Patrol Angis Week Three Round Up!

Canlastrian Retained charge into close combat!

This week in Patrol Angis playtesting it was close combat and lots of it.  Following up on week two's second lot of general rules testing we got specific on melee before we move onto the more exotic in week four.

Here is the general impression of close combat in a few choice round ups of comments and questions:

• Why is it more complex than Ranged Fire?

Half of the test group came down on the side of the rules as are and the other half want a faster system for melee as they fell their slightly more complex nature compared to ranged fire slows the game.  Melee is more complex as I wanted to match up foes and have them face off.  I will try out alternate systems suggested.

• I want Retained Knights to do better in fist fights!

Power Armoured Troops should smash up Musterman like mush.  So say some testers. I am looking at a bonus for powered armour in hand to hand just for wearing it.

• Should be being in a bigger Troop Element count for more?

Interesting this one.  Currently a larger TE gets more attacks and this carries over to potentially more harm to the foe but if the TE in question is twice the size of the other combatant TE in close combat?  I will think on a blanket bonus.

• Melee Centric Weapons are not powerful enough!

Currently +2 on Roaz Axe and such powered purpose made melee weapons is thought enough be most testers.  I will try it will +3 and +4 to see what occurs.

• Should Close Combat just not be allowed in Patrol Angis?

One tester stated this.  In some other wargame systems melee is just not allowed.  I think I want to keep it and indeed many said that they wanted Patrol Angis to be more lethal and in close too.  Get those Knights in with their swords!

There was not a lot of imagery this week as no table set up was technically required but I did get a complete little scenarios from Ian Hoffman along with some pictures of his testing so this week I will give Ian centre stage with a transcript and his images.   A fair reward for his extra playing efforts in week three:

Terra Verte is currently in the midst of a low-intensity conflict between Baronial troops and the forces of the Aeddan. That could all change if either Canlaster or Yordan were to become involved.

An advance scouting post of Retained from one of the Leagues has crash-landed on the planet's moon and have been fighting off the aggressive native vegetation ever since (the reason the lunar colony has been abandoned...). They now have no jump jets and only 1 round of shooting per model per weapon. They start near some colony buildings (forming an impassable wall meaning they cannot retreat) and would ideally like to escape from the very table edge the Muster are arriving from. Speaking of which, a larger patrol force of Prydian Muster has arrived to investigate the thermal signature of the shuttle crash.

The aim of the Retained is to break or wipe out the Muster (so their League's position is not given away, and so they can capture a transport). A secondary goal is to satisfy the Code Gallant and enter Melee combat where possible. Above all else avoid being captured alive, but it would not be Gallant to simply throw their lives away.

The Muster on the other hand aim to break (ideally, not wiping out) the Retained so they can hopefully accept the surrender of one or more Retained and learn about the new presence in the sector.

The scenario begins!

In the thick of it!

Last Stand!

The game ends with a loss for the Retained, although they achieved their secondary objectives.

There are changes brewing in the rules and that is excellent as it was and is the point of this testing phase. Again thanks to everyone who is taking the time to play Patrol Angis.  Salient opinions across two dozen people who are importantly not speaking to each other and only to me.  These changes are in several main areas but more on this in the future.

I am sending out the mid point files for the exotic testing this week.  All playtesters now have them.  One is the solo play bolt on as already posted about and the other...well it ties into the second title for Patrol Angis and the ancient foe of Humanity in The Ion Age.  More on this in another posting.

Happy Testing Everyone!

GBS

Hab Dome Bundle Offer - Preparing to Ship!

Stacks of IAF015 Hab Domes ready to box up and ship!

Wargame companies will tell you all kinds of 'news' but we typically stick just to hard news like releases and offers but sometimes things happen that make me smile so much that I like to share.  Last week such a thing occurred at The Ion Age and it was all to do with the Early Supporter Offers on the Hab Dome designed by Sam Croes.

Our first Early Supporter Offer was so successful that it went way beyond my own modest expectations and it proved the love that wargamers are starting to develop for our feisty little brand.  Customers from all over came in to get their hands on the Dome with its special price and free miniatures.  This included other brands like ourselves (thanks Mr Harold!).  Here you can see a photo of the stacks of domes all ready to be boxed up and shipped out of Scotland on Thursday this week.

You can read the full offer HERE and its still valid until 9am Thursday 17th GMT with all of its images of concept art and lovely painted versions.  Check it out.

De-Constructed Dome

As a side note I got an email from a loyal Ion Age customer Huggable as she is known asking about Hab Domes under construction or otherwise in a state of being un-built.  Sam Croes was so taken with this idea I gave it a go and the result is above.  It took a lot of effort and if there is interest in 'cratered' or 'peppered' domes then we will make them and mold them as it would be an immense effort for wargamers to do it themselves...we use top quality resin and its really hard!  Thanks Huggable...this one is in your package with your Dome pre-order, enjoy!

GBS

Adding Solo Play to Patrol Angis Playtest

A page from the Playtest PA Rules

This week marks the start of week three of the playtesting of Patrol Angis and it also means more files for the playtesters to make use of.  The first of these is solo play.

These solo play rules bolt onto the normal mechanics for a game of Patrol Angis and only change the sequence of play as and when the solo rules state as much.  Your game will proceed as normal with you taking one side and the solo rules the other.  It is important to note now that these solo play rules are set above and apart from the tight detail of the game engine.  This means they have little impact on the game rules as written, it means they are meant to simulate a person standing above and apart from the wargame table.  It means they are meant to be like you, a person, who takes over the command of a force and has a style of play already decided before your Patrol Angis scenario begins.

Solo Play was the single most asked for feature of Flintloque 3rd edition and it ranked top three in the development of USEME and MOTH too.  I actually play with myself more than with anyone else (err..that did not come out right but you know what I mean!) so I understand where wargamers are coming from.

I am looking forward to seeing how it goes!  More playtest feedback in detail later in the week.

GBS

IAF013 Murdo & Galaine Released!

Baron Aldo Murdo raised his Sequence Particle Beamer in the instant that the tight knot of Nox troopers saw him standing alone in the clouds of poison gas bled out by the Khanate Venefirous Venters all over the zone. He had hoped not to use the weapon, knowing that it was in dire need of servicing and that its lethal energy could just as easily annihilate him as well as any foe. He had to choose. He would not stand and die and he could not close with the Nox before their Janus Blastguns picked him apart even in his super heavy Noblesse powered armour. Aldo brought his finger to the firing stud within the beamer and took a firing stance legs wide and set. His helm readings told him that one shot would carry away almost if not all the Nox. He pressed the stud.

The Sequence Particle Beamer hummed and then died. Its delicate mechanisms had burned out. Aldo Murdo dropped his arm and prepared to charge to meet the aliens in noble close quarters battle. He knew it was hopeless but he was a knight and even before he began to move the red armoured Nox had seen him and begun to raise their weapons. He would die before he had taken four steps but he had to make the attempt. To even end one of them would be enough now. Rage and regret filled the Baron and he roared inside his armour as he strode forward to certain death.

Just as the first Janus discharge caught him square in the chest, slagging his intricate crest work, Aldo saw friendly signals appear in his field of vision. Retained Knights were running into the fray firing as they went. Their 12.5mm Angis rounds slammed into the Nox and staggered them but they were too many and the Retained too few even with their banner bearer encouraging them to greatness. He would still die but now they would suffer and he with these fellow knights would take many of the foe to their demise. Streams of Janus fire exploded two of the Retained in red mist and staggered the Baron. His internal monitors were howling red damage.

A blinding flash of plasma fire ripped past as Aldo sank to his knees. The 44mm ball of super hot plasma impacted amid the remaining Nox and shattered them.

His helm comms auto opened a priority audio channel:

'Did you think I would leave you love of my life? Eventually this armour will be shed and once more we shall be as one. As it is for now we must carry the quest on with the aid of these brave Retained. They are to form our personal retinue'

Baroness Lillian Galaine stood behind the kneeling Baron, the barrel of her Hermit Plasma Rifle steaming red hot. Aldo laughed. He would live and the Khanate would perish.

Baron Aldo Murdo, Camarthen Prime, 4331IC

IAF013 Murdo and Galaine

IAF013 Rear View

IAF013 Murdo and Galaine

Bring forth the Desteria and bleed the enemy! This week our release is IAF013 Murdo and Galaine. This pack contains two large new white metal poses of 15mm character nobles in Noblesse super heavy powered armour. Baron Aldo Murdo armed with an Impact Fist and Sequence Particle Beamer in cloak and Baroness Lillian Galaine with Impact Fist and Hermit Plasma Rifle in cloak. Great for leading your Demis or Posts of Desteria (IAF009, IAF010) into battle or for leading entire forces in The Ion Age. As always this code can be bought as a pack or as single miniatures or select the three packs and save 10% option on the page. Go HERE. Price 4.00GBP per pack.

Early Supporter Point. IAF015

Until the 17th October 2013 you can head on over to the Ion Age website and place one or more early supporter orders for the Hab Dome bundle. All orders placed for early supporter will be shipped worldwide on day of release. Excellent eh! But there is more! You get treats for being an early supporter.  Go HERE.

Adding IAF015 Early Supporter to your order gets you the following. The one piece high quality grey tone resin Hab Dome at a 15% saving off the list price of 7.00GBP. Then the October free miniature (IMP02 Retained Knight Bionic Fist) and the 15mm Female Noblesse character miniature which is not due for release until 2014! That's a total product value of 7.50GBP for just 6.35GBP! A 15% saving, a free miniature and a miniature not out until next year. If you order something else with your IAF015 early supporter offer then it will be shipped at the same time on release day but you will also get a SECOND October monthly free miniature in the package too! Awesome!

There is a second level to the IAF015 Hab Dome Early Supporter Offer too. Our usual 'Buy Three and Save 10%' option. This means that if you elect to pre-order three Hab Domes (IAF0153) you get ten more percent off that's 25% off the total price! You also get the free October miniature and the Female Noblesse too. Bundle Value 21.50GBP for just 16.15GBP. Same rules apply for adding other items to the order as outlined.

The Hab Dome is the starting point for a whole series of resin structure system for The Ion Age in 15mm scale. The Hab Dome is the basic unit for future stackable and adaptable units. It can be used on its own or with future releases. It is a high quality grey tone resin one piece casting which is 65mm wide and 30mm tall with a high degree of external detailing. Suitable for use in any science fiction setting we will be offering more pieces for it including a tower block with a connector plate and several turret and top mounts within this year with further pieces next year. You will be able to make a whole settlement!

Information Burst!

Following up on last weeks two new packs of Khanate Legion and Khanate Pioneers we have Desteria Knight characters to lead your super heavy knights. The free miniature in every order is IMP02 Retained Knight with Bionic Fist sculpted by Eli Arndt. October is shaping up to be a big month for The Ion Age. Can I hint at it...well yes. Next week the Hab Dome our first resin code will be mainline released and then it will be time to welcome the ladies in a couple of ways and lastly if you have a Hab Dome in your hands by month's end you will get a few great add ons for it. Remember when you place an order with us you will be promoted to join the loyalty scheme which will earn you Reward Points on all purchases which can, once accumulated, be redeemed for discounts and special miniatures.

Thanks for your Time.

GBS

Patrol Angis Playtest Week Two Round Up!

Murdo and Galaine take on the Pioneers!

Canthus Monocycle makes a sneaky approach!

Its the end of week two of the playtesting for Patrol Angis and following up on week one its been a busy week indeed.  Actually this posting a day or so late due to the bloody massive reaction to the Early Supporter Offers on the Hab Dome from Monday.  So what sort of week has it been for testing, what questions and areas came up?  Lets see....

Base Number to Hit

Most playtesters are suggesting an alteration to the basic number on the D8 of 0+ to hit as being too low in open table terrain set ups.  Perhaps 2+ as a basic number is better.  This will be tested in house this week.

Limit Heavy Weapons Firing Ability

The Anvil 888 is a Retained Knight's best friend it seems and despite being reduced in power it was still killing whole Fire-Teams this week.  In house testing of ideas such as limiting to one shot per turn regardless of actions, no firing if movement taken in turn, restricting to one heavy weapon per Lance etc.  These are all being tested out.

Big Squads, Big Morale!

The current morale system is simple and effective but seems to stumble when faced with bigger Troop Elements such as a Squad (10) rather than a Fire-Team (4) or Stick (2).  A modifier may be needed to help bigger TE's from freezing up when taking casualties.

Initiative System

The core feature of Patrol Angis has testers grinning with joy and jumping with anger this week.  A bad roll can mean the end of play for a Platoon and for some this is too much despair to handle.  An alternate system is being trailed here to even it out but to keep it random so you never know just how much you will be able to do with your Platoon per turn.

Jet Packs and 2DMR Retained Knights
Retained Knights have jump jets and can use them once per game.  Could they be used to automatically avoid an incoming attack by jumping out of the way?  Also some say Retained should be harder to kill so tests with 2DMR rather than 1DMR per miniature are being carried out.

Here are some images from playtest games that took place and a good number of testers sent in detailed AAR's too even with some fiction.  I enjoyed these a lot and a few of them I have asked if the author would like to turn them into full scenarios once Patrol Angis is released.

Ian Hoffman's campaign setting for PA Playtesting!

Ian Hoffman gives an impression of Retained in the Fog of War

David Korabell refights week one's game but adds Battlesuits and Bikes

Paul Jackson's long range Anvil fest!

Alexander Wasberg opens a can of whupass in his 2nd week testing games!

Erik Walton's Prydian Lance loses to the League of Canlaster this week

League of Yordan advances!  Rigby and Froberg playtesters.

In week three there will be a shift of focus in the playtesting.  I will blog about it but essentially the core rules are now well tried and many alternatives and ideas suggested so its on to the more exotic and the solo.

As always any questions or comments email me direct or comment on this post and I will come back to you sharpish as I can.

Thanks Everyone for your Efforts this Week!

GBS

Early Supporter Offers IAF015 Hab Dome. Save 15% or 25% on Release Price!

IAF015 HDRS Concept Sketches

Early on in the initial expansion of Humanity back to the stars within the Prydian Precinct it was noted that although large cities could be built given time in the short term a need was logged for structures which could cope with variable terrain and planetary conditions.  Designing such structures was beyond the abilities of all but the core systems who turned to the pioneers who created the ubiquitous Rubbacrete and Golglass.  These pioneers created materials which revolutionised construction and brought about massive improvement in lives all across the Precinct; The Seorc Compono Guild.

Seorc Compono Guild (SCG) brought their finest minds to focus on the challenge and created one of the miracles of the century the Habitation Dome Riser System (HDRS).  The HDRS would be standardised and shipped aboard vessels heading off world anywhere in the Precinct where they could quickly accommodate a sizeable population.   It would be more than housing though as the HDRS featured additional modules which could expand the living area and turret or assembly mounts for specialised purposes.  These purposes varied but typically they included self defence, fortification, repulsar platform landing pads, spire communications, hurwent shielding and power generation among others.

The HRDS can be found on more than fifty planets and countless vacuum environments (it is a pressurised structure system) and is utilised by everyone from the Prydian Army to the lowest of the Marcher Barons and civilian authorities too.  Single Hab Domes to small groups and hard points right up a city of a hundred thousand people all in HRDS towers.  In some locales they never got around to replacing them before the Civil War began.  Camarthan Prime was one of those places.

Quincy Portent, SGC New Glastonbury, 4330IC

IAF015 - Front View

IAF015 - Left Side View

IAF015 - Rear View

IAF015 - Right Side View

IAF015 - Top View

IAF015 Scale Photo with 15mm Noblesse and IMP02 October Free Miniature

We have our first ever Early Supporter Offer now on and its on the IAF015 Hab Dome which will be released on 17th October 2013.  For the next ten days until the 17th October 2013 you can head on over to the Ion Age website and place one or more early supporter orders for the Hab Dome bundle.  All orders placed for early supporter will be shipped worldwide on day of release.  Excellent eh!  But there is more! You get treats for being an early supporter.

Adding IAF015 Early Supporter to your order gets you the following. The one piece high quality grey tone resin Hab Dome at a 15% saving off the list price of 7.00GBP.  Then the October free miniature (IMP02 Retained Knight Bionic Fist) and the 15mm Female Noblesse character miniature which is not due for release until 2014! That's a total product value of 7.50GBP for just 6.35GBP!  A 15% saving, a free miniature and a miniature not out until next year.  If you order something else with your IAF015 early supporter offer then it will be shipped at the same time on release day but you will also get a SECOND October monthly free miniature in the package too! Awesome!

Here is a run down of the IAF015 Early Supporter Offer bundle:

1x IAF015  Hab Dome

1x IMP02 Retained Knight Bionic Fist

1x Female Noblesse Character

(If you order another item at the same time)

Additional - 1x IMP02 Retained Knight Bionic Fist

There is a second level to the IAF015 Hab Dome Early Supporter Offer too.  Our usual 'Buy Three and Save 10%' option.  This means that if you elect to pre-order three Hab Domes (IAF0153) you get ten more percent off that's 25% off the total price!  You also get the free October miniature and the Female Noblesse too.  Bundle Value 21.50GBP for just 16.15GBP.  Same rules apply for adding other items to the order as outlined.

There is no limit to the number of early supporter orders you can place and each one will be sent to you on release day with its free miniatures and bonus items.

League of Canlaster Retained attack Hab Domes held by Prydian Army

Tell me more about IAF015 Hab Dome!

The Hab Dome is the starting point for a whole series of resin structure system for The Ion Age in 15mm scale.  As you can see from the beginning concept sketch the Hab Dome is the basic unit for future stackable and adaptable units.  It can be used on its own or with future releases.  It is a high quality grey tone resin one piece casting which is 65mm wide and 30mm tall with a high degree of external detailing.  Suitable for use in any science fiction setting we will be offering more pieces for it including a tower block with a connector plate and several turret and top mounts within this year with further pieces next year.  You will be able to make a whole settlement!

All questions are welcome and I hope you choose to support us in our first resin release! 

GBS

Female Retained Knights - Sculpted Poses Update!

Finished 1st Female Retained Knight - 17mm tall.

Retained Female Green of the above image

Update by Demand!

Back in September we put up a post on the blog about the Concepting of Female Retained Knights for the Ion Age in 15mm scale.  The feedback on this post was much more than we expected and it got the highest number of views on the blog of any post so far.  Since then Sam Croes has been hard at work (when is he not!) sculpting up the poses for the 'Female Retained Knights Post' pack for release in October 2013.

Five Miniatures (of 10) from the upcoming Retained Post Delta (Female)

Well we are right on track and white metal molding is now complete so although we do not typically show you releases before they happen I thought all you lads and lassies would be keen on seeing what Retained Post Delta contained in the raw.  Above are five poses from the ten that will be in the pack.  This does not include the sixth from the top of this post.  From left to right there is a bare headed lady with her alwite helm under arm and an Anvil 888 Launcher on her shoulder.  A female Retained in full armour holding a Minstrel Taser one handed, a kneeling lady helmet at her feet steadying a Moth Type 12 auto launcher.  An advancing Esquire pointing Angis Rifle she is bare headed with pony tail but has the breather from her helm in place covering her mouth.  Lastly a bare headed Knight with Tumbler SMG cocked in her arm.

There are other female codes coming too but not a lot of news on these yet beyond saying a mixed gender limited code and an all female character pack too.  Ask and I shall not tell!

Roll on late October!

GBS