OBT Forum

Okay, here's my entry. Sorry, it's not a quad as I couldn't quite get the fluff to work. I'll post the quad after this contest has been finalized. This took me just under twours to write the fluff this moning. I hope it pleases the reader.

Blood Knight

Mass: 70 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped Omnimech
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 8,588,542 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,055

Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 280 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h (86.4 km/h)
Jump Jets: Unknown
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    30.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Unknown
    Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown

Overview:
Clan Blood Spirit began work on the Omnimech that would become the Blood Knight
in the mid-3040s using the chassis of a couple of old unarmed EXC-2Bb Royal
Excaliburs that they had kept in a cache that was filled with Mechs and
machines that were mostly scrap. Though the original Excalibur's chassis was
twice as bulky as the more modern Clan equivalent these two test mules served
their purpose, once omni modifications had been made, as more than a dozen
different combinations were tried over the course of several years. Once IlKhan
Kerensky announced his Quicksilver program, the Blood Spirit Scientist caste
urged Khan Schmitt to allow them to pursue this design as one of thier entries
into the program.

The Khan reluctantly agreed knowing that their would be difficluties ahead.
Knowing this she contacted Jas Keller and Bri McFadden, ilChis to Clans Fire
Mandrill and SnowRaven, and had them use their contacts within those two Clans
to see if either would join with the Blood Spirits in putting forth this
design.Both Clans agreed with the Fire Mandrills being able to supply the
chassis schematics for the Excalibur, which the Blood Spirts lacked, and the
Snow Ravenss had a sufficient supply of 280 series fusions that they had
salvaged from Archer and Warhammer battlemechs that they no longer used.

The Blood spirit scientist caste were the leaders of the project while the
Mandrills and Ravens each sent a small group of scientist to assist on the
project. Together they came up with sevemconfigurations for the Blood Knight,
two from each group of scientists plus the Prime configuration based on the
Excalibur. Each Clan also had a star's worth of warriors, most of whom were
solahma to aid them in the field testing of the Blood Knight.


Battle History
During the course of evaluation, each Clan's star built up a rather intense
rivalry that saw heavy fighting and damage to many of the prototypes tha wer
built. Out of this came a series of trials that saw each clan's fighting the
warriors of the warriors for a total of ten ten fights for each of the warriors
present. They decided that tow warrios with the most wins at the end of the
trial would fight one fiinal trial to determine which Clan would produce the
new Omnimech should it be chosen by the IlKhan and his committee. At the end,
Star Commander Fiona of the Vardanyan Bloodhouse and Mechwarrior Slade of the
Kostas Bloodhouse had the most wins with seven apiece, with Slade having
defeated Fiona early in the round robin competition.

Their fight was a fight for the ages, as the two battled for nearly an hour,
Fiona in a jumpjet-equipped Blood Knight D and Slade in a Blood Knight C. The
two traded shot after shot with Fiona using the hiilly tree-laden terrain he
best advantage as she tried to close with Slade and bring her LB 20-X into
range. The longer ranged Class autocannon's kept her at bay for most of the
fight until the Ultra-10 in Slade's jammed and cut his firepower in half.

Using her large pulse laser to deleterious effect Fiona continued to close with
Slade kumping from hilltop to hilltop cutting of Slade's retreat. Finally, the
LB 20-X was in range and she showered Slade's Blood Knight cluster rounds,
striking his cockpit several. As she made one final jump, she let off a solid
round that struck Slade's heavily damaged left leg, causing him to fall face
first into the ground. However, while she was still in the air he managed to
get off a shot from his LB 10-X cannon and hit her while she was still in
mid-air. Fiona came crashing to the ground in a heap of metal.

As both mechs were immobile, it was sometime before either even moved. Slade
dragged his Mech across the ground looking for somew ay to raise himself off
the ground. Unfortunately for him, Fiona was quicker in getting off the ground
and managed to limp her Blood Knight D across the field of battle. With the
wrong end of an LB 20-X staring at him through his cockpit, Slade gladly
accepted Fiona's offer for him to surrender. Thus securing the production
rights for her Clan, Star Commander Fiona won her final honor in service to her
Clan. Less than an hour later, she would die from wounds suffered from the fall
of her Mech. A rib had broken and managed to puncture a smal hole in her heart,
one that doctors could not repair in time to save her life.


Configurations:
The Prime configuration, approved by all the three contributing Clans, is an
homage to the Excalibur from which this new OmniMech got its base, now
Clan-specchassis and, very loosely got its name. A Gauss rifle mounted in the
right arm gives this version a powerful punch and is fed by a three-ton ammo
bin. The Artemis-equipped LRM-20 mounted in the left torso. It is fed by a
three-ton ammo bin that keeps it in the game for longer than most other Clan
mechs. Three ER medium lasers are mounted in the left arm and give the
mechwarrior in the cockpit more options on the battlefied. The AMS in the head
is their to knockdown enemy missile should they get to close to the Blood Knight.

There are two A configurations, A-1 and A-2, and come courtesy of the Fire
Mandrills. Both configurations come with a targeting computer and additional
heat sinks. The A-1 is equipped with a pair each of large pulse lasers and ER
large lasers. A quartet of machine guns serve as backups to the lasers. Four
additional heat sinks are carried to halp with heat buildup. The A-2 replaces
the large pulse lasers with ER PPCs and the ER large lasers with four medium
pulse lasers. The A-2 eschews the A-1's machineguns and mounts six additional
heat sinks instead of the A-1's four.

The B configuration by way of the the Snow Ravens and is the dedicated
long-range fire support variant of the Blood Knight. Featuring a pair of
Artemis-equipped LRM-20s each fed by a three-ton ammo-bin. This is a potent
support platform which is backed up by a pairech of mediun pluse lasers, ER
small alsers and machinegun. The AMS from the Prime makes an appearance as
well. Four jump jets give the B the neede maneuverability to move the Blood
Knight into more desirable firing positions.

The C configuration is the first contribution Blood Spirit contribution an
features a pair Class 10 autocannons, one Ultra and the other a LB-X. Each is
fed by a three ton ammo bin for a longer presence on the battlefield. A quartet
of ER medium lasers are the only backup weapons to the autocannons. This variant
can punch its own holes with the Ultra to make the best use of cluster round of the
cluster rounds from the LB-X. The main drawback is if the Ultra jams when firing
in double shot mode. A fate at doomed Mechwarrior Slade t defeat at the hands
of Str Commander Fiona in the final Trial.

The D configuration, the one which Star Commander rode to victory features four
jump jets for added moaneuvarbility. This comes in handy when trying to bring
the massive LB 20-X mounted inthe left arm into range. To aid in this process,
the D also mounts a large pulse laser to be used at range until the autocanoon
can be brought to bear. A pair of medium lasers are the only backup weapons.
The D is also fittedout to work in the heavy scout and has the requisite
electronics suite to accomplish this task. While some consider the TAG
controversial, this Omni is meant to fight the armies of the Inner Sphere and
the TAG would be beneficial in guiding Arrow artillery missiles to their
designated target.

The E configuration is the final Blood Spirit contribution and was designed
hand-in-hand with the Snow Ravens D configuration. The main weapon is the Arrow
IV artillery system mounted on the left side of the Blood Knight. It comes with
a four-ton ammo bin which can carry any of available types of ammunition,
though two tons will always be of the homing variety. The backup weapons are an
ER large aser and a medium pulse laser. Two machineguns are mounted to
discourage any unarmored infantry from getting too close. Like the D
configuration, the E is fitted with four jump jets.

Another added feature of the Blood Knight is the inclusion of the MASC system
This is mounted so that the speed of the original Excalibur could be maintained,
even if only for short bursts.


================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                   107 points                3.50
    Internal Locations: 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
Engine:             Fusion Engine                280                      16.00
    Walking MP: 4
    Running MP: 6 (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 - 217                 11.50
    Armor Locations: 1 CT, 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     22           32       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  12       
                                           L/R Torso     15           22       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  8         
                                             L/R Arm     11           22       
                                             L/R Leg     15           30       

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MASC                                         RT        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 34

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 11
5          0       0       0       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime                                          Cost: 11,224,285
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,814

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

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gauss Rifle                                  RA        1         6        12.00
ER Medium Laser                              RA        5         1         1.00
3 ER Medium Lasers                           LA        15        3         3.00
ER Small Laser                               RT        2         1         0.50
MASC                                         RT        -         3         3.00
LRM-20                                       LT        6         4         5.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           LT        -         1         1.00
Anti-Missile System                          HD        1         1         0.50
@Gauss Rifle (24)                            RT        -         3         3.00
@Anti-Missile System (24)                    RT        -         1         1.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (18)                       LT        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 8

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 28
5          5       5       3       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: A-1                                            Cost: 10,481,917
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,629

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             14(28)                    4.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL
    CASE Locations: RT                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Pulse Laser                            RA        10        2         6.00
ER Large Laser                               RA        12        1         4.00
Large Pulse Laser                            LA        10        2         6.00
ER Large Laser                               LA        12        1         4.00
2 Machine Guns                               RT        0         2         0.50
MASC                                         RT        -         3         3.00
2 Machine Guns                               LT        0         2         0.50
Targeting Computer                           LT        -         4         4.00
@MG (200)                                    RT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 9

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 26
5          4       4       4       0      3     1   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: A-2                                            Cost: 10,535,042
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 3,037

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             16(32)                    6.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER PPC                                       RA        15        2         6.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RA        4         1         2.00
ER PPC                                       LA        15        2         6.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LA        4         1         2.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RT        4         1         2.00
MASC                                         RT        -         3         3.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LT        4         1         2.00
Targeting Computer                           LT        -         4         4.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 10

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 30
5          5       5       3       0      3     1   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: B                                              Cost: 11,301,104
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,716

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Jumping MP: 4  (Standard)
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 LL, 2 RL                                         4.00
    CASE Locations: LT, RT                                                 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
Medium Pulse Laser                           RA        4         1         2.00
LRM-20                                       LA        6         4         5.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           LA        -         1         1.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           LA        4         1         2.00
(R) ER Small Laser                           RT        2         1         0.50
MASC                                         RT        -         3         3.00
(R) ER Small Laser                           LT        2         1         0.50
2 Machine Guns                               LT        0         2         0.50
Anti-Missile System                          HD        1         1         0.50
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (18)                       RT        -         3         3.00
@Anti-Missile System (24)                    RT        -         1         1.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (18)                       LT        -         3         3.00
@MG (200)                                    LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 5

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 27
5/4j       6       5       4       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 3


================================================================================
Loadout Name: C                                              Cost: 11,011,042
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,323

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

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC                                   RA        2         5        10.00
ER Medium Laser                              RA        5         1         1.00
Ultra AC/10                                  LA        3         4        10.00
ER Medium Laser                              LA        5         1         1.00
ER Medium Laser                              RT        5         1         1.00
MASC                                         RT        -         3         3.00
ER Medium Laser                              LT        5         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (30)                      RT        -         3         3.00
@Ultra AC/10 (30)                            LT        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 15

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 23
5          4       4       2       0      3     1   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: D                                              Cost: 12,121,354
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,485

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Jumping MP: 4  (Standard)
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 LL, 2 RL                                         4.00
    CASE Locations: LT                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA+LA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Large Pulse Laser                            RA        10        2         6.00
ER Medium Laser                              RA        5         1         1.00
Active Probe                                 RT        0         1         1.00
ER Medium Laser                              RT        5         1         1.00
MASC                                         RT        -         3         3.00
ECM Suite                                    LT        0         1         1.00
LB 20-X AC                                   LT/LA     6         1/8      12.00
TAG                                          HD        0         1         1.00
@LB 20-X (Cluster) (10)                      LT        -         2         2.00
@LB 20-X (Slug) (5)                          LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 10

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 25
5/4j       3       3       1       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: OMNI, TAG, ECM, PRB, RCN, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/0


================================================================================
Loadout Name: E                                              Cost: 11,026,979
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,256
Rules Level: Advanced Rules

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Jumping MP: 4  (Standard)
    Jump Jet Locations: 2 LL, 2 RL                                         4.00
    CASE Locations: LT, RT                                                 0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA+LA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser                               RA        12        1         4.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           RA        4         1         2.00
2 Machine Guns                               RT        0         2         0.50
MASC                                         RT        -         3         3.00
Arrow IV Missile                             LT/LA     10        4/8      12.00
Anti-Missile System                          HD        1         1         0.50
@Anti-Missile System (48)                    RT        -         2         2.00
@MG (200)                                    RT        -         1         1.00
@Arrow IV (Homing) (10)                      LT        -         2         2.00
@Arrow IV (Non-Home) (10)                    LT        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 5

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      7    Points: 23
5/4j       4       2       1       0      3     0   Structure:  6
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTAC, AMS, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


Okay folks that is it, time is up. While we got off to a slow start there were seven entries, all by different designers, and all meeting or exceeding design criteria. There was a lot of good fluff for enjoyable reading. Essentially it just boiled down to which entry I liked best. Great job guys! Now on with the review.

7. Nova Lance (LordGrayson)
A very interesting choice going for a speedie zombie Lord Grayson which made me think of World War Z. Going 5/8 with a MASC for 10 movement makes this Ice Hellion war machine fast for its size. Where did you get the 350 Fusion Engine from? I am sure it may have been available and I would have liked to hear about the source. The 211 armor factor due to 11 tons of ferro fibrous is good and very zombish but leaves you short of one thing. 16 tons of pod space for a 70 ton OmniMech is sort of anemic but I could see it with some really single shot wreckers like the Ultra AC 20. I would have also liked a recon version with TAG to facilitate artillery if necessary. The name and the speed got me think of an interesting use possibly new to the Clans - charging and making physical attacks. That would have been kind of a neat addition. The complex series of trails for the Pulsar chassis sounds difficult to accomplish but I could see it. Nice try and I liked the outside of the box thinking.

6. Soynya (JPArbiter)
This Diamond Shark creation is a very capable zombie with plenty of punch! With 34.5 tons of pod space you have nearly half the mass reserved for weapons and equipment, impressive. Some very nice configurations based on established BattleMechs in many cases and C has a real big punch to it. Admittedly I am not crazy about the name but a Russian Axe is not that bad I suppose with Kerensky being Russian and all. The Guillotine (280 Fusion Engine goes 4/6) and Gallowglas are nice models to draw on for inspiration. The little Society blurb is a nice touch and is very appropriate helping me continue to build a story arc within the Clans nicely. While the 192 armor factor (10 tons of ferro fibrous) is not the most possible it is good protection and together with that EndoSteel chassis saves tonnage nicely. Not too shabby JP unfortunately for you I liked five better this time out.

5. Cane Toad (Smegish)
This Goliath Scorpion design based on the Grizzly by way of the Diamond Sharks from Ghost Bears is a departure from the usual Smegish style but very solid. Named for another unique Clan species it goes 4/6 thanks to a 280 Standard Fusion Engine and has a 202 armor factor (10.5 tons of ferro fibrous). Nearly half the war machine’s mass is reserved for weapons and equipment. Very impressive having 34 tons of pod space available on this Zombie. I like the configurations with the Primary being a nice ranged unit somewhat reminiscent of its forerunner. Again awesome job I just thought four entries were better.

4. Gawain (fitzgerald)
The Goliath Scorpions based this entry on the Archer and I liked the nerdy scientists pitching his big idea to a disinterested saKhan who just wants a drink man. Interesting idea for the name – bit of a misspell perhaps – very cavalier with tones of the Lancelot and Galahad. I was expecting something more Archer like being based on that Mech but questing and seeking are sort of familiar. The new EndoSteel chassis supplied by the Snow Ravens is a nice touch. Integral jump jets add mobility and with the venerable 280 VOX Fusion Engine this war machine goes 4/6/4. 11 tons of ferro fibrous armor (211 armor factor) is very good protection for this proposed Zombie. 28.5 tons of pod space gives ample space for some excellent configurations which are again based on existing Mechs (Warhammer and Archer). Just shy of medaling bud, sorry.

3. Tomb Scarab (masterarminas)
I do like this solid design entry by the Hell’s Horses. Quads do get tight for criticals at higher weights and mounting Ferro-Fibrous along with an EndoSteel structure does squeeze the available amount of internal space somewhat limiting this OmniMech. However you cleverly match ballistic weapons with energy weapons to balance the heat curve nicely. Indeed many of your fire support configurations are nicely done with an impressive 32 tons of pod-space. A 280 Fusion Engine (available yes but I would have liked to hear where you got it from) gives you a 4/6 movement rate and as you point out some interesting quad mobility. The 233 armor factor thanks to 12.5 tons of ferro-fibrous is nearly the max for a 70 ton quad and gives it nice staying power. The creature this war machine is named after is particularly disgusting and adds to the tough circumstances of the Clan Homeworlds. I wonder if it is more reviled for destroying past genetic exemplars of the honored SLDF or honored for its ability to survive and recycle on limited resources. It does attack en masse so combat wise it might not be the truest epitome of a Clan warrior. Enjoyable read and good job, third place.

2. Blood Knight (Abele)
Like the Blood Spirit upgrade of another SLDF standard bearer, the Excalibur. The name is really good with a Black Knight quality to it which when combined with the Blood Legacy of the Clans creates a powerful moniker. This particular OmniMech builds on the ilChi alliances which the Spirits have done well with. Loved the involvement from the Fire Mandrills and Snow Ravens which is an appropriate recurring theme. Configurations and design contests are also very Clan with warriors battling furiously for glory. Combining 30 tons of pod space with a 4/6 movement profile that has MASC making it even faster. The only real negative is the 11.5 tons of ferro fibrous which is a tad overboard leaving 4 armor points on the ground. Nicely done, second prize!

1. Crazy Horse (drakensis)
Love the name of this Hell’s Horses war machine made in association with the Coyotes. I could easily see these Clans working together and the story on how this OmniMech was named is delicious. I like the basis on the Guillotine IIc which harkens back to the days of the SLDF and beyond. Interesting decision (and minor typo) as the Crazy Horse removes the integral Jump Jets of the Guillotine. The Clan Standard series 280 Fusion Engine maintains the 4/6 movement rate of its forbearer. Using the Hellbringer’s ferro fibrous armor (10.5 ton for an armor factor of 201) is a nice touch as well even if it does not max protect the chassis. With 33 tons of pod space you have assembled some really nice configurations based on the Hellbringer, Guillotine IIc, and a wicked fire support which I call Double Archer (4 LRM 20s). Nearly perfect drakensis, congrats on the win!

For a second line Mech created as a result of this contest I would like to do something different. Essentially it would combine the Nova Lance (LordGrayson) and the Blood Knight (Abele) to create a very fast Heavy BattleMech that would serve four Clans. Working together the Ice Hellions, Blood Spirits, Snow Ravens, and Fire Mandrills throw some 350XL together with a MASC for blinding 70 ton speed. What do you think? Thanks again everyone, see you soon for the next challenge!

Congrats to drakensis on finally getting a win for the Horses. Now that the Horses have won, it allows me to shift the fluff for my 75-ton Zombie to another clan. Again, I have an issue when slam a design of mine for leaving armor 'on the ground' When it amounts to less than half of a half-ton (or 1/4 ton) I don't think it should be an issue. If it were 6 or 7 points I could see your argument in that I wasted that half-ton of armor. When its four points or less, I don't get it.

Congrats Drakensis.

Just a thought with a possible amendment for the speed requirements for these machines Takiro: Perhaps just state a minimum running speed and let us decide whether we reach it with a big enough engine or MASC? May give a bit more variation in the mech designs

I care not for this bootfall or whatever it's called.

Quote from: Smegish on August 23, 2014, 04:51:11 AM

Just a thought with a possible amendment for the speed requirements for these machines Takiro: Perhaps just state a minimum running speed and let us decide whether we reach it with a big enough engine or MASC? May give a bit more variation in the mech designs

I just wanted to say that I saw your suggestion today Smegish before I posted the latest challenge. The Woodsman (next challenge) really calls into question the use of MASCs to keep pace with faster designs like the Summoner. In fact it is the major reason given for their retirement. This in combination with the coming of the assault classes makes such a change unwise in my opinion. I do thank you for the suggestion however and look forward to doing it better in future challenges following Quicksilver.

Well, this will put the kaibosh on my recently posted design, but I'm going to let stand, as is

No fluff, who was it made by?