ProtoMech Technical Readout
Name/Model: Blackguard BGD-1A
Designer: Captain_Frosty
Source(s): Custom Mordel.Net Units
Technology: Clan
Technology Rating: F
Tonnage: 9
Role: Striker
Configuration: Biped ProtoMech
Era/Year: Jihad / 3080
Rules (Current): Standard
Rules (Era): Standard
Rules (Year): Standard
Total Cost: 1,098,802 C-Bills
Battle Value: 385
Chassis: BGD/X ProtoMech
Power Plant: Microsol "XR80 Ultra-lite" 85 ProtoMech Fusion
Cruising Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97.2 kph [129.6 kph]
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: TFT ProtoPlate ProtoMech
Armament:
1 Gencore "Cloud-Strike III" LRM 3
1 Zica Inc. "Snapshot Mini" ER Small Laser
Manufacturer: Task Force Talon
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications: Gencore "VFX-8 Mini" with ECM Suite
Targeting & Tracking: Zica Inc. "XFC-81"
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Overview:
The product of over a decade's worth in research, funding and painstakingly planned covert
operations, the BGD-1A "Blackguard" is Task Force Talon's very own home-made Protomech and
is likely to be the only one for years, if not decades, to come. Created to be more than
just a cheaper alternative to a full 'mech, the Blackguard was designed to prove
sufficiently effective in any scenario while keeping its inherent limitations in mind.
Thanks to the extensive reverse engineering of Clan technology on the subject over the
course of a decade, the result was a fairly fast, fairly damaging unit that could operate in
just about any theater. Thanks to these facts, as well as its far more careful deployment by
TFT compared to Clan protocol, the BGD-1A "Blackguard" proved to be an unexpected trump-card
in the moment of truth; a mix of speed, firepower and 4 overlayed ECM fields, proving
invaluable to their allies.
More importantly, the one issue TFT was able to somewhat resolve that the Clans could not,
were the effects on the pilot. In an ironic twist, their lack of advanced genetics forced
TFT researchers to ensure that a more universal methodology be used for operating the
Blackguard. In doing so, instead of enhanced imaging software, an alternative process was
developed, dubbed the 'neural network suit'. This uncomfortable, full-body and practically
skin-tight collection of fiber, wires and sensors replicated the majority of effects that
the Enhanced Imaging Neural Implants would normally provide without the need for extensive
and intrusive surgery. The downside to this far less direct neural connection was a notable
downgrade in reflex speed and precision control of the Protomech as a whole. A downside that
was seen as both necessary but also, as eventually proven, made up for with experience.
Capabilities:
The BGD-1A "Blackguard" is a multirole light unit that can provide versatile support to any
formation. Alternatively, a collection of them can easily face off against a 'mech or
vehicle of equal value, should they be used right. Their main advantage stems from the mix
of short and long range firepower; the ER Small laser providing a short range punch while
the LRM3 allowing engagements from a safer distance. Similarly, the Myomer booster and
guardian ECM suite allow each Blackguard to move in and out of almost any situation while
flooding the field with jamming or, worse yet, a near constant stream of ghost target
generation with which to debilitate an opponent's targeting systems.
Deployment:
The BGD-1A "Blackguard" is versatile and useful in just about any situation. That does not
make it a wonder-weapon, however; one should always keep in mind the inherent fragility of
Protomechs and thus use each Blackguard with great caution. Relying on good positioning,
flanking and always staying on the move is the best course of action while targets, should
there be multiple, should always be picked with attention to armor and ability to
effectively retaliate.
Variants:
The BGD-1A "Blackguard" has no variants. The design is too new and far too unique for
variants to have been made in any form.
Notable MechWarriors:
[CLASSIFIED]
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Equipment Mass (kg)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: ProtoMech 900
Engine: 85 ProtoMech Fusion 2,500
Walking MP: 6
Running MP: 9 [12]
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks (ProtoMech): 2 500
Cockpit: ProtoMech 500
Armor Factor: 32 1,600
Type: ProtoMech
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 2 6
Torso: 9 10
Main Gun: - -
R/L Arm: 2 4
Legs: 5 8
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Weapons and Ammo Location Mass (kg)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ECM Suite T 1,000
LRM 3 T 600
LRM 3 (Ammo 7) T 175
ProtoMech Melee Weapon RA 500
ER Small Laser LA 500
Note: Equipped with ProtoMech Myomer Booster
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Alpha Strike Statistics
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Point Value (PV): 17
TP: PM, SZ: 1, TMM: 3, MV: 16"
Damage: (S) 1 / (M) 1 / (L) 0*
Armor (A): 1, Structure (S): 1
Specials: ECM, IF0*, MEL
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