ERA OF WAR!

[kiladecus]

I can honestly say I am happy that someone sees this thread as a good thing!

I am planning on posting more of this as it comes along. Thanks for the input and encouragement with this.

I should be doing some more playtesting and once it is finished, I plan on posting pics and such of the stages of play and explain the main concepts of a turn and so forth.

After I get to that point, I will take it one step at a time.

[kiladecus]

Well, thanks to the wonderful Mr. Okum for letting me post his figures for my playtesting purposes, I thought I would show what may be the most deadly squad in the game.

They have NO range, but move 15 inches per activation. Because they have the ability to charge into the enemy and attack them if they end their movement adjacent to them. They will also gain a +2 modifier that will affect the target's defense (meaning that if the target needs a 2+ to save, it will drop to become a 4+. The MOST any value can be modified to is a 5+. It wouldn't be fair to say that a target would get no save... but then again, if the attacker rolls a "6"... well, we will playtest that out.

If the Tengu don't move, they can make a sweep attack, hitting all adjacent enemies at once. (I like to think of them as not only using their naginata's, but also feet, claws and even wings to tear up the enemy).

Ok... here is my picture I did of them (keep in mind it is very late and I have to work in the morning)... I tried to curl their wings around to give them a 2.5D feel. It is kind of hard to capture the images just right.

Here goes...

[kiladecus]

Oh, I forgot to mention that they also have Stealth meaning the can only be hit on a roll of 5+ at range.

[kiladecus]

Here is Okumarts's ninjas carrying Mel Ebbles's machine-guns. Now, before you ask why ninjas who practice the art of stealth have SMG's, let me explain that these guns are specially equipped with a soundydampening suppression system (waives hand). Also (waives hand again). "These aren't the droids you're looking for...".

Actually one of my absolutely favorite super heroes of all times is DEADPOOL, another is DEATHSTROKE the TERMINATOR (I know, "big difference")... I just like the thought of a whole arny of Deadpools!

Like most Dynast troops, they have stealth, move fairly fast. Since they are carrying close combat weapons (even if you can't see them... it is that stealth-thing), they can charge into close combat and attack adjacent foes, or stay stationary and hit multiple adjacent opponents. Likewise, they could stay stationary and fire their SMG's at an opponent within 9" TWICE (that would be a total of 10 shots for the five of them. Funny that Tommygun's ABC warrior can fire 12 by himself... he's a beast)!

Ok... just sharing...

[kiladecus]

Well, in one of these posts, I mentioned a tank I called the BLITZPANZER. It was damaged during our latest move, but I managed to dig it out tonight and repair it to almost mint condition.

It is basically Big Jim's Wolverine Tank. I added pieces of Finger and Toe models, some of the modular pieces of TOPO's steam punk mechas, and added plate and shielding from Ebbles UD-41 Dropship. (Oh, there are a couple hatches from a LAWHAMMER tank).

I use this to convert the non-believers! (What I mean to say is that when I have shown this to LAWHAMMER players, they say, "Wow! What is that?" They have tend to change their minds and occassionally their shorts...)

[kiladecus]

Once again... I forgot to post the picture.

Ok, here is Jim's Wolverine tank on steroids...

[kiladecus]

Here it is from the rear...

[kiladecus]

Here is a breakdown of my ERA OF WAR card.

The only thing I could see that I would need to add is the artist's name that drew the figure. That would be added IF i were going to do anything with this commercially, and IF the artist agreed, yadda, yadda, yadda.

I chose this unit because it is mine! No red tape there...

Ok, let me know if this makes sense. Once you get the general idea of how this card works, the game is REALLY simple.

Everything you need to know is laid out on the card.

[kiladecus]

Well, I am unsure to post this here or under my ERA of WAR thread (I may post it BOTH places).

In ERA OF WAR, I have my units divided into 4 categories (Green, Yellow, Orange and Pink). I used AVERY 1/4" color coding labels when I was developing this game using plastic miniatures.

GREEN - Base/ Core troops
YELLOW- Fast Attack
ORANGE - Veteran/ Elite
PINK - Heavy Assault

I came up with this random table a while ago, and wasn't sure where to display it. I just had this inspiration...

1 - Yellow/ Pink (Fast Attack/ Heavy Assault)
2 - Green/ Orange (Base/Veteran)
3 - Green/ Yellow (Base/ Fast Attack)
4 - Yellow/ Orange (Fast Attack/ Veteran)
5 - Green/ Pink (Base/ Heavy Assault)
6 - Pink/ Orange (Heavy Assault/ Veteran)

So, there you have it. It works great, and can be seen by all players!

[kiladecus]

Good news on the ERA OF WAR front today. Spent some time cleaning up the cards a bit. I formatted them to fit on US and A4 pages (like I actually sound like I know what I am talking about). Regardless, the sheet will generate 9 cards in a 10"x7" sheet.

I also made it a little easier for me to point things up. By using some quick formatting, I have it do all the math for me.

I got some figures from KANE (if anyone remembers the "Badger" who used to frequent here a lot). This will help me handle some new weapons like "Stunners" and EMP (Electo-Magnetic Pulse) grenades and rockets.

I do have ONE question... I download a LOT of stuff from here, and MAYBE someone can tell me who did these or show mw the link from where I got them, please...

[kiladecus]

Thanks! I downloaded them o a 40K thread here, but if I post any pictures of the game, I want to give the artist credit.

Sometimes, Big Jim DOESN'T want credit for certain figures.

There were three pages I downloaded, and wasn't sure where I got them. I also generally ask permission to post pictures before I post them... I got permission from Kane already... I wasn't sure if it was worth tracking down this artist or not. If it wasn't Jim's, I would just work in a different army, like some of Darkmook's figures.

Thanks again.

[kiladecus]

Well, I got my WARRIORS OF KANE army pointed up. It weighs in at 990 points! It is all infantry (meanning no tanks or vehicles).

In order to do this, I had to define the benefits of each skill and what each term means. I gave this army a healer, but the only unit with more than one wound is the healer herself. Didn't realize that until after I had it pointed up. If I raise my army total to over 1,000 points, I can work some bigger items in.

Just have to point up the enemy for this battle and it will be game time!

Testing new technology!

Developed rules for creating your own armies using ANY figures and models!

Once this gets "finished" I will start the move to get it released!

I will also have a set of INFINITE figures to go with this! (Actually, it isn't QUITE. Infinite... there will only be approimately 12,746,972 combinations based on the components, choices, and the fact that each piece will have 1,600 colors to choose from).

Coming *early-mid 2012*

[Rhannon]

kiladecus, do you think about a realistic release before the mayan prophecy's end of the world ( 12/21/2012 )?

Infinite ( please don't use all caps, it is a eyesore for me ) figures' project is a very great project. great, great, great.

... And plase don't waste it with hurry or many other things to do together. ;D ;D ;D

Good luck for all, kiladecus, and many other great works.

[kiladecus]

Well, preparing for the next playtest, I re-vamped all of my cards, and divided up my armies.

This is a Non-Tau army that according to Sithcundman were drawn by Big Jim himself. I downloaded them from the forum here, but I am not sure where the thread is... sorry. if anyone knows where it is, please feel free to post it here.

The models are pre-release versions of models from Grey Matter Games (aka me.)

This army weighs in at 990 points!

[kiladecus]

This army is what I refer to as the WARRIORS OF KANE, because I got them from him. He "crafted" these figures, and I think they look awesome.

The centerpiece, however, was NOT created by him, and at the designer's request will go uncredited. This was also downloaded from this site, and I believe the link to this figure is on the first page of this thread.

I am excited to see how the "çier Empire" will do against the "Warriors of Kane."

I will post pics. You know me!

[kiladecus]

Let's try this again, shall we...

"The Warriors of Kane."

[kiladecus]

Well, the BATTLE OF MAHOLM took place today. It took an hour to set up and two hours to play.

I was more concerned about gameplay and rules clarifications, so I didn't get a whole lot of nifty pictures... just end of round shots, with "body counts" pictures.

There was a VERY interesting and dare I say "exciting" event that happened deep in the second round. It was like watching my Cincinnati Bengals playing... well, ANYONE... It was one AWESOME "play" surrounding the game being VERY one-sided!

I had NEW battlemats! My old ones I made for my INTO THE FRAY playtest (which will be released *very soon*) were old and peeling. The new ones are foamboard with "sand" on them. I bought them that way... very cool!

I normally use my own terrain, but I had some really cool stuff I built this week and wanted to show it off!

I am posting these images WITHOUT the authorization of the artists, so make sure YOU BUY their stuff!

DAVE GRAFFFAM:
Clock Tower, East Gate, Hovel (A FREE download), Corner Ruins, and Cross-piece Ruins (I chose ONLY to make brick... but there are like 5 textures to choose from), and the Dutch Barn.

FINGER AND TOE:
Checkpoint Kilo (One AWESOME model)

GREY MATTER GAMES:
Dice Tower (Oh, that's me... nevermind. That one isn't available yet).

I think that is it.

There were some boxes and furniture that are pictured with the Corner Ruins... those are all ones that came with it.

The CENTERPIECE of the game was PAPER MAKE IT'S Mini Power Plant. The object was to surround and hold this for 3 rounds... or eliminate the enemy forces.

One army did JUST that...

[kiladecus]

Here is the battlemat.

The spy network located a nuclear power plant in a building and bombers blew up the building. The first volley even took out the house next door.

The object is to secure the power plant. The CIER EMPIRE want the nuclear plant to produce deadly weapons. The WARRIORS OF KANE have a darker agenda.

[kiladecus]

Here is the Warriors of Kane army. Notice the "Demonborgs" are deployed using the "Recon" ability. They are large and powerful, but slow. The best tactic for them was when the core troops hid behind them and used them as living shields to move into position.

They were pretty cool.

[kiladecus]

The CIER EMPIRE were there to prove that they weren't playing. That generator meant one thing. Energy. With energy come power. With power comes victory.

Although they had powerful machines, would their technology protect them against the vicious claws and undisputed evil of the Kane Warriors?

[kiladecus]

Well, the Empire moved in, guns blazing. They were out of range. The Skulk Razorwings taunted the Empire by landing on the power plant.

The razorwings were fast and their shadowy skin gave them STEALTH (can only be hit at range on a roll of a 5+).

The Cier War walker launched its missiles at the reactor... the explosions missed the power plant, and managed to hit the 'wings. The blast managed to drop a couple of them.

They retaliated in a well thought tactic.

[kiladecus]

The Razorwings flew straight into the Vampire Bat. Like a guided missile, their talons engaged the ship.

The Bat's repulsor shileds were not affected by the creatures as they flew into the ship, digging their claws into the fragile frame of the Bat. The supports quickly buckled, driving the Bat into the ground in a bloody, burning heap.

[kiladecus]

Well, that was the last cool thing that the Warriors of Kane did.

Due to the fact that the Empire had them out-numbered two to one, AND had huge weapons, the Kane Army was out-ranged, out-classed and out-numbered.

I thought that their speed and stealth would have assured them a win... or at least a better end... it was like bringing a knife to a gunfight.

[kiladecus]

When the squad of Daemonites charged into the Construct of Kane, I called them the "Suicide Sisters." I figured they would tie him up for a while until I could manuever the heavy support into position.

I was hoping I wouldn't lose ALL of them, and even more, I hoped to get a wound in on him... With their razorwhips (and good die rolls) they managed to move in and drop him like he was a sack of dirt.

The main difference between the Razorwings and the Daemonites were the 'wings set out what they intended to do, and ALL were lost. I didn't lose one of the "sisters" until MUCH later in the game when the ZOMBORGS finally got into range.

[kiladecus]

Once the Imperial troops advanced to hand-to-hand combat the Kane Army folded quicker than the 'Bat's frame.

They only had to hold off the enemy for 3 rounds to win the power plant. Instead, they killed of ALL of the enemy troops while losing less than 1/3 of their troops.

"You can have the best tactics, but it don't mean nuthin' if you don't get good rolls." You can quote me on that.

[Reivaj]

Where did you find all those Kane Minis?? And those one from Jim?

[kiladecus]

The Tau were here on the site, I BELIEVE they came from the thread about the "Enemies of the Empire." I would check under "FAN ART."

The other figures I got from KANE. He used to be on here all the time, but he hasn't been much as lately.

If you can't find them, shoot me an email, or PM with your email. I can send them to you. They are are "free" figures that were downloaded from here, so there is NOTHING wrong with forwarding them on.

KANE gave me permission to share these. The only thing is, and it didn't bother me, is Kane's figures don't have backs. They are double-fronted, and the backs are "shadowed."

I hope it helps.

[kiladecus]

Oh I am SO excited!

I am gearing up for yet ANOTHER playtest, and the whole concept of "Cluster Weapons" still eluded me. I really considered NOT doing them, but because there are models out there that HAVE multiple weapons, I didn't want people to point up MANY of the same items, only to decimate the enemy.

Someone suggested D20's, and that kind of thing. I am trying to keep it relatively simple, and balanced. The whole D20 angle seemed a little too powerful respectively.

I came up with a possible solution. A Cluster Weapon uses three or more of the same weapon hooked together in such a way, they all fire at one target (or group of targets). In keeping with the feel of firing three sub-machine guns linked, and not killing game time with a series of hits, I am going to do a "best of both" approach.

Pistols that hit score 1D6 damage
Rifles that hit score 2D6 damage
and Cannons score 3D6 damage

NOW, since I am a stickler that EVERY weapon cost the same points (so they are interchangable), I normally change the ranges of each weapon, and keep the damage the same.

A ballistic family of weapons has this profile:

PISTOL
Short Range: 6
Medium: 9
Long: 12

RIFLE
Sh: 9
Md: 12
Lg: 18

CANNON:
Sh: 12
Md: 18
Lg: 24

They all have the same ability: ARMOR PIERCING - Treat all Armor Levels as one less (2+=3+; 3+=4+, and so on).

NOW, since the Cluster Weapons are changing their DAMAGE vaules, the reange will be the same on ALL of the weapons!

PISTOL, RIFLE, CANNON

Sh: 3
Md: 6
Lg: 9

Yes, you will be shoorting a BUNCH of Heavy Cannons with a range of 9"! That sounds a little crazy at first, but if you ever played BattleTech, there was the AC-20 and the Ultra-AC 20 (autocannons) that could do an INSANE amount of damage, but it was a close-in fighter. Of course, these generally were on larger 'Mechs due to the sheer size of the cannons, so this will line up with that thought process.

I will point up my armies and thy this out! I think it will make the most sense, and keep the game moving.

Now, since the damage will be between 3-18 per cluster, then you MAY still have to roll up to 36 saves (if the person is a YHATZEE champion). That is MUCH better than rolling 60... Besides, the most wounds a unit of squad has is 5, so the chances of them saving is not good anyway.

The fact that the extremely short range limits the weapon, the pay-off in the end is that much greater!

OK! I am happy now. This may JUST be the break I was looking for.

;D

[kiladecus]

I am so freakin' JAZZED about this!

(Translation: This is turning out well, and I am pleased with the results).

I spent the last few days reworking my cards. By using formulas in EXCEL, I have the cards set up to where it does all of the calcultations for me, and I even have it set up to where I can start to type in the name of the weapon, skill or ewuipment, and it enters all of the information and ranges for me.

Moreover, it can even tell calculate my speeds determining which weapons I plan on firing.

This may not sound like much, but once I insert a picture of the troop, I type in 5 cells, and it fills in ALL of the details for me. This means I can make up a sheet of army datacards in a matter of minutes (like 5 - 7 minutes (not counting inserting pictures) instead of 45 minutes to an hour).

I went through and redid my ENTIRE collection of army datacards, and now have FOUR 1,000 point armies, and TWO that are nearly complete.

I also went through and established criteria for what constitutes things like "FAST ASSAULT" versus "HEAVY SUPPORT." I also have it set up to where if you were wanting to use a tracked transport, which catagory it would fall into.

I am having some technical issues, but I am trying to resolve this so I can post pictures of the armies I have completed so far. The armies I have pointed up are using some models and miniatures from MANY artists here so, I have them pointed up, but since they are not "my" work, I can't post rules or "stats" for them.

I will post pictures so you can get an idea of what a 1,000 point army may look like.

ALSO...

If you have read my posts here, you will see that one of my FAVORITE vehicles is the VAMPIRE BAT heavy aerospace fighter. I LOVE the play of it. The thing I am NOT happy with is it looks... well, too boxy. Granted, it was one of my first 3D models, but I am "re-vamping" it (pun intended!) to try to come up with something that looks as good as it plays! Using pieces of my CL-23 Dominator and the new re-vamped wings I am developing, I now have the P-43 Annihilator ("Annie"). As soon as I get my issues resolved, you can see this "hybrid" fighter.

Stay tuned to more from the front!