First Command Wargames | 18 Nov 2014 5:53 p.m. PST |
We've been playtesting them for more than four years at cons and in our weekly game sessions, and now they're finally available. "For Queen and Planet: The Imperial Wars of Earth and Mars, 1845-1930" is a set of mass-battle, colonial rules with a Victorian SciFi add-on for those who dabble in both periods. Each player controls a number of units of roughly half battalion size, typically 3-5 in our games. Rules are easy to learn and teach. We kept tweaking the sequence of play until we were happy with how everybody stayed involved. The game mechanics are simple -- a unit attempting to roll less than its fire or melee factor on 2d6 to cause casualties to enemy units. Players can essentially run the game with one two-sided chart to double-check modifiers to shooting or melee. Morale is similarly straight forward. Rules are available as a PDF download on Wargame Vault (print on demand will be ready to go soon). Our First Command website also has a battle report or two for you to check out if you're interested. Purchase the rules here: link First Command Website: firstcommandwargames.com Feel free to ask any questions about them, too! Mike Demana First Command Wargames This our first solo release as First Command Wargames. |
First Command Wargames | 18 Nov 2014 6:11 p.m. PST |
Oops…forgot to mention the price! $7.70 USD for PDF download |
cloudcaptain | 18 Nov 2014 6:46 p.m. PST |
What is basing like? Are units organized in army lists or do you have templates like "colonial regulars" and "native spearmen"? Are there rules for ponderous pseudo-scientific contraptions? |
tleegraves | 18 Nov 2014 9:19 p.m. PST |
Basing is 40x40 mm for 15/18mm miniatures. The game balances the masses of native troops by having five-figure native 'warband' stands (each figure represents 50 troops) vs 2 figure line infantry stands. So eight stands across two units make up a typical colonial battalion. There are unit lists for troops, as you suggested, with templates such as Colonial Line Infantry, Colonial Cavalry, Colonial-lead artillery (Sikhs, Egyptians, etc), Native Warband or Jehadia, etc. There are rules for VSF vehicles, flyers and War Machines. So you will be able to field any mechanical contraptions that you might desire. It also allows you to field colonial era 'historical' machines like river steamers mounting cannon or gatlings as war machines. The For Queen and Planet rules are absolutely solid, time tested and designed to be fast, furious and fun. |
Mute Bystander | 19 Nov 2014 5:22 a.m. PST |
from web site: This rule set includes: All rules necessary to play either a colonial or VSF version of the game. An alternative timeline for VSF genre play. Unit lists detailing British, British-colonial, Ansar, Beja and Cephalopod forces. A nine-scenario campaign that will allow you to play your way through the Mahdi's initial rebellion against Egyptian garrison forces all the way through to the siege of Khartoum. Comment: Sadly too limited at this point, if/when you expand the coverage then I would reconsider. A blank unit command sheet. |
tleegraves | 19 Nov 2014 6:48 a.m. PST |
Fear not! The 1901 Mars Punitive Expedition is scheduled for an early December release. Boxer Rebellion for early January release. To be followed in the future with: American Civil War Provocateur! (Martian hell-raising around the globe!) and The Great War (of the Worlds) WWI spanning the solar system. |
Zargon | 19 Nov 2014 12:58 p.m. PST |
So good for 15/18mm? Is it workable in 25/28mm? Cheers |
PzGeneral | 19 Nov 2014 2:29 p.m. PST |
Hello Mike. I have my figs based 4 bases per Anglo-Egyptian unit, 1 big "Mob" base for the Mahdi forces. Will this basing work? Thanks, Dave |
tleegraves | 19 Nov 2014 5:35 p.m. PST |
For 25/28 mm use 60x60 mm bases and increase movement and firing ranges by 50%. Tom |
tleegraves | 19 Nov 2014 5:39 p.m. PST |
Beja and Ansar can have War band units with up to five stands per unit, with five figures on each stand (1250 warriors). This gives the mob feel to the native troops. Tom |
tleegraves | 19 Nov 2014 5:42 p.m. PST |
@PzGeneral, not sure how many figs you have on your big 'mob base', but if you are even close to the suggested basing, I would go with it and try out the rules. Tom |
PzGeneral | 19 Nov 2014 7:32 p.m. PST |
Ordered. I'll look them over and try them out ASAP. Dave |
Mute Bystander | 19 Nov 2014 8:20 p.m. PST |
"Fear not! The 1901 Mars Punitive Expedition is scheduled for an early December release. Boxer Rebellion for early January release. To be followed in the future with: American Civil War Provocateur! (Martian hell-raising around the globe!) and The Great War (of the Worlds) WWI spanning the solar system." Well, I am more interested in "Carson on Venus" settings and (VSF) Colonial Wars on Venus type scenarios. But I can create a linkage between the Boxers and Venus I am sure. The other parts… so far not making my wallet nervous. Other war gamers should love this… Edit: I may try going this route: link The Colonial War: Lemuria rules look like a possibility. |
First Command Wargames | 19 Nov 2014 9:04 p.m. PST |
By the way, Tom is the author of the rules. So, he's the authority. I created our French & Indian War rules set. That said, units are very "template-based." So, by examining the army lists, you can create your spin on the troop types and tailor your VSF universe to your liking. Thanks for the support, folks! Mike Demana firstcommandwargames.com |
tleegraves | 17 Dec 2014 10:35 a.m. PST |
First Command Wargames, publisher of 'For Queen and Planet – The Imperial Wars of Earth and Mars – 1845 – 1930', releases its first supplement for the rule set. The Martian Punitive Expedition – 1901 is a pure Victorian Science Fiction supplement for the Core Rules. Set in 1901 on Barsoomian Mars, this supplement presents eight scenarios to allow you to play the initial encounters between Terrans and Martians through to the final destruction of the Expedition. Battle with and against fierce Green Barbarians, Black Martian Pirates and Red Imperials wielding forerunner weaponry! You can purchase this supplement and the required core rules on Wargames Vault at: link or check out our Facebook page: link or the First Command Wargames website: firstcommandwargames.com |