Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Elbows on July 26, 2015, 05:58:15 PM
-
11/3 Update:
Because of the lack of size of my photobucket space remaining, most things are being put over on my blog (w/ Battletech label to locate the appropriate posts). I'll also keep a dropbox link here for the current rules.
DROP BOX LINK TO RULES: https://www.dropbox.com/s/eajkby83ogvds7d/ElbowtechV12New.pdf?dl=0
Strategy Card deck will be redone and then hosted on the blog instead of photo links here.
_______________________________
Elbows plays Battletech
As any kid who grew up in the 80's-90's, I was enamored with big stompy robots. I'd become addicted to Robotech after picking up some role-playing books at the local used bookstore's gaming section (second isle from the left, back of the store on the floor to your right...). I followed suit by finding a couple of used technical read-outs, and so began my curiosity into the world of Battletech.
I picked up the old starter box at some point, and immediately didn't care for it. Paper maps, hexes, really crap miniatures. Shortly thereafter I picked up some of the novels though, and my interest was peaked. I figured out at an early age that I thoroughly enjoyed the “fluff” or story of the Battletech universe, I simply thought the game was crap.
I told myself that someday I'd find a way to play Battletech which was more fluid etc. A year or so ago I found Catalyst re-launching the boxed set with nicer miniatures, and I picked up a few boxes (just in case). Any fan of Battletech or Robotech knows that you should grab what you can, when you can. Neither is a heavily supported franchise (outside of the popular video games, Battletech has been on/off it seems for a while).
Inspired by TooBoCoo's thread on Battletech mechs I finally picked one of my starter boxes and started chopping up minis. I'll admit the plastics are still a bit crap compared to modern hard plastic miniatures from most companies (the Robotech minis blow them away), but you get 24+1 in the starter box for a reasonable price.
I based a handful of mechs for two opposing factions, painted them with nothing more than a drybrush and some metal scratches...and decided to play a game.
OBJECTIVE: A more fluid skirmish game of Battletech*.
*Disclaimer: This is a super early “whipped this up in a few minutes” approach at the moment.
I decided to first pare down the information in the tech readouts. I picked up the old copy of 3025, and started a quick spreadsheet on mech info:
Movement: Simply converted into inches. MP of 4 = 4” movement, etc.
Internals/Armor: Calculated these, and cut them into 10's. 48 internal points = 5 internal points.
Quirks or Special Issues: I read the introductory information for each of the mechs (the fluff was excellent in the original 3025 manual). I applied special notes to each mech to reflect this. Eg. The Quickdraw has large but weak ankle actuators...so I decided that each time it uses jump jets, it must roll against internal damage. Certain mechs don't have ejection systems so the pilot is more likely to die when destroyed etc. Some mechs carry more ammunition for certain weapons, so I remove or reduce the chance of running out of ammunition etc.
Weapons: I took the weapon chart and modified it a bit. I extended ranges for lasers, reduced them for auto-cannons (always thought this was the stupidest discrepancy in the rules). Each five points of damage inflicted was treated as a single point of damage (ie. All weapons have effectively been doubled, since armour is a point for each 10, and weapons a point for each 5). Weapons were given special rules to suit the weapons (ammo, knock-back, etc.)
Heat: Heatsinks and heat management have always been a Battletech feature (maybe a bit tooo much sometimes). I divided heatsinks by 5, to provide a number of heat points to a mech. I decided that jump jets or running would cause 1 heat, and weapon clusters would be assigned by heat. Players could opt to exceed heat by 1 and suffer some damage, 2 and they'd suffer damage (twice) and a shutdown if desperately needed. Standing in water would add 1 temporary heat sink, damage could increase your heat etc. In a way, heat would define the “action” points of a mech. Stand and shoot a bunch or run and shoot less, etc.
Rules: I decided to whip up a quick version of rules based on a WW2 tank game I almost started making. I decided to go with command dice, a strategy deck, etc. Mechs were assigned target numbers based on their class. These target numbers go up or down depending on speed, skill, terrain, movement, damage etc.
Command dice would be rolled (D6 with icons). Three command dice would be issued to the player for each lance he had on the table. Each dice would have 1-2: Light Mech, 3-4: Medium Mech, 5: Heavy Mech, 6: Assault mech. Command dice could be increased, or re-rolled depending on command abilities, strategy cards etc. In addition, up to one dice per turn could be saved as a tactical reserve and rolled when desired (allowing players to build a pool of back-up dice, so they can roll more on a turn of their choosing).
I'd also allow a player to trade two matching lower mech activations to activate a single mech one level above (ie. Roll two Light Mech activations and you could trade them to activate a single Medium mech etc.).
Strategy cards weren't used in this play-test, but would be scribbled up for future games. I haven't determined how we'll use these – either drawn on the turn, or drawn by dice roll, or allocated/drawn before the game starts. These strategy cards would involve air support, communications bonuses, command dice bonuses or re-rolls, infantry/ambush attacks against mechs, resupply or refitting, etc.
Tables: Because I love cards, and I love tables I then immediately drew up tables for pilot skill, pilots ejecting, critical hit tables, planetary conditions tables, a campaign table for mechs showing up to a fight previously damaged or worn out (when was the last time any military force in combat showed up at 100%?). These were partially used during the play-test game.
THE GAME: Meeting skirmish between two heavy lances.
While I plan on having a large list of randomly determined “encounters” or battle situations, I decided to start with a simple one. Two heavy lances, from opposing sides have run into each other. I did not use any planetary conditions for this game, and threw together some rocks and some trees (the only 6mm scale terrain I could come up with this weekend). I'll have to pick up some of the fantastic card buildings from Dropzone Commander sometime.
I have crappily painted up my two forces in simple schemes to identify with each other easily. No background, no fluff – just some mercenary units on some crap planet. Using the first box of mechs I was trying to balance the sides purely by weight (tonnage). I have started painting Assault mechs and downward, so the lances consist of 4 mechs each, two assault, and two heavies.
As it stood for the first game, balancing tonnage (I have also done up a table for rolling random tonnage for your lance, if players are really sadistic) I ended up with the following:
Yellow Shoulders Lance
-Atlas, normal pilot.
-Awesome, normal pilot.
-Quickdraw, veteran pilot (+1 to rolls)
-Jagermech, normal pilot.
Grey Camo Lance
-Banshee, normal pilot.
-Zeus, normal pilot.
-Grasshopper, normal pilot.
-Dragon, normal pilot.
My personal feelings are that the Yellow Shoulders Lance is a bit better off, but I'm not sure how my changes will impact the game. At a glance, I see an Awesome and an Atlas...that's trouble. The Banshee is a joke of an Assault mech, so we'll see how this works out.
BEGIN!
I started off both lances on opposing corners of a 4x6 board. I started rolling and moving mechs. Both sides had about the same amount of activations. The assault mechs and heavies activate the same, but heavies are more likely to have trade-up activations. Both sides moved out, almost everyone being armed with decent weapons capable of 48” range.
The Quickdraw used its jump jets to move onto a plateau so he could begin harassing fire with his LRMs. The second he touched down a salvo from the Dragon struck him. It detonated his SRM4 ammunition, and took a chunk out of his armour. Unfortunately for the Dragon he had rolled both a critical (natural 10 on a D10), and a failure (1, which also depletes your ammunition). So he had inflicted some nice damage but his LRM10 ran out of missiles on the first turn.
The Quickdraw stood on the plateau loosing LRM10s into the Zeus while taking a PPC bolt from the Banshee. His LRMs cycled empty after a few shots and he used his jumpjets to leave the plateau (reduced now to only two Medium lasers). Upon landing he did more damage to his internals when his ankle motors started smoking.
The Grey Camo lance was advancing, the Dragon using its speed to run around the flank, while the others advanced up the middle. Once the Quickdraw had left its perch, targets became more scarce. The opposing Jagermech had appeared on a corner and would draw the ire of the lance if he didn't move/shoot soon.
The Jagermech faced off with the Grasshopper and was down to half his armour by the time he even fired his autocannons and lasers, the Grasshopper scoring hits with LRMs and his large laser as he plodded forward. A large LRM splash against the Grasshopper announced the arrival of the skull-faced Atlas. The Grasshopper peeled away as the Banshee prepared to face the new threat. The Dragon, with only autocannons and a laser left was still running around the flank, as the Zeus went solo to the left flank (completely unsure he could engage an Awesome by itself and survive...).
The Yellow Shoulders Lance was struggling with activations. The Jagermech was hurt, the Quickdraw was out of both missile types, and the Awesome and Atlas were very slow on the approach. I still suspect the armor and heavy weapons would save the day though.
-
As the Dragon closed around the flank it ran into the badly injured Jagermech. Autocannon and laser firing, the Dragon tried to push the Jagermech back. Instead of preserving itself, the Jagermech moved into closer range, cycling all of its medium lasers and four autocannons. Smoke started boiling from its arms as casings spewed out, firing all it could into the Dragon.
The Dragon's armor blew away in smoldering chunks and damage started punching into its internals. It's autocannon was destroyed and it prepared to retreat. Just then the Grasshopper nearby jump-jetted onto a nearby hill and defeated the Jagermech with a well placed laser and LRM barrage. The Jagermech toppled over, aflame. The Jagermech's pilot ejected but was grievously injured in the process (something which would impact campaign games if that's something I begin trying...).
First blood to the Grey Camo Lance. The Banshee nearby fired a PPC bolt into the Atlas, which barely noticed.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Btech1%209_zpsquexthzd.jpg)
THE KILLS MOUNT
At this point, things were beginning to look dire for the Yellow Shoulder Lance. The Banshee had dug in and emptied several PPC rounds into the Atlas (which was slow to activate). The Quickdraw had been using pop-up attacks to harass the Banshee with its medium lasers. That ended when the Zeus finally entered the fight and unloaded its full arsenl of autocannons, lasers and LRMs into the Quickdraw at close range. The Quickdraw exploded, its pilot killed instantly.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Btech1%208_zpsxfgb6oqa.jpg)
Unfortunately for the Zeus it had taken some damage earlier from an Atlas missile barrage, and the Quickdraw's early fire. Once the smoke settled on the Quick draw two PPCs belted into the Zeus and it almost fell over. The Awesome had arrived. At this point, there was no way the Zeus would be able to go toe-to-toe with the Awesome (unscathed and HEAVILY armed).
On the right flank, the almost-destroyed Dragon had retreated. With only a medium laser left, it was not going to partake in the fight if it could avoid it. The Banshee was poised behind a cliff outcrop, hoping to defeat the Atlas. The Grasshopper was attempting to flank the Atlas. It was four vs. two, but those two had tremendous amounts of firepower, so the game was still up for grabs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Btech1%203_zps6eutqj8y.jpg)
GIANT SLAYER
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Btech1%2014_zps9hsnkwc5.jpg)
The Grasshopper rounded the plateau and began firing into the Atlas, peeling armor from its rear. The grinning skull face of the now heavily damaged Atlas turned on the Grasshopper, emptying its load of autocannons, SRMs, and lasers. The Grasshopper was losing armor by the ton and fell back, jump-jetting and popping laser fire at the Atlas as best he could.
The Banshee was steaming toward the fight, with the Atlas now heavily damaged, if it could be removed it'd turn into a thee-on-one with the fresh Awesome. En route to the fight between the Atlas and Grasshopper, the Awesome appeared – firing into the side of the Banshee.
The Dragon was still sitting, far from the fight. With almost no armor and one small weapon it would be the very last thing I'd rely on.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Btech1%2015_zpsqrw17qm4.jpg)
The Grasshopper leaped skyward on its jump jets and fired another volley of medium lasers into the Atlas*, destroying its targeting computer and setting it on fire. It then exploded, the pilot ejecting safely. The Atlas was dead.
The celebration was short lived when the Awesome advanced, firing three PPCs into the Banshee, again and again. The Grasshopper moved to flank the Awesome and the Banshee turned to fight it. It was overwhelmed by the constant barrage of PPCs and the Banshee crumpled over, smoking. (The Awesome managed to activate three turns in a row, getting the jump on the Banshee and just punished it with the firepowear it has).
Now it was down to a half-boiled Grasshopper, and a very damaged Dragon to somehow defeat the slightly scratched Awesome. A single volley from the Awesome and either of the damaged Heavy mechs would be on the chopping block.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Btech1%201_zps3pfgflfn.jpg)
*At this point I realized that (just like many Battletech games), the ability to do pop-up attacks was pretty dangerous. As such I have applied a -3 penalty to firing while jump jetting, and will allow mechs to activate into “defensive fire” posture, or a form of overwatch, suffering only a -1 firing penalty. Combats will occur simultaneously and a mech on overwatch will not be able to move --- but I think this will nerf the temptation to sit back and pop-up attack ---- if an enemy mech can pop you back with a boatload of LRMs or PPCs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Btech1%2011_zpsmizlsysz.jpg)
At that point, luck failed the Awesome. After activating about four turns in a row, it sat nearly motionless for three turns while the Grasshopper fired into it, and the Dragon flanked, eventually getting a single medium laser shot into the back of it. One activation, the Awesome began withdrawing, afraid of being shot in the back (when firing from the rear 180-degrees of a mech, 50% of the damage is applied directly to internals).
Eventually the withering hail of medium lasers from the two large mechs (managing to activate almost every turn) was too much, the Awesome succumbed. Exploded.
-
THOUGHTS
Fun. Even as a solo game, it was enjoyable, and played out much like I would expect something to in the Battletech universe. Some things will need to be addressed, and I do need strategy cards, etc. I did not play overly tactical as I wanted to see how weapons/damage/armor played out. They played out well. I'm going to re-do the ammunition rules, as a single 1 rolled on a D10 kills your ammo, and if you have 3-4 dice being rolled, you'll only ever get a shot or two off.
The need for balanced lances was immediately apparent. An Assault lance would really suffer against a Medium lance as far as activations go (but the Assault mechs can deal out some pretty decent damage). The Assault mechs can soak up a lot of fire, but they're not invincible. I sacrificed the Atlas to activate the Awesome for most of the game. So many activation dice were wasted because I didn't have medium or enough heavy mechs to run. I should have saved some activation dice early in the game, so I could use them when really desperately needed.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed it and think I will move forward with the rules.
-
Nice miniatures and terrain. Like the the subtle paintjobs on the mechs with the colored stripes. Quite clever yet believable (as far as belief can go in a future where two-legged machines are the most powerful assets).
I assume you have heard of the Quick Strike rules?
-
Yep, looked into them and really didn't catch my fancy. Looked a bit too simple for what I was hoping for. I debated investing in them and modifying them heavily, but this was just easier.
-
Thanks for the battle rep Elbows, seemed to have been good fun game, managed to bring back good memories from the good old days :)
Will happily read more AARs.
-
Dragged up an old card design...made some changes and started futzing around with building some mech cards...
EDIT: Cards on page 2.
-
I really like where you're going with these rules. I always had a thing for Battletech, but the game just never did it for me. Way too much bookkeeping and the game was very slow. I like how you brought it back to the core, made a slick game that still looks and feels like Battletech. If you need people testing, I would love to help out!
-
This looks nice and is very inspiring.
Nice painted miniatures too !
Thanks for sharing.
-
I really like where you're going with these rules. I always had a thing for Battletech, but the game just never did it for me. Way too much bookkeeping and the game was very slow. I like how you brought it back to the core, made a slick game that still looks and feels like Battletech. If you need people testing, I would love to help out!
We'll see where this goes. Obviously I can't sell it, but if it plays well enough with some friends (we're planning to try a few games) I may be able to start a small blog to cover the rules/tables/etc.
At some point I'll move to 3050 (where I'll stop) but it'd be easy for other people to adapt the rules for further generations. 3050 of course brings in ER tech, MASC, NARC Beacons, CASE, gauss tech etc. My main interest is 3025, but since 3050 can use the same mechs (just better versions) I see no reason to not eventually do those up.
I've got eight more mechs assembled for priming (four of which are Robotech models which are brilliant). I'll probably do a few more Robotech models and maybe one more of the starter boxes worth of mechs (or pick up a couple of the mech lances). Not sure how many I want available. Games would be limited to about a company's worth of mechs. Probably suitable for about a lance per player.
-
EDIT: Cards page 2.
This is going to take a while...(sigh)
-
Edit: Cards page 2.
-
I really like the approach to strip the game down to basics tp make it a faster game with less paper work. I liked the clix version for this very fact. While I loved to play this game back in the day the record keeping was horrendous :o. Keep those cards coming
-
I'll be printing out these cards and using tarot-card sleeves and dry erase markers. It's going to end up somewhere between Battletech and Alpha Strike as far as complexity.
Ammo: Weapons which use ammo will roll an additional D10 ammo die, when it rolls a 1 the weapon is out of ammo (even on your first shot). Mechs which carry double ammo will ignore the first failure, weapons which are unreliable will roll two dice (or 1 dice for unreliable beam weapons)
Damage: Damage is applied per hit-dice. When shooting a mech from its rear 180 degree arc, every second (maybe third) point of damage will go straight to internal damage. I haven't decided if a mech should blow up when all of its armor is gone, or only when its internal is depleted. Weapons like the PPC inflict damage to both armor and internal.
Target numbers: The target number is in the lower left. Pilots roll D10 for shooting, needing a 2 to strike an Assault Mech, 3 for a Heavy, 4 for Medium and 5 for Light mechs --- speed and cover will add to this. A mech whose reactor is smoking will add +1 to enemy's shooting rolls etc.
Critical hits and misses: When rolling D10 a natural 1 is a failure regardless of modifiers, and a 10 is a critical success regardless of penalties. Criticals will roll on a 2D10 table, allowing for internal damage, legs and arms damaged, up to and including catastrophic explosions. When a mech is destroyed, players can roll on the pilot ejection table to see what happened to the pilot.
Special rules: I've read all of the entries for the 3025 tech readout and made notes. So, certain mechs suffer or benefit from certain things which are not normally portrayed in Battletech. For instance, the Zeus above --- the notes state that his LRM15 is unreliable...but this isn't taken into account in the normal Battletech game. I've penalized it for this. The Cyclops has a top-tier comms suite, so he adds a command dice to the player's roll etc.
So, there is complexity (moreso than Alpha Strike) but its not the charts and graphs style of the original Battletech (and obviously, no hexes). I'll elaborate on this stuff as it develops.
-
Last batch for now...going to send off for some test cards (last thing I want to do is layout several dozen mechs only to find the printed cards are illegible or the fonts don't work etc.)
Edit: Cards page 2.
-
I finished up my starting forces today (may throw together another few Robotech mechs and I'm sitting on two more starter boxes --- I gave in and ordered a set of plastics simply to get a Victor).
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0976_zpsrhticum4.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0975_zpsnjgxymte.jpg)
The Robotech models fit, though a bit large. They're not over-towering or anything. The Valkyries are way too tall to serve as 20 ton scout mechs, the Glaug is waaay too big for a Marauder. I haven't decided on whether the Super Veritech and Armored Veritechs will serve reasonably as Phoenix Hawks and Crusaders.
I was a bit sad to realize the starter box is very light on the light mechs. I may raid my other starter boxes for their light mechs. I was debating selling off my other boxes or using the mechs. If anyone wants some Battletech hex map cards, let me know! Test mech cards have been ordered, and I grabbed a set of Ruinscape card buildings to add to the terrain.
-
A great set of minis, lovely paintjobs! I hope to see them in action soon!
-
Updates...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0977_zpsdlkvjcmn.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0978_zpsj7lkw3xb.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0979_zpsdmyqh11z.jpg)
Got my test cards back really quick from The Gamecrafter. I've already decided on a few subtle changes (target numbers will be coloured to represent class - this colour will match the command dice for activations).
Gathered some artwork and I'm starting on the strategy deck. The Strategy Deck will be the deck which controls all of the non-mech related elements in the game. Cards will be determined by mission conditions, your commander's ability, and cards will be drawn during the game (trying to decide when).
Cards will represent various types of events: Aerospace, Logistics, Command, Mechwarrior, Event, Infantry, etc. Cards will be played on the player's turn. Some will be "buffs" so to speak, others will be direct attacks, some will be additions to your mechs, or penalties to the opponent's mechs. This will cover the "other" aspects of Battletech without the need to build supply convoys, infantry bases, aerospace fighters (because it's a little silly to have a fighter on the board when it would be moving 300+ kilometers per hour in the engagement).
Many cards will be based on terrain features, so certain types of terrain will be more dangerous. Infantry attacks will be based out of structures or wooded areas...so a mech wandering into a city will face added danger. Machine guns and flamers on mechs are used to counter infantry cards. A big lumbering mech like the Awesome will suffer as he has no anti-infantry weapons.
Aerospace attacks will be hindered by a mech's proximity to terrain elements taller than himself. So, a mech may "hide" from Aerospace attacks in a city or near large rocky outcrops --- increasing his target number vs. aerial attacks.
I have some Dropzone Commander card buildings on the way, so once I get some more test cards printed I'll probably run a test game or two with Audrey or some other friends. I'll post some battle reports.
-
Breathtaking.
-
I've revamped the cards a bit - as seen here, Heavy mechs (Target number 3) have a yellow circle --- this matches the yellow on the activation dice, making it easier to visualize.
Making up these cards I realized how completely shite the Rifleman and Jagermech are. Luckily the "fluff" indicates they're both excellent anti-aircraft mechs, so I gave them special rules to neutralize Aerospace cards. This gives a player some purpose to actually field these garbage mechs. (also, using mech cards, it is possible to play this game by drawing mechs randomly).
EDIT: Cards started below.
-
Fantastic stuff man. Looks so much better than the ones used for the 'real game'.
-
Really nice cards, they are pretty and convienient to boot!
-
Very nice - as are the paint jobs too, by the way 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
-
I'm anxious to give this a play...but now I can't try it without my strategy cards. I'll have some teasers of those up by the end of the weekend I'm sure. I'm probably going to throw together the other four Robotech mechs I gave up for the project (sacrificed eight of my Robotech destroids). Trying to decide if I should open up my other starter boxes or not...I don't want hundreds of mechs, but I want a few more choices per side.
-
EDIT: Going to post all of the cards here by class...
3025 ASSAULT MECHS
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Assault%20Mechs/ZeusCard_zpsnhhga0ki.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Assault%20Mechs/BansheeCard_zpsylnjc7mw.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Assault%20Mechs/76c7a3da-0fbc-4f5e-8e2b-109df9ea3cc5_zpso4z48flp.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Assault%20Mechs/f2f416d4-aeb3-4873-acec-a3f4d33623f7_zpskcqi0wwx.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Assault%20Mechs/StalkerCard_zpsmy1jix0p.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Assault%20Mechs/BattlemasterCard_zps1llohxiy.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Assault%20Mechs/ChargerCard_zps04mmw0ay.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Assault%20Mechs/ChargerAltCard_zps68f1e1q0.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Assault%20Mechs/LongbowCard_zpsdcbwfxa0.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Assault%20Mechs/GoliathCard_zps7oqifcjs.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Assault%20Mechs/AtlasCard_zpsxkdp85mq.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Assault%20Mechs/CyclopsCard_zpsk45guqgv.png)
-
3025 HEAVY MECHS
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/JagermechCard_zpsl3ef9grc.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/DragonCard_zpss743jz1o.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/RiflemanCard_zpsfgjwuebq.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/ThunderboltCard_zps8dyopzec.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/WarhammerCard_zps5zvo8aj4.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/MarauderCard_zpsdg24zdwr.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/OrionCard_zps1og5gljs.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/QuickdrawCard_zps9slicijh.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/GrasshopperCard_zpszz7beagm.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/ArcherCard_zpstw3b9jj3.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/CrusaderCard_zpsumkkb3og.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/CatapultCard_zpscfx3uasq.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/OstrocCard_zpshchnv4gc.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Heavy%20Mechs/OstsolCard_zps3zhnmld6.png)
-
3025 MEDIUM MECHS
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/PhoenixHawkCard_zpstzoz99po.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/VindicatorCard_zpssu1tawlv.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/CenturionCard_zpsakqkjk7d.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/DervishCard_zpsvzlin6ox.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/TrebuchetCard_zps2i8fc1mr.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/EnforcerCard_zpszwgvj5ek.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/HunchbackCard_zpsq4raqcrg.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/WhitworthCard_zpsncbw5hog.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/VulcanCard_zpsnigzprgz.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/BlackjackCard_zpsvuge5xlf.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/ShadowHawkCard_zps8h1wgcdm.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/GriffinCard_zpssln7zgyg.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/ClintCard_zpsqdxmkpq2.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/HermesCard_zpsqsrloblt.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/CicadaCard_zps3whtoxnb.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/AssassinCard_zpstkd0qeqj.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/HatchetmanCard_zpsbrz9ljkv.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/WolverineCard_zps0jki7zov.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Medium%20Mechs/ScorpionCard_zpsaxdu3bbw.png)
-
3025 LIGHT MECHS
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Light%20Mechs/PantherCard_zpsgwkld3at.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Light%20Mechs/SpiderCard_zps8xhbqfay.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Light%20Mechs/JavelinCard_zpsm4d8qe37.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Light%20Mechs/CommandoCard_zpsmyjdwlyr.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Light%20Mechs/JennerCard_zpsf8g3c6t5.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Light%20Mechs/ValkyrieCard_zpssjiojjrk.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Light%20Mechs/FirestarterCard_zpslkdrjwcu.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Light%20Mechs/WaspCard_zpssvnrraxn.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Light%20Mechs/StingerCard_zpshvttmzgk.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Light%20Mechs/UrbanmechCard_zpstpdur8is.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Light%20Mechs/OstscoutCard_zpsrvcxycnc.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Light%20Mechs/LocustCard_zpsqivh3x1x.png)
_______________________________________________________________
So, I was sitting there twiddling some Dougram gashapon figures around in my fingers...when I decided to take two Griffin models and turn them into...as close as I could manage, Thunderbolts.
Then, as I opened my other two starter boxes for Battletech, I decided to try a Battlemaster again (but one which isn't taller/bigger than an Atlas). I cut a Zeus in half, and stole some gashapon arms and cobbled it all together. The end result I was pretty happy with (more the Thunderbolts than the Battlemaster).
These two mechs happen to be some of my very favourite mechs so I couldn't fathom having the game without them.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0980_zps0q5baetn.jpg)
Only thing I didn't have was a suitable add-on for the medium lasers.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0981_zpslurbprsb.jpg)
I wasn't wholly convinced when I had them scratched together. I wasn't sure they'd say "Thunderbolt" when you looked at them.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0982_zpsipzd0lcy.jpg)
Battlemaster which is more in keeping with the original (the "new" one is bloody terrible)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0983_zpsm1uqsgxb.jpg)
Much better! I think the Thunderbolts look pretty good, and the Battlemaster is just passable enough that I feel sated now. I don't think I'll sacrifice another Zeus (I have one left, and one more Battlemaster kit).
-
Very nice. Thunderbolt also has always been one of my favourites.
-
They exist in Gashapon figures...but I haven't been able to find them or get my hands on them.
...and just for grins I just checked and they're available now! GAAAAAAAWWWWWDDD DAMMIT! lol Maybe worth checking the scale on these.
-
I have three of them out of the old boxed sets (plastic of questionable quality). One will be in my next IS lance. ;)
-
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dougram-Battletech-Gashapon-action-figures-2-pcs-thunderbolt-Iron-Foot-F4X-/252058762881?hash=item3aafdf7e81
I just ordered a pair of these. I have some of the other Dougram Gashapon and some fit well with the scale, others are too big. It'll be worth it to try these guys out. Worst case scenario, I have four Thunderbolts! lol
-
Quick teaser of the strategy deck...I spent all weekend making mech and strategy cards. The strategy deck will end up around 72 cards or so.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/StrategyDeckTeaser_zpswbftzlws.png)
-
This should make your game very solo friendly !
-
Yep, activation is by command dice...strategy cards are dealt a small hand at the beginning. Players can trade command dice in to draw additional strategy cards. Objectives during gameplay may reward a player with strategy cards, etc. I may do a commander table which will reflect your force commander's traits.
UPDATED AUTOCANNONS
I had to go back and re-do the Autocannons. Originally I changed them heavily...unfortunately this has killed the purpose of too many mechs (even though the idea of a small caliber autocannon shooting further than other weapons still bugs me). I've gone back and retrofitted cards where needed. Also, adding some more medium mechs to the second page.
-
hey Elbows are you going to do any of the light mechs? specifically
Locust
Wasp
Stinger
Commando
Javelin
Spider
UrbanMech
Valkyrie
Firestarter
Jenner
Ostscout
Panther
Or the LAMS
Stinger LAM
Wasp LAM
Phoenix hawk LAM
Love what you have done so far. keep up the good work
-
Yep, I'm working backwards. I'm only concentrating on mechs which I can find quick and easy miniatures for...though I'll eventually flesh out the full 3025 book.
-
Charger (and an alternate Charger config) and five or six medium mechs added to the cards on page 2.
I'll get around to the Lights sometime this week...then perhaps LAMs. I need to add the Longbow. I have almost all of the 3025 mechs. I may not do the Ostsol/Ostscout/Ostroc...even though they just took them off the Unseen list.
-
Excellent stuff elbows. I'm stealing everything you've done!
-
Go for it. At some point, I'll put the rules up somewhere.
-
Nice stuff Elbows,
I still have one of those old start boxes and allthough played it only a few times due to not having opponents around. While I have found memories of the game, Elbowtech looks a lot more acecsible to play. You make me want to dig up the old box again :)
-
Charger (and an alternate Charger config) and five or six medium mechs added to the cards on page 2.
I don't see the added cards or am I just not looking hard enough :?
-
I don't see the added cards or am I just not looking hard enough :?
Uggg! I was not looking hard enough o_o ::) Never mind :`
-
Don't feel bad...when I edit/change them, it's super wonky for even me. Sometimes nothing shows up, then pops up after a refresh etc. When I add new mechs I am putting them in their class, at the bottom (regardless of weight).
I put the alternate Charger in because with the simplified Elbowtech rules, small lasers and AC/2s etc. are borderline useless (I've since given them anti-infantry abilities). I received colour-matched dice for my factions the other day, another lance of plastics (solely for the Victor!) and got my card buildings. I'll slap the buildings together, try to finish the cards by the end of this upcoming weekend...order the stuff and host a game within 2-3 weeks time I hope.
While I have all the rules in my head, it'll be some time before they're suitably put down on paper and consumable.
-
Bump for some Light Mechs (added to Page 2) - will do a few more this evening possibly. I've compiled a list of mechs from 3025 I haven't done --- will eventually knock them out as well.
EDIT: Longbow added to Assault Mechs. (The unseeniest of the unseen!)
-
Phew...57 mech cards done.
Added: More light mechs.
Added: Goliath Assault tank.
Added: Ostsol/Ostroc Heavies
Added: Scorpion/Wolverine mediums...
-
Brilliant work !
-
Seriously awesome work!
How do you think your rules would work out with two mechs to a lance per side? I still have my 1/100 scale Battletech project on the backburner and am still one ruleset shy of an actual game...
-
I suppose they'd work fine..you'd want a big table. Also the method I've used makes all weapons doubly dangerous, so they may die a little faster. If you played two heavy or assault mechs you could have a good scrap between them. How many half-lances would you be running, or would it just be two mechs per side?
Because of the command dice activation it could get more lopsided the fewer mechs you run.
PS: LAMs are next, but I have to find higher res images, I can knock those out easily. Will finish the last of the strategy cards this weekend (72 unique cards). Then, I'll order a full set for playtesting. Build six of the card buildings from Dropzone Commander last night, and assembled another six mechs.
-
Well; I was going with about a lance each for starters. But I also have 2 of the (unseen?) fighter modelkits, so Aerotech might pop up too, and eventually I'd also like some infantry and maybe a couple of tanks.
And I have so many mechs lined up, I might well end up with at least 4 lances!
So yeah; a big table is indeed in order, but I knew that from the start. My limit will be a 180x120cm table though, which is not that big, obviously.
But a bit of range squeezing should suffice I'd say. Maybe even simply go with your ranges and movement. Battles were often pretty close affairs anyway, and the books stretched out time during battles to be able to describe everything that happened. In my perception, most battles (bar the really big battallion or regiment sized ones) were really brutal and over in minutes, just like a dogfight.
I mean; there are people playing 40K with 15mm minis, so why not go the other way and play a game with larger miniatures eh?
-
Okay, I thought you meant just two mechs per side. That'd be a little rough on the game mechanics. There is no reason this wouldn't scale.
Unfortunately infantry/etc. are all handled via the strategy deck --- but there is no reason you couldn't simply add them in like normal mechs. Give them some weapons ,hit points and mount them on a base...treat them as a light mech, give them a target number.
Once I finish with my work crap, I'll get the last few strategy cards lined up and place my order (full set of mech cards, dice, stickers, and strategy cards is around $40 right now Oof!)
I'll post a sheet with the strategy cards listed - too many to try to post them here as images.
-
I was trolling around the Battletech forums and it appears a new Alpha Strike box will contain 10 Clan Mechs vs. 12 Inner Sphere mechs (unknown what types at this point). If they stick to 3050 style normal Clan mechs I will definitely begin slow and steady work on a 3050 version of this stuff (not for some time though!).
Originally I debated doing this as I refuse to buy crappy IWM models at $13 for mediocre figures...but if we have plastic clan mechs in the future, I will move forward with that! :`
-
Alpha strike box with minis ? Definitly on my list, thanks for sharing the info !
-
Yeah, no really solid details other than some hints at prices ($60) and one of the CGL guys apparently said "company vs. binary" so, three lances of four...vs. two stars of five.
PS: I finished up my strategy cards and placed my order for my own stuff. About $45 for the 112 mech cards (2 each), 72 strategy cards (each unique), 24 indented six-sided dice and 156 stickers (for making the dice into command dice).
I assembled all 20 of the card buildings from my Dropzone Commander box...have some clear tarot sleeves in the mail, matching dice have arrived, etc. So if all works out, I'll have everything to host a game for Audrey and some buddies in the next week or two.
-
Added a few more mechs to each side.
The Ghost Regiment received a Cyclops, Jagermech and Victor (trying to balance out some anti-aircraft and command stuff - and bolster the weaker Ghost Regiment with my favourite Assault mech)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/2015-08-23_08-56-33_8671_zpswcazvjdm.jpg)
Added some middle weight stuff and a light Jenner to the Rhodes Regulars. The Blackjack and Victor are lance mechs (each of the lance boxes appears to be two mechs from the intro box with two "new" plastics --- I suspect the "new" plastics will likely be in the upcoming Alpha Strike box as the Inner Sphere mechs as well)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/2015-08-23_08-57-00_3121_zpsjiw3b3t3.jpg)
Right now I'm fielding about 18 mechs per side, more than any game I'll be running. I have two starter sets left and I'll be assigning them at random to the two sides. I don't want to field identical options for each side.
-
Good job on those, Elbows! 8)
-
Elbows, did you see these?
http://bg.battletech.com/forums/miniatures/two-hand-made-leopard-dropships/
-
I did...I actually posed in that thread. lol
-
Here are the strategy cards...separated by type.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/StrafingRun4_zpsmbotgwna.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/BombingRun_zpsyqno23x4.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/StrafingRun3_zps71yjrbck.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/AerialSuperiority_zpspfswek01.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Interceptor_zpsugbywby4.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/StrafingRun_zpstdsjehbe.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/StrafingRun2_zpsja5ztwit.png)
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/UpperHand_zpsaxkmy8e4.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/ScoutsOut_zpstc4xkpix.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Strategist_zpssc3acizr.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/GoodIntel_zpshzqlmjag.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/HeavyLifters_zps30yto1yx.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/PerfectExecution_zpscnwvftk3.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Retreat_zpsylo529re.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Incoming_zpswdfozjuq.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/GruntWork_zpssubnzob2.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/FullAttackCard_zps3um90beu.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/BalancedAttack_zpsy5ckcnom.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/ArtilleryConcentration_zpsolcf7jxf.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Flanking_zpsszirhrgr.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Coward_zpsiryj9qgc.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Breakthrough_zpsowuksd0k.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Flyover_zpsn5ijhmi0.png)
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/BlazeofGlory_zpsl4pbcabq.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Barrage_zpskkkz4cdk.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/ElectricalStorm_zps8utmisau.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/ArtySpotter_zps4ybas6ng.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Sandstorm_zpsjyplt9mv.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/ScoutMechCard_zpsxunscuhu.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/ChangeTactics_zpsdnxepsqk.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/CommsBlackout_zpsmvjclnrx.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/InfantrySuppression_zps7wh0mmg1.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/SurvivorCard_zps7d6bx6oh.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Sniped_zpsk7jrngno.png)
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Militia02_zpsscwzhebf.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Militia03_zps9dnjjpw4.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Militia01_zpsou3rsned.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Immobilized_zps7ya61jvh.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/JumpTrooper01_zps3fpraubo.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/JumpTrooper02_zps1xhlroen.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/JumpTrooper03_zps6pcygvdq.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/BattleArmor03_zpsjunibnft.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/GunCrew_zpsqgg4ggxl.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/ArmorSwarm_zpsrjmosb54.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/BattleArmor01_zpsktfmva1r.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/BattleArmor02_zpsllesnqk3.png)
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/SARTeam_zpsxlud4hhi.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Resupply_zpsoyggd9tj.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Reinforcements_zpsmp8xdjns.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/FieldHospital_zpsja7ft1c7.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/BattleArmor_zpspeqhlzye.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/MilitaryPolice_zpsgk1rsoyy.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/RecoveryShuttle_zpsj60ssv1o.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/BombardmentCard_zpscd0isusj.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/CoolantTruck_zpsiizzhoea.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/FreshSupplies_zpsecovgpgd.png)
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/VetPilots_zpskdnpuecm.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/TacticalGenius_zpsawl5itgw.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Natural_zpsioxwbv51.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/GrizzledVeteran_zpsqvj0ubsq.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/ScoutPilot_zps0p9e2t3l.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/NewCommander_zps1yqcbo2o.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/AllTalk_zpsiuape2nl.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/CowardMechwarrior_zpswjhddmqz.png)
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/ScrambledComms_zpsperhbxwv.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Actuators_zpsbfnfhnqq.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/TraitorCard_zps3rcv0a42.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Aware_zpsyirth7zz.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/EMP_zpsqimft5zd.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/DisruptedComms_zpsmxiqmpyu.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/Assassination_zpshnp1bsvl.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/HeatsinksSabotaged_zpsdzyrzwpl.png)
-
What is a good site to host a simple word document for sharing?
-
What is a good site to host a simple word document for sharing?
Dropbox.
By the way: looks fantastic :o
-
Someone try this?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/agl8iypo8kxthff/ElbowtechV2.docx?dl=0
UPDATED:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/agl8iypo8kxthff/ElbowtechV2.docx?dl=0
-
I'll be doing up a nicer, more properly explained version...that's the compiled notes as best as I can manage at the moment.
-
The cards are all really cool and well done too!
-
Ugh...
Well I went back through some cards (just spot checking) and realized I had the wrong heat calculated for AC-20's on a few cards. I've changed the following cards:
Atlas
Cyclops
Hunchback
So now I'll have to order some replacement cards!
Oh, and in case anyone is going to print the cards, here are the backs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/PokerBack_zpseuoepvs5.png)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/MECHBACK_zpszb1asqzt.png)
-
Okay, here is a slightly more tidy PDF version for the moment.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/i1oig1fybw6wum8/ElbowTechPDF.pdf?dl=0
-
Been knocking out some mechs behind the scenes...up to around 24 per side (though not built by Lance, so it would be two very...odd companies for each side).
Also couldn't resist turning my last Zeus into a Battlemaster. I only had a few parts left in my box-o-bots-bits...so this one would end up looking a bit different. I'll settle for two Battlemasters assembled around the same time, but at different factories with slightly different arms/etc.
With the regards to the two sides, I've actually been picking mechs at random from a box. I didn't want to paint up an identical force for both sides. I try to balance out some weight issues by picking a few select mechs, but for the most part, it's dumb luck which side ends up with which mechs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0984_zpsqvnx0ihi.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0985_zpsrybjg3ps.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0986_zpsu7getmbr.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0987_zpstblamrxg.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0988_zpsl0livny8.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN0989_zpsfljq11eo.jpg)
-
Wow. Missed this thread and caught up yesterday. Great work. You got me digging out my old Battletech stuff and looking to order the catalyst plastic mechs - how do they size up with other manufacturers?
-
Couldn't tell ya. I don't own any IWM stuff, so only the Robotech plastics, new Battletech plastics and some random Dougram gashapon figures from ebay. I bought into the Heavy Gear KS a while ago, but I'm not sure how those scale with them. As you can see from the pics, the Robotech stuff is more properly scaled, and is a bit larger. The Valkyries etc. are way too big to use as light mechs.
I'll see if the Armored Valkyrie fits as a Crusader when it becomes available. The small bases in the pic are the Renedra 25mm, while the larger bases are 40mm. I'd say the Atlas is probably a good 60mm, while many of the small mechs are 25mm or less.
-
Well, a box showed up today...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/DSCN0994_zpsjcrhhpd1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/DSCN0995_zpssrvdruhm.jpg)
The "Ironfoot" Dougram gashapon showed up (ie. Thunderbolts). While they look the part 100%, they're a bit on the big side. For now I'll stick with my kit-bashes.
Oh, and then another box showed up. TEST CARDS! (and dice)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/DSCN0990_zpsept149ao.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/DSCN0997_zpskg2hejxh.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/DSCN0991_zpswmmh0qps.jpg)
I spent twenty minutes in front of the computer assembling my command dice. The strategy deck came out very well, and the mech cards look fantastic.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/DSCN0999_zpsaedx6y5t.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/DSCN1000_zps6di64wtd.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/DSCN1001_zpsih9ykuo4.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/DSCN1002_zpszb2g8gce.jpg)
I've sleeved all the cards for the mechs that I have (another 100 mech cards waiting for minis...). I went with all of the cards, just in case I end up running a game with someone who has other mechs. The vast majority of mechs I don't have models for (but who knows...maybe in the future).
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/DSCN1003_zpslb4rxpbl.jpg)
Also picked up some dice a couple weeks ago for the sides. Who doesn't like matching dice? The black/red dice will be used for ammo/unreliable rolls. Everything is ready for play-test now.
-
What was the price tag to get your individual dice and cards set produced?
-
It was pretty hefty because of the amount of stuff, around $44 I think. (and printing one set of stuff is always pricey vs. mass order -- I think if I ordered 100 sets it's $26 a piece)
It's around 120 mech cards (I ordered two of each for all the mech cards I designed), 72 strategy cards, 24 indented blank D6 dice (which are maybe $0.40 a pop), and something like 156 stickers (for each face, and a couple of spares).
I think with shipping, $52? In the future I can now order piece-meal cards as needed. For instance, I have three starter boxes, so I'll end up with three of certain mechs - I'll order a handful of mech cards as needed. No more dice (12 per side is juuuust enough to run a company vs. company game if needed). I may add cards to the strategy deck eventually to keep it evolving.
-
I finished up the kitbash Battlemaster (quite like this guy), and found a use for a random Ikea box set (magnetized flaps) that I picked up while trying to burn off an Ikea gift card.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1006_zpsn6wgdsou.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1007_zpsy7j8bzg7.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1008_zpsaedslfpw.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1009_zpsxoqdcmmv.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1010_zpsuycpdl6g.jpg)
Had fun with this microburst of a game design. Already started to read over the 3050 tech. I like projects like this which keep me busy.
-
It has all come together nicely, great job. I am looking forward to seeing it all in person at our game in the next week or so.
-A
-
Does Jerry or crew have any decent 10mm/6mm terrain? If so I won't bother bringing up my stuff, just the mechs and components.
-
How did I miss this until now?
-
Clan tech. You're way behind...
-
Man...you're a machine! This all went very fast and it's real professional in design and feel. Read some of the rules and like how you kept the theme and specific Battletech elements, but logically simplified. If you would Kickstarter this (come on Topps, check this out and give this man a job!), it would be mighty successful.
-
Hah, well I appreciate that, but this won't go anywhere beyond free stuff for other folks to play. I did start notes on a generic Mecha game about a year or two ago, but it'd be hard to fit it all into a "not" formula - particularly losing out on the art, etc.
Picked up a few more plastic lances - only to get my hands on a few particular minis. The project will definitely slow a bit now as I've started to amass my notes for 3050, but this'll continue for a while.
-
TheGamecrafter contacted me and informed me they won't be printing any further ElbowTech cards with the old FASA art on them. Since they're selling "games" no copyrighted images can be printed, even for personal use.
As such I'll keep the designs up for people to print, but any further developments will be pictures of miniatures or some alternated art. Alternatively I may just print the cards off at a local print-shop, but I really prefer the cards.
I'll be taking some photos of my mech miniatures (immediately regretting painting them fast now...) and see how they look on the card. Unfortunately both schemes are a little on the dark side, and I don't think the Ghost Regiment mechs will show up that well. On the plus side I could actually make a card for each actual miniature.
-
Or try Printer Studio? Great service, good prices.
http://www.printerstudio.com/unique-ideas/custom-playing-cards.html
-
Or try Printer Studio? Great service, good prices.
http://www.printerstudio.com/unique-ideas/custom-playing-cards.html
I see a future where I end up using that for one game or another. Thanks!
-
Yeah, I may try to find another way of doing these. My only issue is that my cards and layouts are all spec'ed for Gamecrafter printing. We'll see.
-
I started to write up a battle report, but I got carried away playing and forgot about it by turn three or four.
I had typed up a big bit about randomly selecting two lances for each side, setting up objectives etc. A couple of turns in and I was just really having fun. The game plays quick and simple. I'd picked up some Battlefront "dust clouds" meant for tanks and had been using them to monitor "moving fast" mechs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1012_zpsqdnfq4qc.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1021_zpsxcvgtpqs.jpg)
^A fast moving recon lance.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1025_zpsmlzo7jew.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1024_zpslp6jtc8f.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1023_zpseqpgzd17.jpg)
In the game I had the following...
-A Catapult which managed to inflict damage on his internals three times in a row while using his jump jets.
-A Dervish which managed to conduct a pop-up attack against a Centurion...running out of ammo with both launchers simultaneously while scoring four hits including two criticals
-A Panther which blew out his PPC on the first shot.
-A Centurion sent walking around after losing both of his heat sinks to critical hits (risking inflicting internal damage if he chose to overheat)
-A Spider which conducted several successful pop-up attacks against the Victor in the city
-A "Grizzled Veteran" Victor pilot who refused to activate more than three times
-Two Assassins leaping onto a building and almost killing the Centurion with a barrage of lasers, and missiles...only for one to be annihilated by a Cyclops' autocannon the next turn.
Really quite a good time, can't wait to play it against some folks. It ran eight mechs very easily --- if I had an opponent and time I think you could easily run a company of mechs vs. a company.
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1026_zpskewmy0be.jpg)
Some fire support for the Regulars.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/p82fw2m6w8c6mez/ElbowtechPDF11.pdf?dl=0
^Minor updates to the rules (V1.1). I'm colour coding changes as I place them in, so if anyone has read the rules they can skip immediately to the changes. They're quite minor, but I want to keep folks up to date.
And a scout/light lance for the Regiment.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1028_zpshewxbyfd.jpg)
-
The Governor's Apartment
This is a battle report for my version of Battletech, called Elbowtech (a skirmish format). It is played on a hexless table using alternate rules, while deriving stats from the original 3025 TRO's. Weapons and mechanics should be comparable – with the goal of delivering a Battletech feel, in a different playstyle.
Forces
The two opposing forces in Elbowtech currently represent two mercenary units (intentionally factionless); the Rhodes Regulars (green w/ yellow markings), and the Ghost Regiment (grey camouflage). For this game I've decided to field two lances for each force. Mechs will be drawn at random using mech cards. I will only redraw if there is a serious lop-sided result (ie. Eight assault mechs vs. eight lights).
For this game, no campaign tables are being used, nor are any of the variable skill rolls etc. All pilots are standard mechwarriors.
Rhodes' Regulars
I drew the following mechs: Assassin, Clint, Archer, Cyclops, Spider, Blackjack, Battlemaster, and a Quickdraw. This was an odd force...heavy and light mixed. Since lance formations don't hold much meaning in Elbowtech I'd deploy them on the table in the following:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1031_zpscmqltmxh.jpg)
Command Lance
Cyclops (Commander)
Archer
Battlemaster
Quickdraw
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1032_zpsp3u5p7iq.jpg)
Battle Lance
Clint
Assassin
Spider
Blackjack
The only benefit drawn from the mechs was the +1 command dice from fielding the Cyclops.
Ghost Regiment
I drew the following mechs for the Ghost Regiment: Jenner, Victor, Cicada, Battlemaster, Catapult, Grasshopper, Commando, Spider. Oddly a nearly matching force (heavy balanced with lighter mechs).
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1030_zps9yqyzk5m.jpg)
Command Lance
Grasshopper (Commander)
Victor
Battlemaster
Catapult
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1029_zpsjalsks6b.jpg)
Scout Lance
Jenner
Commando
Cicada
Spider
The Ghost Regiment had fewer special rules applied to their mechs, no command bonuses etc. Notably, neither side had mechs which could protect them from Aerospace cards being played.
Objectives
I decided on two simple objectives. The Rhodes' Regulars would win the game by moving at least three Battlemechs to within 6” of the Governor's Apartment (tall red building near the Ghost Regiment's deployment zone). The Ghost Regiment could end the game by eliminating five of eight Battlemechs in the Regulars' force. If both were achieved simultaneously the game would be a draw.
I drew three strategy cards for each side to begin: I drew a couple of infantry cards for the Ghosts, and a mixed set of cards for the Regulars. These'll be explained when they're played.
The Game
Deciding that the Ghost Regiment was the defending force on the planet (protecting the Governor's Apartment) I allowed them to begin the game. The Ghost Regiment was rolling a standard eight command dice (one dice for each mech in play).
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1033_zpsogfubkyi.jpg)
The first couple of turns both forces accelerated, with both scouting lances headed toward each other (and the cover of the rock formations), while the Regular's Command Lance moved through the city. I was confident the mechs were strong enough to ward off any infantry attacks while in the area. The Ghost's Command Lance was moving to the right, looking for a place to put up a stiff defense.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1037_zps03r9pwsx.jpg)
The mechwarrior in the Ghost Regiment's lead Cicada called out over the radio that his heat sinks were on the fritz (the mech's special rule had bit the mechwarrior – the Cicada's unreliable Heat Sinks had been reduced to one). The radio was cut short as auto-cannon rounds from the Blackjack smacked into the Cicada and it toppled over, the force of the impact shutting the mech down.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1044_zpsh6vfeawv.jpg)
As the Cicada toppled the light mechs behind began to scour the rock formation, preparing to defend against the incoming Regulars. In the city, the Ghost Regiment infantry leaped into action against the Archer (the Battlemaster was armed with Machine Guns so I didn't want to risk him blocking my infantry cards!). I played two infantry cards allowing me a combined six(!) SRM-4 attacks against the Archer's rear armor.
The combination of battle armour and jump troops inflicted eight points of damage (four to armour, and four to internal). This was an excellent result and the Archer's mechwarrior suddenly felt the need to get out of the urban area.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1047_zpsov8em8uk.jpg)
On the other flank, the light mechs from the Regulars slammed into the scout mechs from the Regiment. The Assassin leaped onto a rock formation, loosing his LRMs, laser, and SRMs into the Commando which was rushing to the aid of the toppled Cicada. Two critical hits blew out both servomotors in the Commando and it ground to a halt, immobilized.
Next to the Assassin a Clint landed – firing his lasers and auto-cannon at the opposing Spider, striking only a minor hit. The Regiment now had one toppled mech offline, one immobilized and far too little firepower to match the incoming medium mechs from the Regulars.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1045_zpsmcpicdhz.jpg)
The Regiment struck back. Moving very slowly the Regiment's command lance wasn't making much progress (failing to activate too much). However the Catapult turned and sent a wave of LRMs skyward. Across the board the Clint never saw it coming. Armor flew off, scattering around the rocks. The pilot was mortally wounded (losing his pilot skill). It remained standing, just. Next to it the Assassin was nearly annihilated when the Regiment's Commando, Jenner, and Spider concentrated all of their fire on the mech. Even though the Commando was immobilized his SRMs were still a serious threat. As the scout lance engaged, the Cicada's mechwarrior fired up his Cicada, preparing to try to stand from prone.
Behind this flank the lumbering Battlemaster was approaching the fight, slowly. Even a lone Battlemaster was possibly a match for the Regular's scout lance.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1049_zpsdolcjw5v.jpg)
The Regulars fell back, disorganized. The Assassin fired his weapons into the downed Cicada, peeling off chunks of armour. The prone mech made an easy target. From the buildings the Regular's Battlemaster emerged, firing his opening PPC shot into Ghost Victor across the board.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1053_zpsjwttbvmj.jpg)
-
The Victor answered, in full. Auto-cannon and laser fire slammed into the Battlemaster as the two Assault mechs stomped toward eachother. Amongst the rocks the Regiment withdrew as well – both opposing lances licking their wounds, waiting for reinforcements or strategy options. Both sides had taken significant damage.
The Grasshopper fired a lone large laser, scoring a hit on the inbound Quickdraw. The big boys were about to get into a heck of a gunfight.
When the Regulars turn came around, I opted to play a strategy card allowing me to select a new force commander, and I chose the Archer. By doing so, I was able to discard my strategy hand and draw three new cards. I drew a sandstorm which came into play. This limited all movement to 6” and visual line of sight to 18”. In addition, no Aerospace cards could be played while the sandstorm was in effect. This would end randomly. I drew two other useful cards.
As the sandstorm rolled in the Regular's Assassin zero'ed in on the prone Cicada. Just as the mechwarrior began to power up his machine, the Assassin's firepower lit into it - the radio cut short as the mech exploded. The pilot was ejected into the sandstorm. The Regulars had drawn first blood.
Across the board the Regulars made use of the sandstorm, moving toward the Governor's Apartment, using the storm as a shield.
The Regiment used the storm as well, advancing steadily toward the incoming green mechs. Just as soon as it had started the storm disappeared. The Regulars opened fire, missile and laser fire from the Quickdraw obliterated the pack of medium lasers on the Grasshopper and sent it reeling. The Regulars' mechs had begun charging full speed for the Governor's Apartment. With the storm passing so quickly the charge left them in the open.
The Victor marched forward, punishing the advancing Archer with auto-cannon and laser fire. The Battlemaster nearby opened fire on the approaching Spider, his medium lasers only finding the mark once as the light mech sprinted across the field. The Regiment's Jenner also tried to engage the Spider, scoring only a single hit. The speed of the light Spider was the only thing keeping it alive under an onslaught of laserfire.
When the Regular's turn arrived I chose to use a flanking strategy card (allowing me to skip command dice and simply activate mechs on one half of the table --- I selected the left flank, allowing me to move both heavies and assault mechs). I also used a strategy card to call in an LRM-20 attack on a mech of my choice.
The Regulars' Battlemaster started running toward a treeline between him and the Governor's Apartment. Next to him, the Archer squared off with the Victor, unleashing a wave of LRMs, and calling in the LRM battery from off-board. The Victor stopped in its tracks, under a blinding barrage of hits (removing almost 2/3s of its armor in a single turn). Nearby the Grasshopper didn't fare any better, falling under the auto-cannons, missiles, and laser fire from both the Cyclops and Quickdraw coming down the left flank.
In a single turn the Regulars had stripped two of the Regiment's heaviest mechs down to mere shells.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1056_zpsqyyptgl0.jpg)
In response the Victor slowed his pace and triggered every weapon system in his mech. Auto-cannon, missiles and lasers shredded the Archer, scoring no less than four critical hits. The Archer's armor fell off by the plates, its legs jammed up and ceased working, and one of its LRM ammunition bins exploded, ripping apart the inside of the mech. It was still standing, but only just.
The Grasshopper fired a large laser into the Archer as the Catapult unloaded his own LRMs into the machine. It shuddered to a stop and toppled over, ablaze.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1058_zpstjvbn6g9.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1054_zpsay48r66s.jpg)
The Regiments' other mechs continued to blast away at the speeding Spider, scoring only one more hit. The Regulars advanced, all mechs engaging. The Battlemaster broke through the treeline and engaged his opposite number, a fresh Battlemaster from the Regiment. The Spider and Blackjack were attempting to push through the tree line -hoping to sneak into range of apartments. The Cyclops and Quickdraw were keeping the Regiment mechs busy with harassing fire, doing damage to the Grasshopper and the Victor (both of whom were on their last legs).
Trying to cover the Spider's advance, the heavily damaged Assassin stepped out, trying to intercept the Jenner and Spider (Regiment mechs which were pursuing the Spider).
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1057_zpsv3tczpbt.jpg)
The tide turned against the Regulars in an instant. The Jenner killed the Assassin outright with laser fire before chasing the Battlemaster (hoping to attack it from behind). The Regiment's Battlemaster overheated (inflicting internal damage on himself) unleashing all of his weapons into his opposing Battlemaster. He scored numerous hits and destroyed the mech's SRM6 pack. Nearby the Catapult unloaded missiles and lasers into the woods where the Spider had been running. A single laser landed home, killing the Spider.
Near the Spider's burning hulk, the Regiment's Victor decided to storm through the trees (Assault mechs can destroy wooded obstacles) and opened fire at point blank on the Blackjack, who had, until recently, avoided conflict. The Blackjack's auto-cannon ammo cooked off, doing even more damage.
The Regiment had destroyed two mechs, damaged two others and reduced the Regulars' command dice by two.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1061_zps1rbhsuq4.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1062_zps0wpsanuh.jpg)
At this point, the Regulars faltered. They were down three command dice, all of their mechs were heavily damaged. They tried one last turn to move and engage. They inflicted some damage but the next turn the Regiment sent the Battlemaster to the turf, ablaze. They inflicted severe damage on the remaining Clint, and it became clear there was no way the Regulars would be able to get three of their remaining four mechs to the apartment building. They withdrew from the fight.
-
Hey Elbows love your take on Battletech. Stll hoping you produce cards for the LAM units. I hate to tell you I found a mistake in the Mech cards. :? :?
The OSTSOL card should be spelled OSTOSOL and the mech you have pictured there is actually the OSTSCOUT - I checked that Card and on it you have used the image for the OSTOSOL. :-[ :-[ Sorry!
I was making cards to match my collection purchased and painted back in the mid 80's :o :o That is how I discovered the error.
-
Hmm, you sure? Remember, in the old 3025 book, they have the pages wrong (they swapped the art page for the Ostsol and Ostscout --- the data on the images is correct though)
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Ostsol
www.sarna.net/wiki/Ostscout
The fluff mentions the Ostscout's weird arms. They're sensors and they mention the Ostscout running around with his arms twitching like antennae. Also, every place I've seen the Ostsol it's spelled like that.
Ost-scout
Ost-sol
Ost-roc
I think there is a later Ost-war even.
Here is a thread where a player is showing off his Ostscout model.
http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=48564.0
-
:o Well that just goes to show ya what happens when you go right back to the original source book without checking for any errata o_o The mechs are pictured as I told you and the spelling OSTOSOL is how it is listed in the table of contents (Obviously a typo) So what I have in my collection is the OSTSCOUT. I have several Battlebot figs in the collection as well (The precursor of battletech) which have no real equivalent that I am aware of.
Who says an old dog cannot learn a new trick or two? Thanks for pointing out my error. :D
-
No worries, I spent an hour on evening verifying everything before I put the Ost cards on...because I remembered the weirdness. lol
Yep, in the table of contents in my book it says "Ostosol". :D
-
So, we had a play-test over the weekend. Unfortunately it didn't work out too well. I figured random mechs would be a good idea, and one side drew 4/8 assault mechs and was stuck immobile for too much of the game. We also determined a number of other flaws which will be addressed.
Chief amongst these is my desire to create legally printable cards, so I'm considering a re-work. This would add a fourth weapon bracket - looking forward to 3050 the mechs have TONS of weapons by comparison and I'll need more weapon sets for many of them. I'll be using pictures of miniatures instead of copy-righted art. Also these would be a bit more printer friendly. I can't use my mechs on the black/blue background because they're simply too dark.
The printer already darkens the cards a bit. So I threw this together real fast to see what I thought about it. I'll scale and align everything, but the idea is to add the 4th weapon slot, mech picture in the middle, armour and internals down each side (will also be adding steps in the internal which will trigger critical rolls). This will also give me a larger "special" area on the bottom of the card - since we're getting into TAG, MASC, CASE, C3, etc. for mechs...so that stuff will have to be listed somewhere.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/Testorsomg_zpsnzmtqt7d.png)
The convenience of this way, is that it will make it 10x easier for new players to pick out the mechs if I go with my painted figures (and I can print out a mech card for each individual mech).
I don't think the cards will be as aesthetically pleasing, but they'll accomplish the same thing. I'm also planning on revamping the weapons a bit (figured out a calculated method for converting from BTech straight to Elbowtech to appease some of the more hardcore Battletech fellas).
The biggest issue here...is whether or not I want to continue on with the project. I think I do, but if all else fails I'll have some cool mechs to play something sometime. lol The decision is also going to determine whether or not I start gathering genuine 6mm terrain or not.
____
Also, for anyone following the project...I'm considering changing the to-hit numbers up by one. I don't know if anyone missed a shot in play-test. Fighting mostly heavies and assaults, I was beginning to wonder if 3,4,5,6 would be better than 2,3,4,5. Any thoughts?
-
I like the lighter colored cards as it saves on ink. I like the layout of the original cards better then this test copy. I loved the line drawings because they were so classic BattleTech but the pictures of your painted mechs are good. Maybe you could produce a card that allowed us to insert pictures of our own mechs ;D Just a thought. I thought the idea of random mechs was a problem as well. You could use the standard lance sets Ral had produced in box sets
Recon Lance
Stinger x 1
Locust x 2
Phoenix Hawk x 1
Light Lance
Stinger x 1
Wasp x 1
Phoenix Hawk x 1
Griffin x 1
Medium Lance
Stinger x 1
Wolverine x 1
Shadow Hawk x 1
Crusader x 1
Fire Lance
Phoenix Hawk x 1
Archer x 2
Rifleman x 1
Heavy Lance
Griffin x 1
Rifleman x 1
Crusader x 1
Thunderbolt x 1
Assault Lance
Warhammer x 2
Marauder x 1
Battlemaster x 1
Regimental Command
Ostscout x 1
Zeus x 1
Cyclops x 1
Atlas x 1
Pursuit Lance
Commando x 1
Jenner x 1
Hermes II x 1
Vulcan x 1
I hope there are not to many changes with the cards considering I just spent $20 to make a set reflecting my collection. I am planning on doing a test game next week (I'll be out of town this week) and will post a battle report. Keep up the good work Elbows
-
I will likely produce all of the mechs sans mech images until I build them, so the cards would all be available blank as well. I'm likely going to do one big weapon shift and that's probably it. As you said, the lighter cards would save on ink.
If people are printing the cards, feel free to use the old ones. I'm just looking for something where I can actually print them on the tarot cards that I want.
Regarding mech selection, we were considering numerous options.
1) Simple, people pick the mechs they want. Done.
2) Equally simple, agree to a tonnage per lance...pick mechs that you want. Done.
3) We considered shuffling the cards up, but laying them out by class. Meaning you could pick a "Light" mech, but you wouldn't know exactly which one you'd get. So, random but you'd be aware of the class. The game really highlighted how important a varied formation was. I think I like this option best so far.
4) No reason someone couldn't use historically accurate lances - or any of the excellent software/tables the Battletech community has put together to determine lances.
I am also considering (for campaign style play) creating a short list of lance types, whereby a player can announce "I'm building a recon lance". Engagements and scenarios (random table) would allow for certain types of lances etc. But this is all far-in-the-future kind of stuff if the project continues.
Likewise the weapon ranges are fine, I've just done some maths and figured that I could use the "Long" range maximum, double it and use that as inches for range. The current ranges are just arbitrary "this feels right" stuff I made up while putting the weapon list together. I'm also still battling over whether to use the ridiculous auto-cannon ranges from original Battletech. Being a shooter myself, I have a hard time justifying a smaller caliber auto-cannon outranging others, or out ranging lasers traveling at the speed of light. It was obviously a mechanic put in place to make auto-cannons useful, namely the small crappy ones.
If you've printed cards, don't fret...not going to impact you really. The only reason I'm considering major changes is that 3050 brings a heapload of weapons (clanner and spheroid) with a heap of special rules. It would be easier for me to simply convert directly from the source game.
-
Great :D I do not plan on going to much past the original book. Its what I bought, painted and played for years now so I don't plan on adding to much to my long standing collection. I still play the Wiz Kids stuff if I want newer. I always preferred the original stuff to be honest.
Have you given any thought to the LAM stuff. I have thought you could simply make a two sided card with the converted LAM on the back side with the a thrust rate and a special rule about always moving as long as its in the air. It would take an action to convert (flip the card) during which it could not fight or if it did it would do so at a penalty. Also I would greatly appreciate it if when you did the 3025 cards you would provide them in the original format for those of us who are sticklers about how things look and will print them up at home. ;)
Thanks. I have shared this with a couple of my friends and we are all excited to use your system. Watch for a battle report next week.
-
I looked into the Inner Sphere weapons last night...tried the new range conversion and (luckily for you!) the differences weren't that great, so I won't bother re-doing them. I will do LAMs at some point. I haven't looked into them much, didn't realize they're supposed to transform in Battletech as well. If so, I guess I would do a two-sided card or something of that sort. They'd also have a higher target number (6 or 7 I'd guess) as that'd be the only way they could survive.
I'll keep the original format around. Not many more mechs to do, so I have no problem with that. I have posted the mech cards to my blog (running out of photobucket room).
-
Here's the modified cards I'll end up printing.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/3025%20Battlemaster%20Card_zpsvgbd2nmh.png)
Going to be a lot of work going back and re-doing the cards...but I'm also going to just start with cards for the mechs I have.
-
Some more examples of cards have been posted on my blog - I've actually run out of Photobucket room...apparently a bunch of picture heavy threads means I'm at 96%! I'll have to look into that...
http://myminiaturemischief.blogspot.com/
^I'll probably be posting all of the cards properly here eventually. It's very time consuming adding the pictures of the mechs but I think it'll be worth it in the end.
-
Well as promised I tried Elbowtech and want to say its great fun :D So here is my battle report
Chance meeting on Algorad - battle report
Captain Reggie Black and his recon lance had spent nearly an entire rotation making a sweep of the dust bin of the VIII Prefecture. "There is a reason no one but ComStar and mercenaries like the Shadow Legion would be interested in Algorad" thought Reggie. "All the intel says ComStar is on the planet but where?" Suddenly his thoughts are interrupted by squawk on the secure comm link ... "Hey Cap" the stinger pilot Blane Ulp called out " We got a heck of a fast moving sandstorm coming in on our six and I just registered bogies on our one o'clock."
"What's it look like Blane?"
"looks to be a ComStar patrol... umm we got a Wasp, Stinger, Griffin and Phoenix Hawk ... standard Light lance Sir."
Reggie gives a shout out to the Jakes twins in their Locusts. "Christopher and Christina break for the jungle cover and get back to base. Blane and I will use the Sandstorm for cover and try to keep them busy. Don't you two stop until you reach base camp you hear?"
"Yes sir!" they responded in unison as Reggie and Blane moved to engage the ComStar patrol they were all enveloped in a bone jarring sandstorm....
The players
A mercenary Recon Lance (The shadow legion)
LCT-1V Locust x 2 - Piloted by the Jakes twins Christopher and Christina
STG-3R Stinger - Piloted by Blane Ulp
PHX-1 Phoenix Hawk - Piloted by Capt. Reggie Black (+1 pilot)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/JOHNSTABLET%20-%20WIN_20150912_170309_zpsby5r6fug.jpg)
A ComStar Light Lance
STG-3R Stinger - Piloted by Crag Walsh
WSP-1A Wasp - Piloted by Jimmy Hanakawa
GRF-1N Griffin - Piloted by Codie Roush
PHX-1 Phoenix Hawk - Piloted by Stella Bellamee (+1 Pilot)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/JOHNSTABLET%20-%20WIN_20150912_170405_zpsxb61ctjr.jpg)
Set Up
Rolled on a 6 planet conditions chart which means the game takes place on a heavy Grav. planet so I choose Algorab in Prefecture VIII. An arid planet with 1.24 terra gravity. This means all our Mechs will move with a -2 penalty.
The encounter takes place as the Shadow legions Recon lance is headed back to its jungle base after doing a sweep of a desert region to the south. They encounter a ComStar light lance patrolling the desert rim. The Recon lance must get at least one Mech into the jungle to warn the legion of ComStars presence. The ComStar light lance must stop them. Table size 3' x 3' - Shadow legion Recon Lance moves first
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/Set%20Up%201%20_zpsvayrhsci.jpg)
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/Record%20keeping%20set%20up_zpsztvyvozh.jpg)
Strategy Deck deals
Recon lance is dealt - Sandstorm, Heavy Lifters and Dropship Bombardment
Light Lance is dealt - Perfect Execution, Balanced Attack and Jump troops
Turn one
Recon Lance command roll - 1,2,2,3
Moves all Mechs at a run (-2) towords the Northern edge of the board
Played Sandstorm card - all movement reduced to Maximum of 5" and ranges restricted to 18" and no Aerospace attacks can occur.
Light Lance command roll - 1,1,3,5
Moves two lights and the Phoenix Hawk 5" west fanning out to try and cover the area in front of the jungle. I use the Balanced attack card to position the Griffin.
Rolled to see if sandstorm ends - rolled 5 so it continues
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/Objective%20reach%20the%20Jungle%202_zps7ltmrcvw.jpg)
Objective - Reach the Jungle and warn the base camp
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/Objective%20do%20not%20let%20them%20pass%203_zpshm8pvr3a.jpg)
Objective - Don't let the mercenary scum pass
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/end%20of%20turn%201_zpslhjlkbtp.jpg)
End of turn one
Turn 2
Recon Lance turns in one command die to draw - Missile Barrage
Recon Lance command roll - 1,1,5
Moved 1 Locust 5" towards southern table edge
Moved Stinger 5" to a position to fire upon ComStar stinger. Attack roll = 10 tick off one point of armor - a critical hit roll of 16 means its comms destroyed and it cannot activate without a friendly mech within 6"
Rolled to see if sandstorm ends - rolled 2 so it continues
Light Lance command roll - 2,2,3,5
Moved the Wasp to a position to join with the stinger and fire on the Shadow legion stinger
Stinger attack roll = 8 tick off one point of armor
Wasp attack roll =4 a miss
Phoenix Hawk Jumps over Rock out crop then fires its large laser on the Shadow legions lead Locust. Attack roll = 8 tick off two points of armor. This generates 3 points of heat so the Phoenix Hawk takes one point internal damage
Played Perfect Execution to move Griffin up
Rolled to see if sandstorm ends - rolled 10 so it ends
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/First%20shots%20fired%20turn%202_zpsmnjovmua.jpg)
First Shots fired Stinger on Stinger
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/end%20of%20turn%202_zpsbhzubo5p.jpg)
End of turn two
Turn 3
Recon Lance command roll - 1,2,3,5
Moved the rear most locust towards the southern edge of the board at a run - 10"
Moved the stinger south at a run (7") and fire at ComStar stinger again. Attack roll = 8 tick off another point of armor
Run Phoenix Hawk up and fire large laser on Stinger, attack roll = 9 apply two points of damage then followed up with 2 medium lasers, attack rolls = 7,3 Tick off one more armor point. Generated 4 points of heat so the mech takes two points of internal damage
Call in a missile barrage (card) on ComStar Phoenix Hawk. Attack roll = 10,10,8,6. Apply 4 points of damage and make two critical hit table rolls
Roll 1 = 19 - Mech knocked prone
Roll 2 = 18 - Mech smoking target number now 3
Light Lance command roll - 4,6,6,6 UGGGG!
Moved Griffin 5" at a run to get shots off on the lead Locust
PPC attack roll = 2 missed. LRM attack roll = 3,4,6 two misses and one hit dealing one point of damage. Griffin generated 4 points of heat so it takes two points of internal damage.
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/Phoenix%20hawk%20fires%20turn%203_zpsdachjp9v.jpg)
Capt. Black unloads on the stinger
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/Mech%20down%20and%20smoking%20turn%203%20_zpsn5akx9ms.jpg)
Missile Barrage takes down Stella Bellamee's Phoenix Hawk
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/turn%203%20missle%20barrage%20takes%20down%20a%20mech_zpsroqer5xp.jpg)
Turn ends with desperate attempt by the Griffin to stop at least one of the Jenks twins
Turn 4
Recon Lance command roll - 1,1,1,6
Lead Locust runs 10" into the jungle The trailing Locust runs 10" to edge of Jungle
The Stinger runs 7' and takes a parting shot on ComStar stinger. Attack roll = 4 so it misses.
Light Lance command roll - 2,3,5,6
Stinger stands and returns fire on Recon Stinger Attack roll = 3 a miss. The Griffin (55 tons) moves to engage the Recons Phoenix Hawk (43 tons). The Griffin rolls a close combat attack roll of 8 and adds 1 for it's functional hand. This adds up to a total of 9. The Phoenix Hawk rolls a close combat attack roll of 2 and adds 1 for it's functional hand and 1 for its pilot. This adds up to a total of 4. So the Griffin inflicts 2 points of damage
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/Reaching%20the%20objective%20turn%204_zpsyarcauvz.jpg)
Objective reached
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/parting%20shot%20turn%204_zpsij5ynsc2.jpg)
A parting shot that turned out to be a waste of energy
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/engaging%20the%20enemy%20turn%204_zps9pwkvkow.jpg)
Engaging the enemy up close and personal
(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad110/warlordfrod/Turn%204%20games%20end_zpsyk4d02ai.jpg)
Recon lance wins the game
Elbow tech is a great form of this classic game and I cannot wait to play another game. :-* :-* :-* I may do this same set up but have the ComStar side move first. If I do I will post my battle report here.
-
That's awesome. :D I haven't tried the planetary conditions. I think the heavy gravity would have made assaults etc. absolutely miserable to play with. The sandstorm and heavy gravity definitely changed what could have been a very simple and quick scenario.
That Phoenix Hawk didn't fare too well. At some point I'll have to start testing the quasi-campaign stuff (survival, ejections, etc.). I haven't bothered thus far because of the skirmish games we've played.
Two locusts were a damn good choice!
-
PS: What are your other rock outcrops? I see some Badlands rocks, are the others the GF9 rocky outcrops or whatever? I need some more natural terrain.
-
... are the others the GF9 rocky outcrops... ?
Yes. :D
Thanks for your nice comment. I enjoyed playing this a lot so I will use it again. Yes the missile barrage was devistating and I was lucky it was simply knocked prone and smoking. With two crits it could have been a lot worse. Those command die rolls can sure be frustrating at times. I was hoping for a crit or two on the Griffins attempt on the Locust that might have changed the outcome.
Look forward to any new tweeks you might come up with.
-
Okay, well, again, since I have no photobucket space left, here is the start of the re-made cards.
http://myminiaturemischief.blogspot.com/
Starting off with the miniatures I have, and will fill in the blanks later. I'm providing blank versions so people can put their own mech pictures in, or you can just use some of mine.
I spent a lot of time this weekend working out all of the damn mech images and re-doing all the darn cards. Still a lot left. I've covered a lot of my miniatures, but that leaves a lot of other ones. Also worth noting I changed the Rifleman's weapon packages to make it more effective (really hindered by heat sinks).
I'm going to edit the Charger a bit as well to make it worth taking. Stay tuned!
Is anyone interested in me posting up the dice for sale via Gamecrafter? I can put together a set and sell them for zero profit if anyone wants the dice/stickers in order to build command dice.
Also:
+Received more mechs, have a bunch more assembled and ready for painting
+Received a Hamster ball to make into a dropship
+Ordered some new MDF city buildings to replace the card ones.
+Ordered some felt roads, and received a lovely new gaming mat from Deep Cut Studios!
-
Added some more Assault Mechs to the blog.
-
A few more mechs added to the blog, and some pictures of a new gaming mat from Deep Cut Studios.
http://myminiaturemischief.blogspot.com/
Also adding a lot of material to the rules (LRM indirect fire, some revisions to weapons, beginning of campaign rules, explanations for heat dissipation, etc. --- will post shortly)
-
That mat looks nice. Thanks for the "review" :D
-
The other one I ordered was a desert badlands one...though honesty the Steppe one is just arid enough that I could even run my Old West games on it. I'm a huge fan of the mousepad material - takes prints well, is heavy, sticks to the table. Really a great solution. I suspect I may eventually end up with a half dozen of those damn mats. lol
-
:o brilliant! Enough said. :D
-
So, I've ordered a test batch for my 72 painted mechs...including this one last fella.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/3050%20Banshee%2001_zpspaq0qep9.png)
It'll be a little bit of a test to see how much better a 3050 mech is than the competition. Also give me a chance to test the Gauss Rifle, and ER tech. The first problem - namely with the Assault mechs is that I am going to quickly run out of room for weapon sets. This will be annoying.
I'll post pics of the cards when they ship. I've been working on a Union class dropship and my burn-in designs buildings just showed up. Hope to have something to show in the near future.
-
Have you posted your rules revisions yet? Still anxious to see the LAM mechs if you get around to them.
-
No revisions yet...probably going to try to knock out all the 3050 tech etc. and post a big revision. LAMs are something I haven't tackled yet. I don't know a whole lot about them. I'll look them up in my TRO and see what I think would be suitable. I'd guess flying and walking...with flying using some old rules from a Robotech game I was making.
-
Small update...for those wondering, yes I'm working on the revised rules (no major changes, just some revisions). Introducing LAMs, Campaign games, scenarios etc. The rulebook is already running up into the 30-page area.
Received a test print of my new cards...edited them a bit and sent off for another pack. Added a number of gashapon unseen mechs to my rosters.
Here is an update on my mech forces:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1187_zpsneqg9vju.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1166_zpsnholgwr7.jpg)
Each force now consists of a full battalion (three companies, or 36 mechs) and then some. Some buildings from Burn-In designs have been completed this weekend...even though I did them backwards and wasted a heap of time. Will probably post a game report sometime soon. I am revising the strategy deck to change things that people don't like or cards that I've found less than useful lately.
-
WOW, awesome update. Terrific paintjobs and the shot with everything together is epic.
-
(runs down and kisses the host) I want the trip to the Bahamas!
One thing I'm waiting on at the moment is some felt highways/roads from Hotz Mats...ordered them a few weeks ago. Silly having buildings in the middle of nowhere with no roads. Also, I've putting together some service trucks and still working on a dropship. I need some cars/vehicles for clutter, and then I may do additional forests. A handful more buildings will be needed as the new MDF stuff isn't enough for a city at the moment unless I put it on the corner of the board.
I'll try to get the update for the rules up sometime soon. I've re-organized the blog posts with the cards, now including all of the ones I've got done.
-
Updated the blog with a handful of mechs in the new card style. Also edited the special rules for a few mechs, and found a discrepancy in the Wolverine's original card (heat was mixed between AC/5 and Med. Laser).
To anyone who has played the game, what special cards do you like/dislike? I'm about to edit the strategy deck as some of them are useless and some are a bit too painful. I also need to remove the art so that they can be printed.
PS: Updated the blog again last night --- all of the 3025s are in the new card format now, with LAMS up next.
-
Hey,
I'm trying to copy the cards so I can play around with the game. I'm running into a few challenges.
1/. The strategy cards, when trying to 'save as' don't come up with a file type. I try and look at them after the download and they read as corrupted. Anyone else have this issue? Is it me? A browser issue (firefox), something else?
2/. What is the suggested method of printing out the playing cards from their PNG file. Mutiple cards per sheet would be ideal....is there an easy way to hop this hurdle, or will I need to manual make up multicard sheets in GIMP/Photoshop?
-
Hmmm..not entirely sure. I'll mess around with it and see if other people can download them. Regarding printing, I can't really help you there. I order mine printed from a company, but I can say that the tarot cards I use are standard "gaming tarot" size: 2.75"x4.75" or 70x120mm
The images I'm posting are the PNGs set to the card printing companies request, so it includes a bit of cutting space around the edges etc. I'd imagine you could easily past four or more per standard page for printing?
PS: At a quick glance on the blog...I click on the image and click "save image as". I'm using firefox, and I just added ".png" to the end of the file and it saved as a normal PNG image file.
-
Anyone have suggestions for 6mm vehicles? Preferably on the cheap? I'm looking to add a bunch of cars/trucks/buses when my roads arrive. Also looking to do some power lines and more "junk" to add to the table. I've got some quality stuff from various places, but I'd like to know if there is a architecture-model version of cheap 6mm cars?
-
I'm trying to copy the cards so I can play around with the game. I'm running into a few challenges.
1/. The strategy cards, when trying to 'save as' don't come up with a file type. I try and look at them after the download and they read as corrupted. Anyone else have this issue? Is it me? A browser issue (firefox), something else?
I had the same problem. Go here to download them http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Elbaus/media/Elbowtech/Strategy%20Deck/ScrambledComms_zpsperhbxwv.png.html?sort=3&o=0 . I just saved each as I cycled through the images.
-
I'll be re-doing the strategy deck (changes and removing art) at some point too, so I'll get those up on my blog at some point.
-
Thanks for he rules link, Elbows!
I'm liking what I have read. I might do an adaptation for Macross. I have a modest collection of 1/200 Macross going back 30 years and since the Robotech KS I have a metric buttload of 1/285 models!
-
I hear ya, this is the calm before the storm...I too have a tremendous load of Robotech minis (my real love), so this is just a kind of "keep me busy" skirmish game for Battletech until I start down that long road. lol
-
I have had no problem downloading all the cards and have saved them as jpg files. I made up print sheets using microsoft word. I had 4 unit cards to a page printed landscape and 8 strategy cards per sheet printed landscape. I then had them printed at the local staples on card stock and then cut them apart. You can see the result in my battle report. Still waiting for the rules update Elbow and very interested in seeing how you handle the LAM's ;D :D
As far as vehicles go I think N scale train stuff would work in a pinch.
-
Looks like I'll have to go another route...Gamecrafter won't even print the cards with pictures of my miniatures on them...I'm about done working with them.
-
DrivethruRPG does cards, and would allow others to order them (hint hint). It might still have issues around IP.
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/pub_podcard_cost.php
-
Anyone have suggestions for 6mm vehicles? Preferably on the cheap? I'm looking to add a bunch of cars/trucks/buses when my roads arrive. Also looking to do some power lines and more "junk" to add to the table. I've got some quality stuff from various places, but I'd like to know if there is a architecture-model version of cheap 6mm cars?
There are, however the set you see around the most, (check ebay) only include two versions of car, which look very similar. And no buses or trucks. Not sure what buyer I got them from, but you can find some here: http://www.ebay.ie/itm/121343185265?tfrom=271492721791&tpos=unknow&ttype=price&talgo=origal cheap enough for 100 cars and no shipping. They are however very current, not so much future.
Daemonscape have the old GZG civy vehicles, but they cost a bit more for only 7 vehicles. http://www.daemonscape.com/contents/en-uk/d4.html
-
Well I haven't touched much of anything in the past few months regarding this...lost a lot of my interest when Gamecrafter decided they didn't want to print cards for me. I'm being lazy about finding another source, but it put me in a foul mood and I stopped.
I cleaned up these fellas off my desk (their cards added to the blog).
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/DSCN1284_zpsds7pwlbq.jpg)
Old citytech Javelins and some kitbashed Wolverines. I contacted Hotz and turns out they'd sent me an email which ended up in my spam folder...so those highways are finally en route. I'll dust off the rules (which I did a lot to prior to leaving this thread for a while). I'll see what I can put together over the next week as far as an update goes. I have a few more citytech mechs to fuss around with.
Also added these support trucks a while ago - made from gashapon Dougram trucks
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1230_zpspakjriyl.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1229_zpsm7zw8iq2.jpg)
Yeah, the dip went on thick and froze unfortunately and cracked a bit...but they're trucks so who cares.
-
Glad to see you have not abandoned this entirely ;) Please do update the rules as I continue to play them and enjoy what you have done thus far. One request I have would be for you to put together a separate weapons chart making it easier to keep track of how much damage and such each one does.
As always I want to encourage you to consider how LAMs may be included into the game. Thanks so much for all your work.
-
Sounds good. I thought I put the weapons chart on one page (though it became larger with the 3050 weapons added, maybe I'll do a base one and an addendum). I'll break this bad boy open and see where it was when I got fed-up and went off to paint cowboys...
-
Knocked out the last few mechs I'll be doing (I'll take back up assembling/painting mechs when the next starter box shows up, particularly if it has clan mechs).
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/NewMechs_zpsithiwdtr.png)
A couple of Victors and some of the dreadful Citytech Orions (great mech, ugly design, and terrible miniature)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1309_zpsm39ict1k.jpg)
The Ghost Regiment faction...while I'm waiting to find a source to do a new card print (with corrected images and all the new mechs) I'll be using a mix of old/new cards for each faction. I've done up 42 mechs per side, so enough for a battalion with a command lance. Of course the full sides will never see play, but it's plenty for players to choose from. In addition the sides are not matched.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v455/Elbaus/Elbowtech/DSCN1310_zps4tdl4urt.jpg)
The Rhodes Regulars.
I may actually crack out a game of this next week sometime. Still need to dig up the rulebook and see where I left off.