Gargoyle (Snowjeepney Edition)

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  • Last Post 28 April 2018
Snowjeepney posted this 27 April 2018

Gargoyle (Snowjeepney Edition) 

 

Mass: 80 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped Omnimech
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 2945
Cost: 24,411,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,120

Chassis: WOD-2 Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Model SF-3 400 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
    Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Forging C629/j Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    24.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Tokasha Mechworks
    Primary Factory: Tokasha
Communications System: Raldon R1
Targeting and Tracking System: Version Kappa-III TTS

Overview:
The Gargoyle is arguably one of the most confounding Assault Omnimechs ever
created.  Supposedly designed by Clan Wolf alongside the Timber Wolf as a
successor to the aging Woodman, the 80-ton Gargoyle suffers from a bad
combination of being overengined, oversinked, undergunned, and underarmored. 
Yet, it is somehow considered as one of the more deadly assault-class
BattleMechs fielded by the Invader Clans, and has its equal share of admirers
and detractors, with me belonging in the latter.

That said,  there is stiill hope for this "lemon" of a 'mech; it just needs a
"Snowjeepney Edition" (SE for short) makeover, and hopefully make a decent
lemonade out of this.

Let's start with the base configuration; for some reason, the original Gargoyle
had a Standard Chassis, even though its predecessor, the Woodsman, had an
Endo-Steel Chassis.  For the Gargoyle (SE), I believe in keeping a certain
degree of continuity, and so this version of the Gargoyle would also have an
Endo-Steel Chassis, just like its predecessor.  Protection was also increased,
with the  Ferro-Fibrous armor increased to 12.5 tons.  However, the Gargoyle
(SE) would also have 16 built-in double heat sinks, as I believe this is its
most defining trait of the Gargoyle. 

Sadly, all these changes only led to the pod space maxing out at 24 tons; a
measly improvement, but still an improvement.  (It has good company too; the
90-ton Kingfisher has the same pod space, but trades in speed for durability.)

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Snowjeepney posted this 27 April 2018

Capabilities:
One of the main gripes about the original Gargoyle is that its configurations,
with certain exceptions, are mostly atrocious.  In the "Snowjeepney Edition" of
the Gargoyle, the plan was to base the first four configurations on the
original; after that, the other configurations would be completely original and
(hopefully) decent.

The Gargoyle(SE) Prime bears an external passing resemblance to the original,
retaining only the SRM-6 launchers on each arm for close-range combat; instead,
the peashooters (LB 5-X autocannons) and the ER Small Lasers are stripped out
and replaced with three Large Pulse Lasers, with one per arm and one in the
center torso.  While not as far-reaching as the autocannons, the Pulse Lasers
are not ammo-dependent, and are useful regardless of range.  An ECM Suite on
the head rounds out the armament.

In the same vein as the original Gargoyle A, the Configuration A of the
Gargoyle(SE) features an all-energy arsenal, albeit consisting of three ER
PPCs, with one per arm and one in the center torso, with all three cannons tied
to a targeting computer.  With only 18 double heat sinks, volley firing is the
best way to manage the heat.

Like the original Gargoyle B, the Configuration B of the Gargoyle(SE) has a
Gauss Rifle on the right arm as the main weapon, supplied by three tons of
ammo.  THe big gun is supported by a pair of ER Large Lasers on the left arm,
and an ER Medium Laser on the center torso for close-range backup.

Compared to the original Gargoyle C, the Configuration C of the Gargoyle (SE)
is a more complete urban combat specialist.  An Ultra AC/20 on the right arm is
its primary weapon.  This is backed up by four ER Medium Lasers ( 3 on right
arm, 1 in center torso) and a Small Pulse Laser on the head.  An Active Probe
helps detect any hidden enemies, while three jump jets would allow the 'mech to
get around tight spots.

The Configuration D of the Gargoyle(SE) is completely different compared to the
original, and  is best described as the Woodsman 2.0.  An ER Large Laser on
each arm and an LRM-15 launcher in each side torso are the main long-range
weapos, supported by a quartet of ER Medium Lasers (1 per arm, two in the
center torso), and a head-mounted Small Pulse Laser for
anti-infantry/battlearmor purposes.

Configuration E of the Gargoyle(SE) features a Heavy Large Laser on each arm as
the main weapons, supported by an LRM-20 launcher for long-range combat, and a
pair of Heavy Medium Lasers for close-range combat.  A Targeting Computer helps
counter the notorious inaccuracy of the Heavy Lasers.  Even with 20 double heat
sinks, overheating is still a possible problem.

Configuration F of the Gargoyle(SE) emphasizes flexibility, with an LB 10-X AC
on the right arm and an ATM-9 on the left arm.  Backing up these ammo-dependent
weapons are four ER Medium Lasers.

Featuring the latest in Gauss Rifle technology, Configuration G of the
Gargoyle(SE) sports a HAG-20 on the right arm, supported by an LRM-15 launcher
on the left arm, and an ER Large Laser in the center torso.  An AP Gauss Rifle
in the right torso rounds out the armament.

The Configuration of Gargoyle(SE) takes inspiration from the Warhammer IIC, and
combines the new technologies created by both Warden and Crusader camps.  An ER
PPC on each arm are the main long-range weapons, supported by a trio of ER
Medium Lasers and a Heavy Medium Laser, as well as a Micro Pulse Laser for
anti-infantry/battlearmor combat.  This configuration also features a
multi-ranged ATM-6 launcher on the left shoulder, while an additional double
heat sinks helps dissipate waste heat.

The last and least likely utilized, Configuration N of the Gargoyle(SE) is
meant for artillery support should the situation calls for it, and a Naga or
Bowman is not available.  An Arrow IV Missile launcher, supplied with three
tons of ammo, completely occupies the right arm and torso of the 'mech. 
However, it's capable of defending itself, with an ER PPC in the center torso
and three ER Medium Lasers on the left arm.


The "Snowjeepney Edition" of the Gargoyle may be more costly compared to the
original, and still just as likely to be passed over in favor of the more
efficient 75-ton Timberwolf; but at least this version would be more powerful
and has better durability, while having configurations that are (hopefully)
more useful and less wasteful.

That said, reviews and comments are most welcome.

Snowjeepney posted this 27 April 2018

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel                   122 points                4.00
    Internal Locations: 1 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine:             XL Fusion Engine             400                      26.50
    Walking MP: 5
    Running MP: 8
    Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             16(32)                    6.00
Gyro:               Standard                                               4.00
Cockpit:            Standard                                               3.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA
Armor:              Ferro-Fibrous                AV - 240                 12.50
    Armor Locations: 2 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL

                                                      Internal       Armor     
                                                      Structure      Factor    
                                                Head     3            9        
                                        Center Torso     25           34       
                                 Center Torso (rear)                  15       
                                           L/R Torso     17           24       
                                    L/R Torso (rear)                  10       
                                             L/R Arm     13           26       
                                             L/R Leg     17           31       

================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime                                          Cost: 26,645,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2,469

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: LA, RA                                                 0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SRM-6                                        RA        4         1         1.50
Large Pulse Laser                            RA        10        2         6.00
SRM-6                                        LA        4         1         1.50
Large Pulse Laser                            LA        10        2         6.00
Large Pulse Laser                            CT        10        2         6.00
ECM Suite                                    HD        0         1         1.00
@SRM-6 (15)                                  RA        -         1         1.00
@SRM-6 (15)                                  LA        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 20

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 25
5          5       5       3       0      4     0   Structure:  4
Special Abilities: OMNI, ECM, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 2/2/0


================================================================================
Loadout Name: A                                              Cost: 26,553,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 3,237

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             18(36)                    2.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 RT
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER PPC                                       RA        15        2         6.00
ER PPC                                       LA        15        2         6.00
Targeting Computer                           LT        -         4         4.00
ER PPC                                       CT        15        2         6.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 19

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 32
5          5       5       5       0      4     0   Structure:  4
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: B                                              Cost: 26,301,900
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2,550

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: RA                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gauss Rifle                                  RA        1         6        12.00
2 ER Large Lasers                            LA        24        2         8.00
ER Medium Laser                              CT        5         1         1.00
@Gauss Rifle (24)                            RT        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 19

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 26
5          4       5       4       0      4     0   Structure:  4
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: C                                              Cost: 27,156,900
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2,651

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Jumping MP: 3  (Standard)
    Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 1 RT                                   3.00
    CASE Locations: RT                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultra AC/20                                  RA        7         8        12.00
3 ER Medium Lasers                           LA        15        3         3.00
Active Probe                                 LT        0         1         1.00
ER Medium Laser                              CT        5         1         1.00
Small Pulse Laser                            HD        2         1         1.00
@Ultra AC/20 (15)                            RT        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 11

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 27
5/2j       6       6       0       0      4     1   Structure:  4
Special Abilities: OMNI, PRB, RCN, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: D                                              Cost: 27,097,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2,750

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: LT, RT                                                 0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER Large Laser                               RA        12        1         4.00
ER Medium Laser                              RA        5         1         1.00
ER Large Laser                               LA        12        1         4.00
ER Medium Laser                              LA        5         1         1.00
LRM-15                                       RT        5         2         3.50
LRM-15                                       LT        5         2         3.50
2 ER Medium Lasers                           CT        10        2         2.00
Small Pulse Laser                            HD        2         1         1.00
@LRM-15 (16)                                 RT        -         2         2.00
@LRM-15 (16)                                 LT        -         2         2.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 16

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 28
5          5       5       3       0      4     1   Structure:  4
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, LRM 1/1/1, IF 1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: E                                              Cost: 26,778,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2,563

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             20(40)                    4.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 2 LA, 2 RA
    CASE Locations: LT                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA+LA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heavy Large Laser                            RA        18        3         4.00
Heavy Large Laser                            LA        18        3         4.00
Heavy Medium Laser                           RT        7         2         1.00
Targeting Computer                           RT        -         2         2.00
LRM-20                                       LT        6         4         5.00
Heavy Medium Laser                           CT        7         2         1.00
@LRM-20 (18)                                 LT        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 4

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 26
5          5       5       1       0      4     2   Structure:  4
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: F                                              Cost: 26,771,250
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2,316

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: LA, RA                                                 0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC                                   RA        2         5        10.00
ER Medium Laser                              RA        5         1         1.00
ATM-9                                        LA        6         4         5.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           CT        10        2         2.00
ER Medium Laser                              HD        5         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10)                         RA        -         1         1.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (10)                      RA        -         1         1.00
@ATM-9 (7)                                   LA        -         1         1.00
@ATM-9 (ER) (7)                              LA        -         1         1.00
@ATM-9 (HE) (7)                              LA        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 14

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 23
5          6       5       2       0      4     0   Structure:  4
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: G                                              Cost: 26,523,750
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2,276

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: RT, LA, RA                                             0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAG-20                                       RA        4         6        10.00
LRM-15                                       LA        5         2         3.50
AP Gauss Rifle                               RT        1         1         0.50
ER Large Laser                               CT        12        1         4.00
@LRM-15 (16)                                 LA        -         2         2.00
@HAG-20 (18)                                 RT        -         3         3.00
@AP Gauss Rifle (40)                         RT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 16

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 23
5          4       4       4       0      4     0   Structure:  4
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1, FLK 1/1/1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: I                                              Cost: 26,961,375
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2,858

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         Double Heat Sink             17(34)                    1.00
    Heat Sink Locations: 1 RT
    CASE Locations: LT                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ER PPC                                       RA        15        2         6.00
ER PPC                                       LA        15        2         6.00
2 ER Medium Lasers                           RT        10        2         2.00
ER Medium Laser                              LT        5         1         1.00
ATM-6                                        LT        4         3         3.50
Heavy Medium Laser                           CT        7         2         1.00
Micro Pulse Laser                            HD        1         1         0.50
@ATM-6 (10)                                  LT        -         1         1.00
@ATM-6 (ER) (10)                             LT        -         1         1.00
@ATM-6 (HE) (10)                             LT        -         1         1.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 15

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 29
5          5       5       3       0      4     3   Structure:  4
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA


================================================================================
Loadout Name: N                                              Cost: 26,774,400
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E-A                       BV2: 2,580
Rules Level: Advanced Rules

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    CASE Locations: RT                                                     0.00
    Actuators:      L: SH+UA+LA+H    R: SH+UA

Equipment                                 Location    Heat    Critical    Mass 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 ER Medium Lasers                           LA        15        3         3.00
Arrow IV Missile                             RT/RA     10        4/8      12.00
ER PPC                                       CT        15        2         6.00
@Arrow IV (Homing) (15)                      RT        -         3         3.00
                                            Free Critical Slots: 11

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      8    Points: 26
5          5       4       2       0      4     0   Structure:  4
Special Abilities: OMNI, ARTAC, CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA

Prince posted this 28 April 2018

The reason for the stock Gargoyle's odd guns was because it was made for the "Dueling rules" which were released around the time of the clan invasion, which covered Solaris 7 and Circle of Equals. In these, Each "turn" is a third of a normal battletech turn and all guns have recycle/reload times while generating their heat and damage.

In those games, the Gargoyle Prime is king. With the LB-5's and SRM's reload being one dueling "turn", and with 20 heat dissipation on a variant that can barely make 10 heat, the Prime Garg is only constrained by it's good shooting and ammo versus most other clan 'mechs. The Vapor Eagle is also a good example of dueling rules, using such a large assortment of machine guns.

As for yours- you kept some of the spirit by trying to keep guns out of the side torsos for elemental carrying, and filling that carnivorous XL engine with DHS is the right proper thing to do. I appreciate the one artillery variant, too. My inner Min-Maxer wants the HML's on the E variant to be turned into proper ER MLs beside the heavies for dat synergy.

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