A few statements/questions to get some discussions going:
- Fluffwise: how in effect do they use all those light mechs. 'Lightning raids' and harassment but some more details would be nice.
- In game: How to beat those heavier stars? As even with 2-3 lights versus a far heavier model it can be highly difficult
- Ice Hellion Heavies and Assaults. They have them yet at times I read they'd just trade it in for 2 small ones. In how far is this correct? How large a portion of their forces is heavy or assault? And how are they employed/mixed with the forces.
- Elementals in what quantities and how are they employed?
- Do they rely a lot on airsupport or is this facet somewhat ignored?
Finally picked up and read WoR. Sigh.
1) The Hellions are not really discussed much at all. The best resources are the Field Manual Crusader Clans and Operation Klondike, but it doesn't go into to much detail. When I have time I'll take another look at OK because I remember it discussing some strategy. The Hellions really boil down to using light mechs as you'd imagine them to be used. What many people forget is that while the Hellions use lots of lights, they're more focused on "speed" over "weight". So the Hellions do field lots of heavier mechs (having assault clusters and such), just utilizing faster assaults. This is where, in my mind, pack zell comes in on a strategic level. Having such consistently fast units allows the Hellions to bring large amounts of firepower to bear on an isolated target - kind of plays into Khan Montoses' moving Hellion units around in the "shell game".
2) Depends. If you're facing pulse lasers then you'll be in trouble in more open terrain. Pulses are the weapon that will always pose trouble for lighter stars. Otherwise its about using high combat modifiers and mobility to pick on units. Its legitimately tough to follow Zell (pack zell has never been well explained) and I'll typically break it simply because strict Zell doesn't permit "pack zell" or really much Light vs. Heavy mech fighting. Strictly speaking, you're opponent should bid down weapons, heat sinks, etc. if you're doing straight 5 on 5 (or whatever fighting). But realistically, that doesn't play into the advantages gained by lighter, faster, more mobile mechs. Its a grey area, but if you're Clan you ultimately play to win.
The last 3 questions I can't answer. I've never heard of them trading heavies/assaults for lighter mechs, if you could point to were you read that it'd be helpful. It also depends what period you're talking about as I believe FM: Crusader Clans and Operation Klondike has a bit of information (right now my books are in storage). How Assaults/Heavies are mixed in forces is really going to vary - some units will be mixed and some more homogeneous among weight classes. Practically, its best to use speed/mobility as the determining factor.
Can't say on Elementals or Air Support (good question for TPTB), but they do field a number as seen by having their own Elemental (the Afreet). Having fast mechs and elementals are a good mix, so I always field a large number (standard and Afreet).
