Introduction to BattleTech

Bt4edUniverseCover.jpg
Introduction to BattleTech
Product information
Type Rulebook
Sourcebook
Development Bryan Nystul
Primary writing Michael A. Stackpole, and others
Pages 32
Cover Artwork Todd Lockwood
Illustrations Doug Anderson
Mike Jackson
Chris Moeller
Peter Bergting
Jeff Laubenstein
Joel Biske
Jim Nelson
Mike Nielsen
Publication information
Publisher FASA
First published 1996
Content
Followed by Classic BattleTech Universe booklet (in: Classic BattleTech Boxed Set)

The Introduction to BattleTech universe book was not a stand-alone product; instead, it was part of the completely redesigned fourth edition of the BattleTech boxed set that was released in 1996. As such, the booklet does not have its own product code, nor does it have an imprint.

The other booklets in the box were one titled Rulebook, which featured a "Credits" imprint with summary design and writing attributions for the boxed set, and a Record Sheets booklet without a cover. With the inclusion of the Introduction to BattleTech booklet, the game universe description was physically separated from the core game rules for the first time in the boxed sets. Previously, there had been only one rulebook and the universe description had been strewn in throughout the rules, or been a subsection in the rulebook. Subsequent editions would keep it separate, though the booklet underwent small changes and was retitled to "Classic BattleTech Universe" in the 2003 edition and then to Inner Sphere at a Glance from 2007 onwards.

Contents[edit]

The Introduction to BattleTech booklet is divided into five sections titled Introduction, BattleTech Quick Start Rules, A Brief History of the Inner Sphere, The BattleMech, and Technical Readout:

Introduction

This is less than half a page, set next to the table of contents.

Quick Start Rules

The Quick Start Rules take up 10 pages, and include the "First Run" training scenario. Later iterations of the boxed set would remove the Quick Start Rules from the universe book and move them to a separate booklet.

A Brief History of the Inner Sphere

"A Brief History of the Inner Sphere" includes a presentation of the Great Houses of the Inner Sphere and their rulers as of 3049, and briefly covers minor and periphery powers and mercenaries. This chapter is attributed to Michael A. Stackpole in the (other) rulebook contained in the boxed set.

The BattleMech

This section provides an in-universe description of the working principles of a BattleMech and its subsystems. It leads directly into the Technical Readout section.

Technical Readout

Appended to the preceding chapter within the book but treated as a separate chapter within the table of contents, this section offers brief Technical Readout-style write-ups for the 24 'Mechs featured in the box, each half a page long with accompanying artwork.