A few years ago, shortly after 5^th edition was released in fact, I decided, along with my longtime friend and fellow blogger Alex (he goes by Dictator), that we were going to revamp the Kill Team rules.  Thus began a fun little project.  I wrote a basic set of rules up, we played them, liked them and then published them in the first issue of The Astro Mag.  I didn’t receive much response from them so I let them sit for awhile before, out of the blue, receiving a bunch of emails asking if I was planning on revamping the rules at all.  This newfound interest got me excited so I set out to redo them and turned to my Wargaming group at my college.  We play tested them a few times, found holes and patched them right up, and then published the new set in Issue 3 of The Astro Mag which received a lot more positive feedback.  Fast forward over one year later and here I am, again, looking to improve upon this little project I undertook.  This time, however, I want to go big.  I want to make a comprehensive rule-set (not too complicated though, I want a new player to be able to come by, read through the rules and get playing immediately with very few questions).  However, there is a huge part that needs looking at and they’re the potential loop-holes or problems with the rules.  This is why I am turning to you, From the Warp blogging community!  All I am asking is if you could take the time to read over the rules, offer suggestions, improvements, possibly playtest them with a buddy (the games are quite short, but are very enjoyable!) and then email me at terranforge@gmail.com.  As I said, I’m looking for suggestions and improvements or, if you think you have a good idea that could be included, shoot it by me as I’m all ears!

Now, why would you want to play Kill Team let alone help out somebody you’ve never met revise them?  Well, for one, I know many of us have friends who have looked at getting into the hobby but find it too cost or time prohibitive to play.  These Kill Team rules are a perfect remedy.  You don’t need many points for them at all (directly resulting in saved money) and the games are quick.  Alex and I have packed ten or so games into an hour, for example.  The games require little space and just a basic understating of the 40k rules but are guaranteed to be fun.  Not only that, but I have found myself wanting to paint up a mini especially for these Kill Team rules just so I could have a cool, fun looking force to play with when I’m hanging out with friends on the weekend.  And that’s the other kicker, you need little to no planning for these games whatsoever.  With a regular 40k game you need to set aside at least two hours to play, plus you need to pack up your entire army and create a list which can be an absolute pain.  With Kill Team, all you really need are a handful of models and maybe 10-20 minutes of free-time and you got yourself a fun little game to play.

Of course, as most of you probably know, Games Workshop released a great supplemental book called “Battle Missions” where rules for a Kill Team are already outlined.  However, they are much different in their play style than the rules I have created (and, as I’ve already mentioned, intend to improve upon).  The Battle Mission rules allow for a similar style of game (few units, quick gameplay) however the situations do not vary.  As you will see, the rules published in The Astro Mag have great variations on what can happen in the game and the environment plays a pretty big role.  This idea, that of bringing environmental effects into gameplay, is a very interesting one for me and is why I included them in the rules to begin with.  Instead of only having to worry whether or not your enemy can see you, you will also have to position yourself so the world you are in does not inflict any casualties on your army.  I feel it brings a new level of tactical gameplay onto the battlefield and is just one small reason my Kill Team rules differ from the ones laid out in the Battle Missions book.

That said, I would like to let you know that I will also be changing the name from “Kill Team” to something else and am entirely up for suggestions!  Two that have come up already are “Fire Team” “Strike Force” so feel free to shoot me an email with suggestions on that as well!

The benefit Kill Team has to 5^th edition, too, is that (at least here in the US) we’re all so used to playing at high points levels.  We are forced to think about the synergetic effects of one unit with another and never get to think about the awesomeness of a single marine storming a bunker with nothing but a bolter and a grenade.  We never get to think about the heroic acts we so frequently read about in the compelling (though sometimes terrible) Black Library novels.  Kill Team addresses this.  You get to have your heroes.  You get to have your impossible situations that your small little squad is forced to overcome.  It’s a farcry from what we’re all used to and is most definitely a nice relief from the constant thought of lists and unit synergy and what have you.  Not to mention that this type of stuff, while written for the purpose of fun, can be a cool thing to have a tourney over.  Because of the short (in time) nature of this game you can have many rounds and many scenarios where you will never face the same thing twice even if the armies are exactly the same.  It’s almost RPGish, when it comes down to it.  A beautiful little sub-ruleset that adds to allure of 40k.

Now, it may not be much but it’s something, I will put the names and blog links (if applicable) to anyone who submits any suggestions or what have you in the Kill Team Rules.  This will be posted as a standalone release and it will be published in a future Issue of The Astro Mag which sees about 8000-11000 downloads an issue so you’ll get a decent amount of exposure for your blog.  Also, if you’re interested in sending in pictures of your models or artwork just send me an email so when I start the rewrite I can email you back letting you know what I’ll need.  Again, everything would be appropriately accredited.  My email is terranforge@gmail.com and I hope I can get a few of you wonderful bloggers out there to help make this little project into a great, fun set of rules for all to enjoy!  You can also follow the progress of this project at my blog, http://terranforge.blogspot.com or on my twitter account at http://twitter.com/KevinMCTF.

The current set of rules can be downloaded from this link http://www.box.net/shared/fgx77x8af7

-Kevin aka “Arkaedin”

First place was Gregory with his Lucius model.  A great conversion with an appropriate paintjob was what vaulted this entry into first place (and $50 from Miniwargaming!)

In Second place and winner of $35 from Miniwargaming is Caleb’s Tyranid Wyvern:

The Deadline for Issue 6 articles is on the 18th, so make sure you get them in!

-Kevin

-Kevin

Here it is, our quarterly issue-themed contest.  Seeing as how Issue 6 revolves around a Pre-Heresy theme, we decided why not have a contest in the same vein?  However, when most people think “Pre-Heresy” they think Primarchs and the original 18 Legions, but there is so much more…

Rules: Create a model that would be found in the 31^st Millennium. This could be a Pre-Heresy Space Marine, an alien race that was expunged during the Great Crusade, or whatever your creative mind can come up with! You must convert, paint and create a short piece of fluff that describes what/who your creation is and their place in the 31^st Millennium. This is a very open competition and is only restricted to the Pre-Heresy time-period.

Judging: The competition will be judged as follows:

Conversion (20 points) – Judges will be looking for creativity, posing and originality. This is the most important part of the competition so it is wise to include a picture of the unpainted model as well so it is easier to tell the amount of work you put into it (which a spiffy paint job can cover up).

Painting (10 points) – Pretty self explanatory, judges will look for good (and appropriate) paintjobs! By appropriate we mean if you paint your Pre-Heresy Blood Angel Blue with Pink shoulder pads, don’t expect many points.

Prizes: Thanks to Matt at miniwargaming.com for donating gift certificates to their awesome store!

Amounts will be $50 for first place, $25 for second and $10 for third!

So how do you enter?  Simple.  Send us an email at theastromag@gmail.com with “contest” in the subject line by midnight October 5th.  All you need to include is a short (2-5 sentences) summary of what your entry is and how it pertains to the 31st Millennium and some pictures showing your model before it was painted and after.  If you would like to include a list of bitz used or whatever, feel free.  It will probably help the judges figure out how converted it actually is so it wouldn’t hurt!  The three winners will be featured in Issue 6 of the mag and all entries will be featured on the blog.  The prizes are pretty awesome, so it’s worth a shot!
Good luck everyone, and I look forward to your entries!

Thanks everyone and I hope your summers are going great so far (and those in the Southern Hemisphere, I hope you’re enjoying your winter!)

-Kevin

Congratulations guys, all very well deserved! Now you probably want to know what you won, huh?

Teh_Frm4terer will receive a $50 voucher to a 40k store of his choice, an Epic Warlord Titan, and will be included in Issue 5 of the Astro Mag!
Farskit will receive a $35 voucher to a 40k store of his choice and inclusion in Issue 5 of the Astro Mag!
Akenseth will be included in Issue 5 of the Astro Mag!

It was a pretty tough competition, but all of the judges agreed that these three stood out on top. All entries have been compiled and are available as a single download here. The order they are in is the order in which they placed. Now, onto the scores….

Lamachand Sonic Tank Formation: 139/150 points

Comments: Save for a minor overlap in text, this sheet has a very nice introduction segment. It was about time somebody slapped some sonic weaponry on a Chaos Predator. Great job on all the extra details like the vehicle names, campaign example and actual converted sonic tanks!

This is a rather formidable formation, which also forces you as a player to make a more themed force. Something which, in my book, can only be seen as a good thing. As you’re also forced to keep them close together, you really have to protect them to get the most out of their destructive capabilities. But when you keep them in one piece (thank you commander tank), they promise to unleash a cacophony of sheer madness unto the battlefield I would very much like to see. This sheet really stands out for me, along with several others, due to its ability to get me excited about the possibility of trying it out during an actual Apocalypse game.

Tomb Stalker: 137/150 points

Comments: I knew we hadn’t seen the last of this monstrous walker when report of the Necron’s advancements stopped coming from the Medusa warzone. I’m extremely pleased to see a well-thought-through sheet for this monster. Fun to use, interesting rules which are truly in character with the Necrons really make this one stand out for me. In fact the only challenge would be to make this thing, a project I’m certain somebody will eventually pick up and shock all of us with.

Save for a few grammatical issues (raise should probably be rise, ready to, while tending) you’ve written a very entertaining introduction for both fans and newcomers to the Medusa menace. The cold, methodical and above all motionless method of warfare employed by the servants of the C’tan has been captured quite well. Nice job on the picture as well, a very intimidating machine isn’t it. Though making it that big would turn it into a somewhat easier to hit target

I like how you’ve given the Stalker an extra choice for the blaster or titan close combat weapon, very reminiscent of its smaller cousin the tomb spider. The crystal matrix is very fun and pratical a well, making the use of the Stalker somewhat of a micro-management unit. In a good way of course! You can make it faster to make use of that extra titan weapon, increase it fire output, repair it when things get dicy or use it supportively to keep your other Necron forces alive. It just seems like a ton of fun to play with and against a unit like this. Its abilities, firepower and point cost also put it on par with many other titanesque units. This should result in some interesting titan duals and finally gives the Necrons something bigger to stomp around with as well!

Eldar Storm Serpent: 133/150 points

Comments: A very inventive, a characterful idea here. It really befits the Eldar to go to such lengths as to create a fully mobile Wraithgate carrier! What I particularly like is how its ability to bring in troops isn’t overpowered, while still effective enough to provide game play very in character with the Eldar war philosophy as well as constantly forcing your opponent to re-think his or her strategy.

It’s a very clean idea, pulled of very effectively. And with a stunning picture to adorn the sheet as well, very impressive work!

Magnus: 124/150 points

Comments: Magnus, Magnus, Magnus, you poor misguided sorcerer As I’ve already noted on the forum, I really like the use of Sauron’s excellent model as the basis for the one-eyed master of the planet of sorcerers. Clearly he doesn’t need much more introduction than the few sentences the sheet starts with. There will undoubtedly be people who will say that (Chaos) primarchs don’t even have a place in Apocalypse games, I am not one of those and am as such glad you choose to write a sheet for him!

Though no pushover in combat, it is very nice to see that the focus of Magnus is (as it should be) the used of Psychic Powers. And his special powers certainly make him the focal point of any fighting on the table. This guy has enough power to disrupt the enemy in a matter of two turns.

There are a few small things I am wondering about though. First of the minor incompatibility between Magnus’ powers and his retinue, shouldn’t all the sorcerers of his kabal have wings (or a jump pack as well)? Or can he move around separately, while still sacrificing then for the bigger, more fun powers? Secondly I assume they should all have the mark of Tzeentch as well, or can they be mixed. This would definitely make it a more challenging unit to field and combat. Thirdly the sentences of the intro could be cut up a tiny bit more, the second sentence in particular. And finally it may be fun to extend the Hatred (Preferred Enemy I assume) to include any units lead by Ahriman? I find it very difficult to judge the point value of this guy, at first glance I’d even say he’s underpriced. But let’s not forget that, at the very least, he forces the player to spend another, whopping 800 points to get the minimum required retinue size. So at a starting price of 1300, this can definitely be called an Apocalyptic formation!

Terminus Engine Malleus: 118/150

Comments: A fun adaptation of the Terminus Engine and for a force that really needs some love – the Inquisition.

While the ‘normal’ Engine is more suitable for deployment besides all Imperial Forces, the Malleus version seems extremely suitable for those very themed battles. I’d love to see a couple of these taking on a full blown daemonic infestation!

Chaos Steed of the Apocalypse: 112/150

Comments: First of the very cool conversion immediately caught my eye, that thing is huge! I really like how you’ve gone somewhat down the path of the Eldar Bright Stallion, it is really fitting for an over-sized, super-charged Defiler. It really does make for a great addition to a Chaos Undivided force, without resorting to the use of daemons. The lance in particular, both in rules and in combination with its arms is quite inventive. I can really imagine this possessed vehicle wielding the lance as if it were truly alive.

In fact, the only really issue I have with this titan hunter is its selection of ranged weaponry. As it was clearly envisioned to be charged headlong into enemy titans, its broad selection of very effective ranged weaponry may have some unscrupulous players just holding it back as a mobile firing platform. Personally I would have reduced the number of weapons, though the range to choose from it quite good.

Harrierstorm Gunboat: 109/150

Comments: The name had me thinking about Vietnam-styled boat which would go great with my old Catachans. Instead we have a new addition to the Imperial Navy, with its large crew and varied battle roles the Harrierstorm is certain to see a lot of action in a vast range of different armies. Unlike the Valkyrie and Vulture, this vessel is bound to provide entertainment throughout an entire game and on varies fronts. That and it really does fit the bill at 1100 points, 3 structure points and 2 void shields!

Terminus Engine: 109/150

Comments: Very nice to see several datasheet tie in together, with some Inquisition flavor to them no less. The Inquisition is very much underrepresented in Apocalypse, so some extra stuff or even mention them more will help tie all the different factions of the Imperium’s warmachine much better together. I could be wrong, but it seems there are bits from every plastic ever created in that conversion. It is so outlandish, one can not help but love it.

Adeptus Sororitas Proclaimer: 107/150

Comments: Well these gals certainly stand out on the design side of things and they look very cool as well. So extra points for the beautifully converted minis! These monsters are certain to attract quite a bit of anti-vehicle fire as they have the potential to cut through most infantry units with easy.

ELR Light Tank: 102/150

Comments: Well first of this is a very amusing look at resource management in the Guard. It isn’t hard to imagine that their command structure would commission this lighter, more vulnerable tank just in order to get more armour into the field. I’d love to see these in action on a large battlefield which has numerous water features. Sure they may pop when a titan looks at them, but they would provide a very interesting tactical challenge to both face and use in games that focus more on vehicles and infantry.

While the sheet’s introduction could do with some minor grammar checking and perhaps some rephrasing here and there, you (whomever you may be ) have created a clean, simple, but above all fun to field formation datasheet. Only a single question remains for me, how feasible would it be to build a battle squad like this? I ask this mainly because each ‘battle’ tank requires a chimera hull and a Russ turret and GW no longer sells separate sprues. Ah well, who am I kidding, Ebay or some DIY plasticard work will do wonders as well!

Death Strike Missile: 88/150

Comments: Looks like the ‘normal’ Death-Strike missile has an older, more Apocalyptic brother! This carrier should be a ton of fun to play, even if the launch fails it will have a huge impact on your game. A bit more background story to differentiate it from the normal Death-Strike would have been fun, but it works pretty well just like this.

Valjeron Smoke Reapers: 88/150

Comments: First of nice name for the unit, really fits well with those elitist Stormtroopers. It does seem a bit odd that those smoke bombs are actually able to do such considerable damage. I’m assuming that the resulting chaos of not passing the Ld test will result in a ton of friendly fire. Heck, that actually makes a whole lot of sense. Especially in the madness of an Apocalypse game!

Using this force, one-shot as it may be, is bound to create some very interesting game time. They suddenly show up, confuse the hell out of enemy infantry on the ground. Who after getting some air in their long again, not only find they were shooting at their allies, but are now faced with elite troops ready to pounce on them.

Slycker Wolf: 85/150

Comments: Urlock Gaur really has a talent for bringing together the nastier kind of mercs and troops doesn’t he I’m very pleased to see at least one character datasheet in all these great entries. For me there’s just something special about adding a character to an Apocalypse game, especially one with a history like Wolf.

Wolf sounds like a very fun enemy to play against, he really has that nemesis feel of a super villain that just won’t die. His ability to take on any kind of loyalist and traitor tank also adds to his feel and versatility. Price of failure may turn out to be a much unused rule as in Apocalypse there’s always something to shoot at and tanks have a very decent chance do doing at least some damage. And if they don’t they will have to pay the price! One thing though, how would it work on say the first turn where it is quite possible for some tanks to be without a target?

High Speed Biker: 68/150

Comments: The fluff section seems a bit rushed to me, it could do with a quick grammar check. The idea of dedicated homing beacon infiltrators is great though. It would make sense that the same experts would be entrusted with this kind of job, time after time.

In regards to their beacon activation rule, would this be done in a similar fashion as a scout biker’s location beacon? And would the High Speed Bikers be allowed to drop of multiple beacons, this as each of them is carrying one. The rest of the rules are great, you really have to floor it to get the most out of them!

And now for an Astro Mag update: The article deadline will be extended TWO FULL WEEKS to July 4th so get those entries in!!

-Kevin

-Kevin

Do you have a cool article idea but don’t have the time or means to see it through?  Then post it in a comment!  The more ideas the better, right?!

On that note, I am happy to announce that Consadine of Astronomican and Imperial-Literature will be taking the reigns as layout editor and AgnosticGod from Astronomican will be in charge of layout design.  The mag will have a much cleaner and consistent look, which is great news!

A bit off topic now: only 11 days until the Datasheet Competition is coming to a close so get your entries in! You wouldn’t want to miss out would you?

-Kevin