(from the back of the book) The Frontiers of Known Space The peoples of the Inner Sphere often consider themselves the epitome of technology and culture and relegate the denizens of the frontiers of known space to second-class citizenry, or worse. And yet it took the combined armies of the Inner Sphere more than twenty years to subjugate them during the forming of the first Star League half a millennia ago. Magistracy of Canopus, Taurian Concordat, Marian Hegemony, Outworlds Alliance and Circinus Federation. Each is a unique star-spanning empire whose hardy people have carved out their freedom with bare hands: an identity they will not give up without a fright. Even the Great Houses have begin to learn that underestimating these Periphery States is dangerous indeed. Handbook: Major Periphery States collates the essential history, politics and culture ofthe Major Periphery States into a single volume. More than a mere sourcebook, Handbook: Major Periphery States provides rules for both BattleTech and A Time of War: The BattleTech RPG game play, including new support vehicles, creatures and more!