the shape of things to come

Light ProtoMechs weigh 3 tons (3,000 kilograms) and
under. Uncommon because their small sizes off er few options,
common Protos in this range are typically employed as “superbattle
armor” or anti-infantry units.
Medium ProtoMechs weigh 4 to 5 tons (4,000 to 5,000
kilograms), and are more common than light Protos. Large
enough for more powerful engines, these tend to see extensive
use as scouts.
Heavy ProtoMechs run from 6 to 7 tons (6,000 to 7,000
kilograms). More powerful than mediums, with average
mobility and good fi repower, heavy Protos often make good
anti-vehicular units.
Assault ProtoMechs weigh from 8 to 9 tons (8,000 to 9,000
kilograms). Often eschewing speed for armor and weapons,
these Protos average the same mobility as battle armor, but in
swarms they can endanger even heavy BattleMechs.
SPACE
Internal space (also called critical space) on a ProtoMech
is not illustrated and tracked by a Critical Hits Table like that
found on ’Mech Record Sheets. Instead, all ProtoMechs—
regardless of weight—have established equipment limits per
body locations, with each location restricted as follows.
Arms: Each of a ProtoMech’s arms may mount one weapon
or piece of equipment weighing no more than 500 kilograms
(0.5 ton).
Torso: A ProtoMech’s torso may mount up to two weapons
or pieces of equipment. The total weight of both items
together may be no more than 2,000 kilograms (2 tons).
Weapons in the torso may be mounted to the rear.
Main Gun: A ProtoMech may—at the designer’s option—
also carry a single main gun. This weapon is attached to the
Proto’s torso, though it is aimed and fi red with both hands.
The main gun may be a single weapon or piece of equipment
of any weight. A missile launcher consisting of multiple tubes
(see p. 88) is considered a single weapon for this purpose.
Ammo: In all of the cases noted above, ammunition does
not count toward a ProtoMech’s weight or space limits.
DESIGNING A PROTOMECH
The process of ProtoMech design is similar to that of BattleMechs,
following the same six simple steps, outlined as
follows:
Step 1: Design the Chassis—Determine the ProtoMech’s
weight and internal structure.
Step 2: Install Engine and Control Systems—Determine
the ProtoMech’s engine rating and size; add cockpits and
jump jets.
Step 3: Add Heat Sinks—Determine the number of the
ProtoMech’s heat sinks.
Step 4: Add Armor—Determine the amount and weight of
the ProtoMech’s armor and allocate armor points.
Step 5: Install Weapons and Equipment—Add weapons
and other gear to the ProtoMech.
Step 6: Complete the Record Sheet.
As with all unit types, the above design process is a framework
for designing a ProtoMech. The actual process—particularly
after the chassis, engine and control systems are determined—
can involve a bit more give-and-take as equipment, armor and
heat sinks are balanced for their best fi t in terms of weight and
equipment space. For example, some designers might wish
to assign armor as soon as the engine and chassis are settled
to attain maximum protection before dealing with weapons
and heat sinks. Others may want to choose equipment before
adding armor, to maximize fi repower.
To assist in this eff ort, the designer may fi nd it useful to
make copies of the Blank ProtoMech Record Sheet (in the
back of this book), to visually arrange the placement of the
ProtoMech’s equipment while tracking the use of kilograms on
a piece of scratch paper. Alternatively, designers with access
to a PC and HeavyMetal Lite can use that design software to
develop their ProtoMech electronically.
STEP 1: DESIGN THE CHASSIS
The fi rst step in ProtoMech design is the creation of the
Proto’s basic framework, or chassis. This step establishes
some of the most basic aspects of the ProtoMech’s design,
determining its maximum total weight and that of its internal
structure. These choices may restrict the designer’s access to
certain weapons and equipment.
CHOOSE WEIGHT
ProtoMechs weigh between 2 and 9 tons (2,000 to 9,000
kilograms), measured in 1-ton (1,000-kilogram) increments.
Within these limits, the player may choose any tonnage. The
total weight of the Proto’s engine, weapons, armor and other
components may not exceed this amount, nor should it fall
below; any unspent tonnage left after the creation process is
considered wasted.
John is designing a light ProtoMech
that he has dubbed the Siren-4. Because
he plans to use this Proto as a light scout
and harasser, he chooses a weight of 3
tons (3,000 kilograms).
Kevin is designing a heavy Proto-
Mech that he has named the Hydra.
Intended for good mobility and allpurpose
fi repower, he selects a weight
of 6 tons (6,000 kilograms).
Lara is designing an assault-class
ProtoMech that she has chosen to name
the Delphyne-2. She is hoping to build
this design as a fast mover with heavy
fi repower, and decides on a fi nal weight
of 9 tons (9,000 kilograms).
INTRODUCTION
CONSTRUCTION
BASICS
BATTLEMECH
CONSTRUCTION
INDUSTRIALMECH
CONSTRUCTION
PROTOMECH
CONSTRUCTION
COMBAT VEHICLE
CONSTRUCTION
SUPPORT VEHICLE
CONSTRUCTION
CONV. INFANTRY
CONSTRUCTION
BATTLE ARMOR
CONSTRUCTION
AEROSPACE UNIT
CONSTRUCTION
WEAPONS AND
HEAVY EQUIPMENT
INFANTRY WEAPONS
AND EQUIPMENT
COSTS AND
AVAILABILITY
BATTLE VALUE
INDEX
RECORD SHEETS
81