Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Fellow wargamers,

As some of you are already aware, I have been designing a free rule book that contains three different games. A modern wargame, a fantasy wargame and a pen and paper RPG version. I have launched a Kickstarter in hopes to further professionally develop my project.
Have lots of miniatures and armies collecting dust on your shelves? Re-purpose them to fight off the undead hordes (or eat survivors)! BioSyndrome does not have a specific miniature line, you can use any miniatures you'd like as long as you follow the basic army basing guidelines found in the rule book or have an agreement with your opponent(s) prior to playing.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1792322775/bio-syndrome-a-survival-horror-table-top-war-game?ref=live

If nothing else the rule book is free to download so check it out!

Happy wargaming!

Hmn. I like the look of those "totally-not-L4D" minis they showed.

They are good minis. I believe I acquired them from studio miniatures. My favorite though is in the survivor group, "the-totally-not-Snake Plissken" mini!

This game gives you a reason to pick up those minis you've been wanting to order but didn't really have a game to play em with. OR on the flip side, gives you a reason to dust off those minis collectin dust on your shelves.. My wife got me some of brother vinni's power armor troops (the-not-fallout kind of course) which will soon be my newest army addition to the game thanks to the generic army building rules. I'm still refining those by the way.. basically you can create any army you can imagine or would want to while keeping the game balanced and fun.

Did you have a chance to download the rulebook? If you did let me know what you think!

New updates:

We are now at 50% funding!

New backer awards have been announced and some faqs have been posted!

Version 1.9 will be pen and paper RPG update heavy. The basic rules for exp, character statistics, driving, bartering, and being a zombie master will be added. If you are planning on running a campaign this will be a must have update!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1792322775/bio-syndrome-a-survival-horror-table-top-war-game?ref=live

Thanks again for the support!

I have a question for everyone here:

In a wargame would you rather have generic weapons (shotgun, rifle, assault rifle, pistol, revolver, ect ect..) or named weapons (AK-47, M16, Glock, Mac10 ect ect)?

I've been having a discussion about this for a long time with various people. The generic list is more compact and tightens up the rules. Whereas the named weapons adds flavor and more weapon options.

I'd like to hear what other people are thinking. I will be sending out a survey to all backers to put it to a vote when the KS is finished.

EDIT: And we are at 100% funding!! Now onto the stretch goals!

Generic weapon names works for me - especially if it helps from a rules perspective.

Generic for two reasons

1. There's no real point in having named weapons unless there is a functional difference between them, but most wargames (d6/d10/d12) don't have enough granularity to depict this

2. If you use real names there's always the chance the brand owners will objects and either ask for them to be removed, or charge a licencing fee to use the name. Both of which cause the game company problems and so make it less likely the game will stick around

 Alpharius wrote:
Generic weapon names works for me - especially if it helps from a rules perspective.

Yes I believe this will stream line a lot of stuff regarding the rule set. It's nice having the different weapons present but on the other hand with the generic custom army creation rules it really makes a lot more sense to go with a generic weapon system. I'm leaving it up to my projects backers in the end, just thought I'd get some more insight. This will actually involve quite a bit of work on my part as I will need to scrub the entire rule book. Of course I'm up for the task

Thanks for you input! I appreciate it!

On another note, BioSyndrome has reached the initial funding amount! Now we are working towards the 1st stretch goal: Digital Cards for each weapon / armor / equipment / spell for all three versions of the game! I have also released another large update.

I'm still open for feedback and suggestions of course, let me know what you think!

Generic weapons all the way.
Add spice with additional wargear/skills ie scopes, silencers, larger magazines, different ammo, quick reload, double tap, unjammable, burst/sprayfire etc
A clever combination of these sorts of things should be enough to allow for a decent approximation of a zp4.f15h for those that way inclined.

Generic almost always beats out specific guns (unless it's the gravity gun from Half Life)

Thanks for the replies. I've posted this question in a few different forums and seems the general consensus is for the generic system. I'm tending to agree as well. (and yes, nothing beats the grav gun from HL..). Ahh the good ol days of HL and counterstrike.. sigh.

I know many here probably are not interested in the role playing version, as alex mentioned I believe i will be adding in lots of weapon upgrades into the RPG rule set, that good sir is an outstanding idea. Not sure how they will fit into the wargame version though. As it stands right now, i've lucked out with my current specific weapon list. Almost all of my current weapons are in their own category as far as weapon type go, should make swapping systems not as painful. I really only have a few that overlap (MP5, MAC10 for example). Have to do some playtesting in the wargame for upgrads.

I have another question: Concerning wargames that let you create a unit, gain xp and level up: Do you prefer having basic stats like most skirmish games or advanced stats like d&d? I'm liking stats that are easier to use (IE> my stat is a 3+ so i need to roll a 3+ on a D6 to be successful) VS (my str is 17 so i get a +3 to my roll on a d20 and need to beat your armor score). I've designed the base Role Playing game rules with the straight roll setup and not the advanced stats. Again, both have pros and cons. The base system makes the game a lot faster and easier, not much math. The advanced system gives a lot more flexibility while "leveling" up or purchasing upgrades for your character. What do you all think?

 Alex Kolodotschko wrote:
Generic weapons all the way.
Add spice with additional wargear/skills ie scopes, silencers, larger magazines, different ammo, quick reload, double tap, unjammable, burst/sprayfire etc
A clever combination of these sorts of things should be enough to allow for a decent approximation of a zp4.f15h for those that way inclined.

+1... Gold.

This could create some fun options. I was thinking the same thing as I was watching the demo.

Like +1 to hit while close quarter shooting "Close quarter combat SMG" or "CQC shotgun"
Burst or Headhunter= additional attack dice for each 8 is rolled to hit.
Spray and Pray or Suppressing Fire= requires firing action and regular action, but still can move, +1 attack dice, roll additional attack dice for successful 7 and 8 rolled if firing at targets within half range.
Armor Piercing rounds= -1 to armor save.

So on.

I like this system and plan to play.

Different ammo types is a good idea. I few other people have suggested that in the past. Since i had specific weapons, adding in different ammo types didn't seem feasible (end up getting out of hand too quickly). With the generic system I could implement a few different ammo options available for all weapons (all units equipped with a gun at least). This would keep it simple and still add in some extra fluffy options. I have a feeling it might be hard to keep track of unless you bought the upgrade for the entire army.. if you only bought it for a few units you might end up forgetting when the time came to shoot. In some of my battle reports you might notice me forgetting armor pen rolls here and there.. ha. I could make a different digital ammo upgrade card for each one to though, help you keep track of what you have.

I do have suppressive fire as a special ability, the machine guns have it. Head hunter would be a neat addition (and also powerful). Burst fire might be harder to implement easily as most weapons can't have it. I could call it "double tap" or "rapid fire" and make it a special ability.

I'm glad you like the rules and I appreciate the ideas! Keep em coming!

Important update for any backers here:

Conditional of the possible change in the weapons system, any 70$ backers will get to design a weapon group AND a weapon attachment with digital cards.

Basically if you donated at that level and are unable to use the weapon of your choice (pending the vote of course), you'll get an additional bonus.

I released Version 1.9 last night. Mostly containing RPG version content. If you were thinking of running a RPG style miniature game you should check it out.

Thanks for reading, happy wargaming!

So about army traits. I'm I to assume one trait per army? Not mentioned in rules unless I missed it. If I run "allied" survivors and coalition do each run its own trait?

Should a certain level of until unlock traits? i.e. Squad Leader, Commander, Zombie Master, Police Captain.

Otherwise traits are free?

Hmm I'll have to review the rules, could have accidently been deleted in the last revision (google docs is quite finicky and I recently abandoned it for photoshop.. see below)

Byte: Yes you have to have a commander to have an army trait, which is free to take. (one per army, still one even if you run allies).

If the commander dies, you lose the bonus provide.

Big update: (image heavy)
I've been busy this weekend redesigning the entire rule book in photoshop. If anyone would be so kind as to let me know what they think that would be stellar. It is quite tedious and time consuming, the sooner i know i need to fix something the better! (like if the text is too big, or if the template is too much). Again, feedback is most welcome!






I'm also going through the entire rule book clarifying a lot of stuff. Ironically army traits is the next page I'm doing. I'm on about page 10 of like 60 or 70.. long way to go. The army lists will be completely redone. The front page will have the artwork, quick view unit chart and some army fluff, following that each unit will get it's own page for stats, miniature examples and available upgrades. This will add quite a bit of content to the rule book. It's also noteworthy that this will increase the amount of ink it takes to print. Instead of scrapping the original google doc version, I'm going to make it all text for a more printer friendly version (no timetable on that yet).

Thanks for the interest Byte!
Hope you enjoy the update! Happy wargaming!

Got it. Leader Trait (described in leader LVL1 and 2 description) and Army Trait = same thing.

hmm now that you mention it I might rename one of the two so they match. Makes sense and would be easier to understand for everyone. Thanks for pointing that out! I don't know what I would do without everyone's feedback. What to you think of the new design Byte?

Looks sharp! I went to download it to review off the KS site but it was still 1.9. what's this 2.0?

Finding signature symbology is important for sure. Use of the yellow caution line and the biohazard symbol in the rules is a nice start!

Good stuff!

I'm knee deep on 2.0.. still have like 50 or so more pages to convert.. it's extremely time consuming now, but will streamline the rulebook later down the road.

I originally built the rulebook using google docs (which is horrible for making anything with pictures). I'm now using 100% photoshop. Gives me a lot more control with graphic options and text placement as you can see..

Really glad that you like the preview! Thanks!

Some more finished pictures of the new design. important to note that I am testing how the generic weapons look on paper and am quite pleased. These are a few units from the new army lists, again let me know what you think!

I really really like the redesign and restructuring of the weapons. Bravo good Sir!

Thanks Byte! I'm fighting the good fight as best I can

We are working on reaching the 1st stretch goal, the digital cards.. I've noticed my campaign has slowed down a bit now that it's initially funded. Next week I'm going to make a short video showing how to print the cards out and put them into protector sleeves. I think people just need to see a good beta product and hopefully funding will pick back up again. The cards really add a lot of flavor even if they are optional game aids.

 oddeye wrote:
I originally built the rulebook using google docs (which is horrible for making anything with pictures). I'm now using 100% photoshop. Gives me a lot more control with graphic options and text placement as you can see.

As a graphic designer this... is like stepping on my nerves. If you wan't to work with text use Adobe In-Design. Believe me it's a lot better and will look a lot more professional. Both for getting printed and as PDF files. Text'll look a lot better due to a ton of more options. Font size 8/9 should be a better read.
Been looking at the rules for a bit, it's a tad of a rough read and some photos are a tad low rez.

Just giving some feedback on it. Not trying to be mean or anything.

On the contrary your comments are quite welcome here. I'm all about improving the foxhole! There is always room for improvement. You're actually the third person to recommend in-design to me. I was familiarizing my self with the program last night. Luckily I'm not new to computers and should pick it up pretty fast. Photoshop is great but the text control is lacking. I also need to adjust the text color a bit.

If you downloaded v1.9 that was the version from google docs, all the photos are crap in there as I had to scale them. In the redesigned version in photoshop all the artwork is in original format over 1400 x 2000 pixels and the redesigned pages are 2550 x 3000 w/ 300 dpi.

Long story short, again I do appreciate your feedback! I'll work on the in-design to help with the text form mating. Time is my enemy now, I'm also a 3d modeler and would like to make some nice 3d stuff for the book, just don't have enough time in the day!

I've found that the following models work great for BioSyndrome.

Wargames Factory Apocalypse Survivors The Men(excellent weapons options that fit rules well)
Wargames Factory Greatcoat Troops(excellent weapons options that fit rules well)
Wargames Factory Zombie Vixens(to cool)
Mantic Zombie Apokalypse Marines 35 model box(can make 10 armored zombies)

Wargames factory also has a few other lines that work well for the fantasy version too. Like the roman legions for well... the roman legion army list!

I believe i have some mantic fantasy zombies, they work out really well too. I have tons of links to good miniatures on the google community page. Eureka minis has some 1980's soldiers in full MOPP gear that would be really awesome, haven't gotten around to ordering them yet though.

Studio minis has some nice zombies too, along with black scorpion for us marines.. there's so many to choose from! Again, on the google community i have a bunch of saved links for miniatures and even some diecast cars too. If anyone has any not listed there, let me know! Thanks for sharing Byte!

I've launched a new KS stretch goal set at 2400$:

A heavily mutated tentacle zombie! If the stretch goal is reached all backers at the 25$ pledge level and on will receive one "patient zero" miniature along with free shipping to anywhere in the US. International backers will have to help out with the shipping. This is a KS exclusive backer reward! No reprints allowed!

Concept art and more information can be found at the update link below. Take a moment and check it out!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1792322775/bio-syndrome-a-survival-horror-table-top-war-game/posts/754723

As always happy wargaming

some preview renders of the mutated zombie miniature "Patient Zero" are out! It's not quite finished but should give you all a good idea of the final miniature product.

Let me know what you think, thanks!

 Byte wrote:
I've found that the following models work great for BioSyndrome.

Wargames Factory Apocalypse Survivors The Men(excellent weapons options that fit rules well)
Wargames Factory Greatcoat Troops(excellent weapons options that fit rules well)
Wargames Factory Zombie Vixens(to cool)
Mantic Zombie Apokalypse Marines 35 model box(can make 10 armored zombies)

I placed an order with Wargames Factory for both the male and female versions of the survivors and Zombies. I have been using the new cultists as zombies in my nurgle army, but I really liked the Wargames Factory versions for BioSyndrome and hey what is a few more minis to a guy who already owns over 1K of them. I am headed over to Mantic to check those out as well.

I am really excited about the KS of BioSyndrome and I am looking forward to having a great deal of fun playing it.