Motor City Mayhem Tournament
Motor City Mayhem 2025
A BattleTech Alpha Strike 300pv Tournament
May 17, 2025
RULE SET
Please Read this Packet in its Entirety
You can view a summary of changes: HERE.
General Event Information
What:
A Four Round BattleTech Alpha Strike Singles Event.
When:
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Where:
St. Matthews United Methodist Church
30900 Six Mile Rd, Livona, MI 48152
How much is it? Registration is $60
Cost has increased this year to ensure we provide sufficient venue and table space to accommodate maximum player count. Please contact MotorCityMechwarriors@gmail.com to arrange payment, and include your t-shirt size on the sign-up sheet. If Paying via PayPal, feel free to send payment with the note “MCM 2025:” to S_Mazl@yahoo.com
T-SHIRTS ARE A “MAYBE” THIS YEAR! If you feel strongly either way about a T-Shirt Please let me know in your sign up email. We are exploring using those funds for additional prizes rather than T Shirt Printing. Rest assured, there will be an equivalent item in the swag bag. IF WE DECIDE TO DO SHIRTS to ensure that we have time for T-Shirts to be made and delivered, shirt sizes must be confirmed by April 1, 2025. While sign-ups will remain open past the 1st, we cannot confirm T-Shirts for people who sign up after that date. Alternatively, if people would like to Pre-Order shirts, I can have Generic Motor City Mechwarrior T-Shirts and Hoodies made but that would come at an additional cost, and require sufficient interest.
Purpose of Motor City Mayhem
Our goal is to grow the Battletech gaming scene in a fun and exciting direction. To achieve that goal, we need to develop a strong inclusive community of players and clubs that participate regularly in fun, well-organized events. The Motor City Mayhem Tournament is our attempt at contributing toward this goal. We will work hard to make the event as enjoyable and hassle free as possible. We also hope to present an environment where all aspects of the hobby are covered and fairly rewarded. We ask that everyone come to our event with an attitude of fun, competitiveness, and community. In order to grow our gaming scene, we need friendly players who enjoy connecting with others about our beloved hobby just as much as smashing them at the table. We strongly encourage you to provide us with feedback. We hope to welcome as many people as possible to the BattleTech community from all backgrounds. Thank you.
Accommodations
Should you be traveling from afar, there are several options for lodging nearby the venue. Feel free to explore other options.
Hampton Inn Livonia Detroit
28151 Schoolcraft Rd. Livonia, MI 48150
(734) 237-4480
3.3 Miles from Venue
Best Western Detroit Livonia
16999 Lauren Park Dr. S, Livonia, MI 48154
(734)464-0050
3.7 Miles from Venue
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 17, 2024
8:00 AM: Doors Open
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Registration and Meet & Greet
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Game 1
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Game 2
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Parade of Armies (Army Review and Judging)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch Break (Food not provided)
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Game 3
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Game 4
6:45 PM - 8:00 PM: Awards & Prizes
EVENT INFORMATION
Point Allotment: 300 PV, Alpha Strike
If you have any questions or queries about the event please contact the Tournament Organizer - Steve Maisel - for clarification.
We can currently accommodate 60 Players for the BattleTech Alpha Strike Tournament. This can be increased if needed. Please sign up on our reserve list and contact the Event Organizer so we can acquire additional supplies. It is our goal that anyone who desires to play will have a table available.
Sign up at: Sign up Sheet
This event will use the Alpha Strike: Commanders Edition rule book published by Catalyst Game Labs. Available: Here. Also be sure to see Errata information that can be found at: Errata
E-Mail: MotorCityMechwarriors@gmail.com
Discord: https://discord.gg/vsNJX7CcFN
PLAYERS NEED TO BRING:
Their army, with at least 4 copies of their army list in paper (electronic copies not permitted);
Any Templates, tape measure, dice, counters or markers you may need;
A pen, and calculator;
A movement tray (to move your force between games if needed);
A copy of the Alpha Strike Commander’s Edition Rulebook v7.01 (Print/Electronic), and Errata;
Optional: Super Glue, Battery Bank Charger;
A good attitude!
PLAYERS NEED TO ADDRESS:
Lodging Accommodations (If Necessary);
Transportation to and from the Venue;
Spending money! (Lunch, the MCM ‘Shop’ and Extras, Etc.)
TOURNAMENT ORGANIZERS WILL PROVIDE:
4’x 4’ Tables for the games to be played on;
Preset Terrain for the entire event;
Optional Logo Gear for Purchase;
Prizes and Awards!
LIST SUBMISSION
Army lists are to be submitted by 11:59 PM on May 1, 2025 via email to MotorCityMechwarriors@gmail.com.
Players should note that all lists for the weekend will be open.
Army Lists should be submitted from Master Unit List (MUL)
Http://masterunitlist.info/Force/Build
Please bring multiple physical copies of your list. Electronic copies will not be permitted. One to be provided to the TO upon Check-in. One to provide your opponent during the games, and one to mark during your games. It is recommended that you bring several extra copies, in case an opponent would like to take one home, or if you prefer to use a fresh list for each game.
ARMY SELECTION
Armies will be built using up to 300 points. You may use less, but you are not permitted to exceed 300 points, even by 1 point. No custom builds in MUL are permitted this year. In addition, you must designate a force commander and note it.
While Painted units are NOT required to participate in MCM ‘25, it is strongly encouraged. There is a painting component to the scoring system, and if you do not have painted units you will be leaving points on the table. To champion all elements of the hobby, we encourage painting models.
Army Lists must display the PV cost (after skill adjustment) of each unit listed in the army. This Tournament will be both Faction and Era Locked. You may select any faction as long as it is present during the Jihad. To do this, visit http://masterunitlist.info, click on Era, Click on “Jihad”, select your faction. This produces the selection of available units for your chosen Faction.
Players MUST bring the full Alpha Strike Card Sheet from Master Unit List to use as their Army list. Players can print this list from the MUL website listed above.
Unit Restrictions
Proxies/3d Printed Models
BattleTech has a long history of being miniature agnostic. This is due to the fact that on a hex grid, line of sight can be determined regardless of model type. Alpha Strike requires True Line of Sight for determining targets. As such, Catalyst Game Labs, and IronWind Metals models are strongly encouraged.
Command: Force Commander must be a Size 2 or larger mech.
Allowed Units:
BattleMechs
OmniMechs
SuperHeavy BattleMechs
ProtoMechs
Industrial Mechs
Combat Vehicles
Conventional Infantry
Battle Armor Units
Units with DRO, DCC, MDS, HPG, BOMB, ART-AIS, ART-AC, ART-TC, ART-SC, ART-LTC, and ART-LT abilities are allowed, but will be unable to use these abilities.
Barred Units:
Aerospace
Support Vehicles
Alternate Munitions
No Formation Bonuses Permitted
No Pilot or Command Special Abilities
Any unit that is Experimental Tech level
Any Unit with an “Unknown”, “Unique” or named after fictional character rules designation.
Any Unit less than 6pv.
Army Unit Restrictions:
No more than 16 units per Army
No more than 12 BattleMechs/Omnimechs/SuperHeavy
8 Combat Vehicles (Max)
5 Battle Armor/Conventional Infantry (Max)
5 ProtoMechs (Max)
Armies may have Mixed Tech (Clan & Inner Sphere)provided the model is within faction availability on MUL.
Skill Levels may only go as low as 2 (2 Unit Maximum) and as high as 6 (2 Unit Maximum)Any number of units may have Skills 3-5.
Players may only have up to two units that share the same Chassis name in their army.
BattleMechs, OmniMechs, and Industrial Mechs cannot share the same variant in an Army.
Units that have ART will not be able to utilize the keyword ability.
Armies can only have JMPS# up to 2. You can have 2 units with JMPS1 or a single unit with JMPS2.
Battlefield Support Points (Pg. 55 of AS:CE)
BSP’s have been modified this year. Each game each player has access to an Aerospace fighter (Eagle 1) that has enough fuel for two passes on the battlefield before the asset must depart and refuel. The player may use any combination of Light Strike, Heavy Strike, Light Bomb, or Heavy Bomb for his/her selection. Only one BSP may be played per turn. After both BSP’s have been used the fighter returns to base for refit and refuel to return for the next game. BSP Cards are available in the Alpha Strike Starter Box. These were removed from the present version to avoid any conflict with CGL/CDT. If we receive approval, the BSP Cards will be re-added to this packet.
ALL UNITS MUST BE A VALID UNIT ON THE MASTER UNIT LIST!
OTHER EVENT INFORMATION
JUDGES’ DECISIONS ARE FINAL. No one is perfect, decisions can be discussed after the game. The goal is to play, and have fun!
Handle disputes calmly and fairly. It is best to discuss preferences with your opponent PRIOR to the game. Take the opportunity to agree which terrain is rough, blocks line of sight, or provides cover. If there is a disagreement prior to, or during a game, attempt to reach a resolution prior to calling for a Judges’ ruling. If it is 50/50, have each player roll 2d6 and the player with the highest outcome wins the disagreement. This should be used only as a last resort.
In the event that a player makes a mistake that would grant an advantage, such as scooping a successful hit die prior to your opponent verifying the result, the shooting player can either re-roll, or take the miss. Default to the party who did not make the error. After all, BattleTech is a refined game of armored combat for the highest caliber of player.
Special Rules
Dice Attacks: All games will be played using the Multiple Attack Rolls Optional Rule (Page 175, AS:CE). Players will need a different pair of dice for every possible point of damage their unit may produce in one round of combat.
CRITICAL DICE: In order to prevent crit seeking, Players will need to nominate ONE set of critical dice for the game. These dice are the only dice that can roll critical hits.
Special Attacks: These attacks consist of Special Ability attacks found in the lower left-hand box of the Alpha Strike Card. E.g. (HT, SRM, LRM, AC) Players are allowed to mix standard and special attacks into one roll. To use a special attack with your normal roll, players must declare which set of dice represent their “special attack” value. *** THIS IS A SLIGHT DEVIATION TO WHAT IS WRITTEN IN AS:CE. Players can discuss preference before each game and decide. Physical and Artillery attacks do not use the Multiple Attack Roll optional rule
ECM/ECCM: AS:CE pg. 161. Players can flip their Electronic Countermeasures to counter enemy ECM units. Please read the rules in the rulebook.
Front Loaded Initiative: Uneven Unit Counts will be moved at the beginning of the movement phase rather than the end.
Damage Modifying Effects: Effects which would normally incrementally increase the damage output of a unit, or the damage taken by a unit, such as rear attacks or NARC, will roll an additional single pair of dice to hit. Effects which incrementally decrease damage taken by a unit (Such as AMS or certain armor types) are applied to the first point of damage taken from an attack.
Sprinting: A sprinting unit cannot do anything but move. Therefore, it is unable to take actions or fulfill any Scenario Objectives that involve more than simply moving. A sprinting unit can contest a space. Sprinting units cannot Pick up Flags for Capture the Flag, Deposit a flag at their base, dismount or mount Battle Armor or Infantry, Attack, or Perform Physical Attacks.
Game State and Missed Opportunity: Inevitably there are going to be situations where a player has forgotten to do something and may or may not need correcting.
Game State: These situations are defined as something that MUST happen. In these situations, a player or players have forgotten to do something in the game that the game that the game dictates must happen. These situations must be corrected.
Missed Opportunity: This is when a player, or players forget to do something that the game does not dictate must be done. Instead, it is an option a player may have done but forgot. These situations do not get corrected.
Line of Sight: Tournament format will use True Line of Sight. This means that players use the line of sight from their unit to their target to determine if they can see their target. Use rules in AS:CE Page 40.
Water and Depth 1 LOS: Because game boards are incapable of reflecting units that are in a water terrain feature, players should use the rules outlined below:
If you can see the closest point on the target’s hex base, then you can see 50% of the target that is standing in water.
If there are two or more instances of Partial Cover,the Target is considered to have No Line of Sight. Eg: Target mech is standing in water. Attacker can see the hex base meaning it can see 50% of the Target. The Target receives partial cover from the water. Additionally, the Target is partially obscured by a hill, building, or tree. This constitutes a second partial cover, and therefore Line of Sight is blocked.
Tabling Opponents: In the event that a player is Tabled, the non-tabled player is permitted one final turn to move and score after which the game ends regardless of how many turns remain. The number of turns cannot, under any circumstances, go beyond the turn limit established by the mission.
Golden Urbie: The most recent winner of the Golden Urbie Award is permitted (should they so choose) to place a Skill 4 UrbanMech UM-R60 into their list, regardless of MUL availability, Free of cost. The Golden Urbie counts towards points destroyed, as normal, and may capture objectives.
Tournament Organization & Score
First Round Draw- The first round will be set by random draw. Subsequent draws will be based on the Swiss System using your battle score. Efforts will be made to keep gaming mates apart during the initial games for variety. Grudge matches are allowed and encouraged.
Missing a Battle- Should a player be over 15 minutes late or miss a battle for whatever reason, a Referee or Reserve may be appointed to step in as a temporary spare player. If there are no referees or stand-ins available to fill in, then a bye will be awarded. Players who require a stand-in will forfeit their points for the round.
Round Timing & Game Length- A Strict time table will be adhered to, in order to ensure the event moves smoothly, and people are able to leave in a timely fashion. Failure to move, shoot, and strategize in a timely fashion can result in the frustration of your opponent, advantages that would not normally have been gained otherwise, and a general sense of annoyance. To combat what is considered “Slow Play” the following two provisions will be in effect:
Announcements will be made throughout the round indicating the amount of time remaining. At 15 minutes to go, it is strongly recommended that you complete your game, ensuring equal opportunities for each player to complete the turn, then submit your results. If you fail to hand in results on time, you will be given a warning. If you fail to hand in the results slip a second time, your score (for both players) will be reduced to Zero.
If a referee asks you to speed up playing during the game or stop playing at the end of the game, and this request is refused, the refusing player(s) will have their scores for that round reduced to zero. In addition, it is within the TO’s discretion to apply a further point penalty to a players overall tournament score. No Stalling!
Should rounds run faster than expected, the schedule will be amended to end earlier. All adjustments will be clearly communicated to all players.
Scoring
There are three separate categories to compete in: Tactician, Sportsman, and Painter. Players can earn points in all categories, but can only win one Category. Please Note: Win/Loss ratio does not factor into overall ranking. Rankings are based on points earned in all categories. Win/Loss ratio will be used for tie-breaking purposes.
Tactician: Earn Points through crushing your enemies and completing objectives to earn Battle Points.
Victory Points: Points are calculated using the method below. Every round presents the ability to earn additional Objective Points and Battle Point Modifiers after each game based on completing mission scenario specifics. Battle points from the Victory Points margin are earned per the following schedule:
Victory Points are calculated as follows:
Each unit Destroyed is worth its full point value divided by 10
Each unit with 0 Armor remaining and not destroyed is worth half points value (rounded up) divided by 10
Undamaged units are worth 0 Points
In the event that a player destroys all of an opponent's units, they are awarded a flat 30 Points, as if the opponent had taken the full 300pv limit.
Players will complete a scorecard at the end of each game to be verified by their opponent. Points will be totaled, and the next round will begin.
Sportsman: Earn Points by being a humble and pleasant opponent and who brings an army that is not only lore friendly, but fun to play against. Points can be earned in two categories.
Opponent Score: The ability to make the game of BattleTech enjoyable for your opponent, win or lose, is a key component of the hobby. It is also critical to the success of a tournament. To recognize and encourage this fact, Sportsmanship will be a factor for the awards.
After each round, each player will award their opponents a score of 1 to 25. This score is based on their experience playing their opponents, and how enjoyable those opponents were to play. Obviously, your opponent's list design or the fact that you won or lost should not factor into your sportsmanship score. This score focuses on your enjoyment battling a great opponent.
List Score: Part of the joy of BattleTech is the variety of armies you battle against. Is your army one that is fun for you to play, and also fun for your opponent to play against? Whether it is a well thought-out optimized list, themed, or cobbled together out of the salvage heap, armies that are fun to play against are crucial to the success of a tournament and the hobby. To recognize this, an independent panel will rate lists from 1 to 25. The panel will take into account synergies, unit choice, and special abilities. This averaged score will be added to the final calculation for overall score and Sportsmanship for each game.
Awarding points is done on a scale of 1 to 25. 1 being the Cheesiest of Cheddars, and 25 being the fluffiest of Surat fur.
2-7: Sweatlord’s List. Within the rules, but it may be over the top. Not built for fun, but to win at all costs.
8-13: A hard list, but not unbeatable. This would not be a favored list to play against most games.
14-19: Average List. This list was built to face multiple types of opponents. Fun most of the time. Would willingly rematch.
20-24: Why would anyone play this list? This was the easiest list to beat. All about the theme and fun more than winning.
Painter: Earn Points based on your artist ability and dedication to the hobbying craft.
Playing with and against well-painted armies adds another layer of enjoyment and immersion to the hobby. Seeing a table full of painted models can draw people into the game in the first place and is an important part of being a complete player. To acknowledge this, painting will be a category participants may score points in. We are not here to shame anyone’s painting abilities, we all started somewhere. Veterans will all acknowledge that paint of any kind is better than gray plastic.
Throughout the tournament, as time permits, Judges will circulate around the game tables to review participants' painting skills and army composition. Points will be awarded in the following areas:
Player’s army is fully painted
Player’s Bases are flocked and finished
Player used washes or highlighting on models
Player demonstrates advanced techniques in painting units
Player utilized transfers or freehand work
WINNING THE TOURNAMENT
Prizes will be awarded for the following:
Best Overall: This Player scored highest in all categories combined.
Best Tactician: This Player scored highest in Battle Points.
Best Sportsman: This Player scored highest on Opponent Score and List score.
Best Painter: This Player scored highest on Painting Score.
Players Choice: All contestants will vote after four games who their favorite opponent was including all elements of all categories.
GOLDEN URBIE: This will be awarded at the end of the Tournament.
PLAYER RESPONSIBILITIES
Players at Motor City Mechwarrior Events are responsible for bringing and supplying their own miniatures, force lists (at least one copy for each round of the event and one for the judges for review), record sheets, dice, pencils or other writing utensils, measuring devices, game aids, rule books, and any other materials useful for playing BattleTech Alpha Strike.
Sportsmanship
All players are expected to be civil and polite during the event. The staff have worked hard to make the events a welcoming environment for all players, and every player is at all times responsible for their own behavior.
Rules disputes will inevitably happen, and in such cases both players are expected to be courteous and respectful toward other players and event staff, including judges and TOs. Should a dispute not be able to be settled between the two players in a game, an event judge may be called over to the table to settle the dispute.
At all events, either the TO or the person designated as the Head Judge will have the final say on the floor for all game and rules disputes. No appeals are allowed after a final ruling.
Unsportsmanlike Behavior and Penalties
A Verbal Warning will be issued at the table by a TO or judge, and an Official Warning will be recorded with the Head Judge. At that time, the Head Judge or TO will decide if the player will be allowed to continue playing in the event. If the player is allowed to continue playing, a second Official Warning in the same event results in immediate disqualification from the event.
Exhibiting any of the behaviors listed below may get a player awarded with either a warning and/or ejection from the event:
Disrespectful behavior toward other players, TOs, Judges, or spectators.
Intentionally trying to misrepresent any situation to another player, TO, or judge, specifically concerning the game state.
Any intentional disruption of your own game or another game currently being played.
Quickly removing dice results from the table or a dice tray and not allowing your opponent to see the result.
In short, this event is designed to be a fun and welcoming environment for new players, returning players, and veteran players alike. Please do what you can to ensure that each and every participant has an enjoyable experience so we can hopefully continue to foster future events, and grow the Michigan BattleTech Community at large.
Code of Conduct
All Organizers, judges, players, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a way that ensures everyone has fun. By participating in this event you agree to consent and adhere to the player responsibility and Code of Conduct Sections. Your continued participation is continued consent. Remember, we are playing this game to have fun, grow the hobby, and meet new people.
The Following will NOT be tolerated:
Foul or Abusive Language: No one should be subjected to foul or abusive language, bullying, and other forms of harassment, and has the right to a clean, enjoyable gaming experience. Excessive foul language may result in a warning, or even ejection from the event, subject to the Tournament Organizers discretion.
Bullying: This includes hazing, discriminatory or derogatory language, comments, or activities. Bullying will not be tolerated at any level.
Theft: All individuals participating in events should feel safe, and feel their property is safe. Please ask prior to touching anyones miniatures. If you are caught stealing, you will forfeit your right to play, and the authorities may be contacted.
Improper Attire: Wearing of obscene, demeaning, or overly revealing attire is not permitted. You may be asked to leave if you are wearing anything that is believed to be inappropriate. This is at the Tournament Organizers discretion.
Poor Personal Hygiene: Body Odor, and general “unkempt” appearance that can offend others around you is distracting and unacceptable. We can, and will, ask you to leave and “freshen up” before continuing your participation in the tournament.
Drugs or Alcohol: Illicit drugs and Alcohol are unacceptable per the venue's rules. Should you be caught with contraband you will be asked to leave the tournament and your place forfeited.
Tobacco and Vaping: These are not permitted inside the venue, but you are welcome to vacate the premises between games should you find it necessary.
Weapons: No Firearms are permitted at the event pursuant to the venues rules.
All individuals are expected to remain respectful of our venue and clean up after their games.
Pictures may be taken during the event. Should you wish to remain unphotographed, please let your Tournament Organizer know.
Please keep the following in mind while playing:
Respect: Players, Spectators, Organizers, and property should be treated with the same respect that players would expect for themselves and their property. Distracting an opponent or judge to gain an advantage shows disrespect to everyone involved in the event.
Fairness: Games cease to be fun when players break the rules to achieve victory. A player should prefer to lose a game than to win by cheating. All decisions of the judge are final. Remember things can be interpreted differently. Should a disagreement arise, and no resolution agreed upon, 2d6 can be rolled and the winner decides the outcome.
Honesty: Players of any game should strive to act honestly while playing that game. If a player inadvertently breaks a rule during a game and becomes aware of the error before his or her opponent or a judge, that player should make the opponent and judge aware of the misplay. Remember, BattleTech has the highest caliber of player, and we strive to keep it a “Gentleman’s Game.”
Please arrive on time for events. Keeping an entire tournament waiting for you is disrespectful. If you are going to be late, or unable to attend, please contact us.
Sportsmanship: Winning or losing with grace is vital to the enjoyment of any game. The desire to continue playing a game can be soured by players that berate their opponents after winning or losing a match. Demeaning, disrespectful comments, or actions before, during or after a game indicate poor sportsmanship and will not be tolerated. For an additional +5 Sportsmanship points, please include in the body of your email upon submission of your Army List, “Look on the bright side kid, you get to keep all the money.” to indicate that you have read this packet in its entirety.
Children under the age of 14 MUST be accompanied by an adult. We have a tournament gaming age of 12 and up.
ABOVE ALL HAVE FUN!
Special Thanks
We would like to thank the following individuals for their support and help in establishing this tournament and contributing to its success.
Catalyst Game Labs
Robert “Bobby” Ash, Fortress Miniatures and Games.
RIW HOBBIES (Thanks Pam!)
Cross Electric Designs
Death Ray Designs
Nick Bonsky, and the St. Matthews United Methodist Church
K&T Printing
Leaping Panda Hobbies from Hudsonville Michigan
Jason Hansa & Bryan Young
Dave Alsager “GoldBishop2040”
Denham ‘3clipse’ Hardman
The M.R.C.
Death From Above Wargaming
&
The MechBay Podcast. “Through salvage all things are possible.”
Note: This document is not final, and is subject to change as we approach the stated date and time of the event.
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