BattleTech - The Board Game of Armored Combat

BattleTech Game Systems => A Time of War => Topic started by: victor_shaw on 05 September 2019, 20:43:33

Title: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: victor_shaw on 05 September 2019, 20:43:33
So after a pretty successful Poll on Battletech boardgame preferences,
I thought it would be good to take a look at the RPG site of the community.
If you have any question feel free to respond.


P.S. I'm not going to create 50 thousand new options so if these option are just not right pick other and respond why.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: Mendou on 05 September 2019, 21:58:46
A quick note: Classic Battletech RPG is Mechwarrior Third, just with a different title. The books are otherwise identical.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: victor_shaw on 05 September 2019, 22:48:01
A quick note: Classic Battletech RPG is Mechwarrior Third, just with a different title. The books are otherwise identical.

I know, I just figured I get yelled at if I didn't put it. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: Liam's Ghost on 06 September 2019, 01:04:11
When I run a battletech RPG it's pretty much A Time of War by default, and I don't expect that to change when Mechwarrior Destiny comes out.

I'll still buy it though and add it to my collection.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: Daryk on 06 September 2019, 16:06:01
I'll give the Beta (from the Kickstarter) a read, but from everything I've read about the Cues system, I'll be giving it a hard pass.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: victor_shaw on 08 September 2019, 05:21:19
Wow two votes for MW 1.
Now that's a surprise.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: Robroy on 08 September 2019, 07:24:11
The bigger surprise to me is only 1 vote for MW2. I thought more people liked it. But then the total votes is only 21.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: Daryk on 08 September 2019, 07:30:05
I'm pretty sure we'll see more MW2 votes as time goes on.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: Paul on 08 September 2019, 09:06:46
I like the 1 vote we got for 'not an RPG player'. How did they find this poll?
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: victor_shaw on 08 September 2019, 20:55:19
The bigger surprise to me is only 1 vote for MW2. I thought more people liked it. But then the total votes is only 21.

People who say they like something is not always a good indicator of what they play.
I like 2nd edition, but chose AToW because I play that and it would take to much work to get 2nd playable in the current era.

I like the 1 vote we got for 'not an RPG player'. How did they find this poll?

I see this as just a member passing through getting a new post warring and voting.
Why he/she bothered I can't say, but the poll is open to everyone.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: victor_shaw on 09 September 2019, 20:08:30
Question to the moderator.
Is it possible to add "[Poll]" to the end of the thread title, I missed that while creating the post?
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG [poll]
Post by: Daryk on 09 September 2019, 20:17:50
You (as the OP) can edit the subject line of the first post to add that.  Similar to how I edited the subject line of this post...
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG [poll]
Post by: victor_shaw on 09 September 2019, 20:23:48
You (as the OP) can edit the subject line of the first post to add that.  Similar to how I edited the subject line of this post...

That's what I thought but can't seem to find the option.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: Daryk on 09 September 2019, 20:30:53
When you "modify" the post, just click up in the "Subject" line...  You should be able to type.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: victor_shaw on 09 September 2019, 20:32:32
When you "modify" the post, just click up in the "Subject" line...  You should be able to type.

Now I feel dumb. lol

Thanks Daryk
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 09 September 2019, 20:33:08
No problem!  And it's showing as a [poll] now too!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: beachhead1985 on 09 September 2019, 22:30:43
I actually made my own version of Mech Warrior based on MW1 called MechWarrior EZ. I play-tested it and it works great mechanically. Never got around to setting points levels for character creation though.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Lord greystroke on 10 September 2019, 10:23:03
3rd edition also know as Classic Battletech RPG is still mine and my groups go to for battletech RPG fun used to use 2nd edition but we preferred 3rd and stuck with it.

ATOW was ok but limited support didn't help it and character generation wasn't great so my group used it twice and went back to 3rd edition

hope Mechwarrior Destiny is good but doubt we will change now
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Ursus Maior on 10 September 2019, 10:26:43
Will try MW:D and strongly think about modding MW2 or Mongoose Traveller 2E for my purposes.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG
Post by: Ursus Maior on 10 September 2019, 10:28:12
The bigger surprise to me is only 1 vote for MW2. I thought more people liked it. But then the total votes is only 21.
Well, I used to play MW2, but haven't since forever 2003 or so. I liked it, although it had its pecularities. But I will give MW:D a try.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 10 September 2019, 17:34:16
Lord Greystoke: I feel sorry for your group, but if that's what they prefer, more power to them!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: victor_shaw on 10 September 2019, 18:01:01
What is interesting me most so far is that the Battletech RPG community is bigger then I thought.
And by the looks of it Mechwarrior: Destiny will be bring that number up by a lot.
Another thing I have noticed is that current RPG players have no interest in MW:D but current non-role players do.
So MW:D looks to be accomplishing its goal of being a gateway even before it is released.
It's still to early to get truly viable data, but this trend is telling
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 10 September 2019, 18:19:50
Your analysis isn't wrong, but it is based on small numbers...  :-\
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: victor_shaw on 10 September 2019, 18:50:45
Your analysis isn't wrong, but it is based on small numbers...  :-\

Hence the statement "It's still to early to get truly viable data, but this trend is telling"  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 10 September 2019, 18:51:28
Touché…  :)
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: victor_shaw on 10 September 2019, 19:39:01
Touché…  :)

 ;)
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Lord greystroke on 11 September 2019, 05:42:39
@Daryk yes it seems strange but that is only as many were put off by the generation system but for a group like mine been playing RPG's for decades a traveller like system for generation was easy for us

and characters can be made quickly after one has done it once or twice unless I get stuck in a Lyran academy again LOL joke was last time that happened my character was teaching but wanted extra credit for combined arms 
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 11 September 2019, 16:23:22
If you ever want any help convincing them to give AToW another go, just let me know!  My spreadsheet is helpful for that.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Hellraiser on 14 September 2019, 10:21:40
Where is the option to select more than one?

I've played 2 of the above.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: victor_shaw on 14 September 2019, 13:00:20
Where is the option to select more than one?

I've played 2 of the above.

The poll is not what your have played (I've played all of them minus MW:d)
It's what you currently play or plan to play.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: dgorsman on 14 September 2019, 16:19:58
Might want to reset it.  There are multiple options which were added after a fair number of people voted.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: victor_shaw on 14 September 2019, 21:15:13
I haven't added anything to it since it went up.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: victor_shaw on 17 September 2019, 17:04:01
So the poll is approaching 50 votes and the results seem to have stabilized.
With AToW as the clear leader in popularity and Mechwarrior: Destiny looking to bring in half as many more new players to the BTU RPG.
So all-in all , the plan to reinvigorate the Battletech RPG community seems to be working for CGL.
Now here's hoping that Mechwarrior: Destiny lives up to the hype and some of those players switch over to AToW.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 17 September 2019, 17:39:25
I second the hope people switch to AToW in the long term...  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: victor_shaw on 17 September 2019, 20:27:37
Still surprised that there is not a single vote for "Playing one of the above, but will switch to Mechwarrior: Destiny"
Not at all surprised by the number of 2nd ed players.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Giorgio76 on 21 September 2019, 12:21:41
The almost impossible task of buying any physical ATOW RPG products for less than $100 each on Ebay and similar sites, might be a factor as to why so many want to give MW Destiny a chance, as an actual physical product you can get without going broke. ;)
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: victor_shaw on 21 September 2019, 12:32:30
The almost impossible task of buying any physical ATOW RPG products for less than $100 each on Ebay and similar sites, might be a factor as to why so many want to give MW Destiny a chance, as an actual physical product you can get without going broke. ;)
This has been an ongoing issues due to the ongoing reprint/reissues plan, and with AToW you have to add the possible revision/new edition idea to this.
I don't see it being available for a year or more.
While I'm not a fan of PDF, this is still a path available for entry into the game.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Giorgio76 on 21 September 2019, 14:11:30
While I'm not a fan of PDF, this is still a path available for entry into the game.

The vast majority of players I have tried to recruit to play ATOW RPG immediately dismiss the game when they find out no physical core rulebook is available since 2012 and cost upwards of $100 to get on Ebay/over $200 on Amazon.
.
PDFs be damned, no physical product means the game is dead (not my view, but multiple players basically state this with their words and actions).
 
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Black_Knyght on 21 September 2019, 14:47:19
From everything I read or heard so far about Mechwarrior Destiny, I think I'll just pass. No offense intended, but not really a band-wagoner type or one of the "because Battletech" fanboys.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Robroy on 21 September 2019, 18:03:20
I have only skimmed trough the beta. The rpg mechanics is not to my taste, but the mech combat adaption might be the best yet. After I read up on it more I might consider using that in my AToW games.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Black_Knyght on 21 September 2019, 18:38:55
The vast majority of players I have tried to recruit to play ATOW RPG immediately dismiss the game when they find out no physical core rulebook is available since 2012 and cost upwards of $100 to get on Ebay/over $200 on Amazon.
.
PDFs be damned, no physical product means the game is dead (not my view, but multiple players basically state this with their words and actions).

Yeah, our group and all those who drifted in and out of it over time were all of the same mindset there.

Even on a Notepad or the like, PDFs are a pain to deal with and just catch match the appeal of an actual hands-on REAL book in your hands. And in the current state of the economy paying a small fortune just to get one is really not much of a viable option either.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Sartris on 26 September 2019, 12:24:55
despite its considerable flaws, i will always like third ed the best
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 26 September 2019, 15:36:48
That's where I'm at with regard to AToW… I've invested WAY too much time in that system to be even thinking about anything else.

On a slightly related topic, I tried another "narrative" system last night.  It was entertaining, but the lack of crunch was more than a little disturbing.  I really wish we'd played the 5th edition D&D game I was expecting instead.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: killgore444 on 18 November 2019, 01:08:31
The poll is not what your have played (I've played all of them minus MW:d)
It's what you currently play or plan to play.
I think I misread. I voted for the system I liked best and wanted to be able to play again, rather than what I play.
Change one MW 1st ed to Other [house ruled mish/mash]
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 18 November 2019, 12:19:19
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Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: BiggRigg42 on 18 November 2019, 12:20:26
I think I misread. I voted for the system I liked best and wanted to be able to play again, rather than what I play.
Change one MW 1st ed to Other [house ruled mish/mash]

I read this because I got totally excited to see a new post in the AToW section.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Dahmin_Toran on 25 November 2019, 11:52:35
I agree that the Mech Combat translation in Mechwarrior Destiny is one of the best of the versions. I also like the streamlined character generation and task resolution. That could translate very well for new players and online (i.e. Discord) play.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 25 November 2019, 18:04:42
AtoW could have done it better, but really only in the details.  The key is having a 2d6 base.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Mohammed As`Zaman Bey on 30 November 2019, 21:05:05
AtoW could have done it better, but really only in the details.  The key is having a 2d6 base.
  2d6 is why most of my players never liked playing BT RPG.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 30 November 2019, 21:06:18
To each their own, but I think the majority of BT players prefer not having to convert dice.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Mohammed As`Zaman Bey on 01 December 2019, 02:57:22
To each their own, but I think the majority of BT players prefer not having to convert dice.
  As a stand alone RPG, MW3 was a huge step forward that should have been followed by the tabletop game.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 01 December 2019, 07:53:41
I think 2d10 would have lost most of the table top players, and added very few new ones.  And seriously, MW3 character creation makes AToW look dead simple.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: lordmalachdrim on 13 December 2019, 19:11:39
We're using Traveller for everything except mech combat.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Mohammed As`Zaman Bey on 14 December 2019, 02:42:53
We're using Traveller for everything except mech combat.
  Great game system! My group played it when it first hit the shelves.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Lamont-Cranston on 03 January 2020, 22:41:44
I liked the idea of the lifepath generation in MW3 but it quickly became unwieldy across multiple books and supplements.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Panthros on 27 January 2020, 22:42:12
Hopefully the poll will demonstrate to them to put the 2nd edition of Mechwarrior up on DriveThrough RPG and their Catalyst store.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Ursus Maior on 28 January 2020, 12:23:16
To each their own, but I think the majority of BT players prefer not having to convert dice.
Absolutely. And while 2d6 is simplistic for RPG uses, other games use it as well. I'm thinking of various Traveller reincarnations, including the original and the current.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Ursus Maior on 28 January 2020, 12:24:09
We're using Traveller for everything except mech combat.
:thumbsup:

I thought about that, too. Care to share some experiences?
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Talen5000 on 11 February 2020, 05:29:33
I think 2d10 would have lost most of the table top players, and added very few new ones.  And seriously, MW3 character creation makes AToW look dead simple.

2D10 fits better with an RPG setting though, with a greater degree of granularity and predictability. There should be nothing to stop a table top gamer switch to 2D6 on the mapboard.

2D6 for the RPG can work, but that doesn't mean 2D10 isn't better
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 11 February 2020, 18:31:52
Predictability?  If you understand how a bell curve works, there's really no difference there.  Granularity is true (to a small degree), but not as important as the link to the table top.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Talen5000 on 11 February 2020, 19:17:36
Predictability?  If you understand how a bell curve works, there's really no difference there.  Granularity is true (to a small degree), but not as important as the link to the table top.

No link to the TableTop is needed.
The only thing needed is a way to convert your gunnery skill in the RPG to its equivalent in AGoAC. That affects the TNs...it doesn't affect the dice.

Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 11 February 2020, 20:53:55
The math involved in the conversion is as "intimidating" as the arithmetic involved in character creation, so I'd expect the same complaints.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Talen5000 on 12 February 2020, 02:50:51
The math involved in the conversion is as "intimidating" as the arithmetic involved in character creation, so I'd expect the same complaints.

Depends on the conversion
"Your gunnery skill in the Table top game is equal to 7 minus half your current skill level/adds, rounding up" is one subtraction that uses single digit numbers.

Similar rules could be appended to piloting, EDG, Toughness, Willpower, Tactics and so on.  A single sum is not going to be intimidating to most people. The entire thing could be handled in a paragraph or two dedicated to TTG Integration

Character creation in AToW is complicated to the extent that access to a computer and a spreadsheet program is recommended by many, with the need to keep track of scores of additions and subtractions of three or four digit numbers across several dozen stats and skills and attributes. An entirely different level of math.

Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Daryk on 12 February 2020, 04:51:39
Calculus is a different "level" of math.  Arithmetic is arithmetic.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Talen5000 on 12 February 2020, 06:14:57
Calculus is a different "level" of math.  Arithmetic is arithmetic.

Yes - and the same people who will be able to perform one sum that takes seconds without a personal computer at hand will still be deterred from performing dozens of calculations that require said computer and a spreadsheet program

The amount of math and work involved can, will and does deter people from the game. That is a simple reality and even if you are OK with the level of math during character creation, a lot of people are not. That is why spreadsheet chargen system have been made. Why they are used.
Title: Re: Version of Mechwarrrior RPG[Poll]
Post by: Paul on 12 February 2020, 08:06:01
Neither of you guys are bringing up new points. Perhaps agree that this has gone circular and move on to something else to discuss?