OBT Forum

May I present the second version of this Mech certainly is different but I think effective.

HEADHUNTER
Mass: 50 tons
Chassis: Clan Special EndoSteel
Power Plant: 300 XL Fusion
Cruising Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97.2 kph, 129.6 kph with MASC
Jump Jets: None
   Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Forging MD4 Ferro Fibrous
Armament: 1 CRG Gauss Rifle
   2 Series 2b Extended Range Medium Lasers
   2 Series 1 Extended Range Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Manzikert Fabrication & Assembly Plant Gamma
   Primary Factory: Dagda
Communications System: Series 10 CBS MultiFreq with ECM Suite
Targeting and Tracking System: HawkEye J360 with Targeting Computer and Active Probe

OVERVIEW
   While putting forth their own designs Clan Burrock was carefully observing the Quicksilver Trails. One project in particular caught their attention above all others, the Kidon. Based on the Star League era Exterminator BattleMech the design intrigued their Khans who saw definite battlefield advantages. Envisioned as a highly specialized unit by the SLDF its single purpose was to seek out and destroy enemy command ‘Mechs. Aided by hyper advanced stealth technologies the design would penetrate opposing lines and regularly achieve its objective. The Clans frowned on such an infiltrator however and considered such covert equipment dishonorable even though the tactics had been utilized during Operation Revival by specially outfitted Elemental Stars. Quickly decapitating adversaries could produce spectacular results as demonstrated throughout military history. Countless tales of smaller units emerging victorious against far larger forces can be cited going all the way back to antiquity. These sudden strikes produced devastating chaos and sowed fear in the hearts of potential opponents. This became the focus of Burrock’s construction effort in spite of the possible negative consequences such beheadings could produce. They had used such savagery effectively against the Blood Spirit since the dawn of the Golden Century even after the death of Nicholas Kerensky. While considered morally wrong by some the Burrocks always walked a fine edge. Keeping their efforts entirely secret scientists and technicians took liberally from the Hell’s Horse project. Realizing the firestorm the BattleMech would bring the Burrocks decided to unveil it directly to the Grand Council on Strana Mechty. Dubbing it the Headhunter for missions conducted during Operation Revival the entire affair sparked an immediate Grand Kurultai.

CAPABILITIES
   For all intents and proposes this shrunken down Exterminator IIC is essentially the ultimate sniper ‘Mech. Engineers reduced the new design down to an optimum 50 tons compared to the 60 ton Kidon or the original 65 ton frame. Cutting away the “extra fat” using an EndoSteel frame and eight tons of Forging MD4 Ferro Fibrous armor from the Marauder IIC made for a solid Medium BattleMech. With ninety one percent of maximum armor protection the Headhunter could survive battles. However it was built to rapidly close and behead any would be threat with its powerful highly accurate arsenal. The ubiquitous Clan 300 Extra Light Fusion Engine which can be found on several ‘Mechs and Fighters provides good speed for this sharpshooter which is further bolstered by Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry (MASC). The Burrocks had long recognized the long range firepower of the Clan Gauss Rifle since perfecting the weapon in 2852. Culling that weapon system and others from conventional vehicles the Clan no longer considered combat effective worked well and conserved vital resources. These proven weapon systems are linked to a sophisticated Targeting Computer for superior accuracy. Mechwarriors intent on striking their opponent’s upper body have a 16.667% chance of striking the head when opposed to the normal 2.78% likelihood. This six fold increase in beheading opponents combined with the elite gunnery skills of Clan Mechwarriors makes for a truly frightening adversary. Contracting with the Smoke Jaguars they were able to include electronic systems from the Warhawk which was known for its Targeting Computer. To that they added an ECM Suite that insured the Headhunter’s deadly precision would not be interfered with during battle along with an Active Probe for advanced detection. While the Burrocks attempted to retain stealth systems from the Exterminator they proved to be incompatible with the Clan Targeting Computer. Rumors of continued research by scientists into the controversial Null Signature System and Chameleon Light Polarization Shield allegedly continue.

DEPLOYMENT
   The furor caused by the appearance of the Headhunter in the closing days of the Quicksilver Trails can still be felt. Especially vehement in their opposition to the design was Clan Blood Spirit whose memory of fallen kin early in Clan history made them especially sensitive to this new “battlefield assassin who Nicholas Kerensky would not allow to exist.” Hell’s Horses were angered by the flagrant theft of their intellectual property by the Burrocks and backed the Spirits call to annihilate these “rip offs”. Traditionalists like Coyote, Fire Mandrill, Jade Falcon, and Steel Viper all supported the “ban vote” which would bar “the practice of headhunting” in Clan space.
   Not every Clan was against such technological development as Wolf, Smoke Jaguar, Star Adder, and Goliath Scorpion all spoke in favor. Natasha Kerensky urged her fellow Khans to challenge accepted norms in order to thrive in the future. Cassius N'Buta admitted he was intrigued as to the military applications of such systems in the war to come. Other Clans like Cloud Cobra, Diamond Shark, Ice Hellion, Nova Cat, and Snow Raven all played it close to the chest. While they chastised any unClanlike behavior their personnel carefully studied the new ‘Mech for possible use. Ultimately the vote in the Grand Council was 24-10 in favor of the Headhunter ban. The Burrocks immediately called for a Trail of Refusal at 2 to 1 odds which would take place on Strana Mechty.
   A star of Headhunters awaited their opponents from Blood Spirit and Hell’s Horses. Since their opponent fielded a BattleMech the Binary backing the Council decision was assembled from second line forces. As the Burrocks had conscientiously chosen their finest Mechwarriors to pilot their new war machines this gave them an advantage. The battle began with both sides observing strict rules of combat until a Blood Spirit warrior was decapitated which began a Grand Melee. Three Burrocks managed to survive the Spirits vengeful onslaught which was unable to defeat the remaining Headhunters overturning the decision of the Grand Council.

Type: Headhunter
Technology Base: Clan Level 2
Tonnage: 50 tons

Equipment                           Mass
Internal Structure:       EndoSteel            2.5
Engine:            300 XL            9.5
   Walking MP:         6
   Running MP:      9 (12)
   Jumping MP:      0               0
Heat Sinks:            10 (20)            0
Gyro:                              3
Cockpit:                           3
Armor Factor:         154               8

            Internal Structure      Armor Value
   Head            3            9
   Center Torso      16            20 / 7
   R/L Torso         12            16 / 6
   R/L Arm         8            15
   R/L Leg         12            22

Weapons and Ammo:      Location      Criticals   Mass
Gauss Rifle             Right Arm      6      12
Ammo (Gauss) 16         Right Arm      2      2   
ER Medium Laser         Left Arm      1      1
ER Medium Laser         Left Arm      1      1
ER Small Laser         Right Torso      1      .5
ER Small Laser         Left Torso      1      .5
ECM Suite            Center Torso   1      1
Active Probe         Head         1      1
MASC               Left Torso      2      2
Targeting Computer       Right Torso      2      2