OBT Forum

The Linebacker was the brainchild of Khan Natasha Kerensky and saKhan Phelan Ward for what quite possibly was the heaviest theoretical OmniMech that could keep pace with the Wolves lighter elements (6/9 MP) is perhaps a consequence of their experiences in the InnerSphere. The Linebacker accomplishes this goal by achieving the same speed as the Adder, Kit Fox, and Mist Lynx all possess the identical movement rate. Thanks to its massive 390 XL power plant the OmniMech has very similar pod space to the venerable Crossbow which some critics see as a negative. Presumably with its heavy armor this ‘Mech can act as an anvil absorbing punishment that its lighter Star mates cannot.

Clan Wolf initially deployed sixteen (16) Linebackers (2 with the 328th Assault in Alpha Galaxy, 5 with the 7th Battle, 1 in the 16th Battle, 8 in the 11th Battle all in Gamma Galaxy) on Tukayyid. As it sites in the Linebacker Deployment (WCSB) most of the Linebackers (14 of 16) are in the service of Gamma Galaxy. Where reports indicated that the new Omni was ‘well-liked by the warriors of the Wolf Battle (Gamma) Galaxy.’ This formation’s three Clusters were generally composed of Heavy and Medium units well suited to the Linebacker. Often deployed in pairs with in a standard Clan Star during the Battle of Tukayyid the design appears to have performed well. Of the original sixteen (16) which took the field there were only six (6) causalities (4 WIA, 2 KIA) among its Mechwarriors.

Next, a Star of newly manufactured Linebackers took to the field as part of the 3rd Battle Cluster for the Trial of Restoration. Again, the design performed well suffering little damage while helping the Wolves to victory in the center and southern flanks of the battlefield. These successful debuts in stark contrast to the Ebon Jaguars three ineffective unveilings (Luthien, Tukayyid, and Restoration) as well as the Hellbringer and Crossbow signs of old age really gave the Linebacker the edge when it came to 65-ton OmniMechs. The Quicksilver Program with its three-tiered Monster Doctrine formalized the replacement and augmentation of Clan forces with the Linebacker as the 65-ton Werewolf (Speedster). While some critics openly derided the ilKhan’s endorsement of his own Clan’s concept for a production slot the Linebacker’s performance mollified those partisan remarks.

Of the four OmniMechs that debuted in the Wolf Clan Sourcebook only it and the Pouncer remain following the Quicksilver Trial. Their similar movement profile (6/9 MP) leads me to think that these designs will be used in close cooperation by the Wolves as well as other Clans. And speaking to the remarks addressing the Timber Wolf replacement I believe that these are a little overblown. In my view these Heavy OmniMechs excellent supplements for different forces as the Timber Wolf can work effectively with faster assault elements the Linebacker can with lighter ones. When we soon come to the Timber Wolf Upgrade I will fill you in on some events there but the three Wolf Assault Clusters in canon (328th, 341st, 352nd) will be retaining it as opposed to the Linebacker.

Other Clans were also quick to show interest in the Linebacker including Star Adder who was quick to team it with their new Hellfury. These two fast Heavy OmniMechs along with the Stormcrow compose Heavy Cavalry Stars which have seen action in both Toumans. The Adders and their new Wolf allies currently possess all three designs to field these large shock units. Ice Hellion displayed their own characteristic reckless abandon for the faster Linebacker which came at the cost of numerous Hellbringers which now has been neglected. Like Wolf and Star Adder they use it in conjunction with the Hellfury and Stormcrow but not in concentrated formations. Instead in serves with lighter designs like the Shadow Cat and Adder. Nova Cat was never a fan of the Hellbringer or the Crossbow and since the Ebon Jaguar was made by their archrival they too elected to try the Linebacker. It is used alongside Stormcrows, Shadow Cats, and Pouncers as a fast heavy in support of these mediums.

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 best new Quicksilver fluff and the best InnerSphere designation!!

Criteria
Design: Linebacker (??) Heavy OmniMech
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: Clan Level 2
Mass: 65 tons
Internal Structure: EndoSteel (3.5 ton)
Engine: 390 XL (23 tons)
Movement: 6/9
Heat Sinks: 14 (28)
Gyro: (4 tons)
Cockpit: (3 tons)
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous (10 tons – 192 armor factor)
Armament: 17.5 tons available for pod space

Please have your entries in by Friday August 3rd, 2018 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, good luck!!