Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => VSF Adventures => In Her Majesty's Name => Topic started by: dwbullock on August 05, 2013, 03:56:27 PM
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I've reached an age in my life where I have more games on the shelf collecting dust than I actually manage to play. But the normal group has become burnt out by the 'Spend thousands of dollars to amass a skirmish army' games. I have seen a lot of posts on here about people painting models up for the game, but not really any actual reviews.
In short ... convince me to buy this ;)
Is it possible to play the game with minis we might already have? We have a multitude of games to pull from, including just some plain old Reaper figures that I bought because they 'looked cool.' Lots of Warmachine and Warhammer type models. I just want to know if the game itself is fun, and how well you can design your own companies.
Appreciate any advice.
Dave
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It is very, very possible to play this game without purchursing the miniatures if you already have plenty. My self I've used three different generic companies out of the book and used my own miniatures and they are a perfect fit. I highly recommend the rules for a fun skrimish game and if you already have the miniatures the rules are all you need. Also check out the IHMN blog for freebie stuff to help play the game.
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First off:
"Is it possible to play the game with minis we might already have? "
Whole point is, while Nick's figs are incredibly kewl, most of the posts you'll find are of people building their own. Now, a lot are new builds and paints, but you can use what you like, and are encouraged to do so.
Don't know of anyone who isn't fired up to create their own gangs, oft with figs at hand.
REALLY works best with small numbers, both of players and figs; we enjoyed, but a bit stymied by a group of four. So, cost is way down even if you didn't have figs.
I've been told my review is apt:
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=56269.0
Do you need every thing spelled out? Is your group rules lawyers? I'd have to suggest you reconsider. There's still some shaking out to do, and players are expected to be able to be more interested in playing, having fun, than having all nits picked.
Doug
Edit: Randy, damn your eyes! lol
Edit, part deux: Please note, I'm not saying it feels incomplete or unfinished; does feel as if it needs a bit of thought at points. Groups vary on how well this works.
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Right... so I bought it :)
We do have some rules lawyers, but I'm much more of a ... 'Meh, roll a die and see if it works' kind of guy. I'm sure I can move it along. And this gives me a good excuse to finally paint up all those steampunkish things I have laying around the basement.
Thanks.
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Hi DWB,
One thing we built into the rules was an 'open source' points system so you can design and use your own figures, weapons, armour, equipment, talents and powers.
There is an article on creating your own company in the Bonus Materials section of the blog: http://inhermajestysname.wordpress.com/additional-material/
As authors, Charles and I actually encourage players to do their own thing. I hope you enjoy it :D
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As authors, Charles and I actually encourage players to do their own thing. I hope you enjoy it :D
I already said that! >:(
Well, sort of... ;)
Doug
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I was just going to come into this thread and type "Yes, do it!" but I see you bought it within an hour of the post - way to go :-)
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I await the delivery from Amazon of the IHMN set and a supplement. And using what I had (much of it gathered for CiC) is what attracted me in the first place.
Hurry up, delivery guy!
Gracias,
Glenn
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This is kinda sad... :-[ but I don't even play games with anyone, I'm merely a painter and I bought it twice. One printed copy via Amazon and one PDF from Opresy's website. Personally, I think anything that is designed to be this open and customizable is worth the money. And while I am saving up for those excellent IHMN minis, I could use pretty much anything I have on the shelf. If my dog would play a game with me.
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This is kinda sad... :-[ but I don't even play games with anyone, I'm merely a painter and I bought it twice. One printed copy via Amazon and one PDF from Opresy's website. Personally, I think anything that is designed to be this open and customizable is worth the money. And while I am saving up for those excellent IHMN minis, I could use pretty much anything I have on the shelf. If my dog would play a game with me.
Ditto. Although it seems these rules would work well for a cinematic game of solitaire, with a sprinkling of roleplay mixed in.
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I await the delivery from Amazon of the IHMN set and a supplement. And using what I had (much of it gathered for CiC) is what attracted me in the first place.
Glenn, I'm hoping that you realise that the supplements (Heroes, Villains and Fiends) shall not be available until November?
I'd hate you to be disappointed when only the rules turn up. Amazon like to have six months notice for a book so they can reap the reward that is pre-orders.
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Very true - don't trust Amazon's delivery dates.
Game sounds interesting...
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If you don't have any rules in this vein, it is definitely worth the money.
It is not specifically tied to any official figures, I'm planning to play with my old Foundry Darkest Africa figures and assorted Victorian figures amassed over the years.
The game also has a full build system. I haven't analysed it for brokenness, but at least theoretically you can stat out anything you like (including new weapons and equipment) and calculate the cost. My hunch is that you can probably break it like most other build systems, so some gentlemanly restraint may be in order.
The published companies are best viewed as merely examples of the forces you can field.
The only odd thing I find about the rules is the reliance on armor ratings in an age when basically nobody wore armour... but you can largely ignore that or even outlaw the heavy armors if you like.
If you already own GASLIGHT or some other open 19th century skirmish rules... if you were happy with them, you probably wouldn't be asking this question.
Caveat emptor: This is probably not a ruleset for highly competetive play. But I have zero interest in that so who am I to tell...
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I'm sure a portion of the armor value could be explained away as the character's ability to dodge or ability to present a small target. So if you're playing strictly Victorian, you could clip out some of the magnetic field generators and such that fall into a more sci fi category.
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Glenn, I'm hoping that you realise that the supplements (Heroes, Villains and Fiends) shall not be available until November?
I'd hate you to be disappointed when only the rules turn up. Amazon like to have six months notice for a book so they can reap the reward that is pre-orders.
So, I will be excited twice? Awsome!
Yeah, Amazon is... Amazon...
Gracias,
Glenn
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This is kinda sad... :-[ but I don't even play games with anyone, I'm merely a painter and I bought it twice. One printed copy via Amazon and one PDF from Opresy's website. Personally, I think anything that is designed to be this open and customizable is worth the money. And while I am saving up for those excellent IHMN minis, I could use pretty much anything I have on the shelf. If my dog would play a game with me.
Well, if you came to the surface now and then, you might find so other players...
Sorry, couldn't help that.
I probably wouldn't have played save my best friend is so enamoured with the period, he infected me. Sometimes you have to grow your competition.
That said, Craig will tell you I'm a constant gadfly about his work; it is really quite compelling, isn't it?
Doug
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The only odd thing I find about the rules is the reliance on armor ratings in an age when basically nobody wore armour... but you can largely ignore that or even outlaw the heavy armors if you like.
Major Maxxon,
Thanks for your short and kindly review. I cannot help but answer one of your points though regarding armour. Simply put this is Victorian Science Fiction, so any relationship to the real history of the period is both fleeting and unnecessary lol
We believe that having a limited range of armours gives more tactical scope to the game but, just as the companies we laboured so hard on are merely examples ::), one can regard the armour likewise.
As authors we encourage you to bend, fold, staple and mangle the rules to your heart's content. As long as you are enjoying them then we are most gratified.
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We believe that having a limited range of armours gives more tactical scope to the game but, just as the companies we laboured so hard on are merely examples ::), one can regard the armour likewise.
Personally, I'm not so hot on the science fiction aspect and plan to use the rules more as a "nearly historical" game.
But to elaborate, most troops in the game have AV8 or 9 -- including most of the "heroes". Some "rabble" troops have 7 and basically only specific heroes have 10 or higher. The differences aren't huge and especially given that the typical armors are supposed to look like normal clothing (so no cries of "clearly he can't be wearing brigandine under that!"), you can largely rationalize armor ratings as simply combat expertize -- some people just are better at utilizing cover etc.
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We haven't found armour values to be that much of a force multiplier to be honest. admittedly we're playing it much in the same vein as Maxxon, Victorian fiction gaming so low armour values
is the order of the day ( unless you're Akhenaton :o)
Anyway back on topic - No don't buy it, it's rubbish and will only lead to an addiction to sportsmanlike gaming, storytelling and expecting more out of other games systems. And whatever you do don't read the profile builder section otherwise you may never play warmachinehammer again! lol
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Personally, I'm not so hot on the science fiction aspect and plan to use the rules more as a "nearly historical" game.
Most excellent.
But to elaborate, most troops in the game have AV8 or 9 -- including most of the "heroes". Some "rabble" troops have 7 and basically only specific heroes have 10 or higher. The differences aren't huge and especially given that the typical armors are supposed to look like normal clothing (so no cries of "clearly he can't be wearing brigandine under that!"), you can largely rationalize armor ratings as simply combat expertize -- some people just are better at utilizing cover etc.
Simply rename it 'Defence' or some-such, then it should work fine. I shall look forwards to tales of your adventures :D
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I really like this rules set. Craig's point about using AV as a defense value makes a lot of sense, and as was mentioned, doesn't break the game in the least. I think it's likely that the core rules set being used for a few years helped out a lot.
Amazon clearly marks the supplement as coming out in November, was that in question?
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Since posting this, reading some reviews, buying the game, awaiting the delivery, and coming back here to read more reviews ... I mentioned it to several friends in the gaming group.
Their response was all excitement. Appears it was something we had all been thinking and pondering, but I was the first to act. We've grown bored with the rules heavy wargames that foster competitive mindsets, even amongst us friends, and leaves us all with a 'wargame headache' after we wrap up the duels.
Once it comes in the mail, I'll be sure to post my thoughts and let everyone know how the first game or three go ... I'm thinking of cobbling up some skink/kroot figures and making a nice lizard warriors army. I'll call them "Venusians" or some such. And paint them all blue.
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I'm just after reading rules. Simple, elegant mechanic. No hidden fireworks, but feel great and are easy to learn and show to others. Making own warbands is fantastic! IHMN seems perfect for casual, strong narrative games.
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Crickies, your group sounds perfect for this! ;)
Once it comes in the mail, I'll be sure to post my thoughts and let everyone know how the first game or three go ... I'm thinking of cobbling up some skink/kroot figures and making a nice lizard warriors army. I'll call them "Venusians" or some such. And paint them all blue.
You will, of course, do as you will, and more power to you. Just wanted to point out many of us are of the mind set skink-Venus, kroot-Mars.
Doug
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So conversions using skinks and kroot are Marvenusians? Or Martians who tried to colonize Venus?
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My skinks are exclusively Cytherean. Kroot I have used for both planets.
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Crickies, your group sounds perfect for this! ;)
You will, of course, do as you will, and more power to you. Just wanted to point out many of us are of the mind set skink-Venus, kroot-Mars.
Doug
Stuff and nonsense! Kroot figures have been used as Parrotmen of Venus all over the world since about 1999 :D
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I bought the rules and the Black Dragon Tong at the weekend.
When I got home and looked in my bits box suddenly all those random figures I'd bought made sense. I can make a Hunters Club without buying anything else plus I have extra Chinese figures from my B.O.B collection.
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Well, we had our first games last night.
Haven't had the time to write a report, but I stuck the pics on my site:
http://www.smallcuts.net
Look in the photo section.
Anyway, while playing some questions arose:
The section on mystic fighting says each mystic power to be used in the fighting phase is either an attack itself, is in addition to an attack or foregoes the attack for some other effect...
...but the powers don't explicitly mention which is which.
So the mystic player's argument is that obviously dragon breath is intended to be used in addition to a regular attack, because otherwise it would be "useless" etc.
A slightly more convincing argument can be made for the "poisoned weapon" power, which really is useless for the mystic himself unless it can be topped off with with an actual attack... but isn't that what the other poison power is for? Argh!
Btw: The latest quick ref sheet is missing opponent speed as fighting modifier. Or has this been changed?
Which walker rules does the steam horse use, or is it just a faster horse? E.g. does it need to pay for facing changes?
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I also ordered these rules the other day and am expecting them shortly. Generally speaking, I love these Osprey Wargames books. I already own Dux Bellorum and you can't go wrong with the price for any of these. I'm very tempted to just buy every ruleset they put out.
Back on topic... we will start out playing IHMN with our large collection of Gothic Horror models. My friend and I have a combined collection of over 100 humans and monsters. I was wondering, does the IHMN book have abilities to help represent creatures such as werewolves and vampires? I assume so. We have played A LOT of Chaos in Carpathia which has tailor-made abilities for all of the creatures. I did notice that the IHMN expansion book (which I've pre-ordered) has lists for Vatican Monster Hunters which seems promising.
Thanks,
Jason
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The game is realy much more Pulp than Gothic Horror. I'm don't know sure what is comming with the supplement but so far Vampires and Werwolves etc are not part of the rules. Maybe they could be improvised but I didn't notice any rules for draining blood, shapechangers or specific weapon immunites. Let alone stakes and silver weapons.
Some people might have notived that the authors of IHMN have previoulsy done a simillar set of rules named "In the Emperor's Name". This available as free download, just use google. These give you some ideas how the game mechanics work.
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The section on mystic fighting says each mystic power to be used in the fighting phase is either an attack itself, is in addition to an attack or foregoes the attack for some other effect...
...but the powers don't explicitly mention which is which.
No-one else has ever brought that up Maxxon - so well done for a truly original question. I think that most people have just use common sense in the context of the situation in which the power is being used.
Btw: The latest quick ref sheet is missing opponent speed as fighting modifier. Or has this been changed?
I'll have to check that. It is certainly on the latest Figure Reference cards we published a few days ago.
Which walker rules does the steam horse use, or is it just a faster horse? E.g. does it need to pay for facing changes?
The Cody Steam Horse was intended to be used simply as a tougher faster horse. As it provides the rider with no extra protection or firepower you can ignore the Walker Hit Effect table on page 29.
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The game is realy much more Pulp than Gothic Horror. I'm don't know sure what is comming with the supplement but so far Vampires and Werwolves etc are not part of the rules. Maybe they could be improvised but I didn't notice any rules for draining blood, shapechangers or specific weapon immunites. Let alone stakes and silver weapons.
Some people might have notived that the authors of IHMN have previoulsy done a simillar set of rules named "In the Emperor's Name". This available as free download, just use google. These give you some ideas how the game mechanics work.
The supplement does include The Entourage of Vlad Tepes, Prince of Wallachia and his 'Brides'. This unusual servant of the Austro-Hungarian Court has many powers of a supernatural nature, though I shall avoid calling him a vampire. he can be 'funny' about such slurs...
In the Emperor's Name is now in its third edition and is edited by our good friend Gavin. We have had no input into this edition as we have been far too busy with IHMN. It can be found here: http://iten-game.org/
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The supplement does include The Entourage of Vlad Tepes, Prince of Wallachia and his 'Brides'. This unusual servant of the Austro-Hungarian Court has many powers of a supernatural nature, though I shall avoid calling him a vampire. he can be 'funny' about such slurs...
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Can this be played a classic Gothic Horror with all the usual vampire perks? Do the rules include shapechanging into wolf/bat, drinking blood, holy relics, staking and the like?
Hope Northstar will make some cool minis to go with the supplement. :-)
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Can this be played a classic Gothic Horror with all the usual vampire perks? Do the rules include shapechanging into wolf/bat, drinking blood, holy relics, staking and the like?
Do be careful, ol' bean, as to phraseology. 'Can' seems to suggest some sort of constraint to your choices, and he's liable to go off again on how you have free will. Two or three such diatribes per thread seems an appropriate limit. lol
As to the vision he's imparted to his stats, yes, very curious.
Hope Northstar will make some cool minis to go with the supplement. :-)
While there are a large number of very good and usable figures, I'm assuming Nick has found the 'partnership' most profitable, and will be continuing to do so. And IF he does, there will be rejoicing whether fans of IHMN or not. Which I are. ;)
Doug
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Can this be played a classic Gothic Horror with all the usual vampire perks? Do the rules include shapechanging into wolf/bat, drinking blood, holy relics, staking and the like?
Who said anything about vampires? ;) The Prince's powers are suitable for his background and noble station. If you should choose to believe the unpleasant rumours spread by that drunkard Stoker well that is your concern.
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While there are a large number of very good and usable figures, I'm assuming Nick has found the 'partnership' most profitable, and will be continuing to do so. And IF he does, there will be rejoicing whether fans of IHMN or not. Which I are. ;)
You might think that but I could not possibly comment. I think that a problem facing Nick would be the speed with which we are turning around the supplements now. This could make it difficult for him to commission and mould the sculpts.
Let us all hope he can but not be disappointed if he is not able too. After all he has done such good work for IHMN so far.