Field
manual.
Plain-language guides to the player-facing rules and ideas behind LANCER. Use these pages to orient yourself, then consult the published rulebook for complete rules, exact timing and edge cases.
Two modes of play.
LANCER moves between character-driven scenes and tactical mech combat. The same pilot carries a story outside the cockpit and a specialized machine into the fight.
OPEN FIELD NOTE ↗02 / PILOT DOSSIERBuild the person first.
A pilot is more than the operator inside a frame. Their history, instincts and relationships give the campaign a point of view before the first deployment.
OPEN FIELD NOTE ↗03 / LICENSE NETWORKProgression without a shop.
Pilot advancement is measured in License Levels. Licenses represent authorized access to manufacturer equipment and frame designs, rather than a shopping list of prices.
OPEN FIELD NOTE ↗04 / HANGAR PROCEDUREBuild for the mission.
A frame is the chassis foundation. Your finished mech also depends on its pilot, installed weapons and systems, license access and the job ahead.
OPEN FIELD NOTE ↗05 / HARDPOINTSMounts shape the loadout.
A frame’s mount configuration defines which weapon sizes and combinations it can carry. It is one of the quickest ways to see how a chassis wants to fight.
OPEN FIELD NOTE ↗06 / NARRATIVE RESOLUTIONApproach, then roll.
Outside mech combat, the rules resolve uncertain actions through skill checks. The pilot’s background and triggers help explain why an approach might work.
OPEN FIELD NOTE ↗07 / COMBAT OPERATIONSMake every turn count.
Mech combat gives each side structured turns. Position, the objective and the timing of actions matter as much as raw damage.
OPEN FIELD NOTE ↗08 / ENGAGEMENT SYSTEMSPressure has more than one form.
LANCER attacks include direct weapon fire and melee, while electronic warfare can interfere with enemy systems and create tactical openings.
OPEN FIELD NOTE ↗09 / SYSTEMS HEALTHTrack damage and heat separately.
A mech can be worn down by incoming damage or pushed by reactor heat. These are different pressure tracks with different consequences.
OPEN FIELD NOTE ↗10 / DEPLOYMENT CYCLEThe objective is the mission.
A mission has a goal and stakes. Combat is one possible part of it, but the objective gives the encounter its purpose and determines what success means.
OPEN FIELD NOTE ↗11 / BETWEEN SORTIESThe pilots live between missions.
Downtime is where pilots pursue personal aims, build connections and prepare for what comes next. It keeps the campaign moving when the mechs are back in the hangar.
OPEN FIELD NOTE ↗Independent fan-made reference. LANCER is created by Massif Press; this guide is not an official rules source.