Print Page - Quicksilver Program No 33: Universal Weapons Carrier

Since Takiro is snowed in I thought I would at least get us going on this. according to his last post on the Urban Assault Vehicle this time we are looking at producing a weapons carrier vehicle. From my perspective "weapons carrier" is a wide and varied field, from the classic sixty ton strategic "Carrier" of LRMs, SRMs, and Lasers, to smaller more compact forms like the Hunter and Striker, to tracked assault monstrosities like the Schrek, Ontos, and Alachorn. While Takiro will certainly supplement this initial recommendation as a fellow contestant I would say you should keep that varying in mind. there are already two vehicles that arguably meet the definition of weapons carrier. the First is the Hachiman, and the second is the Huitzilopochtli. coin toss as to whether the Athena counts as well.

There are only four Clans are left as potential manufacturers for this Urban Assault Vehicle; Hellâ€™s Horses, Star Adder, Ice Hellion, and Diamond Shark. Blood Spirit joins Wolf as maxed out in terms of production but they are not done per say. Both Clans will remain involved in this effort to create a new Armored Corps along with the Coyotes (driven in largely by their Scientists) and two Fire Mandrill Kindraa (Payne and Kline). Of course what form of help they provide if any is up to you.

Still fuming about this whole Vehicle non sense are the Burrocks, Jade Falcons, and Smoke Jaguars. Their hatred for this whole concept could manifest itself during the design process. These three Clans will go out of their way to wreck this phase if at all possible. The rest do not want anything to do with OmniVehicles and could careless about most events here. At best they will observe or have some kind of peripheral involvement but apathy is still the rule of the day here.

All entries must also follow established Naming Conventions for Clan Vehicles meaning Gods of War should be your guide. Once again the finalized Primary Industrial Commitments for the Clans are listed below.

Primary Industrial Commitments
Blood Spirit [3 OmniMechs & 1 OmniVehicle]
Burrock [3 OmniMechs & 1 OmniFighter]
Cloud Cobra [1 OmniMech, 2 OmniFighters, & 1 Aerospace Fighter]
Coyote [2 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, & 3 BattleMechs]
Diamond Shark [3 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, 1 OmniVehicle, & 1 Aerospace Fighter]
Fire Mandrill [2 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, & 1 BattleMech]
Ghost Bear [5 OmniMechs, 2 OmniFighters, & 1 BattleMech]
Goliath Scorpion [1 OmniMech, 1 OmniFighter, & 2 BattleMechs]
Hell's Horses [1 OmniMech, 1 OmniFighter, 3 OmniVehicles, & 1 BattleMech]
Ice Hellion [2 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, & 1 OmniVehicle]
Jade Falcon [6 OmniMechs & 2 OmniFighters]
Nova Cat [3 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, & 2 BattleMechs]
Smoke Jaguar [5 OmniMechs & 1 OmniFighter]
Snow Raven [1 OmniMech & 3 OmniFighters]
Star Adder [3 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, 1 OmniVehicle, & 1 BattleMech]
Steel Viper [4 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, & 1 BattleMech]
Wolf [6 OmniMechs, 1 OmniFighter, & 1 OmniVehicle]

Remember my non binding suggestions to help any potential designers who are interested. The Ultralight Vehicle, 15 tons or lighter piloted by a single warrior, is an idea gaining traction. Such a Wheeled Combat Vehicle could be very feasible in this city master role. I hope to see a few of these challengers in this Trail. At the same time I would like to fill the missing gaps in the existing Clan Vehicle Force which can be seen in Technical Readout 3060. This has been a consistent theme of the Quicksilver Program I would like to see it continue here. According to my calculations there are four unfilled mass categories (45 tons, 55 tons, 70 tons, 80 tons) available for this design. This would serve to augment existing Clan designs even though they are not modular in nature.

Criteria
Vehicle Type: Wheeled
Power Plant: Fusion Engine
Name: Clan Vehicle Naming Conventions (Gods of War)
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: Clan Level 2
Manufacturer: Hellâ€™s Horses (2), Star Adder (1), Ice Hellion (1), and Diamond Shark (1)

Fluff
An absolute must and since I love fluff it is a requirement. Bonus points to those who integrate existing Quicksilver and Clarion Call plot points.

Art
This would be nice if you could but is not at all required to enter this contest.

I won't even start on this until we get the official word from Takiro on what the motive type (Wheeled or Tracked) is.

With the first flakes on there way down quick comments.

Well you this is an unofficial jump start which you guys are very well entitled to. You guys are going to have two weeks to work on this so plenty of refinement is possible.

One big problem we are facing I have not determined the winner of the last contest. So that could impact your fluff which is the reason I do not want to begin the official contest yet. I had envisioned this one as a Diamond Shark for profit vehicle.

The other concern is there are cover 6 mass categories currently unaccounted for (45 tons, 55 tons, 70 tons, 80 tons, 90 tons, 95 tons) and because I have yet to judge the last contest one of these could be covered.

JP is certainly correct that the classic weapon carrier is one of two missile (SRM or LRM) and the AC variant. I would also consider the Alacorn (Gauss) and the Shreck (PPC) weapon carriers as well. This OmniVehicle should be able to do it all. As this is the Universal Weapon Carrier your Configurations should carry the entire variety.

One type of weapon in bulk form is the easiest way to describe this Combatant. Looking at canon example Speed and Armor are not the biggest concerns. Probably concentrating on pod space would likely be recommended.

Tracked is probably the way to go but Wheeled is possible. This is the only contest where you can choose between either.

Not sure if an Ultralight is possible for this type of vehicle.

Good luck on this pre-week prep. Off to fight the snow! ;)

Minerva

Mass: 80 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 3,442,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 427

Power Plant: Hermes 240 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 32.4 km/h
Flanking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Armor: Composite A-2 Ferro-Fibrous Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
44.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: W-5 Facilities
Primary Factory: Eden
Communications System: Howler 79
Targeting and Tracking System: Model 92 "Stalker"

Overview:
Clan Wolf developed the Minerva chassis, expanding the size of SLDF weapon
carriers by a third and fitting it with a Hermes reactor from surplus Manticore
tanks in their caches.

The Wolves were about to start weapon-testing when the Merchant caste reported
that existing production commitments would make it impossible to maintain
large-scale production of the Minerva.

Not wanting to waste the resources committed, the Wolves approached Clan Hells
Horses, realising they had the primary commitment to the omni-vehicle projects.
The resulting deal was that the Hells Horses would pay for initial construction
at the W-5 facility where the Minerva was developed, while if full production
was authorised, the Horses would use one of their own factories.

Capabilities:
The Minerva is simply intended to carry an immense tonnage of weaponry - it's
not very fast so a moderate level of armour is fitted. The original concept was
to fit it was a turret, but the implication was that solid armour would be
needed on all aspects and thinning the protection to cover a turret.

Instead the armament is fitted to the front and the Composite A-2 armour is
layed out to favour the front and to an extent the flanks. This still leaves
more than half the Minerva's tonnage for weapons and ammuniton.

The Hells Horses developed an enormous range of configurations - to the point
that rather than giving each a code-letter as normal they simply name each for
the predominant armament fitted. The Minerva carries anything from artillery to
energy weapons depending on need.

The Primary configuration is built around a Gauss Rifle and LB 10-X autocannon,
supported by pairs of medium lasers and LRM launchers. While this provides a
range of weapons it tends to pale when compared to the more specialised
configurations - in particular the Clans' lightweight missile launchers allow
the Hells Horses to double the payload of the classic Quikcell missile carriers.

Code: [Select]

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      32 points                8.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                240                      17.50
    Cruise MP:  3
    Flank MP:   5
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
Control Equipment:                                                         4.00
Lift Equipment:                                                            0.00
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 124                  6.50

                                                      Armor      
                                                      Factor     
                                               Front     41        
                                          Left/Right   30/30        
                                                Rear     23        



================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime                                          Cost: 6,547,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,719

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Lasers                           FR        10        2         2.00
Gauss Rifle                                  FR        1         1        12.00
LB 10-X AC                                   FR        2         1        10.00
Streak SRM-6                                 FR        4         1         3.00
2 LRM-10s                                    FR        8         2         5.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           FR        -         0         2.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15)                           BD        -         0         1.00
@Gauss Rifle (24)                            BD        -         0         3.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (10)                      BD        -         0         1.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10)                         BD        -         0         1.00
@LRM-10 (Artemis) (48)                       BD        -         0         4.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 17
3t         7       7       4       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, IF 2, FLK 1/1/1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Arrow IV                                       Cost: 6,480,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,387
Rules Level: Advanced Rules

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Arrow IV Missiles                          FR        30        3        36.00
@Arrow IV (Homing) (20)                      BD        -         0         4.00
@Arrow IV (Non-Home) (20)                    BD        -         0         4.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 14
3t         6       0       0       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTAC


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Long Tom                                       Cost: 5,220,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,465
Rules Level: Advanced Rules

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Tom                                     FR        20        1        30.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           FR        10        2         2.00
2 Streak SRM-4s                              FR        6         2         4.00
@Long Tom (30)                               BD        -         0         6.00
@Streak SRM-4 (50)                           BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 15
3t         6       3       0       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTLT


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Sniper                                         Cost: 5,186,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,250
Rules Level: Advanced Rules

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sniper                                       FR        10        1        20.00
Large Pulse Laser                            FR        10        1         6.00
Gauss Rifle                                  FR        1         1        12.00
@Sniper (30)                                 BD        -         0         3.00
@Gauss Rifle (24)                            BD        -         0         3.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 13
3t         5       3       3       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTS


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Thumper                                        Cost: 4,983,750
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 940
Rules Level: Advanced Rules

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             15                        5.00

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Thumpers                                   FR        12        2        30.00
ER PPC                                       FR        15        1         6.00
@Thumper (60)                                BD        -         0         3.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 9
3t         5       2       2       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTT


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Gauss Rifle                                    Cost: 5,827,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,843

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Gauss Rifles                               FR        3         3        36.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           FR        10        2         2.00
@Gauss Rifle (48)                            BD        -         0         6.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 18
3t         6       6       5       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI


================================================================================
Loadout Name: LB 10-X                                        Cost: 6,682,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,340

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 LB 10-X ACs                                FR        6         3        30.00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers                        FR        8         2         4.00
Streak SRM-6                                 FR        4         1         3.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (30)                      BD        -         0         3.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (30)                         BD        -         0         3.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15)                           BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 13
3t         5       5       2       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, FLK 2/2/2


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Ultra AC/5                                     Cost: 6,052,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,358

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Ultra AC/5s                                FR        5         5        35.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           FR        10        2         2.00
@Ultra AC/5 (140)                            BD        -         0         7.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 14
3t         6       6       4       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI


================================================================================
Loadout Name: AC/20                                          Cost: 6,952,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,646

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Ultra AC/20s                               FR        14        2        24.00
LB 20-X AC                                   FR        6         1        12.00
@LB 20-X (Cluster) (5)                       BD        -         0         1.00
@LB 20-X (Slug) (5)                          BD        -         0         1.00
@Ultra AC/20 (30)                            BD        -         0         6.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 16
3t         8       8       0       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, FLK 1/1/0


================================================================================
Loadout Name: LRM                                            Cost: 7,380,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2,256

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 LRM-15s                                   FR        50        10       35.00
@LRM-15 (72)                                 BD        -         0         9.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 23
3t         7       7       7       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, LRM 7/7/7, IF 7


================================================================================
Loadout Name: LRM (Artemis)                                  Cost: 8,167,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2,227

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 LRM-20s                                    FR        36        6        30.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           FR        -         0         6.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (48)                       BD        -         0         8.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 22
3t         8       8       8       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, IF 7


================================================================================
Loadout Name: SRM                                            Cost: 7,042,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,705

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 SRM-6s                                    FR        80        20       30.00
@SRM-6 (210)                                 BD        -         0        14.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 17
3t        16      16       0       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, SRM 16/16/0


================================================================================
Loadout Name: SRM (Artemis)                                  Cost: 9,922,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,309

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18 SRM-4s                                    FR        54        18       18.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           FR        -         0        18.00
@SRM-4 (Artemis) (200)                       BD        -         0         8.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 13
3t        11      11       0       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Streak SRM                                     Cost: 6,682,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,963

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 Streak SRM-6s                             FR        48        12       36.00
@Streak SRM-6 (120)                          BD        -         0         8.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 20
3t        15      15       0       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI


================================================================================
Loadout Name: PPC                                            Cost: 6,120,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,707

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             30                       20.00

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER PPCs                                    FR        30        2        12.00
2 LRM-15s                                    FR        10        2         7.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           FR        -         0         2.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (24)                       BD        -         0         3.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 17
3t         6       6       6       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, IF 2


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Pulse Laser                                    Cost: 5,118,750
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,390

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             30                       20.00

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Large Pulse Lasers                         FR        30        3        18.00
2 Streak SRM-4s                              FR        6         2         4.00
@Streak SRM-4 (25)                           BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 14
3t         5       5       4       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI


================================================================================
Loadout Name: ER Laser                                       Cost: 5,472,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,418

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             36                       26.00

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 ER Large Lasers                            FR        36        3        12.00
LRM-20                                       FR        6         1         5.00
@LRM-20 (6)                                  BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 14
3t         4       4       4       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, IF 1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: AC/2                                           Cost: 5,602,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 865

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 LB 2-X ACs                                 FR        4         4        20.00
3 Ultra AC/2s                                FR        3         3        15.00
@LB 2-X (Cluster) (90)                       BD        -         0         2.00
@LB 2-X (Slug) (90)                          BD        -         0         2.00
@Ultra AC/2 (225)                            BD        -         0         5.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 9
3t         2       2       2       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI

Despite the immense success of the Epona on the battlefield (much to the chagrin of more conservative clans) Khan Fletcher knew that the Epona Hovercraft could not effectively provide the strategic firepower that was needed for Cavalry clusters. thier long preffered Artillery Platform, the Bowman, was too slow for the role, and most assault mechs and vehicles were far too slow to keep up with their most commonly deployed clusters. The Resolution to this seemingly impossible task was to create a new hovercraft from the ground up, when Star Colonel James Cobb came up with a different solution. reduce the engine power of the Epona. while power requirements demanded that the engine for the Epona be a certain mass, thus making a dramatic speed reduction counter productive, a simple downgrading to a 165 rated engine and reinforcement of the Turret Assembly permitted the New Vehicle to carry a full twenty tons of mass, more then enough for an Arrow IV artillery vehicle and several tons of ammunition and defensive armament. when the quicksilver trials for omnivehicles were announced, the newly christened Bucephalus (named after Alexander the Greats deified horse) went from being an internal project to an external one.

Each configuration of the Bucephalus is geared towards providing highly mobile strategic firepower to meet the needs of a cavalry cluster. Be it LRM Support, Anti Elemental SRM fire, Anti Aircraft Artillery, long range tactical fire, and even Arrow IV Artillery. most notable is the D Configuration, which is loaded down with old fashioned Martell Medium lasers. the lower heat requirements of the classic Martell permitted seven of the lasers to be mounted where modern ER lasers were limited to five, and even after the lasers an electronics package of ECM and active probe could be mounted.

given the ease of manufacturing, Bucephalus' are already being distributed to Cavalry clusters to the order of one point per Star of Eponas. Adoption of the vehicle by Quicksilver is expected to see both vehicles skyrocket.

Code: [Select]

Bucephalus 

Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Hovercraft OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Succession Wars
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-E-E-A
Production Year: 3025
Cost: 2,131,250 C-Bills
Battle Value: 366

Power Plant:  165 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 86.4 km/h
Flanking Speed: 129.6 km/h
Armor:  Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    20.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: 
    Primary Factory: 
Communications System: 
Targeting and Tracking System: 

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      25 points                5.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                165                       9.00
    Cruise MP:  8
    Flank MP:   12
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
Control Equipment:                                                         2.50
Lift Equipment:                                                            5.00
Turret:                                                                    1.50
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 115                  6.00

                                                      Armor      
                                                      Factor     
                                               Front     30        
                                          Left/Right   20/20        
                                              Turret     25        
                                                Rear     20        



================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime                                          Cost: 3,881,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A                       BV2: 1,844

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 LRM-15s                                    T         20        4        14.00
@LRM-15 (48)                                 BD        -         0         6.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 18
8h         4       4       4       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(4/4/4, LRM 4/4/4, IF 4/4/4), LRM 4/4/4, IF 4


================================================================================
Loadout Name: B                                              Cost: 4,631,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A                       BV2: 1,605

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Anti-Missile Systems                       FR        2         2         1.00
10 SRM-6s                                    T         40        10       15.00
@SRM-6 (45)                                  BD        -         0         3.00
@Anti-Missile System (24)                    BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 16
8h         6       6       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, CASE, TUR(6/6/0, SRM 6/6/0), SRM 6/6/0


================================================================================
Loadout Name: C                                              Cost: 3,456,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A                       BV2: 873

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 LB 5-X ACs                                 T         2         2        14.00
Targeting Computer                           BD        -         1         3.00
@LB 5-X (Cluster) (40)                       BD        -         0         2.00
@LB 5-X (Slug) (20)                          BD        -         0         1.00

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


================================================================================
Loadout Name: D                                              Cost: 3,511,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-X-A                       BV2: 1,034

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             21                       11.00

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 Medium Lasers                              T         21        7         7.00
ECM Suite                                    BD        0         1         1.00
TAG                                          BD        0         1         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 10
8h         4       4       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, TAG, ENE, TUR(4/4/0)


================================================================================
Loadout Name: E                                              Cost: 3,656,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A                       BV2: 1,663

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gauss Rifle                                  T         1         1        12.00
ECM Suite                                    T         0         1         1.00
ER Medium Laser                              T         5         1         1.00
Targeting Computer                           BD        -         1         3.00
@Gauss Rifle (24)                            BD        -         0         3.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 17
8h         3       3       2       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, CASE, TUR(3/3/2)


================================================================================
Loadout Name: F                                              Cost: 3,731,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A                       BV2: 1,503
Rules Level: Advanced Rules

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Lasers                           FR        10        2         2.00
2 Machine Guns                               FR        0         2         0.50
Machine Gun                                  LS        0         1         0.25
2 (R) Machine Guns                           RR        0         2         0.50
Machine Gun                                  RS        0         1         0.25
Arrow IV Missile                             T         10        1        12.00
@Arrow IV (FASCAM) (5)                       BD        -         0         1.00
@Arrow IV (Homing) (10)                      BD        -         0         2.00
@Arrow IV (Non-Home) (5)                     BD        -         0         1.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 15
8h         5       2       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTAC, CASE, TUR(2/0/0)


================================================================================
Loadout Name: G                                              Cost: 3,631,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A                       BV2: 1,568

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultra AC/20                                  T         7         1        12.00
Streak SRM-6                                 T         4         1         3.00
@Ultra AC/20 (20)                            BD        -         0         4.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15)                           BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 16
8h         5       5       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(5/5/0)

For Clan Blood Spirit, Strategic Fire support has been a concern of their touman since they began their self imposed isolation. despite the utility of the Weapon's Carriers used by the SLDF during Operation LIBERATION, thier lower tech weapons and inability to accept modern clans software made them an increasing liability on the battlefield.another odd supply problem ensued with the failure of their Awesome IIC for adoption by the entirety of the Clans. Finding themselves with an over abundance of 240 rated engines and the capacity to make more, they attempted to make lemonade out of lemons and geared their Weapons carrier lines to accommodate the new engine, resulting in an increase in mass by 33% this also allowed for a modest increase in Armor Protection... for whatever that was worth.

the new "Apollo" could carry more then half it's mass in firepower, and thanks to the lack of a turret was extremely simple to build and modify. configurations were designed to be installed at deployment sites with whatever the equipped cluster could muster, but recognizing the need for Standardized configurations for thier presentation, they fell back on configurations using thier most common weapons, the Large Laser, SRM 4, and LRM 15. Further development assistance from Kindraa-Beryl Grant of the Fire Mandrills provided Autocannons and Arrow IVs for both AA Duty and Artillery support.

the only thing that prevented the Spirits from presenting this design as a source of revenue through Quicksilver was the IlKhans short sightedness. always one to look around the rules that get in the way of the Spirits glory, Khan Schmitt turned to Kindraa Beryl-Grant and offered a profit sharing agreement for manufacturing of the new vehicle if they presented the idea as thier own.

Code: [Select]

Apollo 

Mass: 80 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Succession Wars
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-E-E-A
Production Year: 3025
Cost: 3,240,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 254

Power Plant:  240 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 32.4 km/h
Flanking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Armor:  Standard Armor
Armament:
    46.5 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: 
    Primary Factory: 
Communications System: 
Targeting and Tracking System: 

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      32 points                8.00
Engine:             Fusion Engine                240                      17.50
    Cruise MP:  3
    Flank MP:   5
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
Control Equipment:                                                         4.00
Lift Equipment:                                                            0.00
Armor:              Standard Armor               AV -  60                  4.00

                                                      Armor      
                                                      Factor     
                                               Front     20        
                                          Left/Right   15/15        
                                                Rear     10        



================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime                                          Cost: 6,865,313
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A                       BV2: 2,020

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 LRM-15s                                    FR        40        8        28.00
ER Small Laser                               FR        2         1         0.50
ECM Suite                                    BD        0         1         1.00
@LRM-15 (136)                                BD        -         0        17.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 20
3t         8       8       8       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, CASE, LRM 7/7/7, IF 7


================================================================================
Loadout Name: A                                              Cost: 5,940,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A                       BV2: 1,164

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 SRM-4s                                    FR        60        20       20.00
@SRM-4 (500)                                 BD        -         0        20.00
@SRM-4 (Inferno) (150)                       BD        -         0         6.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 12
3t        12      12       0       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRM 12/12/0


================================================================================
Loadout Name: B                                              Cost: 6,124,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A                       BV2: 1,435

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             36                       26.00

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 ER Large Lasers                            FR        36        3        12.00
4 Anti-Missile Systems                       FR        4         4         2.00
ECM Suite                                    BD        0         1         1.00
Targeting Computer                           BD        -         1         3.00
@Anti-Missile System (48)                    BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 14
3t         4       4       4       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, ECM, ENE


================================================================================
Loadout Name: H                                              Cost: 6,277,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-E-E-A                       BV2: 1,274
Rules Level: Advanced Rules

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Arrow IV Missiles                          FR        30        3        36.00
@Arrow IV (FASCAM) (15)                      BD        -         0         3.00
@Arrow IV (Homing) (15)                      BD        -         0         3.00
@Arrow IV (Non-Home) (20)                    BD        -         0         4.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 13
3t         6       0       0       0      4     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTAC, CASE


================================================================================
Loadout Name: C                                              Cost: 5,425,313
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A                       BV2: 829

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 Ultra AC/2s                                FR        8         8        40.00
ER Small Laser                               FR        2         1         0.50
@Ultra AC/2 (270)                            BD        -         0         6.00

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


================================================================================
Loadout Name: D                                              Cost: 6,615,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-E-E-A                       BV2: 860

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 LB 5-X ACs                                 FR        6         6        42.00
@LB 5-X (Cluster) (60)                       BD        -         0         3.00
@LB 5-X (Slug) (20)                          BD        -         0         1.00

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

And my impulsive design tendencies lead me to throw out another competitor.

Augustus missile carrier

Mass: 35 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Wheeled OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 594,844 C-Bills
Battle Value: 203

Power Plant: 120 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 43.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
20.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer:
Primary Factory:
Communications System:
Targeting and Tracking System:

Overview:
Clan Diamond Shark's contender for the role of weapon transport is a
development of the Indra infantry transport, reworked with a new engine,
modified armour and typically a considerable missile payload.

Capabilities:
Clan Diamond Shark developed the grandly named Augustus around the GM 120 - one
of the most widely constructed of all fusion reactors, having been used in the
Wasp and Stinger. The Clans hadn't considered these 'Mechs viable for military
purposes since shortly before Operation Klondike so a remarkable number were in
storage. Despite being seventy-five percent heavier than a Wasp, the Augustus
can manage a perfectly acceptable sixty-four kph on the strength of the same
reactor.

Another comparison to the archetypal light 'Mechs is that the Augustus has half
a tone more armour - and in addition uses more advanced protection. All aspects
can take a direct hit from a Gauss Rifle with a reasonable chance of not being
disabled.

Stripped of all armament, the Augustus even has enough free tonnage to carry a
Stinger - although that isn't particularly recommended. More usefully it
usually carries launchers for sixty artemis-guided LRMs. This isn't enough for
much more than half a minute of fire... but it's generally not advisable for
the Augustus to remain in combat past this.

The A configuration strips out the advanced targeting to double the ammunition
load and add a pair of medium lasers for crews who feel they can risk a more
drawn out battle.

For close quarters engagements, the Augustus B can fire thirty-six Streak SRM
missiles, frequently confused with the Augustus C which also fires thirty-six
SRMs but instead uses Artemis targeting.

The final SRM configuration, the Augustus D, sports a full sixty tubes with an
additional medium pulse laser.

Rarely seen but prized when it is fielded, the E configuration is the artillery
variant with an Arrow IV launcher and twenty reloads. For security it's fitted
with a pair of pulse lasers.

Completely unarmed, the Ausgustus F seems the most innocuous... however, the
Aug-F can carry an entire Star of Elementals - four points internally and the
five remaining suits clinging to the outside. While this isn't particularly
recommended in battle, it's an extremely convenient way to taxi Elementals to a
fight and that's going to be increasingly important for Clans with scores of
new worlds to garrison.

Code: [Select]

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      16 points                3.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                120                       6.00
    Cruise MP:  4
    Flank MP:   6
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
Control Equipment:                                                         2.00
Lift Equipment:                                                            0.00
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV -  67                  3.50

                                                      Armor      
                                                      Factor     
                                               Front     28        
                                          Left/Right   14/14        
                                                Rear     11        



================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime                                          Cost: 2,210,469
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,132

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 LRM-15s                                    FR        20        4        14.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           FR        -         0         4.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (16)                       BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 11
4w         4       4       4       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, IF 4


================================================================================
Loadout Name: A                                              Cost: 1,857,969
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,274

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 LRM-15s                                    FR        20        4        14.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           FR        10        2         2.00
@LRM-15 (32)                                 BD        -         0         4.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 13
4w         5       5       3       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, LRM 3/3/3, IF 3


================================================================================
Loadout Name: B                                              Cost: 1,652,344
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,030

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Streak SRM-6s                              FR        24        6        18.00
@Streak SRM-6 (30)                           BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 10
4w         6       6       0       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE


================================================================================
Loadout Name: C                                              Cost: 2,181,094
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 718

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 SRM-6s                                     FR        24        6         9.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           FR        -         0         6.00
@SRM-6 (Artemis) (75)                        BD        -         0         5.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 7
4w         6       6       0       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE


================================================================================
Loadout Name: D                                              Cost: 1,857,969
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,012

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 SRM-6s                                    FR        40        10       15.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           FR        4         1         2.00
@SRM-6 (45)                                  BD        -         0         3.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 10
4w         7       7       0       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRM 6/6/0


================================================================================
Loadout Name: E                                              Cost: 1,432,031
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 855
Rules Level: Advanced Rules

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrow IV Missile                             FR        10        1        12.00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers                        FR        8         2         4.00
@Arrow IV (Homing) (10)                      BD        -         0         2.00
@Arrow IV (Non-Home) (10)                    BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      2    Points: 9
4w         4       2       0       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTAC, CASE


================================================================================
Loadout Name: F                                              Cost: 594,844
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 203

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Infantry Compartment (20.0 tons)             BD        0         1        20.00

One for me was serious, another was "Throw something at the wall and see if it sticks"

Between the time
when the oceans drank Atlantis,
and the rise of the sons of Aryas,
there was an age undreamed of.
And onto this, Conan,
destined to wear the jeweled crown
of Aquilonia upon a troubled brow.
It is I, his chronicler,
who alone can tell thee of his saga.
Let me tell you of the days of high adventure!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LANHWwEjOAU&x-yt-ts=1422503916&feature=player_detailpage&x-yt-cl=85027636

Crom

(https://obtforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sarna.net%2Fwiki%2Fimages%2F0%2F0e%2FMarksman-vehicle.png&hash=7d43abbdff08e423101e6daffeea4ba42f379662)

Overview

"What is it this time, Ariel?" Ian Hawker asked as he was ushered into the Scorpion Khan's office on Strana Mechty. "If this is another 'joint' project, I told you the last time that your debt is too much for the Sharks to even consider such."

"And good morning to you as well, Khan Hawker," Ariel Suvorov said as she rose to greet her visitor. She waved at a chair . . . and the Shark snorted, but he sat.

"Actually, we do have a proposition for you," she continued.

Ian stood and shook his head. "Do you take me for a witless Burrock, Scorpion? A faithless Mongoose? There shall be no further collaboration between our Clans until your debt has been reduced . . . NONE."

"Well, that is a pity," a third voice spoke as another Scorpion officer entered the office and closed the door.

"Djerassi?" barked Ian. "What are you doing here?"

"He is here at my command, Khan Hawker," answered Ariel from her seat. "Nikolai, you are looking well."

"As are you, my Khan," the former Khan of Clan Goliath Scorpion replied. "As are you as well, Khan Hawker."

There was a moment of silence and then Ian Hawker sat once more as Nikolai Djerassi leaned against the Khan's desk and folded his arms.

"What do you two want?" he snapped.

"A means to clear to our debt with the Sharks, Khan Hawker," Djerassi said soothingly. "One that will cost the Sharks nothing if it fails . . . but if it succeeds?" Djerassi smiled. "Ah, if it is successful, then the Sharks will profit. And our debt will be diminished."

"How? You Scorpions do not even use vehicles?"

"We can read, Khan Hawker," Djerassi said with a chuckle. "And while we do not use vehicles, there are other Clans in our society which do. Clans which will need to acquire these new OmniVehicles of Ulric Kerensky from a supplier. A Shark supplier. That would be ideal for us both, quiaff?"

"Aff. But your track record . . .," Ian began before Ariel interrupted him.

"Does not matter, Khan Hawker. We have a vehicle design ready to go for Quicksilver Phase Thirty-Three . . . one that meets all of the ilKhan's requirements and will require your Clan to contribute nothing if the entry fails in the Trials."

"And if it succeeds?" Ian asked.

Djerassi nodded. "If it succeeds, the Scorpions produce the engine, comm systems, and the tracking & targeting array, along with the ferro-fibrous armor it requires. If our new Crom is worthy, you need only produce the chassis, which is a modification of the SLDF Marksman."

"An artillery piece?" exclaimed Ian.

"It fits our requirements and was easily modified as an OmniVehicle. Now, we Scorpions cannot produce the chassis ourselves . . . well," he said after a pause, "we could, but why stretch ourselves even farther when the Sharks can do so for us."

"That assumes that I am willing to cut a deal, Scorpion."

"You risk nothing and there are profits to be made, Shark," Djerassi answered with a thin smile. "I believe that we will make a deal today."

"Who is Crom?" Ian asked, as he changed the subject. "I've never heard of any such god."

"Oh, he is old. Almost forgotten. Although I do remember a prayer to him," Djerassi chuckled and his face grew grim. "Crom, I have never prayed to you before. I have no tongue for it. No one, not even you, will remember if we were good men or bad. Why we fought, or why we died. All that matters is that two stood against many. That's what's important! Valor pleases you, Crom... so grant me one request. Grant me revenge! And if you do not listen, then to HELL with you!"

Ian stiffened and then he nodded. "A Warrior God, indeed."

"He values courage and tenacity, grants strength and endurance to his followers and has little patience for weakness. He judges those who enter his realm based on their valor; nothing more, nothing less."

"Fitting for the Clans, I must admit," Ian whispered.

"Fit for any Clan," Djerassi answered. "But only if the Sharks agree."

And Ian Hawker sighed. "What do you need?"

"Now?" asked Djerassi. "Nothing. But if we win this Trial, Khan Hawker, then we will need you and yours to produce the chassis. And for that, we will provide the engines and electronics and armor at cost . . . until our debt is paid in full. Afterwards? Afterwards, we get a portion of the profits."

"It will take years to pay off your debt, Scorpion," Hawker warned.

"Which is why we want to start doing so now Shark," the former Khan answered. "Do we have a deal? Or should we be meeting with Khan Fletcher?"

Ian pursed his lips and then he nodded. "We have a deal."

"Bargained well and done, then," answered Djerassi. "Ariel will give you the details; I must return to my students. Khan Suvorov, Khan Hawker, good day to you both." And then he left.

Ian shook his head. "Too old to be a Warrior . . . why do you keep him around, Ariel?"

"He has his uses, Khan Hawker," she answered with a smile as she stood. "Now, do you wish the Crom with your own eyes . . . old man?"

And she laughed as Ian Hawker bristled.

Capabilities and Configurations

The Crom is a Goliath Scorpion design for a Universal Weapons Carrier that is based upon the modified chassis of the SLDF Marksman vehicle. The Scorpion design team utilized the Fusion 260 standard engine from their existing Fire Scorpion BattleMech line on Roche; other elements of the Fire Scorpion incorporated into the design include the JNE Integrated Comm System and the TRTTS Mark II Targeting & Tracking Array.

The Crom masses 65 tons, for which the Fusion 260 provides enough power to generate a cruise speed of 43.2 kilometers per hour and a flank speed of 64.8 kph. Slower than front-line Clan OmniMechs, this is nonetheless a respectable rate of speed for a Weapons Carrier. A one-ton remote unmanned turret is included on the design with a fixed weapons array consisting of two ER Medium Lasers, two Machine-Guns, and a half-ton of machine-gun ammunition. Seven tons of ferro-fibrous armor plating gives the design good defensive protection, with the turret and both flanks able to resist hits from Class 20 autocannon. The front is heavily protected and able to absorb three such strikes; unfortunately, this protection comes at the expense of the rear which can only stop two Clan Medium Laser hits before suffering internal penetration.

However, this left 24.0 tons of pod-space available on the Crom. All pod-mounted weapons are emplaced firing out of the forward arc of the vehicle, limiting somewhat the flexibility of the new combat unit. But as a Weapons Carrier, this was deemed acceptable.

The Crom Prime features a Gauss Rifle with two tons of ammunition alongside an LRM-20 with Artemis IV FCS and three tons of ammunition. An ECM Suite provides additional defensive coverage.

Configuration A is armed with twin LB-10X autocannon and four tons of ammunition.

Configuration B has been fitted with an Ultra AC-20 autocannon (five tons of ammo) and two Streak sRM-6 launchers (sharing a single ton of ammunition).

Configuration C has two Ultra AC-10 autocannons and four tons of ammunition.

Configuration D features three LRM-20 launchers with Artemis IV FCS sharing a total of six tons of ammunition.

Configuration E has seven Streak SRM-6 launchers with three tons of ammunition.

Configuration F has an Arrow IV launcher and seven tons of ammunition, plus two Streak SRM-4 launchers with a shared ton of ammunition.

And finally, Configuration G has a Sniper Artillery piece with four tons of ammunition.

Code: [Select]

Crom 

Mass: 65 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 3,175,031 C-Bills
Battle Value: 709

Power Plant: Fusion 260 Standard 260 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 43.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: Forging FF722 with CASE Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    2  ER Medium Lasers
    2  Machine Guns
    24.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Roche QuadPlex Alpha
    Primary Factory: Roche
Communications System: JNE Integrated
Targeting and Tracking System: TRTTS Mark II

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      35 points                6.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                260                      20.50
    Cruise MP:  4
    Flank MP:   6
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
Control Equipment:                                                         3.50
Lift Equipment:                                                            0.00
Turret:                                                                    0.50
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 134                  7.00

                                                      Armor      
                                                      Factor     
                                               Front     60        
                                          Left/Right   20/20        
                                              Turret     20        
                                                Rear     14        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER Medium Lasers                           T         10        2         2.00
2 Machine Guns                               T         0         2         0.50
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 7
4          2       2       0       0      3     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime                                          Cost: 5,148,156
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 1,609

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gauss Rifle                                  FR        1         1        12.00
LRM-20                                       FR        6         1         5.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           FR        -         0         1.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           T         10        2         2.00
2 Machine Guns                               T         0         2         0.50
ECM Suite                                    BD        0         1         1.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@Gauss Rifle (16)                            BD        -         0         2.00
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (18)                       BD        -         0         3.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 16
4          4       4       3       0      3     1   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, CASE, IF 1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: A                                              Cost: 4,889,031
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 1,125

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 LB 10-X ACs                                FR        4         2        20.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           T         10        2         2.00
2 Machine Guns                               T         0         2         0.50
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (20)                      BD        -         0         2.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (20)                         BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 11
4          3       3       2       0      3     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, FLK 1/1/1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: B                                              Cost: 4,814,031
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 1,600

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultra AC/20                                  FR        7         1        12.00
2 Streak SRM-6s                              FR        8         2         6.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           T         10        2         2.00
2 Machine Guns                               T         0         2         0.50
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@Ultra AC/20 (25)                            BD        -         0         5.00
@Streak SRM-6 (15)                           BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 16
4          3       3       0       0      3     4   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE


================================================================================
Loadout Name: C                                              Cost: 4,543,031
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 1,295

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Ultra AC/10s                               FR        6         2        20.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           T         10        2         2.00
2 Machine Guns                               T         0         2         0.50
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@Ultra AC/10 (40)                            BD        -         0         4.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 13
4          3       3       2       0      3     2   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE


================================================================================
Loadout Name: D                                              Cost: 5,700,656
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 1,777

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 LRM-20s                                    FR        18        3        15.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           FR        -         0         3.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           T         10        2         2.00
2 Machine Guns                               T         0         2         0.50
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (36)                       BD        -         0         6.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 18
4          3       3       2       0      3     4   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, IF 2


================================================================================
Loadout Name: E                                              Cost: 5,069,531
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 1,684

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 Streak SRM-6s                              FR        28        7        21.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           T         10        2         2.00
2 Machine Guns                               T         0         2         0.50
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@Streak SRM-6 (45)                           BD        -         0         3.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 17
4          3       3       0       0      3     4   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE


================================================================================
Loadout Name: F                                              Cost: 4,603,406
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 1,401
Rules Level: Advanced Rules

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrow IV Missile                             FR        10        1        12.00
2 Streak SRM-4s                              FR        6         2         4.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           T         10        2         2.00
2 Machine Guns                               T         0         2         0.50
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@Arrow IV (Cluster) (5)                      BD        -         0         1.00
@Arrow IV (FASCAM) (5)                       BD        -         0         1.00
@Arrow IV (Homing) (5)                       BD        -         0         1.00
@Arrow IV (Illumination) (5)                 BD        -         0         1.00
@Arrow IV (Non-Home) (10)                    BD        -         0         2.00
@Arrow IV (Smoke) (5)                        BD        -         0         1.00
@Streak SRM-4 (25)                           BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 14
4          3       2       0       0      3     1   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTAC, CASE


================================================================================
Loadout Name: G                                              Cost: 3,826,781
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E                         BV2: 853
Rules Level: Advanced Rules

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sniper                                       FR        10        1        20.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           T         10        2         2.00
2 Machine Guns                               T         0         2         0.50
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@Sniper (Cluster) (10)                       BD        -         0         1.00
@Sniper (Cprhead) (10)                       BD        -         0         1.00
@Sniper (Flechette) (10)                     BD        -         0         1.00
@Sniper (10)                                 BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 9
4          3       1       0       0      3     1   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTS, CASE

Clan Reaction

Ulric Kerensky frowned as he approached the Clan Wolf Command Center on Tamar. The guards posted the doors were . . . nervous and kept looking over their shoulder at the closed doors. Doors through which the manacial laughter of Khan Natasha Kerensky emerged.

Seeing the ilKhan, they snapped to attention and opened the doors . . . and the ilKhan stode inside. To see Natasha laughing as she watched an ancient and ragged film projection and its primeval combat with swords and axes.

"Natas- . . .," he began, but the Black Widow shushed him.

"This is the best part," she said as she patted the seat next to her. Ulric sat and he turned his attention to the screen where a Valkyrie in shining silver armor suddenly appeared, distracting the obvious villan as the hero cut him down.

"Do you want to live forever?" the woman said, and then she vanished.

"Natasha," Ulric growled. "You've made your point . . . Crom isn't a real-life god of war and the Scorpions are trolling the rest of the Clans."

"Well," a third voice spoke up and Ulric glared at Phelan Ward as he finished chewing a piece of popcorn. "Strictly speaking none of the ancient Gods and Goddesses are real. And this Crom fellow certainly seems like a diety that the Clans would like!"

Ulric counted to ten and then shook his head. "That isn't the point! And you just had to show him this film, quiaff, Natasha?"

"Damn straight, Ulric. You were not locked up in a DropShip with Cranston Snord and other crazy Scorpions for eighteen months en route to the Inner Sphere. I've seen this movie at least two hundred times . . . although it has been decades since I sat through it."

"Pretty good, in a mind-numbing, turn-your-brain-off, oiled pecs sort of way," added Phelan.

Natasha sighed. "Yeah. He's got real good pecs, Phelan. And biceps and thighs and . . .,"

"When the other Clans find out . . .," Ulric began, but Natasha laughed again.

"Who is going to tell them? The Scorpions? I doubt it," Natasha snapped. "Us? Why would we? If the Jade Idiots and Smoked Jack-offs can't bother to look up Crom for themselves, then why would we tell them?" She sighed and sat up, brushing butter and kernels from her uniform. "I say we let it happen and watch. Bound to be fun one way or the other, Ulric."

"You always say that . . . when you are not wanting to crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentations of their women!" Ulric barked.

And now Phelan sat up. "You've SEEN this?"

"I am a Wolf, Phelan. Damn right I have seen this," Ulric paused and he shook his head. "Fine. Fine. Let the Scorpions have their joke. But there will be hell to pay if certain Crusaders find out."

"All part of the fun, ilKhan, Sir," answered Natasha. "Now shut up and pass the popcorn. I love the ending."

I'm still waiting on the results of the last contest. Without those I can't write the fluff, much less do any design work. As it stands now, most of the ideas I had working in my mind have already been snapped up by the other competitors, especially the weight classes. I may just bow out especially when there are five entries already.

Looks like JP got most of it right here so lets kick this pig off officially now.

Okay folks Clan Star Adder with a win in the last contest is also out along with the Wolves and the Blood Spirits. All three remain active in this challenge trying to shape the new Armored Corps of the Clans in some way. So look for them to help where possible although they can not be the main designer. Only the Hell's Horses, Ice Hellion, and Diamond Shark remain for that honor.

Also with the 55 ton Thor winning the last contest that mass category has been filled leaving only 5 unaccounted for (45 tons, 70 tons, 80 tons, 90 tons, 95 tons).

I am looking for something like the classic weapon carriers such as one of two missile (SRM or LRM) and the AC variant. The Alacorn (Gauss) and Shreck (PPC) weapon carriers are also good examples. This OmniVehicle should be able to do it all! As this is the Universal Weapon Carrier your Configurations should carry the entire variety.

One type of weapon in bulk form is the easiest way to describe this Combatant. Looking at canon example Speed and Armor are not the biggest concerns. Probably concentrating on pod space would likely be recommended.

Both Tracked and Wheeled Motive Systems are allowable here. Hovercraft are also acceptable. This is the only contest where you can choose between all three.

Not sure if an Ultralight is possible for this type of vehicle but I would love to see you try.

Good luck!!!

Durga

Code: [Select]

Mass: 95 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3052
Cost: 3,761,875 C-Bills
Battle Value: 561

Power Plant: Firebox 190 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 21.6 km/h
Flanking Speed: 32.4 km/h
Armor: Magnum Composite Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    58.5 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Hector MechWorks Facility Beta
    Primary Factory: Hector
Communications System: Build 1685 Tacticom
Targeting and Tracking System: Version Gamma-V

Overview:
Clan Ice Hellion may be a surprising choice to build something as large and
slow as the Durga. However this is a role they traditionally defer to vehicles.
It's less of a tank and more of a building that can move - slowly.

Looking to cash in, the Ice Hellions are marketing the Durga as aggressively as
they do everything else. All the invading clans have found Hellion merchants
visiting their enclaves to offer demonstration Trials on any pretext.

Clan Jade Falcon expressed some interest but this appears to have been a
pretext to lure the Hellions into investing more of their limited capital into
the design. The Falcons did purchase two sample Durga which they claim to have
found 'unsatisfactory' in action.

Capabilities:
Taking the chassis of stockpiled Puma Tanks as their starting point, the
Hellions recreated it as a shell of modern ferro-fibrous plating, almost as
sturdy while considerably lighter. They then replaced the ancient Pitban 285
reactor with a Firebox 180 - currently manufactured for use in the Ku -
although if supplies run short, similar engines are available from such Inner
Sphere 'Mechs as the Blackjack or Vindicator with only minimal alteration.
Sensors and other electronics were also available from units already under
construction on Hector.

The Durga Prime is an unforgiving LRM carrier. The small turret carries two
launchers with another pair on the flanks, making it difficult to outflank the
Durga despite it's slow speed. The primary battery are the seven forward
mounted launchers which can bring over a hundred LRMs to bear.

The A in Durga A stands for 'autocannon': three autocannon are mounted in the
nose with a fourth in the turret. Two lasers and three SRMs provide secondary
fire.

In B configuration the Durga provides artillery support, utilising three Arrow
IV launchers. Looked on by some Clans as less than honourable, Ice Hellion
crews argue it's merely an extension of ordinary pack tactics, pairing a light
vehicle spotter with the Durga B for a single vehicle point to oppose the one
'Mech or five Elementals in equivalent forces. Secondary armament in the turret
leaves some hope for the crew of winning glory in more conventional engagements
and the machineguns ward off enemy infantry.

Battle History:
The Jade Falcons made contentious use of the Durga in testing. Certainly they
managed to get awesome speed out of the design, however the designers are
confident that pushing the tanks out of an orbiting Dropship to land in the
Circle of Equals wasn't the best doctrine for their employment. As one Durga
did land on a Coyote Oro, destroying both tanks, the Falcons have to their
chagrin been the first Clan to inflict an actual casualty with a Durga.

Code: [Select]

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      50 points                9.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                190                      11.50
    Cruise MP:  2
    Flank MP:   3
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
Control Equipment:                                                         5.00
Lift Equipment:                                                            0.00
Turret:                                                                    1.00
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 182                  9.50

                                                      Armor      
                                                      Factor     
                                               Front     48        
                                          Left/Right   31/31        
                                              Turret     48        
                                                Rear     24        



================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime                                          Cost: 9,185,312
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2,363

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 LRM-15s                                    FR        35        7        24.50
LRM-20                                       LS        6         1         5.00
LRM-20                                       RS        6         1         5.00
2 LRM-20s                                    T         12        2        10.00
@LRM-20 (18)                                 BD        -         0         3.00
@LRM-15 (88)                                 BD        -         0        11.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 24
2t        10      10      10       0      4     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(2/2/2, LRM 2/2/2, IF 2/2/2), LRM 10/10/10, IF 10


================================================================================
Loadout Name: A                                              Cost: 7,856,875
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,722

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Ultra AC/10s                               FR        9         3        30.00
SRM-6                                        FR        4         1         1.50
2 ER Medium Lasers                           FR        10        2         2.00
SRM-6                                        LS        4         1         1.50
SRM-6                                        RS        4         1         1.50
Ultra AC/10                                  T         3         1        10.00
@Ultra AC/10 (100)                           BD        -         0        10.00
@SRM-6 (30)                                  BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 17
2t        10      10       6       0      4     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(2/2/2), SRM 2/2/0


================================================================================
Loadout Name: B                                              Cost: 7,966,562
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,694
Rules Level: Advanced Rules

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Arrow IV Missiles                          FR        30        3        36.00
Machine Gun                                  FR        0         1         0.25
Machine Gun                                  LS        0         1         0.25
(R) Machine Gun                              RR        0         1         0.25
Machine Gun                                  RS        0         1         0.25
Large Pulse Laser                            T         10        1         6.00
2 Streak SRM-4s                              T         6         2         4.00
@Streak SRM-4 (25)                           BD        -         0         1.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@Arrow IV (Homing) (25)                      BD        -         0         5.00
@Arrow IV (Non-Home) (25)                    BD        -         0         5.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 17
2t        10       3       2       0      4     0   Structure:  5
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTAC, CASE, TUR(3/3/2)

Good luck with this one, everyone. I'm out for this particular competition. I've no drive nor motivation for this contest. Plus how do you compete with JP's Apollo or Drak's Durqa or Minerva without duplicating their efforts.

Quote from: Abele on February 02, 2015, 01:43:44 AM

Good luck with this one, everyone. I'm out for this particular competition. I've no drive nor motivation for this contest. Plus how do you compete with JP's Apollo or Drak's Durqa or Minerva without duplicating their efforts.

do what I do, something off the wall and clever like the Bucephalus

Since both 80 tonners (one more so then the other) are currently ineligible and likely to be disqualified why not try that weight category. ;)

Again I would like to urge some of the participants to review their entries especially in regards to their manufacturers. ;)

Criteria
Vehicle Type: Hover, Tracked, or Wheeled
Power Plant: Fusion Engine
Name: Clan Vehicle Naming Conventions (Gods of War)
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: Clan Level 2
Manufacturer: Hellâ€™s Horses (2), Ice Hellion (1), and Diamond Shark (1)

Upon further review there does appear to be one design that is currently entered and makes a good case for a motive system that I had not previously included. When I was thinking about this contest originally I did have the idea of including three possible ground modes. Then the snow came.... :o All three ground movers are now allowable under the contest criteria. Sorry about that.

I would say again that designers should check their 80 ton entries. ;)

The Blood Spirits care not for your Shenanigans, they will build as they please and let someone else sell it to you!.

Quote from: JPArbiter on February 04, 2015, 11:42:55 AM

The Blood Spirits care not for your Shenanigans, they will build as they please and let someone else sell it to you!.

You are in the right mood 8)

Do not encourage him Ice. ::)

I was thinking you could probably do just that with your fluff. Diamond Shark might make for an excellent partner. You could allude to the Spirits over spending on Quicksilver and the Sharks helping finance their touman improvements.

Quote from: Takiro on February 04, 2015, 05:51:02 AM

I would say again that designers should check their 80 ton entries. ;)

The only thing I see with the Minerva is that it's a joint Wolf-Hells Horse project. Since it specifies Hells Horses will do full production, that should meet the criteria for which Clan produces it.

OK, I caved. The name of the Omni comes from Cthulhu mythos.

(https://obtforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sarna.net%2Fwiki%2Fimages%2Fe%2Fef%2FGoblin.jpg&hash=d5fd1f383906d8125d7b04bd7bade1ee112f89e3)

Code: [Select]

Nyogtha 

Mass: 45 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Motive Type: Tracked OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 1,391,094 C-Bills
Battle Value: 436

Power Plant: LongWay 180 Fusion Engine
Cruise Speed: 43.2 km/h
Flanking Speed: 64.8 km/h
Armor: ProtecTech 9 Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    2  Machine Guns
    18.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Johnston Industries
    Primary Factory: New Syrtis
Communications System: CommuTech XL
Targeting and Tracking System: BlazeFire tracker with RangeCheck

OVERVIEW: Based on the Goblin medium, the Nyogtha fills the role of a light general purpose weapons carrier
that would be primarily used in a defensive role and is meant to be a relatively cheap and effective way for Clan Diamond Shark to enter
the growing OmniVehicle market.. The modification was simple as the armor was upgraded to ferro-fibrous which resulted in slightly
increased protection with the saved weight going to the fixed machine guns mounted fore and aft. The large diesel engine has been removed
and replaced by a SFE180 borrowed from the Wyvern IIC battlemech.

This left a total of eighteen tons for the mounting of weapons and ammunition after weight was allocated for the configurable turret. Nine
separate configurations were conceived for the Nyogtha with four based around ballistic weaponry, three on enery-based weapons
and two featuring missile loadouts. The energy-based configurations suffer in combat capability due to the necessary addition of additional
heat sinks.

CONFIGURATIONS:

PRIME: A trio of Class 2 LB-x autocannons are the primary weapons of this configuration and are fed by a two-ton ammo magazine. A
pair of extended range small lasers provide for additional anti-infantry weapons.

A: A pair of Class 5 Ultra autocannons replace the LB-Xs in this variant. The two-ton ammo magazine remains, while a medium pulse laser
is the only secondary weapon added.

B: A large Class 20 LB-X autocannon is mounted in the turret on this model with a deep three-ton ammo bin. A pair of extended range
medium lasers provide additional backup firepower. An ECM Suite has been added so that this variant cannot be easily targeted as it lays in ambush
of advancing enemy vehicles

C: The fourth configuration replaces the weaponry of the B with a Gauss Rifle with two tons of ammunition. A medium and a small pulse laser
provide the secondary firepower for the the C configuration. The ECM suite from the B remains.

D: The first of three energy-based configurations and features an extended range PPC backed up by an extended range medium laser and an
additional pair of machineguns. An additional ten heat sinks are added to deal with the heat of the weapons.

E: This configuratiuon features pulse weapons as the main source of firepower. One large and two medium pulse lasers are carried in the turret,
while eight heat sinks take up the rest of the available pod space.

F: This configuration was to have mounted an extended range large laser originally, but the design opted out of that configuration and mounted
a total of four extended range medium lasers backed up a six-tube Streak SRM launcher instead. Ten heat sinks had to be added to handle the heat
buildup.

G: This configuration fills the role of long-range missile support with the mounting a pair of Artemis IV-equipped twenty-tube LRM launchers fed
by four tons of ammunition. An anti-missile system is mounted in case of counter-battery fire, while an extended range small laser provides additional
backup to the fixed machineguns.

H: This configuration is the short-range fire support model and replaces the launchers of the G model with quad six-tube Streak SRM launchers
each fed by their own dedicated ammo bin. The AMS and small laser carry over from the LRM configuration.

Code: [Select]

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      25 points                4.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                180                      10.50
    Cruise MP:  4
    Flank MP:   6
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
Control Equipment:                                                         2.50
Lift Equipment:                                                            0.00
Turret:                                                                    1.50
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 134                  7.00

                                                      Armor      
                                                      Factor     
                                               Front     32        
                                          Left/Right   25/25        
                                              Turret     28        
                                                Rear     24        

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun                                  FR        0         1         0.25
(R) Machine Gun                              RR        0         1         0.25
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 4
4t         1       0       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR()


================================================================================
Loadout Name: PRIME                                          Cost: 2,247,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 677

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun                                  FR        0         1         0.25
(R) Machine Gun                              RR        0         1         0.25
3 LB 2-X ACs                                 T         3         3        15.00
2 ER Small Lasers                            T         4         2         1.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@LB 2-X (Cluster) (45)                       BD        -         0         1.00
@LB 2-X (Slug) (45)                          BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 7
4t         2       2       1       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(2/2/1)


================================================================================
Loadout Name: A                                              Cost: 2,224,844
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 868

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun                                  FR        0         1         0.25
(R) Machine Gun                              RR        0         1         0.25
2 Ultra AC/5s                                T         2         2        14.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           T         4         1         2.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@Ultra AC/5 (40)                             BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 9
4t         3       3       2       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(3/3/2)


================================================================================
Loadout Name: B                                              Cost: 3,131,094
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,111

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun                                  FR        0         1         0.25
(R) Machine Gun                              RR        0         1         0.25
LB 20-X AC                                   T         6         1        12.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           T         10        2         2.00
ECM Suite                                    BD        0         1         1.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@LB 20-X (Cluster) (10)                      BD        -         0         2.00
@LB 20-X (Slug) (5)                          BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 11
4t         3       3       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, CASE, TUR(3/3/0, FLK 1/1/0), FLK 1/1/0


================================================================================
Loadout Name: C                                              Cost: 2,435,094
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,102

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun                                  FR        0         1         0.25
(R) Machine Gun                              RR        0         1         0.25
Gauss Rifle                                  T         1         1        12.00
Medium Pulse Laser                           T         4         1         2.00
Small Pulse Laser                            T         2         1         1.00
ECM Suite                                    BD        0         1         1.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@Gauss Rifle (16)                            BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 11
4t         3       3       2       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, CASE, TUR(3/3/2)


================================================================================
Loadout Name: D                                              Cost: 2,134,219
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,031

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             20                       10.00

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun                                  FR        0         1         0.25
(R) Machine Gun                              RR        0         1         0.25
ER Medium Laser                              T         5         1         1.00
ER PPC                                       T         15        1         6.00
2 Machine Guns                               T         0         2         0.50
@MG (1/2) (200)                              BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 10
4t         3       3       2       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(3/3/2)


================================================================================
Loadout Name: E                                              Cost: 1,954,781
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 982

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             18                        8.00

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun                                  FR        0         1         0.25
(R) Machine Gun                              RR        0         1         0.25
Large Pulse Laser                            T         10        1         6.00
2 Medium Pulse Lasers                        T         8         2         4.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 10
4t         3       3       2       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(3/3/2)


================================================================================
Loadout Name: F                                              Cost: 2,224,844
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,069

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             20                       10.00

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun                                  FR        0         1         0.25
(R) Machine Gun                              RR        0         1         0.25
4 ER Medium Lasers                           T         20        4         4.00
Streak SRM-6                                 T         4         1         3.00
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@Streak SRM-6 (15)                           BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 11
4t         5       4       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(4/4/0)


================================================================================
Loadout Name: G                                              Cost: 2,861,484
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,242

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun                                  FR        0         1         0.25
(R) Machine Gun                              RR        0         1         0.25
2 LRM-20s                                    T         12        2        10.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           T         -         0         2.00
Anti-Missile System                          T         1         1         0.50
ER Small Laser                               T         2         1         0.50
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@LRM-20 (Artemis) (24)                       BD        -         0         4.00
@Anti-Missile System (24)                    BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 12
4t         4       4       4       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, CASE, TUR(4/4/4, IF 3/3/3), IF 3


================================================================================
Loadout Name: H                                              Cost: 2,462,734
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 1,125

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Machine Gun                                  FR        0         1         0.25
(R) Machine Gun                              RR        0         1         0.25
4 Streak SRM-6s                              T         16        4        12.00
Anti-Missile System                          T         1         1         0.50
ER Small Laser                               T         2         1         0.50
@MG (1/2) (100)                              BD        -         0         0.50
@Anti-Missile System (24)                    BD        -         0         1.00
@Streak SRM-6 (60)                           BD        -         0         4.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      4    Points: 11
4t         6       6       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, CASE, TUR(6/6/0)

Very good Abele, now I am just waiting on last minute additions like Master Arminas fluff or anyone else who might like to join the fray. This contest will wrap up at midnight eastern time tonight which is about 16 hours away. ;)

Only an hour left! :o

Fluff is UP.

MA

Very good sir. I am currently evaluating the design entries. ;)

First of all I would like to thank JPArbiter for getting this contest off the ground some two weeks ago. The extra week allowed any interested parties to have plenty of design time for their own Clan Weapon Carrier. During this fortnight I saw more snow than I would like to admit (and it is snowing again as I type this review) we got seven entires from four different designers. While we got all three vehicle motive types (Hover, Wheeled, & Tracked) allowed by this challenges sadly there were no ultralights. Admittedly this would have been difficult at best but interesting. Oh well lets see what we do have this time around.

7. Apollo (JPArbiter)
This Fire Mandrill â€œdesign developed by Blood Spirit has several glaring fluff problems starting with the fact that neither Clan is capable of manufacturing it. On top of that the Awesome IIC was not a failure and in fact will be a design in TRO 3054. Now it is possible that this entry could be a Diamond Shark product as I suggested but it would take a major rewrite of this 80 ton Tracked OmniVehicle. The popular and widely used 240 Fusion Engine (3/5) from the Awesome IIC would make an excellent power plant. I got no problem with it lacking a turret to maximize pod space (46.5 tons) and armor protection but only 4 tons of standard armor (60 factor)! Far too light (the lightest amount in this contest which includes a light vehicle) for such a large target even a weapon carrier maximizing pod space. Its six weapon configurations are the most weapon carrier faithful in my opinion but the Apollo (former Rim World capital and home planet of the Usurper) is clearly last place material.

6. Durga (drakensis)
This 95 ton Tracked monstrosity comes to us from the Ice Hellion Clan who sometimes uses slow moving vehicles to supplement its forces. Based on stockpiled SLDF Puma Assault Tanks I thought for sure someone would go with an Alacorn Weapon Carrier during this contest but this was the closest. Unfortunately your design contains a critical error in the 190 Fusion Engine (2/3) that powers it. Your fluff indicates that engines from the Ku (180 Fusion) would be used possibly under powering the design in tests hence Jade Falcon dropping it from orbit. Funny fluff btw. With 9.5 tons of ferro aluminum (182 factor) it does have adequate protection IMO. A one ton turret (10 ton capacity) does provide some added mobility to a few weapons but most of the 58.5 tons of pod space is fixed You had three excellent configurations including 185 Long Range Missiles in Prime, 4 Ultra Autocannon 10s in Alternate A, and 3 Arrow IV Artillery Systems in Alternate B. Additionally I would have like to have seen 3 ER PPCs with 35 additional heat sinks (53 tons) and 4 Gauss Rifles or LB-20X with 2 tons of ammunition each (56 tons). Unfortunately the Engine error as well as the fact that no 190 Fusion Engine appears to be in production accounts for this otherwise promising designs placement here.

5. Augustus (drakensis)
This 35 ton Wheeled entry from Diamond Shark was based on the Indra Infantry Transport. Like the Wasp IIC designers used vast supplies of 120 Fusion Engines (4/6) from the ubiquitous Wasp and Stinger BattleMechs to power this design. This is a very cost effective idea. With exactly one tenth of its mass reserved for armor, 3.5 tons of ferro fibrous (67 factor), it has effective protection. Without a turret that armor is further maximized but that leaves 20 tons of pod space which has to be directionally mounted. I had no problem with that but this design goes overboard on missiles. Six of its seven configurations are based on missiles with the other transporting infantry. I wanted a universal carrier that could deploy all types of weaponry. This could be accomplished for example - 5 Medium Pulse Lasers with 10 additional heat sinks, 5 ER Medium Lasers with 15 additional heat sinks, 1 Ultra AC/5 along with 2 Ultra AC/2s leaves 3 tons for ammo, or 1 LB-5X along with 2 LB-2Xs also leaves 3 tons for ammo are all quite possible. That would have given you 3 or 4 different angles other than LRM and SRM which were a little over done. Still this is another tempting idea for the future.

4. Crom (masterarminas)
This 65 ton Tracked Weapon Carrier produced by Diamond Shark and developed by the Goliath Scorpions was a great read. Fun with Conan and the Wolves perspective overrode any reservations I had about the Scorpions actually designing an OmniVehicle. Based on the SLDF Marksman this design uses a 260 Fusion Engine (4/6) from the Fire Scorpion to power it. Again 7 tons of ferro fibrous (134 factor) or about one tenth of the designâ€™s overall mass is used to adequately protect it without going over board. A half ton turret (5 ton capacity) allows some of the Vehicleâ€™s 24 tons of pod space to mounted in a 360 degree arc. Half of that space is reserved for 2 ER Medium Lasers and 2 Machine Guns which were integrally fitted to support the design. The 8 different configurations are some what mixed in nature with only about half qualifying as weapon carriers. These four - A (2 LB-10Xs), C (2 Ultra AC/10s), D (3 LRM 20s with Artemis), E (7 Streak SRM 6s) were well done and should have served as the basis for the design. Prime (Gauss and LRM 20) and B (Ultra AC/20 and 2 Streak SRM 6s) were more tank destroyers while the other 2 were Artillery (F with an Arrow and G with a Sniper) pieces. It is a little nitpicky I suppose but I would have led with the weapon carrier types and maybe closed with the tank destroyers. Good design though. Maybe Crom will be seen one day in action with the Clans after all.

3. Nyogtha (Abele)
Well I am Glad you caved in and decided to enter this cheap and effective 45 ton Tracked OmniVehicle by way of Clan Diamond Shark. While you and MA got a little whacky with the names there is no reason to think that fictional mythos like Cthulhu would not intermingle with some historic ones. Based on the Goblin Medium Tank which may have been available to the SLDF and the Clans this vehicle sits on the very upper edge of a 3 man crew requirement. Using a 180 Fusion Engine (4/6) produced for the Wyvern IIC this upgrade replaces the original ICE which was far bulkier. With 7 tons of ferro fibrous (134 factor) this design has almost too much protection for a weapon carrier but remains with acceptable parameters. A 1.5 ton turret allows for 15 of the designâ€™s 18 tons of pod space to be mounted in a wide ranging firing arc. Two integral Machine Guns mounted front and back also provide additional support against infantry. Nine different weapon configurations run the gambit on possibilities offered by this medium weight entry. Great job, very nicely done! Only two designs better.

2. Minerva (drakensis)
Quite possibly the ideal platform for this challenge is an 80 ton Tracked Heavy Weapon Carrier. Developed largely by the Wolves this design would be built by the Hellâ€™s Horses upon completion. The name makes me think that this design would be some sort of up scaled Athena but there is not much info about that in the fluff. All that is said is that the 240 Fusion Engine (3/5) used to power the design comes from cached Manticore Tanks. That is a good choice for a power plant already in production by the Clans for the Griffin IIC, Glass Spider, Matador, and Battle Cobra to name a few. I would have liked have heard about a basis for the design such as the Star League Fury, Rhino, or maybe even the Schrek PPC Carrier. Six and a half tons of ferro fibrous (124 factor) along with no turret gives this OmniVehicle an acceptable level of protection. Forty four tons of pod space provides ample room for weapons and equipment. A total of 18 different configurations gave a wide swath of possible capabilities. However I wish this design was a little more focused. Not bad drak but one design was better.

1. Bucephalus (JPArbiter)
This 50 ton Hovercraft based on the Epona was entered by the Hellâ€™s Horses and in my opinion is the best of the bunch. Replacing the Eponaâ€™s 215 Fusion Engine with a 165 Fusion Engine (8/12) provides some extra mass (5.5 tons). But where did this engine come from? Well the designer does not say but the Tyre Aerospace Fighter does use that model power plant making such an endeavor quite possible. This makes it highly maneuverable especially when compared to its competitors in this challenge. With 6 tons of ferro fibrous (115 factor) it has more protection than its predecessor. Its turret has also been slightly enlarged to 1.5 tons allowing it to carry a large payload (15 ton capacity). With 20 tons of overall pod space for weapons and equipment there are plenty of options. The first four are true weapon carriers even though D (7 Medium Lasers) seems to be in error. Since there is no Configuration A we do have room for two energy configurations; 5 ER Medium Lasers or 5 Medium Pulse Lasers would both work. I like Prime (4 LRM 15s), B (10 SRM 6s), and C (2 LB-5Xs with a Targeting Computer). Configuration F (Arrow IV System) is the reason behind the whole development of the early design and it works quite well. Configurations E (Gauss Rifle linked to a Targeting Computer) and G (Ultra AC/20 and a Streak SRM 6) are straight up Hovertanks. All in all it is a very hard hitting, fast moving, well armored, and capable design whose close ties to the Epona will speed production. Congrats on the win JP!

Thanks again gang. Another great challenge has come and gone. I am writing the next one as we speak. Hopefully it wonâ€™t snow out!

Congratulations, JP.

MA

Salutations, JP.

thank you all, I love the fact that I got first and last place.

how would the spirits be incapable of manufacturing the Apollo?

Quote from: JPArbiter on January 25, 2015, 11:40:38 PM

Criteria
Vehicle Type: Wheeled
Power Plant: Fusion Engine
Name: Clan Vehicle Naming Conventions (Gods of War)
Era: 3052, just following the Truce of Tukayyid
Tech: Clan Level 2
Manufacturer: Hellâ€™s Horses (2), Star Adder (1), Ice Hellion (1), and Diamond Shark (1)

Ask the guy who posted the original criteria. ;)

Seriously though the Spirits have gone above and beyond during the Quicksilver Trails. They have gone from strict isolationists to a renewed version of their early selves. This kind of make sense in this AU because of Ulric's call for greater cooperation post Tukayyid. However their industry has its limits. They have made massive investments of time and resources that if you look back through each challenge and keep track like I have been doing. Here is a preview of the Spirits results ;)

Blood Spirit

This Clan really emerged from isolation and took up the Quicksilver Challenges with renewed zeal. They entered the trails producing a single OmniMech - the Stooping Hawk (55 ton Zombie) introduced in 2970. Thanks to a deal with the Snow Ravens they now manufacture the Bloodwing (20 ton Vampire) which helped their touman prosper. Later they maximized their industrial output with the Kinslayer (95 ton Zombie) by working with Ghost Bear and Snow Raven.

Perhaps the most active Clan the Spirits worked successfully with Fire Mandrill (Crimson Langur 50 ton Werewolf) and Goliath Scorpion (Stone Lion 85 ton Zombie) on two new OmniMechs. Additional efforts with Diamond Shark, Hellâ€™s Horses, Ice Hellion, and Wolf did not pay actual dividends but paved the way for improving relations. These engineering failures may produce diplomatic success and see the Spirits turn from total bitterness to a fair amount of cooperation.

No less significant were the development of five BattleMechs (Claybeg, Firebrand, Blood Knight, Awesome IIC, Battlemaster IIC) by this Clan further improving their touman. All of these positives must be tempered with their huge expenditure of resources in this venture. Some argue this massive investment was worth it but only time will tell. Several outsiders have wondered aloud how the Spirits could afford such profligate spending.

The massive investment in their â€˜Mech forces caused the Spirits to decline participation in the aerospace trails but they did leverage their political support into further capital backing for their renewed industrial output. Despite this enormous expenditure the Spirits once again rose to the forefront during the vehicle trails. Citing the orthodoxy of Nicholas Kerensky's original military doctrine the Clan had long been proponents of front line vehicles.

Along with Hellâ€™s Horses they pushed successfully for OmniVehicle production. Committing the last of their primary industrial base to the venture the Clan was soon rewarded with another excellent design, the Tanit Hovertank (25 ton Hover). They continued to contribute to Kerensky's new Armored Corps advising against the use of Extra Light Engines.

lets also keep in mind that NONE of what the Apollo offered in terms of manufacturing would not have come later (and better mind you) in the form of the Morrigu, right down to the engine.

What makes you think the Morrigu will ever get built? This is an alternate universe. Who knows someone may make an Omni out of it?? Or it just might never get assembled after all there is a bunch of new stuff that could preclude its usefulness. The Blood Spirits look to be taking on a very different track.

What makes me think it will get built, not a darned thing, but if the Spirits in the mainline universe could bring the Morrgiu to market by 3067 in the mainline universe, then they had to capability to manufacture it by time you made your divergence at the Battle of T when the vehicle was at least being computer modeled

OBT Forum

General BattleTech => General Discussion => Vehicle Factory => Topic started by: JPArbiter on January 25, 2015, 11:40:38 PM