OBT Forum

Capellan Foreign Legion?

Kapteyn Lancers?

Atrean Armored Cavalry?

Hmm, of those I like the Kapteyn Lancers the best but the only problem is that this has nothing to do with the old Concord which is long ago defunct. Likewise wouldn't go Atrean cause they don't yet have Atreus. The Foreign Legion would work but I am actually using that in another fashion for this setting plus I think calling them Capellan defeats the purpose of creating a truly joint force. Good ideas though, please keep the suggestions coming!

A wiki link below for further inspiration on this idea....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_legion

If we start with the Free Worlds Confederation ruled by House Liao-Marik that might be too far into the future as the next super state of the InnerSphere. A grandiose plan but not in the moment of the 3rd Marik Civil War. Hmm, they are Volunteers for Isis but since I have the Cult of Isis I would stay away from her first name here too but Volunteers does work as a unit name. Perhaps the best way to go is with the Commander's surname (it is a very Liao naming tradition) serving as the first half of these Volunteers and maybe he even pilots a Hermes II?

Another possibility is just to reform the Andurien Hussars (or we could call them the Andurien Volunteers) as it seems to be the focus of Isis military forces is the nearby Duchy. Don't know if I love the idea of mixing the two concepts however but that is a historic thread to point out.

And 3 Hermes II with one "mysterious" one



Comrade,

As requested we have been gathering intel on the latest developments in the Free Worlds League to help the Chancellor, our Great Leader, decide on the best course of actions for the greatness of the Capellan Confederation.

Thanks to the work performed by the Chancellor’s Ear, we got information on the latest development in Irian BattleMechs Unlimited on their Hermes II. It seems that either Irian BattleMechs Unlmited is experimenting with newest technology or that someone was really not delighted with the HER-5S.
The second hypothesis would indeed be in line with our own analysis of this upgraded ‘Mech that if I may remind you of our analysis “is clearly lacking in terms of raw firepower or even endurance. One also has to wonder why Double Heat Sinks were used when no weapon or mix of it could generate as much heat.”

3 new versions are being tested and if the results are positive, they are likely to be deployed quickly.
We managed to get our hands on extracts from the after-action reports for one of them and to the blueprints for the second one, access to data about the last being a bit more tricky.

“The extra speed provided by the MASC system is a really added-value to the Hermes as it allowed me to keep in pace with a Locust in a pure speed race. In combat, I doubt it could be kept on forever as when used too much, this system has a tendency to freeze the ‘Mech in the middle of its move, leaving it vulnerable.
However to quickly get through a huge area or to bring me in a favourable situation to bring my guns on a target…
Speaking of which, I really like the new weapons: it combines the traditional feeling of the Hermes with a Flamer and a Medium Laser with the touch of extra firepower that was really needed and is provided by a brand new Hellion V Special Binary Laser from Irian BattleMechs Unlimited. The  range is slightly under the one from the usual AC/5 or UAC/5 but the extra damage capacity is something needed to put a quick end to any fight the HER-5T might get involved in, something that might prove useful when the Clans come to us.”

This new version seems to be a simple retrofit of the HER-5S, keeping everything in place and improving through a simple refit kit .
The 5TA is a bit more advanced and could be the next production set for the Hermes if only the Free Worlds League manages to increase the supply of advanced engines. So far, the prototype uses an Hermes 240 XL found in the RFL-5M produced by Kallon Industries.
The saved weight allows for the use of a Guardian ECM, near maximum armour as well as Jump Jets used on Irian for the Trebuchet.
The estimated guess from Capellan Confederation honourable ‘MechWarriors with the right security clearance is that this could lead to even more aggressive use of the Hermes by the Free Worlds League, giving it an edge when trying to scout unnoticed or to get into range for its weapons.

No real information could be found on the latest version, just some observations made when it was out on the field for tests in a black paint.
Its ground speed seems in par with the other Hermes or even a little faster. A further hint is that some engines are coming from a brand new factory built on Irian for new XL Engines that until now were stockpiled without any further use.
It also seems to be able to guide other ‘Mechs or artillery, making us suspect the use of TAG or Narc Missile Beacon.
According to our assessment, the ‘MechWarrior piloting it seems to have been a kind of elite pilot or the Marik engineers have found a way to make easier the piloting of their ‘Mechs.
The weapons are also 100% energy based but its main one seems to have more range than the Binary Laser Canon from the two other versions. Our educated guess is that it is either a PPC, an ER Large Laser or an ER PPC. Due the shortage of PPC, an ER Large Laser is the most likely solution but this must be confirmed.

According to intel gathered on the spaceport (someone in the Master of the Port offices has a weakness and gave us access to shipping logs), a Lance of the mysterious Hermes was sent to the 4th Oriente Hussars on Atreus, which is strange since this unit is supposed to be made of Heavy ‘Mechs.
Kits for the HER-5T are being produced and sent to all the units equipped with HER-5S. It seems that Irian BattleMechs Unlimited is waiting for more engines to produce the second improved Hermes. We have been requesting intel from our comrades following Kallon Industries to see if they could give us some information.

For the Chancellor,


Lei Kaili

Hermes HER-5T

Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 4 087 580 C-Bills
Total Cost: 4 087 580 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 182

Chassis: Irian Second Generation Class 40 Endo Steel Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 240 Fusion 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: Riese-456 Standard Armor
Armament:
    1  Binary Laser Cannon
    1 Kallon Industries/Intek Medium Laser
    1 Irian BattleMechs Unlimited/Olympian Flamer
Manufacturer: Irian BattleMechs Unlimited
    Primary Factory: Irian
Communications System: Irian E.A.R.
Targeting and Tracking System: Wasat Aggressor

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    67 points                2,00
    Internal Locations: 7 LT, 7 RT
Engine:             Fusion Engine                240                      11,50
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9 (12)
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 120                  7,50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     12           17       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  6         
                                           L/R Torso     10           14       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     6            11       
                                             L/R Leg     10           14       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MASC                                         CT        -         2         2,00
Binary Laser Cannon                          RT        16        4         9,00
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1,00
Flamer                                       LA        3         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 23

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 12
8          2       2       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Hermes HER-5TA

Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 7 472 780 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7 472 780 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 382

Chassis: Irian Second Generation Class 40 Endo Steel Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Hermes 240 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 64,8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97,2 km/h (129,6 km/h)
Jump Jets: Rawlings 50
    Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: Riese-456 Standard Armor
Armament:
    1 Irian BattleMechs Unlimited/Hellion V Special Binary Laser Cannon
    1 Kallon Industries/Intek Medium Laser
    1 Irian BattleMechs Unlimited/Olympian Flamer
    1 Garret SatComm/Garret-Guardian Interface 2B Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Irian BattleMechs Unlimited
    Primary Factory: Irian
Communications System: Irian E.A.R.
Targeting and Tracking System: Wasat Aggressor

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    67 points                2,00
    Internal Locations: 3 LT, 4 RT, 4 LA, 3 RA
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             240                       6,00
    Walking MP: 6
    Running MP: 9 (12)
    Jumping MP: 6 Standard
    Jump Jet Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 2 LL, 2 RL                             3,00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 136                  8,50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     12           17       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  6         
                                           L/R Torso     10           15       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     6            12       
                                             L/R Leg     10           20       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guardian ECM Suite                           CT        0         2         1,50
Binary Laser Cannon                          RT        16        4         9,00
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1,00
Flamer                                       LA        3         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 9

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 14
8/6j       2       2       0       0      2     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: ECM, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Hermes HER-5DS

Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 7 988 913 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7 994 913 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 254

Chassis: Irian Second Generation Class 40 Endo Steel Endo-Steel
Power Plant: VOX 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75,6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118,8 km/h (151,2 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese-456 Standard Armor
Armament:
    1  ER Large Laser
    1 Kallon Industries/Intek Medium Laser
    1 Kali Yama Weapons Industries Incorporated/Octagon Missile Magnet Narc Launcher
    1 Irian BattleMechs Unlimited/Hellion V Special Flamer
    1 Garret SatComm/Garret-Guardian Interface 2B Guardian ECM Suite
    1 Garret SatComm/Garret Mole TAG
Manufacturer: Irian BattleMechs United
    Primary Factory: Irian
Communications System: Irian E.A.R.
Targeting and Tracking System: Wasat Aggressor

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    67 points                2,00
    Internal Locations: 4 LT, 7 RT, 3 LA
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             280                       8,00
    Walking MP: 7
    Running MP: 11 (14)
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0,00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 136                  8,50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     12           17       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  6         
                                           L/R Torso     10           15       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  5         
                                             L/R Arm     6            12       
                                             L/R Leg     10           20       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAG                                          HD        0         1         1,00
Guardian ECM Suite                           CT        0         2         1,50
ER Large Laser                               RT        12        2         5,00
Narc Launcher                                LT        0         2         3,00
MASC                                         LT        -         2         2,00
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1,00
Flamer                                       LA        3         1         1,00
@Narc (Homing) (6)                           LT        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 16

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 13
9          2       2       1       0      2     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: ECM, SNARC, TAG, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


I changed slightly the fluff as I had forgotten my own explanation for the 280XL but you have to know your fluff to understand it (let's say Omni).

Geneva's Shadows wouldn't be a bad nickname as it implies a justification for the Marik-Liao Concord involving Andurien. Still I'd probably get away from Baranov's origins as a Star League unit because of the distant linkage. Doubt many in the Confederation would dare speak openly of their love of the old League. Probably have Baranov as a Tikonov expatriate who has vowed to do the utmost in order to further the goals of House Liao-Marik. Just as easily a sink unit for the Capellans to justify involvement in the 3rd Marik Civil War.

The Hermes is so jealous of the Clint no love coming its way.

The Hermes is so jealous of the Clint no love coming its way.

The problem is most variants of the Hermes II that I could come up with look like a Clint without jump jets.  It's pretty boring. 

Here is my second one which previously appeared after the conclusion of another design contest some time ago. Modified a few things and tried to finish up the fluff.

HER-5DS HERMES II

Mass: 40 tons
Chassis: Irian Second Generation Class 40 Endo Steel
Power Plant: Edasich Motors 280 XL
Cruising Speed: 75 kph
Maximum Speed: 118 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Kali Yama Big Bore Autocannnon/20 (imported from Kalidasa – Silver Hawks)
Manufacturer: Irian BattleMechs Unlimited
Primary Factory: Irian
Communication System: Irian E.A.R.
Targeting & Tracking System: Wasat Aggressor

Overview:
Following the success of the Hunchback designers began to think of even better ways to deliver the short-ranged raw destructive power of an Autocannon/20 into battle aboard a BattleMech. Some thought that a lighter and faster deliver system could better strike and evade even better than the reliable Hunchback. First attempts made by the Regulans to outfit a Cicada armed with this massive gun were tantalizing. Although this ‘Killer Bug’ could rapidly assail an enemy at 129 kilometers per hour its slightly improved armor was still pretty thin and even worse it could only hold a single ton of ammunition. This limited its effectiveness to just five short rounds and left the Cicada completely unarmed. While a slower variant showed promise Gibson Federated BattleMechs pulled the plug and discontinued the project in favor of the CDA-3CJ Cicada. Learning of the project and sensing the potential in such a unit Irian BattleMechs Unlimited immediately saw the potential for its flagship product. Executives knew if they could turn the Hermes II into a fast AC/20 delivery system using cutting edge Star League technology it would boost their bottom line. While some wanted to increase its tonnage and possibly rebrand the new design the company managed to keep the upgrade relatively simple. It would only have to acquire three critical supplies in order to complete the new modifications. While the Civil War delayed this process when it came to mass production several individual examples were completed during the conflict which proved the viability of the final product.

Capabilities:
   Using the special Mercury design model a larger 280 XL Engine replaced the old Pitban 240 Engine increased maximum speed by twenty-one kilometers per hour. Obtaining this lostech power plant proved difficult during the Civil War forcing Irian to rely ironically on foreign manufacturers. Edasich Motors in the Federated Commonwealth eventually agreed to the sale of their products for a substantial markup to cover supply difficulties encountered during the conflict. Seven and a half tons of Kallon FWL Special Ferro-Fibrous was far easier to obtain from producers on nearby Stewart. This high-tech armor plating allowed the Hermes II to feature near maximum armor protection increasing its survivability on the battlefield. The Mech’s sole big gun, the Kali Yama Big Bore Autocannnon/20, was imported from Kalidasa in the Silver Hawks Coalition and used on the Hunchback which inspired its design. Removal of the left arm’s lower actuator was necessary to allow the Hermes II to mount the massive cannon in a single location. Ten rounds of ammunition protected by a CASE provide just enough endurance to hit and run in true Hermes fashion. Unfortunately, the large size of this mammoth weapon precluded the inclusion of any supplemental weaponry. Despite this drawback the hard charging nature of the design justified its limited deployment and the rest of the components were readily available thanks to the rapid proliferation of the HER-5S released prior to the Clan Invasion.

Deployment:
   Manufactured in limited numbers at the end of the Civil War exclusively for the infamous Dark Shadow Battalion of Paul Marik’s Guard the HER-5DS was a feared opponent. While its low amount of ammo limited its battlefield presence during extended conflicts the presence of these lightning strikers was certainly noticeably especially in the hands of such elite operators. Mechs sporting the names Special Delivery, Goin’ Postal, and Return to Sender are still the stuff of legends. Renowned for their sudden stunning appearances which were often marked by enemy carnage despite larger size comparisons. An effort was made to hunt every single unit down but some are thought to have survived the great conflict.

Variant:
The HER-5DS1 is slightly different from the base model substituting a Gauss Rifle for the AutoCannon/20. While the hitting power is seventy five percent less the range has been dramatically improved. Heat buildup was also drastically decreased making this hard-hitting sniper very capable on the battlefield. As the Gauss ammunition is not explosive the CASE was dropped along with a half-ton of armor. This did lower the war machine’s protection factor but allowed in to maintain two tons of Gauss ammo.

Type: HER-5DS Hermes II
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 40

Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:         Endo Steel                 2
Engine:            280XL            8
Walking MP:         7
Running MP:         11
Jumping MP:         0
Heat Sinks:            10 (20)            0
Gyro:                           3
Cockpit:                        3
Armor Factor:            134            7.5

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

Weapons and Ammo      Location      Critical   Tonnage
AC/20            Left Arm      10      14
Ammo (AC) 10      Left Torso      2      2
CASE             Left Torso      1      .5