Editing Firestarter (BattleMech)

{{otheruses|the 35-ton BattleMech|other uses|Firestarter}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=Firestarter RGilClan v28.jpg
|name=''Firestarter''
|manufacturer=
[[Argile Technologies]]<ref name=TRSWp34f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 34–35: "FS9-H Firestarter"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3039 -->
----
[[Coventry Metal Works]]<ref name=TRSWp34f />
----
[[Diplass BattleMechs]]<ref name="FR2765:Pp11">''Field Report 2765: Periphery'', p. 11: "Infrastructural Integrity"</ref>
|production year=2550
|year reference=<ref name=TRO3025>''Technical Readout: 3025'', pp. 24–25</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 110–111</ref><ref>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 11</ref>
|model=FS9-H<ref name=TRSWp34f />
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type =BattleMech
|cost= 3,046,950 [[C-bill]]s
|mass=35
|feet=biped
|chassis=[[Argile H/09]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp34f /> -->
|armor=[[Livingston Ceramics]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp34f /> -->
|engine=[[Omni 210]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp34f /> -->
|comsys=[[Cyclops 14]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp34f /> -->
|T&T=[[Tansech C30-97]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp34f /> -->
|heat sinks=10 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp34f /> -->
|speed=97 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp34f /> -->
|jumpjets=[[Luxor Load Lifters]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp34f /> -->
|armament= <!-- <ref name=TRSWp34f /> -->
* 4x [[flamer]]
* 2x [[medium laser]]
* 2x [[machine gun]]
|BV (1.0)=500
|BV (2.0)=692<ref name=TRSWp34f /> or 694<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 81</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Firestarter''''' was designed by [[Argile Technologies]] of [[Skye]] in [[Introduction Year::2550]] to perform as an incendiary [['Mech]]. The most popular and widely-used version of the ''Firestarter'', the FS9-H, would debut in [[2703]] and become the standard to which all other incendiary 'Mechs were compared. The FS9-H was produced almost exclusively from its introduction up to the beginning of the [[Amaris Civil War]] in early [[2776]], with nearly 3,000 ''Firestarter''s in total seeing active duty.<ref name=TRO3025/>  Because of the 'Mech's popularity with all of the [[Great Houses]], Argile Industries continued to produce spare parts and new 'Mechs prior to and during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], until their Argile plant and headquarters were destroyed in the [[Third Succession War]]. When the company indicated that they would not rebuild their plant, [[Coventry Metal Works]] eventually picked up production.<ref name=TRO3039/>

Though most [[regiment]]s contained a number of ''Firestarter'' 'Mechs, they were traditionally assigned at the [[company]] or regimental level rather than be attached to a [[lance]], with the commander then deploying them to support an attack group or scout wooded areas. The reason for this was that the 'Mech had such a specialized role that it was deemed useless to assign it to lances. Though protected by five and a half tons of armor and capable of jumping distances of 180 meters with its six [[jump jet]]s, the ''Firestarter'' could do little against medium or heavyweight opponents. Instead, a whole series of tactics were developed around its ability to start wildfires, with skillfully-placed blazes routing an enemy or covering a retreat and hampering any pursuit.  ''Firestarter'' [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] were fond of setting on fire a heavily wooded area as enemy 'Mechs advanced through it or any buildings within which the enemy were sheltering. Other uses for the 'Mech included performing scorched earth tactics, though this lessened in later years as it became more imperative to capture the dwindling number of valuable resources rather than destroy them, or lead units of ''[[Wasp]]s'' and ''[[Stinger]]s'' in deep penetration scouting and light raiding missions.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/>

This policy changed in the later Succession Wars as it was found that the ''Firestarter'' performed well as a scout, able to not only start fires to prevent an enemy from attempting to follow it, but also clear ambush areas for the advancement of friendly forces. In the wake of the [[Fourth Succession War]] ''Firestarter''s also found themselves being assigned to lances as replacements for the losses of other light and medium 'Mechs, forcing the 'Mech to perform in a frontline role. This evolution would continue when the [[Federated Commonwealth]] unveiled a new version in [[3049]], the FS9-S, which featured a host of recovered [[lostech]] to enhance its scouting abilities.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 25</ref>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Firestarter'' carries four [[Purity L-Series]] [[flamer]]s for incendiary work, one in each arm, one forward-facing in the center torso, and one rear-facing in the center torso.  For additional anti-personnel work, the ''Firestarter'' has two [[Deprus RF]] [[machine gun]]s mounted in either side of its torso which, combined with the flamers, can make short work of [[infantry]] units. The ''Firestarter'' carries one [[Magna Mk II]] [[medium laser]] in either arm for when it is forced to engage hard targets like [[vehicle]]s and other BattleMechs. One ton of ammo located in its torso supplies the machine guns while 10 [[single heat sinks]] help keep it cool.<ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/>

==Variants==
*; FS9-A : The original ''Firestarter'', production of it ceased with the introduction of the FS9-H. It carried [[small laser]]s instead of [[machine gun]]s and mounted an additional ton of armor.<ref name=TRSWp34f /><ref name=TRO3039/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039, Unabridged'', p. 166</ref> BV (2.0) = 773<ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/1093/firestarter-fs9-a MUL Profile for FS9-A includes BV2.]</ref>

*; FS9-B : Following the capture of [[Coventry]], the [[Word of Blake]] converted the ''Firestarter'' line to produce a new variant in [[3070]] that could be better integrated into their units. An additional ton of upgraded [[light ferro-fibrous]] armor is added, the chassis has been replaced with an [[endo steel]] model, and a [[light fusion engine]] provides power. Three [[flamer]]s are devastating to conventional units, while an [[ER medium laser]] provides firepower against hardened targets. A [[C3i Computer]] allows it to share targeting data from other units. The use of [[single heat sink]]s is confusing in such a unit, and it means that the -B can build heat quickly. It uses eight [[improved jump jet]]s to cover 240 meters in a jump. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 677<ref name=MUL95>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 95</ref>

*; FS9-C : The FS9-C is an upgrade of the ''Firestarter'' manufactured by [[Coventry Metal Works]] for the [[Periphery]] starting in [[3064]]. The armor has been upgraded to [[ferro-fibrous]] and the 'Mech carries two [[flamer]]s, two [[medium laser]]s, two [[RL-15]]s, and four [[RL-10]]s, giving it an incredible one-shot kill capability against heavier 'Mechs. The already overwhelming number of ''Firestarter''s in the near Periphery led to the failure of this variant. BV (1.0) = 846, BV (2.0) = 940<ref name=MUL96>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 96</ref>

*; FS9-K : The K variant began production at the same time as the original model and mounted two [[flamers]], a [[large laser]] and two [[small lasers]].  While it was designed to be a companion model, the H variant proved more popular and dominated production after it was introduced.<ref name=TRSWp34f /><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 763<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 82</ref>

*; FS9-M : Nicknamed the ''Mirage'', this variant of the ''Firestarter'' debuted in [[2893]] and converts it from an incendiary 'Mech to a frontline 'Mech by removing the [[flamers]] and adding in their place two [[small lasers]] and two tons of armor. The variant was in production for only one year before the catastrophic battle which transformed the Argile plant, and the capital of [[Skye]], into a desert wasteland. The [[Skye Rangers]] maintained several ''Mirage''s, including a lance with one arm painted black in commemoration.<ref name=TRSWp34f /><ref name=TRO3025/><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 671, BV (2.0) = 798<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 83</ref>

*; FS9-M2 : Manufactured on [[Coventry]] for the mercenary market in [[3101]], possibly a descendant of the -B and almost the polar opposite of the -M variant, the -M2 variant of the ''Firestarter'' is an upgrade that is built on a [[Foundation Ultralight]] [[endo steel]] chassis and is armored with seven tons of [[Durallex Nova]] [[standard armor]]. 11 [[double heat sink]]s attempt to keep the -M2 cool, while a single [[Defiance Model XII]] [[ER medium laser]] mounted in the head and three [[Hotshot]] [[flamer]]s in each arm work to tax those same heat sinks. The life support system was also substantially redesigned to be more rugged in support of the -M2's primary mission.<ref name="TRO:3145LCp26+">''Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth'', pp. 26–27: "FS9-M2 ''Firestarter''"</ref> BV (1.0) = 602,<ref>''Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I'', p. 47</ref> BV (2.0) = 751<ref name="TRO:3145LCp26+"/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 294</ref>

*; FS9-M3 : The -M3 is a modification of the -M2 ''Firestarter'' introduced in [[3104]] that has been optimized for artillery spotting. The 'Mech has removed the three [[flamers]] mounted in the left arm, replacing them with a single [[ER small laser]], added a [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] laser designator to the right torso, allowing it to spot for artillery, and [[MASC]], which allows it to move at up to 129.6 km/h. The -M3 also dropped a single [[double heat sink]] but added another half ton of armor, giving it a total of seven and a half tons of [[standard armor]].<ref name="TRO:3145LCp81">''Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth'', p. 81: "FS9-M3 ''Firestarter''"</ref> BV (1.0) = 699,<ref>''Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I'', p. 48</ref> BV (2.0) = 866.<ref name="TRO:3145LCp81"/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 295</ref>

*; FS9-M4 : Another reworking of the -M2 variant debuting in [[3109]], the M4 strips out a [[double heat sink]], the [[ER medium laser]] and the three [[flamers]] mounted in the left arm. The -M4 upgrades the engine to 210-rated [[XL engine]] and mounts a single [[RAC/2]] in the left arm, supplied with one ton of ammunition stored in the left torso. The -M4 also adds another half ton of standard armor. BV (2.0) = 798.<ref name="TRO:3145LCp82">''Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth'', p. 82: "FS9-M4 ''Firestarter''"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 296</ref>

*; FS9-P : Manufactured by the [[Circinus Federation]] in [[3064]], the -P is similar to the -S, but it uses 10 [[double heat sink]]s. It removes the defensive and scouting equipment, as well as a half-ton of armor to add an additional [[small Laser]] and a pair of [[SRM-2]]s. The missile launchers are commonly loaded with [[Inferno (Missile)|Inferno]] rounds. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 775<ref name=MUL95/>

*; FS9-S : The FS9-S is an overhaul of the FS9-H introduced in [[3049]]. The structure has been upgraded to use an [[endo steel]] chassis, and the weapons carried are four [[Hotshot]] [[flamers]], two [[Defiance B3M]] [[medium laser]]s, and a single [[Diverse Optics Type 10]] [[small laser]]. A [[SureFire 444]] [[anti-missile system]], with one ton of ammo, has been added to protect against missile attacks, and a [[Cyclops]] [[Beagle active probe]] has been installed to enhance the ''Firestarter''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s scouting role. BV (1.0) = 551,<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 131</ref> BV (2.0) = 760<ref name=TRO3050u/>

*; FS9-S1 : The FS9-S1 is identical to the FS9-S, except that it carries a [[Guardian ECM suite]] instead of the [[Beagle active probe]]. BV (1.0) = 613,<ref name=CO/> BV (2.0) = 820<ref name=MUL96/>

*; FS9-S2 : Introduced in [[3075]], this variant is a direct copy of the FS9-S except [[ER medium laser]]s replace the standard [[medium laser]]s, it carries [[double heat sinks]], and has [[light ferro-fibrous]] armor. BV (2.0) = 842<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p.47</ref>

*; FS9-S3 : Also introduced in [[3075]], this variant is a direct copy of the FS9-S1 except [[ER medium laser]]s replace the standard [[medium laser]]s, it carries [[double heat sink]]s, and has [[light ferro-fibrous]] armor. BV (2.0) = 908<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p.48</ref>

*; FS-9N ''Mirage II'': A [[Defiance Industries]] refresh of the Firestarter, causing a legal issue with [[Coventry Metal Works]], the Mirage II features a large amount of [[clan]]-level technology, starting with its [[XL Engine]]. Using an [[endo-composite]] chassis and [[reflective armor]], the ''Mirage II'' centerpiece is a [[plasma cannon]] with 1 ton of ammo, supplemented by 2 clan-specced [[ER Medium Laser]]s in the arms and 2 clan-specced [[ER Small Laser]]s in the torsos. Each arm still feature a regular [[flamer]], while another one covers the rear arc in the center torso. BV (1.0) = ???? BV (2.0) = 1660 <ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28'', p.12 </ref>

===Custom Variants===
*; FS9-81X : This is an [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] prototype of the ''Firestarter'' that was created by [[Defiance Industries]] of [[Kwangjong-ni]]. Only three of these prototypes were produced as of [[3074]], and suffered from developmental problems with their components. Using the FS9-H as its base, the 'Mech is fitted with an [[XXL engine]], a [[plasma rifle]] with 10 rounds as its main weapon, and a pair of [[medium X-Pulse laser]]s, both mounted in the right arm. The 'Mech retains the original base model's [[flamer]]s and jump capabilities. BV (2.0) = 1,093<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations'' p. 3: Experimental tech Firestarter.</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[MechWarrior: Dark Age]]:''
*; Firestarter ''Pyro Peterson'' : Mostly likely an FS9-M2, this ''Firestarter'' appeared in MechWarrior: Dark Age/Age of Destruction board game as a variant piloted by [[William Peterson (Bannson's Raiders)|William "Pyro" Peterson]] of [[Bannson's Raiders]]. Whether this 'Mech exists canonically is unknown.

''From [[MechCommander (Video Game)/BattleMechs#Commando|MechCommander]]:''
*; FS9-A : This variant of the ''Firestarter'' is armed with two [[MechCommander (Video Game)/Equipment#Heavy Flamer|heavy flamers]] and one [[MechCommander (Video Game)/Equipment#Short Range Missile Pack|SR missile pack]]. It carries seven tons of armor protection.

*; FS9-J : The FS9-J has the same armament as the FS9-A and four tons of armor. Its [[jump jet]]s allow it to jump up to 100 meters.

*; FS9-W : This variant has only four tons of armor, while boasting a larger armament. It is armed with one [[MechCommander (Video Game)/Equipment#Laser|laser]], two [[MechCommander (Video Game)/Equipment#Short Range Missile Pack|SR missile packs]] and a [[MechCommander (Video Game)/Equipment#PPC|PPC]].

''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; FS9-E ''Ember'' : The ''Firestarter'' [[Hero 'Mech]] piloted by [[Portia Ryan|Portia "Torrent" Ryan]], the ''Ember'' mounts a pair of [[flamer]]s in each arm supported by two [[machine gun]]s in each side torso. Mounting only five [[jump jet]]s, the ''Ember'' is powered by a 210-rated standard engine and built on an [[endo steel]] frame, the weight saved allowing it carry one ton of machine gun rounds in each [[CASE]] protected side torso, 11 [[double heat sink]]s and near 75% of the maximum armor its chassis can carry.[https://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/149252-firestarter-hero-ember/]

*; FS9-FS ''Firestorm'' : Themed as the ''Firestarter'' utilized by an unnamed member of [[Philip Capet]]'s [[Capellan Mafia]] during Capet's final duel against [[Justin Allard]] on [[Solaris VII]], the ''Firestorm'' features twin [[machine gun]]s in its arms, a [[medium laser]] in each side torso, and retains the center torso mounted twin [[flamer]]s. The ''Firestorm'' carries two tons of machine gun ammunition.<ref name=MWO-FS>''MechWarrior Online'' Solaris-7 Sale Page</ref>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Firestarter'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 90: Design Quirk Table - Firestarter Entry.</ref>
* [[Ubiquitous]]
* [[Exposed Weapon Linkage|Exposed Weapon Linkage (LA/RA Flamers)]]

The FS9-M2 ''Firestarter'' has the following additional [[Design Quirk]]:<ref name="TRO:3145LCp26+"/>
<!-- Ubiquitous inferred as BattleMech Manual states base-model quirks are meant to cover all variants -->
<!-- Exposed Weapon Linkage (LA/RA Flamers) inferred as BattleMech Manual states base-model quirks are meant to cover all variants -->
* [[Improved Life Support]]

==Related OmniMechs==
* ''[[Firestarter (OmniMech)|Firestarter]]'' - This [[OmniMech]] version of the venerable ''Firestarter'' debuted around [[3058]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3058'', p. 86</ref>  BV (1.0) = 1,009, BV (2.0) = 1,150 (Prime)

==Notes==
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Brandstifter'''. The model code was changed accordingly to '''BD9-R'''.

* In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as '''Pyromane''', which means pyromaniac.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
3025_Firestarter1.jpg|Original FS9-H ''Firestarter'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
FS9-S Firestarter.jpg|FS9-S ''Firestarter'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
Firestarter Battlepack-4thSW.png|FS-9H ''Firestarter'' from ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War|BP:4thSW]]''
3050U Firestarter.jpg|FS9-S ''Firestarter'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
Firestarter RGilClan v28.jpg|''Firestarter'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 28|RG:ilClan vol. 28]]''
FS9-81X-Firestarter.jpg|Experimental FS9-81X ''Firestarter'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations|XTRO:Corporations]]''
FS9-M3.jpg|FS9-M3 ''Firestarter'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth|TRO:3145LC]]''
CCG Unlimited Firestarter.jpg|FS9-H ''Firestarter'' in combat from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
CCG Unlimited Firestarter S.jpg|FS9-S ''Firestarter'' in battle from ''CCG''
Firestarter MWDA.png|''Firestarter'' from ''[[MechWarrior: Dark Age|MWDA]]''
FS9-E Ember MW5Mercs.jpg|FS9-E ''Firestarter "Ember"'' from [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries|MW5:Mercs]]
FS9-FS Firestorm MW5Mercs.jpg|FS9-FS ''Firestarter "Firestorm"'' from MW5:Mercs
Alpha Strike Support Lance - Firestarter.jpg|''Firestarter'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Alpha Strike: Support Lance Pack]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War]]''
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Corporations]]''
* ''[[Field Report 2765: Periphery]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 Lyran Commonwealth]]''
</div>

[[Category:'Mechs]]
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