Battle for Varlislia - Campaign Rules Pack

Sides

The campaign has 12 players signed up, who have been divided into 6 factions:

The Tyranid Invasion

Matt (Deathwing Matt) – Tyranids

Aidan (CunningStunt) - Tyranids

The Green Tide

(EdSmasha) – Orks

(Talos) – Bad Moon Orks

Imperial Expeditionary Force

(Big Tom) – Sisters of Battle/Grey Knights

Ben (Dr Weir) – Ultramarines

Logan Grimnar’s Relief Force

(LPeterson) – Space Wolves

Craig (Mazberry) – Space Wolves

Forces of Chaos

Ian (Calmdown) -  Traitor Guard

(Dezul) - Blood Knights

Planetary Defence Force

Tom (Major Tom) - Guard

(Yargalt) - Guard

Army Composition

Players can use any Codex army list that is currently available for purchase from GW. In addition, Sisters of Battle may use the old Witchhunters Codex, and Grey Knight/Inquisition players may use the old Daemonhunters codex, should they choose to.

Players must stick with the same codex throughout the campaign. However, the lists for each game taken from the selected codex can be changed for each battle, as changes in scenarios and size limits are to be encouraged.

Models with official GW rules in Forge World publications may be used with your opponent(s) permission, in advance of the date of the battle. As some of these units may be unusual and not seen by other participants, the player using the model should bring the rules to the battle, so others know what they are up against.

Games and Scenarios

Players can play as many games as they would like each week; and should play at least one game per week. As there are an odd number of players, at least one person will need to play more than one game each week if everyone is to get a game.

For each game played, a battle report card should be submitted to me (template in Annex 1 of the pack). This will allow me to write campaign updates to be circulated to all players at the end of each week, and keep tabs on the progress of the campaign.

In weeks 5 and 6, there will be set narrative scenarios for the participants to play. In all other weeks, participants are free to choose whatever scenario they wish. This could be one of the generic scenarios from the rulebook, one designed by the players, from a GW publication or online, etc. As such, the points limits is to be agreed between each players. During weeks 1-3, I will suggest a theme for the games. These can be found below.

The only requirement is that both players are agreed on the scenario to be played in advance of the game.

During some weeks, some factions will be asked to fight a particular faction. A list of these weeks and challenges can be found below. 

Secret objectives

Each player will be emailed a secret objective to achieve in any battle in weeks 2 – 5. They should not be discussed with anyone except Matt (as GM) and the other member(s) of your faction.

Players that complete their secret objective within the timeframe will be given a bonus stratagem in the final game.

Weekly Cycle

The weekly turnaround will be tight. A game round will run for a fortnight, from Friday to the following Thursday, beginning Friday 3^rd February. At the end of each game week, I will compile the game reports I have received and develop the narrative based on the outcomes of the games played. Updates will go up on my blog (Ruins of Caliban, http://ruinsofcaliban.blogspot.com/), and the Cross Club Forum, before the close of play on the Sunday.

As the cycle is tight, players are advised to organise their battles for the following week well in advance.

Weeks

Week 1: Planetfall

Inquisitor Coteaz,  along with his Space Wolf and Ultramarine allies arrive at Varlislia. On planetfall, they are shocked to find a significant Chaos presence on the surface.

Challenges:

All 3 Imperial factions vs. All 3 Non-Imperial Factions

Suggested Scenarios/Armies: Planetstrike missions, and/or something with lots of Deep Striking.

Week 2

All 3 Imperial factions vs. All 3 Non-Imperial Factions

Suggested Scenarios: Capture objective missions

Week 3

All 3 Imperial factions vs. All 3 Non-Imperial Factions

Suggested Scenarios: Kill point based missions

Week 4: TBA!

Week 5: TBA!

Week 6: The Finale

There will be a big battle on Sunday (tbc) at St. Christopher’s Inn. When announced, please leave this date free so we can get everyone taking part in the conclusion to the campaign.

The format will be one big table with a large battle, with 2/3 other tables with games that will be done in tandem. The battles on the smaller tables will have an impact on the main table. The result of the game on the main table will determine the outcome of the campaign. As such, factions that are not doing well at the beginning of the campaign can still do well late on. Those who have done well early on will be rewarded with extra stratagems to give them an advance.

Sides will be chosen at the end of week 5, dependent upon which factions are winning and where the narrative has been impacted by game results.

Further details on the finale will be provided at the end of week 5 of the campaign.

Prizes

At the final game of the campaign, each participant will vote for the faction that has put the greatest enjoyment into the campaign. Votes should take into account a range of factors – painting, background to their army, quality of theme; sportsmanship etc. and not necessarily which faction has won the most games. Individuals will not be able to vote for their own faction.

The winning faction will share approx £60 in Dark Sphere vouchers. The committee has kindly agreement to match any prize pot we generate ourselves. As such, each participant pays £2.50 to enter to help fund this prize.