Author Topic: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva  (Read 9315 times)

Kopfjager

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Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« on: 24 July 2012, 12:17:50 »
First of all, my apologies. This article is WAY overdue. All I can say is that Real Life interferes, and well, here it is. Better late then never:

Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva

The larger of the two heavyweight celestials, the Deva is a typical heavy mech at 4/6 speed and weighing at 70 tons. Like most other celestials, it uses a Light Fusion Engine to allow a compromise between survivability and weight, and further weight savings is supplied by the use of an Endo-Steel internal structure. An extra nod towards survivability presents itself in the form of a Heavy-Duty Gyro, which allows this mech to laugh at Gyro hits as long as it has a good pilot at its helm. Given that the intended pilot of these machines are elite Manei Domini warriors with VDNI implants, the Small Cockpit’s drawbacks are practically non-existent.

Thirteen and a half tons of standard armor gives this machine 99.53% of its maximum coverage, an amount anyone would be pleased with. The armor layout is slightly unusual, but still passes the smart armor check everywhere. The arms and torso can each take an AC/20 slug without going internal, while the legs and center torso can each handle a couple of gauss slugs. The unusual part is the rear armor, which is quite beefy for a mech if its size, each rear location capable of taking a PPC blast without going internal.

An extra engine-mounted DHS and a hard-mounted C3i computer cuts the Deva’s pod space to 29.5 tons. This is lower than other mechs in its weight range, but not by that much, and considering the usefulness of the C3i system and the toughness of the mech, is a pretty acceptable tradeoff.

Six common configurations, one experimental configuration, and one personalized configurations currently exist for the Deva:

Invictus (Prime) – An odd design, like most Invictus configurations. The Deva Invictus is armed with a Gauss Rifle (with a grand total of EIGHT shots!) and three Light PPCs. Additionally, this configuration also carries a Retractable Blade, which might help deter people from closing into melee range in order to abuse the gun’s minimum ranges. Best used as a sniper in a C3i Network, this configuration’s lack of ammunition means that you better save those shots for when it really counts. Once the ammo runs out, consider switching spots with the now likely damaged spotter and try to melee people while shooting the PPCs at another target.

Dominus (A) – Armed with a Rotary AC/5, two ER Medium Lasers, an ER Small Laser, a Light PPC, and a MML-7 rack, all linked to a Targeting Computer, the Deva Dominus is best suited for up-close and personal combat, though it could also function quite well as a mid-range element of a C3i network. The main issue with this configuration is the massive amounts of ammo on its left torso, where a single ammo explosion will take out all the ammo in the mech and badly damage it. Probably best used in urban terrain or as a mid-range element in the network, because it will likely draw too much fire otherwise.

Infernus (B) – Twin ER PPCs aided by a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers and an ECM Suite, as well as the presence of a Targeting Computer makes the Deva Infernus an excellent sniper. Combining this already accurate long-range mech with an elite Manei Domini pilot AND a C3i network will likely mean a 23-hex bubble where the mech can force PSR on whatever it wants to. Enough heat sinks are supplied to run and fire both ER PPCs without overheating, and a standing alpha won’t cause any detoriation in accuracy either. The ECM Suite also adds more flexibility, and though probably best used as the sniping element of a network, it could work at any position, since the accuracy makes it better at shooting on the move as well.

Comminus (C) – Clearly an urban/rough terrain fighter, the Deva Comminus mounts Jump Jets, allowing it to jump 120 meters in a single leap. A massive Ultra Autocannon/20 is the main gun of this variant, with a trio of ER Medium Lasers as backup. An ECM Suite is also added for improved performance and defenses. While this configuration is very weak at open, flat terrain due to its lack of range, it WILL wreak havoc in more confined and rough terrains or in an urban battlefield.

Luminos (D) – A generalist configuration, the Deva Luminos is also jump-capable, and carries a more balanced armament though still leaning to close combat. A Heavy PPC provides respectable long-range firepower, while up close the Deva Luminos can add its array of four Medium Pulse Lasers and two ER Mediums. Two lasers, a medium and a small, are also rear-mounted for defense. With enough heat sinks to fire a good chunk of its arsenal, the Deva Luminos will shine in the same terrain that the Comminus enjoys, while not being as vulnerable in more open and flat terrain.

Eminus (E) – Very similar to the Deva Invictus, the Deva Eminus mounts a Thunderbolt-15 (again with a total of EIGHT shots) aided by four Light PPCs. The best way to use this mech would be to find a camping spot – preferably 18 hexes away from the target – and let your network’s spotter feed you targeting data while you hammer away, saving the Thunderbolts for good shots or for times when you need something dead ASAP.

Caelestis (S) – The experimental configuration of the bunch. The Deva Caelestis is faster due to the Supercharger installed, which allows it to reach speeds of over eighty kilometers an hour in short bursts. Its armament seems rather paltry, only armed with two Binary Laser Cannons and an ER Small Lasers, all slaved to a Targeting computer, with a Laser Anti-Missile System for defense. In the hands of an elite Manei Domini warrior however, the opposition will not enjoy being on the receiving end of aimed shots to the head with a pair of headcappers. One major problem this configuration has is its tendency to overheat badly of the LAMS activates.

(Achilleus) – Personal configuration of Opacus Venatori member Achilleus St. John, this configuration excels in hunting down mobile prey. A supercharger lets it go faster than normal for short bursts, while TWO Large Variable-Speed Pulse Lasers comprise of this mech’s main armament, with two ER Mediums as backup. The ridiculous accuracy of LVSPLs in short range is further enhanced by the targeting computer, making it almost certain that this mech WILL hit whatever it is aiming at.

Like all celestials, Devas work best as part of a supportive C3i network. Its relative toughness and flexibility allows it to assume a variety of roles depending on what is needed in the network at the time, be it as pointman/spotter, mid-range element, or as an anchor/sniper, depending on configuration. Most Deva variants can usually switch from one role to another with ease too, with some being equally capable in all roles. This needs to be used to the utmost to get the most mileage out of both the Deva and its entire network.

When fighting a Deva, keep in mind that it is, first and foremost, a tough heavy mech with near-maxed armor. The use of Light Fusion Engine means that even those variants with torso bombs will survive the explosion and keep fighting. Because of that, you will need to devote some time and attention to make sure that it will fall. Remember the Heavy-Duty Gyro, which allows the Deva to take more Gyro hits than normal and keep standing. That said, the Deva’s weapon load is typically below average for its weight, though most of its configurations use that weight pretty intelligently. A good heavy should be able to take it on one-on-one, given equal pilots.

martian

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #1 on: 24 July 2012, 12:35:55 »
I am missing Deva C-DVA-OU Exanimus. Perhaps you could add it?

Maelwys

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #2 on: 24 July 2012, 13:20:11 »
The Deva is one of the solid Celestials. Its not a fancy heavy cavalry `Mech, but a solid heavy design with a nod to survivability. Infact, its such a solid design that I question the need for the Grigori.

Where it gets let down at times is the configurations. I still long for an Invictus Prime model where the Retractable Blade is replaced by another LPPC and an extra ton of Gauss Rifle ammo. I don't think anyone would look askance at such a design.

I've found the Infernus to be a solid performer. The ERPPCs let it reach out and smack people while the MPLs help you deal with anything coming in close. The Targeting Computer and ECM are just nice bonuses that make it an easy pick to sit back with an Archangel at range.

Eminus (E) – Very similar to the Deva Invictus, the Deva Eminus mounts a Thunderbolt-15 (again with a total of EIGHT shots) aided by four Light PPCs. The best way to use this mech would be to find a camping spot – preferably 18 hexes away from the target – and let your network’s spotter feed you targeting data while you hammer away, saving the Thunderbolts for good shots or for times when you need something dead ASAP.

The Eminus is so similar to the Invictus that you can almost hear people asking "Why didn't you just do the Invictus without the Retractable blade?" The limited ammo on a weapon that can be negated by AMS can be quite painful.

Quote
Caelestis (S) – The experimental configuration of the bunch. The Deva Caelestis is faster due to the Supercharger installed, which allows it to reach speeds of over eighty kilometers an hour in short bursts. Its armament seems rather paltry, only armed with two Binary Laser Cannons and an ER Small Lasers, all slaved to a Targeting computer, with a Laser Anti-Missile System for defense. In the hands of an elite Manei Domini warrior however, the opposition will not enjoy being on the receiving end of aimed shots to the head with a pair of headcappers. One major problem this configuration has is its tendency to overheat badly of the LAMS activates.

The poor Caelestis. It suffers from the fact that the designer was working with pre-errata rules for the Binary Laser Cannons. It can still hurt people, but it doesn't have the same oomph that it was originally thought to have. And unless I missed something, targeting computers can't aim for the head with aimed shots. Long range shots to the torsos and legs utilizing the TC And c3i are always welcome though. It might be worth turning off the AMS.

jymset

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #3 on: 24 July 2012, 13:22:18 »
Nice article, with a good overview of this enigmatic design!

To me, the Deva is the anti-Grigori in a very personal way: when the Celestials were first released, I responded emotionally very positively, thinking this would be my favourite. But its drawbacks were exactly as you stated: the Invictus (the only one first published) lacks ammo and once deployed actually felt undergunned, despite the gauss. [The Grigori otoh performed specatcularly, as the C3i completely nullified the horrible management problems of the mismatched launchers, allowing the design to lay down a huge amount of hurt, unlike the Deva.]

And the following negative emotional reaction to my disappointed first appraisal is what has stuck around. The Deva will be one of the last Celestials I'll select, which means I've not had much experience with the variants. Life is unfair like that, sometimes.

Just a note: the Caelestis suffers from having been created pre-TO errata (swapping damage and heat values). Ack! Roosterboy-ed by Maelwys!
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Neufeld

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #4 on: 24 July 2012, 13:37:00 »
I feel that the Deva is underrated. Sure, the Invictus has ammo problems, and the Eminus suffers from Thunderbolt love, but the rest of the configs are solid.

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Kojak

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #5 on: 24 July 2012, 21:34:35 »
The Deva B is a staple of my WoB forces in much the same way as the Preta A; it's easily the best canon configuration out of the bunch. With a Manei Domini pilot at the controls it can surgically pick apart opponents at maximum range.


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Maelwys

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #6 on: 26 July 2012, 12:46:46 »
I'm surprised to hear someone state that they like the Grigori better than the Deva, that just blows my mind :)

If this had been made with a Machina Domini interface, the design would've had an additional 4 tons to play with. Something for GMs to keep in mind if they're feeling particularly evil :)

SCC

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #7 on: 30 July 2012, 01:19:31 »
How would that interface save that amount of tonnage?

Maelwys

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #8 on: 30 July 2012, 02:33:07 »
You swap the small cockpit for the Machina Domini cockpit, which costs you two tons. Then you drop the Heavy Duty gyro completely, which frees up 6 tons. -2+6 = 4

Nahuris

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #9 on: 01 September 2017, 15:02:47 »
As a WOB player, I do tend to prefer the Girigori, over the Deva....... although the Infernus can be useful.

Nahuris
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OpacusVenatori

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #10 on: 01 September 2017, 21:15:40 »
As a WOB player, I do tend to prefer the Girigori, over the Deva....... although the Infernus can be useful.

Nahuris

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Getz

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #11 on: 02 September 2017, 08:33:03 »
See, I'm rather the other way round.  I prefer the Deva to the Grigori, in part because it has a nicely differentiated set of configurations, all of which are useful - even the Invictus!

They way I see it, you have the Dominus as a generalist, the Infernus for sniping, the Comminus for brawling and the Luminos as a flexible energy zombie.  Add a Preta or Malak as a fast spotter and a Seraph for some muscle and those four configurations give you a well rounded Level II all on their own.

Admittedly, the Invictus and Eminus basically do the same thing and share the same drawbacks, but slapping people with a headchopping attack and cluster of five pointers from eighteen hexes away with C3i support isn't exactly a terrible trick.

By contrast, most of the Grigori configurations feel like a variations on the "big energy gun with missile backup" theme to me.  Sure, different configurations play with SSRMs, MMLs and MRMs but aside from the Invictus, they're all basically trying to fill the same role.

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Neo-Tanuki

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #12 on: 03 September 2017, 19:58:34 »
I mentioned this in the miniatures section, but I've really enjoyed fielding the Deva Dominus. The sheer number of medium-damage weapons it can fire accurately has been great for me-while it's not easy to kill 'Mechs outright due to the lack of head-destroying big guns, none of my other Blakist 'Mechs forces PSRs constantly like the Deva Dominus. In a lot of battles my Devas have knocked down enemy 'Mechs and left them vulnerable for Battle Armor to attack or for heavies and assaults with long range guns to pick off while helpless.

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Re: Mech of the Week, WAY OVERDUE: C-DVA-O Deva
« Reply #13 on: 05 September 2017, 03:33:29 »
By contrast, most of the Grigori configurations feel like a variations on the "big energy gun with missile backup" theme to me.  Sure, different configurations play with SSRMs, MMLs and MRMs but aside from the Invictus, they're all basically trying to fill the same role.

Which is a real shame, because the base chassis is more flexible than the canon configs would lead one to believe.  Which is why some of us have liked to re-imagine the Grigori in a heavy cav role.

cheers,

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