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Wow!  Ready for the next one!   Going to have to dig out the old TRO's to get some inspiration!     

*Snaps my finger* Almost Got em!

Okay folks a little different this time around, gonna start with the OmniMech for this contest which will appear in TRO3054 which will hopefully be out in March 2016. Hope you enjoy it and please comment. Up next will be the Caracara final version. Enjoy!!

BLOODWING
Mass: 20 tons
Chassis: Dominator Light-Alpha 20
Power Plant: 140 York XL
Cruising Speed: 75.6 kph
Maximum Speed: 118.8 kph
Jump Jets: None
   Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Compound 6A Ferro Fibrous
Armament: 9 tons of pod space available for weapons and equipment
Manufacturer: OmniMech Y1 Facility
   Primary Factory: York
Communications System: Able-Seven Sensor Suite
Targeting and Tracking System: Multi-Spread 9

OVERVIEW
   Intrigued by the ilKhan and his Quicksilver Program, Khan Lynn McKenna of Clan Snow Raven decided to submit a prototype of her own. Drawing upon the venerable Fire Moth, she directed Raven Scientists to redesign that commonly deployed OmniMech with a smaller, lighter engine and without the MASC systems. Although at least one Scientist asked whether they should consider improving the armor as a priority, Khan McKenna only authorized a slight increase of just one-half ton, demanding the largest possible war-load on an OmniMech massing just twenty tons.
   Following some heated debate designers lead by Master Scientist Jason (Rynchowski) created specifications that impressed Khan McKenna enough to order two prototypes for combat trails. Rather than instruct Ravens engineers to prepare for full scale production the Khan began to shop the concept to other Clans including the Blood Spirits. Intent on immediately countering Burrock’s victory with the Nightcrawler in the first Quicksilver Trail the new Blood Spirit Loremaster Blythe Church accepted. Not only would such a joint project showcase the Clan’s renewed goodwill but it would also utilize their own Light Mech development which would upgrade their front line equipment.
   While the Ravens stood to profit from the venture some wonder aloud if the entire affair is some sort of attempt by Khan McKenna to troll the other Clans by presenting them with a weakly protected but heavily armed chassis that existing Clan Snow Raven OmniMechs can easily defeat in future trials. Others have questioned if their offer was truly sincere or if this design was meant to punish the Spirits whose new openness with Diamond Shark has threatened a traditional Raven market. Whatever the case the Bloodwing as it was designated eventually won the second Quicksilver Trail and has spread quickly to other Clans.

CAPABILITIES
Although many Snow Raven Scientists quietly questioned their Khan's sanity, the Clan's finest minds sat down and outlined a 'Mech that might indeed meet her specs. Since speed is life for a twenty-ton design, the Scientists decided that a walking speed of 75.6 kilometers per hour was the absolute minimum. Together with their Blood Spirit allies the two Clans crafted a new 140 Extra Light Fusion Engine to provide the necessary power. The Endo-Steel II internal structure of the new OmniMech is the Dominator Light-Alpha 20 taken directly from the Fire Moth.
The rest of the components were provided by another Blood Spirit ‘Mech project code named the Crimson Hawk. This includes the Able-Seven Sensor Suite and the Multi-Spread 9 targeting and tracking system. The two and one-half tons of Compound 6A Ferro Fibrous armor plating is half a ton more than the Fire Moth which gives nearly seventy percent of the maximum possible protection on a twenty-ton frame. The final computer simulation showed a capacity for nine tons of pod-mounted weapons and equipment . . . just half-a-ton less than the forty-five-ton Ice Ferret!
The Primary Configuration features a blistering array of energy weapons: a Large Pulse Laser in the right arm is the main gun; hellaciously accurate and possessing excellent range, it is a solid weapon. But in close, the design can also bring six Extended Range Small Lasers to bear. The design carries just the base ten Double Strength Heat Sinks, resulting in marginal overheat production on a running Alpha Strike. Khan McKenna approved the design, however, citing that any Clan Warrior worth her OmniMech should be to deal with the excess overheat production. A sub-variant replaces the Large Pulse Laser with an Extended Range Particle Projection Cannon; although this version generates even greater levels of heat, the added range and damage is considered worth the cost and the loss in accuracy.
Configuration A is outfitted with two ER Large Lasers (right arm and left arm) with an eleventh DHS filling out the pod-space. Designed as a long-range sniper, this variant is well-able to pick targets to death at range, although it too suffers from the generation of excess overheat. An in-fighter supreme, Configuration B is armed with five ER Medium Lasers tied into a one-ton Targeting Computer. Three additional Double Heat Sinks are also mounted, allowing for overheat generation only on a running Alpha Strike. Even Clan Heavy and Assault weight war-machines have to be careful of the Bloodwing A because if it can get in their rear it is quite possible to lose a Trial due to the blistering discharge of the quintuple laser array.
Configuration C is highly mobile with seven torso mounted jump jets allowing it the maximum possible jumping distance of 210 meters. Even with the added heat from this movement this war machine is very cool running although it does suffer from limited onboard ordnance. A trio of LRM-5s fed by a single ton magazine allow for long distance bombardment. However, with only twenty four salvoes available a trigger happy pilot could squander his ammunition in a mere eight rounds. Three Extended Range Small Lasers provide close in offense which is not dependent on munitions should they be needed for battle.
   Configuration D is a short-range missile boat. Two Extended Range Medium Lasers are the long-range weapons, backed up by three Streak SRM-4 launchers fed by a single ton of ammunition (25 missile salvoes) in the right torso. Then there is Configuration E. This version carries an Active Probe, an Electronic Counter Measures Suite, Targeting Acquisition Gear, an Anti-Missile System with a ton of ammunition (24 bursts) stored in the left torso, a Flamer, two Machine Guns fed by a half-ton of ammunition, and two Extended Range Medium Lasers. A Targeting Computer provides additional accuracy. Although capable of serving as a scout or recon element, the Bloodwing E was designed to serve as an infantry hunter for urban combat operations.

DEPLOYMENT
   The Snow Ravens took pride in the fact that their design while scorned by others narrowly defeated the Caracara fielded by their Jade Falcon rivals in the Second Quicksilver Trail. Blood Spirit was equally as pleased with the results and quickly moved to test their new war machine against the Burrock Nightcrawler. While these conflicts have been remarkably even thus far they have produced some intriguing side effects within the Spirits. Old guard supporters within the Clan have often requested even trailed for such assignments seeking glory against their ancient enemies. These hardcore isolationists called Inflexibles by Loremaster Church insist that Diamond Shark will betray them and point to their Nightcrawler dealings with the Burrocks as proof. As rabid traditionalists they have heartily endorsed this Raven product but thanks to the high mortality rate among Bloodwing Mechwarriors many have been killed in action.
   Fire Mandrill has become the second largest user of the Bloodwing thanks to its close relationship with both partners. The Kindraa have utilized it to bolster their numbers following their most recent internal reorganization bought on by Operation Restoration. The Quartering as they call it took its toll on the four remaining Kindraa who have rapidly replaced their losses with this new OmniMech. Likewise the Smoke Jaguars and Nova Cats have purchased a large share from the Ravens in order to rebuild following their invasion losses. The Jaguars have been enthusiastic about the design’s offensive potential especially when pitted against InnerSphere opponents then the Cats who remain far more pragmatic about its use. Appearing in large numbers along the Draconis front this new OmniMech has already made a name for itself responding effectively to raiding parties and would be rebels. Despite selling most of their share the Snow Ravens have ironically found the Bloodwing working its way into their Touman. Not only has the design bolstered their numbers but Khan McKenna has learned to quiet her critics by threatening them with such a “glorious” front line posting.

Type: Bloodwing
Technology Base: Clan Level 2
Tonnage: 20 tons

Equipment                           Mass
Internal Structure:          EndoSteel            1
Engine:            140 XL            2.5
   Walking MP:         7
   Running MP:         11
   Jumping MP:         0               0
Heat Sinks:            10 (20)               0
Gyro:                              2
Cockpit:                           3
Armor Factor:            48               2.5

            Internal Structure      Armor Value
   Head            3            7
   Center Torso           6            5 / 2
   R/L Torso         5            5 / 2
   R/L Arm         3            5
   R/L Leg         4            5

Weight and Space Allocation
Location            Fixed            Spaces Remaining
Head                    1 EndoSteel            0
Center Torso              1 Ferro-Fibrous             1
Right Torso                 1 EndoSteel            6
                 1 Ferro-Fibrous
               Double Heat Sink
Left Torso                 1 EndoSteel            8
                 1 Ferro-Fibrous
             2 Double Heat Sinks
Right Arm                     1 EndoSteel            4
                 1 Ferro-Fibrous
                Double Heat Sink
Left Arm                   1 EndoSteel            4
                 1 Ferro-Fibrous
                Double Heat Sink
Right Leg                 1 EndoSteel            0
                 1 Ferro-Fibrous
Left Leg                 1 EndoSteel            0
                 1 Ferro-Fibrous

Weapons and Ammo:      Location      Criticals   Mass
   Primary Weapons Configuration
Large Pulse Laser         Right Arm       2      6
2 ER Small Lasers         Left Arm      2      1
2 ER Small Lasers         Right Torso      2      1
2 ER Small Lasers         Left Torso      2      1
   Alternate Configuration A
ER Large Laser         Right Arm      1      4
ER Large Laser         Left Arm       1      4
Double Heat Sink         Right Torso      2      1
   Alternate Configuration B
ER Medium Laser         Right Arm      1      1
ER Medium Laser         Left Arm      1      1
ER Medium Laser         Right Torso      1      1
Targeting Computer         Right Torso      1      1
ER Medium Laser         Left Torso      1      1
ER Medium Laser         Center Torso      1      1
2 Double Heat Sink         Right Torso      4      2
Double Heat Sink         Left Torso      2      1
   Alternate Configuration C
LRM-5            Right Arm      1      1
ER Small Laser         Right Arm      1      .5
LRM-5            Left Arm      1      1
ER Small Laser         Leftt Arm      1      .5
LRM-5            Right Torso      1      1
ER Small Laser         Right Torso      1      .5
Ammo (LRM) 24         Left Torso      1      1
3 Jump Jets            Right Torso      3      1.5
3 Jump Jets            Left Torso      3      1.5
Jump Jet            Center Torso      1      .5
   Alternate Configuration D
ER Medium Laser         Right Arm      1      1
ER Medium Laser         Left Arm      1      1
Streak SRM-4            Right Torso      1      2
Streak SRM-4            Left Torso      1      2
Streak SRM-4            Center Torso      1      2
Ammo (Streak SRM) 25      Right Torso      1      1
   Alternate Configuration E
Flamer             Right Arm      1      .5
ER Medium Laser         Right Arm      1      1
TAG               Left Arm      1      1
2 Machine Guns         Left Arm      2      .5
Ammo (Machine Gun) 100      Left Arm      1      .5
Active Probe            Right Torso      1      1
ECM Suite            Left Torso      1      1
Anti-Missile System         Left Torso      1      .5
Ammo (AMS) 24         Left Torso      1      1
Targeting Computer         Left Torso      1      1
ER Medium Laser         Center Torso      1      1

Ok folks, you will notice this entry has been scaled up slightly. Hope you enjoy it!

CARACARA
Mass: 30 tons
Chassis: Duralyte 296
Power Plant: Starfire 180XL
Cruising Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97.2 kph
Jump Jets: PRS-60
   Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: Compound JF Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 4 Type V “Longbow” LRM 5 Launchers
   2 Series 2 Extended Range Medium Lasers
   4 Series 1 Extended Range Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Ironhold Plant 9
   Primary Factory: Ironhold
Communications System: JF Integrated
Targeting and Tracking System: Series JFVIII KITT

OVERVIEW
   Clan Jade Falcon took the opportunity of the Quicksilver Program to do the unthinkable. Despite a long history of the OmniMech being considered the pinnacle of combat platforms, the modularity also made it a valuable training tool permitting the Falcons to design an OmniMech that while battle ready, could spend more time in Falconer Compounds teaching various skills of war without resorting to Star League in Exile leftovers, or risking heavier and more expensive machines. Seeing the potential of such a creation Clan Snow Raven and Diamond Shark both joined the venture. Named the Caracara after a South American bird of prey this new ‘Mech had its configurations tweaked to train new Clan Warriors on how to combat the InnerSphere.
   While successfully making it to the finals of the Second Quicksilver Trail the design was narrowly defeated by the Bloodwing. Soon afterwards the Jade Falcons accused the Snow Ravens of duplicity because of their involvement with both projects. Many pointed to Khan McKenna’s comments that called the Caracara “a bit of a luxury” which ended up in the ilKhan’s official review. With a feud beginning to escalate Diamond Shark decided to cut its losses and invest more resources in the Claybeg. The entire concept could have languished there if not for Star Adder military analysts who were convinced such a dedicated trainer had worth. After all their thirty-ton Zombie entry for the Fourth Quicksilver Trail named the Shadow Asp was also based on the Star League era Falcon.
   The Jade Falcons agreed to a partnership with the Star Adders acknowledging the design similarities. However, significant differences between the Clans, caste members, and their Quicksilver proposals had to be overcome. Both concurred that the heavier chassis was more desirable for increased operational durability. Scientists were disappointed when the Warriors sided with the Technicians on retaining the Falcon’s standard internal structure enabling the refurbishment of existing models. The decision to utilize an Extra Light Engine was ultimately eased thanks to the ready availability of the Starfire 180 XL featured on the Kit Fox. With these major obstacles behind them the newly revised Caracara quickly came together.

CAPABILITIES
   Two key concerns dominated the base chassis; in order to create a combat ready trainer, like the Chameleon and Crockett of old, there was a determination that the armor plating needed to be strong enough to withstand a certain amount of firepower. As one Engineer put it "if the armor is less protective then the skeleton, why have armor at all?" Five and one-half tons of Compound JF Ferro-Fibrous armor plating gave the new war-machine the absolute maximum possible protection on a thirty-ton frame. The second was a prediction of high heat arsenal. Double Heat Sinks were mounted in each leg so that in water rich battle fields heat build up could be mitigated to a degree.
   Based upon the SLDF Falcon, this new Clan BattleMech was equipped with an extra light engine to preserve as much space as possible for weapons and equipment. Although slower than many other Clan light-weight OmniMechs (64.8 kilometers per hour walking; 97.2 kph running), the thirty-ton Caracara like its forerunner features six jump jets allowing for jumps of up to one hundred and eighty meters without difficulty. In order to save time and resources, the chassis and jump-jets, suitably refurbished, came directly from the mothballed Falcons. Many other “modern” components such as the electronics can be found on new OmniMechs like the Fire Falcon and Black Lanner.
   While not quite an OmniMech its semi-modularity demands that everyone learns systems inside and out. After all the Caracara was engineered as a teaching tool from top to bottom not only for potential Mechwarriors but for Scientists and Technicians as well. The base arsenal is designed with multi threat tactics in mind, and to be able to use the infamous "Roschak manuver" to it's fullest extent, spiraling the Caracara ever closer and exposing it's foe to an ever increasing amount of firepower. Trainees must carefully monitor the heat generated from their four Type V “Longbow” LRM 5 Launchers, two Series 2 Extended Range Medium Lasers, and four Series 1 Extended Range Small Lasers. Failure to do so could result in overheating and eventual shutdown.

DEPLOYMENT
   All Clans deploy training units however only the Jade Falcons (Eyrie Clusters), and Steel Viper (Newt Clusters), attach them so prominently to front line formations. Despite the failure of the Caracara to earn coveted OmniMech status this second line machine has appeared with these top cadet Clusters. Currently the Falcons are the only Clan to manufacture new BattleMechs at a secondary facility on Ironhold. Together with refurbished models the Clan has been able to rapidly field a large amount of new Eyrie Clusters leading some to suspect hidden sibkos on the Falcon homeworld.
   The other Clans consider these unblooded contingents third line forces at best and will not field them in battle. Until they earn the right to combat following their initial Trail of Position these sibkin are not worthy of such glory. Hence the Star Adders dubbed the Caracara a SibMech, a term which has rapidly spread throughout the Clans and has gone on to describe dedicated training machines. The Caracara has been joined by the Claybeg, the Bear Cub, and the Wolfhound IIC in this role as the Grasshopper IIC serves as the instructor role.
   The Adders had more than one hundred Falcons stored in secure underground caches that they have quickly rebuilt as Caracara. The Clan appears to be using the ‘Mech as an InnerSphere opponent with their Kappa Galaxy units. Rumors of a Cluster named the Shadow Asps in honor of their original Falcon redesign have also been reported but its existence can not be confirmed. Star Adder involvement bought their Cloud Cobra and Burrock allies into the Caracara project. Both Clans have begun to field units with their second line units although the Cobras seem to be using the BattleMech to teach parajump tactics as well.

VARIANTS
   Ever ones to capitalize on their successes the Falcons and the Adders have released a lower tech version of the Caracara which utilizes the venerable GM 180 Fusion Engine. Such standard model power plants could also be found on the Wyvern IIC or the Ku Wheeled Assault Tank making their use easy. While this model losses three and a half tons of armament it is considerably cheaper and still carries more available weaponry than the original twenty-ton Caracara. Armed with an Extended Range Large Laser, an Extended Range Medium Laser, and two Extended Range Small Lasers this refit has garnered attention from many Clans including Goliath Scorpion and Smoke Jaguar.

Type: Caracara
Technology Base: Clan Level 2
Tonnage: 30 tons

Equipment                           Mass
Internal Structure:                         3
Engine:            180 XL            3.5
   Walking MP:         6
   Running MP:         9
   Jumping MP:         6               3
Heat Sinks:            10 (20)               0
Gyro:                              2
Cockpit:                           3
Armor Factor:            105               5.5

            Internal Structure      Armor Value
   Head            3            9
   Center Torso           10            15 / 5
   R/L Torso         7            10 / 4
   R/L Arm         5            10
   R/L Leg         7            14

Weapons and Ammo:      Location      Critical   Mass
LRM 5               Right Arm      1      1
LRM 5               Right Arm      1      1
LRM 5               Left Arm      1      1
LRM 5               Left Arm      1      1
Ammo (LRM) 48         Right Torso      2      2
ER Medium Laser         Right Torso      1      1
ER Small Laser         Right Torso      1      .5
ER Small Laser         Right Torso      1      .5
ER Medium Laser         Left Torso      1      1
ER Small Laser         Left Torso      1      .5
ER Small Laser         Left Torso      1      .5

Paragraph breaks are inconsistent and I spotted one use of "trailed" instead of "trialed". Otherwise looks good.

I have seen this mistake a few time. Takiro also writes trail/trails instead of trial/trials 

But who am I to correct anyone?   

And I do their/there/they're myself