Battlestorm

People don't talk about it much because:

1. There aren't a lot of problems with the system (this does not mean no problems, just not a lot).

2. RP doesn't have nearly the exposure of Warhammer/Chronopia; no one knows about it. Even though the hobby store where I shop has a large (huge/all!) collection of RP minis, the Battlestorm rulebook itself is simply lost in all the other codices, RPGs, etc. RP mini blisters make no mention of Battlestorm, which I think contributes to the general lack of knowledge.

3. FASA just bought Ral Partha. What will happen to Battlestorm? Because I have rules, I'll keep playing it. However, there's no guarantee that any supplements will actually be released. I hope they are.

Of the gaming companies I have seen, RP is one of the best. Customer support is excellent, and innovation/improvement is actively solicited by the company. Playtest information for upcoming expansions/supplements is not jealously guarded, but made available.

The basic system allows the player with initiative to declare the action of one of his units. The enemy unit affected by this action can react. This can cause sudden series units forced into action by another group. Combat is a simple matter of using the attacker's skill (combat error rating) plus the defender's ability to dodge (evasion) as the to hit roll. If a hit is scored the weapon damage roll must be high enough to penetrate the roll for the armors absorbtion. A large battle can be played in only a couple of hours.

I have been a miniatures gamer since 1979, and this is the first really good set of fantasy rules that can deal with large battles.

Will also does a fantastic job of supporting the game on the internet. You can get all sorts of addenda and new troops at his website.

Points of Fact

• BattleStorm is no longer produced by Ral Partha.
• You have to have d30's to play the game.
• Cavalry is too strong.
• The Rule Book attempts to do too much (It can't seem to make up its mind)
• The Magic Rules are available for free on the net, but they are extermely weird.

Will has done the best job in the world making this game. If you have not tried it, do yourself a favor and do it. I swear on the chin bone of Utu Ekong you will not be dissapointed.

It is just plain and simple, man. The rules are far better than Warhammer Fantasy. They are more realistic. Oh yeah, COST COST COST. It is far far more cheaper to play Battlestorm than it is Games Hock Shop games. Not only is it cheaper, it's better. There is a lot of different things about the game that I like over the others. One is that in Battlestorm, one side doesn't go, and then the other. I like that. It is more fair to the player who didn't win the first roll of initiative. The list goes on and on and on and...........................................

I end this little ditty with a word or two of wit. You don't need absorbtion to win a game of Battlestorm. If you don't believe me, come on by and I'll show you. Or you can just ask Will, he'll tell ya, he has see it done in more than one game.

Take care and keep gamn'.

The rules themselves do a great job of simulating the simultaneous action of a battlefield.  Unlike Warhammer, a battle never seems to pause or let up, and doesn't feel artificially divided into phases where only one type of action can take place. Battlestorm also uses the full spectrum of dice to give the type of differentiation between armor, skills and weapons that the old d6 just can't offer.

My recommendation is that anyone interested in 28mm fantasy give these rules a try ASAP.  If you need any tips or an opponent in the Vermont area, e-mail me.