Editing Ares (OmniMech)

{{otheruses|the 135-ton OmniMech|other uses|Ares}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech|
|image= Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg
|name= ''Ares''
|manufacturer= [[Rhodes Foundry]]<ref name=trotr3145p40>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', pp. 46–48: "Ares"</ref>
|production year=3136
|year reference= <ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/6685/ares-ars-v1-zeus MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']</ref>
|model= ARS-V1<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
|Tech Base= Mixed
|mech type= OmniMech
|feet= 3
|mass= 135
|chassis= [[Rhodes-M Endo-Composite]]<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
|armor= [[Maximillian 320]] w/ [[CASE II]]<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
|engine= [[PlasmaStar 270]]<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
|comsys= [[Titan's Shout Mk. IVA]]
|T&T= [[Titan's Vantage Mk. II]]
|heat sinks= 10 [[Double Heat Sinks]]
|speed= 32<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
|armament=
*2x [[ER PPC|Clan ER PPC]]
*3x [[Streak 6|Clan Streak SRM-6]]
Fixed (All Configurations):
*2x [[ER Medium Laser]]s<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
*3x [[ER Small Laser]]s<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
*2x [[LRM 5]] Launchers<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
*3x [[SRM 2]] Launchers<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
*6x [[Anti-Personnel Pod]]s<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
|BV (2.0) = 3,653<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 397</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 48: ''Ares'' - BV2</ref> 
}}

==Description==
The '''''Ares''''' is a Superheavy Class Tripod [[OmniMech]], which was first produced by the [[Republic of the Sphere]]. Produced in secret as part of the Republic's [[Rhodes Project]], the ''Ares'' was based on development of the ''[[Poseidon (BattleMech)|Poseidon]]'' Superheavy Tripod. The 'Mech was conceived as an OmniMech, to allow it to be easier for its maintenance crew to service it and allow it to transport [[battle armor]] support elements.

It must be pointed out that the ''Ares'' was so huge than it had a crew of three: a [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] as pilot, a gunner and even a technician to repair it and keep it operative.

==Operational History==
The 'Mech's development began as ''Poseidon'' prototypes finished their trial runs in [[3135]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 44: ''Poseidon'' - ''Poseidon'' was noted fighting Senate Alliance on Terra which occurred in 3135.</ref> The ''Ares' '' appearance is due, in part, to its development cycle, which took place at nearly the same time as that of the ''Poseidon''.

The ''Ares' '' origins were virtually unknown during its initial deployment with the Republic's [[Stone's Brigades]] and units stationed at its factory world on [[Devil's Rock]]. During the 3140s, the ''Ares'' had been deployed to various worlds neighboring the Republic's in covert raids and recon missions as part of the nation's efforts to keep potential invaders off guard.  Production of the 'Mech and its sister design, the ''Poseidon'', continued on Devil's Rock at Rhodes Foundry. By 3145, the location of the factory had become a frontline world in danger of falling to a potential [[Clan Wolf]] invasion. Additional production was planned for [[Terra|Mars]], with the facilities on Devil's Rock set to be razed should invasion forces arrive on world.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 46: ''Ares'' Background.</ref>

A single ''Ares'' of uncertain configuration saw deployment in [[3146]] as part of [[Julian Davion]]'s Dawn Guards. Upon gifting Julian the 'Mech, [[Devlin Stone]] warned him that keeping the machine in fighting trim was "a nightmare."<ref>''Shattered Fortress'', p. 7: "Bring the Dawn"</ref> Several ''Ares'' 'Mechs were deployed to [[Callison]] in [[3149]].<ref>''Rock of the Republic'', p. 87</ref>

The Republic made extensive use of the ''Ares'' during the [[Battle of Terra (3151)|Battle of Terra]], especially in ''Operation Four Horsemen'', against Clan Wolf. They proved to be a serious threat, stopping and even managing to make the Clanners retreat, but after the Wolves adjusted their tactics to them, all fell, one after another.<ref>''BattleTech IlClan: Sorcebook'', pp. 41–42</ref>

During Terra's conquest, the Wolves salvaged an unknown number of ''Areses'', managing to rebuild and repair some, using them in their [[IlClan Trial]] against [[Clan Jade Falcon]]; most of them, ironically, were crewed by former bondsmen of the RAF.<ref>''Hour of the Wolf'', pp. 232–233</ref> After the Trial, [[Wolf's Dragoons]] salvaged a number of ''Areses'' from the battlefield, disassembling some to study and replicate them. The new Dragoons leader, Colonel [[Henry Kincaid]], gave six functional units, along with intel about them, to the [[Free Worlds League]] [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] [[Nikol Halas-Hughes Marik]], though they still retained some for themselves.<ref>''Redemption Rites'', p. 310</ref>

That same year, the League's [[First Free Worlds Guards]] fielded a full company of ''Areses'' when deployed on [[Marik]], twice as many as the Dragoons gave Nikol. Some were newly manufactured, which made the League the first Inner Sphere state to build them since the fall of the Republic.<ref>''Empire Alone'', p. 47</ref>

On the opposite side of the Inner Sphere, [[Julian Davion]] also fielded at least a full lance of ''Ares'', gifted by Stone, and used them with great success during [[Operation DAWN]]. The [[Dawn Guards]] which fielded them, even created their own hard-hitting configuration: the ''Apollo''.<ref>''Dominions Divided'', p. 152</ref>

In 3151, on the planet [[Yorii]], a three sided battle was fought between a group of ''Fides'' survivors from the Republic, an attack force from the [[Capellan Confederation]] and a [[mercenary]] unit apparently working for [[Clan Sea Fox]] to capture an Ares and, it is implied, replicate it.<ref>''Picking the Bones''</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
Designed as a Tripod, the 'Mech's unique method of movement gives the ''Ares'' the ability to handle turns without having to slow its pace.  This is a benefit to the design due to its slow speed. Its lower rated engine and Endo-Composite construction allows the 'Mech to carry 41 tons of [[OmniPod]] encased weapons and equipment. The 'Mech is protected by 28.5 tons of Maximillian 320 [[standard armor]], giving it hefty protection against enemy fire. Like all Superheavy Tripods, the ''Ares'' has a 3-man cockpit, which allows the 'Mech to perform better in combat than a normal single MechWarrior. This allows it to be able to target multiple enemies without penalty, a pilot focused on navigating the machine, and gaining a  tactical advantage to allow it to serve as a command vehicle in battle.

Each ''Ares'' carries a fixed array of weapons: on each leg a pair of [[Anti-Personnel Pod]]s. On the 'Mech's torso each version of the ''Ares'' has a pair of Clan [[ER Medium Laser]]s, three Clan [[ER Small Lasers]], three [[SRM 2]] launchers, and a pair of [[LRM 5]] launchers, giving the ''Ares'' series of 'Mechs a well-rounded base platform to start with.<ref name=trotr3145p40/><ref>''BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction'', p. 253</ref>

Each of the versions of the ''Ares'' carries a named weapons load for each Omni Configuration. Republican pilots of the ''Ares'' had undertaken the practice of naming the <i>Ares'</i> configuration, which helped confuse enemies encountering them. 

Its Primary Configuration, named "Zeus," is a generalist combatant. Along with its fixed-weapon systems, the "Zeus" has a pair of Clan tech [[ER PPC]]s in the left arm, while 3 additional [[Streak 6|Clan Streak SRM-6]] are fitted to the right. The 4 tons of missiles are protected by the addition of [[CASE II]]. With the addition of 11 [[Double Heat Sink]]s, a [[Targeting Computer]] is added precision to both OmniPod and fixed energy weapons found through the 'Mech.

==Alternate Configurations==
*;ARS-V1A : A configuration, codenamed ''Hera'', is noted for its right arm mounted [[Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle]] with 6 tons of ammunition in the neighboring side-torso. Three additional Clan ER Medium Lasers are mounted in the left arm. The right arm is fitted with a [[CASE II]] to prevent a weapon explosion from taking out the entire machine. Seven additional Double Heat Sinks are fitted as well. BV (2.0)= 3,320<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 398: ''Ares'' - A/Hera Configuration</ref>  

*;ARS-V1B : B configuration is named ''Hades'', and is a heavy missile configuration. Designed to engage in intermediate combat ranges, the ''Hades'' has a pair of [[Apollo FCS]] guided [[MRM-20|20-tubed Medium Range Missile Launchers]], one in each arm.  In addition to its missiles, the ''Hades'' also has a Clan grade [[UAC/10|Ultra Class 10 Autocannon]] in left arm and a [[TSEMP]] in the right. Its ammunition is stored in the arms where their parent weapons are located, each having [[CASE II]] for additional protection. Two additional [[Double Heat Sinks]] are present to help cope with weapons heat. BV (2.0)= 3,204<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 399: ''Ares'' - B/Hades Configuration</ref>

*; ARS-V1C : The C configuration is known as ''Aphrodite''. It is configured to serve as a command unit for a C3 Network. Its most noted feature is its two [[C3 master computer]]s and its [[Angel ECM]].  Its weaponry includes 3 Clan [[Streak LRM-5|5-tubed Streak LRM Launchers]] and a Clan [[Rotary AC/5|Class 5 Rotary Autocannon]]. The 2 tons of LRM and 2 tons of Autocannon ammunition with its parent weapons and they are protected by CASE II. Five additional Double Heat Sinks are fitted to this configuration. BV (2.0)= 3,276<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 400: ''Ares'' - C/Aphrodite Configuration.</ref>

*;ARS-V1D : The D or ''Hephaestus'' configuration is a generalist which can act as part of a C3 network.  With its C3 Slave unit, the ''Hephaestus'' can bring its laser-based arsenal to bear on an opponent with the aid of a network mate. The ''Hephaestus'' has a pair of Clan [[ER Large Lasers]] in the left arm, while the right has a pair of Clan [[Large Pulse Lasers]] and single [[Light PPC]]. With its high burden, the ''Hephaestus'' is given additional of 13 Double Heat Sinks and an advanced [[Radical Heat Sink System]]. BV (2.0)= 3,337<ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 401: ''Ares'' - D/Hephaestus Configuration</ref>

*;Cronus:  This was a failed prototype configuration, which was plagued with all manner of problems, from software to mechanical issues. The configuration was so burdening on the baseline chassis that it would require complete overhaul (essentially a total rebuild) after each use. The Republic decision makers soon deemed it too expensive of a weapons layout to utilize and development was abandoned.<ref name=tro3145rotsp47>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', p. 47: ''Cronus''</ref>

*;ARS-V1E: The E or ''Apollo'' Configuration created by the Dawn Guards. Designed to engage their enemies from large range, it had an [[Imperator Titan's Wrath]] Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle, a [[Type SF5]] Rotary-5 Autocannon, two [[Hyperion Lance]] Extended-Range Medium Lasers, 3 [[Hyperion Ray]] Extended-Range Small lasers, 2 [[LongFire Light]] LRM 5 Launchers, 3 [[Harvester 2K]] SRM 2 Launchers, and 6 [[Titan's Tread]] A-Pods. BV (2.0)= 2,986 <ref>''Dominions Divided'', pp. 152–153</ref>

==Design Quirks==
The ''Ares'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:
*[[Command BattleMech]]
*[[Distracting]]
*[[Searchlight (Design Quirk)|Searchlight]]

==Notable Pilots==
* [[Captain]] [[Jack Traver]] was a Republic MechWarrior, later Clan Wolf ''bondsmen'' and finally [[Mercenary]]. He fought through all Terra's campaign on an ''Ares''.<ref>''Hour of the Wolf'', p. 45</ref>

==Notes==
* The ''Ares'' was originally conceived by [[WizKids]]' [[MechWarrior: Dark Age|MechWarrior Dark Age Collectable Miniatures]] game as a part of its ''BattleForce'' expansion set. At the time, it was not clear if the ''Ares'' was in fact an OmniMech. So each variant which appeared was known as the ''Ares'' '<variant name>' when it was introduced to WizKids' game. The figures would be used as a unique BattleMechs in the CMG. The 'Mech would be later adapted by [[Catalyst Game Labs]] and redefined in the tabletop game once the company advanced the franchise's timeline to [[3145]].

* The ''Ares'' and its variants were originally described on the WizKids website, which is no longer available.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg|ARS-V1 ''Ares'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere|TRO:3145 RotS]]''
Rhodes Project logo.png|[[Rhodes Project]] logo
Ares-Zeus-Config.png|ARS-V1 ''Zeus'' configuration
Ares-Hera-Config.png|ARS-V1A ''Hera'' configuration
Ares-Hades-Config.png|ARS-V1B ''Hades'' configuration
Ares-Aphrodite-Config.png|ARS-V1C ''Aphrodite'' configuration
Ares-Hephaestus-Config.png|ARS-V1D ''Hephaestus'' configuration
Ares Apollo DD.jpg|A ''Dawn Guards'' ''Apollo'' in combat
Wizkids MWDA - Ares video Snap Shot (Atlas III with Ares).png|A snapshot from the 2006 WizKids teaser video featuring the ''Ares'' and ''[[Atlas III]]''
ARS-V1B Hades ER3145.jpg|An ARS-V1B "Hades" being escorted by an ''[[Atlas III]]'' (homage to WizKids' video)
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* ''[[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction]]''
* ''[[Dominions Divided]]'' (sourcebook)
* ''[[Empire Alone]]'' (sourcebook)
* ''[[IlClan (sourcebook)|IlClan]]'' (sourcebook)
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Picking the Bones]] in [[Shrapnel Issue 15]]'' (short story)
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Redemption Rites]]'' (novela)
* ''[[Rock of the Republic]]'' (novela)
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145]]'' (sourcebook)
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere]]''
{{div col end}}

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Republic of the Sphere BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Tripod]]