This is an avenue I hadn’t considered, honestly. I was originally looking for something that covered any potential hole in the capabilities of the Mechs I already had, not that could support each in turn. Thanks for this. Definitely gives me something to think about.
I don’t think you’re really missing anything in terms of broad mech types. The Hunchback is your brawler/juggernaut. The Catapult is your missile boat and it can brawl when necessary. And the P-Hawk is your skirmished/striker (and can scout/snipe in a pinch). It’s pretty good for a multi-role lance. Each mech is a solid choice (unlike the thin-skinned tinderboxes in your last thread).
My concern is that the lance might be too multi-role and have too much mobility dispersion. For example, it would be easy for the P-Hawk to get isolated from the Catapult and Hunchback. That’s why I think a good, mobile, multi-role mech that can assist the P-Hawk, Hunchback, and Catapult in their roles is the best option.
And I think the Griffin -1S is the best multi-role mech for this lance. I considered the Wolverine -6M, which is a better brawler, but it lacks some of Griffin’s flexibility (and you used it last time). As mentioned upthread, the Wolverine -6R is also a decent multi-role option, but I find the AC/5 and single medium laser underpowered compared to the Griffin’s laser battery. Dervish would be an option, but the SRM-2 ammo on top of the LRM ammo makes it a bit of a tinderbox. Centurions and Enforcers are also options but too slow. Everything else in the medium/light weight classes is too light (you want to use the upper end of the weight bracket you were given) or too specialized (AA, AI, AT, etc. designs have their place but only in bigger formations where you’re not sinking 25% of your force into something you may not use much — that’s what special munitions are for).
If downgraded Star League era designs from TRO 2750 or TRO 3058 are allowed, I’d consider the Kintaro -18, the Crab -20, or the Lynx -8Q. None can jump, but their 5/8 speed should help them keep up with the P-Hawk. The Crab and Lynx lack LRM fire support, but the dual large lasers and heat sinks to use them on each are a solid option for supporting the Catalpult or Hunchback. Like the Griffin, the Kintaro has an LRM-5 to pop off while closing, but with three SRM-6s and a couple medium lasers, it can be brutal up close. It’s not quit as multi-role as the Griffin, but its crit-seeking will nicely complement the Hunchback’s hole-punching and its sheer firepower and speed will nicely support the P-Hawk. Although you have to watch the heat scale — usually alternate firing two or three SRM-6 packs with movement each turn to avoid negative heat modifiers — I can almost talk myself into taking the Kintaro over the Griffin. As before with the Succession Wars-era designs, I think the other medium and light Star League era downgrades from TRO 2750 and 3058 are too light or specialized.
If you’re an aggressive player, the Kintaro may be your thing. If not, stick with the Griffin.
[Edit/Add] — Guy has a good point on the Cronus. If you want to do the Wolverine -6M thing again without actually using the Wolverine -6M, the Cronus -3M is the way to go.
