Been thinking a lighter unit might be better for the Claws. A TSM 45 tonner can still throw headcap punches. I'll have to tinker around with a Beowulf when I get home, it may be able to have AES too.
A lighter unit? Brother, I don't think you appreciate the Ghost Bears. They're the Clan flush with resources; if a heavier mech can do the same job slightly less efficiently while costing more money, the Ghost Bears will be there. Their scout mech is 40 tons, after all; the Fire Moth is really just a BA transport.
You mean like the Wulfen or Phantom? They don't hit 20 speed, but go pretty close.
The Phantom is just an inferior Viper. The Wulfen has the problem of being a Wolf mech, and they're kinda far away as of 3145. Still, the Wulfen is cool and something of that similar "cool factor" would be nice for a new light Dominion mech. Maybe something like a 30-ton 9/14 with supercharger or MASC? It's a shame hardened armor can't be used on omnimechs; that would give the Dominion a slightly unique design. A light mech with much more armor than you would expect (or would be terribly optimal)? Sounds like the Ghost Bears.
The Viper hits 8/12/8 and has XL Engine, Ferro, and Endo, so there's no quick fixes there. What would a Viper II have? Better weapons configs? I'm just asking out of curiosity, not as a writer. Also, almost anything an Executioner II with podded JJ could do a Blood Asp with a supercharger should be able to do.
Good point on the Viper II; maybe using some of the new items available that can be put on omnis but not pod-mounted, like ferro-lamellor. Given the commonality of the PPC in DCMS hands, reflective armor might even be a decent choice. Maybe Harjel II/III on the torso locations.
Problem with the Blood Asp is that it isn't available to the IS Clans. Also, the Blood Asp doesn't have a MASC: I feel an Executioner II should still have 4/6 movement and MASC, because fast assault is so very much Ghost Bears.
XXL engine and a partial wing?
Partial wing is kind of a Jade Falcons thing, with some examples in Raven hands. Given their relations, I don't know if the Dominion would be able to get a good supply of them for production.
XXL engines have the issue of being a lot more heat intensive, which may not be the best thing for a mech already sporting 8 JJs. Maybe the unit could make use of some Radical HS purchased from the FS.