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Forward Artillery Observers (FAO) for mechs
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Havoc~Ronin
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PostPosted: 23-Jun-2004 11:39    Post subject: Forward Artillery Observers (FAO) for mechs Reply to topic Reply with quote

Ok, it is midweek and my brain is starting to slowly gear up for weekend mode. That being said, I cannot remember whether the rules mentioned anything regarding the use of FAOs in Battletech. Please help...

The concept is relatively simple. A soldier (or a squad at most) while in deep cover "tags" (visually or electronically) an incoming mech and relays target data back to the waiting missile boat mechs. These mechs then proceed to rain LRM fire down on the targeted mech or mechs. This differs from hex based bombardments as the target is specifically identified. I know indirect fire counts, but are there any other rules I am missing?

The FAO would need to reacquire the target(s) constantly as the mechs' mobility comes into play. I figure there would need to be some sort of modifier for this action. It is sort of a combined arms operation.

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DarkAdder
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PostPosted: 23-Jun-2004 12:01    Post subject: RE: Forward Artillery Observers (FAO) for mechs Reply to topic Reply with quote

Wasnt there some kind of spotter rules in the game? I seem to recall an example from a while ago about a Savanah Master spotting for an Archer that was using indirect fire. Of course, its been many many moons since I saw a book.

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Peter_Smith
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PostPosted: 23-Jun-2004 12:14    Post subject: RE: Forward Artillery Observers (FAO) for mechs Reply to topic Reply with quote

There are rules for spotting for LRM Indirect Fire and artillery, both of which are "passive" actions (does not reveal the location of the unit if hidden). There are also rules for using TAG and Semi-Guided LRM munitions (active). All of these are found in the BMRr.
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-Mud
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PostPosted: 23-Jun-2004 13:37    Post subject: RE: Forward Artillery Observers (FAO) for mechs Reply to topic Reply with quote

A command console or dual cockpit would be a great spot for an FAO. The pilot concentrates on keeping the 'mech alive, while the observer radios coordinates or operates the TAG system.
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Oafman
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PostPosted: 23-Jun-2004 15:34    Post subject: RE: Forward Artillery Observers (FAO) for mechs Reply to topic Reply with quote

This makes me think of my favorite tactic in Panzer Blitz, use those silly little horse drawn wagon units to spot units for artillery. The same tactic should be able to be used to Mechs. Anyone with a radio and eyes that work should be able to spot for indirect LRM fire.

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Havoc~Ronin
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PostPosted: 24-Jun-2004 08:40    Post subject: RE: Forward Artillery Observers (FAO) for mechs Reply to topic Reply with quote

Thanks everyone. I thought there was something written in one of the manual.

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Oafman
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PostPosted: 24-Jun-2004 10:25    Post subject: RE: Forward Artillery Observers (FAO) for mechs Reply to topic Reply with quote

I think there is, it is probably a just a small footnote, so none of us remember where it is.

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Alexander
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PostPosted: 24-Jun-2004 19:36    Post subject: RE: Forward Artillery Observers (FAO) for mechs Reply to topic Reply with quote

In Max Cheese, p.40, there are rules for TAG Infantry. It doesn't really say much about them, except that during the round they use the TAG gear, they can't fire their personal weapons, or any special weapons (ie. Field guns). You resolve the TAG attempt as normal but use the laser to-hit modifers from the Infatnry to-hit tables. It also says that it costs 50000C-Bills to equip with TAG. Or, same page, are NARC infantry, with single shot NARC Launchers, (1 per squad).

Alexander

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