Combat Manual: Mercenaries

Combat Manual Mercenaries cover.jpg
Combat Manual: Mercenaries
Product information
Type Sourcebook
Author Geoff Swift
Development Ray Arrastia
Joshua Franklin
Primary writing Geoff Swift
Pages 138
Cover Artwork Anthony Scroggins
Illustrations Ray Arrastia
Ken Fairclough
Mark Hayden
Alexander Immerzeel
David Allen Kerber
Chris Lewis
Marco Mazzoni
Florian Mellies
Jeff Porter
Anthony Scroggins
Eric Williams
Publication information
Publisher Catalyst Game Labs
Product code CAT35260
First published April 1, 2016
ISBN-10 1942487509
ISBN-13 978-1942487500
MSRP $14.99 (PDF)
$34.99 (Print)
Content
Era Late Succession Wars era
Early Clan Invasion Era
Timeline 3025 - 3049
Series Combat Manuals
Followed by Combat Manual: Kurita


Description[edit]

First in the Combat Manual series, Combat Manual: Mercenaries is a sourcebook designed by Catalyst Game Labs for the Alpha Strike game system and its expansions including the Abstract Combat System found in Interstellar Operations. The book covers the time period on the cusp of the Clan Invasion, focused on mercenary units working for various Successor States and other interests.

The book provides information on various mercenary units operating at the time and contains information to create typical mercenary unit formations using Alpha Strike rules. Further, it provides a Mini-Technical Readout section featuring previous Unseen BattleMechs which have been reimagined with new appearances.

Initially, Combat Manual: Mercenaries was released as a Beta version, the beta period running from November 5, 2015 to December 10, 2015. The official full product release was on April 1, 2016.

Product Description[edit]

Have 'Mech, Will Travel.

Some soldiers fight for king and country, some for honor and glory, others for liberty or loved ones. We'll fight for that too, whatever your cause, as long as the check clears.

For over forty centuries, mercenaries have plied their trade and been instrumental in toppling empires or holding the tides of war at bay. And as mankind expanded to the stars, soldiers of fortune rose to new heights of power. Business is booming, yet along with those riches comes a dangerous life and the scorn of many who see only filthy lucre-warriors. It's a dangerous life, but as long as you keep your 'Mech intact and your bottom line balanced, the universe is yours!

BattleTech Combat Manual: Mercenaries contains information on the soldier-for-hire trade and their place in the Inner Sphere. This manual takes a look at some of the most renowned mercenaries of the 31st century, detailing their histories, tactics, unit crests, paint schemes, and notable personnel. This Alpha Strike expansion includes special rules for unique character abilities, faction-specific rules, force-building, and a mini Technical Readout — everything you need to field your favorite mercenary command on the tabletop or create your own.

Contents[edit]

  • Combat Commands
  • Rules Addendum
  • Force Building
  • Select Point Value Total
  • Choose an Era
  • Choose a Faction
  • Choose a Combat Command
  • Build a Company
  • Build Formations
  • Assigning
  • Special Command Abilities
  • Supplemental Mercenaries
  • Mercenary Special Command Abilities
  • Mercenary Lances (Formations)
  • Unaffiliated Mercenaries
  • Technical Readout
  • Guns for Hire
  • Mercenary Faction Lists

Notes[edit]

  • A Beta version of Combat Manual: Mercenaries was released electronically for a discount. This allowed for fans to help the CGL with feedback to work out problems of this new series of books. Players were directed to advise CGL of any issues on the official Combat Manual: Mercenaries feedback thread
  • At the Beta version's release, the Alpha Strike Rulebook was given bundled with the Beta sourcebook.
  • On April 1st, the full release of the book was published, with previous buyers of the Beta version of the book given a free update. Changes to the book from Beta to final version include:
    • Book pages going up to 138 pages from originally 127.
    • Hansen's Roughriders entry added.
    • Corrections to various errors found during the Beta phase of the book's release.

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