Name:  Superheavy Tripod BattleMechs
Type (Category):  Core (Other)
Reference:  Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras (p. 153)

Description:
Although numerous attempts were made to break through the “hundred-ton barrier” ever since the earliest years of BattleMech use, these efforts were long stymied by the practical limitations in chassis, myomer, and actuator demands, coupled with the skyrocketing weight-to-power ratios of combat-grade fusion engines. While a few specialized industrial-grade superheavy ’Mechs did emerge over the centuries, the first real success even in this venture—Brooks, Incorporated’s Three-Man Digging Machine—did not appear until the early 2900s, and was specifically designated for use in low-gravity environments where its oversized mass was less crippling.

Meanwhile, the failures of superheavy BattleMech concepts throughout the ages were legion. By far the most infamous of these was the Matar, the template for the original Clan Behemoth ’Mech, which was developed under the brief reign of Stefan Amaris in the final years of the original Star League. Also known as “Amaris’ Folly”, that superheavy ’Mech attempt never even made it past the prototype stage.

The Matar’s legendary failure would live on through the Succession Wars, and was most often cited example of why no BattleMech could ever break the hundred-ton barrier. Then, in 3078, the Word of Blake unveiled its deadly Omega-class BattleMechs during their final defense of Terra. Far from a prototype, the Omegas drew on post-Clan Invasion technology advancements that finally put BattleMechs as heavy as two hundred tons within the realm of practicality.

Game Rules:
Superheavy BattleMechs and superheavy IndustrialMechs are available in two-legged (biped) and four-legged (quad) body types, just like standard ’Mechs. (Tripod superheavy ’Mechs are also possible, but the additional features of three-legged ’Mechs are covered instead under tripod ’Mechs, and thus will not be fully discussed here.)

In game play, superheavy ’Mechs function in accordance with the standard rules for a ’Mech of their type, but with the modifications detailed in Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras.

BattleMechs

Prototype Date:	~3130
Production Date:	3135
Extinction Date:	—
Recovery Date:	—

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