Lego Build 134 — Kodiak

The last few weeks have been quite eventful to me. I have been expanding my shop in my Ko-fi page, even managing to include my first novel in there. This is important to me as I really want for this venue of my life to allow me to do more stuff. More fiction. More games. More gaming stuff (the Mechwarrior: Destiny mod isn’t forgotten, it’s just that time hasn’t been forthcoming). So, check it out and help me keep the lights on.

Regarding my novel, Heather — it is something I’m quite proud of. A tribute to the Kaiju genre and Godzilla in particular. It features a conflict between the gods of yore, which will decide the fate of humanity. A young Irish girl, Heather, is caught in the crossfire and forced to become an entity full of destructive power. Yet, she craves not for it. She wants to become normal again. However, that may not be possible as bigger perils come crashing down in modern-day Europe.

It is a fun monster romp and 350 pages of city-smashing mayhem and existential dread. I believe you’ll love it.

Now, moving on to today’s topic — I haven’t posted a Clanner machine in quite a while, so I think it was about time to bring the crazed vat-born warriors back into the limelight.

The Kodiak is arguably one of the most iconic 100-ton ‘Mechs in the whole of Battletech. Although a “mere” garrison Battlemech in a faction full of advanced Omnimechs, it is nonetheless very well-armored and armed, while not being too slow for its size either. It also features an unique ursine appearance, being what is usually called a “totem ‘Mech,” without going too overboard with it. It’s origins, however, are quite complicated.

They can tracked back to Clan Burrock, who attempted to develop a ultimate assault Omnimech during the Golden Century. This machine, dubbed the Executioner, was slow but powerful, and caught the attention of other clans. Most were happy to trade production runs with the Burrocks, but the Ghost Bears intended to go further and acquire the blueprints outright. They won the trial and quickly found out that although they appreciated the machine, they could make it better.

Thus, the Ghost Bears traded away pod space for a larger engine for more mobility, as that clan’s doctrine favored mobility and armor. This redesign process would drag on for decades, eventually ending in the superlative second-generation Executioner (the original run would be remaned Executioner-B (Burrock)).

While the development of the new Omnimech went on, the Ghost Bears realized that not all of their ideas could be included in it. Eventually they had to split the requirements into two designs, using what was learned to develop a new, heavier Battlemech (in the fact, what would become the Kodiak was already being contemplated before and was attempted to meld it into the Executioner program, but it didn’t work).

Lacking the omni technology of its sister design, the new assault machine was however as fast as a regular heavy ‘Mech, and as armored as the toughest assault machines could get. The use of expensive technologies allowed it to equip heavy weaponry too, although nothing like the original Executioner-B. Meant for garrison, this beast of a machine, dubbed the Kodiak, quickly became highly respected, finding its way even into frontline formations.

The Kodiak became a staple of Clan Ghost Bear, by far its main user. However, other clans would get their hands into a few of those units, through salvage and trade. The only other clan to use the model in numbers would be the Snow Ravens.

This is because after the failure of the Clan Invasion (the clans did conquer territory, but the drive to Terra was blunted and many clans got broken beyond recognition by the short, yet brutal conflict) the Ghost Bears decided to move their assets to their holdings in the Inner Sphere. The Clan Homeworlds were quickly being flooded by ideological madness as those who stayed behind during the invasion became convinced that they could have done better, while those who participated came into conflict with other clans, or themselves. Realizing what was about to happen, the Bears decided to leave to start again.

But they couldn’t have done such a massive endeavour without help. So, the Snow Ravens, who possessed the largest fleet among the Clans, aided them in moving their assets, while also preparing to do the same. The payment for this aid was, among other things, weapons. The Kodiak was offered in large numbers, to the Ravens’ delight.

I’m really happy with this model. I was skeptical it could be done properly in my scale and style, but I think I was wrong. Still, it is a difficult model to put together, even with instructions, and requires some rare parts among the 88 total pieces you’ll need. But you’ll get something you’ll be proud of having in your shelf, for sure.

Recently, Mechanical Frog, YouTuber and all around great dude, posted a video about the Kodiak. It’s full of great lore as he goes much deeper than I do. Check it out if you enjoy Battletech:

And don’t forget to check my novels. I believe you’ll have great fun with them. Leave a comment if you read them and let me know your thoughts.

Now, go out there play games, read books, and enjoy your lives!