Heroes of Star Wars: Battle Tests

[davidlhsl]

Battle V-02 (Star Wars only)
11/29/2011

Map: C3G Moon Base Alpha (modified; ladders and roof considered unplayable for this battle (to take the roof bonus out of play); heavy snow and regular ice in effect)

Spoiler Alert!

Team A: Princess Leia, Han Solo, Rebel Snow Troopers x 4 (590)
Team B: Darth Vader, Snowtroopers x 5 (610)

Test Objectives

Spoiler Alert!

Movie matchup.

Examining both the Rebel Snow Troopers and the Snowtroopers leads me with a concern about the parity between the two forces. Basically, Snowtroopers can’t be attacked at range if they are next to a glacier mountain. Since most snow maps will have glacier mountains scattered throughout (as in this map), the Rebel Snow Troopers are going to have to rush into engagement quickly rather than digging in and firing at range. We’ll see how this battle goes. If it goes too heavily in favor of the Galactic Empire, I may have to run tests with just the squads to see how they compare.

Battle Report

Spoiler Alert!

Round 1
B: Darth Vader moves forward to push his Intimidating Presence aura forward.
A: Princess Leia moves towards the leftmost entrance (as seen from the building front), and keeps next to a wall for Fire From Cover protection. She wants to advance her own Inspiring Leadership aura.
B: Three troopers advance. One is next to a glacier, and the other two are next to Vader.
A: Rebels move next to Leia.
B: Troopers move: two next to glacier, and the one next to glacier climbs up to height while keeping next to glacier.
A: Rebels move, with two on shadow tiles.

Round 2
B: Vader takes to top of hill on ice space using Force Leap. Go, Froggy!
A: Rebels use Leia’s +1 move Inspiring Leadership bonus to charge towards Vader. They get +1 attack. They aren’t engaged. First Rebel in Vader’s Intimidating Presence aura (-1 defense) fires across at the Trooper who isn’t next to a glacier. 0sk. The other two fire up at Vader, since LOS to the Troopers not next to a glacier is blocked. 1sk vs 6sh. 0sk.
B: The Trooper who was shot at climbs next to Vader and fires down at a Rebel. Trooper with +1 bonus from Vader, +1 height, and skulls are doubled from Marksman ability. Rebel with -1 penalty from Vader and +1 Snow Defense bonus. 2sk x2 = 4sk vs 1sh = KO! (11 remaining) Two Troopers flank on the left, keeping next to glaciers, to fire at the other two Rebels, who aren’t in Vaders presence. 1sk x2 = 2sk vs 0sh (no snow defense bonus due to being on ice) = KO! (10 remaining). 0sk.
A: Two Rebels move to entrance, but can’t fire at the Troopers next to the glacier. Forward Rebel engages a Trooper and attacks. 1sk vs 1sh.
B: Troopers position forward, maintaining position next to glaciers. One engaged with Rebel attacks. 1sk x2 = 2sk vs 1sh = KO! (9 remaining) Another is in range to fire at Trooper in shadow. 0sk. Another fires up at Trooper at entrance. 0sk.
A: Rebel inside base moves next to Leia. Two Rebels at entrance and in Leia’s aura rush to engage Troopers. 1sk vs 1sh. 2sk vs 2sh.

Round 3
A: No Rebels move to give the two engaged Rebels +2 bonus for Dug In. Two Rebels engaged with Troopers attack. 3sk vs 0sh = KO! (14 remaining). 2sk vs 1sh = KO! (13 remaining)
B: Trooper next to glacier strikes down at Rebel on ice. 0sk. Another Trooper fires down at same Rebel from distance. 1x2=2sk vs 0sh = KO! (8 remaining) Trooper next to Vader fires down at Rebel on ice. 3x2=6sk vs 1sh = KO! (7 remaining)
A: Rebels next to Leia don’t make charge at Troopers. Instead, one exits on the left side of base (seen from front), while two next to Leia charge – one to front-center of building and one into snow at center of map. One fires up at Vader. 2sk vs 2sh.
B: Troopers move next to glaciers, with two in Vader’s aura. One outside aura fires at Rebel next to building. 0sk. One with aura fires at same Rebel. 1x2=2sk vs 1sh = KO! (6 remaining) Trooper next to Vader fires down on Rebel in snow. 2x2sk vs 0sh = KO! (5 remaining)
A: Leia moves outside building and fires up at Vader with +1 Fire From Cover. 2sk vs 4sh.
B: Vader stays at top of hill, moving one space.

Round 4
B: Trooper fires at Leia (+1 Cover defense bonus). 1sk vs 1sh. Trooper in Vader’s aura fires at Leia. 1sk vs 0sh = 1 wound (3 left). Another Trooper in Vader’s aura fires at Leia. 0sk.
A: Leia moves away, but keeps Vader at Range 6. She still gets Cover bonus. She fires up at Vader. 3sk vs 0sh = 3 wounds (1 left)!!! That’ll wake him up.
B: Three Troopers sacrifice glacier protection to take height and put themselves in Vader’s aura. They fire down on Leia. 1sk vs 1sh. 1sk vs 1sh. 0sk. Go, Leia!!!
A: Rebels try exiting at right side, but only one gets into snow and can fire up at exposed Trooper. 1sk vs 1sh.
B: Vader leaps down onto ice.
A: Rebels rally next to Leia, with only one getting her bonus. The one with bonus fires at Vader. 0sk. The other fires at Vader. 1sk vs 1sh. The other fires up at a Trooper. 1sk vs 4sh.

Round 5
B: Vader Force Chokes Leia. D20=9= 1 wound (2 left).
A: Rebels next to Leia hold position for Dug In bonus and Leia’s bonus. Fire at Vader: 3sk vs 3sh. 2sk vs 2sh. 1sk vs 1sh.
B: Troopers in Vader’s aura and with height fire at Leia. 1sk vs 2sh. 0sk. The next targets a Rebel on ice. 2x2=4sk vs 1sh = KO! (4 remaining) Another fires down on a Rebel on rock. 1x2=2sk vs 1sh = KO! (3 remaining)
A: Leia steps back one space to get out of Force Choke range and fires at Vader. 3sk vs 1sh = KO!
B: Three Troopers fire down at Leia. 1sk vs 0sh = 1 wound (1 left). 1sk vs 1sh. 1sk vs 2sh.
A: Instead of moving the other two Rebels out of the base, the one in snow and in Leia’s aura digs in and fires up at a Trooper. 2sk vs 2sh.

Round 6
A: Two Rebels in base reach entrance. One next to Leia fires up at Trooper. 1sk vs 0sh = KO! (12 remaining)
B: Troopers step forward and take protection next to glaciers. Fire at Leia: 1sk vs 1sh. 0sk. 0sk.
A: Rebels take to snow next to Leia, but can’t fire due to Glacier Camouflage. One with Leia’s bonus engages a Trooper and strikes. 1sk vs 0sh = KO! (11 remaining)
B: Trooper at start zone moves along rock trail and fires up at Rebel on ice. 0sk. The others at forward positions fires on Rebel on ice. 0sk. 1x2=2sk vs 1sh = KO! (2 remaining).
A: Han Solo moves to shadow at left entrance. He can’t fire due to the glaciers.
B: Trooper takes height and fires at Rebel in snow. 1x2=2sk vs 1sh = KO! (1 remaining). One fires at Rebel in snow. 1x2=2sk vs 2sh. Rebel at height fires down at Leia. 2sk vs 2sh.

Round 7
A: Leia fires up at exposed Trooper (not next to glacier). 4sk vs 0sh = KO! (10 remaining)
B: Trooper fires up at Leia. 1sk vs 1sh. Another fires at Rebel in snow. 0sk. A third moves from start zone along rock path.
A: Han charges. Since two in range are next to glaciers, Han can’t really benefit from Never Tell Me The Odds. Han engages a Trooper and strikes. 0sk.
B: Trooper fires at Rebel in snow. 1x2=2sk vs 1sh = KO! (0 remaining) One fires up at Leia. 0sk. One engaged with Han strikes him. 1sk vs 1sh. Note that Shoot First doesn’t apply against engaged figures.
A: Han will use Never Tell Me the Odds Special to move around the two nearby Troopers. As he engages each, he’ll attack. First attack: 0sk. Second attack: 0sk. Heavy snow keeps his movement low.
B: Troopers strike Han, with one firing down from height. 0sk. This is a ranged attack, so Han will roll defense to see if he can roll a shield (Shoot First): 0sh. 0sk. 1sk vs 0sh = 1 wound (4 left).

Round 8
B: Trooper takes height where he can see Leia and fires down at her. 2sk vs 3sh. The ones engaged with Han strike him. 0sk. 1sk vs 1sh.
A: Han decides to break engagement in order to put Never Tell Me the Odds into play. Han takes a wound from engagement strike (3 left). 2sk vs 0sh = KO! (9 remaining). 0sk. He ends his move on the center hill.
B: Trooper engages Leia to remove her Fire From Cover bonus and strikes. 0sk. One moves from the start zone and fires up at Han. 0sk vs 1sh = KO on the Trooper with Shoot First (8 remaining). The Trooper engaged with Han climbs level and strikes. 1sk vs 0sh = 1 wound (2 left).
A: Leia strikes the Trooper. 1sk vs 1sh.
B: Trooper strikes Leia. 1sk vs 2sh. Trooper strikes Han. 1sk vs 1sh. Trooper advances from start zone, but holds fire.
A: Han uses Never Tell. First attack: 2sk vs 0sh = KO! (7 remaining) Han is now out of engagement, so he can continue to move and fire. Second attack: 1sk vs 1sh. Third attack: 1sk vs 1sh.

Round 9
Note: If this game were played to 8 rounds, points on board: Rebels = 270, Empire = 240. Interesting!
A: Han tries his Never Tell again. He uses ice to prevent slowing his movement. 1sk vs 1sh. 2sk vs 0sh = KO! (6 remaining) 1sk vs 2sh. Han breaks engagement to step onto ice for his final movement, taking a wound (2 left). Final attack: 1sk vs 1sh.
B: Two Troopers engage Han, with one at height. 2sk vs 2sh. 0sk. The Trooper next to Leia strikes. 1sk vs 1sh.
A: Leia strikes Trooper. 2sk vs 1sh = KO! (5 remaining)
B: Troopers strike Han. 1sk vs 0sh = 1 wound (1 left) 0sk. 0sk.
A: Han strikes Trooper. 1sk vs 1sh.
B: Troopers strike Han. 2sk vs 1sh = KO!

Round 10
B: Trooper fires down at Leia. 1sk vs 1sh. Trooper fires at Leia. 1sk vs 2sh. Another takes to center hill.
A: Leia fires up at Trooper. 1sk vs 3sh.
B: Troopers take cover next to glaciers, with two firing at Leia. 0sk. 0sk.
A: Leia must engage the Trooper and strikes. 2sk vs 2sh.
B: Two Troopers next to Leia strike. 1sk vs 0sh = KO!

Survivors: Snowtroopers (5 remaining)

Comments

Spoiler Alert!

As the battle began, I became very frustrated at the squad parity problem I mentioned. True to form, the Rebels had to charge at the Snowtroopers hiding next to the glaciers. The Snowtroopers had the advantage of Vader’s aura and their nasty x2 skulls against squads, which simply mowed down the Rebels. The Rebels can’t really Dig In if they have to keep charging.

Once Leia and Han took command, they really mowed down the Empire’s forces. The Snowtooper’s x2 skulls doesn’t work against heroes. With Vader taken out to remove the aura, the 1-die attacks of the Snowtroopers were very ineffective, though their numbers prevailed. The initial assault by the Rebels were probably necessary to take out some of the Troopers to prevent a complete overrun by the Empire.

I did make the mistake of not giving the Rebel Snow Troopers snow positions to boost their defense, and I took risks having Han break engagement to put his Never Tell Me The Odds into play. Han might’ve survived longer if I had held engagement and simply struck with his normal attack. However, the special attack did prove useful.

What began as a frustrating slaughter for the Rebels turned into a very close game. Still, the situation where the Rebels can’t afford to dig in while the Snowtroopers get to snipe at distance breaks the theme a bit.

I need to run this group through perhaps two more battles on a BOV map just to confirm.

Final comment: Princess Leia rocks!

[Gurei-Ornery]

Originally Posted by davidlhsl

B: Three Troopers sacrifice glacier protection to take height and put themselves in Vader’s aura. They fire down on Leia. 1sk vs 1sh. 1sk vs 1sh. 0sk. Go, Leia!!!

"Is Darth Brady (or Wayne Vader) going to have to choke a .....?"

Seriously, Vader ought to automatically choke troopers that fail to land a hit within his aura. Although it wouldn't have helped against the Rebels. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they were 12 for 12 against them.

Awesome report. I look forward to seeing your AT-AT rules in action.

G-O

[davidlhsl]

Originally Posted by Gurei-Ornery

"Is Darth Brady (or Wayne Vader) going to have to choke a .....?"

Seriously, Vader ought to automatically choke troopers that fail to land a hit within his aura. Although it wouldn't have helped against the Rebels. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they were 12 for 12 against them.

Awesome report. I look forward to seeing your AT-AT rules in action.

G-O

Darth Vader does Force Choke his nearby heroes if they whiff an attack. If he Force Choked his Troopers, he'd just lose his prize-winning volleyball team!

I'm looking forward to seeing the AT-AT rules in action as well. Knowing my luck with dice, I have this horrifying image of the target tokens drifting into the Empire's own start zone.

[mac122]

Great report, David! Never thought about the issue with Glacier Camouflage on a ranged squad - makes sense for the Dzu-Teh. Sounds like we need to revisit the Snow Troopers. Perhaps Snow Strength would be a better fit.

Leia performed better than I expected. What is your opinion of Han? Did his abilities and power level feel thematic?

I'd like to give you +rep for this, but I keep repping your funny stuff!

[davidlhsl]

Originally Posted by mac122

Great report, David! Never thought about the issue with Glacier Camouflage on a ranged squad - makes sense for the Dzu-Teh. Sounds like we need to revisit the Snow Troopers. Perhaps Snow Strength would be a better fit.

Leia performed better than I expected. What is your opinion of Han? Did his abilities and power level feel thematic?

I'd like to give you +rep for this, but I keep repping your funny stuff!

I corrected the survivors in the previous battle: there were 5 Snowtroopers on the board. I guess I didn't see the camouflaged unit. Still, it ended closer than expected.

If you wanted to distinquish the Snowtroopers from the Rebel Snow Troopers, perhaps you could give the Snowtroopers a +1 glacier defense bonus instead of Snow Defense. I'm not certain how that will affect the points.

Leia didn't surprise me at all. It has been six months since I last played these battles, but I do recall her being an awesome design. My notes for her reflect that. I also recall seeing a talking guinea pig, but I can't find any notes on that.

Han is very interesting and fun to play. Thematic? Lessee... Han Solo moving around while firing his blaster at the opponent. I think we have a theme touchdown! When I use his special attack, I use tokens to mark the spaces Han travels and mark units he fired at. I have to do this with C3G's Elektra as well.

It was fun putting Vader's Force Leap into action!

I've mentioned this before, but I'll say it again: it really is a culture shock to return to Classic Scape's power levels after spending so much time in Super Scape. Returning to this project will also give me a chance to catch up on some of the Classic and C3V figures that I've neglected.

In my next battle, I'm going to draft some artillery rules (representing AT-AT fire) and I'll try the Snowtroopers with the glacier bonus instead of camouflage. Since Princess Leia would rather kiss a wookie, I'm replacing her with Chewbacca. This won't really be something you can evaluate as far as balance. It's really more for fun, so I'll try to take pictures for it.

[davidlhsl]

AT-AT Rules for upcoming Hoth Battle (Draft)

What would be a Hoth Battle without AT-ATs stomping towards the Rebel Base while fighters swarm them? AT-ATs are supposed to be very large units, and would seem out of scale unless you built a really large map. I think this can be represented abstractly. Off-map artillery fire from huge cannons or battleships at sea have been similarly implemented in some wargames with the use of spotter (or target) tokens, so that will be the inspiration for these rules.

At the end of each round, there will be an AT-AT phase. The Rebel Team and the Empire Team will each take a special turn using the following rules in initiative order.

Setup

Begin the game with two target tokens on the map. The tokens should be in different colors to distinguish which AT-AT it represents. Provide some area off-map to represent wounds taken by each AT-AT.

Rebel Team

Roll 3 attack dice separately for each AT-AT and place 1 wound marker for each skull rolled on the space designated for that AT-AT. If an AT-AT receives a total of 10 wounds, remove that AT-AT's target token from the map.

Empire Team

There are two phases: Target Phase and Fire Phase.

Target Phase

For each target token, do the following:

Roll an 8-sided die to determine distance.
1 = 0 spaces
2-3 = 1 space
4-6 = 2 spaces
7-8 = 3 spaces

Designate a direction from the target token to be #1. Each space clockwise would be #2-#6. Roll the 8-sided die to determine direction.
1-6: Move the target token in the designated direction the number of spaces indicated in the first roll.
7-8: The Empire Player determines the direction, and may move the target token anywhere from 0 up to the number of spaces indicated in the first roll.

If the target token reaches the map edge with more spaces available, reverse the direction and continue counting. In other words, the target will "bounce back."

If the target token ends on a figure, place the target token underneath the figure. If the target token ends on an obstacle such as a wall column or glacier mountain, then select the next available space on the other end of the obstacle in the same direction as the next space. If the target token reaches a multi-level structure, place the token on the top-most spaces instead of the lower.

Fire Phase

The Empire Player may select one target token. Roll 3 attack dice once. All figures on the target token or adjacent to the target token roll defense dice separately. If the target token is on a multi-level space, figures at all levels relative to the position of the target token are affected. Height advantage for defense rolls are determined relative to the position of the target token.

Rolling attack dice is optional, and only one target token can be selected for the attack.

[davidlhsl]

Battle V-02a (Star Wars only)
11/30/2011

Map: C3G Moon Base Alpha (modified; ladders and roof considered unplayable for this battle (to take the roof bonus out of play); heavy snow and regular ice in effect; optional AT-AT Rules in effect; Snowtroopers modified – see Test Objectives)

Spoiler Alert!

Team A: Han Solo, Chewbacca, Rebel Snow Troopers x 4 (600)
Team B: Darth Vader, Snowtroopers (modified) x 5 (610?)

Test Objectives

Spoiler Alert!

Movie matchup.

I’m going to make a change to Snowtroopers: Replace Glacier Camouflage with Glacier Defense – A Snowtrooper adjacent to a glacier mountain adds 1 defense die against non-adjacent attacks. Note that if the Project opts to give the Snowtroopers Snow Defense instead of Glacier Protection, that the performance in this battle will be very similar.

With the AT-AT Rules and the change to the Snowtroopers, the balance of this can’t be taken too seriously, though it might be informative. I dunno. This is purely a battle I’m playing for fun!

Battle Report

Spoiler Alert!

Chewbacca select Han Solo for Wookie Life Debt. Surprised? You should be!
Round 1
B: Snowtroopers move.
A: Rebels move.
B: Snowtroopers move.
A: Two start zone Rebels move, but one who moved in prior turn advances and fires at Snowtrooper next to glacier. Reminder: Snowtroopers get +1 vs ranged instead of being camouflaged. 1sk vs 3sh.
B: Two Snowtroopers reach center hill, while Snowtrooper next to glacier fires back at Rebel in snow. 1x2=2sk vs 0sh = KO! (11 remaining)
A: Rebels advance onto snow and fire up at Troopers (no glacier for either). 1sk vs 2sh. 0sk. 1sk vs 1sh.

AT-AT (Empire): Target points move 1 space towards Rebel side. No attack.
AT-AT (Rebel): Green = 2sk (8 left) / Purple = 3sk (7 left)

Round 2
A: Rebels in snow hold position and fire up at Snowtroopers with +2 Dug In bonus. 2sk vs 0sh = KO! (14 remaining) 3sk vs 1sh = KO! (13 remaining) The third fires down at a Trooper next to a glacier. 3sk vs 2sh = KO! (12 remaining)
B: Darth Vader moves to glacier.
A: Rebels want to take that hill, but those Target Markers are too dangerous. Rebels move. Fire down at Snowtrooper next to glacier: 0sk. Fire at Snowtrooper next to glacier: 1sk vs 2sh. Fire at Trooper: 0sk.
B: Trooper climbs and fires down on Rebel in snow: 1x2=2sk vs 1sh = KO! (10 remaining). Trooper with Vader’s aura fires down on Rebel in snow: 3x2=6sk vs 2sh = KO! (9 remaining) Trooper with Vader’s aura fires at Rebel in snow: 1x2=2sk vs 1sh = KO! (8 remaining)
A: Lone Rebel outside base opts to Dig In for +2 rather than move other Rebels out. He fires up at Trooper. 1sk vs 3sh.
B: Troopers fire down on Rebel. 2x2=4sk vs 0sh = KO! (7 remaining)

AT-AT (Rebel): Green = 2sk (6 remaining) / Purple = 0sk (7 remaining)
AT-AT (Empire): Target markers continue their slow advance towards Rebel Base.

Spoiler Alert!

Round 3
A: Rebels elect to take entrance at right side of the map.
B: Troopers from start zone move.
A: Rebels take left entrance.
B: Troopers move.
A: Rebels on right take to snow.
B: Vader Force Leaps to top of center hill.

AT-AT (Rebel): Green = 2sk (4 left) / Purple = 0sk (7 left)
AT-AT (Empire): Target points move towards those Rebels on right!!!

Spoiler Alert!

Round 4
B: Trooper in Vader’s aura fires down at Rebel in snow. 0sh! Trooper next to glacier fires into building at Rebel. 0sk.
A: Rebels move. One strikes Trooper. 0sk. Other two fire up at Troopers. 1sk vs 1sh. 1sk vs 1sh.
B: Troopers (all in Vader’s aura) fire down at Rebels. 2x2=4sk vs 2sh = KO! (6 remaining) 1x2=2sk vs 1sh = KO! (5 remaining) 2x2=4sk vs 1sh = KO! (4 remaining)
A: Rather than move, a Rebel in the base fires out at Trooper next to glacier. 1sk vs 1sh.
B: Trooper fires into building at Rebel. 1x2=2sk vs 0sh = KO! (3 remaining)
A: Rebel fires at Trooper next to glacier. 1sk vs 1sh. Rebels advance to Trooper and strike Trooper. 1sk vs 2sh. 1sk vs 2sh.

AT-AT (Empire): Green target reaches Rebel, but Trooper is adjacent! Purple target moves adjacent to Rebel. Purple AT-AT fires: 2sk. Rebel = 0sh = KO! (2 remaining)
AT-AT (Rebel): Green = 1sk (3 left) / Purple = 2sk (5 left)

Round 5
A: Both Rebels Dig In. Fire at Trooper next to glacier: 1sk vs 3sh. Strike at Trooper: 1sk vs 1sh.
B: Trooper fires at Rebel: 0sk. Trooper in Vader’s aura fires down at Rebel: 3x2=6sk vs 1sh = KO! (1 remaining) Trooper fires at Rebel. 0sk. Note: 11 Rebels down vs 3 Troopers down.
A: Chewbacca gets +2 move bonus (Wookiee life debt), and moves to shadow.
B: Vader Force Leaps down.
A: Han uses +2 move bonus (Wookiee life debt) to move next to Chewie, and fires at Trooper next to glacier. 3sk vs 1sh = KO! (11 remaining)
B: Troopers take position in front of Vader and fires at Han! 2sk vs 0sh = 2 wounds (3 left). 1sk vs 2sh. 0sk.

AT-AT (Rebel): Green = 2sk (1 remaining) / Purple = 2sk (3 remaining)
AT-AT (Empire): Green target moves away from Rebel base, as does the Purple target.

Spoiler Alert!

Round 6
A: Han takes +2 move bonus to give him a big move with Never Tell Special! He fires at Vader: 2sk vs 3sh. Fires at Trooper: 1sk vs 0sh = KO! (10 remaining) Fires at Trooper: 1sk vs 0sh = KO! (9 remaining) Fires at Trooper: 1sk vs 0sh = KO! (8 remaining) Uses remaining movement to join Chewie in shadow.
B: Trooper in Vader’s aura fires at Chewie in shadow. 1sk vs 0sh = 1 wound (5 left). Two Troopers fire at Han in shadow. 0sk. 0sk.
A: Chewie fires at Vader with Bowcaster. 2+1=3sk vs 0sh (Ouch!) = 3 wounds (1 left).
B: Trooper fire at Han in shadow. 1sk vs 1sh. 0sk. Trooper in Vader’s aura fires at Chewie: 1sk vs 2sh.
A: Han uses +2 Life Debt move bonus to put his Never Tell into action. Fires at Trooper: 0sk. Fires at Vader: 0sk. Fires at Trooper next to glacier: 1sk vs 2sh. Fires at Trooper next to glacier: 0sk.
B: Vader steps next to Han and strikes: 4sk vs 2sh = 2 wounds (1 left)

AT-AT (Rebel): Green = 0sk!!! (1 left) / Purple = 3sk = KO!
AT-AT (Empire): Green target back at center hill.

Round 7
B: Vader Force Chokes Han. D20=16=KO! Due to Life Debt, Chewie gets 2 wounds (3 left)
A: Chewbacca engages Vader and strikes. 4sk vs 2sh = KO!
B: Whoops! I had all order markers on Vader, not thinking about his 3 wounds. Go, Chewbacca!
A: Chewie fires Bowcaster at Trooper. 1+1=2sk vs 1sh = KO! (7 remaining)
A: Chewie fires Bowcaster at Trooper next to glacier. 0sk!

AT-AT (Empire): Green target moves 1.
AT-AT (Rebel): Green = 1sk = KO! Both AT-ATs destroyed

Round 8
B: Two Troopers fire at Chewie. 0sk. 0sk.
A: Chewie fires Bowcaster at Trooper next to glacier. 2+1=3sk vs 3sh!!!
B: Two Troopers fire at Chewie. 0sk. 1sk vs 1sh.
A: Chewie fires Bowcaster at Trooper next to glacier. 1+1=2sk vs 1sh = KO! (6 remaining)
B: One Trooper fires at Chewie: 1sk vs 1sh. Note that other Troopers how to march from start zones.
A: Chewie fires Bowcaster at Trooper next to glacier. 0sk.

Round 9
A: Chewie fires at Trooper next to glacier. 2+1=3sk vs 3sh!!! (Again!!!)
B: Trooper fires down at Chewie. 1sk vs 2sh. Two others fire. 1sk vs 2sh. 0sk.
A: Chewie fires up at Trooper. 3+1=4sk vs 0sh = KO! (5 remaining)
B: Two Troopers fire. 1sk vs 1sh. 0sk.
A: Chewie fires (glacier). 2+1=3sk vs 1sh = KO! (4 left)
B: Trooper fires. 1sk vs 0sh = 1 wound (2 left)

Round 10
B: Trooper fires. 0sk.
A: Chewie marches next to Trooper and tries to rip his arms off. 0sk!!! Yikes!!! (lol!) However, Wookiee Rage allows another attack against squad figures if the first attack fails. 3sk vs 0sh = Arm ripped off! (3 remaining)
B: Two Troopers fire down at Chewie. 0sk. 1sk vs 3sh.
A: Chewie engages two Troopers and strikes up. 2sk vs 1sh = KO! (2 remaining)
B: Two Troopers fire down at Chewie. 2sk vs 1sh = 1 wound (1 left). 0sk
A: Chewie climbs up and strikes. 2sk vs 0sh = KO! (1 remaining)

Round 11
B: Trooper fires down. 2sk vs 2sh!!!! (I think I’m going to faint!)
A: Chewie climbs up and strikes. 1sk vs 0sh = KO!!!

Survivors: Chewbacca (5 wounds/1 left), Rebel Snow Trooper (1 left – I forgot about him!!!)

Spoiler Alert!

Comments

Spoiler Alert!

Wow, but that was close. However, it was a weird kind of close. The 12 Rebel Snow Troopers could only attrition 3 Snowtroopers before getting wiped off (well, other than that coward in the entrance). Once the heroes got into the fray, the tide turned in the Rebel’s favor. Isn't it like that in the movies, though? Empire storms in and blasts the Rebels to bits, then the Heroes rush in and knock back the Empire.

Wookiee Life Debt is fantastic, and works really well with Han’s Never Tell Me the Odds move-and-shoot. One big error I forgot is to consider Han’s Shoot First ability when the Troopers fired at range. Grrr… Only time during the battle it should've been checked was Round 6. Well, if I had remembered, I would’ve pulled them back to range 5 or 6 to void it, as they could have remained in Vader's aura.

Once again, Vader took a nasty 3 wound blow! That’s another weird luck factor, and the Empire might’ve won if he could stay around longer.

Another thing I see is with the map itself, which might’ve affected the Rebel Snow Trooper’s effectiveness. As you might see in the pics, the Rebels begin inside the base. That means that they have to move to exit the building, which voids their +2 Dig In bonus. By the time they exit, their 1 die attack vs 3-4 defense dice is simply too weak. The Snowtroopers cut them down, and more Rebels have to move. I did opt for having one dug-in 3-die attack instead of moving for three 1-die attacks.

I like the AT-AT rules a lot. They didn’t have a broken impact. In fact, they had quite a nifty threat area that made movement near them really dicey. Nice! I may have to tweak the positioning rules to provide a bit more control, but it doesn’t need to be too powerful.

I liked the change to the Snowtroopers. Glacier Camouflage was a nice idea, but I think either Snow Defense or Glacier Defense works better.

These forces need to be played on a different map where the Rebel Snow Troopers don’t start the game inside an enclosed structure. That would better test the balance.

[mac122]

Another great report, David!

After reading through both reports, I think a Snow Defense power makes sense (+1D on snow). The official power, Snow Strength, would overpower them, IMO, since it boosts attack as well.

I never tried Han and Chewie together, but it sounds like they worked very well and were fun to play.

Thanks for the battle reports!

[davidlhsl]

I've added a section in the OP to place items that the Project wishes to review, so I've placed the Snowtroopers there. That will hopefully assist you in keeping track of what you wish to present to the group, which is probably best to do between designs. This section is comparable to the "Cards pending" link in the Project's thread, where Granite-M has a post he can check to see what needs updating.

If you ever have anything you'd like me to place there for your own reminder, feel free to let me know.

[davidlhsl]

Battle V-03 (Star Wars vs Classic)
12/02/2011

Map: C3G Moon Base Alpha (modified; ladders and roof considered unplayable for this battle (to take the roof bonus out of play); heavy snow and regular ice in effect)

Spoiler Alert!

Team A: Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Rebel Snow Troopers x 3 (640)
Team B: Master of the Hunt, Frost Giant of Morh x 2, Ice Troll Berserker, Greater Ice Elemental (635)

Test Objectives

Spoiler Alert!

Let’s mix things up with some Classic. I was going to toss in some C3V, but these guys (except for MotH) have a nice Ice Theme happening.

I’m setting Team A outside the Rebel Base rather than inside to test how well the Rebel Snow Troopers perform. Recall that I suspected problems were due to Rebels having to move in order to get outside, only to get taken down.

Battle Report

Spoiler Alert!

Chewbacca select Han Solo for Wookie Life Debt, since Princess Leia called him a “walking carpet.”
Round 1
A: Princess Leia moves forward.
B: Ice Troll moves forward. Charge d20=14+3=move again.
A: Rebels move.
B: Frost Giant (Red) moves with +2 (Indomitable).
A: Rebels move. One fires up at Ice Troll. 0sk.
B: Master moves. Javelin d20=16=+3 to range. Fires at Pricess Leia, who gets +1 Fire from Cover. 3sk vs 0sh=3 wounds (1 left). Mortal Strike = 3 dice = 1sk = KO!

Round 2
B: Ice Troll moves. D20=12+3=moves again with Charge. Ice Troll engages Rebel on snow and strikes. 2sk vs 0sh = KO! (8 remaining)
A: Chewie moves with +2 (Life Debt), but decides to hold back. (Lousy order marker management, as I gave the Rebels 2/3. If Chewie only takes one turn, he needed to take the last.)
B: Master moves forward. Javelin d20=7=normal range. No targets.
A: Rebels Dig In (+2 attack) and fire at Ice Troll. Note: I was able to rotate one of the Rebels to gain LOS on the Troll from the adjacent glacier that was blocking. 1sk vs 1sh. 3sk vs 1sh = 2 wounds (2 left). 2sk vs 1sh = 1 wound (1 left).
B: Ice Troll moves to engage 2 Rebels and strikes the one not in snow. 2sk vs 0sh = KO! (7 remaining) Cold Regenerates to heal 2 wounds due to being on ice (3 left).
A: Rebels Dig In and fire at Ice Troll. 1sk vs 0sh = 1 wound (2 left). 1sk vs 0sh = 1 wound (1 left). 1sk vs 1sh. That was pa-the-tic!!!

Round 3
B: Ice Troll engages Chewie and Rebel, then strikes Chewie. 1sk vs 3sh. Uh, oh! I think that Troll made Chewie angry! Heals 2 wounds (3 left).
A: Rebels Dig In and fire at the Troll. Think skulls, guys! 1sk vs 0sh = 1 wound (2 left). 1sk vs 1sh. 2sk vs 1sh = 1 wound (1 left).
B: Master moves. Javelin d20=14=normal range. No target.
A: Chewbacca tires of the Troll and strikes. 3sk vs 0sh = KO! Now rip some arms off those Rebels and replace their arms with ones that can actually shoot!
B: Frost Giant (Red) takes the rocky path around rather than trudge through snow.
A: Rebels move. One fires up at Master. 0sk. Other fires down at Frost Giant (Red). 1sk vs 1sh.

Round 4
B: Master fires down on Rebel in snow. 3sk vs 2sh = KO! (6 remaining)
A: Rebels Dig In, and one fires down at Frost Giant (Red). 2sk vs 2sh.
B: Frost Giant moves with +2 through rock and ice, avoiding the snow. He one away from Chewie!
A: Chewie fires Bowcaster at Frost Giant. 2+1=3sk vs 2sh = 1 wound (5 left)
B: Frost Giant engages Chewie and strikes! 2sk vs 0sh = 2 wounds (4 left). Battle Frenzy d20=13=no second attack.
A: Chewie strikes Frost Giant. 4sk vs 1sh = 3 wounds (2 left). Yeah, mess with Chewie, Frosty!

Round 5
B: Frosty strikes Chewie with +2 attack! 4sk vs 0sh = KO! Battle Frenzy d20=3=no second attack.
A: Chewie loses turn.
B: Master moves forward to put Rebel (in snow) in normal range and fires. 2sk vs 1sh = KO! (5 remaining)
A: Frosty is close enough to the Rebel Base that the Rebels don’t need to move. Fire at Frosty! 1sk vs 4sh. 1sk vs 2sh. 1sk vs 2sh.
B: Master fires at Rebel in snow. 2sk vs 1sh = KO! (4 remaining)
A: Rebels try Frosty again. 2sk vs 2sh. 2sk vs 2sh. 1sk vs 1sh.

Round 6
A: Rebels fire at Frosty. 2sk vs 1sh = 1 wound (1 left). 2sk vs 0sh = KO! No adjacent figures for Dying Swipe. The third has range to fire at Master. 2sk vs 0sh = 2 wounds (4 left).”
B: Frosty loses a turn.
A: Two Rebels have range on Master. 2sk vs 2sh. 1sk vs 1sh. Here we go again!
B: Master moves forward and fires at Rebel not in snow. 2sk vs 1sh = KO! (3 remaining)
A: Han fires down at Master. 0sk. Han!!!
B: Master fires at Rebel in Snow. 2sk vs 1sh = KO! (2 remaining)

Round 7
B: Master moves and fires at Rebel not in snow. 3sk vs 0sh = KO! (1 remaining)
A: Han fires down at Master. 2sk vs 1sh = 1 wound (3 left).
B: Master fires at final Rebel. 2sk vs 0sh = KO! (0 remaining)
A: Rebel loses turn.
B: Master climbs level with Han to negate his Shoot First ability and height and strikes. 2sk vs 1sh = 1 wound (4 left). Mortal Strike = 1sk = 1 wound (3 left)
A: Han can do nothing but fire. 0sh.

Round 8
A: Han strikes. 1sk vs 0sh = 1 wound (2 left)
B: Master strikes. 2sk vs 1sh = 1 wound (2 left). Mortal Strike = 1sk = 1 wound (1 left)
A: Han strikes. 0sk.
B: Master strikes. 2sk vs 1sh = KO!

Survivors: Master of the Hunt (4 wounds/2 left), Frost Giant of Morh x 1, Greater Ice Elemental

Comments

Spoiler Alert!

Really bad luck for the Rebels. I forgot to consider Leia's Force Intuition, but I'm pretty sure she didn't roll that many blanks when she got K.O.'d.

This battle was really fun, and I enjoyed playing these Classic units for the first time. I want to play one more battle with this group.

Rebels were able to use Dug In this time more in this battle due to setting them outside the base, which made them far more useful. That confirmed my suspicion from the previous battles.

After playing this match-up a second time, I'll them pit the Empire (Darth, Boba Fett, Snowtroopers) against Team B.

[mac122]

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Another great report, David!
The quick KO of Leia hurt the Rebels greatly. I imagine if she sticks around for a few more turns, the outcome may have been different.

[davidlhsl]

Originally Posted by mac122

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Another great report, David!
The quick KO of Leia hurt the Rebels greatly. I imagine if she sticks around for a few more turns, the outcome may have been different.

I went back and edited the comments section, as I think the term Wipe-Out wasn't entirely accurate. The Rebels took down two figures, along with dealing a heavy blow against Master of the Hunt. I also realized I neglected Leia's Force Intuition, but doubted I rolled many, if any, blanks on the turn she got lanced. So I'm more convinced of the luck being a factor.