Battletech Lore - Awesome Assault Battlemech

[@franksmedley8619]

Hello Grim. The Awesome is one of my favorite Mechs, ever. I have been playing B-Tech since late 1983, when it was Battle Droids. This just gives you an idea of how long I've been around. So, in my mid 20s, I ran into this game being 'play tested' at a Sci-Fi Con and liked it enough to find a copy. When I bought a 1984 copy of the game, it came with a rule book that had Mech Construction Rules in the back pages. And this is where my penchant for re-designing, and re-building Mechs came from, that is still with me to this day. As I said, I loved the Awesome. Partly due to its massive armoring, but also for its hitting power on the battlefield. The ONLY thing that I dis-liked was the penchant for it to over heat from prolonged use of its trio of PPCs. After a few battles where my forces 'took it on the chin' from having not enough firepower per turn of battle, mostly due to built up heat within the Awesome(s) on the field, I decided to 'fix' this problem. Using the Design Rules, I stripped out the three PPCs and the small laser. This alone netted me 22 tons 'to play with', without needing to alter much else on the Mech (yes I know that technically it comes to 21.5 tons, but by stripping off one point of armor from each arm, each leg, the center torso, and the 3 portions of the rear armor, yielded the additional 0.5 tons needed). I then swapped in three Large Lasers for the normally mounted PPCs, and replaced the small laser in the head, with a 4th Large Laser mounted upon the left arm. This 'cost' me 20 tons of weight, leaving 2 tons to spare. So, I added a pair of single Heat Sinks to the Mech as well, boosting it's cooling capacity from 28, up to 30. PPCs generate 10 heat upon each firing, and three of them equal 30 Heat total. Add movement and you get up in the range of 32 heat per turn generated. Subtracting the cooling for 28 Heat Sinks, still leaves up to 4 Heat per combat turn in build up. Which ends up meaning you can't fire that 3rd PPC after about the 2nd triple firing. It could take up to 4 or 5 combat turns to cool the Mech sufficiently to return to the all up triple shot maximum output. Which I saw as being inefficient. So, I exchanged the 3 PPCs, Small Laser, and a bit of Armor, for 4 Large Lasers and a pair of Heat Sinks. Large Lasers generate only 8 heat per combat turn each, and thus the Mech's full 'Alpha Strike' would be 32 Heat. This was only 2 heat above the new installed limit of 30, and made the heat build up over time a lesser factor. The Mech could continue to pump out damage for longer periods without excessive heat build up effects. Also, turning off one Large Laser for a couple of turns would cool down the Mech relatively faster than what would occur with the PPCs. So, the 4 Large Laser Awesome would do more damage over time to the Enemy, over the older design. As for damage in combat. the older Awesome's 3 PPCs would do up to 30 damage per combat turn, provided all hit the target, and all three were fired (which was not always the case as you can see from above). The newer Awesome would pump out up to 32 damage per combat turn, provided all hit the target, and the number of turns where 'alpha strikes' were available was longer. Yes, one can argue that the law of averages would tend to leave off one of the Large Lasers, but the same argument can be made for the 3rd PPC as well. So, unless you are a 'numbers geek', the difference wouldn't mean that much on the battlefield. One can argue as to which version is 'best', but I tend to stand by the 4 Large Laser version as being tactically superior to the PPC version. I admire your liking for the Awesome, but I felt compelled to offer a Mech design that was superior to the original concept, all be it, only slightly. A side note about the two designs. PPCs can often be hard to locate and obtain for replacement. Whereas Large Lasers are more commonly found and available. Thus making the Mech more profitable, easier to maintain, and as I said, I feel it is 'better' in combat. The only detriment to the 4 Large Laser design, is the load it places upon the Mech's fire control. But that is easily solved with a software patch, readily available throughout the Inner Sphere. Enough from me for now, speaking Frank-ly Oh, and I vote C: Construction Mechs. Most players ignore them entirely, but a Construction Mech, in an Urban setting, CAN be a dangerous foe.

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Always appreciate your in-depth input.

[@franksmedley8619]

@@GrimDarkNarrator Hey Grim. Why thank you for the 'Awesome' reply. I go into depth on some replies for two reasons, to give you context for my reply, and how it came to be. And, so that others can replicate my designs to use in their games, should they wish to. This is why the Awesome and Locust replies are so detailed... I hope I don't 'bore you to tears' with them. All events are things that DID happen within the period of time I played with the 'Group' for so many years. Those, and so many others I could comment upon at length, but I won't. But, at least you know where I am 'coming from' on these lengthy replies. speaking, Frank-ly

[@douglasbaker4562]

My Vote is "A" Aerospace Fighters. Why do I like the Awesome? Here is the battle: I was quite new to Battletech and had little Table Top experience. I wad allowed a chance to play an Atlas vs my friend who would be using an Awesome (all basic, no variants). We started off on a Terran like world with a mix of light woods and desert terrain. We agreed on a 25 turn time limit. Whoever was most functional by then would be the winner. I was overconfident until about turn 8. I made the huge mistake of relying on my Atlas' armor and LRM 20 to engage in a long range duel. I did strike but did scattered damage, with only his head and right leg untouched. On turn 8 I realized that he had already hit my Center Torso twice with his PPC's. I charged ahead and fired my full compliment as soon as I was in range...in Turn 11. He kept backing up as he fired and I had to run to make any real progress. At this time I finally did enough damage to open up his left (unarmed) arm and damaged his lower arm actuator. He had hit my left and right torsos at least once apiece. My chance to kill the Awesome finally came when I was in ra be of my AC 20, SRM 6 and Medium Lasers. I scored with my AC 20 in his Center Torso and both the Lasers hot his left leg! Even better, my SRM 6 had put a missile on his head twice in the last two turns!!! It was now turn 13. We were both over heating. I had nothing left of my armor on the left torso, center torso and the right leg had taken two PPC hits ready. I fired first. I hit his left arm with my AC 20, destroying it completely! My SRM 6 hit his Mech but nothing major. Ditto one of my Medium Lasers. He fired EVERYTHING! All 3 PPC's and the Small Laser. The three PPC's were a miss, and two hits. My Center Torso and right leg. Worse, it was the Small Laser which touched off my remaining LRM Ammunition. RIP my left torso and left arm as well as the heat sinks that were there. Turn 14. I fired my AC 20...and missed. My Medium Laser struck but again, did little. He fired two of his PPC's and the Small Laser. My right leg and Center Torso both were destroyed. Game over. The Awesome had beaten the Atlas and I learned a lot. He congratulated each other and went over what had happened. I lost the fight but not my friend.

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Peter_Morris]

That -11M variant sounds like how I used to build out my mechs in Mechwarrior 3 and 4. I’d take a big assault mech, strip out everything, then increase slowness, armor, and heat sinks until I could just fire energy weapons nearly continuously. It was always so satisfying to hit a light mech on the run from 800 m out. I like the Awesome because you didn’t really have to change too much. My vote is for Aerospace fighters because I really love flying things.

[@thegreatbamboozler4837]

This is the Richard Rawlings of battlemechs, "COME AND GET YOU SOME!!!!"

[@aceu.c.veteran5167]

0:41 I'd be sorry too, this mech kicks ass fr.

[@AWholeLegionary]

You're right. It is Awesome.

[@YukitoOnline]

This is an *"AWESOME"* video.

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Agreed

[@HamanKarn567]

I only ever played mech Warrior 4 games but it was one of my favorites from them at least.

[@kilowatonBluray]

Love the awesome so much, it’s good at everything and it’s tough as well. Also it’s called the awesome, you can’t not like a mech called the awesome. I vote B

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

An awesome mech indeed.

[@warsprite1888]

I Vote Unseen Warships: (Pinto, Wagon Wheel, Mako, etc.)

[@toxofoz6233]

I can't be the only one who finds the aggressive boxiness of the MWO design better than the old Ral Partha metal and new Kickstarter sculpts? the MWO is scary the others look like big soft teddy-bears.

[@Hippy576]

I vote for option B. Warships are very interesting but don’t get much attention. Great video as always

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thank you.

[@robertdandrea3106]

2 ppcs in the chest large laser in the right arm for when it gets a little closer is a classic for me

[@NOLMAD6]

Thanks for vid and yes it’s a fab for me too. It’s big, well armoured and I feel in love with when the BT cartoon was out Vote C

[@GrimReaperGaming2031]

memories from the old games back when i had decent aim and could headshot three mechs with a salvo then overheat and get bum rushed by the survivor.....good times

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

lol

[@johnashley-smith4987]

Thanks for the Awesome video! Is that model you used in the video a re-sculpt?! I wasn't aware they re-did it! The shop I used to buy my Battletech models from closed in 2015 sadly, and no other game stores in my area carry them. Guess I ought to check Iron Wind Metals website more often! Next video vote option B Thanks again!

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Sorry to hear about your store closing.

[@juliodiaz1097]

A. I have one in my army. Felled many mechs in a turn with the amount of armor melted off.

[@chaos7707]

My first fight against clans was in awesome! Awesome is great mech for the price!

[@Comicsluvr]

A wonderful weapon platform. I often trade out the two waist PPCs for Large Lasers both to mitigate heat and to enable it to engage opponents point-blank.

[@randyrrandelson6444]

That sounds like a good mod

[@jameskish4044]

C. My own AWS-8Q is named "Sand Man"

[@machinist7230]

You missed the 11h variant - 3 headcapping heavy ppcs, and enough heatsinks to alph strike every single round.

[@Dariushellstrome]

I would like option C. I never was able to get one when my friends and I were playing the old table top. I was able to use it in one off games so I have played it great mech but never in what I consider my real battletech

[@Da5hau]

That was an Awsome video of an Ansome mech with Awesome Weaponry, Awsome Armour ..... OK that's enough Awsomness ;) B

[@robr7007]

Great video as usual. Well if it's got to be no mechs I guess B warships would be interesting

[@lordcypher7922]

Great video I’d love to hear more about aerospace fighters next

[@UCSPanther20]

The Awesome is to the Atlas what the Masakari is to the Daishi.

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Well said.

[@lexington476]

This was an awesome video on the Awesome, you did an awesome job at it 🤘🤘👍👍😎.

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

I see what you did there.

[@lexington476]

@@GrimDarkNarrator I can occasionally pull off a few decent puns ☺🙂😊.

[@Autobotmech]

Gotta go with option C , construction mechs. Keep up the..ahem Awesome job.. I'll show myself out ^^ll

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

We can both go.

[@markreece4261]

C please. Gotta love a chonky awesome

[@bartonbrevis3831]

A - is for Aerospace Fighters.

[@anthonymonaghan4964]

A. please love me some aerospace especially the Shilone

[@traviscochran6280]

The awesome is a beast. If it could jump it would be perfect.

[@thegreatbamboozler4837]

We call that a HIGHLANDER!

[@traviscochran6280]

I vote for C. Construction mechs!

[@philips.5563]

You can trigger nerds by calling this the "Aight".

[@caddmus]

I say C! got with C! If I could I'd vote more then once for C, maybe even 3 times, a C3...one might say... :D

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote.

[@Ungeboren1988]

C Construction Mechs to build more Cities to fight in

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Sound logic!

[@dannythetoesmasher]

Voting A, even though C could be informative

[@THEDonnyB]

TOTALLY!

[@pbr-streetgang]

Thanks for the vid sir .👍🏼👍🏼 Again i vote A B C... lol.👋🏼

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

You're welcome!

[@lexington476]

IndustrialMechs. Don't know much about them.

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@jasonulysess3652]

Helloo Awesome one!

[@lonestar1701]

B....warships for sure.

[@whatsthisdoinghere]

C, and thanks!

[@samsonsteinreis9660]

B: Warships ! :)

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@kbdman6922]

B Gotta luv warships

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@dantauche7917]

C! Great vid

[@lloydlaboratory8408]

C - Construction Mechs

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@eltoxicdog7587]

M'Lord...C.

[@benjaminfinlay829]

Voting A.

[@VallenVRC]

A. AeroSpace fighters

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@oriffel]

warships warships warships!

[@justincarlozmaxino1100]

Aw Sum edit: Option C

[@stevespear5365]

B Warships!

[@boneshaman8912]

B. worship the warships

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@stillstartreking]

A please!

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@Steiner5769]

C please

[@Spharv2]

B. Warships

[@Intro2Love]

c please

[@jasonulysess3652]

B. For me.

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@DaBunnanaKing]

Voting for B

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@erikthorup4336]

I vote c

[@madkat447]

Warships

[@loopymoomoo1]

C, learn us about the construction mechs

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@korritaranis672]

Vote A.

[@KeystoneCarcajou]

C.

[@LORDOFDORKNESS42]

Vote C.

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@johnsmoke4249]

B please

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote.

[@power2084]

A.

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote.

[@overlordbunny5871]

C, please.

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote.

[@terjethornqvist4361]

C

[@ericbutler527]

B

[@Bafimar01]

vote c

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@chrisgibson6061]

A

[@tank.9393]

c

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote.

[@extijarm]

C.

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@3rdcain356]

C

[@a6mzeke1]

B

[@smokestriker1258]

A

[@dracphelan]

B

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@tyreecebaker6600]

B

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@qwertyman4]

A

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@maxbrandt6]

A

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@fluttershy89]

A

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote!

[@rjlarose5271]

B

[@GrimDarkNarrator]

Thanks for the vote.