From the English Rackham boards:
They are releasing the INITIATION SET and the Army boxes for Therian and White Stars for "Christmas 2006". No surprise there, but here's some info on what you'll get:
The Initiation Set will include:
* 9 pieces of terrain - 2 generators, 6 low wall sections, 1 container (BUT, they could be plastic, resin, or even cardstock cutouts)
* six RACKHAM d6
* an AT-43 ribbon ruler
* a plastic template
GAME SUPPORT POSTER
The Initiation Set and Army boxes will each include one double sided Game Support Poster!
What is a 'Game Support Poster" you ask?
Hopefully someone will reply so that we will all know!
What is stated is that they are not part of the rules (they are listed on different lines), and that you combine more than one of them for larger battles.
(Somewhat) DIFFERENT MINIS
(NOTE: From previewing the game at Gencon, there should be one reference card per unit.)
Initiation Set: 3 Combat Striders, 21 Foot Soldiers, 9 Reference Cards
Therian Army Box: 1 Combat Strider, 14 Foot Soldiers, 7 Reference Cards
White Stars Army Box: 2 Combat STriders, 11 Foot Soldiers, 8 Reference Crads
So, you'll get 4 more Foot Soldiers, AND 6 more units if you buy the two Army Boxes instead of the Initiation Set
THREE (3) DIFFERENT RULE SETS
I initially freaked out about this, but after a bit of calming down, it started to make some sense.
An Initiation Rules Poster - You get one of these in each Army Box. It sounds similar to how Warmachine has in their starter box sets.
A 160-page Rule Book - You get this (instead of the poster) in the Initiation Set
(NOTE: The above two items are reported as printed in 5 different languages. The following item does not have this specified.)
AT-43 Advanced Rules Book - specifies that it will have extra universe background (?maybe some info on the other factions?), and extra rules (artillery and tanks) that are not present in the other rules. RELEASE DATE - First Quarter 2007!
So, like Warmachine, you'll get the 'basic rules' with any box that you purchase. But, the Initiation Set will be "better". These will quickly get left on the shelf once the Advanced Rules are available to the gamers. (Either due to the release date, or when they finally go out and buy a copy.)