Save the date: August 29-September 1. Get registered now - don't miss out!

The NOVA Open 2013 is almost here and slots are going fast! This year will be bigger and better than ever - with more game systems, more events, more vendors, more seminars, a revamped miniature painting competition, and as ever, it's all only a few short blocks from downtown Washington D.C. museums and monuments.

Register Early: Save $5 on a Weekend Badge; Pay just $40. After August 17, 2013, Pay Full Price of $45 for a Weekend Pass

For more info: NOVA Open August 15 2013 Newsletter and Schedule
Previous Newsletters - Sign up to receive additional details and updates directly through our newsletter or by joining the NOVA Open Facebook Group

Book your room now! Room rates for 2013 are the same as the 2012 rate ($85/night): Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport
Special Perks for NOVA guests continue, including: - New & Additional gaming space, expanded vendor space, half-price parking, half-price room internet, $4 beer specials ~ ALL WEEKEND LONG
Don't forget, this is also a great chance to visit Washington D.C. GEEK NATION TOURS is a sponsor and special tour operator for 2013: Click here for tour plans!


For any specific questions, contact novaopen@gmail; I or other NOVA Open staff will also be updating this post and thread over the coming months with additional details as they become available.

First off, news to share with the community that is important to me:

The NOVA Open finally formalized the creation of the NOVA Open Charitable Foundation yesterday. This is a formal 501c3 and all the other appropriate "jazz." The long and short is we started off playing outdoors on picnic benches to raise money for Breast Cancer. We're going into our 5th annual August event since that first day with a formal charitable foundation established to allow us to properly send all our profits to doing greater good in the world. At the very least this year, we'll have an at-NOVA raffle for a Stiffneck Studios army, the proceeds from which will benefit Fisher House. We're also finalizing the raffle of a professionally painted pink Warmachine/Hordes army, the proceeds from which will benefit the fight against Breast Cancer (specific charity being finalized). We're also cooking up some activities on another broader charity army front, and hope to raise money generally to support Doctors Without Borders.

One of the reasons we got into spending all the time and energy it takes to put on a convention every year was to hopefully enable gamers and hobbyists to be drivers in making a real positive difference in the world. We really hope this year will be the big first kick in that direction.

Some updates on registration, Magic the Gathering, Geek Nation Tours, etc.

From
http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2013/01/registration-opens-in-two-days-key.html

Registration is variably hot and heavy for NOVA events ... but it's important to know the components that are highest demand / lowest quantity, and that kicks off with the VIP bag.

Text from the blog post ...

This is a CRAZY week for us.

EDIT: Just as an aside; Ed Sloman, who runs the awesome Baltimore area game shop Games and Stuff, has been granted Premium Event status by Wizards of the Coast for the two biggest (of a TON) of the Magic Events he's running from Thursday all the way through late Sunday at NOVA this year. There's a 300-player Saturday event (starting cap), and a 200-player Sunday event, each of which will be a Premium Event. I have NO IDEA yet exactly what this means, except that it's apparently a really awesome thing.

The final 40k GT and Invitational primer is complete, and it's DRAMATICALLY different in some key ways, as a direct result of awesome feedback from a veritable avalanche of players.

Please join our Facebook group ... there's a lot of healthy discussion kicking off there already, and we'll be putting a lot of stuff up.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/498362146882835/?fref=ts

I think that's the link.

We have a LOT of people lining up for VIP bags this year.
The swag inside gets better
If you have one already, or even if you don't, you'll be able to choose between a KR Kaiser2 Shoulder Bag, or a KR BackPack2. They each hold the same amount of minis. The Backpack is more convenient to carry around if you don't have one already, while arguably the Kaiser2 has better pocket space. I have one of each myself.

The Bag will be limited edition and NOVA kitted up again. Also, KR is doing something cool.
If you buy a VIP bag, starting LAST year .. any NOVA you attend in the future (whether you VIP again or not) will carry a bonus voucher from KR personalized for you that grants you a KR modular case (the building block of their system, and around a 50-55 dollar value) free with the purchase of one. Basically, KR's giving NOVA VIP people a lifetime annual $50-55 value, as long as they've VIP'ed once. Who knows what they might do for multi-VIP's in the future.

Also, you'll have to list not just your shirt size for this year's VIP bag, but the army you play (if you play one). I'm not telling yet why that might benefit you, but imagination wandering is fine.

Anyway, VIP bags are something you'll want to snag fast ... no idea how long they'll last, but some people have let us know they're lining up for reg this year not b/c of fear of the GT selling out, but out of fear of the VIP bags selling out.

Finally, and this is a big one ...

Geek Nation Tours has been working with us to design a really awesome tour of DC, Old Town Alexandria, and Gettysburg National Battlefield Park. It's a week-long trip bracketing the NOVA and wrapping up on Labor Day, and I'm not going to spoil the details. Suffice to say, if you are traveling to the NOVA (And if you have a spouse or a girlfriend who wants to join as well), you'll really want to check it out before you confirm your flights and such. It actually has me excited, and I'm not the type to usually geek out (heh) over this sorta thing. Teras, who runs Geek Nation, is also pretty awesome in that he was sure to get some tips from the locals on the really best places to eat and drink. Stay tuned ... we'll link up his tour on the NOVA site when he finishes polishing it off, which should be ready to go before registration opens on Friday.

PSA done, back to finishing up edits on all our event primers!

Slightly off topic, but still relative enough; will the prep tournament this Saturday be using the primer packet?

It will use the final primer package, which should go live today or tomorrow.

Every game system primer, the Capital Palette art competition rules, and all seminar descriptions and info will all be live on site just prior to registration.

Registration is Open.

VIP bags are selling very quickly. The first five were purchased in the early, early AM.

Newsletter with ALL primers, and tons more:
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=8i9inqiab&v=001vd12ggE3Xa6boSQG9QOwXxG8oNTCSyUrL2Z1zLVA0P4H2dck-gtT0bphABm4mikYdAEmxP5fzKIiR3ocm7q6e1XeyG3PBqNRB39GxgzipNg%3D

what is the difference between 'army' swag and 'standard' swag for the VIP bags?

We're working on that little tool. Basically, if you put in the notes what army you have, some of your VIP swag will be custom tailored to your army. Think ... would you rather get a random custom crater, or an Orky one that matched your vehicles? Would you rather get an orky gaming aid, or a generic one? Yada yada.

Update - this is the first year where we've seen tons of different events competing w/ the 40k GT for sales volume at all, much less on day 1. It's pretty exciting from an org point of view, but make sure you reg early - especially if you're looking at seminars, or smaller events. We've already sold a bunch of tickets to things like the Narrative, Trios, and even Infinity.

Tickets bought for my son and i. Mike cant wait for the NOVA This is the event i plan to travel to on a yearly basis.

Plan on looking into the GEEk tours thing as well. Never seen gettysburg or DC so looks like a great opportunity to do so.

Warlocke21 wrote:
You can book your room now for 2013! Room rates for 2013 are the same as the 2012 rate ($85/night).
Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport
Special Perks for NOVA guests continue, including:
- New & Additional gaming space, expanded vendor space, half-price parking, half-price room internet, $4 beer specials ~ ALL WEEKEND LONG
And much more!

Any details on the hotel situation? I just went to book my room and the lowest rate I was offered was $180 a night... a bit more than $85

Jamie didn't put the actual hotel room block link haha.

Use this:

https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=10404571&utm_source=NOVA+Open+Newsletter%3A+December+15%2C+2012&utm_campaign=December+15+2012&utm_medium=email

Got my pass today for the grand tourney and the narrative...(anticipation building)...hopefully some of my homies will come with this year...Can't wait for this event again!!!...THANKS to the NOVA staff for your hard work!!...

Registered for the 40k GT. Looking forward to the first GT I won't have to book a plane ticket for..!

Registration Update:

Masterclass Painting Seminars, and Tectonic Craft Studios Build-Paint-and-Take Terrain Seminar are all selling at a rate that will see sooner sellouts (Each class only has 15-20 spots, hence the sooner sellouts).

There are I think only about 15-20 VIP bags left (of 80).

zedsdead wrote:
Tickets bought for my son and i. Mike cant wait for the NOVA This is the event i plan to travel to on a yearly basis.

Plan on looking into the GEEk tours thing as well. Never seen gettysburg or DC so looks like a great opportunity to do so.

Ed, I demand that we play again.

-Jared

So this is probably a dumb question but I just searched the website and could not find an answer. So if I can't do one of the GT's for 40k because I can't get there friday. Will there be open gaming tables during the weekend to try and get games with people? And if so is it just open whenever, or only specific times(I looked at the nova schedule and it doesn't say anything)

Anytime you can get a game, you're allowed to game. We keep the hall open 24/7, so you can even game overnight.

For 40k in particular, we set up exactly 128 gaming tables. In each year, we've sold all 256 tickets by go time, but there are always a substantial number of no-shows for any number of reasons. So, barring something unexpected, there are always a few tables open in the hall.

Additionally, the Narrative event (which includes competitive and casual components, depending on personal preference) happens during the evenings, and you can skip a night ... so, you could skip Thursday and participate Fri/Sat/Sun, if you're able to play Friday evening.

Hope that helps some; the schedule also obviously includes tons of seminars, and one-off gaming events.

Hey thanks mvbrandt, I'm looking forward to my first visit to nova, just bummed I can't get there for Friday.

Update re: FW; will reflect in primer shortly:
NO FW rules for GT
40k-Approved/Unique for TT
Open for Narrative

So no FW for Invitational and Grand Tournament but yes for the Team Tournament and Narrative but they are unique? The way your formatted it was weird

Sorry Brad, you're right.

Invitational and GT are NO FW rules
The Team Tournament = Unique (a la AdeptiCon)
The Narrative = Wide use / no restrictions other than "40k Approved"

Would you attend an American Craft Beer and/or Cocktail seminar at the NOVA? Learn about the history, styles, and tastes of them from experts ... then enjoy an hour of socializing in the Presidential Suite while redeeming tickets for your favorite taste made whole?

Look for registration on these two seminars to open around March 15, with limited spots (likely 20 / seminar), on Friday/Saturday evenings, presuming we go forward with turning them on.

We might also throw some hobby-related celebrity education and conversation in during the latter part of each.

Frankie and I are gong to Burning Man this year otherwise we would be there for sure.

Good luck with the event! I am sure it will be awesome.

Just in case anyone hasn't read the primers, the 40k GT is at 1850, as of last Oct/Nov. Someone heard at a semi-popular 40k news site that we were still at 1999+1, and that is not true (per primer, website, etc.). Probably should have it in this post ....

GHOSTIN!

For the sake of sharing a little excitement, the 40k GT has sold as many spots in a month as in 4 months last year.

A small # of VIP bags remain (9 of 80); reminder, anytime starting last year you acquire a KR/NOVA VIP bag (which is itself a KR Backpack 2 the first time, and your choice of several KR bags in second and subsequent repeat years of VIP'ing), you'll get a lifetime annual KR coupon valued at $55 anytime you attend a subsequent NOVA (whether or not you VIP again after the original time).

Finally, for anyone who has always wanted an app that will show you every tournament / shop / gaming event going on near you at any time, as well as a place to host army lists for opponents / gaming / etc., as well as the ability to then click that army list and have an optimized set of custom foam cases sent to you for it ... well, support the KR Kickstarter for funding a free app that does just that:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1665056583/free-app-for-the-miniature-wargaming-community-by

10 VIP bags remain ...

Cool additional note; VIP bag purchase now includes access to a special VIP lounge Friday - Sunday, in the Hyatt's Presidential Suite, with access to special bar cocktail and beer selection and pricing.

This will tie in to the types of things our experts will be teaching in the Friday/Saturday evening Beer and Craft Cocktail Seminars.

Screw vending i love the sound of that !!!!!

I think Vendors would probably be welcome, Alex

Dramatically revised and updated army appearance scoring process, and dramatic changes to GT scoring, coming soon to this thread and whiskey40k.

One less vip bag remaining.. can't wait!

Well I guess I better get my butt into gear. I just signed up for the 40K GT. Now I just have to build and paint an army.

I'll need to be a bit more careful about my army selection this year; I made the mistake last year of going with an army I realized I didn't really like, and then had to play 13 games with it

I think the site is down, I tried to order a vip bag and the site crashed.

We use network solutions hosting, and it's apparently happening to several of their sites right now. Their engineers are working on it.

I would keep checking.

There are only 4 VIP bags left, so, good that you're looking to snag one. Lifetime KR discount thereafter, special lounge and VIP bag checks, etc., makes sense I suppose.

GT registrations are flying off the charts as well as Infinity, WM/H, and 40k Narrative.

The Narrative's attendees in particular will have access to custom bases designed by soon-to-be-announced companies custom tailored to the background material for the NOVA's own player-driven background universe.

Will those bases be put in the VIP bag like last year? Just curious

Highly possible ... only this time they'll be even cooler, include bases themed to our own 'xenos' races, and be done by professional companies, and top tier modelers. They'll be combo objectives / robust scenic bases.

Don't you give me highly possible. You say yes dang it

Sounds good though seriously. Either way. I'll probably throw in on the Narrative if I don't make the Invitational this year.

Krootman - someone from the NOVA staff will PM you whenever the site goes back up, so that you have an opportunity to grab a VIP bag before they are gone. I apologize (for network solutions I guess) that the site is down at the moment.

The site is back up.

Sorry for the interruption, now back to your regular programming.

4 VIP left, 115 40k tickets sold; things are flying right now, so while there's obviously plenty of 40k space left, this is several months sooner than we've sold around 50% compared to the past. Word to the wise and all that jazz.

The 40kGT has an innovative addition of a battle points 'track' simultaneous within the even this year. It has no impact on the W/L traditional track, but provides those who prefer margin of victory scoring a separate award route where tiebreaker-determined wins/losses are equivalent to battle points ties, and where margin of victory is tracked and recorded. More details on what this is, why this is, and why it doesn't do anything to impact the standard NOVA pairings, tracks, brackets, etc., on Whiskey & 40k today.

Thanks for the timely response Mike I really look forward to your event. I had a blast last year even though I was sick. We are using the primer for the nova qualifier event (Killadelphia) our store is hosting so I look forward to playing games with it!


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Just bought a vip bag and my 40k gt ticket!

Just b/c it's kinda fun - 1 VIP left.

Who will it go to.. the suspense...

Mike, is there an updated list of Invitational qualifiers somewhere? The most recent list of events I can find is from November and there don't seem to be many going on between now and NOVA. If this is still the case, is there any chance that you'll be adding more?

We'll be adding more, and there'll be an updated list up there within the next day or so. I can tell you that AdeptiCon, WarGamesCon, Killadelphia are all on there for sure ... probably a couple others I'm forgetting in the moment. Will update.

Also, a couple of local RTT's will award an alternate slot, one coming up in April. Folks looking to at least get themselves a chance to get in can always take a stab at those and crash over with locals.

I've only played maybe ten games since NOVA, so I've been out of the loop for a while. It's good to know that there are still some opportunities coming up though.

New BP-infusion into the 40k NOVA Format.

Basically, where before the 40k GT was two tournaments simultaneously occurring - Overall Track (50% apperance, 50% competitive), and Championship Track (Straight W/L overall and by bracket) ... it now has an added Battle Track (Margin of Victory, with MoV points allocations turning Tiebreaker-victories into ALSO de facto Battle Point Ties).

The NOVA Format is now more easily applicable to RTT formats, and allows for the three most popular style of tournament (soft score heavy, battle point heavy, win-loss heavy) to occur simultaneously and without impact on each other, so that the player has control over where to put their focus, instead of just the TO.

The purpose here is to move closer and closer to a format where attendees play THEIR way, not OUR way.

Read more, and how this doesn't affect the previous two tracks in any way at all, at:
http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2013/03/battle-points-in-40k-gt-simultaneous.html


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Additionally, these will go on sale with Newsletter release Friday with VERY LIMITED SEATING:

Two brand new seminars and a new aspect of the NOVA Open are coming in 2013!

On Friday evening, August 30, experience a seminar on the American Craft Cocktail.
On Saturday evening, August 31, experience a seminar on American Craft Beer.

Enjoy as these seminars cover everything from history to design, inclusive of tasting and drink tickets. To set the mood, they’ll be hosted in the Hyatt Regency’s exclusive Presidential Suite, in comfort and with panoramic views overlooking the Potomac and Washington, DC.

These seminars are designed to occur outside of normal gaming hours, to allow all attendees a shot at participation. Don’t wait long, however – there are only 20 spots in each seminar, and each seminar will only be offered once this year.

The price of admission for each covers tastings throughout the first hour of the seminar, and a free drink throughout the second hour. Additional drinks can subsequently be purchased for between $3-4 (a steal for the quality of cocktail and beer you’ll be getting!). Revenue from additional drink purchases will benefit the charities supported by the NOVA Open Charitable Foundation (Doctors Without Borders, Fisher House, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation).

American Craft Cocktail Seminar
Seminar Lecturer: Steven Carey
Seminar Host: Whiskey & 40k
Seminar Schedule: 9:00 – 11:00PM, Friday, August 30
# of Spots: 20
Cost / Attendee: $60 (inclusive of 1st hour tasting, and 2nd hour drink ticket; additional drinks may be very affordably purchased during the 2nd hour)
Summary: Enjoy a lecture on the history and nature of the American Craft Cocktail. Learn the basics behind ingredient selection, making your own bitters and infusions, and mixing techniques and rationales. During the seminar, enjoy high craft cocktails created in the American tradition by NOVA staffer and mixologist Steve Carey. Attendees will be able to select from a menu carefully designed by Steve to showcase the art behind creating the perfect mixed drink.
During the second hour, Steve will field questions while attendees can socialize with like-minded individuals, as well as special Convention guest celebrities.
The seminar will take place in the Hyatt Regency’s Presidential Suite, in a small-scale setting with comfortable seating and excellent views of Washington, DC.

American Craft Beer Seminar
Seminar Lecturer: TBD
Seminar Host: Tectonic Craft Studios
Seminar Schedule: 9:00 – 11:00PM, Saturday, August 30
# of Spots: 20
Cost / Attendee: $50 (inclusive of 1st hour tasting, and 2nd hour drink ticket; additional drinks may be very affordably purchased during the second hour)
Summary: Enjoy a lecture on the history and nature of American Craft Beer. Hear the background and story of its origins, fall-off during Prohibition, and rise leading into the 80’s, 90’s, and today. During the first hour of lecture, you’ll learn about and taste some of the best examples of America’s most well-established and unique styles. Special highlight will be given to late Summer and early Fall seasonals, including America’s own unique beer style – Pumpkin Ales.
During the second hour of the seminar, attendees will be able to select a beer of their choosing from the styles they taste during the first hour, to enjoy while hearing more about craft beer, discussing the convention experience with like-minded attendees, and enjoying gorgeous views of Washington, DC from the Hyatt Regency’s Presidential Suite. The second hour of the Seminar will also be attended by special Convention guest celebrities.

VIP bags are gone.

American Craft Cocktail and American Craft Beer Seminar sales are now available.

These events directly support charitable work.

http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2013/03/cocktails-for-cause-beer-for-better.html

Follow link for all relevant info and links, and link to March 15 Newsletter.

Just in case anyone's in the D.C. area this weekend, there's another terrain build going on this Saturday. Good chance to learn some new terrain building tricks, meet and hang out with the crew, and we can always use the extra hands. Pretty sure this will include some mold & hobbystone work if you've ever been interested in learning more about that.

Registration update:

40kGT just sold its 50% ticket (128), which is almost exactly three times the pace as last year. Last year, it took 153 days of registration to sell 128 tickets; this year, 59.

The Narrative is up to 25 spots sold, which is nearing double last year, and those are coming in at a faster pace (there will be some really cool information in the future, including unique models, related to the Narrative, that may increase that pace further).

Infinity is selling at a much faster pace than last year's 16-spot sellout, but that's moderated by the expansion of our size to 32.

We got a lot of work done on Infinity terrain (boy there's a lot!) on Saturday this past weekend.
See some of it here ...
http://roadtonova.blogspot.com/2013/03/build-session-3.html

Just a quick note for those playtesting / preparnig / etc. -

With the new Tau codex Warlord Table enabling re-rolls of certain results based upon what gear/abilities your Warlord has, we will probably revert the choice for Warlord Traits to the standard Rulebook approach. The reason for this is that while we believe rolling once while selecting 3 tables (book + rulebook inclusive) is more fair for a one-off tournament environment (aka not in leagues/seasons, or pick-up games), this new rule would force us to create a permutation for our permutation ... and that's getting too far from the basics of the game.

So, pending formalization, presume you will be handling Warlord Traits at NOVA exactly as the rulebook dictates.

As we've fielded a few questions, some rambling and opinion to share insight into the discussions had about FW or not for the GT, Narrative, Trios, Invitational ....

http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com.es/2013/04/why-or-why-not-forgeworld.html

Weekend Badge rates go UP by $5 by COB on Monday, April 15. Grab your badge now, and guarantee yourself a swag bag while you're at it (only the first 400 get one, and we're getting closer to that).

MVBrandt wrote:
Weekend Badge rates go UP by $5 by COB on Monday, April 15. Grab your badge now, and guarantee yourself a swag bag while you're at it (only the first 400 get one, and we're getting closer to that).

I tried to get in on this and buy the weekend badge and such but the site isn't working again. If I have qualified for the invitational what all do I need to purchase?

No badge required if you qualified for the invitational. Invitational registration codes will go out later. For now, simply register for whatever other events you wish to participate in. Also, can you drop me an email.

MVBrandt wrote:
No badge required if you qualified for the invitational. Invitational registration codes will go out later. For now, simply register for whatever other events you wish to participate in. Also, can you drop me an email.

I sent an email and registered for the open. I will await the codes for the invitational. Looking forward to my first run at the nova.

Update to all

Registrations are CRUSHING this year in most events ... dont' miss out on yours!

Was great catching up with a ton of memorable faces at AdeptiCon this year ... an event that always energizes our staff in getting ready for the big summer push to NOVA!

For the love of God and all that is holy, add an X-Wing event.

For the love of God and all that is holy, find me an X-Wing Event Coordinator!

Me!!!!!

I'm definitely going to go to NOVA this year, just haven't figured out what event yet. Eight games of 40k is too much, but I don't currently play any other games. Perhaps the narrative?

MVBrandt wrote:
For the love of God and all that is holy, find me an X-Wing Event Coordinator!

I emailed you and PM'ed you on here as requested. Did you receive either?

Well, there's a LOT to do this year other than play games as well ... quick few seminar examples =

American Craft Cocktail (how to make + history)
American Craft Beer (history + taste / variety)
Tectonic Terrain (Terrain build/paint/take-home)
Basic Black personal firearms defense, + advanced range day course
By Justin McCoy of Secret Weapon Miniatures:
Masterclass Painting
Hands-on Weathering
Demo Weathering
Intro Airbrushing
Basing Your Models

There's plenty more of course ...
http://www.novaopen.com/wp-content/uploads/NOVA-OPEN-2013-SCHEDULE.pdf

The NOVA Open Charitable Foundation is a formal 501c3 transparently and fully dedicated to leveraging the power of our community toward raising resources and volunteer hours in support of highly regarded charities.


http://novaopenfoundation.org/

Three charity raffles will be ongoing from now through this year's NOVA Open, highlighted by the "Redemption of the Fallen" project, put together in support of Doctors Without Borders by several exceptional artists within our community.

All raffle proceeds go in support of either Doctors Without Borders (Redemption of the Fallen 1850 pt Dark Angel army painted by a group of motivated 40k artists), Fisher House (House of the Silent King, a 1000 point Necron army painted by Stiffneck Studios), and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (Lightish Red, painted and donated by Brendon Caulkins, a 35 point Khador Warmachine force).

Besides the artists who put these raffle armies together, these projects are also supported by The Warstore (who provided the Dark Angels army for Redemption of the Fallen, http://www.thewarstore.com/), The NOVA Open (who provided the Necron force for House of the Silent King, http://www.novaopen.com), and KR Multicase. KR will be providing custom foam and carry cases for EACH of the raffled armies. http://www.krmulticase.com/

Work in Progress and finished pictures will be coming soon, including on the blogs of the artists.

Check it out ...
Redemption of the Fallen 1850 Point Dark Angels:
http://novaopenfoundation.org/?tcp_product=redemption-of-the-fallen-army-raffle-ticket

This army will be painted by award winning (including golden daemon for some) painters: Tim Williamson of the Tau of War (who spearheaded the rebirth of the Doctors Without Borders project), Chris "Jawaballs" Dubuque, Mike Cho, Dan Withers of Valhalla Games, Gabe Dobkin, and Sean Gibson.

House of the Silent King 1000 Point Necrons:
http://novaopenfoundation.org/?tcp_product=house-of-the-silent-king-army-raffle-ticket

Painted by Stiffneck Studios: http://www.stiffneckstudio.com/

The Lightish Red Khador Warmachine Force:
http://novaopenfoundation.org/?tcp_product=the-lightish-red-army-aka-pink-raffle-ticket


One of the lessosn learned from artists and contributors was that past projects of this sort ran into some difficulties due to the legality and challenges for online raffles, which are considered games of chance. Tireless amounts of time were put in by a small group of people (not including myself on this one!) to create the Foundation as a formal, legal, charitable nonprofit through which our community can efficiently and effectively raise money and dedicate time to excellent causes.

Go get some raffle tickets!

As an aside:
While I've always had the goal of driving the NOVA Open to a place where we can help give back to the world, the credit for organizing and running the Foundation does not go to me. For reasons ranging from time commitment to conflict of interest, I do not sit on the board of the Foundation. It is run by a trio (really a quartet) of people who've put in countless hours making sure this is done correctly - legal, transparent, and dedicated to the greater good of the world. Help honor the hard work they've put in by helping us show that we can spend our loose change on more than just plastic toys (all in the hopes of doing some good, and winning some gorgeous plastic toys! :p)


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May 1 Newsletter:
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs123/1108652353819/archive/1113224352030.html

Because it's cool ... put together candidly and for fun by the NOVA's film and social media director ...

http://vimeo.com/65480539

If you're local, you should join!

Hey MVB what is that song being used in this vid?

I am slowly getting my act together and cant wait to hit the 40K GT.

Aww, I missed the day we made a video. Dang school getting in the way of my true dream of being a genuine movie star.

Is the Tamurkhan chaos dwarf list allowed for the fantasy GT?

Sent Scooter a PM about it RiTides

Ethan will probably be making fun videos at every Terrain day, Lans.

We'll also be banding together to do a campy Cloverfield-style video involving DC and the DC Alien Invasion Narrative, and other things ... and we'll be filming some stuff for it at the next terrain day also (this coming Saturday).

Thanks for checking, MVBrandt!

MVBrandt wrote:
Sent Scooter a PM about it RiTides

Ethan will probably be making fun videos at every Terrain day, Lans.

We'll also be banding together to do a campy Cloverfield-style video involving DC and the DC Alien Invasion Narrative, and other things ... and we'll be filming some stuff for it at the next terrain day also (this coming Saturday).

Who do we send rules inquiries too?

Mvbrandt or novaopen ... Gmail each

Any word back about the chaos dwarfs Tamurkahn list, MVBrandt?

Scooter says it's legal

MVBrandt wrote:
Well, there's a LOT to do this year other than play games as well ... quick few seminar examples =

American Craft Cocktail (how to make + history)
American Craft Beer (history + taste / variety)
Tectonic Terrain (Terrain build/paint/take-home)
Basic Black personal firearms defense, + advanced range day course
By Justin McCoy of Secret Weapon Miniatures:
Masterclass Painting
Hands-on Weathering
Demo Weathering
Intro Airbrushing
Basing Your Models

There's plenty more of course ...
http://www.novaopen.com/wp-content/uploads/NOVA-OPEN-2013-SCHEDULE.pdf

I can't wait to visit the Battlefoam vendor booth!

 Blackmoor wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
Well, there's a LOT to do this year other than play games as well ... quick few seminar examples =

American Craft Cocktail (how to make + history)
American Craft Beer (history + taste / variety)
Tectonic Terrain (Terrain build/paint/take-home)
Basic Black personal firearms defense, + advanced range day course
By Justin McCoy of Secret Weapon Miniatures:
Masterclass Painting
Hands-on Weathering
Demo Weathering
Intro Airbrushing
Basing Your Models

There's plenty more of course ...
http://www.novaopen.com/wp-content/uploads/NOVA-OPEN-2013-SCHEDULE.pdf

I can't wait to visit the Battlefoam vendor booth!

There's a joker in every lot people I tell ya .

Thanks for the answer, MVBrandt!

Check out the NOVA Open's Facebook Group and join for updates ...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/498362146882835/

Most recently, a teaser about what Ethan (our filmmaker and social media guy) is doing ... with a Necron Monolith and a green screen? Hmm ...


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Additional note -

First teaser of one of the three charity armies, House of the Silent King (http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs123/1108652353819/img/247.jpg) - http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs123/1108652353819/img/253.jpg

All three charitable foundation armies can be won WHETHER YOU ATTEND THE NOVA OR NOT. Snag raffle tix today and support one of three awesome causes at http://novaopenfoundation.org/

Mid May Newsletter: http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs123/1108652353819/archive/1113406154856.html

Registrations have picked up again in mid-May, and we're starting to run out of room in some areas. Go ahead and snag your reg now if you're dragging your feet at all

Also, some spots remain in the American craft Cocktail and Beer seminars, which are in the evenings well after GT / etc. ... don't miss these, they won't last.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Also, grab your hotel rooms; in addition to getting more raffle tickets the sooner you book for the $2,000 cash hotel room raffle ... you also don't want to miss out on them altogether ...

http://www.novaopen.com/wp-content/uploads/booking-pace-mid-may-2013-1024x861.png

You can't really replicate $85/night at most nearby locations.

Keep an eye out for seminars; we're adding a couple of cool ones.

For those who are traveling, there'll be a limited-space seminar combining Jawaballs and the NOVA's capabilities to allow players to learn how to build a DISPLAY BOARD in a hurry to a high quality, and have it painted and ready to go by the start of the GT. The course will likely be Friday AM, 7:30A - 10A, with the GT kicking off at 10:30A.

 Nicorex wrote:
Hey MVB what is that song being used in this vid?

@Nicorex, the song is Imagine Dragons - Radioactive. They are pretty swanky, and for those of us in the DC area, they are coming to Merriweather Post Pavillion in September

As MVBrandt said, definitely check out the new seminars. Also, if you registered for an event but didn't pick up a weekend badge (or vice versa) we will be emailing you soon.

I have been approved for this so unless some emergency comes up I will be attending this event. I still need the pass and stuff for the invitational.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Can you play in both the invitational and the open?

 Tomb King wrote:

Automatically Appended Next Post:
Can you play in both the invitational and the open?

Definitely! We specifically set up the schedule so that you can play in both. In fact, we put together a handy chart to show what events you can do together:



In summary, there are a host of 40k, Infinity, Warmachine, and Magic events you can do at the same time as the invitational. Not to mention a whole raft of seminars. For the complete list of all events, you can check out our schedule here.

I was asking as player stand point is it feasible to track that many games and throw myself into possibly that many consecutive games. lol

Might even run two separate armies depending on what I can fit in a carry on.

 Tomb King wrote:
I was asking as player stand point is it feasible to track that many games and throw myself into possibly that many consecutive games. lol

Might even run two separate armies depending on what I can fit in a carry on.

I did 6 games in the GT and 4 in the narrative last year as well as 2 seminars. The max was 5 games of 40k on saturday. I know guys who did the invitational, GT and Trios/Narrative and played like 15 or so games over 4 days.

It is basically an endurance race and how many models you can carry with you all day.

Last year I did 5 Invitational games and 8 Open games (since I won my bracket). And the pacing wasn't to horrible last year. Not like the year before but I do have to say that by Sunday your starting to drag a bit.

What are the qualifications for the invitational? Can't seem to find them..

Also, for the narrative, there is one free "skip". So you can skip out one game if you are feeling exhausted (or I think there is one you have to skip if you tried to play every single 40k event).

It is definitely possible to do every 40k event. Though it's not for the faint of heart since that's a lot of 40k games. Though at 1850, the GT should be a little more manageable.

Keep in mind too that there are seminars, magic pick-up events, and free gaming so there is so much more than just 40k.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Also, allow me to introduce myself...

I'm Kolath and I'm on the board of the Nova Open. I'm mostly responsible for planning, infrastructure, and IT-related stuff. The Nova 2011 GT was my first ever tournament and I loved it so much that I volunteered to help build terrain for Nova 2012. Over the course of that year (and about 300 terrain pieces later) I go to know the awesome group of guys and gals who make up the Nova staff. Then for 2013, they invited me to join the exec board to help run the whole event. It's been a great experience and I definitely strive to make Nova the most fun it can possibly be.

Since I also happen to be a long-time Dakkaite I thought I'd drop in and help Mike answer questions as we get closer to the event.

Same as Hulk - last year I did 5 invitational and 8 GT games due to winning my bracket. It was tough but very doable, and as he said much better last year due to the scheduling changes from previous years. I do know people that did the invitational, GT, and Narrative or Trios, and they seemed pretty exhausted. I don't think they really played more games persay because they didnt make sunday bracket finals, but they had to play their narrative/trios game which occured (iirc) after the GT/invitational games each day, meaning games from like 8-9 am ish until ~1130 pm every day.

Any registered players who have not yet, GRAB YOUR HOTEL ROOMS. It's free to book, after all.

The reason I push this is - we're 60 full days ahead of last year's booking schedule for the hotel, and at $85/night you won't find anything close to a better deal nearby if you wait too long and run out of the rooms you need. Snag 'em!
https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=10404571&utm_source=NOVA+Open+Newsletter%3A+December+15%2C+2012&utm_campaign=December+15+2012&utm_medium=email

To the question asker, Invitational Qualification list should be on the website and up-to-date or near to it. Remaining opportunities include WarGamesCon and Bugeater.

MVBrandt wrote:

To the question asker, Invitational Qualification list should be on the website and up-to-date or near to it. Remaining opportunities include WarGamesCon and Bugeater.

I do not think it is (do you have the link?). In the past it was on the Nova Open forum, and I do not know if the forum post is up to date.

 Blackmoor wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:

To the question asker, Invitational Qualification list should be on the website and up-to-date or near to it. Remaining opportunities include WarGamesCon and Bugeater.

I do not think it is (do you have the link?). In the past it was on the Nova Open forum, and I do not know if the forum post is up to date.

The Killadelphia Open is also an upcoming Invitational qualifier (or at least they're billing it as such), so I don't think the list is current.

Yes! Kiladelphia is! I'll get it updated asap

I cant view the list of all the qualifiers either. Is it posted?

Just to keep an update until we catch up the site via our web guy:

Invitational Qualifiers at present:
Tony Kopach
Alex Fennell
Nick Nanavati
Ragnar Arnesson
Matt DeFranza
Alex Bessinger
Ben Mohlie
Andrew Gonyo
James Watkins
Jesse Newton
Sean Nayden
Bill Souza
Daniel Bunker
Alan Bajramovic
Brad Nichols
Brett Perkins
Brad Townsend
Eric Hoerger
Jeremy Veysseire
Lyzz Foster
Alex Harrison (Team England nominee)
Ian McDaniel

*Most of these are attending, but TBD on all based upon availability / travel

Remaining events to qualify at:
Bugeater GT
Kiladelphia Open
WarGamesCon
IFL Road to the NOVA Invitational (DC Area League + Playoffs, starts June 1)

Present Alternates:
Aaron Aleong
Andrew Blackwell

Ian McDanial won the midwest massacre but he is listed as an alternate. Aaron was the alternate behind him. Dont know if that was a typo or not.

Fixed; thanks, yes, a typo.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Since someone asked - this is open to all, put on by the IFL, and starting June 1 (so you have time to sign-up). If you want NOVA practice, and are in range of MD/DC/VA, it's 6 games over 6-7 weeks, with an 8-player playoff where all 8 are guaranteed cash.

http://the-ifl.com/Forums/tabid/109/aft/34173/Default.aspx#49575

A captain-nominated member of Team Denmark is now officially registered to compete in the NOVA Open's 40k GT and Invitational this year ... truly becoming a more and more international event.

Stay tuned for the June 1 newsletter also ... some really awesome information about Torrent of Fire is coming out, and how it will revolutionize the notion of a "live" tournament experience, from mobile score submission to live streaming results.

Not sure exactly how I got an alternate spot, but I'm pretty psyched about it regardless Guess I better get a weekend pass and an Open ticket and get back into playing 40k again!

 DarkCorsair wrote:
Not sure exactly how I got an alternate spot, but I'm pretty psyched about it regardless Guess I better get a weekend pass and an Open ticket and get back into playing 40k again!

Huzzah RTT I believe. Just an alternate spot, and a lower tier one due to the smaller venue, but it's a shot in if nothing else

MVBrandt wrote:

 DarkCorsair wrote:
Not sure exactly how I got an alternate spot, but I'm pretty psyched about it regardless Guess I better get a weekend pass and an Open ticket and get back into playing 40k again!

Huzzah RTT I believe. Just an alternate spot, and a lower tier one due to the smaller venue, but it's a shot in if nothing else

That's what I figured. I may try and get a spot proper via the IFL Road to the Invitational, we'll see.

Not into competitive gaming? Tour DC during the day, or participate in any of TWENTY SIX DIFFERENT SEMINARS, and then ...

In the evenings ...

Fight for the future of DC ... a little campy fun:
https://vimeo.com/67614459

@ MVBrandt

Good luck with your tournament and as usual you have my respect on how you run it.

Adam

Thanks, Adam! Cross your fingers for good luck to our convention as a whole as well!

And just because I'm a shameless bumper sometimes ...

repost of vid for the "most recent post" readers ...
Not into competitive gaming? Tour DC during the day, or participate in any of TWENTY SIX DIFFERENT SEMINARS, and then ...

In the evenings ...

Fight for the future of DC ... a little campy fun:
https://vimeo.com/67614459


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Just another quick video link of some campy fun put together by the NOVA's creative crew.

Share with your less tournament enthusiastic friends, if you don't mind, what they're missing out on by now in attending the NOVA!

Also, tournament attendees - all of these seminars can be taken ALONG WITH GT and other tournament play, check the schedule (http://www.novaopen.com/wp-content/uploads/NOVA-OPEN-2013-SCHEDULE.pdf). Some may even benefit you directly - how about building a display board with Jawaballs on Friday morning to use in the GT that follows?

Seminars:

Non-Hobby:
American Craft Cocktail - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=american-craft-cocktail-seminar
American Craft Beer - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=american-craft-beer-seminar
Basic Black Personal Firearms Defense - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=basic-black-introduction

Hobby:
Build-and-take Tectonic Terrain - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=take-home-tectonic-terrain-hands-on
Mold-and-take Hirst Arts / Molding/Casting - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=hirst-arts-terrain-tim-stone

By Justin McCoy, of Secret Weapon Miniatures:
Airbrushing Miniatures - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=airbrushing-miniatures-demo
Weathering - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=weathering-techniques-demonstration
Basing - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=basing-your-models-demonstration
Pigments Hands-On - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=using-pigments-on-miniatures-hands-on
Master Class Painting - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=master-class-painting


By Caleb Wissenback, Crystal Brush and numerous other award winning artist:
Primer to Tabletop Quality - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=primer-to-tabletop-caleb-wissenback
Blending 101 - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=blending-101-caleb-wissenback
Max Your Paint Score - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=max-your-paint-score-caleb-wissenback

By Chris "Jawaballs" Dubuque and his highly regarded "Jawaballs Way":
Freehanding Miniatures - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=freehanding-minis-chris-jawaballs-dubuque
Build-and-Use Display Board, Jawaballs Way - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=build-a-display-board-chris-jawaballs-dubuque

There's even a seminar pass just for the hobbyist - http://www.novaopen.com/?tcp_product=deluxe-seminar-pass-includes-one-entry-to-capital-palette-save-10-click-for-details

Can you say how many, or around how many, spots are left open for the fantasy GT? I am signed up for it and I have some friends how are thinking about going, and if I think if the knew how many spots were left it would get them to hurry up and register, lol.

I believe there's somewhere in the mid-upper 20's signed up, which is well ahead of last year's pace for this point for the Fantasy GT.

40k Mysterious Terrain - input welcome from the Dakka crowd ...

Understand that the options presented revolve around the lack of uniform terrain types to spread across all tables - a major goal for us is that each set of opponents is competing on a similar playing field to those next to them each round (though not necessarily throughout the tournament). That's to say, it's perfectly acceptable for terrain layout / "counts-as" to change each round, so long as during each round, every table has roughly the same layout/style.

Option 1 - No mysterious terrain, at all
Option 2 - The simple area terrain (that's to say, not the area/ruins, or area/hills) on the board (2 pieces/board) counts as Mysterious Forests for between 1 and 3 of the 8 rounds of the GT
Option 3 - As per Option 2, but in some rounds it counts as Mysterious Water terrain as well in one of the Mysterious rounds.

As an aside, Mysterious Objectives are already active in all rounds, per the 6th RB.

Just figured I'd pop in here and say hi as well.

I'm Scott and I'm running the Flames of War events at NOVA again this year.

Our primers are availible here

Photos from last years tables are here

If you have any questions regarding FoW at NOVA you can reach me here or via email on our website. Look forward to seeing you there!

MVBrandt wrote:
I believe there's somewhere in the mid-upper 20's signed up, which is well ahead of last year's pace for this point for the Fantasy GT.

40k Mysterious Terrain - input welcome from the Dakka crowd ...

Understand that the options presented revolve around the lack of uniform terrain types to spread across all tables - a major goal for us is that each set of opponents is competing on a similar playing field to those next to them each round (though not necessarily throughout the tournament). That's to say, it's perfectly acceptable for terrain layout / "counts-as" to change each round, so long as during each round, every table has roughly the same layout/style.

Option 1 - No mysterious terrain, at all
Option 2 - The simple area terrain (that's to say, not the area/ruins, or area/hills) on the board (2 pieces/board) counts as Mysterious Forests for between 1 and 3 of the 8 rounds of the GT
Option 3 - As per Option 2, but in some rounds it counts as Mysterious Water terrain as well in one of the Mysterious rounds.

As an aside, Mysterious Objectives are already active in all rounds, per the 6th RB.

I vote to keep terrain as simple as possible. People are already going to struggle to finish their games in time, why add more bookkeeping? And in reference to the "counts-as" terrain idea, do you really want to deal with the countless arguments that can come of that during tournament play? There wouldn't be enough beer in the world to make your judges want to come back for day two.

Mysterious Objectives is fine, Mysterious terrain is a confusing pain in the ass and more often than not, it seems like it hasn't been included in events I attended, or if it was, people often forget to trigger them.

I know you can't reprint rules, but digging out the heavy book to look up rolls on those terrain tables is a pain in the ass. Maybe have the terrain chart on a card posted to the 'number' stand so it is quick and easy to roll will make it less of a chore.

Feedback is good ... haha; we definitely do not HAVE to use Mysterious Terrain

We'll probably do some form of quick-ref sheet akin to AdeptiCon's one way or another, as part of the Guidebook packet.

option 1, is it required to give a reason

nkelsch wrote:

I know you can't reprint rules, but digging out the heavy book to look up rolls on those terrain tables is a pain in the ass. Maybe have the terrain chart on a card posted to the 'number' stand so it is quick and easy to roll will make it less of a chore.

Agreeing with this. I am not against having mysterious terrain as long as you are able to provide a quick reference for each of the tables. Hell, it could actually be fun to play with mysterious terrain - I would just be consistent with it though, so I guess I am voting for OPTION 2.

You shoud allow FW in all tournaments!

(sorry, couldn't help it....I'm a bad man)

 Hulksmash wrote:
You shoud allow FW in all tournaments!

(sorry, couldn't help it....I'm a bad man)

ONLY Thudd Guns, Vultures, Redth, and Sabres.


Reminder, though Brad's having fun trolling, the NOVA does allow FW in half its 40k offerings. The Narrative is FW wide open, including Horus Heresy, and is one of our premier 40k events (aka not a side thing we just do for casuals ... it's a personal pet project and a rapidly growing big deal).

MVBrandt wrote:
ONLY Thudd Guns, Vultures, Redth, and Sabres.


Reminder, though Brad's having fun trolling, the NOVA does allow FW in half its 40k offerings. The Narrative is FW wide open, including Horus Heresy, and is one of our premier 40k events (aka not a side thing we just do for casuals ... it's a personal pet project and a rapidly growing big deal).

Hold up a minute... I can field a Heresy army for the Narrative? Damnit, I almost finished painting up my Dark Angels. I don't need an excuse to actually make a (pre/) Heresy army.

Yes, yes you can

The Narrative, after all, isn't set in the Warhammer universe. We're just using 40k to create a universe all our own. Plus it's radical to get to battle it out for LED-lit monuments (those who haven't done it before).

Top prizes for the Narrative (War Hero and Non Combatant) just got very "Primarchial"

Looking sexual Mike

FYI - Infinity has cleared last year's sell-out totals already, well in advance of last year's pace. It's looking likely to sell out its doubled capacity this year.

Corvus Belli is supporting the NOVA Open in a HUGE way - they'll have something in every attendee's swag bag, every Infinity sign-up will get something, and they sync'ed us up with their affiliated terrain production companies for some radical prizes and themed tables.

Infinity events occur during the mainstream tournament times, and in the evenings, so check out the schedule and sign up before it's too late if Infinity is your primary or secondary cup of tea.

Reminder, if you signed up for just the 40k GT, check the schedule for other things you can do. Any of 26 seminars (inclusive of craft beer and cocktail seminars), and numerous alternate gaming events both within and without the game of 40k.

Those of you who've registered but are being lacksadaisical on hotel rooms (you know who you are, and we do too!), GRAB YOURS NOW. The hotel is down to only about 60-70 rooms within our block left, which means you're going to start running out of double / king bed options if you don't move a little promptly. It's free to reserve if you end up having to cancel, but it's a lot more costly if you have to stay outside the $85/night room rate for the NOVA block (we have a ton of rooms, and it's not run out yet or anything, just saying grab 'em while you have all the options you might want). We've already had to get them to add nights to 8/28 repeatedly at this point (Wednesday). They won't do us favors forever ...

https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=10404571&utm_source=NOVA+Open+Newsletter%3A+December+15%2C+2012&utm_campaign=December+15+2012&utm_medium=email

Still haven't payed for the invitational or a weekend pass as its waived? Any idea on when those emails will go out about those?

You should have already received one. Will make sure you get that.

MVBrandt wrote:
You should have already received one. Will make sure you get that.

That is on me. I was checking the wrong email. I sent a reply and now just waiting to get the password.

The hotel is booking at a faster pace than ever before, by far ... grab yours, it's free and easy and you can cancel if you end up not making it:
http://www.novaopen.com/wp-content/uploads/Hotel-Booking-Rates-2013-70-days-out.png

(YES, the life of a con organizer often ends up checking your room booking rate charts on a daily basis, weeee)

Those who attended and hung out in the evenings last year ... may remember 100,000 scovilles .. so the question is ... should I or should I not procure:
http://www.masterofmalt.com/vodka/the-hot-enough-vodka-co/250000-scovilles-naga-chilli-vodka/

Already registered attendees - check your inboxes today for a special splash newsletter meant just for ya'll.

Oh you know you're going to procure that beastly vodka. And we will all weep in response (or at least if we drink it we will).

Not sure if this is the best place for this but...

What base size should 40k fleshhounds be on for the Nova Open?

Oval bike bases
40mm termie bases
square bases from that other game

I would expect to see a bunch of these in Daemon Rush armies...like mine....muahahahah...

Bike bases are ideal.

Really? I would have assumed 40mm since that's the standard multi-wound beast base (i.e. fiends, raveners).

40k modeling isn't a common law ruleset last I checked; the reason I go with the oval bases is that they come with cavalry bases.

Raveners only come with one base size. Fiends come on a 40mm square base for Fantasy, and a corresponding 40mm round base for 40k.

So, since the size comparison from fantasy to 40k seems to be intended to be roughly the same / closest, Hounds on biker bases is a closer approximation of hounds on narrow rectangular cav bases.

It's your tourney my friend. I just pointed out two other multi-wound beast units in 40k that come on a 40mm. It didn't have anything to do with the fantasy/40k crossover.

You could add Razorwings and Spawn to the list of 40mm rounds. Oh, and the DE Doggy but he's not multi-wound.

Add in that hounds look like poop on those bases and most people already use 40mm for them that I've seen.

Doesn't matter to me though, I'm not using hounds

Either way I assume you will try to dodge me again this year Brad, just man up and take the loss...

@Clauss

My fear of you is to great to be put into words. I will again dodge you after paying the guy running the computer at the event

Totally get the other P.O.V., Brad; sorta talked about it and decided would be better to go with this approach, since there's consistency either way.

just booked the room, cant wait for this

MVBrandt wrote:


Those who attended and hung out in the evenings last year ... may remember 100,000 scovilles .. so the question is ... should I or should I not procure:
http://www.masterofmalt.com/vodka/the-hot-enough-vodka-co/250000-scovilles-naga-chilli-vodka/

do the initials, F.O. mean anything to you :p

That's actually one of the reviews on the back of the bottle of 100,000 Scovilles. In entirety.

The reviews on that bottle are hilarious.

Several seminars are close to selling out. Word's getting out, you might say; there are TWENTY SIX of them - check 'em out on the web at novaopen.com

Classes on 100,000 scovilles vodka NOT included; however, the American Craft Cocktail seminar has a phenomenal and NOT bloody mary drink you'll learn about / taste / learn to make that includes Tabasco in a highly surprising usage.

NM,

Can't get a multi-dest flight that will jive with my schedule. Going to drive, will be easier in the long run I think.


Made room reservations, got my weekend pass, GT tickets, Craft Cocktail Seminar, and of course the ubiquitous NOVA T-Shirt

Super stoked for this. Cant wait to get my head kicked in by the worlds best players. And 250,000 Scovilles.

Glocknall wrote:
I would like to play in the open GT. Would you suggest staying that sunday night or will we have time to check out and get on our way to a late flight sunday?

Staying Sunday night would make it a leisurely departure, but if your flight is late enough it is entirely possible to fly out Sunday. The 40k GT ends at 1pm on Sunday. The awards ceremony (including raffles) is from 6:30-8:00pm. If you fly out of Reagan National (DCA), it is literally a mile from the hotel so you can get there ridiculously fast by cab.

What Kolath said. There's also a free shuttle to the airport every fifteen minutes. We've also made some changes to the awards format that should have it over much sooner than 8.

That said, there's always a final social at a nearby bar, and with labor day being off for most, you might find it less painful to leave Monday a.m. Point is, though, either works easily enough.

Gonna drive, I have to see some family on the way up anyways. Edited my above post. NOVA tickets are in hand and can't wait to see ya'll!

MVBrandt wrote:
Bike bases are ideal.
...
40k modeling isn't a common law ruleset last I checked; the reason I go with the oval bases is that they come with cavalry bases.
...
So, since the size comparison from fantasy to 40k seems to be intended to be roughly the same / closest, Hounds on biker bases is a closer approximation of hounds on narrow rectangular cav bases.

So are Hounds on Cav bases still OK? I mean...since that's all they actually come with, it's the only strictly 'legal' choice. Or are you asking that people base-swap to an oval base? I would think using the base out-of-the-box is 'ideal', while bike bases are the next best thing.

 whigwam wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
Bike bases are ideal.
...
40k modeling isn't a common law ruleset last I checked; the reason I go with the oval bases is that they come with cavalry bases.
...
So, since the size comparison from fantasy to 40k seems to be intended to be roughly the same / closest, Hounds on biker bases is a closer approximation of hounds on narrow rectangular cav bases.

So are Hounds on Cav bases still OK? I mean...since that's all they actually come with, it's the only strictly 'legal' choice. Or are you asking that people base-swap to an oval base? I would think using the base out-of-the-box is 'ideal', while bike bases are the next best thing.

You can use the bases out of the box.

 Warlocke21 wrote:

Here's the next little expansion to the breadth of the NOVA Open to ya'll, in the form of our American Craft Cocktail and Beer Seminars. They occur 9:30-11:30PM on the evenings of Friday, August 30, and Saturday, August 31 respectively. Proceeds from the Seminars and cocktail/beer sales in the Presidential Suite where they are hosted go in support of the charities (click the link to see which ones and details) sponsored by the NOVA Open Charitable Foundation. Details are in the March 15 newsletter, but here are your direct links and quotes:
Craft Cocktail Seminar (soon to be titled; Cocktails for a Cause)
Craft Beer Seminar (soon to be titled: Beer for a Better World)

Gah. This alone is just so awesome. I wish I could go!

I have oop broadsides. Do I need to buy the bigger oval bases for them?

Orcourwe..smaller bases allow you to deoloy them easier gaining a huge advantage.

KillswitchUK wrote:
Orcourwe..smaller bases allow you to deoloy them easier gaining a huge advantage.

lol, yes a totally massive advantage. Base size matters more on assault based units, whereas you can get more into combat. Having smaller bases actually means I can take more hits from blast weapons. Plus its the bases that the models originally came with.

I think smaller bases for an army that needs to often fit into key firing lanes could be seen as an advantage. Also, blasts generally are going to get more hits on larger footprints by virtue of the fact that two thirds of blast shots scatter.

That said, like with super old DP, we can't really make you use new model bases. As long as it's not the new broadside on a 40mm.

MVBrandt wrote:
I think smaller bases for an army that needs to often fit into key firing lanes could be seen as an advantage. Also, blasts generally are going to get more hits on larger footprints by virtue of the fact that two thirds of blast shots scatter.

That said, like with super old DP, we can't really make you use new model bases. As long as it's not the new broadside on a 40mm.

Does this same thing apply to the old 2nd/3rd ed Terminator squads that were mounted on 25mm bases?

Looking forward to Nova already. Good news is that it seems there aren't going to be any books at this point that come out that are legal for Nova before the event so I can settle on an army in the current codex environment

Doesn't mean I know yet what the heck I'm bringing but it does make it a bit easier knowing there won't be any new books to throw what I build for a loop

 Enigwolf wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
I think smaller bases for an army that needs to often fit into key firing lanes could be seen as an advantage. Also, blasts generally are going to get more hits on larger footprints by virtue of the fact that two thirds of blast shots scatter.

That said, like with super old DP, we can't really make you use new model bases. As long as it's not the new broadside on a 40mm.

Does this same thing apply to the old 2nd/3rd ed Terminator squads that were mounted on 25mm bases?

That's been the standard for years. Termies are on 40mm.

But if they are the old metal ones they would be legal on 25mm. It's the base they came with and that's also been the rule for years. Granted, people should all have rebased by now.

 Hulksmash wrote:
But if they are the old metal ones they would be legal on 25mm. It's the base they came with and that's also been the rule for years. Granted, people should all have rebased by now.

NEVER!!!!

 Hulksmash wrote:
But if they are the old metal ones they would be legal on 25mm. It's the base they came with and that's also been the rule for years. Granted, people should all have rebased by now.

So, it's the base they came on? That will make my 2nd ed. IG heavy weapons much easier to field...

No base = put on current base

Previously provided base means it's the legal base!

So many smarty pants on the internet and I'm not one of them

 Tomb King wrote:

KillswitchUK wrote:
Orcourwe..smaller bases allow you to deoloy them easier gaining a huge advantage.

lol, yes a totally massive advantage. Base size matters more on assault based units, whereas you can get more into combat. Having smaller bases actually means I can take more hits from blast weapons. Plus its the bases that the models originally came with.

Id say the advantages of using old ones far outweighs the downsides:
-Old ones are much easier to scatter off of with a blast, though they could potentially offer up more "hits" on the first placement if the scatter die hits (on a 1/3 chance + low scatter distance)
-Much easier to hide behind terrain as they're about half the size of the new ones, add in that broadsides now have a weapon that doesn't require LOS, and hiding them easier is a big advantage
-Easier to push more guys into an advantageous firing lane if desired

I'd lean towards it needs to be like converted models, you cant gain an advantage from it. Put them on the correct base, and in LOS cases use the size of the new one. Look at the example of old terminators versus new - pretty much no one will allow terminators on 25mm bases anymore, and that's just because it's been "long enough" that people "should have" changed them. For an event as big as nova, new bases probably aren't a big deal.

Hulksmash wrote:Looking forward to Nova already. Good news is that it seems there aren't going to be any books at this point that come out that are legal for Nova before the event so I can settle on an army in the current codex environment

Doesn't mean I know yet what the heck I'm bringing but it does make it a bit easier knowing there won't be any new books to throw what I build for a loop

With the Tau Codex and then the Eldar codex my CSM/Necron build is pretty much nixed. Been playing with a couple of idea's but having issues with taking a decent TAC list that doesnt have one or two counters. Can your list beat my DA 4 Landraider list that can now combat squad out of their transports late game? The build actually got better with that faq.

Target wrote:

 Tomb King wrote:

KillswitchUK wrote:
Orcourwe..smaller bases allow you to deoloy them easier gaining a huge advantage.

lol, yes a totally massive advantage. Base size matters more on assault based units, whereas you can get more into combat. Having smaller bases actually means I can take more hits from blast weapons. Plus its the bases that the models originally came with.

Id say the advantages of using old ones far outweighs the downsides:
-Old ones are much easier to scatter off of with a blast, though they could potentially offer up more "hits" on the first placement if the scatter die hits (on a 1/3 chance + low scatter distance)
-Much easier to hide behind terrain as they're about half the size of the new ones, add in that broadsides now have a weapon that doesn't require LOS, and hiding them easier is a big advantage
-Easier to push more guys into an advantageous firing lane if desired

I'd lean towards it needs to be like converted models, you cant gain an advantage from it. Put them on the correct base, and in LOS cases use the size of the new one. Look at the example of old terminators versus new - pretty much no one will allow terminators on 25mm bases anymore, and that's just because it's been "long enough" that people "should have" changed them. For an event as big as nova, new bases probably aren't a big deal.

The way I use mine cover doesnt matter. They are kitted out with a commander with his only roll being to point at which targets to shoot and to take hits for them. So firing arcs hardly matter unless their are alot of BLOS terrain. The bigger bases would allow me to spread out better and cover a bigger area. If being shot at with blast weapons I would rather have bigger bases then smaller ones. Less possible damage. 33% time they hit and then bs 2-7 dictates further accuracy. This isnt even including prescience and twin linked weapons.

Bottom line is they are metal models and they are glued down and painted. I would have to break them to remount them effectively. It is a 3 model unit so if it is allowed then I am just gonna leave them as is.

I actually have the old DP models that were mentioned and have refitted them to the bigger bases as I think assault units in particular benefit from smaller bases.

Glad Target made the obvious points..obvious. saved me typing.

@Tomb King: Bottom line is re base them and dont cheat..it really isnt that hard to get new bases..hell the fact that you havent dished out to the knew gorgeous models baffles me.

If that is your inly validating arguement..fine..nonproblem..but if it comes to los and blast templates I woukd expect your opponent to raise this issue with you..ir you coukd take advantagw if peoples kindness and just get the bestbfire lines and the least coverage of a blast template.

P.s. excuse my spelling..typing on the phone sucks!

@Tombking

It could from my Bugeater list onward. I made a few tweaks. Plus, it'll be harder to get a 4++ invul on the Raiders now.

But I'm probably not running anything like that list. 2 Best Overall's and a Best Painted out of 4 events means I'm a bit over it (hear that tooting? That's me with my horn)

KillswitchUK wrote:

P.s. excuse my spelling..typing on the phone sucks!

Ill excuse that and the allegations that I do it to cheat. You do realize that the TO for the entire event said it was ok? I merely providing you with my reasoning. Something that wasn't even required of me as it was already deemed acceptable. Sorry I havent forked up the $150 to replace the models I already have despite moving last month, buying a new car, and paying for the new dog.

Hulksmash wrote:@Tombking

It could from my Bugeater list onward. I made a few tweaks. Plus, it'll be harder to get a 4++ invul on the Raiders now.

But I'm probably not running anything like that list. 2 Best Overall's and a Best Painted out of 4 events means I'm a bit over it (hear that tooting? That's me with my horn)

lol yea I can hear the horn all the way in FT. Riley. Now you just need to figure out how to ground FMC's.

I hate FMC's. No one I play ever fails the dang tests. Or if they do it's after the last shots of the phase and I fail to wound or they make their invul.....

Anyway, if the new terrain has rules in the boxes Mike are they going to be legal to use?

Let's see what the rules are first. If it's "40k approved" D weapons, no :-P

 Hulksmash wrote:
I hate FMC's. No one I play ever fails the dang tests. Or if they do it's after the last shots of the phase and I fail to wound or they make their invul.....

Anyway, if the new terrain has rules in the boxes Mike are they going to be legal to use?

Wall of Martyrs - Firestorm Redoubt
Rules for using this scenery piece in games of Warhammer 40,000 are included in the box.

http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/productDetail.jsp?prodId=prod2130100a

Yeah, I knew it had rules (at least they say they do) so I was asking if they were going to be legal.

Glocknall wrote:
The reviews on that bottle are hilarious.

I know this is from a page ago, but I just read through them all... and yes, yes they are

 Tomb King wrote:
Bottom line is they are metal models and they are glued down and painted. I would have to break them to remount them effectively. It is a 3 model unit so if it is allowed then I am just gonna leave them as is.

I'd take the model on the 40mm base and just put it on top of a 60mm base, and fill in the space like they're sitting on a hill. The extra height from the base stacking has the benefit of bringing the old broadsides up to the height of the new ones. No need to break any models.

1st degree burns to my urethra, had to go to the hospital

This is not a joke, I had a catheter and was sedated

Probably my favorite. There is a incredibly strong (and stupid) urge inside of me to try this stuff. I know I will hate myself if I do.

Reserve your rooms now if you're still sitting on the trigger for registration itself; we're starting to run low on Doubles rooms, and the rate of $85/night doesn't last forever.

Registration continues to be way up in pretty much all events - don't miss out on your preferences.

FAQ questions - go to http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2013/07/final-mission-packet-notice-faq-call-out.html

We plan to have that published within the next couple weeks. It's getting crazy in NOVA town!

I'm sure the question on everyone's mind is.... will there be a new NOVA 2013 shot glass this year?

How could there not be?!

Ah, thank god. The two I own from 2011 and 2012 are among my most prized possessions.

Mike you've seen some of my new Tau allies conversions. Is there anybody things like that should get run by at the beginning of the weekend?

I have to second that since I'm likely bringing a heavily converted army.

Also, Tau & Eldar supplements. Are they legit for the tournamnet and do they count as being the primary book for allies (i.e. no allying Eldar w/Iyanden or Tau w/Farsight Enclace). I assume the answer is yes for both but wanted to make sure

Generally speaking, counts-as conversions and unique army builds are fine.

The caveats that apply are always two-fold:
1) Do everything in YOUR power to prevent your opponent making a mistake as a result of your conversions/counts-as

2) Any model that is not the stock-standard variety gains no advantages as a result of its differences, and sustains any disadvantages as a result of its differences, even if in both cases the difference is an advantage at times, and disadvantage at times (meaning, said difference could very well be played differently at multiple points in the same game).

Simple example of #2 - let's say you have a slightly oversized base; should a blast marker touch your base when it would not if you were properly sized, it counts as a hit. Yet, if the slightly larger size would subsequently in the same turn yield a charge that would otherwise fall short, it falls short.


Regarding #1 - this one is more critical / important. In the case of your army, Werner, your Riptide is fine. Namely, the one model in your army on an oval base is both the correct size proportions, and is the Riptide. Your opponent can reasonably be expected to know the only model in your entire army on an oval base is in fact the only model that comes on an oval base (tautologically, of course).

That said, let's create an example custom and beautiful army of, say, Victorian Gentlemen as Space Wolves.

In this army, all of the person's Grey Hunters are wearing medium sized top hats and black overcoats. All of his Wolf Guard are wearing very large top hats and brown overcoats. All of his Blood Claws are hatless and wearing suspenders and overalls.

In this case, the army needs a dramatic addition to make it clear to opponents what is what DURING the game. Simply explaining that these different appearance but otherwise similar base size / etc. models all count as different things is insufficient, b/c you put an unfair onus on your opponent to keep track of "what's what" in the heat of play. Simply reminding him all the time is NOT sufficient.

In this case, I would recommend a minimum effort of taking some index cards, writing what each unit is on them in large sharpie, and keeping the cards with each unit (propped up, underneath it a little, etc.). That way, at any time if he looks at your Gentlemen (in the Victorian Wolves example), he'll see "GREY HUNTERS" or "WOLF GUARD" and not try to remember or be forced to constantly ask while also trying to figure out strategies and not blatantly broadcast them.

You would also be welcome to take further steps like cute little banners with the actual unit type on them or really whatever, but the point is - if you are running a FULLY converted army where nothing is as modeled, or even something close to this, you need to do something that gives your opponent utter clarity over what's what DURING play, without having to constantly ask.

Other than that, go buck wild - we encourage conversions at NOVA, and do not require use of GW models. Just keep in mind, when in any doubt, we will always err on the side of those who are not converted.

PS - To go back to the Victorian Wolves mock-up, if you do something like this army and DO NOT make blatant markers such as the index card example, this could SEVERELY harm you in the case of a dishonest opponent. To wit, if he charged your Blood Claws, only to genuinely or falsely claim he thought they were Grey Hunters and was too confused to tell, judges would be instructed to go with the non-converted player (even if in this case it resulted in your units literally swapping places). So, take the extra step if you're running a fully counts-as army ... index cards are super cheap!

You didn't answer the supplement question......ANSWER ME!!!!

OH, right ... well everyone should read the radical counts-as-question answer above also.

The supplements will be legal SO LONG AS they are available as at least ebook and ibook. That's to say, if you can read them on ANY smart phone or computer, then they're legal (presuming 30+ days in advance).

If Farsight only releases on Apple products this Saturday, and does not release on Android/open-source products until a couple months from now, it will NOT be legal.

In short, if everyone has the opportunity to purchase/view the rules (just as with print codices), they're legal. Otherwise, no.

And leaning YES on 40k-legal Apoc Fortification legality (the BS2 auto-firing quad gun, and the punisher thing).

Glad to hear it. It's suppose to be out on both platforms this Saturday so that means both supplements are in. Coolio.

And yeah, the fortifications aren't a worry I don't think for unbalancing with all the auto-firing and point costs.

I thank you sir, and your above answer for counts-as was excellent. Glad to see it hasn't changed, just wanted to make sure you didn't have someone to send stuff to like some other events do to approve :0

 Hulksmash wrote:
Glad to hear it. It's suppose to be out on both platforms this Saturday so that means both supplements are in. Coolio.

And yeah, the fortifications aren't a worry I don't think for unbalancing with all the auto-firing and point costs.

I thank you sir, and your above answer for counts-as was excellent. Glad to see it hasn't changed, just wanted to make sure you didn't have someone to send stuff to like some other events do to approve :0

I appreciate it when people do send things for pre-approval, but only in the sense of it protecting themselves. The policy is wholly geared toward encouraging whoever to model whatever in terms of getting creative, but to aggressively protect opponents from MFA. There's no way for MFA to assist you at NOVA, and every way for it to harm you. Caveat emptor on attending w/ intentional MFA.

MVBrandt wrote:
Update re: FW; will reflect in primer shortly:
NO FW rules for GT
40k-Approved/Unique for TT
Open for Narrative

I am out. It looks like they caved to Blackmoor and some of the other players that have attended Nova in the past.
In the front of IA1 SE - It states "these rules should be considered official". So, you are not allowing official Warhammer 40,000
units in the tournament and are discouraging many players from attending.

And Brandt, you have no evidence that the FW IA rules are not playtested. That is speculation and opinion coming from a select
few players. This event will be run using heavy house rules, and I don't play competitively with a bunch of house rules. The rulebooks
already take care of that.

The ruling was made long before Blackmoor's thread.

I'm sorry you're so upset about this one! Just as with AdeptiCon and many of the other major events, we run full and open FW in some of our premier 40k events, limited in some, and restricted in some.

It's all about working toward the majority, I'm afraid, and there will always be extreme crowds on both sides of some issues that we can't entirely satisfy. I DO feel bad that you're unhappy about it, however; the enjoyment of attendees and promotion of the hobby are literally the ONLY things we get out of running the NOVA Open. Maybe a little satisfaction of a job well done. Seeing anyone put out is never pleasant for us.

MVBrandt wrote:
The ruling was made long before Blackmoor's thread.

I'm sorry you're so upset about this one! Just as with AdeptiCon and many of the other major events, we run full and open FW in some of our premier 40k events, limited in some, and restricted in some.

It's all about working toward the majority, I'm afraid, and there will always be extreme crowds on both sides of some issues that we can't entirely satisfy. I DO feel bad that you're unhappy about it, however; the enjoyment of attendees and promotion of the hobby are literally the ONLY things we get out of running the NOVA Open. Maybe a little satisfaction of a job well done. Seeing anyone put out is never pleasant for us.

For me personally, I can't play my main army. That is a problem.

Also - this event WILL NOT define the meta. Because you have excluded a large, valid range of models from it.

dlight wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
The ruling was made long before Blackmoor's thread.

I'm sorry you're so upset about this one! Just as with AdeptiCon and many of the other major events, we run full and open FW in some of our premier 40k events, limited in some, and restricted in some.

It's all about working toward the majority, I'm afraid, and there will always be extreme crowds on both sides of some issues that we can't entirely satisfy. I DO feel bad that you're unhappy about it, however; the enjoyment of attendees and promotion of the hobby are literally the ONLY things we get out of running the NOVA Open. Maybe a little satisfaction of a job well done. Seeing anyone put out is never pleasant for us.

For me personally, I can't play my main army. That is a problem.

Also - this event WILL NOT define the meta. Because you have excluded a large, valid range of models from it.

We don't run the NOVA to define a meta (?)

I can do no more at this point than re-express my wish that I could better fulfill your individual needs here, but that we feel very confident we've done the very best we can for the community at large, especially our several hundred attendees. Further, if you're looking for competitive play using your full FW Army (OR noncompetitive/casual), the Narrative is a fairly big deal and provides just that, with a good deal of time and creativity invested in it, and a far different spin and setting than literally every other narrative event out there (and worth looking at), *if* your frustration stems from not being able to attend and participate in the NOVA but wishing to.

If your desire is to make a statement in the tournament info thread that you don't think our results are "meaningful" to a meta or some other notion, well, I suppose you are free to do so, but we aren't going out there SAYING the event is meant to define a meta or fulfill any set mandate. That's really for the community at large to decide on their own about any given event. Our only desire is to put on an awesome event for a TON of people ... and so far so good on that goal. If I can do anything to help provide a more fun NOVA for YOU at this point, given the time available and the fact I obviously can't change major rulings at the last second, let me know how - I'd be happy to; working hard to make as many attendees or prospective attendees happy as possible is something the numerous repeat-attendees even trolling this thread can back up that I'm happy to try and do.

dlight wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
The ruling was made long before Blackmoor's thread.

I'm sorry you're so upset about this one! Just as with AdeptiCon and many of the other major events, we run full and open FW in some of our premier 40k events, limited in some, and restricted in some.

It's all about working toward the majority, I'm afraid, and there will always be extreme crowds on both sides of some issues that we can't entirely satisfy. I DO feel bad that you're unhappy about it, however; the enjoyment of attendees and promotion of the hobby are literally the ONLY things we get out of running the NOVA Open. Maybe a little satisfaction of a job well done. Seeing anyone put out is never pleasant for us.

For me personally, I can't play my main army. That is a problem.

Also - this event WILL NOT define the meta. Because you have excluded a large, valid range of models from it.

Sucky but the ruling has been in effect for months. If you really wanted to attend and have a list built out of the IA1 SE book then it's guard and could have easily been modified by now to be playable. Sorry you're gonna miss a great event even though it does have events for full FW.

Not sure where you live but unless it's the West Coast don't expect to get full run with your FW lists.

Considering this is exactly how it was last year, this is a known thing to people who attend NOVA.

And there is not a single FW codex which has a majority of models which cannot easily be used as a core codex. Almost all the Iguard/Ork/ Space marine FW codexes can be used as core codex with minor refiguration and the same models.

nkelsch wrote:
Considering this is exactly how it was last year, this is a known thing to people who attend NOVA.

And there is not a single FW codex which has a majority of models which cannot easily be used as a core codex. Almost all the Iguard/Ork/ Space marine FW codexes can be used as core codex with minor refiguration and the same models.

It's just one side of the FW divide trying to hijack the thread. I'd let him go and get back to the business of enjoying NOVA.

MVBrandt wrote:

dlight wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
The ruling was made long before Blackmoor's thread.

I'm sorry you're so upset about this one! Just as with AdeptiCon and many of the other major events, we run full and open FW in some of our premier 40k events, limited in some, and restricted in some.

It's all about working toward the majority, I'm afraid, and there will always be extreme crowds on both sides of some issues that we can't entirely satisfy. I DO feel bad that you're unhappy about it, however; the enjoyment of attendees and promotion of the hobby are literally the ONLY things we get out of running the NOVA Open. Maybe a little satisfaction of a job well done. Seeing anyone put out is never pleasant for us.

For me personally, I can't play my main army. That is a problem.

Also - this event WILL NOT define the meta. Because you have excluded a large, valid range of models from it.

We don't run the NOVA to define a meta (?)

I can do no more at this point than re-express my wish that I could better fulfill your individual needs here, but that we feel very confident we've done the very best we can for the community at large, especially our several hundred attendees. Further, if you're looking for competitive play using your full FW Army (OR noncompetitive/casual), the Narrative is a fairly big deal and provides just that, with a good deal of time and creativity invested in it, and a far different spin and setting than literally every other narrative event out there (and worth looking at), *if* your frustration stems from not being able to attend and participate in the NOVA but wishing to.

If your desire is to make a statement in the tournament info thread that you don't think our results are "meaningful" to a meta or some other notion, well, I suppose you are free to do so, but we aren't going out there SAYING the event is meant to define a meta or fulfill any set mandate. That's really for the community at large to decide on their own about any given event. Our only desire is to put on an awesome event for a TON of people ... and so far so good on that goal. If I can do anything to help provide a more fun NOVA for YOU at this point, given the time available and the fact I obviously can't change major rulings at the last second, let me know how - I'd be happy to; working hard to make as many attendees or prospective attendees happy as possible is something the numerous repeat-attendees even trolling this thread can back up that I'm happy to try and do.

There is no good reason to limit folks armies that already have valid and legal rules. None. When you say "majority", I would like to see the evidence to support that statement.
I would suggest it is caving to a few loud, lifestyle tournament players.

I play 40K - A lot. Both in real life and vassal. I can tell you that the FW units are no more broken or unbalanced than the other stuff GW cranks out. Flamers\screamer WD update, Serpent shields, re-rollable 2+, crisis bombs, etc.
You have no business implementing these rules, and I don't take anyone seriously that demands the game be played this way.

dlight wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
The ruling was made long before Blackmoor's thread.

I'm sorry you're so upset about this one! Just as with AdeptiCon and many of the other major events, we run full and open FW in some of our premier 40k events, limited in some, and restricted in some.

It's all about working toward the majority, I'm afraid, and there will always be extreme crowds on both sides of some issues that we can't entirely satisfy. I DO feel bad that you're unhappy about it, however; the enjoyment of attendees and promotion of the hobby are literally the ONLY things we get out of running the NOVA Open. Maybe a little satisfaction of a job well done. Seeing anyone put out is never pleasant for us.

For me personally, I can't play my main army. That is a problem.

Also - this event WILL NOT define the meta. Because you have excluded a large, valid range of models from it.

1) That "large valid range of models" are excluded from almost every major events singles competition
2) Events aren't run to define the meta of toy soliders, they're run to be an enjoyable time for participants who pay money to go hang out at a place for a weekend with a bunch of like minded folks, if it has nothing for you (which is apparently just playing your one army only using one set of rules you've chosen and none of the others you could easily use, and defining a meta), then that sucks, but it seems the event isn't for you.

dlight wrote:
There is no good reason to limit folks armies that already have valid and legal rules. None. When you say "majority", I would like to see the evidence to support that statement.
I would suggest it is caving to a few loud, lifestyle tournament players.

I play 40K - A lot. Both in real life and vassal. I can tell you that the FW units are no more broken or unbalanced than the other stuff GW cranks out. Flamers\screamer WD update, Serpent shields, re-rollable 2+, crisis bombs, etc.
You have no business implementing these rules, and I don't take anyone seriously that demands the game be played this way.

How about you start a new thread in Tournament Discussions and start derailing this one?

Like FW or not, the decision as to whether it will be in play at the NOVA Open is made & no longer subject to debate. If anyone wishes to continue the "FW at tournaments" discussion, there's a separate thread for that. Further discussion of it in this thread will be treated as off-topic spam, and sanctioned appropriately.

On a last ditch note can I write forgeworld on all of my models? I see this as a loop hole to the rule as I could play an all forgeworld army and still be legit.

On topic: So its official then that the new terrain is allowed. Just double confirming this before refitting accordingly.

Target wrote:

dlight wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
The ruling was made long before Blackmoor's thread.

I'm sorry you're so upset about this one! Just as with AdeptiCon and many of the other major events, we run full and open FW in some of our premier 40k events, limited in some, and restricted in some.

It's all about working toward the majority, I'm afraid, and there will always be extreme crowds on both sides of some issues that we can't entirely satisfy. I DO feel bad that you're unhappy about it, however; the enjoyment of attendees and promotion of the hobby are literally the ONLY things we get out of running the NOVA Open. Maybe a little satisfaction of a job well done. Seeing anyone put out is never pleasant for us.

For me personally, I can't play my main army. That is a problem.

Also - this event WILL NOT define the meta. Because you have excluded a large, valid range of models from it.

1) That "large valid range of models" are excluded from almost every major events singles competition
2) Events aren't run to define the meta of toy soliders, they're run to be an enjoyable time for participants who pay money to go hang out at a place for a weekend with a bunch of like minded folks, if it has nothing for you (which is apparently just playing your one army only using one set of rules you've chosen and none of the others you could easily use, and defining a meta), then that sucks, but it seems the event isn't for you.

I am actually more excited about what happens at night in-between games, that is where the real fun is going to happen.

Are you talking about the American Craft Beer and Cocktail seminars?

Or are you talking about the fact the hotel gives everyone with a badge on a discount on beer at the bar?

Or are you talking about all the crazy seminars or evening battles on replica LED-lit monuments or trios 3-man team events or alternate gaming opportunities?

Or are you just talking like usual about Nick N's unfortunate proclivities?

MVBrandt wrote:
Are you talking about the American Craft Beer and Cocktail seminars?

Or are you talking about the fact the hotel gives everyone with a badge on a discount on beer at the bar?

Or are you talking about all the crazy seminars or evening battles on replica LED-lit monuments or trios 3-man team events or alternate gaming opportunities?

Or are you just talking like usual about Nick N's unfortunate proclivities?

If you bring the tennis shaped bug zapper im talking about all of the above!!

This year im pretty psyched about all of the above! I hear the bartenders are going to be pretty awesome too!

MVBrandt wrote:
Or are you just talking like usual about Nick N's unfortunate proclivities?

sshhhh, we save that for Battle for Salvation.

Once you go to a Nova Open or 2, you get the lay of the land and there are some good places over there to get some eats.

It will be nice eat at a Jimmy Johns again since there aren't any in LA.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

Target wrote:

1) That "large valid range of models" are excluded from almost every major events singles competition

It is odd that there are people now who are acting like this is a new thing, and that they have always used those models.

So anyone here in the invitational ? Looking forward to facing of against you Yanks. Not long now.

At least 3 have posted on this page

Me, Target, and Tombking are all in the Invitational. Yermom here on Dakka is too. So is Spaguitar (or however he spells his user name).

I'll be in the Invitational as well. And we prefer to be called 'Yankmericans,' please. The nerve of some people...

 whigwam wrote:
I'll be in the Invitational as well. And we prefer to be called 'Yankmericans,' please. The nerve of some people...

Merica

I'll be in the invitational as well, as will DevianID.

Haha mericans..yanks..either way its just a bunch of colony's waiting to be re-taken. For King and Country!

I wish Team Denmark's nominee, Jens, posted here also. Then we could really get nationalistic.

It's exciting that in addition to having one of the toughest crowds yet, the Invitational has 2 European ETC Team nominees in attendance.

Man I sure feel left out of the invitational, all the cool kids will be in it!

krootman. wrote:
Man I sure feel left out of the invitational, all the cool kids will be in it!

Trust me, you'll have just as good a time not being in it. It's a great event, but thirteen games is as tiring as it sounds.

I am so pumped for my 3rd NOVA!!...For the narrative I am coming to finish the Novokh Dynasty's reclamation of sector Earthus Magnus(2012 Protagonist)...this year Overlord Ki-Yi, the shaman of the eternal sleep, is bringing his Tomb Stalkers, Monoliths, and his Nightshroud Bomber, just for giggles...and yes I will be plopping monoliths all over the beautiful DC terrain pieces if anyone lets me near them...For the NOVA singles tourney I am bringing my Daemons with a rock band sounding name...Lyz, the Twisted, with the Bloody Fang and the pusmongers...VIP this year baby!!!...I am so pumped...see all you kids in Arligton in about a month and half...drive and fly safe!!

Widowsbane wrote:I am so pumped for my 3rd NOVA!!...For the narrative I am coming to finish the Novokh Dynasty's reclamation of sector Earthus Magnus(2012 Protagonist)...this year Overlord Ki-Yi, the shaman of the eternal sleep, is bringing his Tomb Stalkers, Monoliths, and his Nightshroud Bomber, just for giggles...and yes I will be plopping monoliths all over the beautiful DC terrain pieces if anyone lets me near them...For the NOVA singles tourney I am bringing my Daemons with a rock band sounding name...Lyz, the Twisted, with the Bloody Fang and the pusmongers...VIP this year baby!!!...I am so pumped...see all you kids in Arligton in about a month and half...drive and fly safe!!

Howdy neighbor. I might just say Fit and bring sisters.... only down side is that is a long way to go to get my arse kicked. Sisters cant deal with hordes all that well and that seems to be one everyone's cd...

KillswitchUK wrote:Haha mericans..yanks..either way its just a bunch of colony's waiting to be re-taken. For King and Country!

Actually, I was just hearing from one of your all's Brigadier Generals this morning. He seems to like us just fine.

krootman. wrote:

 whigwam wrote:
I'll be in the Invitational as well. And we prefer to be called 'Yankmericans,' please. The nerve of some people...

Merica

QFT!

I would really like to go. NOVA was a real blast last year. Unfortunately I have my frackin wedding to go to.

Norbu the Destroyer wrote:
I would really like to go. NOVA was a real blast last year. Unfortunately I have my frackin wedding to go to.

Aint nobody got time for that.

Congrats in advance. We still have next year for round 3 of our matches against each other if i am not abroad.

KillswitchUK wrote:
Haha mericans..yanks..either way its just a bunch of colony's waiting to be re-taken. For King and Country!

No one has yet made fun of young Alex by pointing out that he doesn't have a King? Tsk, tsk.

 Mannahnin wrote:

KillswitchUK wrote:
Haha mericans..yanks..either way its just a bunch of colony's waiting to be re-taken. For King and Country!

No one has yet made fun of young Alex by pointing out that he doesn't have a King? Tsk, tsk.

Haha well spotted. See..in my head, I am the king

 DarkCorsair wrote:

krootman. wrote:
Man I sure feel left out of the invitational, all the cool kids will be in it!

Trust me, you'll have just as good a time not being in it. It's a great event, but thirteen games is as tiring as it sounds.

Hahah no I know I was just joking, I have a lot of friends in the invitational.

For those not burning themselves out during the day and still with nothing filling their evening, why not join the increasingly large contingent of people trying the most unique and different format of "Narrative" event out there?

http://www.novaopen.com/?page_id=910

Primer's been updated / polished up some more, and of course there's the Teaser Trailer.

Is there a mechanism for submitting questions that we think may come up in games at NOVA that have come up our FLGS/Club? I'll just throw this question out anyway - I submitted it in YMDC but didn't get a response:

Can an exarch use fast shot with the aegis defense lines gun? The reason I ask is the wording in fast shot on page 30 of the codex. It says he can fire one more shot than is normally shot for "his" weapon. Since anyone can fire the aegis gun does that make it his gun? Also, in the description of fast shot they list example weapons that can be selected specifically by exarchs. I'm thinking GW is referring to the exarch's personal weapons from his entry. I played against someone who used an exarch on the aegis lascannon gun and I just couldn't believe the stuff he was able to do with it against my necron flyers. After reading fast shot I'm starting to wonder though...

Don't take this for gold as I haven't looked at the new codex to know if the wording is any different, but you absolutely could do that in the old Eldar codex.

Mike will probably chime in with a more legitimate answer, alternatively they're trying to gather any extra FAQ submissions over on this page http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2013/07/final-mission-packet-notice-faq-call-out.html

That's an affirmative on fast shot for emplaced weapons / gun emplacements.

 necron99 wrote:
I played against someone who used an exarch on the aegis lascannon gun and I just couldn't believe the stuff he was able to do with it against my necron flyers. After reading fast shot I'm starting to wonder though...

Really? One of the very few ways that Eldar have to deal with flyers, and you could not believe that he shot one down?

And it is actually less nasty than the old FD exarch trick from the last codex.

Tau Farsight supplement leaked

Keep this in mind, and we'll send this out in newsletters:

The leaked info is EXTREMELY POORLY WRITTEN. While it's more or less clear what's what, you have to read it a couple times to figure out wtf they're trying to say is actually legal, and what takes up what FOC, etc.

Keep posted for very clear statements on it.

It will be legal for NOVA IF and ONLY IF:
1) It releases as planned on July 20 (tomorrow)
2) It releases for more than JUST Apple products

People who show up with illegal lists b/c they rush or read poorly from it are not going to be given a pass on illegal list rules at NOVA proper.

As obviously broken as it is then why would you allow it in?

Just wondering, there was a big brew over unbalanced 40k Approved material that was banned from the main event but you will allow this in?

Why?

 NeedleOfInquiry wrote:
As obviously broken as it is then why would you allow it in?

Just wondering, there was a big brew over unbalanced 40k Approved material that was banned from the main event but you will allow this in?

Why?

He did not say it was broken.

He said that it has to be released with enough time for people to digest it, and it has to be available to a wide a wide variety of people, not just iPad owners.

Don't bother Blackmoor. He's just making another FW legality argument. He's doing it over in N&R too.

 NeedleOfInquiry wrote:
big brew over unbalanced 40k Approved material

Is that code for forge world? If so, just say forge world and don't try to spin it with your own label.

Nope, just making a point...

If something is broken enough to attract the core competitors then many are willing to overlook that it is not a core codex and just a supplement and they are willing to do that it for advantage..

It is broken...and I am willing to bet 1/2 of the players are looking at showing up with it now.

There are two types of Forge World by the way, those never meant for 40K and just for APOC and those that do have a 40K stamp on them.

So now we have a "supplement" that is obviously broken and everyone is OK with that since they are probably going to show up with a list based on it.

If the 40K approved supplement material is not allowed because it is deemed broken or unfamiliar I have a hard time understanding why everyone is in such a hurry to get this OK ed for the main event. Where was the testing?

The other forum is already filled with ways this supplement material can be abused legally.

Do not get me wrong, I support the supplement being banned, not the 40K approved suddenly getting approved for the main event.

I was just saying the wording of some of the rules is very poorly done. Thinking they are broken is on you. If you are a forge world fan, come play it at NOVA.

That said, open hostility over forge world seems a little uncalled for, no?

 NeedleOfInquiry wrote:
So now we have a "supplement" that is obviously broken and everyone is OK with that since they are probably going to show up with a list based on it.

How is it "obviously" broken? You need to explain yourself, because from what (admittedly little) I've seen of these rules it doesn't seem a ban is justified or necessary.

ENOUGH with the FW digression.

Farsight primary question / issue with rules as written, feel free to add your inputs:

http://whiskey40k.blogspot.com/2013/07/farsight-enclaves-getting-rules-corect.html

MVBrandt wrote:
Tau Farsight supplement leaked

Keep this in mind, and we'll send this out in newsletters:

The leaked info is EXTREMELY POORLY WRITTEN. While it's more or less clear what's what, you have to read it a couple times to figure out wtf they're trying to say is actually legal, and what takes up what FOC, etc.

Keep posted for very clear statements on it.

It will be legal for NOVA IF and ONLY IF:
1) It releases as planned on July 20 (tomorrow)
2) It releases for more than JUST Apple products

People who show up with illegal lists b/c they rush or read poorly from it are not going to be given a pass on illegal list rules at NOVA proper.

WD only mentions Digital release for iPad only. Is the rumor atm. I dont have the WD yet.

Actually Scratch that. It is already available: http://www.blacklibrary.com/Home/Search-Results.html?filter_type=6&filter_Action=0&filter_name=SearchTerm&submit=GO&filter_value=Farsight

You can view with adobe digital edition on comp.

Already seeing errors in it though. They copy and pasted the riptide wargear under the next IC Bravestorm. Will need faq'd cause it says he is a riptide MC as well when he obviously isn't.

Also with Farsight Enclave able to ally with Tau I can see people running 160 kroot now.

After reading it a few time and seeing all the people arguing over it. I cant use it. I will have to wait for clear wording on some of this if it is going to work. As it stands now too much is left open for interpretation. A.K.A. IMHO the supplemental codex is currently unplayable.

If it's poorly edited and contentious, it's unusable in a tourney setting.

The options faced are definitely 3-fold on this one ...

1. No Farsight = No special bodyguard
2. Farsight = irrelevant to special bodyguard
3. Major questions fundamental to list design and requiring GW FAQ are too ambiguous for allowing Farsight supplement in time for NOVA


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Update

Pending confirmation tonight from 40k Head Judge:

Farsight required to access Command Team.

Signature Systems and Shadowsun/Aun'va restrictions limited to Farsight Enclaves detachments.

I vote either one or two. But I could understand if you decided to nix it entirely.

 Hulksmash wrote:
I vote either one or two. But I could understand if you decided to nix it entirely.

Nixing it is an extreme final. So far the judges, and most people surveyed for external input (not all of course), think generally #1 is the way to go, and also that Sig Systems and Shadowsun/Aun'va restrictions are not for the whole army at all, but just for Farsight Enclaves detachments.

I think this is one of those situations where it's very easy to get myopic and obsessed w/ RAW for personal advantage or preference after seeing potentially powerful combos (i.e., opponents of Tau don't want to see them get Engram Chips/etc. in one detachment while having the other sig sys in the other detachment, even though that's the extremely likely intent and probable import of the RAW as well). Similar to the parenthetical, every bit of reason and most of the RAW imply Farsight is a requisite who takes up a FOC for the Command Team, and it's hard to argue otherwise dispassionately from a broader view. BUT because the rules were imprecisely written, it's possible and even perhaps easy to make a passionate "RAW!!!" argument to the contrary of both, even though such arguments may very well be highly unreasonable.

So we're leaning right now, again pending our 40k Head Judge making the final arbitration:
1) Farsight is required within the Enclaves Detachment to access the Command Team, and himself takes up a FOC
2) Enclaves restrictions regarding Signature Systems, Shadowsun, and Aun'va apply to the Enclaves Detachment, even though in most situations "Army" refers to both detachments

+1 on the above solution, seems the most sensible

I'd be fine with that resolution. Meshes up well with the way I was intending to use it until an FAQ and how my local was viewing it.

One FAQ question I definitely need answered before I build my final list is: Can Runic Weapons use their 4+ cancel to nullify the use of a Force Weapon's Instant Death activation?

The trigger is stated to be the passing of a psychic test (which would involve a Force Weapon), but it says the result is that "power" is cancelled. A Force Weapon, of course, does not involve any power.

It's perhaps worth noting that Deny the Witch rolls may not be taken against a Force Weapon.

Any help would be appreciated.

IIRC the RAW on this is that Runic Weapons nullify the effect of a power when a psychic test to cast one is successfully passed. As far as I know, Force Weapons are no longer considered powers.

Unless I'm missing something, that should be the RAW on it / no FAQ required (I could put this in if you'd like - though we try to keep from answering questions directly addressed by the rules in the book in order to ensure *RELATIVE* brevity for purposes of printing a copy of the FAQ into every attendee's guidebook.

All of the tau Farsight enclave characters are labeled as IC's and have their own point systems. Nothing I see states farsight is needed to take them. Only that if you take him they can all be taken as a retinue to him without losing a Force org spot.

The only option that enables you to take them is as part of the Farsight Command Team. Taking the Team is required for taking any of the characters ... they're all a part of the eight. This si explicitly stated in their rules - they are not each an HQ choice; they are a Unit of IC's that can be taken, count as one HQ, and do not take up a FOC (though of course they can all be deployed as per the IC rules).

It is obvious from the RAI that they're a substitute for his bodyguard, but we're not going off that (certainly not JUST that).

The key word is the use of "other" in the enabling of them as selections; it refers to taking from the other seven, obviously referring to Farsight as NOT one of the "other." (If you argue it's NOT referring to Farsight, we need someone to enable taking any of them in the first place, or else you can't take any ... you need someone to be from whom "other" applies).

Being an IC and having your own point value has nothing to do with where you sit in the FOC and how you can be taken - case in point: Corbulo and Sanguinary Priests cannot be taken as independent HQ slot choices just because they are IC's and have their own [different] points. They must be taken as Elites, in groups of 1-3.

The permission to take any of the other 7 is explicitly after you've taken SOME (poorly written here) other model. Otherwise, instead of saying "This special unit is an HQ choice that does not take up a Force Organisation slot and consists of up to seven other battlesuits chosen from the Eight" it would state: "This special unit is an HQ choice that does not take up a Force Organisation slot and consists of up to seven battlesuits chosen from the Eight." There's also a risk of hyper-RAW myopia in not recognizing the context of a paragraph where FARSIGHT'S Command Unit being used prevents the use of his REGULAR BODYGUARD UNIT and where of EIGHT models, seven OTHER ones can be taken if you select this Unit.

There's no getting around the restriction placed upon the unit by that sentence ... it tells you where it sits, and how you can take any models from it.


PS - This is a pass through of some of the logic being followed by our rules guys and those offering input (mostly) in terms of how the rulings are being arrived at. I'm not looking to turn this post into YMDC (and find it curious there is no YMDC thread yet ... or wasn't for much of the day). Just hoping to be transparent and helpful rather than issuing forth rulings from the void with little to no rationale behind them. We're giving this one a lot of analysis and thought, to make sure our ruling is reasonable.

MVBrandt wrote:
The only option that enables you to take them is as part of the Farsight Command Team. Taking the Team is required for taking any of the characters ... they're all a part of the eight. This si explicitly stated in their rules - they are not each an HQ choice; they are a Unit of IC's that can be taken, count as one HQ, and do not take up a FOC (though of course they can all be deployed as per the IC rules).

It is obvious from the RAI that they're a substitute for his bodyguard, but we're not going off that (certainly not JUST that).

The key word is the use of "other" in the enabling of them as selections; it refers to taking from the other seven, obviously referring to Farsight as NOT one of the "other." (If you argue it's NOT referring to Farsight, we need someone to enable taking any of them in the first place, or else you can't take any ... you need someone to be from whom "other" applies).

Being an IC and having your own point value has nothing to do with where you sit in the FOC and how you can be taken - case in point: Corbulo and Sanguinary Priests cannot be taken as independent HQ slot choices just because they are IC's and have their own [different] points. They must be taken as Elites, in groups of 1-3.

The permission to take any of the other 7 is explicitly after you've taken SOME (poorly written here) other model. Otherwise, instead of saying "This special unit is an HQ choice that does not take up a Force Organisation slot and consists of up to seven other battlesuits chosen from the Eight" it would state: "This special unit is an HQ choice that does not take up a Force Organisation slot and consists of up to seven battlesuits chosen from the Eight." There's also a risk of hyper-RAW myopia in not recognizing the context of a paragraph where FARSIGHT'S Command Unit being used prevents the use of his REGULAR BODYGUARD UNIT and where of EIGHT models, seven OTHER ones can be taken if you select this Unit.

There's no getting around the restriction placed upon the unit by that sentence ... it tells you where it sits, and how you can take any models from it.


PS - This is a pass through of some of the logic being followed by our rules guys and those offering input (mostly) in terms of how the rulings are being arrived at. I'm not looking to turn this post into YMDC (and find it curious there is no YMDC thread yet ... or wasn't for much of the day). Just hoping to be transparent and helpful rather than issuing forth rulings from the void with little to no rationale behind them. We're giving this one a lot of analysis and thought, to make sure our ruling is reasonable.

I concur. Its a hot mess but your reasoning is the most sound that can be derived from Wards awesome rules. Now just: Markerlights carry over? Farsights warlord trait is from codex tau but he is required to take one from the Enclave codex.

The Farsight question has now been directly answered by amended IPAD and DIGITAL versions of the Supplement:

"When choosing a Farsight Enclaves army with Commander Farsight as its Warlord, you may take Farsight’s Commander Team instead of Farsight’s XV8 Crisis Bodyguard Team. "

Something I guess i never really thought about and the supplement really doesn't mention. Are the signature items 1 per army in the supplement?

ajsnips44 wrote:
Something I guess i never really thought about and the supplement really doesn't mention. Are the signature items 1 per army in the supplement?

It doesn't say they are 1 per army.

Yes it does. Might have just been put in the updated one but it says it now. Pg 93/160 on my Nook.

"Only one of each Signature System may be taken per army."

@ Hulksmash Well played good sir!

Silly question:

I don't consider myself a super-competitive/tournament player.

On the other hand, NOVA looks really cool, and it seems like it'd just be awesome to see so many armies/models/gamers.

I'm basically local.

Should I go?

Yes.

The NOVA has a unique pairing and bracketing system that - should you not mind getting a few lumps early on - will put you with the exact same kind of gamer, having the exact same kind of day(s) (in terms of when they've taken their wins and losses) at the same times and in the same rounds. Further, whatever your record is after rounds 1-4, you'll be locked in with 15 other players of the same record for the remaining 4 rounds - i.e., if you start 0-4, you'll play only other initially-0-4 players for 5-8.

There's also a DC Narrative event in the evenings where you use 40k to participate in and advance the NOVA Open's homegrown background universe of a near-future conflict between an alien race known as the "Virtue" and humanity, with the games fought on LED-lit replicas of DC's most iconic monuments.

There's also 26 seminars, including hobbying, personal firearms defense, and charity seminars covering American Craft Beer and American Craft Cocktails. And there's vendors and such.

So ... there's a bunch of gaming events, all of which are catered to casual players as much as competitors (in that they are all "choose your own adventure," with full reward built in for everyone from casual fellas to competitive toughs), and there's a bunch of non-gaming events similarly catered to a wide variety of interests.

That said, I'd kindly ask any of the NON-ME types here to post in who've been before ... as it's sometimes better to hear from past attendees than simply from the organizer himself (while my motivations are entirely oriented around throwing a big old fun time for everyone, you don't know me from Adam and shouldn't be expected to take everything I say entirely at face value ... after all, I'm biased! So are all our volunteers!)

ComTrav wrote:
Silly question:

I don't consider myself a super-competitive/tournament player.

On the other hand, NOVA looks really cool, and it seems like it'd just be awesome to see so many armies/models/gamers.

I'm basically local.

Should I go?

Yes.

ComTrav wrote:
Silly question:

I don't consider myself a super-competitive/tournament player.

On the other hand, NOVA looks really cool, and it seems like it'd just be awesome to see so many armies/models/gamers.

I'm basically local.

Should I go?

Absolutely. NOVA 2012 was my first big 40k con and since then I've been hooked. At the time I considered myself as you do, not a super-competitive/tournament player. That's changed a bit now, but by far the greatest appeal to me to attend NOVA again is not the excellent level of competition but rather the social aspect. After going to tournaments for about a year now I can say (and I know this goes for a lot of other folks too) that you get to meet a lot of people outside of your normal gaming group and build actual friendships with them. 40k is a surprisingly tight-knit community. Since your pretty close to the area, I'd say it would give you an even greater opportunity to benefit from this as you'll surely meet lots of other players a stone's throw from yourself.

Tie that in with the fact that the bracket system and all the various 40k events can ensure you get in lots of games that jive with your own play style, and I suspect you'd have a blast.

Well, now I'm definitely going!

Guess I just need to decide which games to sign up for and which armies to bring!

All you gotta do is ask - folks including myself will help out with any questions you have trying to figure out what to do

...how do I explain to my boss that I'm taking Friday off to go play with toy soldiers? ; )

You're part of an organization who is having a conference in DC promoting synergy, tactics, and creativity.

ComTrav wrote:
...how do I explain to my boss that I'm taking Friday off to go play with toy soldiers? ; )

Sick day!!

I've been twice and it's a pretty decent tournament. I would go this year, but I really don't like 40k 6th and haven't fine-tuned anything for warmachine. The only gripe I have with the bracketing system is that you can end up playing the same person twice, but if you don't care about that it's no big deal.


Bottom line- if you've never been and you're local, you should probably check it out

ComTrav wrote:
...how do I explain to my boss that I'm taking Friday off to go play with toy soldiers? ; )

Do what I do just say your going on leave to Arlington or if your local say you are going out of town or something of that regard. Doesn't need to be more specific then is asked. This is my first nova and I am bringing the wife to win her over to the idea of letting me go. It is also possibly my last depending my next station. Next year I am probably going to miss the entire GT season. I am super excited to compete against these east coast gamers. See if the midwest can win one for the away team.

 Hulksmash wrote:
Yes it does. Might have just been put in the updated one but it says it now. Pg 93/160 on my Nook.

"Only one of each Signature System may be taken per army."

Ok. See I downloaded on my asus tablet Sat night and it didn't have that entry. Thanks for the help.

 Bat Manuel wrote:
The only gripe I have with the bracketing system is that you can end up playing the same person twice, but if you don't care about that it's no big deal.

I don't believe this is the case. Maybe in years past?

That may have happened before in years past. Should be nearly impossible now, thanks in part to Torrent of Fire.

MVBrandt wrote:
That may have happened before in years past. Should be nearly impossible now, thanks in part to Torrent of Fire.

What if you're in the 2-2 bracket and you and the guy you played on day one end up undefeated after 3 bracketed games, you'd have to play right?

Not nit-picking, just clarifying

 Bat Manuel wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
That may have happened before in years past. Should be nearly impossible now, thanks in part to Torrent of Fire.

What if you're in the 2-2 bracket and you and the guy you played on day one end up undefeated after 3 bracketed games, you'd have to play right?

Not nit-picking, just clarifying

While possible, win-path and BP have something to do with both factors - it *should* in theory be largely minimized, especially w/ TOF addressing some of this automatically. The exception would be someone who gets into the top bracket at 3-1, and battles for top award with the 4-0 that beat him at some point along the way there.

Hey just moved here. Is there still time to enter...maybe the narrative? Firsttime at a Con, who what where when, etc. just looking to meet , see some great armies, and get in a few games.

 morgendonner wrote:

 Bat Manuel wrote:
The only gripe I have with the bracketing system is that you can end up playing the same person twice, but if you don't care about that it's no big deal.

I don't believe this is the case. Maybe in years past?

It happened to me once, but it was a first year outlier.

MVBrandt wrote:
IIRC the RAW on this is that Runic Weapons nullify the effect of a power when a psychic test to cast one is successfully passed. As far as I know, Force Weapons are no longer considered powers.

Unless I'm missing something, that should be the RAW on it / no FAQ required (I could put this in if you'd like - though we try to keep from answering questions directly addressed by the rules in the book in order to ensure *RELATIVE* brevity for purposes of printing a copy of the FAQ into every attendee's guidebook.

You have to have a warp charge, and pass a leadership test to activate Force. RAW, a staff *can* nullify force weapon activation; The only time it cannot is if the Brotherhood Banner is invoked, because you do not roll for that.

 djdarknoise wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
IIRC the RAW on this is that Runic Weapons nullify the effect of a power when a psychic test to cast one is successfully passed. As far as I know, Force Weapons are no longer considered powers.

Unless I'm missing something, that should be the RAW on it / no FAQ required (I could put this in if you'd like - though we try to keep from answering questions directly addressed by the rules in the book in order to ensure *RELATIVE* brevity for purposes of printing a copy of the FAQ into every attendee's guidebook.

You have to have a warp charge, and pass a leadership test to activate Force. RAW, a staff *can* nullify force weapon activation; The only time it cannot is if the Brotherhood Banner is invoked, because you do not roll for that.

Find the quote in the rulebook that states force weapon activations, or any of those conditions you state above, make something a psychic power/are a psychic power.

I hate to gum up the works with another rules question (this one may already be in the coming FAQ), but what exactly does Dark Excommunication cancel? AKA what in the CD codex is considered a "Daemonic Gift?" I only ask to avoid having to consult judges in the middle of a match to get it sorted in the off chance that the situation arises.

Edit- Furthermore- What effect does this ability have on a Grimoired unit? (with or without the Grimoire bearer in the same unit)

I do believe there is a section called "Demonic Gifts" in the daemon codex. One would assume that those are the items affected.

Brother Paen wrote:
Hey just moved here. Is there still time to enter...maybe the narrative? First time at a Con, who what where when, etc. just looking to meet , see some great armies, and get in a few games.

Brother Paen, there is definitely still time to enter all of the 40k events! The GT is filling up fast, but we still have room. You can play the narrative too (games run in the evenings). As Mvbrandt said, the great thing about our bracketing system is on games 5-8 you will only play against people with the same record as you so the competition feels very fair. The Nova was my first Con In 2011 and I went 1-3 for my first games and then didn't play a single Grey Knight (the new hotness at the time) on my second day. I then went 2-2 the second day.

Also, if you just moved to the area, this is a great way to get to know local gamers. After the 2011 Nova I volunteered to help build terrain for 2012 and I met a ton of amazing people and learned a lot of hobby skills. Now the staff does fun events all year round in the area.

Question for the FAQ:

Can a character with infiltrate allow a squad without the infiltrate ability to infiltrate if he's attached?

Just want clarification because RAW it's a no (or that's the general consensus in YMDC) but Adepticon rule it yes and I believe WargamesCon was leaning that way as well so making sure is good

Target wrote:

 djdarknoise wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
IIRC the RAW on this is that Runic Weapons nullify the effect of a power when a psychic test to cast one is successfully passed. As far as I know, Force Weapons are no longer considered powers.

Unless I'm missing something, that should be the RAW on it / no FAQ required (I could put this in if you'd like - though we try to keep from answering questions directly addressed by the rules in the book in order to ensure *RELATIVE* brevity for purposes of printing a copy of the FAQ into every attendee's guidebook.

You have to have a warp charge, and pass a leadership test to activate Force. RAW, a staff *can* nullify force weapon activation; The only time it cannot is if the Brotherhood Banner is invoked, because you do not roll for that.

Find the quote in the rulebook that states force weapon activations, or any of those conditions you state above, make something a psychic power/are a psychic power.

Does the bearer of the Force Weapon have to make a psychic test to activate the weapon? If So...

Page 36 – Runic Weapon.
Replace the fourth sentence with: “Furthermore, whenever an
enemy model succeeds on a Psychic test within 24" of one or
more models with a Runic Weapon, roll a dice […]”.

 Grimwulfe wrote:

Target wrote:

 djdarknoise wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
IIRC the RAW on this is that Runic Weapons nullify the effect of a power when a psychic test to cast one is successfully passed. As far as I know, Force Weapons are no longer considered powers.

Unless I'm missing something, that should be the RAW on it / no FAQ required (I could put this in if you'd like - though we try to keep from answering questions directly addressed by the rules in the book in order to ensure *RELATIVE* brevity for purposes of printing a copy of the FAQ into every attendee's guidebook.

You have to have a warp charge, and pass a leadership test to activate Force. RAW, a staff *can* nullify force weapon activation; The only time it cannot is if the Brotherhood Banner is invoked, because you do not roll for that.

Find the quote in the rulebook that states force weapon activations, or any of those conditions you state above, make something a psychic power/are a psychic power.

Does the bearer of the Force Weapon have to make a psychic test to activate the weapon? If So...

Page 36 – Runic Weapon.
Replace the fourth sentence with: “Furthermore, whenever an
enemy model succeeds on a Psychic test within 24" of one or
more models with a Runic Weapon, roll a dice […]”.

Ooooh, sick burn

LOL. Wasnt meant to be a burn but I noticed that Brandt and Target did not have the issue correct. The Runic staff has nothing to do with powers etc. Only the fact that you have to make a psychic test.

Oh, it's a burn. Don't try to church it up son

Fair Enough! Yall got Burned!! How you like me now!!

 Valhallan42nd wrote:
I do believe there is a section called "Demonic Gifts" in the daemon codex. One would assume that those are the items affected.

That section includes everything in the book though (even psychic powers). I just want to know exactly what this power will do, especially if Grimoire is involved.

 Grimwulfe wrote:
Fair Enough! Yall got Burned!! How you like me now!!

I don't, and I'll be waiting to jump you at the con. Pelting you with D6 after D6 until you are reduced to a sobbing mess.

:-p

but in reality good catch, I didn't notice the FAQ had an entry on it.

Ill be the stunty dwarf looking dude with the brass beard ends, I need more dice so im cool with that!

 Grimwulfe wrote:

Target wrote:

 djdarknoise wrote:

MVBrandt wrote:
IIRC the RAW on this is that Runic Weapons nullify the effect of a power when a psychic test to cast one is successfully passed. As far as I know, Force Weapons are no longer considered powers.

Unless I'm missing something, that should be the RAW on it / no FAQ required (I could put this in if you'd like - though we try to keep from answering questions directly addressed by the rules in the book in order to ensure *RELATIVE* brevity for purposes of printing a copy of the FAQ into every attendee's guidebook.

You have to have a warp charge, and pass a leadership test to activate Force. RAW, a staff *can* nullify force weapon activation; The only time it cannot is if the Brotherhood Banner is invoked, because you do not roll for that.

Find the quote in the rulebook that states force weapon activations, or any of those conditions you state above, make something a psychic power/are a psychic power.

Does the bearer of the Force Weapon have to make a psychic test to activate the weapon? If So...

Page 36 – Runic Weapon.
Replace the fourth sentence with: “Furthermore, whenever an
enemy model succeeds on a Psychic test within 24" of one or
more models with a Runic Weapon, roll a dice […]”.

Although that does trigger the Runic Weapon, the sentence ends with "cancel that POWER." As Target clarified, a Force Weapon activation is never described as a power. So, RAW Runic Weapons cannot counter Force Weapons.

magodedisco wrote:

 Valhallan42nd wrote:
I do believe there is a section called "Demonic Gifts" in the daemon codex. One would assume that those are the items affected.

That section includes everything in the book though (even psychic powers). I just want to know exactly what this power will do, especially if Grimoire is involved.

I looked at it again this morning, and given the breadth of the section, I agree some clarification would be welcome.

Page 36 – Runic Weapon.
Replace the fourth sentence with: “Furthermore, whenever an
enemy model succeeds on a Psychic test within 24" of one or
more models with a Runic Weapon, roll a dice […]”.

Although that does trigger the Runic Weapon, the sentence ends with "cancel that POWER." As Target clarified, a Force Weapon activation is never described as a power. So, RAW Runic Weapons cannot counter Force Weapons.

Ok, so under Force;

"...he can immediately choose to activate it by expending a Warp Charge and taking a Psychic test"

Under Manifesting Powers (emphasis mine);

l. Expend Warp Charge- Reduce the Psyker's Warp Charge. *as above, this is a requirement to activating Force*
2. Declare Target - If the psychic power requires a target, choose it now. *Does not require a target, so move to step 3*
3. Take Psychic Test - The Psyker must now take a Psychic test. If the test is failed, the psychic power fails. If a double I or double 6 is rolled, the Psyker suffers Perils of the Warp, which is resolved immediately. *as above, this is a requirement to activating Force*
4. Deny the Witch - If the Psychic test was passed and the target was an enemy, it now gets a chance to Deny the Witch and nullify the power. If the power is nullified, the attempt fails and nothing further happens. *the rules for Force override this step, specifically*
5. Resolve Psychic Power - Assuming that the Psychic test was passed and the power was not nullified by ^ Deny the Witch roll, it is now resolved.

Based on following the procedural steps for manifesting powers, I fail to see how Force Weapon activation is not considered a power. Steps 1 and 3 of manifesting a Psychic Power are specific and clearly identified with the same words/language in the description of Force, per the BRB, If Force Activation is not considered a power, then by that logic it can never force a Perils Test. Is that what you are saying?