Total Warfare (TW) has been carefully reworked from previous To play BattleTech, players will need dice, maps and counters Classic BattleTech rules editions to clarify confusing or contradictory or miniatures to represent the BattleMechs and/or other units information, folding in many years of Frequently Asked Questions used by each side. All of these items can be found in the Classic (FAQs), play testing and game play. In addition, for the first time BattleTech Introductory Box Set, the recommended product for in well over a decade, all the various rules sets that directly beginning Classic BattleTech players. For more information about affect BattleTech ground warfare—including aerospace rules the availability and use of these items, see Components, p. XX of covering units that can enter a planet’s atmosphere—appear this book. in a single volume, woven together to make sure that all rules function seamlessly with one another. Total Warfare also includes additional material to expand and enhance game play. Along with Fiction the rules of BattleTech, this book contains an easy-to-use scenario creation system, as well as a painting section that will have players Fiction has always played an important role in Classic BattleTech, quickly painting the plastic miniatures in the Classic BattleTech with more than seventy novels published to date (and well over Introductory Box Set, as well as priming them for the complete a hundred sourcebooks) fleshing out and expanding the universe Classic BattleTech line of metal miniatures from Iron Wind Metals. into its current, vibrant form. This book contains a number of rules changes from previous Classic BattleTech uses two different types of fiction to convey its editions. We feel confident that these are the most complete, clear story. “Story fiction” includes novels, novellas, short stories and so and concise rules for Classic BattleTech ever presented. on; fiction that puts the reader inside the heads of the characters As noted in the back cover text of this book, unlike previous that populate the universe. “Sourcebook fiction”—which appears editions of the BattleTech rulebook, no construction rules appear in the various Handbooks, Historicals, Technical Readouts and so on in Total Warfare; those rules are in the TechManual (see Core (see Classic BattleTech: More Than a Game, p. XX)—presents story Rulebooks, p. XX). elements as though the reader were a character transplanted into The rules in this book supersede all previously published rules, the game universe, reading military documents, historical texts, including the BattleTech Manual, the BattleTech Compendium, secret security briefs, intercepted personal communications, local BattleTech Compendium: The Rules of Warfare, BattleTech Master newspapers and so on. These two methods work hand-in-hand to Rules (standard and revised editions) and older editions of the bring the BattleTech universe to life. Classic BattleTech boxed set. Where applicable, these rules also While the current BattleTech novel line (MechWarrior: Dark Age) supersede sections of various other rules expansions, including deals with events transpiring three generations in the future of AeroTech 2, Revised; Maximum Tech, Revised; and so on. In other the Classic BattleTech era, story fiction still serves a vital function. words, if a rule in Total Warfare directly conflicts with rules in a Every Classic BattleTech sourcebook published by FanPro includes previously published rulebook or expansion, Total Warfare takes a short story. In addition, www.battlecorps.com publishes precedence. numerous Classic BattleTech stories every month that support product releases (sourcebooks and rulebooks), as well as the Even the graphic layout of rulebooks and sourcebooks— current Jihad story arc (see p. XX). the borders around the edges of a page, how the words are Because it hurls the players directly into the CBT universe, placed on the page and so on—are specifically designed to Total Warfare includes more “story fiction” than any core accentuate the universe. Introduction rulebook previously published for Classic BattleTech. Twelve For Total Warfare, the graphic design concept is that of a short stories offer a taste of the core factions with which computer interface. Specifically speaking, it is a computer players will come to associate, while conveying the theme of a from House Steiner’s (see Interstellar Treatise, p. XX) Nagelring; Components given section of the rulebook; players can also use these stories one of their premier military academies (for more information to launch endless games and campaigns, whether set in the on House Steiner and specifically on the Nagelring, players current Jihad era or in the rich history of Classic BattleTech. should check out Handbook: House Steiner). Playing Finally, Interstellar Treatise (p. XX) and Military Organization To further cement this concept directly into a reader’s The Game (p. XX) provide two examples of the many different types mind, the art at the beginning of this section shows the very of “sourcebook fiction” players will discover in the various Nagelring military computer represented “in universe” by the sourcebooks published for Classic BattleTech. text and layout of this rulebook. Ground Movement Fiction vs. Rules It is important to note that fiction, though essential in 3-d terrain vs. Aerospace making the game universe come alive, should never be Movement construed as rules. While Classic BattleTech fiction usually paper maps attempts to adhere to the aesthetics established by the rules, Classic BattleTech at its core is a board game; players move Combat authors often use creative license to accomplish the needs of pieces on a hex-grid mapsheet. Unlike tabletop miniatures a given story. games, which use three-dimensional (3-D) terrain and rulers To eliminate confusion in Total Warfare about which sections to approximate movement and combat, the core Classic are fiction and which are rules, the fiction sections havea Heat BattleTech game rules use specific, codified movement and unique look. In addition, all fiction sections are italicized in the combat ranges within a mapsheet’s hex grid. Table of Contents. Nevertheless, any game system that uses three-dimensional miniatures (such as the complete line of Classic BattleTech Buildings fiction and art miniatures sold by Iron Wind Metals; see p. XX) looks better From the moment of Classic BattleTech’s inception, it when played on 3-D terrain—hence the photos in this was conceived as a visually intensive universe. Though the rulebook. Three-dimensional terrain also enhances the feel ProtoMechs Technical Readout series is one of the better examples of of the game. When using 3-D terrain, however, players should the importance of art in conveying the universe to a reader, note that Classic BattleTech requires hex-grids. every sourcebook employs art to work hand-in-hand with the While the Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set, Total Warfare Combat fiction to bring the universe to life: from a stunning cover to and future rulebooks all require the playing area (whether Vehicles the smallest illustration buried on a last page. mapsheets or 3-D terrain) to be a hex grid, some players may wish to learn how to play Classic BattleTech as a table- Support top miniatures game (using rulers and without the hex grid Vehicles on 3-D terrain). Players can visit www.classicbattletech.com to download a free conversion rules set—Classic BattleTech Miniatures Rules—covering the differences between the two Infantry types of play.

Aerospace Units

Creating Scenarios

Painting Miniatures

Index

 Standard vs. Core rulebooks Following the introduction to the game through the Classic Advanced rules BattleTech Introductory Box Set, the core rulebooks are the foundation of game play (and the universe) for the various aspects The rules presented in Total Warfare are considered the of Classic BattleTech. Total Warfare is standard rules of Classic BattleTech. They represent all tournament- the first in this new series of core appropriate rules: the “big” Classic BattleTech tournaments run rulebooks, delivering a breadth and directly by FanPro at the Origins International Games Expo®, any a visual presentation never before Gen Con Game Fair® and many other conventions all use the rules achieved. presented in Total Warfare. Classic BattleTech: Total Warfare Advanced rules—which will be presented in future books like will be followed by five more core Classic BattleTech Tactical Operations, Classic BattleTech Strategic rulebooks, which will act as the Operations (see Core Rulebooks, p. XX) and so on—provide more bedrock for any type of game depth for virtually every aspect of play. However, the additional players may wish to undertake: complexity makes such rules inappropriate for tournament play. Classic BattleTech TechManual (construction rules for the various Rule Levels units found in Total Warfare), Classic Previously, Classic BattleTech split its rules into levels. However, BattleTech Universe (a one-stop with the introduction of several new units and their construction guide to the places and people systems (notably IndustrialMechs and support vehicles), the lines of BattleTech), Classic BattleTech: between the levels became blurred. The current rules are simply Tactical Operations (advanced rules, classified as standard or tournament and advanced or non- equipment and units, including tournament, as appropriate. construction rules) Classic BattleTech RPG, Revised (a complete game system for roleplaying), and Classic READER RESPONSE BattleTech: Strategic Operations (a rules framework for building and We hope this product will help you better enjoy your Classic running any type of unit through BattleTech games. If you have questions or comments about everything from small-scale Classic BattleTech or any other FanPro (or FASA) product, please campaigns to multi-war clashes write to FanPro LLC, 1608 N. Milwaukee, Suite 1005, Chicago, IL between stellar empires and more). 60647, or send an e-mail to precentor_martial@classicbattletech. com. While we read all correspondence, we simply do not have the time to indulge in the luxury of writing detailed answers to Technical Readouts general questions. To make it easier for us to answer you quickly, The ultimate guidebooks to the weaponry and war machines provide us with multiple-choice questions or phrase your query of the 31st century, Classic BattleTech technical readouts describe so that we can answer yes or no. Please include a self-addressed, the BattleMechs, combat vehicles, support vehicles, aerospace stamped envelope with your letter for our reply. fighters, DropShips, WarShips, infantry and more of theBattleTech Alternatively, players can visit the forums at universe. Each fully illustrated entry in these reference books www.classicbattletech.com, where they can post reviews of contains complete Classic BattleTech game statistics. products, ask rules and universe questions and more (see Pre-filled record sheets for the various units found in the www.classicbattletech.com, p. XX). technical readouts are published separately (see Record Sheets, p. XX). classic BattleTech: more than a game

Classic BattleTech is much more than a board game as presented in the Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set. Vibrant, strong and still growing after twenty years, the fictional universe and the BA CLASSIC valiant struggles of its dynamic human characters, set against a TTLETECH In the 3050’s, the discoveries of long-buried Star League records led to a plethora of new cutting-edge BattleMech and vehicle designs by the end of that decade, resurrected from the blue prints of design firms centuries old and thought lost to antiquity. Now, ten years later, these designs have moved from novelty TECHNICAL far-future battlefield, has endeared it to millions of fans and will to workhorse, as the Inner Sphere once more finds itself at war! Fully updated to circa 3070, Classic BattleTech Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade™ launches these designs into the current time frame, including notable MechWarriors/pilots, as well as new continue to do so into the future. variants. Additionally, a battle armor section has been included, providing full Classic BattleTech READOUT stats, and updating the histories for these twenty venerable designs. : To convey the universe to the BattleTech community (as well as UPGRADE 3058 demonstrate how players can take that universe and integrate it into the game system), FanPro LLC publishes several different lines •

of rulebooks, sourcebooks, campaign packs and so on. While not an • 35015

ISBN-10: 1-932564-34-9 ISBN-13: 9781932564341 $29.99 all-inclusive list, the following provides an overview of the primary ©2006 WizKids, Inc. All Rights Reserved. BattleTech Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade™ , Classic BattleTech, BattleTech, Classic BattleTech RPG, BattleMech, ’Mech, MechWarrior, and WK Games are registered trademarks and/or trademarks of WizKids, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Printed in the USA. series of products published by FanPro LLC for Classic BattleTech. The jihad playing map (mountain, forest, Classic BattleTech has always been a dynamic universe with city and so on) can reinforce progressing story lines that shake things up, uniting and the flavor of a given scenario or shattering factions, developing campaign. Introduction D D A A W W N characters into beloved (or N The various map sets published O O F F T T H H E despised) icons that wage a E by FanPro (Map Set Compilation ™ J J I I H H A A D valiant struggle or die a glorious D #1, Map Set Compilation #2 and • • A A Components C C L L A death. Such events breathe life A so on) contain numerous full- S S S S I I C C B B color, 17” x 22” playing maps, A not only into the fiction players A T T T T L L E E T T

E providing a plethora of choices read, but the games they play. E C C Playing H H S S O O when playing any type of Classic U The current universe-shaking U The Game R R C C E E B B O story line is the Word of Blake’s O BattleTech game. Each map also O O K K • Jihad, begun in 2005 with the • comes with a blank hex-grid on Ground publication of Dawn of the Jihad the back, allowing players to generate their own maps. • • 3 3

5 Movement 5 0 0 2 2 3 and Jihad Hot Spots: 3070. Look 3 for future Jihad books that will Record Sheets continue to shock, amaze and While players can use the blank record sheets found in Classic Aerospace entertain for years to come. BattleTech: TechManual to fill out any number of units, pre-filled Movement record sheets (such as those found in the Classic BattleTech Handbooks Introductory Box Set) allow players to jump directly into the Combat The Classic BattleTech Universe book in the Classic BattleTech action. Introductory Box Set provides a taste of the Great Houses of Players can order various pre- the Inner Sphere. Each House filled PDF record sheet books represents a fully fleshed-out from www.battlecorps.com (see Heat star-spanning realm, with its p. XX). Players can also order a own history, cultural identity, HeavyMetal software program fighting style and so on.Each that will allow them to print Buildings volume in the series is filled official/canon sheets (see p.XX ). with the essential histories, Note: Not all units found politics, culture and industry in available pre-filled record ProtoMechs that makes up the Great Houses; sheets have a corresponding the books include rules for in-print technical readout entry. With the publication of revised personal equipment, creatures, Combat campaign ideas and more for editions of some technical Vehicles Classic BattleTech and Classic readouts, various units were no BattleTech RPG. longer included. However, all the appropriate rules for using these “out-of-print” units in game Support Historicals play are found in said pre-filled record sheets, and players may Vehicles The Historical series delves into the pivotal wars of the Inner feel free to use these units in Classic BattleTech tournaments, as published campaigns/scenarios direct, or as they wish in Sphere’s thousand-year history, with important personalities, Infantry maps of individual attack waves their own campaigns. Players wishing to locate the original and regiment listings, along with a “sourcebook fiction” for those units (such as many of those included in the original Technical Readout: 3025) are directed campaign framework that allows Aerospace players to enact every aspect of ™ to the PDF sourcebooks sold at www.battlecorps.com (see p. Units each of these important events. XX). War of 3039 and Brush Wars are currently available. More Creating Scenarios such sourcebooks will appear Where to order in the future, allowing players Visit your local game store to purchase the item you’re to explore the stunning events Painting looking for; if they do not have an item, order it through them of the current Jihad and the Miniatures (feel free to let the store know about www.fanprogames.com, historical wars that have shaped where they can find a complete list of distributors used by every faction to date. FanPro LLC). Players can also send a request letter to Studio Index 2 Publishing, 1828 Midpark Rd., Suite I, Knoxville, TN 37921, map sets to receive a catalog of products available through direct mail The Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set contains two order. different playing maps, but players will quickly find that one of the easiest ways to make an already played scenario fresh and new is to play it on a different map. In addition, the style of a

 Classicbattletech.com Other avenues This is the official website for Classic BattleTech, where players can get the lowdown on what’s happening in the BattleTech From the moment of Classic BattleTech’s inception, it proved universe, be the first to preview new products, download exclusive flexible and dynamic enough to spawn a host of related products BattleTech files, exchange ideas with other fans from around the and services that provide additional support to the gaming world and more! community. Below are just a few of the most important. For more information, visit www.classicbattletech.com.

Iron wind metals Iron Wind Metals produces a complete line of metal miniatures for almost any type of Classic BattleTech play; all the miniatures shown in this book are part of that line. As players have discovered for years, assembling and painting miniatures is a joy unto itself. The feel of a weighted, beautifully painted miniature provides a whole new level of play experience. For more information, visit www.ironwindmetals.com.

battlecorps BattleCorps.com is the premiere online fiction source forClassic BattleTech. Developed by InMediaRes Productions LLC to actively support the Classic BattleTech community, their BattleShop offers everything from poster maps to PDF sourcebooks to miniatures to software, and players can order the paper product direct as Ral Partha Europe well. BattleCorps is a one-stop-shop for any fan of the BattleTech/ For players in Europe (and other appropriate countries outside MechWarrior universe. The site’s subscription-based services take the United States), Classic BattleTech miniatures support can be the Classic BattleTech experience to a whole new level, featuring a found at http://www.ralparthaeurope.co.uk/. stable of authors from national best sellers to great new talent, new For more information visit www.ralparthaeurope.co.uk. art, unique product previews, faction-specific message boards, moderated chats with authors and developers, and more. fanpro commandos For more information, visit www.battlecorps.com. The FanPro Commandos are the team of fans that work directly with retailers worldwide to help promote the Classic BattleTech game system and universe. Whether running games at conventions or at local retail stores, FanPro Commandos help the gaming community stay in touch through worldwide events and tournaments, as well as supporting local retailers. Visit the

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Ground Movement

Aerospace Movement

Combat

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Combat Vehicles

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Creating Scenarios

Painting Miniatures

Index