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Miniatures Adventure => VSF Adventures => Topic started by: Shazam on June 09, 2009, 04:01:12 AM

Title: Rules
Post by: Shazam on June 09, 2009, 04:01:12 AM
Just wondering what alternates are there out there for rules I am aware of the Gaslight rules and the impending compendium. Just wondering if there were other rules out there for a noob like me?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: leadfool on June 09, 2009, 07:31:06 AM
"Rampant Colonialism" and "Colonial Adventures" are both "colonial" rules that easily lend themselves to VSF. RC is by Flagship games and CA is by Two hour wargames.

We are currently trying the set by Parroom station called "Valor Steel and Flesh" (VSF).  Our Sacramento group likes any of those sets better then GASLIGHT.  Maybe just because we can only count to ten and G-light uses that confusing 20 sided die.  Or maybe because we can't remember an Acronim of more then 3 letters. 

Good luck with what ever set you use.  Besides, if you don't modify the rules somewhat, you aren't really playing VSF. 
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Malamute on June 09, 2009, 07:39:39 AM
Agree with Leadfool, Valour and Steel and Flesh. They are bsed on Brother Against Brother and use the same mechanics.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Skrapwelder on June 09, 2009, 01:10:47 PM
I've definitely got to go along with recommending the Valor, Steel and Flesh rules.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Shazam on June 09, 2009, 01:18:44 PM
IS VSF a skirmish 1 figure to a base game?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Skrapwelder on June 09, 2009, 01:25:05 PM
Yes, and units are 10 figures. The activation of units is card driven with a few variants on how to activate units. In its simplest form a deck made up of one card per unit or character is shuffled and two cards are flipped over at a time. Each side is represented by a color and activates units of its choice as cards of its color are flipped. Face cards are reserved for Officers and Characters.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: richarDISNEY on June 09, 2009, 01:54:43 PM
A..well...third for VSF.

I liked Gaslight until I tried the VSF.  Not that I am saying Gaslight is bad, I just like VSF better.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: answer_is_42 on June 09, 2009, 08:38:55 PM
This is one of many threads about rules. Perhaps a sticky listing all the ones used would be a good idea?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Shazam on June 09, 2009, 11:23:58 PM
yes that would be a good choice
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Malamute on June 10, 2009, 07:23:22 AM
This is one of many threads about rules. Perhaps a sticky listing all the ones used would be a good idea?

Your wish is my command, Good idea. :)
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: HerbyF on June 10, 2009, 09:41:32 AM
Don't forget about Space 1889. Although we use a mix of Sword & the flame with things taken from Space 1899,
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Shazam on June 10, 2009, 10:01:14 PM
wow Im already in a sticky!!! What do you chaps say about Two Hour wargames chain reaction rules?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: gamer Mac on June 25, 2009, 02:49:43 PM
Valour and Steel and Flesh.
Where can you get these rules in the UK?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: twrchtrwyth on June 25, 2009, 03:16:53 PM
Valour and Steel and Flesh.
Where can you get these rules in the UK?
Caliver books is waiting for a re-stock, I should be getting an e-mail from them when it's back in stock. I don't know of anywhere else.
http://www.caliverbooks.com/bookview.php?69bb94865c5991c07e25cb0cd3cb6d81&id=11310&subcatcode=J&subcatno=76
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: answer_is_42 on June 26, 2009, 09:55:46 AM
Valour and Steel and Flesh.
Where can you get these rules in the UK?
Caliver books is waiting for a re-stock, I should be getting an e-mail from them when it's back in stock. I don't know of anywhere else.
http://www.caliverbooks.com/bookview.php?69bb94865c5991c07e25cb0cd3cb6d81&id=11310&subcatcode=J&subcatno=76

Ah! Thanks for this...I was wondering what had happened to my order...
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: twrchtrwyth on June 26, 2009, 10:07:01 AM
@answer_is_42:I wondered what happened to, to my order I mean! I phoned them in the end and they said they had sent an e-mail but I never got it. They explained about waiting for a re-stock and when I talked to them at Phalanx they where still waiting.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Fuzzywuzzieswiflasers on June 30, 2009, 12:14:06 AM
My two cents...

I have only played Gaslight and I am still learning the rules. Rolling a D20 is a bit strange and the morale system is a bit clunky but the randomised movement is very good. I play Battles by Gaslight. The trick is putting together even forces especially with the different fantastic weapons people come up with. I think the points system in Gaslight needs a bit of work. It can also be difficult finding the right section of the rules you are looking for, flicking back and forth between each book. I hope this will be resolved with the upcoming compendium which hopefully will include an index.

I am nit picking but overall GASLIGHT gives an enjoyable game.

Cheers
Fuzzy
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Doc Twilight on June 30, 2009, 12:22:19 AM
I played GASLIGHT for years, and even put on a very large Landship game at Historicon 2003 with it. The author was there, and seemed to enjoy my quick reference chart with slightly revised vehicle rules...

My issues with Gaslight are similar to Fuzzy. Uncontrolled, the points system can lead to a spiralling arms race, which ends up with players competing to build the biggest, nastiest landships possible. The other issue I have with GASLIGHT, quite frankly, is that it simply is too generic after a while, particularly if you're passionate about VSF. Aside from the font used, there's very little that definitively fixed GASLIGHT as a VSF game. It's very much what you make it, and nothing more. That isn't always a bad thing, but Idunno... I found that Valour, Steel, and Flesh felt a little more like I was playing a game in the era.

One final (minor) issue I have with GASLIGHT is that they haven't really emphasized much beyond the ACW with their scenario books and "official figures". While I think these are both great, I do not immediately think "ACW" when I think VSF. I tend to think more Verne, Wells, Haggard, that sort of thing. This is an -entirely- personal bias, but it's just my opinion.

-Doc

Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Fuzzywuzzieswiflasers on June 30, 2009, 03:55:10 AM
I think the generic aspect of the GASLIGHT rules is its strength, as I can pick and choose what aspects of the genre I wish to include and creating our own VSF "world" is part of the fun. Are my flyers using steam power, liftwood, cavorite antigravity, magneeto repulsor rays etc etc. The choice is mine.


However I can see how VSF with an established background like Parroom station or Space 1889 would appeal to players also.

At our club there are just two of us playing Gaslight. I'm playing Brits and my fellow club member Tom is playing the Prussians, but there are rumors of Russian forces, Turks and Chinese(Boxers) soon to make an appearance. 

We have had an arms race also. I had the early lead with more units painted and the impressive HMLS Dauntless, however the Prussians have hit back with several heavy steam tanks, walkers and they soon may take to the air with balloon vehicles.  I love the arms race! I haven't had this much fun scratch building/converting in years!

Cheers Fuzzy
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: johnl5555 on September 22, 2009, 07:36:35 PM
I'm sold on Gaslight and Battles by Gaslight. The rules are very flexible. They also allow you to put a LOT of toys on the tabletop. I range from Lost World and Colonial to VSF scenarios. I am not as excited by the morale rules as they aren't as slick as the rest of the rules.

Thanks,

John
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Traveler Man on September 24, 2009, 06:12:59 PM
I'm wondering if anyone has adapted the Beer & Pretzels ACW Ironclad rules for landship combat.  ???
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: mahon on September 24, 2009, 07:57:27 PM
wow Im already in a sticky!!! What do you chaps say about Two Hour wargames chain reaction rules?

as much of a THW fan as I am, I think that for this era you would best use a mix of CR3 and CR Swordplay rules.

Why?
CR3 is aimed at modern firefights, and reactions are tailored more to this era. So your basic reaction is usually to fire or duck back. Not much care is taken about slow-reloading weapons like muskets.

CR Swordplay is more melee oriented and firearms are more primitive, so rules for reloading are more important here. Also reaction tables are a bit different. Not so much care is taken of being 'outgunned'...

Both rulesets are skirmish games, where you move all miniatures separately, although gropuing them under some leaders is usually beneficial. If you want more of a period feel, using organized units, rules for formations, and different reactions for tribals and Europeans - check Colonial Adventures out.

Especially now that the free "Steam Punks" expansion was released, and a cool "Colonial Lemuria" setting sourcebook is available...

Of course CA is not free, but CR3 and CR Swordplay are! So why don't you take a look at both CR games if it doesn't cost you anything more than time to download them?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Froggy the Great on May 05, 2010, 01:39:24 AM
I'm looking for a ruleset where I can play a force of maybe 10 figures and has a robust vehicle creation system and good points system.  I'm most familiar with the Rattrap games, and I'm on a budget.  Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Dewbakuk on May 05, 2010, 07:16:08 AM
I'm looking for a ruleset where I can play a force of maybe 10 figures and has a robust vehicle creation system and good points system.  I'm most familiar with the Rattrap games, and I'm on a budget.  Any suggestions?

Are you after a competitive points system? Savage Worlds Showdown is good for small numbers of figures and has a decent vehicle design system. Plus it's free! The troop designer assigns points but it's more of a scenario design set up than a competitive army builder. It works well but you can 'cheat' it very easily.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Froggy the Great on May 05, 2010, 12:20:20 PM
Savage Worlds is my RPG system of choice, so I know the system quite well - I've been able to "game" the points system of the first edition far too easily though.

That and I believe the points designer is an Excel spreadsheet which may or may not work with my Linux/openoffice setup.

Still not worth ruling out though, thanks.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Pentaro on May 05, 2010, 12:28:54 PM
I'm looking for a ruleset where I can play a force of maybe 10 figures and has a robust vehicle creation system and good points system.  I'm most familiar with the Rattrap games, and I'm on a budget.  Any suggestions?

I've used Flying Lead for VSF (a small human squad versus too many lizardmen) and loved it. It's slightly more detailed and realistic than Song of Blades and has a lot of building options for characters, weapons and vehicles. It's not very good for competition, though.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Dewbakuk on May 05, 2010, 02:07:27 PM
Savage Worlds is my RPG system of choice, so I know the system quite well - I've been able to "game" the points system of the first edition far too easily though.

That and I believe the points designer is an Excel spreadsheet which may or may not work with my Linux/openoffice setup.

Still not worth ruling out though, thanks.

Currently the unit builder is an excel sheet yeah. The intention is to make it a program at some point apparently but given it's Pinnacle.... I wouldn't hold your breath. No idea if the full thing would work under Openoffice.

You can cheat the system very easily but if you're an 'honest' player, that shouldn't be a problem :D
For example, secondary skills and weapons cost far less than main ones, so I could make a soldier with a d4 in fighting as his main skill and a dagger as his main weapon, then give him a d10 in shooting and an MG42 as a secondary set. He'd be far cheaper than putting them in the other way but it's quite clearly not the way it should be used.

Alternatively of course, you can get someone else to stat up the troops you'll be using. I'd be happy to help out if needed.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: ushistoryprof on May 05, 2010, 03:46:48 PM
Been playing miniatures since the 60's, so I'm old school where you often had to create your own rules for anything apart from mainstream historical.  I learned to pick and choose, mix and match and rewrite rules that fit into our game type and play style.  For most of our VSF games we currently use a combination of concepts from Space 1889, Soldiers Companion, GASLIGHT and the D-10 system of combat from .45 Adventures.  I'm reviewing Shadow Worlds for ideas right now. Each system has some really good parts and some weak areas, so the bottom line is to find what works for you, have fun and don't worry about what other peope think about you and your crazy hobby.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: ugsome on May 12, 2010, 09:16:09 AM
I can't seem to find any place in Europe that sells VSF.
Checked Caliver without seeing anything on their site.
I would like to avoid ordering from US if I can avoid it.
Any ideas?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: rob_alderman on May 12, 2010, 09:17:45 AM
I think you have to order from the US. We all have the same problem.  :(

I might order it tonight, in fact.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: ugsome on May 12, 2010, 10:49:38 AM
Alright. US it is. Thanks for the answer.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Lupus on May 13, 2010, 08:22:14 AM
I just got VSF from Paltroon can'rt wait to read it and Skyrunners as well :D
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: gloriousbattle on May 31, 2010, 09:56:51 PM
Age of Extraordinary Gentlemen is in the files section here:

http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/Royal_Ngombe_River_Company/?yguid=197258503

It is D&D based, and there is a version compatible with 0ed to 2ed, and one for 3ed and 3.5ed.  None for 4ed, sorry.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Donpimpom on September 04, 2010, 10:49:29 AM
Anyone ever tried the Space 1889 miniature rules? i mean the expansion "Soldier's Companion" and "Ironclads & Etherflyers"
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on September 15, 2010, 10:47:39 AM
Anyone ever tried the Space 1889 miniature rules? i mean the expansion "Soldier's Companion" and "Ironclads & Etherflyers"

There have been a couple of threads a while back on both "Soldier's Companion" and "Ironclads & Etherflyers".

If you do a search you should come up with some stuff.

They are a good set of rules and the mechanics seem sound. Only had one game, but I enjoyed it and it all seemed to progress in a believable fashion.

edit  Having said that, I've just searched and couldn't find anything. Bizarre - I could have sworn I'd seen and participated in them  ???
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Micman on September 19, 2010, 10:58:21 PM
The group I game VSF with uses Space 1889 as the background storyThe rules on the tabletop are modified The Sword and the Flame. Of course that does limit what kind of interesting toys we can bring to the table. Any weapons or hardware must be based off of something in Space 1889 or it's companion books. I ran a very enjoyable game on Venus yesterday with 8 players.It ran very well and they all had a good time.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Conquistador on September 20, 2010, 09:58:46 AM
There have been a couple of threads a while back on both "Soldier's Companion" and "Ironclads & Etherflyers".

If you do a search you should come up with some stuff.

They are a good set of rules and the mechanics seem sound. Only had one game, but I enjoyed it and it all seemed to progress in a believable fashion.

edit  Having said that, I've just searched and couldn't find anything. Bizarre - I could have sworn I'd seen and participated in them  ???

Wasn't there a bundle at RPGNow or one of the download web stores recently?   I bought the PDFs somewhere recently.

Edit:  http://www.rpgnow.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=Space+1889&x=0&y=0&quicksearch=1&search_filter=&filters=&search_free=&search_in_description=1&search_in_author=1&search_in_artist=1

Gracias,

Glenn
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on September 20, 2010, 08:20:13 PM
Yes it was at RPGNow/WargamesVault. I didn't get them as I already have Soldier's Companion and Ironclads & Etherflyers as proper books.

I don't know if they are still doing the PDFs, but it was a good deal and worth getting.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Froggy the Great on December 09, 2010, 01:59:51 PM
So it doesn't get lost, I'll also mention my VSF expansion for FUBAR, from this thread:
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=24009.0
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: tim in saskatoon on December 29, 2010, 02:34:20 AM
I use Savage Worlds.

I don't use the point system from Showdown. I don't think it makes for very balanced forces. I just use whatever would be sensible in a given scenario.

There's a lot of good stuff out there you could use in the Rippers's books, the Pulp Toolkits, and now Savage Worlds Space: 1889 Red Sands...

tim
Savage Timmy's Playhouse (http://savagetimmy.blogspot.com/)
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: KimAllman on February 21, 2011, 09:07:43 PM
I am another vote for Valor & Steel & Flesh. The game is extremely adaptable and I have always liked the rule system for Brother Against Brother. VSF has more ways to tweak the game than basic Brother Against Brother and Bob Charette's figures are just wonderful. You do not need his figures to play VSF btw.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: watchtower78 on March 23, 2011, 09:13:25 PM
Has anyone on here played When the Navy Walked? What do you think of the system? The Martian supplement will be out soon. Since this thread is more for customers than it is for producers I will say that am involved in the project but that I am curious to see what people think. There have been a few reviews but who's playing it?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: surdu on March 26, 2011, 08:38:46 AM
I've definitely got to go along with recommending the Valor, Steel and Flesh rules.

When I first saw these, I asked the guy behind the counter at the London War Room at a convention, what they were like.  He knew who I was, and he replied, "They're better than your rules [GASLIGHT].  We took your rules and fixed what we didn't like."  I took no offense.  In fact,  I think that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Give GASLIGHT a try.  We intentionally do NOT impose our vision of VSF on the players.  That's one of the reasons we think the rules have been so successful.  You can use whatever figures you have and add VSF to them.  In my case, my VSF is based on the Northwest Frontier and Moros in the Philippines.  Chris' VSF is based on the American Civil War.  Others are based on that famous Prussian invasion of Texas.

Buck

Watch for The GASLIGHT Compendium due in June!
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: surdu on April 13, 2011, 05:15:23 PM
One final (minor) issue I have with GASLIGHT is that they haven't really emphasized much beyond the ACW with their scenario books and "official figures". While I think these are both great, I do not immediately think "ACW" when I think VSF. I tend to think more Verne, Wells, Haggard, that sort of thing. This is an -entirely- personal bias, but it's just my opinion.

We haven't put out any additional scenario books, although we had plans for many, because the sales of the first one was disappointing.  Personally, I don't play civil war.  My VSF is based on the Northwest Frontier and Moros in the Philippines.

We made a CONCIOUS decision not to provide a background story and environment so that people could play Victorian science fiction with whatever they had or however they envisioned the genre.  With GASLIGHT you have the flexibility to do whatever you want.  The only think we imposed was the idea that Victorian technology would be finicky, hence the Sustain rolls to keep the various vehicles and contraptions moving.  We think this provides a nice bit of period feel.

-- Buck
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: surdu on April 13, 2011, 05:16:57 PM
I'm wondering if anyone has adapted the Beer & Pretzels ACW Ironclad rules for landship combat.  ???
I hand't thought about that, but I don't know why it wouldn't work.  I think you could use the recent spate of Victorian science fiction naval vehicles and make a really fun game without much work.  Let me know how it works out for you (surdu@acm.org).

Buck Surdu
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: surdu on April 13, 2011, 05:22:02 PM
The trick is putting together even forces especially with the different fantastic weapons people come up with. I think the points system in Gaslight needs a bit of work. It can also be difficult finding the right section of the rules you are looking for, flicking back and forth between each book. I hope this will be resolved with the upcoming compendium which hopefully will include an index.
Yes, the concious decision not to provide a background story made it difficult for us to provide Army lists.  We agree that the point system needed some rework, and you'll see it improved (we think) in the upcoming Compendium release (see www.bucksurdu.com/blog and http://www.bucksurdu.com/Buck_Surdu/G.A.S.L.I.G.H.T..html for more information).  We don't play with competitive points in our club games, so the revised point system is really just to give you rough play balance.

The new book as a full index, which we think will make it easier to find what you want.  In fact, the fact that there were four books and that players want to pick and choose things from all four, was part of the reason we embarked on the Compendium journey.

Buck
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: General greenman on May 01, 2011, 04:38:56 PM
I am in the process of developing a 10mm game set in a vaguely steam plunk Victorian world - any ideas for a set of rules which could de developed for solo gameing . I dont mind as to whether these are free or purchaseable . How do people rate the Lone warrior
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: surdu on May 04, 2011, 04:01:36 PM
I am in the process of developing a 10mm game set in a vaguely steam plunk Victorian world - any ideas for a set of rules which could de developed for solo gameing . I dont mind as to whether these are free or purchaseable . How do people rate the Lone warrior
We are beginning to adapt Look, Sarge, No Charts: American Civil War for VSF.  These rules are written for 10mm figures and large, large battles.  We may be looking for playtesters.  I can't speak to solo play, but perhaps some solo play mechanics could be laid on top of them.  Because of the activation mechanism in LSNC rules, I think they would work well for solo play.

Buck
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: General greenman on May 22, 2011, 12:22:23 AM
Hi Buck

This sounds very intereseting . prehaps I could look at a solo mechanics system if this was of use . Apologies for not getting back soonner . Work ect....life......
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: surdu on May 28, 2011, 11:08:27 AM
Hi Buck

This sounds very intereseting . prehaps I could look at a solo mechanics system if this was of use . Apologies for not getting back soonner . Work ect....life......
That would be quite interesting.  The question of solo gaming often comes up.  I'd love to see what you come up with.

Buck
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on May 28, 2011, 12:47:11 PM
That would be quite interesting.  The question of solo gaming often comes up.  I'd love to see what you come up with.

Buck

It's the one thing missing from the GASLIGHT family. It's quite easy to graft solo rules on, but it would be nice to have some specific rules written.

The VSF "Look Sarge.." adaptation is intriguing though. I'm very tempted to buy the Look Sarge rules for my son, who is mad on WW2, so having a game using the same mechanics for lareg VSF games would be good.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: ironmammoth on June 08, 2011, 10:41:56 AM
I am looking for a set of VSF rules for small scales skirmishes (up to around 20 figures per side maximum).

I have just bought When The Navy Walked (and all it's extras), which looks interesting but I think it is for bigger conflicts. They are bringing out skirmish rules later this year though.

I have also downloaded Showdown, but not had a chance to go through it yet.

I just read Voyages Extraordinaires (from Wessex Games) which is available from Wargames Vault. This looks promising! Similar character architypes system to the Rattrap games, although simpler in VE. I just need to try it out now...

Has anyone thought about Malifaux for VSF games?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on June 08, 2011, 06:21:22 PM
For VSF skirmishing I find GASLIGHT very hard to beat. Maybe if those splendid gentlemen that wrote "Triumph And Tragedy" were to do a VSF supplement, that might prove popular  ;)

I've got VE and it seems like it would make for a very good game, but I've never actually had a chance to play it. The other Wessex games I've played have all been well written and fun, so no reason why not.


Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Froggy the Great on June 08, 2011, 11:12:12 PM
I've been using FUBAR for VSF gaming at about that force size, plus some vehicles, and have been very pleased with the results.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: General greenman on June 12, 2011, 07:08:50 PM
Hi Buck

Where does one find a set of
 "Look Sarge ect ..Rules for ACW VSF ?
As  I have been back on nights in the real world
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: CPalmer on June 22, 2011, 01:13:34 AM
Buck and I have not written anything formal yet for VSF, but I have been running games using  Brigade Models Ironclads range of vehicles and Irregulars 2mm figures.  I use the basic LSNC: ACW rules, and then stats for the vehicles which I have posted to both the LSNC and the 2mm Yahoogroups.
  You can see a report on my blog of a game I did at last year's Historicon:
http://onemoregamingproject.blogspot.com/2010/07/historicon-report-part-1-look-sarge-its.html

The base size is standard, so you could just as easily use 6mm, 10mm, or 15mm figures.
The ACW rules are available from Brigade Games, Old Glory, On Military Matters, and Amazon.
 
-Chris Palmer
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: surdu on September 25, 2011, 11:19:52 AM
Hi Buck

Where does one find a set of
 "Look Sarge ect ..Rules for ACW VSF ?
As  I have been back on nights in the real world

The Look Sarge family of rules is available through Old Glory, Brigade Games, On Military Matters, and Amazon.  I think they can also be ordered from Cavalier.  We've really just begun to work on the VSF adaption, but if you got the American Civil War version I think you could quickly bolt on VSF stuff yourself as a stop gap while we work on this.

We're simultaneously working on adapting the Look Sarge system to Napoleonic Wars (farthest along, working really well), fantasy, and VSF.

Buck
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: watchtower78 on September 25, 2011, 01:53:27 PM

I have just bought When The Navy Walked (and all it's extras), which looks interesting but I think it is for bigger conflicts. They are bringing out skirmish rules later this year though.



ironmammoth you can always play smaller games with smaller sized units. I've seen games of 28mm units using only two stands of three figures each stand. You could do three units this size per side and one or two machine units per side and play a fun quick game of WTNW. Also, if you are interested I have started working on the skirmish rules and would love some playtesting. Either way our company model is to be very accessible for our customers so that we might be here for support of the products as well as develop better products in the future. BTW our miniature line will be available sometime next week. Thank you for your support of WTNW and of the VSF hobby.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: XCIV on April 13, 2012, 04:01:37 AM
Just to be first to mention it... Osprey is advertising a VSF / Steampunk rules set to be released in March, 2013. It looks as if it will be based on the In the Emperor's Name engine, and is called In Her Majesty's Name.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Steve F on April 13, 2012, 06:34:21 AM
Osprey is advertising a VSF / Steampunk rules set

Osprey posted about it yesterday here:
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=40488.0;topicseen (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=40488.0;topicseen)
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Christian on May 09, 2012, 12:21:41 AM
I have been having thoughts about adapting SuperSystem to play VSF.

The only gap - I think - are vehicle rules..? Or perhaps I haven't gotten to that page yet.

However, the idea of harnessing super powers into gadgets, the small units of henchmen, and the myriad abilities really appeals to me.

It could work at skirmish level, at least.

You could probably get away with large automatons with the rules as is.

What do you all think?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Conquistador on May 09, 2012, 10:17:42 AM
I have been having thoughts about adapting SuperSystem to play VSF.

The only gap - I think - are vehicle rules..? Or perhaps I haven't gotten to that page yet.

However, the idea of harnessing super powers into gadgets, the small units of henchmen, and the myriad abilities really appeals to me.

It could work at skirmish level, at least.

You could probably get away with large automatons with the rules as is.

What do you all think?

Be creative and Yes.  Skirmish definitely.

I don't play Supers much (work, family, 3 practices [2 to 3 hour each] for Tai Chi group for China Days at Botanical Garden) currently but if it goes beyond Platoon level there could be things that start slowing the game down and I have reservations at fights of Company level.  Please give it a shot and let us know your results/experiences.

Gracias,

Glenn
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Christian on May 10, 2012, 07:08:24 AM
I'm fairly sure most of us are pretty time-poor!

I made an error, there are quite extensive rules for using vehicles in Super System v3 ranging from 2-man vehicles (the smallest) and going up three grades. There are options for fitting the vehicles out with turrets and all sorts of abilities... including flight.

If I have any examples of play I'll definitely be reporting back  ;)
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Froggy the Great on November 20, 2012, 11:19:15 PM
I'm about to jump back into V&S&F.  Do any of you have downloadable resources for V&S&F, such as reference sheets etc?  I could scan them from my book, but if any of you have done so and/or improved on them, I'd love to save the effort.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Froggy the Great on January 08, 2013, 07:42:21 PM
I have updated the VSF FUBAR ruleset, freely downloadable here:
http://www.forgeofwar.uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=15

Feedback welcomed.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: CPalmer on January 22, 2013, 01:36:06 PM
Wanted to let everyone know that a new free GASLIGHT Quick Start Guide is available for download.
When Buck Surdu and I published the GASLIGHT Compendium, and combined all
the previous GASLIGHT books (and added new stuff), we organized the book in
a construction-set, Chinese menu format. This was to facilitate players
customizing their GASLIGHT experiences. We found that players were picking and
choosing activation, shooting, morale, etc. from the various supplements,
so we built The Compendium to facilitate this. A number of GASLIGHT players
commented, however, that The Compendium was difficult for newcomers to
pick up the game. So we set about developing a free "Quick Start Guide" to
help Newbies and Veterans alike.
It is available on our website in the "Free Stuff" Section:

http://www.bucksurdu.com/Buck_Surdu/G.A.S.L.I.G.H.T..html (http://www.bucksurdu.com/Buck_Surdu/G.A.S.L.I.G.H.T..html)

Download it. Pass it along.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: PaulRPetri on April 11, 2013, 09:36:34 PM
I am just getting into VSF, I wanted to do it since the Soldier Companion came out but I was side tracked on other projects for a few years! I plan on using, of all things, Muskets and Mohawks by THW (Two Hour Wargames) they have a Colonial list of troops and rules attached. I love their system for the ground battles but was wondering if there is a simple rule set that cover flyers and clouships that maybe I could adapt to the system? I have the Soldier Companion but never played the flight rules listed and I have never played Sky Gallons also by Mr. Chadwick. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks Lads

Paul
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: tleegraves on November 09, 2014, 01:39:17 PM
First Command Wargames has recently published a new set of Colonial/VSF rules for mass combat (each stand is company sized). It is great for recreating VSF on a larger scale that you can do with Gaslight or Sword and The Flame.

It is called For Queen and Planet: The Imperial Wars of Earth and Mars - 1845 - 1930. It's available on Wargames Vault.

http://www.wargamevault.com/product/139592/For-Queen-and-Planet--The-Imperial-Wars-of-Earth-and-Mars--1845--1930?filters=0_0_44596_0?affiliate_id=23711]http://www.wargamevault.com/product/139592/For-Queen-and-Planet--The-Imperial-Wars-of-Earth-and-Mars--1845--1930?filters=0_0_44596_0?affiliate_id=23711]http://www.wargamevault.com/product/139592/For-Queen-and-Planet--The-Imperial-Wars-of-Earth-and-Mars--1845--1930?filters=0_0_44596_0?affiliate_id=23711 (http://www.wargamevault.com/product/139592/For-Queen-and-Planet--The-Imperial-Wars-of-Earth-and-Mars--1845--1930?filters=0_0_44596_0?affiliate_id=23711)

Tom
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: KimAllman on December 23, 2014, 09:00:24 PM
My VSF rules of choice are Valor & Steel & Flesh which is the variant on Brother Against Brother. I have even adapted Valor & Steel & Flesh for my regular Colonial games. I used it for a game I ran at Historicon and it works great.

Kim
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Captain Darling on December 09, 2015, 12:07:19 PM
Hey Froggy,

I've added my thoughts on the FUBAR VSF skirmish rules to my blog, if you're interested check it out!   :)

http://captaindarlingsminiaturesemporium.blogspot.com.au (http://captaindarlingsminiaturesemporium.blogspot.com.au)

Cheers!
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Froggy the Great on December 09, 2015, 01:48:02 PM
Hey Froggy,

I've added my thoughts on the FUBAR VSF skirmish rules to my blog, if you're interested check it out!   :)

http://captaindarlingsminiaturesemporium.blogspot.com.au (http://captaindarlingsminiaturesemporium.blogspot.com.au)

Cheers!
Thank you for the kind words!  I like some of your house rules too - midgame does tend to be a fireslog until someone manages to get an advantage.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Captain Darling on December 09, 2015, 09:38:30 PM
Hi Froggy,

No problems the FUBAR rules are a good fit for me  :).

Where I've changed anything I've kept within the ethos of the 'two pages of rules' and kept it all simple.

cheers!
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Craig on December 10, 2015, 05:14:44 AM
Hey Froggy,

I've added my thoughts on the FUBAR VSF skirmish rules to my blog, if you're interested check it out!   :)

http://captaindarlingsminiaturesemporium.blogspot.com.au (http://captaindarlingsminiaturesemporium.blogspot.com.au)

Cheers!

Captain Darling,

Both of your house rules make perfect sense and when I get around to updating FUBAR I shall include them in the core set.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Jonas on February 15, 2016, 10:23:50 PM
Is there any news on the rules front?

Is V&S&F and GASLIGHT still the most commonly used rules?

I am thinking of giving V&S&F a go, since GASLIGHT was not really what we wanted.

I am looking for a game which can handle normal units, steamtech and different odd stuff.

Edit: What I would really like is something like Triumph & Tradegy + steamtech.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: twrchtrwyth on February 16, 2016, 07:42:27 PM
Is there any news on the rules front?

Is V&S&F and GASLIGHT still the most commonly used rules?

I am thinking of giving V&S&F a go, since GASLIGHT was not really what we wanted.

I am looking for a game which can handle normal units, steamtech and different odd stuff.

Edit: What I would really like is something like Triumph & Tradegy + steamtech.
In Her Majesty's Name might be more popular than the rules you mentioned above.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Conquistador on February 16, 2016, 08:53:53 PM
In Her Majesty's Name might be more popular than the rules you mentioned above.

Fantastic set of small unit/skirmish rules but never considered it for larger battles.

Has any one run really large VSF battles with IHMN?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: twrchtrwyth on February 16, 2016, 10:20:30 PM
Fantastic set of small unit/skirmish rules but never considered it for larger battles.

Has any one run really large VSF battles with IHMN?
I haven't run any large battles but I did have a think once about how to do it if I did. I thought along the lines of a group of figures with the same characteristics and weapons grouped into units with a unit coherency. They'd move and shoot together, yes buckets of dice lol. One or two heavier weapons as support per unit would shoot separately. If a unit took any hits pluck rolls would be taken as normal and if any casualties were suffered it would make another Pluck roll (a rout test) and if it failed would rout a move away from where it was fired upon or it's table edge. If routed before it was activated it would get a chance to make a Pluck roll to rally. Pass activate as normal, fail rout a move again. A leader with a higher Pluck could join a unit and they would roll using the higher pluck for the rout test. I'm not sure how well this would work as these are just some untested thoughts I've had.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Jonas on February 16, 2016, 10:48:07 PM
I think IHMN is too skirmish for what we need.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Froggy the Great on February 17, 2016, 06:49:16 PM
i had good luck with both V&S&F and FUBAR.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: leadfool on April 05, 2016, 04:03:14 AM
I would suggest Dragon rampant.  With a little creativity, any unit can be created.   
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: vsfguthroth on April 24, 2016, 02:54:10 PM
Has anyone else considered using Black Powder for VSF games ?

The main book has rules for the early Sudan campaigns (1884) so already has Regular infantry and Cavalry, Iregulars, Natives, Machine Guns and BL artillery. Taking that as a starting point, I've written up some rules for Steam Tanks, Armoured Transports and flyers although I have yet to try them on the tabletop.

Has anyone else tried this ?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Froggy the Great on April 25, 2016, 04:49:21 PM
Has anyone else considered using Black Powder for VSF games ?

The main book has rules for the early Sudan campaigns (1884) so already has Regular infantry and Cavalry, Iregulars, Natives, Machine Guns and BL artillery. Taking that as a starting point, I've written up some rules for Steam Tanks, Armoured Transports and flyers although I have yet to try them on the tabletop.

Has anyone else tried this ?
I haven't, but it should work - the VSF addons are fairly easily done.

I'm interested in how Dragon Rampant works for VSF.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: vsfguthroth on April 27, 2016, 07:14:31 AM
Attached is a first draft of my BP - VSF rules. Not playtested yet, so any comments are welcome.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Jonas on May 12, 2016, 09:23:58 PM
How many miniatures do you use for Black Powder?

Also, about Dragon Rampant, there will be a Rampant Colonialism book, for colonial games, which should work well as a starter, but would still need to have added steam tech and all.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Cat on April 17, 2017, 08:13:15 PM
I've been comparing rules to use for aerial skirmish and boarding actions with 28mm aeronefs.  Having gone over Ironclads & Ether Flyers, Gaslight, and Pirates, I'm leaning strongly towards Flagship Games' Pirates 3rd Edition.
 
Has anyone else used those for primarily aerial battles?
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Cat on April 27, 2017, 05:13:20 PM
The May 2017 issue of Miniature Wargames has full rules for Cloudships of Mars (and a side article on kitbashing 1/300 air ships).  Looks like a nicely streamlined variant of 1889 Ironclads & Ether Flyers.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: shadowbeast on February 21, 2018, 01:28:08 PM
Has anyone tried Avalon Games' Leviathans? I have the whole three volumes but not played yet, as I haven't any minis available yet, haven't played a game in such a long time, and between the alien geometries (1/72=15mm?) and semi-literacy, I cannot work it out...
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: Tsu on June 23, 2022, 06:09:56 AM
Has anyone played a Space 1889 game with Fistfull of Lead - Bigger Battles? Any experiences / impressions?

I stumbled over the VSF game by  Wiley-Games (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiGOpZWNS4g&ab_channel=Wiley-Games) and it seems ok. Need to know if i need any additional stuff or just the bigge battle book.
Title: Re: Rules
Post by: FiatRevelli on June 23, 2022, 04:11:39 PM
Has anyone played a Space 1889 game with Fistfull of Lead - Bigger Battles? Any experiences / impressions?

I've used them and I quite like them - some photos of two games and some brief impressions on my blog: https://54mmorfight.blogspot.com/search/label/Fistful%20of%20Lead
 
I'll add that I'm a sucker for card-based activation, so I was predestined to like them.

You don't need any of the other FFoL books - but you can bring in traits from the other games as desired (for instance, if you want to add a Horror element to your VSF). The book is a toolkit and includes rules for stating out infantry, cavalry (on horseback or otherwise), commanders, heroes, leaders, vehicles and monsters/beasts.

If there's anything that would be nice for VSF that it doesn't have, it's a check for Sustain for vehicles (GASLIGHT is my first, and favorite, VSF set and that's where I first encountered that idea). I think with steam-powered mechanical hodgepodges that's almost a necessity, but it's easy enough to add.