Humanity achieves fusion power and hyperspace jump technology in the early 2000s, enabling interstellar colonization. The Terran Alliance forms in 2086 as Earth's government begins sending slowboat colony ships to nearby stars.
As humanity spreads across hundreds of star systems, regional powers emerge:
The pinnacle of human civilization ā a unified government uniting the Terran Hegemony and the five Great Houses under one banner. For nearly 200 years, humanity experienced unprecedented peace, prosperity, and technological advancement.
Under Star League rule:
Nearly 300 years of brutal warfare among the Great Houses. Entire planets are depopulated. Advanced technology is lost as factories are destroyed and knowledge fades. Civilization regresses. This is the "LosTech" era ā where finding a functional Star League-era weapon is priceless.
In 3049, mysterious forces attack the Inner Sphere's rimward borders with superior technology and genetically engineered warriors. These are the Clans ā descendants of Kerensky's SLDF who left 250 years ago. They've come to conquer their birthright.
After the Exodus, General Kerensky's followers settled beyond known space. His son Nicholas Kerensky reformed them into 20 Clans ā warrior societies based on:
Totem: Wolf
Style: Tactical, pragmatic, willing to work with Inner Sphere
Notable: Wolf's Dragoons (secret Clan scouts) revealed to be from Clan Wolf
Totem: Jade Falcon
Style: Aggressive, traditional, crusader mindset
Rival: Bitter enemies with Clan Wolf
Totem: Jaguar
Style: Brutal, least honor-bound, war crimes common
Fate: Eventually destroyed by Inner Sphere counter-invasion
Totem: Ghost Bear
Style: Methodical, family-oriented (for Clans)
Notable: Eventually settles in Inner Sphere peacefully
Five noble families rule the Successor States, locked in perpetual conflict over who will restore the Star League (with themselves as First Lord, naturally).
Capital: New Avalon
Culture: Feudal-democratic, stratified warrior elite, preach equality but maintain hierarchies
Reputation: The "good guys" of the Inner Sphere
Military: Aggressive firepower doctrine, favor autocannons and heavy armor
Color: Blue and gold
Capital: Tharkad
Culture: Merchant origins, wealthiest state, German-inspired
Reputation: Rich but militarily incompetent officers
Military: "Throw money at problems" ā highest proportion of Assault 'Mechs, massive firepower
Color: Blue and white
Capital: Luthien
Culture: Highly authoritarian Japanese-inspired feudalism, no pretense of democracy
Reputation: Honorable warriors, brutal oppressors
Military: Bushido warrior code, emphasize close combat
Color: Red and black
Capital: Atreus
Culture: Parliamentary democracy, most fragmented internally
Reputation: Politically unstable but economically diverse
Military: Well-rounded combined arms
Color: Purple and white
Capital: Sian
Culture: Authoritarian Chinese-inspired, most repressive of Great Houses
Reputation: Smallest but scrappiest, masters of espionage
Military: Rely on special forces, Death Commandos, and dirty tricks
Color: Green and red
BattleMechs are 20-100 ton bipedal war machines, the kings of the battlefield. Here are the most legendary:
The ultimate terror weapon. Skull-shaped head designed to break enemy morale. Heavily armed and armored. If you see an Atlas, you're in trouble.
Weapons: AC/20, LRM-20, SRM-6, Medium Lasers
Energy weapons powerhouse. Twin PPCs make it feared at range. Classic design from the Star League era.
Weapons: 2x PPC, 2x Medium Lasers, SRM-6
Distinctive "chicken walker" design. Twin PPCs and autocannon make it a long-range nightmare.
Weapons: 2x PPC, AC/5, 2x Medium Lasers
Fastest 'Mech in common use. Lightly armed and armored, but incredibly fast. "Shoot and scoot."
Weapons: 2x Medium Lasers, Machine Guns
The "floppy-eared" missile boat. LRM batteries mounted on distinctive shoulder pods. Succession Wars favorite.
Weapons: 2x LRM-15, 4x Medium Lasers
Versatile workhorse. Good armor, balanced weapons. Reliable and mass-produced. The "AK-47 of 'Mechs."
Weapons: Large Laser, LRM-15, SRM-2, 3x Medium Lasers
THE iconic Clan 'Mech. Featured on box covers. Inner Sphere forces nicknamed it "Mad Cat" for its confusing sensor signature. Modular weapon pods allow rapid reconfiguration. Superior Clan tech makes it devastating.
Primary Config: 2x ER Large Lasers, 2x LRM-20, Machine Guns
The Clan Atlas. Massive firepower in an OmniMech chassis. "Daishi" means "Great Death" in Japanese. Lives up to the name.
Primary Config: 4x ER PPCs, 4x ER Large Lasers, more...
Fast, flexible, and deadly. Favorite of Clan Jade Falcon. Excellent all-around performer.
Primary Config: 2x ER Large Lasers, 2x LRM-20
Light 'Mech with Clan tech punch. Common in second-line units but still dangerous by Inner Sphere standards.
Primary Config: ER Large Laser, LRM-10, Machine Guns
A Clan Medium 'Mech can often defeat an Inner Sphere Heavy through superior technology alone.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2439 | First BattleMech (Mackie) | Warfare revolutionized |
| 2571 | Star League Founded | Golden Age begins |
| 2780 | Kerensky's Exodus | SLDF leaves known space |
| 2781 | First Succession War | Civilization collapses |
| 3025 | Third Succession War ends | Classic BattleTech era |
| 3028-3030 | Fourth Succession War | Federated Commonwealth formed |
| 3049 | Clan Invasion Begins | Everything changes |
| 3052 | Battle of Tukayyid | 15-year truce won |
| 3060 | Clan Smoke Jaguar destroyed | Clan threat broken |
Advanced Star League-era equipment lost during the Succession Wars. Includes:
Finding functional LosTech is like finding a cache of medieval weapons in a post-apocalypse.
Quasi-religious organization controlling all interstellar communication via HPG (Hyperpulse Generator) network. They:
With regular armies depleted, mercenary units are crucial:
Smaller nations outside the Inner Sphere: