CAV 2.M New Models

With the success of the CAV Kickstarter, a variety of new models will be added to the CAV line in the coming year. The CAV line also now includes the models from Rogue Legion, Talon Games' abortive mecha game. While not all of these new models fit the established aesthetic of CAV, some are an excellent fit and I have elected to introduce them into CAV 2.M. I remain open to adding more, particularly any that even out the faction-unique model lists; the ones discussed here are simply those I was most comfortable with matching to the existing factions.

Below, I present a picture of each model (metal version for those already in production, digital model for planned additions) with a brief in-game description. These may differ significantly from those provided for the CAV:SO versions due to the divergent timelines and differences in the rulesets.

Borsig-Spline Cicada (Rogue Legion Kestrel): Following the Adonese annexation of Avalorr Prime, NADO rapidly found itself lacking support for the Ritter equipment in its arsenal. Desiring a fast scouting CAV capable of replacing the ubiquitous KDM Puma, they approached Borsig-Spline, known for innovation in CAV mobility. After some debate, Borsig-Spline engineers elected to utilize a knee-backward design, which typically provides an excellent speed to power ratio at the cost of stability in rough terrain. Applying knowledge gained from their line of multi-legged CAVs, the design team was able to overcome this limitation with a combination of mechanical adjustments and advanced stabilization software. For weaponry, they drew on another old design, the Dragonfly gunship. The Cicada mounts a pair of Cormorant 10 PBGs, a lightweight but powerful design with only moderate power requirements thanks to Borsig-Spline's nuclei super-compression technology, as well as a Fire III Micro missile launcher. In the Cicada, Borsig-Spline has created the next generation of reconnaissance CAV. Production is already underway and the first Cicadas are expected to reach NADO front lines early in 2275.

Borsig-Spline Sylph (CAV:SO Unnamed): Following RMI's success in gunship orbital/atmospheric transitions with the Overlord, other UCORs rushed to develop or license the technology for their own gunships. With the support of the Adonese government, Borsig-Spline was able to quietly acquire the first such license under generous terms on the condition the project was treated with the utmost secrecy. Drawing on the Dragonfly atmospheric gunship's aerodynamic testing results and basing the design on an older starfighter, the Borsig-Spline engineers had the first prototype in the air in under a year. Final production was delayed slightly so that the prototypes twin Cormorant 7 PBGs could be replaced with the substantially more powerful Cormorant 8s. The first Sylphs were delivered to remote NADO bases on Avalorr Prime late in 2272, where they were kept in secret until the Adonese takeover of the Ritterlich continent in 2274. The speed, firepower, and orbital transition capability of the Sylph proved devastatingly effective in the first hours of the operation.

Grundor House Rogue (CAV:SO Razor): In the civilian and industrial sectors, Grundor House is well known for its rugged and reliable vehicles spanning such diverse roles as off-roading, planetary exploration, and resource extraction. On more than one occasion, they have adapted these existing designs for military purposes, and the Rogue is the latest recipient of this treatment. Based on an industrial repair platform for hostile environments, the Rogue's arm pods are capable of carrying and deploying a wide variety of assets such as self-distributing minefields or large volumes of RMEs (Robotic Micro-Engineers) for field repair and construction. With its speed enhanced by the addition of a military-grade breeder, the Rogue is well-suited for forward scouting and battlefield preparation operations.

Mitso-Ta Daikyu (CAV:SO Raijin): The Daikyu is the latest evolution in fire support from Terran UCOR Mitso-Ta. Advancements in targeting, missile design, and warhead AI allow the Daikyu to utilize the same warheads for direct or indirect missile fire, vastly reducing maintenance and upkeep requirements and resulting in its unusual 'armless' profile. Its state-of-the-art targeting computers allow the WSO to adjust the size of the targeted area in indirect mode, focusing the missiles towards a single target or spreading them across a large area.

NTG Sieghild (CAV:SO Cataphract): Founded by KDM executives dissatisfied with the UCOR's direction, NTG initially focused its efforts on fast, versatile AFVs and gunships, addressing what they saw as a critical weakness in Ritterlich-manufactured military equipment and establishing an initial revenue stream. Now, they have entered the CAV market with the unveiling of the Sieghild heavy superiority CAV. Twin Gauss rotary cannons provide it with devastating firepower, while a powerful breeder and the absence of secondary weapon systems provide it with a speed unmatched by designs of similar weight. Though falling somewhat short of the KDM Rhino's near-indestructibility, its advantages in speed and cost make it a worthy challenger to KDM's dominance of Ritterlich armed forces.

RMI Overseer (CAV:SO Cobra): Originally intended to fill a suppression role, demand from NADO for native ESM assets resulted in a last-minute overhaul of the Overseer prototype. Missiles were removed and replaced with a Magician System B ECM Pod, an upgraded variant of the system mounted on the Challenger mk4. The prototype's LAK 1 rapid-fire LBGs, a new design modeled on the Mark IV Ghost's armament, were retained for lack of a ready alternative and as a concession to the cost of their development. As a result, the Overseer retains much of its effectiveness against aircraft, infantry, and missile fire, but is somewhat vulnerable to hostile armor.

Viper Black Knight (Knight/Warlord kitbash): Entering full production in 2267, the Black Knight is a refit of the versatile Hughes-Marietta Knight by their sister UCOR, Viper, exclusively for the use of the Templars. Designed for extended operations, the Black Knight abandons all ammunition-dependent weaponry, instead mounting a pair of powerful Rexus III particle bolt guns and replacing the flamer fuel tanks with additional power cells. [not strictly a 'new' model, but no data card was available in CAV 2 unless you were using the Slayers' army list]

*all images property of Reaper Miniatures/Talon Games.