OBT Forum

Here's my second entry as promised.

Firestorm

Mass: 95 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: 3070
Cost: 9,351,469 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,265

Chassis: NCIS Type O Standard
Power Plant: Consolidated 285 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 32.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 54.0 km/h
Jump Jets: Pryzhok WM-15 (when used)
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Compound H17 Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    45.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Tokasha Mechworks
    Primary Factory: Tokasha
Communications System: NC-Telcom X
Targeting and Tracking System: Hunter (7a)
Overview:
Beginning life as a Clan Nova Cat attempt to apply Omnitechnology to the
Supernova towards the end of the 30th Century, the Firestorm was shelved as
better and quicker designs like the Gargoyle and Kingfisher came to dominate
the scene. With the Trials for Operation Revival and combat in the Inner Sphere
taking its toll on the materiel assets of the Nova Cat touman they needed new
machines to fill the gaps.

Following the disaster that was the battle of Luthien, they unshelved the
Firestorm. However, they ran into production issues as they lacked the
manufacturing capacity to bring this design to full fruition with the Huntsman
in high demand and new factories in the Inner Sphere still only in planning
stages. They needed a partner and they found one in Clan Hell's Horses. The
Horses had access production capacity available on Tokasha as well as Kirin and
were eager to get another chance to be a part of the IlKhan's Quicksilver
initiative.

The chassis was an improved version of the Supernova and the extra weight comes
from the application of Omnitechnology and increased structural support for the
slightly larger 285 series fusion powerplant. The powerplant comes courtesy of
the Puma tank, which the Horses had in droves in caches scatterd throughout out
their enclaves. As the foundation was already laid in the past century, so work
proceeded at an accelerated pace. The Nova Cats already had four configurations
applied to four prototypes from their earlier program. The Hell's Horses added
two more configuration that were applied to the original protoypes.


Configurations:
The Nova Cats have the Prime, A, C and D, while the Horses lay claim to the B
and E. The Prime follows a meme that has been seen since the advent of the
assault class Omnimech. The ain battery feature two ER PPCs and two Gauss
Rifles. The two Gauss rifles are each fed by three-ton ammunition bins. Two
rear-facing ER small lasers provide the only weaponry for the Prime. Two
additional heat sinks help deal with the heat of the ER PPCs.

The alternate A configuration originally featured weaponry based to the
Supernova, but has been severely modified since the Nova Cats experiences in
the Inner Sphere. Foru of the Er large alsers have been stripped out and
replaced with a less heat restrictive weaponry. Two class 5 LB-X autocannons
replace the lasers each with two tons of ammunition. A targeting computer
improves the accuracy of the main weapons. Like the Supernova, it also mounts
three jump jets for increased field mobility. Two ER medium lasers are added as
additional firepower and are tied into the targeting computer. To counter the
dezgra tactics of the Inner Spehre warriors an ECM suite and an acitve probe
have been added to improve battlefield survivability. Four heat sinks help keep
the mech's pilot cool in combat.

The B is the Horses first contribution to the design and features a pair of
Class 10 autocannons, one each of the LB-X and Ultra types. Each is fed by
three tons of ammunition, more than usually carried by Clan battlemechs.
Primary fire support comes from two torso mounted large pulse lasers. To handle
mid-range combat two ER medium lasers are carried, while two small pulse laser
are mounted in the rear arc of the center torso. Three additional heat sinks
are carried to deal with the increased weapons heat.

The C Configuration is yet another variation of the original Supernova complete
with the jump jets. Four large pulse alser replace the six ER large lasers
while a pair each or ER medium and ER small lasers. Twelve additonal heat sinks
go a long way to dealing wiht the tremndous heat burden of the weapons array.

The D is the long-rang fire support model of the Firestorm featuring four
Artemis IV-equipped twenty-tube LRM launchers eahc fed by three tons of
ammunition. Originally featuring four medium pulse lasers, the Hell's Horses
convince the Nova Cats that it would be a better design with an ER large laser,
three small pulse lasers and an extra heat sink. two additional heat sinks do
little to help with the additional heat of the laser weaponry.

Long a staple of the Hell's Horse touman, thhe final configuration features
twin Class 20 LB-X autocannons. A total of eight tons of ammunition keep the
autocannons well fed. Twin ER large laser provide the long-range firepwoer that
this model needs to clsoe with the enemy. A pair of rear-mounted ER small
lasers are mounted to discourage enemy infantry from getting to close.



================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                     145 points                9.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                285                      16.50
    Walking MP: 3
    Running MP: 5
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             13(26)                    3.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LL, 1 RL
Gyro:               Standard                                               3.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 284                 15.00
    Armor Locations: 1 HD, 1 LT, 1 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor     
                                                Head     3            9         
                                        Center Torso     30           43       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  16       
                                           L/R Torso     20           29       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  11       
                                             L/R Arm     16           30       
                                             L/R Leg     20           38       



================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime                                          Cost: 12,604,313
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,992

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             15(30)                    2.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL
    CASE Locations: LA, RA                                                 0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gauss Rifle                                  RA        1         6        12.00
Gauss Rifle                                  LA        1         6        12.00
ER PPC                                       RT        15        2         6.00
ER PPC                                       LT        15        2         6.00
2 (R) ER Small Lasers                        CT        4         2         1.00
@Gauss Rifle (24)                            RT        -         3         3.00
@Gauss Rifle (24)                            LT        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 12

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      9    Points: 30
3          6       6       6       0      4     0   Structure:  8
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: A                                              Cost: 13,751,156
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,827

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Jumping MP: 3  (Standard)
    Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT                                   6.00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             17(34)                    4.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
    CASE Locations: LT, RT                                                 0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser                               RA        12        1         4.00
LB 5-X AC                                    RA        1         4         7.00
ER Large Laser                               LA        12        1         4.00
LB 5-X AC                                    LA        1         4         7.00
ER Medium Laser                              RT        5         1         1.00
Targeting Computer                           RT        -         5         5.00
ECM Suite                                    LT        0         1         1.00
ER Medium Laser                              LT        5         1         1.00
Active Probe                                 CT        0         1         1.00
@LB 5-X (Cluster) (20)                       RT        -         1         1.00
@LB 5-X (Slug) (20)                          RT        -         1         1.00
@LB 5-X (Cluster) (20)                       LT        -         1         1.00
@LB 5-X (Slug) (20)                          LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 6

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      9    Points: 28
3j         5       5       3       0      4     0   Structure:  8
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, PRB, RCN, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: B                                              Cost: 12,715,219
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,516

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             16(32)                    3.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 LL, 1 RL
    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
Ultra AC/10                                  LA        3         4        10.00
Large Pulse Laser                            RT        10        2         6.00
ER Medium Laser                              RT        5         1         1.00
Large Pulse Laser                            LT        10        2         6.00
ER Medium Laser                              LT        5         1         1.00
2 (R) Small Pulse Lasers                     CT        4         2         2.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (20)                      RT        -         2         2.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10)                         RT        -         1         1.00
@Ultra AC/10 (30)                            LT        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 11

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      9    Points: 25
3          6       6       4       0      4     0   Structure:  8
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: C                                              Cost: 12,094,875
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,947

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Jumping MP: 3  (Standard)
    Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT                                   6.00
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             25(50)                   12.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Large Pulse Lasers                         RA        20        4        12.00
2 Large Pulse Lasers                         LA        20        4        12.00
ER Medium Laser                              RT        5         1         1.00
ER Small Laser                               RT        2         1         0.50
ER Medium Laser                              LT        5         1         1.00
ER Small Laser                               LT        2         1         0.50
                                            Free Critical Slots: 1

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      9    Points: 29
3j         7       7       5       0      4     0   Structure:  8
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: D                                              Cost: 13,885,219
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,923

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             15(30)                    2.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL
    CASE Locations: LT, RT, 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-20                                       RT        6         4         5.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           RT        -         1         1.00
Small Pulse Laser                            RT        2         1         1.00
LRM-20                                       LT        6         4         5.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           LT        -         1         1.00
Small Pulse Laser                            LT        2         1         1.00
ER Large Laser                               CT        12        1         4.00
(R) Small Pulse Laser                        CT        2         1         1.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (18)                       RA        -         3         3.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (18)                       LA        -         3         3.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (18)                       RT        -         3         3.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (18)                       LT        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 0

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      9    Points: 29
3          7       7       6       0      4     2   Structure:  8
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 5


================================================================================
Loadout Name: E                                              Cost: 13,608,563
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 2,498

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             17(34)                    4.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL
    CASE Locations: LT, RT                                                 0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 20-X AC                                   RT/RA     6         1/8      12.00
ER Large Laser                               RT        12        1         4.00
LB 20-X AC                                   LT/LA     6         1/8      12.00
ER Large Laser                               LT        12        1         4.00
2 (R) ER Small Lasers                        CT        4         2         1.00
@LB 20-X (Cluster) (15)                      RT        -         3         3.00
@LB 20-X (Slug) (5)                          RT        -         1         1.00
@LB 20-X (Cluster) (15)                      LT        -         3         3.00
@LB 20-X (Slug) (5)                          LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 2

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      9    Points: 25
3          5       5       2       0      4     0   Structure:  8
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 2/2/0

Ok gang last day for this challenge. Please get any designs in that you have by midnight.

As we have moved on through these challenges both in universe rancor and real life drama have played out. I guess that is a good thing cause in the end it shows people care about their work and want to see the very best done. That only enhances the final product so even though the Chollima by JPArbiter was withdrawn I would like to thank him for participating. While it may seem like I am full speed ahead and damn the advice that is not the case. I am going to be funneling my full efforts into the next two designs to create the very best story concerning the Clans for Quicksilver. I hope everyone will join me in this endeavor. Right now it is time to review what just might be our last Quicksilver OmniMech Challenge.

N/A. Chollima (JPArbiter)
Unfortunately I did not get a chance to comprehensively analyze all the data from this entry before it was withdrawn. Believe it or not I really wanted to review this Hell’s Horse Quad but was not able to overcome a misunderstanding which in part I must take some of the credit for. I clearly am not perfect and sometimes my communication skills do fall short. I will try to do better the next time around and hope that Arbiter will contribute in the future.

5. Death Star (drakensis)
This Hell’s Horses entry was the fastest (4/6) of the bunch courtesy of the original 380 Fusion Engine the Banshee on which it is based first used. This massive power plant enables the design to carry an impressive integral 15 Double Heat Sinks (30). However this superior speed and heat dissipation are costly creating a shortage. While 12.5 tons of ferro fibrous produce a 240 armor factor, which while not awful, is shy of full Zombie like protection. Perhaps the biggest impact is on weaponry which only has 20 tons for pod space which is pretty light on a 95 tonner. Granted energy weapons would work wonderfully and this Mech could stay out in the field a long time. If not for established customs this big fellow could get in real close for some deadly physical combat but that would be limited value to the Clans. The Death Star name was not all that bad and thanks for the insight into your home campaigns. I really enjoy hearing about the old adventures as it gets me thinking about the good times of yester year. So while I have you in fifth place here drak I do love the idea of a Banshee IIC and would like to use this as a basis. Your fluff does make a great case for the Clans storing them and many could be mobilized from Caches. Plus there is likely a new supply available especially with so many Banshees being salvaged by the Invaders.

4. Firestorm (Abele)
This modified upward Supernova feels like a retread design of not that long ago. This Hell’s Horses / Nova Cat partnership does work fairly well as the Hell’s Horses would supply the 285 Fusion Engine (3/5) from the Puma Tank and the Nova Cats the base model. This standard chassis is protected by 15 tons of ferro fibrous (284 armor factor) and has 13 integral Double Heat Sinks (26). The net result is 45 tons of pod space available for weaponry and equipment. I really love that twin Gauss/ twin ER PPC combination in Prime and the other configurations are good. The name is solid even though I am having problems keeping track of Hellstorm, Hellfire, Hellfury, and now the Firestorm. Tough luck Abele, I did consider this design for the gold but ultimately it finishes just outside the medal round. Sorry bud.

3. Armageddon (Abele)
This Blood Spirit / Steel Viper effort based on the SLDF Royal Crockett was a near winner. Story wise both Clans working on a design independently then discovering each others’ efforts was cool. However crafting a new EndoSteel chassis might take the longest of any design submitted to develop despite its advantages. This is a better weight saving option and 18 tons of standard armor (288 factor) does provide full protection. Using the 285 Standard Fusion (3/5) from the Star League Puma Tank would help things along. You also included 15 Double Heat Sinks (30) as part of the base design along with a head mounted ER Small Small which is similar to the Dire Wolf. This dropped pod space available to 44 tons which is pretty good and you might have had the best weapon configurations in the contest. The name is solid and reminds me of one of our early custom Mechs used in campaigns of the past. Manufacturing concerns got me to place it here but I would like to do is use some of the configurations especially Prime in the winner if possible. Nice job!

2. Avenger (drakensis)
Coming in second place and being the main rival to a couple of Blood Spirit entries was this Burrock fueled Cloud Cobra entry. Its only appropriate that this design based off the precursor Burrock design of the Executioner be nipping at the Spirits’ heels. Using the common 285 Fusion Engine (3/5) from the Puma this time supplied by Cloud Cobras who would manufacture the design in return for a Tanite world and supplies. The Avenger is solidly named and carries 11 integral Double Heat Sinks (22) along with an EndoSteel internal structure which saves significant weight. Using 18 tons of standard armor (288 factor) gives you max protection and the structure over plating choice saves you more mass resulting in 48.5 tons of pod space. Very impressive and tying the Avenger to the Dire Wolf as a poor man’s version is quite apt even though your constantly monitoring heat or ammo depletion.  So why second? Well it is easy to put right into manufacture like the eventual winner it runs into significant opposition. Far large Clans directly involved have more resources to bring to Bear (quite literally) and in my estimation would win the combat trails. Real close - sorry drakensis, silver medal.

1. Kinslayer (LordGrayson)
Directly basing this design off the Executioner chassis supplied by Ghost Bear and using the 285 fusion engine (3/5) from the old SLDF Puma supplied by Blood Spirit is a great idea. It combines modern Clan technology with a great Star League legacy to create a rock solid design. It is an interesting Clan partnership for sure dating back to the Pentagon Campaign and the liberation of Arcadia. Plus the Kinslayer name aimed at the Burrocks who were the original designers as an insult by their age old enemies is too rich to pass up. Love the team work by Abele and LordGrayson there. With 11 Double Heat Sinks integral this new Zombie has 47 tons of pod space and Configuration B based on the Highlander with Targeting Computer is my favorite. This OmniMech can sure take punishment as 15 tons of ferro fibrous (288 factor) is the max without wasting armor. While the fluff and configurations could use some work LordGrayson got a lot right like “This pod space allows the ‘Mech to used in the same manner as the Dire Wolf, but cheaper and requiring less support to maintain.” I would include connections to the Snow Ravens perhaps facilitating contact and trade while dropping the Hell’s Horses because both designing Clans hate them. So while the fluff needs a bit of reworking this OmniMech is clearly a solid design that can be put into production quickly and ease logistical concern by sharing common parts with its forebearer. Nice job and congratulations on your first win LordGrayson!

Special thanks again to everyone who participated in this one as well as the rest of the Quicksilver Challenges. Could not have done a great job without you all who have provided some fantastic insight and interesting diversity into this project. So this time around we add the Kinslayer and the Banshee IIC to our list of Clan Quicksilver Mechs. Now back to changing things up for the next go round.

Well done Abele!

Edit: and now I'm done wiping egg off my face, even more congratulations to LordGrayson!