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| CAV (Reaper) Questions http://www.tacticalwargames.net/taccmd/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=6260 |
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| Author: | CyberShadow [ Sun Nov 27, 2005 10:41 pm ] |
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions |
Hi all. I just finished reading through the CAV rules from Reaper, and I must admit that I am impressed. It is quite rare that I actually finish reading some rules and want to play a game! For those unfamaliar, CAV (Combat Assault Vehicle) is a Sci Fi Mecha combat game. Things that I like: - RAGE, Reapers damage rating which degrades performance gracefully as the mechs take damage. - The rules state that the beginner should play games with 20-25 mechs per side. Now that is more like it, some real games with tactical challenges. - Refits. You cant build your own mechs, but you can take a platform and refit the weapons, power units, armour, ECM units, target lock and other features. In addition, all equipment is classified by manufacturer, and fitting equipment from one maker onto a different chassis costs more than fitting it onto a chassis from the same maker. - Simple rules, but nice mechanics which allow the player to control the minis, which are organised into sections of four models each. A few things that I dont like so much: - The rules could be clearer in some places. - Card based initiative. I just have an aversion to using cards for initiative purposes. However, I can live with it in this case, as you can buy 'off board command' which allow you to add extra cards to your deck and therefore increase your control of the battlefield. - Hex. The game is set up for hexes, although there are rules throughout for both hex terrain and inches. Now, I just need to find a couple of minis for this and give it a go. However, I have a few questions, just in case anyone here plays: - The rules state that power is assigned to actions. In addition, the amount of power is applied seems high. Is this power used for any and all movement (as I suspect), or is this used for each movement inch/hex (which would seriously limit things!)? - Indirect fire, targetting vacant board areas. The rules for targetting other mechs indirectly is clear and fine, but can someone run through the process for targetting sections of battlefield, for eaxmple to get more than one enemy in the area effect? - Mechs are arranged into sections, containing four models, and these take an action at the same time. Are you able to designate different targets for the weapons of the mechs in the same section? Or even, can a single mech target fire at more than one enemy using different guns? Thanks. |
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| Author: | primarch [ Mon Nov 28, 2005 12:21 am ] |
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions |
Hi! I beleive Maksim has actually played this game, so he'll give you more specifics. I've followed the game since it was made and I like a lot of the mechanics. The models are very nice too, with some real good air vehicles. Primarch |
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| Author: | Reaversbane [ Mon Nov 28, 2005 11:38 am ] |
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions |
20-25 per side just in beginner games? I was kinda intrigued before, that has me very interested! That would look so cool! I used to play Battletech years ago, and we were lucky if we could manage 10 mechs in a game in a reasonable amount of time (not that it wasnt fun). The only downside I see, arent the mechs about US$10 each? :O Thats pretty pricey, do they do boxed sets? Hmmm, may still have to look at investing... 
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| Author: | CyberShadow [ Mon Nov 28, 2005 11:49 am ] |
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions |
The mechs a re a bit pricey, but I think that they are quite large too. Still, there is no reason that you can use Battletech mechs as stand-ins. Also, many of the CAV mech designs are fairly standard, more of a set of variations on a theme. I guess that the additional books have some more interesting ones (I have my eye on the Sabretooth!), and the rules cover vehicles, aircraft and infantry too. I guess that the game works at larger levels as the forces are arranged in groups of four. Reading the rules makes me feel that 20-25 a side for beginners is not an ambitious number either, and that games with more mechs are certainly easily possible. Still, I may have to get some of the additional books for this game as well! I would recommend picking up the basic rule book in EBay of you can, as it is an interesting read (and the humans feature as a bit-player in the universe, rather than the typical key role in most backgrounds). |
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| Author: | Reaversbane [ Mon Nov 28, 2005 2:42 pm ] |
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions |
Ta for the advise, ebay is always good  The only other place Google found selling them really was Leisure Games, and its ?16 for the book, and about ?6-?7 for the mechs (although I know Fanboy 3 in Manchester does Reaper stuff, just not mail order...).  Must admit I havent got more than about 6 mechs for Battletech, but I do have about 50 stand-up card counters they included with the boxes  The actual models do look really nice too, what scale are they tho'? They look about 6mm, which would be kinda handy for obvious reasons... |
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| Author: | MaksimSmelchak [ Mon Nov 28, 2005 7:15 pm ] | ||||||||||||||
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions | ||||||||||||||
Hi CS,
There's some good stuff in the game.
I also like most of these features.
The rules have some very GW-like disputable points. Mike Hardy (the guy who is now publishing Cold War spaceship minis and an accompanying game) used to playtest it a lot in my area and then suddenly interest died for the game. Mike burnt out on it, a familiar story for many of the local Epic players as well. There's a lot of CAV lead sitting around in local bins if anyone is interested. I could send it to you, Iain.
I never bought a copy of the game although I played it a number of times. I beleive that unused power is allocated to movement.
I don't remember or know the answer to this one. If I run into any CAV players, I'll ask them.
I beleive so.
You're welcome. Shalom, Maksim-Smelchak. |
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| Author: | MaksimSmelchak [ Mon Nov 28, 2005 7:22 pm ] | ||
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions | ||
Hi Reaversbane,
The miniatures scale of CAV is 10mm, but many of the pieces do just fine in 6mm, especially the aircraft. The CAV infantry are definitely 10mm though, much bigger than Epic or most other 6mm sci-fi infantry figures. Shalom, Maksim-Smelchak. |
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| Author: | MaksimSmelchak [ Mon Nov 28, 2005 7:40 pm ] | ||||
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions | ||||
Hi Cybershadow,
You could use Battletech figures although the hex bases for CAV and Battletech are different sizes.
The game does large numbers well, but sometimes the combat feels a bit basic and simplified for my taste. I prefer something on the level of Dirtside II as compared to CAV. Shalom, Maksim-Smelchak. |
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| Author: | primarch [ Mon Nov 28, 2005 8:14 pm ] |
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions |
Hi! Speaking of DSII, has anyone heard if an updated version is due? They've been saying it for years, but nothing is out yet. Primarch |
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| Author: | MaksimSmelchak [ Mon Nov 28, 2005 9:43 pm ] | ||
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions | ||
Hi Primarch,
I'm not sure that they ever will. Jon Tuffley's money is in miniatures, not rules. He has no reason to publish Dirtside III other than for kicks and to satiate aggressive fans. However, it is rumored that he will put out some Hammer's Slammers miniatures. Who knows? Maybe we'll get a rule set then. There is a playtest group for Dirtside III, but the last time I checked, they weren't making a lot of progress. Maybe that's changed. Either way, I'm pushing forward "Planetfall" to fill the gap in the market for a good tactical sci-fi minis rule set that is intended for use with the smaller scales (6mm, 10mm, 15mm, etc.). Shalom, Maksim-Smelchak. |
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| Author: | CyberShadow [ Tue Nov 29, 2005 12:07 am ] | ||
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions | ||
I would be interested in this. Can you let me know what is available and the price of it? I may ask you to act as a middle-man for me if you are able. Thanks. |
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| Author: | Cuban Commissar [ Tue Nov 29, 2005 6:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions |
Hey guys isn't a new version of the rules coming out soon? |
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| Author: | MaksimSmelchak [ Tue Nov 29, 2005 6:38 pm ] | ||||
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions | ||||
Hi Iain,
There are buckets full of loose lead at a local hobby shop. A full CAV costs about $5.00 USD although I couldn't tell you what the selection is like. It's pretty much a take it or leave it sort of proposition. I know the owner and if I cleared the CAV out of the bucket, I could probably even get a better rate. I'd be happy to act as a middle man for you if you're interested. You've done the same for me. What comes around, goes around. Shalom, Maksim-Smelchak. |
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| Author: | MaksimSmelchak [ Tue Nov 29, 2005 6:39 pm ] | ||
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions | ||
Hi Luis,
You're right. It should be out anytime and is currently in playtest. You can check out the Reaper web site or magazine for more information. Shalom, Maksim-Smelchak. |
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| Author: | CyberShadow [ Tue Nov 29, 2005 6:40 pm ] | ||
| Post subject: | CAV (Reaper) Questions | ||
Really? Where do you get that information from? |
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