Kanabo Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

This monster weapon is the latest slug thrower for levels 113 and up. It costs 2,600 Ferrite, 900 Bioptics and 58 Niodes. It has a limit of 45, and a bulk option to buy 5 for 232 niodes. It does 125 straight damage, has 105 speed and does 3x damage at 30%, with Trample at 6% for abilities.

By way of comparison the Chronysis Rail is available at level 92, does 115 straight damage, has a speed of 107, and  packs same x3 at 30%, but has Precision of 9 as opposed to Trample of 6%. So the Kanabo packs more punch, at a slightly slower speed with a bit extra on the back end for abilities. Recommended for solid artillery heavy mechas to get all the bonuses you can out of it.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Hiring For Monk's Shop Talk By Ron Frye#87655

NOW HIRING!!

Monk's shop talk is always hiring! Earn some niodes! Send Monk a letter to his advice column, and when it is published, you get paid! Just write your letter and post it in the comments below (remember to leave your player I.D.# for credit), OR message it to me Ron Frye and I will see that Monk gets it!

Thank you,
Ron Frye (Monk Malone's private editor)

Submitted  by Ron Frye#87655

Monk's Shop Talk Slumbering Lumbering Mechanical Zombies of Doom By Ron Frye#879655

Dear Monk,

We had an incident in our unit. One of our pilots went out on a three day pass, partying for a full weekend on the town reporting for jump call less than half an hour before our actual jump and crawled into his 90 ton Antithesis, hung over and running on zero hours sleep over a period of 72 hours. I don't think I need to tell you what happened next. I am sure you saw the reports on the universal news communication channel. My question for you is this, "How by all the hells of all the recognized religions, do I get it thru my pilots' respective skulls, that a full eight hours of sleep is crucial before jump call?".

Signed,
Sleepy "Mecha Pilot" Smurf

Dear Sleepy "Mecha Pilot" Smurf,

I am indeed aware of what took place on Mandor's fourth moon, Titan 27m. If there is a conscious soul in the entire universe that has NOT heard of what happened that day, I will personally buy that entity a round of Snavurm Busters at the classiest dive in town. I would like to take the time to reiterate the events of that cluster-frak though, just for continuity.

Apparently, the pilot jumped his mecha into combat and landed several kilometers off target from the rest of his platoon. At this point, the rapid descent, oxygen mix in the pilot's cabin and his complete lack of sleep for over 72 hours, combined with the nice cozy 82 degree cockpit temperature and the warm fuzzy feeling of the form fitting body length pilot's chair, to put the dumb Snavurm to sleep. He accidentally engaged the mecha to auto walk at a slow but steady rate of 3 kilometers per hour, forward. The mech drudged its way over the berm of the hill it was on, down a grassy pasture, thru a small woodland area, across a small river and out the other side, completely ignoring all enemy contact and exiting the area of operations. The enemy forces completely ignored him, thinking he had sustained damage to his control system or something, and his unit, already one man down, were too hard pressed in combat to even give him a second thought until after the engagement.

Meanwhile, our intrepid hero's Antithesis, plodded down main street, slowly stomping flat every other automobile parked on the left hand side of the road, stripping power lines from all poles on the street, knocking over, squashing, or scattering, all garbage containers that had been set out for collection on the left hand side of the street, and leaving behind footprints in the asphalt, 10 feet wide, 20 feet long, and 15 feet deep, that were so imbedded that they ruptured the local water system and quickly, each became an erupting geyser style fountain in the center of the town's primary transportation artery. Marching on, the sleep walking mech, went in a straight line, leaving the curving main street behind, and began to systematically bulldoze it's way thru the First Saturnarian North Star Nova Cluster Baptist Church who, at the time in question, were absorbed in their quarterly women's auxiliary, charity cake walk, and fellowship luncheon. Trailing decorative red, white and blue bunting, lower leg actuators splattered with cake and icing, and followed by a swarm of elderly old dears, who resembled nothing more than several hundred infuriated Aunt Bea's from the Andy Griffith Show armed with spatulas and umbrellas.

At this point, the mech veered left due to a tilt in terrain, and began to mow down the church's youth center, located next door. It was bring your favorite pet to church day, in the youth building, and hundreds of bright eager faces looked up at their teacher with myriad furry, winged, scaly, wiggly, much loved and adored pets in their laps. When the left lower foot actuator crashed thru the vestibule doors, complete panic and bedlam ensued. Hundreds of children were injured in the incident, but thankfully not one pet got even the smallest of scratches (screw the human rights guys, at least the ASPCA isn't up our arses over this one). Anyway, at this point, the pets got involved, followed closely by their owners and the whole thing devolved into a giant angry parade of destruction, finally culminating on the lawn of the hamlet's courthouse, as the somnambulist mecha tripped over the statue of some old fart in a snavurm hide coat, wielding an antique gunpowder rifle. They say the pilot was still asleep when the mob ripped open the cockpit hatch plate and put the rope around his neck. On a positive note, the children were given the rest of the day off from Sunday school, Mrs. Oakbutton won the blue ribbon for her coconut rum double layer cake, Jimmy Thompson's squirrel built a nest in the skull of the dead pilot, and they are still finding pieces of apple cobbler in the rain gutters and chimneys of every house in town.

The lesson here is this, "Get a good night's sleep or you will wind up hanging dead in a tree in some hick town with a squirrel nest in your left eye."

Sincerely,
Monk "Don't let a squirrel build a nest in your eye socket" Malone

Submitted by Ron Frye#879655

Monk's Shop Talk Combat Limitations By Ron Frye#879655

Dear Monk,

I am a loyal reader of your column, and I know that you usually only answer the letters from complete idiots or about complete idiots. Luckily I am neither; however, not so fortunately, I have a question that needs answered, so I can only hope you can give me guidance on this. If you do not post this in your column, could you at least respond to me privately, because this one really bugs me and most of my fellow pilots.

The question is this: Why is it that we are placed under major combat limitations sometimes? What I mean is, why is that sometimes when we jump into combat our weapons systems seem tampered with or only certain of our mechas are allowed to jump in and fight? Sometimes a specific type of weapon system, such as our lasers, do massively more damage than would otherwise be the case. And other times, we are ordered only to attack with a specific tonnage of mecha, an example being only 10 ton mechas (red ants). And (I know I am using that word, 'And', a lot here) if we do attack with mechas that exceed the tonnage allocation, like sending a 20 ton holmes in to attack when only 10 ton mechas are allowed or sending in 1000 tons of mechas when only 900 tons total is permitted, do the mechas that exceed these stipulations, freeze up and not engage? I am totally lost on this and would really appreciate your input on the problem.

Thank you,
Combat Limitations Suck

Dear Combat Limitations Suck,

Let me start by saying one thing; that thing being, I am so sincerely sorry. Why am I sorry? Let me count the ways, Horatio. I am sorry, because I delayed so long in responding to your query. I am sorry, because I tend not to take these columns as seriously as they might otherwise be held. And I am sorry, because I feel that I have disappointed my readers, neighbors, brothers and sisters in arms, and most importantly those people under my command and the loved ones in my life that matter more than words can ever define. For all of this and more, I firmly and wholeheartedly state, I am prostrate with grief over my weaknesses as an editor. And, if you will bear with me, I will attempt, to do your letter justice.

Now, the questions you propose are ALL command climate issues. I have for years argued that the lower ranking soldiers in any command be educated in high command doctrine, training and plotting, to better prepare them for battlefield service. The most dangerous weapon on a battlefield is an untrained, ignorant, wet behind the ears, private first class, straight out of boot camp with a shiny new gun, lots of ammo, body armor, and not a damn clue what he should do about it.

With all that out in the open, I will take a moment to say this; this is not your usual Monk style of column. Not much room for sarcastic jokes, and randy gutter humor with this topic, but sometime an article has to be written, no matter how well or how badly it is received. This is one of those articles.

Let's start with some terms:

DROP: The term for when a unit of mecha's are dropped into combat over an area of engagement.

ICE/FIRE/LASER/MISSILE/etc. : The military pronoun used to indicate a special drop, that has unexpected bonus effectiveness in certain classes and categories of mecha weaponry (Expl: An Ice-Drop = A drop zone that for varying reasons has a dramatic positive effect for all ice weapons).

DROP ZONE or DZ: A designated area that a unit of mecha are to land in, secure, defend, or conquer. Sometimes also referred to as an LZ (landing zone) or AFX (area of field exercise), depending on the nature of the military maneuver in question.

WoRMISSAM (Wgt. of Restricted Mechas in Special Situation Area Mission) aka Sam Worm or aka Worming (as in, "Looks like our platoon is going worming again.") A term used to refer to situations in which case only certain tonnages of mechas can engage. Normally this is due to gravity of the planet being engaged upon, tight spaces in which to engage, or in many cases due to prearranged agreements made between the two command centers to limit the engagement in an attempt to reduce casualties and property damage in the area in questions.

Knowing these basic terms, we can begin to understand the limitations emplaced on our units as they enter these scenarios in question. If they send you in and tell you only Red Ants can drop and fight, its probably because the infrastructure of either the planet, terrain, or buildings in the area, can not support a heavier mecha's weight. If they tell you it's a "Rainbow" more than likely your command is test firing a new combination of mechas into combat to evaluate their effectiveness and the enemy command is capitalizing on the opportunity to do the same. And, as a final example, a DZ that has been designated an Ice-Drop, improves the ice weaponry of all mechas in the battle, due to certain chemical and ionic charges in the planet's air and magnetosphere.

These are just a few of the explanations and reasoning's behind Combat Limitations Missions or as they are more commonly referred, Specialists' Assignments. I hope that I have been of some assistance in this area. I also hope I have not bored you all to tears with my rambling diatribe. I beg your pardons all; however, this letter deserved its moment in the sun.

Signed,
Most Sincerely, Patrick "Monk" Malone

PS
Combat limitations do suck, but the suck for a very good reason.

Submitted by Ron Frye#879655

Tales from the Barracks Part 4, Points of Weakness, Points of Pressure By David McCallum # 701548

Colonel Toenjes strode through the grand hallway between the mech bays, casting a weather eye over the controlled chaos of pre battle preparation.

Munitions crates being trundled by dolly carts in the case of projectile rounds or by heavy load lifter in the cases of laser battery packs, missiles and the big refrigerant bottles for ice weaponry. Flamer tanks would be done later with the path cleared for extra fire crews because you didn’t want one of those getting punctured by accident, not while welding work was underway.

Personnel hurried between bays, carrying an array of tools, circuit boards, spare parts or just requisition slates, each to their own task of keeping these hundreds of behemoth machines in fighting order, every part a vital link in keeping their pilots alive for just one more second to take one more shot.

He keyed his wrist communicator to patch in to the base loudspeaker system and raised the band to his mouth.

“Attention!” blared the wall speakers, relaying his words. “All pilots, briefing in the ready room in ten minutes. All ordnance and spares requests must be submitted by 0400, nominal mech readiness report filed by 0600. Requisitions to be filled and delivered to bays no later than 1300 and final readiness checks to be concluded by 2100. I want those engines spun up and green lighted by no later than 2200. Loading begins at 2300. That’s all people, move it like you have a purpose!”

He didn’t need to add that the drop ships would be dusting off early tomorrow morning. Everyone in the base was aware that this was the final day of post war repairs and final preparation for a foray into the Uncharted Zones and continuation of the clean-up operation in case Drake had managed to evade the clans. Again.

Taking one final glance and noting that people had turned away from the speakers where they had been listening and were redoubling their efforts in whatever duties they were performing, he turned smartly on his heel to head to the ready room so he could be there early for the pilot briefing.

And collided with a mechanic who was directly in his path.

The pair went down in a clatter of tools that escaped from the half open satchel the mechanic had been carrying. Toenjes took a second to get over the shock and rolled onto his stomach to get back up, only to find he was already being pulled to his feet by the technician.

The guy was obviously embarrassed, head lowered with the slouch cap covering his eyes as he pulled an oily rag from his pocket and attempted to dust the colonel down with it. Toenjes was struck by a few things, first being the stench! This guy needed a shower badly and the sweat could be seen standing off him, running down overweight jowls to drip from his chin. Definitely carrying around too much excess baggage to have been working for long in the hanger where the work was hot and heavy. Must be new influx he thought fleetingly as he attempted to fend off the engineers attempted clean up.

Toenjes stepped back, mumbling his own apologies and attempting to put some distance between himself and the tech. Head still down, the man started to gather his tools and Toenjes left him to it, hurrying to get to the ready room while inspecting his own clothes for damage and stains.

The technician glanced around as he gathered his tools and stowed them back in the bag. A few people had stopped to watch the event, but minor accidents were ten a penny in the vast hanger space and none offered to help. In fact within seconds, all had gone back to their own tasks and the incident had been all but forgotten, allowing the tech to shoulder his satchel and head off into one of the hangers and disappear into the forest of mechanical legs.

Had anyone thought to observe him in particular among the throng of activity, they would have noted that instead of busying himself with a maintenance task on one of the mechs, he stole a quick glance around then ducked into a small storage room. Making sure he was alone, he strode quickly across the room to a grille in the wall leading to the huge base’s air conditioning ducts. With deft fingers he undogged the latches for the panel, lifted it aside so he could clamber in and pulled the panel back after him. Pulling a micro manipulator from his overall pocket, he poked it back through the mesh to do up the latches again.

Now in the dark, he worked mostly by feel, crawling a good five meters to disappear around the first bend in the ducting then pausing to carry out his next activity. The overalls and cap were stripped off to be placed in a re-sealable bag, along with the inflatable corset that made him appear fifty pounds heavier. A quick struggle and a wince and the check implants followed. A quick wipe down with an alcohol solution got rid of the fake sweat and odor, the rag following the rest into the bag that was sealed and tucked out of sight. He then changed into the skin-tight black thermasuit he had pulled from the tool bag, retrieved some other items from its recesses and then the satchel too was tucked away.

Satisfied that he had everything, the figure disappeared along the duct.

****

He waited, suspended above the ceiling tiles of what was itself a suspended ceiling. Checking his wrist unit, he noted that the countdown had hit thirty seconds.

There had been no movement at all in the corridor below for over an hour. His quarry was safely tucked in his quarters; that much was certain. He had not checked visually, but neither did he have to. The small thumper transceiver that was connected to his wrist unit turned any of the ceiling tiles into a makeshift sonar dish when laid upon them. A single tap had sent an inaudible pulse down into the corridor any time he had heard movement below and although it didn’t have the definition to discern facial features, the signal was good enough to detect sizes and shapes.

Especially if the shape was wearing, for instance, a cowboy hat.

The one called Chong would be on duty in the comm/sec center. And in around… twenty seconds now, he should see one of his security screens flare and die. Chong would try a few things but would have to send the duty tech to see where the problem was. After all, there was no way he was going to be able to remotely fix the wire that was burned through with the small timed thermite charge that had been planted almost a day earlier.

It would however keep his attention from another screen on the opposite side of the display bank for a few minutes, so he wouldn’t see what was happening….

Now.

The ceiling panel was lifted and a hand snaked through to clamp an over sized display to the front of the camera unit above the corridor’s entry hatch. The display would show a continuous image of an empty corridor and was large enough to block sight for the integrated motion detector.

The figure belayed itself to the floor on the lightweight cord then unhooked and let it retract, whipping up and past the ceiling tile that obligingly dropped back into place. A pause to ensure the small amount of noise had gone undetected.

Padding along the corridor, the figure was already searching through pockets in its harness webbing and readying items for the next part of the plan. Halting outside a particular door, it peeled the backing from an adhesive medical plaster and gummed it over the pinhole speaker of the electronic security lock. A flask appeared from a waist pouch and the bottom was unscrewed to reveal a hidden compartment. An eyeball was produced from within, fingers grasping the optic nerve so it dangled like some gruesome pendulum. It was presented in front of the scanning plate and the tell-tale went from locked red to green and there was a slight whoosh as the adjoining door slid open.

The figure quickly and silently stepped through as the door closed behind then stopped dead as the overwhelming smell hit them. Not the expected odors of a single mech jock’s room; all sweat, socks and perhaps the lingering odor of vomit from the aftermath of another near death celebration.

This was very different. A dark, musty smell. The odor reminded the intruder of something. It was a distant childhood memory, only smelled once, but it was a particular time and place… where the hell was it? A childhood holiday? Old Terra… that’s was it, a museum. Somewhere called Alexandria.

The calm quiet was sundered abruptly by the slide and click of heavy duty sidearm having its first round chambered. “Give me one good reason why I don’t blow your brains out all over the wall?” a voice growled.

Mac relaxed and turned toward the voice.

“I can give you two. First, blood is extremely hard to get off… paper? At least without leaving a mark or otherwise damaging it. I’ve heard that brain matter and fluid is absorbed even more readily.”

Colonel Toenjes activated the bedside illumination panel and squinted at his unwelcome visitor. “And the other?” he rasped, throat dry from sleep.

Mac smirked and shrugged. “Your gun’s loaded with blanks.”

BLAM!!!

The noise was deafening in the confined space and the acrid stink and smoke of propellant added to the already dense atmosphere.

Toenjes regarded Mac, standing now in shock but definitely otherwise intact. He raised the gun and inspected it. “Well whaddaya know, you were right.”

Mac finally found his voice and squawked, “You could’ve shot me!”

The colonel shrugged non-committaly and responded, “You could’ve been lying.” Then, with a frown and final glance at the weapon he asked, “So how did you manage the swap?”

Mac was scowling, still trying to shake the ringing from his ears. “You collided with a tech earlier today down in the hanger bays?” He jabbed a thumb towards his chest and continued, “Me. I swapped the magazine out then.”

Toenjes snorted grudgingly. “Hmmph. Not a bad trick. How did you know I didn’t have another gun though?” he gave Mac a questioning look.

Mac shrugged and made a palms up gesture. “You either did or you didn’t. Fifty – fifty chance. Sometimes you just need to take the gamble. I couldn’t be sure until I heard the sound of the slider to know it was the same gun.” He twisted his mouth wryly then added, “Plus I had one other piece of information that skewed things in my favor.”

“Such as?”

A slight smile played across Mac’s face. “Your legendary frugal nature. Why own two guns when one will do.” He looked around the room, able to take in the surroundings now there was light to see by. “I can see now what you spend the money on”.

Every wall was covered in bookshelves and every shelf was overflowing, in places spilling on to the surrounding floor space. In a universe where electronics had ruled for centuries and the complete literary works of mankind could be stored in a space no larger than a briefcase, collections like this were all but unheard of.

Mac’s inspection was interrupted by pounding footsteps in the corridor, an emergency override code being bellowed and General John Fuller barreling into the room. He was waving his own personal sidearm in front of him which was at odds with the fluffy slippers and moth eaten dressing gown he was wearing. Unlike most pilots who used a large caliber semi-automatic as their last ditch weapon of choice, Fuller used a machine pistol with a high capacity magazine. It raised eyebrows at first, but few who had seen it on full auto in the shaking hands of a terminal caffeine junky doubted its ability to hit at least something downrange.

He pulled up short and raised the barrel towards the ceiling. “Mac?” he queried, certainly not expecting to see this particular pain in the backside in his colonel’s quarters.

Mac beamed back at his commander’s nonplussed expression. “General, do come in. I have a report for you.”

“Sure, both of you just make yourself at home in my personal quarters,” Toenjes grumbled to the world at large from his bed.

Fuller ignored him, eyes focused on the standing figure. “What the hell are you doing back here Mac?”

“Doing an overview of our security, just like you were informed,” replied the pilot. “Suffice to say, it’s pitiful,” he added mournfully.

Adjusting to the fact that the situation may be strange but was non-threatening, Fuller thumbed the safety catch of his sidearm back on. “Ok, how do you make that out?”

Mac shook his head slightly and his smirk held little in the way of mirth. “Because I just got within a split second of assassinating your second in command and succeeded in taking you out,” he replied, then added, “Without any of you knowing, and without using any of my own security credentials.”

Fuller’s face took on a skeptical countenance as he looked the pilot up and down, then looked at his weapon, then back at the pilot who to all intents and purposes appeared completely unarmed. “How the hell do you figure you killed me?”

“Next time you’re in the cockpit, check under the seat. There’s a sticker with the word BOOM on it. Think what that represents,” Mac winked as he responded.

Fuller and Toenjes glanced at each other. Any sign of sleep vanished. “OK, you’ve got my attention. How did you do it?” Fuller prompted in quiet concentration.

Mac shrugged again and began his account. “I came in with a delivery of munitions. Carried one of the crates straight out into the hanger. So many people were around, so much getting delivered and offloaded, nobody challenged me. We are too used to that sort of mayhem before every drop. Snuck away and changed into mechanics overalls and I was already a part of the base.”

He shook his head at the recollection of his actions. “The backup crews are so big, nobody knows everyone’s faces. They just assumed I was part of somebody else’s crew, but I had the right to be there because I was in the exact place a mechanic should be at the right time.” He paused to point over at Toenjes, still prone in his bunk. “Even the Colonel collided with me and didn’t bat an eyelid.”

“As for personal access codes, like the door there, what everyone seems to have forgotten is that there are so many clones… hell, even just body parts left around battlefields for each of us, that any kind of biometric scan is useless,” he concluded.

Fuller exhaled deeply at the news. “OK hotshot, so what the hell do we do?”

Mac chuckled. “Short term? Get some good old fashioned padlocks. That’s at least going to slow somebody down a little. And you could try the old school password and counter sign for really secure stuff. It’s better than what we have.”

Fuller looked green. “That’s not much,” he stated.

“It’s better than nothing,” spat Toenjes bitterly, then addressed the elephant in the room. “The one thing it doesn’t address is whether anyone has already got in.”

Mac shook his head while agreeing with the statement. “No, it doesn’t. This is only going to mitigate new infiltration and any outside aid, isolating anyone already inside. Flushing those ones out is something I’m still working on.”

“How the hell are you supposed to flush them out when they could be, and let’s call it like it is, probably are identical clones. Just the same as the original?” demanded Toenjes.

Mac considered for a second, then put in, “Ah, that statement may not be entirely accurate Colonel. For example, as mech pilots they aren’t as good as the real thing.”

“How do you work that one out?” Toenjes demanded hotly.

“Because we are beating them at every turn when we face clones in battle,” replied Mac reasonably.

“Horse shit. The two don’t add up. Drake’s got clones by the plenty, but the mechs he has scraped up are third rate at best. There’s the difference you’re seeing.”

“With due respect Colonel, you were there when Don Fugate took down two Aspis and a Regent class with his Red Ants, so we already know that meat trumps metal. But during the last clone war, I faced a Don clone backed up by both the Retherfords, Penner, and what looked like the lion’s share of the rest of the Zeon ‘Colony Drop’. I didn’t even slow down.” He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. “Sure,” he continued, “they look identical and have the memories up to the DNA harvest point, but there has to be something in the way the maturation process works... or doesn’t… that means they maybe don’t have the time to build up the same reflex muscle memories, or hone the same combat instincts we have.”

The Colonels mouth was already open to disagree but he brought himself up short and clamped it shut. His head tilted to one side for a few seconds as he processed what Mac had said, then turned his face towards his commander.

“Mac’s appraisal of the situation is sound,” he concluded. “It may not be much, but I can start by checking back through training runs and simulator recording to see if I can spot anything.”

Fuller nodded once and said, “It’s a start at least. We still need a way to work out if support personnel are real though.” He then turned back to the pilot and asked, “So what’s your plan from this point?”

Mac grinned and shook his head. “With due respect boss, at present the only person I know I can truly trust is me. Either of you two could be a clone or sleeper.”

“So could you,” replied Fuller reasonably.

Mac chuckled aloud this time. “Very true. And the concept of more than one of me is a truly terrible nightmare… glad I’m not going to be the one having it. And on that note General, I’d suggest you go and try to get some sleep. The shows over here for now. I just need a private word with the Colonel.”

Fuller took a second to look questioningly between the other two, but seeing no response forthcoming, he nodded once and left the room.

The door had swished shut and a few seconds had crept by when Toenjes quietly broke the silence. “So what’s so important that you can’t say it in front of the General?”

Mac’s demeanor was cooler and more business-like with just the two of them present. “Good manners,” he said eventually. “I’m not going to talk about your personal weaknesses in front of the boss. It’s not the done thing.”

Toenjes snorted derisively. “Bull. I don’t have any. Now if there’s nothing further you can get your ass out of my room and let me sleep.”

Mac ignored the instruction and ploughed on. “Yes you do,” he paused to wave a hand in an inclusive gesture around the room. “These books.”

“What do you know about them?” the Colonel growled dangerously.

“Individually? Absolutely nothing, Mac stated truthfully, raising a finger to make his next point. “But I can smell valuable. I don’t need to be an aficionado to know that nobody uses paper any more, and you only get collections like this either on a period tri-D drama or in a museum. Which makes them extremely valuable,” he concluded with a jab in the air to emphasize the point.

“I’m saying nothing to a crooked bastard like you, but what if they are?” sneered the Colonel.

“They’re a weak point,” Mac stated flatly. “You already knew about the chance of collateral damage, which is why you questioned an unknown intruder instead of just blowing me the hell away. And that hesitation puts you at a disadvantage.”

“I can live with that!” Toenjes shot back.

“You can die with that too, especially when you are being a stubborn ass!”

Macs voice was starting to raise in volume, and the Colonel matched him.

“So what do you want me to do, torch them?” he spat, but a note of panic was starting to creep into his tone and Mac pulled up short.

He considered the officer for a few minutes, then said in low, precise words, “No. you’re going to ship them the hell off base.” He let out a long breath to calm himself and continued in a slightly more conciliatory manner after reaching into his pocket and throwing a small data key on the bed. “Look, this has the details of a secure storage facility. It’s pre-paid, and as soon as you start using it, it’s good for a month. That will give you enough time to find somewhere more to your liking for a permanent home. Just make sure to have them shipped out before the month is up, because the clean-up crew will ensure there is no trace of contents or contact details as soon as the time is up.”

Mac was mentally preparing himself to have to explain what a ‘burner’ storage facility was and what exactly he may want to hide out of site for a short while until he noticed that the expected hostility was not forthcoming. Instead, peering across the room in the dim light of the bedside glow panel, he noted that the Colonel was starting to sweat, even shake a little.

“But I.. I mean, I might want to read something…” the Colonel mumbled.

Mac’s eyebrows shot skyward as he realized what he was dealing with. This was full blown addiction! Granted, not the usual substances that a mech jock suffering from one too many dump shock episodes could get involved with, but the symptoms were all there.

“Okay,” he started slowly, “then we go to Q and we get him to make you a travel box… that can fit maybe… five? Five books,” he stated in a tone that brooked no argument, then continued more softly when he saw the crestfallen look of his officer. “Maybe ten if we can scrounge enough battle steel. Then we can make it damn near impervious to anything hand held and most weapons mech mounted for a package that small… then when you get the chance you can always swap out the ones you have with others from your… what do you call a collection of manuscripts anyway?” he queried.

“Library,” sniffed Toenjes.

Mac rolled his eyes. This was more like dealing with a pre-schooler. “Your library… but most importantly we make sure that your hand gun can’t penetrate the box, so the next time somebody tries to sneak into your room you can unload the full magazine and not have to worry, yes? And if you’re really lucky, it might even be me.” That brought a watery smile to the Colonel’s face.

“See, I knew there had to be a way to cheer you up…”

Sheesh… the things I do for this outfit, thought Mac.











Submitted by David McCallum id# 701548

New Equipment Hit The Shelves By Pat Willis#224534

Some new Equipment hit the shop shelves last night. One niode piece of cockpit equipment, one crystal chassis piece, and one crystal engine piece. They all look to be for larger tonnage mecha at 90-95, 85-95, and 65-75 tons respectively. Predictably the crystal pieces have built in vulnerabilities to missile, fire, and ice for the chassis and engine pieces. Whereas the niode cockpit piece has a negative to its speed. Eventually we will review these pieces individually but for now just a heads up that they are out and available. Check your shop for prices and availability.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Heatsink Ports Equipment Review By Pat Willis#224534

A crystal based engine piece for 45-55 ton mechas. It costs 355 Ferrite, 168 Bioptics, and 44 Crystal to acquire one. It has a Speed of +10, and a Dodge of 2. Not a bad little engine piece it gives better speed than it does dodge, but if you are fast enough you do most of the hitting and shouldn't need too much dodge.

Honestly the price isn't too bad for this either, it is a pretty effective engine for the price. Stack em up to add on more speed, as noted earlier the dodge will be minimal at best, but the light to mid weight mechas are much faster than their larger cousins. So all summed up we have a decent price, decent output, good speed, and minimal dodge. Not too shabby.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Sauvette Shot Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

This was a freebie weapon given away for logging in over the Memorial day weekend, as such no stats on price, limitations etc. It does 35 straight damage, has a speed of 105, and the abilities of 2X damage at 3%, and a Precision Rating of [4].

Damage wise it is more likely to be of benefit to the lower levels than the higher ones, unless they are looking for a backup weapon of some sort. Its pretty fast, then again most slug throwers are. Per usual mecha build stats, equip load out, and skill point allocation will help determine how best this weapon serves you in a fight. It was a freebie so really can't go wrong, add it to your arsenal, put it in your collection, or sell it for niodes. Free gear is always a good thing, happy Memorial day all and thank you for your service those who serve, and are still serving.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Sgt. Ron's Memorial Day Post By Ron Frye#879655

I normally do not push the issue of our veterans. Being a wounded combat veteran, I daily have to live with the repercussions of my injury as it is, so I rarely feel the motivation to discuss it any more than I have to. However, with it being Memorial Day, I feel the necessity of saying something.

Every year, almost everyone I meet comes up, shakes my hand, thanks me, buys me a cup of coffee, etc. This year I have a request. Instead of thanking me or my brothers and sisters in arms, instead of sending us messages of support, instead of flying flags and going to parades, I want you to buy a ten dollar gift card to a restaurant, take it to your local VA hospital, go to the front desk, and give it to the receptionist with the instructions that it is to be donated to the next homeless veteran to come thru the door.

Thank you,
Sgt Ron Frye,#879655
US Army,
medically retired for injuries sustained in combat operations in Iraq.

Duboce Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

For levels 41 and above we have this slick Niode laser. To get one will cost you 492 Ferrite, 100 Bioptics, and 36 Niodes. Bulk buy is an option here with 5 for 144 Niodes, no restrictions/limitations. It has straight damage of 52, a speed of 101, and the ability of 3X Damage at 18%.

No slouch for a laser system and given it is a Niode weapon it's pretty cheap. Stick some of these on a Bishop with already amped laser damage in its build stats and you may have made one hell of a mess out of your opponent. As usual equipment load out, mecha build stats, and skill point allocation will play a large part in your overall performance with one of these. But it is worth it especially when the x3 damage goes off.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

What Do You Want To See On Here? By Pat Willis#224534

Hello folks, just like the title says we're asking what folks are keen for on the site. Lately we implemented a few things, like our niodes for comments program. Where you leave a couple sentence comment on the article of your choice, include your player I.D. # (VERY important), and we turn in your I.D. to the devs with the weeks submissions for the pay out. We also have the comic scripting idea. Where you submit what you would like to see in the comics section, script it out, we turn it in to the devs, they take notes on who did what, and if it sees print you get paid.

We would love to get more Mecha Spotlight articles from folks, who has what build on what mecha, to help illustrate to newer players how it is done. Fantasy mechas are great also and if the devs see one they like it could be made into an actual usable mech in game. Then there is our current rates for submissions of all other varieties, which pays out as follows....

60 niodes - long story (minimum 1,500 words for it to be considered as such)
30 niodes - story/report/CW interview/poem/etc
20 niodes - mech/weapon/equip reviews, short CW correspondent interview (for interviewer)
10 niodes - short story/report/etc

Also got a Clan Liaison officer yet? someone who does your CW & FW interviews in house for your clan? If not get one! They too can be making niodes for interviews during those times. I mean given all the above I would like to think we have most of it covered, but in case we don't, What do you want to see here?  

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Dynamo Cannon Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

Available to levels 19 and up we have a nice solid crystal slug thrower. It'll cost you 285 Ferrite, 228 Bioptics, and 6 Crystal. bulk buy is an option here of 5 for 24 crystal. No limit or restriction listed, it does 19 straight damage, has a speed of 103, and has the ability of X2 damage at 2%.

Needless to say end result on damage will be decided on your equipment load out/bonuses, mecha type, and skill point placement. It has potential for the lower tiers no doubt, but it most likely will be a weapon you move on from in favor of bigger, more damaging guns as you level. It has a decent speed to it and alright damage, at least it's in the double digits, the X2 ability is always good to have. So all in all not a bad little gun, quickly surpassed yes, but for the time being not a bad gun at all for it's level and what all it does.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

New Mecha Released By Pat Willis#224534

Announced last night, the newest 95 Ton mecha and it's crystal based named Glaccus. Basics are as follows- Tonnage 95, Armor points 235, start weapons 13, min level 89, min heavy skill 50, Levels/Weapon 6, and Manufacturer Star Factories. Cost is 17,000 Ferrite, 12,000 Bioptics, and 420 Crystal. It's an ice thrower and comes equipped with 2 Glace weapons, 2 Gorgons, 1 Crystalion, 4 Focused Icers, and 4 Arctic Waves.

AFF is noted in the tech manual, it says they use them but not who made them, assumption there is it's Star Factories baby. Apparently it is based around the Nifthel design, it mentions x2 and x3 damage capabilities in the tech manual.Admittedly it sounds good when you read over the tech manual, but will it perform? No data on that as of yet. It was just released as I said last night so people are still just picking them up now or in the process of leveling what they got.  We would love to hear folks sound off on this design as a yay or nay, and why or why not. Personally I grabbed one yes but I am not certain it'll surpass my Boreas mechas, but hey it has to be better than the Jottun right?

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Fast Data Switches By Pat Willis#224534

For mechas 55-70 Tons we have this niode piece of chassis equipment. It'll cost 458 Ferrite, 389 Bioptics, and 38 Niodes to obtain one. It grants your mecha just two abilities, Dodge [11], and Speed +5. A good piece for a decent price able to augment your mechas speed and dodge capabilities, really what is there to consider?

Anything that makes your mecha move faster and get out of the way quicker can't be a bad thing, and if you are able to stack these to a degree you could be sitting on an especially swift, hard to hit piece of combat hardware. This piece has a great deal of potential and at a very fair price, go for it, grab some, let us know how it turns out for you.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Shopping List V - 2.0 By Kalevi Karvinen#863817

...It's hard to remember what level I was when I did my first “official” shopping list. But I did follow it to this day, and that's why I do updates for it. First, then there was no equipment names, just type and tons it needed to be, so I ended up buying multiple equipment that went in the same spot. Like all variations that can go in a 10t cockpit. I thought that I use them all, but actually I do use only one type. Maybe later I will change my mind about that, but in mean time I could use those niodes more usefully. Also there is a short note why some equipment is on the list, because there were moments “why in hell did I buy those” so they remind me just why...

What did stay the same, is a plan to buy every mech there is to make a full formation out of those. There are some which I'm not so sure about, like Orcus, but it's “cheaper” to buy and upgrade those now than collect later. And if the worst should happen, I get my niodes back if I sell it at level 38 (if I level it using free upgrade only). Nephilax and Zadok are also in that collect list, but they are not in this shopping list as they are little harder to get.

So, the list is still in level order, in what level you can or need to buy something. Example level 5. You get bigger base, so you need one Red Ant and one Anzu to keep formations full. Also you can now buy Warhorses, so you “need” six of those. Of course you need only five more, as one you got at beginning of game (same thing with Red Ants earlier). And as Anzu got first Chassis slot and Warhorse get first Cockpit slot (at level 3), you need 6 Hip Actuator and 6 FOF Targeting when all your mechs are leveled up. Brackets around mech name indicates that equipment is needed because that mech gained new slot to use them, so I can keep track why I buy a bunch of stuff.

Equipment you can buy before you actually need them, and after your level allows, you can buy more mechs that you need at that moment. I'm personally happy if I just can keep me close enough my actual level when I go shopping. Truth be told, I'm a few pieces of equipment behind my schedule because I bought bunch of mechs, those will take me near 4 month to upgrade (if I don't level myself at that time period)

And timetable of this plan. That depends solely on niodes. From KOTM you get of average 1-2 niodes per day if you manage to get bronze. Circuit income average is 1 niodes per day. So 60 niodes at month if you don't use money. With 1$ every rent party you get 60 niodes more. That mean that you need close to three month to collect enough niodes to buy everything you need at level 5. If you can win those bronzes when you are level 5. Temptation to use more money, specially when with niodes would come much needed mechs too, is quite high sometimes. My way to avoid that temptation is write something and hope that gets a little niodes as reward.

lv01
Lachesis 30 Fer (4 Mech)
4x Red Ant 500 Fer, 500 Biop

lv02
4x Anzu 1500 Fer, 900 Biop

lv03
Metis 60 Fer, 20 Biop (5 Mech)
1x Red Ant 125 Fer, 125 Biop
1x Anzu 375 Fer, 225 Biop

lv05
Palma 150 Fer, 50 Biop (6 Mech)
1x Red Ant 125 Fer, 125 Biop
1x Anzu 375 Fer, 225 Biop
6x Warhorse 750 Fer, 1200 Biop, 180 Niod
6x Hip Actuator 768 Fer, 1200 Biop, 54 Niod (Anzu)
6x FOF Targeting 846 Fer, 1320 Biop, 90 Niod (Horse)

(Actuator = best dodge without kickback)
(FOF = best precision + other bonuses)

lv07
6x Alpha Shield 600 Fer, 1200 Biop, 48 Niod (Horse)

(Alpha = Projectile and Laser shields first, but need all types in the end)

lv08
6x Shocklite 5400 Fer, 1800 Biop, 120 Crys
6x Axe Bot 2100 Fer, 2100 Biop, 210 Niod
6x Cogwerk Micro Block 858 Fer, 1452 Biop, 84 Niod (Axe)

(Micro = Best speed with repair)

lv10
Themis 300 Fer, 100 Biop (8 Mech)
2x Red Ant 250 Fer, 250 Biop
2x Anzu 750 Fer, 450 Biop
2x Warhorse 125 Fer, 200 Biop, 30 Niod
2x Shocklite 1800 Fer, 600 Biop, 40 Crys
2x Axe Bot 700 Fer, 700 Biop, 70 Niod
8x Hoplite 8000 Fer, 3600 Biop, 240 Crys
2x FOF Targeting 282 Fer, 440 Biop, 30 Niod
2x Hip Actuator 256 Fer, 400 Biop, 18 Niod
2x Cogwerk Micro Block 286 Fer, 484 Biop, 28 Niod
2x Alpha Shield 200 Fer, 400 Biop, 16 Niod
8x Hip Hopper Hips 1832 Fer, 2000 Biop, 232 Niod (Hoplite)

(Hips = Best dodge, there was originally Nanobot too)

lv11
8x Nerio 4000 Fer, 2400 Biop, 400 Niod
8x Beta Shield 1600 Fer, 2000 Biop, 168 Niod (Nerio)
8x Immersive Neural Rig 1672 Fer, 2000 Biop, 184 Niod (Nerio)
8x Scrub Grub 2648 Fer, 1344 Biop, 224 Niod (Nerio)

(Beta = Projectile and Laser shields first, but need all types in the end)
(Neural = Precision with best crit-kill)
(Scrup = Enough speed with fork)

lv12
Egeria 360 Fer, 120 Biop (9 Mech)
1x Red Ant 125 Fer, 125 Biop
1x Anzu 375 Fer, 225 Biop
1x Warhorse 125 Fer, 200 Biop, 30 Niod
9x iMech 12150 Fer, 5400 Biop, 360 Crys
9x Trooper 7200 Fer, 4500 Biop, 450 Niod
1x Hoplite 1000 Fer, 450 Biop, 30 Crys
1x Nerio 500 Fer, 300 Biop, 50 Niod
1x FOF Targeting 141 Fer, 220 Biop, 15 Niod
1x Hip Actuator 128 Fer, 200 Biop, 9 Niod
1x Cogwerk Micro Block 143 Fer, 242 Biop, 14 Niod
1x Alpha Shield 100 Fer, 200 Biop, 8 Niod
1x Beta Shield 200 Fer, 250 Biop, 21 Niod
1x Hip Hopper Hips 229 Fer, 250 Biop, 29 Niod
1x Immersive Neural Rig 209 Fer, 250 Biop, 23 Niod
1x Scrub Grub 331 Fer, 168 Biop, 28 Niod

lv14
9x Orcus 8100 Fer, 3600 Biop, 630 Niod
9x Improvised Jump Jet 7488 Fer, 1548 Biop, 306 Niod (Axe)
9x Beta Shield 1800 Fer, 2250 Biop, 189 Niod (Nerio)
9x Hip Hopper Hips 2061 Fer, 2250 Biop, 261 Niod (Trooper)
9x Hip Shocks 5580 Fer, 4185 Biop, 306 Niod (Orcus)

(Jump = Need more dodge to 20t fight, even with risk of kickback)
(Beta = Fill other types)
(Shocks = Combination of Dodge, Speed and Precision)

lv15
9x Keradon 9900 Fer, 7200 Biop, 630 Niod

lv16
9x Holmes 14175 Fer, 9450 Biop, 630 Crys
9x Cogwerk Micro Block 1287 Fer, 2178 Biop, 126 Niod (Axe)
9x Hip Shocks 5580 Fer, 4185 Biop, 306 Niod (Holmes)

lv18
9x Dread 10125 Fer, 6300 Biop, 810 Niod
9x FOF Targeting 1269 Fer, 1980 Biop, 135 Niod (Ant)
9x Scrub Grub 2979 Fer, 1512 Biop, 252 Niod (Keradon)
9x Semi-stable power field 2160 Fer, 2565 Biop, 360 Niod (Dread)

(Semi-stable = Speed with Trample and Freeze)

lv19
9x Nifthel 16200 Fer, 10800 Biop, 720 Crys

lv20
Diotima 600 Fer, 200 Biop (10 Mech)
1x Red Ant 125 Fer, 125 Biop
1x Anzu 375 Fer, 225 Biop
1x Warhorse 125 Fer, 200 Biop, 30 Niod
1x Shocklite 900 Fer, 300 Biop, 20 Crys
1x Axe Bot 350 Fer, 350 Biop, 35 Niod
1x Hoplite 1000 Fer, 450 Biop, 30 Crys
1x Nerio 500 Fer, 300 Biop, 50 Niod
1x iMech 1350 Fer, 600 Biop, 40 Crys
1x Trooper 800 Fer, 500 Biop, 50 Niod
1x Orcus 900 Fer, 400 Biop, 70 Niod
1x Keradon 1100 Fer, 800 Biop, 70 Niod
1x Holmes 1575 Fer, 1050 Biop, 70 Crys
1x Dread 1125 Fer, 700 Biop, 90 Niod
1x Nifthel 1800 Fer, 1200 Biop, 80 Crys
2x FOF Targeting 282 Fer, 440 Biop, 30 Niod
1x Immersive Neural Rig 209 Fer, 250 Biop, 23 Niod
2x Beta Shield 400 Fer, 500 Biop, 42 Niod
2x Hip Hopper Hips 458 Fer, 500 Biop, 58 Niod
1x Alpha Shield 100 Fer, 200 Biop, 8 Niod
1x Hip Actuator 128 Fer, 200 Biop, 9 Niod
2x Scrub Grub 662 Fer, 336 Biop, 56 Niod
2x Hip Shocks 1240 Fer, 930 Biop, 68 Niod
1x Semi-stable power field 240 Fer, 285 Biop, 40 Niod

As Mystery Vortex should be open at this level, it is in my shopping list. 3 Crate cost 145 Niodes, and I could get weapons, equipment and mechs that are way above my current level. But this is optional, as there is always shortage of niodes, and all that equipment on the list take lot to buy.

lv21
10x Immersive Neural Rig 2090 Fer, 2500 Biop, 230 Niod (Nerio)

lv22
10x Luison 21000 Fer, 15000 Biop, 1000 Crys
10x Hip Shocks 6200 Fer, 4650 Biop, 340 Niod (Holmes)

lv23
10x Fides 16000 Fer, 12000 Biop, 1000 Niod
10x Untiam Actuators 3640 Fer, 3310 Biop, 450 Niod (Fides)
10x Gamma Shield 4800 Fer, 4800 Biop, 350 Niod (Fides)
10x Enhanced Senses 8100 Fer, 3000 Biop, 430 Niodes (Fides)
10x Untiam Actuators 3640 Fer, 3310 Biop, 450 Niod (Fides)
10x Gamma Shield 4800 Fer, 4800 Biop, 350 Niod (Fides)
10x Semi-stable power field 2400 Fer, 2850 Biop, 400 Niod
10x Gamma Shield 4800 Fer, 4800 Biop, 350 Niod (Fides)

(Untiam = Best Dodge with Speed)
(Gamma = All types but priority on Laser because of Laser Vulnerable)
(Senses = Precision with best crit-kill)

lv24
Iris 720 Fer, 240 Biop (11 Mech)
1x Luison 2100 Fer, 1500 Biop, 100 Crys
1x Fides 1600 Fer, 1200 Biop, 100 Niod
11x Oggun 27500 Fer, 17600, 1320 Crys
1x Alpha Shield 100 Fer, 200 Biop, 8 Niod
2x FOF Targeting 282 Fer, 440 Biop, 30 Niod
1x Hip Actuator 128 Fer, 200 Biop, 9 Niod
2x Beta Shield 400 Fer, 500 Biop, 42 Niod
2x Hip Hopper Hips 458 Fer, 500 Biop, 58 Niod
2x Immersive Neural Rig 418 Fer, 500 Biop, 46 Niod
3x Hip Shocks 1860 Fer, 1395 Biop, 102 Niod
2x Scrub Grub 662 Fer, 336 Biop, 56 Niod
1x Semi-stable power field 240 Fer, 285 Biop, 40 Niod
2x Untiam Actuators 728 Fer, 662 Biop, 90 Niod
3x Gamma Shield 1440 Fer, 1440 Biop, 105 Niod
1x Enhanced Senses 810 Fer, 300 Biop, 43 Niodes
2x Semi-stable power field 480 Fer, 570 Biop, 80 Niod

lv25
11x Immersive Neural Rig 2299 Fer, 2750 Biop, 253 Niod (Nerio)
11x Untiam Actuators 4004 Fer, 3641 Biop, 495 Niod (Oggun)

50 Ton mechs are lot harder to equip, as there is lot more stuff too choose from, and both Fides and Oggun are more multipurpose mechs than those lighter ones. Although Oggun gets quite good trample and 2x damage so you might want boost them more. But as I am just turning in to level 18, there is still time to figure out if I actually want to change what to buy before I get those mechs. That's why those other options are listed in here, as reminder if I do change my mind.

Cockpit
-Stuxnet Injection = 3x damage
-Sekhment Siege CPU = Fire+Laser damage, trample
-Thermal Analyzer = Fire+Ice damage, speed

Chassis
-Nanobot Repair = Repair 4 but kickback
-Handheld Nuke = Instant kill with suicide

Engine
-Quad Turpo Drive = Speed with 2x damage
-Core of the Dragon = Fire damage with trample

So here it is, for all opponents to see, what I have in my hangar. Still a little behind on my schedule, as I'm still missing few mechs that I should already have, and some equipment I have fewer than the list says, but they will be there someday. If this helps some new player to plan ahead, then I'm happy and this text wasn't for nothing. As for me, I got this list (some version of it) always next to my computer, just waiting to next sale to happen. It's quite full of notes, what I bought already, or won somewhere, and also what should take priority and when. And my most important rule, “There must be always enough mechs to use free upgrade before there is the next mech sale” . For me that's now two mechs at level 1 after each mech sale... well usually, after last sale there is eight now, and I'm close level up so there goes my timetable again when I up all mechs one level higher. Not to mention that I should collect almost 1600 niodes to buy all listed “to buy at level 18” on my list. That's lots of writing, kotm and circuits.

Submitted by Kalevi Karvinen#863817

Only A Few Seconds By Kalevi Karvinen#863817

KOTM. Point mech. Division nine is for levels one to seventeen. Lucky, as I still belong to that group. Time to hunt Nephilax again, even if  the war is on. Joined early enough, so I will be the cause xp of gained to those early fighters. Really, why bother fighting now, when anybody can drop you multiple times before the event ends. Or could there actually could be someone who thinks that they could keep their spot where it is now? I surely could not, not even if  I owned some of those BFM mech. So this is again one of those join and forget until end fight starts events.

Well, even if I won't fight in the middle of  the event, it doesn't mean that I would not check the situation time to time. There are those monsters that I need keep eye on... Top 10 empty... Top25 empty... hmm, where re they? Finally, found Kyle Man way down... I wonder if he hunts this time? But where Jinx Alexia is? Or Steve Shcman? Can't find them at all... Dhio Rizky is there, he could try something but he is not a collector. So only one familiar opponent joined yet, rest are new acquaintances. I wonder how hard they will fight?

Another check. They do fight. Lots. There is always a different player on any given spot in top 10. Or close enough. And they brought big mechs in the battle, lucky for me as that would mean that they won't hit so hard... although they got bigger armor so I need to make bigger damage. And that I can do, big enough for this division anyway.

Check. Still they fight and some leveled already. Even if I'm forced to fight at next round of war, I will still be level 17 when event ends. Plan is to take the new Nephilax and level it just before next round starts so I can use the bonuses. Still no strong opponents in top 25, and no friendly players either, so this round is all mine, win or lose.

...About ten minutes to start of end fight, maybe I should start. Okay, empty all weapons and equipment, select Keradon and make this work. Shield CRAG Beta as projectiles are fastest weapons they can use. Engine Wankel Rotary as best speed is what I need. Cockpit got Immersive Neural Rig for Precision, Crit-Kill and 2X Damage wont hurt either. And finally Chassis get Handheld Nuke, so the hits will really hurt. Then weapons. Sort by damage. Hmm... Six Shooters, H. Blast Plates, Oxidizer Sprays, Gambit Guns, Tasmanian Devil and Vulcan Phaser. That's about it. All would do enough damage with nuke. Lets start.

Up. Up. Lost. Lost. Up. Lost. Down... something is not right. That 3x damage does not trigger often enough, so those big mechs stay functional and can shoot back. Not good at all... Back to hangar, what else I could use? Nephilax and Orcus can use nuke, but they have only one chassis slot like  the Keradon has. That leaves only Holmes. Immersive Neural Rig goes in Cockpit, Engine is still Wankel Rotary. But Chassis get two nukes this time. Changed weapons to this mech and back to hunt. Up and first. That was easy. Now how long I could stay here?

Not long. Minion Training Academy is there, and they seems to work together, not fighting each other. Oh boy, this gonna hurt my xp reserve. Up and down. Down again and back up and up again. Visited first spot often and dropped down. Needed first super hatoraide. Darn, need to slow down. So, if I fight once for every minute, I will spend one super for every ten minutes. That way I can fight all the way in the end, if this continues the whole hour. And maybe others run out of fights faster.

Wait... Wait... Change in first spot, wait retaliate... there, now my turn, and I'm first again. And down again. Another wait, change, who is that? Some new player? Poor devil, this was the wrong event to try gold for you. And down he goes. Okay, who takes top next? Hmm, you are not a right (or real) threat, wait a little more... there we go, and now there will be two follow up attacks... and done. My turn to be first again... how in the hell ... I'm down here? Oh, target dropped at last moment. That AFF guy is quite persistent, maybe he is a real threat after all. And those minions... hard to fight multiple targets when less than ten minutes gone... Maybe I should wait some time again, if they would run out fights.

One minute. Good, fight all you can, then I attack. Second minute. Yes, still they retaliate fast... My turn next... AFF hit top, so next is Erin Daniels... Reload page. Again. Again. There, my turn... WHAT!! Empty division screen? It ended now? Oh darn... did my click register? Still no result, but loot will be already in hangar. Click. Yes, it is here, but it is Silver loot. Not my day then, wonder who won.

Erin Daniels From Minion Training Academy. Full six seconds at first spot before end. Darn, so close, I was less than three seconds late, although hard to say for sure. Well, congratulations on your first Nephilax, enjoy your visit in upper divisions, I take my penalty xp for failure, and wait next opportunity to hunt. Hmm, next event... Front Line Fight and division eight is for levels 17-24... so I'm at low end this time. Well, join and wait where I am, when the end starts, maybe even lucky enough and stay high enough for bronze. More than that I can't do this time, there is already big loot mechs showing in top 10. But still there is time, maybe next kotm is favorable for me.

Submitted by Kalevi Karvinen#863817

Collimator Beam Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

A Niode laser available at level 20 and up. It will cost you 460 Ferrite, Bioptics 380, and 31 Niodes. Bulk buy is an option here of 5 for 124 Niodes, at the time of this writing there are 288 left of 300. It deals 54 straight damage, has a speed of 101, and the abilities of 2X Damage at 6%, and 3X Damage at 3%.

Honestly this has the Injection Beam beat and that isn't available until level 23. Also the Beam has 37 straight damage, speed of 100, and ability of 3X damage at 12%. So this weapon has two abilities but at a lower rate than its higher level cousin stuck with just the one. These are most likely going to sell out fast so get what you can now!

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Tank Cannon Weapon Review By Pat Willis#224534

For levels 8 and up we have this lovely niode weapon, which will cost you 360 Ferrite, 260 Bioptics, and 17 Niodes to purchase one. Or bulk buy is an option here with 5 for 68 Niodes. At the time of this writing there are 297 left out of 300. It does 35 straight damage, has a speed of 102, and packs Trample at 3%, as well as 2X Damage at 4%.

this is an extremely good deal for lower levels, as many weapons in that level range don't really touch the damage, or abilities of this weapon. The dual Gattling gun available at level 10 only has 14 straight damage, the speed beats out the Tank Cannon as it comes in at 114, and the 2X damage is at 15%. However that is level 10!! This is available at level 8! These will probably sell out fast so get em while they last.

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

The Blemmye By Damien Valentine #885659

Ever since the Bronze Age, when stories were told of Talos and the golem, mankind has dreamed of an automated soldier.  One impervious to sleep and sentiment, who requires neither leave nor hazard pay.  In modern times this dream is realized by the "drone" systems ubiquitous throughout the galaxy, each consisting of one Mecha, and one android pilot with near-human A.I.  But for a few years in the mid-33rd Century, there was a single exception to this rule: the Blemmye.

When the Illyrian province of Carthagium rebelled in 3249 -- the last in a series of revolts which had plagued the Hegemony for over 100 years -- its leaders immediately realized they were vastly outnumbered.  To solve the manpower problem quickly, they ordered the design of a new type of drone: one that sped up production by cutting out the "android middleman", and installing its A.I. directly into the mech itself.  A rudimentary cockpit was installed in the central torso (a feature for which the Blemmye was named, after a mythical monster with its face in its chest) but with a total volume of 1.5 cubic meters, its only purpose was to appease traditionalists.  Its featureless "head" bore a pair of laser turrets; working together, these were sufficient to knock down incoming missiles, although they were worthless against Mecha and armored vehicles.  For these threats, Blemmyes carried a flexible (but inexpensive) mix of arm-mounted cannons, shoulder-mounted lasers, and a dorsal missile rack...typically provided by Cogwerk sympathizers.

As the core of a medium-weight force, the Blemmye might have accomplished a great deal.  Unfortunately, the rebels only possessed outdated light Mecha (mostly Red Ants and Shocklites), despite promised shipments of iMechs and Holmes from the Cogwerk Planets.  Against the Hegemony's new Ogguns, a few squadrons of Blemmyes stood no chance whatsoever.  While the original Blemmye factories on Thapsus were destroyed in 3252, when the Hegemony "salted the earth" with cobalt bombs, about 200 Blemmyes were captured by Illyrian forces and sold to mercenary Clans.  Unfortunately for both historians and A.I. enthusiasts, most of these Blemmyes had been destroyed by 3275: equipped with Advanced Cannons and Handheld Nukes, then used in suicidal frontal assaults.  Explanations for this behavior vary from owner to owner; all are notoriously unsatisfying.

COST

Ferrite: 900
Bioptics: 400
Crystal: 70

STATISTICAL READOUT

Tonnage: 35 tons
Armor Points: 60
Start Weapons: 5
Levels per Weapon: 6
Minimum Level: 16
Manufacturer: n/a

ARMAMENTS

Advanced Cannon
Advanced Cannon
Collido Laser
Collido Laser
Double Mordem

If purchased individually, these weapons alone would cost: 824 ferrite, 659 bioptics, 10 crystal.

BONUSES

Build: Speed +1
Build: Laser shield 15%
Level 3: +1 chassis slot
Level 6: +1 weapon slot
Level 9: +1 shield slot
Level 12: +1 weapon slot
Level 15: +1 chassis slot
Level 18: +1 weapon slot
Level 21: +1 shield slot
Level 24: +1 weapon slot
Level 27: +1 chassis slot
Level 30: +1 weapon slot
Level 33: +1 shield slot
Level 36: +1 weapon slot
Level 39: +1 chassis slot
Level 42: +1 weapon slot
Level 45: +1 shield slot

Submitted by Damien Valentine #885659

We're Back By Pat Willis#224534

Good morning to all, our most sincere apologies for being offline this past weekend. Due to my I.S.P. provider all the comps in the house were unable to connect to the web. I had to access what I could using my wife's cell phone, unfortunately I am rather poor with such devices and as a result could do little more than log in and check Face book.

Everything appears to be up and running now so control is once more returned to our hands in this issue. So barring any further technical SNAFUs we should be all set and running at full capacity now. Clan Wars are in full effect, looks like troops across the galaxy are dug in and fighting like mad. We wish all combatants the best of luck and happy hunting. We're back!

Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Clan Wars 3296 Are You ready? By Pat Willis#224534

Today marks round one of the latest clan wars. Are you armed up, properly leveled, and equipped? If not you had best get it done like now or else you may wind up as scrap metal on the opponents kill pile! These are the divisions as they are presented in the game main menu, best of luck to all involved, and happy hunting!

Division Lineups

    Division 1
        The Brotherhood-Northwind Highlanders
        Cyberstorm
        Myth & Legends: Black Cats 13th Armored Division
        Death's Coalition {AFF}

    Division 2
        Highlanders (Highland Regiments)
        The Brotherhood-Northwind Fusiliers
        The Isle of Misfit Toys (MMI)
        *Raging Vengeance*

    Division 3
        Myth & Legends: Avenging X-Teens
        The Red Comet (MMI)
        Spirit of Bunny
        The Black Company
        Death's Collectors{AFF}
        Slaughter House 5
        Zeon
        Smurf Legion

    Division 4
        Steel Vipers (Highlands Regiment)
        Star League
        The Blazing Aces E.S.F.
        Myths & Legends: Fighting Furies of Mythic Doom
        Death's Brethren {AFF}
        ~Heroes Support~
        ~Heroes~
        The Brotherhood-Black Watch

    Division 5
        House Steiner
        *Knights of Vengeance*
        Clan Hell's Horses
        Black Star Lycan Rangers
        Death's Avengers {AFF}
        Death's Dinobots {AFF}
        PHOENIX (MMI)
        Browncoats (Highland Regiments)

    Division 6
        Lords of Light (Highland Regiments)
        Black Star Thundering Herd
        The Brotherhood-1st Kearney Highlanders
        Death's Disciples {AFF}
        Exiles Legends
        Smurf Brigade
        101st SPARTAN DIVISION [AC]
        Myth & Legends: The Emperor's Own

    Division 7
        82nd Omicron Guard [RND]
        The Blazing Aces R.C.T.
        *Raging Vengeance Chaos*
        merlino e morgana 1
        Alpha Legion
        Mobile Infantry ( Highland Regiments)
        Exiles Legacy
        Defenders of Bunny

    Division 8
        Rusty Blades
        OVERLORDS
        Wolf
        The Brotherhood-East
        Smurf Platoon
        Blue Octet Dragons (Death Dealers)
        99th Chessman R&D Core[RND]
        Exile's Evolution

    Division 9
        The Blazing Aces C.M.M.
        Samurai Mecha
        Death's Curse {AFF}
        Smurf Battalion
        ~Heroes II~
        Black Star Bandits
        The Enlightened {AFF}
        OVERLORDS III

    Division 10
        Dragoons (Highland Regiments)
        Cosmic Elite (MMI)
        The Never Ending Journey
        Lyran Commonwealth
        FireFly
        Exiles Challenge
        Death's Accolyte's {AFF}
        Skull Squadron

    Division 11
        103rd GOLIATH DIVISION [AC]
        Smurf War Patrol
        The Brotherhood-2nd Kearney Highlanders
        Death's Grim Reapers {AFF}
        Stonecutters
        Exiles
        Steel Viper Scout (Highland Regiments)
        the winner

    Division 12
        Exiles' Immortals
        Black Star Jackalopes
        Dire Avenger
        ~Heroes Light Brigade~
        H.Y.D.R.A.
        Blue Octet Dragons [New Breed Death Dealers]
        Smurf Militia (BBB)
        Death's Warriors {AFF}

    Division 13
        Red Dwarf (MMI)
        Exile Justice
        impossible
        Death's Harbingers {AFF}
        Exile's Camp
        Destroy Crash Burn
        {NWO} WolfPack
        104th VULCAN DIVISION [AC]

    Division 14
        The Minion Horde (AFF)
        Merlino e Morgana
        Death's Legion (AFF)
        League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
        Blue Eyes Metal Dragon
        Bacon Addicts II
        -¯_▀▄█▓▒░
        Deaths Beach Bums {AFF}

    Division 15
        NERV
        Mongols
        110th Cannon Company (HR)
        Vulcan Science Academy
        Exiles Song
        Red Dawn (MMI)
        mad scientist
        Smurf Camp

    Division 16
        Tardis of the Doctors
        105th TITAN DIVISION [AC]
        FunFac
        Arkam Asylum
        House of Gowron
        Number Crunchers {AFF}
        Death's Campers Elite {AFF}
        Minion Training Academy

    Division 17
        Fearless
        Major Payne
        Pathetic Loser Clan
        Robot's Revenge

May 15:    Battle One
May 17:    Battle Two
May 19:    Battle Three
May 20:    Prizes Distributed.

Is Your Clan Ready?










Submitted by Pat Willis#224534

Monk's Shop Talk Painful Paint By Ron Frye#879655

Since I have recieved no letters thus far this week, I have decided to discuss a topic that has been bothering me for some time; Mecha battle paint. I know that every pilot wants his mecha to not only be the badest and slickest beast on the field, but also to look unique and fearsome as well. The practice of personalising the paint job on mechas is a long standing tradition; however, you need to think before you paint. Be carefull in your choices. You do not want something so striking that instead of you painting the mecha, the mecha paints you as a target. Also, be wary of painting your mecha to resemble the creature it was designed to emulate; such as the Smilodon mecha. Remember, on some planets there are biological organisms in existence to this day that look amazingly similar to those animals.

Recently I had to perform repairs on a Smilodon mecha that had some very unusual damage. Apparently the pilot had painted his mecha to resemble a photo he found of a similar smilodon shaped animal from a planet in the Sagitarian sector. Unfortunately he was unaware that the photo in question was of a female displaying high heat mating coloration. His platoon landed on the planet in question, right in the middle of a pack of the creatures. When he returned to base, the mecha had suffered severe structural damage and massive devastation to both the fore and aft exhaust ports! The pilot is still under a bed in the back bay, curled in a fetal position, sucking his thumb and muttering the words, "...bad touch...", under his breath over and over.

"Remember.....think before you paint!", Monk Malone.

Submitted by Ron Frye#879655

Naughty Or Nice Part 3 By Joshua Bourne #702128

The Pilots formed a defensive line to protect the damaged Mechas while they were being evacuated. Pilots who were too injured were taken back from the fighting to safely heal. The next wave hit like a storm. Oggun like mechs charged the lines, pieces of armor plating and fur breaking off to the sustained fire presented against them in this wall. Only a few made it close but it was there that their ferocity really showed.

They clawed at the mechs in front of them. Ripping off shielding, armor and electrical systems they could find. More of these mechs charged towards them even as the last still fought from the last wave. The wall was reformed to be a lot smaller, but double thick. One mech behind another to strengthen the wall wherever it could be stronger. The bigger the mech you are, the closer to the center. The next wave proved to be a little easier. Fewer mechs came this time but some still made it to the lines. They were unable to do too much damage to the mechs on the front as the supporting ones dealt with them quickly.

An hour goes by of this constant raiding attempt on the line from these beast like mechs. Its as if they were some kind of hunting packs looking for fresh prey. From these attacks however, they were able to cripple a few more mechs in the process but they did pay a large price for it. It looked like the last few mechs were about to push up to them with all the strength they could muster. There was another large War Horse, this one carrying Rail Cannons on each shoulder, and the strange Tree twirled its way forward. In the distance, some Pilots were able to see a large, red and gold mech, watching the fight from afar. They couldn't dwindle on the mystery mech though as the last push was upon them.

Again, the bestial Ogguns lead the charge, with the War Horse right behind them. All tried to shoot the front line down before they got close but it was to no avail. These are a lot tougher than the ones they were fighting before. Nearly all of them made it to the line. There long, crystalline claws tearing through whatever they could get to. Skriags were pulled to help deal with this as the others attempted to shoot them down before they could do any more damage. A blast of energy could be heard as the War Horse fired its first shot. The crash of a mech could be heard as a Oggun pounced and tour it asunder, electrical equipment and armor pieces flying through the air. The Pilot scrambled out of his mech to safety, being sure not to be mauled by the pure savagery happening in front of him.

Slowly, the mechs were being dealt with. The Skriags were slow but they were able to take a few of the hits before dealing their blow, cutting down the massive hulk in front of them. Another crackle sounded through the air as the Horse fired another shot. This one barely went over the wall of mechs in front of it. A Regis fired a shot in return, shooting off one of the lumbering Rail Cannons on its shoulder mountings, taking the whole shoulder with it. It prepared to fire another round in the open whole but the deafening sound crackled again, aimed at the Regis this time. The round fired straight through the chest plate, sending it crashing to the ground. Sparks flying through the air and engine fluid oozing over the floor around it. The last Oggun finally hits the floor in pieces, now they have to take down the War Horse without taking another crippling hit like the last.

All guns were brought to bear against the enormous mech in front of them, preparing to fire again. smaller mechs fired all they had into the front plating but it all bounced harmlessly off. Other mechs repositioned to get there flame weaponry into the open whole, but the fire proof webbing prevented that. A Skriag charged towards it from the front, but after its meg gets blown away by another shot, that gets stopped quick. The stronger weapons started to fire, taking small pieces of the armor out as they go. Another shot fired, taking out two mechs, with it through piercing its chest and the next mechs leg joint. Suddenly, a sound of a Rail Cannon fired from the defensive line. The Regis had put all of its power into prepping the shot, aimed at the command hatch and, unknowing to him at the time, the engine block behind it. It goes up in spectacular flame, sending smoke hundreds of feet into the air. Both mechs hit the floor with a loud thump. Only one Pilot made it out though. The Regis' Pilot scrambled out, covered in oil and other fluids before it caught alight. It would be a long time before that one would be able to fight again, but it sure made a name for itself.

However, coming closer was the mysterious Tree. But something was behind it........ something bigger.......

Submitted by Joshua Bourne #702128

Exiles' Immortals Pre War Report By Scar FireWolf #729774

From within his laboratory, Scar was busy putting the finishing touches on his new Gigus and Smilodon. Steam poured from jangly wires and gears turned unsteadily as sparks flew from his welding beam. His automated swivel chair moved faster than his machinery as Scar moved from screen to screen, calibrating numbers spread out across a dozen computer screens around the room. Finally it all abruptly halts and Scar looked his creations over, satisfied. Phew, those are done, and so is that shifty Skriag for Waddo - That thing was a challenge to work on, but it was completed on schedule and the janky modifications are performing flawlessly.

Scar's new experimental advances in combining x-ray goggles with bent-optic binoculars have proved largely successful at analyzing the opponent's formations. Scar dons a prototype eyepiece and activates it, and it promptly bursts into flames. Automated service bots quickly swarm Scar and extinguish it. "Hmph, adjustments need to be made before war, but it's close. When we get it right, these little buggers will truly revolutionize how we see war. Pun intended. Sort of."

He puts that project down for a minute and goes back over his notes. While not quite as ambitious as he originally planned, Scar is satisfied with the compromises that were reached. The Immortals core has grown into a solid phalanx and is ready for war. Enthusiastic comm chatter confirms this, as testing reveals that upgrades are performing better than expected. Meanwhile, Scar waits in anticipation to see how his schemes play out - The other Exiles squads will come to war with a lot more bite this time around and should bring home shinier medals, if all goes according to plan.

Good luck to all, and may your glory in combat be surpassed only by your enjoyment of it.








Submitted by Scar FireWolf #729774