MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries/The Jungle (Light)

Solaris VII

Solaris VII is the entertainment capital of the Inner Sphere, where MechWarriors duel in gladiator-style combat. Each Solaris pilot aspires to compete and win in the annual Solaris championship. Historically, Solaris VII’s varied environments made it an excellent choice for testing new ‘Mech prototypes. ‘Mech manufacturers eventually started broadcasting these tests, and thus the game world was born.

Solaris VII – The Light Circuit

The Solaris Light circuit is relatively easy to get into. If you have a Light ‘Mech, a couple of weapons, and courage, you can compete. The Light circuit is not as popular as the heavier weight classes, but it provides a proving ground for hopefuls. Once pilots have won a match or two, they rarely stay on the Light circuit. Now’s your chance to show what you are made of.

The Jungle (Light)

Duncan Fisher: It’s the weekend, Solaris fans, and that means the first Light match of the season. This is Duncan Fisher, bringing you the play-by-play as we prepare for the lightweight series. Boy, do we have a lineup for you today. There are some real up-and-comers in today’s match. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some of these guys qualify for Medium or, heck, maybe beyond. These guys are hungry for it.

Duncan Fisher: Game on!

Duncan Fisher: Ouch, that one’s gotta hurt! Looks like that’s one ‘Mech for the trash heap.

Duncan Fisher: One of the things I love about the Light ‘Mech fights is the ferocity of some of these pilots. A lot of Solaris fans tend to skip the Light matches, and I think that’s a mistake. A lot of these warriors have heart, which you don’t get in some matches. Every time they go out, it is make or break with these guys, and I admire the heck out of that.

Duncan Fisher: If you’re going to try to dodge, it’s best to dodge out of the way, not into it. I bet that pilot’s thinking “Hey, how’d I get hit?” With reflexes like those, he should expect it more often.

Duncan Fisher: You get a lot of different types of pilots in these Light matches. Not a big surprise, because these Light ‘Mechs are cheap. A single weapon system on the Assault circuit can cost more than an entire ‘Mech in this league. Anyone that can afford a Flea, a couple of machine guns, and has some moxie can compete. Some people think that’s a failing, but I think it adds character, and I’m all about character.

Duncan Fisher: Another death! And that brings us to the final three. One of these guys is walking home the final winner. The others are going to be flying over the arena in an ejector pod.

Duncan Fisher: That kid is on a roll, down there. That last guy just got hammered.

Duncan Fisher: Now that’s the way you do it! That’s his third kill this match! I don’t know how he does in the field, but that Spectre is one heck of a Solaris pilot.

Duncan Fisher: Bam! It’s game over! And that is it, Solaris fans. We have a winner! His name is…Spectre, a mercenary turned Solaris pilot who has won the match tonight. I’ve never heard of the kid before, but that was one excellent performance, so congrats to Spectre for his first Solaris victory. Until next time, Solaris fans, this is Duncan Fisher, signing off.