CAV 2.M Electronics Revision Sample Data Cards

Fairly quick update this week, just wanted to share sample versions of a few data cards highlighting the new electronics abilities shared in my last post.

CAV 2.M Electronic Warfare Revision

Following discussion with a couple of CAV players with experience in real-world electronic warfare, I've elected to attempt a more drastic rewrite of the electronics rules for CAV 2.M. The existing system has three main problems. The first is that generally speaking, if both sides are fielding electronics support models they simply cancel each other out until one is eliminated. The second, and most problematic from a gameplay perspective, is that electronics support operates in a small radius around the ESM model. This promotes huddled formations which block line of sight to the supporting model, making it very difficult to attack. The third issue is that the game mechanics for defensive electronic warfare don't correlate well with known technologies. While CAV is a science fiction setting, it is generally preferable in science fiction and fantasy to retain some connections to reality; this makes readers or players more willing to accept it when you do wave your hands and say "magic" or "science".

CAV 2 Mystery Models Part 4

Last but not least, the new Adon and Malvernis models. This will probably be the last CAV content for a while; I need some time to collect playtest results, not to mention the other projects I'm working on.

CAV 2 Mystery Models Part 3

Templar are up next. As with Ritterlich, the majority of these models are associated with a UCOR new in CAV 2 (Viper in this case), calling for a fairly large degree of new background material.

CAV 2 Mystery Models Part 2

Round 2! This week we have the Ritterlich and the Terrans. I realized after posting last week that the six Mil-Net kitbash models were actually released with one-page descriptions and I had simply misplaced the articles. As these articles were originally hosted on Mil-Net which remains offline, I will include descriptions of these models based on the official background in these posts.

CAV 2 Mystery Models Part 1

One unfortunate side effect of the limited support for CAV 2 was the lack of any further Journals of Recognition providing background and descriptions of models newly added to the game. This left over two dozen models with no more description than their in-game data card. At best, some were hinted at in the original Journals of Recognition or given a few lines in a Mil-Net article. Over the next few weeks, I intend to provide a brief description of each of these models, starting with those belonging to the Rach faction. These descriptions will form the basis of a Journal of Recognition-style document which I will release alongside the final CAV 2.M rules.

As a side note, it's probably obvious by now that I've given up on the schedule I mentioned at the start of the year. For now, I'm going to stick with 'most Thursdays' since that seems to be working so far.

CAV 2.M Beta Release

This morning, I released the CAV 2.M Beta on the Reaper Miniatures forum. Post duplicated below.

Inspired by the CAV Kickstarter, over the past couple of months I have frequently alluded to and shared portions of my attempt to improve upon the CAV 2 rules as they were left following the Rage Chronicles ’08 public beta. Utilizing an early draft of rules changes proposed by Mil-Net and drawing heavily on old forum discussions of known problems and possible solutions, I have overhauled several portions of the rules and expanded others. This project has now reached the point where there is little more I can do without feedback on the numerous changes, and so I would like to present to you the CAV 2.M Beta.

CAV 2.M Beta [zip]

The download consists of an errata document, in the style of Rage Chronicles ’08, and data cards for all models with the exception of the War for Sale army lists and those with the Unique SA from Shards. I would be happy to provide any of the excluded cards if there is demand for them, and they will of course be included in the final release. My intention following the testing is to produce a full rulebook incorporating the changes and improving on the layout and presentation.

Please post any feedback in the Reaper thread or in the comments; actual playtest results/battle reports would be most valuable, but all input is welcome! Thoughts on the assignment of abilities and point values would also be helpful, given the abundance of new SAs and the increased relevance of EXP, TC, and EDV values. Due to the sheer number of models I had to work through, the data cards could probably do with some refinement, and improving balance and internal consistency will be a major focus leading up to the final version.

Throughout this project, I have relied heavily on several members of the Mil-Net community. My thanks to all of you for providing the groundwork for this project, and especially for the assistance in developing the new point calculator. The M designation is in honor of Mil-Net and all they've done for the CAV community.

CAV 2.M UCOR Specialties

One major component of the CAV universe is the UCORs (United Corporate Organized Republics): massive semi-autonomous corporations chartered by one of the six major galactic governments. Prior to the UCOR War and the subsequent Second Galaxy War, the majority of UCORs operated fully independently of their parent government, selling equipment to all buyers and exercising political autonomy. This autonomy most notably included military operations, often by proxy through mercenary units, to control valuable star systems and conduct raids on their competition. Such behavior inevitably lead to an escalation of conflict, and with the Galaxy War reignited many UCORs have found themselves under far stricter scrutiny.

CAV 2.M New Models

With the success of the CAV Kickstarter, a variety of new models will be added to the CAV line in the coming year. The CAV line also now includes the models from Rogue Legion, Talon Games' abortive mecha game. While not all of these new models fit the established aesthetic of CAV, some are an excellent fit and I have elected to introduce them into CAV 2.M. I remain open to adding more, particularly any that even out the faction-unique model lists; the ones discussed here are simply those I was most comfortable with matching to the existing factions.

Below, I present a picture of each model (metal version for those already in production, digital model for planned additions) with a brief in-game description. These may differ significantly from those provided for the CAV:SO versions due to the divergent timelines and differences in the rulesets.

CAV 2.M Preview 2

The blog went quiet for a little while there but I'm back, with some major project milestones coming up. Work on CAV 2.M in particular is progressing well, and this week I thought I'd discuss the process of rectifying discrepancies between CAV 1, CAV 2, and my design goals for CAV 2.M.

There are three main sources of information on models in the CAV universe. The first two are their in-game statistics from the two editions of the game. Having never played CAV 1, and given the changes between the editions, the CAV 1 data cards are rarely helpful. The CAV 2 data cards are my baseline for in-game stats, but provide next to no extra information on the model.  Far more useful are the Journals of Recognition (JoRs), two softcover supplements printed for CAV 1 which provide 1-2 pages of history and backstory for each model in the game at the time. Unfortunately, there are numerous discrepancies both within the JoRs, between the JoRs and the second edition data cards, and within the second edition data cards. As I had to make adjustments to many data cards in any case, I decided to address as many of these issues as possible.

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.

CAV: Combat Assault Vehicle

KDM Jaguar CAV, painted by Kyle Killingsworth

CAV (Combat Assault Vehicle, the mecha which dominate the battlefield of the 23rd century) is a science-fiction miniature wargame produced by Reaper Miniatures. I absolutely love this game: the associated models are outstanding, with a unique and consistent aesthetic; it has a great setting; and the second edition rules have an elegant simplicity which belies the complexity achieved in play. Gameplay is quick, allowing for dozens of models per side (unlike a certain better-known mecha game), and supports a combined arms approach where vehicles, infantry, and aircraft also have important roles to play.

I'll be posting a variety of CAV content in the future, but first, I wanted to share what I know of the (somewhat turbulent) history of the game. I should note that the only edition I have actually played is CAV Second Edition, released in 2007. My knowledge of the original game is gathered from posts on the Mil-Net and Reaper message boards, as well as personal accounts of long-time players.