AM(Almost)A - Author of A War Transformed - New Weird WW1 game (Osprey)

[nicknorthstar]

I've got an idea forming for Lancer Unit 2

[Snackelwolf]

Thank you for the fantastic article today previewing some game mechanics!

I'm curious, what is the average unit size for foot-slogging troops with the LINE keyword.
Minimum and Max model count for, say, a German force?

[A_War_Transformed]

Thank you for the fantastic article today previewing some game mechanics!

I'm curious, what is the average unit size for foot-slogging troops with the LINE keyword.
Minimum and Max model count for, say, a German force?

Glad you enjoyed it, hopefully it has helped to answer a few more of people’s questions!

Infantry sections (the standard Line blokes) are 8 man units.

[Snackelwolf]

Glad you enjoyed it, hopefully it has helped to answer a few more of people’s questions!

Infantry sections (the standard Line blokes) are 8 man units.

Thank you so much -- that is a fine choice for squad size, as I see it significant yet manageable for demo or convention games with only a few groups of Line troops.

I'm immensely excited to explore the infusion of tarot into the game play and lore. 
For those who have not seen his article, Frederick posted this today, here's a snippet:

"By the period in which A War Transformed is set, the tarot had achieved extraordinary status as a mystical practice, as well as a long and entirely invented pedigree stretching back to Ancient Egypt. The first widely available tarot cards, the Rider-Waite tarot, were produced in 1909 by members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a move which forever codified the visual identity of the tarot and set it firmly in the Edwardian age."

I've bought my first deck at age 20, a copy of Crowley's Thoth tarot. My current well-used version is featured on the right in this photograph. Crowley broke from the Golden Dawn and designed his own pack, and it is that which holds the most affinity for me.
On the left is the Centennial edition of the Rider Waite Smith Tarot, discussed in the blog post.  Also pictured is a photo of Pamela Coleman Smith, AKA "Pixie." She is the beloved artist of the RWS deck, and this photo is on the wall in my study.

Question:  With the 22 Trumps of the Major Arcana used in the game, would you be generous enough to this enthusiast to post a picture of one of the cards that is included in the deck / book bundle? I've been collecting, studying and reading tarot for decades, including professionally for many querents over the years.  along with wargaming it is a significant part of my life. I've over 100 decks in my collection, and can hardly stand the suspense of what you have for us!  Be it already produced or specifically designed for the game, I'm so pleased to see a system and storyline unfold that is right up my alley.

[nicknorthstar]

Hi Snackelwolf

Just to say, the Tarot cards in the bundle deal are nothing to do with the author or Osprey Publishing. Like you, I was intrigued by the use of Tarot cards in the game, and just bought a bunch from a wholesaler for North Star to add alongside the book.

You can see them spread out here: https://www.northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=17567

They are good quality cards, but I suspect they are no where near as good as the decks in your collection.

Nick
North Star

[nicknorthstar]

My cavalry force increases.

[Ultravanillasmurf]

Intriguing glimpse of the rules, thanks.

The cavalry look good Nick, interesting selection of shields.

[Snackelwolf]

Hi Snackelwolf

Just to say, the Tarot cards in the bundle deal are nothing to do with the author or Osprey Publishing. Like you, I was intrigued by the use of Tarot cards in the game, and just bought a bunch from a wholesaler for North Star to add alongside the book.

You can see them spread out here: https://www.northstarfigures.com/prod.php?prod=17567

They are good quality cards, but I suspect they are no where near as good as the decks in your collection.

Nick
North Star

Nick thank you for the pic.  A friend confirmed what I guessed --  this is the Tarot Vintage, identifiable with the splotched sepia background.  You made a fine choice for A war Transformed tarot that can be bundled w/ the book and minis. They come out of the box brand new but with a weathered look (Hence the name of the pack).  I think choosing a Rider Waite deck was true to the theme of the game and time period. Well done.

[Snackelwolf]

My cavalry force increases.

Agreed love those shields and the spring armor adornments!

[Snackelwolf]

Shifting gears in a different direction, I assume this is a D6 system? And, what is the typical number of dice rolled?  A spell manifestation or ritual, vs. Line infantry units shooting full effect, etc.?

Thanks.

[A_War_Transformed]

Shifting gears in a different direction, I assume this is a D6 system? And, what is the typical number of dice rolled?  A spell manifestation or ritual, vs. Line infantry units shooting full effect, etc.?

Thanks.

It’s predominantly a D6 system, though there are tests where other dice are used notably, D10s for template weapons. As lower rolls are better in AWT, adjusting the size of the dice is an easy way to manipulate the difficulty of the roll whilst still knowing that you’re looking for a smaller number!

An infantry section with typically generate 8 dice in shooting. Ones which have been upgraded with a special weapon may produce more (light machine guns etc)

Rituals work a little differently - the player is looking for a specified number of results of 1, and commit as many dice to the roll as they want, provided they have the command resource. Rituals are rolled as D3s.

[nicknorthstar]

I can't find what size the markers for Guardian and Unquiet Spirits are. I was thinking of making the Unquiet Spirits ghost English Archers.

[A_War_Transformed]

I can't find what size the markers for Guardian and Unquiet Spirits are. I was thinking of making the Unquiet Spirits ghost English Archers.

There isn’t a defined size in case people want to model something interesting - I think the rule on sizing for these markers is be sensible and respectful of your opponent and the principals of fairness, whilst still enjoying the hobby aspect of the game. If you’ve got a cool swirling vortex of ghosts, but it will only fit on a 40mm base, that’s fine, but plonking down a regimental movement tray with the word “ghosts” scrawled on it is pure cheese…

Spectral English archers sounds very cool and definitely in keeping with the Arthur Machen references in the book - perhaps an Angel of Mons, or “comrade in white” for a guardian spirit?

[nicknorthstar]

My 2nd Lancer Unit finished.
I've used tufts for the helmet decoration, and the shields are hussite pavaises Little Big Men Studios transfers.
TBH, using The Army Painters Speedpaints has meant I've knocked these out to a standard I'm happy with in 4 short evenings.

[Ultravanillasmurf]

Very nice work.