30 replies to this topic

[Requiemking]

So, if one scans the mechs people have been campaigning for recently, a rather disappointing link appears. Not a single one of those mechs excel at a role that can't be better accomplished with another mech, usually within the same weight class. That Mad Cat MKII that an entire faction of the fanbase wants? Everything it can do, the Marauder IIC or Supernova can do better. Crusader? Archer and Catapult got it beat. However, I am not campaigning for them. I am advocating for a mech that performs within a unique niche, the Howler.

For those of us who don't know about this mech, the Howler(also called the Baboon) is a 20 ton Clan Light Battlemech with an interesting role on the battlefield. If you want an ultralight fire-support unit, you would be hard-pressed to find one better than the Howler. The primary model, the Howler-1, comes armed with three LRM5s and three tons of ammo. It lacks backup weapons, but it runs fairly quick for a fire support with a 140 rated engine. The only other model that could be used in game is the Howler-3. This version swaps the LRMs for an ERPPC and a TC.

The main draws for the Howler in game would be:

1. Cost: Since the Howler makes use of none of the advanced tech that pushes the price of other Clan mechs so high, it would serve as a cheap, easy to get starter mech for the Clans.

2. Weight: The Howler occupies a weight bracket which is empty on the Clan side, 20 tons. This essentially makes it the Clan Locust, but with some differences.

3. Model: The Howler is a mech who's bodyshape and size would make it perfect for long-range combat, especially the Howler 3. It would be wide and squat compared to the Locust, making it a pain to shoot at from the front, but a fish in a barrel should you be looking down at it.

Now, I know the Howler doesn't have many variants, but we could easily theorycraft a few to fill the gaps.

[Juodas Varnas]

It's really ugly, though.

[TheArisen]

I disagree with your mech comparisons but the Howler would be unique and fill a tonnage slot for the clans. However the Piranha is more popular and would fill a more conventional and accepted role.

[Requiemking]

Juodas Varnas, on 11 November 2016 - 12:47 AM, said:

It's really ugly, though.

Granted, that giant Catapult ear doesn't do the Howler 1's appearance any favours, but later models weren't that ugly.

TheArisen, on 11 November 2016 - 12:52 AM, said:

I disagree with your mech comparisons but the Howler would be unique and fill a tonnage slot for the clans. However the Piranha is more popular and would fill a more conventional and accepted role.

Except, the Piranha is pretty much a troll mech through and through. The Howler, at least, as a functional role in game.

[RestosIII]

Piranha and Fire Moth or bust.

[Requiemking]

RestosIII, on 11 November 2016 - 12:55 AM, said:

Piranha and Fire Moth or bust.

Fire Moth won't get in due to technical limitations, and as I stated before, the Piranha is a troll mech, nothing more, nothing less.

[RestosIII]

Requiemking, on 11 November 2016 - 12:57 AM, said:

Fire Moth won't get in due to technical limitations, and as I stated before, the Piranha is a troll mech, nothing more, nothing less.

#1: PGI needs to get its act together with this garbage mess they call an engine at this point anyways, due to how much stuff it limits them on. Still waiting for picture-in-picture for my advanced zoom.

#2: The Piranha is adorable and I won't allow you to besmirch its name.

#3: I mean come on it's called the Piranha!

[Appogee]

LRM Lights...? Seriously, get some self-respect.

[Albino Boo]

A 20 ton lrm boat that's a bit sluggish for a light, no thanks.

[El Bandito]

Requiemking, on 11 November 2016 - 12:57 AM, said:

the Piranha is a troll mech, nothing more, nothing less.

12 MGs, which translates to 9.6 heatless DPS, is definitely not trolling on a fast Light such as Piranha. In fact, I am fairly certain should Piranha gets released, even comp teams will run it. EmP ran 4xMG Spider-5K to good effect.

Requiemking, on 11 November 2016 - 12:35 AM, said:

For those of us who don't know about this mech, the Howler(also called the Baboon) is a 20 ton Clan Light Battlemech with an interesting role on the battlefield. If you want an ultralight fire-support unit, you would be hard-pressed to find one better than the Howler. The primary model, the Howler-1, comes armed with three LRM5s and three tons of ammo. It lacks backup weapons, but it runs fairly quick for a fire support with a 140 rated engine. The only other model that could be used in game is the Howler-3. This version swaps the LRMs for an ERPPC and a TC.

3. Model: The Howler is a mech who's bodyshape and size would make it perfect for long-range combat, especially the Howler 3. It would be wide and squat compared to the Locust, making it a pain to shoot at from the front, but a fish in a barrel should you be looking down at it.

Now, I know the Howler doesn't have many variants, but we could easily theorycraft a few to fill the gaps.

But we already got wide and squat shaped 35 ton Adder with four missile slots--which is even better fire support.

Edited by El Bandito, 11 November 2016 - 01:44 AM.

[Otto Cannon]

Will we get a bright red baboon arse dekkle for it though?

[TercieI]

Juodas Varnas, on 11 November 2016 - 12:47 AM, said:

It's really ugly, though.

I believe in Alex.

[N0ni]

everything is literally all in the RT though, this is the Zoolander mech that can't poke left

[Battlemaster56]

Still take the Incubus, be a main contender against the Arctic Cheetos, faster, better high mounts, and more space to play with. Only downside no ecm.


But on the bright side we can name and paint in a succubus theme....

[Bombast]

Tubby little 20 tonner, ain't it?

Of all the potential 20 tonners, I think this is one of the worst. Fluff barren, boring, limited variants and builds, and a non-existent fan base. Pretty much any other 20 tonner I can think of is better.

Battlemaster56, on 11 November 2016 - 07:57 AM, said:

But on the bright side we can name and paint in a succubus theme....

Spoiler

There are no Succubi in Battletech, weirdly enough. No knockers girls allowed I guess.

[Juodas Varnas]

Bombast, on 11 November 2016 - 08:04 AM, said:

There are no Succubi in Battletech, weirdly enough. No knockers girls allowed I guess.

Are you sure about that?

Erinyes Protomech.
#JustClanThings

[Battlemaster56]

Juodas Varnas, on 11 November 2016 - 08:16 AM, said:

Are you sure about that?

Erinyes Protomech.
#JustClanThings

I swear half the things I see I swear the people who are making them, are

A:Bored asf
B:On sometype of drugs
C:Both

[Bombast]

Juodas Varnas, on 11 November 2016 - 08:16 AM, said:

Are you sure about that?

Erinyes Protomech.
#JustClanThings

An Erinyes is a Fury, not a Succubus.

This was brought up over in the Battletech forums, I believe. Battletech may be the only fictional universe in which there's an Inccubus, but not a Succubus. Pretty weird, isn't it?

As for the knockers thing, obviously a joke. I mean, there's always been this at the very least (From 1990).

[Kasumi Sumika]

I only want Incubus and Tiburon for Clan Light

[Syn Pryde]

regarding the howler: if you can put LRMs in, you can run it with SRMs. i would love a 3 SRM6 20tonner. might even beat the jenner, if you can plant engines. i also would love the Piranha. or the dasher. or the lolcust IIC. we NEED more lights for the clans.

Natasha "Holy ****" Kerensky. yeah ! Nasty rocks !


PS: Incubus & Horned Owl would also rock. but they do not free space in my drop deck.

Edited by Syn Pryde, 11 November 2016 - 09:02 AM.