No Dice No Glory Iron Man Series: Fall-In 2018
held 9 -10 November, Lancaster Host Resort Hotel, 2300 Lincoln Highway East (Route 30) Lancaster, PA 17602
They say war is hell, and sometimes gaming can be tough too. We all know the feeling of exhaustion after a full day of playing in a tournament; what would you feel like after two days of competitive play? Those willing to play in back to back events and test their skills in both Team Yankee and Flames of War deserve recognition, and that is the title of “Iron Man”.
While the membership NATO has grown since 1985 (15 members to 29 today) the mission and role of the alliance is just as relevant today as it was when first formed in 1949. So far has given us the forces of the major nations of the alliance and now it is time for the smaller nations to enter in the game. While these nation’s may have smaller and less well-equipped armies than the major players, their commitment to NATO should not be overlooked. They do play a major role supporting NATO’s mission.
Welcome back Comrades,
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BRIEFING
We have gone over the glorious and patriotic formations that we will use to vanquish the imperialist and their lackeys in South Vietnam. As strong as these formations are, they cannot succeed alone. They need support. Today’s briefing will explain what support units are available to our formations as they drive the dogs from the South.
We have gone over the glorious and patriotic formations that we will use to vanquish the imperialist and their lackeys in South Vietnam. As strong as these formations are, they cannot succeed alone. They need support. Today’s briefing will explain what support units are available to our formations as they drive the dogs from the South.
Today we are taking a look at what may be the most intriguing book to come out so far for Flames of War (FOW) MW V4, Avanti. In this article, you will read how Avanti will change the tournament scene.
Verison 4 has really become much more of a dice game than the more historical simulation that FOW Verison 3 was. In the shooting step, it is now easier to hit previously impervious units (veteran, gone to ground, concealed and long range). Players are now able to roll a 7 or 8. To do so is difficult, but not impossible.
Tank is where it is at in Avanti. Photo Credit Wikipedia.
It’s easier to get dig out pesky infantry since repeat bombardments force a re-roll of successful saves. The more dice you throw, the better chance you have of killing what you’re shooting at.
Currently, it seems the key to what Battlefront is pushing, is horde armies. The more models you’re pushing around the table, the better. Crusader Swarms. Gobs and gobs of armoured rifle stands bouncing around the table. Or that guy who brings as many Stuarts as he can fit in his list with some heavy guns behind them.
Heck, even my German list, which has done very well, is all about getting as many Panzer III Short 5cms on the table that I can. I support these with Marders and other low expensive German units.
Next month Battlefront will release the book ‘Nam, which covers the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1972. This book is a significant release for many reasons; it not only covers previous titles that covered the conflict; it also ushers in what will be a standard rules set for all Battlefront games and expands the forces that you can play with. While the Vietnam period may not be your thing (this will change) it shows us the way ahead for future releases and how they will link with one another. This book was released in a partnership with Osprey Press and this collaboration will also be behind the upcoming re-releases of Fate of a Nation and The Great War.
AVANTI rounds out the North African theatre with Italian forces. What does Battlefront have in store for the 4th Mid-War book? Let’s dive straight in and find out!
Army-Wide Special Rules
8 Million Bayonets: Italian unit cards have two columns for Skill and Motivation ratings. After deployment (or entry from Reserves) you roll the 8 Million Bayonets die, and you get to use the Elite column if you roll the symbol (or 5+ on a regular D6)
This is a greatly simplified way to simulate the random quality of troops and leadership. What I find nice is that my units are regular and can only improve, not get a bad rating like in previous editions. I hope my Artillery units get it, so they can Range In on 3+!
Avanti: All Italian units have an improved Follow Me rating, 2+ for M14/41s and 3+ for almost all other units.. but if you get Elite per the 8 Million Bayonets, it is 2+! Very useful for getting your infantry forward quickly (12 inch Dash, 4-inch Follow Me) and then Assaulting (Tactical then Follow Me) on Turn 2 in most cases, before your opponent can get crucial reserves. Determined: Better Rally/Remount rating.
Focused: Tank commanders who also have to be the Gunner have a worse Tactics rating for Movement Orders. Elite on the 8 Million bayonets dice mitigates this. Protected Ammo: Improved Remount rating. Stacks with Determined, so M14/41s Remount on a 2+ even if you do not roll Elite! HEAT rounds: Armour rating on enemy teams not increased due to incoming fire from 16 inches or more. This makes long-range shots at Anti-Tank 6 just as effective as a short-range Anti-Tank 7 hit (IE, 2lbr or 5cm short) Careful: Not really a special rule, but it is worth noting up-front that EVERYTHING is hit on a 4+. It’s like being Germans!
Missing: Unknown Hero. No longer a chance for a unit leader to get improved stats. Fucilieri, Black Shirts, Motociclisti and Paraducisti also all missing, possibly chilling in a Cafe in Tripoli, sipping an Espresso! Word has it that some of these will be in a Card. I liked Unknown Hero the best.. if you HAVE to lose a unit leader, it was cool to have come back and Rambo his way to glory!
Army-Wide Special Rules