Difference between revisions of "Wunderwelten"
Sarna News
m (Not all of these magazine articles warrant their own Sarna articles. Also, some minor copyedits.) |
(minor workover) |
||
| Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
| − | As a FanPro | + | As a FanPro house magazine, Wunderwelten naturally had a broad coverage of FanPro's products, most notably the [[w:The Dark Eye|Das Schwarze Auge]], [[BattleTech]] and [[Shadowrun]] game lines. However, it was aimed at a greater audience and was not limited to FanPro products; it featured general reports and articles about fantasy and science fiction literature and gaming, short stories and reviews of other firms' products as well. |
| − | BattleTech content and translations | + | Most BattleTech-related content was taken from english-language magazines and sourcebooks, but there was also considerable original content. Both the translations and the original content were usually the work of [[Reinhold H. Mai]], [[Hartwig Nieder-Gassel]] and [[Frank Lenzer]]. |
==Canonicity== | ==Canonicity== | ||
| − | FanPro held the license to produce the German edition of BattleTech while they published Wunderwelten, and later (from 2001 to 2006) for the entire BattleTech line including original English products. As such, their House Magazine can arguably be regarded as an official soure. However, since it was only published in German, it is not counted among the canonical sources. Original content from Wunderwelten can therefore be regarded as apocryphal at best. | + | FanPro held the license to produce the German edition of BattleTech while they published Wunderwelten, and later (from 2001 to 2006) for the entire BattleTech line including original English products. As such, their House Magazine can arguably be regarded as an official soure. However, since it was only published in German, it is not counted among the canonical sources. Original content from Wunderwelten can therefore be regarded as apocryphal at best. |
==Issue 1== | ==Issue 1== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*Portrayal of [[FASA]] and a lengthy 5-page interview with [[Jordan Weisman]], [[L. Ross Babcock III]] and FASA President [[Morton Weisman]], taken in August 1988 at the FASA offices in Chicago on the eve of the GenCon/Origins game fair. Since Jordan Weisman was called from the room 20 minutes into the interview, the answers were largely given by Ross Babcock and Mort Weisman. This is notable insofar as both of them rarely have had any information published about them otherwise. | *Portrayal of [[FASA]] and a lengthy 5-page interview with [[Jordan Weisman]], [[L. Ross Babcock III]] and FASA President [[Morton Weisman]], taken in August 1988 at the FASA offices in Chicago on the eve of the GenCon/Origins game fair. Since Jordan Weisman was called from the room 20 minutes into the interview, the answers were largely given by Ross Babcock and Mort Weisman. This is notable insofar as both of them rarely have had any information published about them otherwise. | ||
| − | |||
*''[[BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception]]'' review | *''[[BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception]]'' review | ||
| + | Translated content: | ||
| + | *STX-7K ''Streitaxt'' (BTX-7K ''[[Battleaxe]]'' entry from BattleTechnology #0203) | ||
==Issue 2== | ==Issue 2== | ||
| + | Translated content: | ||
*"Natasha's Surprise": Scenario from ''[[The Spider and the Wolf]]'' | *"Natasha's Surprise": Scenario from ''[[The Spider and the Wolf]]'' | ||
*"Worldbook - [[Mira]]": Article from ''BattleTechnology'' #0203 | *"Worldbook - [[Mira]]": Article from ''BattleTechnology'' #0203 | ||
| − | *"SPN-5V ''Spinne''" (''[[Spider]]'' | + | *"SPN-5V ''Spinne''" (''[[Spider]]'' entry from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]'') |
==Issue 3== | ==Issue 3== | ||
| − | + | Original content: | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
*''[[CityTech]]'' review | *''[[CityTech]]'' review | ||
| + | Translated content: | ||
| + | *"[[Natasha Kerensky: Bio-medical Report]]" (from ''[[Shrapnel]]'') | ||
| + | *"Strike at Wittengate" (from ''BattleTechnology'' #0202) | ||
| + | *"Hiring Hall - The [[Dragonslayers]]" (from ''BattleTechnology'' #0202) | ||
| + | *"Cavalry Vehicles" ([[Whirlwind (BattleTechnology)|Whirlwind]] and [[Harrier (BattleTechnology)|Harrier]] scout tanks from ''BattleTechnology'' #0202) | ||
==Issue 4== | ==Issue 4== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*Article about the Chicago [[Virtual World]] [[BattleTech Center]] | *Article about the Chicago [[Virtual World]] [[BattleTech Center]] | ||
| − | |||
*''[[Succession Wars (Board Game)]]'' review and match report | *''[[Succession Wars (Board Game)]]'' review and match report | ||
| + | *''[[MechWarrior (1989 Video Game)]]'' review | ||
| + | Translated content: | ||
| + | *"Hiring Hall - [[Hassid Ricol]]: The Red Duke" (from ''BattleTechnology'' #0102) | ||
*"FLK-4E ''Falke''" (FLC-4N ''[[Falcon]]''): 'Mech writeup from ''BattleTechnology'' #0101 | *"FLK-4E ''Falke''" (FLC-4N ''[[Falcon]]''): 'Mech writeup from ''BattleTechnology'' #0101 | ||
| − | *"Tharkad on Guard" from ''BattleTechnology'' #0201 | + | *"Tharkad on Guard" (from ''BattleTechnology'' #0201) |
| − | |||
==Issue 5== | ==Issue 5== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*[[Black Phantom (Wunderwelten)|BLP-KS ''Black Phantom'']]: 'Mech writeup entry for a custom design that made first place in the Phancon tournament 1990 in Ratingen | *[[Black Phantom (Wunderwelten)|BLP-KS ''Black Phantom'']]: 'Mech writeup entry for a custom design that made first place in the Phancon tournament 1990 in Ratingen | ||
| − | *"On the Shores of a Sea on Gordo" from ''BattleTechnology'' #0201 | + | *''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]'' and ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]'' review |
| + | Translated content: | ||
| + | *"On the Shores of a Sea on Gordo" (from ''BattleTechnology'' #0201) | ||
*Optional low gravity and vacuum rules, compiled from "BattleMech combat in Vacuum" (''BattleTechnology'' #0201) and "Low Gravity Combat" (''BattleTechnology'' #11) | *Optional low gravity and vacuum rules, compiled from "BattleMech combat in Vacuum" (''BattleTechnology'' #0201) and "Low Gravity Combat" (''BattleTechnology'' #11) | ||
| − | |||
==Issue 6== | ==Issue 6== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*Playing report from the [[BattleTech Center]] in Chicago | *Playing report from the [[BattleTech Center]] in Chicago | ||
==Issue 7== | ==Issue 7== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*Painting guide for BattleTech miniatures | *Painting guide for BattleTech miniatures | ||
*[[Odin (Wunderwelten)|ODN-1M ''Odin'']]: 'Mech writeup for a custom design | *[[Odin (Wunderwelten)|ODN-1M ''Odin'']]: 'Mech writeup for a custom design | ||
| Line 77: | Line 88: | ||
==Issue 8== | ==Issue 8== | ||
| − | + | Original content: | |
*''[[BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Revenge]]'' review | *''[[BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Revenge]]'' review | ||
| + | Translated content: | ||
| + | *"Assault on St. Andre" and "Goliaths on St. Andre" (from ''BattleTechnology'' #0204) | ||
==Issue 9== | ==Issue 9== | ||
| − | *"Worldbook - [[Wheel]]" from ''BattleTechnology'' #0201 | + | Translated content: |
| − | *"Black | + | *"Worldbook - [[Wheel]]" (from ''BattleTechnology'' #0201) |
| + | *"Black Luthien" (from ''BattleTechnology'' #0102) | ||
==Issue 10== | ==Issue 10== | ||
| − | *"Junk Yard Dogs" campaign | + | Translated content: |
| + | *"Junk Yard Dogs" campaign, scenarios 1 and 2, and [[Cranston Snord]] interview (from ''[[Cranston Snord's Irregulars (scenario pack)]]'') | ||
==Issue 11== | ==Issue 11== | ||
| − | *"Junk Yard Dogs" campaign | + | Translated content: |
| + | *"Junk Yard Dogs" campaign, scenarios 3 and 4 (from ''[[Cranston Snord's Irregulars (scenario pack)]]'') | ||
==Issue 12== | ==Issue 12== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*[[Zerstörer (Wunderwelten)|ZE-4RR '''Zerstörer'':]] 'Mech writeup for a custom design | *[[Zerstörer (Wunderwelten)|ZE-4RR '''Zerstörer'':]] 'Mech writeup for a custom design | ||
*''[[MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game]]'', ''[[Solaris VII: The Game World]]'' and ''[[Clantroops]]'' review | *''[[MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game]]'', ''[[Solaris VII: The Game World]]'' and ''[[Clantroops]]'' review | ||
==Issue 13== | ==Issue 13== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*Interview with [[Robert N. Charrette]] (FreuCon 1992) | *Interview with [[Robert N. Charrette]] (FreuCon 1992) | ||
*''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]'' presentation | *''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]'' presentation | ||
==Issue 14== | ==Issue 14== | ||
| − | *"''[[Drachentrick]]''" | + | Original content: |
| + | *"''[[Drachentrick]]''" campaign. [[Draconis Combine]] [[Tai-shu|Warlord]] [[Ivan Sorenson]] sends the [[Tooth of Ymir]] on a clandestine mission to capture [[Suk II]]; the players have to defend the world together with [[Hansen's Roughriders]]. An expansion pack with additional maps, force listings, units and [[BattleForce]] stats could be ordered via FanPro and was shipped on a 3.5" [[w:floppy disk|floppy disk]]. | ||
==Issue 15== | ==Issue 15== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*Instructions for kitbashing a ODN-1M ''Odin'' (see Issue 7) from a ''[[Marauder II]]'' miniature | *Instructions for kitbashing a ODN-1M ''Odin'' (see Issue 7) from a ''[[Marauder II]]'' miniature | ||
==Issue 16== | ==Issue 16== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*"''Mechwerkstatt: BattleTech-Logistik für Fortgeschrittene''" (''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Mech workshop: Advanced logistics rules''): Ruleset and tips for the Game Master to include logistics into a BattleTech campaign, including aspects of the [[Company Store]] ploy. Anecdotes from the [[Cameron's Legion]] [[mercenary unit]] illustrate the application of the rules and procedures. | *"''Mechwerkstatt: BattleTech-Logistik für Fortgeschrittene''" (''<nowiki>'</nowiki>Mech workshop: Advanced logistics rules''): Ruleset and tips for the Game Master to include logistics into a BattleTech campaign, including aspects of the [[Company Store]] ploy. Anecdotes from the [[Cameron's Legion]] [[mercenary unit]] illustrate the application of the rules and procedures. | ||
==Issue 17== | ==Issue 17== | ||
| − | *Interview with Detlef "Major" Howe, founding member of [[MechForce Germany]] (1st incarnation). | + | Original content: |
| + | *Interview with [[Detlef "Major" Howe|Detlef Howe]], founding member of [[MechForce Germany]] (1st incarnation). | ||
==Issue 18== | ==Issue 18== | ||
| Line 114: | Line 136: | ||
==Issue 19== | ==Issue 19== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*Errata section for the German edition of the ''[[BattleTech Compendium]]'' | *Errata section for the German edition of the ''[[BattleTech Compendium]]'' | ||
==Issue 20== | ==Issue 20== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*Detailed rules for [[Double-Blind rules|double-blind]] play | *Detailed rules for [[Double-Blind rules|double-blind]] play | ||
*"''[[Schwarzer Tag]]''": Campaign. A series of sophisticated company-vs.-company training scenarios simulating an objective raid (hostage rescue) under double-blind rules. Designed to teach units how to deal with poor intelligence and adapt to a new tactical situation, the scenarios feature minefields, ambushes, unexpected weather extremes and traps. They are presented as a training run carried out by Cameron's Legion during their garrison duty on Suk II against mock opponents from Hansen's Roughriders. Like with ''Drachentrick'', an expansion pack was offered for sale on disk through FanPro with supplements, [[BattleForce]] rules and a MechWarrior RPG scenario. | *"''[[Schwarzer Tag]]''": Campaign. A series of sophisticated company-vs.-company training scenarios simulating an objective raid (hostage rescue) under double-blind rules. Designed to teach units how to deal with poor intelligence and adapt to a new tactical situation, the scenarios feature minefields, ambushes, unexpected weather extremes and traps. They are presented as a training run carried out by Cameron's Legion during their garrison duty on Suk II against mock opponents from Hansen's Roughriders. Like with ''Drachentrick'', an expansion pack was offered for sale on disk through FanPro with supplements, [[BattleForce]] rules and a MechWarrior RPG scenario. | ||
| Line 124: | Line 148: | ||
==Issue 22== | ==Issue 22== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*"''[[Inselhüpfen]]''": Extended scenario/mini-campaign, designed for double-blind campaign play. A medium 'Mech company from the [[26th Lyran Guards]] has to find and destroy a submarine base in a Lyran attempt to re-capture the ocean moon Muddy in the [[Engadin]] system from the Draconis Combine. The defenders field hovercraft, ships, submarines and water-mobile infantry on water scooters. There is only one island large enough to land a DropShip on, and numerous archipelagos of small, muddy islands that have to be reconnoitered. A strategic world map is provided for strategic movement of units between archipelagos, as are special weather rules including rain season rules. | *"''[[Inselhüpfen]]''": Extended scenario/mini-campaign, designed for double-blind campaign play. A medium 'Mech company from the [[26th Lyran Guards]] has to find and destroy a submarine base in a Lyran attempt to re-capture the ocean moon Muddy in the [[Engadin]] system from the Draconis Combine. The defenders field hovercraft, ships, submarines and water-mobile infantry on water scooters. There is only one island large enough to land a DropShip on, and numerous archipelagos of small, muddy islands that have to be reconnoitered. A strategic world map is provided for strategic movement of units between archipelagos, as are special weather rules including rain season rules. | ||
==Issue 23== | ==Issue 23== | ||
| − | *"[[Cargo Queen]]": MechWarrior RPG Scenario | + | Original content: |
| + | *"[[Cargo Queen]]": MechWarrior RPG Scenario presented as annotated short story, detailing the many pitfalls of boarding of a [[JumpShip]] by narrating a boarding action performed by Cameron's Legion's infantry. | ||
==Issue 24== | ==Issue 24== | ||
| − | *''[[Mächte der Inneren Sphäre]]'' and ''[[ | + | Original content |
| + | *''[[Mächte der Inneren Sphäre]]'' and ''[[Hardware-Handbuch 3052]]'' review | ||
==Issue 25== | ==Issue 25== | ||
| Line 136: | Line 163: | ||
==Issue 26== | ==Issue 26== | ||
| − | *"''[[Operation Zitadelle]]''" | + | Original content: |
| + | *"''[[Operation Zitadelle]]''" campaign, part 1. [[No Return]] decides to split from the [[Capellan Confederation]] in the face of the Confederation's apparent weakness after the [[Fourth Succession War]]. [[Romano Liao]] hires a company-sized mercenary unit to abduct the revolution leader from his stronghold; the Liao leadership insists on including a small infantry contingent and a modified [[Striker (Combat Vehicle)]]. In the face of civilian protesters, the mercenaries must make some tough moral decisions. | ||
*''[[Sorenson's Sabres (scenario pack)]]'' and ''[[The Battle for Twycross]]'' review | *''[[Sorenson's Sabres (scenario pack)]]'' and ''[[The Battle for Twycross]]'' review | ||
==Issue 27== | ==Issue 27== | ||
| − | *"''Operation Striker''" | + | Original content: |
| + | *"''Operation Striker''" scenario (ties into the "''Operation Zitadelle''" campaign) | ||
*''[[1st Somerset Strikers (sourcebook)]]'' and ''[[Chaos March (sourcebook)]]'' reviews | *''[[1st Somerset Strikers (sourcebook)]]'' and ''[[Chaos March (sourcebook)]]'' reviews | ||
==Issue 28== | ==Issue 28== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*''[[MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game, Second Edition]]'', ''[[Atlas der Inneren Sphäre]]'', ''[[MechWarrior Companion]]'' and ''[[MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat]]'' reviews | *''[[MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game, Second Edition]]'', ''[[Atlas der Inneren Sphäre]]'', ''[[MechWarrior Companion]]'' and ''[[MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat]]'' reviews | ||
==Issue 29== | ==Issue 29== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*''[[Record Sheets: 3055 & 3058]]'', ''[[Star Lord (novel)]]'' and ''[[Living Legends]]'' announcement | *''[[Record Sheets: 3055 & 3058]]'', ''[[Star Lord (novel)]]'' and ''[[Living Legends]]'' announcement | ||
==Issue 30== | ==Issue 30== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]'' review | *''[[Technical Readout: 3058]]'' review | ||
==Issue 31== | ==Issue 31== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*''[[CityTech, Second Edition]]'', ''[[Living Legends]]'' and ''[[The Periphery, 2nd Edition (sourcebook)]]'' review | *''[[CityTech, Second Edition]]'', ''[[Living Legends]]'' and ''[[The Periphery, 2nd Edition (sourcebook)]]'' review | ||
*FASA vs. Playmates ([[Exosquad Lawsuit]]) report | *FASA vs. Playmates ([[Exosquad Lawsuit]]) report | ||
==Issue 32== | ==Issue 32== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*"''SpielMechaniken''", part 1: A guide to playing BattleTech as a boardgame, role-playing game or mixed-type game campaign | *"''SpielMechaniken''", part 1: A guide to playing BattleTech as a boardgame, role-playing game or mixed-type game campaign | ||
*''[[Ronin!]]'' preview | *''[[Ronin!]]'' preview | ||
==Issue 33== | ==Issue 33== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*"''SpielMechaniken''", part 2 | *"''SpielMechaniken''", part 2 | ||
*"''[[Der erste Kontakt]]''" (First Contact), four loosely related scenarios during [[Clan Jade Falcon]]'s invasion of [[Black Earth]] against defending forces from the [[17th Skye Rangers|17th Skye RCT]] and the [[1st Grave Walkers]]. | *"''[[Der erste Kontakt]]''" (First Contact), four loosely related scenarios during [[Clan Jade Falcon]]'s invasion of [[Black Earth]] against defending forces from the [[17th Skye Rangers|17th Skye RCT]] and the [[1st Grave Walkers]]. | ||
==Issue 34== | ==Issue 34== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]'', ''[[BattleTech 4th Edition]]'', ''[[Field Manual: Draconis Combine]]'' and ''[[The Fall of Terra (scenario pack)]]'' reviews | *''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]'', ''[[BattleTech 4th Edition]]'', ''[[Field Manual: Draconis Combine]]'' and ''[[The Fall of Terra (scenario pack)]]'' reviews | ||
==Issue 35== | ==Issue 35== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*"''Volles Rohr!''": Artillery in BattleTech | *"''Volles Rohr!''": Artillery in BattleTech | ||
*Reviews of the German editions of ''[[Technical Readout: 3055]]'' ("''Hardware-Handbuch 3055''"), ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' ("''Söldner-Handbuch 3055''") and ''[[Tactical Handbook]]'' ("''Taktik-Handbuch''") | *Reviews of the German editions of ''[[Technical Readout: 3055]]'' ("''Hardware-Handbuch 3055''"), ''[[Mercenary's Handbook 3055]]'' ("''Söldner-Handbuch 3055''") and ''[[Tactical Handbook]]'' ("''Taktik-Handbuch''") | ||
| Line 173: | Line 210: | ||
==Issue 36== | ==Issue 36== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game]]'', ''[[Explorer Corps (sourcebook)]]'', ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]'' and ''[[Star Lord (novel)]]'' reviews | *''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game]]'', ''[[Explorer Corps (sourcebook)]]'', ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]'' and ''[[Star Lord (novel)]]'' reviews | ||
==Issue 37== | ==Issue 37== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*"AstroTech-3D": Optional rules for 3-dimensional AeroTech play | *"AstroTech-3D": Optional rules for 3-dimensional AeroTech play | ||
*''[[Solaris VII: The Game World]]'', ''[[The Battle of Coventry (scenario pack)]]'' and ''[[First Strike]]'' reviews | *''[[Solaris VII: The Game World]]'', ''[[The Battle of Coventry (scenario pack)]]'' and ''[[First Strike]]'' reviews | ||
==Issue 38== | ==Issue 38== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*"Solaris VII - Auf die harte Tour!" (''Solaris VII - The hard way!''): Essay and house rules for running a [[Solaris Games|Solaris VII]] championship tournament | *"Solaris VII - Auf die harte Tour!" (''Solaris VII - The hard way!''): Essay and house rules for running a [[Solaris Games|Solaris VII]] championship tournament | ||
*''[[Geschichte der Inneren Sphäre]]'', ''[[GeoTech]] IV'' and ''[[Shrapnel]]'' reviews | *''[[Geschichte der Inneren Sphäre]]'', ''[[GeoTech]] IV'' and ''[[Shrapnel]]'' reviews | ||
==Issue 39== | ==Issue 39== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*"''[[Testfall]]''": Scenarions. In 3058, [[Bromley Stables]] have received the [[Lancer (Wunderwelten)|LNC-X05 ''Lancer]]'' [[HybridMech]] of mixed [[Inner Sphere]] and [[Clan]] technology from the [[Free Worlds League]] for testing. They put the new design through an urban mock fight (under regular rules) and a debut match against the [[Fitzhugh Stables]] (under [['Mech Duel Rules]]). | *"''[[Testfall]]''": Scenarions. In 3058, [[Bromley Stables]] have received the [[Lancer (Wunderwelten)|LNC-X05 ''Lancer]]'' [[HybridMech]] of mixed [[Inner Sphere]] and [[Clan]] technology from the [[Free Worlds League]] for testing. They put the new design through an urban mock fight (under regular rules) and a debut match against the [[Fitzhugh Stables]] (under [['Mech Duel Rules]]). | ||
*LNC-X05 ''Lancer'': Custom 'Mech record sheet | *LNC-X05 ''Lancer'': Custom 'Mech record sheet | ||
| Line 191: | Line 232: | ||
==Issue 40== | ==Issue 40== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]'' review | *''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]'' review | ||
*Interview with Hartwig Nieder-Gassel and Frank Lenzer about the upcoming German edition of ''[[BattleSpace]]'' | *Interview with Hartwig Nieder-Gassel and Frank Lenzer about the upcoming German edition of ''[[BattleSpace]]'' | ||
| Line 199: | Line 241: | ||
==Issue 41== | ==Issue 41== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*"BattleMania": A tongue-in-cheek presentation of rules for BattleTech [[w:Live action role-playing game|live-action-play]] as BattleMechs (not MechWarriors) | *"BattleMania": A tongue-in-cheek presentation of rules for BattleTech [[w:Live action role-playing game|live-action-play]] as BattleMechs (not MechWarriors) | ||
==Issue 42== | ==Issue 42== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*''[[BattleSpace]]'' quick-start rules and introduction | *''[[BattleSpace]]'' quick-start rules and introduction | ||
| + | *''[[BattleTech 4th Edition]]'', ''[[Record Sheets: 3025 & 3026]]'', ''[[Impetus of War]]'' and ''[[Northwind Highlanders (scenario pack)]]'' reviews | ||
| + | *Miniatures presentation (''[[Toyama (BattleMech)|Toyama]]'', ''[[Hankyu]]'', ''[[Emperor]]'', ''[[Challenger]]'' and ''[[Goblin]]'') | ||
| + | Translated content: | ||
*"''Alte Feindschaften''" (Old enmities): Scenario "Hide and Seek" from the BattleSpace rulebook | *"''Alte Feindschaften''" (Old enmities): Scenario "Hide and Seek" from the BattleSpace rulebook | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
*TYM-1A ''Toyama'': 'Mech stats | *TYM-1A ''Toyama'': 'Mech stats | ||
==Issue 43== | ==Issue 43== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*"''Kickstart-Regeln''"-booklet (Classic BattleTech Quick Start Rules) included | *"''Kickstart-Regeln''"-booklet (Classic BattleTech Quick Start Rules) included | ||
*''[[First Strike]]'', ''[[BattleForce 2]]'' and ''[[No Limits]]'' reviews | *''[[First Strike]]'', ''[[BattleForce 2]]'' and ''[[No Limits]]'' reviews | ||
==Issue 44== | ==Issue 44== | ||
| − | *"''Die BattleTech-Kampagne - Interaktive Feldzüge im Vierten Nachfolgekrieg''" (The BattleTech Campaign - Interactive campaigns in the Fourth Succession War): | + | Original content: |
| + | *"''Die BattleTech-Kampagne - Interaktive Feldzüge im Vierten Nachfolgekrieg''" (The BattleTech Campaign - Interactive campaigns in the Fourth Succession War): An original campaign ruleset | ||
*Miniatures presentation (''[[Zhukov]]'', ''[[Batu]]'', ''[[Lineholder]]'' and ''[[Marshal]]'') | *Miniatures presentation (''[[Zhukov]]'', ''[[Batu]]'', ''[[Lineholder]]'' and ''[[Marshal]]'') | ||
==Issue 45== | ==Issue 45== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*''[[BattleSpace]]'', ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'', ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War]]'', ''[[BattleTech Master Rules]]'', ''[[Double-Blind]]'' review | *''[[BattleSpace]]'', ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'', ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War]]'', ''[[BattleTech Master Rules]]'', ''[[Double-Blind]]'' review | ||
*Miniatures presentation ([[Skulker]], ''[[Supernova]]'', ''[[Black Lanner]]'', ''[[Devastator]]'', ''[[Maelstrom]]'', ''[[Strider]]'', [[Alacorn]], ''[[Cauldron-Born]]'', [[Badger]] and ''[[Akuma]]'') | *Miniatures presentation ([[Skulker]], ''[[Supernova]]'', ''[[Black Lanner]]'', ''[[Devastator]]'', ''[[Maelstrom]]'', ''[[Strider]]'', [[Alacorn]], ''[[Cauldron-Born]]'', [[Badger]] and ''[[Akuma]]'') | ||
| Line 222: | Line 270: | ||
==Issue 46== | ==Issue 46== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*''[[BattleTech Master Rules]]'' preview | *''[[BattleTech Master Rules]]'' preview | ||
==Issue 47== | ==Issue 47== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*''[[BattleTech Master Rules]]'' review | *''[[BattleTech Master Rules]]'' review | ||
*Miniatures presentation (''[[Jagatai]]'', ''[[Pillager]]'', ''[[Enfield]]'', ''[[Night Gyr]]'', ''[[Cicada]]'' and ''[[Mobile HQ]]'') | *Miniatures presentation (''[[Jagatai]]'', ''[[Pillager]]'', ''[[Enfield]]'', ''[[Night Gyr]]'', ''[[Cicada]]'' and ''[[Mobile HQ]]'') | ||
| Line 230: | Line 280: | ||
==Issue 48== | ==Issue 48== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*"''Das Kanonenfutter schlägt zurück''" (''The cannon fodder strikes back''): Article about infantry and infantry tactics in BattleTech | *"''Das Kanonenfutter schlägt zurück''" (''The cannon fodder strikes back''): Article about infantry and infantry tactics in BattleTech | ||
*''[[Technical Readout: 3060]]'' and ''[[Twilight of the Clans]]'' review | *''[[Technical Readout: 3060]]'' and ''[[Twilight of the Clans]]'' review | ||
| − | |||
*Miniatures presentation (''[[Black Watch]]'', ''[[Spartan]]'', ''[[Spector]]'', [[J-27]] w/ [[Thumper Artillery Piece]], Inner Sphere [[Battle Armor]], ''[[Raijin]]'', ''[[Excalibur (BattleMech)|Excalibur]]'', ''[[Charger]]'', ''[[Lynx]]'' and [[Behemoth (Combat Vehicle)]]) | *Miniatures presentation (''[[Black Watch]]'', ''[[Spartan]]'', ''[[Spector]]'', [[J-27]] w/ [[Thumper Artillery Piece]], Inner Sphere [[Battle Armor]], ''[[Raijin]]'', ''[[Excalibur (BattleMech)|Excalibur]]'', ''[[Charger]]'', ''[[Lynx]]'' and [[Behemoth (Combat Vehicle)]]) | ||
*[[MechWarrior 3]] preview | *[[MechWarrior 3]] preview | ||
| + | Translated content: | ||
| + | *''[[Black Watch]]'' stats | ||
==Issue 49== | ==Issue 49== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*''[[Field Manual: Crusader Clans]]'', ''[[Field Manual: Warden Clans]]'' and ''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]'' reviews | *''[[Field Manual: Crusader Clans]]'', ''[[Field Manual: Warden Clans]]'' and ''[[Record Sheets: 3060]]'' reviews | ||
*Miniatures presentation (''[[O-Bakemono]]'', ''[[Kingfisher]]'', ''[[Ontos]]'', ''[[Thresher]]'', ''[[Karnov]] UR'', ''[[Trebuchet]]'', ''[[Cougar]]'', ''[[Dragon Fire]]'', ''[[Longinus]]'' and ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]'') | *Miniatures presentation (''[[O-Bakemono]]'', ''[[Kingfisher]]'', ''[[Ontos]]'', ''[[Thresher]]'', ''[[Karnov]] UR'', ''[[Trebuchet]]'', ''[[Cougar]]'', ''[[Dragon Fire]]'', ''[[Longinus]]'' and ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]'') | ||
| Line 242: | Line 295: | ||
==Issue 50== | ==Issue 50== | ||
| + | Original content: | ||
*"''Ein neues Zeitalter''" (''A new age''): Rundown of the state of the Inner Sphere and Clans as of 3060, and an outlook to the near future | *"''Ein neues Zeitalter''" (''A new age''): Rundown of the state of the Inner Sphere and Clans as of 3060, and an outlook to the near future | ||
*''[[Shattered Sphere]]'' and ''[[The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky]]'' review | *''[[Shattered Sphere]]'' and ''[[The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky]]'' review | ||
Revision as of 04:17, 9 April 2019
 | Apocryphal Product Although the subject of this article is an official BattleTech product, it does not meet the current criteria for Canon. Its content may or may not be canonical for the BattleTech universe, and for the purpose of the Sarna.net BattleTechWiki is considered apocryphal. |
| |
| Wunderwelten | |
|---|---|
| Product information | |
| Type | Magazine |
| Pages | 64-120/issue |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Fantasy Productions GmbH |
| First published | 1989-1999 |
| Content | |
The German fantasy and role-playing magazine Wunderwelten was produced by FanPro Germany and ran for 50 issues, appearing first in April 1989. The discontinuation came as a surprise to many, including the staff, and was only announced in the final issue #50 in 1999.
This article is focused on the magazine's BattleTech-related content.
Overview
As a FanPro house magazine, Wunderwelten naturally had a broad coverage of FanPro's products, most notably the Das Schwarze Auge, BattleTech and Shadowrun game lines. However, it was aimed at a greater audience and was not limited to FanPro products; it featured general reports and articles about fantasy and science fiction literature and gaming, short stories and reviews of other firms' products as well.
Most BattleTech-related content was taken from english-language magazines and sourcebooks, but there was also considerable original content. Both the translations and the original content were usually the work of Reinhold H. Mai, Hartwig Nieder-Gassel and Frank Lenzer.
Canonicity
FanPro held the license to produce the German edition of BattleTech while they published Wunderwelten, and later (from 2001 to 2006) for the entire BattleTech line including original English products. As such, their House Magazine can arguably be regarded as an official soure. However, since it was only published in German, it is not counted among the canonical sources. Original content from Wunderwelten can therefore be regarded as apocryphal at best.
Issue 1
Original content:
- Portrayal of FASA and a lengthy 5-page interview with Jordan Weisman, L. Ross Babcock III and FASA President Morton Weisman, taken in August 1988 at the FASA offices in Chicago on the eve of the GenCon/Origins game fair. Since Jordan Weisman was called from the room 20 minutes into the interview, the answers were largely given by Ross Babcock and Mort Weisman. This is notable insofar as both of them rarely have had any information published about them otherwise.
- BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception review
Translated content:
- STX-7K Streitaxt (BTX-7K Battleaxe entry from BattleTechnology #0203)
Issue 2
Translated content:
- "Natasha's Surprise": Scenario from The Spider and the Wolf
- "Worldbook - Mira": Article from BattleTechnology #0203
- "SPN-5V Spinne" (Spider entry from Technical Readout: 3025)
Issue 3
Original content:
- CityTech review
Translated content:
- "Natasha Kerensky: Bio-medical Report" (from Shrapnel)
- "Strike at Wittengate" (from BattleTechnology #0202)
- "Hiring Hall - The Dragonslayers" (from BattleTechnology #0202)
- "Cavalry Vehicles" (Whirlwind and Harrier scout tanks from BattleTechnology #0202)
Issue 4
Original content:
- Article about the Chicago Virtual World BattleTech Center
- Succession Wars (Board Game) review and match report
- MechWarrior (1989 Video Game) review
Translated content:
- "Hiring Hall - Hassid Ricol: The Red Duke" (from BattleTechnology #0102)
- "FLK-4E Falke" (FLC-4N Falcon): 'Mech writeup from BattleTechnology #0101
- "Tharkad on Guard" (from BattleTechnology #0201)
Issue 5
Original content:
- BLP-KS Black Phantom: 'Mech writeup entry for a custom design that made first place in the Phancon tournament 1990 in Ratingen
- Technical Readout: 3025 and Technical Readout: 3050 review
Translated content:
- "On the Shores of a Sea on Gordo" (from BattleTechnology #0201)
- Optional low gravity and vacuum rules, compiled from "BattleMech combat in Vacuum" (BattleTechnology #0201) and "Low Gravity Combat" (BattleTechnology #11)
Issue 6
Original content:
- Playing report from the BattleTech Center in Chicago
Issue 7
Original content:
- Painting guide for BattleTech miniatures
- ODN-1M Odin: 'Mech writeup for a custom design
- "Die lange Flucht" (The long flight): Short story, set in early 3030. Kurita forces raid Helios 3, a secret Davion test facility, and are defeated by a MechWarrior piloting a prototype Odin.
Issue 8
Original content:
Translated content:
- "Assault on St. Andre" and "Goliaths on St. Andre" (from BattleTechnology #0204)
Issue 9
Translated content:
- "Worldbook - Wheel" (from BattleTechnology #0201)
- "Black Luthien" (from BattleTechnology #0102)
Issue 10
Translated content:
- "Junk Yard Dogs" campaign, scenarios 1 and 2, and Cranston Snord interview (from Cranston Snord's Irregulars (scenario pack))
Issue 11
Translated content:
- "Junk Yard Dogs" campaign, scenarios 3 and 4 (from Cranston Snord's Irregulars (scenario pack))
Issue 12
Original content:
- ZE-4RR 'Zerstörer: 'Mech writeup for a custom design
- MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game, Solaris VII: The Game World and Clantroops review
Issue 13
Original content:
- Interview with Robert N. Charrette (FreuCon 1992)
- DropShips and JumpShips presentation
Issue 14
Original content:
- "Drachentrick" campaign. Draconis Combine Warlord Ivan Sorenson sends the Tooth of Ymir on a clandestine mission to capture Suk II; the players have to defend the world together with Hansen's Roughriders. An expansion pack with additional maps, force listings, units and BattleForce stats could be ordered via FanPro and was shipped on a 3.5" floppy disk.
Issue 15
Original content:
- Instructions for kitbashing a ODN-1M Odin (see Issue 7) from a Marauder II miniature
Issue 16
Original content:
- "Mechwerkstatt: BattleTech-Logistik für Fortgeschrittene" ('Mech workshop: Advanced logistics rules): Ruleset and tips for the Game Master to include logistics into a BattleTech campaign, including aspects of the Company Store ploy. Anecdotes from the Cameron's Legion mercenary unit illustrate the application of the rules and procedures.
Issue 17
Original content:
- Interview with Detlef Howe, founding member of MechForce Germany (1st incarnation).
Issue 18
- (no BattleTech-specific content)
Issue 19
Original content:
- Errata section for the German edition of the BattleTech Compendium
Issue 20
Original content:
- Detailed rules for double-blind play
- "Schwarzer Tag": Campaign. A series of sophisticated company-vs.-company training scenarios simulating an objective raid (hostage rescue) under double-blind rules. Designed to teach units how to deal with poor intelligence and adapt to a new tactical situation, the scenarios feature minefields, ambushes, unexpected weather extremes and traps. They are presented as a training run carried out by Cameron's Legion during their garrison duty on Suk II against mock opponents from Hansen's Roughriders. Like with Drachentrick, an expansion pack was offered for sale on disk through FanPro with supplements, BattleForce rules and a MechWarrior RPG scenario.
Issue 21
- (no BattleTech-specific content)
Issue 22
Original content:
- "Inselhüpfen": Extended scenario/mini-campaign, designed for double-blind campaign play. A medium 'Mech company from the 26th Lyran Guards has to find and destroy a submarine base in a Lyran attempt to re-capture the ocean moon Muddy in the Engadin system from the Draconis Combine. The defenders field hovercraft, ships, submarines and water-mobile infantry on water scooters. There is only one island large enough to land a DropShip on, and numerous archipelagos of small, muddy islands that have to be reconnoitered. A strategic world map is provided for strategic movement of units between archipelagos, as are special weather rules including rain season rules.
Issue 23
Original content:
- "Cargo Queen": MechWarrior RPG Scenario presented as annotated short story, detailing the many pitfalls of boarding of a JumpShip by narrating a boarding action performed by Cameron's Legion's infantry.
Issue 24
Original content
- Mächte der Inneren Sphäre and Hardware-Handbuch 3052 review
Issue 25
- (no BattleTech-specific content)
Issue 26
Original content:
- "Operation Zitadelle" campaign, part 1. No Return decides to split from the Capellan Confederation in the face of the Confederation's apparent weakness after the Fourth Succession War. Romano Liao hires a company-sized mercenary unit to abduct the revolution leader from his stronghold; the Liao leadership insists on including a small infantry contingent and a modified Striker (Combat Vehicle). In the face of civilian protesters, the mercenaries must make some tough moral decisions.
- Sorenson's Sabres (scenario pack) and The Battle for Twycross review
Issue 27
Original content:
- "Operation Striker" scenario (ties into the "Operation Zitadelle" campaign)
- 1st Somerset Strikers (sourcebook) and Chaos March (sourcebook) reviews
Issue 28
Original content:
- MechWarrior: The BattleTech Role Playing Game, Second Edition, Atlas der Inneren Sphäre, MechWarrior Companion and MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat reviews
Issue 29
Original content:
- Record Sheets: 3055 & 3058, Star Lord (novel) and Living Legends announcement
Issue 30
Original content:
- Technical Readout: 3058 review
Issue 31
Original content:
- CityTech, Second Edition, Living Legends and The Periphery, 2nd Edition (sourcebook) review
- FASA vs. Playmates (Exosquad Lawsuit) report
Issue 32
Original content:
- "SpielMechaniken", part 1: A guide to playing BattleTech as a boardgame, role-playing game or mixed-type game campaign
- Ronin! preview
Issue 33
Original content:
- "SpielMechaniken", part 2
- "Der erste Kontakt" (First Contact), four loosely related scenarios during Clan Jade Falcon's invasion of Black Earth against defending forces from the 17th Skye RCT and the 1st Grave Walkers.
Issue 34
Original content:
- Technical Readout: 2750, BattleTech 4th Edition, Field Manual: Draconis Combine and The Fall of Terra (scenario pack) reviews
Issue 35
Original content:
- "Volles Rohr!": Artillery in BattleTech
- Reviews of the German editions of Technical Readout: 3055 ("Hardware-Handbuch 3055"), Mercenary's Handbook 3055 ("Söldner-Handbuch 3055") and Tactical Handbook ("Taktik-Handbuch")
- Réunion: BattleTech RPG adventure/mini-campaign set on Laconis
Issue 36
Original content:
- BattleTech Trading Card Game, Explorer Corps (sourcebook), Technical Readout: 3025 Revised and Star Lord (novel) reviews
Issue 37
Original content:
- "AstroTech-3D": Optional rules for 3-dimensional AeroTech play
- Solaris VII: The Game World, The Battle of Coventry (scenario pack) and First Strike reviews
Issue 38
Original content:
- "Solaris VII - Auf die harte Tour!" (Solaris VII - The hard way!): Essay and house rules for running a Solaris VII championship tournament
- Geschichte der Inneren Sphäre, GeoTech IV and Shrapnel reviews
Issue 39
Original content:
- "Testfall": Scenarions. In 3058, Bromley Stables have received the LNC-X05 Lancer HybridMech of mixed Inner Sphere and Clan technology from the Free Worlds League for testing. They put the new design through an urban mock fight (under regular rules) and a debut match against the Fitzhugh Stables (under 'Mech Duel Rules).
- LNC-X05 Lancer: Custom 'Mech record sheet
- Exodus Road (novel) and miniatures (Vixen, Vedette, Thunder Hawk and Battle Cobra) presentation
- Technical Readout: 3058, Record Sheets: 3055 & 3058, Field Manual: Free Worlds League and Maximum Tech reviews
- "Solaris VII - Auf die harte Tour!" addendum with additional rules and clarifications
Issue 40
Original content:
- Field Manual: Mercenaries review
- Interview with Hartwig Nieder-Gassel and Frank Lenzer about the upcoming German edition of BattleSpace
- Miniatures presentation (Buccaneer (BattleMech), Hercules (BattleMech) and Chameleon)
- BCN-3R Buccaneer: 'Mech stats
- Errata for Owens entry in Technical Readout: 3058, presenting missing stats for two variants
- Errata for the LNC-X05 Lancer record sheet from Issue 39
Issue 41
Original content:
- "BattleMania": A tongue-in-cheek presentation of rules for BattleTech live-action-play as BattleMechs (not MechWarriors)
Issue 42
Original content:
- BattleSpace quick-start rules and introduction
- BattleTech 4th Edition, Record Sheets: 3025 & 3026, Impetus of War and Northwind Highlanders (scenario pack) reviews
- Miniatures presentation (Toyama, Hankyu, Emperor, Challenger and Goblin)
Translated content:
- "Alte Feindschaften" (Old enmities): Scenario "Hide and Seek" from the BattleSpace rulebook
- TYM-1A Toyama: 'Mech stats
Issue 43
Original content:
- "Kickstart-Regeln"-booklet (Classic BattleTech Quick Start Rules) included
- First Strike, BattleForce 2 and No Limits reviews
Issue 44
Original content:
- "Die BattleTech-Kampagne - Interaktive Feldzüge im Vierten Nachfolgekrieg" (The BattleTech Campaign - Interactive campaigns in the Fourth Succession War): An original campaign ruleset
- Miniatures presentation (Zhukov, Batu, Lineholder and Marshal)
Issue 45
Original content:
- BattleSpace, Technical Readout: 3057, BattlePack: Fourth Succession War, BattleTech Master Rules, Double-Blind review
- Miniatures presentation (Skulker, Supernova, Black Lanner, Devastator, Maelstrom, Strider, Alacorn, Cauldron-Born, Badger and Akuma)
- Advertisement/presentation of MechForce Germany (3rd incarnation)
Issue 46
Original content:
- BattleTech Master Rules preview
Issue 47
Original content:
- BattleTech Master Rules review
- Miniatures presentation (Jagatai, Pillager, Enfield, Night Gyr, Cicada and Mobile HQ)
- "Schrottplatz oder Siegertreppchen" (Scrap yard or rostrum): Rules for BattleTech league play
Issue 48
Original content:
- "Das Kanonenfutter schlägt zurück" (The cannon fodder strikes back): Article about infantry and infantry tactics in BattleTech
- Technical Readout: 3060 and Twilight of the Clans review
- Miniatures presentation (Black Watch, Spartan, Spector, J-27 w/ Thumper Artillery Piece, Inner Sphere Battle Armor, Raijin, Excalibur, Charger, Lynx and Behemoth (Combat Vehicle))
- MechWarrior 3 preview
Translated content:
- Black Watch stats
Issue 49
Original content:
- Field Manual: Crusader Clans, Field Manual: Warden Clans and Record Sheets: 3060 reviews
- Miniatures presentation (O-Bakemono, Kingfisher, Ontos, Thresher, Karnov UR, Trebuchet, Cougar, Dragon Fire, Longinus and Blackjack)
- "Männer aus Stahl" (Men of steel): Short story/interview with a Battlearmor trooper on Schuyler in August 3059 during Operation Bulldog by embedded reporters. During the interview, the troopers swarm a Mad Cat and accidentally trigger an ammunition explosion. The camera man is killed in the process, ending the interview.
Issue 50
Original content:
- "Ein neues Zeitalter" (A new age): Rundown of the state of the Inner Sphere and Clans as of 3060, and an outlook to the near future
- Shattered Sphere and The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky review