Glossary

The content of this Glossary is canon. This glossary lists items found in canon BattleTech universe so to allow players reading the fan articles on this wiki be able know the differences from canon and fan made articles. It provides information to readers whom maybe unfamiliar with the genre and needs a quick references to canon universe. There will be some links to the actual canon article found on the canon BattleTech Wiki, Sarna.net.

A

 * Aerospace Fighter : This is a form of trans-atmospheric combat vehicle, which can fly in a planet's atmosphere on in space. It powered by fusion power planet can achieve great speeds. Like all combat vehicles with fusion reactors they, have can be equipped with array of weapons and need heatsinks to regulate the heat generated by these powerful systems.


 * Aff (Slang) : This is a Clan term meaning, Affirmative or Yes.


 * Age of War : This was designation for early time period (sub-era of Star League Era) where mass colonization and formation of early interstellar nations formed and fell with rapid uncheck warfare which razed many wars. During this time period, BattleMechs were introduced changing warfare. This unrest time period would end when the Terran Hegemony mediated treaty to lessen the harshness of the war and eventually lead to formation of the massive interstellar nation known as the Star League.


 * Air Mech Mode : This is a state where a Land-Air Mech is reconfigures/transforms/changes into a hybrid of Aerospace fighter & still retains arms and legs of a BattleMech. While not fastest form, of the three configurations it can changed into, it allow maximum movement on ground and above it. Giving it unmatched maneuverability and speed.


 * Amaris Coup (Event) : A turning point in the Star League Era, where Stefan Amaris would befriend young fatherless Richard Cameron turn Star Lord of the Star League and assassinate him to take thrown for himself. Having placed his army in key positions in the Terran Hegemony, he would claim mantle of the Star League for himself. However, the SLDF would fail to heed to Amaris's demands and turn might of Armies of the Star League Defense Force against Amaris's own Rim World Republic and forcefully take it over. Marking beginning of the Star League Civil War, where General Alexandr Kerensky would grind through occupied Hegemony only to rush it's demised after Amaris years of abuse it's worlds.  In the end, Star League would be destroyed and Hegemony with it. Not wanting his forces to fall pray to warring Star League Member States, and he would lead the SLDF into Exile into the Deep Periphery. Marking the end of the Star League Era and the beginning of the deadly Succession Wars.

B

 * Battalion : A medium size formation found in Battletech, this is usually consists of 3 companies worth of combat units (BattleMechs/Combat Vehicles) where, infantry and other traditional troops number may vary. Typically this formation is commanded by an officer rank as Major, usually requires three Union-Class Dropships to transports (if combat vehicles/Mechs are used.)


 * BattleMech : This is a Robotic Combat Vehicle, which is typically piloted by a pilot known as a MechWarrior. Considered to be ultimate combat machine, it can have range forms from human like two legged machine, strange three legs, or have four legs not unlike a horse/dog. It comes with array of weaponry and typically is powered by Fusion Reactor. They can weigh from 20 tons to 200 tons. This is primary unit used in the BattleTech Universe.


 * BattleTech : Name of the Tabletop franchise started in 1984. Originally of a box set, this has spun array of various games, fiction and more. BattleTech can also refer to (in game) as technology of Battle.


 * Battle Armor : This is a form of personal infantry Armor that is mechanically enhanced with added strength, protection, and firepower so to better counter large threats such as BattleMechs. Originally created by the Star League for it's Special Operations teams, the concept would be better refined by descents of the SLDF, the Clans. Later after the Clan invasion in 3049, new Battle Armor is created by the Inner Sphere powers.


 * Binary : This is a Clan military formation consisting of two Stars of troops commanded by a Star Captain.

C

 * Capellan Confederation : They are the smallest of the major interstellar nations of the Inner Sphere. Ruled by their Chancellor, the nation is governed with a caste system not unlike ancient Japan. Also known as House Liao (the principle family name of their rulers) The nation is heavily influenced by Chinese/Russian culture.


 * Casper : Casper (formerly known as the M-5 Casper) was a SLDF Drone WarShip built to defend the core of the Inner Sphere near and around Terra. Built into a hull of a Lola III-Class Destroyer, the vessel had firepower of a large vessel. Using special AI system and automated systems, the ship would be guided by itself or be guided by Drone control system from larger facility or ship. The ships were ultimately turned against their own masters, due to a coupe of the Star League, the large portion of the Star League's Navy would be destroyed as they fended of their liberation from Stefen Amaris and his Rim Worlds Republic forces.


 * Concord of Kapteyn : This was a treaty sign in 3022 by Capellan Confederation, Draconis Combine, and Free Worlds League. Brokered by ComStar, this was intended as an alliance to counter the pending merged of the Federation Suns and Lyran Commonwealth into a super state later known as the Federated Commonwealth. The treaty ultimately was interstellar failure of diplomacy due to lack trust of all three Succession Houses when the Armed forces of both the Federated Suns & Lyran Commonwealth conquered large number of worlds between the two nations allowing them to have unified and secure border.


 * Clans : They are a descents of the Star League Defense Force (SLDF) which left the Inner Sphere in wake of Civil War that essentially destroyed the Star League. These descendants became a Warrior Culture, which was shaped by the son of the last commander of the SLDF. Nicholas Kerensky divided remaining SLDF forces under his command into Twenty Warrior Clans, which to bring about new form society. Structured not unlike Communist and Caste systems and focus around Honor. Each Clan resolves conflicts amount themselves called Trials, which winner achieves whatever goal they sought and losing party must honor the out come unless they wish to trial to refute the out come. Their culture's ultimate goal is reform the Star League, with their supreme leader, the ilKhan, ruling it. There have been 22 Clans (originally 20) including; Clan Wolf Clan Jade Falcon Clan Steel Viper Clan Wolverine Clan Ghost Bear Clan Snow Raven Clan Blood Spirit Clan Star Adder Clan Goliath Scorpion Clan Jade Wolf Clan Nova Cat Clan Sea Fox/Diamond Shark  Clan Stone Lions Clan Mongoose Clan Fire Mandrill Clan Burrock Clan Ice Hellion Clan Cloud Cobra Clan Widowmaker


 * Clan Invasion : 1) Military Invasion which began in 3049, where the descendants of the self-exiled Star League Defense Forces would return in massive invasion which would result in taking quarter of spiral-ward portion of the Inner Sphere into the divided territories of the Clans invaders. 2) The beginning of a new era for BattleTech, named Clan Invasion Era. There Era spans from 3049 to 3060.


 * Clan Tech : This a technology developed by the Clans of Kerensky during the 28th Century to 31st. Technological improvement grow vastly more with the Clans verse the Inner Sphere which lost considerable technology during the Succession Wars Era. Typically Clan Tech is sought out due to the increase damage and weight savings of compariable weapons used by the Inner Sphere and technology developed by the Star League. Only the Clans were able to produce this technology. It would not be further available to Inner Sphere powers by the 32nd Century.


 * ComStar : This is was organization that was originally created by the Star League Counsel after the Star League Civil War as caretakers of the massive interstellar communication arrays known as HyperPulse Generators. The HPG Network allows communications between the stars. As centuries past, in effort to sustain itself from onslaught of the violent Succession Wars, ComStar turned to a religious dogma in order to prevent secrets of its technology to leak out and provide integrity to the organization with hidden goal restoring the Star League under it's direct control. Hidden until the 31st Century, was the ComGuard. The Armed forces of the ComStar, virtual army not unlike the Star League's SLDF of old, which would play prominent role in stopping the the Clans from taking the Inner Sphere. It would be 3050s ComStar would sudden be sundered into two factions, ComStar being one withou the religious trappings and one imbedded it named the Word of Blake (WoB) which would set for final showdown by 3070s where a very weaken ComStar would fight with rest of the Inner Sphere against the WoB after trigging conflicts of the Jihad Era. The organization itself began in 2785 and ended 3150 after its bankruptcy when a Hyperpulse Generator Network was sabotaged causing communication blackout through out the Inner Sphere, better known as Gray Monday. ComStar's slow demised over few decades would ushering new age of conflict known as the the Dark Age.


 * Combat Vehicle : Combat Vehicles are more traditional ground vehicles used for combat in the Battletech universe. They evolved from normal combat vehicles used since the 20th Century on Earth. Like BattleMechs, they can equipped with array weapons and armor. They were sidelined as leading combat vehicle when BattleMechs were invented, however they continue to support and be used in battle. These are family vehicles broken down to sub types based on their propulsion system. A Combat Vehicle must be under certain weight class for Combat types.


 * Circinus Federation : In canon is a Periphery nation which is situated on "western" part of the Inner Sphere's borders of the Lyran Commonwealth and Free Worlds League. The nation culturally seen as a pirate nation, was taken over by the Word of Blake in 3060s, and was destroyed by the end of the Jihad by mainly fragmented forces of the former Free Worlds League.


 * Custer (Clan) : This is third largest combat formation used by the Clans. Clusters consists of usually 3-5 Tinaries or 3-5 Binaries, Supernovas, and/or Supernova Trinaries. This size formation usually commanded by a Star Colonel.

D

 * Davion : The main ruling family name of the ruling Princes & Princess of the Federated Suns. The family known to be the primary movers in the politics of the Inner Sphere. There are splinter off of the family, including Steiner-Davion, whom went on to directly & indirectly influence nearly every major nation in the Inner Sphere.


 * Draconis Combine : This is the of one the major interstellar nations of the Inner Sphere located Northeast of Terra/Earth. Draconis Combine is a communist style nation, which whom culture is heavily influenced by pre-World War II Japan. They are generally ruled by House Kurita (family) and their supreme leader known as the Coordinator. The soldiers of the nation follow strong Bushido/honor not unlike Japanese Samurai culture once followed.


 * DropShip : DropShips are the most common interplanetary spacecraft with the ability to land on surface of a planet or other type of object. They largely employed as form of transports for civilian or military equipment. They range from 500 tons to maximum of 100,000 tons. These ships come in two forms, Sphereiod (circular/ball shaped) or Aerodyne (like a plane, with wings).  DropShips can externally dock with interstellar spacecraft known as JumpShips, to allow them to travel across the Inner Sphere. Prior to the modern JumpShips, DropShips were restricted to the maximum weight of 5,000 tons due to limitations of Primitive JumpShips.

E

 * Elemental : 1) This is a generically engineered human intended for infantry world created by the Clans. They are extra large humans, sometimes seven feet tall, with massive muscles and highly intelligent. They typically are associated with use of Battle Armor, a type enhanced powered combat suit. 2) Type of Medium sized Clan Battle Armor, which is the standard model Battle Armor for Clans to deploy.


 * Era : Era is measurement of time in the BattleTech universe, where measured amount of years/centuries is labeled due to a significant historical event that accrued during this time period. Time is also broken up by "Sub-Eras" which has major event that warrants notice within the Era. Currently the canon Battletech Universe has 7 known eras.
 * Star League Era - Age where the rule of the Star League, it's dominance of all humanity from it's formation and it's downfall.
 * SubEra - Age of War - Early Time period the where all Inner Sphere powers fought for dominance and formation of the major as the newly formed Terra Hegemony forms
 * Succession Wars Era - The centuries of war which destroy much of the technology advances made in the Succession War as all the major nations war for dominance and ultimately control of the Inner Sphere to reform a new Star League under their rule.
 * Clan Invasion Era - Time period that the Clans, descendants of the Star League self-exiled armed forces returns in form of Warrior ruled Clans to conqueror the Inner Sphere and restore the Star League.
 * Civil War Era - All major Inner Sphere powers turn on each other.
 * Jihad Era - Second Star League, which was formed to defeat the Clans and maintain peace in the Inner Sphere is dissolved due to the events of the Civil War Era. The Word of Blake, their main purpose to reform the Star League goes on blitzkrieg and strikes capitals and major industries of the Inner Sphere in attempt restore the lost League and carve new nation at center of the Inner Sphere for themselves.
 * Dark Age Era - This time period where the newly form Republic of the Sphere is formed and governors in the name of peace until 3132. This is when the Inner Stellar communications network is destroyed, causing the Inner Sphere to turn from peace to war . Causing old rivalries and ambitions pent up from 70 years of peace to turn malevolent.
 * SubEra - Republic Era - Formation of the Republic of the Sphere and wars it fought in early days to establish itself and the moves try to stabilize its nation and promote peace across the Inner Sphere.
 * IlClan Era - Manifest destiny of the Clans is fulfilled, where one Clan takes Terra forming the IlClan, the replacement for the fallen Star League.

F

 * Federated Commonwealth : Was a interstellar nation superstate that existed during the 31st Century in 3028 til 3067. Second largest interstellar state of the Inner Sphere since the Star League. The nation consisted of two existing Succession Houses, House Steiner & House Davion. Briefly merged with the heir of Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner (now Steiner-Davion) being head of the new nation. Known also as the FedCom, the Fourth Succession War declared in 3028 at marriage of Hanse and Melissa as part of plan to allow both states to merge with borders secure and sunder any nation that stood in it's way. By 3057, enemies of the FedCom mounted a invasion that would destroy region linking House Steiner and Davion. With the House Steiner half of FedCom declaring it's independence from FedSun half, calling itself the Lyran Alliance, lead by Katherine Steiner-Davion.  Archon Katherine (Styling herself after grandmother as Katrina) would take over the House Davion half with her bother, the Archon-Prince Victor Steiner-Davion, leading the reborn 2nd Star League against the Clans.  On his return within few years of abuse to his people on both sides, Katrina, tyranty growing, Victor would declare war, gathering forces under collective name of Federated Suns, stating FedCom was dead. By 3067, the FedCom Civil War was over, with both nation states with new leaders and FedCom dissolved.


 * Ferro Fibrous : Ferro Fibrous (Abbreviated as FF Armor) is a type combat armor used on various type of ground and aerospace vehicles. While not stronger than Standard Armor, it is lighter. This allows for additional heavier equipment to placed in a unit which has it. Trade off is the armor takes up room inside (critical spots) which cuts down on number things that may be mounted on the vehicle. There are other types of FF Armor, such as Light Ferro Fibrous armor and Heavy Ferro Fibrous armor.


 * Federated Suns : A interstellar nation founded in the (southeast) of the Inner Sphere. Open culture, capitalist nation, which has French/British influences in their culture.


 * Federated Suns : See Succession Wars


 * Free Worlds League : A interstellar nation founded in the (southwest) of the Inner Sphere. Open culture, capitalist nation, which has Greek/Indian influences in their culture. Originally a democratic nation, ruled by a Parliment, the nation politic's is highly fragmented, in cases of emergencies, the Captain-General is given powers to rule the country. However centuries past, the position became semi-permanent.


 * Fusion Engine : This is the principle power source used by all combat units (Mechs, Aerospace Fighters, Combat Vehicles (Tanks), WarShips,) in the game that has room to fit it. A form of Cold Nuclear Fusion,this is a type of "Safe"/Low Radiation power source.  They vary in size with engine/power ratings.  There are four variations of this type power source aside from the standard fusion engine; Light Fusion Engine (Lighter than standard engine, allows more speed and weight savings to add equipment.), Extra Light Fusion Engine (Known as the XL Engine, it is similar to the newer Light Fusion Engine, but its weight savings takes extra room. Notorious known for taking up room in the side torso of 'Mechs, making them more vulnerable being damaged/crippled.), Compact Fusion Engine (Also known as Compact Fusion, it is heavier than standard engine, less vulnerable to being damage.) The Clan versions of the XL Fusion is not easily crippled by engine damage.

G

 * Galaxy (Clan) : This is the largest military formation the Clans fields. Each Galaxy typically consists of four to six Clusters. Usually commanded by a Galaxy Commander.


 * Gauss Rifle : This is a ballistic weapon that uses series of electromagnets to propel solid nickel slugs long range at targets. It was made with both Inner Sphere and the Clans technologies. Typically it can be used on all combat type units in the game that can fit it. There are variants of this style weapon system; Light Gauss Rifle (Long Range, less damage), Heavy Gauss Rifle (Medium Range/Short Range with heavy damage when in close range), Improved Heavy Gauss (Slightly Less Damage than Heavy, however high damage at all ranges.), Naval Gauss Rifles (Large scale weapons only mounted on WarShips, with three size-types).


 * Great Refusal, The (Event) : This is an series of combat trials fought between nations of the Inner Sphere against the Clans in Trial of Refusal over the invasion of the Inner Sphere in the year of 3060 on the Clan's capital world in Clan Space, Stacha Mechy. The outcome would result in the ending of the invasion of the Clans, but does not prevent them from carrying out their war against the Inner Sphere.


 * Gyro : A device used in BattleMechs to regulate their means of standing like normal human. When destroyed, a BattleMech is unable to walk.

H

 * Heatsink : This is a device that regulates heat in a various fusion power machines found in the BattleTech universe. Often associated with BattleMechs or devices that creates high rate heat from using energy base applications. This is similar to a automobile's radiator, they govern fluids through them which can be toxic.


 * Heatsink, Double : Variant of the standard Heatsink, this version doubles efficiency of cooling effects for a machine's heat issues. Prototype and earlier version of this device are sometimes known as freezers.


 * Hyperpulse Generator : Better known as the HPG. This is a specialized technology which allow gravity pulses to be sent through hyperspace to allow communication between the stars. The technology is related to JumpShip's K-F Drive. A HPG is capable of sending message not unlike the Telegraph, but with more advanced ones using visual recordings, however very expensive. Most common HPG is planet base, named a HPG Station. The HPG Station consists of massive control dish which it must align itself planet or orbital body which has another Hyperpulse Generator Station. There are different grades of these stations which handles message traffic. Basic communication is text, while higher grade is video messaging, while in very rare occasions, highest grade of stations can be made create a Real Time communication, but disrupts message traffic tremendously due main power, and individual stations needed to make the connection. Clans and the Star League developed smaller Mobile HPG


 * Hyperpulse Generator Network : This a massive network of HPG Stations build and used by Star League and more notably ComStar throught the Inner Sphere. The Clans also maintained it's own network of HPGs, some more advanced and not connected to older Inner Sphere Network.

I

 * IlClan : This is designation for Clans of Kerensky of the one Clan that shall lead others. To designated the IlClan, this clan would need to conquer Terra, which would usher the reestablishing the Star League by conquest of the Inner Sphere.
 * IndustrialMech : This a civilian type of 'Mech, intended generally for commerical uses or non-combat labor. Typically these machines are powered by Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) and usually are fitted with industrial grade armor which isn't as strong as standard armor found on BattleMechs. However, they can be armed in desperate situations. Mechs modified in this fashion are designated with MOD (if their formerly civilian models), signifying it's a armed IndustrialMech. However, planetary militias do field what term as purpose built MilitiaMechs, which are low-tech combat mechs, which use heavy industrial armor and added military grade equipment which are more survivable than IndustrialMechs retrofitted with weapons.


 * Inner Sphere : This is given name of the BattleTech universe's setting in side the Milkyway Galaxy. Not consisting of entire galaxy, however, a massive part of it. Anything beyond heart interstellar civilization is considered to be Periphery and the Deep Periphery.  After certain point in BattleTech's universe, most deep space exploration & mass colonization on whole ceased. Center of the Inner Sphere is Terra (Earth).


 * Iron Womb : This is the name for the device that used to birth the Clan's genetically engineered Humans as possible Warrior candidates. The devices maintained by Clan Scientists using the DNA of previous genetically Blood-Named Warriors who earned right to contribute their genes to creating new generation of warriors.

J

 * Jihad : This was a time period of war (3067 to 3081) in the Inner Sphere where the Word of Blake. Tech-influence religion faction angered with collapse of the Second Star League, would launch strikes at all the major capitals of the Inner Sphere and engineered sub-factions to fight one another. In meanwhile, they would make their own land grab forming a new nation in center of the Inner Sphere, with Terra as it's capital.


 * JumpShip : A form of Starship used by Human civilization in the BattleTech Universe. The ship final component of a 2 segment transportation system. They can not move quickly in normal space, require stay in area without any gravitational influences. These ships use massive amount power which they need to leap between measurement of distance to reach their destination instantly. However, they must use massive solar sails to recharge their batteries. In some cases special batteries can be added to allow a double jump. JumpShips since destructive Era of the Succession Wars, JumpShips are fairly rare, near taboo to destroy due to loss of means building them in large numbers.

K

 * Kapteyn Accords : See Concord of Kapteyn
 * Khan : Highest rank of a Clan. Lesser ranks include, saKhan (second in command), and ilKhan, highest rank of all Clans.
 * Kurita : Family name of Ruling Family of Draconis Combine.
 * KLONDIKE, Operation : Early Succession War Era military operation (war) in the Deep Periphery. The operation was when the first generation of the Clans, formerly SLDF, wage war against rebellious factions had formed in the original settle space of the Star League in Exile, Pentagon Worlds. This is operation where the Clans cement their control Pentagon worlds, placing the settlement in warrior-centric culture envisioned by founder Khan Nikolas Kerensky.

L

 * Liao : Ruling family of the Capellan Confederation.


 * Lyran Commonwealth : A major interstellar Nation of the Inner Sphere, located the northwest from Terra/Earth. A highly capitalist nation known to value wealth.  Ruled principally by Steiner family. The Lyran culture has normatic/german influences.

M

 * Machine Gun : Standard ballistic weapon used to kill infantry type and low armor targets. Unchanged from it's creations since the 20th century. Maximum range of 90 meters (3 hexes), these weapons are prone to causing the user mech being destroyed due to ammunition explosion. There are three variants of the standard Machine gun; Light Machine Gun (longer range, less damage), the Heavy Machine Gun (less range, more damage).


 * Mech : Slang for BattleMech or OmniMech


 * MechWarrior : The official title of individual who pilots a BattleMech or OmniMech for combat purposes.


 * MechWarrior: Dark Age : This was a collectable game miniatures tabletop game devised by WizKids in 2001. The company was founded by BattleTech co-creator Jordan Weisman. The game was set in 3132 in the BattleTech universe, was largely a new time period yet explored by the original gameline which was frozen in 3067.  Weiseman revived original Battletech tabletop game, allowing it to continue. Game would cease being made by bankruptcy of the company however, the original Tabletop game would continue and move into the what term as Dark Age Era (3085-3150) time period and absorbing much of miniatures and fiction MWDA game created.


 * Mercenary : A soldier for hire, whom can acquire great wealth. Typically they form mercenary companies, formed around combat vehicles and more commonly BattleMechs.


 * Myomer : This is a artificial muscle which used in 'Mechs, Battle Armor, and medical applications such as replacement limbs for people.

N

 * Narc Missile Beacon : Homing system which comes in a form of a type missile launcher/missile system. When a Narc missile strikes it's target, it acts as a radio beacon to draw in specialized long-range missile (LRM) ammunition to increase probability of the them to hit. Ammunition used can also feature an explosive verses a non-damaging homing device. Guardian ECM Suite can jam the signals of the Narc however, does not prevent the variant explosive type from detonating.


 * Neg : A Slang found in Clan culture for Negative, which was originally a military term for No.


 * Neurohelmet : This is a helmet used by MechWarrior to allow a BattleMech and other vehicles to take advantage of a Human's sense of balance to allow it move with more accuracy. A neurohelmet uses person's inner ear/sense of balance for any kind of 'Mech from not falling over while moving. This operates in addition relying on using a Mech's Gyro. These helmets are bulky and are placed over the shoulders as well as the pilot's head. These helmets have been known to be used with pilot of other vehicles such as AeroSpace Fighters.


 * Niops Association : This is a tiny space nation lying on edge of the Inner Sphere. The single star periphery nation is noted for being hold out colony of the original Star League, having retained much of the the scientific knowledge lost during the Succession Wars, while avoiding hidden agenda of ComStar to eliminate all high technology for their long term plans to "save" the Inner Sphere from itself with their secretly long held knowledge of Star League Technology. The Niops however is resource poor nation, never employed anything larger to be a threat or to spread technology it long since held.


 * Nova (Clan) : This is a small Clan combined arms formation where two different types Stars consisting typical of BattleMechs/OmniMechs and Elemental Battle Armor are assigned together. This type formation is commanded by a Star Commander (sometimes referred to as a Nova Commander or Nova Star Commander) This formation trains to work together support each other in combat. Larger version of this formation is known as a Supernova.

O

 * Outreach : The famed world of the Wolf's Dragoons during the 31st Century, which during their rule during the century prior to the Jihad, was a mercenary world. A place where mercenary soldiers make contracts and sell their services to any who wish to hire them.


 * OmniFighter : These are highly modular version of the AeroSpace Fighters. With alotted tonnaged dedicated to weapons or specialized equipment for their choosen missions. Similar in nature of modularity to the OmniMech, these modules are referred to OmniPods. Unlike conventional vehicles, refit to different "Configuration" suiting the missing, only takes matter minutes than hours or days.


 * OmniMech : This is modular version of the BattleMech. Where refitting changing out weapons and equipment on a BattleMech means redesigning the Mech, taking considerable amount of time to do. OmniMech uses OmniPods which are containers that allows weapon or equipment plugin into the OmniMech in short amount time. Typically due to balance issues (weight or game balance) OmniMechs usually patterned amount of "configurations" weapons usually found on a OmniMech per model or class of mech. OmniMechs themselves, have fix amount of weight of Podded equipment they can carry based on their size and allotted room. Equipment that cannot be moved, that is permanent to the OmniMech is usually referred to fixed equipment. OmniMechs are knowns to require more maintenance than normal BattleMechs (this was game mechanic to balance out differences between OmniMechs and standard BattleMechs.)

P

 * Periphery : Region of Space that borders the Inner Sphere, where host of smaller nations or independent worlds exists. Largest of these nations were the Rim Worlds Republic, Magistracy of Canopus, and the Taurian Concordat. This region is regarded backwater of humanity, with less technology advanced and wealth in comparison to the nations residing in the Inner Sphere.


 * Protomechs : This unique type of 'Mech which are economically small in comparison to 10 to 13 meter tall BattleMechs. A Clan type of Mech, not unlike Ultralight BattleMech in weight. These Mechs can range from 5 to 15 tons. With any ProtoMech 10 tons to 15 tons are considered to be "Ultra Heavy". The heaviest of ProtoMechs are nearly on par with the abilities and firepower of a light BattleMechs. Pilots of these machines require special surgery and special cocktail of drugs allow them to interface with these mechs. When used by the Clans, ProtoMechs operate in groups of 5 in formation known as Point, like Battle Armor employed by the Clans. While inexpensive, these 'Mechs are unpopular due to shortening of the lives of the pilot and psychological issues they develop.


 * Pentagon Civil War (Event) : This was conflict fought by five original worlds settled by the SLDF in region known as the Pentagon Cluster in the Deep Periphery. War was fought by ethnic groups who were reclaiming their old Inner Sphere heritage. The chaotic conflict forced the majority of the armed forces of the SLDF retreat to  Strana Mechty, one of the then colony worlds This retreat was called the "Second Exodus" which was implemented by Nicolas Kerensky. The War provide a convinent means for Kerensky reform Star League  in Exile into the Clans. As the Clans were forming, the Pentagon War fragmented society greatly on the 5 worlds of the Cluster, reducing them to mix of primitive technology and warring states. The situation would not be resolved until the Clans had fully formed and returned invade and force Clan way of Life on to the people of the Pentagon. Its suspected that the war itself was engineered by Nicolas Kerensky.

Q

 * Q

R

 * Recognition Guide : Recognition Guide (RG) is Clan name for the Technical Readout publication used identify combat & civilian machines/mecha/vehicles/etc in the BattleTech Universe. The term was first introduced at beginning of the IlClan Era


 * Regiment : This is a large military formation, where units within this formation number (108 BattlMechs or Combat Vehicles). Usually formation this size require at least 4 assault size DropShips to transport, such as Overlord-Class DropShip.


 * Rim Collection : In canon, this is originally a seven planet/star system Periphery nation that lies on the "western" border of the Lyran Commonwealth. Small nation that first formed by planets centuries before were part of the Rim Worlds Republic but abandoned during early Succession Wars after the commonwealth's invasion. Formed in the 3060s, as form of mutual defense against pirates,it's most notable factor is it's military is main force consists of a mercenary unit named Able's Aces, which has based itself in the nation as it's primary defender and aids in raising local planet militias to defend each world of the collection.


 * Republic of the Inner Sphere : This is a nation that was formed after the defeat of the Word of Blake in 3081. Formation of the Republic came about by the influences of David Lear and Devlin Stone, the general whom lead coalition forces to defeat manic Blakist. The Republic in the canon universe stood from 3081 to 3150.  They were largely free and capitalist multicultural nation, which was twp branch government of Senators and Paladins whom all answered to the Exarch. Elements people of all factions in the Inner Sphere would join the nation until it's demise at hands of the Inner Sphere based Clans.


 * Rim Worlds Republic : This is was a large expansive nation that exist along "North-western" regions of Inner Sphere's Periphery region. The nation streches along the Border with the Lyran Commonwealth. This was a largest known Periphery nation that existed from Age of War Era to end of the dawn the Succession Wars. Its leadership at the end of the Star League Era committed hostile take over of the Terran Hegemony and left nation open to invasion by SLDF. Disarmed by era's end, the nation would mostly taken over by the Lyran Commonwealth while it's outer borders wither away into pirate states, while others would disappear due lack of support.

S

 * Sibko : This a group of children (natural born or artificially grown via Ironwomb) which are raised to be potential warriors in Clan society. Many cases they have a harsh uprising depending on the Clan, to make them best possible warrior for whatever Clan they were born into. Those who fail tests and trials, would be regulated to other casts depending on their temperaments intelligence and physical attributes. Freeborns or naturally born children are not normally raised this way due to most clans & scientist preferences in creating children from the DNA of success blood-named warriors. Sibko of children from blood of deceased or successful warriors is one primary goals among Bloodname Warriors.


 * Steiner : The ruling family of the Lyran Commonwealth/Lyran Alliance.


 * Star League : This largest interstellar nation created by mankind. Fusion of alliances between the major Inner Sphere nations lead by Terran Hegemony. The nation waged war against minor nations outside the Inner Sphere, known as the Periphery States. The war was used to fuse the early shaky alliance of Inner Sphere nations into more fused nation. However, after successful conquest, centuries would past and discontent would rise among the League's member states. Betrayal of a leader of the Periphery State, kill the Star Lord of the League, taking throne in a coupe for himself. A civil war would be wage by the League's Armed forces commander General Alexandr Kerensky and ultimately devastating the Terra Hegemony and lead to break up the League's itself.


 * Star League Defense Force : Better known as the SLDF, this was the armed forces of the Star League, where they would form giant armies and navy to maintain peace and stability among the League members. However, following the Star League Civil War, the League would fall. In order to preserve the League in some form, the SLDF would go into exile into the deep space.  The SLDF would under go a social/political transformation into a multi-Clan of nations who manifest destiny is to reconquer the Inner Sphere and reforge the Star League under their control.


 * Structure (Component) : The structure is component of a combat machine's chassis found in BattleTech. The bones of the vehicle so to speak. BattleTech units use different kind chassis per type vehicle it is (BattleMech, Combat Vehicle, Aerospace Fighter, VTOL, Space Station, and WarShip). However, the base line chassis is called "Standard" or "Standard Structure", while on flying or Aerospace vehicles is refer to as Structural Integrity (SI). Difference is how much weight for it allowed on the vehicle (Parts of the vehicle) and how much durability vehicle can take if damage destroys a vehicle/mech's outer armor. There are different types of chassis; Standard, Endo Steel (more weight, less room for parts), Endo Composite (Better weight savings, takes less room, however more expensive, rare, availability varies from Jihad/Dark Age Eras and beyond), Reinforced, and Composite (Lightest, takes less room in criticals, double damage when hit directly.)


 * Succession Wars Era : This is name for time period that covers two centuries of brutal fighting in after math of the fall of the Star League. Series of wars is played out from 2785 to 3049 where members of the former Star League fight for domination of the Inner Sphere, with dreams of it's leadership to be named the next Star Lord. There were four wars which this time period gets its name, while smaller conflicts are also fought before end of the 3049, when the Clans invaded the Inner Sphere.


 * Succession War, First : This was first war of the Succession War era, where all five remaining Star League member state, at the peak of the their military build up and technology unleash total warfare against each other. This would the conflict where brutal strikes each other left millions dead from worlds being annihilated from devastating planetary bombardments and use of nuclear weapons. By the end of the conflict a considerable amount of factories are destroyed and technology levels of all the combatants begins to slide downwards, with countless millions dead on all side, what was former Terran Hegemony lay in ruins as mass land grab among other moves.


 * Succession War, Second : Mere decades after the First Succession War, the Second would begin. The remaining forces with enough military strength and consternation Star League level technology is thrown in to final throws of battle for domination in effort try make gains before the mighty nation is expended. This is era where Star League technology levels would go extinct, where last of the Inner Sphere's WarShips would be lost in efforts hold one another off from tipping tables to the other winning a conflict before troops make their land fall.


 * Succession War, Third : This is a war would lasts centuries. However, during this time period, the Inner Sphere's Succession States as they would become to be known as would only periodically muster enough BattleMechs and troops to casual raids for resources and rarely launch massive invasion troops mustering beyond a Regiment (105 BattleMechs). Considered to be raid wars, where only company of 12 'Mechs would use try to acquire fleeting resources found and ever increasing rare technology.


 * Succession War, Fourth : The final Succession War in name and the shortest one, with war being fought from 3028 to 3030. This would be war where Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth would commit to alliance to merge their states into nation not seen since the fall of the Star league. Where they would Federated Suns conduct massive invasion into the Capellan Confederation and Lyran Commonwealth would move towards Terra cutting into the Draconis Combine and Free Worlds League where they would secure the borders between the two nations. The three other Succession States having formed an written document forming alliance known as the Kapteyn Accords, failed to work together to prevent Federated Commonwealth from forming, resulting Capellan Confederation being cut in half, leaving the Free Worlds League in chaos.


 * Squadron : Typically as Squadron is formation of 6 aerospace or conventional fighters or even VTOLs combat units. However, this term can be applied to other vehicles such as rare Large Naval Vehicle or WarShips.  These types of units seldom appear beyond the Succession War Era due to the devastating losses to vehicles and means of producing them.


 * Star (Clan) : This is a Clan formation consisting of 5 points of troops. Usually large units such as BattleMechs / OmniMechs only 1 unit per Point in a Star, while smaller combat units such as Combat Vehicles or Aerospace Fighters will number 2 units per. Infantry or Battle Armor troops will number 25 troopers per Star, broken to 5 troops per Point of such a formation. A Clan star is commanded by a Star Commander. Large formations consisting of multiple Stars, the overall commander becomes a Star Captain (2 Stars or Three). Naval Star is formation of Large AeroSpace vessels, such as DropShips or WarShips. Each point of the 5 points of the Star consists of single unit (DropShip or WarShip).  JumpShips do not operate in Stars normally.

T

 * Tank : A type of Combat Vehicle, sometimes referred to as Armor/Armour.


 * Technical Readout : This a type of in-universe publication (actual table top published source book) which acts as a guide to civilian & combat units ('Mechs/vehicles/aerospace/battle armor) that appears in the BattleTech Universe. These guides, are published names are traditionally use game year or Era its representing. Example "Technical Readout: 3025" or "Technical Readout: Succession Wars". Some specialty publications of this kind do not use year/era reference as part of their name, but by what focus of the publication. Such as "Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex" which specialized on civilian type vehicles or secondary vehicles on frontline combat units.


 * Technology : BattleTech organizes Technology in game levels (which changes per Era due to the length the game's universe history), which extends over a 1000 years. Two major meta group factions have their own technological levels, the Inner Sphere and the Clans. However, technology is also different per time spans / eras and is measured as such. There are four official technology levels and one unofficial.  This is breakdown of these levels. It should be noted that, game since forming 1985 has different ways measuring technology. These technology level were setup and reflect game rules of what grade of equipment could be used. Please see the canon wiki for more details on the subject Technology Levels and here for Rules Levels.  Below is breakdown on basic current groupings.


 * Primitive Technology - This is beginnings of galactic wide technologies, still more advanced in some cases from 20th Century Earth. Primitive describes technologies and equipment (mainly military) which are the prototypes to technology found in modern eras. Primitive also can be classified as Industrial/Commercial since its used by civilians verse military. Early AeroSpace based vehicles, ground based vehicles including 'Mechs of both Industrial & Battle variety, as well early weapons. Many these weapons are also prototypes which have negative effects or less than effective abilities. While not cutting edge, this technology is also classified as Experimental Technology


 * Standard Technology - This is sometimes referred to as Level 1 in older rules, this is better known as Inner Sphere Standard. This is baseline technologies used during the Succession Wars Era and during the earlier Age of War Era. Technology here is baseline used in the BattleTech as of game year 3025 till 3050.


 * Clan Technology - This is technology solely developed by the descendants of the SLDF based on older Star League Technology
 * Advanced Technology - This is higher grade of weaponry which is by all counts cutting edge. Both only available in limited numbers or have high cost in currency or game Battle Values. WarShips are considered to be Advanced Technology in the game due to difficulty building them and the technology used to make their Interplanetary Engines.


 * Clan Technology - Clan Technology is superior to the Inner Sphere's tech, like Inner Sphere Advanced, Clan Technology Advanced is has limited availability while virtually impossible to obtained by Inner Sphere factions in 31st Century when Clans first appeared.


 * Star League Technology - Star League Tech was form of advanced tech only available to the Star League and later ComStar until the 3040s when Helm Memory Core was discovered allowing Inner Sphere factions once again access to Advanced Technology.


 * Experimental Technology - This is highly technology, high expensive and rare. While normally cutting edge, not completely perfected. Earlier technology such as Primitive is classified as experimental due to beginnings of technology was primitive and not fully perfected (Standard Inner Sphere).


 * Terra Alliance : The Terran Alliance was 1st interstellar nation formed by Human kind. Center on Terra, the democracy lead nation would usher age discovery with invention of the K-F Jump Drive, creating countless worlds across space. However, as humans colonized space, old political unrest continued on Terra, created divisions among it's political standings, eventually leading to isolationist taking over the leadership of the Alliance and cutting off most it's colonies encircling Terra. As Terra turned on itself ending in a Civil War, it's own military would turn it's guns against the unstable democracy in a coupe lead by Admiral James McKenna. This coupe would form a new nation with limited elections called the Terra Hegemony.


 * Terra : This is name used for Earth in the BattleTech universe. It is center of all human culture and once the seat of power for Terran Hegemony, later the Star League, ComStar, and Republic of the Sphere. For most of it's existence, it has been the mostly the most technology world in human space. In later eras, Terra would be again the capital of the Republic of the Sphere and ilClan's version of the Star League.  Only casually the name "Earth" has appear in canon which directly refers to the planet itself.


 * Terra Hegemony : This was the 2nd interstellar nation to form centered on around world of Terra. Lead by the Director-General, the nation was quasi-Monarch (Director-General) and mix regional governors and elected Hegemony Congress. The nation would become force to be reckoned with, after the fall of the Terran Alliance, reclaiming center of what be known as Inner Sphere. The nation would be host nation of the Star League, until it's end in 2781 due a Civil War.


 * Trinary : This is a Clan military formation consisting of three Stars of troops. Typically of Clan formations usually stays consistent with same type of unit (Mech/BattleArmor/Infantry/Combat Vehicle/Fighters). This formation is commanded a Star Captain. Combined arms version of a Trinary include a Supernova Trinary, which includes Star of two different type of troops, typically Mechs and Elemental Battle Armor. However, other types units may mixed per point.


 * Triple Strength Myomer : Better known as TSM, this is a type of 'Mech Muscle used on BattleMechs, that can increase physical strength and speed of a BattleMech should right temperature be reach while operating. Created in the early 31st Century by House Davion scientists, this technology did not get perfected until much later in the century. Originally vulnerable to gases which break down the myomer, standard version requires a player/pilot to fire weapons or regulate their 'Mech heat in order to activate the TSM.


 * Touman This is formal name for Clan Military force as a whole. The entire army. Inner Sphere militarizes referred to their armies as Armed Forces of (nation name). Clans use the term to refer to the entire military force.

U

 * Unit : This singular combat vehicle/mech/aerospace fighter/Battle Armor Squad (4 men)

V

 * VTOL
 * This is type of Combat Vehicle which is basically a type Helicopter, however vertical Launch able can Aircraft be also designated under this type of designation.

W

 * Wars of Reaving : This is Clan major conflict fought in between 3067 to 3081 by Clans based in the Clan Space (Kerensky Cluster & Pentagon Worlds). This is a conflict fought unlike any other war fought by the Clans. Where in parallel to the Inner Sphere's Jihad conflict, the Wars were focusing on removing influences of Inner Sphere, cleans the Home Clans being "Tainted".  The war was fought without Rituals nor without Honor, where Total Warfare (nothing holding combatants back) ravaged worlds and peoples of the Cluster. Where remaining clans were be forced to be exiled, ravaged, or destroyed completely with remaining people of former Clan sterilized.  The Dark Caste, the shadowy outcasts of Clan society rise in arms, with Scientists who in secret alliance tried to over turn rule by the Warriors of the Clans.


 * WarShip : This is a rare type of JumpShip, which can move between planets unlike normal JumpShips. Armed with array of massive weaponry, that can destroy anything they encounter smaller than themselves. Incredibly costly to make and maintain, technology know how to build them is fleeting (due to the focus of the tabletop game on ground combat and BattleMechs).


 * <span id="Watch, The">Watch, The : The Watch is the designation for the Clans spy service, a shadowy organization that is not revered by the Clans but necessary together intelligence on likely revivals and enemies of it's Clan. They do investigation work as well as police not public spoken of due lack of honor.


 * Word of Blake : This is religious political organization first formed within the ranks of ComStar, the maintainers of the Inner Sphere's interstellar communication. Known for their fanatical devotion to the teachings of its founder Jermony Blake, the WoB would evolve into force of it's own once ComStar faced the Clans in 3051, when in 3054 the WoB itself and it's sub-political components would divorce itself from ComStar due to its change of becoming non-political identity. It would eventually retake Terra for itself, and lead charge reform the Star League at the cost massive war when the quasi 2nd Star League collapsed in 3067. Ultimately leading to it's demise in 3081 and it's members hunted down by the Inner Sphere and Clans a like.

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