CAV 2.M Preview

As I mentioned previously, I have been working on an unofficial update to the CAV 2 rules which builds on the unfinished version 1.3 errata. The project is called CAV 2.M for Mil-Net, as they are the original source of the changes and have been invaluable through the development process. The intention of CAV 2.M is to address a number of known weaknesses in the CAV 2 ruleset, to diversify the different weapon types, and to provide an improved rulebook that is easy to reference. I'm hard at work tweaking the new data cards and abilities, but wanted to offer a quick preview of what's to come.

There are three major rules changes. First, all models will use their full rate of fire when conducting Defensive Fire, making CAVs, especially superheavies, significantly more dangerous on the defensive. Second, the Target Lock and Jamming actions will no longer automatically succeed, instead requiring a 10+ roll using the model's EXP. Along with other adjustments to electronics, this should reduce the prevalence of the "electronics bubble" where models are always clustered tightly around their electronics support. Third, the indirect fire Target Point roll will also be based on the EXP stat, though other factors will be included as well. This should make the secondary missile systems found on most Attack CAVs far more useful.

2.M will introduce a number of new special abilities, most intended to make weapons more distinct and interesting. These new abilities include:

Anti-Radiation Missile: weapon receives a bonus to hit versus Jamming models. Primarily found on aircraft direct-fire missiles.

Burst: weapon can make extra attacks by taking a penalty to hit. Found on some Gatling gauss cannons.

Hardened Armor: model ignores the first point of damage taken each activation.

Overload: weapon sometimes overloads the target's electrical systems, limiting them to one action on their next activation. Found on many particle bolt guns.

Wrecker: weapon may cause extra damage on a high attack roll. Found on powerful, high rate-of-fire weapons such as gauss rotary cannons and a few gauss cannons.

Finally, I'll leave you with two sample data cards. Most of the values are approximate for now, as I'm still fine-tuning the back end of my data card creation spreadsheet.