Difference between revisions of "Incubus (Vixen)"

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{{otheruses|the Clan BattleMech designated "Vixen" by the Inner Sphere|other uses of the latter name|Vixen}}
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
|image=Incubus RGilClan v07.png
 
|image=Incubus RGilClan v07.png
|name=Incubus
+
|name=''Incubus''
 
|manufacturer=
 
|manufacturer=
|[[Tokasha MechWorks Alpha]]
+
[[Tokasha MechWorks Alpha]]
|----
+
----
|[[CSF Titanic Mobile Production Facility]]<ref name=RG7p4>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 7'', p. 4</ref>
+
[[CSF Titanic Mobile Production Facility]]<ref name=RG7p4>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 7'', p. 4</ref>
 
|production year=2954
 
|production year=2954
 
|year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3441/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
 
|year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3441/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
 
|model=Vixen
 
|model=Vixen
 
|class=Light
 
|class=Light
|cost = 5,314,790 C-bills
+
|cost = 5,314,790 [[C-bill]]s
 
|Tech Base = Clan
 
|Tech Base = Clan
 
|mech type =BattleMech
 
|mech type =BattleMech
 
|mass=30
 
|mass=30
|chassis=Model MH-26 [[Endo Steel]]
+
|chassis=[[Model MH-26]] [[endo steel]]
|armor=Compound H17 [[Ferro-Fibrous]] w/ [[CASE]]
+
|armor= [[Compound H17 Ferro-Fibrous]] with [[CASE]]
|engine=[[Light Force 270 XL]]<ref name=RG7p4/>
+
|engine=[[Light Force 270]] [[XL engine]]<ref name=RG7p4/>
 
|comsys=[[Comset 1]]<ref name=RG7p4/>
 
|comsys=[[Comset 1]]<ref name=RG7p4/>
 
|T&T=[[Delta-Six Sensor Suite]]<ref name=RG7p4/>
 
|T&T=[[Delta-Six Sensor Suite]]<ref name=RG7p4/>
|heat sinks=10 [[Double Heat Sinks]]
+
|heat sinks=10 [[double heat sink]]s
 
|speed=151
 
|speed=151
 
|armament=
 
|armament=
*1x [[Large Pulse Laser]]
+
* 1x [[Large pulse laser]]
*2x [[ER Medium Laser]]s
+
* 2x [[ER medium laser]]s
*4x [[Machine Gun]]s
+
* 4x [[Machine gun]]s
 
|BV (1.0)=1,406<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 109</ref>
 
|BV (1.0)=1,406<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 109</ref>
 
|BV (2.0)=1,596<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 173</ref>
 
|BV (2.0)=1,596<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 173</ref>
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==Description==
 
==Description==
[[Inner Sphere]] analysts were stumped trying to determine the purpose of the second-line [[BattleMech]] they dubbed '''''Vixen''''' after sighting it among the garrison forces of [[Clan Jade Falcon]]. The '''''Incubus''''', as it is known among the [[Clans]], is somewhat expensive for a light garrison 'Mech. This confused Spheroid observers until they understood how important one-on-one duels were in Clan culture and how often they occurred among bored garrison troops. The ''Incubus'' is a 'Mech that is often used in such Trials, especially because it is easy to turn off weapons to effectively balance the 'Mech's strength with that of an augmented [[Elemental]]. Despite its purpose, the ''Incubus'' does occasionally show up in second-line forces that are desperate for equipment. <ref name=JF-102>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 102 "New 'Mechs - Vixen"</ref> <ref name=TRO3055-116>''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 116 "Clan 'Mechs - Second-Line 'Mechs - Vixen"</ref> <ref name=TRO3055R-98>''Technical Readout: 3055 Revised'', p. 98 "Clan 'Mechs - Second-Line 'Mechs - Vixen"</ref> <ref name=TRO3055U-106>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 106 "Clan "Phoenix" BattleMechs - Vixen"</ref>
+
[[Inner Sphere]] analysts were stumped trying to determine the purpose of the second-line [[BattleMech]] they assigned the [[Inner Sphere Designation for Clan BattleMechs|code name]] '''''Vixen''''' after sighting it among the garrison forces of [[Clan Jade Falcon]]. The '''''Incubus''''', as it is known among the [[Clans]], is somewhat expensive for a [[BattleMech#Light|light]] garrison 'Mech, which confused Spheroid observers until they understood how important one-on-one duels were in Clan culture and how often they occurred among bored garrison troops. The ''Incubus'' is a 'Mech that is often used in such [[Trials]], especially because it is easy to turn off weapons to effectively balance the 'Mech's strength with that of an augmented [[Elemental]]. Despite its purpose, the ''Incubus'' does show up in some second-line forces as well and is highly regarded in all roles it serves.<ref name=JF-102>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 102: "New 'Mechs - Vixen"</ref><ref name=TRO3055-116>''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 116: "Clan 'Mechs - Second-Line 'Mechs - Vixen"</ref><ref name=TRO3055R-98>''Technical Readout: 3055 Revised'', p. 98: "Clan 'Mechs - Second-Line 'Mechs - Vixen"</ref><ref name=TRO3055U-106>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 106: "Clan "Phoenix" BattleMechs - Vixen"</ref>
  
Following [[Clan Hell's Horses]] recapture of [[Tokasha MechWorks Alpha]], and inspired by [[Clan Diamond Shark]]'s "Phoenix" renovation of older design, the Hell's Horses developed a new version of the venerable design incorporating newer weapons technology to expand their BattleMech strength. Though visually different, the core purpose of the 'Mech remains intact, especially useful given the Horses Elemental heavy-''[[touman]]''. This visually refreshed ''Incubus'' also appealed to [[Clan Ice Hellion]] who developed their own variant of it, examples of which fell into the hands of [[Clan Cloud Cobra|Clans Cloud Cobra]] and [[Clan Star Adder|Star Adder]] following the Hellion's ill-fated trade mission to [[Tanis]] prior to the [[Wars of Reaving]].<ref name=TRO3055U-106/>
+
Following [[Clan Hell's Horses]] recapture of [[Tokasha MechWorks Alpha]], and inspired by [[Clan Diamond Shark]]'s "Phoenix" renovation of older designs, the Hell's Horses developed a new version of the venerable design incorporating newer weapons technology to expand their BattleMech strength. Though visually different, the core purpose of the 'Mech remains intact, especially useful given the Horses Elemental-heavy ''[[touman]]''. This visually refreshed ''Incubus'' also appealed to [[Clan Ice Hellion]], who developed their own variant of it, examples of which fell into the hands of [[Clan Cloud Cobra|Clans Cloud Cobra]] and [[Clan Star Adder|Star Adder]] following the Hellion's ill-fated trade mission to [[Tanis]] prior to the [[Wars of Reaving]].<ref name=TRO3055U-106/>
  
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
Part of the Inner Sphere observers confusion around the garrison role of the ''Incubus'' is it's use of an expensive 270 rated [[XL Engine]], [[Endo Steel]] frame, and five and a half tons of [[Ferro-Fibrous]] armor. While seemingly expensive for a "mere" garrison 'Mech, this gives ''Incubus'' impressive performance for a light 'Mech, its profile also looking aggressive despite it's weight, a distinct psychological advantage for its pilots.<ref name=JF-102/> <ref name=TRO3055-116/> <ref name=TRO3055R-98/>
+
Part of the Inner Sphere observers' confusion around the garrison role of the ''Incubus'' is its use of an expensive 270-rated [[XL engine]], [[endo steel]] frame, and five and a half tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor. While seemingly expensive for a "mere" garrison 'Mech, this gives the ''Incubus'' impressive performance for a light 'Mech, as well as an aggressive profile despite its weight, a distinct psychological advantage for its pilots.<ref name=JF-102/><ref name=TRO3055-116/><ref name=TRO3055R-98/>
  
The ''Incubus'' is armed with primarily medium-range weaponry. A [[Large Pulse Laser]] is accurate and covers a respectable range, mounted in a semi-modular "rifle" in the standard version's right arm. Similar to such classic designs as the ''[[Wolverine]]'' and ''[[BattleMaster]]'', the "rifle" placement makes both repair and modification of this weapon extremely easy and rapid. <ref name=JF-102/> <ref name=TRO3055-116/> <ref name=TRO3055R-98/> Hell's Horses upgraded version replaces the "rifle" with a forearm mounted pod instead, but retains the same semi-modular nature for this reason. <ref name=TRO3055U-106/>
+
The ''Incubus'' is armed with primarily medium-range weaponry. A [[large pulse laser]] is accurate and covers a respectable range, mounted in a semi-modular "rifle" in the standard version's right arm. Similar to such classic designs as the ''[[Wolverine]]'' and ''[[BattleMaster]]'', the "rifle" placement makes both repair and modification of this weapon extremely easy and rapid.<ref name=JF-102/><ref name=TRO3055-116/><ref name=TRO3055R-98/> The Hell's Horses upgraded version replaces the "rifle" with a forearm mounted pod instead, but retains the same semi-modular nature for this reason.<ref name=TRO3055U-106/>
  
The arm-mounted primary weapon is supported by over the shoulder light weapons clusters in each side torso. A pair of [[ER Medium Laser]]s are solid backup weapons, while four [[Machine Gun]]s are highly effective against unarmored [[infantry]]. A half ton of machine gun ammunition and ten [[Double Heat Sink]]s are more than adequate for Clan Trials. <ref name=JF-102/> <ref name=TRO3055-116/> <ref name=TRO3055R-98/>
+
The arm-mounted primary weapon is supported by over the shoulder light weapons clusters in each side torso. A pair of [[ER medium laser]]s are solid backup weapons, while four [[machine gun]]s are highly effective against unarmored [[infantry]]. A half ton of machine gun ammunition and 10 [[double heat sink]]s are more than adequate for Clan Trials.<ref name=JF-102/><ref name=TRO3055-116/><ref name=TRO3055R-98/>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
*;''Incubus'' 2 : An example of the semi-modularity offered by the ''Incubus'''s "rifle", this variant replaces the pulse laser with an [[ER PPC]].<ref name=JF-102/> <ref name=TRO3055-116/> <ref name=TRO3055R-98/> BV (1.0) = 1,573<ref name=CO/>, BV (2.0) = 1,913<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p.174</ref>
+
*; ''Incubus'' 2 : An example of the semi-modularity offered by the ''Incubus'''s "rifle," this variant replaces the [[large pulse laser]] with an [[ER PPC]].<ref name=JF-102/><ref name=TRO3055-116/><ref name=TRO3055R-98/> BV (1.0) = 1,573,<ref name=CO/> BV (2.0) = 1,913<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p.174</ref>
  
*;''Incubus'' 3 : The second variant mounts a [[Streak SRM-6]] and a single ton of ammo in the "rifle", the weight saved allowing the torso lasers to be upgraded to [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s.<ref name=JF-102/> <ref name=TRO3055-116/> <ref name=TRO3055R-98/> BV (1.0) = 1,216<ref name=CO/>, BV (2.0) = 1,324<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 175</ref>
+
*; ''Incubus'' 3 : This variant mounts a [[Streak SRM-6]] and a single ton of ammo in the "rifle," and uses the weight saved to upgrade the torso lasers to [[medium pulse laser]]s.<ref name=JF-102/><ref name=TRO3055-116/><ref name=TRO3055R-98/> BV (1.0) = 1,216,<ref name=CO/> BV (2.0) = 1,324<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 175</ref>
  
*;''Incubus'' 4 : Clan Hell's Horses ''Incubus'' 4 completely changes the weapon loadout with an eye to lower cost, but keeps the core purpose of the 'Mech intact. It mounts a [[Heavy Large Laser]], two Medium Pulse Lasers, two [[Micro Pulse Laser]]s, and two [[ER Micro Laser]]s. It can quickly build up heat in normal combat situations, but most of the Trials it is involved in necessitate disabling multiple weapons, so this is rarely a problem. BV (1.0) = 1,215, BV (2.0) = 1,581<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 176</ref>
+
*; ''Incubus'' 4 : Clan Hell's Horses ''Incubus'' 4 completely changes the weapon loadout with an eye to lower cost, but keeps the core purpose of the 'Mech intact. It mounts a [[heavy large laser]], two medium pulse lasers, two [[micro pulse laser]]s, and two [[ER micro laser]]s. It can quickly build up heat in normal combat situations, but most of the [[Trials]] it is involved in necessitate disabling multiple weapons, so this is rarely a problem. BV (1.0) = 1,215, BV (2.0) = 1,581<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 176</ref>
  
*;''Incubus'' 5 : Clan Ice Hellion, always prolific users of fast light 'Mechs, copied the original redesign of the ''Incubus'', but decided to create their own variant. This fifth version mounts an [[ATM 6]] with two tons of ammunition, two ER Medium Lasers, and four [[Light Machine Gun]]s. BV (1.0) = 1,239, BV (2.0) = 1,364<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 177</ref>
+
*; ''Incubus'' 5 : Clan Ice Hellion, always prolific users of fast light 'Mechs, copied the original redesign of the ''Incubus'', but decided to create their own variant. This fifth version mounts an [[ATM-6]] with two tons of ammunition, two [[ER medium laser]]s, and four [[light machine gun]]s. BV (1.0) = 1,239, BV (2.0) = 1,364<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 177</ref>
  
*;''Vixen'' 6 : This variant uses an [[XXL Engine]] to allow the chassis to carry an ER PPC and [[Talon (weapon)|Talons]]. It's frequently seen with Hell's Horses [[Mongol Doctrine|Mongol warriors]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3150'', p. 223</ref>
+
*; ''Incubus'' 6 : This variant uses an [[XXL engine]] to allow the chassis to carry an ER PPC and [[SRM-6]] in the right and left arms respectively. For close attacks it has six ER micro lasers split between the side torsos, and is fitted with [[Talon (weapon)|talons]]. It's frequently seen with Hell's Horses [[Mongol Doctrine|Mongol warriors]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3150'', p. 223</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,599<ref>''Record Sheets: 3150''</ref>
  
*;''Incubus'' 7 : This variant replaces the large pulse laser with an [[Ultra AC/2]] and one ton of ammo. The significant loss of damage capability makes this decision questionable. BV (2.0) = 1,175<ref name=RG7p4/>
+
*; ''Incubus'' 7 : This variant replaces the [[large pulse laser]] with a [[Ultra AC/2]] and one ton of ammo. The significant loss of damage capability makes this decision questionable. BV (2.0) = 1,175<ref name=RG7p4/>
  
*;''Incubus'' 8 : Identical to the standard model, the 8 merely swaps out the large pulse laser for an [[LRM-20]] and one ton of ammo. These are both mounted in the right arm. BV (2.0) = 1,557<ref name=RG7p4/>
+
*; ''Incubus'' 8 : Identical to the standard model, the 8 merely swaps out the large pulse laser for an [[LRM-20]] and one ton of ammo. These are both mounted in the right arm. BV (2.0) = 1,557<ref name=RG7p4/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3150''</ref>
  
*;''Incubus'' 9 : The 9 modifies the weapons load out with 3150 era tech. An [[ER Large Pulse Laser]] replaces the standard pulse laser in the right arm. Each side torso carries one [[ER Medium Pulse Laser]] and two [[AP Gauss Rifle]]s. One ton of ammo is carried in the right torso. To make room for these upgrades a fragile and expensive XXL engine is used. BV (2.0) = 1,849
+
*; ''Incubus'' 9 : The 9 modifies the weapons loadout with 3150 era tech. An [[ER large pulse laser]] replaces the standard large pulse laser in the right arm. Each side torso carries one [[ER medium pulse laser]] and two [[AP Gauss rifle]]s, fed by one ton of ammo is carried in the right torso. To make room for these upgrades a fragile and expensive XXL engine is used. BV (2.0) = 1,849
  
 
===Apocryphal Variants===
 
===Apocryphal Variants===
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''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
 
''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; INC-SA ''Sabre'' : This customized MechWarrior Online [[Hero 'Mech]] is equipped with 270 XL engine, two ER Micro Lasers and [[Heavy Machine Gun]]s in both torsos, [[Streak SRM 4]] with it's one ton of ammo in central torso and two [[Streak SRM 2]]'s in the right arm, along with 10 Double Heat Sinks to cope with the heat, half ton of HMG ammo in left torso and one full ton of HMG and Streak SRM 4 ammo bins in right torso.  [https://mwomercs.com/incubus]
+
*; INC-SA ''Sabre'' : This customized MechWarrior Online [[Hero 'Mech]] is equipped with 270-rated [[XL engine]], two [[ER micro laser]]s and [[heavy machine gun]]s in both torsos, [[Streak SRM-4]] with its one ton of ammo in central torso and two [[Streak SRM-2]]s in the right arm, along with 10 [[double heat sink]]s to cope with the heat. The ballistic weaponry is fed by half ton of HMG ammo in left torso, and one full ton of HMG and Streak SRM 4 ammo bins in right torso.  [https://mwomercs.com/incubus]
 
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}
 
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}
 +
 +
==Design Quirks==
 +
The ''Vixen'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 95: BattleMech Quirk Table - Vixen Entry</ref>
 +
* [[Jettison-Capable Weapon|Jettison-Capable Weapon (Large Pulse Laser)]]
  
 
==Related BattleMechs==
 
==Related BattleMechs==
*''[[Incubus II]]'' - The first design of a [[Jihad]]-era industrial alliance between Clan Hell Horses and the [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile|Exiled Wolves]], the ''Incubus II'' trades lower ground speed for mobility thanks to [[Jump Jet]]s and a [[Partial Wing]] and replaces the standard design's "rifle" for an array of interchangeable [[Hand-Held Weapon]]ry.<ref name=troPp142>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 142</ref>
+
* ''[[Incubus II]]'' - The first design of a [[Jihad]]-era industrial alliance between Clan Hell Horses and the [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile|Exiled Wolves]], the ''Incubus II'' trades lower ground speed for mobility thanks to [[jump jet]]s and a [[Partial Wing (BattleMech)|partial wing]] and replaces the standard design's "rifle" for an array of interchangeable [[hand-held weapon]]ry.<ref name=troPp142>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 142</ref>
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
 
* The ''Incubus''/''Vixen'' as originally depicted in the ''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'' and the original ''Technical Readout: 3055'' was constructed via [[Fractional Accounting]], allowing it to carry a fifth machine gun in the head, removed under the current construction system starting with ''Technical Readout: 3055 Revised''.
 
* The ''Incubus''/''Vixen'' as originally depicted in the ''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'' and the original ''Technical Readout: 3055'' was constructed via [[Fractional Accounting]], allowing it to carry a fifth machine gun in the head, removed under the current construction system starting with ''Technical Readout: 3055 Revised''.
* In German products the unit's proper Clan name was left unchanged. The unit's proper Inner Sphere name was perfectly translated to '''Füchsin'''.
+
 
 +
* Author [[Ashley Watkins]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20231121234813/https://panther6actual.blogspot.com/2015/10/technical-read-out-3055.html blog entry] that she designed stats and wrote background for ''Vixen'' as originally published in ''TRO:3055''.
 +
 
 +
* In German products, the unit's proper Clan name was left unchanged. The unit's proper Inner Sphere name was translated to '''Füchsin'''.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
Line 81: Line 89:
 
The_Falcon_and_the_Wolf_(27).jpg|An ''Incubus'' on patrol in a swamp from ''Jade Falcon Sourcebook''
 
The_Falcon_and_the_Wolf_(27).jpg|An ''Incubus'' on patrol in a swamp from ''Jade Falcon Sourcebook''
 
MWO_Incubus.png|Model of ''Incubus'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
 
MWO_Incubus.png|Model of ''Incubus'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
 +
File:MWDA-WS069-Vixen.jpg|''Vixen'' miniature from [[Miniatures - MechWarrior#MechWarrior: Wolf Strike|MechWarrior: Wolf Strike set]]
 +
Clan Striker Star - Incubus.jpg|''|Incubus'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Clan Striker Star]]''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 88: Line 98:
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 
*''[[Combat Operations]]''
 
*''[[Combat Operations]]''
*''[[Record Sheets: 3055/3058]]''
 
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged]]''
 
*''[[Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged]]''
 +
*''[[Record Sheets: 3055/3058]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3055]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3055]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3150]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3150]]''
 +
*''[[Record Sheets: 3150]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]''
  
 +
 +
[[Category:'Mechs]]
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Light BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Light BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:30 ton BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:30 ton BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Clan General BattleMechs]]
 
 
[[Category:German renamed units]]
 
[[Category:German renamed units]]

Latest revision as of 03:59, 12 March 2024

This article is about the Clan BattleMech designated "Vixen" by the Inner Sphere. For other uses of the latter name, see Vixen.
Incubus (Vixen)
Incubus
Production information
Manufacturer Tokasha MechWorks Alpha

CSF Titanic Mobile Production Facility[1]

Production Year 2954[2]
Model Vixen
Class Light
Cost 5,314,790 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan BattleMech
Mass 30 tons
Chassis Model MH-26 endo steel
Armor Compound H17 Ferro-Fibrous with CASE
Engine Light Force 270 XL engine[1]
Communications System Comset 1[1]
Targeting Tracking System Delta-Six Sensor Suite[1]
Heat Sinks 10 double heat sinks
Speed 151 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,406[3]
BV (2.0) 1,596[4]


Description[edit]

Inner Sphere analysts were stumped trying to determine the purpose of the second-line BattleMech they assigned the code name Vixen after sighting it among the garrison forces of Clan Jade Falcon. The Incubus, as it is known among the Clans, is somewhat expensive for a light garrison 'Mech, which confused Spheroid observers until they understood how important one-on-one duels were in Clan culture and how often they occurred among bored garrison troops. The Incubus is a 'Mech that is often used in such Trials, especially because it is easy to turn off weapons to effectively balance the 'Mech's strength with that of an augmented Elemental. Despite its purpose, the Incubus does show up in some second-line forces as well and is highly regarded in all roles it serves.[5][6][7][8]

Following Clan Hell's Horses recapture of Tokasha MechWorks Alpha, and inspired by Clan Diamond Shark's "Phoenix" renovation of older designs, the Hell's Horses developed a new version of the venerable design incorporating newer weapons technology to expand their BattleMech strength. Though visually different, the core purpose of the 'Mech remains intact, especially useful given the Horses Elemental-heavy touman. This visually refreshed Incubus also appealed to Clan Ice Hellion, who developed their own variant of it, examples of which fell into the hands of Clans Cloud Cobra and Star Adder following the Hellion's ill-fated trade mission to Tanis prior to the Wars of Reaving.[8]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

Part of the Inner Sphere observers' confusion around the garrison role of the Incubus is its use of an expensive 270-rated XL engine, endo steel frame, and five and a half tons of ferro-fibrous armor. While seemingly expensive for a "mere" garrison 'Mech, this gives the Incubus impressive performance for a light 'Mech, as well as an aggressive profile despite its weight, a distinct psychological advantage for its pilots.[5][6][7]

The Incubus is armed with primarily medium-range weaponry. A large pulse laser is accurate and covers a respectable range, mounted in a semi-modular "rifle" in the standard version's right arm. Similar to such classic designs as the Wolverine and BattleMaster, the "rifle" placement makes both repair and modification of this weapon extremely easy and rapid.[5][6][7] The Hell's Horses upgraded version replaces the "rifle" with a forearm mounted pod instead, but retains the same semi-modular nature for this reason.[8]

The arm-mounted primary weapon is supported by over the shoulder light weapons clusters in each side torso. A pair of ER medium lasers are solid backup weapons, while four machine guns are highly effective against unarmored infantry. A half ton of machine gun ammunition and 10 double heat sinks are more than adequate for Clan Trials.[5][6][7]

Variants[edit]

  • Incubus
    Clan Hell's Horses Incubus 4 completely changes the weapon loadout with an eye to lower cost, but keeps the core purpose of the 'Mech intact. It mounts a heavy large laser, two medium pulse lasers, two micro pulse lasers, and two ER micro lasers. It can quickly build up heat in normal combat situations, but most of the Trials it is involved in necessitate disabling multiple weapons, so this is rarely a problem. BV (1.0) = 1,215, BV (2.0) = 1,581[11]
  • Incubus
    Clan Ice Hellion, always prolific users of fast light 'Mechs, copied the original redesign of the Incubus, but decided to create their own variant. This fifth version mounts an ATM-6 with two tons of ammunition, two ER medium lasers, and four light machine guns. BV (1.0) = 1,239, BV (2.0) = 1,364[12]
  • Incubus
    This variant uses an XXL engine to allow the chassis to carry an ER PPC and SRM-6 in the right and left arms respectively. For close attacks it has six ER micro lasers split between the side torsos, and is fitted with talons. It's frequently seen with Hell's Horses Mongol warriors.[13] BV (2.0) = 1,599[14]
  • Incubus
    This variant replaces the large pulse laser with a Ultra AC/2 and one ton of ammo. The significant loss of damage capability makes this decision questionable. BV (2.0) = 1,175[1]
  • Incubus
    Identical to the standard model, the 8 merely swaps out the large pulse laser for an LRM-20 and one ton of ammo. These are both mounted in the right arm. BV (2.0) = 1,557[1][15]
  • Incubus
    The 9 modifies the weapons loadout with 3150 era tech. An ER large pulse laser replaces the standard large pulse laser in the right arm. Each side torso carries one ER medium pulse laser and two AP Gauss rifles, fed by one ton of ammo is carried in the right torso. To make room for these upgrades a fragile and expensive XXL engine is used. BV (2.0) = 1,849

Apocryphal Variants[edit]

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

From MechWarrior Online:

Apocryphal Content Ends

Design Quirks[edit]

The Vixen has the following Design Quirk:[16]

Related BattleMechs[edit]

Notes[edit]

  • The Incubus/Vixen as originally depicted in the Jade Falcon Sourcebook and the original Technical Readout: 3055 was constructed via Fractional Accounting, allowing it to carry a fifth machine gun in the head, removed under the current construction system starting with Technical Readout: 3055 Revised.
  • Author Ashley Watkins stated in a blog entry that she designed stats and wrote background for Vixen as originally published in TRO:3055.
  • In German products, the unit's proper Clan name was left unchanged. The unit's proper Inner Sphere name was translated to Füchsin.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 7, p. 4
  2. MUL online date for the Incubus (Vixen)
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Combat Operations, p. 109
  4. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 173
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Jade Falcon Sourcebook, p. 102: "New 'Mechs - Vixen"
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Technical Readout: 3055, p. 116: "Clan 'Mechs - Second-Line 'Mechs - Vixen"
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 Technical Readout: 3055 Revised, p. 98: "Clan 'Mechs - Second-Line 'Mechs - Vixen"
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, p. 106: "Clan "Phoenix" BattleMechs - Vixen"
  9. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p.174
  10. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 175
  11. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 176
  12. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 177
  13. Technical Readout: 3150, p. 223
  14. Record Sheets: 3150
  15. Record Sheets: 3150
  16. BattleMech Manual, p. 95: BattleMech Quirk Table - Vixen Entry
  17. Technical Readout: Prototypes, p. 142

Bibliography[edit]