The original Mekton “Green Book” suppliments for Jovian Chronicles have a lot of exo variants that didn’t make it into either Silhouette edition. As some of these are rather nifty or interesting and all add a bit of variety to the exo lineup, I’ve decided to throw together some stats for them. The Vindicator variants technically didn’t appear in the Green Books, but are extrapolated from the 1e GM’s Screen artwork.
Note that none of these ever even received Mekton stats, so all numbers are my best guess based on the sentence of fluff describing each.
Since originally making this page, I’ve found more variants. Among them are the Pathfinder Strike (which adds a cluster missile launcher) and more Wyvern variants than you can shake a stick at. I’ll try to add them when I have time.
List of unstatted Wyvern variants: CEA-05R Cockatrice, CEA-05GR Scarecrow, CEA-05K Wyvern Cannon, CEA-05H Schnell Wyvern.
I haven’t run the TV numbers for any of these designs. Sorry.
Pathfinder B
This is a bomber variant of the Pathfinder, designed for strikes against large ships and installations. It removes the existing missiles and EWAC pod and adds heavy missiles mounted in large shoulder pods.
| Pathfinder B | |
|---|---|
| Add | 4x HMJ-1 Heavy Missile |
| Remove | ECCM, all MMJ-4s |
| Change | Sensors to (+0, 3km), Communications to (+0, 12km) |
| Production Type | Mass Production |
| Name | Type | Arc | Acc | DM | BR | RoF | Perks & Flaws | Ammo |
| HMJ-1 Heavy Missile | M | F | -2 | x35 | 3 | 0 | HP,Red,Sk,Smt(2);HEAT | 1 |
Designer’s Note: Bigger warheads but shorter range than the later HMJ-6 models mounted on the Vindicator. Four full missiles are mounted, as I’m assuming that all the ‘grips’ on the shoulder pods can be used and that they’ve got similar attachments to the missiles the Pathfinder usually carries. Also note that there’s no reduction in speed, as the mass trade-off is assumed to be about even.
Pathfinder M
The Pathfinder M is a rare minelayer variant. Its use is limited, so very few were built and most were converted back to regular configurations during the post-Elysee refits. The Pathfinder M carried two packs of four MMJ-4M omnidirectional smart mines on its right shoulder. The mines are virtually identical to the standard Jovian MMJ-4 missile, with sophisticated onboard guidance.
| Pathfinder M | |
|---|---|
| Add | 1x MMJ-4M Minelayer, 8x MMJ-4 Mine |
| Remove | All MMJ-4s |
| Change | - |
| Production Type | Limited Production |
| Name | Type | Arc | Acc | DM | BR | RoF | Perks & Flaws | Ammo |
| MMJ-4M Minelayer | L(M) | F | +0 | x0 | 5 | 3 | HP,G,IF,Red | - |
| MMJ-4M Mine | D(M) | T | -1 | x20 | 5 | 0 | Sk(1),Smt(2);HEAT | 1 |
Designer’s Notes: I had quite a bit of trouble working out the stats for the mines. Finally, I decided to simply make them identical to the standard MMJ-4. After all, a single Pathfinder M can seed an area with eight of these things, and mines aren’t incredibly effective in JC, which is why they simply aren’t used.
Pathfinder LR
A long-range support version of the Pathfinder, designed to support regular Pathfinders and Retaliators in combat. It removes the missiles and EWAC pod and adds two heavy shoulder-mount beam cannons, some extra thrusters, and power packs for the beam cannons.
| Pathfinder LR | |
|---|---|
| Add | 2x JO-779 Heavy Particle Cannon, Decreased Maneuver (Walk, 1) |
| Remove | ECCM, all MMJ-4s, Satellite Uplink |
| Change | Sensors to (+0, 3km), Communications to (+0, 12km) |
| Production Type | Mass Production |
| Name | Type | Arc | Acc | DM | BR | RoF | Perks & Flaws | Ammo |
| JO-79P Heavy Particle Cannon | E | F | +0 | x20 | 7 | -1 | HP,Hw,Red;AD(1),HEAT;Snpr | 12 |
Designer’s Note: Designed to be an energy weapon equivalent to the LACW-11, approximately. (Though with Haywire instead of AP) RoF -1 because these are big particle cannons running off a mobile power supply. We don’t reduce the space movement or add Heavy or Clumsy to the guns because there are extra thrusters added to compensate for the additional mass.
Pathfinder S
The Strike
variant of the Pathfinder replaces the EWAC array with a cluster missile launcher for assault purposes. The cluster missiles are similar to the Lancer’s MMJ-2LR missiles, but have less raw yield, as the warhead is split up into numerous submunitions. The missiles are arranged vertically in a 4×2 array, and are configured so that pairs can be launched together. This is typically used for saturation fire, to make up for the inaccuracy of the missiles.
| Pathfinder S | |
|---|---|
| Add | 1x MMC-2 Launcher |
| Remove | ECCM, Satellite Uplink |
| Change | Sensors to (+0, 3km), Communications to (+0, 12km) |
| Production Type | Mass Production |
| Name | Type | Arc | Acc | DM | BR | RoF | Perks & Flaws | Ammo |
| MMC-2 Launcher | M | F | -1 | x15 | 6 | 1 | AE(0),HP,Red,Sk(1);HEAT | 8 |
Pathfinder RC/BST
An extremely rare variant of the Pathfinder, the RC/BST is a regular Pathfinder RC with extra endurance packs and thrusters mounted on the back. Only two were ever built, and both are used only rarely due to the extreme expense of fueling and maintaining them. A third, with the leg units replaced by Hector booster units, was planned, but further analysis revealed that unmanned probes would fill the role more efficiently.
| Pathfinder RC/BST | |
|---|---|
| Add | Difficult to Modify (Movement), Exposed Movement, Decreased Maneuver (Walk, 1) |
| Change | Space Movement to 19/38, BPs+200 |
| Production Type | Late Prototype |
Notes: This is a variant of the Pathfinder RC, not the regular Pathfinder.
Retaliator C
The most common Retaliator variant is the Command type. Outwardly similar to the regular Retaliator except for longer antennae, these are awarded to unit commanders and aces. Aces tend to paint their machines in bright, distinctive color schemes, confident of their ability to survive the extra attention, while commanders try to make their machines blend in with the regular ‘trooper’ units, so as not to become targets.
| Retaliator C | |
|---|---|
| Change | Sensors to (+1, 4km), Communications to (+1, 15km) |
| Production Type | Mass Production |
Designer’s Notes: Pretty simple variant. No real justification for Exposed AUX Systems here, though you could add it if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Retaliator HA
The Retaliator Heavy Assault is designed as a companion to the Pathfinder Bomber. Its heavy rocket and missile load is most effective against ships and installations, and the increased armor (which makes it easy to mistake for a Vindicator) helps it survive to reach the close ranges it needs to work at.
| Retaliator HA | |
|---|---|
| Add | Decreased Maneuver (Walk, 1), 1x HRJ-2 Rocket Launcher, 4x HMJ-6 Heavy Missile |
| Remove | JAW-11A, MMJ-4 |
| Change | Armor to 30, Space Movement to 11/22, Walker Movement to 5/10 |
| Production Type | Mass Production |
| Name | Type | Arc | Acc | DM | BR | RoF | Perks & Flaws | Ammo |
| RJ-30 Rocket Launcher | M | F | -1 | x20 | 3 | +4 | HP,IF,Red;HEAT | 32 |
Designer’s Notes: The HMJ-6 Heavy Missiles are the same model used on the Vindicator. The Retaliator HA’s movement and Walker maneuver are decreased due to the additional mass of the rocket launcher and heavy missiles. All four missiles are mounted on the Retaliator’s shoulders. The rocket launcher is similar to the rocket pod used by the Lancer, but carries slightly more ammo and slightly smaller rockets.
Vindicator LR
The Vindicator LR is a prototype Vindicator design, intended to slowly replace the Pathfinder LR over the coming years. It mounts a single, large beam cannon on its back in place of some of the Vindicator’s missile launchers. This gives it additional firepower for use against ships, fighters, and in support of regular Vindicator units.
| Vindicator LR | |
|---|---|
| Add | 1x 900R Heavy Particle Cannon |
| Remove | 4x HMJ-6 Heavy Missiles |
| Production Type | Early Production |
| Name | Type | Arc | Acc | DM | BR | RoF | Perks & Flaws | Ammo |
| 900R Heavy Particle Cannon | E | F | +0 | x25 | 7 | 0 | HP,Hw,Red;AD(1),HEAT;Snpr | 16 |
Designer’s Notes: Been wanting to do stats for this thing since I saw it. The 900R is a scaled-up version of the Pathfinder LR’s JO-79P. It does slightly more damage and doesn’t have the fire rate limit, but has less ammo than the paired JO-79Ps. I’m guessing that its no heavier than the four HMJ-6s that it replaces, so no movement change. Reference Picture: Front and center on the JC 1e GM’s Screen. Also found in the bottom centre of the image on pp55, Jovian Chronicles 2e.
Vindicator Bz
The Vindicator Blitz is a prototype designed to improve the machine’s dogfighting abilities. The rear heavy missile racks are replaced with a small central light missile rack and a pair of long light missile racks with maneuvering rockets at their tips. This makes it better suited to dealing with maneuverable targets like exo-armors and interceptors at close ranges than the regular Vindicator.
| Vindicator Bz | |
|---|---|
| Add | 13x LMJ-5 Anti-Exo Missiles |
| Remove | 4x HMJ-6 Heavy Missiles |
| Change | Manuever to +0 |
| Production Type | Early Production |
| Name | Type | Arc | Acc | DM | BR | RoF | Perks & Flaws | Ammo |
| LMJ-5 Anti-Fighter Missile | M | F | +0 | x15 | 4 | +0 | G,HP,IF,Red;HEAT;Link | 1 |
Designer’s Notes: Tried to make a missile-heavy exo that could actually take on other exo-armors and fighters, instead of being limited to trying to slip past capital PDS systems. The missiles are slightly improved versions of the Retaliator’s LMJ-4s. Reference Image: top-right, right-hand pane of the 1e GM’s screen. Also found in the top-right of the image on pp55, Jovian Chronicles 2e.
Wyvern Trop
The Wyvern Trop is a variant of the Wyvern intended for terrestrial combat in Earth’s deserts. While CEGA may be new to designing combat spacecraft, they have a great deal of experience in designing ground combat units, and the Wyvern Trop shows it. This exo-armor may be slow and ungainly, but it’s tough and packs some very heavy firepower. The normal PCC backpack has been exchanged for a modular equipment rack, and the leg missile canisters replaced with extra armor and bracing. Combined, these two features actually allow the Trop to be airdropped!
The trop exchanges the Wyvern’s heavy LACW-8 bazooka and 3-M3 missiles for a high-powered railgun and a shoulder-mounted mortar. Early models, which replaced the head with a simpler one without the AMS or massdrivers, had a problem with missile-equipped infantry. Current models use a head that is much closer in design to that of the space Wyvern.
| Wyvern Trop | |
|---|---|
| Add | Airdroppable, Reinforced Movement, 1x LACW-6 railgun, 1x 3-MR5 Mortar, Hostile Environment Protection: Desert |
| Remove | LACW-8, both 3-M3s, both 3-MC2s, Space Movement, All BPs, Hostile Environment Protectection: Space, Radiation |
| Change | Sensors (+0, 3km) |
| Production Type | Mass Production |
| Name | Type | Arc | Acc | DM | BR | RoF | Perks & Flaws | Ammo |
| LACW-6 Railgun | P | F | +0 | x12 | 6 | +1 | AP,HH,Red | 60 |
| 3-MR5 Mortar | M | F | -1 | x20 | 5 | +0 | G,IF,Red;HEAT | 8 |
Designer’s Notes: This is not a direct port of the Wyvern Trop as it appeared in Mecha Press #11. Rather, this is a version based on both the art for the White Book version and those original stats. I’ve tried to make the LACW-6 fall somewhere between the Wyvern Command’s LACW-3 and the Explorer’s RJ-3.
Salamander
Strange as it may seem, the Salamander is a ground-based version of the Syreen, a prototype of a smaller, more agile terrestrial combat exo-armor. Although its parent design is ungainly, the Salamander is remarkably spry, with the massive booster unit replaced by lightweight legs. The arm units are also replaced with standard Wyvern arm units. It carries a tank railgun adapted for use on the forearm hardpoint and a pair of hummer knives for close combat. Unfortunately, it still suffers from the Syreen’s weak internal structure, though CEGA Army engineers are confident that that can be corrected before it goes into production.
| Salamander | |
|---|---|
| Add | Movement: Walk 4/8, 1x Xander-5 Railgun, 2x Hummer Knives, Hostile Environment Protection: Extreme Cold, Desert |
| Remove | All weapons, Space Movement, All BPs, Hostile Environment Protection: Space, Radiation; Difficult to Modify: Movement, Hazardous Ammo/Fuel Storage |
| Change | Maneuver to +0, Large Sensor Profile to 2, Manipulator Arms to to 12 |
| Production Type | Early Prototype |
| Name | Type | Arc | Acc | DM | BR | RoF | Perks & Flaws | Ammo |
| Xander-5 Railgun | P | F | +0 | x15 | 6 | +0 | HP,Red | 20 |
| Hummer Knife | P | F | +0 | x7 | M | +0 | AP,Conc(1 act),HH,Red | U |
Designer’s Notes: Again I’ve taken a few liberties with the design originally found in Mecha Press #12. I have no idea if Xander makes railguns, but they were the only other obvious weapons manufacturer (other than LAC) I could find in the CEGA weapons list, and they seem to make weapons for older CEGA designs (like the Wraith). The railgun here is a scaled-down, tougher version of the one carried by the Megaera Fury. I’ve also removed the Flight abilities of the original Mekton design, and I’m assuming that the armor winds up being about the same as the Syreen.
Triton
Another variant of the Syreen, the Triton is an experimental design intended to supplement CEGA’s submarine forces. It replaces the standard PCC of the Syreen with a caterpillar drive, and adjusts the ACLDS for underwater use. The missiles have been replaced by twelve mid-size torpedoes, and substantial internal reinforcement has braced the Triton for the depths of the ocean. Although still unwieldy, the Triton is remarkably fast and stealthy for a submarine.
The Triton is, as of 2210, still undergoing trials. 15 units have been built total, and if they are successful, mass production is expected to start within a year.
| Triton | |
|---|---|
| Add | Movement: Submarine 5/10, 12x S3 Torpedoes, Hostile Environment Protection: High Pressure |
| Remove | All missiles, Space Movement, All BPs, Hostile Environment Protection: Space, Radiation; Fragile Chassis, Large Sensor Profile |
| Change | Add A/T(U/L) to ACLDS(range) |
| Production Type | Late Prototype |
| Name | Type | Arc | Acc | DM | BR | RoF | Perks & Flaws | Ammo |
| S3 Torpedo | M | F | +0 | x20 | 4 | +0 | G,HP,IF,Red;Link | 1 |
Designer’s Notes: Again, not an exact conversion of the Triton as found in Mecha Press #13. Good thing, as that thing’s really, really fast. The ACLDS, as written, can be used from underwater to attack targets on the shore. (The index of refraction is presumably known and can be adjusted for by the targeting systems) The missiles are basically underwater use versions of the Syreen’s A3s, with more powerful warheads and longer range because they’re torpedoes, not space-use missiles.
Explorer Desert Fox
The Desert Fox Explorer is a regular Explorer with better Marsproofing. It is used as a heavy all-terrain trooper unit by both the Federation and the Republic. Although slow, it is capable of keeping up with and effectively engaging Hovertank forces.
| Explorer Desert Fox | |
|---|---|
| Add | HEP: Extreme Cold, Desert; Improved Off-Road |
| Remove | Space Movement (Suggested) |
| Production Type | Mass Production |
Designer’s Notes: Another simple variant. The Marsproofing’s fairly standard, but the Improved Off-Road is less well-supported. The GB fluff describes it as having larger feet, so I assume its designed to handle off-road travel better. As this design is intended for operation on Mars itself, the Space movement has probably been removed to keep costs down.
Defender Camel
The Defender Camel variant improves the Defender’s Marsproofing and life-support endurance. It also replaces the particle cannon with a more reliable massdriver and the missile canisters with short-range rocket packs. Like the Explorer Desert Fox, it is used as a heavy trooper unit by both the Republic and the Federation.
| Defender Camel | |
|---|---|
| Add | HEP: Extreme Cold, Desert; 1x MRA-15 Massdriver, 2x LRR-2 Rocket Pack |
| Remove | Particle Beam Cannon, Missile Canisters, Space Movement (Optional) |
| Change | Deployment Range +100km |
| Production Type | Mass Production |
| Name | Type | Arc | Acc | DM | BR | RoF | Perks & Flaws | Ammo |
| MRA-15 Massdriver | P | F | +0 | x12 | 4 | +2 | HP,Red | 130 |
| LLR-2 Rocket Pack | M | FF | -1 | x17 | 2 | 2 | HP,IF,Red | 16 |
Designer’s Notes: Yet another simple variant. Not really much to say here.
Defender Rifleman
The Defender Rifleman adds a large railgun mounted over one of the exo’s shoulders. It is designed to serve as a mobile artillery and anti-armor platform.
| Defender Rifleman | |
|---|---|
| Add | 1 x ARES-1 Support Railgun |
| Production Type | Mass Production |
| Name | Type | Arc | Acc | DM | BR | RoF | Perks & Flaws | Ammo |
| ARES-1 Support Railgun | P | FF | +0 | x25 | 10 | +0 | IF;Rc;Snpr | 4 |
Designer’s Notes: The railgun has very little ammo as this unit is usually deployed very far from any actual combat. It is assumed that a support crew with more ammunition is standing by to reload as necessary. It could be argued that the weapon should have an RoF of -1, but I went with +0 because -1 didn’t seem right for a support weapon. No Redundant as its not intended to see combat.
