>>OverviewWe are going to construct some mechs. This is a stand alone thread for mech construction challenges. Each scenario given will have 4 days to submit an entry. You may submit more than once (like we could tell anyhow) but each must be on its own post.The bids will then be compiled and voted on by Anons in the thread to determine who gets the contract. Voters should consider the mech's cost, effectiveness in the desired role, and the fluffiness of the sales pitch and description.>>RulesYear, tech base, and tech level to be used for the mech will be specified in the scenario, and should be followed.Positive quirks must equal or be exceeded by negative quirks, with no more than 6 quirks total.Adherence to the desired combat role, tonnage, or budget are not strictly necessary, but may impact how anons vote on your design.>>FormatingMech pitches should be formatted as follows:Chassis ModelRoleWeightQuirksBattle Value at a 4/5 pilotDry Cost in C-BillsSales pitch and In setting fluff.>> The first scenario will be posted after the OP with a deadline date and time.
Scenario OneThe year is 3151 and the inner sphere is at war. The long rearmament is in full swing and for some companies there are niches ready to be filled. One of these has long been held by the lowly Urbanmech. A cheap mech sold to worlds in need of a garrison and defense mech. It's not much but it fills a role to assure the citizens of nothing else.You think you can do better and snatch those long unopposed sells. Your challenge is to make a competitive mech better than the Urbanmech and take those sales!>> Requirements Make a cheap, jump capable mech that can deal a respectable punch. You need something that can perform as good or ideally better than an Urbanmech at a similar price point. Price: 1.5 Million c-bills or underSpeed: match or exceed the Urbanmech movement. Jumpjects recommend Weapons: At least one Hard hitting weapon, anti infantry or riot control weapons a plus but not required.>> End date:June 30th, 10AM EST(UTC+4)
>>98263506>The year is 3151 and the inner sphere is at war.Does this mean we can use Mixed Tech?
>>98263624You can use any tech. I forgot to include that in the scenario, something I have now updated in the template. It may make the price point harder to hit, but it's allowed.
>>98263675Well it turns out a Clan ER Large Laser runs a bit too hot without Double Heat Sinks, so we going super basic:Aoyama A0-YAmbusher25 TonsEasy to MaintainNarrow/Low ProfilePoor Life SupportDifficult EjectionBV2: 5681,388,646 C-billsThe Aoyama is a simple light mech essentially built around a Large Laser.Starting with Industrial Mech components, it's development lacks some of the "Quality of Life" features that could be expected of a more mature Battlemech, specifically in it's Life Support and Ejection Systems, but it's squat and narrow body gives it a much reduced target profile.This, plus the simplicity of the components, make it a rough riding but excellent Garrison Mech for Urban Centers, where it can make best use of it's 120 meter Jump range and 6 tons of armor.
>>98263506Sounds fun, ill play
LawmanSkirmisher/Anti-Infantry25 tonsNo quirks o speak ofBV 6111.428.750 C-BillsBuilt around proven technology, the 25-ton Lawman is a slow but hard-hitting machine. A shoulder-mounted PPC is supplemented by two Small Pulse Lasers deliberately arranged in a side-by-side handheld mount reminiscent of a shotgun. Eleven heat sinks are enough to allow for Jump Jet driven in-and-out actions reminiscent of the heavier Panther and Griffin models at a fraction of the price. Be it 'mechs or men, no-one can ignore the presence of the law!
Gonna bump this so it doesn't archive yet
How come mechs cost only 1-3 milly C-Bills? The Abrams MBT is $6-10 million. An F-35 costs $80-110 million. At 1.5 million C-bills, even small periphery nations should be able to field whole batallions of mechs.
>>98268116A c-bill is roughly $5 US in the 90s. Which still puts it cheaper. Don't dwell on BT economy to much or god kills a cat girl.That being said, you are looking at dirt cheap mechs at that price point. Very little new tech. It's hard to hit that price point really.
>>98268116>>98268222Plus remember, 1.5 million C-bills gets you a LIGHT mech like an Urbanmech or a Locust.
>>98268116Advances in manufacturing technology and economies of scale. The US can build an F-35 for about the same price as the Swedes can build the significantly inferior Gripen and for less than the French can build a moderately inferior Rafale, though I might be misremembering on the Rafale's price per unit.
>>98268116>How come mechs cost only 1-3 milly C-Bills? The Abrams MBT is $6-10 million. An F-35 costs $80-110 million. At 1.5 million C-bills, even small periphery nations should be able to field whole batallions of mechs.Like >>98268317 said, a 1 C-Bill =/= 1 USD. 1 C-bill : $1 in 1990 means that 1M C-bills is now ~$13.2M USD in CY+11. Cost-adjusted, a modernized Bradley that costs $4.5M would be ~342,000 C-bills or about 1/3 of a Locust - a mech that had been in production for 550 years at the time of the invasion - which would cost $19.8M USD. Heavier and less common mechs also require a huge amount of investment and engineering if you want to actually build them from scratch instead of cobbling them together from parts that have been kicking around in a warehouse for centuries. The prices are still fucked though so don't think about it TOO hard.
>>98268926>The prices are still fucked though so don't think about it TOO hard.There is a reason FASAnomics exist.
Apache APH-3Ambusher20 tonsBad Reputation (IS)No Ejection SystemPoor Life SupportNimble JumperReinforced LegsBattle ComputerBV2: 3901,548,083 C-BillsFerrando Industries is proud to present the APH-3 "Apache", a very affordable CQC-specialized humanoid 'mech for the 32nd century which we feel represents an aspect of urban combat that existing 'mechs overlook - stabbings. Featuring 5/8/3 movement, 4.5 tons of armor, a medium vibroblade and two heavy small lasers of Clan design, the guiding principle of the Apache represents our core principle of violence of action. To that end the legs have been reinforced to prevent damage while engaging in attacks from above, a Battle Computer has been installed to increase pilot reaction speeds, and precision during jumps has been increased via our proprietary K.A.I.Z.O. system. While some have criticized our decision to not implement an ejection system and our "sub-standard" life support and heat management systems, our response is that these features are not necessary when the 'mech is used as intended and pilot survival is in fact increased - during field tests performed in [REDACTED], zero test pilots were lost to ammunition explosions.We regret that we were incapable of meeting the exact financial requirements of the tender, but our legal department has retained several mathematicians who are prepared to testify that 1,548,083 rounds down to 1,500,000 at any level of precision and we are prepared to litigate if our tender is rejected on financial grounds.
Gambling on the promise of advanced technology at rock-bottom prices, SMITH-INDUSTIAL (Pty ltd) leveraged it's civilian 'mek and aviation infrastructure to produce the "cabbagemoth">Chassis ModelCabbageMoth "CbMth">Roleskirmisher>Weight25tQuirkseasy to maintain, improved life support, no ejection seat>Battle Value at a 4/5 pilot367>Dry Cost in C-Bills1,224,443 (1,225,000 with optional paint and wax coating)>Sales pitch and In setting fluff.Sun tsu said - "fight only on the ground you are strongest". to that we ask- why fight on the ground at all? capable of 4/6/6 movement thanks to it's partial wing, the cabbage moth can flit through urban sprawl and rough terrain alike, easily doubling the performance of many competitors. Offensively, the left arm is formed by an (almost new) blazefyre large laser, proven and easily replaced technology throughout the periphery. Defensively the 'mek carries 2.5t of armour primarily built around the head and torso. The left arm carries a fluid gun, reccomended to be loaded with 0.5 tonnes of water or other innert fluids for fire suppression (use of fluid gun for chemical warfare voids the warranty)Finally, as deluxe features, the Cabbagemoth has an arm with a hand and a CT dumper (rear) SMITH-INDUSTRIAL gambled that their use of industrial structure and commercial armour would be selling points, as it would allow price-consious buyers to source their own replacement parts domestically. This played into the high mobility, allowing the cabbagemoth to kite and escape unfavourable engagements if damaged. Critically, this supposed "survivability" was supposed to offset the lack of an ejection system (rendered impractical by the improved life support deemed nesessary for "fire suppression" with the fluid gun). They hoped that bureaucrats would see this as a way to encourage mekjocks to bring their frames back in one piece, or at least without losing the costly fusion engine.
>>98263506Napoleon MER-D5Skirmisher/Ambusher30 TonsNo Ejection System, Rugged (1)BV2: 5351,487,590 C-BillsThe first mech to be offered from Atlas International, the Napoleon aims to be a cheap, affordable and reliable alternative to the Urbanmech, while serving a wider variety of roles on battlefield.Based, visually, on the bulky-limbed look of the Crusader (especially the mechs large lower legs, the armor of which looks nothing so much like a pair of large boots), the Napoleon ends up looking, as one test-pilot commented, like "the child of a Crusader, dressed in its dads work-clothes." While not anywhere as intimidating or impressive a look as was hoped for, the mech none-the-less fills the role of an urban ambusher and security mech, designed to cheaply hold the line while back-up arrives. Its main armament is a ER Large Laser, mounted in the head with the help of a small cockpit. While a tight-fit, and lacking the hard-hit of the Urbanmech's usual armaments, Atlas International argues that it allows the mech to serve a wider variety of roles; it doesn't have to worry about ammo (much less ammo-explosions), and allows it to hit targets at far longer ranges, without resorting to artillery. This is backed up with a Small Pulse Laser in the left torso, and a flamer in the right, both mainly to serve as anti-infantry weapons, which is further enhanced by a machine in the right arm. 16 single heat-sinks work hard to keep the mech cool. Notably, an anti-personnel pod sits in each leg as standard; while there inclusion seems somewhat perfunctory to the mechs other armaments, they exist to address a flaw in the design. The mech was originally designed to have protected actuators, but the design team couldn't make it work, thus the pods inclusion to make up for this missing extra bit of protection in an urban environment. Although, the lack of an ejection system seems like a larger point of concern...
>>98263506Bakka BK-HARole: AmbusherWeight: 25 tonsQuirks: Improved Sensors, Narrow/Low Profile, No/Minimal Arms, Non-Standard PartsBV: 627Cost: 1,483,542 C-billsFukkyu Industries is pleased to announce a true premium defence option at a non premium price. Armed with the Bugkiller Heavy PPC, it is guaranteed to kill or cripple any would be raider that would come knocking at your door with a single shot. For any would be infantry our highly accurate Dissident-Remover Small Pulse Laser system provides an exceptional backup weapon. To aid target acquisition in an urban environment our Brighteyes Bakka Computer aids the sensors in detecting intruders allowing the pilot to redeploy and intercept effectively. If maintaining such a design is a concern our own subsidiary, Fukkyu Logistics, is willing to supply exclusive long term access to replacement parts. For more details contact our sales department at the Fukkyu Gaijin District on Luthien.All this in an affordable 25 ton small efficient boxy package, you would be truly bakka to not purchase one today!
>>98263506Are the cbill costs net or dry cost?
>>98270468Should be dry. Ammo is not really part of the unit cost
>>98263506Clan Seafox presents the Snipe. The Snipe utilized a mixture of clan and inner sphere technology to produce a low-cost, mobile, and well protected light battlemech.The primary armament of the Snipe is an accurate Seafox built ER PPC mounted on its back capable of delivering extreme firepower out to extreme ranges, while in its head are two clan small pulse lasers for fighting off enemy infantry or in close combat. Its primary armament is capable of outright destroying many light mechs in a single shot, and since all of its armament is centrally located in the torso and head disabling the Snipe without killing it outright is extremely difficult.For mobility the Snipe is capable of reaching ground speeds up to 86 km/h making it capable of keeping up with most line and trooper battlemechs while its two light jump jets offer some tactical flexibility in rough terrain. Finally for armor the Snipe is very well protected for its weight class, with ample armor to survive a volley of medium or pulse lasers that most mechs designed to hunt light mechs rely on.Clan Seafox is so confident in this battlemech that we've already started a full production run, planning to build at least 1000 battlemechs by the end of the year, although with contracts those numbers can be scaled up significantly.
>>98263506>>98270485Hotseat H0T-5E4TRole: Missile BoatWeight: 20 tonsQuirks: Easy to Maintain, Narrow/Low Profile, No/Minimal Arms, No Ejection SystemBV: 339Cost: 1,433,200 C-bills dryHere at Regulan Enterprises we believe that anyone attacking your property should be the first and last mistake they should be ever allowed to make. Our Hotseat Mobile Tactical Nuclear Delivery System will ensure that nothing will be left standing after any engagement. You will only ever need to teach your enemy this lesson once!
>>98270510Notice you didn't put a price on that...
>>98270665Its Clan Seafox, the price is always up for negotiation.
>>98270510This requires a price, role, weight, quirks if any and a BV listed to be considered
>>98263506Dreamer DMR-1Ambusher25 TonsQuirks: Easy to Maintain, Easy to Pilot, Exposed Actuators, Weak LegsBV: 504Dry Cost: 1,450,938-LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!There is often a competition in budget between the aerospace and mech acquisitions. And I tell you now, there was once a dream! A dream that was realized and can be again!Presenting to you, the Dreamer DMR-1! The first LAM in nearly a century, the first one to have a reasonable price since the days of the Star League, and the first one that costs below 2 million C-Bills!And even with such a low price tag, we have taken especial care to make sure to address the problems of those old designs to make ours easier to control and maintain! Now some of you may worry about the legs looking a bit exposed, but even in 'mech mode you can jump around and in all others you can fly! Who could do something like a kick to them? And infantry? Do you not see that X-Pulse Laser? Even if they could, such forces would be taken out with ease.
>>98270721Amazing you can't read a mech record sheet. Price is obviously under 1.5 mil, everything else is listed on the record sheet.
>>98270665Under 1.5 million. Is a price difference between 1,483,542 and 1,487,590 going to be a deciding factor?
>>98270762Everyone else is following the rules laid out in the OP and Scenario. It's as simple as that.
>>98270963Whatever
>>98263506Gecko GEK-1OMissile Boat25 TonsQuirks: Easy To Maintain, Easy to Pilot, Difficult Ejection, Exposed ActuatorsBV 598Dry Cost 1,500,000 C-BillsDesigned by two and a half men in a shed on Detroit, I present to you the Gecko, the perfect addition to any militia mech force looking for some firepower at a low cost. This beauty uses a stable four legged design that is easy enough to handle that even a child could pilot it making it an ideal trainer when not on guard duty! Off the shelf components means you don't have to search far for replacements if you so need it! Those MML's means this machine offers unparalleled versatility to any force letting it provide indirect fire support from afar or a mean punch up close, plus a rather strong riot control option should that need arise! If those ammo bins run dry then don't you worry that medium laser gives some reliable backup punch while you find time to reload. Don't worry about it being a bit awkward to get out of, five and half tons of armor with a C.A.S.E. protected ammo means you won't be needing to jump out anytime soon! Worried about infantry closing in on those legs? Well you can just jump away easily!This no nonsense approach to mech design can be yours for the exact price of one and half million!
>>98263624>>98263675>mixed techAnyone find it odd that MegaMek assigns the same C-bill price for the Clan and Inner Sphere versions of most weapons? Seems like the Clan version should be considerably more expensive.
>>98271332That's not a megamek problem thats a game problem from the get go. If it was up to me I'd be assigning Clan tech at least a 25% markup over IS equivalent in this era, if not higher.
>>98271332>>98271340I don't disagree here. Hell clan stuff is just fucking better. It's why by the dark age you see everyone slowly switching to clan tech as they can.I could have sworn they were different costs, but then I don't look at the newer construction book much.
>>98263506ChiselerRole: Ambusher, Juggernaut, Missile BoatTons: 25Quirks: Poor Workmanship, RamshackleBV 349 [BASE], 467 O, 470 Config OA, 407 Config OBDry Cost 1,237,240 C-bills [BASE], 1,474,740 C-bills O, 1,443,490 C-bills OA, 1,455,990 C-bills OB,[BASE]5.5 Tons of pod space2x Jump Boosters [FIXED]2x DHS Engine [FIXED]O Config2x RL10 RT2x RL10 LT1x Medium Laser RA1x DHS RT1x DHS LTOA Config1x Medium Laser RT1x Medium Laser CT1x Medium Laser LT1x DHS RT1x DHS LTOB Config1x MML3 RT1x MML3 LT1x MML3 SRM ammo RT1x MML3 LRM ammo RT1x CASE RTAhem is this thing on? Hello there yar maties! I hear you suck- I mean esteemed men of industry were on the market for some quality but low price hardware to defend and even stea- I mean strategically transfer equipment to alternative location if needed? Well good news Uncle Valaseks Discount Mekworks has your needs covered with the reasonably price and not totally assembled in a backyard Chiseler! What I hear you asking is this some kind of joke? No sir it is not and I am offended you'd even say that! Let me talk you through the points. Where are the weapons? Well here at Uncle Valaseks we believe in customer choice so why offer you one option when we can offer you several! This thing is a full blown omnimech, yes you heard me! Each config tailored to scam- I mean meet the need of our clients but you are free to build how you see fit! How you ask? Well we managed to obtain some specialist expertise, please just ignore that crying in the background as one of the lads just stubbed his toe and its not some Sea Fox scientist who has been volunteering his services to work on this project by force. ICE engine you say? A sensible cost saving given onto you, fusion engines are overrated, just keep some power amplifiers around if you do want energy weapons. Where did we get those double heatsinks you ask? Fell off the back of a dropship! Am I related to Helmar Valasek? I resent that accusation! Buy today!
>>98271474Not really. There's been passing lines to Clan tech being super expensive in lore but no set rules which is why the C-Bill is a terrible way of balancing and not a true measure of cost. So lore wise its more expensive but nothing in rules that says it is.
Some of these designs in the thread are so mad and stupid it feels like the ghost of FASA is here. Keep up the good work.
>>98271641It's glorious right?
>>98271772My particular favorites so far are the LAM and partial wing industrialmech. Feel like someone should send those to Herb.
>>98271814It's gonna be fun to see how the votes shake out. There are some mad ideas in here.
Just had a thought about the LAM actually. Isn't there an issue where LAMs are currently undercosted in terms of C-Bills on megamek because they never ported over the old rules about them costing more than standard mechs?
>>98271546Honestly I've seen worse mechs, running ICE and with only 2 dots for cooling means the OB variant is gonna struggle if the local planetary de- errr... pirate havens have urbies or locusts and they get into a prolonged engagement. With the OA configuration being ideal for prolonged operation once you ste- I mean legitimately salvage a fusion engine. 5/10 would run these mechs for my perfectly legitimate mercenary company who are in no way connected to organized crime
>>98271849It could be, I'll have to look and see I think the main issue for the LAM will be lack of pilots. Backwater Garrison pilots who normally pilot Urbanmechs are not top of the line anyhow.Finding enough trained as both areospace and mech pilots to fill even a small backwater Garrison? Unlikely
>>98271929I figured with 5.5 tons of pod space you could also get a light rifle with a ML or a hatchet with 2x ML and an extra DHS which aren't great on paper but perfectly sensible loadouts for running a protection racket- I mean intimidating local raider groups in the Periphery.>>98271940LAM pilots iirc struggle to get past 6/7 as a regular and 4/5 is basically an elite. I'll need to check where I read that though as I think it was Interstellar Ops but not sure.
>>98271988Found it page 100 of Interstellar Ops Alternative Eras.Just did a roll attempt there for a LAM pilot5/5 in Battlemech mode, 4/5 for Aerospace and this was rolling frankly rather well.
>ModelPeltast PLT-2>RoleSkirmisher>Weight25 Tons>QuirksNarrow/Low Profile, Difficult Ejection, Low-Mounted Arms>BV687>Cost1,433,958 C-BillsFor your consideration, the fine engineers at Slop Industries present the Peltast! Built around a newly available Clan-spec large pulse laser, the Peltast can deliver sustained volleys of punishing laser fire independent of resupply. While the Peltast's design favors survivability and firepower over speed, its class 100 fusion engine allows it to keep heavy mechs at a distance, with two jump jets to enhance its mobility in urban environments. When not harassing the enemy from afar, a pair of machine guns in low-slung arm mounts are perfect for providing close range fire support and/or controlling the restless populace, depending on your political inclinations. Placement of the main armament directly overhanging the cockpit may complicate ejection, but we at Slop Industries just like to think of it as encouragement for pilots to be on their best performance! And with a low profile chassis and surprisingly thick armor for its weight class, those pilots shouldn't even have to think of reaching for the ejection lever.
>>98272065Its a baby Marauder and I think its cute.I am also playing around with the ICE engine omni concept and I am starting to think if this was designed in universe the person who designed it could have been accused of using the thin line between genius and madness as a skipping rope. On one hand a fusion engine is way more weight efficient. On the otherhand utilizing a non fusion engine seems like it could be more crit efficient by letting you take advantage of having say DHS and weight saving materials without going over crit limit. Utilizing a fission engine as opposed to fusion I think might lead to a far more effective BA and infantry platform with the right mix of materials.
>>98272065Could have an all laser variant with small lasers instead of the mg's as well to push heat a bit more. Or swap to a base LL and small pulses to deal with infantry/ unruly populations with ideas of grandeur and/ or a say in local governance while still keeping the big gun and marauder feel. Overall love the tiny death machine
>>98271474>It's why by the dark age you see everyone slowly switching to clan tech as they can.Also because the clanners have been in the IS for a century. If anything IS tech should all essentially be defunct with the clans getting more specialized tech boosted to clan levels like light/heavy gauss rifles, PPCs, and ferro-fibrous armor. There's no logical reason why anyone in the IS is building IS AC/20s for example.
>>98272499Yeah, they have been there a while and export, but not everyone has updated. Some of that was ROS stupidity. Other parts was it was just cheaper to not upgrade.
>>98263505>modelBellephron BPR-1A>roleskirmisherquadmech>weight20 tons>quirkslow profile (+), compact mech (+)cramped cockpit (-), difficult to eject (-)>BV543>cost1,352,800 the Bellephron quadmech is our letest product for those who want long range firepower in a small packagepacking a head mounted light autocannon and ER medium laser and a pair of torso mounted medium lasers, this machine can harass enemies at long range before pouncing on vulnerable enemies with its lasersusing the brand new technology of caseless rounds, battlefield endurance is doubled while mounting two guns on the head does make the interior cramped and makes the ejector seat rather unreliable, it does reduce its profile considerablythe use of our unique low-pressure retractable quad leg system not only ensures accurate fire at all times, but allows the mech to lower itself until its barely touching the ground, shielding itself from return firewhen fully retracted, the mech forms a nearly perfect rectangular shape that allows it to be packed more efficiently into cargo spaces for long distance movement any allegation that the head-mounted guns were borrowed from the capellans is entirely unfoundedno capellan engineers or capellan investment capital was involved in the design
>>98271849They do cost more in MegaMek. There's a reason why the big gun had to be a Heavy Rifle and not an AC, PPC, or even an ER Large Laser while also having half the Jump Jets of a different person's design.
>>98272594Not everyone updating when even the deep periphery (eg. Hanseatic League) have had access to captured clantech before the 32nd century is just stupid.
>>98272707Which megamek version are you running out of curiosity cause I was running 0.50.11 there and I was getting your build for 1.3mil which didn't seem right?
>>98271332>>98271474>Hell clan stuff is just fucking better.FOOKING CLANNERS!Broke the game from the get-go, and now we're on the fourth attempt at Balance Math!>>98271546>Uncle ValaseksYou fat bastard!
>>98272657Wasn't the Bellerophon a 60 ton primitive that was back in production during the Jihad?
>>98272999totally forgot about that one>due to legal issues, the mech has been renamed to the Gentoo GTO-1
>>98263506>EST(UTC+4)New York is currently on EDT (UTC-4), moron.
>>98273033Eh the converter I used said it was +4. Clearly I should have double checked.
>>98272975>Broke the game from the get-go, and now we're on the fourth attempt at Balance Math!Fucking please. Tonnage was never a reasonable way to balance, either. An Awesome weighs the same as a Charger, after all.
>>98272929I'm using 0.51.00 which gave me the numbers I put in my post.
>>98273427>Tonnage was never a reasonable way to balance, either.True, still Clans got a bunch of shit that was higher damage, longer range, and lighter weights!
>>98273595>Clans got a bunch of shit that was higher damage, longer range, and lighter weights!Yeah, and twice the BV cost lol. And because BV overvalues range and speed and undervalues armor, it means that Clans end up being overpriced glass cannons. Seriously, most light OmniMechs are damn near unusable, unless they're boating heavy small lasers or something. Mediums are barely better, unless named "Stormcrow."
>>98273824Clans were introduced in 1989/90 and the precursor to BV known as Combat Value took until '92 to introduce in a side product and then needed a second attempt in '94 that was more visible. BV version 1 was 97, almost a decade after the Clans.Current version of BV2 was first in 2007 with a revision in 2021.
>>98272975So far the main takeaway from all this is just how broken the C-Bill is for determining cost. Autocannons in particular feel they should be a lot cheaper than they actually are and Clan tech C-Bill costs work out cheaper like legit Clan FF is cheaper than IS Heavy FF and Clan FF is the exact same price as IS FF but because it covers more armor works out cheaper!>>98273824BV as it stands also heavily underestimates heat dissipation potential. There are legit mechs that the only difference is they have DHS but are the exact same BV!>>98273468Just switched to that and now it makes sense. Incidentally if you remove composite and go with a LAC5 and flamer you can squeeze it just under 1.5mil in case you are interested?
>>98274275>Autocannons in particular feel they should be a lot cheaper than they actually are That has a lot to do with a fundamental flaw in how Battletech is balanced in general. The stats for various weapons were originally balanced based on the tech level of the Third Succession War, a time when double heat sinks weren't a thing and the higher heat generation of energy weapons helped offset their greater damage potential per ton relative to autocannons. But when they moved the timeline forwards and the availability of DHS meant that you could get an extra 10 heat dissipation per turn with no tonnage cost, autocannons suddenly became garbage weapons. What Battletech really needs is era-specific C-bill prices, where something like a standard AC/10 might cost its baseline price in 3025, but would cost less in 3067, and would be even cheaper by 3150.
>>98274275>Incidentally if you remove composite and go with a LAC5 and flamer you can squeeze it just under 1.5mil in case you are interested?I toyed with some other alterations and came up with this.-Threshold THS-1Ambusher20 TonsQuirks: Easy to Pilot, Protected Actuators, Poor Sealing, Weak LegsBV: 739Dry Cost: 1,499,940 C-BillsWe had heard this contract had a maximum price of 1.5 Million C-Bills and decided to see just how close we could get with our various contacts would allow for us to get to that. Our testing has revealed this.While this platform does admittedly only have 2 tons of armor, the cargo space is created in a way that it can easily be removed for an additional ton of armor if the client so wishes. It will just be something that comes out of their books as otherwise we are not longer within the requested budgetary constraints.
>>98275001Whoops, attachment wasn't properly on there.
>>98273824>>98274043>Clans were introduced in 1989/90 and the precursor to BV known as Combat Value took until '92 to introduce in a side product and then needed a second attempt in '94 that was more visible. BV version 1 was 97, almost a decade after the Clans.>Current version of BV2 was first in 2007 with a revision in 2021.EXACTLY, and talk is they are working on BV3 currently.>>98274728>But when they moved the timeline forwards and the availability of DHS meant that you could get an extra 10 heat dissipation per turn with no tonnage costWell the thing there was that originally, Engine Heat Sinks didn't exist and you had to mount at least 10 Heat Sinks in your Critical Slots.This is why Mechs like the Marauder ended up with a Torso Ammo Bomb; What was a Crit Packed Side Torso with some Ammo suddenly became VERY empty.One of the proposed buffs for Autocannons going forward is allowing them to eat a free Crit, at least mechanically expressing how they can be more reliable than Energy Weapons.
>>98274728>>What Battletech really needs is era-specific C-bill prices, where something like a standard AC/10 might cost its baseline price in 3025, but would cost less in 3067, and would be even cheaper by 3150.NTA but that would be cool. It also sounds one hell of a project. And gets really weird in cone areas as Cbills and house bills are different things and then the darkage had issues with money period.But it's a fun idea for a series of charts.
ScuttlerScout20tImproved Sensors, Compact Mech, Exposed Actuators, Poor SealingBV 5191,477,000 C-BillsThe Scuttler is Stronghold Manufacturing's latest offering, perfectly suited to the needs of any administration. Capable of navigating through standard roads at 86 kph without damaging the asphalt it walks on, the Scuttler can deploy wherever it is needed with minimal interruption to city services and be stored in a space as small as a suburban garage thanks to our patented folding leg design. Once at the scene of the incident, our advanced sensor package directly integrates a Beagle-spec Active Probe and TAG system to provide detailed information about damage, injuries, or positioning to police or medical personnel. A pair of Magna Mk IV lasers, mounted on each foreleg's actuator, allow for controlled and minimal damage while carrying out pursuits or subduing misappropriated IndustrialMechs, with a Mk III on standby when additional force is necessary. Once the pilot's work on the scene is finished, the cockpit's side window can be opened to let the fresh outside air in while filing a report using the terminal located behind their seat. For those with more specialized needs, we also offer the 1PX, upgrading the primary laser to an ER model, the 1C, which substitutes the TAG for a C3 computer, and the 1R, which replaces the laser with a five-tube Multi-Missile Launcher and two ammo bins.
>>98275637>EXACTLY, and talk is they are working on BV3 currently. Yeah, but it has nothing to do with Clans being overpowered. If anything, Clan units without pulse lasers tend to be overcosted if anything; again, because BV overvalues land speed and range, and undervalues armor. >One of the proposed buffs for Autocannons going forward is allowing them to eat a free Crit, at least mechanically expressing how they can be more reliable than Energy Weapons.And also compensating for how ballistic weapons are unreasonably enormous compared to all other weapons. >>98270130I actually like this one, but I feel like you can't call a 2/3/2 a "skirmisher." Fella struggles to generate any TMM whatsoever.
>>98276420Cool design. Impressive that you were able to get a decent electronics package with OP's budget limitation.
>>98276814I'd been building it as a 25 tonner but couldn't get a loadout that I liked underbudget or narratively coherent, so I pivoted to going heavy on the special systems on a lighter frame. If I'd had another half-million I probably would have found a way to fit jump jets and ECM, but I like this "police support/urban recon" build I've ended up with.
>>98276420So basically "we have Raven at home"?
>>98277173To be fair, you can get three of these for the price of a 3L Raven
>>98275637>One of the proposed buffs for Autocannons going forward is allowing them to eat a free Crit,That isn't proposed that made it into the new rules.
>>98276654>I actually like this oneThanks!>but I feel like you can't call a 2/3/2 a "skirmisher." Fella struggles to generate any TMM whatsoever.That's true. Don't blame me, blame the PR department.
We have one day left and almost 20 entries. This is honestly more than I expected, and I am loving the many takes. Maybe We didn't need 4 days.
>>98263506Ridgeback RDG-B4kAmbusher25 tonsno quirksBV 6481,443,750 C-BillsRasalhague Dominion Arms submits this design for the provided contract: Fitted with an IS large laser, clan SRM6 rack with two tons of ammo and a single Micro Pulse laser plated with 6 tons of standard armor with a 3/5/3 movement profile, designed for urban combat and ambush tactics with the SRM being the main damage dealer at close range with the large laser to give it some longer range firepower and the micro pulse laser for scything infantry and battle armor, the second ton of srm ammo can be removed and the tonnage gained can be used for other equipment or weapons as is needed.
>>98281026forgot the file damnit, figured I'd try my hand at this contest
>>98263506Netherlander NE-D1Role: SniperWeight: 35 tonsQuirks: Fine Manipulators, Improved Targeting (Long), Exposed Actuators, Poor Targeting (Short)BV: 757Cost: 1,466,693 C-bills including ammo.Listen up ladies, Ghetto Mekworks has got your final solution to the need for a cheap garrison mech. It ain't fancy, it ain't fast, but when you girls need something that can cleave an enemy in two with a single shot then what you need is some good old fashioned reliable firepower and this thing delivers! Built around a sophisticated gauss rifle sourced from our finest Sea Fox partners who are quite happy to trade without asking too many questions, we have optimized this design for long range firing allowing you to easily rip the wings off of any bug that enters your gun sights! If your would be raider does not get the message then consider the backup laser a handy little insurance policy more than capable of finishing them off not that we expect them to ever want to get close anyway. Of course we also programmed this little beauty to be fully capable of assisting your day to day logistical works as we don't believe in no hangar Queens but proper workhorses! All actuators have been adjusted so they can aid in basic construction to more complicated engineering works. When placing your order then the answers is yes that we do accept cash and can ship in bulk!
>>98280997Can always expand the voting into categories. There's enough variety to give people three or four votes to spread around.
Designs are closed. We have 17 options, which is a very nice turn out. I am working on listing them but the system thinks any list is spam.
1: Aoyama A0-Y 2: Lawman 3: Apache APH-3 4: CabbageMoth "CbMth 5: Napoleon MER-D5 6: Bakka BK-HA 7: Snipe 8: Hotseat H0T-5E4T 9: Dreamer DMR-1 10: Gecko GEK-1O 11: Chiseler 12: Peltast PLT-2 13: Bellephron BPR-1A 14: Threshold THS-1 15: Scuttler 16: Ridgeback RDG-B4k 17: Netherlander NE-D1Now as for voting. Let's do three categories1: which design do you think best replacement for the Urban mech at its price point?2: Which design do you personally like best?3: Which design is most innovative?4: Which design was just an off the wall bit of crazy, goofy or just WTF you just kinda like?Thease can be the same answer or different ones. But we will close voting in 2 days to give folks time to look em over. That is July 2nd.So let the voting begin!
>>98285237bellepheron was renamed to the gentoo, since apparently theres an existing one already named bellephron
>>98285237>1: which design do you think best replacement for the Urban mech at its price point?>>98270314 A cheap chassis that can fish for headshots is pretty hard to argue with, and a HPPC is more accessible than the clantech used by the other submissions that can. Making it so the not-Urbie only has to get lucky once makes breaking through a lance of them pretty scary.>2: Which design do you personally like best?>>98276420 because it's mine. And I like my EWAR design trying to slip past the Urbie comparisons with its gimmick.>3: Which design is most innovative?>>98270737 Using the LAM modes to quickly move a short-ranged main gun is a neat idea that I'd like to see if the mechanic gets any actual attention from CGL.>4: Which design was just an off the wall bit of crazy, goofy or just WTF you just kinda like?>>98271546 Fitting an Omni under budget in multiple loadouts is pretty nice, it's too bad they're so incompatible with C-Bill restrictions.
>>982852371) Lawman>>98264356This was hard as there were a few contenders but this wins out for me because the most complicated component on it are the small pulses and those are so common in the era that you'll find them in childrens cereal boxes. Good old reliable PPC is a good hole puncher no matter the era.2) Scuttler>>98276420I am a sucker for EWAR and I just like what they managed with that cost and tonnage.3) Threshold>>98275001Using a LAM for this is rather genius. This LAM wins out because I choose to believe that 1 ton cargo pod is used to carry criminals or swat teams that it can bomb people with.4) CabbageMoth >>98269856This was a hard one considering we have a literal nuclear coke can as one of the options on the table but I have chosen this as the king of batshit crazies because it feels so mad yet fitting for the universe like it is some odd custom job a bored militia force came up with and decided to offer it for sale for a laugh.Deciding was much harder than I expected cause I genuinely love a lot of designs people came up with.
>>98285237>1: which design do you think best replacement for the Urban mech at its price point?Gotta go with the CabbageMoth, >>98269856. Between the dumper, the fluid cannon and the price it seems like an oustanding urban garrison mech. I sure as shit wouldn't want to take it to war but it seems equally at home putting down riots, clearing rubble or participating in civic defense.>2: Which design do you personally like best?>>98269572 because KNOIFE but honestly I had to flip a coin between that and the CabbageMoth again. If you feel like recording a half-vote for each I'd appreciate it.>3: Which design is most innovative?>>98270737; LAMs are fun.>4: Which design was just an off the wall bit of crazy, goofy or just WTF you just kinda like?>>98276420 because stupid fast quadmechs are great and the TAG and probe make a lot of sense for supporting fixed defenses.
Bump for voting.
>>98285237>1The comparison point for this era appears to be the 1.5 mil UM-R68 with an MRM30, Small Pulse, and Small Laser or the 1.7 mil UM-R69 with a UAC/10, ER Small Laser, and Small Pulse. Both are the most common varieties being used during IlClan (even at Uncommon), with the base having fallen to Very Rare.I think within that context, the Snipe SNP-2A1 >>98270510 might be the best option overall.>2The CabbageMoth "CbMth" >>98269856, though not strictly for what all it is as I have some disagreements with the particular loadout. I'm just a sucker for having general engineering and disaster relief utility being part of garrison mechs because that's realistically going to be the huge part of their use.>3On both the in-universe difficulty of making one as well as on a meta level, I have to give it to the Dreamer DMR-1 >>98270737. The other LAM has better specs for it's weapons, but the Dreamer actually proved a way to squeeze LAMs into some very tight design specs.>4Hotseat H0T-5E4T >>98270561 takes it. The armaments are humorous, but designation being a leetspeak version of the proper name hit me with some old nostalgia.
Did anyone get why the Aoyama has it's name?
