Mercenary's Handbook Update: Support for Star League Equipment

• Double Heat Sinks: --. The Double Heat Sink is estimated to still be several years away from mass production even for the Federated Suns. Nonetheless, Double Heat Sinks are now suffeciently understood to be effectively maintained in the field, and can even be repaired in some circumstances.
• CASE: --. CASE is still largely a mystery to Inner Sphere technicians, but existing CASE systems are very robust, and require no special field maintenance.
• Anti-Missle System: --. Anti-Missle systems are really just improved machine guns linked to a sophisticated targetting/tracking control system. The control system is what prevents the Successor States from rebuilding the AMS, and it is very difficult to repair in these days. A working system, however, is a snap to maintin, and the ammunition is easily available.
• ER Weapons: --. Extended Range Weapons use very precise crystals and generators to extend the range of Lasers and Particle Beams. These weapons cannot be repaired, much less reproduced, with current technology, but a working model requires no special care, aside from a better cooling system.
• Pulse Lasers: +1 if any on the unit. Pulse Lasers use precise crystals which cannot be reproduced by any known process. But the rapid pulse technology puts great strain on the firing mechanisms, requiring constant replacements.
• LB-X Autocannons: +1 if any on the unit. The LB series Autocannon use very precise bores, and the design of the cluster rounds is lost. These autocannons can become clogged if not cleaned regularly. The Cluster rounds themselves are elementary to maintain. LB-X equipment cannot be built or repaired currently, even though most of the theories are now fairly well understood.
• Ultra Autocannons: +2 if any on unit. Like the LB-X autocannons, this series requires a very precise bore. Even more troublesome, the triggering mechanisms used to fire the cannon can jam easily, without proper maintenance.
• Streak SRM Launchers: +1 if any on the unit. The Streak launchers use a fine beam laser system to target the missiles. This system takes more upkeep than older SRM systems, although the missiles themselves are no more complicated. Modern munitions facilities cannot build Streak missiles, although ordinary SRMs will work in a Streak launcher.
• Artemis IV Fire Control Systems: +1 if any on the unit. Artemis is a simplified version of the Streak system, and requires similar maintenance. Neither are sufficiently understood to be reproduced in the modern Successor States.
• Narc Beacons: +2 if any on the unit. Narc Beacons are a sophisticated control algorithim linked through a small communications relay on each missile. The Narc Pod launcher is essentially an SRM, but the Beacons are impossible to rebuild, and difficult to maintain. Missiles which can home in on Narc Beacons are no more complicated than ordinary munitions, but still cannot be reproduced.
• Thunder submunitions: --. Thunder LRM rounds are missiles able to deploy small minelets over an area. They are fairly basic technology, no more complicated than an ordinary missile. A few firms have begun to manufacture Thunder prototypes for the NAIS; whether they will be released to the general public seems unlikely.
• Swarm submunitions: --. Swarm missiles can automatically acquire secondary target if they ever lose track of their primary target. The equipment needed to successfully target military equipment (and not terrain features) is impossible to reproduce at this time. Nonetheless, the missiles themselves are very reliable.
• Gauss Rifles: +2 if any on the unit. In addition to the precise bores of the LB-X series autocannons, the Gauss Rifles use powerful mangets to propel the slugs to extreme speeds. The magnets and shielding needed are utterly beyond modern manufacturing techniques, and even minor repairs are often impossible. Fortunately, the ammunition is simply a shaped lump of iron, and can be easily manufactured by nearly any arms industry.
• Guardian ECM Systems: +2 if any on the unit. The Guardian system is far too complex to reproduce or repair nowdays. Even intact units can occasionally fail without careful maintenance.
• Beagle Active Probes: +1 if any on the unit. SLDF Active probes are simply more powerful versions of modern 'Mech sensors. They can be mintained with a little extra effort, and even repaired in some circumstances. The NAIS has slowly been unraveling the Beagle design, and most expect the institute to finally field a prototype within the next five years.
• Arrow IV Artillery Systems: +3 if any on a 'Mech. +1 if any on a vehicle. The Arrow IV is a more compact form of artillery cannon; moreover, Arrow shells are semi-guided, making them impossible to reproduce currently. Even the NAIS has failed to rediscover the design for the Arrow IV so far. Repairing damaged systems is almost impossible, but they can be maintained.
• TAG Gear: +1 if any of the unit. TAG is used to direct Arrow IV Artillery fire to its target. The TAG system itself is sophisticated, but it is now within the capabilities of the Successor States to build. In 3039, a communications company in the Free Worlds League began selling a rudimentry TAG system upon special request (and approval of the FWL government). Since the TAG is virtually useless without an Arrow IV system, many now believe Marik is on the verge of a breakthrough in rediscovering the Arrow. Others point out that the Free Worlds League has barely ordered any itself, and speculate the firm is simply trying to establish high-tech image. Whatever the case, TAG systems are now replaceble, and they are not overly comlicated to maintain.
• Secondary 'Mech Command Consoles: +10 if on the 'Mech. The secret weapon of the Star League, Secondary Command Consoles allowed a passenger seated in a BattleMech to coordinate the strategy of their entire force. These consoles cannot be reproduced, although they are one of the highest priorities at the NAIS. Consoles are becoming possible to repair (with sufficient money and expertise), though only the Federated Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine currently have the necesary skill. The extreme sophistication of the equipment makes it expensive and difficult to maintain. This is essentially the same system found on a Mobile HQ, though it is more compact.
• Satellite Communications Systems: +5 if on the unit. These powerful communications relays are found in the Atlas and Cyclops BattleMechs among others. Recent advances have allowed the Federated Commonwealth, and the other states to a lesser extent, to reproduce these systems from scratch. They are still complicated equipment, requiring expertise and money to maintain, but they can now be repaired successfully.
• EndoSteel Frames: +10% Base Unit Cost. EndoSteel was meant to be produced in Zero-G Orbital Refineries common at the the height of the Star League. Unfortunately, all of these facilities were destroyed during the Succession Wars. Modern facilities simply cannot reproduce EndoSteel successfully. Recent advances at the NAIS may allow the Federated Commonwealth to rebuild a few orbital facilities and begin testing new EndoSteel, but in the meantime, EndoSteel is a rare and valuable commodity. It cannot be repaired without at least some EndoSteel to use, and even maintaining it takes a great deal of effort.
• FerroFibrous Armor: +10% Base Unit Cost. Like EndoSteel, the Inner Sphere simply lacks the facilities to produce FerroFibrous armor. FF armor cannot be repaired, although the Draconis Combine seems to be manufactuing a lowgrade FerroFibrous Armor that is much denser than the original, but still an improvement, to repair their unique BattleMechs damaged in the War of 3039. FerroFibrous Armor can be maintained if one is willing to invest the time and money.
• MASC System: +25% Base 'Mech Cost. MASC was used on SLDF scout 'Mechs, but modern Sucessor States cannot learn the secret of MASC technology. Following the disaster that befell House Liao in 3029, most of the Great Houses are reluctant to place much faith in new myomer technology. MASC equipped 'Mechs cannot repair damaged actuators correctly. Thus, MASC 'Mechs tend to be slowly crippled as their actuators fail, and the system becomes increasingly unreliable. MASC systems can be maintained by skilled technicians, but any damage irreperable.
• Extra-Light Engines: +50% Base Cost. The XL Engine is one of the foremost marvels of the Star League. Although the NAIS has been working for years, it has still not been able to design a working model. Very few XL engines exist these days, and those which do are probably unrepairable. They can, however, be maintained in working order, although they require custom parts and frequent maintenance.
• Triple Strength Myomer: +25% Base 'Mech Cost. Triple Strength Myomer is the result of years of clandestine research on the deffective myomers used by House Liao to disastrous effect during the 4th Succession War. In theory, TSM can vastly improve a 'Mech by increasing its strength, while greatly reducing its weight; unfortunately, the new myomers are too volatile to trust in combat. It is now widely believed that a second generation TSM, without the Achilles heel of its predecessor, has been developed. This TSM can improve a 'Mech's strength in high temperature situations. Unfortunately, it is expensive, difficult to maintain, and has a narrow window of operation. Only the Successor States (Liao and Stenier/Davion) have access to TSM, although some believe Wolf's Dragoons may have obtained some, and the Eridani Light Horse's contract means they will have access to Davion TSM research.
• Triple Strength Myomer, Mark I: +10% Base 'Mech Cost. The original TSM, this is still unvailable to the general public, the subject of continued high level research. It was much more durable and effective than the new TSM, but it will combust in the presence of certain gasses.
• C3 Master Systems: +10 for each system on the unit. C3 is rumored to be a major breakthrough in the DCMS. No one can verify the existence of this system, however, and no prototypes are likely to be availble outside the Combine. If the rumors are true, the C3 system is a major leap forward in targeting systems. It seems complex and expensive, but it could well be worth it...
• C3 Slave systems: +2 for each system on the unit. The C3 system requires slaved targetting gear in each unit within the system. These slaves are still cutting edge, but much less sophisticated than the Master system.

Specific Cases:

• Mobile HeadQuarters: 20 Support Points/Month. The Mobile HQ is one of the most highly desired vehicles in the modern universe. They are able to coordinate the activities of multiple regiments in combat, and are equipped with communications gear rivaling even a Cyclops. Unfortunately, they are an obvious target on any battlefield, and they are expensive to maintain. The recent upswing in technology has allowed the Successor States to begin building new Mobile HQs, but they are still in a prototype stage, and none will be available for sale. Repairing Mobile HQs has finally become possible, however, allowing them to once again see combat inspite of its risks.
• Kanga Jump Tank: 9 Support Points/Month. Built during the Star League over many objections, the Kanga is the only vehicle ever designed with Jump capabilities. Very few Kangas have survived the Succession Wars, and almost all of those that have have lost their jump abilities [treat as normal Light Armor]; those that can still jump have lost their hoverskirts, making Jumps their only form of movement [treat as normal Light Armor]. In theory, fully operational Kangas can be maintained thanks to the general improvements in technology over the last 20 years. Repairing them would be possible, but no one knows if normal 'Mech Jump Jets would be compatible.
• CRB-20 Crab: 15 Support Points/Month; SLDF Technology not included. Built to be easily maintainable, the Crab has developed a reputation for simplicity. It is much easier to maintain than normal medium 'Mechs, and even the more sophisticated Crabs built by the SLDF are easier to maintain (22 SP/month). These units possessed Ferro-Fibrous armor and sophisticated Satellite communication systems missing on modern Crabs.
• MCY-99 Mercury: 13 Support Points/Month. The Mercury was supposed to be a major breakthrough in BattleMech technology. It was designed to use modular weapon systems, allowing damaged weapons to be swiftly replaced in the field. Unfortunately, the fall of the Star League prevented other 'Mech designs from following up on this idea. It does, however, allow any opertional Mercury to be more easily maintained in the field, and replacemants for its weapons can be added without too much trouble. The Mercury, intended as recon 'Mech uses MASC, a system which is difficult to maintain these days.
• THE-N Thorn: 11 Support Points/Month. The Thorn is an ancient Star League design, intended to be a heavy combat light 'Mech. It was only moderately successful, but it was very easy to maintain. Modern technicians would still find the Thorn easy to maintain, though the EndoSteel used in its design would be a bit more complicated for them.
• HSR 200-D Hussar: 20 Support Points/Month. The Hussar was built for the SLDF as a raiding BattleMech, focusing on speed and firepower over durability. Although it mounts a powerful weapon for so small a 'Mech, it is exceedingly fragile. Fortunately, its intended role meant it was provided with a very sophisticated communications suite; the Hussar can either function as a normal Satellite Com system, or block any opposing SatComs in the region. The system cannot, however, do both at once.
• SDR-5V Spider: 12 Support Points/Month. Built early in the Star League, the Spider was designed to use stock parts as much as possible. Even today, this simplicity pays off, reducing upkeep time, and making repairs much simpler.
• OTT-7J Ostscout: 20 Support Points/Month. The Ostscout was one of the finest scouts of the Star League. It features a powerful communication system, easily able to reach orbit, and its targeting gear can closely duplicate the effects of the Beagle Active Probe which the Star League later developed. All of this sophistication requires more upkeep than a normal light 'Mech, but the Ostscout has clearly been worth it over the years.
• CLNT-2-3T Clint: 27 Support Points/Month. The Clint is a reliable BattleMech, but compromises made during its design have led to chronic upkeep hassles. The Clint requires a noticeably more time to service, and repairs require much more refitting of parts than ordinary.
• HER-2S Hermes II: 30 Support Points/Month. The Hermes II is a redesign of an old Star League recon 'Mech, built as Irian lost the ability to manufacture the older design. It does, however, feature a magnificent communications system able to make tight-beam burst transmitions to orbit.
• SCP-1N Scorpion: 28 Support Points/Month. The first four-legged 'Mech ever built, the infamous Scorpion has become the stereotype by which all quads shall be judged. Its bumpy ride and weak armor have almost doomed quads; as a result, replacement parts for the Scorpion are very difficult to come by, and daily maintenance is slightly more complicated.
• MAD-3R Marauder: 40 Support Points/Month. The Marauder is one of the most distinctive 'Mechs in the Inner Sphere today. It was intended to lead a whole new class of 'Mechs, though the fall of the Star League prevented any of those 'Mechs from leaving the drawing boards. Along with the Ball-and-Socket shoulder joints and back canted legs, the Marauder features a powerful communications system, making it an excellent command vehicle. Nowadays, the Marauder can be found throughout the Successor States, making repairs much easier than for many 'Mechs.
• ON1-K Orion: 30 Support Points/Month. The Orion was Alexandre Kerensky's chosen BattleMech, and it is still found all around the Successor States. Though it is no longer the "ultimate 'Mech" it was designed to be, it is remarkably easy to maintain, and it can provide excellent support for most lances.
• BL6-KNT Black Knight: 44 Support Points/Month. The Black Knight is a Star League command 'Mech no longer produced in the Inner Sphere. It featured a powerful communications array, and an Active Probe to guard against ambushes. The few Black Knights known to exist now are highly valued units.
• GOL-1H Goliath: 48 Support Points/Month. The Goliath was the successor to the Scorpion, and managed to solve several of the infamous problems associated with its predecessor. Unfortunately, despite the Goliath's formidible combat capability, Brigaidier Corporation was destroyed during the Succession Wars, never to be rebuilt. Since its destruction, the quad has been a dwindling race. The Goliath can be maintained with a little extra effort, but obtaining replacement parts (particularly limbs and actuators) is virtually impossible.
• STK-3F Stalker: 47 Support Points/Month. One of the most widely known Assault 'Mechs around, the Stalker is the ultimate salvo 'Mech. The Stalker possess far more weaponry than can be safetly fired at once, but it allows the 'Mech to be truly devastating at nearly any range. This weaponry, however, pushes the 85 ton frame to its limit, and so Stalkers must be regularly serviced lest the leg actuators begin to wear out.
• CP 10-Z Cyclops: 50 Support Points/Month. The Cyclops is the ultimate communications BattleMech ever constructed. Its communications system can easily match the Ostscout in sheer range, and the Cyclops is far better able to defend itself. In addition to its innate communications system, many Cyclopses have a detchable command bunker which can be deployed in under 20 minutes. This bunker serves much like the valuable Mobile HQ, although the 'Mech loses its Satellite uplink when the bunker is detached. These 'Mechs are highly sought after command vehicles.
• AS7-D Atlas: 50 Support Points/Month. The Atlas was in essence the SLDFs last surge of strength. It was designed under the eye of General Kerensky himself, as the last hope for the SLDF to remain ahead of the various House armies. The Atlas, in addition to its fearsome appearance and powerful weaponry, is equipped with an advanced satellite communictions system, which can be retracted during battle. This system is therefore highly survivable, although it is still slightly more complicated than more mundane systems.
• MAD-4A Marauder II: 50 Support Points/Month. Built by Blackwell under exclusive contract to the Wolf's Dragoons, the Marauder II is a heavier version of the classic Marauder. The MAD-4A does not appear in any of the remaining Star League records, and it is unknown where the Dragoons obtained the designs for this 'Mech. Apparently based on the MAD-3D, the Marauder II sacrifices firepower for armour and heatsinks. Like its progenetor, the Marauder II features a powerful command communications system.
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