Talon (weapon)

The Jade Falcons introduced the Talons in 3072. Apparently inspired by their totem, Falcon Techs created a series of strengthened claw-like additions that could be placed on a 'Mech's legs. When kicking an enemy or performing a Death from Above attack, the Talons inflict more damage. These weapons have only been seen on a few experimental units.

That the Falcons created a melee weapon is particularly puzzling given that, while not a violation of zellbrigen, physical attacks are looked on with extreme distaste by the Clans.

Rules
 When kicking or performing a Death from Above attack, a unit equipped with Talons multiplies the damage by 1.5, rounded to the nearest whole number (.5 rounds up). If a 'Mech equipped with Talons is also equipped with Triple Strength Myomer, the TSM bonus applies to kick attacks but not Death from Above attacks. The Talons weigh 1 ton for every 15 tons of the 'Mech mounting them. They must be placed in all of a 'Mech's legs, and consume two critical slots.

Fan Rules
The original rules punish Tripod and Quad 'mechs that equip Talons, as they need to mount more of them (one in each leg), thus costing extra tonnage, extra CV, extra C-bills, and extra slots... all for no additional benefit. These fan rules are meant to balance that by replacing them with a ruleset that's functionally identical for Bipedal mechs, but that takes into account the extra legs in other units adding extra efectiveness. After all, four talons ripping your head hurt more than two.  When kicking or performing a Death from Above attack, a unit equipped with Talons deals 25% more damage for each Talon equipped on the 'Mech, not counting disabled sections. Round the damage resulting to the nearest whole number (.5 rounds up). If a 'Mech equipped with Talons is also equipped with Triple Strength Myomer, the TSM bonus applies to kick attacks but not Death from Above attacks. The Talons weigh 1 ton for every 15 tons of the 'Mech mounting them. They must be placed in all of a 'Mech's legs, and consume two critical slots.