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Robotech RPG Tactics uses a card for a unit system, very similar to what AoS is using, but with points. A thought that I had:

What if all dataslates were balanced at a certain squad size? With add on cards designed to cooperate with it?

Say 5 marines=6 Tau=10 Guardians=12 Wyches=10 Kabalites=3 Terminators etc.....

Then have some special titles to cards that limit some usage. Say:
Common, unlimited number available to use
Uncommon, no more than 3 of these per army
Limited, no more than 3 limited cards per army
Unique, no more than 3 unique cards per army, and no more than 1 of a particular unique name/card. (limiting it by name, so you can do Characters at different times in history. like Edlrad, prime, old, and Ancient)

Then some cards can count as multiple cards, or give another free card to balance a deficiency in itself. (say the Eldrad prime card, gives a free warlock console card because he isn't as powerful as the Eldrad Old card, while Eldrad Ancient counts as a limited and unique card)

Add on cards, could then be done as a 2 per 1 card, or some such, to add to existing squads. So you take 2 squads, and I take 1 with 2 upgrades, like a transport, and extra squad members.

As long as people aren't trying to one up each cards capabilities when they write them, and they are balanced to another previous card, then...no more points needed, grab the card you want and go.


Special/heavy weapons are largely a wash, and the minor advantage they give for one thing is lost on another. As long as one card isn't given 3 while another doesn't get any. Squad leaders are automatically included in each squad card, upgrade cards do not get a squad leader, but may add extra special weapons to a squad. Say a base card has 1-2 special/heavy weapons, and upgrade cards get 0-2 dependent on numbers and such.

Using a Tactical marine squad for an example:
5 Marines, including the Sergeant, get 1 special, or heavy weapon, they may then add a tactical upgrade card getting them another 5 marines, no sergeant, with another special or heavy weapon.
Then may take a Rhino, or Razorback upgrade card. A Land Raider counts as 2 upgrade cards.

This is just a fledgling idea, so it needs more work. Suggestions, comments?