Nova Cat Dossier: Ebon Jaguar (Cauldron Born)

 Nova Cat Dossier 

Type: Battlemech

Name: Ebon Jaguar (Cauldron Born)

Mech Class: Heavy

Weight: 65 Tons

Tech Base: Clan Omnimech

Description:
Named after the zombies of Irish myth, Inner Sphere warriors that first encountered it during the Battle of Luthien called this 'Mech the Cauldron-Born. Ironically, the Clan Smoke Jaguar 'Mech that was intended to replace the Loki was not referred to by its Clan designation, Ebon Jaguar, by other Clans as it was still so new that many Clans just called it by its Inner Sphere designation. It was made to ambush its enemy with a low body, similar to the Lyran Bushwacker, that makes it harder to target.

Armament: 
The primary configuration of the Ebon Jaguar was made to attack from long range. With its mammoth Gauss Rifle, LB 5-X AC, and LRM-10; it can act as a speedy support 'Mech with a variety of ways to deal damage. An SRM-2 and an ER Medium Laser provide backup for short range work. The thirteen integral double heat sinks are more than enough to keep the OmniMech cool, while its nine and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor keep the design safe.

Variants:

* Alt. Config. A - Built around what was once the largest gun in the Clan arsenal, the Cauldron-Born A is capable of dealing blistering damage at a variety of ranges. For long range, the A uses a pair of ER Large Lasers. At close range, the MechWarrior can switch to an Ultra Autocannon/20 that carries a fair amount of ammunition, along with a Medium Pulse Laser, and an ER Medium Laser. For anti-infantry work, it carries a pair of Machine Guns and a multi-purpose Flamer. Finally, the A variant has a pair of ER Medium Lasers mounted in the rear to discourage lighter 'Mechs from taking advantage of its relatively weak rear armor. The MechWarrior must carefully shepherd his or her weapons fire, as the variant carries no additional heat sinks.

* Alt. Config. B - This variant uses an ER PPC and a Large Pulse Laser mounted in each arm. To supplement this, it carries a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers, as well as an Active Probe, and a TAG spotting laser. This variant is not as prone to overheating as the A, but a MechWarrior must use volley fire if he or she intends to use both PPC and Large Pulse Laser.

* Alt. Config. C - The Cauldron-Born C is a missile boat and much easier on the heat curve than the other variants. Its primary weapons are a pair of LRM-15s and Ultra Autocannon/2s. Backing these up for short range work are a pair of SRM-6s. Though this variant carries no energy weapons, it does have ample supplies of ammunition that allow it to stay on the field for long periods of time.

* Alt. Config. D - Intended as something of a medium-range brawler, the Cauldron-Born D features a pair of Ultra Autocannon/10s and an ER Large Laser. These are supplemented by a pair of ER Medium Lasers. Though the energy weapons appear primarily as backups, the less-than-ample ammunition bins ensure they will see a great deal of use.

Captain Nash's Mission #5 Analysis:  Where I see the Loki as the worst of the Clan Omni-mech designs.  I curse the day this mech hit the battlefield.  Relatively fast, Hard hitting, with the heat sinks to back it up and Armor to keep it in the fight.  Lacks Jump jets so that is one positive.  As with most omni's she can do the arm flip to get the weapon to the rear, so be careful if you get around behind her.



 
Tech Readout: http://www.solaris7.com/TRO/HTMLBattleMech/BattlemechInfo.asp?ID=3291