The Spring Big Game 2019 introduces another innovation for the Hereford VBCW : the "Non Aligned Faction". On this occasion, the non-aligned consist of the Misses Cholmondley Warner (Florence and Primula), their pet dog Scamp, and four sheep (or other agricultural animals, such as pigs, cattle or whatever the Umpires have to hand). A total of 7 figures. This Non Aligned Faction are against everyone on the table.
The Misses Cholmondley Warner and Scamp start on the central table (at the Shobdon Village road junction). Two sheep start on the west table (with the Not So Broad Communist/Welsh Nationalist Front and the Airfield). The remaining two sheep start on the east table (with the Anglicans and the Shobdon Instructional Centre). The sheep are positioned by the umpires before the start of the Big Game.
Each of the Misses Cholmondley Warner, Scamp, and the sheep have a BOMB. It is round. It is red. It has a fuse that fizzes. And it is very probably marked "BOMB", so it is difficult to miss.
Each of the Misses Cholmondley Warner, Scamp, and the sheep figures sit on top of a Warbases dial, with the starting number (1-12) randomly dialed in by the Umpires before the start of the BIG GAME ("the Dial").
The Misses Cholmondley Warner are avowed pacifists and respectively Presidents of the People of Peace (Provisional Wing) and of the Anti Testosterone League. Their attitude towards the VBCW is set out towards the end of the "Commanders Briefings" for the Spring Big Game 2019 HERE (under the heading "Non-Aligned Explosive Pacifists")
At any stage during any turn, a player may move a "Non Aligned Faction" figure by use of one of their Initiative Cards. After moving such figure, the player then turns down its accompanying dial by one.
"Movement" is according to the ordinary rules, e.g. walking, running etc.
There is no limit on the number of times a "Non Aligned Faction" figure may be moved within a turn, i.e. Player A can use one of his initiative cards to move a "non aligned" figure towards the enemy, only to find that the enemy subsequently use one of their initiative cards to move the same "non aligned" figure back, and so on. This simply reflects mental confusion on the part of the non-aligned (or similar, e.g. in one case, being an excitable puppy). But every time a "non aligned" figure is moved, its accompanying dial must then be turned down by one.
"Non Aligned Faction" figures are unarmed (apart from their BOMB, of course). This is because the Misses Cholmondley Warner are extreme pacifists (only willing to kill in the name of PEACE, and then only by a self immolating EXPLOSIVE GESTURE), while the remainder of the "Non Aligned Faction" are, er, animals.
"Non Aligned Faction" figures cannot be shot at or otherwise killed during the course of ordinary play. This is because it is the VBCW, nobody likes to kill a lady, still less a dog, and pre-warmed/ready to eat lamb cutlets/bacon rashers are positively welcomed by hungry troops.
When a Dial reaches "0", the accompanying BOMB immediately explodes, immolating the extreme pacifist (or pet or animal) carrying it. Place an Artillery Template on the centre of the explosion and check for any other casualties as if an Artillery Round had landed.
If, before a Dial reaches "0", a Non Aligned Figure comes into base to base contact with any other figure (Government, Anglican, Commie, Welsh Nationalist, LDV - any figure other than another "non aligned" figure) a check must be made to see whether their accompanying BOMB is triggered. Roll a D6 : 1 - 3 bomb doesn't go off, 4-6 bomb goes off.
If the accompanying BOMB goes off on this die roll, immolating the extreme pacifist (or pet or animal) carrying it, again place an Artillery Template on the centre of the explosion and check for any other casualties as if an Artillery Round had landed.
A Non Aligned Figure can move from table to table using the Inter Table Movement Rules (see future post) e.g. for an appropriately placed player, an Anglican on the east table can use an Initiative Card to "run" a Non Aligned Figure 6 inches on the east table and then 6 inches into the central table. The Non Aligned Figure then becomes subject to the use of Initiative Cards by the players on the central table.
PS. The Umpires have some newly made "Explosion Markers" made up. Please ask as appropriate. Other "Explosion Markers" are no doubt available, and players are encouraged to bring their own along. As large and spectacular as you like. Shouting "BOOM!" or "KER-BANG!" is also strongly encouraged.
PPS. The use of Initiative Cards may be thought to favour the defenders, as the attackers may prefer to use their Initiative Cards to advance rather than sit still. However, the defenders will have other demands on their Initiative Cards, including moving trucks and using aerial power, so the game should not be unbalanced.
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