9 replies to this topic

[Stringburka]

So, I've liked what I've seen of the BT universe; the plotting, intrigue and technology level are all very interesting. So far I've played MW3, MW4 and MWO as well as MechCommander and MechCommander 2, and I enjoy reading on Sarna, but now I'm looking to learn more.

I have a bit of social anxiety, and I don't think any of my friends are that into it (a few play MWO but I don't think they'd be interested in the tabletop) so the TT isn't very working.

Are the novels worth it? What's their focus, is it more on the blasty bits or the politics? It's the last I'm more interested in, honestly. The comics, are they worth it? Also, anyone know anywhere in Sweden you could get your hands on the novels if I decide to get them?

I'm more interested in the earlier years, since I feel it's the right part to start at and since MWO takes place there.

[Stormwolf]

The novels are fun, but unfortunately are not for sale ATM outside of Ebay.
Though you can get them from Epub bud (just google it).

Here's some other stuff that might help:

http://bg.battletech...iverseGuide.pdf

[Stringburka]

Thanks, that PDF looks promising!

[Stringburka]

Oh, also, one more question: Is there anywhere online I could get into the TT? I know about megamek, but from what I've seen it seems to be more for those who are already heavily invested and understand the rules well et cetera - is there anywhere I as a newb could go? Or is there some kind of newbie area in the megamek forums etc?

[Stormwolf]

Stringburka, on 26 February 2013 - 05:06 AM, said:

Oh, also, one more question: Is there anywhere online I could get into the TT? I know about megamek, but from what I've seen it seems to be more for those who are already heavily invested and understand the rules well et cetera - is there anywhere I as a newb could go? Or is there some kind of newbie area in the megamek forums etc?

You could always ask on the Megamek forums, plenty of guys would be willing to explain things as you go along.

I'll be able to get online later tonight if you are up for a game.

[Atlas3060]

Stringburka, on 26 February 2013 - 03:18 AM, said:

Are the novels worth it? What's their focus, is it more on the blasty bits or the politics? It's the last I'm more interested in, honestly. The comics, are they worth it? Also, anyone know anywhere in Sweden you could get your hands on the novels if I decide to get them?

The Classic line novels propelled the storyline well until Endgame, which ended the Fed Com Civil War.
The Dark Age novels moved the story line further into their own era.
We don't have any novels set during the Blakist temper tantrum known as the Jihad.

The books themselves can be found in half price book stores and Ebay.

Battlecorps also has short stories set through nearly all the eras of play: From Star League to Dark Age.

The comics are non canon and range from "cute nostalgia" to "Oh god this is crap burn it".

Since you are interested in the early years, Succession Wars to Clan Invasion, I would at least recommend two trilogies.
These trilogies are the Warrior Trilogy and the Blood of Kerensky Trilogy. The former is set during the 4rth Succession Wars and forms the Federated Commonwealth; the latter deals with the incoming invasion of the Clans and features some of the children to the stars of the Warrior Trilogy.

Most frustratingly due to whatever legal and licensing situations they have the books are a pain to get in digital format.
I managed to purchase a few of the books in epub format before they were yanked and since I have a Battlecorps account other novels were provided in pdf form. Those were earc copies I think, basically the version before the published book.

At the moment Battlecorps can only provide these short stories written or the Blitzkreig novellas which aren't big enough to be full blown novels, but not small enough to call short stories.

If you thought the fan base was frustrated about this then imagine how the writers feel. These guys want to write up epic struggles but currently are struggling with whatever is causing this breakdown.

[Skylarr]

For Mechs: http://www.solarisskunkwerks.com/

Map of the IS at different time periods. Including Jump standard jump points: http://iscs.teamspam.net/

I am sure you know about the BattleTech Forums: http://bg.battletech...orums/index.php

The biggest collection of knowledge in one place: http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Main_Page

[Stringburka]

Thanks a lot for all the help! I'll try to get my hands on those novels and see if I can get MegaMek going. That PDF was an interesting read!

[Stormwolf]

Stringburka, on 26 February 2013 - 12:34 PM, said:

Thanks a lot for all the help! I'll try to get my hands on those novels and see if I can get MegaMek going. That PDF was an interesting read!

Glad you liked it, now I have a different PDF for you to learn about megamek:

http://shacked.battl...Handbook_v1.pdf

[Atlas3060]

Also there is a Battlecorps sampler available for free on the Battletech site.

http://www.battletec...ion-Sampler.pdf

I don't know how recent it is, but at least there's something.

Edited by Atlas3060, 27 February 2013 - 04:47 PM.