OBT Forum

Hello gang, I along with a few others have been working on Technical Readout 3054: Quicksilver Trails as promised. Cleaning up the designs I did want to add this one. Before I did though - wanted to get your thoughts.

Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Clan Special EndoSteel
Power Plant: 360 XL Fusion
Cruising Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97.2 kph, 129.6 kph with MASC
Jump Jets: Chevron II
   Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: Forging MD4 Ferro Fibrous
Armament: 1 Mark XVII Extended Range Particle Projection Cannon
   2 Series PPS-XIX Medium Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Manzikert Fabrication & Assembly Plant Gamma
   Primary Factory: Dagda
Communications System: AR-12 Sheathed Directional Beacon
Targeting and Tracking System: DLK Type Phased Array Sensors

OVERVIEW
   While putting forth their own designs Clan Burrock was carefully observing the Quicksilver Trails. Two projects in particular, the Ice Ghost and the Kidon, caught their attention above all others. Both used Star League era stealth systems associated with the Exterminator BattleMech which intrigued their Khans who saw definite battlefield advantages. While utilizing these deceptive technologies was considered morally wrong at best to the Clans, the Burrocks had always walked a fine edge. Keeping their efforts entirely secretive scientists and technicians took liberally from the Ice Hellion and Hell’s Horse projects. 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 slightly shrunken down Exterminator IIC is essentially the ultimate sniper ‘Mech. Built to facilitate headhunter operations in future campaigns it relies on a small but powerful arsenal of energy weapons to deliver highly accurate fire with speed, and stealth when necessary. Powering the design is the 360 XL Fusion Engine which the Burrocks’ obtained from the discontinued Vandal OmniFighter. Also featured on the Ice Ferret, Hellfury, Black Mamba, and Scytha this power plant provides top end speed for this heavy ‘Mech. Combined with Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry (MASC) and jump jets the Headunter is highly mobile.
   The design’s armament is culled from the Marauder IIC which is still produced by the Burrocks on Albion. The Mark XVII Extended Range Particle Projection Cannon serves as the Headhunter’s main gun while two Series PPS-XIX Medium Pulse Lasers allow for close range defense if so required. These proven weapon systems are linked to a sophisticated Targeting Computer for superior accuracy. An Active Probe endows this BattleMech with advanced detection functions that insure no enemy can hide from its approach. More then ten tons of Forging MD4 Ferro Fibrous armor also from the Marauder IIC provide the maximum level of protection for this BattleMech.
   What makes the Headhunter so controversial are the stealth systems which were carefully salvaged from the Exterminator. The Null Signature System and Chameleon Light Polarization Shield were publicly condemned by Nicholas Kerensky as dishonorable. However, his brother Andery Kerensky piloted an Exterminator during Operation Klondike which featured these systems. As Clan engineers realized it would be more difficult to hit this ‘Mech with these stealth technologies as it would a Fire Moth going maximum speed the advantages were increasingly tempting. As these devices can be turned on and off it would give Mechwarriors the option to use them depending upon the situation.
   So for honorable combat trails where zellbrigen is respected only the head mounted ECM Suite would be activated. Against any dezgra opponents or InnerSphere surats the option would be available encouraging opponents to abide by Clan law. However if both stealth systems were engaged and the Mechwarrior executed a jumping alpha strike it would produce an astounding amount of waste heat which the Headhunter's cooling system would be unable to cope with. Even with these drawbacks the Khans decided to challenge the Clan status quo. Fearing the loss of any stealth capabilities the Burrocks also reclaimed the venerable electronics and jump jets from the original Exterminator.

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 “ambush killer who Nicholas Kerensky would not allow to exist.” Hell’s Horses and Ghost Bear angered by the flagrant theft of intellectual property by the Burrocks backed the Spirits call to annihilate these “rip offs”. Traditionalists like Coyote, Fire Mandrill, Jade Falcon, Smoke Jaguar, and Steel Viper all supported the “ban vote” which would bar the manufacture of such stealth systems in Clan space.
   Not every Clan was against such technological development as Wolf, 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 26-8 in favor of a stealth tech ban. The Burrocks immediately called for a Trail of Refusal at 3 to 1 odds which would take place on Strana Mechty.
   A star of Headhunters awaited their opponents from Blood Spirit, Ghost Bear, and Hell’s Horses. Since their opponent fielded a BattleMech the Trinary 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. Surviving the Spirits initial vengeful onslaught the three remaining Burrocks switched on their stealth systems. Unable to close or hit the remaining Headhunters the decision of the Council was overturned by combat.

Type: Headhunter
Technology Base: Mixed Level 3
Tonnage: 60 tons

Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:       EndoSteel            3
Engine:            360 XL            16.5
   Walking MP:         6
   Running MP:      9 (12)
   Jumping MP:      6               6
Heat Sinks:            11 (22)            1
Gyro:                              4
Cockpit:                           3
Armor Factor:            201            10.5

            Internal Structure      Armor Value
   Head            3            9
   Center Torso        20            30 / 10
   R/L Torso         14            21 / 7
   R/L Arm         10            20
   R/L Leg         14            28

Weapons and Ammo:      Location      Criticals   Mass
ER PPC             Right Arm      2      6
Medium Pulse Laser      Left Arm      1      2
Medium Pulse Laser      Left Arm      1      2
ECM Suite            Head         1      1
Active Probe         Center Torso   1      1
MASC               Left Torso      2      2
Targeting Computer       Right Torso      2      2
Null Signature System      *         7      0
Chameleon LPS         **         6      0
   * occupies 1 slot in every location except the Head
   ** occupies 1 slot in every location except the HD and CT