But out of the remaining "HG Unseen" Heavies, the Rifleman, Ostroc, Ostsol, Crusader and Archer, I would argue that the Crusader is far and away the most interesting.


1) Out of the remaining Heavies, it has the best potential for really good hitboxes. Look at the Arms. Particularly the shoulders. The key to a mech's durability lies right there. Obviously having magnetic CTs are bad, but having well distributed torso hitboxes with massive ape hanger arms, is KEY to tankiness. The Crusader could deliver this in spades. Crusader SHOULD, have the best hitboxes of the remaining options.
2) Tactical Versatility. It packs all 3 weapon types. No, it doesn't get Jagermech arms like the Rifleman, or potentially high CT lasers like the Archer, but most models have some variety of all 3 hardpoints types, Missile, Energy; Ballistics.
3) Jump jets. Several models can jump, adding to tactical versatility.
3 sample models: (Leg mounted missiles moved to torsos cuz MWO)
1) CRD-3R
-2x LRM15 (RA/LA), 2x SRM6 (RT/LT), 2x MLaser (RA/LA), 2x MG (RA/LA)
-RT: 1x M,
-LT: 1x M, 1x AMS,
-RA: 2x M, 1x E, 1x B
-LA: 2x M, 1x E, 1x B
2) CRD-3L
-2x LRM10 (RA/LA), 2x SRM4 (RT/LT), 2x MLaser (RA/LA), 2x MG (RA/LA) and 4x JJ
-RT: 1x M, 2x JJ
-LT: 1x M, 1x AMS, 2x JJ
-RA: 1x M, 1x E, 1x B
-LA: 1x M, 1x E, 1x B
3) CRD-5M
-2x LRM15 (RA/LA), 2x SSRM2 (RT/LT), 2x Mlaser (RA/LA), 1x Flamer (RA), 1x MG (RA), 1x AMS (H)
-RT:1x M, 2x JJ
-LT: 1x M, 1x AMS, 2x JJ
-RA: 1x M, 1x B, 2x E
-LA: 1x M, 1x E
-H: 1x AMS
And a few potential Heroes to choose from, such as Galen Cox, or my choice:
Captain Miko Umcizi
A descendant of the ancient Zulu chieftains, Captain Umcizi keeps his heritage alive by decorating his Crusader, the Shaka, in traditional Zulu style. The other members of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Crucis Lancers, have also adopted the Zulu decorations, giving the unit the nickname, "The Impe".
Umcizi is a fitting commander for the company. Impressively tall, he wears the traditional leopardskin cloak of a Zulu chief draped around his shoulders, and drives his unit to the limits of their endurance. This style of leadership has won the unit many victories and many decorations from House Davion. Though his MechWarriors may grumble at times, they are devoted to their commander, and would follow him to hell itself.
Thoughts?