MOTW Assassin

[Fear Factory]

My group only allows canon variants and for the love of pete, this is an awesome model but needs a better SW variant.

A variant I would love to use removes the LRM5 and replaces with another SRM2, Medium Laser and a ton of armor. The assassin was designed to kill bug mechs and this has twice the firepower of the standard Wasp.

Pretty please CGL :)

With the fluff of the 'Mech describing the faulty SRM-2 launcher you would think some mods would exist.  Pilots dropping the launcher for another LRM-5 to match the Valkyrie makes too much sense, and it also makes an excellent skirmisher for Alpha Strike (1/2/1 damage, IF1, anyone?  I'm drooling).

I want a variant that drops the SRM-2 for an LRM-5.  I also think a variant that drops an LRM-5 for an SRM-4 (or a mod you propose) makes perfect sense.  I can live with the armor, and without any variants that do things like spam multiple medium lasers.  That's what we have the Jenner and Javelin for.

Just as a side note:  If the SRM-2 actually hit with both missiles on a 7+ it would really, REALLY, help.

[glitterboy2098]

With the fluff of the 'Mech describing the faulty SRM-2 launcher you would think some mods would exist.  Pilots dropping the launcher for another LRM-5 to match the Valkyrie makes too much sense, and it also makes an excellent skirmisher for Alpha Strike (1/2/1 damage, IF1, anyone?  I'm drooling).

I want a variant that drops the SRM-2 for an LRM-5.  I also think a variant that drops an LRM-5 for an SRM-4 (or a mod you propose) makes perfect sense.  I can live with the armor, and without any variants that do things like spam multiple medium lasers.  That's what we have the Jenner and Javelin for.

Just as a side note:  If the SRM-2 actually hit with both missiles on a 7+ it would really, REALLY, help.

if you are going to drop the LRM's for more SRM's, it would probably be better to just upgrade the SRM2 to a SRM6, and use the extra ton for more ammo.

to be honest, i'm surprised we never got an advanced tech model that upgraded the ML to a LL.. the -30 certainly had the tonnage to do so instead of fitting that LB5X, and a large laser and SRM packing fast mover would have been a fairly useful scout hunter and harrasser. (not to mention, a defiance built LL assassin would have been an alternative to the Bowie Industries Razorback during the civil war, something Defiance likely would have desired to have to help get a bigger market share.

[Arkansas Warrior]

if you are going to drop the LRM's for more SRM's, it would probably be better to just upgrade the SRM2 to a SRM6, and use the extra ton for more ammo.

to be honest, i'm surprised we never got an advanced tech model that upgraded the ML to a LL.. the -30 certainly had the tonnage to do so instead of fitting that LB5X, and a large laser and SRM packing fast mover would have been a fairly useful scout hunter and harrasser. (not to mention, a defiance built LL assassin would have been an alternative to the Bowie Industries Razorback during the civil war, something Defiance likely would have desired to have to help get a bigger market share.

An LPPC (with or without capacitor) would be a good lightweight option as well.

[mutantsix]

I've also thought you could drop the LRM5/SRM2 and replace with 2 SRM4's and the leave the amor as is. There a number of cool ways you could go.

I really want to use one in a game but the stock version is not as fun as it should be when you are trying to get a game done in a few hours. It is cool jumping round a lot and generating high to 'to hit number's but you're not really contributing a great deal in damage.

Maybe in the 3rd SW book they could introduce a new variant.....just a thought. Maybe the disastrous attempt at the ASN-101 spurred a redesign by the FS which later led to the ASN-30....

[JPArbiter]

In light of the sling in Operation KLONDIKE, I came up with a new role for the mech. Battlefield preperation. Much like the firestarter and sling this beast is a strategic asset more then a combat platform, using the SRM for infernos and LRMs for thunders. The laser is strictly for self defense.

[mutantsix]

The sling is a cool mech (I have two) but they also have the variant with all lasers designed for getting in close but it can run a little hot.

I like your thinking though in that the base model is used for battlefield control (that would suggest longer games though) and my thought of a more combat orientated variant allows you to get those quicker games in.

[glitterboy2098]

The problem with the battlefield prep role is said role pretty much requires thunder lrms. But the standard tech models are all succession wars level, a time when thunder lrms don't exist.
Before the succession wars when the class was new, there were far better ways to spread mines around. By the time thunder lrms were reintroduced in the clan invasion era, there were once again better platforms for the job.

I am convinced the assassin is named after the assassin bug.. It is a bigger bugmech that hunts bug mechs

[Iron Mongoose]

I'd never considered the Assassin Bug as the name, but it does rather fit.

As to the upgrades, I'm someone who genuinely likes the mech, and I think there's a lot of focus on how it could be better that there's too little look at what it infact does well.  I'd rather see the mech just become more of what it already is.  In the Succession Wars, swapping the SRMs for MLs is just too tempting (same range, more power, and you can jump to cover to cool down if the heat gets to you) but I do like to keep the LRMs, just because so few lights actually can shoot past nine hexes and two to five points of damage can really worry a lot of lights in that era.  Alternitively, just mount more armor and use it as a super scout.  And, I'll confess, when I used one in my youth I just went all out and traded all the missiles away for MLs and armor, but it wasn't as flavorful as it should have been (even if it did become a sort of alternate Jenner F, which is never a bad thing).

On the modern Assassin, MMLs if avalable can't be ignored.   I've never liked the AC5 (the Hermes II, Clint and Vulcan already fill that role in their ways).  I probably would have just larger missile launchers, either a LRM10 or a SRM6 upgrade.  There's already a super Cicada with an ER PPC (at 8/12/8, very Viper A like) so I wouldn't do that.  Maybe keep the old (terrable) weapons and just mount IJJs?  The jump jets were always the reason to take the mech anyway, since it was one of the few 7+ jumping options, so why not stick to that and make it one of the very few 10+ jumping options, and people will take it inspite of mounting some Shadow Hawk-eque missiles just because it flys.

[mutantsix]

I quite like the standard model when you have the time and scope to get the most out of it but I think you could have a SW variant with a more direct combat focus.

I also wouldn't want to change the 'flavor' of the design and wouldn't want medium laser spam so whether you go Lrm or srm focus I think either would be cool. You could always keep the medium laser and replace the rest with a large laser in the LT which could then inspire the ASN-30. Just a thought.

[Ruger]

I'd never considered the Assassin Bug as the name, but it does rather fit.

As to the upgrades, I'm someone who genuinely likes the mech, and I think there's a lot of focus on how it could be better that there's too little look at what it infact does well.  I'd rather see the mech just become more of what it already is. 

I'd love to see a version that made it live up to its name of Assassin...like you say, more of the same, but actually able to take others...I've come up with some ideas today...something I think a Star League era Gunslinger might like to pilot...   }:)

Ruger

[glitterboy2098]

full XL DHS treatment, with null sig and CLPS, perhaps? not sure what weapons would be best. the original assassins were asymmetrical warfare specialists, which to be honest is not exactly a job the Gunslingers were created to do. but a super-stealthy special ops version for the Star League special ops units might be interesting.

[mutantsix]

No point reinventing the wheel and found this previous post, not sure about the long range version as I'd rather have the full jump but I like the short range one:

http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=22411.0

[Ruger]

full XL DHS treatment, with null sig and CLPS, perhaps? not sure what weapons would be best. the original assassins were asymmetrical warfare specialists, which to be honest is not exactly a job the Gunslingers were created to do. but a super-stealthy special ops version for the Star League special ops units might be interesting.

Didn't have room for the CLPS on my version (1 or two crits short), but if I were to remove one or two items, I would have room...guess I could dump the freed up tonnage into armor...

And yeah, it's more a special forces 'Mech than a Gunslinger's, I would agree...

Ruger

[Minemech]

 The Assassin is less the mech you use to destroy other mechs, and more the mech one uses to harass supply lines, spot in dangerous locations, to keep an enemy defenders off balance, to disable key vehicles, and for deep reconnaissance. While it could be converted into an underweight Wraith, it need not be converted to such a task. If you choose to arm the SRMs with infernos, it can be used for some more options.

[wantec]

I'd love to see a version that made it live up to its name of Assassin...like you say, more of the same, but actually able to take others...I've come up with some ideas today...something I think a Star League era Gunslinger might like to pilot...   }:)

Ruger

Sounds like a good candidate for a variant with a binary laser, if it can swing the tonnage, I don't know if it can.

[Sharpnel]

Not at my home comp, but start with a 280 XL and Endo Steel and work from there. You should be able t squeeze that Blazer in there and still have room for armor and jump jets.

[Ruger]

Not at my home comp, but start with a 280 XL and Endo Steel and work from there. You should be able t squeeze that Blazer in there and still have room for armor and jump jets.

There's no problem fitting a blazer on the 'Mech...it's just what other weapons you can have to go with it...My aim was to make it still have lasers and missiles both, but still be better than the base or 101 models...looking at the entry on Sarna, my version would probably be closest to the DarkDeath version, but not carrying an autocannon, and with stuff arranged a tad differently...

Ruger

[Kit deSummersville]

I'd love to see a version that made it live up to its name of Assassin...like you say, more of the same, but actually able to take others...I've come up with some ideas today...something I think a Star League era Gunslinger might like to pilot...   }:)

Ruger

There is the Alice version. Stab you in the back while it's friends are hitting you from waaay downtown....

[mutantsix]

I've found a reference to an ASN-SB and I was wondering if anyone has any information on this variant and whether it is cannon??

[Maelwys]

The MUL has it listed with a source of TRO3039, but no record sheet. It does have an introduction date, but I couldn't find either in the TRO, so I have no idea where exactly it shows up.

[(SMD)MadCow]

Reading through.the responses, seems like most will drop the SRM2 in the 21 for another LRM5 - first thing I did to mine too, love it for early games.
I also made an advanced Davion flavored refit: http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=38642.msg1327099#msg1327099

[nckestrel]

I've found a reference to an ASN-SB and I was wondering if anyone has any information on this variant and whether it is cannon??

It's related to the Charger-SB, from the same merc unit, and was mentioned in the same BattleTechnology Magazine article. With the CGR-SB being canonized, the plan was to do the same for the ASN-SB.  IE. to create an official record sheet. From my MUL emails, "It was slated to be added to RS 3039..." and "[removes SRM2 in favour of 2nd ML and armour]". But I don't think it ever made it.  So it should probably be removed from the MUL at this point.

[JadeHellbringer]

Reading through.the responses, seems like most will drop the SRM2 in the 21 for another LRM5 - first thing I did to mine too, love it for early games.
I also made an advanced Davion flavored refit: http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=38642.msg1327099#msg1327099

Huh. I'm more in favor of dropping the LRM and its ammo to bump the SRM rack to a 6 and add another laser (which turns it, I'm aware, into a smaller, more primitive Stealth in a way). Thou shalt hunt tanks, and thou shalt be a pain to kill. Go forth!

[Sockmonkey]

One version I always liked used four ERMLs, a tarcomp, and HFF armor. The lack of range stung a bit, but it was hard to kill.

Maybe keep the old (terrable) weapons and just mount IJJs?  The jump jets were always the reason to take the mech anyway, since it was one of the few 7+ jumping options, so why not stick to that and make it one of the very few 10+ jumping options, and people will take it inspite of mounting some Shadow Hawk-eque missiles just because it flys.

After playing around with jumpy mech designs in SSW, I find there isn't much point in jumping more than ten hexes. Ten pushes you into the next bracket, and you can only get eleven with a pricey XL engine. IJJs really mess with where the sweet spot tonnages and movements are.

[Moonsword]

Huh. I'm more in favor of dropping the LRM and its ammo to bump the SRM rack to a 6 and add another laser (which turns it, I'm aware, into a smaller, more primitive Stealth in a way). Thou shalt hunt tanks, and thou shalt be a pain to kill. Go forth!

You say "smaller, more primitive Stealth" like it's a bad thing. >:D

[JadeHellbringer]

You say "smaller, more primitive Stealth" like it's a bad thing. >:D

No, sir. No I do not.  8)

[Luciora]

The ASN-99 sounds pretty assassin creed-y, stealth armor and a sword backed by 2 SRM-2s and a LPPC.

[Hellraiser]

I want to love this mech.
I mean the base chassis & speed scream 'love me'.  40 tons, 7/11/7,  yes it sounds awesome.
But the weapon choices & lack of armor & Level 1 tech limits just made it so very "meh".


It really needs a powerful new version with Endo & XL to get the most out of it.
Somewthing with ERMLs, & electronics combo of TC/C3S/TAG/ECM or something.


I did do a simple little Jihad era D-Grade refit that kept the original feel & gave it a little more potency.
Swap the weapons for ERML & MML3's & upgrade to DHS & HFFA, its not much but keeps the same feel only a bit more useful.

[CrossfirePilot]

I want to love this mech.
I mean the base chassis & speed scream 'love me'.  40 tons, 7/11/7,  yes it sounds awesome.
But the weapon choices & lack of armor & Level 1 tech limits just made it so very "meh".


It really needs a powerful new version with Endo & XL to get the most out of it.
Somewthing with ERMLs, & electronics combo of TC/C3S/TAG/ECM or something.


I did do a simple little Jihad era D-Grade refit that kept the original feel & gave it a little more potency.
Swap the weapons for ERML & MML3's & upgrade to DHS & HFFA, its not much but keeps the same feel only a bit more useful.

What do you mean its weapons choices?!?!  Just think of it as a faster Shad with a broken AC!   ::)

[Terrace]

I want to love this mech.
I mean the base chassis & speed scream 'love me'.  40 tons, 7/11/7,  yes it sounds awesome.
But the weapon choices & lack of armor & Level 1 tech limits just made it so very "meh".


It really needs a powerful new version with Endo & XL to get the most out of it.
Somewthing with ERMLs, & electronics combo of TC/C3S/TAG/ECM or something.


I did do a simple little Jihad era D-Grade refit that kept the original feel & gave it a little more potency.
Swap the weapons for ERML & MML3's & upgrade to DHS & HFFA, its not much but keeps the same feel only a bit more useful.

Not sure how far I'd go on upgrading the thing, but swapping out the missiles for an MML-5 sounds to me like the bare minimum required for a Jihad/post-Jihad field refit of a stock ASN-21.