What Level II ComGuard Mechs Are You Bringing To Tukayyid?

[@JasanQuinn]

Three Crabs, and three King Crabs - the pinnacle of evolution!

[@MechanicalFrog]

You're standing on principle and I appreciate that.

[@ogrehaslayers605]

Dammit man, you took my answer but said it better!!! Now I have to think of something else, lol.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The pressure is on now.

[@lexington476]

I didn't see your comment before mine 😀.

[@ogrehaslayers605]

@@lexington476 oh no. You literally beat me to it! I saw the title, had my thought, came to comment while listening to the video... And immediately saw your comment was already here. Well done!

[@krissteel4074]

Black Knights, steel chairs, pew-pews and its wrassling time

[@MechanicalFrog]

Let's get it on...

[@bthsr7113]

"Just because they managed to make a hatchet shaped like a sword, doesn't we're going to give you a giant steel chair!" "So you can't do it and I need someone else?" "You know what, fine. We'll make it! Go out there and knock 'em dead kid! Break a leg!"

[@anselmoffrisia2930]

Fun thought experiment. I used the MUL and forcebuilding rules in the Alpha Strike book, and chose to make a Fire Lance (meaning that 75% of the units need to be either Missile Boats or Snipers). So I chose: - Atlas AS7-K - Catapult CPLT-C3 - Mercury MCY-97 (the one non-sniper or missile boat) - Shadow Hawk SHD-5M - Whitworth WTH-2 - Longbow LGB-0W2 The speedy Mercury is going to spot targets for most of the others, the Atlas, Whitworth, Longbow and Shadowhawk all have some ability to do Indirect Fire. The Catapult can make Arrow IV artillery strikes indirectly too, so that'll be chaotic fun.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Decently mobile with the Atlas as its core. I like it.

[@RyeFields]

That archer 5CS is a beast to use. If positioned properly, it will break the back of most forces. And are you even playing ComStar without a crab mech or black knight?

[@MechanicalFrog]

It can be a terror, for sure.

[@madcat3525]

Great video! Black Knight, Thug, Archer, Flashman, Lancelot,and Crab.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Glad you enjoyed it. Both the Flashman and Lancelot were on my short list.

[@derekburge5294]

Your level 2 is bloody fearsome! My ideal is simple: a pair of stingers to spot, a firestarter to create areas of No Bueno, and however many Trebuchets Blake's Boys can spare me. I just want to be in a command who's sole goal is to make Clanners keep moving forward into stupid situations.

[@jamesharrington001]

Honestly, WHM-6Rb with DHS and FF armor. The 6R is already a monster, the Rb is just perfected.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Always hard to turn down DHS.

[@jamesharrington001]

@@MechanicalFrog, especially when it was the only thing really holding a mech back, not that 2-1-2 RoF on the PPC's was hard with Level 1 tech, but the DHS (17 of them for 34 total cooling) just made it better. Not to mention I'd rather take IS PPCs over IS ERPPCS any day of the week. Though the icing on the cake is the Artemis IV FCS for the SRM6 pack too. Basiclly take everything that made the 6R a beast and fine tune it. Want to get closer than 3 hexes? Fine, eat 2x MedLasers, 2x Small lasers, 2xMGs, 1xSMR6 and PPCs if I feel like taking the worse to hit mod. (32 total heat to fire everything on the 6Rb)

[@devilin100]

The ones they made for Tukayyid, WHM-7CS iirc, has er ppcs, dhs not crit padded like the royal version, 4 med lasers and 3x ssrm2. But it also has 4 JJs which is hilarious. No one seems to know it exist and are surprised by the hood rat shenanigans it gets up to every time I table it. You do end up with a XL and standard Warhammer armour though.

[@jamesharrington001]

@@devilin100 I've never been a fan of the ISERPPC, the 50% more heat to damage ratio just isn't worth the lack of min range or the slightly longer range, at least to me anyway. I never had a problem with the 3 hex min in nearly 30 years of playing BT.

[@devilin100]

@@jamesharrington001 The min range is whatever. But bein in the same range bracket as clan tech is pretty important. You can be at short range while their C er med lasers are at medium. I would rather have snub nose with a capacitor or LPL in most circumstances.

[@h.a.9880]

Just spotted the frog-eyes in the armor diagramm, that's quite adorable. Love it.

[@MechanicalFrog]

:)

[@georgesulea]

This was a great video. I really had so many permutations of what could have been brought toTukkayid, I couldn't decide...

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank ya. I thought I'd try to mix things up and see what happened.

[@DapperRaccoon]

Black Knight BL-6b-KNT, Guillotine GLT-3N, Lancelot LNC25-04, Archer ARC-5CS, Shadow Hawk SHD-2Ht, Mercury MCY-99. While I love the ComStar assaults, I decided to go a mix of medium and heavy firepower supported by a spotter and elemental killer.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Looks like a solid group. Never underestimate a Lancelot.

[@Kingofdragons117]

The 04 is a post Tukayyid design though.

[@DapperRaccoon]

@@Kingofdragons117 shit you're right, 01 it is then.

[@rustyshackleford3053]

The 5CS is an absolute monster LRM-boat.

[@onethousandmuffins6842]

Would love to see more of stuff like this! I’m going to break the Level II construction a little bit, because the box sets that I’ve bought have light and assaults lol When it comes to fighting clans I prefer to have lists that maximize both mobility and armor, as the clans have mobility and firepower in spades. Crockett 5003-1b and Highlander 732b will act as my juggernauts. Both wielding a gauss rifle and jump jets, they can stay mobile and leverage their array of close and long range weapons and absorb a lot of fire. Shadow Hawk 2Ht and Wolverine 7K will act as my hunters, both being 5/8/5 and wielding a devastating array of lasers and missiles they can make trouble for just about any mech that comes their way. Crusader 2R is well armored and has weapons for every range bracket Finally the mongoose 66 is fast, tough for its size and has a beagle probe to thwart any surprises.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I think we need to do at least the Clan side of the battle.

[@frankb3347]

Good list. I'd do much the same except with a Highlander in place of the King Crab.

[@MechanicalFrog]

This is a fair swap.

[@strcmdrbookwyrm]

I'd also pick a Highlander over the King Crab. While the King Crab is a beast, I'd prefer to have the extra ammo reserves and mobility. Plus that Gauss rifle is hard to argue against.

[@mf2943]

I think if i had the option (based on the MUL Comstar list), i would use: - Thunder Hawk 7X: for its 3 Gauss Rifles. Its just such an insane mech for the era - Thug 11E: Its really strong, as you already mentioned - Flashman 8K: IMO one of the best mechs of its time, its very rare but when did that ever stop Comstar? They probably have a few stashed away somewhere. - Cestus 6Y: Its one of the mechs which look bad but is quite the effective combat machine. 1 Gauss and 2 Large Lasers are decent - Trebuchet 7M: I think its a very decent support mech here which has a NARC launcher for some added fire support from other nearby units. Besides that, its just a great addition that runs surprisingly cool - Griffin 3M: Last mech which adds a bit more flexibility to my heavies and assaults. It has the same movement profile as the Trebuchet, runs cool, has some excellent weapons with its ERPPC and LRM20. My goal would be to probably set up the sides with 1 assault and 1 heavy each while the mediums are further back in the middle between the flanks. Their speed allows them to support either side very fast and with its long range weapons, this Level 2 should be able to deal with most threats.

[@Bomfunker91]

If we're going by the modern Tukayyid supplement, a direct fire/fire support Level II 2-3 Warhammer WHM-7CS's as the backbone of the Level II, using their excellent range and relatively good mobility to keep up with the Clanners' mechs 1-2 Thunderbolt TDR-7M's, bringing in some added indirect fire, and mid-to-close range brawling capability, while being able to match the Warhammers' movement 1-2 Shadow Hawk SHD-2Ht's to keep any mobile Clan assets from engaging the big guns, and be a nasty surprise for any Elementals that might want to have a go Finally, a Stalker STK-3F as the Level II's command unit, a beefy block of metal for the rest of the unit to operate around, able to contribute both at range and up-close if needed

[@MechanicalFrog]

Solid crew. I'm curious how the SH would do against those Elementals.

[@Bomfunker91]

@@MechanicalFrog I wanna say that's what the 2Ht was built for, basically. Trick the Clans into thinking it was a regular 2H and then spring the surprise.

[@anselmoffrisia2930]

@@Bomfunker91 mostly it traded other weapons for lasers and SRMs right? I was expecting weapons like machine guns and flamers. Obviously I need to rethink what makes a good AP weapon 🤔

[@Bomfunker91]

@@anselmoffrisia2930 yeah, general anti-infantry weapons aren't actually that good against Battle Armor, their suits are too tough for that.

[@tripwire31]

A Wyvern WVE-9N, the Clanbuster Wyvern, it's great in cities and jungles dodging in and out of cover. An Exterminator EXT-4D, I've already talked about how much I love the Exterminator in your video of it, but it's a FANTASTIC brawler and skirmisher. 2 Flashman FLS-8K, textbook 75 ton troopers that are terrifying in most encounters, even up close. Battlemaster BLR-1G, an amazing command assault mech that packs a massive punch. Lastly, the Archer ARC-5CS an absolutely devastating missileboat mech and one of the best Comstar Clanbusters. Now, I'd loved to have put a Black Knight Clanbuster with the hatchet, or the Marauder, I just like the other options more when talking a general Tukayyid game/campaign. Victors are also a scary choice, the Clanbuster Hussar is also a fun choice.

[@DIEGhostfish]

I would rather the wyvern SL for mountains and the clanbuster for cities.

[@tripwire31]

@@DIEGhostfish that's fair with mountain ranges, I just generally prefer the Clanbuster Wyvern to the other variants. Plus it's always fun putting a Wyvern on the board and not even the older players know what I just put on the board.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Solid crew.

[@GenMagnus]

That's a damn fine lineup! I love the movement profile, armour silhouette, and your personal evaluation displays. I hope you consider making them a regular addition.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yep, they're going to be a regular thing.

[@sim.frischh9781]

That´s one solid unit you got there, nice choices.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks!

[@Disastromatic]

FIVE HIGHLANDERS AND A MAN WITH BAGPIPES AND A CLAYMORE

[@spartanspyke]

I like the way you think sir!

[@GliderBane]

While I am a Crab guy, I want fast mechs that can hit and run. If I can load my mechs with clan bustin' tech, I would take all Firestarters. Give them endo steal frames and ferro armor, strip all the weapons out except 2 flamers and add an ER PPC. Zoom around the battlefield sniping and running. Use the flamers to cover retreats or set the environment on fire to funnel clanners into abushes or cause heat issues.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sounds deliciously awful.

[@jtjames79]

I like similar except with a snub-nose PPC and as many flamers I can fit. And some fire support, preferably LRMs. Shut them down, poke some holes, let the fire support crit seek.

[@andyeaton1736]

I think I’d go with a Highlander HGN-732, King Crab KGC-001, Lancelot LNC 25-01, Thug THG-11E, Flashman FLS-8K, and finish off with an Archer ARC-5CS. The Archer, King Crab, and Highlander have a bevy of LRM’s to soften up targets. The King Crab and Highlander have Gauss rifles to deliver those massive ranged 15 point hits. The Thug, Lancelot, and Flashman are the “faster” brawlers to help tie up the Clanners while the long range fire pours in.

[@haileysaint5443]

Well, for this, I have 2. First is a custom one I may get minis to actually do: a Thug, a Lancelot, a jump jet capable Crusader, a Thunderbolt, a Royals variant Sentinel for recon, and a rare Gunslinger variant Mongoose. The second one I'd do would be from ComStar's 5th Army, specifically an ad hoc Level II formed from disparate 5th Army elements: a Guillotine, Crab, Lancelot, Mongoose, King Crab, and a Sentinel. These, along with a few others, would end up going AWOL from constant after the battle was over and form a mercenary unit called Rock-jocks.

[@meining-mech4378]

Hmm… I would begin with the Highlander HGN-732 as a command unit, following it would be: Thug 11E, Guillotine 3N, Crab CRB-27, Shadow Hawk 2Ht, and Kintaro KTO-20. The Highlander is slow, but the JJs give it an edge in rough terrain, and the Thug is surprisingly quick for an assault. The Gilly can reposition as needed and stack the mods with its JJs, all the while the mediums help to screen for flanking attacks. Obviously, war is a liquid environment, where the tide is always in flux, but I think I’ve got some good flexibility here. - I will say, solid picks for your Lvl.II! Praise be onto Blake!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Not the first to mention the SH-2Ht. It's a good variant

[@TheSmileyGI]

This is a great video, I’d love to see more of this-especially a “best clan stars for Tukayyid” follow up!

[@MechanicalFrog]

That was the plan.

[@D00MerJohn]

Great selections all around. Coming from the other side, the wolfier side, I would counter with Timberwolf TC, Timberwolf D, Huntsman C, Stormcrow B and Dasher Prime

[@jake4753]

Fun video. I bought the Comstar Battle Level 2 box at Fall In Convention this past November. I would like to try them someday. A Crockett, Flashman, Guillotine, Lancelot, Crab, and Mongoose.

[@MechanicalFrog]

A fun mix for sure. Thanks for giving the vid a go.

[@RecklessFables]

Since I play Alpha Strike exclusively but also tend to build to roleplay, here's mine. I have a full LIII primed and ready for paint (once I practice a little more) and it is made exclusively of the two box sets and filled out by every "Clan Buster" variant mentioned in the source books. It is weird that the source book you reference says you can't have a light and assault in the same LII when both box sets comes that way. Anyways, from the list of mechs I'm painting, I'd pick my personal, flexible "All Star Team" as this: I am fighting the Clans and also my personal style means the slowest mechs just aren't going to cut it (Sorry KGC-001, HGN-738, CRK-5003-1) That leaves me with the Battlemaster BLR-2C (CB) as the obvious choice for CnC mech. It is set up for intelligence gathering and Assault-flavored recon, though it lacks punch. My personal mech is the Black Knight BL9-KNT because clanners will fear the indignity of losing in melee! My bodyguard is the Black Knight BL-6b-KNT because one of us has to be competent. The Archer ARC-5CS is just plain broken and will force clanners to mind their manners while I charge them. I'd take two if I was going to allow myself to duplicate model numbers. Spartan SPT-N2 because it is the fastest, biggest version of the Urbanmech available. Shadow Hawk SHD-2Ht is the "scout" because it is the first time the Shadow Hawk isn't the least of the 3 brothers.

[@OptimusJedi]

I have to go with the four mechs on the cover of Battletech: Battle of Tukayyid to start. That artwork was one of the major draws for me to Battletech. Black Knight, Highlander, Exterminator and Crab. From there I’d add the Lancelot and the Crockett for the simple reason I like both mechs and they are in the ComStar Forcepack.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Solid classic team.

[@EdmondHiggins]

Absolute banger of a video! Maybe more Star/Lance/Level content coming? Mongoose, Hussar, Mercury, Spider, Wolverine, Catapult I have this Level II and use it a fair bit.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'd like to do more like this but the video is not performing very well...

[@EdmondHiggins]

Bummer, I feel like people pass on a lot of good content that drops right into their feed unless it is 'More of the same".@@MechanicalFrog

[@calumdeighton]

Tukayyid. Come May, I will be playing nothing but BattleTech related stuff; tabletop & video games both. God. I need to get started on my full Merc Battalion. Also got plans for a full Clan Cluster.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Always planning, scheming, plotting... more BT stuff ahead.

[@fmailaender]

We are 50% the same Thug, Black Knight, King Crab But then I go more into Gauss Highlander, Nightstar and one of my favourites the Exterminator (yes I know, dies too fast in most games but I did kill Assaults with this thing, when a game did run in my favour) I really like your list and the Video.

[@davidmcglynn2765]

I'd have to go with at least one TAG at the level II. Three Level IIs then get a supporting arrow IV at Level III. The clan buster black knight is an easy inclusion as well. Maybe a pair of guillotines for shenanigans and herding of clan mechs. Then need at least one gauss rifle. I don't think Comstar had access to Nightstars anymore either, but I think they had access to some Pillagers? Osprey is also a great mech if they had any left

[@Takantwins]

As thought out on the Discord: Griffin 2N Thunderbolt 7M Crusader 2R Marauder 5CS Stalker 5M Nightstar 9J A solid firing line without too much reliance on XL engines, the Griffin to hop around, spot and harass, and the Stalker and Nightstar to lay on some serious punishment. Also it seems I'm an addict to mechs ending with 5 tons XD

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a solidly mobile and hard-hitting crew.

[@oleksaderzybis9052]

Flashman is a must pick. It's bubbly face is just too sympathetic to ignore, as well as amount of laser fire it could pour. Playing with Pilot Spec Abilities or Formations makes him even better as a Weapon Specialist, practically turning Large Lasers into pulses.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The Flashman improves any occasion.

[@TheNoobPainter]

3 Hunchback 4Gs and 3 Hunchback 4Ps.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sensing a theme...

[@Blasterbot-ye2uk]

I too love the emotional support small lasers. they rarely do anything but sometimes you just have an extra half ton. that said when you end up in the situation you get to use them? feels great.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Better to have one and not need it, than to need one and not have it.

[@nemo35383]

I ran a Tukayyid campaign last year using the Catalyst Campaign Book. As the Comstar player, the real question is what support forces are you bringing? Those support points on infantry, tanks, artillery or areospace is what will tip the battle away from the clan player, or not, if poorly spent.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Going to spend them all on sourdough bread and napalm strikes from aerospace fighters.

[@ironwarriorhonsou9303]

I would say the Clanbuster King Crab, the Black Knight clanbuster(hatchets are fun), the Archer clanbuster, a Crab 27, A Hunchback....Variant depending on avalability, and the Thug. I haven’t listened yet, I am curious how many ideas match

[@keebbles]

Stalker Slammer (2 ppc 2 gauss 4 sm laser and ecm) as firelancer Highlander Bannockburn with lvl upgrades and improved jjs. As midrange utility. 2 crusader missile boats, both short and long range (oh for mmls at this point) for fire support and cq blasting. No artimus fc. But tandem, hex, and acid rounds for srms. Loader King "Hotboi" mk 2 had all the best toys taken from pirates, tsm, hotseat etc. Twin ac5s on torsos some lasers. As well as mgs. And a damn sword and shield. Also reinforced industrial frame that makes this mech harder to take down. Faster than any would expect from a 65 tonner, it could go much faster hitting the supercharger. Designed to run hot, it's an easy target to find, but near max armor, 8 ton shield and a huge sword made few willing to stay near and trade shots. The pirate warfare suite, doubles as iff jammer and general ecm. Flamers and mgs help keep elementals off it, though the sword did a great job too. It's the wildcard . Last mech is the scout role. Mainly due to sensors and ecm. Shogun K command mech. With supercharger and jjs for mobility. Preys on honor code of clan while feeding data to lvl 2 mates. Srms are swapped out for more mdm lasers and adding more dhs.

[@jamesbeard5513]

I couldn't find my Tukayyid book, but I'll bring a focus on Star League designs as my choice. I decided to go with a speedy, but powerful, striker/harasser unit that can operate for extended periods. Not as durable as other mechs, the speed should allow it to dictate most engagements. First, the Spartan -N2 variant. While definitely lightly gunned in comparison to other mechs (even some on my list) the TAG is always handy on making someone have a worse day. Second, the Flashman -8K for damage in the short and medium range ambush. Third, the Lancelot -01. Medium and far range for its twin Large Lasers and PPC as well as its high speed for a heavy. Fourth, a Lynx -9Q. Powerful weapons, jump capability and good speed and well armored for a medium, it is pretty effective Fifth, the Crab -27b, like your Crab, but with ER Large Lasers and Double Heat Sinks. Sixth, the Phoenix Hawk -1b, with all that additional weaponry and Guardian ECM suite, it will be useful for ambushes. While each of the designs are more vulnerable than most of yours (all but the Crab has an XL engine) they aren't meant to be in a standup fight, just hit hard and run like hell. Whether that is into an ambush or to stretch their forces out, I figure it will work. Even the ammo dependant weapons are fairly effecient in their usage.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Digging the direction you went with the Phoenix Hawk -1b

[@matthewneuendorf5763]

I'd roll with a Mongoose, a Crab, a Flashman, a Thug, and a King Crab. With the ComStar variants, that's a lot of long-range punch, so I'd finish with the classic CS choice of a Shootist for some close-in butchery.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The Flashman and Shootist were on my short list.

[@ArmouredRawne]

Would love to see a video on the Clan buster mechs comstar was throwing out at Tukayyid. You've already covered one, the Archer 5CS

[@MechanicalFrog]

We'll see...

[@Kingofdragons117]

Personally I would make a more skirmish focused Level II. Mongoose to start as command mech for my medium Level II. Mercury to back it up for fast harassment. For Mediums, the Clanbuster Shadowhawk with all those streaks and large laser. Have a Kintaro 20 back up the shadow hawk for if anything decides to get too close. Throw in a Crab because of crab. And finally to round it out, a Lancelot for a quick heavy with decent firepower. Honestly surprised you didn’t go with the Gauss Crab. Though tbh, I probably would have picked the Crockett or the Highlander instead. More utility with the Jump jets.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Crab because of crab... yes...this pleases me. Lancelot is solid as well.

[@HouseDavieMerc]

I want an emotional support small laser! Good list. I'm gonna tweek it a little for me. Thug,Guillotine, Black Knight, Archer,Flashman, MAD-2R Marauder ( They had to have a few) Sure it's less an assault but the average is faster and you gain a Flashman as a scout. Plus your adding what's arguably the best MAD up to that point.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm sure no one would complain about having a Marauder stomping about.

[@afitz34]

I'm amazed that the Archer 5CS can carry that many LRM 15's. It seemed wrong to me at first, but then I looked again on Sarna. It has it's drawbacks, but the firepower is definitely there.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Definitely a pricey but powerful machine.

[@nilswassem7209]

Black knight, lancelot, highlander, crab x2, and a longbow for fire Support. All in SLDF/ royal variants, reasonable scouting, Not too much dependancy on ammo supplies and flexible enough to react if needed.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Looks solid. The Lancelot was on my short list.

[@nilswassem7209]

@@MechanicalFrog the Star League variant is Rock Solid, and he can Keep up with the crabs. That is a really nasty recon force, and they can harass and soften up the enemy while the big boys close in or provide support.

[@malcolmtudor8039]

Great choices. I feel like there should be a Marauder in there somewhere.

[@MechanicalFrog]

There should always be a Marauder stomping about.

[@leroyottersberg7151]

Definitely a potent unit with loads of options for fun and games.

[@harvestblades]

Really like this video concept!

[@MechanicalFrog]

It did... ok... so there will be another. Maybe it will catch on.

[@sharlin648]

an excellent vid, big questions, I think I might swap out the Guillotine for a Shootist which was pretty much a Comstar exclusive 'mech at the time but otherwise go with something like you suggested :)

[@MechanicalFrog]

The Shootist is fun.

[@prime3967]

still chipping away at the succession wars lore so I'm not entirely familiar with comguard enough to come up with my list but knowing me I'd absolutely be bringing a centurion as I can't get enough of those things definitely gonna try bringing this list to my next game tho see how it works out

[@MechanicalFrog]

ComGuard are fun. A unique take on the "lance/star"

[@tuppytheducky]

A Highlander, Catapult, 2x Cataphract, Vindicator, Raven. remind the clans they were lucky to invade from the north.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The Capellan contingent of the ComGuard. :D

[@jtjames79]

Artillery and Firestarters. I like fire.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Fire away!

[@Mr._Anderpson]

Couldn't agree more with choosing the Black Knight. Resupply on Tukkayid is a huge variable which would be much more of an issue for a missile boat like the Archer. How many tons of ammo does the Archer have for each of those launchers? 60 missile salvos can clear a lot of obstacles for as long as the ammo holds out.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It has enough ammo for 12 shots from each launcher.

[@Mr._Anderpson]

@@MechanicalFrog Kerensky's blood! That's one way to clear a field, & thanks. I had glanced at Sarna & a couple other sites but didn't see the ammo allocation.

[@dearlytheatre]

I'd have to call it a little more IS specific, per my own crazy preferences: Archer, Warhammer, Battlemaster, Thug, a T-bolt, and either a Wolverine or a BK for the scouting.

[@MechanicalFrog]

One can always use a few Thunderbolts to make things interesting.

[@catzo_5762]

My personal Level II list? Blackjack 1, Shadow Hawk 2Ht, Archer 5CS, Warhammer 7CS, Black Knight 9 (Clan buster), and an Atlas K.

[@catzo_5762]

I know the Blackjack may seem like an odd choice, but I have supernatural luck with Golden BBs, during a Battle of Tukkayid game, my Blackjack headshot a Thor with its AC/2, and knocked out the pilot, allowing my Battle master to get the kill on it the next turn.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sounds solid.

[@lexington476]

I envision The Crustacean Level II 😄. Three King Crabs, and three Crabs 😎. You got firepower and scouts.

[@MechanicalFrog]

This is fair and just.

[@ajacksdragon]

More of this please!

[@kierdalemodels]

Great vid. The Thug is good and looks really cool. Ah! You put a BL-6B-KNT in there! I knew it!😁 I think your choices are all really solid.👍

[@MechanicalFrog]

Can't resist the BL-6B

[@demondredge4983]

KGC-000b, KGC-001, AS7-D-H2, HGN-732b, BL-6b-KNT, and a EXT-4C. Not 100% sure all the Royal versions were actually Comstar legal, but it's my fantasy Level II, right? I happen to be painting up this set of minis right now, so I would actually like to play this scenario out some time, lol.

[@ogrehaslayers605]

Thug, Guillotine, Crab, King Crab, Black Knight, and Flashman. If combined arms are allowed, then, Mongoose, Mercury, Wasp (fitted with Inferno Missiles), Two Magi Tanks (the apc variant) and Two Platoons of Infantry, and Two Zero Aerospace Fighters.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The Flashman would be a fun addition.

[@ogrehaslayers605]

@@MechanicalFrog used correctly, the Flashman is AMAZING! Has kind of a goofy name, but I use them all the time. That ability to move fast and never rely on ammo is just too good.

[@marsar1775]

i actually know what id bring. i did a jury rigged hybrid dnd and battletech run with friends a while back due to lack of proper materials. gonna bring a locust(forget the variant, buts gonna have 2 ac-2s, a medium laser and a narc), 2 archer 4ms, and a marauder. forget its specifics as well, but it had a gauss rifle with 1 ton of ammo and 2 snubnose ppcs and i believe 2 medium pulse lasers. it was jank as hell but the most fun ive had in battletech or dnd. i gotta pay homage and bring innthe jank squad mercenary company haha. tho, its not a level two

[@lukedudley5030]

Nice comstar lance...i personally throw in a couple of hollanders as the gause is one of the only IS weapons thats comparable to its clan alternative and the mobile sniper mechs will support any lance you chose to make :-)

[@MechanicalFrog]

I think I would include a Hollander in my Light Level II list.

[@WeOnlyEatSoup]

Thug was my #1 pick (its my favorite assault mech!)

[@danieldavis6288]

King Crab for the command mech, Archer for the fire support, Black Knight for the forward XO and spotting, a pair of Thugs to hold the line, and a Warhammer for variety.

[@nukenuked5749]

morring frog and a good way to start the day with frog video thanks mate

[@MechanicalFrog]

Enjoy!

[@h.a.9880]

What Comstar Mechs I'll bring? *MECHS* ?! Like an amateur?! I'll bring exactly one Wolverine and a bucket full of Savannah Masters, see how the tubeborns like that.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Trueborns: We do not like this at all.

[@h.a.9880]

@@MechanicalFrog I've just calculated this through: A leopard can carry 400 tons in Mechs, so dedicating 55 tons to a Wolverine, that leaves me with enough weight to carry 69 Savannah Masters. _Nice._

[@MechanicalFrog]

oh no...

[@h.a.9880]

@@MechanicalFrog The madness doesn't even stop there. Savannah Masters only cost 92k C-Bills a piece... meaning 69 of them cost you less than a single Awesome 8Q...

[@Yacovo]

Urbanmechs with the largest cannon I can find. Try to score over 100 million C-Bills in equipment damage. Thanks for the video

[@Tellos]

Bringing for my ideal one a mix of eras, an AS7-D, MAD-5D, WHM 7K, ARC-7L, DRG-7K [mark] and last but not least FLS9-M skewed heavy but it should hit hard and keep the enemy wishing they hadint come by.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's good to have something around to burn elementals.

[@OctopusPrime3]

My ideal level II is: Hussar, Wyvern, Champion, Thorn, Night Hawk, and Lynx. My reasoning is they are comstar/SLDF mechs that still need redesigns, and other than the bombardier, this would fill in the last of the missing 2750 TRO mechs.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Interesting picks...

[@OctopusPrime3]

@@MechanicalFrog I just realized the Lynx and Night Hawk despite being SLDF Mechs are not traditional Comstar mechs, even after the invasion :[ I change my answer to Hussar, Thorn, Wyvern, Champion, Nexus, and Raijin. This would help fill out the Comstar forces with more Light and Medium Mechs compared to what we got in the original Command and Battle Level IIs.

[@ursulcx299]

No appologies needed, the crab is a perfectly fine and fun mech, maybe the most fun idk, haven't played MegaMek much but I lvoed that lil guy in the HBS game and in MWO

[@MechanicalFrog]

Just look at it... it's awesome.

[@ursulcx299]

@@MechanicalFrog The awesome is a very different mech tho, no?

[@DrunkenGrognard]

Honestly, I'd go 2 Clanbuster King Crabs (the dual gauss variants); 2 Regular Crabs (the -27s of course) as flankers, and 2 Flashmen 8Ks. I like that Archer but fundamentally, if you're trying to beat Clanners in a missile spam contest with an Inner Sphere mech, you are just plain going to lose. If I need to drop a little tonnage, I'd drop the Flashmen for a pair of Cestus 6Ys

[@Moriarty.74]

Kintaro KTO-19b, Flashman FLS-8K, Crab CRB-27b, Black Knight BL-6b-KNT, Hermes HER-1Sb, and King Crab KGC-000b The Hermes scouts with the Kintaro to back it up, allowing the pair to draw aggressive clan mechwarriors into the path of the other four. The Flashman and Crab have good maneuverability while the King Crab and Black Knight form the anvil part of the unit.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sounds like a solid list. I like the Hermes.

[@DadalorianCreates]

My Lvl II was very close to yours - Crab, Black Knight, Thug, Kintaro, Archer (x2)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Always nice to have a Kintaro around.

[@spencerjones841]

2 Highlanders, 1 Emperor, 1 Pillager and 2 flashmans I'm sure the clanners will just love that much gauss fire. Option B is 6 Highlanders and telling the other level 2s to do the spotting for you.

[@MechanicalFrog]

6 Highlanders? Why didn't I think of that... ;D

[@bthsr7113]

I think two Black Knights, Two Highlanders, and two King Crabs should do nicely, especially with half of the mechs (two knights, one crab) being clan buster variants if possible. Make the remaining 3 royal, and I can see some decisive damage done.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That would be a surly and violent bunch.

[@sethharley5557]

I’d definitely need a marauder, a crab, a catapult, a shadow hawk, wolverine, and a locust

[@thunderK5]

My Picks: BL-9-KNT Black Knight, THG-11E Royal-variant Thug, GLT-3N Guillotine, MAD-5CS Marauder, ARC-5CS Archer, FLS-8K Flashman. i tend to favor mainline heavies, but when you're an Inner Sphere force facing the Clans you want a fast heavy to keep from getting outmaneuvered. I went with the 9 model of the Black Knight in order to include a original 'clanbuster', because with that hatchet, "bustin' makes me feel good". (Apologies to Ray Parker Jr. and Paul Rudd.)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Never underestimate the awesome drawing power of a hatchet.

[@grimani]

The obvious answer is six BL-9-KNTs. Hold back while the rest of the Lvl III engages, then throw some frickin hands and do some clanbusting! Will they win? Maybe, maybe not, but we're here for a good time, not necessarily for a long time.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Obviously. :D

[@robrib2682]

I would like to try and outfit a lance with the singular goal of bullying elementals (think things like the comstar refit of the shadowhawk) because all of the assault formations are all well and good but if there's a bunch of angry murder ants crawling over their eyeballs so they can't aim then that's going to be a problem. Although I probably would put in at least one quickdraw in for emergency batchall duty as the rest escape

[@MechanicalFrog]

For some reason I'm picturing Firestarters armed with only machineguns.

[@robrib2682]

@@MechanicalFrog we both know that machine guns are mild annoyances to your average elemental warrior

[@SlenderNSK]

Black knight bl-9, king krab kgc-001, archer arc 5cs, marauder mad-5cs, guillotine glt-3n, shadowhawk shd-2ht

[@MechanicalFrog]

Solid group.

[@TurboRob85-hf5le]

Great video but so odd to see a mech frog video without plasma rifles or an MF version mech. Maybe take it from the approach as, you are tasked by Anastasius himself to give the clans a simple message; Get Focht. You are given all the resources and time you need to assemble a Level 2 led by a custom variant battle mech of your choice using all available Comstar tech.

[@MechanicalFrog]

We'll see how this video does. It could be a continuing series touching upon battles and the mechs that fought in them.

[@TurboRob85-hf5le]

@@MechanicalFrog Would love to see it. Though I know your

[@elijahsnow3119]

I choose to bring minefields and field artillery. Because f@&$ a fair fight.

[@GeofftheIronwolf]

Atlas II, King Crab, Black Knight, Longbow, Crab, Wolverine II.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Now that's a fierce team.

[@GeofftheIronwolf]

@@MechanicalFrog here's the fun part. My king Crab, gonna be the Kaiju. twin PPC in each arm, Ultra AC5 right torso, lrm15 left torso. My king Crab is gonna be able to stay and play.

[@Kingofdragons117]

The Kaiju isn’t an official variant unfortunately.

[@GeofftheIronwolf]

@@Kingofdragons117 it's on sarna. But I guess not.

[@mikecampos1193]

Thank you for letting us know about Mechs that killed and owned Clanners ass still doing the work.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Good times had by all.

[@chekovsgunman]

I'd bring a mixed Assault unit built around a Battlemaster (BLR-2C) and (Cyclops CP-11-A), backed up by a Marauder (MAD-5CS), Archer (ARC-5CS), and Warhammer (WHM-7M) with a Shadow Hawk (SHD-2Ht) for anti-infantry support and flanking. Everything except the Archer has a good mix of long and short range weapons, and the Shadow Hawk can play battle-buddy to the Archer to keep the Elementals away from those juicy legs. The Battlemaster's Command Console would help the group with initiative and possibly spot for the Archer if it had nothing else to do that turn. Everything has at least a 4/6 movement profile so nobody's getting left behind, and a couple AMS systems can take some of the edge off those Clam missiles.

[@lenbone72]

Black Knight, Flashman, Lancelot, Crab, Highlander?, scout mech of your choice?

[@MechanicalFrog]

Phoenix Hawk.

[@JediAcolyte]

Ravens to scout, long toms for fire support and a blocking force of med and heavy mechs to protect the ravens and long toms

[@christophermzdenek]

Same, but I'd swap the KIng for either the Highlander, or the 0000 "clanbuster" variant.

[@MechanicalFrog]

This is a good swap.

[@steveo9284]

6x - Bullshark with arrow iv. Loaded with davey-crocketts. 'I'm everyones problem now"

[@Eulemunin]

Fun. How about the light version?

[@MechanicalFrog]

Go for it. The video is doing pretty poorly so this experiment might be a one-of.

[@Eulemunin]

@@MechanicalFrog that’s to bad I enjoyed it.

[@kaisiegfried425]

Im Honest just for lore accurasy i wished you would have taken the clan buster variant of the Blackknight, I mean a Big Hatchet is just to good.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Never underestimate the awesome drawing power of a hatchet.

[@Spartaner251]

i would use your Level II, but replace the King Crab with a Cyclops CP-11-A or CP-10-Z, just putting in DHS and FF. Which would get the mobility of the unit up to 4/6 overall.

[@wraith7989]

I’m thinking a lance that can fire, fall back, and fire again without needing replacements of ammo. So 2 crabs, 2 Black Knights and a Warhammer. Also an artillery battalion, because I’m going to have some seriously irritated Clanners right behind me.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Double crabs! you madman...

[@Aceman52]

I would go with the Pillager, Black Knight, Marauder, Crab, King Crab (PPC variant), and the Thug.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The Pillager was on my short list. Solid crew there.

[@bruced648]

considering that you are talking about Tukayyid, I would bring Ten level VI forces.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Alrighty.

[@devilin100]

Hard to argue against an entire unit of Thunder Hawks. Devastator: Probably the best mech the IS can bring to the table. Have two if I can get them. KGC-001: Devastators are rare. The LPL and streaks are a good compliment to the rest of the firepower against fast moving Clan mechs looking to close distance. They are going to form the anvil for the force. The hammer is where I'm going to get Crazy with it 2x Warhammer 7CS: They can stay on line as part of the anvil if the mission calls for it. Also perfect name for the degenecay we plan on getting in. 2x Rakshasa 1B: No, Don't laugh, I'm being serious. Sure the LRMS and LL are anemic when going against the clan all stars like the Timber Wolf. Were not going to use them to fight Clan heavy mechs one on one. But, what else does the IS have in 3052 that does as much as these bad boys. Clan mediums tend not to have alot of armour, clan mediums are the linchpin of clan formations more so than even among IS forces. They can screen well enough, flank, pursuit, and provide interdiction for their screen and exploitation units

[@MechanicalFrog]

Two Rakshasa... I wasn't expecting that.

[@devilin100]

@@MechanicalFrog They can stay with a gunline better, if not inefficient, as well as most dedicated fire support mediums and heavies but have the option to force reactions with their speed. Feel like they compliment the best way to fight Clan mechs. Best way to take on clan mechs is to shoot them in the butt. I am sure there are other mechs that do it to. Starslayer comes to mind as an alternative. Maybe the Hollander but they get deleted by a stiff wind and barley up the damage output in most circumstances. With only 8 rounds of ammo they might be an inferior option on average. Others would probably say Marauder is a superior choice. If they have 1 er ppc and half a brain, heavies without superior movement and ranged firepower are irrelevant. I would have loved to bring an Emperor, cluster shot their weapons ineffective at medium range. It has the same problem its not fast. Some would even call it slow, its long ranged firepower is just not where it needs to be. Clans are going to come at us close or pick us off at range, we need a way to equalise it. They as the attacker have the luxury of deploying their forces as they wish. Hiding in a city with 6 hunchbacks sounds like a good idea until they bring a point of bombers and just not deal with the dilemma.

[@strcmdrbookwyrm]

I don't really know the exact rules for a ComGuard Level II, so I'm going to be sticking to mechs that feel like Comstar would use. Lets see... So after a couple drafts, my lineup is: Crab CRB-27b Wyvern WVE-5N or -9N (both have their merits) Lancelot LNC25-01 Warhammer WHM-7CS Crockett CRK-5003-1 Highlander HGN-732 The final result isn't as mobile as I hoped for, but with four out of six mechs able to jump, it's good enough. The strategy is to have the Assaults, the Warhammer, and Crab catch the clanners in a crossfire. The Lancelot and Wyvern would be on hand to catch any flankers or respond to pressure on any of the heavier units. The Crab can also pull double-duty if needed. And while some members do suffer from a need for ammo, all of them that do have an ample supply on board. While I don't think it's the best, I'm confident that my Level II could do some nasty damage.

[@Kingofdragons117]

Take the star league era Wyvern with streaks and er laser.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Looks like a solid bunch.

[@joelaugustin6407]

The Crockett deserves more love and variants, such a great multi tool of a mech. Though I might just take sadistic pleasure in making my opponent wait for all those LBX and SRM dice...

[@strcmdrbookwyrm]

@@joelaugustin6407 Agreed. There is the Katana, which is a reverse engineered Crockett. But it still deserves it's own set of variants. (also yeah, there is some degree of satisfaction from all those dice)

[@thecommuterzombie]

I've just planned out a Level III for a 1400PV Alpha Strike campaign on Tukayyid, vs Ghost Bears. It was heavily based on what I had available (and what is coming in the Mercs Kickstarter) out of the RATs rather than being crafted. For CBT I'd happily run the Command or Striker Level II depending on BV. Command/Battle Level II ---- CP-11-A Cyclops CES-3R Caesar CRK-5003-1 Crockett BL-6b-KNT Black Knight* WHM-7CS Warhamer SHD-2Ht Shadow Hawk Striker Level II ---- FLS-8K Flashman LNC25-01 Lancelot CRB-27 Crab STN-3L Sentinel EXT-4D Exterminator MON-66 Mongoose Striker Air Level II ---- WVR-6R Wolverine PXH-1bC Phoenix Hawk MCY-99 Mercury WSP-1A Wasp CHP-W7 Chippewa CHP-W7 Chippewa Fire Support Level II ---- LT-MOB-25 + Ammo Car Long Tom Artillery LRM Carrier LRM Carrier ARC-5CS Archer LGB-8C Longbow Warrior H7 Attack Helicopter Assault Level II ---- Von Luckner Heavy Tank VNL-K65N Von Luckner Heavy Tank VNL-K65N Behemoth Heavy Tank Behemoth Heavy Tank AS7-D Atlas KGC-001 King Crab Mechanised Level II ---- Goblin Medium Tank (SRM) Goblin Medium Tank (SRM) Goblin Medium Tank (SRM) Goblin Medium Tank (SRM) SRM Carrier Foot Level 1 (SRM) x2

[@MechanicalFrog]

Now that is a list... Full Frog endorsement granted. Form up at the LZ by 1800.

[@Kingofdragons117]

Personally would consider swapping 2 goblins out for 2 Prowlers. The Support variant to be specific. IF1, IT4, decent armor/structure, and 3 damage at medium range. Good troop carriers.

[@thecommuterzombie]

@@Kingofdragons117 That is an excellent call. Might see if I can track some down, IWM stuff is hard to source in the UK but IT4 on a non-trash vehicle would make it worth my while for sure. Thanks for the tip!

[@ModalCuchulainn]

Here's one with some different choices, intended to punch and move while staying relatively ammo efficient Spartan SPT-NF Black Knight BL-9-KNT Champion CHP-1Nb Phoenix Hawk PXH-3S Wolverine II WVR-7H Cicada CDA-3F

[@MechanicalFrog]

Solid bunch. Didn't expect to see a Cicada in a list. :D

[@ModalCuchulainn]

@@MechanicalFrog Needed a scout and Fire Moth/Viper speed bump. The Cicada has the advantage of respectable TMM, and not almost assuredly getting legged by a lucky hit. Had a chuckle once I realized that half my choices are from some folks "worst 'mech" lists lol

[@Grizabeebles]

My personal head-canon is that the sensory input from neurohelmets is addictive and causes serious long-term changes in how mech pilots behave - generally making them more prone to impulsive and grandiose behaviour. Clan trueborns have been selectively bred to integrate even better with their neurohelmets than most. That's the weakness Focht is trying to exploit - Battlemechs don't understand the concept of "attrition". And I would follow suit. That's why my defense unit at Tukkayad wouldn't include ANY mechs at all. Instead, I'd focus on extensive minefields, deadfalls, and prepared positions held by infantry to draw the enemy mechs into range of mobile artillery units for a protracted defense-in depth while Special Forces teams focused on destroying enemy logistics assets like MFBs and ammo dumps. When the Clanners got to their assigned objective, they'd find out that five machines can't "secure" a whole city when my combat enginners drop an office building or two on them.