Thank you very much for that summary!

Clan Heavy Star in wave 1 makes me happy, since I plan to limit myself to Wave 1 product only. Mostly because . . . .

Those shipping estimates are (as expected) heavy on the pocket for Asia / ROW. I dont think I can wing multiple wave shipping fees, will have to wait for retail for the rest of the goodies. Maybe by then I would have painted even half of Wave 1 lol.

kinda annoying I have to pay canadian shipping despite being literally an hour away from Seattle but eh

From their FB.

URBIE!

$2 Million has been reached!!!

UrbanMechs for everyone!!

$6,216.58 'til 2m!

All hail the Uber-Urbie!

M.

I'm sure this has been answered but please indulge me.

If I just back at a $1 will I be able to get everything at the current KS prices via pledge manager?

Is there anything I won't get by doing so?

Thanks much!

Pledges get you certain benefits (dice, merch packs, etc.), and a bunch of included 'Mechs.

Pledging $1 means you can still add pretty much anything, but there's no bundling of items. You just have to buy everything straight.

BrianDavion wrote:
kinda annoying I have to pay canadian shipping despite being literally an hour away from Seattle but eh

Get someone from Seattle to smuggle it up with them.

Shipping estimates are up - and I'm out. $23 to ship a box in the US? I'll wait and pick things up retail/online discount with much less shipping cost.

 VictorVonTzeentch wrote:

BrianDavion wrote:
kinda annoying I have to pay canadian shipping despite being literally an hour away from Seattle but eh

Get someone from Seattle to smuggle it up with them.

Sadly I've no canidates for that. it's not a big deal TBH, it just amuses me given that CGL is based in seattle.

Does anyone know what is included in Wave 1? I am not seeing it on the KS page.

Core box, swag and the first couple unlocked lances. From what I recall of past commentary it is deliberately vague in case they go faster than planned and can deliver more in Wave 1 than scheduled.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
Pledges get you certain benefits (dice, merch packs, etc.), and a bunch of included 'Mechs.

Pledging $1 means you can still add pretty much anything, but there's no bundling of items. You just have to buy everything straight.

I was under the impression that you could upgrade your pledge level on the pledge manager if you so chose instead of just adding stuff...

Alpharius Walks wrote:
Core box, swag and the first couple unlocked lances. From what I recall of past commentary it is deliberately vague in case they go faster than planned and can deliver more in Wave 1 than scheduled.

Dang, I pledged at $95 and wanted the Clan Firestar pack. Not sure I am willing to spend $40 shipping on this.

 ScarletRose wrote:
Shipping estimates are up - and I'm out. $23 to ship a box in the US? I'll wait and pick things up retail/online discount with much less shipping cost.

$23 to ship a bunch of stuff, that's already in boxes, in another larger box..... is nothing.

It's not just a weight thing, those mech packs, maps, games, and salvage boxes are in the same packages they come in on the store shelf and have to fit in a larger box. So it's weight and dimensions that will cost.

IMHO, if that $23 is the break point for you, then I'm going all High and Mighty and saying maybe KS isn't a good place for you to spend your money.

 ScarletRose wrote:
Shipping estimates are up - and I'm out. $23 to ship a box in the US? I'll wait and pick things up retail/online discount with much less shipping cost.

Me too. I’m not paying over $60 shipping when I can just wait for it to hit Mini Market at 20% off with free shipping

This is catalyst we're talking about, so whether they can sustain making enough for stores to get them in is something worth wondering about,

KS money should help but it wouldn't surprise me if they end up finding they've got the tools made, but don't have much more free capital to pay to use them than they have now, but far more things to spread it over,

I hope i'm wrong and they can order enough at a time to satisfy a good part of the demand, but history suggests not

BrianDavion wrote:

 VictorVonTzeentch wrote:

BrianDavion wrote:
kinda annoying I have to pay canadian shipping despite being literally an hour away from Seattle but eh

Get someone from Seattle to smuggle it up with them.

Sadly I've no canidates for that. it's not a big deal TBH, it just amuses me given that CGL is based in seattle.

Fair.

I wonder if I could get them to let me just drive over and pick mine up.

CGL also just confirmed in update 27, in response to me, that any Sourcebooks added in the PM to your Pledge, will *NOT* increase the S&H.

So there, more value.

2.5M STRETCH GOAL: BRAGGING RIGHTS!

You’ve smashed through every Stretch Goal we’ve posted, like battlefield targets knocked-out as quickly as you find them. At this stage we’re simply offering the opportunity for all of us to throw-down for bragging rights for the game and universe we all love.

$2,500,000. If we reach this Stretch Goal, the BattleTech: Clan Invasion will move into the top 50 most-funded in the Games Category, as well as the top 100 most-funded Kickstarter projects…ever!

To thank you in a big way for achieving such phenomenal bragging rights, we’ll produce the Legendary MechWarriors Pack. These will be a unique pose and/or variant.This pack will also include Pilot Cards for these legendary characters.

Legendary MechWarriors Pack ($25 Add-On)

Dire Wolf Widowmaker (Natasha Kerensky)

Timber Wolf Pryde (Aidan Pryde)

Archer (Morgan Kell)

Marauder (Grayson Death Carlyle)

All backers at STAR COMMANDER level and above will get a free Legendary Salvage Box that will include one of these ’Mechs. This will be given out on a per-pledge basis, so multiple pledge levels at STAR COMMANDER and above means multiple Legendary Salvage Boxes. COMSTAR, WARRIOR and RISTAR backers who ordered physical product equal to a STAR COMMANDER pledge ($50) will also get a free Legendary Salvage Box, but only at 1 free per backer.

Finally, this Legendary MechWarriors Pack will not appear on store shelves, but will instead be for backers, cons, our online store, and other promotional opportunities.

Natasha should be in a warhammer damnit :(

BrianDavion wrote:
Natasha should be in a warhammer damnit :(

No she shouldn't, not for the Operation REVIVAL anyway. And I see that Pryde is ready for Tukayyid since he's in a Timber Wolf and not a Summoner.

I added the BMech Manual. If they're going to pay shipping for me on a big heavy book, then good. Shipping to Oz isn't great, about AUD$100, but given that this is with an Oz-friendly shipping hub I dread to think what it would have been without one.

 ScarletRose wrote:
Shipping estimates are up - and I'm out. $23 to ship a box in the US? I'll wait and pick things up retail/online discount with much less shipping cost.

How much were you pledging? At what level?

Also of note...

AMA

We livestreamed an AMA last night, which has since been viewed over 1,600 times! We plan on running a new AMA, tomorrow night, 8/17/2019 at 6pm to 8pm PST, coinciding with the last two hours of the Kickstarter!

Here's your link!

As before, we’re going to be streaming this from Youtube so all you will need to chat with us is a Google account. Will make sure we also have the video running live while we are doing it on the Front Page of the campaign. And we will leave the video up on youtube for those of you who are not able to attend.

I'm torn between doubling up the 1st two IS lance packs or add a set of IS retaliation force to my pledge. Decisions, decisions.

M.

 TalonZahn wrote:

 ScarletRose wrote:
Shipping estimates are up - and I'm out. $23 to ship a box in the US? I'll wait and pick things up retail/online discount with much less shipping cost.

$23 to ship a bunch of stuff, that's already in boxes, in another larger box..... is nothing.

It's not just a weight thing, those mech packs, maps, games, and salvage boxes are in the same packages they come in on the store shelf and have to fit in a larger box. So it's weight and dimensions that will cost.

IMHO, if that $23 is the break point for you, then I'm going all High and Mighty and saying maybe KS isn't a good place for you to spend your money.

Meh, you can take whatever attitude you want, paying close to an additional 30% the price of what I want in shipping is, in my opinion, too much. Especially if it's shipped domestically.

And you're right this particular KS isn't where I'm spending my money. I might drop the $130 I saved into that Desert of the Dead KS or just get the Clone Wars starter for Legion - either option is going to cost me much less in shipping.

But then I guess only us poor folk care about getting gouged.

Answering myself and putting the info here, just in case:

Albertorius wrote:

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
Pledges get you certain benefits (dice, merch packs, etc.), and a bunch of included 'Mechs.

Pledging $1 means you can still add pretty much anything, but there's no bundling of items. You just have to buy everything straight.

I was under the impression that you could upgrade your pledge level on the pledge manager if you so chose instead of just adding stuff...

Phobos wrote:I'm sure this has been answered but please indulge me.

If I just back at a $1 will I be able to get everything at the current KS prices via pledge manager?

Is there anything I won't get by doing so?

Thanks much!

Update #19 wrote:Q: Can I increase my Pledge Level? Can I purchase more add-ons after the campaign ends?

A: Yes, to both! The CrowdOx system allows you to increase your pledge amount during the post-campaign setting, as well as adjust your backer reward level and add-ons.

BrianDavion wrote:
Natasha should be in a warhammer damnit :(

Wrong era - but yeah

“What about plastic kits with the ‘mechs on sprues (non-assembled)
Focus is miniatures for people to play. IWM is the place for assembly ‘Mechs.“

That makes me sad, so because CGL cannot or will not buyout IWM contract. We are forever stuck with misshapen lumps of plastic from Catalyst or misshapen lumps of lead from iron.

Given the glacier like improvements in quality in both my great grand kids may get some mechs that are made to 2019 standard in 2050ish

I just got the two newer boxes. The idea that they are "misshapen lumps of plastic" is so far removed from reality that it's hardly worth commenting on.

If previous comments in this thread are correct, there’s no contract for Catalyst to buy out; Iron Wind Metals have the perpetual licence to make Battletech miniatures and it appears it’s exclusive.

Actually, the new mechs (I just picked up the new Catalyst AGOAC box set) are pretty great.

And as a miniature junkie, they are plenty detailed should I ever actually choose to paint them. An unlikely prospect given my every growing pile of plastic, resin and metal).

Last few hours now. Be nice to break the $2.5 million mark.

 AndrewGPaul wrote:
If previous comments in this thread are correct, there’s no contract for Catalyst to buy out; Iron Wind Metals have the perpetual licence to make Battletech miniatures and it appears it’s exclusive.

FASA made a lot of idiotic decisions that way.

I'm going to pass, since I don't care for the Clans, and I still haven't painted my minis from the first box set. That said, these are nice minis. They are made of a resin/plastic blend that is a bit of a pain to clean mold lines from, but other than that they look great.

BrianDavion wrote:

 AndrewGPaul wrote:
If previous comments in this thread are correct, there’s no contract for Catalyst to buy out; Iron Wind Metals have the perpetual licence to make Battletech miniatures and it appears it’s exclusive.

FASA made a lot of idiotic decisions that way.

The history of Ral Partha is interesting as well, like how FASA owned Ral Partha between 1998 and 2001...

http://www.purplepawn.com/2010/03/the-convoluted-story-of-iron-wind-metals-ral-partha-and-battletech-miniatures/

$2.5 MILLION GOAL REACHED! with 2 hours and 41 minutes left in the Kickstarter.

yeah Ral Partha's history is pretty complex. apparently they where the citidel sub contracter in NA back in the day, so some of the old 90s WFB and 40K stuff might even be ral partha

I'm in for the Star Captain level. Glad to see it hit the $2.5 million mark. I'm pretty excited for this and I'll probably throw in a few add-ons as well, once the pledge manager goes live.

Didn't think we'd hit $2.5m, given we were over $200k away before I went to bed. Man did it jump up!

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
Didn't think we'd hit $2.5m, given we were over $200k away before I went to bed. Man did it jump up!

the battletech fanbase isn't as big as some games out there (such as 40k) but it's passionate.

Can the Legendary Mechwarrior box be taken as a pledge reward?

BrianDavion wrote:

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
Didn't think we'd hit $2.5m, given we were over $200k away before I went to bed. Man did it jump up!

the battletech fanbase isn't as big as some games out there (such as 40k) but it's passionate.

And some deep pockets. Half an hour to go and it's sitting at $2.57 million

8 minutes to go!

Literal seconds count down.

Minute left!!!

It's over!

Final tally: $2,585,506.54

Final total of $2,585,506.00

I threw in for $30. I'll see what I decide to do in the pledge manager next month.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
Can the Legendary Mechwarrior box be taken as a pledge reward?

Add-on only unless they change it later, which I kind of doubt but you never know.

Great to see life in the old dog yet.

Probably one of the most tactically deep games still on the market. A hugely rewarding experience for both competitive and roleplay or campaign players.

Hopefully modern minis will see the playerbase glow a little bit again.

That was an interesting thing from the first AMA; every time Catalyst puts out a plastic mini their metal mini sales go up.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
That was an interesting thing from the first AMA; every time Catalyst puts out a plastic mini their metal mini sales go up.

Probably as simple as the plastics bringing in fresh blood.

The Battletech universe is expansive. Most of the cannon mechs, tanks, vehicles, battle armour, infantry, VTOLs, aero, aerospace, will never be made in plastic. Hence many new players jumping on-board with plastic will expand their forces with metal minis at some stage.

it's also possiable some people didn't realize until now that Battletech was still a thing. a lotta people still think it died with FASA.

BrianDavion wrote:
it's also possiable some people didn't realize until now that Battletech was still a thing. a lotta people still think it died with FASA.

I'd agree with that. CGL, while saving the game, never had the money to properly support the game.

The absolute mess that is BT licensing also doesn't help things much. Digital rights gone - not just a problem tying in very successful games with the physical game but the ability to develop digital tools to make the physical game less player intensive. Rights to produce minis a grey area - I think they can only do mechs in plastic if they come in packs - Iron wind Metals owns the rest of the rights.

Not having quality minis with the new starter box releases has been a major problem over the last decade. Also not being able to maintain those starter boxes with reprints an even greater problem. Non-US distribution isn't good either. Ordering from CGL themselves can incur shipping costs higher than cost of product.

I realise I'm making CGL sound like a disaster zone. But they've done a great job saving and running the universe this last twenty years. The product quality over the years barring the boxset minis is amazing. Hopefully this Kickstarter gives them the financial base to expand the product line heavily into quality minis and keep their core products in print.

It's certainly one of the most exciting times in Battletech tabletop history for the last thirty-five years.

niall78 wrote:

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
That was an interesting thing from the first AMA; every time Catalyst puts out a plastic mini their metal mini sales go up.

Probably as simple as the plastics bringing in fresh blood.

The Battletech universe is expansive. Most of the cannon mechs, tanks, vehicles, battle armour, infantry, VTOLs, aero, aerospace, will never be made in plastic. Hence many new players jumping on-board with plastic will expand their forces with metal minis at some stage.

If I ever get real into Battletech where I'm buying more than just mechs. You can bet I will be buying the infantry, and other vehicle minis to supplement my forces.

In other news, I'm looking forward to the painting guides that are supposedly included so I can put a plan together for getting my minis painted quickly and efficiently.

Not only the KS ended up in a record but also after it did so I found this on my way home.

https://www.goodsmile.info/en/product/7954/COMBAT+ARMORS+MAX15+1+72nd+Scale+Abitate+F35C+Blizzard+Gunner.html

I already had one, now I'm one step closer to a full lance.

M.

Those are 1/72 scale, but GSM is releasing ALL of the of Dougram models now. I wish they would do the same with Crusher Joe...

niall78 wrote:


The absolute mess that is BT licensing also doesn't help things much. Digital rights gone - not just a problem tying in very successful games with the physical game but the ability to develop digital tools to make the physical game less player intensive. Rights to produce minis a grey area - I think they can only do mechs in plastic if they come in packs - Iron wind Metals owns the rest of the rights.

I think (correct me if I'm wrong) that CGL might have one of those weird things going where they can't release minis.

Unless...

It's a component in a game box.

So, releasing starter boxed sets with rules and stuff is fine. Expansion packs of minis would be a no go, unless it's part of a game, which is why all the Alpha Strike Lance packs had cards in them and all of the Lance/Star packs in the KS have pilot cards with them.

BrianDavion wrote:

 AndrewGPaul wrote:
If previous comments in this thread are correct, there’s no contract for Catalyst to buy out; Iron Wind Metals have the perpetual licence to make Battletech miniatures and it appears it’s exclusive.

FASA made a lot of idiotic decisions that way.

I wouldn't call it idiotic. It used to be that licensing wasn't seen the way that it is now. There are a couple of classic examples of this. The first is the Star Trek license used to make the game Star Fleet Battles. Much to Paramount's chagrin, the license has no expiration date. Another example - and one that most Battletech fans are at least nominally aware of - is the license that Harmony Gold managed to acquire for Macross.

In short, FASA was likely merely going with the times when it issued that license.


There is one thing to consider -

If CGL does well with its plastic miniatures line, it might spur IWM to overhaul its own line-up.

 Sacredroach wrote:
Those are 1/72 scale, but GSM is releasing ALL of the of Dougram models now. I wish they would do the same with Crusher Joe...

I saw the Minerva next the Blizzard Gunner so the Crusher Joe kits might be released soon.

M.

Decided to get into my first Kickstarter with this. Got the base game from the flgs and love the new plastic mechs. Already started painting them in house Steiner colors. The boys favorite colors! Gonna do some up as wolfs dragoons too I'm thinking. Hopefully catalyst has everything under control and we get reinforcements next year! Does anyone have any experience with good BattleTech decals?

 jedi76 wrote:
Decided to get into my first Kickstarter with this. Got the base game from the flgs and love the new plastic mechs. Already started painting them in house Steiner colors. The boys favorite colors! Gonna do some up as wolfs dragoons too I'm thinking. Hopefully catalyst has everything under control and we get reinforcements next year! Does anyone have any experience with good BattleTech decals?

http://www.fightingpirannhagraphics.com/

Eumerin wrote:

BrianDavion wrote:

 AndrewGPaul wrote:
If previous comments in this thread are correct, there’s no contract for Catalyst to buy out; Iron Wind Metals have the perpetual licence to make Battletech miniatures and it appears it’s exclusive.

FASA made a lot of idiotic decisions that way.

I wouldn't call it idiotic. It used to be that licensing wasn't seen the way that it is now. There are a couple of classic examples of this. The first is the Star Trek license used to make the game Star Fleet Battles. Much to Paramount's chagrin, the license has no expiration date. Another example - and one that most Battletech fans are at least nominally aware of - is the license that Harmony Gold managed to acquire for Macross.

In short, FASA was likely merely going with the times when it issued that license.


There is one thing to consider -

If CGL does well with its plastic miniatures line, it might spur IWM to overhaul its own line-up.

FASA sold the video game rights to Microsoft in the late 90s. well after the sucess of MW2, MW3 etc. they knew what they had and had already made lisencing deals for shorter terms with other companies. no what happened was in the l;ate 90s FASA wasn't in the best situation finanically so they made a lot of "need cash now!" decisions that where poor in the long run

New design update:

Nova Cat:
To be honest the Nova Cat doesn't need that much of a redesign, so the differences you see here are minor. Fun Fact: The Wardens Clan sourcebook has a great piece of artwork on the front cover featuring this 'Mech. I literally bought the book because of its cover.

Linebacker:
The Linebacker is one of those really weird oft-overlooked Clan designs, and one that was in dire need of a redesign.

Also stats from the Kickstarter:

43rd over-all in the Games Category
30th in TableTop Gaming
83rd highest Kickstarter project ever

the Linebacker actually looks GOOD

And, much like the new Black Hawk, it's no longer into the category of "My shoulders are also my hips!".

Glad to see the new Nova Cat looks so good. It was one of those mechs that *almost* looked good before but was too curved

Linebacker looks like a baby Dire Wolf.

 ChargerIIC wrote:
Glad to see the new Nova Cat looks so good. It was one of those mechs that *almost* looked good before but was too curved

I don't really see that big of a difference between the old and new Nova Cat artwork...

 Ghaz wrote:

 ChargerIIC wrote:
Glad to see the new Nova Cat looks so good. It was one of those mechs that *almost* looked good before but was too curved

I don't really see that big of a difference between the old and new Nova Cat artwork...

Spoiler:

That's kind the point right? Slightly updated artwork that allows them to say "this is a new and modern design" without changing the original in any crazy ways?

balmong7 wrote:

 Ghaz wrote:

 ChargerIIC wrote:
Glad to see the new Nova Cat looks so good. It was one of those mechs that *almost* looked good before but was too curved

I don't really see that big of a difference between the old and new Nova Cat artwork...

Spoiler:

That's kind the point right? Slightly updated artwork that allows them to say "this is a new and modern design" without changing the original in any crazy ways?

Yes. My reply was in reference to ChargerIIC saying the original was 'too curved' and the new one looks better.

 Ghaz wrote:

balmong7 wrote:

 Ghaz wrote:

 ChargerIIC wrote:
Glad to see the new Nova Cat looks so good. It was one of those mechs that *almost* looked good before but was too curved

I don't really see that big of a difference between the old and new Nova Cat artwork...

Spoiler:

That's kind the point right? Slightly updated artwork that allows them to say "this is a new and modern design" without changing the original in any crazy ways?

Yes. My reply was in reference to ChargerIIC saying the original was 'too curved' and the new one looks better.

I stand by my opinion

The new one has a bigger head... and that's about it.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
The new one has a bigger head... and that's about it.

Looks like it may be a touch larger than the original.

Noticed the latest post on Anthony Scroggins' Patreon is 'Green Burd Prototypes'. I wonder what he could be working on...

A new Night Gyr, Turkina and Fire Falcon, I suspect.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
A new Night Gyr, Turkina and Fire Falcon, I suspect.

Considering the Turkina OmniMech was named after Elizabeth Hazen's pet jade falcon, the 'Green Burd' reference makes it fairly obvious which 95 ton 'mech he's working on

 Ghaz wrote:
Considering the Turkina OmniMech was named after Elizabeth Hazen's pet jade falcon, the 'Green Burd' reference makes it fairly obvious which 95 ton 'mech he's working on

A "new" Turkina was probably 90% of the reason I backed the Kickstarter, so I am definitely eager to see what they do with it.

It'll be interesting to see how he makes it look a little less...like...that... *gestures*

I can actually visualise the gesture that you're making...

I did a bit of conversion work on my mini to reduce that look.

Nurglitch wrote:
It'll be interesting to see how he makes it look a little less...like...that... *gestures*

"You have pointed at all of it!"

I wonder what effect this will have:

https://mobile.twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1165005930733473793

Mod edit - That tweet states that "...the remaining 300 BILLION DOLLARS of goods and products from China, that was being taxed from September 1st at 10%, will now be taxed at 15%."

Maybe this explains it better: https://pandasaurusgames.com/blogs/news/business-of-board-games-tariffs

So, those posts sparked a flurry of alerts (thanks for that). Whilst politics is a banned subject matter on dakka this increase on tariffs is relevant to the topic at hand (or it could be), I don't want to just stop the thread in its tracks so am asking that people stick to discussing its relevance to the Kickstarter. Your opinion on the tariff, the President of the USA etc. is not relevant so do not post about it. If we can keep the discussion around the impact it might have, we are good, posts that diverge from this very simple guideline will be deleted and could incur warnings. Please use some common sense when posting and make sure your posts are relevant to the topic of BT Kickstarter.
Thanks,
ingtaer.

Hurray for higher shipping costs!

it shouldn't matter for this KS as they've yet to run the PM and collect the shipping so any tarrif increase can be accounted for in that,

for other projects where the profit margin was dubious its going to be a big problem,

the tweet 'order' for US companies to move their supply chains out of China could be even worse, as if the trade war gets worse it wouldn't shock me if a total import ban got thrown down

Given how the Pandasaurus guy explained it above I'd wonder if there's a KS update a backer could share.

There was one update to Pandasauru's post saying that tariffs for games and toys will be defered to December. So we might be spared.

M.

That blog post was nine days before the tweet, though (it refers to the tariff rate of 10%, not 15%).

https://www.patreon.com/ShimmeringSword/posts?tag=Battletech

Wave 1 mechs confirmed. Happy that the Viper and Mad Dog made it in, glory to Ghost Bear.

And those Legend 'Mechs are nice. The Widowmaker is great.

And all them Urbies!

Don't forget to go back to some of the older posts on his Patreon as he's unlocked some of them...

love that Loki, too abd it's such a gak mech :(

From the BattleTech Facebook page:

BattleTech wrote:Anthony Scroggins here, head of the mech design and sculpting team for Battletech. Barely keeping my head above water while we blitz out as much Wave One Clan Invasion Kickstarter mech goodness as possible.
I wanted to show you what my team has been working on. We're not even half way through the whole KS list and the collection is already looking amazing.

Last Christmas we brought you 9 plastic mechs. Coming up next year we're going to increase that number to 38 (subject to change), and it'll only get crazier from there

Want to see even more development imagery? Design sketches, progress shots, renders, and some prototypes can be found on my Patreon page:
https://www.patreon.com/ShimmeringSword

That Loki doesn't seem like the usual Scroggins magic.

From the BattleTech Forum an image of the Executioner from the manufacturer un China:

Also a KS update on how they got to that stage:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/450703636/battletech-clan-invasion/posts/2639883

For those Clan players who like their Elementals...

Those are some of the best looking power armor minis I've seen.

SWEEEEEET

Wish they all had their SRM launchers though...

You know, I would have expected all of them to have their SRMs too- then I thought about it. The idea of every member of the squad having a shot, and launching simultaneously is a bit absurd. If they're firing when they have the opportunity, someone's going to run out first, and once they've shot their SRMs they'd eject them- so I've come to love the logic behind it.

Plus, they are simply gorgeous.

Now I just need those Kage power suits to match...

They do look fantastic, and make me want 28mm ones.

Now where did I leave my hatchet?...

 Albertorius wrote:
They do look fantastic, and make me want 28mm ones.

I'd totally play a 28mm elemental game..

BrianDavion wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:
They do look fantastic, and make me want 28mm ones.

I'd totally play a 28mm elemental game..

Is BattleTroops still out there?

BrianDavion wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:
They do look fantastic, and make me want 28mm ones.

I'd totally play a 28mm elemental game..

Now you've got me wondering about what stats Elementals would have in Infinity!

 Chillreaper wrote:

BrianDavion wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:
They do look fantastic, and make me want 28mm ones.

I'd totally play a 28mm elemental game..

Now you've got me wondering about what stats Elementals would have in Infinity!

Can't speak about infinity but in 40k they'd likely be 4 str, 4 t 1-2 wounds, 3+ armor, with a lascanon, stubber and missle rack. ohh and a jump pack.....

BrianDavion wrote:

 Chillreaper wrote:

BrianDavion wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:
They do look fantastic, and make me want 28mm ones.

I'd totally play a 28mm elemental game..

Now you've got me wondering about what stats Elementals would have in Infinity!

Can't speak about infinity but in 40k they'd likely be 4 str, 4 t 1-2 wounds, 3+ armor, with a lascanon, stubber and missle rack. ohh and a jump pack.....

Better fit would be terminators stats + cyclone launcher + jump pack.

BIG UPDATE


The pledge manager is looking to have a soft-launch for the highest tier backers this Wednesday (US time). They'll be testing it out to make sure it works.

If it works, the pledge manger will be open to all across Thursday/Friday.

About time! Looking forward to add some more c-bills and add a couple more lances.

M.

 Albertorius wrote:
They do look fantastic, and make me want 28mm ones.

Pretty sure Iron Wind still sells the 25/28mm(can't remember which) BattleTroop Elementals.

 Platuan4th wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:
They do look fantastic, and make me want 28mm ones.

Pretty sure Iron Wind still sells the 25/28mm(can't remember which) BattleTroop Elementals.

They do, but it won't match the look of the new plastics.

 Ghaz wrote:

 Platuan4th wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:
They do look fantastic, and make me want 28mm ones.

Pretty sure Iron Wind still sells the 25/28mm(can't remember which) BattleTroop Elementals.

They do, but it won't match the look of the new plastics.

https://ironwindmetals.com/store/index.php?cPath=16_44_245 they have a whole mess of 28mm scale stuff for battletroops. if I was looking to start a 40k IG army I might be tempted to use that steiner infantry

 Platuan4th wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:
They do look fantastic, and make me want 28mm ones.

Pretty sure Iron Wind still sells the 25/28mm(can't remember which) BattleTroop Elementals.

I know. What I meant was "these make me want 28mm versions of these designs". I thought it was clear enough from the context.

I'm suprised battletroops minis exist, last I know that game was looong dead but there is a mini for the Hauberk, which is a fairly new type of BA so.. must be still being continued somehow...
that or they really wanted to sculpt a 28mm hauberk

BrianDavion wrote:
I'm suprised battletroops minis exist, last I know that game was looong dead but there is a mini for the Hauberk, which is a fairly new type of BA so.. must be still being continued somehow...
that or they really wanted to sculpt a 28mm hauberk

They come in handy when playing 'A Time of War' or the upcoming 'Destiny' RPGs.

The Pledge Manager is 100% live and it's fething enormous.

Took a while to go through it all, but there we go. Shipping to Oz wasn't so bad either.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
The Pledge Manager is 100% live and it's fething enormous.

Took a while to go through it all, but there we go. Shipping to Oz wasn't so bad either.

did they say how long the manager is gonna be open for? I've christmas budgeting to do

Not that I've seen. Might be buried in the comments somewhere.

Shipping is rather surprising - in a good way!

The only thing that's really messing me up is the way that it wants to lock you in to the selection. I was planning on selecting stuff and paying for it, then re-opening it a couple of times whilst the pledge manager was open. You know, the way that just about every other pledge manager does it.

This is either going to result in a more family-shocking single payment, or less stuff being ordered.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
Not that I've seen. Might be buried in the comments somewhere.

https://bg.battletech.com/news/clan-invasion-kickstarter-pledge-manager-is-live/

The pledge manager will remain open for the next several months, at which time your order will be finalized for production and shipping!

Okay, according to the info page, you can go back and add stuff; but the actual pledge manager said that you are locked in once you complete. I'm confused and also hoping that it's the former (obviously).

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
Not that I've seen. Might be buried in the comments somewhere.

you'd think they'd put that date out in opublic, especially as giving the timing I'm sure plenty of people might need to do some christmas budgeting to know if they can afford an upgrade

I finalised my pledge this afternoon and confirm there is a link / button on the pledge summary page that says you can unlock it and add more.

 Chillreaper wrote:
Okay, according to the info page, you can go back and add stuff; but the actual pledge manager said that you are locked in once you complete. I'm confused and also hoping that it's the former (obviously).

I suspect what they mean is once you've checked out those items are fixed (no going back and taking expansion A you've decided you don't want back out of the cart, or changing pledge level), but you will be able to carry on adding new stuff

but obviously you'd need to get it in writing from them

 Siygess wrote:
I finalised my pledge this afternoon and confirm there is a link / button on the pledge summary page that says you can unlock it and add more.

Get in!

Dear Krensky, that was a lot of options. I need more money.

There was a lot of stuff and def spent more than I thought!

Oh god. its options time. With all the new expansions that were added in. for a first time Battletech boy getting his first non-starter set minis. Is the lance pack 1 and star pack 1 still the best option?

balmong7 wrote:
Oh god. its options time. With all the new expansions that were added in. for a first time Battletech boy getting his first non-starter set minis. Is the lance pack 1 and star pack 1 still the best option?

90% of home games only need a lance since you can only proxy and quick games are just a couple mechs on each side. At some point you'll want 12 Inner Sphere mechs or 10 Clan Mechs for the big games.

Save some money to invest in sheet protectors!

Almost got my order in!

As a Star Captain, I got both Comstar Level IIs and the Comstar Dice and Coin for my backer rewards (Remember Tukayyid!).

I then added on a Clan Command Star and a Clan Fire Star to add to the starter set for a Trinary. And a Battle Lance for my Inner Sphere Merc Company.

I also added on the FedCom dice, but I'm having trouble deciding between the Smoke Jaguar or Jade Falcons for my Clanner dice.

I am going to wait as long as I can before I commit to my force packs to see as many new designs as possible. I had been dead-set on the Direct Fire IS lance until I saw the 3D models of the Atlas and the Marauder II, now I don't think I will be getting that one unless the Orion design is stellar.

I am having indecision freeze on the Clan packs. I like both the wave 1 packs but I am getting so many salvage boxes I don't want that many duplicates, however I also really want a Dire wolf and Shadow cat. Think it is better to get wave 2 star packs and hope I get the ones I want in my salvage boxes?

Maybe there will be a Facebook Salvage Box trading group?

Wasn't planning on dropping an extra $50 on it, but Star Colonel didn't quite get me all they toys I wanted, so here we are

I wish I could've dropped a lot of the extraneous crap for credit, pretty sure all those challenge coins and posters and T-shirts, patches etc are going in the bin.

Ended up getting every Lance/Star pack on offer. I want plastic 'Mechs.

 infinite_array wrote:
I also added on the FedCom dice, but I'm having trouble deciding between the Smoke Jaguar or Jade Falcons for my Clanner dice.

I almost added Smoke Jaguar dice. Almost. Stayed strong though and kept to Federated Suns/Ghost Bear/Draconis Combine/Federated Commonwealth.

Naturally I already have Jade Falcon dice, and you should too.

 Kalamadea wrote:
Wasn't planning on dropping an extra $50 on it, but Star Colonel didn't quite get me all they toys I wanted, so here we are

I wish I could've dropped a lot of the extraneous crap for credit, pretty sure all those challenge coins and posters and T-shirts, patches etc are going in the bin.

You could always send them to me if you are going to trash them,

I haven't locked in yet, I think I am just going to stick with my initial pledge. Honestly, I'd really like more stuff, notably the COmstar Level IIs, but one, I am not even close to being able to get a game and two, dollars are in a bit of short supply and I still haven't locked in my Desert of the Dead pledge yet!

mumsnarf wrote:
I like both the wave 1 packs but I am getting so many salvage boxes I don't want that many duplicates

That's just crazy talk! I'm building a whole Ghost Bear Galaxy and I need 4-5 copies of some of the Omnimechs.

mumsnarf wrote:
I am going to wait as long as I can before I commit to my force packs to see as many new designs as possible. I had been dead-set on the Direct Fire IS lance until I saw the 3D models of the Atlas and the Marauder II, now I don't think I will be getting that one unless the Orion design is stellar.

I am having indecision freeze on the Clan packs. I like both the wave 1 packs but I am getting so many salvage boxes I don't want that many duplicates, however I also really want a Dire wolf and Shadow cat. Think it is better to get wave 2 star packs and hope I get the ones I want in my salvage boxes?

What was wrong with the redesigns of the Atlas and Marauder II? I was wanting that pack but haven't seen any concept art/sculpts as it's locked behind a paywall. I've generally liked the new designs so far, but I don't like that we haven't at least got concept art for everything.

I kept it simple, Star Captain with both Wave 1 IS Lances and an extra Legendary Box.

Everything else will need to wait for retail, than I can also easier decide on the not yet final sculpts

Trafalgar Law wrote:
What was wrong with the redesigns of the Atlas and Marauder II?

I don't think there was anything wrong with them, I just like the IWM designs better. The Catalyst stuff is all starting to look the same to me and I like having some of the old wonky models to diversify the looks. Some of the concept art is being shared on less reputable websites, but it is only 1USD to get access to everything on the patronas.

I've decided to skip over the W1 clan packs and see what I get in the salvage boxes. I remembered that the W1 stuff will be at retail probably around the same time anyway so I can just pick them up at the shop if I don't get what I want.

Misread previous post.

The redesigns for the Atlas and Marauder II are out there.

As is the Truth.

Seyla.

From what I can see the new Atlas looks good and is close enough to the original for me.

Oh, hey, Crusader... noice

I just finalized my pledge. I went with four Inner Sphere lances (command, battle, direct fire and heavy). My high school gaming group moved on to WHFB well before the clan stuff started, so my nostalgia doesn't kick in for that stuff.

 JoshInJapan wrote:
I just finalized my pledge. I went with four Inner Sphere lances (command, battle, direct fire and heavy). My high school gaming group moved on to WHFB well before the clan stuff started, so my nostalgia doesn't kick in for that stuff.

you never played mechwarrior 2?

I don't really enjoy video games (console or PC), probably because of my advanced age.

 Ghaz wrote:

Spoiler:

Funky looking Crusader.

I take it that that's the new Linebacker? And Nova Cat?

yeah looks like. line backer looks nice, I always thought it looked awkward but this mini makes it look solid

 H.B.M.C. wrote:

 Ghaz wrote:

Spoiler:

Funky looking Crusader.

I take it that that's the new Linebacker? And Nova Cat?

Yes. We saw the Linebacker, Crusader and Nova Cat concept sketches during the Kickstarter campaign.

Great reinterpretation of the Line Backer then.

It's always been one of those "Oh yeah, that exists." Clan Omni-Mechs, not good enough to be rated among the other heavy Omni's, and not weird enough to stick out as something strange (like the Naga).

It's awkward original artwork didn't do it any favours either:A latter redesign was better, but not by much:And the MWO version doesn't even look like a Linebacker anymore. It's been stripped of its individuality, however weird it may have been:This gives me great hope for the Black Lanner, a 'Mech I've always called the Fat Duck 'Mech for reasons that should be obvious.

Now it's had redesigns as well, my particular fav being this one, but given what's been done to the Linebacker I can only imagine how good the new Black Lanner's gonna look.

So I succumbed to my nemesis "Hobby Greed" and upgraded my pledge to Star Colonel. I ran out of mechs I recognized the names of before I ran out of expansion pack add-ons. So by the last packs, I was just picking at random. lol.

balmong7 wrote:
So I succumbed to my nemesis "Hobby Greed" and upgraded my pledge to Star Colonel. I ran out of mechs I recognized the names of before I ran out of expansion pack add-ons. So by the last packs, I was just picking at random. lol.

You can get multiples of the same pack if you choose, there's a quantity selection on the right side.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
And the MWO version doesn't even look like a Linebacker anymore. It's been stripped of its individuality, however weird it may have been:

Spoiler:

Anthony's new Linebacker looks almost identical to the MWO version...

Is that an inflatable Atlas it looks pretty gak if I’m honest, hopefully it’s a work in progress.

That Atlas is begging for a "They See Me Walking" meme

 Ghaz wrote:
Anthony's new Linebacker looks almost identical to the MWO version...

Doesn't look that way to me at all.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:

 Ghaz wrote:
Anthony's new Linebacker looks almost identical to the MWO version...

Doesn't look that way to me at all.

they're definatly the same mech, but you can at the same time see some clear astristic variation within the structures. over all I like it, Linebacker's gone from a "meh" mech to "... I think I might have a new favorite"

 H.B.M.C. wrote:

 Ghaz wrote:
Anthony's new Linebacker looks almost identical to the MWO version...

Doesn't look that way to me at all.

It's a lot closer to the MWO version than either BattleTech version.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:

 Ghaz wrote:
Anthony's new Linebacker looks almost identical to the MWO version...

Doesn't look that way to me at all.

Same designer. Looks like a slightly tweaked evolution of the MWO design, which is to be expected.

Like I said, the MWO one looks like an MWO 'Mech in that it has had a lot of the soul sucked out of it. As awkward as the Linebacker is, the MWO look appears to have lost anything that makes it unique.

The BTech redesign, not so much.

so on a related note, the new battletech video game DLC came out today, of intreast it includes an entirely new mech, the Bullshark. 95 tons, with a Thumper canon, 2 UAC5s, 2 LB10X, and 4 ER MLs. it's mostly notable because we can proably expect to see this mech canonized in table top soonish

Soonish?

Has the Roughneck entered canon yet?

Oh man, the Black Lanner had the most heinous art. My brother got one when ages ago when 3058 was cutting age tech, and it was missing the middle piece.

We honestly didn't realize anything was wrong until years later when we saw a picture of the model. The art's from such a strange angle, and there's so many pieces in the IWM model that it got us.

The Atlas looks like someone took an Atlas, sent it back and said add more armor, then bolted extra plates all over it. I love it!

It's come a long way, baby!

The previous plastic version- (that may have skipped leg day)



And the legendary Fatlas.

Plastech minis were awful. That novelty sized Catapult still makes me laugh.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
Soonish?

Has the Roughneck entered canon yet?

no but I'd not be suprised to see it eventually happen too.
that said HBS has worked pretty closely with the table top. that said, given the mech's exact capabilities and the story behind it, it's likely going to apper in a XTRO sometime or something.

The problem with the Bullshark is that, as written, it's an illegal design. You can't fit the weapons where they're meant to go, and even if you fudge that to fit the weapons in, you can't have DHS.

And you can only be a 2/3 'Mech. And only have 49% armour coverage.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
The problem with the Bullshark is that, as written, it's an illegal design. You can't fit the weapons where they're meant to go, and even if you fudge that to fit the weapons in, you can't have DHS.

And you can only be a 2/3 'Mech. And only have 49% armour coverage.

what tech base are you using?

Inner Sphere.

BrianDavion wrote:
so on a related note, the new battletech video game DLC came out today, of intreast it includes an entirely new mech, the Bullshark. 95 tons, with a Thumper canon, 2 UAC5s, 2 LB10X, and 4 ER MLs. it's mostly notable because we can proably expect to see this mech canonized in table top soonish

I have only casual knowledge of the lore, but was all that tech available in 3025? That loadout looks post-invasion.

Or did the DLC advance the video game timeline past 3025?

 rabidaskal wrote:

BrianDavion wrote:
so on a related note, the new battletech video game DLC came out today, of intreast it includes an entirely new mech, the Bullshark. 95 tons, with a Thumper canon, 2 UAC5s, 2 LB10X, and 4 ER MLs. it's mostly notable because we can proably expect to see this mech canonized in table top soonish

I have only casual knowledge of the lore, but was all that tech available in 3025? That loadout looks post-invasion.

Or did the DLC advance the video game timeline past 3025?

kiiinda, Battletech's a bit like 40k in that there was a glorious past with super advanced tech and then bad gak happened and things have been on a gradual decline since.

That said the Star league never but ER medium lasers into production.

 rabidaskal wrote:

BrianDavion wrote:
so on a related note, the new battletech video game DLC came out today, of intreast it includes an entirely new mech, the Bullshark. 95 tons, with a Thumper canon, 2 UAC5s, 2 LB10X, and 4 ER MLs. it's mostly notable because we can proably expect to see this mech canonized in table top soonish

I have only casual knowledge of the lore, but was all that tech available in 3025? That loadout looks post-invasion.

Or did the DLC advance the video game timeline past 3025?

The plot line is that they find a drifting ship full of LosTech, and then have to fight over it -

Come face-to-face with two legendary characters from BATTLETECH lore - the Bounty Hunter and the Black Widow of Wolf’s Dragoons. A derelict cargo ship has drifted into the Periphery from deep space; what secrets does it contain, and who will ultimately control its mysterious payload?

and who will ultimately control its mysterious payload?

ComStar

 kodos wrote:

and who will ultimately control its mysterious payload?

ComStar

Sounds right for the time period

I could see a variant of the Bullshark becoming canon because of the Jordan Weisman connection (which is probably how House Arano became canon).

I don’t know if the PGI originals (Roughneck, Sun Spider, Corsair) ever will since they don’t have that kind of connection for licensing issues.

In other Catalyst kickstarter news, here's hoping this Kickstarter goes freaking awesome in both this phase and in production, as in 2020 they are planning on resurrecting Leviathans through KS!

From the latest Kickstarter Update:

I couldn’t stay away. Late pledged for 2 Star Colonels, wave 2 record sheets (wave 1 sheets are part of the pledge, right?) and the alien map pack.

nobody wrote:
I could see a variant of the Bullshark becoming canon because of the Jordan Weisman connection (which is probably how House Arano became canon).

.

Also HBS IIRC has hired a lot of long time battletech writers for this game.

Just finalised my pledge.

Another €200. Not as much extra damage as I expected but I did have to restrain myself.

Just an update that the pledge manager will close on February 9th. Also if you have a cannon character you don't want you can trade it for $75 credit.

mumsnarf wrote:
Just an update that the pledge manager will close on February 9th. Also if you have a cannon character you don't want you can trade it for $75 credit.

Yet it costs $200 to upgrade for one. I figured you wouldn't get full back, but that's a pretty big difference.

 Platuan4th wrote:

Yet it costs $200 to upgrade for one. I figured you wouldn't get full back, but that's a pretty big difference.

Its an option aimed at folks who pledged at levels that included said canon character, not folks who bought it as a standalone item.

 Platuan4th wrote:

mumsnarf wrote:
Just an update that the pledge manager will close on February 9th. Also if you have a cannon character you don't want you can trade it for $75 credit.

Yet it costs $200 to upgrade for one. I figured you wouldn't get full back, but that's a pretty big difference.

From the BattleTech Forum it's $75 for Star Colonels and $150 for Galaxy Commanders.

Hang on a minute...

I'm at Bloodnamed at the moment, for $150 for 4 mech packs, plus 3 or 4 extra packs.

Star Colonel is $300 for 12 packs, ditching the character thingy means that I can get that for $225?! What am I missing? To be honest, my brain has completely edited out any mention of the canon character thing because I no interest in it at all.

well if you don't want a canon character and for some reason can't cancel lemme know I'll be happy to give you some info you can send to em. *shrugs*

Shame that only the Galaxy Commander allows art references for the canon character.

I'm a latecomer to this whole Battletech as a miniatures game thing...will all this stuff be available at retail?

 Kanluwen wrote:
I'm a latecomer to this whole Battletech as a miniatures game thing...will all this stuff be available at retail?

The miniatures will be. Only some of the extras will be available.

 Ghaz wrote:

 Kanluwen wrote:
I'm a latecomer to this whole Battletech as a miniatures game thing...will all this stuff be available at retail?

The miniatures will be. Only some of the extras will be available.

Did they show off any Inner Sphere powered armor? I couldn't find a mention of it(this is a huuuuge thread to go through! ), but since the Clan Invasion and Elementals are coming I figured it might be a thing?

 Kanluwen wrote:

 Ghaz wrote:

 Kanluwen wrote:
I'm a latecomer to this whole Battletech as a miniatures game thing...will all this stuff be available at retail?

The miniatures will be. Only some of the extras will be available.

Did they show off any Inner Sphere powered armor? I couldn't find a mention of it(this is a huuuuge thread to go through! ), but since the Clan Invasion and Elementals are coming I figured it might be a thing?

No. There are no Inner Sphere Battle Armor models in this Kickstarter and the majority of the models are from TRO 3050.

Aw darn. Was hoping at least the Grey Death Standard might show up in plastic.

 Kanluwen wrote:
Aw darn. Was hoping at least the Grey Death Standard might show up in plastic.

The new lineart for the Elementals does look nice...



EDIT: You can see a lot more of the new lineart in this thread HERE.

I love that they have ankles now.

Waiting on my credit for the canon character, currently agonizing over what mech packs I want with the credit.

5 extra Urbies isn’t madness, is it?

5 extra Urbies... that would mean you have 6? Unless you're playing Com-Star that doesn't seem right. Get another 11. Full company's worth!

So, I know it isn't normally a thing for Battletech, but are they planning on doing any 28mm Elementals? I'd love a decent, good sized mini of one.

 Barzam wrote:
So, I know it isn't normally a thing for Battletech, but are they planning on doing any 28mm Elementals? I'd love a decent, good sized mini of one.

https://store.ironwindmetals.com/store/index.php?cPath=16_44_245 check there. that's for battletroops, a set of rules for infantry skirmish in the battletech universe, as far as I'm aware the rules are old, (dating back to '89) and not currently supported, (although you an proably still buy a PDF of the rules Btechs good for that) looks like they produce a 28mm scale elemental as well as, oddly a 28mm scale Hauberk.

also some great house infantry that I soo wanna see used for a guard regiment now

Hooray!

Obviously, it took direct communication with CGL, but they swapped out my pledge level to Star Colonel. I'm guessing that they had to do it that way, rather than leave it to me to press buttons to select it so that I didn't do anything scummy; like downgrading and taking my already downloaded PDFs and running.

The thing is that since they took the neoprene map out, it dropped to $270, which, when factoring in the rebate for the canon character sort of makes it $195 for 69 (dude) mechs! That's like, 2 1/2 of the Queen's finest pounds per mech and a bunch of extra cool stuff as well!

Madness...

Resurrecting this this thread because one of my fav 'Mechs just got its redesign revealed, along with a few other new ones:

Hankyu


Battle Cobra (much improved)


Black Lanner (the "Fat Duck 'Mech" is no more!)


Linebacker (man he looks beefy now)


And the star of the show...

Night Gyr (I love this redesign... so nice to have a Night Gyr that isn't a pretty ordinary mini)

Hell yeah!

Clan designs, meh!



M.

 Miguelsan wrote:
Clan designs, meh!



M.

well the kickstart IS called "clan invasion" but yeah my fav mechs alll tend to be Inner Sphere designs.

Those backwards-canted legs are like digitigrade legs put on backwards.

Nurglitch wrote:
Those backwards-canted legs are like digitigrade legs put on backwards.

battletech has something like over 300 mech designs, some look amazing others less so. the real impressive thing about this art is some of these pictures are of tradtionally "less so" mechs that actually look really good now. the black lanner and linebacker have both, for example, tradtionally fell in the "less so" ranking.




original black lanner art



original linebacker art

Both of those are immensely improved redesigns! My only issue is that the new Linebacker looks like it should be an Assault mech, gives me a lot of Daishi vibes and I would have expected 90/95 tons instead of a 65 tonner.

I'm loving everything about this campaign, even with the slight delivery delays

This is the original art for the Linebacker.

https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Linebacker#/media/File%3ALinebacker_TRO3055r.png

I've often wondered how some of those old designs like the Linebacker were even supposed to move. There's no joints in those legs! The new artwork is lightyears ahead of the old stuff.

Regarding the 28mm figures, I knew about the old Ironwind figures. Some of those sculpts are really showing their age. And while the Hauberk is actually pretty decent looking, that Elemental is... not. I'm really hoping they put some consideration into making 28mm versions of the new designs as they're significantly better. I'd bet there's a good number of fans who would be interested in larger minis of the power armors. The new designs are too good to not make figures of.

The new designs look great. I'm looking forward to the clan boxed set actually shipping.

This pic of all the new Marauders popped up on the forum:




I keep on dithering about whether each particular Clan Mech is going to be part of the new Clan of choice and which ones get to bolster the old JFs. That IIC is going to the Falcons, being as I haven't really seen it since the good old days of Mechwarrior 2.

 Chillreaper wrote:
This pic of all the new Marauders popped up on the forum:




I keep on dithering about whether each particular Clan Mech is going to be part of the new Clan of choice and which ones get to bolster the old JFs. That IIC is going to the Falcons, being as I haven't really seen it since the good old days of Mechwarrior 2.

pfft go Davion or go Home.

Go Davion or go home? Fortunately my home is already Davion-ized so there is really no "or".

Alpharius Walks wrote:
Go Davion or go home? Fortunately my home is already Davion-ized so there is really no "or".

*thumbs up*

I'm not going to lie, I want to be inside of that Marauder IIC.

Battletech The Coloring Book

Hotly anticipated by MechWarriors of all stripes and beleaguered parents everywhere, we’re proud to release the BattleTech Activity Book as a pay-what-you-wish PDF (CGL Webstore // DTRPG)

The book will be available in print-on-demand hard copy in the near future; it’s winding its way through the POD process now.

This 56-page coloring and activity book will provide hours of fun, showcasing line art of ‘Mechs from the BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat boxed set and the upcoming BattleTech: Clan Invasion boxed set.

Join the Clans and all their friends on their fun-filled adventures against the Great Houses of the Inner Sphere! MechWarriors of all ages can take command–each page features ‘Mechs to color, puzzles, mazes, games, cutting activities and things to make and do. Your favorite ‘Mechs and characters are featured in other great BattleTech products. Look for them at your local game store!

Also, coming very soon to hard copy print release and PDF is Technical Readout: Jihad. Following up on Technical Readout: Succession Wars and Technical Readout: Clan Invasion, this volume presents ‘Mechs compiled from long out-of-print volumes. Check out the cover art and back cover copy below:

November 3067 saw the culmination of work two centuries in the making, work begun by Primus Conrad Toyama of ComStar, successor to Jerome Blake and the man responsible for single-handedly turning ComStar into a pseudo-religious organization with a vision: to lead mankind to the light.

But then the Second Star League collapsed.

Denied their dream, the Blakists fought to preserve the Star League against the follies of the Great Houses, its fanaticism manifested as the Jihad: a horrific war that pitted every nation against each other. This era saw bleeding edge machines march off to war, while venerable ’Mechs continued to receive upgrades and facelifts. Even primitive ’Mechs not seen in over half a millennia once again appear on the battlefield.

Technical Readout: Jihad expands on Technical Readout: Succession Wars and Technical Readout: Clan Invasion by combining ’Mechs previously found in Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, Technical Readout: 3060, Technical Readout: 3067, Technical Readout: 3075, Technical Readout: 3085, and Technical Readout: Project Phoenix. This volume features some of the most common ’Mechs from the Jihad, and each machine is accompanied by an illustration, a description of its history, capabilities, and game stats.

Imagery:

Join the Clans and all their friends on their fun-filled adventures against the Great Houses of the Inner Sphere!

LOL. Very wholesome and family friendly.

I bought the Activity Book and have already printed out some of the colouring in pages to hopefully provide some distraction at home.

Added bonus: If either of my children come up with a decent Mech paint scheme, I'm totally stealing it.

My boys are loving the activity book. It's also sparked some sprawling Alpha Strike battles- lance on lance seems just about right for the 10 year old- and the 6 year old will run one or two of my lance.

I am so excited for the TRO Jihad! I hope this means there will be a Kickstarter, Flames of the Jihad! Celestials, and some Inner Sphere Battle Armor!

 Gitzbitah wrote:
My boys are loving the activity book. It's also sparked some sprawling Alpha Strike battles- lance on lance seems just about right for the 10 year old- and the 6 year old will run one or two of my lance.

I am so excited for the TRO Jihad! I hope this means there will be a Kickstarter, Flames of the Jihad! Celestials, and some Inner Sphere Battle Armor!

No new Kicstarter any time in the near future. It's just a consolidation of TRO's by era rather than by a date that a lot of new players would find meaningless (per the CGL Staff).

Now Available – Technical Readout: Jihad and Record Sheets: Clan Invasion

We’re proud to offer two new BattleTech products for sale today!

Technical Readout: Jihad is available in PDF and Book+Free PDF from the Catalyst Game Labs store, and in PDF from DriveThruRPG. (CGL Store // DTRPG)



Also available today in PDF only is Record Sheets: Clan Invasion (CGL Store // DTRPG)

News from the latest Kickstarter Update:

Well. With the entire world reeling from the Covid-19 crisis, we’ve been prepping for news out of China for close to two months now, waiting for them to rain doom and gloom upon our Clan Invasion campaign. It’s a little like dealing with ComStar. They seem so nice and spiritual, if a little quirky. But as soon as you find yourself up against the realities of your latest military campaign...INTERDICTION!

Here is what we know:

Our primary factory responsible for ALL plastics and 90% of the product for this Kickstarter Campaign has reportedly just come back up to 80% of their normal production speed. (This follows the last 30 days, where the best they claimed was 50%). This was also the company we talked about back in January, when they hit us with the first 4-week(ish) slowdown.

What that means:

Delays. Currently, they won’t promise anything before July, 2020. Though they say this could move up as they increase speed on their production lines. Once we get the product, we are at least another three weeks to deliver Wave 1.

We are being hit with the usual platitudes: “Your project is first in line. You have the highest priority.” And some of this may even be true. We still want to rant and yell and pound on the table… but when faced with the choice between trying to force a faster schedule, or maintaining quality, we are going to err on the side of keeping up quality.

The good news:

The factory has (finally!) approved 9 potential T-end samples of our first 28 models. (T-1, T-2, etc are prints they run off while making changes to the injection tooling, until they feel they get it right. T-end is where they hope to get our approval, signing off on the final plastic miniature!)

OMG! So many renders.

Inner Sphere Direct Fire Lance:

Atlas


Marauder II


Orion


Crusader


Lance Shot


That new Crusader looks amazing.

Clan Support Star

Night Gyr (!!!)


Linebacker


Koshi


Battle Cobra


Black Lanner


Star Shot


How good does the Black Lanner look? The days of the Fat Duck 'Mech are over!

All gorgeous! Never thought I’d say this but after seeing these I’m a bit sad when I play the video game and see the mechs in that.

That's the best looking Crusader we've ever had

The Linebacker's a thing of beauty.

Have they previewed the Crab/King Crab yet?

chaos0xomega wrote:
Have they previewed the Crab/King Crab yet?

No. Shimmy has only given us a sneak peek of a King Crab's claw on his Patreon.

The latest Kicstarter update shows an all new, never nefore seen Land-Air Mech (i.e., a LAM)!

The thing about BTech April 1sts is that they somehow end up being real.

I mean even the Orca made it into canon eventually.

Theres a lot of people asking for it to become a thing, I'd be surprised if they don't do it.

And whats wrong with the Orca? Its one of the few pre-redesign mechs that I actually like.

chaos0xomega wrote:
And whats wrong with the Orca? Its one of the few pre-redesign mechs that I actually like.

Nothing's wrong with the Orca. My point was that it started as a joke 'Mech for an April Fools, and then it was redeveloped into a real canon 'Mech.

The thing with this type of April Fools joke is that people stumble upon them long after April 1st. Now the UrbanMech-LAM is enough of a stretch, but a 200 ton Colossal is reasonable because we only had one Colossal at the time and the limit was 200 tons.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:

chaos0xomega wrote:
And whats wrong with the Orca? Its one of the few pre-redesign mechs that I actually like.

Nothing's wrong with the Orca. My point was that it started as a joke 'Mech for an April Fools, and then it was redeveloped into a real canon 'Mech.

I think my favorite april fool's day joke was the Battletech/Shadowrun crossover they did a few years back

Real or not, I like the UrbaLAM.

Though Harmony Gold will probably accuse it of being too much like the Master’s era Logan.

 Stormonu wrote:
Real or not, I like the UrbaLAM.

Though Harmony Gold will probably accuse it of being too much like the Master’s era Logan.

I think it's cwute as all hell

I actually like the design, and the thought of a fleet of them in formation is just ridiculously funny.

 Stormonu wrote:
Real or not, I like the UrbaLAM.

Though Harmony Gold will probably accuse it of being too much like the Master’s era Logan.

If they did they would have to lump it, such was the court settled agreement with the producers of MW Online, which was extended to Catalyst, Hairbrain Schemes and to my knowledge all further licencees of the Battletech and MechWarrior IP. Victory was total.
The IP holders of Crusher Joe and Dougram were more reasonable and independent accommodations were made.

Final production samples of plastics:

Hell yeah!

I'm in love with the Phawk and the Wasp.

M.

They revealed the ComStar Command Level II redesigns and I think Im in love. If they reopen the PM I might need to double up on this one.

The King Crab, Sentinel, and Mercury are amazing

Seriously! The king crab just looks like death incarnate. and the Mercury and Sentinel got such wonderful upgrades! They actually look utilitarian.

I'm so glad I have all the Comstar ones in my pledge.

Wow. A lot of flaws, shallow details and mould lines on those 'final production samples'

Well look at all that:

Is that all the sculpts?? I feel like theres still a couple that they haven't shown yet, in fact theres a few I know that they have shown that I'm not seeing at all in that image (King Crab for one).

That's not all of them, no. We've seen some design sketches for a few that aren't there (like the Com Star ones).

It's possible that those are just what they have 3-D renders for at this time.

Also it includes the 10 'Mechs that are part of the Beginner/Starter box, so yeah, it's probably just everything they have right now.

The ks update says it's all the ones they have the 3d models for.

Okay, so which one is the Hunchback? They're ranked left to right descending in weight classes...

The Hunchback isn't there.

The Hunchback IIC is though, second row, almost dead centre, between the Centurion and the Enforcer.

Okay, that explains the extra hump. I noticed there's two Marauders and two Timber Wolfs too. Those are different mechs too?

Nurglitch wrote:
Okay, that explains the extra hump. I noticed there's two Marauders and two Timber Wolfs too. Those are different mechs too?

The second Timber Wolf is a Hero 'mech (Aidan Pryde of Clan Jade Falcon, IIRC).

And there are two Archers and two Daishis as well.

I always liked the way the 3055 tro Behemoth looked. Its nice how despite being redesigned, every mech is still recognizable.

That Behemoth is gorgeous, it was always one of my favorite mech designs, like how it turned out here.

I thought that second Archer was a Bombardier.

Man, I am so excited for the Archer and the Longbow, time for my missile support lance!

Are the hero mechs any different from the base design, miniature wise? It looks like the posing might vary, but otherwise same weapons/armament, etc?

Black Widow's is different, as she had her own config for her Daishi. Pryde's Mad Cat was just a regular Mad Cat IIRC, so it's just a different pose. The other two appear to just be different posing.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
Black Widow's is different, as she had her own config for her Daishi. Pryde's Mad Cat was just a regular Mad Cat IIRC, so it's just a different pose. The other two appear to just be different posing.

no Pryde's Mad Cat was indeed differant. he dropped the medium pulse laser and machine guns from the prime to mount 4 jump jets.

Visually there doesn't appear to be much difference.

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
Visually there doesn't appear to be much difference.

no there's not likely to be given the changes in question, although I suspect a 360 view of the mini will show us jump jet ports on the back, but definatly not my first pick of the hero mechs to take

I've considered doing a lance for the 2nd St. Ives Lancers and this cinches it for me...

why would you play capellan man? why would you do that to yourself?!

As a Davion through and through, then Cappies make some fancy 'Mechs.

BrianDavion wrote:
why would you play capellan man? why would you do that to yourself?!

Everyone needs an OPFOR to earn their Limp Sword.

Missed opportunity for a K2


Automatically Appended Next Post:
I've got some Capellan mechs just cuz I like having lances of each house and faction (1st St. Ives in this instance). You always need bad-guys for some of your campaign games.

So apparently when everyone started upgrading pledges with Crowdox. They just stopped updating the email list. So it's looking likely a ton of the late backers, and upgraders just aren't going to be getting their canon characters.

I just recently learned that they put out the first issue of that magazine as well apparently.

Have they confirmed that they wouldn't be sending out the canon character form stuff then?

Check the KS updates, there was one from April that was all about the canon character survey. The TL DR is that the're overwhelmed by the literally THOUSANDS of characters that need to be made, so they're processing the completed survey forms, comissioning artwork, and making pilot cards. They will re-open the character surveys again once they get a handle on things.

The completed surveys that have been processed get uploaded to https://characters.battletech.com/, (and indeed, my character is already listed), but it will take years to get all the characters into a printed product. One of the other updates mentioned they were focusing first on the characters that also got artwork, and then they'll prioritize characters by associated faction as it makes sense to add them to books

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/450703636/battletech-clan-invasion/posts/2786716

BattleTech: State of the Game, June 2020:

Of course, an essential part of this journey is the delivery of last year’s wildly successful BattleTech: Clan Invasion Kickstarter campaign. To say that our original delivery estimates were overtaken by events is an understatement. But the Wave 1 products are nearing production now, and we’ve made substantial progress on the Wave 2 miniature designs and other products. For more details, keep an eye out for upcoming updates through the Kickstarter platform.

There's also a few other interesting product coming soon not related to the Kickstarter, including:

Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 1 through 22
Release Date: Friday, June 19 (vol. 1), continuing every two weeks through Aug. 28 (vol. 6); resuming in early Fall 2020.

The march of technology across BattleTech’s eras is relentless—but some BattleMech designs never die. Each installment of this PDF-only series not only includes a brand new BattleMech or OmniMech, but also details Classic ‘Mech designs from both the Inner Sphere and the Clans, now fully rebuilt with Dark Age technology (3085 and beyond). Allowing beloved units redesigned for the BattleTech: Clan Invasion Kickstarter to be competitive on “modern” battlefields, this series also includes in-universe development notes, battle histories, notable pilots, and record sheets for each ‘Mech. Released as a series of 22 PDF-only documents through the end of 2020 and early 2021, many ’Mechs featured in this series will be collected as a single print volume upon its completion.

And make sure to keep an eye out for updates from Iron Wind Metals, as we’re working closely with them on producing miniatures for the ’Mechs debuting in the RecGuide.

 Ghaz wrote:
I've considered doing a lance for the 2nd St. Ives Lancers and this cinches it for me...

Spoiler:

Nice I'm doing a St. Ives compact company myself

They have announced a serious amount of new products for the remainder of this year. The IlClan stuff sounds interesting. I'm looking forward to seeing the updates on existing designs.

There's also something coming up called the "MechCommander's Handbook", which has nothing to do with the computer game (boo!). It does sound intriguing thing.

So much good stuff in the pipe for Battletech.

The Robotech/Dougram mechs were what attracted me to this game, but I was always rubbish at it, with the exception of Mechwarrior: Dark Age. Still want the models so badly though (especially the new Warhammer).

Where exactly are they in the timeline? I had thought they had ditched the Dark Age stuff - have they moved even further and what new technology/changes will these PDFs cover?

As someone new to the game, I have to say that its clear as mud what the printed materials for this game are and what the value add is. Whats the difference between a Technical Readouts book, a Record Collection book, and a Recognition Guide, and a Technical Blueprints volume? Are there any overlap between these books? What about Spotlight Ons, Operational Turning Points, Touring the Stars, and Brush Wars?? HIstoricals? Field Manuals? Era Digests? Era Reports? Field Reports?? Handbooks? What are the differences in these products, what do I expect to find in them, why are there so many of them, why are they so similarly named, and why is this so confusing?

If you are new the basic place to start is either the BattleTech Manual (the main rules for 'Mechs only) or Total Warfare (main rules for all combined arms).

The Technical Readout series goes all the way back to when FASA started the IP and contains designs commonly used or developed around the time of the publication. You do not really "need" them anymore but they remain a popular series. Each featured 'Mech will include art, its game rules/stats and in-universe information concerning the design. While there are lots of ways to get that information they are pretty foundation to the BattleTech experience, if you will.

Record Sheets are used for gameplay. As a product this is somewhat obsolete since you can get a program like Solaris Skunk Works and print your own but some players continue to enjoy having the official product from CGL.

The CGL store page gives you a description for the other products. The different names delineate what series/type of product it is (like "Codex" in 40k). To use some examples, Spotlight On contains information/history/scenarios for specific mercenary commands of note, Turning Points have information about specific battles and campaigns, Historicals have an in-depth focus on specific moments in BattleTech history, etc.

chaos0xomega wrote:
As someone new to the game, I have to say that its clear as mud what the printed materials for this game are and what the value add is. Whats the difference between a Technical Readouts book, a Record Collection book, and a Recognition Guide, and a Technical Blueprints volume? Are there any overlap between these books? What about Spotlight Ons, Operational Turning Points, Touring the Stars, and Brush Wars?? HIstoricals? Field Manuals? Era Digests? Era Reports? Field Reports?? Handbooks? What are the differences in these products, what do I expect to find in them, why are there so many of them, why are they so similarly named, and why is this so confusing?

Check out the You bought the box set and are ready to expand your BT experience. Now what? post on the BattleTech forums.

Their website covers that. Lists the most common core products to get started.

I've been through those links before - they are significantly less helpful than you realize as they seem to assume you already have a certain level of basic knowledge of the product line (probably because the people that put it together are themselves veterans of the game), as well as not actually providing any level of detail or specificity as to the contents.

Its easy enough to figure out that I needed the "core" books (BattleMech Manual, Total Warfare, Tactical Operations, and TechManual), after that its a wordsoup of terminology that means nothing to me.

Era Reports and digests - sounds like aside from chaos campaign missions theres no rules content to be found in them, yet googling them it looks like they also contain command abilities, unit assignment tables (whatever that means), upgrades, mechs, RPG releated rules, etc.

Historicals sound like they are 100% pure fluff, yet some googling implies that they contain rules for special weapons and equipment, mechs, prototype systems, special abilities, more unit assignment tables, etc.

Field Manuals - Same deal. Sounds like its another fluffbook, googling/sarna lookups imply that they contain stats and rules.

Record Sheets - The only one that feels self-explanatory, I buy these and I get mech stats, at a minimum? Do I also get vehicles, infantry, aircraft, etc. rules?

Spotlight On - back to useless, apparently these sometimes (always?) contain rules too.

Technical Readouts - The only one of those descriptions that approaches actually being detailed enough to be helpful. Apparently don't contain any rules directly but include the construction data, whatever that means, for the Mechs. My educated guess is that I buy the TRO and use it with the TechManual to create the stats for the mechs I am using? OR I can buy the Record Sheets instead which have them prebuilt? Am I getting that right?

etc. etc. etc.

This doesn't even cover some of the categories (whats a Technical Blueprint Volume? Recognition Guide?)

40k is easy. I know I need a core rulebook, I know what contents to expect in a codex, and GW makes it really easy to understand the contents of the "but also" books like the Vigilus duology and the Psychic Awakening series. I know at a minimum to expect some new strategems, relics, special rules, etc. and possibly new or updated datasheets. The nature of the Battletech books feels significantly more opaque and the naming conventions used, with the exception of TROs and Record Sheets, seems to reflect more the scope of the fluff than the type of rules content you can expect from the book. Googling through a bunch of the Era Reports and Historicals, for example, makes it seem like the rules content runs the gamut from just a few pages of command abilities to a range of new mechs, special equipment/weapons, etc., but while you might get all of the above in one Era Report, another might only give you a a couple command abilities and nothing else.

Maybe this is the difference between a game that emphasizes gameplay (40k) vs a game that emphasizes fluff (Battletech), but as someone who is more interested in just playing a game than deep-diving into the lore, the Battletech model is decidedly un-helpful in accesssing and organizing rules.

As an aside, another point of confusion is the editioning. Are the Strategic, Interstellar, and Campaign Operations books on the Catalyst webstore (which seem to only be available in pdf form) up to date? Should I be waiting for these to be reprinted similar to the other core books?

Are all the various Technical Field Era Historical Report Digest Spotlight Exploration Tours on that site up-to-date? Are they being updated and revised like 40k codexes are every time theres a new edition or do they keep living on as-is in perpetuity?

New re-design sketches are up, including the Turkina:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/450703636/battletech-clan-invasion/posts/2844302

If your only interest is playing the game, you really just need the BattleTech Manual (for just 'Mechs) or Total Warfare (combined arms) to get started. Most BattleTech universe-developing products are heavy on the lore with optional/advanced rules specific to the part of the universe they are developing.

The Record Sheets and tabletop accessories (like maps) are the only pure gaming products. Each Record Sheets product in the CGL store has a description of what it contains. Generally the year-specific products have everything (i.e. including vehicles) while the compilation products (i.e. Clan Invasion) are 'Mech-specific. But realistically you can replace the Record Sheets products with 'Mech design programs like SSW that usually come with a library of canon designs.

Alright, alright, alright.

Don't panic. Almost every rule gets printed out in triplicate, making the rules for mechs that appear in most Field Manuals and scenario books unnecessary.

Field manuals mostly contain fluff, though they do provide some minor rules for playing as units from the various houses (though these are entirely optional, and often very minor). There may also be one or two mechs presented at the back of the book. These mechs will then be collected into a TRO later on.

Sarna.net tends to provide the most current place to find information about the mech at the bottom of their articles, in the References section.

For example, the Toyama is a lovely mech that I bought 'The Fall of Terra' a scenario book, to get the stats of way back when it was cutting edge tech. It is now far more readily available in Technical Readout 3060 or Record Sheets 3060, or Technical Readout Jihad.

And I'm plummeting down the rabbit hole. If you're just out to play the game, get the record sheets Succesion Wars.

https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-record-sheets-succession-wars

It won't contain any tech more advanced than the boxed set, and will give you 290 mechs and variants to play with. By the time you need anything else, you will be a Battletech veteran, with an unnatural hatred for some designs and extreme love for others.

Sarna.net is the best resource for analyzing a book before you purchase it- it will tell you what mechs are in which source, and almost everything a tech manual tells you about each mech. And please, ask specific questions here, or on the Battletech forums- Battletech fans love talking about it and explaining things.

Most of the various expansions are just that - expansions.

There's a very limited amount of core products, and I wouldn't even include TROs and Record sheets among them (TROs are for fluff, and Record sheets are unnecessary given the amount of free 'Mech builder programs out there).

Some days I feel like Kickstarters should include a Life of Brian-style fake beard as a stretch goal.

The Clan Heavy Striker Star is up, with some final molds. The comments are interesting:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/450703636/battletech-clan-invasion/posts/2870406

The Hellbringer looks like its been daydrinking.

It's not super surprising given the art, but look! The Urban Mech!

Ohhh thats a gorgeous little mech. I'm only getting 2 but I want more now.

He's adorable.

It's one of the trashiest of trash units. Never understood why anyone ever wanted one. Ever.

At first I thought the Gargoyle was a Nova cat. Also Loki needs a little hat for sure.

Bob Lorgar wrote:
It's one of the trashiest of trash units. Never understood why anyone ever wanted one. Ever.

You've never played with the UM-AIV UrbanMech variant then