Ongoing monthly games in Michigan

We've got multiple locations in Michigan with regular monthly games:
Summit Comics and Games in Lansing, The Arena in Jackson,
RIW Hobbies in Livonia, Eternal Games in Warren, and Games4Life in Lake Orion.
Check the schedule for a game near you.


Tuesday, November 22, 2016

December 2016 Schedule

Technical Readout 3145 (E-CAT35133)

BATTLETECH NIGHTS, CATALYST GAME LABS
DATE/TIMEGMDETAILSVENUE
12/03 - 2:30p
Lansing/Holt
Chuck Wilson Lyrans vs. Pirates
Succession Wars Era
(Total War Rules)
AFK
12/10 - 12:00p
Jackson
James Topa Solaris Season 5 - the Clans
Civil War Era
(Total War Rules)
NI
12/10 - 11:00a
Grand Rapids
Jeff Stone Mechs, Munchies and Mayhem: Misery
Succession Wars Era
(Total War Rules)
BKG
12/16 - 6:00p
Battle Creek
James Topa Battle of Pesch: The Breadbasket
Succession Wars Era
(Total War Rules)
BCX
12/17 - 2:30p
Lansing/Holt
Aaron Pollyea Assault on NAIS
Succession Wars Era
(Total War Rules)
AFK

DATE/TIME                    DETAILSVENUE
Every Thursday night
in December
6p - 11p
Grand Rapids 
Big Kidz Games
Battletech Pods Regulars Night
$10 all night play.
Unlimited play for one low price.
BKG

Thursday, November 3, 2016

November 2016 Schedule


BATTLETECH NIGHTS, CATALYST GAME LABS
DATE/TIMEGMDETAILSVENUE
11/12 - 12:00p
Jackson
James Topa Solaris Season 5 - the Clans
(Total War Rules)
NI
11/19 - 11:00a
Grand Rapids
Jeff Stone Mechs, Munchies, and Mayhem
Succession Wars Era
(Total War Rules)
BKG

DATE/TIME                    DETAILSVENUE
Every Thursday night
in November (except for Thanksgiving)
6p - 11p
Grand Rapids 
Big Kidz Games
Battletech Pods Regulars Night
$10 all night play.
Unlimited play for one low price.
BKG

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

October 2016 Schedule

CAT35306 Wars of Reaving

BATTLETECH NIGHTS, CATALYST GAME LABS
DATE/TIMEGMDETAILSVENUE
10/01 - 11:00a
Lansing/Holt
Jeff Stone Marik vs. Steiner vs. Davion vs. Kurita vs. Liao!
Succession Wars Era
(Alpha Strike Rules)
BKG
10/08 - 2:30p
Lansing/Holt
Charles Wilson Operation Crusader
Succession Wars Era
(Total War Rules)
AFK
10/15 - 12:00p
Jackson
James Topa Solaris Season 5: the Clans
Clan Invasion Era
(Total War Rules)
NI
10/21 - 6:00p
Battle Creek
James Topa Battle for Pescht - the Power Plant
Succession Wars Era
(Alpha Strike Rules)
BCX
10/29 - 2:30p
Holt/Lansing
Aaron Pollyea Martial Olympiad: "The Hades Event"
Star League Era
(Total War Rules)
AFK
10/29 - 11:00a
Grand Rapids
Jeff Stone 'Mechs, Munchies and Mayhem
Succession Wars Era
(Total War Rules)
BKG

DATE/TIME                    DETAILSVENUE
Every Thursday night
in October
6p - 11p
Grand Rapids 
Big Kidz Games
Battletech Pods Regulars Night
$10 all night play.
Unlimited play for one low price.
BKG
(REP: Replay Entertainment Exchange, BKG: Big Kidz Games, RIW: RIW Hobbies, VWE: Virtual World Entertainment, OHG: Our House Games, WGN: WarGames North, AFK: AFK Games, GMH: Game Masters Hobby, NI: Nostalgia Ink, ODG: Odyssey Games, BCX: BC Comix)

Rules standardization for Battletech games in games run by Charles "IronSphinx" Wilson at AFK Games.

Since we have been using Advanced rules on-and-off for the past few years, I would like to codify and standardize what rules players can expect to use at my Battletech games. All the following rules, save one, can be found in Tactical Operations:


  • Backward Movement (Expanded) [changing levels while walking/driving backwards] (p.22)
  • Movement Dice [white=walk, red=run, jade=jump, blue=level] (p.27)
  • Floating Critical (p.77)
  • Firing When Down [one-arm prop and fire] (p.85)
  • Expanded Flip Arms [torso-twist AND flip arms at the same time] (p.87)
  • Rapid Fire AC [light and std AC's can double fire] (p.100)
  • Energy Weapons [dialing down lasers] (p.102)
  • Gauss Weapons [powering-down gauss rifles] (p.102)
  • Rapid Fire Machine Guns [higher rate of fire] (p.102)
  • Hot-Load Missiles [no minimum on LRM/ATM] (p.102)
  • Disengage PPC Inhibitor [no minimum on PPC] (p.103)
  • Retractable Blade [possible critical hit] (p.104)

  • The following rule is a "house" rule and is used simply to ensure that the entire mapsheets are available for use:


  • 1/2-hexes and 1/4-hexes are to be treated like full-sized hexes for purposes of gameplay.

  • Note: If there is any question about the disposition of the underlying terrain, then the GameMaster will have sole discretion for deciding what said terrain is (if the "majority terrain" rule doesn't resolve the disposition of said hex).

    While I may add special rules that are specific to the scenario, these rules are what players can expect to be used in every game that I run. Please take the time to review said rules and bring any and all questions to the GameMaster "before" the game begins. In future games, I will bring a copy of these rules for quick reference.

    Rules standardization for Battletech - Alpha Strike ruleset

    While we play Alpha Strike using the Advanced Ruleset (p22-49), the following "Advanced Options" rules will also be "in play" for our Alpha Strike ruleset games:


  • Advanced Movement Modes (all modes)
  • Artillery
  • Alternate Munitions
  • ECM/ECCM
  • Ejection/Abandoning units
  • Fire and Smoke
  • Hidden Units
  • Minefields
  • Special Abilities

  • All other rules found in the Advanced Options will be implemented on a case-by-case basis depending on whether or not they are applicable to the scenario or units.

    The following rules are "house" rules and are used to promote better game balance along with promoting a greater flavor of the Battletech universe that most players are already used to:

    Torso-Twisting:

  • Bipedal BattleMechs can torso twist one hex facing left or right, Quad ‘Mechs cannot.

  • Variable Damage:

  • Instead of rolling one set of dice for to-hit rolls, players roll a set of dice for each damage point their unit does at the range for the specified attack. Exa: if I'm making a short range attack and my unit does 3 points of damage at short range, then I roll three sets of six sided dice.
  • If at least one shot from a unit's attack hits the rear of the target, apply one additional point of damage as per standard Alpha Strike rules--multiple hits to the rear from the same unit's attack do not confer additional points. Exa: I make a short range attack at the rear of my target. My 'Mech does 3 points of damage at short range. I roll three sets of six sided dice and two successfully hit the target. The target takes three points of damage: one for each successful attack and one for striking the target from the rear.
  • Physical attacks still only require one 2D6 dice roll and apply all damage to target.
  • Critical hits follow the rules on page 42 - "if a critical hit does not apply to the unit in question, apply 1 additional point of damage to the unit instead, but do not roll for additional critical hits as a result of this extra damage." However, when multiple dice rolls are used for each ranged attack, only one critical hit will be rolled on the target unit per attacking unit regardless of how many successful hits on internal structure were made. Exa: My Bushwacker rolls three sets of dice for an attack on a Stalker. Two of those hits are successful and both damage internal structure. I then roll one critical hit chance, even though I did two points of damage to the Stalker's internal structure.

  • Attacking multiple targets:

  • When making an attack, units that do more than one point of damage at the designated range for their attack may split their attacks between two targets within their firing arc (and only two targets). Primary target roll number is calculated as per normal rules however, the secondary target roll number receives a +1 to-hit modifier. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range. Player decides to do a three-point attack at the primary target within short range and a one point attack to a target also within short range.
  • Attacks can be made against a single secondary target at a different range bracket. Start with the lowest damage range bracket and make that attack, any range brackets with damage values higher than this number may make a secondary attack with a damage value equal to the excess attack damage in that more damaging range bracket. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range and two damage at medium range. Player declares the medium range target as the primary and short range target as the secondary target. This means the medium range attack has two points of damage and the short range attack has two points of damage.
  • When making an attack against a secondary target, the amount of damage per attack per target must be stated before the attack is made. Exa: using in the above example, I must state 3 points against the primary target and 1 point against the secondary target, before rolling the attacks.
  • Any unit that makes a secondary attack has to do so as it fires. It may not come back later in the turn and make a secondary attack.
  • Units may not split physical attacks between multiple targets. Nor may units split damage from artillery attacks in this manner. Physical attacks and Artillery strikes always follow the rules as stated in the Alpha Strike rulebook.
  • Thursday, September 1, 2016

    September 2016 Schedule

    Jihad Hot Spots: 3076 (CAT35304)


    BATTLETECH GAMES, CATALYST GAME LABS
    DATE/TIMEGMDETAILSVENUE
    09/03 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Chuck Wilson Arcadia: Daybreak Fandango
    Jihad Era
    (Total War Rules)
    AFK
    09/10 - 3:00p
    Okemos
    Chuck Wilson
    DaveCon
    Encounters: ShadowrunCON
    09/10 - 11:00a
    Grand Rapids
    Jeff Stone 'Mechs, Munchies and Mayhem
    Any 'Mech up to 3050
    (Total War Rules)
    BKG
    09/17 - 11:00a
    Jackson
    James Topa
    MeggaXP Con
    Battle of Pescht: The Airfield
    Succession Wars Era
    (Alpha Strike Rules)
    CON
    09/24 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Aaron Pollyea Martial Olympiad:
    "The Hades Event"
     Star League Era
    (Total War Rules)
     
    AFK

    DATE/TIME                    DETAILSVENUE
    Every Thursday night
    in September
    6p - 11p
    Grand Rapids 
    Big Kidz Games
    Battletech Pods Regulars Night
    $10 all night play.
    Unlimited play for one low price.
    BKG
    (REP: Replay Entertainment Exchange, BKG: Big Kidz Games, RIW: RIW Hobbies, VWE: Virtual World Entertainment, OHG: Our House Games, WGN: WarGames North, AFK: AFK Games, GMH: Game Masters Hobby, NI: Nostalgia Ink, ODG: Odyssey Games, CON: Convention)

    Rules standardization for Battletech games in games run by Charles "IronSphinx" Wilson at AFK Games.

    Since we have been using Advanced rules on-and-off for the past few years, I would like to codify and standardize what rules players can expect to use at my Battletech games. All the following rules, save one, can be found in Tactical Operations:

  • Backward Movement (Expanded) [changing levels while walking/driving backwards] (p.22)
  • Movement Dice [white=walk, red=run, jade=jump, blue=level] (p.27)
  • Floating Critical (p.77)
  • Firing When Down [one-arm prop and fire] (p.85)
  • Expanded Flip Arms [torso-twist AND flip arms at the same time] (p.87)
  • Rapid Fire AC [light and std AC's can double fire] (p.100)
  • Energy Weapons [dialing down lasers] (p.102)
  • Gauss Weapons [powering-down gauss rifles] (p.102)
  • Rapid Fire Machine Guns [higher rate of fire] (p.102)
  • Hot-Load Missiles [no minimum on LRM/ATM] (p.102)
  • Disengage PPC Inhibitor [no minimum on PPC] (p.103)
  • Retractable Blade [possible critical hit] (p.104)

  • The following rule is a "house" rule and is used simply to ensure that the entire mapsheets are available for use:

  • 1/2-hexes and 1/4-hexes are to be treated like full-sized hexes for purposes of gameplay.

  • Note: If there is any question about the disposition of the underlying terrain, then the GameMaster will have sole discretion for deciding what said terrain is (if the "majority terrain" rule doesn't resolve the disposition of said hex).

    While I may add special rules that are specific to the scenario, these rules are what players can expect to be used in every game that I run. Please take the time to review said rules and bring any and all questions to the GameMaster "before" the game begins. In future games, I will bring a copy of these rules for quick reference.

    Rules standardization for Battletech - Alpha Strike ruleset

    While we play Alpha Strike using the Advanced Ruleset (p22-49), the following "Advanced Options" rules will also be "in play" for our Alpha Strike ruleset games:

  • Advanced Movement Modes (all modes)
  • Artillery
  • Alternate Munitions
  • ECM/ECCM
  • Ejection/Abandoning units
  • Fire and Smoke
  • Hidden Units
  • Minefields
  • Special Abilities

  • All other rules found in the Advanced Options will be implemented on a case-by-case basis depending on whether or not they are applicable to the scenario or units.

    The following rules are "house" rules and are used to promote better game balance along with promoting a greater flavor of the Battletech universe that most players are already used to. Said rules can be used only if all players agree to them. Otherwise, standard rules apply:

    Variable Damage:

  • Instead of rolling one set of dice for to-hit rolls, players roll a set of dice for each damage point their unit does at the range for the specified attack. Exa: if I'm making a short range attack and my unit does 3 points of damage at short range, then I roll three sets of six sided dice.
  • If at least one shot from a unit's attack hits the rear of the target, apply one additional point of damage as per standard Alpha Strike rules--multiple hits to the rear from the same unit's attack do not confer additional points. Exa: I make a short range attack at the rear of my target. My 'Mech does 3 points of damage at short range. I roll three sets of six sided dice and two successfully hit the target. The target takes three points of damage: one for each successful attack and one for striking the target from the rear.
  • Physical attacks still only require one 2D6 dice roll and apply all damage to target.
  • Critical hits follow the rules on page 42 - "if a critical hit does not apply to the unit in question, apply 1 additional point of damage to the unit instead, but do not roll for additional critical hits as a result of this extra damage." However, when multiple dice rolls are used for each ranged attack, only one critical hit will be rolled on the target unit per attacking unit regardless of how many successful hits on internal structure were made. Exa: My Bushwacker rolls three sets of dice for an attack on a Stalker. Two of those hits are successful and both damage internal structure. I then roll one critical hit chance, even though I did two points of damage to the Stalker's internal structure.

  • Attacking multiple targets:

  • When making an attack, units that do more than one point of damage at the designated range for their attack may split their attacks between two targets within their firing arc (and only two targets). Primary target roll number is calculated as per normal rules however, the secondary target roll number receives a +1 to-hit modifier. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range. Player decides to do a three-point attack at the primary target within short range and a one point attack to a target also within short range.
  • Attacks can be made against a single secondary target at a different range bracket. Start with the lowest damage range bracket and make that attack, any range brackets with damage values higher than this number may make a secondary attack with a damage value equal to the excess attack damage in that more damaging range bracket. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range and two damage at medium range. Player declares the medium range target as the primary and short range target as the secondary target. This means the medium range attack has two points of damage and the short range attack has two points of damage.
  • When making an attack against a secondary target, the amount of damage per attack per target must be stated before the attack is made. Exa: using in the above example, I must state 3 points against the primary target and 1 point against the secondary target, before rolling the attacks.
  • Any unit that makes a secondary attack has to do so as it fires. It may not come back later in the turn and make a secondary attack.
  • Units may not split physical attacks between multiple targets. Nor may units split damage from artillery attacks in this manner. Physical attacks and Artillery strikes always follow the rules as stated in the Alpha Strike rulebook.
  • Monday, August 1, 2016

    August 2016 Schedule

    Masters and Minons: The StarCorps Dossiers (CAT35240)

    BATTLETECH GAMES, CATALYST GAME LABS
    DATE/TIMEGMDETAILSVENUE
    08/03 - 6:30p
    Lansing
    Chuck Wilson Kurita vs. Davion
    Succession Wars Era
    (Total War Rules)
    SCG
    08/13 - 11:00a
    Grand Rapids
    Matthew Spencer Mechs, Munchies & Mayhem
    Succession Wars Era
    (Total War Rules)
    BKG
    08/20 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Aaron Pollyea Martial Olympiad:
    "The Hades Event"
     Star League Era
    (Total War Rules)
     
    AFK


    DATE/TIME                    DETAILSVENUE
    Every Thursday night
    in August
    6p - 11p
    Grand Rapids 
    Big Kidz Games
    Battletech Pods Regulars Night
    $10 all night play.
    Unlimited play for one low price.
    BKG
    (REP: Replay Entertainment Exchange, BKG: Big Kidz Games, RIW: RIW Hobbies, VWE: Virtual World Entertainment, OHG: Our House Games, WGN: WarGames North, AFK: AFK Games, GMH: Game Masters Hobby, NI: Nostalgia Ink, ODG: Odyssey Games)

    Rules standardization for Battletech games in games run by Charles "IronSphinx" Wilson at AFK Games.

    Since we have been using Advanced rules on-and-off for the past few years, I would like to codify and standardize what rules players can expect to use at my Battletech games. All the following rules, save one, can be found in Tactical Operations:


  • Backward Movement (Expanded) [changing levels while walking/driving backwards] (p.22)
  • Movement Dice [white=walk, red=run, jade=jump, blue=level] (p.27)
  • Floating Critical (p.77)
  • Firing When Down [one-arm prop and fire] (p.85)
  • Expanded Flip Arms [torso-twist AND flip arms at the same time] (p.87)
  • Rapid Fire AC [light and std AC's can double fire] (p.100)
  • Energy Weapons [dialing down lasers] (p.102)
  • Gauss Weapons [powering-down gauss rifles] (p.102)
  • Rapid Fire Machine Guns [higher rate of fire] (p.102)
  • Hot-Load Missiles [no minimum on LRM/ATM] (p.102)
  • Disengage PPC Inhibitor [no minimum on PPC] (p.103)
  • Retractable Blade [possible critical hit] (p.104)


  • The following rule is a "house" rule and is used simply to ensure that the entire mapsheets are available for use:


  • 1/2-hexes and 1/4-hexes are to be treated like full-sized hexes for purposes of gameplay.

  • Note: If there is any question about the disposition of the underlying terrain, then the GameMaster will have sole discretion for deciding what said terrain is (if the "majority terrain" rule doesn't resolve the disposition of said hex).

    While I may add special rules that are specific to the scenario, these rules are what players can expect to be used in every game that I run. Please take the time to review said rules and bring any and all questions to the GameMaster "before" the game begins. In future games, I will bring a copy of these rules for quick reference.

    Rules standardization for Battletech - Alpha Strike ruleset

    While we play Alpha Strike using the Advanced Ruleset (p22-49), the following "Advanced Options" rules will also be "in play" for our Alpha Strike ruleset games:


  • Advanced Movement Modes (all modes)
  • Artillery
  • Alternate Munitions
  • ECM/ECCM
  • Ejection/Abandoning units
  • Fire and Smoke
  • Hidden Units
  • Minefields
  • Special Abilities

  • All other rules found in the Advanced Options will be implemented on a case-by-case basis depending on whether or not they are applicable to the scenario or units.

    The following rules are "house" rules and are used to promote better game balance along with promoting a greater flavor of the Battletech universe that most players are already used to. Said rules can be used only if all players agree to them. Otherwise, standard rules apply:


    Variable Damage:

  • Instead of rolling one set of dice for to-hit rolls, players roll a set of dice for each damage point their unit does at the range for the specified attack. Exa: if I'm making a short range attack and my unit does 3 points of damage at short range, then I roll three sets of six sided dice.
  • If at least one shot from a unit's attack hits the rear of the target, apply one additional point of damage as per standard Alpha Strike rules--multiple hits to the rear from the same unit's attack do not confer additional points. Exa: I make a short range attack at the rear of my target. My 'Mech does 3 points of damage at short range. I roll three sets of six sided dice and two successfully hit the target. The target takes three points of damage: one for each successful attack and one for striking the target from the rear.
  • Physical attacks still only require one 2D6 dice roll and apply all damage to target.
  • Critical hits follow the rules on page 42 - "if a critical hit does not apply to the unit in question, apply 1 additional point of damage to the unit instead, but do not roll for additional critical hits as a result of this extra damage." However, when multiple dice rolls are used for each ranged attack, only one critical hit will be rolled on the target unit per attacking unit regardless of how many successful hits on internal structure were made. Exa: My Bushwacker rolls three sets of dice for an attack on a Stalker. Two of those hits are successful and both damage internal structure. I then roll one critical hit chance, even though I did two points of damage to the Stalker's internal structure.


  • Attacking multiple targets:

  • When making an attack, units that do more than one point of damage at the designated range for their attack may split their attacks between two targets within their firing arc (and only two targets). Primary target roll number is calculated as per normal rules however, the secondary target roll number receives a +1 to-hit modifier. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range. Player decides to do a three-point attack at the primary target within short range and a one point attack to a target also within short range.
  • Attacks can be made against a single secondary target at a different range bracket. Start with the lowest damage range bracket and make that attack, any range brackets with damage values higher than this number may make a secondary attack with a damage value equal to the excess attack damage in that more damaging range bracket. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range and two damage at medium range. Player declares the medium range target as the primary and short range target as the secondary target. This means the medium range attack has two points of damage and the short range attack has two points of damage.
  • When making an attack against a secondary target, the amount of damage per attack per target must be stated before the attack is made. Exa: using in the above example, I must state 3 points against the primary target and 1 point against the secondary target, before rolling the attacks.
  • Any unit that makes a secondary attack has to do so as it fires. It may not come back later in the turn and make a secondary attack.
  • Units may not split physical attacks between multiple targets. Nor may units split damage from artillery attacks in this manner. Physical attacks and Artillery strikes always follow the rules as stated in the Alpha Strike rulebook.

  • Friday, July 1, 2016

    July 2016 Schedule

    Jihad: Final Reckoning
    BATTLETECH NIGHTS, CATALYST GAME LABS
    DATE/TIMEGMDETAILSVENUE
    07/08 - 6:30p
    East Lansing
    Chuck Wilson Ghost Bears vs.
    Word of Blake
    Jihad Era
    (Total War Rules)
    REP
    07/09 - 10:00a
    MichiCon - Oakland U
    Rochester, MI
    Chris Ings Nova Cats vs.
    Draconis Combine
    Clan Invasion Era
    (Total War Rules)
    Con
    07/21 - 6:30p
    Lansing
    Chuck Wilson Kurita vs.
    Davion
    Succession Wars Era
    (Total War Rules)
    SCG
    07/23 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Aaron Pollyea Martial Olympiad:
    "Desert Wars"
    Star League Era
    (Total War Rules)
    AFK

    DATE/TIME                    DETAILSVENUE
    Every Thursday night
    in July
    6p - 11p
    Grand Rapids 
    Big Kidz Games
    Battletech Pods Regulars Night
    $10 all night play.
    Unlimited play for one low price.
    BKG
    (REP: Replay Entertainment Exchange, BKG: Big Kidz Games, SCG: Summit Comics and Games, RIW: RIW Hobbies, VWE: Virtual World Entertainment, OHG: Our House Games, WGN: WarGames North, AFK: AFK Games, GMH: Game Masters Hobby, NI: Nostalgia Ink, ODG: Odyssey Games)

    Rules standardization for Battletech games in games run by Charles "IronSphinx" Wilson at AFK Games.

    Since we have been using Advanced rules on-and-off for the past few years, I would like to codify and standardize what rules players can expect to use at my Battletech games. All the following rules, save one, can be found in Tactical Operations:


  • Backward Movement (Expanded) [changing levels while walking/driving backwards] (p.22)
  • Movement Dice [white=walk, red=run, jade=jump, blue=level] (p.27)
  • Floating Critical (p.77)
  • Firing When Down [one-arm prop and fire] (p.85)
  • Expanded Flip Arms [torso-twist AND flip arms at the same time] (p.87)
  • Rapid Fire AC [light and std AC's can double fire] (p.100)
  • Energy Weapons [dialing down lasers] (p.102)
  • Gauss Weapons [powering-down gauss rifles] (p.102)
  • Rapid Fire Machine Guns [higher rate of fire] (p.102)
  • Hot-Load Missiles [no minimum on LRM/ATM] (p.102)
  • Disengage PPC Inhibitor [no minimum on PPC] (p.103)
  • Retractable Blade [possible critical hit] (p.104)

  • The following rule is a "house" rule and is used simply to ensure that the entire mapsheets are available for use:

  • 1/2-hexes and 1/4-hexes are to be treated like full-sized hexes for purposes of gameplay.

  • Note: If there is any question about the disposition of the underlying terrain, then the GameMaster will have sole discretion for deciding what said terrain is (if the "majority terrain" rule doesn't resolve the disposition of said hex).

    While I may add special rules that are specific to the scenario, these rules are what players can expect to be used in every game that I run. Please take the time to review said rules and bring any and all questions to the GameMaster "before" the game begins. In future games, I will bring a copy of these rules for quick reference.

    Rules standardization for Battletech - Alpha Strike ruleset

    While we play Alpha Strike using the Advanced Ruleset (p22-49), the following "Advanced Options" rules will also be "in play" for our Alpha Strike ruleset games:


  • Advanced Movement Modes (all modes)
  • Artillery
  • Alternate Munitions
  • ECM/ECCM
  • Ejection/Abandoning units
  • Fire and Smoke
  • Hidden Units
  • Minefields
  • Special Abilities

  • All other rules found in the Advanced Options will be implemented on a case-by-case basis depending on whether or not they are applicable to the scenario or units.

    The following rules are "house" rules and are used to promote better game balance along with promoting a greater flavor of the Battletech universe that most players are already used to:

    Torso-Twisting:

  • Bipedal BattleMechs can torso twist one hex facing left or right, Quad ‘Mechs cannot.

  • Variable Damage:

  • Instead of rolling one set of dice for to-hit rolls, players roll a set of dice for each damage point their unit does at the range for the specified attack. Exa: if I'm making a short range attack and my unit does 3 points of damage at short range, then I roll three sets of six sided dice.
  • If at least one shot from a unit's attack hits the rear of the target, apply one additional point of damage as per standard Alpha Strike rules--multiple hits to the rear from the same unit's attack do not confer additional points. Exa: I make a short range attack at the rear of my target. My 'Mech does 3 points of damage at short range. I roll three sets of six sided dice and two successfully hit the target. The target takes three points of damage: one for each successful attack and one for striking the target from the rear.
  • Physical attacks still only require one 2D6 dice roll and apply all damage to target.
  • Critical hits follow the rules on page 42 - "if a critical hit does not apply to the unit in question, apply 1 additional point of damage to the unit instead, but do not roll for additional critical hits as a result of this extra damage." However, when multiple dice rolls are used for each ranged attack, only one critical hit will be rolled on the target unit per attacking unit regardless of how many successful hits on internal structure were made. Exa: My Bushwacker rolls three sets of dice for an attack on a Stalker. Two of those hits are successful and both damage internal structure. I then roll one critical hit chance, even though I did two points of damage to the Stalker's internal structure.

  • Attacking multiple targets:

  • When making an attack, units that do more than one point of damage at the designated range for their attack may split their attacks between two targets within their firing arc (and only two targets). Primary target roll number is calculated as per normal rules however, the secondary target roll number receives a +1 to-hit modifier. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range. Player decides to do a three-point attack at the primary target within short range and a one point attack to a target also within short range.
  • Attacks can be made against a single secondary target at a different range bracket. Start with the lowest damage range bracket and make that attack, any range brackets with damage values higher than this number may make a secondary attack with a damage value equal to the excess attack damage in that more damaging range bracket. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range and two damage at medium range. Player declares the medium range target as the primary and short range target as the secondary target. This means the medium range attack has two points of damage and the short range attack has two points of damage.
  • When making an attack against a secondary target, the amount of damage per attack per target must be stated before the attack is made. Exa: using in the above example, I must state 3 points against the primary target and 1 point against the secondary target, before rolling the attacks.
  • Any unit that makes a secondary attack has to do so as it fires. It may not come back later in the turn and make a secondary attack.
  • Units may not split physical attacks between multiple targets. Nor may units split damage from artillery attacks in this manner. Physical attacks and Artillery strikes always follow the rules as stated in the Alpha Strike rulebook.
  • Friday, June 3, 2016

    June 2016 Schedule

    Era Report: 3145

    BATTLETECH NIGHTS, CATALYST GAME LABS
    DATE/TIMEGMDETAILSVENUE
    06/10 - 9:00p
    Battle Creek
    James Topa Battle for Pescht - Industrial Complex
    Succession Wars Era
    (Alpha Strike Rules)
    BCC
    06/18 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Aaron Pollyea Prairie Squid Panic, pt. 2
    Succession Wars Era
    (Total War Rules)
    AFK

    DATE/TIMEDETAILSVENUE
    Every Thursday night
    in June
    6p - 11p
    Grand Rapids 
    Big Kidz Games
    Battletech Pods Regulars Night
    $10 all night play.
    Unlimited play for one low price.
    BKG
    (BKG: Big Kidz Games, RIW: RIW Hobbies, VWE: Virtual World Entertainment, OHG: Our House Games, WGN: WarGames North, AFK: AFK Games, GMH: Game Masters Hobby, NI: Nostalgia Ink, BCC: BC Comix)

    Rules standardization for Battletech games in games run by Charles "IronSphinx" Wilson at AFK Games.

    Since we have been using Advanced rules on-and-off for the past few years, I would like to codify and standardize what rules players can expect to use at my Battletech games. All the following rules, save one, can be found in Tactical Operations:
  • Backward Movement (Expanded) [changing levels while walking/driving backwards] (p.22)
  • Movement Dice [white=walk, red=run, jade=jump, blue=level] (p.27)
  • Floating Critical (p.77)
  • Firing When Down [one-arm prop and fire] (p.85)
  • Expanded Flip Arms [torso-twist AND flip arms at the same time] (p.87)
  • Rapid Fire AC [light and std AC's can double fire] (p.100)
  • Energy Weapons [dialing down lasers] (p.102)
  • Gauss Weapons [powering-down gauss rifles] (p.102)
  • Rapid Fire Machine Guns [higher rate of fire] (p.102)
  • Hot-Load Missiles [no minimum on LRM/ATM] (p.102)
  • Disengage PPC Inhibitor [no minimum on PPC] (p.103)
  • Retractable Blade [possible critical hit] (p.104)

  • The following rule is a "house" rule and is used simply to ensure that the entire mapsheets are available for use:

  • 1/2-hexes and 1/4-hexes are to be treated like full-sized hexes for purposes of gameplay.

  • Note: If there is any question about the disposition of the underlying terrain, then the GameMaster will have sole discretion for deciding what said terrain is (if the "majority terrain" rule doesn't resolve the disposition of said hex).

    While I may add special rules that are specific to the scenario, these rules are what players can expect to be used in every game that I run. Please take the time to review said rules and bring any and all questions to the GameMaster "before" the game begins. In future games, I will bring a copy of these rules for quick reference.

    Rules standardization for Battletech - Alpha Strike ruleset

    While we play Alpha Strike using the Advanced Ruleset (p22-49), the following "Advanced Options" rules will also be "in play" for our Alpha Strike ruleset games:

  • Advanced Movement Modes (all modes)
  • Artillery
  • Alternate Munitions
  • ECM/ECCM
  • Ejection/Abandoning units
  • Fire and Smoke
  • Hidden Units
  • Minefields
  • Special Abilities

  • All other rules found in the Advanced Options will be implemented on a case-by-case basis depending on whether or not they are applicable to the scenario or units.

    The following rules are "house" rules and are used to promote better game balance along with promoting a greater flavor of the Battletech universe that most players are already used to:

    Torso-Twisting:
  • Bipedal BattleMechs can torso twist one hex facing left or right, Quad ‘Mechs cannot.

  • Variable Damage:
  • Instead of rolling one set of dice for to-hit rolls, players roll a set of dice for each damage point their unit does at the range for the specified attack. Exa: if I'm making a short range attack and my unit does 3 points of damage at short range, then I roll three sets of six sided dice.
  • If at least one shot from a unit's attack hits the rear of the target, apply one additional point of damage as per standard Alpha Strike rules--multiple hits to the rear from the same unit's attack do not confer additional points. Exa: I make a short range attack at the rear of my target. My 'Mech does 3 points of damage at short range. I roll three sets of six sided dice and two successfully hit the target. The target takes three points of damage: one for each successful attack and one for striking the target from the rear.
  • Physical attacks still only require one 2D6 dice roll and apply all damage to target.
  • Critical hits follow the rules on page 42 - "if a critical hit does not apply to the unit in question, apply 1 additional point of damage to the unit instead, but do not roll for additional critical hits as a result of this extra damage." However, when multiple dice rolls are used for each ranged attack, only one critical hit will be rolled on the target unit per attacking unit regardless of how many successful hits on internal structure were made. Exa: My Bushwacker rolls three sets of dice for an attack on a Stalker. Two of those hits are successful and both damage internal structure. I then roll one critical hit chance, even though I did two points of damage to the Stalker's internal structure.

  • Attacking multiple targets:
  • When making an attack, units that do more than one point of damage at the designated range for their attack may split their attacks between two targets within their firing arc (and only two targets). Primary target roll number is calculated as per normal rules however, the secondary target roll number receives a +1 to-hit modifier. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range. Player decides to do a three-point attack at the primary target within short range and a one point attack to a target also within short range.
  • Attacks can be made against a single secondary target at a different range bracket. Start with the lowest damage range bracket and make that attack, any range brackets with damage values higher than this number may make a secondary attack with a damage value equal to the excess attack damage in that more damaging range bracket. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range and two damage at medium range. Player declares the medium range target as the primary and short range target as the secondary target. This means the medium range attack has two points of damage and the short range attack has two points of damage.
  • When making an attack against a secondary target, the amount of damage per attack per target must be stated before the attack is made. Exa: using in the above example, I must state 3 points against the primary target and 1 point against the secondary target, before rolling the attacks.
  • Any unit that makes a secondary attack has to do so as it fires. It may not come back later in the turn and make a secondary attack.
  • Units may not split physical attacks between multiple targets. Nor may units split damage from artillery attacks in this manner. Physical attacks and Artillery strikes always follow the rules as stated in the Alpha Strike rulebook.

  • Sunday, May 1, 2016

    May 2016 Schedule

    Masters & Minions
    BATTLETECH NIGHTS, CATALYST GAME LABS
    DATE/TIMEGMDETAILSVENUE
    05/06 - 6:00p
    Battle Creek
    James Topa Battle for Pescht - Industrial Complex
    (Alpha Strike Rules)
    BCX
    05/14 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Chuck Wilson Legend Hunter-Killers
    (Total War Rules)
    AFK
    05/28 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Aaron Pollyea Prairie Squid Panic!!
    (Total War Rules)
    AFK

    DATE/TIME                    DETAILSVENUE
    Every Thursday night
    in May
    6p - 11p
    Grand Rapids 
    Big Kidz Games
    Battletech Pods Regulars Night
    $10 all night play.
    Unlimited play for one low price.
    BKG
    (REP: Replay Entertainment Exchange, BKG: Big Kidz Games, RIW: RIW Hobbies, VWE: Virtual World Entertainment, OHG: Our House Games, WGN: WarGames North, AFK: AFK Games, GMH: Game Masters Hobby, NI: Nostalgia Ink, BCX: BC Comix)

    Rules standardization for Battletech games in games run by Charles "IronSphinx" Wilson at AFK Games.

    Since we have been using Advanced rules on-and-off for the past few years, I would like to codify and standardize what rules players can expect to use at my Battletech games. All the following rules, save one, can be found in Tactical Operations:

  • Backward Movement (Expanded) [changing levels while walking/driving backwards] (p.22)
  • Movement Dice [white=walk, red=run, jade=jump, blue=level] (p.27)
  • Floating Critical (p.77)
  • Firing When Down [one-arm prop and fire] (p.85)
  • Expanded Flip Arms [torso-twist AND flip arms at the same time] (p.87)
  • Rapid Fire AC [light and std AC's can double fire] (p.100)
  • Energy Weapons [dialing down lasers] (p.102)
  • Gauss Weapons [powering-down gauss rifles] (p.102)
  • Rapid Fire Machine Guns [higher rate of fire] (p.102)
  • Hot-Load Missiles [no minimum on LRM/ATM] (p.102)
  • Disengage PPC Inhibitor [no minimum on PPC] (p.103)
  • Retractable Blade [possible critical hit] (p.104)

  • The following rule is a "house" rule and is used simply to ensure that the entire mapsheets are available for use:

  • 1/2-hexes and 1/4-hexes are to be treated like full-sized hexes for purposes of gameplay.

  • Note: If there is any question about the disposition of the underlying terrain, then the GameMaster will have sole discretion for deciding what said terrain is (if the "majority terrain" rule doesn't resolve the disposition of said hex).

    While I may add special rules that are specific to the scenario, these rules are what players can expect to be used in every game that I run. Please take the time to review said rules and bring any and all questions to the GameMaster "before" the game begins. In future games, I will bring a copy of these rules for quick reference.

    Rules standardization for Battletech - Alpha Strike ruleset

    While we play Alpha Strike using the Advanced Ruleset (p22-49), the following "Advanced Options" rules will also be "in play" for our Alpha Strike ruleset games:

  • Advanced Movement Modes (all modes)
  • Artillery
  • Alternate Munitions
  • ECM/ECCM
  • Ejection/Abandoning units
  • Fire and Smoke
  • Hidden Units
  • Minefields
  • Special Abilities

  • All other rules found in the Advanced Options will be implemented on a case-by-case basis depending on whether or not they are applicable to the scenario or units.

    The following rules are "house" rules and are used to promote better game balance along with promoting a greater flavor of the Battletech universe that most players are already used to:

    Torso-Twisting:
  • Bipedal BattleMechs can torso twist one hex facing left or right, Quad ‘Mechs cannot.

  • Variable Damage:
  • Instead of rolling one set of dice for to-hit rolls, players roll a set of dice for each damage point their unit does at the range for the specified attack. Exa: if I'm making a short range attack and my unit does 3 points of damage at short range, then I roll three sets of six sided dice.
  • If at least one shot from a unit's attack hits the rear of the target, apply one additional point of damage as per standard Alpha Strike rules--multiple hits to the rear from the same unit's attack do not confer additional points. Exa: I make a short range attack at the rear of my target. My 'Mech does 3 points of damage at short range. I roll three sets of six sided dice and two successfully hit the target. The target takes three points of damage: one for each successful attack and one for striking the target from the rear.
  • Physical attacks still only require one 2D6 dice roll and apply all damage to target.
  • Critical hits follow the rules on page 42 - "if a critical hit does not apply to the unit in question, apply 1 additional point of damage to the unit instead, but do not roll for additional critical hits as a result of this extra damage." However, when multiple dice rolls are used for each ranged attack, only one critical hit will be rolled on the target unit per attacking unit regardless of how many successful hits on internal structure were made. Exa: My Bushwacker rolls three sets of dice for an attack on a Stalker. Two of those hits are successful and both damage internal structure. I then roll one critical hit chance, even though I did two points of damage to the Stalker's internal structure.

  • Attacking multiple targets:
  • When making an attack, units that do more than one point of damage at the designated range for their attack may split their attacks between two targets within their firing arc (and only two targets). Primary target roll number is calculated as per normal rules however, the secondary target roll number receives a +1 to-hit modifier. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range. Player decides to do a three-point attack at the primary target within short range and a one point attack to a target also within short range.
  • Attacks can be made against a single secondary target at a different range bracket. Start with the lowest damage range bracket and make that attack, any range brackets with damage values higher than this number may make a secondary attack with a damage value equal to the excess attack damage in that more damaging range bracket. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range and two damage at medium range. Player declares the medium range target as the primary and short range target as the secondary target. This means the medium range attack has two points of damage and the short range attack has two points of damage.
  • When making an attack against a secondary target, the amount of damage per attack per target must be stated before the attack is made. Exa: using in the above example, I must state 3 points against the primary target and 1 point against the secondary target, before rolling the attacks.
  • Any unit that makes a secondary attack has to do so as it fires. It may not come back later in the turn and make a secondary attack.
  • Units may not split physical attacks between multiple targets. Nor may units split damage from artillery attacks in this manner. Physical attacks and Artillery strikes always follow the rules as stated in the Alpha Strike rulebook.

  • Friday, April 1, 2016

    April 2016 Schedule

    Technical Readout: 3067
    BATTLETECH NIGHTS, CATALYST GAME LABS
    DATE/TIMEGMDETAILSVENUE
    04/15 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Chuck Wilson Noble Feud
    Succession Wars Era
    (Alpha Strike Rules)
    AFK
    04/22 - 6:00p
    Battle Creek
    James Topa Invasion of Pesht
    (Alpha Strike Rules)
    BCC
    04/30 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Aaron Pollyea Battletech Track & Field:
    Lunar Luge
    (Total War Rules)
    AFK
    04/30 - 12:00p
    Jackson
    James Topa The Bounty is Caught
    (Total War Rules)
    NI

    DATE/TIME                    DETAILSVENUE
    Every Thursday night
    in April
    6p - 11p
    Grand Rapids 
    Big Kidz Games
    Battletech Pods Regulars Night
    $10 all night play.
    Unlimited play for one low price.
    BKG
    (AFK: AFK Games, BCC: BC Comix, BKG: Big Kidz Games, NI: Nostalgia Ink, RIW: RIW Hobbies)

    Rules standardization for Battletech games in games run by Charles "IronSphinx" Wilson at AFK Games.

    Since we have been using Advanced rules on-and-off for the past few years, I would like to codify and standardize what rules players can expect to use at my Battletech games. All the following rules, save one, can be found in Tactical Operations:


  • Backward Movement (Expanded) [changing levels while walking/driving backwards] (p.22)
  • Movement Dice [white=walk, red=run, jade=jump, blue=level] (p.27)
  • Floating Critical (p.77)
  • Firing When Down [one-arm prop and fire] (p.85)
  • Expanded Flip Arms [torso-twist AND flip arms at the same time] (p.87)
  • Rapid Fire AC [light and std AC's can double fire] (p.100)
  • Energy Weapons [dialing down lasers] (p.102)
  • Gauss Weapons [powering-down gauss rifles] (p.102)
  • Rapid Fire Machine Guns [higher rate of fire] (p.102)
  • Hot-Load Missiles [no minimum on LRM/ATM] (p.102)
  • Disengage PPC Inhibitor [no minimum on PPC] (p.103)
  • Retractable Blade [possible critical hit] (p.104)

  • The following rule is a "house" rule and is used simply to ensure that the entire mapsheets are available for use:


  • 1/2-hexes and 1/4-hexes are to be treated like full-sized hexes for purposes of gameplay.

  • Note: If there is any question about the disposition of the underlying terrain, then the GameMaster will have sole discretion for deciding what said terrain is (if the "majority terrain" rule doesn't resolve the disposition of said hex).

    While I may add special rules that are specific to the scenario, these rules are what players can expect to be used in every game that I run. Please take the time to review said rules and bring any and all questions to the GameMaster "before" the game begins. In future games, I will bring a copy of these rules for quick reference.

    Rules standardization for Battletech - Alpha Strike ruleset

    While we play Alpha Strike using the Advanced Ruleset (p22-49), the following "Advanced Options" rules will also be "in play" for our Alpha Strike ruleset games:


  • Advanced Movement Modes (all modes)
  • Artillery
  • Alternate Munitions
  • ECM/ECCM
  • Ejection/Abandoning units
  • Fire and Smoke
  • Hidden Units
  • Minefields
  • Special Abilities

  • All other rules found in the Advanced Options will be implemented on a case-by-case basis depending on whether or not they are applicable to the scenario or units.

    The following rules are "house" rules and are used to promote better game balance along with promoting a greater flavor of the Battletech universe that most players are already used to:

    Torso-Twisting:

  • Bipedal BattleMechs can torso twist one hex facing left or right, Quad ‘Mechs cannot.

  • Variable Damage:

  • Instead of rolling one set of dice for to-hit rolls, players roll a set of dice for each damage point their unit does at the range for the specified attack. Exa: if I'm making a short range attack and my unit does 3 points of damage at short range, then I roll three sets of six sided dice.
  • If at least one shot from a unit's attack hits the rear of the target, apply one additional point of damage as per standard Alpha Strike rules--multiple hits to the rear from the same unit's attack do not confer additional points. Exa: I make a short range attack at the rear of my target. My 'Mech does 3 points of damage at short range. I roll three sets of six sided dice and two successfully hit the target. The target takes three points of damage: one for each successful attack and one for striking the target from the rear.
  • Physical attacks still only require one 2D6 dice roll and apply all damage to target.
  • Critical hits follow the rules on page 42 - "if a critical hit does not apply to the unit in question, apply 1 additional point of damage to the unit instead, but do not roll for additional critical hits as a result of this extra damage." However, when multiple dice rolls are used for each ranged attack, only one critical hit will be rolled on the target unit per attacking unit regardless of how many successful hits on internal structure were made. Exa: My Bushwacker rolls three sets of dice for an attack on a Stalker. Two of those hits are successful and both damage internal structure. I then roll one critical hit chance, even though I did two points of damage to the Stalker's internal structure.

  • Attacking multiple targets:

  • When making an attack, units that do more than one point of damage at the designated range for their attack may split their attacks between two targets within their firing arc (and only two targets). Primary target roll number is calculated as per normal rules however, the secondary target roll number receives a +1 to-hit modifier. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range. Player decides to do a three-point attack at the primary target within short range and a one point attack to a target also within short range.
  • Attacks can be made against a single secondary target at a different range bracket. Start with the lowest damage range bracket and make that attack, any range brackets with damage values higher than this number may make a secondary attack with a damage value equal to the excess attack damage in that more damaging range bracket. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range and two damage at medium range. Player declares the medium range target as the primary and short range target as the secondary target. This means the medium range attack has two points of damage and the short range attack has two points of damage.
  • When making an attack against a secondary target, the amount of damage per attack per target must be stated before the attack is made. Exa: using in the above example, I must state 3 points against the primary target and 1 point against the secondary target, before rolling the attacks.
  • Any unit that makes a secondary attack has to do so as it fires. It may not come back later in the turn and make a secondary attack.
  • Units may not split physical attacks between multiple targets. Nor may units split damage from artillery attacks in this manner. Physical attacks and Artillery strikes always follow the rules as stated in the Alpha Strike rulebook.
  • Tuesday, March 1, 2016

    March 2016 Schedule

    Era Report: 3062

    BATTLETECH NIGHTS, CATALYST GAME LABS
    DATE/TIMEGMDETAILSVENUE
    03/11 - 6:00p
    Battle Creek
    James Topa "Battle for Pescht"
    Succession Wars Era
    (Alpha Strike Rules)
    BCC
    03/12 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Chuck Wilson "Songs of Freedom, pt 2"
     HTP: New Dallas
     Marik Dragoons vs. New Dallas Militia
     Star League Era

    (Alpha Strike Rules)
    AFK
    03/26 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Aaron Pollyea Solaris VII: BattleMech Track-and-Field
    Medium 'Mech Sprint

    (Total War Rules)
    AFK

    DATE/TIME                    DETAILSVENUE
    Every Thursday night
    in March
    6p - 11p
    Grand Rapids 
    Big Kidz Games
    Battletech Pods Regulars Night
    $10 all night play.
    Unlimited play for one low price.
    BKG
    (REP: Replay Entertainment Exchange, BKG: Big Kidz Games, RIW: RIW Hobbies, VWE: Virtual World Entertainment, OHG: Our House Games, WGN: WarGames North, AFK: AFK Games, GMH: Game Masters Hobby, NI: Nostalgia Ink, ODG: Odyssey Games, BCC: BC Comix)

    Rules standardization for Battletech games in games run by Charles "IronSphinx" Wilson at AFK Games.

    Since we have been using Advanced rules on-and-off for the past few years, I would like to codify and standardize what rules players can expect to use at my Battletech games. All the following rules, save one, can be found in Tactical Operations:

  • Backward Movement (Expanded) [changing levels while walking/driving backwards] (p.22)
  • Movement Dice [white=walk, red=run, jade=jump, blue=level] (p.27)
  • Floating Critical (p.77)
  • Firing When Down [one-arm prop and fire] (p.85)
  • Expanded Flip Arms [torso-twist AND flip arms at the same time] (p.87)
  • Rapid Fire AC [light and std AC's can double fire] (p.100)
  • Energy Weapons [dialing down lasers] (p.102)
  • Gauss Weapons [powering-down gauss rifles] (p.102)
  • Rapid Fire Machine Guns [higher rate of fire] (p.102)
  • Hot-Load Missiles [no minimum on LRM/ATM] (p.102)
  • Disengage PPC Inhibitor [no minimum on PPC] (p.103)
  • Retractable Blade [possible critical hit] (p.104)

  • The following rule is a "house" rule and is used simply to ensure that the entire mapsheets are available for use:

  • 1/2-hexes and 1/4-hexes are to be treated like full-sized hexes for purposes of gameplay.

  • Note: If there is any question about the disposition of the underlying terrain, then the GameMaster will have sole discretion for deciding what said terrain is (if the "majority terrain" rule doesn't resolve the disposition of said hex).

    While I may add special rules that are specific to the scenario, these rules are what players can expect to be used in every game that I run. Please take the time to review said rules and bring any and all questions to the GameMaster "before" the game begins. In future games, I will bring a copy of these rules for quick reference.

    Rules standardization for Battletech - Alpha Strike ruleset

    While we play Alpha Strike using the Advanced Ruleset (p22-49), the following "Advanced Options" rules will also be "in play" for our Alpha Strike ruleset games:

  • Advanced Movement Modes (all modes)
  • Artillery
  • Alternate Munitions
  • ECM/ECCM
  • Ejection/Abandoning units
  • Fire and Smoke
  • Hidden Units
  • Minefields
  • Special Abilities

  • All other rules found in the Advanced Options will be implemented on a case-by-case basis depending on whether or not they are applicable to the scenario or units.

    The following rules are "house" rules and are used to promote better game balance along with promoting a greater flavor of the Battletech universe that most players are already used to:

    Torso-Twisting:
  • Bipedal BattleMechs can torso twist one hex facing left or right, Quad ‘Mechs cannot.

  • Variable Damage:
  • Instead of rolling one set of dice for to-hit rolls, players roll a set of dice for each damage point their unit does at the range for the specified attack. Exa: if I'm making a short range attack and my unit does 3 points of damage at short range, then I roll three sets of six sided dice.
  • If at least one shot from a unit's attack hits the rear of the target, apply one additional point of damage as per standard Alpha Strike rules--multiple hits to the rear from the same unit's attack do not confer additional points. Exa: I make a short range attack at the rear of my target. My 'Mech does 3 points of damage at short range. I roll three sets of six sided dice and two successfully hit the target. The target takes three points of damage: one for each successful attack and one for striking the target from the rear.
  • Physical attacks still only require one 2D6 dice roll and apply all damage to target.
  • Critical hits follow the rules on page 42 - "if a critical hit does not apply to the unit in question, apply 1 additional point of damage to the unit instead, but do not roll for additional critical hits as a result of this extra damage." However, when multiple dice rolls are used for each ranged attack, only one critical hit will be rolled on the target unit per attacking unit regardless of how many successful hits on internal structure were made. Exa: My Bushwacker rolls three sets of dice for an attack on a Stalker. Two of those hits are successful and both damage internal structure. I then roll one critical hit chance, even though I did two points of damage to the Stalker's internal structure.

  • Attacking multiple targets:
  • When making an attack, units that do more than one point of damage at the designated range for their attack may split their attacks between two targets within their firing arc (and only two targets). Primary target roll number is calculated as per normal rules however, the secondary target roll number receives a +1 to-hit modifier. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range. Player decides to do a three-point attack at the primary target within short range and a one point attack to a target also within short range.
  • Attacks can be made against a single secondary target at a different range bracket. Start with the lowest damage range bracket and make that attack, any range brackets with damage values higher than this number may make a secondary attack with a damage value equal to the excess attack damage in that more damaging range bracket. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range and two damage at medium range. Player declares the medium range target as the primary and short range target as the secondary target. This means the medium range attack has two points of damage and the short range attack has two points of damage.
  • When making an attack against a secondary target, the amount of damage per attack per target must be stated before the attack is made. Exa: using in the above example, I must state 3 points against the primary target and 1 point against the secondary target, before rolling the attacks.
  • Any unit that makes a secondary attack has to do so as it fires. It may not come back later in the turn and make a secondary attack.
  • Units may not split physical attacks between multiple targets. Nor may units split damage from artillery attacks in this manner. Physical attacks and Artillery strikes always follow the rules as stated in the Alpha Strike rulebook.

  • Monday, February 1, 2016

    February 2016 Schedule

    TRO 3145 - Capellan Confederation

    BATTLETECH NIGHTS, CATALYST GAME LABS
    DATE/TIMEGMDETAILSVENUE
    2/13 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Chuck Wilson "Songs of Freedom"
    HTP: New Dallas
    Marik Dragoons vs. New Dallas Militia
    Star League Era
    (Alpha Strike Rules)
    AFK
    2/27 - 2:30p
    Lansing/Holt
    Aaron Pollyea Solaris VII: Heavy 'Mech Sprint
    (Total War Rules)
    AFK

    DATE/TIME                    DETAILSVENUE
    Every Thursday night
    in February
    6p - 11p
    Grand Rapids 
    Big Kidz Games
    Battletech Pods Regulars Night
    $10 all night play.
    Unlimited play for one low price.
    BKG
    (REP: Replay Entertainment Exchange, BKG: Big Kidz Games, RIW: RIW Hobbies, VWE: Virtual World Entertainment, OHG: Our House Games, WGN: WarGames North, AFK: AFK Games, GMH: Game Masters Hobby, NI: Nostalgia Ink, ODG: Odyssey Games)

    Rules standardization for Battletech games in games run by Charles "IronSphinx" Wilson at AFK Games.

    Since we have been using Advanced rules on-and-off for the past few years, I would like to codify and standardize what rules players can expect to use at my Battletech games. All the following rules, save one, can be found in Tactical Operations:

  • Backward Movement (Expanded) [changing levels while walking/driving backwards] (p.22)
  • Movement Dice [white=walk, red=run, jade=jump, blue=level] (p.27)
  • Floating Critical (p.77)
  • Firing When Down [one-arm prop and fire] (p.85)
  • Expanded Flip Arms [torso-twist AND flip arms at the same time] (p.87)
  • Rapid Fire AC [light and std AC's can double fire] (p.100)
  • Energy Weapons [dialing down lasers] (p.102)
  • Gauss Weapons [powering-down gauss rifles] (p.102)
  • Rapid Fire Machine Guns [higher rate of fire] (p.102)
  • Hot-Load Missiles [no minimum on LRM/ATM] (p.102)
  • Disengage PPC Inhibitor [no minimum on PPC] (p.103)
  • Retractable Blade [possible critical hit] (p.104)

  • The following rule is a "house" rule and is used simply to ensure that the entire mapsheets are available for use:

  • 1/2-hexes and 1/4-hexes are to be treated like full-sized hexes for purposes of gameplay.

  • Note: If there is any question about the disposition of the underlying terrain, then the GameMaster will have sole discretion for deciding what said terrain is (if the "majority terrain" rule doesn't resolve the disposition of said hex).

    While I may add special rules that are specific to the scenario, these rules are what players can expect to be used in every game that I run. Please take the time to review said rules and bring any and all questions to the GameMaster "before" the game begins. In future games, I will bring a copy of these rules for quick reference.

    Rules standardization for Battletech - Alpha Strike ruleset

    While we play Alpha Strike using the Advanced Ruleset (p22-49), the following "Advanced Options" rules will also be "in play" for our Alpha Strike ruleset games:

  • Advanced Movement Modes (all modes)
  • Artillery
  • Alternate Munitions
  • ECM/ECCM
  • Ejection/Abandoning units
  • Fire and Smoke
  • Hidden Units
  • Minefields
  • Special Abilities

  • All other rules found in the Advanced Options will be implemented on a case-by-case basis depending on whether or not they are applicable to the scenario or units.

    The following rules are "house" rules and are used to promote better game balance along with promoting a greater flavor of the Battletech universe that most players are already used to:

    Torso-Twisting:
  • Bipedal BattleMechs can torso twist one hex facing left or right, Quad ‘Mechs cannot.

  • Variable Damage:
  • Instead of rolling one set of dice for to-hit rolls, players roll a set of dice for each damage point their unit does at the range for the specified attack. Exa: if I'm making a short range attack and my unit does 3 points of damage at short range, then I roll three sets of six sided dice.
  • If at least one shot from a unit's attack hits the rear of the target, apply one additional point of damage as per standard Alpha Strike rules--multiple hits to the rear from the same unit's attack do not confer additional points. Exa: I make a short range attack at the rear of my target. My 'Mech does 3 points of damage at short range. I roll three sets of six sided dice and two successfully hit the target. The target takes three points of damage: one for each successful attack and one for striking the target from the rear.
  • Physical attacks still only require one 2D6 dice roll and apply all damage to target.
  • Critical hits follow the rules on page 42 - "if a critical hit does not apply to the unit in question, apply 1 additional point of damage to the unit instead, but do not roll for additional critical hits as a result of this extra damage." However, when multiple dice rolls are used for each ranged attack, only one critical hit will be rolled on the target unit per attacking unit regardless of how many successful hits on internal structure were made. Exa: My Bushwacker rolls three sets of dice for an attack on a Stalker. Two of those hits are successful and both damage internal structure. I then roll one critical hit chance, even though I did two points of damage to the Stalker's internal structure.

  • Attacking multiple targets:
  • When making an attack, units that do more than one point of damage at the designated range for their attack may split their attacks between two targets within their firing arc (and only two targets). Primary target roll number is calculated as per normal rules however, the secondary target roll number receives a +1 to-hit modifier. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range. Player decides to do a three-point attack at the primary target within short range and a one point attack to a target also within short range.
  • Attacks can be made against a single secondary target at a different range bracket. Start with the lowest damage range bracket and make that attack, any range brackets with damage values higher than this number may make a secondary attack with a damage value equal to the excess attack damage in that more damaging range bracket. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range and two damage at medium range. Player declares the medium range target as the primary and short range target as the secondary target. This means the medium range attack has two points of damage and the short range attack has two points of damage.
  • When making an attack against a secondary target, the amount of damage per attack per target must be stated before the attack is made. Exa: using in the above example, I must state 3 points against the primary target and 1 point against the secondary target, before rolling the attacks.
  • Any unit that makes a secondary attack has to do so as it fires. It may not come back later in the turn and make a secondary attack.
  • Units may not split physical attacks between multiple targets. Nor may units split damage from artillery attacks in this manner. Physical attacks and Artillery strikes always follow the rules as stated in the Alpha Strike rulebook.

  • Sunday, January 3, 2016

    January 2016 Schedule



     BATTLETECH GAMES, CATALYST GAME LABS
    DATE/TIMEGMDETAILSVENUE
    1/15 - 6:00p
    Battle Creek
    James Topa Mech Repair Bay - Charlie
    (Alpha Strike Rules)

    BCC
    1/16 - 2:00p
    Holt/Lansing
    Chuck WilsonWolf and Blake: Touchpoint - Liberty
    (Total War Rules)
    AFK
    1/30 - 2:00p
    Holt/Lansing
    Aaron PollyeaTaurian Concordat vs. Calderon Protectorate
    Dark Age
    (Total War Rules)
    AFK

    DATE/TIME                    DETAILSVENUE
    Every Thursday night
    in January
    6p - 11p
    Grand Rapids 
    Big Kidz Games
    Battletech Pods Regulars Night
    $10 all night play.
    Unlimited play for one low price.
    BKG
    (REP: Replay Entertainment Exchange, BKG: Big Kidz Games, RIW: RIW Hobbies, VWE: Virtual World Entertainment, OHG: Our House Games, WGN: WarGames North, AFK: AFK Games, NI: Nostalgia Ink, ODG: Odyssey Games, BCC: BC Comix)

    Rules standardization for Battletech games in games run by Charles "IronSphinx" Wilson at Replay Entertainment Exchange.

    Since we have been using Advanced rules on-and-off for the past few years, I would like to codify and standardize what rules players can expect to use at my Battletech games. All the following rules, save one, can be found in Tactical Operations:

  • Backward Movement (Expanded) [changing levels while walking/driving backwards] (p.22)
  • Movement Dice [white=walk, red=run, jade=jump, blue=level] (p.27)
  • Floating Critical (p.77)
  • Firing When Down [one-arm prop and fire] (p.85)
  • Expanded Flip Arms [torso-twist AND flip arms at the same time] (p.87)
  • Rapid Fire AC [light and std AC's can double fire] (p.100)
  • Energy Weapons [dialing down lasers] (p.102)
  • Gauss Weapons [powering-down gauss rifles] (p.102)
  • Rapid Fire Machine Guns [higher rate of fire] (p.102)
  • Hot-Load Missiles [no minimum on LRM/ATM] (p.102)
  • Disengage PPC Inhibitor [no minimum on PPC] (p.103)
  • Retractable Blade [possible critical hit] (p.104)

  • The following rule is a "house" rule and is used simply to ensure that the entire mapsheets are available for use:

  • 1/2-hexes and 1/4-hexes are to be treated like full-sized hexes for purposes of gameplay.

  • Note: If there is any question about the disposition of the underlying terrain, then the GameMaster will have sole discretion for deciding what said terrain is (if the "majority terrain" rule doesn't resolve the disposition of said hex).

    While I may add special rules that are specific to the scenario, these rules are what players can expect to be used in every game that I run. Please take the time to review said rules and bring any and all questions to the GameMaster "before" the game begins. In future games, I will bring a copy of these rules for quick reference.

    Rules standardization for Battletech - Alpha Strike ruleset

    While we play Alpha Strike using the Advanced Ruleset (p22-49), the following "Advanced Options" rules will also be "in play" for our Alpha Strike ruleset games:

  • Advanced Movement Modes (all modes)
  • Artillery
  • Alternate Munitions
  • ECM/ECCM
  • Ejection/Abandoning units
  • Fire and Smoke
  • Hidden Units
  • Minefields
  • Special Abilities

  • All other rules found in the Advanced Options will be implemented on a case-by-case basis depending on whether or not they are applicable to the scenario or units.

    The following rules are "house" rules and are used to promote better game balance along with promoting a greater flavor of the Battletech universe that most players are already used to:

    Torso-Twisting:

  • Bipedal BattleMechs can torso twist one hex facing left or right, Quad ‘Mechs cannot.

  • Variable Damage:

  • Instead of rolling one set of dice for to-hit rolls, players roll a set of dice for each damage point their unit does at the range for the specified attack. Exa: if I'm making a short range attack and my unit does 3 points of damage at short range, then I roll three sets of six sided dice.
  • If at least one shot from a unit's attack hits the rear of the target, apply one additional point of damage as per standard Alpha Strike rules--multiple hits to the rear from the same unit's attack do not confer additional points. Exa: I make a short range attack at the rear of my target. My 'Mech does 3 points of damage at short range. I roll three sets of six sided dice and two successfully hit the target. The target takes three points of damage: one for each successful attack and one for striking the target from the rear.
  • Physical attacks still only require one 2D6 dice roll and apply all damage to target.
  • Critical hits follow the rules on page 42 - "if a critical hit does not apply to the unit in question, apply 1 additional point of damage to the unit instead, but do not roll for additional critical hits as a result of this extra damage." However, when multiple dice rolls are used for each ranged attack, only one critical hit will be rolled on the target unit per attacking unit regardless of how many successful hits on internal structure were made. Exa: My Bushwacker rolls three sets of dice for an attack on a Stalker. Two of those hits are successful and both damage internal structure. I then roll one critical hit chance, even though I did two points of damage to the Stalker's internal structure.

  • Variable Movement Modifiers:
  • Stand Still (-2 attacker bonus to-hit, but no movement TMM)
  • Standard (no bonus to-hit full non-jump movement TMM)
  • Jump (+1 attacker penalty to-hit, gets the +1 jump TMM)

  • Attacking multiple targets:
  • When making an attack, units that do more than one point of damage at the designated range for their attack may split their attacks between two targets within their firing arc (and only two targets). Primary target roll number is calculated as per normal rules however, the secondary target roll number receives a +1 to-hit modifier. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range. Player decides to do a three-point attack at the primary target within short range and a one point attack to a target also within short range.
  • Attacks can be made against a single secondary target at a different range bracket. Start with the lowest damage range bracket and make that attack, any range brackets with damage values higher than this number may make a secondary attack with a damage value equal to the excess attack damage in that more damaging range bracket. Exa: 'Mech does 4 damage at short range and two damage at medium range. Player declares the medium range target as the primary and short range target as the secondary target. This means the medium range attack has two points of damage and the short range attack has two points of damage.
  • When making an attack against a secondary target, the amount of damage per attack per target must be stated before the attack is made. Exa: using in the above example, I must state 3 points against the primary target and 1 point against the secondary target, before rolling the attacks.
  • Any unit that makes a secondary attack has to do so as it fires. It may not come back later in the turn and make a secondary attack.
  • Units may not split physical attacks between multiple targets. Nor may units split damage from artillery attacks in this manner. Physical attacks and Artillery strikes always follow the rules as stated in the Alpha Strike rulebook.


  •