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Like most folks who have just gotten the new AT18, I started with one Warlord supported by some Questor Knights because that's what is in the "basic box."

However - using base-sized cut-out proxies - I tried a Maniple-sized game last night, and it's a very different game (in a positive way).

I really started having to make tough decisions on issuing orders to titans, as well as the order of movement and combat.

...and it was much more fun.

So cut out some cardboard or use extra bases you might have around to "up" your game! You'll be glad you did.

The base game seems simple but fun. I designed a Maniple list at 1500 pts already we'll it's a theory in my mind at least (I will have final points for model with weapons not individual costs if this is not allowed let me know and I will fix it)

Axiom Battleline Maniple

Warlord: 495 pts
Morin Quake Cannon
Belicosa Volcano Cannon
Paired Turbo Laser Destructors

Reaver: 295 pts
Gatling Blaster
Reaver Titan Chainfist
Vulcan Mega-Bolter

Warhound 1: 220 pts
Plasma Blastgun
Vulcan Mega-Bolter

Warhound 2: 210 Pts
Inferno Gun
Vulcan Mega-Bolter

Questoris Support Banner: 275 pts
Scion Martial
Meltagun x4
Questoris Melee Weapon x4
Rapid-Fire Battlecannon x4

The Reaver is set up to use its 360° Mega-Bolter by flanking and heading for objectives. The warhounds are a Squadron letting them act in tandem. I know I could get a 3rd Warhound instead of knights but I think the knights will be surprising and it uses more points. Sure less chance for underdog but it should be fine

So can you please go into some detail about how maniples improve gameplay?

I know that maniples have special rules but not much else.

 Manchu wrote:
So can you please go into some detail about how maniples improve gameplay?

I know that maniples have special rules but not much else.

In Matched and Narrative play you are required to have at least one Maniple of 3-5 Titans.

So they limit list construction

And from there enforce strategic decisions from the offset.

I’m quite taken by the light Maniple. It should do fairly well against Warlord heavy, because I’ve got speed and manouverabilty on my side. That’ll help me recover from potentially poor moves.

Against other similar maniples? That’s when I’ll really need to sing for my supper!

 Manchu wrote:
So can you please go into some detail about how maniples improve gameplay?

I know that maniples have special rules but not much else.

It's not the special rules at all (though those can certainly be fun).

It's that when you have 3-5 titans on each side, it suddenly becomes much more important who moves a bit more or fires first, increasing the importance of orders and the sequence in which you give those orders.

Likewise, you need to use maneuver much more effectively to both cover your flanks and keep enemy short-range units away from your long-range ones.

In short: it's a more challenging game with a greater variety of tactics available when you're playing with a Maniple.

glad to hear this as it's about what I assumed.