Well, since we're on a
Cyclops kick...
Variant 1:
CP-10-Z (
available since 2710) - the "common/default" variant
equipped with x2 MLas (RA, LA), x1 AC/20 (RT), x1 LRM-10 (LT), x1 SRM-4 (CT), and a Command Console (HD)
Potential Hardpoint Layout:
LA: x1 Energy
LT: x2 Missile
CT: x1 Missile
HD: N/A
RT: x2 Ballistic
RA: x1 Energy
"Dual Cockpit refits: The
Cyclops is one of the Capellan Confederation's preferred 'Mechs to install Dual Cockpits. Standard refits usually install the Dual Cockpit on a CP-10-Z or CP-11-A, removing one ton of autocannon or gauss rifle ammunition, respectively."
Variant 2: CP-10-Z-DC (
available since 2750)
equipped with x2 MLas (RA, LA), x1 AC/20 (RT), x1 LRM-10 (LT), x1 SRM-4 (CT), and a Command Console (HD)
Potential Hardpoint Layout:
LA: x1 Energy
LT: x2 Missile
CT: x2 Missile
HD: N/A
RT: x1 Ballistic
RA: x1 Energy
Variant 3:
CP-11-A-DC (
available since 3045)
Equipped with x2 MLas (RA, LA), x1 Gauss Rifle (RT), x1 LRM-10 (LT), x1 SRM-4 (CT), and a Command Console (HD)
Potential Hardpoint Layout:
LA: x2 Energy
LT: x1 Missile
CT: x1 Missile
HD: N/A
RT: x1 Ballistic
RA: x2 Energy
Variant 4:
CP-11-C (
available since 3049)
Equipped with x2 MLas (RA, LA), x1 Gauss Rifle (RT), x1 SRM-4 (CT), and a C3 Master Unit (LT)
Potential Hardpoint Layout:
LA: x1 Energy
LT: N/A
CT: x2 Missile
HD: N/A
RT: x3 Ballistic
RA: x1 Energy
If "it makes more sense to put 'Mechs in for what roles they can play", then the
Cyclops - with two variants carrying Command Consoles and one carrying a (yet-to-be-implemented) C3 Master Unit - would be (in the absence of the
Marauder and
BattleMaster) the quintessential command 'Mech.
'Twould be even more interesting if the Command Console were to receive its abilities under the advanced combat rules in
Tactical Operations (such as a form of satellite uplink (which could allow for some form of advanced BattleGrid as well as the generation of an ECCM field, among other abilities; see the "Satellite Type Table" on pg. 195 of TacOps), access to remote sensors, and the ability to generate ghost targets).
(See
this thread for a fuller discussion of what that entails.)
Additionally:
- The Cyclops is common and popular in-universe; "the Cyclops is a formidable weapon to be found in the battle lances of almost every `Mech regiment in the Successor States" and "the Cyclops has been a part of every major engagement in the Succession Wars, having proved itself in both close combat and as an efficient command control vehicle" (direct quotations from pg. 118 of the original TRO 3025).
- There are currently three 50-ton 'Mechs in-game, so having the Cyclops at the same tonnage as the Highlander isn't too much of an issue (and would be less so if the Banshee is eventually announced, which would have all weight brackets in the Assault class represented).
- As noted previously, the Cyclops with the variants listed (CP-10-Z, CP-10-Z-DC, CP-11-A-DC, and CP-11-C) stands to be the quintessential command 'Mech, especially if the Command Console and C3 Master Unit are implemented with capabilities from the advanced rules in Tactical Operations (as G-ECM was).
- The Cyclops has additional variants "in reserve", including the CP-10-Q (replaces the ballistic weapon with another LRM-10 and a Medium Laser, both in the RT) and the non-command variation of the CP-11-A.
Finally, there are a fair number of options for potential Hero 'Mechs:
- "General Ariana Winston, Commanding Officer of the Eridani Light Horse between 3045 to 3060, piloted a modified Cyclops which featured a dual-cockpit for command and coordination purposes."
- "Commander of House Steiner's 32nd Lyran Guard Regiment [in 3025], Brigadier Carson Enright has commanded brigade- and division-sized 'Mech units a number of times from his Cyclops known as the 'Archon's Eye'. Enright is famous for his brash and unpredictable tactics on the battlefield. Out of his 'Mech, he is a soldier of the old school, scowling at the habits of those MechWarriors who are less disciplined than him and the troops he commands."
- "Noted tactician of the mercenary battalion Waco's Rangers, MechWarrior Sergeant Lenny Markbright is one of the best known non-commissioned personnel to pilot a Cyclops. He is assigned as a tactical advisor to Colonel Wayne Waco's headquarters lance [as of 3025]. In his Cyclops, the 'Polyphemus', Markbright accompanies the battalion commander during an operation, keeping his keen mind turned to the output of his modified B-2000 battle computer. Known for his analytical yet flexible thinking, Lenny Markbright is one of the major reasons for Waco's Rangers' many successes."
If it's good enough for the CO of the Light Horse & former CO of the 32nd Lyran Guards & the TO of the Waco Rangers, it's good enough for us, yes?
Edited by Strum Wealh, 08 July 2013 - 05:31 PM.
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Bishop Steiner, on 07 July 2013 - 01:00 PM, said:
