Gramps' run through the Hyades Rim campaign

[MarkDey]

Welcome to my story, in which I will record the alternate universe tales of the mercenary company Gramps' Giants and their experience in the Hyades Rim. Each mission will be recorded and summarized, and I should be able to update the thread every day or two.

There will be spoilers! If you want to fully experience the story yourself, then I would recommend that you download the mod and begin playing!

I plan to make full use of the Threadmarks feature, so if you only want to see the major / interesting story parts and skip the brief mission writeups, then please do use that. Comments and questions are welcome, and I hope you enjoy the story!

Mods Used:
ModTek 0.7.7.6, Hyades Rim 6.0.5a, Better AI 2.0, Battletech Performance Fix 2.13, cFixes 1.9.1.1, Navigation Computer 2.0.2, Little Things 1.9.1-010R, CT Ammo Mover 1.9.1.0, Skirmish Inventory Unlock 1.1.0

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -​

On the day of Lady Kamea Arano's ascension to the throne, her uncle Lord Espinosa and his daughter Victoria launch a coup. By coercing Lord Alexander of House Madeira into betraying Kamea by taking his family as hostages, House Espinosa's forces quickly gain control of Coromodir and subdue the Arano house troops.

With help from you and your old mentor Mastiff Montgomery, Lady Kamea attempts an escape. Mastiff sacrifices himself to cover her exit, but the DropShip is destroyed as Madeira betrays its location to Espinosa's forces, although Kamea manages to eject from the crippled spaceship.

In the aftermath of the coup, both your and her ejection pods are recovered by Kamea's surviving House Guards and a small mercenary unit formerly employed by the Reach and are brought aboard the DropShip Hysteria.

Barely escaping from the Directorate's purges to consolidate Lord Espinosa's rule, two years later the Aurigan survivors find themselves in the Deep Periphery...

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 001: 0.5 Skull Battle ____ Employer: Darius ____ Target: Creed ____ Biome: Badlands
Lance: KTO-18 (Kamea), JVN-10N (Charybdis), PXH-1 (Kanaloa), TBT-5N (Reynard)

Report: Representative Jamison has contracted us to attack Majesty Metals so they can rise up against their oppressive boss. Our lance of master pilots on the ground is Kamea in her Kintaro, Charybdis in her Javelin, Kanaloa in his Phoenix Hawk, and Reynard in his Trebuchet. The group moves to hit the turret generator at the first location and quickly enters sensor range of the light turrets and defending mechs. LCT-I, JVN-I, 2x Sniper. Reynard quickly destroys the generator with a salvo of LRMs, and Kanaloa cripples the Locust as it runs around the corner with a sidekick that shears off its leg. Charybdis blasts it to pieces with SRMs before it can stand again. Kamea gets into a slugging match with the enemy Javelin, and the rest of the lance then maneuvers to blast it to bits.

____As the group maneuvers to destroy the corporate tower, enemy reinforcements arrive. 2x Hover Recon, SHD-I (pilot kill!). The vehicles are crushed underfoot, and the Shadow Hawk is hit from both sides with missiles and melee attacks, eventually knocking out the pilot. When we return to our employer's compound, they seem surprised at our efficiency.

____Darius reports that our opposition was a group of pirates, not a corporation, and demands an explanation. The Creed is mentioned, and then Grey "Legend-Killer" Noton, Solaris VII champion, joins the conversation. He is looking to collect on Kamea's bounty. She's given a choice, and as expected, we take the hard way. RFL-LK(!) (pilot kill!). 4x Light Shredder, Hover Recon, Bulldog. The turret generator is destroyed quickly, and the rest of the units follow afterwards. Grey Noton kills Charybdis and incapacitates Kanaloa, but Reynard and Kamea knock him out.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -​

____Dr. Murad begins treating Kamea as soon as she arrives back on the Hysteria. The following day, Kamea willingly becomes one of the Disposessed, giving up her Kintaro to the injured Kanaloa to replace his destroyed Phoenix Hawk, and personally dismissing the Aurigan survivors so they might find a safer place away from her. Dropping her title and keeping a low profile also means becoming an assistant MechTech, and Yang has misgivings about how she will handle the work given her high nobility background. Our priority right now is to find work so the company doesn't go bankrupt.

____We have a BJ-1, VND-1R, SHD-2H, SDR-5V, and LCT-1V ready to deploy. We have five pilots: Behemoth (a Defender), Glitch (a Gunner), Medusa (a Pilot), Dekker (a Recruit), and myself (a Tactician). The store has a good selection of mech salvage and support weapons, but not enough to assemble a new chassis - not that we have enough money anyway. There are a few contracts from local powers here in Diik, and I work with Darius to find the best one to start with.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 002: 0.5 Skull Battle ____ Employer: Bad Moon Rising ____ Target: Harbingers of Doom ____ Biome: Desert
Lance: SDR-5V (Gramps), SHD-2H (Behemoth), BJ-1 (Medusa), VND-1R (Glitch)

Report: Shock Troops - apparently there are two big and scary mechs that need to be taken care of. As we drop in, a pair of other mechs contact us and demand that we depart the area as they are in pursuit of Harbinger terrorists. I'm happy to let those two groups fight each other and let us pick up all of the pieces. VL-P, HBK-X (pilot kill!), LCT-3V, FS9-H.

Damage: SHD-2H, RL reduced to 60% structure. ____ Salvage: HBK-X assembled and moved into the bay.
Advancement: Gramps: Gunnery 2 to 3. Glitch, Piloting 2 to 3. Medusa: Gunnery 3 to 4.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 003: 1 Skull Battle ____ Employer: White Death ____ Target: Local Gov ____ Biome: Desert
Lance: SHD-2H (Behemoth), BJ-1 (Medusa), VND-1R (Gramps), HBK-X (Glitch)

Report: Distraction - our target is a unit on patrol, with the possibility of a second unit arriving as reinforcements. Glitch seemed excited about the long range firepower of the modified Hunchback, and had already practiced bringing the AC/5 and two LRM5s to bear on three different targets. I was a little worried about losing the mobility of the Spider, but the Vindictor would at least let me damage some targets in addition to sensor locking them. After a short movement to contact, we find our initial target. 2x LCT-1M (one pilot kill). Reinforcements appear quickly. LCT-1S, COM-2D (pilot kill).

Damage: Only armor. ____ Salvage: COM-2D, LCT-1M assembled. COM-2D is moved into the bay, putting the LCT-1V in storage along with the LCT-1M.
Advancement: Behemoth & Gramps: Gunnery 3 to 4. Glitch: Piloting 3 to 4. Medusa: Guts 3 to 4.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -​

____Sumire has picked up a distress call from a JumpShip that was sent to resupply a scientific expedition and received a report of hostiles in the area. It is currently orbiting Gaul and looking for mercenaries to assist in a rescue operation.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 004: 1 Skull Battle ____ Employer: Local Gov ____ Target: Taurus Majoris Mining ____ Biome: Martian
Lance: HBK-X (Glitch), SHD-2H (Behemoth), VND-1R (Medusa), BJ-1 (Gramps)

Report: Stubborn Surrender - the security forces of a mining operation that was thought to be defunct years ago have begun raiding the populace. We've been tasked with eliminating them. I decide to pilot the Blackjack this time. We locate the enemy after a short search reveals one blip, and the rest rush towards us. 4x CDA-2A.

Damage: Only armor. ____ Salvage: CDA-2A assembled and moved into storage.
Advancement: Glitch & Gramps: Guts 3 to 4. Medusa: Tactics 3 to 4. Behemoth: Piloting 4 to 5, Sure Footing

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -​

____We have completed all of the contracts in this system, but there is a travel contract to Gaul, asking for help defending a base. Before we set course, I ask Darius to find buyers for the mechs Yang was able to assemble, just to raise some more funds. Yang and I discuss some refit options since it will take three weeks to get to Gaul, and I decide to strip the Commando and put it in storage, moving the SRMs to the Shadow Hawk and making that a mobile close-range brawler. That refit will take more than two weeks to complete, but we should still leave enough time to add jump jets to the Hunchback. However, all does not go smoothly on our journey.

Event - Your Card Was Rejected: The Alphard Trading Company has informed us that our travel access is being restricted, and this time it's more than just because of money. Grey Noton and the sighting of Kamea and the Aurigan loyalists have complicated things because they have been deemed to be part of a terrorist organization. I decide to try and reason with them.
Result: My recorded response praises ATC's continued and vital JumpShip service throughout the Periphery, essential for conducting business. I also restate our dedication to fully repaying the loan. A few days later, we receive a positive response. Company Loan Status: Fair

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 005: 1 Skull Defend Base ____ Employer: Bloody Horns ____ Target: Local Gov ____ Biome: Desert
Lance: SHD-2H (Behemoth), HBK-X (Glitch), VND-1R (Medusa), BJ-1 (Gramps)

Report: Titan Attack - the authorities have found a secret listening post, and we have been tasked with defending it. There are also reports of an assault mech that is inbound, which would be an excellent salvage opportunity if we can take it down. The vanguard closes the distance quickly, but a perfectly placed series of kicks, punches, and salvos of weapons fire quickly cuts them down. FS9-K (pilot kill), COM-1B (pilot kill), COM-1D (pilot kill). As the last of the vanguard is eliminated, we locate the assault mech moving to reinforce the attack. A headshot from several SRM salvos, combined with the destruction of the entire left side of the Highlander, incapacitates the pilot! HGN-C! (pilot kill!)

Damage: Only armor. ____ Salvage: COM-1B, COM-1D assembled and moved into storage. FS9-K, HGN-C assembled and moved into the bay, sending the SDR-5V to storage.
Advancement: Behemoth: Tactics 2 to 3. Gramps: Piloting 2 to 4.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -​

____"Boss! Boss!" Yang excitedly calls up from the mechbay. I smile, as it's been a long time since he's been around an assault mech.
____"Can you fix it, Yang?"
____"Oh, definitely - but you don't know the best part!" I tilt my head and start to ask, but Yang just keeps going. "Not only is this a Highlander, it's rare Star League model! The -C variants aren't made anymore, but their engines use the lostech double heat sink design!"
____My eyes went wide in surprise. Yang began talking about how this changes the whole set of refits he's ever thought of for assault mechs. I started wondering what sort of opposition we could expect to face out here if the local government had a mech like this.

____Darius came by with a manifest of gear that was for sale in the local market, and Gaul looked like it was flush with lostech and high-powered equipment. Two LRM20s, an LRM15, several pieces of an Orion chassis, and multiple Ultra autocannons were at the top of the list of items that Darius had flagged for purchase. After scanning that, Darius hands me another list with the contracts that are available. Two assassinations, and the distress call from Interstellar Expeditions.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 006: 0.5 Skull Assassinate ____ Employer: Majesty Metals ____ Target: Magna Metals ____ Biome: Badlands
Lance: SHD-2H (Behemoth), HBK-X (Glitch), VND-1R (Medusa), BJ-1 (Gramps)

Report: False Security - a merc that is known as The Professional is in the area, and we will drop with a medium weight lance to draw them into a fight instead of running away. Our plan works, and we are taunted as soon as we drop. An escort reaches us first, with our target close behind; both are swiftly eliminated. FS9-A (pilot kill), LCT-1M.

Damage: Only armor. ____ Salvage: FS9-A assembled and moved into storage.
Advancement: Behemoth: Tactics 3 to 4. Medusa: Guts 4 to 5, Bulwark. Glitch: Tactics 4 to 5, Sensor Lock.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 007: 1.5 Skull Assassinate ____ Employer: Satan's Kittens ____ Target: Local Gov ____ Biome: Polar
Lance: SHD-2H (Behemoth), HBK-X (Medusa), HGN-C (Glitch), BJ-1 (Gramps)

Report: Flyswatter - a local noble is insisting that they patrol an area as a show of personal involvement. They are in a Cicada, but have a heavy escort. I'm willing to bet that their escort doesn't have an assault mech like we do though. HBK-4G (legs kill), LCT-3V, ENF-4R (pilot kill), TBT-5N (pilot kill). Behemoth takes some solid hits from the enemy Trebuchet as it charges into melee. The noble shows up near the end of the fight against the escorts, only to get isolated and eliminated in short order. CDA-2A.

Damage: SHD-2H, LL reduced to 40%, CT reduced to 80% structure. ____ Salvage: ENF-4R, TBT-5N assembled and moved into the bay, moving the BJ-1 and VND-1R to storage.
Advancement: Behemoth & Medusa: Gunnery 4 to 5. Gramps: Piloting 4 to 5, Sure Footing. Glitch: Guts 4 to 5.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -​

____Before taking the SOS contract, I authorize Darius to make some sales and purchases. Essentially, we end up trading the chassis of several light mechs for large LRM launchers and Ultra autocannons.

- - - - - - - - Priority Mission: SOS - - - - - - -​

____Our employer is Interstellar Expeditions, which was founded by curious wealthy people to explore uncharted space (and probably go treasure hunting as well.) Farah knows of this group, and they seem to believe in outlandish theories and pseudoscience. So long as their money is real, then we'll go on this rescue mission. It's over a month of traveling, but that should give Yang enough time to install the upgraded equipment. One of the crew also had an idea about some upgrades.

Event - Rasalhague Sauna: Farah and Glitch are having a heated discussion about installing a sauna on board the Leopard. I hear Farah out so she can let off some steam, but I like the idea. I decide to make it an official project after making sure that Glitch requests permission in the future, instead of asking for forgiveness.
Result: I feel much more relaxed after testing the sauna to make sure it's safe. -20k C-Bills. +1 Morale.

____In addition to the sauna, I decide to award extravagant bonuses this month to improve morale. They look downright Spirited now.

 

[MarkDey]

- - - - - - - - Priority Mission: Exodus I - - - - - - -​

____By the end of our travel, Yang has modified the Trebuchet to add jump jets, replaced the AC/5 with an Ultra AC/5 in the Hunchback -X in addition to more LRMs, and traded the SRM6 on the Highlander for an LRM20. I wanted to add an Ultra autocannon or another LRM launcher, but there just wasn't time.

____There is no communication with the base, although there is evidence of large wildlife that has visited recently. Our plan is to drop in and knock on the door to see if there is anyone left.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -​

Mission 008: 1.5 Skull Priority Mission ____ Employer: Interstellar Expeditions ____ Target: Badlands Horde ____ Biome: Tundra
Lance: HGN-C (Behemoth), SHD-2H (Gramps), HBK-X (Glitch), TBT-5N (Medusa)

Report: We are contacted by short range radio after we disembark, and the survivors state that they had been raided by a group called the Horde. They have been left alone to be bait for a trap that is meant to catch a rescue attempt. We reach the base and they climb into their remaining vehicles so we can bring them to an extraction point. A blocking force is detected and we move to engage, but both of the light vehicles are destroyed by massed laser fire. ASN-P, COM-P, 2x PNT-P. The remaining two vehicles make it to the landing pad and load aboard the extraction dropship as another pirate lance arrives. 2x LCT-Q, GRF-P (pilot kill), COM-Q,

 

[MarkDey]

- - - - - - - - Priority Mission: Exodus II - - - - - - -​

____Interstellar Expeditions had established a backup site and hidden their dropship there, just before forming their main base. We are heading to search for survivors and recover the dropship and backup data files.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -​

Mission 009: 1.5 Skull Priority Mission ____ Employer: Interstellar Expeditions ____ Target: Badlands Horde ____ Biome: Polar
Lance: HGN-C (Behemoth), SHD-2H (Gramps), HBK-X (Glitch), TBT-5N (Medusa)

Report: There are two recovery areas that we need to visit - a fortified shelter, and a reinforced hangar. Most of the lance moves up onto a forested hill on the right flank as I sprint towards the shelter. Hostile units are spotted right around it, and we open fire as I secure a lone survivor in my mech. LCT-P, VL-Q, COM-P, JR-Q. A second lance moves to reinforce the first one, and I jump back towards friendly lines. COM-P, LCT-Q, 2x LCT-G. The data is recovered, and Sumire recommends that we depart soon because of a coming storm. The survivor introduces himself as Lord Madeira, raising several eyebrows.

Advancement: Behemoth & Medusa: Tactics 4 to 5. Glitch: Piloting 4 to 5. Gramps: Gunnery 4 to 5.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -​

____Lord Madeira explains himself, his actions as part of Kamea's betrayal and subsequent rescue, and his current role with Interstellar Expeditions. Long story short, Lord Madeira will pay part of our debt to ATC, and we accept a retainer contract with Interstellar Expeditions as their official mercenary protection. Lord Madeira also grants us his personal Enforcer mech to help repay his debt to House Arano.

 

[MarkDey]

____We decide to set course for Erod's Escape, and we should get there in just over a month. Yang spends the time making the Highlander into a dedicated long range combatant, with 2x LRM20s, an LRM15, an LRM5, and a UAC/5. There is also time to equip the Enforcer with the UAC/10, and add some more support weapons to the Firestarter. After a few days though, Yang brings up some complaints.

Event - Organized Chaos: The mechtechs keep running into things with all of the mechbays full and the cramped conditions. Sumire suggests moving some gear out of the mechbay for a while, and Yang says that he could organize things so it all moves back and fits better. I authorize the movement of a small amount of supplies, just to give him some breathing room.
Result: The shifting of supplies works, Yang is in much better spirits, and his crew is a bit more efficient. +1 Tech Point for 14 days.

____To help keep spirits up, during the monthly financial review, I authorize another round of extragant bonuses. The timing of this actually works out very well for Behemoth.

Event - Happy Brithday: It's Behemoth's birthday. We don't have much space for a party, but I wish her happiness all the same.
Result: Behemoth gains High Spirits for 30 days.

____Unfortunately, the timing of us being out in the Deep Periphery doesn't work so well for getting supplies.

Event - Medical Expenses: We are getting low on medical supplies. Sumire suggests securing a bulk discount, but I don't think that we need that right now. I ask Darius to just get the minimum we need to restock, and see if the JumpShip crew will trade with us.
Result: The supplies are secured, preventing a loss in effectiveness. -5k C-Bills.

____Once we re-establish communications with ComStar, Darius highlights three flashpoints of interest. One is in Leh, where there is a gladiatorial competition to honor God Mecha. Another is in Sterope, to settle a Jinxed mining dispute. Lastly, ComStar themselves has asked for help in The Twins, to deal with some pirates that have showed how the Periphery is a Harsh Mistress. As we get close to Erod's Escape, our diminishing supplies are highlighted by an encounter in the mess hall.

Event - The Last Cup: I encounter Sumire on the way to the mess hall, and she is looking forward to a cup of coffee. On arrival, we see Dekker and Behemoth in front of the coffee pot, arguing about who will get the last cup since there is no more until we resupply. I decide to intervene, and split the coffee between the two pilots.
Result: Sumire is crestfallen, and goes to talk to Darius about shopping priorities. Dekker and Behemoth gain High Spirits for 30 days.

____On the way in to orbit, Yang gets exasperated about pilot complaints.

Event - Temporary Improvements: Apparently, some pilots have been itching to get back in their mechs are have hassled the mechtechs about delays. Darius suggests drafting some of the pilots to help out on the refits, and I agree.
Result: The pilots don't get in the way too much, and actually help a little. +1 Tech Point for 14 days.

____We finally enter orbit at the same time as the next monthly financial report, and I authorize another round of extravagant bonuses. The contracts available are less than I'd hoped (since the Campaign difficulty scale is different than Career, so I can only take two skulls missions at Indifferent reputation instead of three skulls) but there are three jobs from various pirate groups, and all of them want relatively light mechs for their contracts. The store has a decent amount of equipment, but nothing exceptional.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 010: 1.5 Skull Battle ____ Employer: Antithesis Creed ____ Target: Taurus Majoris Mining ____ Biome: Polar
Lance: WVR-T (Behemoth), SHD-2H (Medusa), TBT-5N (Dekker)

Report: Wolverine Hunter - We've been tasked with test driving a Star League era WVR-T so the owner can decide if it performs better than the one they currently have. Our target is a TMM lance on patrol, and I decide to send Dekker along on this mission in my place. Sadly, our drop limit is only 160 tons, which we fill up with only three mechs. Dekker hangs back while Medusa scouts ahead and finds our target. COM-2D, FS9-K (pilot kill), LCT-3V. However, another dropship is on approach, and Sumire is able to make out 'gangster' markings as it drops off a lance of mechs that become additional targets. CDA-2A, LCT-1M, FS9-H.

Damage: Only armor. ____ Salvage: FS9-K, CDA-2A, LCT-1M, LCT-3V assembled and moved into storage.
Advancement: Dekker: Gunnery 3 to 4.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 011: 1.5 Skull Capture Base ____ Employer: 14K Triad ____ Target: Local Gov ____ Biome: Lowlands
Lance: ENF-4R (Behemoth), HBK-X (Medusa), HGN-C (Glitch), TBT-5N (Dekker)

Report: Ripe for the Picking - We're hitting a local logistics base. Our drop limit is 240 tons, which still gives us enough room to use the Highlander, so long as we bring the Enforcer instead of the Shadow Hawk. A patrol is encountered as we move on the base. JVN-10A (pilot kill), GRF-1N (pilot kill). After the base is secured, a lance of enemy reinforcements arrives, and we move to engage them. Medusa is caught in the open and a focused volley destroys the Hunchback's left arm, leaving the torso barely hanging together. He jumps clear to cover and continues the fight from extreme range. JR7-F, PNT-9R (pilot kill), JVN-10A, SHD-2D

Damage: HBK-X, LA Destroyed, LT reduced to 5% structure. ____ Salvage: GRF-1N, JVN-10A, PNT-9R assembled and moved into storage.
Advancement: Behemoth & Medusa: Piloting 5 to 6. Dekker: Gunnery 4 to 5 - Multi-Target

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 012: 2 Skull Recovery ____ Employer: Bloody Horns ____ Target: 14K Triad ____ Biome: Lowlands
Lance: FS9-K (Gramps), SHD-2H (Behemoth), TBT-5N (Medusa), HGN-C (Dekker)

Report: Jailbreak - We're recovering a prisoner. Our drop limit is 240 tons again, but with the Hunchback now unfieldable, the Firestarter and Shadow Hawk get lined up for the drop. I decide to take the Firestarter for a run since I like the speed. Some local defenders move to engage us, and after locking the first two targets, I get a bit closer and rush into melee, setting up the Vindicator and Trebuchet for the rest of the lance to eliminate. After that, the pickup is trivial. VL-2T, VND-1R (pilot kill), HBK-4J, TBT-7K (pilot kill)

Damage: Only armor. ____ Salvage: TBT-7K, VND-1R assembled and moved into storage.
Advancement: Gramps: Piloting 5 to 6. Behemoth & Medusa: Guts 5 to 6. Dekker: Piloting 4 to 5 - Sure Footing

 

[MarkDey]

____As we leave orbit, Yang gets to work repairing the Hunchback. A much larger project, however, is a full overhaul of the Firestarter. It will take three weeks to finish, but by the end it will have six M Lasers and six MGs, and every section would be able to withstand a single hit from an AC/10. It will still be a scout mech, and should stay mostly out of range, but this firepower upgrade will make a significant difference if it moves to engage a target.

____On entering the Colchis jump point, we find a large number of available contracts, and most of them are targeting the local government. I decide to take advantage of the opportunity to improve our reputation by running missions against an administration that we will probably never see again.

(Updated to Hyades Rim 6.0.6)

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 013: 1 Skull Battle ____ Employer: Pirates ____ Target: Local Gov ____ Biome: Jungle
Lance: SHD-2H (Gramps), HBK-X (Glitch), TBT-5N (Dekker)

Report: Distraction - This job is to do something "loud and fatal" to a local patrol within a budget of 160 tons. Behemoth and Medusa take a break from this drop and we arrive at the base of a mountain. Climbing it gives the long range mechs an excellent vantage point, so I go scouting and quickly find some targets. The Firestarter gets too close and pushes my Shadow Hawk over the redline once before being cut down. JVN-10A, Striker NARC, FS9-H, Scorpion, Scorpion Mk II, PNT-9R.

Damage: SHD-2H, 1x Overheated. ____ Salvage: FS9-H assembled and moved into storage.
Advancement: Dekker: Guts 4 to 5. Glitch: Piloting 5 to 6.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 013: 1 Skull Capture Base ____ Employer: Pirates ____ Target: Local Gov ____ Biome: Tundra
Lance: SHD-2H (Behemoth), HBK-X (Dekker), TBT-5N (Medusa), HGN-C (Glitch)

Report: Ripe for the Picking - On this drop we are looking to raid a logistics base within a budget of 250 tons, which is enough to bring the Highlander. We quickly encounter a patrol and start engaging the enemy. Scorpion, PNT-9R (pilot kill), Striker NARC, Galleon TAG. As Behmoth moves to secure the base, reinforcements arrive. FS9-K, LCT-1M, Striker, Scorpion.

Damage: Only armor. ____ Salvage: PNT-9R assembled and moved into storage.
Advancement: Dekker: Tactics 4 to 5.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 014: 1.5 Skull Capture Base ____ Employer: Taurus Territorial Industries ____ Target: Majesty Metals ____ Biome: Highlands
Lance: SHD-2H (Behemoth), ENF-4R (Medusa), HBK-X (Dekker), TBT-5N (Glitch)

Report: Stealing is a Form of Flattery - On this drop we are looking to capture a hidden research station within a budget of 240 tons. Our approach is unopposed, and we soon encounter a set of light turrets around the base. 3x Laser, 1x Sniper. As the last turret is destroyed, a lance of corporate security mechs arrives. JVN-10F (pilot kill), LCT-1E, COM-1B, CN9-AH! (pilot kill!)

Damage: Only armor. ____ Salvage: CN9-AH, JVN-10F assembled and moved into storage.
Advancement: Behemoth, Medusa, and Glitch: Gunnery 5 to 6.

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 015: 2 Skull Destroy Base ____ Employer: White Death ____ Target: Local Gov ____ Biome: Tundra
Lance: SHD-2H (Gramps), HBK-X (Dekker), TBT-5N (Glitch)

Report: Survivor Guilt - Our target is a recreation facility for government employees. Being limited to 160 tons makes this tricky, but we'll make it work, even with only 3 mechs. A defending group of mechs engages us shortly after we disembark, and their mobility gives us some trouble. JVN-10N, FS9-H, COM-1C, LCT-1M. After defeating them, we move over the hill and down towards the base, where we engage some standard turrets. 1x LRM, 2x Sniper, 1x Laser. Shortly after we open fire, Sumire detects another lance of defending mechs moving to intercept. The last building is demolished before they get in range.
____After scanning the units and looking at our limited ammo, I decide to maneuver for the evac zone instead of fully engaging, although I do make some rear shots to get their attention focused on me; that works far better than expected, and Glitch and Dekker are able to use up the rest of their ammo firing into the enemy rear armor and destroy two of the reinforcements! The hostile Griffin is crippled with the destruction of both torsos, but I'm able to jump back in range and score a headshot with one of my last four SRMs, knocking out the pilot before it can close to melee range! HBK-4P, GRF-1N (pilot kill!), CN9-AH.

Damage: SHD-2H, LA reduced to 80% structure. ____ Salvage: GRF-1N assembled and moved into storage.
Advancement: Dekker: Piloting 5 to 6. Gramps: Gunnery 5 to 6.

(Updated to Hyades Rim 6.0.7)

 

[MarkDey]

Mission 016: 2 Skull Battle ____ Employer: Taurian Concordat ____ Target: Majesty Metals ____ Biome: Polar
Lance: SHD-2H (Gramps), HBK-X (Dekker), TBT-5N (Glitch)

Report: A Favor to Regret - Our target is a heavy lance that is scouting for a good deployment zone for a larger force of vehicles and infantry. We are once again limited to 160 tons, but since we don't have a base to destroy, our ammo should last for the whole fight. I detect a blip shortly after deployment, and am hit with a L Laser to start the fight. Glitch and Dekker are able to find a nice mountaintop to fire from while I bounce back and forth along the left flank, drawing fire and setting up shots. WVR-6K (pilot kill), SHD-2H (pilot kill), TBT-5J (pilot kill). Eventually, local reinforcements appear, but they are slow vehicles and are easily dealt with once the mechs are gone. SRM Carrier, Inferno Carrier, Striker, Striker NARC.

Damage: Only armor. Reputation with Majesty Metals drops to Disliked. ____ Salvage: SHD-2H assembled and moved into storage.
Advancement: Dekker: Gunner 5 to 6. Glitch: Guts 5 to 6. Gramps: Tactics 5 to 6.