south ledge
So in an idle moment, I went searching through the rickety archives of ancient rec.games.mecha posts and retrieved a pile of designs I did in my youth. I'm going to post them up here, once a day (and you cannot stop me.)
Please keep in mind that 1) these are all 25-30 years old, 2) this was not only before MegaMekLab but before things like SSW and many of these designs were done on raw paper, and 3) I was a teenager so do not be surprised if they #midgard ing suck.
Base Tech Level: Introductory (IS)
Level Era
-------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 3010+ (Late Succession Wars - LosTech -)
Advanced -
Standard 3055+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: D/X-X-D-D
Weight: 30 tons
BV: 652
Cost: 2,089,490 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6/4
Engine: 120 Fusion
Heat Sinks: 10
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 51
Armor: 96/105 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 10 14
Center Torso (rear) 5
Right Torso 7 9
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 7 9
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 5 9
Left Arm 5 9
Right Leg 7 13
Left Leg 7 13
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
SRM 2 LA 2
Medium Laser LT 3
Medium Laser RT 3
LRM 5 CT 2
Flamer HD 3
Ammo Loc Shots
------------------------
SRM 2 Ammo LA 50
LRM 5 Ammo CT 24
Equipment Loc
----------------
Hatchet RA
Overview: Plagurist Industries has long been one of the least reputible manufacturers of the Inner Sphere - this being decended not so much from their skill at industrial espionage and 'aquiring' technologies, but from how utterly shamelessly and skilllessly used the stolen designs. After their failed attempt at re-releasing the 'Beetle' line (a series of cheap knock-offs of the Locust, Stinger and Wasp), a rising young executive actually proposed releasing a *new* design. Originally, the board of directors would have none of it, but after the executive made some minor modifications and claimed that the plans were derived from stolen ones, the project was approved.
Capabilities: The UD-1H (Urban Defense Mk. 1, H variant) was designed to create a unit similar to the infamous Urbanmech - fairly cheap, yet still effective in combat. While the UD-1C is more expensive, it has considerably more combat range and the estimated lifespan in combat is more than triple the Urbanmech's. While some test pilots have suggested a possible heat problem, the designers felt that, while it required some careful handing at times, it had no more heat trouble than any other mech. First priority was to upgrade the engine, making it twice as fast as the Urbanmech and allowing for twice as many jump jets to be placed. The armor was increased next slightly, using the weight gained by giving up the massive autocannon that made the Urbanmech effective. Finally, the weapons loadout was drawn up to create a rounded, versatile set-up. A pair of Medium Lasers were placed in the side torsos for basic combat, along with an LRM5 in the center torso to give the design some ranged firepower (a missing element on the Urbanmech). A head-mounted Flamer was installed for anti-infantry defense, as well as an SRM2 with Inferno rounds to deal with conventional vehicle units. Rounding out the unit is a hatchet mounted in the right arm, to give the unit an advantage in point-blank fights that it lost in giving up the Urbanmech's autocannon.
Designer's notes: I wanted to make an 'improved Urbanmech' and create a cheap, effective urban combat unit that wasn't 2/3/2. I ended up making a crappy downsized Shadow Hawk.
lament copper
Slow as heck for a Light, just like the Urbie!
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 3052+ (Clan Invasion -)
Advanced -
Standard 3058+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 35 tons
BV: 1,282
Cost: 7,398,113 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 8/12(16)/8
Engine: 280 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 58 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 116/119 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 8
Center Torso 11 15
Center Torso (rear) 7
Right Torso 8 12
Right Torso (rear) 4
Left Torso 8 12
Left Torso (rear) 4
Right Arm 6 12
Left Arm 6 12
Right Leg 8 15
Left Leg 8 15
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------------
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4
ER Medium Laser LA 5
Medium Pulse Laser RA 4
ER Medium Laser RA 5
ER Small Laser HD 2
Equipment Loc
----------------
MASC CT
Quirks
------
No/Minimal Arms```Overview: With the Combine's borders at least fairly safe (until the cease-fire with the clans expires), the designers at Luthien turned to tweak and improve their battlemech lines. First examined was the production of the JR7-K Jenner, one of the more infamous mechs in existence and a Kurtian favorite. During the invasion, the Jenner faced off against the clan Jenner IIC several times, especially against the Nova Cat's two special versions. In these engagements, the JR7-K lost almost every time, out done in every way. For several months, engineers worked, modifying the Jenner's design to make it comparable to the clan's version. The end result was a fast, well armored mech with the deadly short-range firepower that had made the old Jenner so popular. Dubbed the Jenner II (sometimes also referred to as the Jenner IIS, slightly mocking the clan's IIC version), this new mech performed beautifully in tests, living gloriously up to the Jenner name. Blending the clan Jenner's speed with the durability and firepower of the well-liked (but very rare) JR7-F, this mech's true test isn't expected to come for another few years, when it will face off against it's clan counterpart again.
Deployment: The Jenner II is not yet deployed to Combine forces, as the Luthien JR7-K line is being retooled to build the new mech.```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 2605+ (Star League -)
Advanced -
Standard 3058+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 35 tons
BV: 1,144
Cost: 6,305,625 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 8/12
Engine: 280 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 58 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 98/119 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 8
Center Torso 11 15
Center Torso (rear) 5
Right Torso 8 11
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 8 11
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 6 9
Left Arm 6 9
Right Leg 8 12
Left Leg 8 12
Weapons Loc Heat
-----------------------------------
ER Large Laser LA 12
ER Large Laser RA 12
LRM 5 HD 2
Ammo Loc Shots
------------------------
LRM 5 Ammo CT 24
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE CT
Quirks
------
No/Minimal Arms```Variants: The JR8-L is a 'long range' version, designed to counter the Nova Cat Jenner IIC V2. It loses all five lasers, the MASC, the jump jets and a ton's worth of armor. In their place, it has an ERLL in each arm, a head-mounted LRM5, with 1 ton of ammo and CASE in the CT. It's hotter and less armored, but has a good damage curve and much longer range.
Designer's notes: I felt the - at the time - newtech Jenner designs were pretty lackluster. This one was kind of a success, but the variant L version was more just bad. Also I'm not sure what it was but for a fair length of time I had an obsession with only putting 8 points of armor on the head of a mech. No idea why I thought that was a great plan.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
------------------------------------------
Experimental 2735+ (Star League -)
Advanced -
Standard 3062+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 60 tons
BV: 1,525
Cost: 7,215,200 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 5/8
Engine: 300 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 12 [24]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 99 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 160/201 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 8
Center Torso 20 24
Center Torso (rear) 8
Right Torso 14 22
Right Torso (rear) 6
Left Torso 14 22
Left Torso (rear) 6
Right Arm 10 10
Left Arm 10 10
Right Leg 14 22
Left Leg 14 22
Weapons Loc Heat Omni
-----------------------------------------
ER PPC LT 15 Pod
ER PPC RT 15 Pod
Medium Laser CT 3 Pod
Medium Laser CT 3 Pod
Carrying Capacity
----------------------
One battle armor squad
Quirks
------
Narrow/Low Profile```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 3055+ (Clan Invasion -)
Advanced -
Standard 3062+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 60 tons
BV: 1,398
Cost: 7,048,200 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 5/8
Engine: 300 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 17 [34]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 99 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 160/201 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 8
Center Torso 20 24
Center Torso (rear) 8
Right Torso 14 22
Right Torso (rear) 6
Left Torso 14 22
Left Torso (rear) 6
Right Arm 10 10
Left Arm 10 10
Right Leg 14 22
Left Leg 14 22
Weapons Loc Heat Omni
-------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser LT 12 Pod
ER Small Laser LT 2 Pod
ER Large Laser RT 12 Pod
ER Small Laser RT 2 Pod
Streak SRM 4 HD 3 Pod
Ammo Loc Shots Omni
-----------------------------------
Streak SRM 4 Ammo CT 25 Pod
Carrying Capacity
----------------------
One battle armor squad
Quirks
------
Narrow/Low Profile```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 3052+ (Clan Invasion -)
Advanced -
Standard 3062+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 60 tons
BV: 1,416
Cost: 7,189,200 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 5/8
Engine: 300 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 14 [28]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 99 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 160/201 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 8
Center Torso 20 24
Center Torso (rear) 8
Right Torso 14 22
Right Torso (rear) 6
Left Torso 14 22
Left Torso (rear) 6
Right Arm 10 10
Left Arm 10 10
Right Leg 14 22
Left Leg 14 22
Weapons Loc Heat Omni
------------------------------------------------
Large Pulse Laser LT 10 Pod
Medium Pulse Laser LT 4 Pod
ER Medium Laser (R) LT 5 Pod
ER Large Laser RT 12 Pod
Medium Pulse Laser RT 4 Pod
ER Medium Laser (R) RT 5 Pod
Carrying Capacity
----------------------
One battle armor squad
Quirks
------
Narrow/Low Profile```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
------------------------------------------
Experimental 2605+ (Star League -)
Advanced -
Standard 3062+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 60 tons
BV: 1,504
Cost: 7,115,200 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 5/8
Engine: 300 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 17 [34]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 99 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 160/201 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 8
Center Torso 20 24
Center Torso (rear) 8
Right Torso 14 22
Right Torso (rear) 6
Left Torso 14 22
Left Torso (rear) 6
Right Arm 10 10
Left Arm 10 10
Right Leg 14 22
Left Leg 14 22
Weapons Loc Heat Omni
-------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser LT 12 Pod
ER Large Laser RT 12 Pod
ER Large Laser CT 12 Pod
Carrying Capacity
----------------------
One battle armor squad
Quirks
------
Narrow/Low Profile```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 3052+ (Clan Invasion -)
Advanced -
Standard 3062+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 60 tons
BV: 1,534
Cost: 7,745,700 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 5/8
Engine: 300 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 12 [24]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 99 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 160/201 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 8
Center Torso 20 24
Center Torso (rear) 8
Right Torso 14 22
Right Torso (rear) 6
Left Torso 14 22
Left Torso (rear) 6
Right Arm 10 10
Left Arm 10 10
Right Leg 14 22
Left Leg 14 22
Weapons Loc Heat Omni
------------------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC LT 2 Pod
ER Medium Laser RT 5 Pod
ER Medium Laser RT 5 Pod
ER Medium Laser RT 5 Pod
ER Medium Laser RT 5 Pod
ER Medium Laser RT 5 Pod
ER Small Laser RT 2 Pod
Anti-Missile System HD 1 Pod
Ammo Loc Shots Omni
-----------------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC Ammo LT 10 Pod
LB 10-X Cluster Ammo LT 10 Pod
Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] CT 12 Pod
Carrying Capacity
----------------------
One battle armor squad
Quirks
------
Narrow/Low Profile```Overview: The next generation in Ostmechs, from the people who brought you the Ostsol and Ostroc - the OmniOst project. Boasting Omnimech technology and an endo steel frame, it emulates both of the 60 ton Ostmechs, even utilizing the same 300 standard engine. The long-popular Ost series, which has enjoyed vast success among pilots for their combination of speed and firepower, was in need of a marketable mech that used modern technology. The OTL-5M's XL engine made it too expensive for many buyers, and the OSR-2D, while cheaper, was merely a small weapons upgrade, causing the mech to run hotter than the infamous OSR-3C 'Hotroc'. The OmniOst, on the other hand, incorporates high-end tech on every level while maintaining a respectably low cost. As of this point in time, the OmniOst is still in it's design stages - in fact, OmniOst is simply a temporary name. The currently leading nickname for it is 'Ostmi', but such is not the foremost thing on the design team's mind. Slightly above that is the mech's physical appearance, which holds to the traditional Ostmann lines, and gives some credence to the old 'Ost-Ugly' moniker. Perhaps the best description would be that the OmniOst looks like an ambulatory baseball. A spherical body with long, thin limbs and a compact head, the OmniOst also bears a small resemblance to the Stalker, in how the side torsos bulge out from the sphere to form a kind of oval.
The number one thing at this time on the Ostmann engineer's to-do list is their work on a modular CASE system. By building the CASE protection directly into the Omnipod ammo bins, the engineers hoped to prevent an explosion from ever reaching the rest of the internal components. The experiment is only a partial success - the lighter modular system is unable to contain an explosion of any significant size, but absorbs a large part of it so that the damage is minimized to that particular section of the mech, creating a result similar to traditional CASE systems. With the current troubles on Terra, the chances of this design seeing the field soon are somewhat low. However, there are rumors that Ostmann Industries is looking to establish an off-world plant - some rumors suggest a possible deal with Vandenberg Mechanized Industries of the Taurian Concordat, exchanging advanced technological information and knowledgeable technicians for off-Terra production lines.
Capabilities: Thanks to Omnimech technology, the OmniOst is able to cover a large variety of roles - however, of the five major 'in-house' configurations, only one does not directly emulate one of the old Ost series mech designs. The Primary configuration is a direct descendant of the OLT-4F refit, which was popular with skirmishing and harassing units. Thanks to the double heat sinks, this configuration is able to continuously fire both of it's extended range PPCs while at a full run without heating up. As a secondary armament, the Primary mounts a pair of standard medium lasers, for those situations when the mech is in trouble. Configuration A mirrors the OSR-2C, the first and most common of the Ostroc series. It carries the signature Ostroc's head-mounted short range 4-tube missile launcher, now updated and equipped with Streak technology. The main weapons, a pair of large lasers, have been upgraded to extend their range, and the medium lasers, due to weight difficulties, have been switched out for extended range small lasers. Even more so than the Primary configuration, this version of the OmniOst runs cool, it's double heat sinks more than able to soak up the heat from all the weapons. B configuration, the OTL-4D's child, offers a mix of extended range and pulse lasers. For long-range sniping, it mounts a long-range large laser, and, opposite that, a similarly sized pulse laser for heavy fighting closer in. Those that approach more confront a pair of medium pulse lasers that give this design a powerful punch. And for those who try to get behind it, in the OTL-4D's spirit, a pair of extended-range medium lasers face the back. Some speculate on this becoming the most popular of the configurations.
The last of the traditional Ostmann designs, the C configuration mimics the infamous Hot Roc, the OSR-3C. With three large lasers, now fitted for extra range, this mech is forced to use a large part of it's weight to install heat sinks to soak up the massive thermal output. This is the hottest running of the configurations, but the range and firepower delivered are quite good for a mech of this size. A unique and divergent configuration, the D has drawn a good share of attention. Leaving Ostmann's traditional reliance on energy weapons, the D's main weapon is an LB 10-X autocannon. This massive gun is supported by four extended range medium lasers in the opposite torso, creating a powerful close-in punch that doesn't rely on ammunition. As a final touch, it mounts an anti-missile gun next to the head to further protect the mech. If this configuration signals a major change in the way Ostmann designs mechs or is just an aberration has yet to be seen.
Deployment: The OmniOst project is not expected to enter production any time in the forseeable future. However, should the rumors prove true, and Ostmann makes a deal with an off-world company, the OmniOst may be a battlefield regular within just a few years.
Designer's notes: this concept was pretty simple on the surface: create a 60t omni that could mimic the classic Ostsol and Ostroc configurations. It worked fairly well at it and gave said mechs a good post-Invasion facelift. It does show some of my inexperience at the time, however, particularly in not realizing that CASE isn't something you can omnipod in. (Also continuing my weird fetish at the time of only 8 points of armor in the head for whatever reason.)
clever creek
Designer's notes: this concept was pretty simple on the surface: create a 60t om...
Who told you CASE isn't something you can pod-mount?
south ledge
I honestly could not say, as this was a Usenet thread in 1998.
clever creek
I don't know what the rules were then, but the rules now say you can pod-mount all four kinds of CASE
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Level Era
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 2820+ (Early Succession Wars -)
Advanced -
Standard 3040+ (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance -)
Tech Rating: F/X-F-D-D
Weight: 35 tons
BV: 1,457
Cost: 3,191,760 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6/4
Engine: 140 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 58 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 119/119 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 11 17
Center Torso (rear) 5
Right Torso 8 12
Right Torso (rear) 4
Left Torso 8 12
Left Torso (rear) 4
Right Arm 6 12
Left Arm 6 12
Right Leg 8 16
Left Leg 8 16
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------------
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4
ER PPC RA 15
SRM 6 CT 4
Ammo Loc Shots
-----------------------------------------------
SRM 6 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo LT 15
Equipment Loc
---------------------
Artemis IV FCS CT
Quirks
------
Nimble Jumper
Improved Targeting (Short)```Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Level Era
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 2820+ (Early Succession Wars -)
Advanced -
Standard 3040+ (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance -)
Tech Rating: F/X-F-D-D
Weight: 35 tons
BV: 1,241
Cost: 2,873,835 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6/4
Engine: 140 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 58 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 119/119 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 11 17
Center Torso (rear) 5
Right Torso 8 12
Right Torso (rear) 4
Left Torso 8 12
Left Torso (rear) 4
Right Arm 6 12
Left Arm 6 12
Right Leg 8 16
Left Leg 8 16
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------------
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4
Small Pulse Laser LA 2
Small Pulse Laser LA 2
Flamer LA 3
Large Pulse Laser RA 10
Streak SRM 4 CT 3
Ammo Loc Shots
-------------------------------
Streak SRM 4 Ammo LT 25
Quirks
------
Nimble Jumper
Improved Targeting (Short)```Overview: During the early years of the Clans, when the IIC mechs ruled the field, one of the most tenacious light mechs was the Panther IIC. While not as popular as it's brother, the Jenner IIC, the Clan Panther managed to build quite a reputation among some circles of pilots. It's small size meant it garnered high levels of honor in battle, and it's sheer durability helped it win many of those fights. Based off of and closely identical to the old Kuritan standard Panther, the Panther IIC appeared on the field at approximately the same time as the Jenner IIC, another design descended from Kurtian space. It was originally produced by Clan Nova Cat, and remained there for many years - the Panther IIC was fairly well known for being able to fight, quite literally, until it was completely destroyed. As the time of the IIC design's dominance came to an end, production of the Panther IIC slowly ground to a halt, coming completely to an end halfway through the Golden Century. The remaining Panther IICs floated around in the back lines and Clan Homeworlds, seeing very little action and not even a hair of the Invasion. However, with the massive loss of mechs to the Inner Sphere, the Panther IIC (along with the other IIC designs) have been seeing more and more field time on all fronts.
Deployment: The Panther IIC is no longer in production, but quite a few were originally built, so the exact number in existence is unknown. The remaining mechs are distributed among the various Clans haphazardly, though Clan Nova Cat still has a fair number of them. By and large, the Panther IIC is only seen among second line units.```Designer's notes: I had a period where I decided to make a whole bunch of IIC units. Most were based off TRO:2750 and the various SL mechs that never made the transition, but a few were miscellaneous other popular mechs that never got the treatment despite making vague sense to have existed. Most - like this one - were largely pedestrian where I just upgraded what ever weapons the original had to Clan versions.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 3052+ (Clan Invasion -)
Advanced -
Standard 3062+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 75 tons
BV: 1,592
Cost: 7,300,125 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6
Engine: 300 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 14 [28]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 114 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 176/231 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 23 26
Center Torso (rear) 9
Right Torso 16 18
Right Torso (rear) 6
Left Torso 16 18
Left Torso (rear) 6
Right Arm 12 18
Left Arm 12 18
Right Leg 16 24
Left Leg 16 24
Weapons Loc Heat
-----------------------------------
PPC LA 10
PPC RA 10
LRM 15 LT 5
ER Small Laser LT 2
LRM 15 RT 5
ER Small Laser RT 2
Ammo Loc Shots
-------------------------
LRM 15 Ammo LT 8
LRM 15 Ammo RT 8
Quirks
------
Stable
Searchlight```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 3052+ (Clan Invasion -)
Advanced -
Standard 3062+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 75 tons
BV: 1,617
Cost: 15,430,625 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6
Engine: 300 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 20 [40]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 114
Armor: 176/231 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 23 26
Center Torso (rear) 9
Right Torso 16 18
Right Torso (rear) 6
Left Torso 16 18
Left Torso (rear) 6
Right Arm 12 18
Left Arm 12 18
Right Leg 16 24
Left Leg 16 24
Weapons Loc Heat
-----------------------------------
ER PPC LA 15
ER PPC RA 15
LRM 15 LT 5
LRM 15 RT 5
ER Small Laser CT 2
ER Small Laser CT 2
Ammo Loc Shots
-------------------------
LRM 15 Ammo LL 8
LRM 15 Ammo RL 8
Quirks
------
Stable
Searchlight```Overview: Seeking a reliable, inexpensive fire support unit for the modern battlefield, Defiance Industries retooled some old Warhammer lines to build a mech both new and old. Several decades before, one of their designers had put together the plans for a Warhammer variant that employed both the characteristics of the well-known heavy mech and the equally famed fire support mech, the Archer. However, without reducing engine weight, the mech would never be able to bring the designed weapons along with a respectable amount of armor and anywhere near enough heat sinks. But with the development of Endo Steel and Double Heat Sinks, the design became realistic - and fairly cheap. After retooling the design to modern days, the Geyser was born. Even though it has only begun deployment among FedCom forces, the Steiner parts of the AFFC have taken a liking to it. The Geyser's heritages are very evident in it's appearance - one mechwarrior described it as 'An Archer that some insane tech field-refitted with a Warhammer's arms and legs'. Even like the Warhammer, the Geyer mounts a searchlight, positioning it over the head near where the old Archer's rear medium lasers were mounted. This appearance has earned the Geyser the nickname 'Archammer'. The Lyrians, who the mech has become popular with, have expanded that to 'the Archon's Hammer'. Davion pilots have been heard commenting that the Ice Bitch is considerably more fearsome than this mech, however.
Deployment: The GY-6-S is currently in it's first production run, and approximately two lance's worth have been distributed to AFFC RCT units, primarily Steiner-affiliated. The lack of this mech's appearance in Davion-loyal units provides some more area for speculation on potential Steiner-Davion conflict in the very near future.```Designer's notes: I'm pretty sure everybody's done a 'what if I made an Archer-Warhammer?' design at some point.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 2559+ (Age of War -)
Advanced -
Standard 3058+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 70 tons
BV: 1,466
Cost: 13,492,333 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6
Engine: 280 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 15 [30]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 107
Armor: 184/217 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 22 28
Center Torso (rear) 9
Right Torso 15 19
Right Torso (rear) 6
Left Torso 15 19
Left Torso (rear) 6
Right Arm 11 19
Left Arm 11 19
Right Leg 15 25
Left Leg 15 25
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
PPC LA 10
Medium Laser LA 3
PPC RA 10
Medium Laser RA 3
LRM 10 LT 4
LRM 10 RT 4
SRM 4 HD 3
Ammo Loc Shots
-------------------------
LRM 10 Ammo LT 12
LRM 10 Ammo RT 12
SRM 4 Ammo CT 25
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE LT
CASE RT
CASE CT```Overview: The SAMS (Shadowhawk-Archer-Marauder-Stalker) originally began it's life as a field rebuild in the service of Cole's Crusaders. Following a particularly nasty battle, a couple of techs found themselves with a badly damaged Archer and the only replacement parts were scraps from other destroyed mechs. In an effort to get the Archer back into the field, the techs slammed and welded on whatever they could find. It ended up being a wet dream - creating a totally new mech. The 'SAMS' used the Archer's main chassis, but had the head from a Shadow Hawk and the arms from a Marauder. Little bits from other mechs were sprinkled around it - no properly sized missile packs were available, so two were cannibalized from a Dervish and a Valkyrie. The SRM was ripped off of a Commando to replace the missing one on the Shadow Hawk's head. The legs were replaced by a set from a Stalker, rounding out the repairs. The original SAMS mech never saw actual combat. It was instead sold to Maltex to pay off bills. The firm sent it down to their engineers and designers, who promptly tore it apart and rebuilt it their way, using Freezer heat sink technology and an extra-light engine.
Deployment: The SAMS has only seen small sales, no more than one or two units to any customer. None of the mechs are expected to see much combat, and, after the initial production run, there are no plans to build more.```Designer's notes: Behold, the dumbest name I was able to think of. This is another attempt to make an Archer/Warhammer and it's garbage.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 3052+ (Clan Invasion -)
Advanced -
Standard 3058+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 20 tons
BV: 669
Cost: 3,435,740 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 13/20
Engine: 260 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 33 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 26/69 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 3
Center Torso 6 4
Center Torso (rear) 1
Right Torso 5 3
Right Torso (rear) 1
Left Torso 5 3
Left Torso (rear) 1
Right Arm 3 2
Left Arm 3 2
Right Leg 4 3
Left Leg 4 3
Weapons Loc Heat
-----------------------------------
ER Small Laser LT 2
ER Small Laser LT 2
ER Small Laser LT 2
ER Small Laser LT 2
ER Small Laser RT 2
ER Small Laser RT 2
ER Small Laser RT 2
ER Small Laser RT 2
ER Small Laser CT 2
Quirks
------
Narrow/Low Profile```Overview: In it's history, Achernar Battlemechs is known for having built some of the most classic designs - the Dervish; the Phoenix Hawk; the Locust. And, of course, the Wasp. Probably the most memorable version of the Wasp was the infamous WSP-1W, which carried six small lasers. While not very effective, this design had a reputation for being extremely annoying, especially in an urban setting. However, the WSP-3W, the first update of the mech, was felt to be insufficient for practical usage on the modern battlefield. For a while, the entire concept was abandoned as impractical. However, one designer saw some strength left in the design. When the Fireball came to light as the fastest mech in the universe, that was the clincher needed. After a very long night and a lot of coffee, the Guttersnipe was born.
Deployment: The Guttersnipe is being marketed to several Periphery States right now as a raider and HK unit that can compete with the House units as well as pirates, mercs and other small nations. Sales have been slow - only the Taurians have shown much interest as yet, much to the chagrin of FedCom observers. There have also been rumors of an under-the-table deal with House Liao, but there has been no actual proof of that as yet. For some reason, FedCom itself has not shown any interest in the mech - skeptics grumble about the Steiner attachment to the Commando.```Designer's notes: "What if we took the WSP-1W and combined it with a Fireball?" It actually isn't that expensive, it's heat neutral, and it's a 13/20 mech that does 27 damage a round.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 3044-3057 (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance to Clan Invasion)
Advanced 3058-3064 (Clan Invasion to Civil War)
Standard 3065+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 55 tons
BV: 1,447
Cost: 12,187,340 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 6/9/6
Engine: 330 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 91 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 128/185 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 18
Center Torso (rear) 5
Right Torso 13 15
Right Torso (rear) 4
Left Torso 13 15
Left Torso (rear) 4
Right Arm 9 14
Left Arm 9 14
Right Leg 13 15
Left Leg 13 15
Weapons Loc Heat
--------------------------------------
Light Gauss Rifle LA 1
ER PPC RA 15
Ammo Loc Shots
------------------------------------
Light Gauss Rifle Ammo LT 16
Light Gauss Rifle Ammo LT 16
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE LT ```Overview: With the rise of military technology, the power, speed and range of mechs have rocketed upwards, changing the battlefield. Once, 'sniper' mechs were limited to using either small caliber ballistic weapons that did virtually no damage, or missiles, which took them into the same ranges as most other mechs, removing their purpose and turning them into specialized fire-support units. Perhaps the greatest of the old snipers was the Griffin. That deadly mech served as the rough template to the most recent heir to the sniper title - the Eagle Eye. Based off of a Shadow Hawk's chassis and moving at speeds nearing 100kph, the Eagle Eye relies on it's tremendous range in combat. The biggest problem in the past was always that the longest ranged weapons were very weak hitting, so that they merely 'paper cut' their opponents. But the flashy new Light Gauss Rifle breaks that mold, packing the punch of a high-end laser at ranges surpassed only by the smallest of the LBX guns. Backing this up is the even more powerful punch of an extended-range PPC, the same used in the famed Battlemaster. The Eagle Eye is truly a joint project - most of the parts are supplied by Earthwerks, makers of the Griffin, but the weapons come from Imperator (pioneers of the Light Gauss Rifle and famed ballistics weapon makers) and Fusigon (who's PPCs grace the Battlemaster, the Awesome and the Warhammer). The engine is brought in from Gibson Federated, the only makers of 330 class engines in Marik space - but at a price. As part of the deal, Earthwerks agreed to only sell the Eagle Eye to the Free Worlds League, even forbidding it being sold to allied mercenary units. And while there was some reluctance over this move, some mechs sold is better than none.
Deployment: As part of the deal for the engines with Gibson Federated, the Eagle Eye is being sold exclusively to the FWL. As such, the contract is currently being 'sat on' so that Earthwerks will hopefully accept less payment than originally bid.```Designer's notes: A fairly unassuming attempt to build a medium sniper and find a good use case for the LGR. Came out decently well. Armor's kinda light, but as a sniper mech that's supposed to be hanging around at 20 hexes that's not too critical of a problem.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 3052+ (Clan Invasion -)
Advanced -
Standard 3060+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-D-D
Weight: 50 tons
BV: 1,329
Cost: 3,805,000 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6
Engine: 200 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 83
Armor: 160/169 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 16 23
Center Torso (rear) 8
Right Torso 12 18
Right Torso (rear) 6
Left Torso 12 18
Left Torso (rear) 6
Right Arm 8 16
Left Arm 8 16
Right Leg 12 20
Left Leg 12 20
Weapons Loc Heat
--------------------------------------
ER Medium Laser LA 5
Small Pulse Laser LA 2
ER Medium Laser RA 5
Small Pulse Laser RA 2
Gauss Rifle RT 1
Ammo Loc Shots
-----------------------------------
Gauss Rifle Ammo [IS] RT 8
Gauss Rifle Ammo [IS] RT 8
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE RT
Quirks
------
Battle Fists (LA)
Battle Fists (RA)```Overview: With a new renaissance in technology and design taking place, the infamous Kali Yama company decided to follow up their Perseus Omnimech with a new take on another classic design - the Hunchback. Long feared for it's small size and massive gun, the 'Meat Cannon' is easily one of the most famous mechs in the history of the Sphere. News that Kali Yama (well known for their competition with Imperator Automatic Weaponry for the title of the best maker of ballistic weapons in Marik space and possibly the IS) was revising the Hunchback spread rapidly, as did speculation of if the new double-firing 'Ultra' model would be used, or the shotgun-like LBX gun. When time finally came, KY surprised everyone by instead using a long-ranged gauss rifle picked up from Corean Enterprises in exchange for shipments of Sunglow Prism-Optic lasers to be used in a new Locust variant.
Deployment: Kali Yama is currently going through negotiations with several of the major Capellan warrior houses, as well as having already secured a lucrative contract with House Marik itself. The first HBK-5G lance is expected to enter the field in April of 3061.```Designer's notes: I have no idea why the hell nobody built a Hunchback with a Gauss Rifle until TRO: 3067. There's even notes that prototypes were built by 3039! And yet nobody made the incredibly obvious switch for almost thirty years.
lament copper
Grid Iron is a Video Game 'hero' variant with an XL engine, a Gauss Rifle, and an SRM6, as well as some MPLs and an SL
But yeah, more canon ones would be fun, even with the recoil issue the prototypes claimed to have
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Level Era
----------------------------------------------------
Experimental 2820+ (Early Succession Wars -)
Advanced -
Standard 3053+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: F/X-X-D-D
Weight: 85 tons
BV: 2,683
Cost: 9,115,875 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 3/5
Engine: 255 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 22 [44]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 130
Armor: 256/263 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 27 40
Center Torso (rear) 13
Right Torso 18 26
Right Torso (rear) 9
Left Torso 18 26
Left Torso (rear) 9
Right Arm 14 27
Left Arm 14 27
Right Leg 18 35
Left Leg 18 35
Weapons Loc Heat
----------------------------------------
ER Medium Laser LA 5
ER Medium Laser LA 5
ER Medium Laser LA 5
ER Medium Laser LA 5
ER Medium Laser RA 5
ER Medium Laser RA 5
ER Medium Laser RA 5
ER Medium Laser RA 5
Streak SRM 6 LT 4
Large Pulse Laser LT 10
Streak SRM 6 RT 4
Large Pulse Laser RT 10
Anti-Missile System CT 1
Ammo Loc Shots
---------------------------------------------
Streak SRM 6 Ammo LT 15
Streak SRM 6 Ammo RT 15
Anti-Missile System Ammo [Clan] CT 24
Quirks
------
Combat Computer
No/Minimal Arms```Overview: While the Steel Vipers captured only a handful of planets during the invasion, one was the valuable planet Twycross, home of Trellshire Heavy Industries, builder of the Stalker, Battlemaster and Rifleman. While producing inferior Inner Sphere mechs would be below the clan, the captured factory provided an excellent chance for clan scientists to correct the mistakes of the Sphereoids and bring out the true potential of the designs. After months of examining the production lines, Steel Viper scientists began modifying them to use superior Clan technology. Shortly, the Rifleman IIC began rolling off the lines, strengthening Clan Steel Viper's second-line units. But that clan standard was not all the Trellshire plant would be producing - not long after, the first Stalker IIC appeared. Retooled from Trellshire's STK-5S line, the Stalker IIC 'corrected' the flaws given it by Inner Sphere technology. The result holds true to the old Stalker, an assault mech with some long range firepower, but ridiculously devastating power in close. And, like other Stalkers, the IIC also tends overheat and is sloooooow.
Deployment: The Stalker IIC exists only within Clan Steel Viper, and is deployed, in small numbers at this time, among their second-line and solahma units.```Designer's notes: On one hand, this is a relatively straight forward IS->Clan upgrade package. That's on purpose, since fluff-wise it was a stopgap 'use what we captured to fill holes' move. On the other... simple doesn't mean bad. 8 cERMLs with a 360 degree field of fire and enough sinks to be heat neutral while firing them is #midgard ing terrifying.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 2559+ (Age of War -)
Advanced -
Standard 3060+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 25 tons
BV: 611
Cost: 2,026,250 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 6/9
Engine: 150 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 43 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 88/89 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 8 11
Center Torso (rear) 4
Right Torso 6 9
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 6 9
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 4 8
Left Arm 4 8
Right Leg 6 12
Left Leg 6 12
Weapons Loc Heat
------------------------------
SRM 6 RA 4
SRM 6 CT 4
Ammo Loc Shots
------------------------
SRM 6 Ammo RT 15
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE RT
Quirks
------
Exposed Actuators
Narrow/Low Profile```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 2559+ (Age of War -)
Advanced -
Standard 3060+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 25 tons
BV: 706
Cost: 2,005,000 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 6/9
Engine: 150 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 43 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 88/89 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 8 11
Center Torso (rear) 4
Right Torso 6 9
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 6 9
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 4 8
Left Arm 4 8
Right Leg 6 12
Left Leg 6 12
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
Medium Laser LA 3
Medium Laser RA 3
LRM 5 CT 2
LRM 5 CT 2
Ammo Loc Shots
------------------------
LRM 5 Ammo RT 24
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE RT
Quirks
------
Exposed Actuators
Narrow/Low Profile```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 2605+ (Star League -)
Advanced -
Standard 3060+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 25 tons
BV: 722
Cost: 2,098,750 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 6/9
Engine: 150 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 43 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 88/89 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 8 11
Center Torso (rear) 4
Right Torso 6 9
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 6 9
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 4 8
Left Arm 4 8
Right Leg 6 12
Left Leg 6 12
Weapons Loc Heat
-----------------------------------
ER Large Laser LA 12
Small Laser RT 1
Small Laser RT 1
Small Laser RT 1
Small Laser RT 1
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE RT
Quirks
------
Exposed Actuators
Narrow/Low Profile```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 2559+ (Age of War -)
Advanced -
Standard 3060+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 25 tons
BV: 727
Cost: 2,020,625 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 6/9
Engine: 150 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 43 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 88/89 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 8 11
Center Torso (rear) 4
Right Torso 6 9
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 6 9
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 4 8
Left Arm 4 8
Right Leg 6 12
Left Leg 6 12
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
Flamer LA 3
Flamer LA 3
Flamer LA 3
Medium Laser RA 3
Medium Laser RA 3
Medium Laser RA 3
Medium Laser CT 3
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE RT
Quirks
------
Exposed Actuators
Narrow/Low Profile```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 2560+ (Age of War -)
Advanced -
Standard 3060+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 25 tons
BV: 553
Cost: 2,330,625 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 6/9/6
Engine: 150 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 43 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 88/89 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 8 11
Center Torso (rear) 4
Right Torso 6 9
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 6 9
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 4 8
Left Arm 4 8
Right Leg 6 12
Left Leg 6 12
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
Machine Gun LA 0
Machine Gun LA 0
Medium Laser RA 3
Ammo Loc Shots
-------------------------------------
Machine Gun Ammo [Half] RT 100
Equipment Loc
----------------------------
CASE RT
Active Probe (Beagle) CT
Quirks
------
Exposed Actuators
Narrow/Low Profile```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
-------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 3010+ (Late Succession Wars - LosTech -)
Advanced -
Standard 3060+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 25 tons
BV: 546
Cost: 2,089,375 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 6/9/6
Engine: 150 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 43 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 88/89 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 8 11
Center Torso (rear) 4
Right Torso 6 9
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 6 9
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 4 8
Left Arm 4 8
Right Leg 6 12
Left Leg 6 12
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
Medium Laser LA 3
Flamer LA 3
Equipment Loc
----------------
Hatchet RA
CASE RT
Quirks
------
Exposed Actuators
Narrow/Low Profile```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 2595+ (Star League -)
Advanced -
Standard 3060+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 25 tons
BV: 709
Cost: 2,067,500 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 6/9
Engine: 150 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 43 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 88/89 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 8 11
Center Torso (rear) 4
Right Torso 6 9
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 6 9
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 4 8
Left Arm 4 8
Right Leg 6 12
Left Leg 6 12
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------------
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4
Medium Pulse Laser RA 4
Medium Pulse Laser CT 4
Medium Laser CT 3
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE RT
Quirks
------
Exposed Actuators
Narrow/Low Profile```Overview: Following the production of their first Omnimechs, the Firestarter, the Blackhawk and the Hauptmann, Coventry Metal Works used the technology to update one of their own staples and one of the most common mechs in the Commonwealth - the venerable Commando. The COM-O was intended to replace the rapidly aging COM-5S as the staple of FedCom reconnaissance units. Light, cheap and flexible, the COM-O manages to be very nearly as inexpensive as it's COM-5S brother - the basic chassis costs less than 100k more to produce, a pittance in these times when a 20 million c-bill mech isn't that big a deal. In exchange for this slight increase in cost, it provides greater survivability and adaptability for the modern battlefield. In addition to several configurations for reconnaissance, there are also hunter, bombardment and sniper configurations in the base system. This quick flexibility makes the COM-O invaluable to field units. When Coventry unveiled the design, there was little doubt in their mind that it would be well received. The Commando is almost synonymous with the FedCom military, and an omni adaption would be impossible to refuse. Their timing with it was impeccable, as well. The AFFC had been searching for a mech to replace the COM, and had nearly decided on a design when CMW brought in an unknown late entry. They brought the prototype before the top brass, and pulled the curtain off. The next day, orders for the COM-O were rolling in, the other competitors forgotten.
Capabilities: The COM-O obviously has a variety of roles it can fill on the battlefield, as any Omnimech does. It's base chassis is very durable for a 25 ton mech, with a standard engine and a third more armor than it's COM-5S predecessor. It also uses double-strength heat sinks, something the COM-5S didn't have. Each of the variants has it's own peculiarities. The Primary closely emulates the old JVN-10N, carrying a pair of short range 6-pack missile systems. This mech covers the same niche as the original COM-2D, as a light bombardier and scout. The A variant is built for quick, cheap fire support. With a pair of long range missile launchers, each a 5-rack, it can provide easy, fairly effective cover fire, especially in groups. The closest analogous unit to this would be the infamous LCT-1M, except this mech has armor. The B is the sniper configuration, using a Hussar-esque extended range laser to get long distance shots at opponents. A brace of smaller lasers are used to repel annoyances like infantry, PBIs and small vehicles. Perhaps the best comparison for the C configuration is actually the Firestarter - this version carries both flamers and lasers for strategic work and for hunting down other lights. This version may actually end up filling the niche the original Firestarter did, but has since evolved out of.
Deployment: The COM-O is currently being used to phase out the veteran COM-5S and the occasional COM-2D that still sits around in service. As such, the chassis is appearing widely throughout FedCom space.```Designer's notes: I believe this is the first omnimech I ever created. The Commando seemed like a logical thing to do: it's a Steiner staple and would make perfect sense for them to invest in. I did go overboard on the different configurations, though.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 3052+ (Clan Invasion -)
Advanced -
Standard 3060+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 25 tons
BV: 707
Cost: 2,245,417 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 5/8/5
Engine: 125 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 43 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 80/89 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 7
Center Torso 8 11
Center Torso (rear) 4
Right Torso 6 9
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 6 9
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 4 8
Left Arm 4 8
Right Leg 6 9
Left Leg 6 9
Weapons Loc Heat
------------------------------------
ER Medium Laser LA 5
ER Medium Laser RA 5
SRM 2 LT 2
SRM 2 RT 2
Ammo Loc Shots
------------------------
SRM 2 Ammo LT 50
SRM 2 Ammo RT 50
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE LT
CASE RT ```Overview: In the lull following the establishment of the new Star League and the near ending of the large scale Clan threat, the AFFC began upgrading their forces. After updating and rebuilding their main line units, they turned their attention to replacing the venerable and now outclassed Commando mech, a long time recon staple. Hearing of this, Kallon Industries created a design, somewhat similar to the Commando, stressing combat effectiveness. The Seraph Delta comes in at the same weight class, and ended up only costing slightly more than the COM-5S it was designed to replace. To base the mech on, Kallon purchased the COM-5S's endosteel chassis from Coventry Metal Works. While this helped give the Delta the Commando look and feel, it eventually turned out to be a horrible choice. The purchases grabbed CMW's attention, and the knowledge that a capable major design corporation was working caused them to lose confidence in the COM series' invincibility. As a result, they rapidly came up with a new design to compete with the Delta, eventually releasing the Commando-Omni at the last minute. When they did, CMW snatched certain victory away from the Kallon team - in a depressed and stunned funk, several members of the team committed suicide, pushing down the Seraph Delta further. This series of disasters turned the design and the prototype mech from strong competitors to white elephants that would never see production.
Capabilities: The Delta obviously invites comparison with the COM-5S design, since it was meant to replace it. While the Delta is slower, the fact that it was jump-capable put it on fairly equal ground with the COM series, which was ground-bound. The Delta's weapons load, while packing slightly less punch, got excellent grades from the reviewers for it's extra touch of range and considerably greater staying power, both in energy weapons and ammo capacity. Some observers commented that Streak launchers, instead of the standard ones, would have made the mech even better, but this was a relatively minor dispute.
Deployment: Besides the prototype mech, the Seraph Delta exists only on paper. The lone mech currently sits in Kallon's warehouses, gathering dust as a relic, alongside other failed prototype mechs.```Designer's notes: I designed this along side the previous Commando Omni - but I put 'designed' lightly. This is actually the example of how to build a mech from GURPS Mecha, which I had purchased a few days before. And fluff aside, it's pretty much a rebuild of that. Honestly it isn't terrible - 5/8/5 is low for a 25 tonner, but 2xERML/2xSRM2 is fairly capable at that weight.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
----------------------------------------------
Experimental 3050-3061 (Clan Invasion)
Advanced 3062 (Civil War)
Standard 3063+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 95 tons
BV: 2,151
Cost: 10,066,388 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 3/5
Engine: 285 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 15 [30]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 145
Armor: 293/293 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 30 48
Center Torso (rear) 12
Right Torso 20 30
Right Torso (rear) 10
Left Torso 20 30
Left Torso (rear) 10
Right Arm 16 32
Left Arm 16 32
Right Leg 20 40
Left Leg 20 40
Weapons Loc Heat
-------------------------------------
ER PPC LA 15
MRM 40 RA 12
LB 20-X AC LT 6
Medium Laser (R) CT 3
Ammo Loc Shots
----------------------------------
MRM 40 Ammo RT 6
MRM 40 Ammo RT 6
LB 20-X AC Ammo RT 5
LB 20-X Cluster Ammo RT 5
LB 20-X AC Ammo RT 5
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE RT ```Overview: Some people are never satisfied. While the Barghest was a decent testbed mech for the LB 20-X cannon, before it even entered into use, a replacement was being designed. The Trailblazer, built off of the Banshee chassis and patterned after the -3Q variant, was intended to 'blaze a trail through the middle of the enemy lines'. The test pilots gave it a different moniker, however - the Leper, because nobody was willing to come anywhere near it in combat. Filling the role of a massive front-line mech, the Trailblazer is meant to have combat revolve around it. The mech has been compared by some observers as being similar to the venerable King Crab in purpose - to walk through the thick of combat, destroying anything and everything that gets close by. This is a valid comparison, as it also shares many of the King Crab's deficiencies, such as a heavy dependency on it's ammunition stores. In an extended combat or campaign, the Trailblazer may quickly become more a hinderance than anything else.
Deployment: The Trailblazer is being placed in front-line combat RCTs in small numbers - only half a dozen have been built as of yet.```Designer's notes: I wanted to roll on ALL of the cluster tables. If I could have found an energy weapon that hit in clusters, I'd have put it on there.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
------------------------------------------
Experimental 2605+ (Star League -)
Advanced -
Standard 3062+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 35 tons
BV: 1,280
Cost: 6,726,150 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 8/12/8
Engine: 280 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 58 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 107/119 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 11 15
Center Torso (rear) 3
Right Torso 8 13
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 8 13
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 6 11
Left Arm 6 11
Right Leg 8 13
Left Leg 8 13
Weapons Loc Heat
-----------------------------------
Medium Laser LA 3
Medium Laser LA 3
Medium Laser RA 3
Medium Laser RA 3
ER Large Laser CT 12
Quirks
------
Cramped Cockpit
Narrow/Low Profile
Barrel Fists (LA)
Barrel Fists (RA)
Low-Mounted Arms```Overview: Impressed by the design of the Black Watch, investors from several sectors recently bolstered the strength of Northwind's Cosara Weaponries. With the money needed to help support the independent Northwind, Cosara followed the investors' 'suggestions', designing a hunter mech for the modern battlefield. The little mech was dubbed the Fiddler Crab, because of it's weapons similarities to the Crab, another well-known mech manufactured by Cosara. It's physical appearance turned out to be very distinctive, with some small resemblances to the Hussar and the Cicada. The long digitigrade legs extended higher up than the body, the 'knees' actually being the highest point on the mech, equal to the top of the laser housing that runs along the back. The body itself was horizontal and close to the ground, minimizing the mech's profile. While seven meters 'long', the Fiddler Crab was only four meters high, at it's tallest point. The cramped cockpit forced the pilot to lay down in it, rather than sitting in the normal seat of other mechs. And with it's very low-hanging Marauder-ish arms, some observers mistook the Fiddler for a quadruped mech. Test runs of the mech ranked it well against both the reconnaissance mechs it is meant to hunt, and other machines that it would be competing against. The only test where it encountered significant problems was a matchup against a Talon - the two spent more than an hour, dancing at extreme range, each trying to get the advantage. In the end, it was called a draw, with virtually no damage at all done to either mech.
Deployment: The Fiddler Crab is not expected to enter actual production until early 3062, due to problems in importing materials.```Designer's notes: Basically a straight forward attempt to make the nastiest light mech I could that wasn't just a jumpy-pulsey monster. 8/12/8 with quad MLs up close and an ERLL at range with minimal heat issues feels pretty solid.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 2735+ (Star League -)
Advanced -
Standard 3060+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 45 tons
BV: 1,325
Cost: 8,241,365 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 6/9/6
Engine: 270 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 12 [24]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 75
Armor: 143/153 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 14 23
Center Torso (rear) 5
Right Torso 11 17
Right Torso (rear) 4
Left Torso 11 17
Left Torso (rear) 4
Right Arm 7 14
Left Arm 7 14
Right Leg 11 18
Left Leg 11 18
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
ER PPC LA 15
Medium Laser LA 3
SRM 2 LA 2
Machine Gun LA 0
Medium Laser RA 3
SRM 2 RA 2
Machine Gun RA 0
Ammo Loc Shots
-------------------------------------
SRM 2 Ammo LT 50
Machine Gun Ammo [Half] LT 100
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE LT
Quirks
------
Command Mek
Anti-Aircraft Targeting
Improved Communications```Designer's notes: No fluff for this one - it was a custom job for part of a tabletop campaign I was in at the time. Intended as an all-arounder, adding Inferno-loaded SRMs and other small-ish upgrades to the classic Phoenix Hawk. (It picked up AA Targeting along the way after a head crit took out the sensors and parts from a scrapped Rifleman were used for the repairs.)
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Introductory (IS)
Level Era
------------------------------------------
Experimental 2464+ (Age of War -)
Advanced -
Standard 2650+ (Star League -)
Tech Rating: D/C-E-D-D
Weight: 70 tons
BV: 1,555
Cost: 6,476,433 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6/4
Engine: 280 Fusion
Heat Sinks: 11
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 115
Armor: 224/233 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 22 32
Center Torso (rear) 11
Right Torso 15 21
Right Torso (rear) 7
Left Torso 15 21
Left Torso (rear) 7
Front Right Leg 15 29
Front Left Leg 15 29
Rear Right Leg 15 29
Rear Left Leg 15 29
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
LRM 15 LT 5
Medium Laser LT 3
Medium Laser LT 3
Machine Gun LT 0
LRM 15 RT 5
Medium Laser RT 3
Medium Laser RT 3
Machine Gun RT 0
Ammo Loc Shots
-------------------------------------
LRM 15 Ammo LT 8
LRM 15 Ammo RT 8
Machine Gun Ammo [Full] CT 200 ```Base Tech Level: Introductory (IS)
Level Era
------------------------------------------
Experimental 2464+ (Age of War -)
Advanced -
Standard 2650+ (Star League -)
Tech Rating: D/C-E-D-D
Weight: 70 tons
BV: 1,625
Cost: 6,454,333 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6/4
Engine: 280 Fusion
Heat Sinks: 15
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 115
Armor: 224/233 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 22 32
Center Torso (rear) 11
Right Torso 15 21
Right Torso (rear) 7
Left Torso 15 21
Left Torso (rear) 7
Front Right Leg 15 29
Front Left Leg 15 29
Rear Right Leg 15 29
Rear Left Leg 15 29
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
PPC LT 10
Medium Laser LT 3
Medium Laser LT 3
PPC RT 10
Medium Laser RT 3
Medium Laser RT 3 ```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 2735+ (Star League -)
Advanced -
Standard 3053+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 70 tons
BV: 1,977
Cost: 16,604,467 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 5/8/5
Engine: 350 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 13 [26]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 115
Armor: 224/233 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 22 32
Center Torso (rear) 11
Right Torso 15 21
Right Torso (rear) 7
Left Torso 15 21
Left Torso (rear) 7
Front Right Leg 15 29
Front Left Leg 15 29
Rear Right Leg 15 29
Rear Left Leg 15 29
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
ER PPC LT 15
Medium Laser LT 3
Medium Laser LT 3
ER PPC RT 15
Medium Laser RT 3
Medium Laser RT 3
TAG CT 0 ```Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 3034-3052 (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance to Clan Invasion)
Advanced 3053-3064 (Clan Invasion to Civil War)
Standard 3065+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 70 tons
BV: 1,645
Cost: 14,607,533 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6/4
Engine: 280 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 11 [22]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 115
Armor: 224/233 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 22 32
Center Torso (rear) 11
Right Torso 15 21
Right Torso (rear) 7
Left Torso 15 21
Left Torso (rear) 7
Front Right Leg 15 29
Front Left Leg 15 29
Rear Right Leg 15 29
Rear Left Leg 15 29
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------------
LRM 15 LT 5
Medium Pulse Laser LT 4
Medium Pulse Laser LT 4
LRM 15 RT 5
Medium Pulse Laser RT 4
Medium Pulse Laser RT 4
Ammo Loc Shots
-----------------------------------------
LRM 15 Artemis-capable Ammo LT 8
LRM 15 Artemis-capable Ammo LT 8
LRM 15 Artemis-capable Ammo RT 8
LRM 15 Artemis-capable Ammo RT 8
Equipment Loc
--------------------------
Artemis IV FCS LT
CASE LT
Artemis IV FCS RT
CASE RT
C3 Computer CT```Overview: The Ox originally started it's life as a worker mech during the Star League. Designed for heavy-duty work in rough terrain, the Ox used a quadruped design for easier maneuvering so the mostly untrained workers wouldn't fall over every five meters. When Kerensky's Exodus took place and the Succession Wars began, the Ox, like many other designs, was dragooned into military service. While it appeared in all the major militaries, it was only even marginally common in the Free Worlds League, where it was used as an alternative to the Goliath. Initially, the design was simply field-fitted with whatever weapons were available at the time, as it rushed into combat. Over time, one layout became popular, and was adopted by Belar Industries, the manufacturers of the mech. Emulating the Warhammer, it relied on the power of dual particle cannons, backing that up with four medium lasers. While the quad had less close range power and worse heat dissipation than the fabled 'Hammer, it brought along significantly more armor and, later on, it brought along significantly more armor and, later on, jump capability. Time rolled on - Belar's main factory was destroyed in the fighting, cutting the Ox's production to a quarter of what it was at it's peak.
The Succession Wars dragged onwards, and House Marik, through a variety of military losses, saw their production of particle weapons slow to a trickle. Needing what little was left to keep current mechs in working order, the remaining Ox mechs were refitted to utilize long range missiles, shifting them from a quad Warhammer to a quad Archer, and making it appear significantly more like the Goliath. By the time of the Third Succession War, the Ox was no longer in production anywhere, and the small number of remaining mechs rapidly disappeared through combat, until the Ox design was completely forgotten. In 3051, a Brain Cache was discovered on New Hope that contained the plans for both the OBL-4M and the -4F refit. Corean Enterprises, *THE* name when it came to quad mechs in the Sphere, immediately leapt at the chance, buying rights to the plans. They decided to produce the missile-based field refit, with the Marik lack of particle weapons still holding (although, admittedly, it is considerably less a weakness now than then), and licensed rights to the original design to the Capellan manufacturer, Ceres Metals Industries. Both firms quickly updated the designs, and soon the venerable Ox was in the field again.
Deployment: There are no remaining known versions of the OBL-4M in existence, and only one OBL-4F, which Corean recently bought as a museum piece. The OBL-5M and -5L are in fair supply, appearing in the Marik and Liao militaries, often working along side their Archer and Warhammer counterparts.```Designer's notes: I have no memory of what my logic or purpose was when I designed this. The end result isn't bad, though - a quad version of the Warhammer and Archer, basically. I probably was having a snit that the Goliath was bad at the time?
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 3044-3060 (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance to Clan Invasion)
Advanced 3061-3064 (Clan Invasion to Civil War)
Standard 3065+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 100 tons
BV: 2,074
Cost: 24,818,201 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 3/5
Engine: 300 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 152
Armor: 307/307 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 31 50
Center Torso (rear) 12
Right Torso 21 32
Right Torso (rear) 10
Left Torso 21 32
Left Torso (rear) 10
Right Arm 17 34
Left Arm 17 34
Right Leg 21 42
Left Leg 21 42
Weapons Loc Heat
--------------------------------------
Light Gauss Rifle LA 1
Light Gauss Rifle RA 1
Light Gauss Rifle LT 1
Medium Laser LT 3
Light Gauss Rifle RT 1
Medium Laser RT 3
Medium Laser CT 3
Medium Laser HD 3
Ammo Loc Shots
------------------------------------
Light Gauss Rifle Ammo LT 16
Light Gauss Rifle Ammo RT 16
Light Gauss Rifle Ammo CT 16
Quirks
------
Variable Range Targeting (long)
Good Reputation (1)
Difficult to Maintain
Command Mek```Overview: During early 3061, Imperator purchased a single TDK-7X Thunder Hawk from Norse-Storm Technologies of Loxley. The Thunder Hawk (aka 'Mech of a Thousand Headkills) was to be redesigned using the brand new Light Gauss Rifle, to test out the feasibility of such a unit in the field. If the variant fared well, Norse-Storm would purchase a large number of Imperator's new weapons to use in production. The TDK-6X, or 'Thunder Hawk Lite', was carefully rebuilt from the original, removing the three huge Gauss cannons and putting four Light Gauss Rifles in their place. Painstaking simulations were done of the mech's actions before the first live field test. The mech tore clean through the test Wasps, a barrage of shells punching holes all over. A Stinger, however, managed to sneak in close, and fired a spray of machine gun bullets at the assault mech. Immediately, one of the Rifles exploded, tearing up a large section of the right torso. Using it's speed and the Gauss' 'dead zone', the Stinger was able to beat the TDK up very badly before a half-crippled arm punched the tiny mech's head off. Later trials showed further weaknesses in the design - while it had more range than it's -7X relative, the -6X didn't have the same level of power behind it's shots. This was demonstrated most strikingly in a simulated battle against the Thunder Hawk itself. The two traded shots at long range, each being only marginally effective against the other's tremendous armor. A light gauss slug hit the TDK-7X's head, only to rebound off. Moments later, the TDK-6X received a similar hit, which tore the head structure clean off of the body. For these, and other reasons (including ammo levels and shipping costs), Norse-Storm canceled the TDK-6X project, and returned to their normal trade. Imperator, already getting good sales for the Light Gauss Rifle elsewhere, went on with life. (And they all lived happily ever after, the end.)
Deployment: The single prototype TDK is being used for quality control tests of both standard and light gauss rifles, and will most likely never see the battlefield.
Designer's notes: "What if I made a Thunder Hawk but with LGRs?" This one's not deep, mostly just a curiosity test bed.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 2735+ (Star League -)
Advanced -
Standard 3061+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 75 tons
BV: 1,659
Cost: 16,404,500 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6/4
Engine: 300 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 114
Armor: 215/231 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 23 34
Center Torso (rear) 11
Right Torso 16 22
Right Torso (rear) 7
Left Torso 16 22
Left Torso (rear) 6
Right Arm 12 23
Left Arm 12 23
Right Leg 16 29
Left Leg 16 29
Weapons Loc Heat
-------------------------------
LB 10-X AC LA 2
Flamer LA 3
LB 10-X AC RA 2
Flamer RA 3
ER PPC LT 15
Ammo Loc Shots
----------------------------------
LB 10-X AC Ammo LT 10
LB 10-X Cluster Ammo LT 10
LB 10-X AC Ammo RT 10
LB 10-X Cluster Ammo RT 10
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE LT
CASE RT
Quirks
------
Stable```cannon, set in the classic Shadow Hawk across-the-back swing mount. When in it's placed on stand-by, the cannon is almost totally concealed behind the mech's peaked shoulders. Like it's brother mech, the Jabberwocky cuts a distinctive profile, with it's odd arms and chevron shaped torso. While expensive, the mech has attracted a lot of attention for it's mix of style and firepower. Several Steiner officers have been drawn to it, and a lance's worth has been ordered by the AFFC for trial purposes - these will most likely be distributed as mechs of the line among the RCTs along the Clan border.```Capabilities: Like the Bandersnatch, the Jabberwocky's main weapons are the dual LB 10-X guns. These weapons, using both slug and cluster munitions, serve as powerful tools in any situation. The craftsmanship of the Imperator Code Red line is without reproach, as well, so there is little doubt of the weapon quality. Longer ranged, more efficient and longer lasting than the old missile racks, the particle cannon only adds to this. These three weapons are enough to put the Jabberwocky on equal footing with other heavy mechs. While lacking the incredible power of gauss weapons, these 'smaller' guns are quite sufficient. Perhaps the biggest improvement over the Bandersnatch is the amount of armor carried. The Jabberwocky not only uses the new ferro-fibrous armor, but also mounts considerably more of it, resulting in a very significant increase in durability. Another major gain is in maneuverability. The simple addition of Phoenix Hawk-esque jump columns along the back gives the Jabberwocky a dimension lacking in most heavy mechs. Trial runs showed that the 'quick swing' ability to leap and rapidly turn made the Bandersnatch's rear-facing lasers redundant. In simulator tests and several field runs, the Jabberwocky was able to hold it's own against comparable mechs (the Orion, the Grasshopper, and the Penetrator), as well as against groups of light mechs, and somewhat surprisingly, against airborne attackers. However, it had a distressing tendency to get it's head taken off, even by small weapons. One particularly embarrassing incident was a simulated matchup where a Commando managed to take the head off in one missile salvo. The designers are currently attempting to figure out why this keeps happening. (Comments about 'vorpal' SRMs have been ignored.)
Deployment: The Jabberwocky is being distributed in small numbers to anybody who can actually afford the 16.4 million C-Bill tag. So far, in addition to the lance that has ended up in the AFFC, another lance's worth has been purchased by people who thought the old Bandersnatch was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Kallon estimates fairly low sales overall, with the price, but if the Jabberwocky is able to prove itself in combat, total sales could easily double.
Designer's notes: The Bandersnatch is a mech I've always liked but the base version has a lot of flaws. This was my go at an improved version.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
-----------------------------------------
Experimental 2559+ (Age of War -)
Advanced -
Standard 3063+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-D-D
Weight: 50 tons
BV: 1,000
Cost: 4,744,500 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 6/9/6
Engine: 300 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 83
Armor: 112/169 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 16 14
Center Torso (rear) 5
Right Torso 12 12
Right Torso (rear) 4
Left Torso 12 12
Left Torso (rear) 4
Right Arm 8 10
Left Arm 8 10
Right Leg 12 16
Left Leg 12 16
Weapons Loc Heat
-------------------------------------
Machine Gun (Q) LA 0
Machine Gun (Q) LA 0
Medium Laser (Q) RA 3
Medium Laser (Q) RA 3
LRM 5 (Q) LT 2
SRM 2 (Q) LT 2
Flamer (Q) CT 3
Ammo Loc Shots
-------------------------------------
SRM 2 Ammo LT 50
Machine Gun Ammo [Half] LT 100
LRM 5 Ammo LT 24
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE LT
Quirks
------
Unbalanced
Easy to Maintain
Rugged (1 Point)
Weapon Quirks
-------------
Machine Gun (LA): Modular Weapon
Machine Gun (LA): Modular Weapon
Medium Laser (RA): Modular Weapon
Medium Laser (RA): Modular Weapon
LRM 5 (LT): Modular Weapon
SRM 2 (LT): Modular Weapon
Flamer (CT): Modular Weapon```Overview: Officially, the Liberator is designed as a 'poor man's Omnimech', specifically fitted not to accept standard omnipods, but to just be able to carry any weapons system with only a minimum of technical fuss. Using a system similar to the Mercury, the Liberator's chassis has a large number of 'fittings' suitable to mount most mass produced weapons systems on. For example - the pectoral of the left torso is a large compartment with a swinging blast door (like those on a Catapult's arms). Inside the compartment is a set of simplified ammo feed mechanisms, purposefully made to be very tolerant of just what they feed, accommodating missiles of all sorts and about any low-caliber ballistic shell. The right arm has several energy nodes that can power anything from the smallest laser to a powerful extended-range particle cannon. The true purpose behind the Liberator is to be part of the liberation of the St. Ives Compact from House Liao. The semi-Omnimech system was used so that hard-pressed partisans wouldn't have to go searching for one specific weapon to get a mech working again. With the Liberator, they can simply slap in whatever happens to be on-hand, within reason. The project is under the direction of House Davion 'in exile', and it's actual purpose is being concealed from Kathrine Steiner-Davion. She will most likely be quite unhappy when she finds out. This, in fact, is why Jalastar Aerospace was chosen for this - they are fortunate enough to be a decent distance from New Avalon to avoid most watching eyes.
Capabilities: While the Liberator can theoretically do anything, it's design is mostly oriented towards a speedy raider. The 'standard' weapons package that the Liberator is shipped with is oriented towards having a wide range of equipment. A pair of machine guns are there to take care of conventional infantry, along with a flamer. A pair of old-style medium lasers for standard mech to mech fighting. A short range missile launcher, pre-loaded with Inferno rounds, as a general utility weapon. And a long range missile launcher for sniping, fire support and bombardment, preloaded with Fragmentation ammunition. However, these weapons are not expected to remain there for long. (In fact, many of the units being smuggled into St. Ives have other, more advanced, weapons mounted on them, as a means of getting the rarer material in.) For all it's interesting twists, the Liberator has plenty of weaknesses. Mounting virtually no advanced technology at all, it's second-best to most any other modern mech. Also, the semi-Omnimech system has quite a few problems, the worst of which is balance. Even the factory-issued mech has problems with this, being notably heavier on the left side than on the right. The designers were unable to find a suitable solution to this problem, however, and pretty much said 'cope with it'. Also problematic are the power feeds. While they can power any energy weapon there is, they also require some rather careful tweaking to get the power setting right for whatever weapon is put in - an 'untweaked' small laser on the prototype exploded rather spectacularly at one point. Despite these problems, the Liberator is already selling quite well.
Deployment: The Liberator is being sold in small numbers to various Periphery States and mercenary units, but most are being put in 'storage'. That is, they're being smuggled into St. Ives space quietly whenever the chance comes up. The attention being drawn to the design is already considerably more than was originally wanted - the project was supposed to be very low profile. Instead, purchase orders have been coming in from nearly all sides - including other Battlemech manufacturers, who are looking to duplicate and improve the systems.
Designer's notes: Pretty much what it says on the tin, really.
(Oh, and this was 14 years before XTRO: Boondoggles had the officially named Liberator.)
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Level Era
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 2820+ (Early Succession Wars -)
Advanced -
Standard 3040+ (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance -)
Tech Rating: F/X-F-D-D
Weight: 20 tons
BV: 937
Cost: 2,773,120 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 8/12
Engine: 160 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 33 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 67/69 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 7
Center Torso 6 9
Center Torso (rear) 3
Right Torso 5 7
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 5 7
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 3 6
Left Arm 3 6
Right Leg 4 8
Left Leg 4 8
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------------
LRM 15 RA 5
Medium Pulse Laser HD 4
Ammo Loc Shots
-------------------------
LRM 15 Ammo RA 8
LRM 15 Ammo RA 8
Quirks
------
Easy to Maintain```Overview: Just as it's predecessor, the Thorn IIC is meant as a high-speed fire support unit. While some detracted against the fragility of it, the extra-light engine that the IIC version carries has allowed it to bring considerably more firepower to the battle. This increase in it's already well-known damage to tonnage ratio has made it fairly popular among second line units. The mech's increased firepower and speed have made it quite an effective machine in Clan warfare, where it is able to duel and defeat mechs twice it's size. Because of this, Thorn IIC pilots often rise rapidly in the ranks, able to defeat opponents significantly larger, even including some front line Omnimechs. The Thorn IIC has one of the best overall records in Clan Trails.
Deployment: The Thorn IIC appears in the toumans of all Clans, but is most prevalent in Clan Ice Hellion, with whom it's hearty punch and small size is admired.```Designer's notes: Really not a lot to say here - just part of my go at 'turn the TRO 2750 mechs to IIC-ness'.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Level Era
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 2820+ (Early Succession Wars -)
Advanced -
Standard 3040+ (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance -)
Tech Rating: F/X-F-D-D
Weight: 100 tons
BV: 2,646
Cost: 11,622,000 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 3/5
Engine: 300 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 18 [36]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 152 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 272/307 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 31 40
Center Torso (rear) 15
Right Torso 21 30
Right Torso (rear) 11
Left Torso 21 30
Left Torso (rear) 11
Right Arm 17 29
Left Arm 17 29
Right Leg 21 34
Left Leg 21 34
Weapons Loc Heat
--------------------------------------
LB 20-X AC RA 6
Ultra AC/20 LA 7
Flamer LA 3
Flamer RA 3
Large Pulse Laser LT 10
Large Pulse Laser RT 10
Ammo Loc Shots
----------------------------------
LB 20-X AC Ammo RT 5
LB 20-X AC Ammo RT 5
LB 20-X Cluster Ammo RT 5
LB 20-X Cluster Ammo RT 5
Ultra AC/20 Ammo LT 5
Ultra AC/20 Ammo LT 5
Ultra AC/20 Ammo LT 5
Ultra AC/20 Ammo LT 5
Quirks
------
Command Mek```Overview: This famed mech continues to live among the Clans, who fully well remember their General Kerensky's order for a Mech to "cripple or destroy another BattleMechs in one salvo.". Such a pronouncement by a Kerensky would never be ignored by the Clans, and so the King Crab IIC still holds that mission and that deadly purpose. In fact, the King Crab IIC does it's job better than it's ancient cousin, though they share many of the same characteristics. The Clan mech is much better prepared for fighting at a range (when closing) and remains still potent when it's now much larger ammunition stores run out.
Capabilities: Looking at the King Crab IIC, the most obvious thing is the paired massive autocannons. This, of course, is true of all King Crabs, since said cannons are ridiculously big. The Clans have long since replaced the original guns with ones of a new style, making choices that run parallel to the Inner Sphere's Demolisher II. The left arm holds an Ultra class autocannon, capable of twice the rate of fire of the original King Crab's guns. This creates a terrible punch, able to make any mech - Atlas, Daishi, or Turkina. The right arm has a cannon of the same caliber, but that instead is designed to fire cluster rounds as well as slug, making it deadly no matter the situation. With this combo, the King Crab IIC can both punch holes and exploit them with ease. Backing up the massive cannons are a pair of pulse lasers - the largest that could be used. With a reach 240 meters more than the cannons, and able to fire without concern for ammo, these back up weapons are still quite fearsome. Rounding out the weapons are a simple pair of incendiary flamers, attached just below the great cannons. While some have stated that they're there to deal with Elementals, their true function is often simply show, spouting out smaller bursts of flame as the main guns blaze away. With it's problem of ammo-dependance somewhat relieved by the two pulse lasers, the King Crab has only a few flaws. It's ability to take damage is quite high, subverted only by the large ammunition bins of the torsos. These, however, are a necessary evil, and can not be avoided. As well, it has the potential to run hot, but simply not using the left cannon in Ultra mode, or holding fire with a laser will stop almost any potential overheat. One other, albeit minor, problem is the communications and computer systems. Just as the Inner Sphere mech downgraded it's systems from the original King Crab's high-end equipment, the Clan mech has done so as well. This has been one thing the two sides have agreed upon - such equipment is a waste in a mech such as the King Crab.
Deployment: This massive mech currently exists in smallish numbers - only Clans Ghost Bear, Coyote, and Diamond Shark are known to possess the King Crab IIC. There is rumor that a group within Clan Fire Mandrill has one, though there has not been much evidence to support this.
Designer's notes: Same, pretty much. It's weird that the Clans never did make a Crab of any flavor.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Level Era
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 2820+ (Early Succession Wars -)
Advanced -
Standard 3040+ (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance -)
Tech Rating: F/X-F-D-D
Weight: 65 tons
BV: 2,505
Cost: 15,554,110 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 5/8
Engine: 325 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 12 [24]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 104 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 211/211 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 27
Center Torso (rear) 15
Right Torso 15 20
Right Torso (rear) 10
Left Torso 15 20
Left Torso (rear) 10
Right Arm 10 20
Left Arm 10 20
Right Leg 15 30
Left Leg 15 30
Weapons Loc Heat
----------------------------------------
LRM 20 LT 6
LRM 20 RT 6
Streak SRM 4 LA 3
Streak SRM 4 RA 3
Small Pulse Laser RT 2
Small Pulse Laser LT 2
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4
Medium Pulse Laser RA 4
Anti-Missile System CT 1
Ammo Loc Shots
---------------------------------------------
LRM 20 Ammo RT 6
LRM 20 Ammo LT 6
LRM 20 Ammo RT 6
LRM 20 Ammo LT 6
Streak SRM 4 Ammo RA 25
Streak SRM 4 Ammo LA 25
Anti-Missile System Ammo [Clan] CT 24
Equipment Loc
---------------------
Artemis IV FCS RT
Artemis IV FCS LT
Quirks
------
Bad Reputation (Clan)```Overview: Historically, one would think that the Bombardier wouldn't fit well into the Clan's ways of combat. After all, it was designed as a fire support unit that delivered specialized munitions to the field, then retreated when it's very limited ammo bays were empty. However, ingenuity and a few developments in weapons have given this mech a new lease on life within the Clans as a fast, powerful missile-mech. That the Bombadier IIC has managed to evolve from an overly specalized fire support unit, into a capable and very deadly main line unit is quite impressive, as well as frightening.
Deployment: The Bombadier IIC is one of the most popular IIC mechs, and appears in most all of the Clan toumans. Members of Clan Jade Falcon have taken a particular liking to it, though there doesn't seem to be any particular reason.```Designer's notes: Same as before. The Bombadier actually is really strong as a Clan mech - the lack of minimum range on cLRMs makes it really brutal and the low ammunition doesn't hurt it nearly as badly in Clan combat styles.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 2820-3039 (Early Succession Wars to Late Succession Wars - Renaissance)
Advanced 3040-3044 (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance)
Standard 3045+ (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance -)
Tech Rating: F/X-F-D-D
Weight: 40 tons
BV: 1,218
Cost: 3,733,147 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 5/8
Engine: 200 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 67 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 115/137 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 15
Center Torso (rear) 7
Right Torso 10 14
Right Torso (rear) 5
Left Torso 10 14
Left Torso (rear) 5
Right Arm 6 10
Left Arm 6 10
Right Leg 10 13
Left Leg 10 13
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------------
LB 5-X AC LA 1
Streak SRM 4 RT 3
LRM 10 LT 4
Medium Pulse Laser CT 4
Ammo Loc Shots
------------------------------------------------
LB 5-X Cluster Ammo LT 20
LB 5-X AC Ammo LT 20
LRM 10 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo LT 12
Streak SRM 4 Ammo RT 25
Equipment Loc
---------------------
Artemis IV FCS LT
Quirks
------
Improved Communications```
Capabilities: The first and most obvious change that was made was to remove the jittery and fickle autocannon. While it's high rate of fire dished out a lot of damage, the problems with vibration were deemed too detrimental. Instead, a newer clustergun of the same bore size was installed, removing the problems, though at a reduction of damage capability. To make up for this loss in power, a long range missile launcher was installed. Also a known problem was the positioning of the laser and missile launcher, which had created problems of the feed mechanism jamming. To correct this problem, the laser (now using pulse technology) was shifted a meter and a half to the side, to under the engine itself. This change completely removed the feed difficulties. The reduction in speed was made both to allow for the added firepower, and as part of the mech's role. As it's main mission is sentry work, speed was deemed less important.
Deployment: The Sentinel IIC appears in small numbers throughout all the Clans.```Designer's notes: God damn it I accidentally created the Shadow Hawk.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Level Era
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 2825+ (Early Succession Wars -)
Advanced -
Standard 3040+ (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance -)
Tech Rating: F/X-F-D-D
Weight: 30 tons
BV: 1,589
Cost: 5,544,240 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 9/14
Engine: 270 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 12 [24]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 51 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 76/105 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 10 12
Center Torso (rear) 3
Right Torso 7 9
Right Torso (rear) 2
Left Torso 7 9
Left Torso (rear) 2
Right Arm 5 6
Left Arm 5 6
Right Leg 7 9
Left Leg 7 9
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------------
ER Large Laser (Q) CT 12
ER Large Laser (Q) CT 12
Equipment Loc
----------------
ECM Suite HD
Quirks
------
Rugged (1 Point)
Improved Communications
Weapon Quirks
-------------
ER Large Laser (CT): Directional Torso Mounted Weapon
ER Large Laser (CT): Directional Torso Mounted Weapon```Overview: In the years following the Exodus, the designs of many of the mechs changed, evolving into totally new designs. Others simply found themselves moved to other niches as their old missions were usurped. One such mech, the Hussar, found itself pushed out of the reconnaissance role by the Firemoth and Kit Fox. As such, it evolved to concentrate on it's other major mission profile - harassment. Much like the Naga, the Hussar IIC became a mech that was needed in war, but didn't lend itself to the Clan's idea of honorable combat. Historically, the mech's only two advantages have been sniper accuracy at long distance and it's ability to turn and outrun any serious opposition. More than a few Hussar IICs died when their pilot attempted to stand and duel a superior mech. As such, the Hussar IIC has become regulated to garrison units and solahma clusters.
Deployment: The Hussar IIC is nearly as common among the Clans as it's predecessor was among the Star League, appearing in all the Clan toumans. It seems to be quite popular with Clan Blood Spirit and Clan Ice Hellion, however. The Spirits like it for it's traditional roots, while the Hellions just like the speed.```Designer's notes: Not quite as fragile as the IS version, but still quite fragile. 9/14 with twin cERLLs makes for very silly levels of sniping.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
------------------------------------------
Experimental 2735+ (Star League -)
Advanced -
Standard 3062+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 70 tons
BV: 1,656
Cost: 7,117,673 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6
Engine: 280 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 13 [26]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 107 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 208/217 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 22 32
Center Torso (rear) 11
Right Torso 15 24
Right Torso (rear) 6
Left Torso 15 24
Left Torso (rear) 6
Right Arm 11 21
Left Arm 11 21
Right Leg 15 27
Left Leg 15 27
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
ER PPC RA 15
Medium Laser LA 3
Medium Laser LA 3
Medium Laser LA 3
Medium Laser LA 3
LB 10-X AC LT 2
SRM 6 LT 4
Ammo Loc Shots
----------------------------------
LB 10-X AC Ammo LT 10
LB 10-X Cluster Ammo LT 10
SRM 6 Ammo LT 15
Equipment Loc
----------------
CASE LT ```Overview: The Lei Kung gets it's name from the looks - it's a beefed-up Thunderbolt. From the arm-mounted cannon to the big shoulder cylinder, the mech's looks are incredibly similar to the ancient TDR. A few differences exist, however. The shoulder now mounts a shotgun cannon instead of a missile launcher, with a Warhammer-ish missile pack embedded into the chest directly below the cylinder. The battery of lasers are actually inside the left hand, so when they fire, it creates the illusion of lightening leaping from the mech's fingers. Of course, because of this, the hand itself is almost totally nonoperational, but such is the cost of a spectacular effect. The physical similarities to the Thunderbolt are quite purposeful. Hellespont Industries wanted a familiar look and feel to the mech, to help with their sales. And they need it - the Lei Kung was built to compete with Earthwerks' CTF-3L design, a long-time staple of the Capellan Confederation. For obvious reasons, Earthwerks didn't like it when word of this reached them. Hellspont, a bit of an upstart with their recent Men Shen design propelling them, was a threat to the 'old boy' Earthwerks. The powerful company managed to use it's financial weight to close the lines of supply to Hellespont. Both Ceres Metals and Bithinian Ballistics refused to sell Hellespont the weapons needed for the Lei Kung, trying to protect their investments in the Cataphract. However, Hellespont instead went outside of the Confederation, to Irian Battlemechs Unlimited, of the FWL, to get their equipment. Irian, which has competed with Earthwerks in the past, gleefully arranged sales of the needed equipment to Hellespont. In response, Earthwerks of Calloway IV 'ran out' of the Maximillian 100 armor used in Irian's TMP-3M design. This may signal future hostilities between the two companies.
Deployment: One test lance of Lei Kungs have come off the assembly line and been purchased by the Capellan Confederation, but have yet to be deployed. Further production is being halted, until more orders come in.```Designer's notes: Not a ton to say, other than that in my youth I apparently thought a copy of AD&D's Deities & Demigods was a good reference for Chinese mythology.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 3055+ (Clan Invasion -)
Advanced -
Standard 3059+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 40 tons
BV: 1,082
Cost: 3,614,333 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 4/6/4
Engine: 160 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 67 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 136/137 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 16
Center Torso (rear) 7
Right Torso 10 14
Right Torso (rear) 6
Left Torso 10 14
Left Torso (rear) 6
Right Arm 6 12
Left Arm 6 12
Right Leg 10 20
Left Leg 10 20
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
Medium Laser RA 3
Medium Laser HD 3
Medium Laser LA 3
Streak SRM 6 LT 4
Streak SRM 6 RT 4
Ammo Loc Shots
-------------------------------
Streak SRM 6 Ammo LT 15
Streak SRM 6 Ammo RT 15
Equipment Loc
----------------------------
CASE RT
CASE LT
Active Probe (Beagle) CT
Quirks
------
Weak Legs
Rugged (1 Point)```Overview: Achernar, well known within the Federated Commonwealth for their cheap, durable, effective products, recently opened a small new production line. This new line follows the lead of their past designs, and is a redesign an old battlefield favorite - the Whitworth. While the Whitworth was redesigned in 3050, utilizing Artemis guidance for it's long range missile launchers, the original version, with it's short range missiles, was never updated from it's early Star League design. Achernar, sensing a potential goldmine, took one of the surviving WTH-1S units and tore it to pieces, studying it. Finally, in 3059, they began retooling part of their Wasp line to assemble the venerable, versatile mech.
Deployment: The WTH-2S has been very well received already. Cheap and effective, mercenary units have been scrambling to get a hold of them. FedCom has also acquired a good number for their own usage, and this new Whitworth is a highly requested item, thanks to the respected reputation of the original.```Designer's notes: I've always had a soft spot for the Whitworth since my MUX days, where it was the first mech I piloted. And it always stuck in my craw that while there was a newtech upgrade for the -1, the -1S didn't have one. (This was eventually corrected in TRO:3050U, eight years after I wrote this originally.) Really, this one's a favorite still because 3xML/2xSSRM6 on a max armor jumper with a BAP makes for a damn nasty urban fighter - particularly for the very low price.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 3034-3054 (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance to Clan Invasion)
Advanced 3055-3064 (Clan Invasion to Civil War)
Standard 3065+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 35 tons
BV: 1,118
Cost: 6,937,875 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 7/11/7
Engine: 245 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 58 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 80/119 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 11 11
Center Torso (rear) 4
Right Torso 8 9
Right Torso (rear) 3
Left Torso 8 9
Left Torso (rear) 3
Right Arm 6 7
Left Arm 6 7
Right Leg 8 9
Left Leg 8 9
Weapons Loc Heat
----------------------------------------
Medium Laser LA 3
Medium Laser RA 3
Medium Laser RA 3
Medium Laser LA 3
Medium Pulse Laser CT 4
Anti-Missile System RT 1
TAG RT 0
Ammo Loc Shots
-------------------------------------------
Anti-Missile System Ammo [IS] RT 12
Equipment Loc
----------------------------
C3 Computer (Slave) HD
Active Probe (Beagle) LT
ECM Suite (Guardian) RT
Quirks
------
No/Minimal Arms```Overview: Electronic warfare obviously has a significant place on the battlefield in modern times. Two of the most famous EW mechs are the Liao Raven (the first mech to carry it's own advanced ECM suite) and the Kuritan Ostscout (aka 'The Weaponless Wonder'). While the Liao have always been pleased with their electronics master, the Kuritan unit has lacked. Thus, using the Raven as a template, the Dracs created a new, hopefully more capable EW mech. A large XL engine was used to provide both the speed desired and the space for the needed equipment. The torsos were crammed full of complex electronics, ECM units, sensors, and a new C3 computer. The impressive array of wires needed to be defended, though. That lesson had been learned with the OTT-7K. At the heart of the mech sat a fancy pulse laser, but it also mounted the more reliable and longer ranged standard medium lasers, two to each 'arm'. The Kuritan Raven has already seen action, appearing during the incident at Kiesen, and aquitting itself well. This small mech is rising upwards towards becoming the standard for electronics warfare mechs in modern times.
Deployment: The RVN-3K is being distributed, often replacing the aging OTT-7K in the field.```Designer's notes: Oh my god why did I make the armor this light. Also, this would have been a far more interesting mech if I'd made it a few years later after there were more pices of EW equipment.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 2645+ (Star League -)
Advanced -
Standard 3055+ (Clan Invasion -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-D-D
Weight: 65 tons
BV: 895
Cost: 2,100,863 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 3/5 (Tracked)
Engine: 195 ICE
Internal: 35
Armor: 160 (Standard)
Internal Armor
---------------------------
Front 7 50
Right 7 26
Left 7 26
Rear 7 18
Turret 7 40
Weapons Loc Heat
---------------------------------
LB 10-X AC FR 2
Machine Gun TU 0
Machine Gun TU 0
Machine Gun TU 0
Machine Gun TU 0
Streak SRM 2 TU 2
Streak SRM 2 TU 2
Streak SRM 2 TU 2
Streak SRM 2 TU 2
Ammo Loc Shots
-------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC Ammo BD 10
LB 10-X Cluster Ammo BD 10
Machine Gun Ammo [Full] BD 200
Streak SRM 2 Ammo BD 50
Equipment Loc
----------------------------
Active Probe (Beagle) BD
CASE BD
Mine Sweeper FR
Quirks
------
Trailer Hitch
Searchlight```Overview: The LaPerez is somewhat of a unique unit on the field of battle - it's a high-tech vulture, a tank designed to rumble along behind the fight and finish off the crippled and the immobile left in the battle's wake. This rather unique concept was named for one of Kerensky's officers, one Herman LaPerez. Rumored to have been an illegitimate cousin of the Cameron line, LaPerez was said to have gone insane when Amaris slaughtered the Star League's ruling family. Throughout the campaign to retake Terra, LaPerez was vicious, effective, and totally without mercy. After combats, he would personally sweep the battlefield, finishing off not only the Usurper's forces, but making sure to kill each and every pilot, crewmember and infantryman that had stood against his troops. LaParez, in fact, was killed doing this, when a near-crippled Wasp raised itself up on one arm and detonated the ammunition of the vengeful officer's Shadow Hawk.
Deployment: The LaPerez is present throughout the FedCom RCT structure, often being attached in pairs as a 'utility' tank. A handful have been purchased on a trial basis by other states - it's unique function has made it an unpopular item on the mercenary markets, however.```Designer's notes: I didn't mess with conventional armor much at the time of this, but this one seems to have gotten my inspiration. The idea of a rear echelon tank designed purely to finish off crippled mechs/tanks trapped behind shifting battle lines ain't too bad for a niche, though.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (Clan)
Level Era
Experimental 2820-3039 (Early Succession Wars to Late Succession Wars - Renaissance)
Advanced 3040-3048 (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance)
Standard 3049+ (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance -)
Tech Rating: F/X-F-E-D
Weight: 50 tons
BV: 1,787
Cost: 6,032,000 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 5/8(10)
Engine: 250 Fusion
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 83 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 169/169 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 16 26
Center Torso (rear) 6
Right Torso 12 19
Right Torso (rear) 5
Left Torso 12 19
Left Torso (rear) 5
Right Arm 8 16
Left Arm 8 16
Right Leg 12 24
Left Leg 12 24
Weapons Loc Heat
------------------------------------
ER Medium Laser RA 5
ER Medium Laser LA 5
Narc CT 0
SRM 6 LT 4
SRM 6 RT 4
SRM 6 RT 4
SRM 6 LT 4
SRM 6 RT 4
SRM 6 LT 4
Ammo Loc Shots
--------------------------------------------
Narc Pods RT 6
Narc Pods LT 6
SRM 6 (Clan) Narc-capable Ammo RT 15
SRM 6 (Clan) Narc-capable Ammo LT 15
Equipment Loc
----------------
MASC RL
Quirks
------
Rugged (1 Point)```Overview: Classified as a 'shock' mech, the Kintaro has always been somewhat simplistic in it's tactics - charge in close, attach a NARC beacon onto the opposing unit, and overload it with missiles. It wasn't designed for long-term campaigns or extended fighting, but to rapidly maul one or two opposing units, then fall back for reload and repair. The Kintaro IIC has stressed this even further, doubling the number of short range missile launchers it carries. This almost kamikaze style of fighting has appeal to Clan warriors, and the Kintaro's nearly suicidal tendencies has made it a favorite, especially in pilots seeking rapid gains in their renown. It has the brute force to defeat even some assaults, and the speed to fall back from the battle after it's payload is expended. Clan Ice Hellion pilots are well known, however, to take great pleasure in defeating Kintaros, especially by hunting them down after they run out of ammunition. Despite the advances of Clan technology, the infamous strange problems with the arm-mounted launchers of the Kintaro have avoided all attempts. Not even the greatest of the Clan scientist caste have been able to decipher the mysterious problems with the SRM and lack of such with the nearly identical LRM. A rumor overheard suggested that this, indeed, was the reason for changing to the current setup of all torso-mounted SRMs - the scientists made the move to avoid having to say they didn't know why the problems existed.
Deployment: The Kintaro IIC only exists in small numbers. This is largely due to that it tends to die explosively. The only significant concentration of Kintaro IICs is within Clan Diamond Shark, who, for some reason, have a deep liking of the short-lived, short-ranged mech. Some disdainers have been overheard saying that the Sharks like the Kintaro because it works like they do - if it doesn't end the battle immediately, it is quickly overwhelmed by superior pilots and mechs.```Designer's notes: Last of the revised IIC builds I did. I'm not sure what my logic was to give the NARC 12 rounds of ammo but the SRMs only 5 each.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Experimental 3044-3060 (Late Succession Wars - Renaissance to Clan Invasion)
Advanced 3061-3064 (Clan Invasion to Civil War)
Standard 3065+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 85 tons
BV: 1,750
Cost: 17,705,425 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 3/5
Engine: 255 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 130
Armor: 215/263 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 27 33
Center Torso (rear) 9
Right Torso 18 25
Right Torso (rear) 7
Left Torso 18 25
Left Torso (rear) 7
Right Arm 14 23
Left Arm 14 23
Right Leg 18 27
Left Leg 18 27
Weapons Loc Heat
--------------------------------------
LRM 15 LT 5
LRM 15 RT 5
Light Gauss Rifle RA 1
Light Gauss Rifle LA 1
Medium Laser LA 3
Medium Laser RA 3
Medium Laser RA 3
Medium Laser LA 3 ```-----------------------------------------
Light Gauss Rifle Ammo RA 16
Light Gauss Rifle Ammo LA 16
LRM 15 Artemis-capable Ammo RT 8
LRM 15 Artemis-capable Ammo RT 8
LRM 15 Artemis-capable Ammo LT 8
LRM 15 Artemis-capable Ammo LT 8
Equipment Loc
--------------------------
C3 Computer (Slave) HD
CASE RT
CASE LT
Artemis IV FCS RT
Artemis IV FCS LT ```Overview: In this modern age of warfare, the C3 network has become one of the premier weapons among the Houses. One of the centerpieces of the Draconis Combine's new army, it has the potential to revolutionize warfare as the universe knows it. While the Free Worlds League has not yet made plans to institute C3 networks in it's own forces, League manufacturers know a trend when they see it. The Longshot was designed by Irian B.U. in early 3061 as a long-range fire support platform specifically made to work in a C3 network. Based off the Stalker chassis, it is slow, large, and weak up close. However, it carries very heavy firepower for ranged fighting. While under normal times it would have to move up to relatively short ranges to deliver it's payload effectively, the use of C3 spotting units allows it to fire it's arsenal with near pinpoint accuracy at ranges nearly up to a full kilometer. While fast, agile spotter units duck and weave at point blank, the Longshot is able to utilize it's link to devastate opponents with minimal threat to itself.
Deployment: The Draconis Combine has expressed tentative interest in the design, though political complications will most likely prevent exportation. The Marik command structure has also been looking at the Longshot - even without the C3 consideration, it is quite a capable fire support unit.```Designer's notes: Not a lot beyond the obvious - the plan was to create a mech that could hang out at extreme range as part of a C3 network and lay down firepower. I'm sure everybody's tried one or five of these.
south ledge
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level Era
--------------------------------------------
Experimental 3052+ (Clan Invasion -)
Advanced -
Standard 3062+ (Civil War -)
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D
Weight: 55 tons
BV: 1,871
Cost: 10,231,137 C-bills
Source: (Unknown)
Movement: 5/8/5
Engine: 275 XL
Double Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Cockpit: Standard Cockpit
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 91 (Endo Steel)
Armor: 184/185 (Standard)
Internal Armor
----------------------------------------
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 26
Center Torso (rear) 9
Right Torso 13 19
Right Torso (rear) 7
Left Torso 13 19
Left Torso (rear) 7
Right Arm 9 18
Left Arm 9 18
Right Leg 13 26
Left Leg 13 26
Weapons Loc Heat
------------------------------------
Gauss Rifle LA 1
ER Medium Laser RT 5
ER Medium Laser LT 5
ER Medium Laser CT 5
Ammo Loc Shots
-----------------------------------
Gauss Rifle Ammo [IS] LA 8
Gauss Rifle Ammo [IS] LA 8
Equipment Loc
----------------
Hatchet RA ```Overview: The Lancer began as a Marik redesign of the Huron Warrior. While the powerful Gauss weapon and the speed were deemed effective, the mech lacked a certain force to it, especially close-in. The Lancer was a rebuild by Earthwerks, intended to be able to work as a medium harasser and as a light mech hunter. Deeming the Huron Warrior's speed adequate for the purpose, and the Gauss Rifle key to the design, it was tweaked and fiddled with in several configurations. Most used batteries of lasers and missiles to provide punch, but one concept differed radically from the others. This one mounted three lasers for fighting, but counterbalanced the gauss gun with a large axe. Such a deviation from the other plans grabbed the attention of Earthwerks executives, and soon the prototype Lancer was under construction. The initial design encountered skepticism, especially since the axe has traditionally been more of a Davion weapon. However, this strong fighting ability both at range and in close has won a few hearts among pilots, particularly among the more flamboyant mercenaries. Sales jumped dramatically when rumor came out that some of the Knights of the Inner Sphere had looked over the design and purchased one for their own use.
Deployment: The Lancer has begun deployment in Free Worlds League forces, serving alongside more classical mechs like the Wolverine.```