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Hi guys,

Never tried wargaming but really fancy it - I'm based in the NW England what's the "scene" like locally?

I'm thinking of getting the Assault on Black Reach pack as an all-in-one-box intro for the mrs and I. Is this the most comprehensive starter pack or is there something else I should consider? Also I've got a few questions about the game mechanics which I can't seem to find the answers to. I imagine all would become clear from actually getting my hands on some kit but here goes:

How do you decide how far the pieces can move - is it an action point type system? (ie piece x has 10 AP, to move 5cm costs 5AP, shooting 3AP, dropping troops 2AP, you have 50AP per turn)

Does the terrain have an actual effect on movement and cover? (If I hide a piece inside a building is it safe until the building is stormed? Any advantage to the high ground?)

In fact, rather than ask a ton of questions can anyone just point me to an idiots guide please?

Cheers

Hello and welcome to Dakka!
And does anyone, really?

First of all welcome to dakka

The assault on black reach box has a complete rule book and everything is well explained.

40K does not use an action pt system, in your turn everything can move, everything can shoot (if they meet the requirements), and everything can assault into hand to hand combat (again if they meet the requirements)

For movement everything has a base movement speed of 6 inches unless otherwise stated.

Yes terrain has an effect, most terrain offers a "cover save" that you can take as opposed to a "armor save" this will all make more sense when you pick up the rule book.

There is an advantage to high ground as it effects "line of sight" (basically your units have to be able to see it to shoot at it)

What space marine chapter are you/wife planning on playing?

For help finding a game you can make a post in the "find game" section, to see if any local dakkites play in your area.

Nope, no action points at all. Each piece can move its 6 inches, and whether or not you move has effects on how far or how many times you can shoot your weapon...all kinds of stuff!

Black Reach should explain it all nicely, especailly with the mini rulebook. But if you want to get into the background, I would say drop the money for the full hard cover one. It's really got a lot of nice information on the universe, the armies, as well as lots of pretty pictures.

Enjoy gaming, and welcom to dakka!

Welcome to the Dak!

- i hope you and the mrs's like the game. the basic rules would be that all characters at least move 6 inches. Now you also have to consider vehicles, skimmers, and bikes later on. I am not sure what an action point is, so that should answer that question. Every unit represents a certain amount of points. Each opponent usually agrees to the points value of the game prior to playing. Every unit has its own metrics, like basic skill, wounds, and a armor save. It is played using dice, rulers, templates, and the rulebook. Hope this helps!

If you have had any experience with RTS games on computer....its basically that, except you dont have to construct buildings and its played on a table, not a computer

Cheers guys,

I guess I just have to get started!

Ma55ter_fett - no idea about chapters etc, can the Space Marines included in the pack be designated as I want and does it make any difference to the game?

Welcome to dakka.

If you pick a chapter that has a sub codex (black templars, blood angels etc) then you restrict yourself to thier codex.

But make your own chapter and you can use any codex.

of course you can do what you want in friendly games.

Hmmmm... might have to throw that idea towards the publishing company that does "The Idiots Guide"....it might break them! Welcome to dak dak!

Hey
Welcome to Dakka!
As long as you want to play Marines and Orks then AoBR is perfect, the mini rulebook is brilliant and it gives you 2 solid armies to build off. If you dont like the look of marines and/or orks then your probably better off with the rulebook, codex and a battleforce.

What ho!