"To 'unlock' a neurohelmet, the pilot transmitted a special, brief series of motions or entered some word or number command into the onboard computer. This code was secret and different for each individual pilot and his 'Mech, and prevented anyone else from simply climbing in and taking over the machine. Failure to transmit the proper sequence could result in damage to the helmet or the wearer." The Sword and the Dagger by Ardath Mayhar 1986.
Imagine no locks or keys needed on vehicles ....just moing into it an placing a helmet and with a certain number of commands or motions would allow you to drive ...the incorrect command or motion would get you nothing or possibly killed.
In MechWarrior Online, of course nothing feels close to this ...there may be a few people who say a prayer before dropping that the game wont crash or they are hoping to score a kill or a hit even. No risk involved at all.
The book gave me all new appreciation for the honor of piloting the mechs.
Showing posts with label #books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #books. Show all posts
Monday, January 21, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Tactic Tip #110
"Halt and identify yourselves!" the Wasp challenged, as Sep and Jarlik continued moving forward. The guard then lifted its right arm in an accusatory gesture that spat fire from its medium laser.
"Hostiles on Palace grounds. Engaging!" they heard him report frantically over the crackle of the general frequency. The two heavy 'Mechs dodged, and the shot missed.
"Concentrate fire!" Sep yelled into the com. "Right leg! Give him everything you've got." The combined fire from their lasers, autocannon, and SRMs was deafening, almost blinding. Then they saw the Wasp fall to the ground, its right leg totally disintegrated. The huge machine was now effectively out of commision.
"One down," said Sep, "but he's put out the warning now, and it won't be long before the rest of them show up. We better get done with this now!"
"The Sword and the Dagger"
"Hostiles on Palace grounds. Engaging!" they heard him report frantically over the crackle of the general frequency. The two heavy 'Mechs dodged, and the shot missed.
"Concentrate fire!" Sep yelled into the com. "Right leg! Give him everything you've got." The combined fire from their lasers, autocannon, and SRMs was deafening, almost blinding. Then they saw the Wasp fall to the ground, its right leg totally disintegrated. The huge machine was now effectively out of commision.
"One down," said Sep, "but he's put out the warning now, and it won't be long before the rest of them show up. We better get done with this now!"
"The Sword and the Dagger"
Ardath Mayhar
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Mechs Listed in "The Sword and the Dagger "
I have finished reading and thought it might be cool to list all the mechs used or discussed in the game or mentioned at all.
Only 2 mechs mentioned in the book exist in the game so far. I posted pictures of them. PGI is hoping to release every mech known to man so all of these will be coming at some point :D
Mentioned in the book but no detail
Wasp
Rifleman Stinger
Enforcer Catapult
Ostroc
Archer
Trebuche
Listed in the glossary and used in the book.
Victor:
This 80-ton assault 'Mech moves at a maximum speed of about 64.8 kph, and is the only one of its class with jump capability (120 meters maximum). The Victor mounts an autocannon in its right arm, two medium lasers in the left arm, and an SRM 4 in its center torso. In battle, the Victor is often able to throw its opponents off guard, as they do not expect to find a heavy 'Mech with jump capability.
Zeus:
The 80-ton Zeus is the pride of House Steiner. whose designers created it as a heavy 'Mech capable of performing hit-and-run tactics. It mounts an LRM in the right arm, a large laser and medium laser in the left torso, a medium laser in the center torso, and an autocannon in the left arm. The Mech's top speed is 64.8 kph. Its excellent armor, especially around the chest and legs, allow it to withstand all but the heaviest fire. Its strong, heavily armored legs make the Zeus a feared kicker, and a bludgeon feature on its left arm gives it a mighty punch.
Battlemaster:
A formidable assault ‘Mech, the BattleMaster weighs 85 tons and has a maximum speed of 64.8 kph. The firepower that the BattleMaster can generate in one volley is staggering and more than deadly at close range. Its main fire weapon is its right-arm PPC, and its three right-torso and three left-torso medium lasers provide close support fire. Of the six lasers, two are mounted on the 'Mech's right and left rear, making it one of the few models equipped with rear firing weapons. An SRM 6 and two machine guns complete the BattleMaster's weaponry.
Dragon:
The Dragon is a well-armed 'Mech whose top speed of 86.4 kph makes it one of the fastest of the heavies. Armed with 24 rounds for its LRM and a whopping 40 rounds for its autocannon, the Dragon can carry on sustained battles without reloading. Even if ammo does run low, the 'Mech's left-arm and left-torso medium lasers ensure that it has other weapons to fire.
Warhammer:
Because of its size and weaponry, the 70-ton heavy 'Mech War-hammer is one of the most dangerous and powerful on the battlefield. It mounts PPCs on both right and left arms, an SRM on the right torso, and a medium and small laser and a machine gun on each side of its torso. These give it the sheer firepower needed by a first-line fighter. The special searchlight mounted on the 'Mech's left torso ties in with its tracking system. Able to function either as a light or as part of the targeting system, this feature makes the WarHammer a formidable night-fighter. The Mech's top speed is 64.8 kph.
JagerMech: This 65-ton 'Mech mounts two light and two medium autocannon and two medium lasers. Its top speed is 64.8 kph. Crusader: A heavy BattleMech, weighing 65 tons, with a top speed of 64.8 kph. It is heavily armed even for a 'Mech, mounting a laser, heavy machine gun, and massed LRM batteries in each arm, and SRMs on each leg. The Crusader is capable of delivering a full spread of 42 missiles at optimum 160-180 meter range, with the potential of crippling or destroying even the mighty BattleMaster
Thunderbolt:
The Thunderbolt is a 65-ton heavy 'Mech, and is one of the best-armed 'Mechs in existence. Its arm-mounted large laser packs a powerful punch. Combined with its three left-torso-mounted medium lasers and the SRM 2 mounted on its right torso, the 'Mech has ample firepower at long and medium ranges. For close combat, it mounts a torso-mounted SRM 2 and two left-arm machine guns. Vindicator:
The Vindicator is a 45-ton medium 'Mech that is not particularly fast (top speed 64.8 kph) for its size. One of the most common 'Mechs among the House Liao forces, the 'Mech mounts an LRM in the left torso, a PPC in its right arm, a small laser in its left arm, and a medium laser that bulges from the left side of the 'Mech's head.
Valkyrie:
A 'Mech design seen only among the forces of House Davion, the Valkyrie is a highly regarded light 'Mech. Its six tons of armor, top speed of 86.4 kph, and 150-meter jump capacity allow it to outmaneuver heavier units in battle and to absorb a fair amount of damage. Its left-torso LRM is unusual in a light ‘Mech, making it a potentially tough opponent at long range. At close range, its right-arm medium laser and super jump capacity can be a potent mix. Though no match for a medium or heavy ‘Mech in one-to-one combat, the Valkyrie is effective when part of a lance.
Only 2 mechs mentioned in the book exist in the game so far. I posted pictures of them. PGI is hoping to release every mech known to man so all of these will be coming at some point :D
Mentioned in the book but no detail
Wasp
Rifleman Stinger
Enforcer Catapult
Ostroc
Archer
Trebuche
Listed in the glossary and used in the book.
Victor:
This 80-ton assault 'Mech moves at a maximum speed of about 64.8 kph, and is the only one of its class with jump capability (120 meters maximum). The Victor mounts an autocannon in its right arm, two medium lasers in the left arm, and an SRM 4 in its center torso. In battle, the Victor is often able to throw its opponents off guard, as they do not expect to find a heavy 'Mech with jump capability.
Zeus:
The 80-ton Zeus is the pride of House Steiner. whose designers created it as a heavy 'Mech capable of performing hit-and-run tactics. It mounts an LRM in the right arm, a large laser and medium laser in the left torso, a medium laser in the center torso, and an autocannon in the left arm. The Mech's top speed is 64.8 kph. Its excellent armor, especially around the chest and legs, allow it to withstand all but the heaviest fire. Its strong, heavily armored legs make the Zeus a feared kicker, and a bludgeon feature on its left arm gives it a mighty punch.
Battlemaster:
A formidable assault ‘Mech, the BattleMaster weighs 85 tons and has a maximum speed of 64.8 kph. The firepower that the BattleMaster can generate in one volley is staggering and more than deadly at close range. Its main fire weapon is its right-arm PPC, and its three right-torso and three left-torso medium lasers provide close support fire. Of the six lasers, two are mounted on the 'Mech's right and left rear, making it one of the few models equipped with rear firing weapons. An SRM 6 and two machine guns complete the BattleMaster's weaponry.
Dragon:
The Dragon is a well-armed 'Mech whose top speed of 86.4 kph makes it one of the fastest of the heavies. Armed with 24 rounds for its LRM and a whopping 40 rounds for its autocannon, the Dragon can carry on sustained battles without reloading. Even if ammo does run low, the 'Mech's left-arm and left-torso medium lasers ensure that it has other weapons to fire.
Warhammer:
Because of its size and weaponry, the 70-ton heavy 'Mech War-hammer is one of the most dangerous and powerful on the battlefield. It mounts PPCs on both right and left arms, an SRM on the right torso, and a medium and small laser and a machine gun on each side of its torso. These give it the sheer firepower needed by a first-line fighter. The special searchlight mounted on the 'Mech's left torso ties in with its tracking system. Able to function either as a light or as part of the targeting system, this feature makes the WarHammer a formidable night-fighter. The Mech's top speed is 64.8 kph.
JagerMech: This 65-ton 'Mech mounts two light and two medium autocannon and two medium lasers. Its top speed is 64.8 kph. Crusader: A heavy BattleMech, weighing 65 tons, with a top speed of 64.8 kph. It is heavily armed even for a 'Mech, mounting a laser, heavy machine gun, and massed LRM batteries in each arm, and SRMs on each leg. The Crusader is capable of delivering a full spread of 42 missiles at optimum 160-180 meter range, with the potential of crippling or destroying even the mighty BattleMaster
Thunderbolt:
The Thunderbolt is a 65-ton heavy 'Mech, and is one of the best-armed 'Mechs in existence. Its arm-mounted large laser packs a powerful punch. Combined with its three left-torso-mounted medium lasers and the SRM 2 mounted on its right torso, the 'Mech has ample firepower at long and medium ranges. For close combat, it mounts a torso-mounted SRM 2 and two left-arm machine guns. Vindicator:
The Vindicator is a 45-ton medium 'Mech that is not particularly fast (top speed 64.8 kph) for its size. One of the most common 'Mechs among the House Liao forces, the 'Mech mounts an LRM in the left torso, a PPC in its right arm, a small laser in its left arm, and a medium laser that bulges from the left side of the 'Mech's head.
Valkyrie:
A 'Mech design seen only among the forces of House Davion, the Valkyrie is a highly regarded light 'Mech. Its six tons of armor, top speed of 86.4 kph, and 150-meter jump capacity allow it to outmaneuver heavier units in battle and to absorb a fair amount of damage. Its left-torso LRM is unusual in a light ‘Mech, making it a potentially tough opponent at long range. At close range, its right-arm medium laser and super jump capacity can be a potent mix. Though no match for a medium or heavy ‘Mech in one-to-one combat, the Valkyrie is effective when part of a lance.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Book One: The Sword and the Dagger
I started this book and while it is difficult to tear myself away from it I am reading it with a completely new perspective of MWO ...it is amazing to think something written this long ago is influencing the game today.
I do not want to give any of the book away but I plan on posting my thoughts on the book as I read it.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
MWO Booklist
http://www.stargazerserv.com/csv/btech/battletech_novel_list.htm
BattleTech Novel List
This is a complete listing of BattleTech Novels in the order in which they should be read which is in approximately Chronological order, not when the books were actually published. This will give you a sense of flow for the events of the BattleTech Universe.
I say approximate Chronological order, because some books, or series, cover the events in others. For example, the Jade Phoenix Trilogy acutally starts before The Blood of Kerensky series, and ends after it. It is placed where it is because, The Blood of Kerensky Series, while written later, provides background for the Jade Phoenix. (confusing is it not??)
| Book Title | Author | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Sword and the Dagger | Ardath Mayhar | The 31st Century begins |
| Decision at Thunder Rift | William H. Keith Jr. | Saga of the Grey Death Legion -- Book 1 |
| Mercenary’s Star | William H. Keith Jr. | Saga of the Grey Death Legion -- Book 2 |
| The Price of Glory | William H. Keith Jr. | Saga of the Grey Death Legion -- Book 3 |
| Warrior: En Guarde | Michael A. Stackpole | Birth of the Federated Commonwealth--Book 1 |
| Warrior: Riposte | Michael A. Stackpole | Birth of the Federated Commonwealth--Book 2 |
| Warrior: Coupe | Michael A. Stackpole | Birth of the Federated Commonwealth--Book 3 |
| Wolves on the Border | Robert N. Charrette | |
| Heir to the Dragon | Robert N. Charrette | |
| Lethal Heritage | Michael A. Stackpole | The Blood of Kerensky -- Book 1 |
| Blood Legacy | Michael A. Stackpole | The Blood of Kerensky -- Book 2 |
| Lost Destiny | Michael A. Stackpole | The Blood of Kerensky -- Book 3 |
| Way of the Clans | Robert Thurston | Jade Phoenix Trilogy -- Book 1 |
| Bloodname | Robert Thurston | Jade Phoenix Trilogy -- Book 2 |
| Falcon Guard | Robert Thurston | Jade Phoenix Trilogy -- Book 3 |
| Wolf Pack | Robert N. Charrette | |
| Main Event | James D. Long | |
| Ideal War | Christopher Kubasik | Is there room for Honor in a dirty little war? |
| Natural Selection | Michael A. Stackpole | |
| Assumption of Risk | Michael A. Stackpole | |
| Blood of Heroes | Andrew Keith | |
| Close Quarters | Victor Milan | |
| Far Country | Peter L. Rice | |
| D.R.T | James D. Long | |
| Tactics of Duty | William H. Keith Jr. | |
| Bred for War | Michael A. Stackpole | |
| I am Jade Falcon | Robert Thurston | |
| Star Lord | Donald G. Phillips | |
| Highlander Gambit | Blaine Lee Pardoe | |
| Hearts of Chaos | Victor Milan | |
| Operation Excaliber | William H. Keith Jr. | |
| Malicious Intent | Michael A. Stackpole | |
| Black Dragon | Victor Milan | |
| Impetus of War | Blain Lee Pardoe | |
| Double Blind | Loren L. Coleman | |
| Binding Force | Loren L. Coleman | |
| Exodus Road | Blaine L. Pardoe | Twilight of the Clans -- Book 1 |
| Grave Conenant | Michael A. Stackpole | Twilight of the Clans -- Book 2 |
| The Hunters | Thomas S. Gressman | Twilight of the Clans -- Book 3 |
| FreeBirth | Robert Thurston | Twilight of the Clans -- Book 4 |
| Sword and Fire | Thomas S. Gressman | Twilight of the Clans -- Book 5 |
| Shadows of War | Thomoas S. Gressman | Twilight of the Clans -- Book 6 |
| Prince of Havoc | Michael A. Stackpole | Twilight of the Clans -- Book 7 |
| Falcon Rising | Robert Thurston | Twilight of the Clans -- Book 8 |
| Threads of Ambition | Loren L. Coleman | The Capellan Solution -- Book 1 |
| The Killing Fields | Loren L. Coleman | The Capellan Solution -- Book 2 |
| Dagger Point | Thomas Gressman | |
| Ghost of Winter | Stephen Kenson | One of the MechWarrior Books, while set in the BT Universe, presents no information that furthers the time line. |
| Roar of Honor | Blaine Lee Pardoe | One of the MechWarrior Books, while set in the BT Universe, presents no information that furthers the time line. |
| By Blood Betrayed | Blaine Lee Pardoe & Mel Odem | One of the MechWarrior Books, while set in the BT Universe, presents no information that furthers the time line. |
| Illusions of Victory |
Is the game world of Solaris VII a reflection of the Inner Sphere?
Flashpoint
Loren L. Coleman
Measure of a Hero
Blaine Lee Pardoe
Path of Glory
Randall N. Bills
Test of Vengeance
Bryan Nystul
Patriots and Tyrants
Loren L. Coleman
Call of Duty
Blain Lee Pardoe
Initiation to War
Robert N. Charette
A MechWarrior Book, it does further the time line
The Dying Time
Thomas S. Gressman
A MechWarrior Book, it does further the time line
Storms of Fate
Loren L. Coleman
Imminent Crisis
Randall N. Bills
A MechWarrior Book, it does further the time line
Operation Audacity
Blaine Lee Pardoe
EndGame
Loren L. Coleman
Ghost War
Michael A. Stackpole
First of the MechWarrior Dark Age books: set approximately 80 years after End Game
A Call to Arms
Loren L. Coleman
Ther Ruins of Power
Robert E. Vardeman
A Silence in the Heavens
Martin Del Rio
Truth and Shadows
Martin Del Rio
Service for the Dead
Martin Del Rio
By Temptations and by War
Loren L. Coleman
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Quotable Wednesday version 1.0
“I need you to be clever, Bean. I need you to think of solutions to problems we haven't seen yet. I want you to try things that no one has ever tried because they're absolutely stupid.” -Ender Wiggin
- Ender's Game
It is vitally important in the beta of MechWarrior Online to try new techniques. The more people playing (especially in premades) the more important to try crazy tactics like capping the base instead of trying to out gun the enemy.
I have loaded into a match which should have been 8 vs 8 and have 4 in my team crash so now we have a 4vs8. We can try to take them out strategically but we cannot account for the 4 that ran directly to our base. We lost ...not due to pilot error; we lost to numbers. We killed the 4 and they capped our base with 4. We could have left one behind to guard but we just didn't have the resources.
- Ender's Game
It is vitally important in the beta of MechWarrior Online to try new techniques. The more people playing (especially in premades) the more important to try crazy tactics like capping the base instead of trying to out gun the enemy.
I have loaded into a match which should have been 8 vs 8 and have 4 in my team crash so now we have a 4vs8. We can try to take them out strategically but we cannot account for the 4 that ran directly to our base. We lost ...not due to pilot error; we lost to numbers. We killed the 4 and they capped our base with 4. We could have left one behind to guard but we just didn't have the resources.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Mechpron: 50 Shades of Red
So 2011 was the year of an independent fan based story that got published ...it was supposed to be what Twilight SHOULD have been like - the level of sex that women who read it craved ...at least that is what I understood.
I read it ...I read a lot. This book was horrible and painful to get through the writing is really, really, really, bad. I think the hype about a naughty book got spread like a virus and women who don't normally read stuff like it got swept up in it and so it became this huge best seller.
Imagine fans taking the Aragorn and Arwen changing the names but making it all about sex.
Anyway ...the writing is bad. I would say "don't read it" but the fact is if you do we can make more fun of it together.
Saturday Night Live - Fifty Shades of Grey by BigBlueBruiser
So here is what I wanted to post ...the writing is so bad. I copied a snippet and made my spin on fan fiction fiction:
...Eighteen shots in total. My mech is
shaking, shaking from his merciless assault.
"Enough," The altas breathes hoarsely. "Well
done, tigerspit. Now I'm going to fuck you."
He flames my behind gently, and it
burns as he circles me round and round and down. Suddenly, he inserts two
gauss in my legs, taking my mech completely by surprise. I gasp, this new assault
breaking through the numbness around my cockpit.
"Feel this. See how much
your mech likes this, tigerspit. You're smoking just for
me."
There is awe in his voice. He moves through the enemy base, in and out, in quick succession.
I groan, no surely not, and then his
gauss are gone...and I'm left wanting.
"Next time, I will get you to countdown.
Now where's that jenner?"
I read it ...I read a lot. This book was horrible and painful to get through the writing is really, really, really, bad. I think the hype about a naughty book got spread like a virus and women who don't normally read stuff like it got swept up in it and so it became this huge best seller.
Imagine fans taking the Aragorn and Arwen changing the names but making it all about sex.
Anyway ...the writing is bad. I would say "don't read it" but the fact is if you do we can make more fun of it together.
So here is what I wanted to post ...the writing is so bad. I copied a snippet and made my spin on fan fiction fiction:
Monday, August 27, 2012
Don't tell me what I can't do.
It is extremely difficult to not get excited about whats coming up.
I have a kindle and have added "BattleTech - 08602 - The Sword and the Dagger - Ardath Mayhar" to my list to read. May have to start before finishing "Life of Pi"
Every excited.
So many people play tabletop Battletech that I feel like I am missing out on some good background knowledge. So while during some research I discovered another game that is coming out called MechTactics ....now I know nothing about this game I think it is in beta right now too. It is just a browser game and tabletop.
Read this:
http://www.dotmmo.com/mech-tactics-6453.html
"Involve yourself in the futuristic battles to eliminate all opponents with the company of powerful and hulking behemoths, and control your combative robots to venture through any difficulties in the expansive Mech Tactics world.
Overview:
Built with Unity3D engine used in Battlestar Galactica Online, Mech Tactics is a 3D sci-fi browser game developed by the Norwegian game studio Artplant and published by DTP Entertainment. The game has a fairly satisfactory graphic presentation and jaw-dropping spectacle. Meanwhile, there is an extensive range of character customization options, which enables the players to forge an ideal and overwhelming unit of fighting giants.
As a commander in Mech Tactics, you should train your futuristic combat units and keep enhancing your tactical skills and overall planning ability in order to compete with thousands of other commanders.
With extensive customization options, each commander can make his personalized units and engage in the action-packed battles.
To survive in the game, you will have to tactically guide your troops to step on different maps, and adjust your fighting strategies according to conditions of the diverse environments.
Although only bits of information on the game is leaked right now, its release date is about to come. Just get ready to sign up for its closed beta test starting in mid-February this year."
9090909090909090990
So having read this I am going to be posting stats about MechTactics what is known, BattletechMWO. I am not going to release any info outside of what is currently available.
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