I noticed Chroma's project for various E:A scenarios (link below). I thought it would be nice for the new update if we in the NetEpic community could do something similar. Anyone have any scenarios they want to share?

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=15119

Also, Primarch's recent battle report included several interesting additional game features. I reckon it would be good to throw in a list of different parameters to spice up "standard" battles for the update also. Do you have more ideas like that Primarch?

viewtopic.php?f=85&t=26062

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I was thinking of something similar although you wouldn't want anything to complicated, most people would turn up with an army and just want to play. If you start dropping scenarios which require modifications to armies to allow a fair game then it might put people off. At its simplest they should will allow two equal point armies to play a fair game, just look at what they have in place in 40k these day.
Although not actual scenarios, the two thoughts that I had were:

1) Random objective table.
For each objective, roll on the table and apply the result. Some results would give no change (objective is just the generic 5pt one), some might make the objective worth more, less or no points, some could be an escape pod, crashed plane, listening post, supply dump etc, and generate additional effects on top of the points. Would actually give some background to what you are fighting over.

2) Deployment zone generator.
Much like what they have used in 40k for years, you roll to see what the deployment zone looks like. You might get the normal one or end up deploying on the short board ends, the zone might be slanted at a diagonal or you might be restricted to a corner. Would give a little variation to how a game is set up.

Matt

It depends a bit on just how much you want the scenarios to do. Are they limited to mirror matches like in 40K where two sides of equal points are competing for the same goals from the same size deployment zones from opposite sides of the table or can they get more creative? Should the scenario determine deployment zone? Can there be an attacker and a defender? Can it vary the objectives so each player is trying to do something different? Can scenario influence or even determine terrain type or placement?

I've only played a couple games of Malifaux, but the scenario rules for that game are among the most involved I have ever read and I hear very good things about the scenario generation for that game. For a Malifaux game you are determining (either randomly or by mutual consent) a location for the game from about 2 dozen possibilities and each location has a list of recommended types of terrain to use to represent it, with the possibility of some terrain having special effects. You determine a type of deployment zone. Players may be fighting over the same primary objectives or they may have different, individual goals for the game, and the chosen objectives may dictate further additions of modifications to the battlefield. Additionally, each side has some secret, minor objectives that they may be working toward. Then there may also be special events that can occur sometime during the game that will impact game play.

The more of that sort of thing you add to the scenarios for a game, the more flavorful and interesting the scenarios become, but it also places some limitations and requirements on players that you might feel are too restrictive.

So the question becomes, just how far do you think we should carry this idea?

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Troy


Once Upon a Midnight Dreary....

I think the more scenarios the better! From my point of view I'd be pleased to see any scenarios that the community come up with.

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Ive often thought that using the basic scenarios from FOW would work for Epic, with a wee bit of tweaking of course.

I think it would make games more interesting, especially if its randomly generated, as it would encourage players to take a balanced force, able to adapt to different missions.

Steve

What sort of scenarios does FoW have?

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Troy


Once Upon a Midnight Dreary....

I don't have my rulebook here with me, but there are about 6 "basic" scenarios in the book, ranging from straight up fights to withdrawals under fire. There are also many historical scenarios that could very easily be pressed into service.

Having looked at the links the Bissler posted above, they are very similar. The whole idea of using scenarios is very interesting. I suppose ideas could be got from any historical battle, but the main ones for me would be :

Straight battle
Ambush
Assault on defended line
Flank attack
Surprise attack, (involving reserves)
Escalating engagement

If you were to put the scenarios in the core rulebook id make them fairly simple and generic, with suitable scenario rules such as reserves, ambushes etc. Further scenarios could then be designed by the players using these rules, or perhaps a few scenarios could be included in the army books, to reflect how certain armies fight?

Steve

Are these scenarios rolled up randomly before the game starts or are they scenarios which require both players to agree to play and prepare specifically costed armies?

I think there are two aspects to this discussion:

1) Scenarios which the players agree to use and prepare forces based on the conditions set forward in the scenario. More often than not this will involve one player having a force at a lower points value, but the conditions of the scenario will give him some sort of advantage to make up for the difference.

2) Scenarios which are rolled up randomly prior to the game and give a variation to the standard game. In this case the players are usually playing to the same points value and build their force prior to knowing the scenario.

Scenarios to meet point one should be easy to produce as they can be picked from all many of systems and modified. Those for use in point two obviously would require a lot more thought as at an equal points value, you don't want to give to much advantage to one side.

Something I thought of the other day. It would be kinda cool to have a couple generic, simple campaigns in the rulebook. Like a faction neutral, 3-4 tier tree campaign or something.

Something that demonstrates connected scenarios and can kickstart people into playing with them.

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Troy


Once Upon a Midnight Dreary....

I had experimented some time ago with this idea but was never very satisfied with the results; one or two bad results could result in the rest of the campaign being a write off.

Off topic, but if it is campaign rules you are interested in, you are welcome to have a nosey at my Epic War! rules. It is designed really with "standard" battles in mind and I doubt it would be compatible with playing any other scenarios, but hopefully you may find it of interest. Comments and criticisms are very much welcomed.

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=24493

And no, I have no shame, I am unrepentant in my boundless self-promotion.

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I think this topic deserves some more discussion.

The scenarios (if used) would define how the game plays. Like mattman pointed out, there are 2 options, pre designated scenarios, "ok next game were playing scenario x, your the attacker, so you go away and tailor your force for that "mission". No problems with this, as any commander worth his salt would do exactly that.

Option 2 is to create a balanced list, then roll a die for the scenario to be played. I kind of like that too as it encourages players to think about all the difficulties they "could" face. It nicely replicates the uncertainties of war. Many times I have personally planned for rehearsed and briefed my men for an operation, only for it all to change at the last minuite, (the Heli isnt coming, your walking, or you have lost the machine gun section, they are going to A company instead....etc)

The bottom line is that I really like the idea of scenarios, its much more characterful, and is infinitely better than sending my little metal men to their deaths fighting for a cardboard counter that says "objective 3" on it

I will put some more thought into this and see what I can come up with.

Steve

I must admit I had forgotten about this topic Yorkie. Thanks for resurrecting it. I like the sound of your ideas and look forward to seeing what you come up with!

The idea of forcing forces to buy certain units is a good one. I'm certainly guilty of tailoring my forces to the units I like best (usually specialists). This means that for my Marines and Eldar I routinely disregard Tacticals and Guardians when these should be at the centre of forces.

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Hi bissler,

I wouldnt want to "force" anyone to take certain troop types, they can take what they want subject to the army list, but i'd like to think that players would choose a balanced force, able to adapt to whatever the situation they find themselves in. The commander on the ground has to essentially go with what hes got and make it work. Thats what real life commanders have always done, and still do.

Ive got a very messy weekend coming up, so when ive sobered up next week ill have a proper crack at this.

Steve

Hi!

As I have been reading 1st edition again, one thing second edition never did was scenarios.

We must include good scenarios for platinum. All games cannot just be "line 'em up and fight" scenarios.

Scenarios add to the replay value and variety.

Primarch

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Primarch


The Primarchload
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That's not entirely correct. The 2nd edition Titan Legions set had "Titan Missions" which, with a little creativity, could be utilized by any forces. I also seem to recall one (or more) White Dwarf articles about this during 2nd edition, but I'm not sure.

Still, adding some would be a good idea.

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