Poseidon (BattleMech)

Description
The Poseidon was a Superheavy Tripod Class BattleMech originally produced in secret by the Republic of the Sphere. Designed with know-how acquired through experimentation undertaken by the Republic during the early thirty-first century, the Poseidon’s development was spurred on due to the events of Gray Monday. Its development, among other secret weapons, was put under the codename "Rhodes Project".

Two of the initial prototypes of the Poseidon saw combat during the Senate's Rebellion in 3135 on Terra. The Poseidon’s prototypes were able to engage rebel forces at their Serbian Proving Grounds in Asia and fend them off. The engagements helped to work out the development problems in the 'Mech, leading to the V2 design.

The Poseidon was the basis for what would become the Ares Omni Superheavy tripod. The 'Mech would be placed into production at the then-unknown factory on Devil's Rock called  Rhodes Foundry. It would be deployed during the Fortress Republic time period to the Republic's most reliable regiments, only to be deployed in defensive roles as of 3145.

Weapons and Equipment
Originally based loosely on the Orca Superheavy BattleMech, the Poseidon was the first of its kind in modern times in using three legs instead of the commonly found bipedal and quad designs. Commonly known as a Superheavy Tripod or because of its immense size as "Colossal", the Poseidon’s method of locomotion gains advantage over more commonly used ones, allowing it to change direction without losing speed. Faster than many in its size class, its powerful PlasmaStar 375-rated Extra-Light Engine and sturdy Endo-steel construction allows the 'Mech to move and carry a ponderous amount of weaponry. Its hull is protected by 24 tons of Maximillian 320 standard armor, allowing it to absorb an immense amount of damage before succumbing to enemy fire. The 3-Man Cockpit used in the Superheavy Tripod designs allows the 'Mech to act as a command unit and be able to target multiple enemies with less of a penalty. This is due to the Poseidon’s command responsibilities being split between a dedicated pilot, gunner and technician/engineer.

Its long-range arsenal includes a pair of Clan-grade ER PPCs mounted in the left arm actuator. A pair of 5-tube Long-Range Missile launchers backs up the 'Mech's energy weapons in each of its side torsos. The Poseidon’s intermediate weaponry includes an Apollo Guided 20-tube Medium Missile Launcher and a TSEMP Cannon both found in the right arm.

Its short range weaponry includes; A pair of side-torso Clan ER Medium Lasers, three Clan ER Small Lasers, and three 2-tubed SRM launchers. To help cope with infantry attacks, each of its three legs has a pair of A-Pods. All of the 'Mech’s missile ammunition is protected by CASE II found in each of the 'Mech side torsos.

Variants

 * PSD-X1 : The original prototype of the Poseidon, unlike other Superheavy Tripods, had a one-man cockpit. The initial prototypes suffered from faulty fire control systems. Only two were known to be made.

Design Quirks
The Poseidon has the following Design Quirks
 * Command BattleMech
 * Distracting
 * Searchlight