Switch Theme:

Classic Battletech Is Awesome: the Thread!  [RSS] Share on facebook Share on Twitter Submit to Reddit
»
Author Message
Advert


Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
  • No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
  • Times and dates in your local timezone.
  • Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
  • Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
  • Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.




Made in ca
Ragin' Ork Dreadnought




Monarchy of TBD

Just got my delivery! I am pleasantly surprised by the look of the Turkina. It definitely did not photograph well, and looks properly imposing in person.

Klawz-Ramming is a subset of citrus fruit?
Gwar- "And everyone wants a bigger Spleen!"
Mercurial wrote:
I admire your aplomb and instate you as Baron of the Seas and Lord Marshall of Privateers.
Orkeosaurus wrote:Star Trek also said we'd have X-Wings by now. We all see how that prediction turned out.
Orkeosaurus, on homophobia, the nature of homosexuality, and the greatness of George Takei.
English doesn't borrow from other languages. It follows them down dark alleyways and mugs them for loose grammar.

 
   
Made in au
Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests






Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.

 Gitzbitah wrote:
Just got my delivery! I am pleasantly surprised by the look of the Turkina. It definitely did not photograph well, and looks properly imposing in person.
My adoration for the Turkina knows no bounds, yet I wasn't so hot on its redesign. So this is good news.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/09/02 23:50:46


Industrial Insanity - My Terrain Blog
"GW really needs to understand 'Less is more' when it comes to AoS." - Wha-Mu-077

 
   
Made in gb
Moustache-twirling Princeps




United Kingdom

For the UK people -
Waylands Forge in Birmingham have had their Wave 2 stuff arrive. Give them a call, there's no webstore. (0121 683 0075)


And in Canada Heroes' Beacon Comics & Games (Saint John, New Brunswick) have got theirs:

Spoiler:



Automatically Appended Next Post:
Turning Points: Helm Now Available and New Gray Death Legion Fiction Coming Soon!


Tamar Rising is just around the corner, but BattleTech fans always want to know what’s next! We’re thrilled to finally share those details with you in a major update to the Coming Releases page.

But wait! Before you go check that out, we’ve got more news to share. Available now is a brand-new installment in the Turning Points series, Turning Points: Helm.

We wanted to make sure you had this in your hands to get in the mood for all things Gray Death Legion, because coming in the next few days is Rock and a Hard Place, an all-new Gray Death Legion novel by William H. Keith! Set during the Legion’s earlier days, the book is the first new GDL fiction by Bill in nearly 25 years, and we could not be more excited to read all-new adventures of Grayson, Lori, and the Legion.

Be on the lookout for an announcement about Rock and a Hard Place in the next few days here, on the official BattleTech forums, and on our social media–we’ll let you know as soon as it’s available!


Turning Points: Helm
Price: $5.99 (PDF Only)

The Gray Death Legion: Mercenaries betrayed by their employer and betrayed from within. Mariks and ComStar oppose them. Can Grayson Carlyle lead his command out of the trap that has ensnared them? Only quick, decisive action and determination will see them survive overwhelming odds.

Helm: A world of glaciers, tundra, rock-filled deserts, barren seas, and an ancient Star League secret. That secret could destroy the Legion and move humanity another step closer toward darkness. Or one step closer toward salvation. Helm and humanity’s future lay in the grasp of an outlawed mercenary unit.

Turning Points: Helm uses Chaos Campaign rules to give players the option of fighting individual battles or to follow a campaign arc. Included are a detailed map of the world of Helm, a run down of the forces involved, and scenario tracks recreating the battles on Helm.

Catalyst Game Labs store: https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-turning-points-helm
DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/364116/BattleTech-Turning-Points-Helm

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2021/09/03 18:27:27


 
   
Made in us
Rampaging Chaos Russ Driver





Albany, NY

Played my first game of CBT in probably 15 years last night using the Game of Armored Combat box. Plenty of learning curve to go, but it was a romp! We did a Wolverine and Thunderbolt vs. a Battlemaster and Commando with 4/5 pilots and it was a slugfest. Coming from having only played GW games for years now, I was amazed at how intuitive things were and how quickly we could work through rules questions in all but a few edge cases. One of the things I was always iffy about with CBT was the map sheets and the 'flat' terrain, but I realized really quickly how the basic terrain on the maps makes for dynamic and strategic maneuvering without a bunch of arguments or uncertainty. I'm pretty sure we'll play with 3/4 pilots going forward though, the 4/5s were just so incompetent. The pacing of the action was slow because of our mechs' unreliability, but it never seemed to drag. We landed tons of hits but it was mostly chip damage for most of the game until the wounded Commando got behind my Thunderbolt and stripped most of its rear armor without making it to any internal structure. The Thunderbolt had been running hot trying to keep pressure on and things were looking dire, but some decent use of terrain set him up to split fire between both opponents and drop the Commando with a Large Laser to the head, a fitting payback for being harassed from behind for multiple turns!

We just got Clan Invasion boxes from the recent Amazon stock, can't wait to start in on those.

   
Made in au
Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests






Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.

 Prometheum5 wrote:
One of the things I was always iffy about with CBT was the map sheets and the 'flat' terrain, but I realized really quickly how the basic terrain on the maps makes for dynamic and strategic maneuvering without a bunch of arguments or uncertainty.
This exactly why I love the map sheets (plus my obvious bias towards maps... God I own so many maps...). It makes everything digital. In range, or not in range. Move exactly this far forward, no chance of ending up slightly ahead or behind. In LOS, or out of LOS. There's no interpretation. No wiggle room. There's no way to make a mistake outside of counting the hexes incorrectly (or perhaps missing the very clearly labelled terrain type/elevations). It's not up to the player to figure these things out. The rules do it for you.

It's also why the recent glut of new maps are so exciting, as we haven't had those on decades. New maps to learn, no things to combine, and lots of interesting challenges (like that Tukayyid raging river map!). Now I want them to do a reprint/update of the Solaris Maps. Those are fantastic things.

 Prometheum5 wrote:
I'm pretty sure we'll play with 3/4 pilots going forward though, the 4/5s were just so incompetent.
Well 4/5 is standard Inner Sphere.

But yeah, even bumping everyone to 3/4 makes the game a bit faster and a bit more fun. It also means that battles at Long Range are somewhat more plausible as just at base stats it puts the bell curve back in your favour (7 vs 8 for a 4/5 pilot). No one wants to play a game where you spend the first half missing with everything until you close to point blank range.

Speaking of point blank range however, did you get into any physical altercations, or just all shooting? BattleMech melee is fun (and brutal!).

 Prometheum5 wrote:
The pacing of the action was slow because of our mechs' unreliability, but it never seemed to drag. We landed tons of hits but it was mostly chip damage for most of the game until the wounded Commando got behind my Thunderbolt and stripped most of its rear armor without making it to any internal structure. The Thunderbolt had been running hot trying to keep pressure on and things were looking dire, but some decent use of terrain set him up to split fire between both opponents and drop the Commando with a Large Laser to the head, a fitting payback for being harassed from behind for multiple turns!
Commando is a slightly zippy overgunned thing with wet cardboard for armour. The Thunderbolt is one of the most reliable 'Mechs out there. How'd the other two 'Mechs do?

 Prometheum5 wrote:
We just got Clan Invasion boxes from the recent Amazon stock, can't wait to start in on those.
All I'll say about this is be careful with reintroducing that Clan tech. The difference really is night and day.

Industrial Insanity - My Terrain Blog
"GW really needs to understand 'Less is more' when it comes to AoS." - Wha-Mu-077

 
   
Made in us
Rampaging Chaos Russ Driver





Albany, NY

 H.B.M.C. wrote:
 Prometheum5 wrote:
One of the things I was always iffy about with CBT was the map sheets and the 'flat' terrain, but I realized really quickly how the basic terrain on the maps makes for dynamic and strategic maneuvering without a bunch of arguments or uncertainty.
This exactly why I love the map sheets (plus my obvious bias towards maps... God I own so many maps...). It makes everything digital. In range, or not in range. Move exactly this far forward, no chance of ending up slightly ahead or behind. In LOS, or out of LOS. There's no interpretation. No wiggle room. There's no way to make a mistake outside of counting the hexes incorrectly (or perhaps missing the very clearly labelled terrain type/elevations). It's not up to the player to figure these things out. The rules do it for you.

It's also why the recent glut of new maps are so exciting, as we haven't had those on decades. New maps to learn, no things to combine, and lots of interesting challenges (like that Tukayyid raging river map!). Now I want them to do a reprint/update of the Solaris Maps. Those are fantastic things.


Totally, the maps were just immediately usable and clear. The only thing I wonder if I should add to my standard BT playing kit is a chopstick or something to use as a quick straightedge for checking intervening hexes. I'm still hesitant to use the paper sheets much and risk damaging them, but I have one of the Catalyst neoprene double-sided maps on the way so that will become out standard battlefield going forward.

The rest of our game gave us a lot of good maneuvering opportunities, but my Wolverine and the enemy Battlemaster really struggled to land any meaningful hits. I did manage to jump the WLV behind the Commando the the intent of clubbing it on the back of the head, but whiffed the punch roll. The Battlemaster thought it had gained the upper-hand when it managed to kick the Thunderbolt dead center in the chest from an elevation above, but the TBolt was not yet damaged so shrugged it off. The TBolt brought a lot of good weapon options but I ran it hot so we had a few challenging rounds which is when the Commando outmaneuvered it.

I'm thinking we might keep the Clan stuff segregated for now. Just from making a couple lists with the Master Unit List, the BVs are worlds apart and I don't think a super asymmetrical match would be fun while still learning. I think out next game will be full lance on lance with 3/4s and we'll see what that does to the pacing and reliability of things. I've got an original copy of Total Warfare that I grabbed after I'd mostly fallen off but now it will finally get some use as we introduce the rest of the rules.

   
Made in au
Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests






Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.

Kicking is the way to go for most physical altercations. Easier to hit, more damage, less chance of spreading somewhere useless.

We have had fun multi-player Solaris games where we've had 4-6 players with 1-2 'Mechs each all standing in a crowd kicking one another in the shins turn after turn.

The last time we did that the one 'Mech that couldn't join in was my 100-ton Berzerker - something that loves to be up close - all because I rolled snake-eyes turn one for my MASC and couldn't move anywhere! He got to watch a grand melee happening right in front of him, with no way of joining in.

And I wouldn't worry too much about Battle Value. It's an occasional guide, but it's not really a balancing system like, say, 40k's points system (or even 40k's "Power Value" system).

Industrial Insanity - My Terrain Blog
"GW really needs to understand 'Less is more' when it comes to AoS." - Wha-Mu-077

 
   
Made in ca
Decrepit Dakkanaut





It's like Who's Line is it Anyways
   
Made in ca
Commander of the Mysterious 2nd Legion





 H.B.M.C. wrote:
Kicking is the way to go for most physical altercations. Easier to hit, more damage, less chance of spreading somewhere useless.

We have had fun multi-player Solaris games where we've had 4-6 players with 1-2 'Mechs each all standing in a crowd kicking one another in the shins turn after turn.

The last time we did that the one 'Mech that couldn't join in was my 100-ton Berzerker - something that loves to be up close - all because I rolled snake-eyes turn one for my MASC and couldn't move anywhere! He got to watch a grand melee happening right in front of him, with no way of joining in.

And I wouldn't worry too much about Battle Value. It's an occasional guide, but it's not really a balancing system like, say, 40k's points system (or even 40k's "Power Value" system).


actually I find BV works a bit better then points because it uses a formula to arrive at it, it's not perfect but generally due to it being an actual formula it's a bit more reliable then GW's "throw a dart at the board" method of pointing.

Opinions are not facts please don't confuse the two 
   
Made in us
[MOD]
Solahma






RVA

If you’re worried about damaging your paper mats, lay a thin sheet of plexiglass over them for play. You can also use string to trace LOS between hexes. The lessons of wargaming ...

   
Made in gb
Yu Jing Martial Arts Ninja




North Wales

I might have to dig out my laser line - years of playing Infinity made me rely on the thing. Nothing better than using a laser to see if your lasers can hit.

I like the plexiglass idea for the mapsheets, but I'm definitely investing in a big art folder to store all the sheets flat. From what I remember of the old mapsheets, most of the wear I got was along the fold lines from constantly getting them in and out of the boxes.

I just need to figure out what size to get A2? A1? A0?!
   
Made in us
[MOD]
Solahma






RVA

Yeah, I love the TAP laser line for LOS, nothing beats it.

   
Made in us
Second Story Man





Astonished of Heck

Prometheum5 wrote:Totally, the maps were just immediately usable and clear. The only thing I wonder if I should add to my standard BT playing kit is a chopstick or something to use as a quick straightedge for checking intervening hexes. I'm still hesitant to use the paper sheets much and risk damaging them, but I have one of the Catalyst neoprene double-sided maps on the way so that will become out standard battlefield going forward.

As mentioned above, some of our group use the laser line provided by Army Painter, but since I'm not ready to spring for that, I took one of the measuring whips from one of my old 40K starters, and use that.

Prometheum5 wrote:I'm thinking we might keep the Clan stuff segregated for now. Just from making a couple lists with the Master Unit List, the BVs are worlds apart and I don't think a super asymmetrical match would be fun while still learning. I think out next game will be full lance on lance with 3/4s and we'll see what that does to the pacing and reliability of things. I've got an original copy of Total Warfare that I grabbed after I'd mostly fallen off but now it will finally get some use as we introduce the rest of the rules.

Yeah, Clan stuff is quite powerful. You could probably take all 8 mechs from AGAOC against just the 5 Mechs from Clan Invasion (leaving out the Elementals), and the AGAOC player will be in a challenging position.

If you want a progression course, stick with what comes in the AGAOC till you're comfortable with Movement, Movement Modifier, and Terrain Modifiers.

From there, there are upgrades for each of them using what is called "Star League" tech or "Lostech". These have tech closer to what the Clans operate with, most of which is in Total Warfare.

H.B.M.C. wrote:Kicking is the way to go for most physical altercations. Easier to hit, more damage, less chance of spreading somewhere useless.

In most cases, yeah. However, kicking something that is moving fast may cause you to fall down on a miss. If the Mech as a sword or a Hatchet that may be a better opportunity. Also Punching might be viable if the Mech is at an odd weight, as each punch will be 1 point better than half of the kick.

Of course, Kicks will generally just land on the legs (unless you have the high ground), so having a reliable target is quite useful.

H.B.M.C. wrote:nd I wouldn't worry too much about Battle Value. It's an occasional guide, but it's not really a balancing system like, say, 40k's points system (or even 40k's "Power Value" system).

Sorry, it is better than 40K's point system which uses drunk monkeys and a dart board. However with the basic Mechs that come in AGAOC, keeping the weight close is enough. BV starts becoming important with Star League and Clan Tech, as they throw off weight balance by a significant degree.

Manchu wrote:If you’re worried about damaging your paper mats, lay a thin sheet of plexiglass over them for play. You can also use string to trace LOS between hexes. The lessons of wargaming ...

Many copy shops can also laminate them, too. Of course, the plexiglass will keep the corners from curling, too...

Are you a Wolf, a Sheep, or a Hound?
Megavolt wrote:They called me crazy…they called me insane…THEY CALLED ME LOONEY!! and boy, were they right.
 
   
Made in gb
Moustache-twirling Princeps




United Kingdom

From the KS thread:

Sinner098 wrote:
Just got back from PAX west. CATALYST was there with a table full of the wave 2 mechs they had a sneaky annihilator done in there! Talked with the guys and it is for a new wolf's dragoons box dew out in a few months


RazorEdge wrote:
Official Statement by Adrian Gideon (Ray):

There is a Wolf’s Dragoons themed ForcePack (not box). The Annihilator is in it. It’s not (at all!) indicative of themed or faction ForcePacks. Nor is it connected to any forthcoming Kickstarter. Can’t say anything else at this time.


https://bg.battletech.com/forums/general-discussion/upcoming-releases-xxi-urbie-s-beer-run/90/
   
Made in us
Brigadier General






Chicago

Question for you BT folks. With all the new plastics coming out, is there any interest or desire for the old metal and plastic figures?

I'm so invested in 15mm and 28mm mech combat I was considering letting my 6mm BT collection go, but a big part of it is the plastics from the boxed sets from the 90's and early 00's.
Does anyone care about old plastic unseens anymore?

Chicago Skirmish Wargames club. Join us for some friendly, casual gaming in the Windy City.
http://chicagoskirmishwargames.com/blog/


My Project Log, mostly revolving around custom "Toybashed" terrain.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/651712.page

Visit the Chicago Valley Railroad!
https://chicagovalleyrailroad.blogspot.com 
   
Made in us
Fixture of Dakka





West Michigan, deep in Whitebread, USA

 Manchu wrote:
If you’re worried about damaging your paper mats, lay a thin sheet of plexiglass over them for play. You can also use string to trace LOS between hexes. The lessons of wargaming ...


I used to do that but now I have been eyeing the clear vinyl desk covers you can get off Amazon for 25 bucks, and are large enough to cover two map sheets. And they can be rolled up for transport, unlike the plexi I used to use for older games that used paper maps.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/09/06 20:13:52




"By this point I'm convinced 100% that every single race in the 40k universe have somehow tapped into the ork ability to just have their tech work because they think it should."  
   
Made in us
Second Story Man





Astonished of Heck

Some have the interest or desire.

There are far more metal figures than plastic, and the number of mech models, without considering variants, is enormous. Omnimechs from both Sphere and Clan number about 58 chassis, and for every Omnimech, there can be about 10-20 Battlemechs, each having an average of about 4-5 variants.

While I look forward to getting AGOAC eventually, I won't be getting rid of my metal Phoenix Wolverine, Thunderbolt, and Battlemaster. I may want to have a pair of them running around on the field, and they can always sub for Mechs of an appropriate size.

I keep about 15-16 3rd Ed models to use to represent a model I haven't acquired in Metal or from CGL to pad things out or to represent models I'd like to field for one reason or another.

And of course, there are a number of people who like to have them for their nostalgia.

Are you a Wolf, a Sheep, or a Hound?
Megavolt wrote:They called me crazy…they called me insane…THEY CALLED ME LOONEY!! and boy, were they right.
 
   
Made in au
Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests






Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.

I use models of all varieties.

I've got 3rd Ed vinyl, CityTech plastic, two different versions of the previous plastics, current plastics, metals from the Ral Partha days, metals from the Iron Wind days.

Only thing I don't have is stuff from the PlasTech box because, well... ew!

Industrial Insanity - My Terrain Blog
"GW really needs to understand 'Less is more' when it comes to AoS." - Wha-Mu-077

 
   
Made in es
Inspiring SDF-1 Bridge Officer






Finally got my KS haul

Spoiler:




It seems that the dice are missing, though. The rest seems to have arrived without issues, but I'll need to check... I was sure I ordered the box with the Turkina...

Anyways, this was my Salvage Box haul:

Spoiler:




I didn't remember the keychains, to be honest xD. They're cool... but they probably should have cleaned the 3d printer master a bit more:

Spoiler:
   
Made in us
[MOD]
Solahma






RVA

Hope you bought that Davion shirt for somebody else

   
Made in es
Inspiring SDF-1 Bridge Officer






 Manchu wrote:
Hope you bought that Davion shirt for somebody else


Well, I already had a Kurita one, so...
   
Made in ca
Commander of the Mysterious 2nd Legion





 Manchu wrote:
Hope you bought that Davion shirt for somebody else


Hey! House Davions awesome!

Opinions are not facts please don't confuse the two 
   
Made in au
Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests






Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.

Now I wish I'd got a Davion T-Shirt.

I got Jade Falcon, Ghost Bear and Draconis Combine ones.

Industrial Insanity - My Terrain Blog
"GW really needs to understand 'Less is more' when it comes to AoS." - Wha-Mu-077

 
   
Made in us
Master Engineer with a Brace of Pistols





washington state USA

Eilif wrote:Question for you BT folks. With all the new plastics coming out, is there any interest or desire for the old metal and plastic figures?

I'm so invested in 15mm and 28mm mech combat I was considering letting my 6mm BT collection go, but a big part of it is the plastics from the boxed sets from the 90's and early 00's.
Does anyone care about old plastic unseens anymore?


Most of my collection is metal from ironwind and older. I got several of the new catalyst plastics simply to get the unseen re-sculpts

On those early plastic boxed sets i am with HBMC on this one, they are pretty terrible quality.

H.B.M.C. wrote:Now I wish I'd got a Davion T-Shirt.

I got Jade Falcon, Ghost Bear and Draconis Combine ones.


Yes but do you have hard copies of these-

Spoiler:


Spoiler:


Spoiler:


I also have the davion set.







GAMES-DUST1947/infinity/B5 wars/epic 40K/5th ed 40K/victory at sea/warmachine/battle tactics/monpoc/battletech/battlefleet gothic/castles in the sky,/heavy gear 
   
Made in es
Inspiring SDF-1 Bridge Officer






Well, it seems like the only error in the shipment was that I was supposed to get two sets of dice and got diddly squat.

I guess I'll have to reclaim them >_>
   
Made in us
Shadowy Grot Kommittee Memba




The Great State of New Jersey

If you mean the faction dice, that wasn't an error. Read the updates, they were cancelled, apparently we will all be getting a credit for them.

CoALabaer wrote:
Wargamers hate two things: the state of the game and change.
 
   
Made in us
Rampaging Chaos Russ Driver





Albany, NY

I picked up a Kell Hounds shirt from Fortress Games and was surprised that the quality is pretty decent. If there was a GDL one I'd probably go for that as well, I think they're going to be my main faction for the new plastics as I can get them. From a hobby perspective working on merc units always seemed less stressful to me because you have more flexibility, but I've actually been having more fun lately sorting my old collection and trying to figure out more thematic forces across factions and eras.

I've also been thinking about dice lately, I'd love to get one nice pair of thematic dice to use now that I got a cube of movement dice to cover the rest. The new faction dice come in larger packs than I really need, but there seem to be some older pairs of dice that were released but any I've seen for sale were really expensive. I'd love a good pair of GDL logo dice but doesn't seem like that's going to happen.

   
Made in es
Inspiring SDF-1 Bridge Officer






chaos0xomega wrote:
If you mean the faction dice, that wasn't an error. Read the updates, they were cancelled, apparently we will all be getting a credit for them.


I do mean that, but it also stated that it only affected about a thousand orders. I guess I got the ticket.
   
Made in ca
Commander of the Mysterious 2nd Legion





I know I got mine, although I gotta say I'm dissappointed, the davion ones are an ugly transparent yellow with orange pips. obviously hidious

Opinions are not facts please don't confuse the two 
   
Made in au
Owns Whole Set of Skullz Techpriests






Versteckt in den Schatten deines Geistes.

My DC and GB ones were fine.

Certainly not as good as my old ClickTech Jade Falcon dice, but still.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/09/16 10:21:09


Industrial Insanity - My Terrain Blog
"GW really needs to understand 'Less is more' when it comes to AoS." - Wha-Mu-077

 
   
 
Forum Index » Other Sci-Fi Miniatures Games
Go to: