Author Topic: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker  (Read 58788 times)

master arminas

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Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« on: 31 January 2013, 20:28:32 »
STK-series Stalker



First introduced in 2594 at the tail end of the Reunification War, the Stalker was one of the first (and, in my opinion, best) Assault-weight BattleMechs.  This 85-ton heavy hitter has persevered ever since and serves in the ranks of every Great House, and some minor, as well as being a favored 'Mech of mercenaries far and wide.

One reason for this success is that the Stalker doesn't try to do it all.  It knows it is an assault 'Mech, so speed doesn’t matter nearly as much.  Like the Awesome and Atlas, it settles for a slower movement rate to save room for weapons, armor, and heat sinks.  A 255 Strand standard Fusion Engine provides this old beast with enough power to move at 32.4 kilometers per hour walking and 54 kph running.  No Stalker with which I am familiar dares to mount jump jets, so it is slow and steady . . . and that is what I love about it.

Now, lacking arms, it does present a bizarre appearance to most observers, and it foregoes any attempt at being able to punch . . . but it can deliver a powerful kick.  The lack of arms does mean that standing can be hard to do once you have been knocked down (and we ALL get knocked down every now and then), but it also leaves lots of room in the internal spaces for weapons and allows for those arm-mounted weapons to cover the rear (aka, the “arm-flip” maneuver).

Although not specifically called out in the fluff, I think the old girl is probably the most common Assault 'Mech (if the term common can be applied to Assault-weight BattleMechs, that is) in both the Inner Sphere and Periphery.  It appears on every House's table and is found in Periphery and Mercenary units as well.  In sheer numbers, it is likely one of the most-produced Assaults in history; and as such has a LOT of variants.  Let me know if I miss any.   O0

The "standard" Stalker that we know and love is the old STK-3F.  First appearing in TRO 3025, this is the one that sets the bar for all who follow in his massive cloven hoof-prints.  Armament is two LRM-10 (one in each arm) with one ton of ammo (12 shots) each, four Medium Lasers (two in each arm), two SRM-6 (one each in the right and left torso) with one ton of ammo (15 shots) each, and two Large Lasers (one each in the right and left torso).  Twenty heat sinks are installed, but they do not come close to dealing with the heat load of this puppy (a running Alpha Strike will put your at +26!  DON'T DO IT.  Seriously, for the love of God, just don’t go there.) but it is manageable for a player who thinks instead of just shoots every weapon at every target.

The STK-3F (and most Stalkers) has to used smartly.  At range, you got those two LRMs, for 8 heat + movement.  Once you hit 15 hexes, the Large Lasers come into play . . . and here is where you have got to start making decisions.  24 heat + movement for the lasers and LRMs put you between +4 to +6.  So you have to alternate your fire; luckily, you've only got twelve shots for each of the LRMs, so alternating those two launchers puts you at just movement heat for excess.  Once you hit 9 hexes, you've got a lot of options.  But your short-range weapons all add up to 20 heat plus movement.  So, you are golden.  If your ammo is getting low, you add in one Large Laser with those four Mediums and still remain at 20 heat exactly (before movement).

Now, you don't have any rear mounted guns, but those arms can flip.  Four Medium Lasers bearing down on a bug that jumped behind you is pretty terrifying in 3025; you can also use the arm-mounted LRMs to lay down fire as you retreat (while the ammo lasts).

13.5 tons of standard armor is pretty darn good for the era; it is 82.12% of maximum coverage on an 85-ton chassis, and the armor is well laid out with a pattern of 36 center torso, 25 each side torsos and legs, 23 on the arms, 9 head, 11 center torso rear and 7 on each of the rear side torsos.

The STK-3H is the first variant that shows up, and it is one that I really dislike.  This version removes the two Large Lasers to upgrade the LRM racks from -10s to -20s, while keeping everything else the same.  Sounds great, eh?  The problem is, they kept the same one ton of ammo per LRM launcher, giving you twelve total salvoes (6 rounds of fire), and then you are looking at having no guns that can hit anything at 10+ hexes.

Next up is the STK-4N, debuting in 2876.  This model removes one LRM-10 and ammo magazine to increase the heat sinks to 26.  Sigh.  They couldn't have raised the heat sinks to 25 and given our remaining launcher two tons of ammo?  Your long-range firepower is cut in half, and practically, you are now oversinked.  LRM plus the twin Large Lasers plus running is 22.  Four Mediums plus two SRM-6 plus running is 22.  You could add the LRM-10 and be perfectly sinked, but you only started with 12 shots and if you are in SRM/Medium Laser range, then the LRM is probably at or under minimum range.

A strange variant is the STK-4P, showing up in 2998.  Basically a complete rebuild, this version masses 75 tons, shedding 10 tons of weight.  It has 20 heat sinks, the same 13.5 tons of armor (arranged 35 on the center torso, 25 on the right and left torso, the arms have 23 each, the legs have 26 each, the head has 9, the center torso rear 10, and both rear side torsos 7), and uses an even lighter 225 standard Fusion engine.  All for the cost of some internal structure and one LRM launcher (leaving just a ton of ammo, AGAIN!).  Otherwise it has the same guns as the -4N.

The very first Star League tech version of the Stalker is one that we don't actually see in the game until just recently:  the Royal Stalker.  This model (the STK-3Fb) first makes an appearance in Operation Klondike and it is a BEAR.  85-tons of walking death like a Stalker should be, it uses a standard internal structure, standard armor, and a standard 255-engine (for that same traditional 3/5/0 movement profile).  So where is the advanced tech?  To start with, this beast carries three less heat sinks (17 vs. 20) but those 17 are double-strength freezers.  Armor has been increased to 15.5 tons of standard (94.29% of maximum possible on the chassis), with a pattern of 42 center torso, 29 right and left torso, 32 each leg, 25 on the arms, 9 head, 11 center torso rear, and 7 on each of the rear side torsos.

For weapons, the Royal Stalker removes the two SRM-6 launchers and ammo, but keeps the four Mediums as is.  Both Large Lasers get upgraded to ER models, and the two LRM-10s are replaced with LRM-15s with Artemis IV fire-control systems.  All three tons of LRM ammunition are stored in the CASE protected left torso, giving 12 shots for both launchers.  Finally, this baby carries a center torso mounted Guardian ECM Suite.

Able to dissipate 34 heat, the Royal Stalker can fire both ER Large Lasers and both LRM-15 racks to just generate movement heat.  But the design does run hot at shorter ranges:  both ER Larges and the quad Mediums generate 36, leaving you at +2 before movement.  Now, a skilled player can handle that, especially if he alternates out one Medium every other round.  But it is something that needs to be watched.  And a full alpha strike will put you at +12 before movement, so that should be a NO-NO, or rather a last ditch attempt to drop your opponent if you are on the verge of collapsing.

Sarna.net has the STK-3Fk listed as well (EDIT:  so does Era Reports:  2750, I'e been told).  Apparently this model was used by the 4th Sword of Light during the late Star League era; it was quickly made extinct in the Succession Wars, however.  This model featured a standard engine, standard internals, and 15.5 tons of standard armor arranged like the -3Fb.  The heat sinks were replaced with sixteen double-strength models, however, allowing the Draconis engineers to add Artemis IV to both LRM launchers.  Both SRM-6 launchers were replaced with matched pairs of Streak SRM-2 launchers, each pair having a ton of ammunition.  The large lasers were upgraded to ER Large Lasers.  No CASE was mounted.  At range, this model generates 32 plus movement, and your sinks can handle 32.  In close, all four Medium Lasers generate 12, each Streak adds 2 if it locks, and one ER Large Laser adds another 12, for a total of 32 if all four Streaks lock.  Either way, you only build up movement heat.  But this model is dead and gone.

After the Clan Invasion, we see a number of upgrades; some good, some . . . not so good.

Starting with the STK-5M of House Marik.  Standard internals and engine and (like the Royal model) 17 double-strength heat sinks.  Armor has increased to 14.5 tons of standard (less than the Royal) with a layout of 36 on the center torso, 27 on both sides, 27 on the legs, and 25 on the arms, with 9 on the head, 11 on the CT rear, and 9 each on the rear sides.  Weapons consist of two LRM-10 launchers with TWO tons of ammunition each (WONDERFUL!), two SRM-6 launchers with a single ton of ammo apiece, and the standard four Medium Lasers.  The Marik engineers removed both Large Lasers and replaced them with a single ER Large Laser in the center torso.  And a NARC missile beacon launcher in the left torso with two tons of ammunition (twelve beacons) stored in the left leg.

There are two problems that I have with the STK-5M.  The first being that bloody NARC.  Don't get me wrong, the NARC is a good system and it has its uses.  But the problem is that EVERY bit of ammunition (LRM and SRM) on this machine is NARC capable.  And that NARC launcher has a range of just NINE hexes.  NARCs are great on spotter 'Mechs.  Not so great on an Assault moving as slow as the Stalker that has get within 9 hexes to use it.  Heat-wise, you can fire the LRMs and ER Large all day long with no problem (20 heat plus movement and you sink 34).  At close range, you are good as well (the Medium Lasers, SRM, and NARC generate 20; add the ER Large and you are 32 plus movement).  Unless you just go crazy with the alpha strikes you are the coolest running Stalker around.  Even then, shooting everything and running will only put you at +8, which ain’t bad for a Stalker, baby.  Second problem, the Free Worlds League apparently didn't see the need for CASE.  DOH!

House Steiner's STK-5S took a different tack.  This model uses a bloody expensive XL engine, making it extremely vulnerable . . . combined with standard internal structure, the -3Fs 13.5 tons of armor, and twenty SINGLE heat sinks.  Armament stays almost exactly the same:  two LRM-10s with two tons of ammunition total (SIGH), two SRM-6s with two tons of ammunition, and four Medium Lasers.  But the Large Lasers are replaced with two Large Pulse Lasers and an Anti-Missile System is added, with a ton of ammunition (all in the left torso).  This variant does come equipped with CASE in both side torsos.  Man, the heat on this one is messed up all together.  The LRMs (with 12 salvoes) are the only guns that reach farther than 10 hexes, where the two Large Pulse Lasers come into play.  The problem is those two generate 20 heat by themselves, so adding them to the LRMs will result in +8 heat before movement.  Using just one keeps you heat neutral (18 before movement).  But then you close one more hex, and you bring the SRMs/Medium Lasers to bear . . . which generate 20 heat on their lonesome.  And that AMS adds another point of heat.  Ouch.  This thing is a toaster oven set to ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN.  A full Alpha Strike will put you at +31 (if the AMS engages) when running.  Welcome to shutdown city.

The next model comes into service in 3062.  This is the STK-6M.  Standard engine, standard internals, and sixteen point five tons of standard armor for 100% of maximum protection.  CAN I GET AN AMEN?  Coverage is 40 center torso, 27 right and left torso, 28 on the arms, 36 on the legs, 9 on the head, 14 on the center torso rear, and 9 on each of the rear side torsos.  That is pretty good; outstanding even.  Eighteen double-strength heat sinks come standard.  Armament is two LRM-15 with Artemis IV, fed by a massive SIX tons of ammunition (no need to conserve LRM fire on THIS 'Mech!).  A centerline ER Large Laser backs up the LRMs at range, while five ER Medium Lasers comprise the short-range battery.  AND this version carries CASE in both torsos.  At range heat is 22 plus movement and you sink 36.  In close, with all six lasers (the ER Large and the five ER Mediums) you generate 37 plus movement . . . acceptable.  This one is a keeper, gentlemen.

Also debuting in 3062 is the STK-7D.  Standard engine, standard internals, eighteen double-strength heat sinks, and 13.5 tons of standard armor (BOOO!).  This model drops the LRM battery to mount two ER PPCs (right and left torso), two Streak SRM-4s (right and left arm), and four Medium Pulse Lasers (two center torso, one right torso, one left torso).  Oh, and a Small Laser (NOT an ER Small Laser, but just a Small Laser) in the head.  BUT, it also carries a six-ton Targeting Computer in the left torso.  And it has CASE protecting the single ton of Streak SRM-4 ammo in the right torso.  At range, the twin ER Peepers generate 30 heat plus movement.  If both Streaks lock, then the close-range heat is 22; adding a single ER PPC results in 37 heat (plus movement) and you sink 36.  And in the in-between land when you are out of range of those Medium Pulses, you got both ER PPCs and both Streak SRM-4s for 36 heat.  It is different, but it works.

The STK-8S appears in 3064, and it is VERY different from the classic Stalker.  A 255-light fusion engine is the heart of this animal, along with standard internal structure, sixteen double-strength heat sinks, and 13.5 tons of standard armor.  Long-range weapons are two ER PPCs (30 heat vs. your 32).  You can also add in the HEAVY GAUSS RIFLE carried in the center and right torso at 20 hexes for 32. But with only 12 shots (three tons of ammo), you might need to save that BFG for closer, more certain shots.  Two ER Medium Lasers (RT, LT) come next, supported by two Medium Pulse Lasers (RA, LA) at point-blank range.  Firing the Heavy Gauss, all four Lasers, and one ER PPC will put you at 35 heat before movement . . . +3 on the scale.  Doable, but not something you need to do every turn.  No CASE, which is a disappointment.

The STK-7C3BS features a plethora of experimental tech.  Using a standard 255-engine, standard internal structure, eighteen double-strength heat sinks, and 13.5 tons of standard armor, it resembles many of the designs listed earlier.  But the weapons package is completely different.  Two ER PPCs (right torso, left torso) are the main guns, supplemented by a pair of arm-mounted MML-5 launchers.  Two tons of ammunition provides a total of 24 salvoes of LRMs and 20 salvoes of SRMs, all located in a CASE II protected right torso.  Each arm also carries one Medium Pulse Laser, with two more located in the Center Torso.  The final weapon is a Small Variable Speed Pulse Laser located in the head.  But, this model also carries a Boosted C3 Slave Computer in the left torso.  At long-range, the MML-5s and ER PPCs generate 36 heat and you sink 36; so only movement heat is a concern.  In close, the MMLs and five lasers generate 25 heat; adding one ER PPC adds another 15, putting you at 40 . . . +4 on the heat scale before movement.

A custom variant is one used by Sho-sho Jagawen Torisobo of the 8th Sword of Light.  This version (the STK-3F Stalker Jagawen) removes both LRM-10 launchers and ammo to mount two more SRM-6 launchers and six additional heat sinks.  At close range with the quad mediums and four SRM-6 launchers, this Stalker generates 28 heat while dissipating 26 (before movement).  Close-in firepower is incredible (while the SRM ammo lasts, having seven and one-half full salvos per launcher) but the design lacks any ability to engage targets at 16+ hexes.  Armor remains the same tonnage as the original STK-3F, but redistributed slightly to increase protection on the torsos.

The last Stalker is perhaps the closest look we will get at a Stalker IIC (or perhaps just a Stalker 'C').  It is the STK-3F Stalker Jamison piloted by J. Elliot Jamison that was unveiled in 3054.  Using Clan-tech to its fullest, this is a deadly beast.  It retains a 255-standard engine, standard internal structure, eighteen of the less bulky Clan double-strength heat sinks, and 13.5 tons of ferro-fibrous armor plating (98.47% of coverage).  Protection is 40 on the center torso, 28 on the side torsos (7/14/7 on the rear), 28 on the arms, and 35 on the legs.  Armament is two LRM-20s (one each in the right and left arm) with a ton of ammo for each (6 shots), paired with two Large Pulse Lasers (right and left torso) for 32 heat.  In close there are two Streak SRM-6 launchers (one each right and left torso) each with a ton of ammo.  Each arm carries two ER Medium Lasers as well, for a total heat of 28, if both Streaks lock.  If only one Streak locks, the MechWarrior can add a single Large Pulse Laser for 34 heat, 36 on a run which is what the design dissipates.  Personally, I wish that they would have had ONE ton of Streak SRM-6 ammo and added a third ton of LRM ammo.  But if wishes were horses, eh?

Overall, the Stalker is a fearsome BattleMech in any era.  My own favorites are the STK-3F in 3025, the Royal Stalker STK-3Fb in ANY era, the STK-6M at the start of the FedCom Civil War, and J Elliot’s "Stalker IIC".  Despite it plodding speed and ugly looks, it has always been one of my top three favorites of all time, and I hope it becomes one of yours as well.

Master Arminas

EDIT:  Here is my own version of the Stalker.  A 3025-era variant known as the STK-3G.  Feel free to post your own Stalkers in that thread, not this one.

MA
« Last Edit: 02 February 2016, 13:12:51 by master arminas »

marauder648

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #1 on: 31 January 2013, 20:44:07 »
A great read for a great (and classic) mech!
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Saint

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #2 on: 31 January 2013, 21:22:42 »
 O0

Love the old girl, my only wish for it is a MWO style mini.
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Arkansas Warrior

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #3 on: 31 January 2013, 21:37:04 »
Ah, the Death Phallus!  It's a classic jack of all trades, weapons for every engagement.  But I have an irrational hatred for Stalkers that don't have redundant weaponry, or that do have XL engines.  A Stalker should be able to lose a side torso and keep right on fighting.  As such, good mechs though they might be (which is debatable anyway), the 5M, 5S, and 8S just don't do it for me.
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master arminas

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #4 on: 31 January 2013, 21:57:36 »
I once upon a time owned a grand total of sixteen Stalker minatures . . . the lead ones, mind you.   [drool]  All painted in a dark gun-metal grey undercoat with each one having a different color to distinguish them.  I had them organized in a battalion with four Thunderbolts, four Archers, and a dozen Dragons rounding 'em out.  My buddies thought I was nuts for owning SO MANY of one 'Mech, until we had a massive game where I finally got to deploy all thirty-six of them on the same table (minature table and terrain, not maps) at a mini-convention.

Sixteen Stalkers advancing in line abreast, supported by the Archers and Thunderbolts with the Dragons serving as flankers?  I was in heaven . . . and our guests just stood with slack jaws.   }:)  Especially since I was a FIRM believer in the philosophy of concentration of firepower, and on the opening turn targeted my opponents Atlas (his command 'Mech) by declaring all sixteen Stalkers on him.   >:D

Good times, gentlemen.  Good times.

MA

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #5 on: 31 January 2013, 22:42:26 »
Good Article, Master Arminas.

Where exactly did the "Stalker IIC" come from?  I never heard of that model before...What is the source?
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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #6 on: 31 January 2013, 23:34:12 »
There are two problems that I have with the STK-5M.  The first being that bloody NARC.  Don't get me wrong, the NARC is a good system and it has its uses.  But the problem is that EVERY bit of ammunition (LRM and SRM) on this machine is NARC capable.  And that NARC launcher has a range of just NINE hexes.  NARCs are great on spotter 'Mechs.  Not so great on an Assault moving as slow as the Stalker that has get within 9 hexes to use it.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: The NARC on that Stalker isn't a spotting tool, it's a deterrent. If enemies close within 9 hexes, they know there's going to be homing pods flying at them. And if even a single one hits, then they'll be a magnet for every missile on the board. Not just the Stalker's, but every missile rack. In a Marik force. I'd call that a very strong incentive to stay out of close range with a Marik Stalker, and if said Stalker never gets a chance to actually fire a beacon, then the NARC launcher has done its job perfectly.
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Ian Sharpe

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #7 on: 31 January 2013, 23:37:45 »
I like the Stalker, it fills the no frills assault role pretty well.  Some are obviously much better than others, but even the lesser STKs can do alright. 

master arminas

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #8 on: 31 January 2013, 23:59:08 »
Good Article, Master Arminas.

Where exactly did the "Stalker IIC" come from?  I never heard of that model before...What is the source?

It isn't an 'offical IIC'.  But it is J. Elliot Jamison's Stalker which was built 100% with Clan-tech.  And like I said, probably about the closest thing we are ever going to see for an official Stalker IIC.

MA

Nikas_Zekeval

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #9 on: 01 February 2013, 00:10:59 »
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: The NARC on that Stalker isn't a spotting tool, it's a deterrent. If enemies close within 9 hexes, they know there's going to be homing pods flying at them. And if even a single one hits, then they'll be a magnet for every missile on the board. Not just the Stalker's, but every missile rack. In a Marik force. I'd call that a very strong incentive to stay out of close range with a Marik Stalker, and if said Stalker never gets a chance to actually fire a beacon, then the NARC launcher has done its job perfectly.

And again, I can think of nastier things I can do with five tons.  For the STK-5M, just give me back the large laser, make it a second ER Large in this case.  Now at range that laser alone is worth ever extra missile you'd land in an average salvo of the Stalker.  The 5M has the heat sinks for a heat neutral running alpha at range with that swap.

Like the OP said, NARCs go on fast movers that can streak in early and hand out 'hit me' signs early enough in the fight to be of use.  Otherwise it is dead weight, and shows that tech was being jammed onto machines without a clear idea of how to use it effectively.  AFAICT only one of the IS NARC carrying designs in TRO:3050, the Raven.

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #10 on: 01 February 2013, 00:16:58 »
The point of the NARC isn't to land extra missiles from the Stalker. It's to keep people away from the Stalker, lest every single one of the Stalker's buddies land missiles on it. Would you consider 5 tons a good deal if it meant nobody came close to you, lest they face the wrath of an entire company, or more?
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martian

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #11 on: 01 February 2013, 01:20:27 »
It isn't an 'offical IIC'.  But it is J. Elliot Jamison's Stalker which was built 100% with Clan-tech.  And like I said, probably about the closest thing we are ever going to see for an official Stalker IIC.

MA

The I think you should've used correct designation under which is the 'Mech listed in record sheets book. Stalker IIC does not exist.

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #12 on: 01 February 2013, 01:35:50 »
It isn't an 'offical IIC'.  But it is J. Elliot Jamison's Stalker which was built 100% with Clan-tech.  And like I said, probably about the closest thing we are ever going to see for an official Stalker IIC.

MA

I always figured the Blood Kite filled that role.
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martian

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #13 on: 01 February 2013, 01:51:29 »
I always figured the Blood Kite filled that role.

Blood Kite is more similar to SHG-2H Shogun ('Mech that was supposed to supersede old Stalker) than to Stalker itself. Of course Blood Kite is more powerful thanks to Clan technology.

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #14 on: 01 February 2013, 02:18:53 »
The point of the NARC isn't to land extra missiles from the Stalker. It's to keep people away from the Stalker, lest every single one of the Stalker's buddies land missiles on it. Would you consider 5 tons a good deal if it meant nobody came close to you, lest they face the wrath of an entire company, or more?

I thought they called that a C3Master?  ???

master arminas

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #15 on: 01 February 2013, 02:26:25 »
The I think you should've used correct designation under which is the 'Mech listed in record sheets book. Stalker IIC does not exist.

According to SSW, the "offical" designation is STK-3F Jamison.  Does it look like an STK-3F to you?  And it is from RS3050U-I.  Furthermore, try looking at my words again:

Quote
The last Stalker is perhaps the closest look we will get at a Stalker IIC.  It is the Stalker piloted by J. Elliot Jamison that was unveiled in 3054. 

Did I call it a Stalker IIC?  No.  I said that it is "perhaps the closest look we will get at a Stalker IIC".

Good Article, Master Arminas.

Where exactly did the "Stalker IIC" come from?  I never heard of that model before...What is the source?

I didn't answer your last question earlier.  I had never seen it myself until I wrote the article.  It was included in SSW (Solaris Skunkworks) and it lists the source as Record Sheets 3050 Upgrades I.

MA
« Last Edit: 01 February 2013, 02:55:51 by master arminas »

martian

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #16 on: 01 February 2013, 03:16:26 »
According to SSW, the "offical" designation is STK-3F Jamison.  Does it look like an STK-3F to you?  And it is from RS3050U-I. 

Yes, I really prefer official designations more than J Elliot’s "Stalker IIC". . That's just me.

Taurevanime

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #17 on: 01 February 2013, 04:16:04 »
Good article for a great mech.

And why not more love for the 7D? Sure the armour isn't higher than the base model, but it isn't like that was poor. The abillity to fire the two ER-PPCs constantly without fear of heat as you stalk your prey is very nice.
I normally hate 'Mechs that tend to have twin ER-PPCs and the heatsinks to handle it, but for some reason I like it here.

Frabby

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #18 on: 01 February 2013, 04:33:32 »
Aaah, the Stalker. I... I... I hate this 'Mech!  :P
Don't get me wrong, it looks great. I should love it. But they're jinxed for me - every malfing time I fielded one it ingloriously died on me - not from ammo explosions, mind you, but because somehow all enemy fire gets drawn into one leg. I've had Stalkers fall over from having lost a leg that were completely untouched otherwise save for a five-point hit to a torso. Several times.  #P
Since then, I am somewhat paranoid around this design. It's a lot of firepower to be lost when that leg falls of, which it invariably does.  :'(

As for Jamison's 'Mech, I'd rather call it a "C" upgrade than a "IIC" rebuild, technically.
(Sarna article on IIC concept)
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William J. Pennington

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #19 on: 01 February 2013, 05:05:55 »
The Stalker 7D is my favorite, followed by the Classic Stalker, then the Steiner boomstick o'death Stalker. 
Very accurate long range fire, the streaks pick up the pace at 9, and pity the fool that gets within pulse range.  Just drop an ER at that point and salvo everythign else and your problems go away.  It is the bedrock of my Davion assault forces.  Easy to under-rate until you fight it.

Anyone else else remember that Classic Citytech box cover with our friend on it?

I love to tinker with Stalkers.  And yes, XL engine Stalkers are the devil.
« Last Edit: 01 February 2013, 11:52:19 by William J. Pennington »

martian

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #20 on: 01 February 2013, 05:22:25 »
As for Jamison's 'Mech, I'd rather call it a "C" upgrade than a "IIC" rebuild, technically.
(Sarna article on IIC concept)

Good observation.

And there is one canon Stalker missing in the original article:
STK-3F Stalker Jagawen

Isanova

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #21 on: 01 February 2013, 06:15:09 »
Man, I was obsessed with trying to shoehorn dual LRM-20s and a trio of (c)LPL back when I was playing Mercs. It was my death-god :-D

As for the NARC... just imagine this in a one-on-one battle with an Atlas. The Atty might have that boomstick, but you've wore him down at range. It falls down to, will that beacon stick on him so I can dump my LRM and SRM ammo to crit the guy? I just wonder why there was never an iNARC version built, as it's added range really shines here. Did the WoB not share the technology with their FWL allies or something?

Always thought this would be the "target" design added to the TC's production if ever they grew an assault production line. The many PPC variants just calls for it somehow.
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Taurevanime

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #22 on: 01 February 2013, 07:00:25 »
To be fair, in a matchup against an Atlas, you can't forget that the big 100 tonner also happens to have an LRM-20 to play with. If you're going by the Succession Wars standard model. They're not entirely helpless at long range. Both are excellent and well rounded proper assault 'Mechs.

martian

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #23 on: 01 February 2013, 07:24:35 »
To be fair, in a matchup against an Atlas, you can't forget that the big 100 tonner also happens to have an LRM-20 to play with. If you're going by the Succession Wars standard model. They're not entirely helpless at long range. Both are excellent and well rounded proper assault 'Mechs.

For Succession Wars, I am fan of STK-3F, but I dislike STK-3H refit. It got LRM-20s, but not enough ammo for them. The same case as with AWS-8R/-8T Awesome.

I keep some interest in obscure 'Mechs and STK-4P usually works well for me. It's like a super-Thunderbolt (TDR-5S).

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #24 on: 01 February 2013, 07:47:40 »
Good Article, Master Arminas.

Where exactly did the "Stalker IIC" come from?  I never heard of that model before...What is the source?

The STK-3F Jamison, J Elliot's custom ride orignally comes from "The Last Day of Zeta", a Battlecorps short story by Jason Schmetzer (since republished in BattleCorps Anthology Vol. 3: Weapons Free). It is told from the viewpoint of Major Tara Lucas, and which incidently also shows off her custom Masakari variant. The Stalker Jamison was described as being fully Clan-tech, but we didn't get stats for the unit until RS: 3050 Upgrades Unabriged (Inner Sphere).

The other custom Stalker variant is the STK-3F Jagawen, which appears in Historical Turning Points: Misery. It is piloted by Sho-sho Jagawen Torisobo. It removes the LRM-10 launchers and adds two SRM-6 racks. Also added are six additional heat sinks.
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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #25 on: 01 February 2013, 07:55:38 »
For Succession Wars, I am fan of STK-3F, but I dislike STK-3H refit. It got LRM-20s, but not enough ammo for them. The same case as with AWS-8R/-8T Awesome.

I keep some interest in obscure 'Mechs and STK-4P usually works well for me. It's like a super-Thunderbolt (TDR-5S).

you just have to imagine the most common refit in the world was somehow squeezing in more ammo.

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #26 on: 01 February 2013, 08:10:10 »
According to SSW, the "offical" designation is STK-3F Jamison.  Does it look like an STK-3F to you?  And it is from RS3050U-I.  Furthermore, try looking at my words again:

Did I call it a Stalker IIC?  No.  I said that it is "perhaps the closest look we will get at a Stalker IIC".

I didn't answer your last question earlier.  I had never seen it myself until I wrote the article.  It was included in SSW (Solaris Skunkworks) and it lists the source as Record Sheets 3050 Upgrades I.

MA

I don't have it handy, but does Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook) include mention that this Stalker has Clan technology?  So the RS books was added later?
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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #27 on: 01 February 2013, 08:34:18 »
I'm a big fan of the 8S and 7D for "modern" era play and have used both well.  The 7D used to be a major steal under BV one as it was a great bracket fire `Mech and crazy accurate.  The armor might not be the greatest, but it makes up for it.

I want to try the royal Stalker, though having already fallen in love with the royal Crockett, the two in the same weight class are competing a bit.  Thankfully my Coyotes are a bit heavier so I can just toss both of them in  :D

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #28 on: 01 February 2013, 08:54:40 »
Do we know any famous pilots/commanders of Stalker?

Of course there are Jamison and Lucas (and some other Dragoons), Sho-sho Jagawen Torisobo (and even though he's CO of the 8th Sword of Ligh, I can't say he's that famous). Other than those, we've got just three or four pilots from various TROs (and I admit that Glass really had some style), but they are no legends.

I remember one or two novel characters piloting Stalker, but no one too important.

From Solaris 7 we know MechWarriors Wynn Goddard, Jeanette Mason, Robert Hopton, Glenn Edehoffer, Holly Jandis and Daryl Dyer.

One Solaris 7 Champion: Paul Fokker

So, anyone else?

master arminas

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Re: Mech of the Week: STK-series Stalker
« Reply #29 on: 01 February 2013, 09:42:52 »
Good observation.

And there is one canon Stalker missing in the original article:
STK-3F Stalker Jagawen

Missed that one.  Fixed.

Do we know any famous pilots/commanders of Stalker?

Of course there are Jamison and Lucas (and some other Dragoons), Sho-sho Jagawen Torisobo (and even though he's CO of the 8th Sword of Ligh, I can't say he's that famous). Other than those, we've got just three or four pilots from various TROs (and I admit that Glass really had some style), but they are no legends.

I remember one or two novel characters piloting Stalker, but no one too important.

From Solaris 7 we know MechWarriors Wynn Goddard, Jeanette Mason, Robert Hopton, Glenn Edehoffer, Holly Jandis and Daryl Dyer.

One Solaris 7 Champion: Paul Fokker

So, anyone else?

Captain Tiberius Sartini (TRO 3025)
Sartini has served with the Avalon Hussars for 20 years. His immense pride in his Stalker is reflected in the mirror shine of its armor. Although the 'Mech has been seriously damaged in battle several times, he has always managed to purchase or confiscate the parts necessary to effect repairs. In addition, he is stockpiling spare parts for his personal use. By doing so, he risks his commission (personal stockpiles are strictly forbidden), but Sartini's first priority is to keep his Stalker in mint condition.

Only one that immediately comes to mind.

MA
« Last Edit: 01 February 2013, 10:11:25 by master arminas »

 

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