The Stalker is the most famous and most common heavy assault 'Mech. A product of the Reunification War, the first prototype was produced as early as 2594. Early models were not very heavily armed, but field tests suggested that the STK would be most effective if it mounted weaponry with differing optimal ranges. Although the resulting 'Mech had far more weapons than could be fired in a single salvo, it has an extremely flexible response capacity. The League computer systems determined a target's range and suggested the optimum mix of weapons for the situation. The resulting fire control system was the best available. The STK represents BattleMech technology at its height.
         Few Stalkers still retain the original computer equipment so vital to proper operation in battle. The STK is still a fearsome 'Mech, but with the loss of the computer, its pilots must be cautious not to overuse their tremendous firepower. The large quantity of waste heat generated by the lasers can quickly overheat the 'Mech despite its 20 heat sinks.

         Stalkers are often used to lead major advances while flanked by other heavy 'Mechs. This heavily armored spearhead was intended to blow holes in the enemy line through firepower and endurance. These steady advances suit the STK-3F well. With a maximum speed of 54 kilometers per hour, it is one of the slowest 'Mechs on the battlefield. The Stalker was not intended for hide-and-seek guerilla warfare, but for dogged fire-fights.
         In urban battles, the Stalker is a particularly deadly opponent. With a wide range of short-range weaponry, the STK is most effective at ranges of 30 to 270 meters. In cities, where most fighting occurs at close range, the Stalker can take full advantage of its weight and short-range weaponry.
         The STK-3F can be employed to clear a path through buildings or fortifications. Its heavy armor allows it to crash through even hardened walls without serious damage. A favorite tactic of many Stalker pilots is to wait inside a building until another 'Mech comes into range, and then step through the wall and into the street. Often, the Stalker can appear behind its intended victim and fire before the other 'Mech can turn.
         The Stalker is also an adept defender. It can absorb tremendous amounts of abuse before being forced to retreat, and its cross-section of weapon types allows it to return fire effectively at any range. However, the STK-3F is more likely to carry the fight to the attackers rather than adopt a defensive position. Because of its highly efficient short-range firepower, a Stalker will usually attempt to close with the enemy and concentrate its attack on the heaviest 'Mech.

         There are few major engagements in which the Stalker has not been involved. All of the Successor States use the STK as the foundation of heavy cavalry units. These units are usually composed of medium and heavy 'Mechs. They will usually be in the first line of battle, followed by medium lances. The light lances take up the rear to engage stragglers or to dispatch damaged opponents. When operating on the defense, the Stalker is usually deployed with 'Mechs having long range weapons. Archers are favored for this role.
         In 2787, at the Battle of Saffell, House Kurita used Stalkers to stem the advance of Federated Sun forces. When Davion Archers and Trebuchets bombarded them at long range, the heavier units of the Draconis Combine were forced to retreat. Though plagued by the Stalkers' LRM systems, the besiegers reached the fortification wall, where they found most of the Stalkers waiting for them. Their heavy armor had allowed them to survive the bombardment, and they offered stiff resistance to the Davion main column.
         During the Battle for Hoff in 3022, Wolf's Dragoons deployed several heavy lances led by Colonel J. Elliot Jameson in his Stalker. At Tarn Hill in the Johnson Sector, Colonel Jameson's command lance was attacked by a full company of Eridani Light Horse 'Mechs. Outnumbered but not outgunned, Jameson's lance began systematically destroying the heaviest of their opponents. Jameson's own first charging attack crushed an enemy Rifleman, and a short-range salvo of medium lasers and SRMs stripped most of the armor from a nearby Griffin. The sudden brutality of the attack surprised the Eridani, who fell back in confusion. Although the Stalker took heavy damage to its armor, it left the field completely operational.
         Stalkers from Burrows' Crashing Thunder Regiment are credited with winning a battle on Travis V during the summer of 3024. Assigned the job of clearing invasion routes into the city, the Stalkers methodically punched straight paths through defenses, defenders, and buildings alike. The balance of Burrows' Regiment poured in after them. Expecting the attackers to advance along the roadways, many of the defenders were outflanked, isolated, and destroyed in short order. Although it took weeks to achieve a complete victory, it was the Stalkers' unorthodox method of attack that tipped the balance for Burrows and his forces.

         Due to the great weight of the Stalker, its skeleton is prone to deterioration due to stress. The usual cure is to lighten the 'Mech by 10 to 15 tons. The twin LRM-10s are often removed to achieve a lighter 'Mech that still possesses its close-range firepower. Occasionally, Techs remove only one LRM, but remove a number of lasers instead.
         To increase their long-range firepower, some models have refitted their LRM-10s with LRM-20s at the price of their heavy lasers. This produces an extremely efficient siege fighter.

Colonel J. Elliot Jameson
         This officer of Wolf's Dragoons is known as a bold strategist. His tactics are simple to the point of eloquence and are almost always effective. Wolf usually assigns him to problem areas that need his careful planning and his Stalker's massive firepower. Jameson's 'Mech is deeply scarred on all sides, and its engine operates inefficiently, but it is still a fearsome machine.

Captain Tiberius Sartini
         Sartini has served with the Avalon Hussars for 20 years. His immense pride in his Stalker is reflected in the mirror shine of its armor. Although the 'Mech has been seriously damaged in battle several times, he has always managed to purchase or confiscate the parts necessary to effect repairs. In addition, he is stockpiling spare parts for his personal use. By doing so, he risks his commission (personal stockpiles are strictly forbidden), but Sartini's first priority is to keep his Stalker in mint condition.