Kodiak Variants Dominate the Battle
HACS-10HG-CR Northstar Kodiak
While the Kodiak Destroyer was designed to magnify the power of the Kodiak, the Northstar was designed to enhance its prestige. Even though the Northern Guard and Valeria have significantly fewer ceremonial events than the Southern Republican Army and Port Oasis, morale and special events remain important concerns and the Northstar exist because of these considerations. Using salvaged battlefield machines as a base, the Northstar was completely rebuilt with advanced targeting computers and experimental control systems provided by several corporations, including Hyperion Werks, making them very effective in combat but extremely expensive. The Northstars were armed with Sergon Optics laser rifles, custom made Northco Weapons heavy vibroblade halberds, and a variety of antipersonnel weapons. They usually carry large ceremonial shields emblazoned with the tripartite Confederated Northern City-States crest. This weapons layout was designed not only to be visually impressive on parade, but to be effective in the close urban quarters that the Northstar will be expected to fight when undertaking its primary duty of defending the heart of the CNCS.
The Northstar was developed specifically for the Northern Guards most prestigious ceremonial unit, the 1st Special Heavy Gear Company Arctic Knights, which is among the forces that guards the CNCS Council Chambers in St. Vincent's Square. The elite Gear pilots of the Knights are assigned the most advanced Gears in the North and the Northstar Kodiak is the peak of their arsenal.. These hulking, silvery-blue machines are assigned to the best pilots of the company and often flank the stairs of the council chambers when military or high state ceremonies are in progress. The Knights are not solely a ceremonial unit, however. They occasionally partake in special combat missions and train almost fanatically for the day they will have to defend Valeria. The Northstars are an important part of these exercises, often used as the last line of defense in war games. The pilots of the twelve Northstars fielded by the Arctic Knights know that they will be expected to lay down their lives before giving an inch of the council chambers to attacking forces.
HACS-10HG-GAR Kodiak Sledge
The Kodiak variant later known as the Kodiak Sledge first deployed by the Blue Angels during their garrison of Massada. The typical Kodiak’s advanced weapons and guided missile weaponry was toned back in order to ensure easy access to supplies in the badlands. Since the Interpolar War, Kodiaks that have are rotated to real line units are often refitted into Kodiak Sledges for similar reasons. The variant is also fairly popular in the cost-conscious WFP where its simpler, inexpensive loadout makes it desirable for the WFPA. In the cycles since the second CEF invasion the Kodiak Sledge has appeared with more regularity in frontline units as attrition and strained supply lines take their toll.
Kodiak Variants in Heavy Gear Blitz!
The Kodiak Sledge and Kodiak Northstar are Kodiak variants added to the North model list in Heavy Gear Blitz! These additional profiles are Extended Content.
| Model | TV | Roles | MR | Arm | H/S | A | GU | PI | EW | React Weapons | Mounted Weapons | Traits | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kodiak Northstar | 23 | SK, FS | W/G:5 | 9 | 4/2 | 2 | 3+ | 4+ | 6+ | HLC, MVB (Reach:2) | HMG (Link), MAPGL | Hands, Brawl:2, Shield, Vet | Gear | 2" |
| Kodiak Sledge | 17 | SK, FS | W/G:5 | 9 | 4/2 | 2 | 3+ | 4+ | 6+ | HAC, MVB | MRP (Link), HMG (Link), MAPGL | Hands, Vet | Gear | 2" |
Making your own Kodiak Variants
Both of these conversions are a bit more advanced than a standard weapon swap, they might require a bit of plasticard, pinning, and other chopping apart of pieces to make fit properly. The Sledge and the Northstar both lack the MRP that is built into the shoulder of the Kodiak, so the first step in either conversion is cutting that part away. This is not too difficult with some side-cutters and files to clean up the scar.
To make the Sledge, a HAC was used as the hand-held weapon, while a pair of round MRPs were added. The MRPs though need some additional height to clear the shoulders, so small blocks of greenstuff were used to giving them mounting points to attach to. To finish the model off, a pair of APGLs were added to the shoulders.
For the Northstar, attaching the shield and halberd is straight forward. I cut off the top and bottom “thumbs” when attaching the pole arm, then glued them back into position to make a fist around the weapon. The HLC was a bit more challenging though. I started with a LRG from the Vulture kit, cutting away the barrel and replacing it with a series of thick plasticard and brass tubes. A scope was added on top to finish off the weapon. Like the Sledge, a APGL was added to the shoulder for a last bit of detail.
Alternatively, you could use the Grizzly Defender LLC, then extend and bulk up the gun barrel.
