Difference between revisions of "Hedgehog"

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The '''''Hedgehog''''' was the first [[tripod]] (three-legged) [[BattleMech]], devised in the early days of the [[Star League]] (i.e. around the late 26th or early 27th century). Noted as an ultrafast design with advanced sensors and communication systems to match that of an ''[[Ostscout]]'', although described as a "relatively straightforward" design, the structure and controls were considered counter-intuitive and the overall concept of tripod 'Mechs would remain a curiosity for centuries.<ref>''Interstellar Operations'', p. 163 - "Tripod 'Mechs (Multiple Eras)"</ref> <ref name=RGIV2p4>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2'', p4 "Ostscout"</ref>
+
The ''Hedgehog'' was the first [[tripod]] [[BattleMech]], devised in the early days of the [[Star League]]. The counterintuitive structure and controls left tripodal 'Mechs a mere curiosity for centuries.<ref name=IOp183>''Interstellar Operations'', p. 183: "Tripod 'Mechs (Multiple Eras)"</ref>
  
At least one example would accompany [[General]] [[Aleksandr Kerensky]]'s [[Operation EXODUS|Exodus Fleet]] into exile, its advanced systems being used to good effect by a bandit raiding [[Clan Burrock]] supplies from the hills of Dratha on [[Dagda (Clan System)|Dagda]] during [[Operation KLONDIKE]]. Lured into an elaborate trap by a pair of Burrock ''Ostscout''s and defeated, the wreckage of this ''Hedgehog'' remained on display on the Burrock's main enclave until [[Clan Star Adder]] cleansed it during the [[Wars of Reaving]]. <ref name=RGIV2p4/>
+
At least one example accompanied [[General]] [[Aleksandr Kerensky]]'s [[Operation EXODUS|Exodus Fleet]] into exile, its advanced systems being used to good effect by a bandit raiding [[Clan Burrock]] supplies from the hills of Dratha on [[Dagda (Clan System)|Dagda]] during [[Operation KLONDIKE]]. Lured into an elaborate trap by a pair of Burrock ''Ostscout''s and defeated, the wreckage of this ''Hedgehog'' remained on display on the Burrocks' main enclave until [[Clan Star Adder]] cleansed it during the [[Wars of Reaving]].<ref name=RGIV2p4/>
 
 
No further information was provided. It is presumed that this (canonical) mention of the ''Hedgehog'' from 2016 refers to the otherwise apocryphal write-up of a tripodal 'Mech by the same name from 1987 as described below.
 
  
 
==Canonicity==
 
==Canonicity==
It is generally held that the (fully canonical) ''Hedgehog'' as mentioned in the 2016 ''[[Interstellar Operations]]'' rulebook and 2020 ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2]]'' is a nod to the otherwise [[apocryphal]] tripod BattleMech of the same name that was published in the [[StarDate]] magazine in October 1987, canonizing it at least as an otherwise unspecified tripod BattleMech.
+
* It is generally held that the fully canonical ''Hedgehog'' mentioned in the 2016 ''[[Interstellar Operations]]'' rulebook and 2020 ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2]]'' is a nod to the otherwise [[apocryphal]] tripod BattleMech of the same name that was published in ''[[Stardate]]'' magazine in October 1987, canonizing it at least as an otherwise unspecified tripod BattleMech.
 
+
* The detailed write-up from ''Stardate'' remains apocryphal to the extent where it was not repeated or confirmed in a canonical source, i.e. beyond the information given above. No further information was provided. It is presumed that this (canonical) mention of the ''Hedgehog'' refers to the otherwise apocryphal write-up of a tripodal 'Mech by the same name from 1987 as described below.
The detailed write-up from StarDate remains apocryphal to the extent where it was not repeated or confirmed in a canonical source, i.e. beyond the information given above.
 
  
 
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
 
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
 +
<!-- all data in the infobox is apocryphal unless marked as canon, thus its inclusion within the apocryphal content section -->
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=
+
|image =  
|name=Hedgehog
+
|name = ''Hedgehog''
|manufacturer=Utica Fabrication and Design
+
|manufacturer = [[Utica Fabrication and Design]]
|production year=2602
+
|production year =  
|year reference=
+
|year reference =  
|introduced=
+
|introduced = 2585 (canon)<ref name=IOp183 /><br />2602 (apocryphal)<ref name=SDV3#5pp323-326 />
|model=HdG-2B
+
|model = HdG-2B
|cost=
+
|cost =  
|Tech Base=Inner Sphere
+
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type=BattleMech
+
|mech type = BattleMech
|feet=tripod
+
|feet = tripod
|mass=35
+
|mass = 35
|chassis=Uticamax III  
+
|chassis = [[Uticamax III]]
|armor=Durallex-Medium
+
|armor = [[Durallex-Medium]]
|engine=VOX 280
+
|engine = [[VOX 280]]
|comsys=Molinox HBD-2a9JJ MaxiPulse Array
+
|comsys = [[Molinox HBD-2a9JJ MaxiPulse Array]]
|T&T=Molinox Tri-Plus
+
|T&T = [[Molinox Tri-Plus]]
|heat sinks=10
+
|heat sinks = 10 [[Heat Sink|single]]
|speed=132.5
+
|speed = 132.5
|armament=1x [[Medium laser]]<br />4x Smoke launchers
+
|armament =  
|BV (1.0)=
+
* 1x [[medium laser]]
|BV (2.0)=
+
* 4x [[smoke projector]]
 +
|BV (1.0) = n/a
 +
|BV (2.0) = n/a
 
}}
 
}}
  
The HdG-2B '''''Hedgehog''''' was ordered by the [[SLDF]] for Divisional commanders, and thus equipped with cutting edge communications equipment. In the [[Succession Wars]], all [[Great Houses]] used it as a recon unit and deep raider.<ref name=SD>''StarDate'' Vol. 3 No. 5</ref>
+
==Description==
 +
The HdG-2B '''''Hedgehog''''' was ordered by the [[SLDF]] for divisional commanders, and thus equipped with cutting edge communications equipment. In the [[Succession Wars]], all [[Great Houses]] used it as a recon unit and deep raider.<ref name=SDV3#5pp323-326>''Stardate'' Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 323–326</ref>
 +
 
 +
Noted as an ultrafast design with advanced sensors and communication systems to match that of an ''[[Ostscout]]'', although described as a "relatively straightforward" design, the structure and controls were considered counterintuitive and the overall concept of tripod 'Mechs would remain a curiosity for centuries.<ref name=RGIV2p4>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2'', p. 4: "Ostscout"</ref>
  
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
Armored with 6.5 tons of standard armor, the ''Hedgehog'' is armed with one [[Medium Laser#Martell|Martell Medium Laser]] and four Krupps-Invicta smoke projectors (special rules for these were provided; under current boardgame rules, they could be represented by vehicular grenade launchers).<ref name=SD/>
+
The ''Hedgehog'' is armed with one [[medium laser#Martell|Martell]] [[medium laser]] and four [[Krupps-Invicta]] [[smoke projector]]s.<ref name=SDV3#5pp323-326/> The advanced comms system is often considered the 'Mech's greatest asset. It has proven essentially impossible to replace, leading to many units being downgraded with simpler comms units.<ref name=SDV3#5pp323-326/> ''Hedgehog''s have been known to replace their comm system with a functionally equal system that however requires all weapon systems to be uninstalled to make enough room.<ref name=SDV3#5pp323-326/>
  
The advanced comm system is often considered the 'Mech's greatest asset. It has proven essentially impossible to replace, leading to many units being downgraded with a simpler comm unit.<ref name=SD/>
+
==Variants==
 +
*; HdG-2B1 ''Harasser'' : The only known variant, the 2B1 is a [[House Marik]] refit also known as the ''Harasser''. It swaps out the [[medium laser]] for two Entechy [[small laser]]s.<ref name=SDV3#5pp323-326/>
  
==Variants==
+
==Notable Pilots==
The only known variant is a [[House Marik]] refit known as the HdG-2B1 ''Harasser'' that exchanges the medium laser with two [[small laser]]s.<ref name=SD/>
+
* '''MechWarrior Stasha Piosecka''' has a penchant for jumping over opponents and kicking them with her 'Mech's heavily armored center leg as she lands. A member of the command lance of the Paladin's Chessmen, she keeps her ''King's Nightmare'' in perfect condition with a garish orange and black paintjob.<ref name=SDV3#5pp323-326/>
 +
* '''Lt. Torquemada Thompson''' is an independent mercenary who works for the highest bidder. He is obsessed with finding a replacement command radio set for the ''Black Plague'', which is otherwise in good condition.<ref name=SDV3#5pp323-326/>
 +
* '''''The Night Stalker''''' is in service to House Marik. A ''Harasser'' variant, its unknown pilot is credited with killing 13 MechWarriors on a single deep raid when it destroyed their barracks.<ref name=SDV3#5pp323-326/>
  
''Hedgehog''s have been known to replace their comm system with a functionally equal system that however requires all weapon systems to be uninstalled to make enough room.<ref name=SD/>
+
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
*The maximum ground speed given for this 'Mech is slightly higher than normal for its mass and engine rating (132.5 instead of 129.6 kph), but this had no impact on its game stats at the time of publication.
+
*  The introductory date in ''Interstellar Operations'' is the only canon statistic of the ''Hedgehog'' while the stats given in ''Stardate'' remain apocryphal. Because of this, the infobox is placed within the apocryphal content section.
*The publication included special rules for three-legged 'Mechs including kicking, and for the smoke launchers.
+
 
*Following up on the ''Hedgehog'' as published in the StarDate magazine, [[David "MacAttack" McCulloch]] privately published an unofficial document titled "Three-Legged BattleMech Construction Rules" in 2001. The rules were derived from those originally presented in StarDate, albeit streamlined and simplified. Along with these he published the HDG-3S ''Hedgehog'' within the document, a version with a 285 [[XL Engine]], [[double heat sink]]s, eight [[jump jet]]s, an [[ER Medium Laser]], a [[Guardian ECM]], and a [[Beagle Active Probe]]. All of this is [[Fanon]] and without official sanction, however, and does not qualify as apocryphal; it is neither official nor canonical.
+
* The maximum ground speed given for this 'Mech is slightly higher than normal for its mass and engine rating (132.5 instead of 129.6 km/h), but this had no impact on its game stats at the time of publication.
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}
+
 
 +
* The original publication included special rules for three-legged 'Mechs including kicking, and for the smoke launchers. These rules are not recognized as official.
 +
 
 +
* Following up on the ''Hedgehog'' as published in ''Stardate'' magazine, [[David L. McCulloch]] privately published an unofficial document titled "Three-Legged BattleMech Construction Rules" in 2001. The rules were derived from those originally presented in ''Stardate'', albeit streamlined and simplified. Along with these he published the HDG-3S ''Hedgehog'' within the document, a version with a 285-rated [[XL engine]], [[double heat sink]]s, eight [[jump jet]]s, an [[ER medium laser]], a [[Guardian ECM suite]], and a [[Beagle active probe]]. All of this is [[Fanon]] and without official sanction, however, and does not qualify as apocryphal; it is neither official nor canonical.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 58: Line 67:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
*''[[Interstellar Operations]]
+
* ''[[Interstellar Operations]]
*''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2]]''
+
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2]]''
*''[[StarDate]]'' Vol. 3 No. 5 (October 1987)
+
* ''[[Stardate]]'' Vol. 3, No. 5 (October 1987)
  
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Light BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Light BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:35 ton BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:35 ton BattleMechs]]
 +
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Tripod]]
 
[[Category:Tripod]]

Latest revision as of 01:33, 22 February 2024

The Hedgehog was the first tripod BattleMech, devised in the early days of the Star League. The counterintuitive structure and controls left tripodal 'Mechs a mere curiosity for centuries.[1]

At least one example accompanied General Aleksandr Kerensky's Exodus Fleet into exile, its advanced systems being used to good effect by a bandit raiding Clan Burrock supplies from the hills of Dratha on Dagda during Operation KLONDIKE. Lured into an elaborate trap by a pair of Burrock Ostscouts and defeated, the wreckage of this Hedgehog remained on display on the Burrocks' main enclave until Clan Star Adder cleansed it during the Wars of Reaving.[2]

Canonicity[edit]

  • It is generally held that the fully canonical Hedgehog mentioned in the 2016 Interstellar Operations rulebook and 2020 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2 is a nod to the otherwise apocryphal tripod BattleMech of the same name that was published in Stardate magazine in October 1987, canonizing it at least as an otherwise unspecified tripod BattleMech.
  • The detailed write-up from Stardate remains apocryphal to the extent where it was not repeated or confirmed in a canonical source, i.e. beyond the information given above. No further information was provided. It is presumed that this (canonical) mention of the Hedgehog refers to the otherwise apocryphal write-up of a tripodal 'Mech by the same name from 1987 as described below.

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

Hedgehog
Production information
Manufacturer Utica Fabrication and Design
Model HdG-2B
Class Light
Introduced 2585 (canon)[1]
2602 (apocryphal)[3]
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 35 tons
Chassis Uticamax III
Armor Durallex-Medium
Engine VOX 280
Communications System Molinox HBD-2a9JJ MaxiPulse Array
Targeting Tracking System Molinox Tri-Plus
Heat Sinks 10 single
Speed 132.5 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) n/a
BV (2.0) n/a


Description[edit]

The HdG-2B Hedgehog was ordered by the SLDF for divisional commanders, and thus equipped with cutting edge communications equipment. In the Succession Wars, all Great Houses used it as a recon unit and deep raider.[3]

Noted as an ultrafast design with advanced sensors and communication systems to match that of an Ostscout, although described as a "relatively straightforward" design, the structure and controls were considered counterintuitive and the overall concept of tripod 'Mechs would remain a curiosity for centuries.[2]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Hedgehog is armed with one Martell medium laser and four Krupps-Invicta smoke projectors.[3] The advanced comms system is often considered the 'Mech's greatest asset. It has proven essentially impossible to replace, leading to many units being downgraded with simpler comms units.[3] Hedgehogs have been known to replace their comm system with a functionally equal system that however requires all weapon systems to be uninstalled to make enough room.[3]

Variants[edit]

Notable Pilots[edit]

  • MechWarrior Stasha Piosecka has a penchant for jumping over opponents and kicking them with her 'Mech's heavily armored center leg as she lands. A member of the command lance of the Paladin's Chessmen, she keeps her King's Nightmare in perfect condition with a garish orange and black paintjob.[3]
  • Lt. Torquemada Thompson is an independent mercenary who works for the highest bidder. He is obsessed with finding a replacement command radio set for the Black Plague, which is otherwise in good condition.[3]
  • The Night Stalker is in service to House Marik. A Harasser variant, its unknown pilot is credited with killing 13 MechWarriors on a single deep raid when it destroyed their barracks.[3]

Apocryphal Content Ends

Notes[edit]

  • The introductory date in Interstellar Operations is the only canon statistic of the Hedgehog while the stats given in Stardate remain apocryphal. Because of this, the infobox is placed within the apocryphal content section.
  • The maximum ground speed given for this 'Mech is slightly higher than normal for its mass and engine rating (132.5 instead of 129.6 km/h), but this had no impact on its game stats at the time of publication.
  • The original publication included special rules for three-legged 'Mechs including kicking, and for the smoke launchers. These rules are not recognized as official.
  • Following up on the Hedgehog as published in Stardate magazine, David L. McCulloch privately published an unofficial document titled "Three-Legged BattleMech Construction Rules" in 2001. The rules were derived from those originally presented in Stardate, albeit streamlined and simplified. Along with these he published the HDG-3S Hedgehog within the document, a version with a 285-rated XL engine, double heat sinks, eight jump jets, an ER medium laser, a Guardian ECM suite, and a Beagle active probe. All of this is Fanon and without official sanction, however, and does not qualify as apocryphal; it is neither official nor canonical.

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Interstellar Operations, p. 183: "Tripod 'Mechs (Multiple Eras)"
  2. 2.0 2.1 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2, p. 4: "Ostscout"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Stardate Vol. 3, No. 5, pp. 323–326

Bibliography[edit]