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Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: TWD on 03 December 2022, 02:02:09 PM

Title: TWDs Xenos Rampant Games (Orks and Space Cacadores 28/03)
Post by: TWD on 03 December 2022, 02:02:09 PM
Played a couple of quick games of Xenos Rampant

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBWNDp0UdQ9N2UtMVejPk4yKQUVM5WR_g72Lu5fQp5vK441Fh1DjCEc5WGmop0oP_u0Obgwq7AvFPI9Y47rDuiBNrXg2_qtvHLGlvAN0p9Bn08nCJqNRCXxrh2axtJ8yF93ihIZew9lv3dIuBF_lqRUtjyLHLDXr_zsYfJn5qJNi-YGKUAnlUjd95mA/s800/IMG_20221129_203208_548_edited.jpeg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggA1PXHPvPDt-clXPO01kACKjxQecmp-3miMC2M45OnsmOkNuUdR60k74QIRwG9gNMC1W1Yf9OGKXik_N85OMDUWmsP7-viYhCh2lNsXtrSgtsYZLTb1kOkot0IZJytOKK4TvFEdyFSxmHGp_e4s3prmMkl7elW6IVf1Me3Uzp1Sz8E1KTxBURovlh5A/s800/IMG_20221129_223506_742_edited.jpeg)


More on the blog: https://tomstoysoldiers.blogspot.com/2022/12/two-games-of-xenos-rampant.html
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games
Post by: armchairgeneral on 03 December 2022, 03:54:33 PM
Interesting battle report. Similarly I have just bought XR out of curiosity as I enjoy playing LR. I also don’t play Sci-fi but I thought they would work for WW1.

Btw you say you don’t play sci-fi but you have 40K stuff?
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games
Post by: Warren Abox on 03 December 2022, 05:05:21 PM
Been using Khurasan's mid-tech power armor as proxy Space Marines in my games, and they don't feel quite right.  With a 3 squad minimum you only have 8 points per 7nit in a standard sized game.  That's not a lot of points left over for upgrades.

I think to get the right feel for Space Marines you need a minimum of 30AP per side.  That would let you do a little more customization on the squads.  It would also let you field enough large mobz of boyz to really give them a go.  The extra five guys don't make mobs stick around that much longer, but the Attack bump means you actually have a shot at wounding Elite Infantry.
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games
Post by: TWD on 03 December 2022, 05:07:44 PM

Btw you say you don’t play sci-fi but you have 40K stuff?

Probably should have qualified that to "...any more."
I worked for GW, so own quite a lot of 40K (though WFB was always my game).
I played quite a lot of 40K 8th when it first came out with my sons and buddies, but we all stopped when the rules started multiplying and you needed about six books to play the latest version of Marines.
I'm far too old and grey and stubborn to really wrap my head around 40K TBH, so Xenos was just an excuse to use the toys again - pleased to say it works :)
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games
Post by: TWD on 03 December 2022, 05:11:57 PM
Been using Khurasan's mid-tech power armor as proxy Space Marines in my games, and they don't feel quite right.  With a 3 squad minimum you only have 8 points per 7nit in a standard sized game.  That's not a lot of points left over for upgrades.

I think to get the right feel for Space Marines you need a minimum of 30AP per side.  That would let you do a little more customization on the squads.  It would also let you field enough large mobz of boyz to really give them a go.  The extra five guys don't make mobs stick around that much longer, but the Attack bump means you actually have a shot at wounding Elite Infantry.

I think you just have to compromise at 24 points and take some scouts or a support weapon or something (as the two Marine squads will come in at over 8pts each probably). Two  5 man squads and a Rhino or (as we did) two 5 man squads and some scouts.
The Marines won the first game easily and the second was a bloody draw. Elites are *tough* at 24 points. Facing three squads of them would not be a lot of fun :)
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games
Post by: Pattus Magnus on 03 December 2022, 06:20:27 PM
I enjoyed the battle reports. It looks like Xenos will work quite well as a sandbox game that can be adapted to a wide range of settings ( I’m certainly hoping so anyway).
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games
Post by: andyskinner on 09 December 2022, 12:34:21 AM
I have pulled out Dragon Rampant multiple times, but have just never gone with it.  I think it is because of the way it does full strength attacks until at half strength and then half-strength attacks until gone.  I feel like it would bug me here.  While the number of figures still says (big) skirmish, it doesn't feel like a skirmish game to me with that abstraction.

Have you had such a concern, and did you find a way past it?  Or maybe I'm misreading?

andy
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games
Post by: Ragnar on 09 December 2022, 02:22:54 AM
I have pulled out Dragon Rampant multiple times, but have just never gone with it.  I think it is because of the way it does full strength attacks until at half strength and then half-strength attacks until gone.  I feel like it would bug me here.  While the number of figures still says (big) skirmish, it doesn't feel like a skirmish game to me with that abstraction.

Have you had such a concern, and did you find a way past it?  Or maybe I'm misreading?

andy

I've played many Rampant games and it occurs to me that you could roll dice equal to the remaining points of a unit if you wish.  It will not break the game.
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games
Post by: TWD on 09 December 2022, 05:12:31 AM
I have pulled out Dragon Rampant multiple times, but have just never gone with it.  I think it is because of the way it does full strength attacks until at half strength and then half-strength attacks until gone.  I feel like it would bug me here.  While the number of figures still says (big) skirmish, it doesn't feel like a skirmish game to me with that abstraction.

Have you had such a concern, and did you find a way past it?  Or maybe I'm misreading?

andy

I'm comfortable with that level of abstraction so have never thought to change it. It keeps things nice and simple and straightforward.
In TMWWBK however it is "one dice per man", so only 9 dice if you've suffered three casualties. R&P has yet another way of doing it!

You could do similar in the other rule sets, but it would have an impact on the relative value (points) of the different units, especially the ones at the ends of the spectrum. Elite units in Xenos would become less powerful more quickly - as written they continue to kick out ten powerful attacks until they've lost three models - degrading would mean they'd be down to just six after two casualties.
Likewise large units (some can be fifteen strong in Xenos) typically the weaker ones, would stay stronger for longer.

But the Rampant series are very much a "toolkit" type game - if you and your opponent want to give it a go and it works for you, all good and very much in keeping with how Dan M. sees the games I think.
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games
Post by: armchairgeneral on 09 December 2022, 08:45:53 AM
I've played many Rampant games and it occurs to me that you could roll dice equal to the remaining points of a unit if you wish.  It will not break the game.

We roll the number of dice for the figures remaining. It seems to work okay. For skirmishers 6 dice (as only 6 in units) but they can shoot as a free move. The Rampant rules almost encourage house rules so change what you don't like.
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games
Post by: fred on 09 December 2022, 12:27:48 PM
I have pulled out Dragon Rampant multiple times, but have just never gone with it.  I think it is because of the way it does full strength attacks until at half strength and then half-strength attacks until gone.  I feel like it would bug me here.  While the number of figures still says (big) skirmish, it doesn't feel like a skirmish game to me with that abstraction.

Have you had such a concern, and did you find a way past it?  Or maybe I'm misreading?

andy


I like this - saves having to constantly count figures - it also makes the series easy to use with multi-based figures.
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games
Post by: TWD on 29 December 2022, 03:42:59 PM
Another game played - this time using a scenario and 30 point forces

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXv5xwGuYQ0pS0xLrJnpdC8x4SwzGKzm8Rq8WHlkbINEBqrtLhwXXlGkFtn6LlrvDcbhkN3Gf13XeUluiC5cZWpmREpa6ww5hYOxxEZNRWFGckbL2h8I7k_25_Tw36JDbgdzrXB4HAVnqii2E3MOxfRQr54vtYTCtQ7UmM6PZwG320LJLAOruVANR_qw/s800/P1120103_edited.jpeg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfGpap4RUZ2crdanWUu1GlcBj6vl2vkfzIa6A-xTmu7nGfoqRiktxY7s2SF8Irr5YGCe-TKvjLp3PIxNlg94Xukwa7LbGhL8474NiXP0wmjBfzcTXP0JU-lkC305rjGXv1RNRQMb0qUFtaBX6BbRyxFxGcsNblhWD4J-ub-b9fWIPm42r9jkYL3CxYeA/s800/P1120106_edited.jpeg)

More here:
http://tomstoysoldiers.blogspot.com/2022/12/xenos-rampant-in-jungle.html
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another added 29/12)
Post by: Major_Gilbear on 29 December 2022, 10:57:24 PM
Sounds like you're off to a good start. :)

I wonder if the Assault Marines might have been better off with Skimmer (plus High Mobility?) rather then Flyer rules?

The Ork Dread is a bit of an odd one, as the base rules for armoured vehicles seem to assume something more like a tank. Out of curiosity, what rules did you give it?
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another added 29/12)
Post by: DivisMal on 31 December 2022, 08:42:15 AM
Very nice pictures of a game right from the time when I still actively collected 40k! Haven’t had time yet to play, but a common problem many AARs point out seems to be that Elites are a tough nut to crack.
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another added 29/12)
Post by: TWD on 01 January 2023, 09:11:15 AM
Sounds like you're off to a good start. :)

I wonder if the Assault Marines might have been better off with Skimmer (plus High Mobility?) rather then Flyer rules?

The Ork Dread is a bit of an odd one, as the base rules for armoured vehicles seem to assume something more like a tank. Out of curiosity, what rules did you give it?

That's exactly what we did in the next game - I think we were mislead by the description of Flyers which explicitly mentions Jet Packs. The 40K version of a jet pack is much more like the skimmers rule.

We gave the Dredd walker (obviously) then we've played with a few different upgrades - including the close combat one - still not sure we've got it exactly "Orky" though :)
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another added 29/12)
Post by: TWD on 01 January 2023, 09:13:13 AM
Very nice pictures of a game right from the time when I still actively collected 40k! Haven’t had time yet to play, but a common problem many AARs point out seems to be that Elites are a tough nut to crack.
I think the scenarios are a good leveller for Elites - you'll struggle to fulfil objectives with only three units on the table - even if they are Elite.
Marines *may* be better represented as Heavy Infantry, Large Units, Reduced model count (plus some upgrades) and leave the Elites for a single squad of Terminators or Veterans.
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another added 29/12)
Post by: TWD on 01 January 2023, 09:14:53 AM
Played a four player game just before New Year.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlys1HVv0N3CwnsCqgtnkJKBntp0wPlUhuEjwqASGaC9x9HJ5kHfy3ewg5-jYtDTfMQuwHztEZgZiShBcxDYy8mvcW_l50mtCLyu4aybt12F2cIehkt75d_VJaooQvLXxut5kapYR6Hi_3ucO4QHGawPhvXJfa0dhw6RvH8IAhDfZxmRBR66OoGK15pw/s800/P1120197_edited.jpeg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVa_D6dWQMFajD9sRzmv_lw8CDVyDqvgCvAhwoepOdSBTL3I0AcgVJHH2XxPHO8M77NDaNvYNWOP6CduyvGmqCfbbbVXnuVW0cTtqpk7r7cjPsyHTdSmvsW7rDNvG_7kzJs7rxxuhtCVvoRgbw4gH3f3ewPwP-pE8vulXyCl-JSyauxWSHUa00JCQspQ/s800/P1120201_edited.jpeg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-3sQa5Jc6qj0yoawuJe3qtmfHATCmdP3klHuttcya0Jy4vQXAdR5QlTXaBRCRdyeOqBsu7Oo1o4H3hVNiqKnlzzbgy_qWf6KYG8WBEX7pvZ8wrB3vlk2CfGwwBHt_M1uXWDbCZ1iCT0zbd3UA1bKQuVr9CUSlGfM1uMTPaBzi66PwJNJj_06rV7OCg/s800/P1120206_edited.jpeg)

More here: https://tomstoysoldiers.blogspot.com/2022/12/xenos-rampant-four-player-game.html
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another added 29/12)
Post by: DivisMal on 01 January 2023, 09:25:20 AM
I think the scenarios are a good leveller for Elites - you'll struggle to fulfil objectives with only three units on the table - even if they are Elite.
Marines *may* be better represented as Heavy Infantry, Large Units, Reduced model count (plus some upgrades) and leave the Elites for a single squad of Terminators or Veterans.

Thanks. That’s a neat idea!
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (4 player game added 01/01)
Post by: TWD on 07 January 2023, 09:16:15 AM
Another three player game.
Still tweaking the profiles but starting to get Orks that feel "Orky"

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNt1hLfIHz3hrpw58EiNRec5_nuEAAUHaUA9TCVqRQ4SCLeGQoBoWr8mNEkPrtm_ps3d-U8-rLfZpjM-xIvSEJtgNvGOZqVBaDCY4G94-zp3t-QxHnulJqnBmzPnmvWLcQi9uKXvyCjlF5Fro_J2wYZSb9RYlIbI1BTkWgK3aDzKaLNpyJ7kRDG_9rGw/s800/P1120272_edited.jpeg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSTKSjHo78a1ThOjoHvSLrFABMnqUCrq9w_ZoNxm_VvtVEczHVFerbGhUQLG860QxttMZDDCvVts2e5ympc-NBy_r7ad0C9ou8mZaPoDUCtnP4HSM4I97zZYYqGAycKRGCqubk23t246mnYdrvbtr-d-d6NFM98Gfk-uI61C462a0Nkq1E_-zOGLevQw/s800/P1120266_edited.jpeg)

Report here: http://tomstoysoldiers.blogspot.com/2023/01/xenos-rampant-threesome.html
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another 3 player game added 07/01)
Post by: LouieN on 07 January 2023, 07:53:49 PM
good reports
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another 3 player game added 07/01)
Post by: DivisMal on 08 January 2023, 06:19:30 PM
Very interesting report! How do you stat the various Ork units?
Berserk Infantry that I understood, but which upgrades and how do you do those Nobz?
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another 3 player game added 07/01)
Post by: TWD on 08 January 2023, 06:51:32 PM
I gave the Nobs Heavy Armour, Large Units, Reduced Model count (5 Nobs for 10SP) and the blades upgrade.

Thinking a Warboss gets the Really Heavy Armour and the Monomolecular blades upgrade to represent his monstrous power claw he'd be a 5SP reduced model count (1)
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another 3 player game added 07/01)
Post by: DivisMal on 08 January 2023, 07:03:46 PM
I gave the Nobs Heavy Armour, Large Units, Reduced Model count (5 Nobs for 10SP) and the blades upgrade.

Thinking a Warboss gets the Really Heavy Armour and the Monomolecular blades upgrade to represent his monstrous power claw he'd be a 5SP reduced model count (1)

Thanks! Good ideas, I might steal them…;)
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another 3 player game added 07/01)
Post by: TWD on 08 January 2023, 10:28:47 PM
Feel free :)
Let me know how it goes.
I used the Support Weapons options for Lootas the other night. Orks that can't fight doesn't *quite* feel right but it's not a bad fit.
Want to try our Burnas (there's an engulfing weapon option that might work) and TankBustas next.
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another 3 player game added 07/01)
Post by: DivisMal on 08 January 2023, 10:35:20 PM
Feel free :)
Let me know how it goes.
I used the Support Weapons options for Lootas the other night. Orks that can't fight doesn't *quite* feel right but it's not a bad fit.
Want to try our Burnas (there's an engulfing weapon option that might work) and TankBustas next.

Yeah, true. But my orks are mostly RT era and at that time the average ork wasn’t such a killer machine, so I’m okay with it (and my 15mm Space Orcs mostly follow that direction, too).

Atm, I am mostly painting/playing around with the army lists, but this is mainly due to lack of time.
Title: Re: Xenos Rampant First Games (another 3 player game added 07/01)
Post by: TWD on 30 January 2023, 09:36:35 PM
A simple, harmless Ork Konvoy ruthlessly attacked without warning by black clad Marine oppressors

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ35WTD5uJauEIHtMSOgL4YAmSDjk0pzLKYUb9mgsXcE3AbKAfEO8TCZPcTn3N8GtJAyL9zh5zqneHrew-dNGsCs_FRAu7Xslphq9p6UNZmVhPQw2M31Lxig2304SKbE2FCSIWY-oalL9debCV-7NLvNQd8cKYo8esGGoWpaHq4zbGH_x8R3DcFCV1jw/s800/P1120506_edited.jpeg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6_WYhsP_DypxBdeTWvC_Ex_u0bWXnyzfd7HOQ_jR_BJeU_7BEIAjDZf5CSehEC0AbiUHpazqNqTxid4tL6qtjY239xqpdEkoVuQ_slBuE3XTvtyWL89CqCilQ_K0PZD4xnEy5Gq0ty_BFV9TLML42De4Pdz-_Ao6R3EZB6WCcmpw-A94eLAeSmC2-Q/s800/P1120515_edited.jpeg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnJWYaPe1YLK1wkZynRsFD2k2WhOfn5mLuWDDAfQGjF3Rwq8vbiVCQUieVDN0q0CKOrtMAhn_HWxOGQxKX3AbE5AzY5I-sTx8L36fToS8zEmonhE5i2mB1OPs-0qZOZoq5ezbyHjT3NFGOusGvpettVnH7udpiS3Ln5Gr5za5AJTo0UR67B7OXltQBw/s800/P1120524_edited.jpeg)

More here:
http://tomstoysoldiers.blogspot.com/2023/01/xenos-rampant-konvoy.html
Title: Re: TWDs Xenos Rampant Games (Templars and Orks 30/01)
Post by: Metternich on 02 February 2023, 10:05:17 PM
How do you stat the Tau?  It would be useful if in your battle reports you start off with what units each Detachment has and any special abilities those units may have.
Title: Re: TWDs Xenos Rampant Games (Templars and Orks 30/01)
Post by: TWD on 02 February 2023, 11:47:31 PM
I'm not that interested in the stats and number crunching bit of the hobby TBH so it's not the kind of thing I'm ever going to go into detail about on the blog. Pretty pictures, nicely painted soldiers and a story is what I like. Sorry.
Scrivs bought the Tau and he did their stats and I've had a sleep or two since we played so I've got no idea what he did I'm afraid.
Title: Re: TWDs Xenos Rampant Games (Templars and Orks 30/01)
Post by: TWD on 11 February 2023, 07:53:39 AM
A couple more games played

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQG2Fsv9bzHS8i4E70pvCbPfZ4bWKq2XJyr3ss0PPtgH7Gk8tFPf36oT1XGtFtNbQFX4ir-5B57o8fCCSLWwnsW9NFU3QNsrMzp8sZybHlTw2ArNQWev9BOubluEHsbbmNB0wrQZ0wksBmFm0UTxEBFPlDNdjDhYjA3HMTw5L2Qe-lMOCxl8aEBYDWeA/s800/P1120582_edited.jpeg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG568OPldE6ZN9zecijHXzOlwW3GWmX89bIPzaSrgM6kWNgJ9Sp1hDKriEWtjeM1ugyC53R6-7TGv91NPoWHB4UL75B6s8Ndvrlhbtsgvl18O1GrYxbOns7-MtHnk0bDA4Nsgvqo7qtrnHrgl7VsQPEl99yYI5Z7fE_wN6dCTA54Nd1VjQSd24mh8hnA/s799/P1120590_edited.jpeg)

More here: https://tomstoysoldiers.blogspot.com/2023/02/two-games-of-xenos-rampant.html
Title: Re: TWDs Xenos Rampant Games (Orks and Starship crew 11/02)
Post by: TWD on 28 March 2023, 07:31:45 PM
My Orks took on the Space Cacadores

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiInSPeMNc6yF9Ef2GcR-pVuYyhRGjuuZSbyejH___5mjLcrzk5czBPXDrwg8YaAsWRqeSP0ncbjlPkm5mNWCu_5bzFgf7aK1aqRsbjPcj8M7W5ArrBph5LAu6ddGKHdYkahLVezIhSe-U3vnDYEKozalO_Xuhj1dk5cdG-u47WOvqWfRGvfGeWPSCW6w/s800/P1040917_edited.jpeg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3bMFf5xpse3urFBmAdFh3UMMid7CRv_2_z4tNUogqwQkQHOxETwlTvHAX9TvWW-D2_wO2jZNbT3lNzqfA0mhgn-O4ocK_hn2K2Wj70JawGqseE9eD_azPxIIHM4_TRsjTgE5togzZilhSSe6tpPAcdbJ8MMh2zUvaq6nWb0IE59LORFYGtxMQFaGFw/s799/P1040924_edited.jpeg)

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALM2Mw5MZE7NrN7GJIcd54feDv6awFjBjMkgad7jeQoPZ_K67Xq4aBo46ZZNXswV-GPCF7L3l_TAmhPrJZesvbE7xAAjlE51UqSrD5V_oOxbvoMavWIkKin595qmk8H8Fku1-O3vTB73XuCejduHdh9XDhihjSCv9Ds_5obmcm7u77Dv2TE8Gc0P1dw/s800/P1040937_edited.jpeg)

More on the blog: https://tomstoysoldiers.blogspot.com/2023/03/xenos-rampant-vip.html
Title: Re: TWDs Xenos Rampant Games (Orks and Space Cacadores 28/03)
Post by: Scarper on 28 March 2023, 10:50:53 PM
Nice write ups! A friend of mine is really keen on this game, and I've been trying to find some decent reports. These have been really helpful to get a feel for it. It's also really awesome to see fully painted forces and terrain - makes it all come to life. Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: TWDs Xenos Rampant Games (Orks and Space Cacadores 28/03)
Post by: Mike Garland on 31 March 2023, 01:39:13 AM
TWD,

Nice reports and photos. I bookmarked your blog. I like your introductory paragraph and message to Tango01 on your blog.