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Bushwacker Lore And Blueprint


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#1 InnerSphereNews

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 08:09 AM



<<<Redacted>>>
<<<Redacted>>>
Tamar March, Federated Commonwealth
<<<Redacted>>>

As though accepting the implacable mantle of its namesake, the Thor BattleMech lashed out again, particle projector cannon as lightning from the Norse god of ancient Terra. Though not targeted, Valten Ryder still winced in pain nonetheless as rivulets of molten armored splashed to the valley floor. Another fiery scar branded across the torso of Major Adam Steiner’s Axman.

Damn you, Malthus. Damn you and your stupid Clanners to hell.

Valten finished his tactical-retreat pivot within a stand of old-growth trees that might provide some cover from their relentless enemy. He brought his targeting reticule online and unleashed with everything at his disposal in an effort to distract the deranged Clanner. A spread of long-range missiles bit like fleas: small distractions. An extended-range large laser hummed for a second as its azure beam knifed into the Thor’s torso armor, and the Mydron Model B autocannon unleashed a torrent of depleted-uranium slugs. Valten struggled to keep the beast of a weapon on target as the stream of shells ate at armor across the Clanner’s torso and onto the right arm as recoil knocked his aim out of whack.

“Boss man, time for your pivot back. Hawkins and I got your back.”

Without even a confirmation (Adam wasn’t wounded, was he?!) plasma vented beneath the sixty-five-ton Axman. Billowing dust instantly obscured the BattleMech as it blasted into a harsh ballistic arc that sailed it over intervening trees and a small, natural revetment, placing some hard terrain and distance between it and their tormenter.

For hours you’ve pushed us across this godforsaken world. Unstoppable. Unrelenting. Valten’s jaw ached from the grinding of teeth as he center-lined his targeting reticule once more and unloaded at his target.

“Hawkman, you there?” His right hand flashed to his secondary monitor, quickly typing up and sending a code.

“Hawkins. It’s Hawkins. Why is that so hard?”

“’Cause 'Hawkman gets respect, Hawkins a hand in the face. You’re in position, right?”

“Yeah, I’m here. Coordinates received… incoming.” The last of the transmission was flushed in the noise of launching long-range missiles. Feeding off Valten’s targeting systems, Hawkins’s Mauler, hidden half a kilometer farther back, launched its salvo indirectly. With Malthus still trying to target Adam’s retreating Axman and dealing with Val’s own firepower, the Thor remained perfectly positioned as the long-range missiles screamed overhead and washed across the enemy position, an abrupt shower of heavy metal.

The shower became a squall as a secondary wash hammered into the Thor. Major Steiner, having touched down immediately fed off of Val’s targeting solution as well, adding his paired fifteen-tube LRM launchers to the mix in a spectacular display of effective indirect fire from multiple positions.

The flash and detonations of explosions and the accompanying spat of dirt and dust momentarily obscured the Thor before it reappeared, heavily hit, with an arm hanging limp and internal structure showing through in half a dozen rents in armor.

Val realized he was holding his breath, afraid to set his machine pivoting backwards again in their controlled withdrawal, as though his movement might set off that savage pursuit once more. Sweat stung his eyes and bile soured his stomach until the Thor abruptly began pulling back, disappearing into the aftermath of billowing dust and debris.

“Damn,” he breathed out explosively. They actually managed to turn him back a little.

“That won’t last,” Major Steiner’s voice broke over the comms, already aware of the retreating Malthus. “He’s just pulling back for his Starmates to catch up. Perhaps work one of their tech miracles and trade out that busted arm in mere minutes. Then he’ll be back at us like a dog to a bone.”

“I know, boss man. But I’ll take the breather where I can find it.” Valten was already moving the throttle again and kicking up the Bushwacker’s digitigrade legs as he carefully maneuvered backwards once more, always mindful of an imminent strike.

He’ll be back. But we beat him. We can do it again.


BUSHWACKER “HIGH ROLLER”

Following the first successful production and deployment of new BattleMechs in centuries—with such efforts as the Hatchetman and Cataphract—TharHes Industries designed a BattleMech that would break many molds. Unfortunately, their R&D team’s audacity outweighed technical expertise, and the extreme innovations incorporated into the Bushwacker stopped full production; the ’Mech was ultimately shelved for several years. However, during the early parts of the Clan Invasion, a raid against a Clan Jade Falcon base on Twycross netted an extensive technical library on Clan BattleMechs. As TharHes began dissecting the data, they realized the solutions to the Bushwacker’s design problems were in their hands and they immediately began experimental field trials with early prototypes. Ultimately the production model’s low profile and inclusion of CASE make for a safer battlefield environment than most BattleMechs, but its hodgepodge of weapons are a classic designed-by-committee House Steiner move that can be tough to overcome.

Captain Valten Ryder is a classic “hero in scoundrel’s clothing.” He has a taste for the good life and all too often finds himself asking “What’s in it for me?” That has gotten him in serious trouble, including temporarily losing ownership of his BattleMech to Boss Tybus, a crime lord who forced Val on numerous unsavory jobs. Val bumped around from mercenary unit to mercenary unit and even accepted a billet in the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth. Despite such history and a tendency to treat his BattleMech like a secured loan for unlimited casino play, he’s an excellent MechWarrior with a knack for getting himself—and his teammates—out of almost any jam.

When trouble with a capital T drops down on his command, he’ll ride to the rescue without a moment’s hesitation.


Written by Randall Neil Bills

Catalyst Game Labs




#2 Aylek

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 08:19 AM

First!

Definitely a fan favorite, but I am not sure how good this will be in MW:O. A lot depends on the hard point locations, hitboxes and quirks.

#3 Anunknownlurker

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 08:22 AM

It'll be undergunned and slow but as long as it's as tough as it was in MW3/4 I'll be happy :)

#4 BotSmoker

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 08:28 AM

Been Oh So Patiently waiting... 'scuse me while I orgasm.

#5 rolly

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 08:31 AM

YAY. Actual Lore. *gasp* and they even made mention of an Axeman! Good show and thanks for the great read! We could always use more of both.

#6 Talos7

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 08:32 AM

Nice bit of lore involving the First Somerset Strikers. First place I remember the Bushwacker from as a kiddo was watching the animated/CG TV show.

And yes the Axeman.... Dare to dream?

Edited by Talos7, 07 September 2016 - 08:33 AM.


#7 Bolter01

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 08:32 AM

Collectors edition 'SOLD!' - if only to qualify for the Stalker (L)
Bushwacker - sounds so very AU, was such a great mech in previous games! o7

#8 rolly

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 08:35 AM

I hope the Hero mech pack comes with speakers that plays the Cartoon theme song.


Edited by rolly, 07 September 2016 - 08:38 AM.


#9 aGentleWarrior

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 08:42 AM

Bushwhacker was my first mech I played ever, MW3... The MC2 campaign also started in a bushwhacker so it has some gigantic sentimental value.
The blueprint is nice however the back looks slightly to long for me, the part behin the arms could be half shortened!

#10 shameless

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 08:50 AM

just looking at it to start, god this thing will be interesting gonna be easy to hit ct from all size. those arms are huge, and if not, this thing will be an XL deathtrap...

that said, probably gonna get it if the bundle's nice enough. Should have at least 1 ecm variant...

#11 Dren

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 09:02 AM

looking forward to this mech. looks like it has potential in MWO. Used these guys threw the first half of Mech Commander II. Have a bit of sentimental value.

#12 -Ramrod-

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 09:06 AM

Don't worry guys...I'm sure the quirks will be underwhelming :). 50% accel and decel but no armor, structure, or weapons quirks.

#13 Alistair Winter

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 09:07 AM

I am also thrilled to see more stuff from Battletech the animated series in MWO.

If the Axman is ever released for MWO, then I will pay almost anything to obtain. Especially if it has Adam Steiner's camo. Until then... I'll just run a dropdeck of a Mauler, Awesome, Bushwacker and Wolfhound, with Somerset Strikers decals, when available.

#14 El Bandito

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 09:07 AM

Yeeesh. Hope the modeling will do better job than this... Fine hitboxes from the front but it just looks ugly.

Edited by El Bandito, 07 September 2016 - 09:08 AM.


#15 Righter8

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 09:12 AM

View PostEl Bandito, on 07 September 2016 - 09:07 AM, said:

Yeeesh. Hope the modeling will do better job than this... Fine hitboxes from the front but it just looks ugly.


My first, and only, thoughts on seeing it.

#16 Aramuside

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 09:12 AM

View PostEl Bandito, on 07 September 2016 - 09:07 AM, said:

Yeeesh. Hope the modeling will do better job than this... Fine hitboxes from the front but it just looks ugly.


Well that sort of is the Bushwacker though... ;)

#17 Der Kopfsammler

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 09:14 AM

Ahhh how i missed my baby... :'D welcome home Bushy! The blueprint makes it look a bit uglier than i remembered though...

#18 Aethermech

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 09:15 AM

it's ugly as sin. i hope that launcher is on a ST and not the CT. if it's CT then the thing will get cored trying to poke and peek.

#19 luigi256

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 09:15 AM

Alright I haven't given PGI any money for a few months now. I'm thinking now just might be the time to throw some more at them.

#20 Luscious Dan

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Posted 07 September 2016 - 09:16 AM

I was hoping it would be a bit lower/wider like the EBJ. For those who just wanted an update of the old design, it's probably perfect. I may skip this one, but I know some people are very excited :)

View PostAethermech, on 07 September 2016 - 09:15 AM, said:

it's ugly as sin. i hope that launcher is on a ST and not the CT. if it's CT then the thing will get cored trying to poke and peek.

ER large in the CT, the LRM rack is left torso.





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