Author Topic: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?  (Read 14078 times)

Scraphound

  • Recruit
  • *
  • Posts: 13
I'm very new to the tabletop game, but I've been playing Battletech in one digital format or another for decades. 

What are some good entry mechs for a starting mercenary unit?  I'd like to get one lance fully painted.   I don't know my lore very well.  I'm thinking of mechs that are either weak starting out, but open to heavy modification that eventually leads to a tailor-made mercenary death machine or something that is the mech equivalent of an AK47.  Easy to find, easy to use, often found in the hands of poorly trained soldiers, but still very much useful and deadly in experienced hands. 

As for the era, I'm not really sure.  3050? 

Is there a particular era that sees the most playtime in typical games?  I want a lance that can see a lot of time on the board while I learn the intricacies of the game while keeping to the theme of a scrappy and poor mercenary upstart. 

Daryk

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 37046
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Hunchbacks and their many variants spring to mind.  Centurions are another trooper that could work, but the Hunchback is more generally modified.

Frabby

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 4242
I dislike 4/6 mediums like the Hunchback on general principle because they cannot always outrun what they can't outgun. Also, the Hunchback specifically is a short-range brawler.

Good generic "workhorse" mediums that I'd recommend are the Phoenix Hawk, Vindicator, and Enforcer. And most of the 55 tonners.
« Last Edit: 29 November 2019, 10:11:02 by Frabby »
Sarna.net BattleTechWiki Admin
Author of the BattleCorps stories Feather vs. Mountain, Rise and Shine, Proprietary, Trial of Faith & scenario Twins

Scraphound

  • Recruit
  • *
  • Posts: 13
I like the Hunchback, but thematically I'm thinking I need faster mechs.  I feel the Hunchback would by an early casualty the first time a mission turns south and our scrappy little band has to turn tail and run.  And I don't think the Hunchback is great at avoiding damage.  Either it stands behind something else that takes the hits, or it has to take them itself.    My poor mercs need to get in and get out fast without amassing a huge repair bill.

« Last Edit: 29 November 2019, 09:03:30 by Scraphound »

Daryk

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 37046
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Re: the Hunchback's range limitations, that's what the variants are for...

As far as speed though, Frabby is 100% correct with the Wolverine and Griffin.  The Shadow Hawk's lack of the last two jump jets hurts it on that score.  I avoid Phoenix Hawks because they only have 6 points of armor on the head.  For that AK-47 feel at 5/8/0, the Osts aren't bad.

AlphaMirage

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 3599
Panthers and Vindicators are solid but you can't go wrong with a mix of Griffins and Wolverines with maybe a Dervish

RifleMech

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 4444
The first mech to spring to mind is the Locust. It's cheap, plentiful, easy to use and used by everyone, and has lots of variants so should be easy to modify or upgrade. After that other 20 ton bug mechs, and 55 ton mediums (Dervish, Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Wolverine) I like the Scorpion too but it's more rare and more difficult to pilot. That could be how a character could pick one up cheap though. The Houses were scrapping them so they bought one and fixed it up.

After that... you could probably pick up a salvaged Vindicator pretty cheap but parts will be expensive. Possibly old Blackjacks if they still have a poor rep by 3050.

As far as weak mechs go, The Jagermech and Rifleman do get a lot of flack. The Jagermech has weak armor and the Rifleman overheats easily and has limited ammo. A customization could fix them and the House's new variants could explain why older ones are on the market.

There's also the OST Mechs. They're pretty common and can often use parts from others to stay  in operation. (That gets into FrankenMech Rules though.)

And there's the Charger. Very fast 80 ton mech armed with small lasers. Slower variants can be nasty to fight.

Other than that maybe some old Ravens being sold off by the FedCom.

I'm not sure what level rules you'd want to use but there's a couple things to consider from an in universe perspective. The first thing is about is the condition of the mech when you get it. You could get a scrapped mech cheaper than a fully operable one. It'd also allow you to rebuild it as you want. You could also pick up a lowtech mech with an ICE engine or a complete FrankenMech for less than a regular mech. A mech rebuilt completely with salvage should also be less expensive than one with brand new parts. You can always refurbish later.

Also, when it comes to upgrading in 3050, you might consider using prototype tech. Between the Houses upgrading to production quality and the Clan Invasion it'd be easier and cheaper to get a hold of prototypes than it would be production quality tech. Even House units were having to buy prototype tech to upgrade their units at that point so it'd be something to consider.



Sartris

  • Codex Conditor
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 19826
  • Kid in the puddle eating mud of CGL contributors
    • Master Unit List
For 5/8/5 you can’t go wrong with the griffin and wolverine (especially if you can get a 6M). Daryk’s love of the hunchback family is not unjustified. There’s a flavor for almost every occasion. 4/6 mediums are still useful in the SW era, especially when mixed with faster elements

As far as abundant, any introtech star league era mech will exist in huge numbers either as replacements or parts stock

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?

Church14

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1102
If you’re mercenaries, your probably a generalist force, but you could possibly specialize. At 3050 the weight distribution is still probably close to 30/40/20/10 for Light/Medium/Heavy/Assault. So a light, 2 mediums, and a heavy as a starting idea.

For generalist:
Griffin and Wolverine are good ideas. Fast with some ranged firepower means you can disengage more easily when it goes to piss. For am light mech, I’d consider a Valkyrie. Fast enough for recon, fast enough to run. The LRM10 and decent armor means it can be an active participant in a medium/heavy mech fight.

A third medium or a heavy mech would either be a new CN9-D centurion, a dragon, or a QuickDraw. Those could all keep pace with the rest of your lance.

Now you’d have a lance with a minimum walk of 5, and if you take the QuickDraw, they all have a jump of 5. Lastly, they all have the ability to engage at range. Nobody is useless if your sniping at the enemy before closing range

Daryk

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 37046
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
One other point in the Griffins' and Wolverines' favor: they come with the Beginner Box...  ^-^

Colt Ward

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 28957
  • Gott Mit Uns
    • Merc Periphery Guide- Bakunin
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #10 on: 29 November 2019, 12:23:18 »
One other point in the Griffins' and Wolverines' favor: they come with the Beginner Box...  ^-^

And have variants of different flavors for all eras.
Colt Ward
Clan Invasion Backer #149, Leviathans #104

"We come in peace, please ignore the bloodstains."

"Greetings, Mechwarrior. You have been recruited by the Star League to defend the Frontier against Daoshen and the Capellan armada."

SteelRaven

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9545
  • Fight for something or Die for nothing
    • The Steel-Raven at DeviantArt
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #11 on: 29 November 2019, 13:21:10 »
If you end up going with 3050, Wolfhound is a solid Light Mech

I'll echo the praise for the Griffin and Wolverine.

I'm a fan of the Centurion and Enforcer as well. The Hunchback is allot more niche but the HBK-4P can be scary in the right hands.

Allot of all-energy designs fit the bill, the Awesome being the best example.

Battletech Art and Commissions
http://steel-raven.deviantart.com

marauder648

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 8157
    • Project Zhukov Fan AU TRO's and PDFs
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #12 on: 29 November 2019, 13:21:45 »
Grasshopper if available, solid, mobile, packed with heatsinks and energy heavy.
Ghost Bears: Cute and cuddly. Until you remember its a BLOODY BEAR!

Project Zhukov Fan AU TRO's and PDFs - https://thezhukovau.wordpress.com/

Hellraiser

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 13011
  • Cry Havoc and Unleash the Gods of Fiat.
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #13 on: 29 November 2019, 13:51:17 »
T-Bolt for CO
Griffin & Wolverine for linemen.
Locust for scout/pointman.
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

Daryk

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 37046
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #14 on: 29 November 2019, 14:11:39 »
I'd probably go all jumping with an Eridanit T-Bolt, and one of the jumping bugs instead of a Locust...

SteelRaven

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9545
  • Fight for something or Die for nothing
    • The Steel-Raven at DeviantArt
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #15 on: 29 November 2019, 14:20:59 »
I'm willing to sacrifice jumping for the Locust durability but that's my preference.

That said, the Wasp WSP-1W does a great job with any other mech it's size.
Battletech Art and Commissions
http://steel-raven.deviantart.com

Daryk

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 37046
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #16 on: 29 November 2019, 14:22:11 »
The Super Stinger (3G) is pretty nice too...

Iron Grenadier

  • Warrant Officer
  • *
  • Posts: 784
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #17 on: 29 November 2019, 14:25:27 »
Started a new campaign a few months ago set during the 3030's, and the players went with a Wolverine 6R, Griffin 1N, and paired Cronus 3M's for a solid strike lance.


Orin J.

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2785
  • I am to feared! Aw, come on guys...
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #19 on: 29 November 2019, 15:42:44 »
the Whitworth and Starslayer come to mind, and you should certainly be able to find a Vulcan which i've always personally found worth having in a lighter lance....
The Grey Death Legion? Dead? Gotcha, wake me when it's back.....
--------------------------
Every once in a while things make sense.


Don't let these moments alarm you. They pass.

Daryk

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 37046
  • The Double Deuce II/II-σ
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #20 on: 29 November 2019, 16:28:43 »
The Vulcan is all kinds of multi-purpose, but I'd hesitate to rely on one in a unit as small as just one lance.

Sartris

  • Codex Conditor
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 19826
  • Kid in the puddle eating mud of CGL contributors
    • Master Unit List
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #21 on: 29 November 2019, 16:35:10 »
If you find yourself on a lot of recon or up against unarmored meat sacks often, there are worse choices

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?

Pat Payne

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1434
  • 352nd Combat Group -- Ex cinis ad astra
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #22 on: 29 November 2019, 17:39:17 »
Good generic "workhorse" mediums that I'd recommend are the Phoenix Hawk, Vindicator, and Enforcer. And most of the 55 tonners.

PHX definitely, for the AK-47 criterion. In fluff, the Phoenix Hawk is so abundant that dispossessed MechWarriors are often called "Phoenix Hawk-bound" as that is their likely next Mech. (see for instance the writeup in Combat Manual: Kurita.) Other massively-abundant designs include the Wasp, the Locust, and, oddly enough, the Stalker.

Colt Ward

  • Lieutenant General
  • *
  • Posts: 28957
  • Gott Mit Uns
    • Merc Periphery Guide- Bakunin
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #23 on: 29 November 2019, 17:41:46 »
Energy boats are not workhorses . . . they are specialists.

Unless you are trying to chase down specialist contracts, a merc mech lance should have something that can cover AA, light fires (SRMs or Flamers), drop mines (if you can get Thunders in yours or the employers inventory), and spray at PBI.  If your not getting your ammo costs covered in contract, its a failure in negotiations (if your doing that detailed tracking) . . .

You will also want mechs with hands as much as possible.  A merc can do some good hearts & minds work by helping with big community projects . . . or sell that as a feature to your possible employer- the ability to help the more conventional forces dig in.

Finally . . . Phoenix Hawk?  I find it hard to believe there would be many, even back in 3SW that had not cut down the MG ammo bin size to increase the armor- particularly the head.
Colt Ward
Clan Invasion Backer #149, Leviathans #104

"We come in peace, please ignore the bloodstains."

"Greetings, Mechwarrior. You have been recruited by the Star League to defend the Frontier against Daoshen and the Capellan armada."

RifleMech

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 4444
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #24 on: 29 November 2019, 19:19:15 »
If you go with any of the TRO:2750 and TRO:3058 Star League designs either take designs that had stayed in production like the Thorn, which was easy to maintain, kept in service with parts from other mechs, or salvage from the War of 3039. Otherwise they're extinct or exclusive to Comguards and House Kurita, and thus more difficult to get. Of course one could always find a lost cache or bring their many times great grandmother's mech out of the grain silo now that new parts are available.

Nastyogre

  • Warrant Officer
  • *
  • Posts: 537
  • Sons of the Suns, Defend your homes!
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #25 on: 29 November 2019, 22:10:14 »
Hunchbacks and their many variants spring to mind.  Centurions are another trooper that could work, but the Hunchback is more generally modified.

Fluff of the Centurion states it is one of the most frequently modified units in the Inner Sphere due to issues with the Luxor autocannons. While hunchies have more official variants ,pilots are advised that any Centurion met may be modified. Or some such statement.

That said. Hunchbacks are probably more common. Because production was centered in the FS and LC, IIRC. The hunchback might be more available.

Centurion is probably closer to a trooper.  I'm not sure a PHX is a "trooper." It is a Scout command and medium weight scout mech. Ridiculously common of course.

Enforcers, Centurions, Shad-H. Shads are everywhere. If not well liked. They are durable and capable at all ranges. (Unlike the Griff-N)

There are house variants of course. Griffin-S. WVR-M, WVR and PHX-K.

Heavies? TDR, RFL, Whammy. (They really are Troopers) Dragon. Dragon's can lay down very solid firepower at no heat for a long time. They are fast enough to make it hard to pin them down and tough enough to take a beating. They aren't going to go toe to toe with dedicated Fire support or brawlers. They are actually pretty common even outside the Combine, because they are so common IN the Combine.


Assaults: Stalker.


2ndAcr

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 3165
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #26 on: 29 November 2019, 22:57:31 »
 Thunderbolt, about as solid a trooper as you can get.

carlisimo

  • Warrant Officer
  • *
  • Posts: 572
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #27 on: 29 November 2019, 23:51:03 »
Consider the Blackjack.  It's cheap and unpopular because of its AC/2s - relegated to second-line units in most armies, but very upgradable.  Around 3050 St. Ives upgrades it to the BJ-3 version with double heat sinks and two PPCs replacing the AC/2s while keeping the original's four medium lasers for up-close work.

It'd be a great one to use in a slower medium lance, using 4/6 movers like the Hunchback, Enforcer, Centurion, Whitworth.  Throwing in a heavy later on is easy because of the matching speeds.

RifleMech

  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 4444
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #28 on: 30 November 2019, 00:50:50 »
There's the BNC-3E Banshee. It's often found in reserve, militia, and poor units.

There's also some of the more mass produced Primitive Mechs. I know the MUL says they're era specific but there's no reason one couldn't be found out in the Periphery or some back water militia unit. It's also possible that they've been up and then downgraded over the years.

Firesprocket

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2945
  • Broke the Bandwagon
Re: Solid, abundant, cheap workhorse mechs for a budding new merc outfit?
« Reply #29 on: 30 November 2019, 01:00:14 »
Gladiator.  It a good mix of firepower and a fire support version which while not awesome can work in a pinch.  Has 2 hand actuators.  The only draw back would be if you plan on punching twice or pushing you won't be able to shoot with anything on that particular turn.