[Kings of War] Mantic Fantasy News & Rumors

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**NewTruthNeomaxim**

So is 4x4 the new standard sized "full game"? I noticed that is the size on Mantic's neoprene mat, but iirc Black Sails is played on 6x4.

**kodos**

the game is 3x3 or 3x4 for smaller games, 4x4 for medium sized games and 6x4 for large games

medium sized games are ~60 minutes and large games 120 minutes

and yes, Mantic is using 4x4 or smaller very often as this fits to what most people have at home rather than the larger gaming table

**sukura636**

mindrobber wrote:
Disappointed the wind rules have been simplified and removed (the advanced rules atleast), that’s the whole point of playing an naval game isn’t it , makes it unique. But I still be buying it anyhoo.

So if I'm understanding correctly, they're just in a different part of the book? That's not really removed.

**kodos**

sukura636 wrote:
mindrobber wrote:
Disappointed the wind rules have been simplified and removed (the advanced rules atleast), that’s the whole point of playing an naval game isn’t it , makes it unique. But I still be buying it anyhoo.

So if I'm understanding correctly, they're just in a different part of the book? That's not really removed.

there are 2 kind of wind rules in Black Seas, standard and advanced ones.
the BS standard is the Armada advanced rules (optional) and the BS advanced ones are gone

don't think that this is a big problem, as in a fantasy game were Wind Blast and Steamships are a thing, wind to determine speed and such things would add another layer that takes times and is watered down by the special rules of the factions
I see no problem in removing something that most factions will ignore anyway

**NewTruthNeomaxim**

I'm super in. Hopefully I can get some stuff to provide FLG content with, as I am eager to bring more non-GW stuff to readers.

Launch is getting pricey though. Still a good deal, mind, but $300 US for the launch bundle, and blinged out tokens and bases, is still a considerable investment.

**ListenToMeWarriors**

It is nice to see Mantic seemingly gathering a head of steam with this release. A few recent releases like Hellboy seem to have fallen a bit flat, but Armada seems to be itching a scratch that a fair few gamers have.

As an aside how good is Mantic's resin casting? Is it still done in house like their original (to me quite bendy) metal casts?

**BobtheInquisitor**

The price gives me pause. I’ll have to see if the FLGS or an online discounter sell it in the US.

**kodos**

ListenToMeWarriors wrote:

As an aside how good is Mantic's resin casting? Is it still done in house like their original (to me quite bendy) metal casts?

well, better than GW (no, it is really good and one of the best I have worked with)
yes it is done in house, a reason why it was done in Resin and not something else to get as much control over the production as possible without a huge investment needed

**grrrfranky**

mattjgilbert wrote:
Podcasts I'm already booked for are: SIngled Out, Weight of Fire and Counter Charge

I'll try and remember to post links when they are published.

If you're going to be on singled out, make sure to ask about the finnegans wake rpg...

I'm liking the models so far, looking forward to giving it a go when it comes out.

**lord_blackfang**

What's even the point of a sailing ship game with no wind rules?

**Mr Morden**

lord_blackfang wrote:
What's even the point of a sailing ship game with no wind rules?

Pretty models blowing each other up?

Wind is a pretty complicated thing to make work well in fleet battles.

**pancakeonions**

Yea, I agree it's a bit on the pricey end....

But imma still gettin everything.

So. Dang. Excited.

**Sarouan**

So support for this game on long term will depend on how good it sells. I'm a bit concerned, given the worst possible time to release a game being now...I mean, I expect playing with someone else in RL will become more difficult, since the stats aren't good in my country.

Would be nice to see all KOW factions represented in Armada for sure. With Vanguard, it will be an awesome tool for linked campaigns !

**pancakeonions**

I'm curious too. That's great they're able to release the game without giving Kickstarter it's bite, and I hope it does well.

But it is a rough time to get a new game off the ground! We'll see.

**mattjgilbert**

Sarouan wrote:
So support for this game on long term will depend on how good it sells. I'm a bit concerned, given the worst possible time to release a game being now.

I wouldn't worry about ongoing support. I've got lots more coming next year, already in concepting and rules being either tested or planned. And this launch wave is about to sell out...

Support for ANY game from any company long term is dependant on how well it sells. That's just normal.

**MarkNorfolk**

I for one am looking forward to this. I'm a sucker for a fantasy navel combat game. (I jumped in on The Uncharted Seas at it's beginning - shame how that turned out - I still have some fleets floating around somewhere). I can see myself cobbling some Fan rules for my Dragon Lords....

**Mr Morden**

MarkNorfolk wrote:
I for one am looking forward to this. I'm a sucker for a fantasy navel combat game. (I jumped in on The Uncharted Seas at it's beginning - shame how that turned out - I still have some fleets floating around somewhere). I can see myself cobbling some Fan rules for my Dragon Lords....

Yeah I tend to do that for games - and then try to presuade people to play with them - worse case i'll proxy.

Def pick up the rules and ships I like - I have thousands of models so now don'y buy any I don't like the asthetics

**Danny76**

Looks really awesome. I probably would not really ever get a game of it played, but could see myself ending up buying some stuff (though waiting till more fleets are out and choosing then would be sensible..)

**kodos**

https://www.manticgames.com/news/kings-of-war-october-releases-preview/

HALPI’S RIFT
Halpi’s Rift is a brand-new campaign book for Kings of War, which includes rules for the using the magic bleeding into the world of Pannithor in your games! Each campaign location is affected by the magical energies running through Pannithor differently – providing players with additional location specific spells and artefacts that can be used to vanquish their foes and turn the tide of the campaign.

The increase in magical activity in these locations may also provide Spellcasters with powerful, if sometimes unpredictable, abilities. Such is the power of these magical energies, that even the nature of the battlefield terrain itself may be blessed or cursed by it, causing generals to adapt their tactics for the unique scenarios found in each location.

The supplement also sees us continuing to move the Kings of War timeline along slightly. Long gone is the war against the Abyss and now the Abyssal Dwarfs, goblins and Ratkin are causing problems in the Halpi region. Alongside plenty of new narrative (with a main story penned by Mark Latham), Halpi’s Rift also sees the introduction of some new and returning magic users. Fans of Nomargarok, your time has come!

It’s also worth noting that Halpi’s Rift was originally going to be the basis for a global campaign, with factions fighting over the energy surging through the mountains. Although that hasn’t been possible * shakes fist at 2020 * we are still planning to use it as a basis for a campaign next year. So, buy the book and get practising.

If you simply can’t wait to get more info on Halpi’s Rift, the delectable Steve Hildrew has filmed a play through with the equally delightful Matt James.

WAR IN THE HOLDS
A new supplement isn’t the only big release for October because we’ve got an amazing new two-player set featuring the all-new hard plastic goblins and * drum roll please * hard plastic Ratkin. That’s right, the ratties are officially making their way into Kings of War as a Mantic army. The Ratkin will be released as a full army in early 2021, so this is a great opportunity to be among the first to grab some and start your furry army.

Inside the two-player set is 40 hard plastic goblins, an exclusive resin Wiz, three trolls, 40 hard plastic Ratkin, a Night Terror and an exclusive resin Warlock. Plus, there’s a Gamer’s Edition rulebook and a special War in the Holds getting started booklet.

We’ll have more on War in the Holds later this week, along with a closer look at those amazing Ratkin.

GOBLINS! GOBLINS! GOBLINS!
Although the new hard plastic Ratkin aren’t getting a full army release until early 2021 (although they can definitely be boosted with the sci-fi Veer-myn range), the goblins are most certainly getting their time to shine.

The new hard plastic means we’re able to produce a refreshed army set and mega army. The latter is extremely exciting because it now includes a giant. That’s right, you get a whopping big giant in the mega army.

We’ll have a much closer look at the goblins soon! So, as you can see, there’s plenty of excitement for Kings of War just around the corner. What are you most excited about? The correct answer is goblins.

**NinthMusketeer**

That giant looks pretty solid, potentially a good figure for RPGs too. Really nice paint job.

**lord_blackfang**

The giant is from the Vanguard kickstarter, it's been around.

This may be in poor taste to say here, but Armada has made me more enthusiastic for Man o War than for Armada.

**DaveC**

I see the Vanguard building ruins in the picture I wonder if/when Mantic will release them as they make nice scatter terrain and I could do with a few more. Seems odd to make a HiPS sprue and then not release it.

**sukura636**

DaveC wrote:
I see the Vanguard building ruins in the picture I wonder if/when Mantic will release them as they make nice scatter terrain and I could do with a few more. Seems odd to make a HiPS sprue and then not release it.

https://www.manticgames.com/games/terrain-crate/terraincrate-ruined-village/

https://www.manticgames.com/games/terrain-crate/terraincrate-abandoned-town/

Been out for a while. Since the end of last year, I believe.

**DaveC**

Great thanks - odd that it doesn’t come up in the search function if you just entered ruin.

**lord_blackfang**

I also was unaware that that sprue ever got a retail release.

**sukura636**

It was right around the release of Kings of War 3rd, so it might have been overshadowed.

**lord marcus**

So mostly static posed and burly clan rats? Might be something. I'm getting shades of my old monkey hand skaven though

**DaveC**

Andy from Black Jack Legacy covered Armada in has stream last night and got an exclusive preview of the first XL ship to be revealed - Basilian Dictator

**kodos**

lord marcus wrote:
So mostly static posed and burly clan rats?

not necessarily, the Goblins are all the same on the picture as well and from those we know they come with 3 different weapon options (spear, sword, bow)
would be surprised if the Ratkin kit would only cover one unit

**Gallahad**

I like the looks of those rats. Eager to see better pics of them.