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RULES·WHITE DWARF 285

The State of Play

September 2003·pp. 56–57

THE SHORT VERSION

A rules-development report presents experimental changes intended to reduce the dominance of ordnance and address concerns about escorts. Attack-craft limits replace the old exhaustion mechanism, while a revised Nova cannon procedure uses scatter instead of range guessing. Escort victory points are considered by squadron, and Brace for Impact is clarified against assault boats. Explanatory passages connect these proposals to the scale and survivability of the ships, with their experimental status explicitly preserved.

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Experimental rules Ordnance Nova cannon Escorts Brace for Impact Victory points

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RulesWD 285 · pp. 44–45

Warhammer Border Patrol

Che Webster introduces a small-force Warhammer format intended to fit into a lunch break or limited gaming space. Restrictions on heroes, unit numbers and expensive models keep each patrol compact, while objective-focused scenarios create a purpose beyond destroying the opposition. Army-specific exceptions accommodate forces such as Tomb Kings, and sample Vampire Counts and Dwarf patrols demonstrate different ways to balance movement, resilience, magic and shooting within the format.

Warhammer Fantasy BattlesVampire Counts
September 2003Read summary
RulesWD 285 · p. 46

Border Patrol: Capture

Two patrols compete for one clearly defined terrain objective on a narrow battlefield. Alternating deployment and a variable finishing turn make commitment and timing important, while the victory conditions require an eligible unit to claim the objective. The adaptation encourages players to use a shrine, supply building, hill or other evocative feature as the focus, turning a small game into a contest over a recognisable place.

Warhammer Fantasy Battles
September 2003Read summary
RulesWD 285 · p. 46

Border Patrol: Flanking Manoeuvres

Each commander secretly sets aside part of a patrol to enter from a chosen flank after the battle has begun. The main forces deploy across a broad, shallow battlefield, then await reserves whose arrival becomes more likely as turns pass. Because arriving troops cannot immediately charge, the scenario rewards planning a supporting position rather than relying on an instant surprise assault. Victory points determine how well the two separated elements cooperate.

Warhammer Fantasy Battles
September 2003Read summary