Well folks this one is probably a good two months in the offing and all I can say is sorry. Should have been done sooner. Sure it is the summer time and it is easy to get side tracked and yeah there were twenty-eight (28) different entries from six different designers (2 Takiro, 3 Irose, 13 Abele, 4 Red Pins, 3 Ice Hellion, 3 drakensis) say you could say a lot of people took a hack at this one. Well enough apologies and jokes – lets just get on with it!
DISQUALIFIED28. HCT-4K (Takiro) Kurita
Now I know a Gauss Rifle ain't the best up close weapon but its big long-range punch would make the Hatchetman pretty formidable. A Solaris variant utilized in our home games by a Kurita Gladiator this would certainly be different. Unfortunately, I didn't get the fluff done so it ends up disqualified but I wanted to get a Gauss Hatchet in for the sake of diversity. No matter, no fluff and ya get disqualified!
27. HCT-4K (drakensis)
This Kurita variant tried to bring a Sword to a Hatchet contest and as a result got disqualified which is too bad. Reminds me a lot of my FedCom 5P with its 270 XL Engine (6/9/6), the Triple Strength Myomer (7/11), ten Double Heat Sinks, and ER PPC main gun. For a while it had me second guessing myself that the 5P may have been better served as a Draconis Combine BattleMech rather than a FedCom one. The C3 Slave certainly would have been a great addition to my 5P but I am not sure I love the Anti-Missile System. Nine tons of standard armor (144 factor) isn’t bad by any means but the inclusion of a Sword sort of doomed the whole enterprise before it began which sucks.
26. HCT-4KX Ono-hei (Abele)
The Kurita Mech-Sword is not developed till 3058 by the Draconis Combine as an “honorable†alternative to the “crude†hatchet so I have to place this design here. I like the 4K series basis upon which this experimental is being developed as it uses the common Chariot Type II frame, your Nissan 180 XL Engine (4/6), four Jump Jets (4), and nine tons of Durallex Special Medium armor (144 factor). Armed with a Large Pulse, two Medium Pulses, and a Small Pulse it would be deadly accurate not to mention the C3 Slave protected by a Guardian ECM Suite making this ‘Swordsman’ even more precise. I understand the philosophy behind using fourteen Single Heat Sinks but for an experimental model you can certainly get some Double Heat Sinks.
25. HCT-S7 Altrichter (Abele)
While I liked this Solaris blazer entry it had to be disqualified because of its use of Mace which was not available at this time. Using a 225 XL Engine and another Jump Jet it moves faster (5/8/5) than its predecessors which is further augmented by a Triple Strength Myomer (6/9). This would make the Mace even more terrifying in combat which could cause some devastating damage along with that Blazer. Backed by two Medium Pulses and a Small Laser it is capable of immense destruction plus it has eight and half tons of ferro-fibrous armor for max protection. All in all a scary Maceman coming soon (but just not now) to an arena near you!
NO HATCHET24. HCT-S7 Bohringer (Abele)
This faster (5/8/5) Solaris fighting Mech featuring twin SRM-6s, two Medium Pulses, two Medium Lasers, two Small Lasers, a Flamer and no Hatchet is certainly intriguing but how can it be a Hatchetman?! It makes me think of a larger Commando with great short-range killing power but would certainly be limited by its weapon range. Still it is a nimble city fighter certainly and an interesting concept which I wouldn’t mind seeing more of but not a design that is going to win this Hatchetman concept.
23. HCT-4X-C (Red Pins)
With no Hatchet, and unlike his other designs, no Triple Strength Myomer this anti-Elemental Mech sure is different. After trying a Clan massed ER Small machine in combat my flavor for those grouped tiny weapons has sort of disappeared. I probably would have gone with four Mediums over the eight Small Lasers you did here. The Beagle Active Probe works as an infantry finder for its role and the EndoSteel frame with the 270 XL Engine (6/9/6) works as a nice base for the machine. Eleven Double Heat Sinks can dissipate the heat of those tiny lasers just fine but the two Large Lasers can’t be fired at the same time without some overheating. Finally, nine and a half tons of ferro-fibrous (152 factor) do a great job at protecting it. Unfortunately, without a Hatchet and with all those Smalls I can’t really place it higher.
22. HCT-4X-B (Red Pins)
While I’d like to see a Hatchetman without a Hatchet – as Grayson Carlyle might say – it wouldn’t be in a contest where I am looking for the best most optimal Hatchetman. Like your other 4X models the B has an EndoSteel chassis and is powered by a 270 XL Engine (6/9/6) along with Triple Strength Myomer (7/11). Eleven Double Heat Sinks dissipate what is generated by the two Large Lasers, two Small Lasers, and the LRM-5 which has been added in place of the hatchet. Using FASCAM munitions for that small missile rack and having a Guardian ECM Suite makes me think is this a Capellan design? Either that or for some reason I am thinking about a larger version of the Spector. Nine and a half tons of ferro-fibrous (152 factor) also provide a very near max armor arrangement. In conclusion good design but just not a Hatchet, MAN!
21. HCT-S7 Haldane (Abele)
This is a truly innovative Solaris fighter featuring two Retractable Blades rather than a Hatchet. A fascinating gimmick for the arenas it was not introduced in canon timeline until 3067 but it is indeed around thanks to AgroMechs who began using them in 2420. Rather cutting a swath through crops it was the Word of Blake who transformed it into a combat weapon but this design could start that process early. This Twinblade is faster thanks to the 225 XL Engine and slightly more mobile (5/8/5). Armed with a Large Pulse, two Medium Pulses, and two Medium Lasers it is a deadly accurate close in fighter but it isn’t really a Hatchetman without two Retractable Blades. An intriguing idea though which I wouldn’t mind seeing developed further.
PASSABLE 20. HCT-S7 Maurus (Abele)
This Solaris no big gun entry is certainly interesting as it uses a 225 XL Engine and another Jump Jet to exceed the movement profile (5/8/5) of its forebearer. I got no problem with four Medium Lasers, three Medium Pulses, the Small Pulse, and even the Small Laser as they make up a Piranha like arsenal that can be devastating at close range. A Triple Strength Myomer does add to your combat effectiveness and makes some sense with all that laser weaponry. However, I dislike a single Streak SRM-2 or an SRM 2 for that matter simple because they have too much ammunition. If those fifty rounds blow up you are screwed even with a CASE as it takes out your XL Engine. I could see this as a unique Solaris Mech certainly but sorry to say not a fan of it otherwise.
19. HCT-S7 Bender (Abele)
This Solaris gladiator reminds me of the original AC/10 variant with a couple of notable exceptions. One, it uses the 180 XL Engine (4/6/4) from the 5S to save on weight which looks like it goes to the armor of this Hatchetman. Now protected by nine and a half tons of standard armor plating this forty-five-tonner now features near maximum protection. Second, a Triple Strength Myomer has again been added boosting its speed (5/8) and damage following activation. Not bad at all but it still reminds me of a one off arena fighter which is unique in design and not quite what I am looking for here.
18. HCT-4T (Abele)
This Taurian variant made with Capellan help strikes me as far too advanced for either power at this time. Armed primarily with an LRM-15 with Artemis IV FCS and three tons of ammo along with the trademark Hatchet it like the Futoushibing reminds me a lot of the AXM-2N Axman. Rounding out the armament is two Medium Pulses and a Small Pulse which is even more lostech. Seven tons of ferro-fibrous (125 factor) with CASE is in line with the Capellan basis and is perhaps the most plausible lostech addition. Built on the standard Hatchetman chassis and the 180 Fusion Engine (4/6/4) it is also equipped with ten Double Heat Sinks. Perhaps if there was less cutting-edge Star League weaponry I’d be ok with this design but it is just too much for the Concordat at this time.
17. HCT-5T (Abele)
Very similar to Abele’s 4T and Liao’s Hatchetman this Taurian model made with Capellan help is probably too high-tech for the Concordat. Although I find the PPC more reasonable than the LRM with Artemis variant that preceded it. The two Streak SRM-2s I’d be willing to overlook even though the Medium Pulse might be the straw that broke the camel’s back here for me. Two Medium Lasers and the trademark Hatchet round out the armament which is cooled by ten Double Heat Sinks. Built on the standard Hatchetman chassis and the 180 Fusion Engine (4/6/4) it is protected by seven tons of ferro-fibrous armor (125 factor) with CASE. Better than your 4T Abele but there were better Taurian variants presented.
16. HCT-4X-A (Red Pins)
Using an EndoSteel frame and the 270 XL Engine (6/9/6) with Triple Strength Myomer (7/11) like the rest of your 4 series is a solid basis for the Hatchetman. Not sure why you downgraded to ten Single Heat Sinks here though especially with the ER upgrade to one of the Large Lasers or just didn’t go whole hog with two. Four Small Lasers here could have been upgrade to two Mediums as well as I really don’t like whole bunch of tiny laser weapons any more from experience. Kept the Hatchet which is good for this contest as well as the nine and a half tons of ferro-fibrous (152 factor) which provides solid protection. Overall, not a horrible design with some curious choices which is in line for an experimental machine but there were better presented here in my opinion.
15. HCT-6S (Irose)
Correcting the 5S faults this entry went to an EndoSteel chassis and returned to the GM 180 Engine rather than the Edasich Motors XL model which is prone to destruction due to its bulky nature. Two solid design decisions but why not keep the ferro-fibrous as you would certainly have the space? This would have given you the near max armor factor and at least another half-ton of mass to work with. Also, I might have gone with all Medium Lasers as opposed to one Medium Laser and one Medium Pulse for secondary weaponry which seems a bit weak to me. Heat Sinks is a small issue as I generally prefer Double but only a jumping Alpha Strike will generate an overheat (+3). I also may have dropped the ballistic LB 10-X for a lighter energy weapon and uprated to a 225 Fusion Engine. Not some bad ideas Irose but I preferred others more than this concept.
14. HCT-4D (drakensis)
This Davion variant used an advanced EndoSteel chassis and a VOX 225 XL Engine (5/8/5) from the Komodo along with a Triple Strength Myomer to create an interesting Hatchetman. The LB 10-X Autocannon, Medium Pulse, and Small Pulse do seem like an underwhelming offensive design but one that ten Single Heat Sinks could probably deal with. Nine tons of standard armor (144 factor) creates a pretty good protective shell for this BattleMech but it was the C3 Slave that goes a little too far for me. While the Combine might neglect the technology because of it’s traditionalist warrior beliefs I doubt they would export it to a mortal enemy who has just recently become an ally because of the Clan invasion.
13. HCT-4C Futoushibing (Abele)
The Axe Soldier is something very interesting to me and I wish there was something more. This Capellan Hatchetman reminded me of the AXM-2N Axman with its LRM-15 with Artemis IV FCS that is feed by three tons of ammo. Protected by a CASE this large munition supply provides two dozen rounds of firepower. It comes on the standard chassis which is presumably copied from the original as is the 180 Fusion Engine (4/6/4). Seven and a half tons of ferro-fibrous (130 factor) is a little light in terms of protection but better than the original 3F. It also is equipped with two Medium Lasers, a Flamer, and a Guardian ECM Suite. Ten Double Heat Sinks disperse even Alpha Strikes when jumping. It is a bit early for Shengli Arms of Victoria which didn’t reopen in canon till 3057 and it is a real shame that there isn’t more here for the only Liao entry. Perhaps this could have been designed as a Capellan OpFor Mech or as part of a Capellan Imposter program to infiltrate FedCom planets especially ones occupied in the Sarna March or even Chesterton.
12. HCT-S7 (Abele)
Inspired by the Mad Hatter’s S7 variants this Defiance production does feature the 225 XL Engine (5/8/5) that many of them utilized. I can get behind that as well as the eight and a half tons of ferro-fibrous (152 factor) plus who doesn’t like the Blazer? I like it a lot here especially when combined with the Triple Strength Myomer which helps the Hatchet. Two Medium Lasers and even a Small Pulse make for nice supplementary weapons but I am not sure I like the LRM-5. Probably would have gone with an SRM-4 instead for greater short-range pop. Other than that, she certainly ain’t bad my friend. Ultimately others outdid you in this contest but this was a real good try.
11. HCT-4D (Abele)
This Davion TSM variant made on Addicks was even faster using a 270 XL Engine (6/9/6) which was supplemented even more by a Triple Strength Myomer. Using EndoSteel over Ferro-Fibrous is a nice touch as well and the energy armament seems good as well. Not sure why you threw in the Machine Gun though as a second Small Pulse Laser would have done the job just as well. That is really the only thing I don’t like about this variant which compares quite well to my HCT-5P. Different loadouts certainly with your ER Large Laser as a main gun while two Medium Lasers, two Medium Pulses, Small Pulse, and that Machine Gun serve as backups. Not bad at all but not good enough to win, sorry bud!
Contenders
10. HCT-4S (drakensis)
This Steiner dual Large Pulse variant which goes to a VOX 225 XL Engine (5/8/5) and Triple Strength Myomer (6/9) is my favorite from drakensis this contest. Going with an EndoSteel chassis was a nice touch especially in conjunction with the Komodo power plant for great weight savings. A Medium Laser was also included with the Hatchet and two Large Pulses which may seem short range or underpowered but I like it. This energy arsenal can be cooled by ten Double Heat Sinks and it doesn’t utilize the C3 Computer which is probably verboten at this time outside Kurita space. Nice job bud but I liked others better.
9. HCT-4KC Ono-hei (Abele)
The Hatchetmaster is very much like the Kurita 4K presented by Abele as it is based on the Standard Chariot Type II chassis, powered by a Nissan 180 XL Engine (4/6), featuring four Jump Jets (4), and nine tons of Durallex Special Medium armor (144 factor). However, the 4KC which is also made at the Ryu-no-Tsuyo-so (Strength of the Dragon) Repair Facility on Oshika has an ER PPC as its main gun rather than a LB 10-X AC and only can muster two Medium Lasers instead of three. What is most fascinating about this Hatchet wielder is that it fields a massive C3 Master allowing it coordinate the operation of an entire C3 lance as well as TAG opponents for artillery. Unfortunately, it again features fourteen Single Heat Sinks which especially with its new energy main gun seems to hold it back in my opinion. I understand your justification based on traditional design norms but fielding a Hatchetman for the DCMS is hardly typical to begin with. Darn shame.
8. HCT-4X (Red Pins)
My favorite of your 4X series is the base model with an EndoSteel chassis and 270 XL Engine (6/9/6) with Triple Strength Myomer (7/11) that reminds me a lot of my own entry. Armed with two Large Lasers and two Small Lasers it has a simple all-energy arsenal which doesn’t require resupply. A Guardian ECM Suite makes it an excellent raider and the Hatchet can be quite destructive when the TSM is active. Eleven Double Heat Sinks do a good job cooling what they can and nine point five tons of ferro-fibrous (152 factor) produce near max protection. A very solid contender for the FedCom top spot indeed with good fluff I can certainly see it competing against a few others as an experimental unit. However, I liked other designs just a bit better Red Pins – very sorry. Good try!
7. HCT-4S (Irose)
This AC/20 carrier is what Steiner designers originally intended and I really like the angle of an idea that just won’t die. It could even be a Lyran patriot's answer to a Davion dominated Federated Commonwealth. Ultimately, I am not a fan of the 180 XL Engine which is more expensive but it does already exist. I probably would have gone with Ferro-Fibrous and EndoSteel but I am not sure some entitled Steiner advocates would agree with that assessment though. Good hook but not enough to get you into the winner circle though. I like this as a limited refit package or in the hands of a few individuals spread throughout Lyran space.
NEAR MISSES6. HCT-4K Ono-hei (Abele)
This Kurita 4K series used the standard Chariot Type II chassis, a Nissan 180 XL (4/6), four Jump Jets (4), and nine tons of Durallex Special Medium armor (144 factor) to establish a sound foundation for a Draconis Hatchetman. Ferro-Fibrous could have gotten you to max protection level and a CASE would have been better for pilot safety. I really like the concept of the Ryu-no-Tsuyo-so (Strength of the Dragon) Repair Facility on Oshika which would be Uncle Chandy’s personal ‘Mech factory. The LB 10-X Autocannon with two tons of ammunition (20 rounds), three Medium Lasers, and the trademark Hatchet or Ono in this case makes for a very familiar arsenal which is very good. The addition of a C3 Slave is perhaps the best with this BattleMech as it can close in and let its lancemates join in the action too. Eleven Single Heat Sinks while justified as a traditional Combine design practice were probably why this one was a near miss. The drive to optimize the Dragon’s BattleMech forces is not traditional at all and ten Double Heat Sinks probably would have put you over the top.
5. HCT-5FC (Ice Hellion)
This high end AFFC model which is built with Kurita parts was very good and nearly made it to the top of my list. Importing the 225 XL Engine (5/8/5, presumably the VOX used on the Komodo) from the Draconis Combine is a bit of a stretch but not too much of one that can be overcome. However, even with the Triple Strength Myomer (6/9) this version is a step slower than mine (5P) even though you saved 3 tons between the engine mass and one less jump jet. Yours is probably cheaper as well because it uses a smaller engine and achieves armor maximum by utilizing nine and a half tons of armor (152 factor). Both use the standard Chariot Type II chassis which does make use of existing parts and allows for refits of existing Hatchetman. Both also come equipped with ten Double Heat Sinks and a Guardian ECM Suite which enhances their operations. The big difference between my 5P and your 5FC seems to be armament well aside from the Hatchet anyway. You have a standard PPC instead of an ER PPC and six Medium Lasers compared to my four Medium Lasers. So it seems like you’ve poised an excellent design question here Ice - which do I like more here for the Hatchetman – movement or firepower? To me the answer is movement simply because of the Hatchet and the need to close as quickly as possible to deliver its signature cleaving. Also, the ER PPC allows the 5P to engage targets at longer range as well but my man this was some contender. Very very close, made me stop and think, great job!
4. HCT-4T (Ice Hellion)
This Taurian entry with excellent fluff was so very close to the winner’s circle but was beat out by one other design. Nothing real wrong per say with this PPC, Large Pulse, dual Medium Laser, Hatchet wielding badass. Ten Double Heat Sinks help dissipate most of the heat generated by the arsenal and seven point five tons of Ferro-Fibrous (134 factor) provided pretty good protection. Using more lostech and being slow (4/6/4) with less armor plating than your competitor (who went on to win the whole contest) was ultimately the deciding factor. Very well done but just shy of being a winner. Sorry Ice!
WINNER3. HCT-3KS (Ice Hellion)
An excellent Kurita entry by Ice Hellion featuring in universe fluff which details the Sohei. Using the base HCT-3F this Draconis variant replaces the AC/10 with a PPC and adds one Medium Laser (3 total). Eight and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous (152 factor) provide near total protection for this 45-tonner which is augmented by an Anti-Missile System. This Kurita Hatchetman with a CASE to protect the ammunition from this added defensive system is pretty darn tough especially when combined with the GM 180 Fusion Engine (4/6/4). A two-ton MASC (
provides a boost to that speed for a Berserker like feel but would be difficult to refit. C3 Slave is also added which is a big plus and while it feels like a unique variant rather than a production model this one is just good enough to sneak into the winner's circle. The fluff was what put you over the top here Ice, good enough for bronze. This will take its place as the new HCT-4K in the Salient Horizon setting.
2. HCT-5P (Takiro)
This high-tech AFFC model really set the bar for me in this contest with its new General Motors 270 XL (6/9/6) combined with a Triple Strength Myomer (7/11) for rapid maneuvering and maximum hatchet damage (18). Now the XL Engine does have its drawbacks (fragility and high cost) but the improved speed here has its advantages. It can rapidly close with its opponents to use its four Medium Lasers and Hatchet in devastating fashion. Using the ER PPC as this 'Mechs main gun gives it superior range and hard-hitting fire power at range as well. For defenses this Hatchetman features eight and half tons of ferro-fibrous (152 factor) which is near max plus a Guardian ECM Suite. This can help to knock down advanced targeting systems and improves the Mech's survivability. Retaining the Chariot Type II internal structure with the TharHes electronics along with other existing components does allow for refits of existing models even though that would not be a simple process. Good enough for silver this time around with too a high bar for most of you to overcome. This will take its place as the new HCT-5FC in the Salient Horizon setting.
1. HCT-4T (Irose)
This hot Taurian all energy variant narrowly overcame Ice Hellion’s own 4T to win not only the Concordat’s top prize but our overall competition as well. I ultimately judged this model which compares well to the Grasshopper more realistic than Ice’s as it only uses Double Heat Sinks for lostech innovations. Its Large Laser, five Medium Lasers, two Flamers, and Hatchet don’t run out of ammunition meaning it can stay in the field forever. Using most of the surplus weight for armor plating, nine and a half tons which results in near total protection, means it can take a licking and keep on ticking. I like to think of this design as a hardpoint against enemy incursions which is tough to overcome especially when paired with other defenses. Even crazy Thomas Calderon would appreciate that as it would give Davion aggressors or would be bandits second thoughts about trying to take Concordat property. Congratulations to our gold medalist and new HCT-4T of BT Salient Horizons!
