Master McCloud

Master McCloud is a high ranking officer in the Crimson Lance. He is encountered at the end of a hidden passage used to infiltrate the Crimson Fastness and is known to carry an Eridian Cannon.

Background
Master McCloud sees himself as a star-hopping, interplanetary hero. Given half a chance, he will regale anyone with tales of his many exploits. This probably explains why he has been stationed on a remote dustball like Pandora, as far from the Atlas HQ as humanly possible.

Strategy
Master McCloud is accompanied by two of the Lance Royal Guard, a rare Crimson Lance unit with highly defensive armor. Together, the three of them can present a formidable encounter, although the various crates in the room provide ample cover to avoid most of their attacks. As with other Crimson Lance, Corrosive weapons are a very effective damage source in taking the trio down.

It is sometimes possible to completely avoid combat with McCloud by keeping to the extreme back of the room just after entering. The two guards will react when fired upon, however McCloud himself may remain in position, oblivious to the incoming fire. Using this tactic it is best to kill McCloud quickly before the other pair close to a more effective firing range.

Another effective strategy is to get a strong corrosive Grenade Mod before the battle (Rain grenades work well), preferably with a high Grenade SDU, then go towards the door and to one side. As soon as the door rises, begin tossing grenades into the room. The corrosive damage will grant a substantial head start on them.

Trivia

 * Master McCloud's name may be a reference to Fox McCloud of Nintendo's Star Fox series. Master McCloud's pointy ears and facial shape somewhat resemble Andross from the series.