Starting today, TVAG now offers the TSATF and 800FE Variable Terrain Effects Deck, adding a new layer of challenge and opportunity to your tabletop actions with either of these classic rulesets.
Instead of one rule in either game to describe the effects of all terrain on movement, cover and visibility, now with the flip of a card, even more excitement and suspense enters the game.
Since when in foreign lands, often tropical, is every stretch of jungle, or hillside, desert, swamp, track, etc., identical in difficulty to cross, or see into, or through, or provide the same cover from fire? And why does every creek, stream, or even river have the same conveniently firm bottom that makes crossing speed predictable?
The Variable Terrain Effects Deck now gives players the hope that a given area of terrain might be easier to march through, but also the risk that it's tougher than it looks!
Suddenly, the use of scouts to recon the ground ahead takes on new importance, not merely to spot the enemy, but to make sure of the ground you might meet him on.
And life for the Games Masters who host tabletop games definitely gets easier. Now, they can layout such trees, hills, and other miniature terrain features, as they have without having to suggest just how "thick" the forest is, or any other hints suggesting the degree of difficulty.
When first entering a terrain feature, the British/Imperial Player will draw an appropriate terrain card type-forest/jungle, one of three types of water hazards, swamps, sand/beach, rough ground, or track—and read its effects, from a walk in the park to practically impassable. A simple printed marker (provided for all types), with the number of the card drawn and the terrain type is placed at the entry point for future reference, and it's as easy as that!
There are 48 individual Terrain Effects Cards, six each of the eight types, plus 14 cards on which are printed six numbered markers with the names of the terrain types on the opposite sides, plus one card with instructions for use. The markers are cut out for use in play and may be stored in the same plastic re-closeable bag the deck arrives in.
When released, the Deck will retail for $10.00 USD, plus postage, but during this Subscription, they are available for only $7.00 USD each, plus $6.00 USD for Domestic Priority Mail. For Overseas, Canada, and Mexico, customers have the choice of Priority Mail ($26.00 USD), or a much lower, (but much slower and somewhat riskier) First Class rate of $9.00 USD.
As usual, the "Buy Four Decks And Get A Fifth Of Your Choice Free" deal still applies, and in this case, the Free Deck will be the new one! However, also as usual, you must request the Deal when placing your order! The Priority Mail rate will cover the mailing cost of up to five additional Game Decks of any type, while First Class will necessarily increase a few dollars for each additional Game Deck ordered.
To reserve your own copies, simply email TVAG@att.net and ask your name be added to the appropriate list for Subscription. No Payment is necessary until called for. This Sub will not itself be listed at TVAG, but only here and elsewhere.
The Subscription ends at Midnight (CST), Sunday, 7th October 2014. After that, payment will be requested, and may be made via PayPal or personal check/money order made payable to Patrick R. Wilson (and none other, please).
A minimum of 20 Decks must be Subscribed to bring them out, and the Sub may close early if the goal is reached quickly, so don't miss your chance to save-order right away!
So save some good money, and be among the first in with this latest addition to The Sword and The Flame and 800 Fighting Englishmen!
