Data Sphere

I'm looking to put together small demo forces for store demos. So far I'm looking at the Morat Vanguard sectorial starter box and the Pan-O Military Orders starter box. I'm not going to be running them using sectorial rules but chose them because they're distinct and cool looking.

Any feedback on this idea or other suggestions for demo forces?

I build my demo forces around the following.

100 points no special rules that might confuse a new player or give a distinct advantage.

Haqqislam | 6 models
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Ghulam Lieutenant (13|0)
Naffatun LFT (10|0)
Djanbazan HMG (36|1.5)
Naffatun HFT (12|0)
Naffatun HFT (12|0)
Ghulam Doctor (17|0)
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100/100 points | 1.5/2 swc
open with Aleph Toolbox : direct link

Then 150 points which includes something special and unique to that force but might be a little confusing.

Haqqislam | 7 models
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Lasiq Sniper (29|1.5)
Ghulam Lieutenant (13|0)
Ghulam Rifle (13|0)
Ghulam Doctor (17|0)
Khawarij Rifle (27|0)
Fiday BS (34|0)
Bashi Bazouk Rifle (17|0)
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150/150 points | 1.5/3 swc
open with Aleph Toolbox : direct link

These lists are built around models I own not boxsets but the concept is sound.

Another safe way of doing it is to go 3 LI and 1 HI regardless of points.

Just remember like any introduction game you're looking to show the uniqueness of the game and not overwhelm the player with all of the BS that comes along with the game. Camouflage, TO hidden deployment things like the bloody Cutter/Sphinx that if you bring early into your games people just say its Cheese and Overpowered and broken leave all of that out. Its all about teaching the unique and fun core mechanics, range bands, ARO's and the fact that cover is a living thing not something that just sits between people.

Where possible I had the best luck with 4 models each. Generally three basic LI troops and a HI troop with 2 wounds (NWI in the case of Ajax was ignored). Also I generally ignored the LT rule for the purpose of the demo, I would talk about the LT concept, but the main goal (besides fun) was always to get people into the game and understanding the order / reaction. Also we generally ignored most special rules and focused on basic stats, moving, and the weapons.

Are they perfectly balanced? Nope, but generally speaking those that played had fun. Hope it helps.

PanO MO:
-3x Order Sergeants with Combi
-1x Teutonic Knight with Combi and Panzerfaust

JSA:
-3x Keisotsu with Combi
-1x Karakuri with MK12/DEP/Chain

Caledonian:
-3x Volunteer with Rifle
-1x Wulver with MK12

Qapu Khalki:
-3x Ghulam with Rifle/Light Shotgun
-1x Azra'il with AP Rifle/Light Flame Thrower/Panzerfaust

Corregidor:
-3x Alguacil with Combi
-1x Mobile Brigada with Multi-Rifle/Light Flame Thrower

Morats:
-3x Vanguard with Combi
-1x Suryat with Combi/Light Flame Thrower

Aleph: (Trying to avoid ODD)
-3x Thorakite with Combi
-1x Ajax with 2x Combi

Tohaa:
-3x Kamael with Combi
-1x Ectros with Viral Rifle

valthonis wrote:Also I generally ignored the LT rule for the purpose of the demo, I would talk about the LT concept, but the main goal (besides fun) was always to get people into the game and understanding the order / reaction. Also we generally ignored most special rules and focused on basic stats, moving, and the weapons.

Forgot to mention this but I do the same.

If Loss of Lieutenant comes up I quickly explain it but I don't let it or Retreat end the game.

Basically just a run and gun death match to teach the core concepts of how you are always engaged with the order/reaction system.

What size board do you suggest for a 4v4 learning game? 3'x3'? or 2'x2'?

I most often end up on a 4' by 4' but split it down the guts and have 2 games running on 2' by 2' if I'm doing demos.

Often thats 4 completely new players playing and you just running them through the rules as they go.

VisOne wrote:I most often end up on a 4' by 4' but split it down the guts and have 2 games running on 2' by 2' if I'm doing demos.

Often thats 4 completely new players playing and you just running them through the rules as they go.

That's a great idea!