’Mech of the Week 3145 Special: DLR-O DoloireDLR-O Doloire, Technical Readout: 3145 . p.165
[While we’ve been showing off particular units found in the TRO: 3145 supplemental series, I’m afraid the showing off the rules for new equipment and unit types presented in FM: 3145
are off limits. For anyone who’s had the chance to dig into TRO: 3145
will know the difficulty in picking a ‘Mech that isn’t built around new tech, gives away some interesting plot points, or isn’t a tripod. After a quick chat with jymset we agreed on the Doloire
. Two of the configurations do utilize new pieces of equipment however. I apologize in advance that I can’t really go into any depth regarding the rules for this new kit.]The ancient doloire was a workman’s axe, a multiuse tool capable of a range of tasks be it wood working or cleaving an enemy in twain.
Doloire the ‘Mech, conceived as the Republic’s flagship assault OmniMech, retains its namesake’s flexibility. While the axe was a relatively straightforward device, the Omni’ was intended to be the most advanced yet designed and produced in the Sphere. StarCorps’ Terra branch certainly succeeded on that mark. Utilizing the technical expertise of the civilians residing within the Republic’s Clan enclaves was no small part of the achievement. The final eighty ton monster would be a mix of some of the best the Inner Sphere and Clans have to offer. After being introduced in the early 3120s, the DLR-O would spread throughout the Republic Armed Forces becoming a popular command unit.
[Huh, that last bit sounds like a Quirk that provides an initiative bonus.]Given that the
Doloire comes in on the lower end of the assault ‘Mech scale, the 46 kph walking speed is fairly standard. The power plant enabling that speed for this Inner Sphere Omni’ is what initially surprised some, a Clan-spec Light Force 320 XL fusion engine. The same as the Ghost Bear’s
Bruin. Considering the support the Bears provided the Republic during post-Jihad reconstruction, it’s not like the choice came completely out of left field. With a Clan engine comes Clan double heat sinks. Twelve are housed within the engine. What really interests me are the Actuator Enhancement System installed in each arm. These advanced components are able to enhance the accuracy of not only direct fire but melee weapons and even missile launchers. Unfortunately AES are fairly bulky once their scaled up to assault-scale limbs. With this in mind, StarCorps opted for an endo-composite chassis. The
Doloire’s “bones” are more space-frugal than the more common endo steel while freeing weight for Omni pods. A critical-conscious design approach continues with 14.5 tons of ArcShield VII standard armor. While shy of the theoretical maximum, the coverage is certainly on par with the
Doloire’s contemporaries. The torso and legs can withstand nearly anything short of naval-grade weapons with protection to spare. Front and center passes the double Gauss test handily with enough armor left over to hold back an Inner Sphere large laser. A short ranged strike from a heavy Gauss rifle will penetrate the arms, so, yeah, avoid that. The DLR-O’s backside is at least sufficiently shielded to deal with Clan-grade medium pulse lasers. The center will even have the barest shreds of armor clinging to it after being hit by a large model. Continuing the high-tech design parade is the Starlight Adjustable LX-8 targeting and tracking system. This cutting edge TTS easily keeps tabs on multiple threats, readily providing precise targeting data on several targets simultaneously.
[Oh look, another Quirk.] Fixed weapons are extremely rare on OmniMechs, having not been utilized in Inner Sphere designs since the Draconis Combine’s initial forays into the technology. But the installation of two Series 2f ER medium lasers, a particularly common Clan model, adds a nasty, consistent punch to all
Doloire configurations.
The RAF has retained exclusive use of their prized
Doloire. Almost. A small number have been taken as salvage or left with their MechWarriors as they formed mercenary groups when the Republic crumbled around them. The only known
Doloire in the possession of the CCAF is an example of both events. Hiram Torch piloted in the machine in the RAF and kept the ‘Mech while under the employ of a mercenary company. Said company was stationed on Azha when the Capellan Confederation came calling. Positioning himself at a critical locale, Torch held off wave upon wave of attackers until his
Doloire was finally swarmed by battle armor. The OmniMech is now piloted by
Sao-wei Sera Klimovna. But I’ve prattled on about the ‘Mech’s basics long enough, on to the pod configurations!
Doloire DLR-O – Mounted in each of the Actuator Enhancement System accentuated arms is a Clan large pulse laser. Already renowned for their range and accuracy, when mated to the AES the lasers can give even the sprightliest of units pause. Equally intimidating is the Clan Gauss rifle housed in the right torso supplied with the typical two tons of ammo. With the fixed lasers coming into play at 450 meters, the Prime can dish out a decent bit of punishment. Enough heat sinks have been pod mounted to keep all weapons ablaze while only generating excess heat on a run. Top of the line electronic warfare capabilities are provided by the Angel ECM. The primary configuration of the
Doloire makes for a solid trooper. If I had to make a complaint, it would be that carrying battle armor (like those sweet, sweet Taranis) takes your head-capper offline. Thankfully this is the only configuration that suffers this shortcoming.
Doloire DLR-OA – Intended to combat a variety of units, the A swaps the Prime’s pulse lasers for Inner Sphere made plasma rifles. With fifteen cartridges per rifle, they’re capable of accurate, sustained fire throughout an engagement. A third clan ER medium laser joins its fixed brethren. With the range profile as the plasma rifles the DRL-OA pours damage and heat onto targets within 450 meters. Not content with energy weapons, a pair of SRM 6 racks rest in the right torso. Clan models of course. All four munition bins are protected by CASE II. Four bins are just begging for more than standard SRM rounds, broadening the
Doloire A’s abilities. Four additional heat sinks help control the burden generated by this load out but it’s not quite enough. There’s where the radical heat sink system comes into play. Functionally a multi-use coolant pod, the RHS allows for repeated flushing of the system, momentarily increasing the amount of waste heat that can be eliminated. Heavy use can lead to system failure, so button mashing is not recommended.
Doloire DLR-OB – The
Doloire B is the sort of beast that most observers (and MechWarriors ) worried would take the field. The left arm pod contains two Clan made ER PPCs. Tying two of the most feared weapons on the modern battlefield to enhanced actuators is a terrifying combination. The right arm contains a rotary AC/5 fed with four tons of CASE II protected rounds. I’m the type who tends to set RACs to the “four shot” once I have a decent chance of hitting, so eighty rounds is plenty for my tastes. Five extra double heat sinks keep levels reasonable assuming the pilot doesn’t go crazy with the triggers.
Doloire DLR-OC – As mentioned earlier, AES can improve the accuracy of missile and melee weapons. The last two known configurations take full advantage of this. In the case of the C the arm-mounted gear that the form of a LRM 20 slaved to an Artemis V fire control system in the right and penetrating, if somewhat unwieldy lance in the left. The long range missiles, now with accuracy verging on that of pulse lasers, comes with enough reloads for three minutes of sustained fire. Further missile volleys come in the form of three streak SRM 6 with ten shots each. Since most of the right torso is a mass of ammunition (thankfully CASE II is also to be found here) two of those launchers are tucked in the legs. Given that pilots will likely be concentrating on poking opponents in the eye with that lance swift kicks to the shins may be out of the question. The final bit of offensive gear is a left torso ER small pulse laser. Not the most efficient thing out there, the laser does lend some anti-infantry potential. The bulk of that left torso is occupied by a C
3 master computer. Written off by most higher-ups with the proliferation of electronic counter-measure suites during the Jihad, the RAF has a strange fondness for the technology.
[Seriously, nearly every Republic unit in TRO: 3145
has a configuration or variant with C3 installed. Weirdos.] In spite of the importance typically placed on master-equipped ‘Mechs within a lance, the DRL-OC is designed with the clear intent of getting into personal distances and quickly dispatching would-be foes.
Doloire DLR-OD – With a supercharger enabling burst of speed at the risk of engine damage and armament geared toward keeping your enemies close, the
Doloire D is not for the faint of heart. Fully capable of lobbing off a ‘Mechs head, a large vibroblade rests in the left arm’s hand. Also benefiting from the hard-mounted AES are a quartet of streak SRM 4 racks. Given the improved chance of a lock on there’s a reasonable bet those sixteen SRMs are apt to ruin someone’s day. As with all the other configurations, the bins are protected by CASE II. A wee little ER micro laser is placed in each leg to eke out the last modicum of ranged damage. Like with the DLR-OC, having leg-mounted weapons doesn’t bother me all that much since the melee weapon will do most of the heavy lifting when it comes time for physical combat. The final components of the D are a pair of TSEMP cannons. Provided that these cannons are intended to shut down their victims, the pair of them with the savage configuration choices makes for a brutal close combatant.
Fixed equipment on OmniMechs like the
Doloire isn’t always a popular choice. Plenty have voiced preferences for more available space and weight for the pods themselves. However, the selection of gear permanently installed goes a long way toward maximizing the potential of mayhem of the known configurations. The
Doloire is a solid performer and worthy of its status as the Republic’s flagship assault OmniMech. For myself it’s one of the highlights of the TRO.
Behind the Scenes extras. - Director’s commentary on the creation of the Doloire.Unit design can be a collaborative effort to some degree and the
Doloire was no exception. Attached is a snippet of a chat with jymset, the poor soul responsible for wrangling unit creation, and all the oddballs involved in it, for
Technical Readout: 3145.
jymset: in a nutshell:
jymset: main design by Chunga; I only replaced Endo Steel with Endo-Composite. at the expense of replacing the prime's HAG/30 with a Gauss
jymset: A was Chunga's directions that I implemented
jymset: B is all my inner fanboi
jymset: C is an equipment wish list by Paul which I used to create a C3 master config
jymset: D is Paul himself doing it all properly
jymset: the Micro Lasers in the feet were done for symmetry and we both had a laugh
jymset: for the basic design, Chunga aimed for something harkening back to 3025 days, blocky, powerful. Intended to be a mix of Awesome and Victor. Matt Plog implemented these instructions wonderfully ;)
jymset: if Chunga hadn't had such a brilliant stroke of inspiration - using those AES - neither Paul nor I would've been as excited to work with it
jymset: so the spotlight totally deserves to be on Chunga - in the end, collaborative as it may have been, it is his design
