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Miniatures Adventure => Future Wars => Topic started by: Craig on 27 July 2011, 07:39:11 AM

Title: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 27 July 2011, 07:39:11 AM
Hi All,

The Forge of War Development Group are currently reviewing the ItEN rules in light of all the playtesting and excellent feedback we have had from around the globe.

We intend to publish a second edition in the near future as three separate booklets; the Core Rules; the Retinues, and; the Campaign System. This will make the system both easier to handle, and easier to update.

Most of the changes are clarifications or tightening of the rules. One though will affect the points system and I'd like to give you fair warning of this, especially if you are creating cards.

There seems to be general agreement that Grit, possibly the most important troop characteristic, is under-costed. The current thinking is that we should recost it as follows:

Grit    Points
6+       1
5+       2
4+       4
3+       9
2+      16

In line with this the recommended points cost for a retinue has been lifted from 120 to 150 points.  I have recosted all the forces in the Retinues booklet and the points system seems to work with very few of the example retinues having to change to meet the 150 point limit.

I am hopeful that the second edition is not far off, certainly no more than a couple of weeks away.

As always your feedback on these ideas is much appreciated.

Cheers,
Craig
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Oliver on 27 July 2011, 10:40:13 AM
All seems fair enough, wish I'd known I would have held off printing it out...

Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: fourcolorfigs on 27 July 2011, 07:07:59 PM
I have to say these rules look very cool and dovetail nicely with what I am painting right now.  Thanks for working on them and making them available!
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: fourcolorfigs on 27 July 2011, 08:47:35 PM
Craig, I had a look at the rules and they are very promising.  What do you think about the option of giving one or two models in the retinue additional "hits" or "wounds" so they are not taken out in one shot?

For skirmish games with a few models, I like the idea of certain models being able to weather a hit or two before going down.  Anyway, looking forward to your revisions.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Backyardpatrol on 27 July 2011, 09:11:50 PM
You're probably getting tired of retinue suggestions, but what about the Sensei warband from R/T Slaves to Darkness/Lost and the damned? ITEN reminds me of it!
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 28 July 2011, 07:27:02 AM
Craig, I had a look at the rules and they are very promising.  What do you think about the option of giving one or two models in the retinue additional "hits" or "wounds" so they are not taken out in one shot?

Hi,

One of the objectives behind the Forge of War Development group is to hand control back to the players.  If you wish to have characters with two wounds then have them. We positively encourage people to develop their own house rules.

However, the majority of people you'd give two wounds to, i.e. Leaders and Elite troops, already benefit from better armour than the common trooper and a better Grit characteristic to show their better motivation and ability to stay in the fight.

Play a couple of games and I think you'll  see that high Grit characters survive remarkably well without the need for two wounds.

At the end of the day though it is up to you  :D

Cheers,
Craig.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 28 July 2011, 07:29:40 AM
You're probably getting tired of retinue suggestions, but what about the Sensei warband from R/T Slaves to Darkness/Lost and the damned? ITEN reminds me of it!

1. We never, ever get tired of retinue suggestions! For example, we've just received a list for an Ork Goffik Rokk Band  :o
2. I do believe that one of our chaps has already volunteered to produce a Sensei list.

Cheers,
Craig.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: fourcolorfigs on 28 July 2011, 02:46:41 PM


Play a couple of games and I think you'll  see that high Grit characters survive remarkably well without the need for two wounds.

At the end of the day though it is up to you  :D

Cheers,
Craig.

Hah-hah! This is sage advice, and I often find myself giving it to folks about my own rules, so we will give it a few plays as written.  Very nice, clean-looking set of rules. 

When you do your revised edition, might I suggest more white space in the layout?  makes for easier reading! 

Thanks, again, Craig!  I am itching to take these rules out for a spin!
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: fourcolorfigs on 28 July 2011, 05:55:06 PM
Also, any rules for Untouchables, or Psychic Blanks in the works?  Thanks!
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 29 July 2011, 10:23:13 AM
When you do your revised edition, might I suggest more white space in the layout?  makes for easier reading! 

I am always aware that people will want to print out the rules, often at their own expense. This is why I minimize the amount of white space.

As for Untouchables, well there was no intention to, until you reminded me of them. I'm a great fan of Inquistors Eisenhorn and Ravenor, which is why I wrote the rules in the first place, and the use of such 'blanks' was critical to their stories.

So they will appear in the second edition.

Thanks,
Craig.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Backyardpatrol on 29 July 2011, 12:14:13 PM
Quote
So they will appear in the second edition.

 :-*

Wish I could find a cheap Black Library Eisenhorn in 28mm!!!
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: fourcolorfigs on 29 July 2011, 12:21:26 PM


So they will appear in the second edition.

Thanks,
Craig.

Thanks, Craig!
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Hrothgar on 30 July 2011, 05:10:55 AM
Backyardpatrol, it's not hard to kitbash a 28mm Eisenhorn if you have access to Empire militia and IG bits. I will try to post a pic and recipe tomorrow...
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Backyardpatrol on 30 July 2011, 07:33:43 PM
Quote
I will try to post a pic and recipe tomorrow...

I have lots of those bits, just for making Inquisitors! Interested to see your take. I love the 54mm model, and the 28mm model is almost a clone.

I started building one using the Inquisitor Karamazov' torso, but thats as far as I got.

I'm making two different retinues, one with old school Rogue Trader era mini's, and one with the newer figures from the last few editions.
I'd love to find the Rt Sensei model, lost one on ebay a while back. Not that great a figure but nice to have in the collection!
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Hrothgar on 31 July 2011, 01:16:06 AM
@ Backyardpatrol-it is by no means finished, but here is my own effort thus far:

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jAKOQ-tyIMs/TjSc9o9I0GI/AAAAAAAAAcA/eteHjBAEE9o/s640/photo.jpg)

The torso and arms are from the Empire Militia boxed set. The torso is the one with the gentleman's coat and braid.
The legs are from the plastic Catachan squad set. The head is bareheaded Cadian from the basic Cadian squad set. The staff is made from two parts-the staff itself was from the lamp in the Mordheim humans/Empire Militia set, and the head was taken from the terminator sgt. in the  Assault on Black Reach set. I sculpted on the high coat collar, the shoulder pads, and the breast plate (my own addition, but it covers the frilly shirt underneath, and some Inquisitorial baubles. It was a very fast and simple little conversion, and while nowhere near perfect, I am very happy with how he turned out.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Backyardpatrol on 31 July 2011, 04:24:56 AM
That does look great, I never thought of using that head, he looks like Eisenhorn from the book covers!

Shweet!!
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Papa Spanky on 31 July 2011, 06:55:12 AM
Wouldnt you know it, I just finished printing the rules last week.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 31 July 2011, 12:07:43 PM
Work continues on In the Emperor’s Name! 2nd Edition. We have now have possible new rules for vehicles such as Bikes and Dreads. The scope of these rules will never be appropriate for heavy vehicles, but a few light ones? Maybe.

The Core Rules now has an appendix for fighting aboard Hulks, a classic Battlespace. New retinues are being added to fill out our coverage of the Warhammer 40K universe.

Alongside this there is work going on on a Generic Sci-Fi version of In the Emperor’s Name! This is going slowly at the moment, but it is moving.

There have been calls for a Fantasy/Medieval version of the rules. Something that intrigues me – Mordheim anyone?

There are ongoing discussions on the various proposed changes on the Forge of War Yahoo Group and The Miniatures Page (Science Fiction\28mm Sci-Fi).  These are proving to be very useful to the development team.

Cheers,
Craig.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: fourcolorfigs on 01 August 2011, 06:21:15 PM
Craig & Co.:

We had a game this weekend and it was great!  I really enjoyed it.  Of course you can quibble about this or that bit of conversion work, but overall, superb!

One issue with the Kroot list, why does the Shaper have +2 FV vs. a standard warrior's +4?  Shapers are the best warriors in a Kroot list.  This is easily remedied by simply adding the +2 to make him even with the other Kroot, and it takes your sample list from 118 pts. to an even 120 pts. 

Anyway, we plan to do a lot more with this set in the coming weeks.  Thanks for your efforts!

P.S. I intend to start posting some of my warbands on my blog!
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 01 August 2011, 08:36:34 PM
One issue with the Kroot list, why does the Shaper have +2 FV vs. a standard warrior's +4?  Shapers are the best warriors in a Kroot list.  This is easily remedied by simply adding the +2 to make him even with the other Kroot, and it takes your sample list from 118 pts. to an even 120 pts. 
P.S. I intend to start posting some of my warbands on my blog!

Hi FCF,

Simply put it is a typo and should be the other way around. Shapers +4, Kroot +2.

I should look forward to your warbands :)

Cheers,
Craig.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: fourcolorfigs on 01 August 2011, 08:55:04 PM
Thanks!  Also,the Hound's shooting and fighting got turned around, but that was more obvious! 

Would you like me to take a crack at working out some rules for Psychic Blanks, or do you have that covered already?

Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 01 August 2011, 10:27:46 PM
FCF,

I'm always happy for people to contribute their ideas.

I look forward to what you come up with.

Cheers,
Craig.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Argonor on 02 August 2011, 09:43:39 AM
The Core Rules now has an appendix for fighting aboard Hulks, a classic Battlespace. New retinues are being added to fill out our coverage of the Warhammer 40K universe.

Hopefully, this means the Eldar are arriving soon - I have some painted (and a lot of unpainted) good old Jes Goodwin Eldar, and my primary gaming buddy is - slowly - painting some Eldar, too.

After posting a link to the rules on my club's forum, one guy there has made retinues for Marines, Tau, and Inquisition - now we only need to find a date, and I need to make some of my Dark Angels into a fighting band  :D
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: fourcolorfigs on 02 August 2011, 02:42:26 PM
Craig, here's my first stab at Untouchables for ITEN:

Inquisitorial Agent:  Untouchables (Psychic Blanks)
Base Cost: 11 pts.
Notes:  The basic version of this ability costs +5 pts. (already factored into the model’s cost above).  Untouchables act as psychic nullifiers, completely immune to the effects of Psyker powers (both harmful and helpful), while also conferring this immunity to any model in base contact with them.  For +10 pts., the Untouchable’s nullifying aura extends to a 3” radius from its base.  The Untouchable may also re-roll any failed Grit checks from the Terrifying influence of Daemons.

The Untouchable’s psychic blankness makes him an uneasy ally.  Untouchables may never take part in Gang Ups in close combat.

The Untouchable agent possesses the following basic profile:

Grit 4+  FV +1   SV +1  Speed +0

He may be outfitted with equipment appropriate to the Inquisitorial list.  The cost of any equipment must be added to the model’s base cost.  


Let me know what you think!

Thanks!

--Scott
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Hrothgar on 02 August 2011, 04:57:29 PM
Argonor-It looks like there will be three flavors of Eldar; Craftworld, Pirates, and Harequins. No Exodites or DE yet, though.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Argonor on 02 August 2011, 08:13:55 PM
Argonor-It looks like there will be three flavors of Eldar; Craftworld, Pirates, and Harequins. No Exodites or DE yet, though.

Exodites are the same as the once so-called 'Eldar Knights', right? Mine (few painted ones) are painted up as Saim-Hann, so craftworld suits me fine  ;)
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 02 August 2011, 08:32:22 PM
Craig, here's my first stab at Untouchables for ITEN:
Let me know what you think!

Scott that is quite brilliant. Simple, yet colourful and not overpoweful.

I'll write it into the Inquistorial retinue in the 2nd Edition. As is our way you'll be credited as a contributor. Please PM me your full name.

Cheers,
Craig.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: fourcolorfigs on 03 August 2011, 02:58:08 AM
Thanks! PM sent!
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: fourcolorfigs on 04 August 2011, 02:32:41 PM
Craig, I had PM'ed this along with my name, but I am not sure they went through, so here are some proposed rules for Servo Skulls in Inquisitorial warbands:


Servo Skulls
Base Cost: 9 pts.
Notes: Made from cyber-technology encased within the skull of a departed servant of the Emperor, a Servo Skull exists to serve its master, usually an Inquisitor or Interrogator.  Servo Skulls do not attack in close or ranged combat, but they can defend themselves in melee.

Servo Skulls possess the following profile:

Grit 5+  FV +0   SV +0  Speed +1  Armor 6+

Notes
Floater: The Servo Skull floats on an anti-grav field and thus ignores difficult terrain.  It may also move over gaps that would normally cause a model to fall. 

In addition, a player may select two of the following abilities for the Servo Skull, adding the costs to the model’s base cost.

Melee Combat Assist (+2 pts.): +1 FV to a Friendly model in base contact. 

Ranged Combat Assist (+2 pts.): +1 SV to a Friendly model in base contact. 

Stimm Injection (+2 pts.): +1 to Grit roll for a Friendly, knocked down model in base contact.

Analyze (+1 pt.): +1 to an objective rolls on Investigative missions for a Friendly model in base contact.


Let me know what you think!  Thanks!

Scott Pyle
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Smith on 04 August 2011, 02:45:33 PM
Just got this downloaded, and "volunteered" a couple of colleagues at Osprey Towers into playing. Looking forward to having a bash at the rules, and have an Astartes list on the go.

One thing I noticed – and if it's been mentioned before, I apologize – is that the Marine Chaplain has the same base cost as the Captain, but comes with "Invoke Faith" in addition to the shared skills of "Terrifying" and "Leader". Add in the cheap bonus of a Chaplain-only Rosarius, and it makes the Captain a rather pointless option – for 1pt more, I have an area-affect Terror-negator, with a +1 to be hit.

I get that the aim is not to be munchkin-y about building the retinues, but this is the only real broken option I've found (admittedly, I've focused more on this list than the others!).
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Hrothgar on 04 August 2011, 03:57:04 PM
I really like the idea of the psychic blanks is very cool, and really fits well into the game fluff-wise. I also like the servo-skulls.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: fourcolorfigs on 04 August 2011, 04:28:02 PM
Thanks!  I plan on testing both this weekend. 
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Grif on 04 August 2011, 06:46:30 PM
Well, this lets us play Jurgen on the tabletop...but does anyone have any suggestions for Caiphas Cain's ability to come out of any dangerous situation intact and covered in glory?  lol
Grif
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: fourcolorfigs on 04 August 2011, 07:21:45 PM
Well, this lets us play Jurgen on the tabletop...but does anyone have any suggestions for Caiphas Cain's ability to come out of any dangerous situation intact and covered in glory?  lol
Grif

Loaded dice?   ;)
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 05 August 2011, 08:01:45 AM
One thing I noticed – and if it's been mentioned before, I apologize – is that the Marine Chaplain has the same base cost as the Captain, but comes with "Invoke Faith" in addition to the shared skills of "Terrifying" and "Leader".

Hi Smith,

With the rapid increase in the number of retinues I too have noticed a number of such anomalies. So... in the 2nd Edition's Retinues supplement all such speacial abilities carry a 5 point cost. Note that Leader is not a special ability, but Invoke Faith, Terrifying and host of others are.

Please start using that rule straight away if you wish :)

Cheers,
Craig.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Smith on 05 August 2011, 09:26:46 AM
That'll work! Thanks, Craig.

Looking forward to v2.0 – is there a rough ETA?
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 05 August 2011, 10:54:52 AM
ETA roughly a week, unless we get a flood of submissions or feedback on the Forge of War Yahoo Group.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: cheetor on 05 August 2011, 12:55:59 PM


I finally got around to printing out a copy of these to read through yesterday.  I am really impressed with the approach taken, both with the simplified stat lines and the comprehensive lists of niche, old school 40k factions.

Thanks to both you Craig and Forge of War for all of your hard work.  I cant wait to dig out some of my old stuff for a game of this :)

Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 07 August 2011, 03:34:59 PM
Hi All,

Looking at the work we have left to do, our ETA for releasing In the Emperor's Name 2nd Edition is Sunday 14th August.

Obviously the various spin-off projects, such as the Generic Sci-Fi version, will have to wait until we delivered this, as their rules will change to match.

As usual with Forge of War Development Group publications it has been a truly cooprtative process with people from all over the world contributing their ideas and experiences of the original game.

I will of course let you know of any developments in the meantime.

Cheers,
Craig.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Argonor on 15 August 2011, 08:09:30 AM
Any news?

Am restraining myself from building a retinue until 2nd Ed. is out. But then... o_o
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 15 August 2011, 04:43:49 PM
Any news?

It will be a few more days I'm afraid. We are going through final proofreads adn addinga few more cool things the guys have come up with.
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Argonor on 16 August 2011, 07:33:24 AM
Thanks - I just don't want to miss out...  lol
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Craig on 17 August 2011, 07:41:43 AM
OK... the deadline for submissions has just arrived so we have closed the door.  All that remains is for the team and myself to do the final edit and we are good to go.

Expect publication Thursday night or Friday morning (UK time).
Title: Re: In the Emperor's Name - back in the workshop.
Post by: Oliver on 18 August 2011, 04:19:32 PM
I am looking forward to the.vinished version of this. I am on holiday ine the Rhone Alps and have been checking for it whenever free wifi has bee
n available!
Also the release of the rules was timely as I had just started a collection of squats!