Of Oil and Iron is a cinematic skirmish wargame placing you in command of a squadron of Rigs on behalf of one of the great corporations. A dieselpunk world where oil fields, shattered cities, and desecrated frontiers are battlegrounds won not by kings or nations, but by those who can field the most formidable machines of war.

What You Need to Play

• This rulebook
• Rig Control Terminals, Weapon Cards, Equipment Cards and Engine Cards for each Rig
• A Squadron of Rigs — 3D-printable models in 15mm or 32mm scale
• Dice: six-sided (D6) and twelve-sided (D12)
• A 22 × 30 inch battlefield (standard) with terrain

Scale of Play

Usually 3–5 Rigs per side. Official miniatures at www.ofoilandiron.com.

Weight Classes

Rig Stats

Weapon Stats

Phases of a Round

Engagement Length

Usually 4–6 rounds. End of round 4: D12, 8+ = end. End of round 5: D12, 5+ = end. Round 6: always ends.

Each Rig may take up to 5 actions when activated. Many generate Heat [X].

Action Summary

Movement Details

• Forward: Up to full Speed value
• Backpedal: 2" per 1" moved
• Side-Stepping: 2" per 1" moved
• Pivot: Up to 90° per pivot, up to Pivot stat times per Move

Ram Hit Strength

Preparations

Heat Threshold Table (D12 + modifier)

Each Equipment can only be taken once per Rig. "Discard" items are discarded after successful use.

Table A

Table C

Players agree on an Engagement type, then both choose a Squadron Formation from the same matching tier.

Skirmish Formations

Operation Formations

Warfront Formations

Standard Engagements

Special Engagements

Campaigns link multiple Engagements into a longer, story-driven system. Each player controls an evolving Squadron.

Starting a Campaign

• Start with a Skirmish sized Squadron
• Each player starts with X Iron to distribute
• No Colossal-class Rigs at the start
• Maintain a Squadron Roster
• Earn salvage and Ironclad experience through engagements

Before Each Engagement

1. Select an Engagement (or roll randomly)
2. Select a Deployment (or roll randomly)
3. Select a Battlefield (terrain type with aftermath effects)
4. Play normally

Black Powder Epic Battles: The Waterloo Campaign is a game for those who wish to recreate the visceral conflict of 15 June–8 July 1815 on a grand scale with armies of Epic Scale model soldiers.

This is first and foremost an entertainment — a tolerably convincing representation of Napoleonic battle, played between friends in a spirit of mutual empathy.

What You Need to Play

• This rulebook
• Twelve or more six-sided dice (D6)
• A tape measure in inches (or use the centimetre option — convert all measurements)
• Two armies of Epic Scale Napoleonic model soldiers
• Terrain: woods, hills, villages
• An optional umpire is recommended

Scale of Play

Typically two to three players per side on a large table, at least three feet between the opposing forces. An umpire to interpret rules makes games more enjoyable.

Unit Types

Each unit represents a typical fighting formation — a battalion of infantry, a regiment of cavalry, or a battery of artillery. Units are divided into broad types: Regular Infantry, Regular Cavalry, and Artillery.

Unit Sizes

Fighting Qualities (example: British Line Infantry)

• Hand-to-Hand: Average is 6. Higher = better fighters. Lower = inferior troops.
• Shooting: Average is 3. Dice rolled for shooting attacks.
• Morale: Minimum dice score to save a hit. 3+ = excellent, 4+ = good, 5+ = average, 6+ = poor, 0 = no save.
• Stamina: Casualties before unit becomes Shaken. Standard = 3, Large = 4, Small/Artillery = 2.

Brigades

All units are assigned to a brigade. Typically 3–6 units per brigade. Units within the same brigade operate most efficiently within 6" of each other — beyond this, brigade orders can't be used.

Staff Ratings

Every brigade commander and the army's general share a Staff Rating representing command efficiency. Default for regular professional forces: 8.

Casualty Markers

Markers represent men killed, wounded, exhaustion, failing morale and spent munitions. A unit is Shaken once it reaches casualties equal to its Stamina value.

Units can adopt different formations for different situations. Changing formation takes one entire move and requires a command order.

Changing Formation

Turn the leader base to face any direction. Rearrange the rest of the unit around it so the leader is to the right of centre on the front rank of the new formation.

Sequence of Play

Issuing Orders

State the order aloud before rolling. Then roll 2D6 and compare to the commander's Staff Rating:

Command Modifiers

No commander ever has an effective Staff Rating better than 10 or worse than 5.

Blunder Results (D6)

Special Orders

The General

The army general does not issue orders directly but can accompany a brigade commander. When the general is present (within 12" and moved into touch), that commander's order result can be re-rolled once — even a blunder. Only one re-roll per turn.

Commander Move Distances

Move Distances (per move)

A unit with 3 moves could travel up to 36" (infantry) or 54" (cavalry) in a single turn.

Proximity Rule

When within 12" of an enemy unit, movement is constrained. Units may only:

• Advance within their own front quarter, or
• Retreat within their own rear quarter

Terrain Effects

Artillery Movement

Horse Artillery: Can limber/unlimber at beginning or end of a move without penalty. Very mobile — can move and shoot in a single move.

Foot Artillery: Takes one whole move to limber or to unlimber. Can move then deploy in two moves.

Manhandling: Any deployed gun can be manhandled up to 6" total (one move only), allowing it to reposition or change facing.

Weapon Ranges

How to Shoot

Roll a number of D6 equal to the unit's Shooting value (modified for size and formation). Each 4+ = a hit. A 6 always hits and automatically disorders the target.

Formation Modifiers (Shooting Dice)

'To Hit' Modifiers

Regardless of modifiers: 6 always hits, 1 always misses.

Morale Saves

For each hit, the target rolls a D6. Equal to or higher than the unit's Morale value = save (hit ignored). Lower = casualty marker placed.

Disorder

Rolling a 6 to hit automatically disorders the target (even if all saves pass). A disordered unit: cannot receive orders, cannot use initiative, suffers -1 to shooting and combat dice, suffers -1 on Break Tests, cavalry cannot countercharge/evade/turn-to-face.

Disorder lasts until end of the unit's own turn (or until it's no longer in combat).

Closing Fire

When charged to the front, infantry in line/attack column/square/mixed formation (not march column or skirmishers) may deliver closing fire at close range (+1 to hit). Chargers who become shaken from closing fire must take a Break Test (as hand-to-hand). If they break, the charge fails.

Artillery

Artillery can shoot over other units when guns or target are on higher ground, provided intervening units are both further than 6" from the gun AND 6" from the target.

Charging

To charge, give a specific charge order. Measure from the unit leader base to the closest enemy base. If within one move, the charge proceeds. Units forbidden from charging: Shaken units, March Column, Artillery, Square, Skirmishers vs formed infantry.

Charge Responses

Fighting Combat

Roll a number of D6 equal to the unit's Hand-to-Hand combat value (adjusted for size/formation). Each 4+ = a hit. 6 always hits, 1 always misses.

Combat Dice Modifiers

If cavalry countercharges charging infantry: infantry are automatically disordered and receive no charge bonus.

Supports

Non-engaged friendly units within 6" can add support bonuses to combat results. Maximum +3 per unit (+1 rear, +1 left flank, +1 right flank).

Cannot be supported: artillery, skirmishers, units in square or buildings, units engaged to flank/rear, if another combat is within 6" of that quarter.

Combat Results

Add total casualties caused each side during the round, then add bonuses:

Highest total = winner. Tied = draw. Losing side takes Break Tests.

Victorious Units Can

• Advance upon the retiring enemy (move back into contact)
• Do nothing
• Change formation
• Fall back (one move to own rear)
• Sweeping advance (cavalry only, first round win; move forward without contact)
• Sweeping advance and charge (cavalry only; charge fresh enemy immediately)

When Break Tests Are Required

1. Unit suffers excess casualties from shooting (total > Stamina)
2. Unit is shaken by closing fire, or takes any casualties from artillery closing fire
3. Unit is defeated in hand-to-hand combat
4. Unit draws hand-to-hand combat and is shaken
5. Supporting unit sees the unit it's supporting break

The Break Test

Roll 2D6 and apply modifiers:

Break Test Results

Note: Artillery almost always breaks — this is intentional.

Shaken Units

A unit is shaken once it has casualties equal to its Stamina value (usually 3). Shaken effects:

• -1 to hit when shooting
• -1 to hit in hand-to-hand combat
• Cannot charge or countercharge
• Shaken cavalry cannot make sweeping advance charges
• If shaken unit leaves the table: removed permanently

Excess casualties above Stamina are discarded after Break Tests are taken. A unit only ever has casualty markers equal to its Stamina value.

Infantry Squares

Only regular infantry can form square (with an order, taking one move). Squares are the primary defence against cavalry.

• Move maximum once per turn, at half pace, only towards own lines
• Cannot move if enemy cavalry are within 12"
• Cannot charge
• Shoot: 1 die per facing
• Combat: 2 dice per engaged face, +3 result vs cavalry
• Break Test: always holds ground (never retires)
• Enemy cavalry cannot charge a square unless it is disordered or shaken

Form Square Special Rule

Units with this special rule can and must attempt to form square when charged to their front by enemy cavalry, even when disordered. This is an automatic response — take an order test; if successful, the square is formed before the charge hits.

Mixed Formation

A line or attack column with a skirmish screen (1 base, or 2 bases for large units) detached to the front. Skirmishers must remain within 2" of the main body. Shoot with 1 die total. More flexible than a pure line.

Evading

Some units (cavalry charged by infantry; skirmishers charged by formed troops) can evade. Issue an evade order test — even on failure the unit gets one free move. If chargers catch evaders: evaders are destroyed automatically.

Broken Brigades

A brigade is broken at the start of a player's turn once half or more of its units are:

• Destroyed (removed from the game)
• Shaken (casualties equal to Stamina)
• Off the table (unless leaving is an objective)

If a brigade has only 2 units, both must qualify before it breaks.

Broken Army

Once half the brigades in an army are broken, the entire army is automatically broken. All remaining units must:

• No longer receive orders or use initiative
• Make a "retire broken" move each Command phase — one full move away from enemy, towards own table edge
• Units engaged in combat fight as normal, then fall back after
• Shaken units cannot be rallied; disordered units remain disordered
• Units that leave the table: permanently removed

Winning the Battle

The side whose army breaks first loses. Where time runs out without a decision, the army closest to breaking is considered to have had the worst of it. The side with the largest proportion of intact brigades is the winner.

These rules give units and commanders distinct qualities. Army lists specify which rules apply to each unit type.

Unit Special Rules — Summary

Commander Special Rules — Summary

French-Specific Rules

British-Specific Rules

Prussian-Specific Rules

Howitzers

Howitzers fire explosive or incendiary shells at high trajectory. They use the same rules as cannons with the following exceptions:

Howitzers can also be used to set buildings on fire (see Buildings).

Rockets (Congreve)

Rockets are notoriously inaccurate but cause terror when they hit. They use the same rules as cannons with these exceptions:

Like howitzers, rockets can shoot overhead over friendly units without penalty, and can be used to set buildings on fire.

A building block represents a cluster of buildings — a farmhouse and outbuildings, or even a small village. Each block is roughly the width of one infantry stand (~60mm per face) and can be occupied by a single unit.

Moving Into / Out of Buildings

• Only infantry can enter buildings during play. Artillery can only be deployed in buildings at the game's start.
• To enter: move into touch with the building, then expend 6" of movement to enter. The move ends immediately on entering.
• Cannot enter and leave in the same turn.
• To leave: declare, then measure a normal move from any part of the building and place the leader base there. Arrange unit around it. Takes one move.
• Artillery deployed at start cannot move or change position within the building.

Shooting From a Building

• A unit in a building shoots with 2 dice per facing, up to a maximum equal to the unit's total Shooting value.
• Cannons shoot with their normal value (from their designated facing only).
• Targets within buildings have a +2 morale save modifier.
• No penalty for shooting at skirmishers or artillery when the target is inside a building.

Fighting From a Building

• Only infantry can assault a building. Must be able to reach the perimeter with 6" of movement remaining.
• Each face can be engaged by a single standard-sized infantry unit. Others can offer support.
• Combat value: 2 dice per engaged face, up to the unit's combat value total.
• Combat result bonus: +3 for large/standard units; +2 for small; +0 for artillery.
• Units in buildings cannot be supported by other units.

Break Tests in Buildings

A unit in a building ignores retire results and holds its ground without becoming disordered instead. Like squares, buildings must be broken before their garrison can be dislodged.

Setting Buildings on Fire

Howitzers, rockets, and unoccupied units touching a building can set it aflame.

• Units setting fires use their Shooting phase action instead of shooting; roll Shooting value in dice — any 6+ = fire started.
• Howitzers/rockets: after all shooting, roll D6 (add +1 if hit more than once). On 6+, building catches fire.
• If a building burns for 3 consecutive turns: uninhabitable and destroyed. Any troops inside are removed.
• Garrison can attempt to douse fires automatically. Roll D6: 4–6 = fire extinguished; 1–3 = fire continues.

Enfilading Fire

Infantry, cavalry, and cannon units can enfilade an enemy when positioned to the target's flank, aligned so a line projected from the shooter's leader runs through the target formation.

• Only direct fire (not howitzers/mortars lofting overhead, and not skirmishers)
• Cannon can only enfilade at short range (up to half maximum range)
• A march column can be enfiladed from its front or rear as well as flanks

Traversing Targets

When an enemy unit moves across the front of one of your units within 12", and crosses at least half of your unit's frontage, your unit may take an opportunity shot.

• Work out the shot as soon as the enemy has moved — as for closing fire
• Apply casualties, disorder, and any Break Tests at the end of the target's move
• Range: up to 12" (only the +1 close range bonus applies within 6")
• A unit can only shoot once this way per turn. If it shoots as a traversing shot, it cannot give closing fire that turn.
• Infantry in buildings and squares can also fire traversing shots from their relevant face

Shooting Through Gaps

A gap between friends or terrain must be at least 6" wide for infantry/cavalry to shoot through it, and 3" wide for cannon.

If the gap is narrower than the shooting unit's own frontage, the target counts as not a clear target (-1 to hit).

Not Clear Targets (−1 to Hit)

The following units are not clear targets and may be ignored in favour of a further target that IS a clear target:

• All units in skirmish formation
• All deployed artillery pieces
• Units only partly within the shooter's front quarter (less than half)
• Units only partly visible (less than half visible)
• Units in buildings or cover
• Units visible only through a narrow gap

Unit stats for use in scenarios and matched play. All infantry use 4 bases (standard), cavalry 3 bases (standard), artillery 3 bases, unless noted.

British & KGL Infantry

British & KGL Cavalry

British & KGL Artillery

Shrapnel: British guns with shrapnel can fire at medium range with 3 dice but require 5s to hit (instead of 4s).

Hanoverian Units

Netherlands, Nassau & Brunswick

Prussian Units

All Prussian infantry vs French: counts as Tough Fighters. Prussian commanders: Decisive. Can purchase sub-commanders for +10 pts.

French Line Units

Imperial Guard Units

Key Commanders

These scenarios recreate key engagements of the Hundred Days Campaign. Deploy as shown on the scenario maps in the book, then play the engagement.

Full scenario maps, precise deployment zones, and complete force lists are included in Chapter 4 of the Black Powder Epic Battles: The Waterloo Campaign rulebook (pages 239–264).

Black Seas recreates the Age of Sail during the 'carronade era' (1770–1830) — the period of HMS Victory, USS Constitution, and the Battle of Trafalgar. Ships are beautiful and deadly machines of war, engaging at range with massed cannon fire or in bloody boarding actions.

Ship Sizes

Crew Types

Skill Tests: Roll a D6. Roll the required score or higher to pass. An unmodified 1 is always a failure.

Dice

Black Seas uses D10s (to hit), D6s (skill tests and damage), and D3s (roll D6, 1–2=1, 3–4=2, 5–6=3). Gun dice colours: Heavy Cannon = Blue D10, Light Cannon = Red D10, Carronade = Black D10, Mortar = Any D10.

Ship Cards

Each ship has a card showing: Rate of Knots, Turn Angle (red or yellow chevron), Armament (number of D10s per gun position), Ship Points (track with slider), and Break Value (surrender threshold).

Turn Sequence

Levels of Sail

A ship may increase or decrease its Level of Sail by one level per activation. No instant stops — going from Light Sails to Anchored still requires one move first. You must always move the full Rate of Knots each move.

Turning

After each move, a ship may pivot by holding the stern still and rotating the bow up to its maximum turn angle. The turn angle is marked on the ship card as a red or yellow chevron:

• Red chevron: May turn after any move (including the 3rd at Full Sails)
• Yellow chevron: May turn after the 1st and 2nd move only — not the 3rd

An Anchored ship may turn up to its angle but cannot turn into the wind.

Wind Attitude (Simple Rule)

If forced to drop two levels: take D3 damage + Sail Hit critical. If forced to drop three levels: take D6 damage + Sail Hit critical.

Tacking

If facing into the wind (and the ship was moving last turn), you may attempt to tack instead of going Anchored:

• Make a Skill Test when activated
• Pass: Turn the ship the minimum amount out of the wind (may exceed turn angle), then continue activation normally
• Fail: Move forward your Rate of Knots then become Anchored, taking damage as above

Measuring

Measure from the bow of the ship. Move the model straight ahead the exact number of inches equal to the Rate of Knots. Repeat for each move in the Level of Sail.

Leaving the Battle Area

If a ship ends its move with any part of its hull over the edge, it is removed from play. After one full Turn off-board, it re-enters at the same point with Light Sails — the wake marker's back is placed at the edge and it activates per Weather Gage normally.

Gun Types & Ranges

Shooting Sequence

1. Allocate targets — each gun position may fire once per turn. Inexperienced/Regular crews must target the closest enemy in arc. Veterans may choose any target if they pass a Skill Test first.
2. Measure range — measure from the gun position to the closest part of the target's hull (ignore masts/yards/bowsprit)
3. Determine To Hit number — base 5 or less on a D10, modified by the chart below
4. Roll to hit — roll the number of D10s shown on the ship card for that position. Each die equal to or less than the modified number = hit. A roll of 10 always misses. A roll of 1 = hit AND critical damage.
5. Resolve damage — each hit does damage based on gun type

Arcs of Fire

Broadsides: Band spanning the length of the ship extending outward to each side. Bow/Stern chasers: Use the yellow turning angle chevrons as the arc. At least part of the target's hull must be within the arc.

To Hit Chart (Base: 5 or less on a D10)

If the modified number is 0 or negative, the shot automatically misses. A roll of 10 always misses. A roll of 1 always scores a critical hit (in addition to the normal hit).

Point Blank Range

If the target is within 3" of the shooting gun position, double all damage inflicted (not applicable for mortars).

Raking Fire

When a ship fires a broadside at a target perpendicular to it (crossing the T):

• Stern rake: Double the damage inflicted (triple at point blank)
• Bow rake: Add +1 damage per successful hit (after doubling if also at point blank)

Aiming High

Declare before rolling. Apply –2 to hit. Resolve criticals on the Critical Table – High instead of Hull. Using chain shot reduces the aiming high penalty to –1.

Mortar Special Rules

Mortars always aim high (apply usual –2, plus additional –1 for inherent inaccuracy). If a mortar misses, note the number on the die and the direction the point faces — the shot travels that many inches in that direction, hitting any ship or fortification at that point instead.

Damage

Each hit does damage based on gun type. Record by moving the damage slider on the ship card. When Ship Points reach 0 — the ship is sunk! Remove from play.

Critical Damage

Any unmodified D10 roll of 1 on a successful hit causes critical damage. For each natural 1, roll 1D6 and consult the appropriate table. Use Critical Table – High when aiming high or for mortar hits. Otherwise use Critical Table – Hull.

Only Mast Hit accumulates — all other critical effects have a maximum of one of each type at any time.

Critical Table – Hull

Critical Table – High

Ships on Fire

A ship catches fire from a Fire critical hit or by being within 1" of a burning ship. Immediately take damage: Tiny/Small = D3, Medium = D6, Large/XL = D10.

At the start of every subsequent activation, make a Skill Test to extinguish:

• Pass: Fire extinguished
• Fail: Take additional D3/D6/D10 damage (by size)
• Unmodified 1: Magazine explosion! Ship destroyed. All ships within 4" suffer D10 damage.

Taking a +2 modifier to the Skill Test (forfeiting sail change, direction change, and shooting) prevents the explosion on a roll of 1.

Strike the Colours (Surrender)

As soon as a ship's Ship Points drop below its Break Value, and every subsequent activation, make a Skill Test. If failed: the ship Strikes the Colours, becomes Anchored as soon as possible, and does nothing else for the rest of the game.

Additionally, during boarding actions, if a ship's Ship Points drop to less than half its initial value, it must pass a Skill Test or surrender. If Ship Points drop below Break Value during boarding, it automatically surrenders without a test.

Repairs

Declare a Repair action when the vessel is activated. The vessel cannot shoot, change Level of Sail, or change direction this activation. Make a Skill Test:

• Pass: Repair D6 damage points
• Fail: Repair 1 damage point

Boarding Actions

Requirements: both ships must be at Light Sails, Battle Sails, or Anchored, and hulls must be within 3" of each other.

1. Attempt to Grapple: Active ship makes a Skill Test. If successful, both ships stop and become grappled side-by-side. Grappled ships cannot shoot.
2. Board! Divide each ship's current Ship Points by 10 (round up) = number of D10s each side rolls.
3. Both sides roll simultaneously aiming to score equal to or less than the Boarding To Hit number.
4. First turn of boarding: the currently activated ship adds +1 to its target number.
5. Each successful roll = 2 damage. A roll of 1 = 4 damage (critical hit).

Boarding To Hit Table

Boarding Results

The ship that took least damage wins the round. If the loser is now below half its initial Ship Points: must pass a Skill Test or surrender. Below Break Value: automatic surrender. If a draw: nothing further happens. Ship Points reaching 0 = all crew slain/captured (ship still afloat, collision threat).

Repel Boarders / Disengage

A grappled ship when activated may attack normally, OR attempt to disengage by passing a Skill Test. If successful: move normally (Light Sails first move only), cannot shoot this turn. +2 to Skill Test if below half Ship Points. No test needed to leave a surrendered ship.

Multiple Grapples

Add Ship Points of each side together. Side with greatest total adds +2 to Boarding To Hit target numbers. A ship within 3" of any vessel in a grapple may attempt to join it.

Shooting at Grappled Ships

Damage applies equally to all grappled ships. A roll of 1 only inflicts normal damage (no critical).

Collisions

Always try to avoid collisions. If movement would cause one, both ships make a Skill Test (+1 to roll). If the smaller ship is two+ sizes smaller, add +2. If either passes: active player moves their ship past, completing the full move with stern clear of the other. If both fail: collision occurs.

Collision Damage Chart

Find the attacker's size (activating ship) on the left, read across to target's size:

If the active ship travelled more than 8" in its last or current activation: +3 to all damage. After collision: apply Quarter Deck Hit effects; the ship cannot shoot or initiate grapples.

Ammunition Types

Change ammunition at the start of a game or at the start of a ship's activation. Any gun position changing ammo cannot shoot that turn. Mortars never use special ammunition.

Damaged Ships

When Ship Points drop below half: reduce guns of each type at each gun position by half (round up). The ship can no longer be at Full Sails. Lasts until repaired back above half or end of game.

Fire as She Bears

During your activation: Pre-measure the whole move and mark the endpoint. Move your ship, stop at the desired firing point, shoot normally, then complete the move. Turns can only be made at the pre-measured endpoint. Cannot fire as she bears when evading a collision.

During opponent's activation: If a ship has not yet activated and an enemy ends its move in one of your broadside arcs, you may fire as she bears outside normal sequence (after the acting ship's own shooting). Place black cotton wool next to the fired broadside. That gun position cannot shoot again next activation. Swap black for white cotton wool at the end of the activation.

Initial Broadside

The first time a ship shoots with either broadside in a game, only one gun position may shoot, but roll extra D10s:

Entanglement

Any ship within 1" of another vessel at the end of movement may become entangled. Both ships make a Skill Test (+2 modifier). If either fails: both become entangled (treated as grappled). Entangled ships may initiate boarding or attempt to disengage (with –1 penalty to Skill Tests to disengage).

Squadrons (Tiny vessels)

Three Tiny vessels on one base act as a single model. They have no wake marker and no Level of Sail — instead they move any distance up to their full Rate of Knots and can turn once to face any direction at any point during movement. Squadrons: never block LoS, no critical damage, cannot board (or be boarded), cannot repair, cannot be grappled, cannot become entangled.

Sailing in Lines

Two or more ships at Battle Sails with bows touching the wake marker of the ship ahead form a line. Lines activate as one unit in Weather Gage order. Move and shoot the front ship first, then the rest in sequence. All ships in a line move at the slowest ship's Rate of Knots. A ship that is no longer touching the ship ahead's wake leaves the line.

Musket Fire

When shooting at point blank range, make a Skill Test. If passed: add 3 to final damage (after any doubling/trebling).

Rules of Engagement

Larger ships may not attack smaller ships without passing a Skill Test first (or unless attacked first). Must pass this test every turn they wish to target a smaller vessel. Extra Large and Large count as the same size for this rule.

Fire Ships

Fire ships activate in Weather Gage order. They always travel directly forward at Battle Sails (unless affected by wind or collision), and always fail Skill Tests to avoid collisions. If wind result is 2, 3, 11, or 12: fire ship is out of control — apply Rudder Hit effect permanently. If a fire ship comes within 2" of any ship, that ship is set on fire.

Moving Under Oars

Galleys and some smaller ships can deploy oars. While under oars, move as if at Battle Sails regardless of wind direction, but shoot with an additional –2 penalty. Switching between sails and oars costs one full Turn without shooting.

Fog / Rain Squalls

Block line of sight. Vessels inside are invisible to enemies and cannot fire. Vessels inside cannot exceed Battle Sails. Deployed at game start; remain all game. Sizes: Small (up to 10"×10"), Medium (up to 15"×15"), Large (up to 20"×20").

Land Fortifications (Shore Batteries)

360° arc of fire. Always +1 to hit (stable platform). Maximum range increased by 50%. Activate after all ships in Weather Gage order. If both sides have fortifications, roll to see whose activate first. Can be boarded or destroyed — use Structure Points like Ship Points.

Sandbanks

To cross, make a Skill Test (+2 for Medium or smaller). If failed: take D3 (Light Sails), 2D3 (Battle Sails), or 3D3 (Full Sails) damage. Large/XL ships become immediately grounded and cannot move for the rest of the game (can still shoot).

Shoals / Shorelines

Medium, Large, and XL ships cannot come within 3" of a shoreline or shoals. If they do: Skill Test. Fail = collision + grounded. Pass = turn minimum amount to be 3"+ away.

Small Islands / Rocky Outcrops

Same as shoals/shorelines but also block line of sight. Can hold enemy shore batteries.

Wrecks

Block line of sight and cause same damage as shorelines when collided with (use Collision table as terrain). On a wind result of 2, 3, 11, or 12: any wrecks currently in play sink and are removed.

Weather Conditions

Roll a D6 before the game or agree with opponent:

Small games: 500–1,000 points per side. Large fleet actions: 2,000+ points. For every 1,000 points, certain ship type limits apply (max X). Inexperienced crew: –20% of final ship cost. Veteran crew: +20% of final ship cost. Calculate crew points after all upgrades.

Ships of the Line

Unrated Ships

Key Upgrades

Max upgrades per ship: XL = 4, Large = 3, Medium = 2, Small = 1, Tiny = 0. No ship may have more than one of the same upgrade. Fortifications cannot take upgrades.

🇬🇧 Great Britain

Famous Ships — British

Special Characters — British

🇫🇷 France

Famous Ships — French

🇪🇸 Spain

Famous Ships — Spanish

🇺🇸 United States

Famous Ships — US

Warhammer 40,000 is a tabletop battle game in which each player commands an army of Citadel miniatures. The game unfolds in a series of battle rounds, during which each player takes a turn of five phases. A battle usually lasts for five battle rounds.

What You Need to Play

• This rulebook plus a Codex for your faction
• A Warhammer 40,000 army of Citadel miniatures
• Six-sided dice (D6)
• A tape measure (inches)
• A battlefield with terrain
• A mission (from the mission deck or the Warhammer 40,000 app)

Key Concepts

Dice

• 2+, 3+, etc.: Roll this value or higher to succeed
• D3: Roll D6 and halve (round up)
• 2D6: Roll two D6 and add together
• Unmodified 1 always fails hit/wound/save rolls
• Unmodified 6 = Critical Hit (hit rolls) or Critical Wound (wound rolls)

Unit Profile Characteristics

Weapon Profile Characteristics

Battle-Shock Rolls

Roll 2D6 in the Command phase for any unit that is currently battle-shocked, or is at/below half-strength. If the result equals or exceeds the unit's Ld value, the unit is not (or is no longer) battle-shocked. Fail = unit becomes battle-shocked.

Hazard Rolls

Roll one D6: on a 1–2, the unit suffers 1 mortal wound (or 3 mortal wounds if every model is a MONSTER/VEHICLE). If more than one hazard roll is required, make them all simultaneously.

Battle Round Structure

Command Phase Steps

1. Start of Command Phase
2. Gain Core CP — both players gain 1 CP
3. Battle-Shock — active player rolls for units that are battle-shocked or at/below half-strength
4. Command Abilities — other Command phase rules
5. End of Command Phase

Half-Strength Reference

Movement Phase Steps

1. Start of Movement Phase
2. Move Units (active player moves all units one at a time)
3. End of Movement Phase

Move Types

Coherency

Multi-model units must always end moves in coherency: every model within 2" horizontally and 5" vertically of at least one other model, and within 9" horizontally and 5" vertically of every other model. If out of coherency at End of Turn, remove models one at a time until back in coherency (removed models are destroyed but don't trigger death effects).

Engagement Range

Within 2" horizontally and 5" vertically of an enemy model = engaged. A unit with any engaged models is engaged; a unit with no engaged models is unengaged.

Movement Rules

• Models move in straight lines and/or rotate (rotation doesn't count as distance moved)
• Can move through friendly models and any space the base can fit through
• Cannot move through enemy model bases or off the battlefield edge
• MONSTER/VEHICLE models can move through friendly AND enemy models (not other MONSTER/VEHICLE)
• Flying models (FLY keyword) that "take to the skies": -2" max distance but ignore all models and terrain, ignore vertical distance

Terrain & Movement

Strategic Reserves

Units can be held back before battle (up to 50% of points limit). They arrive via ingress move from battle round 2. Must be set up more than 8" from enemy. Before round 3: cannot enter opponent's deployment zone. If not arrived by end of round 3: destroyed.

Shooting Phase Steps

1. Start of Shooting Phase
2. Shoot (active player selects eligible units one at a time)
3. End of Shooting Phase

A unit is eligible to shoot if it is on the battlefield and has not already shot this phase.

Shooting Types

Visibility

• Visible: Can draw a 1mm-wide straight line from any part of observer to any part of target (ignoring models in same unit)
• Fully Visible: Every part of the target facing the observer is visible
• Obscuring terrain areas: If every line of sight crosses an obscuring terrain area (not one either model is in), models are not visible to each other
• Solid rule: Dense terrain features — LoS cannot be drawn through enclosed gaps ≤3" from ground level
• Hidden: INFANTRY/BEASTS/SWARM within dense terrain area that did not shoot this turn or last turn — only visible to enemies within 15" detection range

Benefit of Cover

A ranged attack's target has benefit of cover if every model in the target unit meets one of:

• Model has INFANTRY/BEASTS/SWARM keyword and is within a terrain area
• Model is not fully visible to the attacker due to intervening terrain features or obscuring terrain areas

Effect: Worsen BS by 1 for that attack.

Shooting at Engaged MONSTERS/VEHICLES

Enemy MONSTER/VEHICLE units that are engaged can be targeted by ranged attacks. Each attack targeting them: -1 to hit roll (except [CLOSE-QUARTERS] attacks from units engaged with the target).

Charge Phase Steps

1. Start of Charge Phase
2. Charge (active player resolves charges one at a time)
3. End of Charge Phase

Declaring a Charge

A unit is eligible to declare a charge if it is on the battlefield. It cannot declare if:

• It is not within 12" of one or more enemy units
• It is engaged
• It made an advance or fall-back move this turn

Charge Sequence

1. Declare Charge — select an eligible unit
2. Charge Roll — roll 2D6: result = maximum distance for the charge move
3. Attempt Charge — if possible and desired, make the charge move; otherwise no move

Charge Move

• Before moving: select one or more enemy units within 12" AND within the charge roll distance as charge targets
• While moving: each model must end closer to a charge target; each model that can end within 1" of a charge target must do so; each model that can end engaged with a charge target must do so
• After moving: must be engaged with ALL charge targets; cannot be engaged with non-charge-target enemies; models gain Fights First for the rest of the turn
• A double-1 is always a failed charge (2" is never enough to reach engagement range)

Note: A charge target must be within the charge roll distance — not just reachable by the movement path.

Fight Phase Steps

1. Start of Fight Phase
2. Pile In — both players make pile-in moves (active player first)
3. Fight — both players alternate selecting eligible units
4. Consolidate — both players make consolidation moves (active player first)
5. End of Fight Phase

Pile-In Move

Max 3". Eligible if: engaged, or made a charge move this turn, or selected for an overrun fight. Each moved model must end closer to its pile-in target, and engaged with it if possible. Models in base-contact with enemies cannot be moved.

Fight Sequence

A unit is eligible to fight if it has not yet fought and: is engaged (or was engaged at start of this step), or made a charge move this turn.

1. Resolve Fights First Combats: Starting with the active player, alternate selecting Fights First units. If one player has no more Fights First units, the other keeps selecting theirs.
2. Resolve Remaining Combats: Players alternate selecting any remaining eligible unit. After each fight, if new Fights First units become eligible, return to step 1.

Fight Types

Consolidation Move

Max 3". Eligible if unit was eligible to fight this phase. Select mode in order:

• Ongoing Consolidation (if engaged): move closer to engaged enemy units
• Engaging Consolidation (if enemy within 3"): move into engagement with them. If successful, those enemies must fight immediately.
• Objective Consolidation (if objective within 3"): move within range of that objective

Making Attacks — Overview

1. Select Weapons — shooting: one or more ranged weapons; fighting: one melee weapon (must)
2. Select Targets — shooting: one enemy unit per weapon (visible, in range, unengaged); fighting: one or more enemy units engaged with the weapon's model
3. Resolve Attacks — gather attack dice and run the attack sequence

Attack Sequence

Save Roll Example

AP -1 on a save roll of 3 → modified result of 2. A model with Sv 3+ needs 3 or higher → fails (2 < 3). A model with Sv 2+ needs 2 or higher → 2 passes → attack fails.

Mortal Wounds

Bypass saves. Each mortal wound: select a model (wounded non-CHARACTER first, then non-CHARACTER, then wounded CHARACTER, then CHARACTER) — that model loses 1 wound. If mixed normal + mortal wounds: resolve normal damage first, then mortal wounds.

Terrain Categories

Terrain Visibility Rules

Objectives

Objectives coincide with terrain areas. A model is in range of a terrain objective while within that terrain area.

• Level of Control: Add OC of all models within range. Highest OC controls the objective. Tie = neither controls (unless secured).
• Battle-shocked units: OC becomes '-' — cannot contribute to control.
• Secured Objectives: Remain under a player's control even without models present, until the opponent's OC total is strictly greater.

Objective markers (40mm circles) are used when objectives don't coincide with terrain areas. Models within 3" horizontally and 5" vertically are in range.

Spend Command Points (CP) to use stratagems. Both players gain 1 CP each Command phase. The same stratagem cannot be used more than once per phase per player. Cannot target the same unit with more than one stratagem per phase (unless stated).

Core Stratagems

Monsters & Vehicles

• During normal/advance moves, can move through friendly AND enemy models (not other MONSTER/VEHICLE)
• FRAME models (no base): measure distances to/from the closest point on the model itself
• Engaged MONSTER/VEHICLE units can be targeted by ranged attacks, but attackers suffer -1 to hit

Transports

Units can start embarked. During battle, units can embark after a normal/advance/fall-back move if all models are within 3" of the TRANSPORT (unit was not set up this turn, unit is eligible to embark, TRANSPORT has capacity).

Disembark Modes

Attached Units

Leader/Support units join bodyguard units before battle to form an attached unit (single unit for all rules). While bodyguard models remain, use their highest T for wound rolls. Rules from leader/support models last until that leader/support is destroyed.

Aircraft

• Must start in strategic reserves; return to strategic reserves at end of opponent's turn
• Only make ingress moves; cannot make other move types
• Cannot charge; can only make melee attacks targeting FLY units
• Only FLY units can charge or make melee attacks targeting AIRCRAFT
• Being engaged solely with AIRCRAFT does not prevent normal/advance moves
• Plunging Fire has no effect on/against AIRCRAFT

Aura, Faction, Psychic & Wargear Abilities

• Aura: Tagged 'Aura'. Always affects own model. Duplicate auras don't stack.
• Faction: Only applies if your chosen army faction matches the unit's faction keyword.
• Psychic: Tagged 'Psychic'. Wounds inflicted count as psychic attacks. Can ignore BS/WS modifiers and hit roll modifiers.
• Wargear: Apply while the bearer has the item. Bearer = model with the wargear.

Weapon abilities appear in square brackets in bold, e.g. [BLAST]. Multiple identical abilities are not cumulative — the controlling player selects one instance to apply.

Weapon Abilities

Unit Abilities

Actions

Units perform actions to complete objectives/missions. A unit is not eligible to start an action if it is: not on battlefield; an AIRCRAFT/FORTIFICATION; battle-shocked; OC 0 or '-'; engaged (unless TITANIC); made advance or fall-back this turn; started another action this turn. Once an action is started, the unit cannot shoot (except TITANIC) or charge. Any move (except pile-in or consolidation) cancels the action.

Dead Man's Hand is a fast-play Wild West skirmish game where each player controls a small gang of between 5 and 9 models. Games are played as a series of three linked Scenes — Opening, Second, and Final — each with its own cast, story setup, and victory conditions.

The game uses a standard deck of playing cards for initiative, activation order, and special events. A half deck contains 14 cards; a full deck contains 23 cards (including the Joker). Each gang also has its own gang-specific card deck for additional effects.

Core Concepts

Scene Structure

Games of Dead Man's Hand are called Scenes, divided into three acts. Each Scene has The Cast (who's playing), The Story So Far, The Set (terrain setup), Directions (deployment), Action! (deck setup and hand size), and The End (victory conditions).

A standard Dead Man's Hand day uses: an Opening Scene (small, 1–3 models per side), a Second Scene (medium, more models), and a Final Scene (full gangs, up to 21 Rep per side).

Actions Summary

Interruptions

Only one interruption may be declared per enemy model's activation — you must choose between Duck Back and Quick Shot.

Movement Rules

• A Move action allows a model to move up to 10cm.
• Models cannot get closer than 2cm to an enemy model unless engaging in hand-to-hand fighting.
• Models cannot use 3 Move actions to enter hand-to-hand fighting — a maximum of 2 move actions may be used to enter HtH.
• Models may jump gaps of up to 6cm.
• Models may climb up to 8cm per move action, but must clear to the next level completely, or remain at the bottom.
• Obstacles can be crossed for free as part of a move action.
• Turning to face does not count as movement.
• Friendly models do not restrict movement of other friendly models through their bases.

Horses

Either side can mount their entire gang on horses at the cost of 3 Rep. The cost is the same whether one or all are mounted. Having both a mounted and foot version of the model is essential, as mounted models may need to dismount during the game or may be shot from their horse.

Roll a D20, apply all modifiers from the Shooter and Target tables, then check the Shooting Result table. A natural 1 is always Out of Ammo regardless of modifiers.

Shooter Modifiers

Target Modifiers

Weapons Table

Shooting Results

Entering Hand-to-Hand

• A model may enter HtH by spending up to 2 move actions. No model may use 3 move actions to enter HtH.
• Foot models must be within 2cm to initiate HtH. Mounted models that have declared at least one move action may enter when within 5cm.
• Models may not shoot into hand-to-hand combat (unless a special rule allows it).
• No more than one model can be engaged in a single hand-to-hand fight at once.

Resolving Combat

Both sides roll 1D10 and apply modifiers:

The losing model suffers an Under Fire Marker for each point of difference in the rolls. A draw means both models fight again next turn.

In subsequent HtH rounds, the model with the highest initiative card starts combat and gets +1. If combat is resolved, the survivor may take two actions based on their initiative card.

Breaking Off

A model in HtH may attempt to break off by spending two move actions. The model moves at least 2cm and up to 10cm away. If the model breaking off had the highest initiative, the other model activates normally with its initiative card.

Nerve Tests

Roll 1D10 and compare to the model's Nerve value. A natural 1 always fails. If failed, take an Under Fire Marker.

Under Fire Markers

Under Fire Markers represent models pinned down and suppressed. They cause negative modifiers to shooting (-1 per marker) and nerve tests (-1 per marker). Models can remove markers with a Recover action (one per action).

Big Nerve Tests

At the start of a turn, if more than half your models are Out of Action, you must take a Big Nerve Test:

• Test using the remaining model with the highest Nerve value.
• Each additional model Out of Action beyond the halfway point applies a -1 modifier.
• If the number of Under Fire Markers on your models is double or more than your remaining model count, the test is automatically failed.
• If both sides fail in the same turn, the result is a draw.

Deck Setup

Each gang plays with either a half deck (14 cards) or full deck (23 cards) as specified in the Scene. Each side shuffles their deck and cuts it. Cards are dealt face-down as initiative cards, with one face-up for the gang leader. At game start, each player draws their hand as specified.

At the end of each turn, if you played a card, draw one back into your hand. Reshuffle the discard pile into your draw pile each turn.

Gang Card Colours

Trumping Cards

Any card played from hand can be trumped by the opponent playing a card of the same value from their own hand. Both cards are discarded and neither effect applies. You can trump a trump with another card of the same value — there is no limit to how many times a card can be trumped back and forth in a single turn.

Key Common Card Rules (FAQ)

Scenario Supplements

Life Here's a Little Too Quick — The Stranger

Ride with the Devil — Bushwackers & Jayhawkers

Compiled by Stevyn Pritchett. Print runs of Dead Man's Hand from 2015 include the Two Pistols and Horses passages below, which were missing from earlier printings.

Rules Additions (2015 Print)

FAQ Questions & Answers

Legend of Dead Man's Hand (LDMH) is the expansion to Dead Man's Hand, introducing four new gangs — Banditos, Renegade Indians, Pinkertons, and 7th Cavalry — along with a full campaign system, new special rules, and additional scenarios.

LDMH uses all the core rules of Dead Man's Hand with the following additions and new factions. The expansion also introduced the official two-pistols rule (since adopted as an FAQ for the base game).

What's New in LDMH

Doc Amos

Step-by-Step Campaign Turn

Key Campaign Concepts

The full campaign rules, injury tables, fame costs, scheme cards and event tables are found in the Legend of Dead Man's Hand rulebook from Great Escape Games.

The LDMH Gang Roster sheet tracks: Gang Type, Name, Rep, Player's Name, and for each model — Name, Weapons, Hits, Nerve, Shoot, HtH, Rep, and "What He's Known For" (special traits earned in campaign).

Complete Faction Stats Reference

Format: Hits / Nerve / Shoot / HtH / Rep. Weapons listed on each faction's detail page.

Roster Tracking Fields

• Gang Type — e.g. Outlaws, Pinkertons, 7th Cavalry
• Name — player-given name for the gang
• Rep — current total Reputation of the gang
• Players Name — the player controlling this gang
• Per model: Name, Weapons, Hits, Nerve, Shoot, HtH, Rep, What He's Known For
• Notes — ongoing injuries, equipment, traits from campaign
• Schemes and Events — active scheme cards and event effects

Photocopy the official roster sheet from the Legend of Dead Man's Hand rulebook, or download it free from www.greatescapegames.co.uk.