Projectile Vulnerable 12%, Laser vulnerable 10%
Flavor Text: Illyrian infantry missile shield for light mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Telum Mk I
Cost: 100 ferrite, 120 bioptics
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 10 MIN 25 MAX
Bonuses: Projectile Shield 34%, Missile Vulnerable 22%
Flavor Text: Illyrian infantry projectile shield for light mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Flamma Mk II
Cost: 200 ferrite, 170 bioptics, 35 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 30 MIN 50 MAX
Bonuses: Fire Shield 32%, Missile Vulnerable 11%, Ice vulnerable 8%
Flavor Text: Illyrian infantry fire shield for medium mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Glacies Mk II
Cost: 200 ferrite, 170 bioptics, 33 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 30 MIN 50 MAX
Bonuses: Ice Shield 32%, Missile Vulnerable 11%, Fire vulnerable 8%
Flavor Text: Illyrian infantry ice shield for medium mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Lumen Mk II
Cost: 200 ferrite, 170 bioptics, 32 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 30 MIN 50 MAX
Bonuses: Laser Shield 32%, Missile Vulnerable 11%, Projectile vulnerable 8%
Flavor Text: Illyrian infantry laser shield for medium mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Missilis Mk II
Cost: 200 ferrite, 170 bioptics, 32 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 30 MIN 50 MAX
Bonuses: Missile Shield 32%, Projectile Vulnerable 11%, Laser vulnerable 8%
Flavor Text: Illyrian infantry missile shield for medium mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Telum Mk II
Cost: 200 ferrite, 170 bioptics, 35 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 30 MIN 50 MAX
Bonuses: Projectile Shield 32%, Missile Vulnerable 19%
Flavor Text: Illyrian infantry projectile shield for medium mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Flamma Mk III
Cost: 450 ferrite, 370 bioptics, 53 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 55 MIN 70 MAX
Bonuses: Fire Shield 30%, Missile Vulnerable 10%, Ice vulnerable 6%
Flavor Text: Hegemonian fleets fire shield for heavy mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Glacies Mk III
Cost: 455 ferrite, 375 bioptics, 53 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 55 MIN 70 MAX
Bonuses: Ice Shield 30%, Missile Vulnerable 10%, Fire vulnerable 6%
Flavor Text: Hegemonian fleets ice shield for heavy mecha

Equipment Name: Scutum Lumen Mk III
Cost: 435 ferrite, 355 bioptics, 54 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 55 MIN 70 MAX
Bonuses: Laser Shield 30%, Missile Vulnerable 10%, Projectile vulnerable 6%
Flavor Text: Hegemonian fleets laser shield for heavy mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Missilis Mk III
Cost: 440 ferrite, 360 bioptics, 54 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 55 MIN 70 MAX
Bonuses: Missile Shield 30%, Projectile Vulnerable 10%, Laser vulnerable 6%
Flavor Text: Hegemonian fleets missile shield for heavy mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Telum Mk III
Cost: 445 ferrite, 365 bioptics, 53 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 55 MIN 70 MAX
Bonuses: Projectile Shield 30%, Missile Vulnerable 16%
Flavor Text: Hegemonian fleets projectile shield for heavy mecha.

Equipment Name: Scutum Flamma Mk IV
Cost: 400 ferrite, 270 bioptics, 66 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 75 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Fire Shield 28%, Missile Vulnerable 9%, Ice vulnerable 4%
Flavor Text: Fire shield for the huge mecha of the Illyrian defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Glacies Mk IV
Cost: 400 ferrite, 270 bioptics, 66 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 75 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Ice Shield 28%, Missile Vulnerable 9%, Fire vulnerable 4%
Flavor Text: Ice shield for the huge mecha of the Illyrian defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Lumen Mk IV
Cost: 400 ferrite, 270 bioptics, 66 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 75 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Laser Shield 28%, Missile Vulnerable 9%, Projectile vulnerable 4%
Flavor Text: Laser shield for the huge mecha of the Illyrian defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Missilis Mk IV
Cost: 400 ferrite, 270 bioptics, 66 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 75 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Missile Shield 28%, Projectile Vulnerable 9%, Laser vulnerable 4%
Flavor Text: Missile shield for the huge mecha of the Illyrian defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Telum Mk IV
Cost: 400 ferrite, 270 bioptics, 66 crystal
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 75 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Projectile Shield 28%, Missile Vulnerable 13%
Flavor Text: Projectile shield for the huge mecha of the Illyrian defense forces.

At first glance these are very similar to the shields available on the mercenary and black markets. However the Illyrian shields seem to attract missiles with the one exception of the missile shield which is based on point defense technology instead of an energy field.

(Note that a 60 to 70 ton mecha with 4 cockpit, chassis and engine slots and 5 shield slots using the above equipment and Eminence Engines and one of each type of shield would have the following modifiers from equipment: Speed +16, Auto-repair (4), Dodge (32), Shield (20), Precision (32), Crit-kill +12, Projectile Shield 14%, Laser Vulnerable 16%, Missile Vulnerable 16%, Fire Vulnerable 16% and Ice Vulnerable 16%. This is not actually considered that much of a draw back since the Meji Shogunate and Cogwerks forces rely so heavily on projectile weapons.)

Now recently the Illyrian Hegemony has allowed Star Factories to start selling the Ammonite, Gigus, Skraig, Nakshi, Magnus, Jadoon and Yallan on the open mercenary market. This is alien technology they have been researching for years and/or the heaviest and most powerful weapon systems used by clans such as the House of Romulous and Strategoi. The only reason these would be going to the mercenary market is Star Factories is already producing something better strictly for the clans of the Illyrian Hegemony.

(The following Niode equipment is what I believe they have developed to replace the older systems above for these yet to be revealed new mecha. Again I have not yet determined a balanced cost.)

Equipment Name: Deimos Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 10 MIN 20 MAX
Bonuses: Precision (+4), Crit-Kill +2%, +3% 2xDamage
Flavor Text: Designed for Light combat and reconnaissance mecha

Equipment Name: Mercurey Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 25 MIN 40 MAX
Bonuses: Precision (+6), Crit-Kill +3%, +6% 2xDamage
Flavor Text: Designed for medium combat and reconnaissance mecha

Equipment Name: Diana Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 25 MIN 40 MAX
Bonuses: Precision (+6), Crit-Kill +3%, +3% Splash
Flavor Text: Designed for medium area support mecha

Equipment Name: Iris Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 45 MIN 65 MAX
Bonuses: Precision (+8), Crit-Kill +3%, +4% Freeze, Slow (5)
Flavor Text: Designed for medium command mecha

Equipment Name: Phobos Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 45 MIN 65 MAX
Bonuses: Precision (+8), Crit-Kill +3%, +9% 2xDamage
Flavor Text: Designed for heavy combat mecha

Equipment Name: Nike Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Precision (+10), +3% Crit-Kill, 6% 3xDamage
Flavor Text: Designed for huge combat mecha

Equipment Name: Apollo Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Precision (+10), +3% Crit-Kill, 12% Fork
Flavor Text: Designed for huge area support mecha

Equipment Name: Artemis Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Precision (+10), +3% Crit-Kill, 4% Trample, 4% Splash
Flavor Text: Designed for huge artillery support mecha

Equipment Name: Athena Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Precision (+10), +3% Crit-Kill, 6% Freeze, Slow (6)
Flavor Text: Designed for huge command mecha

Equipment Name: Victoria Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: 5% 2xDam, 5% 3xDam, Precision (12), Crit-Kill 3%
Flavor Text: Designed for combat super mecha

Equipment Name: Minerva Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: 3% Fork, 3% Wide Fork, Precision (12), Crit-Kill 3%
Flavor Text: Designed for area support super mecha

Equipment Name: Nemesis Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: 5% Trample, 5% Splash, Precision (12), Crit-Kill 3%
Flavor Text: Designed for artillery support super mecha

Equipment Name: Jove Cogitator
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: cockpit
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: 8% Freeze, Slow (7), Precision (12), Crit-Kill 3%
Flavor Text: Designed for command super mecha

A new standard among the Hegemonian military, a new secure operating system with the latest in intrusion counter protocols.

Equipment Name: Lorica Minima
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 10 MIN 20 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (12), Shield (4)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new upgrade package for the light mecha of the Illyrian infantry.

Equipment Name: Lorica Minorum
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 25 MIN 40 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (11), Shield (5)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new upgrade package for the medium-light mecha of the Illyrian infantry

Equipment Name: : Lorica Majorum
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 45 MIN 65 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (10), Shield (6)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new upgrade package for the medium-heavy mecha of the Illyrian infantry and Hegemonian Fleet

Equipment Name: Lorica Segmentum
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (9), Shield (7)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s optimized upgrade package for Pilus and Primus class mecha.

Equipment Name: Lorica Musculata
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (8), Shield (8)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s optimized upgrade package for Praetorian and Praefect class mecha.

Novum Lorica recently solved the flammable lubricant issues and has created a new standardized set of armor and actuator upgrades for use by the Hegemonian infantry, fleet and defense forces. These new technologies were implemented while they worked on creating the Pilus and Primus class mecha.

Equipment Name: Equis Actuators
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 35 MIN 50 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (12), Speed (4)
Flavor Text: Novum Equis designed actuators optimized for their centauroid mecha

Equipment Name: Castronum LXXV
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (9), +6% Trample, +6% Projectile Damage, +66% Laser Damage
Flavor Text: Novum Castronum ‘s actuator upgrade package for huge artillery and siege mecha.

Equipment Name: Castronum Centum
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (8), +8% Trample, +8% Projectile Damage, +8% Laser Damage
Flavor Text: Novum Castronum ‘s actuator upgrade package for the largest artillery and siege mecha.

Equipment Name: Dolorum Firebase
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (9), +3% Splash, +6% Missile Damage, +6% Fire Damage
Flavor Text: Novum Dolorum ‘s actuator optimized upgrade package for huge area effect support mecha.

Equipment Name: Dolorum Vesuvia
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: chassis
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: Dodge (8), +4% Splash, +8% Missile Damage, +8% Fire Damage
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s actuator optimized upgrade package for the largest area effect support mecha.

Other recently designed chassis modifications

Equipment Name: Renown 150
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: engine
Tonnage: 10 MIN 20 MAX
Bonuses: Speed +20, Auto Repair (2)
Flavor Text: The newest upgrade to the Renown Engine for the light mecha of the Illyrian infantry.

Equipment Name: Excellence 325
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: engine
Tonnage: 25 MIN 40 MAX
Bonuses: Speed +15, Auto Repair (1), 5% 2xDamage
Flavor Text: The newest upgrade to the Excellence engine for the medium-light mecha of the Illyrian infantry.

Equipment Name: Distinction 550
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: engine
Tonnage: 45 MIN 65 MAX
Bonuses: Speed +11, Auto Repair (1), 5% 3xDamage
Flavor Text: The newest upgrade to the Distinction engine for the medium-heavy mecha of the Illyrian infantry.

Equipment Name: Emminence 775
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: engine
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Speed +8, Auto Repair (1), 5% 2xDamage, 5% 3xDamage
Flavor Text: The newest upgrade to the Emminence engine for the huge mecha of the Illyrian infantry.

Equipment Name: Prominence 950
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: engine
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: Speed +6, Auto Repair (1), 7% 2xDamage, 7% 3xDamage
Flavor Text: The newest upgrade to the Prominence engine for the huge mecha of the Illyrian defense forces.

Novum Castronum has solved the radiation issues and once again improved the Eminence series of Engines. This is a new standardized set of engines for use by the Hegemonian infantry, fleet and defense forces. These new technologies were implemented while they worked with the House of Strategoi and Star Factories to make some of the newest purely human designed mecha in the Hegemony.

Equipment Name: Scutum Flamma XX
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 10 MIN 20 MAX
Bonuses: Fire Shield 32%, Fire Shield (6)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new fire shield for light mecha of the Illyrian Infantry.

Equipment Name: Scutum Glacies XX
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 10 MIN 20 MAX
Bonuses: Ice Shield 32%, Ice Shield (6)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new ice shield for light mecha of the Illyrian Infantry.

Equipment Name: Scutum Lumen XX
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 10 MIN 20 MAX
Bonuses: Laser Shield 32%, laser Shield (6)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new laser shield for light mecha of the Illyrian Infantry.

Equipment Name: Scutum Missilis XX
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 10 MIN 20 MAX
Bonuses: Missile Shield 32%, Missile Shield (6)
Flavor Text Novum Lorica ‘s new missile shield for light mecha of the Illyrian Infantry.

Equipment Name: Scutum Telum XX
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 10 MIN 20 MAX
Bonuses: Projectile Shield 32%, Projectile Shield (6)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new projectile shield for light mecha of the Illyrian Infantry.

Equipment Name: Scutum Flamma XL
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 25 MIN 40 MAX
Bonuses: Fire Shield 31%, Fire Shield (10)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new fire shield for medium-light mecha of the Illyrian Infantry.

Equipment Name: Scutum Glacies XL
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 25 MIN 40 MAX
Bonuses: Ice Shield 31%, Ice Shield (10)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new Ice shield for medium-light mecha of the Illyrian Infantry.

Equipment Name: Scutum Lumen XL
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 25 MIN 40 MAX
Bonuses: Laser Shield 31%, Laser Shield (10)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new laser shield for medium-light mecha of the Illyrian Infantry.

Equipment Name: Scutum Missilis XL
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 25 MIN 40 MAX
Bonuses: Missile Shield 31%, Missile Shield (10)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new missile shield for medium-light mecha of the Illyrian Infantry.

Equipment Name: Scutum Telum XL
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 25 MIN 40 MAX
Bonuses: Projectile Shield 31%, Projectile Shield (10)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new projectile shield for medium-light mecha of the Illyrian Infantry

Equipment Name: Scutum Flamma LXV
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 45 MIN 65 MAX
Bonuses: Fire Shield 30%, Fire Shield (15)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new fire shield for medium-heavy mecha of the Illyrian Infantry and Hegemonian fleets.

Equipment Name: Scutum Glacies LXV
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 45 MIN 65 MAX
Bonuses: Ice Shield 30%, Ice Shield (15)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new Ice shield for medium-heavy mecha of the Illyrian Infantry and Hegemonian fleets.

Equipment Name: Scutum Lumen LXV
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 45 MIN 65 MAX
Bonuses: Laser Shield 30%, Laser Shield (15)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new Laser shield for medium-heavy mecha of the Illyrian Infantry and Hegemonian fleets.

Equipment Name: Scutum Missilis LXV
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 45 MIN 65 MAX
Bonuses: Missile Shield 30%, Missile Shield (15)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new Missile shield for medium-heavy mecha of the Illyrian Infantry and Hegemonian fleets.

Equipment Name: Scutum Telum LXV
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 45 MIN 65 MAX
Bonuses: Projectile Shield 30%, Projectile Shield (15)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new Projectile shield for medium-heavy mecha of the Illyrian Infantry and Hegemonian fleets.

Equipment Name: Scutum Flamma XVC
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Fire Shield 29%, Fire Shield (21)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new fire shield for heavy-huge mecha of the Hegemonian fleets and Illyrian defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Glacies XVC
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Ice Shield 29%, Ice Shield (21)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new Ice shield for heavy-huge mecha of the Hegemonian fleets and Illyrian defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Lumen XVC
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Laser Shield 29%, Laser Shield (21)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new Laser shield for heavy-huge mecha of the Hegemonian fleets and Illyrian defense forces..

Equipment Name: Scutum Missilis XVC
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Missile Shield 29%, Missile Shield (21)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new Missile shield for heavy-huge mecha of the Hegemonian fleets and Illyrian defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Telum XVC
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Projectile Shield 29%, Projectile Shield (21)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new Projectile shield for heavy-huge mecha of the Hegemonian fleets and Illyrian defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Flamma C
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: Fire Shield 28%, Fire Shield (28)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new fire shield for the super mecha of the new Illyrian Legion and defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Glacies C
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: Ice Shield 28%, Ice Shield (28)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new Ice shield for the super mecha of the new Illyrian Legion and defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Lumen C
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: Laser Shield 28%, Laser Shield (28)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new Laser shield for the super mecha of the new Illyrian Legion and defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Missilis C
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: Missile Shield 28%, Missile Shield (28)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new Missile shield for the super mecha of the new Illyrian Legion and defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Telum C
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: Projectile Shield 28%, Projectile Shield (28)
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new projectile shield for the super mecha of the new Illyrian Legion and defense forces.

Novum Lorica has discovered a way to make a shield without weakening other shields or making a mecha vulnerable to certain kinds of attacks. Although slightly weaker than the niode shields available on the mercenary market the lack of vulnerability is quickly making these the new standard of Illyrian armed forces.The Scutum Circum series combines technology from the Hoplite, Ammonite and Magnus with what has been learned from alien and forerunner mecha to create area defense shielding.

Equipment Name: Scutum Circum XX
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 10 MIN 20 MAX
Bonuses: Trample Shield 26%, Splash Shield 13%
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new area defense shield for light mecha of the Illyrian Infantry.

Equipment Name: Scutum Circum XL
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 25 MIN 40 MAX
Bonuses: Trample Shield 28%, Splash Shield 14%
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new area defense shield for medium-light mecha of the Illyrian Infantry.

Equipment Name: Scutum Circum LXV
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 45 MIN 65 MAX
Bonuses: Trample Shield 30%, Splash Shield 15%
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new area defense shield for medium-heavy mecha of the Illyrian Infantry and Hegemonian fleets.

Equipment Name: Scutum Circum XVC
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 70 MIN 85 MAX
Bonuses: Trample Shield 34%, Splash Shield 17%
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new area defense shield for heavy-huge mecha of the Hegemonian fleets and Illyrian defense forces.

Equipment Name: Scutum Circum C
Cost: # ferrite, # bioptics, # niodes
Type: Shield
Tonnage: 90 MIN 100 MAX
Bonuses: Trample Shield 36%, Splash Shield 18%
Flavor Text: Novum Lorica ‘s new area defense shield for the super mecha of the new Illyrian Legion and defense forces.

Submitted  by Sean Wadey# 356597