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Line 1: − {{Rules}} {{InfoBoxProduct {{InfoBoxProduct − | image = BattleMech Manual 4th Print front cover.png + | image = BattleMech_Manual_Cover.jpg − | name = BattleMech Manual<br />(4th printing) + | name = BattleMech Manual<br />(1st printing) − | type = Rulebook + | type = Rules Book | author = | author = − | development = [[Keith Hann]];<br />[[Ray Arrastia]],<br />[[Randall N. Bills]],<br />[[Mary Kaempen]] (Assistant Development) + | development = [[Keith Hann]]<br />[[Ray Arrastia]]<br />[[Randall N. Bills]]<br />[[Mary Kaempen]]<br /> − | primarywriting = [[Randall N. Bills]],<br />[[Keith Hann]],<br />[[Chris Hart]] (Additional Writing) + | primarywriting = [[Randall N. Bills]]<br />[[Keith Hann]]<br />[[Chris Hart]] | pages = 150 | pages = 150 − | cover = [[Alex Iglesias]] (4th printing) + | cover = [[Franz Vohwinkel]] | interiorart = | interiorart = − | illustrations = [[Ray Arrastia]],<br/>[[Doug Chaffee]],<br/>[[Matthew Cross]],<br/>[[Ken Fairclough]],<br/>[[Mark Hayden (person)|Mark Hayden]],<br/>[[Alex Iglesias]],<br/>[[Alex Immerzeel]],<br/>[[Michael Kormarck]],<br/>[[Marco Mazzoni]],<br/>[[Florian Mellies]],<br/>[[Neil Roberts]],<br/>[[Anthony Scroggins]],<br/>[[Florian Stitz]],<br/>[[Franz Vohwinkel]] + | illustrations = [[Ray Arrastia]] <br/>[[Doug Chaffee]] <br/>[[Matthew Cross]] <br/>[[Ken Fairclough]] <br/>[[Mark Hayden]] <br/>[[Alex Iglesias]] <br/>[[Alex Immerzeel]] <br/>[[Michael Kormarck]] <br/>[[Marco Mazzoni]] <br/>[[Florian Mellies]] <br/>[[Neil Roberts]] <br/>[[Anthony Scroggins]] <br/>[[Florian Stitz]] <br/>[[Franz Vohwinkel]] <br/> | publisher = [[Catalyst Game Labs]] | publisher = [[Catalyst Game Labs]] | productioncode = [https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/collections/battletech/products/battletech-battlemech-manual E-CAT35010] | productioncode = [https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/collections/battletech/products/battletech-battlemech-manual E-CAT35010] − | year = 2017 + | year = 2017 | ISBN10 = | ISBN10 = | ISBN13 = | ISBN13 = Line 20:
Line 19: | era = | era = | timeline = | timeline = − | series = Core Rulebooks + | series = Core Rule Books | precededby = [[Campaign Operations]] | precededby = [[Campaign Operations]] | followedby = | followedby = Line 27:
Line 26: This book is not to be confused with the 1987 ''[[BattleTech Manual|Battle'''T'''ech Manual]]'' rulebook. This book is not to be confused with the 1987 ''[[BattleTech Manual|Battle'''T'''ech Manual]]'' rulebook. + + A second printing was announced on the official [[BT forums]] in December 2018, and was released in PDF on 22 January 2019. The reprint features errata corrections and further rewordings and clarifications, as well as new cover art.<ref>https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=63672.msg1464159#msg1464159</ref> A third printing was released on 17 March 2020: in addition to the usual errata corrections, this printing added an index. ==Description== ==Description== − The Manual is intended as a self-contained rulebook for players who wish to focus on [[BattleMech]] combat, with an emphasis on tabletop gameplay (as opposed to being a reference manual like previous core rulebooks). While it thus leaves out all other unit types, and was deliberately written to be as concise as possible and to eliminate rules vagaries, it is not intended to be a purely introductory product. It contains a few pieces of equipment from ''[[Interstellar Operations]]'', many pieces of equipment taken from ''[[Tactical Operations]]'', and a few of the optional rules found in that book and ''[[Strategic Operations]]''. No construction rules are included. In terms of product progression, it is meant to slot in between ''[[BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat|A Game of Armored Combat]]'') and the full tournament ruleset of ''[[Total Warfare]]''. Its general layout matches that of the rulebook in ''A Game of Armored Combat''. + The Manual is intended as a self-contained rulebook for players who wish to focus on [[BattleMech]] combat, with an emphasis on tabletop gameplay (as opposed to being a reference manual like previous core rulebooks). While it thus leaves out all other unit types, and was deliberately written to be as concise as possible and to eliminate rules vagaries, it is not intended to be a purely introductory product. It contains a few pieces of equipment from ''[[Interstellar Operations]]'', many pieces of equipment taken from ''[[Tactical Operations]]'', and a few of the optional rules found in that book and ''[[Strategic Operations]]''. No construction rules are included. In terms of product progression, it is meant to slot in between the introductory box set (either the [[25th Anniversary Introductory Box Set]] or its replacement, [[A Game of Armored Combat]]) and the full tournament ruleset of ''[[Total Warfare]]''. New rules appearing in the book are limited to simplified rulesets for fire and smoke; artillery, mines, and airstrikes; and a few terrain or weather conditions. Additionally, the ''BattleMech Manual'' features a [[Design Quirks]] section that brings together all 'Mech-based quirks published to date, updates them, adds nine new ones, and then applies the result to an included list of all 'Mech units in the game released prior to ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]'' (when quirks first began being added to each [[Technical Readout]] unit entry). As such, the ''BattleMech Manual'' provides an official quirk listing for all 'Mechs published prior to ''TRO: Prototypes'' (though it only lists quirks present on every example of a machine; quirks applicable only to individual variants were left out). New rules appearing in the book are limited to simplified rulesets for fire and smoke; artillery, mines, and airstrikes; and a few terrain or weather conditions. Additionally, the ''BattleMech Manual'' features a [[Design Quirks]] section that brings together all 'Mech-based quirks published to date, updates them, adds nine new ones, and then applies the result to an included list of all 'Mech units in the game released prior to ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]'' (when quirks first began being added to each [[Technical Readout]] unit entry). As such, the ''BattleMech Manual'' provides an official quirk listing for all 'Mechs published prior to ''TRO: Prototypes'' (though it only lists quirks present on every example of a machine; quirks applicable only to individual variants were left out). − While the rules were reworded and their layout changed, the base ruleset included in the ''BattleMech Manual'' matches that of the fifth printing and later of ''[[Total Warfare]]'', with later changes introduced in one being mirrored in the other as new printings of each are released. + While the rules were reworded and their layout changed, the base ruleset included in the ''BattleMech Manual'' matches the fourth printing of ''[[Total Warfare]]'' (plus all errata through to the June 2017 errata releases). The rules were not altered beyond the addition of the aforementioned optional simplifications. ==From the Back Cover== ==From the Back Cover== {{quote|'' {{quote|'' − * ''Standing from seven to sixteen meters tall, and weighing from twenty to one hundred tons'' + *''Standing from seven to sixteen meters tall, and weighing from twenty to one hundred tons'' − * ''Powered by an armored and shielded [[fusion reactor]]'' + *''Powered by an armored and shielded [[fusion reactor]]'' − * ''Skeleton of honeycombed, foamed aluminum core wrapped with stressed silicon carbide monofilament and sheathed by a rigid, titanium-steel shell'' + *''Skeleton of honeycombed, foamed aluminum core wrapped with stressed silicon carbide monofilament and sheathed by a rigid, titanium-steel shell'' − * ''Locomotion generated via bundles of polyacetylene-fiber [[myomer]] muscles'' + *''Locomotion generated via bundles of polyacetylene-fiber [[myomer]] muscles'' − * ''Protected by aligned-crystal steel over a layer of boron nitride impregnated with diamond monofilaments'' + *''Protected by aligned-crystal steel over a layer of boron nitride impregnated with diamond monofilaments'' − * ''Mounting a swath of powerful weapons from [[PPC|charged particle beams]] to [[laser]]s, missiles to [[autocannon|rapid-fire autocannons]]'' + *''Mounting a swath of powerful weapons from [[PPC|charged particle beams]] to [[laser]]s, missiles to [[autocannon|rapid-fire autocannons]]'' − * ''All at the command of the noble elite, the [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]'' + *''All at the command of the noble elite, the [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]'' ''The modern [[BattleMech]] is the end result of more than three thousand years of battlefield technology development. Combining awesome destructive power and unparalleled maneuverability, the BattleMech is perhaps the most complex machine ever produced. The undisputed master of thirty-first century warfare, the BattleMech seems destined to reign supreme for centuries to come.'' ''The modern [[BattleMech]] is the end result of more than three thousand years of battlefield technology development. Combining awesome destructive power and unparalleled maneuverability, the BattleMech is perhaps the most complex machine ever produced. The undisputed master of thirty-first century warfare, the BattleMech seems destined to reign supreme for centuries to come.'' Line 49:
Line 50: ''—Excerpts from a promotional pamphlet originally distributed by [[Defiance Industries]] of [[Hesperus]], [[Lyran Commonwealth]], [[3007]]'' ''—Excerpts from a promotional pamphlet originally distributed by [[Defiance Industries]] of [[Hesperus]], [[Lyran Commonwealth]], [[3007]]'' − Using the most up-to-date rules text, the ''BattleMech Manual'' has been designed from the ground up to cater to the ''BattleTech'' player wanting to engage in an all-'Mech battle. Includes a variety of optional rules, terrain and more. + Using the most up-to-date rules text, the ''BattleMech Manual'' has been designed from the ground up to cater to the ''BattleTech'' player wanting to engage in an all-’Mech battle. Includes a variety of optional rules, terrain and more. Welcome to the most table-usage-friendly ''BattleTech'' rulebook ever published!}} Welcome to the most table-usage-friendly ''BattleTech'' rulebook ever published!}} ==Contents== ==Contents== − <div class="desktop-3-col">+ *'''INTRODUCTION''' − * '''INTRODUCTION''' + ***Vs Total Warfare − *** Vs. ''Total Warfare'' + ***Optional Rules − *** Optional Rules ** Game Terms ** Game Terms *** 'Mech *** 'Mech Line 65:
Line 65: *** Target Number *** Target Number *** Modified Target Number *** Modified Target Number − *** Attacker Movement Modifier + *** Attacker Movement Modifier *** Target Movement Modifier *** Target Movement Modifier *** Margin of Success/Failure (MoS/MoF) *** Margin of Success/Failure (MoS/MoF) Line 89:
Line 89: * '''PLAYING THE GAME''' * '''PLAYING THE GAME''' ** Deploying 'Mechs ** Deploying 'Mechs − ** Sequence Of Play + ** Sequence of Play *** Initiative Phase *** Initiative Phase *** Movement Phase *** Movement Phase *** Weapon Attack Phase *** Weapon Attack Phase − *** ''Alternate Initiative'' + *** '''''Alternate Initiative''''' − *** ''Moving Multiple 'Mechs'' + *** '''''Moving Multiple ’Mechs''''' − *** ''Segmented Fire'' + *** '''''Segmented Fire''''' *** Physical Attack Phase *** Physical Attack Phase *** Heat Phase *** Heat Phase Line 102:
Line 102: ** Unequal Numbers Of 'Mechs ** Unequal Numbers Of 'Mechs * '''MOVEMENT''' * '''MOVEMENT''' − ** Movement Modes + ** Movement of Modes *** Standing Still *** Standing Still *** Walking *** Walking *** Running *** Running − *** ''Piloting Skill Rolls'' + *** '''''Piloting Skill Rolls''''' − *** ''Movement Dice'' + *** '''''Movement Dice''''' *** Jumping *** Jumping *** Sprinting (Optional) *** Sprinting (Optional) Line 114:
Line 114: *** Ground Movement *** Ground Movement *** Terrain *** Terrain + *** Level Change + *** Stacked Terrain *** Minimum Movement *** Minimum Movement *** Immobile *** Immobile Line 122:
Line 124: *** Moving While Prone *** Moving While Prone *** Standing Up *** Standing Up − ** Movement In Water + ** Movement in Water − ** Movement On Pavement + ** Movement on Pavement *** Road Movement *** Road Movement *** Bridge Movement *** Bridge Movement Line 131:
Line 133: *** Hidden 'Mechs *** Hidden 'Mechs *** Lifting Items (Simplified) *** Lifting Items (Simplified) − *** [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] Designation + *** [[TAG]] Designation * '''COMBAT''' * '''COMBAT''' − ** Line Of Sight + ** Line of Sight *** Levels and Height *** Levels and Height *** Intervening Terrain *** Intervening Terrain − *** Other 'Mechs and LOS <!-- Intervening 'Mechs in earlier printings --> + *** Intervening 'Mechs *** Water Hexes *** Water Hexes ** Firing Arcs ** Firing Arcs Line 147:
Line 149: ** Attack Declaration ** Attack Declaration *** Reversing (Flipping) Arms *** Reversing (Flipping) Arms − *** Expanded Arm Flipping (Optional) + *** Expended Arm Flipping (Optional) *** Torso Twists *** Torso Twists ** Firing Weapons ** Firing Weapons *** Making the Attack *** Making the Attack − *** ''G.A.T.O.R.'' + *** G.A.T.O.R. *** Base Target Number *** Base Target Number *** Target Number Modifiers *** Target Number Modifiers Line 205:
Line 207: *** Lower Arm Actuator (Arm) *** Lower Arm Actuator (Arm) *** Lower Leg Actuator (Leg) *** Lower Leg Actuator (Leg) − *** Sensors (Head) + *** Sensors (Head) *** Shoulder (Arm) *** Shoulder (Arm) *** Upper Arm Actuator (Arm) *** Upper Arm Actuator (Arm) − *** Lower Leg Actuator (Leg) + *** Lower Leg Actuator (Arm) − *** Weapons And Equipment + *** Weapons and Equipment ** Destroying A 'Mech ** Destroying A 'Mech * '''HEAT''' * '''HEAT''' Line 215:
Line 217: *** Building Up Heat *** Building Up Heat *** Dissipating Heat *** Dissipating Heat − *** Recording Heat Build-Up + *** Recording Heat Building-Up ** Effects Of Heat ** Effects Of Heat *** Movement *** Movement − *** Weapon Attacks + *** Weapons Attack *** Shutdown *** Shutdown *** Ammunition *** Ammunition − *** Damage To MechWarriors + *** Damaging To MechWarriors * '''OTHER ACTIONS''' * '''OTHER ACTIONS''' ** Piloting Skill Rolls (PSR) ** Piloting Skill Rolls (PSR) Line 229:
Line 231: *** Domino Effect *** Domino Effect ** Falling ** Falling − *** Location After a Fall + *** Location After a Fall *** Facing After a Fall *** Facing After a Fall *** Falling Damage to a 'Mech *** Falling Damage to a 'Mech Line 261:
Line 263: *** Swamp (Simplified) *** Swamp (Simplified) ** Weather Conditions ** Weather Conditions − *** Extreme Temperatures + *** Extreme Temperatures *** Fog *** Fog *** Light *** Light *** Rain *** Rain − *** Snow + *** Snow *** Wind *** Wind − ** Fire And Smoke (Simplified) + ** Fire and Smoke (Simplified) *** Wind Direction *** Wind Direction *** Starting a Fire *** Starting a Fire Line 275:
Line 277: ** Underwater Combat ** Underwater Combat *** Attacking Underwater *** Attacking Underwater − *** Hull Integrity And Breaches + *** Hull Integrity and Breaches * '''URBAN COMBAT''' * '''URBAN COMBAT''' ** Building Types ** Building Types Line 281:
Line 283: *** Building Levels *** Building Levels *** Basements *** Basements − *** ''Simplified Buildings'' + *** '''''Simplified Buildings''''' ** Movement Effects ** Movement Effects − *** Moving Into Buildings + *** Moving into Buildings + *** Changing Levels in Building *** Skidding *** Skidding ** Combat Effects ** Combat Effects − *** Attacking Buildings + *** Attacking Building *** Attacking 'Mechs Inside Buildings *** Attacking 'Mechs Inside Buildings *** Combat Within Buildings *** Combat Within Buildings *** Collapse *** Collapse − * '''SPECIAL CASE RULES''' + * '''''SPECIAL CASE RULES''''' − ** Battlefield Support + ** [[Battlefield Support]] *** Before Play Begins *** Before Play Begins *** During Game Play *** During Game Play Line 300:
Line 303: ** Forced Withdrawal ** Forced Withdrawal *** Crippling Damage *** Crippling Damage − *** Broken Morale (Simplified—Optional) + *** Broken Moral (Simplified - Optional) ** Hidden 'Mechs ** Hidden 'Mechs *** Point-Blank Shots *** Point-Blank Shots Line 307:
Line 310: *** Negative Design Quirks *** Negative Design Quirks *** BattleMech Quirk Listing *** BattleMech Quirk Listing − *** ''Master Unit List'' + *** '''''Master Unit List''''' − * '''WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT''' + * '''''WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT''''' ** Basic Information ** Basic Information ** Weapon Types ** Weapon Types Line 324:
Line 327: *** [[ER Flamer]] *** [[ER Flamer]] *** [[Heavy Flamer]] *** [[Heavy Flamer]] − ** [[Gauss Rifle]]s + ** Gauss Rifles − *** Gauss Rifle + *** [[Gauss Rifle]] − *** [[Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle]] + *** Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle *** [[Heavy Gauss Rifle]] *** [[Heavy Gauss Rifle]] − *** Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle + *** Hyper Assault Gauss Rifle *** [[Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle]] *** [[Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle]] *** [[Light Gauss Rifle]] *** [[Light Gauss Rifle]] − *** [[Magshot Gauss Rifle]] + *** Magshot Gauss Rifle *** [[Silver Bullet Gauss Rifle]] *** [[Silver Bullet Gauss Rifle]] ** Lasers ** Lasers Line 342:
Line 345: *** Improved Heavy Laser *** Improved Heavy Laser *** Pulse Laser *** Pulse Laser − *** Re-engineered Laser *** Variable-Speed Pulse (VSP) Laser *** Variable-Speed Pulse (VSP) Laser *** X-Pulse Laser *** X-Pulse Laser Line 366:
Line 368: *** Thunderbolt Missile Launcher *** Thunderbolt Missile Launcher *** Torpedo (SRT, LRT, NLRT) Launcher *** Torpedo (SRT, LRT, NLRT) Launcher − ** [[Narc Missile Beacon]]s + ** [[Narc Missile Beacon]] *** Narc Missile Beacon *** Narc Missile Beacon − *** [[Improved Narc Missile Beacon|iNarc Beacon]] + *** [[INarc Launcher]] ** Particle Projector Cannons ** Particle Projector Cannons *** [[PPC]] *** [[PPC]] Line 398:
Line 400: *** Artemis IV Fire-Control System *** Artemis IV Fire-Control System *** Artemis V Fire-Control System *** Artemis V Fire-Control System − *** C<sup>3</sup> Computer System + *** C3 Computer System − *** C<sup>3</sup> Boosted System + *** C3 Boosted System − *** C<sup>3</sup>I Computer System + *** C3I Computer System *** ECM Suites *** ECM Suites *** MRM “Apollo” Fire Control System *** MRM “Apollo” Fire Control System Line 416:
Line 418: *** [[Actuator Enhancement System]] (AES) *** [[Actuator Enhancement System]] (AES) *** [[AMS|Anti-Missile System (AMS)]] *** [[AMS|Anti-Missile System (AMS)]] + *** Armored Component *** Laser Anti-Missile System (L-AMS) *** Laser Anti-Missile System (L-AMS) − *** Armored Component *** [[CASE|Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment (CASE)]] *** [[CASE|Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment (CASE)]] *** [[CASE II]] *** [[CASE II]] *** [[Coolant Pod]] *** [[Coolant Pod]] − * '''WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT TABLES''' + * '''''WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT TABLES''''' ** Weapon Types ** Weapon Types − * '''COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS''' + * '''''COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS''''' ** Playing The Game ** Playing The Game ** Movement ** Movement Line 432:
Line 434: ** Special-Case Rules ** Special-Case Rules ** Weapons and Equipment ** Weapons and Equipment − * '''INDEX''' <!-- third printing and later --> + * '''''RECORD SHEETS AND TABLES''''' − * '''RECORD SHEETS AND TABLES''' − </div> − − ==Gallery== − <gallery> − BattleMech_Manual_Cover.jpg|''BattleMech Manual'' cover, 1st printing − BattleMech Manual 2nd Print front cover.png|''BattleMech Manual'' cover, 2nd printing − BattleMech Manual 3rd Print front cover.jpg|''BattleMech Manual'' cover, 3rd printing − BattleMech Manual 4th Print front cover.png|''BattleMech Manual'' cover, 4th-6th printings − </gallery> ==Development Notes== ==Development Notes== − * The Catalyst Game Labs Tumblr featured a series of posts explaining the concept and some of the design steps behind the ''BattleMech Manual'': [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/152663332826/battlemech-manual-development/ 1] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/153793350216/battlemech-manual-development/ 2] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154168913031/battlemech-manual-development/ 3] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154476537421/battlemech-manual-development/ 4] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154739808086/a-dropship-load-of-battletech-action/ 5] + *The Catalyst Game Labs Tumblr featured a series of posts explaining the concept and some of the design steps behind the ''BattleMech Manual'': [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/152663332826/battlemech-manual-development/ 1] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/153793350216/battlemech-manual-development/ 2] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154168913031/battlemech-manual-development/ 3] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154476537421/battlemech-manual-development/ 4] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154739808086/a-dropship-load-of-battletech-action/ 5] − * An [https://bg.battletech.com/news/news-and-announcements/what-is-the-battlemech-manual/ article explaining what the Manual does and why] was posted to the official BattleTech website in January 2017. + *An [http://www.bg.battletech.com/news/news-and-announcements/what-is-the-battlemech-manual/ article explaining what the Manual does and why] was posted to the official BattleTech website in January 2017. − * The Manual was prereleased as a Beta PDF version in January 2017. This 'Open Beta' version cost $10, but for the first month of its release was coupled with an electronic survey that gave a $5 coupon for use at the [[Catalyst Game Labs]] webstore. Purchasing the beta did not provide an automatic free upgrade to the final PDF release, unlike previous Catalyst beta offerings. The beta closed in July 2017.<br /> + *The Manual was pre-released as a Beta PDF version in January 2017. This 'Open Beta' version cost $10, but for the the first month of its release was coupled with an electronic survey that gave a $5 coupon for use at the [[Catalyst Game Labs]] webstore. Purchasing the beta did not provide an automatic free upgrade to the final PDF release, unlike previous Catalyst beta offerings. The beta closed in July 2017.<br /> − * [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/158360190691/this-is-why-you-do-betas A follow-up article] detailing some of the results of feedback collected in the Beta to date was posted to the CGL official Tumblr in March 2017. As a result of user feedback, additional advanced equipment from ''Tactical Operations'' and ''Interstellar Operations'' was added to the final release. + *[http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/158360190691/this-is-why-you-do-betas A follow-up article] detailing some of the results of feedback collected in the Beta to date was posted to the CGL official Tumblr in March 2017. As a result of user feedback, additional advanced equipment from ''Tactical Operations'' and ''Interstellar Operations'' was added to the final release. − * [http://bg.battletech.com/news/battlemech-manual-final-release/ A further follow-up article] published immediately following the book's final release detailed more of the specific changes made between the Beta and the final. + *[http://bg.battletech.com/news/battlemech-manual-final-release/ A further follow-up article] published immediately following the book's final release detailed more of the specific changes made between the Beta and the final. − − ==Printing Notes== − A second printing was announced on the official [[BT forums]] in December 2018, and was released in PDF on 22 January 2019. The reprint features errata corrections and further rewordings and clarifications, as well as new cover art.<ref>[https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=63672.msg1464159#msg1464159 MechCon 2018 Rundown post on BattleTech forum]</ref> A third printing was released on 17 March 2020: in addition to the usual errata corrections, this printing added an index. A fourth printing was released on 23 April 2021, featuring errata corrections as well as another change of cover art. An errata-corrected fifth printing was released on 7 February 2022, and an errata-corrected 6th printing on 6 October 2022. ==Errata== ==Errata== − * CGL maintains an errata [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=58133.0 forum thread] for this book as well as an errata document for download from their website's [https://bg.battletech.com/errata/ Errata section].+ CGL maintains an errata [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=58133.0 forum thread] for this book as well as an errata document for download from their website's [https://bg.battletech.com/errata/ Errata section]. − * When the first printing had sold out and a second, updated printing was prepared, Keith "Xotl" Hann offered an [[w:PDF#Forms Data Format (FDF)|FDF]] document to go with the PDF release of the first printing that would include most of the changes included in the second printing. ([https://www.dropbox.com/s/794qs4gy145rs13/Battlemech%20Manual%201st%20printing.fdf?dl=0 Download link])+ When the first printing had sold out and a second, updated printing was prepared, Keith "Xotl" Hann offered a [[w:PDF#Forms Data Format (FDF)|FDF]] document to go with the PDF release of the first printing that would include most of the changes included in the second printing. ([https://www.dropbox.com/s/794qs4gy145rs13/Battlemech%20Manual%201st%20printing.fdf?dl=0 Download link]) ==References== ==References== <references/> <references/> − + [[Category:Books]] − [[Category:Rulebooks]] + [[Category:Rule Books]] − [[Category:Digital Products]] + [[Category:Electronic Books]]
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| Latest revision | Your text | ||
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{{InfoBoxProduct | {{InfoBoxProduct | ||
| − | | image = | + | | image = BattleMech_Manual_Cover.jpg |
| − | | name = BattleMech Manual<br />( | + | | name = BattleMech Manual<br />(1st printing) |
| − | | type = | + | | type = Rules Book |
| author = | | author = | ||
| − | | development = [[Keith Hann]] | + | | development = [[Keith Hann]]<br />[[Ray Arrastia]]<br />[[Randall N. Bills]]<br />[[Mary Kaempen]]<br /> |
| − | | primarywriting = [[Randall N. Bills]] | + | | primarywriting = [[Randall N. Bills]]<br />[[Keith Hann]]<br />[[Chris Hart]] |
| pages = 150 | | pages = 150 | ||
| − | | cover = [[ | + | | cover = [[Franz Vohwinkel]] |
| interiorart = | | interiorart = | ||
| − | | illustrations = [[Ray Arrastia]] | + | | illustrations = [[Ray Arrastia]] <br/>[[Doug Chaffee]] <br/>[[Matthew Cross]] <br/>[[Ken Fairclough]] <br/>[[Mark Hayden]] <br/>[[Alex Iglesias]] <br/>[[Alex Immerzeel]] <br/>[[Michael Kormarck]] <br/>[[Marco Mazzoni]] <br/>[[Florian Mellies]] <br/>[[Neil Roberts]] <br/>[[Anthony Scroggins]] <br/>[[Florian Stitz]] <br/>[[Franz Vohwinkel]] <br/> |
| publisher = [[Catalyst Game Labs]] | | publisher = [[Catalyst Game Labs]] | ||
| productioncode = [https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/collections/battletech/products/battletech-battlemech-manual E-CAT35010] | | productioncode = [https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/collections/battletech/products/battletech-battlemech-manual E-CAT35010] | ||
| − | | year = 2017 | + | | year = 2017 |
| ISBN10 = | | ISBN10 = | ||
| ISBN13 = | | ISBN13 = | ||
| Line 20: | Line 19: | ||
| era = | | era = | ||
| timeline = | | timeline = | ||
| − | | series = Core | + | | series = Core Rule Books |
| precededby = [[Campaign Operations]] | | precededby = [[Campaign Operations]] | ||
| followedby = | | followedby = | ||
| Line 27: | Line 26: | ||
This book is not to be confused with the 1987 ''[[BattleTech Manual|Battle'''T'''ech Manual]]'' rulebook. | This book is not to be confused with the 1987 ''[[BattleTech Manual|Battle'''T'''ech Manual]]'' rulebook. | ||
| + | |||
| + | A second printing was announced on the official [[BT forums]] in December 2018, and was released in PDF on 22 January 2019. The reprint features errata corrections and further rewordings and clarifications, as well as new cover art.<ref>https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=63672.msg1464159#msg1464159</ref> A third printing was released on 17 March 2020: in addition to the usual errata corrections, this printing added an index. | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | The Manual is intended as a self-contained rulebook for players who wish to focus on [[BattleMech]] combat, with an emphasis on tabletop gameplay (as opposed to being a reference manual like previous core rulebooks). While it thus leaves out all other unit types, and was deliberately written to be as concise as possible and to eliminate rules vagaries, it is not intended to be a purely introductory product. It contains a few pieces of equipment from ''[[Interstellar Operations]]'', many pieces of equipment taken from ''[[Tactical Operations]]'', and a few of the optional rules found in that book and ''[[Strategic Operations]]''. No construction rules are included. In terms of product progression, it is meant to slot in between | + | The Manual is intended as a self-contained rulebook for players who wish to focus on [[BattleMech]] combat, with an emphasis on tabletop gameplay (as opposed to being a reference manual like previous core rulebooks). While it thus leaves out all other unit types, and was deliberately written to be as concise as possible and to eliminate rules vagaries, it is not intended to be a purely introductory product. It contains a few pieces of equipment from ''[[Interstellar Operations]]'', many pieces of equipment taken from ''[[Tactical Operations]]'', and a few of the optional rules found in that book and ''[[Strategic Operations]]''. No construction rules are included. In terms of product progression, it is meant to slot in between the introductory box set (either the [[25th Anniversary Introductory Box Set]] or its replacement, [[A Game of Armored Combat]]) and the full tournament ruleset of ''[[Total Warfare]]''. |
New rules appearing in the book are limited to simplified rulesets for fire and smoke; artillery, mines, and airstrikes; and a few terrain or weather conditions. Additionally, the ''BattleMech Manual'' features a [[Design Quirks]] section that brings together all 'Mech-based quirks published to date, updates them, adds nine new ones, and then applies the result to an included list of all 'Mech units in the game released prior to ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]'' (when quirks first began being added to each [[Technical Readout]] unit entry). As such, the ''BattleMech Manual'' provides an official quirk listing for all 'Mechs published prior to ''TRO: Prototypes'' (though it only lists quirks present on every example of a machine; quirks applicable only to individual variants were left out). | New rules appearing in the book are limited to simplified rulesets for fire and smoke; artillery, mines, and airstrikes; and a few terrain or weather conditions. Additionally, the ''BattleMech Manual'' features a [[Design Quirks]] section that brings together all 'Mech-based quirks published to date, updates them, adds nine new ones, and then applies the result to an included list of all 'Mech units in the game released prior to ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]'' (when quirks first began being added to each [[Technical Readout]] unit entry). As such, the ''BattleMech Manual'' provides an official quirk listing for all 'Mechs published prior to ''TRO: Prototypes'' (though it only lists quirks present on every example of a machine; quirks applicable only to individual variants were left out). | ||
| − | While the rules were reworded and their layout changed, the base ruleset included in the ''BattleMech Manual'' matches | + | While the rules were reworded and their layout changed, the base ruleset included in the ''BattleMech Manual'' matches the fourth printing of ''[[Total Warfare]]'' (plus all errata through to the June 2017 errata releases). The rules were not altered beyond the addition of the aforementioned optional simplifications. |
==From the Back Cover== | ==From the Back Cover== | ||
{{quote|'' | {{quote|'' | ||
| − | * ''Standing from seven to sixteen meters tall, and weighing from twenty to one hundred tons'' | + | *''Standing from seven to sixteen meters tall, and weighing from twenty to one hundred tons'' |
| − | * ''Powered by an armored and shielded [[fusion reactor]]'' | + | *''Powered by an armored and shielded [[fusion reactor]]'' |
| − | * ''Skeleton of honeycombed, foamed aluminum core wrapped with stressed silicon carbide monofilament and sheathed by a rigid, titanium-steel shell'' | + | *''Skeleton of honeycombed, foamed aluminum core wrapped with stressed silicon carbide monofilament and sheathed by a rigid, titanium-steel shell'' |
| − | * ''Locomotion generated via bundles of polyacetylene-fiber [[myomer]] muscles'' | + | *''Locomotion generated via bundles of polyacetylene-fiber [[myomer]] muscles'' |
| − | * ''Protected by aligned-crystal steel over a layer of boron nitride impregnated with diamond monofilaments'' | + | *''Protected by aligned-crystal steel over a layer of boron nitride impregnated with diamond monofilaments'' |
| − | * ''Mounting a swath of powerful weapons from [[PPC|charged particle beams]] to [[laser]]s, missiles to [[autocannon|rapid-fire autocannons]]'' | + | *''Mounting a swath of powerful weapons from [[PPC|charged particle beams]] to [[laser]]s, missiles to [[autocannon|rapid-fire autocannons]]'' |
| − | * ''All at the command of the noble elite, the [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]'' | + | *''All at the command of the noble elite, the [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]'' |
''The modern [[BattleMech]] is the end result of more than three thousand years of battlefield technology development. Combining awesome destructive power and unparalleled maneuverability, the BattleMech is perhaps the most complex machine ever produced. The undisputed master of thirty-first century warfare, the BattleMech seems destined to reign supreme for centuries to come.'' | ''The modern [[BattleMech]] is the end result of more than three thousand years of battlefield technology development. Combining awesome destructive power and unparalleled maneuverability, the BattleMech is perhaps the most complex machine ever produced. The undisputed master of thirty-first century warfare, the BattleMech seems destined to reign supreme for centuries to come.'' | ||
| Line 49: | Line 50: | ||
''—Excerpts from a promotional pamphlet originally distributed by [[Defiance Industries]] of [[Hesperus]], [[Lyran Commonwealth]], [[3007]]'' | ''—Excerpts from a promotional pamphlet originally distributed by [[Defiance Industries]] of [[Hesperus]], [[Lyran Commonwealth]], [[3007]]'' | ||
| − | Using the most up-to-date rules text, the ''BattleMech Manual'' has been designed from the ground up to cater to the ''BattleTech'' player wanting to engage in an all- | + | Using the most up-to-date rules text, the ''BattleMech Manual'' has been designed from the ground up to cater to the ''BattleTech'' player wanting to engage in an all-’Mech battle. Includes a variety of optional rules, terrain and more. |
Welcome to the most table-usage-friendly ''BattleTech'' rulebook ever published!}} | Welcome to the most table-usage-friendly ''BattleTech'' rulebook ever published!}} | ||
==Contents== | ==Contents== | ||
| − | + | *'''INTRODUCTION''' | |
| − | * '''INTRODUCTION''' | + | ***Vs Total Warfare |
| − | *** Vs | + | ***Optional Rules |
| − | *** Optional Rules | ||
** Game Terms | ** Game Terms | ||
*** 'Mech | *** 'Mech | ||
| Line 65: | Line 65: | ||
*** Target Number | *** Target Number | ||
*** Modified Target Number | *** Modified Target Number | ||
| − | *** Attacker Movement Modifier | + | *** Attacker Movement Modifier |
*** Target Movement Modifier | *** Target Movement Modifier | ||
*** Margin of Success/Failure (MoS/MoF) | *** Margin of Success/Failure (MoS/MoF) | ||
| Line 89: | Line 89: | ||
* '''PLAYING THE GAME''' | * '''PLAYING THE GAME''' | ||
** Deploying 'Mechs | ** Deploying 'Mechs | ||
| − | ** Sequence | + | ** Sequence of Play |
*** Initiative Phase | *** Initiative Phase | ||
*** Movement Phase | *** Movement Phase | ||
*** Weapon Attack Phase | *** Weapon Attack Phase | ||
| − | *** ''Alternate Initiative'' | + | *** '''''Alternate Initiative''''' |
| − | *** ''Moving Multiple ' | + | *** '''''Moving Multiple ’Mechs''''' |
| − | *** ''Segmented Fire'' | + | *** '''''Segmented Fire''''' |
*** Physical Attack Phase | *** Physical Attack Phase | ||
*** Heat Phase | *** Heat Phase | ||
| Line 102: | Line 102: | ||
** Unequal Numbers Of 'Mechs | ** Unequal Numbers Of 'Mechs | ||
* '''MOVEMENT''' | * '''MOVEMENT''' | ||
| − | ** Movement Modes | + | ** Movement of Modes |
*** Standing Still | *** Standing Still | ||
*** Walking | *** Walking | ||
*** Running | *** Running | ||
| − | *** ''Piloting Skill Rolls'' | + | *** '''''Piloting Skill Rolls''''' |
| − | *** ''Movement Dice'' | + | *** '''''Movement Dice''''' |
*** Jumping | *** Jumping | ||
*** Sprinting (Optional) | *** Sprinting (Optional) | ||
| Line 114: | Line 114: | ||
*** Ground Movement | *** Ground Movement | ||
*** Terrain | *** Terrain | ||
| + | *** Level Change | ||
| + | *** Stacked Terrain | ||
*** Minimum Movement | *** Minimum Movement | ||
*** Immobile | *** Immobile | ||
| Line 122: | Line 124: | ||
*** Moving While Prone | *** Moving While Prone | ||
*** Standing Up | *** Standing Up | ||
| − | ** Movement | + | ** Movement in Water |
| − | ** Movement | + | ** Movement on Pavement |
*** Road Movement | *** Road Movement | ||
*** Bridge Movement | *** Bridge Movement | ||
| Line 131: | Line 133: | ||
*** Hidden 'Mechs | *** Hidden 'Mechs | ||
*** Lifting Items (Simplified) | *** Lifting Items (Simplified) | ||
| − | *** [[ | + | *** [[TAG]] Designation |
* '''COMBAT''' | * '''COMBAT''' | ||
| − | ** Line | + | ** Line of Sight |
*** Levels and Height | *** Levels and Height | ||
*** Intervening Terrain | *** Intervening Terrain | ||
| − | *** | + | *** Intervening 'Mechs |
*** Water Hexes | *** Water Hexes | ||
** Firing Arcs | ** Firing Arcs | ||
| Line 147: | Line 149: | ||
** Attack Declaration | ** Attack Declaration | ||
*** Reversing (Flipping) Arms | *** Reversing (Flipping) Arms | ||
| − | *** | + | *** Expended Arm Flipping (Optional) |
*** Torso Twists | *** Torso Twists | ||
** Firing Weapons | ** Firing Weapons | ||
*** Making the Attack | *** Making the Attack | ||
| − | *** | + | *** G.A.T.O.R. |
*** Base Target Number | *** Base Target Number | ||
*** Target Number Modifiers | *** Target Number Modifiers | ||
| Line 205: | Line 207: | ||
*** Lower Arm Actuator (Arm) | *** Lower Arm Actuator (Arm) | ||
*** Lower Leg Actuator (Leg) | *** Lower Leg Actuator (Leg) | ||
| − | *** Sensors (Head) | + | *** Sensors (Head) |
*** Shoulder (Arm) | *** Shoulder (Arm) | ||
*** Upper Arm Actuator (Arm) | *** Upper Arm Actuator (Arm) | ||
| − | *** Lower Leg Actuator ( | + | *** Lower Leg Actuator (Arm) |
| − | *** Weapons | + | *** Weapons and Equipment |
** Destroying A 'Mech | ** Destroying A 'Mech | ||
* '''HEAT''' | * '''HEAT''' | ||
| Line 215: | Line 217: | ||
*** Building Up Heat | *** Building Up Heat | ||
*** Dissipating Heat | *** Dissipating Heat | ||
| − | *** Recording Heat | + | *** Recording Heat Building-Up |
** Effects Of Heat | ** Effects Of Heat | ||
*** Movement | *** Movement | ||
| − | *** | + | *** Weapons Attack |
*** Shutdown | *** Shutdown | ||
*** Ammunition | *** Ammunition | ||
| − | *** | + | *** Damaging To MechWarriors |
* '''OTHER ACTIONS''' | * '''OTHER ACTIONS''' | ||
** Piloting Skill Rolls (PSR) | ** Piloting Skill Rolls (PSR) | ||
| Line 229: | Line 231: | ||
*** Domino Effect | *** Domino Effect | ||
** Falling | ** Falling | ||
| − | *** Location After a Fall | + | *** Location After a Fall |
*** Facing After a Fall | *** Facing After a Fall | ||
*** Falling Damage to a 'Mech | *** Falling Damage to a 'Mech | ||
| Line 261: | Line 263: | ||
*** Swamp (Simplified) | *** Swamp (Simplified) | ||
** Weather Conditions | ** Weather Conditions | ||
| − | *** Extreme Temperatures | + | *** Extreme Temperatures |
*** Fog | *** Fog | ||
*** Light | *** Light | ||
*** Rain | *** Rain | ||
| − | *** Snow | + | *** Snow |
*** Wind | *** Wind | ||
| − | ** Fire | + | ** Fire and Smoke (Simplified) |
*** Wind Direction | *** Wind Direction | ||
*** Starting a Fire | *** Starting a Fire | ||
| Line 275: | Line 277: | ||
** Underwater Combat | ** Underwater Combat | ||
*** Attacking Underwater | *** Attacking Underwater | ||
| − | *** Hull Integrity | + | *** Hull Integrity and Breaches |
* '''URBAN COMBAT''' | * '''URBAN COMBAT''' | ||
** Building Types | ** Building Types | ||
| Line 281: | Line 283: | ||
*** Building Levels | *** Building Levels | ||
*** Basements | *** Basements | ||
| − | *** ''Simplified Buildings'' | + | *** '''''Simplified Buildings''''' |
** Movement Effects | ** Movement Effects | ||
| − | *** Moving | + | *** Moving into Buildings |
| + | *** Changing Levels in Building | ||
*** Skidding | *** Skidding | ||
** Combat Effects | ** Combat Effects | ||
| − | *** Attacking | + | *** Attacking Building |
*** Attacking 'Mechs Inside Buildings | *** Attacking 'Mechs Inside Buildings | ||
*** Combat Within Buildings | *** Combat Within Buildings | ||
*** Collapse | *** Collapse | ||
| − | * '''SPECIAL CASE RULES''' | + | * '''''SPECIAL CASE RULES''''' |
| − | ** Battlefield Support | + | ** [[Battlefield Support]] |
*** Before Play Begins | *** Before Play Begins | ||
*** During Game Play | *** During Game Play | ||
| Line 300: | Line 303: | ||
** Forced Withdrawal | ** Forced Withdrawal | ||
*** Crippling Damage | *** Crippling Damage | ||
| − | *** Broken | + | *** Broken Moral (Simplified - Optional) |
** Hidden 'Mechs | ** Hidden 'Mechs | ||
*** Point-Blank Shots | *** Point-Blank Shots | ||
| Line 307: | Line 310: | ||
*** Negative Design Quirks | *** Negative Design Quirks | ||
*** BattleMech Quirk Listing | *** BattleMech Quirk Listing | ||
| − | *** ''Master Unit List'' | + | *** '''''Master Unit List''''' |
| − | * '''WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT''' | + | * '''''WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT''''' |
** Basic Information | ** Basic Information | ||
** Weapon Types | ** Weapon Types | ||
| Line 324: | Line 327: | ||
*** [[ER Flamer]] | *** [[ER Flamer]] | ||
*** [[Heavy Flamer]] | *** [[Heavy Flamer]] | ||
| − | ** | + | ** Gauss Rifles |
| − | *** Gauss Rifle | + | *** [[Gauss Rifle]] |
| − | *** | + | *** Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle |
*** [[Heavy Gauss Rifle]] | *** [[Heavy Gauss Rifle]] | ||
| − | *** Hyper | + | *** Hyper Assault Gauss Rifle |
*** [[Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle]] | *** [[Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle]] | ||
*** [[Light Gauss Rifle]] | *** [[Light Gauss Rifle]] | ||
| − | *** | + | *** Magshot Gauss Rifle |
*** [[Silver Bullet Gauss Rifle]] | *** [[Silver Bullet Gauss Rifle]] | ||
** Lasers | ** Lasers | ||
| Line 342: | Line 345: | ||
*** Improved Heavy Laser | *** Improved Heavy Laser | ||
*** Pulse Laser | *** Pulse Laser | ||
| − | |||
*** Variable-Speed Pulse (VSP) Laser | *** Variable-Speed Pulse (VSP) Laser | ||
*** X-Pulse Laser | *** X-Pulse Laser | ||
| Line 366: | Line 368: | ||
*** Thunderbolt Missile Launcher | *** Thunderbolt Missile Launcher | ||
*** Torpedo (SRT, LRT, NLRT) Launcher | *** Torpedo (SRT, LRT, NLRT) Launcher | ||
| − | ** [[Narc Missile Beacon]] | + | ** [[Narc Missile Beacon]] |
*** Narc Missile Beacon | *** Narc Missile Beacon | ||
| − | *** [[ | + | *** [[INarc Launcher]] |
** Particle Projector Cannons | ** Particle Projector Cannons | ||
*** [[PPC]] | *** [[PPC]] | ||
| Line 398: | Line 400: | ||
*** Artemis IV Fire-Control System | *** Artemis IV Fire-Control System | ||
*** Artemis V Fire-Control System | *** Artemis V Fire-Control System | ||
| − | *** | + | *** C3 Computer System |
| − | *** | + | *** C3 Boosted System |
| − | *** | + | *** C3I Computer System |
*** ECM Suites | *** ECM Suites | ||
*** MRM “Apollo” Fire Control System | *** MRM “Apollo” Fire Control System | ||
| Line 416: | Line 418: | ||
*** [[Actuator Enhancement System]] (AES) | *** [[Actuator Enhancement System]] (AES) | ||
*** [[AMS|Anti-Missile System (AMS)]] | *** [[AMS|Anti-Missile System (AMS)]] | ||
| + | *** Armored Component | ||
*** Laser Anti-Missile System (L-AMS) | *** Laser Anti-Missile System (L-AMS) | ||
| − | |||
*** [[CASE|Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment (CASE)]] | *** [[CASE|Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment (CASE)]] | ||
*** [[CASE II]] | *** [[CASE II]] | ||
*** [[Coolant Pod]] | *** [[Coolant Pod]] | ||
| − | * '''WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT TABLES''' | + | * '''''WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT TABLES''''' |
** Weapon Types | ** Weapon Types | ||
| − | * '''COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS''' | + | * '''''COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS''''' |
** Playing The Game | ** Playing The Game | ||
** Movement | ** Movement | ||
| Line 432: | Line 434: | ||
** Special-Case Rules | ** Special-Case Rules | ||
** Weapons and Equipment | ** Weapons and Equipment | ||
| − | * '' | + | * '''''RECORD SHEETS AND TABLES''''' |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
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| − | |||
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==Development Notes== | ==Development Notes== | ||
| − | * The Catalyst Game Labs Tumblr featured a series of posts explaining the concept and some of the design steps behind the ''BattleMech Manual'': [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/152663332826/battlemech-manual-development/ 1] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/153793350216/battlemech-manual-development/ 2] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154168913031/battlemech-manual-development/ 3] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154476537421/battlemech-manual-development/ 4] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154739808086/a-dropship-load-of-battletech-action/ 5] | + | *The Catalyst Game Labs Tumblr featured a series of posts explaining the concept and some of the design steps behind the ''BattleMech Manual'': [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/152663332826/battlemech-manual-development/ 1] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/153793350216/battlemech-manual-development/ 2] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154168913031/battlemech-manual-development/ 3] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154476537421/battlemech-manual-development/ 4] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154739808086/a-dropship-load-of-battletech-action/ 5] |
| − | * An [ | + | *An [http://www.bg.battletech.com/news/news-and-announcements/what-is-the-battlemech-manual/ article explaining what the Manual does and why] was posted to the official BattleTech website in January 2017. |
| − | * The Manual was | + | *The Manual was pre-released as a Beta PDF version in January 2017. This 'Open Beta' version cost $10, but for the the first month of its release was coupled with an electronic survey that gave a $5 coupon for use at the [[Catalyst Game Labs]] webstore. Purchasing the beta did not provide an automatic free upgrade to the final PDF release, unlike previous Catalyst beta offerings. The beta closed in July 2017.<br /> |
| − | * [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/158360190691/this-is-why-you-do-betas A follow-up article] detailing some of the results of feedback collected in the Beta to date was posted to the CGL official Tumblr in March 2017. As a result of user feedback, additional advanced equipment from ''Tactical Operations'' and ''Interstellar Operations'' was added to the final release. | + | *[http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/158360190691/this-is-why-you-do-betas A follow-up article] detailing some of the results of feedback collected in the Beta to date was posted to the CGL official Tumblr in March 2017. As a result of user feedback, additional advanced equipment from ''Tactical Operations'' and ''Interstellar Operations'' was added to the final release. |
| − | * [http://bg.battletech.com/news/battlemech-manual-final-release/ A further follow-up article] published immediately following the book's final release detailed more of the specific changes made between the Beta and the final | + | *[http://bg.battletech.com/news/battlemech-manual-final-release/ A further follow-up article] published immediately following the book's final release detailed more of the specific changes made between the Beta and the final. |
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==Errata== | ==Errata== | ||
| − | + | CGL maintains an errata [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=58133.0 forum thread] for this book as well as an errata document for download from their website's [https://bg.battletech.com/errata/ Errata section]. | |
| − | + | When the first printing had sold out and a second, updated printing was prepared, Keith "Xotl" Hann offered a [[w:PDF#Forms Data Format (FDF)|FDF]] document to go with the PDF release of the first printing that would include most of the changes included in the second printing. ([https://www.dropbox.com/s/794qs4gy145rs13/Battlemech%20Manual%201st%20printing.fdf?dl=0 Download link]) | |
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
| − | + | [[Category:Books]] | |
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Rule Books]] |
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Electronic Books]] |