View RPoL: 12th Star Guards: Technical Readouts and Handbooks - TRO-12th Star Guards (3133 Update) by TRO (group 0)

TRO

GM, 449 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 02:33

msg #1

TRO-12th Star Guards (3133 Update)

INTRODUCTION

General,

With the recent leak of our older reports on Aegis Equipment, I thought it best to compile and accurate and more informative version for your eyes only. Don't worry, I didn't take too much of my free time to do so, but a recent and fresh perspective on our inventory seemed like a worthwhile project. I feel it is especially important, with both the Treaty expiring this year, and the current uncertainly in the political arena at this time. You never know when we might even be forced to face common equipment.

I know what you're thinking, that Aegis has been very careful to insure it only sells to allies, but recent Intelligence reports seem to indicate old and valued friends may soon be moving to enemy waters, check the black folder on the right hand side of your desk, and that isn't even counting the rift between Kariban and Bell Dynamic. I know what side you are on that Sir, but Bell Dynamic has started to shift a lot more of its production to Solaris, ostensibly for a higher profit due to the Treaty restrictions I know, but that also means that their less than exclusive client list will now have greater access to the more advanced products the Aegis Conglomerate produces. With all the backstabbing and double dealing that is sure to be going on in the next few years, you need to keep your eye on this.

I will be sure to keep you abreast of any new developments we have coming in over the next few years, you know what projects I'm talking about, but it won't hurt to keep it all in a easily accessed file for your convenience. Good reading Sir, and I hope I didn't make things too dry for you.

-Captain Hunter Yashida
March 27th, 3133

OOC Disclaimer: While much of the following art has been both painted and often created in photoshop, it is done by using the designs found often by other fans, random artists, and from the official art created for the Battletech franchise. I in no way wish to take credit for their imagination, and while I might have 'bashed' designs together myself, none of it would have been possible without their work.

TRO

GM, 450 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 02:46

msg #2

BATTLE ARMOR: Kestrel Mk III

The Kestrel Battle Armor did not have an easy birth. Initially the design, much like its sister the Mongoose, was developed out of modifications made to the Nighthawk LP/A that the 12th Star Guards had discovered. Initially only having twelve of the rare technology, when the Guards discovered more on the planet of Erewhon that were missing any sort of jumping capability, they got to work modifying common infantry jump packs to replace such a vital part of the Nighthawk's mobility. In the process the technical crew for the Shadow Cats began developing an enhanced Jump Jet system.

The brainchild of Jerred Briggs and Orion Durrant, the Kestrel was designed around the role that the Infantry Squad Delta, nicknamed 'Kestrel Squad', had taken up as expert urban combatants. The first set of suits had a series of problems, but even as technical difficulties were fixed in the field, the suits still had little armor compared to the other Star Guard armors. Kestrels rarely were used in extensive combat, instead becoming city guardians and expert ambushers.

Just before the Jihad began, the Kestrel Mk II was released, adding a heat sensor and modular weapon mount, allowing it to become a headhunting unit in its city environments. The addition of versatility in weapon load out, thanks to the modular mount, meant that the various Kestrel squads could begin branching out and showing how solid of a design it was, though the lack of armor was always a sore point in the design.

In 3093, the Kariban Motor Company made a breakthrough in their armor research that had been going on for over 20 years. Using the various technical data and examples taken from Clan Smoke Jaguar 50 years before, Kariban had finally developed the light weight armor the Clans used in their own Battle Armor designs. This allowed the Kestrel Mk III to now actually carry as much armor than their previous bane, the Elemental Battle Armor. When one includes the AP Gauss Rifle and the Bearhunter Autocannon, both weapons Aegis has managed to obtain through clandestine means, the Kestrel now has a much wider range of operations then before.

Deployment: While it has not seen any combat within the Guards, the Mk III has performed well along the Capellan front and in the buffer state between the Draconis Combine and Federated Suns.

Picture: A member of the elite Delta Squad 'The Kestrels' on patrol in Custos.

Notable Units

Sergeant Major Aeneas Karrde: Aeneas Karrde was a controversial figure in the history of the Guards, with his sudden transfer in 3049 to the discovery of his resistance cell on Wotan, being the source of a variety of conspiracy theories and hack documentaries since his death in 3118. While his original Delta Squad was killed in action during the taking of the Nemesis, Karrde forged a squad from the resistance cell of Star Guard infantry that had survived the initial battles on Wotan, and was greeted back to the Shadow Cats with the arrival of the Kestrel Mk I.
Karrde and his 'Kestrel' squad was famous for pushing the boundaries of the machines, and they became famous for shutting down and even co-opting city defenses during the annihilation of Smoke Jaguar. Karrde later went on to found the Guards' civil police force Everwatch, and even reenlisted with his Delta Squad during the Jihad, where they were well known for hunting down Manei Domini with extreme prejudice.

Classic BattleTech Battle Armor Technical Readout
VALIDATED

Type/Model: Kestrel Mk III
Tech/Era: Mixed Tech / 3067 / CBT Rules
Chassis Type: Humanoid
Weight Class: Medium Battle Armor (751 - 1,000 kg)
Rules: Level 3, Standard design

Ground Speed: 10.8 km/h
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor Type: Standard

------------------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Kestrel
Equipment: Slots Mass
Chassis Type: Medium Class Humanoid 0 175
Motive System: Ground Movement (1 MP) (Clan) 0 0
Jump Jets (3 MP) 0 150
Jump Booster (Body, +1 Jump MP) 2 125
Armor Type: 10 Points Standard 0 250

Manipulators:
Left Arm: Battle Claw 0 15
Right Arm: None 0 0

Weapons and Equipment Loc Shots Slots Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------
Modular Weapon Mount RA 1 10
AP Gauss Rifle(C)* Body 40 2 200
Magnetic Clamps(IS) Body 2 30
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount LA 1 5
(Anti-Personnel Weapon Space) LA 0 0
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount LA 1 5
(Anti-Personnel Weapon Space) LA 0 0
Heat Sensor Body 1 25
------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 8 990
Slots & Mass Left: 1 10

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:55, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 451 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 02:47

msg #3

BATTLE ARMOR: Mongoose Mk. III

The Mongoose was the first, and some claim greatest, design of Tech Chief Orion Durrant. A certifiable genius, Durrant developed the base of the Mongoose in 3048 with only few years of studying the Nighthawk LP/A and limited resources. Easily the equal of anything else the Inner Sphere produced, and only after they had reversed engineered the Clan Elemental BA years later. The Mongoose was so good for the time period that it secured several engagements against the Clan Elementals they faced, even though it was heavily outgunned by its counterpart. In 3053 Orion developed the Mk II, the first upgrade to a Star Guard BA system it was met with a great deal of anticipation, and it didn't fail to disappoint.

While lacking the missile systems most Armor were designed with at the time, the Mongoose was the first Inner Sphere or Clan Battle Armor to be able to ride any sort of Battlemech into combat with its Magnetic Clamp system, developed again by Durrant along with a then Sergeant Virginia Sainze. Its upgrade from a Support PPC to a small laser pushed its combat capabilities to come closer to the standard of the Elemental, but it was the Mk II's Mechanical Jump Booster that made it so revolutionary, as now the Mongoose would move faster along the ground than any other humanoid Battle Armor while still keeping a leaping distance of 30 meters.

While they later sold rights to the technology for a large profit, the booster made Kariban a major player in Battle Armor design. While Mk II wasn't his final work, it certainly was considered one of his most refined. In 3116, his son Connor Durrant continued the refinement using the advancements Kariban and the Star Guards had developed, exchanging the old Small Laser for a Nidavellir ER Small Laser, along with the new Blackguard II stealth armor, making the Mongoose hit harder from a farther distance while being practically invisible to sensors. With an AP weapon mount to round out its armament, the Mongoose remains an excellent Battle Armor and is considered the troop standard for the 12th Star Guards.

Deployment: While the Guards have yet to use the Mongoose in conflict themselves, its use in the Federated Suns next to the Cavalier and Infiltrator II along the Capellan borders and the ever active buffer zone with the Draconis Combine has been nothing short of stellar.

Picture: A member of the elite Alpha Squad of the 4th Regiment

Notable Units

Colonel Virginia Sainze: Probably the most famous Mongoose Operator in the Guards, Colonel Sainze helped pioneer battle armor tactics and operations as a member of the elite Alpha 'Mongoose' Squad. While she was effective in the Mk I, it was in the Mk II where she won the most acclaim, fighting in the annihilation of Clan Smoke Jaguar, the FedComm Civil War, and later early stages of the Jihad before the duties of Command had her more behind the lines than in the front of them. While the Grey Death Legion might have popularized the use of shaped charges against Battlemechs, it was Sainze and her Alphas that adapted it to Battle Armor, and continued to advocate it over bogging the suit down with a more permanent SRM arrangement.

Captain Arran: A Jade Falcon Elemental, Captain Arran was captured by the Second's 10th Company in 3050 during their daring raid on the Fredasa Warship that came to be known as the Nemesis. Caught out of his armor, Arran still managed to incapacitate a Nighthawk clad trooper before being captured himself. Later a member of the Shadow Hawk Company, and a founder of the 5th Regiment, Arran is possibly best known for his use of the Elemental Battle Armor over the Mongoose. However in 3058, with supplies and parts for the Elementals running low before the great push against the Smoke Jaguars, Arran ordered his troops to convert to specially sized sets of the Mongoose Mk II. Since then, the Athemas of the 5th Regiment always choose to use the Mongoose over any other Guard Armor.

Type/Model: Mongoose Mk III
Tech/Era: Mixed Tech / 3132 / CBT Rules
Chassis Type: Humanoid
Weight Class: Medium Battle Armor (751 - 1,000 kg)
Rules: Level 3, Standard design

Ground Speed: 42.4 km/h
Jump Capacity: 30 Meters
Armor Type: Improved Stealth

------------------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Mongoose Mk III
Equipment: Slots Mass
Chassis Type: Medium Class Humanoid 0 175
Motive System: Ground Movement (4 MP) 0 80
Jump Movement (1 MP)
Armor Type: 10 Points Improved Stealth 5 350

Manipulators:
Left Arm: Vibro Battle Claw 0 50
Right Arm: Armored Glove 0 0

Weapons and Equipment Loc Shots Slots Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Laser(C) Body 2 250
Magnetic Clamps(IS) Body 2 30
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount RA 1 5
(Anti-Personnel Weapon Space) RA 0 0
Mechanical Jump Booster Body 0 50
------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 10 990
Slots & Mass Left: 0 0

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:52, Sun 13 Aug 2017.

TRO

GM, 452 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 02:49

msg #4

BATTLE ARMOR: Coywolf Heavy Trooper

History

Kariban Motors started out as a leader in the Battle Armor industry, having a full design developed before even the Clan Invasion, and has continued to update and perfect those original designs. However in the past eighty years of development, Battle Armor has gone far beyond what it once was, and with far more specialist designs over the common trooper suit. It was with this in mind that Kariban began to develop a new round of models that would push their engineering to the edge, but with the proposed discontinuation of the current Wolverine Mk. III design and its upgrade into an Assault class set of armor, there was now a gap in Kariban's production line.

First designed in 3127 the Coywolf was one of many proposed designs, but it was thanks to a partnership with Clan Wolf in Exile and Arc-Royal MechWorks that it managed to win development funds. Arc-Royal MechWorks had long had a working relationship with Kariban Motors, having a decades standing license for the Nighthawk Mk. XXX, that reflects the relationship between the Kell Hounds and the 12th Star Guards. Using the company as a intermediary between the Aegis Partner and the exiled Clan, engineers from both sides aided each other in developing two different suits. For the Wolves it was the Cuchulainn Support Armor, which is still in Trials but expected to be in production in 3134, while for Kariban it was the Coywolf Heavy Trooper.

Named for a mixed breed of Wolves and Coyotes from the North American continent on Terra, the Coywolf follows in the same designation pattern of smaller predators who hunt larger or more dangerous ones. This was a deliberate decision, as the Coywolf was created not only be a Heavy Trooper suit, but also to be a consummate hunter of any other machine on a battlefield. To produce such a possibility, but understanding the limits of a heavy frame, a radical new system was developed to allow the changing of the Coywolf's armament, without the use of a modular weapons mount. While it is not as versatile, and is a far too lengthy process to enable quick swapping of weapons like a modular mount would, it allows the Coywolf to fill a variety of roles while also providing its heavy protection and stealth capabilities.

Capabilities

In its most common deployment, the Coywolf uses a cutting edge Battle Armor LB-X Autocannon as its primary weaponry. This weapon will allow a squad of Battle Armor to inflict as much cumulative damage as a BattleMech sized LB 20-X Autocannon. This makes it not only a savage weapon against common infantry, but also one of the best anti-vehicle weapons available to Battle Armor. While perhaps not the best in a role of 'Mech hunters, Coywolfs squads have proven to be highly effective at disabling already damaged 'Mechs in a perfectly salvagable condition. This ability has seen them often used in ambush tactics after forcing an enemy force to retreat, or by circling around the enemy lines. While it also carries a Heavy Battle Claw for the rare time it is forced into close quarters combat, it also has an AP Weapon Mount on the underside of its left arm, a position that has been called into question due to the inefficiency in aiming any weapon from it. What none object to is the addition of the Firedrake Needler to the same arm that makes it highly effective in battling conventional infantry.

Defensively the Coywolf uses the same Blackguard Stealth Armor the Mongoose Mk. III platform does, but with the maximum protection it can achieve on a Heavy Frame. This, along with its almost token Jump Jet, allows it to have both mobility and a protective screen of electronic interference that makes it much harder to hit. Often Squads will take advantage of this by choosing their battlegrounds as carefully as possible, and Coywolf Troopers are known to be experts at using the terrain against their opponents. Kariban also added a version of its powerful Nightsister communications suite to give the suit the flexibility and ability to break through most interference when in the rougher terrain.

With Magnetic Clamps to allow for a multitude of transport options the Coywolf can be carried by quick 'Mechs and vehicles to be dropped into position, or dropped in by VTOL to be sent ahead to scout rough terrain.

Deployment

Currently all production runs of the Coywolf have been reserved for the 12th Star Guards, who with all Aegis products have a two year exclusive clause that can be activated, but already orders have been placed by the Federated Suns for half of the production in 3133. Additionally, Kariban has pre-gifted two platoons worth of Coywolf suits to the Kell Hounds.

Among the Guards, Coywolf Troopers are mostly chosen from its ranks of Mongoose users due to some similarities in their systems, but recently ten sets of Armor were set aside for Nemis Combat Academy, allowing for Coywolf Troopers to be trained from the very start of their careers.

Variants: A Arm, B Arm, C Arm, D Arm, E Arm

With its ability to change configurations, albeit at a much slower rate than its contemporaries with Modular Weapon Mounts, the Coywolf has had several 'arms' developed to allow it to fulfill the role and weapon needs of its unit, though this has to be decided and installed ahead of time due to the three to six hours it requires. While these are not true Variants, they are also not true modular configurations, but the engineers have unimaginatively labeled them with A, B, C, D, and E Arms.

A Arm is the most prolifically used set up of the Coywolf next to its primary configuration. Replacing the LB-X Autocannon with the Clan-spec ER Small Laser as its main weapon, the Coywolf becomes a very credible threat to any enemy on the field, though still confined to relatively short ranges. Squads of A Arm Coywolves are often matched with a squad of the primary, with the As meant to strip armor for the primary's LB-Xs.

The B Arm is primarily meant to be a hunter of other Battle Armor. With a Plasma Rifle taking its place on the right arm, this is a weapon of both terror and efficiency. While it can be used against both enemy armor and 'Mechs, its range is stunted, leaving the Coywolf far too exposed to make that its primary focus.

The C Arm is the only configuration that uses a missile system, the SRM-6, and thus becomes the only primary Kariban design that does use a missile system. Possibly the most powerful configuration in terms of firepower, the C are most often used as preset ambushers, and with its arm mounting allowing it to still jump, they are surprisingly maneuverable.

The D Arm is meant to be even more of an urban and rough wilderness fighter than the primary configuration, with a heavy mortar that allows a variety of ammunition types to be used. It is primarily centered on defeating enemy infantry during assault that lead into the urban, or even partisan domains. While not terribly effective against armored opponents, but due to the nature of the weapon, it is possible to fire upon enemies without them able to respond in kind, depending on the terrain and position of course.

Finally the E is a greater departure. With a Medium Laser equipped in a Detachable Weapons Pack, the Coywolf has an effective long range weapon that provides synergy with its Stealth Armor, though certainly at the cost of its mobility. Mostly brought into battle by friendly 'Mech units, the E often carries an additional infantry weapon strapped to its armor for when its Medium Laser has run out of power. At that point it ejects the weapon and takes up the infantry weapon and its restored mobility in order to shift targets, and fight more conventional forces.

Image Shown: A Coywolf Trooper from the 5th Regiment on exercises.

Type/Model: Coywolf Heavy Trooper
Tech/Era: Mixed Tech/Dark Ages
Chassis Type: Humanoid
Weight Class: Heavy Battle Armor (1,001 - 1,500 kg)
Production Year: 3130

Ground Speed: 21.6 km/h
Jump Capacity: 30 meters
Armor Type: Improved Stealth

Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Nightsister 4-BSS
Targeting and Tracking System: Knight X5

------------------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Coywolf Heavy Trooper
Equipment: Slots Mass
Chassis Type: Heavy Class Humanoid                  0 300
Motive System: Ground Movement (2 MP) (Clan)         0 80
Jump Jets (1 MP)                0 125
Armor Type:    14 Points Improved Stealth            5 490

Manipulators:
  Left Arm:    Heavy Battle Claw                     0 20
  Right Arm:   None                                  0 0

Weapons and Equipment Loc Shots Slots Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------
BA LB-X AC                      RA        20     2 400
Magnetic Clamps BD - 2 30
Firedrake Needler LA 30 1 50
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount          LA              1 5
(Anti-Personnel Weapon Space)       LA               0 0
------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                       11 1,500
Slots & Mass Left:                                    1 0

Notes: Features the Following Design Quirks: Improved Communications, Modular Weapon

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:28, Fri 09 Mar 2018.

TRO

GM, 454 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 02:53

msg #5

BATTLE ARMOR: Wolverine Mk. III

One of the last projects Orion Durrant worked on, the Wolverine was the result not of his initial work with the Nighthawks and Mongooses, but actually was an attempt to improve the Sloth. The Result was the Wolverine, a heavy quad BA design that was intended to be tough, hit hard, and move at a reasonable speed. The Original Wolverine did just that, as there were at least four variants added over the years in order have the armor fill various roles that were needed from it. It was in 3070 that the Mk II debuted with its modular turret system, allowing it to be far more adaptive to the needs of the Guards.

It was a difficult time for the Mk II however, with Kariban's Bristol plant destroyed; most Mk II's were converted from the original Mk I. Meanwhile Kariban techs worked day and night to get hand built armors out to the troops who needed them in the middle of the Jihad. Still the Wolverines were well worth it, with their massed firepower dangerous even to a Battlemech. While the meat grinder that the Jihad turned into could have been the extinction of the Wolverine, the quad design managed to pull through, and when the first limited lines on Alci started up, the Mk II was one of the first to get shipped out to the lines.

In 3114, the Mk II was developed quickly with the recent breakthrough in light weight armor for the various systems. Really, the Mk III is little more than a simple upgrade of the armor, though there remain rumors of experimental Wolverines that have included Myomer boosters.

Deployment: While the Mongoose and Kestrel have often been sold outside of the Guards, the Wolverine is a design that is almost exclusively deployed in the Star Guards. While like all Battle Armor the 4th Regiment has a good number, the Wolverine is actually the prefered Armor of the 2nd and 7th Regiment.

Picture Shown: A member of Squad Beta, still a part of the Shadow Cats, destroys several tanks to hold a pass.

Noted Units

Sergeant Major Hillary Durnham: Sergeant Durnham, or as he was more often called Sergeant Roll, was the leader of the elite Beta Squad. While he died in the early years of the Jihad, his use of the Wolverine is still considered inspired. Squad Beta, or the Wolverines, were the most comfortable in the shift from the Nighthawk and Mongoose systems into the Quad style that is so different.

Classic BattleTech Battle Armor Technical Readout
VALIDATED

Type/Model: Wolverine Mk III
Tech/Era: Mixed Tech / 3100 / CBT Rules
Chassis Type: Quad
Weight Class: Heavy Battle Armor (1,001 - 1,500 kg)
Rules: Level 3, Standard design

Ground Speed: 43.2 km/h
Armor Type: Standard

------------------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Wolverine Mk III
Equipment: Slots Mass
Chassis Type: Heavy Class Quad 0 300
Motive System: Ground Movement (4 MP) 0 160
Armor Type: 13 Points Standard 0 325

Manipulators:
Left Arm: None 0 0
Right Arm: None 0 0

Weapons and Equipment Loc Shots Slots Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------
Modular Turret Mount (8 slots) Body 9 110
Man-Portable Plasma Rifle(IS)*2 ---- (20*2) (4) 600
Heavy Machine Gun (C)*4 ---- (50*4) (4) 600
AP Gauss Rifle (C)*3 ---- (20*3) (6) 600
LRM 4 (C)*2 ---- (4*2) (8) 546
Medium Laser (IS) ---- (30) (3) 500
Advanced SRM 4 (C) ---- (4*2) (8) 540

------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 9 1,500
Slots & Mass Left: 0 0

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:59, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 455 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 02:57

msg #6

BATTLE ARMOR: Jaguar Mk. II

The last, and possibly greatest, of Orion Durrant's creations, the Jaguar was designed and built just before his death in 3056. Durrant was probably the greatest Battle Armor designer in history, and this Assault suit is certainly proof of that, as it was the first assault design by either the Clans or the Inner Sphere, and its armament was so heavy that it was nearly twenty years before another comparable design was manufactured. Heavily inspired and based on the Clan's Elemental armor, Durrant became obsessed with making the most powerful armor he could conceive of exclusively for the Guards. It is generally believed that his constant work on the design was the cause of the stress induced heart attack that took his life.

The original Jaguar was equipped with two Small Lasers and an SRM launcher similar to the Elemental, and heavily armored with salvaged Clan armor, making it rare and only used in specific roles. Still, it more than proved its worth through the Great Refusal, the FedComm Civil War, and even the Jihad. It took the position best as either directly assaulting and urban center, or defending one, something it proved most viciously against the Manei Domini. In the early 32nd Century Bryan Durrant, Orion's Son and CEO of Kariban Motors, began a major overhaul of all the Battle Armor designs, determined to bring the level of their abilities to equal those of the Clans.

The Mk II is part of the effort, with a massive change of its original armament. Now Sporting a Medium laser and two AP Gauss Rifles, the Jaguar remains not just a threat to Battlemechs, but to any vehicle or BA opponent though at a cost of some of its original speed. While it could have been armored more heavily, instead they decided to go with their most advanced Stealth Armor, making it even more suited to urban combat and fortified defense.

Picture Shown: A member of the Snow Leopard Squad on exercises in District 1.

Variants: While there are still some of the original suits in service to the Guards, they mostly serve as ceremonial Guards for the Guardian's Heart Fortress.

Noted Units

Captain Armand: One of the Elemental Bondsmen gained after the Great Refusal, Armand was known to be initially leery of piloting the Jaguar instead of an Elemental, but at the time the giant suited almost required Elementals to use it. By the beginning of the Jihad though, he and his squad were famed for their actions while in Jaguars. It was in fact Armand's squad, the Snow Leopards, who took the central control node of Thorin's partial SDS. Thought it cost Captain Armand his life, his legacy continued on in House Artio, and many Elementals from the 5th Regiment believe it is the greatest of honors to be assigned a Jaguar.

Classic BattleTech Battle Armor Technical Readout
VALIDATED

Type/Model: Jaguar Mk II
Tech/Era: Mixed Tech / 3067 / CBT Rules
Chassis Type: Humanoid
Weight Class: Assault Battle Armor (1,501 - 2,000 kg)
Rules: Level 3, Standard design

Ground Speed: 21.6 km/h
Armor Type: Blackguard III (Improved Stealth)

------------------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Jaguar
Equipment: Slots Mass
Chassis Type: Assault Class Humanoid 0 550
Motive System: Ground Movement (2 MP) 0 160
Armor Type: 12 Points Basic Stealth 0 360

Manipulators:
Left Arm: Heavy Battle Claw 0 20
Right Arm: None 0 0

Weapons and Equipment Loc Shots Slots Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser(IS) RA 30 3 500
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount LA 1 5
(Anti-Personnel Weapon Space) LA 0 0
AP Gauss Rifle(C)* Body 40 2 200
AP Gauss Rifle(C)* Body 40 2 200
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount LA 1 5
(Anti-Personnel Weapon Space) LA 0 0
------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 11 2,000
Slots & Mass Left: 3 0

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:18, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 456 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 02:58

msg #7

COMBAT VEHICLES: Cherokee Scout Hovertank

When the 4th Regiment was formed, it took several years for it to truly find its feet as far as tactics went. The heavier use of Battle Armor meant that it had to be complimented with fast and active Battlemechs, able to help their smaller cousins get in and out of a fight. As they grew, the use of artillery became a favorite, with many squads equipping one member with a Light TAG that would call down the fire from the skies. During the Jihad though, the Regiment noticed that it became a difficult process, having to first insert the squads with either a Battlemech strike or APC's that were targets in the sky.

When the factories began producing machinery on Alci, Colonel Sainze requested that they develop a cheap and quick scout that could double in spotting duty, freeing up her resources in battle as well as giving them the edge such a scout could bring. Basing it on several other similar designs found among the Clan salvage they had, within three months they were able to produce a prototype, and soon enough were producing limited numbers of the new hovercraft. In a departure from Kariban's usual use of wheeled vehicles, the Cherokee was the first hovercraft they had developed, and the first version has several design faults because of this.

However, by the second run of the vehicle the Cherokee's issues had been solved, and now it has become a strong presence in all of the Regiments. Equipped with a pair of medium lasers as protection, along with an SRM-2 loaded with Inferno missiles to discourage enemy Battle Armor, the Cherokee can use its TAG to guide in artillery fire, while moving in and out of lines with a quick speed. The addition of its active probe only bolsters its abilities as a Scout.

Image Shown: A Cherokee on exercises near the jungles of District 5.

Cherokee Scout Hovertank

Mass: 25 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Motive Type: Hovercraft
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-F-A
Production Year: 3132
Cost: 1,668,750 C-Bills
Battle Value: 616

Power Plant: Kariban Standard 120 FE
Cruise Speed: 108.0 km/h
Flanking Speed: 162.0 km/h
Armor: Omega IV Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 ER Medium Lasers
1 SRM-4
1 TAG
1 Bloodhound Active Probe
Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Magni 432
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware Advanced 2J

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 15 points 2.50
Engine: Fusion Engine 120 6.00
Cruise MP: 10
Flank MP: 15
Heat Sinks: (IS) Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 1.50
Lift Equipment: 2.50
Turret: 0.50
Armor: Heavy Ferro-Fibrous AV - 79 4.00

Armor
Factor
Front 20
Left/Right 15/15
Turret 16
Rear 13

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAG T 0 1 1.00
2 (CL) ER Medium Lasers T 10 2 2.00
(CL) SRM-4 T 3 1 1.00
Bloodhound Active Probe BD 0 1 2.00
@SRM-4 (Inferno) (25) BD - 0 1.00
@SRM-4 (25) BD - 0 1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 9
10h 2 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: TAG, BH, RCN, TUR(2/2/0)

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:58, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 457 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 02:59

msg #8

COMBAT VEHICLES: Sikorsky OmniCoptor

The Sikorsky is the product of years of research by Kariban, but it only came into actual being in 3085. From the very first example they were given, Aegis began work on understanding every piece of the Clan Omnimech. While this would later prove to be the basis of the Nidavellir crafted weapons that give the Guards such an edge, it also had the side benefit of teaching all three Aegis Partners how to create the modular pods for their various products. For Kariban it began with the S-Series hovertanks, but as their previous JXD VTOL had lost most of its efficiency as an APC, they began to implement it in other directions.

Originally the Sikorsky was meant to only be an APC, but after continued lobbying by the 2nd Regiment's Colonel for a larger variety of vehicles, the Guards approached Kariban on expanding its catalog. This proved unfeasible due to the restrictions they had at the time, only able to produce on Alci, but the perfect compromise came when one enterprising engineer offered to turn the new APC into an Omnivehicle. The changes would allow each variant to carry what was needed for a variety of roles, while the base vehicle itself was both tough and fast enough to provide the flexibility needed.

While in its Prime Configuration, it uses a single ER PPC to provide firepower, it also has a standard APC variant, a missile carrier and long range fire configuration, and a Battle Armor stealth insertion configuration. While the final configuration has slowly been phased out since the introduction of the Darkhawk, the Sikorsky has remained the common APC for all of the Regiments, with it commonly returning to be configured back into an attack version quickly after dropping off its troops.

Recently, a new configuration has been implemented, called SAR. A pared down MASH operating theater was installed into an omnipod that provides a level of life saving equipment that would ordinarily be reserved for an established field hospital. Its purpose however remains moving the severely injured or stranded personnel back from the front lines. It includes a pair of AMS systems for defense from both the front and rear, while a set of AP Gauss Rifles provide cover for its SAR teams, along with an LRM 5 that can also load smoke rounds to provide visual cover. A four ton infantry compartment provides room for both the less injured that are picked up, and the LP/A equipped combat medtechs who run these missions. It is know that the majority of Sikorskys configured this way are currently in the 1st Regiment, as the vehicle's primary duty as APC is being overtaken by the newer Hamerkop.

Image Shown: A Sikorsky in Prime Configuration on patrol

Sikorsky OmniCopter

Mass: 30 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Motive Type: VTOL OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3085
Cost: 2,725,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 312

Power Plant: Kariban 100 100 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 86.4 km/h
Flanking Speed: 129.6 km/h
Armor: Juggernaut II Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
15.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Magni 264
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware 0J2

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 15 points 3.00
Engine: XL Engine 100 2.50
Cruise MP: 8
Flank MP: 12
Heat Sinks: (IS) Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 1.50
Lift Equipment: 3.00
Armor: Heavy Ferro-Fibrous AV - 99 5.00

Armor
Factor
Front 30
Left/Right 24/24
Rear 19
Rotor 2

Notes: Features the Following Design Quirks: VTOL Rotor Arrangement.
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime Cost: 5,425,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,390

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: (IS) Single Heat Sink 15 5.00

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) ER PPC FR 15 1 6.00
Angel ECM BD 0 1 2.00
(CL) Targeting Computer BD - 1 2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 14
8v 2 2 2 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: OMNI, AECM, ENE

================================================================================
Loadout Name: A Cost: 3,525,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 845

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 (CL) Medium Pulse Lasers FR 8 2 4.00
2 (CL) Anti-Missile Systems FR 2 2 1.00
Infantry Compartment (8.0 tons) BD 0 1 8.00
@Anti-Missile System (48) BD - 0 2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 8
8v 2 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, ENE

================================================================================
Loadout Name: B Cost: 4,500,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,623

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 (CL) LRM-15s FR 10 2 7.00
Artemis IV FCS FR - 0 2.00
2 (CL) ER Medium Lasers FR 10 2 2.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (32) BD - 0 4.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 16
8v 4 4 3 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: OMNI, IF 2

================================================================================
Loadout Name: C Cost: 6,350,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 908

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 (CL) LRM-10s FR 8 2 5.00
Infantry Compartment (4.0 tons) BD 0 1 4.00
Angel ECM BD 0 1 2.00
Bloodhound Active Probe BD 0 1 2.00
@LRM-10 (24) BD - 0 2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 9
8v 2 2 2 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: OMNI, AECM, BH, RCN, LRM 1/1/1, IF 1

================================================================================
Loadout Name: SAR Cost: 3,437,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 618

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) LRM-5 FR 2 1 1.00
2 (CL) AP Gauss Rifles FR 2 2 1.00
(CL) Anti-Missile System FR 1 1 0.50
(R) (CL) Anti-Missile System RR 1 1 0.50
MASH (3.5 tons) BD 0 1 3.50
Infantry Compartment (4.5 tons) BD 0 1 4.50
@AP Gauss Rifle (40) BD - 0 1.00
@LRM-5 (Smoke) (24) BD - 0 1.00
@Anti-Missile System (24) BD - 0 1.00
@LRM-5 (24) BD - 0 1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 6
8v 1 1 1 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:11, Wed 17 Apr 2019.

TRO

GM, 458 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:01

msg #9

COMBAT VEHICLES: Darkhawk Stealth VTOL

While the Guards have developed the Sikorsky, an Omni-VTOL that can be configured to act as an APC, there are certain missions and certain situations where it simply won't do the job. Instead, the developers at Kariban looked to the past of the Shadow Cats and the experimental Blackhawk vehicle. While the Blackhawk was destroyed in 3050 on Steelton, its blueprints were still available, but the missing component remained the stealth armor. While the Capellan Confederation developed a stealth armor in 3067, Kariban scientists had already created an advanced, yet cost prohibitive, design in 3063 that never made it out of its prototype stage. Thanks to the examples of the Capellan design, Kariban was able to make a breakthrough in both vehicle and BattleMech stealth armor, putting working models out with both just before the Jihad.

Taking advantage of this technology, Kariban strove to create a highly specialized design that would be ideal for Battle Armor special operations. The Darkhawk is meant to quietly slip behind enemy lines and deploy special operation suits. Armed with only two Shuriken 430 AP Gauss Rifles mounted to its front, it is not meant to fight unless it is absolutely required. Recently, Kariban has been replacing the older electronics developed by Aegis with its own designs, and with the Nightsister 3RS in particular is known for its ability to cut through enemy ECM or unfavorable conditions, has made this an anticipated move by those who field the design. In addition, the use of Kariban's proprietary Chies Watchdog C.E.W.S. system for the stealth powering ECM has replaced the previous Clan-Spec Jaguar suites.

The Darkhawk is not heavily distributed, the Federated Suns have purchased the bulk of production, though the line on Alci keeps Haddings' forces well equipped. Used by elite battle armor units it is rare to see more than two per battalion outside of the 4th Regiment.

Variants: There are currently no manufactured variants of the Darkhawk, though some older models still sport Heavy Machine Guns in place of the current AP Gauss Rifles.

Image Shown: Two Darkhawks at rest in the Guardian's Heart Fortress.

Darkhawk (BA Carrier)

Mass: 30 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Motive Type: VTOL
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3132
Cost: 6,337,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 587

Power Plant: KM 160 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 108.0 km/h
Flanking Speed: 162.0 km/h
Armor: Blackguard Vehicle Stealth Armor
Armament:
2 Shuriken 430 (CL) AP Gauss Rifles
1 Cheis Watchdog CEWS
1 Unknown CASE
1 Infantry Bay (8.0 tons)
Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
Primary Factory: Bristol, Alci
Communications System: Nightsister 3RS w/ ECM
Targeting and Tracking System: Diane Sharpshooter

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 15 points 3.00
Engine: XL Engine 160 4.50
Cruise MP: 10
Flank MP: 15
Heat Sinks: (IS) Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 1.50
Lift Equipment: 3.00
Armor: Vehicle Stealth Armor AV - 96 6.00

Armor
Factor
Front 27
Left/Right 23/23
Rear 21
Rotor 2

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 (CL) AP Gauss Rifles FR 2 2 1.00
Watchdog CEWS BD 0 1 1.50
CASE BD - 1 0.50
Infantry Bay (8.0 tons) BD 0 1 8.00
@AP Gauss Rifle (40) BD - 0 1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 6
10v 1 1 0 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: ECM, STL, WAT, CASE

This vehicle is subject to the following Design Quirks: Dual VTOL Rotor Arrangement, Improved Communications
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:48, Thu 23 July 2020.

TRO

GM, 459 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:02

msg #10

COMBAT VEHICLES: S-Series Hovertank

The last vehicle designed by Angus Macleod, the S-Series was born in the midst of the Jihad out of salvage. Being cut off from their usual suppliers and without the Bristol or Solaris plant, the Guards and their 12 Star Alliance began using what they had at hand to rearm their machines, but some things just weren't useful. One of those things were hovercraft drives and skirts. Seeing things were unlikely to improve on the supply front, Macleod began to collect the various hovercraft parts and slapping them together into a workable Hovertank to help bring the number of tools the Guards had access too.

While the S-Series performance was lackluster during the Jihad, something that could be excused due to its patchwork construction, those who piloted it seemed to fall in love with the machine. Until this point, the Guards had avoided Hover vehicles as a rule, but with the large support of the S-Series pilots they requested that a production version of the tank be developed. Closely working with Kariban's team, Macleod redesigned the S-Series to become an Omnivehicle, due to the needed flexibility the Guards requested and the various variants the first version had due to it using whatever was left over.

Still a favorite, the S-Series is most popular among the 7th Regiment, though it does boast decent representation in the Second and the Fourth. Further, it is actually very popular among the Lyran Commonwealth, a strange thing when one considers their reputation towards heavier vehicles and Battlemechs. The Kell Hounds and Clan Wolf in Exile both also seem to find favor in the design, and in 3098 Kariban licensed out the design to both groups for their own production in exchange for extensive aid in fusion engine development.

Image Shown: A 5th Regiment S-Series on maneuvers near Olympus.

S-Series Hovertank

Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Motive Type: Hovercraft OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 9,914,583 C-Bills
Battle Value: 481

Power Plant: Kariban 265 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 108.0 km/h
Flanking Speed: 162.0 km/h
Armor: Juggernaut II Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
17.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Kariban
Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Magni 342
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware XJ7

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 25 points 5.00
Engine: XL Engine 265 10.50
Cruise MP: 10
Flank MP: 15
Heat Sinks: (IS) Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 2.50
Lift Equipment: 5.00
Turret: 1.50
Armor: Heavy Ferro-Fibrous AV - 168 8.50

Armor
Factor
Front 41
Left/Right 33/33
Turret 34
Rear 27

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASE BD - 0 0.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 5
10h 0 0 0 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, TUR()

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Cizin (Prime) Cost: 10,870,833
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,851

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: (IS) Single Heat Sink 20 10.00

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 (CL) ER Medium Lasers T 20 4 4.00
2 (CL) SRM-2s T 4 2 1.00
CASE BD - 0 0.00
(CL) Targeting Computer BD - 1 1.00
@SRM-2 (50) BD - 0 1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 19
10h 4 4 0 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(4/4/0)

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Saladin (A) Cost: 11,202,083
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,805

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Ultra AC/20 T 7 1 12.00
2 (CL) ER Small Lasers T 4 2 1.00
CASE BD - 0 0.00
@Ultra AC/20 (20) BD - 0 4.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 18
10h 4 4 0 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(4/4/0)

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Pegasus (B) Cost: 14,145,833
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,758

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) ER Medium Laser T 5 1 1.00
TAG T 0 1 1.00
2 (CL) LRM-5s T 4 2 2.00
2 (CL) Streak SRM-6s T 8 2 6.00
CASE BD - 0 0.00
Angel ECM BD 0 1 2.00
Bloodhound Active Probe BD 0 1 2.00
@LRM-5 (24) BD - 0 1.00
@Streak SRM-6 (30) BD - 0 2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 18
10h 4 4 1 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, TAG, CASE, AECM, BH, RCN, TUR(4/4/1), IF 1

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Regulator (C) Cost: 10,770,833
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,610

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Gauss Rifle T 1 1 12.00
CASE BD - 0 0.00
(CL) Targeting Computer BD - 1 3.00
@Gauss Rifle (16) BD - 0 2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 16
10h 2 2 2 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(2/2/2)

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Maxim (D) Cost: 11,820,833
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,001

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 (CL) SRM-6s T 8 2 3.00
2 (CL) AP Gauss Rifles T 2 2 1.00
2 (CL) Laser Anti-Missile Systems T 10 2 2.00
CASE BD - 0 0.00
Infantry Bay (8.0 tons) BD 0 1 8.00
@SRM-6 (15) BD - 0 1.00
@SRM-6 (Smoke) (15) BD - 0 1.00
@AP Gauss Rifle (40) BD - 0 1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 10
10h 3 3 0 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, CASE, TUR(3/3/0, SRM 2/2/0), SRM 2/2/0

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:02, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 460 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:03

msg #11

COMBAT VEHICLES: Hamerkop VTOL

History

If there was ever a craft that exemplified the phrase, "Jack of all Trades," it is the Sikorsky Omnicopter. Long used as the primary VTOL carrier for the 12th Star Guards' Battle Armor, continuous exercises since it was first produced in 3085 have shown that while it can perform in multiple roles, it cannot claim to be excellent at any one of them. While even its harshest critics have not denied that it will continue to have value and serve in the roles it has for over four decades, Kariban realized that the need for a more dedicated Battle Armor carrier was needed.

Initially attempting to work with Clan Sea Fox to license their Cardinal Transport, after nearly a year of negotiation, Kariban would turn to patterning their own design off of the performance of the Fox vehicle. It would take several years to perfect the super-heavy design of what would become known at the Hamerkop, and there were several complete redesigns of its integrated Jet Booster and dual engine configuration, but in 3129 the first prototype began its trials.

Still, the design was expensive, and while Kariban had done much to defray many of the costs, considering the XXL engine had already been developed for other projects, the ferro-fibrous armor that was initially used proved that such an expensive machine was still as fragile as an ordinary helicopter. Once again Kariban turned to Clan Sea Fox for inspiration, and after acquiring a sample of the Clan's Ferro-Lamellor armor and a tremendous development cost, Kariban Scientists were able to replicate its effect with the use of the living steel material. A boon to a dozen other projects in the works, though it made a difficult trading partner in Clan Sea Fox.

With this final addition to the Hamerkop, it passed its remaining trials with flying colors, a rugged and fast transport that included Omni technology, allowing it to carry various different formations and Battle Armor. While it will never pass as an assault craft, it definitely is a master of its trade.

Capabilities

With a pod space of 20 tons the Hamerkop is already an impressive Battle Armor carrier, with its primary configuration able to carry two squads of Battle Armor. With a Large Pulse Laser as its main weapon, the VTOL has a decent punch if it is forced to engage more combat able units, while its pair of LRM-5 systems are often used to deliver smoke rounds to a landing site and provide cover for its occupants as they disembark. A pair of AP Gauss Rifles are used to clear out enemy infantry at any LZ, while its VTOL Jet Booster can push its speed up to 167 kph to allow for quick insertions and escapes, only adding to the protection the ferro-lamellor gives.

Deployment

With manufacturing numbers still relatively low, the Hamerkop has slowly filtered into the 12th Star guards. While numbers promise to pick up, it will be some time before it has managed to replace or even equal the number of Sikorskys. Favorite tactics in the 4th Regiment already involve using all three configurations in the same flight group to carry a mix of Battle Armor, and to provide for different roles in securing a landing zone.

Configurations

Like the Primary Configuration, both of the current alternatives focus primarily on delivering Battle Armor and Infantry. The B Configuration uses a total of six Micro-Pulse Lasers to provide some cover fire at a landing zone, along with a Laser AMS to protect it from missile fire. Sixteen tons are used to open up more bay space, allowing for the configuration to carry an entire platoon of Medium Battle Armor, or two squads of Assault frames.

Configuration B opts to make lift capabilities of the Hamerkop twelve tons, using most of its remaining weight for an MML-5 to provide both long range strikes to clear a landing zone, while using inferno loads to clear out enemy infantry and Battle Armor.

Image Shown: A Hamerkop flying above District 5's rain forest.

Hamerkop VTOL

Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Motive Type: VTOL OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3132

Power Plant: KM 215 Fusion XXL Engine
Cruise Speed: 86.4 km/h
Flanking Speed: 129.6 km/h (168.7 km/h)
Armor: WhiteGuard Ferro-Lamellor
Armament:
20.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Magni 264
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware OJ2

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 50 points 10.00
Engine: XXL Fusion Engine 215 5.00
Cruise MP: 8
Flank MP: 12 (16)
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 2.50
Lift Equipment: 5.00
Armor: Ferro-Lamellor AV - 98 7.00

Armor
Factor
Front 31
Left/Right 22/22
Rear 21
Rotor 2

Notes: Features the following Design Quirks: VTOL Rotor Arrangement (Dual).

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Standard Equipment
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VTOL Jet Booster BD - 1 .50

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Primary Configuration
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Rules Level: Experimental Tech

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VTOL Jet Booster BD - 1 .50
Infantry Compartment (8.0 Tons) BD - 1 8.00
Large Pulse Laser (C) FR 10 1 6.00
LRM-5 (C) FR 2 1 1.00
LRM-5 (C) FR 2 1 1.00
AP Gauss Rifle LS - 1 .50
AP Gauss Rifle RS - 1 .50
@ LRM-5 (24) BD - 1 2.00
@ AP Gauss Rifle (40) BD - 1 1.00

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Configuration A
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VTOL Jet Booster BD - 1 .50
Infantry Compartment (16.0 tons) BD - 1 16.00
1 Lasers AMS FR 5 1 1.00
3 Micro Pulse Laser (C) FR 3 3 1.50
3 Micro Pulse Laser (C) AFT 3 3 1.50

================================================================================
Loadout Name: B
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VTOL Jet Booster BD - 1 .50
Infantry Compartment (12.0 Tons) BD - 1 12.00
2 MML-5 FR 6 2 6.00
@MML-5 (LRM) (24) BD - 0 1.00
@MML-5 (SRM) (20) BD - 0 1.00

================================================================================

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:48, Mon 25 Mar 2019.

TRO

GM, 461 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:04

msg #12

COMBAT VEHICLES: Ankou Assault Tank

The M-Series of Battle Tanks were developed by the same man who created the S-Series, Angus Macleod. Macleod, a tech among the 2nd Regiment, had a special flair for vehicles and would later approach Kariban with his initial designs. While the company was still young, it saw the profitability in providing militia and mercenary units with easy access to conventional armor and vehicles. In 3067, Macleod saw the first M1's roll off the lines at Bristol, only to have those lines destroyed months later.

Still, the M1 served with distinction, especially in a period where Omni designs were so much more effective, with weapon supplies varying depending entirely on what were captured on raids, or what eked out of Haddings. While he wouldn't live to see the continuation of his work, Macleod gave an excellent base for Kariban's ground vehicle designs, and even now his methods continue to influence just how the company develops their hardware.

Renamed the Ankou, the second generation of the M1 is meant to be a complete monster on the battlefield, its prime configuration containing twin Nidavellir LBX AC/20s that in combination with two Streak SRM-4s and its hardened armor make it one of the most devastating in close vehicles on the battlefield. The other configurations emphasis mostly distance fighting, using a variety of Gauss Rifles and LRM's, it can take up any role needed for heavy conventional vehicles in the Guards. While popular with the 12th Star Guards, Kariban also builds and sells the M2 in the Federated Suns, where it has seen extensive action in the buffer zone between the Suns and the Combine.

Image Shown: Ankou in combat in the buffer zone between the Suns and Combine.

Ankou M1-2OA

Mass: 90 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Motive Type: Tracked OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3111
Cost: 16,363,750 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,022

Power Plant: KM 270 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 32.4 km/h
Flanking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Armor: WhiteGuard Standard Armor
Armament:
41.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
Primary Factory: Alci, Bristol, Hephzibah
Communications System: Magni 238
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware 4D

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 45 points 9.00
Engine: XL Engine 270 11.50
Cruise MP: 3
Flank MP: 5
Heat Sinks: (IS) Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 4.50
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 3.00
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 335 21.00

Armor
Factor
Front 82
Left/Right 66/66
Turret 68
Rear 53

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASE BD - 0 0.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 11 Points: 10
3t 0 0 0 0 4 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, TUR()

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Primary Configuration Cost: 20,049,750
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,893

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 (CL) LB 20-X ACs T 12 2 24.00
2 (CL) SRM-4s T 6 2 2.00
Artemis IV FCS T - 0 2.00
2 (CL) Small Pulse Lasers T 4 2 2.00
CASE BD - 0 0.00
@LB 20-X (Slug) (20) BD - 0 4.00
@SRM-4 (Frag) (25) BD - 0 1.00
@SRM-4 (Inferno) (25) BD - 0 1.00
@SRM-4 (Artemis) (25) BD - 0 1.00
@LB 20-X (Cluster) (20) BD - 0 4.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 11 Points: 19
3t 5 5 0 0 4 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(5/5/0, FLK 2/2/0), FLK 2/2/0

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Configuration A Cost: 19,356,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,625

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 (CL) LB 5-X ACs T 4 4 28.00
CASE BD - 0 0.00
(CL) Targeting Computer BD - 1 6.00
ECM Suite BD 0 1 1.00
@LB 5-X (Cluster) (80) BD - 0 4.00
@LB 5-X (Slug) (40) BD - 0 2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 11 Points: 16
3t 1 2 2 0 4 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, ECM, TUR(1/2/2, FLK 1/1/1), FLK 1/1/1

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Configuration B Cost: 18,821,875
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,965

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IS) Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle FR 2 1 20.00
(CL) Light Machine Gun LS 0 1 0.25
2 (R) (CL) Light Machine Guns RR 0 2 0.50
(CL) Light Machine Gun RS 0 1 0.25
(CL) LRM-20 T 6 1 5.00
(IS) Light Machine Gun T 0 1 0.50
2 (CL) Light Machine Guns T 0 2 0.50
CASE BD - 0 0.00
Light Active Probe BD 0 1 0.50
@iHGR (16) BD - 0 4.00
@LMG (1/2) (100) BD - 0 0.50
@LRM-20 (6) BD - 0 1.00
@LRM-20 (Thunder) (6) BD - 0 1.00
@LRM-20 (Smoke) (6) BD - 0 1.00
@LRM-20 (Frag) (6) BD - 0 1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 11 Points: 20
3t 4 4 4 0 4 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, LPRB, RCN, TUR(2/2/2, LRM 1/1/1, IF 1/1/1),
LRM 1/1/1, IF 1

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Configuration C Cost: 19,142,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,765

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Heavy Machine Gun FR 0 1 0.50
(CL) Heavy Machine Gun LS 0 1 0.50
(R) (CL) Heavy Machine Gun RR 0 1 0.50
(CL) Heavy Machine Gun RS 0 1 0.50
2 (IS) Arrow IV Missiles T 20 2 30.00
(CL) Laser Anti-Missile System T 5 1 1.00
2 (CL) Heavy Machine Guns T 0 2 1.00
CASE BD - 0 0.00
@Arrow IV (Homing) (15) BD - 0 3.00
@Arrow IV (Thunder) (5) BD - 0 1.00
@Arrow IV (Inferno) (5) BD - 0 1.00
@HMG (100) BD - 0 1.00
@Arrow IV (Cluster) (5) BD - 0 1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 11 Points: 18
3t 6 0 0 0 4 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTAIS, AMS, CASE, TUR(5/0/0)

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:05, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 462 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:08

msg #13

BATTLEMECHS: Draugr DRU-FB-1A

History

When the Aegis Partners first formed, one of the boons that allowed their growth was the initial discovery of a Star League Era computer core. To their disappointment, the core contained none of the advanced technology that was just beginning to be implemented among the Successor States, but it did contain the schematics for many obsolete and extinct BattleMech designs. Drawn from all over the Inner Sphere and Periphery it has been theorized that the core was in fact a trap, the designs meant to draw out spies, but only provide useless data. Fortunately for the 12th Star Guards, Aegis found them to be anything but useless. Due to the extinct nature of the BattleMechs, the majority required no licensing or purchased permission to be used, and while they needed to be upgraded to modern standards they would provide a solid lineup of products.

With the first production line finished in 3049, the very first Battlemech to be produced by Bell Dynamic was the Firebee. A design based around maneuverability, a long range punch with its ER Large Laser, and inferno missiles as well as flamers for its short range and anti-infantry work, it was considered an excellent all round recon design. While it had its odd quirks, a result of little to no testing of the design before it was pushed into production, it was actually very popular among the Guards after the Clan Invasion.

While many were upgraded with field refits, even the standard version was an excellent ambush fighter, defeating energy heavy and poorly sinked Clan Mechs thanks to its own heat causing armament. This popularity would carry over to the Federated Commonwealth's forces, with it seeing heavy action through the rest of the Clan Invasion, as well as on both sides of the Federated Commonwealth Civil War. During the post Jihad period of rebuilding, Gregor Tau would announce that the Firebee would not be put back into production, but instead a complete redesign under Felifious Bander would be created to become the flagship recon design. In both the Guards and the other fans of the Firebee, there was a noticeable anticipation for what they would do to improve on the design.

The new design, called the Draugr after the undead of Norse mythology, had an increased the maneuverability with both a greater jump range, and the addition of Triple Strength Myomer. This proved to be a bit of a design nightmare, as chassis and body shape had to be changed to keep the jumping stable, eventually leading to the quasi-wings that would keep it somewhat aerodynamic. With the addition of a full cockpit ejection system, and cutting edge electronics, the Draugr certainly brought about a level of safety to the pilot that the Firebee had not, which was certainly a plus to most of the prospective customers. More questionably was the obvious change from a platform that could act in multiple roles to one only truly suited to recon duties and mid-range combat.

While this would cause interest to drop in the Draugr it was still a solid, if somewhat expensive, design that found its way into many mercenary units, as well as the LCAF. While sales would later take a hit with the release of Clan Wolf in Exile's Jaguar, as well as the Havoc from Adam Tech Industries. Still, Bell Dynamic continues to produce replacement parts and limited runs with many in service among both the Guards, mercenaries, and the LCAF.

Capabilities

With a top speed of 118 kmp/h, and a jump jet range of 210 meters, the Draugr it an incredibly maneuverable machine that many pilots use to dance around enemy formations as it scouts out an area, then quickly moves away. With its use of an advanced Angel ECM, it also acts as a battlefield interdictor, harassing larger units slashing attacks before moving back, all while interfering with communications and targeting systems. The addition of a concealed Laser Anti-Missile System, one of the advanced technologies that made it difficult to maintain, means that it can keep friendly units free from missile flights, and of course its Active Probe allows it to detect hidden units and break through enemy ECM gives the Draugr a vital support roll in any formation. With five ER Medium Lasers built to Clan specifications, the Draugr has a decent amount of firepower for its size, and as a naturally hot running machine it can take advantage of the light, if bulky, Triple Strength Myomer to increase its top speed to 129 kmp/h.

Deployment

Seen among all five regiments of the 12th Star Guards, the Draugr is still often obtained and modified by various mercenary units, and is a pilot favorite among the gladiators of Solaris VII. The clan-spec weaponry and design, along with an increasingly wider supply of KM XL engines, has given the Draugr a small, but loyal customer with the Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey.

Variants: DRU-FB-1C, DRU-FB-2C, DRU-FB-1G

Surprisingly for such a high tech design, the Draugr has proved to be easy to modify without extensive reworking of its internals. Rarely is there a long time Draugr pilot who doesn't have his own variant, but there are a few that have become popular enough that Bell Dynamic has provided limited runs. The 1C variant adds a partial wing system, providing an increase to its maneuverability at the cost of a single medium laser, while removing the rest of the weapon systems in order to install a clan-spec ER Large Laser, allowing the Draugr to attack from afar while being extremely difficult to hit. Like the 1C, the 2C also includes a partial wing, but keeps the four ER Medium Lasers installed.

Believed to be in field testing, the 1G is rumored to use the Void Signature System that was developed by the Word of Blake, but this remains unconfirmed. What is confirmed is that the 1G is currently in field trials, but the lack of an appropriate weapon has kept it from being put into production. Clearly Bell is determined to make the Draugr pay off fully.

Image Shown: A Draugr from the 4th Regiment during a war game exercise in the 'Dead City'.

Notable Units

Captain Kiana Qualls: Founder and leader of the mercenary unit Qualls' Koalas, Captain Qualls has been regarded as one of the best Light 'Mech pilots to have come through the Solaris VII arenas. With a decade long career, having first obtained her Draugr in a card game, Qualls is reported to have never had any formal training. With her piloting one of the four BattleMechs of the Koalas, she has countered claims that she would fail as an actual mercenary with a dozen successful contracts for pirate hunting under her belt. It is reported that she is in talks with several entertainment companies on producing a holovid adaptation of her recent biography.

Draugr DRU-FB-1A

Mass: 35 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3105
Cost: 8,541,810 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,198

Chassis: Dynamic S-Light Endo-Steel
Power Plant: KM 245 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h (86.4 km/h)
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h (129.6 km/h)
Jump Jets: KM Silverfire
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Omega III-Light Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
5 Nidavellir (CL) ER Medium Lasers
1 Lightstar (CL) Laser Anti-Missile System
1 Michael Angel ECM
1 Apollon TAG
1 Puma Active Probe
Manufacturer: Bell Dynamic
Primary Factory: Alci, Solaris VII
Communications System: Magni 216
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware XJ-7

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 58 points 2.00
Internal Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 2 LA, 1 RA
Engine: XL Engine 245 6.00
Walking MP: 7 (8)
Running MP: 11 (12)
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT, 2 LL, 2 RL 3.50
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 11(22) 1.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LA, 1 RA
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
TSM Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 3 RA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 119 6.50
Armor Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 2 LA, 1 RA

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 11 17
Center Torso (rear) 5
L/R Torso 8 12
L/R Torso (rear) 4
L/R Arm 6 12
L/R Leg 8 16

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Laser Anti-Missile System HD 5 1 1.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser CT 5 1 1.00
2 (CL) ER Medium Lasers RT 10 2 2.00
Active Probe RT 0 1 1.00
2 (CL) ER Medium Lasers LT 10 2 2.00
Angel ECM LT 0 2 2.00
TAG LA 0 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 2

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 22
7j 3 3 0 0 1 1 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: TSM, AMS, AECM, TAG, PRB, RCN, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Notes: Features the Following Design Quirks: Reinforced Legs, Distracting.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:05, Tue 03 Oct 2017.

TRO

GM, 463 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:09

msg #14

BATTLEMECHS: Hollander III BZK-D1

History

The original Hollander was designed in an effort to duplicate the performance and role of the Clan's Kit Fox, or Uller, design. It offered light ’Mech pilots firepower far outside their weight class, and the ’Mech was enthusiastically adopted across the Inner Sphere for a time. It was not without its troubles though, as it was limited by ammunition and of course the relatively fragile nature of its weight class, along with the fact that it lacked a secondary weapon for when its big gun had run dry. An attempt to counter that spawned a heavier upgrade, the Hollander II, which the Lyran Commonwealth would eventually use as a test design for the Heavy Gauss Rifle, but the increase in ten tons had unfortunately effected the top speed in a machine where while speed wasn't as important due to its nature as a sniping 'Mech, it still needed to be able to pace the faster and heavier machines of the Clans.

In 3114 General Motors presented a new ’Mech in the light weight class to the AFFS, an updated version of the original Hollander, who were quick to snap it up. Thanks in part to their partnership with Kariban-Victoria, and the limited license to produce the KM XL Engines which had been so useful in other projects, the Hollander III was a surprising success. While its weaponry is on the cutting edge, and in fact take advantage of recent Federated Suns' advances into clan-spec weaponry, the Hollander is actually a fairly basic and easily maintained design.

Because of this, and because its forebears were popular despite their flaws, the 'Mech has since spread to the Lyran Commonwealth and been a popular choice in the mercenary market. It has seen as an especially popular BattleMech among the Lyran-Clan front, taking up the light sniper range with ease. Even the 12th Star Guards, who had been reliant on more homegrown designs, use it throughout their five Regiments.

Capabilities

The Hollander III returns to the successful first model, with a single powerful main gun, in this case a Magna Hellfire Heavy PPC that has been coupled with a capacitor. GM has taken great care to insure that the focusing capacitors have been refitted with much more robust components. This has had the fortunate side effect of making the Heavy PPC highly accurate, which combined with the power it can deliver in a single shot, the Hollander III is capable of enemy kills even against many heavy designs. The addition of three clan-spec ER Small Lasers provide a secondary weapons system that is mostly meant to face off against infantry and Battle Armor. In both speed it exceeds the limitations of its progenitor by adding a supercharger to allow it quick entrances and exits from combat, while it does use the specialized Laser-Reflective armor to give a greater protection against the Clan energy heavy doctrine.

Deployment

Hollander IIIs are common in the Capellan March, especially, and have been seen often in the Periphery Guard regiments of the Periphery March, where their firepower makes them frequent ambushers for pirates coming in from the Periphery.

Variants: BZK-D2, BZK-D3

Interest from the LCAF drove GM to offer the D2 Hollander, which changes out the entire armament for a Gauss rifle. Once export shipments began, GM expanded to the mercenary market with the D3, which uses a larger engine and a different load-out of energy weapons to turn the Hollander III into a credible harasser.

Image Shown: A Hollander III from the Ebon Bandeleros Company of the 5th Regiment.

Notable Units

Captain Colton Haynes: A member of the recently rebuilt 3rd Crucis Lancers, Haynes is one of the few truly experienced officers in the unit. A Veteran of several pirate hunting operations, as well as two tours of duty in the Draconis Reach, Haynes was only recently transferred. Known for his daring, and sometimes reckless, use of his Hollander, he has a reputation of pushing the supercharger to its limits, and not always to his benefit.

Hollander III BZK-D1

Mass: 35 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3114
Cost: 8,339,423 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,675

Chassis: GM BZK-III Endo-Steel
Power Plant: KM 210 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97.2 km/h (129.6 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: StarGuard Laser-Reflective
Armament:
1 Magna Hellfire (IS) Heavy PPC + PPC Capacitor
3 ExoStar Pinnacle (CL) ER Small Lasers
Manufacturer: General Motors
Primary Factory: Kathil
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting and Tracking System: Sync-Tracker (55-42017)

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 58 points 2.00
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 1 LT, 2 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Engine 210 4.50
Walking MP: 6
Running MP: 9 (12)
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 12(24) 2.00
Heat Sink Locations: 3 LT, 1 RT
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Laser-Reflective AV - 119 7.50
Armor Locations: 2 LT, 4 LA, 4 RA

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 11 17
Center Torso (rear) 5
L/R Torso 8 12
L/R Torso (rear) 4
L/R Arm 6 12
L/R Leg 8 16

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) ER Small Laser CT 2 1 0.50
Supercharger CT - 1 0.50
(IS) Heavy PPC + PPC Capacitor RT 20 4 10.00
(IS) Heavy PPC + PPC Capacitor RT 5* 1 1.00
(CL) ER Small Laser RA 2 1 0.50
(CL) ER Small Laser LA 2 1 0.50
Free Critical Slots: 2

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 17
8 3 3 1 0 1 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Notes: Features the following Design Quirks: Accurate Weapon (Heavy PPC), Easy to Maintain.

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:07, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 464 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:10

msg #15

BATTLEMECHS: Talos TLS-4C

The workhorse Medium Battlemech of the 12th Star Guards for over 80 years, the Talos is the one design of Bell Dynamic that was never subject to the radical redesigns that began in 3051. As such, the Talos as become as much a symbol of the Guards as the Regimental Omnimechs that were developed over the past three decades. Like the other BattleMechs of Bell Dynamics original lineup, the Talos' plan was found in a damaged computer core recovered in 3048, a prize that proved to be a saving grace for the 12th Star Guards. With the Talos' alien look and feel making it popular when it was first produced, mostly by those who liked style over substance, there was plenty of substance to the BattleMech that kept that popularity high. With its robust engineering and a simple but effective weapons load out, the Talos spread throughout the Inner Sphere thanks to mercenary, militia, and Periphery State units.

When the 12th Star Guards first began to rebuild after their near destruction during the Clan Invasion, they were limited by both supplies and numbers. While the still nascent Aegis Conglomerate scrambled to increase both the quantity and quality of production, Bell Dynamic was only able to offer a stockpile of standard BattleMechs that had been intended for sale, though luckily they were in great numbers. With the Omnimechs captured throughout 3050, and any other top of the line material being assigned to the best Inner Sphere pilots the Guards had, it was to the Shadow Hawk unit that the majority of these 'Mechs were assigned. Even with their machines being refitted as soon as the kits could arrive, this left the core of what would become the 5th Regiment at a disadvantage, and its warriors slighted. It is possibly due to the resemblance the Talos has to the Timber Wolf (Mad Cat) Omnimech that this slight did not become something deeper, as the Talos was one of the most popular designs among the abtakha. It was so popular in fact, that even as newer and better machines became available, many chose to insist on simply refitting their Talos instead.

Capabilities

The most recent version of the Talos still resembles its first Bell incarnations, with the right arm's PPC being the center of its weaponry, though now it is upgraded to a clan-spec ER model that includes a PPC Capacitor. This modification gives it a much better punch and range while the change to the lighter clan-spec SRM-6 launchers paired with an Artemis IV Fire Control System gives it a flexibility in its ammunition load-outs. With three ER Medium Lasers rounding out its weapons, and a full 9 tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor on its frame, it remains an excellent close ranged fighter and now sports even a little more toughness. Keeping the triple strength myomer muscles from the 3C and previous models means that the heat from its weapons can easily be used for strong melee combat and increased speed, enhancing its capabilities maneuverability in the medium range.

Deployment

With the 4C being a recent model, and foreign markets being restricted to only the Solaris VII lines, it has not managed to proliferate nearly as much as the 3C or older models. Still, it is rare to see a military that does not at least have a few Talos in its forces. Even the Capellan Confederation, which has been blacklisted from all Aegis purchases since 3059, had access to the Talos after their annexation of the St. Ives Compact.

The highest numbers remain in the LCAF, the AFFS, and surprisingly the Republic. The last gaining most of theirs from military units gifted to the nation after the Jihad.

Variants: TLS-3C, TLS-3D

There are two official Variants that remain supported or produced by Bell Dynamic, the 3C and the 3D. The 3C which was developed in 3100 and is the direct forebearer to the 4C, uses the same ER PPC model, but lacks the capacitator. Instead, it pairs two Streak SRM-6 Launchers with the same ER Medium lasers. While this takes away somewhat from its long range punch, the Streak launchers remain more effective in closer ranges than the Artemis controlled system of the 4C. Still incredibly prolific throughout the Inner Sphere, the 3C is a staple of front line Regiments among the Oriente Protectorate, Lyran Commonwealth, and various mercenary units the Kell Hounds and the Wolf's Dragoons.

The 3D is a more radical shift, removing the rather iconic missile racks to save weight for a larger engine, while the Mymoer system has been removed and replaced with a Supercharger and additional jump jets. The 3D continues the reputation for toughness, still using a standard engine, while the inclusion of a more extensive sensor suite has allowed it to take up a scouting as well as a skirmishing role. Currently, the 3D has only been built in limited numbers for the 12th Star Guards, and surprisingly for the AFFS.

Older models do still exist, though most lack the upgraded Clan level technology that modern renditions do. These have proved popular as well among Periphery States and less wealthy mercenary units, and remain a staple income for Bell Dynamic, which continues to produce parts from its Solaris VII plant.

Image Shown: An Aegis Talos, it is one of the more popular designs for its security, mainly due to the high numbers of retired Guards who pilot them.

Notable Units

Captain Vitoria: Incredibly rare, Vitoria was a Jade Falcon Mechwarrior who was firmly in the Warden Camp. This hampered her career with the Falcons, but after her capture and adoption by the Guards, she found her new position freeing and fulfilling. Using a modified Talos she called the 'Fire Fox', upgraded with Clan Salvage and a MASC system, she would break the usual Clan dislike of melee combat with her masterful piloting, though she most often favored using inferno missile loads. A founder of House Griffin, Captain Vitoria would give her life against her former Clan, holding a pass in order to allow her unit to flank a Jade Falcon position in 3064.

Talos TLS-4C

Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3127
Cost: 6,101,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,224

Chassis: Dynamic Medium-III Standard
Power Plant: Nissan 200 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h (54.0 km/h)
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h (86.4 km/h)
Jump Jets: KM Silverfire
Jump Capacity: 90 meters
Armor: Omega III Medium Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Arcas Javelin (CL) ER PPC + PPC Capacitor
3 Nidavellir (CL) ER Medium Lasers
2 Wilcox (CL) SRM-6s w/ Artemis IV FCS
Manufacturer: Bell Dynamic
Primary Factory: Alci, Solaris VII
Communications System: Magni 342
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware XJS

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 83 points 5.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 200 8.50
Walking MP: 4 (5)
Running MP: 6 (8)
Jumping MP: 3 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 LT, 2 RT 1.50
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 13(26) 3.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA
Gyro: Standard 2.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
TSM Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 169 9.00
Armor Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 2 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
CASE II Locations: 1 LT 1.00

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 16 22
Center Torso (rear) 10
L/R Torso 12 16
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 8 16
L/R Leg 12 24

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) SRM-6 RT 4 1 1.50
Artemis IV FCS RT - 1 1.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser RT 5 1 1.00
(CL) SRM-6 LT 4 1 1.50
Artemis IV FCS LT - 1 1.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser LT 5 1 1.00
(CL) ER PPC + PPC Capacitor RA 20 2 6.00
(CL) ER PPC + PPC Capacitor RA 5* 1 1.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser LA 5 1 1.00
@SRM-6 (Artemis) (30) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 8

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 22
4/2j 4 4 1 0 2 2 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: TSM, CASEII, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Notes: Features the Following Design Quirks: Easy to Pilot.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:06, Tue 03 Oct 2017.

TRO

GM, 465 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:11

msg #16

BATTLEMECHS: Wolverine II WVR-2CS

History

By 3117, Kariban-Victoria had made deals and partnerships with other weapon industries across the Inner Sphere, from the Periphery and independent worlds like Kendall to major companies like TharHes and GM. Remaining essentially a refitting company, the Kariban subsidiary would obtain various chassis from their various partners, installing their own engines and weaponry before selling the products to the 12th Star Guards, selective mercenary, and Inner Sphere units. Always known for the scientific acumen of its engineers, being one of the major developers of clan-spec equipment, the years of refitting gave them the experience to develop a BattleMech from the ground up.

Using the venerable Woverine design as a base, the Wolverine II was a born in a process of precautions. Knowing that the design could open the door to the subsidiary to becoming a full BattleMech manufacturer themselves, they took their time to make sure everything was done right the first time. This included obtaining a manufacturing facility for endo-steel that now orbits Bristol, while also building a small manufacturing center on Haddings itself. Initial trials took over two years, while field testing took another two, and there were multiple issues in determining a main weapon.

However, when it was deemed ready for sale, all initial runs were sold a year in advance, and to date it has has nothing but praise from its pilots. While there is some questioning in its lack of serious offensive power, the Wolverine II has been toted as a fast support design that works within almost any Force configuration. With their first BattleMech a success, there is some question to whether Kariban will develop a second original design, or if they will continue primarily as a BattleMech refit company.

Capabilities

Built almost entirely with clan-spec technology, the Wolverine II is designed to be the ultimate in support to a Lance. With an Active Probe, ECM, and TAG unit, it can provide almost any electronic role needed on a battlefield, and with its rugged KM 275 XL engine and Supercharger, it can provide at electronic assistance quickly.

Defensively it is also well designed, with nine and a half tons of ferro-fiberous armor, a Lightstar Laser Anti-Missile system, and CASE II for its ammunition bins. This allows it to survive surprisingly heavy fire, while its Anti-Missile system massively reduces the risk of missile volleys. Offensively however is where the Wolverine II has had criticism. While the paired Medium Pulse Lasers and Artemis controlled SRM-6 give it effective close combat capabilities, its main weapon is a Mydron Rotary AC/2. While its long range abilities, and variable damage are advantages, compared to high damage and lower risk weapons, it can be viewed as lacking. With two tons of ammunition, there are some questions to its battlefield stamina, though there has yet to be complaints from its pilots.

Deployment

While it has been a popular addition to the 12th Star Guards forces, the Wolverine II has also sold to various House and mercenary units around the Inner Sphere. The Eridani Light Horse used a Lance of the machines to deadly effect in 3127 during a raid on Graceland by the Jade Falcons. Against a lance of the totem Gyrfalcons, the Light Horse had to put their supercharged 'Mechs against the Falcon's MASC enhanced designs, only to find that the myomer enhancements failed first. Using the mountainous terrain against them, the Light Horse would use fast slashing attacks against the partially crippled Gyrfalcons, chewing away at their armor before finally taking the Lance down with only one casualty.

Variants: WVR-2CA, WVR-2CE

The 2CA is a field refit, and limited variant produced by Kariban, that trades out the Rotary AC/2 for a clan-spec ER PPC, and four additional double heat sinks to compensate for the much higher heat curve.

The 2CE is being used as a test bed for the 12th Star Guards' Laser Rotary Cannon, using an additional 2 double heat sinks to also compensate for the higher heat curve.

Image Shown: A Wolverine II from the Fourth Company, 4th Regiment.

Notable Units

Sergeant Major Arida Ishinomori: Ishinomori of the 4th Regiment's Seven Company, or the Aridilla Assassins, is one of the few Gunslingers in his Regiment. Affectionately called 'Killsteal', Ishinomori is notorious for finding the holes in a target's armor that have been created by his Lance and Company mates, and laying a devastating salvo into the internals of an enemy BattleMech. He is also considered an especially frustrating opponent, using bursts of speed and maneuverability to evade enemy fire, all while 'plinking' away with low bursts of his Autocannon. Once his opponent becomes so frustrated they make a mistake, he exploits it ruthlessly, giving credence to his Company's nickname.

Captain Hugh Howlett: Howlett was a still green Lieutenant when the Jade Falcons landed on Graceland, but he and his unit more than proved their worth. His masterful, and some say savage, use of the terrain and electronics on the Wolverine II brought his name to the attention of his superiors, and within four years he gained his captaincy. While the victory was small, the four Gyrfalcons that now grace the ELH's line up bought the man his fifteen minutes of glory, something that Kariban was quick to exploit during the Wolverine II's 3027 marketing campaign. His ad-libbed slogan of "It's the best at what it does, just like me," became a sensation that year, and even gained him a shot at the Solaris VII games. Howlett would win the Medium Class Championship in 3029 with his Wolverine II, though he soon departed the game world for "real fighting".

Wolverine II WVR-2CS

Mass: 55 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-F-A
Production Year: 3123
Cost: 16,720,057 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,089

Chassis: Vendor-A Endo-Steel
Power Plant: KM 275 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h (108.0 km/h)
Jump Jets: Kariban Silverfire M
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Omega III Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Mydron Model RD (CL) Rotary AC/2
2 Nidavellir (CL) Medium Pulse Lasers
1 Wilcox (CL) SRM-6 w/ Artemis IV FCS
1 Apollon TAG
1 Puma Active Probe
1 Lightstar (CL) Laser Anti-Missile System
1 Michael Angel ECM
Manufacturer: Kariban-Victoria
Primary Factory: Alci, Bristol
Communications System: Magni 432/w Angel ECM
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware XJS

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 91 points 3.00
Internal Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 2 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Engine 275 8.00
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8 (10)
Jumping MP: 4 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL 2.00
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 11(22) 1.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 182 9.50
Armor Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA
CASE II Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 2.00

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 28
Center Torso (rear) 7
L/R Torso 13 19
L/R Torso (rear) 7
L/R Arm 9 18
L/R Leg 13 25

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Laser Anti-Missile System HD 5 1 1.00
Supercharger CT - 1 1.00
(CL) Medium Pulse Laser RT 4 1 2.00
TAG RT 0 1 1.00
Angel ECM RT 0 2 2.00
(CL) SRM-6 LT 4 1 1.50
Artemis IV FCS LT - 1 1.00
(CL) Medium Pulse Laser LT 4 1 2.00
Active Probe LT 0 1 1.00
(CL) Rotary AC/2 RA 1 4 8.00
@Rotary AC/2 (90) RT - 2 2.00
@SRM-6 (Artemis) (15) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 6

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 21
6/3j 4 4 1 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: TAG, PRB, RCN, AMS, AECM, CASEII, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Notes: Features the Following Design Quirk: Jettison Capable Weapon (RAC).
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:20, Fri 23 Mar 2018.

TRO

GM, 466 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:12

msg #17

BATTLEMECHS: Crusader CRD-9S

History

The destruction to Tharkad during the Jihad was devastating for the Lyran Capital, the Blakist siege led by the LCS Invincible had caused a nuclear meltdown, entire swaths of the city to be pulverized as beachheads, and savaged the TharHes manufacturing lines. The TharHes facilities on Tharkad would end up taking 95% losses during the conflict, and even by 3079, the company had only managed to restore production to 20% of full capacity. While its manufacturing complexes on other planets flourished, TharHes was still having problems rebuilding modern facilities at their once flagship center.

It was in 3094, looking for a similar deal as it had cut with GM, that Kariban offered to help fund the rebuilding process for two separate lines, and license the advanced KM XL engine series to TharHes in return for an even split of manufacturing from both lines and possible future partnerships. This partnership would actually produce the Ursa BattleMech down the road, but in 3098 it was the Crusader that became the first BattleMech to come off the newly rebuilt lines.

A blatant copy of the CRD-8L made in the Capellan Confederation, it was the addition of both the clan-spec engine and double heat sinks that made it a more advanced design. At the time, both Kariban and TharHes denied the suggestion, but more recently it has been admitted, even if in a joking fashion. Unsurprisingly, this has brought both scathing public comments as well as a lawsuit by Tao 'MechWorks, but as the Capellan Confederation is already blacklisted by Kariban, this has amounted very little. As the design differs in some key ways, the lawsuit was also a failed venture, though even if it had been a direct copy, it would be unlikely that the Lyran court would have sided against a native company.

Capabilities

Equipped with a pair of MML-5s, the 9S allows for the Crusader to continue its original role as fire support to some degree, but its true purpose is to now be a close combatant. With two Plasma Rifles, along with four tons of ammo, it is terrifying at close range to most enemy pilots, as the thought of dying to heat is always frightening. With a set of clan-spec ER Medium Lasers for further medium range firepower, the 9S can easily struggle with heat with only 13 double heat sinks. Rather than work to alleviate this, the designers chose to take advantage of it with the use of Triple Strength Myomer.

The TSM system turns the waste heat into speed to get close, and extra damage when the 'Mech lays into its opponents with its fists. This can have some problems, for while most pilots will use Tandem Charge SRM loads, or perhaps fragmentation to face off against enemy Battle Armor and infantry, the truly skilled or insane will use Inferno loads. These pilots have to be very careful to keep their heat at just the right level, lest their ammunition spontaneously explode from the heat.

To allow for its close range role, the design engineers included a Kariban Supercharger to give it bursts of speed, and in combination with its TSM, the 9S can raise its top speed from 86 kph to 129 kph, surprising enemy pilots with its sudden speed and placing it within its optimal range. With the addition of 13 tons of Armor, and CASE II for its ammo bins, the Crusader can weather more damage than most would expect, giving it a further edge.

Deployment

The bulk of the 9S Crusaders have been observed within the LCAF, mostly in the Lyran Guards Brigade. Seeing combat along the borders with Clan Wolf and Jade Falcon, the 'Mech has proven effective against the high heat machines the Clans prefer. On Odessa elements of the 10th Lyran Guards faced off against Clan Wolf's 13th Battle Cluster in 3109, where the speed of their Crusaders surprised the Clanners, and costing two of their Blood Reapers to be shut down before the battle had truly begun. While two of the Lyran Crusaders would be destroyed before the Wolves were repulsed, they were able to salvage two nearly pristine Blood Reapers in the process.

Among the 12th Star Guards, the 9S is a popular design, unsurprisingly with the 4th Regiment, but also among the Seventh. Both units use them differently, the Seventh preferring to use them as a brawlers, but the 4th enjoy the excellent speed and firepower they bring to the table.

Variants: CRD-10S, CRD-9Sr

A limited run variant has appeared from the factories of Tharkad, replacing the pair of Defiance Plasma Cannons with clan-spec ER PPCs. While it has a far higher heat threshold, the Variant uses all four saved tons for jump jets, giving the design far greater mobility and endurance on the battlefield.

The 9Sr on the other hand is a field refit, replacing the heavier MML-5 missile systems for two clan-spec SRM-6 systems, while using the three tons saved for the instillation of jump jets, giving it a 90 meter jumping radius.

Image Shown: Captain Sinclair Murphy's Crusader on exercises in the Empty Quarter.

Notable Units

Captain Sinclair Murphy: A rising star in the 12th Star Guards, Murphy is surprisingly one of the top tacticians within the Guards, having written several treatises on various battles and the use of Medium Cavalry. Her fans rarely know this side of her, as the woman is infamous for her foul mouthed rants and inappropriate language whenever in a broadcasted exercise.

Crusader CRD-9S

Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3098
Cost: 21,772,960 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,628

Chassis: Crucis-B Endo-Steel
Power Plant: KM 325 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h (64.8 km/h)
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h (129.6 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Medium Standard Armor
Armament:
2 Defiance Novashot Model 2 (IS) Plasma Rifles
2 Nidavellir (CL) ER Medium Lasers
2 Cinquedea (IS) MML-5s
Manufacturer: Kariban-Victoria
Primary Factory: Bristol, Haddings (Kariban-Victoria), Tharkad (TharHes)
Communications System: TharHes Euterpe HM-14
Targeting and Tracking System: TharHes 11-B

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 104 points 3.50
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 4 LT, 5 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Engine 325 12.00
Walking MP: 5 (6)
Running MP: 8 (12)
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 13(26) 3.00
Gyro: XL 2.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
TSM Locations: 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 208 13.00
CASE II Locations: 1 LT 1.00

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 21 31
Center Torso (rear) 10
L/R Torso 15 20
L/R Torso (rear) 10
L/R Arm 10 20
L/R Leg 15 29

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supercharger RT - 1 1.50
(IS) Plasma Rifle RA 10 2 6.00
(IS) MML-5 RA 3 3 3.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser RA 5 1 1.00
(IS) Plasma Rifle LA 10 2 6.00
(IS) MML-5 LA 3 3 3.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser LA 5 1 1.00
@Plasma Rifle (20) RT - 2 2.00
@Plasma Rifle (20) LT - 2 2.00
@MML-5 (LRM Semi-G) (24) LT - 1 1.00
@MML-5 (SRM Inferno) (20) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 1

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 26
6 4 4 1 0 3 1 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: TSM, CASEII, HT1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1

Notes: Features the Following Design Quirks: Combat Computer.

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:10, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 467 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:13

msg #18

BATTLEMECHS: Bandersnatch BND-HR-4A

History

While it is often considered the first original BattleMechs of Bell Dynamic, the Bandersnatch is actually the brainchild of Felifious Bander. The Chief Tech for the 12th Star Guards before the Clan Invasion, when the survivors of the Guards rallied around the Shadow Cats and began rebuilding in 3051 Bander was leading the mechanical front in trying close the technological gap. Knowing the Clans couldn't be defeated by common Inner Sphere tech, and the refits they were constantly doing at the time could only help so much, the Chief Tech began the process of designing a new BattleMech that would be a contender on the changed battlefields.

Using the Hector, one of the designs produced by Bell Dynamic at the time, Bander went about a massive redesign that when finished could only be superficially related to the Hector. Boldly proclaiming the new BattleMech to be the most versatile design in the Inner Sphere once he was finished, Bander turned over the design specs to Bell Dynamic for a substantial amount of stock and a later position as their lead engineer, not to mention having the new unit named after himself.

Though unproven, Bell was quick to convert its Hector Production line in 3052, while Bander had several dozen tech teams work around the clock to tear down a dozen Hectors to create the first models. It was the success of these hand built units in exercises and several raiding contracts that secured orders from not just the Guards, but several other Mercenary units and the Federated Commonwealth. This success and popularity would later lead to Bander heading the redesigns for the Hammerhands, and the Firebee before his retirement.

Capabilities

The original Bandersnatch was developed using cutting edge Inner Sphere technology that, while not making it the equal to a Clan design of the time, certainly closed the gap to give its pilot a fighting chance. Today, though the weapon load out has remained consistent in type, with the further advancement to Clan level technology by Aegis, Bell Dynamic's current 4A model is the equal of any Clan design in both quality and weaponry.

Carrying the Arklow LB 10-X autocannons in each arm, with both cluster and slug ammunition in its bins, the Bandersnatch has a punch at mid ranges as well as being capable of anti-aircraft and conventional vehicle duty. Four ER Medium Lasers add to the firepower as the Bandernsnatch closes with its target, while two of the medium lasers are able to rotate and fire in its rear arc, acting against both infantry and enemies who attempt to engage from behind. With a pair of Artemis IV guided LRM-10's rounding out its weaponry with long range capabilities, the Bandersnatch is able to engage at nearly any range effectively. 11 tons of armor allow it to engage in heavy firefights, and with both a Jaguar ECM Suite and the common Leopard Light Probe, the 4A has become a favorite among many Lance and Company commanders.

Deployment

The original Bandersnatch saw extensive action with the Guards since the first few were built off the former Hector chassis. Now that has extended to Mercenary units throughout the Inner Sphere, as well as heavy use among the LCAF, most notably along the Jade Falcon border. The 01B variant in particular is popular among the Lyran Regulars regiments.

Variants: BND-HR-01B, 4B.

A complete change of the original design, the 01B variant replaces the XL engine with a Light Fusion Engine. To make up for the weight lost to the engine, the entire weapons arsenal has been re-evaluated and the 'Mech carries a new weapons compliment. The primary long-range weapons are a pair of LRM-5 launchers. For intermediate ranges, the 01B model carries an Ultra Autocannon/10 and a PPC providing it with a powerful punch. Finally, for close range combat, the 'Mech has four Medium Lasers and a Streak SRM-2 launcher. This variant is produced in conjunction with Defiance Industries, built on both Furillo and Solaris VII, and is meant to provide a platform for mercenary and House units that is more easily repaired, with it using less advanced technology.

The 4B on the other hand is a popular Variant among the 12th Star Guards. Shedding two Medium Lasers, as well as a Heatsink, the 4B equips jump jets that allow it to jump 90 meters. This gives it a maneuverability factor that many see worth the loss of firepower.

Image Shown: Still popular in the 2nd Regiment, this Bandersnatch on exercises is from the Shadow Cat Command Company.

Notable Units

Major Alicia Wilds: While thanks to the animated series, she is best known for her time in first a Lynx, and then a Hunchback IIC, Wilds was one of the first pilots to be assigned the original Bandersnatch, which she would then use for her run as a combatant in the Solaris VII games, and then in notable battles throughout her further career. In fact, Major Wilds would act as the initial test pilot, and it was through her recommendation and performance in test that convinced Bell Dynamic to begin construction of the Bandersnatch over the Hector. Slightly modified at the time with a Guardian ECM, her electronic equipment choice would eventually become standard on later models.

Lieutenant Ezekiel Colt: Currently one of the bright stars of the 12th Star Guards, Colt pilots one of the original Bandersnatchs, though it has been heavily modified to increase speed and maneuverability, and has switched to a more energy reliant load out. The Eclipse, as the 'Mech is known, has become a fan favorite right alongside its pilot in the Haddings' exercises, and the Gunslinger pilot's performance has brought renewed interest in the design.

Bandersnatch BND-HR-4A

Mass: 70 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 30998
Cost: 15,290,933 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,186

Chassis: HOR-Bander Class 7 Endo-Steel
Power Plant: KM 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Omega III-70H Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 Arklow (CL) LB 10-X ACs
2 Sharanga (CL) LRM-10s w/ Artemis IV FCS
4 Nidavellir (CL) ER Medium Lasers
1 Leopard Light Active Probe
1 Jaguar ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Bell-Dynamic Industries, Defiant Industries
Primary Factory: Furillo (Defiant), Alci, Solaris VII (Bell-Dynamic)
Communications System: Magni 432 /with ECM Suite
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware XJ-7

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 107 points 3.50
Internal Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 2 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 11(22) 1.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 211 11.00
Armor Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 2 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
CASE Locations: LT, RT 0.00

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 22 32
Center Torso (rear) 10
L/R Torso 15 22
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 11 22
L/R Leg 15 28

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Light Active Probe HD 0 1 0.50
ECM Suite CT 0 1 1.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser RT 5 1 1.00
(CL) LRM-10 RT 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS RT - 1 1.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser LT 5 1 1.00
(CL) LRM-10 LT 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS LT - 1 1.00
(CL) LB 10-X AC RA 2 5 10.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser RA 5 1 1.00
(CL) LB 10-X AC LA 2 5 10.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser LA 5 1 1.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (20) RT - 2 2.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (10) RT - 1 1.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (12) RT - 1 1.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10) LT - 1 1.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (20) LT - 2 2.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (12) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 3

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 22
4 5 5 3 0 3 1 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: LPRB, RCN, ECM, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1, FLK 1/1/1

Notes: Features the Following Design Quirks: Hyper-Extending Actuators (Arm Mounted ER Medium Lasers Only).
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:19, Fri 19 Apr 2019.

TRO

GM, 468 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:14

msg #19

BATTLEMECHS: Hercules HRC-LS-9K2

History

In wake of the Clan Invasion, House Marik sought a ’Mech that balanced mobility and firepower, a new design to provide a wide range of weapons that could serve a multitude of roles. The result of the effort was the Hercules by Kali Yama Weapons Industries, or KYWI, and it fit the bill perfectly. Too perfectly perhaps, as constraints of technology meant that the Hercules has several possibly fatal flaws, the lack of CASE to protect its fragile XL engine just one of them. This did not deter the use of the machine, and in truth the Hercules served admirably throughout Operation Bulldog and the later Jihad.

Unfortunately KYWI did not, as the main plant on Kalidasa was absorbed by the Word of Blake Protectorate, most of their engineering staff at the time being kidnapped by the Word of Blake along with their families, with their whereabouts still unknown. The factory and offices were cut off from the rest of the Inner Sphere, and their joint venture with the Alphard Trading Corporation on the planet Kendall was severed. Said venture, unoriginally known as the Kali Yama-Alphard Trading Corporation, soon saw the ATC also pulling out, and with no direction from Kalidasa and the loss of its ties to the Taurian Concordat, the Kendall plant began trying to sell its products to the highest bidders at the time.

While the plant would take damage during the Jihad, the near complete destruction of its Hunchback facilities for example, it would continue to produce both the Orion and the Hercules. While the end of the Jihad would mean that KYWI was available to once again give guidance, Kali Yama-Alphard had become an independent company, and it was through that independence that they came into partnership with Kariban-Victoria. Initially contracting Kariban to help rebuild its manufacturing lines, it would later gain license to build the KM XL engine, and is rumored to be in a development partnership for a new BattleMech design.

The Hercules was part of that initial contract, and has become a staple of the 12th Star Guards line up, as well as finding new and varied customers across the Inner Sphere, and not just with the Free Worlds League states.

Capabilities

Initially intended as a mobile firing platform, the upgrades to its systems have not terribly changed its primary purpose. Mounting the KM 350 XL fusion engine, this heavy BattleMech moves at a standard speed of 54 kph with a top speed of 86kph, making it a solid contender in the the Heavy Cavalry position. With a eleven and a half tons of Omega III ferro-fiberous armor, the Hercules can weather some of the most deadly volleys within the Inner Sphere, while also including CASE II for its ammunition reserves. The inclusion of the Lightstar Laser Anti-Missile system can sometimes cause issues with heat, the extra protection against incoming missile attacks gives the 'Mech a serious defense.

While the design sold from Kendall retains its older Helm Core technology weapons, Kariban-Victoria has fitted the 9k2 model with the reliable Arcas Javelin Er PPC as its primary weapon, supported by the Arklow LB 10-X autocannon. Backing up the pair of clan-spec weaponry is a Cinquedea MML-5 combined with the Artemis IV fire control system. A Nidavellir Medium Pulse laser rounds out its offensive weaponry, though it does include a pair of Nidavellir Micro Pulse Lasers in its rear arc, to protect against both enemy Battle Armor and conventional infantry.

Deployment

While there is some form of the Hercules throughout the different armed forces of the Free Worlds League states, the bulk of the most recent models from Kendell tend to be bought by Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey, as well as the Lyran Commonwealth. Mercenaries find them particularly appealing, and surprisingly the Republic of the Sphere has a reported number of thirty, and is rumored to be ordering more.

The refit by Kariban-Victoria on the other hand has only found its way into the hands of the 12th Star Guards, the Kell Hounds, and Wolf's Dragoons. There are reports that Clan Wolf in Exile uses it as a second line machine, though these have yet to be confirmed.

Variants: HRC-LS-9000 HRC-LS-9001, HRC-LS-9002

The original model, the 9000 uses a Helm Core technology ER PPC, LB 10-X, Medium Pulse Laser, XL Engine, a Streak SRM-2, and two small pulse lasers. While it is naturally inferior to later variants, it is still produces and sold by KYWI on Kalidasa.

A basic field modification of the original 9000 during its early years, the 9001 model removes the Anti-Missile System to add a second Streak SRM-2 launcher, and is still a common modification for the units built on Kalidasa.

The 9002 is the current design built by KY-ATC, using a similar weapon loadout of the original 9000, but with the inclusion of the KM XL Engine to make it more rugged and survivable.

Image Shown: A Hercules from the 1st Regiment's 3rd Company, the Strikers.

Notable Units

Star Colonel Chloe Magnus: Born to the Magnus bloodline, Star Colonel Chloe Magnus of Clan Snow Raven gained a degree of notoriety in her Clan for employing this Inner Sphere ‘Mech despite its relative weakness compared to second-line Clan designs. At the time Chloe shrugged off the comments, stating that her “handicap” provided more incentive to excel. Her performance in her captured Hercules has made her a prime candidate for a Bloodname, and her exploits would make the design slightly popular. It is reported that some in her line have attempted to trial for the 9K3 model in emulation of their ancestor.

Hercules HRC-LS-9K2

Mass: 70 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3107
Cost: 17,489,487 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,166

Chassis: Northrup-502 Endo-Steel
Power Plant: KM 350 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Omega III-70H Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Arcas Javelin (CL) ER PPC
1 Arklow (CL) LB 10-X AC
1 Nidavellir (CL) Medium Pulse Laser
1 Cinquedea (IS) MML-5 w/ Artemis IV FCS
2 Nidavellir (CL) Micro Pulse Lasers
1 Lightstar (CL) Laser Anti-Missile System
Manufacturer: Kariban-Victoria
Primary Factory: Haddings
Communications System: Irian Orator-5k
Targeting and Tracking System: Irian 511

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 107 points 3.50
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 1 CT, 2 LT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Engine 350 15.00
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 12(24) 2.00
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 217 11.50
Armor Locations: 3 RT, 3 LA, 1 RA
CASE II Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 2.00

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 22 34
Center Torso (rear) 10
L/R Torso 15 22
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 11 22
L/R Leg 15 30

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Laser Anti-Missile System CT 5 1 1.00
(R) (CL) Micro Pulse Laser RT 1 1 0.50
(CL) ER PPC RT 15 2 6.00
(R) (CL) Micro Pulse Laser LT 1 1 0.50
(IS) MML-5 LT 3 3 3.00
Artemis IV FCS LT - 1 1.00
(CL) LB 10-X AC RA 2 5 10.00
(CL) Medium Pulse Laser LA 4 1 2.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (20) RT - 2 2.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10) RT - 1 1.00
@MML-5 (LRM Art-IV) (24) LT - 1 1.00
@MML-5 (SRM Art-IV) (20) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 1

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 22
5 4 4 3 0 3 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: AMS, CASEII, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/1

Notes: Features the following Design Quirks: Accurate Weapon (ER PPC)
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:19, Fri 19 Apr 2019.

TRO

GM, 469 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:15

msg #20

BATTLEMECHS: Hound HD-1S

History

After the Jihad, the Filtvelt Coalition found itself facing continuing problems from a lack of infrastructure and constant pirate raids. By mid-3081 the Citizen's Militia had been able to recruit more than enough personnel to be at a full operational strength, but it continued to lack the equipment needed to arm its troops. This hampered the Militia's ability to respond to external threats, and was likely to continue to be a burning issue even with the prospect of trade deals and shifts in local industry manufacturing potentially easing the problem. However with military production already expanding in the early 3080s, the somewhat infamous Quickscell Company repair facility on Broken Wheel being upgraded to produce hovercraft in the early 3080's, what could be done was simply not enough.

While the major Inner Sphere powers were retiring their RetroTech production facilities after the Jihad, the Coalition Armory plant on Filtvelt continued to produce the substandard RetroTech 'Mechs until at least early 3084 as Filtvelt had no other options for domestic BattleMech production. While it was able to augment its forces with additional RetroTech units being imported from the Calderon Protectorate, by the 3090's the state had failed to gain any technical help to advance its production. More worryingly for the nascent nation was the loss of planets to the Federated Suns, done peacefully with willing planets thanks to focus on economical development of the Periphery March after the Jihad, but still losses in territory and resources due mostly to its inability to defend all of its planetary members.

It was in 3092, after establishing their success with the Warlord, that Kariban-Victoria offered its services to the minor state. For a hefty stake in Coalition Armory Inc, Kariban technicians would help convert the RetroTech factory into a modern BattleMech production facility. The first design to take advantage of this was the Hound, a major step forward and important asset for the Citizen's Militia, as well as a boon to the Coalition's economy.

Relying on older technologies instead of more advanced components testified to Coalition Armaments' desire to get it right the first time. It was this simplicity and effectiveness has kept it rolling off the Coalition Armory lines for four decades since. Popular among other Periphery States, mercenaries, and even in the Federated Sun, the Hound has served well, much like the pet for which it is named. In 3104 Kariban introduced its own variant, primarily meant for the 12th Star Guards, though some favorable Federated Suns and mercenary units have also been offered the machine, it uses more advanced technology on the same stable and rugged chassis that has been proven. This has made it one of the more popular trooper 'Mechs among the Guards.

Capabilities

With the instillation of a KM 280 extra light fusion engine, the Hound was refitted with several new, but similar weapon systems while also allowing for the addition of a 120 meter jump jet system. While not as rugged as the more simpler 2F, with only half a ton increase in its standard armor and a bulkier engine, the 1S has far more firepower than its lesser sibling. With its weapon system a Mydron Rotary Autocannon, known for its ability to take a great amount of wear and tear for its class, the 1S takes advantage of clan-spec technology to increase its missile compliment to an Artemis IV guided SRM-6 launcher, while at medium range it has a pair of Exostar Pinnacle ER Medium lasers.

One of the more unique features of its load out includes a pair of Enhance Light PPCs, the result of a colaborative research project between Bell Dynamic and Defiance Industries. With no addition to heat or size, the Enhanced Light PPCs now have a range equal to that of an Inner Sphere ER PPC, allowing them to provide a needed long range harassment ability to the Hounds. Finally with both an ECM Suite and TAG unit, the Hound is able to support its fellows on the line while also providing accurate firing solutions for unit artillery, an ability that is much loved among the 7th Regiment of the 12th Star Guards.

Deployment

As one would expect, the majority of Hound BattleMechs are found in the Filtvelt People's Militia. One of the Hound’s first major engagements took place on Broken Wheel in 3101. The Border Lords pirate band had fled the Calderon Protectorate seeking easier prey in the Filtvelt Coalition. The Border Lords landed a mixed battalion of ’Mechs, tanks, and infantry and marauded through Conestoga en route to the Quikscell factory. They soon came under fire from elements of the Second Filtvelt Citizens Militia. The Second had a company of Hounds backed by Pegasus hovertanks and Light Thunderbolt Carriers recently turned out by the local plant.

The city’s tight and twisting thoroughfares hindered the maneuverability of the light and fast pirate ’Mechs but were ideal for the Hounds. The Hound MechWarriors used their knowledge of the terrain to set up firing lanes and ambushes that whittled down the Border Lords. The frustrated pirates tried to retreat but found themselves cut off. The Hounds moved in, slow and steady, against the pinned enemy. They crushed the pirate armor and annihilated the infantry. The Border Lords escaped the world with half their ’Mechs but no booty to show for
their losses.

Variants: HD-2F

The 2F’s armament enables it to fill the fire support role that the Warhammer has occupied for centuries. The Hound’s success through the years is due to its reliance on older—but proven technologies; the easy acquisition of replacement parts also endears the ’Mech to the mercenaries and small nations that employ it. The Hound earned its reputation as a “shredder” thanks to the punishing combination of weapons it mounts and the durability that allows it to outlast its opponents.

Image Shown: A Hound from the 2nd Regiment on patrol in the lower vales of the 2nd District.

Notable Units

Captain Angus McFarley: Captain McFarley rose to command Third Company of the Green
Machine six years before the Blackout, and while his 2F Hound lacks the punch of heavier mercenary ’Mechs, but he more than makes up for that with a legendary coolness under fire. When the Machine faced the Black Talon pirate band, his 'Mech would represent the toughness that comes with the model as he held the line and became a rally point for his unit. With a reported three kills in the engagement, McFarley and the Green Machine have become a hot commodity along the Periphery.

Sergeant Major Victor Mattlov: While the Gunslinger is now best known for his Maahes 'Trump', the majority of his early career was spent in the second generation Hound. A proponent for the 'Mech, he was best known for using its longer ranged weapons to pick away at a target as he closed before letting loose with shredding volleys from the Rotary Autocannon.

Hound HD-1S

Mass: 70 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3104
Cost: 14,820,373 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,113

Chassis: Crucis-H Standard
Power Plant: KM 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Kariban Silverfire H
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Valiant Chainmail Standard Armor
Armament:
1 Mydron Model RC (IS) Rotary AC/5
2 ExoStar Pinnacle (CL) ER Medium Lasers
2 Defiance 250 (IS) En Light PPCs
1 Wilcox (CL) SRM-6 w/ Artemis IV FCS
1 Apollon TAG
1 Jaguar ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Kariban Victoria
Primary Factory: Bristol, Haddings
Communications System: Pickering Communications Mark III/w ECM
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban HiRez

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 107 points 7.00
Engine: XL Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL 4.00
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 13(26) 3.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT, 1 RA
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 216 13.50
CASE II Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 2.00

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 22 30
Center Torso (rear) 13
L/R Torso 15 20
L/R Torso (rear) 10
L/R Arm 11 22
L/R Leg 15 30

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAG CT 0 1 1.00
ECM Suite CT 0 1 1.00
2 (CL) ER Medium Lasers RT 10 2 2.00
(IS) Rotary AC/5 LT 1 6 10.00
2 (IS) En Light PPCs RA 10 4 6.00
(CL) SRM-6 LA 4 1 1.50
Artemis IV FCS LA - 1 1.00
@Rotary AC/5 (40) RT - 2 2.00
@Rotary AC/5 (20) LT - 1 1.00
@SRM-6 (Artemis) (15) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 13

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 21
4j 5 5 1 0 3 1 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: TAG, ECM, CASEII, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Notes: Features the Following Design Quirks: Accurate Weapon (Rotary AC/5)
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:04, Thu 18 Apr 2019.

TRO

GM, 470 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:16

msg #21

BATTLEMECHS: Mangonel MNL-5S

History

Faced with dwindling stockpiles of Clan technology after the Jihad, Khan Phelan Kell sponsored several programs to adapt more readily available Inner Sphere equipment to the needs of his Wolves. Among the outcomes of these initiatives was the creation of the much maligned MNl-3l Mangonel. Rumored to be the result of a collaborative effort between Sergi Ivanovich, Chief tech for the tooth of Ymir and the mastermind behind the Schwerer Gustav Frankenmech, and the Kell Hounds’ Chief tech, Daniel Holstein, the unusual design entered production in 3078. There have been suggestions that the original Mangonel was only meant to act as a stop-gap and prototype for the Wolves before they introduced the full clan-spec MNL-3W, and the rapid deployment of of the 3W replacing the 3l gives credence to that theory, the fact is that the 3l was an utter failure as a BattleMech.

While Arc-Royal Mechworks would continue to produce the design in limited quantities over the years for the Kell Hounds and other mercenary units, it had trickled to a stop by 3097. It wasn't for another eight years before the original design had life breathed back into its near corpse. It was again a test bed, but this time it was testing the mix of Clan technology with that of the Inner Sphere, and with an eye by Wolf in Exile merchants to provide a greater source of revenue for the Clan. With the production of a Clan engine and lasers, the 5S would serve to carry the new Defiant built Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle. Upgrading all of their left over models proved to be the right thing to do, as both the Kell Hounds and the Wolves were quick to snatch what they could up, while the LCAF quickly followed. Seeing the interest grow with each successful engagement the new Magnonel went through, Arc-Royal Mechworks would restart its production, providing the 5S to the mercenaries of Arc-Royal, the Wolves in Exile, the LCAF, and of course the 12th Star Guards.

Capabilities

Using the original Inner Sphere Chassis, which there were dozens of left in storage, the engineering team would install a Clan made Light Force 350 XL Engine to save more weight while losing none of the toughness of the original Light Fusion Engine. With the upgrade of its four ER Medium Lasers to clan-spec technology, the major change is the Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle, which gives a powerful punch at a long range. The huge weapon required the internals of the BattleMech to be adjusted, and the inclusion of a compact gyro, but unlike the original it has six tons of ammunition to feed its monster gun. With the addition of Case in both bays the Rifle takes up, and Ferro-Fibrous armor, the 5S is much sturdier than before.

Deployment

Serving along its full Clan tech brethren, and even its older parent design, the 5S is seen throughout Clan Wolf in Exile, the Kell Hounds, and even Wolf's Dragoons. A popular 'Mech among the 4th Regiment of the 12th Star Guards, it acts as heavy cavalry in the rest of the 12th Star Guards as well.

Variants: MNL-3L, MNL-3W

Considered by most to be a failed design, the original 3L uses a Light Fusion Engine, four ER Medium Lasers, and two Light Gauss Rifles. While it possibly could have been effective, with the addition of only one ton of ammunition, the pair of rifles emptied quickly, at which point the Magnonel was forced to close with its far too thin armor.

On the other hand, the 3W is essentially an entirely new machine. Using clan-spech technology from the structure on up, it posses two Gauss Rifles, though due to the bulkier nature of the weapons they were put in each torso side, forcing a bit of redesign.

Image Shown: A Magnonel MNL-5S from the Star Guards' 4th Regiment on maneuvers.

Notable Units

Mechwarrior Sandra Dane: A member of the Tooth of Ymir, Dane is known for using her Magnonel in ways that no sane pilot would, often treating it like it's an Assault platform. Still, it is thanks to her practiced accuracy that she has survived such tactics, with an incredible record for disabling her opponents in just a few exchanges. She is also known to have never hit an enemy's cockpit, which is rumored to be entirely voluntary and further proof of her skills.

Mangonel MNL-5S

Mass: 70 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3106
Cost: 24,681,167 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,789

Chassis: AR-7b Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Light Force 350 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h (108.0 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Royal-7a Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Defiant Hammerfist II (IS) Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle
4 Series 2b (CL) ER Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Arc-Royal MechWorks
Primary Factory: Arc-Royal
Communications System: K9 Comms System
Targeting and Tracking System: Type V Bloodhound T&T System

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 107 points 3.50
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 2 RT, 4 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Engine 350 15.00
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8 (10)
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Compact 6.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 192 10.00
Armor Locations: 2 RT, 2 LA, 3 RA
CASE Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT 1.00

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 22 29
Center Torso (rear) 8
L/R Torso 15 24
L/R Torso (rear) 6
L/R Arm 11 19
L/R Leg 15 24

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IS) Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle CT/LT 2 2/9 20.00
Supercharger CT - 1 1.50
2 (CL) ER Medium Lasers RA 10 2 2.00
2 (CL) ER Medium Lasers LA 10 2 2.00
@iHGR (24) RT - 6 6.00
Free Critical Slots: 4

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 28
6 5 5 3 0 3 0 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Notes: Features the Following Design Quirks: Stable, Non-Standard Parts.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:04, Thu 18 Apr 2019.

TRO

GM, 471 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:17

msg #22

BATTLEMECHS: Anvil ANV-HH-1A

History

Like many of Bell Dynamic's BattleMechs, the Anvil has a history linked to the original schematics found on Wotan in 3048. In this case, one of the progenitors of the iconic and famed Warhammer design, the Hammerhands. The Hammerhands was a rather unusual case for Bell Dynamic, as after nearly two decades of manufacturing the design, Bell Dynamic was actually sued over its right to use the schematics or sell the BattleMech by its original producer, Achernar BattleMechs.

While this also occurred with the Firebee, unlike a Capellan case that could be ignored, the Lyran courts were willing to hear out the plaintiff despite the final separation of the Federated Commonwealth. However, in the initial years of the lawsuit, the case would be dropped when Solaris VII was captured by the Word of Blake, and later the Bell Dynamic lines were destroyed upon their withdrawal. Solving the issue simply by not bringing the Hammerhands back into production, Bell Dynamic simply tucked the schematic away while the Guards would use the trickle of replacement parts before finally mothballing the majority of their Hammerhand numbers.

This wasn't the end of the story though, for in 3110, Lt. General Akram Arcand charged Aegis with creating an exclusive heavy design that would only be built within the Alci system, and could become as iconic to the Guards as the Talos had been. Looking at the various schematics they had access to, as redesign was in many ways easier, Bell Dynamic took another look at the Hammerhands, and began the process to utterly reconstruct it. The result was striking, as the General had asked for, and it left no doubt to what family of BattleMechs it was related to. The name however caused some issues, as there was a previous design with the Anvil designation, but due to the destruction of Gibson, Bell Dynamic ignored the Free Worlds League design and went forward with calling their creation the Anvil.

As one of his major actions as General, Arcand would go on to order several full production runs of the Anvil, using it to build newly formed 1st Regiment's Second Company. Due to its exclusivity and Arcand's support even after his tenure as Lt. General, this has made the Anvil the most prolific design within the Guards. Just as prolific are individual variants that have sprung up due to pilot modifications.

Capabilities

One of the hallmarks of the Anvil was that it seemed to be designed by a committee. There is some validity to the the idea, as it is an odd mix of the styles favored by the various regiments, with the designers clearly hoping it would be an 'all in one' BattleMech that the entirety of the Guards would want in their forces.

With two Nidavellir ER Large Lasers as its main armament, it certainly appealed to the 5th Regiment's love for accuracy, while the higher speed and maneuverability thanks to its extra-light fusion engine and jump jets reflect the Fourth's hit and run doctrine. The pair of imported Snubnose PPC's and Artemis IV guided SRM-6 favor the Seventh's up close and personal style, and finally the use of 12 tons of ferro-fibrous armor that it caries along with the laser anti-missile system makes it tough enough of a machine to appeal to the 2nd Regiment. The final addition of triple strength myomer muscles was something that all the Regiments could appreciate.

While it has only had praise heaped on it by various pilots, in truth the Anvil has never seen any serious action to be considered battle tested. While it has scored well in the common exercises in the War Games, Star Guard Command has refused to allow it to off planet with one of the 'mercenary leave' units, or sell it to any allied government, though due to it only being produced on Alci that would only leave the Republic as a customer.

Deployment

Due to the constraints of the Treaty of 3084, the Anvil is only deployed among the five Regiments of the 12th Star Guards. However, there are rumors that the LCAF, AFFS, and TAAF have all placed orders in anticipation of the treaty's expiration in 3135.

Image Shown: An Anvil from the 1st Regiment's Seventh Company, the "Blue Sharks", drilling on the Arcand Proving Grounds.

Noted Units:

Akram Arcand- While he only spent two more years in active service, General Arcand made it a point to use the very first Anvil off the lines as his own personal Mech. While this was a little heavy handed in showing his support of the design, Arcand did perform excellently in various exercises with the Mech.

Anvil ANV-HH-1A

Mass: 75 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3114
Cost: 21,910,875 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,615

Chassis: Dynamic Type 4 Endo-Steel
Power Plant: KM 375 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h (64.8 km/h)
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h (97.2 km/h)
Jump Jets: KM Silverfire HV
Jump Capacity: 90 meters
Armor: Omega III-Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 Hringhomi (CL) ER Large Lasers
2 Hound’s-tooth (IS) Snub-Nose PPCs
1 Wilcox (CL) SRM-6 w/ Artemis IV FCS
1 Lightstar (CL) Laser Anti-Missile System
Manufacturer: Bell Dynamic
Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Magni 342
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware XJS

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 114 points 4.00
Internal Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Engine 375 19.50
Walking MP: 5 (6)
Running MP: 8 (9)
Jumping MP: 3 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 1 LL, 1 RL 3.00
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 13(26) 3.00
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
TSM Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 230 12.00
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
CASE II Locations: 1 RT 1.00

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 23 36
Center Torso (rear) 9
L/R Torso 16 24
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 12 24
L/R Leg 16 32

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) SRM-6 RT 4 1 1.50
Artemis IV FCS RT - 1 1.00
(CL) Laser Anti-Missile System LT 5 1 1.00
(CL) ER Large Laser RA 12 1 4.00
(IS) Snub-Nose PPC RA 10 2 6.00
(CL) ER Large Laser LA 12 1 4.00
(IS) Snub-Nose PPC LA 10 2 6.00
@SRM-6 (Artemis) (15) RT - 1 1.00
@SRM-6 (Smoke) (15) RT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 12

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 8 Points: 26
5/2j 3 3 2 0 3 2 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: TSM, AMS, CASEII, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Note: Features the Following Design Quirks: Combat Computer, Reinforced Legs, Improved Sensors.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:13, Fri 30 Oct 2020.

TRO

GM, 472 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:17

msg #23

BATTLEMECHS: Thanatos TNS-5S

History

When OmniMech technology first slammed into the Inner Sphere's BattleMech manufacturing industry, with the debut of Draconis Combine designs based on reverse engineered technology, StaCorps was one of the few companies that did not pay the price for hasty R&D costs or hefty licensing fees. Instead they took their time, and by 3060 they were producing Black Hawk KUs, Avatars and Sunders on four different worlds throughout the Federated Suns and the now defunct St. Ives Compact. This would give them the technological know-how to design their own original Omni-tech 'Mechs and vehicles. The first Omnimech planned and designed was the Thanatos.

Unfortunately by the time the Thanatos had been developed and was ready for trials, neither nation of the former Federated Commonwealth were particularly interested in an new Omnimech design. In fact, the truth was that no on in the Inner Sphere was particularly eager to add an additional Omnimech to their inventories. With their licensing agreements with the Draconis Combine running out in 3065, StarCorps made the major decision to revamp the Thanatos into a Standard BattleMech. The move would win them contracts that would take them through the decade and well into the 3080s after the Jihad.

However in the years since the devastation of that conflict, the armed forces of the Inner Sphere have found that their BattleMechs are too precious a resource to use certain technologies, including the XL Engine. With the popularity of standard and Light engines now moving, and more survivable designs being a must, the Thanatos has lost much of its favor that it once had, causing StarCorps to begin shifting their lines to more profitable designs. It was in 3115, aware of the success that Kariban-Victoria had for over two decades in offering expertise for design rights and manufacturing, Bell Dynamic decided to make a similar move. While its partnership with StarCorps did not allow for the manufacturing license of the KM XL engine which would have made it more survivable, it did allow the aged BattleMech a new lease on life with its advanced weaponry.

Capabilities

Initially taking its cue from the Clan Thor, the Thanatos' original design copied many of the Thor's performance capabilities but also many of its physical features. Still just as fast, topping out at 86 kph, the Thanatos also keeps its jump distance of 150 meters, making it extremely maneuverable for a 75 ton machine. Instead, the weapon system and advanced electronics were gutted to provide the Thanatos with the ability to strike from a distance. While it is equipped with Pinaka LRM-20 missile system, Bell Dynamic was determined to use it as a platform for the Enhanced Light PPC system, using a total of four of them. With a revamped targeting system, this allows a pilot to easily lock onto more than one enemy, while using its speed and maneuverability to remain untouched.

Deployment

While orders have picked up within the LCAF, manufacturing of the TNS-5S has remained fairly low, with the majority of units sold to mercenary and 12th Star Guards forces. The largest concentration of Thanatos units is along the Lyran-FWL State borders, oddly enough on both sides of the line. How the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth obtained their Thanatos units is unknown, but investigations by Lyran and Star Guard Intelligence are ongoing.

Variants:

While there have been many Variants over the years, only the 4S is currently supported and in production.

Image Shown: A Thanatos of the 2nd Regiment about to depart on an exercise.

Notable Units

Mechwarrior James Gordon: A member of the Black Rabbits, who are descended from the Blakist aligned Black Angus Boys, Gordon is one of the few Mechwarrior not only in the unit, but one of the few worth the cost of the BattleMechs they use. A masterful gunner, Gordon has been known to hit as many as three separate enemies in an engagement at the same time, coming out of the fight alive and his BattleMech operational. His opponents were not so fortunate.

Thanatos TNS-5S

Mass: 75 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3117
Cost: 19,343,625 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,409

Chassis: StarFrame Heavy Endo-Steel
Power Plant: PlasmaStar 375 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: Audi-Fokker Mark IV
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: Durallex Heavy Standard Armor
Armament:
1 Pinaka (CL) LRM-20
2 Nidavellir (CL) ER Medium Lasers
4 Defiance 250 Enhanced (IS) Light PPCs
Manufacturer: StarCorps Industries
Primary Factory: Lodburg
Communications System: Garret T-60 FastScan
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret F22C

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 114 points 4.00
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 4 LT, 5 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA
Engine: XL Engine 375 19.50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LL, 2 RL 5.00
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 16(32) 6.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 216 13.50

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 23 34
Center Torso (rear) 9
L/R Torso 16 24
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 12 22
L/R Leg 16 28

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) ER Medium Laser RT 5 1 1.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser LT 5 1 1.00
(CL) LRM-20 RA 6 4 5.00
4 (IS) En Light PPCs LA 20 8 12.00
@LRM-20 (6) RA - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 9

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 7 Points: 24
5j 4 4 3 0 3 1 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1

Notes: Features the following Design Quirks: Easy to Maintain, Multi-Trac.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:05, Thu 18 Apr 2019.

TRO

GM, 473 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:18

msg #24

BATTLEMECHS: HawkWolf HWK-4S

History

Known to target those forces that victimize the downtrodden, The Brotherhood of Randis is a BattleMech unit styled after the Christian Military Orders, such as the Knights Hospitaller. Using BattleMechs initially found in a Star League era cache they provide the unit's own source of justice for not just their homeworld of Randis IV, but to other neighboring worlds who ask for aid. Originally a mercenary cult of personality, the unit is nearly a Regiment strong, and despite its strict and difficult recruiting and initiation policies it is still growing in power and influence among the Periphery.

Originally to help support their activities, the Brotherhood set aside resources to develop production facilities to build "RetroMechs", in order to both fill out its own forces and to sell as a means of generating further capital. Initially starting with RetroTech Firebees and Dervishes, their success led the Brotherhood to develop an entirely new design. Intended mainly for fire-support roles, the HawkWolf is generally assigned to the Brotherhood's "squires" as a means for its youngest warriors to gain experience and avoid placing the primitive design at threat against more advanced opponents in direct combat.

However, with many reforms occurring during the 3060s and well into the Jihad, the Brotherhood found that it needed to increase its military capabilities in order to support its operations in pirate hunting, missionary work, and missions of mercy. Realizing this, the organization first sought to improve Randis IV's industrial and commercial assets by updating the transportation infrastructure and seeking trading partners. While it the Brotherhood remained self-sufficient on the small tax levied on the planetary population, it was through their ties with the Filtvelt Coalition that they were able to truly improve their operation.

In 3105 the Brotherhood invited the Kariban-Victoria corporation to Randis IV for talks in operations, and the result was nearly immediate. With the aid of the Kariban technicians, they were able to not only modernize their factory, but they were soon building clan-spec armor and missile systems, keeping all the manufacturing and resource needs on Randis IV, rather than require imported materials. The advanced version of the HawkWolf is the major export of Randis IV, and while the slight variant 4S has immigrated into both the 12th Star Guards and favored mercenary units, the majority of its sales with the Federated Suns have remained the new base model.

Capabilities

With the upgrades to HIM's factories, producing advanced armor and weapons as well as modern technological improvements to its other systems the HawkWolf has been improved in nearly every way from its RetroMech origins. It is now faster, has better heat dissipation, more LRM ammo and launcher capacity, and is easier to maintain. The last of which has made many a Squire among the Brotherhood happier, as they often double as techs for not just their machines, but for the Knights above them.

The HawkWolf’s role though, the medium to long range fire support, is utterly unchanged. With its larger, modern engine increasing the top speed by ten kph and allowing the HawkWolf to get into and out of positions quicker, and its double heat sink system keeping it cool as it runs and fires, the 'Mechs combat stamina and contribution has increased dramatically. The Pinaka launchers and Cinquedea multiple missile launchers allow the HawkWolf to send fifty long-range missiles downrange in a single volley, while four tons of ammunition allow both flexibility and staying power. Most HawkWolf pilots reserve one ton of MML ammo for SRMs, to discourage pursuit should they have to retreat, many using a load of Inferno ammunition to also combat Battle Armor. While rare that a HawkWolf would close so much, the addition of three clan-spec ER Small Lasers provide additional close range defenses.

Deployment

As one can imagine, the HawkWolf is an important part of the Brotherhood's military, often reserved for training Squires and even proven Knights. Outside of Randis IV, the Hawkwolf has respectable numbers in both the Feltvelt Coalition and Calderon Protectorate, Randis IV's closest trading and military alliance. All three military forces have a high percentage of the HawkWolf production, though only the 3F and 4F variants.

The 4S is a popular 'Mech in all five Regiments of the 12th Star Guards, and sees extensive use as one of the main fire support BattleMechs. It also sees service with Eridani Light Horse, and Kell Hound mercenary units.

Variants: HWK-4F, HWK-3F

Nearly indistinguishable from the 4S, the 4F's only difference is the lack of clan-spec Lasers. Instead it adds an additional two tons of ammunition at the cost of half a ton of armor.

The HWK-3F, while still in service, is no longer produced. The original RetroTech version, it used much less efficient heat sinks, a heavier and less efficient engine, poor armor, and only carried a pair of 15 LRM launchers with its two MML-5s. It still sees action and service in both the Brotherhood, and neighboring Periphery States.

Image Shown: A HawkWolf from the 2nd Regiment near Valhalla.

Notable Units

Brother Carl Longstreet: A taciturn man, Brother Longstreet’s past is unknown before he arrived on Randis IV. He is an able leader and an excellent MechWarrior who handles his HawkWolf as if it was a ’Mech thirty tons lighter. He is an instructor at the Brotherhood’s Monastery, where his HawkWolf, which he calls Templar II, is a common sight on the training field. Excelling at the Dueling style of the Brotherhood, he is known to have trained on Haddings with the Mourning Knights, as several members of his Order have.

HawkWolf HWK-4S

Mass: 80 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3110
Cost: 9,601,950 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,049

Chassis: Advanced HWK Standard
Power Plant: Pitban 320 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Omega III-80A Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 Pinaka (CL) LRM-20s w/ Artemis IV FCS
2 Cinquedea (IS) MML-5s w/ Artemis IV FCS
3 ExoStar Pinnacle (CL) ER Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Kariban-Victoria
Primary Factory: Moultrie, Haddings
Communications System: Hope M13 Howlder
Targeting and Tracking System: Hope HawkEye

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 122 points 8.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 320 22.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 247 13.00
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 1 LA, 1 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
CASE II Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 2.00

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 38
Center Torso (rear) 12
L/R Torso 17 24
L/R Torso (rear) 10
L/R Arm 13 26
L/R Leg 17 34

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) ER Small Laser CT 2 1 0.50
(IS) MML-5 RT 3 3 3.00
Artemis IV FCS RT - 1 1.00
(CL) ER Small Laser RT 2 1 0.50
(IS) MML-5 LT 3 3 3.00
Artemis IV FCS LT - 1 1.00
(CL) ER Small Laser LT 2 1 0.50
(CL) LRM-20 RA 6 4 5.00
Artemis IV FCS RA - 1 1.00
(CL) LRM-20 LA 6 4 5.00
Artemis IV FCS LA - 1 1.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (12) RT - 2 2.00
@MML-5 (SRM Art-IV) (20) RT - 1 1.00
@MML-5 (LRM Art-IV) (24) LT - 1 1.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (12) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 15

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 8 Points: 20
4 6 6 4 0 4 0 Structure: 6
Special Abilities: CASEII, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 4

Notes: Features the Following Design Quirks: Easy to Maintain, Fast Reload, No/Minimal Arms, Protected Actuators.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:20, Fri 19 Apr 2019.

TRO

GM, 474 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:19

msg #25

BATTLEMECHS: Warlord BLR-4G

History

The Word of Blake's Jihad had taken a massive toll on all of the Inner Sphere's heavy manufacturing companies, but it was especially harsh for the still young Aegis Conglomeration. While Aerostar and Bell Dynamic had managed to bounce back into the black by 3081 and 3086, respectively, Kariban Motors had a much more difficult time due to the allocation of its resources. With the Bristol plant completely destroyed, and its production on Alci heavily restricted by the Treaty of 3084, Kariban was on the verge of a forced merger by either of the other Aegis corporations by 3086.

Luckily Kariban had a trump card it had yet to play, because just before the start of the Jihad, its research team had completely re-engineered the manufacturing process to develop the clan-spec XL Fusion Engine. While this discovery would enhance future BattleMechs and vehicles from the Aegis partners, it would take too much time to implement to save the company. Instead, CEO Jaina Moon proposed a different solution with the creation of Kariban-Victoria, a subsidiary that started out by simply offering technical expertise to upgrade other major manufacturers capabilities. The El Dorado's division of General Motors was their first candidate, and the Warlord was the first BattleMech to benefit from the new venture.

Originally designed with a standard engine in mind, using an Endo-Steel Structure and advanced weaponry, the Jihad had disrupted the supply of off-world made endo-steel. While GM turned turned to their own XL engine to compensate, the bulky design always left it more fragile than originally intended, even with a small increase of armor coverage. Offering its services, Kariban-Victoria helped to enhance the line that produced the XL engine, and brought it up to clan-spec capabilities that made it smaller and more rugged than the Helm Core design. It was a partnership that proved incredibly profitable for Kariban, as the patented engine design would insure that every engine installed into every Warlord would bring in much needed revenue.

Kariban-Victoria had more planned than that though, as they also obtained a precentage of Warlords from every production run for the first five years, which it then turned around and seold to mercenary units and the 12th Star Guards both. While Kariban-Victoria would extend similar deals to other BattleMech manufacturers, it retained a special relationship with GM that would bear further fruit with the Templar III and several other designs. The subsidiary began to order whole runs of partially stripped Warlords, arming them with clan-spec weaponry for special customers, and most importantly the 12th Star Guards.

Capabilities

Considered the official variant for the 12th Star Guards, the BLR-4G is a perfect example of the Guards' doctrine shift in the late 31st Century. Equipped entirely with energy weapons, the Warlord can lay down a withering level of fire from long to medium range. Replacing the weaponry of GM's standard model with clan-spec weaponry, one ER PPC in each arm and three Medium Pulse Laser in both the right and left torsos, the Warlord's greatest bane is still the heat it produces. To counter this to some degree, Kariban has included an additional three double heat sinks as well as fitting a specialized computer system similar to that used by the Stalker. With a top speed of 64 kilometers per hour, the Warlord is capable with keeping up with most heavy and even medium BattleMechs used by the 12th Star Guards. With a jump range of 120 meters, it also has a maneuverability most wouldn't expect from an Assault machine.

Deployment

The Warlord has been a staple in the AFFS since it was first produced, but with increased production and its cutting edge engine, the 3G has became a favorite throughout the Davion regiments. The Crucis Lancers in particular have had a special love for the Warlord, and it has seen action along the borders of the Draconis March, and unsurprisingly in the ranks of the Swordsworn.

The 4G variant seen in all of the 12th Star Guard Regiments except for the Fourth, but it has found its greatest proponents in both the 2nd and 5th Regiments, one of the few things the two units seem to agree on. Limited numbers have also been seen among the Kell Hounds, which is unsurprising considering the strong relationship the Hounds have had with the Guards since the Clan invasion.

Variants: BLR-3G, BLR-2CM.

Similar to the 4G, the 3G is a less advanced variant that uses Helm Core technology instead of the more cutting edge clan-spec that the 4G does. This forces the 3G to use a pair of Heavy PPCs and six ER Medium Lasers. With the increase in weight, it does not have either the jumping ability, nor greater heat dissipation ability of the 4G.

The 2CM on the other hand is a unique model from Kariban-Victoria based on an prototype from General Motors. Built for unit commanders in mind, the 2CM drops the Jump Jets and one heat sink in order to fit in an extensive electronics suite, including a command console in the cockpit to provide a commander with every bit of information he could need. With its computer being pulled and replaced with one similar to the venerable Cyclops', the 2CM doesn't lose out in firepower, but it is more restricted by its heat curve.

Image Shown: A Warlord from the 5th Regiment's 2nd Company seen on exercises at the Stone Yard.

Notable Units

Colonel Evan Kell: Commander of the Kell Hounds mercenary unit, the Colonel comes from a long line of Mechwarriors. While he began his career in an Archer owned by his ancestor, Morgan Kell, he received a 2CM as a birthday gift from Lt. General Akram Arcand in 3113. Since then the Colonel has used the Warlord in every engagement he has led against the Jade Falcons, its black and red paint job a sign of victory for his troops.

Warlord BLR-4G

Mass: 80 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-D-D-A
Production Year: 3091
Cost: 18,731,640 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,950

Chassis: Hollis Mark X III Standard
Power Plant: KM 320 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Seraph IX
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Starshield Special Heavy Standard Armor
Armament:
2 Arcas (CL) ER PPCs
6 Sutel Exemplar (CL) Medium Pulse Lasers
1 Jaguar ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Kariban-Victoria, General Motors
Primary Factory: Bristol (Kariban-Victoria), El Dorado (General Motors)
Communications System: Sony MSF-31 w/ECM Suite
Targeting and Tracking System: Federated Stalker

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 122 points 8.00
Engine: XL Engine 320 11.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 4 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LL, 2 RL 4.00
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 19(38) 9.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 247 15.50

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 25 38
Center Torso (rear) 12
L/R Torso 17 26
L/R Torso (rear) 8
L/R Arm 13 26
L/R Leg 17 34

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ECM Suite HD 0 1 1.00
3 (CL) Medium Pulse Lasers RT 12 3 6.00
3 (CL) Medium Pulse Lasers LT 12 3 6.00
(CL) ER PPC RA 15 2 6.00
(CL) ER PPC LA 15 2 6.00
Free Critical Slots: 14

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 8 Points: 30
4j 6 6 3 0 4 2 Structure: 4
Special Abilities: ECM, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Notes: Features the following Design Quirks: Combat Computer, Improved Communications.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:51, Wed 08 May 2019.

TRO

GM, 475 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:20

msg #26

BATTLEMECHS: Grand Titan T-IT-N12M

History

Initially designed in 3051 when Vining Engineering and Salvage Team, or VEST, corporate officers tasked their engineers with designing meant to be able to match the best BattleMechs that the Inner Sphere or the Clans had to offer, the Grand Titan took a convoluted path to Bell Dynamic's manufacturing lines. Despite already having technical difficulties and design problems, the engineering team was being constantly given new or changed requirements, causing the project to be started from scratch several times in the three years of development. As a result, the VEST marketing department sold Earthwerks a design that significantly differed from the final product, something which the manufacturing giant was less than pleased with. Refusing to pay for the design, and even threatening to sue over the event, VEST was in a rather tight spot when it went looking for other customers in 3054.

Bell Dynamic on the other hand was flourishing, as it couldn't get orders out as fast as they came in, but it was lacking a solid contender in the Assault class, and by association so were the 12th Star Guards. While not as wealthy as Earthwerks, nor as able to pay as much for the sole ownership of the design, Bell was capable of providing samples of clan-spec weaponry which could then be used on many of VESTS more experimental and custom designs. The deal was made, and Bell Dynamic was left with a 'Mech that, while not the ultimate Assault machine, is one that stands steady among its peers.

This was proved by the Guards, who had a five year long exclusive contract on the Grand Titan's production runs, when they used it extensively in their rebuilt Regiments throughout the their various battles leading up to the Great Refusal, and its exposure to so many other national units through that caused a great amount of interest in the design. The Grand Titan would become the corporations' best selling product, and gave it a much appreciated boost in profits that would allow even further expansion. This capital would mostly end up developing Alci during the Jihad, making the Grand Titan a favorite design among Bell's owners. In 3117, this favor was shown when it received a major upgrade of its systems to the clan-spec version most often seen today.

Capabilities

Built on a cutting edge Endo-Steel chassis and with a KM 400 XL Engine to save as much weight as possible, the Grand Titan is able to reach a top speed of 64.8 kph that allows it to keep up at a surprising speed for a 100 ton design. With 15.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor protecting its frame, it has a more than respectable ability to receive damage without falling. With the addition of the Lightstar laser anti-missile system and 20 double heat sinks, the newest variant is able to stay in action longer than its predecessors, and the majority of its contemporaries.

While its offensive capabilities never gave it the ability to claim the title of an ultimate Assault 'Mech, there is no doubt that the design has always been a focused, medium to close-range fighter that has always had a strong hand even at farther ranges. With the upgrade of all equipment to clan-spec weaponry, this has only allowed the Grand Titan to extend that strong hand, and become even more deadly in close range. With a Pinaka missile system in its left arm replacing the the heavier Inner Sphere design, that long range has become more deadly, while the two Large Pulse Lasers and two Medium Pulse Lasers provide the bulk of its offensive ability at medium range. Supporting those pulse lasers are the twin SRM-6 racks equipped with an Artemis IV fire-control system, giving a further high damage punch while including a flexible ammunition load in its three ton bins. Finally a pair of Micro Pulse Lasers are fit at the Grand Titan's rear, meant to discourage enemy Battle Armor and regular infantry.

Deployment

While the most recent variant of the Grand Titan has had limited production runs for foreign nations, the Lyran Commonwealth has remained one of its main customers. Often seeing action on the Jade Falcon border, the Grand Titan has more than proven itself against its Clan opponents. Older variants are seen throughout AFFS and in the Oriente Protectorate, and the Regulus Fifes, though on hotly debated rumor that the Fifes had modified several to be used in conjunction with nuclear weapons, the former Free Worlds state was blacklisted by the Aegis Conglomerate.

Among the 12th Star Guards, the 'Mech remains most popular among the 2nd and 7th Regiments, though the Fifth has more than a few of their own.

Variants:T-IT-N11M, T-IT-N10C, T-IT-N10N

While there are older variants, the most popular was the N11M that traded out much of its armament for an ER PPC and clan-spec Gauss Rifle, giving it a much more powerful long range punch at the cost of much of its close combat capabilities. N10C on the other hand goes in the other direction, stripping the paired ER Large Lasers for a melee capable hatchet, while removing its missile systems for medium lasers, jump jets, and the addition of TSM to make it a melee monster. The N10N is a recent variant that makes for a tougher, cheaper, Assault 'Mech while losing none of the power of the original. The N10N uses a smaller and more common Vlar 300 standard fusion engine, which caps its top speed at 57 kmp/h, and removes one of the SRM-6s, one ton of ammunition, and both Micro Pulse Lasers. The variant uses the weight saved to install the new Tsuruchi Rotary Laser System/5, along with an extra ton of armor and several more heat sinks to handle the heat load.

Image Shown: A Grand Titan from the 5th Regiment's 9th Company, overlooking a farming village in District 7

Notable Units

Major Sam Wessel: Commander of the Mournful Knights, the Fourth Battalion of the Star Guards' 5th Regiment, Wessel is famous for his strict dueling and personal moral code, even among his own command. An example to his subordinates, Wessel uses his unmodified Grand Titan like a surgeon from a distance, then like a battle axe once he has reached his optimal range. Famous among Haddings, Wessel has actually begun a small youth organization called the 'Junior Knights' that focuses on community service and honorable behavior.

Grand Titan T-IT-N12M

Mass: 100 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-F-A
Production Year: 3117
Cost: 29,919,333 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,697

Chassis: Corean Model 101BLPC Endo-Steel
Power Plant: KM 400 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Heavy Standard Armor
Armament:
2 Nidavellir (CL) Large Pulse Lasers
1 Pinaka (CL) LRM-20 w/ Artemis IV FCS
2 Nidavellir (CL) Medium Pulse Lasers
2 Wilcox (CL) SRM-6s w/ Artemis IV FCS
2 Nidavellir (CL) Micro Pulse Lasers
1 Lightstar (CL) Laser Anti-Missile System
Manufacturer: Bell Dynamic
Primary Factory: Solaris VII, Alci
Communications System: Hartford JEA-1
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P FiberFeed 201 with Artemis IV FCS Interface

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 152 points 5.00
Internal Locations: 1 LT, 2 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA
Engine: XL Engine 400 26.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 17(34) 7.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 RL
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 296 18.50
CASE Locations: LT, RT 0.00
CASE II Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 31 49
Center Torso (rear) 12
L/R Torso 21 31
L/R Torso (rear) 11
L/R Arm 17 31
L/R Leg 21 40

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Laser Anti-Missile System HD 5 1 1.00
(CL) SRM-6 RT 4 1 1.50
Artemis IV FCS RT - 1 1.00
(R) (CL) Micro Pulse Laser RT 1 1 0.50
(CL) SRM-6 LT 4 1 1.50
Artemis IV FCS LT - 1 1.00
(R) (CL) Micro Pulse Laser LT 1 1 0.50
2 (CL) Large Pulse Lasers RA 20 4 12.00
(CL) Medium Pulse Laser RA 4 1 2.00
(CL) Medium Pulse Laser LA 4 1 2.00
(CL) LRM-20 LA 6 4 5.00
Artemis IV FCS LA - 1 1.00
@SRM-6 (Artemis) (15) RT - 1 1.00
@SRM-6 (Artemis) (30) LT - 2 2.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (18) LT - 3 3.00
Free Critical Slots: 8

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 10 Points: 27
4 7 7 4 0 4 1 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: AMS, CASEII, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1

Notes: Features the following Design Quirks: Combat Computer.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:23, Wed 24 Apr 2019.

TRO

GM, 476 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:21

msg #27

BATTLEMECHS: Heqet HQT-X2-2A

History

The last redesign of its original line up made by Bell Dynamic, and the only one done without Felifious Bander leading the design team, the Heqet had a troublesome birth. The Xanthos, the Heqet's parent design, had initially been intended as a rather experimental idea for a mobile fortress and command center for planetary militias. Popular among the edges of the Inner Sphere and minor Periphery nations, where BattleMech forces were rarely part of of a pirate band, the Xanthos was far less popular even among the militias of minor worlds closer towards Terra. In 3065 this almost killed the Xanthos design entirely, as the Federated Commonwealth's civil war disrupted trade with Bell Dynamic's outlying customers, and the Jihad closely following the conflict closed the market entirely to the Aegis partner.

In truth it was inevitable that the production of the Xanthos would end, as unlike the rest of Bell Dynamic's inventory the Xanthos had never managed to overcome the deep flaws of its original quad design. For the Xanthos, the redesign was not just an upgrade, it was the only way further production could be justified.

It was not an easy redesign though, and while Bell Dynamic had a dozen examples of the quad BattleMechs used by the Word of Blake from battlefield salvage, the stride and motive system were nearly impossible to make comfortable and natural enough that the common Mechwarrior would be willing to pilot it. However, in a sudden and rather mysterious turn of fortune a month before the project was to be scrapped, Bell Dynamic was able to create a specialized and smaller gyro as well as a whole new suspension system for the rear legs. There have been many theories over the years on how this radical discovery occurred, from kidnapped scientists to a computer core discovery, but Bell Dynamic has chosen not to comment on the Matter. At the time, with the unsure nature of Haddings' relationship with the Republic, the 12th Star Guards needed a solid and home built Assault class that was easily accessible. While the Grand Titan had taken that role up in the past, with the Word of Blake destroying much of the Solaris VII plant upon their loss of the planet, it would be a decade before the the repaired and new lines would be implemented, and the Aegis Board found the new quad design to be a godsend.

Named after an Egyptian god of resurrection, a nod to the difficult journey and sudden last minute save from the death that its design had, the Heqet has slowly become a popular model among the regiments. Often called the 'Frog' for both its looks and its gait, the Heqet is amazingly easy to pilot to the point that it is even used as a trainer for both Quad and Assault BattleMechs at the First Sword Military Academy. While many mock its looks, its pilots are a proud lot, and more than one Gunslinger has come from their ranks over the years.

Capabilities

At 100 tons, with nearly of that weight given to ferro-fibrous armor for protection and a standard engine, the Heqet provides an incredibly tough foundation as an Assault Platform, something both manufactured variants take advantage of. It is the 2A, while being the second variant, that is considered and excellent long rang anchor for any formation. Equipped with two Gauss Rifles, fed by four tons of ammunition, paired with two clan-spec ER Large Lasers, the 2A can easily cripple many other 'Mechs before they can even get within their effective range. However, the Heqet remains lightly armed for closer ranged combat, its pair of SRM-2 launchers and Micro-Pulse Laser intended more as protection against enemy Battle armor rather than enemy 'Mechs. Two ER Medium Lasers round out its compliment, meant to hold off any enemy in its medium range.

Deployment

While it is a mainstay of the 12th Star Guards, both variants are very popular among mercenary forces, due to their relatively low price and incredible toughness. As an Assault Platform, the 2A has been found with Hansen's Roughriders, the Eridani Light Horse, and the Screaming Eagles mercenary units. While slightly less popular, the 1A is scene with planetary militias throughout the Lyran Commonwealth, Marik-Stewart Commonwealth, and the regiments of the Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey.

Variant: HQT-X2-1A, HQT-X2-XS

The only other production variant is actually the initial design, and is a reflection of its parent design's use as an Artillery Assault machine. While it retains one Gauss Rifle and ER Large Laser, both mated to a targeting computer to make its more limited firepower count, the inclusion of an Arrow IV launcher allows it to support any comrades at a truly long range. With a pair of SRM-4 missile systems providing more close range support alongside an ER Small Laser, the 1A also suffers from a lack of close combat power. While it lacks the ferro-fibrous armor, the 1A compensates by using a staggering 20 tons of standard armor to remain just as tenacious as the 2A.

A very rare variant, the HQT-X2-XS was originally just an extreme refit created by the 12th Star Guards' 5th Regiment, specifically from their 3rd Battalion. The 2nd Regiment would soon adopt the refit, though using it in a very different way, and now Bell Dynamic is producing limited runs of it to see how interested the market may be. Equipped with four Clan-spec ER PPCs, which already is a prodigious amount of fire power, the XS goes a step further by equipping all of them with capacitors. Four ER Medium Lasers are mounted on a turret in order to provide 360 degree firing capabilities, protecting it from harassing lighter 'Mechs, while the standard ECM was upgraded to an Angel ECM. However, there is only 19 tons of armor cladding its frame, and more importantly there are only 20 Double Heatsinks installed. This means that should all four ER PPCs be fired at once, not only will the 'Mech shutdown, there is a high chance of its pilot passing out and dying from the sudden heat exposure. This was corrected in both the 2nd Regiment's and the manufactured variant, with safety switches and programming making it impossible to fire anymore than two ER PPCs at a time. However, the 5th Regiment's version retains the capability to fire all four, giving the variant the nickname of 'Suicide'.

Image Shown: A 1A variant of the Heqet from the 1st Regiment's 5th Company.

Notable Units

Sergeant Jessica Revine: While she has most recently shifted to the Templar III Omnimech upon her graduation from the Gunslinger Program, Revine has been considered one of the best Heqet pilots in the 12th Star Guards since 3128. Known for her near perfect aim, her favorite tactic is to use an opening shot to de-leg opponents in one blow. Her recent change of 'Mech has seemed to caused her to get the occasional cold shoulder from her former 'Frog' brethren.

Heqet HQT-X2-2A

Mass: 100 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Quad
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3081
Cost: 13,181,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,908

Chassis: Bell XNT Mark VII Standard
Power Plant: KM 300 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Omega III-100AQ Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 Velocitas (CL) Gauss Rifles
2 Hringhomi (CL) ER Large Lasers
2 Nidavellir (CL) ER Medium Lasers
2 Oliver (CL) SRM-2s
1 Nidavellir (CL) Micro Pulse Laser
Manufacturer: Bell Dynamic
Primary Factory: Alci, Solaris VII
Communications System: Magni 432
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware S2R

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 160 points 10.00
Engine: Fusion Engine 300 19.00
Walking MP: 3
Running MP: 5
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 13(26) 3.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT
Gyro: Compact 4.50
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: H+UL+LL+F R: H+UL+LL+F
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 323 17.00
Armor Locations: 2 RT, 2 FLL, 2 FRL, 1 RRL
CASE II Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 2.00

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 31 47
Center Torso (rear) 15
L/R Torso 21 32
L/R Torso (rear) 10
L/R Front Leg 21 42
L/R Rear Leg 21 42

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Micro Pulse Laser HD 1 1 0.50
(CL) Gauss Rifle RT 1 6 12.00
(CL) ER Large Laser RT 12 1 4.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser RT 5 1 1.00
(CL) Gauss Rifle LT 1 6 12.00
(CL) ER Large Laser LT 12 1 4.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser LT 5 1 1.00
(CL) SRM-2 RRL 2 1 0.50
(CL) SRM-2 RLL 2 1 0.50
@Gauss Rifle (32) CT - 4 4.00
@SRM-2 (Inferno) (50) RT - 1 1.00
@SRM-2 (50) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 1

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 11 Points: 29
3 5 5 4 0 4 2 Structure: 8
Special Abilities: CASEII, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

This design has the following Design Quirks: Easy to Pilot, Stable.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:19, Fri 26 Apr 2019.

TRO

GM, 477 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:22

msg #28

OMNIMECHS: Storm Lord SL-TLS-O1

History

At the rebirth of the 1st Regiment in 3117, there was a question quietly asked. What access would it be given to the Regimental Omnimechs, as it was the unit meant to represent the Guards and their system as a whole? At the time the question was ignored, but by 3122 it was asked with a far louder voice, and in that moment Haddings showed it was not above the politics of the rest of the Inner Sphere, as none of the Regiments wished to share their totemic Omnimechs, at least not to a non 'Tribute'. Though frustrated by the reticence of the four Colonels, Lt. General Arcand let the argument pass on to his successor, who had a very different alternative in mind.

Instead he commissioned the development of a brand new Omnimech, based upon the long standing favorite design of the Talos, by the same engineering team that put together the more exclusive Guard Omnimechs. The result was the Storm Lord, a 50 ton Omnimech that, while not replacing, could certainly become the workhorse and symbol of the 12th Star Guards. It was three years in development before the team had it up and running, borrowing many of the parts from the standard Talos in order to ease maintenance and supply lines, while its communications and electronics were developed to be shared with future Omni designs. With nearly half of its weight devoted to weapons and equipment, the Storm Lord promised to be perfectly suited to any role needed of a Medium design.

After its testing was finished, the design was presented to the Aegis board for discussion on construction, and it was then that a snag was hit. Both Kariban and Bell Dynamic began a bidding war that soon threatened to rend the conglomerate apart as neither side was willing to give an inch. For years Bell Dynamic executives had become concerned, then threatened by the successful and continuing designs that Kariban-Victoria were providing the Guards. There were even the strong possibility that Kariban was looking to stage their own takeover of Bell in a reverse of what had nearly happened after the Jihad.

It was Rebecca Magnus, one of her last decisions before stepping down as CEO of Aerostar, that made the resolution that both the board and the 12th Star Guards would eventually approve. A new subsidiary partner of Aegis would be formed with Kariban, Bell, and Aerostar all having an equal stake. This new subsidiary, Aegis Engineering, would pursue all future Omnimech designs for the conglomerate, leaving standard BattleMechs to Bell and Kariban-Victoria. Over the past three years a manufacturing line was built on Alci, and in March of 3133, the first run of Storm Lords was finished and distribution was earmarked for the 1st Regiment, as will the next three runs.

Capabilities

With a 250 XL engine allowing a top speed of 85 kph, the Storm Lords is immediately faster than its proginator 'Mech, while its four permanently installed jump jets provide it with a great deal of maneuverability. Outfitted with Bell Dynamic's compact Gyro, and equipped with clan-spec endo-steel and eight tons of ferro-fibrous armor, the Storm Lord is not only only rugged, but also has a large amount of internal space free for weaponry.

In its primary configuration, it become essentially a faster Talos, with an ER PPC as its main weapon to provide long range fire that could continue in a closer range. Additionally, four ER Medium Lasers and two Streak SRM-6 missile systems were included to provide a withering medium to close range set of secondary weapons, allowing the Storm Lord to to easily step into the well known roll of the Talos.

With its advanced gyro, and the common familiarity every Mechwarrior of the Guards have with the Talos, it is surprisingly easy to pilot. This has allowed its pilots to focus more on other things, with many claiming that moving the Storm Lord was almost natural.

Deployment

The first ten Storm Lords have been exclusively deployed to the 1st Regiment, though not all have been activated. Off the record, it is believed that some are meant for both deployed companies, but they are also likely to be saved for additional units soon to be formed.

Configurations:

Surprisingly, most of the configurations use the Heavy Medium Laser, a recent development by Kariban-Victoria after reverse engineering samples from Clan Sea Fox. While the weapon's increased heat and interference with electronics is considered a flaw, research continues to improve the weapon, the current models remaining a stopgap until that time.

Configuration A takes the role of Medium Fire Support, with its pair of LRM-10 missiles systems with their Artemis IV fire control. The addition of an LB 10-X Autocannon is to further this role, often placing it in the anti-aircraft or conventional vehicle role as well. Its Heavy Medium Laser is meant to provide it with a powerful close range weapon, though with its speed it is meant to maintain a distance from enemy forces.

Configuration B uses the Rotary AC 5 in combination with an MML-9 missile system to provide medium ranged fire support. It too includes a single Heavy Medium Laser, but it is far more likely to use it in conjunction with its autocannon and differing missile loads.

Configuration C is built to be a long ranged sniper, with its targeting computer assisted Gauss Rifle. It also provides electronic support with the expensive and advanced Angel ECM unit installed in its left torso. With two Heavy Medium Lasers, which with the advanced computer compensating for its electronic disturbance, it can ward attackers off while trying to gain additional distance to bring its Gauss Rifle back into play. With three tons of ammunition, it playtime is long indeed.

The last official configuration, D, hearkens back to the Clan Nova, or Blackhawk, OmniMechs primary configuration. With a targeting computer to compensate, a total of six Heavy Medium Lasers make it a devastating close ranged fighter. To compensate for the high heat threshold, six additional double heat sinks were installed along with a Radical Heat Sink, a piece of equipment imported for this specific use. To aid in closing to range, a Supercharger was installed as well, bringing its top speed to 129 kph in short bursts.

Image Shown: One of the original prototypes of the Storm Lord, painted in the colors of the 7th Regiment's Tenth Company.

Storm Lord SL-TLS-O1

Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Chassis Config: Biped Omnimech
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3133
Cost: 11,434,375 C-Bills
Battle Value: 765

Chassis: Dynamic TLS-34 Endo-Steel
Power Plant: KM 250 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: KM Silverfire
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Omega III-50M Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
23.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Aegis Engineering
Primary Factory: Alci, ACG-3
Communications System: Magnus Multi-Channel 10X
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware XJ-7

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 83 points 2.50
Internal Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Engine 250 6.50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 4 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 2.00
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Compact 4.50
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 163 8.50
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL

Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 16 26
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 12 18
L/R Torso (rear) 6
L/R Arm 8 16
L/R Leg 12 21

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Fixed Equipment Cost: 11,434,375
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 765

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumping MP: 4 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Primary Weapons Configuration Cost: 13,431,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 2,462

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumping MP: 4 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 0.00
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 15(30) 5.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 CT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 2 RA
CASE II Locations: 1 LT 1.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA

Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) ER Medium Laser RT 5 1 1.00
(CL) Streak SRM-6 RT 4 2 3.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser LT 5 1 1.00
(CL) Streak SRM-6 LT 4 2 3.00
(CL) ER PPC RA 15 2 6.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser RA 5 1 1.00
(CL) ER Medium Laser LA 5 1 1.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15) LT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 9

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 25
5/3j 5 5 2 0 2 2 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASEII, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Configuration A Cost: 13,284,063
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,716

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumping MP: 4 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 0.00
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA

Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Heavy Medium Laser CT 7 2 1.00
(CL) LRM-10 RT 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS RT - 1 1.00
(CL) LRM-10 LT 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS LT - 1 1.00
(CL) LB 10-X AC RA 2 5 10.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (10) RT - 1 1.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10) RT - 1 1.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 13

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 17
5/3j 3 3 3 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 2, FLK 1/1/1

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Configuration B Cost: 12,899,688
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 1,597

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumping MP: 4 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 0.00
CASE II Locations: 1 RT 1.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA

Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Heavy Medium Laser CT 7 2 1.00
(IS) MML-9 LT 5 5 6.00
Artemis IV FCS LT - 1 1.00
(IS) Rotary AC/5 RA 1 6 10.00
@Rotary AC/5 (40) RT - 2 2.00
@MML-9 (LRM Art-IV) (13) RT - 1 1.00
@MML-9 (SRM Inferno) (11) RT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 10

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 16
5/3j 5 4 1 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASEII, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Configuration C Cost: 14,549,688
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 2,003

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumping MP: 4 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA

Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Targeting Computer CT - 3 3.00
(CL) Heavy Medium Laser RT 7 2 1.00
(CL) Heavy Medium Laser LT 7 2 1.00
Angel ECM LT 0 2 2.00
(CL) Gauss Rifle RA 1 6 12.00
Active Probe LA 0 1 1.00
@Gauss Rifle (24) RT - 2 3.00
Free Critical Slots: 10

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 20
5/3j 4 4 2 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, AECM, PRB, RCN, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Configuration D Cost: 18,195,625
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 2,358

Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumping MP: 4 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 0.00
Heat Sinks: (CL) Double Heat Sink 16(32) 6.00
Heat Sink Locations: 2 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA

Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Targeting Computer CT - 2 2.00
Supercharger CT - 1 1.00
(CL) Heavy Medium Laser RT 7 2 1.00
(CL) Heavy Medium Laser LT 7 2 1.00
Radical Heat Sink LT 0 3 4.00
(CL) ER Large Laser LT 12 1 4.00
2 (CL) Heavy Medium Lasers RA 14 4 2.00
2 (CL) Heavy Medium Lasers LA 14 4 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 0

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 24
6/3j 5 5 1 0 2 3 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Notes: Features the Following Design Quirks: Easy to Pilot, Improved Communications.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:10, Tue 12 May 2020.

TRO

GM, 478 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:23

msg #29

AEROSPACE: Florin Mk. II

Originally developed before the Clan Invasion, the first Florin was essentially a beefed up Sparrowhawk designed by Summit Aerospace, marketed more towards planetary militias or Periphery States instead of the Successor States' militaries. When Summit joined the Aegis Conglomerate, the 12th Star Guards ordered dozens of the Florin needing to replenish their Aerospace fighters. The simple nature of the interceptor meant that it could be easily with just a weapon change as it was already tough and fast, both which saw it through even into the Jihad without a major change.

When Summit split from Aegis during the FedComm Civil War, they only took their facilities, as the Florin Design had been liscensed to Aegis as a whole. Aerostar took instant advantage of this, pushing to quickly have the Florin be built on Haddings as well as maneuver itself into position to sell the craft to the Mercenary Alliance based out of Outreach. While it was still considered a bit low tech compared to many others, the swarms of Florins that the Guards and the 12 Star Alliance proved a match to the Word of Blake's Omnifighters through sheer maneuverability and numbers.

The Florin II is a recent upgrade, with an increase in Aerostar's other designs, the Company decided it was best to move forwards with the popular interceptor and include much of quality of the technology Aegis and the Guards were now able to produce. Now using an XL 320 to provide it the same movement profile and Ferro-aluminum, the Florin II has upgraded its weapons with Nidavellir grade ER Medium lasers, and two Streak SRM-6s. The advanced targeting of the Streaks means the Florin now hits far more reliably, and with its speed, its extended laser range only means that it conducts its interceptor duties with the same reliability the Florin is known for.

Image Shown: An Aegis Florin II on patrol over Alci, near a Endo-Steel orbital factory.

Notable Units: Lieutenant 2nd Grade Ven Gannick

Until he flew a Florin, Lieutenant Gannick was not considered an excellent Aerospace Pilot. In fact, it was only because he was shot out of his Corsair and forced to use a Florin that he was ever put into one. During the Jihad he led his Squadron into many engagements, and with their massed firepower, speed, and trained formation flying the Florins were devastating to heavier fighters and bombers.

Florin Mk. II

Model: FLN-II-1A
Tech: Mixed Tech / 3100
Vessel Type: Aerospace Fighter
Rules: Level 3, Standard design
Rules Set: AeroTech2
Era: Dark Ages
Production Year: 3118

Mass: 40 tons
Power Plant: Kariban 320 XL Fusion
Safe Thrust: 10
Maximum Thrust: 15
Armor Type: Starlight II Ferro-aluminum
Armament:
3 ER Medium Laser (C)
2 Streak SRM 6 (C)

Manufacturer: Aerostar
Primary Factory: Valhalla, Haddings
Communications System: Magni Supreme 12E
Targeting and Tracking System: Magni Fireware XJ2

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name: Florin II
Mass: 40 tons

Equipment: Mass
Power Plant: Kariban 320 XL Fusion 11.50
Thrust: Safe Thrust: 10
Maximum Thrust: 15
Structural Integrity: 10 .00
Total Heat Sinks: 10 Double .00
Fuel: 4.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters: 3.00
Armor Type: Alpha II Ferro-aluminum (192 total armor pts) 10.00
Standard Scale Armor Pts
Location: L / R
Nose: 64
Left/Right Wings: 40/40
Aft: 48

Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Laser (C) Nose 7 7 -- -- 10 2.00
1 Streak SRM 6 (C) RW 12 12 -- -- 4 3.00
1 Streak SRM 6 (C) LW 12 12 -- -- 4 3.00
Ammo (Streak 6) 30 --- 2.00
1 ER Medium Laser (C) Aft 7 7 -- -- 5 1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 23 39.50
Tons Left: .50

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 6,270,640 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,889
Cost per BV: 3,319.56
Weapon Value: 2,131 (Ratio = 1.13)
Damage Factors: SRV = 36; MRV = 28; LRV = 0; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 10, Armor/Structure: 5 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 4/4/-, Overheat: 0
Class: FL; Point Value: 19

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:22, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 479 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:25

msg #30

AEROSPACE: Obolus OLS-O1

The Obolus is the most recent project to come out of Aerostar, with only a total of 24 currently in service. The second Omnifighter to come from the company, it also has the current status of being the only known Stealth Aerospace Fighter in existence. Even after its first introduction in 3129, the Obolus has been carefully tested and analyzed every step of its slow integration into the Navy of the 12th Star Guards. Initially the Obolus was envisioned as a heavy interceptor, the decision to turn it into an Omnifighter came halfway through the design process when the initial team saw the benefit of giving a stealth fighter an inherent flexibility.

Based on the Florin chassis, the Obolus' centerpiece is the use of Kariban's Blackguard Stealth armor, though this always requires the fighter to use more five more Double Heatsinks than it normally would need, just to keep the increased heat from the Stealth system from overloading a pilot in the midst of combat, or require them to turn it off. With the system on, the Obolus is completely invisible to electronic and heat detecting sensors, making their follow up attack with an interceptor flight a complete surprise. Additionally, when they take up the role of escort, they have an absolute edge against an attacking opponent.

While it is an Omnifighter the Obolus currently only has one configuration, the prime that equips two Large Pulse Lasers and four Medium Pulse Lasers. This is used in its current role as a heavy interceptor, but with 22 tons of pod space, it leaves quite a bit of room for a variety of weapon configurations. Currently the pilots assigned to an Obolus are acting as a testing group, developing new configurations and understanding just how the Stealth armor changes space combat.

Image Shown: An Obolus during a test flight near the dark side of Haddings.

Obolus

Model: Obolus OLS-O1
Tech: Mixed Tech / 3100
Vessel Type: Aerospace Omnifighter
Era: Dark Ages
Production Year: 3129

Mass: 60 tons
Power Plant: 300 XL Fusion (IS)
Safe Thrust: 7
Maximum Thrust: 11
Armor Type: Blackguard IV Stealth
Armament:
22 Tons Pod Space

Manufacturer: Aerostar
Primary Factory: Valhalla, Haddings
Communications System: Magni Supreme 12E
Targeting and Tracking System: Magni Fireware XJ2

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name: Obolus
Mass: 60 tons

Equipment: Mass
Power Plant: Kariban 300 XL Fusion 9.50
Thrust: Safe Thrust: 7
Maximum Thrust: 11
Structural Integrity: 7 6.00
Total Heat Sinks: 12 Double 2.00
Fuel: 160 6.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters: 3.00
Armor Type: Blackguard IV Vehicle Stealth (232 total armor pts) 14.50
Standard Scale Armor Pts
Location: L / R
Nose: 78
Left/Right Wings: 46/45
Aft: 64

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Angel ECM Suite Aft 10 2 2.00
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime Cost: 10,997,187
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A BV2: 2,569
Rules Level: Experimental Tech Tech Base: Mixed

Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Medium Pulse Laser (C) Nose 8 8 -- -- 8 4.00
1 Large Pulse Laser (C) RW 10 10 10 -- 10 6.00
1 Large Pulse Laser (C) LW 10 10 10 -- 10 6.00
2 Medium Laser (C) Aft 8 8 -- -- 8 2.00

19 Double Heat Sinks (C) 9.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 43 29.00
Tons Left: 0.00

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:22, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 480 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:26

msg #31

AEROSPACE: Solidus Mk. II

When Aerostar first began under Rebecca Magnus, she knew that the fledgling company couldn't just rely on the Florin to support the Guards with real Aerospace fighters. Luckily though, the Guards were fresh from the destruction of the Smoke Jaguars, and rich with technical data plundered from the Clan. Using some of the most effective Clan Omnifighters, both data and salvage, Aerostar developed the Solidus to replace the aging Corsair as the Guards' dogfighter of choice. While it was always intended to eventually become an Omnifighter, at the time the company just didn't have the resources to design and produce such an advanced craft.

Instead, they created a hard hitting dogfighter that shined during the Jihad using advanced Clan technology from the beginning. While there were only two Wings active through the whole Jihad, the decade long war proved the quality of the design in a way that years of testing never could. The Solidus was immensely popular among its pilots, and once Aerostar got its factories fully functioning, the Solidus was the first craft ordered in large numbers. In 3104, it was decided to upgrade the fighter to increase in its toughness and firepower, and so the Solidus II made its first appearance in 3106, after two years of development and testing, Aerostar not wanting to risk one of its best products to possible failure.

Keeping the curved and deadly profile, the Solidus II upgraded to its Starlight Ferro-Aluminum armor, then added an Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle as its long reaching punch, replacing the former ER PPC. With an additional 2 ER Large Lasers for strafing and long ranged attacks, Aerostar added 8 ER Medium lasers, two of them covering its rear to keep enemy fighters off its tail, while six point forward for the close combat purposes. As a strafing support, heavy dogfighter, or bomber escort, the Solidus II is an excellent design even without being a Omnifighter. Recently, there have been rumors of a Solidus III that finally does give it that final bit of versatility.

Image Shown: A Solidus from the Bloodhunter Squadron flies in the upper Atmosphere of Haddings near the Ringline.

Notable Units: Commander Leon Magnus

While today he might be best known for founding Aerostar, in truth Commander Magnus was never interested in the business beyond what it provided for the Guards and his own flying. He was the first to pull his Squadron, then Wing, into the Solidus when it was first created to free up more machines for newer pilots, as well as fly the cutting edge craft. Magnus was known to truly embrace the lifestyle of a fighter jock, and he was equally known for his skill behind the stick. His personal Squadron, the Bloodhunters, was known to all be aces a dozen times over during the Jihad with their Solidus easily keeping up with WoB Omnifighters.

Solidus II

Model: Solidus SLD-II-1A
Tech: Mixed Tech / 3067
Vessel Type: Aerospace Fighter
Rules: Level 3, Standard design
Rules Set: AeroTech2
Era: Dark Ages
Production Year: 3106

Mass: 75 tons
Power Plant: Kariban 300 XLF
Safe Thrust: 6
Maximum Thrust: 9
Armor Type: Starlight Ferro-aluminum
Armament:
1 Imp. Heavy Gauss Rif(IS)*
2 ER Large Laser (C)
8 ER Medium Laser (C)

Manufacturer: Aerostar
Primary Factory: Valhalla, Haddings
Communications System: Magni Supreme 12E
Targeting and Tracking System: Magni Fireware XJ2

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name: Solidus II
Mass: 75 tons

Equipment: Mass
Power Plant: 300 XL Fusion 9.50
Thrust: Safe Thrust: 6
Maximum Thrust: 9
Structural Integrity: 7 .00
Total Heat Sinks: 16 Double 6.00
Fuel: 4.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters: 3.00
Armor Type: Clan Ferro-aluminum (240 total armor pts) 12.50
Standard Scale Armor Pts
Location: L / R
Nose: 80
Left/Right Wings: 60/60
Aft: 40

Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Imp. Heavy Gauss Rif(IS)*Nose 22 22 22 -- 2 20.00
Ammo (Imp Hvy Gauss) 16 --- 4.00
2 ER Large Laser (C) Nose 10 10 10 10 24 8.00
3 ER Medium Laser (C) RW 7 7 -- -- 15 3.00
3 ER Medium Laser (C) LW 7 7 -- -- 15 3.00
2 ER Medium Laser (C) Aft 7 7 -- -- 10 2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 66 75.00
Tons Left: .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 12,296,006 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,565
Cost per BV: 4,793.76
Weapon Value: 3,408 (Ratio = 1.33)
Damage Factors: SRV = 44; MRV = 34; LRV = 6; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 6, Armor/Structure: 6 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 5/5/3, Overheat: 3
Class: FH; Point Value: 26

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:23, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 481 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:28

msg #32

AEROSPACE: Soldo SLD-O2

There was an interesting trend after the Jihad when dealing with Blakist salvage and technology. The vast majority of the Inner Sphere who was affected shunned it, painting it with the same brush as that of the men and women who used it. For the 12th Star Guards, this was a foolish and stupid thing to do, as they had depended on salvaged supplies and WoB technology just to survive in their pocket for years, they saw no reason to throw it away now that the Jihad was over. While surely some of the technology discovered had reprehensible implications on how it was developed, the already impressive medical program in New Rome grew even further.

Perhaps the most recognizable piece the Guards, and later Aerostar, continued to use was the Soldo Omnifighter. Originally built using various salvage from all of the WoB's fighters, the Soldo was created to replace the lost Ahabs that had become unserviceable by 3071. While it was obviously created using the enemy's vehicles, it quickly became a huge hit among the bomber wing and especially with 2nd Lieutenant Remy Galliante. When the war was over, Aerostar was granted all the additional Salvage the Guards had left over, and by 3094 they had the facilities and expertise to develop a brand new Soldo that had a much more stable constructed base. While the 2A has upgraded its engine and armor, allowing for even more pod space, the bomber isn't that different from its original cobbled design.

Sporting the moving wings the WoB Fighters were famous for, the Soldo usually tricks both the eye and sensors into thinking it is a simple shuttle until its wings sweep back for attack runs. Its Prime Configuration remains the massive missile boat that was its original roll, but its Configuration A has turned into a monster of a strafing craft, meant to be called in to break up fortified positions. While not as common, Configuration C is often used on suspected pirate Dropships, causing massive amounts of damage with its missiles and Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle.
Finally, while it was rarely used as such, the Soldo can also mount hard points for Alamo nuclear warheads, causing great threat to Dropships, Pocket Warships, and even true warships in a squadron.

Image Shown: Soldo over Haddings as the sun rises, opposite of the Ringline.

Notable Units: 2nd Lieutenant Remy Galliante

While she is best known for using her Ahab through the majority of her career, like all of the other venerable missile boats, it suffered serious malfunctions due to poor equipment supplies during the Jihad. Shifting into the Soldo, Galliante's Squadron would be responsible for 3 of the 6 Warship kills shared among her Wing.

Soldo

Model: Soldo SLD-O2
Tech: Mixed Tech / 3100
Vessel Type: Aerospace OmniFighter
Rules: Level 3, Standard design
Rules Set: AeroTech2
Era: Dark Ages
Production Year: 3094

Mass: 95 tons
Power Plant: Kariban 285 XL Fusion
Safe Thrust: 5
Maximum Thrust: 8
Armor Type: Juggernaut II Heavy Ferro
Armament:
61 Tons Pod Space

Manufacturer: Aerostar
Primary Factory: Valhalla, Haddings
Communications System: Magni Supreme 12E
Targeting and Tracking System: Magni Fireware XJ2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name: Soldo (Base)
Mass: 95 tons

Equipment: Mass
Power Plant: 285 XL Fusion 8.50
Thrust: Safe Thrust: 5
Maximum Thrust: 8
Structural Integrity: 9 .00
Total Heat Sinks: 10 Double .00
Fuel: 5.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters: 3.00
Armor Type: *Heavy Ferro* (347 total armor pts) 17.50
Standard Scale Armor Pts
Location: L / R
Nose: 118
Left/Right Wings: 86/86
Aft: 57

Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment (C) Body .00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 0 34.00
Tons Left: 61.00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 16,011,955 C-Bills
Battle Value: 985
Cost per BV: 16,255.79
Weapon Value: 0 (Ratio = .00)
Damage Factors: SRV = 0; MRV = 0; LRV = 0; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 9 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: -/-/-, Overheat: 0
Class: FH; Point Value: 10
Specials: omni

Primary Configuration

Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Large Laser(C) Nose 10 10 10 10 24 8.00
3 LRM 15(C)+ArtIV RW 12 12 12 -- 15 13.50
3 LRM 15(C)+ArtIV LW 12 12 12 -- 15 13.50
Ammo (LRM 15) 96 --- 12.00
2 ER Medium Laser(C) Aft 7 7 -- -- 10 2.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment (C) Body .00
12 Double Heat Sinks --- 12.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 64 95.00
Tons Left: .00
Battle Value: 3203
Total Cost: 22,874,392 C-Bills

A Configuration

Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Ultra AC/20(C) Nose 30 30 -- -- 14 12.00
Ammo (Ult AC/20) 20 --- 4.00
2 ER Large Laser(C) Nose 10 10 10 10 24 8.00
4 ER Medium Laser(C) RW 7 7 -- -- 20 4.00
4 ER Medium Laser(C) LW 7 7 -- -- 20 4.00
2 ER Medium Laser(C) Aft 7 7 -- -- 10 2.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment (C) Body .00
27 Double Heat Sinks 27.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 88 95.00
Tons Left: .00
Battle Value: 3445
Total Cost: 19,555,642 C-Bills

B Configuration

Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Imp Hvy Gauss Rifle (IS) Nose 22 22 22 -- 2 20.00
Ammo (Hvy Gauss) 20 --- 5.00
2 ER PPC (C) Nose 15 15 15 -- 30 12.00
1 LRM 15(C)+ArtIV RW 12 12 12 -- 5 4.50
1 LRM 15(C)+ArtIV LW 12 12 12 -- 5 4.50
Ammo (LRM 15) 40 --- 5.00
2 ER Medium Laser(C) Aft 7 7 -- -- 10 2.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment (C) Body .00
8 Double Heat Sinks 8.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 52 95.00
Tons Left: .00
Battle Value: TBD
Total Cost: TBD

This message was last edited by the GM at 19:57, Sun 27 Aug 2017.

TRO

GM, 488 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:36

msg #39

VEHICLE ANNEX: Kariban Defender Limousine

The Defender line is not one that is readily available, and is more the product the research that went into Kariban's Omni Vehicle designs rather than their civilian products. The Defender project didn't begin until 3119, when an assassination attempt on Representative Lyall Stone almost killed the retired Major. It was only luck and sheer resilience that let him survive even as it cost him a natural arm. While the Republic claimed it was extreme radicals who had focused on Haddings due to the 12th Star Guards maintaining their full unit strengths, many within High Command, and Aegis for that matter, felt it might possibly be the act of the Republic itself.

Unable to protect the Representative with a full platoon of Mongooses as they wanted, not being able to bring the military grade weaponry to Terra in such numbers, nor could they simply have the him use his Battlemech as if it was a hovercar, the Guards turned to Aegis to see what could be done. Otherwise, they might be forced to pull their only real contact with the Republic Government off of Terra for good, a policy that might be a welcomed response but a poor solution.

Their first attempts just didn't provide the protection they felt was needed, as starting with a car and armoring it provided too much stress on the engines. Instead they took the Cherokee Scout platform and expanded on it, using an XL Fusion Engine to give it the speed it would need, while the Clan level Omega III Ferro-Fibrous armor gave it enough protection that nothing outside of a true combat vehicle, Battlemech, or squads of Battle Armor would put it down. Hidden Cleverly in its roof is an advanced Laser Anti-Missile system, while the car itself is equipped with an ECM unit as well as a White Noise Generator, keeping the conversations and locations of those in the car protected at all times.

While it took nearly a year, by the time Representative Stone was able to return to Terra, the Defender went along with him. Since then, only select customers have been allowed to buy one, including the Archon Melissa Steiner, and First Prince Harrison Davion. Paladin Victor Steiner-Davion was also gifted one by Kariban, in respect to the long ties the Guards had to the venerable statesman, and since Devlin Stone stepped down from Exarch, there has been more sales to the various Senators and officials within the Republic as well.

Kariban Defender Limousine

Mass: 10 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Motive Type: Hovercraft
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: All Eras (non-canon)
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3120
Cost: 860,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 287

Power Plant: Kariban 70 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 118.8 km/h
Flanking Speed: 183.6 km/h
Armor: Omega III Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
None
Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Magni 340
Targeting and Tracking System: Darkware XJ

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 4 points 1.00
Engine: XL Engine 70 1.50
Cruise MP: 11
Flank MP: 17
Heat Sinks: (IS) Single Heat Sink 10 0.00
Control Equipment: 0.50
Lift Equipment: 1.00
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 67 3.50

Armor
Factor
Front 22
Left/Right 16/16
Rear 13

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Laser Anti-Missile System FR 5 1 1.00
ECM Suite FR 0 1 1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 3
11h 0 0 0 0 1 0 Structure: 0
Special Abilities: AMS, ECM, ENE

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:29, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 489 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:37

msg #40

LAW ENFORCEMENT: Lighthawk Mk IV

In 3042 the 12th Star Guards discovered a set of twenty Mk XIV Nighthawk Power Armor Systems. This find was tremendous, letting them develop Battle Armor long before the rest of the Inner Sphere had even worked on the concept, but there were other advantages. The Nighthawk was a simple set of Light Power Armor, and while it had advanced abilities made for its use as a black ops tool, at its very base it was simply an improved set of Infantry armor. One of the frist things Kariban would do would be to create a stripped down version of the Nighthawk, at times derisively called the Copyhawk armor that was intended to be marketed to mercenary units, private security firms, and even the great Houses. From that base, the intention was to use it as a platform for the true battle armor they would develop.

While the Clan Invasion destroyed that plan, the Lighthawk Power Armor was still developed and marketed in the wake of the Battle Armor revolution. While it had some traction in those early years, enough to advance it to a Mk III design, it wasn't until the end of the Jihad that Aegis saw it really take off. First used by the Everwatch, to make up for their lack of numbers with an advanced tool, the Mk III spread throughout the new Republic and beyond and constant civil strife continued to flare up in the wake of the WoB Jihad.

The Mk IV has taken it a step further, with it now being crammed with various sensor systems, a cutting torch for breeching a room, and even a shotgun microphone for surveillance missions, the Lighthawk is the ultimate in advanced law enforcement tools. Kariban has even added a special touch to the helmet, allowing for a quick deploy breaking mask and faceguard to slide back so that officers aren't too impersonal when dealing with civilians. Its AP mount often attached a machine gun, though they tend to only be loaded with rubber bullets, while the twin armored gloves allow them to use a sonic side arm or stun baton. Used extensively by the Everwatch in all of its postings, the Mk IV has spread throughout Republic Space as well.

Variants: Mk IV SRT

Used exclusively by the Everwatch's SRT units, this variant includes an attached battle claw for hard breeches, and a Firedrake Support Needler to provide heavy weapon cover for any dangerous situation. This model often has a micro grenade launcher attached to the AP mount loaded with tear gas.

Image Shown: A member of Everwatch on patrol in the shopping district of New Rome.

Type/Model: Lighthawk Mk IV
Tech/Era: Inner Sphere / 3067 / CBT Rules
Chassis Type: Humanoid
Weight Class: PA(L)/Exoskeleton (0 - 400 kg)
Rules: Level 2, Standard design

Ground Speed: 32.4 km/h
Armor Type: Standard

------------------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model: Lighthawk Mark IV SRT
Equipment: Slots Mass
Chassis Type: Kariban Humanoid PA(L) 0 80
Motive System: Ground Movement (3 MP) 0 50
Armor Type: 2 Points Standard 0 100

Manipulators:
Left Arm: Armored Glove 0 0
Right Arm: Armored Glove 0 0

Weapons and Equipment Loc Shots Slots Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount RA 1 5
(Anti-Personnel Weapon Space) RA 0 0
Cutting Torch RA 1 5
Heat Sensor LA 1 20
Improved Sensors Body 1 45
Laser Microphone Body 1 5
Searchlight Body 1 5
------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: 6 315
Slots & Mass Left: 0 85

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 293,250 C-Bills, Including Trooper
Training Costs of 150,000 C-bills
Battle Value: 6 (24 for 4) Weapon Value: 2 (Ratio=.33)
Cost per BV: 23,875.0 (w/o Trooper Training costs)
Damage Factors: SRDmg = 0 MRDmg = 0 LRDmg = 0
Mechanized: Travels on OmniMechs
Attacks: Can perform Swarm and Leg attacks
BattleForce2: Class: IB MP: 3 Armor/Structure: 1 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: -/-/- Overheat: 0
Point Value: 0 Specials: mec, car4

CBT:RPG Data: Armor Value (M/B/E/X): 4/5/6/5 Coverage: Full
IR: 0, ECM: 0, Camo: 0
Melee AP: 0, Target Size Modifier: 0
Movement Modifiers:
Walking: +4, Running: +8, Sprinting: +12
Attribute Modifiers: STR: 0, DEX: 0, RFL: 0
Equipment Rating: E/E/E

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:30, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 490 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:37

msg #41

LAW ENFORCEMENT: Kariban Police Carrier

Created for Everwatch in 3067, the KRM-SV was meant to supplement the JXD VTOL, as well as provide better ground support to the police force. While it is no match for a Battlemech, the Carrier was always meant for riot duty, with its Machine gun loaded with rubber bullets and tear gas SRM launcher. At this time, this vehicle was only built in small numbers, with a ratio of 2 per major community. However this changed during, and after the Jihad, as Everwatch had to expand its duties on world, but also the need for efficient police on all the worlds of the 12 Star Alliance during a time when Blakist cells were determined to undermine the order the Guards and their allies kept.

When the Jihad ended, and the Republic treaty limited and nearly crippling Aegis, the Police Carrier was one of the saving graces, as thousands were ordered within the first month it was announced available. It is now the most prolific Police Vehicle in the Republic, and was making headway into the Federated Suns, Lyran Commonwealth, Oriente Duchy and even the Clan occupation zones thanks to Clan Sea Fox.

While Kariban certain didn't design it with the intent of using it as a military vehicle, many planetary militias have turned it into a light tank, simply adjusting its ammunition loads to more destruction rounds.

Variant: Like most major Kariban Vehicles, the KRM-SV has a ICE powered version, though in this case it also has a Fusion Engine version made specifically at the request of Clan Sea Fox.

Image Shown: Police Carrier used during a riot to pacify a group before a fire can be put out.

Kariban Police Carrier

Model: KRM-SV
Mass: 20 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Motive Type: Wheeled
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: All Eras (non-canon)
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/C-D-D
Production Year: 3087
Cost: 314,227 C-Bills
Battle Value: 200

Power Plant: Kariban 100 Fuel Cell Engine
Cruise Speed: 64.8 km/h
Flanking Speed: 97.2 km/h
Armor: Omega I Standard Armor
Armament:
1 SRM-2
1 Machine Gun
1 Infantry Bay (5.0 tons)
1 Fuel Tank (1.0 tons)
Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Magni ENC-12
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware XJ

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 10 points 2.00
Engine: Fuel-Cell Engine 100 4.00
Cruise MP: 6
Flank MP: 9
Heat Sinks: Single Heat Sink 1 0.00
Control Equipment: 1.00
Lift Equipment: 0.00
Turret: 0.50
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 48 3.00

Armor
Factor
Front 12
Left/Right 9/9
Turret 10
Rear 8

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SRM-2 T 2 1 1.00
Machine Gun T 0 1 0.50
Infantry Bay (5.0 tons) BD 0 1 5.00
Fuel Tank (1.0 tons) BD 0 1 1.00
@SRM-2 (Tear Gas) (50) BD - 0 1.00
@MG (200) BD - 0 1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 2 Points: 2
6 1 1 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: EE

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:30, Sun 30 July 2017.

TRO

GM, 491 posts

Wed 8 Apr 2015
at 03:40

msg #42

LAW ENFORCEMENT: Kariban Lancet

The Lancet has been a mainstay product of Kariban Motors since its first introduction in 3056 as a quick delivery craft for the company's Light Power Armor systems. While Kariban had exploded onto the military market thanks to being the first to develop Battle Armor, and its factories were expanding and turning out new designs for the forces of the Inner Sphere, there was still a severe lack in training and production. The Inner Sphere rushed to develop the training programs in order to build up their own Battle Armor forces, Kariban massed produced the Lighthawk design as a stopgap and training tool due to its low cost and ease of use. While many of the Inner Sphere's armed forces would simply repurpose existing transport craft, Kariban quickly developed a VTOL that used their patented fuel-cell motors specifically, marketing it in bulk for its low expense and being specifically designed with the Lighthawk system in mind.

While only moderately popular with the standard military forces of the Inner Sphere, it was a great success with the various mercenary units which could afford the cheaper Lighthawk in comparison to Battle Armor, and surprisingly Comstar, which had been developing their own Light Power Armor at the time. This made it a common sight on the battlefields of the Jihad, and even through that conflict it was used extensively by the 12 Star Alliance militia forces where it acted as the go to APC for the large numbers of Nighthawk and Lighthawk equipped troops. With each chopper able to transport a full fireteam of six armored troopers, the Lancet was also equipped to secure a landing zone against the average Infantryman of the time. While the 12th Star Guards themselves focused more on Battle Armor in their ranks, the Lancet was still an excellent delivery vehicle due to its inexpensive nature.

It was this proliferation within their ranks that gave the Lancet an extensive new role in 3063, a role that would give the Lancet a new market and lease on life after the Jihad. When Aeneas Karrde was initially tasked with creating the police force that would become the Everwatch in 3063, he was given limited resources to work with. The use of full Battle Armor and Battlemechs had already proven ineffective, if anything they had made the situation worse, and other military equipment was already being readied in case war threatened Haddings. After an impassioned argument, Jaina Moon would open up several of Kariban's caches of Lighthawk Power Armor, donating them and a dozen Lancets that were modified specifically to Karrde's specifications to the infant organization. This gave the young Everwatch quick mobility along with heavy sensor and surveillance equipment as Clan level sensor technology was integrated into the design, though at the cost of protection. With the entire Watch using the Light Power Armor, an entire team of six Watchmen could be transported to a hot zone and either repel from the Lancet, or simply have the VTOL land and unload. When Aegis began their large push of peacekeeping equipment after the Jihad, the Lancet was one of the big sellers right along with its accompanying Lighthawks, all modified to the same model that had a proven track record as a tool of law enforcement.

While Kariban still builds and sells the cheaper military variant to customers throughout the Inner Sphere, the JXD-SW4 is sold only to Everwatch, the Guards, or to planetary law enforcement agencies throughout the Republic. Equipped with 2.5 tons of standard armor, quiet fuel cell motor, an Active Probe, and special surveillance equipment that allows a unit to locate and listen to conversations at incredible distances, the Lancet is an incredibly effective tool in a law enforcement's agency's arsenal. While its Machine Gun is often loaded with rubber bullets and its SRM's with tear gas, all Lancet's on Haddings keep military grade ammunition in their holds, ready to be used with the flip of a switch. The 12th Star Guards will still often use the military model for quick transportation of important personnel, despite its original function being overtaken by the likes of the Sikorsky or Hamerkop VTOLs .

Variants: JXD-SW2

While its weaponry has been updated with the proliferation and development of Clan level technology, the JXD-SW2 is nearly identical to the original Lancet first developed by Kariban. While it is not efficient as a scouting vehicle, the JXD-SW2 is more robust than its civilian counterpart, with a pair of light machine guns replacing the heavier model that is in the SW4. Though it has the same transportation capacity as the SW4, there are several structural differences due to its capability to deploy jump pack equipped armor designs. Additionally, at nearly half the price of the JXD-SW4, the JXD-SW2 is extremely popular with planetary militias.

Image Shown: Everwatch JXD flying high above Custos.

Kariban Lancet JXD-SW4

Mass: 15 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Motive Type: VTOL
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-D-A
Production Year: 3087
Cost: 627,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 267

Power Plant: KM 55 Fuel Cell Engine
Cruise Speed: 108.0 km/h
Flanking Speed: 162.0 km/h
Armor: Omega I Standard Armor
Armament:
1 Steele (CL) SRM-4
1 Barnes (CL) Heavy Machine Gun
1 Puma Active Probe
1 Infantry Compartment (2.5 tons)
Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
Primary Factory: Alci, Bristol
Communications System: Magni ENC-12
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware OJ2

================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 10 points 1.50
Engine: Fuel-Cell Engine 55 2.00
Cruise MP: 10
Flank MP: 15
Heat Sinks: (IS) Single Heat Sink 1 0.00
Control Equipment: 1.00
Lift Equipment: 1.50
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 40 2.50

Armor
Factor
Front 12
Left/Right 9/9
Rear 8
Rotor 2

================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Spaces Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) SRM-4 FR 3 1 1.00
(CL) Heavy Machine Gun FR 0 1 0.50
Active Probe FR 0 1 1.00
Infantry Compartment (2.5 tons) BD 0 1 2.50
@SRM-4 (Tear Gas) (25) BD - 0 1.00
@HMG (1/2) (50) BD - 0 0.50

BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 1 Points: 3
10v 1 1 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: PRB, RCN, EE

This vehicle is subject to the following Design Quirks: Improved Sensors

This message was last edited by the GM at 16:59, Tue 03 Oct 2017.

RolePlay onLine

, welcome to 12th Star Guards: Technical Readouts and Handbooks

TRO-12th Star Guards (3133 Update)

TRO-12th Star Guards (3133 Update)

BATTLE ARMOR: Kestrel Mk III

BATTLE ARMOR: Mongoose Mk. III

BATTLE ARMOR: Coywolf Heavy Trooper

BATTLE ARMOR: Wolverine Mk. III

BATTLE ARMOR: Jaguar Mk. II

COMBAT VEHICLES: Cherokee Scout Hovertank

COMBAT VEHICLES: Sikorsky OmniCoptor

COMBAT VEHICLES: Darkhawk Stealth VTOL

COMBAT VEHICLES: S-Series Hovertank

COMBAT VEHICLES: Hamerkop VTOL

COMBAT VEHICLES: Ankou Assault Tank

BATTLEMECHS: Draugr DRU-FB-1A

BATTLEMECHS: Hollander III BZK-D1

BATTLEMECHS: Talos TLS-4C

BATTLEMECHS: Wolverine II WVR-2CS

BATTLEMECHS: Crusader CRD-9S

BATTLEMECHS: Bandersnatch BND-HR-4A

BATTLEMECHS: Hercules HRC-LS-9K2

BATTLEMECHS: Hound HD-1S

BATTLEMECHS: Mangonel MNL-5S

BATTLEMECHS: Anvil ANV-HH-1A

BATTLEMECHS: Thanatos TNS-5S

BATTLEMECHS: HawkWolf HWK-4S

BATTLEMECHS: Warlord BLR-4G

BATTLEMECHS: Grand Titan T-IT-N12M

BATTLEMECHS: Heqet HQT-X2-2A

OMNIMECHS: Storm Lord SL-TLS-O1

AEROSPACE: Florin Mk. II

AEROSPACE: Obolus OLS-O1

AEROSPACE: Solidus Mk. II

AEROSPACE: Soldo SLD-O2

VEHICLE ANNEX: Kariban Defender Limousine

LAW ENFORCEMENT: Lighthawk Mk IV

LAW ENFORCEMENT: Kariban Police Carrier

LAW ENFORCEMENT: Kariban Lancet