Author Topic: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?  (Read 1774 times)

Greyfell

  • Corporal
  • *
  • Posts: 75
MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« on: 17 May 2024, 02:15:26 »
I've been dabbling in a bit of fiction, part of which involves the MoC doing some quiet recon of suddenly abandoned Marion Hegemony worlds.

I'm a bit out of the loop on jumpships and dropships overall, but from some initial research a Scout class JumpShip seems a logical choice.

But I'm still debating what sort of dropship makes sense for a reconnaissance mission, up to and including dropping covert assets onto the surface for some aggressive intelligence gathering.  Suggestions?
« Last Edit: 17 May 2024, 02:45:31 by Greyfell »
TR1 Wraith:  Because sometimes, you just need to jump around like a fool, spamming pulse lasers!

ANH-1E Annihilator: Look Mom!  I'm crit-packed with *heat sinks*!

Weirdo

  • Painter of Borth the Magic Puma
  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Major General
  • *
  • Posts: 41431
  • We can do it. We have to.
    • Christina Dickinson Writes
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #1 on: 17 May 2024, 02:26:07 »
I'd vote for a Trojan, the secretly-armed version of the common Danais-class civilian cargo hauler. Carries a pair of shuttles and more than enough room in the cargo bay for your recon troops and their gear.
My wife writes books

Sixteen tons means sixteen suits. CT must be repaired.

"Damn you, Weirdo... Damn you for being right!" - Paul

jimdigris

  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 8959
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #2 on: 17 May 2024, 05:03:55 »
I'd go with a Mule.  They're the most common type of dropship and it is a civilian ship.  It will just blend in with the crowd.

AlphaMirage

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 3903
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #3 on: 17 May 2024, 05:12:55 »
I second the Trojan particularly if you can increase the armament to discourage boarding craft and hostile dropships. Plenty of room to support a short term recon op and enough space to upgrade the sensor suites to get better data in the process.

Nerroth

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2668
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #4 on: 17 May 2024, 16:47:33 »
If it helps, the Master Unit List website has a range of DropShips listed for the Magistracy in this time period under the "Aerospace" tab, and a range of JumpShips under the "Advanced Aerospace" tab.

Giovanni Blasini

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 7314
  • And I think it's gonna be a long, long time...
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #5 on: 17 May 2024, 18:10:58 »
Vengeance class refit "Danai Centrella".  Go big or go home.
"Does anyone know where the love of God goes / When the waves turn the minutes to hours?"
-- Gordon Lightfoot, "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"

Alan Grant

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2407
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #6 on: 18 May 2024, 05:20:58 »
In the MoC Random Assignment Table from FM: 3085, what you see is a fairly conventional array of dropships from TRO: 3057. The designs that have been around and common for a long time. Seekers, Leopards, Triumphs, Intruders are found in the middle of the table. A lot of the TRO 3057 designs that have been around for hundreds of years are in there.

What jumps out is the dropship designs they obviously gained by virtue of their close association with the Capellans. The original Lung Wang would appear to be quite common given its placement on the RAT (at a 10 roll, suggesting it's actually a rather common MoC design in service). The upgraded 3055 Achilles, Kuan Ti, Overlord A3 and the Vengeance DC-PWS appear in the extreme high dice roll ends of the table.

In the 2-roll slot is the Dictator. I had to look that up. TRO: 3075 includes the Dictator and says that it was nearing extinction, with the few hulls left in poor shape, until the MoC suddenly began to have flotillas of new ones over the last 5 years. But from what source it doesn't say and from what I can tell that remains a mystery.

Echoing what others have said. If covert insertion is the goal you probably want something that looks pretty innocent. So ideas like the Mule and other "civilian" designs make sense to me. If we're talking about a small team of spies or something.

If you need a military design to transport more of a military force, the Seeker, Intruder and Lung Wang probably make the short list. Depends on what you are deploying. What size force, what types of assets.

Greyfell

  • Corporal
  • *
  • Posts: 75
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #7 on: 19 May 2024, 02:33:42 »
Appreciate the feedback all.  Especially on where to find dropships.  I just sort of assumed they'd be under advanced aerospace for some reason.

The Trojan sounds like exactly the sort of thing I'm looking for.
TR1 Wraith:  Because sometimes, you just need to jump around like a fool, spamming pulse lasers!

ANH-1E Annihilator: Look Mom!  I'm crit-packed with *heat sinks*!

truetanker

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 10015
  • Clan Hells Horses 666th Mech. Assualt Cluster
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #8 on: 18 June 2024, 12:02:01 »
If it helps, the Master Unit List website has a range of DropShips listed for the Magistracy in this time period under the "Aerospace" tab, and a range of JumpShips under the "Advanced Aerospace" tab.

While the MUL lists the DroST IIa, they never list the IIb, the Small Craft carrier...

I can see both flying the MoC flag, especially if their assigned to an invasion corridor. One lands, dropping off the troopers and whatever is "stored" onboard, the other "supplying" aero support via its cargo of Small Craft. Add in an Avenger, you can then Dive Bomb using its bomb bay...

TT
Khan, Clan Iron Dolphin
Azeroth Pocketverse
That is, if true tanker doesn't beat me to it. He makes truly evil units.Col.Hengist on 31 May 2013
TT, we know you are the master of nasty  O0 ~ Fletch on 22 June 2013
If I'm attacking you, conventional wisom says to bring 3x your force.  I want extra insurance, so I'll bring 4 for every 1 of what you have :D ~ Tai Dai Cultist on 21 April 2016
Me: Would you rather fight my Epithymía Thanátou from the Whispers of Blake?
Nav_Alpha: That THING... that is horrid
~ Nav_Alpha on 10 October 2016

Sartris

  • Codex Conditor
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 20117
  • Cap’n-Generalissimost
    • Master Unit List
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #9 on: 05 July 2024, 17:11:27 »
The drost iib goes unmentioned because it is extinct. The text of the drost’s write up does not mention it surviving.

You bought the box set and are ready to expand your bt experience. Now what? | Modern Sourcebook Index | FASA Sourcebook Index | Print on Demand Index
Equipment Reference Cards | DIY Pilot Cards | PaperTech Mech and Vehicle Counters

Quote
Interviewer: Since you’ve stopped making art, how do you spend your time?
Paul Chan Breathers: Oh, I’m a breather. I’m a respirateur. Isn’t that enough?

truetanker

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 10015
  • Clan Hells Horses 666th Mech. Assualt Cluster
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #10 on: 05 July 2024, 20:05:47 »
Well, it's extinct because, like everything, if you mention one in canon, their bound to be more than one left floating around.

It goes to show, what works in your table can work at another and so on.

Just because it was once mentioned, doesn't mean they are gone.

But oh well...

TT
Khan, Clan Iron Dolphin
Azeroth Pocketverse
That is, if true tanker doesn't beat me to it. He makes truly evil units.Col.Hengist on 31 May 2013
TT, we know you are the master of nasty  O0 ~ Fletch on 22 June 2013
If I'm attacking you, conventional wisom says to bring 3x your force.  I want extra insurance, so I'll bring 4 for every 1 of what you have :D ~ Tai Dai Cultist on 21 April 2016
Me: Would you rather fight my Epithymía Thanátou from the Whispers of Blake?
Nav_Alpha: That THING... that is horrid
~ Nav_Alpha on 10 October 2016

Sartris

  • Codex Conditor
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 20117
  • Cap’n-Generalissimost
    • Master Unit List
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #11 on: 05 July 2024, 20:26:11 »
Just because it was once mentioned, doesn't mean they are gone.

That’s actually exactly what it means. Extinct means they aren’t floating around. You can run it at home but canonically they’re not in use.

You bought the box set and are ready to expand your bt experience. Now what? | Modern Sourcebook Index | FASA Sourcebook Index | Print on Demand Index
Equipment Reference Cards | DIY Pilot Cards | PaperTech Mech and Vehicle Counters

Quote
Interviewer: Since you’ve stopped making art, how do you spend your time?
Paul Chan Breathers: Oh, I’m a breather. I’m a respirateur. Isn’t that enough?

RifleMech

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 4656
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #12 on: 11 July 2024, 19:11:30 »
Aren't designs "Extinct" only until plot decides they're not?

Sartris

  • Codex Conditor
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 20117
  • Cap’n-Generalissimost
    • Master Unit List
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #13 on: 11 July 2024, 19:46:46 »
Correct. Currently plot has not decided that. Bank accounts are also empty until you put money in them. It doesn’t change their current state.

You bought the box set and are ready to expand your bt experience. Now what? | Modern Sourcebook Index | FASA Sourcebook Index | Print on Demand Index
Equipment Reference Cards | DIY Pilot Cards | PaperTech Mech and Vehicle Counters

Quote
Interviewer: Since you’ve stopped making art, how do you spend your time?
Paul Chan Breathers: Oh, I’m a breather. I’m a respirateur. Isn’t that enough?

Weirdo

  • Painter of Borth the Magic Puma
  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Major General
  • *
  • Posts: 41431
  • We can do it. We have to.
    • Christina Dickinson Writes
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #14 on: 11 July 2024, 20:17:59 »
Here's hoping the next batch of resurrections aren't like bank accounts and only back long enough for the bills to hit... :)
My wife writes books

Sixteen tons means sixteen suits. CT must be repaired.

"Damn you, Weirdo... Damn you for being right!" - Paul

Sartris

  • Codex Conditor
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 20117
  • Cap’n-Generalissimost
    • Master Unit List
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #15 on: 11 July 2024, 22:26:12 »
this is my preference. having to track things that blip in and out constantly is a massive pain in the ass

You bought the box set and are ready to expand your bt experience. Now what? | Modern Sourcebook Index | FASA Sourcebook Index | Print on Demand Index
Equipment Reference Cards | DIY Pilot Cards | PaperTech Mech and Vehicle Counters

Quote
Interviewer: Since you’ve stopped making art, how do you spend your time?
Paul Chan Breathers: Oh, I’m a breather. I’m a respirateur. Isn’t that enough?

glitterboy2098

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 12357
    • The Temple Grounds - My Roleplaying and History website
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #16 on: 11 July 2024, 23:14:39 »
wouldn't the small craft Drost have been filling the operational role that carrier dropships do now? providing CAP for a fleet, or trans-atmospheric air support for ground operations.

i doubt there would be much call for them after the ASF became commonplace. but the regular Drost is a vehicle carrier and general cargo craft, which is always in demand.
« Last Edit: 12 July 2024, 12:22:18 by glitterboy2098 »

truetanker

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 10015
  • Clan Hells Horses 666th Mech. Assualt Cluster
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #17 on: 12 July 2024, 10:09:13 »
Hence CGL's preference as "Clones of" in the TRO...

Sad, it has to come as that.

But as Sartris said, if it isn't in use, it's "extinct".

I disagree, but it is what it is.

TT
Khan, Clan Iron Dolphin
Azeroth Pocketverse
That is, if true tanker doesn't beat me to it. He makes truly evil units.Col.Hengist on 31 May 2013
TT, we know you are the master of nasty  O0 ~ Fletch on 22 June 2013
If I'm attacking you, conventional wisom says to bring 3x your force.  I want extra insurance, so I'll bring 4 for every 1 of what you have :D ~ Tai Dai Cultist on 21 April 2016
Me: Would you rather fight my Epithymía Thanátou from the Whispers of Blake?
Nav_Alpha: That THING... that is horrid
~ Nav_Alpha on 10 October 2016

RifleMech

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 4656
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #18 on: 12 July 2024, 17:49:41 »
Correct. Currently plot has not decided that. Bank accounts are also empty until you put money in them. It doesn’t change their current state.

Cool. Thanks. :)
So officially, "None exist that we know of." Unofficially, they exist if we want them too.

Is there a reason someone couldn't have customized  IIa into something like a IIb?

Sartris

  • Codex Conditor
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 20117
  • Cap’n-Generalissimost
    • Master Unit List
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #19 on: 12 July 2024, 18:50:44 »
It would have to be documented to have its designation changed.

You bought the box set and are ready to expand your bt experience. Now what? | Modern Sourcebook Index | FASA Sourcebook Index | Print on Demand Index
Equipment Reference Cards | DIY Pilot Cards | PaperTech Mech and Vehicle Counters

Quote
Interviewer: Since you’ve stopped making art, how do you spend your time?
Paul Chan Breathers: Oh, I’m a breather. I’m a respirateur. Isn’t that enough?

DOC_Agren

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 5262
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #20 on: 15 July 2024, 10:46:34 »
A DroST IIa clone.. with minor upgrades no one will be aware of.  It is small, non threatening but somewhat up gunned and could easy support a covert operation team.

Next up would be old beaten up Danais (Trojan) dropship.   Once more some upgrades that no one will be aware of until you need them.
"For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast, And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed:And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill, And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!"

Weirdo

  • Painter of Borth the Magic Puma
  • Catalyst Demo Team
  • Major General
  • *
  • Posts: 41431
  • We can do it. We have to.
    • Christina Dickinson Writes
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #21 on: 15 July 2024, 11:04:34 »
I didn't6 care if any returning DroSTs are upgraded or if they're identical to the sheets in Prim2. I just want IIBs back. :cool:
My wife writes books

Sixteen tons means sixteen suits. CT must be repaired.

"Damn you, Weirdo... Damn you for being right!" - Paul

Hellraiser

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 14354
  • Cry Havoc and Unleash the Gods of Fiat.
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #22 on: 12 September 2024, 16:39:54 »
I would vote for the Danais.   (Maybe the Trojan version)

The basic model is more common that the DroST & smaller as well.

If your goal is spying/recon, then a DroST or Trojan w/ their weapons & added complement of units will get a bit more "inspection", where as the basic Danais really is a full civilian transport ship.

But the 10 Passengers & the 2 Shuttle Bays give you just enough room for some "scouts" to snoop if you want.
3041: General Lance Hawkins: The Equalizers
3053: Star Colonel Rexor Kerensky: The Silver Wolves

"I don't shoot Urbanmechs, I walk up, stomp on their foot, wait for the head to pop open & drop in a hand grenade (or Elemental)" - Joel47
Against mechs, infantry have two options: Run screaming from Godzilla, or giggle under your breath as the arrogant fools blunder into your trap. - Weirdo

Hellraiser

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 14354
  • Cry Havoc and Unleash the Gods of Fiat.
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #23 on: 12 September 2024, 16:41:53 »
I didn't6 care if any returning DroSTs are upgraded or if they're identical to the sheets in Prim2. I just want IIBs back. :cool:

I want everything "Extinct" back.
Seems a waste to give us stats for something & then say, but you can't use it in 90% of your games.
Give me some small factories cranking out a trickle so something can be "very rare" w/o being "Extinct".
3041: General Lance Hawkins: The Equalizers
3053: Star Colonel Rexor Kerensky: The Silver Wolves

"I don't shoot Urbanmechs, I walk up, stomp on their foot, wait for the head to pop open & drop in a hand grenade (or Elemental)" - Joel47
Against mechs, infantry have two options: Run screaming from Godzilla, or giggle under your breath as the arrogant fools blunder into your trap. - Weirdo

DOC_Agren

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 5262
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #24 on: 12 September 2024, 21:44:30 »
I want everything "Extinct" back.
Seems a waste to give us stats for something & then say, but you can't use it in 90% of your games.
Give me some small factories cranking out a trickle so something can be "very rare" w/o being "Extinct".
Agreed
but then again wasn't the Clint mech in 3025 had no factory building but still are around in enough # to be listed in a tech readout
"For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast, And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed:And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill, And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!"

Hellraiser

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 14354
  • Cry Havoc and Unleash the Gods of Fiat.
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #25 on: 13 September 2024, 00:03:52 »
but then again wasn't the Clint mech in 3025 had no factory building but still are around in enough # to be listed in a tech readout
It wasn't alone.
A huge chunk of 3025 had no factory in that era.
Off the top of my head.....

Javelin, Urbanmech, Jenner, Ostscout
Assassin, Clint, Whitworth, Scorpion, maybe Cicada?
Ostroc, Ostsol, Catapult, Grasshopper
Goliath, Cyclops, Banshee

Possibly more but those are some that I'm recalling from memory.
3041: General Lance Hawkins: The Equalizers
3053: Star Colonel Rexor Kerensky: The Silver Wolves

"I don't shoot Urbanmechs, I walk up, stomp on their foot, wait for the head to pop open & drop in a hand grenade (or Elemental)" - Joel47
Against mechs, infantry have two options: Run screaming from Godzilla, or giggle under your breath as the arrogant fools blunder into your trap. - Weirdo

Hellraiser

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 14354
  • Cry Havoc and Unleash the Gods of Fiat.
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #26 on: 13 September 2024, 00:06:50 »
but then again wasn't the Clint mech in 3025 had no factory building but still are around in enough # to be listed in a tech readout
It wasn't alone.
A huge chunk of 3025 had no factory in that era.
Off the top of my head.....

Javelin, Urbanmech, Jenner, Ostscout
Assassin, Clint, Whitworth, Scorpion, maybe Cicada?
Ostroc, Ostsol, Catapult, Grasshopper
Cyclops, Banshee

Possibly more but those are some that I'm recalling from memory.
3041: General Lance Hawkins: The Equalizers
3053: Star Colonel Rexor Kerensky: The Silver Wolves

"I don't shoot Urbanmechs, I walk up, stomp on their foot, wait for the head to pop open & drop in a hand grenade (or Elemental)" - Joel47
Against mechs, infantry have two options: Run screaming from Godzilla, or giggle under your breath as the arrogant fools blunder into your trap. - Weirdo

Frabby

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 4314
Re: MoC navy in 3080's... what Dropship(s)?
« Reply #27 on: 13 September 2024, 03:08:06 »
Back to the original topic, what of the good old Leopard?
That's assuming you bring 'Mechs to this recon mission. If you don't, a Leopard JT with light aerospace fighters should be a great recon asset. Well its fighters anyways. But their fuel consumption would also mean you need to bring a tanker DropShip along (same for your JumpShip btw - a Scout isn't going to independently operate for long).

And since it was mentioned, yes, for such a mission in the periphery ancient JumpShips with DropShuttles absolutely are an option. If you still have them. Which is thinkable for the MoC.
Sarna.net BattleTechWiki Admin
Author of the BattleCorps stories Feather vs. Mountain, Rise and Shine, Proprietary, Trial of Faith & scenario Twins