Post by Dave on Apr 7, 2010 4:26:23 GMT -7
Copied and Pasted from Scag's post in 40k General, with a few edits from myself:
1) Set the times! Everyone participating should agree on a start time and be there promptly. If you can't make it, try to let people know so they can plan accordingly.
2) Create lists beforehand! Decide how many players will be on each side and how many points each player gets to use. Then, make sure everyone has their list in-hand the second they arrive.
3) Teams! Try to have equal super-heavies on each team. If you can, use the Allies Matrix, but it's not a requirement. It's no fun being on the side getting bombarded by Strength D weapons while you are unable to do the same back.
4) Referees! Have either a random person or a responsible player be the ref. They should keep track of time, set-up, and team discussions.
5) Table! Have one or two people arrive earlier than the start time to set up the terrain and get anything else together that might be needed for the game.
6) Communication! When attacking, clearly broadcast who you're attacking. Simultaneously attack, i.e. if there are three players per team, have people attack each individual player (A1 attacks B2, A2 attacks B3, A3 attacks B1). And, possibly the most important rule:
IF YOU LEAVE FOR FOOD, TELL A TEAMMATE. HAVE THEM TAKE SHOTS, MAKE SAVES, AND MOVE. DON'T LEAVE THE OTHER PLAYERS IN A BIND!
7) Speed! Only take about 15 minutes per phase for your team. Everyone should do everything simultaneously. Assault and shooting can run over since there will be players targeting the same person, but keep it moving people!
8) Points Per Player! Apocalypse is all about quantity. You and your opponents should be putting stupid amounts of models on the table, and making good use of the datasheets provided by GW. One of the designers of Apocalypse has been quoted as saying that the game really shines when you reach truly massive points levels. It is best if each player plays with 4,000 to 6,000 (or more) points and you limit the number of players to between three and six.
9) Story! Some of the best battle reports are Apocalypse battles held at the Games Workhop HQ in the UK. The reason for this is not only do they follow ALL of the rules listed above, but they add a narrative to their game that includes a little background fluff leading up to the battle and includes special objectives and mini-missions for each player to accomplish in addition to the standard Apoc mission. The best example of this would be the Imperium vs Ork megabattle in the White Dwarf issue that features the new plastic Stompa kit. I believe even the normal Apocalypse book has some special objectives and narratives in it as well. It really adds a lot to the game and gives the players a higher sense of involvement.
10) RACES! Imagine walking past the 40k tables and seeing an Apocalypse battle that includes Tau, Necrons, Marines, Daemons, Orks, Eldar, and Guard. WHO THE HECK IS FIGHTING WHO? This falls in line with point 3 and 9, but really an Apocalypse battle should be between as few races as possible. Sure, it's easier to mix up armies but maybe if everyone's models were painted it might be a tad easier...
And a note from me, THE FRIGGIN APOCALYPSE BOOK TELLS YOU ALL OF THIS BEFORE YOU SET UP A GAME! If you do not have the book, and if none of you remember to bring it, you shouldn't be playing!
1) Set the times! Everyone participating should agree on a start time and be there promptly. If you can't make it, try to let people know so they can plan accordingly.
2) Create lists beforehand! Decide how many players will be on each side and how many points each player gets to use. Then, make sure everyone has their list in-hand the second they arrive.
3) Teams! Try to have equal super-heavies on each team. If you can, use the Allies Matrix, but it's not a requirement. It's no fun being on the side getting bombarded by Strength D weapons while you are unable to do the same back.
4) Referees! Have either a random person or a responsible player be the ref. They should keep track of time, set-up, and team discussions.
5) Table! Have one or two people arrive earlier than the start time to set up the terrain and get anything else together that might be needed for the game.
6) Communication! When attacking, clearly broadcast who you're attacking. Simultaneously attack, i.e. if there are three players per team, have people attack each individual player (A1 attacks B2, A2 attacks B3, A3 attacks B1). And, possibly the most important rule:
IF YOU LEAVE FOR FOOD, TELL A TEAMMATE. HAVE THEM TAKE SHOTS, MAKE SAVES, AND MOVE. DON'T LEAVE THE OTHER PLAYERS IN A BIND!
7) Speed! Only take about 15 minutes per phase for your team. Everyone should do everything simultaneously. Assault and shooting can run over since there will be players targeting the same person, but keep it moving people!
8) Points Per Player! Apocalypse is all about quantity. You and your opponents should be putting stupid amounts of models on the table, and making good use of the datasheets provided by GW. One of the designers of Apocalypse has been quoted as saying that the game really shines when you reach truly massive points levels. It is best if each player plays with 4,000 to 6,000 (or more) points and you limit the number of players to between three and six.
9) Story! Some of the best battle reports are Apocalypse battles held at the Games Workhop HQ in the UK. The reason for this is not only do they follow ALL of the rules listed above, but they add a narrative to their game that includes a little background fluff leading up to the battle and includes special objectives and mini-missions for each player to accomplish in addition to the standard Apoc mission. The best example of this would be the Imperium vs Ork megabattle in the White Dwarf issue that features the new plastic Stompa kit. I believe even the normal Apocalypse book has some special objectives and narratives in it as well. It really adds a lot to the game and gives the players a higher sense of involvement.
10) RACES! Imagine walking past the 40k tables and seeing an Apocalypse battle that includes Tau, Necrons, Marines, Daemons, Orks, Eldar, and Guard. WHO THE HECK IS FIGHTING WHO? This falls in line with point 3 and 9, but really an Apocalypse battle should be between as few races as possible. Sure, it's easier to mix up armies but maybe if everyone's models were painted it might be a tad easier...
And a note from me, THE FRIGGIN APOCALYPSE BOOK TELLS YOU ALL OF THIS BEFORE YOU SET UP A GAME! If you do not have the book, and if none of you remember to bring it, you shouldn't be playing!