Mission Selector

White Dwarf #233 contained an excellent Dark Angels/Cypher scenario by Jervis Johnson, which we have adapted to make our own, more general mission selector. We usually find that if we just dice off for our missions we end up feeling a bit jipped sometimes. However, it's a much different story when you feel you've had a hand in choosing your fate.

Before you use the table, one side is nominated as the "aggressor" and one side as the "defender." If you are playing an extended campaign, capturing territories and such, this is easy enough to define. The table is weighted slightly in favor of the aggressor; however, clever maneuvering can turn the tables and the aggressor may find himself at the mercy of a counter-attack.

Below are 4 tables: Options for Player 1 (the aggressor), Player 2 (the defender), Interpreting the Results, and the Mission Chart. Both players secretly choose a course of action from their chart, then simultaneously reveal the results. You can use "Interpreting the Results" for a brief description of what happened, then proceed to the Mission Chart to find the mission you will play. The Mission Chart also shows which player assumes the role of "attacker" as oultlined in the scenario-- remember, the defender may be able to turn the tables and become the attacker for the scenario!

NOTE: "Special Missions" refer to the unique army missions in the back of the published codex for your army. If your army does not have a codex or a special mission, you can either choose a mission, or you can switch the aggressor/defender roles and run through the process again.

PLAYER 1

As the aggressor in this campaign, you currently have a slight advantage over the troops already garrisoned in this area. Choose how you wish to proceed:

A (very defensive)
Rather than press the attack and over-extend your forces, you choose to dig in and attempt to establish a base of operations. From here, you can wait for reinforcements and refine your plans.

B (cautious patrols)
While the majority of your force digs in and attempts to establish a stronghold, a small portion of your force will scout ahead and probe the enemy’s defenses.

C (aggressive patrols)
Leaving behind a small force to establish a command HQ and wait for reinforcements, the majority of your force will press on and engage the enemy.

D (major offensive)
Kill! Kill! Kill! Annihilate! Your entire force will press on and crush the opposition before they have a chance to organize their defenses.

PLAYER 2

As the commander of the defense forces, you are at a slight disadvantage. Although you have the benefit of fortifications and command centers, you do not know where your opponent will strike, or how hard. Choose carefully how you will proceed:

1 (very defensive)
You already have the advantage of position, so you decide to dig in and further fortify your position while you wait for reinforcements.

2 (cautious patrols)
While your men to dig in and prepare for the attack, a small band of volunteers will scout ahead and gather information on the enemy offensive.

3 (aggressive patrols)
Your defenses are already set, your objectives secured. Leaving behind a small holding force, the majority of your force moves forward to engage the enemy well away from your valuable holdings.

4 (major counter-attack)
They say the best defense is a good offense. Leaving no man behind, you pull up stakes and resolve to meet the enemy head on.

Interpreting the Results:

A1: Both forces have adopted a defensive posture, but their forces clash as they secure the area.
A2: Intelligence is the backbone of any army. Player 2’s patrols seize the advantage.
A3: Player 2 has advanced too far into enemy territory, and key personnel are cut off.
A4: Player 1 establishes a command HQ, but is surprised by the defending force.

B1: Proceeding with caution and superior intelligence, Player 1 seizes the advantage.
B2: With patrols in the field from both sides, each force attempts to outmaneuver the other.
B3: Scouts report a sizable force approaching, and Player 2 closes in to prevent their escape.
B4: Player 1’s forces have reached the front lines, and Player 2’s defenders struggle to hold them back.

C1: Player 1’s strike forces have located a strategic point in Player 2’s line of defenses.
C2: Intelligence reports by both sides leads to a sizable battle over a strategic stretch of land.
C3: With sizable patrols in the field from both forces, the inevitable conflict occurs.
C4: Player 1 pushes forward without adequate recon, and becomes easy prey for Player 2’s commandos.

D1: Player 1’s forces arrive to assault a well-prepared defense.
D2: Player 2’s scouts stumble across the entirety of Player 1’s army, and are ordered to hold it back.
D3: Player 1 pushes forward, but must turn back to secure supplies from Player 2’s advance forces.
D4: Two mighty armies clash in a duel to the death.

A1: Night Fight attacker: P1	A2: Special Mission attacker: P2	A3: Rescue attacker: P2	A4: Bunker Assault attacker: P2
B1: Special Mission attacker: P1	B2: Recon attacker: P1	B3: Breakout attacker: P1	B4: Blitz attacker: P2
C1: Take and Hold attacker: P1	C2: Cleanse attacker: P1	C3: Patrol attacker: P1	C4: Ambush attacker: P2
D1: Strongpoint attacker: P1	D2: Rear Guard attacker: P1	D3: Sabotage attacker: P2	D4: Meat Grinder attacker: P1