OBT Forum

Quote from: Takiro on March 01, 2020, 09:46:48 AM

Figure that all entries have to be completed and posted on these forums by Friday March 13th, 2020 by 11:59 PM which should give you all a full two weeks for this contest, good luck!!

Which means I only have tomorrow to finish my concepts and fluff them.

Assassin ASN-111

Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 7,242,013 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,114

Chassis: Maltex 40 Standard
Power Plant: GM 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Lox Lift Series
    Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: 100 AFVTA Standard Armor
Armament:
    1 Cyclops XII ER Large Laser
    1 Devastator Series-7 LRM-10
    1 Hovertec Streak SRM-2
Manufacturer: Earthwerks Incorporated
    Primary Factory: Errai
Communications System: CommuTech Multi-Channel 10
Targeting and Tracking System: BlazeFire Sightlock

Overview:
With the ramping up of producing advanced technology starting from the Clan Invasion there was occasionaly over-run between the various demands for a given piece of equipment. Since it would be ridiculous to simply stockpile them against future use while the Clans were carving their way across the Inner Sphere, an office of the AFFC began actively looking for way that these components could be rushed into service.

Part of this effort was picked up by the continued efforts to convince EarthWerks Incorporated to commit more resources to the Federated Commonwealth than the rather lacksadasical production of the Cataphract on Tikonov, something well below the potential output of Tikograd. The result was an agreement to let Earthwerks pick up the remaining Maltex facilities on Errai, which had fallen under administration after Maltex's supposed involvement in developing the Hatamoto-Chi.

Maltex had managed to keep some parts production going, primarily for the Assassin medium recon 'Mech, so this was where Earthwerks focused their efforts. The first production unit was handed over to the AFFC shortly after the Battle of Tukkayid, although this was workshop assembled and it would be another year until the production line was fully operational.


Capabilities:
Restoring the most intact production lines, Eartwerks engineers quickly that they could modify the chassis of the Assassin to accept the same GM 280 XL reactor used in their Cataphract, creating room for several weapons imported from other worlds.

With the tonnage freed up by the ligher engine, the Assassin sports formidable armament - the same Cyclops XII extended range laser as the Wolfhound provides the primary armament, backed up by an LRM launcher more commonly found in the Valkyrie and a Streak SRM launcher from a Javelin. This makes it simple to group Assassins with these common light 'Mechs of the AFFC.


Deployment:
The first ASN-111, dubbed Triple-I, has been sent to Prince Victor Steiner-Davion's Revenants and assigned to a recon lance as the unit rebuilt after the Teniente operation. Depending on its performance, the Assassin may enter wider use and there is some discussion over Earthwerks providing refit kits for existing Assassins.


================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      67 points                4.00
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             280                       8.00
    Walking MP: 7
    Running MP: 11
    Jumping MP: 7 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT                                   3.50
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV -  80                  5.00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            8         
                                        Center Torso     12           12       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  4         
                                           L/R Torso     10           10       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  2         
                                             L/R Arm     6            6         
                                             L/R Leg     10           10       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LRM-10                                       RT        4         2         5.00
Streak SRM-2                                 LT        2         1         1.50
ER Large Laser                               RA        12        2         5.00
@LRM-10 (12)                                 RT        -         1         1.00
@Streak SRM-2 (50)                           LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 28

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      3    Points: 11
7j         2       2       2       0      2     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1

Only two days remaining!!

I have removed both of my entries as I will not have time to write the fluff. As fluff-less entries are eliminated from consideration, their presence in this thread was deemed unnecessary by myself.

Good luck to those that found the inspiration to write some fluff. Maybe I can get inspired for the Cicada (which should be next).

Actually, I may miss of the rest of these as too many of the Mechs are built on only one world or their factories were destroyed during the first two Succession Wars. This makes for a very boring contest as we will all be limited on what we can write about, which means the better writers will win. I do not include myself amongst the better writers. I got lucky in the Clan contests.

ASN-19 ASSASSIN

Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Hellespont Type A 40 Series
Power Plant: Pitban 240
Cruising Speed: 64 kph
Maximum Speed: 97 kph
Jump Jets: Lox Lift Series 1
   Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: Hellespont Lite Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
1 Martell Medium Laser
2 Holly-5 LRM Launchers
Manufacturer: Hellespont ‘Mech Works
Primary Factory: Sian
Communications System: Ceres Metals Model 668
Targeting and Tracking System: Apple Churchill 2000

Overview:
   While the Assassin had been slowly retired from service throughout the InnerSphere due to its many shortcomings the Capellan Confederation needed every BattleMech it could get its hands on. Desperate augment its force and neck deep in the 3rd Marik Civil War despite its ‘official policy of neutrality’ the CCAF authorized the Xin Sheng Program. Aimed at revitalizing Capellan military designs it aimed to utilize both existing 3rd Succession War equipment and new lostech discoveries to enhance Liao troops. With only the most rudimentary lostech available and limited resources upon which to draw this design program produced some interesting results. One of these was the slower but far more durable and longer reaching ASN-19 Assassin which would quickly go on to see service in three different nations as well as some mercenary units.

Capabilities:
   The core of this Assassin refit is the Pitban 240 Fusion Power Plant which was fairly common and generally available. Replacing the larger VOX 280 did slow the BattleMech’s speed and reduce its maximum jump capacity but this engine produced on Ares by the Quickscell Company for the Manticore did free up five tons for design improvements. Much of this weight savings went to armor protection which was maximized thanks to seven and a half tons of Hellespont Lite Ferro-Fibrous originally used on the Raven. The SRM loading problem was also solved by its wholesale replacement with a second Holly-5 LRM Launcher which was carefully installed to make certain ammunition jams would not reoccur. Just to be on the safe side engineers were sure to install a two-side torso mounted CASEs to mitigate the possibility of ammo explosions completely. The refit also addressed the poor life support system in the cockpit by swapping out the original electronics systems with newer Capellan made products and redressing the heat shielding. Despite bringing things up to spec in those regards the cockpit is still cramped but Assassin Mechwarriors can deal with that inconvenience. Also retained were the right arm Medium Laser as well as the Lox Lift Series 1 jump jets even though one was removed. Even the Hellespont Type A 40 Series internal structure was merely a copy of the original Maltex 40 chassis which first debuted in 2676. It was further agreed by designers since the max heat generated by a Jumping Alpha Strike produced minor overheating conditions that expensive Double Heat Sinks were not required for this Assassin. Mechwarriors are advised to vary their movement continuously in order to manage these conditions. The cost of this machine compares very favorably to the original ASN-21 which is less than twenty-five thousand C-bills cheaper.

Deployment:
   The first combat ready Assassins in this series were refits carried out on Sian, Canopus, and liberated (or occupied depending on whose side you’re on) Andurien. Existing BattleMechs continue to be upgraded in this fashion even if the modification is somewhat backwards. Hellespont ‘Mech Works has recently begun to produce new ASN-19 models from its Sian assembly lines thanks to a licensing agreement reached with Maltex. Currently appearing in the armies of three nations each has its own uses for the Assassin.
The Capellans generally use the Assassin as a cheap way to rebuild their still beleaguered forces after the horrendous damage done by the 4th Succession War. It generally sees service with mostly green and reserve formations who use it as a fire support unit for pursuit and strike lances. The CCAF has employed it as a raider, a minelayer thanks to Thunder LRM rounds, and an effective counter for Davion Light ‘Mech harassers.
   Isis Marik has utilized it in her quest to ascend her rightful throne on Atreus which has been aided by Wrath of Blake fanatics. Some of her Cult of Isis followers have terrorized neutral or opposing Provinces in order to advance their own agenda. Rumors have it that ComStar renegades were instrumental in helping this refit along and have even formed a secret unit within the Capellan Confederation but this can’t be proven.
   The Marik Stalwarts like their Canopian allies use this new Assassin in tandem with the shorter ranged Amazon. Both mobile ‘Mechs have proven to be excellent compliments to each other on the battlefield. Credible reports indicate that Majesty Metals and Manufacturing on Canopus is trying to reach a licensing agreement with Hellespont and Maltex but these negotiations have been slow going.

Type: ASN-19 Assassin
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 40

Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:                     4
Engine:            240            11.5
Walking MP:         6
Running MP:         9
Jumping MP:         6
Heat Sinks:            10            0
Gyro:                           3
Cockpit:                         3
Armor Factor:            134            7.5

Internal Structure   Armor Value
Head            3         9
Center Torso         12         17 / 6
R/L Torso         10         15 / 5
R/L Arm         6         11
R/L Leg         10         20

Weapons and Ammo      Location      Critical   Tonnage
Medium Laser       Right Arm        1      1
LRM-5          Right Torso      1      2
Ammo (LRM) 24      Right Torso      1      1
CASE            Right Torso      1      .5
LRM-5          Left Torso      1      2
Ammo (LRM) 24      Left Torso      1      1
CASE            Left Torso      1      .5
Jump Jets         Right Torso      3      1.5
Jump Jets         Left Torso      3      1.5


Cost – 3,790,080 C-bills

ASN-25 ASSASSIN

Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Maltex 40 EndoSteel
Power Plant: VOX 280 XL
Cruising Speed: 75 kph
Maximum Speed: 118 kph
Jump Jets: Lox Lift Series 1
        Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: New Samarkand Royal Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
   1 Victory Drumbeat Large Pulse Laser
3 Guided Technologies 2nd Generation Streak SRM-2s
Manufacturer: Maltex Corporation
Primary Factory: Errai
Communications System: Garret T-15B with C3 Slave
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret 500S

Overview:
   The Clan Invasion introduced a new threat unit to the modern battlefield of the InnerSphere named the Elemental. This Battlearmor which could effectively threaten a BattleMech terrified many in the Great Houses and demanded a suitable military response. While many existing weapon systems were identified and several new 'Mech designs were proposed none were readily available. The Assassin, which was being retired from service slowly, only required a refit as some Maltex designers claimed. With sufficient lostech equipment they could transform it into an 'Elemental Assassin' which could serve as part of a 'kill team' and effectively neutralize this Clan advantage. However, support for such a refit package was slow to emerge but thankfully for Maltex the Martial Alliance emerged to enable the venture.

Capabilities:
Some have accused Maltex of ripping off concepts used on other Assassin designs which they have licensed to build this advanced war machine. It is true that this ‘extensive refit’ of existing Assassins is very similar to the recent Free Worlds League variant. Both use a VOX 280 XL Engine, which in some cases came from the Venom now produced on Lapida, and seven tons of ferro-fibrous armor to achieve the exact same protection factor as the Marik variant. While the brand of Ferro-Fibrous may indeed be different it’s nearly identical layout both externally and internally have raised some red flags. Legally difficulties normally occurring from this intellectual property theft are not likely in the near future given the ongoing 3rd Marik Civil War and the chaos which has engulfed the League.
However, similar accusations have been leveled by Ceres Metals who have accused the Alliance of copying the armament configuration of their new SNK-1V Snake. Maltex officials are quick to point out that the Victory Drumbeat Large Pulse Laser is very different from the Mydron Excel LB-10X Autocannon used on the Snake. While the three Guided Technologies 2nd Generation Streak SRM-2s are identical to the Snake's their layout is also different. Maltex says that Ceres is simply jealous of their 'Elemental Assassin' which will likely eliminate any market share that the Capellan firm was hoping to exploit. Not to mention Maltex's addition of a C3 Slave which makes it part of a very effective Elemental kill team.
Perhaps even more troubling than these allegations was the late addition of EndoSteel and the removal of a jump jet in order to make the proposed variant work. It seems that overambitious engineers miscalculated the mass needed and more extreme measures had to be taken. Unfortunately, these modifications, especially to the internal structure, required even more of an overhaul than originally thought. Not only did this cause delays in anticipated production but it also prevented work on the Assassin’s cramped cockpit which had poor heat shielding.

Deployment:
The ASN-25 is more of a rebuild than a retrofit now conducted at Maltex's rebuilding Errai facility which has struggled to meet even limited demand. Thus far only been able to mold EndoSteel chassis for existing Assassin most of the components have had to be imported. Thankfully the Order of Five Pillars (O5P) stepped forward to facilitate this arrangement or else production might have ground to a halt. Currently the only unit slated to receive the 'Elemental Assassin' is the Sohei whose affiliation with the O5P may make this an exclusive arrangement depending this BattleMech's success. Both ComStar and the Federated Commonwealth have been offered a production share of the ASN-25 but with the proprietary Draconis C3 technology replaced with a TAG. Thus far these allies have refused this generosity either waiting for Maltex’s Wyvern and Thug manufacturing to begin on site or preferring their own Assassins.
 
Type: ASN-25 Assassin
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 40

Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:         EndoSteel         2
Engine:            280 XL         8
Walking MP:         7
Running MP:         11
Jumping MP:         6
Heat Sinks:            10 (20)            0
Gyro:                           3
Cockpit:                         3
Armor Factor:            125            7

Internal Structure   Armor Value
Head            3         9
Center Torso         12         16 / 6
R/L Torso         10         15 / 5
R/L Arm         6         11
R/L Leg         10         16

Weapons and Ammo      Location      Critical   Tonnage
Large Pulse Laser      Right Arm      2      7
2 Streak SRM-2s      Right Torso      2      3
Streak SRM-2       Left Torso      1      1.5
Ammo (Streak SRM) 50   Left Torso      1      1
CASE            Left Torso      1      .5
C3 Slave         Head         1      1
Jump Jets         Right Torso      3      1.5
Jump Jets         Left Torso      3      1.5


Cost - 7,652,214 C-bills