Omnimech design & configurations ?

[Black_Knyght]

So I'm currently puttering around with a couple of omnimech ideas, specifically CLAN omnimechs, and I'm hitting a roadblock of sorts in doing so.

As I personally understand things, there seems to be an unofficial "rule-of-thumb" concerning the various alternate configurations of omnimechs. I could be wrong here, but it seems nearly every omnimech design has Alt Config "types" that break down into the following categories (in no specific order):

1. a "signature" configuration, that seems to "define" the design of a given omnimech

2. a long-range/fire-support configuration, usually but not always fitted with a lot of missiles

3. a close-combat configuration, typically fitted with short-ranged heavy, high-damage weaponry

4. a "general-purpose/brawler" configuration, typically fitted to fight in all ranges and against a mix of opponent types.

I also realize that several omnimech designs have multiple versions of one or more of these various "types" as well.

Are there any other alternate configuration "types" that I've left out here? Do these seem relatively accurate, or does this break some unwritten rule somehow? I'd really be interested in some civil thoughts and opinions about this and omnimech design in general.

[bluedragon7]

You will also find often:
A city/anti-infantry config
A heavy laser config
An ATM config
An underwater (or other hostile environment) config

[Tyler Jorgensson]

A Spheroid Config with Clan Weapons and Gear : S
A Heavy Laser Config: H
And Underwater Config: U
A Soceity Config : Z
A Soceity Config with new Tech: Z-I

A Brawler Config, Anti, An Anti-Infantry Config, A Sniper Config, and a new Tech Config(no clue on letters)

Also for those weird custom Configs from personal Awesome pilots like "Prometheus" or "Widowmaker".


.... or Mobile HPG mechs....

[Weirdo]

There are also fire-coordination configs on IS Omnis. (C3)

Oddly enough, only one OmniMech has a command configuration. You'd think there would be more.

[JadeHellbringer]

There are also fire-coordination configs on IS Omnis. (C3)

Oddly enough, only one OmniMech has a command configuration. You'd think there would be more.

That always did strike me as odd, too. I can kind of understand it from factions that either don't really use C3 (Marik, Liao, etc.) or from factions that use something else (WoB), but C3 master systems should be more common in configs than they are. Might be fun sometime to see what I can brew up using something like a Templar or Hauptmann.

[Weirdo]

I'm not talking about fire coordination gear like C3. I'm talking about actual command.

[mbear]

I'm not talking about fire coordination gear like C3. I'm talking about actual command.

I think Weirdo means a walking Mobile HQ. So an Omni config with a Command Console and Communications Equipment for strategic command. Maybe an Active Probe and ECM suite for EW support or Remote Sensor information.

[Kit deSummersville]

That always did strike me as odd, too. I can kind of understand it from factions that either don't really use C3 (Marik, Liao, etc.) or from factions that use something else (WoB), but C3 master systems should be more common in configs than they are. Might be fun sometime to see what I can brew up using something like a Templar or Hauptmann.

The Hauptmann already has one.

[JadeHellbringer]

The Hauptmann already has one.

It does, but I don't particularly like it. I know I can come up with something better (and by 'better' I mean 'more to my personal liking')

[Weirdo]

I think Weirdo means a walking Mobile HQ. So an Omni config with a Command Console and Communications Equipment for strategic command. Maybe an Active Probe and ECM suite for EW support or Remote Sensor information.

You sadly cannot pod a command console, but otherwise yes, that's what I'm talking about. Commanders, not enhanced shooters.

[Black_Knyght]

Anyone ever consider designing a "Command" omnimech with a fixed command console built in? Probably as an Inner Sphere omnimech

[cavingjan]

U is unusual environment and not specifically underwater. Most are designed with underwater in mind but we have some that are for space.

[glitterboy2098]

generally the U config is either underwater using UMU's, or if it has built in jump jets, for space using fuel tanks.

[SCC]

generally the U config is either underwater using UMU's, or if it has built in jump jets, for space using fuel tanks.

The Summoner-U is an unusual mix, the base design has JJ's so it should be a space one but it's got torpedo's

[glitterboy2098]

when was that one printed though? it might have predated the "space mech" technologies in the rules.

[mbear]

when was that one printed though? it might have predated the "space mech" technologies in the rules.

Yeah. Or it could've been a typo. Remember, every time you make a typo, the errorists win.

[Weirdo]

when was that one printed though? it might have predated the "space mech" technologies in the rules.

Most of the U configs came out at the same time, or nearly so. It's not a matter of unavailable technology or anything, it looks like it was simply a desire to take a Thor or Blackjack underwater.

[mbear]

Anyone ever consider designing a "Command" omnimech with a fixed command console built in? Probably as an Inner Sphere omnimech

AFAIK, no. The closest thing I can think of is a Perseus configuration. E? I think it has communications equipment and that's about it.

[marauder648]

I was thinking of this earlier, handy it came up :D

Whilst we know variants like U and H are always Underwater of Heavy Laser exclusively, do the A, B etc have any set standards that's shared across the Mechs?

[Weirdo]

AFAIK, no. The closest thing I can think of is a Perseus configuration. E? I think it has communications equipment and that's about it.

To my knowledge, that is the only OmniMech configuration meant for command duties, unless you count C3(I don't).

I was thinking of this earlier, handy it came up :D

Whilst we know variants like U and H are always Underwater of Heavy Laser exclusively, do the A, B etc have any set standards that's shared across the Mechs?

Pretty sure the answer is no.

[Kit deSummersville]

To my knowledge, that is the only OmniMech configuration meant for command duties, unless you count C3(I don't).

Well, the Hauptmann has a cigar and we know that cigars are an indication of command, though it can be either commissioned or non-commissioned.

[Weirdo]

I'll accept that, but only configs that keep the cigar gun. :)

[grimlock1]

The Summoner-U is an unusual mix, the base design has JJ's so it should be a space one but it's got torpedo's

Summoner's jets are fixed equipment, so you're stuck with them.  I don't recall if jumpjets and UMU's are exclusive of each other.  You certainly can't use both in one turn.

[mbear]

BTW, I was flipping through a Record Sheets PDF and noticed that several Omnis have "T" configs that carry TSEMP of some sort. So that might be another semi-standard designation.

[JadeHellbringer]

Summoner's jets are fixed equipment, so you're stuck with them.  I don't recall if jumpjets and UMU's are exclusive of each other.  You certainly can't use both in one turn.

I would happily house-rule a 'cannonball' maneuver in which you can jump into water and immediately use the UMUs. Just for the sake of laughing at the idea of a 70-ton cannonball-dive.

[Weirdo]

...the idea of a 70-ton cannonball-dive.

[Colt Ward]

A Spheroid Config with Clan Weapons and Gear : S

Not sure that is what it means, IIRC it came from CityTech and had four mechs with a config labeled that- Kit Fox, Nova, Timberwolf and Dire Wolf.  They were designed for short range brawls in cities- hence the JJ, pulse, SRMs and MGs on most of those designs.

I sort of wish the Nova would back port the Black Hawk KU Prime as a configuration.  A mix of ERML & MPL in the arms?  yes please.