Shortly after completing the final design revisions to the Jaralaccs NS-R model, WM set out to create their flagship war machine. Original concepts were very reminicent of the NS-R model, but with an electromagnetic launcher in place of the fixed mount Cutter Boom. WM marketing analysts decried this design, citing the immense popularity of the melee weapon option. For several months the engineering team was at an impasse. WM executives decided that a fresh approach was necessary and arranged to have several Oktaeder engineers "consult" on the project. The result of this collaboration was the Jaralaccs Macabre.

Although based on the proven Jaralaccs platform, the Macabre is like no other model in the series. Conceived from the ground up to be the ultimate assault platform, the Macabre belies its 2nd generation rating and is fully capable of engaging and destroying 3rd generation machines. The Macabre mounts all of the armament options that preceeding Jaralaccs models can (excepting the howitzer), as well as the Rail Gun and Shield Binder. The Shield Binder is a fixed mount hydrolic ram which can be deployed to both protect the main body of the VT from directional fire, as well as perform devastating melee attacks against other VTs. When stowed, the Shield Binder gives the Macabre a menacing and distinctive profile, which it is fully deserves. The Rail Gun technology integrated into the Macabre was based on 3rd generation electromagnetic launcher designs. Special interface and control circuitry had to be developed to allow it to function properly with the 2nd generation operating system.

Reports of Jaralaccs Macabre encounters are extraordinarily rare and the details are sketchy at best. The VT is so feared that there have been incidents where platoon commanders have withdrawn their forces merely at the rumour of Macabres being deployed in the same area. It is suspected that the loss of the entire HSD 14th Recon Division was due to an encounter with a Jaralaccs Macabre. Twelve Scare Face II units were found destroyed, all via a single round through the cockpit casing. One pilot was able to report seeing "lightning in the trees..." before his transmission was terminated.



"When you see this thing, just run." (unknown PRF corporal, June 2084)

Intimidating.

The Macabre profile is menacing to behold. Its performance and weaponry options make it comparable, if not superior to, some 3rd generation machines. It is a 2nd generation VT in name only as it mounts the Rail Gun version B, otherwise exclusive to 3rd generation machines.

In battle, the Jaralaccs Macabre is unmatched by any other 2nd generation VT. It is highly manoueverable, has a superior battery recovery rate and is extremely well armoured. It does have a rather slow reticule tracking speed due to the massive Shield Binder structure which must move in concert with the weapons. The Macabre can also be tricky to use indoors due to its large profile.

I have only seen Macabres used in Campaign Mode a few times. Generally, the team that fields them ends up winning due to their unbelievable firepower and durability. In Free Mission, Macabres are the platform of choice for "1st and 2nd generation only" type matches, and some players have gone so far as to specify "no Macabre" due to their unbalancing effect.