UK SAGA GRAND MELEE 2014 – Version 2!

This is the updated version of the UK SAGA GM info pack. There are a number of changes in this

version so read it carefully! In summary though:

We have changed the factions you can use to EXCLUDE those in the Crescent & Cross. This is

because of the delays in the production of the book which mean that people will not have

had sufficient time to play with, or against, the new factions.

We have decided to kick off on Saturday at 10:30 to give people who are travelling to the

event in the morning an extra hour in bed!

As a result of some clever re-jigging, we have been able to drop the entry price from £40 to

£30 while still offering a bumper stash of prizes and providing goody bags and quality food.

We will running some extra informal games in the evening for people who want to play C&C

along with JUGULA and Muskets & Tomahawk games. And the bar will be open late!

DATE AND VENUE

The UK Grand Melee 2014 will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 7th and 8th June 2014 at Firestorm

Games, 8a Trade Street, Penarth, Cardiff CF10 5DT. Tickets are available from

http://www.firestormgames.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=16220

It is possible for a limited number of players to enter for one day only, though the main prizes are

only available to those who play both days.

The cost of entry is £30 for the weekend or £15 for a single day only. Lunch is included on both days

and all entrants will receive a Goody Bag containing:

Exclusive GM2014 Standard Bearer Figure (with detachable GM base so you either display

him on his stand or base him up for your warband.)

Exclusive GM2014 Fatigue Tokens,

Exclusive GM2014 LBMS Shield & Banner for your figure

Discount Voucher for SAGA purchases made on the day (Full trade stand in attendance!)

TIMETABLE

Saturday 7th June

10.00 – 10.30 Registration and introduction

10.30-12.30 Game 1

12.30-1.30 Lunch

1.30-3.30 Game 2

3.30-5.30 Game 3

Sunday 8th June

9.30-10.00 Registration for Sunday-Only players

10.00 - 12.00 Game 1

12.30-2.30 Game 2

3.00-4.45 Game 3

5.00 Prize Giving

Lunch will be served between 1.00-2.30 on Sunday.

TOURNAMENT RULES

In this booklet you will find described the way the tournament will be organised and the scenarios

that will be played, together with the scoring system. We hope this will be easily understood, but if

you have any questions after reading the booklet, feel free to email martingb@btconnect.com and

we will try to answer them.

REGISTERING

On arrival, please go to the registration desk to confirm your attendance and receive your

tournament pack. You will also need to hand in a completed copy of your Warband Roster-please

have another copy with you in case you need to show it to an opponent.

THE WARBAND ROSTER SHEET

The roster contains the following details:

Your name

The faction you are using- Normans, Jomsvikings etc

If the faction has sub-types (e.g. Franks could be played as Carolingians, Merovingians or Capetians)

you should also indicate the one you are using.

Composition-Show each unit you are fielding and its cost in points, even if the cost is zero. There is

no need to indicate how the units are organized or equipped. There is an example roster sheet in the

appendix.

PERMITTED FACTIONS

Your Warband may be taken from the core rulebook, or any of the official published supplements-

Northern Fury, The Raven’s Shadow, and Varjazi & Basileus but not Crescent and Cross. You may

also use Skraelings, but may not use Steppe Tribes or Conquest Arabs (both published in Wargames

Illustrated). All Warbands will be of 6 points.

We know that not everyone is a fantastic painter but all figures must be fully painted and based.

CONDUCT

While this is a tournament, its main purpose is to allow players to meet new opponents and enjoy a

weekend of gaming. There are umpires to handle queries and of course they are only human. So

please play in a good spirit to ensure your opponent enjoys his game, and accept the umpires’

rulings regardless of whether you agree with them. If in doubt, go and have a beer and then

continue. We promise you will have a better time this way and will want to come again next year.

GAMES

There will be a total of five games, three on Saturday and three on Sunday. After the first round, a

Swiss Chess draw will be used to determine opponents. Players will meet each other only once,

regardless of relative rankings. A results slip will be provided for both players to complete at the end

of each game.

The winner of each game will score 5 points and the loser 1 point. In the event of a tie, each player

will score 3 points.

PRIZES

There is a bumper prize pool with prizes for the event provided by Gripping Beast, Studio

Tomahawk, Wargames Illustrated, 4Ground, Renedra and Little Big Men studios. They will be

awarded for:

Most successful General

Runner-up

Least successful General

Most enemy Warlords slain

Leading single day entrant (Saturday)

Leading single day entrant (Sunday)

Best Sportsman

Best painted Warband (awarded both days)

A spot prize during each round, to be announced at the start of the round (will include at

least one award for most impressive facial hair)

SCENARIOS

The scenarios to be played during the tournament are detailed below. While they may resemble

scenarios you have seen before, there are some slightly different rules applying to them, so read the

information below and the scenarios, carefully. Some scenarios do not suit certain Warband

configurations, so you will need to read them thoroughly before deciding upon the make-up of your

force for the tournament.

The scenarios all follow the same sequence of information, as follows:

Layout explains how to set up the battlefield and the scenery items used. Most scenarios use the

standard scenery set-up rules as described below, but some of them, due to special constraints, will

dictate how the scenery will be set up.

Length of the game tells you how long the game will last. Some scenarios only end when some

specific victory conditions are fulfilled, others will last for a specific number of rounds (a round is

made up of a turn by each player).

Deployment dictates how the Warbands should be deployed. A map helps the visualisation of the

deployment zones and specific constraints. Some table edges of these maps are highlighted in red.

They have a special meaning-see later for the rules dealing with off-table troops.

Victory Conditions advises how the game is won.

Special Rules presents any specific rules governing the individual scenario.

SETTING THE SCENERY

For the purposes of the tournament, these rules replace the relevant section of the SAGA rulebook.

Follow these steps:

Choose table edge-each player chooses his table edge, and dictated by the scenario.

Scenery bids- each player secretly chooses a number between 1 and 3. This can be done by writing

on a piece of paper, or using a hidden die.

Reveal choices-each player reveals his choice. This is the number of scenery items the player will be

able to place on the table.

Setting up the scenery-the player who has chosen the highest number (roll a die to break a tie) picks

the number of scenery items his has chosen from the chart below, not exceeding the maximum

number allowed of each type.

The constraints for the deployment of the scenery items are:

The items may be laid out anywhere on the table, but not within M of any previously

deployed item

If you have more than one item of the same type to deploy, at least one of them must be in

contact with a table edge.

Only one of your chosen items may be placed closed to your opponent’s table edge than

your own (measured from the closest part of the item to the edge).

Once the first player had placed his items, the second places his. If for any reason a piece of terrain

cannot be placed, it is discarded.

Altering the battlefield-Starting with the player who laid his terrain first, each player may choose one

of the items laid out by the players (and not dictated by the scenario) and roll a D6 on the table

below:

D6 Effect

1-2 No effect

3-4 The player may move the item up to M

5-6 The player may move the item up to M, or remove it from the table.

If a player has laid less terrain pieces than his opponent, he adds +2 to his D6 roll.

To move an item, move its central point up to M without changing its orientation. It may be moved

over other scenery items so long as its final position does not bring any part of it within M of any

other piece of scenery. It can now be nearer to the opponent’s table edge than the placing player’s

edge.

TERRAIN TYPES

The following chart lists all terrain that you may choose from. For each item, type and cover are

indicated (as explained in the terrain chapter of the rules). The maximum Number is the most pieces

of this type that can be placed on the table-so for example if the first player choses a marsh, the

second cannot. No dimension measured across the item may exceed the limit indicated in the chart.

So a hill, for example, may not exceed L between its two furthest points. Equally no dimension may

be smaller than the limit indicated in the chart.

Scenery Item Type and Cover Max Number Max Size Min Size

Wood or Vinyard High Area Terrain, Soft Cover,

Uneven Ground

3 L M

Brush or field Low Area Terrain, Soft Cover,

Uneven Ground

2 L S

Rocky Ground, Stone Circle or

Gully

Low Area Terrain, Hard Cover,

Uneven Ground

1 L S

Building High Area Terrain, Hard Cover,

Uneven Ground

2 M S

Large Building High Area Terrain, Hard Cover,

Uneven Ground

1 L M

Hill High Area Terrain, No Cover, Open

1 L M

Steep Hill or Dune High Area Terrain, No Cover, Uneven

Ground

1 L M

Marsh or Soft Ground

Low Area Terrain, No Cover, Uneven

Ground

2 M S

DEPLOYMENT AND WARBAND COMPOSITION

Warbands are deployed according to the scenario instructions. It is only at the point of deployment

on the table that you have to decide the composition of your units and their equipment.

WHO GOES FIRST

Some scenarios indicate which player starts the game. If this is not the case, each player rolls a D6

and adds the number of SAGA dice his Warband currently generates. The highest scorer (in the

event of a tie, the player with the most impressive facial hair) chooses who goes first. The second

player then rolls 3 SAGA dice and places them on his battleboard, ready to use during the first turn

of the game. This is not done if the scenario indicated who goes first.

VICTORY POINTS

Some Scenarios use Victory Points to determine the winner. These may be awarded for enemy

models killed) a Slaughtering Victory) or for achieving objectives (a Conquering Victory). Points are

awarded differently for each.

Slaughtering Victory Points

These are gained based on the number of models the opposing warband has lost during the game,

ignoring how the models were lost.

An enemy Warlord is worth 3 VPs, 7VPs if he was a Hero of the Viking Age

Every Hearthguard figure is worth 1 VP

Every two Warriors (rounded up) are worth 1 VP

Every three Levies (rounded up) are worth 1VP

Swords for Hire and other special units indicate on their description how many VPs they are

worth. Note that the Warriors or Levies do not have to come from the same unit.

Conquering Victory Points

These are awarded for controlling objectives, and the scenario will list the conditions to gain them.

They are awarded for units rather than figures, as follows:

Each Hearthguard unit is worth 3 VPs

Each Warrior unit is worth 2 VPs

Each Levies Unit is worth 1 VP

Swords for Hire units are equivalent to the unit type they count as.

Units made of single figures at the start of the game (such as Warlords) don not earn VPs.

ENDLESS WARBAND

Some scenarios may specify that one or both Warbands are Endless. This allows the player to recycle

eliminated troops and bring them back on the table at the start of his turn, before determining how

many SAGA dice to roll.

One unit may be bought back at the start of each turn. It must be a legal unit of between 4 and 12

models, all of the same troop type and equipment options. The figures do not have to come from

the same original unit so long as the above applies. Warlords, Swords for Hire and other special

units, including models from a unit you are only allowed one of by your faction rules, cannot be

bought back.

The returning unit must be placed in contact with any table edge legal in the scenario, with all

models within VS of that table edge, and no models within S of any enemy model. The unit becomes

immediately available and part of your Warband.

OFF TABLE UNITS

Where a scenario allows units to enter the table after the start of the game for any reason, they may

not enter via a table edge marked in red on the scenario map, nor be placed within S of that table

edge.

NO SAGA DICE

A player immediately loses the game if at the start of any turn his Warband does not generate any

SAGA dice. In this situation, all units still on the table count as having been eliminated by his

opponent.

SCENARIO INFORMATION

CLASH OF CHAMPIONS

(Game 1, Saturday Morning, Game 6, Sunday Afternoon)

Layout

The game is played on a 48” x 36” table with players starting from the long edges. Scenery is placed

as per the scenery rules above.

Length of Game

The game lasts for 6 rounds

Deployment

The player who placed his scenery items first deploys his Warlord on the table within L of his own

table edge. His opponent deploys his Warlord within L of his own table edge.

Then starting with the player who deployed his Warlord first, each player deploys one unit in turn

until all are deployed. Note all foot with ranged weapons must be deployed first, then other foot,

then ranged mounted, then other mounted. After this, the player to go first is chosen randomly as

described above.

Victory Conditions

At the end of the sixth round, work out Slaughtering Victory Pints as above. A player must have at

least 2 VPs more than his opponent to secure a victory, otherwise there is a draw.

SACRED GROUND

(Game 2, Saturday Afternoon, Game 5, Sunday Afternoon)

Layout

The game is played on a 48” x 36” table with players starting from the long edges. In the centre of

the table place a hill (no greater than L in either length or width). Then highest roller on a D6 (in the

event of a draw, the player with the most impressive facial hair) choses one area terrain scenery

item (NOT a building) and places it between L (minimum)and 2L (maximum) from his table edge. It

may not be within M of another scenery item. The other player then does the same. No other

scenery is used.

Length of Game

The game lasts for 6 rounds.

Deployment

Starting with the player who placed the centre hill, each player deploys at least half the models in his

Warband (including his Warlord) within M of his table edge. The other player them deploys at least

half of his in the same ways, then the first player places the rest of his, and finally the second player

does the same. After this, the player to go first is chosen randomly as described above.

Victory Conditions

At the end of each player’s turn, starting in each players’ second turn, his opponent counts the

number of VPs that he has scored this turn. The number scored is based on units that are entirely

placed in one of the three terrain pieces on the table, and are Conquering Victory points as

described above. No terrain piece can grant more than 6 VPs for a player each turn.

Example: at the end of your opponent’s second turn, you have 3 units of Hearthguard and 2 of Levies.

On another scenery piece, you have 2 units of Warriors and your Warlord. You gain 6 VPs for the

central hill (the maximum you can score, even though you actually have 11VPs worth of units on the

hill) and 4 VPs for the other terrain.

This total of 10 is recorded and carried forward and added to each turn. At the end of the 6th round,

the player who has scored the most VPs wins the game.

THE CHALLENGE

(Game 3, Saturday afternoon)

Layout

The game is played on a 48” x 36” table with players starting from the long edges. Scenery is placed

as described above, but no piece may be placed within S of the centre of the table.

Length of Game

The game lasts for 6 rounds.

Deployment

Each player sets aside his Warlord, as they are not deployed at this point.

Starting with the player who placed the first piece of scenery, each player deploys at least half the

models in his Warband within M of his table edge. Each player then deploys the rest of his models, in

the same order.

Randomly determine who goes first. The first player then places his Warlord within S of the centre of

the table. His opponent them places his Warlord within S of the centre of the table, and more than

VS away from the enemy Warlord.

Victory Conditions

At the end of the 6th round, each player totals his Slaughtering Victory points, and adds the bonuses

described below. If a player has scored at least 2 VPs more than his opponent, he wins a victory.

Special Rules

In this scenario Warlords cannot be killed, nor suffer any effect that would result in them being

sacrificed, killed or removed from the game. No opponent may play any ability, or use any special

rule, that would kill, sacrifice or remove your Warlord from the game, even if that ability or special

rule is subject to a choice on the behalf of the targeted Warlord.

The area that extends within S of the centre of the table is called the Challenge Ground. This area is

impassable t all models other than Warlords. The area outside the Challenge Ground is impassable

to Warlords, so they will remain within the Challenge Ground throughout the game and other units

will not enter.

The Warlords fighting within the Challenge Ground are subject to the following special rules:

They do not benefit from their “We Obey” special rule

They may not use the “Side by Side” special rule, nor may they sacrifice any model from outside the

Challenge Ground with their “Resistance” special rule to avoid being eliminated.

They may not shoot at, nor be shot at by, units outside the Challenge Ground.

If the Warlord unit consists of more than one model (as is the case with some Heroes of the Viking

Age) they are all deployed in the Challenge Ground.

Any special rule that would force another unit to be deployed within “X” of their Warlord is ignored

entirely.

They are immune to opponent SAGA abilities. They may never be targeted by SAGA abilities and

ignore all effects of such when played by an opponent. So they may play such abilities and gain the

benefits (such as extra attack dice, etc) but may not play those that affect the enemy Warlord such

as reducing his dice pool or armour value, etc). Such abilities may still be played to affect several

units, they just don’t affect the Warlord.

Simply consider the table and Challenge Ground as two separate game areas, sharing only the SAGA

dice.

Each time a Warlord takes a hit or game effect that should eliminate him, the player that inflicted

that hit or triggered that effect gains a Might Token. At the end of the game, each Might Token is

worth 1 VP.

THE SLAUGHTER FEAST

(Game 4, Sunday Morning)

Layout

The game is played on a 48” x 36” table with players starting from the long edges. The scenery is

arranged according to the rules described in the introduction to this booklet.

Length of Game

The game lasts for 6 rounds.

Deployment

The player who placed his scenery items first deploys his Warlord on the table within L of his own

table edge. His opponent deploys his own Warlord in the same way. Then, starting with the player

who deployed his Warlord first, each player must deploy one unit. Players alternate the deployment

of their units until all units are deployed. The following special rules apply to deployment:

First deploy foot with ranged weapons

Next deploy mounted units with ranged weapons

Next deploy mounted units with ranged weapons.

Finally deploy mounted units without ranged weapons.

When deployment is finished, the first player is determined randomly as explained in the

introduction.

Victory Conditions

Each time an enemy figure is eliminated during a melee sequence (between step 0 and step 8), note

the troop type of that figure on your scoring sheet. Figures eliminated in any other way (shooting,

SAGA ability, special rule etc.)do not count. At the end of the sixth round, sum up Slaughtering

Victory Points from your notes. If a player scores at least 4VPs more than his opponent, he wins the

game; otherwise it is a draw.

Special Rules

Both Warbands are Endless. Off table units may not enter the table by the opponent’s table edge

during the game.

THE MENU

In case you’re interested, here is the menu for Lunch on both days:

Chilli Con Carne with Rice

Spaghetti Bolognese

Homemade Beef Burger

Panini with Chips

Tuna Melt

Chicken, Bacon & Pesto

Ham & Cheese

Vegetarian

Spanish Omelette with Chips

Catering provided by the excellent Trade Street Cafe.