TechManual

TechManual CAT35002-6.jpg
TechManual
Product information
Type Rulebook
Development Herbert A. Beas II
Primary writing Herbert A. Beas II
Ken Horner
Nick Marsala
David L. McCulloch
Mike Miller
Joel Steverson
Andreas Zuber
Pages 352
Cover Artwork Franz Vohwinkel (Original Cover Art)
Doug Chaffee (2018 Cover Art)
Illustrations Doug Chaffee
Mike Jackson
Chris Lewis
Duane Loose
Matt Plog
Klaus Scherwinski
Franz Vohwinkel
Publication information
Publisher Catalyst Game Labs
Product code 35002
First published 2007
ISBN-10 0979204720
Content


Description[edit]

TechManual is the second core book in the rebranded Classic BattleTech line. This particular book provides all of the construction rules for tournament-legal units that were presented in Total Warfare. In addition, TechManual introduced the updated Battle Value system—branded "BV 2.0" by fans. TechManual also provides fictional descriptions of the various units that it provides game statistics for, as well as for the weapons and equipment they use, including long-awaited dates of introduction. Similar to Total Warfare, each section of game data is preceded by a fictional introduction, though TechManual's fiction is of a technical nature. Finally, TechManual contains blank record sheets for all the units it covers and tables for the weapons and equipment contained therein.

From the back cover[edit]

How does a MechWarrior interface with a BattleMech? How does a ProtoMech really work? When was the Gauss rifle or the Particle Projector Cannon developed? Or how can I just make my own, cool and unique BattleMech design? If you’ve ever been plagued by these questions, then get on your coveralls and make sure you’ve got your astech certification, because you’re about to dive into BattleTech construction!

A companion volume to Total Warfare, the Classic BattleTech TechManual combines all the construction rules for the various units presented in that core rules set. Streamlined and updated, it contains all the core weaponry and equipment from previous rules set, as well as the newest, bleeding edge technologies. More than just a rulebook, however, the TechManual presents numerous sourcebook-style treatises, providing the in-universe context for these units and the technologies of their development. A must have resource for any BattleTech aficionado!

Contents[edit]

  • Weapons and Heavy Equipment
    • Heavy equipment
    • Industrial equipment
    • Battle armor equipment
    • Conventional infantry equipment
  • Costs and Availability
    • Basic cost calculations
    • Availability

Notes[edit]

  • Like Total Warfare, most of the artwork in the book are pictures of painted miniatures.
  • FanPro published its own Classic BattleTech TechManual in 2007 with product code 35103 and the same art as the first Catalyst printing.
  • TechManual contains some errors; errata and clarifications are available at the BattleTech Errata Page.
  • In 2018, a new edition of TechManual was published incorporating then-current errata. The book reused art from the 1994 Tactical Handbook art work by Doug Chaffee.

Gallery[edit]