OBT Forum

Option 3 seems the most merc to me simply cause all the Mechs are different. Feels like a hodgepodge from the good olde days rather than a uniform pair with something else. Of course this takes the composition to a single heavy (the leader), 2 mediums (workhorses), and a light (scout).

The Griffin, Dervish, and Valkyrie all fit the AFFS (and associated mercs) of 3025 . . . but the Quickdraw was almost exclusively a Kurita BattleMech.  Sure, some have been salvaged as part of the AFFS, but this isn't a common design for mercs simply because most of the production goes directly to the DCMS.

Perhaps you might consider a Phoenix Hawk instead?  Bit faster than the rest of your lance, but it is also produced in the FedSuns (by Achernar on New Avalon) and fits the 3025-era concept that said the AFFS consisted (primarily) of medium-weight designs. 

If you really want a 5/8/x heavy, then also consider either an Ostroc or Ostsol.  Both are out of production (so relatively uncommon), but can be found in all of the Great Houses and Periphery thanks to their wide-spread use during the Star League.  One variant of the Ostroc found in TRO:3025 features jump jets, so you can still get your 5/8/5 lance that way.

MA

Dumb question in 3025 era what BattleMechs would you consider Mercenary before House? Are there any at this time you can point to and say yup that is a merc!

How about old Star League refits seen in the sans unseen 3025 redo?

Dumb question in 3025 era what BattleMechs would you consider Mercenary before House? Are there any at this time you can point to and say yup that is a merc!

Dumb answer: the Eridani Light Horse's jumping Thunderbolts, the Challenger variant of the Charger, anything unique to Wolf's Dragoons.

Dumb question in 3025 era what BattleMechs would you consider Mercenary before House? Are there any at this time you can point to and say yup that is a merc!

Merlin.