Song of Blades etc questions for a newbie

[6mmfan]

Hi

I've read a bit about these rules and they sound interesting. I'd like to play some fantasy but I dont want to get tied into an expensive ruleset and figures (Eg WHFB). Most of the guys in my area play historical rules and some play WHFB and LOTR, and I would need to entice some of them into this.

Any suggestions on how I should pitch the game to them? I have a bit of a reputation for obscure periods so I'll have to convince them that this is all ok 

Most if the armies for SOB are pretty small but I was wondering how large can the games be? Can each player run multiple warbands/armies for larger games?

I also like the idea of random turn lengths (it reminds me of Crossfire which I like a lot).

Cheers
kieran

[joroas]

They've just released a Napoleonic set if you want to pitch an historical angle.............

[PeteMurray]

Any suggestions on how I should pitch the game to them? I have a bit of a reputation for obscure periods so I'll have to convince them that this is all ok 

Guys, I've got this skirmish game I'd like to try out. It takes about a dozen models per side, it has this interesting random turn length mechanic, and I'm pretty sure we can play a four-player game that wraps up inside an hour.

Most if the armies for SOB are pretty small but I was wondering how large can the games be? Can each player run multiple warbands/armies for larger games?

You can run Warhammer-sized armies, especially with Leaders. Keep in mind that this increases the chance of losing your Action for the turn, and don't let it devolve into one-model-at-a-time and you should be fine.

[Rhoderic]

It might help to simply point out that it's a fairly popular ruleset, was recently written, and is often favourably compared with Mordheim.

[imurdentist]

I own the core rules and some of the extensions, they are all pretty easy to read and let you play some quick yet interesting battles.
I just bought the pdf version of their napoleonic skirmish, and they sound pretty cool, too. I have not played these yet, though...
I recommend joining their yahoo-group, pretty active and the author seems to be responding to all questions in no time 

[dusser]

I've run Song of Blades and Heroes at conventions/games days and the players picked up the rules and were playing independent of my help within a turn or two.  Some of the key elements that players have liked include: the unique activation system, the measuring sticks for movement/ranges, the flexibility of force composition (there are a ton of creatures/humanoids to choose from), the simplicity and intuitiveness of the two stat system (quality and combat), and the relative size of forces (6-10 figures generally).  The best selling point I can give though is that.....

Almost everyone I have introduced the game to has turned around and bought it afterward.

I have played larger games of about double the standard size, generally 3 player games where one person runs two warbands verses the other 2 players.  What I recommend is to keep each warband independent (or break larger forces into smaller warbands) so as to not lose activation as readily.

[6mmfan]

Excellent suggestions!

I've played a bit of Crossfire which has a similar activation/turn sequence so i know what you mean about devolving activating one model per turn. Thats why I thought a couple of warbands per player coule be good.

I might get a few figures (and dig out some of my old grenadier figures) and give it a go at the club next year as that would be the best way to get others involved.

Also what size tables do you use?

Thanks
kieran

[dusser]

Table size...

I've been playing in 15mm so I generally use a 2' x2' table for one-on-one games and 2' x 4' for playing games with about 4 warbands.

For 25/28mm I think you could get by with 3' x 3' or 4' x 4'.

[BaronVonJ]

I'll second a couple of things. Easy to pick up. Doesn't require a lot of mins, and everyone who's played it, turned around and bought it & painted up their warband. One guy is using D & D prepainted. My group has played Mutants and Deathray Guns, too. Can't say enough good things about it.
Join the Yahoo group. It is very active and allows you to use the online warband builder program which works great.
-J
p.s. got some MDRG action at: http://baronvonj.blogspot.com/search/label/MDRG