Chainmail Rules
Chainmail Rules
Chainmail Rules
Design and Development: Bruce R. Cordell, Mike Donais, David Eckelberry, Skaff Elias, Robert Gutschera, Rob Heinsoo, Chris Pramas, Charles Ryan, Jonathan Tweet, Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, and Skip Williams Sundered Empire Design and Flavor Text: Chris Pramas and Rob Heinsoo Rulebook Text: Rob Heinsoo and Jonathan Tweet Modeling Text: Mike McVey and Jason Soles Editor: Jennifer Clarke Wilkes Business Manager: Chris Toepker Project Manager: Douglas Steves Art Directors: Mike McVey and Rick Achberger Cover Artist: Stephen Tappin Interior Artists: Jeff Easley, Adrian Smith, Stephen Tappin, and Sam Wood Terrain and Diagram Artist: Todd Gamble Miniatures Terrain Artist: Jason Soles Sculptors: Roy Eastland, Will Hannah, Bobby Jackson, Jerry Knowles, Jerzy Montwill, Paul Muller, Ben Siens, Jim Warner, Jason Wiebe, and John Winter Model Painting: Jason Soles and Joe Hill Additional Terrain Materials: Armorcast Photographer: Craig Cudnohufsky Graphic Designers: Rick Achberger and Cynthia Fliege Typographer: Erin Dorries Production Manager: Kristopher Walker
Thanks to all our project team members and to the many others too numerous to mention who have contributed to this product. This d20 system game utilizes mechanics developed for the new DUNGEONS & DRAGONS game designed by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, Richard Baker, and Peter Adkison. This WIZARDS OF THE COAST game product contains no Open Game Content. No portion of this work may be reproduced in any form without written permission. To learn more about the Open Gaming License and the d20 System License, please visit wizards.com/d20.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Godwar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Ahmuts Legion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Drazens Horde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Kilsek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mordengard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Naresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ravilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Thalos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Mercenaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Chapter 7: Terrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Terrain Pieces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Terrain Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Terrain and Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Terrain and Movement Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Movement Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Impassable Terrain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Terrain, Line of Sight, and Line of Effect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Terrain and Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 When Terrain Provides Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Terrain Special Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Custom Terrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Chapter 8: Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Two-Player Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Aboveground Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Underground Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Rapid Strike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Deployment Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Special Scenario Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Scenario Victory Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Story Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Blood Harvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Eternal Battle (Death-O-Rama) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Homeland Invasion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Team Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Multiplayer Scenarios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Alternative Scenario Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Chapter 3: Warbands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Models in Your Warband . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Point Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Faction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Command Capacity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Good and Evil Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Multiple Copies of the Same Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 In-Reserve Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Tactical Advantage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Warband Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Warband Terrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Optional Rule: Pool and Warbands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Chapter 4: Skirmishes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Rounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Roll Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Activate Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Melee Attacks and Ranged Attacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Casting Spells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Special Actions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Morale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Optional Rule: Squads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 End of a Turn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 End of a Round . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
2R
LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
Chapter 1: Godwar
It began with good intentions. Imagine a world without war. A perfect realm where all beings are free to grow and develop without having to fight against their neighbors. Imagine you see a way to make this dream a reality. Would you risk your life to end war? Your soul? In the west of the world, the elven hero Marinn took the risk. The God of War, a four-armed warrior named Stratis, walked among mortal races for the pleasure of their combat. Wherever he went, he drove mortals to rise against one another in bloody battle. Marinn recruited heroes of all the mortal races, gathered artifacts that could slay a god, and lured Stratis into an ambush. In daylong combat, Stratis slew all but three of the heroes. The fight had weakened him, though. Marinns allies seized the God of War, and Marinn pierced his heart with an ancient elven blade. Stratis was slain, but divine power gave him time to utter his curse. You think your people will be free? You think you have escaped me? You mortals will have nothing but war, not a moment of peace until a new God of War rises to replace me. Stratis staggered to his feet and erupted toward heaven, spraying his blood and weaponry over the world as his soul blasted upward. His weapons scattered away from his ascent as meteorites, burning through the smoke of the warzone. Even as he died, the God of War knew how to place his weapons. Stratiss axe dropped among the savage tribes of the
southern lands and was seized by a hobgoblin chieftain named Drazen. Stratiss spear plunged to the forgotten grave of an ancient human warlord, Ahmut, who rose screaming for vengeance and the death of all living things. Stratiss flail came by the hands of a child to the half-fiend gnoll Jangir. But the real danger lies not in the weapons that fell into evil handsits the power promised by Stratiss undiscovered artifacts. It is commonly believed that anyone who can assemble enough of Stratiss divine panoply and blend it with his or her own supernatural power will become the next God of War. The dead gods promise of war unfettered has come true. It is now the fifth year of the Godwar. The only thing preventing universal apocalypse is the supernatural chaos left in the wake of Stratiss fall. This turmoil hinders armies of thousands from mustering, much less marching against enemies. Common soldiers no longer remember orders without their commanders constant presence; they lose themselves to the frenzy of war instead of its efficient execution. Decisive warfare is now possible only with bands of elite combatants who can maintain their focus and cohesion. These same small bands spearhead the search for Stratiss scattered panoply. Stratiss curse has left some room for hope. Unfortunately, it is the hope that ones own people will sponsor the next God of War. Every kingdom and tribe fears the consequences should its enemies win. And no one can afford to trust the good intentions of those who, under other circumstances, might be friends. Because we know where good intentions have taken us . . . It ends in war.
L3
LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
AHMUTS LEGION
Three hundred years ago . . . The Third Oligarch of the Empire of Ravilla contemplated his scrying pool. The nomad appears to have won again. Our warriors think themselves above mere humans. Horseeaters, they call them. But this Ahmut may yet reach the cities. That cannot be allowed to occur, said the Second Oligarch from her couch. Should one city fall, the Gateways might open. The Abyss? Let us avoid that path. Agreed, said the Third Oligarch. I think another bid at assassination is in order. The last failed. Why should this be different? This time I will send Prisca. Oh, said the Second Oligarch. She considered. It will be painful, then. She will make it permanent. And unpleasant. Then I declare quorum. Make it so. The elven assassin succeeded. Ahmut fell, slain by a magic blade. No magic could recapture his spirit. Despairing of raising their commander, and not wishing to leave his body for the elven armies that closed in upon them, Ahmuts remaining lieutenants buried him in an unmarked grave. Now Ahmut learned what it meant to be an enemy of Ravilla. His spirit was trapped within his corpse in a fragment of the assassins blade, fully conscious but incapable of occupying his decaying flesh or of moving on to other planes. He was sane for the first twenty years. Nearly three centuries later, Stratiss spear plunged from the sky to pierce the earth and what was left of Ahmuts ribcage. Three centuries of hate fueled the magic that brought Ahmut surging from the earth. In Ravilla half the children woke at that moment, screaming. Through his unnatural condition and the power of the spear, Ahmut maintains extraordinary control of the undead. He has usurped command of the cult of Nerull known as the Red Scythes, demanding their worship as the Death Gods emissary. Every battle increases the power of Ahmuts undead legions. If their supreme commander paid his full attention to the Godwar, the rest of the Sundered Empire might fall within two years. But Ahmuts concentration is not perfect. He is content to spend a day grafting new limbs to a prisoners body and then ordering those limbs to mutilate and kill their new owner. The priests and assassins of the Red Scythe are left to prosecute the Godwar to the best of their abilities, sometimes even daring to keep artifacts for themselves instead of turning them over to their dread lord. In truth, Ahmut pursues this war out of a simple desire to slay every living soul that does not worship him. Unlike other Godwar combatants, he is not troubled by the thought that some rival might seize Stratiss power first. Ahmut feels he already has enough power to slay the world. The longer the others fight among themselves, the closer his victory becomes. Life is short; death drags on and on.
4R
LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
Models from back to front (left to right): 1. Crazed Minotaur Cultist, Ghoul, Skeletal Dwarf, Zombie Minotaur, Skeletal War Dog, Skeletal Equiceph; 2. Gallowsgaunt, Crazed Minotaur Cultist, Slaughterpit Zombie Gnoll, Half-Orc Assassin, Battered Skeletal Troll; 3. Ghoul, Human Death Cleric, Human Shadow Priest, Human Death Cleric; 4. Zombie Troglodyte, Half-Orc Fighter, Gith Revenant, Skeletal Orc.
L5
LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
DRAZENS HORDE
On a high plateau in the blasted lands of the south, twenty-nine hobgoblin warlords answered mighty Drazens call for a parley to discuss confederation. They brought their bodyguards, their shamans, and enough of their warriors to feel secure. The first night they pounded each others chests in greeting, drank, and diced. On the second night, an hour before the treaty talk, life changed. The falling star flamed out of the darkness and blew the Snakehold Tribes encampment into sparks and dust. A good place for a star to fall, thought Drazen, looking at the smoking crater where his chief rivals tent had been. Too good for luck, theyll think. He was right. Snakehold survivors, scattered among the milling warriors of the thirty tribes, yelled that Drazen was to blame, that he had called them to this spot to betray them all. Drazen kept his sword sheathed and stepped forward to answer. Then he saw what was at the bottom of the pit: an axe, a giant bloody axe, humming with so much power that he could taste it from the craters edge. With this axe, I will be unstoppable, said Drazen, shocking himself by speaking his thought aloud. The other warlords spotted the axe moments later. Crying in voices ripped by bloodlust and desire, they threw themselves down the crater walls. They flailed at each other with their swords and screamed as they stumbled into still-molten rock. Drazen drew his sword and chose his route. Mordek, he hissed to his finest shaman, ward me. Fire. All you have. Then get away from here. Mordek cast the spell and scrambled away. Drazen sprinted around the crater along the path he had marked, veering right at the last moment to throw himself into a knot of adepts casting spells indiscriminately at the warlords fighting below. The first adept saw death in Drazens sword and blasted him with fire. The fire rolled off Drazens ward. The adepts head rolled into darkness. The warlord spoke. The axe is mine. Follow me down and fight for me, and you will serve me as champions. Fight against me and die now. One by one the adepts pounded their foreheads in assent. They followed Drazen as he cut through the melee, charging and tumbling over the molten rock that boiled other warlords flesh inside their armor. Drazen took hold of the axe. His roar shook the plateau. He spoke no words, but all understood: You are MINE! Drazens gifts of strength, tactical insight, and force of personality have been supercharged by the power of Stratiss axe. Other hobgoblin warlords measure success by how many orcs, ogres, and savage beasts they can kill. Drazen has overpowered these chaotic rivals of the hobgoblin peoples and forged the whole alliance into a mighty kingdom. Out of the grim lands of the south, across the Blazing Desert, they cut into the soft belly of the Sundered Empire like an axe swung by ten thousand thousand hands.
6R
LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
Models from back to front (left to right): 1. Orc Rager, Hobgoblin Adept, Ettin Trooper; 2. Bugbear Trooper, War Ape, Goblin Scout, Orc Champion, Ogre Trooper, Dire Boar, Hobgoblin Fighter, Ogre Delver; 3. Goblin Trooper, Orc Berserker, Bugbear Trooper, Orc Druid; 4. Goblin Trooper, Orc Trooper, Orc Gangfighter, Orc Trooper, Orc Gangfighter.
L7
LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
KILSEK
The spider-things scuttling claws scraped horse-sized divots from the baked clay floor of House Kilseks arena. Standing naked at one end of the arena, two drow waited for the creatures judgment. The giant head swiveled toward Morit, the fourth heir of House Tormtor. Poison dripping from the monstrous fangs boiled a long swath of red clay as the fiendish thing took an eightfold step. Morits bladder emptied. From her stance forty feet to Morits right, Venrit, Mistress of House Kilsek, smiled and hummed a song she had thought forgotten since childhood. Betrayed by her allies, sacrificed for political expediency because the civil war had been harsh to her people, Venrit had been ordered to disband House Kilsek. They were too weak to resist. They were lost. Was this Lolths will, she wondered? With this ordeal, she would find out. She had descended to the House arena, dragging along Morit, whom she had captured early in the war. Dropping her captive onto the hard clay floor, she had walked away from him and summoned Teela, the largest spider fiend she could call. As the arachnid shape formed across the hall, Morit had risen to his knees and spoken. I thought you the type to kill me yourself. Am I killing you, Morit? replied Venrit. Teela has no instructions. She will act according to her nature. Which, I have no doubt, will be to cross this floor and kill one of us. As Lolth wills. Teelas eight eyes blinked in unison, adjusting to the darkness. Morit shivered. Oh, dont be scared, Morit, said Venrit. Try some of those oratorical tricks that work so well on the other Houses. Teela moved then, and both drow grew silent. Teela jumped. For a moment she disappeared in the space above the arena. She landed with force that knocked Venrit to her knees. Venrit watched as one fang plucked Morit high into the air. The fiendish maw closed, and Morits scream died. Venrit stood still as the spider demon shuffled about the hall. For a moment, the monsters eyes locked on Venrits own. Teela blinked first, then backed off down the hall, chittering and cleaning her mandibles. Venrit stood silent on the clay. She took the spider amulet around her neck in both hands. It was the spiders nature to slay all available prey, not to choose one small kill. So she had meant to die, then, and had concealed it even from herself. Lolth had truly answered her prayers. I will not fail you, Mistress, said the woman who knew, now, that Kilsek was part of Lolths designs. Venrit led House Kilsek and the inhabitants of its slave pens into exile. They wandered the Underdark until an illithid ally showed them the way to an ancient, abandoned gith city beneath the Sundered Empire. At first Venrit had no intention of entering the Godwar, but the battle came to the drow thanks to the corrosive qualities of Stratiss blood. The smoking ichor blasted holes into the ancient gith tunnels, exposing House Kilseks new territory to encroachment from the surface dwellers. And the more of Stratiss blood Venrit acquired, the more she knew she wanted. If Venrit can seize one of Stratiss major artifacts, as Ahmut, Drazen, and Jangir have already managed, those other warlords will have cause to fear.
8R
LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
Models from back to front (left to right): 1. Drow Warrior (x2), Drow Wizard, Drow Warrior, Kuo-Toa Trooper; 2. Troglodyte Warrior, Displacer Beast, Drow Ranger, Drow Soldier, Drow Archer.
L9
LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
MORDENGARD
The motion has been moved and seconded. Shall the Republic enter the great conflict, colloquially known as the Godwar, and prevent the other combatants from raising one of their own as the new God of War? Brewers, you have the first vote. The representative of the Brewers Guild took his feet at the round table. Aye. What needs to be done. Crafters? asked the scribe serving as moderator of the meeting of the Workers Council. Aye. Engineers? Aye, though we have reservations, as these three days of debate have indicated. I will not repeat them now. But yes, we vote for war. And so on, through the various guilds: farmers, miners, priests, scholars, soldiers, wizards, and artists. Only the Soldiers Guild representative voted against the motion, to everyones surprise. The Soldiers Guild votes nay. No, no, hold yourself together there. We of the guild are in favor of this war, and we advanced arguments in support of it. We wish only to make one thing clear: We will win, but in winning, we do not wish to raise one of our own to be a god. The power that was Stratiss can be gathered and controlled, but then the Workers Council as a whole must decide what to do with it. Not the soldiers who happen to achieve the victory. It is not a matter for a . . . battlefield promotion. The Comrade-General agrees with me on this, I believe. He nodded to a grizzled, one-eyed dwarf in plate at the back of the room, the soldier named Baruk who led the Peoples Legion that term. We will win the war, but we will not let victory cost us our revolution. Long live the Republic! And so the Peoples Republic of Mordengard went to war. A century ago, the dwarves of Mordengard overthrew a tyrant king. Most of the nobility was slain along with him, thrown down by a revolution from below, a final attack by the aggrieved masses. Instead of setting up a new king, the dwarves have invented something new: a republic of the people, by the people, and for the good of the people. Every citizen of Mordengard belongs to a guild, and the Workers Council are elected every five years from the guild rolls. Members of every guild serve in the Peoples Legion, though most of the commanders are from the Soldiers Guild. Traditional dwarven virtues of duty, perseverance, toughness, pride of craft, and bashing in orcs skulls have survived the transformation of the government. In fact, Mordengard is stronger than ever as the new soldiers, commanders, and heroes of the people strive to show that they are every bit as capable as the nobles who used to lead by virtue of their blood. Allies from the Elemental Planes add to the Republics confidence, as do elemental weapons crafted by the artificers of the Crafters and Engineers Guilds. An elf started this war, say the people of Mordengard, but we will end it.
IN THE OPEN FORUM OF THE WORKERS COUNCIL, ANY DECISION WORTH MAKING IS WORTH MAKING LOUDLY.
10 R
LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
Models from back to front (left to right): 1. Ancestral Guardian, Stone Spike, Ice Paraelemental, Dwarf Fighter; 2. Stonechild, Dwarf Raider, Dwarf Ranger, Dwarf Hammer Priest, Dwarf Thunderlasher, Dwarf Peoples Guard (x2); 3.Dwarf Scorcher, Dwarf Zealot (x2), Dwarf Legionnaire, Dwarf Shock Trooper, Dwarf Raider, Dire Badger; 4. Dwarf Fighter, Dwarf Cleric, Dwarf Lightning Lancer.
L11
LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
NARESH
The Demon War opened gateways from the Abyss into western Oerik, through which swarmed hordes of fiendish troops alongside minotaurs and gnolls. When the gray elves defeated the Abyssal forces, sealing the portals, the surviving gnolls scattered into the mountains. There they nursed their wounds, and their grudges. Yeenoghu, demonic patron of the gnolls, still nurtures red dreams of power. Fiends yet mingle with his children, whose numbers have grown again in their remote mountains. And forty years ago, a mighty demon fathered Jangir with a gnoll woman. The half-fiend rose to become high priest of Yeenoghuand now he wields the flail of Stratis. Jangir, self-styled Priest-King of Naresh, sees two paths to victory. The first is to win the game the rest of the factions are playing: Collect more of Stratiss divine panoply and attain the power of the god. The second is uniquely available to Jangir: Achieve Yeenoghus favor by opening the Abyssal Gateways within the elven lands once more and letting chaos loose upon the world in a full-scale demonic invasion. Since Stratiss flail came to him as a gift, brought by a gnoll child who had seen it fall from the sky, Jangir thinks of himself as chosen by the gods. He was already an exceptional warrior and commander who led his followers against the elves of the former Dragon Empire. Victory comes naturally to him. Now all the gnolls and most of the demons follow his banner and that of his deadly patron. Some other warlords possess Stratiss weapons, which makes them troublesome, but Jangir expects to acquire more of the dead gods panoplyif not as gifts from commanders, then as personal spoils of war. Invading Ravilla directly has been a thornier problem. Jangirs demonic allies are ferocious but undisciplined. Instead of massing to attack Ravillas weak spots, they tend to prefer the short-term satisfaction of hunting individual elves and slaying them messily. So for now, Jangir follows the first strategy, attempting to increase his personal power until he can guide masses of demons as effortlessly as he motivates tribes of gnolls.
IF JANGIR SUCCEEDS IN REOPENING THE ABYSSAL GATEWAYS, THE ONLY GOOD ELF WILL BE A SLAVE ELF.
12 R
LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
Models from back to front (left to right): 1. Howler, Hyena, Abyssal Ravager, Abyssal Skulker, Ettercap; 2. Gnoll Monk, Gnoll Warrior, Gnoll Trooper, Gnoll Warrior, Abyssal Eviscerator, Gnoll Cleric, Tiefling Fighter, Demonic Gnoll Archer, Gnoll Archer; 3. Werewolf Trooper, Gnoll Archer, Demonic Gnoll Adept, Gnoll Ranger, Abyssal Maw.
L13
LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
RAVILLA
Ravilla knows what is best for the world. The equation is simple, despite what other races and nations like to believe. What is best is that the Abyssal Gateways remain closed. Each gateway is locked and buried deep in the heart of a gray elf city. The cities have grown into great (and sometimes) urbane metropolises, but at heart, each exists only as containment for a portal to the unspeakable horrors of the Abyss. One thousand years ago, Corellon Larethian charged the elves of what is now Ravilla to defend the Abyssal Gateways, to keep them from opening and their evil from consuming the world. The elves followed their deitys orders by ensuring that no enemies, or potential enemies, could grow strong enough to challenge Ravilla and smash a path to open a portal. For hundreds of years, the hegemony of the elves Dragon Empire was a necessary burden, a duty imposed by Corellons sacred trust. That was the theory, in any case. In practice, the distinction grew fuzzy between guarding the Abyssal Gateways and playing the game of empires for its own sake. The Empire was governed by a Grand Council of Oligarchs who maintained the Empty Throne for Corellon Larethian, against the day when he would return to commend them for their sacred dedication. Many Oligarchs exercised power for its own sake rather than as a necessary evil. There is scarcely a people, tribe, or nation that has not been invaded, betrayed, or dominated at some point by the Dragon Empire or its current Ravillan heirs. Consequently, the new potentials of the Godwar come as a major threat to the people of Ravilla. The Dragon Empire is long broken, limping along as a collection of gray elf citystates, wood elf strongholds, and draconic allies. The Oligarchs still rule, and the Abyssal Gateways remain closed, but even the good-aligned nations of Thalos and Mordengard have reason to despise the elves. And to Ahmut, the onceslain lord of undeath, and the demonic gnolls of Jangirs crusade, the elves are a most hated enemy who must be slain at any cost. With so many enemies, it is a wonder that Ravilla endures. At this moment in the Godwar, the reasons for its survival are two. First, the chaotic conditions make full-scale invasions and sieges difficult: The elven cities endure constant harassment and raids, but no death blows. Second, there is more power in Ravilla than the Oligarchs themselves realize. A young elf named Tarquin, son of an ancient and illustrious family, possesses Stratiss sword. Tarquins plans are not known, and he has not yet revealed his full power. But in the streets, in the academies, among the Oathbands of the forest, there are whispers that what the ancient Dragon Empire needs is a true emperor at last.
THE OLIGARCHS HAVE RISEN TO JANGIRS CHALLENGE. SO LONG AS RAVILLA SURVIVES, THE ABYSSAL GATEWAYS WILL BE WARZONES, NOT HIGHWAYS.
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Models from back to front (left to right): 1. Gray Elf Lajatang Duelist, Gray Elf Snakestrike Duelist, Centaur Trooper; 2. Gray Elf Snakestrike Duelist, Gray Elf Imperial Noble, Gray Elf Warsinger, Gray Elf Duelist, Half-Dragon Mage; 3. Wood Elf Ranger, Gray Elf Warrior (x2), Gray Elf Wizard; 4. Spitting Felldrake, Spiked Felldrake, Horned Felldrake, Crested Felldrake, Wood Elf Scout, Wood Elf Skirmisher (x2), Wood Elf Starstrike Archer.
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LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
THALOS
Queen Almira I founded the island nation of Thalos to unify human tribes fleeing from the advance of Ravillas armies. When Almira I was an old woman, the elven empire sent a fleet to take back the slaves that had sought to escape its control. In five days of combat, the Thalish defenders took a heavy toll on the superior elven navy, then repulsed the invasion, fighting hand to hand and spell to spell on the beaches. Thalos has never forgotten the Battle of the Bloody Tide, the moment of their ultimate liberation from elven domination. An elf slew Stratis, who was the son of Stern Alia the Shield Mother, the goddess whose countenance peers out from every Thalos shield and ornament. Now Queen Almira XXI has chosen to meet violence with violence. Popular mythology in Thalos has built up a cult of heroism, starting with Almira I. Thalish soldiers think of themselves as bands of heroes fighting the good fight. The presence of aasimars and even celestials amid their ranks reinforces this idea, as does the organization of their warbands. Thalos does not favor homogeneous assemblies of troops, but rather groups of specialists. Joining Almira XXI and her paladins crusade are gnome engineers, the automatons they create, and an established school of sorcery whose power rivals the wizardry of Ravilla. Each member in a warband has a role, and by combining their specialized abilities they become stronger. Though most Thalish warriors would not appreciate the comparison, the composition of their warbands recalls the party of mortal heroes who slew Stratis and touched off the Godwar in the first place. Thalos could try to stay out of the Godwar. It might be able to remain isolated, hoping that the eventual victor would have other islands to fry. But Queen Almira XXI is a paladin of action as well as a woman of ideals. Since she and her subjects are all the Shield Mothers children, Almira XXI knows that one day, the people of Thalos will replace the child that the Shield Mother lost with another she can recognize as her own.
THE CURRENT QUEEN ALMIRA SHOWS SIGNS OF LIVING UP TO THE GLORY OF HER ANCESTOR.
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Models from back to front (left to right): 1. Human Conscript, Human Paladin, Hammerer, Ogre Penitent, Human Templar, Thalish Clay Golem, Human Swiftwing Disciple, Human Glaiver; 2. Human Swiftwing Disciple, Half-Elf Sorcerer, Human Paladin of Stratis, Pulverizer, Gnome Infiltrator; 3. Human Warrior (x2), Aasimar Cleric, Half-Elf Cleric, Human Marine, Human Sorcerer.
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LCHAPTER 1: GODWARR
MERCENARIES
The seven great factions of the Godwar are not the only powers in western Oerik. Other peoples control sections of the Sundered Empire but lack the numbers, organization, or ambition to impose their will upon the conflict. Members of these races and nations do, however, find frequent opportunities for plunder and advancement by serving in the warbands of the main combatants. In contrast to previous major wars, the Godwar tends to be fought as an endless succession of small-scale battles and clashes of champions. Therefore mercenaries with magical talents or supernatural powers are at a premium. The most dangerous among them are the medusas, the salamanders, and the lycanthropes. The medusas and salamanders will work for any evil faction, while weretigers fight for all combatants. Werebears fight so well for the good-aligned factions that some of Mordengards citizens would love to give them honorary membership in the Peoples Republic. One potential force in the Godwar, the Free Cities to the south have so far proven too disorganized to muster any type of coordinated response to the conflict. Odds are that this loose assembly of city-states will not unify in time to make a play for Stratiss post, but its possible that larger forces of Free Cities mercenaries will join the conflict.
Models from back to front (left to right): Grimlock Trooper, Salamander Trooper, Azer Trooper, Grimlock Trooper, Ogre Mercenary; 2. Otyugh, Drider Trooper, Werebear Trooper, Hell Hound.
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Rav
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Morden gard
illa
Naresh
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Free St a
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Ahmut Legion s
Drazen Horde s
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information is only important if you are playing in a campaign. (See Chapter 10: Campaigns for more about character classes and advancing models.)
NAME
This identifies the model, such as Half-Dragon Mage. The name has no effect on play, but you can often tell something about a model by its name. Generally, the first term in the name is the models race or kind, such as Orc in Orc Berserker. The term Trooper, as in Gnoll Trooper, means that the model is a baseline creature of its type. (In DUNGEONS & DRAGONS terms, it has no class levels.)
SPEED
This is how many inches the model can move in a turn and still be able to attack. It can move up to twice this far and attack if its charging. It can also move double its speed if it does nothing else. A model thats out of command generally moves full speed (double its speed score) if it moves at all. A model that has an F in front of its speed score has the Flight special ability (see Chapter 6: Special Abilities and Spells).
COST
This lists the points you must pay to have this model in your warband. The models cost is in the upper right corner of the card. The more valuable a model is in play, the higher its cost.
ARMOR
An enemy model must roll this number or higher on an attack roll to hit the model. A high armor score could represent actual armor worn, scales on a monsters hide, the ability to dodge attacks, or any combination of these factors.
FACTION
Each model belongs to one of seven factions, or has no faction at all. Models that belong to no faction, casually referred to as mercenaries, are always considered cross-faction models. Faction Ahmuts Legion Drazens Horde Kilsek Mordengard Naresh Ravilla Thalos Typical Members Undead creatures, death cultists, and their unholy masters. Savage humanoids both large and small. The mysterious drow, with their subterranean slaves and allies. Stalwart dwarves and elemental allies. Vicious gnolls and demonic troops. Elves and draconic creatures. Humans, their spiritual allies, and constructs built for battle.
HEALTH
This is how tough the model is to destroy. When the model takes damage, its health is reduced by that amount. Half Health: When the models health first drops to half its score, it must make a morale save to avoid routing. At 0 Health: When the models health drops to 0, its knocked down (see Conditions in Chapter 4: Skirmishes). Below 0 Health: When the models health drops below 0, its destroyed and removed from the game.
HALFDRAGON MAGE
Ravilla Good Dragon
30 PTS.
LEVEL 4
TYPE
A models type includes its alignment and the sort of creature it is. A creatures alignment is good, evil, or neutral. Good and evil models cant be in the same warband together. Some special rules also apply to models of one alignment or another. The Human Paladin, for example, can deal extra damage to an evil creature. Each model is also one of the following types: aberration, animal, beast, construct, dragon, elemental, fey, giant, humanoid, magical beast, monstrous humanoid, ooze, outsider, plant, shapechanger, undead, or vermin. A models type sometimes includes a subtype in parentheses, such as (Dwarf ).
SPEED
6 17 4
MELEE
Attack: +6 Damage: 2
ARMOR HEALTH
RANGED
Attack: Cone Damage: Cold Blast 5
SPELLS
2. LEVEL
This represents the models overall power: its D&D character level or Hit Dice. Set 5 models with levels in D&D character classes have those classes listed beside the Level entry. This
& 2002 Wizards. Permission granted to photocopy for personal use. izards.
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Model Statistics
Here are the highest scores for each statistic, among the models of sets 1 through 5. This gives some idea of the power level of a given model. Each faction excels in one or two different areas and is weak in others. Model (Faction) Very Young Red Dragon (Naresh) Zombie Minotaur (Ahmuts Legion); Hill Giant (Drazens Horde) Very Young Brass Dragon (Ravilla) Ancestral Guardian (Mordengard) Hill Giant (Drazens Horde) Very Young Red Dragon (Naresh) Human Solar Templar (Thalos) Human Solar Templar (Thalos); Werebear Trooper (no faction) Wood Elf Starstrike Archer (Ravilla) Hill Giant (Drazens Horde); Dwarf Shock Trooper (Mordengard) Score 75 12 15 24 20 +8 +13 5 +10 3
Cost Level Speed Armor Health Save Melee Attack Melee Damage Ranged Attack Ranged Damage
4. COMBAT ABILITIES
These statistics govern a models ability to fight.
MELEE
This is how good the model is in hand-to-hand combat.
Attack
Add this number to a d20 roll when making a melee attack. If the resulting number is at least as high as the defenders armor, the attack is a hit. If the melee attack roll is a natural 1, then its automatically a miss. If the melee attack roll is a natural 20, then its automatically a hit, regardless of the enemys armor. It might also be a critical hit (see Critical Hits in Chapter 4: Skirmishes). If the melee attack score says touch, then the model makes its attack rolls against armor 11 instead of against the defenders actual armor score.
Damage
This is the amount of damage that the model deals with a successful melee attack. This number is subtracted from the defending models health.
Blunt: If the damage line includes the word blunt, then the weapon doesnt deal extra damage on a critical hit. It does, however, deal full damage to models with the Skeletal special ability (see Chapter 6: Special Abilities and Spells). Bonus Damage: Some weapons deal bonus damage, which is listed after a + sign. Bonus damage is not doubled on a critical hit. Energy Damage: Some damage is energy damage (acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic). This damage works like normal damage, except that it interacts differently with various special abilities. Magic Damage: Some attacks deal magic damage. This works like normal damage, except that it is not affected by Damage Reduction (see Chapter 6: Special Abilities and Spells). Special Abilities: Sometimes a special ability is listed as the damage or in addition to the damage. See the description of the special ability for its effect.
30 pts.
This is how good the model is at shooting or throwing. Not all models can make ranged attacks.
Attack
This works just like melee attack. Also listed is the range in inches () at which the model can make the attack. The model cant use its ranged attack against models that are farther away than the listed range. If this line includes a box (q), then the model can make only one ranged attack per skirmish. If the ranged attack score says touch, then the model makes its attack rolls against armor 11 instead of against the defenders actual armor score.
1288878001
Damage
This is the amount of damage that the model deals with a successful ranged attack. This works just like melee damage.
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7. SET
Models are released in groups or sets, each of which has a number. A models set has no effect on game play. Models within a set may have some features or themes in common, but you can freely mix models from various sets. A models set is listed on the back of the statistic card, with the photo of the model.
6. BASE SIZE
The size of a models base is not listed among its statistics, but it does have an effect on play. Where a model can go is sometimes limited by its base size. Bases come in three sizes, and may come in other sizes in the future. Base Size 20 mm 25 mm 40 mm Model Small creatures, such as goblins Medium-size creatures, such as humans, elves, and orcs Large creatures, such as ogres and centaurs
A models base size is listed on the back of the statistic card, with the photo of the model.
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Chapter 3: Warbands
You build a warband before you play.
FACTION
Your warbands faction is determined by the faction with the most command points. If theres a tie for command points between different factions, you determine the faction. If your warband has no command points, all models must be from the same faction. Cross-Faction Models: All models of other factions, or of no faction, are considered to be cross-faction models. You need a minimum command capacity to have cross-faction models in your warband.
POINT VALUE
First, determine the point value for your warband. This total will depend on what you and your opponents agree on, and the total costs of all models in your warband must not exceed this predetermined point value. There are four standard sizes, but you can play with warbands of any point value. Point Value 50 70 100 140 Skirmish Type Small and fast Lean and mean Big clash (standard) Major battle
COMMAND CAPACITY
Your warband has a command capacity equal to the total of the Commander ratings of all your on-faction commanders. Command points from cross-faction commanders dont contribute to your warbands command capacity. You need 1 point of command capacity per wild troop or cross-faction model in your warband. If you have no wild troops and no cross-faction troops in your warband, you can have no commanders (but commanders are still really useful). Cross-Faction Wild and Difficult Troops: A cross-faction wild troop counts as two models for determining your required command capacity. A cross-faction difficult troop counts as a number of cross-faction troops equal to its Difficult Troop rating. A cross-faction wild troop that is also difficult counts as a number of cross-faction troops equal to double its Difficult Troop rating.
In general, games with smaller warbands are faster, and games with more players are slower. The more players youre going to have in a skirmish, the better it is to use smaller warbands. With fewer players, the skirmish can handle bigger warbands.
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Warband Environment
Some warbands are built for a specific environment: aboveground or underground. The environment affects not only what terrain the warband has but also what models you choose to include. For example, archers are more useful aboveground because the gloom and dense terrain underground interfere with their ranged attacks. Other warbands are built to operate in both environments. If youre playing in a league, campaign, or tournament, find out what the environment will be and build your warband accordingly.
BUILDING A POOL
First, determine the size of the warband that youll be playing. Your pool is about 30% larger than the warbands that you build from it. See Table 31: Pool and Warband Size. The pool does not need to conform to the limits on warband building. For example, you can have more wild troops than your command capacity in your pool. However, your warbands still must be legal, so be sure that you can build legal warbands from the models in your pool. For example, if you have more wild troops in your pool than your command capacity, you wont be able to have them all in any warband you field. You may not have a reserve model in a pool, though you can have a model in reserve in a warband that you field.
IN-RESERVE MODEL
You can have a single model in reserve that will be in your warband only half the time. This models normal cost must be no more than one-tenth the point value for your warband, and you pay half its normal cost (rounded up). At the start of each skirmish, roll a d20. If you roll 11+, the model is in your warband for that skirmish.
TACTICAL ADVANTAGE
You can spend points to gain a tactical advantage. For each point you spend on tactical advantage, add +1 to your scouting check. (Basically, any points you dont spend on models turn into tactical advantage.)
Fielding a Warband
After seeing your opponents pools, determining the scenario, and determining the lighting conditions, you select which models from your pool will go into the warband you field. You and your opponents choose models secretly and at the same time. Reveal your warbands to each other and then continue with the skirmish normally. (The next step is to make scouting checks.)
WARBAND TERRAIN
Choose a number of pieces of terrain as part of your warband. Youll bring this terrain to the skirmish, and choosing the right terrain can give you a big tactical advantage. The number of terrain pieces that you pick depends on whether youre going to play aboveground or underground, as well as on how many people will be playing. To be ready for any skirmish, pick three aboveground terrain pieces and four underground terrain pieces. If you wind up playing with several players, leave some of your terrain pieces out of the skirmish. Number of Players Terrain Pieces Aboveground Underground (3 by 3) (3 by 2) 2 3 4 3 2 3 4 1 or 2* 2 5+ 1 2 *Each player rolls a d20. On a result of 110, that player supplies one piece of terrain. On a result of 1120, that player supplies two pieces of terrain. If some players end up placing more terrain than others, skip the players who have no terrain left.
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Chapter 4: Skirmishes
A Chainmail battle is called a skirmish. You win by destroying or driving off the enemys models, or by fulfilling a scenario objective (see Chapter 8: Scenarios). This chapter covers a skirmish from start to finish. It assumes that youve built a warband, determined the environment (aboveground or underground), and chosen a scenario.
ROUNDS
A skirmish is played in rounds. Each round, each player takes various actions. A round ends when each player completes all the actions he or she is allowed.
SETUP
Before the first round of a skirmish, players make scouting checks, place terrain, deploy models, and cast preparatory spells. See Chapter 8: Scenarios for the rules that apply to the scenario youre playing.
ROLL INITIATIVE
At the start of each round, each player rolls a d20 to see who will have initiative. The player with the highest roll decides who goes first. In a skirmish with more than two players, that player also decides whether the opportunity to activate models passes to the left or right around the table.
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ACTIVATE MODELS
Players take turns activating their models. Activating a model allows it to take a turn, and each model gets one turn during each round. Each model completes its turn, including any attacks, before the next model activates (even if you are activating multiple models).
ACTIONS
Unless a models actions are restricted by some condition or special ability, it can maneuver, stand, or charge when activated. If the model maneuvers or stands, it can take one of several additional actions afterward.
UNDER COMMAND
A models options when activated depend on whether it is placed under command. Commanders and independent troops (see Commander and Independent Troop in Chapter 6: Special Abilities and Spells) are always under command. Other models must be placed under command by a commander or are out of command. Regardless of whether a model is under command, it may maneuver, stand, or charge.
Playing a Skirmish
Heres how to set up and play a Chainmail skirmish.
If youre the scouting player, you can cast spells on your models before the skirmish begins.
Play a Round
1. Roll for initiative. High roller wins initiative. Low roller can spend 1 command point to reroll initiative. If you win initiative, you decide who activates models first. 2. Take turns activating models. Each model can activate only once in a round. Number of Models in Warband 14 58 912 13+ Number of Models You Activate 1 at a time 2 at a time 3 at a time 1/4 of your warband (round up)
Set Up
1. Decide whether the skirmish will be aboveground or underground. Underground skirmishes might be in gloom, making it harder to see. 2. Roll for the scenario. 3. Roll for scouting. The high roller is the scouting player. Add models Scout numbers and any leftover points from building your warband to the roll. If youre the scouting player, you decide who places terrain first. Take turns placing terrain. You cannot place terrain from the other players warband. Terrain cant overlap. At least 2 between impassable terrain or between impassable terrain and the battlefield edge. If youre the scouting player, you decide who deploys models first. Take turns deploying models. Number of Models in Warband 14 58 912 13+ Number of Models You Deploy 1 at a time 2 at a time 3 at a time 1/4 of your warband (round up)
Decide whether to put a model under command. Models that are out of command must move toward the nearest enemy (if they move at all). A model can: Maneuver (move up to its speed in inches), Stand (not move at all), or Charge (move twice its speed along a straight clear path to attack the nearest enemy). After maneuvering or standing, a model can: Make a melee attack against an enemy model it contacts. Make a ranged attack against the nearest enemy model. Cast a spell. Take a special action, such as a cleric turning undead. Maneuver again. Commanders can issue orders to help a model. 3. Models that are badly hurt (half health or less) might rout (run away). Injured models make morale saves (Difficulty Class 13). The save is harder (Difficulty Class 18) if your warband has lost half of its models. Routing models can rally, but only if under command. Once youve both activated all your models, the round is over. Start the next round by rolling initiative.
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Maneuver Maneuver
(Out of Command)
(Under Command)
Abyssal Maw
1 pt.
Abyssal Maw
maneuvers at all). It stops when it has moved twice its speed or when it makes melee contact against the model toward which it is advancing. Contact and Unseen Models: Regardless of actual line of sight, a model is aware of any model in base-to-base contact with it or that has melee contact against it. For example, a model 1/2 away from an invisible Crazed Minotaur Cultist, which has the Reach 1 special ability, is aware of the Minotaur. If it maneuvers while out of command, it must move toward the Minotaur (or toward an even closer model).
Some scenarios have a scenario goal. In this case, an out of command model can maneuver at full speed toward the scenario goal, even if it has line of sight to enemy models.
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toward the focus point, then it must stop when it touches the threatened area of an enemy model.
Limits on Charging
Certain situations prevent a model from charging. If some factor thwarts a charge, the model continues its turn as if its maneuvering. It can no longer attack after moving more than its speed, and it does not get the +2 charge bonus on its attack roll. Minimum Distance (2): A charging model must move at least 2 for the move to be considered a charge. Starting in Melee Contact: A model cant charge if, at the start of its turn, an enemy model has melee contact against it. Slowed Movement: If the charging model encounters battlefield conditions or terrain that slows its movement, if it has to squeeze between obstacles or other models (see Squeezing between Obstacles, below), or if it is otherwise slowed down, it is no longer considered to be charging. Charge Straight Line Only: A charging model that Abyssal moves around an obstacle Maw or otherwise changes direction is no longer considered to be charging.
(at least 2)
Human Paladin
Gnome Infiltrator
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considered to be charging. The move instead is treated as a maneuver. obstacles, and it can stop only where there is room for its base. If it doesnt have enough movement to squeeze past the models, it cant squeeze through partway on that turn.
MOVEMENT
A model generally moves up to its speed in inches.
Attack of Opportunity
Abyssal Maw
Abyssal Maw
Human Paladin
threatened area
Human Paladin
threatened area
If a model moves while within 1 of an enemy model, the enemy makes an attack of opportunity against the moving model. Here, the Paladin attacks the Maw as it moves past.
A model can avoid attacks of opportunity by moving directly toward the nearest enemy model. Here, the Paladin doesnt get an attack of opportunity against the Maw.
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Attacks of Opportunity and Nearest Enemy Model
1
Gnoll Trooper
1
A model that moves off the battlefield is out of the game. A model is off the battlefield when any part of the models base is off the battlefield.
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MELEE ATTACKS
To make a melee attack, a model must have melee contact against an enemy model. attack roll. If the result of an attack roll is at least as high as the defenders armor, the attack succeeds. The attacking model deals its melee or ranged damage, as appropriate, which is subtracted from the defending models health. Natural 20s and Natural 1s: If the attack roll is a natural 20, (a roll of 20 on the die, regardless of modifiers) it automatically succeeds, regardless of the defenders armor. It might also be a critical hit (see below). If the attack roll is a natural 1 (a roll of 1 on the die, regardless of modifiers), it automatically misses, regardless of the attackers attack number. Touch Attacks: A model making a touch attack rolls to hit armor 11 instead of the enemy models actual armor. If a piece of terrain or an intervening model
Melee Contact
Demonic Gnoll Adept
Melee Contact
To have melee contact against an enemy, the models base must touch the enemy models base. A model with the Reach 1 special ability has melee contact against enemy models within 1 of its base. Its common, therefore, for the model with Reach 1 to have melee contact against a model that does not have melee contact against it in return. Terrain that blocks line of effect, however, blocks melee contact. To have melee contact against an enemy model, the line between the centers of both models bases must be clear (not blocked by anything that blocks line of effect). A model must be able to attack to have melee contact against another model. If a model is constrained (see Conditions on page 37), that model does not have melee contact against any other model.
Human Paladin
A model may make a melee attack against any enemy model against which it has melee contact.
RANGED ATTACKS
To make a ranged attack, a model must have an enemy model within range and must have line of sight and line of effect to the enemy model.
Human Paladin
Attack Rolls
When a model attacks, roll a d20 and add the models melee or ranged attack number, as appropriate. This is called an
Using Counters
You can use counters, such as pennies or Bingo chips, to keep track of damage. Counters are handy for tracking other things, such as command points, one-use ranged attacks, which models have acted this round, where the center of the battlefield is, and so on.
A model can choose to make a melee attack against any model against which it has melee contact. The Hyena can attack any model it wishes. Even the knocked down Human Glaiver. Even though the Hyenas wild. Even though its out of command. Theres no order to help a model choose a target in melee because models never need any help choosing their targets.
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Gnoll Trooper
Hyena
Human Glaiver
(knocked down)
Human Paladin
A model that is out of command and that maneuvers must move toward the nearest enemy model. It must ignore knocked down models. It may, however, stand instead of maneuvering. The Gnoll Trooper, even though out of command, can stand and attack the knocked down Human Glaiver.
A wild model that is out of command must move toward the nearest enemy model. It must ignore knocked down models. It may not stand (unless it has no models to approach). The Hyena must ignore the knocked down Human Glaiver and charge the Human Paladin.
provides the defender with an armor bonus, that armor bonus applies to touch attacks.
Losing Health
Combatants that are wounded might run away, fall helpless to the ground, or just plain die. Reduced to Half Health: If the defending models health drops to half or less, it must make a morale save (see Morale Saves, page 39). Reduced to 0 Health: If a models health drops exactly to 0, its knocked down (see Conditions, page 37). Every turn, it has a chance to get back up again. (Construct and undead creatures, however, are destroyed when they reach 0 health.) Reduced Below 0 Health: If the models health drops below 0, its destroyed. Remove it from the game.
Energy Damage
Certain creatures are able to resist, or are especially vulnerable to, some types of energy damage (acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic). Energy damage is otherwise dealt normally.
Critical Hits
If an attack roll is a natural 20, the attack automatically succeeds. Additionally, the attacker makes another attack roll exactly like the first. If the second roll is successful, the defender takes double damage. Bonus Damage: Bonus damage from a special ability or spell is not doubled on a critical hit.
As the Hobgoblin Fighter moves through the Human Warriors threatened area, it provokes an attack of opportunity from the Warrior. Since the line between the Warriors center and the Fighters center crosses the Orc Berserkers base, the Berserker grants the Fighter a +1 armor bonus (the intervening model bonus).
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Immunity to Critical Hits: Construct, elemental, and undead creatures are immune to critical hits. A natural 20 on an attack roll is still an automatic success. Blunt Weapons: If a models damage score is noted as blunt, it doesnt score critical hits with that attack. A natural 20 on the attack roll is still an automatic success.
Attack Modifiers
Gnoll Trooper
In addition to the attack numbers already listed in a models statistics, certain circumstances may further modify the attack roll. Some of these circumstances may also affect a models armor. Modifiers are slightly different for melee attacks and ranged attacks. A special case is a melee attack against a model that is not in base-to-base contact with the attacker; in this case use the second set of melee attack modifiers. (For example, if a model makes an attack of opportunity at an enemy model 1 away, and a low wall is between them, the wall provides cover as it would for a ranged attack.) Multiple Attackers: A model gets a +2 bonus on its melee attack against an enemy model if two or more other hostile models also have melee contact against that enemy model. Intervening Model: A model is intervening in an attack if its base is crossed by the line between the center of the attackers base and the center of the defenders base. Contacting Hostile Model: A model making a ranged attack suffers a 4 penalty on its attack if the defender is in base-to-base contact with at least one hostile model. Knocked
Human Warrior
+2
Human Warrior
+2
A model is flanked when three hostile models have melee contact against it. When a model is flanked, each attacker gets the +2 multiple attackers bonus on its melee attack roll against the flanked model.
Gnoll Trooper
Human Glaiver
(Reach 1) +2
Orc Berserker
+2
Gnoll Trooper A model attacking from above (on higher ground) gets a +1 bonus on its attack rolls. The Wood Elf Skirmisher gets the +1 higher ground bonus on its ranged attack rolls against the Gnoll Trooper. The Gray Elf Duelist gets the +1 higher ground bonus on its melee attack rolls against the Abyssal Maw. The Demonic Gnoll Adept gets the +1 higher ground bonus against the Duelist.
The Gnoll Trooper is flanked, so all the enemies attacking it get the +2 multiple attackers bonus on their melee attack rolls. Even though the Human Glaiver isnt in base-to-base contact with the Gnoll, it has melee contact against the Gnoll, so the Gnoll is still flanked. Even though the Orc Berserker is in a different warband from the Humans, the Gnoll is still flanked. (This must be a multiplayer game or team game because there are three warbands fighting.)
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down hostile models dont count. Whether either model has melee contact against the other is not relevant. Defender Unable to See Attacker: When a model attacks another model that cannot see it, the attacking model gets a +3 bonus on its attack roll, provided that the attacker can see the defender. Ranged Attacks: A model may only make a ranged attack against a defender to which it does not have line of sight if it receives a 4-point order to attack any target (see Orders, page 42). It still needs line of effect to the target, and it still has a miss chance. Special Ability or Spell (Attack Roll): If a special ability or spell uses a ranged attack roll, then the model might be able to attack a model to which it does not have line of sight, as with a normal ranged attack, and with the normal miss chance. Special Ability or Spell (Area): If a special ability or spell affects an area or models in an area, then the attacking model can center the attack on or aim the attack toward a point to which it does not have line of sight, provided it receives the 4-point order to attack any target and has line of effect to that point. Special Ability or Spell (Direct Effect): If a special ability or spell affects models directly (such as magic missile 1), not through an attack roll or by affecting an area, then the model may not attack any model to which it does not have line of sight.
Unseen Defenders
Attackers can sometimes attack unseen defenders, but with a chance to miss outright. If a model makes an attack roll against an unseen model, the attacker rolls a d20. If the result is 11+, the attack occurs normally. If the roll is 110, the attack automatically misses. The Blind-Fight and Blindsight special abilities (see Chapter 6: Special Abilities and Spells) reduce or eliminate the miss chance. Melee Attacks: A model may freely make a melee attack against an unseen model, but with a miss chance. This also applies to melee attacks that are tied to special abilities and spells.
Melee Attack Modifiers (in Base-to-Base Contact) Attacker charging +2 attack Attacking from above +1 attack (see Elevation, page 82) Defender knocked down Automatic hit, double damage Multiple attackers (see page 33) +2 attack Attacker on a low obstacle 2 attack (see Low Obstacle, page 83) Defender on a low obstacle 2 armor (see Low Obstacle, page 83) Defender stunned +3 attack Defender unable to see attacker +3 attack (see above) Attacker unable to see defender Miss chance 110 (see Unseen Defenders, above) Order: attack +2 +2 attack Melee Attack Modifiers (not in Base-to-Base Contact) Attacker charging +2 attack Attacking from above +1 attack (see Elevation, page 82) Defender has cover +4 armor (see Cover, page 80) Intervening model (see page 33) +1 armor per model Defender knocked down Automatic hit, double damage Multiple attackers (see page 33) +2 attack Attacker on a low obstacle 2 attack (see Low Obstacle, page 83) Defender on a low obstacle 2 armor (see Low Obstacle, page 83) Defender stunned +3 attack Defender unable to see attacker +3 attack (see above) Attacker unable to see defender Miss chance 110 (see Unseen Defenders, above) Order: attack +2 +2 attack
Ranged Attack Modifiers Attacking from above (see Elevation, page 82) Defender has cover (see Cover, page 80) Intervening model (see page 33) Defender contacting hostile model (see page 33) Defender knocked down* Attacker on a low obstacle (see Low Obstacle, page 83) Defender on a low obstacle (see Low Obstacle, page 83) Defender stunned Defender unable to see attacker (see above) Attacker unable to see defender (see Unseen Defenders, above)** Order: attack +2
+1 attack +4 armor +1 armor per model 4 attack No modifier (but see page 38) 2 attack 2 armor +3 attack +3 attack Miss chance 110 +2 attack
*Unless it receives the 4-point order to target any target, or it has no other models in line of sight, a model cant make a ranged attack against a knocked down model. **Unless it receives the 4-point order to attack any target, a model cant make a ranged attack against a model to which it does not have line of sight.
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CASTING SPELLS
Some models have spells that they can cast after the maneuver or stand action. (See Orders, page 42, for an exception.) This option is only open to models that cast spells. No spell, regardless of its range, can be cast as part of a charge. Spells have limits, such as how far a caster can be from a target, who they can be cast on, and so on. These ranges and other considerations are described below.
RANGED SPELLS
Spells work like ranged attacks if they have ranges of 6, 24, or sight. This means, among other things, that a model must cast a ranged spell at the nearest enemy model. (See Orders, page 42, for exceptions.)
Sight Range
If a spells range is sight, a model casting the spell needs only line of sight and line of effect to its target. Range is irrelevant.
Gnome Infiltrator
NONRANGED SPELLS
Spells with a range of touch or personal work like melee attacks (when used against enemies).
Generally, a model may make a ranged attack only at the nearest enemy model. The Infiltrator may shoot the Trooper but not the Maw.
Attack Modifiers: Hostile Contact Ranged Attack Penalty and Knocked Down Enemies
Orc Berserker
(knocked down)
Gnoll Trooper
Orc Trooper
4
Orc Trooper
no penalty
The Orc Trooper throws its javelin at the nearest enemy model. Since the Dwarf Fighter is hostile to the Abyssal Maw and in base-to-base contact with it, the Trooper suffers a 4 penalty on the attack. Even though the Dwarf Fighter is an enemy of the Trooper, the Trooper still suffers the penalty. (This is a multiplayer game.)
The Orc Trooper throws its javelin at the nearest enemy model (the Gnoll Trooper). Since the Orc Berserker is knocked down, the Orc Trooper doesnt suffer a penalty on the ranged attack roll.
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Casting Nonranged Spells
Casting a nonranged spell when an enemy has melee contact against the caster does not require a save as casting a ranged spell does.
Touch Spells
If a spells range is touch, the model can cast it on any model against which it has melee contact or on itself. Casting an offensive spell with a range of touch requires a successful melee touch attack against the target. If the attack fails, the spell is not expended.
Point of Origin
Some spells affect areas (such as darkness) or models within defined areas (such as sound burst 1). These spells have a secondary line of effect, from the point of origin to the limit of their defined areas. A model is affected by the spell if any such line of effect touches any part of its base. This point of origin is typically the center of the targeted models base. (In the case of a spell cast at a point on the battlefield, with the attack any target order, or an areaaffecting spell cast toward a model thats out of range, the point of origin is a point on the battlefield.) As with a regular lines of effect, these secondary lines of effect are blocked by some kinds of terrain. See Chapter 6: Spells and Special Abilities for a more detailed discussion of point of origin.
Attack Modifiers: Hostile Contact Ranged Attack Penalty and Intervening Models
Abyssal Maw
Human Glaiver
(Reach 1)
Orc Trooper
no penalty
Orc Trooper
4 1
The Orc Trooper throws its javelin at the Abyssal Maw with no penalty. Even though the Human Glaiver has melee contact against the Maw, its not in base-to-base contact, so the Trooper doesnt suffer the 4 penalty. (This is a team or multiplayer game.)
The Orc Trooper throws its javelin at the nearest enemy model (the Abyssal Maw). Since the Orc Berserker is hostile to the Maw and in base-to-base contact with it, the Trooper suffers a 4 penalty on the attack. Since the path of the javelin goes through the Berserkers base, the Trooper suffers an additional 1 penalty.
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As with a standard ranged attack, the model can receive orders that allow it to aim the cone at the second-nearest model or at a point on the battlefield (see Orders, page 42). As with any other ranged spell, if a model casts a cone spell, and more than one enemy model is in base-to-base contact with it, the spellcasting model can select any of those models as the nearest enemy model. As with a ranged attack, an out of command, maneuvering model may stop advancing toward the nearest enemy model when the maneuvering model comes within the cones range. Cone effects are blocked by terrain that blocks line of effect. When a cone is partially blocked by terrain, determine the cones edge by drawing a line from the attackers center along the edge of the blocking terrain. model (see Attack Modifiers, page 34), provided that they can see the blinded model.
CONSTRAINED
A number of situations can result in a models being constrained. A constrained model cant attack, cast spells, make attacks of opportunity, grant the multiple attackers bonus to allied models, use optional special abilities, spend command points, or issue orders. A constrained model does not have melee contact against any other model. Being constrained does not prevent a model from routing, but the condition that makes the model constrained might do so.
SPECIAL ACTIONS
Special actions can be a variety of different things. Most commonly, it means using a special ability of some kind, such as Turn Undead. The explanation of the special ability, scenario rule, or other situation tells you if it requires taking a special action. Taking a special action generally follows the rules for spellcasting, except that a model can freely take a special action when enemy models have melee contact against it. (The acting model does not have to succeed at a save in order to take the action.)
ENTANGLED
An entangled model is unable to move. Each turn that it attempts to move, an entangled model must make a save. If it succeeds, it moves normally and is no longer entangled. If it fails, it cant move this turn. Being entangled has no effect on a models ability to attack, cast spells, make attacks of opportunity, grant the multiple attackers bonus to allied models, use special abilities, spend command points, or issue orders. If an entangled model routs and fails its save, it does not move but is still considered to be routing.
KNOCKED DOWN
A model whose health is reduced to 0 is knocked down. Lay a knocked down model on its side (or otherwise indicate that it is knocked down). A knocked down model is constrained (see
CONDITIONS
Certain conditions can affect a models ability to act or force it to take specific actions.
BLINDED
A blinded model does not have line of sight to any other model. Proximity awareness (see Nearest Enemy Model, page 45) may allow a blinded model that is out of command to maneuver toward an enemy model. A blinded model is aware of any model in baseto-base contact with it or that has melee contact against it. A blinded models speed is divided by 2. If a blinded model has melee contact against an enemy model, it can attack, but with a miss chance. A blinded model cant make attacks of opportunity because it does not have line of sight to enemy models. Most models gain a +3 bonus on their attack rolls when attacking a blinded
Casting Sleep
3
Human Paladin
high wall
6
Drow Warrior
Gnome Infiltrator
Human Glaiver
The sleep spell hits the Paladin. It also catches the Infiltrator but not the Glaiver.
A model can cast darkness (or daylight) toward the nearest enemy model even if that model is out of range.
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above). The only action it can take while knocked down is to get up (see below). Certain special abilities (such as Poison) and spells (such as sleep) can knock down a model even if it has more than 0 health. Gaining Health and Getting Up: If a model is knocked down because it is at 0 health, it immediately gets up if it gains health (such as from the cure wounds 1 spell). Special Abilities and Spells: If a model is knocked down because of a special ability or spell, see the rules for that special ability or spell. Routing: A model that was routing when it got knocked down is still routing when it gets up.
PARALYZED
A paralyzed model is treated as knocked down (see above) and can make a save each round to get up (Difficulty Class 22). A paralyzed models health is irrelevant. It does not gain health if it gets up, and it does not get up if it gains health. A cure wounds 0 spell doesnt help a paralyzed model get up. Even if it rolls a natural 1 on its save to get up, a paralyzed model is not destroyed. Orders cant grant a paralyzed model a bonus on its save to get up. Melee attacks against the paralyzed model are automatically successful and deal double damage (as with an attack against a knocked down model). Ranged attacks against paralyzed models gain a +4 bonus on the attack roll. A model with Sneak Attack gains the bonus damage against a paralyzed model, unless it is more than 6 away. An enemy model does not ignore paralyzed models the way it usually ignores knocked down models. The paralyzed model is still treated as the nearest enemy model, if it was the nearest enemy model before. A paralyzed model cannot rout.
Getting Up
On its turn, a model that is knocked down must attempt a save to get up as its action. The saves Difficulty Class is 20. If the save is successful, the models health rises from 0 to 1. (A model gains 1 health only if it is at 0 health.) If the roll is a natural 1, the model is destroyed.
Effects of Blindness
Orc Champion (blinded)
1.
2.
Half-Dragon Mage
1. Since the Wood Elf Skirmisher can see the Orc Champion and that Champion cant see the Skirmisher, the Skirmisher makes a ranged attack against the Champion with a +3 bonus. 2. The Champion is aware of enemy models within 6. Since its blind, its speed is divided by 2. Since it doesnt have line of sight to the Half-Dragon Mage, it cant charge. When it attacks, it must roll 11+ on a separate roll or miss automatically. The Champion is out of command range, so it cant maneuver freely.
The Gray Elf Snakestrike Duelist issues itself the 2-point order to charge the second-closest model. It passes within 1 of the blinded Hobgoblin Adept, but the Adept cant make attacks of opportunity because it does not have line of sight to the Duelist. Also, the Adept cant issue orders to the Orc Champion because the Champion is out of range. Although blind and reduced to half speed, the Adept can still maneuver freely (since commanders are always under command).
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POISONED
A poisoned model is treated as knocked down (see above) and makes a save each round to get up. A poisoned models health is irrelevant. It does not gain health if it gets up, and it does not get up if it gains health. If a poisoned models health is 0 (or drops to 0), it is destroyed. A cure wounds 0 spell doesnt help a poisoned model get up. Orders cant grant a poisoned model a bonus on its save to get up. Half Health: A model must make a morale save immediately when first reduced to half health or less. If a model has already made a morale save (successful or not) during the skirmish for dropping to half health, it doesnt have to make another one during that skirmish. Leaving Melee Contact: A model that leaves another models melee contact must make a morale save. Special Abilities and Spells: A model sometimes has to make a morale save because of a special ability (such as Scary) or a spell (such as cause fear).
ROUTING
Routing models are constrained (see above). When a model first routs, it moves as described under Failing a Morale Save below. When a model starts a turn routing, use these rules.
*Dead, knocked down, and routing models count as casualties, as do models that have moved off the battlefield.
SLEEPING
A sleeping model is treated as knocked down (see above) and makes a save each round to get up. A sleeping models health is irrelevant. It does not gain health if it gets up, and it does not get up if it gains health. Even if it rolls a natural 1 on its save to get up, a sleeping model is not destroyed. A model that ends its movement in base-to-base contact with a sleeping model can automatically wake it up. The sleeping model gets up immediately. Constrained models cant wake up sleeping models. A sleeping model gets up at the end of any turn it takes damage. A cure wounds 0 spell doesnt help a sleeping model get up. Orders cant grant a sleeping model a bonus on its save to get up.
STUNNED
A stunned model is constrained (see above). It cant take any action other than to stand (or get up if its knocked down). A stunned model cant rout and doesnt make morale saves. Other models get a +3 bonus on attack rolls against a stunned model.
MORALE
Troops might lose their courage and flee the battlefield, though commanders can sometimes rally fleeing troops.
MORALE SAVES
A morale save is a save that a model makes to avoid routing. It works like any other save.
A routing model that moves while in enemy models threatened areas provokes attacks of opportunity normally. However, a model that has just attacked a model (causing it to rout) cant then make an attack of opportunity against that routing model.
Routing Movement
A model that has just started routing moves around obstacles to get farther away from the enemy model from which it is
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fleeing, but it cant move closer to the enemy model while doing so. The routing model moves less than full speed if terrain or other models block it, but it still moves as far away as it can. If the routing models movement takes it off the battlefield, it is out of the game. cant be issued to enemy models or models not in the commanders warband. Line of Sight: A commander and the model receiving its order must have line of sight to each other if they are more than 6 apart. If they are within 6 of each other, line of sight is not necessary. Range: Some orders are limited to a 6 range. A commander cant issue such an order to a model more than 6 away. If no range is specified, the commander an issue the order to a model within 24, but not to one farther away. Timing: A commander can issue an order to a model any time that model is about to do something that the order affects. If an order affects die rolls, it only affects those die rolls made after the order is issued. For example, after a model has maneuvered and just before it makes an attack roll, an allied commander can issue it an order to give it a +2 bonus on all attack rolls until the end of the round. A commander cannot issue an order when the opponent is about to do something. Duration: Orders generally last until the end of the round.
ORDERS
Commanders can use command points (see the Commander special ability in Chapter 6: Special Abilities and Spells) to improve their own and their allies performance.
ISSUING ORDERS
Commanders issue orders according to the following limits. Issue One Order: A commander can issue only one order per round. (An important exception is that a commander can issue the under command order any number of times, in addition to its one order per round.) However, a commander that has issued an order of a given type may issue that same order (only) another time to a different model later in the round, each time paying command points for the order. Receive One Order: A model can receive only one order per round. (The order to be under command does not count against this limit.) Subject of Order: A commander can issue an order to another commander or to a troop. If the order says it can be issued to any allied model, it can be issued to the commander itself. If the order says it can be issued to any other allied model, it cant be issued to the commander itself. Commands
Command Range
A commander can issue an order to another model that is within 24 (if the models have line of sight to each other) or within 6 (regardless of line of sight). The Paladin can issue an order to the Infiltrator or the Hammerer, but not to the Glaiver or the Marine.
Human Glaiver
high wall
6 from commander
24 from commander
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Orc Druid
On the Wood Elf Skirmishers turn, the Gray Elf Wizard gives the Skirmisher the 4-point order to attack any target. The Skirmisher then attacks the Orc Druid.
On the Skirmishers turn, the Wizard gives the Skirmisher the 2-point order to attack the clear target. The Skirmisher ignores the Orc Trooper and the Orc Berserker, which gain cover from the low wall, so it attacks the Druid.
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to give an Orc Berserker (Difficult Troop 2) a +2 bonus on its attack rolls. Cross-Faction Troops: If the commander issuing the order and the model receiving it are of different factions, then it costs +1 command point to issue the order. If the cross-faction troop is also difficult, apply the Difficult Troop multiplier after the +1 increase. For example, it would cost the Human Death Cleric (Ahmuts Legion) 4 command points to put the Orc Berserker (Drazens Horde, Difficult Troop 2) under command.
WHAT IS A SQUAD?
A squad is a group of two to six models of the same name that you activate all at once on a given round instead of one at a time as normal. Once activated, each model in the squad takes the same basic action. To count as part of a squad, each model must be currently within 2 of at least one other model in the squad (forming a chain of models). For example, when you activate a Gray Elf Duelist, you can also activate up to five other Gray Elf Duelists that are all
KINDS OF ORDERS
The following orders are available.
Models Affected
Any other allied model within 6 of the commander Any allied
Command Cost
2 4
Any allied
Any allied
2 2
Any other allied model within 6 of the commander Any other allied model in base-to-base contact with the commander Any other allied model within 6 of the commander Any other allied model within 6 of the commander Any allied
2 0
2 3 2
Any allied
1*
*Does not count against the limit of one type of order issued per commander or one order received per model each round.
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connected to the first through a chain. Doing so makes this group a squad for this round.
Difficult Troops
Squads of difficult troops are smaller because they are harder to command effectively. Up to three models with a Difficult Troop rating of 2 can form a squad, or two models with a Difficult Troop rating of 3. Models with a Difficult Troop rating of 4 or higher cant activate as part of a squad.
Individual Models
A squad does not have any identity as a group other than when you are activating the models in that squad (or issuing them an order). You dont buy the models as a squad when building a warband. You dont deploy them as a squad. You track damage, spell effects, and so on against individual models. Squads can split up and re-form. Models that activate as part of a squad one round can activate individually on the next round, and vice versa. For example, you begin the round with five Orc Troopers, each within 2 of at least one other Orc Trooper and thus all chained together. As you begin to activate models, you decide how to handle the Troopers for the round. You could activate all five models at once, moving them as a single squad. Alternately, you could treat three of them as a squad for one activation and send them off in one direction, then put the other two under command as another squad on your next activation to send them in a different direction. You could also put the whole squad under command but have each of the Troopers peel off in a different direction. This would allow all five of them to activate as a squad this round, but by the next round, none would be within 2 of another Trooperyoud have to activate them as individuals.
Commanders
Commanders cannot activate as part of a squad.
Line of Effect
The 2 distance between models in a squad cant cross anything that blocks line of effect. The line can turn around such a barrier, but it can still be no longer than 2 altogether.
Number of Activations
The number of models in your warband determines how many models you activate at a time as normal. However, as long as you have one activation left, you can activate a squad (and go over your normal limit for this set of activations). For example, if your warband contains nine models, you activate three at a time. If youve already activated one or two models, you can activate a squad even though you end up activating
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more than three models. On the other hand, if the first thing you do is activate a squad of three or more models, then you cant activate any more models this round because youre already at (or over) your limit.
Human Glaivers 1.
When you activate a model, you may activate all other models of the same name, provided each such model is in a chain connected to the first one. You do not have to activate all the models you can. All activated models take the same action. 1. These four Human Glaivers activate as a squad and all maneuver (in this case, toward the center of the battlefield). 2. The player could have activated this Glaiver as part of the squad, but didnt. 3. This Glaiver is more than 2 away and therefore cant be activated as part of the squad.
Chaining Orders
When a commander issues an order to a troop, it can chain that order. By chaining, it issues that same order for free to all other models in the squad (or at least to all of them that are currently in an unbroken chain with the original model receiving the order). If, since the squad started activating, some models have moved away from others, the order might not be able to reach all the members of the squad. For example, a squad of six Human Glaivers is activating. Before the first Glaiver takes its turn, a Human Paladin issues a 1-point order to put one Glaiver under command. It also puts the other five Glaivers under command for no additional cost. One of them charges an enemy, and the Paladin issues it the 2-point order to attack with a +2 bonus. Since the Glaiver is now more than 2 away from the other models, the Paladin cant also issue the same order to the others. Even if the commander normally couldnt issue an order to some of the models in the squad, chaining allows the order to reach those models. For example, a Gray Elf Wizard issues a Wood Elf Scout the 2-point order to attack with a +2 bonus. It can issue the same order for free to all the other Wood Elf Archers in the squad, even if some of them are more than 6 away from it.
other times. When a model receives an order, the commander can issue the same order to other models of the same name, provided they are within 2 of the original model or within 2 of another model receiving the order. The usual limit applies to the number of models activated (up to six, or fewer for difficult troops). Even models that are out of command range for the commander can receive the order, provided they can chain back to the original model receiving the order. For example, six Human Glaivers are fighting Goblin Troopers. One of the Troopers hits a Glaiver, causing it to make a morale save to avoid routing. A Human Paladin issues the 2-point order for the Glaiver to make the save with a +4 bonus. All the other Glaivers can get this bonus, too, provided they can chain back to the first one. The Paladin can share the order even if the Glaivers had not been part of a squad earlier, or if they had been two squads. (You dont have to remember which models had been in squads to use this rule.)
END OF A TURN
A models turn ends when it has finished acting. If the model is subjected to multiple effects at the end of its turn, the models player decides the order in which they occur.
END OF A ROUND
A round ends when all models have taken their turns.
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ROUNDING
Round fractions down, unless otherwise indicated. For example, if a model succeeds at its save against the inflict wounds 1 spell, it takes half damage; rounding down half of 1 means the model takes no damage at all. There are a few exceptions to this general rule. The cost of a model in reserve, for example, is half its normal cost rounded up. These exceptions are spelled out when they occur.
Orc Trooper
low wall
Orc Berserker
Orc Trooper
Orc Berserker
Orc Druid
Normally, a model makes its ranged attack against the nearest enemy model it can see. The Wood Elf Skirmisher makes its ranged attacks against the Orc Trooper (even though the Orc Berserker would be easier to hit).
The Gray Elf Wizard gives the Skirmisher a 1-point order to put it under command. The Skirmisher can then maneuver freely. At the end of its move, it makes a single ranged attack against the nearest enemy model (now the Berserker).
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Orc Druid
Orc Trooper
2. 1.
Wood Elf Skirmisher
1. The Wood Elf Skirmisher shoots the Orc Trooper, deals 1 damage, and knocks it down. 2. Using its Extra Ranged Attack, the Skirmisher shoots again. For the second shot, it treats the Orc Berserker as the nearest enemy model because the Trooper is knocked down.
Knocked Down Models: If the acting model cant see any enemy models that arent knocked down, then it treats the nearest model that is knocked down and that it can see as the nearest enemy model. Command and Orders: A model makes a ranged attack against the nearest enemy model regardless of whether it is under command (just as a model charges the nearest enemy model regardless of whether its under command). A model can receive an order to make a ranged attack at the secondnearest enemy model or any enemy model (just as a model can receive an order to charge the second-nearest enemy model or any enemy model). The 4-point order to attack any target even lets a model make a ranged attack against a model it cant see (if it at least has line of effect to that target and the target is within 6). Measure Distance along a Straight Line: For a model making a ranged attack, measure the distances to enemy models along the shortest straight line to those models. Movement penalties for terrain are irrelevant for ranged attacks. Dont Ignore Unaffected Models: A model that could make a ranged attack cant ignore models that are unaffected by its attack. (The 2-point order to attack a clear target is an exception; see Orders in Chapter 4: Skirmishes.) For example, the Spitting Felldrakes ranged attack deals 1 acid damage. If an Abyssal Maw is the nearest enemy model, the Felldrake cant ignore it, even though the Maw has Resist Acid 4 and would therefore take no damage from the Felldrakes ranged attack. If the Felldrake can only make its ranged attack against the Maw, then theres no point in it making its attack at all.
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Distance is measured along the shortest path to the model. If the path is not straight and clear, the model cant charge (unless it receives an order to charge a model to which it does have a straight and clear path). Must have line of sight to the model Must have line of sight to the model. If (exceptions: proximity awareness and the model does not have line of sight to enemy melee contact). the nearest enemy model but is aware of it through proximity awareness or enemy melee contact, then it cant charge (unless it receives an order to charge a model to which it does have line of sight). If an enemy model has melee contact against it, the model cant charge. Melee contact against enemy models does not matter.
Must have line of sight to the model or melee contact against the model (exceptions for proximity and enemy melee contact do not apply).
Attacker may select any target against which it has melee contact as the nearest enemy model (and must select such a model, if possible). Ignore knocked down models unless all enemy models to which the acting model has line of sight are knocked down. Treat constrained models that arent knocked down (such as those that are routing or paralyzed) normally. If an out of command model has line of If a model has line of sight to no enemy If a model trying to make a ranged attack sight to no enemy models and proximity models, it cant charge. has line of sight to no enemy models and awareness to no enemy models, then (if it melee contact against no enemy models, maneuvers at all) it maneuvers full speed then it cant make the ranged attack toward the focus point of the battlefield (unless it receives the 4-point order to (exception: wild troop must stand). attack any target).
Tied Distances
When theres a tie in terms of measurement, such as when two models are equally far away from a charging model, roll randomly to see which model is considered nearer.
MEASURING
Follow these conventions for measuring distances.
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Multiple Conditions
Conditions are not cumulative with themselves. For example, a poisoned model thats poisoned again is still just poisoned.
MODEL POSITION
A models position is defined by its base, not by the rest of the model. Rotating the model, therefore, has no game effect. Even when a model is knocked down, it is considered to still occupy its original position.
MODEL STATISTICS
Unless both participants agree otherwise, you can look at your opponents model statistics. This rule makes it easier for players to learn what the models do and to remember the various models special abilities. Players can agree to keep model statistics secret. This option is especially interesting when the players have new Moving toward models that their opponents a Model are unfamiliar with.
Proximity Awareness
Dwarf Ranger
Gnoll Trooper
Orc Berserker
quagmire
Bugbear Trooper
Human Paladin
Moving toward a model means moving along the shortest path that leads to the model. Here, the Trooper moves toward the Paladin.
MULTIPLE EFFECTS
Most effects combine with one another but not with themselves.
If the Berserker is out of command, and it has no enemy models in line of sight, it cant maneuver toward the focus point. Instead, since theres an enemy model within 6 (the Ranger), it must move full speed toward that model if it maneuvers at all. The Trooper has Scent, so it notices the Ranger even if it does have another enemy model in line of sight.
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Types of Effects
The effects of certain special abilities and spells are designated as one or another type. For example, the Half-Orc Assassins Death Attack special ability is a death effect. These types define how different special abilities and spells interact with one another. For example, a model with the Mighty Fortitude special ability automatically succeeds at saves against death effects. Since Death Attack is designated as a death effect, you know that Mighty Fortitude protects a model against it.
Gaze Attacks
Certain creatures, such as a Medusa, have a terrible gaze that can kill or weaken enemies. Those who fight creatures with gaze attacks must turn their eyes away to avoid the gazes effects. Even so, a model with a gaze attack can sometimes lure enemies into looking at its face. Living models within 6 of a model with a gaze attack suffer the normal miss chance for attacking an unseen model (roll 11+ or automatically miss) when they attack this model. At the end of its turn, a model with a gaze attack can draw the eyes of a model within 6. It chooses its target as if making a ranged attack; this model and the target must have line of sight to each other. The target model must make a successful save (at the Difficulty Class for the special ability) or become subject to the gazes effect. In addition, all wild troops within 6 of this model are subject to the gaze effect, as they dont know enough to avert their eyes. Blind-Fight: Models with Blind-Fight only have to roll 6+ instead of 11+ to attack a creature with a gaze attack. Blindsight: Models with Blindsight dont suffer the normal miss chance against a model with a gaze attack and cant be lured into looking at it. Immunity: Models that are immune to the gaze attack do not need to avert their eyes and dont suffer the unseen model
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penalty. This exception includes models that are effectively immune because of Mighty Fortitude or Mighty Will (see the description of the gaze attack for details).
LINE OF EFFECT
A ranged special ability or spell has a path like the path of a regular ranged attack. As with a regular ranged attack, this path cant go through terrain that blocks line of effect. For ranged special abilities and spells, line of effect works like line of effect for ranged attacks. The model needs line of effect from itself to the target model or point.
As with a ranged attack, the model can receive orders that allow it to aim the cone at the second-nearest model or at a point on the battlefield. As with a ranged attack, an out of command, maneuvering model may stop advancing toward the nearest enemy model when the maneuvering model comes within the cones range. Cone effects are blocked by terrain that blocks line of effect. When a cone is partially blocked by terrain, determine the cones edge by drawing a line from the attackers center along the edge of the blocking terrain. Sometimes a competitive opponent might deliberately aim a cone at a model that is out of range as an indirect way of attacking a model that is within range but out of line of sight (such as a hiding Halfling Sneak). In this situation, a player with a model that is out of line of sight and in the area of effect can disallow the attack.
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
The following rules cover special situations that can arise with special abilities and spells.
Point of Origin
Some effects of special abilities and spells affect an area or models in an area. Terrain that blocks line of effect (such as high walls) can limit the area that these effects reach. For spells or special abilities that affect areas or models within a defined area, line of effect is the line between a special abilitys or spells point of origin and the limit of its defined area. A model is within the special abilitys or spells area if a line of effect touches the models base. Circles: Special abilities and spells that affect models or areas within a certain distance, such as fireball, affect a circular area on the battlefield. When a special ability or spell having a circular effect is centered on a model, the center of that models base is the point of origin. When such a special ability or spell is centered on a point on the battlefield, that point is the point of origin. Cones: Special abilities and spells that affect models within a cone, such as Sonic Shriek, have the center of the acting or casting models base as the point of origin. Cylinders: Special abilities and spells that affect models within a cylinder, such as flame strike, have an imaginary circle above the battlefield as the point of origin. Only terrain that blocks line of effect from above (has a roof ) blocks the lines of effect from the cylinders point of origin. (See Chapter 7: Terrain for a summary of terrain that is treated as having a roof.)
Expiration Chance
Certain spells have lasting effects but may expire at the end of a round. Such spells are designated by an expiration chance. Roll a d20 at the end of each round, including the round the spell was cast. If the number rolled is higher than the range of the expiration chance, the spell effect continues. Otherwise, that spell effect ends immediately.
Bonus Damage
Some special abilities and spells allow a model to deal bonus damage, such as the additional 1 damage dealt by a model with Sneak Attack. This bonus damage is not doubled when base damage is doubled, such as on a critical hit.
Cone Effects
Some special abilities and spells affect models in a coneshaped area. The model using the cone effect aims the cone at the nearest enemy model, as for a ranged attack. The centerline of the cone must intersect the center of the target models base. All models whose bases are touched by the cone are also affected. Though the cone acts in many ways like a regular ranged attack, a model may use a special ability cone attack even when enemy models have melee contact against it. (If the cone attack is a spell, the normal rule for casting ranged spells applies; see Casting Cone Spells in Chapter 4: Skirmishes).
What Is An Attack?
Sometimes a special ability or spell prevents the subject from attacking or ends when the subject attacks. The following rules define attacks. Making a melee or ranged attack is always an attack. Using a special ability or spell is an attack if it affects an enemy model. If a special ability or spell produces an ongoing effect, it is considered an attack only at the time it is
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Aid Attack +3
+3 attack +2 attack
SPECIAL ABILITIES
This section describes special abilities, from Acid Spit to Woodland Stride.
RATINGS
Many special abilities and spells have numbers, or ratings, to indicate the magnitude of the abilities effects. For example, the Dwarf Clerics Turn Undead special ability has the rating +4. A [#] indicator instead of a specific rating means that the rating can vary from model to model.
The Orc Gangfighters have melee contact against the Ice Paraelemental, so they give other models a +3 bonus on melee attack rolls against the Paraelemental. The Gangfighters even give each other the bonus. In addition, the Ettin Trooper and Gangfighters each get the +2 multiple attackers bonus. (The Ettin, with Reach 1, has melee contact against the Paraelemental.)
VARIABLE ELEMENTS
Certain special abilities and spells contain variable elements in their names, such as Resist ENERGY [#]. A [#] indicator means a rating is variable, while a CAPITALIZED word indicates a variable effect. The description provides further details about what the ability affects. The models ranged attack is a touch attack with a 6 range that deals acid damage equal to the listed rating.
Allied Models
Certain special abilities and spells (Aura of Courage, benediction, and bless) affect all allied models. Such effects work on models in the warband of the model using the effect but not on that model itself.
Aura of Retribution
When the Jovoc suffers, everyone suffers. Whenever this model is damaged, all models within 3 and within line of effect take 1 point of special damage. Models of the same name as the model with Aura of Retribution are
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Blindsight 12
Spiked Felldrake
high wall
Blind-Fight
In a darkness spell, a Stonechild can battle by ear and intuition. Blind-Fight is like Blindsight but not as good. A model with Blind-Fight that is unable to see an enemy model only needs to roll 6+ on a d20 instead of 11+ to make a normal melee attack against that enemy (see Unseen Defenders, page 34). When an unseen enemy model makes a melee attack against this model, the enemy model does not get the usual +3 bonus on the melee attack roll (see Combat Modifiers in Chapter 4: Skirmishes). The enemy model still gets that bonus with ranged attacks. When this model cant see, it can still move at normal speed rather than at half speed (see Blinded in Chapter 4: Skirmishes), and it does not risk getting disoriented when it enters a dark area (see the darkness spell). As with attacking a model that it cant see, a model with Blind-Fight has a better chance to hit with a melee attack against a model protected by Displacement or Veil of Shadow. When a model would normally have to roll 11+, this model only needs to roll a 6+. When a model would normally have to roll 6+, this model doesnt need to roll at all.
12
Troglodyte Warrior
Displacer Beast
Drow Wizard
The Spiked Felldrake can make a ranged attack against the Displacer Beast with no miss chance. The Drow Wizard is outside of Blindsight range, so its Veil of Shadow special ability works normally. The Felldrake does not have line of sight to the Troglodyte Warrior.
Blindsight [#]
The Spiked Felldrakes senses are so sharp that it could fight with its eyes closed. A model with Blindsight can interact normally with nearby models that it cant see. It effectively has line of sight to models within the listed distance. Since this line of sight doesnt actually rely on vision, it operates without regard to gloom, darkness, or invisibility. (Terrain, however, blocks it normally.) This model does not suffer a miss chance when it makes an attack, regardless of darkness, invisibility, or displacement effects, provided the model being attacked is within this models Blindsight range. When measuring Blindsight range, measure from base edge to base edge, along a line from center of base to center of base.
Burrow [#]
The Very Young Brass Dragon can claw its way under a battlefield and pop up where its least welcome. When maneuvering with its Burrow speed, the model can move to any legal position within the listed range. (Measure distance by how far the center of the models base moves, as standard for measuring movement.) The model moves underground, without regard to intervening terrain or models. It does not draw attacks of opportunity while crossing the distance, although it still suffers the normal consequences of moving away from enemy models that have melee contact against it at the start of its move. If the model maneuvers again, it must continue burrowing. Alternatively, the model can come
to the surface after its first Burrow maneuver and do something else, such as making an attack or taking a special action. If the model does nothing but maneuver during its whole turn, it can move up to double its Burrow speed without coming to the surface in between maneuvers. Therefore, it does not need to occupy a legal position at the end of its first maneuver, and there is no melee contact between the burrowing model and others at the end of the first maneuver. A model that is under command can use its Burrow speed to move where it wishes past enemies without drawing attacks of opportunity. If it is not under command, it maneuvers toward the nearest enemy model as normal. Using the Burrow special ability is optional. The model can move at its normal speed or its Burrow speed as you wish, even when out of command. It can even use Burrow when routing, reacting to effects such as the Captivating Song special ability or the command spell, and the like. Choose whether the model will use its Burrow speed or its normal speed; it uses only that mode of movement for its entire action. If this model is out of command, determine the nearest enemy model according to the chosen mode of movement. The model cant remain underground after its turn.
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Damage Reduction 1
An army without magicians is an army thats begging to be attacked by lycanthropes. This model takes 1 less damage from normal attacks (including blunt damage). The model takes full damage from energy damage, magic damage, spells, special damage, and melee attacks by other models that have Damage Reduction 1.
Cleave
When that dwarven waraxe goes swinging, sometimes it just doesnt stop. Once per round, if this model hits an enemy model with a melee attack and destroys the model or causes it to become knocked down, this model can immediately make an extra melee attack against a different enemy model against which it has melee contact. Destroying a model thats already knocked down, however, does not allow a model with Cleave to make the extra melee attack. Cold ABILITY: See the corresponding ENERGY ability.
Darkvision [#]
Drow and troglodytes can see farther in the dark than other subterranean creatures. When in gloom, this model has line of sight to the listed range instead of 12. The Darkvision special ability makes no difference in normal lighting conditions. The model still cant see in a darkness spell.
Commander [#]
Thalos has the most command capacity, and Ravilla has the least. This model is a commander, not a troop. It has the listed number of command points. Commanders can issue orders and spend their listed number of command points each round (see Orders in Chapter 4: Skirmishes).
Death Strike
A mortally wounded Dire Boar lashes out at its enemies as it dies. When this model takes damage that reduces its health to 0 or below, it immediately makes a melee attack against an enemy model against which it has melee contact. This interrupts any other attacks or actions that are underway. The model is destroyed after it makes its Death Strike attack, whether or not there is an eligible target. If this model destroys a model with its Death Strike, and it matters for a scenarios victory conditions, consider the model and its target as simultaneously eliminated. This could result in a draw.
Constrict [#]
The Otyugh can hold onto creatures that it hits with its tentacles. When this model hits another model whose base is smaller than its own, the opposing model loses its next turn unless it makes a successful save at the listed Difficulty Class. Make the save immediately. If a moving model is hit by an attack of opportunity from this model, the moving model must succeed at a save at the listed Difficulty Class or stop and lose the rest of its turn. A model that is stopped as the result of an attack of opportunity does not lose its next turn.
Construct Creature
The gnomes of Thalos build marvelous, half-alive war machines. This model is a machine or animated object. It is not a living model. It has the Fearless, Immune Critical Damage, Immune Mind-Affecting Effects, Immune Paralysis, Immune Poison, Immune Sleep, Immune Sneak Attacks, and Immune Stun special abilities. If it drops to 0 health, it is destroyed instead of knocked down.
Cowardly
Goblin Troopers, Orc Troopers, and Howlers are fierce on the attack but might turn tail and flee if cut off from allies. At the end of each turn that this model takes, if it both began and ended its turn more than 6 away from all allied models, it must make a successful morale save or rout.
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bonus to armor, melee attacks, and saves until it moves or becomes constrained.
As a cross-faction troop in a warband, this model counts as a number of cross-faction troops equal to its Difficult Troop rating.
Displacement
The Displacer Beast always appears to be in a slightly different location from where it actually is, so attacks against it usually miss. Just as if attacking an unseen enemy, someone making an attack roll against this model must roll an 11+ on a separate roll or automatically miss. Blind-Fight and Blindsight both help the attacker, just as they help when attacking an unseen enemy. The miss chance from Displacement is not cumulative with any miss chance this model may gain from being unseen in some other way. Only attacks that involve an attack roll are affected. Attacks that dont involve attack rolls, such as cones or the magic missile 1 spell, have no miss chance. Other models determine line of sight to this model normally, regardless of Displacement. This is a displacement effect.
Despot [#]
Some commanders are too proud to take orders from anyone else. The Despot special ability functions exactly like the Commander special ability, providing the listed number of command points, with the following exceptions. This model cannot receive commands from any other model. If this model is a cross-faction model in a warband, it counts as a number of cross-faction models equal to its Despot rating.
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Cold Blast
Orc Champion Orc Champion Wood Elf Skirmisher
The Mage aims its Cold Blast 5 special ability, a cone, at the nearest enemy. Terrain that blocks line of effect also blocks the cone. The cone affects the Adept and the Skirmisher but not the Champions. An affected model takes 5 cold damage (or 2, if it makes a successful save).
Elemental Creature
Scatter Diagram
14 1920 56
1718
78
1516 1114
910
Mordengards ties to the Elemental Planes are strong, and they have many allies from those strange realms. This model has the Immune Critical Damage, Immune Paralysis, Immune Poison, Immune Sleep, Immune Sneak Attacks, and Immune Stun special abilities. In addition, attackers cant get the multiple attackers bonus against it.
ENERGY Vulnerability
This model is especially susceptible to the listed type of energy. If the model takes damage from an attack of that type, it takes twice as much as normal. If the model is struck by an attack that deals bonus energy damage, only the bonus energy damage is doubled. If the attack in question allows a save, apply the doubling first.
If a model misses with a bomb, the bomb lands 1 away in a random direction. Roll a d20.
The Half-Dragon Mage can breathe a devastating blast of cold. A model with this ability can let loose a powerful blast of energy in a cone that damages those within it. Using this special ability counts as an attack. It produces a cone of the stated type of energy. Each model touched by the cone
Evasion
Monks and experienced rogues can sometimes dodge explosions and similar attacks. When this model succeeds at a save that would normally reduce damage to one-half, it takes no damage instead.
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Fearless
The Orc Berserker doesnt know the meaning of the word fear. (It doesnt know the meanings of lots of words.) This model always succeeds at morale saves and is not affected by fear effects.
Feed +[#]
Besides the loss of your life and your soul, the really bad news when a Barghest eats you is that it has an easier time eating your friends. When a model with the Feed special ability destroys a humanoid model, it immediately gains the listed bonus to attack rolls, health, and saves for the rest of the skirmish. (Bonuses from destroying multiple models are cumulative.)
Landing in Terrain
high wall
Ettin Trooper
Ettin Trooper
Harpy (Flight)
Harpy (Flight)
2
woods
When aboveground, a model with Flight ignores terrain that it crosses and models that it moves over. It does not draw attacks of opportunity, except from other models with Flight.
When a model with Flight ends its move in high terrain, it pays the movement cost of that terrain.
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If the the subject model undertakes any movement, it is likely to draw attacks of opportunity. This is a mind-affecting effect.
Hide [#]
You dont see it, but the crossbow bolt in your chest is proof that the Halfling Sneak sees you.
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Immune ATTACK
This model is immune to the listed effects, as follows. Immune Critical Damage: Critical hits dont deal extra damage to the model. Immune ENERGY: Attacks that deal the listed energy damage do not affect the model. Immune Mind-Affecting Effects: Mind-affecting effects do not affect the model. Immune Paralysis: The model cannot be paralyzed. Immune Poison: The model cannot be poisoned. Immune Sleep: Sleep effects dont affect the model and cant even select this model as a model to be affected. Immune Sneak Attacks: Sneak attacks dont deal extra damage to the model. Immune Spells: This is a special case; see Immune Spells, below. Immune Stun: The model cannot be stunned.
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Incorporeal
Ghosts can fly through walls and evade physical attacks. A model with the Incorporeal special ability can move through other models and terrain that slows down or stops normal troops. Other Models: This model can move through models, but it cant end its move inside one. (That is, none of its base can overlap another models base.) Attacks of Opportunity: Enemy models still make attacks of opportunity against this model when it moves through their threatened areas. However, this model has a chance to avoid the damage (see below). Terrain: This model can move through terrain as if the terrain were not there. (It is still slowed by being unable to see.) It cannot, however, end its move in a position that would be otherwise illegal. Illegal End-of-Move Position: If something forces this model to end its move in an illegal position (such as an attack of opportunity that stuns it while its inside another model), move the model back along its path to its last legal position. This movement draws attacks of opportunity as if it were normal movement. Avoiding Attacks: Whenever this model would take damage from an attack, roll a d20. On a roll of 11+, it takes no damage from that attack. Even magic damage, energy damage, special damage, and damage from spells can be avoided in this way, but not damage from other incorporeal creatures. Incorporeal creatures always avoid attacks from terrain, such as from the stake barrier, and special abilities or spells that produce terrain. Line of Sight, Line of Effect, and Cover: Determine these normally. Sometimes you need to determine line of sight, line of effect, or cover while an incorporeal creature is moving through impassable terrain or another model, such as to determine attacks of opportunity. If so, ignore anything thats under the models base for these purposes (and for the intervening model bonus to armor). Charging: An incorporeal model can move through terrain without penalty, which makes it good at charging. Like any other model, however, it can only charge a model to which it has line of sight at the start of its turn. Incorporeal does not alter the rules for line of sight.
Mighty Fortitude
This creature shrugs off bodily attacks that would stop a lesser creature cold. This model automatically succeeds at saves against poison, stunning, and death, paralysis, and transformation effects.
Mighty Reflexes
This creature dodges energy attacks that would burn or freeze a less agile creature. This model automatically succeeds at saves against effects that allow half damage on a successful save.
Mighty Will
This creature resists mental attacks that would conquer a weaker mind. This model automatically succeeds at saves against mindaffecting effects.
Morale +/[#]
A battle is more likely to see a goblins end than a goblin is to see a battles end. This model applies the listed bonus or the listed penalty on all its morale saves and saves against fear effects.
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This model can make ranged attacks at an enemy model in base-to-base contact with hostile models without suffering the normal 4 hostile model contact penalty on its attack roll. (See Attack Modifiers, page 34.)
Reach 1
Big, tall creatures and soldiers armed with long weapons can strike enemies at a short distance. This model can strike in melee from a distance. Reach 1 has the following effects. This model can make melee attacks against models up to 1 away. This model has melee contact against enemies within 1. This models threatened area is the area within 2. (A normal models threatened area is the area within 1.) When out of command and maneuvering or charging toward an enemy model, this model must stop as soon as its 1 away. If this model is under command, it has the option of continuing. Terrain between this model and the model its attacking grants a cover bonus to the defending model as if the attack were a ranged attack. (If the model bases are actually in contact, cover does not apply because no terrain is between them.) Likewise, intervening models each grant a +1 bonus to the defenders armor, as with ranged attacks. If an enemy model comes into base-to-base contact with this model, this model can make an attack of opportunity against it. The enemy model, however, avoids this attack of opportunity if it has moved 1 or less when it contacts this model.
Human Glaiver
Gnoll Trooper
1
threatened area
The Glaiver makes an attack of opportunity against the Maw when the Maw moves into base-to-base contact with it. The Glaiver has melee contact against the Trooper and can attack it. If the Adept moves (other than toward the currently closest enemy model), the Glaiver makes an attack of opportunity against it (provided the Glaiver hasnt already made its one attack of opportunity for the round).
Rend +[#]
If an Owlbear gets hold of you with one claw, its bad. If it gets hold of you with both claws, its quite bad indeed. If this model hits a single enemy model with two melee attacks on the same turn, the second attack deals the listed damage. (All models with Rend also have the Extra Melee Attack special ability.)
Poison [#]
Ettercaps, Driders, Abyssal Ravagers, and other horrors bring down their opponents with vile venom. A model struck by a model with a Poison attack must make a successful save at the listed Difficulty Class or be poisoned (see Poisoned, page 39).
Pounce
The Weretiger can spring on its enemies from a distance and attack furiously. A model with the Pounce ability can use its Extra Melee Attack special ability even after maneuvering or charging. (All models with Pounce also have Extra Melee Attack.)
Revealing Aura
The Human Solar Templar shines brighter than the sun, dispelling all concealing magics and revealing hidden things. As long as they are in base-to-base contact with this model, all other models are revealed. They: gain the Illuminated special ability; lose any invisibility, displacement, and darkness effects (other than from the darkness spell); and lose the Hide ability (if any).
Precise Shot
Hitting your enemy is not as important as not hitting your friend.
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Shield Mate +2
Ettin Trooper Dwarf Hammer Priest
A Gnoll Ranger can scout the terrain and bring the fight to where the lay of the battlefield favors its warband. This model adds its Scout rating to any scouting check made before a skirmish. For each model with the Scout special ability that you have in your warband, you gain the listed rating to your scouting check.
Hobgoblin Fighter
The Dwarf Peoples Guard is in base-to-base contact with the Dwarf Hammer Priest, so the Hammer Priest gets a +2 armor bonus against melee attacks from the Ettin Trooper. Also, the Ettin can make melee attacks against the Peoples Guard, even though it's more than 1 away. The intervening model penalty does not apply to attacks against the Peoples Guard because theres no such penalty for attacks against the Hammer Priest. The Hammer Priest, however, does not get the armor bonus against the Hobgoblin Fighters ranged attack.
Sidestep
If the revealed model is in the area of a darkness spell, then other models (including the revealing model) that are in baseto-base contact with the revealed model have line of sight to it regardless of the darkness. The Human Templar ducks and weaves in combat. If this model moves 1 or less in a turn, and nothing slowed or hampered it, then this movement does not provoke attacks of opportunity. This movement also does not force a morale save for leaving enemy models melee contact.
Scary [#]
Big, powerful monsters can break the resolve of even stout warriors. Living enemy models that are of a level equal to or lower than this models Scary rating are susceptible to its Scary special ability. At the end of this models turn, all susceptible models against which it has melee contact must succeed at morale saves or rout. If it has melee contact against more than one susceptible model, the player whose turn it is decides the order in which those models make their saves. When a susceptible model moves to where a model with the Scary special ability has melee contact against it, the susceptible model must immediately succeed at a morale save or rout. A model that is affected by the Scary special ability, whether it succeeds at the morale save or not, is not susceptible to any models Scary ability for the rest of the skirmish.
Skeletal
Animated skeletons are unfazed by many blows that would mortally wound a fleshy combatant. Whenever this model would take damage from an attack, roll a d20 for each point of damage. For each 11+, 1 point of damage is negated. This model does, however, take full damage from blunt damage, energy damage, damage from spells, and special damage. Magic damage can be negated as normal damage is. If melee or ranged damage is increased by some effect that does not otherwise change it, this additional damage can also be negated normally. For example, the bonus damage from a paladins Smite Evil special ability or from the bulls strength +1 spell can be negated, since the type of damage dealt by the attack does not change, nor does the special ability or spell deal damage directly.
Scent
The Abyssal Maw can sniff enemies out from their hiding places. When determining which enemy model is nearest for purposes of this models movement options, enemy models within 12 are considered to be potential nearest models even if this model doesnt have line of sight to them.
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Stench
-2 attack
high wall
Ettin Trooper
Troglodyte Warrior
Since the Troglodyte Warrior is in base-to-base contact with the Ettin Trooper, the Ettin suffers a 2 penalty on its attack rolls, whether against the Troglodyte or the Drow Soldier. The War Apes Scent special ability makes it aware of the Troglodyte, but the Troglodytes Stench ability prevents the War Ape from being aware of the Soldier. If the War Ape maneuvers toward the nearest enemy model, it must move toward the Troglodyte, not toward the Soldier.
Sorcery
Sorcerers and bards cast their spells on the fly. This model does not know a set number of each spell available to it. Instead, a set number of spells are available to it at each spell level. Each time this model casts a spell, it expends one spell slot (q) of that level (or of a higher level, if it has no spell slots of that level left).
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Spontaneous Cure
Good clerics can use the positive energy bound up in their spells to heal wounds or to harm undead. This model can expend a spell slot to cast a cure wounds spell of the same level instead. 0-level spell slot: cure wounds 0 1st-level spell slot: cure wounds 1 2nd-level spell slot: cure wounds 2 3rd-level spell slot: cure wounds 4 4th-level or 5th-level spell slot: cure wounds 5
Sword Song
Each swirl and cut of a Bladesingers sword can complete the weavings of a spell. If this model hits with a melee attack, it may cast one of its spells. The spell takes effect after resolving any effects of the models melee attack. Unlike other spellcasting models, this model cant cast a spell as a regular action. It can cast spells only in this manner. This model does not have to make a successful save to cast a spell, regardless of the spells range, while an enemy has melee contact against it. This model does not have to commit to casting a spell until after the melee attack is complete. A missed melee attack does not cause this model to lose a spell. Each successful melee attack allows this model to cast a spell, so a model with Extra Melee Attack or that hits with an opportunity attack might be able to cast multiple spells in one round. A successful melee attack against a knocked down model counts normally for this special ability.
If used against an undead creature that the casting model fails to hit, the original spell is not expended.
Spontaneous Inflict
Evil clerics can use the negative energy bound up in their spells to harm enemies or heal undead. This model can expend a spell slot of at least 1st level to cast an inflict wounds spell of the same level instead. 1st-level spell slot: inflict wounds 1 2nd-level spell slot: inflict wounds 2 3rd-level spell slot: inflict wounds 4 4th-level or 5th-level spell slot: inflict wounds 5
Thrown Weapon
In an effort to get in the first blow, many foot soldiers carry javelins into combat. This model can make a ranged attack with a +2 bonus at the end of a charge. If the model is under command, it can stop short of a full charge, but it must still charge at least 2 to get the +2 bonus on the attack roll. It must attack the enemy model at which it was charging.
If the casting model fails to hit the defender, the original spell is not expended.
Tumble [#]
Monks can spring past their opponents. Each time an enemy model would make an attack of opportunity against this model, the enemy model must make a save at the listed Difficulty Class. If the save fails, the enemy model cant make attacks of opportunity against this model for the rest of this turn. (Failing the save does not use up the enemy models single attack of opportunity per round.)
Stench
The Troglodyte Warrior exudes a disgusting odor that weakens creatures nearby. Living models in base-to-base contact with this model suffer a 2 penalty on their attack rolls. Models with the Stench special ability are immune. This creatures odor is so strong that it overpowers the odors of other creatures. If this model is within 12 of a model with the Scent special ability, the model with Scent cant use Scent to be aware of any model without Stench.
L63
Is It a Cleric?
The Turn Undead special ability refers to evil cleric commanders, but sometimes it is not obvious whether a model is a cleric. If the model has the word Cleric or Priest in its name, it is a cleric. Also, if a models class and level are noted on the model card and include the abbreviation Clr, the model is a cleric. It is the models total level, not its levels in cleric, that determines its Turn Undead rating.
equally close, the Turn Undead attempt affects the one with the lowest level.) A routing undead model can rally only if put under command by an allied evil cleric commander. An undead model within 6 of an allied evil cleric commander can use that clerics level as its own to resist turning (if the clerics level is higher than the undead models). The Turn Undead ability does not allow the player to choose which undead model is affected, so it can wind up driving off models of an allys warband (in a team skirmish). Turning Check Up to 9 1012 1315 1618 1921 2224 2527 ... +3 Level Affected none 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... +1 This model cant receive orders (not even the order to be under command) and it cant be in a cross-faction warband. This is similar to the Wild Troop special ability, but there are important differences between an untrained troop and a wild troop. Untrained troops (like any other out of command model) can stand even when they are aware of enemy models, and can maneuver full speed toward the focus point when theyre not aware of enemy models. Wild troops can do neither of these things (but they can be in cross-faction warbands).
Tyrannical Rally
Drow commanders expect one thing from their troops obedience. If this commander puts a routing model under command, the morale save to rally automatically succeeds. Tyrannical Rally does not work on commanders, wild troops, or crossfaction models.
Undead Creature
Ahmuts Legion is populated mostly by the dead animated to serve Ahmuts evil will. This model is not a living model. It has the Fearless, Immune Critical Damage, Immune Mind-Affecting Effects, Immune Paralysis, Immune Poison, Immune Sleep, and Immune Sneak Attacks special abilities. If reduced to 0 health, it is destroyed instead of knocked down.
Veil of Shadow
Some drow can cloak themselves in shadow, concealing their precise locations. The degree of concealment depends on how dark the battlefield is. If the lighting condition is gloom, a ranged or melee attack made against the model automatically misses unless the attacker rolls an 11+ on a separate d20, as if the attacker were attacking an unseen enemy. If the lighting condition is normal light, a ranged or melee attack made against this model automatically misses unless the attacker rolls a 6+ on a separate d20. Only attacks that involve an attack roll are affected. Attacks that dont involve attack rolls, such as cones or the magic missile 1 spell, have no miss chance. Other models determine line of sight to this model normally, regardless of Veil of Shadow.
Untrained Troop
Little is expected from Human Conscripts, and they deliver every time.
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Woodland Stride
Some wood elves and experienced druids can move easily through the forest. This model can move through vegetation (briars, row of trees, woods) without paying the terrains movement cost. Cover, line of sight, and line of effect still work normally. Woodland Stride doesnt help a model affected by the entangle spell.
Web Walk
The Ettercap can move through webs without being stopped. The web terrain does not affect this models movement but still affects its ranged attacks. It cannot be entangled by models with the Web Spinner special ability.
Wild Shape
An experienced druid can take on the shape of a wild animal, such as a wolf. It doesnt become a wild troop (it just looks like one). The druid does not change size. (You can use an animal model in place of the druids model if you wish, but it must have the same base size.) Using this special ability is a special action. The special ability has the following effects. The druid regains 1 health (only if wounded). The druids speed increases to 10. The druid gains a +1 bonus on its save (due to the new forms excellent physical prowess). The druid cant make ranged attacks, cast spells, or issue orders. The druid may revert to normal form as a special action.
SPELLS
Each spellcasting model can cast only a limited number of spells per skirmish.
CASTING SPELLS
Spells have limits, such as how far a casting model can be from a target, who they can be cast on, and so on. These ranges and other considerations are described in Chapter 4: Skirmishes. Spells are designated as offensive, defensive, or area.
Wild Troop
Brutes can be trained for war, but only to a point. A wild troop that is out of command must move toward the nearest enemy model. (Of course, if it already has melee contact against the nearest enemy model, it doesnt move at all.) It must charge the nearest enemy model or advance toward it at full speed. (This rule means that a wild troop
Spell Level
A spells level determines which casting models have access to which spells and in what quantity, but the spell level almost never directly affects game play. Listed with a spells level are the classes of spellcasting model that can cast it. Spellcasting model class abbreviations are: Adp (adept), Brd (bard), Clr (cleric), Drd (druid), Pal (paladin), Rgr (ranger), Sor (sorcerer), and Wiz (wizard).
L65
Some spells are available to clerics of particular factions or to specific creatures. Such spells are so designated in the level entry.
Spell Range
Each spell has an entry specifying its range. See Casting Spells in Chapter 4: Skirmishes for more details on how a spells range affects the way it is cast. Spells with a range of personal or touch are considered nonranged. Spells with a range of 6, 12, 24, or sight are considered ranged. The range entry also specifies whether the spell is offensive, defensive, or area. Personal: A personal-range spell affects the casting model only. Touch: If a touch-range spell is beneficial, the spellcasting model can cast it on itself or on a model against which it has melee contact. If the spell is offensive, then casting it counts as a melee attack. If the spellcasting model fails to hit when casting a touch-range spell, the spell is not expended.
Range of 6, 12, or 24: Measure the range to the target from nearest base edge to nearest base edge, as is standard for a ranged attack. Some ranged spells are designated as cones (see Cone Effects, page 50). Sight: If a spells range is sight, a model casting the spell needs only line of sight and line of effect to its target. Beneficial and Offensive Spells: When casting a ranged offensive spell, select a target as with a normal ranged attack. For a ranged beneficial spell, select the nearest allied model as the target (the same way you would select an enemy as a target for an offensive spell). Orders can allow a model to cast a spell at an ally other than the nearest one. A spellcasting model can also cast a beneficial spell on itself (with no order necessary). Area Spells: If a spell affects an area on the battlefield (not just models within an area), then the range entry includes this. Area spells use special targeting rules; see Casting Spells in Chapter 4: Skirmishes.
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Variant Spells
Certain models may have a standard Chainmail spell but with a different rating or level from normal. (This might be the result of a D&D metamagic feat, a magic item, or an innate ability of the creature.) If you see such a spell on a model card, refer to the standard spell description to determine what the spell does in general but use the new rating or level. The new rating generally changes the amount of damage the spell deals or otherwise changes the effect. Thats easy enough to handle. For a spell of a different level that allows a save, change the saves Difficulty Class to fit the new level, as shown on the following table. Spell Level 0 1 2 3 4 5 Difficulty Class 12 13 14 16 17 18
SPELL DESCRIPTIONS
The following spells are presented in alphabetical order.
Acid Arrow 2
An arrow of acid streaks from the casting models hand. The casting model makes a ranged touch attack. If the attack hits, the target model takes 2 acid damage. Level: Sor/Wiz 2 Range: Sight [Offensive]
Bane
All enemy models within 12 of the casting model at the moment of casting suffer a 1 penalty on attack rolls until the end of the skirmish. The casting model does not select individual targets for this spell. Level: Clr 1 Range: 12 [Offensive]
A few spells descriptions include special information for how to handle variant ratings.
Cats Grace +2
The target model gains a +2 bonus on ranged attacks and a +2 bonus to armor for the rest of the skirmish. Level: Adp 2, Brd 2, Sor/Wiz 2 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
Blindness
The target model is blinded for the rest of the skirmish. (See Blinded, page 37.) Level: Brd 2, Clr 3, Sor/Wiz 2 Range: 24 [Offensive] Save: 14
Circle of Doom 3
Negative energy blasts out from the caster, healing undead creatures and harming living ones.
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high wall
Troglodyte Warrior
2
Orc Gangfighter Ettin Trooper
Cold Burst 2
Drow Wizard
An explosion of cold energy bursts 2 in all directions from the point of origin, hitting everyone in the area. Models in the area take 2 cold damage if they fail their saves, or half that much damage if their saves succeed. Level: Sor/Wiz 2 Range: 24 [Offensive] Save: 14
Command
Command forces the target model to do something immediately. When casting command, the casting model chooses one of the following three commands. Approach!The target moves its speed (not full speed) toward the casting model. Moving past enemy models can draw attacks of opportunity, but the target does not need to make morale saves for leaving enemy models melee contact. The target then loses its next turn. Fall!The target falls. Treat it as knocked down, except that on its next turn it automatically gets up. If the model is knocked down for any other reason, the command spell has no effect on the model. Flee!The target moves at full speed away from the casting model. Moving past enemy models can draw attacks of opportunity, but the target does not need to make morale saves for leaving enemy models melee contact. The target then loses its next turn. The casting model can cast command on an allied model. If so, treat the spell as beneficial. The target, even though an ally, still makes a save against the spell. This is a mind-affecting effect. It has no effect on wild troops or on constrained models. It affects only living models. A model under the effect of the command spell treats the edge of the battlefield as impassable. Level: Adp1, Clr 1 Range: 6 [Offensive/Beneficial] Save: 13
Command Spell
Dwarf Cleric
Flee!
battlefield edge
Cone of Cold 7
Gnoll Trooper
This spell creates a cone of intense cold. Each model touched by the cone takes 7 cold damage. A model that makes a successful save takes half damage. Use the cone template to determine which models are touched. See Cone Effects, page 50. Level: Sor/Wiz 5 Range: 6 cone [Offensive] Save: 18
The subject of a command spell treats a battlefield edge as impassable terrain. The command spell cant force a model off the battlefield and out of the game.
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Good clerics with 0-level spells cast cure wounds 0 spontaneously (see Spontaneous Cure, page 63). Level: Adp 0, Clr 0, Drd 0 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
If the the subject model undertakes any movement, it is likely to draw attacks of opportunity. This is a mind-affecting effect. Level: Ahmut Cleric 4, Brd 3, Sor/Wiz 4 Range: 24 [Offensive] Save: 17
Darkness
Impenetrable blackness emanates from the spells point of origin, spreading 4 in all directions. The darkness blocks line of sight. It produces an area of high terrain. Any model whose center is in the dark area is blinded (see Blinded, page 37) and does not have line of sight to other
Cure Wounds 0
If the target model has 0 health, cure wounds 0 allows the model to make an immediate save to get up. The model is not destroyed as a result of rolling a natural 1 on this roll.
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Entering Darkness
1.
Orc Trooper
2. 3.
1/2 speed
Orc Trooper
1. The Human Warrior has line of sight to no enemies, so it is aware of unseen enemy models within 6. If it moves while out of command, it must move full speed toward the Orc Trooper. It cant charge the Trooper because it does not have line of sight to that model. 2. Once the center of the Warriors base enters the dark area, the Warrior must make a successful save or stop. 3. If the Warrior succeeds at its save, it continues its advance. If it attacks, it must roll 11+ on a separate roll or automatically miss. It does not get the +3 bonus for attacking a blind model, because its blind too. The Orc Trooper has line of sight to no enemies, so it is aware of unseen enemy models within 6. If it maneuvers, it must move full speed toward the nearest enemy model within 6. A model that starts its turn in darkness (or that is blinded) moves at half speed. It cant charge because it has line of sight to no models.
models, nor do other models have line of sight to the model. This applies even to models with the Darkvision special ability. A model that enters a dark area may become disoriented. It must stop as soon as its center is in the dark area unless it makes a successful save (Difficulty Class 15) to continue moving normally. If the model fails its save, it must stop moving, but it can still take the rest of its turn. If any part of the darkness spell touches part of a daylight spell, both spells are immediately negated. This is a darkness effect. Level: Adp 2, Brd 2, Clr 2, Drow 2, Sor/Wiz 2, Tiefling 2 Range: 6 [Area] Expiration Chance: 15
Daze
The target model is constrained until the end of its next turn. (Basically, it loses its next turn). It can take no action that turn. Daze works only on living humanoids of 4th level or lower. (If this spell is listed with a rating, this spell can affect a living humanoid up to that level.) This is a mind-affecting effect. Level: Brd 0, Sor/Wiz 0 Range: 6 [Offensive] Save: 12
Dimension Door
The casting model instantly moves to any legal position on the battlefield to which it has line of sight. It does not draw attacks of opportunity for moving in this way, nor does it make a morale save when leaving an enemy models melee contact. Level: Hound Archon 4, Sor/Wiz 4 Range: Personal [Beneficial]
Daylight
Bright light emanates from the spells point of origin, spreading 4 in all directions. Models in the spells area are illuminated (see Illuminated, page 58). The light is so bright that light-sensitive creatures suffer from it. Drow, goblins, and orcs (but not half-orcs) all suffer a 1 penalty on attack rolls and saves while in daylight. A drow is an elf with Drow in its name. A goblin is a goblinoid with Goblin in its name. A half-orc is an orc with Half-Orc in its name. If any part of the daylight spell touches part of a darkness spell, both spells are immediately negated. Level: Aasimar 2, Adp 3, Brd 2, Clr 3, Sor/Wiz 2 Range: 6 [Area] Expiration Chance: 15
Dispel Magic
Ongoing spells in an area spreading 6 in all directions from the spells point of origin may be ended. Dispel magic has a chance of ending spells currently ongoing in the area, either on the battlefield itself or on individual models. (An ongoing spell has an effect that lasts for the duration of the skirmish or that is subject to an expiration chance. Spells that deal or cure damage are not ongoing spells.) The casting model rolls a d20 once for each spell effect in the area; on a roll of 11+ the spell ends. If a single model is subject to more than one ongoing spell, only one such spell can be dispelled.
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Fear
This spell creates an invisible cone of terror. Each model touched by the cone routs, just as if it had failed a morale save. Affected models move away from the casting model. This is a mind-affecting fear effect. It works only on living models. Level: Brd 3, Sor/Wiz 4 Range: 6 cone [Offensive] Save: 17
Divine Power
This spell infuses the casting model with divine power. The casting model gains a +2 bonus on attacks and a +1 bonus to melee damage. The casting model also gains 1 health. If the casting model has taken 1 or more damage, this works just like a cure wounds 1 spell. If the casting model is not damaged, it gains a +1 bonus to health. Level: Clr 4 Range: Personal [Beneficial]
Fireball 4
A blast of flame spreads 4 in all directions from the spells center, burning every creature in the area. Models in the spells area take 4 fire damage if they fail their saves, or half that much if their saves succeed. Level: Sor/Wiz 3 Range: Sight [Offensive] Save: 16
Endurance +2
The target model gains 2 health. If the model has taken 2 or more damage, this works just like a cure wounds 2 spell. If the model has taken 1 damage, it is healed, and the model gains a +1 bonus to health. If the model is not damaged, it gains a +2 bonus to health. Multiple endurance +2 spells could heal more than 2 damage, but they cant grant more than a +2 bonus to health. Endurance +2 works only on living models. Level: Adp 2, Clr 2, Sor/Wiz 2 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
Flame Blade 1
A swordlike beam of flame sprouts from the casting models hand. For the duration of the skirmish, that models melee attack becomes a touch attack and deals 1 fire damage. For any given attack, the model may choose to use its regular melee attack and melee damage. Level: Drd 2 Range: Personal [Offensive]
Endure Elements 1
The subject of this spell gains the Resist ENERGY 1 special ability for the rest of the skirmish. The casting model chooses the energy type: acid, cold, electricity, fire, or sonic. If a model winds up with two ratings for resisting the same kind of energy, use the higher one. Dont add them together. For example, casting endure elements 1 on an Abyssal Ravager would have no effect, since the Ravager already has Resist Cold 4; it cant increase the Resist Cold rating from 4 to 5. Level: Adp 1, Clr 1, Drd 1, Pal 1, Sor/Wiz 1 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
Ghost Sound
This spell causes distracting sounds to surround an enemy. The target model cant issue or receive orders (even to itself ) until after its next turn. Level: Adp 0, Brd 0, Sor/Wiz 0 Range: 6 [Offensive]
Entangle
Plants come alive and grow out of the ground to entangle unsuspecting creatures. All models within 8 of the point of origin become entangled as the nearby plants reach out and wrap around them. (See Entangled, page 37.) An affected model doesnt make a save until it attempts to move. Level: Drd 1, Rgr 1 Range: Sight [Offensive] Save: 13
Glitterdust
Glittering, golden dust covers creatures in the area, blinding them. This spell affects all models within 2 of the spells point of origin. All invisible models in the spells area become visible (no save). Each model in the spells area is also blinded unless it makes a successful save. Roll a d20 at the end of each affected models turn. On a 6+, this spells effects continue for that model. On a 15, the spells effect ends for that model. (This is like an expiration chance, except that you roll separately for each model at the end of its turn.)
Expeditious Retreat
The casting models speed increases by +6. Level: Brd 1, Sor/Wiz 1 Range: Personal [Beneficial]
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Greater Sleep
Greater sleep is like sleep, but it affects models whose levels total up to 10 instead of 4. Level: Sor/Wiz 3 Range: 24 [Offensive] Save: 15
Greater Command
The caster speaks a word, and several creatures are compelled to obey it immediately. Greater command is like command, except that it affects up to nine models, no two of which can be more than 6 apart. Use normal targeting rules to determine the first target. (For example, it must the nearest enemy model if the casting model does not receive an order.) The casting model can freely choose up to eight more target models, all of which have to be within 6 of the first target and one another. Level: Clr 5 Range: 6 [Offensive/Beneficial] Save: 18
Guidance +1
Divine power guides the subject, helping it one time. The target model can apply a +1 bonus to any one attack roll or save. The player must declare the use of this bonus before rolling the die. Level: Adp 0, Clr 0, Drd 0 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
Healing Circle 3
Positive energy blasts out from the caster, healing living creatures and harming undead. The spell bursts 4 in all directions from the center of the casting models base. Living creatures in the area regain 3 health lost to damage (as with a cure wounds spell). Undead creatures take 3 damage, or 1 damage with a successful save. The casting model is not affected. The spell has no effect on constructs. Level: Clr 5 Range: 4 [Beneficial (offensive to undead models)] Save: 18 (none for living models)
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Hold Person
The caster enchants a creatures mind, making it freeze in place. The target model is held. It cannot move or act, and it is constrained. This is a mind-affecting paralysis effect, and is effective only on living, humanoid models with bases of 25mm or smaller. Melee attacks against held models are automatically successful and deal double damage (as with an attack against a knocked down model). Ranged attacks against held models gain a +4 bonus on the attack roll. A model with Sneak Attack gains the bonus damage against a held model, unless it is more than 6 away. A held model cant rout, obey the command spell, or make attacks of opportunity. An enemy model does not ignore held models the way it usually ignores knocked down models. At the end of each of the held models turns, the casting models player rolls a die; on a 6+ the spell stays in effect. Otherwise, it ends. Level: Brd 2, Clr 2, Sor/Wiz 3 Range: 24 [Offensive] Save: 14
Insect Plague
A cloud of biting, stinging insects drives creatures away. The spell creates a swarm of insects 8 across. It produces an area of high terrain. Like woods, 2 of the swarm blocks line of sight but not line of effect. Models touching the swarm cant cast spells. A living model of 2nd level or lower that touches the swarm routs away from the center of the swarm (no save). A living model of 3rd to 5th level routs if it touches the swarm unless it makes a successful save (in which case it is immune to this effect from this insect plague spell for the rest of the skirmish). Models of
Improved Invisibility
As invisibility, except that the spell does not end if its subject attacks. Level: Sor/Wiz 4 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
L73
1.
3.
dragon skull Wood Elf Skirmisher
Orc Champion
6th level and higher do not risk routing when they touch the swarm. The compulsion to rout is a mind-affecting fear effect. Nonrouting models other than wild troops can treat the swarm as impassable terrain, even if out of command. The cloud of insects cant be damaged by any attacks. Level: Clr 5, Drd 5 Range: Sight [Area] Save: 18 Expiration Chance: 15
2.
Hobgoblin Adept (commander)
Invisibility
The spells subject vanishes from sight and cannot be seen by other creatures. The subject becomes invisible. See the Seeing and Not Seeing sidebar for a summary of the effects of being invisible. If an invisible model attacks, the spell ends after the invisible models attack (see What is an Attack?, page 50). This is an invisibility effect. Level: Adp 2, Ahmut Cleric 2, Brd 2, Sor/Wiz 2 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
1. The Trooper doesnt have line of sight to any enemy models, but it has proximity awareness of enemies within 6. If it moves while out of command, it must move toward the nearest of those models. It cant charge the invisible Mage because it doesnt have line of sight to it. 2. The Champion doesnt have line of sight to the invisible Mage. If it moves while out of command, it must move toward the nearest enemy model it can see. 3. If the Adept puts the Champion under command, the Champion can maneuver freely and can even move toward the Mage (which it cant see). However, it cant charge the Mage because it doesnt have line of sight to it.
Invisibility Purge
A magical aura surrounds the caster, rendering invisible models visible. For the rest of the skirmish, any invisible model within 6 of the casting model becomes visible for as long as it remains within the spells area.
1.
2.
Hobgoblin Adept (commander)
3.
2.
Wood Elf Skirmisher
3.
1. The Trooper cant see the invisible Mage, so it would normally throw its javelin at the Skirmisher. With a 4-point command to target any point on the battlefield, it can throw at the Mage (since it is within 6). It must still roll 11+ on a separate d20 roll or automatically miss because it cant see its target. 2. Since the Champion doesnt have line of sight to the invisible Mage, it charges the Skirmisher. When the Champion enters the Mages threatened area, the Mage makes an attack of opportunity against it (unless it issues itself the 2-point order to decline the attack). The attack is at +3 because the Champion cant see the Mage. 3. When the Champion makes base-to-base contact with the invisible Mage, it must stop. Since it wasnt charging the Mage and has moved more than its speed, it cant attack the Mage.
The Champion doesnt have line of sight to the invisible Mage, so it charges the nearest enemy model it can see. 1. When the Champion contacts the invisible Mages threatened area, its not moving toward the nearest enemy model, so the Mage makes an attack of opportunity against it. (The Mage can issue itself the 2-point order to decline the attack.) The attack is at +3 because the Champion cant see the Mage. 2. When the Champion contacts the Skirmishers threatened area, its still not moving toward the nearest enemy model, so the Skirmisher makes an attack of opportunity against it too. 3. Unless the attacks of opportunity knock it down, kill it, or make it rout, the Champion completes its charge and attacks the Skirmisher.
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Neutralize Poison
The casters touch removes the toxins from a poisoned creature. This spell removes the poisoned condition (see Poisoned, page 39) from a poisoned model. The touched model gets up immediately. It does not gain health when it gets up. Level: Adp 3, Clr 4, Drd 3 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
Lightning Bolt 4
A bolt of electricity leaps from the casters hand and strikes enemies. Draw an imaginary, 24 line from the casting models base through the center of the targets base. Each model whose base is touched by the line takes 4 electricity damage if it fails its save, or half that much on a successful save. Level: Adp 3, Sor/Wiz 3 Range: 24 line [Offensive] Save: 16
Poison
The casters touch is poisonous. The casting model makes a melee touch attack. If the attack hits, the target model must make a successful save or be poisoned (see Poisoned, page 39). Construct, elemental, and undead creatures and certain outsiders are immune to poison. Level: Clr 4, Drd 3 Range: Touch [Offensive] Save: 16
Mage Armor +4
An invisible layer of pure force surrounds the caster. The casting model gains a +4 bonus to its armor for the rest of the skirmish. Level: Brd 1, Sor/Wiz 1 Range: Personal [Beneficial]
Magic Fang +1
A creatures natural weaponry becomes magically enhanced. As magic weapon +1 (see below), except that the spell does not affect constructs, fey, giants, humanoids, monstrous humanoids, outsiders, shapechangers, or undead. Level: Drd 1, Rgr 1 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
Remove Blindness
This spell removes the blinded condition (see Blinded, page 37) from a blinded model. It does not help a model see through a darkness spell. Level: Clr 3 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
Magic Missile 1
A bolt of pure force streaks from the casters hand and unerringly strikes its target. This spell deals 1 damage to a target model. If the spell is listed with a higher rating, the casting model can divide the damage among multiple targets. To split the damage up between the nearest and second-nearest models requires the 2-point order to attack the second-nearest target. To split the damage up any other way requires the 4-point order to attack any target. All targets must also be within 3 of one another. Level: Sor/Wiz 1 Range: 24 [Offensive]
Remove Paralysis
This spell removes paralysis effects. Any number of paralyzed or held models of your choice within 6 of the casting model recover immediately. (Do not use the normal targeting rules.) Level: Clr 2, Pal 2 Range: 6 [Beneficial]
Repair Damage 1
The target construct model regains 1 health lost to damage. Its health cant be raised above its normal score. This spell has no effect on models other than construct creatures. Level: Sor/Wiz 1 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
Magic Weapon +1
The subjects weapon becomes magical. The target model gains a +1 bonus on melee attacks for the rest of the skirmish. Magic weapon +1 can apply to a ranged attack instead if the target model has one. (Such a model could receive the spell twice, gaining a +1 bonus on melee and ranged attacks.) If the target model has a thrown weapon, the bonus from this spell on the models ranged attack applies only to the next single ranged attack it makes. Magic weapon +1 does not affect aberrations, animals, beasts, dragons, elementals, magical beasts, oozes, plants, or vermin. Attacks affected by magic weapon +1 deal magic damage, which deals full damage to creatures with the Damage Reduction 1 special ability.
Resist Elements 2
As endure elements 1 (see above), except that the Resist ENERGY rating is 2. Level: Adp 2, Clr 2, Drd 2, Pal 2, Rgr 1, Sor/Wiz 2 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
Resistance +1
The target model gets +1 on all its saves for the rest of the skirmish.
L75
Scare 5
Each living model within 3 of the spells point of origin routs away from the casting model unless it makes a successful save. Only models of 5th level or lower are affected. This is a mind-affecting fear effect. Level: Brd 2, Sor/Wiz 2 Range: 24 [Offensive] Save: 14
Sound Burst 1
All models within 2 of the spells point of origin take 1 sonic damage. Each such model is also stunned (see Stunned, page 39) until the end of its next turn unless it makes a successful save. Level: Brd 2, Clr 2 Range: 6 [Offensive] Save: 14 (against stunning only)
Shield of Faith +2
Divine power deflects attacks from the subject. The target model gains +2 to its armor for the rest of the skirmish. Level: Clr 1 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
Slay Living
The casting model makes a melee touch attack. If it hits, and the target is a living model, the target is destroyed. Even if the save is successful, a living model takes 4 damage. Slay living doesnt work on construct creatures. Against undead creatures, slay living heals damage as though it were cure wounds 4. This is a death effect. Level: Clr 5 Range: Touch [Offensive (beneficial against undead models)] Save: 18 (no save when used on undead models)
Spell Resistance 21
The subject gains resistance to magical effects. The model affected by this spell gains the Spell Resistance 21 special ability for the rest of the skirmish. Level: Clr 5 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
Spiritual Weapon 1
A magical force in the shape of a weapon attacks an enemy. The spiritual weapons melee attack rating is equal to the casting models level, and it deals 1 damage. Whenever it
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Summon Swarm
A swarm of rats carpets an area extending 1 in all directions from the spells point of origin. This produces an area of nonhigh terrain. The rats viciously attack any model in the area. Any model that starts its turn touching the swarm immediately takes 1 damage. (If this damage makes the model rout, it routs away from the center of the swarm.) The model can avoid the damage by giving up its turn. A knocked down or paralyzed model cant give up its turn in this way (but a stunned or dazed one can). Any model that contacts the swarm during its turn immediately takes 1 damage. Nonrouting models other than wild troops can treat the swarm as impassable terrain, even if out of command. A swarm cant be attacked as an individual model. Special abilities and spells that deal damage to models within an area, however, damage the swarm if they touch it. Just 1 damage is enough to destroy the whole swarm. The swarm does not get a save to reduce damage, even if the special ability or spell allows one. For example, the Fire Bomb 2 special ability and the fireball 4 spell destroy the swarm, but the Acid Spit 1 special ability and the magic missile 1 spell cannot target the swarm and cannot deal damage to it. Damage dealt by the swarm is normal damage, so the Damage Reduction and Skeletal abilities can protect against it. Swarms do not damage other swarms. Level: Brd 2, Drd 2, Sor/Wiz 2 Range: 6 [Area] Expiration Chance: 15
Stoneskin
The subjects flesh becomes as hard as stone. The target model gains the Damage Reduction 1 special ability for the rest of the skirmish. Level: Sor/Wiz 4 Range: Touch [Beneficial]
Summon CREATURE
The caster calls an extraplanar being to assist it. A model of the specified type appears in any legal position within line of sight, up to 6 away from the casting model. The summoned model cant activate this round, but it counts as a member of the casting models warband and activates normally on following rounds. The summoned model doesnt count against the warbands command capacity, but a good model cant be summoned into a warband with evil models, and vice versa. In scenarios in which players score kills, a summoned model that is eliminated does not count toward a players victory.
Spell Level 2
Bard, Cleric, Sorcerer, Wizard Pseudodragon (G) Azer Trooper (N) Hell Hound (E) Skeletal Orc (E) Otyugh (N) Stone Spike (N) War Ape (N) Abyssal Maw (E) Ghoul (E) Ice Paraelemental (N) Owlbear (N) Thoqqua (N) Skeletal Equiceph (E) Hound Archon (G) Fearsome Ghost (E) Salamander Trooper (E)
Owlbear (N)
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Chapter 7: Terrain
Woods, walls, hills, and other features of the battlefield affect the outcome of the skirmish. Combatants rush to take advantage of terrain, hiding from archers behind walls or claiming higher ground for an edge in battle. This chapter explains how the different types of terrain affect game play and provides ideas for creating new terrain of your own. Terrain features are summarized on Table 71: Terrain Summary.
MURDER SLAB
A site of foul sacrifices to long-forgotten entities, the murder slab reeks of dark magic. Its blood-soaked stone drinks the life energy of those offered up, transferring it to the slayer.
SACRED CIRCLE
A sacred circle comprises a central idol and an outer ring. Remnants of subterranean temples to forgotten gods, sacred circles grant divine blessings on all who stand on the outer ring.
TERRAIN PIECES
Terrain can be downloaded from the Wizards of the Coast website (wizards.com/chainmail), and terrain cards are available in various guidebooks and boxed sets of models. You can also use the terrain images as guidelines when creating your own terrain models (see Chapter 11: Modeling). Only the part of the card that actually outlines the terrain affects the game. The rest, the background, has no effect on models. Some pieces of terrain include a clear area around them. The clear area has no effect on models, but one cards terrain feature or clear area cant overlap another cards terrain feature or clear area.
TERRAIN DESCRIPTIONS
Mundane terrain, such as walls, hills, and woods, is selfexplanatory. This section describes the unusual terrain found in the Sundered Empire.
DRAGON CLAW
The skeletal claws of great wyrms are so large that they can provide cover on the battlefield.
MOVEMENT COSTS
Sometimes terrain, such as a low wall, costs inches to move into, within, or out of. A model must pay this cost if any of its movement for the turn occurs in the terrain. The distance the model travels on its turn is reduced by this amount. All movement costs are designated as per or max.
DRAGON SKULL
The partly buried skulls of great wyrms are found in certain isolated lands. Some trace of draconic might lingers around them, making vicious wounds more common in nearby combats.
HISSING POOL
These shallow, murky, subterranean pools served some foul gods worship. Sacrificial victims were thrown in, releasing their souls with a hissing shriek. To this day, living creatures that fall into the pool are killed instantly, and their souls hiss away.
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Table 71: Terrain Summary
Terrain Briars Dragon claw Dragon skull (skull) (clear area) Hall of evil (floor) (walls) Hall of good (floor) (walls) Hedgerow Hill Hissing pool Hut (floor) (wall) (window) Mausoleum (floor) (wall) Murder slab Quagmire Row of headstones Row of trees Sacred circle (idol) (outer ring) Stake barrier Wall, high Wall, low Woods Web Environment Aboveground Both Both No movement Both No movement Both No movement 2 per 1 per (special) 1 max Blocks both Blocks both If line of effect Cover Blocks both If line of effect Blocks both If line of effect Clear area Automatically confirm criticals One only Evil +1 attacks, roof High One only Good +1 attacks, roof High Low obstacle Elevation Knocked down models destroyed, clear area Roof Low obstacle Roof High Heal for kill Roof, trees, high +1 attacks Damages models that enter it High Low obstacle Roof, trees, high Save or stuck, block attack 16, high Movement Cost 2 max 2 per Line of Sight/Effect Cover Cover Cover Special Low obstacle, clear area
No movement 2 per Both No movement No movement 1 per 2 max No movement 1 per No movement 2 per 2 max Save or stuck
Blocks both Blocks both Trees Blocks both Blocks both Trees
If line of effect Cover If line of effect Cover Cover If line of effect If line of effect Cover Cover
example, that the penalty for moving through 3 of woods and 3 of briars isnt any harsher than the penalty for moving through 6 of woods. A model moving through terrain with max and per costs pays a total of the highest max cast plus each per cost.
IMPASSABLE TERRAIN
Some terrain, such as a high wall, is impassable. On Table 71: Terrain Summary, such terrain is listed as allowing No movement. Models cannot enter or move through impassable terrain. You cant place impassable terrain within 2 of the battlefield edge or other impassable terrain (see Chapter 4: Skirmishes). Creatures with the Burrow, Flight, and Incorporeal special abilities can move under, over, or through impassable terrain, but even these models cant stop on such terrain.
Minimum Movement
Regardless of movement costs for terrain, a model can always move 1, or 2 if all it does on its turn is move. (Of course, it still cant move through impassable terrain.) For example, a Dwarf Fighter with speed 3 starts its turn with part of its base on a briars (2 max) and part of its base on a low wall (2 per). Moving at all costs it 4, but it can still move 1 and then attack.
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Terrain thats designated as Blocks both in the Line of Sight/Effect column of Table 71: Terrain Summary blocks line of sight and line of effect. Terrain thats designated as Trees has special rules. See Terrain Special Effects, below. Whenever line of sight is limited by distance (as in gloom or with the Blindsight ability), measure the range from nearest base edge to nearest base edge, not from center to center. any part of the models base without passing through terrain that blocks line of effect. (See Chapter 6: Special Abilities and Spells.) Unlike terrain that provides cover (see below), attackers cant ignore nearby terrain when it blocks line of sight or line of effect. Even if youre using the table rule that players cant measure before committing to actions, you can determine line of sight past terrain at any time. (Line of sight to a hiding model is special. See the Hide special ability in Chapter 6: Special Abilities and Spells.)
Line of Sight
War Ape
high wall
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with line of sight. Even a line from an edge to another edge will do. The line, however, cant go under either models base. In other words, terrain thats under a models base doesnt provide cover, only terrain thats somewhere between the defenders base and the attackers. If the terrain has the entry If line of effect, then it sometimes blocks line of effect. When the terrain does block line of effect, the attacker cant make an attack against the model to which line of effect is blocked. Cover is irrelevant. But if the attacker does have line of effect to the defender, then see whether the terrain provides cover, just as described above for terrain thats designated Cover. For example, if a War Ape is completely behind a high wall, a Dwarf Shock Trooper on the other side of the wall cant shoot it at all because the wall blocks line of effect. If enough of the War Apes base is sticking out past the wall that the Shock Trooper has line of effect to the War Ape, then the Shock Trooper can make a ranged attack. If some of the War Ape is blocked by the wall, however, it gets the +4 cover bonus to its armor.
Cover
War Ape
Nearby Cover
War Ape
high wall
halfway point
high wall
The target of a ranged attack gets a cover bonus (a +4 bonus to armor) if any line from the attackers base to the defender passes through terrain that grants cover or blocks line of sight. The high wall gives the War Ape a cover bonus against the Shock Troopers attack.
+1 ATTACKS
Any model that touches the outer ring of the sacred circle gets a +1 bonus on its melee attacks and ranged attacks.
halfway
Human Marine
BLOCK ATTACK 16
For any attack that goes through the web, the attacking player rolls a d20. (This is not a save and cannot be adjusted in any way). On a 16+, the web has no effect on the attack. Otherwise the attack is negated. Attacks that deal energy damage or that dont involve attack rolls are not affected. (The Azer Troopers red-hot hammer rips through the web as if it werent there, and webs dont muffle the Pulverizers Sonic Shriek.)
The Human Marine and the Demonic Gnoll Adept each benefit from the cover that the low wall provides. The Marine is closer to the terrain piece, but it can only ignore that portion of the low wall thats actually closer to it than to the Gnoll Adept. Since some of the wall is on the Gnoll Adept's side, the Gnoll Adept benefits from cover against the Marines ranged attack.
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An attack goes through the web if the line from the center of the attackers base to the center of the targets base touches the web. (If the attacker and target are in base-to-base contact, the attack is not blocked.) This is slightly different from determining whether terrain provides cover. Elevation, Line of Sight, Line of Effect, and Cover: A hill blocks line of sight and line of effect when it intervenes between two models that are on the ground. If one model has elevation and another does not, the elevated model overlooks terrain that is not high (see High below) within 12 of it when determining line of sight, line of effect, and cover. It also overlooks such terrain thats closer to the elevated model than to the model on the ground. If two models each have elevation, they overlook terrain between them that is not high when determining line of sight, line of effect, and cover. On a Hill: A model in contact with a hills border or within its borders is considered to be on the hill. Hills and Movement Costs: A model pays the 1 movement cost only when it moves from off a hill onto or over the line designating the hill. (This penalty applies in addition to movement costs for moving in other terrain.) A model can move around on top of a hill or move down a hill with no penalty. Elevation and Range: Elevated models count as 1 farther away for ranged attacks when attacked by lower models (but not for spells, commands, and so on). Models on the ground do not count as farther away when elevated models make ranged attacks against them. Elevation and Combat: An elevated model gets a +1 bonus to attack a lower model. If one model is in contact with the border of a hill and another is not, the one in contact with the border is considered higher or lower, as appropriate. For example, a model in contact with a hill border is considered to have elevation compared to a model neither on the hill nor in
CLEAR AREA
The terrain feature has a clear area around it. When deploying terrain, the clear area cant overlap another piece of terrain or its clear area. In play, it has no game effect (unless specified).
ELEVATION
A hill grants elevation. A model on a hill (an elevated model) is higher than models on the ground. Being on a hill does not prevent melee contact.
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STRATIS PROMISED THAT THE LAND WOULD KNOW NOTHING BUT WAR.
contact with the border. Conversely, a model in contact with a hill border is considered to be lower than a model both completely on the hill and not in contact with the hill border. Models that are both in contact with a hill border are both considered to have elevation.
determining line of sight and line of effect, whether to a model on the ground or to another elevated model. See Elevation, above. Undergound, high terrain extends to the ceiling. Thus, even models with Flight cant move over it. (When aboveground, models with Flight can move over high terrain normally.)
EVIL +1 ATTACKS
An evil model touching the floor of the hall of evil gets a +1 bonus on its melee attack and ranged attack rolls.
GOOD +1 ATTACKS
A good model touching floor of the hall of good gets a +1 bonus on its melee attack and ranged attack rolls.
LOW OBSTACLE
Clambering over a low obstacle, such as a low wall, is awkward. Any model that is atop a low obstacle suffers a 2 penalty to its attacks and armor. An out of command model with a ranged attack that is maneuvering into range for a shot (see Maneuver (Out of Command) in Chapter 4: Skirmishes) might find itself stopping on a low obstacle; if so, it may continue advancing until it is off the low obstacle. Even without a commander, an archer knows enough not to stop on a low wall when moving into range.
HIGH
This terrain is high enough that models on hills cant see over it. Models with elevation cant overlook high terrain when
ONE ONLY
You can bring only one item of terrain of this type to a skirmish. You can never have more than one terrain item that
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has the one only special feature, even if they are different terrain (such as the hall of good and the hall of evil). design, though, you can include plenty of features not found in standard terrain. Here are some typical elements of custom buildings, with suggestions on how to treat them.
ROOF
The terrain has a roof (or branches or some other covering that serve as a roof ), which protects models inside it from models with Flight moving above the terrain. If a models center is on this terrain (or this part of the terrain), then the terrain blocks line of sight and effect from such models. Cylinder spells, such as flame strike, do not have line of effect to a model if any part of its base is under the roof.
Doors
A normal door is like a high wall as long as it is closed. A portcullis, however, provides cover when closed instead of blocking line of sight and effect. A closed door or portcullis is impassable. An open door counts as a space between high walls. A model whose base is wider than the doorway pays 2 to squeeze through it (as is standard for squeezing through a narrow space). A model whose base is more than twice as wide as the door cant get through at all. Unlocked doors can be opened or closed as a special action. They can also be attacked, damaged, and destroyed. Locked doors must be destroyed since they cant be opened. When making an attack or a charge, a model may (but does not have to) treat a door as an enemy model. A door has health just like a model. Melee attacks hit automatically. Ranged attacks have to be aimed as normal but do not normally damage doors. Attacks that deal energy damage harm doors, but they deal only half damage. (A ranged attack that deals energy damage does harm a door, but only with the energy portion of the damage, which is halved.) Doors cant make saves to reduce damage from special abilities or spells. Doors are like construct creatures in that they are immune to critical hits, mind-affecting abilities, poison, paralysis, stunning, and the like. A door whose health drops to 0 is destroyed. Some doors have hardness. They are tough enough to shrug off 1 damage from each attack. This is like Damage Reduction except that theres no way to avoid it, as there is with Damage Reduction. Even magic damage is reduced by hardness. (Since reducing damage has a bigger effect on play in Chainmail than in DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, these hardness rules are less harsh than those in D&D.)
SAVE OR STUCK
When a model touches the web terrain, it must make a save (Difficulty Class 13). If it succeeds, it moves normally. If it fails, it must stop. If a model starts its turn touching the web, it must succeed at this save to move at all. When determining which enemy model is nearest, ignore the web terrain. When determining the shortest path to a point (such as the focus point), a model may treat the web terrain as impassable. A wild troop or routing model, however, must determine the shortest path without regard to the web. (Unlike the rules for the stake barrier, a model can treat the web as impassable only if its moving toward a point, not when its moving toward another model.)
TREES
If 2 or more of this terrain is between two models, the trees block line of sight and line of effect. If less than 2 of this terrain intervenes, the trees provide cover but do not block line of sight or line of effect.
CUSTOM TERRAIN
You can buy or build terrain and use it on the battlefield. This can be as simple as pieces of construction paper or felt cut into the footprint of the terrain, or as complex as 3-D, painted models of buildings, ruins, and more. You can also download building templates from the Wizards of the Coast website (wizards.com/chainmail) and create fold-up paper structures. The easiest way to handle custom terrain is to make it work like the terrain described above. Otherwise, you can invent new and unusual terrain as long as you and your opponents agree on how to treat it.
Ladders
If a model is touching a ladder, it can pay a movement cost of 2 to go up or down one story (see Stories, below). Models on a ladder suffer a 2 penalty on attacks and armor, as if on a low obstacle.
Staircases
Models can move normally up and down staircases to higher and lower stories (see Stories, below). That is, a model moving up a staircase doesnt pay a movement cost to gain elevation.
CUSTOM BUILDINGS
The standard buildings, such as the hut, are relatively simple. (Even so, the hut is one of the most complicated pieces of standard terrain.) When creating buildings of your own
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A model on a staircase is higher than models on the story at the bottom of the stairs and lower than models on the story at the top of the stairs. build the terrain with successively higher, smaller, and lighter colored pieces of felt or with 1-thick flat pieces of 3-D terrain. Crossing a contour line up entails a movement cost of 1, but crossing one down does not. (This penalty applies in addition to movement costs for moving in other terrain.) For ranged attacks, models that have elevation compared to other models count as 1 farther away for each contour line the attack crosses. Lower models do not count as farther away when elevated models make ranged attacks against them. The contour line, even if represented as a 3-D, 1 rise, does not prevent melee contact. Higher models get a +1 attack bonus in melee against lower models. If one model is in contact with the contour line and another is not, the one in contact with the contour line is considered higher or lower, as appropriate. Treat elevation as relative. A model on a lower contour line is treated as on the ground compared to a higher contour line or a model on a higher contour line. A model on a higher contour line (that is, any above the first) can overlook even high terrain. These rules imply hills with level tops, where no model completely on the hill has a height advantage over other models completely on the hill. To simulate a steeply peaked hill, place a token on the hill to represent its peak. A model on the hill has elevation compared to another if its center is closer to the peak than the others center. Movement that takes a model closer to the peak entails a movement cost of 1.
Stories
Each story is like a level of elevation (see Higher Hills, below). Buildings may have multiple stories.
Walls
In general, treat walls as high walls. However, a building might have one or more ruined walls (or even all ruined). These might be more like low walls.
Windows
The window rules from the hut apply to all windows. A window has a movement cost of 2 per and provides cover (actually, the wall under the window provides the cover). A window is a low obstacle, so a model on a window (actually leaning over and out of it) suffers a 2 penalty on attacks and armor. If a window is narrow, a big creature might have to squeeze between the sides of the window to cross it, paying an additional 2 to do so (see Squeezing between Obstacles in Chapter 4: Skirmishes). Any model whose base is wider than the window has to pay this cost. A model whose base is more than twice as wide as the window cant get through it at all.
HIGHER HILLS
You can represent higher hills with multiple contour lines, each representing a 5-foot change, or level, in elevation. You can
MISCELLANEOUS TERRAIN
You can invent new types of terrain for your games.
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Chapter 8: Scenarios
The chaos of the Godwar prevents full-scale armies from mustering effectively, much less maneuvering against the enemies they intend to combat. Victory depends on the skill and fortune of elite bands of heroes, wizards, and demons that hunt down artifacts of power or simply cut down their leaders enemies. This chapter includes rules for two-player, team, and multiplayer skirmishes. Two-player skirmishes are separated into three types: aboveground scenarios, underground scenarios, and story scenarios.
Warbands
Each player builds a warband, including aboveground and underground terrain, according to the rules in Chapter 3: Warbands. A standard Chainmail warband comprises 100 points of models. If you decide to use a nonstandard warband size, both players should agree beforehand.
Lighting Conditions
This specifies whether lighting is normal (the standard condition for aboveground battles) or gloom (for many underground battles). Aboveground: Normal light. Underground: Before the skirmish, roll a d20 to determine whether it will be fought in normal light or gloom.
d20 Roll Lighting Conditions 110 Normal Light: The area is lit by phosphorescent fungus, occasional shafts of daylight, and even ancient continual flame spells. 1120 Gloom: The battlefield has some light, but its so dim that line of sight is limited to 12. Humans and halflings, however, cant see as well in the dark as other creatures, so their line of sight is limited to 6 in gloom. Gloom does not limit line of sight to models that are illuminated, such as by the daylight spell. (Models that are lit up can be seen from far away, as normal.) When measuring distance between two models to see whether they have line of sight to each other, measure from base edge to base edge, along a line from center of base to center of base.
TWO-PLAYER SCENARIOS
Agree beforehand whether you wish to play an aboveground scenario, underground scenario, or story scenario. If you prefer an entirely random scenario, roll on Table 81: Random Scenario Selection. Aboveground and underground scenarios are set out in Tables 82 and 83 below. Story scenarios are unusual in one or more respects and are discussed later in the chapter.
ABOVEGROUND SCENARIOS
Roll on table 82: Random Aboveground Scenarios to see what scenario you play.
UNDERGROUND SCENARIOS
Roll on table 83: Random Underground Scenarios to see what scenario you play.
RAPID STRIKE
The Rapid Strike scenario serves as the default skirmish. We describe all other scenarios by defining how deployment of troops, victory conditions, and special rules differ from the rules for Rapid Strike. Rapid Strike scenarios can be played both aboveground and underground. Unless otherwise specified, aboveground and underground Rapid Strike skirmishes are identical.
6
Ettin Trooper Orc Gangfighter
Battlefield
Unless otherwise noted, the battlefield is the standard size for the skirmish environment. Aboveground: The aboveground battlefield is 3 by 3, with each player taking an opposite edge. Routing models can exit the battlefield off any edge. Underground: The battlefield is 3 long by 2 wide, with each player taking an opposite narrow end. The two long sides of the battlefield are impassable. Models may exit the battlefield only by moving off one of the two narrow ends. Only the narrow ends count as battlefield edges for rules such as routing. The long sides dont count.
When line of sight is limited by range, measure from base edge to base edge as normal. Do not measure from center to center or from edge to center. The Human Warrior, in gloom, has line of sight to the Orc but not to the Ettin.
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Table 82: Random Aboveground Scenarios
d20 Roll 15 6 710 1114 1516 1720 Name Rapid Strike Pincer Move Random Terrain Take the Hall Warlords Gambit Running Battle Deployment Standard Split Standard Standard Opening bid Standard Special Random terrain Additional terrain: hall of good or evil Reinforcements; partly random terrain Victory Score kills Score kills Score kills Capture hall of good or evil Bid victory Kill 100
Scouting Check
Each player makes a scouting check. Roll a d20. If your warband has a tactical advantage, add the bonus to the scouting check. The winner is the scouting player. Underground: If you win the scouting check by 10 or more, you may choose to change the lighting conditions from normal light to gloom or from gloom to normal light (unless the scenario rules specify that the lighting condition cannot change).
Terrain Placement
The scouting player gets to place terrain first, followed by the other player. When it is your turn to place terrain, choose from the terrain pieces you brought as part of your warband. You cannot place any of the terrain pieces your opponent brought. Players alternate placing terrain until all terrain has been placed. Aboveground: Place one piece of terrain at a time. Underground: Place two pieces of terrain at a time.
Deployment
Choose one edge of the battlefield. Your opponent takes the opposite edge. The scouting player either deploys first or makes the other player deploy first. Deploy models entirely within 4 of your edge of the battlefield. (All of a models base must be entirely within 4 of the edge.) Players alternate placing models until all models are placed. The number of models you deploy at a time depends on the number of models in your warband.
Models Deployed 1 at a time 2 at a time 3 at a time 1/4 of your warband (round up)
Preparatory Spells
After deployment is complete, but before rolling for initiative, each spellcaster in the scouting players warband can cast one
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Warband Size Victory Points Required* 50 35 70 50 100 70 140 100 *You also win immediately if you reduce your opponents warband to 1 model.
DEPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
The following sections describe the deployment conditions found in tables 82 and 83. Story scenarios have unique rules, which are detailed in the scenario description.
Opening Bid
Your models deploy within this area.
beneficial spell. (This spell cannot alter the position of models.) Spellcasters on the other side must wait until the game begins before casting spells.
With the following exceptions, opening bid deployment works like standard deployment (see below). Before making scouting checks, but after rolling for any troops in reserve, players show each other their full warbands. Then each player secretly chooses one model to exclude from his or her own warband at the start of the skirmish. Players reveal their chosen models simultaneously. The bid victory condition always applies to this deployment (see Scenario Victory Conditions, page 91) and gives an advantage to the player who excluded the higher-cost model. At the beginning of the fourth round, after rolling initiative but before the player who won initiative has chosen who will act first that round, the player who won initiative rolls a d20. If the roll is 16+, both players excluded models enter the battle. Roll at the start of each subsequent round until the excluded models enter the battle or one player has achieved victory. The remaining rules assume that the excluded models enter the battle. The player who won initiative now chooses who will act first this round. The player who acts first deploys his or her formerly excluded model so that some portion of the models base is within 1/2 of that players battlefield edge and, if possible, at least 3 from all enemy models. If its not possible to place the newly arrived model at least 3 from all enemy models, the player may deploy the model anywhere within 1/2 of his or her battlefield edge. The other player then deploys his or her excluded model in the same fashion. The player acting first then activates models as normal. The newly deployed model activates this round and counts as one of the models in the players warband for purposes of determining how many models the player gets to activate at a time. For example, if you start the round with four models on the table, then bring on the excluded model, you have five models at the start of the round and activate two models at a time.
Split
Roll a d20. The winner chooses whether to be the middle warband or the split warband.
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The middle warband player must set up his or her models 16 from the two opposite edges (that is, entirely within a 4wide strip along the middle of the battlefield). The split warband player must set up half of his or her models within 4 of one edge and the rest within 4 of the opposite edge.
Standard
16
Standard deployment follows the rules from the Rapid Strike scenario on page 87.
+1 Damage
Every time a model takes damage, it takes an additional 1 special damage. This applies to all sources of damage: weapons, special abilities, spells, terrain effects, and so on. If an attack deals two types of damage (such as 1 + 1 fire), that still only counts as dealing damage once. The target takes the additional 1 special damage once, not twice. If a special ability or spell prevents all the original damage (as Skeletal, Damage Reduction, or Spell Resistance might), then the target does not take the additional 1 special damage.
3 by 3
In addition to the terrain each player brings, this scenario requires the sacred circle terrain piece. Before normal terrain placement begins, the scouting player places the sacred circle so that its center is directly over the center of the battlefield. (Rotating the sacred circle isnt much use, but feel free!) After placing the sacred circle, the scouting player begins normal terrain placement by placing the first two pieces of terrain (since this is an underground skirmish).
Always Gloom
The lighting condition is always gloom, and not even a good scouting check can change it to normal light.
2 by 3
Half of the split warband deploys here.
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Aboveground: One piece of preselected terrain, two random terrain rolls. Underground: One piece of preselected terrain, three random terrain rolls.
Random Terrain
Random Terrain scenarios play like Rapid Strike, except that they ignore terrain that players bring to the table as part of their warband. Instead, players randomly determine the type and location of each piece of terrain on the battlefield. Place the same total number of pieces of terrain as you would normally: three per player aboveground, four per player underground. Players take turns placing terrain as normal, but instead of choosing which terrain piece to place, each terrain placement requires two rolls. First roll on Table 84: Random Terrain to determine what type of terrain you will place.
If no legal placement of the terrain piece is possible using the precise distance, you may place it in any legal position without regard to the precise distance requirement. If there is no possible legal placement of the piece of terrain you have rolled, do not place that terrain. (Theres simply less terrain for that skirmish.)
Reinforcements
Each player has a pool of reinforcement points that starts at 0. At the beginning of every round after the first, after rolling initiative but before the player who won initiative has chosen who will act first that round, the player who won initiative rolls a d20. Each player adds the result of that roll to his or her own pool of reinforcement points. Before a player begins activating models in a round, he or she must decide whether to spend reinforcement points to put a new model or models into play. The player may choose any nonwild troop belonging to their warbands faction as a reinforcement (provided the model is physically present to place). Difficult troops, unlike wild troops, can be chosen freely as reinforcements. If the player decides to put a model or models into the table, subtract the total cost from the players reinforcement points. Then the player deploys that model so that some portion of the models base is within 1/2 of the players battlefield edge and, if possible, at least 3 from all enemy models. If its not possible to place the newly arrived model at least 3 from all enemy models, the player may deploy the model anywhere within 1/2 of his or her battlefield edge. The player then activates models as normal. The newly deployed model activates this round and counts as one of the models in the players warband for purposes of determining how many models the player gets to activate at a time. For example, if you start the round with three models on the table, then buy two models using your reinforcement points, you have five models at the start of the round and activate two models at a time. Morale and Reinforcements: Because all combatants know that reinforcements are running toward the sound of battle, warbands are never considered to have suffered half or greater casualties, no matter how many casualties they have actually suffered.
After you have determined which piece of terrain to place, roll another d20. The result of this roll determines the precise distance, in inches, from the terrain feature to the center of the battlefield. You may place the terrain piece anywhere on the battlefield so long as it is in a legal position and the nearest point on the terrain feature is exactly the precise distance from the center of the battlefield.
When this scenario is played underground, the battlefield ends (as well as the center of the battlefield) are focuses. An out-ofcommand troop maneuvering toward the focus point may maneuver toward either battlefield end or toward the center. A single model, however, may not maneuver toward more than one focus point on a given turn.
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Table 85: Random Story Scenarios
d20 Roll 18 715 1620 Name Blood Harvest Eternal Battle (Death-O-Rama) Homeland Invasion Environment Underground Aboveground or underground Varies by faction Deployment Standard Random model placement Standard Special Divine sparks Resurrection; partly random terrain Varies by faction Victory Harvest divine sparks Kill 150 Varies by faction
Bid Victory
This victory condition is always paired with opening bid deployment (see Deployment on page 88). The player who made the higher opening bid achieves victory by eliminating all but one enemy model. The player who made the lower opening bid wins only by eliminating all enemy models. If both players excluded models of equal cost, either player can win by eliminating all but one enemy model. Excluded models that have not yet entered the battle are ignored for purposes of determining victory.
Score Kills
These rules are presented in the Rapid Strike scenario on page 88.
STORY SCENARIOS
Story scenarios tend to be more bizarre or involved than other scenarios. They have unique rules, which are detailed in the scenario description. Roll on Table 85: Random Story Scenarios to see what scenario you play. The scenarios are described below in alphabetical order.
BLOOD HARVEST
Fragments of Stratiss life energy have burned down into the Underdark. The faction that can beat its enemies to these divine sparks is assured of blessings on the bloody path to godhood.
5 7 5 7
Kill 100
This is just like the score kills victory condition (see the Rapid Strike scenario, page 88), but the only way to win the game is to eliminate enemy models whose total cost equals or exceeds 100 points. Skirmishes fought with warbands of other sizes have corresponding victory point requirements. For example, if you are playing with 140-point warbands, victory goes to the first player to eliminate 140 points of enemy models. This victory condition is used for battles involving reinforcements. Adding more troops with reinforcement points does not change the total required for victory.
2 by 3
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to absorb the spark itself. It can even make the attempt if it is in contact with another model that is itself in contact with one or more models connected to the spark in this way! (Note that this applies to both allied and enemy models.) This model must succeed at a save (Difficulty Class 16) to absorb the energy.
battlefield, one at the center point and others 7 to the left and right of the center point. Set six other counters in a line, 5 toward each players battlefield edge from the counters on the centerline, as shown in the diagram. Terrain Placement: Impassable terrain may not be placed on top of divine sparks. Other pieces of terrain may be placed so that the divine sparks interact with them. For example, a low wall can be placed so that a divine spark is atop the wall, and a mausoleum can have one or more divine sparks in its center. Rules for Divine Sparks: A model that ends its turn with any portion of its base touching a divine spark and that is not constrained is exposed to that spark. The model makes a save (Difficulty Class 16) to absorb the sparks energy. Success: If the save succeeds, the model absorbs the divine spark. It gets a +1 bonus on attack rolls, health, and saves for the duration of the combat. A single model can absorb more than one spark and gain multiple blessings. Failure: If the save fails, the model cannot absorb the divine spark this turn. A model that rolls a natural 1 for its save takes 1 special damage. Chain-Effect Attempts: Until the spark is successfully absorbed, any unconstrained model that ends its turn in baseto-base contact with a model that is touching a spark may try
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If all models are eliminated simultaneously, the player whose warband has absorbed the most sparks wins. If both sides have absorbed the same number of sparks, the skirmish is a draw.
models in the same area at the same time, roll separately for each model you resurrect.) Morale: Wild troops find the supernatural death-andrebirth process highly disconcerting. They always make morale saves as if their warband had suffered half casualties (Difficulty Class 18). Nonwild troops are braver when they realize that they may not actually die. They always make morale saves as if their warband had not suffered half casualties (Difficulty Class 13). Special Abilities and Spells: Resurrected models reenter play with all the special abilities, spells, and statistics printed on their model card (or otherwise possessed by the model, in the case of a campaign game). Ongoing Spells: All ongoing spells that have a chance of ending each round (such as darkness, daylight, glitterdust, and the like) are immediately dispelled when the model that cast the spell is eliminated.
HOMELAND INVASION
Each of the seven scenario variants that follow depicts an attacker raiding deep into a defending factions territory. In a campaign game, the player with fewer victory points is the defender and the player with more victory points is the attacker. This scenario gives huge advantages to the defender, taking the place of the support troops a player with a lower score normally gets against a player with a higher score (see Chapter 9: Running a Chainmail Campaign). If you are not playing a campaign, randomly determine which player is the defender. The most satisfying way to play Homeland Invasion is to fight two skirmishes, one after the other, allowing both players to take a turn as the attacker and the defender. Alternatively, just play one game with the stronger player as the attacker. Each scenario description contains information on the environment, terrain, special rules, and victory conditions.
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Ahmuts Legion Defender
Ahmuts Legion thrives in the accursed temples of the Underdark, reanimating the dead to fight again. Environment: Underground, normal lighting. The scouting roll cannot change the lighting conditions. Terrain: Additional terrainhall of evil. Special: Whenever a living model is destroyed (whether it is the attackers or the defenders), the Ahmuts Legion defender rolls a d20 (the undead summoning roll). If the result of the undead summoning roll is higher than the cost of the destroyed model, there is no effect. If it is equal to or less than the cost of the destroyed model, mark the location of the destroyed model with a counter. At the start of the next round, before rolling initiative, the defender may place any evil undead model whose cost is equal to or less than the undead summoning roll within 6 of the location of the destroyed model and at least 3 from any enemy model. If there is no legal spot to place the newly arriving undead, the summoning is wasted and the model cannot enter play. Models that enter play by undead summoning increase the defenders warband size for purposes of determining half casualties. Victory: Capture hall of evil.
Mordengard Defender
The Underdark is the natural environment of dwarves, and they prefer to fight on their home turf. Environment: Underground, gloom or normal light (defenders choice). The scouting check cannot change the chosen lighting conditions. Terrain: The attacker can place only one piece of his or her warbands preselected terrain; the second piece is randomly selected. Use the method for partly random terrain (see page 89) and roll once on the Underground column of Table 84: Random Terrain. The defender gets two additional terrain pieces of his or her choice, in addition to preselected terrain. Special: The Mordengard defender automatically wins initiative every round. Traps: The dwarven halls are mined with hundreds of cunning traps that are known to the defenders but a constant danger to invaders. Traps include spiked pitfalls, crossbow traps, razor wires, weights activated by floor panels, alchemical explosives, and hair-trigger spears in the ceiling designed to impale fliers. Models in the attackers warband may blunder into a trap if they attempt to move faster than their speed. The moment a model tries to exceed its speed rating, its player rolls a d20 and consults the following table.
d20 Roll 1 24 510 1120 Trap Result Take 1 special damage and stop moving Take 1 damage and stop moving Stop moving No effect
Models with the Evasion or Incorporeal special ability are immune to this hazard and do not have to roll when moving more than their speed. Models with Flight or that are moving with Burrow do have to roll as soon as they attempt to move faster than their speed. Models with Damage Reduction 1 have to stop moving even if they do not take damage from a trap. On its next turn (or sooner, if something causes the model to rout) a model that has been affected by a trap may move normally (though it may encounter another trap if it attempts to move faster than its speed). Victory: Score kills.
Kilsek Defender
The drow of House Kilsek call upon powerful magic to defend their home-in-exile. Environment: Underground, gloom. The scouting check cannot change the lighting conditions. Terrain: The attacker can place only two pieces of his or her warbands preselected terrain. The defender gets two additional pieces of terrain of his or her choice, in addition to preselected terrain. Special: Before the skirmish begins, the defender rolls twice on Table 916: Random Magic Items and chooses one of the items rolled. In a campaign game, the item chosen becomes a permanent part of the defenders warband (but can still be lost in defeat). Models in the attackers warband that are attempting to rally always save as if their warband had suffered half casualties (Difficulty Class 18). Victory: Score kills.
Naresh Defender
The power of the Abyss is horrific, weakening the determination of those who attack Nareshs forces. Scenario: The Naresh defender chooses whether to play Rapid Strike or Take the Hall (hall of evil only). The defender always wins the scouting check. Environment: Aboveground. Terrain: The attacker may only place random terrain. (See Random Terrain, page 90.) Special: Commanders in the attackers warband are unsettled by swirling demonic forces: Each Commander rating is reduced 1. In addition, the attackers models never receive the +5 bonus to morale saves and saves against fear effects for having more than half health. Living models controlled by the attacker that normally have the Fearless special ability are considered to have lost it for the duration of the skirmish. Victory: Use the victory condition for the scenario chosen by the defender.
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Ravilla Defender
Wood elf Oathbands move effortlessly through the forest, making it a killing ground against invaders. Environment: Aboveground. Terrain: The attacker can place only one piece of his or her warbands preselected terrain; the second piece is randomly selected. Use the method for partly random terrain (see page 89) and roll once on the Aboveground column of Table 84: Random Terrain. The defender gets his or her preselected terrain or may swap one or more pieces out for woods. In addition, the defender gets four additional pieces of woods terrain. Special: All Wood Elf and Felldrake models, even those controlled by the attacker, can see through 6 of woods terrain. (Their line of sight is blocked by 6 or more of trees, not 2 as with other models.) They are also considered to have the Woodland Stride special ability. All Gray Elf models controlled by the defender are considered to have the Fearless special ability. All Ravilla Dragon models that are not Felldrakes are considered to have the Spell Resistance 20 special ability. Victory: Score kills.
Player A
Player B
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6 Player D 6
Players B and D are teammates.
Player C
Thalos Defender
The Shield Mother protects her chosen people. Environment: Aboveground. Terrain: The attacker can place only one piece of his or her warbands preselected terrain. The defender gets two additional pieces of terrain of his or her choice. Special: Before the skirmish begins, the defender rolls twice on Table 916: Random Magic Items and chooses one of the items rolled. In a campaign game, the item chosen becomes a permanent part of the defenders warband (but can still be lost in defeat). The defenders Thalos commanders may issue as many orders in a round as they like, so long as they have the command points to pay for them. (Note that models can still only receive one order per round, except for the 1-point order to be under command.) The Shield Mothers blessing allows the Thalos defender to reroll one d20 each round. This must be a roll the defender made, not a roll the attacker made. Examples of possible rerolls include attacks, saves, level checks to overcome Spell Resistance, rolls to determine whether a spell effect continues, and rolls to damage a skeletal model or hit an enemy in darkness. Scouting checks, initiative rolls, rolls for troops in reserve, and rolls that occur before or after the skirmish cannot be rerolled. Victory: Score kills.
Player A
Player B
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Player D
TEAM SCENARIOS
Players B and D are teammates.
Player C
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Four players can play in teams, two on two, with one warband per player. All aboveground, underground, and story scenarios detailed above are playable as team games, using the following variations on the two-player scenarios.
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Terrain Selection (Team)
Players do not get to use all their warbands preselected terrain. No team can play with more than one hall of evil or one hall of good. Aboveground: Each player rolls a d20. On a result of 110, that player supplies one piece of terrain. On a result of 1120, that player supplies two pieces of terrain. Underground: Each player supplies two pieces of terrain.
Deployment (Team)
Aboveground, each player gets a corner of the battlefield as shown in the diagram. Underground, each player deploys his or her warband as shown on the diagram. Teammates sit diagonally across from each other.
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TEAM DEPLOYMENT
Deployment works the same in team games as it does in twoplayer games, except as noted below.
Deployment (Team)
The scouting player chooses which player deploys first and whether the chance to deploy passes to the left or to the right.
Split (Team)
Both players comprising the middle team must set up within the 4 band in the center of the battlefield. One player on the split team sets up within 4 of one battlefield edge; his or teammate sets up within 4 of the other battlefield edge.
Standard (Team)
Standard deployment follows the rules from the Rapid Strike (Team) scenario above.
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Reinforcements (Team)
All players add the result of the d20 roll to their pools of reinforcement points. Instead of bringing on reinforcements within 1/2 of the players battlefield edge, deploy reinforcements within 1/2 of a battlefield edge inside that players deployment area. Use the Multiplayer Rapid Strike scenario below as the basis, and modify specific scenario conditions with the multiplayer variants detailed below.
MULTIPLAYER SCENARIOS
Three or more players can play in a free-for-all in which only one player wins. The only two scenarios that cannot easily be played as multiplayer skirmishes are Pincer Move and Blood Harvest. Generate a random multiplayer scenario by rolling normally and ignoring those two results.
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Scouting Check (Multiplayer)
Each player makes a separate scouting check. Aboveground: The scouting player chooses a spot along the edge of the battlefield to be his or her home spot. The other players get home spots equidistant around the edge of the battlefield. (The battlefield is 144 around; divide 144 by the number of players to figure out how many inches apart players home spots must be.) Underground: If the scouting players scouting check is 10 or more higher than each opponents scouting check, the scouting player may choose to change the lighting conditions from normal light to gloom or from gloom to normal light. On the narrow underground battlefield, its difficult for opponents to start at equal distances from one another. Instead, the players designate several starting points along the sides of the battlefield, one per player. These starting points should be at least 12 apart. The scouting player chooses a starting point first, then the player with the second-highest scouting check, and so on. (Players may wish to rearrange themselves around the table after determining their starting position. If thats agreeable to all, go ahead.)
Deployment (Multiplayer)
The scouting player chooses which player deploys first and whether the chance to deploy passes to the left or to the right. Aboveground: Players must deploy their models entirely within 6 of their home spot. Underground: Players must deploy their models entirely within 5 of their home spot.
FREEFORM SCENARIO
The basic freeform scenario works best as a two-player skirmish. One player designs the scenario, setting up the battlefield, choosing deployment zones, defining special conditions, setting victory conditions, and even setting up the two warbands that will fight. The other player examines the situation and chooses which warband to play, leaving the other warband for the setup player.
Reinforcements (Multiplayer)
All players add the result of the d20 roll to their pools of reinforcement points. Instead of bringing on reinforcements within 1/2 of the players battlefield edge, deploy reinforcements within 1/2 of a battlefield edge inside that players deployment area.
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All players in any campaign start with a score of 70. As play continues, winners scores rise and losers scores drop (see page 103 for a summary). Campaign play continues until one players score equals the campaigns target score (120, 160, or 200). At that point, the top two warlords play the championship scenario. The winner of that skirmish wins the campaign. If more than two players reach the target score at the same time, the top two fight the final skirmish. If three or more players are tied for the top, they play the championship scenario as a multiplayer skirmish. For example, Jess is playing in a quick campaign. After winning seven skirmishes and losing four, he becomes the first player to gain a ranking of 120. That triggers the final skirmish against the second-ranked playerwinner takes all.
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3. Winners gain and losers lose. Winner Score increases by 10 (or +15 for three-player skirmish). Loser Score decreases by 5. Reward for the winner.
After a Round
1. Victorious warlords advance. A warlord that wins and survives advances 1 level. A warlord that wins but dies returns without a gain. 2. Defeated warlords lose ground. A warlord that loses and is killed returns but loses 1 gained level. A warlord that loses but survives returns without a loss. 3. Players reconfigure warbands. Make changes before determining next opponent. Assign magic items. (The losing player might lose magic items.) All warbands increase to 100 points when any players score reaches 100. All warbands increase to 140 points when any players score reaches 140. Then play the next round.
Playing a Round
1. Players pair off. 1st vs. 2nd, 3rd vs. 4th, etc. Handicap: 10 points of models per 15 difference in scores. 2. Each pair rolls a die to determine a scenario (see Determine Scenario below).
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STEP 3: WARLORDS
Once youve confirmed the starting group of players, each player chooses to take on the role of a specific commander model with a cost of up to 30 points, the players warlord. This model appears in every skirmish, while the regular models come and go. If two or more players want the same faction or the same warlord, they dice off to see who chooses first. You can spend a little extra time to ward off possible conflicts by having all the players first dice off, then choose their factions and warlords in order.
STEP 4: WARBANDS
Each player designs a 70-point warband that includes his or her warlord. No Upstaging Warlord: Your warband cant include any commanders with a higher Commander rating than your warlord. The warband, after all, is under that warlords command. Terrain: Choose three pieces of aboveground terrain (anything listed as aboveground or both on Table 71: Terrain Summary) and four pieces of underground terrain (anything listed as underground or both). When playing aboveground battles, use your aboveground terrain. Your underground terrain is for underground battles.
(see page 103), which can be especially important to keep options open with only two players. A three-player campaign is like a two-player campaign, except that the games are three-player skirmishes. The last battle, however, is between only the two top-ranked players. Alternatively, you can play two-player skirmishes, arranging to meet and play in pairs rather than bringing all three players together at the same time.
PLAYING A ROUND
A campaign consists of an indefinite number of rounds. During each round, everyone plays an opponent. Playing in
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Informal Campaigns
In an informal campaign, players meet and play whenever they can. This means you dont have formal rounds, and those who play more often are at an advantage. In this case, two players who have played each other shouldnt fight another skirmish until each of them has played someone else.
rounds ensures that everyone gets the chance to play the same number of games.
STEP 1: PAIRING
For the first round, players can pair off in any agreeable fashion. In subsequent rounds, pairing is based on scores. The two top-ranked players play each other, as do the third and fourth, fifth and sixth, and so on. If there are tied scores, the tied players roll randomly to see who plays whom. Two players who were matched up on the previous round, however, cannot play each other again until each has played someone else. For example, Jim, Jess, Patrick, and Evan have gotten together for campaign play. They are ranked as follows. Player Jim Patrick Evan Jess Score 90 80 75 60
In this round, Jim and Patrick will play each other in one skirmish, while Evan and Jess play in another. Handicap: If two opponents scores are 15 or more apart, the player with the lower score gets support models as a handicap. For every 15 points by which one opponents score exceeds the others, the one with the lower score gets 10 points of support troops. Support troops are extra models that count normally as part of the warband. Support troops cannot be commanders. You may not reconfigure your warband when you add the support troops. The 10 points are spent separately on models, and those models leave your warband after the battle is over. You may buy a reserve model with your bonus points, assuming your warband didnt have one already. You may also use unspent points to buy tactical advantage as normal. Three-Player Skirmishes: If there are an odd number of players, the three lowest-ranking players play a three-player skirmish. The two lower-ranked players may get support troops as a handicap, based on the score of the top-ranked player in the skirmish. Intrafaction Battles: Some groups prefer not to have two warbands of the same faction face each other. Following this policy, however, can skew your campaign unless you balance
Alternate Pairing
The handicap rules help balance higher-ranked and lower-ranked players. If your group prefers more variety among opponents, you may wish to play round-robin (where each player plays every other player) or match players up randomly.
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A warlord who loses a skirmish and dies will lose a level (see After a Round, below), so players may sometimes want to protect their warlords by withdrawing them from combat. Warlords are allowed to move off the battlefield, but once gone they cannot return.
Score Changes
Player Winner (two-player) Winner (three-player) Loser Score +10 +15 5
Warband Increases: In addition to determining the final campaign battle, players scores also determine the size of everyones warbands. Play starts with 70-point warbands (see Setting Up the Campaign, page 99). Once any players score reaches 100, everyones warband size increases to 100 points. Similarly, once any player reaches a score of 140, everyones warband size increases to 140 points. Warbands do not drop down again in size even if the top players score drops below 100 or 140. Magic Items: The winner gains a random magic item. See Magic Items on page 114 for more information. Neither player gains a magic item after a draw.
AFTER A ROUND
Warbands can change between rounds. Once the players have updated their warbands, the next round can begin.
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WARLORD EXPERIENCE
Each time warlords guide their warbands to victory, they gain experience and advance a level. Spellcasters learn new spells and cast more of those they already know. Combat-oriented warlords gain better combat ability. All warlords increase their Commander ratings. Sometimes, however, a warlord is killed in battle. Allies can bring the corpse back to the faction leaders to raise the fallen warlord from the dead. The shock of dying and being brought back to life, however, can leave warlords weaker than they were before. (See After a Round, above.)
(Class is a feature from the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS roleplaying game.) A warlord who has two classes can raise one or the other each time it advances a level. There are two exceptions to this rule. If the model has levels in a creature class, such as gnoll, it cannot advance in that class (it represents the monsters basic nature). A model with levels in a prestige class (a class other than those listed below) can advance only in the standard classes. Listed below are the classes and levels of the commanders and independent troops in Sets 1 through 5. (Independent
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Thalos
Human Paladin of Stratis (C6) Human Paladin (C5) Aasimar Cleric (C4) Half-Elf Sorcerer (C3) Human Sorcerer (C2) Half-Elf Cleric (C1) Human Solar Templar (C1) Human Swiftwing Disciple (I0) Pal4 Pal2 Clr2 Sor4 Sor2 Clr3 Ftr8 Mnk1
*The Mind Flayer is a commander, but it doesnt have a class and cannot advance in level. **The Abyssal Skulker is an independent troop, but it doesnt have a class and isnt suitable as a warlord.
Drazens Horde
Hobgoblin Tribal Protector (C4) Hobgoblin Adept (C4) Hobgoblin Fighter (C3) Orc Druid (C2) Ftr6/Other 2 Adp4 Ftr2 Drd2
Kilsek*
Drow Wizard (C5) Drow Cleric (C3) Drow Ranger (C2) Wiz4 Clr5 Rgr4
Mordengard
Dwarven Defender (C4) Dwarf Hammer Priest (C4) Dwarf Fighter (C3) Dwarf Cleric (C3) Dwarf Ranger (C2) Ftr7/Other 1 Clr3/Ftr1 Ftr3 Clr2 Rgr3
Naresh**
Gnoll Cleric (C4) Demonic Gnoll Adept (C3) Tiefling Fighter (C2) Gnoll Ranger (C1) Gnoll 2/Clr2 Gnoll 2/Adp1 Ftr3 Gnoll 2/Rgr1
Ravilla
Gray Elf Imperial Noble (C4) Gray Elf War Wizard (C3) Gray Elf Wizard (C2) Wood Elf Ranger (C1) Half-Dragon Mage (I2) Gray Elf Lajatang Duelist (I2) Gray Elf Snakestrike Duelist (I2) Wood Elf Skirmisher (I0) Gray Elf Warsinger (I0) Gray Elf Duelist (I0) Ari4 Wiz6 Wiz2 Rgr2 Wiz4 Ftr4 Ftr3 Ftr3 Brd1 Ftr2
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spells or additional copies of spells that the warlord already castsjust add extra boxes (q) beside the spells name on the warlords statistics. If the column has one or more boxes (+q), the warlord can cast more spells of that level, and a separate table determines whether it also gains new spells. The spells available to choose from are listed after the advancement table and further described in Chapter 6: Special Abilities and Spells. If a model gains a spell that requires a ranged attack roll, and the model does not have a ranged attack score, you have to give it one. Assume the model started with ranged attack +1, and then add bonuses for levels above 1st. The model does not gain a ranged damage score. It can only make ranged attacks when casting spells that use ranged attack rolls. For example, a Gray Elf Wizard gains acid arrow 2 at 3rd level and also gains ranged attack +2 (+1 at 1st level and an additional +1 at 2nd level).
Bards and sorcerers have the Sorcery special ability. Once a bard or sorcerer has chosen a new spell, that warlord may not swap it out. However, it can cast any of its chosen spells as often as it is able during a skirmish.
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Mighty Will
ADEPT
Adepts are generalist spellcasters, using spells of both clerics and wizards. They are found among the least civilized factions: Drazens Horde and Naresh.
Adept Spells
1stbenediction +1, bless +1, burning hands 1, cause fear, command, cure wounds 1, endure elements 1, sleep 2ndbulls strength +1, cats grace +2, cure wounds 3, darkness, endurance +2, invisibility, resist elements 2 3rdbestow curse, cure wounds 4, daylight, lightning bolt 4, neutralize poison
BY THE TIME YOUR WARLORD REACHES 10TH LEVEL, IT LL PROBABLY HAVE GAINED A MAGIC WEAPON.
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BARBARIAN
Barbarians are fearless, raging combatants. The orc berserkers of Drazens Horde are the most infamous, but some dwarves have learned to fight fire with fire.
BARD
Bards use magic to help their allies, including their inspiring song. The gray elves of Ravilla are renowned for their bards. Bards cast spells on the fly the way sorcerers do, so they gain new spells separately from their spellcasting capacity. For example, a bard who reaches 2nd level learns two 1st-level spells (perhaps cure wounds 1 and magic weapon +1), but it gains only one new 1st-level spell slot (q). Thus, in each skirmish the 2nd-level bard can cast one of its 1st-level spells (in this case, cure wounds 1 or magic weapon +1). In this way, the bard (who knows more spells than it can cast) is the opposite of a sorcerer (who casts more spells than it knows).
sound burst 1, summon (Pseudodragon, Azer Trooper, Hell Hound, or Skeletal Orc), summon swarm 3rdbestow curse, confusion, cure wounds 4, dispel magic, fear, greater magic weapon +2, summon (Otyugh, Stone Spike, War Ape, Abyssal Maw, or Ghoul)
CLERIC
Clerics serve the deities tied to their factions: Nerull, God of Death (Ahmuts Legion); Moradin, God of Dwarves (Mordengard); Yeenoghu, Demon Lord of Gnolls (Naresh); and Stern Alia, the Shield Mother (Thalos).
Bard Spells
1stcause fear, cure wounds 1, expeditious retreat, mage armor +4, magic weapon +1, sleep 2ndblindness, bulls strength +1, cats grace +2, cure wounds 3, darkness, daylight, glitterdust, hold person, invisibility, scare 5,
Cleric Spells
1stbane, benediction +1, bless +1, cause fear, command, cure wounds 1, endure elements 1, inflict wounds 1, magic weapon +1, shield of faith +2
Mighty Reflexes
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2ndbulls strength +1, cure wounds 2, darkness, endurance +2, hold person, inflict wounds 2, remove paralysis, resist elements 2, sound burst 1, spiritual weapon 1, summon (Pseudodragon, Azer Trooper, Hell Hound, or Skeletal Orc) 3rdbestow curse, blindness, cure wounds 4, daylight, dispel magic, inflict wounds 4, invisibility purge, protection from elements, remove blindness, searing light 3, summon (Otyugh, Stone Spike, War Ape, Abyssal Maw, or Ghoul) 4thcure wounds 5, divine power, greater magic weapon +2, inflict wounds 5, neutralize poison, poison, summon (Ice Paraelemental, Owlbear, Thoqqua, or Skeletal Equiceph) 5thcircle of doom 3, flame strike 3+3, greater command, healing circle 3, insect plague, slay living, spell resistance 21, summon (Hound Archon, Fearsome Ghost, or Salamander Trooper)
Domain Spells
Depending on its faction, a cleric must have a particular spell, belonging to one of its deitys domains, at each level. For example, when the Dwarf Cleric reaches 3rd level and gains three 2nd-level spells, at least one of these spells must be endurance +2. In the case of a spell that does not appear on the standard cleric spell list (Ahmut clerics invisibility and confusion), the cleric can only have one copy of that spell. For example, a 3rd-level Human Death Cleric can have invisibility q, but not invisibility qq. Ahmuts Legion 2nd invisibility 3rd bestow curse 4th confusion 5th slay living Mordengard 2nd endurance +2 3rd protection from elements 4th neutralize poison 5th spell resistance 21 Naresh 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Thalos 2nd 3rd 4th 5th spiritual weapon 1 blindness inflict wounds 5 circle of doom 3
Mordengard: These clerics have the Turn Undead +[#] special ability. The clerics Turn Undead rating goes up +3 per level. Naresh: These clerics have the Smite [#] special ability. The clerics Smite rating depends on its level.
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Smite Rating +1 q +2 q +3 q
Druid Spells
1stcure wounds 1, endure elements 1, entangle, magic fang +1, speak with animals 2ndflame blade 1, resist elements 2, summon Hyena, summon swarm 3rdcure wounds 3, greater magic fang +2, neutralize poison, poison, protection from elements, summon War Ape 4thcure wounds 4, dispel magic, flame strike 3+3, spike stones, summon Owlbear 5thcure wounds 5, ice storm 2+2, insect plague, summon Dire Boar
Thalos: These clerics have the Turn Undead +[#] special ability. The clerics Turn Undead rating goes up +3 per level.
DRUID
Druids channel the divine strength and fury of nature. They are found among Drazens wild forces and among the wood elves.
FIGHTER
Fighters are highly trained combat specialists. They are found in all factions.
Wild Shape +q Wild Shape +q Wild Shape +q Greater Wild Shape, Mighty Will Immune Poison Wild Shape +q
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MONK
Monks are martial artists, often belonging to a specific tradition. The Swiftwing school of Thalos is one such lineage.
Cure Wounds
Paladins can heal damage by laying on hands, so they get one cure wounds [#] spell in addition to those listed above. The spells rating, and its level, depends on the paladins level. Paladin Level 23 4 5 67 89 10 Cure Wounds Rating 1q 2q 3q 4q 5q 6q
PALADIN
Paladins are holy warriors devoted to the cause of good. The Shield Mother, patron deity of Thalos, and Stratis, the dead God of War, both have paladins.
Paladin Spells
1stbenediction +1, bless +1, cure wounds 1, endure elements 1, magic weapon +1 2ndremove paralysis, resist elements 2
WEREWOLVES THAT RESIST NORMAL DAMAGE ARENT SO TOUGH AGAINST A SHOCK WEAPON S MAGIC AND ELECTRICITY.
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+2
*If independent, a monk improves its Independent Troop rating instead. **The monks Stunning Attack and Tumble ratings (the save an enemy model must make) increase by the listed amounts.
Smite Evil
Paladins have the Smite Evil [#] special ability. Its rating increases with level. Paladin Level 24 59 10 Smite Evil Rating +1 q +2 q +3 q
RANGER
Rangers are trackers, hunters, and archers. Wood elves and gnolls are often rangers, though dwarf rangers (who roam the underground wilderness) have also joined the Godwar.
Ranger Spells
1stentangle, magic fang +1, resist elements 2, speak with animals 2ndcure wounds 1, protection from elements, sleep
WHEN MELEE SEEMS TOO RISKY, THE EXPERIENCED HALF-ORC ASSASSIN REACHES FOR THE AMULET OF FIREBALLS.
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Favored Enemy
Rangers have favored enemies that they excel at fighting, represented by the Fight TYPE +1 special ability. At 5th level, a rangers favored enemy bonus improves. Its Fight TYPE rating improves to +2. (If the ranger has two favored enemies, choose one type.) The ranger also gains an additional Fight TYPE +1 special ability. At 10th level, a rangers favored enemy bonus improves again. Its Fight TYPE +2 rises to +3, its Fight TYPE +1 rises to +2, and it gains a new Fight TYPE +1 special ability. Available types are: animal, beast, dragon, elemental, evil outsider, fey, giant, good outsider, magical beast, monstrous humanoid, shapechanger, or vermin. Alternatively, the ranger can choose a subtype of humanoid: dwarf, elf, gnoll, gnome,
goblinoid, halfling, human, orc, or reptilian. The ranger cant choose the construct, humanoid, ooze, or undead types.
ROGUE
Rogues are tricky sneaks who prefer joining fights to starting them. They have a disconcerting tendency to switch sides.
SORCERER
Sorcerers draw on inborn power to cast their spells. The learned gray elf wizards of Ravilla distrust sorcerers, but they are welcome in Thalos.
5 +1 +1 +0 +0 +1 +1 6 +1 +0 +1 +1 +1 Immune Sneak Attacks 7 +1 +0 +1 +0 +1 +1 8 +0 +0 +1 +1 +1 Mighty Reflexes 9 +1 +0 +0 +0 +1 +1 10 +1 +0 +1 +1 +1 Improved Evasion *The rogues Hide and Sneak Attack ratings (the save an enemy model must make) increase by the listed amounts.
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invisibility, resist elements 2, scare 5, summon (Pseudodragon, Azer Trooper, Hell Hound, or Skeletal Orc), summon swarm 3rddispel magic, fireball 4, greater magic weapon +2, greater sleep, hold person, lightning bolt 4, protection from elements, summon (Otyugh, Stone Spike, War Ape, Abyssal Maw, or Ghoul) 4thbestow curse, confusion, dimension door, fear, ice storm 2+2, improved invisibility, stoneskin, summon (Ice Paraelemental, Owlbear, Thoqqua, or Skeletal Equiceph) 5thcone of cold 7, hold monster, summon (Hound Archon, Fearsome Ghost, or Salamander Trooper)
WIZARD
Wizards learn their magic from intense study of arcane tomes. Gray elf wizards are the most renowned in the Sundered Empire.
Sorcerers cast spells on the fly, so they gain new spells separately from their spellcasting capacity. For example, a sorcerer who reaches 4th level learns one 2nd-level spell (perhaps glitterdust) and gains four 2nd-level spell slots (qqqq). Thus, in each skirmish the 4th-level sorcerer can cast its 2nd-level spell (in this case, glitterdust) four times. In this way, the sorcerer (who casts more spells than it knows) is the opposite of a bard (who knows more spells than it can cast).
Wizard Spells
Sorcerers and wizards use the same spell lists. See the Sorcerer section above.
MAGIC ITEMS
Scattered about the Sundered Empire are the remnants of mighty battles that have raged across the land. Warlords that succeed in driving off the enemy often recover magic weapons and other valuable items. There are several different tables to roll on for magic items.
Sorcerer Spells
Sorcerers and wizards use the same spell lists. 1stburning hands 1, endure elements 1, expeditious retreat, mage armor +4, magic missile 1, magic weapon +1, repair damage 1, sleep 2ndacid arrow 2, blindness, bulls strength +1, cats grace +2, cold burst 2, darkness, daylight, endurance +2, glitterdust,
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Weapons
Magic weapons provide a bonus on attack rolls and sometimes provide an additional benefit as well. Melee and Ranged Weapons: When your warband gets a new magic weapon, decide whether its melee or ranged. If its a melee weapon, its bonuses apply to melee attacks only. If its a ranged weapon, its bonuses apply to ranged attacks only. A model can have only one magic melee weapon and one magic ranged weapon. If a model does not have a ranged attack score, it cannot be assigned a magic ranged weapon. (A spellcaster whose ranged
Armor
Magic armor grants a bonus to the wearers armor rating and sometimes grants an additional benefit as well. Armor Bonus: Magic armor grants the listed bonus to the models armor rating. Assigning Armor: Bards, monks, sorcerers, and wizards cannot be assigned magic armor.
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Potions
Potions are spells stored in liquid form. Models can drink potions for magical effects or share them with allies. A potion can only be used once. Once it is used, it is gone. Drinking a Potion: Drinking a potion is a special action (so constrained models cant drink potions). Sharing a Potion: A model can share a potion with an allied model with which it is in base-to-base contact. Sharing a potion is a special action. The other model immediately benefits from the potion. A model can even share a potion with an ally that is stunned, paralyzed, held, dazed, or knocked down. Potion Effects: Some potions duplicate spells. In this case, a model that drinks the potion gains the benefit as if someone had cast that spell on it. Other potions have described benefits. These benefits last until the end of the skirmish. Preparatory Potions: If you win the scouting check, each of your models with potions can drink or share a potion as if it were casting a spell. (A model may not, however, both cast a preparatory spell and use a potion before the skirmish.)
Wondrous Items
Wondrous items have varied magic effects. Most of them grant the user a continuous bonus.
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Rings
Rings provide continuous magical benefits to those who wear them. A model may wear only two rings. Most rings grant a special ability to a model; rings of protection improve a models armor rating.
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COMMAND RULES
The simple presence of a Chainmail-style commander can turn a straightforward, hack-and-slash melee into a tactical struggle. The savage mob with a powerful leader is a common D&D encounter, and the Chainmail command rules let you know exactly how the commander helps the mob fight. Most important, the rules cover what happens when the commander falls, so the players can weigh the value of taking out the commander against the difficulty of doing so. Command rules can also help the DM or the players run hirelings and followers. Restricting the options of such NPCs helps you run them faster and keeps the important tactical decisions in the hands of the PCs. You might want to go easy on creatures that are out of command. If the restrictions on them are making them act really stupid, have them learn from their mistakes in a round or two and behave more intelligently.
MORALE RULES
The morale rules are useful for determining when the enemies are going to break and run, if ever. If you generally have creatures fight to the death, using the morale rules instead will make combat easier for the PCs. But sometimes the PCs cant afford to let their opponents escape, so enemies who rout might be more trouble than those who fight to the bitter end. Morale rules can also apply to hirelings, followers, and other NPCs. Its easier to make a morale save to see how brave an NPC is than to stop in the middle of a combat to imagine the scene from the NPCs point of view and make a roleplaying decision. Morale Saves: You can use the Fortitude save as a morale save. That way the combat-oriented classes (such as fighters) have a good chance of standing. You can also use the average of the three saves, which matches the Chainmail save score. You can apply bonuses and penalties to suit a characters or creatures personality.
PLAYING ON A GRID
D&D combat is often played on a 1-inch grid, where each square is 5 feet on a side. On this scale, a Chainmail models speed is the number of squares it can move as a move action.
Diagonals
The first diagonal that a model moves on its turn counts as 5 feet, but the second counts as 10 feet. Diagonals go back and forth: The first, third, fifth, and so on count as 5 feet each, and the second, fourth, sixth, and so on count as 10 feet each. It doesnt matter whether you move diagonally one square after the other or if you make orthogonal (straight) moves in between them. Its important for the first diagonal to be 5 feet so a model can move diagonally as a 5-foot step.
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Voluntary Routing: When things look really bleak, you can have the monsters and NPCs make morale saves or rout, or you can just decide that they rout without rolling.
many of those features. Youll need to find your own balance between D&D features and Chainmail features.
Name
Name the model whatever makes sense.
Faction
The model might be a member of a faction. You could also assign it no faction, which means that its a cross-faction model for every faction. Or it could be part of a new faction of your own design.
Cost
Figure out model costs last (if at all). (See Deriving Costs for New Models, page 122.)
Type
The model is good, evil, or neutral, as appropriate. It retains its D&D type, such as aberration, and subtype (if any).
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Melee Attack
This is the models D&D melee attack bonus. If you round the models damage up a lot (see Melee Damage below), deduct 1 from the models melee attack bonus to balance that benefit. If you round its damage down a lot, add 1 to the models melee attack bonus to balance that drawback. If the creature has multiple melee attacks, see the Multiple Attacks section below.
Speed
This is the models D&D speed divided by 5 (1 inch = 5 feet). For models with the Flight special ability, reduce the D&D fly speed to keep speeds reasonable on the Chainmail battlefield. Rather than applying minimum speeds and turning arcs for different maneuverability ratings, simply reduce the effective speed for clumsier fliers. To get a models effective Chainmail speed, multiply its D&D fly speed by the factor listed below, then convert to 1 per 5 feet. Perfect: .8 Good: .75 Average: .5 Poor: .33 Clumsy: .25 For example, a very young red dragon has a fly speed of 150 feet and poor maneuverability under D&D rules. Using the above factors, this converts to a Chainmail speed of 10. For burrowing speed, convert at the normal rate of 1 per 5 feet.
Melee Damage
This is the models average D&D melee damage divided by 5. Rounding: If you round up or down by .4 or .5, you should decrease or increase the models melee attack by 1, respectively, to compensate. For example, in the roleplaying game the Dwarf Fighter deals 7.5 points of damage on average. If you divide that by 5, you get 1.5. Rounding that down to 1 would give the model an additional +1 melee attack, but we instead rounded it up to 2 and decreased the models melee attack by 1. Weapon Qualities: If the models weapon deals less damage than other weapons of its size but has a special feature to balance its low damage, you can assign its damage in the Chainmail game as if the model were using a weapon that did more damage. For example, the Human Death Cleric has a scythe, which deals 2d4 normal damage and 4 critical damage. Because the Chainmail game doesnt handle variable critical multipliers, the Death Clerics damage is derived from standard damage for a two-handed martial weapon (in this case, 2d6 for a greatsword).
Armor
This corresponds to the models D&D Armor Class (possibly modified, depending on hit points and health). If a D&D creature has the Dodge feat, just add +1 to its Chainmail armor.
Health
This is the models D&D hit points divided by 5. Round up or down as seems appropriate for the creature. If a creature has only 1 or 2 hit points, give it 1 health but deduct 1 from its armor score to compensate for rounding up so much.
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Save
This is the average of the models three D&D saves (Fortitude, Reflex, and Will). For commanders, round up to the next higher number. For dwarves, add +2 (on top of the computed average) to account for their resistance to poison and spells and for their good morale and general toughness. If a D&D creature has a save of +9 or better, it gains the Mighty Fortitude, Mighty Reflex, or Mighty Will special ability, as appropriate (see the descriptions in Chapter 6: Special Abilities and Spells). Then calculate its save score as if the save in question were only +8. For example, an ettin has the following saves: Fortitude +9, Reflex +2, Will +3. It gains the Mighty Fortitude special ability. To calculate its Chainmail save for other effects, treat its Fortitude save as +8. This gives a total of (8+2+3), or 13, which divided by 3 gives +4. This rule differentiates powerful models better, and it prevents games from being won or lost based on extremely poor saves for high-cost models.
Multiple Attacks
If a creature has multiple attacks, it gets the Extra Melee Attack or Extra Ranged Attack special ability. Here are some guidelines for handling this. Unify Attack and Damage Figures: For creatures that deal different damages for different attacks, use an average of the different damages. If a D&D creature has a much better attack bonus with one attack than another, weigh the damage of the better attack more heavily than the damage of the lesser attack. Having the multiple attacks all be identical makes playing the model a lot easier. Drop Minor Attacks: Its sometimes better to ignore secondary attacks that dont deal much damage or dont hit often, adjusting the main attack appropriately. For example, the D&D displacer beast has a bite attack that doesnt have reach, has a low attack bonus, and deals less damage than a tentacle. For the Chainmail model, we dropped the bite attack while generously rounding up the damage for tentacle attacks. Penalty for Multiple Attacks: When a D&D character gets an extra attack at the cost of a 2 penalty on all attacks, such as a character fighting with two weapons or a monks flurry of blows, simply subtract 1 from the Chainmail models attack score. Use this score regardless of whether the model is making one or two attacks. Thus, when this model makes one attack, it has a lower attack bonus than it would have in the roleplaying game, but if it gets multiple attacks, its bonus is higher. Overall, the creatures power level remains the same, and its easier to play. Combine Attacks: If it makes the model easier to convert and control, you can treat multiple attacks as a single attack and combine their damage. For example, a D&D centaurs two
Troop Type
The troop type doesnt have a ready parallel in the D&D game. Powerful creatures usually have the Difficult Troop special ability. They dont like following orders, and the increased cost of commanding them balances the increased benefit of doing so. Player characters usually have the Independent Troop special ability. They are used to making their own decisions in combat. (If you want to give a player character all the freedom he or she has in a D&D game, let him or her ignore the morale rules and the fog of war rules for selecting ranged attack targets.) Creatures with Intelligence scores of 1 or 2 usually have the Wild Troop special ability. They dont have the capacity to follow detailed orders, such as veer right at half speed. Bullheaded or ornery creatures might have the Wild and Difficult Troop special ability. Characters can be commanders. Generally, the higher level a character is and the better its Intelligence, Wisdom, and especially Charisma are, the better it is as a commander. The Commander special ability also reflects qualities that arent measured by D&D statistics, such as how well suited a character is to working with others on the battlefield. Only characters unsuited for the battlefield, such as commoners, have the Untrained Troop special ability.
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Damage Bonuses
Because a small bonus to damage in the roleplaying game (such as a rangers +1 damage to a favored enemy) doesnt amount to much on the scale of the Chainmail game, convert it to an attack bonus. Thus, in the Chainmail game, Point Blank Shot gives a model +2 on its ranged attack score rather than +1 on its attack and damage. If attack and damage bonuses together amount to a high enough figure, you can convert the bonuses to damage at the standard 5-to-1 rate. For example, a low-level paladin gets Smite Evil +1, with the +1 damage representing both the attack bonus and damage bonus from D&D.
Number of Uses
If a special ability has a limited number of uses but more than two or three, consider removing that limit. That way, you dont have to keep track of how many times a model has used the ability. You can make the ability weaker to compensate. Thus, in the Chainmail game a good cleric has no limit to the number of times it can attempt to use its Turn Undead ability, but the effect is not as powerful as it is in the D&D game.
Spells
For spells named in the Chainmail game, use the Chainmail version. For other spells, either replace them with a spell described in Chapter 6: Special Abilities and Spells or create a simple, streamlined description for use in the Chainmail game.
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Morale Effects
The D&D roleplaying game lets players and Dungeon Masters determine how brave or cowardly characters and creatures are. In the Chainmail game, the rules and dice determine when models break and run. Assign models the Morale 2 and Cowardly special abilities to suit them. Scary: Give Large creatures the Scary special ability with a rating of 1 for every 2 levels above 3rd. Undead creatures get a +1 bonus to their Scary rating if they have the Scary special ability. You can also use the Scary ability to represent a creatures fear-based ability, such as the krenshars scare attack.
Bidding
If youre playing with a group, an easy way to assign a cost is to have players bid on the model. Whichever player will pay the most for a new model gets to use it in his or her warband.
Comparison
The first thing to do is to compare it to other models whose costs you know and assign a cost that fits a model of its power. This method is simple and direct, but it takes practice. As a rule of thumb, a model thats twice as powerful as an existing model should cost twice as much as that model. A model whose attack capability is twice as good as that of an existing model (but is otherwise similar) should cost about 40% more than that model. Likewise, a model whose defense
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MINIATURES
Theres nothing quite so satisfying as fielding a warband of beautifully painted miniaturesit brings a whole new level of excitement and realism to your games. For the beginner, this chapter describes simple techniques to get your miniatures ready for battle in double quick time, while the experienced hobbyist will find advice on painting each of the different factions to make them stand out.
ASSEMBLY
Before you can put brush to metal and actually begin painting your miniatures, youll need to do a little preparation. This doesnt take too long and ensures you have a neat and clean surface over which to apply the paint. It may sound tedious, especially when youre itching to open your paint pots and get going, but believe metaking a little time here will make a huge difference to the finished product. Some of the Chainmail models are one-piece castings, and others have two or more components that need to be joined together. In both cases the metal castings need to be cleaned up to remove any small marks or imperfections caused by the casting process so they dont spoil the detail.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS Here are a few tools that you will need to prepare your miniatures for painting: Files, craft knife, pin vise, clippers, needlenose pliers, superglue, and paper clips for pinning.
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Filling
Sometimes, after you have joined two pieces together, you may see a slight gap between them. To create a more pleasing effect and hide the join, fill the gap with modeling putty. This is widely available from craft and hobby shops and is very straightforward to use: Just roll out a thin sausage of putty and lay it along the area to be filled. Use a modeling tool or toothpick to smooth out the putty and hide the join.
Priming
When all of the assembly is complete and the miniature is attached to its base, it needs an undercoat of paint. The easiest way to do this is to use a spray primer. This is available from hobby shops, but you can usually get larger and cheaper cans from car-body and accessory shops. A primer coat can be either black or white paint, depending on the color scheme of the miniature you are working on. When spray-coating miniatures, aim to create a thin, even covering that gives the paint something to adhere to. If you are using spray primer, always work outside, away from electrical equipment and naked flames.
BENDING TAB Sometimes the tab is too loose to create a snug fit between miniature and base. The best way to get around this is to put a slight kink in the tab with needlenose pliers. ATTACHING TO BASE Once the tab has been bent, you can achieve a more secure fit
PAINTING
Once your miniatures are assembled and primed, you are ready to begin painting. This section describes tips and techniques for painting every sort of model. First come some general points to remember when painting, then specific techniques for dealing with different parts of the miniature.
ADVANCED ASSEMBLY
The following techniques are more involved but reward you with especially clean, strong models.
Pinning
You can strengthen the joins on your models with a technique called pinning, in which you drill a hole in the center of each of the surfaces to be joined and insert a short metal pin to tie them together. Joins that are pinned are far stronger and more permanent than those that are merely glued. Although this sounds quite complex, it requires only one special tool, a pin vise. This is a miniature drill that you hold in the palm of your hand and twist to drill small holes. A 1 mm drill bit is the most useful. The pin is actually a small piece of wire, which you can buy from modeling shops. Alternatively, you can use a straightened-out metal paper clip. The holes must go straight into the surface, not at an angle. Try to make them about 5 mm (about 1/4 inch) deep, and dont drill too close to the edge of the area. Make sure that the two holes line up when the pieces are put together. Glue one end of the wire into one of the holes and let it dry, then glue the two pieces together, inserting the wire into the other hole. Take care that the wire isnt too long for a snug fit.
Where to Start
Once the model is cleaned up, primed, and ready for the first brushload of paint, where should you start? Its best to do the most inaccessible parts first that way you wont ruin your earlier efforts trying to get the brush into awkward places. I like to start from the inside and work out, beginning with the skin, then working through the layers of clothing and armor, and finishing with decorations. The only place I break this rule is with the face, which I always paint last. The face is the focal point of the miniature, so its important to get right. As well, painting the face ties everything together and brings the model to life, ready for battle, so its appropriate to do this last.
DRILLING Hold the pin vise between the first two fingers and the thumb, with the back resting in the palm of the hand. Hold the drill at ninety degrees to the surface and slowly twist. Rest the miniature on a sturdy surface so you dont slip and injure yourself.
PINNING Clip a short length of wire and glue it into one of the holes, then apply some glue and join the two halves together, inserting the wire into the second hole.
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APPLYING PAINT
With miniature painting, there are a few golden rules to remember. Never paint straight from the pot to the model. Always put the color on your palette first. Even if you are using the color straight, you still need to see the consistency and remove most of the paint from the brush before you apply it to the model. Too much paint on the brush is disastrous: As soon as you touch the brush to the model, all that paint will flood onto the miniature. A good guide is that the bristles should come to a point when loaded with paint. Never paint on, or next to, paint that isnt dry. One of the best things about acrylic hobby paint is that it dries quickly, but ensure it is totally dry before applying paint near it, or colors will mix on the model with very messy results! An old hair dryer is a very useful painting toolit can cut drying time to a few seconds. Avoid using paint that is too thick. Thick paint can fill in and obscure detail. If it looks gloopy, put it onto the palette and add a little water. I always thin my paints; Id rather apply two thin coats than one thick one and get more even coverage. Look after your brushes. Dont overload them with paint: It should never go up to the metal ferrule. Wash brushes regularlyonce the paint is dry on the bristles, its not coming off. Never push or scrub the surface of the miniature, but drag the brush across the surface as if you were drawing. And never store brushes point down in your water pot! Keep your hands steady. Most peoples hands shake a little when they paint, and you need to minimize this tendency if you want good results. Rest your elbows on the painting table and lock your hands together so that you can move only the fingers that are holding your brush. This also puts the model at eye level while you are working on it.
USING THE PALETTE Always put paint onto a palette from the pot, not straight to the miniature. Its important to see what the color and consistency are like before applying paint to the model. MIXING COLOR Highlight tones can be mixed by adding a lighter shade to the base color. This can be either white or yellow for warm tones.
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Painting Faces
The face is the most important part of the miniature. Its the one place that will naturally draw your eye, so its important to get it right. Highlighting and shading faces is the same as painting any other areayou just need to be a little more precise. Most miniatures need only a three-color technique of base coat, shade, and highlight, but for really special miniatures (such as commanders), you may want to add another couple of layers of highlighting. The shading coat can either be painted on or applied as a wash. I prefer a wash of chestnut ink for most troops, but I paint the shade color on characters to achieve a more subtle effect. Painting Eyes: Painting eyes is probably the first piece of detail painting that you will come acrossand the one that most people are terrified of. But its not really that hard; it just requires a good brush and some patience. The one thing to avoid is an eye that looks too open and staring. There are many different ways you can paint eyes, but the technique here is what I have always used to create shading around the eyes and ensure the miniature wont look too surprised. It looks great on everything from the most basic trooper to the best display miniature.
PAINTING A FACE STEP 1 Start with a mid-flesh tone for the base color, working to achieve a good even coverage.
PAINTING EYES STEP 1 Make sure that the eye sockets are properly shaded. The eyes will look more dramatic if the area round them is quite dark.
Washing
Washing is an incredibly handy technique and has more uses than drybrushing, as you can also apply it to a surface with only a subtle texture. To wash an area, thin the paint considerably, so that it runs off the raised areas and into the recesses thus providing shading. It really is as easy as that! There are a few things to watch for, though. Avoid flooding the miniature with paint, which fills in the detail and creates a mess. Just dab the brush onto the miniature; the thin wash will be drawn onto the surface. The more you practice, the better youll become at the technique. One problem with using acrylic paint for washing is that the more you thin the paint, the weaker the color becomes. Artists inks already have a thin consistency and contain quite intense pigments, making them ideal for washing. Undiluted colors are really strong, but you can further thin the ink to lessen the intensity.
DRYBRUSHING STEP 2 When the base coat is thoroughly dry, carefully flick a brush with a lighter tone across the surface of the miniature. The raised surfaces pick up the paint and create highlights.
PAINTING A FACE, SHADING Add a little chestnut brown to the base color and paint into the recesses to create shading. Shade the eye sockets, around the nose, under the lips, and along the hairline.
PAINTING EYES STEP 2 Paint the whole eye black. This isnt as hard as you might think, as the tip of a brush naturally forms this shape. Just make sure there isnt too much paint on the bristles.
DRYBRUSHING STEP 3 When the highlights are dry, you can create extra depth by adding a wash of a deeper tone.
PAINTING A FACE, HIGHLIGHTING Paint a lighter flesh tone onto the raised areas: the bridge of the nose, across the brows, and along the cheekbones and jawline.
PAINTING EYES STEP 3 Finally, paint a tiny white dot at either end of the eye. This can be tricky at first, but its easy once you get the hang of it. If you make a mistake, just touch over with black and try again.
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Ahmuts Legion
At first glance, this faction seems to offer the least scope for miniature paintingthere are only so many ways you can paint bones! In fact, Ahmuts Legion is more challenging than you might think. Of course, there are the undead skeletons and zombies, but there are many different ways you can treat bare bones and rotting flesh. Ahmuts forces also include living commanders, such as the Human Shadow Priest, and living worshipers of Nerull. The overall color scheme is suitably stark and striking: Black is the main color and contrasts strongly with pale bones and bleached skin.
7 HUMAN SHADOW PRIEST One of the best leaders available to Ahmuts Legion, the Human Shadow Priest is a must for every warband. With the strong contrast between the dark armor, blood-red cloth, and pale skin, it is sure to stand out from the ranks.
7 GALLOWSGAUNT The leathery appearance of the Gallowsgaunt comes from layering washes of thin dark brown and green over a white base coat. It is then further highlighted with additional layers of brown mixed with flesh tones and white.
7 GITH REVENANT The Gith Revenants paint scheme contrasts with the rest of Ahmuts Legion to emphasize its mysterious origins. The flesh is painted to look like a desiccated mummy, while the brass and copper tones of the armor hark back to an earlier time than the war-torn present.
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1 ORC RAGER
The Rager is a heavily muscled brute. His taut flesh provides a great opportunity for dramatic highlights.
1 ETTIN
The Ettin Trooper features large areas of flesh, unlike the small bits found on most models. The painting technique is thus quite different. The base color is very prevalent with fewer brightly contrasting highlights. Highlights are used to round out the muscle structure, with shadows painted darker to add more depth.
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7 DROW RANGER The Drow Rangers leatherwork offers some challenges. As a drow, the model should be dark, but so dark that it loses detail. The twotone quality pops out the brown nicely while maintaining an overall dark balance. Highlight sparingly to avoid harsh lines.
7 DROW WIZARD The Drow Wizards staff is a sinister-looking thing, painted accordingly. It started with a base coat of black, then was highlighted with brighter and brighter shades of gray to bring out details. Washing with dark brown ink gives it an unclean finish.
3 TROGLODYTE WARRIOR Even as a mere servant of Kilsek, the Troglodyte Warrior stands out among its masters. Since the armor is not of drow make, its colors can be more natural and less dark.
3 DISPLACER BEAST As the largest model in the Kilsek faction, the Displacer Beast is sure to draw attention. Even when painted in standard drow palette, it has a luminous, almost electric feel.
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3 DWARF ZEALOT The exposed, heavily muscled frame of the Zealot sets it apart from most of the dwarves. Painting the hair gray ties it in with the large amount of metal, giving the model a distinctly barbaric feel.
3 ICE PARAELEMENTAL For an icy look, add washes of light blue over a white base coat to build up pale shadows. Further white highlights evoke the gleam of the ice. Feel free to add even more highlights to imitate the reflection of sunlight.
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3 WEREWOLF TROOPER
Gray fur helps the Werewolf Trooper stand out nicely from the gnolls. Dark on the back with a pale belly, only the gray-brown flesh reveals the Werewolfs unnatural origins. The green blade ties the model into the colors of Naresh.
7 GNOLL MONK Natural fur colors contrast nicely with the alien flesh tones of the gnolls. The fur of the Gnoll Monk starts with a base coat of drab brown, drybrushed with yellow. A dark brown wash was applied liberally over the surface, enhanced with pale yellow and white highlights once dry. 1 ETTERCAP
The Ettercap continues the Naresh penchant for freaky critters. Its striped patterns are based on those found in real-world spiders. A good reference source can provide endless color schemes.
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1 HALF-DRAGON MAGE
To emphasize the silver dragon heritage of the Mage, its skin was painted with a base coat of pale gray. A blue wash over the dry paint adds metallic tints, with white highlights to bring out the surface detail.
1 CENTAUR TROOPER
A dynamic paint scheme can bring models to life. The Centaur Trooper was painted to give the impression of one complete creature rather than a human torso stacked onto a horses body. The dark skin color sets it nicely apart from the elves, while the warm accessory colors tie into Ravillas predominant look.
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3 THALISH CLAY GOLEM To get a convincing clay appearance, start with a gray base coat washed with several layers of green, brown, and dark gray for a mottled color, then highlight in a lighter gray followed by white. A blue sash ties the model neatly into the ranks of Thalos.
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Autumn Warband
Painted to resemble the changing leaves of autumn, this elven warband maintains a strong group dynamic. The models include a nice range of woodland creatures with the Centaur Trooper as the centerpiece. Additional modeling can be another very effective method of tying figures together. Simple model conversions give them details in common. The only conversion among the Autumn group is the leaf-covered bow of the Centaur, which links it nicely with the other elven bows. Another simple way to unify a warband is themed bases: The Autumn bases resemble a rocky forest floor and were left predominantly green to contrast with the warm colors of the models.
5 "AUTUMN" WARBAND
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THE BASICS
Before you get started building your own terrain, you should have a clear idea of what youre going to build. I suggest making a rough drawing of the terrain piece. You can keep it very simple, though more elaborate pieces will require greater detail. The drawing should be considered a guideline as you work rather than a blueprint. Be prepared to deviate from your original concept, making modifications as you go to solve unexpected problems or to add unplanned details. Once you have a picture of what you want to build, it is time to plan out how to proceed. Everything has to be done in stages. Generally you cannot move to a new stage until the previous stage is complete. On larger terrain pieces, though, you maybe able to work on several stages at once while waiting for various elements to dry or cure. Youll need to decide what materials to use. For instance, will you make your wall out of foam core sections or putty blocks? Try to keep your intended final product in mind when thinking about materials. Hard wood may make a more solid base than plastic card, but it will also be heavy and less easy to work with. Prepare a work space when you are ready to begin, laying out newspaper for messier projects. Make sure all your tools and materials are on hand where you can easily find them, and set up a fan to help speed dry times. It is also important to remember safety concerns. Make sure you have proper ventilation; some substances are toxic. Take care to avoid cutting toward yourself, work on a cutting mat, and always use sharp blades. Modeling becomes less fun when it involves an unexpected trip to the emergency room. The following sections explain how to construct three basic types of terrain: tree stands, low walls, and hills. These are some of the building blocks for more challenging projects. You can also combine different terrain features into one piece to add complexity lacking in card terrain. Why not cover a hill with trees or add ruins to your forest?
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Finishing Touches
There are several ways to proceed once you have constructed your tree stand. The easiest is to paint the base in a solid green or brown color. When the paint is dry, add a layer of flock over the base. Even if the flock wears away, the base coat will show through to fill the gaps. For greater durability, lightly spray the flock with a varnish that will help it stick. If you intend to paint the flocked base, you dont have to worry about applying a coat of paint before flocking. Just glue flock to the base and paint when dry. The surface detail added by the flock is easy to pick up with drybrushing. You can also add highlights to the trees themselves by drybrushing them with pale colors like white or light yellow. Blending these techniques produces a higher level of finish. Apply gritty flock to the base and paint like dirt or sand when dry. By adding grass flock to the edges you can create the appearance of earth showing through the grass. Additional details create the illusion of forest floor. Bits of bark look like fallen trees, twigs mimic tree stumps, and pebbles create a more realistic surface texture. Larger surface details, like bits of ruined walls, may be added even before the trees are glued down.
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Finishing Touches
Whatever method you chose to build the wall, let it dry thoroughly before you begin to paint. Paint the wall with grays and browns to create a stonelike effect. When the paint dries, add a dirty wash of thinned brown or black to make the finish more natural. Paint the base with solid brown or green; once the paint is dry, glue flock to the base. You can add pebbles, twigs, or other details to the base for a more natural look, just as with a tree stand.
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Finishing Touches
You can now shape the hill by cutting or sanding down any rough edges. It is also possible to blend techniques to create more interesting hills. You might roughly cut away portions of a smooth hill to create rocky areas showing through the grass, or sand down some rocky areas to create patches of vegetation. If you are building a hill with several layers, begin by gluing the layers together. Pin them together with toothpicks to keep them where you want them while the glue sets. Once the glue is dry, remove the toothpicks. When you have the shape you are looking for, brush on a couple of layers of glue to harden up the surface. (I usually add two or three coats.) Let the glue dry completely before applying the next coat. Hills hardened this way will stand more wear, and their surface will be easier to paint. There are several ways to finish your hill. For a rock or dirt surface, mix gritty flock to your last coat of glue. Once the glue is dry, paint the surface in natural colors to suit your tastes. For a grassy hill, lay down a base coat of green or brown paint over the last dry layer of glue. When the paint is dry, apply another layer of white glue and sprinkle flock over the surface. For a mix of textures, add gritty flock to the last coat of glue in the areas you want to keep rocky. Then paint the whole hill, adding grassy flock to the areas you wish to cover.
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LGLOSSARYR
Glossary
acid: A kind of energy (see energy). action: What a model does on its turn (including maneuver, stand, charge, rally, and so on.) activating models: Activating a model allows it to take a turn, and each model gets one turn during each round. Each model completes its turn, including any attacks, before the next model activates (even if you are activating multiple models). A round ends when all models have been activated. allied model: A model that is a member of your warband. Two allied models cannot attack each other. area spell: A spell that affects an area of the battlefield, not just models within an area. armor: A model statistic that determines how difficult a model is to hit. An enemy must roll this number or higher on an attack roll to hit the model. attack of opportunity: A single melee attack allowed by a model whenever an enemy model is in its threatened area and moves. A model may make only one attack of opportunity per round. A model must make an attack of opportunity when it has the chance. The exception to this rule is that a model can move toward the currently closest enemy model without drawing attacks of opportunity. away from: A model moves away from another model when it moves along the path that gets it as far away as it can get on its current turn. The model may not come closer to the model its moving away from. battlefield: The play area where warbands fight. beneficial spell: A spell that confers a desirable effect on the caster or an allied model. blinded: A blinded model does not have line of sight to any other model. A blinded models speed is divided by 2. If a blinded model has melee contact against an enemy model, it can attack, but with a miss chance. Most models gain a +3 bonus on their attack rolls when attacking a blinded model, provided that they can see it. blunt: An attack that does not deal double damage on a critical hit (see critical hit). A blunt weapon does, however, deal full damage to creatures with the Skeletal special ability. chain: A group of models each currently within 2 of at least one other model. If you are using the optional squad rules, you can simultaneously activate and issue orders to all models in a chain. charge: An action in which a model moves at full speed and in a straight line toward the nearest part of an enemy models base, then immediately makes an attack against that enemy model. cold: A kind of energy (see energy). command capacity: The total of the command ratings of all the on-faction commanders in a warband. The command capacity of your warband determines the number of crossfaction and wild troops the warband can contain. commander: A model with the Commander special ability. constrained: Unable to act freely. A constrained model cant attack, cast spells, make attacks of opportunity, grant the multiple attackers bonus to allied models, use optional special abilities, spend command points, or issue orders until after it has recovered. A constrained model does not have melee contact against any other model.
cost: A model statistic that determines how many points you must pay to have the model in your warband. cover: Terrain sometimes provides cover. This is a +4 bonus to the armor of any model targeted by a ranged attack if that attack crosses the terrain. This bonus applies only if the defending model is closer to the terrain than the attacking model is. critical hit: If an attack roll is a natural 20, the attack automatically succeeds. Additionally, the attacker makes another attack roll. If the second roll is successful, the defender takes double damage. Bonus damage from a special ability or spell is not doubled on a critical hit. Only living models are susceptible to critical hits, and blunt weapons dont score critical hits, but a natural 20 is still an automatic success. cross-faction model: A model whose faction is different from the warband its in, the commander issuing it an order, or the model to which it is issuing an order. d20: A twenty-sided die. Difficulty Class: The number that a model must meet or exceed with a save (d20 + its save statistic) for the save to be successful. electricity: A kind of energy (see energy). enemy model: A model that is a member of an opponents warband. energy: One of five kinds of damage (acid, cold, electricity, fire, and sonic). Certain creatures are able to resist, or are vulnerable to, some types of energy. entangled: An entangled model is unable to move. Each turn that it attempts to move, an entangled model must make a save. If it succeeds, it moves normally and is no longer entangled. If it fails, it cant move this turn. field: If you are using the optional pool rules, you field a warband of models selected from the pool. focus point: Typically the center of the battlefield. Certain scenarios and orders may change this standard. An out of command, nonwild model that is not aware of enemy models moves at full speed toward the focus point (if it moves at all). full speed: A model moving at full speed cant stop until it has moved twice its speed or until it has reached its destination. An out of command model that moves must move at full speed. get up: An action in which a model attempts a save (Difficulty Class 20) to recover from being knocked down. A model may take no other action on a turn in which it attempts to get up, whether it fails or succeeds. health: A model statistic that determines how much damage it takes to knock the model down. When the model takes damage, its health is reduced by that amount. When the models health drops to half, it must make a morale save to avoid routing. When the models health drops to 0, its knocked down. When the models health drops below 0, its destroyed and removed from play. impassable terrain: Terrain through which no movement is allowed. initiative: At the beginning of each round, each player rolls a d20 to see who has initiative. The player with the highest roll decides who goes first. If there are three or more players, the one who wins initiative also determines whether play will proceed to the right or to the left that round.
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LGLOSSARYR
in-reserve model: A single model that is in your warband only half the time and that costs half as much as normal (round up). The models normal cost cant be more than onetenth the point total of your warband. knocked down: A model whose health is reduced to 0 is knocked down. The only action that a model may take while knocked down is to get up. A knocked down model is constrained. level: A model statistic that indicates the models overall power. line of effect: Some terrain blocks line of effect. Line of effect is blocked when no line can be drawn between a special abilitys or spells point of origin to another models base without passing through the terrain. Melee attacks, ranged attacks, special abilities, and spells are blocked by terrain that blocks line of effect. line of sight: Some terrain, special abilities, and spells block line of sight. Line of sight affects which model counts as nearest, attacks, and commands. Line of sight is blocked if a straight line between the center of one models base to the center of another models base passes through the terrain. living model: Certain special abilities can only affect living models. Construct creatures and undead creatures are not living models. magic damage: A kind of damage that is not reduced by Damage Reduction 1. maneuver: An action in which a model moves up to its speed. It can then attack, cast a spell, take a special action, or move its speed a second time. measuring: Measure distances between models from the nearest parts of each base. melee attack: A model statistic that measures how good the model is in hand-to-hand combat. This term is also used for the act of making a melee attack (an attack against an enemy it has melee contact against). When the model makes a melee attack, add the models melee attack statistic to a d20 roll. If the resulting number is at least as high as the defenders armor, the attack is a hit. melee contact: A model has melee contact against another model if it can attack that other model. Usually, melee contact means base-to-base contact. The enemy model, therefore, usually has melee contact against yours when your model has melee contact against it. There are two exceptions to this general rule. First, some conditions prevent models from attacking; they therefore dont have melee contact against enemy models, even those theyre touching. A constrained model, for example, does not have melee contact against other models. Second, models with the Reach 1 special ability have melee contact against enemy models that are up to 1 away from them. Those enemy models, however, do not have melee contact against the model with Reach 1 unless they are in base-to-base contact (or have Reach 1 themselves). melee damage: A model statistic that indicates how much damage the model deals with a successful melee attack. This number is subtracted from the defending models health. morale save: A save that a model makes to avoid routing. It works like any other save. movement cost: Sometimes terrain costs inches to move into, within, or out of. A model must pay this cost if any of its movement for the turn is in the terrain. The distance the model travels is reduced by this amount. multiple attackers: A model gets a +2 bonus on its melee attack against an enemy model if two or more other hostile models have melee contact against that enemy model. name: A designation that identifies a model, such as Human Paladin. natural 1: A d20 roll that comes up 1, regardless of modifiers. This indicates an automatic failure. natural 20: A d20 roll that comes up 20, regardless of modifiers. This indicates an automatic success. nearest enemy model: The nearest enemy model is the one in line of sight (or proximity awareness) to which the path is shortest. Intervening terrain and/or models may play a role in determining the nearest enemy model. A knocked down enemy model doesnt count as the nearest enemy unless no other models do. offensive spell: A spell that causes damage or confers an undesirable effect on an opposing model. on-faction: A model that is the same faction of the warband its in, as the commander issuing it an order, or as the model to which it is issuing an order. out of command: A model is out of command if it is not a commander or independent troop and no commander spends a command point to put the model under command. The actions that an out of command model can take are limited. paralyzed: A paralyzed model is treated as knocked down and can make a save each round to get up (Difficulty Class 22). A paralyzed models health is irrelevant. An enemy model does not ignore paralyzed models the way it usually ignores knocked down models. Ranged attacks against paralyzed models gain a +4 bonus on the attack roll. point of origin: The point from which a special ability or spell emanates. This is usually the center of the base of the model using the ability or casting the spell. When a special ability or spell having a circular effect is centered on a model, the center of that models base is the point of origin. When a special ability or spell having a circular effect is centered on a point on the battlefield, that point is the point of origin. poisoned: A poisoned model is treated as knocked down and makes a save each round to get up. A poisoned models health is irrelevant. If a poisoned models health is 0 (or drops to 0), it is destroyed. pool: A group of models from which you create a warband to field. This is an optional rule. preparatory spell: After deployment, each spellcaster in a scouting players warband can cast one beneficial spell. (The spell cant change the positions of models.) The opposing players spellcasters must wait until the game begins to cast spells. proximity awareness: An out of command model that doesnt have line of sight to enemy models is aware of all enemy models within 6. For maneuvering, the nearest of these models counts as the nearest enemy model. rally: An action in which a model attempts to stop routing. On its turn, a routing model thats under command makes a morale save. If it succeeds, it does nothing else that turn but is no longer routing. If it fails, it moves at full speed toward the nearest battlefield edge. A model that leaves the battlefield is out of the game. Out-of-command models cant rally.
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ranged attack: A model statistic that measures how good the model is at attacking from a distance. This term also refers to the act of making a ranged attack (an attack against an enemy that is within line of sight and line of effect, and within the attacks range). Not all models can make ranged attacks. Ranged attacks work just like melee attacks. ranged damage: A model statistic that indicates how much damage the model deals with a successful ranged attack. This works just like melee damage. rating: A number that indicates the magnitude of a special ability or spells effect. For example, the +4 in Aura of Courage +4 is that special abilitys rating. round: A skirmish is played in rounds. A round ends when all models have taken their turns. routing: A condition in which a model moves at full speed away from an enemy model that caused it to fail a morale save (or, on subsequent turns, toward the nearest battlefield edge). A routing model is constrained. save: A model statistic that measures how easily a model avoids or survives certain hardships or special attacks. This term also refers to the act of attempting to avoid or survive the event. To make a save, add the models save statistic to a d20 roll. If the resulting number meets or exceeds the effects Difficulty Class, the save is a success. scouting check: A roll made to see which player chooses and places terrain first and decides who deploys first. Each player rolls a d20 and adds any bonuses from tactical advantage. scenario goal: A special rule of a scenario. An out of command model, other than wild troops, can maneuver toward the scenario goal even if enemy models are in line of sight (which is different from the rules for focus points). skirmish: A Chainmail battle. sleeping: A sleeping model is treated as knocked down, except that its health is irrelevant. Even if it rolls a natural 1 on its save to get up, a sleeping model is not destroyed. special damage: Damage, usually from a special ability or spell, that bypasses some defenses that protect against normal damage. speed: A model statistic that indicates how many inches the model can move in a turn and still be able to attack. It can move twice this far and attack if its charging. If its not charging, it can still move twice its speed if it does nothing else. spell level: The level of a spell determines which spellcasters have access to it and in what quantity. squad: A group of two to six models of the same name that you activate all at once on a given round. Once activated, each model in the squad takes the same basic action. To count as part of a squad, each model must be currently within 2 of at least one other model in the squad (forming a chain of models). This is an optional rule. stand: An action in which a model holds its position. It may then attack, cast a spell, or use a special ability, if possible. stunned: A stunned model is constrained. It cant take any action other than to stand (or get up if its knocked down). A stunned model cant rout and doesnt make morale saves. Other models get a +3 bonus on attack rolls against a stunned model. subtype: A models type sometimes includes a subtype in parentheses, such as (Dwarf ). tactical advantage: A scouting advantage gained by spending points left over from building a warband. For each point you spend, add +1 to your scouting check. terrain: Physical features and obstacles of the battlefield that affect game play. threatened area: The area within 1 of a model. If an enemy model is in a models threatened area and moves, the model makes an attack of opportunity against the enemy model. Exception: A model moving toward the currently closest enemy model does not provoke attacks of opportunity. toward: A model moves toward another model when it moves along the shortest path between them. This path might be indirect if the model has to skirt terrain that is impassable or that slows movement. touch attack: Some attacks and special abilities allow a model to ignore an opponents armor. The attacking model rolls to hit armor 11 instead of the opposing models actual armor. turn: A models turn ends when it has finished acting. If the model is subject to multiple effects at the end of its turn, the models player decides the order in which they occur. type: An indicator in a models statistics that describes its alignment (good, evil, or neutral) and its nature, such as animal, humanoid, or undead. under command: A model is under command if it is a commander or independent troop or if a commander issues an order to put it under command. Models that are under command have more options than models that are out of command. warband: The models and terrain that comprise a players forces on the battlefield. warlord: In a campaign, an on-faction commander with a cost of up to 30 points. No other commander in the warband can have more command points than the warlord.
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8 Template
4 Template
6 Template
2 Template
Cone Template