First Thoughts & Action Report

[LarkinVB]

ORIGINAL: GeneSteeler



Those mining robots didn't have a chance - felt a bit like a tutorial mission, but perhaps that what it was written as? (I liked the "hidden" building though). $65,000 profit and only $4,000 [X(] in repairs.

That's all for now. Happy Easter!

The Deep Core camapign was designed for real TOS rookies who had problems winning even the first savannah mission. It will be no challenge for you.

[GeneSteeler]

Yes. Thanks for confirming my perceptions. I'm pretty sure I'll be skipping that campaign...[:)]. I think Bedlam may just focus on random battles, while Anarchy does the "real" missions. Thanks.

- Gene

[GeneSteeler]

AAR: Bedlam, Rookie Battle.

Synopsis: Anarchy has been called away on a special mission. Although, a second contract has just came through. Consequently, it appears that Bedlam may need to get battle-ready to take on one of the contracts. Consequently, they are taking on a few quick missions to attempt to get to green rating.

Bedlam consists of:

O'Brien: Pack Hunter
Carson: Mosquito
Opie: Gremlin
Washington: Banzai

The Enemy:
Mosquito
Banzai
Guru
Unicorn

Location: Savannah (various lakes and quicksand)

Battle:

We first encountered the enemy from across a small lake, with a small land-bridge crossing. Carson squatted down to take aim while O'Brien went in pursuit of the Guru (probably the greatest threat) while Opie and Washington charged the enemy Banzai.

The enemy took the following positions:
Unicorn taking pot shots at us from the cover of some trees
Guru stayed on the far side of the lake
Banzai charged us back *grin*
Mosquito flew at Carson.

The stage is set, the pieces are in place...

Opie and Washington concentrate fire on the Banzai, quickly at close combat in the middle of the land-bridge. Washington’s charge missed, but Opie managed to crash into him. Carson supplied fire from 3 hexes away (as the enemy Mosquito flew at him), whereas the Unicorn aided the enemy. By the time we blew out the Banzai’s right torso (and then Left leg), the Mosquito reached Carson and was performing a Death-from-Above!

SMASH! Both the mosquito and Carson hit the ground. Upon standing, Carson’s LMG caused an ammo explosion in the Mosquito, we guessed that Carson could hold his own in this “duel” and Washington and Opie locked on to the Guru which O’Brien was chasing down (we were still ignoring the pesky Unicorn).

(Edit: For clarity, the ammo explosion was in the enemy's Centre Torso, so I didn't think Carson was in much danger of losing the "duel")

The Guru finally stopped running and was charged by O’Brien. The two Vibra-Claws did superficial damage (light damage to a shoulder actuator) but the Guru's counter-attack with it’s Tesla Bolt was too much! One hit to O’Brien in the Lower Torso = LOT Destroyed. O’Brien fell over and stayed in his titan long enough to draw further attacks from the Guru until Washington and Opie arrived. O’Brien then ejected to safety while Washington and Opie made quick scrap out of the Guru.

Meanwhile, Carson blew out the torso of the enemy Mosquito and then ran away, taking cover behind some trees, out of range of further attacks, and started pelting the Unicorn with his AC4 and LMGs.

(Edit: Clarification: Carson's death blow was a punch to the aforementioned Centre Torso, disabling it. Althought he enemy Mosquito was still standing)

The Unicorn finally emerged from its cover as Washington and Opie bore down upon it. Too close to effectively use its Cannon, our concentrated attack had him downed within a minute. As soon as it lost a leg, Opie and Washington backed up, out of explosion range and continued to pelt it with short range fire. Eventually the pilot ejected. Victory!

Aftermath: As stated above, Bedlam will be (Lord willing) doing a number of quick battles tonight to gain enough experience to aid Anarchy in their contractual assignments. With this said, I’ll post (tomorrow) selected highlights of their next couple battles and provide a squad status update.

Other News:
Anarchy will likely be back in action within the next couple night's for those of you following the squad and wondering how long the reckless Billy can stay alive [;)]

Gene Steeler

[LarkinVB]

Thanks Gene. How about attaching a squad printout after each report so we can watch them improve ?

[Sleeping_Dragon]

Charging a Banzia and a Guru usually gets my low level guys killed[:D] These guys are nasty in short/close combat. This new squad of yours must be related to Billy [;)] Glad the Tesla got your LoT instead of your head!!

I second the motion by Larkin to see a printout[:)]

[GeneSteeler]

Charging a Banzia and a Guru usually gets my low level guys killed These guys are nasty in short/close combat. This new squad of yours must be related to Billy Glad the Tesla got your LoT instead of your head!!

Um, yeah. They are a bit on the reckless side - They must have the same trainer [:D]

On to the next AAR - I only managed to complete one mission last night. I have a really bad habit taking notes for AARs, and I'm not disciplined enough *not* to submit a AAR!

Team: As Above (Except that Washington is Green)

Mission: Defense of Base (Savannah Mission2)

Enemy:
Attacking from the West: Pest, Dragonfly & Dart
Attacking from the East: Pike

O'Brien, Opie and Washington were assigned the West flank, Carson was to defend the East. Consequently two battles ensued:

Battle Report - West Front:

The enemy Dart led the charge and was targetted by all three of our jocks. We exchanged volleys until the Dart began to back-up and the Dragonfly jumped at us, followed by the Pest in the air.

We found ourselves a bit "boxed in" on the shore and the Dragonfly performed Death-from-Above on Washington doing 17 Damage to the Centre-Back-Torso, but damaging its legs in the process. Both titans stood up and Washington's Machine Guns did a quick job in finishing off the Dragonfly's Right Leg (although he was still standing).

Washington then targetted the Pest which flew right over us, and went off in pursuit. (Opie was supplying support fire, as was the enemy Dart). O'Brien ran up to the Dragonfly and a kick to the Lower Torso toppled it over - we then left it alone (for mop-up) and O'Brien ran off to help Washington with the Pest.

With the melee disappearing around the hill, Opie and the Dart started to exchange "annoyance" volleys.

Washington charged the Pest (missed) and started to fired all his MGs, SLs and Fists. The Pest did something very sneaky. It ran past us the other way and quickly turned around. It managed to discharge its Medium Laser into Washington's Damaged Centre-Back Torso disabling him. Good move. But then O'Brien caught up to the Pest and...
Vibra Claw -> Medium Damage to Right Shoulder
Vibra Claw -> Medium Damage to Medium Laser
Vibra Claw -> Medium Damage to ENGINE! (I was a bit scared of another Engine Critical, but O'Brien was running at low heat and could probably take the blast, so he continued!)
Vibra Claw -> Medium Damage to Heat Regulator (Pest fell over)
then the Right Leg was ripped off.

Opie and O'Brien then focussed on the Dart. The Dart changed tactics and flew at Opie, but Opie managed to strike it's leg with his GME in the air and the Dart crashed to the ground further damaging its head and Left Torso. Opie charged it and planted a GME to the head and a kick ripped off it's Right Leg....

....Meanwhile on the Eastern Front....

... Carson in his Mosquito was taking pot shots at the Pike as it approached. After it crossed the stream Carson charged (but missed). Carson then scored a LMG hit and damged the Pike's hip. Knowing that the Pike's legs were a bit wobbly and with a damaged hip (and foot from an earlier LMG strike) went in for the kick. This move is always scary with Rookie jocks, but this time it paid off. Carson connected with the Pike's damaged Right Leg and ripped it off, felling the Pike in the process...

...With all the enemies missing at least a leg, we backed up out of explosion range and finished them off. Most ejected when all three titans locked on and started volleying GMs, AC4 and LMGs at them. Victory!

Aftermath:
Carson and Washington are both now "Green". Bedlam may or may not do another mission prior to relieving Anarchy, another mission should get Opie and O'Brein to green as well. It depends what titans I can afford really [:)]. I'll keep you all posted.

By request, here is the current squad printout. All of Bedlam's titans are stock (haven't tweaked any of them yet).

Squad Printout Below:

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: Tommy O'Brien aka O'Brien
Squad: Bedlam

Race: HUMAN [MALE]
Age: 19 years 5 months
Size: 188 cm
Weight: 86 kg
Rank: ROOKIE [1]
Salary: 4768 $ / month
Titan: Pack Hunter [40.0 t]
Battles: 03 [Wins/Losses: 03/00]
Hit ratio: 36 %
Kills: 0
XP: 2962 / 3600
DP: Pilot: 000 / Combat: 000 / Other: 000
Leader: Recruit rookie mod 40%
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 10
NEURAL SENSE: 10
REACTION: 11
INSTINCT: 11
DEXTERITY: 11
CONSTITUTION: 12 HP: 108
CHARISMA: 12
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 055 % [055]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 003 % [051] ---
ASSAULT: 010 % [051] --
JUMP: 050 % [055]
SCOUTING: 026 % [053] -

CLOSE COMBAT: 054 % [055]
GUIDED MSL.: 047 % [051]
UNGUIDED MSL.: 027 % [055] -
CANNON: 026 % [055] -
ENERGY WEAPON: 050 % [055]
INDIRECT FIRE: 008 % [053] ---

EL. WARFARE: 031 % [051]
SCANNER: 050 % [050]
DEFENSIVE: 028 % [053] -
DMG. CONTROL: 017 % [051] --
LEADERSHIP: 056 % [056]
BUSINESS: 001 % [053] ---
SURVIVAL: 025 % [056] -
MEDICAL: 015 % [051] --
-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: Charles Carson aka Carson
Squad: Bedlam

Race: HUMAN [MALE]
Age: 27 years 6 months
Size: 193 cm
Weight: 96 kg
Rank: GREEN [2]
Salary: 5208 $ / month
Titan: Mosquito [40.0 t]
Battles: 03 [Wins/Losses: 03/00]
Hit ratio: 39 %
Kills: 0
XP: 4705 / 11200
DP: Pilot: 000 / Combat: 001 / Other: 002
Manager: Purchase markup 13%
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 12
NEURAL SENSE: 10
REACTION: 12
INSTINCT: 11
DEXTERITY: 11
CONSTITUTION: 11 HP: 99
CHARISMA: 12
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 056 % [056]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 014 % [051] --
ASSAULT: 014 % [051] --
JUMP: 056 % [056]
SCOUTING: 028 % [056] -

CLOSE COMBAT: 052 % [056]
GUIDED MSL.: 016 % [058] --
UNGUIDED MSL.: 017 % [056] --
CANNON: 057 % [058]
ENERGY WEAPON: 022 % [058] -
INDIRECT FIRE: 031 % [056]

EL. WARFARE: 003 % [058] ---
SCANNER: 048 % [056]
DEFENSIVE: 033 % [056]
DMG. CONTROL: 014 % [058] --
LEADERSHIP: 004 % [060] ---
BUSINESS: 057 % [060]
SURVIVAL: 026 % [055] -
MEDICAL: 025 % [058] -
-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: Ophellius Gella aka Opie
Squad: Bedlam

Race: HUMAN [MALE]
Age: 24 years 4 months
Size: 183 cm
Weight: 90 kg
Rank: ROOKIE [1]
Salary: 4278 $ / month
Titan: Gremlin [40.0 t]
Battles: 03 [Wins/Losses: 03/00]
Hit ratio: 33 %
Kills: 0
XP: 3436 / 4000
DP: Pilot: 001 / Combat: 002 / Other: 000
Mechanic: Repair markup 09%
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 13
NEURAL SENSE: 11
REACTION: 11
INSTINCT: 11
DEXTERITY: 11
CONSTITUTION: 10 HP: 90
CHARISMA: 10
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 051 % [055]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 020 % [055] -
ASSAULT: 007 % [055] ---
JUMP: 050 % [055]
SCOUTING: 032 % [058]

CLOSE COMBAT: 047 % [055]
GUIDED MSL.: 039 % [061]
UNGUIDED MSL.: 013 % [055] --
CANNON: 022 % [055] -
ENERGY WEAPON: 030 % [055]
INDIRECT FIRE: 023 % [058] -

EL. WARFARE: 022 % [061] -
SCANNER: 040 % [061]
DEFENSIVE: 006 % [058] ---
DMG. CONTROL: 061 % [061]
LEADERSHIP: 014 % [055] --
BUSINESS: 012 % [060] --
SURVIVAL: 047 % [053]
MEDICAL: 015 % [061] --
-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: WSX 146 aka Washington
Squad: Bedlam

Race: CYBORG [FEMALE]
(GS: Actually Washington is androgenous, consequently, I use the "he" pronoun)
Age: 23 years 3 months
Size: 166 cm
Weight: 75 kg
Rank: GREEN [2]
Salary: 6160 $ / month
Titan: Banzai [40.0 t]
Battles: 03 [Wins/Losses: 03/00]
Hit ratio: 45 %
Kills: 0
XP: 8316 / 12000
DP: Pilot: 002 / Combat: 003 / Other: 001
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 11
NEURAL SENSE: 11
REACTION: 13
INSTINCT: 12
DEXTERITY: 12
CONSTITUTION: 13 HP: 117
CHARISMA: 10
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 061 % [061]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 016 % [056] --
ASSAULT: 020 % [056] -
JUMP: 051 % [061]
SCOUTING: 029 % [058] -

CLOSE COMBAT: 041 % [061]
GUIDED MSL.: 008 % [056] ---
UNGUIDED MSL.: 005 % [061] ---
CANNON: 059 % [063]
ENERGY WEAPON: 040 % [063]
INDIRECT FIRE: 014 % [058] --

EL. WARFARE: 022 % [056] -
SCANNER: 052 % [055]
DEFENSIVE: 045 % [058]
DMG. CONTROL: 038 % [056]
LEADERSHIP: 019 % [051] --
BUSINESS: 040 % [053]
SURVIVAL: 031 % [061]
MEDICAL: 026 % [056] -
-----------------------------------------------------------------

[Thorgrim]

O'Brien and Opie, recon/light is a little low IMO. Also, jump is useless for the Pack Hunter / Gremlin which don't have JPs. Might as well develop Scouting, for more MXPs. CC is too low too, as is GM - energy weapon in O'Brien OTOH is quite high for a titan that has none (looks too high for a starting stat).

Wshington, Banzai also doesn't have JPs. EW might be useful for fast target switching. Business seems a little high.

You don't have to spend ALL DPs right away, you may accumulate them so that you can raise attributes (instead of skills, sometimes it's not worth it raising only a couple points) to raise skill limits.

[GeneSteeler]

Iceman wrote:

O'Brien and Opie, recon/light is a little low IMO. Also, jump is useless for the Pack Hunter / Gremlin which don't have JPs. Might as well develop Scouting, for more MXPs. CC is too low too, as is GM - energy weapon in O'Brien OTOH is quite high for a titan that has none (looks too high for a starting stat).

Wshington, Banzai also doesn't have JPs. EW might be useful for fast target switching. Business seems a little high.

You don't have to spend ALL DPs right away, you may accumulate them so that you can raise attributes (instead of skills, sometimes it's not worth it raising only a couple points) to raise skill limits.

*chuckle* Opie and O'Brien are trying to build up Recon/Light - They're just rookies though! Generally I pump up recon/light, then Jump, then Scouting. (This is true for Washington as well). My main reason is that I'm always looking toward the future. I do agree with you that both of their weapon skills are a bit on the lean side. I was planning on getting into something with energy weapon (ie my Favorite Tesla Bolt) quite quickly, this quite possibly will be my next "upgrade" (just upgraded Washington's titan, refer below).

As for Washington, he's got JP's now! Business is high. I guess he's a natural! I've never pump business in anyone (except the Manager), similarily, I've never pump "leadership" except in my Leader.

As for spending points? I guess I'm a shopoholic! Now, I didn't update Bedlam's squad printout after last night's mission (my apologies). But I'll put Anarchy's at the end of this post

Mission: Capture Base or Destroy Enemy (Mission 3, Savannah)

Squad Bedlam: As above

The enemy (all recons) were spread out, a Porcupine and Fang to the north, Zealot#1 in the centre and Zealot#2 to the East. Base was situated beyond Zealot#1.

The Battle:

Bedlam ran towards the centre of the battlefield, locking on to Zealot#1 and scanning it (the Zealot#1 was charging back at us, and hit percentages were quite low). As we clashed, Opie kept running past it while Washington ran straight into it, managing to do 14 damage to its Left Leg and knocking it to the ground. Washington stood up, and proceeded to do called shots to the damaged leg with MGs. The leg of the Zealot#1 was ripped off, as was the left arm. We then left it for scrap, the pilot subsequently ejected. A quick efficient take down for Washington!

Meanwhile the Porcupine and Fang circled us to the west (around a small lake) and Zealot#2 was closing in from the East, near some hills. We knew if we took the fight to Zealot#2 it would be difficult for the Fang and Porcupine to get a good shot at us for a while, due to some trees and hills.

The squad charged the Zealot#2.

Opie took a detour and Washington managed to reach it first. He ran into it, unleashing a full barrage of Machine Guns. Carson was right behind him and damaged the Zealot#2 hip with LMG. Washington then planted two fists to the head. Opie also joined in the fun.

Meanwhile the Porcupine and Fang cleared their cover and started to harrass us from behind. As they approached they were inflicting damage to O'Brien who was taking up the rear. O'Brien returned the sentiment with a GME strike to the Porcupine's head. He then charged (but missed) and began attacking with his Vibra Claws (hoping for an ammo hit [;)] ). Both enemy titans locked on to O'Brien and we knew he'd need help. With the Zealot#2 badly damaged (lost both RT and LT to punches) we left Opie to finish it off and Washington and Carson turned their sights to the Porcupine.

Washington charged the Porcupine and let go his MGs. The Fang stood a hex away, pummelling O'Brien with its AC7s. O'Brien took heavy damage to Centre Torso, Left Arm & Right Leg (with a few actuators damaged) and tried to run away. As he ran away (past and behind the Fang), the Fang disabled his Left Torso.

Meanwhile, Machine Gun fire took out the Porcupine's Right Torso and Washington switched targets to the Fang. (the Porcupine pilot ejected quickly after). Opie finally managed to take out the Centre Torso of the Zealot#2 and joined in the attack agaist the Fang.

All battle computers were locked on to the remaining standing enemy titan. We'd take the base once the enemy was disabled.

The Fang (aptly name for the jock's style - very tenacious!) wouldn't let O'Brien go and blew out O'Brien's Lower Torso knocking him over. With his sights turned Washington charged it and let rip the last of his ammunition. (hoping that in close combat, the Fang would finally take his teeth out of O'Brien's injured husk and target himself)

Carson joined in the melee and a kick to the right leg downed the Fang. Washington, quite hot and damaged from charging and having fisticuffs with all four opponents supplied some small laser fire as Carson flailed away at the downed Fang. Carson's punch disabled the Left Torso of the Fang, but caused an ammo explosion in his own damaged arm, blowing his own Right Arm off. Another Kodak moment, Right Arm exploding as it punches through the enemy's Left Torso [:D]. As he continued to flail away, one-armed, Opie took aim with his GMEs and the two volleys destroyed the Centre Back Torso and Right Leg of the Fang. The Fang was disabled and Victory was ours!

Aftermath:
The mission wasn't a total success though. After our nominal salaries and upkeeps, we only profitted $12,000 from the mission (IIRC - there was no payment for completing the mission, which ended as soon as the Fang was disabled). Our repair bill was $80,000+ Perhaps we should have just charged the base? Luckily we had a fair bit of cash in reserve, otherwise we may have been damaged beyond hope!

O'Brien and Opie promoted to Green. I sold the Banzai and upgraded Washington to an Apparition(70 ton Light with MGs and 2xChainsaws). Bedlam may need to take part of one more mission to get enough cash to upgrade one more titan before relieving Anarchy.

I'll try to upload a printout of Bedlam on the morrow.

Below is a print-out of Anarchy (feel free to skip it if it's not your cup of tea):


-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: Hamish McManlo aka McManlo
Squad: Anarchy

Race: HUMAN [MALE]
Age: 29 years 6 months
Size: 182 cm
Weight: 89 kg
Rank: REGULAR [4]
Salary: 24739 $ / month
Titan: Sickle [100.0 t]
Battles: 33 [Wins/Losses: 31/02]
Hit ratio: 54 %
Kills: 0
XP: 34206 / 36000
DP: Pilot: 074 / Combat: 226 / Other: 023
Leader: Recruit rookie mod 60%
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 14
NEURAL SENSE: 13
REACTION: 14
INSTINCT: 13
DEXTERITY: 12
CONSTITUTION: 14 HP: 126
CHARISMA: 15
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 063 % [063]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 060 % [063]
ASSAULT: 010 % [063] --
JUMP: 063 % [063]
SCOUTING: 064 % [066]

CLOSE COMBAT: 066 % [066]
GUIDED MSL.: 016 % [068] --
UNGUIDED MSL.: 015 % [063] --
CANNON: 066 % [066]
ENERGY WEAPON: 066 % [066]
INDIRECT FIRE: 003 % [066] ---

EL. WARFARE: 028 % [068] -
SCANNER: 065 % [068]
DEFENSIVE: 054 % [063]
DMG. CONTROL: 030 % [066]
LEADERSHIP: 071 % [073] +
BUSINESS: 007 % [071] ---
SURVIVAL: 044 % [066]
MEDICAL: 030 % [066]
-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: Sargeant Zim aka Sarge
Squad: Anarchy

Race: HUMAN [MALE]
Age: 23 years 1 months
Size: 191 cm
Weight: 96 kg
Rank: REGULAR [4]
Salary: 12936 $ / month
Titan: Imp [70.0 t]
Battles: 24 [Wins/Losses: 23/01]
Hit ratio: 44 %
Kills: 0
XP: 24405 / 36800
DP: Pilot: 006 / Combat: 011 / Other: 005
Manager: Purchase markup 04%
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 14
NEURAL SENSE: 12
REACTION: 14
INSTINCT: 11
DEXTERITY: 12
CONSTITUTION: 14 HP: 126
CHARISMA: 14
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 061 % [063]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 055 % [060]
ASSAULT: 012 % [060] --
JUMP: 058 % [063]
SCOUTING: 058 % [060]

CLOSE COMBAT: 058 % [060]
GUIDED MSL.: 021 % [065] -
UNGUIDED MSL.: 027 % [063] -
CANNON: 061 % [066]
ENERGY WEAPON: 063 % [066]
INDIRECT FIRE: 018 % [060] --

EL. WARFARE: 027 % [065] -
SCANNER: 057 % [066]
DEFENSIVE: 048 % [063]
DMG. CONTROL: 015 % [066] --
LEADERSHIP: 005 % [070] ---
BUSINESS: 066 % [070]
SURVIVAL: 044 % [060]
MEDICAL: 030 % [066]
-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: Marshall Malloy aka Marshall
Squad: Anarchy

Race: HUMAN [MALE]
Age: 26 years 0 months
Size: 188 cm
Weight: 99 kg
Rank: REGULAR [4]
Salary: 20687 $ / month
Titan: Inferno [70.0 t]
Battles: 23 [Wins/Losses: 22/01]
Hit ratio: 49 %
Kills: 0
XP: 25561 / 37600
DP: Pilot: 052 / Combat: 053 / Other: 058
Mechanic: Repair discount 01%
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 16
NEURAL SENSE: 12
REACTION: 13
INSTINCT: 12
DEXTERITY: 13
CONSTITUTION: 13 HP: 117
CHARISMA: 13
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 061 % [065]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 031 % [061]
ASSAULT: 019 % [061] --
JUMP: 061 % [065]
SCOUTING: 056 % [066]

CLOSE COMBAT: 060 % [061]
GUIDED MSL.: 011 % [073] --
UNGUIDED MSL.: 062 % [065]
CANNON: 033 % [065]
ENERGY WEAPON: 062 % [065]
INDIRECT FIRE: 032 % [066]

EL. WARFARE: 028 % [073] -
SCANNER: 059 % [073]
DEFENSIVE: 037 % [070]
DMG. CONTROL: 071 % [075] +
LEADERSHIP: 024 % [070] -
BUSINESS: 013 % [075] --
SURVIVAL: 030 % [061]
MEDICAL: 030 % [075]
-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: Billy Da Kidd aka Billy
Squad: Anarchy

Race: HUMAN [MALE]
Age: 23 years 3 months
Size: 181 cm
Weight: 79 kg
Rank: REGULAR [4]
Salary: 19710 $ / month
Titan: Berserker [70.0 t]
Battles: 23 [Wins/Losses: 21/02]
Hit ratio: 52 %
Kills: 0
XP: 24683 / 38400
DP: Pilot: 045 / Combat: 022 / Other: 032
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 12
NEURAL SENSE: 13
REACTION: 12
INSTINCT: 16
DEXTERITY: 11
CONSTITUTION: 14 HP: 126
CHARISMA: 12
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 056 % [056]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 061 % [061]
ASSAULT: 025 % [061] -
JUMP: 056 % [056]
SCOUTING: 072 % [073] +

CLOSE COMBAT: 067 % [073]
GUIDED MSL.: 015 % [066] --
UNGUIDED MSL.: 015 % [056] --
CANNON: 029 % [058] -
ENERGY WEAPON: 050 % [058]
INDIRECT FIRE: 009 % [073] ---

EL. WARFARE: 040 % [066]
SCANNER: 061 % [061]
DEFENSIVE: 056 % [056]
DMG. CONTROL: 005 % [058] ---
LEADERSHIP: 010 % [060] --
BUSINESS: 015 % [060] --
SURVIVAL: 051 % [076]
MEDICAL: 048 % [058]
-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: Bunson Honeydew aka Bunson [KIA]
Squad: Anarchy

Race: HUMAN [MALE]
Age: 31 years 3 months
Size: 191 cm
Weight: 100 kg
Rank: NOVICE [3]
Salary: 0 $ / month
Titan: NONE
Battles: 19 [Wins/Losses: 18/01]
Hit ratio: 53 %
Kills: 0
XP: 20757 / 22800
DP: Pilot: 045 / Combat: 025 / Other: 026
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 12
NEURAL SENSE: 12
REACTION: 13
INSTINCT: 13
DEXTERITY: 13
CONSTITUTION: 13 HP: 0
CHARISMA: 12
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 065 % [065]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 058 % [061]
ASSAULT: 029 % [061] -
JUMP: 060 % [065]
SCOUTING: 031 % [063]

CLOSE COMBAT: 063 % [065]
GUIDED MSL.: 017 % [061] --
UNGUIDED MSL.: 048 % [065]
CANNON: 028 % [065] -
ENERGY WEAPON: 062 % [065]
INDIRECT FIRE: 019 % [063] --

EL. WARFARE: 053 % [061]
SCANNER: 055 % [060]
DEFENSIVE: 049 % [063]
DMG. CONTROL: 016 % [061] --
LEADERSHIP: 025 % [060] -
BUSINESS: 010 % [060] --
SURVIVAL: 063 % [065]
MEDICAL: 045 % [061]
-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: Johnnie Bastard aka Johnnie
Squad: Anarchy

Race: HUMAN [MALE]
Age: 25 years 9 months
Size: 172 cm
Weight: 69 kg
Rank: NOVICE [3]
Salary: 14628 $ / month
Titan: Wolverine [69.8 t]
Battles: 14 [Wins/Losses: 13/01]
Hit ratio: 42 %
Kills: 0
XP: 16834 / 22200
DP: Pilot: 005 / Combat: 005 / Other: 005
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 12
NEURAL SENSE: 11
REACTION: 14
INSTINCT: 12
DEXTERITY: 13
CONSTITUTION: 12 HP: 108
CHARISMA: 13
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 066 % [066]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 004 % [058] ---
ASSAULT: 030 % [058]
JUMP: 062 % [066]
SCOUTING: 029 % [060] -

CLOSE COMBAT: 050 % [063]
GUIDED MSL.: 018 % [060] --
UNGUIDED MSL.: 014 % [066] --
CANNON: 067 % [068]
ENERGY WEAPON: 024 % [068] -
INDIRECT FIRE: 022 % [060] -

EL. WARFARE: 040 % [060]
SCANNER: 058 % [058]
DEFENSIVE: 040 % [063]
DMG. CONTROL: 009 % [061] ---
LEADERSHIP: 006 % [063] ---
BUSINESS: 012 % [061] --
SURVIVAL: 059 % [060]
MEDICAL: 041 % [061]
-----------------------------------------------------------------

[LarkinVB]

ORIGINAL: GeneSteeler


As for Washington, he's got JP's now! Business is high. I guess he's a natural! I've never pump business in anyone (except the Manager), similarily, I've never pump "leadership" except in my Leader.

Think twice about increasing leadership for everyone if its less than 25%. Otherwise you will suffer the bravery penalty on all skills if not staying close to your leader.

[Thorgrim]

And above 90% if you want the nice bonus [:D]
Business is also good to decrease salary, but in the initial stages of a squad it might not be the best bet.

[Thorgrim]

I like rookies to have at least 60% recon/light, more if possible - being prone too often might be hazardous to their health [:)]
I usually up Reaction to 12/13 from the start, not only to minimise the reaction delay, but to have higher skill max's. Constitution, for example, can wait.
The future, IMO, can wait. The only "future" considerations I make in rookie squads is (mostly, anyway) choosing their races, because of the racial bonuses. Initial stages are critical, so enhancing survivability chances is paramount.

[GeneSteeler]

It's interesting to learn about other people's strategies. So Thanks for sharing! I'll definitely keep the comments in mind. I guess the main difficulty is that rookies only have so many points that they can distribute to a limited number of skills. So is it more important to build up survival/ECM/Scanner/Defence or Leadership/Business? I guess I tend to choose the former. But part of that is due to ignorance. (For example, I used to ignore ECM until I realised its effect on targetting and then I ignored Defence until I took into consideration the heat roll bonus....)

On to the AAR -

Synopsis:
After the previous mission, I left O'Brien's Pack Hunter in a dismal state of unrepair. The reason for this was two-fold. Firstly, I decided that I really wanted to upgrade at least one of my titans to light, and I didn't have enough money to do this, and repair the full squad. Secondly, I needed to either replace the Pack Hunter (or modify it) anyway to something with JPs, and as O'Brien is the Leader, an upgrade would seem most appropriate.

So consequently, O'Brien sent the rest of the squad out on a quick contract en route to relieve Anarchy, while he took care of some other matters and was being briefed on what to expect on our upcoming campaign.

The Squad:

Opie - Gremlin
Carson - Mosquito
Washington - Apparition

The Mission:
A spy infiltrated one of the main titan construction facilities and stole a heavy titan (Salamander). We were contracted to hunt the titan down, disable it and bring the man to justice. Being a spy, we were informed that his piloting skills were not too good (green), and that if he was killed in the process, justice would be served. The contract was for $125,000. The authorities wanted to make an example out of the spy and consequently granted us full salvage rights if we could avoid blowing the titan to bits.

We were able to find him with long-range radar, and being in a heavy titan, our Light/Recons had a fairly easy task in catching up to him in a deserted hill area, it's believed that the spy was heading for a hidden dropship to be taken off planet. The main difficulty would be in taking it down.

When in view, our squad locked on to the Salamander and ran scans. The Salamander, knowing it couldn't outrun us, turned in his tracks and began firing upon us. For those of you unaware, the Salamander is armed with LRM9, NM14, Neutron Blaster, Large Laser and Flamethrower (Thanks Iceman [;)])

When we got within short range, Opie crouched down and started volleying his GME's at the Salamander while Carson and Washington took to the air to attempt Death-from-Above (DFA).

Carson missed the moving Salamander and picked himself off the ground. But the Salamander ran past him and subsequently turned around. Now we had him surrounded! Opie was now behind it, Carson stood in front of it, and Washington was above it!

Washington also missed his DFA attempt but managed to plant a Chainsaw to the Lower Torso before it could move away. Washington pursued the Salamander and Carson attempted another DFA. Meanwhile, Opie inflicted a fair amount of damage with continuous GME barrages.

Carson also missed his second DFA attempt, but Washington managed to unbalance the Salamander with a Chainsaw to the Rigth Torso and it fell over. Now the scan was showing a red Lower Torso (after a Chainsaw, and GME strikes) and Washington proceeded to perform called shots with the MGs to the Lower Torso. 5 Machine Guns successful strikes to the Lower Torso destroyed it, and the Salamander was twitching on the ground. We then focused called shots on the Right Arm (which was heavily damaged) but after 2 more Chainsaws the spy ejected. Victory was ours!

Aftermath:
We called the authorities, who apprehended the spy. As promised, complete salvage rights were ours and we were able to keep a relatively undamaged Salamander! This mission was a complete financial success. We sold the Salamander for an additional $125,000 and our upkeep/salaries were only $47,000 and the repair bill was a measley $10,000! This resulted in a profit of almost $200,000.

We used the money to purchase a Pharoah for O'Brien and sold the damaged Pack Hunter. Not being able to find a decent recon for Opie, we modified his existing Gremlin. (NB: The only other suitable Recon would be the Pack Hunter (modified with JPs), but we already have enough close combat in the squad, and consequently want to keep the lighter armoured Recons out of the main melee with them focusing on providing support fire.)

Modifications:
Not having much success with the GMH2 (which took up 6 tons, if I recall correctly) we removed them and increased the Battle Computer to 4, Scanner to 2, added Jump2 and added 1/2ton of extra armour.

All 4 titans are now equipped with JPs and Bedlam is ready to relieve Anarchy on their Rebel Hunter campaign. I won't say anything else in this thread. For further adventures (for the next couple weeks at least) please read through the Rebel Hunter thread (WITH SPOILER ALERT!). If you don't want to spoil any surprises, I should be posting non-spoiler AARs once I'm done there.

- Gene Steeler

Bedlam Printout:

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: Tommy O'Brien aka O'Brien
Squad: Bedlam

Race: HUMAN [MALE]
Age: 19 years 7 months
Size: 188 cm
Weight: 86 kg
Rank: GREEN [2]
Salary: 8791 $ / month
Titan: Pharaoh [70.0 t]
Battles: 04 [Wins/Losses: 04/00]
Hit ratio: 39 %
Kills: 0
XP: 4122 / 10800
DP: Pilot: 008 / Combat: 001 / Other: 000
Leader: Recruit rookie mod 44%
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 10
NEURAL SENSE: 10
REACTION: 11
INSTINCT: 11
DEXTERITY: 11
CONSTITUTION: 12 HP: 108
CHARISMA: 13
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 055 % [055]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 003 % [051] ---
ASSAULT: 010 % [051] --
JUMP: 055 % [055]
SCOUTING: 039 % [053]

CLOSE COMBAT: 055 % [055]
GUIDED MSL.: 051 % [051]
UNGUIDED MSL.: 027 % [055] -
CANNON: 026 % [055] -
ENERGY WEAPON: 054 % [055]
INDIRECT FIRE: 008 % [053] ---

EL. WARFARE: 031 % [051]
SCANNER: 050 % [050]
DEFENSIVE: 042 % [053]
DMG. CONTROL: 017 % [051] --
LEADERSHIP: 056 % [060]
BUSINESS: 001 % [055] ---
SURVIVAL: 025 % [056] -
MEDICAL: 015 % [051] --
-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: Charles Carson aka Carson
Squad: Bedlam

Race: HUMAN [MALE]
Age: 27 years 8 months
Size: 193 cm
Weight: 96 kg
Rank: GREEN [2]
Salary: 5580 $ / month
Titan: Mosquito [40.0 t]
Battles: 05 [Wins/Losses: 05/00]
Hit ratio: 42 %
Kills: 0
XP: 7168 / 11200
DP: Pilot: 001 / Combat: 002 / Other: 003
Manager: Purchase markup 13%
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 12
NEURAL SENSE: 10
REACTION: 12
INSTINCT: 11
DEXTERITY: 11
CONSTITUTION: 12 HP: 108
CHARISMA: 12
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 056 % [056]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 021 % [051] -
ASSAULT: 014 % [051] --
JUMP: 056 % [056]
SCOUTING: 038 % [056]

CLOSE COMBAT: 056 % [056]
GUIDED MSL.: 016 % [058] --
UNGUIDED MSL.: 017 % [056] --
CANNON: 058 % [058]
ENERGY WEAPON: 022 % [058] -
INDIRECT FIRE: 031 % [056]

EL. WARFARE: 003 % [058] ---
SCANNER: 049 % [056]
DEFENSIVE: 033 % [056]
DMG. CONTROL: 014 % [058] --
LEADERSHIP: 004 % [060] ---
BUSINESS: 057 % [060]
SURVIVAL: 026 % [056] -
MEDICAL: 025 % [058] -
-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: Ophellius Gella aka Opie
Squad: Bedlam

Race: HUMAN [MALE]
Age: 24 years 6 months
Size: 183 cm
Weight: 90 kg
Rank: GREEN [2]
Salary: 8280 $ / month
Titan: Gremlin [40.0 t]
Battles: 05 [Wins/Losses: 05/00]
Hit ratio: 34 %
Kills: 0
XP: 4876 / 12000
DP: Pilot: 002 / Combat: 000 / Other: 000
Mechanic: Repair markup 09%
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 13
NEURAL SENSE: 11
REACTION: 11
INSTINCT: 11
DEXTERITY: 11
CONSTITUTION: 11 HP: 99
CHARISMA: 10
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 055 % [055]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 020 % [055] -
ASSAULT: 007 % [055] ---
JUMP: 055 % [055]
SCOUTING: 037 % [058]

CLOSE COMBAT: 050 % [055]
GUIDED MSL.: 052 % [061]
UNGUIDED MSL.: 013 % [055] --
CANNON: 022 % [055] -
ENERGY WEAPON: 030 % [055]
INDIRECT FIRE: 023 % [058] -

EL. WARFARE: 022 % [061] -
SCANNER: 043 % [061]
DEFENSIVE: 027 % [058] -
DMG. CONTROL: 061 % [061]
LEADERSHIP: 014 % [055] --
BUSINESS: 012 % [060] --
SURVIVAL: 047 % [055]
MEDICAL: 015 % [061] --
-----------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jock: WSX 146 aka Washington
Squad: Bedlam

Race: CYBORG [FEMALE]
Age: 23 years 5 months
Size: 166 cm
Weight: 75 kg
Rank: GREEN [2]
Salary: 6600 $ / month
Titan: Apparition [70.0 t]
Battles: 05 [Wins/Losses: 05/00]
Hit ratio: 47 %
Kills: 0
XP: 10846 / 12000
DP: Pilot: 004 / Combat: 001 / Other: 000
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Attributes:
INTELLIGENCE: 11
NEURAL SENSE: 11
REACTION: 13
INSTINCT: 12
DEXTERITY: 12
CONSTITUTION: 13 HP: 117
CHARISMA: 10
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Skills:
RECON/LIGHT: 061 % [061]
MEDIUM/HEAVY: 016 % [056] --
ASSAULT: 020 % [056] -
JUMP: 059 % [061]
SCOUTING: 029 % [058] -

CLOSE COMBAT: 052 % [061]
GUIDED MSL.: 008 % [056] ---
UNGUIDED MSL.: 005 % [061] ---
CANNON: 060 % [063]
ENERGY WEAPON: 040 % [063]
INDIRECT FIRE: 014 % [058] --

EL. WARFARE: 025 % [056] -
SCANNER: 055 % [055]
DEFENSIVE: 048 % [058]
DMG. CONTROL: 038 % [056]
LEADERSHIP: 019 % [051] --
BUSINESS: 040 % [053]
SURVIVAL: 031 % [061]
MEDICAL: 026 % [056] -
-----------------------------------------------------------------

[Thorgrim]

Everything has its use [;)]
I tend to compromise. I'll raise Leadership and Business as long as that doesn't hamper the raising of Reaction, Dexterity, Instinct. A Human leader will make raising Cha cheaper, and a Rep I manager will make raising Int a lot cheaper.
Rookies do have limited DPs, but that's why choosing attributes and skills (and race and gender) is so important. I generally pass on Survival this early, and I'd actually prefer Medical. Defensive is usually a must, for the heat dissipation bonus (and associated OXPs), which is more of an offensive plus than a defensive one [:D] As for EW and Scanner, the first is good if you need to switch targets quickly (CC mostly, and fast recycling weapons), the 2nd if you have a good scanner and ample time for scans (supports usually).
Not always this "linear", of course [:)] If I think the skills won't be effective for a particular jock, I'll prefer to keep the DPs for raising attributes later on.

BTW, the Salamander sports a FT. To go with the theme.

[Sleeping_Dragon]

I agree with Iceman on the Medical over Survivial early on. Of course thats my personal taste, but I HATE geting zapped by a NB and not being able to heal 'fairly quickly'. A new squad's primary skills are already low enough that they don't need any 'help' from the enemy [;)] I also tend to pump scouting over jump ability early on unless I know my jock is starting out in something that will use JJ a lot. It's a good way to build up movement xps in adition to the cover and movement bonuses.

Looking forward to the 'replacement' of Anarcy with Bedlam. [:)]

[LarkinVB]

ORIGINAL: Sleeping_Dragon

I agree with Iceman on the Medical over Survivial early on. Of course thats my personal taste, but I HATE geting zapped by a NB and not being able to heal 'fairly quickly'.

Here it is just the opposite. I prefer to increase survival as I lost too many rookies trying to eject and failing miserably.

[Thorgrim]

Well, they're rookies [:D] If they make it through to a decent rank, then they get a survival course.
If you eject in a non-dangerous hex, usually you make the check easily. Even if you take some damage, the jock is safe from then on. Well, most of the time.
I like to keep my jocks inside their cockpits as much as possible. They can keep getting XPs, and they'll still be eligible for possible promotions at the end of battle.
Medical is just better IMO. If the jock is hurt, he can take cover and heal, and possibly be back to the fight. Bleeding is a nasty thing too, and medical helps stop it. Survival, besides ejects, helps with LS damage, but that's not a very common situation. You can use Cyborgs for high-risk roles. And self-destruct is not for rookies anyway (or for anyone else for that matter...).

[Thorgrim]

One other aspect is that survival is a "primary"skill, unmodified starting values may go from 21 up to 30%, whereas medical is a "secondary" one, up to 20%. So you'll usually get a higher increase in medical than in survival, your ODPs feel "better spent". [;)]