Almerio's Flat, Engadin Sep 12, 3050
"Lightfoot, this is Lightfoot Leader. Take a break here. I repeat, take a break. Sensors indicate no unusual readings in several* "klicks."
"Lieutenant, do you still have any of the Skondian** chocolate? Perhaps you'd care to wager some on a friendly game of Skat?"
"In your dreams, Al. Not unless you want to put up some of those anime*** vids you've been guarding so jealously!"
(A new voice, female.) Lightfoot Leader, Lightfoot Leader! (the tone becomes suddenly more casual) "Permission to take my I/R offline to plug in my coffeepot?"
(A stifled sound that might be a smothered laugh)
"Permission granted, Cindy. In fact, Lightfoot Three, make that five**** CUPS."
"OMIGOD!" (there is a theatrical note in this MechWarrior's voice) "How can it be? They're ... they're all around us, Lightfoot Leader! What'll we do?"
"Execute Plan Banana Peel, Lightfoot Lance. On my mark ... Now!"
(Sounds of running 'Mechs, JumpJets, a line of cursing in Swedenese, etc)"
- Prearranged Code Words:
* Several = my seven o'clock position
** 'Skondian'= MAD confirms (from a local joke about bad-tempered Skondians)
*** anime = sensors confirm they have scanned us
**** five attackers
Engadin
Engadin, a manufacturing planet in the Rasalhague Sector of the Free Republic of Rasalhague. Engadin, a planet with one major industry - the manufacture of inferno rounds. Engadi n, a planet which managed to slow the invasion of the Wolf Clan by - literally - making things too hot for them. Every Clan 'Mech found itself bombarded with infernos from SRMs, LRMs, artillery and infantry. The defense of Engadin proved one thing: given enough of the proper kind of encouragement, a Clan 'Mech can go into heat shutdown!
It took almost two weeks for the stockpiles to run out. Once they did, it was a matter of days before the defenders of Engadin lost their gallant attempt at saving their planet.
During those four days, two lances from the 3rd Company, Second Battalion, Third Engadin Home Defense Brigade used a bit of old-fashioned tactics to make their scant remaining ammo go as far as it could. And they proved something else Clan 'Mechs can lose.
They used a 'bait and trap' scenario that is as old as the hunt. A fast Light Lance allowed themselves to be seen and chased - right into the marshy lake where their allied Assault Lance was hidden. Two of the light 'Mechs were lost before the trap was sprung. Only one of the Clan 'Mechs remained operational.
The two lances were later to take part in the battle for Bristle Cone Forest. No survivors are known.
Set Up
Set up the two maps lengthwise as shown, with
the joined rivers leading into the lake. Defender's Light Lance may be
anywhere on Map# 1, as in regularset up. Defender's Assault Lance may be
anywhere on Map #2. Fire Lance uses optional hidden movement rules, or
the following special rule. Before play begins, Defender writes down the
number of the hex each 'Mech is occupying. The 'Mechs are not placed on the
board until either the 'Mech moves, the 'Mech fires, or an Attacking 'Mech
moves into the same square as the hidden 'Mech. In the last case, the
Attacker may not fire during the turn which reveals the hidden Defender.
Attacker enters from anywhere on the north edge of board #1.
Defender:
Light Lance
Lt. Knut Kawabata, Cicada,
Veteran Piloting: 3, Gunnery 4
Al Wong-Olafson, Spider,
Veteran Piloting: 3, Gunnery: 3
Cindy Echevarry, Wasp,
Regular Piloting: 5, Gunnery: 3
Martin Hollander, Spider,
Regular Piloting: 4, Gunnery: 4
Fire Lance
Ramie Ramirez, Highlander,
Regular Piloting: 4, Gunnery 3
'Pappy' Mukerjee, Warharnmer,
Veteran Piloting: 2, Gunnery: 4
Thorbiorn Andersson, Rifleman,
Regular Piloting: 4, Gunnery 3
*James Wrath, Charger,
Veteran Piloting:3, Gunnery: 3
- * Wrath was the last survivor of the Command Lance of Delta
Company. He had joined the unit informally three days prior to the
battle.
Attacker:
Unit is not known: The insignia was a black neurohelmet topped with a black crown on a blizzard-like background. The numeral designation was '341'. They also wore the patch of the Wolf Clan.
? Man of War, Veteran Piloting: 3, Gunnery: 2
? Daishi, Elite Piloting: 2, Gunnery: 2
? Fends, Elite Piloting: 2, Gunnery: 3
? Man of War C, Elite Piloting: 2, Gunnery: 1
? Vulture, ElitePiloting: 3, Gunnery: 2
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