Tempest: The Human League

[Rolling Thunder]

Concept: The idea behind this is list to create a general-purpose army list that any Tempest players can use for creating a general, non-aligned human army list, from the high-tech Kai-Tann, to the savage aggression of The Mercenaries to the iron legions of Cadia to the renegades of the blood Pact, to feral-world PDF troopers to hive gangs and Arbites patrols and so on. It's a general-purpose list for human (and human only) forces in Tempest.


Composition of Human Army Lists.

The basic unit within Tempest consists of squads of human figures.
A squad must be composed of two or more models of the same type [Squad's must be homogeneous units].

These squads may be equipped with any equipment from the human army list (aside from those reserved for specific units).

The next level of command up from this is the platoon. A platoon consists of between 2 to 12 squads, under the command of a Leader Model (who must have his own Command Squad).


Here are the troop types:

Imperial Infantry Profiles

_{Juvies, Redshirts, Civvies, Whiteshields - these men and women are the terrified conscripts, thrown into the meat grinder of war, knowing only which end of a rifle is which and where to squeeze the trigger. Inexperienced, scared and inept they may be, but led well by their officers, these soldiers can still offer much to a cunning commander. Their great numbers and low cost make them the most disposable of all the human troops, and fighting from a defensive position they can still put out enough firepower to tear apart other forces.}

2pts

WS

BS

S

T

W

I

A

LD

[/b][/tr]
[tr][td]Conscript/Civilian[/td][td]2[/td][td]2[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]1[/td][td]3[/td][td]1[/td][td]6[/td][/tr][/table]
Has access to the Human Armoury
Squad Size: 2+

_{The PDF "Trolls", the unsung heroes of the Humanity's defensive wars. Semi-competent fighters, trained in the rudiments of warfare and usually equipped well enough for second-line duties, they provide remarkably effective and dangerous opponents when used in a defensive role, and have been known to give many a raiding foe an unpleasant surprise when properly led.}

3pts

WS

BS

S

T

W

I

A

LD

[/b][/tr]
[tr][td]PDF/Militia[/td][td]2[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]1[/td][td]3[/td][td]1[/td][td]7[/td][/tr][/table]
Has access to the Human Armoury
Squad Size: 2+

_{The soldier. A trained, proficient combatant, disciplined and steeled against the horrors of the 41st Millennium, well-named "The Guardsman", for it is his vigilance and courage that guards humanity from all the nightmares that lurk in the dark places of creation. Schooled in the arts of combat, the Guardsman is equally suited to rapid, offensive actions, taking and holding ground under enemy fire, as he is to holding his position and letting rip with the big guns, more than capable of putting out a torrent of firepower that will sweep away all but the most determined attacks.}

4pts

WS

BS

S

T

W

I

A

LD

[/b][/tr]
[tr][td]Soldier/Guardsman[/td][td]3[/td][td]4[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]1[/td][td]3[/td][td]1[/td][td]8[/td][/tr][/table]
Has access to the Human Armoury
Squad Size: 2+

_{The Marksman. A professional, lethal ranged fighter, honed by experience and repeated, exhaustive drills to an almost-instinctive understanding of the art of fire. Whether picking out enemy leaders for an inglorious, anonymous death, or shredding enemy infantry in a blaze of controlled automatic fire, or else disabling the tracks on an enemy tank, the Marksman offers accurate, lethal firepower while still remaining relatively inexpensive.}

7pts

WS

BS

S

T

W

I

A

LD

[/b][/tr]
[tr][td]Marksman[/td][td]3[/td][td]5[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]1[/td][td]3[/td][td]1[/td][td]8[/td][/tr][/table]
Has access to the Human Armoury
Squad Size: 2+

_{The Warrior. Humanity still features many cultures that prefer the rush of meleé combat to the cold, dispassionate duel of ranged encounters, and these are the best of these. Bodyguards, nobles, knight-errants, Champions, raiders - these men excel in the arts of fighting at hand-to-hand.}

7pts

WS

BS

S

T

W

I

A

LD

[/b][/tr]
[tr][td]Warrior[/td][td]4[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]1[/td][td]3[/td][td]2[/td][td]8[/td][/tr][/table]
Has access to the Human Armoury
Squad Size: 2+

_{The Commandos. The Mercenaries. Kasrkin. Storm Troopers. The best men humanity has to offer, trained to their own, exacting, murderous standards, and hardened by years of experience on the frontlines. Whether you're looking to take out enemy fuel supplies, assassinate their leaders, or just tear open their lines and leave them dead and bleeding, these men will get the job done, whether it be man, Ork, Astartes or twenty-foot multi-limbed horror standing in their way.}

10pts

WS

BS

S

T

W

I

A

LD

[/b][/tr]
[tr][td]Elite[/td][td]4[/td][td]5[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]1[/td][td]3[/td][td]2[/td][td]9[/td][/tr][/table]
Has access to the Human Armoury
Squad Size: 2+

_{The Lieutenant is the archetypal leader of men - the singular brain of his platoon, coordinating his forces in their movement and fire distribution, keeping them calm and firing even as the enemy cranks up the pressure, keeping them moving forwards even through the thickest fire, and holding them resolute against even the most Grendellian horrors the galaxy can throw at them.}

20pts

WS

BS

S

T

W

I

A

LD

[/b][/tr]
[tr][td]Lieutenant[/td][td]4[/td][td]4[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]1[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]8[/td][/tr][/table]
Has access to the Imperial Armoury
Independent Character.

Commander: All units within a Lieutenant's Area of Influence or in Communication with the Lieutenant may re-roll Failed activation tests.


Emplaced Weapons: Any human troops using emplaced weapons require at least three soldiers per emplaced weapon. [Spotter, Loader, Gunner].

• The presence of the spotter gives the weapon +1 To Hit (And so if the spotter is killed, the weapon loses this bonus.
  
• If the loader is killed, the weapon is at -1 To Hit.
  
• When the gunner is killed, the weapon is not functional.
  
• Emplaced weapons must be modelled mounted on a tripod!
  

Sniper Teams: Sniper Squads must consist of.

• 2 models, both with BS4.
  
• One must be armed with either a scoped Battle Rifle, or a Scoped Anti-Material Rifle.
  
• The Sniper Squad Upgrade for 10pts.
  

This gives the Sniper Team Infiltrate, and the "Snipe" Ability.
"Snipe" is an ability that may be used by the Sniper team. The sniper may fire only a single shot, and the spotter may not shoot at all [as he is spotting]. However, the sniper may pick out any single model within range and LoS to shoot at (such as an enemy officer or special weapons trooper.)

[Trickstick]

Don't you want me baby?

Erm, anyway, I like the idea of basic types working for multiple armies. Maybe you could give the different factions mini-armouries with a few of their own weapons. It would make for an easy way to represent the different sides and then you could just add on a few unique units for each and there would be a lot of diversity.

[Shostak(AWOL)]

Apr 14, 2011 12:06:19 GMT -5 Rolling Thunder said:

Emplaced Weapons: Any human troops using emplaced weapons require at least three soldiers per emplaced weapon. [Spotter, Loader, Gunner].

• The presence of the spotter gives the weapon +1 To Hit (And so if the spotter is killed, the weapon loses this bonus.
  
• If the loader is killed, the weapon is at -1 To Hit.
  
• When the gunner is killed, the weapon is not functional.
  
• Emplaced weapons must be modelled mounted on a tripod!
  

But surely if the gunner's killed, someone else would take over. maybe at -1 to hit though. Are all 3 guys seprerate clustered round a heavy weapon model?

[Rolling Thunder]

Apr 15, 2011 10:01:51 GMT -5 Shostak(AWOL) said:

Apr 14, 2011 12:06:19 GMT -5 Rolling Thunder said:

Emplaced Weapons: Any human troops using emplaced weapons require at least three soldiers per emplaced weapon. [Spotter, Loader, Gunner].

• The presence of the spotter gives the weapon +1 To Hit (And so if the spotter is killed, the weapon loses this bonus.
  
• If the loader is killed, the weapon is at -1 To Hit.
  
• When the gunner is killed, the weapon is not functional.
  
• Emplaced weapons must be modelled mounted on a tripod!
  

But surely if the gunner's killed, someone else would take over. maybe at -1 to hit though. Are all 3 guys seprerate clustered round a heavy weapon model?

On the other hand, it's perfectly possible that a sniper or a well-placed explosive could disable the weapon itself, so for now we simply stick with the normal process for wound allocation and so on.

[Rolling Thunder]

The Human League: Leaders profiles:

The Lieutenant

The Lieutenant is the archetypal leader of men - the singular brain of his platoon, coordinating his forces in their movement and fire distribution, keeping them calm and firing even as the enemy cranks up the pressure, keeping them moving forwards even through the thickest fire, and holding them resolute against even the most Grendellian horrors the galaxy can throw at them.

20pts

WS

BS

S

T

W

I

A

LD

[/b][/tr]
[tr][td]Lieutenant[/td][td]4[/td][td]4[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]1[/td][td]3[/td][td]3[/td][td]8[/td][/tr][/table]
Has access to the Imperial Armoury

Commander: All units within a Lieutenant's Area of Influence or in Communication with the Lieutenant may re-roll Failed activation tests.

[cheminhaler]

Demagogue sounds like a useful skill to keep the rabble together, but isn't stubborn only cc related? (As in : we won't be using cc very much, anyway..)

[Rolling Thunder]

No, not really, considering we also have morale modifiers from shooting attacks [and already have them from 40K, I just magnified their effects significantly].

[Kaikelx]

Hey, just found this project. I have to say, I did have a warm fuzzy feeling when I saw you mention Kai-Tan.

Anyhow, I'm wondering with the emphasis on cover, how Cavalry will fare (Considering they happen to simply be faster, larger targets). Then again, they may just be the intention.

As to how to get Cavalry, maybe one could opt to purchase a live mount for a model? Arguably, one could sub out a motor bike, but having a live mount such as a horse does present certain changes from a bike (being able to rear to a stop suddenly, and smash in some poor guy's head), then have the Rough Rider's hunting lances as a separate option (in case someone wants to give them to infantry?)

As for the hunting lances, if I'm not mistaken, they're basically shaped charges on a stick...Not sure how that would be represented.

[Rolling Thunder]

Apr 22, 2011 19:47:59 GMT -5 Kaikelx said:

Hey, just found this project. I have to say, I did have a warm fuzzy feeling when I saw you mention Kai-Tan.

Anyhow, I'm wondering with the emphasis on cover, how Cavalry will fare (Considering they happen to simply be faster, larger targets). Then again, they may just be the intention.

As it stands, in essence, yes. Cavalry are going to be simply larger, faster targets. It's going to be up to their commander to use them properly

Apr 22, 2011 19:47:59 GMT -5 Kaikelx said:

As to how to get Cavalry, maybe one could opt to purchase a live mount for a model?

That's the plan Kai - any model in the army list will be able to buy a cavalry mount [both normal and aggressive], and a motorbike [both normal and armoured].

Apr 22, 2011 19:47:59 GMT -5 Kaikelx said:

Arguably, one could sub out a motor bike, but having a live mount such as a horse does present certain changes from a bike (being able to rear to a stop suddenly, and smash in some poor guy's head), then have the Rough Rider's hunting lances as a separate option (in case someone wants to give them to infantry?)

As for the hunting lances, if I'm not mistaken, they're basically shaped charges on a stick...Not sure how that would be represented.

I'm leaning towards not including the hunting lances, simply on the basis that they're such an odd and obscure weapon that I don't think they really add much to the game.

[cheminhaler]

Whole armies of cavalry sound like fun. Presumably armed more like dragoons; with sabres and rifles instead of hunting lances?

[Rolling Thunder]

Presumably armed with whatever you would like to arm them with. It's also going to be possible to dismount cavalry and bike troops [and necessary if they want to use any heavier weapons they're carrying].

[Kaikelx]

Wouldn't that mean you'd have to have to figure a way to separate the mounted unit from his mount, or mount a regular unit?

Perhaps leave it at lighter weaponry, and they have to stay on the mount.

[Rolling Thunder]

Good idea Kai, simplicity is a better option.

[Rolling Thunder]

Some notes on building your armies:

Noted Army Examples:

Cadian Infantry [And other Civilised/Modernised forces]:

- Every model should be equipped with flak armour, a close combat weapon [bayonet], grenades, and a lasgun [or hellgun/battle rifle] at minimum.
- The "Warrior" profile should not be used [Cadians do not emphasise hand-to-hand combat over marksmanship]
- Kasrkin should be represented with the "Elite" profile, be equipped with carapace armour, a hellgun, a close combat weapon, frag and krak grenades.
- Try to keep your men alive.


Death Korps of Krieg:
- Every model must have a hellgun, close combat weapon, frag grenades and flak armour.
- No sniper teams.
- The "Civilian" [The Death Korps do not use untrained levies] and "Marksman" [The Death Korps do not train specific marksmen, preferring mass fire to precision] profiles may not be used.
- Death Korps Grenadiers should be represented with the "Elite" profile, be equipped with carapace armour, a hellgun, a close combat weapon, frag and krak grenades.
- Achieve your objective, no matter what the cost.


Rebels/Heretics/Insurgents:
- The "Elite" profile may not be used [insurgent troops do not have access to this kind of intensive training or prolonged combat experience.
- Make liberal use of mutations and heretical powers.
- Achmed the Dead Terrorist references. Use them wisely.

Feral World Guard:
- Do not use the "Civilian" [Feral Worlders do not send untrained men to battle], Marksman [Nor are they reknowned for being good shots] or Elite [Or have very good training] profiles.
- Close combat weapons for everyone!

[Rolling Thunder]

Currently working on some traits. Traits will have to be purchased for an entire platoon at the minimum. So far we have:

Fanatics: The unit is dedicated to it's cause above and beyond normal [or indeed sane] levels.
Benefit: Activated Fanatical units do not need to take morale tests.
Disadvantage: Fanatical units may never opt to voluntarily fall back - they may only fall back as a result of being failing a morale test due to casualties caused in either close combat or shooting.

Chem-Inhalers: The unit is drugged out of it's mind, causing both a disregard from casualties, but also making it famously unresponsive to a changing battlefield.
Advantage: Units with chem-inhalers ignore the Ld penalty for casualties suffered. [Stubborn]
Disadvantage: The unit may only ever "Hold" if assaulted in close combat.


Dogged [British army trait]: The army is reknowned for it's tendency to hold onto ground like a legion of bulldogs - even when retreat might be a desirable or rational outcome.
Advantage: Any Dogged unit within 12" of an objective becomes Stubborn.
Disadvantage: Any Dogged unit within 12" of an objective may not fall back unless beaten in close combat.

[Trickstick]

For the dkok entry, why do you say that they all must have hellguns? Only the grenadiers have hellguns, the rest are armed with simple lasrifles.

[cheminhaler]

DkOK are just guardsmen with gasmasks; they also don't use chem-inhalers. The regiment speciality is just using artillery and rough riders, although they have a reputation as protracted siege specialists.

Also some kind of Deathworld veterans and/or actually stronger gene enhanced humans would be a nice addition.
e.g. they might have an extra attack or +1 to strength and be more expensive in points.
Or make a major disadvantage to make up for them being stronger.

[Rolling Thunder]

May 12, 2011 5:29:29 GMT -5 Trickstick said:

For the dkok entry, why do you say that they all must have hellguns? Only the grenadiers have hellguns, the rest are armed with simple lasrifles.

If you read through Imperial Armour Volume 5, the description of the DKoK lasrifle fits a hellgun/battle rifle type weapon more closely than an assault rifle - it's a semi-automatic weapon with a much higher power charge than a standard issue lasgun. With there being so many "hellgun" variants, I've gone with the simplest approach of standardising them around a battle rifle type weapon.

May 12, 2011 14:11:29 GMT -5 cheminhaler said:

DkOK are just guardsmen with gasmasks; they also don't use chem-inhalers. The regiment speciality is just using artillery and rough riders, although they have a reputation as protracted siege specialists.

Also some kind of Deathworld veterans and/or actually stronger gene enhanced humans would be a nice addition.
e.g. they might have an extra attack or +1 to strength and be more expensive in points.
Or make a major disadvantage to make up for them being stronger.

You have the mutations/abhumans/Chaos stuff sub-codex, Chem. Use it wisely.

[Lord General Armstrong]

Interesting I must read more. I also like how you mentioned Kaikelx's system.