A common joke in the Lancer community is that new GMs like to outright ban a manufacturer from their games (usually HORUS, the esoteric hacker collective) without fully understanding the implications. The reasoning is that the developers designed Lancer’s “Big Four” mech manufacturers to coexist in the same game. Therefore, removing a manufacturer from the […]
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(Part of my Modular Objectives series. Prototype Pattern Groups includes the latest version of these rules.) As mentioned, modular sitreps may be combined into a single, multi-stage sitrep. Budget both total Duration and Enemy Forces for the combined sitrep as follows: By default, follow initial Deployment for the first of the two composing sitreps (if
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(Part of my Modular Objectives series. Prototype Pattern Groups includes the latest version of these rules.) Negotiations have broken down. Subdue the opposing force before they cause irreparable damage. Quell models situations when the PCs attempt to outright subdue an opposing force through a combination of violence and coercion. It may be used in place
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Or: “How to play a Demolisher on Holdout.” From my post on the Six Combat Roles of Lancer, it may be tempting to think Rearguards simply plant their butts on a defensive point and never move. However, such a strategy proves toothless when a Rearguard is on offense, such as attacking players in Holdout sitrep.
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I dislike Lancer’s Overcharge mechanic. This post may prove controversial, but I have struggled with Overcharge for a while. For those unfamiliar, Overcharge allows players to take an additional quick action on their turn by increasing their mech’s Heat. Other tactical TTRPG systems like D&D 4e and 5e offer extra actions, but only once every
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Lancer implements “wound”-like rules for when a mech suffers damage or strains their reactor. However, if a mech is unlucky, these “wounds” can cause them to lose a turn, take double damage, or destroy them outright. While many players in the Lancer community find these consequences acceptable, this system has prompted others to develop more
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(Part of my Modular Objectives series. Prototype Pattern Groups includes the latest version of these rules.) Command can’t get a visual on the objective — you’re going in blind. You know what to do once you find it. Triangulate models situations where the PCs Search for an objective purposefully hidden from them. It is a
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(Part of my Modular Objectives series. Prototype Pattern Groups includes the latest version of these rules.) Folks are depending on this medicine shipment. The corpo who owns it won’t give it up without a fight. Transport models a situation when the PCs attempt to move an object valuable to their enemies across a dangerous location.
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(Part of my Modular Objectives series. Prototype Pattern Groups includes the latest version of these rules.) The opposing force possesses materiel we don’t want them to have. Seize the assets by force. Seize models situations when the PCs attempt to wrest control of strategic objects or locations through sustained application of force. It may be
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(Part of my Modular Objectives series. Prototype Pattern Groups includes the latest version of these rules.) The surface-to-orbit cannon is charging, but only if its batteries remain intact. Keep the enemy away! Fortify models situations when the PCs attempt to retain control of strategic objects or locations despite mounting hostile pressure. It can be used
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