First Strokes: Models And Units

Science is Measurement; Henry Stacy Marks; 1879

SandWyrm here. I've just finished bashing out some more rules. All this stuff seems so basic until you get into it and realize this or that needs more clarification than we're used to. :)

Models And Units

A large company-sized game of M42 may  involve anywhere from 50 to 150 individual  models. Ranging from lowly infantry to battle tanks and giant monsters. That may seem like an awful lot of things to keep track of as you play, but managing all those models is not as complicated as it might seem at first. This is because M42 doesn’t function on the level of individual models. Instead, it focuses on groups of models called ‘Units’.

What Is A Unit?

A unit is simply a grouping of one or more individual models that function together on the tabletop. This grouping may include 20+ models, or it may include only a single model.  Representing a Heroic individual or large solitary creature.

Bases

Most models, apart from large vehicles, will come supplied with some type of plastic base so that they can stand up properly when placed on the gaming table. A base also allows various sorts of scenic details to be added around the model’s feet which enhance the beauty of the miniature.

Since the size and shape of model’s base can affect how a particular model interacts with the M42 rules, all bases are standardized around the most popular sizes produced by the major Sci-Fi miniature companies. The legal size for each miniature a particular faction uses will be noted in their army lists.

Decorative Bases

Some players may wish to build up a model’s base with an impressive rock or other feature for the model to stand upon in battle. This is permitted so long as the original base edge is still visible and can be measured to easily by an opponent.

Teams

Sometimes, a group of miniatures will need to be modeled together on a single base. Usually, this grouping indicates specialists who need to work together closely.

The most common kind of team is the weapons team. Representing a gun with 1 or more crew. Other kinds of teams may represent communications specialists, combat engineers, or even alien psychic choirs.

Teams are not units, however. They are still considered single models for the purposes of the rules. As such, they live and die together as one model.

Base Measurement

A model or team is considered to always occupy the area of the table that lies underneath it’s base. If the model’s arms, weapons, decorative terrain, or other features reach outside of the horizontal boundary of the base, these are always ignored when measuring distances.

Hull Measurement

A vehicle’s hull is defined as it’s body, including it’s tracks, wheels, legs, turrets, and any plows, cranes or other attachments to it’s rear or front. None of a vehicle’s weapons are considered to be part of it’s hull, unless this is specifically noted in the vehicle’s rules.

A vehicle is considered to always occupy the area of the table beneath it’s hull. If the vehicle’s weapons, crew, or other features lie outside of the horizontal boundary of the vehicle’s hull, these are always ignored when measuring distances.

Measuring Ranges

The range between 2 units is defined as the  distance, in inches between their 2 closest models.

The range between 2 models is defined as the distance, in inches, between the closest points of their bases or hulls.

Fractional ranges are always rounded down. So, for instance, if your target is 15.6 inches away, treat the distance as if it is actually 15 inches instead.

No Guessing Required

You may always measure the range from one unit to another unit, objective, table edge, or terrain feature at any time. Even if it is not your turn

(end of section)

Thoughts?