Topic: Optimizing the Marauder (Read 25019 times)

Takiro · « **Reply #45 on:** July 10, 2021, 05:15:47 AM »

Some real nice ones fabulousorcboy!

And yes I actually led off the contest with an AC/20 variant plus I have another concept in the hopper.

drakensis · « **Reply #46 on:** July 11, 2021, 02:58:57 AM »

Marauder MAD-4W

Mass: 75 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Age of War/Star League
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/E-F-E-A
Production Year: 2750
Cost: 15,872,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,545

Chassis: Blackwell Marauder-Lite Endo-Steel
Power Plant: General Motors/Blackwell Industries 300 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor Standard Armor
Armament:
3 Myrdon Excel LB 10-X ACs
2 Magna Firestarter Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Blackwell heavy Industries
Primary Factory: Outreach
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban HiRez II

Overview:
Anticipating losses in a Clan Invasion projected to last until the mid-3050s,
Colonel Jaime Wolf asked that Blackwell continue its partnership with GM and
begin building an improved Marauder based on their success with the Marauder
II.

While the Invasion was cut short by the Battle of Tukkayid, the Dragoons still
took significant losses on Luthien and their funding and technical assistance
brought the Marauder 4W to completion in early 3053.

Capabilities:
With no less than three autocannon to work with, the MAD-4W can lay a
blistering amount of fire down range for very little heat. Based on one of the
Star League's most successful weapons, the Myrdon Excel is proving popular for
its excellent range and the option of firing standard and cluster rounds.

The Marauder's armour protection has been reinforced to exceed previous levels
- or even the MAD-5D. However, it remains relatively slow compared to Clan
'Mechs of a similar size and teh decision to strip back the cooling systems
hasn't been entirely welcome with Mechwarriors.

Deployment:
So far the MAD-4W has only been seen in the Wolf Dragoons, although other
mercenary commands such as the Kell Hounds, Northwind Highlanders and Eridani
Light Horse are in negotiation to purchase small numbers.

Code: [Select]

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                   114 points                4.00
    Internal Locations: 1 HD, 2 CT, 6 LT, 1 RT, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             300                       9.50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 231                 14.50

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     23           35        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  11        
                                           L/R Torso     16           24        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     12           24        
                                             L/R Leg     16           32        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC                                   RT        2         6        11.00
LB 10-X AC                                   RA        2         6        11.00
Medium Laser                                 RA        3         1         1.00
LB 10-X AC                                   LA        2         6        11.00
Medium Laser                                 LA        3         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (10)                      RT        -         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10)                         RT        -         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (10)                      RA        -         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10)                         RA        -         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (10)                      LA        -         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10)                         LA        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 3

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 15
4          3       3       2       0      3     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 2/2/2

Takiro · « **Reply #47 on:** July 11, 2021, 09:39:56 AM »

Very nice drakensis!

Takiro · « **Reply #48 on:** July 14, 2021, 05:57:01 PM »

Quote from: fabulousorcboy on July 05, 2021, 03:31:34 AM

I don't think I'll have a lot of optimizations for the Marauder -- I just never liked the battlefield performance of the thing, it was so undersinked and underarmored despite looking very cool. Most of the canon variants are just disappointing as well. So here's my proposed variant: it's basically a superior Dragon Fire.

The 6K as presented by fabulousorcboy really inspired me to do this design which I will certainly be using in our Solaris Vii campaigns. Hope you enjoy!

MAD-4K MARAUDER

Mass: 75 tons
Chassis: Alshain Class 920 EndoSteel
Power Plant: GM 300 XL
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 65 kph
Jump Jets: None
   Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Valiant Lamellor with CASE
Armament:
   2 Pontiac 100 Autocannon/20s
   1 Magna Mk III Large Laser
2 Magna Mk II Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Independence Weaponry
   Primary Factory: Quentin
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban HiRez

Overview:
The sudden appearance of a new MAD-6K Marauder and this backstepped concept on Solaris VII have raised a number of questions. Since this design factored so prominently in the Game World's contests between the Ronin Cooperative (Kurita traditionalists) and Nine Ball Stables (FedCom Loyalists) this stunning development makes a certain amount of sense. Corporate sponsorship of testbed Gladiatorial 'Mechs has been on the rise since the Clan Invasion began. Fans are eagerly awaiting the renewed rivalry during the upcoming fight season which centered around the development of the MAD-4S and 6S Marauder last year. House Lords and their agents on the other hand are just trying to determine what links this officially disavowed Draconis group has with Independence Weaponry.

Capabilities:
Essentially a MAD-6K armed with proven weaponry that is hard hitting but shorter ranged in the spirit of the MAD-4S. Built around the new Alshain Class 920 EndoSteel chassis featured on the new Kurita model the three main guns have been removed and replaced with venerable system. Chief among these are two refurbished Pontiac 100 Autocannon/20s from retrofitted VTR-9B Victors that swap out the new Poland Main Model A Gauss Rifles on the MAD-6K. The bulkier nature of these massive guns also required the removal of the lower arm actuators and the placement of the Magna Mk II Medium Lasers inward to the side torsos. The barrel arms, first featured on the MAD-6S, flip rearward allowing for much of the BattleMech's offensive firepower to be directed either way quickly. While these huge cannons pack twenty-five percent more punch than their Gauss counterparts they generate far more waste heat. Each Autocannon puts out more than eighty-five percent more heat causing issues for the existing dissipation system of the 6K. Thankfully the AC/20s weigh two tons less allowing for the addition of two Double Heat Sinks that fit perfectly within the Vlar 300 XL Engine featured on the modern Marauder. The Magna Mk III Large Laser replaces the Victory Nickel Alloy ER Large Laser in large part to help deal with heat management. Mechwarriors can run this seventy-five-ton war machine while firing both Autocannons and the Large Laser. This heat neutral balance can be upset by repeated use of the Medium Lasers which designers retained here for purely supplemental use in a limited fashion. These older weapons are also much shorter ranged then their high-tech cousins which means this Marauder has to get close to its enemy in order to be effective. To that end, thirteen and a half tons of Valiant Lamellor have been allocated for protection along with CASEs in the side torsos to protect the BattleMech from catastrophic ammunition explosions. With almost ninety-four percent of maximum armor defenses this Kurita Marauder model is nearly identical to the 4S which it is compared.

Deployment:
While the first MAD-4K is awaiting its debut in the arenas of Solaris VII other Combine warriors have begun campaigning for its assignment to their regiments. Chief among these is Duke Hassid Ricol of the Alshain Military District who pilots a Marauder himself. Rumor has it he has purchased an upgraded 6K for himself and the recently renamed Alshain Avengers who want to take the war to the Clans. They have made no secret of their desire to obtain 4Ks as well to brutalize the invaders and drive them from their native lands. Many, even in the courageous DCMS, have questioned the wisdom of ‘knife fighting the Clans’ with this short-ranged design. Many Avengers who know the terrain of their homeworlds well have spoken about their genuine desire of drawing the enemy in close to see the whites of their eyes before dispatching them with the new Kurita Marauders.

Type: Marauder
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 75

Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:         EndoSteel         4
Engine:            300 XL         9.5
Walking MP:         4
Running MP:         6
Jumping MP:         0
Heat Sinks:            12 (24)            2
Gyro:                           3
Cockpit:                        3
Armor Factor:            216            13.5

Internal Structure   Armor Value
Head            3         9
Center Torso         23         32 / 11
R/L Torso         16         22 / 8
R/L Arm         12         22
R/L Leg         16         30

Weapons and Ammo      Location      Critical   Tonnage
Autocannon/20      Right Arm      10      14
Ammo (Ammo) 10      Right Torso      2      2
CASE             Right Torso      1      .5
Autocannon/20      Left Arm      10      14
Ammo (Ammo) 10      Left Torso      2      2
CASE             Left Torso      1      .5
Medium Laser         Right Torso      1      1
Medium Laser         Left Torso      1      1
Large Laser          Center Torso      2      5

Cost = 15,337,875 C-bills

Abele · « **Reply #49 on:** July 15, 2021, 04:07:59 AM »

After dusting off the plans for the MAD-3R Marauder found in the archives in the late 3020s, Majesty Metals & Manufacturing {MMM} began building Marauders at a slow rate as they were being built mostly by hand rather then on an assembly line. As the Helm Core finally proliferated to the powers within the Periphery, MMM decided it was time to refine the design for their own needs. Seeking inspiration they found it in the refit of Major Anya Kirilenko's personal Marauder. The improvements made were the refitting of the single heat sinks to double heat sinks. This was accomplished with the aid of Andurien engineers. The number was reduced to ten from the thirteen singles found on the source Marauder. The twin auto-cannons and standard medium lasers were retained while the large laser was upgraded to extended range model. As an additional weapon, a Sperry-Browning machinegun was added for anti-infantry work. CASE protects both side torso ammo locations wile 13.5 tons of Valiant Lamellor armor protect both the Mech and its pilot.

Code: [Select]

Marauder MAD-4MC

Mass: 75 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-D
Production Year: 3054
Dry Cost: 6,798,750 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6,817,250 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,471

Chassis: GM Marauder Standard
Power Plant: Vlar 300 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
    1 Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Laser
    2 Armstrong J11 Autocannon/5s
    2 Martell Model 5 Medium Lasers
    1 Sperry-Browning Machine Gun
Manufacturer: Majesty Metals & Manufacturing
    Primary Factory: Canopus (later Luxen)
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban Hi-Rez

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     114 points                7.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                300                      19.00
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    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
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 216                 13.50
    CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT                                             1.00

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     23           33        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  12        
                                           L/R Torso     16           22        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     12           21        
                                             L/R Leg     16           30        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun                                  HD        0         1         0.50
ER Large Laser                               CT        12        2         5.00
Medium Laser                                 RT        3         1         1.00
Medium Laser                                 LT        3         1         1.00
Autocannon/5                                 RA        1         4         8.00
Autocannon/5                                 LA        1         4         8.00
@AC/5 (40)                                   RT        -         2         2.00
@AC/5 (40)                                   LT        -         2         2.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              LT        -         1         0.50
                                            Fre e Critical Slots: 29

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 15
4          3       3       2       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, AC 1/1/1

This is the personalized Mech of Major (Ret.) Anya Kirilenko, former commander of the 1st Canopian Fusiliers' Second Battalion. She was a hero of the War with the Canopians in the 3030s. She is related to the current Magestrix as they share the same great-grandmother, Yolanda Centrella (Tamara Centrella's mother). Anya preferred the reliability of the Armstrong J11's over the heat issues of the Particle Projection cannons. She had the medium lasers moved to their current torso locations in order to maintain the alignment of the lenses in the lasers. The large laser is a Taurian model that is found on the Thunderbolt and is very reliable. Three heat sinks were removed to make room for the new weapons array and the much needed extra ton of armor. Major Kirilenko was forced to retire to medical issues that arose from injuries from fighting the Capellans.

Code: [Select]

Marauder MAD-4MC "Anya'

Mass: 75 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Introductory
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/X-X-D-D
Production Year: 3054
Dry Cost: 6,328,000 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6,346,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,300

Chassis: GM Marauder Standard
Power Plant: Vlar 300 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor Standard Armor
Armament:
    1 Luxen Large Laser
    2 Armstrong J11 Autocannon/5s
    2 Martell Model 5 Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Majesty Metals & Manufacturing
    Primary Factory: Canopus (later Luxen)
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban Hi-Rez

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     114 points                7.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                300                      19.00
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             13                        3.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 HD
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 200                 12.50

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     23           31        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  10        
                                           L/R Torso     16           20        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     12           20        
                                             L/R Leg     16           27        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Laser                                  CT        8         2         5.00
Medium Laser                                 RT        3         1         1.00
Medium Laser                                 LT        3         1         1.00
Autocannon/5                                 RA        1         4         8.00
Autocannon/5                                 LA        1         4         8.00
@AC/5 (40)                                   RT        -         2         2.00
@AC/5 (40)                                   LT        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 32

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 13
4          3       3       1       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, AC 1/1/1

Notes: While Tamara Centrella did exist in the BT timeline, the name of her mother did not. So I made one up. Anya descends from Tamara's notional brother, Artem. Yolanda was never Magestrix in my mind, though her older sister, Camilla (also notional and with no female children) was.

Musical accompaniment provided by Band-Maid, the best hard rock band on the planet

Abele · « **Reply #50 on:** July 15, 2021, 04:59:22 AM »

To supplement the PPC-armed Warhammers and Marauders already in service to the Taurian Defense Forces, the powers that be at Pinard Protectorates Limted decided to take a different approach to refitting the Marauder. The decision was made to do away with the PPC armament altogether and replace it with missile based armament. A pair of Artemis IV-equipped LRM15 launchers replace the PPCs in the arms. Two tons of ammunition feed each launcher from CASE-protected bins. The Martell medium lasers are now torso-mounted while a Capellan-sourced ER large laser replaces the ancient auto-cannon. 12.5 tons of armor protect the Mech and twelve double heat sinks keep it cool.

Note: Some have posited the idea of removing the Artemis IV FCS and adding either two more tons of missile ammunition or two more medium lasers.

Code: [Select]

Marauder MAD-4T

Mass: 75 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-D
Production Year: 3070
Dry Cost: 7,318,500 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7,558,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,662

Chassis: GM Marauder Standard
Power Plant: Vlar 300 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
    2 Holly LRM-15s w/ Artemis IV FCS
    1 Firmir UltraLase ER Large Laser
    2 Martell Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Pinard Protectorates Limited
    Primary Factory: Pinard
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban Hi-Rez w/RCA-Dynatec Trace Artemis IV FCS

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     114 points                7.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                300                      19.00
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             12(24)                    2.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 200                 12.50
    CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT                                             1.00

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     23           31        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  10        
                                           L/R Torso     16           20        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     12           21        
                                             L/R Leg     16           26        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser                               CT        12        2         5.00
Medium Laser                                 RT        3         1         1.00
Medium Laser                                 LT        3         1         1.00
LRM-15                                       RA        5         3         7.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           RA        -         1         1.00
LRM-15                                       LA        5         3         7.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           LA        -         1         1.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (16)                       RT        -         2         2.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (16)                       LT        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 31

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 17
4          3       4       3       0      3     1   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 2

A second Taurian model has been forwarded to the Taurian Quartemaster Corps. It is a simple upgrade of the MAD-3R featuring twelve double heat sinks. Armor protection has been increased by a ton for a more balanced armor layout. Two Diverse Optics Model 27P medium pulse lasers replace the old standards. The Pontiac Light auto-cannon is now fed by a CASE-protected two ton ammo bin for longer performance on the battlefield. This design to augment the Marauders already in the field. Along with the TDF, this model is intended for sale to mercenaries operating in the Periphery.

Code: [Select]

Marauder MAD-4R

Mass: 75 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-D
Production Year: 3054
Dry Cost: 6,898,500 C-Bills
Total Cost: 6,907,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,505

Chassis: GM Marauder Standard
Power Plant: Vlar 300 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
    2 Donal PPCs
    1 Pontiac Light Autocannon/5
    2 Diverse Optics Type 27P Medium Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Vandenberg Mechanized Industries
    Primary Factory: New Vandenberg
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban Hi-Rez

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     114 points                7.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                300                      19.00
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             12(24)                    2.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 190                 12.00
    CASE Locations: 1 LT                                                   0.50

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     23           29        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  10        
                                           L/R Torso     16           19        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     12           20        
                                             L/R Leg     16           24        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Autocannon/5                                 RT        1         4         8.00
PPC                                          RA        10        3         7.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RA        4         1         2.00
PPC                                          LA        10        3         7.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LA        4         1         2.00
@AC/5 (40)                                   LT        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 34

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 15
4          3       4       3       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Music provided by Kamelot, Metallica, Alice in Chains, Wagakki Band, Stratovarius, Megadeth and Led Zeppelin

Abele · « **Reply #51 on:** July 15, 2021, 07:06:32 AM »

Behold the 'Dakka Dakka' variant of the Marauder. It features three Armstrong J11 autocannons backed by an array fo smaller weapons (pulsers, flamer and MG). Thirteen tons of armor and ten doubles handles all of the heat. I made it a Capellan ride. CASE protects all of that ammo.

Code: [Select]

Marauder MAD-3DKA

Mass: 75 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3070
Dry Cost: 14,672,875 C-Bills
Total Cost: 14,700,375 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,159

Chassis: GM Marauder Standard
Power Plant: Vlar 300 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
    3 Armstrong J11 Autocannon/5s
    2 Ceres Arms W Medium Pulse Lasers
    2 Magna 200P Small Pulse Lasers
    1 Flame Tech K-213 Flamer
    1 Sperry-Browning Machine Gun
Manufacturer: Ceres Metals Industries
    Primary Factory: Capella
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban Hi-Rez

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     114 points                7.50
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             300                       9.50
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    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
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 208                 13.00
    CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT                                             1.00

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     23           33        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  12        
                                           L/R Torso     16           21        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     12           21        
                                             L/R Leg     16           27        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flamer                                       CT        3         1         1.00
Machine Gun                                  CT        0         1         0.50
Autocannon/5                                 RT        1         4         8.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RT        4         1         2.00
(R) Small Pulse Laser                        RT        2         1         1.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LT        4         1         2.00
(R) Small Pulse Laser                        LT        2         1         1.00
Autocannon/5                                 RA        1         4         8.00
Autocannon/5                                 LA        1         4         8.00
@AC/5 (40)                                   RT        -         2         2.00
@AC/5 (80)                                   LT        -         4         4.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              LT        -         1         0.50
                                            Free Critical Slots: 16

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 12
4          3       3       2       0      3     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, AC 1/2/2

Takiro · « **Reply #52 on:** July 15, 2021, 07:37:05 AM »

Nice Abele!!

Ice Hellion · « **Reply #53 on:** July 15, 2021, 04:20:16 PM »

From A history of the Marauder, GM Editions 3053
Some companies are following the market while are trying to innovate. Among them, Ronin Incorporated tried to do something original when first getting their hands on the new technology extracted from the Helm Memory Core. Their first take tried to make the best of the lack of PPCs in the Free Worlds League with the introduction of Binary Large Lasers but the MAD-4X failed as the advanced systems failed under stress and took too much space making mandatory the removal of the ejection system. Their second intent was better and led to the production of the MAD-5M.

Ronin Incorporated internal memo from late 3051-early 3052
Sir,

I know I failed you with the MAD-4X. However since things are on tracks for the MAD-5M, I think it is time to revive project MAD-4X thanks to the technology improvements since we first started so long ago.
I am sure we won’t be able to survive the Clans (should they decide to come for us) with traditional thinking. We’ve got to think outside of the box and the MAD-4X is the perfect ‘Mech to do so quickly.

Yours,

Arlo Fenster

Memo from Ronin Incorporated to the office of the Chief Armorer in the League Central Coordination and Command

Sir,

Ronin Incorporated would like to present you its two newest designs, the MAD-BLX13 and the MAD-BLX13X. We know how superstitious ‘MechWarriors are and this is why although the base of both designs is the MAD-4X, we rather focused on the Binary Laser Cannon for naming it.

As you might have guessed, the basis is a Marauder with a proven Archer III Endo Steel Internal Structure that is already being mass produced by Earthwerk. The armour, the communication system, the targeting and tracking system, and the engine are those of the original Marauder, making it both cheap and easy to manufacture “en masse” should you give the go ahead for this project.

The rest of the MAX-BLX13 is upgraded to deliver more punch. Two Binary Laser Cannons from Magna Metals Inc provide the main punch of this ‘Mech, backed-up by two Shannon SRM-6 from our own factories. The twin SRM systems will allow it to take advantage of the holes made by the Binary Lasers. Two tons of ammo shielded in CASE will ensure it can fire long enough to make it count (especially if teamed with the BLX13X).
We learned the lessons from the past and the cooling system was improved both for the Lasers and with the use of 17 Double Hear Sinks and of an improved version of our previous computer monitoring systems. With all this, heat management shouldn’t be a problem.

The BLX13X is more an experiment for a team player among this new generation of Marauders. All the secondary weapons were dropped for a Guardian ECM Suite, a Beagle Active Probe, a TAG and a Narc Missile Beacon.
By using one in every Lance of BLX13, the 3 other will get the benefits of increased accuracy for their SRM and receive the needed help for electronical warfare from a design that would look like them (thus removing the need for extra speed).

Should you decide to go ahead with this proposal, we have a complete Lance waiting for your review and tests.

Yours,

On behalf of SelaSys Incorporated
The Head of Ronin Inc.
Thomas Deakin-Jones

Extracts from conversations between Marik ‘MechWarriors after trials

I don’t know if I like or I dislike the newest idea from Ronin Incorporated. This ‘Mech has potential but is a bit slow for its planned role, especially the BLX-13X. Keeping it hidden in plain sights doesn’t work unless you are one of those sneaky Legionnaires.

For fighting head to head like all elite ‘MechWarriors should do it lacks both speed and firepower. Just give me a Clanner and we will dance together before he finds out what is a good old Marik steel.

The BLX-13, I like it even if it isn’t a real Marauder. They should rename it.

If the others don’t know how to use it, the better for us. Let’s just ask General Calderon Benge, to command one company for each of our units.

Code: [Select]

Marauder MAD-BLX13

Mass: 75 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 7 038 500 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7 092 500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 531

Chassis: Earthwerk Archer III Endo-Steel
Power Plant: GM 300 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Heavy Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
    2 Magna Metals Inc/Magna Mk IV Binary Laser Cannons
    2 Ronin Incorporated/Shannon SH-60 SRM-6s
Manufacturer: Ronin Incorporated
    Primary Factory: Wallis
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban HiRez

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                   114 points                4,00
    Internal Locations: 1 HD, 2 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT, 3 LA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine:             Fusion Engine                300                      19,00
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             17(34)                    7,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 RA
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 184                 11,50
    CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT                                             1,00

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     23           35        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  10        
                                           L/R Torso     16           17        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     12           18        
                                             L/R Leg     16           22        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SRM-6                                        RT        4         2         3,00
SRM-6                                        LT        4         2         3,00
Binary Laser Cannon                          RA        16        4         9,00
Binary Laser Cannon                          LA        16        4         9,00
@SRM-6 (15)                                  RT        -         1         1,00
@SRM-6 (15)                                  LT        -         1         1,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 4

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 15
4          4       4       0       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 2/2/0

Code: [Select]

Marauder MAD-BLX13X

Mass: 75 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Era Specific
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 7 633 500 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7 645 500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 502

Chassis: Earthwerk Archer III Endo-Steel
Power Plant: GM 300 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43,2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64,8 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Durallex Heavy Standard Armor w/ CASE
Armament:
    2 Magna Metals Inc/Magna Mk IV Binary Laser Cannons
    1 IMB Systems/Octagon Missile Magnet Narc Launcher
    1 Imstar Aerospace/Imstar Oracle Beagle Active Probe
    1 Garret SatComm/Garret-Guardian Interface 2B Guardian ECM Suite
    1 Garret SatComm/Garret Mole TAG
Manufacturer: Ronin Incorporated
    Primary Factory: Wallis
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban HiRez

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                   114 points                4,00
    Internal Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine:             Fusion Engine                300                      19,00
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6
    Jumping MP: 0 
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             17(34)                    7,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 184                 11,50
    CASE Locations: 1 LT                                                   0,50

                                                      Internal       Armor      
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     23           35        
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  10        
                                           L/R Torso     16           17        
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     12           18        
                                             L/R Leg     16           22        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAG                                          HD        0         1         1,00
Beagle Active Probe                          CT        0         2         1,50
Guardian ECM Suite                           RT        0         2         1,50
Narc Launcher                                LT        0         2         3,00
Binary Laser Cannon                          RA        16        4         9,00
Binary Laser Cannon                          LA        16        4         9,00
@Narc (Homing) (12)                          LT        -         2         2,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 2

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 15
4          3       3       0       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: SNARC, PRB, RCN, ECM, TAG, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Takiro · « **Reply #54 on:** July 15, 2021, 05:13:06 PM »

There goes Ice Hellion, blazing away with his latest entries.

Takiro · « **Reply #55 on:** July 16, 2021, 05:39:51 AM »

Final day for Marauders folks!

I got one more possible design to get done myself.

Takiro · « **Reply #56 on:** July 16, 2021, 07:37:57 PM »

A little over four hours remaining folks and I wanted to post my last Marauder concept. Not much fluff but it is what it is.....

MAD-6D MARAUDER

Mass: 75 tons
Chassis: GM Marauder Special MD EndoSteel
Power Plant: GM 300 XL
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 65 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Valiant Lamellor with CASE
Armament:
2 [Mydron Excel] LB 10-X Autocannons
1 [Sutel Precision Line] Large Pulse Laser
2 Magna Mk II Medium Lasers
2 [Sutel Precision Line] Medium Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: General Motors
Primary Factory: Kathil
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban HiRez

Overview:
Faced with the threat of Clan Battlearmor the Federated Commonwealth commissioned a number of anti-Elemental BattleMech designs. One of these concepts was the MAD-6D Marauder conceived of as a command asset for headquarter units of the AFFC. Accompanied by other similarly armed BattleMechs their task is to eliminate or discourage potential headhunter strikes.

Type: Marauder
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 75

Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: EndoSteel 4
Engine: 300 XL 9.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: 12 (24) 2
Gyro: 3
Cockpit: 3
Armor Factor: 216 13.5

Internal Structure Armor Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 23 32 / 11
R/L Torso 16 22 / 8
R/L Arm 12 22
R/L Leg 16 30

Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
LB 10-X AC Right Arm 6 11
Ammo (LB-X) 20 Right Torso 2 2
CASE Right Torso 1 .5
LB 10-X AC Left Arm 6 11
Ammo (LB-X) 20 Left Torso 2 2
CASE Left Torso 1 .5
Medium Laser Right Arm 1 1
Medium Pulse Laser Right Torso 1 2
Medium Laser Left Arm 1 1
Medium Pulse Laser Left Torso 1 2
Large Pulse Laser Center Torso 2 7

Takiro · « **Reply #57 on:** July 17, 2021, 02:43:49 AM »

And that's all folks! Hope you had fun during the Marauder contest. No more entries please!

Abele · « **Reply #58 on:** July 17, 2021, 05:24:04 AM »

Design work has already begun on the Orion. I'm trying to do it without using an XL or Endo Steel

fabulousorcboy · « **Reply #59 on:** July 17, 2021, 06:32:23 PM »

The challenge for me is that the Orion is functionally identical to the Marauder: same speed and weight. So how to distinguish a Marauder build from an Orion build, at least in terms of game stats? Obviously, the fluff is a little different -- the Orion is purely a FWL Kali Yama 'Mech, while the Marauder is from all over, but that's fluff. The silhouette is also different: the MAD is a chicken-walker, while the ON1 is roughly humanoid. But again, that's a fluff difference.

The major game-play distinction comes from their quirks, and the Orion is -- bizarrely -- an anti-Aircraft 'Mech that is also rugged and easy to maintain. That's a... weird combination. The AA means that flak weapons are ideal, but the rugged/easy-to-maintain encourages an all energy build that doesn't use ammo and thus doesn't tie a 'Mech to a supply depot (where it could also get ready maintenance). And none of the canon variants really take advantage of these quirks in a significant way.

I've been playing with a bunch of different builds and none of them really satisfy me. I think I'll probably try either a heavy-weight Rifleman load-out that really takes advantage of the variant Flak ammunition, or a Black Knight variant laser-boat build. The Perseus is a nice Omni concept on the design that retains two of the quirks, but has extremely limited crit slots, so can't really lean into the laser-boat builds.

OBT Forum

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Author Topic: Optimizing the Marauder (Read 25019 times)

Takiro

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