Fellow Veterans and Gamers,
Survey responses have kept rolling in, and the depth of your operational ideas is incredible. We wanted to send another update to address the new wave of suggestions, mechanics, and theaters you want to see brought to the table.
Here is a look at the latest feedback and how we are thinking about the game's future.
The Mission and the Community
The Feedback: "OEF vet here, and I can see this being a very useful tool for processing that part of life. I'm also in talks with my VFW post about starting a game." Another backer suggested: "military discount or special addition to those who are active duty or veterans. Maybe a donation to a wonderful organization?"
Our Answer: Comments like these are exactly why we built this system. Creating a framework for veterans to reconnect and process those experiences safely is the core mission.
Supporting Veterans: Our add-ons include an item that allows backers to support Veteran organizations such as VFW, Stack Up, UK Veterans Gaming, and Company of Makers- all of which support Veterans. These add-ons go straight to a Veteran group for play.
Tactical Depth, Not Complexity
The Feedback: "Don't over think it. Bells and whistles don't make it better, they make it more complicated. Don't confuse complexity with depth." alongside requests for mechanics covering "suppression and area fire," rules for drones, air support, and indirect fire," and a "supply system where failing hearts and minds missions gets you less supplies."
Our Answer: We are fully aligned here; the 2d10 Operations System is built for lethal, realistic depth without bogging down the table in unnecessary crunch. We're keeping the core rules grounded in modern warfare, with zero sci-fi or fantasy elements. The system handles combat (example to read - watch/listen to gameplay), suppression for both individual and force-on-force engagements, and the integration of indirect fire/drones. We have JTACs as a specialty to enhance indirect fire and air support play.
The drones covered are up to 2016-ish models (think ISR). In our upcoming Africa expansion, we've added a full drone ruleset, including armaments.
The 12-week deployment track - "winning" your tour. First off, the 12-week deployment format is designed to be flexible - if you want to make it 6 months or whatever, we explain how. Each week is broken down into five stages with a few die rolls, assessments, etc at each:
1. BRIEFING & LOGISTICS: This phase sets the stage for the week with updates on the deployment clock, trust, insurgent activity, and command tracks. It includes logistical checks and identifies neglected districts.
2. OPERATIONS: Focused on executing missions, this phase determines where and what actions the players will undertake, such as patrols or raids.
3. FALLOUT: This phase deals with the consequences of operations, including adjusting trust and insurgent tracks based on mission outcomes.
4. REFIT & STRATEGY: The final phase offers a chance to repair,
restock, and plan for the upcoming week, reflecting on successes and
preparing for future challenges.
Rule Set and Campaign Scope
The Feedback: One backer who is still on the fence mentioned that "details about the rule set and scope" would help them decide whether to pledge.
Our Answer: We want to make sure you know exactly what you are backing. If you want to see the mechanics in action, you can download our free quickstart scenario, The Shepherd's Transit, which teaches the core 2d10 Operations System right at the table. We also have play-throughs starting with Red Moon Roleplaying.
To hear discussions with people we shared the content with: interviews with 1) Wazza, 2) Armchair Dragoons, 3) The Tavern Board, and 4) Gamers with Coffee, and reviews from Wazza and Armchair Dragoons.
As for scope, the core game supports solo, co-op, or group play, where players lead a squad-sized element into a complex (real, fictional, and generated) environment in which their actions organically alter the region's living ecosystem. The system is based on three values: Trust, Command, and Insurgency. Each value shifts with the players' actions.
Core Rulebook and Deluxe Contents
The Feedback: One backer who is still on the fence mentioned that "details about what is inside the core rulebook and Deluxe box set" would help them decide whether to pledge.
Our Answer: We want to make sure you know exactly what you are backing. Here are two videos that each offer a flip-through of the physical components. The Deluxe box also includes the core rulebook, 20 GM cards, and a rules lite booklet. Videos: Core RBDeluxe Set
Of course, remember every backer will also get the unlocked stretch goals, which currently include:
For those map lovers (count me in), the four patrol mission cards also have a map -- so your tactical map count is getting up there!!!
Thank you all for keeping the comms open and the ideas flowing. Your feedback is actively shaping this system's roadmap.
What will your story be?
Derek
