OBT Forum
General BattleTech => General Discussion => MechFactory => Topic started by: Takiro on April 08, 2018, 11:10:35 PM
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Getting back on track with a classic from Technical Readout 3050 is one of my personal favorites, the Stormcrow or as the InnerSphere calls it, the Ryoken. Perhaps the most popular Clan Medium OmniMech it was originally designed by Clan Hell’s Horses prior to their loss of Tokasha to Clan Ghost Bear. In the chaos that followed this climatic battle copies of the early design were spread throughout the Kerensky Cluster until Clan Snow Raven scientists perfected it in 2930. After a hundred and twenty years in production six Clans (Coyote at Tamaron, Ice Hellion at Hector, Smoke Jaguar at Huntress, Snow Raven at Lum, and Star Adder at Sheridan) manufactured the Stormcrow but all seventeen used it.
According to Operation Revival: Placement Trials (RATs) the Clans who had the most Stormcrow’s making up more than half of their medium forces were Smoke Jaguar (58%) and Coyote (50%). Clans who have a third of their medium forces made up of the Stormcrow were Hell’s Horses (33%), Ice Hellion (31%), and Jade Falcon (31%). A quarter of Fire Mandrill (25%) medium forces as well as a fourth of Star Adder (22%), Blood Spirit (22%), Burrock (22%), and Cloud Cobra (19%) are Ryokens. Under that are Goliath Scorpion (17%), Diamond Shark (14%), Ghost Bear (14%), Nova Cat (14%), Snow Raven (14%), and Wolf (14%). The Clan with the fewest Stormcrows in service appears to be Steel Viper (11%) who perhaps because of their antipathy with the Ravens have discarded this OmniMech somewhat.
The Quicksilver Program saw the Snow Ravens win control of the primary production rights which would likely lead to an increase in their share while Steel Viper embraces the Stooping Hawk. Ice Hellion discontinued its secondary production line signaling their shift towards the Black Lanner. Despite competition from the new Black Lanner and the venerable Stooping Hawk this prolific Clan OmniMech will likely continue to dominate the 55-ton and medium weight class until the end of the Truce in 3067. So, any Clan could be involved with the upgrading of this widely available war machine.
Please discuss what you like about the existing configurations (would you keep them as is Quicksilver fluff will give you half a point now) and introduce your alternatives. Please explain why yours is best, what role it plays with your modifications, etc. Remember I love fluff. Again, you are not allowed to alter the base design itself but the configurations are opened game. Clan Level 2 is the tech level for this contest just after Tukayyid so no ATMs, AP Gauss, Heavy Lasers, or Light Active Probes! Teamwork is also very welcomed so if you have an idea it is acceptable to collaborate. Since multiple configurations can win whoever gets the most wins, wins! Bonus point to the new Quicksilver fluff!
Criteria
Design: Stormcrow (Ryoken) Medium OmniMech
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: Clan Level 2
Mass: 55 tons
Internal Structure: EndoSteel (3 ton)
Engine: 330 XL (12.5 tons)
Movement: 6/9/0
Heat Sinks: 10 (20)
Gyro: (4 tons)
Cockpit: (3 tons)
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous (9.5 tons – 182 armor factor)
Armament: 23 tons available for pod space
Please have your entries in by Friday April 13th, 2018 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, good luck!!
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Stormcrow
Mass: 55 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped Omnimech
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 13,363,906 C-Bills
Battle Value: 843
Chassis: Model MHO-7E Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 330 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97.2 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Compound H17/2 Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
23.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Various
Primary Factory: Various
Communications System: GBX Series Integrated
Targeting and Tracking System: Tokasha B4-T&T
Overview:
While Clan Snow Raven make relatively limited use of the Stormcrow, it plays a part in their history since they finalised the chassis in the aftermath of the omnimech's part in the conflicts between the Ghost Bears and Hells Horses. And as their detractors point out, the Ravens make limited use of any 'Mechs, but they do build the Stormcrow and have provided it to their allies for decades. As such, in a rare move for the dominant naval Clan, their scientists took the lead in revisiting the Stormcrow's configurations.
Capabilities:
The Primary configuration of the Stormcrow had been built around five extended range lasers, along with a huge number of heatsinks - enough to maintain combat effectiveness even with major reactor shielding damage. This was felt to be excessive so the Ravens removed two heatsinks and one of the medium lasers and replaced them with jump-jets, giving the 'Mech even more agility.
In contrast, the A configuration with its short-ranged pulse lasers and Streak SRMs had to bracket fire with its LRM launcher, straining the design's ability to handle its heat. The Ravens removed one of the medium lasers and added an additional heatsink. In addition, the targeting system for the LRMs was upgraded with Artemis IV fire control. The design remains balanced for close range engagements but has more punch as it closes and can alphastrike without endangering reactor stability.
The Stormcrow B was a brutal infighter but even more under-sinked than the A configuration. Rather than adding more heatsinks, the Ravens switched the Ultra autocannon to an LB 20-X and doubled the ammunition supply, providing much more battlefield endurance. Four of the medium lasers are replaced with small lasers, maintaining most of the point blank firepower for much less heat. The reduced medium range firepower is considered to be offset by the freedom to make more use of the autocannon, which is also more useful against ground vehicles and helicopters than the previous autocannon.
Mixing lasers and an autocannon, the Stormcrow C was considered less necessary given changes to the B configuration so the Ravens use this designation for a payload that mixes the role of sniper with heavy scout - something that's worked well for a skirmishing role. The twin extended range PPCs tied into a targeting computer aren't notably superior than some lighter designs but the Stormcrow has the protection to risk this under heavier fire than such 'Mechs. ECM and an Active Probe suit it to the scout role.
The traditional fire support configuration, the Stormcrow D, was modified by removing the secondary weapons and NARC launcher and replacing them with two medium lasers and artemis targeting. In addition jumpjets allow the Stormcrow to operate in dense terrain as Clan LRMs can be used even in close quarters - something that could be a deadly surprise for Inner Sphere mechwarriors who expect to be under the arc of fire for the missiles.
The Stormcrow E is intended as a balanced combatant with long-range fire from the gauss rifle to soften a target up before closing in to use the battery of Streak SRMs. A single medium lasers rounds out the design. The low overall heat of the design can be useful in some environments and several Snow Raven mechwarriors have used careful bidding to secure trials in arctic conditions, establishing this configuration as a duellist.
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Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 91 points 3.00
Internal Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 330 12.50
Walking MP: 6
Running MP: 9
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 182 9.50
Armor Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 25
Center Torso (rear) 10
L/R Torso 13 17
L/R Torso (rear) 9
L/R Arm 9 18
L/R Leg 13 25
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Loadout Name: Primary Cost: 15,332,406
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2,210
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Jumping MP: 6 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT 3.00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 20(40) 10.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT, 4 LA, 4 RA
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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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
Free Critical Slots: 3
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 22
6j 4 4 2 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
================================================================================
Loadout Name: A Cost: 15,185,738
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2,218
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 11(22) 1.00
CASE Locations: LT, RT, RA 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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Streak SRM-6 RT 4 2 3.00
Streak SRM-6 LT 4 2 3.00
LRM-20 RA 6 4 5.00
Artemis IV FCS RA - 1 1.00
3 Medium Pulse Lasers LA 12 3 6.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15) RT - 1 1.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15) LT - 1 1.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (12) RA - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 11
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 22
6 6 6 2 0 2 1 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 2
================================================================================
Loadout Name: B Cost: 15,069,197
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 1,888
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 13(26) 3.00
CASE Locations: LT 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA+LA+H
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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2 ER Medium Lasers RA 10 2 2.00
4 ER Small Lasers RA 8 4 2.00
LB 20-X AC LA 6 9 12.00
@LB 20-X (Cluster) (10) LT - 2 2.00
@LB 20-X (Slug) (10) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 6
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 19
6 5 5 0 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/0
================================================================================
Loadout Name: C Cost: 15,429,281
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2,483
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 16(32) 6.00
Heat Sink Locations: 3 LA, 3 RA
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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Targeting Computer RT - 3 3.00
Active Probe LT 0 1 1.00
ECM Suite LT 0 1 1.00
ER PPC RA 15 2 6.00
ER PPC LA 15 2 6.00
Free Critical Slots: 12
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 25
6 4 4 4 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, ECM, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
================================================================================
Loadout Name: D Cost: 16,018,863
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2,577
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Jumping MP: 6 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT 3.00
CASE Locations: LA, RA 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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ER Medium Laser RT 5 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser LT 5 1 1.00
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 (Artemis) (18) RA - 3 3.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (18) LA - 3 3.00
Free Critical Slots: 5
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 26
6j 4 4 3 0 2 1 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 3
================================================================================
Loadout Name: E Cost: 14,830,884
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 1,990
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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CASE Locations: LA, RA 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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ER Medium Laser HD 5 1 1.00
Gauss Rifle RA 1 6 12.00
3 Streak SRM-4s LA 9 3 6.00
@Gauss Rifle (16) RT - 2 2.00
@Streak SRM-4 (50) LA - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 17
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 20
6 5 5 2 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
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Very nice drak, you must have been waiting with this one in the chamber. ;)
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Day 2 of our little contest here and I wanted to post a link to the Mech of the Week Article on the main board for a little inspiration, if so needed. ;)
https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,45387.0.html
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Ooh the Stormy, I'll look into this and see what I can do :D
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Glad to hear it marauder648, the Stormcrow is a really good canon design and we will need some quality upgrades to take it up a level. ;)
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Well folks we are fast approaching the end here, get those entries in!
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2 hours remaining!
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Well the deadline has come and gone but there is only one entrant. :'( With his permission I could extend the deadline for marauder648 who said he was developing something for the contest. I'd love to see Abele as well join in that is if he wants. What do you say drak?
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Well the deadline has come and gone but there is only one entrant. :'(
I might enter your contests in the future, depending on the 'Mech you put forward.
And if you need another one for the Stormcrow, I can give it a try (obviously if you extend the deadline ;)).
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The more the merrier I say Ice, just let me get clearance from drak. He did make the deadline and I don't want to punish him for being on time. ;)
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The more the merrier I say Ice, just let me get clearance from drak. He did make the deadline and I don't want to punish him for being on time. ;)
Perfectly normal.
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Aye sorry i've not put in anything, been manic at work and had to do that socializing thing too! I'll try bang something out today!
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I'm okay with extending the deadline. Let's see what people have!
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The Stormcrow is widely regarded as one of the true success stories of the initial generations of OmniMech production, fast, reliable and flexible it is a very popular Mech and was a terror for Inner Sphere forces who were rarely able to counter a Medium Mech that could outrun most Inner Sphere Mech’s in its weight class whilst also packing firepower that could rival some assault weight machines.
As part of the Quicksilver program there was genuine calls to ‘leave well enough alone’ but reports from the field and BattleROM’s did reveal some shortcomings or suggestions that were taken onboard as part of the Quicksilver refits. Mostly done at the behest of Clan Smoke Jaguar who, of all the Invading Clans made the widest use of the Stormcrow and who were frantically trying to rebuild their shattered Tourman following Tukkayid were trading and trialling for any Mech’s they could get their hands on.
This weakness was leapt on by Clan Diamond Shark who had also suffered severe losses amongst their small Tourman on Tukkayid and also needed to rebuild. They offered to help the Jaguars open a new production line on Huntress purely for the Stormcrow, but as payment they would expect 25% of the production. Without the military strength to do what they normally did to get what they wanted, IE bully another Clan, the Jaguars had to accept.
Variants
Prime - Already exceptionally effective and a fearsome combatant the Scientists simply removed the extra heatsink and replaced it with another ER Medium laser. This increased firepower and heat but gave the Mech an increased punch whilst also being exceptionally easy to complete, costing next to nothing in terms of resources.
Ryoken (Stormcrow) Prime
Clan TW
55 tons
BV: 2,235
Cost: 14,914,488 C-bills
Movement: 6/9
Engine: 330 XL
Heat Sinks: 21 [42]
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 91 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 182/185 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
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Center Torso 18 25
Center Torso (rear) 10
Right Torso 13 17
Right Torso (rear) 9
Left Torso 13 17
Left Torso (rear) 9
Right Arm 9 18
Left Arm 9 18
Right Leg 13 25
Left Leg 13 25
Weapon Loc Heat
----------------------------------------
ER Large Laser LA 12
ER Medium Laser LA 5
ER Large Laser RA 12
ER Medium Laser RA 5
ER Medium Laser HD 5
ER Medium Laser LA 5
!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad
A – Although this refit decreased firepower slightly it improved efficiency. Sacrificing a single Medium pulse laser the A gained Artemis IV for its LRM-20 as well as an extra heat sink. The removal of the laser and the additional cooling helped combat the A’s biggest flaw, that it could start overheating, but now it only generated heat if it moved whilst retaining its long and short ranged punch.
Ryoken (Stormcrow) A
Clan TW
55 tons
BV: 2,218
Cost: 15,220,613 C-bills
Movement: 6/9
Engine: 330 XL
Heat Sinks: 11 [22]
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 91 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 182/185 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
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Center Torso 18 25
Center Torso (rear) 10
Right Torso 13 17
Right Torso (rear) 9
Left Torso 13 17
Left Torso (rear) 9
Right Arm 9 18
Left Arm 9 18
Right Leg 13 25
Left Leg 13 25
Weapon Loc Heat
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Medium Pulse Laser LA 4
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4
LRM 20 RA 6
Streak SRM 6 LT 4
Streak SRM 6 RT 4
Ammo Loc Shots
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LRM 20 Ammo RA 6
LRM 20 Ammo RA 6
Streak SRM 6 Ammo LT 15
Streak SRM 6 Ammo RT 15
Equipment Loc
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Artemis IV FCS RA
!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad
B – A brutal infighter the Bravo was also a fearsome heathog that could rarely employ its full arsenal without overheating. In truth the Quicksilver B does not address the cooling issues but instead worked to make it even more fearsome at close quarter engagements. All six ER Medium lasers were removed and replaced by a pair of Medium pulse lasers as well as a fearsome battery of six ER Small lasers. This laser battery could cause a surprising amount of damage at close quarters whilst still having a decent range compared to Inner Sphere weapons. They were also very good at destroying Battle Armour, a growing threat as the Spheroids produced more of them.
Ryoken (Stormcrow) B
Clan TW
55 tons
BV: 2,014
Cost: 14,771,791 C-bills
Movement: 6/9
Engine: 330 XL
Heat Sinks: 12 [24]
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 91 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 182/185 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
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Center Torso 18 25
Center Torso (rear) 10
Right Torso 13 17
Right Torso (rear) 9
Left Torso 13 17
Left Torso (rear) 9
Right Arm 9 18
Left Arm 9 18
Right Leg 13 25
Left Leg 13 25
Weapon Loc Heat
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Ultra AC/20 LA 7
Medium Pulse Laser LT 4
Medium Pulse Laser RT 4
ER Small Laser RA 2
ER Small Laser RA 2
ER Small Laser RA 2
ER Small Laser RA 2
ER Small Laser RA 2
ER Small Laser RA 2
Ammo Loc Shots
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Ultra AC/20 Ammo LT 5
Ultra AC/20 Ammo LT 5
!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad
C - Working well as a tank hunter the C config was altered to also hunt for and engage infantry forces whilst also acting as a heavy scout. To do this, the medium pulse lasers were removed and the electronics suite was expanded. An ECM was installed as was an Active Probe. The remaining tonnage was taken up by an ER Medium laser and a pair of machine guns to give the Mech an anti-infantry punch. The LB-10 and large pulse laser were naturally retained.
Ryoken (Stormcrow) C
Clan TW
55 tons
BV: 1,820
Cost: 15,542,916 C-bills
Movement: 6/9
Engine: 330 XL
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 91 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 182/185 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
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Center Torso 18 25
Center Torso (rear) 10
Right Torso 13 17
Right Torso (rear) 9
Left Torso 13 17
Left Torso (rear) 9
Right Arm 9 18
Left Arm 9 18
Right Leg 13 25
Left Leg 13 25
Weapon Loc Heat
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LB 10-X AC LA 2
Large Pulse Laser RA 10
ER Medium Laser LT 5
Machine Gun RT 0
Machine Gun RT 0
Ammo Loc Shots
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LB 10-X Cluster Ammo LA 10
LB 10-X AC Ammo LA 10
LB 10-X Cluster Ammo LA 10
Half Machine Gun Ammo RT 100
Equipment Loc
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ECM Suite HD
Active Probe RA
!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad
D - The Delta saw the greatest changes as it was felt that the combination of NARC launcher and LRMs was simply inefficient. If a Warrior did the right thing and stayed at long range then the NARC launcher was rarely if ever used and the defensive armament of paired Streak-2's had far too much ammunition on board. The simple option was to replace the NARC and its ammo with Artemis IV fire control for the LRMs to increase the number of hits without having to get dangerously close. The deep 3-ton ammunition bins were retained for the LRMs whilst the Streak launchers and their ammo were completely removed. Instead an ER Large laser was fitted to allow the Mech to keep the range open and have an energy weapon that meshed well with the LRM's. An extra ton of heatsinks was installed but firing all three weapons together did cause a notable heat spike, but one that was not dilibating.
Ryoken (Stormcrow) D
Clan TW
55 tons
BV: 2,250
Cost: 15,844,488 C-bills
Movement: 6/9
Engine: 330 XL
Heat Sinks: 11 [22]
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 91 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 182/185 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso 18 25
Center Torso (rear) 10
Right Torso 13 17
Right Torso (rear) 9
Left Torso 13 17
Left Torso (rear) 9
Right Arm 9 18
Left Arm 9 18
Right Leg 13 25
Left Leg 13 25
Weapon Loc Heat
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LRM 20 LA 6
LRM 20 RA 6
ER Large Laser RT 12
Ammo Loc Shots
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LRM 20 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo RA 6
LRM 20 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo RA 6
LRM 20 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo RA 6
LRM 20 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo LA 6
LRM 20 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo LA 6
LRM 20 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo LA 6
Equipment Loc
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Artemis IV FCS LA
Artemis IV FCS RA
!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad
E - A Smoke Jaguar design that would act as a 'pocket-heavy' for the Clan until they could rebuild their damaged Tourman the E was built to hammer hostile Mechs at long and medium range. A gauss rifle, fed by a generous 3-ton ammo hopper was paired with an ER PPC. The oversized (for Clan Mechs) ammunition bin was a direct lesson from Tukkayid where many Clan Clusters suffered a collapse of their Logistics and ran out of ammunition. For mid to short range engagements the E can also bring a pair of ER Medium lasers to bare. Whilst a full alpha strike will produce a vicious heat spike, the firepower it can bring to bare is able to smash through all but the toughest Mechs.
Ryoken (Stormcrow) E
Clan TW
55 tons
BV: 2,445
Cost: 14,952,656 C-bills
Movement: 6/9
Engine: 330 XL
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Gyro: Standard Gyro
Internal: 91 (Endo-Steel)
Armor: 182/185 (Ferro-Fibrous)
Internal Armor
--------------------------------------
Center Torso 18 25
Center Torso (rear) 10
Right Torso 13 17
Right Torso (rear) 9
Left Torso 13 17
Left Torso (rear) 9
Right Arm 9 18
Left Arm 9 18
Right Leg 13 25
Left Leg 13 25
Weapon Loc Heat
----------------------------------------
Gauss Rifle RA 1
ER PPC LA 15
ER Medium Laser LA 5
ER Medium Laser RA 5
Ammo Loc Shots
----------------------------------------
Gauss Ammo RA 8
Gauss Ammo RA 8
Gauss Ammo RA 8
!MechView.CarringCapacity!One battle armor squad
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Great! Hate to see the Stormcrow get short changed.
How is another week suit u guys? All entries will be due Friday April 21st by midnight Eastern standard time.
Good stuff marauder, gonna add more?
Good luck Ice and everyone else who wants to take part!
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Nah i'm good :D
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Ok bud, How about something from Ice or Abele?
How is Abele? Haven't seen him in a while.
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I'm fine, I've just given design contests a pass as of late. Mainly due to a lack of motivation and a dearth of creative juices with regard to fluff writing. I believe I mentioned this in the Crimson Langur thread.
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You did bud, just wanted to see how u were doing. Hope you get ur muse back soon!
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Any other thoughts on the Stormcrow guys? This is one of my favorites that the Clans employ.
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Ok bud, How about something from Ice or Abele?
I am in. I just need to look at it and I just finished working on your other contest. ;)
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I saw, very nice bud. Can't wait to see what u can come up with here.
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Overview
Following the loss of their right to acquire some BattleMechs and the recent development in the Clans, Clan Smoke Jaguar felt it needed to react and did so the only way it knew: by showing no weakness and displaying its might.
However, they were neither Clan Ice Hellion or Clan Jade Falcon and after some thinking, decided to focus on their strengths and improve their existing forces before launching perhaps new OmniMechs or other weapons programs.
One of the first ‘Mech that was dealt with was the Stormcrow that was at the same time the stone upon which Clan Smoke Jaguar lighter forces were built and a shame as they had just lost access (on a temporary basis for them) to its production rights.
Capabilities
Speed and harsh power being the key to success for their new program, the Scientists in charge of this upgrade decided to review the existing Configurations and to make them better.
Interested in the range, firepower and endurance of the original Configuration Prime, the weight “lost†by the use of 22 Double Heat Sinks was not lost to the Smoke Jaguars. Replacing the ER Large Lasers by ER PPC for more raw firepower and deciding that the best approach would be to use whatever was best at any given range, the Scientist team went for 5 ER Medium Lasers spread all along the ‘Mech to prevent any lucky shot and only used 16 Double Heat Sinks, preventing Alpha Strike but greatly improving the damage potential at all ranges.
Configuration A was also redesigned as the LRM was deemed out of place on a close combat configuration and thus dropped. In exchange, the mobility was improved through the addition of 6 Jump Jets and the Heat Management was also dealt with with 2 more Heat Sinks, turning this knife fighter into a sharper one able to deal with most opponents thanks to its 4 Medium Pulse Lasers and 2 Streak SRM-6.
Configuration B didn’t take inspiration in any former Stormcrow as it was intended to become a flexible unit able to deal with all situations. A Gauss Rifle in the Right Arm with 3 tons of ammo is backed up at long range by twin LRM-5 in the torsos and two ER Medium Lasers in the Left Arm for those getting too close.
Configuration C is a rework of the original D. While providing the same number of missiles at long range with 4 LRM-10, the endurance and efficiency of the missile launchers were improved with 4 tons of Artemis-IV warheads, this system seeming more efficient that a Narc Missile Beacon one that make it mandatory to get at closer ranges of the enemy. To give it back-up if the missiles launchers were to run out of ammo, an ER Medium Laser and two Small Pulse ones were added as well as enough Jump Jets for jumps up to 120 meters, allowing the Stormcrow C to find the best firing positions.
Configuration D was another mixed Configuration which aimed at precise firing on the battlefield. Two Large Pulse Lasers provide precise fire at long range with 4 Streak SRM-4 to exploit the holes made by the energy weapons while closing in.
Configuration E is at the same time an upgrade of the original Configuration C and of the Corvis. By dropping Heat Sinks and 3 ER Medium Lasers, the Smoke Jaguars managed to make the Stormcrow able to jump 120 meters and to put a Targeting Computer to make the most of the heavy firepower available with one UAC/20 and 3 ER Medium Lasers. In spite of the 3 tons of ammo, the Warriors need to manage carefully the firing sequence as without careful management, the heat burden might be overtaxing for the 10 Double Heat Sinks.
Battle History
The Stormcrows were at the forefront of most battles fought by the lighter units of Clan Smoke Jaguar during Operation Revival.
One example was on the world of Asgard where these ‘Mechs were among the first to reach Vernand and fought against the 3rd Benjamin Regulars delaying forces. The mix of speed and firepower that is the main characteristic of the Stormcrow prevented the Kuritans to use their hit and run attacks with their Heavy and Assault ‘Mechs as this rearguard unit was split into small pieces that had to fight for their lives.
One of these fights happened between a Hatamoto-Hi and a Stormcrow Prime. In the open fields where the duel was fought, the extra range of the ER PPC and the better mobility of the Clan design were too much for the Kuritan ‘MechWarrior.
Deployment
Thanks to the modular nature of the OmniMechs, the different ‘MechWarriors within Clan Smoke Jaguar are given access to the new Configurations with some being more eager than others to use them.
Notable ‘MechWarriors
Star Colonel Thilla Showers was one of the early adopters of the new Stormcrow Configurations and kept using it during his participation in Operation Revival and most notably on Schwarz where he lead the combat drop in his Stormcrow A.
Stormcrow
Mass: 55 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped Omnimech
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 13 363 906 C-Bills
Battle Value: 843
Chassis: Model MHO-7E Endo Steel Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 330 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 64,8 km/h
Maximum Speed: 97,2 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Compound H17/2 Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
23.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Tokasha MechWorks Gamma
Primary Factory: Tokasha
Communications System: GBX Series Integrated
Targeting and Tracking System: Tokasha B4-T&T
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Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 91 points 3,00
Internal Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 330 12,50
Walking MP: 6
Running MP: 9
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Gyro: Standard 4,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 182 9,50
Armor Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 25
Center Torso (rear) 10
L/R Torso 13 17
L/R Torso (rear) 9
L/R Arm 9 18
L/R Leg 13 25
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Loadout Name: Prime Cost: 15 371 156
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2 646
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 16(32) 6,00
Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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ER Medium Laser HD 5 1 1,00
ER Medium Laser RT 5 1 1,00
ER Medium Laser LT 5 1 1,00
ER PPC RA 15 2 6,00
ER Medium Laser RA 5 1 1,00
ER PPC LA 15 2 6,00
ER Medium Laser LA 5 1 1,00
Free Critical Slots: 12
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 26
6 4 4 2 0 2 3 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
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Loadout Name: A Cost: 15 243 863
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2 178
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Jumping MP: 6 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 3 LT, 3 RT 3,00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 15(30) 5,00
Heat Sink Locations: 3 LA, 2 RA
CASE Locations: LT 0,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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Streak SRM-6 RT 4 2 3,00
Streak SRM-6 LT 4 2 3,00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers RA 8 2 4,00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers LA 8 2 4,00
@Streak SRM-6 (15) LT - 1 1,00
Free Critical Slots: 4
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 22
6j 5 5 0 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
================================================================================
Loadout Name: B Cost: 14 637 134
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2 203
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASE Locations: LT, RA 0,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
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Targeting Computer RT - 3 3,00
2 LRM-5s LT 4 2 2,00
Gauss Rifle RA 1 6 12,00
2 ER Medium Lasers LA 10 2 2,00
@Gauss Rifle (24) RT - 3 3,00
@LRM-5 (24) LT - 1 1,00
Free Critical Slots: 14
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 22
6 4 4 3 0 2 0 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
================================================================================
Loadout Name: C Cost: 15 676 313
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2 130
Equipment Type Rating Mass
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Jumping MP: 4 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 2,00
CASE Locations: LT, RT 0,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Medium Laser HD 5 1 1,00
LRM-10 RT 4 1 2,50
Artemis IV FCS RT - 1 1,00
LRM-10 LT 4 1 2,50
Artemis IV FCS LT - 1 1,00
LRM-10 RA 4 1 2,50
Artemis IV FCS RA - 1 1,00
Small Pulse Laser RA 2 1 1,00
LRM-10 LA 4 1 2,50
Artemis IV FCS LA - 1 1,00
Small Pulse Laser LA 2 1 1,00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) RT - 2 2,00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) LT - 2 2,00
Free Critical Slots: 12
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 21
6/3j 4 4 3 0 2 1 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 3
================================================================================
Loadout Name: D Cost: 14 972 613
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2 142
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 11(22) 1,00
CASE Locations: LT, RT 0,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Streak SRM-4s RT 6 2 4,00
2 Streak SRM-4s LT 6 2 4,00
Large Pulse Laser RA 10 2 6,00
Large Pulse Laser LA 10 2 6,00
@Streak SRM-4 (25) RT - 1 1,00
@Streak SRM-4 (25) LT - 1 1,00
Free Critical Slots: 17
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 21
6 4 4 2 0 2 2 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
================================================================================
Loadout Name: E Cost: 15 268 759
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A BV2: 2 410
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumping MP: 4 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 2,00
CASE Locations: RT 0,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Medium Laser RT 5 1 1,00
Targeting Computer LT - 3 3,00
Ultra AC/20 RA 7 8 12,00
2 ER Medium Lasers LA 10 2 2,00
@Ultra AC/20 (15) RT - 3 3,00
Free Critical Slots: 10
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 24
6/3j 4 4 0 0 2 2 Structure: 3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
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Very nice Ice!
Anyone else want to jump in the pool??
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Last day for entries folks, get them in if you got them!
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Six and a half hours left!!
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Ok folks that is it. I will start evaluating your entries and hopefully have a review for u tomorrow.
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Well it took two weeks but here we are with another completed design contest in this massive effort. I am looking forward to putting all these fantastic concepts together into one big fanbook. To the Stormcrow fluff first off I felt that drakensis who took the Snow Raven point of view for the design was spot on and I awarded him the bonus point for fluff. Both marauder648 and Ice Hellion went with the Smoke Jaguars who would no doubt have had an interest but I wonder how many Stormcrows they have left after the invasion.
Primary Configuration was a pretty solid canon design featuring two ER Large Lasers and three ER Mediums along with a dozen Double Heat Sinks. I wanted to keep this feel and two of our three competitors did their level best to update the Prime. Don’t worry Ice we will see your ER PPC entry a little later on as a basis for another design. The mobile attempt from drak was interesting for certain but I liked marauder648’s which added one more ER Medium while dropping a Double Heat Sink. This causes a little overheat but it is not too bad especially when the original canon version was slightly overcooled. Point to marauder648!
The mixed generalist A configuration with an LRM-20, two Streak SRM-6s, and four Medium Pulses was pretty solid but along came drakenis and maruader648. Again, Ice I haven’t forgotten about you superb entry just look for it later on. Both proposed a simple change to the base which removed a Medium Pulse and added a Double Heat Sink with an Artemis IV FCS for the LRM. Very nice and I approve of this but I have to chose a winner so basing that on fluff and original submission time the tie goes to drak. Point to drakensis!
My favorite canon version of the Stormcrow is definitely B with its massive Ultra AC/20 complemented by six ER Mediums. This close-range brutalizer definitely has overheating issues for an Alpha Strike (46 heat compared to 20 cool) but it can just do so much damage (82 potentially) that is attractive to almost any Clan warrior. Kind of hard to overcome but possible. Both drak and Ice Hellion changed out the Ultra AC for their B so we will see them both later on. However, in Ice Hellion’s E proposal he has a mobile Ultra AC/20 platform with a Targeting Computer and 3 ER Mediums I will discuss here. Not too shabby attempt at streamlining B but I don’t love the jump jets here especially when two Double Heat Sinks could have mitigated overheating almost completely. Another proposal made by marauder648 swapped the ER Mediums for ER Smalls and added two Medium Pulse Lasers. This is a nice attempt but I have learned to be wary of shorter range weapons like the Medium Pulse and ER Small over the ER Medium. It puts a lot of stress on the Ultra AC/20 with only ten rounds of ammo to be the longest-range weapon along with the Medium Pulses in this case. But I am going to award the point to canon B as a fearsome mid to short range devastator as is. Point canon!
A combination I have learned to love especially against aircraft is the Large Pulse Laser teamed with a LB 10-X Autocannon which is the basis for canon C. Supplemented by two Medium Pulse Lasers it is a very solid variant for the Stormcrow to field. Only marauder648 took direct aim at it with his C which drops the Pulses for an ER Medium, twin Machine Guns, and some advanced electronics. With both an ECM and Active Probe this thing becomes a conventional vehicle hunter-killer while retaining its anti-aircraft capabilities even though its secondary firepower is somewhat reduced. I like it, point number two for marauder648!!
For D we have our LRM fire support variants come out to play and I have to rip canon for its Narc Missile Beacon. I suppose it is not horrible given its improvement over the InnerSphere model but won’t an Artemis IV FCS variant be more effective? Everyone of the contestants thought so too so I can’t be too wrong in that assumption. Ice Hellion C was the biggest departure using four LRM-10s with Artemis IVs supplemented by an ER Medium and two Small Pulses while adding four Jump Jets. I think two LRM-20s with Artemis IV is a more weight efficient option (12 tons compared to 14 tons) then what you propose. Both marauder648 and drakensis D do just that with intriguing differences. I really liked the ER Large that marauder648 pops in with a Double Heat Sink to add to the long-range support config but ultimately drak narrowly gets the win with his more mobile six jump jet model which is backed up with two ER Mediums. Both good options though but point number two for drakensis!!
For the new Configuration E we will look to the twin ER PPC entries (Ice Hellion Prime and drakensis C) for inspiration. Both are quite formidable with perhaps Ice’s being for more offensive (65 damage, 55 heat, 32 cool) with 5 ER Mediums supporting it but drak’s is ideal to me even though the two ER PPCs are its only weapons. Its advanced electronic package with a three ton Targeting Computer, ECM Suite and Active Probe make for a super scout or scout killer with its 16 Double Heat Sinks it can Alpha Strike accurately all day forever. Point number three for drakensis!!!
Super accuracy at least at mid-range is achieved by Ice Hellion D which will become the new F configuration for the Stormcrow. Twin Large Pulses and four Streak SRM-4s along with a Double Heat Sink make for an always hitting the mark without a Targeting Computer variant which I personally love. Think it is a nice addition to the Stormcrow arsenal, well done Ice point to you!
G is for Gauss and that was the weapon basis of this configuration of which each entrant had one submission. With two tons of ammo backed up by 3 Streak SRM 4s and an ER Medium I thought drakensis E while good was the third best. A personal favorite of mine is the Gauss-ER PPC combo which marauder648 featured in his E that had three tons of Gauss ammo and two ER Mediums for support. However, it was Ice Hellion B with its Gauss linked Targeting Computer and two ER Mediums with two LRM-5s I felt was the winner by a narrow margin here. I like the accuracy and figure it makes a good sniper so point two to Ice Hellion!!
H is for Heavy meaning another one of those twelve-ton big guns which in this case means LB 20-X AC. B entry from drakensis tries to correct the flaws of canon B but creates a nice option for city environments and superb tank destroyer. With four tons of ammo for the 20X it can hang in the fight for a long time and is backed by 2 ER Mediums and 4 ER Smalls. This mix of weaponry and three additional Double Heat Sinks creates a fearsome heat neutral variant. Very nice indeed point four to drakensis!!!!
Lastly for Configuration I, our tenth and final variant, it was Ice Hellion A which drops the LRM-20 of canon A adds Double Heat Sinks and Jump Jets to create a highly accurate and mobile fighter. Opponents who run into this thing in a dark alley are really in a tough spot and I approve. Point three to Ice Hellion!!!
With a total of five points (1 fluff and 4 design) the winner of this challenge is drakensis, congrats! Ice Hellion made an impressive debut with three design points and marauder648 banks two more points as we roll on. Thanks again everyone who participated and I have a few more thoughts on the Stormcrow which I will share with you all in a few days hopefully. See you tonight for the start of our next design contest until then be good folks.
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Well done folks :) Good entries there :)
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Congratulations Drakensis.
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There were so many good configurations guys and I am still trying to think of more for special persons or situations that might creep up one day. I am working on three right now that I hope to post soon. Insanely busy right now. Two I will include in these special additions are marauder648’s D (LRM-20 with Artemis and a ER Large which is a variation on D) and marauder648 E (Gauss and ER PPC which is a variation on the new G).
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I had so much fun with the Stormcrow (Ryoken) contest that I came up with some ideas for configurations myself and along with two from marauder648 I am gonna keep them around for future VIPs even though they didn’t make the final cut. Two of mine like of marauder648’s D (LRM-20 with Artemis and a ER Large) and E (Gauss and ER PPC) are variants on configurations that already made it.
First up will be my suggestion for optimizing canon B which drops two ER Mediums which in my view you really can’t fire anyway as an Alpha Strike puts you way over! With the two free tons I add an extra ton of Ultra AC ammo increasing its battlefield stamina and adding a Double Heat Sink. With 14 (28) you can fire your weapons once and walk while being perfectly balanced on the heat scale. Double firing the Ultra AC/20 and running will put you over by 8 heat which isn’t the end of the world. While you lose 14 possible damage from the reduction of ER Mediums you can’t go over by 20 on a running Alpha Strike. I could still see Clan warriors refusing to give up offensive capability however and sticking with canon B but a few might try this configuration.
Optimized Canon B
4 ER Medium Lasers Right Arm 4 4
Double Heat Sink Right Arm 2 1
3 Double Heat Sinks Right Torso 6 3
Ultra AC/20 Left Arm 8 12
Ammo (Ultra AC) 15 Left Torso 3 3
While marauder648 won the Primary Configuration contest with a new version it got me thinking. Why 4 ER Mediums when you can replace that with another ER Large? That’s right 3 ER Large would make for a super long ranged medium and we can drop Heat Sinks cause we’d have too many again which is the problem marauder648 originally addressed. So let’s do a three ton Targeting Computer and really create an accurate long range capable of independent operations nasty medium. Eight (8) Double Heat Sinks left allow us to dissipate all weapon heat leaving only movement (1 for walking or 2 for running) unaccounted for. Pretty nice option I think for some Clan sniper out there looking to strike from distance before the enemy can close. Please note I chose locations to maximize survivability you could probably arrange them ER Larges differently if you like.
Triple Sniper Prime
ER Large Laser Right Torso 1 4
ER Large Laser Left Torso 1 4
ER Large Laser Head 1 4
Targeting Computer Right Torso 3 3
Double Heat Sink Right Torso 2 1
2 Double Heat Sink Left Torso 4 2
3 Double Heat Sink Right Arm 6 3
2 Double Heat Sink Left Arm 4 2
The only major weapon I thought we missed in the design challenge was the Ultra AC/10 and paired with jump jets (3 tons) it could have created a mid-range city fighter. Linked with a big energy weapon (ER PPC in this case for max damage) along with a supplemental ER Medium Laser I think you have a capable alternate even if it bares similarities to marauder648 E (Gauss and ER PPC combo) I think it has its own niche.
Heavy Mobile C
Ultra AC/10 Left Arm 4 10
Ammo (Ultra AC) 30 Left Arm 3 3
ER PPC Right Arm 2 6
ER Medium Laser Head 1 1
3 Jump Jets Left Torso 3 1.5
3 Jump Jets Right Torso 3 1.5
Look for these five (5) special configurations for some notable Clan warriors later on in my story! I think they are pretty good options even if they are not part of the ten most common now for the Quicksilver Stormcrow. What do you think?