Slowpoke

Slowpoke
Slowpoke
Production information
Manufacturer Sian Weapons Corp
Model SLP-2U
Class Ultralight
Cost 840,327 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 10 tons
Chassis Sian V
Armor Starshield
Engine Pitban 20
Communications System CeresCom Model 2-Rs
Targeting Tracking System Chamberlain Winesap
Heat Sinks 10 single
Speed 38.8 km/h
Jump Jets Anderson Propulsion 15
Armament

1x medium laser

BV (1.0) n/a
BV (2.0) n/a


Description[edit]

The third Great House to develop an ultralight BattleMech, after House Davion and House Kurita, House Liao created the Slowpoke in response to the appearance of the Federated Suns' Junior in the twenty-fifth century. An altogether unimpressive design due to poor planning and implementation of its conception and manufacture, the Slowpoke was built for some two centuries until the 'Mech factories on Liao were destroyed in the First Succession War. No new Slowpokes have been built since.

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Slowpoke is armed with a single CeresArms medium laser in the center torso. With a movement profile matching the infamous UrbanMech, its two and a half tons of armor is woefully inadequate even though it provides near maximum protection for a 'Mech of this small size. The Anderson Propulsion 15 jump jets can vault the Slowpoke 65 meters.

Variants[edit]

None known.

Notable Pilots[edit]

  • Maximilian Liao personally maintained a Slowpoke named the Humble Warlord as his auxiliary 'Mech, painted in House colors and kept in perfect condition.

Canonicity[edit]

  • The Slowpoke was only ever described in StarDrive. Since this magazine is not currently counted among the canonical sources for BattleTech, the 'Mech itself is not currently considered canonical either.

Notes[edit]

  • The maximum ground speed given for this 'Mech is slightly higher than normal for its mass and engine rating (38.8 instead of 32.4 km/h), but this has no impact on its game stats.
  • The electronics carried by the Slowpoke, the CeresCom Model 2-Rs communications and Chamberlain Winesap targeting & tracking systems, are considered obsolete and a technician's nightmare. Because spare parts are almost impossible to find these systems are usually replaced instead of repaired, but replacing them requires delicate circuit modifications that can only be performed by skilled technicians.
  • Since the Slowpoke has become a rare and unusual design, most people are unaware of its roomy engine compartment that is large enough to accommodate some of the pilot's personal effects and lends itself well to smuggling small goods.

Bibliography[edit]