Classic Battletech Is Awesome: the Thread!

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.

**TalonZahn**

Ghaz wrote:
TalonZahn wrote:
Also, I thought the newest Merc Force Packs were supposed to be set in the current timeline, not the 4th Succession Wars timeline.

The Fourth Succession War was from 3028 to 3030. Each of the unreleased Mercenary Force Packs have a 'Mech which was introduced decades after the Fourth Succession War.

Northwind Highlanders Command Lance (Gunslinger - 3053)
Kell Hounds Striker Lance (Nightsky - 3053)
Hansen’s Roughriders Battle Lance (Penetrator - 3053)
Eridani Light Horse Hunter Lance (Sagittaire - 3063)
Gray Death Legion Heavy Battle Lance (Regent - 3145)

That was my point, I was replying to someone above.

**Ancestral Hamster**

Prometheum5 wrote:
For your specific case, since I also built the same force, I think I cheated and swapped one of the Stingers for the new WSP-1W Wasp from the Alpha Strike box. Three Stingers seemed like a lot, even as accuracy-focused as I am. The nice thing with the duplicate Archers is that you can grab the Legendary Morgan Kell Archer for a second pose, or make one a Wolf Archer from the WD Star.

Thanks for the suggestion; I may follow it as I've been thinking about buying Alpha Strike as I want bigger battles than are practical with the original game system.

TalonZahn wrote:
https://www.fortressminiaturesandgames.com/ sells singles/loose mechs.

Thanks for the link. I've made an account and made a wishlist, as the Griffin is OoS, as is the Stinger. OTOH, unlike Miniature Market they do have Alpha Strike and the IS Battle Lance in stock, and they stock decals (though OoS right now). Down side, no free shipping at $100+ like MM.

**TalonZahn**

These guys are good too: https://ariesgamesandminis.com/

I like Fortress because they send me free gak like coozies, coasters, and other stuff I don't need, but use... lol

**AegisGrimm**

Indeed, Fortress is a great place to buy from. So far other than buying A Game of Armored Combat from one local store, Fortress is where I have bought everything I currently own for Battletech.

I have only been "Battletech adjacent" for the last 25 years, having played the clicky game (unfortunately) and lots of the video games all the way back to Mechwarrior 2 and Battletech on the Sega Genesis, but never pulling the trigger on the actual tabletop game, mostly because I hated 95% of the model sculpts.

I absolutely love all the new models.

**Prometheum5**

Fortress and Aries are both great, but I'll make a plug for Aries being my preferred source of BT goodies. He's got the full IWM catalog and dude is the fastest shipper I've ever seen. I'll realize i need something and place an order and 9PM and get a tracking number that night, and it's here a couple days later. I swear, he lives IN a USPS shipping hub, there's no other explanation!

**Ghaz**

Prometheum5 wrote:
Fortress and Aries are both great, but I'll make a plug for Aries being my preferred source of BT goodies. He's got the full IWM catalog and dude is the fastest shipper I've ever seen. I'll realize i need something and place an order and 9PM and get a tracking number that night, and it's here a couple days later. I swear, he lives IN a USPS shipping hub, there's no other explanation!

It also helps to live near a USPS Network Distribution Center or (as it appears in your case) a Sectional Center Facility as that will usually cut a day or so off the delivery time.

**Charistoph**

Aries has been good for me. They've been my source of Protomechs, and they've been doing good.

I haven't tried Fortress yet. I might as I need to replace my Raven after the family puppy turned it and its base in to the results of a serious Long Tom pounding.

**Prometheum5**

Charistoph wrote:
Aries has been good for me. They've been my source of Protomechs, and they've been doing good.

I haven't tried Fortress yet. I might as I need to replace my Raven after the family puppy turned it and its base in to the results of a serious Long Tom pounding.

Fortress is great if you need plastic singles or are looking for second hand books. I've gotten quite a few books from him for better prices than ebay, but I don't think he gets in new stock that much.

**H.B.M.C.**

I've ordered from Aries and Fortress. Both are good.

Fortress was useful as they were selling individual items, which let me get 3 bases of the new Elementals to make up a full Star. They were also selling the retailer only map sheet, which is a big double-sized Lunar one.

**Ghaz**

Fake or real? So far no one who might know is talking...

And now they're talking and it's been verified as REAL.

**Flinty**

That's a great idea for paint set. Contrast style stuff really works nicely on the textures of Mechs. Add a few normal paints for details and bang.

**Overread**

Win win for both companies I can see those being legit

**Ghaz**

Overread wrote:
Win win for both companies I can see those being legit

As posted above:

Ghaz wrote:
And now they're talking and it's been verified as REAL
.

Cubby wrote:Not fake. No further information to share at this time.

**H.B.M.C.**

Davions ain't green!

**Ancestral Hamster**

Flinty wrote:
That's a great idea for paint set. Contrast style stuff really works nicely on the textures of Mechs. Add a few normal paints for details and bang.

I hope that set does well for both companies.

**aphyon**

H.B.M.C. wrote:
Davions ain't green!

Funny the Crucis lancers, armored cavalry, and NAIS units among others seem to disagree.

**H.B.M.C.**

They're blue. All Davions are 1st Davion Guards.

I will hear no arguments to the contrary.

**cpugeek13**

I’m looking to paint up my Alpha Strike box set and could use some suggestions. I want to paint one of the forces (IS and Clan) blue and the other one green. Any suggestions for nice-looking paint schemes that are also thematic?

**Ancestral Hamster**

cpugeek13 wrote:
I’m looking to paint up my Alpha Strike box set and could use some suggestions. I want to paint one of the forces (IS and Clan) blue and the other one green. Any suggestions for nice-looking paint schemes that are also thematic?

While I don't know enough about the lore to help you, there are two useful sites. The Battletech Wiki is a generalized database and provides all sorts of info; including CGL products. Camo Specs Online is focused on color schemes, so you may want to browse it. The partial quote about House Liao colors below is from Camo Specs Online.

House Colors - Capellan Confederation
Color Scheme
Liao military hardware, like that of their ancient enemy House Davion, is usually thought of as green—“Liao” green. Liao green can be interpreted as mid-to-light greens, such as forest, kelly or jade green. However, Capellan units are just as likely to use red as green, though they tend toward darker reds such as maroon and burgundy. Metallic colors are also prominent in many Capellan paint schemes. The colors ivory, jade and gold are especially important, and are only used by specific forces upon whom some honor has been conferred.

**infinite_array**

Steiner (IS) vs Jade Falcon (Clan). Easy blue vs green.

Like Hamster said, Camo Specs says you can't go wrong with blue on your Steiner mechs. And Jade Falcon's Delta Galaxy is pretty iconic, green mechs with yellow highlighted panels.

**Rihgu**

As somebody with a cursory interest in Battletech, having bought the starter set and played a few games almost a decade back, this article on Goonhammer somewhat reinvigorates my interest.

https://www.goonhammer.com/battletech-the-goonformat

As somebody with little knowledge besides "A Clan Star should fight 2 IS Lances" and "BV is not a useful balancing tool", having "list construction" rules are useful tools.

**aphyon**

Rihgu wrote:
As somebody with a cursory interest in Battletech, having bought the starter set and played a few games almost a decade back, this article on Goonhammer somewhat reinvigorates my interest.

https://www.goonhammer.com/battletech-the-goonformat

As somebody with little knowledge besides "A Clan Star should fight 2 IS Lances" and "BV is not a useful balancing tool", having "list construction" rules are useful tools.

The thing about BattleTech is that it isn't like 40K. the core rules are the core rules and there are books full of optional rules that you and your players can choose to use or not use.
There is something like 4 variant rules for expaned ECM abilities. our group for example uses-
rules to speed up game play
.forced withdrawal
.safecon for retreating units
.fire as you bear rules removing the entire declare fire phase since it adds to much time to game play.

other things for enjoyment like-
.old max tech level 3 damage charts for vehicles to make them more viable.
.old ammo explosion rules because it is fun.
.+1 pilot check for every 20 points of damage
.alternate ammo

We however almost never allow custom mechs because it tends to open the door to abuse

Battle value can have a purpose such as numerically different forces or a framework for an event. however, it is calculated to represent the units maximum firepower at maximum speed and poorly translates to actual gameplay. especially when the crit mechanics, pilot interactions etc... of the game are taken into account.

However, if you just like to play what you like to play and throw down for a non-narrative game. the 1 star VS 2 lanced all with standard pilots (4/5 for IS and 3/4 for clan with the related commanders being aces) or star V star/lance V lance is perfectly reasonable.
After over 30 years of playing BattleTech it is the method i prefer. I also lean heavy towards lore and thematic lists. using the mechs or units the faction should be using.

What i usually do is see what my opponent is bringing and then try to somewhat make a comparable force. I have done games against assault lances with fast heavy C3 lances and done just fine. by comparison i have run clan stars on the lighter side compared to my opposite in zellbrigan matches and managed to pull off close victories thanks to some good crit rolls.

**Ghaz**

Learn More About the Mercenaries Kickstarter on our Pre-Launch Page! Plus, New Releases and Street Dates

Today a slew of elements launch, all pointing towards our coming Kickstarter campaign.

Here’s the rundown:

BACKERKIT PRE-LAUNCH PAGE IS LIVE!

Our preview, pre-launch page is live on BackerKit, right now! This preview page offers a look at what’s coming in the Mercenaries Kickstarter when it launches on March 23 at AdeptiCon. This includes a list of all the ForcePacks that will be available; a new 4” Timber Wolf for Veteran-level and above backers; the Salvage Box: Visigoth aerospace fighter, free to those that back in the first 48 hours; the incredibly exciting Kickstarter Launch Parties that might come to your corner of the Inner Sphere; and playtesting materials you can access right now by registering on the BackerKit pre-launch page!

Sign-up now! https://www.backerkit.com/call_to_action/8fd3639a-e1cd-44b9-8f15-5279077ad7f8/landing

MERCENARIES KICKSTARTER PREVIEW 03 PDF

We continue our in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the development of the miniatures for this Kickstarter. Preview 03 PDF is now available–for free as always–covering the Ostroc and Mobile HQ!

Catalyst Game Labs web store: https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-mercenaries-kickstarter-preview-03

NEW MERCENARY T-SHIRTS

As noted on the BackerKit pre-launch page, we’re trying something different with the t-shirts this time around. Instead of incorporating them as rewards for the Mercenaries Kickstarter, we’re simply releasing them on our store, pairing up a mercenary outfit with a faction.

The first pair is available now:

Illican Lancers
Clan Sea Fox
More factions and mercenary commands will be available in the coming months, covering multiple eras:

February 10: Eridani Light Horse & Star League
March 10: Northwind Highlanders & The Republic of the Sphere
Based upon the success of these first items, more mercenary and faction t-shirts will roll out during the rest of the year.

Stock: This is our first time offering faction t-shirts in this fashion. As such, we’ve been conservative on quantities. However, these are made in the U.S. and Silkworm has been a stalwart company to work with, always willing to run with us when needed. As such, if sales significantly exceed expectations, we can restock within 21 days.

Price: $30 each

Catalyst Game Labs web store:
Clan Sea Fox – https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-clan-sea-fox-t-shirt
Illician Lancers – https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-illician-lancer-t-shirt

THE MERCENARY TALES SERIES

The Mercenary Tales are a new series of short stories tied into the Kickstarter campaign, the new t-shirts, and the preview of ’Mechs and vehicles coming in the Kickstarter. The series kicks off today with Riptides by Randall N. Bills, a new ilClan Era story that features Clan Sea Fox and the Illician Lancers mercenary outfit.

Riptides
The Mercenary Tales, #1, by Randall N. Bills

A new era is dawning…

The Illician Lancers: a mercenary outfit with centuries of honorable tradition, yet somehow always missing the limelight. Especially recently, after their mission failure during the liberation of New Syrtis in 3147 tarnished their once-sterling reputation and left them languishing on the Capellan border. Can Colonel Luciana Araya Morales overcome the shame of those events and restore the Lancers to their former glory?

Meanwhile, as Clan Wolf prepares for its invasion of the cradle of humanity, Ya’el Labov, saKhan of the Sea Fox Khanate, hunts for new opportunities in the currents wafting from Terra. Rumors that the Clan Wolf Khan is using mercenaries as part of his attack plan set the wily saKhan’s mind to spinning. How can he take advantage of this, and make Clan Sea Fox’s star rise even further?

Two people with very different goals are about to embark on a shared mission that, if successful, will change much in the Inner Sphere. And if they are not, their alliance may be doomed to failure before it can even begin…

Price: $1.99

E-publication: https://books2read.com/BattleTechRiptides

CLAN SEA FOX LOSTECH DICE PUCK

The Clan Sea Fox dice puck is now available! This item is the same, high-quality, anodized aircraft-grade aluminum magnet-lidded case as previous Lostech Dice pucks. Includes two 16mm dice, and four 12mm dice.

Stock: This is stock remaining from sales at Gen Con 2022. Once they are gone, it will be some time before they can be restocked.

Price: $49.99

Catalyst Game Labs: https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-lostech-dice-clan-sea-fox

INTERSTELLAR OPERATIONS RULEBOOKS RESTOCK

As the “Vintage”-cover printings of the Total Warfare rulebook line have gone out of print, they have been reprinted with new, mercenary-themed covers, and now the Interstellar Operations books have received the same treatment. The two Interstellar Operations covers allowed us to really spread our artistic wings. The incredible size differences of combat units is on display on the Alternate Eras book, while a shot from the Battle of Misery covered in the novel Wolves on the Border, graces the BattleForce cover.

Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras

Catalyst Game Labs web store: https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-interstellar-operations-alternate-eras
DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/390967

Interstellar Operations: BattleForce

Catalyst Game Labs web store: https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-interstellar-operations-battleforce
DriveThruRPG: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/390968

DOMINIONS DIVIDED STREET DATE

Last but absolutely not least, we’re happy to announce that Dominions Divided‘s street date is officially Friday, January 27.

**Charistoph**

It looks like the Visigoth will be the Clan ASF to join the Shilone

**H.B.M.C.**

Not doing T-Shirts through the Kickstarter?

Damn...

**MarcusConstantin**

They said "not as rewards" so the shirts might still be choosable as an add-on.

I do hope they will offer the various exclusive Merc Force Packs as add-ons as well as the old Force Packs. I'm missing some and they are hard to get here.

**H.B.M.C.**

Ok, well, don't say HBMC never did nuthin' for the peoples*, as Lauren Coleman himself got back to me RE: T-Shirts, with this:

Lauren L. Coleman wrote:Not saying no... but may have to. Or have to limit how many. Please remember, even one shirt design can create 8-16 skus. It created a logistical problem. the most mismanaged item(s) in our Clan Invasion campaign, when it came to fulfillment? T-shirts.

Also:

Spoiler:

*If anyone gets that reference I'll be amazed!

**Prometheum5**

H.B.M.C. wrote:
Ok, well, don't say HBMC never did nuthin' for the peoples*, as Lauren Coleman himself got back to me RE: T-Shirts, with this:

If it comes down to it, I would much rather them focus on getting the minis right and delivered on time that dick around with T-shirts. Scope creep kills Kickstarters.

**Ancestral Hamster**

Prometheum5 wrote:
H.B.M.C. wrote:
Ok, well, don't say HBMC never did nuthin' for the peoples*, as Lauren Coleman himself got back to me RE: T-Shirts, with this:

If it comes down to it, I would much rather them focus on getting the minis right and delivered on time that dick around with T-shirts. Scope creep kills Kickstarters.

Hear! Hear! Focus on the game pieces, not swag.

**H.B.M.C.**

Ancestral Hamster wrote:
Prometheum5 wrote:
If it comes down to it, I would much rather them focus on getting the minis right and delivered on time that dick around with T-shirts. Scope creep kills Kickstarters.
Hear! Hear! Focus on the game pieces, not swag.

Which is all good and fine - and I don't disagree - but they are doing T-shirts with this KS, but are doing them in a way that makes it very difficult (not to mention expensive) for anyone outside of the continental USA.