One of the most critical mechanics in the game, activation, is also the most fundamental, and in my opinion, can be unfair under certain circumstances. After discussing this with other contributors, the next iteration of the rules will introduce several radical changes designed to improve the system, add tactical depth, and speed up play:
- Instead of the standard blind draw where players pull a single token to activate one unit, we will use my custom designed "Tri-Batch" system. At the start of each round, a batch of three tokens is drawn and laid out in sequence. If the batch contains a mix of both factions (a 2-1 split), the player who has only a single token in that draw decides the activation order for all three. However, if three tokens of the same faction are drawn at once, the inactive player has the option to force a redraw; these tokens are shuffled back into the bag and a new set of three is pulled, which must then be accepted regardless of the result. This process repeats with subsequent batches of three until the bag is empty. On the final draw of the round, if fewer than three tokens remain, they are played in the order they are drawn; if the final three tokens are all of the same faction, the option for a redraw is waived.
- Currently, requiring command rolls for every activation slows the game's pace without adding much value. Under the next version of the rules, only Shaken units must roll for commands. All other units are assumed to pass automatically and receive two action points.
- Because the "Tri-Batch" system now manages the flow of play, the "Bulk Activation" rule, previously used to balance armies with a high unit disparity, is being removed.
