MechForce Quarterly

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MechForce Quarterly
Product information
Type Magazine
Author Jean Rabe
Publication information
First published 1995
Content


MechForce Quarterly (also "MechForce North America Quarterly"; not to be confused with MechQuarterly, the magazine published by the second MechForce Germany) was the quarterly newsletter of the MechForce North America fan club that ran from 1995 until 2000. It was a continuation of the earlier 'Mech (magazine). It was an official product produced under FASA's direct aegis; however, it has explicitly been declared to be not a canonical source.

Editor: Jean Rabe (1995-1999)

Issue Length: 32 pages

Vol. 1, #1

  • "From the Fifth Floor" - Sam Lewis, the president of FASA, talks about MechForce and waxes eloquent.
  • "Death From Above" - A plea for submissions from the MechForce Quarterly's editor.
  • "Get Ready for the Game Fair's Big Battles" - Take a look at FASA's BattleTech events planned for this August. And while we're at it, let's honor last year's winners.
  • "A Word From the Pit Boss" - MechForce Quarterly's reporter, Andrea, enters the Tool Chest to garner a few words of wisdom from this veteran mechanic.
  • "The Information Blitz" - Feeling a little daring? Try this scenario that pits the Wolf's Dragoons against a House Kurita force.
  • "Inner Sphere Rumblings" - Time for a few rumors and a dash of Sun-Tzu gossip.
  • "A Matter of Loyalty, Part II" - The action heats up as MechWarrior Dieter Cromby must pick a side. Will his loyalty or his heart win out?
  • "Heavy BattleMechs" - They might not be fast, but they're loaded with firepower. Here's a few tips on how to handle the big 'Mechs.
  • "Elemental Struggle" - Rescuing people from a holding facility of the Wolf Clan on Carse should be a piece of cake. Right?
  • "Featured Preview" - This summer the MechWarrior Companion hits the hobby shop shelves. Take a look at the special combat section purloined from author Bryan Nystul's desk.
  • "A Death-Dealing Duo" - The White Knight and the Combat Master are two new 'Mechs trying to muscle their way into your next BattleTech or MechWarrior session.
  • "Roll Call" - Here is a listing of the MechForce North America chapters.
  • "MechForce Quarterly Submission Guidelines" - Want to write for MechForce Quarterly? Of course you do! Here's some helpful advice on how to go about it.

Vol. 1, #2

  • "From the Fifth Floor" by Sam Lewis - FASA's President passes the torch and moves to the east coast for on-line gaming.
  • "Lock-N-Load" by Stacy Rieckermann - Your Precentor Chi introduces herself and explains some of the benefits of being a MechForce member.
  • "BattleTalk" by Bryan Nystul - Meet the man who oversees FASA's BattleTech products.
  • "Death From Above" by Jean Rabe - Contributions from MechForce authors are beginning to trickle in.
  • "A Look at Light BattleMechs" by Dan & Mike Repperger - There's a place for even the smallest of 'Mechs -- if you know how to use them.
  • "Thief in the Night" by Dan & Mike Repperger - Dan & Mike illustrate how useful light 'Mechs can be with this sample scenario.
  • "C4K-4D Cricket" by Dan * Mike Repperger - With this light BattleMech, a refit of an old design, Dan & Mike prove it doesn't take a lot of tons to pack a punch.
  • "Battlefront Byline" by B.B. Kittey - Fasten your eyes on this riveting report by our war correspondent.
  • "BattleTech Tournaments" by Bill Corey II - Want to host a 'Mech tournament? If so, listen to these words of advice from an expert judge.
  • "A Glance at Medium BattleMechs" by Dan & Mike Repperger - These 'Mechs have firepower, can move quickly, and can be put to good use if you follow General Cassandra's instructions.
  • "Blitzkrieg" by Dan & Mike Repperger - The Reppergers offer a scenario designed for medium 'Mechs. Don't try it unless you're tough.
  • "The Pioneer, Foxhound, and the ThunderBird" by Dan & Mike Repperger - These medium 'Mechs might be refits, but they're clean, mean, and ready to take on the enemy's machine.
  • "Star League BattleMech" by Andrew Norris - We've covered light and medium 'Mechs, so here's a heavy to round out the issue -- the Renegade.

Vol. 1, #3

  • "Lock-N-Load" by Stacy Rieckermann - Basic Chapter Information
  • "Death From Above" by Jean Rabe - A fond look at the Game Fair's BattleTech Arena.
  • "Widow's Web" by Mike Nelson - Take a stroll on the Net for some great BattleTech material.
  • "A Missive to the Precentor" by David Andrade - A glorious and a disturbing chant recorded for posterity.
  • "I Hate Drops" by Frank Crull - One MechWarrior's tale of planetside struggle.
  • "Drop to a Devastating Battle" by Frank Crull - Play the scenario from "I Hate Drops."
  • "Annihilator IIC and Wolverine IIC" by Frank Crull - Try your hand piloting these new Clan 'Mechs.
  • "Hunting a Pirate" by Michael Rupp - In this no-holds-barred scenario, two dozen 'Mechs slug it out.
  • "Apollo: Memory of Yesterday" by Samson Okalow - Looking for Jewell in the snow - a short story about a war-ravaged heart.
  • "SCT-45 Scout" by Mike Nelson - Recon work is safer using this 'Mech's design strengths.
  • "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain" by Cody E. Helm - A sunny afternoon of miniatures battles.
  • "Bandit Biographies" by Chris Hussey - Take a look at the rough side of the Periphery.
  • "Inner Sphere Rumblings" by Felix McGlaughin - The rumors fly and the gossip's thick, but there's some truth to be found.
  • "Roll Call"
  • "Record Sheets" by Tracy Kannarr and FMS Techniques, Inc. - WT6-KNT White Knight and CMM-A1-FC CombatMaster. These 'Mechs are from issue #1.

Vol. 1, #4

  • "Death From Above" by Jean Rabe - The gauntlet is thrown down to our chapters.
  • "Quartermaster's Catalog" by Gerald L. Hall - MercNet presents things that go boom.
  • "Dispossessed" by Willi Burger - Try your hand at this scenario that takes you from a MechWarrior establishment called Sam's Place to a BattleTech battlefield.
  • "Inner Sphere Advances" by Patrick Hall and John Zettel - This experimental weaponry could give your 'Mech the edge it's looking for.
  • "The Iron Cheetah" by David Briedis - Speed is the component in this new OmniMech.
  • "The Cornered Cat" by David Briedis - Play this BattleTech scenario designed to test the Iron Cheetah.
  • "Modifying Miniatures" by David Briedis - Model kits, household junk, and spare parts can craft mean-looking 'Mechs.
  • "Heart of a ROM Agent" by David Andrade - A lost undercover operative refuses to be forgotten.
  • "Bandit Biographies" by Chris Hussey - Downloaded information gives a look at the rough side of mercs.
  • "Khan's Chronicles" by Michael Campbell - Take a read through this tale within a tale.
  • "ComStar BattleMech" by Andrew Norris - The awesome Odin could be the next generation of BattleMechs.
  • "Trial of Grievance" by Hugh Browne - Hugh Browne tells us about the great battle.

Vol. 2, #1

"Thunderbird Scenario, Long Range Tactics"

Vol. 2, #2

"Revenant Scenario, The Gauntlet Solo System, Constructing DropShips"

Vol. 2, #3

"Border Run Adventure, Prowler"

Vol. 2, #4

  • "Farewell MechWarriors" by Stacy Rieckermann - The Precentor Chi I bids a fond goodbye to MechForce Quarterly.
  • "Death From Above" by Jean Rabe - A contest of contests, and memories of a smile.
  • "The Widow's Web" by Mike Nelson - Our columnist reviews the Slayer's BattleTech page.
  • "An Objective Contest" - Here are the winners and honorable mentions from our first MechForce contest.
  • "Marauders and Pulse Lasers" by Andrew Norris - One MechForce member offers his opinion on a 'Mech and weapons.
  • "Designing 'Mechs" by Richard Hamer and Darrell Castillo - The mission plays an integral part in the design of a 'Mech.
  • "Preview a page out of Free Worlds League" [Preview of Field Manual: Free Worlds League]
  • "Private Battle" by Susan Huntsman - One MechWarrior's tangled memories add to the mystery in Solaris City.
  • "This Side of Combat" by Susan Huntsmann - A one-on-one 'Mech battle in the river challenges the best of players.
  • "Another Patrol" by Bradley William Wood - "Outnumbered and outgunned, a MechWarrior tries to warn her unit of an upcoming strike."
  • "Choppers and Hovercrafts and Tanks, Of My" by Chris Hussey - "Two new choppers and a pair of hefty hovertanks are waiting to join your stables.
  • "High Mountain Drop-Off and More" by Chris Hussey - The Quarterly offers two scenarios to test the choppers and hovertanks.
  • "Jokers Wild" by Dean Davis - One undercover operative gambles his life in a shady operation.
  • "Chapter Challenge" by the BC Legion - Test your knowlege of trivia and graduate to the Intelligence Director level.
  • "The BattleTech Museum" by Randall Bills - BattleTech Miniatures are catalogued by MechForce's Precentor Martial.

Cover: B&W Illustration of an Orion under attack by Clan Elementals.

Vol. 3, #1

"BattleTroops Scenario, MechWarrior Scenario"

Vol. 3, #2

"BattleTech/MechWarrior Chaos March Adventure"

Vol. 3, #3

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  • "From the War Room" by Beryl Turner - It's the end of the year and time to discuss goals and expectations and stuff.
  • "Death From Above" by Jean Rabe - Our editor shares her insights on unused or unwanted games and what can be done with them.
  • "Double Blind-sided: An Interview with Loren Coleman" by Mike Nelson - The second of our "Fireside" series of interviews with BattleTech authors. This quarter, Mike gets into Loren's skull and shows us what he found.....Yeccch!
  • "QuarterMasters File" by Gerald Hall - The Blast Pack: Something to give Inner Sphere BattleArmor that extra "oomph" in the field.
  • "Out of the Ceiling" by Janet Pack - This story, set in the Periphery, shows that being "over the top" can be a good thing....
  • "MechForce Special Preview" - Here's a sneak-peek at the new game MechCommander!
  • "The Cutting Edge" by Harris Finn - From the game pits of Solaris, new add-ons that could make or break a victory in the arena.
  • "Widow's Web" by Mike Nelson - Our resident Cybernaut's been at it again. And what he's found this time is a doozy!
  • "Robbing from the Cradle of Humanity" by Nadin Brzezinski - This story demonstrates the effects of a new device on captives. For use in your MechWarrior campaigns.
  • "The S4-21 Sai" By Gerald Hall - The debut of a new AeroSpace fighter. Check it out.
  • "From the MechForce Showroom" - New 'Mech designs for optional use in your BattleTech game.
  • "Notices and Announcements" - New product releases, tournament winners, the Fall Quarter Standings, new chapter listings, and the MechForce Classified section.

Vol. 3, #4

UNKNOWN

Vol. 4, #1

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  • "Death From Above" by Jean Rabe - Jean reviews Winter Fantasy, gives some sage advice for prospective MFQ writers, and more...
  • "From the War Room" by Beryl Turner - Precentor Turner asks, is it "How" you play the game or how "You" play the game?
  • "1998 Origins Awards Ballot" - Here's your chance to let your voice be heard by the bigshots in the gaming industry. Your vote is your voice. Vote today.
  • "Battlefield Recovery" by Christopher Trossen - This is a discussion of the principles of getting your wounded and damaged equipment off the battlefield safely.
  • "The Fifth Succession War: The Beginning" - War has broken out across the Inner Sphere and...you are the combatants! See the current results of your battles and activities in MechForce.
  • "From the MechForce Showroom" - New 'Mechs and Vehicles for your game, including two from the upcoming BattleTech Technical Readout: 3060.
  • "Zulu Amabuthu II" by James Patterson - After taking Styk as per the Captain-General's orders, the Zulus held the world. But, there's trouble back at home....
  • "BattleTalk" by Bryan Nystul - After cajoling, threats and brutality, Bryan's decided to sit down and write to you guys. Who says violence doesn't solve anything.
  • "MechForce Update" - New information to bring all members up to date, including new 'Mechs for play and a standing list of all actively participating members.
  • "Notes and Announcements" - New product releases, convention listings, and a few announcements. Also, a listing of days and times for BattleTech events and seminars for all the cons we're attending this summer.

Vol. 4, #2

"Field Manual - Warden Clans Preview, Mechs in the Dungeon, New Ammunition"

Vol. 4, #3

UNKNOWN

Vol. 4, #4

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  • "Convention Calendar" - This summer is filled with conventions; hope you can join us!
  • "Death From Above" by Jean Rabe - A harsh look at onionskin paper.
  • "Journey's End" by Jason Schmetzer - Fighting Demons in the Chaos March is a physical and mental struggle.
  • "BattleTalk" by Bryan Nystul - "This issue the Primus gives you his view of MechWarrior 3rd Edition RPG!
  • "The Ranger Company" by Bryan Cochren - How to build an effective C3 Company.
  • "Arena Time" by Susan Huntsman - MechWarrior Nichole is searching for her past, while her present is very much in jeopardy.
  • "Convention Report" by Nadin Abbott - There was Magic and Warhammer and BattleTech aplenty at California's Orccon.
  • "Combat Drop" by Gerald Hall - Battle armor troops must worry at the Clan forces...and try to stay alive in the process.
  • "BattleTech Tournament Rules" - Check out the new BattleTech tournament rules and be prepared!
  • "First Time at the Controls" by Nadin Abbott - Veteran MechForce author, Nadin, took up an editor's challenge: what's it like to pilot a 'Mech for the very first time?
  • "Tactics" by Nadin Abbott - Take this author's advice and you might survive your next battle.
  • "The Fifth Succession War Continues" - What has occurred in the Inner Sphere in the past three months?
  • "MechForce Top 50" - The top fifty ranked BattleTech players ... are you on the list?

Vol. 5, #1

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  • "Roleplaying 'Mech Combat" - An exclusive sneak peek at MechWarrior's Guide to Solaris VII
  • "Death From Above" by Jean Rabe - Conventions, contributors and submissions, oh my!
  • "Decipher to Purchase FASA" - Read the official version of the news.
  • "Discontinued 'Mech Miniatures List" - Find out which 'Mechs you need to have!
  • "Quantum Bandits" by Mark "Jaeger" Garlauskas - Let's take a fresh look at an old MechForce chapter.
  • "Origins and Gen Con Conventions" - Take a look at the winners of these tournaments.
  • "Star Dogs" by Janet Pack - A washed-out MechWarrior discovers his chance to be a hero - with the help of his four-footed friends.
  • "The Hidden Wars" - The BattleTech developers take to the field.
  • "News Flash" by Warner Doles - Our correspondent reports on an exciting Internet slugfest between the FASA crews and the BattleTech IRC Strike Force.
  • "MWII to MW3 Conversions" - Rules for converting your MechWarrior II characters to the new version of the MechWarrior roleplaying game.
  • "Mountains from Styrofoam" by Melvin Frank Darbe - Don't want to shell out the big bucks for prepackaged terrain? Buy some Styrofoam and make your own mountains and lakes.
  • "The Fifth Succession War Continues" - What has occurred in the Inner Sphere in the past 3 months?
  • "MechForce Top 50" - The top 50 ranked BattleTech players ... are you on the list?
  • "Roll Call" - Where are the chapters?
  • "BattleTech Licensee Release Schedule" - Find out what is new under the sun for BattleTech.

Vol. 5, #2

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  • "Battle With A Purpose" by Kevin Highlander - An all-day BattleTech event is held to honor a good friend.
  • "Death From Above" by Jean Rabe - Musings of game companies, conventions and the new MechWarrior game spill from the editor's keyboard.
  • "Unknown Quantities" by Jason Schmetzer - One man's war could spell doom for a brotherhood of friends - or could spur a large-scale rebellion.
  • "Add A Dash of Spice" by Timothy Croyle - The husband takes a close look at varying ground troops.
  • "With This Ring" by Michelle Croyle - The wife examines the game.
  • "MechWarrior Campaigns" by Gerald Hall - Okay, so you like BattleTech. MechForce regular Gerald Hall thinks you'll like the roleplaying companion game as well. He encourages you to give MechWarrior 3 a try and offers a few character-building suggestions.
  • "Pinpoint Accuracies" by Mike Selinker - A battle in the Free Rasalhague Republic becomes a tale of two warriors.
  • "Equipment Locker" by Chip Burcham - Here's a few new toys to try in your next BattleTech game. But be careful, they're still in the testing stage.
  • "Beginnings" by Buster G. McCall - A tense battle in the belly of "the serpent" leads to success, respect, and perhaps a new beginning.
  • "Walking Wounded" by Pat Dillon - The wine is not so sweet in a vineyard in the Chaos March.
  • "ComStar Archives" by Randall Bills - The Precentor Martial gives you the lowdown on the Essen game show.
  • "TekTeam Services" by Gerald Hall - A team of technicians has grown from humble beginnings to a force with firepower.
  • "AeroTech 2 Preview" - A sneak peek at AeroTech 2.
  • "BattleTech Licensee Release Schedule" - Find out what is new under the sun for BattleTech.

Vol. 5, #3

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  • "MechWarrior 3rd Edition" by Nadin Brzezinski - This lady is hooked on this game. Take a few GM pointers from her.
  • "Death From Above" by Jean Rabe - There is no chivalry when 'Mechs slug it out on the kitchen table.
  • "The Prodigal Daughter" by Gerald Hall - There is little civil about war when 'Mechs and tanks vie for a town.
  • "Retreat!" by Chuck Gillies - Sometimes running away - or at least backing up - can lead to victory.
  • "The Bigger They Are" by Darrel Castillo and Richard L. Hamer - Sometimes they really do fall harder. Read the story and play the adventure.
  • "Replaying the Giant Killers" by Darrel Castillo and Richard L. Hamer - It packs a punch - and then some!
  • "Falling" by Nadin Brzesinski - Battlefield promotions are bittersweet.
  • "A Long Way From A Single 'Mech" by Michael Mahoney - A long-time player puts in his proverbial two cents about playing BattleTech through the years.
  • "Ambush at Bandit's Bane" by Jason Schmetzer - If you walk into an ambush, can you walk out victorious?
  • "Xenophobe" by Jeffrey Witthaur - One very powerful woman with very powerful fears can spell the doom of a Clan.
  • "The Blair 'Mech Project" by Jeffrey Smith - Take a read through this twisted tale of missing men and abandoned 'Mechs
  • "Field Manual: Federated Suns Preview" - A sneak peek at the Field Manual so many have been waiting for.
  • "BattleTalk" by Bryan Nystul - The future of BattleTech revealed!
  • "BattleTech Licensee Release Schedule" - Find out what is new under the sun for BattleTech.

MechForce Manual (1st Edition)

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  • Introduction
  • MechForce Ranked Battles
    • Combat Values
    • Damage Control Master
    • Battle Report Master
  • MNA & FASA Tournament Rules
    • BattleTech Tournaments Overview
    • BattleTech Open
    • Gunslinger Tournament
    • Trial of Bloodright
    • MNA Regional District Map
    • MNA Regional Listings
    • MNA Tournament Request Form
    • Convention Support Form
  • 'Mech List
    • Light 'Mechs
    • Medium 'Mechs
    • Heavy 'Mechs
    • Assault 'Mechs
  • Vehicle List
    • Light Vehicles
    • Medium Vehicles
    • Heavy Vehicles
    • Assault Vehicles
  • Standardized Map Sheets
    • Map Sheet Key
  • BattleTech Compendium Errata
  • BattleTech FAQ Sheet
  • MNA Submission Guidelines
  • BattleTech Licensees
  • MNA Membership Application

MechForce Manual (2nd Edition)

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  • Introduction
  • Ranked Battle Scoring
  • Battle Value System
  • Battle Report Master
  • MechForce Ranks & Ranking System
  • The MechForce Universe
  • MechForce & FASA Tournament Rules
    • BattleTech Tournaments Overview
    • BattleTech Open
    • Gunslinger Tournament
    • Trial of Bloodright
    • Grand Melee
  • MF Regional/International District Map
  • MF Regional/International Listings
  • Convention Support Form
  • Battle Value Tables
    • 'Mech List
    • Vehicle List
  • Standardized Map Sheets
  • BattleTech Compendium Errata
  • BattleTech FAQ Sheet
  • MNQ Submission Guidelines
  • BattleTech Licensees
  • MF UK Membership Application
  • MF G Membership Application
  • MF S Membership Application
  • MF Membership Application