TRO 3145--Federated Suns

[A. Lurker]

Are these Clan Tech equipt vehicles/mechs common?  I keep thinking that its going be on expensive or really hard to replace if these weapons are destroyed in combat.  I know using the Warchest System/Chaos Campaign rules tends to bandaid things bit. but I can't imagine it would be cheap or readily available in 3145.

Well, by all accounts so far in 3145 "Clantech" no longer automatically means "Clan import-slash-salvage". Inner Sphere factories have supposedly started to build the stuff themselves, so while it's likely still going to cost a pretty penny, we're looking at more of a standard supply vs. demand situation and less a question of how to allocate a finite stockpile of potentially irreplacable gear now.

[Aldous]

err... Odds are it is STILL a finite stockpile of potentially irreplacable gear. We don't know how many are produced. It can't be that much otherwise the entire AFFS would be clan tech.

[Wrangler]

We're not told. But given that most of these clanspec guns are locally produced instead of bought/salvaged from actual Clans, they can be as common or rare as you want them to be.

I hope they actually have up or down answer to that one. Or at least a percentage.  This vague open to interpenetration causes problems when you have players go wild. GM rule of law, but it helps keep things calm when there something that can be pointed to in official guide for the era.  Someone fields a Star of Clan Mechs, because their nothing printed saying pay through the nose to get them or cost to them.

[MarauderD]

I've been trying to put together an independent unit ala the Fox's teeth (Who are AFAIK as of this era defunct) using as much material from 3145 as possible.

A small but elite unit tasked to go behind enemy lines for purpose of disrupting the enemy offensive, weakening enemy morale, acquire intelligence, and boost friendly morale.

Or summarized: To pillage, burn and look good doing it.

Allowing myself one unit from each Capcon and Drac TROs (salvage), and a couple of Sea Fox sold items from mercenaries.

Here's what I have so far

Prelim name: Fox Teeth Restored

Battle/Command
BLK-NT-5H Black Knight
TN-10-O Tenshi
TLR2-O Templar III
AS7-D2 Atlas III

Cav lance
Vulture IV
VLP-1D Vulpes
CN-11-O Centurion Omni
Mad Cat IV

Raider/Scout
UCU-F4 scarecrow
RVN-5X Raven II
GH11-NG Gunsmith
OSR-5D Osiris

Comments? Suggestions to make it more fluffy?

I'm not sure about the Osiris myself. The Osiris was picked more for lack of finding a unit that fit what I wanted for the last slot. A fast light mech with either good firepower and/or good electronics, preferrably something older than 3145.

Looks like a very strong group so far. Now if only we knew the full rules for the new equipment like Reengineered Lasers and the Tsemp Cannon!

[A. Lurker]

err... Odds are it is STILL a finite stockpile of potentially irreplacable gear. We don't know how many are produced. It can't be that much otherwise the entire AFFS would be clan tech.

Oh, the supply is going to be limited, sure. Just like with mid-31st century Foundtech, I don't expect it to be able to readily keep up with demand just yet, it wouldn't be a "Dark" age if things were that easy. But if it should in fact turn out that it's still finite and once stocks run out there just won't be anymore because Clantech Is Still Magic, I dare say I wouldn't be the only one sorely disappointed that TPTB couldn't come up with anything more original than that in almost an in-universe century and I forget how many real life years since the original invasion.

And so I'm reasonably positive that that won't be the case anymore.

[ColBosch]

Oh, the supply is going to be limited, sure. Just like with mid-31st century Foundtech, I don't expect it to be able to readily keep up with demand just yet, it wouldn't be a "Dark" age if things were that easy. But if it should in fact turn out that it's still finite and once stocks run out there just won't be anymore because Clantech Is Still Magic, I dare say I wouldn't be the only one sorely disappointed that TPTB couldn't come up with anything more original than that in almost an in-universe century and I forget how many real life years since the original invasion.

And so I'm reasonably positive that that won't be the case anymore.

It's not the case anymore. Clan-level equipment is unequivocally being manufactured by Inner Sphere powers.

[glitterboy2098]

It's not the case anymore. Clan-level equipment is unequivocally being manufactured by Inner Sphere powers.

yep. now the question for clantech is the same as for any other tech in setting. "can the factories put it out fast enough to replace the losses being taken"..

[ColBosch]

yep. now the question for clantech is the same as for any other tech in setting. "can the factories put it out fast enough to replace the losses being taken"..

Probably not. Better start fighting for those factories!

[False Son]

I'm just disappointed the six pack on the Atlas wasn't the SRM6.

[Neufeld]

I've been trying to put together an independent unit ala the Fox's teeth (Who are AFAIK as of this era defunct) using as much material from 3145 as possible.

A small but elite unit tasked to go behind enemy lines for purpose of disrupting the enemy offensive, weakening enemy morale, acquire intelligence, and boost friendly morale.

Or summarized: To pillage, burn and look good doing it.

Allowing myself one unit from each Capcon and Drac TROs (salvage), and a couple of Sea Fox sold items from mercenaries.

Here's what I have so far

Prelim name: Fox Teeth Restored

Battle/Command
BLK-NT-5H Black Knight
TN-10-O Tenshi
TLR2-O Templar III
AS7-D2 Atlas III

Cav lance
Vulture IV
VLP-1D Vulpes
CN-11-O Centurion Omni
Mad Cat IV

Raider/Scout
UCU-F4 scarecrow
RVN-5X Raven II
GH11-NG Gunsmith
OSR-5D Osiris

Comments? Suggestions to make it more fluffy?

I'm not sure about the Osiris myself. The Osiris was picked more for lack of finding a unit that fit what I wanted for the last slot. A fast light mech with either good firepower and/or good electronics, preferrably something older than 3145.

Well, for this kind of unit I would personally avoid anything slower than 5/8.
As for replacing the Osiris, how about the Valiant?

[RogueK]

Well, for this kind of unit I would personally avoid anything slower than 5/8.
As for replacing the Osiris, how about the Valiant?

In general it's meant as a throwback to the old school where a company was generally made into a more wide role unit.

I admit the main reasons it isn't faster is because I wanted a black knight and then I might as well gun up an entire lance at expense of speed:P

Though there are cases (Numerous ones in fluff I've seen) where having firepower to deal with secondline militias is a better option than trying to sneak faster units that may go down from a lucky hit with the lighter weapons they usually field. Overall they will probably be stuck acting as defense for the dropship they arrived on most of the time. (I meant enemy lines in the interstellar meaning of the word)

All of this is more rationalization to justify a unit I want than actually the best tactics.

A Valiant is a good choice. A Valiant LNT-J3 seems to be the best of the lot.

[StCptMara]

Oh, the supply is going to be limited, sure. Just like with mid-31st century Foundtech, I don't expect it to be able to readily keep up with demand just yet, it wouldn't be a "Dark" age if things were that easy. But if it should in fact turn out that it's still finite and once stocks run out there just won't be anymore because Clantech Is Still Magic, I dare say I wouldn't be the only one sorely disappointed that TPTB couldn't come up with anything more original than that in almost an in-universe century and I forget how many real life years since the original invasion.

And so I'm reasonably positive that that won't be the case anymore.

The "Dark Age" appellation is because the HPGs have gone dark, and communications are difficult. It is also the period following a short lived "Golden Age" where wars were short, and focused, as opposed to long and Sphere-wide. Technology has still been advancing, and the Inner Sphere is now able to make enough of certain Clan Weapons to put onto production 'mechs.
For those arguing that it has taken the Inner Sphere "too long" to reach that point, do remember that 1) one of the acts of
the Wobbles in the Jihad was targeting the production and research facilities of the Inner Sphere, 2) it takes time to develop
an entirely new infrastructure for the manufacture of advanced components, especially ones that might require orbital factories
that the Inner Sphere did not have previously, and 3) We don't know how long some of these things have been in production yet, so they might have been in production for far longer then "just coming out in 3145."

[Frank]

I don't know if this has been caught but anyone else. In the entry on the Rondel. It the notable pilot entry. It mentions the lost of the FSS New Syrtis a fox class corvette.

We know that 1 Avalon and 3 Foxes survey the jihad. The three foxes were stationed at each march capital. With two march capital's fallen. What is the fate of the Fox class corvette assigned to Robinson. The FSS Admiral Michael Saile. The fourth and finally FSS ship is at June, the FSS Brest.

The FSN has at least 1 warship possible 2 warships left.

Question, did we ever learn the trus fate of the FSS Andrew Davion (avalon class) that went missing during the Fedcom Civil War and was never heard from again.

[Adrian Gideon]

Does Atlas III, Black Knight, Vulpes, Vulpes sound like a good hammer and anvil combo for a lance on lance game?

I've been running this, it's pretty solid (OpFor ignores the BK at it's peril), but I need to try the HAG Atlas...

[ColBosch]

Question, did we ever learn the trus fate of the FSS Andrew Davion (avalon class) that went missing during the Fedcom Civil War and was never heard from again.

Eaten by a hyperspace squid.

[Weirdo]

I should do that as a mini-diorama...

[GreekFire]

I just played a game with a:
-Atlas III (HAG version)
-Black Knight -5H
-Centurion -O
-Gunsmith

versus a Kuritan force composed of a:
-Hitotsume Kozo -1F
-Rokurokubi -4T
-Shiro -1V (3/4 pilot)
-Tenshi -O

My thoughts on the new hardware:

The Atlas III is brutal. It's hyper-accurate, forcing PSRs at any range (we were playing with the +1PSR every 20 points of damage, so it was even devastating). It's bloody unkillable too, with that standard engine and CASE II.

The -5H Black Knight was, by far, the MVP of the match. I threw the shield into active mode from the get-go and its ability to block the 5-point Light PPC, LAC/5 and LRM hits as it closed was amazing. Eventually the shield got blasted apart, but not before stopping HUGE amounts of damage. The left-side of the 'Mech ended up melting off, but all that additional weaponry on the right side of the 'Mech let me keep blasting away. It reaaaally made me want to try the Atlas III with the dual shields. Too bad we're still missing some rules for that one.

The Gunsmith was also a work of art. It's blindingly fast, and quad accurate 6-point hits in the rear arc of any 'Mech I wanted (or added to the damage of the Atlas III/Black Knight to guarantee a difficult PSR) was pure pleasure. It was untouchable for most of the game, and only became chewy after failing a 3+ MASC roll and critting a few leg-things. Then the Reflective armor let it shrug off 2 full alphas from the Hitotsume Kozo before dying. Definitely a nice 'Mech.

On the Kuritan side of things, I was thoroughly unimpressed by the Hitotsume Kozo. The Rokurokubi and (especially) the Shiro are both amazingly tough mothers (I was in shock after the Rokurokubi survived a full-damage alpha from the Atlas III, with barely anything going internal), although that hardened armor makes them very vulnerable to any sort of PSR. They're also a bit lack-luster in the firepower department, that's for sure.

[Adrian Gideon]

Lines up with what I've been seeing for those forces. Though I've yet to try the Gunsmith.

[Marwynn]

How did the Tenshi perform, GreekFire?

[truegrit]

I finally got the TRO, and I gotta say, the Black Knight illustration is a perfect example of how to stay faithful to a MW:AoD sculpt while making it dead sexy at the same time. I've (mostly) held to the belief that the proportions of most of the WizKids minis were artistic interpretation. There's no reason they can't be refined a bit.

I definitely would like a metal BLK-NT on my desk ASAP.

[IAMCLANWOLF]

Anyone battle tested the Templar III? Favorite config?

I like a lot about the design, but wonder if any are good enough to replace my original Templar-- i config.

[wantec]

Anyone battle tested the Templar III? Favorite config?

I like a lot about the design, but wonder if any are good enough to replace my original Templar-- i config.

That's a tough one. It's got less weapons, but with the LFE & HD Gyro it's gonna stay in the fight longer. It comes down to a matter of can it survive long enough to make up for the difference in weapon tonnage.

[MarauderD]

Anyone battle tested the Templar III? Favorite config?

I like a lot about the design, but wonder if any are good enough to replace my original Templar-- i config.

Unsure about this one. In the MMek games I've played, it tends to go the distance. However, I think this is because both my friend, and the princess bot too, always seem to focus down any Black Knights first because of all the clan tech weaponry. So I can't tell if the Templars are really holding their own or just plain getting ignored. Those 4D and 5H Black Knights get a lot, and I mean A LOT of attention. More than the Atlas III or Templar, for sure.

[Aldous]

Where can I read the rules on Shields?

[StCptMara]

Where can I read the rules on Shields?

Tactical Operations.

[LastChanceCav]

I wish they had put hands on the shield-bearing Black Knights - with all the 5 point cluster weapons, MLs and LPPCs out there the difference between a DA of 4 and a DA of 5 are huge!

Cheers,
LCC

[DarkSpade]

From the artwork/wizkids minis, I had assumed they'd have modular armor, not shields.

[MarauderD]

Anyone battle tested the Templar III? Favorite config?

I like a lot about the design, but wonder if any are good enough to replace my original Templar-- i config.

After reading your post again, I think I read it correctly for the first time. You wondered if there was a config worth taking over the Templar configuration I, with two HPPCs and a gauss rifle.

The answer is no, not yet. I haven't played with the chain whip and hatchet, but so far for me no new Templar config comes close to the Mk. One I (eye). I know the creator of the new Templar probably reads these boards, and I don't want to offend them because I know I couldn't design better. That being said, just plug in a Warhammer 8D instead of a new Templar III prime and you are good to go, in my very, very, short and limited experience.

[IAMCLANWOLF]

After reading your post again, I think I read it correctly for the first time. You wondered if there was a config worth taking over the Templar configuration I, with two HPPCs and a gauss rifle.

Yes, exactly. Love the 'eye' config.

The answer is no, not yet. I haven't played with the chain whip and hatchet, but so far for me no new Templar config comes close to the Mk. One I (eye). I know the creator of the new Templar probably reads these boards, and I don't want to offend them because I know I couldn't design better. That being said, just plug in a Warhammer 8D instead of a new Templar III prime and you are good to go, in my very, very, short and limited experience.

I think I would take a Templar III prime over the Hammer 8D. I love the zombie appeal of the Templar III with it's heavy duty gyro, and light fusion engine. Granted the 8D has a basic engine, but I like the added armor, gyro, and TC of the III prime. I have a hunch that I would enjoy running the Temp III "D" config, but it doesn't hit as hard as the original's 'eye' config. And I hate that the LBX ammo is stuck in the torso when there is ample room in the arm (why?). I guess I was just wondering about people's experience play-testing the different configs. Lots of talk about testing the Atlas III and Gunsmith. Just was/am curious about the Templar.   

[wackrabbit]

Eaten by a hyperspace squid.

I have it from the 3rd cousin of a trueborn Sea Fox Cook's Assistant that the Avalon in question is quietly serving as an orbital doner kebab stand around a moon of Dorpat.

....but don't quote me.  [stupid]