OBT Forum

I've got one done and the fluff in my head. It's nothing special, but it will have a different approach to the fluff or me.

I need to add a small addendum to my entry for fluff purposes.  I stated that the burrocks used the Enforcer as part of Operation KLONDIKE.  while I have zero canon references to back this up, I used a part opf headcannon to justify this.

1) it is stated in Historical Liberation of Terra 2 that the SLDF very late in the war began purchasing newer, unproven designs from the houses in order to bolster numbers just before the invasion of Terra itself.  the Enforcer and Grasshopper were specifically called out for this.

2) Given that the Polchyzk twins were of Rim Worlds Heritage, and that the Burrocks were not exactly loved among the clans, I imagine that they used some of the least capable equipment among the Clans established war caches while still being better equipped then the periphery powers (for example I put the Brothers in Rampage Mechs in my own little world).

hence that reference

Golden Python

Type/Model:    Golden Python [Base]
Tech:          Clan / 3052
Config:        Biped OmniMech
Rules:         Level 2, Standard design

Mass:          60 tons
Chassis:       Endo Steel
Power Plant:   300 Fusion
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets:     None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor Type:    Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:      22.0 tons of Pod space
Manufacturer:  (Unknown)
  Location:    (Unknown)
Communications System:  (Unknown)
Targeting & Tracking System:  (Unknown)

--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Golden Python [Base]
Mass:          60 tons

Equipment:                                 Crits    Mass
Int. Struct.:  99 pts Endo Steel             7      3.00
 (Endo Steel Loc: 1 LA, 2 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)
Engine:        300                  6     19.00
   Walking MP:   5
   Running MP:   8
   Jumping MP:   0
Heat Sinks:     10 Double [20]               0       .00
Gyro:                                        4      3.00
Cockpit, Life Supt., Sensors:                5      3.00
Actuators: L: Sh+UA+LA+H    R: Sh+UA+LA+H   16       .00
Armor Factor:  192 pts Ferro-Fibrous         7     10.00
 (Armor Crit Loc: 2 LA, 1 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)

                          Internal    Armor
                          Structure   Value
   Head:                      3          9     
   Center Torso:             20         28     
   Center Torso (Rear):                  9     
   L/R Side Torso:           14      20/20     
   L/R Side Torso (Rear):              7/7     
   L/R Arm:                  10      19/19     
   L/R Leg:                  14      27/27     

Weapons and Equipment    Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                          0          45     38.00
Crits & Tons Left:                          33     22.00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        6,031,200 C-Bills
Battle Value:      770
Cost per BV:       7,832.73
Overview:

Called upon to create a new Omnimech both for their own clan and to take part in the Quicksilver Program, Cloud Cobra scientists looked at the Lupus and ways to improve the design and after many months of trial and error have come up with the Golden Python. Named for a snake that resides deep in the deserts of Babylon and have been recorded taking on Goliath Scorpions in the wild (If only the younger, smaller ones) the Cobras thought this would be a perfect name for their new machine, and Khan Din Steiner agreed.

Capabilities:

In order to cut costs and development time, the Golden Python is built upon the same chassis as the Lupus, acquired from the Coyotes in return for help with another, as yet unknown project doubtless related to the Quicksilver Project. It also uses the same 300 rating standard fusion engine pushing the machine to the 86 Km/h that most clan heavies are capable of, although the armour has been slightly improved with ten tons of Ferro-fibrous protecting it from all but the most ferocious attacks. No additional heat sinks or jump jets were added to the base chassis in order to free up as much pod space as possible, giving it twenty two tons for weapons and equipment.

The Primary variant is intended as a line breaker, with an class 10 Ultra Autocannon amply fed by three tons of ammunition in its right arm, backed up by an extended range larger laser in its left arm, and two ER medium lasers split between the left and right torsos. Three additional heat sinks allow it to deal with all except a running alpha strike.

The Alpha variant is designed as a long range fire support mech, with no less then 4 LRM 15 racks fed by a full six tons of ammunition giving it 12 volleys for each launcher. Two centreline ER Medium lasers leave the warrior with something to defend himself should he ever run out of missiles before running out of targets.

The Bravo variant is another long range configuration, but its twin LBX-2's and ER Large lasers allow it to snipe with near impunity, whilst the LBX also lets it deal with incoming airborne threats or smaller vehicles. Forty-five bursts for each autocannon is probably more then it needs, but it does allow the warrior to carry both cluster and slug ammunition should he feel the need. Two additional heat sinks do not quite do enough to dissipate all the heat generated by an alpha strike, but the careful and patient warriors likely to use this configuration should have no trouble handling it.

The Charlie variant is the only one to mount jump jets, and is designed to fight in urban terrain or other environments where getting close to the enemy will not be an issue. Two ER Mediums and a Medium Pulse laser in each arm give it substantial short range firepower, while the two torso-mounted flamers make this configuration a nightmare for unarmoured infantry. A full electronic suite is another vital addition to this particular variant, but warriors must be careful with using its full firepower on the move too often, as its sixteen double heat sinks are not enough to handle a full jumping alpha strike.

Finally the Delta configuration is specialised for fighting extended engagements, with a purely energy weapon loadout including two Extended Range Large Lasers (one to each arm) and four ER Medium lasers (one in each arm, two in the centreline). Its extensive battery of seventeen double heat sinks are not enough to deal with the massive buildup from an alpha strike, but its advanced targeting computer allows the warrior to use this machine like a scalpel, rather then a sledgehammer.

Deployment:

So far this machine is still undergoing trials, awaiting the ilKhans decision to accept it into the toumans of the Clans before large scale production commences.

Type/Model:    Golden Python Prime
Mass:          60 tons

Equipment:                                 Crits    Mass
Int. Struct.:  99 pts Endo Steel             7      3.00
 (Endo Steel Loc: 1 LA, 2 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)
Engine:        300                  6     19.00
   Walking MP:   5
   Running MP:   8
   Jumping MP:   0
Heat Sinks:     13 Double [26]               6      3.00
 (Heat Sink Loc: 2 LT, 1 RT)
Gyro:                                        4      3.00
Cockpit, Life Supt., Sensors:                5      3.00
Actuators: L: Sh+UA+LA    R: Sh+UA          13       .00
Armor Factor:  192 pts Ferro-Fibrous         7     10.00
 (Armor Crit Loc: 2 LA, 1 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)

                          Internal    Armor
                          Structure   Value
   Head:                      3          9     
   Center Torso:             20         28     
   Center Torso (Rear):                  9     
   L/R Side Torso:           14      20/20     
   L/R Side Torso (Rear):              7/7     
   L/R Arm:                  10      19/19     
   L/R Leg:                  14      27/27     

Weapons and Equipment    Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 Ultra AC/10            RA      3   30      7     13.00
  (Ammo Locations: 3 RA)
1 ER Large Laser         LA     12           1      4.00
1 ER Medium Laser        RT      5           1      1.00
1 ER Medium Laser        LT      5           1      1.00
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                         28          58     60.00
Crits & Tons Left:                          20       .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        7,574,000 C-Bills
Battle Value:      1,708

--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Golden Python A
Mass:          60 tons

Equipment:                                 Crits    Mass
Int. Struct.:  99 pts Endo Steel             7      3.00
 (Endo Steel Loc: 1 LA, 2 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)
Engine:        300                  6     19.00
   Walking MP:   5
   Running MP:   8
   Jumping MP:   0
Heat Sinks:     10 Double [20]               0       .00
Gyro:                                        4      3.00
Cockpit, Life Supt., Sensors:                5      3.00
Actuators: L: Sh+UA+LA+H    R: Sh+UA+LA+H   16       .00
Armor Factor:  192 pts Ferro-Fibrous         7     10.00
 (Armor Crit Loc: 2 LA, 1 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)

                          Internal    Armor
                          Structure   Value
   Head:                      3          9     
   Center Torso:             20         28     
   Center Torso (Rear):                  9     
   L/R Side Torso:           14      20/20     
   L/R Side Torso (Rear):              7/7     
   L/R Arm:                  10      19/19     
   L/R Leg:                  14      27/27     

Weapons and Equipment    Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 LRM 15                 RA      5   48      8      9.50
  (Ammo Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT)
1 LRM 15                 LA      5           2      3.50
1 LRM 15                 RT      5           2      3.50
1 LRM 15                 LT      5           2      3.50
2 ER Medium Lasers       CT     10           2      2.00
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                         30          61     60.00
Crits & Tons Left:                          17       .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        8,311,200 C-Bills
Battle Value:      1,803

--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Golden Python B
Mass:          60 tons

Equipment:                                 Crits    Mass
Int. Struct.:  99 pts Endo Steel             7      3.00
 (Endo Steel Loc: 1 LA, 2 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)
Engine:        300                  6     19.00
   Walking MP:   5
   Running MP:   8
   Jumping MP:   0
Heat Sinks:     12 Double [24]               4      2.00
 (Heat Sink Loc: 1 LT, 1 RT)
Gyro:                                        4      3.00
Cockpit, Life Supt., Sensors:                5      3.00
Actuators: L: Sh+UA    R: Sh+UA             12       .00
Armor Factor:  192 pts Ferro-Fibrous         7     10.00
 (Armor Crit Loc: 2 LA, 1 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)

                          Internal    Armor
                          Structure   Value
   Head:                      3          9     
   Center Torso:             20         28     
   Center Torso (Rear):                  9     
   L/R Side Torso:           14      20/20     
   L/R Side Torso (Rear):              7/7     
   L/R Arm:                  10      19/19     
   L/R Leg:                  14      27/27     

Weapons and Equipment    Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 LB 2-X AC              RA      1   90      5      7.00
  (Ammo Locations: 1 LA, 1 RA)
1 ER Large Laser         RA     12           1      4.00
1 LB 2-X AC              LA      1           3      5.00
1 ER Large Laser         LA     12           1      4.00
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                         26          55     60.00
Crits & Tons Left:                          23       .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        7,632,000 C-Bills
Battle Value:      1,513

--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Golden Python C
Mass:          60 tons

Equipment:                                 Crits    Mass
Int. Struct.:  99 pts Endo Steel             7      3.00
 (Endo Steel Loc: 1 LA, 2 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)
Engine:        300                  6     19.00
   Walking MP:   5
   Running MP:   8
   Jumping MP:   5
Heat Sinks:     16 Double [32]              12      6.00
 (Heat Sink Loc: 3 LT, 3 RT)
Gyro:                                        4      3.00
Cockpit, Life Supt., Sensors:                5      3.00
Actuators: L: Sh+UA+LA+H    R: Sh+UA+LA+H   16       .00
Armor Factor:  192 pts Ferro-Fibrous         7     10.00
 (Armor Crit Loc: 2 LA, 1 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)

                          Internal    Armor
                          Structure   Value
   Head:                      3          9     
   Center Torso:             20         28     
   Center Torso (Rear):                  9     
   L/R Side Torso:           14      20/20     
   L/R Side Torso (Rear):              7/7     
   L/R Arm:                  10      19/19     
   L/R Leg:                  14      27/27     

Weapons and Equipment    Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Lasers       RA     10           2      2.00
1 Medium Pulse Laser     RA      4           1      2.00
2 ER Medium Lasers       LA     10           2      2.00
1 Medium Pulse Laser     LA      4           1      2.00
1 Flamer                 RT      3           1       .50
1 Flamer                 LT      3           1       .50
1 ECM Suite              CT      0           1      1.00
1 Active Probe           HD      0           1      1.00
5 Standard Jump Jets:                        5      5.00
 (Jump Jet Loc: 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 CT)
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                         34          72     60.00
Crits & Tons Left:                           6       .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        8,413,200 C-Bills
Battle Value:      2,051

--------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Golden Python D
Mass:          60 tons

Equipment:                                 Crits    Mass
Int. Struct.:  99 pts Endo Steel             7      3.00
 (Endo Steel Loc: 1 LA, 2 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)
Engine:        300                  6     19.00
   Walking MP:   5
   Running MP:   8
   Jumping MP:   0
Heat Sinks:     17 Double [34]              14      7.00
 (Heat Sink Loc: 1 LA, 1 RA, 3 LT, 2 RT)
Gyro:                                        4      3.00
Cockpit, Life Supt.:                         5      3.00
Actuators: L: Sh+UA+LA    R: Sh+UA+LA       14       .00
Armor Factor:  192 pts Ferro-Fibrous         7     10.00
 (Armor Crit Loc: 2 LA, 1 RA, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)

                          Internal    Armor
                          Structure   Value
   Head:                      3          9     
   Center Torso:             20         28     
   Center Torso (Rear):                  9     
   L/R Side Torso:           14      20/20     
   L/R Side Torso (Rear):              7/7     
   L/R Arm:                  10      19/19     
   L/R Leg:                  14      27/27     

Weapons and Equipment    Loc  Heat  Ammo   Crits    Mass
--------------------------------------------------------
1 ER Large Laser         RA     12           1      4.00
1 ER Medium Laser        RA      5           1      1.00
1 ER Large Laser         LA     12           1      4.00
1 ER Medium Laser        LA      5           1      1.00
2 ER Medium Lasers       CT     10           2      2.00
1 Targeting Computer     RT                  3      3.00
--------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                         44          66     60.00
Crits & Tons Left:                          12       .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        7,596,000 C-Bills
Battle Value:      2,022

Takiro--the name is the same, along with the mass and speed, but the fluff has been changed to fit this contest.  And the Omni-payloads as well (since the original incorporated AP Gauss Rifles that haven't been invented yet!).


Obsidian Mantis



Overview
The concept of PROJECT QUICKSILVER quickly piqued the interests of Khan Lynn McKenna of Clan Snow Raven.  Although her Clan was regarded (without question) as the premier Clan in the realm of Naval warfare, it also possessed one of the smallest ground combat Toumans.  But that was something that Khan McKenna was determined to change.

In the mid-3030s, the Raven Khans had authorized a 15% increase in resource allocations for their sibko training facilities.  This increase included a correspondingly larger amount of true-born individuals being created by the Raven Scientist caste.  The first fruits of these enlarged sibkos were beginning to emerge in 3052 when Clan Snow Raven found themselves with nearly one hundred new Warriors . . . above and beyond the needs of their current Touman.

Khan McKenna planned to create (over the course of the next several years) four new Clusters of the Raven Chasseurs (organized in the traditional Clan fashion of 45 MechWarriors, 75 Elementals, and 30 Aerospace Pilots).  But to do so, she would also require new OmniMechs . . . a resource that Clan Snow Raven had never been exceptionally strong in.   

Before the ilKhan announced PROJECT QUICKSILVER, Khan McKenna had resigned herself to outfitting the new Clusters with older refitted standard BattleMechs instead of OmniMechs.  But the Clan-wide project opened the doors of possibilities.

Capital outlay and the resources required, however, soon enough led Khan McKenna to the conclusion that (despite the usual Raven preferences for heavily armed 'Vampire' type OmniMechs) a Standard rather than Extra-Light fusion engine would be necessary.

However, McKenna was determined to retain the movement profile of Clan front-line OmniMechs on her new war-machine . . . requiring the use of a 300-rate fusion engine.  Although not produced by the Ravens, the 300 Standard was a common enough component of the former SLDF, being found in existing caches within the torsos of the OSR-2C Ostroc, OTL-4D Ostsol,  BL-7-KNT Black Knight, MAD-3R Marauder, ON1-K Orion, and the AS7-D Atlas BattleMechs.  All war-machines which the Ravens had cached away against future need and in sufficient numbers to outfit quite a sizeable production run of the proposed OmniMech.

Raven Scientists recommended (in order to save time and resources) reaching out to Khan Bjorn Jorgensson of Clan Ghost Bear to acquire the rights to use the general body-plan, gyroscope, and electronics of the existing Mad Dog OmniMech. The chassis could have been used as well, but the new design (tentatively designated as the Obsidian Mantis) used Endo-Steel whereas the older Mad Dog used standard internal structure.  The Scientists assured McKenna, however, that redesigning the frame to incorporate Endo-Steel II (and the much heavier standard fusion engine!) would require only a few weeks.

With this assurance in hand, Lynn McKenna held a private meeting with Khan Jorgensson via HPG.  Although Clan Ghost Bear preferred high-firepower designs (and fast designs, to boot) as well, Jorgensson was convinced by McKenna that the proposed Obsidian Mantis (at less than half the cost of the existing Mad Dog, the same speed, better armor protection, and only slightly reduced pod-space!) would serve quite well in the Bear (and Raven) second-line Toumans.  Freeing up more powerful OmniMechs for front-line units.  Further, she enticed the Bear with the possibility of sales of the new OmniMech to Clans such as the Blood Spirits . . . and Jorgensson immediately realized that the very name itself was a hook to draw the Spirits in (as the Obsidian Mantis of Eden was one of the few natural predators to prey on the Burrock).

Agreeing to the proposal, in exchange for full production rights should the design be accepted by the ilKhan, Jorgensson sealed the deal and McKenna received the rights to the Mad Dog chassis.

Capabilities
The Obsidian Mantis is a 60-ton OmniMech built on the Eden Mk. 60-OM/ES chassis, newly developed by Clan Snow Raven on the basis of the older Mad Dog frame.  Lighter in weight than the original Eden Mk. 60-OM, the new chassis saved three tons of mass, two of which were then used to increase the Compound SJ6CW Ferro-Fibrous armor plating from 8.5 tons to a full 10.5 tons (for 100% of the maximum possible protection on a 60-ton biped design).

The gyroscope (a Tokasha Mk III-C), communications system (Build OSJ-41), and targeting & tracking system (Cat's Eye MD6) are identical to those installed on the Mad Dog as well.

But, rather than the Type I 300-XL fusion engine of the Mad Dog, the Obsidian Mantis incorporates a Mod 1 300 standard fusion engine.  While this allows for the same 54.0 kilometers per hour (walking) and 86.4 kph (running) speeds as the Mad Dog, it also consumes 9.5 tons more tonnage than the Type I found within the front-line OmniMech.  Design engineers decided against installing additional fixed heat-sinks within the engine core, freeing up two more tons of space.

Overall, the components massed 6.5 tons more than those used for the Mad Dog.  Still, that left the Obsidian Mantis with 21.5 tons available for pod-space (compared to the 28.0 tons of the Mad Dog).  An amount that Khans McKenna and Jorgensson deemed as 'adequate'.

The Prime Configuration is armed with just three weapons:  a Gauss Rifle in the right arm with three tons of ammunition (24 shots!), an ER PPC in the left arm, and an ER Small Laser in the center torso.  Heat-neutral even on a run, this Configuration provides hard-hitting firepower at range and possesses the endurance that OPERATION REVIVAL has shown is necessary for fighting the Inner Sphere.

Configuration A is a missile support unit.  Primary armament is two LRM-20 launchers with Artemis IV FCS (right arm and left arm, each launcher with two tons of ammo for 12 missile salvoes).  A third long-range missile launcher (this time a ten-tube system) is fitted to the left torso and incorporates Artemis IV FCS as well, along with a ton of ammo (for 12 missle salvoes).  The sole non-missile weapon is an ER Medium Laser in the center torso.  Heat production is elevated on a running Alpha Strike, but not excessively so.  Although the weight of missile fire was deemed quite impressive, the endurance of this OmniMech configuration has raised questions among the Ghost Bears as to its effectiveness in the Inner Sphere.  One suggested change is to remove the Artemis IV FCS in favor of three more tons of ammunition.  Khan McKenna has postponed the final decision on that issue until after the QUICKSILVER Trials have been completed, however.

Configuration B was designed to put the nature of the Zombie into this Zombie.  And also to appeal to Clan Goliath Scorpion for purchase.  Armament consists of two ER Large Lasers (right arm and left arm), two ER Medium Lasers (right arm and left arm), and one ER Small Laser (center torso).  All five lasers are tied into a three-ton Targeting Computer in the left torso.  Eighteen double-strength heat sinks alleviate all but movement heat . . . and permit the Obsidian Mantis B to remain heat-neutral on a running Alpha Strike at ranges beyond where the ER Small Laser can be utilized.

Configuration C is armed with a Large Pulse Laser in the left arm and a massive LB-20X autocannon in the right arm, fed by three tons of ammunition in the right torso (15 bursts!).  Once again, an ER Small Laser in the center torso is the sole tertiary weapon system.  As with the Prime, the Obsidian Mantis B is perfectly heat-neutral a running Alpha-Strike.

Configuration D features five Jump-Jets (one in the center torso and two each in the right and left torsos).  Armed almost exclusively with Pulse Lasers for high accuracy, the Obsidian Mantis D carries a Large Pulse Laser in the right arm and three Medium Pulse Lasers (left arm, right torso, and left torso).  Twelve DHS allows the design to remain heat-neutral with these weapons on a running Alpha Strike, although jumping will produce some excess overheat.  With 2.5 tons remaining, the Raven Scientists fitted the chassis with an Active Probe (right torso), an ECM Suite (left torso), and a Flamer (left arm) for anti-personnel work.  McKenna hopes that once the Light TAG system Clan Wolf is currently testing in the lab proves ready for field-trials she will be able to replace the Flamer with the Light-TAG system to give the Obsidian Mantis D the ability to call in friendly artillery fire.

And finally, Configuration E is a fast-moving Artillery OmniMech.  Conventional armament consists of an ER Large Laser (left arm), an ER Medium Laser (left torso), and an ER Small Laser (center torso).  But the main weapon is an Arrow IV artillery rocket launcher in the right arm/right torso.  Four tons of ammunition provide for 20 shots in support of forward Clan forces.

Deployment
As McKenna predicted, Khan Schmidt of Clan Blood Spirit immediately backed the Ravens and Bears in their entry to QUICKSILVER, over the objections of Khan Holliday of Clan Burrock!  Schmidt has already agreed to purchase several score of the new OmniMech should the Obsidian Mantis win the upcoming competition.  Furthermore, she is seeking production rights to manufacture the design on York as well.

Visually, the Obsidian Mantis is VERY close to the older Mad Dog.  However, the inclusion of two additional tons of armor plating and the requirement to expand the outer hull surfaces in the torsos to accommodate the much heavier (and wider) standard fusion engine distinguishes the design from its predecessor on anything but a cursory look.

That 'bloat' (as some have termed it), led to a Trial of Grievance between Khan McKenna and Khan Holliday after the Burrock laughed at the submission and called it the "Fat Dog".  Battling in unarmed combat, Khan McKenna took the Burrock Khan by surprise with the ferocity of her attacks; a surprise upper-cut knocked him out cold . . . leading to an increase in aggressive action against the Ravens and Bears by the Burrock rank-and-file.

Additional
Native to Eden, the Obsidian Mantis is one of several species that was genetically modified and breed specifically to prey on the Burrock; it is also one of the most successful in that role.

Genetic modifications gave the common Mantis of Old Earth lungs and an enhanced exo-skeletal chitin that was not only stronger and able to support far more massive insects, but was highly resistant to Burrock acid.  Standing almost a meter in height on its four delicate looking legs, the Obsidian Mantis (named because of the glossy reflective black nature of its chitin) masses almost thirty kilograms!  Despite that increased mass, the insect remains as lightning-fast as it FAR smaller (and lighter) ancestors.

An ambush hunter, the Obsidian Mantis will often remain motionless for hours, waiting upon a Burrock or other small prey to approach within striking range before lashing out and grappling the victim in its two massive forearms.  Victims that survive the initial grab (as the spikes often penetrate their bodies!) are then devoured alive by the Mantis as it holds them helplessly in place.

Common to the many underground caverns and dense jungle floors of Eden, the Obsidian Mantis has proven itself to be a survivor and a deadly predator.

Juveniles of the species are often captured by Warriors and then sold to civilians on Eden by the Merchant caste.  Released near their habitations, the insects do not attempt to return home, but instead make the area their new territory, preying upon rodents, insects, birds, snakes, reptiles, and Burrocks alike.  They are NOT domesticated, however, and will prey on both toddlers and small domesticated animals with equal ease should those wander into the insects territory . . . making their relationship with civilian land-workers quite often turbulent in nature.

Obsidian Mantis

Mass: 60 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped Omnimech
Rules Level: Advanced Rules
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 6,020,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 968

Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 300 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    21.5 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                    99 points                3.00
    Internal Locations: 1 HD, 1 LT, 1 RT, 2 LA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine:             Fusion Engine                300                      19.00
    Walking MP: 5
    Running MP: 8
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             10(20)                    0.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 201                 10.50
    Armor Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 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           20       
                                             L/R Leg     14           28       



================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime                                          Cost: 7,342,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,177

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: RA                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gauss Rifle                                  RA        1         6        12.00
ER PPC                                       LA        15        2         6.00
ER Small Laser                               CT        2         1         0.50
@Gauss Rifle (24)                            RA        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 25

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 22
5          4       4       3       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: A                                              Cost: 8,280,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,185

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: LT, LA, RA                                             0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LRM-20                                       RA        6         4         5.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           RA        -         1         1.00
LRM-20                                       LA        6         4         5.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           LA        -         1         1.00
LRM-10                                       LT        4         1         2.50
    Artemis IV FCS                           LT        -         1         1.00
ER Medium Laser                              CT        5         1         1.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (12)                       RA        -         2         2.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (12)                       LA        -         2         2.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (12)                       LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 19

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 22
5          5       5       4       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 4


================================================================================
Loadout Name: B                                              Cost: 7,318,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,240

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             18(36)                    8.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 5 LT, 3 RT
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser                               RA        12        1         4.00
ER Medium Laser                              RA        5         1         1.00
ER Large Laser                               LA        12        1         4.00
ER Medium Laser                              LA        5         1         1.00
Targeting Computer                           RT        -         3         3.00
ER Small Laser                               CT        2         1         0.50
                                            Free Critical Slots: 13

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 22
5          5       5       3       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: C                                              Cost: 7,692,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 1,821

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: RT                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 20-X AC                                   RA        6         9        12.00
Large Pulse Laser                            LA        10        2         6.00
ER Small Laser                               CT        2         1         0.50
@LB 20-X (Cluster) (5)                       RT        -         1         1.00
@LB 20-X (Slug) (10)                         RT        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 22

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 18
5          3       3       2       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/0


================================================================================
Loadout Name: D                                              Cost: 8,169,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,149

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Jumping MP: 5  (Standard)
    Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT                                   5.00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             12(24)                    2.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Pulse Laser                            RA        10        2         6.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LA        4         1         2.00
Flamer                                       LA        3         1         0.50
Medium Pulse Laser                           RT        4         1         2.00
Active Probe                                 RT        0         1         1.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LT        4         1         2.00
ECM Suite                                    LT        0         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 20

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 21
5j         4       4       2       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, PRB, RCN, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: E                                              Cost: 7,602,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 1,970

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: RT                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser                               LA        12        1         4.00
Arrow IV Missile                             RT/RA     10        3/9      12.00
ER Medium Laser                              LT        5         1         1.00
ER Small Laser                               CT        2         1         0.50
@Arrow IV (Cluster) (5)                      RT        -         1         1.00
@Arrow IV (FASCAM) (5)                       RT        -         1         1.00
@Arrow IV (Homing) (5)                       RT        -         1         1.00
@Arrow IV (Non-Home) (5)                     RT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 18

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 20
5          4       2       1       0      3     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTAC, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Looks like MA and I may have similar ideas.

Similar ideas . . . different execution.  It is all good, my man. 

MA

Oky the team of Fire Mandrill and Blood Spirit found strange allies in the clan ice hellion and their demand of a fast heavy zombie mech and so we give up a Clan Dragon.-> http://www.solaris7.com/TRO/Design.asp?Type=Battlemech&ID=19267

 The two Khan's still like the Lupus but the Ice Hellions was willing to pay most of the costs for mister speedy

Just about 12 hours to go. ...