ComicReaders Downtown - Warhammer 40k Escalation League - Season 3

LEAGUE STRUCTURE

Welcome to ComicReaders' Warhammer 40k Escalation League Season 3. The league works by slowly increasing the required points to play over a predetermined period of time. Please read through the whole document because there are changes from previous seasons.

All months build upon the previous month. You are now allowed to change your roster month to month but not game to game, this includes allies and fortifications. Wargear cannot be changed game to game, only month to month.

The Top 3 players from season 2 are not allowed to play the same army as they played in season 2. Players that were disallowed to play the same army in season 2 are now allowed to play that army in season 3.

We require a minimum of 8 players for the League. There is no maximum to the league, but only the Top 8 players will be able to participate in the tournament.

Games will start January 1st, but feel free to play games before that to figure out rules, meet new players, or otherwise.

ESCALATION DETAILS
Ally detachments are allowed in all months. Month restrictions are also applied to allies.
First month (January): 500 points (1 HQ, minimum 2 troops (allies are required to have a minimum of 1 troop with an HQ))
Second month (February): +500 points (Elite and Fast Attack available, HQ and at least 2 Troops are required)
Third month (March): +500 points (Heavy Support available, normal force organization in effect)
Fourth Month (April): +500 points (normal force organization)
Fifth Month (May): 2000 point tournament*
*Note: Top 8 players in the overall Escalation months are granted the tournament slots first. If they do not wish to participate or are unable to participate, the slots will go to the next ranked player.

You are allowed to use Codex Supplements, Datasheets, and Forge World units as long as you have your rules present because you cannot expect your opponent to either believe you or know the rules for those units/books. Please see FAQ entry for clarification.

BATTLE & BONUS POINTS
A win earns you 2 battle points, a draw 1 and a loss 0 There are a number of ways to earn and lose bonus points over the course of the league.

• 'Artisan' - Any game played with a fully painted army without improper substitutes +1 point
• 'Neutral Ground' - Played a game at ComicReaders +1 point per game
• 'Specter of Death' – Only wins within a month + 2 points (minimum 2 games played)
• 'Slayer of Kings' - Defeats a ‘Specter of Death’ from previous month + 1 Point per
• 'Fools Rush In' - Games played with un-finished miniatures, or improper substitutes – 1 point per game
• 'Idle Hands'- A player that does not play a game in a month – Player’s points are reset
• 'Herald of Chaos' - Players with complaints regarding his or her conduct within the month: Suspension*

*Multiple occurrences of this infraction will result in expulsion from the league and may affect eligibility from future ComicReaders Downtown events.

PRIZES

Prizes will now be done as a random draw per month, resulting up to 4 prizes per month dependent on number of participants.

Prizes are provided by ComicReaders Downtown, details of the prize support will be given to the winners of each month. Prizes will be randomly awarded to all players that have played at least two games at ComicReaders Downtown. Number of entries into the draw are as follows: first place receives 5 entries, second place receives 3 entries, and everyone that has played at least two games at ComicReaders Downtown will receive 1 entry. A player may only win one prize each month.

Month points are reset at the end of each month to let newcomers have a chance of getting monthly prizes. Overall standings only affect entry into the tournament. At least two games per month must be played in ComicReaders Downtown in order to be eligible for the random prizes, top players get multiple entries for the draw.

Tournament prizes are based on competitive aspects: Best General, Best Combined, Most Sporting Player, and Best Painted.

GAME SCHEDULE / GAME PLAY / REPORTING
All games must be played using the missions from the rule book as detailed on page 118, unless players agree to a particular mission/setup.

Games are no longer required to be played exclusively at ComicReaders, however in order to be eligible for monthly prizes, at least two games per month must be played at ComicReaders. This will not affect a player’s ability to be in the Top 8 for the tournament. If a player fails to play one game in a given month, that player’s points will reset to 0.

There is no maximum number of games, but you may only play a player once per month to count for points.

Report wins and losses to ComicReaders Downtown via email, or sending a message to Lareina. Games reported only through the forum thread will not be counted due to message clutter.

We no longer require players to fill out the Sportsmanship Criteria cards, but this does not mean we will not be monitoring conduct. Depending on severity of the issue, a suspension may be given out without a warning. Please refer to the general Code of Conduct expected of players: http://forums.saskgames.com/index.php?topic=794.0

If you are spectating games, please refrain from helping players with strategy or influencing players’ decisions. If there is a rule error or clarity of a rule is under dispute, if you know the answer, refrain from simply telling the players what the rule is, but instead find evidence in the rulebook or FAQ.

The store is generally not available: Friday nights and Saturdays due to other events in the store. Please call ComicReaders to see if there is any room in the store. Please use the Sask Games Forums (http://forums.saskgames.com/index.php?board=4.0) to find out if there are major events happening in order to help you schedule matches against other players in the League. Go to the Leagues section (http://forums.saskgames.com/index.php?board=85.0) to help contact other players in the League, or get contact information from the store.

When wanting to play games at the store, be mindful of store hours. Keep in mind how long it takes to set up and clean up a game, an hour or two may not be enough time to play a full game. Staff may ask players to leave when it is time to close the store without a time warning.

WANT TO PLAY IN THE LEAGUE?
Contact ComicReaders Downtown via email (readers2@sasktel.net), phone (779-0900) or in-person at the store. We will need your first and last name, phone number and (optionally) email address.

THANKS
This League would not be possible without the dedication of ComicReaders' staff.

Rules subject to change

Frequently asked questions as of December 10, 2013
New changes are highlighted in red.

League Questions:
Q. Why am I not allowed to play the same army I played with last season?
A. You were in the Top 2 of the tournament, which means you generally know what you are doing with your army. In order to promote healthy competition, you are being asked to rest that army for at least a season.

Q. Why are prizes now given out as random draws?
A. This way players do not feel stressed about trying to get good results but rather play games without the weight of trying to get top spot in the month.

Q. What's the point of standings now?
A. Overall standings determine Top 8 for tournament, and monthly standings will determine how many entries that qualifying players will receive for the random draw.

Q. Why is the tournament only for the Top 8 players in the League?
A. 8 is a much nicer number to work with than say, 6 or 10 for a one day tournament. It’s easier to find one day that works for 8 people rather than if there were more people.

Q. Why the rush to wrap up a four month league in one day?
A. It’s what everyone in theory is working towards, the countless games, learning new strategies against armies, and it hopefully all comes to fruition for that one important day.

Q. Why all the composition restrictions?
A. To prevent almost unbeatable armylists to play against in small point games.

Q. Why can I not change my roster game to game?
A. To promote balanced roster making rather than creating hard counters to a specific army.

Q. Help, I’m new and don’t know how to play the game very well but I want to play in the league. Is there someone willing to teach me?
A. While everyone in the league is generally willing to help out the new person learn, private message Lareina to help you find someone to show you the ropes. If multiple requests come in, a day will be scheduled to accommodate as many newcomers as possible.

Q. Am I allowed to use Codex Supplements, Datasheets, and Forge World units?
A. Yes you are, you must have your rules present with you since your opponent can't be expected to just believe you, or know the rules of those units/book, etc. You are not allowed, if the datasheet gives a bonus for having a particular set of models like a formation and if it does not take an allied formation slot or force organization slot. Codex supplements can be used either as your primary or ally. Forge World units must adhere to the roster restrictions, no super heavies are allowed.

Q. Am I allowed to use new supplements Stronghold Assault and Escalation?
A. No

Army Roster Questions:
Q. Can I change wargear between games?
A. No

Q. Will I be allowed to change my ally detachment between months?
A. Yes, allies can now be changed month to month.

Q. Are there any restrictions on which allies and/or reinforcements that can be taken?
A. You must first fulfill the base requirement of 1 HQ and 2 Troops of your primary army before taking allies. Otherwise there are no restrictions on allies and/or fortifications apart from what's written in the book, what the month allows, and as long as your points allow it.

Q. Do I have to take an ally HQ in the first month if I take an ally troop choice?
A. Yes, you must still take an ally HQ in order to use an ally troop choice (minimum 1 unit). You must first take the minimum of 2 troops and 1 HQ in your primary detachment.

Q. Do I need to keep the same roster for the tournament as I used in the escalation months?
A. No, but you are required to keep the same primary army, but you are allowed to change allies and fortifications.

Q. Since the rulebook says we can have 2 primary detachments when it's 2000+ on page 110, then will we get to use 2 in month 4 and the tournament?
A. No, it'll just make things a little more complicated than needed, especially since this league is designed for newer players.

Q. I don't like my army! Can I change to a different one? Or That army just got an update (book or model wise), can I try that one instead?
A. Yes you may, but at a price, your league points will be reset, which may hurt your chances to play in the tournament.

Q. My army just got updated! What do I do?
A. Your points will not be affected if you keep the same army. You will need to purchase the new book since your codex is now outdated, but you are allowed to play the first month with your old codex the month that the new codex has been released. You are not allowed to switch to the new codex if you have played games that month with the old codex. After the first month of its release you must use the new codex or switch armies, the latter being subject to a point reset. The exception to this rule is if it is tournament month, you must use the new codex for the tournament.

Q. Are we allowed to use formations?
A. No

Game Reporting Questions:
Q. Why didn't I get any prizes for month x? I was the top player!
A. Prizes are now allocated as a random draw system, 1st place receives 5 entries, 2nd place receives 3 entries, and everyone who has played at least 2 games at ComicReaders gets 1 entry. Being 1st/2nd does not guarantee you a prize but rather increases your odds of getting a prize. In order to get the correct amount of entries, please ensure you have played at least 2 games if you are 1st or 2nd at ComicReaders.

Q. Why is a game result not listed for me?
A. You must email: readers2@sasktel.net, or send Lareina a private message with your results, results posted only on the forums may not be counted due to it being lost in the flood of messages.

Q. Why am I missing some bonuses?
A. Did you report your results along with any bonuses? Please be honest when reporting since I will be posting the results in one of first posts to keep track.

Technical Questions:
Q. What does 'unfinished miniatures' mean?
A. It is only in regards to missing parts (ie arms, weapons, etc), you are allowed to play with unpainted miniatures without penalty. Improper substitutes will count as unfinished.

Q. What do you considered as "painted"?
A. At it's core, being considered painted is 3 distinct colours on each model. As long as each model is painted and not purchased as a pre-painted figure. If proxy models that are improper substitutes are painted, your army is still not considered painted.

Q. How strict is WYSIWYG?
A. While models are supposed to be WYSIWYG, appropriate substitutes can be made, please make sure your opponent is aware of what the model has if it is not properly modelled (ie a plasma cannon vs a flamer).

Q. Are proxy models allowed?
A. As long as they are proper substitutes, and your opponent can identify what the unit is. If your proxy models are improper substitutes, ask your opponent if they are ok with it before playing. Please check with tournament organizers to see if your proxy models are allowed to be played with in the tournament.

Q. What are considered ‘improper substitutes’?
A. Models on incorrect base sizes. Incorrect model size but on the correct sized base, Models from a different army altogether.

Q. What are considered ‘proper substitutes’?
A. Models from different companies but still look like the model it is supposed to represent.

Conduct Questions:
Q. Since we don't have to fill out the Sportsmanship Criteria cards, how can I indicate I have a problem with so and so's conduct?
A. This shouldn't be a problem because we're all mature adults, right? We will monitor closely to what is posted publicly on the forums for any disorderly behaviour. We do not recommend sending a PM to Lareina or Chad because it is sometimes hard to iterate a point clearly through text. We recommend you talk to either one of them in person. Please note: depending on the severity of the behaviour, a warning may or may not be issued before giving out a suspension.

Q. Am I allowed to watch other players' games?
A. Yes, but please ask the players if it is ok to watch, some people may not like the added pressure of spectators. Most importantly, if you are spectating, please refrain from helping players with strategy or influencing players’ decisions. If there is a rule error or clarity of a rule is under dispute, if you know the answer, refrain from simply telling the players what the rule is, but instead find evidence in the rulebook or FAQ.

Q. May I come play in the store Friday night or Saturday (or whenever there is a special event going on)?
A. Please phone (306-779-0900) ahead and ask if there will be any room available on that particular day. We will try our best to post when there are special events running at the store, so you are aware that availability may be extremely limited.

Q. May I come in and play a couple hours before the store closes?
A. Most likely yes depending on the day, please keep in mind the time it takes to set up and clean up a game. Players are responsible to watch the time, staff may or may not give a time warning of when the store will be closing.

Roster as of March 3:
Nathan S (Nathans) - Imperial Guard
Mark D (Malachi) - Space Wolves
Chris S (Yolanka) - Space Wolves
Matthew L (KingLeir) - Chaos Space Marines
Mike L (Mike.L) - Tau Empire
Casey S (Casey) - Chaos Daemons
Mark K (Mark) - Tyranids
James M - Chaos Space Marines
Adam S (EvrazDrone) - Tyranids
Maeson L (Prince of Arnheim) - Chaos Space Marines
Lareina C (Lareina) -Tyranids
Tyler H (Tyler Hutchison) - Chaos Space Marines
Mike N (mikenielsen) - Space Marines
Kevin R (Rothgar) - Orks
Xander K (Kuderewko) - Grey Knights
Mike M (QofWar) - Eldar
Braeden W (Braeden Woods) - Space Marines
Garrett W - Eldar
Zach F - Tau Empire
Riel C (Savanthos) - Tyranids
Sean S (foleydafrog) - Space Wolves
Wade D - Chaos Space Marines
Chris G (MrGiggles) - Grey Knights

Top 8 at the end of Month 4:
Chris S
Casey
Sean
Xander
Adam
Tyler
Nathan
Mark D

Winners of the Month 1 draw:
Tyler H, Alex B, Casey S, Chris S

Winners of the Month 2 draw:
Chris S, Casey S, Nathan S, Adam S

Winners of the Month 3 draw:
Tyler H, Chris G, Chris S, Mark D

Winners of the Month 4 draw:
Tyler H, Matthew, Nathan, Adam

Tournament Date: Sunday May 18th: Details here

Game results:
[Date: Player 1 (painted if applicable) vs Player 2 (painted if applicable) - result - location]
Apr 3rd: Chris S (painted) vs Adam (painted) - Chris S victory - in store
Apr 5th: Adam (painted) vs Maeson - Adam victory - in store
Apr 10th: Mark D (painted) vs Nathan (painted) - draw - in store
Apr 16th: Adam (painted) vs Chris G (painted) - Adam victory - in store
Apr 17th: Chris S (painted) vs Casey (painted) - Chris S victory - in store
Apr 17th: Chris S (painted) vs Xander (painted) - draw - in store
Apr 19th: Chris S (painted) vs Sean (painted) - Sean victory - in store
Apr 19th: Chris S (painted) vs Nathan (painted) - draw - in store
Apr 24th: Casey (painted) vs Matthew - Casey victory - in store
Apr 24th: Mark D (painted) vs Matthew - Matthew victory - in store
May 1st: Matthew vs Tyler (painted) - Tyler victory - in store
May 1st: Chris S (painted) vs Tyler (painted) - Tyler victory - in store

How is the league ruling the use of Codex Supplements, Datasheets, and Forge World units?

How is the league ruling the use of Codex Supplements, Datasheets, and Forge World units?

Current ruling: yes you are, you must have your rules present with you since your opponent can't be expected to just believe you, or know the rules of those units/book, etc.

I may change the ruling for the tournament, we shall see how it goes in escalation.

And by "rules present" I assume that means "actual book" and not "PDF I pirated from a torrent."

And by "rules present" I assume that means "actual book" and not "PDF I pirated from a torrent."

Would be preferred yes, a physical book is always nice, but if you bought it digitally on iPad or something, have your iPad with you when you play games, it's common courtesy to your opponent.

Hello,

Dec has been a month of huge changes for 40k. Are the 2 new books (escalation and stronghold assault) allowed? This brings titans and D weapons into regular 40k now. I realize these books are supplements as far as GW is concerned but since they are new I wanted to know if they are allowed for this league?

I would like to sign up.  Matthew Leir - Chaos Space Marines

Also are the new formations going to be part of it?