Too Many Bones: The Ultimate Battle Mat
Hey there, fellow gamers!
Today, I want to talk about something near and dear to every tabletop enthusiast’s heart: the battle mat. Now, you may be wondering, “What in the world is a battle mat?” Well, my friends, buckle up and prepare to have your minds blown!
So, what exactly is this mysterious contraption? In a nutshell, a battle mat is a game accessory that serves as the foundation for epic board game battles. Picture this: you’ve meticulously set up your game, miniatures at the ready, and you’re itching to embark on an adventure. But wait! There’s something missing. That’s right, you need a battle mat!
But why, you ask? Let me break it down for you. A battle mat not only enhances the overall visual experience but also adds a strategic element to your gaming sessions. Think of it as the canvas where your game comes to life.
First and foremost, a battle mat provides a designated space for each player to maneuver their miniatures. It’s like having your very own personal battlefield. You can plan your moves, strategize with your teammates, and set the stage for epic battles. It adds an extra layer of immersion that takes your gaming experience to a whole new level.
But that’s not all! A battle mat also acts as a visual aid, depicting the terrain and obstacles that your heroes and villains must navigate. From treacherous forests to perilous mountains, the battle mat showcases the world in which your game unfolds. With every glance, you can imagine yourself right in the thick of the action, pulling off daring feats and outsmarting your opponents.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Can’t I just draw a map on a regular piece of paper?” Well, sure, you could. But let me tell you, my friend, the battle mat is so much more than just a piece of paper. It’s specifically designed for gaming, with a sturdy construction that can withstand even the most intense dice rolls and furious table flipping (we’ve all been there).
Imagine having a battle mat that’s not only durable but also erasable. That’s right – you can mark up, erase, and modify the game board to your heart’s content. No more penciling in your terrain or fretting over permanent marker mistakes. With a battle mat, you have the power to bring your game to life and make changes on the fly.
Ultimately, my fellow gamers, a battle mat is an absolute game changer. It elevates your tabletop adventures to new heights, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for everyone involved. So, if you’re in the market for a battle mat, remember this: choose one that suits your game, unleashes your creativity, and brings your tabletop dreams to life. Happy gaming!
Hey there! We’re getting closer to playing TMB! Now, let’s dive into the Battle Mat. This is where all the action happens when you start taking on those Baddies!
1. Initiative Meter (Ini Meter)
During battle, each Baddie and Gearloc takes turns, and these turns make up one full round. The Ini Meter keeps track of the current round and shows whose turn it is. It also gives you a visual clue about who will attack next and in what order. Initiative on the meter is organized from highest to lowest, determining who goes first and who goes last.
When you’re playing with an Ini Meter, you’ll need to use the Round Counter Die. This die sits on top of the Ini Meter and starts at R1. As you progress through each new battle round, you’ll increase the value on the die to R2, R3, and so on.
Once you reach R5, something called the Fatigue rounds come into play. These rounds continue until the battle is over. During each round, every unit on the Battle Mat loses 1 HP. It’s important to note that this HP loss isn’t considered a specific type of damage, and there’s no way to block or defend against it.
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Setting the stage for battle: Initiating dice placement
When it comes to starting a battle, one of the most crucial steps is setting up the initiative dice placement for the first round. It may seem daunting, but understanding this process is key to gaining an advantage over your opponents and maximizing your chances of victory.
First, let me explain what initiative dice placement is. It’s a strategy that allows you to determine the order in which players take their turns during the battle. By strategically placing your dice, you can influence the flow and outcome of the entire battle. It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase your tactical prowess and outmaneuver your adversaries.
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of how to set up your initiative dice placement. Remember, this is just one approach, and you should adapt it to suit your own playstyle and the unique dynamics of the battle at hand. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Assess the battlefield: Take a moment to analyze the terrain, the positions of your units, and any other relevant factors that may impact the battle. Understanding the battlefield will help you make informed decisions during the dice placement process.
2. Evaluate your goals: Determine your overall strategy and objectives for the battle. Are you looking to launch a fierce assault, defend a stronghold, or outmaneuver your opponents? Knowing your goals will inform your dice placement decisions.
3. Consider your opponents: Think about the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing forces. Are they known for their aggressive tactics or a more defensive approach? By anticipating their moves, you can strategically position your dice to counter their actions.
4. Prioritize your actions: Decide which units or abilities are crucial to your battle plan. Do you need your heavy hitters to act first, or would it be more advantageous to delay their actions? Prioritizing your actions will allow you to optimize the effectiveness of your forces.
5. Formulate a flexible plan: Develop a general strategy for your dice placement, but remain adaptable. Remember that battles are fluid, and unexpected events may require you to adjust your tactics on the fly. Having a flexible plan will give you the agility to react to changing circumstances.
6. Confuse your opponents: Consider making strategic moves that go against the expected norms. Surprise your adversaries with unconventional dice placements that throw off their calculations and force them to rethink their own strategies.
7. Learn from experience: After the battle, reflect on the effectiveness of your dice placement. Did it give you the advantage you were seeking? Were there any unforeseen consequences? Use these insights to refine your tactics for future battles.
By following these steps, you can master the art of initiative dice placement and open up a world of strategic possibilities. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t yield the desired results. Keep honing your skills, and soon you’ll be a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. Now, go forth and conquer!
When it comes to Baddies, their Initiative is represented by the number on their Baddie Chip. To show this number on the Ini Meter, we use a Baddie Initiative Die (shown as [#]). For example, if a Baddie has an Initiative of 3 in Lane 1, we would use the blue Lane 1 Initiative Die and set it to 3 on the Ini Meter.
The Initiative Die for each Baddie is placed on the Ini Meter, with the highest number on top in descending order. If there is a tie in Baddie Initiative, their Lane priority is used to break the tie. A Baddie in Lane 1 would go above/before a Baddie in Lane 2.
Now let’s talk about Gearlocs. Each player rolls their unique Gearloc Ini Die to determine their position on the Ini Meter. If there is a tie in Initiative that involves a Gearloc, the party gets to choose who goes first.
Initiative Dice During Battle (R2 and beyond)
Once the initial Initiative has been set for both Gearlocs and Baddies, the numbers on the dice are no longer significant. During battle, certain Skills can change the positions of units on the Initiative Meter, but always in relation to the current positions of other units. For example, the Tantrum Skill can move a Baddie three spots lower on the Meter.
Any units that enter the battle after Round 1 will always start at either the top or bottom spot on the Initiative Meter. All Gearlocs, Tyrants, and 20Pt Baddies begin the battle at the top spot, regardless of their Initiative value. On the other hand, 1Pt and 5Pt Baddies begin at the bottom spot. In the case of ties, follow the rules from Round 1.
If a unit’s Initiative spot is modified during the round, their new position will only be reflected after the round is finished. You can shift their Initiative Dice to the side as a reminder.
Moving on to the next point…
2. Baddie Starting Positions
Hey there! Let’s talk about positioning Baddies in your game. We’ve got two types of Baddies: Melee and Ranged. The Melee Baddies start in one set of positions, while the Ranged Baddies start in another set of positions. It’s important to remember that the first Baddie to enter the Battle Mat goes in Lane 1.
Now, the 2nd Baddie goes in Lane 2, and so on. As the Baddies move, they might switch Lanes. So, whenever a Baddie enters battle, make sure to place a Lane Marker Chip that matches its starting Lane color right under it. This way, you’ll be able to keep track of their positions.
3. The Starting Positions for Gearlocs
If you’re playing as a Gearloc, you have a choice of starting positions. For Melee Gearlocs, the grey positions are where you begin. Ranged Gearlocs, on the other hand, start on positions. If you’re playing as a Melee-Ranged Gearloc, you can start on either. You have the freedom to choose which Lane you want to start on, and you can even double up with another Gearloc on the same Lane.
4. Moving Around the Board
When it’s time to move, both Gearlocs and Baddies can only move to positions that are adjacent. That means you can move to the positions directly next to you, but not diagonally. And remember, you can’t move “thru” other units. You’ll have to find another way around!
Did you know that some baddies have an incredible power to move diagonally? It’s true! These sneaky villains are known for their ability to outmaneuver their opponents in ways that can be quite tricky to predict.
Imagine you’re playing a game and trying to strategize your next move. You’re carefully considering all the possible directions your enemy might take, but suddenly, they throw you a curveball by darting diagonally across the board. Talk about unexpected!
But why is this ability so important? Well, it adds a whole new layer of complexity and challenge to the game. You have to be on your toes and constantly adapt your tactics to account for these crafty baddies. It keeps you engaged and forces you to think outside the box.
So, if you’re a fan of games that amp up the intensity and keep you guessing, you’ll definitely love the thrill of facing off against baddies with diagonal movement. It’s an exhilarating experience that adds an extra level of excitement and satisfaction when you finally outsmart them.
Just remember, when you come across these diagonal-moving baddies, don’t let them catch you off guard. Stay alert, stay focused, and show them who’s boss!