Rules: Models, Units, & Task Forces (Ver 0.5)

I've started updating the rulebook more formally now. Here's the introduction to the typical force size/organization for the game.

While many other 28mm Sci-Fi wargames attempt to simulate large company-sized battles of 50-150 models, M42 is somewhat smaller in its scope. Not only in the number of troops represented on-table, but in the number of ‘things’ that you have to mentally keep track of during an average game.

There’s nothing stopping you from playing company-sized games using the M42 rules should you wish.  However, the game has been designed and competitively balanced for a typical battle size of 12-50 models organized into 4-8 units at 1000 points per side.

Between two experienced players, most M42 games should take about 45-60 minutes to play. With far less mental ‘hangover’ afterwards than you may be used to.

What Is A Model?

The most basic game piece in M42 is the model. Which is simply a metal, resin, or plastic miniature on a round plastic base.

Sometimes a group of miniatures will be glued together onto a single base to represent a gun team or other complex collection of soldiers or creatures. Even if a single base includes several miniatures,  they all still count as a single model.

What Is A Unit?

A Unit is a grouping of one or more individual models that function together as a single entity on the tabletop.

Typically a unit represents a squad of between 3 and 18 troops with roughly the same armor/equipment. Though each model may have different individual weapons or other special gear.

 What Is A Platoon?

An infantry platoon is a group of around 25 to 50 soldiers. These troops are organized into 2 to 4 separate squads; led by a Lieutenant.

The squads that make up a platoon may identical, or some of them may be specialized for certain roles. Such as a heavy weapons squad for killing armored targets. Or a demolition squad for destroying obstacles.

Two to four platoons form a Company, led by a Captain. Each of the platoons in the company can be of different types. Offering a wider array troops and equipment to choose from when forming a Task Force.

Two to Four Companies form a Battalion, led by a Colonel. Battalions will have the largest variety of troop and equipment options to choose from within the army.

Task Forces

The troops that you command in a game of M42 represent a Task Force that has been gathered together from the available military forces in an area in order to perform a specific special mission.

This mission might be a key breakthrough in a larger battle, a small raid to destroy an enemy communication station, a hostage rescue, or even the kidnapping of an important enemy scientist.  You won’t know precisely what the objective is until you receive your mission briefing.

Since your troops were plucked from the front lines for this assignment, most of the units in your task force will come from a particular platoon in your faction’s local Company. To which your captain may add additional support options from his other platoons.

Should the higher-ups in the Battalion take an interest in your mission, you may even have access to troops and equipment that would not normally be available even your Company. Including troops from allied armies or groups who may have an interest in your success.

Your Task Force then, will represent the troops of a core platoon, with various Company, Battalion, and Allied support.

Thoughts?