Taken from the BattleBlog entry by Herb Beas

...To introduce the nuts and bolts of it here, as anyone who’s been following the Jihad story arc knows, there has been an increasing appearance of mysterious Word of Blake troops called the Shadow Divisions. These hyper-elite troops boast the best in Blakist gear, devastating skills, unwavering fanaticism, the cybernetic implants of the Manei Domini—and (best of all) a unique color scheme that sets them apart from the plain-white parade colors of the standard Word of Blake Militia troops.

Yes, for a change, we don’t have to paint all our Blakist units “WoB-White”; now we have a choice! Since the appearance of the first described Shadow Division—Avitue’s 44th Shadow on New Avalon (in Steve Mohan’s “Isle of the Blessed” BattleCorps serial)—we’ve seen quite a buzz from the fans about the Shadow Divisions, and many miniatures players (or good ol’-fashioned collector-painters) have been chomping at the bit to see more of these uniquely colored units. This only became more pronounced when the “Case White” serial came out (describing the 51st Division on Terra) and cover for Jihad Hot Spots: 3072 went up (where folks saw the scheme of Apollyon’s 52nd Shadow; an image that sent chills down my spine the first time I saw it, even though I had a hand in almost every step of designing that scene…). Note: Well before this point, I had already sketched out the colors and logos for all 12 Shadow Divisions, but didn’t much consider how we could debut them all without spending inordinate time on them in every first sighting....

Read the rest of the BattleBlog on ClassicBattletech.com

Read the BattleCorps News Article

View the Miniatures on Camospecs.com

FanPro is pleased to celebrate the release of Total Warfare to retailers. The first core rulebook in the comprehensive re-branding of Classic BattleTech: from its new look, to its products, to the way in which rules and sourcebooks are presented…and of course the fantastic universe that has launched a million games—there’s never been a better time to jump into Classic BattleTech! With a slew of supporting Classic BattleTech product already in print and more on the way, FanPro has been hard at work generating an expansive on-line resource—for players and retailers—to provide thorough support for this all encompassing re-branding. The introduction pages of www.classicbattletech.com have been completely reworked. They're now easier for new players to understand and follow, as well as provide great information to get players from across the long history of the BattleTech Universe interested—from the first box set published in 19FanPro is pleased to celebrate the release of Total Warfare to retailers. The first core rulebook in the comprehensive re-branding of Classic BattleTech: from its new look, to its products, to the way in which rules and sourcebooks are presented…and of course the fantastic universe that has launched a million games—there’s never been a better time to jump into Classic BattleTech!

With a slew of supporting Classic BattleTech product already in print and more on the way, FanPro has been hard at work generating an expansive on-line resource—for players and retailers—to provide thorough support for this all encompassing re-branding.

The introduction pages of www.classicbattletech.com have been completely reworked. They're now easier for new players to understand and follow, as well as provide great information to get players from across the long history of the BattleTech Universe interested—from the first box set published in 1984 to the myriad computer games, MechWarrior: Age of Destruction to the readers spanning more than eighty novels.

Additionally, a series of free, easily accessible, PDFs are tailor designed to introduce players to the exciting game and universe of Classic BattleTech. Step-by-step, new players are moved further into the universe and the game until they are prepared to easily transition into all that Classic BattleTech has to offer.

Players and retailers alike can use our great new "Leap into the Action" section of the Official Classic BattleTech Website [ www.classicbattletech.com/leap ]. Some of the things on the site include:

Classic BattleTech Quick-Start Rules: Specifically designed to hurtle players onto the battlefields of the 31st century in minutes, it comes with everything you need to play, including quick-start record sheets, ready-to-cut-out-and-use counters and even a map. All players need are two six-sided dice and their imagination! Download!

Classic BattleTech Universe: This full-color, forty-eight page book introduces players to the fascinating and stunning universe of Classic BattleTech. Download!

Classic BattleTech Introductory Rulebook: Once players have mastered the basics of Classic BattleTech presented in the Quick-Start Rules, they can move on to the more full-fledged rules of ’Mech vs. ’Mech combat in this 64-page free rulebook. Download!

Classic BattleTech Introductory Record Sheets: A companion volume to the Classic BattleTech Introductory Rulebook, these twenty-four full-fledged ’Mech record sheets allow players to experience all the Classic BattleTech Introductory Rulebook has to offer; includes 24 ready-to-cut-out-and-use counters for each ’Mech! Download!

These great on-line resources can easily be used by Retailers, Commandos, and Players alike. Visit www.classicbattletech.com/leap today!84 to the myriad computer games, MechWarrior: Age of Destruction to the readers spanning more than eighty novels. Additionally, a series of free, easily accessible, PDFs are tailor designed to introduce players to the exciting game and universe of Classic BattleTech. Step-by-step, new players are moved further into the universe and the game until they are prepared to easily transition into all that Classic BattleTech has to offer. Players and retailers alike can use our great new "Leap into the Action" section of the Official Classic BattleTech Website [ www.classicbattletech.com/leap ]. Some of the things on the site include: Classic BattleTech Quick-Start Rules: Specifically designed to hurtle players onto the battlefields of the 31st century in minutes, it comes with everything you need to play, including quick-start record sheets, ready-to-cut-out-and-use counters and even a map. All players need are two six-sided dice and their imagination! Download! Classic BattleTech Universe: This full-color, forty-eight page book introduces players to the fascinating and stunning universe of Classic BattleTech. Download! Classic BattleTech Introductory Rulebook: Once players have mastered the basics of Classic BattleTech presented in the Quick-Start Rules, they can move on to the more full-fledged rules of ’Mech vs. ’Mech combat in this 64-page free rulebook. Download! Classic BattleTech Introductory Record Sheets: A companion volume to the Classic BattleTech Introductory Rulebook, these twenty-four full-fledged ’Mech record sheets allow players to experience all the Classic BattleTech Introductory Rulebook has to offer; includes 24 ready-to-cut-out-and-use counters for each ’Mech! Download! These great on-line resources can easily be used by Retailers, Commandos, and Players alike. Visit www.classicbattletech.com/leap today!