20517 replies to this topic

[Strum Wealh]

InRev, on 02 May 2014 - 07:08 AM, said:

Rumor has it that the next hero is a Quickdraw with ballistics:

http://www.reddit.co...and_hero_mechs/

That engine is small for a QKD

Woah...

If FormerSquirrel's post is accurate AND Mu0nNerutino's assessment is ultimately correct, I may now have an obligation to acquire some Quickdraws...?!

[FireSlade]

Strum Wealh, on 02 May 2014 - 04:47 PM, said:

Woah...

If FormerSquirrel's post is accurate AND Mu0nNerutino's assessment is ultimately correct, I may now have an obligation to acquire some Quickdraws...?!

I recommend some PPCs/LLs and anything that you find soothing. I would find running through a minefield blindfolded and handcuffed less stressful than keeping up with your team damage-wise and surviving the match. Good mechs but with PGI's balancing and pinpoint accuracy on top of large leg hit boxes make it very tough. Also always use XLs. Good luck

[Odanan]

Continuing my mission (on schedule!) to read at least the first 30 Battletech books this year, I found yet another possible Dire Wolf hero mech:

Phelan's custom Dire Wolf "Lone Wolf":
(quote from the 19th chapter of the Blood Legacy book)

Quote

Natasha slung her arm around his neck and guided him
toward the 'Mech bay. "Look, kid, you'll do fine. I've got
your 'Mech configured in a way that will do maximum
damage. It's unique, like my 'Mech. I tagged your Omni
with the name Lone Wolf."
(...)

Phelan paused and looked up at his BattleMech as it stood
there waiting for him. Six times his height, the war
machine was painted black except in two spots. On the
right hip, he saw the red wolf's-head crest of the Kell
Hounds, the mercenary unit owned by his family. On the
head was painted a mouth with sharp white fangs, war
paint reminiscent of the markings on the 'Mech he'd lost
when captured by the Clans almost two years ago.
Phelan made a couple of guesses from the exterior about
the weaponry arrayed in the machine. The blocky
shoulders were dotted with missile launch ports. The right
arm ended in a blocky weapon pod with three laser
muzzles poking from it like stubby fingers. The left arm
ended in a muzzle, but it bore none of the telltale circuitry
he would have expected on a PPC or laser, and it looked
nothing like the autocannon muzzle hanging from the
weapon pod underslung on the torso.
A box with six launch tubes was attached above the
cockpit, just aft of the hatch. As he mounted the 'Mech,
Phelan took a close look at it and decided it was a "fire
and forget" packet of missiles. One shot and it's gone.
The coding on the side of the launcher indicated that these
were short-range missiles. If I have to use them, it will
mean that things have gotten a bit dicey. Still, just like
wearing this pistol, it's nice to have something for
emergencies.
Phelan dropped into the cockpit, sealed and pressurized it,
then brought the 'Mech online. As he satisfied the
computer that he was the pilot assigned to the machine, it
gave him a full readout of the 'Mech's offensive
capabilities. He saw a number of things that confused him,
so he switched the radio to Tac 29.
"Natasha, I have a couple of questions for you."
"Ask away."
"The LRM launcher in the left shoulder is loaded with
Swarm missiles in its first twelve racks?"
"Swarms are LRMs that will saturate an area with
submunitions. Our foes will be grouped together like
Siamese triplets at the start of this operation. Standard
procedure is for them to engage us one at a time. You've
shown how to really screw them up when you just start
nailing anything and everything. The Swarms will ladle
out damage generously."
"But won't that get all of them attacking us at once?"
Natasha's laugh survived computer modulation intact. "Of
course. Would you prefer that they use a strategy that
makes them comfortable or uncomfortable?"
"Point taken. This LBX autocannon has Cluster loads."
"Shotgun shells. It'll sand all the armor off a foe. Once
you've softened him up, your lasers ought to cut him to
ribbons."
Phelan nodded to himself and studied the auxiliary
monitor. "Gauss rifle in my left arm?"

[Odanan]

And one for the Executioner chassis (coming soon, after the starting 8 omnimechs):

Vlad's custom Executioner:

Quote

Phelan now looked for the 'Mech his computer had named
"Executioner." He couldn't find it on his screen nor could
he see it through his viewport. He immediately knew Vlad
was its pilot. Dammit! I'm naked here and I don't know
where he is.
(...)
Adrenaline jolted through his system as he saw movement
on his battle display. The Executioner appeared in his aft
arc. Phelan cursed the loss of his secondary monitor and
shunted a data feed to his auxiliary monitor. Immediately,
the computer filled it with an information scan of the
OmniMech. He saw that each arm mounted a Gauss rifle
and each side of the torso was arrayed with one large
laser and two medium lasers.

[Strum Wealh]

Odanan, on 02 May 2014 - 05:31 PM, said:

And one for the Executioner chassis (coming soon, after the starting 8 omnimechs):

Vlad's custom Executioner:

Quote

Phelan now looked for the 'Mech his computer had named
"Executioner." He couldn't find it on his screen nor could
he see it through his viewport. He immediately knew Vlad
was its pilot. Dammit! I'm naked here and I don't know
where he is.
(...)
Adrenaline jolted through his system as he saw movement
on his battle display. The Executioner appeared in his aft
arc. Phelan cursed the loss of his secondary monitor and
shunted a data feed to his auxiliary monitor. Immediately,
the computer filled it with an information scan of the
OmniMech. He saw that each arm mounted a Gauss rifle
and each side of the torso was arrayed with one large
laser and two medium lasers.

"He saw that each arm mounted a Gauss rifle and each side of the torso was arrayed with one large laser and two medium lasers."

The Gladiator has only 26.50 tons of pod space, while the armament described for Vlad's 'Mech masses at least 37 tons (twin 4-ton CERLLs (8 tons total), a quartet of 1-ton CERMLs (4 tons total), and twin 12-ton Clan Gauss Rifles with at least one ton of ammo between them (25+ tons total))...

Edited by Strum Wealh, 02 May 2014 - 06:19 PM.

[Alaskan Nobody]

Strum Wealh, on 02 May 2014 - 06:11 PM, said:

The Gladiator has only 26.50 tons of pod space, while the armament described for Vlad's 'Mech masses at least 37 tons (twin 4-ton CERLLs (8 tons total), a quartet of 1-ton CERMLs (4 tons total), and twin 12-ton Clan Gauss Rifles with at least one ton between them (25 tons total))...

Reading the book (before I learned the Executioner was a real mech)- I thought that was a nickname Vlad gave his mech (and had somehow set it up to show that way for Phelan's machine)
After all, Phelan and Natasha's mechs were repeatedly given nicknames.

Of course now - as I said, that was before I learned about that particular machine.

[Strum Wealh]

Odanan, on 02 May 2014 - 05:25 PM, said:

Continuing my mission (on schedule!) to read at least the first 30 Battletech books this year, I found yet another possible Dire Wolf hero mech:

Phelan's custom Dire Wolf "Lone Wolf":
(quote from the 19th chapter of the Blood Legacy book)

"Phelan made a couple of guesses from the exterior about the weaponry arrayed in the machine. The blocky shoulders were dotted with missile launch ports. The right arm ended in a blocky weapon pod with three laser muzzles poking from it like stubby fingers. The left arm ended in a muzzle, but it bore none of the telltale circuitry he would have expected on a PPC or laser, and it looked nothing like the autocannon muzzle hanging from the weapon pod underslung on the torso.

A box with six launch tubes was attached above the cockpit, just aft of the hatch. As he mounted the 'Mech, Phelan took a close look at it and decided it was a "fire and forget" packet of missiles. One shot and it's gone. The coding on the side of the launcher indicated that these were short-range missiles. If I have to use them, it will mean that things have gotten a bit dicey. Still, just like wearing this pistol, it's nice to have something for emergencies."

So, we're looking at a trio of Clan pulse lasers (of unstated size) in the Right Arm, at least three missile launchers (Clan LRM launchers of unstated size in each "shoulder" (likely, each side-torso), plus a one-shot Clan SRM-6 launcher near the cockpit (likely Head-mounted)), a Clan Gauss Rifle in the Left Arm, and a LB-X autocannon (of unstated size) in one of the side-torso sections (let's say the Left Torso) for Phelan's Daishi.

Possible loadout (50.00 of 50.50 tons pod space used):

• x3 Clan Large Pulse Lasers (18 tons)
  
• x1 Clan Gauss Rifle (12 tons) w/ 1 ton of ammo
  
• x1 Clan LB 10-X AC (10 tons) w/ 1 ton of ammo
  
• x2 Clan LRM-10 launchers (5 tons) w/ 1 ton of ammo
  
• x1 one-shot Clan SRM-6 (2 tons)

Not as egregious as the mistakes made for Vlad's Gladiator, at least!

[Cimarb]

Strum Wealh, on 02 May 2014 - 07:24 PM, said:

Possible loadout (50.00 of 50.50 tons pod space used):

• x3 Clan Large Pulse Lasers (18 tons)
  
• x1 Clan Gauss Rifle (12 tons) w/ 1 ton of ammo
  
• x1 Clan LB 10-X AC (10 tons) w/ 1 ton of ammo
  
• x2 Clan LRM-10 launchers (5 tons) w/ 1 ton of ammo
  
• x1 one-shot Clan SRM-6 (2 tons)

I love that loadout, though I would scrap the SRM6 for more ammo on the other systems.

[Odanan]

Strum Wealh, on 02 May 2014 - 06:11 PM, said:

"He saw that each arm mounted a Gauss rifle and each side of the torso was arrayed with one large laser and two medium lasers."

The Gladiator has only 26.50 tons of pod space, while the armament described for Vlad's 'Mech masses at least 37 tons (twin 4-ton CERLLs (8 tons total), a quartet of 1-ton CERMLs (4 tons total), and twin 12-ton Clan Gauss Rifles with at least one ton of ammo between them (25+ tons total))...

Without jumpjets (which aren't mentioned in the book) and MASC, his mech would have 38.5 tons for weapons. Of course, this is breaking the omni system, but well...

[Cimarb]

Odanan, on 03 May 2014 - 02:37 AM, said:

Without jumpjets (which aren't mentioned in the book) and MASC, his mech would have 38.5 tons for weapons. Of course, this is breaking the omni system, but well...

It would be a Hero, so it would be a unique chassis.

[Bishop Steiner]

Cimarb, on 03 May 2014 - 08:04 AM, said:

It would be a Hero, so it would be a unique chassis.

which wouldn't make sense, since that was not Vlad's "regular" Mech.

Strum Wealh, on 02 May 2014 - 07:24 PM, said:

"Phelan made a couple of guesses from the exterior about the weaponry arrayed in the machine. The blocky shoulders were dotted with missile launch ports. The right arm ended in a blocky weapon pod with three laser muzzles poking from it like stubby fingers. The left arm ended in a muzzle, but it bore none of the telltale circuitry he would have expected on a PPC or laser, and it looked nothing like the autocannon muzzle hanging from the weapon pod underslung on the torso.

A box with six launch tubes was attached above the cockpit, just aft of the hatch. As he mounted the 'Mech, Phelan took a close look at it and decided it was a "fire and forget" packet of missiles. One shot and it's gone. The coding on the side of the launcher indicated that these were short-range missiles. If I have to use them, it will mean that things have gotten a bit dicey. Still, just like wearing this pistol, it's nice to have something for emergencies."

So, we're looking at a trio of Clan pulse lasers (of unstated size) in the Right Arm, at least three missile launchers (Clan LRM launchers of unstated size in each "shoulder" (likely, each side-torso), plus a one-shot Clan SRM-6 launcher near the cockpit (likely Head-mounted)), a Clan Gauss Rifle in the Left Arm, and a LB-X autocannon (of unstated size) in one of the side-torso sections (let's say the Left Torso) for Phelan's Daishi.

Possible loadout (50.00 of 50.50 tons pod space used):

• x3 Clan Large Pulse Lasers (18 tons)
  
• x1 Clan Gauss Rifle (12 tons) w/ 1 ton of ammo
  
• x1 Clan LB 10-X AC (10 tons) w/ 1 ton of ammo
  
• x2 Clan LRM-10 launchers (5 tons) w/ 1 ton of ammo
  
• x1 one-shot Clan SRM-6 (2 tons)

Not as egregious as the mistakes made for Vlad's Gladiator, at least!

One shot missile launchers...quite possibly the dumbest designed and implemented tech ever, in Battletech. Hey, lets pay for the tonnage and bulk of a standard launcher (which has a feed system, mins you) and ADD another half ton on top...... when for .5 ton more than that, I can get...IDK..a normal launcher, and 1 ton of ammo?!?!?!? (like, instead of a 1shot SRM6, how about an SRM4 and ammo?)

[Odanan]

Bishop Steiner, on 03 May 2014 - 08:37 AM, said:

which wouldn't make sense, since that was not Vlad's "regular" Mech.


One shot missile launchers...quite possibly the dumbest designed and implemented tech ever, in Battletech. Hey, lets pay for the tonnage and bulk of a standard launcher (which has a feed system, mins you) and ADD another half ton on top...... when for .5 ton more than that, I can get...IDK..a normal launcher, and 1 ton of ammo?!?!?!? (like, instead of a 1shot SRM6, how about an SRM4 and ammo?)

Missile launchers should come with 1 round inside the weapon itself. So, if you wanted an one-shot launcher (which still doesn't worth it), you just needed to do not add extra ammo.

[Bishop Steiner]

Odanan, on 03 May 2014 - 09:16 AM, said:

Missile launchers should come with 1 round inside the weapon itself. So, if you wanted an one-shot launcher (which still doesn't worth it), you just needed to do not add extra ammo.

I would argue that Missile Launchers that are one shot should weigh LESS than normal, as you do not need the heavy and cumbersome feed system, full of moving parts, that make up a significant part of their bulk. A lattice frame with ignitor points would not be terribly heavy. Make them half weight, and they make some sense, and provide a nice link to not only future Clan Missile racks (for the IS version) but the similar concept Rocket Launcher technology.

[Cimarb]

Bishop Steiner, on 03 May 2014 - 08:37 AM, said:

which wouldn't make sense, since that was not Vlad's "regular" Mech.

That doesn't necessarily matter, though. Phelan's Dire Wolf loadout that we are talking about wasn't his normal one either - it was specially designed for that particular trial and the plan they had.

[Bishop Steiner]

Cimarb, on 03 May 2014 - 09:57 AM, said:

That doesn't necessarily matter, though. Phelan's Dire Wolf loadout that we are talking about wasn't his normal one either - it was specially designed for that particular trial and the plan they had.

That is true, but it followed the rules of omni construction, was Pod Based, or should have been. Vlad's Executioner, did not, and being that it was not "His" Mech, such extreme modifications make no sense, nor would using it as a "Hero" Mech, when it was not his "normal" ride. The correct answer is "Mike Stackpole strikes again!"

[Odanan]

One more hero in the book (actually, an unique design):

Phelan's Wolfhound IIC, "Grinner":

Quote

The BattleMech standing in the berth before him rose to five times his height. From toes to throat, its slender, humanoid form suggested speed and agility. Its left arm ended in a fully articulated hand, but the right arm showed a laser muzzle where a hand would have been. The black 'Mech mounted three laser ports on its broad breast, two at the shoulders, and one dead-center.

The 'Mech's head looked like no other in the 'Mech bay. Its jutting muzzle, tall, pointed ears, and dark viewport eyeslits formed a perfect wolf's-head image, just like Phelan's ceremonial mask. Together they transformed the 'Mech from an oversized toy soldier into a mechanistic avatar of an ancient wargod.

Bright tints broke the 'Mech's somber color scheme in only three places. Phelan saw the hound's-head crest of the Kell Hounds painted in black on a circular red field on the 'Mech's right shoulder. The eyes of the hound had been painted green to match Phelan's. Opposite it, on the left shoulder, Phelan saw a red hourglass and realized immediately that it meant Natasha had chosen him to serve in her new unit.

Phelan smiled when he looked at the 'Mech's muzzle, which had been painted with long white fangs in a snarling face. It matched perfectly the design he'd used to decorate his last 'Mech. That was over three years ago, back when I got myself expelled from the Nagelring and joined the Kell Hounds.

Choking down the huge lump in his throat, he turned to Ranna. "This is Grinner. This is my Wolfhound. How is it possible? Vlad blew it to hell and back on Sisyphus's Lament when he captured me."

Ranna came to stand behind, him, hands resting on his shoulders. "The head assembly formed your escape module. It contained the computer files we needed to reproduce the general design. Of course, we've modified it a bit."

Phelan frowned. "Modified it? That's one of the most modern designs in the Successor States."

Ranna patted his right shoulder. "True enough, but the technology used to put it together was old when the Star League fell apart. We replaced the skeleton with one made of an endo-steel alloy. It's a bit bulkier to stabilize in sheering-strength situations, but it's much lighter than the original internal structure. The power plant is brand new, and it provides the same power and speed at half the weight. The heat sinks built into it work at roughly double the efficiency of those you had before."

She hunkered down behind him and pointed over his shoulder. "The armor is made of a ferro-fibrous compound that is layered together and tempered to give it increased strength at a lighter weight. As a result, Grinner is carrying roughly 50 percent more armor than before. Your forward medium lasers have been replaced with the latest in pulse lasers. Both the large laser in the right arm and the medium in the back are now the extended-range variety so you can hit your foes further out. And your targeting system has been adjusted accordingly."

She directed him to look at the 'Mech's head and ears. "The edging on the ears is part of an electronic countermeasures system that will make the 'Mech harder to spot and also to jam many of the advanced targeting systems used nowadays. We wanted to mount an anti-missile system in there as well, but the engineers felt it would violate the original design objectives for a 'Mech that did not need to be supplied with ammo. If they get a laser based system working, however, they're just aching to slap it on your machine."

Edited by Odanan, 03 May 2014 - 11:49 AM.

[Bishop Steiner]

Odanan, on 03 May 2014 - 11:36 AM, said:

One more hero in the book (actually, an unique design):

Phelan's Wolfhound IIC, "Grinner":
"We wanted to mount an anti-missile system in there as well, but the engineers felt it would violate the original design objectives for a 'Mech that did not need to be supplied with ammo. If they get a laser based system working, however, they're just aching to slap it on your machine."

And that line is why I am so pissed off they ret-conned an earlier intro to LAMS in the CGL era of Battletech. I played the official tournaments in that era, had all the sourcebooks, etc, and the thing simply did not exist. Yet now you got players crying to have it in MWO because of bloody Catalyst Game Labs.

[Odanan]

In the book (Blood Legacy), there are some interesting mentions to "de-sync'ed" Gauss Rifles and the use of "seismic" sensors.
I'm starting to think the PGI designers actually read that book. (respect for PGI up)

[Butane9000]

I could get behind a hero Blackjack or Quickdraw and add it to my list of hero mechs to pick up when I resume spending money.

[wanderer]

It's worth noting that while the first Clan trilogy was being written, TRO 3050 hadn't even come out yet (Lethal Heritage was 1989, Blood Legacy 1990, TRO 3050 1990), so Stackpole wasn't quite working with a solid set of rules yet when stuff was being put into the first two books.