Talk to me about.....the Mad Cat III

[Adam Vagus]

I'm considering trying this mech out and was wondering if anyone could tell me a little about it and it's variants. It seems cool but I can't wrap my head around a mech armed with micro-lasers  ???

[Savage Coyote]

I enjoy the Mad Cat III (Prototypes variant that is) but find it's biggest issue is it's steep BV tag for what you get.  Think of the micro lasers as SRM's and you are good.  Artemis V can be good and there's enough ammo for a normal engagement, not to mention 6/9 speed to maneuver around the battlefield.  2400 BV is a bit high though, at least to me.

[Adam Vagus]

I don't use BV so that's not an issue.

[Diablo48]

I have not used it, but it looks like a serviceable medium to me.  Just keep the range open and lean on the LRMs and you should be fine.  I would avoid the Dark Age variants because they have no ammo for their missiles, but the prototypes variant should work well enough.

That said, I would personally be inclined to skip it in favor of the original because I feel like the extra weapons and armor are better than the minor speed increase, but that is a separate discussion.

[Weirdo]

Don't look at it as a weird 'mech that mounts micro lasers. Look at it as a scout that manged to carry two LRM-20s magically slaved to TarComps, and also lug around FOUR pocket large lasers. Oh, and there's a disco ball in the chin for blinding infantry or battlesuit troopers.

[Diablo48]

Don't look at it as a weird 'mech that mounts micro lasers. Look at it as a scout that manged to carry two LRM-20s magically slaved to TarComps, and also lug around FOUR pocket large lasers. Oh, and there's a disco ball in the chin for blinding infantry or battlesuit troopers.

I would have to disagree with that assessment.  It has been a long time since 6/9/0 was good enough to be considered a scout, and the lack of electronics clearly indicate that this is looking to fight more than anything else.  I would be far more inclined to mix it into a cavalry formation based on its mobility, although it would have to be careful in a heavy cav formation due to its relatively thin skin.

[LastChanceCav]

It seems a lot like a Stormcrow in timber wolf's clothing to me. Never played with the "miffed kitty" but I would probably deploy it the same way.

Cheers,
LCC

[Kitsune413]

The Mad Cat III is odd because it fulfills a role the clans don't usually do and that's fire support.

A Mad Cat III down range is terrible for you. Also, I'm not even sure how they work. They are fast enough to stay in a position they want. (They're not made to brawl. they're a fire support mech) So they just smash you with missiles and if you get close they will melt you.

They are more catapult than they are Marauder. They also have enough armor to get knocked around. I'm not sure how its as good as it is.

[DarkISI]

A Mad Cat III down range is terrible for you. Also, I'm not even sure how they work. They are fast enough to stay in a position they want. (They're not made to brawl. they're a fire support mech)

You have obviously never played the Mad Cat III 2. Four SRM 6 paired with Artemis V and two Medium Pulse Lasers... you are so going to brawl with that one. ;)

[Savage Coyote]

I would have to disagree with that assessment.  It has been a long time since 6/9/0 was good enough to be considered a scout, and the lack of electronics clearly indicate that this is looking to fight more than anything else.  I would be far more inclined to mix it into a cavalry formation based on its mobility, although it would have to be careful in a heavy cav formation due to its relatively thin skin.

6/9/0 is enough to escort the scouts or at least provide them enough heavy firepower to be taken seriously.  I use the Linebacker in the same manner (a light/medium star shepherd) and have had some success.  With the long range emphasis, it's even better here applying firepower to help out the smaller guys.

[Kitsune413]

You have obviously never played the Mad Cat III 2. Four SRM 6 paired with Artemis V and two Medium Pulse Lasers... you are so going to brawl with that one. ;)

I haven't actually. But yes, yes I would.  :)

Three more variants of it coming up soon.

[Diablo48]

6/9/0 is enough to escort the scouts or at least provide them enough heavy firepower to be taken seriously.  I use the Linebacker in the same manner (a light/medium star shepherd) and have had some success.  With the long range emphasis, it's even better here applying firepower to help out the smaller guys.

Not really.  You slow down your scouting formations from 10/15 or so to 6/9 which drastically reduces their ability to actually scout and forces them to either abandon their support 'Mech or stand and fight when engaged by the enemy cavalry force which will likely be deployed to prevent the scouts from getting close to the main formation.

[Scotty]

Assuming all your scout 'Mechs are actually 10/15 or better.  Assuming the enemy cavalry is perfectly suited to defeat scouts slower than 10/15.

Calling a 6/9 scout an automatic failure is ignoring the realities of war in exchange for the perfect hypothetical.  Of course 10/15+ is the best for a scout.  It's just as much not the only speed, or the only effective speed, or the speed you're going to have.

[Kitsune413]

I've never really looked at 55 ton mechs as scouts...

But like I said, the Mad Cat III is more of a trebuchet... though, because its LRM's don't have minimums. It does a good job of being a brawler.

[Arkansas Warrior]

6/9/0 is enough to escort the scouts or at least provide them enough heavy firepower to be taken seriously.  I use the Linebacker in the same manner (a light/medium star shepherd) and have had some success.  With the long range emphasis, it's even better here applying firepower to help out the smaller guys.

And most Coyotes consider him a heretic.  Everyone knows Gargoyles are for escorting scouts.  Linebackers and Stormcrows are the scouts.

[Kitsune413]

And most Coyotes consider him a heretic.  Everyone knows Gargoyles are for escorting scouts.  Linebackers and Stormcrows are the scouts.

Those are all skirmishers.  ;D

[Savage Coyote]

And most Coyotes consider him a heretic.  Everyone knows Gargoyles are for escorting scouts.  Linebackers and Stormcrows are the scouts.

 ;D

Well, yeah... I've played out my thoughts in the past and they've been successful.  If I need something faster than 9/14 I'll dial up a VTOL or ASF.  Sending out 10/15(20) 'mechs is just asking for them to get killed by any Billy Bob with a medium pulse laser or two.

And just because my Coyotes like to MOVE a little doesn't make me... wait... okay, never mind  :-\

[iampoch]

For me, the best Mad Cat III is the one in XTRO. For a slight reduction in fire power (two of the ERMLs swapped with ERSLs, and two ERMiLs removed, no big deal), you get Ferro Lamellor Armor! I hope the Sea Foxes revisit this proto and make this a variant, or the basis for an Omni version.

[glitterboy2098]

Assuming all your scout 'Mechs are actually 10/15 or better.  Assuming the enemy cavalry is perfectly suited to defeat scouts slower than 10/15.

Calling a 6/9 scout an automatic failure is ignoring the realities of war in exchange for the perfect hypothetical.  Of course 10/15+ is the best for a scout.  It's just as much not the only speed, or the only effective speed, or the speed you're going to have.

given this 6/9/0 mech carries enough firepower to obliterate most 10/15+ scouts, i think 6/9 works just fine.

[Kitsune413]

For me, the best Mad Cat III is the one in XTRO. For a slight reduction in fire power (two of the ERMLs swapped with ERSLs, and two ERMiLs removed, no big deal), you get Ferro Lamellor Armor! I hope the Sea Foxes revisit this proto and make this a variant, or the basis for an Omni version.

Its a production variant. The mad cat iii x is the most common mad cat iii the foxes field in our own forces. We dont sell it much though.

[glitterboy2098]

Its a production variant. The mad cat iii x is the most common mad cat iii the foxes field in our own forces. We dont sell it much though.

so definitely a option for a clan protectorate force?  >:D

[SCC]

Don't look at it as a weird 'mech that mounts micro lasers. Look at it as a scout that manged to carry two LRM-20s magically slaved to TarComps, and also lug around FOUR pocket large lasers. Oh, and there's a disco ball in the chin for blinding infantry or battlesuit troopers.

If I wanted a disco ball to kill infantry I'd go for mPL's, not mL's
If I wanted a scout or other fast 'Mech based on the Timber Wolf I'd got for 7/11, part of what makes the classic so powerful is it's move profile giving it so high a TMM

[Kitsune413]

so definitely a option for a clan protectorate force?  >:D

Hmm. All of the ones listed in the field manual come from the prototypes book. But the rat in er3145 for the sea foxes are the x variant.

Omicron cluster should have tons of the thing.

[Kitsune413]

The mul says faction availibility is to be announced for the dark ages. But they are fielded by sea foxes. So spirit cats having them isnt an alarming bend of canon.

Also I have to buy the dark age turning point liao because mad cat iii eve is adorable.

[Nav_Alpha]

The mul says faction availibility is to be announced for the dark ages. But they are fielded by sea foxes. So spirit cats having them isnt an alarming bend of canon.

Also I have to buy the dark age turning point liao because mad cat iii eve is adorable.

"Adorable" is not the term I'd use... But the Eve variant is particularly deadly. Using Eve Kincaid in her Cat I actually beat off the Cappies in the DATP: Liao mission where she is supposed to lose badly and even take a serious wound.
It's a nasty stan off fighter

[DarkISI]

Hmm. All of the ones listed in the field manual come from the prototypes book. But the rat in er3145 for the sea foxes are the x variant.

Omicron cluster should have tons of the thing.

Actually, ER 3145 also lists the Prototypes variant.
You should really read the Prototypes fluff to find out why. The X variant wasn't exactly the success the XTRO makes it look like. ;)

[Diablo48]

given this 6/9/0 mech carries enough firepower to obliterate most 10/15+ scouts, i think 6/9 works just fine.

For combat?  Absolutely.

For recon?  Not at all.

Remember, scouts are not there to fight, they are there to find the enemy and run away (assuming they do not die horribly first, but either way you know where the enemy is).  Thus the most important thing for scouts is mobility, both to find the enemy and to (try to) get out after they do.  Armor is the next priority to improve their odds of survival, followed by sensors to help them find things.  Weapons are really a very minor concern because you will always be hopelessly outnumbered so fighting is not going to be an option.

I must stress that this does not mean it is a bad 'Mech because it is not, it is just that calling it a scout is analogous to calling a Dire Wolf a cavalry 'Mech.

[UnLimiTeD]

You really need to adopt a more Lyran Mindset. :D

[blitzy]

I must stress that this does not mean it is a bad 'Mech because it is not, it is just that calling it a scout is analogous to calling a Dire Wolf a cavalry 'Mech.

If you a Coyote, the Dire Wolf is a cavalry mech.

[Weirdo]

For combat?  Absolutely.

For recon?  Not at all.

Remember, scouts are not there to fight, they are there to find the enemy and run away (assuming they do not die horribly first, but either way you know where the enemy is).  Thus the most important thing for scouts is mobility, both to find the enemy and to (try to) get out after they do.  Armor is the next priority to improve their odds of survival, followed by sensors to help them find things.  Weapons are really a very minor concern because you will always be hopelessly outnumbered so fighting is not going to be an option.

I must stress that this does not mean it is a bad 'Mech because it is not, it is just that calling it a scout is analogous to calling a Dire Wolf a cavalry 'Mech.

For me, it's a group scout. It hangs behind the faster scouts, and gives them covering fire when they run into something they can't handle, while fast enough to escape most things the overall force cannot handle.

I suppose I misworded things. A better way to describe what I'm thinking of would be 'scout leader' or 'strike' 'mech. Kinda like a slightly slower, nastier Black Lanner. Either way, it's faster than most regular combat units, and got the firepower to put some real hurt on anything in the same speed bracket.

[iampoch]

Actually, ER 3145 also lists the Prototypes variant.
You should really read the Prototypes fluff to find out why. The X variant wasn't exactly the success the XTRO makes it look like. ;)

They could have redone the configuration once they've ironed out the kinks. It could be because they were still inexperienced with Ferro -Lamellor. They don't seem to have problems manufacturing mechs with the armor now. But, yeah, I see that kind of variant being a Sea Fox exclusive.

[glitterboy2098]

For combat?  Absolutely.

For recon?  Not at all.

Remember, scouts are not there to fight, they are there to find the enemy and run away (assuming they do not die horribly first, but either way you know where the enemy is).  Thus the most important thing for scouts is mobility, both to find the enemy and to (try to) get out after they do.  Armor is the next priority to improve their odds of survival, followed by sensors to help them find things.  Weapons are really a very minor concern because you will always be hopelessly outnumbered so fighting is not going to be an option.

I must stress that this does not mean it is a bad 'Mech because it is not, it is just that calling it a scout is analogous to calling a Dire Wolf a cavalry 'Mech.

it's a scout that doesn't have to run away from anything bigger than infantry. i think i'd rather have that than some uber fast electronics laden thing that dies when you look at it funny.

and i'd point out you don't require fancy electronics to be a scout. all you really need is a high enough ground speed to range ahead of a unit, good eyes, and a radio.
fancy electronics are a bonus, but hey, the IS got by without them for several centuries. and in the modern post-clans battlefield, having the armor and firepower to be useful when you inevitably run across an enemy is going to be far more effective than a whole suite of fancy probes in most situations.

[wantec]

For me, it's a group scout. It hangs behind the faster scouts, and gives them covering fire when they run into something they can't handle, while fast enough to escape most things the overall force cannot handle.

I suppose I misworded things. A better way to describe what I'm thinking of would be 'scout leader' or 'strike' 'mech. Kinda like a slightly slower, nastier Black Lanner. Either way, it's faster than most regular combat units, and got the firepower to put some real hurt on anything in the same speed bracket.

Or like a smaller, lighter Linebacker?  ;)

[Weirdo]

Well, yeah. O0

Now remember that the Shark/Foxes are selling these things to anyone with the cash. What would a spheroid scout commander give to have one of these backing up his boys? For that matter how many commanders of cavalry forces would trade their front teeth to have a Miffed Kitty providing fire support for their Prefects, Rakshasas, or Lao Hus?

[Savage Coyote]

Well, the linebacker can carry two LRM-20's with Artemis V and four tons of ammo... and a small laser/light tag/light probe.  Then you are done.  So it does have better back-up firepower in that regard :)

Of course a Stormcrow carries EVERYTHING (2xLRM-20's both with Artemis V, 4 tons of ammo, 4 ERML, 4 ER Micro Lasers, AND a Probe) for 66 more BV.  And more armor IIRC, but then we are talking Stormcrows here...

[Weirdo]

I'm sure a lot of IS commanders would sell their firstborn for a Stormcrow, too... 8)

[Fat Guy]

Also the Upgrades section of TRO:3145 tells us there's going to be a 3, 4 and 5 variant.   [drool]

[iampoch]

Also the Upgrades section of TRO:3145 tells us there's going to be a 3, 4 and 5 variant.   [drool]

I hope they're not the Dark Age variants. Looked them up in SSW, and they're crappy due to the limited ammo :-(

[url] http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Mad_Cat_III#Dark_Age_Variants]

http:// http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Mad_Cat_III#Dark_Age_Variants






                                                                       

[Savage Coyote]

The Dark Age variants are from RS:MWDA.  The variant from Prototypes have four tons of ammo :)

http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/4561/mad-cat-iii-standard

[Diablo48]

For me, it's a group scout. It hangs behind the faster scouts, and gives them covering fire when they run into something they can't handle, while fast enough to escape most things the overall force cannot handle.

I suppose I misworded things. A better way to describe what I'm thinking of would be 'scout leader' or 'strike' 'mech. Kinda like a slightly slower, nastier Black Lanner. Either way, it's faster than most regular combat units, and got the firepower to put some real hurt on anything in the same speed bracket.

This might work in a tactical game, but the real point of scouts is that they can range several kilometers ahead of your forces and get themselves out of trouble.  If you include this in your scout formation, I will net it down and kill it with my own hunter-killer formations because they move faster and will be more than enough to overwhelm you when I drop a trinary of them on your head.

it's a scout that doesn't have to run away from anything bigger than infantry. i think i'd rather have that than some uber fast electronics laden thing that dies when you look at it funny.

and i'd point out you don't require fancy electronics to be a scout. all you really need is a high enough ground speed to range ahead of a unit, good eyes, and a radio.
fancy electronics are a bonus, but hey, the IS got by without them for several centuries. and in the modern post-clans battlefield, having the armor and firepower to be useful when you inevitably run across an enemy is going to be far more effective than a whole suite of fancy probes in most situations.

Ok, I really have to ask if you read my post.  I very clearly said that speed was the single highest priority for a scout, and I ranked armor above electronics which is exactly what you seem to be trying to argue for with this post.

[Arkansas Warrior]

Yes, but he also ranks guns above electronics.  So you can fight your way out if necessary.

[Kitsune413]

... but it isnt a scout? Its a fire support mech. If it wanted to be a brawler it could have brought lrm 15's and heavier lasers. Or the srm variant.

But it isnt a scout... not many 55 ton mechs are scouts...

There arent even alot of 35 ton scout mechs. Generally being on the top of the weight bracket makes you some kind of skirmisher. If you were a 3025 commander you would just indirect fire with this thing like a trebuchet.

The only reason its a brawler is because of the lack of clan lrm minimums. Its fire support all the way.

You dont scout with trebuchets or wolverines.  ;D medium mechs are versatile.

[Diablo48]

Yes, but he also ranks guns above electronics.  So you can fight your way out if necessary.

The thing is, there is no such thing as fighting your way out unless the enemy has a full wall of units blocking movement.  A scout will be running for its life and taking whatever shots it happens to get, not trying to kill things before getting away.

... but it isnt a scout? Its a fire support mech. If it wanted to be a brawler it could have brought lrm 15's and heavier lasers. Or the srm variant....

My point exactly.  This thing is very clearly intended for combat, not reconnaissance.

[Klat]

Out of curiosity which variant does the IWM mini represent?

[SCC]

Out of curiosity which variant does the IWM mini represent?

If we where talking about an Omni I'd say all of them

Most likely the first/original model but

[UnLimiTeD]

I can clearly see this mech supporting a Lyran scout lance.
Say, a charger, a C3 Berzerker, one of these, and an electronics boat of preferably the same speed.
You range ahead of your HQ until you find the enemy, then you hotdrop a full company of assaults on them.  O:-)

[wantec]

Well, the linebacker can carry two LRM-20's with Artemis V and four tons of ammo... and a small laser/light tag/light probe.  Then you are done.  So it does have better back-up firepower in that regard :)

Of course a Stormcrow carries EVERYTHING (2xLRM-20's both with Artemis V, 4 tons of ammo, 4 ERML, 4 ER Micro Lasers, AND a Probe) for 66 more BV.  And more armor IIRC, but then we are talking Stormcrows here...

Mostly I was pointing out the intended role of the Linebacker, as opposed to a direct comparison.

But, now that you mention it, the Linebacker also has 1.5 tons more armor and 4 more DHS than that variant of the Mad Cat III. And since all of that is fixed to the base chassis, there's only so much room to work with. The MC3 is probably better overall, and I would hope so for a newer 'Mech that's more optimized in terms of engine tonnage and all.

[Savage Coyote]

The thing is, there is no such thing as fighting your way out unless the enemy has a full wall of units blocking movement.  A scout will be running for its life and taking whatever shots it happens to get, not trying to kill things before getting away.

My point exactly.  This thing is very clearly intended for combat, not reconnaissance.

In a 2x2 or 3x3 map size game of BattleTech, I'm just fine with a 6/9/x "scout."  If we are talking a larger scope, then yeah, it's not that useful in that regard. 

(and I believe this is probably our issue at the moment, you are talking on a larger, grander, strategic scale while I'm focusing on the tactical, single engagement scale?)

[DarkISI]

In a 2x2 or 3x3 map size game of BattleTech, I'm just fine with a 6/9/x "scout."  If we are talking a larger scope, then yeah, it's not that useful in that regard. 

(and I believe this is probably our issue at the moment, you are talking on a larger, grander, strategic scale while I'm focusing on the tactical, single engagement scale?)

So, you are both right? Good to hear. ;)

[Savage Coyote]

So, you are both right? Good to hear. ;)

 :P

 O0

[Alex Keller]

In Alpha Strike rules, the Mad Cat III has 12" of movement, lumping it in with all the 5/8 heavies and taking away the advantage of speed.

[Weirdo]

It's still faster, as 5/8 movers get 10" of AS movement.

[Savage Coyote]

It's still faster, as 5/8 movers get 10" of AS movement.

Still share a +2 movement mod  :-\

[Weirdo]

Not really different between the relationship between 5/8 movers and 6/9 movers...was it supposed to gain some huge advantage?

[Savage Coyote]

True, though in TW it's one hex easier to get a +3 :)

[Weirdo]

.....yeees? ???

I'm really not getting this. People are complaining that 6 is greater than 5, but only by one instead of...something greater than one? Did they want the Mad Cat III to be an 8/12 or something?

[Stinger]

Out of curiosity which variant does the IWM mini represent?

I believe it originally represented the RS: DA1 Mad Cat III version, but later the thing lost its AMS, so it probably best represents the X variant now.

[Savage Coyote]

.....yeees? ???

I'm really not getting this. People are complaining that 6 is greater than 5, but only by one instead of...something greater than one? Did they want the Mad Cat III to be an 8/12 or something?

I'm not complaining... well... my biggest AS complaint is the reduction in defensive modifiers, but thats just because some of my favorites lost a little umph because they don't jump.  Not a big deal or enough to cry for pages and pages.  I was merely pointing out the shared modifiers.  *shrug*

[Alex Keller]

I'm saying the MK III loses one of its big bonuses, the +3 movement mod, and is more of a cavalry type piece than a scout.

[Weirdo]

I'm saying the MK III loses one of its big bonuses, the +3 movement mod, and is more of a cavalry type piece than a scout.

That Mad Cat in particular, or every unit in the game that moves faster than 4/6?

[Alex Keller]

The Mk III in particular. Now it has the same defensive value as the more heavily armored Timber Wolf. It's lost a primary advantage.

[Weirdo]

....I give up.

[Diablo48]

In a 2x2 or 3x3 map size game of BattleTech, I'm just fine with a 6/9/x "scout."  If we are talking a larger scope, then yeah, it's not that useful in that regard. 

(and I believe this is probably our issue at the moment, you are talking on a larger, grander, strategic scale while I'm focusing on the tactical, single engagement scale?)

There is no scouting happening on a 2x2 or 3x3 map because if you are that close to the enemy, it is far too late to react to their force deployment.  You have already committed yourself to the area, and if the enemy has you massively outnumbered then you will run right into it and loose whatever force you have because you had no idea what you were walking into.

The Mk III in particular. Now it has the same defensive value as the more heavily armored Timber Wolf. It's lost a primary advantage.

Did it move 7/11 in the Dark Age stuff or something?

[Savage Coyote]

never mind....

[glitterboy2098]

I believe it originally represented the RS: DA1 Mad Cat III version, but later the thing lost its AMS, so it probably best represents the X variant now.

well, the actually differences between models is fairly slight.. swapping ML's for SL's in most cases, and the AMS mount on the mini can be explained as just aesthetic bits or a sensor mount too. all the real changes occur with armor and internal structure.. things that don't really manifest on a mini :)

[Marveryn]

There is no scouting happening on a 2x2 or 3x3 map because if you are that close to the enemy, it is far too late to react to their force deployment.  You have already committed yourself to the area, and if the enemy has you massively outnumbered then you will run right into it and loose whatever force you have because you had no idea what you were walking into.

Did it move 7/11 in the Dark Age stuff or something?

I think you are missing the point of a scout bodyguard.  its to protect your scout not actually do any scouting in that since it just the right amount of speed.  You don't need to move extremely fast to scout.. you just have to be ahead of your main battle line and move slightly fast enough to return to your main formation when trouble happen reporting what been discover.   While the actually scout retreat the Mad Cat lay covering fire and slowly make it way back to the formation drawing heat to it to let the scout go home.   It just need to be fast enough to outrun anything bigger than it and make it difficult for anything smaller to want to follow it very far or face its gun.  Once the scouts are clear of the enemy frontline .. the bodyguard just need to break contact and return in a roundabout way back to its line.   If possible throwing off pursuers.   

[Scotty]

That Mad Cat in particular, or every unit in the game that moves faster than 4/6?

He's saying that it's easier to get a +3 with a 6/9 than it is with a 5/8.  However, in AS, that +3 is always there, regardless of movement type, making 6/9 less relatively useful when it comes to defensive mods than it would initially appear compared to 5/8.

Pretty sure it's not anything more complicated than that.

[Diablo48]

I think you are missing the point of a scout bodyguard.  its to protect your scout not actually do any scouting in that since it just the right amount of speed.  You don't need to move extremely fast to scout.. you just have to be ahead of your main battle line and move slightly fast enough to return to your main formation when trouble happen reporting what been discover.   While the actually scout retreat the Mad Cat lay covering fire and slowly make it way back to the formation drawing heat to it to let the scout go home.   It just need to be fast enough to outrun anything bigger than it and make it difficult for anything smaller to want to follow it very far or face its gun.  Once the scouts are clear of the enemy frontline .. the bodyguard just need to break contact and return in a roundabout way back to its line.   If possible throwing off pursuers.

The problem is the distances involved.  In order to provide meaningful protection, your bodyguard would have to be several kilometers ahead of your main formation which means it needs to be fast enough to get itself out of trouble if enemy HK teams show up, and 6/9 is just not enough to get the job done.  I personally use my 8/12/8 Vipers in this roll, and even then I like to keep a planned escape rout into rough terrain where I can loose packs of smaller, faster units.

Where this 'Mech really wants to be is in your cavalry formations grouped with 5/8 designs like the Timber Wolf to serve as an inner screen just ahead (meaning within weapons range) of your core assault element to blunt attacks while on the march and redeploy as needed in combat.

[marauder648]

To me this machine in either prototype or standard variant are cavalry machines.  Their LRM's give them an evil punch at long range and because they are clan LRM's if you get close to one you risk getting basically 2 x LB20x cluster shells hit you as they fire them in your face.  The barrage of lasers just adds to the party.  Its no brawler but you could use this on flanks or to pick of hostile mediums and lights with fair ease whilst giving other heavies something to consider due to its firepower.

Pair one up with a Stormcrow A and you'll have a nasty party bus of lasers and missiles running around at high speed pelting you with missiles and a veritable jean michelle jarre show of lasers if you get too close.

[Kitsune413]

I meant to reply to this yesterday.

He's saying that it's easier to get a +3 with a 6/9 than it is with a 5/8.  However, in AS, that +3 is always there, regardless of movement type, making 6/9 less relatively useful when it comes to defensive mods than it would initially appear compared to 5/8.

This is what he was concerned about. However. A mech with a +3 movement modifier doesn't get to do the obscene amounts of damage that the Mad Cat III does. Its intentions were to be a miniature madcat and it does the same damage twenty tons lighter. (The Standard does. The X is a monster on the AlphaStrike table)

On strategic level gameplay, you are only going to be able to turn twice and have to run to get a +3 movement modifier... but as has been mentioned...

Where this 'Mech really wants to be is in your cavalry formations grouped with 5/8 designs like the Timber Wolf to serve as an inner screen just ahead (meaning within weapons range) of your core assault element to blunt attacks while on the march and redeploy as needed in combat.

This is where this medium belongs. In your heavy lances for fire support. Its got enough guns where if they run forward to get you its a bad idea and for the most part can out run anything bigger than itself that wants to get at it.

Its got two brawling variants as well. Though one is someones personal ride. Its terrifying.

There are only four fifty five ton mechs that move faster than 6/9. Its only five tons away from being a heavy mech. So in this case Medium mech doesn't = scout. Generally medium mechs try to add some kind of utility. Since your best scouts are going to be in your light category. The only difference being the low end of Medium tends to provide escorts for lighter mech formations.

But beyond that you get mechs like the trebuchet or whitworth which are just missile boats. Hunchbacks which are close assault mechs.

Centurions, Gauntlets, Quasimodo's and Wendigo's haven't arrived to find you...