Experimental Technical Readout: Mercs

Experimental Technical Readout: Mercs
Product information
Type	Technical Readout (PDF)
Development	Herbert A. Beas II Randall N. Bills (Development Assistance)
Primary writing	Herbert A. Beas II
Pages	27
Cover Artwork	Matt Heerdt (Design & Layout)
Interior Artwork	David L. McCulloch (Record Sheets) Shane Hartley, Steve Walker and Matt Heerdt (BattleTech Logo Design)
Illustrations	Doug Chaffee Brent Evans Chris Lewis Jim Nelson
Publication information
Publisher	Catalyst Game Labs
Product code	CAT 35640
First published	December 24th, 2009
MSRP	$4.95
Content
Era	Jihad
Agency	Blackstone Diplomatic Corps
Universe Date	14 December 3076
Series	Experimental Technical Readouts
Followed by	Experimental Technical Readout: Pirates

Description

This was CGL's entry first in as series of experimental tech themed PDF exclusive mini-Technical Readouts or TROlet, named Experimental Tech Readout: Mercs (abbreviated XTRO:Mercs). This book provides full fluff, stats, and records sheets on experimental variant prototypes and one-off refits utilizing experimental technology developed on Arc-Royal on five BattleMechs, four combat vehicles, three aerospace fighters, and one conventional fighter from previously released Technical Readouts.

In-universe, the TRO is released as a report commissioned by the duchess of Arc-Royal to Blackstone BattleMechs Limited on 14 December 3076.

From the back cover

“

As the Inner Sphere reels from the devastating Jihad, factories have been shattered and supply lines strained. As the collective might of the Inner Sphere’s military industries rally to the cause, technicians plying the wreckage of a thousand battles across the war-ravaged realms scramble to piece together new weapons for the fight against the Word of Blake. Armed with prototype weapons and equipment rushed to the front lines, a new age of experimental BattleMechs, vehicles, and fighters dawns. Experimental Tech Readout: Mercs highlights a sample of the prototype designs that have begun testing in the BattleTech universe during the Jihad. Each design featured in this book incorporates some of the latest technologies to debut in the war against the Word of Blake, as first described in Tactical Operations. Statistics and Record Sheets are included for 13 new experimental BattleMechs, vehicles, and fighters, ready for play in advanced BattleTech games.

”

Contents

• Introduction

Strom Ashton, Director, Blackstone Diplomatic Corps 14 December 3076

• WLF-2X Wolfhound
• HOP-4X Hoplite
• GHR-7X Grasshopper
• ANH-2AX Annihilator
• "Schwerer Gustav"
• Warrior HX-9
• Vedette V-G7X
• Kanga-X
• Schrek II-X
• SYD-45X "Starling"
• Lucifer-X30
• Slayer-CX 1
• "Bullet" Suicide Drone

Notes

• Apparently under development for some time, the title was apparently killed off on various grounds. With some arm twisting, Herb was convinced to revive the title, and using the bare bones of the original was able to rewrite and release it within a mere 12 days, just in time for Christmas.
• After Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, this was only the second official product to include designs utilizing experimental equipment.
• The cover art of the XTRO was originally used as color art in Handbook: House Steiner.
• This book would mark the first time that a TRO would include record sheets for the units it lists.
• Experimental Technical Readout: Mercenaries was used in the How to use this book section and as the trademark.