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Post by Son Of A King on Jul 28, 2020 8:08:35 GMT -4
The Hatchetman and Nightsky are perhaps two of the most iconic mechs to weld handheld weapons for physical attacks, specifically hatchets.
I know others like the No-Dachi have a sword.
And correct my if I am wrong but one mech out there has duel lances.
Can we make a role call of units that are built for this sort of combat?
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Post by Ghost of Jorgensson on Jul 28, 2020 8:14:53 GMT -4
With the Clans labeling physical combat as dishonorable I rightly cannot think of a single mech with any sort of physical weapon beyond the claws on a few units like the Kodiak, which were meant for more aesthetic purposes.
In terms of Inner Sphere however I can list the Beserker (Hatchet), Scarabus (Hatchet) and Vindicator 5L/6L (Sword).
Also always found it funny the Excalibur never carried a sword.
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garyp
Junior Member
Posts: 71
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Post by garyp on Jul 28, 2020 13:02:09 GMT -4
I like the Nightsky. While it doesn't have the headchopping 12 point attack of an Axeman its better speed makes it easier to get into melee range. The forearm mounted blade was nice visual departure from the Hatchetman style melee weapons (https://www.sarna.net/wiki/File:NS-Nihtskye.png ) and the pulse lasers of the original variant have good synergy with the hatchet and jumpjets. The XL engine is a weakness, but it is a Vlar 300XL so from the position of manufacturing and maintenance it has the advantage of sharing a common engine with several other FedCom designs of the era.
Some day I should try Rubinsky's customised Archer with the SRMs and hatchet, it would be a nasty brawler in something like a city fight.
Son of a King, both the Volkh and the Nyx have twin lances. They seem like an interesting weapon, good damage and that chance of additional internal damage, but I've never used them.
There are so many choices for melee weapons in the modern Tech Manual. Besides the claws and maces taken from the old Tactical Handbook, there are those from the little 32 page booklet that came with the Solaris VII map pack. That little book introduced a large number of additional melee weapons, mix of flashy new arena weapons (like mech sized vibroswords, flails and chainwhips) and repurposed industrial (such as pile drivers, wreaking balls and demolition saws) being used by duelist seeking a more brutal spectacle. Also shields, which in addition to providing protection can also be used to shield bash in melee.
The list of mechs with melee weapons is also long these days. I did a quick search of the units in MM for anything with hatchets, swords, industrial equipment usable in melee, shields etc. I also included talons and spikes, which while not handheld do have a similar role in enhancing melee attack. I did make a list sorted weapon types but it was about 250 units long so I won't post here unless people really want it.
Ghost of Jorgensson, while going through those mech I was reminded of the existence of the Nova U, Viper U etc and the one niche role the clans do have for melee weapons within their honor rules. As breaching tools to make holes in the hull of opposing spacecraft and allow elementals marines to board them.
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Post by TheBlueBungler on Jul 29, 2020 8:12:16 GMT -4
I am surprised to read this about the Nova for two reasons. I didn't think any Clan unit carried weapons like a sword and I was under the impression that all the "U" variants for Clan units were meant for underwater operations. The ones I am familiar with anyway, Mad Dog U, Uller U and Thor U carry either UMUs or torpedo launchers in place of the standard LRM/SRM's.
It appears instead they are for either underwater or space based vacuum scenarios. Just found the Turkina U that has "liquid storage" for use with jump jets in a directional thrust manner.
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Post by Tardigrades on Jul 29, 2020 22:47:30 GMT -4
When I think mechs with hatchets and swords the Beowulf 14 and Black Knight 9 spring to mind first. The Buccaneer is another popular choice for pirates.
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Post by Son Of A King on Aug 1, 2020 9:58:28 GMT -4
The Volkh, that is the one I was thinking of! I was not even aware of the Nyx. I guess because it is only found on the one variation. The Nyx has an even longer charge, but weaker armor and minimal support weapons though...
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