Post by madmorgan on Jan 5, 2016 12:46:21 GMT
Martians have a lot to contend with on Earth. Weather is one of the least problems, but there are some exceptions. They have no problems until you get to the water issues - heavy rain, snow, icing, fog. The northern climates are operated in, but the really heavy snows and ice storms cause major problems for Martian targeting as well as the heatray themselves. To this end, I suggest the following rules for use in USA and Canadian scenarios where weather may be an issue. Note that this favors the human player(s) greatly and should be used with caution to not unbalance a game overly. All reduction to 25" range include the Scouts targeter. It doesn't affect the unlimited range of the Dominators missles if the target is 'painted' and has no effect on a Sunbeam.
Heavy Fog - this is usually a temporary situation. The affect is just like 'lay steam' (LIC) for the entire table. All ranges are reduced to 25"; no heatray sweeps allowed and focused heat rays and Lasers are at -2Power. Scenario will set the duration or you can do a random turn affair by rolling a d10 + current turn number after the 1st turn. Anything over a 7 lifts the fog. Adjust the target number as you see fit (5+, 6+ for quicker, 8+, 9+ for longer).
Heavy Rain - not as much a problem, but targeting could be affected. Give a -2 to hit to all fire for both sides. Again, scenario set duration or use the above random roll unless its some kind of major hurricane/storm. Note that Heavy Rain is not limited to northern climes, indeed its much more seen in southern areas of the USA or anywhere for that matter. Think hurricanes, t-storms, etc.
Heavy Snow - a really heavy snowfall has the same affect as fog - limited range, reduced heatray effects and additionally imposes movement restrictions. The entire table is now difficult terrain and infantry units suffer 1/2 speed as well.
Heavy Icing - saving the worst for last, ice storms are devastating to all who encounter them. Not only does everything get a coating of ice, but the slippery stuff even causes problems for the sure footed tripods. All ranges are reduced to 25", all focused heatrays are at -2Power, and heatray sweeps are not allowed. In addition, all movement is counted as Difficult terrain and even Infantry moves a 1/3 speed (rounded). All order token/FCs have their range reduced by 1/2 or to 24" if normally unlimited.
I'm sure there are other weather conditions that could be covered - dust storms come to mind. I can't see having a tornado effect as its just too devastating on the table (like the old GW Vortex) and complex to cover, although they would certainly be a part of the USA scene, with spin offs from hurricanes as well. And I've left off the wind factor of hurricanes as well. They all play a part in American weather. Enjoy!
Heavy Fog - this is usually a temporary situation. The affect is just like 'lay steam' (LIC) for the entire table. All ranges are reduced to 25"; no heatray sweeps allowed and focused heat rays and Lasers are at -2Power. Scenario will set the duration or you can do a random turn affair by rolling a d10 + current turn number after the 1st turn. Anything over a 7 lifts the fog. Adjust the target number as you see fit (5+, 6+ for quicker, 8+, 9+ for longer).
Heavy Rain - not as much a problem, but targeting could be affected. Give a -2 to hit to all fire for both sides. Again, scenario set duration or use the above random roll unless its some kind of major hurricane/storm. Note that Heavy Rain is not limited to northern climes, indeed its much more seen in southern areas of the USA or anywhere for that matter. Think hurricanes, t-storms, etc.
Heavy Snow - a really heavy snowfall has the same affect as fog - limited range, reduced heatray effects and additionally imposes movement restrictions. The entire table is now difficult terrain and infantry units suffer 1/2 speed as well.
Heavy Icing - saving the worst for last, ice storms are devastating to all who encounter them. Not only does everything get a coating of ice, but the slippery stuff even causes problems for the sure footed tripods. All ranges are reduced to 25", all focused heatrays are at -2Power, and heatray sweeps are not allowed. In addition, all movement is counted as Difficult terrain and even Infantry moves a 1/3 speed (rounded). All order token/FCs have their range reduced by 1/2 or to 24" if normally unlimited.
I'm sure there are other weather conditions that could be covered - dust storms come to mind. I can't see having a tornado effect as its just too devastating on the table (like the old GW Vortex) and complex to cover, although they would certainly be a part of the USA scene, with spin offs from hurricanes as well. And I've left off the wind factor of hurricanes as well. They all play a part in American weather. Enjoy!
