Difference between revisions of "Ares (OmniMech)"
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{{Update Needed|[[Technical Readout: 3145]], [[Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged]]}}
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{{otheruses|the 135-ton OmniMech|other uses|Ares}}
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{{refimprove}}
 
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech|
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech|
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|image=AoD-Ares.jpg
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|image= Ares V1 TRO3145RotS.jpg
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|name=Ares (Omni)
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|name= ''Ares''
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|manufacturer=[[Rhodes Project]]
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|manufacturer= [[Rhodes Foundry]]<ref name=trotr3145p40>''Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere'', pp. 46–48: "Ares"</ref>
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|production year=3132
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|production year=3136
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|model=ARS-V
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|year reference= <ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/6685/ares-ars-v1-zeus MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']</ref>
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|class=Colossal
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|model= ARS-V1<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
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|mass=125 to 135 (depending of the version)
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|Tech Base= Mixed
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|chassis=[[Endo Steel]]
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|mech type= OmniMech
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|armor=[[Armor - BattleMechs & Vehicles|Standard]]
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|feet= 3
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|engine=375 [[XL Engine|XL]]
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|mass= 135
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|speed=est 28
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|chassis= [[Rhodes-M Endo-Composite]]<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
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|armor= [[Maximillian 320]] w/ [[CASE II]]<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
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|engine= [[PlasmaStar 270]]<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
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|comsys= [[Titan's Shout Mk. IVA]]
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|T&T= [[Titan's Vantage Mk. II]]
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|heat sinks= 10 [[Double Heat Sinks]]
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|speed= 32<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
 
|armament=
 
|armament=
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Base
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*2x [[ER PPC|Clan ER PPC]]
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*3x [[SRM 2]]
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*3x [[Streak 6|Clan Streak SRM-6]]
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*3x [[ER Small Laser]]s
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Fixed (All Configurations):
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*6x [[Anti-Personnel Pod]]s
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*2x [[ER Medium Laser]]s<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
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*2x [[LRM 5]]
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*3x [[ER Small Laser]]s<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
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*2x [[ER Medium Laser]]s
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*2x [[LRM 5]] Launchers<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
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* Additional weapons depending on configuration
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*3x [[SRM 2]] Launchers<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
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*6x [[Anti-Personnel Pod]]s<ref name=trotr3145p40/>
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|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==
 
==Description==
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The ''Ares'' represents a series of 'Mechs that are built to exceed the 100-ton mark. The ''Ares'' uses a unique tripodal chassis to support the 'Mech's weight bridging the gap between the biped 'Mechs and the quad 'Mechs. The ''Ares'' has its roots in the [[Rhodes Project]] and was first fielded sometime after [[3132]]. Although the manufacturer of the 'Mech remains unknown intelligence has pointed to an ''Ares'' factory being located on the world of [[Kaus Australis]] in [[Prefecture I]] of the [[Republic of the Sphere]]. This intelligence, as well as the potential of the ''Ares'' was strong enough to provoke both the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and [[Clan Nova Cat]] to raid the location in search of this factory.{{cn}}
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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. The ''Ares'' was so large that it had a crew of three: a [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] as pilot, a gunner, and a technician to repair it and keep it operational.{{cn}}
  
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While there has been a great deal of hype surrounding each version of the ''Ares'' 'Mechs, they have roughly the same amount of weapons as can be loaded onto a 100 ton chassis and are outgunned by some Assault 'Mechs dating from the 3060s. One unique aspect of these 'Mechs is that they are manned with three personnel.{{cn}}
+
==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''.
  
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As part of an experimental project, only a few selected MechWarriors can operate this 'Mech. It is also notable that, as a secret project, most of those MechWarriors are the research scientist's children or family and some also received training since their very childhood.{{cn}}
+
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>
  
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==Armament==
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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>
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Each of the versions of the ''Ares'' carry a variable loadout that have a similar base chassis mirroring the way in which [[OmniMech]]s work. It is unknown if the ''Ares'' is an actual [[OmniMech]] or if a similar base chassis was used in the construction of each to simplify the construction of the 'Mech.
 
  
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At the base level each of the ''Ares'' carries on each leg a pair of [[Anti-Personnel Pod]]s, an [[ER Small Laser]] and an [[SRM 2]] launcher. On the 'Mechs torso each version of the ''Ares'' has a pair of [[ER Medium Laser]]s and a pair of [[LRM 5]] launchers, giving the ''Ares'' series of 'Mechs a well rounded base platform to start with.
+
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>
  
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==Variants==
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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>
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Configurations
 
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*ARS-VA - One example sighted named ''Zeus''. This variant of the ''Ares'' is armed with a pair of [[ER PPC]]s and 3 [[SRM 6]] launchers which allow the 'Mech to engage an enemy at long range, opening holes in a targets armor and is capable of seeking chinks in damaged sections. According to [[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction]], this Variant was test-commanded by an individual code-named "Clotho".
 
  
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*ARS-VB - One example sighted named ''Hera''. Built for close combat, the ''Hera'' is armed with a [[Heavy Gauss Rifle]] as its primary weapon. This is backed up by a trio of [[Extended Range Medium Laser]]s, making it a deadly 'Mech in medium to short range engagements. According to [[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art&Fiction]], this Variant was commanded by "Hermes" during tests. As with the other two "known" commanders, this is probably an alias.
+
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>
  
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*ARS-VC - One example sighted named ''Hades''. Configured in an all around setup, the ''Hades'' relies on the base LRMs for long range firepower and supplements it with an [[Ultra AC/10|Ultra Autocannon/10]]. This is backed up at shorter ranges with a [[TSEMP]] as well as a pair of [[MRM 20]] launchers. Its test-commanders codename was "Phobos".
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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>
  
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*ARS-VD -  One example sighted named ''Poseidon''. A recent variant of the ''Ares'' series, the ''Poseidon'' carries two [[ER PPC]]s, one [[TSEMP]], and an [[MRM 20]] launcher. This allows the ''Poseidon'' to engage an enemy at a variety of ranges and resembles a mix of the ''Zeus'' and ''Hades'' variants. This more recent version shows a marked improvement in speed and repairability, resulting from the experiment's progress.
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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==
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The ''Ares'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:
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*[[Command BattleMech]]
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*[[Distracting]]
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*[[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==
Line 49: Line 104:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 +
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
 
* ''[[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction]]''
 
* ''[[BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction]]''
−
* ''Created for the Wizkids "MechWarrior Age of Destruction" battlepacks, these designs are a progress in the game evolution.''
+
* ''[[Dominions Divided]]'' (sourcebook)
−
* ''The ''Ares'' and its variants were described on the WizKids website, which is no longer available.''
+
* ''[[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}}
  
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[[Category:BattleMechs]]
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[[Category:'Mechs]]
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[[Category:135 ton BattleMechs]]
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[[Category:Republic of the Sphere BattleMechs]]
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[[Category:OmniMechs]]
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[[Category:Tripod]]
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[[Category:Inner Sphere General BattleMechs]]
 
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[[Category:Dark Age Mechs]]
 
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[[Category: Superheavy BattleMechs]]
 

Latest revision as of 14:20, 16 March 2024

This article is about the 135-ton OmniMech. For other uses, see Ares.
Ares (OmniMech)
Ares
Production information
Manufacturer Rhodes Foundry[1]
Production Year 3136[2]
Model ARS-V1[1]
Class Superheavy
Technical specifications
'Mech type Mixed-tech OmniMech
Mass 135 tons
Chassis Rhodes-M Endo-Composite[1]
Armor Maximillian 320 w/ CASE II[1]
Engine PlasmaStar 270[1]
Communications System Titan's Shout Mk. IVA
Targeting Tracking System Titan's Vantage Mk. II
Heat Sinks 10 Double Heat Sinks
Speed 32[1] km/h
Armament

Fixed (All Configurations):

BV (2.0) 3,653[3][4]


Description[edit]

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 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. The Ares was so large that it had a crew of three: a MechWarrior as pilot, a gunner, and a technician to repair it and keep it operational.[citation needed]

Operational History[edit]

The 'Mech's development began as Poseidon prototypes finished their trial runs in 3135.[5] 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 Mars, with the facilities on Devil's Rock set to be razed should invasion forces arrive on world.[6]

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."[7] Several Ares 'Mechs were deployed to Callison in 3149.[8]

The Republic made extensive use of the Ares during the 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.[9]

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.[10] 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 Nikol Halas-Hughes Marik, though they still retained some for themselves.[11]

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.[12]

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.[13]

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.[14]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

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 Pods. On the 'Mech's torso each version of the Ares has a pair of Clan ER Medium Lasers, 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.[1][15]

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 Ares' 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 PPCs in the left arm, while 3 additional 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 Sinks, a Targeting Computer is added precision to both OmniPod and fixed energy weapons found through the 'Mech.

Alternate Configurations[edit]

  • 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[16]
  • 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 20-tubed Medium Range Missile Launchers, one in each arm. In addition to its missiles, the Hades also has a Clan grade 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[17]
  • 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 computers and its Angel ECM. Its weaponry includes 3 Clan 5-tubed Streak LRM Launchers and a Clan 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[18]
  • 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[19]
  • 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.[20]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Ares has the following Design Quirks:

Notable Pilots[edit]

Notes[edit]

  • The Ares was originally conceived by WizKids' 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[edit]

  • ARS-V1 Ares from TRO:3145 RotS

  • ARS-V1 Zeus configuration

  • ARS-V1A Hera configuration

  • ARS-V1B Hades configuration

  • ARS-V1C Aphrodite configuration

  • ARS-V1D Hephaestus configuration

  • A Dawn Guards Apollo in combat

  • A snapshot from the 2006 WizKids teaser video featuring the Ares and Atlas III

  • An ARS-V1B "Hades" being escorted by an Atlas III (homage to WizKids' video)

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere, pp. 46–48: "Ares"
  2. ↑ MUL online date for the Ares (OmniMech)
  3. ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 397
  4. ↑ Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere, p. 48: Ares - BV2
  5. ↑ Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere, p. 44: Poseidon - Poseidon was noted fighting Senate Alliance on Terra which occurred in 3135.
  6. ↑ Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere, p. 46: Ares Background.
  7. ↑ Shattered Fortress, p. 7: "Bring the Dawn"
  8. ↑ Rock of the Republic, p. 87
  9. ↑ BattleTech IlClan: Sorcebook, pp. 41–42
  10. ↑ Hour of the Wolf, pp. 232–233
  11. ↑ Redemption Rites, p. 310
  12. ↑ Empire Alone, p. 47
  13. ↑ Dominions Divided, p. 152
  14. ↑ Picking the Bones
  15. ↑ BattleTech: 25 Years of Art & Fiction, p. 253
  16. ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 398: Ares - A/Hera Configuration
  17. ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 399: Ares - B/Hades Configuration
  18. ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 400: Ares - C/Aphrodite Configuration.
  19. ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 401: Ares - D/Hephaestus Configuration
  20. ↑ Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere, p. 47: Cronus
  21. ↑ Dominions Divided, pp. 152–153
  22. ↑ Hour of the Wolf, p. 45

Bibliography[edit]

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