Shameless plagiarism but man is this cool...

[squinch]

In case any of you are WW2 players, there is a skirmish rule set just released called Chain of Command. I decided to take the patrol phase from that game and use as the beginning phase for a Gruntz game. Works fantastic.

Basically, each side starts with a few tokens and alternating sides, moves them (12") onto the board from their edge. Each sides tokens must remain within 12" of one other. When any token gets within 12" of an opposing token, both are locked down (can't move any more). When any sides tokens have all been locked down the phase ends. Looking at each friendly token, imagine a line from the nearest two opposing tokens crossing your token creating a cone behind it. Place a deployment marker at least six inches back from your patrol marker in the cone, in cover or at your table edge if no cover is available.

I played it that Gruntz can arrive within 6" of their deployment markers and start their turn from there. Vehicles started from the friendly board edge. You could play wheeled start on roads and hover/grav can start anywhere on edge but you get the idea. Next time I plan to have Gruntz deployment from a marker cost one action (counts as moving), or deploy from your table edge as normal. If the enemy gets within 4" of your marker, you can't deploy from it. Migth figure up a rule on how to capture or remove enemy markers.

Just like in the original rules it creates a mini manuever game up front and really creates a dynamic start that mixes up the bum rush from board edges.

I suppose it's not really plagiarism since I named the source :>)
Squinch

[twogunsblazing]

This sounds like a very interesting start to a game indeed and I will definitely give it a go, even if it is in special scenarios.

First, I need to make sure I understand it fully though. Does each of the tokens you maneuver at the start of the game represent one of your Gruntz squads? So if you have 2 Gruntz squads you get two tokens for the patrol phase, or if you have 7 Gruntz squads you get 7 tokens for the patrol phase?

When you have placed the deployment markers, do all of your squads then get placed at once, one at each deployment marker? Or do they get deployed as they are activated in the first turn of the game? Can you place more than a single squad at a deployment marker?

[squinch]

TGB: Your questions in <<>>

<<First, I need to make sure I understand it fully though. Does each of the tokens you maneuver at the start of the game represent one of your Gruntz squads?>>

They are generic 'entry' points representing where troops may have advanced up the board during the patrol period.

<<So if you have 2 Gruntz squads you get two tokens for the patrol phase, or if you have 7 Gruntz squads you get 7 tokens for the patrol phase?>>

The number of tokens is the same regardless of number of squads. I just used three patrol tokens per side.

<<When you have placed the deployment markers, do all of your squads then get placed at once, one at each deployment marker? Or do they get deployed as they are activated in the first turn of the game?>>

They are deployed as activated during the first turn.

<<Can you place more than a single squad at a deployment marker?>>

Sure can.

There is a good youtube video by the author of the game which shows how the patrol phase plays out. I think it's the last half of the six minute vid:

youtu.be/XiT70m6CJO8

I'm a sucker for special scenarios :>)
Squinch

[zephyr40k]

I keep hearing good things about Chain of Command. I haven't played a WWII game since 1995, but I might have to get back into it. This 'patrol phase' looks very interesting.

[twogunsblazing]

Thanks for the link, Squinch. I had a look at it and although I don't see it taking the place of standard deployment in my games, it will certainly feature in some special scenarios, thanks!

[inrepose]

One to look out for. Is it in print or PDF download?

[squinch]

inrepose- Sorry I didn't see your question until now. Both, from the toofatlardies dot co dot uk site. The Youtube videos might even be enough to cobble a quick trial of the patrol phase. Let me know if you get a chance to try it out as an alternate deployment for a Gruntz game.
Squinch