Cohesion, Solo and Squad Mode
Cohesion, Solo and Squad mode
What and Why?
These are Variant Rules for the Astartes Cohesion Rules & Squad vs. Solo Mode.
Cohesion - Squad Mode is great - it brings out a way for Space Marines to be more than hulking Stat Blocks of nigh unkillable meat - But - In game I have played two things stood out:
a. The limited allowance of cohesion points - limiting the badass part of being a Space Marine
b. The limit on Chapter related Squad Abilities - they all limit to those of a particular chapter, which in turn leads to
1. A drain on a limited pool of points to benefit 1 or 2 players (to do cool things)
2. A motivation to lessen the diversity of Chapters and or to even use the Chapter abilities.
These rules expand the pool to use on a per encounter basis and reward diversity up front.
The Changes
Solo Mode -
As a block these are unchanged, you may use them as often as they are indicated. The description and use of some have changed.
Squad Mode -
Any Battle Brother may benefit from the Chapter Ability of any other Battle Brother, representing the squad training with each other and adopting the best their brethren have to offer.
This expands your toolbox.
Cohesion Points -
Now you gain Cohesion points at the start of Encounters, not for the mission over all.
This means you can do cool things more often, and, given that Marines are supposed to be walking tanks, its over the top anyway.
How to Use these Rules:
1. Nominate a Squad Leader, normally at the start of the mission or by actual Astartes Rank.
2. At the start of an Encounter the Squad Leader rolls for their Cohesion Pool,
3. Any Squad Member can nominate and use Squad Mode abilities as available to that member, those that apply to Chapter members apply to all Squad Members in range.
4. Any items that regenerate Cohesion, such as the Ultramarines Squad ability, are capped to a maximum of Once per Session, or as listed.
What and Why?
These are Variant Rules for the Astartes Cohesion Rules & Squad vs. Solo Mode.
Cohesion - Squad Mode is great - it brings out a way for Space Marines to be more than hulking Stat Blocks of nigh unkillable meat - But - In game I have played two things stood out:
a. The limited allowance of cohesion points - limiting the badass part of being a Space Marine
b. The limit on Chapter related Squad Abilities - they all limit to those of a particular chapter, which in turn leads to
1. A drain on a limited pool of points to benefit 1 or 2 players (to do cool things)
2. A motivation to lessen the diversity of Chapters and or to even use the Chapter abilities.
These rules expand the pool to use on a per encounter basis and reward diversity up front.
The Changes
Solo Mode -
As a block these are unchanged, you may use them as often as they are indicated. The description and use of some have changed.
Squad Mode -
Any Battle Brother may benefit from the Chapter Ability of any other Battle Brother, representing the squad training with each other and adopting the best their brethren have to offer.
This expands your toolbox.
Cohesion Points -
Now you gain Cohesion points at the start of Encounters, not for the mission over all.
This means you can do cool things more often, and, given that Marines are supposed to be walking tanks, its over the top anyway.
How to Use these Rules:
1. Nominate a Squad Leader, normally at the start of the mission or by actual Astartes Rank.
2. At the start of an Encounter the Squad Leader rolls for their Cohesion Pool,
3. Any Squad Member can nominate and use Squad Mode abilities as available to that member, those that apply to Chapter members apply to all Squad Members in range.
4. Any items that regenerate Cohesion, such as the Ultramarines Squad ability, are capped to a maximum of Once per Session, or as listed.
Solo and Squad Mode List - Solo and Squad Mode Abilities
Calculating Your Cohesion Pool:
1. Take your Base Fellowship Bonus
2. If you have Astartes Rank 4/5 : +1pt, 6+: +2pts
3. If you have Command gain +1pt per Tier of this skill
4. If you have a relevant Tactics Skill you may roll against this, and add or subtract the Degrees of Success or Failure from your pool calculation
It is possible to make a bad call based on what you see. This rule reflects that reality
5. This total is your Cohesion Pool for the duration of the Encounter.
If the Squad Leader is killed, the available pool drops to Half the remaining balance.
If the Squad Leader is not available, 1. dont split the party. 2. choose another squad member to be the temporary squad leader, and that person rolls for the Cohesion Pool.
1. Take your Base Fellowship Bonus
2. If you have Astartes Rank 4/5 : +1pt, 6+: +2pts
3. If you have Command gain +1pt per Tier of this skill
4. If you have a relevant Tactics Skill you may roll against this, and add or subtract the Degrees of Success or Failure from your pool calculation
It is possible to make a bad call based on what you see. This rule reflects that reality
5. This total is your Cohesion Pool for the duration of the Encounter.
If the Squad Leader is killed, the available pool drops to Half the remaining balance.
If the Squad Leader is not available, 1. dont split the party. 2. choose another squad member to be the temporary squad leader, and that person rolls for the Cohesion Pool.
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