Hitotsume Kozo

Hitotsume Kozo
Production information
Manufacturer	Luthien Armor Works
Production Year	3136
Model	HKZ-1F
Class	Medium
Cost	13,372,315 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass	55 tons
Chassis	Luthien Class 52 endo steel
Armor	New Samarkand Teppeki Hardened
Engine	Hermes 330 XL
Communications System	Sipher CommSys 4
Targeting Tracking System	Neko Megane 7
Heat Sinks	12 double
Speed	86.4 km/h (108 km/h with TSM)
Jump Jets	Icarus 81
Armament	1x heavy PPC 2x ER medium laser 1x hatchet
BV (1.0)	N/A
BV (2.0)	1,967 1,998

Description

Built by Luthien Armor Works of New Samarkand, the Hitotsume Kozo is a medium BattleMech designed to serve in the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery. Introduced in the 3130s, this 'Mech's creation was partially influenced by an unofficial cultural rebirth. Keeping this in mind, LAW styled the appearance of the Hitotsume Kozo after the ancient Japanese bushido armor worn by the samurai warriors during that time period on Terra.

When it first appeared, the 'Mech was not favored by front-line troops due its advanced features and high heat output, so production runs of the design were transferred to less-favored combat units, such as Ghost Regiments. However, these less fickle warriors adapted to the design's quirks and turned it into an effective combat unit.

Weapons and Equipment

The Hitotsume Kozo's main weapon is its shoulder-mounted Lord’s Light 3 heavy PPC, backed up by a pair of Diverse Optics Type 20X ER medium lasers mounted in its left arm. For melee combat, the 'Mech has a hatchet in the right arm, which has been stylized to appear to be an ancient Japanese double-ended sickle.

The 'Mech is powered by a Hermes 330 XL extralight engine, which gives it enough power to overcome the slight reduction in mobility caused by its 14.5 tons of hardened armor. This heavy armor becomes even less of an issue once the 'Mech's Triple Strength Myomer is activated, as the enhanced musculature boosts the Hitotsume Kozo's speed and melee lethality. A new MechWarrior assigned to it must careful; they must keep one eye on the 'Mech's heat levels, which is managed by only 12 double heat sinks. For tactical movement, the Hitotsume Kozo has four Icarus 81 standard jump jets.

Variants

• HKZ-1P 

  This variant of the 'Mech swaps out its 330-rated XL engine for a smaller engine, reducing its speed to 79 km/h while still retaining the same amount of hardened armor. For its weaponry, the hatchet is retained, but in place of the heavy PPC is a UAC/10 with two tons of ammunition. The 'Mech's secondary weapons were also changed out for a pair of short-ranged medium pulse lasers, and also drops the amount of double heat sinks to 10. BV (2.0) = 1,611

Custom Variants

• HKZ-1FM Hitotsume Kozo Mulan 

  Debuted in 3139 on the King of the Mountain Arena and piloted by Ming-Na Salonga, this variant replaces its hatchet for a large vibroblade made to resemble a katana. The original hardened armor is replaced with conventional standard armor, making the 'Mech faster and more agile. Otherwise, the Mulan keeps to the original design. BV (2.0) = 1,772.

Design Quirks

The Hitotsume Kozo is subject to the following Design Quirks:

• Difficult to Maintain
• Stable

Notable Pilots

See: Category:Notable Hitotsume Kozo Pilots

Notes

• The 'Mech takes its name from the yōkai Hitotsume-kozō, which is translated as "bald child with one eye" or as a "One-Eye Dwarf".

• The Hitotsume Kozo first appeared as part of WizKids' MechWarrior Dark Age Collectable Miniatures game as part of its Firepower expansion set. It was later adapted by Catalyst Game Labs once it advanced the timeline to 3145.

Errata

• The 'Mech's 1F variant battle value from the Record Sheets is different from the one listed in the Master Unit List website. The Hitotsume Kozo is listed having a battle value of 1,998.

Gallery

• 

  Hitotsume Kozo from TRO:3145DC

• 

  WizKids' MWDA Figure of the Hitotsume Kozo

Bibliography

• Dragon Rising
• Experimental Technical Readout: Royal Fantasy
• MechWarrior: Age of Destruction
• Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged
• Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine