Mechs/SLL 33 Erlkonig

SLL 33 «Erlkönig»
	Lightly armored artillery mech equipped with a long-range gun with a wide horizontal firing angle.
Тип	Lightly armored artillery mech.

SLL 33 «Erlkönig» — lightly armored artillery mech equipped with a long-range gun with a wide horizontal firing angle. Belongs to the class of specialized artillery mechs.

History of Creation

The Saxon Empire, inspired by Kaiser Germany, combines militaristic traditions with advanced engineering solutions. «Erlkönig» reflects the empire's doctrine, focusing on technological superiority and firepower. Its creation is linked to the post-war strengthening of the role of artillery after the events of the Great War, where diesel mechs became a key element of battles. Unlike the Polan PZM-13 «Mocny», capable of close combat, the Saxon model sacrifices versatility for specialization in long-range fire.

The mecha takes its name from the mythical Elf King (German: Erlkönig) from German folklore, which inspired the creation of the eponymous ballad by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and the musical composition by Franz Schubert.

Design

The mech has an asymmetric design: the left side of the hull is equipped with a turret with viewing slits, the right side has a compact control cabin with long-range optics. The central element is a folding artillery gun that unfolds into a combat position. The chassis includes short, massive limbs that provide stability but limit movement speed. The rear of the hull is equipped with an exhaust chimney for engine fumes.

Armament

The main armament is a large-caliber howitzer capable of firing on a ballistic trajectory, ignoring obstacles and terrain. The firing range exceeds the mech's visibility range, requiring interaction with scouts or the use of signal flares (Flare Shot ability) to illuminate targets.

The artillery gun has the following characteristics:

• Base power: 140 damage units against light armor, 85 units against medium and heavy armor
• At the second veteran level: +98 damage units against light armor, +85 units against medium and heavy armor

Highly effective against:

• Artillery crews
• Artillery mechs
• Infantry units
• Medium and heavy mechs

After reaching the second veteran level, performance increases by 70%, enhancing effectiveness against all target categories

Combat Use

«Erlkönig» occupies the niche of long-range artillery, specializing in destroying static objects, fortifications, and troop concentrations. Its key advantage is the ability to attack targets outside the line of sight, including artillery crews, infantry in cover, and heavy mechs. However, the long projectile flight time allows maneuverable units to avoid damage, requiring manual aiming when targeting mobile targets.

The mech's limitations include vulnerability in close combat due to the minimum firing range, low movement speed, and light armor. To compensate for these disadvantages, it is recommended to place «Erlkönig» on elevated positions or under the cover of infantry and engineering structures. In offensive operations, it is used to suppress enemy artillery and destroy defensive lines, in defense — to control strategic points

Tactical Features

Tactical application:

• Effective protection of resource points at a safe distance
• Fire support of the front
• Ability to destroy the enemy with one accurate shot when hitting the center of the unit

Tactical Recommendations

• Stay at a safe distance
• Use cover
• Always operate under the cover of infantry or other units
• Aim at enemy concentrations

Interesting Facts

• The mech's name refers not only to the myth but also to military jargon: the abbreviation SLL stands for Selbstlauflafette («self-propelled carriage»). This emphasizes Saxony's engineering ambitions, aiming to mechanize classical artillery.
• The mech's design, combining elements of World War I and retrofuturism, is characteristic of the dieselpunk aesthetic of the universe created by artist Jakub Rozalski.

Arts

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Other Saxony Empire Mechs

Sd. KS 49 «Grimbart»

Sd. KS 78 «Isegrim»

SLL 33 «Erlkönig»

SKS 156 «Wotan»

SKS 300 «Kaiser»