And here’s what my own SHD-2K finally shook down into:
SHD-FXC/PL “Pack Leader”
Manufacturing Information:
Mass: 55 tons
Chassis: Lang T1 (ES Custom)
Power Plant: Fusion 350 Extralight
Cruising Speed: 103.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 103.2 kph
Jump Jets: 5
Armor: Maximillian 43
Manufacturer: Foxclone Mechworchs
Primary Factory: Back-Alley Tharkad Plant.
Communication System: External loudspeaker w/middle finger diagrams on the ‘Mech’s hands
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P 2000A, Pseudo Half-Busted C3i Edition
Weapons and Equipment:
Typical Configuration:
LT: 2x ERPPC, 2x Jump Jet
RT: 2x Jump Jet
CT: 1x Jump Jet
Breakdown:
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you put a Pack Hunter on juice?
Here’s your answer.
The SHD-FXC/PL Pack Leader is the latest in a long line of questionable custom ‘Mechs from equally questionable custom house Foxclone Mechworchs, designed to emulate a machine ripped straight from
The Future…except with 25 additional tons and double the armament.
The SHD-2K base chassis is notable for its replacement of the typical left-torso ballistic hardpoints with a trio of energy hardpoints, further cementing the Shadow Hawk as a total replacement for any/all former Dragon pilots. Many players use it as a missile platform, using high-mounted TAG and a trio of LRM-10s to deliver explosions from afar. Foxclone Mechworchs decided to sling it the other way, noting many similarities between the SHD-2K and a certain, rather
infamous thirty-ton Clan light ‘Mech whose development was overseen by an
equally infamous Clan Khan.
A massive 350XL engine drives the Pack Leader to 113kph after Tweak, giving it very nearly the same level of get-up-and-go as its little brother. The Pack Hunter’s movement profile is further adhered to with the use of the 2K’s maximum allotment of jump jets, enabling significant aerial performance and seriously boosting the machine’s mobility. The enabling of poptart tactics is an unfortunate side effect of the decision, but pilots are encouraged to use the Pack Leader’s speed and agility as they were intended, rather than sitting behind a rock 800 meters away from the fight being cheeseheads.
The Pack Leader’s sole armament is its pair of ER PPCs, mounted in its left torso. These weapons constrict the ‘Mech’s view significantly, but offer it a wicked punch at any range. Heat management is a definite concern for the Pack Leader, but proper use of chain fire as well as proper use of not spamming high-heat weapons like a madman should keep the ‘Mech solidly in the fight even on boiling-hot maps such as Tourmaline or Mordor. As well as double basics rendering heat a nonissue, but that’s a problem for a different thread.
The SHD-FCX/PL is a solid mobile fire support machine which also serves as an excellent trainer for pilots who’re really quite terrible shots. Though the torso-locked weapons restrict the Pack Leader’s firing arc, the ‘Mech makes for a stable gunnery platform with which to practice one’s aim, and not dealing with twitchy arm crosshairs is a boon for pilots who need the practice more than the precision.
Give it a shot, or maybe even two, and be as close as you’re ever going to get to a Pack Hunter…that weighs an extra 25 tons, stands half again as tall, and looks suspiciously like a cosplaying Shadow Hawk.