OBT Forum

Few people think of the Periphery when they consider the Ostsol and Ostroc heavy BattleMechs.  After all, these war-machines were produced only by Ostmann Industries and Kong Interstellar during the Star League era--Hegemony coorporations.

But towards the end of the Star League, demand for both of these 'Mechs rapidly grew . . . the more so because the SLDF authorized both 'Mechs for sale to Member States for their own military forces.  Because of this, Kong Interstellar (the authorized manufacturer of the OTL-4D Ostsol) took advantage of the liberal tax credits and built a factory to produce this 'Mech on New Vandenberg in the Taurian Concordat.

Yet, barely had the factory been finished and production begun on the first new Ostsols produced in the Periphery did the Periphery Uprising take place.  Kong engineers attempted to demolish the factory and production lines as they abandoned New Vandenberg in face of the uprising . . . and to a large extent they were successful.  But not completely.

Much equipment remained (albeit in a heavily damaged state), although it would be take the Concordat until the late 3020's to restore the factory to the point where they refurbish existing Ostsol and Ostroc 'Mechs.  It would be 3032 before limited production returned to New Vandenberg (with the factory now belonging to Vandenberg Mechanized Industries).

The first new Ostsols to emerge from the New Vandenberg production lines were the Succession Wars OTL-4T variant.  Removing one Tronel III Heavy Laser Laser and adding two Tronel I Light Small Lasers, VMI was able to reinforce the armor protection to superb levels (12.0 tons of standard armor plating!).  Seventeen standard heat sinks gave more than adequate cooling capabilities as well.  While some MechWarriors missed the medium-range punch of the second Large Laser, the added armor and ability to fire and move without roasting more than made up the difference!  The OTL-4T remained in production until 3046 when it was superseded by the more advanced OTL-5T.

Ostsol OTL-4T

Mass: 60 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: D/X-X-D-A
Production Year: 3053
Dry Cost: 4,960,160 C-Bills
Total Cost: 4,960,160 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,314

Chassis: Kell/H Standard
Power Plant: Vlar 300 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese-475 Standard Armor
Armament:
    1 Tronel III Heavy Large Laser
    4 Tronel II Medium Lasers
    2 Tronel I Light Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Vandenberg Mechanized Industries
    Primary Factory: New Vandenberg
Communications System: Barret 500p
Targeting and Tracking System: TRSS.2L3

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      99 points                6.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                300                      19.00
    Walking MP: 5
    Running MP: 8
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             17                        7.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 HD, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 192                 12.00

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     20           30       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  9         
                                           L/R Torso     14           20       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     10           16       
                                             L/R Leg     14           28       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser                                 RT        3         1         1.00
(R) Medium Laser                             RT        3         1         1.00
Small Laser                                  RT        1         1         0.50
Medium Laser                                 LT        3         1         1.00
(R) Medium Laser                             LT        3         1         1.00
Small Laser                                  LT        1         1         0.50
Large Laser                                  CT        8         2         5.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 34

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 13
5          3       2       0       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
The OTL-5T used recovered Star League techology to make the Taurian Ostsol even better!  The heat sinks were reduced to thirteen . . . but each of those was a double-strength freezer! Eleven tons of ferro-fibrous armor plating provided even greater protection than the -4T boasted.  The Tronel III Heavy Large Laser was replaced with a Tronel V Heavy Extended-Range Large Laser.  All four Tronel II Medium Lasers were retained (two firing to the rear), but two Tronel XII Medium Pulse Lasers were added.  The old, short-ranged Tronel I Light Small Lasers were replaced with a pair of Tronel XI Small Pulse Lasers as well.  Although the -5T ran hotter than the -4T, the added firepower (and anti-personnel capabilities) were greatly appreciated.

Ostsol OTL-5T

Mass: 60 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-A
Production Year: 3053
Dry Cost: 5,589,760 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,589,760 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,515

Chassis: Kell/H Standard
Power Plant: Vlar 300 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese-575 Special Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    1 Tronel V Heavy ER Large Laser
    2 Tronel XII Medium Pulse Lasers
    4 Tronel II Medium Lasers
    2 Tronel XI Small Pulse Lasers
Manufacturer: Vandenberg Mechanized Industries
    Primary Factory: New Vandenberg
Communications System: Barret 500p
Targeting and Tracking System: TRSS.2L3

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      99 points                6.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                300                      19.00
    Walking MP: 5
    Running MP: 8
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             13(26)                    3.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 197                 11.00
    Armor Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     20           30       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  10       
                                           L/R Torso     14           20       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     10           18       
                                             L/R Leg     14           28       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser                                 RT        3         1         1.00
(R) Medium Laser                             RT        3         1         1.00
Small Pulse Laser                            RT        2         1         1.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RT        4         1         2.00
Medium Laser                                 LT        3         1         1.00
(R) Medium Laser                             LT        3         1         1.00
Small Pulse Laser                            LT        2         1         1.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LT        4         1         2.00
ER Large Laser                               CT        12        2         5.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 20

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 15
5          4       3       1       0      3     1   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
The final Ost-series BattleMech to be built at New Vandenberg was designated the OSR-3T Ostroc.  However, unlike the actual Ostroc, it was nothing more than a heavily modified OTL-5T Ostsol.  Both Tronel XI Small Pulse Lasers and the pair of rear-firing Tronel II Medium Lasers were removed, along with a half-ton of armor (leaving "only" 10.5 tons of ferro-fibrous) to fit two Pinard Reaper Streak SRM-2 packs in the right torso, along with a ton of ammunition and CASE.  Even hotter-running than the OTL-5T, the new Ostroc still remains quite cooler than standard Inner Sphere variants.

Ostroc OSR-3T

Mass: 60 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-D-A
Production Year: 3053
Dry Cost: 5,522,560 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,576,560 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,494

Chassis: Kell/H Standard
Power Plant: Vlar 300 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese-575 Special Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
    1 Tronel V Heavy ER Large Laser
    2 Tronel XII Medium Pulse Lasers
    2 Tronel II Medium Lasers
    2 Pinard Reaper Streak SRM-2s
Manufacturer: Vandenberg Mechanized Industries
    Primary Factory: New Vandenberg
Communications System: Barret 500p
Targeting and Tracking System: TRSS.2L3

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      99 points                6.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                300                      19.00
    Walking MP: 5
    Running MP: 8
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             13(26)                    3.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 188                 10.50
    Armor Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
    CASE Locations: 1 LT                                                   0.50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     20           30       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  9         
                                           L/R Torso     14           20       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     10           14       
                                             L/R Leg     14           28       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser                                 RT        3         1         1.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RT        4         1         2.00
Medium Laser                                 LT        3         1         1.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LT        4         1         2.00
2 Streak SRM-2s                              LT        4         2         3.00
ER Large Laser                               CT        12        2         5.00
@Streak SRM-2 (50)                           LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 20

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 15
5          4       4       1       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Four! Three Periphery Osts from masterarminas and a Jaguar garrison Ostol from drakensis. Certainly interesting ideas guys.

The Ti Ts'ang has always struck me as the Platonic Ideal of a 60t cavalry 'Mech frame, so I initially wanted to try a TSM variant of the Ostsol with 6/9 speed.  Then I noticed that the Ostsol as "Improved Sensors" as a quirk, and I saw another possibility for a 60t 'Mech with 6/9 speed -- fit it with a Command Console, add a Raven's worth of advanced electronic gear, and make it a fast recon 'Mech, something the Charger always wanted to be but never could manage.

Type: OTL-4Nc Ostsol
Production: FWL (Kong Interstellar, Connaught) -- originally for SLDF (also produced in Loxley prior to Succession Wars)
Combat Value: 1523 BV
Total Cost: 15,204,160 C-Bills (including x1.6 tonnage premium)

EQUIPMENT
Tonnage: 60
Inner Structure: Endo (3t)
Engine: Hermes 360 XL (16.5t)
  Walking: 6
  Running: 9
  Jumping: 6 (6t)
Double Heat Sinks: 10(20)
Gyro:   Standard (4t)
Cockpit: Standard (3t)
Armor (Standard): (12.5t)

Head: 3/9
Center Torso: 20/30/9
R/L Torso: 14/20/8
R/L Arm: 10/20
R/L Leg: 14/28

Quirks: Narrow/Low Profile (glancing blows on +0/+1 margin), Improved Sensors (+2 range to probes)

WEAPONS INVENTORY (15t)
1x Command Cockpit (1cr, 3t) H
1x Beagle Active Probe (2cr, 1.5t) RT
1x Guardian ECM (2cr, 1.5t) LT
1x TAG (1cr, 1t) LT
1x ER Large Laser (2cr, 5t) CT
3x Medium Lasers (3cr, 3t) 2RT/LT

Produced in large numbers by Kong Interstellar for the Star League, the Ostsol quickly became an oddity in the SLDF – a versatile ‘Mech that easily operated as part of ‘mixed’ lances, both in heavy battlegroups with its striking power, as well as recon and raiding parties due to its speed and advanced electronics.  This ability to operate in 'mixed' lances was very much against SLDF doctrine, which favored company-sized formations of identical 'Mechs, but the Ostsol's versatility endeared it to special forces like the infamous SLDF "Blackhearts".  Equipped entirely with energy weapons, the design simplified logistics and supply, and could operate independently for lengthy periods of time.  As the Ostsol became available for sale outside of the Hegemony in the mid-2700s, the SLDF contracted with Ostmann Industries to create a “Royal” variant exclusive for use by Hegemony forces.  The outcome was a ‘Mech that retained its versatility and command potential, while sacrificing only modestly in terms of firepower – largely as a result of trading overall firepower for greater sustainable output.

The Ostsol OTL-4N(c) is visually quite similar to the standard OTL-4D, with the signature Ostmann stacked demi-spherical torso and aggressively articulated limbs.  It even has four ‘gun barrels’ protruding from its torso, but this is where the similarity largely ends.  The 4N(c) is packed with cutting-edge Star League technology, intended to produce a highly effective heavy recon ‘Mech, with the speed and mobility to fulfill its mission, while still retaining the chassis and armor of a heavy ‘Mech for protection and durability; Ostmann designers had been inspired by the heavy scout concept pioneered by Wells Technologies Charger-1A1, but hoped to avoid some of the severe limitations of the nearly century-old Charger design in their own upgrade.  Key to this was the massive Hermes 360XL engine, originally created for use in Krupp Stellar Technologies’ Lancelot design, giving the 4N(c) incredible mobility while also remaining lightweight enough for the ‘Mech to mount a credible array of weapons and gear.  The 4N(c) was also equipped with a brace of jumpjets, upscaled versions of the Ostscout’s Sct-A jumpjets that were also later utilized during the First Succession War in the Ostroc OSR-2M.  With this, the 4N(c) had a combat speed of 95 kph, and a jump distance of 180m, comparable to the light Wasps and Stingers still widely in use throughout the Inner Sphere.

The high-end engine and jumpjets were, however, effectively a weight savings from the Vlar 300 and additional heat sinks of the standard-model Ostsol, particularly combined with the new Endo-Steel frame that freed up even more weight.  The bulk of those weight savings were plowed into specialized electronics like the ‘Mech’s cutting-edge Beagle Active Probe, intended to tie into the design’s highly sensitive TRSS.2L3 sensor system.  A contract with Garret SatComm of Dalton provided the Garret “Mole” Target Acquisition Gear, and the Garret “Interface” Guardian ECM Suite.  Garret also produced the Command Consoles that were installed in the Ostsol cockpit – the 60t Ostsol being the lightest weight ‘Mech that could fit a Command Console – turning the 4N(c) into a dual-pilot ‘Mech with a dedicated communications and control officer.  The Command Console not only allowed for tactical interface and coordination at company and battalion-level, but also gave the 4N(c) the ability to tie into planetary satellite surveillance, monitor civilian and military communications, and process and synthesize sensor and recon data from dozens of different allies.  Combined with the 4N(c)’s own state-of-the-art electronic gear, the result was an invaluable command ‘Mech.

The designers also didn’t skimp on combat potential, retaining nearly 90% of the effective firepower of the original Ostsol-4D, although they did sacrifice both rear-facing Tronel II medium lasers, and downgraded one of the forward-facing Tronel III large lasers to a medium.  The two major upgrades involved the use of a Tronel IX ER Large Laser (only ever produced for the 4N(c) in limited numbers, the Tronel IX design was lost in the Succession Wars) for some added range, and a massive increase in armored protection, as this potential durability was the entire logic behind designing a specialized heavy recon ‘Mech.

Unfortunately for design’s longevity, the Ostsol-4N(c) began production shortly before the Amaris Civil War, and although several dozen were distributed to loyalist (Kerensky) SLDF units before the outbreak of the fighting, the majority of 4N(c)s were snapped up by Amaris “Royal” units.  Given their enormous battlefield value, Amaris 4N(c)s were high priority targets during the Civil War, and only a handful of the specialist Command/Recon ‘Mech survived the Liberation of Terra and subsequent Exodus.  In the centuries that followed, virtually every 4N(c) was either destroyed or downgraded, the precious electronics unable to be maintained or replaced.  By the 31st century, Comstar retained the only six 4N(c)s with original electronics still intact, and all six saw service on Tukayyid.

Since then, the rebuilt Kong Interstellar facility on Connaught has restarted production of the Ostsol with recovered Star League technology, and has built a small number of 4N(c)s for both the Comguard and for the FWLM.  The Hermes 360XL is once again being provided by Krupp Stellar Technologies of Mars, and electronics are again being sourced from Garret SatComm of Dalton.  The major sourcing issue turned out to be with the ER Large Laser, as Kong no longer has the schematics of the old Tronel IX; instead, the company has been sourcing Diverse Optics “Sunbeam” ER Large Lasers.   To date, the company has only produced limited numbers, but has been fielding interest from a number of military units around the Inner Sphere, both House and mercenary alike, and has been open to producing more of the design for customers willing with pay the premium cost (well over 15M C-Bills, triple the cost of a classic OTL-4D with standard fusion engine)

I was playing around trying to recreate the Arcas as an Inner Sphere 'Mech (tricky without clan weaponry) in advance of the T-Bolt, and realized that I was ending up with a 65t jump-capable Ostroc, pretty much every time.  Since that's already canon, I decided to go all-in with the SRMs, at which point I had a 5/8/5 SRM-boat.  If it's a ComGuard Ostroc, then the obvious niche (to me) was an Elemental-killer, which means lots of Infernos, which is why this design uses SRM-6 with Artemis instead of a mess of Streaks (also, the time-frame means that I would have had to use Streak-2s, which are pretty heat-inefficient).  I was never super thrilled with either the Komodo or Snake as Elemental-killers, and as gruesome as cooking other humans in their battle-armor with futuristic napalm is, that would be one of the more effective ways of fighting Elementals available to the Inner Sphere.  In fact, it's so effective that the Clans develop fire-resistant armor specifically as a counter.

Type: OSR-6I Ostroc
Production: ComStar (Krupp Armament Works, Terra)
Combat Value: 1608 BV
Total Cost: 11,280,960 C-Bills (including x1.6 tonnage premium)

EQUIPMENT
Tonnage: 60
Standard Structure: 6t
Engine: Vlar 300 XL: 9.5t
  Walking: 5
  Running: 8
  Jumping: 5 (5t)
Heat Sinks:   12 (24): 2t
Standard Gyro: 3t
Standard Cockpit: 3t
Ferro-Fibrous Armor: 11t

Head: 3/9
Center Torso: 20/30/9
R/L Torso: 14/20/8
R/L Arm: 10/19
R/L Leg: 14/28

Quirks: Narrow/Low Profile (glancing blows on +0/+1 margin)

WEAPONS INVENTORY
3x SRM-6 + Artemis (9cr, 12t) LT/2xRT
3x Ammo (Mixed/SRM) (3cr, 3t) LT
1x CASE (1cr, 0.5t) LT
1x TAG (1cr, 1t) H
4x Medium Laser (4cr, 4t) 2LT/2RT

One of the legacy Mech chassis available to ComStar on the eve of the Battle of Tukayyid, the Ostroc had one significant advantage so far as the ComGuard was concerned: it was one of three classes of ‘Mech that were ideal for upgrading with their huge cache of Star-League era Vlar 300XL engines.  With its standard 300 Vlar easily substituted for the extra-light engine, the Ostroc-2Cr “Royals” in the ComGuard were fitted with a weapons load-out optimized for facing off against Clan battle-armor.  Based on eyewitness accounts and battle reports obtained from Federated Commonwealth, Rasalhague Republic, and Draconis Combine survivors, ComGuard strategists believed that a mix of jump-capable mobility and inferno weapons would be the best solution to the threat of the ‘Toad’ battle-armored suits.

The refitted Ostroc OSR-6I (the “I” designation specifying the inferno missiles and anti-battle-armor specialization) eschews long-ranged weapons entirely, focusing almost exclusively on mid to short-ranged combat.  It fits three chunky Holly SRM-6 Launchers, produced by Krupp National Armaments on Terra, with an identically-sized fourth bulky box-frame that is actually a CASE-protected ammunition bin, giving the Ostroc a rather distinctive pair of high shoulder pauldrons on each upper torso.  The torso-mounted lasers have all been downgraded to a matching foursome of Fuersturm-b Medium Lasers.  Finally, a modified TRSS Eagle Eye targeting system has been repurposed from Krupp’s Ostscout line, and installed in the Ostroc along with a set of Target Acquisition Gear.  An array of Rawlings-brand jumpjets, also supplied by Krupp, provide the additional jump mobility that the basic Ostroc chassis lacks, while the frame was wrapped with nearly 99% the theoretical “full” armored protection, giving the 6I incredible durability.

The Ostroc OSR-6I was present at Tukayyid as one of Comstar’s several “Clanbuster” upgrades, and performed its duties ably, with sufficient firepower to wipe out nearly two stars of battle-armor in a single volley, and with the heat sinks to keep up that barrage of firepower repeatedly until its ammunition reserves run low.  With the added ability to call in indirect fire support, and the mobility and armor to last multiple engagements, even when its mission and weapons loadout require it to close to very close range to be most effective.  When able to focus on its intended targets, such as in the Trials against Jade Falcon and Smoke Jaguar, the 6I was absolutely devastating, but even against ‘Mechs, was able to act as a viable mobile harassing unit.

Following Tukayyid Truce, Krupp Armament Works was contracted to begin limited production runs of the 6I following the Truce, with the ComGuard clearly intending to use the Ostroc 6I as their anti-Battle-armor specialist, instead of relying in imports of the Draconis Combine’s Komodo, or the Capellan Confederation’s Snake.  ComGuard pilots have experimented with mixing munitions in the spacious ammo bins of the 6I, with most pilots including at least a ton of standard Artemis-capable SRM missiles to two tons of Infernos, but the Order has also experimented with Acid-AX (anti-Ferro), Fragmentation, Heat-Seeking, Smoke, and Tandem-Charge warheads, with varying degrees of success.

Overview
Not directly facing the Clans, the Free Worlds League agreed (or used the opportunity) to develop its industry and forces by selling upgrade kits to the powers fighting the Clans, which gave its companies the unique opportunity to have their R&D projects and their retooling of their factories funded by their sales to the other Successor States, ComStar or the Free Rasalhague Republic, which were previously opponents or unreliable partners.

Kong Interstellar Corporation had lost its capacity to manufacture ‘Mechs in the Succession Wars and could only produce factory refit for among others, the Ostsol. Unwilling to share the OTL-5 but still eager to use this fantastic opportunity for perhaps funding the rebuilding of their factories, the company decided to work on new upgrade packages that would appeal to their potential customers, States with their military in rebuild process and that would use components found in the Free Worlds League but also elsewhere to allow these upgrades to appeal to the nationalism of each military.
The first market that Kong Interstellar Corporation wanted to target was the Draconis Combine as during the years of the Kapteyn Accords they had worked on the Hermes III for House Kurita and were interested in building on its success to sell more units. This is why the OTL-5MK came into being.


Capabilities
Focusing on the strengths of the Ostsol and of the OTL-5M, the OTL-5MK go a step further, enhancing its speed and electronics thanks to the use of a MASC and of a package made of a Guardian ECM and a Beagle Active Probe. These choices increased the efficiency of the Otstol both for light and heavy units, in which the ‘Mech could usually be found. The extra speed allowed it not to be left out in the open while the electronics really shined when combined with the famous TRSS.2L3, its Targeting and Tracking System.

The weapons were kept but upgraded to make the best of the more modern versions available with 2 ER Large Lasers providing the extra range needed to fight the Clans (which together with the extra mobility provided by the MASC should allow the OTL-5MK to dictate the tempo and the range of its fights) and 4 Medium Lasers providing an extra punch at shorter ranges should the need arise. 2 Small Pulse Lasers were put facing backwards to deal quickly with Elementals or infantry threats that could come close to its rear unnoticed.


Battle History
Reverting their latest policy of deploying new designs directly on the Clan front, the deployment of Ostsol on the Periphery borders of the Draconis Combine was a real surprise for the pirates raiding these worlds.
The combo of speed and firepower proved too much for a Lance of Pirates on Pondichery where a single OTL-5MK of the 19th Galedon Regulars managed to snipe them while remaining out of range thanks to its short bursts of extra speed or the shielding provided by its Guardian ECM Suite.
It remains to be seen if against more advanced ‘Mechs, it will perform as well.


Variants
The OTL-5MFC is a mix between the OTL-5MK and the OTL-4D popular in the former Federated Suns units. The Guardian ECM, the Beagle Active Probe and the MASC were kept to allow it to perform its traditional role of support for heavier ‘Mechs or of leader for recon and striking lances. However, the weapons were upgraded with 2 ER PPC, one in each torso supported by 2 Medium Lasers. To protect it from Elementals, two Small Lasers are facing backward. Since the Federated Commonwealth doesn’t produce C3 Computer, the C3 Slave found in the OTL-5MK was replaced by a TAG allowing the Ostsol to bring more firepower into any fight it will be involved in.


Deployment
Both the Draconis Combine and the Federated Commonwealth are upgrading their Ostsol with their  “own” packs as fast as they are receiving them from Kong Interstellar Corporation.
Other powers have looked at the 3 different roles that the Ostsol can perform and are buying limited retrofit kits to upgrade the rather common ‘Mech.
Only the Free Worlds League Military is holding back for now, probably still waiting for more analysis to select how they will upgrade their own ‘Mechs unless they decide to go for a brand new Ostsol if Kong Interstellar Corporation manages to rebuild its factory as planned.


Notable ‘MechWarriors
Gunsho Jingo Woo : the second Woo generation to serve in the 7th Sword of Light, Jingo Woo displays the same sharp-shooting capacity than her aunt, whose ‘Mech she upgraded to the OTL-5MK level while keeping the original painting. She displayed her gunnery ability and perfect understanding of the Clan Trials during the fight on Luthien, where she prided herself of her lineage to provoke her opponents. True to the standards set for the Teak Dragon, she is an adept of Kadō.

Ostsol OTL-5MK

Mass: 60 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: 3052
Dry Cost: 13 786 560 C-Bills
Total Cost: 13 786 560 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 716

Chassis: Kell/H Standard
Power Plant: Hermes 300 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54,0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86,4 km/h (108,0 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor Standard Armor
Armament:
    2 Gibson Federated BattleMechs/Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Lasers
    4 Kong Interstellar Corporation/Tronel II Medium Lasers
    2 Kali Yama Weapons Industries Incorporated/Sunglow Prism-Optic Small Pulse Lasers
    1 Garret SatComm/Garret-Guardian Interface 2B Guardian ECM Suite
    1 Imstar Aerospace/Imstar Oracle Beagle Active Probe
    1 Kallon Industries/Kallon Sure-Shot C3-SU C3 Computer (Slave)
Manufacturer: Kong Intersetellar Corporation
    Primary Factory: Connaught
Communications System: Barret 509p
Targeting and Tracking System: TRSS.2L3

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      99 points                6,00
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             300                       9,50
    Walking MP: 5
    Running MP: 8 (10)
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             16(32)                    6,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 LA, 2 RA
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 152                  9,50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     20           24       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  7         
                                           L/R Torso     14           23       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  4         
                                             L/R Arm     10           10       
                                             L/R Leg     14           19       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C3 Computer (Slave)                          HD        0         1         1,00
2 (R) Small Pulse Lasers                     CT        4         2         2,00
Beagle Active Probe                          RT        0         2         1,50
2 Medium Lasers                              RT        6         2         2,00
ER Large Laser                               RT        12        2         5,00
MASC                                         RT        -         3         3,00
Guardian ECM Suite                           LT        0         2         1,50
2 Medium Lasers                              LT        6         2         2,00
ER Large Laser                               LT        12        2         5,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 11

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 17
6          4       4       2       0      3     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: ECM, PRB, RCN, C3S, ENE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Ostsol OTL-5MFC

Mass: 60 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: 3052
Dry Cost: 13 633 760 C-Bills
Total Cost: 13 633 760 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 779

Chassis: Kell/H Standard
Power Plant: Hermes 300 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54,0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86,4 km/h (108,0 km/h)
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Valiant Lamellor Standard Armor
Armament:
    2 Kong Interstellar Corporation/Type DDS "Kingston" ER PPCs
    2 Kong Interstellar Corporation/Tronel II Medium Lasers
    2 Kong Interstellar Corporation/Tronel I Small Lasers
    1 Garret SatComm/Garret-Guardian Interface 2B Guardian ECM Suite
    1 Imstar Aerospace/Imstar Oracle Beagle Active Probe
    1 Garret SatComm/Garret Mole TAG
Manufacturer: Kong Intersetellar Corporation
    Primary Factory: Connaught
Communications System: Barret 509p
Targeting and Tracking System: TRSS.2L3

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      99 points                6,00
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             300                       9,50
    Walking MP: 5
    Running MP: 8 (10)
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             15(30)                    5,00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 LA, 1 RA
Gyro:               Standard                                               3,00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3,00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV - 152                  9,50

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     20           24       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  7         
                                           L/R Torso     14           23       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  4         
                                             L/R Arm     10           10       
                                             L/R Leg     14           19       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAG                                          HD        0         1         1,00
2 (R) Small Lasers                           CT        2         2         1,00
Beagle Active Probe                          RT        0         2         1,50
Medium Laser                                 RT        3         1         1,00
ER PPC                                       RT        15        3         7,00
MASC                                         RT        -         3         3,00
Guardian ECM Suite                           LT        0         2         1,50
Medium Laser                                 LT        3         1         1,00
ER PPC                                       LT        15        3         7,00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 14

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      5    Points: 18
6          3       3       2       0      3     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: ECM, PRB, RCN, TAG, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


OTL-5D Ostsol

Taken by surprise during the initial Clan Invasion, Duke Sandoval of the Draconis March quickly came to the realization (whatever his public statements may have indicated at the time) that he needed to begin quickly implementing an upgrade program for the 'Mechs of the Draconis March.

While the venerable OTL-4F Ostsol was not (at first) considered to be a priority . . . Duke Sandoval came to realize that not only did the Ostsol match the speed of the Dragon (predominately used by the Draconis Combine, his traditional and hated foe), but could (with the right upgrades in place) project enough firepower to deter both the Kuritas and (hopefully) the Clans.

While this might have been a mere pipe-dream, Kong Interstellar agreed to work with Robinson Standard BattleWorks to overhaul and upgrade the OTL-4F into a more modern and capable design.

First, the internal skeleton was reworked using newly rediscovered Endo-Steel II structural members, saving three tons of mass.  Likewise, the armor was replaced with ten tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor plating, improving protection.  To save money however, no attempt was made to procure Extra-Light Fusion Engines, retaining the standard Vlar 300 commonly found throughout the Inner Sphere.

The original sixteen standard heat sinks were then replaced with fourteen double-strength freezers, greatly improving heat dissipation.

Both of the original Tronel III Heavy Large Lasers were retained, as well as the two rear-firing Tronel II Medium Lasers . . . but one of the forward firing Tronel II's was removed and the second relocated to the head.  Using the remaining tonnage, the design team added a third Tronel III Heavy Large Laser in the center torso.

While lacking the reach of more advanced Extended-Range Large Lasers, this weapons arrangement quickly earned the OTL-5D the nickname of "Awesome-Light."  Indeed, despite being 20-tons lighter, the newly OTL-5D could project 87.8% of the firepower (albeit at slightly shorter ranges) while being 1.6 times faster . . . and almost as difficult to kill or render combat ineffective!

Although Duke Sandoval's new Ostsol was no pancea against the Clan threat, it did provide units of the Draconis March with a solid, fast design that could compete well with the Dragons and Grand Dragons of the Draconis Combine. 

By 3054, the AFFS (and AFFC) had evaluated the design and begun to order upgrades of their own Ostsols using them primarily as raiders and guerrilla combatants where their all energy armaments and speed would prove most useful.  Ironically, with the cease-fire on the Davion-Kurita border, Duke Sandoval's Ostsols would see the least amount of combat in the decade to come, although the OTL-5D did prove quite effective in other theaters.

Ostsol OTL-5D

Mass: 60 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: 3053
Dry Cost: 5,535,360 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,535,360 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,528

Chassis: Kell/H-Special Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Vlar 300 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Riese-575 Special Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    3 Tronel III Heavy Large Lasers
    3 Tronel II Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Robinson Standard BattleWorks
    Primary Factory: Robinson
Communications System: Barret 500p
Targeting and Tracking System: TRSS.2L3

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    99 points                3.00
    Internal Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine:             Fusion Engine                300                      19.00
    Walking MP: 5
    Running MP: 8
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             14(28)                    4.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 179                 10.00
    Armor Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     20           26       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  10       
                                           L/R Torso     14           20       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     10           14       
                                             L/R Leg     14           25       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Laser                                  RT        8         2         5.00
(R) Medium Laser                             RT        3         1         1.00
Large Laser                                  LT        8         2         5.00
(R) Medium Laser                             LT        3         1         1.00
Large Laser                                  CT        8         2         5.00
Medium Laser                                 HD        3         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 4

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 15
5          3       3       0       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Okay here are my two, first up is the Ostroc which had to be redesigned (now with missiles) thanks to my Ost ruling here. The fluff is basically the same but I was better able to take into account components made by Kong for the Ostsol. Hope you enjoy!

OSR-3M OSTROC

Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: OST-II
Power Plant: Hermes 300 XL
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86 kph
Jump Jets: None
   Jump Capacity: None
Armor: StarGuard 3056 Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Armament:
   2 Diverse Optics Extended Range Large Lasers
   3 Holly LRM-5 Racks
   2 Fuersturm-b Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Kong Interstellar Corporation
Primary Factory: Connaught
Communications System: Ostmann-L with Guardian ECM Suite
Targeting and Tracking System: Ferdinand-a

Overview:
   Kong Interstellar was a major BattleMech manufacturer during the Star League with large construction facilities on Connaught and Loxley. However, the Succession Wars shattered their once mighty industrial strength leaving only their Connaught plant semi-functional as a repair and parts fabrication facility. The Clan Invasion might finally restore the company’s fortunes as generous FedCom rebuilding incentives combined with access to a newly opened Earth have seen an enormous industrial boom in the Terran Corridor. Kong executives have been quick to expand their hold on the Ost brand by recently securing rights to the Ostroc. Thanks to ComStar the corporation compensated any remaining Ostmann heirs and obtained all necessary legal permissions on the final Ost Mech. The 3rd Marik Civil War saw the debut of their latest variant which featured a unique mix of the old and the new technologies.

Capabilities:
   The new 3M utilizes much of the existing OST-II chassis and systems to provide a solid fire support platform by adding some more lostech.  Engineers began by stripping the nine tons of Riese-475 armor plating off old Ostroc to get at the Mech’s interior. Next, they removed the original Vlar 300 Power Plant and all fifteen of the Ostroc’s old single Heat Sinks. The Hermes 300 XL Engine with sixteen Kong Advanced Coolant TR-12 Double Heat Sinks made on site for the Ostol replaced those older components. Gone also was the Totshclagen SRM Launcher replaced by three ubiquitous Holly LRM-5 Racks in typical Marik space saving fashion. Two tons of ammunition protected by a CASE provide sixteen rounds of continual fire from these small batteries. Upgrading both Fuersturm-C Heavy Lasers for two of the generally available Diverse Optics Extended Range Large Lasers was a modification retained from the less revolutionary 2D model. These weapons generate capable firepower at range which can be alternated from LRM fire to the twin supporting Fuersturm-b Medium Lasers at close range. This firing pattern is heat neutral and can extend battlefield operations by preserving ammo. Ten and a half tons of StarGuard 3056 Ferro-Fibrous similarly used on the Grim Reaper had to be imported from Terra to complete this refit. This advanced plating provides ninety-three percent of maximum protection for the Ostroc which is a twenty-two percent improvement over the 2C and 2D models. Additionally, a Guardian ECM Suite (also provided by the New Order) mounted in the center torso and linked to the venerable Ostmann-L systems provides enhanced electronic security. While impressive this is an expensive upgrade coming in nearly twelve million C-bills which is more than double the cost of the original 2C.

Deployment:
   Heavy ComStar involvement indicates that most refit kits will go to that organization first although the 3rd Marik Civil War may have disrupted that plan. The Connaught Rangers who are currently on world safeguarding shipments to Kong facilities have apparently been the first to receive these upgrades. So far, their Ostrocs have performed well seeing heavy action in the intense fighting all along the New Border Protectorate. No doubt the Ost-facturer as Kong has been laughingly referred to hopes to see a real fiscal boon out of this design and others as it long possessed manufacturing rights to the Ostscout and Ostol. Shipments to the AFFC to fight the Clans are almost certainly planned which is no doubt a major cause of concern for true Marik patriots hoping to shut down this foreign enterprise. 

Type: Ostroc
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 60

Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:                     6
Engine:            300 XL         9.5
Walking MP:         5
Running MP:         8
Jumping MP:         0
Heat Sinks:            16 (32)            6
Gyro:                           3
Cockpit:                         3
Armor Factor:            188            10.5

Internal Structure   Armor Value
Head            3         9
Center Torso         20         25 / 10
R/L Torso         14         20 / 7
R/L Arm         10         20
R/L Leg         14         25

Weapons and Ammo      Location      Critical   Tonnage
ER Large Laser      Right Torso      2      5
ER Large Laser      Left Torso      2      5      
3 LRM-5s         Right Torso      3      6
Ammo (LRM) 48      Right Torso      2      2
CASE            Right Torso      1      .5
Medium Laser         Right Torso      1      1
Medium Laser         Left Torso      1      1
Guardian ECM Suite      Center Torso      2      1.5

Cost – 11,9516,360 C-bills