Stone Rhino (Behemoth)

         Of the many surprises the Clans have sprung on us, the Behemoth is one of the most remarkable. The original design was considered a grand mistake, and is known to historians as Amaris’ folly. The Behemoth was the first BattleMech produced by an optimistic project whose objective was to develop a ‘Mech capable of withstanding an assault by an entire standard BattleMech company. These machines were to be put into mass production and used to stop General Kerensky from retaking Terra. The prototype is described as a lumbering monstrosity whose leg actuators shut down during its first test run, causing the project to be summarily scrapped.
         Apparently the historians were wrong.

         The Behemoth weighs in at a massive 100 tons, comparable to the largest ‘Mechs ever manufactured. While such machines bring awesome firepower to the battlefield, ultimately, commanders cannot use them effectively because they cannot afford to lose one.
         The Behemoth features twin Gauss cannon, a large pulse laser mounted in each arm and an almost superfluous small pulse laser. The arm-mounted weapons feature retractable shock-absorbing cowls covering the barrels which allow the pilot to use the arms as battering rams without damaging the delicate laser assemblies.

         A small number of these ‘Mechs have been sighted in the Smoke Jaguar Clan. No other Clan appears to field this design, but because it is a venerable design, we suspect that the few existing are widely spread throughout the Clans.