40K OSR? (2)

This is 40K. What's an OSR? Maybe an Old School Renaissance, maybe an Other School Renaissance, maybe an Optional School Renaissance, maybe something else.

Loquacious posted on the D&D OSR earlier today. Go read. Some passages:

... these guys ... are helping the roleplaying/gaming community simply by having discussions. ... The OSR guys know their stuff, they like to talk about it, and in general, help grow a cottage industry when no one else is doing it. ... Being passionate about what you do, and getting others to join in - whether to agree or find fault- is something we as gamers could do more; and benefit greatly.

Not quite a manifesto, but very nearly, and great encouragement to engage.

Before we get to this week proper, if you haven't seen it, the discussion carried on at last week's post, on a DIY ruleset and the potential in Rogue Trader, i.e. first edition.

There was an update 1.5 on Monday too, here, with a link to the Tales from the Maelstrom battle report using RT rules, and Warp Signal's post on motivation.

Here we go then. Not so much in the way of rules this week, but lots of ideas and discussion. The bold links I recommend at least browsing.

• More support for Killzone in this post at Wolves for the Wolf God, with plenty of info if you'd like to know more, and even video of Brian's AdeptiCon tables.

• Big Jim introduces the second part of the review of the Soul Reapers Fandex by The 11th Company podcast.

• On the modelling front Rictus at Recalcitrant Daze is building a weirdboy tower, blending the early '90s Epic-scale with the new junkyard style.

• Still on minis, Colonel Kane left an interesting comment at a post here not directly related to 40K, re using other models in the game, names and all.

• On the subject of outside influences, at Warp Signal there's an overview of the role of 2000 AD in shaping 40K, the third post in a great series.

• Linked with that earlier Warp Signal post, on motivation, this post at Dark Future Games might be interesting. Old School Terminator asked for readers' 40K gaming histories and got a great response. A trip down memory lanes.

• Also, GMort wondered here at House of Paincakes what might be wrong with fifth edition, and the responses cover a lot of ground.

• Still can't stop thinking about Squats and/or Demiurg? Gyro at Mik' Minis gives us an update on progress with his Squat army, full of classic models.

• If you're after a newer look, more Demiurg, the Ulkans at pegaminidesign are for you, and this one has been partially painted up. Could GW top this?

• Re Warhammer, but still interesting, Shawn Gately at Blue Table Painting mentioned a proposal put at two of the forums, for a net standard rules adjustment. I'll try to find out what's going on with that and update. The Codex Project is an existing approach for 40K of course.

• If we're doing WFB, the Fimir project at Mr Saturday's Mumblings is coming along very well. That's right Fimir.

If I've missed anything, just say so in the comments, and leave any links you think are relevant. If you think anything should be said, just get it out. I'm just trying to help things, but I'm making no claim to any kind of leadership. The discussion at last week's post got to future direction, and for me it looks, and should be, completely open.

My first rules contribution is due on Sunday, the first of a series of guest posts at Roll With It. It's quite small, about as small as could be in fact, a variation on a familiar face often overlooked. Also, if you're having trouble getting excited these days, my first post there tried to get the sparks flying, and ought to be good for an idea or two.

Okay, I'm done - your time. Anything and everything very welcome.

Update: The Warhammer rules adjustment comment at Yes, The Truth Hurts is here,
             one up from the bottom; no response yet. I haven't found it at Beasts of War.

Update: Lantz has just put out a call at Miniature Wargame Conversions for writers
             and artists to help detail the Adeptus Mechanicus and Sons of Horus projects.

Update: Auberon at Digital Waaagh! has put up the latest interview, with Gav Thorpe.

_

Plan B: Killzone Secondary Objectives

Listen up, you lot. I take it you've all heard of b.smoove. Iron fist at A Gentleman's Ones. One of the masterminds behind Special Operations: Killzone. That's right, Killzone. Jobs like that don't finish themselves.

He's at a key location this weekend, running exercises. Keen eyes will spot him in this video, moving up at 12:18-12:37, hugging the terrain, and pulling out at 13:12-13:35.

Eyes back on me. Right. Open your files. That's the new pdf for Killzone, a selection of the best secondary objective and fate cards available. Twenty-six in all, picked out by a crack team. Two of the 13 secondary objectives are based on ideas I submitted, Beacon Transmitter and Lead from the Front. That's right: two. Watch and learn, rookies.

But I'm no glory hog - that's the crux. We have a problem, and maybe no one else can help. I submitted more than two. They couldn't use them all. Maybe. It's a blemish...

Five rejects then. Your mission: tighten them up. Do what it takes so they make the grade. Make them tough. Killzone players are the creme de la creme. They can take it.

Better still, suggest new, adapt them. The idea is to think outside the box, go beyond simple combat mechanisms, killing. That's getting old, and not before time...

I'll retire, dust the medals...

Survey

The region is unexplored and has the potential to harbour precious flora and fauna. Secure the area and allow scientific teams to collect.

If a Team Member finishes the game closer than an enemy model to any one table edge, you gain 5 Mission Points. You may gain a maximum of 10 Mission Points in this way.

Inbound

A supply transport is inbound and arrival is imminent. A landing zone must be cleared.

If at least one Team Member finishes the game in contact with the table surface, but at least 12" from any and all terrain pieces, you gain 10 Mission Points. If less than 12", but at least 6", you gain 5 Mission Points.

Sacred rite

The time for supplication is near, to clear the mind and strengthen the arm. Perform the rituals. 

If at the beginning of any one of your turns at least three Team Members may be covered or partially covered by a blast marker, you gain 5 Mission Points. If in the subsequent turn, the same models remain covered or partially covered, you gain an additional 5 Mission Points.

Underground

An extensive subterranean network is known to exist in this area, and may be of great strategic value. Enter and begin the exploration.

If you remove any one Team Member from play at the start of your third turn, you gain 10 Mission Points. If you remove this model at the start of your fourth turn, you gain 5 Mission Points. This model must be removed before any other action is taken in the turn. It does not count as killed.

Non-combatants

Innocent civilians have been caught up in the fighting. They are taking shelter and must be protected. 

If at the end of the game three different terrain pieces each have a Team Member closer than an enemy model, you gain 5 Mission Points. If four or more terrain pieces, you gain 10 Mission Points.

If you haven't yet, you can download Killzone for free via the graphic above the blogrolls.

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