Let me say it again now that I have more than a thread title's worth of space:
You cannot build a standard mech or vehicle that is faster* AND better armed AND more durable than this quadvee.
I will admit there is a * in that statement. Here is the qualifier.
*On pavement.
Yes, it only hits that level of performance on pavement.
Type: Metamorphosis
Technology Base: Clan (Advanced)
Tonnage: 90
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure
Endo Steel 4.5
QuadVee Conversion Equipment 9
Engine 360 XL 16.5
Walking MP: 4
Running MP: 6
Jumping MP: 0
Wheeled Cruising MP: 5
Wheeled Flanking MP: 8
Heat Sinks (Fixed): 12 (Double) 2
Gyro: 4
Quadvee Cockpit: 4
Armor Factor: 264 (Standard) 16.5
Internal Structure Armor Value
Head 3 9
Center Torso 29 40
Center Torso (rear) 11
R/L Torso 19 30
R/L Torso (rear) 8
FR/L Leg 19 32
RR/L Leg 19 32
Weight and Space Allocation
Location Fixed Space Remaining
Head None 0
Center Torso None 2
Right Torso 7 Endo Steel 3
2 XL Engine
Left Torso 2 XL Engine 10
The Metamorphosis Quadvee Omnimech was built to answer the question "What can we do with this technology that is not better when done by a mech or vehicle?" In its favored pavement terrain, the Metamorphosis can pace a Stormcrow while carrying similar armament and significantly more armor. Anywhere else it can use wheels, it is a 90 ton design with the baseline speed of a Timber Wolf and better protection. It exceeds the 80 ton weight limit of wheeled conventional vehicles and can shift into Quadruped mode to bypass terrain that would block any such vehicle. While carrying Battle Armor blocks most of its weaponry, as a 90-ton Omnimech it is a superior transport for heavier magclamp-equipped Protomechs.
The Hell's Horses originated the Quadvee, but the Metamorphosis is almost certainly a design philosophy more in the vein of Clan Ghost Bear- an assault design with heavy armor and superior speed for its size, that still packs an adequate punch. Whether this is a result of the Bears' scientist caste experimenting based on battlefield salvage or isorla, or an enclave of ex-Ghost Bear scientists (since the two Clans frequently raid each other) is yet to be determined.
Configurations:
Prime (BV 2524):
The Primary configuration packs an ER PPC, three ton Targeting Computer, two extra Double Heat Sinks, and an ER Medium Laser into the Left Torso. A second ER PPC resides in the Center Torso, while an additional ER Medium Laser and Heat Sink occupy the Right Torso. The lasers allow the pilot to keep heat under control and maintain offense if ranges close.
A (BV 2043)
The A configuration is one of the few that does not make full use of the chassis' base 12 double heat sinks. Eschewing practicality, it mounts a mammoth HAG 40 in the Left Torso and four tons of ammunition split between the Center and Right Torsos. The configuration seems intended for attacking or defending planet-side spaceports, with their wide expanses of ferrocrete landing pads and tendency to use flak-vulnerable air units for additional defense.
B (BV 2020)
A missile support configuration, the Metamorphosis B mounts an LRM-15 in each torso and an additional launcher in the spacious Left Torso. The four launchers are supplied by six tons of ammunition, most in the left torso with one bin in the right to prevent an unlucky hit from completely neutering the unit. Two minutes of sustained fire is equal to or better endurance than many Clan missile support configurations.
C (BV 1842)
The Metamorphosis C carries an ER Large Laser for damage at all ranges, backed by an ammunition-independent Laser Anti-Missile System. The design splits an LB-20X autocannon between the Center and Left Torsos, with three tons of ammunition in the Left Torso. The C seems intended for dueling along the lines of the Executioner B. However, it trades the sheer firepower (and risk) of the Ultra-20 autocannon for the ability to exploit holes with cluster rounds.
D (BV 1976/2100)
The D configuration carries three Advanced Tactical Missile-3 launchers in the left torso, with three tons of ammunition and a Micro Pulse Laser to dissuade infantry. The Center and Right torsos each carry a Large Pulse Laser. Installation of the rumored improved ATM system, if the technology becomes available, would be an obvious upgrade.
E (BV 1815/2191)
A fork of the D to emphasize the ATM launchers, the E upgrades the -3 launchers to -6 launchers and shifts one over to the Right Torso. The ammunition load increases to four tons. The E drops all the pulse lasers for a single ER Large and ER Small in the Center Torso. Any deployment of improved ATM technology would significantly increase the lethality of this design.
F (BV 1995)
A dedicated sniper platform, the F carries two ER Large Lasers in the Center Torso and a three ton Targeting Computer in the Right. The Left Torso, normally the source of a majority of the mech's firepower, instead mounts a single LB-5X autocannon and two tons of ammunition.
G (BV 2396)
Intended for close assaults and ambushes, the G carries two Medium Pulse Lasers in each torso (for a total of six), backed up by a pair of Streak SRM-4 launchers with one ton of ammunition. A Supercharger in the Left Torso gives this 90 ton design the same maximum potential ground speed as the 45 ton Shadow Cat, although there is a slight risk of engine damage. The Left Torso also carries an extra heat sink to mitigate some of the heat load.
H (BV 2227)
Similar to the G configuration, the H carries a Left Torso Supercharger to close the range quickly. A single Improved Heavy Large Laser provides superb ammunition-free hole punching capability. To exploit holes created by the laser, the mech also carries no fewer than five Streak SRM 4 systems, two each in the Right and Center and one in the Left Torso. These weapons are supplied by two tons split between the side torsos. The left Torso also carries two additional Double Heat Sinks.
I (BV 2275)
The Metamorphosis I carries two Plasma Cannons, two tons of ammunition, and three Double Heat Sinks in the Left Torso. The Center Torso carries an ER PPC, with three ER medium Lasers in the Right Torso.
J (BV 1770)
What may have started off as a joke took a horrifying turn. The Metamorphosis J has exactly enough space to mount the same firepower as the original SRM carrier- 10 SRM 6, with an additional ton of ammunition (total of 5 tons). Similar to the B, it tucks a ton in the right torso to prevent a complete loss of firepower if the left torso ammunition bins are lost. While the Quadvee chassis does not have the heat dissipation qualities that allow combat vehicles to mount vast quantities of missile weaponry without heat issues, a running alpha strike at baseline heat levels will fall just short of risking an ammunition explosion, although the mech will sometimes shut down immediately afterwards. The thought of a faster SRM carrier with assault mech levels of durability that can pop up on legs to unload its considerable firepower over a building or hill should deeply concern even the most experienced mechwarrior.
Edit: Any loadout suggestions? I realized none of the configurations have tag or ECM.
Also, what do you think? How much firepower is not enough firepower for 90 tons? What if you’re in a city and moving 6/9?
