BLR-1G BattleMaster

Overview

Even during the Star League era, the number of manufacturers capable of building a 'Mech like the BLR-1G BattleMaster was limited. After they won the bid to construct the 'Mech, Hollis Industries began production of the BattleMaster in 2830. Designed to be the largest and most powerful 'Mech ever fielded by the Star League armies, the BLR-1G filled the bill.

The 'Mech's sheer size required special manufacturing facilities, which meant Hollis could build the BattleMaster on only a few planets. The cost and materials for the 'Mech also limited production somewhat.

Capabilities

The firepower that the BattleMaster can generate in one volley is staggering and more deadly at close range. The reliable Donall PPC is its main fire weapon, with the laser systems as close support fire.

The BattleMaster is one of the few 'Mechs equipped with rear firing weapons in the 1G configuration. It has two Martell medium lasers providing protection from the rear. The 'Mech is also equipped with machine guns againts infantry attacks. The bulk of the ammunition for the SRMs and the machine guns is stored in one location, however, which at times results in internal explosions.

Even if the BattleMaster loses all its weapons, it still has its manipulative hands. In emergencies, it can disengage the Donal PPC in order to have both hands free.

Though BattleMasters were not produced in great numbers, their sheer size, armor, and firepower have left many still functional despite the numerous battles they have fought in their nearly 200 years in the field. Further, the 'Mech's basic design has proved to be sound and reliable, with few flaws.

Variants

The only BattleMaster variations still in existence are the few modified by House Davion to do away with the rear-firing Martell lasers and the Holly SRM pack. Though the variant did solve the ammunition buildup difficulties, the 'Mech became more susceptible to a rear attack.

There have been reports that House Steiner has also been developing a modified version that replaces all but the small laser systems in favor of long- and short-range missle packs and ammunition. These reports also indicate an increase in the number of heat sinks, but no confirmation of this intelligence is yet available.

Minor Unit Postings

Avon's Avengers      1 Comp Mixed Somerset, Trellshire
Buena Linda Lancers  2 Comp Inf   Buena, Alarion Prov
Carlyle's Commandos  1 Lnce Mech  Trell I, Trellshire
Darcy's Rangers      1 Batt Inf   Khon Kaen, Alarion Prov
Edmonton Crude       1 Lnce Inf   Hinckley, Alarion Prov
Facetious Flyers     2 Lnce Aero  Trentham, Coventry Prov
Hades' Hellions      1 Lnce Mixed Newton Square, Chahar P
Indigo Shadows       2 Lnce Mech  Australia, Coventry P
Jack-O'-Lanterns     2 Lnce Armor Alekseyevka, Alarion P
Kelvin's Heat        1 Comp Mixed Ballaba
Lancaster Bombers    1 Comp Aero  Lancaster, Alarion Prov
Mary's Minutemen     1 Lnce Mech  Lost, Coventry Province
Nottingham Foresters 2 Lnce Inf   Stafford
Olson's Oliphants    2 Lnce Armor Derf, Trellshire
Percival's Knights   2 Lnce Mixed Graus, Tamar Domains
Queen of Rain        1 Comp Mixed Grunwald, Dist/Donegal
Rex Tyranno          1 Comp Spec  C.M.O. 26, Coventry P
Slithering Snakes    1 Lnce Armor Bobruisk, Alarion Prov
Tartan Terror        1 Comp Mech  New India, Alarion Prov
Ultra-Violet         2 Comp Inf   Ormstown, Alarion Prov
Verril's Vengeance   1 Lnce Aero  Barcelona, Chahar Prov
Westward Ho          2 Lnce Inf   Hood IV, Coventry Prov
Xavier's X-Mechs     2 Batt Mixed Bone-Norman, Alarion P
Young Guns           2 Lnce Mech  Cruz Alta, Alarion Prov
Zippo Lighters       1 Batt Inf   Zoetemeer, Tamar Domns

Kyle Stables Formed

Combine Quarter, Solaris City, Solaris
Rahneshire, Isle of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth

Duchess Selena Kyle, of Altair, announced the creation of a new Solaris stable. The Duchess held a celebration party to introduce her stable to the upper class of Solaris society. Currently, Kyle Stables has only two Mechwarriors in their employ.

At the party, top contender Robert Hopton was reportedly engaged in a brawl with another guest. Hopton apologized for his unseemly behavior before leaving the party. Hopton and the Duchess are old friends from her days working for DeLon Stables.

Notably absent from the festivities were representatives from the Lyran Commonwealth.

LCAF to Test New Mech

Commonwealth Quarter, Solaris City, Solaris
Rahneshire, Isle of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth

Sketchy reports are that the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces will be testing a prototype 'Mech in Solaris. The few reports concerning this new 'Mech are mostly contradictory, with the only commonality being that the 'Mech is a variant of an existing Assault Class 'Mech.