BattleTech - The Board Game of Armored Combat
BattleTech Player Boards => Fan Articles => Topic started by: JadeHellbringer on 28 September 2014, 14:30:57
-
(http://www.sarna.net/wiki/images/thumb/e/e3/Zibler.jpg/551px-Zibler.jpg)
Normally when I get requests in, I put them in one of the post-it notes you can get on your Windows desktop, and I'll review them early in the week to see what I want to work on- if nothing on that list strikes me, I'll find something else, but I do prefer request vehicles (and keep them coming, please!). But I do like to try to vary things when I can, so I'm not in a rut of covering the same thing over and over. After several weeks of large, slow vehicles- and much of that time being spent on Capellan armor, no less!- I'm bumping a request from JPArbiter to the front of the line because it's the opposite- a fast hovercraft built by the Davions. That should help even things out, right? (Also, the name is fun to say. Zibler. Zibler. Zib-ler. Zibllllllllller...)
Anyway. Zibler. The Federated Suns has a love of three things- autocannons, illiteracy, and cavalry tactics. So it was actually surprising that the Davions went with an assault tank as their primary way to bring pod-mounted technology to their armored forces in the famed Ajax. It took until the post-Jihad 3090s for a fast strike unit to gain this ability, courtesy of StarCorps seeing an obvious niche to fill as the AFFS rebuilt. While rebuilding, the military was also slimming down, as so many others were doing, and StarCorps no doubt plugged the modular nature of the Zibler as a very important thing- if you have less units overall in the postwar era, make sure they can cover more roles. One can't help but wonder, looking at the Zibler, whether StarCorps has a dusty old Clan-built Epona hidden under tarps in a secret hangar somewhere- the similarities in terms of stats and loadouts are striking at times, even if the looks (and tech difference) lean away from it.
If you're going to call something a 'fast strike tank', it had better be able to move. While 8/12 isn't as impressive now as it was in 3039, the Zibler can kick up its heels to that point and justify use as a quick strike unit. A standard fusion engine provides the 50-ton hovertank with this speed, an interesting choice as the XL and even XXL motors become more common on vehicles- perhaps a nod towards affordability, though that's merely a guess. The speed means the Zibler works well as a flanking unit, able to outmaneuver opposing forces, as well as provide quick directed attacks at targets both along the line and in the enemy's backfield. It also works remarkably well as a lineholder, able to quickly redeploy and plug holes in the lines where needed.
Hovercraft tend not to be particularly well-armored oftentimes- after all, it's the motive hits that kill them usually, not being skewered through. The Zibler makes a good attempt at toughness, all things considered, with seven tons of heavy ferro-fibrous plating, but this is certainly not an MBT- slugging it out with the enemy won't go well, speed is the real armor here. Still, thirty points cover the sides and front, showing the tanks' intent to be in amongst the heaviest fighting. Twenty points cover the rear, while the odd rear-quarter mounted turret gets 28 points as well. CASE is hardwired into the body as well, just in case. Ziblers won't be easily brought down, but they're not particularly durable either- use it wisely.
As an Omni, the Zibler comes with several canonized versions to choose from to fill its 18-ton pod bay. The prime shows that the engineers were paying close attention to that Epona under the tarps- a quartet of standard medium lasers apes the pulse array on the Epona Prime, while the Streak rack of the Clan tank is matched by a full trio of Streak SRM-4s, fed by a ton of ammunition. While the old medium laser won't hold a candle to the Epona's pulse lasers, a targeting computer helps make up for the accuracy loss, and a C3 slave module means the Zibler can feed targeting info to its friends- a trick the Epona can't match. Surprisingly, the two are an intriguing match for each other- in tests, a Zibler Prime beat an Epona Prime in three of four tests (with me running the Zibler twice and the Epona twice)- the added SRM barrage proving the difference. This is a great little strike tank, and just as good at hunting down enemy scouts and raiders- as long as you note the lack of any ranged weapons and act accordingly.
The A configuration takes a unique approach, with four LAC-2s in the turret fed by two tons of ammunition. FedSun forces can use alternate ammunition types to make this far-reaching unit an excellent harasser and support unit, hunting enemy hovercraft and VTOLs with precision ammo and switching to armor piercing to hopefully get lucky hits on tougher targets. While it lacks the punch of the Prime, in support of other units the A is an intriguing option.
Configuration B reminds me of some of the configs I've put together for Omnimechs for urban fighting over the years. An LB-10X provides excellent anti-vehicle power, as well as the ability to tell aircraft to get the hell away, with two tons of ammo providing the ability to switch ammo types if desired. A pair of ER medium lasers ride coaxially with the cannon to add extra muscle. Infantry who so far haven't been concerned about advancing Ziblers will find dismay at the quartet of LMGs tied together in an array, a truly rude thing to do to enemy PBIs. As a bodyguard for other Ziblers and such, this is superb.
The C starts the show with the excellent snub-nose PPC, never a bad thing to put on a fast tank. And yet, here it's the backup gun, buried under the pair of MML-7 racks. Two tons of ammo provide the ability to switch between long and short range weaponry, while supported by the mighty cannon. If the idea of an 8/12 tank lighting you with 14 LRMs and switching to short-range barrages backed by a PPC doesn't frighten you, you need an education from an Zibler-C. I pegged this as a decent one, but it quickly became a favorite in testing- the only version that never lost any of its test runs, including defeating a Black Hawk-KU Prime.
And finally we reach the D. If you ever used the Epona D, with its magnificent ER PPC and Streak rack, this will feel familiar- mostly. The D uses the mighty heavy PPC to make life miserable on its enemy, punching massive holes in even the most heavily-armored targets. Where the Clan tank has the Streak rack to exploit those holes, the Zibler D is forced to rely on its friends (like the Prime and B models) to do that part- however, a boosted C3 module means that it can help its mates in that job nicely, without worrying about things like the all-too-frequent Guardian systems on modern battlefields. (Everyone point at the Capellans, let's be honest here)
In fact, speaking of Capellans, let's talk about that. Stealth armor units are ridiculously hard to deal with sometimes- the best tactic is to get in their face quickly and get rid of their advantage at range. A fast tank can do that very easily- so the Zibler may be more important to the AFFS than any other armored unit in the Davion nation's history now, with the Capellans advancing as they are. A group of assorted Ziblers can make life hell on a Capellan force, zipping in quickly and hammering the Liao lines- and forcing tough choices as to whether to shut the armor off and deal with the Ziblers with the full heat sink array, or keep it on in case other Davion units are firing as well. It's no less of a powerful strike unit against Kurita either, of course. The Republic also uses the Zibler against their myriad of opponents, where it serves with distinction in the seemingly endless brush fires as that nation atrophies on itself.
Great tank- not a dud version among the configs. I very much recommend these, and thank JPArbiter for his suggestion. Want your idea covered? Send me a PM and let me know, and in the meantime let's talk Ziblers!
Zibler... Ziiiiibler... Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzibler...
-
The only thing that annoys me about this tank is that the B has so little ammo. Two tons is not enough to mix it up how it's practically begging to be used. I think I'd have preferred a trio of LAC/2s, some more ammo, and perhaps a token medium laser or two to address the lack of damage output.
-
As a quick Omni, it's also a nice way to deliver battle armor to the far corners of the battlefield. A configuration with an infantry bay to allow it to carry assault suits would be a good addition to the current canon line up, and it's a pity that we didn't get one.
-
I like the looks.
For Infantry, you might want to fit a large box in the rear. ^^
Or maybe pods on the sides.
Though the artwork kinda looks like it was still open whether it'd be wheels or hover at the time it was drawn.
Also, solid configs. Good one.
-
I was never quite sure in the DA era if this was meant to be a wheeled vehicle, or an air-cushion. It's one of the stranger hover designs I've seen; I'm currently guessing it doesn't have an air cushion at all, but has directed jets under the front "wheel arches" and in the big "wheel covers" in the back. Speaking of those front "wheel arches", they're wonderfully placed to limit the pilot's view, aren't they?
The D screams "Davion Regulator" to me. Addition of C3 just makes it better.
-
Any one else think this looks like it escaped from Speed Racer?
Nice little tank though.
-
CGL's people made this former MWDA Clicky tank into handy tool to have on the battlefield. Only the twin turrets bothers me little, just way MWDA layed out was weird to me. Funny I could replicate this thing when i played Spore on the PC.
I think only thing to remember when employing them is to deploy them with other Ziblers or similar machines. This thing is at its best when it can used its more mission specific weapons while buddy is covering its back.
Thanks again, JadeHellbringer!
-
Ran one of these boys against an Epona in MegaMek, just like JadeHellbringer did. I'm apparently not as good as he is, since the two games I played resulted in one loss and one double KO.
-
Great article! It's a vehicle that I've never used, barely even looked at tbh, so this was a very interesting read for me. I'll definitely give it a shot the next time I play a Davion force.
-
Okay, I need to do two things, well, three:
1) Get Megamek
2) Get my brother on the other side of the country to also get Megamek.
3) Do a nonmech game, because these vehicle articles are seriously fascinating.
-
One thing OP didn't mention.
There is factories for these in Lyran territory as well. Again proving StarCorps to be the Merchants of Death.
-
I like this tank. It gets my Davion loving seal of approval. :) I do think that House Davion missed out on a configuration or two:
One theoretical variant would be a C3 Master variant (Because reasons. That and I'm coming to the next variant idea here in a second...)
As for the other theoretical variant... yeah :):
a. Given the fact that House Davion has had this border with this peculiar group of neighbors for centuries;
b. That these same neighbors have had this certain tank that has been the bane of House Davion's military for 30-40 years prior to the introduction of the Zibler; and
c. After the Jihad, the Republic made House Davion give up all of their number of this certain tank in order to placate these certain peculiar neighbors,
It's kind of surprising that there is no Regulator-ish variant of the Zibler. It has the tonnage and the space to do it. You can put in a Gauss Rifle with two tons of ammo. You still have a ton to play with, and you throw in an extra ton of ammo, a medium laser, a machine gun and a half ton of ammo... or dare I say a C3 Slave? :) You can pair up two of these with that hypothetical C3 master variant and perhaps a C variant.
-
TRO 3145 Davion made clear that affordability was key for the Zibler... Zibllllller *Dang it Helbie, you got me doing it now* Starcorps wanted this tank sold across the Sphere. Budget Omnitank is not something that comes to mind but the Zib manages to pull it off. deploying these beasts a company at a time makes a great deal of sense IMHO, or use a whole battalion acting as the cavalry force of heavier LCTs.
the Zibler A offers another unique advantage that right now is a mere hypothetical for me. Flak Ammo in the Autocannons to permit a pair of these things to be extremely mobile AA Batteries.
if given the opportunity to be creative there are two extreme fire support options I would make a pass at. the first is to go grapefruits to the wall and pop an Arrow IV in the turret. 3 tons of ammo is plenty to be clever by. the second being an enhanced LRM 15 with deep ammo bins, perhaps a pair of ER Mediums as backup
-
In terms of VTOL and aircraft pissing-off-ness, this thing could really stand to put a pair of LB-2X in the turret, a ton or two of ammo (probably one) and then an LRM-5 and a couple tons of ammo with which to do terrible things.
I just want to see the LB-2X used more.
-
Ran one of these boys against an Epona in MegaMek, just like JadeHellbringer did. I'm apparently not as good as he is, since the two games I played resulted in one loss and one double KO.
Tactics my friend.
Fast SRM platforms are hell on tanks. The Zibler puts out a lot more crit chances under 9 hexes, and you should be able to close to 9 hexs against the Epona.
That said, the Epona should be more effective against hardened targets like 'Mechs and BA.
-
It took this long for the Inner Sphere to copy the Epona?
-
It took this long for the Inner Sphere to copy the Epona?
I consider it an improvement. SFE, Good configs, it's a dream come true, but then again, I really like using Bandit's too.
-
It took this long for the Inner Sphere to copy the Epona?
The funny part is that on Megamek, the Epona is listed under 'Clan Advanced' while the Zibler is 'IS TW' ;D
-
Used a lance of these in a mixed arms game with a platoon of Grenadiers and Hauberks with two heavy mechs backing them up. The Ziblers did wonders man, i love these tanks.
-
One thing OP didn't mention.
There is factories for these in Lyran territory as well. Again proving StarCorps to be the Merchants of Death.
Adding to that, by the late republic era they're on the IS general list (with the TRO entry mentioning that everyone has at least some.) The ROTS and FS have the most, but even when dealing with Caps or Dracs you may run into some of them. No place is safe from the Zibler.
My only complaint it the lack of a Plasma carrying config, but otherwise it's just a great omnihover.
-
The funny part is that on Megamek, the Epona is listed under 'Clan Advanced' while the Zibler is 'IS TW' ;D
...You're right. What the hell? That shouldn't be... there's nothing 'advanced' on an Epona, at least not beyond the usual Clan guns and butter. Weird.
I totally forgot to mention, by the way, that the thing that struck me as truly odd in the article was that the Zibler lacks a RAC version of any kind. Think about that. Davion's new signature modular hovertank lacks a version using their signature weapon system. Yes, there's the Musketeer already, but... still, I found that fascinating (and promptly found myself tossing a RAC and a wad of ammo on it in my head, because I'm a problem solver!)
-
The A configuration takes a unique approach, with four LAC-2s in the turret fed by two tons of ammunition. FedSun forces can use alternate ammunition types to make this far-reaching unit an excellent harasser and support unit, hunting enemy hovercraft and VTOLs with precision ammo and switching to armor piercing to hopefully get lucky hits on tougher targets. While it lacks the punch of the Prime, in support of other units the A is an intriguing option.
Far-reaching? Is there an errata I've missed that increases in LAC-2's range because the stuff I've got says that it only reaches out to 18 hexes.
Also twin LAC-2's weigh the same as a AC/5, which I would much rather have
-
No, you're actually right this time.
They qualify as far-reaching because when you put LAC-2s on something this fast, you can hit whatever you damn well please.
-
I ran four Primes against a Star of Clantech artillery, and these babies do horrible, horrible things to whichever vehicle they focus their attention on. Seeing a lance of these coming at your artillery must be a real trouser-browner, especially if the bodyguard units were drawn off earlier.
Hmm. Come to think of it, since this baby is an Omnivehicle, you could just have a squad of BA hitch a ride to hit said rear areas, and drop them off to wreak havoc while the Ziblers draw off the guards. >:D
When picking BA to be ferried around by this baby, I advise you pick something stealthy, so it can hide until the time is right...
-
No, you're actually right this time.
They qualify as far-reaching because when you put LAC-2s on something this fast, you can hit whatever you damn well please.
Ding. Winner!
Add that reduced range to the high speed of the Zibler, and suddenly it has all the reach one could ever want- and four chances to ping the target, to boot (albeit not for much damage).
-
I just noticed this, put is there a reason Weirdo and JadeHellbringer both have the same avatar at the moment?
-
Convergent evolution of exquisite taste. 8)
-
A hamfisted conspiracy among the moderators to keep us in line.
-
A hamfisted conspiracy among the moderators to keep us in line.
[stupid]
-
A hamfisted conspiracy among the moderators to keep us in line.
I see what you did there.
-
Zibler... Ziiiiibler... Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzibler...
ohhh what about Mech Mortars or Thumper Cannons?
-
Two MechMortar 4s and four tons of ammo is just enough to do awful, awful things with.
-
Two MechMortar 4s and four tons of ammo is just enough to do awful, awful things with.
Sounds evil...I like it. 8)
Also, about the Zibler...
I think this has got to be my new all time favorite vehicle for the 3145 era. The only complaints from me would be more ammo for the LAC's as already mentioned and that it is a hovertank with all of the problems of said tank. Every config is usable in one form or another and it still has decent armor and speed to boot. For me, this is the new gold standard for medium weight IS omnitanks in the current era.
-
Was there an old gold standard for medium weight IS omnitanks? ???
-
Was there an old gold standard for medium weight IS omnitanks? ???
An Epona with the keys left in it while the driver was buying coffee. ::)
-
An Epona with the keys left in it while the driver was buying coffee. ::)
Not true! I left the coffee on the roof! :D
You can probably create a variant that is a dedicated Battle Armor Carrier capable of transporting a platoon of Battle Armor. A 12 ton Bay to carry three squads, with the fourth squad riding on the hull. You'd still have six tons (It is 4 tons to carry a squad of regular Battle Armor, right?) to use on whatever tickles your fancy.
-
Was there an old gold standard for medium weight IS omnitanks? ???
arguably the Condor or Drillson. those got replaced by the Fulcrum, and then that got replaced by the Condor again with the 3075 upgrade...
-
arguably the Condor or Drillson. those got replaced by the Fulcrum, and then that got replaced by the Condor again with the 3075 upgrade...
Uh, those are standard Combat Vehicles, and we're talking about the gold standard for medium Omnivehicles. Bit of a difference there. :P
-
yeah, there hasn't really been a large slew of omnivehicles to choose from for the Zibler to compare too but when I wrote that bit I was thinking along the lines of the Grenadier BA or the MadCat Heavy omni-mech when they first appeared. Setting a standard that everything before and after needed to look up to in order to be considered effective. Something groundbreaking and that should last for a good while as an effective combat unit.
-
Every time I look at this tank's name, I think of this guy.
(http://img4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120718180037/en.futurama/images/c/cb/210_nibbler-satisfied.gif)
-
Uh, those are standard Combat Vehicles, and we're talking about the gold standard for medium Omnivehicles. Bit of a difference there. :P
I misunderstood
only competitor in that regard is the Clan Designed Beagle Hovertank
-
I misunderstood
only competitor in that regard is the Clan Designed Beagle Hovertank
I think you mean Bandit. The Beagle is a 15-ton Star League design.
-
Forget hauling that much BA . . . slap a Plasma Rifle on it with some ammo . . . 3 squads of BA to drop off and a gun to support them or clear the way of any crunchies in the drop zone.
-
I think you mean Bandit. The Beagle is a 15-ton Star League design.
you are right, oops
-
Forget hauling that much BA . . . slap a Plasma Rifle on it with some ammo . . . 3 squads of BA to drop off and a gun to support them or clear the way of any crunchies in the drop zone.
I'm sure as soon as the Capellans capture Zibler's factory world they'll rename the tank and happy mound a Plasma Rifle on the thing. To show the surviving Davions how its done before killing them with it.
-
Right, when something like this is hauling around 4 squads of BA is that a platoon or a lance? And is a platoon (Of either conventional or BA infantry) equal to a lance?
-
Right, when something like this is hauling around 4 squads of BA is that a platoon or a lance? And is a platoon (Of either conventional or BA infantry) equal to a lance?
I'll answer the second part first. A platoon is always equivalent to a lance. Note that this applies to battlesuited and conventional infantry.
For the first part...4 squads of BA can be more than a platoon, equal to a platoon, or less than a platoon, depending on a nation's organizational scheme.
The Draconis Combine and most mercenaries use 3-squad platoons.
The Federated Suns, Lyran Commonwealth, and Capellan Confederation use 4-squad platoons.
The Free Worlds League uses 5-squad platoons.
I'm not 100% sure, but I believe we've been told somewhere that the Republic of the Sphere uses 3-squad platoons.
Not clue about most periphery nations, aside from the Marian Hegemony, which uses 5 Contubernia of BA per Maniple.
You think that's confusing? The number of platoons in a battlesuit (or conventional infantry) company is just as variable, and the same as you go up the chart. I have nothing but respect for someone who fields a fully accurate Lyran infantry battalion and is willing to keep track of all the independent command squads.
-
So next is the Hasek, right?
-
I'll answer the second part first. A platoon is always equivalent to a lance. Note that this applies to battlesuited and conventional infantry.
For the first part...4 squads of BA can be more than a platoon, equal to a platoon, or less than a platoon, depending on a nation's organizational scheme.
The Draconis Combine and most mercenaries use 3-squad platoons.
The Federated Suns, Lyran Commonwealth, and Capellan Confederation use 4-squad platoons.
The Free Worlds League uses 5-squad platoons.
I'm not 100% sure, but I believe we've been told somewhere that the Republic of the Sphere uses 3-squad platoons.
Not clue about most periphery nations, aside from the Marian Hegemony, which uses 5 Contubernia of BA per Maniple.
You think that's confusing? The number of platoons in a battlesuit (or conventional infantry) company is just as variable, and the same as you go up the chart. I have nothing but respect for someone who fields a fully accurate Lyran infantry battalion and is willing to keep track of all the independent command squads.
Some lines from FM: Periphery indicate the Taurians use 16 Suit Platoons. So 4 squad platoons.
-
an interesting design, the Zibler. it looks more like a racing design than a tank with the way the body forms an wing to get pushed by the main engine in the rear. the bubble cockpit and streamlined front bumpers further lend themselves to the image of a fact vehicle (which it is, for a 50-ton hovertank- it can go faster sure, but you need to spend a lotta money to do it).....right up until you get to the turret.
all the gun mounts point in different directions. it looks like a laser bouquet more than a proper turret. and while i'm sure wedding planners appreciate the idea, i'm not too keen on them firing accurately. maybe the whole turret is built to rotate the weapons outlay in turn or something....seems like a weird idea, but it's far from the worst design i've seen.
-
I'm not 100% sure, but I believe we've been told somewhere that the Republic of the Sphere uses 3-squad platoons.
Well TRO 3085 mentions that a Maxim II, a Trajan and two Giggins can lift a full company, which is at most 40 troopers ( the maxim carry's 16, the other three carry 8 each), the Maxims entry mentions that it's standard practices to carry a full platoon.
This would indicate that a platoon is 12 each, and a company is 36 troopers, this would be the same org as the Kuritans.
However the 3085 Supplemental says that the Zugvogel got a configuration to carry a full RAF BA company, This would be the E config, it has a 48 ton bay (effectively 48 troopers), and that the Trireme which is equipped to carry 36 troopers it self carry's only two platoons, this indicates that a RAF platoon is 16 troopers, also the CS config of the Trireme is stated to carry a full platoon which per the RS entry would be 16 troopers, as for an RAF battalion four regular Triremes can carry a full battalion which would be 144 troopers (4x36 = 144, also 3x48 which matchs the company strengths).
The reference (Trajan entry) of a Maxim II, Trajan and 2x Giggins lifting a company would likely have to be a typo for 2x maxims and one each of the other types.
As such per the 3085 Supplemental a RAF Battle Armor Battalion would be
Squad 4x troopers
Platoon 4x Squads (16)
Company 3x Platoons (48)
Battalion 3x Companys (144)
Going off the typical Regiment = 3 battalions an RAF BA Regiment would have 432 troopers, if it uses 4 battalions that would be 576 troopers.
-
Here's hoping we get a definitive answer sometime soon...and preferably one with a 4 in it. It'd suck for as prolific a BA user as the RotS to be saddled with tiny BA formations.
-
So next is the Hasek, right?
Nope! But if you want it added to the queue I can do so!
(Running a test on this week's vehicle right now actually... We're going a bit old-school. And humble. And... god this thing just sucks... is it Sunday so I can get this off my plate yet? ;D
-
Nope! But if you want it added to the queue I can do so!
(Running a test on this week's vehicle right now actually... We're going a bit old-school. And humble. And... god this thing just sucks... is it Sunday so I can get this off my plate yet? ;D
If it's the Vedette, I'm going to smack you. :P
-
Nope! But if you want it added to the queue I can do so!
Please do.
-
I just can't get fully behind the Zibler. I'm well known for my hover tactics and can make them deadly even under modern rules. The key to that though is speed. 8/12 wasn't good enough for the S trio, more armor doesn't make it good enough for the Zibler. One good motive crit and you start losing the ability to turn and generate high to hits.
Oh, and if you need something official on RAF BA Platoons, go read the intro fiction to FM 3085. One Kopis, one Grenadier, one Angerona and one Elemental squad.
RAF BA Platoons are 4 squads. Pretty sure I can say that with some authority. ;)
-
RAF BA Platoons are 4 squads. Pretty sure I can say that with some authority. ;)
Even if we end up with three-platoon companies, this makes me happy. O0
-
Even if we end up with three-platoon companies, this makes me happy. O0
3-Platoon Companies would work best, truth be told. That way you can ensure that every paired Company can be mechanized provided that they're OmniMechs or have Mag Clamps.
-
I just can't get fully behind the Zibler. I'm well known for my hover tactics and can make them deadly even under modern rules. The key to that though is speed. 8/12 wasn't good enough for the S trio, more armor doesn't make it good enough for the Zibler. One good motive crit and you start losing the ability to turn and generate high to hits.
Full disclosure: Welshman fought long and hard to give the Zibler a better engine.
The Zibler is one big compromise. We even tried it as a superheavy, but it just didn't work. Ideally, the vehicle should've had 4 (light) autocannons and 12 missile tubes. No way to do it sensibly. So that was the birth of the omni idea, which allowed us to play with the abilities the vehicle had in the game. The A configuration set the minimum required pod space. The rest of the vehicle was simply adding numbers. The 165-rated standard engine actually 'wastes' 1 ton, on a non-hover it only weighs 9 tons. A light engine was right out (a 215-rated engine would come in at 11.5 tons and we didn't have 1.5 tons to spare) and a Fuel Cell ran into the same problems (and would only have been an option on a non-Omni AC-based vehicle). That left the option the Welshman fought so hard for - a vehicle with a 265-rated XL engine and 6.5 tons of HFF armor.
Ultimately, my choice was informed by two variables. On the one hand, the Zibler is indeed a confused vehicle. It really feels like it should be a wheeled thing, which means less speed and more toughness than a hovertank. So lower speed and slightly better armor "felt" right. And, most importantly, House Davion had installed a 165 standard engine in their hovertank that had previously featured a 265 XL - the Fulcrum.
So the Zibler is a set of compromises that ended up being mini-maxed hard - from a construction/aesthetic point of view, but not in ways of game design.
Sorry, Welshman, I appreciate you fought the good fight for the better game version #P
-
3-Platoon Companies would work best, truth be told. That way you can ensure that every paired Company can be mechanized provided that they're OmniMechs or have Mag Clamps.
Agree from a transport prospective.
-
Well a BA Battalion of 144 can be lifted by a company of (12) Cardinals.
-
If it's the Vedette, I'm going to smack you. :P
Nah, I like the Vedette. This is... well, it ain't gonna stack up to a Vedette too well. Two of them might be a decent fight against one.
Actually... let's test that right now...
-
Scorpion then?
-
Flatbed Truck? :D
-
Toyota HiLux?
Re wheeled - I'm really tempted to take the DA Zibler I have in the "organ donor" drawer, and put wheels on it ...
-
As long as you paint it white, give it a racing stripe and play the Speed Racer theme on your phone when you place it on the game table I am sure we can all get behind that change.
-
Challenge ... accepted!
Now I have to figure out how to get a gloss finish ...