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Post by Ponen19 on Apr 28, 2013 1:05:05 GMT -5
So I finally got a copy of the Only War rulebook and I'm hoping to start GMing within the next two weeks, but after reading through the book for a few days I still have a few questions.
1- Some of this stuff is still kind of confusing, should I have a copy of Dark Heresy or Rogue Trader to go off of?
2- I've played D&D 3.5 for a few years now so I'm used to that movement and combat system. Since OW uses meters instead of 5 ft squares, how would the two translate? Does 1 square = 2 meters? Should I be using a square game map at all?
3- While my group likes combat well enough, most of them really enjoy games like Whitewolf and Vampires that a good amount of talking, non-combat skill checks, and other "social-fu" moments. How much of this is in a typical game of OW?
Thanks in advance for any help!
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Apr 28, 2013 9:26:09 GMT -5
1. You can if you want, but some of the mechanics are slightly different (autofire leaps to mind), while others are radically different (how characters buy skills and talents). Black Crusade is the closest, rules-wise, to OW, but you're probably better off just sticking with OW unless you get really lost.
2. 1m=1 square will be fine if you want short range firefights, or have a big map. If that proves to small, increase it by base 5, and just have players round their movement accordingly.
3. Depends on the GM, and the set up. My group gets a fair amount of social fun in (actually, that's been most of it since they're just getting out of the "tutorial" phase of the campaign), but it depends on their unit type, and what you set them up to do. Patrol missions, or seek and destroy where combat is brief and it's mostly about building tension between encounters are a good time for squad banter. Beyond that, escort missions, dealing with civilians, guard duty during prestigious events, award ceremonies for medals, and dealing with civilians can also provide good chances.
If you want to sit in on my AIM game to see how we do things, you're more than welcome. Just shoot me a PM.
Reds
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Post by Ponen19 on Apr 29, 2013 0:41:26 GMT -5
Awesome, thanks for the help Reds! I think I should be able to get it from here but I'll let you know if I have any more questions.
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Post by Aeon on May 5, 2013 15:46:27 GMT -5
Yea, what Reds said. He's a great Game Master, so he gives excellent advice.
Building on that, remember that Only War isn't like Dark Heresy or Rogue Trader where there is a lot of room for freedom and desire. Remember that the characters are part of the Imperial Guard, and have a lot more restrictions, so when Role playing, take that into account. You can have social moments, but they'll usually take place on base, and if they do anything REALLY stupid, the Commissar should come after them
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Post by emptyhat on May 5, 2013 18:13:19 GMT -5
And don't forget to railroad the adventure. "You have your orders men!"  |
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Post by Aeon on May 9, 2013 3:06:49 GMT -5
Orders are meant to be broken haha
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Post by Paimon on May 10, 2013 16:29:27 GMT -5
That's how you get shot by the commissar.
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Post by Adam Selene on Jun 29, 2014 2:25:28 GMT -5
Do not fear the commissar. Roleplay the commissar, become one with your inner grimdark
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Post by emptyhat on Jun 29, 2014 10:48:52 GMT -5
Since this popped up again I'll ask. How did the adventure turn out?
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Post by jenburdoo on Jul 8, 2014 8:13:43 GMT -5
With regards to social stuff, don't forget rivalries with other regiments, training scenarios, and off-duty time. Read GM Fraser's McAuslan series for some of the things that an infantry regiment in a peaceful area might get up to in its off time:
- Visit a monument
- Drink, carouse and find love in the garrison town
- Play ball with neighboring units
- Put on a talent show to relieve boredom
- Conduct an unarmed night navigation exercise
- Celebrate an important holiday or unit anniversary
- Stand ceremonial guard duty in front of local royalty
- Stop a riot or panic without bloodshed (okay, maybe that one doesn't fit 40K)
- Find every member of the regiment in a wild town on a Saturday night because there is a rumor of some communicable disease everyone must be vaccinated for
- Dig up buried treasure
- Change up the setting - the unit is sent to show the flag somewhere to impress the strange local inhabitants, and the local priest insists that the officer in charge play his favorite game as long as they're there.
- Inspection by a Very Important general
- If the players are PDF or have been returned to their home planet (Cadia, for example), visit family left behind
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Post by ElegaicRequiem on Jul 13, 2014 20:57:20 GMT -5
Since this popped up again I'll ask. How did the adventure turn out? Everyone died. Especially the ones that lived. |
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