OBT Forum

General BattleTech => General Discussion => Topic started by: Takiro on March 16, 2011, 09:20:02 PM

Title: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on March 16, 2011, 09:20:02 PM
Hey everybody just wanted to let you know that Field Report Free Worlds League and Jihad Turning Points Liao are now available for download. While I'm not all that interested in the Jihad setting I must confess I got the the Field Report. Not too shabby!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on March 18, 2011, 02:56:02 PM
Its a great look at the former Free Worlds League.

Also its Dark Age Turning Points:Liao rather than Jihad, the first book set in the dark ages featuring the CCAF invasion of Liao homeworld and the RAF defenders who opposed them.

I found the McCarron's Armored Cavalry Battalion make up interesting, its from the 2nd Regiment and consists of a Light mech Lance and lots of Hover Armour with some Battle Armored Infantry in support.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on March 20, 2011, 09:13:55 AM
I found the McCarron's Armored Cavalry Battalion make up interesting, its from the 2nd Regiment and consists of a Light mech Lance and lots of Hover Armour with some Battle Armored Infantry in support.

Why doesn't it sound really McCarron to me?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on April 30, 2011, 01:02:35 PM
Handbook: House Liao has a streetdate: May 25th.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on April 30, 2011, 10:26:20 PM
And that isn't all as many PDFs were made available today. A Time of War: The BattleTech RPG GM Screens came out today although I'm not that excited about that. What does look interesting is Experimental Technical Readout: RetroTech and Field Report: LAAF. Plus earlier last week I received word via e-mail of an updated TRO3058 for download. Off to read more now!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on May 01, 2011, 01:16:08 AM
I believe the update on '58 was just the rebranding and errata.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on May 19, 2011, 01:17:26 AM
Objectives Xapellan Confederation is out and well worth the $5 paid.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on May 19, 2011, 09:58:18 AM
Objectives Xapellan Confederation is out and well worth the $5 paid.

Out?  Still says coming soon...??  ???  >:( confused

Refreshed  >:( >:( never mind  ;D new buy...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on May 19, 2011, 02:37:28 PM
I'm curiuos:
How detailed is Objectives Capellan Confederation? Does it list the surviving factories and their products or just the surviving factories? Are perhaps even production facilities for components mentioned?

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on May 19, 2011, 06:52:49 PM
Well, we finally learn what the capitals are of every Duchy in the Confederation and have full planetary stats for every industrial, command and logistics planet in the confederation, 43 worlds in all.  Some have additional information regarding them.

Every type of site alos has the terrain and climate noted for game play needs and there is an extensive How To section at the back for creating games out of the material provieded. Then, every type of unit produced, at every factory is provided, as well as every corporate and academy logo in colour.  Additionally, there are details on every CCAF Duchy RTC facility.

Also, for the WarShip nuts there are details on the Capellan program's status and future.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on May 19, 2011, 07:02:03 PM
As I said elsewhere, la-la-la-la! I'm not listening! No more spreadsheet work here!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on May 26, 2011, 07:09:46 PM
Historical turning Points: Mallory's World is available now.

Well worth the $5 as always.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on May 26, 2011, 08:45:54 PM
Just got an e-mail that a dead tree copy of what I presume is Handbook Capellan Confederation has been shipped.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on May 27, 2011, 12:15:24 AM
I think I might be the only person who has zero interest in Mallory's World. My interest for the 3rd/4th Succession War era is gone. It's been covered to death, and the storyline needs to keep moving forward. Grognardism will only lead to the death of this already dwindling population.

All that being said, this is totally the right way to do things. There are still pieces available for folks interested in that era, but it doesn't overtake the main product development.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on May 27, 2011, 01:11:11 PM
Received my copy of Handbook: Capellan Confederation today. Off to reading now...

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on May 27, 2011, 10:24:43 PM
Ditto Hessian....
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on May 28, 2011, 05:10:18 PM
Might see Era Report: 3062 today. Here's hoping!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on May 29, 2011, 03:45:27 AM
Might see Era Report: 3062 today. Here's hoping!

According to the Clasic Battletech Homepage it is indeed available now!
Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on May 29, 2011, 04:03:05 AM
Yep and it provides the same level of detail as ER 3052.  I do wish that they had detailed Guerro more, but perhsps they are saving that for a Operational Turning Points?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on May 29, 2011, 08:47:48 AM
So its the setup for the FedCom Civil War then. I was disappointed by ER 3052 so I think I'll pass on 3062 for now.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on June 04, 2011, 04:09:48 PM
The Master Unit List is now available in a free online database.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on June 04, 2011, 06:22:19 PM
The Master Unit List is now available in a free online database.

Ciao
Hessian

No where near perfect but an excellent resource
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 04, 2011, 07:00:12 PM
Also Era Report: Age of War is out.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 04, 2011, 10:42:00 PM
Well that I have to get.  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 05, 2011, 02:26:55 AM
The three best parts are the BattleMech development timeline, the discussion of who really attended the Ares Conventions Summit and the page and map devoted to the United Hindu Collective.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on June 05, 2011, 05:39:43 AM
Its a good read, sets things up for Historical:Reunification War.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 05, 2011, 07:58:54 AM
Saw the UHC stuff which was a nice touch. Trying to glean any unit names or useful information mentioned for Threat Assessments 2785.  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 07, 2011, 06:31:41 PM
Its a good read, sets things up for Historical:Reunification War.

Spot on.

Also showcases how small some of the Age of War armies were. I would have liked to have seen more era-specific battles, etc., but it's a nice lead in to the larger H: RW. The rule references to what we'll see in RW made me uber happy.

I did very much enjoy the break down of the Clan-style of war. Mostly because it states zero WMDs. Makes the likelihood of nuclear armed SDSs less than likely, along with a much needed boost to the reasoning behind the WoB's style of Jihad.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 07, 2011, 06:39:07 PM
I did very much enjoy the break down of the Clan-style of war. Mostly because it states zero WMDs. Makes the likelihood of nuclear armed SDSs less than likely, along with a much needed boost to the reasoning behind the WoB's style of Jihad.

This would not have anything to do with an argument you might have had with CBT's King of the Prats would it?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 07, 2011, 06:42:21 PM
I did very much enjoy the break down of the Clan-style of war. Mostly because it states zero WMDs. Makes the likelihood of nuclear armed SDSs less than likely, along with a much needed boost to the reasoning behind the WoB's style of Jihad.

This would not have anything to do with an argument you might have had with CBT's King of the Prats would it?

Maybe... ;)

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on June 07, 2011, 10:47:27 PM
Also Era Report: Age of War is out.

Has anyone else had a problem downloading this?  My copy gets to 3.0/10.2 MB then stops like hitting a brick wall.

Quatermaster hasn't got back yet.  Annoyingly I just Downloaded Graves Covenant as well and it went through straight away
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 08, 2011, 06:14:10 AM
Nope I downloaded it fine DC.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 08, 2011, 06:46:57 AM
Mine was smoother than Ice's comebacks...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on June 08, 2011, 02:14:18 PM
Mine was smoother than Ice's comebacks...

???
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 08, 2011, 02:33:59 PM
Mine was smoother than Ice's comebacks...

???

Haha...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on June 08, 2011, 03:10:38 PM
Also Era Report: Age of War is out.

Has anyone else had a problem downloading this?  My copy gets to 3.0/10.2 MB then stops like hitting a brick wall.

Quatermaster hasn't got back yet.  Annoyingly I just Downloaded Graves Covenant as well and it went through straight away

First time mine didn't work but second was a charm.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on June 09, 2011, 03:38:34 PM
Haha...

Those English native speakers...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on June 09, 2011, 06:34:09 PM
Annoyed, disappointed in the same feeling

My copy of Age of War didn't download I contacted Quartermaster and Catalyst Help desk 3 days ago not a single email in response no reset of downloads been ripped off!!!!!

I've had a problem with a download before but they were able to fix but this one not even a whisper.

Downloaded The Hunters just yesterday worked fine don't know what is wrong with these PDF exclusives don't seem to be happy downloading.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 09, 2011, 06:49:40 PM
PM Welshman, he is very quick to respond on CBT.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on June 09, 2011, 09:26:08 PM
PM Welshman, he is very quick to respond on CBT.

Thanks I will once I'm home and not nabbing work PC lol
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 23, 2011, 07:04:04 PM
Reunifiaction War is out, downladed and open on my computer...now do I actually accomplish anything today?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 23, 2011, 08:29:27 PM
It's true! I squealed! *Wiggles* Happy Face!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lucho on June 23, 2011, 08:45:19 PM
Reunifiaction War is out, downladed and open on my computer...now do I actually accomplish anything today?

It's out? really out? You know you can forget about the rest of the day  ;D
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 23, 2011, 08:48:02 PM
We have regiment numbers, ship numbers, the works for before and after the Reunification War every faction. A great look at the Periphery Militaries (especially RWR) and the early SLDF. Also show the size of the HAF in relation to the other Great Houses. (Those Terran war factories were working over time that's for sure.)

At first glance this book is AWESOME.

Sadly, I'm only unimpressed with the art for the new units. They lack that Plog look and the WarShips are uninspired. Oh well, we can't have everything!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 23, 2011, 08:48:39 PM
Reunifiaction War is out, downladed and open on my computer...now do I actually accomplish anything today?

It's out? really out? You know you can forget about the rest of the day  ;D

Forget about tomorrow too...sooooo much text.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 23, 2011, 10:06:21 PM
Well there goes the budget and some old plans.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on June 24, 2011, 01:42:53 PM
Just downloaded it, now to spend the weekend reading it, oh and just from the quick look at the mini TRO in the back the TAS Dreadnaught is totally a rip of nBSG.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 24, 2011, 02:00:50 PM
Agreed 6, the Dreadnought looks a lot like the Galactica.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on June 24, 2011, 02:17:58 PM
Just downloaded it, now to spend the weekend reading it, oh and just from the quick look at the mini TRO in the back the TAS Dreadnaught is totally a rip of nBSG.


Agreed 6, the Dreadnought looks a lot like the Galactica.

Hmmm...Why am I not really surprised by that? :D

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 24, 2011, 02:22:41 PM
The unit art really is so so, (all three of the WarShip designs share a similar silhouette, shape and even some actual pieces) but there are a few little tidbits I really liked. For example, the 7th Republican is a throwback to the old Renegade Legion published by FASA (just look at the unit insignia - great stuff!)

Otherwise, I'm only a little disappointed by the TO&Es from the Taurian Fleet Actions. After reading about the DROST-type (err...Firefly anyone?) DropShips and seeing them in the lists, I didn't expect them to be used exclusively by both sides. I mean, with all of the variation found in the Taurian Fleet, (Winchester, Wagon Wheel, Concordat, etc.) seeing one or two domestic DropShip designs isn't too much to ask for is it?

So far, however, I'm loving the book. The theater write ups are great, but the book is riddled with grammatical and punctuation errors.

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 24, 2011, 02:50:00 PM
I should note that the Personalities section is very well done and the profile art is divine (I've read some criticism about CBT portraits in previous products - hopefully this one will shut the naysayers down.)

I also love the new rules for using WMDs, Irregular troops and Mobs. I think some of the Nuclear rules might have some novice players scratching their heads a little bit, but honestly, why are you using nukes anyway?!... :o

Sadly, I do have some continually questions regarding a few of the statements made. For example, the TC had X amount of BattleMech regiments, but apparently produced quite a bit more Talos 'Mechs than the number of regiments would suggest. Even with export, the wording leaves a lot of wiggle room. Same thing with the RWR hovertank mentioned - with thousands produced, and only a (roughly) single domestic user - the RWA and RRA should have been a bit larger on paper.

Those little nitpicks aside, (which is quite stupid really, but I know someone else will mentioned them on CBT) the book is really great. I'm only part of the way through the  TC campaign, (I skipped around a bit) but thoroughly enjoying every moment of it.

If you haven't purchased this book yet, you should.

Note: there's one art piece that's not really kid friendly IMO, but then again, given what kids see on TV today it's probably pretty mild.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on June 24, 2011, 03:00:50 PM
The melee brawl or the body on a pike?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 24, 2011, 03:56:18 PM
I'm a little disappointed about some errors like PDZs being mentioned in the Federated Suns but still reading. Surprised the Sword of Light is around at this point in history.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 24, 2011, 04:32:58 PM
The melee brawl or the body on a pike?

Both, but I thought the melee brawl was the worst. A little too Event Horizon perhaps?...

Gruesome stuff for a BattleTech product, but still cool.

Surprised the Sword of Light is around at this point in history.

Well, Shiro Kurita did come from a Japanese heritage after all. Even if the bulk of the DC hadn't yet embraced the Samurai culture.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 24, 2011, 08:02:32 PM
3rd Crucis Lancers got a mention, but that is what errata in the modern age is for.

Into Rim Worlds now, all good so far.

As to production, all realm were beefing up militia, so many units probably went there and the rest to replace the massive losses that were ongoing, either from depots or straight of the production lines.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lucho on June 24, 2011, 08:14:26 PM
Ok, I've given the PDF a read. It definitely merits a second read, and a third. My initial thoughts:

The art is good. Not the best CGL has put out, but still very nice. The units art, while well done, is weak. The portaits are better than the unit work. Same for the maps; two thumbs up

More references (nBSG, Firefly, etc) than before. I guess FASA is truly dead...

Sorry KM, but I disagree on the WMDs. This is a game about big, stompy robots; we're told "you shouldn't be usings nukes and WMDs" and then we're given detailed rules doing just that. MECHS, people! Remember, when this was a game about mechs? [rant off]

 Spot on about the errors. I'm surprised at how bad the editing is  :o

The writing is ok, but they didn't have to pull a retcon on the RWR: now we get a nation that is in the middle of near-anarchy and civil war, and the SLDF is more of a police action than invasion? Maybe I just expected too much, but it's a big change from the original material.

Overall, not the best by a longshot, but still definitely worthwhile  8)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 25, 2011, 03:04:38 PM
I see what you're saying lucho, but I appreciate option rules that expand game play above and beyond a "normal" battlefield. Irregular troops, WMDs, etc., only make playing with big stompy robots even more fun. Again, that's why Advanced and Optional Rules are so great. They cater to anyone and everyone.

As for the RWR, I don't know how much of a retcon we're actually seeing. The RWA/RRA divide was pretty true in the original fiction, which was simplified for expediency. Seeing how "loyal" the RWR seemed to the rest of the Inner Sphere, Gregory's "removal" probably made the SLDF's invasion of the Republic actually seem like it was a police action. I try to keep in mind the perception of the RWR that Gregory presented compared to the actual situation brewing within it's borders. That said, the real additions I to the fiction IMO, seemed to be in the Outworlds Alliance, where text on actions outside of the Pitcairn Legion simply didn't exist in prior products.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lucho on June 25, 2011, 04:31:57 PM
True, I'm being old-fashioned. Actually, my gripe is with the WMDs; I agree with you about the other stuff, esp. the irregular troops  8) . Just my personal preference.  :)

About the OA and RWR; in the first periphery book, we got the who and where for Forlough and the Pitcairn legion, but only that. Now we have more than just a list of battles. Very cool in that respect. The RWR, on the other hand, never mentioned the RWA/RRA divide per se. What we got in the first book is this: Gregory Amaris stayed under house arrest in his mansion for the duration of the war, and the Rim Provisional Government prosecuted the war against the SLDF. Both the original Star League and House Steiner books back up the Periphery book in saying that the 'Rimrats' (nice touch there) had an abundance of conventional forces, and put them to good use. Hardly the disorganized and feuding lot that this book paints them as.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on June 25, 2011, 07:14:07 PM
If you haven't purchased this book yet, you should.


waiting for the dead tree copy I'm buying way too many PDFs for my credit card to be happy with  ;D
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 25, 2011, 11:25:11 PM
The RWR, on the other hand, never mentioned the RWA/RRA divide per se. What we got in the first book is this: Gregory Amaris stayed under house arrest in his mansion for the duration of the war, and the Rim Provisional Government prosecuted the war against the SLDF. Both the original Star League and House Steiner books back up the Periphery book in saying that the 'Rimrats' (nice touch there) had an abundance of conventional forces, and put them to good use. Hardly the disorganized and feuding lot that this book paints them as.

Well, there is mention of the 7th's participation in the basic divide, so the implication of the mini-Civil War is there, but you're right about the hardly painted picture of a full nation divided. The old book made it feel more like solely a military thing, rather than a full on split nation.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on June 26, 2011, 11:44:31 AM
I'm curious:
Is it true that Reunification War contains a map of the internal boundaries of the Terran Hegemony?

Ciao
Hessian



Edited for typing error
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 26, 2011, 11:56:06 AM
Yup
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on June 26, 2011, 12:27:48 PM
One more reason to buy this when it is available in dead tree format.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 26, 2011, 07:00:58 PM
And very interesting pics for the capital worlds.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 26, 2011, 11:50:33 PM
I would argue with a lot of the choices there and plus Provincial organization for the Hegemony was smaller like a Liao Duchy before this product.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 27, 2011, 01:18:57 AM
It explains why they are abandoned though.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on June 27, 2011, 06:38:27 PM
I believe I'm going to start calling this the book of "justifications for Taurian whines." I was really interested in the book...until I've seen the reaction on the forums. I believe I'm going to pass now.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 27, 2011, 07:53:55 PM
Really? I've been suitably impressed. The preexisting info was pretty light and I like the new take on some of the story lines. The information on the early SLDF is more than enough to make purchasing the book worthwhile. I was extremely pleased with the shaky footing of the early SLDF. (What do people think, Kerensky's SLDF just sprung out the box as is?!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 27, 2011, 07:55:11 PM
Don't pass up on it, as it is a good read and provides some great detail.  The whiners fall into the usual category of a small minority who wish for The Reunification War - Volumes I-XXV each of which would be a 500 page monster in and of itself and totaly focused on thier Fanboy and faction specific dreams.

Catalyst have done a good job of taking old and conflicting material, which was coloured a nice shade or rose, of a massive 20 year conflict and condensed it into a managable book, which provides an enormous amount of new and detailed canon material, as well as a good look at this mamoth conflict.

Are there errors and a few odd bits that crept in? Yes there are.

Will it piss the fanboys off? Yes it will.

Is it revisionist? As with all history, of course it is.

Does it provide a great look at the reunification war and the state of every realm at the time. YES IT DOES.

And for that last point, it is one of the most valuble books Catalyst have produced in recent years.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 27, 2011, 10:30:52 PM
Spot on.

I'd also add to help redirect some of the fanboy whining, that the older Sourcebooks were written by ComStar, and therefore predisposed to being completely fabricated.

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on June 28, 2011, 12:29:27 AM
It's probably heresy, but I think I've just fallen out of love with the Star League era. I actually think I've fallen out of love with most of the eras, as I'm largely tired of hearing about how awful "X" is and how much better "Y" was. I just want the storyline to move forward. Put out the material on previous eras, sure. But I just don't think I have a taste for it anymore. I've had 20 years of tastes of it. I'm done with it, and it's time to move on. That's probably a big reason why I've given up on the alt-setting I was working on. The Star League has been covered, and alt settings for it (and much better ones) have been done to death. I'm looking forward to the Dark Age, the setting moving beyond that, and seeing the game and storyline evolve. Looking backwards doesn't fit those desires for me.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 28, 2011, 12:49:14 AM
You realise those sorts of words would get you burnt at the stake on the CBT boards and/or start a flame war that would crash the baords permanently. :)

I understand your point of view.  I am looking forward to the new eras, but the historian in me always loves learning new stuff about the old stuff as well.

Each to their own.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on June 28, 2011, 02:43:10 AM
I enjoy some of the old stuff as well for a historical viewpoint. I just think the pacing of releases has bothered me lately. It feels like we're getting slammed with historical PDF exclusives/PDF early releases. I'd like to see a little more balance in the schedule to get more information about moving forward. TRO 3085 is nice, but it's certainly not a Field/Era Report, the last Jihad book, or anything of that kind of size. In the meantime, we've had a lot more Turning Points and Era Reports that are looking back into the past. Having a bit more balanced schedule would probably help ease some of my unhappiness, as it doesn't make sense to me that the production focus is more than 50% focused on looking backwards (as it has been recently).
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 28, 2011, 05:19:30 AM
Then you will be happy to hear that War of Reaving will be out this year, along with Jihad: Final Reckoning and TR 3090.

Herb's latest chat also stated that next year was all about the Dark Age and bringing that into line with Catalyst canon and then there will be another time jump into a new era for 2013.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lucho on June 28, 2011, 07:18:20 AM
just want to duck in real quick. About publishing new 'old stuff': I guess DM and I represent opposite sides of the coin. The way I see it, I'm very happy overall that Catalyst is doing the historical series; there is the impression that they are finally listening to what the fans want. Given what comes across to me as stubborn, prickly arrogance when it comes to their Jihad timeline, it's nice to see that maybe they finally understand that not all of us like the Jihad. Even with the details I already posted, I'm quite satisfied overall with Historical: Reunification War.


Quote
You realise those sorts of words would get you burnt at the stake on the CBT boards and/or start a flame war that would crash the baords permanently.  :)

This is why I have so much trouble bringing myself to logging in at cbt.com  :-X
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 28, 2011, 07:33:06 AM
And why we are all here.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 28, 2011, 10:06:03 AM
And why we are all here.

Spot on.

I echo some of what Dread has said about the recent slew of products, not because of their content, but rather their quality. Supposedly CGL has some sort of copy editor/proof reader on the payroll. Just looking at H:RW, and I'm not so sure. Normally, a few words, sentences or bits of punctuation out of place wouldn't bother me, but there was enough in this book to interfere with some of my reading. If quality control is an issue, then CGL can slow down the releases by a week or two and sort'em out.

It doesn't take long to clean up the text in a PDF prior to layout or even during - if you're paying attention.

That said, I do like how CGL is filling out the back catalogue of eras and events. We're finally fleshing out those areas that have been long overlooked or simply glossed over in other products. If the supposed schedule still holds, we'll still see tentative steps in the direction of the new storyline this year in both Final Reckoning and (definitely) Wars of Reaving. So the storyline is still moving forward, even if it's at a glacial pace. 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on June 28, 2011, 10:58:01 AM
just want to duck in real quick. About publishing new 'old stuff': I guess DM and I represent opposite sides of the coin. The way I see it, I'm very happy overall that Catalyst is doing the historical series; there is the impression that they are finally listening to what the fans want.

So...fans don't want the Jihad? Sales numbers, from previous CGL discussions, seem to have shown otherwise. I think it's a big mistake to take forum discussions as any kind of representation of the actual fan base. They're a vocal minority at best. And it is often only a vocal minority of that vocal minority that even posts regularly. All that being said, I'm happy they're publishing historical data. I believe I said as much above. I simply think it's a mistake to have the release schedule unbalanced, whether or not I even like the new storyline. A game line has to continue moving forward, or it just withers and dies. Publishing multiple eras is smart business. Publishing historical materials at much higher rate than moving your storyline forward? That just comes off like treading water on a dying game. I have no issue with the past eras being covered. It's a darn good thing, and even mentioned I was happy with it. But as Knightmare noted, a glacial pace of storyline evolution (especially when you are jamming out products at what seems far too rapidly for your editing crew to handle) is not so much of a good thing. I'm aware of the chats and what's coming out this year, but this is really starting to feel like another year of "jam everything out just around GenCon" after we were promised that would not happen after the last two years of that exactly happening. I'm just tired of seeing that.

The other big issues with the historical stuff is the amount of issues it can cause, which don't seem to get answered as they should. If you're going to do historicals, then take the time to do them right. (Royals and TRO3075, I'm looking at you. Oh, and Taurian bioweapons in H:RW, I'm also looking at you.) If the historicals are bringing up more major unanswered questions and continuity conflicts than they answer...that's not a good sign. I just think the pace needs to slow down, and the schedule rebalanced. Not that anything needs to go away. (Side note: That's one of the big problems with the BT forums. The idea that liking the current storyline means you want historicals to stop, when in fact many of the ahem...classic fans absolutely want the current storyline to stop. Mmm, delicious hypocrisy.)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 28, 2011, 11:34:11 AM
I understand your frustrations with the GenCon cram. That might be a reason why the type quality has fallen. I understand the economics - jam more products, make more money - and PDF allows that trend to succeed. (Assuming someone will readily buy the stuff - which we will, dumb bastards.)

It's the haphazard-feeling I get from the product release schedule that gets annoying. Especially when product updates (outside of forum posts, twitter or hearsay) are often far and few between. And if you're going to provide a basic schedule via BattleChat, why not spend five minutes writing it up for your company website? The last CBT.com product post is about TRO: 3058! So when something like H:RW, or ER: AoW is just dropped out of the blue it can feel a bit skewed or overwhelming. (If it's a technical issue, I'm sure a simple CMS could fix that.)

Continuity conflicts aside, (and honestly, I don't find them conflicting at all - after all, older products are always released in-character by ComStar - need I say more?!) most of the products detailing older eras help expand game play, which isn't such a bad deal regardless of when the content is released. However, TRO: 3075 is a total mess. I couldn't agree more with you Dread on that count.

Overall all, redressing the release schedule and type quality would go a long way to creating an uninterrupted line of evenly mixed new products.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on June 28, 2011, 02:31:09 PM
However, TRO: 3075 is a total mess.

I agree with this but then a lot of past TRO were total mess.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on June 28, 2011, 04:38:02 PM
Hmmm...
A few thoughts of mine on the recent topics of discussion:

Regarding recent and upcoming products: To me part of the appeal of BattleTech is that there are the different era's(Age of War, Star League, Succession Wars, Clan Invasion, Jihad, Dark Age...) which allow for more diversity. Therefore I like both historical products and products that advance the timeline. Thus knowing that Historical: Reunification War is out in pdf-format and (hopefully) will be out in dead tree format in the not so distant future while War of Reaving, Jihad: Final Reckoning and TRO: Prototypes are also said to come out this year pleases me quite a bit. That Historical: Liberation of Terra is said to be the next historical product to be worked on, is nice as well. So regarding products that are(in my opinion at least) going to be released in dead-tree format I do not think that the release schedule is overly unbalanced.

Regarding all those pdf-exclusive products: In my view some of those(like the Field Reports and Objectives series) are necessary to give an oveview of the militaries and industries the Inner Sphere and Periphery powers still possess at the end of the jihad/the founding of the Republic of the Sphere, before the storyline is moved forward into the Republic of the Sphere/Dark Ages timeline. And while those products do not advance the timeline per se, they set a stage and common starting point for further advancing the timeline(similar to the Handbook series prior to the Jihad). Personally, I would have preferred those products to come out in dead-tree format too, since in my view these are important products for the abovementioned reasons. Many of the other pdf-exclusives are in my view niche products that will attract some interest(and sales) but are not must-have products. My personal views might be off though.

Regarding previews of upcoming products: I certainly miss the times when previews, including the TOC were released(e.g. when Handbook:House Steiner was upcoming) to provide, for lack of a better word, a feeling of the upcoming product. I have partly overcome this lack of official previews by utilizing the pdf-product samples on DrivethruRPG, that usually contain the first few pages of a product including the TOC. The TOC is, for me, the most important part of an upcoming product to be previewed.

Regarding Continuity conflicts: I agree with Knightmare in this regard.

Regarding fanboy whining: I recall a similar experience of mine: When TRO's: 3075 and 3085 came out and certain people on the official forums ranted how unfair their chosen faction was treated, because their faction did not geat as many units as other factions, or other factions getting better units than their chosen faction or another faction getting equipment they saw as proprietary of their chosen faction I could only shake my head in disbelief, wondering if they loved a fictional faction more than the game itself and if that love of a faction had gotten the better of them. Gladly I refrained from posting in those threads.

And Regarding TRO 3075: I would not go as far as to call it a total mess. This TRO has issues, no doubt, but a total mess? Not in my opinion.

Just my two € cents

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on June 28, 2011, 06:30:20 PM
I agree with this but then a lot of past TRO were total mess.

I was actually perfectly fine with most of 3075. Just the whole "even ComStar didn't know about the Royals." That was poorly implemented. Well, that and the Warlord. But that's a whole other discussion.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 29, 2011, 11:30:39 AM
I agree with this but then a lot of past TRO were total mess.

I was actually perfectly fine with most of 3075. Just the whole "even ComStar didn't know about the Royals." That was poorly implemented. Well, that and the Warlord. But that's a whole other discussion.

That's what I'm saying. I understand the RetroTech additions, but adding in the Royal variants, or ancient designs no longer deployed on the Battlefield in any capacity could have been best served elsewhere (maybe in a Historical, or a dedicated short-TRO.)

The Royal section just irritated me. ComStar didn't know about them, really?! Meh.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on June 29, 2011, 11:49:24 AM
I agree with this but then a lot of past TRO were total mess.

I was actually perfectly fine with most of 3075. Just the whole "even ComStar didn't know about the Royals." That was poorly implemented. Well, that and the Warlord. But that's a whole other discussion.

That's what I'm saying. I understand the RetroTech additions, but adding in the Royal variants, or ancient designs no longer deployed on the Battlefield in any capacity could have been best served elsewhere (maybe in a Historical, or a dedicated short-TRO.)

The Royal section just irritated me. ComStar didn't know about them, really?! Meh.

Instead of including the Royal's here (and to a lesser extent TRO3050) they could have done a Historical TRO (2700?) and also included other equipment deployed in the same time period (RWA Rampage) for anyone that wants to play in the time period of the Amaris coup.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 29, 2011, 12:06:07 PM
Yup. A little product organization could have gone a long way to consolidating the information, but why do that? You make more money splitting it up and having fans buy two, rather than one product.  :P  Making moola takes precedence over rational organization sometimes.

TRO: Golden Age or some nonsense like that would have been nice though...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on June 29, 2011, 02:21:59 PM
TRO: Golden Age or some nonsense like that would have been nice though...

Indeed, my thoughts exactly.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on June 29, 2011, 03:51:08 PM
I'm really not sure if Era based TROs make sense anymore. You've effectively limited your product to fans of that era before it even hits the street. If you don't like say plasma rifles and other Jihad-era tech, you're probably not going to like TRO: Jihad. '75 and '85 make sense in how they are organized (that is, a little bit for everybody). My only real issue (other than the cynicism of the Warlord) was that the Royals needed to be a bit more thought out in their explanation. New Dallas totally worked as is. The Royals even worked as is, presented as they were in 3075 (primarily). The issue was that the ramifications of the Royals needed to be touched on a lot more (how did ComStar not know about these, where did they all go, why weren't they in Terran data cores, etc., or why didn't the Clans know about them and use them more frequently). It's much like the War of 3039 tech retcon. I absolutely understand why they did it. The idea of new tech just suddenly springing up on designs during the Year of Peace was incredibly dumb. But the way it was implemented (like the Royals) needed a lot more work.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 29, 2011, 04:07:09 PM
FYI, got my dead tree copy of Era Report 3062 today.  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 29, 2011, 04:17:18 PM
I'm not necessarily sure Era-based TROs are such a bad idea. An argument could be made for their creation just to help flesh out a particular timeframe - thereby sating the thirst of players who want to have rules/units/info based on said timeframe. Again, with Era Reports being created to allow players to play in a certain time, the associate Era TRO is icing on the cake. Making them both PDFs cut down on some of the cost in creating them.

Era-specific products speak to niche players within a niche gaming system. They're fun and (if done right) remove the need to spend on developing something more comprehensive. TRO: 3075 was a good introduction to many of the forthcoming historically-oriented products that came down the pike, (ED:AoC, TRO:Primitives, etc.) it may have just bitten off more than it should have. Regarding the Royal variants, it seemed to me like their presentation was hurried - as if to get them printed and out of the way. While that may not have been CGL's intention, (I'm looking at you H: Liberation of Terra) it's how it came off.

It's the larger products or retcons that seem to cause the most trouble. When the product covers more than one era and a fair number of factions in the process, a good explanation becomes extremely important. I'll give a small nod to the writers of H:RW for at least mentioning that the designs fielded by the Royal Divisions were akin to ComStar standard found in TRO: 2750 and that the Royal variants found elsewhere (TRO:3075, etc.) weren't created until later in the Star League. That being said, the gaping fictional hole you mentioned (and further widened with Op: Klondike IMO) is still there...

I'm wondering if the poor implementation of the Royals to date is likely due to their presence in the Liberation book? If so, while I applaud the desire to keep the bulk of the info new to a future product, the lead up could have (as Dread mentioned) been done better. Again, since these books are written from an in-game perspective any errors, oversights or miscalculations enjoy plausible deniability.
 

 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 29, 2011, 09:08:08 PM
You know what I just noticed in H: RW? A nod to a really good, but sadly, no longer on the air television program. I just noticed that the company that produces the Tiger Tank is Veridian Dynamics. Haha...

A Better off Ted nod. Well done CGL, well done.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 29, 2011, 09:36:45 PM
That was the first thing I noticed on my read through.  I fell off my chair.  Loved that show.  I think it was a little to English in the subtlty of its humour, hence its poor ratings, but it was nice to see an American comedy that could actually pull it off.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 29, 2011, 10:32:52 PM
That was the first thing I noticed on my read through.  I fell off my chair.  Loved that show.  I think it was a little to English in the subtlty of its humour, hence its poor ratings, but it was nice to see an American comedy that could actually pull it off.

I completely missed it during my first read. To be honest, I skimp on those bits during the first read since it's really only useful elsewhere. Gosh, I do miss that show. Super happy it's on Netflix. I actually watched the whole season again a few weeks ago.

In Lem we trust!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 29, 2011, 10:41:53 PM
Yes, in Lem we trust.

Being trained to sift through historic documents for a single gem from a days searching, those kind of things tend to jump out at me.

As did the mentions of the PDZ, 335th Division and 3rd Crucis Lancers.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 29, 2011, 10:46:38 PM
Yes, in Lem we trust.

Being trained to sift through historic documents for a single gem from a days searching, those kind of things tend to jump out at me.

As did the mentions of the PDZ, 335th Division and 3rd Crucis Lancers.

I didn't miss those.  ;D
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on June 30, 2011, 04:06:06 AM
Yes, in Lem we trust.

Being trained to sift through historic documents for a single gem from a days searching, those kind of things tend to jump out at me.

As did the mentions of the PDZ, 335th Division and 3rd Crucis Lancers.

Looking through the RAT's the Thunderbolt is listed as an assault mech on one table.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 30, 2011, 07:14:33 AM
Didn't the original TBolt fluff say it was considered an early Assault 'Mech? Dunno if the addition was on purpose or not, but usually those RATs are error free, so maybe it was done purposefully. I thought it was ok.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on June 30, 2011, 07:23:36 AM
TR3025 says that the T-bolt was originally considered an assault mech, much as the Griffin was originally considered a heavy mech, when it was first introduced.  The implication was that  mass of the design was the same (65 tons) but that the categories changed as mechs got bigger.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 30, 2011, 08:10:47 AM
TR3025 says that the T-bolt was originally considered an assault mech, much as the Griffin was originally considered a heavy mech, when it was first introduced.  The implication was that  mass of the design was the same (65 tons) but that the categories changed as mechs got bigger.

Which is funny when you think about the Mackie...

Ah use over weight. Back when the world made sense and the Charger would never be considered an "Assault" 'Mech.  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on June 30, 2011, 10:25:40 AM
I figure the issue is the Mackie- originally the earliest Battlemechs were portrayed as being relatively light and that larger mechs only became available as the technology matured.  Then the stats for the Mackie came out and suddenly that idea went out the window.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 30, 2011, 11:38:55 AM
Perhaps the Griffin and the Thunderbolt were heavier when they debuted. The designs may have gone on a gradual high tech diet so as their equipment became lighter and more sophisticated so to did these Mechs. The Griffin isn't much of a stretch being such a heavy medium but the Thunderbolt has got to go 15 tons to reach the assault class.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 30, 2011, 11:51:53 AM
Well, keep in mind that "Assault" and "assault" can be used two different ways. During the era Thunderbolts were probably quite common among assault lances and so ultimately fell into the "Assault" class, being stacked against other common 'Mechs of the day. RATs represent likely combinations or groupings, not necessarily weight all the time.

Remember, you're rolling for random assignments in the assault category. If Thunderbolts were likely to be assigned in the assault category, they should and would be represented.

Just something to think about. 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on June 30, 2011, 01:28:39 PM
That was the first thing I noticed on my read through.  I fell off my chair.  Loved that show.  I think it was a little to English in the subtlty of its humour, hence its poor ratings, but it was nice to see an American comedy that could actually pull it off.

Will it surprise you if I say that I never heard of it?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on June 30, 2011, 01:30:44 PM
Well, keep in mind that "Assault" and "assault" can be used two different ways. During the era Thunderbolts were probably quite common among assault lances and so ultimately fell into the "Assault" class, being stacked against other common 'Mechs of the day. RATs represent likely combinations or groupings, not necessarily weight all the time.

Remember, you're rolling for random assignments in the assault category. If Thunderbolts were likely to be assigned in the assault category, they should and would be represented.

Just something to think about.

I agree with you as it makes perfect sense.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on June 30, 2011, 01:52:50 PM
Well every other mech in the assault part of the RAT's is 80+ tons, i think its more poor fact checking again.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 30, 2011, 02:14:05 PM
Well every other mech in the assault part of the RAT's is 80+ tons, i think its more poor fact checking again.

I'm not so sure.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 30, 2011, 03:57:49 PM
There were a number of glaring errors KM - Crucis Lancers, PDZs....
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on June 30, 2011, 04:06:24 PM
There was also Tracial Steiner as the Daughter of Craig Steiner, the existence of the Dieron Regulars despite the fact that there was no Dieron Prefecture, Tancredi IV former capital of the Draconis March as an OWA world... The fact checkers and editors really dropped the ball on this, which is sad because this is the best product Catalyst has done in a while- far better then the last 2 Handbooks.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 30, 2011, 04:18:58 PM
There were a number of glaring errors KM - Crucis Lancers, PDZs....

These are text errors, not RAT errors. Why not ask CGL and get a definitive answer on the subject instead of just saying it's wrong? 

I've presented possible explanations, but I'm not claiming the RAT to be in error or not until told otherwise. Then again, (not to be the voice of reason or anything but...) you could just ignore the TBolt when you Roll on it and roll again.

Then we've side stepped the whole thing.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on June 30, 2011, 04:48:37 PM
  I've presented possible explanations, but I'm not claiming the RAT to be in error or not until told otherwise. Then again, (not to be the voice of reason or anything but...) you could just ignore the TBolt when you Roll on it and roll again.



Looking at the RAT it specifically lists the Assault class as 80-100 tons and then has then Thunderbolt (TDR-5S to be specific) listed as 65 tons.  I understand what you are saying about it be a type of weapon vs weight but if this isn't an error I would be shocked.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 30, 2011, 05:08:56 PM
The Dieron Regulars is very odd. Given the fact that the Algedi Regulars were thrown out by Battlecorps I expected to see an Algedi District.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on July 01, 2011, 02:40:52 AM
Most of this is being picked up in the errata thread on CBT.  However, it is always a good idea to drop any such catches in if you see them, so the free update is clean and clear.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on July 01, 2011, 12:35:10 PM
A perfect first edition would be a miracle (and this is the same with all editors).
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on July 02, 2011, 03:53:20 AM
TRO: Prototypes is out!!!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on July 02, 2011, 05:28:45 AM
TRO: Prototypes is out!!!

I'm curious: Svartalfa Ultra ProtoMech? Is this a unit that weighs more than 9 tons?

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on July 02, 2011, 06:31:43 AM
Yes it is.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on July 02, 2011, 07:39:12 AM
TRO: Prototypes is out!!!

It is? Ok better get over to battlecorps and download it then.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on July 02, 2011, 07:51:41 AM
 :( going to have to wait for dead tree
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on July 02, 2011, 10:19:51 AM
I don't even care about the units so far. The entire TRO is worth the Tech Advancement table at the back. Actual tech advancement in Battletech. Tournament legal fuel cell engines. THAT. IS. AWESOME.

Most importantly, it bodes very, very well for CGL's vision of the Dark Age and the future era after that. The playing field, and even the whole paradigm can finally begin to see change.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on July 02, 2011, 04:51:35 PM
Well i've had a quick skim through it and i'm very impressed.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on July 02, 2011, 06:01:45 PM
For those of you who don't frequent CBT, here is a summary of the TRO: Prototypes thread, without even having looked at it.

My faction diddn't get enought stompy stuff.

TPTB are screwing us, my faction is doomed.

Why did your faction get all the cool stuff as your faction is not good enough to be in BT?

It's to big.

It's not big enough.

The new artists suck.

Why can't one artist do all the art?

Hey, I designed that Mech wayback in the day.


And so on and so forth...

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on July 02, 2011, 06:11:07 PM
So far, it doesn't sound that bad yet. But it is a holiday weekend for some folks, and it released late yesterday. So, give it a few days. ;)

Fair warning: A lot of these are just redone production versions from the various xTROs. So there's a lot of things you've already seen (or similar things anyway).

But seriously, the tech advancement table (and new quirks) is easily the best part of this book. Finally, finally we're seeing TPTB move the entire paradigm forward. Not just new tech, but moving the entire tech base forward.

My world for CASE II. And it is used quite a bit, on XL designs. Exactly where it should be.

I feel a bit bad for the Clanners, as a lot of their stuff really didn't feel like much of an upgrade (way to ruin the Hephaestus) or just plain quirky (a WiGE ProtoMech? Uh...okay). I don't feel bad for the Davions, as one again, they got spoiled rotten. I guess that's because of the ragequits that came about after 3085 (which I hope isn't the case, but I fear it is). And most importantly, why the bloody hell did the Davions get an upgraded Heavy LRM carrier. The one thing signature to the MoC, and the Whiny Suns get it?

Other thoughts? If c3 wasn't dead before, it is now. Angel ECM is all over the place. Along with the spread of ECM in '85...yup. Good luck with that. Also, Bombast lasers are still not very useful. Neither are handheld weapons (though the Axman uses them somewhat well, avoiding losing the rest of its weapon package, but with really anemic handheld weapons). New merc Grasshopper is a beauty of a heavy scout and scout-killer. Best artwork in the book? Thud IIC. Taurians get more fanservice (because the Improved Heavy Gauss rifle makes perfect sense for them to have!), but it does seem to indicate that they were cooperating with the Blakists even after knowing for fact that the Blakists dropped those space rocks on them. At least that's one good thing I can laugh at the Taurian fanatics about. (Are we detecting a theme here? Dread doesn't like two specific vocal fanbases on those other forums.)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lucho on July 02, 2011, 06:32:29 PM
Hate to change the subject, but after a crazy week I finally got a chance to re-read certain sections of Historical: Reunification War. Here's a doozy that no one has mentioned up to now:

In the tech section, on pgs 176-180, we now are told that the various houses of both the Inner Sphere and the Periphery began to manufacture advanced tech during the war. This has some hefty implications: for example, the Vulcan and Rampage could both have been built in their advanced forms (the only exceptions being Streak missiles, MASC, and the AntiMissile system) during the war, or shortly thereafter; why bother waiting to refit them until Amaris killed Ricky Cameron? The RWR had the tech a century and a half before, as did everyone else.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on July 02, 2011, 10:34:54 PM
I doubt they could have built it after. Perhaps during. Didn't the SLDF pretty much strip the Periphery of advanced tech at the end of the war? Or was that just the Taurians?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lucho on July 02, 2011, 11:11:01 PM
it says that the various nations- not just the taurians- built during and after the war. Try as they might, they couldn't stop it completely. Most of the work in the postwar period was in secret, but not all, even after sending in the terran lawyers (shouldn't they be the ones sporting a shark crest?  :P ).

Interestingly, it also says that rocket launchers have always existed in the IS and Periphery; the stats for the modern RLs are simply Marian Hegemony specifications  :o
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on July 03, 2011, 02:06:12 AM
That's not new about the rocket launchers. When they premiered the fluff said much the same thing.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on July 03, 2011, 06:54:11 AM
This is logical for Rocket Launchers as we have them in the real world right now.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Trace Coburn on July 03, 2011, 08:31:10 AM
  FWIW, folks, I don't think you need to worry about the typos and grammatical glitches in Historical: Reunification War for much longer: between myself, lrose, and a couple of others, we should have them all spotted and nailed down before American Guy Fawkes.  ;D

  But d'oy, what a frickin' job of work it is!   :o
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on July 03, 2011, 08:38:45 AM
  FWIW, folks, I don't think you need to worry about the typos and grammatical glitches in Historical: Reunification War for much longer: between myself, lrose, and a couple of others, we should have them all spotted and nailed down before American Guy Fawkes.  ;D

  But d'oy, what a frickin' job of work it is!   :o

Thanks! I hope those errata will be included when the dead tree version is published, as I will purchase the dead tree version.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lucho on July 03, 2011, 08:48:00 AM
That's not new about the rocket launchers. When they premiered the fluff said much the same thing.

Where is that? TechManual says that Rocket Launchers were introduced by the Marians.


  FWIW, folks, I don't think you need to worry about the typos and grammatical glitches in Historical: Reunification War for much longer: between myself, lrose, and a couple of others, we should have them all spotted and nailed down before American Guy Fawkes.  ;D

  But d'oy, what a frickin' job of work it is!   :o


If only the canon conflicts/retcons were so simple  :(
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on July 03, 2011, 09:25:27 AM
it says that the various nations- not just the taurians- built during and after the war. Try as they might, they couldn't stop it completely. Most of the work in the postwar period was in secret, but not all, even after sending in the terran lawyers (shouldn't they be the ones sporting a shark crest?  :P ).

That's probably why we didn't see the upgraded Rampage until after the Coup. Working in secret is different that sporting in public.

That said, it means we'll need specifications on the "secret" Periphery Divisions built by Amaris prior to the Coup. The implication being that if they were working in secret and later producing in secret then those divisions could have been pretty advanced - maybe why they gave Kerensky such a run for his money during the uprising...

It should be noted, that we really only have a half complete picture. We need to see Historical: Liberation to see how everything stacks up/connects. Things that seem out of place now could (and hopefully should) make more sense after its release.

Otherwise, did anyone receive a definitive answer regarding the TBolt? Put that baby to rest.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on July 03, 2011, 11:24:27 AM
Where is that? TechManual says that Rocket Launchers were introduced by the Marians.

Quote
Techmanual pg. 229
As weapon technologies go, the rocket launcher system was hardly
new even when the Marian Hegemony introduced it a few years ago.

Also, it wasn't introduced in TechManual, but in Field Manual: Periphery. I unfortunately don't have that handy to go looking for a relevant text there.

But from Operation: Klondike, where they also show up:

Quote
Klondike pg. 157
Rocket Launchers were among the simplest technologies the
militaries of the Pentagon Powers fell back upon. Long utilized
by militaries throughout the ages

I'm not talking specifically about the introduction date (and faction), but the fluff. That hasn't changed since its introduction, in saying that rocket launchers have been around for a long time, but just not utilized. Think of it less as the Marians "introducing" the tech, and more of "Well, somebody actually found a use for these things."

There's some really weird conflicts/issues with H: RW. Rocket launchers isn't one of them.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on July 03, 2011, 11:33:31 AM
I still have to run through the book myself, but I'm interested in seeing how the forward progress is presented. (What Dread mentioned.) I thoroughly enjoy the notion.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on July 03, 2011, 01:23:45 PM
That said, it means we'll need specifications on the "secret" Periphery Divisions built by Amaris prior to the Coup. The implication being that if they were working in secret and later producing in secret then those divisions could have been pretty advanced - maybe why they gave Kerensky such a run for his money during the uprising...

Super advanced stormtroopers of the Periphery?  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on July 03, 2011, 01:50:26 PM
  FWIW, folks, I don't think you need to worry about the typos and grammatical glitches in Historical: Reunification War for much longer: between myself, lrose, and a couple of others, we should have them all spotted and nailed down before American Guy Fawkes.  ;D


But the question is will we be added to the list of proof-readers/fact checkers?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Trace Coburn on July 04, 2011, 12:24:28 AM
  FWIW, folks, I don't think you need to worry about the typos and grammatical glitches in Historical: Reunification War for much longer: between myself, lrose, and a couple of others, we should have them all spotted and nailed down before American Guy Fawkes.  ;D


But the question is will we be added to the list of proof-readers/fact checkers?
  Like Dave Dobbyn sang, my friend: "Don't ho~old your breath."  ;D
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Trace Coburn on July 05, 2011, 09:32:17 AM
  FWIW, folks, I don't think you need to worry about the typos and grammatical glitches in Historical: Reunification War for much longer: between myself, lrose, and a couple of others, we should have them all spotted and nailed down before American Guy Fawkes.  ;D

  But d'oy, what a frickin' job of work it is!   :o
  ... aaaand done, thank Gawd!  8)  And only two hours after American Fireworks Day ended in Hawai'i.  ::)
  What I put up over at CBT.com was everything I could spot in a three-day marathon nit-pick of H:RW... but there may well be other things that I missed, simply because my eyes were going square.  ;D  Nonetheless, I gave my pedantic impulses full reign, because even with con-season bearing down on TPTBs, there's no excuse for sloppy proof-reading.  ;)

(https://obtforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi27.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc199%2Fbenjamen13%2FGrammatikMachtFrei.jpg&hash=11dd8a685f050ca37d2ba61cb1d3d8c116130da6)

  Now, to go through and actually enjoy the book... and maybe put some money onto my pre-paid CC and start the process all over again on TRO: ProtoypesJust kidding.  I ain't that masochistic.  :-D
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on July 05, 2011, 11:28:55 AM
The sloppy proof-reading doesn't have anything to do with con season, and everything to do with the amount they are jamming product out. And because unless something has changed, they have one layout person that all Battletech and Shadowrun products must go through. Too much going through one pipeline at far too rapid of a rate.

If you're a Shadowrun fan, you'd be even more upset. The horror that was WAR! on the SR side makes any of these errors look like chump change.

I'll start another topic about this, but after discussions with Maelwys last night, I think I've solidified my own theory on the sudden rush of print and PDF-only products.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on July 05, 2011, 05:08:30 PM
By the way, for those interested in Wars of Reaving, it doesn't sound like the wait will be too long.

From the CGL facebook page, posted by Randall:

Quote
For those waiting on it, we've got Promotional Tile 1 text all ready, but Wars of Reaving needs to make Gen Con, so it's top priority
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on July 05, 2011, 10:08:28 PM
By the way, for those interested in Wars of Reaving, it doesn't sound like the wait will be too long.

From the CGL facebook page, posted by Randall:

Quote
For those waiting on it, we've got Promotional Tile 1 text all ready, but Wars of Reaving needs to make Gen Con, so it's top priority

Yeah, I saw the same thing posted on Twitter.

I'd be interested in hearing your fully developed theory Dread. Might make a good article for the site. That said, they do have a proof reader, but perhaps would do better with two?...

Sadly, this is a common occurrence or "new" trend in the print industry (it's not that new - started with the papers.) Large print giants like SIM (who I work for *cough*) laid off lots of their necessary print people during the down turn. This meant Senior Editors were working double, sometimes triple duty writing, managing writers and editing. Without dedicated copy writers and/or editing staff full run issues reach the printers riddled with errors. While annoying, the industry flux means new personnel (who are necessary) are not forthcoming. As a result I have to assign AWPs to copy edit articles earmarked for the websites - diminishing their productivity and impact elsewhere. In the end, it's a vicious cycle that only "ceases" when sufficient manpower is available, but inevitably won't show because of industry cost/return fears.

Niche markets like BT work in a similar fashion, albeit for different reasons. One of the first rules I learned working for GW Corporate years ago was - Niche Hobby Markets are not affected by macroeconomics. A kid will starve himself all week long, saving up his lunch money if it means buying that new squad or regiment. Involved hobbyists will continue to purchase new product regardless of the situation as long as the means are even remotely available. New customer growth might be more challenging, (which is offset by price reductions and other incentives) but even temporarily quiet hobbyists will return after even small positive income changes.

So, while as embarrassing or annoying as print errors, or any errors for that matter are, they typically have very little impact on sales and can be ignored by the publisher.

You might be saying to yourself, "He's talking crazy! How can a publisher ignore product errors?" Well, it's easy. How many of you bought the book despite errors in previous products, and how many of you will continue to purchase new books regardless of how H:RW turned out? While you're thinking about, let me just tell you that the numbers are surprisingly high. (Even without seeing BT's numbers, I can tell you from GW experience that they're high.)

The rule of thumb is as follows: Regardless of intelligence or knowledgeable consumption, unless the hobby fundamentally challenges your perception (i.e., a radical storyline or game rules change) of your "hobby" you'll stick with it and continue to buy. (Hobby as defined in quotations can be any involvement in the genre - painting, writing, game play, reading, etc., the list goes on.) So unless product developers "betray" your hobby, hobbyists rarely leave permanently. That's good news for publishers, but means they have to pay attention to "things" that might betray a hobbyist.

For example, perhaps the greatest success of CGL in recent years was and has been navigating the Jihad/Dark Age storyline and the "Clicky-Tech" game system. Both examples have radically challenged CBT hobbyists, and in contrast to other gaming systems, CGL has not only reinvigorated BattleTech, but actually grown as a result. It's not without it's pitfalls of course, but the mark of a successful navigation isn't in the naysayers, it's in the sales.

As a company, regardless to what say to the contrary, is the most important thing. 

The endgame is this: Expect product errors. As long as they don't detract from sales insofar as the numbers are concerned, hobbyists are clearly rolling with the punches and there's no reason to outlay extra capital. If sales take a dip (along with associated community uproar) the company might make changes if the cost/benefit ratio is in favor for said change - like hiring or outsourcing additional help.

 
   
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on July 05, 2011, 10:25:42 PM
There is also the unspoken aspect too.  Look at all those who, for various reasons, asssit in the errata production and compliation for TPTB.  It works on 2 levels, one more cynical than the other, even if not even realised by those using it. 

The first level is one of particiaption by the fan base in improving the product, thereby feeling that what they contirbute is taken seriously.

Secondly, why pay 2 proof readers, when you can pay 1and have 1,000 other people submit additional work for free?  This second, more cynical reason, is probably not even conciously thought of by TPTB, but exists nonetheless.

Hell, I use for the KU, but then everything we do is free.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on July 06, 2011, 07:19:47 AM
The first level is one of particiaption by the fan base in improving the product, thereby feeling that what they contirbute is taken seriously.

Secondly, why pay 2 proof readers, when you can pay 1and have 1,000 other people submit additional work for free?  This second, more cynical reason, is probably not even conciously thought of by TPTB, but exists nonetheless.

Well over on CBT Herb just posted the first Errata for TRO Prototypes and it acknowledges the proofreading that was done by members of the forum.  Hopefully they will do the same for H:RW.  I think for most fans this is probably payment enough (although a free copy of the dead tree version would  be nice....)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on July 06, 2011, 07:25:58 AM
The first level is one of particiaption by the fan base in improving the product, thereby feeling that what they contirbute is taken seriously.

Pretty much, but that's part of the appeal. Whether it's done intentionally or not (I'd like to think it's unintentional for the most part and just a byproduct of their employment structure) hobbyist involvement is a key component in helping to maintain personal investment. It's not the only way mind you, and can also run a fine line, but is very useful. Doubtful they'll send you a free copy Irose (those things cost money after all and you've already bought the "free" version), but they could put your name in the thank you section of a forthcoming PDF product and achieve the same results. Heck, a pat on the head on the CBT forum would work for most people - simple recognition is often more than enough.

It's not cynical, or wrong - just good business/customer service.

That said, it is worse, with CGL being a digital first and then print company second (the exact opposite of SIM and the old FASA) their dead-tree products gain the additional boon of a PDF release (and all that entails) prior to major "physical" investment. Without getting into unnecessary detail, needless to say PDFs cost nothing except labor - which makes the format exceedingly wonderful under the cost/benefit heading. 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on July 06, 2011, 08:46:47 AM
Doubtful they'll send you a free copy Irose (those things cost money after all and you've already bought the "free" version), but they could put your name in the thank you section of a forthcoming PDF product and achieve the same results. Heck, a pat on the head on the CBT forum would work for most people - simple recognition is often more than enough.

I agree that simply thanking the on-line reviewers would be enough- or maybe even a special thank you of allowing them to contribute some small bit the BT Universe (i.e. find 5 corrections in a product  and you can submit a mech for a future TRO or some such).  I didn't seriously expect a free H:RW (not that I wouldn't appreciate it) but if they did send on the most expensive part for CGL would be the cost of shipping the book to me, not the printing cost. 

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Khan Jade Wolf on July 06, 2011, 08:55:25 AM
Doubtful they'll send you a free copy Irose (those things cost money after all and you've already bought the "free" version), but they could put your name in the thank you section of a forthcoming PDF product and achieve the same results. Heck, a pat on the head on the CBT forum would work for most people - simple recognition is often more than enough.

I agree that simply thanking the on-line reviewers would be enough- or maybe even a special thank you of allowing them to contribute some small bit the BT Universe (i.e. find 5 corrections in a product  and you can submit a mech for a future TRO or some such).  I didn't seriously expect a free H:RW (not that I wouldn't appreciate it) but if they did send on the most expensive part for CGL would be the cost of shipping the book to me, not the printing cost.

It would good enough for me to see a thank you with my G (Khan Jade Wolf) Stewart or just Khan Jade Wolf! I have no claim to a book for the review or pointing out a miss take in the PDF!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on July 06, 2011, 09:17:53 AM
I didn't seriously expect a free H:RW (not that I wouldn't appreciate it) but if they did send on the most expensive part for CGL would be the cost of shipping the book to me, not the printing cost.

Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if the cost was about the same.  :)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on July 06, 2011, 09:37:54 AM
Without getting into unnecessary detail, needless to say PDFs cost nothing except labor - which makes the format exceedingly wonderful under the cost/benefit heading.

Yeah, but labor is not an insignificant percentage of the total cost of a gaming book, particularly a Battletech book. Adam Jury, former layout guru for CGL (and now one of the owner-operators for Posthuman Studios), has done a number of different blog posts about that, even showing numbers. Artwork and writing are a big portion of that non-printing cost, especially since CGL had to update/change their freelancer payment setup after last year's internal issues. I'm not disagreeing on any of the rest of your post, just trying to throw a note in there with it. I've been involved with several other forums, trying to combat the silly mentality of "PDFs cost nothing! Gimme them for free!", so I guess it's just a hot button issue for me.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on July 06, 2011, 09:45:04 AM
Without getting into unnecessary detail, needless to say PDFs cost nothing except labor - which makes the format exceedingly wonderful under the cost/benefit heading.

Yeah, but labor is not an insignificant percentage of the total cost of a gaming book, particularly a Battletech book. Adam Jury, former layout guru for CGL (and now one of the owner-operators for Posthuman Studios), has done a number of different blog posts about that, even showing numbers. Artwork and writing are a big portion of that non-printing cost, especially since CGL had to update/change their freelancer payment setup after last year's internal issues. I'm not disagreeing on any of the rest of your post, just trying to throw a note in there with it. I've been involved with several other forums, trying to combat the silly mentality of "PDFs cost nothing! Gimme them for free!", so I guess it's just a hot button issue for me.

You're right, but in comparison to the cost associated solely with print production PDF falls short by a fairly decent margin. (When working production cost/return numbers PDFs can help reduce the "magic number" to a lower level if the PDF is priced competitively and appropriately.) It's not to say labor costs aren't significant - after all we're talking about salaries and hourly wages, but the end product isn't an additional cost. Income saved is profit earned. (Don't even get me started with CGL's new freelancer payment setup or those "internal issues.")

In the gaming industry, solely focusing on digital production can extend the life time of a company by years if they budget properly. This is where the GW/CGL comparison start to fall apart. CGL is predominately and almost solely a digital entity - insofar as saying they lack a major physical presence and/or outsource much of their physical product out of house.

But that's another conversation altogether...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on July 06, 2011, 10:02:43 AM


Yeah, but labor is not an insignificant percentage of the total cost of a gaming book, particularly a Battletech book. Adam Jury, former layout guru for CGL (and now one of the owner-operators for Posthuman Studios), has done a number of different blog posts about that, even showing numbers. Artwork and writing are a big portion of that non-printing cost, especially since CGL had to update/change their freelancer payment setup after last year's internal issues. I'm not disagreeing on any of the rest of your post, just trying to throw a note in there with it. I've been involved with several other forums, trying to combat the silly mentality of "PDFs cost nothing! Gimme them for free!", so I guess it's just a hot button issue for me.

I agree but what I (and I think Knightmare) have been talking about is the incremental cost of producing a PDF of a print product (such as the PDF of H:RW).  The layout is a fixed cost (it costs the same to layout the book whether you are just printing it or printing it and selling a PDF)  and the art/writing may be fixed (unless the artists & writers are paid a royalty per copy sold, rather then working for a flat fee- I know nothing of CGL's business side of things and so can't speak to that).  I am sure that a PDF only product (such as the XTROs or Age of War) have a lower profit margin then the PDF of H:RW- since the entire cost of the product (layout, writing, art, editing) is born by the PDF. 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on July 06, 2011, 10:10:36 AM
I should also mention that many of these ratios/numbers change with the inclusion of certain factors. For example, cost forecasting is different when dealing solely with a print publication, average sales (as determined by the controller - so quarterly, weekly, etc.)

Here's a real life example of forecasting (I'm making this simple - it's really way more complex)

1. Cost of Production (Print) costs X amount of dollars: This includes Salaries, Materials, Promotion, etc. From A to B.
2. Average Sales of Prior Product: How much is sold
3. Lost Product: How much doesn't sell

You take the total amount of #1 and subtract from it #2 (hopefully you're ahead.) Then you subtract the total cost of #3 from the result of your first equation. Hopefully you're still in the positive. Now if your company produces a single product at a time and the product is fairly stable, (a magazine for example has similar word/page - not counting custom art - counts every time) this is easy to accomplish. Now start including multiple releases of different counts, schedules, costs, etc. Using prior sales of similar types is then diversified between PDF, Print and combo - repeat customers, etc., and now you have some picture as to how this system can complicate itself. Cost of Production also includes facilities and bills - one of the areas where GW/SIM differ from CGL.

I mentioned how SIM cut a number of personnel from the ranks to save money. Well, when your company produces 30+ magazines and owns things like automobile.com, it might seem kinda of silly, but it's not. The production costs plus lost product can create an exceedingly high total percentage of your average sales - one of the reasons why CGL has such small print runs. They can't afford to have lost product sitting around - and even if they could, it's not in their best interest to do so. Besides, who's house would they store it in? ;D  Better to build buzz and save money by printing to purchase and just sacrifice time rather than money. (Plus customers are more likely to then buy a PDF - People hate to wait, which is instant income for CGL to help offset #1 - and the Print version when it is available.)

Cutting production costs is one of the key areas small and even large print companies help maintain a positive profit ratio - and while the cost of 3-4 new salaries might only add up to $250,000 USD, that's just X more magazines the company has to sell to maintain a certain profit percentage to justify the initial expenditure.

Remember, initial expenditure is pulled first to produce product - so the money (or credit) has to be available for that and fixed costs (salaries, CC payments, etc.) The more products in production the greater the initial expenditure. The cyclic cycle is kind of like circles within circles around a common pile of cash, while fixed costs are straight lines running from it.

Irose, layout is not a fixed cost unless the layout person is salary. Otherwise, layout like writing is usually based on word count or page numbers.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on July 06, 2011, 10:50:08 AM
3. Lost Product: How much doesn't sell

I understand where you are coming from but I think this has less impact on CGL then it does on the magazine industry which is dated material (Once the June issue of say Time Magazine comes out, whatever is leftover from May will probably hit the recycling bin). Yes you want to sell out as fast as possible, but H:RW (for example) will never become lost product- you can keep selling it until it sells out.  The only time where you would end up with lost product is if you had a new edition of the rule books come out before the old one was sold out

Quote
Irose, layout is not a fixed cost unless the layout person is salary. Otherwise, layout like writing is usually based on word count or page numbers.

It is a fixed cost in that whatever the layout costs for a particular product (however it is determined- salary, word count, page count, etc) is the same whether you only do a print edition, only do a pdf edition, or do both. I was only referring to it being a fixed cost in the context of a single product (in whatever formats it may be issued), not across an entire product line.   
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on July 06, 2011, 11:12:07 AM
I understand where you are coming from but I think this has less impact on CGL then it does on the magazine industry which is dated material (Once the June issue of say Time Magazine comes out, whatever is leftover from May will probably hit the recycling bin). Yes you want to sell out as fast as possible, but H:RW (for example) will never become lost product- you can keep selling it until it sells out.  The only time where you would end up with lost product is if you had a new edition of the rule books come out before the old one was sold out

Sadly, this isn't the case even in the magazine industry. In the news industry, yes, but certainly not in niche-based print. Automotive magazines for example often showcase very little dated material (except for things like conventions, etc.) because back issues can and do remain prevalent to the purchasing community. Back issues often provide a healthy cash influx if prepared and presented properly. The one gaming industry magazine I could use as an example is GW's White Dwarf. Most of the material found in the magazine is written and presented in a way to remain applicable way after its print date - Painting and Game Play techniques rarely lose their luster with time.

Lost product is any product amount that cost monies to produce but haven't turned over. It's a cost that companies have to just eat regardless of when the product is produced. It goes with the business. However, companies can reduce the overall cost by restricting print runs to coincide with proposed demand. This isn't possible with national or international publishing houses like SIM or GW where they have to fill shelves every month (they literally eyeball it based on previous yearly sales), but it is with smaller concerns like CGL. In CGL's case, their digital setup (product type and haphazard release) is geared towards limited production runs. Not only do PDF sales and PDF/Combo sales help gauge expected demand, but the physical format of the company and target market ensure that cost/profit ratios can remain in their favor with smaller releases. Ultimately, you're right - product produced (unless outdated or overwritten) will eventually sell. The difference being that smaller production runs cut down on initial cost, storage fees, space and a host of other concerns that the company can simply and skillfully avoid.
 
It is a fixed cost in that whatever the layout costs for a particular product (however it is determined- salary, word count, page count, etc) is the same whether you only do a print edition, only do a pdf edition, or do both. I was only referring to it being a fixed cost in the context of a single product (in whatever formats it may be issued), not across an entire product line.


Gotcha. In my industry I wouldn't call it a fixed cost (an electric bill, rent or salary is a fixed cost), but I understand what you're saying.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: drakensis on July 07, 2011, 07:55:13 AM
Just a comment on the pdf versus print issues - it's not just the physical costs that are reduced by selling e-books rather than the dead tree.

They are also cutting out at least two layers of mark up: the distrobuter who takes the finished book and sells it to local gaming stores, and the gaming store themselves. Both of these have expenses which they cover by paying less than they charge for the books. The actual fraction of the amount paid for a dead tree copy received by CGL probably isn't that much and while some of that difference is represented by the cheaper retail price of a pdf, it's quite possible that there is still an greater profit margin as a result.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Trace Coburn on July 07, 2011, 08:51:56 AM
Just a comment on the pdf versus print issues - it's not just the physical costs that are reduced by selling e-books rather than the dead tree.

They are also cutting out at least two layers of mark up: the distrobuter who takes the finished book and sells it to local gaming stores, and the gaming store themselves. Both of these have expenses which they cover by paying less than they charge for the books. The actual fraction of the amount paid for a dead tree copy received by CGL probably isn't that much and while some of that difference is represented by the cheaper retail price of a pdf, it's quite possible that there is still an greater profit margin as a result.
  Want/need an example of this?  The '25th Anniversary' IBS costs US$49.99 on BattleShop - at today's exchange rates, that's ~NZ$65.  (The upside of the Global Economic Crisis: a much weaker Ameribuck means my Kiwi dollars go a lot further on the Internet.  ::) )  In case you missed my CBT.com post on the subject, my FLGS owner got the run-around on the IBS for months through her normal distributor before she resorted to buying a copy through her comics(!) distributor and received it inside a fortnight... but somewhere between CGL's warehouse and her store-shelves, the price went up to NZ$120.

  Now, I'm all for supporting my FLGS, especially since she's so switched-on about what I want and keeps her eyes/ears open for it, but the downside of the Global Economic Crisis means that right now I just plain can't afford to pay her ~$15(?) dollar profit-margin and the distributor's ~$15 profit-margin.  Maybe in a month or two, but not at the moment.  :'(
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on July 07, 2011, 09:16:43 AM
  Now, I'm all for supporting my FLGS, especially since she's so switched-on about what I want and keeps her eyes/ears open for it, but the downside of the Global Economic Crisis means that right now I just plain can't afford to pay her ~$15(?) dollar profit-margin and the distributor's ~$15 profit-margin.  Maybe in a month or two, but not at the moment.  :'(

Actually most of what you are paying there is the shipping to get the item to Australia- I do a a lot of international shipping in my business and it is just plain expensive.  Shipping a BT Box Set by US Mail would probably cost about $43US.  Even if you shipped 2 or 3 of them together you would probably still be looking at a cost of somewhere between $18 and $25 per set.  And that cost is being passed on to you in form of a higher retail price.

In general retail distributors get product at somewhere between 50-60% off of the cover price, while retailers usually get a discount of 30-40% off the retail price.  (and they usually also have to pay the shipping costs to get the product.) The discounts generally depend on the volume that is purchased- buy more and you get a bigger a discount. 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on July 07, 2011, 11:45:52 AM
Just a comment on the pdf versus print issues - it's not just the physical costs that are reduced by selling e-books rather than the dead tree.

They are also cutting out at least two layers of mark up: the distributor who takes the finished book and sells it to local gaming stores, and the gaming store themselves. Both of these have expenses which they cover by paying less than they charge for the books. The actual fraction of the amount paid for a dead tree copy received by CGL probably isn't that much and while some of that difference is represented by the cheaper retail price of a pdf, it's quite possible that there is still an greater profit margin as a result.

Not quite drakensis.

Typically, mark up costs are included in the final production tally under the produced product heading, and PDFs still suffer from some of these mark up costs if there is a legal distributor on the block (and the company's taking some risks.) As a customer you may not notice the markup for competition's sake, but the publisher sure does. For example, (and a reverse of the print norm) DriveThruRPG has to provide a percentage of every PDF sold back to the authoring company. (Assuming they do indeed do this, which seems to be the industry standard for music and all other forms of digital product - like apps!)

This system works for a couple of reasons. One, the cost of production for the PDF is covered by the organic in-house distribution network (in this case BattleCorps.) Meaning, in the final analysis typical sales on BC will have covered the cost of producing the product and then some - leaving this option the highest profit margin and a main drive behind using PDFs.

As a result, this leaves DriveThruRPG with the capacity to maintain a competitive product cost (say 2-5% below CGL's BC value), while still making a profit for themselves (having either - as some companies do - bought/leased rights to distribute the title, or simply paid a sold percentage), and provide the publisher (CGL) with additional return on the investment. It's a lower profit margin, but does illustrate exactly how flexible the profit margin of PDFs can be. 

Alternatively, CGL forecasts a total number or total sold number (which is harder to do with sold percentage payments through distributors - but does happen) as a base number in their possible future product production costs. So if CGL believed they would sell X amount of products through DriveThruRPG and X amount through BC, they'd have a decent idea of what they could spend here, there, etc.

Print Products do work the same way, but include additional markup for materials, transport, storage, etc. - basically the whole infrastructure or system that supports it since you're moving physical product. Surprisingly enough, for the most part - the percentages are close to the same. Meaning, retail markup for a PDF through a distributor and retail markup for a print product through a distributor is roughly analogous to one another - profit margins usually remain consistent, taking into account lower retail price for a PDF, etc.

I'm not saying you'll make a ton of money with PDF only products or print only products, just that you can squeeze a few more pennies out of PDF if you've worked your production costs a little leaner and plan on physically printing it. (Why you ask? It has everything to do with retail price - but that's another discussion entirely!)

In general retail distributors get product at somewhere between 50-60% off of the cover price, while retailers usually get a discount of 30-40% off the retail price.  (and they usually also have to pay the shipping costs to get the product.) The discounts generally depend on the volume that is purchased- buy more and you get a bigger a discount. 
 

Spot on right here. Unless it has changed drastically, GW accounts received their product at exactly those percentages (50-60%), however they're not based on volume and the company ate shipping - part of their good company policy. It's easy to imagine then, what the actual cost of the product is when the markup is 50% over what the retailer purchased. (GW could be a bad example, being a monster company in excess of - if I remember correctly - 300 million USD.) Buying direct only widens the profit margin on product sold - making even better on the return. When retailers sell their product below retail value, they're banking on the principle that volume will account for the margin cut. This system works great for the publisher - assuming people want to buy their product and they haven't produced more than they have sold - and places all of the "end" risk on the retailer. Remember, the publisher has already made their money - all the while affording the customer the notion of a reduce price.  ;) Another reason why smaller publishers want to work with smaller print runs.

If PDF worked along the exact system it would run even better for both the publisher and the retailer, but doesn't if it's a digital only product. 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on July 07, 2011, 01:45:16 PM
Spot on right here. Unless it has changed drastically, GW accounts received their product at exactly those percentages (50-60%), however they're not based on volume and the company ate shipping - part of their good company policy.

In my experience- (the book industry - not gaming) free shipping is usually the exception, not the norm. (But always appreciated- shipping can add 1-2 dollars to the cost of an item for a dealer) 

Quote
It's easy to imagine then, what the actual cost of the product is when the markup is 50% over what the retailer purchased. (GW could be a bad example, being a monster company in excess of - if I remember correctly - 300 million USD.)

Again in the small press book trade the retail price is usually around 5 times the production cost of the book-


Quote
This system works great for the publisher - assuming people want to buy their product and they haven't produced more than they have sold - and places all of the "end" risk on the retailer.

That depends- many times companies have different rates for items that are purchased as returnable or non-returnable.  The difference in pricing could be 10-15%.  Woe is the small press printer who sells to B&N or Borders on a returnable basis- they may get 90% of the books back in 6-12 months. (I know people that this has happened to- they were happy when they first sold them, and quite unhappy later)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on July 07, 2011, 04:45:53 PM
That depends- many times companies have different rates for items that are purchased as returnable or non-returnable.  The difference in pricing could be 10-15%.  Woe is the small press printer who sells to B&N or Borders on a returnable basis- they may get 90% of the books back in 6-12 months. (I know people that this has happened to- they were happy when they first sold them, and quite unhappy later)

At this point, only saps agree to returnable product, or hopefully negotiated lengthy shelf time. With SIM, all product is non-returnable. Being dated print issues (regardless of their actually longevity to the enthusiast or sale power post publish) they're removed as the new issues reach the shelves. But that's the nature of the magazine industry. I've seen small book publishers get non-dated product on the shelf for a year or more depending on the genre and how quickly the stored "turned" over. Again, this is all print product - game product works a bit differently depending on the retailer.

Independent GW retailers worked with different levels. Levels 1 - 3 to be exact, with Level 1 being a basic level and Level 3 being a Partner Store. Levels were designated by product type, amount, involvement (I'll get into that later if anyone's interested) and weren't hamstrung by shelf time or even shelf life. Retailers simply determined the amount of initial product to purchase and then refilled stock as necessary. Level growth was indicated by the account when appropriate. Meaning, a Level 1 store couldn't simply jump to Level 3, but rather had to work up to a Partner Store (for very important reasons I might add.) The system works great for a savy retailer. As long as their sales remain active and they refrain from over-extending, they enjoy a steady stream of product to coincide with local sales and benefits that grows with their community - like product support.

The flip, is that GW has to maintain large stock - not the best situation for a small game company. Every piece of product sitting on a shelf is money invested they've seen no return on. A large company can work the system, with the right number of accounts and an active growing community (part of the involvement I mentioned earlier) - plus competitive pricing means if the production and fixed costs are low enough, having sitting stock and free shipping is a grand idea. GW also maintains a standing rule of "repurchasing" older product from retailers for a 30% of the original cost. So if a retailer finds itself with a host of old 2nd Ed. Orks, rather than just swallow the loss, a retailer can get some of its money back in new product. GW procures a fair number of old accounts with the policy - especially game stores that felt the "bite" of bad GW business years back.

CGL could work a similar situation, but it would have to work with its partner companies - IWM for example and so on. As a small company that has more or less compartmentalized different parts of the hobby, that may be impossible to accomplish. Still, if CGL was interested in building independent retailers - read: Game Stores - they could do worse than take a page from a successful system of operation.

Also, I forgot to mention - that old product that GW reclaims from old and new accounts - it goes into their bits catalog, or is eventually resold as scrap. It's not recycled due to cost as far as I know, but that was three years ago. They could very well be recycling the materials elsewhere. Though their push towards plastic makes it unlikely.     
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on July 25, 2011, 07:44:54 PM
I just received word today that Historical Reunification War has shipped. I look forward to going over the DT version in detail.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on July 25, 2011, 07:47:14 PM
XTRO: Clans and Field Report: Periphery are also now coming soon, as is Wars of Reaving.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on July 25, 2011, 07:48:55 PM
XTRO: Clans and Field Report: Periphery are also now coming soon, as is Wars of Reaving.

Finally XTRO Clans
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on July 27, 2011, 10:12:56 PM
Dead Tree of Historical RW was waiting for me today.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Trace Coburn on July 28, 2011, 05:29:20 AM
Dead Tree of Historical RW was waiting for me today.
  Did they fix all those typos I pointed out?  ???  ;D
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on July 28, 2011, 04:22:13 PM
Field Report: Periphery is out

http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2816

I'm proud of myself, I am such a troll that I saw that it was no longer in the "release pending" section, found it on battlecorps and bought it before they put up the article about it being released :)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on July 28, 2011, 04:38:58 PM
And the writer worship of Randis continues to grow!  :o
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on July 28, 2011, 06:53:49 PM
Fiat left New Avalon for a holiday on Randis.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on July 28, 2011, 07:15:33 PM
LOL, how is it any way guys?

I'll look Trace but I assume they will be corrected later.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on July 28, 2011, 07:49:23 PM
The nice bonus in FR: Periphery is the map of the Hansa and Castil;lian territories, but then I'm biased towards those sorts of things.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on July 28, 2011, 11:19:15 PM
The Taurians were HAMMERED. The MoC has nearly double the Taurian forces now. Heck, the Calderon Protectorate has over half as many forces as the TDF now. Even the Marians tie the Taurians for number of regiments remaining.

Also, apparently the Colonial Marshals in the Fronc Reaches are Judge Dredd. "BECAUSE I AM THE LAW!"

Oh, and Wolfgang Hansen is still hilarious.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on July 28, 2011, 11:35:05 PM
The nice bonus in FR: Periphery is the map of the Hansa and Castil;lian territories, but then I'm biased towards those sorts of things.

Yes, I've seen maps of them before very similar to this but I believe this is the first time they've been fully exposed in an official document.

Not a lot of surprises the TDF is hurting badly but I expected that, they've really only lost a few units from 3067, they've just been on a decline for a long time and continue conflict doesn't help. The CP expansion of forces was revealed in StarCorps Dossiers, but seeing it all in definite print puts a whole lot into perspective.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on July 29, 2011, 12:31:39 AM
To give folks an idea of numbers, as they stand at the end of 3079, total regiments:

Taurians - 5.2 (this would be slightly higher due to the Taurian unit organization) / 9 in 3067
MoC - 11.1 / 16 in 3067
Fronc Reaches - 1.15 / 2 battalions in 3067
Calderon Protectorate - 2.0 / 2 in 3067 (they actually have 5 regiment formations, but many of them are very understaffed)
Filtevelt - 1.85 / 0 in 3067
Marians - 4.6 cohorts / 6 cohorts in 3067
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on July 29, 2011, 06:12:15 PM
Oh, and Wolfgang Hansen is still hilarious.

He kinda reminds me of one of the characters from Kellys Heros.

Interesting use of the Taurian flag too.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on July 31, 2011, 09:50:51 PM
XTRO: Clans is out:

http://www.classicbattletech.com/index.php?action=products&mode=full&id=364

Downloading it now, hoping for some previews of the War of Reaving material.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on August 01, 2011, 12:00:51 PM
Regarding the map of the Hanseatic League. I am curious: How many planets does this realm contain? 20,25,30,40?

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on August 01, 2011, 01:16:39 PM
Stunning XTRO Clans completely stunning
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on August 01, 2011, 04:12:06 PM
War of Reaving PDF available sometime August 3rd and the book will be at GenCon.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on August 01, 2011, 04:22:02 PM
Regarding the map of the Hanseatic League. I am curious: How many planets does this realm contain? 20,25,30,40?

Ciao
Hessian

Hanseatic League: 29 Planets
Nueva Castile: 9 Planets

It also shows where the forces for all three states are stationed.

War of Reaving PDF available sometime August 3rd and the book will be at GenCon.

Awesome!!! I know what I'll be reading this week.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on August 02, 2011, 11:16:03 AM
I'll get all three when War of Reaving comes out. Kind of excited to see what happened to the Clans.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on August 03, 2011, 03:26:57 PM
The Wars of Reaving sourcebook has been published in pdf-format!
The TOC is interesting(as it allegedly reveals which Clans survived).

It will be interesting to see the reactions on the official forums...

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on August 03, 2011, 03:53:44 PM
On my way to purchase.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on August 03, 2011, 05:10:44 PM
There is one specific member here who is going to be quite happy with the sentence I just read.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on August 03, 2011, 11:28:28 PM
Wow... just wow. Finished the first speed-read after work and I'm just floored. Lots of crazy stuff, I won't give anything away for those who haven't read it yet but there's maps, TOEs, personalities and pages and pages of what happened 3067-3085 with the clans. The only thing it's missing for me is a timeline with key points which just means I'll have to read it over a few times and build one for myself  ;D
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on August 04, 2011, 02:04:57 PM
There is one specific member here who is going to be quite happy with the sentence I just read.

Who?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on August 04, 2011, 11:59:02 PM
?????????????????
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: drakensis on August 05, 2011, 02:21:15 AM
I'm not even halfway through Wars of Reaving, but I have to admit that there is a fitting amount of badassness being displayed - Vladimir Ward and Kael Pershaw for example.

The Vipers are pompous morons though.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on August 05, 2011, 03:20:18 AM
That is a given they are the Clan version of Capellans!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on August 13, 2011, 01:01:29 AM
Some interesting news going forward. (http://www.classicbattletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,9046.msg212577.html#msg212577)

Apparently, no more single faction sourcebooks. It makes sense, but it's interesting.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on August 13, 2011, 02:45:29 AM
Makes lots of sense to me exactly why herb said it

Also with all 5 houses and the periphery documented so well in housebooks negates need for more

Only republic doesn't have but can't see it being around long enough to matter
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on August 14, 2011, 11:23:04 AM
FYI a new poll(on preferred print sourcebooks) is up on the Official Battletech site.

http://www.classicbattletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,9145.msg213789.html#new

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on August 14, 2011, 11:57:54 AM
It's a little sad to see how many folks mentioned everything but plot sourcebooks to move the storyline forward. It is kind of frustrating as a fan to see a community so focused on looking backwards. Particularly when the last two years worth of products has felt so heavily slated towards looking backwards. (Note: That's not to say it is, I haven't run numbers on that. It's just felt that way to this fan.)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on August 14, 2011, 01:38:15 PM
It's a little sad to see how many folks mentioned everything but plot sourcebooks to move the storyline forward. It is kind of frustrating as a fan to see a community so focused on looking backwards. Particularly when the last two years worth of products has felt so heavily slated towards looking backwards. (Note: That's not to say it is, I haven't run numbers on that. It's just felt that way to this fan.)

I'd half agree with you- I really like the historicals since they cover areas that have not been well detailed before. On the other hand I hate the Era Reports- they just rehash the material I have in a dozen other source books.  If they started during Era Reports for earlier times (1st SW, RW, Davion Civil War, etc) then I would revise my opinion. 

I'm actually looking forward to the jump past the Dark Age- War of Reaving is the first non-historical BT that I have been interested in for a while now- knowing the outcome of the Jihad made the Jihad books only slightly interesting. 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on August 14, 2011, 05:54:32 PM
Well I have to say I'm looking forward to the jump forward in time as well. Historicals are a great idea but they are to narrow in my opinion. Their scope is so limited that many new ideas I would like to see explored are cutoff.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on August 26, 2011, 04:38:50 PM
Just got my dead-tree copy of Historical Reunification War loving it.

Skimmed so far but still looks great.

New units look really handy too may have to use some...  ;D

Just a thought Drost IIa = Firefly - art + weapons
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Halvagor on August 26, 2011, 06:34:07 PM
Just a thought Drost IIa = Firefly - art + weapons
Given that BattleTech began stealing from successful Sci-Fi franchises from the very beginning, this is nothing new.  But, yes, clearly channeling the Firefly-class transport with the DroST. 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on August 26, 2011, 08:35:27 PM
Just a thought Drost IIa = Firefly - art + weapons
Given that BattleTech began stealing from successful Sci-Fi franchises from the very beginning, this is nothing new.  But, yes, clearly channeling the Firefly-class transport with the DroST.


Even some of the text in the entry is taken from Firefly.  (Don't have the exact quote but it was the line about the ship lasting you a lifetime)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on August 26, 2011, 08:51:22 PM
"treat that ship right and she'll be with you till the end of your life" although they've added a bit

it's still great one of my favorites from the book lol
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on August 28, 2011, 10:30:42 AM
I'm a huge fan of the Historicals. At the very least, for being a solid foundation and reference point for new story arcs. With the newer products correcting or retconning problems with FASA products, the writers have readily accessible vetted text at their finger tips. Remember, the latest book is considered the de-facto authority on a subject, so the more Historicals, the better for a consistent story.

People may whine about retcons or the older books, but FASA wasn't big on fact checking or consistency. Looking forward often means spending a little time cleaning up the past.   
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on August 28, 2011, 10:35:45 AM
Completely agree with you Knightmare
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on August 28, 2011, 10:54:00 AM
Received my dead tree copy of H:RW on Monday and have read through it once now.
My first impression is quite favorable.
It surely provides a more detailed look at this formative time period of BT history.
Will read it a second time now for datamining.

Ciao
Hessian

P.S.: I am rather impressed by the Concordat Frigate and the New Syrtis Carrier
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on August 28, 2011, 02:36:15 PM
Do not forget your pick Hessian. Have fun datamining. True  Historicals give a more consise view and they help with datamining.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on September 17, 2011, 03:49:37 PM
FYI: Objectives: Draconis Combine is availbale per CGL's Official Classic Battletech Site.

Ciao
Hessian

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on September 18, 2011, 06:56:29 AM
Quick question for those that purchased Objectives: Draconis Combine: Does this product finally reveal the location of the Sun-Tzu School of Combat?

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on September 19, 2011, 06:31:42 PM
No. But your answer can be found here. (http://www.classicbattletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,10314.msg250215.html#msg250215)

Side note: The militia size formulas are very, very interesting. It almost seems like a stealth retcon to have an easy way to say "No, even way back when, lances didn't fight for control of a planet."
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on September 20, 2011, 09:19:03 AM
No. But your answer can be found here. (http://www.classicbattletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,10314.msg250215.html#msg250215)

Side note: The militia size formulas are very, very interesting. It almost seems like a stealth retcon to have an easy way to say "No, even way back when, lances didn't fight for control of a planet."

I noticed that twist. Also an interesting way to expand pre-existing force numbers. Regardless, it looks like the Objectives series is really maturing nicely.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on September 29, 2011, 09:48:53 AM
Field Report: Clans is out. I'm laughing hysterically at the Wolves-in-Exile. It couldn't have happened to a more annoying bunch.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on September 29, 2011, 04:00:47 PM
DM is it only the InnerSphere Clans covered or are the Homeworlds covered as well??
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on September 29, 2011, 06:23:27 PM
Just homeworld Inner Sphere clans. It's a good supplement to follow WoR in providing a complete picture of the TO&E of the clan toumans. There's still some fudging with the number of functional WarShips, but for the most part they have been accounted for. In particular, I enjoyed the percentage of OmniTechnology per Cluster.

Edit: Thanks DM, was writing on auto pilot
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on September 29, 2011, 06:25:08 PM
Ehhem. I believe Knightmare meant to say it's only Inner Sphere clans.  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on September 29, 2011, 07:59:34 PM
Thanks guys, going to get it now!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on October 22, 2011, 10:29:31 PM
FYI three books were released (via download) today including Jihad Final Reckoning.  :D
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on October 23, 2011, 01:48:26 AM
That opening fiction is exactly the feel that has been missing since about JHS: 3070. Welcome back, Word of Blake! Goodbye Elmer Fudd!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on October 24, 2011, 02:25:35 PM
FYI three books were released (via download) today including Jihad Final Reckoning.  :D

Hmmm... I'm curious: The ToC of Final Reckoning list several chapters pertaining to "Industrial state of....". Do these chapters provide a detailed list of what military hardware each power still manufactures or is this more of a general overview of each factions industrial state?

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on October 24, 2011, 04:29:10 PM
From what I've skimmed we got a general overview of what is left of the old and the start of the new. There is a list of WoB warships FYI.  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on October 24, 2011, 05:05:37 PM
Hmmm... I'm curious: The ToC of Final Reckoning list several chapters pertaining to "Industrial state of....". Do these chapters provide a detailed list of what military hardware each power still manufactures or is this more of a general overview of each factions industrial state?

Ciao
Hessian

General overview. It's meant to compliment (and update) the material found in the Objectives series. Objectives are dated to mid-3079, FR updates that past the Bloody Centennial attacks (which take out more industry after the fall of Terra) and brings them up to late 3081. If you're looking for a detailed list, the Objectives series is what you want.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on October 25, 2011, 12:18:38 PM
Hmmm... I'm curious: The ToC of Final Reckoning list several chapters pertaining to "Industrial state of....". Do these chapters provide a detailed list of what military hardware each power still manufactures or is this more of a general overview of each factions industrial state?

Ciao
Hessian

General overview. It's meant to compliment (and update) the material found in the Objectives series. Objectives are dated to mid-3079, FR updates that past the Bloody Centennial attacks (which take out more industry after the fall of Terra) and brings them up to late 3081. If you're looking for a detailed list, the Objectives series is what you want.

Thanks for the answer. Guess I'll have to go for the Objectives then.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on October 25, 2011, 01:42:42 PM
Hopefully i'll be able to get it soon  :(
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on October 25, 2011, 03:26:23 PM
Here's the best review I can give it:

The Jihad started with two extremely well-done, fantastic books. Then came JHS: 3072. Unfortunately, then also came JHS: 3076 and Terra. Each was progressively worse, and increased the silliness of Elmer Fudd villains for no discernible reason. Final Reckoning goes back to what made the start of this storyline strong. It hits hard, and doesn't let up. The opening fiction along is absolutely worth it. Also, seeing that the scariest people (and potentially most damaging) folks in the entire Jihad weren't the Blakists is kind of nice. (Thanks Regulans!)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: masterarminas on October 25, 2011, 11:05:31 PM
Ok, so how badly is Catalyst bound and determined to screw up my Scorpion Expanses idea?  Does Circinus wind up nuked to the four winds?

MA
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on October 25, 2011, 11:09:03 PM
Ok, so how badly is Catalyst bound and determined to screw up my Scorpion Expanses idea?  Does Circinus wind up nuked to the four winds?

MA

1. No idea.

2. Oh, most definitely.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: masterarminas on October 26, 2011, 12:31:41 PM
Caspar III?!?  The Blakists rebuilt the freaking Caspars?

MA
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on October 26, 2011, 01:35:58 PM
I still have no idea what the book is like thanks to battlecorps/battleshop having screwed up all 7 downloads and there customer service being a compleate joke, 27 hours to respond to my email about the problem and now 34 and counting since i replyed to that email with no reply.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on October 26, 2011, 01:40:06 PM
I still have no idea what the book is like thanks to battlecorps/battleshop having screwed up all 7 downloads and there customer service being a compleate joke, 27 hours to respond to my email about the problem and now 34 and counting since i replyed to that email with no reply.

Go direct to Welshman, that's what I did last time Catalyst Quartermaster email takes forever.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on October 26, 2011, 01:45:40 PM
Caspar III?!?  The Blakists rebuilt the freaking Caspars?

MA

They built Caspars, which was already known back in JHS: Terra (and I think JHS: 3076). But they weren't Caspars as the Star League built them, as they never could figure out the neural mapping thing. So, scaled down Caspars, I guess.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on October 26, 2011, 01:48:14 PM
I still have no idea what the book is like thanks to battlecorps/battleshop having screwed up all 7 downloads and there customer service being a compleate joke, 27 hours to respond to my email about the problem and now 34 and counting since i replyed to that email with no reply.

Did you use customerservice.catalyst@gmail.com (http://customerservice.catalyst@gmail.com) or the quartermaster@battlecorps address? The quartermaster one needs to be removed, as they haven't used that for months now. The contact us page has the correct customer service email address, and I've always had quick responses there.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on October 26, 2011, 02:08:28 PM
Customer service, like i said i got a reply back from dawn the next day about sorting it out and asking for my order number but nothing since.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on October 28, 2011, 01:06:05 AM
Hi Question Just wondering in the Final Reckoning . The Spectral LAMs who drew them and how are they?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on October 30, 2011, 05:46:43 AM
Got it now, welshman sorted it in about 12 hours, what a fantastic book.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on October 30, 2011, 08:53:40 AM
Good to hear Rainbow! Hope you enjoy the read.

Personally I'll wait till this comes out in printed format.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on October 30, 2011, 12:16:33 PM
Good to hear Rainbow! Hope you enjoy the read.

Personally I'll wait till this comes out in printed format.

Ciao
Hessian

Ditto I want to see the Spectral LAMs and Casper III as much as the story which i think will annoy me, at least the new toys i could use
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on November 11, 2011, 04:55:57 PM
Huda drew the Spectrals, which look good except in their 'Mech mode. (For some reason the block "CAD" style still bothers me, and probably why I like White's and Plog's work just a little more.)

The Caspar IIIs were interesting, not for what they are, but rather for what they're descended from. Some of the other tech was so-so, in that it helped flesh the era out without actually having any impact on the story. The Caspar IIs are beast if deployed en-masse.

Only the Machina Domini was worth looking at IMO. Nasty piece of tech there. Makes ProtoMechs look like girl scouts dressed in their Sunday finest.

 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on November 11, 2011, 08:35:51 PM
Yes Huda style is unique but when Huda, White and Plog do mechs they are So KICK-ASS!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on November 12, 2011, 06:35:02 PM
Dang Knightmare you're a tease roll on the dead tree

XTRO Periphery is out and if you have Prototypes it's still worth it

Included are:
An Anubis

Trebuchet (from prototypes)

An Atlas which looks fun

Dig Lord (from Prototypes)

A sweet Saladin

a new Danai

Interesting Patton heavy tank

Very cool Dreadnought Support Train (firepower)

Seabuster (from Prototypes)

Out of the Black literally Thunderbird very nice if it works#

Vengeance (from Prototypes)

Ailette Taurian Space Suit
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on November 13, 2011, 02:09:04 AM
I like the Anubis best, I saw it and was immediately like "yes! They finally made a decent Anubis"

Looking forward to primitives volume 2 and ComStar xtros.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on November 14, 2011, 12:11:38 PM
I like the Anubis best, I saw it and was immediately like "yes! They finally made a decent Anubis"

Looking forward to primitives volume 2 and ComStar xtros.

Seconded.

I'm a real fan of the Primitives. Has anyone played with them yet? Running some Primitives against even some Level 1 machines makes for an interesting pitch.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 15, 2011, 02:17:52 PM
I like the Anubis best, I saw it and was immediately like "yes! They finally made a decent Anubis"

Looking forward to primitives volume 2 and ComStar xtros.

That Anubis is sweet.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on November 15, 2011, 04:08:53 PM
Funny. I thought the Anubis was the worst one of the lot. It was so underwhelming. It's amusing how folks look at the same thing and come to drastically different ideas.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 15, 2011, 05:13:16 PM
Its all in the eye of the beholder i guess.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on December 01, 2011, 04:49:07 AM
FYI a preview of one of the maps that'll be in Field Manual: 3085 has been posted on the Classic Battletech facebooksite.
Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2540591244360&set=o.19541048147&type=1&theater

Ciao
Hessian

P.S.: Personally I can hardly wait for this product to arrive as it will contain information on the formation and organization of the Republic of the Sphere.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on December 01, 2011, 10:08:08 AM
Anticipation!! ;D

I'll have to compare this map to the one in Field Report: Clans to see if the Wolf's position has changed since 3079. Man having Delta Galaxy back would really help them but se la vie as they say.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on December 01, 2011, 03:45:37 PM
I like that the maps are in colour, but in using primary colours, I find them a little bit LOUD! It would be nice if they turned the volume down.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on December 01, 2011, 05:48:22 PM
Anticipation!! ;D

I'll have to compare this map to the one in Field Report: Clans to see if the Wolf's position has changed since 3079. Man having Delta Galaxy back would really help them but se la vie as they say.

There was mention in the comment thread that went along with the map regarding that very same thing...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on December 16, 2011, 07:00:01 PM
http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,2209.msg326574.html#msg326574

Dark Age Turning Points Vega, just rereading this Novel (in my run at reading all 30 in a row) might take this out for a spin.

Here's hoping Field Manual 3085 comes out tomorrow (there's a BattleChat tomorrow and Wars of Reaving was released on the day of the last one... I can dream!)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on December 16, 2011, 08:14:22 PM
Fingers crossed. I'm really looking forward to FM: 3085. Here's hoping.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on December 16, 2011, 08:18:28 PM
More Interesting items
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on December 16, 2011, 10:17:25 PM
Geuss I'll purchase FM 3085. I'm waiting on next years historicals.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on December 17, 2011, 02:10:55 AM
I'm really looking forward to FM: 3085.

Me too!

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on December 17, 2011, 07:56:48 AM
and me, think i'll hang off getting Turning Points Vega till tomorrow just incase.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on December 17, 2011, 04:59:41 PM
Herb confirmed 3085 for next year unfortunately in the battle chat earlier, I'll just have to be patient (ahhhhhh!!!!)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on December 17, 2011, 05:01:10 PM
2012 - The Year of the Star League ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on December 17, 2011, 05:09:51 PM
Yeah I saw that reference, I'm wondering if he was referring to just the Liberation of Terra Historical that's slatted or if there are other products.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on December 17, 2011, 05:31:42 PM
Herb confirmed 3085 for next year unfortunately in the battle chat earlier, I'll just have to be patient (ahhhhhh!!!!)

Annoying isn't it, i was hoping to have it for christmas or as a birthday present.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on December 17, 2011, 05:32:39 PM
2012 - The Year of the Star League ;)

Didn't Herb say something about more than just Liberation part 1? Maybe some PDF love as well?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on December 17, 2011, 08:24:24 PM
He said there would be an Era Report (I'm guessing like 3052 & 3062) and a Field Manual. They're apparently not kidding about expanding the Star League era.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on December 18, 2011, 03:29:32 AM
I just wish the SL era expansion was not at the expense of pushing back getting beyond Bonfire of Worlds by another entire year.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Trace Coburn on December 18, 2011, 04:37:46 AM
He said there would be an Era Report (I'm guessing like 3052 & 3062) and a Field Manual. They're apparently not kidding about expanding the Star League era.
  Yeah, my response to that was so high-pitched it started dogs barking two blocks away.  ;D  Just knowing that Liberation of Terra was coming so soon was borderline evilgasm territory for me; to know it's going to have that degree of support-products... well, as a long-standing Culture Vulture, I'm nigh-slobbering over it already.  :D
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on December 18, 2011, 06:40:23 AM
He said there would be an Era Report (I'm guessing like 3052 & 3062) and a Field Manual. They're apparently not kidding about expanding the Star League era.

Great isn't it, whilst i can see where Dread Moores is comming from with the 3150+ timeline i can live with it for the Star League fest, hopefully we'll be getting some 1st, 2nd & 3rd Succession War loving soon as well.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on December 18, 2011, 01:21:02 PM
He said there would be an Era Report (I'm guessing like 3052 & 3062) and a Field Manual. They're apparently not kidding about expanding the Star League era.
  Yeah, my response to that was so high-pitched it started dogs barking two blocks away.  ;D  Just knowing that Liberation of Terra was coming so soon was borderline evilgasm territory for me; to know it's going to have that degree of support-products... well, as a long-standing Culture Vulture, I'm nigh-slobbering over it already.  :D

From what I understand, they're spending an inordinate amount of time on getting this right. So many people for so long have looked on the SL era in hushed awe, it'd be a proper shame to mess it up. Heck, most of us treat anything Star League just like the rest of the Inner Sphere. It's almost sacred. The fact that it'll receive some serious attention outside of story fiction, i.e. FM, is fantastic. Get those spreadsheets ready boys, we might get a sweet look at some concrete manufacturing sites.

2012 is going to be a banner year. I Don't know what I'll cry more for, Liberation Terra or my Wedding...

Jena's got money on the book. 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on December 18, 2011, 03:36:14 PM
I'm hoping the FM will be from right before the start of the Civil War, it'd be good to get a look at all the militaries of the 2700's.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on December 18, 2011, 03:57:15 PM
Buried in the Chat was that there may also be a TRO for the SL- that could be really interesting- maybe we would get some warships to go with new mechs and tanks.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on December 18, 2011, 04:13:00 PM
Yeah, hopefully whilst set in the Star League era it won't just cover SLDF equipment, it'd be good to get a look at the stuff being built and used by the periphery and houses.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on December 19, 2011, 03:09:30 PM
Yeah, hopefully whilst set in the Star League era it won't just cover SLDF equipment, it'd be good to get a look at the stuff being built and used by the periphery and houses.

I agree!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on December 20, 2011, 12:44:22 AM
Here Here
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on December 20, 2011, 03:17:05 PM
If anyone has a Battlecorps account there's a preview of FM:3085 up today, its the map of the former FWL showing regimental deployments.

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on December 20, 2011, 04:19:49 PM
Cool, I've been looking for a bigger cover image.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on December 20, 2011, 08:51:21 PM
Cool, I've been looking for a bigger cover image.

They also put up two FM3085 Cover inspired wallpapers on the bg.battletech.com site
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on December 20, 2011, 11:43:06 PM
Forward to Victory
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on December 21, 2011, 05:38:40 PM
Looking at the FWL map on battlecorps there seems to be a good number of mercenary commands active in the fallen leagues space.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on December 21, 2011, 06:18:10 PM
Interesting Six. Given the regional chaos though it makes sense.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on December 21, 2011, 09:13:45 PM
I'm also interested in the Marik Protectors (if I'm remembering that correctly, I looked at it last night and don't have access to it right now) and what would cause seemingly independent forces to all utilize a standard nomenclature, maybe it's an RAF designation for organization purposes or something of the sort for the remaining independent former FWL Federal forces.... One of a million questions I'm looking forward to answers for (and more questions!)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on December 22, 2011, 03:14:07 AM
I was wondering about those 6 regiments as well, as you say it seems odd they would all choose the same name.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on December 23, 2011, 09:11:17 AM
Regarding the Marik Protectors: Perhaps these are idealist/loyalist members of the FWLM that didn't switch their allegation to a major province and instead banded together to form units that defend the Unaligned Worlds.

Just my two € cents though.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on December 23, 2011, 02:52:48 PM
I have a feeling you might be onto something there.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on December 23, 2011, 05:00:50 PM
I have a feeling you might be onto something there.

Figure there has to be something to explain the seemingly lack of absorption in the former FWL. After all, the FWL's proto-states had a few decades to expand before the Blackout and opted not to.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on January 12, 2012, 02:54:21 PM
According to CGL's Battletech page Recordsheets: Prototypes, XTRO ComStar and.... FM:3085 are available in pdf-format.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on January 12, 2012, 03:04:54 PM
Really? Right where's my credit card escaped too....
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on January 12, 2012, 03:49:35 PM
Oh..... some reading!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on January 12, 2012, 04:46:13 PM
I'll grab XTRO: Comstar as well but FM: 3085 will be purchased as soon as I get home.

Can't Wait!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on January 12, 2012, 04:50:55 PM
Just finished reading the Lyran section of FM3085 (yes i skipped to my favorate house 1st), fantastic read and good to see some old favourates of the LCAF back on the rolls, even if they are LCT's in many cases.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on January 12, 2012, 07:02:34 PM
Just finished reading the Lyran section of FM3085 (yes i skipped to my favorate house 1st), fantastic read and good to see some old favourates of the LCAF back on the rolls, even if they are LCT's in many cases.

Yes I saw that in my first skim through, good to see the Lyran Commonwealth back in both name and awesomeness.

PS for any periphery guys.... canon map of the Chainlane Isles just one of the sweet things I noticed :)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on January 13, 2012, 04:38:40 AM
Question for those that bought the FM3085 pdf: What are your perceptions of this book?
Especially the part regarding the Republic of the Sphere?
(In this product I am more interested in information on the Republic of the Sphere than anything else, even the Clans.)

I ask because I am debating to buy this product in pdf format(in addition to my usual habit of purchase in dead-tree format).

Thanks in advance.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on January 13, 2012, 06:55:23 AM
I will have a full review for KM to post in a few days along the same lines as my Wars of Reaving review.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on January 13, 2012, 06:57:35 AM
Looking forward to it then.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: CJvR on January 13, 2012, 09:40:04 AM
...even if they are LCT's in many cases.
What are LCTs?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on January 13, 2012, 10:51:14 AM
Light Combat Teams. Smaller versions of the AFFS' traditional RCT built around a reinforced BattleMech battalion(and likewise reduced conventional forces).
They are first mentioned in Field Report: AFFS

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on January 13, 2012, 01:08:16 PM
Is it true that FM:3085 contains the first ever canon map of the Chainelaine Isles?

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Manne on January 13, 2012, 02:05:03 PM
Jepp the Map with the Hell Horses Zone has the Isle Worlds on it.

My opinion great book so far, great summary and a good starting point for matches around the two campaigns from the RotS.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on January 13, 2012, 04:36:10 PM
The map also has my players being right and me wrong, as the worlds a largely ex-RWR holdings, where in the Kapteyen U I added all new worlds.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on January 13, 2012, 05:10:02 PM
I love this book.

Not nearly as many grammatical or spelling errors as some of the larger previous releases (which is a nice boon), and the information contained therein is exactly what I was hoping to see develop in a post-Jihad BattleTech "Universe."

I can already tell how the so-called "cut down" is shaping up, and how it will more or less be "glossed over" to make way for a post-Dark Age most BattleTech players will enjoy/be familiar with. Art-wise, the book is relatively uninspired, but the Plog illustrations are very well done, and showcase some great Republic-oriented artwork.

As for the full color maps, well they're just fantastic. As is the Rules Annex. Already mentioned are some forthcoming interim period products geared towards fleshing out the later half of the 31st century, while providing players and gamemasters with some useful hold over information (Read: C-Bill conversion for example. Highly informative IMO.)

Overall, I enjoyed the Republic of the Sphere section. Reading how certain facets of the Republic were formed was fun when you consider that most of the information detailing the Republic comes from Dark Age novels that paint a picture of a fully formed nation. Also of interesting note was learning the final dispositions of the various units of the Inner Sphere, Periphery and Clans. While not an exhaustive picture (in particular, the Mercenary section was a little light), the faction overviews were very well done.

Two Thumbs Up. 

Edit: The only piece of art I wish was in the book, was the old school FM color sections showcasing uniforms and paint schemes. That was one of the best parts of the old FM series was seeing uniforms and color schemes coming to life. Really wish CGL would have brought that back for the RAF.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on January 13, 2012, 05:21:26 PM
It was nice to get a full list of the RotS original Paladins, i for one hadn't realised Kat Stirling was one of them.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on January 14, 2012, 06:20:50 AM
I love this book.

Not nearly as many grammatical or spelling errors as some of the larger previous releases (which is a nice boon), and the information contained therein is exactly what I was hoping to see develop in a post-Jihad BattleTech "Universe."

I can already tell how the so-called "cut down" is shaping up, and how it will more or less be "glossed over" to make way for a post-Dark Age most BattleTech players will enjoy/be familiar with. Art-wise, the book is relatively uninspired, but the Plog illustrations are very well done, and showcase some great Republic-oriented artwork.

As for the full color maps, well they're just fantastic. As is the Rules Annex. Already mentioned are some forthcoming interim period products geared towards fleshing out the later half of the 31st century, while providing players and gamemasters with some useful hold over information (Read: C-Bill conversion for example. Highly informative IMO.)

Overall, I enjoyed the Republic of the Sphere section. Reading how certain facets of the Republic were formed was fun when you consider that most of the information detailing the Republic comes from Dark Age novels that paint a picture of a fully formed nation. Also of interesting note was learning the final dispositions of the various units of the Inner Sphere, Periphery and Clans. While not an exhaustive picture (in particular, the Mercenary section was a little light), the faction overviews were very well done.

Two Thumbs Up.

Good to hear, especially about the highlighted part, as the Republic of the Sphere section is what I am most interested in.

Ciao
Hessian

P.S.: Is the world that hosts the Diamond Shark shipyards on the fringe of the Chainelaine Isles(named Reef IIRC) identified on the map?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on January 14, 2012, 01:37:05 PM
P.S.: Is the world that hosts the Diamond Shark shipyards on the fringe of the Chainelaine Isles(named Reef IIRC) identified on the map?

Might be  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on January 14, 2012, 10:08:21 PM
OH BOY, OH BOY, OH BOY, OH BOY!!!!

Historical: Liberation of Terra, Vol I

In 2766, decades of careful planning and manipulation finally culminated when Stefan Amaris wiped out the entire Cameron dynasty in a bloody coup. Rallying the might of the SLDF behind him, General Alaksandr Kerensky immediately attacked Amaris’ Rim Worlds Republic, before turning his full fury against the Usurper’s “Empire”, launching one of the greatest military campaigns in Inner Sphere history.

Historical: Liberation of Terra, Volume 1 describes the early years of the civil war that would ultimately bring about the final end of the first Star League. Covering the fighting from the coup itself to the bloody campaign for the Terran Hegemony, this book provides a hard look at the closing years of the Star League Era, and the fateful decisions that would eventually pave the way for centuries of Succession Wars to come.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on January 15, 2012, 06:06:56 AM
You sound a tad excited there Takiro.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on January 15, 2012, 08:09:32 AM
Only a tad? ???
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on January 15, 2012, 01:39:36 PM
British understatement, i for one CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on January 16, 2012, 02:10:44 PM
Dude, have you see the cover yet? Guillotine, Highlander & Thug oh my! Or the Caspar Drone art?! Souped up Lola III with lots of nose guns.  :D

I figure this book might touch on the Periphery Rebellion, showcase the Coup & RWR campaign. Figure it'll stop short of the actual invasion of the Hegemony - leaving that and the liberation of Terra for the second volume. (Fingers Crossed)

Means WarShip info should be fairly split between the two. After all, the bloody war was 10+ years long!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on January 16, 2012, 02:52:43 PM
I really hope this does more then just touch on the Periphery rebellion- the SLDF got hit pretty hard during the fighting and that had a significant impact on the SLDF and the campaign against Amaris.  The SLDF did suffer losses approaching 25% during the rebellion, plus probably used huge amounts of their supplies and reserves- which could now not be replaced as many of the factories were in the hands of Amaris. 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on January 16, 2012, 03:46:41 PM
It would be nice Irose but might make the scope of the project to big to handle. Perhaps depending on sales they could go back for a volume on the Periphery Rebellion. Know I'd like to see it.  ;)

Yes I saw all the nice art previews they got going up. AWESOME!!! Waiting for a bigger cover picture to go up.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on January 16, 2012, 03:55:48 PM
It's a guess, but I figure Volume 1 will cover everything up-till the invasion of the Hegemony. Volume II will cover Invasion of Hegemony, Liberation of Terra and maybe the interim period up to the Exodus.

The Exodus was more or less covered in Operation Klondike, so I don't see it being added, or necessary.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on January 16, 2012, 04:16:28 PM
I can't wait to read it.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on January 20, 2012, 04:37:58 PM
Free BT 16 month calendar is out on the BT downloads page.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on January 20, 2012, 06:14:29 PM
Where is that?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on January 20, 2012, 06:15:13 PM
BattleTech.com then click on Downloads. It's not on the Boardgame site. Just the main site.

Here's the link.

http://www.battletech.com/downloads-2/ (http://www.battletech.com/downloads-2/)

Interestingly, since there's a -2 that means they had an original downloads page that was moved/deleted and they didn't bother to change the permalinks. Funny.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on January 20, 2012, 06:25:54 PM
Thanks Knightmare, couldn't find it on ours or the board game site.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on February 02, 2012, 01:12:06 PM
Oh look at that sexy Operational Report: Lyran Alliance.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on February 02, 2012, 01:39:22 PM
Thank Ken! Here's hoping we get to see Primitives Vol. 2 fairly soon!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on February 02, 2012, 01:40:35 PM
Thanks ken any news on objectives FWL?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on February 02, 2012, 01:41:32 PM
Thanks ken any news on Objectives FWL The-area-formerly-known-as-the-Free-Worlds-League?

Fixed.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on February 02, 2012, 01:44:06 PM
Thanks ken any news on objectives FWL?

Not that I know of, I pushed pretty hard to get LA out, doing some formatting work to get it done. I'm sure it's still in the production cycle, though.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on February 02, 2012, 01:56:02 PM
Thanks ken any news on objectives FWL?

Not that I know of, I pushed pretty hard to get LA out, doing some formatting work to get it done. I'm sure it's still in the production cycle, though.

Thanks Ken, well as my mrs has just reminded me i still have £50 from my birthday to spend i guess i should head on over to buy it  :)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on February 02, 2012, 02:04:06 PM
The (in-game) timing of the Objectives series is in such an odd spot. It's too early to have enough details on what survives for production in the Republic, but late enough that most of the Jihad actions are finished. Then you have another whole round of things that get wrecked with the whole Bloody Bicentennial attacks from Jihad: FR. It seems like the production info would have been a lot more useful to the player base to either know what the Republic managed to get along with what the Houses kept intact after all the worlds changed hand and the attacks ceased. As it stands, you get production info that is up to date and correct...but only for a couple of years. Odd design choice.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: MadCapellan on February 06, 2012, 09:55:17 AM
The initial plan was to compile all the 3085 production data into a print product, but that product has since slipped into development hell.  We'll have to see if it ever sees the light of day.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on February 06, 2012, 10:00:32 AM
The initial plan was to compile all the 3085 production data into a print product, but that product has since slipped into development hell.  We'll have to see if it ever sees the light of day.

Sometimes that can't be helped. Still, I appreciate the series. Even without being "definitive" by the current in-game year, it's still nice to see what goes where for even the 3085 time period.

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on February 13, 2012, 10:47:28 PM
4 new short length novels are available on BattleCorps, the return of BattleTech fiction.

AWESOME.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on February 14, 2012, 01:51:09 AM
It certainly fits in with the philosophy that seems to be growing with CGL products. Shorter turn around time, smaller products, lots of little releases. I'll be curious to see if it works on the fiction side. There's been a lot references in the past that limited page count was a big problem for the ROC novels. I'm not sure how lesser page count helps address that issue.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on February 14, 2012, 04:35:32 AM
Probably no print costs to recoup, and banking on a desire in the fan base for more standard fiction.  EPUB is better than no fiction and if the quality is good, sales will climb, even if there are those who hate non-hard copy materials.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on February 14, 2012, 06:26:07 AM
Don't forget that XTRO Primitives 2 is out!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on February 14, 2012, 10:47:30 AM
I've been electronic only for two years or more. I'm just a little surprised they went with smaller novellas (as they've already had some of that on BC already).
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on February 14, 2012, 12:15:29 PM
Thankfully, these EPubs are owned and not licensed.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on February 20, 2012, 08:40:09 AM
Just wanted to post a list of this years pending releases according to Herb's latest Battlechat. I know I can't wait to see most of them.  ;)

Catalyst Releases 2012
Historical: Liberation of Terra (Volume 1)
FM: Star League
Era Report: Star League
Handbook House Kurita
TRO 3067 Reprint
A Time of War Companion
Interstellar Operations
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on February 20, 2012, 12:37:11 PM
Nice it'll be interesting to see FM:Star League, hopefully it'll have pre 1st SW information for all the militaries as well as the SLDF.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on February 20, 2012, 02:13:30 PM
FM: Star League? :D
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on February 20, 2012, 02:30:46 PM
Nice it'll be interesting to see FM:Star League, hopefully it'll have pre 1st SW information for all the militaries as well as the SLDF.

That might be an entire book in itself. It was 20 pages just for the SLDF in the SLSB.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on February 20, 2012, 02:37:48 PM
Nice it'll be interesting to see FM:Star League, hopefully it'll have pre 1st SW information for all the militaries as well as the SLDF.

That might be an entire book in itself. It was 20 pages just for the SLDF in the SLSB.


I know, it'd be great wouldn't it  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on February 20, 2012, 04:05:56 PM
FM: Star League might cut off Threat Assessments 2785 somewhat but I think the two will be different given BTSD changes. I'm in a wait and see mode. Curious to see what they crank out and TA2785 will follow.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on February 20, 2012, 06:09:44 PM
Looks like I picked the right year to quit Battletech. I realize I'm probably in the minority here, but I'd prefer the Star League stay the Star League that's shrouded in mystery. It works a lot better for long-term storytelling in the setting. I may have to break my quitting habit just to polish off the Handbook series. Everything else? Yeah, I feel happy about staying strong away from that.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on February 23, 2012, 08:30:33 AM
Just to keep you guys informed. According to a quick Twitter post yesterday, the first 80 pages of the historical are already through layout. March is going to be a great month.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on February 23, 2012, 09:50:36 AM
Sounds great Knightmare!

I hear your Dread Moores but that kind of happens with all BattleTech products. A little bit of the romance seems to be lost. Heck I can remember getting Objective Raids and actually having a map of the InnerSphere for the first time. Hopefully these new products will add to the flavor of the universe rather than take from it.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on February 23, 2012, 10:50:21 AM
Sounds great Knightmare!

I hear your Dread Moores but that kind of happens with all BattleTech products. A little bit of the romance seems to be lost. Heck I can remember getting Objective Raids and actually having a map of the InnerSphere for the first time. Hopefully these new products will add to the flavor of the universe rather than take from it.

Sounds like a healthy dose of personal preference there.

At any rate, BattleTech's a game. Games need product. The Star League era is a huge gaping fiction hole in the universe. Plenty of product to be made from it.

The more the merrier.


Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on March 09, 2012, 06:29:56 AM
Okay folks go crazy cause its out in PDF form, Historical: Liberation of Terra / Volume I!!!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Halvagor on March 09, 2012, 01:42:27 PM
Let's see if I can get it in this country....

EDIT: Yep.  Took only 27 minutes to successfully order, and 33 to download.  Ah, the wonders of single-digit kb/s speeds...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on March 09, 2012, 03:48:10 PM
Holy crap.... I was gonna go out drinking tonight but I might have to change my plans.

Along with releasing Historical: Liberation of Terra Vol. 1 they also put Field Manual: SLDF and Era Report: 2750 up on the coming releases page, we knew about them but the fact that they're up hopefully means they're relatively close to being released (i.e. months instead of a year or more)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on March 09, 2012, 05:48:21 PM
Along with releasing Historical: Liberation of Terra Vol. 1 they also put Field Manual: SLDF and Era Report: 2750 up on the coming releases page, we knew about them but the fact that they're up hopefully means they're relatively close to being released (i.e. months instead of a year or more)

It's safe to assume those two are planned to be months instead of a year or more. Those two were specifically listed as part of this historical year's releases. ;)

If I were a betting man, I'd bet on GenCon timeframe. There's always a massive spamming of product around that time.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: drakensis on March 10, 2012, 04:09:07 AM
Have to admit that my first response to seeing Era Report 2750 was a visceral "Do Want"
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on March 13, 2012, 10:39:35 AM
Have to admit that my first response to seeing Era Report 2750 was a visceral "Do Want"

Seconded. I'm also excited to see how CGL produces Field Manual: SLDF. Given the overview the SLDF received in the Historical, I'm expecting lots of details in the Field Manual.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on March 13, 2012, 01:28:15 PM
Have to admit that my first response to seeing Era Report 2750 was a visceral "Do Want"
Seconded. I'm also excited to see how CGL produces Field Manual: SLDF. Given the overview the SLDF received in the Historical, I'm expecting lots of details in the Field Manual.

Regarding the Field Manual:SLDF I'd guess that we will get information which are the constituent regiments and brigades of the various divisions. Personally I also hope that we will get a complete WarShip list(including classes). Although I somewhat fear the reactions this might cause.

Yet more is apparently to come:
When I read the preview-pdf to Liberation of Terra vol. I posted on the official Battletech homepage I stumbled upon the following bit of information on page 9 of Liberation of Terra vol. I in the chapter A Note on Sources :

" Field  Manual:  SLDF,  Era  Report:  2750,  and  the  2750  Field Report  PDF-exclusive  series  will  provide  additional  detail  on  the  military  and  political situation across the Inner Sphere prior to the Periphery Uprising and Amaris Coup."

I certainly look forward to all of these announced products but Field Manual: SLDF and the 2750 Field Report pdf series are my favorites by far.

Ciao
Hessian

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on March 13, 2012, 02:52:42 PM
I'm looking forward to those the most as well, hopefully we will have the regimental breakdowns for all the powers of 2750.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on March 13, 2012, 02:56:49 PM
Hessian let me say I have no problem with the Star League Navy as presented. Numbers seem right and the organization was different than I imagined but no biggie. Presently I just can not believe the lack of House Navies. I'd welcome more info on League warships including the new or rather old Black Lion class Battlecruiser (I guess it would be considered Block I) mentioned in Historical Lot VI.

I wish the SL FM would include the Houses but not to upset by its focus, the SLDF was massive. What can we expect to see in the Era Report and the Field Report? Let the speculation begin!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on March 13, 2012, 03:51:05 PM
Hessian let me say I have no problem with the Star League Navy as presented. Numbers seem right and the organization was different than I imagined but no biggie. Presently I just can not believe the lack of House Navies. I'd welcome more info on League warships including the new or rather old Black Lion class Battlecruiser (I guess it would be considered Block I) mentioned in Historical Lot VI.

I wish the SL FM would include the Houses but not to upset by its focus, the SLDF was massive. What can we expect to see in the Era Report and the Field Report? Let the speculation begin!

Hmmm...I'd guess that the Era Report:2750 will be akin to Era reports 3052 and 3062 in describing the state of the Inner Sphere in a general overview.
The 2750 Field report pdf series will probably be modeled after the recently finished Field Report series set at the end of the Jihad. And hopefully the 2750 Field report pdf series will detail the various Houses WarShip fleets.

Personally I'd also love to see information regarding military manufacturing centres and their products similar to the current Objectives series(but i guess that if such a product ever materializes it is a long way before it sees the light of day).

Ciao
Hessian



Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on March 13, 2012, 05:12:57 PM
Personally I'd also love to see information regarding military manufacturing centres and their products similar to the current Objectives series(but i guess that if such a product ever materializes it is a long way before it sees the light of day).

As would I. Considering how oddly the Objectives series was handled though, I'd be leery of how it would turn out.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on March 14, 2012, 07:33:00 AM
An Objectives 2750 sure would be interesting but I wonder if the level of compression needed to create such a work maybe to dense. You've got a lot more industry in 2750 then you do after the Jihad and are you detailing the entire Human Sphere in just one book?! That is a lot to cover in such a small product given its format.

Likewise I'd hope for a bunch of information in Field Report 2750 but I doubt we will get it because of the same problem. You got 20 some pages to cover what? All the Houses? Just the RWR? What exactly?

As for the Era Report won't it just retread the stuff that Historical LoT Volume I just covered? U got a ton of background information on the period already and the various personalities have already been detailed.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on March 14, 2012, 09:20:37 AM
I'd point out that it's Field Manual 2750, a much bigger product than a Field Report.  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on March 14, 2012, 11:51:19 AM
I'd point out that it's Field Manual 2750, a much bigger product than a Field Report.  ;)

Isn't it both? I thought the release schedule mentioned FM: 2750 and a FR series.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on March 14, 2012, 12:17:07 PM
I'd point out that it's Field Manual 2750, a much bigger product than a Field Report.  ;)

Isn't it both? I thought the release schedule mentioned FM: 2750 and a FR series.

That was exactly my impression too: a 2750  Field Report  PDF-exclusive  series .

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on March 14, 2012, 05:01:01 PM
I'd point out that it's Field Manual 2750, a much bigger product than a Field Report.  ;)

Isn't it both? I thought the release schedule mentioned FM: 2750 and a FR series.

All I can say is that the Star League is getting a full FM according to the upcoming products.

 :-X
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on March 14, 2012, 05:27:41 PM
Either way, a Field Manual will be fantastic. If FM: 3085 is any indicator, we'll see a large product focused on the SLDF. If the text found in HLTI is correct, then the Era Report is likely to follow the same format as 3052 and 3062, respectively. Interestingly enough, I have to check to see what major personalities would be included in the Era Report not already represented in the Historical. If anything, I expect new House Personalities, or new & old Star League/SLDF personalities we have only cursory knowledge of.

Personally, I hope we do see a set of Field Reports covering the Great Houses/Territorial States. It would be neat to see some defunct commands, or regiments detailed.

As for Objective-type products. While it would be awesome to see the manufacturing might of the Hegemony & Star League, I don't know if such a product(s) is even possible, let alone cover the remaining nations of the Inner Sphere. Still, I'd be first in line to purchase it/them should CGL ever decide to give it a go.

I'm just happy to have a "Year of the Star League."
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on March 15, 2012, 02:19:38 AM
I'm just happy to have a "Year of the Star League."

Me too!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on March 16, 2012, 01:21:19 AM
Too Cool Seyla
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on April 01, 2012, 06:18:27 PM
More new stuff (http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,2209.msg402253.html#msg402253)! And it's free!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on April 01, 2012, 06:37:16 PM
Are you the maniac that named it "Ginormous Weapon Fighter"?

Too funny.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on April 01, 2012, 06:55:41 PM
that is an awesome document, especially like the tripod mech sheet, if that's what it's going to look like looks really good.

Love the 3rd Gen stuff that just reminds me of dnd
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on April 01, 2012, 07:08:39 PM
April Fools!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on April 01, 2012, 07:36:56 PM
Love it.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on April 01, 2012, 07:56:11 PM
April Fools!

yup one of their better ones even the reuse of the Orca from a few years back
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on April 01, 2012, 11:14:07 PM
Are you the maniac that named it "Ginormous Weapon Fighter"?

Too funny.

Yeah, I'm responsible for a lot of that.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on April 22, 2012, 03:51:53 AM
For all those interested: The Wars of Reaving Supplemental is now available.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on April 24, 2012, 08:37:55 PM
FYI:
Just saw that on the battletech homepage frontsite Era Report 2750 is shown as a coming release(with beautiful cover art).
Looking forward to that one.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on April 25, 2012, 04:05:47 PM
FYI:
Just saw that on the battletech homepage frontsite Era Report 2750 is shown as a coming release(with beautiful cover art).
Looking forward to that one.

Ciao
Hessian

Just saw it as well, looks good doesn't it.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on May 07, 2012, 05:31:01 PM
So Era Report: 2750 just went to the printers. Expect to see the PDF released soon.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on May 10, 2012, 08:51:51 AM
Just finished ER 2750.  The issues for the Shattered Dawn crowd just keep piling up, I feel ever more sorry for you guys.  The Field Reports for 2760 will casue more issues, as no doubt will LoT II and FM SLDF.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on May 10, 2012, 10:25:10 AM
The new releases are going to cause some problems but in the few discussions we've had (yes eventually we hope to get back to producing new material) we have decided to a certain extent that we like some of what TPTB have done and strongly disagree with other pieces and so we are going to pick and choose what we use. 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on May 10, 2012, 12:57:12 PM
Just finished ER 2750.  The issues for the Shattered Dawn crowd just keep piling up, I feel ever more sorry for you guys.  The Field Reports for 2760 will casue more issues, as no doubt will LoT II and FM SLDF.

When did it come out? I've not had my normal email?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on May 10, 2012, 01:27:27 PM
It came out yesterday.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on May 10, 2012, 03:41:28 PM
The new releases are going to cause some problems but in the few discussions we've had (yes eventually we hope to get back to producing new material) we have decided to a certain extent that we like some of what TPTB have done and strongly disagree with other pieces and so we are going to pick and choose what we use.

Good deal. That's the hallmark of a great AU.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on May 10, 2012, 04:16:06 PM
Thanks for the heads up Nova. Irose said it best just make BTSD more interesting when it gets going version 2. Love to talk about these issues in the appropriate thread.  ;)

Question for you guys - Anyone got their Dead Tree Format of Liberation of Terra Volume I? I still haven't gotten anything from Battlecorps.  ???
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on May 11, 2012, 12:31:10 AM
That info will spur discussions that will make our AU even better.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on October 15, 2012, 05:54:16 PM

From the Catalyst Twitter:

Quote
Not only are we going to be releasing some new BT PDFs this week...but it should include not just 1, but multiple e-pub only stuff! rnb

Looks like an XTRO (Phantoms), Objectives (FWL), and maybe something else from what recent discussions have indicated.  Hopefully ISP3 is also coming.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on October 15, 2012, 06:12:50 PM

From the Catalyst Twitter:

Quote
Not only are we going to be releasing some new BT PDFs this week...but it should include not just 1, but multiple e-pub only stuff! rnb

Looks like an XTRO (Phantoms), Objectives (FWL), and maybe something else from what recent discussions have indicated.  Hopefully ISP3 is also coming.

Sounds fun, Phantoms especially.  ISP3 I'd prefer to wait for the book
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on October 15, 2012, 06:51:01 PM
the final draft of Lance Pack Bounty Hunter, long delayed to get work on Field Manual SLDF and Total Chaos to Gencon, crossed Randall's desk last friday.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on October 16, 2012, 04:05:01 PM
I'm pumped for Objective FWL. It'll round out that weird interim period before the end of the Jihad. ISP3 is going to be pretty awesome IMO, but I'm really really pumped for LoT2.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: txmaddog on October 16, 2012, 06:51:55 PM
Im looking forward to ISP3; I'd like to know more about IE.  Also want to see ER: 3145 and LoT2.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on October 16, 2012, 07:39:36 PM
ISP 3 is the biggest thing that stonewalled High-tests and my Elysium Republic Project, since it has the potential to force a complete rewrite of the entire thing.

and we are not pissed off about that, if anything we are excited as hell!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on October 16, 2012, 08:20:29 PM
ISP3, LoT2, and the 2765 Field Reports I anxiously await!! ;)

I still haven't bought the Time of War Companion which is the latest new release. Anyone get it? Thoughts??
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on October 16, 2012, 10:00:18 PM
check out the first half of my podcast ;)

ATOW provides a lot more information and rules for players including a "Hero" mode that allows player characters to not be so vunerable.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on October 17, 2012, 11:11:03 PM
The Bounty Hunter Dossier, XTRO: Phantoms and HTP: Antallos are out.

Well, I guesssed one out of three...and was desperately hoping that ISP3 was going to be there.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on October 18, 2012, 03:03:21 AM
The Bounty Hunter Dossier, XTRO: Phantoms and HTP: Antallos are out.

Well, I guesssed one out of three...and was desperately hoping that ISP3 was going to be there.

Guess I'm going to be spending when home :)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on October 18, 2012, 09:42:36 AM
there is a pretty major Error in the Bounty Hunter pack surrounding Bob Farrell, his history completly changed between the dossier and when he was caught by Berith
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on October 18, 2012, 07:36:15 PM
Overall like all 3 need to look at all three more in depth but ideas forming
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on October 19, 2012, 10:28:15 AM
I was never sure about the Bounty Hunter pack, I liked how in Instersteller players they portrayed the Hunter as a GMs tool more then an adventure that players can play AS.  this neatly lampshades it though by allowing players to live the dream and play a few "God Mode" Battletech Characters.  it might also be fun to roll through this as a sub outlet of Total Chaos, for kind of an "Easy Mode"
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on October 19, 2012, 11:44:08 AM
That's the beauty of the Chaos Campaign setup. These little supplements can fit anywhere you like.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on October 20, 2012, 11:47:50 AM
The Bounty Hunter Dossier, XTRO: Phantoms and HTP: Antallos are out.

Well, I guesssed one out of three...and was desperately hoping that ISP3 was going to be there.

I had hoped that ISP 3 was amongst the releases too.
It will be interesting to see which of the anounced releases will be published next. And which products yet unanounced will accompany them.

Personally I hope that LoT2 and ISP3 as well as Handbook:House Kurita will publish soon. Regarding pdf-only products I am looking forward to see the remainder of the Objectives series and the 2765 Field Reports..

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Minerva12345 on October 25, 2012, 11:21:10 AM
The product I am most interested in is Interstellar Operations.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on October 25, 2012, 11:24:59 AM
Intersteller Players 3 is the book that will most influence High-Tests and my Elysiunm Republic Sourcebook.  hell we have had to put the whole project on hold and be ready to scrap it whole sale and rewrite once it became clear what the contents of the book could be.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on October 25, 2012, 11:36:59 AM
It's going to be pretty awesome IMO.

I can't say why, but I have a strong feeling on the subject.  8)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on October 25, 2012, 01:12:22 PM
It's going to be pretty awesome IMO.

I can't say why, but I have a strong feeling on the subject.  8)

Such a tease :)

I can't wait, I'm going to include a lot of stuff from it in my 'inner sphere in flames' game I run to help me structure my timeline for my alternate universe as I love to try to develop the periphery (both near and deep) further than is seen in normal canon. Even just a closer look at the maps they hinted at (and showed a grainy zoomed out version of one) will become fruitful veins of information ore for me to mine and smelt into ideas for me to play with.

I like a lot of the stuff they have been coming out with (and have purchased everything that has been released in the last 4 or 5 years within a few days of release I believe) but since WoR and FM:3085 this is my most anticipated release.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on October 30, 2012, 12:58:52 AM
Dear Catalyst,

I am stuck at home with the man-flu and would like something to read. Could you please release Interstellar Players 3 to ease my suffering.

BN
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on October 30, 2012, 08:25:32 AM
Ray might be sans power right now....
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on October 30, 2012, 09:04:45 AM
Ray might be sans power right now....

That would explain why he hasn't written back...



Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on October 30, 2012, 11:48:42 AM
Say what you will about the UK at least our weather is normal

Blacknova I know that pain been avoiding missus last few to avoid it!!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on October 30, 2012, 03:28:42 PM
Say what you will about the UK at least our weather is normal

Blacknova I know that pain been avoiding missus last few to avoid it!!

As in its raining?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on October 30, 2012, 03:57:49 PM
Pretty much
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on November 02, 2012, 06:04:21 AM
Just off twitter:

Quote
Got a lot done - Cosmic Patrol outline for next book, started fixing forums, a bunch of SR design stuff done, prepped BT PDFs for release...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on November 02, 2012, 09:31:36 AM
I am more worried about whether or not that "Hardest email" from earlier in the day has any implications for B Tech.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Trace Coburn on November 03, 2012, 06:18:27 AM
  In case someone here hasn't noticed yet, Randall's started releasing 'Open Beta' .pdfs from Interstellar Operations - the first is the long form (34 pages!) of the Solar System Creation Rules.  Maybe I'm just the kind of guy who works better with a manual to hand, even if I'm going to toss it all away and invoke FIATTM, but I'm seeing all sorts of potential utility here, hee-hee-hee....  8)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on November 03, 2012, 06:43:42 AM
Yeah saw that and had a read, but I am still burning incense at my ISP3 altar.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on November 03, 2012, 09:57:46 PM
Where can I find the download for ISO beta?

And three new PDFs are available for download. XTRO: Primitives Vol. 3, Objectives: Free Worlds League, and
The Falcon and the Wolf.

Good to get back after that pounding by Sandy. ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on November 03, 2012, 11:34:39 PM
the ling awaited primitive thunderbolt...

it is most definatly a thunderbolt.  I NEVER understood the appeal of that mech.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on November 04, 2012, 12:39:56 AM
Where can I find the download for ISO beta?

And three new PDFs are available for download. XTRO: Primitives Vol. 3, Objectives: Free Worlds League, and
The Falcon and the Wolf.

Good to get back after that pounding by Sandy. ;)

Here Takiro
http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,24310.0.html (http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,24310.0.html)

First post

Agree wit you JP Arbiter but I love the look of that Mech!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Epoch Rooster on November 04, 2012, 06:07:43 AM
the ling awaited primitive thunderbolt...

it is most definatly a thunderbolt.  I NEVER understood the appeal of that mech.
It's the best trooper-style* 'Mech in the pre-clan eras, bar none.




* - Trooper-style= A jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none. It's good in all areas of combat, but does not excel in any given speciality
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 04, 2012, 07:07:58 AM
Just downloaded it and must say i'm loving the new (old) Thud's artwork.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on November 04, 2012, 09:11:41 AM
the ling awaited primitive thunderbolt...

it is most definatly a thunderbolt.  I NEVER understood the appeal of that mech.
It's the best trooper-style* 'Mech in the pre-clan eras, bar none.


* - Trooper-style= A jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none. It's good in all areas of combat, but does not excel in any given speciality

that is a matter of opinion.  for me the thunderbolt's eclectic weapons mix and lack of jump jets make it vunerable and underpowered.  sure it can counter act conventional infantry and provide indirect LRM fire support, but it's weapons mix is to diluted and the armor is wanting.  the Grasshopper jumps, is beter armored, with it's big gun in a well protected center torso, and can reach at all ranges like the T Bolt.  the only thing it can not do well is anti infantry, and that is what the jets and lancemates are for (unless you load up the LRMs with frag or incindeary rounds)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on November 04, 2012, 02:55:12 PM
Hopper vs T-Bolt age old question unseen or reseen

Between the two I'd be torn I like them both so I'd take a lance with both!! ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on November 07, 2012, 07:50:08 PM
The BT Coming Release page has been updated with the following:

OBJECTIVES
Objectives: Clans
Objectives: Periphery

PLOT BOOKS
Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3
Handbook: House Kurita
Historical: Liberation of terra, Volume 2
Era Report: 3145

TECH READOUTS AND RECORD SHEETS
BattleTech Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged
Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, Revised Edition

FIELD REPORTS
2765 Field Report: CCAF
2765 Field Report: DCMS
2765 Field Report: AFFS
2765 Field Report: FWLM
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on November 07, 2012, 08:34:09 PM
Crazy sexy cool! I'm stuck in a snowstorm now but going to drool over the previews later.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on November 07, 2012, 08:46:19 PM
In forgot to state in my earlier post that I want them all N.O.W!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on November 08, 2012, 12:56:16 AM
In forgot to state in my earlier post that I want them all N.O.W!

You're not alone in that regard!

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on November 08, 2012, 02:24:11 AM
Quote
PLOT BOOKS
Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3
Handbook: House Kurita
Historical: Liberation of terra, Volume 2
Era Report: 3145

I'll take those four along with

Field Manual SLDF (hope to get on Friday)
Era Report 2750 (hope to get on Friday)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on November 08, 2012, 12:10:56 PM
The BT Coming Release page has been updated with the following:

OBJECTIVES
Objectives: Clans
Objectives: Periphery

PLOT BOOKS
Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3
Handbook: House Kurita
Historical: Liberation of terra, Volume 2
Era Report: 3145

TECH READOUTS AND RECORD SHEETS
BattleTech Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged
Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, Revised Edition

FIELD REPORTS
2765 Field Report: CCAF
2765 Field Report: DCMS
2765 Field Report: AFFS
2765 Field Report: FWLM

excuse me... I need a towel.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 08, 2012, 02:04:06 PM
The BT Coming Release page has been updated with the following:

OBJECTIVES
Objectives: Clans
Objectives: Periphery

PLOT BOOKS
Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3
Handbook: House Kurita
Historical: Liberation of terra, Volume 2
Era Report: 3145

TECH READOUTS AND RECORD SHEETS
BattleTech Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged
Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, Revised Edition

FIELD REPORTS
2765 Field Report: CCAF
2765 Field Report: DCMS
2765 Field Report: AFFS
2765 Field Report: FWLM

excuse me... I need a towel.

Me to.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on November 08, 2012, 03:32:33 PM
The non-2765, non-Objectives stuff definitely looks interesting. I've been a little disappointed with the planning behind the Objectives series from the start, so I can't express a lot of enthusiasm there. The fact that they are all set in '79/'80 seems like a big mistake, at least for my tastes.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on November 08, 2012, 05:17:44 PM
it is a suppliment for Immediate aftermath of the jihad action, sort of a continuation of the Final Reckoning book.

the 2765 stuff has me going gaga.  to get a glimpse at the size of the state Militaries of that era would be epic, particularly the CCAF and FWLM which I imagine would be worlds different from what they are today (no warrior houses, no knights)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on November 08, 2012, 06:56:41 PM
I just hope we get a clear indication of the 2780 strengths as well
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on November 08, 2012, 07:57:38 PM
the 2765 stuff has me going gaga.  to get a glimpse at the size of the state Militaries of that era would be epic, particularly the CCAF and FWLM which I imagine would be worlds different from what they are today (no warrior houses, no knights)

It should be interesting. Can't wait to see what they've come up with. Even though I may not agree with it.

I just hope we get a clear indication of the 2780 strengths as well

I'd like that as well.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on November 08, 2012, 08:52:23 PM
The BT Coming Release page has been updated with the following:

OBJECTIVES
Objectives: Clans
Objectives: Periphery


Cool, once these last two Objectives come out I can finish setting up the 3079-3085 universe for my next Inner Sphere in Flames style game. I love doing that :)


PLOT BOOKS
Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3
Handbook: House Kurita
Historical: Liberation of terra, Volume 2
Era Report: 3145


Good lord I'm buying every single one of these, great time to be a BattleTech fan (really I think the last few years have been)


FIELD REPORTS
2765 Field Report: CCAF
2765 Field Report: DCMS
2765 Field Report: AFFS
2765 Field Report: FWLM


Awesome as well, I'd love to see the house militaries right after the Liberation of Terra and just before the 1st Succession War, maybe I'll setup and play out the 1st Succession War - that could be really fun. Also glad to see them continue the Field Report line, hopefully that means they sell well (I love the Field Reports from 3079), maybe they'll do 3145 ones to flesh out the Era Report 3145 and let the bigger Era Report have other stuff in it and/or help introduce 3250 with Field Reports. I'd buy them all :)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on November 08, 2012, 09:47:09 PM
I think the feld reports will end after this series from what I can recall, with Field Manuals being the go to place for such information.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on November 08, 2012, 09:54:58 PM


Good lord I'm buying every single one of these, great time to be a BattleTech fan (really I think the last few years have been)



honestly, the founding of Catalyst Game Labs has been the single greatest thing for Battletech since Jordan Weismann attended the Chicago Toy Fair.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on November 18, 2012, 09:48:59 PM
The BT Coming Release page has been updated with an XTRO, making our list of desperate wants now:

OBJECTIVES
Objectives: Clans
Objectives: Periphery

PLOT BOOKS
Interstellar Expeditions: Interstellar Players 3
Handbook: House Kurita
Historical: Liberation of terra, Volume 2
Era Report: 3145

TECH READOUTS AND RECORD SHEETS
BattleTech Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged
Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, Revised Edition

FIELD REPORTS
2765 Field Report: CCAF
2765 Field Report: DCMS
2765 Field Report: AFFS
2765 Field Report: FWLM

EXPERIMENTAL TECHNICAL READOUTS
XTRO Succession Wars Vol I.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on November 19, 2012, 12:05:19 AM
EXPERIMENTAL TECHNICAL READOUTS
XTRO Succession Wars Vol I.

Very interesting Nova! Looks like a Maruader on the cover. Wonder which Succession War it will cover??
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 19, 2012, 03:16:35 AM
I thought there was only going to be 1 Succession War XTRO?

Not that i'm complaining.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on November 19, 2012, 01:47:25 PM
Succession Wars XTRO 1 http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3070# (http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3070#)

ISP3 http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=27_35_77&products_id=3071 (http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=27_35_77&products_id=3071)

The XTRO is awesome!!  ISP3 may have to wait a bit  :'(
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on November 19, 2012, 01:48:36 PM
And Interstellar Expeditions is out.

XTRO Succession Wars also.


Ciao
Hessian

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on November 19, 2012, 01:50:32 PM
Dragon Cat was faster than me....
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 19, 2012, 01:54:18 PM
Downloading now.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on November 19, 2012, 02:13:13 PM
Quote
Interstellar Expeditions is out and XTRO Succession Wars also.

Awesome!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 19, 2012, 02:55:19 PM
I think the Lyrans on here will like the Zeus  :)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on November 19, 2012, 03:59:28 PM
ISP3 is awesome and I'm only 17 pages in

Bug-Eye stated and another of 5 revealled
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on November 20, 2012, 02:33:30 PM
The Isles are by far the best read I've hit so far. I'm looking forward to finishing it tonight.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on November 20, 2012, 04:47:22 PM
I think the Lyrans on here will like the Zeus  :)

Yes, yes I do.

With the Marauder I wonder if Topps Legal is okaying Catalyst to be a little more bold with the unseen designs.  Whether this is an indication of "we got your back" or Topps wanting to press the issue to leverage the most out of the IP, I do not know.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 20, 2012, 05:23:24 PM
Got to say i'm loving the Cataphract as well, its a shame the CCAF didn't get more of them.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on November 20, 2012, 07:03:49 PM
Got to say i'm loving the Cataphract as well, its a shame the CCAF didn't get more of them.

Same here when I get a day off I'm going to modernise it

Must admit given the nature of the units presented (Succession Wars tech/late tech) I like em adds lots of interest in tech you wouldn't normally look at Blazer Binary looking at you
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on November 21, 2012, 07:45:13 AM
Curious question for those that already purchased ISP3 in pdf-format: Does the section on the Chainelane Isles contain planetary profiles similar to those found in the Handbook series or the Objectives series?

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on November 21, 2012, 08:16:52 AM
Curious question for those that already purchased ISP3 in pdf-format: Does the section on the Chainelane Isles contain planetary profiles similar to those found in the Handbook series or the Objectives series?

Ciao
Hessian

There's details on the Isles but its more general than planetary
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on November 21, 2012, 03:49:34 PM
Yes, it has all the standard planetary data and recent history for each world.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on November 22, 2012, 12:44:10 PM
Curious question for those that already purchased ISP3 in pdf-format: Does the section on the Chainelane Isles contain planetary profiles similar to those found in the Handbook series or the Objectives series?

Ciao
Hessian

There's details on the Isles but its more general than planetary


Yes, it has all the standard planetary data and recent history for each world.

I see. Thanks Guys!
Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on November 27, 2012, 08:54:27 AM
New, yummy 'Mechs n' stuff in RS: 3067u, including the most expensive combat vehicle ever.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on November 27, 2012, 10:17:38 AM
New, yummy 'Mechs n' stuff in RS: 3067u, including the most expensive combat vehicle ever.

I'm guessing a Mars Varient
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on November 27, 2012, 10:29:35 AM
New, yummy 'Mechs n' stuff in RS: 3067u, including the most expensive combat vehicle ever.

I'm guessing a Mars Varient
A Morningstar, actually.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on November 27, 2012, 01:47:24 PM
simultaniously the most awesome and most lame morningstar ever!

Short list of winners for me, ask me if you want details: Musketeer 3080, Tyr Kurita, Anubis 4C, Blue Flame 40, Tessen C3M, Perseus E, Thanatos 4T, Templar E and F and Fafnir 6U, Hellion D, Solitaire 2, Rabid Coyote 2, Bowman 4, Burrock 2, Savage Coyote W.

Losers: Mantuffell D, Osiris 5D, Sha Yu, Lightray, Legacy 05 and WVR, Templar D, Fafnir 5WB, Hellion E, Bowman 3

What is up with the Blood Kite Art?  I know it has always sucked, but it is just flat missing!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on December 11, 2012, 08:58:25 AM
Some new fiction is up for anyone who might be interested. Sounds like two of them are stuff that's been up on BattleCorps before but there is one new Blitzkrieg novel(ette?) about Galen Cox it seems.

http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,2209.msg569057.html#msg569057
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: SSJGohan3972 on December 29, 2012, 08:31:41 PM
Objectives: Periphery for those who are interested, also they released the Mercenary Handbook 3055 in an official PDF.

http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,2209.msg578988.html#msg578988
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on December 30, 2012, 04:37:10 AM
Just finished reading objectives periphery and the Taurian's really got shafted.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Epoch Rooster on December 30, 2012, 06:30:23 AM
That's what they get for being written as both paranoid and foolish. Not a good combo. Besides someone in the Perph had to get bitchslapped and they were the odd man out.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on December 30, 2012, 06:49:58 PM
Just finished reading objectives periphery and the Taurian's really got shafted.

Hey, they got some snazzy JumpShips.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on December 30, 2012, 09:20:47 PM
Just finished reading objectives periphery and the Taurian's really got shafted.

Think the FedSuns were hacked off at them for nuking their worlds...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on December 31, 2012, 04:26:36 PM
Objectives: Periphery for those who are interested, also they released the Mercenary Handbook 3055 in an official PDF.

http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,2209.msg578988.html#msg578988

Did they erase the stuff written by Scott Malcomson as a great big "Eff You for wasting nearly a decade of time!"?

Just finished reading objectives periphery and the Taurian's really got shafted.

Hey, they got some snazzy JumpShips.

Which is probably what will save the Taurian Economy, building and selling jumpships to everyone, and giving the Fed Suns a "PITA Fee" on each sale.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on December 31, 2012, 11:54:14 PM
Objectives: Periphery for those who are interested, also they released the Mercenary Handbook 3055 in an official PDF.

http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,2209.msg578988.html#msg578988

Did they erase the stuff written by Scott Malcomson as a great big "Eff You for wasting nearly a decade of time!"?


Malcomson's writing was never published physically, just on the former website.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on January 01, 2013, 04:15:36 PM
there still needs to be a great big EFF YOU to him.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Epoch Rooster on January 02, 2013, 01:10:33 AM
The legal system has already done that. About the only thing that Topps/CGL can do is to remove the ELH in the Dark Ages timeline. What little is left of them, that is, as the Jihad and actions by the Clans has already knocked them down to about 20% of their pre-FCCW strength.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on January 02, 2013, 06:45:09 AM
Not Calbeck again? ::)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on January 02, 2013, 09:44:04 AM
The legal system has already done that. About the only thing that Topps/CGL can do is to remove the ELH in the Dark Ages timeline. What little is left of them, that is, as the Jihad and actions by the Clans has already knocked them down to about 20% of their pre-FCCW strength.

I could live with a Dark Age Annihilation... swap them out for the Kell Hounds.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: CJvR on January 02, 2013, 10:48:31 AM
Hey, they got some snazzy JumpShips.
Any interesting details?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on January 02, 2013, 03:41:19 PM
I was wondering about that as i can't see anything about Taurian's building jumpships in my copy?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on January 02, 2013, 04:48:51 PM
They are maintaining their Star Lords, at least.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Nerroth on January 02, 2013, 09:37:04 PM
I was happy to see the coreward Deep Periphery states get some info, though I suppose I shouldn't have been too surprised at how slim the pickings were for any of them.

Even the Hansa are shown to have had a very limited industrial capability as of 3079 (and in an unfortunate primary location, given the Star Adders' interest in the coreward League worlds); while the state of play in Nueva Castile shows just how far the Imperio has to go in order to try and integrate the Scorpions' know-how into this all-too-fragile new realm.

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on January 14, 2013, 04:10:58 PM
For those interested:
Three new products have been anounced as available(in pdf-format) on the official BT site.
- Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, Revised
- Objectives: The Clans
- Experimental Technical Readout: Boondoggles

Ciao
Hessian

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on January 14, 2013, 04:26:29 PM
I have only seen the preview for BoonDogles and already it makes me happy.

the Illegal Quirk is going to make a lot of folks upset.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on January 14, 2013, 04:53:12 PM
Best XTRO yet, full of wierd and wild designs that should get the Rule Lawyers in a right little twist.

Love the Enterprise and thinks I might use it in the KU.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on January 14, 2013, 05:08:35 PM
Best XTRO yet, full of wierd and wild designs that should get the Rule Lawyers in a right little twist.

Love the Enterprise and thinks I might use it in the KU.

again, if the design is flagrently written as "ILLEGAL" you really can not get in a twist about it.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on January 14, 2013, 05:10:20 PM
Really need to finish so I can buy
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on January 15, 2013, 07:04:10 AM
Best XTRO yet, full of wierd and wild designs that should get the Rule Lawyers in a right little twist.

Love the Enterprise and thinks I might use it in the KU.

The skeleton? That scares me. Would make for a neat C&C in the Sol system.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: muttley on January 15, 2013, 08:48:37 AM
Nice diversionary Mcguffin... plus the confusion of 2 SLS Enterprise's
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on February 13, 2013, 04:26:43 PM
*Insert Sad Face*

An error from pre-edit made its way into my final PDF. Sorry folks.

It's no one's fault, the interwebs is evil.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on February 13, 2013, 05:05:26 PM
Lot of new stuff today!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on February 13, 2013, 07:12:25 PM
Well since no one posted it...

New BattleTech! http://bg.battletech.com/?p=4636 (http://bg.battletech.com/?p=4636)

Liberation of Terra Volume II
PDF Map Packs
JTP: Hesperus II
RS 3075 Unabridged

Lots of good stuff folks! LoTII is friggin amazing.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on February 13, 2013, 08:19:40 PM
Liberation fo Terra II...

there goes my Valentines day weekend
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on April 05, 2013, 08:44:40 PM
The Dark Ages are now detailed folks. Era Reports and a TRO now out!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on April 06, 2013, 12:11:35 AM
oh dear jesus christ what happened to...

EVERYTHING?!

pick up the Era report and understand!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on April 07, 2013, 04:30:36 AM
Curious question regarding TRO: 3145 Mercenaries:
Is it true that it includes the Recordsheets? If yes then how many units are covered in this TRO? And since the preview pdf lacked a TOC what is the breakdown of the units covered, e.g. how many of them are BattleArmors, Vehicles, 'Mechs, Fighters, Small Craft, DropShips and JumpShips?

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Epoch Rooster on April 07, 2013, 05:41:42 AM
Record sheets are included. Additionally, it features a new style of layout and Plog art everywhere
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on April 07, 2013, 05:46:01 AM
And a kickass Wolf's Dragoons cover with a Mad Cat MkIV and Vulture MkIV  :)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on April 07, 2013, 06:24:08 AM
What happened to the Lyrans?

My poor Commonwealth.  Now I feel like a Capellan.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on April 07, 2013, 06:33:45 AM
What happened to the Lyrans?

My poor Commonwealth.  Now I feel like a Capellan.

Dirty boy!  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on April 07, 2013, 06:37:05 AM
I keep scrubbing but the GREEN WON'T COME OUT!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on April 07, 2013, 06:56:46 AM
Listen Nova be glad your not a Cat or so I hear.  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on April 07, 2013, 07:14:53 AM
Amen to that the Cats bit the big one.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on April 07, 2013, 10:51:28 AM
To amend my previous question: Is it true that TRO: 3145 Mercenaries contains only 25 units?

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on April 07, 2013, 11:15:49 AM
Listen Nova be glad your not a Cat or so I hear.  ;)

  :'( :'(

Amen to that the Cats bit the big one.

 :'( :'(

To amend my previous question: Is it true that TRO: 3145 Mercenaries contains only 25 units?

Ciao
Hessian

It includes

2 Battle Armour
1 Gun Trailer
4 VTOL
1 Hover
1 Tank
1 Support VTOL
1 Support Vehicle
10 Mech
1 ProtoMech
2 Small Craft
1 DropShip

So 25 units

1st Supplement TRO of 8 I believe
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Epoch Rooster on April 07, 2013, 11:26:52 AM
What happened to the Lyrans?

My poor Commonwealth.  Now I feel like a Capellan.
Davion fans are feeling like Capellans used to.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on April 07, 2013, 11:39:40 AM
What happened to the Lyrans?

My poor Commonwealth.  Now I feel like a Capellan.

That just means your time is coming.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on April 07, 2013, 01:07:14 PM
To amend my previous question: Is it true that TRO: 3145 Mercenaries contains only 25 units?

Ciao
Hessian

It includes

2 Battle Armour
1 Gun Trailer
4 VTOL
1 Hover
1 Tank
1 Support VTOL
1 Support Vehicle
10 Mech
1 ProtoMech
2 Small Craft
1 DropShip

So 25 units

1st Supplement TRO of 8 I believe

Thanks alot Dragon Cat! It will help me very much to decide if I am going to purchase TRO: 3145 Mercenaries.

Ciao
Hessian

P.S.: Regarding the new developments described in ER: 3145:

Condolences to any Clan Nova Cat players. As a diehard Blood Spirit(still using the Clan Blood Spirit symbol on the official forums the few times I am posting there) I know how you feel.

And I guess that for FedSuns and LyrCom players things will improve.




Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: muttley on April 07, 2013, 01:18:10 PM
The Suns & :yrans just need a catchy slogan.  Look how the phrase Xin Sheng turned the Cappies from 200 years of punching bags into a super power....

Maybe a few rounds of "Steiner Uber Alles" or the coronation of James Robespierre-Davion will fix it...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on April 07, 2013, 04:37:55 PM
What happened to the Lyrans?

My poor Commonwealth.  Now I feel like a Capellan.

That just means your time is coming.

Here is hoping.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on April 07, 2013, 04:39:54 PM
First though, crotch kicks for all!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on April 07, 2013, 06:18:53 PM
I won't be able to sit for a month as it is.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on April 07, 2013, 06:38:32 PM

Thanks alot Dragon Cat! It will help me very much to decide if I am going to purchase TRO: 3145 Mercenaries.

Ciao
Hessian

Condolences to any Clan Nova Cat players. As a diehard Blood Spirit(still using the Clan Blood Spirit symbol on the official forums the few times I am posting there) I know how you feel.

Condolences well received

Further break down:

2 Battle Armour - Both Inner Sphere
1 Gun Trailer - Inner Sphere
4 VTOL - 2 Inner Sphere 2 Clan
1 Hover - Clan
1 Tank - Inner Sphere
1 Support VTOL - Inner Sphere
1 Support Vehicle - Inner Sphere
10 Mech - 6 Clan 3 Inner Sphere 1 Mixed
1 ProtoMech - Clan
2 Small Craft - 1 Inner Sphere 1 Clan
1 DropShip - 1 Clan
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on April 07, 2013, 10:39:28 PM
Death is not eternal for any faction especially in BattleTech and there are always alternative settings.  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on April 07, 2013, 10:51:48 PM
Death is not eternal for any faction especially in BattleTech and there are always alternative settings.  ;)

Exactly which is why my AU was created I didn't like the path my faction was on wanted a different path - ended up with about 300 changes and an AU  :P
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on April 08, 2013, 11:38:31 AM
this is why I love the current development team.  Crotch Kicks for all the little girls and boys!  and don't Worry Cappelans, your next!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dread Moores on April 09, 2013, 07:03:05 PM
Short review, as that's the limit of my free time currently.

ER:3145 is a good, solid product. It doesn't cover quite as much as I hoped, and being so close to the end of Bonfire, there isn't a wealth of new information. The FM should help with some of the lacking info, and I'm largely happy with how some of the personalities have been handled (save perhaps, Malvina). The fact that certain aspects of Caleb and Danai are never mentioned again is a good policy to go with, and one that should continue in the future.

On the TRO? I like the new format mostly, haven't really covered a lot of the units in depth yet. Having record sheets directly in the TRO is absolutely the way to go moving forward. I would also hope this means that new units are no longer presented in anything but TROs. Yes, I'm looking at you Handbooks and JHS.

Mostly, I'm just incredibly relieved that the Year of the Star League is finally in the past.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on April 09, 2013, 07:39:12 PM
I enjoyed the year of Star League although haven't read Liberation 2 yet
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on April 09, 2013, 08:58:51 PM
Yes, I'm looking at you Handbooks and JHS.


I promise no more designs in JHS books.

 ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on April 09, 2013, 09:26:01 PM
Yes, I'm looking at you Handbooks and JHS.


I promise no more designs in JHS books.

 ;)

Because there won't be anymore of those?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on April 09, 2013, 10:51:53 PM
no promises on Turning points (though as of now those are historicals)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on April 10, 2013, 08:31:32 AM
Yes, I'm looking at you Handbooks and JHS.


I promise no more designs in JHS books.

 ;)

Because there won't be anymore of those?

 8)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Nerroth on May 05, 2013, 11:45:16 AM
Historical Turning Points: Space TexasNew Dallas is out, along with a few other PDFs listed in this post (http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,2209.msg673861.html#msg673861).
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on May 05, 2013, 12:28:58 PM
kind of disappointed about the lack of Star League Era field guides... but they will come eventually.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on May 06, 2013, 06:12:32 AM
kind of disappointed about the lack of Star League Era field guides... but they will come eventually.

+1
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Epoch Rooster on May 06, 2013, 06:26:46 AM
Historical Turning Points: Space TexasNew Dallas is out, along with a few other PDFs listed in this post (http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,2209.msg673861.html#msg673861).
A disappointment this one was.  Looking forward to SL-era field guides and 3145-era mini-TROs, though.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on May 06, 2013, 07:56:00 AM
Can't please everyone...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Epoch Rooster on May 06, 2013, 08:01:30 AM
It's not quality, but quantity. Like many I was expecting some more Devil's Brigade stuff.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on May 06, 2013, 08:03:29 AM
God willing and the river does not rise
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on May 06, 2013, 08:21:16 AM
There is only so much that can be put in a $4.95 eBook, with limited page and word count.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on May 06, 2013, 10:07:41 AM
It's not quality, but quantity. Like many I was expecting some more Devil's Brigade stuff.

I have aslo seen a few who wanted more out of the Apotheosis Campaign.  what I HAVE NOT seen is love for the succession wars period.

the turning point was very well done in and of itself...  Timne will tell about the success or failures of mashing several eras into one turning point.  Good Job regardless Knightmare.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on May 06, 2013, 12:08:46 PM
I liked the Succession Wars mini campaign, always good to see the FWL on the up and its the first time i can recall seeing anything on the 3rd and 5th Atrean Dragoons or the 7th Marik Milita.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on May 06, 2013, 12:40:09 PM
Sadly, word count is a major hindrance, made even worse by the three mini track setup. When I proposed the concept I didn't realize how tight weaving the different eras together was going to be within the word count limitations. Since this is a first, the success or failure of the HTP will determine whether or not similar products will be written.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on May 06, 2013, 12:41:17 PM
I liked the Succession Wars mini campaign, always good to see the FWL on the up and its the first time i can recall seeing anything on the 3rd and 5th Atrean Dragoons or the 7th Marik Milita.

First showing for all three units.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Nerroth on May 17, 2013, 05:13:57 PM
Explorer Corps has been made available as a downloadable PDF (Hooray!), and so has Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation. (As linked to here (http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,2209.msg681733.html#msg681733).)

I wonder if there is much for the Magistracy of Canopus in TRO:3145CC?


EDIT: There seems to be a problem with the EC file on DTRPG; it only includes the front and back cover pages.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on May 17, 2013, 05:21:56 PM
TRO 3145 CC is out! Sweet sauce. That one's for you Black.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on May 17, 2013, 05:43:34 PM
TRO 3145 CC is out! Sweet sauce. That one's for you Black.

Just saw it too...

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on May 17, 2013, 06:14:48 PM
Still got my original explorer corps but...

3145 CC fancy may have to part with some more cash...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Nerroth on May 17, 2013, 07:39:34 PM
And a look at the Kurita file's cover art has just gone up (http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,28975.msg681908.html#msg681908), too.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on May 17, 2013, 07:49:43 PM
TRO 3145 CC is out! Sweet sauce. That one's for you Black.

AWESOME!

Whoops, modified your post with my reply first - helps to be awake.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Nerroth on May 17, 2013, 07:59:29 PM
Time to scratch it off of the Coming Releases list, methinks...

(So, is no-one else having a problem with the Explorer Corps PDF on DriveThruRPG?)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on May 25, 2013, 09:41:16 AM
Another faction based 3145 TRO is out gang! For all those who love the Dragon might be worth your while to check out.  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on May 25, 2013, 12:07:34 PM
I always respected the Dragon... now I FEAR it.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Nerroth on June 03, 2013, 07:41:51 PM
I should have noted this here instead of the Upcoming Releases page; but as mentioned there, TRO:3145 Federated Suns is now available (http://bg.battletech.com/?wpsc-product=technical-readout-3145-federated-suns).
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on June 03, 2013, 08:58:03 PM
Centurion Omnimech... it is about god damned time!

I also did not see the shields on the Atlas Coming.

the new Black Knights suck.  I will stick with a 12 KNT, thank you.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on June 03, 2013, 09:22:01 PM
Totally agree with the Centurion

The record sheet K2 version in the back is way better

Agreed with the Black Knight IIC...

side notes the Templar III is a nice upgrade, the Zibler Strike Tank is awesome and the two Super Heavies are a nice take on support although I'd have liked to see a cruise missile variant of the Paladin.

Sea Fox Battle Armour is just so damned pretty

Loving the Kruger Combat Car too
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on June 04, 2013, 10:12:02 AM
The Multiple Projectiles of the RAC 2 make the Atlas III valuable in combined arms warfare as an anti armor unit, akin to the AS8-D.  thanks to the Streak LRM system it also extends the range envelope that the mech will engage in on average.  the X Pulse lasers are the selling point for me, if they were conventional that Atlas III would be a no sale.  as it is I am curious to see how it runs.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on June 04, 2013, 01:13:34 PM
I should have noted this here instead of the Upcoming Releases page; but as mentioned there, TRO:3145 Federated Suns is now available (http://bg.battletech.com/?wpsc-product=technical-readout-3145-federated-suns).

Hmmm...I have to admit that I am surprised that another TRO: 3145 pdf is already available.  Have I misunderstood or missed something? IIRC the TRO: 3145 pdf's were to be published in intervals of roughly 4 weeks. Now that 8 weeks have passed since TRO: 3145 Mercenaries was published we have already got four of the TRO: 3145 pdf's.
(Disclaimer: I am surely not complaining, I am just surprised and somewhat confused...)

But back to TRO: 3145 Federated Suns. I am yet undecided if I am going to purchase that one as I've never been too big a fan of the Federated Suns. That Gunsmith from the preview seems interesting though. Just as the Rondel. Does this
TRO: 3145 pdf contain any other aerospace units? Or more Omni's besides the CN-11O Centurion?

Ciao
Hessian


Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Epoch Rooster on June 04, 2013, 02:40:44 PM
The Templar III Mech and the Zibler Tank  are Omnis. The Rondel fighter replaces the lost Dagger production and the Cutlass is a mini-Stuka.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on June 04, 2013, 02:56:21 PM
The Templar III Mech and the Zibler Tank  are Omnis. The Rondel fighter replaces the lost Dagger production and the Cutlass is a mini-Stuka.

Nice to know. Thanks for providing that information.

Ciao
Hessian

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on June 04, 2013, 03:59:33 PM
I should have noted this here instead of the Upcoming Releases page; but as mentioned there, TRO:3145 Federated Suns is now available (http://bg.battletech.com/?wpsc-product=technical-readout-3145-federated-suns).

Hmmm...I have to admit that I am surprised that another TRO: 3145 pdf is already available.  Have I misunderstood or missed something? IIRC the TRO: 3145 pdf's were to be published in intervals of roughly 4 weeks. Now that 8 weeks have passed since TRO: 3145 Mercenaries was published we have already got four of the TRO: 3145 pdf's.
(Disclaimer: I am surely not complaining, I am just surprised and somewhat confused...)

Ciao
Hessian

Maybe they got ahead of Schedule in production, or maybe they want to crank these puppies out so they can get the main book in time for Gencon.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on June 04, 2013, 05:52:41 PM
The Templar III Mech and the Zibler Tank  are Omnis. The Rondel fighter replaces the lost Dagger production and the Cutlass is a mini-Stuka.

Centurion Omni too :)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 04, 2013, 05:53:27 PM
They likely said 4 weeks to give themselves wiggle room, but if they are ready will send them out early.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 05, 2013, 04:41:44 AM
This just in from Herb.regarding the 2765 Era Reports.

Yes, there will be a map. The format is the same as was used for the 3078 Field Reports, with a short overview of the faction at that point in history, a review of their logistical status (including what training facilities and production centers they have--light on hard numbers, of course--and fleet makeup), an overview of the forces (by brigade, in Updates style to save on space), and era-specific RATs and WarShip specs (at least 2 WarShips per faction).
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 05, 2013, 06:16:33 AM
Good news Nova, hopefully they can resolve the art issues and get them on track for electronic release.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 05, 2013, 06:28:19 AM
My guess is we won't see them until after Con season.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 05, 2013, 07:27:36 AM
Even I haven't see the entries for the WarShips.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on June 05, 2013, 07:54:09 AM
This just in from Herb.regarding the 2765 Era Reports.

Yes, there will be a map. The format is the same as was used for the 3078 Field Reports, with a short overview of the faction at that point in history, a review of their logistical status (including what training facilities and production centers they have--light on hard numbers, of course--and fleet makeup), an overview of the forces (by brigade, in Updates style to save on space), and era-specific RATs and WarShip specs (at least 2 WarShips per faction).

Even rubbish WarShips that's pure awesome
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on June 05, 2013, 09:57:15 AM
I don't want battle histories of each regiment, but for the houses to have each regiment named and numbered would be nice.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on June 05, 2013, 10:09:52 AM
I don't want battle histories of each regiment, but for the houses to have each regiment named and numbered would be nice.

 8)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on June 05, 2013, 04:29:29 PM
I don't want battle histories of each regiment, but for the houses to have each regiment named and numbered would be nice.

 8)

I'm guessing thats a maybe?  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 05, 2013, 07:03:45 PM
With six FR's for the period, that is at least 12 new classes.  Get ready for more ship choices KU fans.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on June 05, 2013, 07:41:55 PM
With six FR's for the period, that is at least 12 new classes.  Get ready for more ship choices KU fans.

More to play with in my AU too :)  The ships alone make those worth buying IMO, considering all the hate WarShips get I'm not holding my hopes for any decent designs but at least there coming

Crazy thing is as soon as I saw that post I thought "hot to get them in AU... idea!!" :)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on June 05, 2013, 08:26:16 PM
The data on what production centers there are will be interesting too, even if it just lists them and does not tell you what was built there.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on June 05, 2013, 08:58:39 PM
Especially if its on worlds that no longer exist...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on June 06, 2013, 03:16:28 AM
Which someone would then need to go and check out to see if any of the production equipment or stockpiled finished product survived?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Nerroth on July 29, 2013, 04:43:05 PM
TRO:3145 LC is up on the BattleShop (http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3212) and on DriveThruRPG (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=117404).

In this case, the LCAF is presented with Clan Wolf-in-Exile as their "associated realm".
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: BobTheZombie on April 02, 2014, 12:29:22 AM
An April fools product was released today: http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=27_35_213&products_id=3301
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on April 02, 2014, 08:31:11 AM
Ben Rome also had an 'outline' of the ilClan Sourcebook on his site.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: BobTheZombie on April 02, 2014, 06:55:11 PM
Ben Rome also had an 'outline' of the ilClan Sourcebook on his site.

It can be found here: http://benhrome.wordpress.com/2014/04/01/the-supremacy-rises/
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on April 12, 2014, 08:36:17 PM
Well a few hours ago three new downloads were available. Field Report FWLM 2765, TRO Gunslingers, and Era Digest: Dark Age. Happy reading folks!  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on April 12, 2014, 09:10:34 PM
Really hate their release schedule I'm off 4 days then these get released 30 mins before I go back to work terrible!!

Roll on the morning then they can take some money from me
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on April 13, 2014, 06:54:31 AM
All good reads so far.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on April 13, 2014, 03:14:38 PM
The XTRO is one of the best hands down
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on April 13, 2014, 04:03:59 PM
The XTRO is one of the best hands down

I do like the Amaris ambush mechs, now i just need to find an excuse to use them.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on April 13, 2014, 07:22:49 PM
I do like the Gunslingers.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on April 14, 2014, 12:46:05 AM
The XTRO is one of the best hands down

I do like the Amaris ambush mechs, now i just need to find an excuse to use them.

how about because they are there...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on April 14, 2014, 01:10:53 AM
The XTRO is one of the best hands down

I do like the Amaris ambush mechs, now i just need to find an excuse to use them.

how about because they are there...

Excellent idea
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on April 14, 2014, 03:53:37 PM
Really hate their release schedule I'm off 4 days then these get released 30 mins before I go back to work terrible!!

Roll on the morning then they can take some money from me

Sorry about that. Something got hung up, and with half the crew already at PAX there were some delays.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on April 14, 2014, 08:22:41 PM
Really hate their release schedule I'm off 4 days then these get released 30 mins before I go back to work terrible!!

Roll on the morning then they can take some money from me

Sorry about that. Something got hung up, and with half the crew already at PAX there were some delays.

It's ok I forgive it because of good work  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on April 15, 2014, 01:59:35 AM
it is REALLY frustrating how some the newer units do not have officially mentioned paint schemes in the 2765 field reports (almost all of the Cappelans, the Dragonslayers, Rasalhauge Regulars, Marik Guard.)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on April 15, 2014, 09:08:37 AM
I sure hope the Lyran author was brilliant enough to figure that out....
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on April 15, 2014, 10:24:25 AM
I am just wondering what "new" old regiments the Lyran Author would come up with, or if they are going to be as dull as the DCMS one  (which was old guard Plus Rasalhauge)

is Herb doing the LCAF or did someone else get that job?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on April 15, 2014, 12:46:13 PM
I'd be surprised if the Lyran one was more that old units & tamar
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on April 15, 2014, 03:19:04 PM
I'm assuming the Tamar Hussars and Tamar Jaegers will appear.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on April 15, 2014, 08:48:52 PM
Based on previous authorship acknowledgements, I'd be surprised if Ken did not do the LCAF.  In that regards, I am hoping to see entire regiments of Atlas's running recon, painted in a combination of tartan and Hawaiian shirt specials.

Anything less would be a disappointment.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ken on April 15, 2014, 09:04:55 PM
Based on previous authorship acknowledgements, I'd be surprised if Ken did not do the LCAF.  In that regards, I am hoping to see entire regiments of Atlas's running recon, painted in a combination of tartan and Hawaiian shirt specials.

Anything less would be a disappointment.

Sadly, that time period was pre-Atlas.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on April 15, 2014, 09:19:39 PM
Then I stand disappointed, but I suppose a light battle armour regiment of Banshees should cut it then.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on April 16, 2014, 05:43:24 AM
Based on previous authorship acknowledgements, I'd be surprised if Ken did not do the LCAF.  In that regards, I am hoping to see entire regiments of Atlas's running recon, painted in a combination of tartan and Hawaiian shirt specials.

Anything less would be a disappointment.

Then I stand disappointed, but I suppose a light battle armour regiment of Banshees should cut it then.

I need a like button.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Habeas2 on April 16, 2014, 01:24:49 PM
I am just wondering what "new" old regiments the Lyran Author would come up with, or if they are going to be as dull as the DCMS one  (which was old guard Plus Rasalhauge)

is Herb doing the LCAF or did someone else get that job?

No, I didn't do that one. Didn't have the time available when I commissioned it.

Thanks,

- Herb
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on April 16, 2014, 04:57:02 PM
Are yo allowed to say who is doing it Herb?

Oh and the Periphery book?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Habeas2 on April 17, 2014, 11:06:59 AM
Nope. Can't say anything about projects that have not been released yet. Sorry.

- Herb
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on April 17, 2014, 02:41:11 PM
Fair enough.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 27, 2014, 10:10:43 PM
Two new releases out folks as Shadow Wraith stated Field Report LCAF 2750 is out along with BattleTech Alpha Strike Companion.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on June 28, 2014, 07:25:26 AM
Two new releases out folks as Shadow Wraith stated Field Report LCAF 2750 is out along with BattleTech Alpha Strike Companion.

Yay something to look at when I get home
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Abele on June 28, 2014, 07:42:55 AM
Ditto. As I left my debit card at home
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on October 05, 2014, 03:11:05 PM
Well in case you guys missed it Turning Points: Operation Revival was released on Friday along with some Record Sheets. I know I missed it but hey some new stuff to read! YEAH!!! :)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on October 05, 2014, 05:05:19 PM
Well in case you guys missed it Turning Points: Operation Revival was released on Friday along with some Record Sheets. I know I missed it but hey some new stuff to read! YEAH!!! :)

Really  :o :o it's official playing too much destiny  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: TigerShark on October 05, 2014, 05:58:59 PM
It's fairly decent, too. (OTP:REVIVAL) Gives a nice setup for a mini-campaign in the time period with brief overviews of the factions for people already-familiar with the Clans. It's a bit like picking up a D&D scenario pack. Perfect for running a campaign and has everything self-contained.

Without the Warchest system, I think the scenarios might need a little adaptation. I believe most will play them as one-offs, so purchasing add-ons will be a GM-oriented affair.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on October 31, 2014, 08:32:49 PM
Well for everyone who missed it there is a new BattleTech product out for Halloween diving into an alternate setting, Empire's Aflame is a free download for all those interested.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on October 31, 2014, 09:01:53 PM
and now we have an official AU, and the fan base is gonna go nuts over it!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Abele on November 01, 2014, 01:27:24 AM
It already has JP. It'sloaded with a lot of errata with most of it being in the timeline. As it is a free product, I'm not going to bother posting it over at the official site.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Habeas2 on November 01, 2014, 05:11:41 AM
It already has JP. It'sloaded with a lot of errata with most of it being in the timeline. As it is a free product, I'm not going to bother posting it over at the official site.

"A lot of errata"? Erf! I know of maybe three or four gaffes. How much are we calling "a lot"?

-
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Fenris on November 01, 2014, 09:43:03 AM
Uh, I certainly do like that AU Steiner crest. Very sexy. Also, is this really almost the exact German Bundesadler for the Rim Federation?  ;D ;D

Will take a closer look at what was written as soon as time allows.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 01, 2014, 09:56:27 AM
Well for everyone who missed it there is a new BattleTech product out for Halloween diving into an alternate setting, Empire's Aflame is a free download for all those interested.

Great AU setting, almost reminds me of a certain other fan setting.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: muttley on November 01, 2014, 10:51:56 AM
When I read the opening fiction my first thought was that a sniper rifle isn't Bruce Gilmour's style.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 01, 2014, 01:08:07 PM
When I read the opening fiction my first thought was that a sniper rifle isn't Bruce Gilmour's style.

True, Marauder PPC or foot would be more appropriate.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Habeas2 on November 01, 2014, 02:36:09 PM
Uh, I certainly do like that AU Steiner crest. Very sexy. Also, is this really almost the exact German Bundesadler for the Rim Federation?  ;D ;D

Yup! And there's a reason for that!

- Herb
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: dgb11o6 on November 01, 2014, 02:53:38 PM
Where is it and where do I find it?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Habeas2 on November 01, 2014, 04:41:42 PM
Hi,

I'd like to report that I have fixed ALL THE ERRORS! I'm awesome, and you all know it. Errata in the usual official place.

That said, if anyone wants to check my work, and report some (likely non-existent) further errors, I will be all ears (in that same official place).

THAT said, here's a link to the original, pre-errata version: http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=27_35_213&products_id=3379

You're welcome, and thank you!

- Herb
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Nerroth on November 01, 2014, 05:01:55 PM
It's also listed on DTRPG (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/139331/BattleTech-Adventures-Empires-Aflame), for those so interested.


As I noted over on the official boards, one crazy thought I had was that one could have the post-Reaving Homeworld Clans send an invasion force to the Inner Sphere... only to suffer a similarly freakish set of misjumps that land them in the EA timeline.

Imagine the Adders and others being able to (re-)populate a Kerensky Cluster free of the scars left behind in the standard timeline - building up to an eventual "first" Clan Invasion of that Inner Sphere which might go very differently to how "our" Operation REVIVAL turned out...

(But then, would the existence of the Terran Supremacy cause an identity crisis among the new arrivals? Would the "Taint" percieved to be in the "other" Inner Sphere still apply here? Indeed, could these "New" Homeworlds end up with a fresh round of scars from a civil war fought over this very issue?)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on November 01, 2014, 08:52:06 PM
When I read the opening fiction my first thought was that a sniper rifle isn't Bruce Gilmour's style.

I don't know what you are talking about. The Terran government has nothing further to say on these unfounded rumors. Long live the Supremacy! ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: muttley on November 03, 2014, 01:10:45 PM
This is a great book- well conceived & executed.  Thanks Herb!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: drakensis on November 03, 2014, 02:08:52 PM
A very interesting release and one that opens up the BT universe into a multi-verse. I doubt we'll see more of that notion (unless a reboot is done) but great to work with.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Habeas2 on November 03, 2014, 08:44:46 PM
This is a great book- well conceived & executed.  Thanks Herb!

On behalf of the CGL team and its freelancers, thank you for the kind words! Hope you enjoy!

- Herb
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 04, 2014, 01:45:33 PM
Just seen that we are getting books on the 1st and 2nd Succession Wars  ;D
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on November 07, 2014, 06:50:25 PM
Field Report Periphery 2765 and XTRO Primitives IV were just released!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Abele on November 08, 2014, 12:34:57 AM
Off to the Battleshop I go
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 08, 2014, 09:13:12 AM
Both quality products.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: drakensis on November 08, 2014, 05:35:53 PM
If by great you mean the editors appear to have been drunk, yes.
There's some good material but when FR 2765 Periphery claims that the Magistracy Royal Guard were "the soul of the DCMS" I think it's pretty clear that someone phoned this one in.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 09, 2014, 04:17:48 AM
If by great you mean the editors appear to have been drunk, yes.
There's some good material but when FR 2765 Periphery claims that the Magistracy Royal Guard were "the soul of the DCMS" I think it's pretty clear that someone phoned this one in.

Yeah, i'd not caught that one when I posted, there's the Lola II and RAT issue as well, other than that I think it is good.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Habeas2 on November 09, 2014, 07:18:31 AM
Oopsie!

- Herb
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on November 09, 2014, 08:32:25 AM
I believe the Canopian War College was tied to the Sun Zhang if memory serves right and although that happens in the distant future (3050s I believe as opposed to 2765) it would be interesting if the Guards had some ties to the DCMS. Say modeled on the Swords of Light in some fashion. It would display a Magistracy tendency to emulate the Dragon's fighting prowess which it finds admirable. Perhaps even encouraged during the height of the Star League ties between the Draconis Combine and the Magistracy of Canopus helped their integration following the occupation. Joint exercises perhaps were allowed by the Camerons in the spirit of friendship. The Combine could have been long fostering a relationship that would unsettle the Hegemony if it screwed with them. Don't forget it was Draconis arms dealers who helped supply the Periphery powers with weaponry perhaps in this case it was even more friendly.

Just spit balling! ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: TigerShark on November 10, 2014, 04:31:15 AM
If by great you mean the editors appear to have been drunk, yes.
There's some good material but when FR 2765 Periphery claims that the Magistracy Royal Guard were "the soul of the DCMS" I think it's pretty clear that someone phoned this one in.

Yeah, i'd not caught that one when I posted, there's the Lola II and RAT issue as well, other than that I think it is good.

A paragraph was transplanted from another Field Report..
..The RAT is missing two numbers on the RWR table (15 and 16)..
..The RAT is missing all of the units present within the Field Report itself (Marauder for TC, Black Knight/Excalibur/Highlander/King Crab for RWR and the Hegemony units for Light/Med)...
..The Outworlds Alliance is the nation with the most advanced-tech units somehow...
..Everyone is missing the most obvious entry (the Quasit)...
..It's missing the Mako- and Naga-class ships warships from TRO:3057R...
..The wrong art is used for one of the warships...
..and it doesn't account for the origins of the seven Monsoon battleships, all of which were accounted for and scrapped or decommissioned in 2668. This one could be chalked up to the general line in LoT:I saying 200 warships were sold to the RWR, but good lord. These were the pride-and-joy of the Hegemony fleet. It's akin to the US selling the USS Constitution to Russia. O.o
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on November 10, 2014, 06:40:58 AM
..It's missing the Mako- and Naga-class ships warships from TRO:3057R...

Not sure what the issue is with the Naga- the entry makes no mention of them being in any periphery military, just that 3 survived the SL era.


Quote
..and it doesn't account for the origins of the seven Monsoon battleships, all of which were accounted for and scrapped or decommissioned in 2668. This one could be chalked up to the general line in LoT:I saying 200 warships were sold to the RWR, but good lord. These were the pride-and-joy of the Hegemony fleet. It's akin to the US selling the USS Constitution to Russia. O.o

The Monsoon entry says they were retired- it makes no mention of them being scrapped- that was the Farragut entry.  So the answer is clearly that the Monsoons were retired and Mothballed and later given to the RWR,  The fact that they were the pride and joy of the TH  doesn't necessarily mean much in the 2750s/60s when they were turned over to the RWR.  If anything your Constitution comparison would be more appropriate for if the SL/TH turned over the Dreadnought to the RWR- the Monsoons were beloved by the Hegemony admirals, not necessarily the public.  (You could argue the situation is no different the USS Enterprise after WWII- loved by the men who served on her, but still broken up for scrap due to a lack of enough public support to preserve her).
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: TigerShark on November 10, 2014, 11:09:34 PM
Not sure what the issue is with the Naga- the entry makes no mention of them being in any periphery military, just that 3 survived the SL era.

Masters & Minions describes the RWN Dystopia; an abandoned, Naga-class ship found by ROM near a former Republican world. So this wasn't in Terra's system; it was back in the RWR. They had it before the Coup.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Habeas2 on November 11, 2014, 12:57:03 AM
Oh! *whew* I found out that text issue with the Magistracy Royal Guards was NOT an editing error, but a layout one!

Not my fault!

- Herb
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on November 11, 2014, 04:23:34 AM
Oh! *whew* I found out that text issue with the Magistracy Royal Guards was NOT an editing error, but a layout one!

Not my fault!

- Herb

At least that's a start  ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on November 11, 2014, 04:57:47 AM

Masters & Minions describes the RWN Dystopia; an abandoned, Naga-class ship found by ROM near a former Republican world. So this wasn't in Terra's system; it was back in the RWR. They had it before the Coup.

Or it was captured after the Coup and later fled the TH for home when the SLDF liberated the Hegemony. Right now with the info me we have this inconclusive. 
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: TigerShark on November 11, 2014, 10:09:08 AM

Masters & Minions describes the RWN Dystopia; an abandoned, Naga-class ship found by ROM near a former Republican world. So this wasn't in Terra's system; it was back in the RWR. They had it before the Coup.

Or it was captured after the Coup and later fled the TH for home when the SLDF liberated the Hegemony. Right now with the info me we have this inconclusive.

What "home?" The Commonwealth had invaded and annexed the Rim Worlds Republic. There wasn't a home left to return to. :-\
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on November 11, 2014, 10:13:11 AM

Masters & Minions describes the RWN Dystopia; an abandoned, Naga-class ship found by ROM near a former Republican world. So this wasn't in Terra's system; it was back in the RWR. They had it before the Coup.

Or it was captured after the Coup and later fled the TH for home when the SLDF liberated the Hegemony. Right now with the info me we have this inconclusive.

What "home?" The Commonwealth had invaded and annexed the Rim Worlds Republic. There wasn't a home left to return to. :-\

It's possible that ship was recommissioned by the RWR after the report, but before the Coup; was captured by the RWR during the coup and moved to the Republic before Kerensky's invasion; fled to Republic immediately after the Civil War and was scuttled.

Plenty of possibilities.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: TigerShark on November 11, 2014, 10:20:33 AM
I suppose it is possible, though you have to admit, it's unlikely. Even the ships of the RWN which fled Kerensky's wrath stayed near their posted systems. The few that did not didn't head back toward the Republic. They (like the Mexican Legion and other deserters) fled into the Member States. If the RWN Dystopia were found in the Free Worlds League, I'd be apt to say "deserters!" and call it at that.

But we may never know.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on November 11, 2014, 12:58:54 PM
Fleeing the Hegemony? Very likely.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: lrose on November 11, 2014, 05:00:46 PM


What "home?" The Commonwealth had invaded and annexed the Rim Worlds Republic. There wasn't a home left to return to. :-\

We know many of the RWR forces fled the TH as the war dragged on.  It's not unreasonable that some would try to return to their families in the (former) RWR. The worlds were captured by the SLDF and the LC, it's not like the populations were wiped out.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: skiltao on November 18, 2014, 07:14:19 PM
New thing: they've posted an open beta document for Interstellar Ops' abstract planetary combat (http://bg.battletech.com/forums/catalyst-asks-you!/catalyst-asks-abstract-combat-system/).
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on November 18, 2014, 07:41:37 PM
My inner megalomaniac just laughed with glee!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Rainbow 6 on November 19, 2014, 03:39:52 PM
The best thing i noticed was that both the 1st and 2nd Succession war books are due out in the spring!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on November 27, 2014, 01:33:31 PM
For those interested:

http://bg.battletech.com/news/news-and-announcements/lance-pack-release-schedule-preorder-first-two-now/

The first two Lance Packs are available(at least on this side of the great pond, though I understand that they have been available in the US for about a week now).

I preordered one each of the first two through my FLGS and they arrived yesterday.
I can hardly wait for Saturday to fetch them!

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: drakensis on November 27, 2014, 05:18:24 PM
Yeah, I spotted those in my FLGS yesterday.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on November 29, 2014, 04:41:41 PM
I must say that I am rather impressed with the Lance Packs. The Minis seem to be of good quality and the Alpha Strike cards also come very handy.

Just my two € cents though.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on December 11, 2014, 12:56:49 PM
New BattleTech

http://bg.battletech.com/test/product-category/battletech-operational-turning-point-widowmaker-absorption/ (http://bg.battletech.com/test/product-category/battletech-operational-turning-point-widowmaker-absorption/)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Abele on December 11, 2014, 02:21:51 PM
Got it and gave it a quick skim. Not bad
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on December 11, 2014, 05:37:57 PM
Did the same Abele. Looks alright.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on December 11, 2014, 06:49:15 PM
It's probably the last "Star League" books sure these guys are now the Clans but the characters are at their core still the SLDF its an interesting transition story
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on December 12, 2014, 02:39:39 AM
It's probably the last "Star League" books sure these guys are now the Clans but the characters are at their core still the SLDF its an interesting transition story

Yes and no.
The top management and older 'MechWarriors are SLD but there is already a slight twist in them as they are post Exodus SLDF with the Amaris' Coup and the Second Exodus behind them and Nicholas that has already begun to stage new rules.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Knightmare on December 17, 2014, 10:55:21 PM
By the Widowmaker Absorption there is also at least one generation of adopted Klondike warriors and post-Klondike warriors. This is definitely the transition period for sure.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on December 18, 2014, 06:19:56 AM
I was surprised by the size of the Clans. They went from a 2821 Cluster size force (taking at least some casualties in Klondike) to multi Galaxy force (Wolf has at least 3 and Widowmaker 2) in 2834. That is quite a 13 year expansion.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Abele on December 18, 2014, 07:32:34 AM
I look at the 2821 Cluster sized force as representing only the Bloodnamed 40 of each Clan. There had to be large auxiliary forces made up of those who failed to earn Bloodnames. Without those forces I don't see how they can survive Operation Klondike, much less win it.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on December 18, 2014, 06:52:16 PM
I look at the 2821 Cluster sized force as representing only the Bloodnamed 40 of each Clan. There had to be large auxiliary forces made up of those who failed to earn Bloodnames. Without those forces I don't see how they can survive Operation Klondike, much less win it.

The exact relationship between Clan and Auxiliary is a blurry one some paint them as units recruited after the landings others have them as always being there

I think your right that after KLONDLIKE they were likely folded in as non-bloodnamed

As Knightmare pointed out this is a generation of warriors later the Clans have their territories and peoples.  Not only those in the Kerensky Cluster but also the survivors in the Pentagon who were at their Core the SLDF and dependants.  Raiding SLDF caches I think would rapidly expand their forces
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on December 19, 2014, 12:52:38 AM
The exact relationship between Clan and Auxiliary is a blurry one some paint them as units recruited after the landings others have them as always being there

I think your right that after KLONDLIKE they were likely folded in as non-bloodnamed

I remember reading something about it on Operation Klondike. I will look for it.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on December 23, 2014, 10:41:04 AM
I look at the 2821 Cluster sized force as representing only the Bloodnamed 40 of each Clan. There had to be large auxiliary forces made up of those who failed to earn Bloodnames. Without those forces I don't see how they can survive Operation Klondike, much less win it.

the Bloodnamed were more like the officers corps.  the auxiliary for each clan (think of the space ship crews alone!) were massive, including technical, medical, military police, engineers, Force Protection. Artillerymen, etc.

Functionally when you count the combat support elements, each "Cluster" was probably two galaxies worth of troops.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Hessian on December 24, 2014, 05:53:16 AM
The exact relationship between Clan and Auxiliary is a blurry one some paint them as units recruited after the landings others have them as always being there

I think your right that after KLONDLIKE they were likely folded in as non-bloodnamed

I remember reading something about it on Operation Klondike. I will look for it.


You are correct!

The sidebar on pages 32 and 33 of Historical: Operation Klondike contains some information regarding the roles of infantry, conventional armor, naval crews and auxiliaries before and during the conquest of the Pentagon.

Ciao
Hessian
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on January 15, 2015, 05:01:09 PM
XTRO Most wanted is up for purchase.  DAT MAULER!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on January 15, 2015, 06:12:36 PM
I am gonna wait to hear some reviews on this one. What time period is it set in?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on January 15, 2015, 09:45:12 PM
I am gonna wait to hear some reviews on this one. What time period is it set in?

After Jihad all the crooks that caused so much pain - time to buy  ;D
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on January 15, 2015, 10:15:38 PM
I was wrong not all Blakists not even close but it does deliver the fastest Mech in a canon BT product with a top speed of 432kph - that's a third the speed of sound... (in the description I didn't figure that out)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on January 16, 2015, 02:31:32 PM
I am gonna wait to hear some reviews on this one. What time period is it set in?

about 3095, and just wait for my review when MrsA and I record this weekend.  I think I maqy go full Yatzhee on this one!
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on January 16, 2015, 06:34:07 PM
I really liked it nicely flavoured fluff throughout

1 Light (fastest Mech in the verse)
1 Medium (the type matches the cover art - the prettiest Cover I've seen in ages)
1 Heavy (a Solais fighter with a mental breakdown)
1 Assault (DAT MAULER)
1 Ultra Light (fireman gone wrong)

1 Missile Hover pretty nice
1 VTOL with a turret
1 Super Heavy VTOL
1 yakuza Tank (no its not a light)
1 WiGE which I think is the weakest unit IMO
1 Small Craft with awesome fluff
1 PA(L)
1 Remnant WoB BA linked to the Small Craft fluff wise
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Habeas2 on January 17, 2015, 09:38:45 PM
I am gonna wait to hear some reviews on this one. What time period is it set in?

about 3095, and just wait for my review when MrsA and I record this weekend.  I think I maqy go full Yatzhee on this one!
No love for EA?

- Herb
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on January 22, 2015, 04:34:22 PM
I am gonna wait to hear some reviews on this one. What time period is it set in?

about 3095, and just wait for my review when MrsA and I record this weekend.  I think I maqy go full Yatzhee on this one!
No love for EA?

- Herb

I was thinking more along the lines of his Bayonetta review...
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on March 12, 2015, 06:05:07 PM
A bit of BattleTech news today with the release of Experimental Technical Readout: Republic I. Don't forget last months release of Historical Turning Points: Tortuga as well.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on March 12, 2015, 06:49:49 PM
It's pretty good as XTROs go
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on March 13, 2015, 05:10:25 AM
This is so familiar  ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)  RD-1R Roadrunner (Emerald Harrier) Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm I wonder where this came from

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: wolfcannon on March 22, 2015, 10:06:22 AM
(https://obtforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo84%2Fwolfcannon%2FBattletech%2Fth_roadrunner.jpg&hash=a9aa3d762a254059b2abf86414fe36fc33c9d680) (http://s118.photobucket.com/albums/o84/wolfcannon/Battletech/?action=view&current=roadrunner.jpg)

RD-1R Roadrunner
source: 1993 Update Flyer
Mass: 15 tons
Chassis: Endo Steel
Power Plant: 225 XL
Cruising Speed: 162.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 248.4 km/h
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 ER Medium Lasers
Manufacturer(s):
Clan Jade Falcon
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking System: Unknown
1993 Update Flyer

Overview
The RD-1R and the TZ-1 have only been seen by ROM operatives working behind Clan lines in the Jade Falcon Occupation Zone. The RD-1R seems to be a scaled down Mad Cat, outfitted with the legs of the faster Dragonfly. The TZ-1 is apparently based on their Baboon design, although it is heavier and faster than the Baboon, probably due to its "chicken leg" design.

Capabilities
Both the Roadrunner and the Devil are the fastest mechs ever seen, making them difficult targets to hit. The Roadrunner's speed and ER Medium Lasers give it the capability to move in at blinding speed, deliver a devastating hit, and high-tail it beyond the range of most waeponry before an opponent can strike back. However, the Roadrunner is lightly armored, and with enough lucky shots an opponent could probably take one out.

The Devil is another story. Well-armored for a light mech, the Devil's speed and punch make it a vicious opponent on the battlefield. Lots of lucky shots and a good deal of skill will be necessary to put on eof these out of commission, because its Extended Range PPC will prevent most mechs from even getting close.

Deployment
It is not clear why the Jade Falcons are producing these lighter, faster mechs. Under ths Clans' unwritten rules of engagement, Clan warriors square off against a single opponent until one of the two is defeated. But their tremendous speed makes both these machines, particularly the lightly armored Roadrunner, ideally suited for swarming tactics. Both mechs also seem designed for use against Mech scout lances.

[Editor's Notes: Sheet lists both ERMLs in the RA. On the sheet, Armor and Structure columns are reversed. 1/2 ton overweight; ignores 1/4 ton rounding rule.]

Type: RD-1R Roadrunner
Technology Base: Clan Custom
Tonnage: 15
Equipment   Mass
Internal Structure: ES     1.0
Engine: 225 XL     5.0
  Walking MP: 15
  Running MP: 23 
  Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]     0.0
Gyro:       3.0
Cockpit:       3.0
Armor Factor: 29 FF     1.5
    Internal Armor
    Structure Value
  Head: 3 3
  Center Torso: 5 3
  Center Torso (Rear):   3
  R/L Torso: 4 2
  R/L Torso (Rear):   2
  R/L Arm: 2 3
  R/L Leg: 3 3

BV : 623 Cost : 2746850

Weapons and Ammo   Location Critical Heat Mass
ER Medium Laser   RA 1 5 1.0
ER Medium Laser   LA 1 5 1.0

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACTUATORS: RA LA
HEAT SINKS: CT1
ENDO STEEL: RT7
FERRO FIBROUS: LT7

Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on March 23, 2015, 09:10:07 PM
and who says there is nothing like original artwork?  not this guy!

God that old flyer was hideous
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on March 23, 2015, 11:10:54 PM
True the picture sucked but the concept was fine.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: JPArbiter on March 24, 2015, 10:21:21 AM
no doubt, though it needed Clan tech to be viable.  standard or even inner sphere ER Mediums would not be enough of a threat.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Gabriel on March 25, 2015, 12:10:09 AM
So True So true
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Nerroth on April 01, 2015, 01:53:23 PM
This year's AFD release is (http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/146982) up (http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3430).
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Habeas2 on April 01, 2015, 03:32:15 PM
This year's AFD release is (http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/146982) up (http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3430).

Already!?!

 ;D

- Herb
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on April 01, 2015, 03:59:39 PM
Californication?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Nerroth on April 23, 2015, 05:39:54 PM
Handbook: House Kurita (http://bg.battletech.com/test/handbooks/handbook-house-kurita/) and Dark Age Turning Points: Irian (http://bg.battletech.com/test/epubs/dark-age-turning-points-irian/) are now up.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on April 14, 2019, 10:36:42 AM
Blowing some serious dust off this thread I just wanted to talk about my latest acquisitions from Catalyst.

One, this is my first experience with their new online store and I have to say a good overall experience. My old account from the previous incarnation was still available and my new downloaded purchases are easily available. My physical order was received in good condition about a week later. Very nice!

Two, Turning Points Tokasha was my main reason for getting back on and this historical product had some very interesting insights which I won't ruin here. It will probably impact marauder648's unfolding Hell's Horse alternate which I am anxiously awaiting. As for the battle itself I found the overview pretty good but I was left wanting more.

Three, seeing the new Battlemats available I decided to go ahead and give them a try. We are always looking for new terrain options and I have to say the two I got (desert/lunar) were excellent. While smaller than the enormous table covering neoprene Stratgem and other vinyl print outs we have they are extremely detailed as well as brightly colored. Plus especially thanks to the four different grassland prints available now you can mix and match pretty nice. Think I will get the other two and may even run the Sohei/Jaguar Rockland battle on them. ;)
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Ice Hellion on April 14, 2019, 02:25:51 PM
Two, Turning Points Tokasha was my main reason for getting back on and this historical product had some very interesting insights which I won't ruin here. It will probably impact marauder648's unfolding Hell's Horse alternate which I am anxiously awaiting. As for the battle itself I found the overview pretty good but I was left wanting more.

It has me interested too.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: wolfcannon on April 15, 2019, 03:17:15 PM
the new OmniMechs, OmniFighters, and blatant IIC's renamed got my attention.   sad that the Omni Corvis never panned out, but i'm seeing how the Stormcrow evolved from it.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Trace Coburn on June 17, 2019, 11:07:21 AM
  For those who may have missed it, House Arano: the Aurigan Coalition is now available on DriveThruRPG in both pdf and print-on-demand format.  I have one on my EHDD and the other on its way as I type. :D
  The history of the Reach itself is less expansive and detailed than I might have hoped; much of the page-count is given over to an examination of the personnel and operations of Kamea Arano’s chosen troubleshooters, Rampart Company, as well as several scenarios.  Still, there are RATs and stat-blocks to look over, and quite a few lines that you can read between to formulate games/campaigns....
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Bradshaw on June 17, 2019, 11:50:55 AM
  For those who may have missed it, House Arano: the Aurigan Coalition is now available on DriveThruRPG in both pdf and print-on-demand format.  I have one on my EHDD and the other on its way as I type. :D
  The history of the Reach itself is less expansive and detailed than I might have hoped; much of the page-count is given over to an examination of the personnel and operations of Kamea Arano’s chosen troubleshooters, Rampart Company, as well as several scenarios.  Still, there are RATs and stat-blocks to look over, and quite a few lines that you can read between to formulate games/campaigns....

Does this make it Canon now?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Dragon Cat on June 17, 2019, 12:51:29 PM
  For those who may have missed it, House Arano: the Aurigan Coalition is now available on DriveThruRPG in both pdf and print-on-demand format.  I have one on my EHDD and the other on its way as I type. :D
  The history of the Reach itself is less expansive and detailed than I might have hoped; much of the page-count is given over to an examination of the personnel and operations of Kamea Arano’s chosen troubleshooters, Rampart Company, as well as several scenarios.  Still, there are RATs and stat-blocks to look over, and quite a few lines that you can read between to formulate games/campaigns....

Does this make it Canon now?

Yeah that was the plan when it comes on CGL store I'm getting it
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 17, 2019, 04:01:50 PM
Yeah its in the canon now, FIRE!

Anyway that is pretty cool, I will get it of course.

What does everyone thing of the Clan Invasion Kickstarter??
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on June 23, 2019, 10:18:58 AM
I just wanted to comment on the House Arano Sourcebook which I received yesterday in the mail. This first Print On Demand product is pretty impressive in some ways at least to me. Yeah it is thirty bucks for this product and if you've paid attention to the video game there really isn't anything new here. However the print which was pretty quickly laid down and delivered (ordered on the 18th and received it on the 22nd) is good quality and very nostalgic. It brings you back to the 3025 era with the other five House books, the heralded Star League Sourcebook, and the neglected Periphery Sourcebook (and that mysterious first edition ComStar book, ;)). This very cool concept has dredged up all sorts of ideas for me which I will share later and it is always awesome to get a bit of BattleTech inspiration. The Aurigan Coalition here is very much in doubt and may not survive so why wouldn't I layout alternates or other fan ideas for Periphery states based on this concept (or a larf on the first edition ComStar sourcebook). So while I wasn't blown away by the content this product does inspire and hopefully draw some new attention for BattleTech. Has anyone else gotten this new release?
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Blacknova on July 24, 2019, 04:03:28 AM
House Arano is pretty cool and a great trip back to the old house books.

I am currently being cleaned out by the Kickstarter.
Title: Re: New Releases!
Post by: Takiro on July 24, 2019, 06:12:12 AM
I am currently being cleaned out by the Kickstarter.

I hear you there Nova, I did the Star Colonel level and I am really amazed by the amount of fiscal support the kick starter has received.