Optional Rules Compendium

This is a compilation of "house rules" for the BattleTech gaming system. These rules come from different sources and might not be used by your GM. If your gaming group does not use a GM, then rules can be adopted by general consensus of the players. Please note that some of these rules may conflict with each other; this list is meant to complement existing rules.  This list is based on FASA's BattleTech, not the newer version by FanPro (Classic BattleTech).
Use of the phrase "House Rules" in no way implies that the sequenced garbage played in dance clubs in the early 1990's was even music, let alone any good.

Actuators* Armour* Critical Spaces* Conventional Aircraft* Damage and Repair* Endo Steel* Ferro Fibrous* Hatchets* Heat Sinks* Misc.* Physical Combat* ProtoMechs* Quads* Weapons and Equipment
Dropships | Warships
VehiMechs | Centaurs | Spiders

Critical Spaces

see also Heat Sinks

see also Quads

see also Weapons

Endo Steel

Battlemechs constructed from Endo Steel must spread the Endo Steel critical spaces evenly. For Clan 'mechs, place one Endo Steel critical space in the major areas (torsos, arm, legs). Inner Sphere 'mechs must place 2 Endo Steel critical spaces in each major area (torsos, arm, legs). The head does not and cannot take an Endo Steel critical space, since it is not constructed of Endo Steel.
(Variation) Inner Sphere units may place only 1 Endo Steel critical space in each leg to make room for jump jets, but the other 2 critical spaces must be placed exactly opposite each other (right or left, torso or arm) This space may not be used for weapons.

Endo Steel

Critical Hits to Endo Steel Critical Spaces can be marked off as regular Critical Hits. Although this better represents the bulkier Internal Structure, it does affect gameplay by making a distinctly stronger mech. Using this rule also can more accurately reflect repair costs to advanced technology mechs.

Ferro Fibrous

Battlemechs constructed using Ferro Fibrous armour must spread the Ferro Fibrous critical spaces evenly. For Clan 'mechs, place one Ferro Fibrous critical space in the major areas (torsos, arm, legs). Inner Sphere 'mechs must place 2 Ferro Fibrous critical spaces in each major area (torsos, arm, legs, head). The head may contain a Ferro Fibrous critical space.
(Variation) Inner Sphere units may place only 1 Ferro Fibrous critical space in each leg to make room for jump jets, but the other 2 critical spaces must be placed exactly opposite each other (right or left, torso or arm) This space may not be used for weapons.

Triple-Strength Myomer

Battlemechs constructed with 3X Myomer must spread the critical spaces across the arms, legs, and side torsos, allocating one space to seach location. This reflects the lack of mobility in the Center Torso and Head.

With even placement, Triple-Strength Myomers can suffer damage like other internal components, damaging as per actuator rules.

To submit a rule for posting, e-mail Koichi (please include "BattleTech" in the subject line)

This list was compiled by Jason Caesar and Koichi Ishitandai

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