Whilst working on the new SCW rules i have found quite a few shortcuts and simplifications. This might be applied to PBI in order to make them into "PBI easy" as gamers seem to favour easy ??? Thoughts. Or should it not matter if players needing easy go to other rule sets.
Just thoughts...
The old 'Quick Play' PBI was a nice addition into the black box armies. Something similar, maybe a beginners PBI might be good.
As someone just coming to these rules a simpler set of options for starting in would be a great idea.
Well here is the first idea that has worked with the new SCW rules.
Instead of motivation.
Square with platoon commander roll a D6 and a re-roll allowed for AP.
Square within 2 squares (no diagonals) of PC roll a D6 and stick with that result.
Square more than 2 squares roll D6 and opponent can call fora re-roll if he wishes.
Player does all D6 rolls for a platoon then does the actions for the platoon.
Pros = no need to remember what has been motivated. Once a square has used its AP the D6 is removed. No need to calculate motivation distances.
This mechanism is top secret at the moment and it will not be revealed until the SCW rules are out, in case some wag copies it!
martin
How does the CC fit with this method of motivation?
And are tanks still independent?
Good Q Les
CC can add 1 to all AP rolls for that platoon.
Tanks still independent
To be honest I like them as they are, if a square fails its motivation after x3 attempts then I guess the orders are not getting through. This makes the command and control friction a bit more realistic in my opinion, and really makes the player rethink the plan when it all falls apart after some port dice rolling.
You are right Alex, but some players are finding PBI too complicated for their purposes. It is intended to give access to PBI for the more occasional player or those that need a simpler system.
Its also helps new players get into the game.
For me the best way to help new players learn the game is a good Quick Reference Sheet to give them - all the PP games I have played have them at least on the rulebook - but where I can get your nice thick cardstock laminated one to hand out I get better uptake than if they are fighting over a rulebook back or similar.
Being able to buy a set of QRFs for PBI would make my life easier to a greater extent than any cutdown version - I can keepthe rules simple for training wheel games by limiting the troops types.
Some PP playsheets, laminated and on card are on the web site.
Often others can be purchased from PP for a couple of quid, contact Martin at peterpig@btinternet.com
I did ask Martin, when I ordered the latest edition of PBI, if I could order any then or in the near future and got told they had no plans to sell separate ones at that time.
It made so much difference when I was teaching Hammerin' Iron that I thought I would feed that back here and hope they might pop up the priority list at some stage and make do until then....
I'm all for easy. Please make it easier to understand.
I also liked the old 'Quick Play' version that used to be available on the site.
Think it would be a good idea to have a simple intro version.
The PBI play sheet is available free from the rules "want to know more" section of the website. The quick play one is also free on the website. Hope that helps?
martin
Thanks Martin.
I'd completely missed that.