FedSuns C3 Master mech for Dominions Divided game

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

I'm planning to run a game based on the FedSuns counterattack against the Draconis Combine, as laid out in Dominions Divided.  I'm thinking about including a C3 lance for the FedSuns but wondering what mech should carry the Master.  Was looking at both the E and F configurations of the Templar (handy since I've got one painted in Robinson's Rangers colors), but I wanted to look at other options.  The game is going to be about three weeks from now so it's not a rush.  So far, the only other mech in the lance is going to be an Archer 9R, so I'd also accept suggestions for the other two slots.

Thanks.

[CitizenErased]

How about a Pendragon 3R? Solid armor, decent speed, and plenty of long-range firepower to keep it out of immediate harm's way.

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

I'm dubious about sticking a C3M in anything that crumbles so quickly.  Freaking Composite internal structure...

[Charistoph]

A quick check with the MUL for FedSuns and General Inner Sphere with C3M available in Dark Age and ilClan provides in descending mass order:

Ares ARS-V1C Aphrodite
Sagittaire SGT-9D
Pendragon PDG-3R
Sunder B (though, this is a double)
Cyclopse CP-11-C2 (another double)
Templar E & F
Gunslinger GUN-2ERD
Doloire C
Avatar C
Fennec FEC-1CM  (The 5CM has a Boosted C3M, but I don't know how available that is.)

So, you have a dozen options, and that doesn't even consider Omnimech capacity to make some adjustments to encourage the minimal direct sighting of the Master or reduce the double on the Sunder.

[Col Toda]

Fed Suns must have captured enough DC mechs the would have Cyclops and Naganatas to spare . Dominion divided campaign logistical train in DC controlled areas permit capture of spare parts . It would make sense to sink resources into a hard hitting attrition unit to permit blitzkrieg like success . Only when they start to succeed in pushing the DC out will they truly need a C3 master unit of their own.  A Cyclops armes with gauss or light gauss and LRM  ? Might fit ?

[OatsAndHall]

A quick check with the MUL for FedSuns and General Inner Sphere with C3M available in Dark Age and ilClan provides in descending mass order:

Ares ARS-V1C Aphrodite
Sagittaire SGT-9D
Pendragon PDG-3R
Sunder B (though, this is a double)
Cyclopse CP-11-C2 (another double)
Templar E & F
Gunslinger GUN-2ERD
Doloire C
Avatar C
Fennec FEC-1CM  (The 5CM has a Boosted C3M, but I don't know how available that is.)

So, you have a dozen options, and that doesn't even consider Omnimech capacity to make some adjustments to encourage the minimal direct sighting of the Master or reduce the double on the Sunder.

I'd go with the Gunslinger, simply because of the range and damage potential of the double Gauss rifles. One could pull some nasty C3 equations with that Gunslinger standing off at 20 hexes...

[Fat Guy]

Definitely go with the Gunslinger for your master. For your other two 'Mechs try the TLR1-OI Templar, and the STH-2D1 Stealth as your spotter.

[MarauderD]

Definitely go with the Gunslinger for your master. For your other two 'Mechs try the TLR1-OI Templar, and the STH-2D1 Stealth as your spotter.

This is an extremely strong setup here mentioned by Fat Guy:  OI Templar is a great hole puncher.  I've also had success with the 5R Marauder and 8D Warhammer in C3 lances. 

Not that there a lot of good C3 options with ReLasers--but lots of the new Combine mechs have either Ballistic Reinforced or Hardened Armor, so I'd go ahead and focus on Energy weapons when you can.  Even more annoying, the Kishi Battle Armor is now the main battlesuit for the DCMS, and it features Reflective armor.  YMMV.

[Hellraiser]

I'm thinking about including a C3 lance for the FedSuns but wondering what mech should carry the Master.  Was looking at both the E and F configurations of the Templar (handy since I've got one painted in Robinson's Rangers colors), but I wanted to look at other options......
So far, the only other mech in the lance is going to be an Archer 9R, so I'd also accept suggestions for the other two slots.

Gunslinger GUN-2ERD

I'd go with the Gunslinger, simply because of the range and damage potential of the double Gauss rifles. One could pull some nasty C3 equations with that Gunslinger standing off at 20 hexes...

I've been using this as my default mech master since the day it was introduced.  So I add another vote for it.


As for the remainder of the lance.....

Templar-I is no joke from the looks of it.
I personally love the Warhammer-8D as well.

For a "spotter".

Locust-5W2
Javelin-11D
Spider-C
Firestarter-OB
Wolverine-8C

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

I'd been contemplating a Stealth 2D1, Shadow Hawk 9D, or Wolverine 9W2 as the spotter.  Something that combines mobility with durability.

[DevianID]

Ive used the boosted c3M on the Fennec, and really liked that machine.  The Radical heat sinks are fun to play with IMHO, and I want my master hanging back so the RE Lasers at 15 is a good spot to be in.  Boosted meant I had less headaches with ecm, but the 5->7% upcharge means you do get less machine, as the Fennec is lighter and all.

[Fat Guy]

I'd been contemplating a Stealth 2D1, Shadow Hawk 9D, or Wolverine 9W2 as the spotter.  Something that combines mobility with durability.

If you're going to go Wolverine, the Suns has access to the 8C in your time frame. It's one of my all time favorite 'Mechs.

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

Yeah, but the 9W2 can jump 7 to get a +4 TMM, which for a C3 spotter is better IMO than the 8C's moderately better close-in damage.