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 Post subject: SWM Mass Battles Rules
PostPosted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 6:07 pm 
Ugnaught Master!
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Star Wars Miniatures Mass Battle General Rules

The Star Wars Miniatures game models were created for skirmishes of all sizes, and the largest contests are known as Mass Battles. These battles begin at 250 points and have no maximum point value other than the imagination of the Game Master.

The Game Master must be aware of the most important rule of all Mass Battles. “The players must have fun.” There is no other reason to spend the time involved besides ensuring that all players enjoy the time spent playing. Be willing to change aspects of the game on the fly if it appears something is not working as it was intended. The players are the main focus at all times.

Mass Battles are best enjoyed as multi-player events with all players separating into equal teams, both in player numbers and skill level. These teams work together towards the common goal(s) of the event. The teams alternate back and forth activating the miniatures on the Battle Grid.

To run a Mass Battle, you will need the following:
1. Miniatures - These will be the character models on the Battle Grid which players will use to battle against the other team(s).
2. Dice - Each player will need a 20-sided die to use for rolling attacks, saves, and initiative. It is highly recommended to have other dice around to keep track of hit points and Force points on the respective miniatures.
3. Battle Grid - For the purpose of having a collective term for the many maps which may be used in the event, the maps are known as the Battle Grid.
4. Other items - Paper and pen are suggested for keeping score, and sometimes for tracking hit points and Force points on characters. A laser pointer is very handy for directing players’ attention to a specific piece or area of the Battle Grid.
5. Patience - Many times, the players involved are not solid Star Wars Miniatures players, and they will not be the fastest or most strategic players. The Game Master must be aware of this, and be able to adapt his ideas or the game to compensate for this.

There are two types of goals involved in Mass Battles: objectives and defeating enemy pieces. Objectives can be anything the Game Master decides is worthy to award points for, examples being entering a building, reaching a certain area of the map, holding off the enemy for a set number of turns, locating an enemy spy among the ranks, etc. All aspects of objectives are solely up to the Game Master. Defeating enemy pieces is done just like the Star Wars Miniatures skirmishes, and players score points equal to the cost of the defeated piece.

Mass Battles may use any produced models of the Star Wars Miniatures line, and custom pieces and statistics may be created and used as well. If custom created characters are used, it is recommended that all teams have an equal amount of created pieces, both for fairness and so all teams will have an equal interest in being played.

Mass Battles should be played with a specific time limit to dictate when the event will end. With the amount of characters being used, playing until one team is the only one standing can take a very long time. Two to four hours is a good range, depending on the size of the armies and the skill level of the players.

In cases of a larger player event, the Game Master can enlist the help of other people to help. We call these people the Apprentices. If a game has an Apprentice, or multiple Apprentices, besides just helping with duties which the Game Master usually has to do on his own, one other special aspect can be giving advice to a team when asked. It is recommended that, if you are allowing this, that you limit the amount of times each team can ask for strategy. If a game has more than one Apprentice, then each one should be assigned to a team for advice.


Mass Battle Terminology:

Apprentice: This is a person who is assisting the Game Master with running the event. This is not a necessary position, but can speed the game up with keeping score, collecting defeated miniatures, and other tasks. With prior approval from the Game Master, the Apprentice can be available for questions or advice during the game. The amount of times advice can be given should be limited in each event.

Game Master: The person who supervises and coordinates the event. The Game Master is often the same person who has created the scenario for the event. This person makes all rules judgments, collects defeated miniatures, and oversees all other aspects of the battle. The Game Master should never offer strategy or opinions to any teams.

Battle Grid: The map or collection of maps used in the battle.

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 Post subject: Re: SWM Mass Battles Rules
PostPosted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 6:10 pm 
Ugnaught Master!
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Last year I was asked to create an official set of rules for SWM Mass Battles. Does anyone have any suggestions on my creation? Ideas, opinions, criticism? Or you can just say, "I love them, Ray" and let me have the proverbial pat on the back.
I want to make sure these are ready and set in stone for the wonderful Mass Battles at Gencon which I have planned for you guys!

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 Post subject: Re: SWM Mass Battles Rules
PostPosted: Wed Apr 27, 2011 7:12 pm 
Death Star Designers
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I have some mass battle rule 'tweaks' that I'll share with you shortly.


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