BattleTech - The Board Game of Armored Combat
BattleTech Game Systems => General BattleTech Discussion => Topic started by: grimlock1 on 07 January 2019, 09:15:04
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A staffer at a local game store invited me to bring some Battletetch to their war games night. The hope is to GM some games, rather than square off against new players. I'm planning to bring a mix of intro tech lights and mediums that represent various configurations of the iron triangle.
WLF-1
JR7-D
JR7-F
PNT-9R
JVN-10N
SDR-5V
I was thinking about bringing and Urbie, but for a intro game, the Panther and the Wolfhound pretty much obsolete the trashcan.
Play will be on Standard maps, no cities or nasty terrain.
Thoughts?
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OK, first off, when I saw the thread title my pre-coffee brain misread it as bringing Battletech to a local bar. And I'm all for it. ;D
I'd add in two more Mechs and give an even lance per side- if you have a small turnout you can always trim a couple of Mechs, but it's better to have too many than too few in case you get a good number of people. Adding in a Hermes II and a Clint give a couple more designs that aren't powerful enough that they'll overwhelm the other stuff already out there. Alternatively, if you want each side to have a 'centerpiece' unit, a Whitworth and a Trebuchet instead mean a big LRM-throwing threat each side has to worry about- and that will struggle mightily if they get bum-rushed. (In the event of kids at the table, ALWAYS give them the beatstick. Nothing makes a fan for life like a little kid running the crown jewel of a Battletech army.)
Otherwise, yeah, I'd call it a solid setup for an intro game! Might want to set up something as an alternate objective (a point to be captured for each side, something like that).
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OK, first off, when I saw the thread title my pre-coffee brain misread it as bringing Battletech to a local bar. And I'm all for it. ;D
I'd add in two more Mechs and give an even lance per side- if you have a small turnout you can always trim a couple of Mechs, but it's better to have too many than too few in case you get a good number of people. Adding in a Hermes II and a Clint give a couple more designs that aren't powerful enough that they'll overwhelm the other stuff already out there. Alternatively, if you want each side to have a 'centerpiece' unit, a Whitworth and a Trebuchet instead mean a big LRM-throwing threat each side has to worry about- and that will struggle mightily if they get bum-rushed. (In the event of kids at the table, ALWAYS give them the beatstick. Nothing makes a fan for life like a little kid running the crown jewel of a Battletech army.)
Otherwise, yeah, I'd call it a solid setup for an intro game! Might want to set up something as an alternate objective (a point to be captured for each side, something like that).
I was thinking about keeping an Awesome and a Battlemaster in my back pocket, in case there's a good turnout and they blow through the light stuff. Lance on Lance never entered my mind. My head was more like, a couple of 1v1 games or maybe a 2v2. Unless they are experienced in managed a formation, I don't want to introduce too much, too soon.
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Is it a good idea to start new players with a whole lance? I was planning on trying to introduce new players to the game once the new box set came out, and I was planning on giving everyone two, and making it a 3 or 4 way (since I've had troubles getting people to try Star Wars Armada specifically because it's one on one).
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One Medium per side (not a really powerful one) might illustrate the differences between speed and firepower. I see the proposed list as a lot of maneuver with very little damage being done, if the players know how to get high modifiers. The new players who don't will simply get crushed quickly. The worst tutorial game I've ever seen involved each player getting a Locust, and after about 16 turns they called it a draw, with 5 damage versus 4 to show for all of that maneuvering. Mediums are probably a better intro for new players, because they've got enough armor and firepower to be somewhat more forgiving on those to-hit numbers, and are more likely to trade at least some damage in return.
Putting a Whitworth on the opposite side from the Panther might help balance the scenario in terms of each side having an "anchor" with a slower movement profile. Neither a Whitworth nor a Trebuchet is likely to "struggle mightily" if bum-rushed, as each of them packs three Medium Lasers for knife-fighting. The Trebbie is probably too much of an "all or nothing" outcome against the Panther, as the torso sides are notoriously thin against something like a PPC, and contain unpadded or poorly padded ammo. Most likely, either the TBT will use initiative and its higher speed to control the range, and simply wear the PNT down with 5 point damage groups, or else the PNT will crit the TBT's ammo with one hit and end the match suddenly.
I would never consider giving a new player more than one 'Mech to run. That's enough information to assimilate in a session. An experienced player can use more units to work together and cover each other, but a new player will merely be distracted by having to divide their attention between their units.
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Is it a good idea to start new players with a whole lance? I was planning on trying to introduce new players to the game once the new box set came out, and I was planning on giving everyone two, and making it a 3 or 4 way (since I've had troubles getting people to try Star Wars Armada specifically because it's one on one).
i like grinders for new players. you don't have to worry as much about lucky shots, balancing, or unfun curbstomps. your light got headshotted? have a medium! settle the score! get into the deeper aspects of the game once they're comfortable with the blow shit up component.
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I would advise bringing slower mechs to keep modifiers lower and hits more frequent. I think you have the right idea, but distribute it more like a traditional medium lance:
1 fast light
2 mediums
1 slow heavy
So something like a Wasp, Whitworth, Shadow Hawk, Thunderbolt.
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Is it a good idea to start new players with a whole lance? I was planning on trying to introduce new players to the game once the new box set came out, and I was planning on giving everyone two, and making it a 3 or 4 way (since I've had troubles getting people to try Star Wars Armada specifically because it's one on one).
I'm not planning to do lance on lance. The idea is it have a wide selection so I can say, "This is a glass cannon, this is a mighty glacier, this is a fragile speedster..."
2v2 max for the first game.
i like grinders for new players. you don't have to worry as much about lucky shots, balancing, or unfun curbstomps. your light got headshotted? have a medium! settle the score! get into the deeper aspects of the game once they're comfortable with the blow shit up component.
Are you talking about respawing?
Part of the reason for going with lights is they they tend to be squishier. If someone can get through two quick games in a night, they might be more interested than if they get through 3/4 of a game.
I would advise bringing slower mechs to keep modifiers lower and hits more frequent. I think you have the right idea, but distribute it more like a traditional medium lance:
1 fast light
2 mediums
1 slow heavy
So something like a Wasp, Whitworth, Shadow Hawk, Thunderbolt.
I am kinda liking your idea for slowing things down to lower mods... Other than the panther, everything can generate +3 or better TMMs.
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I’d recommend using higher skills to increase speed, and to make sure their attempts to do stuff work more often than not. It’s a bummer to line up a charge and miss.
Grinders are good because people stay in the fight. It’s no fun to get your mech wrecked early and then have to wait for other people to die.
Also upgrading to ever more lethal mechs can be amusing, but I think just going all lights works. Just realize that the higher speeds, lower number of weapons and damage potential, and lower damage from physicals will slow the game down. I’d recommend 4/6 mediums with maybe a few 5/8s, 2/3 skills in all. The carnage should be delicious.
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I have a suggestion: YOU play tanks and n00bs play 'Mechs with 1 'Mech per n00b. I recommend 'Mechs with thick armour and heavy can openers: armour prevents lucky crits to ammo bins and PPC & other hole punchers have less dice rolling than 30 LRMs or 18 SRMs. Also demonstrates 'Mech superiority against conventional forces. With Open Terrain maps you don't need to explain about elevations nor water. This has worked well for me.
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I’d recommend using higher skills to increase speed, and to make sure their attempts to do stuff work more often than not. It’s a bummer to line up a charge and miss.
Grinders are good because people stay in the fight. It’s no fun to get your mech wrecked early and then have to wait for other people to die.
Also upgrading to ever more lethal mechs can be amusing, but I think just going all lights works. Just realize that the higher speeds, lower number of weapons and damage potential, and lower damage from physicals will slow the game down. I’d recommend 4/6 mediums with maybe a few 5/8s, 2/3 skills in all. The carnage should be delicious.
I had thought about better pilots but then felt like it would be a douche move next week to say, "that was just a taste. Last week you had vets and elites, 80% of pilots you use will 4/5." But your point about how missing shot after shot might be a turn off.
I have a suggestion: YOU play tanks and n00bs play 'Mechs with 1 'Mech per n00b. I recommend 'Mechs with thick armour and heavy can openers: armour prevents lucky crits to ammo bins and PPC & other hole punchers have less dice rolling than 30 LRMs or 18 SRMs. Also demonstrates 'Mech superiority against conventional forces. With Open Terrain maps you don't need to explain about elevations nor water. This has worked well for me.
That's good.... I'm going to be miserable, but that's good. >:D
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I had thought about better pilots but then felt like it would be a douche move next week to say, "that was just a taste. Last week you had vets and elites, 80% of pilots you use will 4/5." But your point about how missing shot after shot might be a turn off.
Think like a marketer. You're not looking for an experience that's perfectly representative, you're looking for an experience that ensures there will BE a "next week."
No one ever walked away from a demo chatting excitedly about how many shots they missed.
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honestly i'd start with Alpha Strike. paint up a couple companies of mechs, using basic 3025 designs would be my suggestion. enough so that each player can take a lance and ideally enough you can run 4-6 players.
if they like it you can expand to the full Alpha Strike Rules. if they want more complexity, you can suggest the smaller scale standard BT ruleset.
alpha strike lacks a lot of the bookkeeping grind that potential players often complain about when introduced to regular BT, and the games go fairly quick and fun.
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i like grinders for new players. you don't have to worry as much about lucky shots, balancing, or unfun curbstomps. your light got headshotted? have a medium! settle the score! get into the deeper aspects of the game once they're comfortable with the blow shit up component.
Agreed. I'd rather think a grinder like event, which teaches the rules as it goes, would be more attractive to bring in new folk.
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I might have missed it, are you running TW or AS?
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Having tried this a couple times, I'd suggest a couple other mechs.
Tempest - good mech until the torso armor comes off (So maybe not a good mech). While we look at it as a flaw, it's a good teaching mech.
Dasher H - **'goin' off the rails on the crazy train** Yeah, it might not win, but it's so decisive and the battles so short that I've seen few people complain. The fact that it almost invariably leaves deep scars even when it loses adds to the appeal.
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Agreed. I'd rather think a grinder like event, which teaches the rules as it goes, would be more attractive to bring in new folk.
yeah, learning as you go is critical instead of *infodump vomit on turn 1* Ok, let's go!
it also removes the pressure of failing. didn't know about / forgot a rule and got waxed? it's cool, try again with this bigger thing that won't die as fast if you make the same mistake again.
also make sure to use the SSW sheets with the modifiers on the side if you can.
i've run grinders with card draws where i slid printed cards into CCG sleeves. when you get a kill shot, you take their card. person with the most cards at the end of the game wins a prize.
(http://puu.sh/CtaBV/2e30517e39.png)
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You're making it too easy for these guys.
My first game of battletech was with a friend at his house. He dropped a big book on the table (which I now know was the Total Warfare) book. Said, read this, and we immediately played and setup the game while I was reading.
He set me up with a 2v1 game, giving me 2 Catapults, while he had an Atlas.
I actually ended up beating him with a lucky CT crit rolling 3 hits to the engine.
He then said "wait a sec, I'll be back" and he dropped a 400 page textbook on the desk (which I found to be Tactical Operations).
He then said "we use all the rules in there" when I asked "it says these are optional".
Long story short, we had a blast until 2 AM that next morning.
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Yeah, that sounds like a great way to get 97% of the buying public to run.
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I am going to support the Grinder idea . . .
. . . its used at the Cons for a reason. It also keeps your work to a minimum and can be pitched for excitement- most folks have played 'wave assault' style games, either on boardgames or more often on the PC and understand the objective of 'live as long as you can while killing as much as you can!' Grinders also IMO allow you to increase the excitement level- "Yeah, you killed my last mech with a 10 pt hit. But now I have a 20 pt hit! *cue maniacal laughter*" It also encourages some of the more stunning/risky maneuvers, the only time I have ever DFA'd was with a Firestarter when my wife said we had to leave our state Con, last turn so why not? I have seen people charge, ramp up their heat, or close for physicals against something you would not normally do (Hatchetman coming in obliquely on a Axeman?).
Our last state Con one of the Commandos would whip out some crazy prototype or niche design, plop it down on the table, and make it the challenge machine. Kill the whatever weird mech and win a painted Lance Pack Mini (I think it was lance pack). People were racing at that thing and killing each other to keep someone else from killing it.
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You're making it too easy for these guys.
My first game of battletech was with a friend at his house. He dropped a big book on the table (which I now know was the Total Warfare) book. Said, read this, and we immediately played and setup the game while I was reading.
He set me up with a 2v1 game, giving me 2 Catapults, while he had an Atlas.
I actually ended up beating him with a lucky CT crit rolling 3 hits to the engine.
He then said "wait a sec, I'll be back" and he dropped a 400 page textbook on the desk (which I found to be Tactical Operations).
He then said "we use all the rules in there" when I asked "it says these are optional".
Long story short, we had a blast until 2 AM that next morning.
You sound like one of the weird ones.
Welcome, you will fit right in.
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You sound like one of the weird ones.
Welcome, you will fit right in.
I laughed too hard at that: and I approve!
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Seriously though, there are some weird ones out there. You might get some interest in bringing in one of the books (if you have them). Just make sure nobody runs off with it.
Maybe you can setup a few games of assault 'Mechs, assuming they're sluggers with stuff like Gauss Rifles and other high damage weapons. Sure, the round might take a bit longer, but more destruction is fun too.
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I've run grinder at several events, and it is a great intro. I've brought in several new players with it.
And yes, occasionally I play an uber mech and challenge them to kill me. (At mech-con the bounty was a red Duke marauder poster).
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I am going to support the Grinder idea . . .
. . . its used at the Cons for a reason. It also keeps your work to a minimum and can be pitched for excitement- most folks have played 'wave assault' style games, either on boardgames or more often on the PC and understand the objective of 'live as long as you can while killing as much as you can!' Grinders also IMO allow you to increase the excitement level- "Yeah, you killed my last mech with a 10 pt hit. But now I have a 20 pt hit! *cue maniacal laughter*" It also encourages some of the more stunning/risky maneuvers, the only time I have ever DFA'd was with a Firestarter when my wife said we had to leave our state Con, last turn so why not? I have seen people charge, ramp up their heat, or close for physicals against something you would not normally do (Hatchetman coming in obliquely on a Axeman?).
The first time i grindered at Gencon, i laughed at some of the crazy antics i saw..
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And yes, occasionally I play an uber mech and challenge them to kill me.
I have done that too: Timber Wolf Prime against tech D PXH and 3 heavies
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As have I:
https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=62263.msg1429946#msg1429946
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Oh, one benefit of the grinder setup, if you give them a kill card (tracks their kills and mechs), the next time they come, if they bring it, they get to go up to the next mech in the grinder. So it encourages them to come back the next time and try out some new stuff.
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One other stray thought:
When selecting Mechs to use, for a grinder or whatever other format, you may want to err on the side of Mechs that are available in current(ish) products in the store and easier to understand on the board, than on the side of perfect mathematical fairness.
Easier to understand: The OP listed some good, basic lights, and that should be carried through as you go up in weight. Everyone here is an experienced player, but even some 3050 Clan tech can be a bit overwhelming for a brand-new player, let alone 3060+ or Dark Age tech. I've played in a few grinders which used exotic stuff like light and medium Celestials or other advanced designs as the very first Mechs a person may ever touch.
"Uh, those rules aren't that much more complicated, buddy..." Yes, yes, you're very smart, Hypothetical Person. But asking a brand-new player to remember/understand the rules for, say, a Supercharger at the same time they're learning how to turn hexsides just creates an additional barrier to entry. Plus, those sorts of additional steps may confuse them as to what the "core" game experience is, and what the extra rules are due to special equipment. "So, any time I move any Mech, I have to roll 2D6 and it blows up on a 2?"
Don't build a wall off the bat, just layer things on as you go. Repetition is more important than completeness.
Available in Current(ish) Products: I realize this is a supply-side problem, and a known problem. But when I run intro games, I try to stick to only the mins in the current intro box--and only those minis, not the limited edition, con-exclusive jumping variant or whatever.
That only allows for a universe of nine Mechs in the new boxes, I know. You could expand slightly with some of the still-available Lance Packs, or the Iron Wind Metals Mech Packs (https://tinyurl.com/BTmechpacks (https://tinyurl.com/BTmechpacks)). The idea is to not get a new player hooked with anything they can't turn around and buy as easily as possible, and to drive them toward buying minis that they'll be able to field often. It's a good feeling if, by their third or fourth game, they can say, "Hey, that's a Shadow Hawk, I know what that does!" or "Oh, a Wolverine? I do have have one of those in my box, great!"
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"Hey, that's a Shadow Hawk, I know what that does!"
"Suck and die! ;D
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One other stray thought:
When selecting Mechs to use, for a grinder or whatever other format, you may want to err on the side of Mechs that are available in current(ish) products in the store and easier to understand on the board, than on the side of perfect mathematical fairness.
Easier to understand: The OP listed some good, basic lights, and that should be carried through as you go up in weight. Everyone here is an experienced player, but even some 3050 Clan tech can be a bit overwhelming for a brand-new player, let alone 3060+ or Dark Age tech. I've played in a few grinders which used exotic stuff like light and medium Celestials or other advanced designs as the very first Mechs a person may ever touch.
"Uh, those rules aren't that much more complicated, buddy..." Yes, yes, you're very smart, Hypothetical Person. But asking a brand-new player to remember/understand the rules for, say, a Supercharger at the same time they're learning how to turn hexsides just creates an additional barrier to entry. Plus, those sorts of additional steps may confuse them as to what the "core" game experience is, and what the extra rules are due to special equipment. "So, any time I move any Mech, I have to roll 2D6 and it blows up on a 2?"
Don't build a wall off the bat, just layer things on as you go. Repetition is more important than completeness.
Available in Current(ish) Products: I realize this is a supply-side problem, and a known problem. But when I run intro games, I try to stick to only the mins in the current intro box--and only those minis, not the limited edition, con-exclusive jumping variant or whatever.
That only allows for a universe of nine Mechs in the new boxes, I know. You could expand slightly with some of the still-available Lance Packs, or the Iron Wind Metals Mech Packs (https://tinyurl.com/BTmechpacks (https://tinyurl.com/BTmechpacks)). The idea is to not get a new player hooked with anything they can't turn around and buy as easily as possible, and to drive them toward buying minis that they'll be able to field often. It's a good feeling if, by their third or fourth game, they can say, "Hey, that's a Shadow Hawk, I know what that does!" or "Oh, a Wolverine? I do have have one of those in my box, great!"
I agree with the info dump problem and that's why I'm limiting it to intro tech for the first few weeks. Minis... I don't own any, and the store's distributor doesn't have any Battletech material :-(
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So how are you representing the mechs?
I ask b/c there were some really good card board stand ups released around . . . GenCon? Hm, reminds me I still need to go print some off.
I am sure a Agent can discuss the grinder list with you, all of those mechs are picked at the levels for a reason. While yes the tech, skills and size goes up as you progress you still do have a few outliers- I want to say I drew a mostly Intro tech design assault on the 3rd Tier one time while most folks got advanced tech meds or solid heavies.
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Not in alpha strike
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Available in Current(ish) Products: I realize this is a supply-side problem, and a known problem. But when I run intro games, I try to stick to only the mins in the current intro box--and only those minis, not the limited edition, con-exclusive jumping variant or whatever.
Good point, but you may want to take into consideration about the players and their interests: when I play with anime club, I make heavy use of unseen 'Mechs because of their anime background. That is, with record sheets with pictures of relevant 'Mech made & printed with HeavyMetal Pro, and box set minis (Vindicator mini for PXH record sheet). Either that, or MegaMek on Win8 tablet.
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That's something I've been wondering about with the mechs in the beginner box.
Griffin is a good mech. It's also not the easiest mech to use, and the thought of people's first game being a Griffin hunt does not fill me with confidence in them playing again.
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Which is why mixing 2/3s and 3/4s is a better way for new folks than getting regular 4/5s- You are hitting more often and less likely to randomly fall over.
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Not in alpha strike
Why?
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Because I didn't read the last page and should have been quoting this:
"Suck and die! ;D
Shadow Hawks are fine medium mechs in AS for their cost. +2 TMM, generally will be hitting for 2 damage, and 10 structure + internals. Solid mech. :)
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Which is why mixing 2/3s and 3/4s is a better way for new folks than getting regular 4/5s- You are hitting more often and less likely to randomly fall over.
Randomly falling over is the best part though!
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So how are you representing the mechs?
I ask b/c there were some really good card board stand ups released around . . . GenCon? Hm, reminds me I still need to go print some off.
I am sure a Agent can discuss the grinder list with you, all of those mechs are picked at the levels for a reason. While yes the tech, skills and size goes up as you progress you still do have a few outliers- I want to say I drew a mostly Intro tech design assault on the 3rd Tier one time while most folks got advanced tech meds or solid heavies.
Cardboard standups. Or I've been known to print a sheet full of megamek icons, draw hexes around each, glue the entire thing to a sheet of corrugated card board and cut them out.
Are there any agents on this thread?
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Minnow, RoundTop and NeonKnight have all responded to discuss your plans and offer suggestions.
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Yep, anyone with this under the name:
(https://bg.battletech.com/forums/Themes/BTFactions/images/staff/bm_tw_tancamo.png)
Is a Demo Agent
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Because I didn't read the last page and should have been quoting this:
Shadow Hawks are fine medium mechs in AS for their cost. +2 TMM, generally will be hitting for 2 damage, and 10 structure + internals. Solid mech. :)
I learned the game on an SHD-2D2.
There is very, very little love lost between myself and the Shad. Even later models tend to be met with revulsion simply due to the name.
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That explains SO much... :D
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That explains SO much... :D
I know, right?
https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/3c71f92a-0be1-467b-9293-ff194f686146
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I am sure a Agent can discuss the grinder list with you, all of those mechs are picked at the levels for a reason. While yes the tech, skills and size goes up as you progress you still do have a few outliers- I want to say I drew a mostly Intro tech design assault on the 3rd Tier one time while most folks got advanced tech meds or solid heavies.
And this year there is a new, sixth, level to the Grinder. After the first two levels (now labeled Purple and Blue) the progression is based on tech advancement. That often parlays into larger mechs but the key qualifier is the increasing complexity of the tech on each mech.
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And this year there is a new, sixth, level to the Grinder. After the first two levels (now labeled Purple and Blue) the progression is based on tech advancement. That often parlays into larger mechs but the key qualifier is the increasing complexity of the tech on each mech.
When I adapted the grinder for my mech supply, it was very clearly set out for what weapons were allowed at each level, and it is about rule complexity. eg: Minimum range weapons are not in the first tier, but in the 2nd. Things like pulse lasers, and MRMs where modifiers are added to the target number (+ or -) were in a later tier, etc.
YMMV for it, but I suggest laying out what weapon rule types at each level, then work from there. (CDT grinder also balances with BV2 to set levels at each tier, but that is not required for your game)
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When I adapted the grinder for my mech supply, it was very clearly set out for what weapons were allowed at each level, and it is about rule complexity. eg: Minimum range weapons are not in the first tier, but in the 2nd. Things like pulse lasers, and MRMs where modifiers are added to the target number (+ or -) were in a later tier, etc.
YMMV for it, but I suggest laying out what weapon rule types at each level, then work from there. (CDT grinder also balances with BV2 to set levels at each tier, but that is not required for your game)
And don't forget, in the CDT Grinder that appears at GenCon (and other con's I'm Sure), not ALL Pilots are 4/5, some are 3/4 or even 2/3. Example, I think the Stingers are often piloted by a 2/3 Pilot.
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And don't forget, in the CDT Grinder that appears at GenCon (and other con's I'm Sure), not ALL Pilots are 4/5, some are 3/4 or even 2/3. Example, I think the Stingers are often piloted by a 2/3 Pilot.
It is all BV balanced, which is often due to the pilots. So yes, the stinger is 2/3, while the panther is 4/5. That is to bring the stinger into shouting distance of the Panther's BV2.
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When I adapted the grinder for my mech supply, it was very clearly set out for what weapons were allowed at each level, and it is about rule complexity. eg: Minimum range weapons are not in the first tier, but in the 2nd. Things like pulse lasers, and MRMs where modifiers are added to the target number (+ or -) were in a later tier, etc.
YMMV for it, but I suggest laying out what weapon rule types at each level, then work from there. (CDT grinder also balances with BV2 to set levels at each tier, but that is not required for your game)
Tournament level stuff will make appearance in the 2nd or 3rd week. For the first night, I'm going KISS. All Intro tech, SSW sheets with tables.
I haven't made my choices yet, but I'm bringing 4 lights, 4 mediums, 4 heavies, and 4 assaults. All pilots will be 2/3. Die and respawn a weight class higher.
I was thinking about NeonKnight's idea of dropping a single target with -1/-1 skill on the table, but without a carrot, I can't make that stick work. I figure a Timber Wolf Pryde could make a huge mess of things before it gets chewed to death. But alas.
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Yeah that may be something for later. Even if it’s just that the monster doesn’t show until the players have heavies at least. Solid approach otherwise.
Another idea: color code the light sheets a little.
“Ok, your weapon list is in the green box. Armor is in the big blue box. Internals in the purple box. Heat is in the red box.”
Makes things less intimidating, reduces information overload
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I settled on
WLF-1, PNT-9R, COM-2D, and VLK-QA for the lights
CLNT-2-3T, CRB-20, HBK-4G, and DV-6M for the mediums.
And because the Dervish has waaay too much SRM-2 ammo, I gave that one a ton of Inferno, also to see if anyone is paying attention. }:-)
WHM-6K, MAD-3R, TDR-5S, and CRD-3K
BLG-1G, AWS-8Q, VTR-9S, and KGC-0000
Each weight class has a mix of troopers, brawlers, glass cannons, and long range support.
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That king crab auto-wins unless you have 2 or more maps. I recommend 1 map for 4 starting players
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Most of the time I use 2 maps, typically Open Terrain ones for beginners.
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That king crab auto-wins unless you have 2 or more maps. I recommend 1 map for 4 starting players
Yeah, unless you plan to give it to the player who has been losing the most . . . I think a Banshee 3S or 3MC might be better.
Additionally, while I love the throwback to the unseen I think you should select different heavies. Probably most of them featured in TRO 3039, you only have a few mechs that do not so as a 'current' product they can leap into IMO its a good idea.
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Yeah, unless you plan to give it to the player who has been losing the most . . . I think a Banshee 3S or 3MC might be better.
Additionally, while I love the throwback to the unseen I think you should select different heavies. Probably most of them featured in TRO 3039, you only have a few mechs that do not so as a 'current' product they can leap into IMO its a good idea.
The King Crab will either be the first or the last assault on the field. If its the first, then it's going to burn a lot of ammo killing heavies. If its the last, it will wrap things up with a bang. In either case, it will teach them to respect that 9 hex bubble.
We'll be playing on the standard map, but ignore the water. Half of the other Assaults have PPCs, so the KC will have to move to the center of the field. In which case, the other players will learn to use the woods and hills.
I think you're right about too much Unseen in the Heavies. There isn't a lot of spectacular in the Introtech heavies. The Warhammer and Marauder are both near and dear. I also want to add some variety of speed. That means Exterminator, Quickdraw, Dragon/Grand Dragon or Champion. There's already a lot of PPC in the heavies, and bringing and AC/5 to this fight seems weak, so Dragon/Grand Dragon is not ideal. Quickdraw is too... something for a game like this. I'm thinking Champion, then replace the Thud with an Orion.
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I would suggest using things your prospective players can likely get . . . so a Cataphract (may still be found in Lance Pack), Catapult (GoAC box, Lance Pack & 3039), Dragon/Grand Dragon (Lance Pack & 3039) . . . and I want to say Grasshopper (Lance Pack & 3039). While I love the Exterminator its not in 3039 nor does it appear in a Lance Pack.
Here are links to some of the counters made available through BT-
https://bg.battletech.com/download/CAT3500A_BoxSet_RecordSheets_with_Counters.pdf?x64300 (https://bg.battletech.com/download/CAT3500A_BoxSet_RecordSheets_with_Counters.pdf?x64300)
Released with the announcement of the new box set-
https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33540722_10155517354268148_5249558184519008256_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=c6f2590dac16dd90c60805a725ad9e0b&oe=5CC4B401 (https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33540722_10155517354268148_5249558184519008256_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=c6f2590dac16dd90c60805a725ad9e0b&oe=5CC4B401)
Pretty sure Cubby released more stand ups going into GenCon along with those pilot cards that did not make the box but I am not going to dig back that much. I would say check May 2018 post?