I have an incubus and pilot that has never been killed, or his mech fully destroyed. On his first introduction, he was a cadet roped into the defense of the training grounds against a clan wolf raid, in that battle he was responsible for not one, but two one shot mech kills against a timberwolf and a dire wolf! These days he can still be found in my Falcon touman, leading a binary of lighter class mechs, still in his Incubus II
@MechanicalFrog the dire wolf kill was in 3 points of forest. The dw was fresh, and I got super lucky with the erppc hit. The timbie was a long-range pop shot for giggles, and it also took the cockpit out.
That's amazing. I have a Diamond Shark Marauder IIC that is the opposite, every pilot except 1, that has piloted it, has died spectacularly. The mech is named Maneater, and even my enemies call it by name thanks to the teeth around the cockpit and the shattered cockpit glass.
I salvaged an Incubus 9 in MekHQ a while back. I normally don't use XXL engines for the cost alone, but since some Spheroid schmuck already fell for Clan Sea Fox's upselling, I figured I'd make use of it. Fun fact: Superchargers scale with engine weight, not chassis weight. And since this isn't an OmniMech, I can also add MASC. So, as a Class B field refit: replace the ER Large Pulse Laser with an Improved Heavy Medium Laser; replace the AP Gauss Rifles with a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers; add a C3 slave, Supercharger, and MASC to the left torso; add TAG, Angel ECM, a Targeting Computer, and an Active Probe to the right; and finally, use IS-spec Reflective Armor instead because it's easier to maintain and there's plenty of space for it. The movement profile is 9/14(23), which is ridiculous.
I really liked the Ghost of Winter where they had two of these and a Gosshawk plus I think a couple light IICs or other second liners in a Clan backup Cache.
It’s a dueler, it’s a scout, and it certainly will steal the love of your life. I feel like this is about as pure of a mech as battletech has made. I have never lost one in a game and they have always hit above their weight. I have one in my Fronc Reaches posse, with a poncho giving it a “Mech with no name” feel.
Hello Frog. After gaining access to Clan Sea Fox trade networks, the Ghost Lions Legion bought part of a production run of the 'prime' (original) variant of the Incubus-Vixen Mech. Although 'perfect', I felt that the Mech could be improved with Inner Sphere technology, so I had the Mechs disassembled to add TSM to the design, and then rebuilt with no changes to equipment or weaponry. This gave the Vixen an advantage in CQC (Close Quarters Combat) that most Mechwarriors would not expect. A 'kick' that does more damage than the primary weapon carried by the Mech. The Mechs bought for the Legions went to my best pilots, all of which happened to be daughters of Canopian 'Cat Girls' that had been contracted for Entertainment on several of the lunar colonies of the Stygian Compact. The Canopians completed their contracts, and nearly all chose to marry various members of the Legion's Mechwarrior force and produce offspring. These 'ladies' all joined the Legion when they matured and graduated from Hellsport University. As a group, they enlisted in the Legions, and did well with Light Mechs. When the 'Tyrant' purchased Incubus Mechs from Clan Sea Fox, the group volunteered to pilot them. After their first battles as part of one of the Compact's Legions, an enterprising Astech painted a fox head with open fanged jaws on their Mechs, and as a partial joke, painted up the Mechs in a Red and White paint scheme to resemble a fox. The ladies took one, long look at the Mechs and their paint jobs, looked at each other, and screamed, "VIXENS!!", and thus The Vixens became the primary scouting force for their assigned Legion. Funny enough, I have no complaints about this. The Vixens have always been an unexpected force to be reckoned with by opponents of the Ghost Lions Legions, and the 3rd Legion in particular, since their 'founding' in the 3rd Legion. The 4th Legion expects to have 'Vixens' of their own soon, as the sisters of the originals finish their training. It is reported that their Mechs are already painted and awaiting them. Again, I have little, to no, complaints about this... other than the numbers of my Mechwarriors dating the Vixens in their Legion. Franz Joseph Granger, Aide de Camp of the Tyrant of the Stygian Compact. Post Script: The Compact and Tyrant are NOT what you may expect from just the words used. Contact me for more data upon the Constitutional Tyranny if you wish clarity on the issue.
The Vixen is one of those rare mechs in Battletech that is optimized in its primary loadout. It's got as much speed, firepower, and armor as can possibly be squeezed into 30-ton frame. Depending on your preferences, the I and II variants are really all you need, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better light mech in the setting.
One of the most beautiful mechs in humanoid form of not only the clans, but of all Battletech... I fell in love with him the first time I saw him. The only thing I doubt is whether it is more useful with three micro pulse lasers instead of the four machine guns and their dangerous half ton of ammunition. The guy who smeared this design by putting a UCA/2 on it was undoubtedly a disgusting stravag of the Inner Sphere infiltrated to harm the clans. Have I already said that I am in love with this design? 😂
Its probably my favorite secondline clan mech. Its handsome, it's fast, it's balanced. In the ilClan era it's kinda funny, its availability is spread to everyone, even the periphery. If you need a premium light mech, the Vixen is your mech.
Whenever i run one in games, it goes one of two ways. First and most common, it gets head-capped and is destroyed turn one. The more rare second way is it remains a little devil that darts around the board only stopped after it takes way more damage than it ever should have soaked up. I love running the Incubus so much
The Incubus is a solid light mech. While I don't have any crazy stories to tell about it's use, the mech serves me well when I do use it. It does just enough to keep the enemies on their toes and not worrying solely about trying to put fire on the Marauder IIC heading their way. My favorite is naturally the first one with the LPL.
Another solid one. The Vixen is one of those clanner machine that always fascinated me. I try to use them once in a while, and given that I do not have actual models, I found out Primaris Marine Intercessors work really well as proxies.
I'm almost shocked that you didn't have a Plasma Rifle on your custom variant for its rifle-mount. This is one of my favorite Clan light mechs, and every faction should appreciate them.
Considering how some of the other IIC models went, I suspect that the Incubus started out as a Phoenix Hawk on the drawing board, but got modified as the people who DON'T design mechs decided to get involved...
My theory was it was inspired by lights like the valk looking at some of the missile variants the armaments just seem very similar to the valk on some variants
Frog, you really need to atop tempting me like this. I cant keep spending money. But this thing is almost perfect for me - Large pulse laser? Check. Absurdly high mobility? Check. The only thing i would really change is take out those machine guns, which are more likely to be a liabilty than a help. Either replace them with some more weapons, more heatsinks, more armor, or a mix of all three. Even with the machine guns, its still a sexy design. Very tempted to pick one up either for my Merc Battalion or as one of my "Aces" that im styling after the fighter Aces of world war one, or, think the Bounty Hunter or the Black widow in the BT universe. Unique paint scheme mercenaries that can be used with any faction. Very tempted, especially since its in the forcepack that has the Woleverine IIC and the Goshawk. So tempting
Never encountered it on the table. This video made me reflect on how the little things make you enjoy the game even more. I heard the 'Vixen' thought "Nope never encountered it" and then the designnation "Incubus" dropped and I instantly went to the battles I had against it in MWO. Those dual names the IS and Clans have is such a small thing but it makes the world that much more enjoyable. Cheers
I ran an Incubus all the way through my groups clan invasion campaign. In that campaign I regularly killed or crippled Heavy and Assult mechs, ravaged infantry and un-augmented targets. Pound for pound one of the most deadly mechs I have ever run. I have a great photo of my mech capturing the flag of a facility on Tukayyid.
I remember in Ghost Bear's Legacy that the game voice would always go "INCUBUS!!!!" and yell its name when you selected it in the Mech Lab :) Its a VERY nasty light, heavily armed, fast, sure it can't jump but it packs as much firepower as more than a few IS Mediums, and can gun down any light in service. Excellent vid on a superb 'Mech. Oh and the CSF Titanic is a Sea Fox ArcShip, which is basically a heavily converted Potemkin Class Troop Transport. I like your design too :) Surprised you didn't slip a Plasma Cannon in there.
It's a surprisingly potent mech... and it looks good doing it too! A personal favorite of mine. My Vixen/Incubus was put in a Scorpion Empire star from the Omega Galaxy, alongside both classic Clan and Star League era IS mechs. Teamed it with a Warhawk, Crockett, Lancelot, and a Conjurer. A second line star with second line mechs... but not to be trifled with!
We just ran a Vixen in a MegaMek stream and it was by far the mission MVP. It didn't survive the battle but it did nearly take down an Atlas on its own along with critically injuring several others.
Finally! I am head over heels for the Incubus, it's the mech that got me into the game in the first place because of its anime styled look, and I'm glad I picked it. I once ran a Solaris style battle royale game with my friends. We started with lights and eould go up in weight with each kill. It took my Incubus pilot 3 kills till it was popped in the back by a freshly spawned King Crab; and not just that, I managed to maneuver it in between 2 brawling mechs and pop an airstrike ON MY MECH to off both guys. Suffice to say my pilot was the star of the show and ended up winning me the game suffering only one mech death. We all unanimously agreed to her new callsign as "Airstrike." The Incubus truly is the underdog or Ristar's mount from my experience
Granted, I have an unhealthy love of heavy lasers, but I can see the 4 working very well for how I have been playing Vixens. Wait until your opponent moves a heavy or assault then run directly behind it and spray it down. Then next turn you run off, either to hide or to maul another heavy/assault. The extra 6 damage on the heavy lasers means you will probably punch through any rear armor with just that.
@@MechanicalFrog Certainly has been working better than anything else I have tried to deal with assaults without using similar machines. The Vixen even works better than a Fire Moth H with a squad of BA attached to it. Which seems counterintuitive looking at costs, movement, weapons etc
I have to say, the 5 is my favorite. I love the ATM launcher, the Mediums are reliable, and I much prefer the doubled range of Light Machine Guns, and the flexibility it gives me. No longer do I need to plant myself as dangerously close to the enemy to crit seek. I played a game against someone with a Warhawk C last week, and I was in his behind turn 3 and never left it, save for when initiative demanded it.
@@MechanicalFrog I am rarely at range when I would want ER ammo anyway, I would usually rather break all Line of Sight until I am in a more ideal bracket. At those ranges, they probably have an ERPPC or something like it, so I would rather not risk taking that in exchange for the light damage that comes from ER ATM 6. I have the speed to count on being able to get into cover in near every scenario. If you mean you wish you had more space for HE or Standard, I can get behind that, but the ATM 6 is efficient enough in my experience that I can be fairly sure I will do everything I want to with all 2 tons and that the enemy will be on their last legs, probably, by the time I run dry.
I took two Vixen's. First one added 2 more DHS, 3 ER MED Pulse Lasers in the RA, 6 ER Micro lasers 2 in the LT, RT, and LA. For a Heat of 26/24. The second unit was with the XXL engine. I added 5 Streak 2's. 3 in the RA, 1 in the LT, and RT with a ton of ammo. Next I added 4 Heavy Machine Guns 2 in the LT, and RT with 1 Full ton of ammo. I still had alot tonnage left over so I added a ER MED Laser and TAG in the RA for a Heat of 17/20.
Yeah, the XXL was the test mech to see if I would like the engine on future mech designs. I concluded I would only use the XXL engine if the mech had 10 tons of Ferro Fibrous armor. But what makes this engine shine is that you can use it in conjunction with Harden Armor on 75+ Ton mechs.@@MechanicalFrog
I suspect the Incubus 7 exists because a garrison had extra Incubi they couldn't use and wanted some extra fire support. Maybe some had battle damage, maybe they just needed more help with aerospace fighters. Then again, this is the *Clans* we're talking about, and that wouldn't really make sense in Trials. What I *am* pretty sure about is that the only reason they left the rest of the original Incubus unchanged is that only that one arm could be swapped out quickly. Really, this is the exact scenario that'd make Clanners wish it was an actual OmniMech.
I find it interesting that the Vapor Eagle seems like a great pairing. Not only are both very fast, they have a lit if the same weqponry to keep logistic from getting crazy.
I love the Design and the variants of the Vixen/Incubus since i first saw it. In combination with Piranhas and locust IIC battlemechs it makes for a realy menacing Light striker star. Put a star elementals into the Mix and watch the fear in your opponents eyes😂
Do you have plans to cover some of the newer late dark age and ilclan mechs in the near future? As much as I love the main channels dedicated to these types of videos, the 'genre' has seemed to evolve into long documentaries for each mech retracing the older lore and continuing to relive stories of tukkayid and revival ad nauseum. If you're feeling froggy ( 😂 ) and wanted to start tackling the pack of yet unmade videos from the other direction, that would be a breath of fresh air. That and yeah, really want to see that little 40 ton monster called the Kontio get the mech frog spot light 😊 .
The primary variant is nearly a perfect Light Mech for most of the roles of the weight class, and it achieves this without the fancy Omnimech industrial LEGOs. Again, the lack of an option for Jump jets is my sole gripe; a marginally smaller engine would make it possible without sacrificing too much speed too since the thing is already a blur on the battlefield. I think the Incubus II was on the right track for filling out its last missing role (counter-ECM) but went a bit too far on the jumpy-jump and not quite enough on the zappy-zap. It still looks fun as hell to pilot, for what that's worth.
Slight change to your model of Vixen/Incubus, swap the standard AMS for the newer Laser AMS and put a CASE II in with the missle ammo. It has slightly lower BV when compared to the standard AMS (45 vs the 32 of the AMS and 22 of the one ton of ammo) and potentially higher heat (though it will take several turns of alpha strikes and surviving missle bombardments for that to happen), but hey, just my suggestion. Heck, for all I know, I am misreading the rules and you have to add an additional 5 heat for every missle bombardment coming towards you. Having trouble finding my Total Warfare rules, and I assume if it takes one point of ammo for each launcher firing at the target, then it probably should do 5 heat for each launcher.
so getting the LPL, LRM20 and ER PPC weapon pack in a star and have some extras with you ... i dunno how you would do that as the clans, but i could see it in the IS would make this the perfect pirat maschine. Your fire support group puts out some salvos of LRMs before switching out the weapon in the field for either ER PPCs or LPLs and then either engage in direct fire support or helps in the assault with the large pulse laser. only optimization would be switchting the MGs for small or micro pluse lasers, like the 4 variant.
LOL!!! I LOVE these vids! Yet another mech that is an absolute "feast for the eyes" aesthetically. After picking up several boxes of mech minis containing the CONJURER (thanks to the lust generated by your earlier vid, Frog) I was thrilled to see that the same box also contains THESE guys. TWO BIRDS!
As a mw5 player who, yes uses mods, upgrades their mechs to such an extent that it takes 10s of millions of c bills to refit their mech or upgrade it. My banshee alone is a terror, using clan tech, engines and heavy medium lasers for damage output at range but specializing in melee combat. My mech is one god tier mech of unbridaled destruction that during an infiltration mission (i didnt read the mission briefing...) I ran in aggroing the whole map killing 26 mechs myself while my other lance mates took out 10 in total making a mech kill count of 36 mechs killed
Love for this one, started all the way back in MW2-Ghost Bear Legacy The Firemoth was pure speed goodness and omni lunacy, but you're running around like a nekkid man in a car wash machine and risk being tangled up exactly once, then dying horribly There was also the Kit Fox, which is more omi madness with the loadout of a very mean Medium anything else, but its much slower and you will get your arse shot off if you don't position really carefully. Incubus is sort of a happy in between, its very fast, got a decent amount of armour in clan ferro no less and the base build is gunna laser the crap out of people, they won't like it and you can run around trollololololing blowing their legs and back armour off.
@@MechanicalFrog I kind of like to think of them as sort of a lighter Phoenx Hawk in some ways, especially the Incubus II which had jump jets and wing system
The base Vixen is armed like a Clan light mech version of the Phoenix Hawk. Even looks wise it would fit in with the Wasp, Stinger, Valkyrie, Phoenix Hawk & to a lesser extent Crusader.
The ERPPC and LRM seem like the best alternatives to me, though I'd probably go with an LRM 15 instead of a 20 and put the saved weight into ammo. Because indirect fire at 150+KPH will drive many targets mad, and an ERPPC is still usually a potential kill shot.
The IV is baffling because that heavy laser would go good with the 4 machine guns from the original, I'd even bump it up to six. Having more lasers but not enough heatsinks will kill me I won't blame my psychotic impulses to obliterate the enemy with heavy lasers every single attack
The Vixen and the Gashawk (hope this is right) were two Clan Mechs from a Story that I REALLY liked: Father Frost and his Frost Giants. :D A wonderfull story about a Icy backwarts Periphery Planet, that had a small Mech Lance for Protection, and that got a "visit" from some Space Pirates... with Clan Mechs under them a Timberwolf. They were in search for a hidden Clan Outpost with a complete star of Omni Mechs in it. But they never thought of, that someone from the Mechlance would survive their ambush, find that hidden base and... well, you will have to read that story to know how it ends. ;-)
I agree, it's hard to go past the standard Incubus model. It's just a very well-rounded light 'mech. About the only thing I would want to add to it (somehow) is jump capability, but even then that probably not worth the sacrifices needed to squeeze them in.
@@MechanicalFrog My thought was, *if* you were going to go for XXL, you should use the space for mobility. Whack in as many jump-jets as you can, and if there's still tonnage spare, throw in a MASC or Supercharger.
There should be an Improved Heavy Laser version. The Jenisonable Weapon quirk could then be used to throw the explosive weapon away once the arm armour is striped.
Hey MF, Thank you for the interesting videos and descriptions! I also enjoy making alternate variants so in my prideful opinion: Incubus 1A is a simple remake for the pre-invasion era: removing the MGs and their ammo allows for 1 more heatsink (all E-Weapons can fire on a run and stay heat neutral) and two flamers for dealing with infantry. This also eliminates supply issues outside of standard maintenance.
The Incubus VII makes sense when you consider it is used in duling. Beating your opponent with an Ultra AC/2 is a show of skill and will put you on the path to advancement or reserect a failing career
One of a (aggrivating) handful of clan mechs that took a good base and said "it ain't broke so lets fix it harder till we get a half dozen ones that are."......
Oh, Incubus, my first Clan light and my beloved machine, from desight to profile and mechanics. If you ask what Clan not omni mech i ride, that be a Incubus, and eveb if it be alternate to omnimech, it's best. Also about 7, i think that idea of dueling with Aero and VTOL pilots, i understand (but not appreciate) love to LPL, but Incubus is a duel mech and to duel aero Ultra Ac2 good enough.
If you have a source, I would be interested in seeing it. Both his Sarna page and the Tokasha Campaign book reference him being an Elemental and dying in his battle armor. www.sarna.net/wiki/Kilbourne_Jorgensson
I heard somewhere the Vixen ended up being popular among women pilots in the Inner Sphere, specifically because of its name. Sounds like a marketing opportunity to me.
I am amazed there is no stock variant armed with plasma rifle(s) as the primary weapon. But as far as existing designs go, I see nothing wrong with the base configuration with a Large Pulse Laser as it's primary weapon. It seems a solid design, but I have not had a chance to field test it.
RA ER Lg laser LA Array 4 ER Microlasers RT/LT 2 MPL or 4 small pulse lasers. CT TC and ECM Head Active Probe LT shoulder Laser AMS Light engine +2 Engine HS for 12 DHS. Alternate Firefox Vixen RA Plasma Cannon/Rifle +2 tons ammo. LA clan SRM 6 w 1 ton inferno 1 ton tandem in case II (clan armor benefit) RT/LT 1 ER Med Laser + 1 SPL each. Head Fire Breath Fusion Flamer Comm sensor gear - Fox ear directional w/ clan light active probe and clan ecm. Meant to hunt movers, powered armor, and infantry. Can still ruin day of any mech it surprises. Solaris 7 version TSM + Industrial Armor + hotseat. Armor enhanced with combat spikes RA 4 ton vibroblade and reinforced servos and joints. LA 3 Ton Shield w/Reflective Coating. RT/LT main weapons to allow full use in melee. 2 SRM4s with Acid HE Tandem and inferno in half tons. Case II protection. 2 MPL for accuracy Head SPL Heavier armor is more rounded at hips and shoulders. As is CT. No benefit other than looks more feminine. Which is odd as pilot is known to be male...
if clan vehicles are an option for this series, I would like to nominate the MARS tank, its a slow rolling ammo depot, but so cool. plus there is a re-draft by the original artist that looks much better.
@@MechanicalFrog wow, thank you for the direct response. great to hear, the merkava series would be cool to see from a setting history perspective as well.
It's strange that the minor omni concept was not pushed more. If blood spirit style of mech design and minor omni concept was mixed together. We would have very sturdy and cheaper clan designs.
Yeah, Incubus II is an odd design, the handheld weapons are nice, but without TSM it's carried loadout is restricted to an extra 2 tons of weapons, and half ton of ammo and armor, and also blocks the use of the arm and torso weapons.
Liked it ever since MW2 GBL and the novel Ghost of Winter. To me, it's a lighter Clan version of the Wolfhound. Just a good light mech. And yeah, putting an XXL Engine in anything with less then 19 tons of armor is stupid.
Something always fascinates me about how battletech features absurdly anemic weaponry loadouts but all I hear are one-shot leg cripplings and headshots. Nuts man. MWO is such a watered down slog
"Downgrades the Machine Guns to Light variants" I'd actually call it an upgrade. Infantry can be challenged out of their own range easier, and crit seeking on mechs becomes much more viable.
I'm writing this again as my message seemed to disappear lol :-) a great little mech with another great overview :-) however just a couple of days ago I saw a solaris fight with one of these getting pounded into the ground by a scarabus...no substitute for true speed I suppose :-)
Your mod is nice. I like mine a little better. In the vein of don't fix what ain't broke. I dropped the mgs and ammo for an active probe and ecm. Have had great success with this
Any mech with a large pulse laser is absolutely devastating to any light mechs it comes across. Does great against mexhs of equivalent tonnage and against infantry/battle armor.
What about replacing the Large Pulse Laser with a Gauss Rifle? Sacrifice the Machine Guns and replace the M lasers with small pulse lasers to get as much spare weight as possible, and you've a scout-sniper that can hit rear armor of those damn missile boats.
One of the few Clan BattleMechs with good looks in both the old AND the new iterations, i liked this one right from the start when i first saw it. Combining ER medium with Large pulse lasers works well due to their mostly overlapping range brackets. Version VIII would be much better if you drop the MGs and their ammo to upgrade the LRMs with Artemis IV and increase the ammo. I am NOT a fan of XXL engines, they produce excess heat while standing and bulk up the side torsi while being overly vulnerable. BAD idea.
@@MechanicalFrog If i would like to see a new technology emerge in engines, it would be the "Clan Light". This new engine should have the same advantages as the IS Light engine: less weight saving than the XL, but less intrusion in the side torsi. Just better than the IS version, it would be 2/3 the weight of the base engine instead of the 75% and only have 1 internal space per side torso! Does that sound practical to you?
I have an incubus and pilot that has never been killed, or his mech fully destroyed. On his first introduction, he was a cadet roped into the defense of the training grounds against a clan wolf raid, in that battle he was responsible for not one, but two one shot mech kills against a timberwolf and a dire wolf! These days he can still be found in my Falcon touman, leading a binary of lighter class mechs, still in his Incubus II
Hah, that's awesome! Go little Incubus! Run!
Does he have a Bloodname yet?
@MechanicalFrog the dire wolf kill was in 3 points of forest. The dw was fresh, and I got super lucky with the erppc hit. The timbie was a long-range pop shot for giggles, and it also took the cockpit out.
So dope
That's amazing. I have a Diamond Shark Marauder IIC that is the opposite, every pilot except 1, that has piloted it, has died spectacularly. The mech is named Maneater, and even my enemies call it by name thanks to the teeth around the cockpit and the shattered cockpit glass.
I salvaged an Incubus 9 in MekHQ a while back. I normally don't use XXL engines for the cost alone, but since some Spheroid schmuck already fell for Clan Sea Fox's upselling, I figured I'd make use of it.
Fun fact: Superchargers scale with engine weight, not chassis weight. And since this isn't an OmniMech, I can also add MASC. So, as a Class B field refit: replace the ER Large Pulse Laser with an Improved Heavy Medium Laser; replace the AP Gauss Rifles with a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers; add a C3 slave, Supercharger, and MASC to the left torso; add TAG, Angel ECM, a Targeting Computer, and an Active Probe to the right; and finally, use IS-spec Reflective Armor instead because it's easier to maintain and there's plenty of space for it.
The movement profile is 9/14(23), which is ridiculous.
The rules are always more flexible when using salvaged stuff. The mistakes of others can be a boon.
I really liked the Ghost of Winter where they had two of these and a Gosshawk plus I think a couple light IICs or other second liners in a Clan backup Cache.
It’s a dueler, it’s a scout, and it certainly will steal the love of your life. I feel like this is about as pure of a mech as battletech has made. I have never lost one in a game and they have always hit above their weight. I have one in my Fronc Reaches posse, with a poncho giving it a “Mech with no name” feel.
It most certainly will steal your love - it’s named the Incubus after all - the male equivalent to the Succubus
"A mech stole my partner..." Story as old as time...
Hello Frog.
After gaining access to Clan Sea Fox trade networks, the Ghost Lions Legion bought part of a production run of the 'prime' (original) variant of the Incubus-Vixen Mech.
Although 'perfect', I felt that the Mech could be improved with Inner Sphere technology, so I had the Mechs disassembled to add TSM to the design, and then rebuilt with no changes to equipment or weaponry. This gave the Vixen an advantage in CQC (Close Quarters Combat) that most Mechwarriors would not expect. A 'kick' that does more damage than the primary weapon carried by the Mech.
The Mechs bought for the Legions went to my best pilots, all of which happened to be daughters of Canopian 'Cat Girls' that had been contracted for Entertainment on several of the lunar colonies of the Stygian Compact. The Canopians completed their contracts, and nearly all chose to marry various members of the Legion's Mechwarrior force and produce offspring.
These 'ladies' all joined the Legion when they matured and graduated from Hellsport University. As a group, they enlisted in the Legions, and did well with Light Mechs. When the 'Tyrant' purchased Incubus Mechs from Clan Sea Fox, the group volunteered to pilot them.
After their first battles as part of one of the Compact's Legions, an enterprising Astech painted a fox head with open fanged jaws on their Mechs, and as a partial joke, painted up the Mechs in a Red and White paint scheme to resemble a fox.
The ladies took one, long look at the Mechs and their paint jobs, looked at each other, and screamed, "VIXENS!!", and thus The Vixens became the primary scouting force for their assigned Legion.
Funny enough, I have no complaints about this.
The Vixens have always been an unexpected force to be reckoned with by opponents of the Ghost Lions Legions, and the 3rd Legion in particular, since their 'founding' in the 3rd Legion. The 4th Legion expects to have 'Vixens' of their own soon, as the sisters of the originals finish their training. It is reported that their Mechs are already painted and awaiting them.
Again, I have little, to no, complaints about this... other than the numbers of my Mechwarriors dating the Vixens in their Legion.
Franz Joseph Granger, Aide de Camp of the Tyrant of the Stygian Compact.
Post Script: The Compact and Tyrant are NOT what you may expect from just the words used. Contact me for more data upon the Constitutional Tyranny if you wish clarity on the issue.
I'm going to need more caffeine before I can properly process this.
@@MechanicalFrog : Take your time Frog... also, would you like the data packet on the Constitutional Tyranny (government of the Stygian Compact)???
Sure.
The Vixen is one of those rare mechs in Battletech that is optimized in its primary loadout. It's got as much speed, firepower, and armor as can possibly be squeezed into 30-ton frame. Depending on your preferences, the I and II variants are really all you need, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better light mech in the setting.
It's really hard to beat that first loadout. The LPL is just that good.
Speed, armor, firepower, cost (BV), and flexibility make it a great mech. I love clan second liners, and this is no exception.
It reminds me of a clan Wolfhound. It's got everything you want in a small, handsome package, and it never disappoints.
Solid comparison.
Cept wolfhounds dont use ammo
One of the most beautiful mechs in humanoid form of not only the clans, but of all Battletech...
I fell in love with him the first time I saw him. The only thing I doubt is whether it is more useful with three micro pulse lasers instead of the four machine guns and their dangerous half ton of ammunition.
The guy who smeared this design by putting a UCA/2 on it was undoubtedly a disgusting stravag of the Inner Sphere infiltrated to harm the clans.
Have I already said that I am in love with this design? 😂
Hah! Well I'm glad to give it some limelight.
Its probably my favorite secondline clan mech. Its handsome, it's fast, it's balanced.
In the ilClan era it's kinda funny, its availability is spread to everyone, even the periphery. If you need a premium light mech, the Vixen is your mech.
I'm ok with this.
Thanks for doing the Clan second line mechs, and the IICs, they don't get a lot of coverage in videos like these.
Absolutely. Many of these mechs deserve a bit more of the limelight.
I had my Vixen/Incubus painted as the Garland from Megazone 23 it's always had a place in my Clan Solhama Star or mixed Lance formations
The math checks out on this action.
Whenever i run one in games, it goes one of two ways. First and most common, it gets head-capped and is destroyed turn one. The more rare second way is it remains a little devil that darts around the board only stopped after it takes way more damage than it ever should have soaked up. I love running the Incubus so much
On brand then.
The Incubus is a solid light mech. While I don't have any crazy stories to tell about it's use, the mech serves me well when I do use it. It does just enough to keep the enemies on their toes and not worrying solely about trying to put fire on the Marauder IIC heading their way. My favorite is naturally the first one with the LPL.
Another solid one. The Vixen is one of those clanner machine that always fascinated me. I try to use them once in a while, and given that I do not have actual models, I found out Primaris Marine Intercessors work really well as proxies.
Heh... now that's resourceful.
@@MechanicalFrog if it works, right? ;)
I'm almost shocked that you didn't have a Plasma Rifle on your custom variant for its rifle-mount. This is one of my favorite Clan light mechs, and every faction should appreciate them.
Clearly an oversight on my part.
Considering how some of the other IIC models went, I suspect that the Incubus started out as a Phoenix Hawk on the drawing board, but got modified as the people who DON'T design mechs decided to get involved...
Not the first time I have heard this theory...
My theory was it was inspired by lights like the valk looking at some of the missile variants the armaments just seem very similar to the valk on some variants
Frog, you really need to atop tempting me like this. I cant keep spending money. But this thing is almost perfect for me - Large pulse laser? Check. Absurdly high mobility? Check. The only thing i would really change is take out those machine guns, which are more likely to be a liabilty than a help. Either replace them with some more weapons, more heatsinks, more armor, or a mix of all three. Even with the machine guns, its still a sexy design. Very tempted to pick one up either for my Merc Battalion or as one of my "Aces" that im styling after the fighter Aces of world war one, or, think the Bounty Hunter or the Black widow in the BT universe. Unique paint scheme mercenaries that can be used with any faction. Very tempted, especially since its in the forcepack that has the Woleverine IIC and the Goshawk. So tempting
They should be sold in boxes of 12.
@@MechanicalFrog Do you want me to go bankrupt faster!?! 😂
Just the normal usual speed is fine.
Never encountered it on the table. This video made me reflect on how the little things make you enjoy the game even more. I heard the 'Vixen' thought "Nope never encountered it" and then the designnation "Incubus" dropped and I instantly went to the battles I had against it in MWO. Those dual names the IS and Clans have is such a small thing but it makes the world that much more enjoyable. Cheers
It can be both fun and frustrating sometimes. Have a great one!
I ran an Incubus all the way through my groups clan invasion campaign. In that campaign I regularly killed or crippled Heavy and Assult mechs, ravaged infantry and un-augmented targets. Pound for pound one of the most deadly mechs I have ever run. I have a great photo of my mech capturing the flag of a facility on Tukayyid.
That's awesome.
I remember in Ghost Bear's Legacy that the game voice would always go "INCUBUS!!!!" and yell its name when you selected it in the Mech Lab :) Its a VERY nasty light, heavily armed, fast, sure it can't jump but it packs as much firepower as more than a few IS Mediums, and can gun down any light in service. Excellent vid on a superb 'Mech. Oh and the CSF Titanic is a Sea Fox ArcShip, which is basically a heavily converted Potemkin Class Troop Transport.
I like your design too :) Surprised you didn't slip a Plasma Cannon in there.
I was tempted... always tempted...
It's a surprisingly potent mech... and it looks good doing it too! A personal favorite of mine. My Vixen/Incubus was put in a Scorpion Empire star from the Omega Galaxy, alongside both classic Clan and Star League era IS mechs. Teamed it with a Warhawk, Crockett, Lancelot, and a Conjurer. A second line star with second line mechs... but not to be trifled with!
We just ran a Vixen in a MegaMek stream and it was by far the mission MVP. It didn't survive the battle but it did nearly take down an Atlas on its own along with critically injuring several others.
Finally! I am head over heels for the Incubus, it's the mech that got me into the game in the first place because of its anime styled look, and I'm glad I picked it.
I once ran a Solaris style battle royale game with my friends. We started with lights and eould go up in weight with each kill. It took my Incubus pilot 3 kills till it was popped in the back by a freshly spawned King Crab; and not just that, I managed to maneuver it in between 2 brawling mechs and pop an airstrike ON MY MECH to off both guys.
Suffice to say my pilot was the star of the show and ended up winning me the game suffering only one mech death. We all unanimously agreed to her new callsign as "Airstrike." The Incubus truly is the underdog or Ristar's mount from my experience
Hah, that's awesome! What a story.
I've just painted one of those for my Clan Sea Fox Spina Khanate force and I'm loving it. For such a light unit, this 'mech really packs a mean punch!
Absolutely, a solid pick.
I love the Vixen, it's such a fighter
It's great, and adorable.
Granted, I have an unhealthy love of heavy lasers, but I can see the 4 working very well for how I have been playing Vixens. Wait until your opponent moves a heavy or assault then run directly behind it and spray it down. Then next turn you run off, either to hide or to maul another heavy/assault. The extra 6 damage on the heavy lasers means you will probably punch through any rear armor with just that.
Fair plan.
@@MechanicalFrog Certainly has been working better than anything else I have tried to deal with assaults without using similar machines. The Vixen even works better than a Fire Moth H with a squad of BA attached to it. Which seems counterintuitive looking at costs, movement, weapons etc
I have to say, the 5 is my favorite. I love the ATM launcher, the Mediums are reliable, and I much prefer the doubled range of Light Machine Guns, and the flexibility it gives me. No longer do I need to plant myself as dangerously close to the enemy to crit seek.
I played a game against someone with a Warhawk C last week, and I was in his behind turn 3 and never left it, save for when initiative demanded it.
The 5 works. I just wish it had that third ton of ammo.
@@MechanicalFrog I am rarely at range when I would want ER ammo anyway, I would usually rather break all Line of Sight until I am in a more ideal bracket. At those ranges, they probably have an ERPPC or something like it, so I would rather not risk taking that in exchange for the light damage that comes from ER ATM 6. I have the speed to count on being able to get into cover in near every scenario.
If you mean you wish you had more space for HE or Standard, I can get behind that, but the ATM 6 is efficient enough in my experience that I can be fairly sure I will do everything I want to with all 2 tons and that the enemy will be on their last legs, probably, by the time I run dry.
That's fair.
I took two Vixen's. First one added 2 more DHS, 3 ER MED Pulse Lasers in the RA, 6 ER Micro lasers 2 in the LT, RT, and LA. For a Heat of 26/24. The second unit was with the XXL engine. I added 5 Streak 2's. 3 in the RA, 1 in the LT, and RT with a ton of ammo. Next I added 4 Heavy Machine Guns 2 in the LT, and RT with 1 Full ton of ammo. I still had alot tonnage left over so I added a ER MED Laser and TAG in the RA for a Heat of 17/20.
Interesting. I'm going to have to ponder that XXL engine. It just seems so risky to me.
Yeah, the XXL was the test mech to see if I would like the engine on future mech designs. I concluded I would only use the XXL engine if the mech had 10 tons of Ferro Fibrous armor. But what makes this engine shine is that you can use it in conjunction with Harden Armor on 75+ Ton mechs.@@MechanicalFrog
Hey... this isn't a game... this is math!
Math and style can go hand in hand. :)@@MechanicalFrog
Often does. @@gregkun1
Love to pair up a mix of Incubi and Vapor Eagles. Speed and firepower combo that can handle a lot of situations.
Absolutely, yes.
I love the Incubus, have never felt the need to run anything but the OG config though as LPL just so spicy.
Hard to beat the original.
I suspect the Incubus 7 exists because a garrison had extra Incubi they couldn't use and wanted some extra fire support. Maybe some had battle damage, maybe they just needed more help with aerospace fighters.
Then again, this is the *Clans* we're talking about, and that wouldn't really make sense in Trials. What I *am* pretty sure about is that the only reason they left the rest of the original Incubus unchanged is that only that one arm could be swapped out quickly. Really, this is the exact scenario that'd make Clanners wish it was an actual OmniMech.
Fair.
I find it interesting that the Vapor Eagle seems like a great pairing. Not only are both very fast, they have a lit if the same weqponry to keep logistic from getting crazy.
I love the Design and the variants of the Vixen/Incubus since i first saw it. In combination with Piranhas and locust IIC battlemechs it makes for a realy menacing Light striker star. Put a star elementals into the Mix and watch the fear in your opponents eyes😂
Plenty of really great options for clan lights.
07:15 when your hex edge lines up with your barrel indentation on your frogs battlearmor.
Do you have plans to cover some of the newer late dark age and ilclan mechs in the near future? As much as I love the main channels dedicated to these types of videos, the 'genre' has seemed to evolve into long documentaries for each mech retracing the older lore and continuing to relive stories of tukkayid and revival ad nauseum. If you're feeling froggy ( 😂 ) and wanted to start tackling the pack of yet unmade videos from the other direction, that would be a breath of fresh air. That and yeah, really want to see that little 40 ton monster called the Kontio get the mech frog spot light 😊 .
Yes mr frog, I still love that bath salts cicada
I'm sure we will at some point.
The primary variant is nearly a perfect Light Mech for most of the roles of the weight class, and it achieves this without the fancy Omnimech industrial LEGOs. Again, the lack of an option for Jump jets is my sole gripe; a marginally smaller engine would make it possible without sacrificing too much speed too since the thing is already a blur on the battlefield.
I think the Incubus II was on the right track for filling out its last missing role (counter-ECM) but went a bit too far on the jumpy-jump and not quite enough on the zappy-zap. It still looks fun as hell to pilot, for what that's worth.
You had me at zappy zap.
Slight change to your model of Vixen/Incubus, swap the standard AMS for the newer Laser AMS and put a CASE II in with the missle ammo. It has slightly lower BV when compared to the standard AMS (45 vs the 32 of the AMS and 22 of the one ton of ammo) and potentially higher heat (though it will take several turns of alpha strikes and surviving missle bombardments for that to happen), but hey, just my suggestion.
Heck, for all I know, I am misreading the rules and you have to add an additional 5 heat for every missle bombardment coming towards you. Having trouble finding my Total Warfare rules, and I assume if it takes one point of ammo for each launcher firing at the target, then it probably should do 5 heat for each launcher.
Ah, good idea. The heat on the LAMS can be a big issues for mechs that dance on the line.
so getting the LPL, LRM20 and ER PPC weapon pack in a star and have some extras with you ... i dunno how you would do that as the clans, but i could see it in the IS would make this the perfect pirat maschine.
Your fire support group puts out some salvos of LRMs before switching out the weapon in the field for either ER PPCs or LPLs and then either engage in direct fire support or helps in the assault with the large pulse laser.
only optimization would be switchting the MGs for small or micro pluse lasers, like the 4 variant.
Might boil down to just how solid and safe your logistics network is for those field swaps.
LOL!!! I LOVE these vids! Yet another mech that is an absolute "feast for the eyes" aesthetically. After picking up several boxes of mech minis containing the CONJURER (thanks to the lust generated by your earlier vid, Frog) I was thrilled to see that the same box also contains THESE guys. TWO BIRDS!
That box is excellent.
Also has the Vapor Eagle and the Zaku. Such a good box.
@@EmperorPylades AGREED! The Vapor Eagle is the one that first made me want to buy this set. SWEET lookin' mech!
As a mw5 player who, yes uses mods, upgrades their mechs to such an extent that it takes 10s of millions of c bills to refit their mech or upgrade it. My banshee alone is a terror, using clan tech, engines and heavy medium lasers for damage output at range but specializing in melee combat. My mech is one god tier mech of unbridaled destruction that during an infiltration mission (i didnt read the mission briefing...) I ran in aggroing the whole map killing 26 mechs myself while my other lance mates took out 10 in total making a mech kill count of 36 mechs killed
Love for this one, started all the way back in MW2-Ghost Bear Legacy
The Firemoth was pure speed goodness and omni lunacy, but you're running around like a nekkid man in a car wash machine and risk being tangled up exactly once, then dying horribly
There was also the Kit Fox, which is more omi madness with the loadout of a very mean Medium anything else, but its much slower and you will get your arse shot off if you don't position really carefully.
Incubus is sort of a happy in between, its very fast, got a decent amount of armour in clan ferro no less and the base build is gunna laser the crap out of people, they won't like it and you can run around trollololololing blowing their legs and back armour off.
It seems to hold a pretty good niche.
@@MechanicalFrog I kind of like to think of them as sort of a lighter Phoenx Hawk in some ways, especially the Incubus II which had jump jets and wing system
I can see that. @@krissteel4074
The base Vixen is armed like a Clan light mech version of the Phoenix Hawk.
Even looks wise it would fit in with the Wasp, Stinger, Valkyrie, Phoenix Hawk & to a lesser extent Crusader.
The ERPPC and LRM seem like the best alternatives to me, though I'd probably go with an LRM 15 instead of a 20 and put the saved weight into ammo. Because indirect fire at 150+KPH will drive many targets mad, and an ERPPC is still usually a potential kill shot.
Quite nasty with both.
The Incubus 3 is still, by far, my favourite variant
Hopefully you have luck with it.
@@MechanicalFrog I do! A great deal, in fact!
The IV is baffling because that heavy laser would go good with the 4 machine guns from the original, I'd even bump it up to six. Having more lasers but not enough heatsinks will kill me I won't blame my psychotic impulses to obliterate the enemy with heavy lasers every single attack
Some of us have energy weapon self-control issues. That's ok.
The Vixen and the Gashawk (hope this is right) were two Clan Mechs from a Story that I REALLY liked: Father Frost and his Frost Giants. :D
A wonderfull story about a Icy backwarts Periphery Planet, that had a small Mech Lance for Protection, and that got a "visit" from some Space Pirates... with Clan Mechs under them a Timberwolf.
They were in search for a hidden Clan Outpost with a complete star of Omni Mechs in it.
But they never thought of, that someone from the Mechlance would survive their ambush, find that hidden base and... well, you will have to read that story to know how it ends. ;-)
Interesting. I'll have to look for it.
@@MechanicalFrog it is a Mechwarrior series novel, I believe, titled "Ghosts of Winter".
Sweet! @@jarekmace1536
I love this Mech. One of my favorite Clan Mechs for its size.
It really is a solid performer. Form and function.
Oh, it's like a smol Vapor Eagle!
this mech was one of the first minis I ever bought back in the day and sadly I never got to field it :(
I agree, it's hard to go past the standard Incubus model. It's just a very well-rounded light 'mech. About the only thing I would want to add to it (somehow) is jump capability, but even then that probably not worth the sacrifices needed to squeeze them in.
I could see maybe cutting the MGs from the original in order to cram in a few jump jets but, it wouldn't feel the same.
@@MechanicalFrog My thought was, *if* you were going to go for XXL, you should use the space for mobility. Whack in as many jump-jets as you can, and if there's still tonnage spare, throw in a MASC or Supercharger.
May as well go all in at that point and remove all the armor.
@@MechanicalFrog
I mean, it works for the Spider, so... :P
Truth...@@malusignatius
There should be an Improved Heavy Laser version. The Jenisonable Weapon quirk could then be used to throw the explosive weapon away once the arm armour is striped.
Heh. Now that would be something.
Hey MF, Thank you for the interesting videos and descriptions! I also enjoy making alternate variants so in my prideful opinion: Incubus 1A is a simple remake for the pre-invasion era: removing the MGs and their ammo allows for 1 more heatsink (all E-Weapons can fire on a run and stay heat neutral) and two flamers for dealing with infantry. This also eliminates supply issues outside of standard maintenance.
The Incubus VII makes sense when you consider it is used in duling. Beating your opponent with an Ultra AC/2 is a show of skill and will put you on the path to advancement or reserect a failing career
"I'm going to beat you with this garbage mech" ok... I can see that.
One of a (aggrivating) handful of clan mechs that took a good base and said "it ain't broke so lets fix it harder till we get a half dozen ones that are."......
"Why can't we improve upon perfection!?"
Ah, someone finally understands how I use machine guns in BattleTech.
Early and often?
Every round, whether anythings in range or not.
Oh, Incubus, my first Clan light and my beloved machine, from desight to profile and mechanics. If you ask what Clan not omni mech i ride, that be a Incubus, and eveb if it be alternate to omnimech, it's best.
Also about 7, i think that idea of dueling with Aero and VTOL pilots, i understand (but not appreciate) love to LPL, but Incubus is a duel mech and to duel aero Ultra Ac2 good enough.
**Tapping the we're not talking about the 7 again sign**
The Vixen looks COOL! Which is more than enough reason to like it lol
Form and function.
Love this Mech!
I just wish there was a variant with Medium Pulse Lasers backing up the Large of the original.
Cut the speed down to 8/12 and shave off a half-ton of armor and you can do exactly that.
That would be fun.
@@MechanicalFrog As a nice little bonus, that also puts it heat neutral when running and firing all weapons.
Planned gun line: exists
Clan light mech: neuron activation!
No plan survives contact with a Vixen.
Lore Note: Kilbourne Jorgensson was not a battle armor pilot: He was known for his "Gausszilla" Annihilator variant. This is just a nitpick.
If you have a source, I would be interested in seeing it. Both his Sarna page and the Tokasha Campaign book reference him being an Elemental and dying in his battle armor.
www.sarna.net/wiki/Kilbourne_Jorgensson
I heard somewhere the Vixen ended up being popular among women pilots in the Inner Sphere, specifically because of its name. Sounds like a marketing opportunity to me.
Aff. It's in the fluff.
Oh man, the Shark Foxes must love that.
Kinda fitting with the clanner name of the mech to, Incubus. A demon known for seducing women.
Great job!
Thank you! Cheers!
I am amazed there is no stock variant armed with plasma rifle(s) as the primary weapon. But as far as existing designs go, I see nothing wrong with the base configuration with a Large Pulse Laser as it's primary weapon. It seems a solid design, but I have not had a chance to field test it.
It just works.
In my opinion, the Piranga owes its existence to the Vixen. I love the Vixen.
They would make a good team.
RA ER Lg laser
LA Array 4 ER Microlasers
RT/LT 2 MPL or 4 small pulse lasers.
CT TC and ECM
Head Active Probe
LT shoulder Laser AMS
Light engine +2 Engine HS for 12 DHS.
Alternate Firefox Vixen
RA Plasma Cannon/Rifle +2 tons ammo.
LA clan SRM 6 w 1 ton inferno 1 ton tandem in case II (clan armor benefit)
RT/LT 1 ER Med Laser + 1 SPL each.
Head Fire Breath Fusion Flamer
Comm sensor gear - Fox ear directional w/ clan light active probe and clan ecm.
Meant to hunt movers, powered armor, and infantry.
Can still ruin day of any mech it surprises.
Solaris 7 version
TSM + Industrial Armor + hotseat.
Armor enhanced with combat spikes
RA 4 ton vibroblade and reinforced servos and joints.
LA 3 Ton Shield w/Reflective Coating.
RT/LT main weapons to allow full use in melee.
2 SRM4s with Acid HE Tandem and inferno in half tons. Case II protection.
2 MPL for accuracy
Head SPL
Heavier armor is more rounded at hips and shoulders. As is CT. No benefit other than looks more feminine.
Which is odd as pilot is known to be male...
if clan vehicles are an option for this series, I would like to nominate the MARS tank, its a slow rolling ammo depot, but so cool.
plus there is a re-draft by the original artist that looks much better.
We will absolutely cover more tanks and battle armor in the future.
@@MechanicalFrog wow, thank you for the direct response. great to hear, the merkava series would be cool to see from a setting history perspective as well.
This is my second favorite mech in the light class in MWO.
It's a good one. Glad to know it's solid in MWO too.
@@MechanicalFrogI cannot claim it's good in MWO as I am an ultra-scrub. But 3 heavy mediums jump jets and 4 LMGs can occasionally ruin someone's day.
Fun to you, at least. :D @@dzeclectic2327
It’s like a clan take on the wolfhound. That’s horrifying enough.
Wolfhound IIC... incoming...
I've lways wondered why there wasn't a canon weapon swap variant that changed the Large Pulse for an ER PPC?
Wonder no more! :D
It's strange that the minor omni concept was not pushed more. If blood spirit style of mech design and minor omni concept was mixed together. We would have very sturdy and cheaper clan designs.
It makes sense that the general omni-mech "fit anything" parts would take over.
Yeah, Incubus II is an odd design, the handheld weapons are nice, but without TSM it's carried loadout is restricted to an extra 2 tons of weapons, and half ton of ammo and armor, and also blocks the use of the arm and torso weapons.
It's just a bit too niche for my tastes.
One of my favorite Secondline mechs. It looks like the AV-98 Ingram from Mobile Police Patlabor.
Imma paint one of these babies in a police scheme.
Definitely do that.
Liked it ever since MW2 GBL and the novel Ghost of Winter. To me, it's a lighter Clan version of the Wolfhound. Just a good light mech. And yeah, putting an XXL Engine in anything with less then 19 tons of armor is stupid.
The benefits of the XXL engine have to be amazing to justify it. I can't think of an example.
Looking at the art, especially the head, suddenly I wonder if this might be a kind of Mongoose IIc but with a new name.
Hmm... I'm going to have to ponder that one.
Something capable of running two heavy large lasers and MGs without melting has no business being so fast with maxed armor in MWO
Sounds like MWO shenanigans.
My friend made a version with laser heat sinks. When they turn on he insists they make a glowing fox tail behind the mech
Hmm... borders on heresy but I'll allow it.
Being partially correct is the best kind of correct.
"This is why we can't have nice things"
Is shape reminds me alot of the Eris, id love to hear your thoughts on it or the Coyotl :3
The Eris is coming soon.
Something always fascinates me about how battletech features absurdly anemic weaponry loadouts but all I hear are one-shot leg cripplings and headshots. Nuts man. MWO is such a watered down slog
Translating the game into a competitive twitch shooter was... rough.
A true thematic successor to the Phoenix Hawk.
That's fair.
What is the intro jingle that plays at the beginning of your videos?
A short audio file called "logo-bumper-47507" that I downloaded from Pixabay
@@MechanicalFrog I'll need to see if I can find it. I like the way it sounds
ER Largw in the arm. Less heat/better range
But those don't go "wub wub..."
One of the good ol' 'Unseen' Mechs. Still pretty cool, though.
Not too shabby.
Used one to oneshot a Hellion
"Downgrades the Machine Guns to Light variants"
I'd actually call it an upgrade. Infantry can be challenged out of their own range easier, and crit seeking on mechs becomes much more viable.
Fair. Flavored to taste, perhaps.
I love your mech videos, but I do miss the NEC videos.
Aff, me too. But I am writing something new. When the whole story is done, I'll have it up.
You had me at 151kph with a large pulse laser. Hope this 'mech is in MW5: Clans.
The UAC 2: when you need to remove a whole lot of paint and at exactly long range.
Just finished a paragraph ranting about it for the next video...
@@MechanicalFrog it’s not bad if your looking to annoy VTOLs but other than that it’s useless.
For a Clanner you seem to like the code name Vixen more than its Clan designation of Incubus.
It's the better name.
@@MechanicalFrog agreed. At least you are not too picky on the reason to use the name. A good video is still a good video.
Thank ya.
I'm writing this again as my message seemed to disappear lol :-) a great little mech with another great overview :-) however just a couple of days ago I saw a solaris fight with one of these getting pounded into the ground by a scarabus...no substitute for true speed I suppose :-)
Must respect the vroom vroom.
Original flavor for me!
"If it ain't broke..."
That guy who sent that letter to Hazen... Did he ever get in trouble for writing those words?
No, he lived a pretty epic life and was respected enough that he could yell at Nicholas Kerensky and get away with it.
It's not fair that the vixen/incubus is just so much better than the same sized Horned Owl lol.
Oh we will get to the Horned Owl at some point. There will be words.
I love the Horned Owls aesthetics and it's not terrible, but when the incubus is available the Horned Owl just... doesn't cut it.
Your mod is nice. I like mine a little better. In the vein of don't fix what ain't broke. I dropped the mgs and ammo for an active probe and ecm. Have had great success with this
I can get behind that. Operation Sneaky Vixen is go.
Any mech with a large pulse laser is absolutely devastating to any light mechs it comes across. Does great against mexhs of equivalent tonnage and against infantry/battle armor.
Yeah the Pulse Lasers are really unkind to light mechs.
What about replacing the Large Pulse Laser with a Gauss Rifle? Sacrifice the Machine Guns and replace the M lasers with small pulse lasers to get as much spare weight as possible, and you've a scout-sniper that can hit rear armor of those damn missile boats.
I'm generally wary of putting big ballistic weapons in lights/mediums.
One of the few Clan BattleMechs with good looks in both the old AND the new iterations, i liked this one right from the start when i first saw it.
Combining ER medium with Large pulse lasers works well due to their mostly overlapping range brackets.
Version VIII would be much better if you drop the MGs and their ammo to upgrade the LRMs with Artemis IV and increase the ammo.
I am NOT a fan of XXL engines, they produce excess heat while standing and bulk up the side torsi while being overly vulnerable. BAD idea.
Form and function. Gotta love it. The XXL just feels like bad dead-end tech.
@@MechanicalFrog If i would like to see a new technology emerge in engines, it would be the "Clan Light".
This new engine should have the same advantages as the IS Light engine: less weight saving than the XL, but less intrusion in the side torsi.
Just better than the IS version, it would be 2/3 the weight of the base engine instead of the 75% and only have 1 internal space per side torso!
Does that sound practical to you?
I'd have to ponder the implications of that. Not opposed to the idea.
Wait a minute, the Incubus II is just a clan spider
**Stunned silence as the realization hits**
Incubus 8 is a Valkyrie on steroids
Hmm... *pondering*
Viking IIC when?
not soon.
Feeding the algorithm
Thank you.