Machinations league rules - Privateer Press

BY WILL HUNGERFORD Machinations is Privateer Press’ 2013 league series, consisting of four seasons with each season spanning four weeks. Leagues ideally suit groups of eight or more players who regularly meet at a hobby store or gaming club where they can play whenever they wish. Each league requires an Event Organizer (EO) who is responsible for tracking the game results. This league provides players with a casual format where they will battle against each other while also working together in a global effort to uncover the mysteries behind Machinations. It will provide both novice and veteran players, as well as hobbyists, weeks of entertainment as they play, paint, and interact with unique maps and displays. Machinations is a year-long adventure that focuses on the discovery of the unknown. Someone—or something—is plotting against the armies of western Immoren, and strange incidents are happening all across the land. Players will battle over the various sites where bizarre events are occurring in an attempt to discover the truth. This tale will unfold in short story fiction that accompanies each season, in the store displays and online maps that the players interact with, and even in the tabletop battles themselves. Each league venue, the location hosting the event (such as a hobby store or gaming club), will have a league champion at the end of each season, but all players who participate will receive a prize just for signing up and having some fun. The league champion will be rewarded with a medallion fashioned into a necklace. Each season’s participation prize is a uniquely designed patch. This patch connects to the other seasons’ patches in a variety of ways, allowing

players to display their prizes as they see fit. Both prizes are pieces of the puzzle that players will encounter as they play Machinations. All games are played at the league venue. A player scores league points throughout each season by playing games, painting models, or completing unique challenges known as Schematics. Each player will track their league points on a scoreboard, which determines who is the league champion at the end of the season. In addition to tracking league points, the scoreboard contains the bizarre Device, an incomplete machine of unknown origin. The incomplete sections of the Device correspond to some of the Schematics that players can complete during the league. The first player to complete a Schematic listed on the Device will fill in his name in the appropriate section of the Device. After that, other players can also complete that challenge to earn the associated league points. Once all Schematics on the Device are filled, the EO will take a photo and send it to [email protected], which will assist the global effort to unlock the Vault. During each season, two online resources will be available to players, the Star Chart and the Vault. The Star Chart is this season’s league map. It indicates the areas players are battling over as they investigate strange occurrences and experience the game-changing effects of that region. The Vault is where the truth will be uncovered. Each season a new website displaying the Vault will become available, and each Vault will begin fully locked. As EOs around the world send in photos of their completed Devices, the locks on the Vault will begin to open. Each lock will require a set amount

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of completed Devices to open. As the locks break off, sections of the Vault will slowly open to show bits and pieces of what lies behind it.

conduct, bullying, cheating, constant rule arguments, stalling game play, and other immature actions. If stalling is suspected, the EO should be called to monitor play.

Machinations games can be played at numerous point levels and can be played in one-on-one or multiplayer formats. Additionally, each season of the league makes available unique model rules for season models that will give players a new twist on some of their favorite models.

Painting, Modeling, Proxies & Conversions

Player Responsibilities

Players participating in the league must bring their own models, stat cards, dice, measuring devices, tokens, and templates they require for play. The EO must approve any printed media used to track damage.Players should check with the EO before the event begins on any rules questions they think may arise based on their armies. Players can also use the War Room application during league events. Players can use War Room during an event to: mark damage on War Room cards instead of physical stat cards; reference model and game rules from War Room instead of physical stat cards or rulebooks; and show EOs and opponents a Theme Force’s rules on War Room instead of physical rulebooks. Players must still share their model stats, damage, and so on with their opponent, whether or not that opponent has War Room. If a player’s War Room device fails during a game and cannot be recovered in a timely manner, the player will concede that game. Each player represents a single faction for either WARMACHINE (Cygnar, Protectorate of Menoth, Khador, Cryx, Retribution of Scyrah, and Mercenaries) or HORDES (Trollbloods, Circle Orboros, Skorne, Legion of Everblight, and Minions) in each league season. An online map tracks faction victories of players worldwide.

Sportsmanship and Rules Disputes

The objective of organized play is for everyone to have a good time. Players should remain courteous and patient with their opponents and the EO. Players must cooperate with opponents to resolve effects; refusing to do so is explicitly unsporting. Players must remain courteous and patient with their opponents and the EO. Players must accept all rulings made by the EO whether or not they agree. The EO always has the final word on rules questions or debates. We assume all players are good sports who understand fair play. If a dispute arises, call an EO for assistance. Players will remain mature, polite, and fair to their opponents. Failure to do so will result in immediate disqualification. An EO can eject a player for any incident deemed unsporting. This includes but is not limited to offensive or abusive

All models used in Privateer Press organized play events must be Privateer Press miniatures from the WARMACHINE or HORDES ranges. The miniatures must be fully assembled on the appropriately sized base for which the model was designed. Any non–Privateer Press models, unassembled miniatures, or inappropriately based models are not permitted. Models that have not yet been released to the general public at the time of the event are not permitted unless those models are readily available at the event venue (such as conventionrelease models in tournaments at that convention). The Extreme versions of models are perfectly acceptable for use in organized play. Privateer Press encourages players to have a fully painted force on the table. Games with painted armies are more interesting to watch and generally enhance the experience for all. Although painting is not required, players should take this chance to show off all aspects of the hobby.

Model Conversion Rules Conversions Playing with a uniquely individualized and painted force is one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby. Just as with information disclosure and sportsmanship, players are expected to be unambiguous about model representation. The following rules must be adhered to when using converted models in organized play. These rules are meant not to limit a player’s modeling options but rather to allow creativity without generating an environment that could become confusing during game play. At his discretion, an EO can make exceptions to these rules to approve any reasonable conversion. The Miniatures A converted model must contain a majority of parts from the WARMACHINE or HORDES model for which the rules were written. For example, a Testament of Menoth conversion must be composed mostly of parts from the Testament of Menoth model. The end result of any conversion must be clearly identifiable as the intended miniature and accurately represent its weapons and equipment as listed in its rules. Any conversions must be clearly pointed out to your opponent before the game to avoid confusion.

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Swapping Weapons On warrior models, converting and swapping weapons is acceptable provided the new weapon represents the same type of weapon replaced (like swapping one sword for another). Anything relating to a weapon’s specific rules must be maintained to avoid confusion on the tabletop. For example, a weapon with Chain Weapon must still be modeled as a chain-style weapon, and a weapon’s length must be considered when converting weapons with Reach.

Scoreboard Rankings

Weapons cannot be swapped on warjack and warbeast models. Since many of the ’jacks and beasts utilize the same chassis or torso, the weapons are the most identifiable part of the model when looking across the tabletop. Converting warjacks and warbeasts is still encouraged, but the aesthetics of the weapons must be maintained. Modifying weapons is permitted, as long as the end result is easily identifiable as the intended warjack or warbeast’s proper weapon.

At the start of the league, players are added to the scoreboard poster, listing their name and faction. Players earn league points by playing games, painting models, or meeting specific requirements based on the chart below, and any charts that may be included in each season’s specific rules.

Models/units with upgrade blisters are an exception to the standard model conversion rules in a number of ways. Because the parts in these blisters define an entirely separate set of stats and abilities, the upgrade parts must be clearly visible on the model/unit matching the upgrade stat card in order to be legal for tournament use. For example, a helljack with one claw and one harpoon is not Malice. The model must have the correct head, harpoon blade, and all three spirit parts from the Malice upgrade in order to be considered Malice. Additionally, once a model/unit has been converted, it can only be fielded as that model/unit. For example, a Warpwolf with the parts from the Ghetorix upgrade is not an acceptable conversion for use with a Warpwolf Stalker stat card. Lastly, in the case of unit attachment or weapon attachment upgrade, the model(s) that use the upgrade stat card must follow these rules to be legal for tournament use, but the base unit follows the standard conversion policy for warrior model conversions, above. For example, a Black Dragon Officer & Standard must always use the Black Dragon upgrade stat card, and an Iron Fang Pikeman Officer & Standard must always use the Iron Fang Pikeman Officer & Standard stat card, but an Iron Fang Pikeman unit without a UA uses its standard stat card whether or not they have Black Dragon shields (or any other reasonable conversion). Basing Miniatures must be on their appropriately-sized WARMACHINE/HORDES base, but scenic details can be added. The base’s perimeter must always be considered when modeling scenic details. While it is acceptable for scenic elements to overhang the base’s edge, the base itself and not the scenic elements is used for all measurements. The edge of a model’s base must not obscured to the point that accurate measuring becomes difficult or impossible.

The EO tracks the score of each player participating in the league on the scoreboard poster. The first five games a player plays each week earn him league points, and these determine a player’s standings on the scoreboard. Players can continue playing games after reaching their maximum for the week, but additional games will not earn league points.

For hobby-based points, a player must show the EO the unpainted model or models they wish to paint at the beginning of the league. The player can paint these models either during league nights or in the player’s spare time over the course of the league. Once the model is complete, the player must present the finished model to the EO for confirmation in order to score points. At the end of the league, the player who has the most league points is declared champion. In the event of a tie on the scoreboard, the player who reached that point total first is the higher-ranked player. Example: If Lawrence scored 21 points and then Billy scored 21 points, Lawrence would be the higher ranked player because he accumulated 21 points first. Alternatively, if only two players are tied to become champion, then by the decision of the EO they can instead play one final game to determine who is declared champion. The following table provides the number of league points a player earns for participating in various events. The points listed here will remain the same for all four Machinations seasons, but the Schematics will change for each individual season. Many Schematics cannot be completed in a single game and will require the player to track his progress. Each season’s rules document will include a score sheet to help players keep track of how close they are to completing any given Schematic.

Star Chart

The Star Chart is the league map for Machinations and is an important element of the league system. This online map will be maintained to show the progress of each faction over the course of the league. Links to the league map and additional league details can be found at www.privateerpress.com. Before each game, the players should determine which map region they are fighting over. The player with the lowest

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league score chooses the region; for team games, the team with the lowest combined league score chooses the region. In the case of a tie, roll a d6 to determine who chooses. When games are completed, in addition to scoring league points, players should also inform the EO when they win a game and which region they were fighting over. EOs should properly report this information using the online league map. Specific region effects are detailed in each season’s rules.

The Device

The Device is part of the league scoreboard and is the key to unlocking the mysteries of Machinations. Each Device will have several incomplete sections that the players must complete by finishing the season’s Schematics. The details on how to complete Schematics listed on the Device are included below. Once all the incomplete Schematic sections are completed, the EO should take a photo of the Device and email that photo to [email protected]. This contribution will assist in the worldwide effort to unlock that season’s Vault.

Schematics

Schematics are unique challenges for players to attempt during the course of the league. Many Schematics cannot be completed in a single game of WARMACHINE or HORDES, so a score sheet is provided to players with each season’s rules in order to keep track of their progress. The EO should keep these score sheets when they are not in use. Whenever a player completes a Schematic, he earns league points as described in the season rules. The first player to complete any given Schematic should inform the EO. The EO will then write that player’s name into the appropriate space on the Device, signifying that the given Schematic is complete for the purposes of unlocking the season’s Vault. Other players can still earn league points for completing Schematic challenges even after the Schematic is recorded as complete on the Device.

Season Models

Each league season features new stories from Privateer Press. The link to these stories can be found at www.privateerpress.com. During the Machinations league season, players have the opportunity to play some of the warjacks, warbeasts, and battle engines found within these stories. The rules for these season models can be found inside each season league document. During a league season, the original models on which these season models are based cannot be used. Moreover, these models count as if they are the models on which they are based for bonuses, such as those granted by the Elite Cadre ability, the Leadership ability, or Theme Force benefits.

For example, if a league season includes the 4th Assault Legion Uhlans (a unit based on the Iron Fang Uhlans), several effects result: Khador players gain access to 4th Assault Legion Uhlans; Kovnik Markov will affect 4th Assault Legion Uhlans; and Theme Forces that include Iron Fang Uhlans can field 4th Assault Legion Uhlans. During that league season, however, Khador players cannot use standard Iron Fang Uhlans in league games. In subsequent league seasons, Khador players will be able to field Iron Fang Uhlans again but will not be able to field 4th Assault Legion Uhlans. Though legal for all league games throughout their season, season models are not legal models for use outside of the Machinations league.

Awards

Champion Medal The Champion medal goes to the player with the most points on the league scoreboard. Participation Patches All players participating in a Machinations league season receive a participation patch.

Scenarios

Two types of scenarios will be available during each Machinations season: core scenarios and season-specific scenarios. Core scenarios can be found inside the Steamroller 2013 rules document and are for use throughout the duration of Machinations. Season-specific scenarios will be tailored to the terrain and events of that season and will be released with each corresponding season update. Players can randomly select a scenario before each game by rolling 2d6 and then picking the corresponding scenario from the Scenario Table. Alternatively, players can both agree on which scenario they wish to play. Sometimes the Star Chart will also dictate which scenario to use for specific regions. Scenario Table Dice Result

Scenario

2

Destruction

3

Incoming

4

Season Scenario 1

5

Incursion

6

Season Scenario 2

7

Close Quarters

8

Outflank

9

Season Scenario 3

10

Into the Breach

11

Supply and Demand

12

Process of Elimination

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SCOREBOARD All events can be scored multiple times or as noted. Event

Points Earned One-on-One

Play a 15-point game (1 warcaster/warlock)

1


1


2


2


3

Play a 100-point game (2 warcasters/warlocks)

4 Unbound

Play a 150-point Unbound game (3 warcasters/warlocks)

6

Play a 200-point Unbound game (4 warcasters/warlocks)

8

Multiplayer Play a 15-point team or FFA game (1 warcaster/warlock per player)

1

Play a 25-point team or FFA game (1 warcaster/warlock per player)

1


2


2


3

Play a 100-point team or FFA game (2 warcasters/warlocks per player)

4

Gameplay Modifiers Win a game

1

Play against a new opponent for this season

1

Play against a new faction for this season

1

Play at a new point level for this season

1

Play with a new warcaster or warlock for this season

1 Hobby

(Each can be scored three times per league.)

Paint a solo or lesser warbeast

1

Paint a unit (4 models or less)

2

Paint a unit (5 models or more)

3

Paint a light warjack or warbeast

2

Paint a heavy warjack or warbeast

3

Paint a huge-based model

4

Paint a warcaster or warlock

2 Schematics

Check your season rules document

X

Contents and Game Rules ©2001–2013 Privateer Press, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privateer Press®, Iron Kingdoms, WARMACHINE®, Cygnar, Khador, Cryx, Protectorate of Menoth, Protectorate, Retribution of Scyrah, Retribution, HORDES, Circle Orboros, Circle, Legion of Everblight, Legion, Skorne, Trollbloods, Trollblood, warcaster, warjack, warbeast, Steamroller, and all associated logos and slogans are trademarks of Privateer Press, Inc. Permission is hereby granted to photocopy and retain electronic copies. Any such duplications shall be intended solely for personal, noncommercial use and must maintain all copyrights, trademarks, or other notices contained therein or preserve all marks associated thereof. Privateer Press reserves the right to remove this permission or revise contents herein at any time for any reason.

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