Classic Battletech: Field Manual: Lyran Alliance (FAS1720) [Paperback]

FASA Corp. (Author), Fasa (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Battletech | Publication Date: July 1, 2000

House Steiner has always been the unchallenged economic power of the Inner Sphere. Transformed from merchant-princes to a military juggernaut by years of war, the alliance with House Davion gave them the most powerful 'Mechs® money can buy and a streamlined chain of command. Now, the Steiner-Davion alliance has fractured from within, threatening to engulf both nations in civil war. BattleTech Field Manual: Lyran Alliance reveals the strengths and weaknesses of the new Alliance forces. This manual describes each Lyran regiment and its loyalties, profiles and special rules, plus cutting-edge equipment and the latest 'Mechs from the famed Steiner factories.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: FASA Corp.; illustrated edition edition (July 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555603963
• ISBN-13: 978-1555603960
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #824,503 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Field Manual: Lyran Alliance, July 5, 2000

By 

Patricia J. Bowman (Arizona) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Classic Battletech: Field Manual: Lyran Alliance (FAS1720) (Paperback)

It was an okay effort. It does compliment the Federated Suns FM, but definitely takes the term "munch" equipment to new heights. Like its predecessor, the layout was nicely done and the image of the new BattleArmor was excellent, I was only lukewarm on the color pages...again much like its predecessor, you need to take it with a grain of salt. The much anticipated review of current IS events in the former Federated Commonwealth was scarce, leaving fans to their imaginations. SPOILER INFORMATION FOLLOWS

The Light Engine definitely has its advantages, despite being heavier than an XL model, the two crits in each torso was a great bonus. The Heavy Gauss Rifle was a boondoggle of the highest magnitude. In equipping an assault mech to carry one, it left it only questionably capable. Teh Fenrir BattleArmor is the Sloth on steroids and definitely falls short on upgrading in comparison to the Infiltrator. Take note that the Mjolnir's captain is listed as questionable. :-)

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well-Done, Bad Subject..., August 31, 2000

By 

Brad Smith (Arlington, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Classic Battletech: Field Manual: Lyran Alliance (FAS1720) (Paperback)

The Lyran Alliance is, IMNAAHO, a carnival of traitors. Well, no, that's not true, Katherine Steiner-Davion is. But reading the Lyran Alliance book, I don't get the impression of honor, courage, and proficiency that I get from the FedSuns, Combine, or even Capellan militaries.

This is the last of the Field Manuals. As such, it follows all the various conventions, with military information, unit histories, so on, and so forth. It also includes new equipment and tech.

My impressions were fairly negative. Don't get me wrong, it was well-presented, hence the four stars. But, near as I can tell, the Lyrans, as presented by FASA, are a bunch of idiots. Their military is woefully inexperienced, comparatively, which does go with their tradition; you'd've thought they'd've learned *something* from fighting the Clans, and working with the most competent military in the Inner Sphere. The Heavy Gauss Rifle, while also in keeping with the Lyran character, is rather... cheesy, really. The Light Engine is okay, but the background proves Katherine's sheer idiocy. The Fenrir armor just looks incredibly stupid; I wonder where on earth the trooper would fit into the armor, if at all.

If you see the Federated Suns review I wrote, you'll know I really like them. I used to like the Lyran Commonwealth, too, but, now, with the plot going the way it is, not any more. I might have to start reading the novels now.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lyran Alliance Field Manual, August 27, 2000

By 

Peter Bernard (Oakland, CA. United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic Battletech: Field Manual: Lyran Alliance (FAS1720) (Paperback)

A useful source of information for anyone interesed in in the Battletech world in general and the AFFC and LAAF in paticular. Definetly designed as a companion to the FedSuns manual. Information on current events in Alliance and Fedcom space is minimal, unfortunatly.

People who watched the Battletech cartoon show should check out the section on the 14th Donegal Guards for an interesting surprise.