Trebuchet TBT-5N

         Corean Enterprises constructed the Trebuchet (or Trenchbucket) from 2780 to 2845 as a main-line medium ‘Mech. With the long-range punch of its twin Zeus LRM-15s and the short-range power of its three Magna Mk II medium lasers, the Trebuchet is a dangerous opponent at any range.
         As it was never intended to operate far from its supply lines, the Trebuchet received only eight reloads for each of its missile racks. This limited ammunition supply can become a serious problem if the Trebuchet is trapped behind enemy lines.

         The Trebuchet designed first and foremost to be a member of a lance. It was expected to perform two functions: long-range bombardment and close-range fire support. While it was not possible to maximize both functions in a single ‘Mech, the Trebuchet is a fine blend of both.
         The key to this Mech’s success lies in its ability to hit an enemy ‘Mech before he can return fire. Although it does not carry enough ammunition to cripple an opponent at long range, it can ‘soften up’ the enemy. This is useful against heavy ‘Mechs, such as the Marauder and the BattleMaster, that lack LRM racks of their own. To compensate for their lack of long-range fire power, Trebuchets are often assigned to serve in lances with heavy ‘Mechs.
         The Trebuchet is equally ready to support the lance in close-range combat. Its three medium lasers inflict the most damage at ranges of 90 meters or less. Most importantly, the Trebuchet’s ten heat sinks allow it to fire its three lasers continuously while travelling at cruising speed. This ‘Mech can launch a formidable physical attack against most opponents. Although lacking the weight of a Warhammer, its punch or kick can be crippling, particularly to lighter ‘Mechs.

         Throughout the Succession Wars, the Trebuchet has fought with distinction. They have been involved in nearly all major offensives.
         The Battle for Saffell in 2787 was one of the first major campaigns fought between the Federated Suns and the Draconis Combine during the First Succession War. Trebuchets bombarded Kurita fortifications, shattering most resistance even before the main Davion column began to reach the walls.
         House Marik favors using Trebuchets with Archers to produce crippling long-range bombardments. They are also used to complement Archers in close combat because they have similar short-range weaponry. This combination allows the lance to keep a tight formation throughout the battle and prevents one ‘Mech from being isolated and attacked separately. This type of heavy-fire lance most often contains an Archer, two Trebuchets, and a Centurion. It is used extensively for siege operations, and is a common lance configuration with the Regulan Hussars.
         Trebuchets also play an important part in defensive operations. During the defense of Suk II against a Steiner attack in 2880, these ‘Mechs helped Kurita forces hold their positions, despite being outnumbered nearly two to one. Well-protected by the rolling terrain, the Kurita commander refused to be provoked into leaving his defensive position to attack the invaders. After four weeks of skirmishes and isolated fighting, the Steiner forces attacked in earnest to overrun the defensive line. Kurita Trebuchets fired volley after volley of long-range missiles that destroyed many of the lighter Commonwealth ‘Mechs before they could close with the defenders. Those that did engage Kurita troops received a blistering hail of PPC bolts and laser fire. Losses were heavy on both sides, but the Steiner force had lost too many Mechs during its initial charge, and was forced to withdraw.

         The Trebuchet has several alternate configurations. The most common is the TBT-5S, which replaces the Zeus LRMs with two Thunderstroke SRM-6s and eight additional heat sinks. This ‘Mech is an extremely effective close-range fighter against heavy opponents, but it requires covering fire while closing with its target.
         Another variant, the TBT-5J, replaces the LRM rack on the left arm with a 150-meter jump capacity and two additional heat sinks. Developed by the Free Worlds League in 2850, this version produced mass confusion in the ranks of Liao’s Chesterton Reserves when it first appeared.
         Several other minor variants exist, consisting only of one or two experimental conversions.

Lieutenant Raj Sing
         Sing is renowned as a survivor. Commander of a light fire lance in the 12th Star Guard, he has seen 35 years of intense warfare and has served under four of the Successor Lords. He is a stoic individual who looks on war as neither good nor evil, but the natural state of mankind.
Sing’s ancient Trebuchet is nearing its end. Over two centuries of abuse have made it prone to breakdown, and one of its lasers has been damaged beyond repair. Every battle it enters may be its last.

Lieutenant Peter Chandler
         Peter is the youngest member of the famous
Chandlers of Tiber to gain a commission in the Regulan Hussars. His mint-condition Trebuchet was a gift from his father and family patriarch, Gregory Chandler. Young Chandler is determined to uphold the family honor. During a battle on Tellmann IV, he distinguished himself by pounding a raiding Thunderbolt into scrap after it broke through a defensive perimeter and began looting. He was heard to comment afterward that “it was only what one should expect of a Chandler.”

Captain Wendy Chan
         Chan has served for five years with Richards’ Panzer Brigade. She is a reclusive individual, avoiding contact with her fellow MechWarriors. Though she talks little and smiles less, she fights well, which is how the Panzers measure a warrior.
         Her steel-grey Trebuchet appears battle-worn and shabby, but it is in perfect condition, as many opponents have discovered all too late.