With only fourteen entries by seven designers (2 Bradshaw, 1 Irose, 1 masterarminas, 2 Abele, 3 drakensis, 3 Ice Hellion, 2 Takiro) the Hermes II was not as well received as the Clint but the quality of entries was still top notch. No disqualifications again this time around which is a good thing and every entry was at least a contender. However, my standards were very high here for House Marik’s premier BattleMech so only a couple survived to make it to the winner’s circle.
CONTENDERS
14. HER-5DS (Takiro)
This Dark Shadows variant is a fast-moving heavy hitter thanks to its Edasich Motors 280 XL (7/11) Engine and its Kali Yama Big Bore Autocannon/20. Both items having to be imported to Irian would make its creation more difficult. As it only has two tons of ammo for the massive main gun (10 rounds) which is its only weapon that is another negative. I left the 10 (20) Double Heat Sinks which seems to be a large oversight as they are certainly not needed here as even a running Alpha Strike results in only 9 heat. The EndoSteel internal structure already seems to be in place and the 7.5 tons of ferro fibrous (134 factor) with CASE seems easy to get but in the end I am hardest on myself so last place. Already limited in overall number I could see one or two being out there in the service of Marik Special Forces but anymore I really doubt.
13. HER-4S (drakensis)
I am surprised that this salvaged Mech design from Coventry Metal Works in the service of the AFFC as an Elemental killer built with Marik assistance wound up here. Reminding me of the Venom this four Medium Pulse armed Hermes II wasn't the sniper so typical of this Mech. Usually armed with one big gun this design has to close with its armament which includes Medium Laser and Flamer. With its 240 (6/9) Fusion Engine it could perhaps have been a little faster to close with its opponents. Adding to my disappointment was the standard chassis and 7.5 tons of standard armor (120 factor) which occupied none of the massive internal space available. Ferro-fibrous would have been nice but the 10 (20) Double Heat Sinks do a nice job in cooling most of the heat generated. I do have to say that despite finishing here it did inspire my foreign Hermes II Capellan entry which did finish higher.
12. HER-5DS (Ice Hellion)
Seemingly another Dark Shadows Battalion variant which could do a little bit of everything. Jack of all trades and master of none with an armament ranging from an ER Large Laser to a Medium Laser and Flamer which is pretty Hermes II. A Narc Missile Launcher (6) is a Marik like add which is supplemented by a Guardian ECM Suite. Then there is also a TAG which makes it into an artillery spotter. Not bad but a little all over the place and I would have liked a little more focus. I like the 280 XL (7/11) Engine with the MASC (14) for great burst of speed. EndoSteel, 10 (20) Double Heat Sinks, and 8.5 tons of standard armor (136 factor) all do a fanatatic job design wise. Fluff from the Capellan spy angle is solid bud but ultimately I liked other designs better. Sorry!
11. HER-4ME (Abele)
A modern replacement for the 'Mercury Elite' which I liked with an advanced EndoSteel structure, 11 (22) Double Heat Sinks, and 8.5 tons of standard armor (136 factor). Very similar to Ice Hellion's Dark Shadows varaint which was also armed with an ER Large Laser. While I liked the range and the firepower was better than the old Autocannon/5 it still doesn't have the knock out potential of the PPC or Blazer. This is primarily why both landed here. The two Medium Pulses, a Flamer, and a Guardian ECM Suite round out the weaponry and equipment which liked. The 280 XL (7/11) Engine along with Jump Jets (6) are really nice movement wise as well. All around solid but I just liked other designs better.
10. HER-5TA (Ice Hellion)
A possible new build based on the 5T which I like better than a refit although it does have a tendency to run hot. The Blazeris a solid replacement for the AC/5 and I like the addition of the Guardian ECM Suite. Retaining the Medium Laser, the Flamer and the 10 (20) Double Heat Sinks is fine but then came the movement. Going with a 240 XL (6/9) Engine with Jump Jets (6) and a MASC (12) was a bit much for me. I would have preferred picking either the MASC (my choice more heat friendly) or Jump Jets but not both. I get that all those movement options could be advantageous but more focus could have gonna a ways here. More heat sinks may have provided for a killer design or maybe another piece of equipment may have done better. In any event the EndoSteel structure and the 8.5 tons of standard armor (136 factor) were top notch.
9. HER-4M (Abele)
This Eagle Corps variant with the ability to headcap opponents was pretty good and I really liked your CBD corporate mention as the Blazer manufacturer. I didn't love the secondary weaponry, however, with two Medium Pulses and a Flamer supporting the Blazer. I geuss the main weapon is good against Mechs while the rest is good against conventional forces but I think they are too short ranged. Glad you added a Double Heat Sink for a total of 11 (22) cause it can run hot with a +5 overheat on a running Alpha Strike. Very solid other than that with the Standard chassis being outfitted with a 280 XL (7/11) Engine, and 7 tons of ferro fibrous (125 factor). Good job bud but you were unfortunately upstaged by other entries.
8. HER-5T (Ice Hellion)
A simple refit of the HER-5S (canon 3050 upgrade) which swaps the Ultra AC/5 for a Blazer, goes back to a regular old Medium Laser instead of a Pulse, and adds a MASC (12). The last, the MASC, is not such a simple upgrade and could present difficulties in refit. Keeping the 240 (6/9) Engine and the Flamer works fine and the EndoSteel chassis is available with the 5S, so no problems there. The 10 (20) Double Heat Sinks work pretty well with a running Alpha Strike only going 4 over heat and 7.5 tons of standard armor (120 factor) make for pretty solid protection. This one is my favorite of your three bud cause it was focused but unfortunately like so many others here I thought others were better.
7. HER-5S (Bradshaw)
This custom order for Eridani Light Horse is certainly intriguing with many different capabalities. Using an advanced EndoSteel chassis along with a 280 XL (7/11) Engine and a MASC (14) it can certainly move. Like the ER PPC for its firepower and range as a great replacement for the AC/5 and two Medium Lasers work well in support. Two Small Pulses and the signature Flamer seem to be intended for anti-infantry work. Firing this all in an Alpha Strike manner is unlikely and unwise with only 10 (20) Double Heat Sinks. Bracketing fire is probably the best way to operate this machine. Then there is the sophisticated electronics which includes a TAG for spotting and a Guardian ECM Suite, not bad. Seven and a half tons of standard armor (120 factor) provides good protection. It can be a fast sniper, a spotter, or an infantry killer which is cool but not sure if it could be made at this time thanks to the 3rd Marik Civil War.
6. HER-4ME (drakensis)
I may have liked this design if I knew about its existence but since I can't confirm or deny the fact that it may or may not have been posted for this contest all I can officially say is no comment. Seriously loved the tongue and check fluff plus the design featuring an EndoSteel chassis, a 280 XL (7/11) Engine, 10 (20) Double Heat Sinks, and
7 tons of ferro fibrous (125 factor) with CASE is pretty freaking good. Utilizing an Ultra AC/5 (40), three Medium Lasers, Flamer, and a Guardian ECM Suite it is pretty well equipped. However, it just missed the near miss bar as others beat ya out.
NEAR MISSES
5. HER-5M (Bradshaw)
An interesting mix of the old and new from Irian BattleMech Unlimited on Irian which avoids heat build up thanks to its Large Laser combo. With one ER Large Laser and one Large Laser you have nice reach, if not solid firepower, which works well. Like that combo alot especially in concert with 11 (22) Double Heat Sinks which cools the machine superbly. The EndoSteel structure and the 7.5 tons of ferro-fibrous (134 factor) works well along with the old 240 (6/9) Engine. A MASC (12) makes this Hermes II even faster although it may complicate refits of exist models. Not a huge concern as this Marik fast moving harasser would be a nice asset for the Free Worlds League. Again others beat you out - sorry bud - interesting concept though.
4. HER-4M (drakensis)
This new build from Irian BattleMech Unlimited for the FWLM was intended as a sniper thanks to it ER PPC. I like this weapon for the Hermes II as it replaces the old AC/5 or the new Ultra AC/5 with superior range and firepower even though it runs a bit hot. Don't love the Medium Pulse and Flamer with the big lightning cannon though as their close ranges negate any support possibilities. Cooling these weapons are 10 (20) Double Heat Sinks which do a pretty good job even though running Alpha Strikes will stress the system. An EndoSteel chassis is a plus but I would have expected either an XL Engine or Ferro Fibrous here as well cause we got the internal space. Probably would keep the 240 (6/9) Engine for lower cost and higher durability but the 7.5 tons of standard armor (120 factor) could be near maxed if ferro-fibrous was used. Not bad at all, just three better in my opinion.
3. HER-6S (Irose)
A nice fix to TRO3050 variant by Irian BattleMechs Unlimited (Irian and Shiro) which is usually a winner for me. Gone is the Medium Pulse replaced by the Medium Laser and the Double Heat Sinks, which were pointless, are replaced by ten Single Heat Sinks. Solid changes which were added to by the addition of seven tons of ferro fibrous (125 factor) with CASE which protects the now two ton ammunition bay of the Ultra AC/5, also an improvement. Remaining are the EndoSteel chassis, the 240 (6/9) Engine, and the Flamer which is all good. I like it but this design just came up a little short for me. It is better true but I don't love the Ultra AC/5 especially in relation to the other weapons. So I am really sorry bud, you got the bronze but finish just outisde the winner's circle. Good try.
WINNERS
2. HER-5LM (Takiro)
My Liao-Marik refit to aid Isis in her quest to become Captain-General of the Free Worlds League was inspired by drakensis HER-4S. A foreign upgrade of a Marik design this one is a pure combatant armed with a Blazer and two Medium Lasers. Solid firepower even though it runs a little hot with 10 (20) Double Heat Sinks which results on a 4 overheat on a running Alpha Strike. The Standard chassis and 240 (6/9) Engine provide a solid core which is protected by seven and a half tons of ferro fibrous (134 factor). Good enough for the silver medal and just barely making it into the winner's circle.
1. HER-3S (masterarminas)
This is the way the Hermes II should have been at its 3050 optimal with a LB 10-X AC (20) serving as its main weapon which complements its other weapons and equipment. Suddenly the Flamer makes a bunch of sense with the Medium Laser supporting them both linked to a Beagle Active Probe. This Marik vanguard is a true scout leader and a great point 'Mech for any FWLM lance at this time. An EndoSteel chassis and a 280 XL (7/11) Engine provide a great core for the Hermes and ten Single Heat Sinks cool it well. Seven tons of ferro fibrous (125 factor) with CASE provide superior protection for it as well. Top marks to the gold medalist and congrats to masterarminas on the win!
