Tabletop Dimensions for Sector Mechanicus: too large ?

[Teo_24]

Hi everyone.

Recently I started playing Necromunda Underhive with my gaming group. Mainly we use the Zone Mortalis mode, but we have also tried with Sector Mechanicus. However, this last mode seems too unbalanced to us because the playing surface is too large compared to the number of models deployed.


It seems to us that a surface like that of the new Kill Team of Games Workshop could be more suitable (I'm talking about 30"x22" or 24"x24"). However, it would be necessary to adapt the measures present in the various scenarios to these dimensions


I would like to hear opinions from more experienced players and if you have also experienced this difficulty.

Thanks.

 

[Scabs]

4' x 4 ' is typical. That'a bit more spread out than ZM. So, games run a little longer, and don't get as brutal as quickly. But, generally adequate for all purposes. However, this assumes lot's of cover. More than a typical 40K table or Kill Team's examples.

 

[Galtarr]

We generally play on 3' x 3' since that's the width of most of our game tables. Personally that seems optimal to me for both ZM and SM. Wider in SM means wasted Terrain people run past to take up clear firing positions. Annoying as we have limited terrain quantity for multiple tables. Also smaller ZM I personally find annoying as it leads to first turn charges, and impossible deployment rules. Even 3x3 escape the pit you cannot place loot crates according to rules... So 3x3 ZM but with additional scatter/3D terrain. I also think the terrain/tile placement as written will lead to less cool, more unbalanced open terrain. So I'd petsonally ignore in favour of a cool looking table, with more terrain, both Scatter and 3d in both formats.

 

[Azzabat]

Just to be awkward ... we play on a 4’ x4’ table ... but with 3’ x 3’ of terrain.

This gives us a 6” perimeter of clear space around the table to role dice, lay out cards (and dead Gangers) and for elbows and hands.

 

[cronevald]

As others have said 3x3 and 4x4 is pretty common for 3d, especially for us older players. Lots of cover is crucial so the shooting gangs don't dominate the table. I also think that lots of levels with connecting walkways and points of access are just as important. The original Necromunda was pretty unique for its time as it had you fighting fully in three dimensions using those walkways and levels to your advantage.

 

[cronevald]

Just to be awkward ... we play on a 4’ x4’ table ... but with 3’ x 3’ of terrain.

This gives us a 6” perimeter of clear space around the table to role dice, lay out cards (and dead Gangers) and for elbows and hands.

We've taken to doing this too and it's pretty nice. We use the ZM tiles as a makeshift floor/game mat and it really helps to define the space.

 

[Stoof]

We typically play on a 4x4, heavily terrainified area on a 6x4 table so there's room at either end for drinks, books, dice etc. I have played on 3x3 and that is absolutely fine too (also fits on more people's kitchen table!).

The key is the terrain. Lots of ways up/down/around it, lots to block sight lines etc but also patches which are more sparse.

 

[Teo_24]

Thank you all

I will certainly try again with SM following your advice.
Using tiles as floor for a SM match is also a very cool idea, thanks.

 

[MusingWarboss]

With SM you have the added dimension of vertical, so I’ve found smaller tables to be fine. Though 3x3 is probably as small as you’d want to go.

My table I’ve had since the 90s is 4x3 and like others says, give a space to rest cards on.

The biggest factor for SM mode is scenery, if you don’t have enough then it’s just too open. The Kill Team mats look an interesting size but I’ve not played on one yet.

It’s mostly going to be getting a balance between cover and allowing people to get into H2H combat. Too little on a large board and you’ll never get there. Too much on a small one and shooting is difficult.

It’s really just trying to find a nice balance point.

 

[Punktaku]

the campaign i ran at a FLGS (waaay back) used folding tables that I think were 4x6? we left the ends open for books and drinks and stuff. they may have been bigger (conference tables?) because I'm pretty sure we'd have two games set up in the tables...

 

[Blood Donor]

...This gives us a 6” perimeter of clear space around the table... for elbows and hands.

Frothy pints of elbows and hands, @Azzabat?

 

[Azzabat]

Frothy pints of elbows and hands, @Azzabat?

FAR too many frothy pints with different elbows this month my friend.

An even dozen pints of Grog with the Dread Pirate Alex on the 19th
Usual 4 or 5 on 21st &22nd (Friday and Saturday)
Too many last night (Sunday) as it was my buddy who owns the bar’s birthday.
Several planned tonight as it’s another buddy’s first day off for months.
Another buddy’s birthday Wednesday ...
And a 30th on Saturday.

All Hail The Ale!

 

[COLBOURNE]

I play on 3' x 3'. Im going to start making modular terrain boards 1' x 1' that can be rearranged as needed

 

[Azzabat]

Oooo ... Oooo ... let me know your plans @COLBOURNE.

My buddy and me were talking at the pub last night about our next ‘Munda campaign and we want to do some modular terrain. Probably nine 12” square MDF tiles. Something that can be used as as edge terrain, but also when put back to back makes a building..

 

[angel of death]

Honestly, I think 4x4 gives more flexibilty so it depends on scenario but honestly other skirmish games I play are 3x3 with about the same model count and I can say that it is an optimal size. I wouldn't go further than 3'x3' though as then it gives melee heavy gangs a significant advantage.

 

[TopsyKretts]

It seems to us that a surface like that of the new Kill Team of Games Workshop could be more suitable (I'm talking about 30"x22" or 24"x24"). However, it would be necessary to adapt the measures present in the various scenarios to these dimensions

I would like to hear opinions from more experienced players and if you have also experienced this difficulty.

Thanks.

I've played Necromunda (and numerous other miniature games) for 20 years. 48"x48" is the "default" for Necromunda in my eyes, it is even smaller than several other miniature games. New Kill Team board size is a real shocker to me, it's microscopic! So tiny. Zone Mortalis is also very small, but depends on how many tiles used.

If you and your friends feel that 48"x48" is too big, you are completely free to try other sizes. Maybe it works great for you? You decide!

 

[COLBOURNE]

Oooo ... Oooo ... let me know your plans @COLBOURNE.

My buddy and me were talking at the pub last night about our next ‘Munda campaign and we want to do some modular terrain. Probably nine 12” square MDF tiles. Something that can be used as as edge terrain, but also when put back to back makes a building..

Yeah. That's what I was thinking 9 x 12" x 12" boards. I think 36" x 36" will be enough for my purposes. Will let you know progress....but it could be slow!

 

[Azzabat]

Likewise. Me and Stu are still mulling over my Cities of Death terrain 2 years after we first discussed it !

 

[Scabs]

I've played Necromunda (and numerous other miniature games) for 20 years. 48"x48" is the "default" for Necromunda in my eyes, it is even smaller than several other miniature games. New Kill Team board size is a real shocker to me, it's microscopic! So tiny. Zone Mortalis is also very small, but depends on how many tiles used.

If you and your friends feel that 48"x48" is too big, you are completely free to try other sizes. Maybe it works great for you? You decide!

I've also defaulted to 4' x 4' for for over two decades (actually, that is downsize from the typical 40K and WFB 6' x 4" table). My first experience with fighting against flamer-happy Redemptionists was on a smaller kitchen table,and it left a lasting impression. So, I've routinely played Necromunda, and other man-to-man skirmish games like Shadow War, and Mordheim on a 4' x 4'. Until Zone Mortalis. And, I LOVE those games. Kill Team reinforces the advantages of a smaller field of battle. Faster games that get brutal right away. And, which balances hand-to-hand with shooting. I think I'm going to have to rethink how I play Sector Mechanicus setting games.

 

[COLBOURNE]

Oooo ... Oooo ... let me know your plans @COLBOURNE.

My buddy and me were talking at the pub last night about our next ‘Munda campaign and we want to do some modular terrain. Probably nine 12” square MDF tiles. Something that can be used as as edge terrain, but also when put back to back makes a building..

OK so I told you progress was going to be slow, but here is the first WIP of a 12"x12" board

Oooo ... Oooo ... let me know your plans @COLBOURNE.

My buddy and me were talking at the pub last night about our next ‘Munda campaign and we want to do some modular terrain. Probably nine 12” square MDF tiles. Something that can be used as as edge terrain, but also when put back to back makes a building..

Tile #1 Cargo and Scrapheap

• COLBOURNE
• Feb 25, 2019