And for those who don't know what the Dune Stalker is, well, it is now reposted.
Overview:
Following the ascension of Nikolai Djerassi to the Khanship in 3040, the new Khan ordered a Touman-wide review to assess the new OmniMechs and formations created by Khans Solheim and Kirov. While for the most part, the Clan had seen a major improvement in logistics, maintenance, and operations, there were some notable problems. First and foremost was the overall lowering of the Touman's average tonnage . . . and the resulting decline in firepower and individual unit durability. Although this had been expected, and the Scientists and Warriors behind the newly deployed war-machines had warned of this very issue, for the most part the increased effectiveness and versatility of the four OmniMechs that now comprised the Touman were far more capable and effective (individually) than those that they had replaced. Still, the lack of a true assault-weight element to the Clan (which had previously fielded large numbers of assault-class warmachines!) boded ill for future encounters with Clans that favored such units.
Indeed, already the Scorpions had lost three Trials (one to the Coyotes, a second to the Jaguars, and a third to the Star Adders) where the lighter (albeit faster and more maneuverable) Scorpion OmniMechs just simply could not prevail against the raw firepower that their opponents possessed.
Khan Djerassi sought to change that. However, he did so by not changing (again) the Touman structure, or the revised Cluster table of organization and equipment. His plan had two parts, one of which could take almost immediately.
The second would require more time.
First, the Khan ordered that the Desert Tiger be configured as a Artillery Support Platform and that a Reserve Artillery Trinary (which would eventually turn into four such formations) be created. This quick fix provided the Touman with a boost in firepower . . . but it was useless in the typical intra-Clan Trials where artillery was often bid away.
The second part was the design, development, and production of a true Assault-weight OmniMech.
Christened the Dune Stalker, this 90-ton beast would be unveiled in 3045 after five years of development and testing.
Not wishing to adjust the Clan TO&E yet again, Khan Djerassi borrowed from the SLDF of old. Noting that the Star League Defense Forces had fielded companies, battalions, and even regiments comprised of the same exact make and model of BattleMech, he called for the establishment of the 13th Scorpion Shock Cluster . . . a new formation that would be equipped exclusively with the Dune Stalker as that OmniMech became available.
It was a decision that made other Clans sit up and take notice. Even the most traditional Clans who favored the use of Assaults (the Coyotes, Jaguars, and Adders among them) were uncertain whether the Scorpion decision was brilliant or delusional. However, after becoming active, it quickly became clear that the 13th Shock Cluster (or the Harbingers of Misfortune as the Scorpions named them; although some wags referred to them instead as the Bad Luck Brigade) was a powerhouse that few Clan opponents were prepared to handle in combat.
Seldom committed en masse, the 13th Shock nonetheless saw a variety of combat throughout the later years of the '40s and early '50s . . . and whenever one of the five combat Trinary were committed to the field, the Scorpions prevailed.
Despite this, the sheer cost of these OmniMechs prevented Khan Djerassi from raising more than one Shock Cluster, limiting the number of Dune Stalkers within the Clan to a mere sixty-five units. Assigned to some of the deadliest Warriors in the Scorpion Touman, along with veteran Elementals and fighter Pilots, the 13th Scorpion Shock Cluster is a force with which to be reckoned on any field of battle.
Dune Stalker
Mass: 90 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: 3038
Cost: 25,984,875 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,175
Chassis: Coriolis Class IX BiFrame Standard
Power Plant: Skorpion Type II 360 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 43.2 km/h
Maximum Speed: 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Series-17
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Compound GS Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
39.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Roche QuadPlex Alpha
Primary Factory: Roche
Communications System: JNE Integrated
Targeting and Tracking System: TRTTS Mark II with Targeting Computer
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard 138 points 9.00
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 360 16.50
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 14(28) 4.00
Gyro: Standard 4.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 278 14.50
Armor Locations: 1 HD, 1 LT, 1 RT, 2 LL, 2 RL
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 29 45
Center Torso (rear) 12
L/R Torso 19 28
L/R Torso (rear) 10
L/R Arm 15 30
L/R Leg 19 38
Capabilities:
The Dune Stalker masses some 90-tons in overall weight, using a 360XL engine that allows the OmniMech to walk at speeds of 43.2 kilometers per hour and run at 64.8 kph. Fourteen double-strength heat sinks were banked within the engine core to save valuable internal volume. Fourteen and one-half tons of Compound GS Ferro-fibrous armor provides near maximum protection for the chosen weight class . . . however, concern over the dwindling internal space led to the Scientists to recommend (and the Khan approve) that the OmniMech be built with standard internal structure materials rather than endo-steel composite (making the Dune Stalker the only OmniMech in the Touman that does not use endo-steel).
This left thirty-nine tons of pod-space available . . . more than the Gargoyle, Warhawk, Kingfisher, or Executioner, albeit without much of the fixed heat sinks or other equipment some of those OmniMechs also carried.
The overall body design was based on the ancient Stalker BattleMech used by the Inner Sphere and SLDF . . . although subtle changes make the chassis appear to be leaner and faster (which it is, actually).
Configurations:
The Dune Stalker Prime is virtually a Clan copy of the original STK-3F Stalker in terms of classes of weaponry. Two ER Large Lasers are the main ranged weapons (fitted one each to the right and left torsos), while four ER Medium Lasers support these guns in close (two each in the right arm and left arm). Twin LRM-10 launchers with Artemis IV fire-control systems were installed next (one each in the right and left arm) each with two tons of ammunition, while a pair of Streak SRM-6 launchers were placed within the torsos (one each in the right and left), fed by a single ton of ammunition in the right torso.
A three-ton Targeting Computer in the right torso links all six lasers together for maximum accuracy at all ranges, while a total of twenty double-strength heat sinks . . . well, they try to cope with the amount of heat this design can produce but simply cannot deal with the full excess overheat production! Warriors must be cautious and refrain from simply holding down the big red button labeled 'Alpha Strike' . . . attempting to use that button will often result in the Warrior detonating his own ammunition stores and shutting down his OmniMech. Which is quickly followed by a transfer to a solahma formation.
At range, the Dune Stalker Prime is able to use both ER Large Lasers and both LRM launchers, generating only movement heat as excess. In close, the Warrior can use all four ER Medium Lasers, both LRM launchers, both Streak launchers (if they lock), and run without generating excess overheat. Instead, the Warrior can use one ER Large, all four ER Mediums, and both Streak launchers . . . substituting the LRM launchers if the Streaks fail to lock. This firing pattern results in generating only movement heat as excess.
Still, the Dune Stalker Prime is not an OmniMech for a novice Warrior by any stretch of the imagination . . . and the Scorpions have made certain to only place exceptional (and experienced) Warriors within their cockpits.
Loadout Name: Prime Cost: 29,727,875
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 2,832
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 20(40) 6.00
Heat Sink Locations: 3 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
CASE Locations: RT, LA, RA 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Lasers RA 10 2 2.00
LRM-10 RA 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS RA - 1 1.00
2 ER Medium Lasers LA 10 2 2.00
LRM-10 LA 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS LA - 1 1.00
ER Large Laser RT 12 1 4.00
Streak SRM-6 RT 4 2 3.00
Targeting Computer RT - 3 3.00
ER Large Laser LT 12 1 4.00
Streak SRM-6 LT 4 2 3.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) RA - 2 2.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) LA - 2 2.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15) RT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 6
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 9 Points: 28
4 7 7 3 0 4 3 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
The Dune Stalker A is designed as a support unit to deal with hostile vehicles and aerospace fighters. Although not as popular among Scorpion Warriors as the Prime or B (see below), the A Configuration is a vital one to the 13th Shock Cluster. Armament consists of two ER PPCs (right torso and left torso), two LB-5X autocannons (right arm and left arm; each with two tons of ammunition for 40 tandem bursts; typically the Dune Stalker A carries a mixture of slug and cluster for maximum flexibility), and a center torso mounted ER Medium Laser. All five guns are tied into a six-ton Targeting Computer in the right torso, while sixteen DHS alleviates the worst of the excess overheat production. Leaving out the ER Medium Laser, the Dune Stalker A is heat neutral on a run . . . and any veteran Warrior should be able to easily balance that heat load.
Loadout Name: A Cost: 29,195,875
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 2,729
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 16(32) 2.00
Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT
CASE Locations: LA, RA 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 5-X AC RA 1 4 7.00
LB 5-X AC LA 1 4 7.00
ER PPC RT 15 2 6.00
Targeting Computer RT - 6 6.00
ER PPC LT 15 2 6.00
ER Medium Laser CT 5 1 1.00
@LB 5-X (Cluster) (20) RA - 1 1.00
@LB 5-X (Slug) (20) RA - 1 1.00
@LB 5-X (Cluster) (20) LA - 1 1.00
@LB 5-X (Slug) (20) LA - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 13
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 9 Points: 27
4 5 5 4 0 4 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/1
Of course, even the Scorpions contain within their ranks Warriors who feel they simply must melt their targets . . . and themselves. For those Warriors, the Dune Stalker B was designed. All ammunition based weaponry has been eliminated, removing the possibility of any internal ammo explosions . . . and making pressing that 'Alpha Strike' button far more survivable. Configuration A carries four ER Large Lasers (two each in the right and left arms), supported by eight ER Medium Lasers (mounted four each in the right and left torsos)! These are the only weapons carried, but a five-ton Targeting Computer (right torso) ensures that most shots will land on their target. Even with 24 double-strength heat sinks, the Dune Stalker B can badly overheat . . . although it generates only movement heat at range using the ER Large Lasers and runs fairly cool with just the ER Mediums in close. However, when a Warrior must simply, absolutely, and positively make a hostile OmniMech or BattleMech 'go away', this OmniMech can lay down a blistering array of fire . . . at the expense of shutting down immediately afterwards.
Loadout Name: B Cost: 29,666,125
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 3,244
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 24(48) 10.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 CT, 2 LT, 4 LA, 3 RA
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Large Lasers RA 24 2 8.00
2 ER Large Lasers LA 24 2 8.00
4 ER Medium Lasers RT 20 4 4.00
Targeting Computer RT - 5 5.00
4 ER Medium Lasers LT 20 4 4.00
Free Critical Slots: 3
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 9 Points: 32
4 6 6 3 0 4 2 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Next is the Dune Stalker C. Fitted with four jump jets to improve mobility (two each right torso and left torso), this model is based on the Prime to a large degree. To fit the jump jets, the design team had to remove four double-strength heat sinks (leaving sixteen DHS) and one ER Large Laser (the second was moved to the center torso). An ECM Suite was added to the center torso as well, using the tonnage gained from the right torso Targeting Computer shrinking from a three-ton unit to a two-ton unit. Like the Prime, the Dune Stalker C requires a Warrior who thinks rather than rushes in where angels fear to tread. However, when using the weapons properly within their natural engagement brackets, this OmniMech has a good heat curve that rewards tactical thinking.
Loadout Name: C Cost: 30,331,125
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 2,963
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumping MP: 4 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 8.00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 16(32) 2.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT
CASE Locations: RT, LA, RA 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Lasers RA 10 2 2.00
LRM-10 RA 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS RA - 1 1.00
2 ER Medium Lasers LA 10 2 2.00
LRM-10 LA 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS LA - 1 1.00
Streak SRM-6 RT 4 2 3.00
Targeting Computer RT - 2 2.00
Streak SRM-6 LT 4 2 3.00
ER Large Laser CT 12 1 4.00
ECM Suite CT 0 1 1.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) RA - 2 2.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) LA - 2 2.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15) RT - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 11
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 9 Points: 30
4j 6 6 2 0 4 3 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
Next is the Dune Stalker D. Weaponry consists of a Gauss Rifle (left torso) with three tons of ammunition, two ER PPCs (right arm and left arm), and an ER Medium Laser (center torso), all tied into a five-ton Targeting Computer (right torso). Nineteen double-strength heat sinks make this configuration heat neutral on a running Alpha Strike. The final ton was used to install an ECM Suite in the center torso.
Loadout Name: D Cost: 29,096,125
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 3,136
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 19(38) 5.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT, 2 LA, 2 RA
CASE Locations: LT 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER PPC RA 15 2 6.00
ER PPC LA 15 2 6.00
Targeting Computer RT - 5 5.00
Gauss Rifle LT 1 6 12.00
ER Medium Laser CT 5 1 1.00
ECM Suite CT 0 1 1.00
@Gauss Rifle (24) LT - 3 3.00
Free Critical Slots: 10
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 9 Points: 31
4 6 6 5 0 4 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Configuration E is encountered in two seperate sub-configurations. The Dune Stalker E-1 mounts an LB-20X Autocannon in the left arm fed by four tons of ammunition. Secondary weapons include two ER Large Lasers (right arm), two ER Medium Lasers (center torso), and two ER Small Lasers (right torso). All guns are tied into a five-ton Targeting Computer (right torso) and twenty-one double-strength heat sinks are fitted. This does not fully compensate for the heat generated, but excess overheat is minimal.
The E-2 Configuration removes the two ER Small Lasers and replaces the LB-20X Autocannon with an Ultra AC-20 Autocannon and a twenty-second double-strength heat sink has been added. Maximum excess overheat is slightly greater, but so is maximum damage.
Loadout Name: E-1 Cost: 29,249,313
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 2,725
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 21(42) 7.00
Heat Sink Locations: 3 LT, 1 RT, 3 RA
CASE Locations: LT, LA 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Large Lasers RA 24 2 8.00
LB 20-X AC LA 6 9 12.00
2 ER Small Lasers RT 4 2 1.00
Targeting Computer RT - 5 5.00
2 ER Medium Lasers CT 10 2 2.00
@LB 20-X (Cluster) (5) LA - 1 1.00
@LB 20-X (Cluster) (5) LT - 1 1.00
@LB 20-X (Slug) (10) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 2
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 9 Points: 27
4 7 7 3 0 4 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/0
Loadout Name: E-2 Cost: 28,925,125
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 2,829
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 22(44) 8.00
Heat Sink Locations: 3 LT, 2 RT, 3 RA
CASE Locations: LT, LA 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Large Lasers RA 24 2 8.00
Ultra AC/20 LA 7 8 12.00
Targeting Computer RT - 5 5.00
2 ER Medium Lasers CT 10 2 2.00
@Ultra AC/20 (10) LA - 2 2.00
@Ultra AC/20 (10) LT - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 3
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 9 Points: 28
4 7 7 3 0 4 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Finally, there is the Dune Stalker F. This configuration mounts four Jump Jets. Armament consists of an ER Large Laser (center torso), four ER Medium Lasers (two right arm and two left arm), six ER Small Lasers (three right torso and three left torso), and two LRM-10 launchers with Artemis IV FCS (right arm and left arm) each fed by two tons of ammunition. All eleven lasers are tied into a three ton Targeting Computer (right torso). Twenty double-strength heat sinks are not nearly enough to risk a jumping Alpha Strike. However, at range, a Warrior can use the twin LRMs and the ER Large Laser constantly. In closer, adding the four ER Medium Lasers generates only movement heat as excess overheat. At point-blank range, the Warrior can substitute the six ER Small Lasers for the ER Large and still remain heat neutral before movement.
Loadout Name: F Cost: 29,408,438
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E BV2: 2,983
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jumping MP: 4 (Standard)
Jump Jet Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT 8.00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 20(40) 6.00
Heat Sink Locations: 2 LT, 2 LA, 2 RA
CASE Locations: LA, RA 0.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA R: SH+UA
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LRM-10 RA 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS RA - 1 1.00
2 ER Medium Lasers RA 10 2 2.00
LRM-10 LA 4 1 2.50
Artemis IV FCS LA - 1 1.00
2 ER Medium Lasers LA 10 2 2.00
3 ER Small Lasers RT 6 3 1.50
Targeting Computer RT - 3 3.00
3 ER Small Lasers LT 6 3 1.50
ER Large Laser CT 12 1 4.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) RA - 2 2.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (24) LA - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 2
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 9 Points: 30
4j 8 8 3 0 4 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
Deployment:
Currently, the Dune Stalker is fielded only by Clan Goliath Scorpion . . . and that Clan possesses less than a hundred examples! Negotiations are underway with the hans of Clan Star Adder for another twenty units, and both the Coyotes and the Wolves have shown some interest as well. However, no Trials of Possession for the design have yet been declared.
Author
Topic: 13th Scorpion Shock Cluster (excerpt from HB:CGS) (Read 7132 times)