Warmachine and Hordes @ the NOVA Open!

The organizer for Warmachine/Hordes at the NOVA is Nate Oesch, supported by input and staff support from a large crew of WM/H experts and press-gangers as far away as New England.  I've included an introductory post here to the HUGE amount of WM/H stuff going on for every day of the Open.

WM/H tickets are now available for sale at the NOVA Open website.  A weekend badge still gets you access to the NOVA Open, and a WM/H ticket gets you access to every single event involving that game system that happens over the course of the weekend.  One rate, all events!

1.     Introduction – What is Warmachine/ Hordes?

2.     Never played?  Come get a Demo!

3.     Weekend Long Events

4.     Tournaments

1.     Introduction – What is Warmachine/Hordes? 

Never heard of Warmachine/Hordes?  Heard the term but no idea what it is?  May I direct your attention to HERE.  Warmachine/Hordes are fast-paced and aggressive skirmish level battle games set in the steam-powered fantasy world known as the Iron Kingdoms.  Players take on the role of elite soldier-sorcerors known as warcasters/warlocks.  Though warcasters/warlocks are formidable combatants on their own, their true strength lies in their magical ability to control and coordinate mighty warjacks/warbeasts. 

2.     Never played? Come get a Demo! (Does not require WM/H Pass)

All weekend long we will have demo tables set up for those who have never tried the game but would like to find out what the game is all about.  We will have demos available for both Warmachine/Hordes.  For those who don’t know, while they are separate games, they are compatible with each other and are intended to play against each other.

3.     All Convention Long Events

These Events will be going on throughout the course of the Convention.
            Blood & Steam Battlegrounds – This is the casual/pick-up game portion of the Warmachine/Hordes events that will be taking place.  Want a rematch of a tournament loss?  Chance to play with a longtime friend from another state?  This is the place to come!  Also, players can earn achievements throughout the weekend by accomplishing varying tasks while playing on the Battlgrounds, such as play against 5 different opponents, play a player from another state, play using 4 different casters, etc.  We will track players achievements throughout the weekend, with the top 4 qualifying for the Championships on Sunday.  Each achievement unlocked earns you a ticket, which can be cashed in for prizes throughout the weekend!
            Custom Table/Scenario Contest – Want to re-create a historic battle?  Want to see what it would be like if Colossals were still used on the battlefield?  Now’s your chance to do so.  For those interested in constructing their own custom scenario tables, we will be having a contest to see who can construct the best table/scenario similar to Gamesday Tables.  In order to compete in the contest all you have to do is register your table with us to reserve space and bring your table!
            Grind Ball World Cup – Throughout the weekend, anytime you play a grind scenario your result and number of goals scored will be recorded.  At the end of the weekend, the player with the most wins will be awarded the Grind ball World Cup!

4.     Tournaments

Note – Since there aren’t individual tickets to each tournament, but rather a single WM/H pass that allows you access to all of our WM/H events, to reserve your spot in a particular tournament e-mail nate.oesch@gmail.com to reserve your spot once you have purchased your WM/H pass.  You cannot reserve your spot until you’ve purchased a WM/H pass.  There will also be on-site registration.  If the 32 spots in a particular tournament fill up and there is demand for more, there is a possibility of expanding the field.

Thursday Evening – Grind Ball World Cup Kick-Off Event! (Note – Grind Scenario, not the Boardgame) 

Size - 35 Points

List Restrictions - 2 Lists

Timing Restrictions - Chess Clocks, Death Clocks, Accelerated Time Limits

Scenario Restrictions - Grind Scenario Only

Start Time - 9:00 PM

Rounds - 4 Rounds

Spots - 16 Players

This event will kick off the Grind Ball World-Cup that will be running all weekend. 

Friday Evening – Highlander Tournament

Size  - 35 Points

List Restrictions – 2 Lists, Highlander Format (See Description Below)

Timing Restrictions - Chess Clocks, Death Clocks, Accelerated Time Limits

Scenario Restrictions - None

Start Time - 6:00 PM

Rounds - 5 Rounds

Spots - 32 Players

This tournament will use the Highlander Format.  A player may bring 1 Unit of Infantry, 1 Unit Attachment, 1 Solo.  The remainder of their army can be made up of Warbeasts/Warjacks, but only 1 iteration of each Warbeast/Warjack (i.e., 1 Ironclad, 1 Defender, 1 Lancer, etc.)

Saturday Day – Softcore Tournament

Size - 50 Points

List Restrictions – 1 List Only

Timing Restrictions - Hardcore Time Limits

Scenario Restrictions - Killbox Only

Start Time 11:00 AM

Rounds - 5 Rounds

Spots - 32 Players

This tournament will use the Hardcore Format without the painting requirement.  Each player will have 7 minutes per turn with one 3 minute extension during their 60 minute match.  No mercy!

Saturday Evening – Doubles Tournament

Size - 50 Points Total per Team, 25 per Player

List Restrictions - 1 List per Player

Timing Restrictions - Chess Clocks, Death Clocks, Accelerated Time Limits

Scenario Restrictions - None

Start TIme - 9:00 PM

Rounds - 4 Rounds

Spots - 16 Teams

Double your pleasure, double your fun!  Character restrictions apply (i.e. both armies cannot contain the same character). Armies will count as friendly, but not friendly faction unless they are of the same faction.

Sunday Morning – NOVA Open Championship

Size - 50 Points

List Restrictions - 2 Lists

Timing Restrictions - Chess Clocks, Death Clocks

Scenario Restrictions - None

Start Time: 11:00 AM

Rounds - 4 Rounds

Spots - 16 Players (Must Qualify for Championship During Convention)

The top 4 players from the Highlander Tournament & Softcore Tournament Qualify, as well as the 2 best teams from the Doubles Tournament, and finally the 4 players with the most achievements earned in Blood & Steam Battlegrounds.  These 16 players will duke it out for the NOVA Open Warmachine/Hordes Championship Title!

Sunday Morning – Caster Madness

Size - 41 Points (No Warcaster/Warlock)

List Restrictions - 1 List

Timing Restrictions - Chess Clocks, Death Clocks, Accelerated Time Limits

Scenario Restrictions - None

Start Time: 10:00 AM

Rounds - 5 Rounds

Spots - 32 Players

Bring 1 41 point list with no warlock/warcaster

For those who don’t qualify for the NOVA Open Championship but want to finish the weekend with a bang, than this is the event for you.  Construct your 41 point force with no warlock/warcaster built in.  Then, each round a warlock/warcaster will be randomly assigned to each player, whether it be from another faction, or even another game system.  Every wanted to see Stryker lead the nation of Khador to victory?  This is your chance!  In cases where a Warcaster is leading a Hordes faction or vice versa, Fury will be counted as Focus and vice versa.