Dune

[RuneCaster_Aris]

Frank Herbert's Dune saga is a great source of off beat sci fi.

Now, I say 'off beat' because it ventures awy from super computers, hyper weapons and such. The setting of an era where any kind of computer that does more than 1+1=2 is illegal, and how humanity has advanced in such a way is incredibly interesting. More so that there is a general Arabic theme throughout the fiction, which I haven't seen much of.

Dune is a great novel, and defiantly worth a read.

And if your not up for reading, check out the Dune mini-series. A great book to movie set. There is also the 1980's version "Dune" but it ventures far from the book, but if you like campy sci-fi, great watch regardless. You can't lose with Patrick Steward.

[andylvv]

Currently reading this at the moment. Excellent read, and thought about doing a House Atreides force last night.

[RuneCaster_Aris]

I think I'm going to do one based on the Padishah Empire first though. Pre-Muad'Dib's Jihad. I already came up with the logo for such that I will put on larger models, It will be my avatar pic (when I put it up). Figured I'd buy some printable slide transfers. But infantry will have royal purple soft gear, golden hard armor. Power Armor troops will be black like Sardaukar warriors. Still coming up with mech, and other armor color schemes.

I hope they put those monster rules in 1.1, we need worms. Mile long, lightning generating, vehicle swallowing, worms. Reaper Miniatures has a Cave Worm mini that would fit the 15mm scale for a small worm, easy to mount a Freman on. it's back with hooks. Could be fun to play too. make "wild" worms that move randomly, or always towards the largest model on the field, and Ridden worms that lose a bit of power but can be controlled.

[papabees]

lol, I may have unleashed a monster.

[arngrimson]

Have a look at MJ figures sand wars line 20mm (SW21 Sand Worms 2 Sand Worms cruising across the sand Height:35mm Length:223mm Width:50mm £12.00)
or their 15mm Spice Range for troops.

[RuneCaster_Aris]

Sweet I'll look into them, thanks for the heads up!

@ Papabees: "...so it begins..."

[Thorvir Hrothgaard]

Barbarella could be a great source for beat-off sci fi.

But, I do enjoy the Dune setting and background.

[fjodin]

And dont forget strategy games like Dune 2, Dune 2000, Emperor Battle for Dune. They are loosely based on dune universe but give you lots of inspiration for wargaming!

[ijwwartrader]

That graphic takes me back.

Dune is currently on my re-re-re-read pile...

[RuneCaster_Aris]

I've been thinking of the different warrior types or units that could be worked into the game. I only have a loose grasp of whats going on till I get that demo game under my belt but so far, any thoughts, critiques, insight, or otherwise additions would be helpful:

Freman Fedaykin: No range abilities, extremely apt close combat abilities. hard to target (because of their stealth tactics)

Corrino Sardaukar: Above average infantry stats for range and close combat, can add more specialist weapons into a unit.

Ginaz Swordmaster: leader type character, boosts close combat results, average ranged weapon ability.

Bene Gesserit Sister: No range, decent close combat, having one in your army adds +1 to your initiative role.

Bene Gesserit Mother Superior: No range Decent close combat, having one in your army grants you +2 to your starting initiative roll.

Ixian Face Dancer: Solo model, Can "assassinate" a member of an enemy squad, Cannot attack beyond first kill, each turn thereafter, each player rolls a d6, higher roll gains control of squad for that turn. Failure to win a roll kills the Face Dancer.

Suk Medic: above average medic.

House Guard: Base line infantry. average range, average close combat

Shai-Hulud: Moves towards the largest base with the highest points cost every turn (regardless of who controls the model, If no model fits description, moves towards the closest model that made a move last turn.

Freman Shai-Hulud: May transport troops, weaker then a wild Shai-Hulud by a bit, can be controlled by the owning player.

Kwisatz Haderach: Force commander, Allows a re-roll of any 1 dice roll per-turn, must be accompanied by a minimum of 4 House Guard (with better weapon and armor, but same health)

Narrator Retinue: Squad consists of Navagator, Translator, 4 House guard, Drop Ship. Unit allows you to send in any aircraft 1 turn later in the game from from any side of the table, except your opponents.

Mentat Adviser: Allows you to place one unit first, even if you are the loser of the initiative roll.


** Non-cannon but might be cool

Axlotl Rapid-tank ship: An Axotol tank designed for mass production of infantry, though not as high quality as a fully developed ghola, they can provide near immediate reinforcement. Whenever an infantry unit is killed, put a "gestation counter" next to the Axlotl Rapid-Tank Ship. when there are 6 tokens remove them, and deploy 3 "Ghola Concripts" within 2 inches of the ARTS. (these models would be weaker than infantry, but better then nothing).

[RuneCaster_Aris]

Relevent post on IO9.com about Dune's look and art approved by Herbert before he passed.

[zephyr40k]

Yeah I'm mining that Dune concept art heavily for my current neo=proto-semi Dune-esque army concept. Excellent stuff.

[Brummie]

I've read Dune admittedly a looooong time ago and its on my re-read list as well . It was fantastic. You can get some quite hi techy stuff I recently read a short story though the name escapes me. With some kind of human/machine hybrid hunting down a Harkonen

[Mad Cat]

Was just joking with a friend today about adding a Sand Worm to my army. Shai-Hulud !!!