So, it’s been nearly 4 months since FFG dropped support for Runewars leaving it to us, the fans, to do what we like with the game. Being a gamer of over 40 years but relatively new to Runewars, I thought I would take a bit to sit back and get the lay of the land before jumping in.
What I’ve noticed is that there’s still a lot of us talking about the game whenever possible, but there’s just not that much to talk about, so I aim to rectify that by giving us something new to talk about.
Yes, that’s right, I’ve been working for about 3 months on what I believe will be the first “Fan-Made” expansion for Runewars- more on that in a moment.
Why am I doing this? Well, because I love the game and see no reason to stop playing. Gaming is a very different hobby these days. With easy access to digital tools, we can create a lot of content to share amongst fans. Several CCG’s have done this with great success- I think of the Star Wars: TCG from Wizards (they have like 15 expansions) and the Star Trek: CCG from Decipher (I think they have even more).
This should create a very positive environment for the game to exist. Whether it thrives or not is up to us. When we talk to new players, I recommend we tell them the following:
- The game is a good solid game with very asymmetric factions that are fun to collect and paint.
- The figures are still available and cheap- people are selling entire armies on eBay and anything you can’t find on Amazon can be found on the FFG website
- There’s new content being created so any investment you make will not be wasted, instead it will be rewarded with enjoyment
- There are tournaments running across the US this year with no intention of stopping
- The guys working on this expansion are working on new races using other commercially available figures
- In the end, if we have a local group that’s having fun, who cares what anyone else thinks?
So, getting back to the purpose of this message. I have an outline for a narrative expansion with a working title, “The Alignment: War for the Shards of Timmoran”. This would be a card-only expansion (obviously) to get us up and running. We need to build credibility within the community that we’re serious about this and having something with a deliverable is critical to that effort.
Most importantly, this content would be shared throughout the community for free to ensure that we are not violating any of FFG’s hard work. After all, we are all appreciative of the company and the great games they’ve released over the years. If anything, this expansion will hopefully help them sell down existing stock, possibly leading to reprints or a (gasp!) 2nd edition...
With that, here’s my thoughts on what to include in the expansion.
- Unique units - This would be a card attached to a unit of a specific size, typically one that is not played that often or in the mid-range of possible sizes giving it unique flavor and ability with possibly different allowed upgrades
- Alternate units - This would be a modification of the existing unit regardless of size for the same points value to minimize any record keeping.
- Race-Specific upgrade cards - At least 2 cards for each type for each faction.
- Generic upgrade cards - At least 4 cards of each type that each faction can use.
- Alternate Hero-Specific upgrade cards - At least 2 cards for each hero to give them new builds
- Race-Specific Abilities - I love how Overgrowth further defines the Latari from the other races and have abilities for Daqan and Waiqar already designed. These abilities are woven through the various upgrade cards to give even more army building options.
- New Terrain Cards - Variants for the existing terrain cards if folks think they’re needed.
- Campaign System - I have to admit, I was truly inspired by @Viktus106 narrative for an expansion and ideas of how to create a campaign where both sides are searching for the Shards of Timmorran revealed during a period of time when the forces of magic aligned (“The Alignment”) to reveal them. As those Shards are discovered by each side, new powers are unlocked leading to more epic battles.
As you can see, there’s quite a bit going on here and I can’t do it by myself. So, I’m asking for any volunteers to pitch it, specifically in the following areas:
- Design - Here’s the good news, I have over 80 upgrade cards, new units, & unique units ready for review today with another 40-50 in process. I would like to introduce a unique mechanic for each race that further defines them This does not mean that everything has been decided, quite the opposite, it gives us something to react to and improve upon with some valued community feedback.
- Playtesting - We all saw what happened with a some of the Uthuk stuff and we don’t want a repeat. More playtesters will help...
- Graphic Layout - I’m a scientist, not skilled in digital layout (beyond cut & paste), so if anyone can assist with putting the card text onto the appropriate images, it will help create a more polished set and facilitate playtesting
- Narrative Campaign Story - I’ve seen some people on the group who are obviously inspired to write. If this appeals to you, please reach out to me.
- Campaign System - This is a lower priority item, but I’m thinking of a more narrative system that doesn’t create uneven forces after just a couple of battles (like Corellian Conflict for you Armada players).
- Community Support - This is one of the easiest. Tell your friends, keep them playing and try to rope in a couple of new ones along the way. Setting a regular night to play, but realizing that folks have lives and that sometimes you’ll get a bunch and other nights, you’ll have to cancel. We just aren’t as big as some other games- that’s OK, we make up for it with our commitment.
I think to start, I’d like to get folks thoughts on the strengths/weaknesses, and most desired things for an expansion. Feel free to suggest a card or two along the way- all suggestions will be credited where possible.
I’m thinking that the first step is to get some feedback from the veteran players here, revise the package, and then put it here on the forum for playtesting and feedback.
In the end, I don’t expect everyone to agree on everything. This is a fan expansion for the fans and people will choose to use what they like. Also, I’m not trying to necessarily balance or “fix” the game. That’s being handled by @Bhelliom Regardless, all I can say is that I’m committed to the end result and will deliver something that is professional and enjoyable for all of us.
Remember, ”What Is Dead May Never Die!”
If you want to learn more about me, you can find me on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliff-yahnke-ph-d-56881629/
Edited by sarumanthewhite