Battletech Lore

[[TFA]Wolf]

I thought that it would be good to have a central place for the Battletech lore on here, so that the players who are new to the Battletech Universe had a place where they could look up most of the Lore questions.
My idea is to use free sources for now, without them having to pay for it, yet.
I love the book series but that's the reason I haven't added them.
Feel free to add the lore sources you know.


If you want to read up on anything, just go to sarna.net, it's the like the Wikipedia for Battltech, only more accurate than Wikipedia.
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Main_Page

But since I know not all of you are fond of reading let's start with the videos.

There is the "noob friendly" series, basically the fast food version that gives you the bare minimums as well as some basics on MWO, which we don't really need for this game.
Instead the two history videos will do, they are the very short and abridged version of the backstory of the universe:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvdqB6kBUQtwVj9NM1sfvAw-400uJ5vHy

Now I do hope you all like a bit more meaty videos, great for listening to in the background.
Critical Rocket has a series of videos called Lore Warrior, where you can learn the backstory of the Houses, the Periphery, the Clans and their Mechs and Vehicles in short less than 10 minute videos.

They are pretty good and even enjoyable and entertaining if you know most of the lore.
Afaik they are based on the TROs and other material.
And they might also be quite good for players that are new to the Battletech Universe, as they also pass on some of the concepts of the Battletech universe.

He started in MWO, but also plays Battletech, and most of his videos are based on the TROs and other sourcebooks so don't let the beginnings in MWO put you off.
(I've had more than one discussion with him and let's just say he does disagree with more than a few of PGIs design decisons.)

The coolant truck video, as the coolant truck featured primarily in one of our discussions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8QimNQE3B8&index=8&list=PLu297KNZJkOtIx9qiyhBFaNn4hvsH6R8-

Lore Warrior Vehicles
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu297KNZJkOtIx9qiyhBFaNn4hvsH6R8-

LoreWarrior Online the Great Houses (lore of the Great Houses)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu297KNZJkOt3xJog42eYd6AjvPJv6RYy

Lore Warrior Online the Clans:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu297KNZJkOuOQgBmlEuCygPUdtwA_gP_

Lore Warrior Online The Periphery:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu297KNZJkOtCTzOyHDIcKSzJfqHj36J0

Lore Warrior Online (lore of the Mech Chassis in MWO)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu297KNZJkOvoVpL_ChnXJ9ftIwUqqaJf

Lore Warrior Online Comstar (the history behind our most favourite master schemers...the Robeheads! ;) )
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu297KNZJkOtUnR_PY3DcOFJtk9Rp6irD

Lore Warrior Aerotech
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu297KNZJkOtLNJQ_FcKtCj6A0y-azqxM

Lore Warrior Mercenaries (the history of various Merc Units)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu297KNZJkOtf9yY3JYpFxUS_eFadkGk9

Lore Warrior Solaris 7:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu297KNZJkOuhIMXbdjeekXud3dH-KTAG

House Davion (a narrated, supposedly "fan narrated" version of the 1988 House davion Sourcebook)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe8GSd1s4jsFpXpmUFZ5dstcVPtXeRIwu

I also enjoy the Mitey Pirate's videos, especially his faction video on the Periphery:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_dsILVUNos&index=8&list=PLV-c18oU4ftIIyGEaj9iaoK8HmWvfCmIu

His playlists can be a bit messy, but he covers issues like Elementals, or the Wobblies (perjorative nickname for Word of Blake members) that Critical rocket for example does not cover.
And while his videos are not overly long they tend to be deep.
The playlists, (they are a bit unorganized.)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKCGZx3bIc5vRmIPjdTd8-g/playlists

Just don't trust his pronounciations they tend to be way off.
For example, Davion is spoken Da-vee-on, Liao Lee-ow, Tharkad=Thurrkud (roll that r)

The Battletech lore playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV-c18oU4ftIIyGEaj9iaoK8HmWvfCmIu

Factions:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLV-c18oU4ftJXYCTAsvno6l8WULeyciX9

Madcat 529 a bad group of videos either, with a focus more on the Star League, the Clans and the 31st Century.

Star League:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVhllWq5_BA

I don't like his Clan Video, as it's pretty inaccurate and skims over some pretty important bits.
but you can make up your mind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQsi-1x6RYk

The one on the "political Century" is much better:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmd4X9J_l-w


An explanation of what Battltech is.........in rant form........warning don't watch if easily triggered, as it contains swearwords and about as little Political correctnes as using an FNR-5 Fafnir against an Urbie........it's a hoot though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h92N63ElI4s

(And yeah he loves this game...... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbWYLeOkwfA )

So this is me done for now, why don't you add those sources you know.

Good hunting, shoot straight, and watch your heat

Wolf

[Wyvern-of-the-Rising-Sun]

You guys and your Game are to Blame that i get all 61 BATTLETECH Books that came out from 1987 to 2004 in Germany out of my basement and start Reading again.
THANK YOU very, very much for bringing back good old days.

[Phyrus]

DO you know what the old books are worth now . 30-50 euro if in good condition . Per Piece . I had them all and a fire in my house ...... you can imagine my horror .

Wolf Dragons(not Wolf´s Dragons) Spies hmm not realy (sort of ) . They are sure Clanners send by Wolf Clan to see if the IS could been Invaded (thier report delayed the Invasion as long as possible ) . They went to Outreach after a struggle with House Kurita. To prepare the Inner Sphere great houses for the Clan Invasion . The real leader being Natasha Kerensky more then Jamie Wolf (due to the fact that Wolf aint a Bloodname and only Bloodname holder lead Galaxy sized Mechtroops).They are after the GDL and the BW the most important Group of "Mercenaries" .

If you look for a BADA.. troop of Mechwarriors they are Nr 1.

[kensw]

Wolf's Dragoons
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Wolf%27s_Dragoons_(sourcebook)

[ArchmageXin]

Wolf's Dragon is the most marysue part of Battletech, and that is saying something in a world filled with Davions.

[kensw]

Not dragon --- Dragoons

Dragoons originally were a class of mounted infantry, who used horses for mobility, but dismounted to fight on foot. From the early 18th century onward, dragoons were increasingly employed as conventional light or medium cavalry, trained for combat with swords from horseback.

[Wyvern-of-the-Rising-Sun]

Phyrus の投稿を引用：

DO you know what the old books are worth now . 30-50 euro if in good condition . Per Piece . I had them all and a fire in my house ...... you can imagine my horror .

Oh dear, thats so bad. :-(
My first 7 are not as good in shape, because i took them always to school and read them in the school lessons , but since 8 - 61 are in very good condition.
But i will never give them away.

[Kenshi Wolf]

What i love about this entire post, is that wolf is the only one trying to find legit sources, and everyone elses summeries are either 'true but lacking' or 'clearly i like this faction more so my position is bias' or just 'over simplified to the point of being comically off point'

[[TFA]Wolf]

Shrike の投稿を引用：

Very suprised noone has posted this, available for free from the battletech website www.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/BattleTechUniverseGuide-1.pdf

Can I add this as a quote to the main post? With attribution of course.

kennethsw の投稿を引用：

Wolf's Dragoons
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Wolf%27s_Dragoons_(sourcebook)

Same here, can I add this to the original post? Attribution is guaranteed! ;)

Kenshi Wolf の投稿を引用：

What i love about this entire post, is that wolf is the only one trying to find legit sources, and everyone elses summeries are either 'true but lacking' or 'clearly i like this faction more so my position is bias' or just 'over simplified to the point of being comically off point'

Thanks, but it's not that bad, we've had a few more sources added by others.

I was hoping to rewrite and structure the original post to make it more readable, but I haven't had the time yet.

Something new, a short and sweet intro style video done by "THE" Duncan Fisher.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnMA1CYOoHw

Mitey Pirate Clan Timeline Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYc29P6pj_M
Mitey Pirate Clan Timeline Part 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBqnqDPRyAE
(Imho a bit too simplistic and a few errors. but as a basic overview of the time it'll do.)

Mitey's view on Comstar, much shorter, and a bit more basic than CR's
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Us_wjm3MWcJ

Jeremiah Rose's Battletech introduction (german):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRz43-g-sJg

A bit more specific regarding to individual mechs is the work of the Blackpants Legion, quite fun though. Do not watch if you are suffering from Humour deficiency.....or if you are a clanner, as that is basically the same! ;) :P
Also do not watch if you are offended by the occasional swearwords........hmm, does this include clanners or not?
They hate contractions but swear occasionally....

Also Pro-IS bias is heavy in this one...... ;)


Atlas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSFGE0mHg0I

Urbie (There always must be something about the Urbie)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOAre8wMWGU&t=259s

Personal thoughts on the Urbie:
"The Urbie is a self-aware joke! ;)

..........but if you underestimate it, it will be the last one to laugh! ;)"

Awesome (they do seem to like that mech)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bDW5CBnnyo&t=2s

Thor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bDW5CBnnyo&t=2s
(Great video, I'll not spoiler it. )

The Bickering Bunch isn't bad either, they focus mainly on backstory, aka the backstory of the great houses and the other "states".
Their Series is a bit unique, as it focuses less on the Inner Sphere and more on the Periphery, so most things are viewed from a periphery standpoint and how it affects the periphery.
I find it refreshing, as it's a new view.
Videos are fairly long and in depth, at the moment I'm partially through it, watching the "Descent into Madness" video which covers the lead-up to the Amaris crisis and the Amaris Crisis itself in fairly good detail.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfLuYgYRAzk0WAMmUOSCPe2bFg3Jw9YZ8

Right, that's it for now....I'm still reviewing some other stuff. ;)

[Ecliptix]

Lore question - how common/rare are light/medium/heavy/assault mechs REALLY in the battletech universe

[ArchmageXin]

Depend on where. For capital world defense/major world by the border, you would have one to several regiments (A few hundred) on hand. For out there in the edge, a few companies + tanks to ward off pirates.

For the really out there "lost colonies" type of world, this can be zero.

This question even varies on era. Star League, Sucession wars, Clan Wars, Jihad, Dark Age etc.

[Ecliptix]

Lets say 3025 - I'm just wondering what the ACTUAL opposition for a merc company would be. I feel as though most merc companies wouldn't be running around with a full lance of assault/heavies lol

[[TFA]Wolf]

Ecliptix の投稿を引用：

Lets say 3025 - I'm just wondering what the ACTUAL opposition for a merc company would be. I feel as though most merc companies wouldn't be running around with a full lance of assault/heavies lol

:D that is a good question, the really successful and old ones like the Northwind Highlanders, Eridani Light Horse, Kell Hounds or McCarron's Armored Cavalry would.
(Wolf's Dragoons are a very special case.)
However they are only a few of the multitude of Merceneray units.

As the Field Manual states, about 40% of new Mercenary Commands fold in the first six months of their existence.
And banks really hate lending them money, so a low interest rate is about 25%.
And even the Gray Death Legion started out with not even a light and then having a few lights, and at the start of their second operation their only heavies were afaik Davis McCalls Rifleman and Graysons Marauder.

The idea of a lance is generally to combine mechs with different strengths to get a combination that is better than the sum of it's parts. The standard lance being one light, one medium and two heavies.

For example you could reinforce a scout lance with a hunchback to give it more firepower if they run into trouble.

Or you would have a dedicated scout in a lance of heavies or asaults, as they'd be otherwise easy to outmaneuver and pretty blind.
One of the problems of Lyran units is that they are like a sledgehammer, very powerful, but equally unwieldy. And a smart enemy can dance around them, never fully engaging and inflicting the death of a thousand cuts to them.
I mean due to their low speed the Assaults would even have problems fully disengaging.

Units would only get specialized lances if they had enough numbers to do so.
Which means a multiple lance command with a scout lance, combat lance and a fire support lance, with an assault lance added later on.

So a mercenary company running an assault lance without any support units, as shown in this game would be very unsual.
Most Commanders would go for a second lance or third lance before going for full Assault, as the second lance gives you more tactical options.

[ArchmageXin]

Ecliptix の投稿を引用：

Lets say 3025 - I'm just wondering what the ACTUAL opposition for a merc company would be. I feel as though most merc companies wouldn't be running around with a full lance of assault/heavies lol

You probably wouldn't roll around in full assaults, you probably give the lights and mediums you used to climb your way up either sold or expand your drop capability. This game limit your drop capability to a single Leopard (4X mech) but you would obviously work on getting an Overlord or Union class (36/12 mechs)

[[TFA]Wolf]

ArchmageXin の投稿を引用：

Ecliptix の投稿を引用：

Lets say 3025 - I'm just wondering what the ACTUAL opposition for a merc company would be. I feel as though most merc companies wouldn't be running around with a full lance of assault/heavies lol

You probably wouldn't roll around in full assaults, you probably give the lights and mediums you used to climb your way up either sold or expand your drop capability. This game limit your drop capability to a single Leopard (4X mech) but you would obviously work on getting an Overlord or Union class (36/12 mechs)

Yub, you'd see a lot more expansion in the support for the lance, stuff like a mobile command center/base, infantry support, vehicles, artillery, maybe a mobile field base/repair shop.

Maybe an independent scout branch in the unit to have better reconaisance data available than what the contract partner is providing you.
Those are a good "life insurance" for a merc company, as it could allow you to suss out wether an employer would sell you out or send you on a Himmelfahrtskommando (Lit: Commando operation to take you all the way to heaven=german soldier's euphemism for a suicide mission.)


@Ecliptix If you want to dive deep you can read the field Manual Mercenaries (Revised):
http://www.sorrowclown.de/Battletech/Quellbuecher/Mercenaries%20.pdf

Mind you that's a 3067 Book........hence it's 50 years post this games timeline, by which time the MRB (Mercenary Review Board) run by Comstar has been replaced by the more independent Mercenary Review and Bonding Comission or MRBC.
And the Gray Death legion is no more by that time........*sad sigh* that storyline really hit you where it hurts.

This site might also be helpful:
http://www.fillinsheets.com/pdfs/indexbt.htm

It has most of the manuals that are out of print as .pdf.
Like the Mercenary's Hanbook:
http://www.fillinsheets.com/pdfs/Battletech/1616.pdf

and the first Field Manual: Mercenaries
http://www.fillinsheets.com/pdfs/Battletech/1701.pdf

[Critical Rocket]

Well I don't self promote in any way but its always nice to see someone who appreciates my rambling. Thanks for linking Wolf.