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Overall I was pretty happy with how the concept turned out.
I decided to have some fun with it and try to flesh it out some and give it some relevance. Initially I was going to designate it a Clan mech but could not find a Clan that I thought this would sit at home. I also wanted it to be something of a totem mech, representing the faction which it had it's home.
Then it struck me (d'oh). Taurian Concordant!
Following the formation of the Federated Commonwealth that saw the joining of Steiner and Davion forces in 3028, the Taurian leader Thomas Calderon immediately responded by increasing the general state of alert throughout the nation. He also approved several high-risk/high reward research programs that were primarily militaristic in nature, in anticipation of likely future conflicts with the Commonwealth.
One such program- The Guardian Initiative - aimed to introduce a brand new assault mech that could be seen as a national mech of the TDF, allowing other nations to fully recognize the Taurian Concordant as an independent nation. The design was intended to be used in conjunction with TDF's other mech forces and act as a spearhead. Drawing from lessons learned from early TDF mechs such as the Talos and Toro the assault prototype shared some similarities, although they would be superficial in nature. Other non-indigenous technologies were also implemented (a result of TDF's highly secretive Garrus reconnaissance spies). The design would need to be highly mobile, but also durable, with enough armor to be a front line assault if mission parameters called for it.
Initial technological restrictions forced some compromises that would later be amply rectified as newer technologies were developed and or re-discovered. Cappelan aid saw the Taurus program gain valuable technological leaps and solidified several design hurdles. The first prototype commenced trials in 3045, and although deemed a success the design would undergo several changes before being considered 'field ready'. One necessary alteration was to re-inforce the leg structures and hip actuators so as to better cushion for impact when landing.
Equipment
At 85 tons the TDF prototype - TAU-1V Taurus incorporates a standard 340 engine that enables it to reach speeds of up to 64.8 Kph, along with 4 Rawlings class 54 Jumpjets (up to 120 meters of clearance!) ensures that the Taurus won't be out-maneuvered regardless of the terrain or theatre.
Equipped with newly 'aquired' double-heat sink technology, the Taurus uses 15 double heat sinks to stay cool with it's all energy load-out.
The Taurus also enjoys almost full armor protection with 13.5 tons of standard armor, and uses a lucrative endo-steel chassis allowing for maximum weight-savings.
Being a vanguard mech, the Taurus benefits from the inclusion of an advanced sensor array housed in the front center torso.
Later variants would utilize updated technology, resulting in an even more lethal platform that could adequately represent the people of the Taurian Concordant and protect their ideals.
Weapons
Due to weapon technology limitations within the TDF, the prototype's primary weapons are 2 Donal PPCs, one in each arm, and 1 Sunglow Type 2 Large Laser in each side torso, giving the Taurus a hard punch at long-range. It also has two small lasers located on the center torso for anti-infantry (later variants would switch the small lasers over to two flamers for the increased psychological affect, given the mech's bull-like visage).
Ok, that was for the lore-buffs... I hope it was ok. I'm not super-versed in BT timeline, but I tried to make it fit tech and story wise. Help me or let me know how if it would work. Thanks in advance!
Edited by Jackal Noble, 23 June 2019 - 06:24 PM.
