12 replies to this topic

[Parhelion]

No, this isn't a question about my Astronomy class

I was introduced to this genre via MechWarrior 3 (I still play it!). I never had time to really play MW4. I am someone who loves the mech combat simulation satisfaction that MWO will hopefully provide. However, I am woefully ignorant of the various story lines outside of the games. I'm not looking to become a walking encyclopedia like *cough* some of you *cough*, but I would like to at least be familiar with the houses, the timelines, etc. I already checked out sarna.net, but was not satisfied with a general overview document somewhere that I could locate.

1) Would anyone be willing to point me to a place that briefly demonstrates the overriding themes of the "Universe" (timelines, story synopsis for important sets of characters, etc.)

2) Of all the books out there, are there 2 or 3 out there you'd recommend for me to jump into?

3) How much of an advantage will there be in having a contextual understanding of the Universe? Can a guy like me (and there will be other Microsoft-only MechWarrior people coming!) jump in and have fun with an Atlas having no understanding of the historical context of the Atlas, etc, and so on

4) I love the SuperNova. That mech kicks ***. When does that show up on the story line?

Thanks...

(where the heck is spell-check?)

[LordDeathStrike]

o man mech 3, i wish i knew how to get it to run on modern windows versions like 7, althouth i havent tried lately, i think the last attempt was on an xp machine maybe it would run on this thing hehe.

theres no 2 or 3 books man, they have 100s of pieces via novels and board game guides and all that.

the only thing you need to know from the source material is that itt is those rules that govern the games direction on variants and chasis.

it is going to be an mmorpg though, so getting xp and spending it on skills that improve piloting will make all the difference as you level up to use heavier mechs, if you take a day 1 noob and slap it in an atlas, its gonna get owned by people in smaller mechs with training from xp to use them, not talking about they played the game more, talking about actual rpg element levels giving them boosts to useing the chasis and weaponry and all that.

[Darrin Thomason]

1) http://bg.battletech...iverseGuide.pdf
2) The Blood of Kerensky Triolgy is set in about this time period
3) I should imagine that you will be able to jump in right away with no lore understanding
4) Supernova is a clan mech so will be at least approximatly a year

In addition www.sarna.net and the new players start here thread carry lots of information about the universe and the game

[Adridos]

This link has a funny look at all the factions: http://mwomercs.com/...h__1#entry77900

And this one has the story written in short, but really good way (Catamount post above mine - Basically: and down): http://mwomercs.com/...h__1#entry75420

Let's hope it helps. No need to read countless pages on Sarna now.

Edited by Adridos, 04 March 2012 - 03:59 AM.

[Arnold Carns]

Darrin Thomason, on 04 March 2012 - 01:06 AM, said:

2) The Blood of Kerensky Triolgy is set in about this time period

Not forget to mention "Heir to the Dragon" by Robert N. Charette, which could get you a brief overview over the timeline between 3004 - 3040 from a Kuritan point of view. Unfortunately there aren't many novels which cover the years from 3030 until 3049.

I'd also suggest the "20 Years Update" Sourcebook (Stock #1639) published by FASA, if you're able to get one.
EDIT: I just had a look. There are several of it up on amazon for a reasonable price.

It wonderfully describes the Inner Sphere of 3050. Just don't ask which would be my personal favourite of the pre Clan-Invasion time. Love 'em ALL!

Edited by Arnold Carns, 04 March 2012 - 03:59 AM.

[Phelan Adam Davion]

would also recommend the Blood Of Kerensky Trilogy.

That was my first step into Battletech and it just made me read all the other novels.
Besides... this trilogy is a very good introduction into the BT Universe cause Stackpole puts a lot of smart hidden explanations in it.
Most important aspect is that it`s about the storyline we will just start right now in MW:O - the Clan Invasion begins 3049.

[Arnold Carns]

Parhelion, on 04 March 2012 - 12:54 AM, said:

3) How much of an advantage will there be in having a contextual understanding of the Universe? Can a guy like me (and there will be other Microsoft-only MechWarrior people coming!) jump in and have fun with an Atlas having no understanding of the historical context of the Atlas, etc, and so on

Having a contextual understanding of the Universe won't give you any tactical advantage I fear.
But it would definately boost your overall reputation among the BattleTech/MechWarrior-Hardliners who dislike MW4 a bit and will probably help you avoid some tricky comments like "in MW4 *** was different", which could put you in danger being the subject of a "Trial of Annihilation" even by non-Clan Players.

Dang....
Sory for double post. I qouted myself . Must be a form of GDC-Excitement. Where is my valium...?

Edited by Arnold Carns, 04 March 2012 - 04:24 AM.

[El Loco]

To get more information about the general political situation of the Inner Sphere and some character relations, you could also read The Warrior Trilogy by Stackpole. It's a nice addition to the already mentioned novels.

[Parhelion]

Okay, thanks all!! I really appreciate the replies. Sorry for my delayed response... real life calling and all

[Psydotek]

Battletech Master Rules and Tech Readout 3025/3050 if you want raw data.

[EDMW CSN]

TRO 2750
TRO 3025
TRO 3026
TRO 3039
TRO 3050

This will give you the definitive list of mechs and vehicles for the Clan invasion Period.

For novels and historical background.
Blood of Kerensky details the early portion of the Clan invasion.
Although it is good to catch up on The Warrior's Trilogy and The Gray Death Legion series to understand the history better.

Edited by [EDMW]CSN, 06 March 2012 - 12:09 AM.

[Eidolon]

LordDeathStrike, on 04 March 2012 - 01:03 AM, said:

it is going to be an mmorpg though

NO. MWO will be a multiplayer game where the outcome of fixed matches determine how borders of different factions shift. There is no persistent world where the player hangs out in his 'Mech while not in combat. Please educate yourself before you accidentally spread misinformation!

[3Xtr3m3]

I thought the Factions link at the top of the page provided some much needed insight into the flavor of the various Houses. Maybe you should take the time to read them.