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Humanity has been fighting for its very existence since the
Second Martian Invasion. Ultimately, this incursion will be
known as the first stage of the Great Interplanetary War. Across
the world, Martians have taken possession of vast territories, but
they are meeting fierce resistance in North America.
This book is your guide to the rules, armies of miniatures and
background for the Second Martian War. You will learn how to
organize your armies, how each machine or troop type works,
special rules governing ambushes, fighting in buildings, scenarios
for battle and more.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Concept Vehicle Design & Mastering Team
Ernest Baker Will Torres, Berhle Hubbock, Ernest Baker

Fiction & Background Plastics Team

Ernest Baker & Rick Priestley Michael Creighton, Ernest Baker

Rules Manufacturing Team

Alessio Cavatore, Rick Priestley, Iron Wind Metals, Creative Castings,
Ernest Baker, Jeff Hall Robot Peanut Studios

Art Model Painting & Scenery

Anthony Ackland, Will Torres, Ernie Baker, Ed Spettigue
Alyn Spiller, Andy Walsh, Daniel Carly,
Joshua Landis, Elizabeth Porter, Chris Walton Play Test Team
Miles Reidy, Mike Marchant,
Maps & Organization Diagrams Samuel Yates, Ed Spettigue, Nick Simmerson,
Sven Lugar Carl Brown, Jeff Hall, Tim Colonna, Michael Kirby

Layout & Graphics THANK YOU!

Dylan Owen, Andy Walsh
to 1001 Kickstarter supporters
Photography for believing!
Barb Baker, Karen Kuespert
A Very special thank you to Miles Reidy for his unwavering
Proof-reading support and a special thanks to Michael Noe at Ironwind.
Tracie Walsh, E. Skye Chaney
This book was produced under contract with
Figure Sculpting Team River Horse (www.riverhorse.eu)
Alan Marsh (courtesy of Eureka Miniatures),
Darren Greenaway, David Summers This book is dedicated to YOU, the purchaser for being
brave enough to try something NEW. Thank you!

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 Contents
A WORLD AT WAR .............................................................................. 6
THE COURSE OF THE MARTIAN WAR ....................................16
GAME RULES .....................................................................................30
Basic Stuff ........................................................................................32
Troop Types .................................................................................32
Elements & Units ........................................................................33
Dice ................................................................................................33
Templates & Counters ...............................................................34
Measurement ...............................................................................35
Games Stats ..................................................................................35
The Turn ...........................................................................................36
Initiative Phase...............................................................................36
Move Phase ......................................................................................37
Combat Phase .................................................................................40
Shooting ........................................................................................40
Assaults..........................................................................................46
Damage Resolution Charts .......................................................48
Summary of Stats ...........................................................................50
The US Army................................................................................50
Martians ........................................................................................52
The British Expeditionary Force ..............................................53
Terrain...............................................................................................54
Terrain Areas ................................................................................54
Terrain Charts ..............................................................................57
Advanced Rules ..............................................................................60
Barrage Weapons .........................................................................60
Martian Heat Rays ......................................................................62
Field Commander .......................................................................63
Transports .....................................................................................64
Hidden Units................................................................................66
Ambush .........................................................................................67
Stealth ............................................................................................67
Traps ..............................................................................................68
Reserves & Reinforcements ......................................................69
Buildings .......................................................................................70
Defense Works .............................................................................72
Fortress Damage Resolution Chart .........................................73
Martian Redoubts .......................................................................74
ARMIES OF THE GREAT INTERPLANETARY WAR .............78
The United States Army ...............................................................80
The Army at War..........................................................................80
US Army Organization Charts .................................................82
Choosing an Army for the Game .............................................84
US Army Special Rules ..............................................................85
The Infantry ..................................................................................86
The Artillery .................................................................................90
Steamer Tanks ..............................................................................96
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Other Mechanical Units ..........................................................103
Static Defenses ...........................................................................112
The Martian Invaders .................................................................114
Martian Pod Organization Chart ...........................................115
Choosing an Army for the Game ...........................................116
Martian Special Rule ................................................................116
Martian Tripods.........................................................................117
Martian Infantry ........................................................................126
Other Martian Machines .........................................................128
Static Defenses ...........................................................................128
The British Expeditionary Force ............................................138
British Technology....................................................................132
Choosing an Army for the Game ...........................................133
British Army Special Rules ......................................................133
BEF Organization Charts ........................................................134
The Infantry ................................................................................136
The Artillery ...............................................................................138
Armored Vehicles ......................................................................139
Other Equipment in BEF Service ..........................................144
PLAYING THE GAME .....................................................................148
Choose a Scenario.....................................................................148
The Tabletop Battlefield ...........................................................149
The Size of the Game ................................................................149
Choosing Forces ........................................................................149
Arranging the Scenery ..............................................................150
Breaking the Enemy Army ......................................................150
Calculating Victory ...................................................................150
Scenario 0 – The Encounter .................................................151
Scenario 1 – The Outskirts ...................................................152
Scenario 2 – The Bunkers......................................................153
Scenario 3 – The Cylinder.....................................................154
Scenario 4 – The Harvest ......................................................156
Scenario 5 – The Fortress ......................................................157
Scenario 6 – The Rescue........................................................158
Scenario 7 – The Ruins ..........................................................159
Scenario 8 – The Founder .....................................................160
Scenario 9 – The Excavation.................................................161
Scenario 10 – The Redoubt.....................................................162
THE COLOR OF WAR.....................................................................164
Painting a Tripod .......................................................................165
Painting Tanks............................................................................166
The Color of War – Human Forces........................................167
The Color of War – Civilians & Victims ...............................168
The Color of War – Drone Variants .......................................168
The Color of War – Big Machines ..........................................169
The Color of War – Buildings .................................................170
The Color of War – Vignettes .................................................172
Of Things to Come ...................................................................176
 A WORLD
AT WAR
★★★★★
T HE MARTIAN ATTACK of 1898 brought terrible
devastation to the city of London and set the course
of human history upon an altogether unexpected path.
Amongst the ruins of the greatest metropolis on Earth,
the Martians had – in the end – faltered and perished.
Everyone now knows that these invaders were overcome
not by the might of Queen Victoria’s armies, but by
nature’s own forces of disease and decay. Against these
mere microbes, the Martians’ superior minds could muster
no defense. Where mankind had failed, the smallest and
least significant of all Earth’s organisms had triumphed.
Although the Martian invasion shocked the world and
caused widespread panic in the days that followed, by
the early years of the twentieth century, many influential
thinkers were eager to proclaim the aliens a spent force.
These world leaders, industrialists and intellectuals
The Martian invaders cross the cold voids of space in metal
cylinders, launched from the surface of their world by gigantic
cannons. As they speed through the aether, these cylinders
become extremely hot. Once they land on Earth, they must
cool for many hours before the Martians are able to emerge.
Each cylinder carries three living occupants together with
their fighting machines and the devices they need to work and
survive in Earth’s atmosphere.
6
argued that the Martians had expended the last of their
dying energy in a futile attempt to conquer Earth. Their
case appeared to gain credulity as the years passed.
Careful observation of Mars revealed no discernible signs
of life. With the passing of time, the horrors that had
befallen London faded from memory. Fear of further alien
attack was gradually displaced by the humdrum concerns
of life and commerce.
It is sobering to reflect that most people were happy to
accept this misguided notion, as we now know it to have
been. The threat of further Martian aggression was simply
too horrific and too remote to worry about. In short, the
vast majority quailed at the mere thought of a second
invasion, choosing to dismiss the possibility rather than
acknowledge the potential danger. All over the world, only
a few visionaries continued to warn that the first attack
might have been a scouting foray, the precursor to a full-
scale invasion. They urged humanity to ready itself for war
or risk extermination. These men were commonly ridiculed
and all too often dismissed as alarmists and cranks.
Few even noticed the second wave of Martian cylinders
that fell to earth sometime around the end of 1908. Whether
by chance or – as now seems more likely – deliberate
intent, the invaders landed unseen in arid and far-flung
regions of the world. The Martians established themselves
secretly in places devoid of significant habitation or such
aids to civilization as the telegraph and wireless. The vast
empty spaces of the American Southwest, Africa, South
America, Australia and the Asiatic Steppes provided
ideal refuges from which to prepare an attack. As more
cylinders landed in the wilderness, the aliens slowly and
methodically began to construct their war machines. By
the time the Martian presence came to the attention of
the governments of Earth, it was already too late. The
invaders struck simultaneously from their redoubts across
the globe. The war between mankind and alien – the battle
for Earth that we now know as The Martian War – had
begun. That war continues to this day, more than six years
on, as the year 1914 draws to an end and humanity looks
to an uncertain and terrifying future.
Much of the planet fell at once to the Martian attack
and remains entirely under their control even now.
Little information comes from these blighted lands. It is
impossible to know if enclaves of human resistance still
linger in the cities of South America, the depths of Africa,
or the coasts of Australia; however, it seems increasingly

The news from abroad is grim. Gone are many of mankind’s
greatest and most densely populated cities – overrun during the
first Martian assault in the closing months of 1908. Cairo, Peking,
and Sao Paulo lie in smoldering ruins, their inhabitants scattered
or dead. Gone too are the great jungles of the Amazon and the
forests of Africa – burned by Martian Heat Rays and choked
beneath the all-pervasive Red Weed that grows in the wake of the
unlikely. As far as we know, these continents are now
entirely lost to mankind. In the regions where the invaders
rule unopposed, the Martian Red Weed spreads across
the land, choking the native vegetation and coloring
mountains, jungles and deserts a ghastly blood-red hue.
Up to this present day, Europe remains entirely free of the
invaders, as do the islands of Japan, much of southern
Asia, and the subcontinent of India where the Himalayas
stand as nature’s bulwark against the alien menace. The
battle lines are drawn across the steppes of Russia, the
deserts of the Middle East, and the plains of China, where
the gallant Japanese have taken a lead in the war against
the Martians. For reasons that can only be guessed at,
the Martians avoid the seas. The world’s oceans remain
secured by human navies, affording what is – for now at
least – a safe highway for the passage of reinforcements
and communications.
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A World At War
alien advance. In China, all semblance of government has broken
down, and the Japanese have taken command of the country’s
defense. In Russia, defeat in the east has inspired rebellion in
Moscow and St. Petersburg. In Sevastopol, the mutinous sailors
of the Black Sea fleet continue to defy the Tsar. The continents of
Australia, Africa and Central and South America must now be
considered entirely lost to the invaders.
Of the original landing sites, only North America has
not fallen completely to the enemy. This is due to the
endeavors of the armies and navies of the United States
and the ingenuity of American industry. Much of the
southwest succumbed to the enemy during the initial
attack, dividing the country into two heavily defended
bastions: west of the Rocky Mountains and east of the
Mississippi River. The war has continued ever since. Only
following the two crucial battles of St. Louis in the spring
of 1914 does the Martian assault appear to have lost its
unstoppable momentum. Perhaps the Martians have
finally reached the limit of their resources. Maybe they
have retired behind the crater-like walls of their redoubts
to rebuild their strength for another strike. Either way, the
momentary peace is a welcome respite for the fighting
men of America, and a chance to prepare for the battle to
come. For the moment at least, after six long years of war,
all is quiet on the Martian front.
A World At War

B ut now, with the undeniable upsurge of scientific

research, there is certainty of one thing at least.
Far away, separated by vast distance and the cold aether
of space, lies a covetous and malign intelligence: an
enemy possessed of powers once unimagined by human
science, and even now barely and only partially conceived.
Charles Scott Sherrington, Holt Professor of Physiology
Liverpool England 1901

8
 A World At War

the north american

theater of the martian war
Crossed swords represent these key battles:
Battle of Salt Lake – Martian Victory
Also known as the Salt Lake Massacre, there were no known human survivors
of this Martian victory.
Battle of Tucson – Martian Victory
This Martian victory saw the first confirmed appearance of an Overseer Tripod
in combat.
Battle of Calgary – Martian Victory
The Canadian Army is nearly destroyed by the Martians as they push north.
Battle of Denver – Martian Victory
The last of the US Western armies is destroyed and falls back to defend the
passes in the Sierra Madre finally stopping the Martian advance. It was known
as the Endless Retreat.
Battle of Tulsa – Martian Victory
The US army is nearly destroyed to a man in the first big resistance battle
against the Martians.
Battle of Shreveport – Martian Victory
The battle made famous for the last stand of the 91st and the closing of the
Louisiana Gap.
Battle of Memphis – Martian Victory
Memphis is destroyed as Tripods attack across the Mississippi.
Battle of St. Louis – US Victory
The US Army drives the Martians out of St. Louis. It is the first major US
victory. The effort is heavily supported by riverine operations of the US Navy.
Battle of Chicago – BEF/US Victory
The first use of Land Ironclads defeats the Martians north of Chicago near
Milwaukee and pushes the Martians back from the ruined city.

9
A World At War
THE INVADERS
Following the first invasion of 1898, the remains of
Martian machines were studied in great detail. Many
aspects of alien technology came to be at least partially
understood. As time progressed, it became possible to
make an estimation of Martian scientific capabilities. Of
the Martians themselves, and of the Red Weed that sprang
into growth around their landing sites, surprisingly little
remained to be examined. However, the bodies of several
partly-decayed Martians were recovered and preserved
for further investigation. Their dissection revealed much
about Martian physiology as well as the atmospheric and
environmental conditions that prevail upon their planet.
With the second invasion and the start of the Martian War,
more specimens soon fell into human hands, affording
further and more widespread study that continues with
great urgency to this day.
Thanks to the reporting of the war in the newspapers,
everyone is now familiar with the appearance of the
Martian Tripod war machines. The second wave of
Martian invaders brought with them a variety of machines
of differing sizes, though all similar in general appearance
and method of construction. The most common type
stands forty feet tall and carries a single Martian pilot
concealed beneath an armored hood that looks much like
a gigantic, roving eye. Beneath this hood hangs a number
of coiling appendages – tentacle-like and formed of bands
of metal both incredibly strong and dextrous. With these
a Martian can pick up even quite small objects or push
aside obstructions. Beside these appendages, the Tripod
10
has two larger arms that bear either the dreaded Martian
Heat Ray or some other equally devastating weapon. The
whole machine is carried along upon three tall legs in a
manner that, once witnessed, is instantly recognizable.
For, while such an arrangement might be imagined to
result in something resembling the gawky scuttling of a
crab or some such arthropod, nothing could be further
from the truth. A Tripod proceeds with an elegance and
ease of movement as well as a speed that – at its greatest
extent – reduces the machine’s image to a mere blur.
To those familiar with the biology of earthly creatures,
the physiology of the Martians presents a combination
of the commonplace and the entirely inexplicable. The
greatest exponents of the biological sciences continue to
debate many important aspects of Martian physiology and
evolution. A picture is beginning to emerge of a race as
far from human concerns and sensibilities as it is possible
to imagine. In appearance, the closest earthly creature is
the squid or octopus – though this resemblance must be
understood to be superficial and purely coincidental.
The bulk of the Martian body is formed of a bloated bag
covered by a tough, smooth outer skin. This structure
contains the creature’s brain, which alone makes up
over four-fifths of its weight. Internal cartilaginous
compartments divide the brain into distinct globular
segments, while also providing anchorage for such organs
as exist within the body cavity, and points of articulation
for the creature’s appendages. These structures lend a
roughly ovoid shape to the body itself. The Martian has
few readily identifiable internal organs aside from its
brain. It has no heart, no distinct digestive system, and
no reproductive organs recognizable as such. Its blood
vessels are diffuse and bound by thick spongiform walls,
which – it is speculated – fulfill the combined functions of
heart, lungs and digestive system. We now know all too
well how Martians feed directly upon the blood and other
bodily fluids of living creatures, sucking their prey dry
and absorbing the resultant liquor into their bloodstream.
A cursory examination soon reveals that the whole
Martian physiology is supremely adapted to support the
overdeveloped brain, and little else.
Externally, the Martian body has a pair of large, round, lidless
eyes which – lacking an iris and surrounding musculature
– maintain a fixed, death-like stare. The creature’s mouth
bears some passing resemblance to a parrot’s beak, though
the tissue is soft, yielding and enfolded. Martians appear
to both breathe and feed by means of this single orifice.
However, it is still unclear exactly how they breathe at
all. It is possible they derive at least a proportion of the
oxygen they require from the breakdown of food. To either
side of a Martian’s mouth are two pairs of coiling tentacles.
These appear to serve as a means of locomotion as well as
dexterity. The low gravity and thin atmosphere of Mars
means that movement there requires little in the way of
strength or exertion. As a consequence, these appendages
are rendered largely ineffective on Earth with its greater
gravity and denser atmosphere. Without the aid of their
machines, the Martians are reduced to hauling themselves
slowly and laboriously over the ground. To lift or carry
any kind of load, they must combine their efforts in short
bursts of activity that are followed by a period of stupor.

The armored hood encloses the pilot
and moves within the operations pod
like an eyeball, allowing the pilot to
survey the world around him.
The Martians cannot survive sustained exposure
to Earth’s dense atmosphere. Atmospheric
converters filter out carbon dioxide and reduce air
pressure to something more like that of Mars.
The two sturdy arms carry
heavy objects and weapons such
as the Heat Ray Projector.
The Tripods’ tentacles are used
to pick up objects, explore,
and push obstructions aside,
much as human arms.
Green Gas Grenades shatter and release their
deadly contents. The gas, being denser than air,
forms low-lying clouds. Green gas dissolves all
exposed flesh and will eat its way through organic
substances such as cloth and rubber.
technology led to several well-publicized accidents
The Martians’ most deadly weapon is
the Heat Ray Projector, against which
there is practically no defense.
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A World At War
Operations Pod. The Martian pilot is
protected from Earth’s harsh atmosphere
inside a sealed compartment.
Radium Engine. The secret power source of
the Martians. Attempts to copy this Martian
both in England and the United States.
Gyroscopic Stabilizers. Tripods are
able to remain balanced at all times
thanks to a system of gyroscopes like
the gimbals of a ship’s compass.
The Tripod
Tripod’s three legs allow it to
walk along at great speed and with
tremendous precision and control. Tripods
can move much faster than humans on
foot and faster than most vehicles.
Black Dust Launcher. The Black Dust is a
terrifying weapon that smothers its victims to death
– absorbing all the oxygen from the air and sucking
oxygen from the bodies of those it touches. A Tripod
can carry only a limited amount of Black Dust.
A World At War
MARS ATTACKS
The interception of the San Antonio cylinder in 1909
confirmed that the craft was identical to those used in
the first Martian Invasion in Britain. Each cylinder was
designed to carry only three Martians, together with the
prefabricated components of what are assumed to be
three machines. The inner walls of the cylinders were
themselves formed of machinery, the function of which
cannot be readily determined. This undoubtedly served
the Martians in the initial construction phase following
landing. In addition, it is worthy of note that within the
San Antonio cylinder were found the desiccated corpses
of some half dozen ape-like creatures: the mysterious
animals known to sustain Martian crews during their
journey through the aether.
From examination of the original landing sites west of
London, it is thought that the cylinders carried both war
and other machines, and that a group of three or more
cylinders comprised a coherent invasion force. Having
landed, the Martians would have quickly assembled
their Tripod machines, since they remained vulnerable
until their completion. Once they had built even a single
Tripod, the Martians roamed at will, and they would have
established a territory that was virtually unapproachable.
Next, the Martians began to build their various construction
and engineering machines, and the crater formed by the
cylinder as it landed was turned into a base of operations.
A mining and smelting device of some kind was likely the
first machine built. This enabled the Martians to refine
the raw materials needed to create more machines and to
continue to reinforce their landing site.
The San Antonio cylinder was unusual in that it landed
alone, and for this reason it is thought to have strayed from
its projected course due to circumstances unforeseen by
During the first battle of St. Louis, a Martian Tripod was decoyed
into a pit-trap, losing two of its legs to explosive charges, which
rendered it immobile. Fire from concealed Gun Tractors drove
off the remaining Tripods, leaving the cripple stranded. As the
artillerymen brought their guns forward to finish off the Martian,
they noticed the explosion had split the machine’s armored casing.
A faint wisp of pinkish vapor was seen to be leaking from the
12
its creators. Normally, a group of cylinders landed closely
together, and once each had established itself, the Martians
gathered to coordinate their efforts. Within a few weeks,
the original landing sites were abandoned, and a new
site established and expanded into a full-sized Martian
redoubt. Redoubts were permanent bases within which
the Martians constructed further machines, gathered the
human prisoners on which they fed, and raised defenses
that have so far proven invulnerable to attack.
It is difficult to even guess the number of redoubts
already built, but undoubtedly many hundreds have
been constructed beyond the original landing sites, and
more are being raised in the Martian territories every
day. It seems likely that individual redoubts cover a
network of underground tunnels that extend far below
the ground and surrounding territory. Once the Martians
have begun construction, it is not long before the foul Red
Weed spreads over the surrounding land, making even
observation of their activities difficult.
From the supposed locations of the original landing sites
and their subsequent activities, it appears the Martians
have chosen to establish themselves in the least densely
populated and most arid parts of the world. Indeed, they
seem to find water and excessive dampness a great obstacle,
though whether they will overcome this weakness in time
is impossible to say. The initial Martian attack rapidly
established control of almost half the landmass of Earth
before its momentum slowed sufficiently for human
forces to offer any resistance. Although the Martians have
attacked and destroyed many great cities, killing untold
millions, they have also suffered their greatest reverses in
battles amidst the ruins of cities such as St. Louis, Cairo
and Peking. Perhaps this is the reason the Martians have
chosen to expand beyond the immediate confines of
civilization, far away from the teeming urban regions of
the east coast of the USA and Western Europe.
resulting gash. The officer in charge told his gunners to hold their
fire while he was lowered on a rope to investigate the damage.
The recovery of functioning Martian technology is considered a
priority wherever possible, and this looked like a good opportunity
to capture at least part of the Tripod intact. Although dead
Martians had been recovered before, and the sight of the creatures
is no longer as shocking as it once was, the Lieutenant was
astonished to be confronted by a living Martian amongst the
wreckage of the machine’s controls.
The capture of the Martian presented Earth’s scientists with a
unique opportunity to examine a live specimen. Over the following
weeks, the creature gradually succumbed to its injuries, exposure
to the atmosphere and the attentions of its captors. But during that
time, much was learned or confirmed about Martian strengths,
susceptibilities, and sensory faculties. At no time was it possible
to communicate with the creature. It gave no sign of recognising
human speech or gesture, paying little attention to its surroundings
altogether. As to the Martian mind, motives, and objectives, it was
impossible to draw any conclusions. If the creature felt fear, hatred
or compassion for those who had rescued it from the wreckage of the
crippled Tripod, then it found no means to express it.

The pressing need to develop new weapons of war led to the rapid
development of Holt caterpillar tractors for military use. Although
versions were built with kerosene-burning combustion engines, it
was soon decided to press ahead with steam power, regarded by
the military as a more robust technology. Fears of the effects of the
Martian Heat Ray upon flammable fuel, the time it would take to
develop a sufficiently powerful combustion engine, and the great
number of existing boiler and railroad manufacturers capable of
making steam engines were all reasons to favor a steam-driven
vehicle. The Mk I Steamer became known as the ‘Tumbler’ after
the popular fairground attraction, suggesting something of the
uncomfortable, jarring ride inside what was essentially a gigantic
box made of armored plate. It was armed with a single cannon,
and carried its steam boiler outside of the armored cabin. It also
had an external coal-chute for refuelling in action – a feature that
would be carried over into future designs.
The Mk II Steamer was a vast improvement with more robust
tracks, drives, thicker armor and a newly developed and more
powerful gun. Manufactured at the Baldwin Locomotive
Engineering works, it soon became known as the Baldwin Tank.
The armor of the Mk 1, while good at deflecting the sweep of a
Heat Ray, was seen to melt like butter as soon as an attacker
13
A World At War
focused the weapon upon an individual target. The Mk II was
introduced during the 1911 Martian Offensive but arrived too
late to see service in the main campaigns in Kansas and Texas.
However, the new tank proved its worth during the period of
protracted skirmishing that followed the Martian victories of that
year. Mk II Steamer Tanks and Mobile Artillery based on the
Mk II chassis accounted for more Tripods’ destruction in the six
months to the end of 1912 than did anything else. The Mk II
continues to form the greatest part of the Steamer Tank Corps.
Constant detail improvements to the engines and drives have
resulted in a vehicle that is extremely reliable, though hardly any
more comfortable for its crews. As well as a stoker and engineer,
who must work in the cramped lower deck area, the vehicle’s
crew includes its Captain, Helmsman, Gunnery Officer, and two
artillerymen to operate the cannon. Space inside is incredibly
restrictive, and the heat from the engine inevitably permeates into
the crew area despite the externally mounted boiler.
Maximum Armor Thickness: 1½” Steel Plate
Maximum Speed: 8 mph
Armament: 4-inch gun
Crew: 7
A World At War
AMERICA
FIGHTS BACK
Today the whole world looks to America, whose armies
continue to defy the Martians after almost six years of war.
From American factories and workshops come weapons
of all kinds to combat the alien menace: guns, artillery,
armored tractors and the latest designs of aircraft – some
capable of carrying a man more than a hundred miles
in an hour. It is a rare week that passes without news of
some new weapon or other wondrous device from the
laboratories of our great industrialists and inventors.
Amongst those who have turned their boundless energies
to the defense of the nation are George Westinghouse,
Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Although
still to a large extent experimental, inventions such as the
latest Tesla Electronic Arc – dubbed the ‘Lightning Gun’
by the newspapers – stand as a sure indication of future
victory in the war for control of the world.
14
The armies that oppose the Martians along the Mississippi
and West Colorado Defense Lines are composed of battle-
hardened troops and led by men who have been fighting
the Martians for half a decade. In that time, the infantry
have become expert at devising ways to overcome the
Martian Tripods, often by means of traps and high
explosives, and sometimes by the simple expediency of
overwhelming them with numbers. The infantryman is
now equipped with a dust mask to protect him against the
Black Dust and Green Gas. Fortresses and other defenses
are armored with heat-resistant asbestos and thick layers
of reinforced concrete. Even the ruins of cities become
fortresses in the hands of human defenders, with numerous
underground tunnels and a maze of partially-collapsed
buildings where troops can hide from and outmaneuver
their alien opponents. The latest innovations include
asbestos armored suits and armored tractors bristling with
cannon. These are dubbed ‘tanks’ by the troops because of
their box-like bodies, which resemble the water tanks that
are such a feature of the military installations that now
dominate all large American cities.
 A World At War

15
 THE COURSE OF
THE MARTIAN WAR
★★★★★

1898 – The First Invasion 1898-1908 – The Preparedness Movement

The Martians launch an exploratory attack upon the
Earth, landing west of London. In the weeks that follow,
London and the surrounding areas are devastated by the
Martians and largely abandoned. British military forces
are initially swept aside, and have only just managed to
regroup to the north of London when the Martians sicken
and die – overcome by the weakening effect of the Earth’s
atmosphere and the agents of disease to which they are
exposed for the first time.
Immediately following the ’98 attacks, the broken sewers,
large number of unburied bodies, and general ruin of
London leads to an outbreak of cholera, typhoid and other
fatal diseases. Many Londoners who survive the war die
in the epidemic that follows. Prominent members of the
Royal Family, government and military are amongst the
dead. The US Relief Expedition, under the command of
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, arrives in England from
Cuba within days of the Martian collapse. The Americans
are to play a major role in the
evacuation of London and the
rebuilding work that follows.

THE WORLD WATCHES AS Despite the disaster that overtakes

MARTIANS DEVASTATE LONDON
I T IS IMPOSSIBLE to underesti-
mate the profound changes in the
course of human history that fol-
lowed as a result of the Martian inva-
sion of the earth in the late summer
of the year 1898. At first the news
that an alien invader had struck at
the greatest and most populous city
upon earth, wreaking destruction of
a hitherto unimagined scale upon
London, was met with incredulity
and disbelief. Indeed, scarce had
reports of events in England reached
the wider world than they were fol-
lowed by the news of the destruction
of the Martians.
Not all who heard that news
greeted it with unqualified celebra-
tion. There were many amongst the
enemies of Britannia who secretly
hoped to profit from a weakening of
British power. In Russia, the forces of
the Tsar massed, ostensibly to resist
any Martian landings in the wastes of
Siberia, but coincidentally placed to
march into India: for many years, the
ultimate prize in The Great Game.
France, whose citizens had witnessed
the refugees of London pour into her
northern harbors, was the first to
mobilize her armies. Yet never was
any thought given to aid the plight
of their neighbors across the channel.
French arms were mustered in order
to defend the French nation itself - for
recent rivalries in Africa culminating
in the Fashoda incident had brought
the two powers to the brink of war.
In Germany, the Kaiser nursed his
own ambitions. Doubtless he wept few
tears on behalf of the British, whose
fleets ruled the waves and who held
the balance of world power much to
Germany’s disadvantage.
No - the divided and ambi-
tious powers of Europe, though they
rejoiced at the victory of humanity,
might perhaps have rejoiced all the
louder had the Martians survived
long enough to bring about the
destruction of the British Empire and
its fleets.
London, the possibility of a second
Martian attack is not taken seri-
ously in most countries. There is
little consideration of Earth’s
defense outside of a small circle
of scientists and forward-thinking
politicians. Their ideas establish
the Preparedness Movement in the
United States. Theodore Roosevelt
is the leading exponent of this
policy. When he becomes President
in 1901, Roosevelt initiates the
Martian Defense Program. Those
who oppose him argue that the
danger posed by the Martians is
imaginary and the punitive cost of
the Defense Program unnecessary.
Many of Roosevelt’s measures are
compromised as a result of politi-
cal in-fighting.
Meanwhile, in England, investiga-
tion of the Martian machines leads
to the rapid development of new
science and technologies. Having
suffered such grievous damage
from the first Martian attack, the
British government is determined
to defend the Empire against the
threat of further invasion. These
preparations include the devel-
opment of fortifications, powerful
weapons, new types of aerial craft,

16

and bigger, more heavily-armored ships. This buildup
of armed might raises considerable distrust amongst
European powers. The French and Germans in particular
perceive British military strength as a growing threat to
their own ambitions in Africa, Asia, and the Near East.
However, relations between Britain and the United
States of America enter a new age of mutual trust as both
governments concentrate their efforts on preparing to face
a second invasion.
1908 – The Last Year of Peace
Ten years after the first Martian attack, fears of further
invasion are receding everywhere. In America, Roosevelt’s
Martian Defense Program is coming under increased
pressure from anti-military activists. These so-called anti-
alarmists point to the political implications of maintaining
an enlarged army, and the ruinous expense of constructing
defenses around many of the country’s largest cities.
Elsewhere in the world, French, German and Russian
armies mass against the borders of the British Empire in
what appears to be a coordinated prelude to open war.
Sometime towards the end of the year, the second Martian
invasion begins with unobserved landfalls in isolated
regions throughout the world. In December 1908, the
Martians launch a simultaneous attack across the globe.
17
The Course of the Martian War
1908-1909 – The Second Invasion
The Martians strike from positions established in out-
of-the-way regions throughout the world. Within a
matter of weeks, they occupy much of the planet. Many
of humanity’s oldest and largest cities are destroyed in
the fighting. The armies sent to defend them are swept
aside. By mid 1909, most of South and Central America
lies under Martian control. Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo
and Buenos Aires are the most notable cities that still hold
out. The Martians appear reluctant to press forward into
these large and sprawling built-up areas following the
substantial losses incurred during the battle of São Paulo
in June.
It is a similar story in Australia, where the extensive
fortifications of Sydney and Adelaide are turned into
refuges against Martian attack. The rest of the country is
rapidly overrun. Africa falls from two Martian thrusts –
one from the mid-Sahara and the other from the deserts
of German Southwest Africa. Dakar in French West Africa
holds out thanks to towering defenses recently built to
resist the British. Cairo becomes the scene of an intense
battle lasting until August, when the city falls to Martian
forces from Arabia. One of the largest concentrations of
Martians is in Siberia, from where they sweep southwards
through Manchuria, laying waste to Peking. Russia comes
under attack from the same region, resulting in the retreat
The Course of the Martian War
of the Tsar’s eastern armies to Turkmenia, east of the
Caspian Sea.
In the United States, the Martians land in New Mexico
Territory. The invaders quickly occupy most of the
American Southwest as well as Mexico and Central
America. By the summer of 1909, the Martians reach the
Canadian border from North Dakota, effectively dividing
the United States in two. Although many towns are
overrun during the first phase of the attack, most of the
population is successfully removed to safety ahead of the
aliens’ advance, thanks to evacuation plans conceived as
part of the Martian Defense Program.
1909-1910 – The Phony Victory
In the final months of 1909, the Martians’ advance comes
to an unexpected halt. Martian machines that had roamed
throughout human territories during the previous months
suddenly disappear. The Red Weed, which had spread in
the wake of the Martian advance, begins to die back and
retreat. Everywhere throughout the world, the story is the
same. It looks very much like a repeat of the earlier war
– as if the Martians are falling prey to the same biological
agents that overcame the original invaders. Alas, this
proves a false hope. As human forces begin to probe
Martian-held areas, they are met and destroyed by metal
sentinels. In fact, the Martians are retrenching: building
new redoubts in territories under their control. Though
none could know, the invaders are indeed dying, but in
the meantime they have produced a fresh generation of
earth-born Martians. This second generation of Martians
proves far more resilient to conditions on Earth. During this
period of respite, fortifications are raised, weapons built,
18
1. The Base for Operations for the BEF
Special Services Officer T.E. Lawrence, or
popularly known as ‘Lawrence of Arizona’.
He leads clandestine activities throughout the
southwest but works with Native American
tribes, particularly the Apaches, in the deserts
of New Mexico and Arizona. They cause
considerable disruption in Martian territory.
2. The Battle of Abilene. The Texas Army
fought a major battle at Abilene as the
Martians were descending on Shreveport.
The losses on the Texas side were nearly 80%,
but the Martians eventually withdrew to the
original line in the west.
3. The Pecos Pocket. This area saw nearly
constant back and forth conflict and was
where the highest concentration of Texas
forces were located
4. This area was lightly held by the Martians
up to the Rio Grande but was also the
operating area for Pancho Villa and the
Mexican resistance.
5. This shaded area represents the territory
gained by the Martian attack on Shreveport
which eventually led to the closure of the
‘Louisiana Gap’.
and armies recruited. Raids into the Martian territories
identify the location of some redoubts. These prove to be
too well-defended to approach, let alone to attack. Attempts
at bombardment with long-range artillery are met with
Martian sallies that quickly put an end to further efforts.
1911-1912 – The Time of the Red Weed
In the early months of 1911, the Martians renew their
advance from territories occupied in the previous year.
As a result, the last cities of Africa and South America
fall to the Martians. Australia is overrun. The Martians
press into the Middle East, southwards into China, and
westwards towards the Russian steppes. As the Martians
advance, the Red Weed begins to flourish once more, and
soon even human-controlled regions begin to show signs
of infestation. So far, Europe remains free of the Martian
menace. Many European governments are still convinced
that the Martians will succumb in the same way as the first
invaders. The British are heavily engaged in the defense
of India, and also in the Middle East, where they fight
alongside the Turks.
In America, the Martians advance as far as the Mississippi
in the east and the Rockies in the west, but their progress
is slowed significantly by the presence of fortified bastions
such as Des Moines, Kansas City and Austin, Texas, where
battles rage throughout the summer and fall of 1911.
American troops employ ambush tactics, making skillful
use of ruins to hide and prepare pit-traps and mines. This
leads to significant Martian losses. Kansas City is declared
indefensible by September. During a lull in the fighting, the
city is abandoned, and most of the remaining population
and much of the army escape.
 The Course of the Martian War

Battle of Edmonton
This was the first Canadian victory against the Martians. The Canadian
Defense line held as the Martians struggled with the frigid temperatures
and heavy snow fall.
Battle of Calgary
The Battle of Calgary was nothing more than a speed bump for the
Martians on their advance towards Edmonton. The Canadians knew they
were doomed and sacrificed Calgary to buy time in bolstering the defenses
for Edmonton, which proved beneficial in the end.
Battle of Thunder Bay
The Martians used a three-prong strategy in their Canadian advance,
hitting west and east simultaneously with a third force advancing up the
middle. The Defence Forces were able to hold the Martians at Thunder
Bay for six days before dwindling supplies and resources forced a retreat.
The Martians burned Thunder Bay to ash as they pushed forward and
further east.
Battle of Winnipeg
The second victory for the Canadians was a costly one, with nearly three-
fourths of the forces stationed in Winnipeg falling while routing the Martians.
Battle of Thompson
After the defeat at Edmonton, the Martians regrouped and changed
direction east toward Thompson. The devastation to the surrounding
countryside and outlying villages was massive. Thompson fell in a matter
of hours and the Martians have paused there, deciding where to strike next.

19
The Course of the Martian War
HOUSTON
DESTROYED
Texas Falls To Martians
Only yesterday America was shaken to its founda-
tions by the news of the fall of Fort Worth and the
loss of General Frederick Funston together with the
Army of Texas. Now we must add to the grim tally
of defeat the destruction of the city of Houston.
Tonight Houston burns and Martian Tripods roam
at will through the blazing streets. Throughout the
day, many thousands fled eastward or headed south
to Galveston from where a flotilla of crowded boats
has taken many to safety. No details are known as
yet of the fate of the Army of Texas itself, only
that the radiotelegraph fell silent yesterday evening
after reporting the death of General Funston as he
led an attack upon one of the Martian machines.
Also in 1911, a Martian foray through the Khyber Pass is
met and repulsed by an Anglo-Indian Army. Although
the Martians are few, and the incursion undoubtedly
a scouting mission rather than a full-blown attack, the
Battle of the Khyber becomes celebrated in England as
the first victory over the Martian invaders. The British
commander General Haig is dubbed Lord Haig of Kabul
by a grateful nation.
The Martians occupy Mesopotamia and the Levant, but
are successfully held at the Taurus Mountain passes by
the Turkish army in the last months of 1911. In China, the
Japanese defend the Yellow River Line as far as Xi’an. The
defense of Puyang – heavily fortified by the Japanese in
the previous year – draws in a large portion of the Martian
forces. Just as in the ruins of Kansas City, the Martians
find it difficult to adapt to the close fighting, and many
Tripods are destroyed as a result. Although Puyang is all
but flattened, its ruins remain a base of operations for the
Japanese army, and the Martians withdraw in December.
1912 brings no slowdown in the Martian advance, which
continues apace in regions that are undefended or only
lightly so. In the Russian steppes, the Martians reach as
far as the Caucasus in the west and Persia in the south.
In America, attacks in the eastern sector practically cease,
but in the west the Martians advance through Arizona.
The ruins of Phoenix (destroyed in the early months
of 1909) are reoccupied by the military and turned
into an armed bastion. The Battle of Phoenix is a long
and bloody affair that lasts until the summer, when all
communication from the beleaguered garrison ends. By
the fall, Tripods are seen ranging as far as the Western
Colorado Defense Line. Troops in California’s eastern
20
outworks come under sporadic attack for the rest of the
year and into 1913. The fortifications hold out, giving the
defenders time to strengthen the bastion of Los Angeles
and begin construction of the new Southern California
Defense Line.
In March of 1912, British troops arrive in New York – the
first contingent of the British Expeditionary Force sent to
further the war effort against the Martian peril. It is led
by General Haig of Kabul, and includes many veterans of
the battles in northern India. Canadian troops are already
fighting alongside the Americans in the Great Lakes and
Missouri defense works.
1913-1914 – The Second
Peace and Martian Offensive
By the spring of 1913, the Martians enter a second phase
of retrenchment: building their numbers in preparation
for the next big push. By this time, it is well understood
that the Martians operate from gigantic bases commonly
referred to as ‘redoubts.’ Redoubts are formed within huge
craters excavated into – and probably far beneath – the
earth. Scientists observing Martian behavior suggest that
the Martians progress in a manner comparable to social
insects, forming a network of ‘mother and daughter’ nests,
which are collectively dubbed ‘pods’.
Each Martian redoubt acts as the focal point in a territory
much as a nest of ants. Once the territory reaches a size
the redoubt can no longer sustain, daughter-colonies are
founded in the form of new redoubts, and so the pod
expands from the centre. Some observers speculate that
the process of establishing a new redoubt includes a
breeding phase, in which a new generation of Martians is
created. This idea is known as the ‘Martian Colonization
Hypothesis’ and it is not universally accepted. The
theory maintains that the original invaders were much
weakened by conditions on Earth, having no natural
immunity to diseases and other agents of decay. This
meant they soon died. In the case of the invasion of 1898,
the Martians died before they had a chance to produce a
second generation. However, the Martians are gradually
acclimatizing to Earth’s conditions and gaining some
immunity. Each new generation is stronger, more
numerous and longer-lived. Opponents of the theory
argue it is inconceivable that creatures of such obvious
intelligence and technical ability could possibly develop
such acute mental skills within a life span of just a year or
two. Until more is known of Martian physiology, this will
remain a topic of controversy.
The period known as The Second Peace lasts until the
early fall of 1913. During these months, American
industrialists develop many new weapons and continue
to work on improved versions of aircraft and armored
tractors. These are dubbed ‘tanks’ by the troops because
of their resemblance to the angular metal water tanks
that are now a common sight in the heavily fortified cities
of America. Asbestos armor is invented which – while
not impervious to Heat Rays – provides some degree of
protection. In England, research into Martian technology
leads to the production of the first Radium Engine. By

the end of the year, the American army is better prepared
to face the Martians than ever before. In the White
House, Roosevelt takes office for a fourth term under the
provisions of the new Martian Emergency Amendment.
As the de facto leader of the human alliance, his standing
has never been higher.
The Martian Offensive of 1913/1914 sees the greatest
concentration of Martian war machines up to that time.
In Texas, General Frederick Funston is killed during the
battle for Fort Worth. The Martians attack and destroy
Houston, and the defenders are driven back through
Louisiana. Further north, the Mississippi Line is breached
at Memphis, and the Martians roam freely throughout
western Tennessee. However, thanks to heavily-fortified
bastions, such as Jackson, and deep defense lines stretching
all the way to the Tennessee River, the Martian advance
is successfully contained. Many Tripods and other war
machines fall to the new weapons, or are hunted down
and destroyed by mobile Rough Rider squadrons.
Elsewhere in the world, the Martians make substantial
gains. The Japanese fall back to Nanking, while alien
machines ravage China to the north of the Yangtze River.
The Russians are driven from the oil-rich Caspian region
onto the formidable Volga defenses. Millions are killed
defending the Baku oil fields. Martian losses are also
very heavy. In India, the Martians advance as far as the
Ganges, from which the Indian army refuses to retreat
despite mounting causalities. In Turkey, sporadic fighting
continues throughout the eastern region of Cappadocia.
In May 1914, a combined army of Americans, Canadians
and the British Expeditionary Force succeeds in holding
St. Louis against a massive Martian assault. Hundreds
of Tripods are destroyed in the fighting, and the main
21
The Course of the Martian War
defenses of the city remain intact after almost ten days
of fighting. It is the first unequivocal defeat of a full-
scale Martian attack. President Roosevelt delivers his
famous St. Louis address, ending with the much-quoted
proclamation, “The Martians can be and will be overcome!”
In June, the Martians renew their attack on the city, and
this time they succeed in breaching the defenses, despite
suffering losses almost as great as during the first battle.
Their success is attributed to the use of Martian Lobototon
Troopers – ghastly corpse-soldiers controlled by Martian
masters. Following the fall of St. Louis, the allied army
retreats onto the Illinois-Indiana Defenses – a complex of
heavily-fortified cities and towns, including Chicago and
Indianapolis, linking to the Wabash and Tennessee Lines.
Although the Martians succeed in breaching the heavily-
defended Mississippi, where General Pershing had hoped
to bring a halt to their advance, the prolonged fighting
drains the invaders’ resources. The Martians make no
attempt to consolidate east of the river. As a result, the
action on the Mississippi front becomes intermittent from
the early summer, with regular skirmishing between
Martian and human forces, but no further attempts to
breach the defense lines. Throughout the world, the
Martian advance comes to an end by the middle of the year,
and the invaders begin to retrench once more. However,
unlike the periods of peace that followed previous Martian
offensives, this time the invaders maintain limited probing
attacks into human-held territory. These incursions place
considerable strain on human resources, and prove a
serious hindrance to further construction work. There is
no doubt the Martians are beginning to understand their
opponents, and are evolving strategies of their own. It is
a sobering thought for all who wait and prepare for the
next Martian assault that must surely come in a matter of
months – if not sooner.
The Course of the Martian War
The Battle for Memphis
I n the early pre-dawn hours of May 23rd 1914,
outside of Memphis Tennessee, the fog over the
Mississippi River shone a strange blue from the newly
positioned arc lights of the fortifications. Alerted by a
steady increase of waves along the eastern shore, the
searchlights identified a huge line of Tripods wading
through the deep water. The first was spotted at mid-
stream with its hood just barely poking above the
surface despite its vast height. Within minutes, the
shore batteries opened up, but it would be in vain.
The Martians were making the largest attack seen
along the Mississippi Front to date.
The US Army, under the command of General
Lee Sweeney, fought gallantly against the attack,
but the numbers of Martians and their superior
weapons were all but unstoppable. For every
22
Tripod that fell to the emplaced guns along the for-
tification line, hundreds of men and vehicles were
destroyed. Sweeney himself was killed in the late
afternoon when his command bunker endured a
saturation barrage from Dominator and Grenadier
Tripods. He was the 24th American general to lose
his life in direct combat.
The civilian population of Memphis had
surged during the last six months of relative
peace, busy supporting the army and assisting
in the construction of the defense works. Unfor-
tunately, the Martians’ attack created a flood of
fleeing civilians that clogged the Memphis streets
and made reinforcement maneuvers extremely
difficult for the other American forces, especially
the 45th Armored Battalion moving in from its
bivouac near Shiloh.
As the large number of fleeing
civilians and troops from the river
fortifications mixed with the reverse
pressure of new forces trying to reach
the breakthrough, the resulting con-
gestion became utter chaos when the
Martian Harvesters appeared. Dozens
of them waded through the burning
ruins of the city and down the crowded
avenues. Untold numbers of human
beings were gathered and processed
by the Martian machines. Within
twenty-four hours, Sweeney’s original
command was effectively destroyed
and more than three quarters of the
population of the city and its outskirts
were dead, harvested, or caught by the
Gatherer Machines.
Days later, the staccato bark of
machine-guns and the pop of rifles
could still be heard on occasion as
the last survivors battled against the
Martians amongst the ruins of the for-
tification and the city. Martian Drones,
Lobototons, and their Slaver Tripod
masters hunted them out. By the end of
the week following the attack, the only
sounds left in Memphis were the calls
of carrion birds and the humming and
clanking of Martian machines at work.
Memphis had fallen. The Martian Big
Push had come at last.
 The Course of the Martian War
1. Martian forces are
spotted at night wading
the deep river. The tops of
the Tripods can barely be
seen as they cross under
cover of darkness. The
battle begins.

2. Intense fighting
throughout the city.
Refugees clog the main
arteries trying to escape,
hampering reinforcements
from arriving.

3. The Martian advance

stops near Jackson,
Tennessee. The Martian
forces have now managed
a large beachhead on
the eastern side of the
Mississippi.

23
The Course of the Martian War
NEW YORK HERALD
MISSISSIPPI
LINE BREACHED
R ICHARD H ARDING D AVIS
Here in Jackson Tennessee, the
early hours of a beautiful spring
morning were cruelly shattered by
the inhuman wail of Martian sirens.
Heat Rays and clouds of Black Dust
struck down many as they stirred
from sleep. The Martian attack
crossed the defenses of the Mis-
sissippi Line before daybreak and
overran Memphis. That beleaguered
city, already largely abandoned fol-
lowing the catastrophic Mississippi
floods of March, now lies in ashen
ruin. Losses amongst the Martians
M O R N I N G E D I T I O N , M O N D AY , M AY 25 T H , 1914
are believed to be substantial, with
at least a dozen machines falling
to artillery and trap-mines as they
waded almost submerged across
the river. It appears the Martian
Tripods, normally so rapid in their
movements, were greatly slowed by
the deep water, enabling them to
be picked out by powerful electric
searchlights in the darkness and
targeted by our guns.
According to military sources
hereabouts, survivors from the
Martian push continue to reach the
eastern bulwarks from the Shiloh
bastion as far as Clarksville,
where the 1st Army is reported
making a stand. Meanwhile, here
in Jackson, the battered 3rd Army
Corps regroups behind the city’s
24
defense lines and prepares to face
another Martian assault. Where or
when that assault will come none
can say. Many military observ-
ers reckon the Martians too few
in numbers to threaten Jackson’s
mighty defenses.
Despite the breach of the Mis-
sissippi defense lines, the Martian
offensive has been successfully
held west of the Tennessee river.
General Pershing’s strategy of
defense in depth, ably carried out
by General Jonathan Beer, com-
manding the Central Division,
appears vindicated yet again. Pres-
ident Roosevelt’s faith in his young
Achilles can only be strengthened
by this latest encounter with the
Martian Menace.

THE GREEN
DEATH
R ICHARD H ARDING D AVIS
In Jackson, more survi-
vors of the fighting along the
Mississippi continue to reach
the city by the hour. Yet, as our
brave military prepares to face
Martian attack, even the weari-
est find time to attend services
and to thank the Lord for the
deliverance of so many feared
lost during yesterday’s battles.
The military here are
claiming losses suffered during
the Martian breakthrough may
not be as great or as damaging
as at first estimated. Many
are putting this down to the
new respirators and dust-suits
issued to front-line troops, and
to the asbestos armor plating
now used as standard in the
construction of bunkers and
other defense works.
New York Herald, Final Edition, May 25 1914
NEW YORK HERALD
MARTIANS
MOVE NORTH
R ICHARD H ARDING D AVIS
Today’s news from Jackson is
that the bulk of Martian forces
have now moved northwards,
though small formations of enemy
machines continue to roam east
of the Mississippi and throughout
Western Tennessee.
Isolated Martian Tripods
have been en-gaged by 3rd Army
reverses from behind the Tennes-
see Line, and no fewer than three
The Course of the Martian War
Eyewitnesses to the
attack bring reports of a new
Martian weapon: a glowing
green cloud of gaseous acid
that dissolves everything it
touches. In the early hours of
May 24th, the Martians used
this gas to overcome front-line
fortifications and breach the
outer defenses of the Missis-
sippi Line.
One unsubstantiated ac-
count tells how an entire bat-
talion of Rough Riders was
observed advancing into one
of these green clouds. Those
men were never to be seen
again. If true, this is a de-
velopment that our scientists
will no doubt wish to study
at first hand. The wreckage
of several Tripods destroyed
by the 1st Army during the
retreat from Memphis has al-
ready been brought into Jack-
son where, no doubt, it will
be examined for clues as to
the nature of this latest and
deadly weapon.
th
E V E N I N G E D I T I O N , W E D N E S D AY , J U LY 1 S T , 1914
are claimed destroyed by means of
the new and much vaunted Tesla
Electric Arc.
on the Mississippi front, now aban-
doned to the invaders. Though
it may be too early to be cer tain of
This is the latest wonder
weapon developed by the resource-
Mar tian intentions, developments
over the last few days suggest a
ful Mr. Nikola Tesla and has been strong nor thwards thrust behind
dubbed the ‘lightning gun’ by its the Mississippi, threatening to cut
crews. By all accounts the destruc- off the for tresses of the Central
tive energy of the astonishing Mississippi region. If so, there
weapon exceeds even the expec- now seems little likelihood of
tations of its creator, blasting its holding the Mar tians south of St.
target to incandescent vapor in a Louis itself.
fraction of a second. With the fall of Memphis the
Mar tians are repor ted as whole Mississippi line may yet
having successfully forced a prove indefensible and – if so – the
crossing of the Ohio at Paducah, implications for the defenders of St.
a major supply base for operations Louis are grim indeed.
25
The Course of the Martian War
SHREVEPORT AND THE CLOSING
OF THE LOUISIANA POCKET
“Remember the 91st!” has become the battle cry of the
forces of the Southern Command. The fighting spirit of
the Lone Star State, now the Republic of Texas, received
much justified attention during the early years of the
war. The free parts of the US heard numerous reports
of the daring and bravery of the Texas forces fighting the
Martians. In the last, major unoccupied territory west
of the Mississippi, the Martians faced stiff resistance,
but calculated that cutting off Texas from the rest of the
human armies was the best strategy to defeat Texas.
This battle for territory became known as the Louisiana
Pocket. While ultimately the Martians achieved their aim
of cutting off Texas from any form of land transportation,
the Last Stand at Shreveport will undoubtedly be
remembered as the most valiant last stand in American
and, indeed, human history.
Shreveport, Louisiana was, in essence, a typical small
southern town before the war, but once the attacks began,
it became vitally important as a rail transportation hub
and staging area for supplies of men and materiel being
forwarded to the Texas Theater. In 1911 the Southern
District Commander, General Charles St. Clair, saw the
26
value of Shreveport and convinced his commanding
officer, Central Division Commander General Jonathan
Beer, that immediate and intensive steps should be taken
to fortify the city. After twelve months of construction on
a speed and scale never before seen in any southern state,
the Shreveport Redoubt was completed.
A massive work of reinforced concrete bunkers, trench
lines, minefields, underground barracks, ammunition
storage facilities, and fire resistant warehousing were
constructed. Miles of the new Edison electrified wire was
strung. Protective pits for the rapid emplacement of steam
tanks and other heavy weapons were dug and reinforced
everywhere throughout the area. Miles of completely
buried tunnels and shelters were constructed below the
city itself. One of its many marvels was a rail marshaling
yard, dug below the surface of the ground and covered
with steel and concrete. In more peaceful times it would
have been recognized as one of the greatest engineering
achievements since the Panama Canal. The Shreveport
Redoubt seemed invincible. No less than six armored
battalions, which represented half of the Southern Districts
armored vehicle resources, were based there.
When the Martians started pushing down toward
Shreveport, General St. Clair took personal command
of the redoubt and most of the civilian population was
immediately evacuated by train eastward. The same trains
coming to collect the civilian refugees arrived loaded with
additional ammunition and several newly trained and
formed battalions as reinforcements, one of which would
later become the now famous 91st.
The Martians reached the Shreveport Redoubt on the
afternoon of June 7th, 1914. Their attack began with a
massed bombardment of Black Dust and high explosive
barrages. The redoubt had been well conceived and well
constructed. The very thickness of the walls resisted the
worst of the high explosives. Massive ventilation fans and
the anti-gas equipment of the troops kept the Black Dust
casualties to a minimum. The bombardment lasted for two
full days and while the sheer awe of it caused casualties
due to “Martian Shock”, the fighting resistance of the
redoubt was relatively unaffected.
The Martians followed the bombardment with a heavy
assault at key points of the defenses with waves of Assault
Tripods. The mine fields, Edison wire and pit traps slowed
the Martian advance down, and the massive guns of the
American forces started to take their toll on the Martian
machines. After three failed attempts, the Martians pulled
back with great loss. The bombardment began again. For
the next couple of days, the assault continued with little
real effect. The US forces were beginning to feel that the
Martians were incapable of defeating the defenses, just as
General St. Clair had proclaimed upon their completion.
 The Course of the Martian War
1. The Siege of Shreveport.
This battle is famous for
the last stand of the 91st.
All the US forces were
destroyed, but it stopped
the main Martian thrust
long enough for forces to
consolidate and for the navy
to get assets in place on the
Mississippi and along the
Gulf Coast.

2. Battle of Natchez.
Riverboats and hastily
built fortifications stopped
the Martians on the
Mississippi. Land Ironclads
lent heavy support from the
Mississippi side.

3. The Bayou Battle. The

combination of the swamps
and off-shore naval support
stopped the Martian
approach to New Orleans.
Civilian volunteers using
elaborate visual signal
relays help direct the naval
fire from hundreds of tiny
boats in the bayou.

4. The Gulf Fleet gathered

and bombarded the
Martians along the coast
for three days, ultimately
driving them back beyond
the range of the big guns.

Then, on June 12th, the bombardment stopped and
silence fell across the entire redoubt. An Overseer Tripod
appeared on the horizon. The defenders held their breath.
After a few moments, it turned away and disappeared.
Cheers started to ring out all along the fortifications,
church bells, and mess bells began to ring. It seemed
the humans had held out. The Martians were giving up.
Then a dark line appeared. A mass of small objects was
gathering in a complete circle around the entire redoubt.
The cheers and bells gradually fell silent as the mass of
moving objects could be seen and word spread. The dark
mass was closing in and it wasn’t long before the powerful
telescopes and binoculars of the command towers could
determine what this new threat was – Martian Drones and
Lobototons, the living dead “infantry” of the invaders.
They were in numbers unseen before and they just kept
coming from all directions.
The mines and the pits killed many. The hundreds of
machine-guns fired and fired and fired. Flame turrets –
“heat guns”- spat walls of fire at the advancing horde. The
Lobototons and Drones died in droves but yet they kept
coming. In several places along the walls, the bodies of
the machines and the dead began to pile up and up, until
eventually the piles reached the tops of the walls. More and
more kept coming and used the ramps of the dead to reach
the top – the Martian foot troops were breaking through
here and there, overwhelming the defenders. Just as the
first drones and Lobototons made it past the outer defenses,
the Assault Tripods appeared again, striding forward over
the dead and living attackers without restraint.
To General St. Clair, it was crushing news. The redoubt,
despite all the effort, the planning, the bravery of the
forces, was going to fall. A withdraw plan would
have to be created. With careful consideration, it was
determined that the only path of retreat was to lead as
many men as possible out through the underground
rail yard tunnel towards the east. A rearguard action
would have to be fought within the city and redoubt
itself to get as many men through the tunnel as they
could. Colonel Daniel Dempsey, commander of the
new 91st armored battalion, volunteered his unit for
the duty.
Of the thousands of men occupying the Shreveport
Redoubt, in the end, only a few hundred managed to
escape. Many of them, the last to make it out, tell of how
the survivors of the 91st, with Dempsey and St. Clair
commanding them to the last, battled the Lobototon and
Drone hordes to the last man.
The fall of Shreveport was, of course, a mighty blow to the
Southern District. Half of the army was lost, but due to the
heroic efforts of all the men there, especially the 91st and
St. Clair himself, the Martians were delayed long enough
for the navy to gather its forces along the Mississippi and
stop the Martian advance – the Louisiana Pocket had been
closed. Texas was cut off, except by sea, from the rest of
the unoccupied east, New Orleans remained untouched,
and the Martians had been ultimately stopped. The 91st
and the Last Stand at Shreveport would inspire millions to
continue to resist.

27
The Course of the Martian War

I
t is doubtful if America would have survived the early years of the war without the extraordinary leadership
and boundless energy of the man who has championed the fight against the Martians since the very first:
Theodore Roosevelt.
Roosevelt learned of the Martian invasion of England whilst in Cuba fighting the Spanish. He took ship with a
rapidly organised contingent of U.S. troops. Amongst these troops were the famous Rough Riders - the victors of
San Juan Hill - under their commander Leonard Wood. Another young officer and veteran of San Juan Hill was First
Lieutenant John Pershing. His gallantry in that battle had impressed all who witnessed it. The improvised U.S. relief
force did not arrive in London until the end of the immediate crisis, but it was to play a vital role helping to restore
order to a stricken nation whose government and most vital institutions had been all but destroyed. During these
months, Roosevelt witnessed at first hand the devastation wrought upon England by the Martians. The American
troops stayed for many months, enduring the outbreaks of cholera and typhus that killed many who had survived
the Martian attack itself. Everywhere Roosevelt went he impressed with his selfless energy and determination.
Roosevelt’s experience in England did much to convince him of the need for all of the governments of Earth to work
together to defend the planet against further attack. When he returned to America, he campaigned for re-armament
as well as the development of new weapons to fight a potential Martian attack. Few foreign governments paid
much heed to the lesson of London – preferring to imagine the Martians a spent force. The British and Americans
were almost alone in recognizing the danger. From these foundations an alliance was formed between the British
Empire and the United States: an alliance that was unthinkable only a few short years before.

28

The Philadelphia Inquirer
VOL 85 NO 185
VICTORY AND
DEFEAT IN ST. LOUIS
All of America and many
around the world celebrated the
Great Victory at St. Louis in May
of this year and with good cause.
Future historians will undoubt-
edly remember President Roos-
evelt’s speech, on the very edge of
the battlefield under the burning
Martian Tripods, as a key turning
point in this Martian War. For the
first time in this bloody conflict,
American armed forces, together
with our British and Canadian
allies, inflicted a shattering and
unequivocal defeat upon the
Martian invaders. This First Battle
of St. Louis was without doubt the
most significant victory ever to be
won in pursuit of human liberty.
Within a month of this
monumental battle the Martians
SATURDAY, JULY 4TH, 1914
renewed their attack upon the city
and this time drove our forces
eastward across the Mississippi
and deep into Illinois. The loss of
St. Louis, coming so soon after the
earlier victory, came as a blow to
many who had hoped to contain
the Martian Menace west of the
Mississippi defences. Yet even the
Second Battle of St. Louis cannot
be counted a disaster. The city had
long since been abandoned to the
military, its population dispersed
eastward and its streets and houses
turned over to fortifications,
trenches and bunkers.
In concentrating their forces
against this mighty bastion of
humanity, the Martians walked
unknowingly into a trap – a trap
where hundreds of their machines
were destroyed by well-armed
and determined defenders. As the
Martian’s closed around the city,
29
The Course of the Martian War
ONE CENT
the army withdrew, abandoning
the ruins to the conquerors. Yes
– the Martians may have won the
battle – but in doing so they have
gained nothing but desolation. Sig-
nificantly, the Martians have not
advanced in any number beyond
the river.
The lands between the Western
Tennessee defenses up to the Great
Lakes remain a kind of no man’s
land. This can only be attributed
to the destruction of so many Mar-
tians along with their machines at
the two battles of St. Louis. Surely,
some credit must be given to
General Christopher Crossley, the
commander of the brave defenders
of the city.
As the President so famously
proclaimed, the Martians can be
and will be overcome. In the end,
human will and human ingenuity
will triumph over the alien.
It is the dawn of the Twentieth Century, and the Martians
have invaded the Earth for a second time. Everywhere
mankind is fighting for survival: upon the steppes of
Russia, across the sands of Egypt, amongst the foothills of
the Himalayas, and most fiercely in the United States of
America. All Quiet on the Martian Front puts you in command
of the embattled armies of humanity and their implacable
adversaries, the Martian invaders. These opposing forces
are represented by models of alien Tripod war machines on
one side, and all the infantry, artillery and other weaponry
30
that humanity can muster on the other. Two armies clash
over a tabletop turned into a battlefield by the addition of
model terrain, fortifications, and alien constructions, from
mysterious Cylinders to towering redoubts.
The complete range of All Quiet on the Martian Front
miniatures and vehicles as well as much of the terrain depicted
in this book are available for purchase at Alien Dungeon. All of
our models come as kits of plastic, resin or metal parts for you
to assemble and paint.
31
 Scout
Tripod

TROOP TYPES
The game distinguishes between the following types of troops.

Infantry
This includes human infantrymen as well as Martian Lobototon
slaves. Infantry models are mounted onto bases as shown below.
The number of models on a base varies depending on the kind
of troops depicted; this is usually five per base in the case of
troopers on foot. Humans riding motorbikes or horses are also
classified as infantry.

Slaver
Artillery Tripod
This includes field guns and emplaced cannons, including their
crews. The fortifications that stretch across America incorporate
thousands of artillery pieces as part of their static defenses. Field
guns are usually mounted onto a base, as shown below. Larger
guns are likely to form part of an emplaced position, fortification,
or similar fixed-defense work, in which case no base is necessary.
Tripods
Vehicles/Tanks Tripods are the ultimate Martian war machine and chief weapon
This category includes armed vehicles such as tanks and mobile in the aliens’ war of conquest. Tripods carry a deadly Heat Ray
artillery. It also includes all other unarmed, or lightly armed, projector or, in some cases, more exotic weapons such as the
vehicles employed by the human forces, including flivvers, cargo Black Dust launcher and Green Gas grenades.
steamers and minelayers. In the rules, these shall be referred to as
either tanks or vehicles, whichever is most appropriate.
Exceptional
One further category exists to cover very
Machines unusual or specific elements that don’t
Some large mechanical constructs are categorized as machines. easily fit into any of categories already
This includes Martian Constructor Engines of various types as well described. These are categorized as
as human Goliath tanks and Land Ironclads. Machines have their exceptional. For example, the Martian Infantry
own special rules and abilities. static defenses called Sentinels. Command

Rough Tanks
Riders

Artillery
Machine-gun and crew Infantrymen

32
ELEMENTS AND UNITS
For purposes of explaining how the game works,
each individual vehicle/tank model, each machine,
each Tripod, each artillery piece with its crew, and
each base of infantry is referred to as an ‘element.’
The element is the basic ‘piece’ in the game.
A ‘unit’ consists of one or more elements that move
and fight together – most commonly these are elements
of the same type. For example, a unit could be a squadron of
three tanks, a platoon of three infantry bases, a battery of three
field guns – and so on. Tripods and machines commonly form
units on their own, in which case one element is also one unit.
During play it is usual to move and resolve attacks with one A unit of three steamer tanks
‘unit’ at a time.

UNIT FORMATION DICE

When a unit includes more than one element, these elements Ten-sided polyhedral dice
must remain in a group or rough line with no element separated numbered 1 through 10 are
by more than a set distance, as shown below. This is referred to as used to moderate combat and to
a ‘formation’ and the elements are said to be ‘in formation.’ When determine various outcomes and
a unit moves, each element can be moved as permitted by the events during the game. These
rules, and once the whole unit has completed its movement, all of dice are referred to in the text as D10s – short for dice with ten
its elements must be in formation. sides. A number of dice will be needed during play, ideally about
a dozen. You can get by with fewer dice simply by rolling the
Type Formation Distance same dice repeatedly to generate the number of results required.
Infantry 2"
Artillery 2" No other dice are used in this game – so whenever you are
Tanks/Vehicles 3" directed to roll a die, it always means a D10.

Tripods and machines generally form units on their own, Note that many ten-sided dice are actually numbered 0-9 with a 0
but should it prove necessary in the future we’ll use the same in place of the 10, and where this is the case any roll of 0 is simply
formation distance as vehicles, i.e. 3" counted as a 10.

A unit of three infantry elements

33
TEMPLATES AND COUNTERS A) Hidden unit ‘blip’ counters
The game employs a number of templates to represent the effect
of different kinds of weapons, including artillery barrages, Black B) Rout markers
Dust attacks, and Heat Ray projectors. There are also ‘blip’
counters to represent hidden troops, ‘order’ markers to represent C) Barrage template
interventions by commanders, and ‘damage markers’ to indicate D) Immobilized markers
damaged units. All of these templates and counters are available
in the Core Game Box and separately from Alien Dungeon. You E) Damage markers
can, of course, make your own if you prefer, using the templates
available on the Alien Dungeon website. F) Heat Ray sweep template

A) B) C)

D) E)

F)

34
MEASUREMENT
During play it will be necessary to measure range when weapons
shoot, to determine distances when troops move, and sometimes
to check distances between individual elements – for example to
make sure they are ‘in formation.’ To measure distances you will
need a measuring tape marked in inches.
Players are free to measure distances before undertaking an
action, for example when moving and when checking for range
before targets are declared.
All distances for infantry are measured from the element’s base.
Where artillery pieces have bases, distances are also measured
from the base in the same way as infantry. Distances for other
types of troops are measured from the model itself.
Measuring distances between models is inevitably prone to
some degree of imprecision during play. For this reason, you
will sometimes find it practically impossible to tell whether
a shot is just in or just out, or whether the distance between
opposing units is just enough to mount an assault or just a little
too far.
In such marginal cases, the only fair way to resolve the matter is
to put it to a dice roll: roll a D10 and on a score of 1-5 the answer
is ‘no,’ and on a 6-10 the answer is ‘yes.’
GAMES STATS
Different elements are assigned differing game statistics to reflect
their troop type, speed, armor, weapons and special abilities
where these apply. Taken as a whole these are referred to as the
element’s ‘game stats’ or just ‘stats.’
Type
This simply states whether the element is infantry, artillery, a
vehicle/tank, machine, Tripod or exceptional.
Speed
This is the distance in inches that the element can move at a
time. Most elements can move twice in a turn, once in each
move phase, although a few move only once a turn. Bear in mind,
if an element moves twice, its Speed is the distance it moves
each time. For example, an element with a Speed of 6" could
potentially move 12" during the turn if it has two moves: 6" in the
first move phase and 6" in the second move phase.
Defense
This is the minimum number on a D10 needed to score a
hit against the element when attacking it. The Defense stat
represents how easily an element can be targeted, and is a
combination of size, mobility, and the target’s ability to dodge,
duck, and evade incoming attacks. For example, a typical infantry
unit has a Defense of 5, which means that any dice roll of 5 or
greater will hit it.
35
Mk II Steamer Tank
The Mk II Steamer Tank is the most common tank in
service with the US Army and has a proven record of
combat effectiveness in the face of the Martian invaders. Its
steel plate armor is over an inch thick and is supplemented
by a layer of chrysotile asbestos to protect the crew against
Heat Ray attack. The tank is driven by a Baldwin steam
engine and has a coal-fuelled boiler capable of propelling
the vehicle at speeds of up to eight miles an hour. The tank’s
armament is a single front-mounted 4-inch gun, which fires
an armor-piercing projectile.
Element Type Speed Defense Armor Special Weaponry
Mk II Steamer Tank Tank 6" 4 8 – 4-inch gun
Armor
This is the minimum number on a D10 needed to convert a hit
into damage against the element. In most cases, an element is
destroyed outright if it suffers damage. For example, a typical
infantry unit has an Armor stat of 4, which means that any dice
roll of 4 or greater will destroy it.
If an element has an Armor stat greater than 10, it can only be
damaged by a weapon with a Power bonus or by a ‘lucky strike’ as
described later.
Special Rules
This final column indicates where special rules apply, as
defined in the description of the unit in the Armies of the Great
Interplanetary War section.
Weaponry
This is a list of the weapons carried by that element. Each weapon
has its own characteristics and fighting values, as explained in the
‘Weapons’ section of the rules.
Most elements have one weapon, but if an element has two, three
or more weapons of the same kind this is indicated as ‘2x, 3x, 4x’
and so forth.
 THE TURN
The All Quiet on the Martian Front game is played in turns. During
a turn, one side gets to move and make attacks with his army, and
then the other side gets to move and make attacks with his army,
after which the turn is over. Depending on the scenario being
played, a game can last for a fixed number of turns, or until one side
achieves its objectives, as described in the section on ‘Scenarios.’
INITIATIVE PHASE
The turn begins with the Initiative phase, when the players decide
which side ‘has the initiative’ that turn – in other words which
side is going to be ‘A’ and which side ‘B.’ To find out who has the
initiative, both players roll a single D10 and compare the scores.
In the case of a tied initiative roll, re-roll the dice and keep re-
rolling further ties until you get a result.

The turn proceeds as noted below. The player with the higher scoring die can decide whether
to be ‘A’ or ‘B’ that turn – whether to go first or second. In
1) Initiative Phase The initiative phase establishes which side most situations it is better to go first, but often at the start of
is side ‘A’ and which is side ‘B.’ a game it is better to go second, and to force your opponent
to reveal his moves while your troops remain hidden or out
2) Side A’s Turn First Move phase of range.
Combat phase
Second Move phase
INITIATIVE MODIFIERS
3) Side B’s Turn First Move phase The following initiative modifiers are applied to reflect the
Combat phase ebb and flow of battle as troops experience the exhilaration of
Second Move phase success and the despair of defeat. These modifiers do not apply
to Martian armies. Martians are devoid of such frail human
4) End Phase The turn is complete. Begin another turn sentiments as despair or elation, and will therefore keep on
starting with the Initiative phase and so on. fighting with unerring efficiency regardless of events.

36
Losses incurred during one turn modify the initiative roll for the
next, making it possible for a player who does well to exploit an
opportunity in the following turn.
The following initiative modifiers are common to all games
except where a scenario specifies otherwise. Some scenarios will
introduce further modifiers, as well as special rules for units in
some cases; however, these are exceptions and need not concern
us for the moment. The common modifiers are summarized here
for convenience. Remember, these apply only to the human side
– the Martian player always rolls an unmodified D10.
Initiative Modifiers Chart
Each enemy unit destroyed in the previous turn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +1
Extra for each unit destroyed with an Armor value of 11+ . . . . . +1
Moves are always calculated from the center of an element’s front,
as shown on the diagrams below. The element can move in any
direction or orientation you wish, and can change direction, or
pivot, any number of times as it moves. The distance moved is
calculated from the center front point of the base or model.
When a unit moves, its elements can move freely through each
other, and they can move freely through any other friendly units.
It is assumed they would flow around or through each other as
necessary. However, an element cannot end its move on top of
another element – all of a unit’s elements must clear the positions
of friends when they move through them.
Once a unit has moved, all of its elements must be in formation
(see page 33). Where possible, the unit must also be more than 1"
from any other friendly units.

Each friendly Command unit destroyed in the previous turn . . .-1

Command units are Command squads and comparable units as

indicated in the Armies of the Great Interplanetary War section.

MOVE PHASE
A player has two opportunities to move his units during a turn:
the first move phase and the second move phase. These phases
are separated by the combat phase, during which units get a
chance to attack the enemy. Most troops can move in both move
phases, which means they can advance to the attack and then
retreat again in the same turn, if desired. Some units can only
move in one move phase, limiting their mobility compared to
An infantry unit moves forward – measure the movement of each element
other troops. Units that are restricted in this way are indicated
from the center of its front.
with a special rule, as explained in their entry in the Armies of the
Great Interplanetary War section.

Aside from units limited as noted above, a player can move

any or all of his units in each move phase, or he can choose to
leave them where they are. Move one unit at a time, until every
unit that you want to move has done so. Once a player begins
to move a unit, he is not permitted to go back and change the
move of units moved previously. In other words, starting a
unit’s move means the move of the previous unit is now over –
so no going back!

MOVING UNITS
Each element has a Speed stat that determines how far it moves
over open ground. Some types of terrain slow down movement
or make it impossible to move altogether; this is described in the
rules for terrain (see page 54). To begin with we’ll just consider
units moving over open ground.

When you move a unit, you can move each of its elements up
to the maximum permitted distance as shown by that element’s A tank unit moves forward – measure the movement of each element from
Speed stat. Most units comprise elements of the same Speed, but the center of its front.
a few combine elements that move at different rates.

37

MOVE, COMBAT, MOVE AGAIN
Don’t forget, in your turn you get two chances to move your
units: the first and second move phases. These move phases are
separated by the combat phase, during which you get a chance
to make attacks with your units: shooting attacks at range, and
assault attacks in cases where your units are touching an enemy.
Just remember – move, combat, and move again!
If it is not possible to comply with the 1" distance rule, friendly
units can be placed closer together, but note that this can lead
to units panicking and running away in some situations, as
explained under Panic on page 44.
When a unit moves, its elements cannot move within 1" of any
enemy elements unless the unit is initiating an assault. A unit
is only allowed to make an assault in the first move phase, and
never in the second. When a unit makes an assault, it moves
into touch with an enemy unit as explained later (see Assaults,
page 46).
38
When a unit moves, its elements cannot move through an enemy
element at any time, not even when it is making an assault.
Double Moves
Some special rules allow units to momentarily double their
move distance – effectively to double their Speed stat for one
move phase. In all of these cases, the maximum value attainable
is double the unit’s stat value: it is not permitted to combine one
double bonus with another to go four times as fast!
Moving Off The Table
If any element in a unit crosses a table edge, even if only by a
fraction, the entire unit is considered to have moved off the
table and to have left the battle. In some of the game scenarios
described later, units must attempt to leave the battle by one
of the table edges. Except where a scenario or rule specifies
otherwise, units that leave the battle do not return. They are
not casualties, unless they have left the table in rout without
regrouping; however, they take no further part in the game.
Bear in mind, there are some specific situations where the
rules do allow units that leave the table to return – for example
routing units that regroup can potentially re-enter the game as
reinforcements (see Check Morale, page 43).
 VOL 38167
The
THE LESSON OF LIVERPOOL
By the Honourable Reverend G. Hardincott
The scientific exploitation of
Martian machines left in England after
the Invasion has had both moments of
triumph and horror. The well-known
incident in Liverpool is probably the
best example of a Martian related
accident and is certainly the greatest in
terms of human tragedy aside from the
war itself.
In 1904, just six years after the
Martians were defeated, the University
of Liverpool was chosen as the site to
study and understand the Martian
“engine” which powered their Tripods.
In the first year the studies seemed to
be going well enough. The preliminary
and unclassified initial reports in the
newspapers spoke of the potential of
“radium” motors powerful enough that
just one could provide all the electricity
for London. Much was made in the Times
of how the Martians seemed to have
mastered the very structure of matter,
and that decoding that knowledge could
free man from his dependence on coal
entirely. Then, in 1906, The University
of Liverpool announced that they had
successfully removed the engine from a
Tripod and were going to use it to power
the laboratory where the research was
being conducted as an experiment.
The press was invited, and the
crowds gathering to see the device in
operation were enormous according
to the telegraphed reports of the day.
The device was to be switched on at
precisely 10:00 am, Friday the 22nd
of August. No one knows what hap-
pened, though there have been reams of
written speculation. Suffice it to say, all
that was once the great seaport of Liv-
erpool, with its university, its attendant
shipyards, and all that lived there, was
destroyed at 10:02 am by the largest
explosion ever seen on Earth.
LONDON, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 1907
Times PRICE: 2d
All that remains is a massive the mighty armies and machineries of
crater, filled in part by the eternal sea. destruction they are now building. They
The conflagration that arose that day fear an England armed with such hor-
levelled homes, trees and the country- rible power as that seen at Liverpool,
side for miles in its fiery breath. Many and it is their right, nay all men’s right,
are still blind from the brilliant flash to fear it.
of the explosion. Others continue to All good Christian men and
die from the horrible wasting disease women of this country should call for
that has struck the local remnants of the immediate stop to all Martian
the population as well as those unfor- studies and for the utter destruction of
tunate enough to be downwind of the all that they left behind before it is too
enormous mushroom-shaped cloud that late. If not, Satan, at the invitation of
consumed the city. man’s arrogance, will walk upon this
Many that saw that cloud claim it earth again. I urge you to contact your
took the form of an immense Martian MP forthwith.
Ghost – the ghost of hysteria I dare say, The Times does not endorse the
but indicative of the Devil’s influence views expressed by Reverend Hardincott
upon the mind of the simple man. The in the following column, but has pub-
crater at Liverpool and much of the lished this article in respect of the many
countryside that surrounds it are still people of London Society who do.
off-limits to the general
populace as the myste-
rious disease caused by
the explosion persists.
The lesson to be
learned here is that
Man is not ready, nor
will ever be ready, to
tamper with the very
forces of Nature and
God. Nature is the
domain of God, and
even the Martians with
their devilish devices
were defeated in the
end by His Will. God
has ended the Martians,
and Man must end his
obsession with their
machines. Man should
leave the science of the
Devil to the Devil.
If Britain followed
through with this funda-
mental belief, perhaps
France and Germany
would not fear her so
and stand down from
39
 COMBAT PHASE
During your side’s combat phase your units have a chance to
attack the enemy by shooting or by making an assault. Note
that units can either shoot or assault – they never do both in
the same combat phase. Shooting takes place at distances up to
the maximum range of the weapons employed. Assaults take
place with the opposing units touching each other, representing
situations such as infantry fixing explosive charges, or attacking
the enemy with grenades at close quarters.
During the combat phase, shooting and assaults are resolved
one unit at a time, in the order chosen by the player whose
turn it is. Note that this means there is no need to work out
shooting before assaults, or assaults before shooting: units can
attack in any order desired, either making an assault or shooting,
as appropriate. The only exception is when several units are
assaulting the same enemy, in which it is necessary to resolve the
attacks of every unit involved to get a result.
The rules for shooting at a distance will be considered first, as this
is the most common kind of combat. Assaults will be dealt with
in due course (see page 46).
SHOOTING
The basic procedure for shooting is as follows. Some weapons
operate slightly differently, or confer bonuses at one or more
stages; however, it is not necessary to worry about these for now.
Step 1) Pick a unit to shoot with, and nominate an enemy unit
as its target.
Step 2) Check the range and line of sight for each element in the
shooting unit.
Lady Sharpshooters Ready To Confront Martians
MISS ANNIE OAKLEY
– the darling of Buffalo
Bill Cody’s Wild West
show – has finally won
her long battle against
the US Army. Today,
fifty Lady Sharpshooters
donned khaki skirts and
regulation corsets as the
first recruits into the 1st
A Lady Sharpshooter
DAMAGE
It is useful to remember, for units of infantry, artillery,
vehicles and tanks, that one point of damage equals one
element destroyed – almost all human units fall into these
categories. For Tripods and machines, a unit suffering one
or more points of damage must test to see what happens by
rolling on its Damage Resolution Chart. Because Martian
armies mostly comprise Tripods, this is the usual result
of attacks against Martian targets. Human armies can also
include machines, but these are far less common; many
human armies will have no machines at all.
Step 3) Roll a die for each weapon that has line of sight to the
target. Each die that rolls equal to or greater than the
target’s Defense scores a hit. Dice that fail to score hits
are misses and are ignored.
Step 4) Roll a die for each hit scored on the target. Each die that
rolls equal to or greater than the target’s Armor scores a
point of damage. Dice that fail to score damage have no
effect and are ignored.
Step 5) For most targets, one element from the target unit is
destroyed for each point of damage scored, i.e. one
point of damage ‘kills’ one element, and that element
is removed. However, in the case of larger and more
durable targets, such as Tripods and some machines,
rather than removing one element for each point
of damage, a further test is made using the Damage
Resolution Chart for the target (see page 48).
Step 6) Check the morale of the target unit at the end of
the combat phase. See page 43 for more about how
to do this.
Sharpshooter Battalion. pense, these gallant Ladies
Oakley – who is to will take their place in
become Colonel of this the firing line against the
latest addition to the Martian invader.
fighting forces of America Says Colonel Oakley
– has long championed herself, ‘I should like to
the rights of the Women’s see every woman know
Volunteer Corps. how to handle firearms
Until now, armed and as naturally as they know
equipped at their own ex- how to handle babies.’
40
1) PICK A TARGET
The player simply indicates which of his own units is going to
shoot, and nominates an enemy unit as the target. One of your
units shoots at one of your opponent’s units. Remember that you
can measure distances before deciding which unit to shoot with,
and/or before nominating a target.
Most elements have only one weapon, and so make one attack
against the chosen target. Some elements have more than one
weapon, in which case each weapon that is shooting gets its own
attack against the same target. There are some exceptions to this
rule, mostly covering very large machines that have multiple
turrets, and which are allowed to shoot at more than one target at
once. There are also a few restrictions, most notably the Vehicle
Machine-Gun rule noted later; however, these need not concern
us for now.
2) LINE OF SIGHT AND RANGE
A unit can only shoot where at least one shooting element has
line of sight to the target, and if the target is within range of the
weapon fired. Weapon ranges are indicated on the summary
charts at the end of this rules section (see pages 50-53). You will
find it convenient to check line of sight and measure distance at
the same time.
Line of Sight
The troopers, weapon or vehicle crews represented by the
element can only shoot at an enemy unit they can see. This is
called ‘line of sight.’ A shooting element must have a line of sight
to at least one element in the target unit in order to shoot.
Mark IV Tank
The US player is about to check the line of sight for his Mark IV tank – fire at will!
41
An infantry element has line of sight to the target if you can draw
an imaginary straight line from the center-front of the element’s
base to at least one element in the target unit. In the case of other
types of element, calculate line of sight from the center-front
of the model’s body. In practice you will have to lean over the
battlefield and try to check line of sight from the ‘model’s eye
point of view’ – which is to say looking as closely as possible
from the position of the models themselves. This is not always
possible because of terrain features, and much will depend on the
kind of model terrain used. However, in principle, line of sight is
always determined visually, as described. In some marginal cases,
you might not be sure whether an element has line of sight to
another – if this happens, roll a die, and if you score a 6 or more
the element is in sight.
Shooters have an uninterrupted line of sight to the target so long
as this imaginary line lies to the front of the firing element, and
does not pass through other non-infantry elements or terrain
when viewed from the model’s eye point of view.
In the case of terrain, it is possible to draw a line of sight through
some kinds of terrain, although this affects the chance of scoring
a hit because the target is considered to be within or behind
cover. Rules for terrain and cover are dealt with later in a separate
section (see page 56).
In the case of intervening elements, line of sight may always cross
infantry elements belonging to either side without penalty. In
other words, shooters are always allowed to ‘see’ through – or
over – infantry as if they were not there. This is because, in reality,
individual troopers are dispersed over the area represented by the
element’s base, and will be keeping low to avoid being hit.

A tape measure is a very useful tool for determining line
of sight. You can use the edge. If it touches something
between the shooting element and the target, you will
need to consider the effect of obstacles, terrain and
intervening models.
Later on, such refinements as turrets and weapons directed to
the sides and rear of a vehicle will be introduced, where line of
sight does not necessarily have to lie to the front of the shooting
element. For now, bear in mind that where tanks have turrets or
side sponsons, they are able to shoot either all around or from
the side, in which cases both range and line of sight are calculated
from the center of the model’s side or rear accordingly. These
exceptions need not concern us for the moment, and specific
instances are detailed in the Armies of the Great Interplanetary
War section of the book.
Range
An element can only shoot at a target unit that is within range of
its weapons.
Range is measured from the center-front of the shooter’s base, or
center-front of the model, to the closest part of the closest enemy
element it can see in the target unit. As this is essentially the
same as for determining line of sight, both line of sight and range
can easily be checked at the same time. If the shot is within the
weapon’s range, the element can shoot at the unit.
Bear in mind that shots are always worked out against an enemy
unit as a whole rather than against individual elements. So,
even where only one enemy element is visible or within range
The range for the Tripod’s weapons is measured to the center front of the closest visible element in the unit it chooses to target.
42
of shooters, shots against the unit can potentially destroy other
elements that would otherwise be out of sight or out of range.
This doesn’t matter – the troops must be imagined as in constant
motion where shooting might potentially occur at any point
during movement. Just remember, if a shooter can see one
element, it can ‘see’ the entire unit.
3) ROLL TO HIT THE TARGET
Roll a die for each shooting element that is within range and
which has line of sight to the target. To score a hit, a die must roll
equal to or better than the target’s Defense stat. So, if the target
has a Defense of 6, any die roll of 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 will hit. Dice that
fail to hit have no effect and are ignored.
If an element is able to bring more than one weapon system to
bear, roll a die for each weapon (for example, if a Tank has three
guns it can bring to bear, roll three dice, if a unit of three Tanks
have three guns each, roll nine dice, and so on). In most cases,
vehicles with multiple weapons can shoot with all of them at the
nominated target, so long as they are within range and have line
RAPID FIRE!
Industrialized warfare has created the most devastating
weapon of modern times – the rapid firing machine-gun.
The machine-gun fires so rapidly that when it shoots,
rather than just one die, three are rolled. So, when a unit of
three machine-guns shoots, a total of nine dice is rolled to
represent the hail of bullets. This is noted as a special rule for
machine-guns Rapid Fire 3 – the ‘3’ indicating that you roll
three dice instead of one. Some other weapons are also rapid
firing, in which case they also have the special rule together
with the number of shots; e.g. Rapid Fire 2, and so on.

VEHICLE MACHINe-GUNS
If a tank or other vehicle unit has machine-guns in addition
to its other weapons, including advanced machine-guns
such as the Vickers Gun, then you can shoot with either the
machine-guns or the other weapons. You cannot shoot with
both at the same time. Machine-guns are useful weapons
to have because they are good at tackling massed targets,
such as Martian Drones and Lobototons, when the crews
are called upon to man the machine-guns instead of their
regular positions. Note that this rule only applies to vehicles
and tanks, and excludes larger machines such as Ironclads,
which shoot their weapons independently, as described in
the rules for these monstrous machines.
of sight, but there are some exceptions, most notably the Vehicle
Machine-Gun rule noted above.
In some situations, a bonus is applied to a target’s Defense stat.
This is typically because the target is within, or behind, cover.
Cover is dealt with in the rules for terrain (see page 56).
4) ROLL TO DAMAGE THE TARGET
For each hit scored upon the target, a further die is rolled to
determine if the hit causes damage. So, if you have scored three
hits, you will roll three dice ‘to damage.’ For each die that rolls
equal to or greater than the target’s Armor stat, the target suffers
one point of damage. If a die scores less than the target’s Armor,
that shot fails to score damage, and there is no further effect.
For example, if three shots have scored hits against a target with
Armor of 7, roll three dice for damage. If the dice rolls are 3, 7
and 9 this inflicts two points of damage: one for the 7 and one
for the 9.
Some weapons add a bonus to the die score rolled. This is
indicated by the weapon’s Power stat. For example, a 4-inch
tank gun has a Power of +2 so when you roll for damage add +2
to the result. There are also situations where a unit can claim
a bonus to its Armor stat because it is protected by cover or
fortifications. These cases are dealt with in the rules for terrain
(see page 56).
5) APPLY DAMAGE
Each point of damage scored against an infantry unit, artillery
unit, or vehicle/tank unit destroys one element. The owning
player chooses which elements to remove; however, he must do
so without breaking the unit’s formation if possible. Note that
it does not matter if removed elements are out of range of the
shooter, or even if elements are out of the shooter’s line of sight
– regardless of these circumstances, one element is removed for
each point of damage scored against the unit.
If damage is scored against a Tripod or machine, then the
element is not removed automatically. These things are much too
43
big and resilient to be destroyed automatically by a single point
of damage. Instead, a further damage resolution roll is made
to determine what happens. In the case of machines, the effect
varies from one type of machine to another, and specific rules are
given for each kind of machine together with its game stats and
other details. In the case of Tripods, refer to the Tripod Damage
Resolution Chart on page 48.
An exceptional target – which is to say a target that doesn’t fit
into the usual troop-type categories – is sometimes treated the
same way as infantry (removed when damaged) and sometimes
as machines (damage resolution roll when damaged). This is
explained in the rules for the unit, together with game stats and
other details. See the Armies of the Great Interplanetary War
section for details.
6) CHECK MORALE
Units that suffer casualties can lose heart and rout, abandoning
their weapons and fleeing for their lives in blind terror. Martians
and their Lobototon Slaves are unfeeling creatures that do not
suffer from this human weakness. Martian units need never check
their morale.
Ignoring Martians, if a human unit loses one, or more, elements
during a phase (normally an enemy Combat phase), surviving
elements must check their morale at the completion of the phase.
It is not necessary to check the morale of units that have been
wiped out – they are dead and beyond such considerations. To
check a unit’s morale, roll a die and deduct 1 from the result for
each element the unit has lost during that phase.
• If the modified result is 5 or greater, the unit has passed its
morale check and continues to fight on as normal.
• If the modified result is 4 or less, the unit has failed its morale
check and is Routed (see overleaf).
Tough LUCK & LUCKY STRIKE
Regardless of the relative strengths of attacker and target, or
of any modifiers that apply, there is always a chance of failing
to hit or failing to cause damage. Likewise, there is always a
slim chance of hitting or causing damage. This is called the
‘tough luck’ and ‘lucky strike’ rule.
When rolling to hit or to damage, a roll of 1 on the die is
always a fail – tough luck! Regardless of any modifiers that
apply, a roll of 1 always fails.
When rolling to hit or to damage a target that is otherwise
impossible to hit or damage, a roll of 10 on the die allows
you to roll a second die. If this second die also rolls a 10,
then you have scored a lucky strike, and the target is hit or
damaged regardless of its Defense or Armor.
ROUT
Routed troops are reduced to quivering wrecks, barely able
to stand, let alone fight, gripped by the horrors they have
witnessed and with no thought but to flee from danger in blind,
unreasoning terror. To represent this, the following rules apply to
routed units:
• If a unit is routed within 3" of the enemy, it is immediately
removed as a casualty. The routing troops quail before their
enemy; some take to hiding in shell holes, others scatter and
make their way as fast as they can from the battlefield. Vehicle
crews abandon their guns, bail out and run. Grown men break
down and weep incontinently. Routed units within 3" of an
enemy are therefore simply removed as if they had been killed.
• In their own turn, a routed unit farther than 3" from the enemy
may not do anything other than move, assuming they are
otherwise able to do so. Routed units can also move where the
rules direct them to do so in either player’s turn, for example to
‘dodge’ a Sun Gun attack.
• At any time, if a routed unit moves to within 3" of the enemy, or
if an enemy unit moves to within 3" of a routed unit, then the
routed unit immediately becomes a casualty, as described above.
• If a routing unit loses another element for whatever reason,
then all surviving elements immediately become a casualty,
as described above.
• Routed units can leave the battlefield by moving into contact
with their own rear table edge. As soon as the routed unit leaves
the battlefield, take a morale check for the unit. If successful,
the unit is regrouped and is no longer routing. The regrouped
TRANSPORTS AND TOWS In ROUT
If a unit of infantry or artillery is being transported or towed,
any morale check taken covers both the transport and its
transported unit. Both units will either pass or fail the check.
If different morale bonuses or values apply to the two units,
use the most favorable for the test.
Where you have routing transports and carried infantry, or
routing tows and towed artillery, treat the routers as a single
unit as long as they remain in rout. So, any hit on the routers
will destroy both the transport and any transported unit,
and vice versa. Similarly, if either the tow or towed artillery
should come within 12" of an enemy, then both units
become casualties.
If the routers get a chance to regroup, make a single
morale check (use the most favorable value where there
is a difference) and either both units regroup, or both
fail to. Both units can be regrouped automatically with a
single Order token from the Field Commander (see Field
Commanders page 63).
44
unit can re-enter the battle as a reinforcement from the player’s
following turn, as described in the rules for reinforcements. See
page 69. If unsuccessful in its attempt to regroup, the unit leaves
the battle as a casualty.
• At the end of the game, all routed units that have not
successfully regrouped are considered to be casualties –
i.e. they count as units that have been destroyed.
Commanders
Command units can step in to save a unit that has failed a
morale check by using their Rally rule. This allows units
within 6" to retake the test. Field Commanders can also use
their Order tokens to save units that are routing, as described
in the rules for Orders.
PANIC!
It has already been explained that friendly elements from
different units must keep more than 1" from each other
where possible. In cases where this is not possible, and
friendly units find themselves within 1" of each other for
whatever reason, if one unit is either wiped out by the
enemy, or fails its morale check and routs, all friendly units
within 1" must immediately check their morale as well.
EXAMPLE OF SHOOTING
A unit of three Mk II Steamer Tanks advances towards the enemy
in its first move phase, bringing it within range of a three element
Lobototon Squad that is probing the human defenses.
The player first checks range and finds that the closest Lobototon
element is within a 30" range of all three tanks – 4-inch tank guns
having a range of 30" – and all three tanks also have a clear view
of the Lobototons as they shamble forward over open ground.
The player rolls three dice, requiring a 4 or more to score a hit
because Lobototons have a Defense of 4. The dice roll 2, 5 and
9, which equals two hits! Now the player rolls two dice – one for
each hit – and needs to roll 6 or more to score damage because
Lobototons have an Armor of 6. However, a 4-inch tank gun has
a Power of +2, adding a bonus of +2 to each die roll. The dice roll
4 and 7, scoring 6 and 9 with the +2 bonus, which equals two
points of damage.
As Lobototons are infantry types, one point of damage equals
one casualty, so, in this case, two Lobototon elements are
removed. Lobototons are mindless slaves of the Martians, so no
morale check is required – leaving the last element intact.
 The New Mobile War
T he Martians have brought the Age of Machine
Warfare to the forefront, and the Forces of His
Majesty have responded in kind. Unlike previous wars,
war in the Machine Age is a mobile affair. While the
romantic dash of the Cavalry fills the minds of many
with its colourful display of heroics, the marching
rate of our lads in Khaki carefully measured by drill
instructors everywhere, and teams of horses draw
colourful trains of ceremonial artillery through our city
streets in parades of civic pride, the New Mobile War is
much different than the conflagrations of the past.
Today, the dashing charge of the cavalryman has
been replaced by the dashing charge of the Armoured
Car. Speedy, accurate and reliable, these machines take
over the former role of the cavalry – scouting, harassing,
and even on occasion charging our enemies. Our brave
infantry, still the backbone of our army, travel to battle
in Cardigan Infantry Carriers, protected from enemy
fire and moving far faster than even a man on horse.
45
Guns, guns, guns are of critical importance – but
rather than towed by the affable work horse, they must
be bigger and move faster than anything from the last
two hundred years. The armour and cross-country
performance of our new tanks like the Imperial are
unmatched in history.
These armoured cars, infantry carriers and tanks
give the army of today’s British Forces the strength
to defy all. The creation of these machines and their
manufacture has brought countless jobs to England,
fuelling its recovery from the great Catastrophe of the
First Martian Invasion.
To the average Englishman, I say this – The NEW
British army is more strongly armed, better armoured,
and most importantly, mobile enough to resist this new
second Invasion of the Martian Monsters.
From General Clive Dudley, 5th Royal Tank Corp.
Reprinted for our readers from the Military Almanac of 1909
ASSAULTS
Only troops armed with assault weapons can make an assault.
Assault weapons are weapons that are used at extremely close
ranges, such as hand grenades, explosive charges, tow cables, steam
clamps and – in the case of Martians – reaper tentacles. Units that
are not equipped with assault weapons cannot make an assault.
Assault weapons are indicated along with other weapon details.

A unit wishing to make an assault must move into touch with

an enemy unit during the first move phase. It is then in position
to make its assault attack during the combat phase, when all
shooting and assault attacks are worked out. In the combat phase,
the player whose turn it is can resolve attacks in any order he
wishes. For example, you might want to start by shooting with
a unit, then work out an assault, then shoot with another unit,
then work out another assault, and so on. This is why assaults
are always initiated in the first move phase – they are worked out
alongside other attacks in the combat phase that follows.
The first infantry unit assaults the Tripod – two elements manage to
MOVE TO THE ASSAULT move into contact and one element moves into support position.
When a unit moves into an assault, the rule preventing elements
from moving within 1" of enemies is suspended. To make an
assault an element must move so that its center-front position
contacts the target, as shown in the diagram, top right. Depending
upon the physical size of the target, one or more elements will be
able to move into touch in this way. Elements able to move into
touch as described will fight, elements unable to move into touch
will not fight, unless they are supporting as noted below.

If the assaulting unit is infantry, then additional infantry

elements, from the same or a different unit, can join in the assault
by moving directly behind a touching element, as shown in the
diagram on the bottom right. These elements are described as
supporting infantry. Additional supporting elements will assault
the target just as if they were touching.

WORK OUT ASSAULT ATTACKS

An assault attack is worked out in exactly the same way as already
described for shooting. Elements can only attack if they are
touching the enemy, or if they are supporting infantry fighting as
noted above. Note that only the side making the assault attacks:
the side that has been attacked does not fight during an assault.
The second infantry unit assaults the Tripod – no elements
As there is no need to measure range or check for line of sight,
have enough movement to make it into contact with the enemy,
the assault is worked out as follows.
but one element manages to move into support.
Step 1) Roll a die for each element that is fighting. Each die
that rolls equal to or greater than the target’s Defense
scores a hit. Dice that fail to score hits are misses and removing one element for each point of damage, a
are ignored. further test is made using the Damage Resolution Chart
for the target (see page 48).
Step 2) Roll a die for each hit scored on the target. Each die that
rolls equal to or greater than the target’s Armor scores a Step 4) Check the morale of the target unit at the end of the
point of damage. Dice that fail to score damage have no combat phase. See pages 43-44 for more on morale.
effect and are ignored.
As with shooting attacks, bonuses and exceptions to this basic
Step 3) For each point of damage scored on the target unit, procedure apply to some weapons and troops, but these need
remove one element as a casualty. In the case of larger not concern us for the moment. These cases are covered in the
and more durable Tripods and machines, rather than various special rules for the armies themselves.

46
 SHOOTING INTO AN ASSAULT
Because you are allowed to draw a line of sight and shoot over
your own infantry, it is possible to shoot over the heads of
infantry fighting an assault in order to shoot at the enemy unit
that is being assaulted. This is allowed, but it is considered a
risky thing to do because you are likely to hit your own men!
In this situation, it is usually preferable to resolve the assault
first, because the enemy may be destroyed by your assault,
avoiding the need to risk killing your own troops.
If you decide to shoot into an assault, then you must also roll
to hit each friendly fighting unit that you draw line of sight
through or over. Roll to hit the friendly unit exactly as if it
were the target, with the same number of dice as the used
when shooting at the target itself. This means the attackers
actually shoot multiple times: once at the actual target and
once at each friend it shoots through.
ENDING THE ASSAULT
If the assault attack results in the target unit being entirely
destroyed, or if it is routed and becomes a casualty, the assaulting
unit is free to make its move during the second move phase. The
unit can move in its normal fashion.
If an assaulting unit fails to destroy its target during the assault,
it must use its second move phase to move out of contact,
47
TOUGH lUCK AND LUCKY STRIKE
The tough luck and lucky strike rules already described for
shooting also apply during an assault. Rolls of 1 always fail to
hit or score damage regardless of modifiers that apply, while
units otherwise unable to hit or damage their target will do
so on a roll of 10 followed by another 10.
Remember, shooting and assaults are the two kinds of
attacks. You can work out these attacks in any order you
wish. When you make an assault, remember that if you
don’t kill your enemy, you must retreat from the fight in
your second move phase, which might result in the enemy
shooting at your unit, or even assaulting it, in his turn.
separating the opposing units and ending the assault. As with
all units, they must end their move more than 1" from any
enemy. Note that this means opposing elements never remain
in contact from turn to turn. Units that make an assault but
fail to destroy their target always move out of contact in their
following move phase.
DAMAGE RESOLUTION CHARTS
Tripods and most machines that form single element units are
not automatically destroyed when they are damaged by shooting
or assault. Instead, regardless of the number of damage points
inflicted by the attack, roll one die and consult the appropriate
damage resolution chart for the target. Because Tripods are
common Martian units, the Tripod version of the chart is
presented here to illustrate the rules. The rules for multiple
results, recording damage, and cumulative damage are included
for convenience; remember that these rules apply to all units that
suffer damage in this way, and not just to Tripods. The charts for
other machines are included together with other gaming details
in the Armies of the Great Interplanetary War section.
If the target has suffered more than one point of damage from the
attack, add +1 to the die roll for each additional point of damage
TRIPOD DAMAGE RESOLUTIOn CHART
Score Result
1-5 The Tripod is lightly damaged. The Tripod’s Armor stat is
permanently reduced by 1, but otherwise it is unaffected.
6 The Tripod is damaged and crippled. The Tripod’s Armor stat is
permanently reduced by 1. In addition, every time the Martian
player wishes to move the Tripod, both players roll a die, and the
highest scoring player can move the Tripod anywhere up to the
number of inches equal to the combined score rolled. For example,
if the Martian player rolls 3 and the human player rolls 7, the
human player moves the Tripod up to 10". If both players roll the
same, the Tripod does not move.
7 The Tripod is damaged and its weapons are disabled. The Tripod’s
Armor stat is permanently reduced by 1.
In addition, every time the Martian player wishes to shoot with
the Tripod, both players must roll a die. Whichever player rolls the
highest score can shoot with the Tripod: this means that sometimes
the Martian player will shoot and sometimes the opposing player
will be able to shoot with the Tripod instead, representing the Tripod
firing blind and out of control. The shooter chooses a target, which
must lie within a range no greater than the sum of the players’ initial
die rolls combined and doubled. For example, if the Martian player
rolls a 3 and the opposing player rolls a 7, the opposing player can
shoot (because he has the highest score) up to a range of 20 inches
(3+7 = 10, x 2 = 20). In any case, the range cannot be greater than
the weapon’s maximum range, of course.
The target must lie within this range and within line of sight of the
Tripod, but otherwise any unit from either side can be selected
as the target. If no target presents itself, then the Tripod does not
shoot. If both players roll the same, the Tripod does not shoot.
48
Don’t forget that the rules for multiple results, recording
damage, and cumulative armor damage apply to all units that
utilize a damage resolution chart – not just Tripods!
scored. For example, if a Tripod were to suffer 2 points of damage
from an enemy unit’s attack, roll a die and add +1, if it suffers 3
points of damage add +2, and so on. This often happens where an
attacking unit has multiple shots, for example a unit of 3 Mk III
Steamer Tanks each with 3 shots could potentially score as many
as 9 points of damage – though this is rather optimistic!
8 The Tripod is badly damaged. The Tripod’s Armor stat is
permanently reduced by the score of a D10. If this reduces the
Tripod’s Armor to zero or less, the Tripod is destroyed as described
in 9 below.
9 The Tripod is destroyed. It crumples to the ground in a heap of
tangled metal!
10+ The Tripod is destroyed and explodes in a spectacular fashion! If there
are any other units within 6" of the destroyed Tripod, from either side,
these are all caught in the explosion. Each unit suffers 3 hits with a
Power level of +2. Work out the results of these attacks immediately.
Multiple Results
Sometimes a target will suffer the same result for a second or
subsequent time. For example, a Tripod that is already crippled might
be crippled again. In these cases, there is no additional effect other
than the reduction of the Armor stat value.
Recording Damage
It is necessary to record armor reductions and other damage on units
that suffer hits without being destroyed. Use the damage markers to
indicate armor reduction, or – if you prefer – use any convenient chit,
marker, an ordinary six-sided die placed on the unit’s stand, or make a
note with pencil and paper.
Cumulative Armor Damage
If the target’s Armor stat is reduced to zero or less as a result of
cumulative armor reduction, it is immediately destroyed as described
for a result of 9 on the chart. There are a few very large machines
and Tripods where this is not the case, and where Armor cannot be
reduced to a value of less than 1; however, these are exceptions, and
are noted in the rules for these enormous and powerful machines.

VOL LXII...NO 20566
WESTINGHOUSE
ENGINES TO POWER
NEW LAND IRONCLADS
It was announced today that
the army’s new Land Ironclad is to
be propelled by the power of steam
following the US Military’s decision
to award the engine contract to the
Westinghouse Corporation.
The news comes as a fitting
memorial to George Westinghouse,
whose death last week so saddened
the nation. Westinghouse long
trumpeted the power and efficiency
of his steam turbines, which have
been successfully propelling ocean-
going craft for more than a decade.
Recent developments in kerosene
engines, most conspicuously those
that power the new airplanes, had
led many to imagine the army
would abandon its traditional reli-
ance on steam.
NEW YORK, DATE – MONDAY, MARCH 17TH, 1913
‘Steam provides significant
and inarguable advantages over
other forms of power,’ says Benja-
min Lamme, Westinghouse’s Chief
Engineer, in a short statement
made this morning in response to
the news. ‘It is a stable and reliable
technology that is ideally suited to
mass-production. It makes use of
water and coal, or even wood, and
isn’t dependent on the availability
of processed fuels such as kerosene
or oil. It also offers significant
advantages in combat: the ease
with which volatile kerosene fuel
catches fire and explodes, resulting
in the destruction of the vehicle it
powers, being one.’
Details of the Land Ironclad’s
capabilities are still classified,
but the retention of steam power
had led many to assume the
machine will feature some form
of ‘cloud defense’. The concept
of using steam to dissipate the
49
THE WEATHER
Fair and colder; Winds
westerly.
Elsewhere
ONE CENT In Greater New York City,
Jersey City and Newark TWO CENTS
Mar tian Heat Rays has long been
considered a possibility, ever since
it was found that venting steam
provided an effective means of
countering the deadly Black Dust.
Military sources remain tight-
lipped on this matter.
The Land Ironclad’s arma-
ment, rumored to be a new weapon
developed by Edison and Tesla,
is even more potent than Tesla’s
Lightning Gun. Tesla’s Lightning
Gun gained fame after wreaking
such destruction upon the Mar tian
invaders at St. Louis earlier this
year. What is beyond doubt is that
the Land Ironclad will shor tly
join the airplane and electric
arc in the new armories of
humanity, weapons unimagined
a few years ago, and shining
examples of the kind of American
ingenuity that will one day win
this war and destroy the Mar tian
Menace forever.
 SUMMARY OF STATS
The following pages summarize the stats for the most common
fighting units of the Martian Wars. Each army summary is
followed by a separate list of the various weapons carried
together with their stats.
General Fred Funston, the most senior US General at the
time of the Martian invasion, was the chief advocate of
attacking the Martians before they had a chance to establish
themselves. He died in the gallant defense of Fort Worth in
Texas. Major Douglas MacArthur had the task of bringing
this news to the president. He records the following words
in his memoirs: “Had the voice of doom spoken, the result
could not have been different. The silence seemed like that
of death itself. You could hear your own breathing.”

THE US ARMY
Element Type Speed Defense Armor Weaponry Special Points
Infantry Squad Infantry 6" 5 4 Rifle, grenades Stealth 30
Forlorn Hope Infantry 6" NA NA Grapple + explosives Forlorn Hope +15
Command Squad Infantry 6" 5 4 Rifle Stealth, Rally, Field Commander 30
Machine-Gun Infantry 4" 5 4 Machine-gun Stealth 40
Rough Rider Motorcycle Squad Infantry 10" 7 4 Rifle, tow cable, Courageous, Mounted, 45
+1 machine-gun Tow cable, MG –1 to hit
US Cavalry Squad Infantry 8" 6 4 Rifle, grenades or explosives Mounted 35
Armored Infantry Squad Infantry 4" 5 5 Heavy rifle, grenades Stealth, Gas Proof 65
Unarmed Civilians Infantry 6" 4 3 None –
Field Gun Battery Artillery 4" 5 5 Howitzer Field Gun 80
Heavy Field Gun Battery Artillery Tow only 5 5 Heavy howitzer Field Gun 160
Anti-Tripod Gun Artillery Tow only 5 6 A-T Gun Heavy Field Gun 160
Heavy Artillery Battery Artillery None 3 5 Heavy howitzer, Fixed Position, 50
(10 in turret) barbette/turret (optional)
Holt Mobile Artillery Steamer Vehicle 6" 4 6 Light howitzer 160
Mk II Mobile Artillery Steamer Vehicle 6" 4 7 Howitzer, machine-gun (optional) 220
Tesla Electric Artillery Steamer Vehicle 6" 4 7 Lightning gun Special Fuel Tender 320
Mk I Land Steamer Tank 4" 4 7 3-inch gun 150
Mk II Steamer Tank Tank 6" 4 8 4-inch gun 240
Mk III Steamer Tank Tank 6" 4 8 3x 4-inch guns Sponsons 280
Mk IV Steamer Tank Tank 4" 4 9 5-inch gun, 6x 4-inch guns, Turret, 190
2x machine-guns or 1.65-inch guns Shoot in any direction
Mk IV Steamer Tank ‘Monitor’ Tank 4" 4 9 7-inch gun, 6x 4-inch guns, Turret, 190
2x machine-guns or 1.65-inch gun Shoot in any direction, Fire from Halt
Mk IV Flame Tank Tank 4" 4 9 Flame gun, 2x 4-inch guns Shoot in any direction, 180
Explosive Combination
Mk IV Command Tank Tank 4" 4 8 2x 4-inch guns, 2x machine-guns Command Tank +220
Clamper Tank Tank 6" 4 8 Steam clamp Steam Clamp 100
Cargo Steamer Fuel Tender Vehicle 6" 4 7 None or machine-gun Refuel 15
Cargo Steamer Munitions Carrier Vehicle 6" 4 7 None or machine-gun Extra Munitions 30
Mk II Minelayer Vehicle 6" 4 7 None or machine-gun Tesla Mines 150
Flivver Transports Vehicle 10" 5 4 None or machine-gun, Transport, Road Vehicle 15/60
or light howitzer
Flivver Ambulance Vehicle 10" 5 4 None Medic, Road Vehicle 15
Holt Gun Tractor Vehicle 6" 4 6 Machine-gun 25
Mk II Wrecker Vehicle 6" 4 7 None or machine-gun Wrecker 60
Workshop Truck Vehicle None 2 4 None Workshop, Static 60
Mk IV Steam Tank Goliath Machine 4" 4 10 12-inch gun, co-axial machine-gun, Turret, Super Heavy Gun, 375
machine-gun Shoot in any direction, Turbine Blower
Land Ironclad – Destroyer class Machine 4" 3 12 12-inch gun, 7-inch gun, Fully Independent Targeting, 750
4x 5-inch gun, 4x 4-inch guns, Limited Maneuverability Lay,
8x machine-guns Steam, Ironclad, 5 Critical Hits
Armored Turret Exceptional Static 3 10 Varies Field Fortification 25+
Command Tower Exceptional Static 3 8 2x 4-inch guns, 1x machine-gun See below 50

50
US ARMY WEAPONS
Weapon Range Power Special Weapon Range Power Special
Rifle 15" – 4-inch Gun 30" +2
Heavy Rifle 10" +1 5-inch Gun 30" +3
Machine-Gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3 7-inch Gun 40" +4
Light Howitzer 60" +2 Barrage 1 8-inch Gun 60" +5
Howitzer 60" +3 Barrage 1 1.65-inch Hotchkiss Gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 2
Heavy Howitzer Tabletop +4 Long Range, Bombardment, Flame Gun 15" +3 Rapid Fire D5
Barrage 3 Grenades Assault +2
Anti-Tripod Gun 30" +3 Barrage 1 or AT Shell Grapples + Explosives Assault +3
Tesla Lightning Gun 40" X Dice Lightning Gun Explosives Assault +3
3-inch Gun 30" +1 Tow Cable Assault/Special
Steam Clamp Assault/Special

51
MARTIANS
Element Type Speed Defense Armor Weaponry Special Points
Assault Tripod Tripod 8" 6 11 Heavy Heat Ray / Black Dust 200
launcher or Green Gas grenades
Grenadier Tripod Tripod 4" 6 10 2x Launcher 100
Scout Tripod Tripod 10" 6 10 Medium Heat Ray 150
Harvester Tripod Tripod 8" 6 11 Medium Heat Ray, 4x Reaper Tentacles 150
Gatherer Tripod Tripod 6" 6 11 None 50
Slaver Tripod Tripod 6" 6 10 Medium Heat Ray Controller 100
Scientist Tripod Tripod 4" 6 10 Medium Heat Ray Controller, Experimental Machine, 80
Lobototon Converter
Dominator Tripod Tripod 8" 6 12 2x Heavy Heat Ray, guided missile pod Multiple Targeting 350
Founder Tripod Tripod 4" 6 13 None –
Overseer Tripod Tripod 10" 6 12 3x Heavy Heat Ray, Sun Gun Drone Carrier, Controller 860
Drones Infantry 6" 6 7 Light Heat Ray & Reaper Tentacles 60
Flying Drones Infantry 6" 6 7 Light Heat Ray & Reaper Tentacles Fly 70
Lobototon Squad Infantry 4" 4 6 Blasters or Slicers Lobototons 20
Constructor Engine Machine 4" 6 10 None Repair, Build/Mine 50
Sentinel Exceptional Static 3 10 Heavy Heat Ray Static Defense 25
Detector Exceptional Static 3 10 None Static Defense, Detector 25
Power Node Exceptional Static 3 10 None Static Defense, Power Node 25
Heat Ray Fencing Exceptional Static 3 10 None Static Defense, Heat Ray Fencing 10

MARTIAN WEAPONS
Weapon Range Power Special Weapon Range Power Special
Heavy Heat Ray 30/15" +3/+2 Sweep Launcher - Shock 50" +2 Shock, Inaccurate
Medium Heat Ray 20/10" +2/+1 Sweep Launcher – Black Dust 50" +1 Inaccurate, Barrage 2, Black Dust
Light Heat Ray 10" +1 Sun Gun 60" +6 Sun Gun, 3x Damage Resolution
Black Dust Launcher 10" +1 Barrage 4, Black Dust Reaper Tentacles Assault Reaper Tentacles
Green Gas Grenades 10" +2 Barrage 2, Green Gas Blasters 10" +1
Guided Missile Pod 25" +1 Rapid Fire 4, Guided Missile Slicers Assault +1

52
THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
Element Type Speed Defense Armor Weaponry Special Points
Infantry Squad Infantry 6" 5 5 Rifle, grenades, coil gun Stealth 35
Command Squad Infantry 6" 5 5 Rifle Stealth, Rally, Field Commander 25
Vickers Machine-Gun Infantry 6" 5 5 Vickers gun Stealth 50
Cavalry Squad Infantry 8" 6 5 Rifle, grenades Mounted 55
Assault Squad Infantry 6" 5 5 Experimental rifle, explosives Stealth 60
2lb Heavy Coil Gun Artillery Tow only 5 4 2lb heavy coil gun Fixed Position, Heavy Field Gun, 90
Heavy Coil Gun
Spector Armored Car Vehicle 10" 5 6 Vickers gun Turret 55
Defiant Armored Car Vehicle 8" 5 7 6-pounder gun Turret 55
Imperial Main Service Tank Tank 7" 4 8 17-pounder gun Turret 270
or ½lb coil gun, Vickers gun
Mono Tank Tank 8" 6 6 2x 2-pounder repeaters Mono Tank 160
Kitchener Tank Tank 7" 4 8 Tri-barrel, Vickers gun Turret 115
Cardigan Infantry Carrier Vehicle 7" 4 7 5x Vickers guns, 2-pounder repeater Crewed Weapons, Tow/Transport 175
Lloyd Command Carrier Vehicle Vehicle 7" 4 Vickers gun Command Carrier 175
Wicket Special Purpose Tank Tank Vehicle 7" 4 Glue gun, Vickers gun 150
Thunderchild II Machine 4" 3 12 4lb coil gun, 24-inch bombard, Fully Independent Targeting, Ironclad, 1,200
4x 5-inch gun, 12x Vickers guns 5 Critical Hits, Limited Maneuverability,
Spector Carrier, Spotters.

BEF WEAPONS
Weapon Range Power Special Weapon Range Power Special
Rifle 15" – ½lb Coil Gun 30" +3 Coil Gun
Coil Gun 15" +2 Coil Gun Tri-Barrel Gun 30" +2 Rapid Fire 3, Tri-Barrel Gun
Experimental Rifle 15" +1 Glue Gun 10" Special Barrage 4, Glue Gun
Vickers Gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3 4lb Super Heavy Coil Gun 80" +6 Ironclad Mounted,
2lb Heavy Coil Gun 60" +4 Fixed Position, Heavy Field Gun, Super Heavy Coil Gun
Heavy Coil Gun 24-inch Bombard 60" +4 Barrage 4, Bombard,
2-pounder Repeaters 15" +2 Rapid Fire 2 Ironclad Mounted
6-pounder Gun 20" +2 Grenades Assault +2
17-pounder Gun 30" +3 Explosives Assault +3

The Sable Foxes

T o the American Generals, grateful as they were for assis-
tance from the British Empire, some of the wonders of
the BEF were looked upon with a skeptical eye. An early
example was the British armored cars. With few vehicles
of that type in the American forces, the US military ques-
tioned the effectiveness of such contraptions as soon as they
caught sight of them on the loading docks in New York
and Baltimore. They looked far too light to stand up to the
horrific weapons of the Martians and not as nimble or easy
to produce as the motorbikes of the US Rough Riders.
An American counter-attack and line probe mission
were planned against the Martians outside of Chicago. The
BEF committed Major Jonathan Davidson, commanding
the 14th Royal Armored Car Squadron. These fellows were
better known as the Sable Foxes and had a history of intense
action in India. The American line probe mission, one of the
first of its kind on a large scale, met heavy and sustained
resistance almost immediately. A withdraw was ordered.
The Martian machines were far faster than the US forces, and
would overwhelm any standard rearguard action. Davidson
immediately volunteered the Sable Foxes. As the American
columns of steam tanks and flivvers pulled back along the
poor roads, Davidson’s forces dashed from cover to cover
in their Defiants and Spector armored cars, harassing and
constantly delaying the Martian advance on the retreating
columns for an entire day. Finally, as the forces of the probe
came within range of the supporting guns of the Chicago
redoubts, the Martians withdrew. The Martians had lost two
Assault Tripods to the armored cars, and the losses for the
Sable Foxes were only seven machines.
After this incident, the US senior command quietly put
in a request to the War Industrial Board for the development
of American armored cars, and no further comment about
the usefulness of the British machines was heard again.

53
 TERRAIN
Much of the Martian war is fought over the ruins of America’s towns
and cities, and over the defense works of fortifications such as the
Mississippi and West Colorado lines. When obliged to meet the
Martians in the open countryside, human forces always make the
most of high ground such as ridge-lines, canyons, or heavily-wooded
areas where men can easily hide. Troops caught in the open make
easy targets for the Martians and stand little chance of survival.
TERRAIN AREAS
For purposes of playing the game, the tabletop is considered to
be open ground and areas of terrain are arranged upon it. The
best size for areas of terrain is approximately square and about
8" x 8", roughly circular and 8" across, or oblong, triangular or
irregular with dimensions bounded within a 12" by 5" block.
Each area of terrain should ideally conform to these dimensions
and should be separated from adjoining terrain by at least 4",
unless you are deliberately creating large areas of building, forest,
marsh, and the like, in which case feel free to abut as many areas
together as you require. Leaving space between terrain areas
allows for larger vehicles to maneuver around the terrain and
enables infantry to hop from one terrain feature to another.
When it comes to representing terrain on the tabletop, many
players like to create attractive scenes using model railway
materials, or similar miniatures of trees, rocks, buildings and
ruins. Other players are happy to delineate an area, perhaps with
A collection of terrain – dense woods, a farmhouse and a field of crops.
54
The rules governing the size and shape of terrain are
formulated to make matters as clear as possible. For that
reason, the dimensions of the model terrain must be defined,
and the kinds of terrain represented must be limited to a
number of broadly defined types. All of this can be ignored
if both players agree to do so, and choose instead to rely on
their natural creativity and willingness to interpret the rules
for themselves. This enables players to create battlefields that
are entirely forested, vast areas of ruins, twisting canyons
towering over a river running from one side of the table to
another, and so on. These extreme kinds of terrain will tend
to favor specific types of troops, and will often give one side
a considerable advantage. However, they make for really
interesting, attractive, and challenging games, and can be
great fun for those willing to make the extra effort.
a piece of felt cloth or colored card, and say, ‘that represents an
area of ruins.’ Either method is perfectly fine in terms of playing
the game, and it is left up to the players to arrange these matters
to their satisfaction.
Whatever method you choose to represent terrain, it is necessary
to delineate each distinct terrain area in some fashion. This
can be done by modeling a feature onto a separate board, or by
arranging individual model trees, rocks, buildings, etc, to mark
the perimeter of the terrain. As long as the players can tell where
a terrain feature begins and ends, it doesn’t really matter.
IMPASSABLE TERRAIN
Some kinds of terrain are simply impassable to troops on the ground,
whether they are human or Martian. If terrain would be impassable
in real life, then it is impassable to our armies, too. Examples include
deep water such as a big river or oceans, steep cliffs, and sheer
canyon sides. Conceivably, such terrain might be crossable by boats
in the case of water, or by airplanes flying overhead; however, to the
troops that form our armies, these features are normally considered
impassable. No units can move into impassable terrain, and units
cannot be deployed into impassable terrain at the start of the game
unless a scenario specifically allows this.
DIFFICULT GROUND
Aside from impassable terrain, all terrain features are considered
to be difficult ground, as noted on the terrain chart below. This
means that movement is slowed down for all troop types other
than infantry. Infantry suffer no restriction from difficult ground,
and can move across these kinds of terrain as if they were moving
in the open.
For other troops types, when measuring a move across difficult
ground, double the measured distance. So, a tank with a Speed
of 6" can move only 3" across an area of rubble, for example. As
measurements for movement are made from the center-front of a
model’s base or body, the distance moved across difficult terrain
will be the distance moved by the center-front, ignoring the rest
of the model. In other words, a tank that is moving over difficult
ground is no longer moving over difficult ground once its center-
front is clear.
55
When an element moves partly in the open and partly through
difficult ground, double the distance moved over the difficult
ground and measure movement over open ground as normal.
If you choose to represent terrain with highly-detailed scenic
models, for example of buildings, ruins, or trees, then you
will probably find it physically impossible to move elements
on top of the house models, ruined walls, individual trees,
and so on. This is why it is important to arrange scenic
models in a way that allows for tanks, and other vehicles,
to move, leaving sufficient space for infantry to deploy
and for artillery to set up. Some players are happy to treat
entire areas of terrain abstractly, considering that a model
tree merely denotes that the indicated area is wooded, and
it is therefore perfectly acceptable to move individual tree
models to allow for the passage of troops. While in real
life trees don’t just get out of the way, everyone will agree
that real men can move through a wood; they don’t have
to deal with the inconvenience of being attached to a large
base or being made of rigid metal or plastic! This is really an
aesthetic choice, rather than a matter for the rules, and it is
left to the players to deal with as they find most practical.
COVER
Different kinds of terrain offer different levels of cover to units
positioned within it. The bonus varies depending upon the size and
type of cover and, to some extent, upon the size and type of the
unit. These values are given on the Terrain chart on the next page.
WITHIN COVER
To count as ‘within cover’, at least half of the base area of the
entire unit must be within the terrain in question. In the case of
units that consist of a single model, this is easy to establish: the
model is in cover if at least half of it is within the terrain. In the
case of units that consist of more than one element, the entire
unit is in cover if at least half of the total base or body area of the
unit is within terrain. This is regardless of whether all elements
are half within terrain, or if some are totally within and some
totally outside. As you will see, cover always applies to entire
units, and never to individual elements, even where individual
elements may appear to be in cover or not.
Note that there will always be the odd situation where it’s
impossible to tell whether a unit is within cover or not, in which
case the fairest solution is to roll a dice for it: 1-5 is no cover, and
6-10 is in cover.
COVER FROM INTERVENING TERRAIN
Intervening terrain can sometimes completely obscure an enemy
unit from sight, in which case there is no line-of-sight to the unit
and it cannot be shot at. For example, it might be on the opposite
side of a hill, or it might lie entirely behind a tall building.
In some situations, a target unit will be partly out of sight of an
enemy unit, because intervening terrain obscures a portion of
the target unit but not all of it. The target counts as behind cover
if at least half of the target unit’s base, or body area, is obscured
from at least half of the shooting elements. If a lesser portion of
the target is obscured, it does not count as behind cover from the
intervening terrain.
56
SHOOTING FROm COVER
A shooting element can draw line of sight through cover it
is occupying without this conferring a bonus to the target
for intervening cover. Each element must still be able to
see the target to shoot, but its own cover does not count as
intervening cover: it does not get in the way! It is assumed
that troops arrange themselves so they are able to see out of
their cover, taking up positions that offer the best field of fire.
As with units within cover, there will be occasions when it is
impossible to tell whether a unit is obscured by intervening cover
or not, in which case a die is rolled to decide, as described above.
DEFENSE AND ARMOR BONUSES FROM COVER
The chart below shows the bonuses that apply to different
kinds of unit in different kinds of cover. The bonus applies if
the target is within cover, and also where the target is partly
obscured by intervening terrain of that type, as noted above.
In the case of intervening topography that doesn’t otherwise
count as cover, such as hills, the bonus is +3 Defense, as shown
on the terrain chart.
If a target is both within cover and partly obscured by a separate
area of intervening terrain, then apply both bonuses and add
them together. However, note the Shooting out of cover rule,
which allows shooters to draw a line of sight through cover they
occupy without penalty.
If a target is partially obscured by two or more areas of
intervening terrain, then only apply a single bonus. If the terrain
concerned is of differing types, apply whichever bonus is the
greatest. For example, apply whichever Defense and Armor
bonus is most beneficial to the target.
 The Lobototons could
fire against unit A or B.
Unit A
Unit A is in cover
behind two different
types of intervening
terrain, so the best one is
used, which is the rocky
crag, for a total bonus
of +3 Def and +1 Arm.
Unit B is in cover
Unit B behind two different
types of intervening
terrain, but it’s also
within cover, so the
best bonus from the
intervening terrain is
used (+3 Def, +1 Arm),
added to the bonus for
the terrain the unit is in
(+3 Def, 0 Arm). That’s
Lobototons a total bonus of +6 Def
and +1 Arm!

TERRAIn CHART
The following chart summarizes the effect of different kinds of terrain typical of the battlefields of the Martian War. Note that further rules for
buildings and fortifications, including human fortresses and Martian redoubts, are given in the Advanced Rules section. Exceptional kinds of
units – such as Martian Sentinels – count as vehicle targets if they are destroyed by a single point of damage, and machine targets if they have
their own Damage Resolution Chart.
Target/Cover
Vehicles Machines
Terrain Infantry Artillery & Tanks & Tripods Movement
Deep water such as lakes, sea and deep rivers. None None None None Impassable
Sheer drops such as chasms, escarpments, cliffs
and canyon sides.
Marsh, swamps shallow water, or boggy None None None None Difficult ground to
or muddy ground all except infantry
Light woodland, orchards, Red Weed, Def+2 Def +1 None None Difficult ground to
scrub, cactus or a field of crops Arm 0 Arm 0 all except infantry
Dense woodland, forest, jungle. Def+3 Def+2 Def +1 Def +1 Difficult ground to
Arm 0 Arm 0 Arm 0 Arm 0 all except infantry
Boulder-strewn, rocky, craggy, steep, Def +3 Def +2 Def +1 Def 0 Difficult ground to
heavily cratered or pitted ground Arm +1 Arm 0 Arm 0 Arm 0 all except infantry
Low ruined or partly ruinous Def +3 Def +2 Def +1 Def 0 Difficult ground to
areas of building or rubble Arm +2 Arm +1 Arm 0 Arm 0 all except infantry
Towering ruins or large buildings Def +4 Def +2 Def +1 Def +1 Impassable to all
Arm +2 Arm +1 Arm 0 Arm 0 except infantry
Fortifications, trenches, fox holes, gun pits, Def +4 Def +4 Def+1 Def 0 Difficult ground to
bunkers and earth-works Arm +2 Arm +2 Arm+1 Arm +1 all except infantry
Defenders only Defenders only Defenders only Defenders only
Intervening topography Def+3 Def+3 Def+3 Def+3 Hills count as open
(target partly obscured by hills, ridges, etc) Arm 0 Arm 0 Arm 0 Arm 0 ground for movement

57
 Another Letter of
Honourable Service
Y ou had to take care not to touch the bare metal of
the cabin walls. The outer deck plate got so hot you
could fry an egg on it – as George occasionally did just
to prove the point. Inside a running tank, it was always
hot, what with the firebox and the steam cylinders
all encased by steel armor. To make matters worse,
the main steam line of Lazy Lillie had sprung another
leak. Inside the tank, we sweltered as if we were in a
steam bath. Scalding water ran down the metal plates
and puddled on the floor. I was grateful to get the
hatch up. Through the opening I could just see Captain
Michael Kirby on the deck, sweeping his brow with
a rag and smearing grime around his pale blue eyes.
He was starring intently at the low hills in front of us.
According to the latest dispatches, the Martians were
on the move again and coming our way. As usual, if we
fired first and moved fast we had a chance. Moving fast
was down to me – Lazy Lillie’s helmsman. I checked the
pressure gauges to make sure we were ready to shift on
command. All good. All hot to go.
The other two crewmen were at their stations.
George was in the engineer’s seat next to mine, ready
to brake the left track as soon as we needed to turn out
of the firing pit. Two men are needed to steer a tank
properly – one man to brake each track – but a strong
helmsman can just about manage using the con-rods
that link the brakes together. Smitty was shoveling
coal into the firebox at the back of the cabin. If any
firing started, the burly stoker would drop the shovel
and start loading shells. It takes at least seven men to
operate a tank properly. We were down to four. Double
duty was tough and would slow us down. Yesterday,
our last artilleryman, Jenson, near tore his arm off in the
main drive gear. We pulled him out and sent him back
to Jackson on a flivver – but it didn’t look good. Fighting
the Martians was bad enough without bad luck like that.
The brass hats aren’t much interested in casualties from
accidents and machine failure. I guess the Martians are
killing so many a few more hardly matter.
I still had the deck hatch open when a dozen Rough
Riders rode by to the left of Lazy Lillie, following the old
farm track toward the front line. The engines of their
machines made a low throbbing noise that rose to a growl
58
as they accelerated away. It is hard to understand what
possesses a man to ride a motorized bicycle: harder still
to know what makes a man volunteer for the Steamer
Tanks. At least a tank offers a little protection from the
infernal Martian Heat Rays. Those Rough Riders were
sitting ducks as soon as the Martians showed up.
My gaze followed the cloud of dust kicked up
by the riders. Then I saw the sudden gleam of metal.
Those motorcycles had gone and done it! A Martian
Tripod was coming over the hills toward us. I pulled
the steel hatch down with a clang and threw the lever
shut, plunging the cabin into near darkness. We were
one of three tanks waiting in ambush: Lazy Lillie, Little
Annie and Lucky Seven. Carr’s crew in Little Annie, off to
the right and behind the fallen trees, broke cover and
fired straightaway. It was too soon. All three tanks were
supposed to fire on queue. The shell plowed into the
ground ahead of the Martian sending up a plume of dirt
and smoke. Missed! It was the worst thing that could
happen in an ambush.
The Martian swung its Heat Ray projector in our
direction. The weapon gave a sudden shriek and the
air between the Tripod and its target hissed and boiled,
striking Little Annie before swinging to its left and hitting
the third tank, Lucky Seven. It was a sweep hit rather than
a sustained burn, but powerful enough to cook both
crews in an instant. With all hope of surprise now gone,
Captain Kirby fired the gun sending a shot flying wide of
the Tripod. As soon as the shell was away he yelled the
order to reverse. I released the brake and took my foot
from the valve to pump steam into the drive cylinders.
On my left I could see George had let his brake go. The
flywheel spun in its bearings as steam hissed and boiling
water spat from the fractured line.
The noise of the pounding machinery and escaping
steam all blended into one terrific roar as the tank heaved
out of the camouflaged pit. The machine clanked slowly
backward, clearing its position just in time to avoid the
impact of a second blast from the Martian’s Heat Ray.
Logs and soil were hurled into the air and the wooden
revetment burst into flame. But we were free!
The tank was now steaming in full flight from the
advancing Martian – running backwards at five miles
an hour! We were driving blind, with the
Captain shouting directions through the
speaking tube and George following my
movements on the left track brake. Above
the Captain’s voice I could just about hear
Smitty curse as he heaved another shell
toward the breach. All I could see was
the Martian Tripod striding towards us,
gaining ground with every step, moving
between the tall trees like a man strolling
through a cornfield.
We must have hit something in
the road then – perhaps a fallen tree or
even a deep rut – because though we
were keeping a straight line the tank
suddenly lurched to one side. A loud
bang rang through the cabin and I knew
at once what had happened. One of the
side rods had seized and a piston had
pulled free, jamming the track drive on one side. As
Lazy Lillie skewed to a halt, I heard the sound of the
broken piston flailing uselessly against the steel floor
like the pounding of a gigantic drum – beating slower
and slower – and stopped.
George and I hurried to unfasten the canvas seat
straps that prevented us getting thrown about as the
tank pitched and yawed. No sooner had we freed
ourselves than I threw the top hatch open and George
climbed through onto the upper deck. A plume of white
steam rose from the hatchway as I scrambled after him.
The side hatch was open on the gun box and I could
see there was a figure lying on the gunroom floor. It
was Smitty. His eyes were glazed and his mouth hung
open and limp. Standing over the dead body, Captain
Kirby was loading a shell into the gun’s breech. His blue
eyes were fixed upon the towering Tripod, so close its
shadow fell over the wreckage of Lazy Lillie. I slipped
down the crew ladder and followed George toward the
nearest stand of trees.
The Martian must have spotted us because the next
thing I knew the air rippled with the bow-wave of a Heat
Ray and I threw myself to the ground. I rolled over and
over as the flames engulfed me – burning the uniform
from my back and the hair from my head. But I was not
the target of the Heat Ray. The Martian’s searing beam
had sliced through the trees and cut down George before
sweeping over Lazy Lillie. The tank exploded, its ammu-
nition instantly ignited by the touch of the Heat Ray.
As the Martian Tripod turned away from the
twisted iron plates of Lazy Lillie, a salvo of shots rang
out from the edge of the woods. The Tripod staggered
as one of its legs gave way beneath it, causing it to reel
from side to side like a gigantic drunkard. A platoon
of mobile howitzers had fired at the Martian machine.
Unknown to us, Lazy Lillie’s flight had drawn the Tripod
into a trap. The howitzers were the most powerful
mobile guns we had – six-inchers – and now they fired
again. This time a shell struck the vulnerable spot where
the front piece of the Martian Tripod meets the metal
hood. The explosion lifted the Tripod’s top off like the
lid of a bully beef tin. Smoldering, the Tripod swayed
briefly and toppled over, plummeting through the trees
and crashing to the ground.
Later, back at Jackson, I was to learn that three
Tripods had been brought down that morning, after
which the Martian probe against the front line stopped.
Losses for the US Army amounted to 16 tanks lost,
157 men dead and 389 wounded. I counted amongst
the wounded – badly burned, half-cooked and half-
blind – but still alive. According to the record, it was
a decisive victory that caused the Martians to turn
back from Western Tennessee, bringing an end to
the Mississippi Offensive. The telegram that Captain
Kirby’s mother received many weeks later, outlining
her youngest son’s Honourable Service to his country
and fellow man, said that he had played a key part in
securing victory and was a hero. Perhaps he was too.
Perhaps they were all heroes. All I know is they are
dead and I survived.
From ‘Memoirs of a Steamer Helmsman’

59

This section of the book is called Advanced Rules because you
really need a grasp of the basic game to understand how the
following rules work. Some of the rules in this section are only
relevant to specific scenarios, and won’t be used all that often.
Other rules are actually very common, such as the Barrage
Weapons rule and rules for Heat Rays, but because they work
slightly differently from other types of attack, their explanations
have been left until this point in the rules. Don’t be put off by the
term ‘advanced,’ as most of the individual rules are easy enough
to understand in themselves.
Note that many units have special rules that apply only to
them, and those rules are described in the Armies of the Great
Interplanetary War entries for those units. For example, rules for
Forlorn Hope is included together with the description and stats
for Forlorn Hope in the US Army section. However, some rules
are common across a whole number of different units and even
armies, and these are described here in order to save constantly
repeating them throughout the unit descriptions.
60
BARRAGE WEAPONS
Some weapons have the special rule Barrage indicated in their
stats: all howitzers for example. Barrage weapons are designed to
plaster an area with intense fire. In the game, a single shot from a
barrage weapon represents a whole barrage of actual shots, aimed
in the general direction of the target in the hope of hitting as
many enemies as possible.
When you shoot with a unit armed with barrage weapons, instead
of rolling to hit the target as described in the rules, a special template
is used: the barrage template. The barrage template is marked with
concentric circles of 1", 2", 3" and 4" diameters – it is effectively four
different-sized templates in one. Depending upon the number and
type of weapons shooting, the unit uses one of these templates from
1" (the smallest) to 4" (the largest). This works as follows:
Step 1) Pick a unit to shoot with and nominate an enemy unit as
its target.
Step 2) Take the barrage template. Each shooting element has
a barrage value indicated on its stat line, e.g. barrage 1,
barrage 2, and so on. The unit uses the template size
equivalent to all of its elements added together, up to a
maximum of 4" (the largest). For example, a Howitzer has
barrage 1, so a unit of three Howitzers firing at a target has
a combined barrage value of 3 and the 3" template is used.
A Martian Tripod shooting with a Black Dust launcher
has a barrage value of 4, so the 4" template is used.
Step 3) Nominate the enemy unit you wish to shoot at, and
check range and line-of-sight in the usual way. So long
as one shooting element can see the target, the entire
unit shoots, and the barrage template appropriate for
the entire unit is used. The template must be placed
wholly within range of whichever element is selected for
calculating range and line of sight. For example, if the 2"
template is being used, the whole 2" template area must
lie within the range of this element. The template must
be placed so that it lies over at least one element in the
target unit, but otherwise it can be placed as you wish.
Step 4) Once the template is positioned, it might conceivably lie
over one, two or more elements from one or more units.
It might even lie over units from both sides. Each element
under the template, whether wholly or only partially
covered, is a target. Roll one die to ‘hit’ each element
under the template. This is worked out in the same way as
other shooting, so different dice rolls may be required for
different targets if they have different Defense values. If
an element is hit, roll for damage, and once again different
scores may be required where elements have different
Armor values. Hits from Barrage weapons ignore Defense
and Armor cover bonuses from intervening terrain
(bonuses from being within cover apply normally).
Step 5) Apply damage. Elements that become casualties are
removed from the unit and the player takes any morale
check required in the same way as for other shooting.
Tripods and machines with Damage Resolution Charts
make the appropriate roll.
 Some especially powerful units are capable of firing
a barrage with a greater barrage value than 4, but the
maximum size template is 4". In this case, we add +1 to
the Power of the barrage for every barrage value over 4. So,
for example, a barrage value of 6 would use the 4" barrage
template, but with an extra +2 Power bonus.

EXAMPLE
A battery of three Mk II Mobile Artillery shoots at a Martian
Tripod that is advancing behind a screen of Lobototons. The
Mobile Artillery is armed with Howitzers (Barrage 1) and there
are three shooting, so the unit uses the 3" barrage template. The
Tripod is within range and line-of-sight, so no problems there.
The template has to be placed over the Tripod, but it can also be
placed so that it lies over the Lobototon unit in front of it. This
is a good idea, as the more units you can hit with the barrage,
the better.
The shooter makes two rolls to hit the Lobototons, and one roll
to hit the Tripod. The Lobototons are relatively easily hit on a
4 or better – largely because they are ambling about mindlessly
and take no pains to conceal themselves or avoid danger. Two
rolls of 5 hit the Lobototons. The Tripod is a harder target and
requires a 6 to hit, but a roll of 8 indicates the barrage lands on
The 3" barrage template is placed so that it hits both the Tripod (its
original target) and two of the Lobototon elements screening it.
target. Cheers go up from the American lines – well, from the
player anyway!
Next, the shooter gets to roll to cause damage. The Lobototons
have taken two hits, so roll two dice for damage. Lobototons need
a score of 6 or more to be damaged, and the dice roll 4 and 9, but
the Howitzer has a Power value of +3, so adding the Power value
to the scores we get to 7 and 12 – easily enough to splatter both
Lobototon elements. The Tripod is a much tougher proposition
with Armor of 12, so even with the Power +3, the shooter will need
to roll a 9 or 10 to score damage. The die reveals a miserable 2; so
no chance this time around. Never mind – two Lobototons isn’t a
bad bag – and we certainly gave the Martian player a nasty scare.

THE MARTIAN WAR COUNCIL

At the beginning of the Martian War, President
Theodore Roosevelt instigated the formation
of a body of politicians, military leaders,
industrialists and scientists to direct the course
of hostilities.
The Martian War Council is led by the President
and includes such household names as the
industrialist and inventors Thomas Edison
and George Westinghouse, the electrical genius
Nikola Tesla (pictured right), the oil tycoon John
Davison Rockefeller, financier John Pierpont
Morgan, and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie.
The government and military detachment
includes the Secretary of War William Howard
Taft, the Army Chief of Staff Leonard Wood,
and Alfred Mahan, Secretary of the Navy. The
British Ambassador, Sir Cecil Spring-Rice, is
commonly in attendance.

61
MARTIAN HEAT RAYS
The Heat Ray is the most commonly-seen weapon of the Martian
invader. Most Tripods and Drones carry a Heat Ray of some type,
with larger machines able to bear larger and heavier versions. Its
unearthly shriek is often the last thing a brave doughboy or gallant
tanker hears as his flesh is incinerated from his bones and his blood
is boiled away to nothing. Even the lightest sweep of a Heat Ray is
sufficient to burn a man to a crisp. A tightly focused blast can easily
melt metal or blast forests and buildings into an explosive inferno.

When you shoot with a Heavy Heat Ray or a Medium Heat Ray,
there is a choice of two different fire types: a focused blast or a
sweep. A Light Heat Ray can only make a focused blast. If you
make a focused blast attack, work out the shot exactly as you would
any other shot, using the stats for the weapon shown below.
Weapon Range Power Special Step 2) Take the Heat Ray sweep template and check range and
Heavy Heat Ray 30" +3 – line-of-sight to the target in the usual way. The template
Medium Heat Ray 20" +2 – must be placed wholly within range of the Heat Ray in
an arc facing away from the shooter, as shown in the
Light Heat Ray 10" +1 – diagram. The sweep template must be placed so that
it lies over at least one element in the target unit, but
Heavy Heat Rays and Medium Heat Rays, but not Light Heat otherwise it can be placed as you wish.
Rays, can alternatively make a sweep attack. Sweep attacks have
less Power but can affect more targets as the beam sweeps over a Step 3) Once the template is positioned, it might conceivably
broader area. A sweep attack is worked out slightly differently to lie over one, two or more enemy elements, and it might
a normal attack, and utilizes the special sweep template as shown even touch units from both sides. Each element beneath
below. The general method is the same as described for barrages. the template is a target, even if only partially so. Starting
This works as follows: at one end, roll a die to ‘hit’ each individual element
under the template. If an element is hit, roll to see if it
Step 1) Pick a unit to shoot with and nominate an enemy unit as takes damage, as you would for other shooting.
its target.
Step 4) Apply damage. Remove elements that have become
casualties, and take any morale check required. Tripods
and machines with Damage Resolution Charts make
the appropriate roll.

When you make a sweep attack, the stats for Heat Rays are as
shown below. Basically, range is reduced to half that of a focused
attack, and Power is reduced by -1. Light Heat Rays do not make
sweep attacks.
Weapon Range Power Special
Heavy Heat Ray 15" +2 Sweep
Medium Heat Ray 10" +1 Sweep

A Heat Ray cannot sweep onto an element where the line of

The sweep template is placed so that it hits both the tank (its
original target) and two of the infantry elements next to it.
sight is blocked for whatever reason. For example, it will not
sweep through a hill to reach an element on the other side – the
hill blocks the line of sight and therefore also blocks the Heat
Ray. If the line of sight to an element is blocked in this way, the
Heat Ray cannot harm it even where the template passes over it.

62
FIELD COMMANDER
Every army must include a unit to represent the most senior
commander in the game – the human (or Martian) officer who
is in charge of the player’s army: its Field Commander. An army
can include more than one Command unit, but it can only have
one Field Commander. Think of the Field Commander as the
embodiment of the player himself – the player’s own miniature
avatar on the tabletop.
ORDERS
Field Commanders can issue orders during the game, allowing
units to perform additional moves as described below. For every
full 200 points in your army, the Field Commander begins the
game with 1 order token. So, in a force of 1,250 points, he starts
with 6 orders; in a force of 2,000 points he has 10, and so on. At
the start of the game, take the number of tokens appropriate for
the size of your force and place them in front of you so that both
sides can see them.
Using Orders for Extra Movement
Every turn, at the start of the player’s first move phase, the player
can take any of the order tokens from his Field Commander’s
stack and place them next to any individual units, one token per
unit. When the unit moves, it can move at double speed during
that move phase. Once the unit has completed its movement, the
token is removed and discarded. Each order token can only be
used once per game, so deciding when to use your orders will be
an important element in your strategy.
Units can only double their speed once in a move phase.
Although there are various special rules that sometimes allow
units to move at double speed (See Fuel Tenders page 103 and
Clamper Tank page 101 for examples), units cannot combine
63
these bonuses together to move faster than double speed. Double
speed is the fastest you can go! Note that units that are otherwise
unable to move for whatever reason can’t benefit from an order.
Units have to be able to move to start with!
Using Orders to Regroup Routing Units
Every turn, at the start of the player’s first move phase, the player
can take any of the order tokens from his Field Commander’s
stack and place them next to any routing units, with one token
per unit. These units automatically regroup immediately, and can
move and fight normally from that turn onwards.
FIELD COMMANDERS BECOMING CASUALTIES
If a Field Commander unit becomes a casualty, another
command unit automatically takes over his role – assuming there
is one. The player immediately appoints another command unit
as his Field Commander, and any remaining order tokens pass
on to the new Field Commander. If there is no command unit to
take over the Field Commander’s role, all remaining order tokens
are lost.
ARMY RULES
Although every army has a Field Commander, differences in
communication methods and technology mean that additional
rules often apply. Both US and British Field Commanders have
to live with a few restrictions as to how they give orders. Martian
Field Commanders – insofar as the invaders have any conception
of such a thing – suffer no such restriction, although exactly
how these creatures communicate, whether through the power
of some yet undiscovered ray or merely by the power of their
minds, remains unknown. These variations are covered in the
special rules section for each army in the Armies of the Great
Interplanetary War part of the book.
TRANSPORTS
Some vehicles are capable of transporting infantry across the
battlefield: these vehicles are termed transports and include such
things as Flivvers and Cardigan Infantry Carriers. Most transport
units consist of up to three vehicles, but some are just a single
element where one vehicle is one unit – as described in the
Armies of the Interplanetary Wars section.
Transportation of troops in the game is achieved as follows. One
transport unit can pick up and carry one non-mounted infantry
unit. Mounted infantry units, as indicated in the Armies of the
Great Interplanetary War section, cannot be carried as long as
they remain mounted. If there is at least one transport vehicle
for each element in the transported unit, the transports can carry
troops at full speed. If there are fewer transports than there are
elements in the transported unit, the transports move at half
their normal speed. This represents either the transports being
overloaded or possibly ferrying troops and equipment in batches.
If a transport unit is within 6" of a unit of infantry at the start of any
move phase, it can pick up the infantry when it moves, as long as
the infantry have not moved already. Once infantry have moved,
they cannot be picked up in that phase. The unit that is being
carried can either remain onboard its transport at the end of the
phase, or disembark to a position within 6" of the carrying vehicle.
Each carried element must be within 6" of a carrying vehicle once
the unit has disembarked. If the unit disembarks, this counts as its
move for that phase. A disembarking unit can make an assault if it
can reach an enemy unit as it does so. If a unit remains on board
once its transports have moved, temporarily remove the infantry
models from the tabletop and put them aside until needed.
64
If an infantry unit has more elements than the transport
unit that carries it, multiple transport units are allowed to
operate as one where this enables the infantry to be carried
at full rather than half speed. For example, a unit of three
infantry elements could be carried by a unit of one Flivver
and another unit of two Flivvers – making three Flivvers
in all. When transporting an infantry unit in this way, the
transports must move into formation with each other and
must remain in formation while they carry the same infantry
unit. This is an exception to the normal rules for formations
and unit distances.
Units that remain onboard a transport at the end of the first move
phase cannot normally shoot during the combat phase, but note
that in the case of the Cardigan Infantry Carrier a transported
unit can operate its side-mounted machine-guns (see page 142).
The enemy cannot shoot at a unit that is being transported,
because it cannot see it, but if the transporting unit is destroyed,
the unit it carries must immediately deploy within 6" as already
described. The unit itself is unharmed; however, in this case the
transported unit is not allowed to make an assault as it deploys.
This is because it is actually the other player’s turn – but it is easy
to imagine how troops wouldn’t be fit for anything much except
dragging themselves from the wreckage!
If two or more transport units have joined up to carry the same
unit of infantry, troops automatically transfer to surviving
transport units if one transport unit is destroyed.
Note that it is perfectly acceptable to board and leave a transport
each move phase, effectively catching a ride and redeploying
each phase. If you choose to remain on board throughout your
own combat phase, you lose the opportunity to shoot with your
infantry, although in the case of the Cardigan Infantry Carrier
you can use the infantry to fire the Cardigan’s machine-guns,
which is often a better option. Should you remain onboard a
transport throughout your opponent’s turn, your infantry gain
some protection because they cannot be targeted until their
transport is destroyed, but this is a fairly risky strategy if better
cover is available close by.
TOWS
Towing artillery is essentially the same process as described
for transporting infantry. Some vehicles are capable of towing
artillery across the battlefield: these vehicles are termed tows
and include such things as Holt Gun Tractors. Cardigan Infantry
Carriers and Flivvers can also act as tows instead of troop
transports. Some tow units consist of up to three vehicles, but
others are just a single element where one vehicle is one unit – as
described in the Armies of the Interplanetary Wars section.
Towing artillery in the game is achieved as follows. One tow unit
can pick up and tow one field artillery unit or, in some cases, one
heavy field artillery unit. Only the sturdiest of towing vehicles
can pull the weight of a heavy field artillery piece, so not all tows
are up to the job. If there is one tow vehicle for each element in
the towed unit, the tows can pull the guns at full speed. If there
are fewer tows than there are elements in the towed unit, tows
pull the guns at half of their normal speed. This represents either
the tows being overloaded or possibly moving guns, munitions
and crews in batches. Place the gun models directly behind
the towing vehicles to show they are being towed. If there are
more guns than tows, simply arrange the guns one behind the
other like train carriages, or – if this proves too cumbersome
– temporarily remove some of the guns and place them aside.
However, you must leave at least one gun in place to show the
unit is being towed and to present a target for the enemy!
If a tow unit is within 6" of a unit of artillery at the start of any move
phase, it can pick up the artillery unit when it moves, and as long
as the artillery has not moved already, assuming it is able to do
so. Once an artillery unit has moved, it cannot be picked up that
phase. The unit that is being towed can either remain attached to its
tow at the end of the phase or it can redeploy to a position within
6" of the towing vehicle. Each towed element must be within
6" of its towing vehicle once the unit has redeployed. If the unit
redeploys, this counts as its move for that phase (where it has one).
Units that remain towed at the end of the first move phase cannot
shoot during the combat phase, but note that in the case of the
Cardigan Infantry Carrier a transported unit can operate its side-
mounted machine-guns (see page 142).
If the towing unit is destroyed, towed artillery must immediately
deploy within 6" as already described. The towed unit itself is
65
If an artillery unit has more elements than the transport unit
that tows it, multiple towing units are allowed to operate as
one where this enables the guns to be carried at full rather
than half speed. This is essentially the same as described for
transport units and infantry. When towing an artillery unit
in this way, the tows must move into formation with each
other and must remain in formation while they tow the same
artillery unit. This is an exception to the normal rules for
formations and unit distances.
unharmed. If two or more tow units are pulling the same unit
of artillery, and one tow unit is destroyed, guns automatically
transfer to surviving tow units.
A unit of towed artillery can still be shot at by the enemy as a
separate target, as long as the enemy can see the guns rather than
just the towing vehicles. If artillery elements are lost, or units
destroyed, this does not affect towing vehicles.
Note that it is perfectly acceptable to pick up, move and
deploy guns in each move phase, effectively catching a ride and
redeploying each phase. However, because guns can normally
only move or shoot, and redeploying counts as a move, there is
rarely any benefit to doing so.
LATEST ANTARCTIC
DISCOVERIES
THE SCOTT-AMUNDSEN expedition continues its
exploration of the Ross Ice Shelf around the crater
that marks the descent of the only Martian cylin-
der so far known from the Antarctic continent.
Ice caves, abandoned boreholes and the remnants
of what appears to be a tunnel through the ice
are all that remains to be seen of Martian activi-
ties in the region. Of the cylinder’s inhabitants or
their machines no trace has yet been found. These
discoveries in the frozen wastes are analogous to
those reported by Robert Peary at the North Pole
two years ago, which were widely discredited at
the time. However, it becomes increasingly clear
that the freezing temperatures amid the barren
ice fields do not daunt the Martians as was once
thought. Martian activities in the polar regions
must now be counted amongst the threats pre-
sented by the alien invader.
HIDDEN UNITS
In some scenarios, human units are allowed to set up as hidden units.
The scenario specifies where troops can be set up in this way. Hidden
units are not placed on the battlefield at the start of the game. Instead,
hidden units are deployed as ‘blips.’ A blip is a counter. The presence
of a blip indicates to the opposing player that something is there –
but it is impossible for them to tell exactly what.
All blip counters are numbered on one side, and to deploy a
unit as a blip, the human player secretly writes down which
unit is number 1, which is number 2, and so on. Once this is
done, the player places the blip where he wishes to position
the corresponding unit. Blips must be placed at least 3" apart
and at least 3" from units that are not hidden – this is to allow
space for the units to deploy once they are revealed. Place the
blips so the opposing player cannot see the numbers. Blips can
be positioned anywhere in the player’s deployment area where
the corresponding unit could normally move; they cannot be
placed in terrain that is impassable. Blips do not have to be placed
behind terrain or within cover; they can be placed in the open.
Blips placed in the open are assumed to be keeping low or to have
camouflaged or disguised themselves in some manner.
For every blip representing an infantry unit, the player can add
up to a further two decoy blips. These are ‘free’ and don’t cost any
points. Decoy blips represent troopers advancing ahead of infantry
squads to distract the enemy by making a noise, disturbing the
undergrowth, or otherwise leading the enemy astray. Write down
which numbers represents decoy blips, for example ‘decoys 5 to
12.’ Decoy blips can be deployed anywhere within the player’s
deployment zone as if they were actual infantry units. The enemy
will have no idea whether blips are real or decoys. So far as the
enemy is concerned, all blips are targets and can be engaged as if
they were actual units.
Once the game begins, blips can only move if they represent
infantry units with the ‘stealth’ special rule or if they are decoys.
Blips representing other units, such as artillery or tanks, cannot
move without first revealing themselves. Mobile blips can only
66
move in the second move phase and never in the first move
phase. Blips always have a speed stat of 6" regardless of the unit’s
actual speed. Blips that move must end its move more than 3"
from other blips and deployed units – this is to allow sufficient
space for units to deploy once they are revealed. Blips, whether
decoys or actual infantry, move as if they were infantry units.
Note that blips cannot benefit from the proximity of other units
that would normally confer a bonus of any kind; for example,
blips cannot benefit by using transports or medic units.
Blips are revealed for what they really are when one of the
following happens:
• An enemy unit moves to within 6" and has line of sight to the blip.
• The unit represented by the blip shoots (or uses a special rule
that forces it to give away its position, for example because you
have to measure the range to the element to use that rule).
• The unit represented by the blip moves, other than as noted
above for ‘stealth’ infantry and decoys.
• The enemy shoots at and inflicts at least 1 point of damage
on the blip. For this purpose, all blips have a Defense of 5 and
Armor stat of 4, the same as ordinary human infantry squads,
and count the full benefit of any cover as if they were infantry,
regardless of whether they are infantry, decoys or other kinds
of units. Shooting at a blip in this way can reveal the unit it
represents but does not cause any actual damage.
When a blip is revealed, the player turns the blip over to show its
number and declares what the unit is or if it is a decoy.
If the blip represents a real unit, it must be placed on the battlefield
as soon as it is revealed. Place one element on top of the position
marked by the blip, and place any other elements in formation.
If the blip is a decoy, it is simply removed when it is revealed. The
men it represents have long gone, scampering back to their units,
or perhaps they have paid the ultimate price for their heroism.
AMBUSH
In some scenarios, human infantry units are allowed to set up in
ambush. If a unit sets up in ambush, it is not deployed onto the
battlefield at the start of the game, either openly or as a hidden
unit. No ‘blips’ can be deployed on its account – either a ‘blip’
representing the unit itself or decoys (See Hidden Units for more
about this).
Instead, while the army deploys, the player chooses a terrain
area where he wishes the unit to set up in ambush. The scenario
will specify where ambushing units are allowed to deploy – for
example, either within the player’s own half of the table or
anywhere on the table. When the player has decided where to
place his ambushing unit, he must write this down, clearly listing
the unit and the terrain feature where it is placed. The terrain
area chosen for the ambush must lie at least partially within the
area specified for ambush deployment, but it does not have to lie
wholly within this area: a terrain feature that partly lies within the
permitted deployment area can be used for ambush. You can set
up only one of your units in ambush in each area of terrain.
Ambushers remain unseen, waiting; concealed in pits, tunnels,
or otherwise so well disguised that even the presence of enemy
troops within the terrain area does not reveal them. The only
thing that can reveal an ambushing unit is a Detector placed
within 12" of the center-point of the terrain feature where they
67
are hiding. Ambushers revealed by a Detector are placed on the
table as soon as this condition is met (see page 129 for more
about these Martian machines).
Otherwise, ambushing units can be placed on the battlefield by the
player at the beginning of any of his first move phases. The player
must reveal his written instructions for the units he is placing as
he positions them. The player places all the unit’s elements within
the indicated terrain area, making sure that each element is entirely
within the area, and the unit itself is in formation and more than
1" from any enemy. Once deployed, the unit can act normally.
For example, in the player’s own turn, ambushing infantry could
immediately emerge, make a move and assault an enemy.
Note that it is perfectly possible for an ambushing unit to lie low
and allow enemies to move right over them, popping up behind
the enemy lines later on. No enemy, barrage, or other activity can
reveal an ambush, except for a Martian detector, as already noted.
STEALTH
The stealth rule affects the movement of hidden units as
explained in the rules for Hidden Units. It is a common rule for
human infantry and allows them to move around the battlefield
as blips without being identified. See page 66.
TRAPS
In some scenarios, a player is allowed to set up traps at the start
of the game. Traps consist of covered pits rigged with explosives,
mines, bear claws, and steel trip-wires that detonate shells or high
explosive charges. Traps are laid in terrain areas and will most
likely include a number of individual booby-traps or pits.
To lay a trap, the player secretly indicates the terrain area, writing
down the trap’s location at the start of the game. The scenario
will usually specify where traps can be placed; for example, either
wholly within the player’s half of the table or anywhere on the
table. You can place only a single trap in an area of terrain.
Friendly units ignore traps because they know where they are
and can avoid them. Friendly units can deploy into terrain
that includes traps, and can move through these areas without
hindrance. However, elements from the opposing side trigger
traps as soon as they move into a terrain area where traps are
set. The player who has set the traps must indicate that they
have been triggered when the enemy unit moves into the terrain
feature, as soon as the first element in the enemy unit makes
its move and crosses into the terrain feature, even if it does so
only partially. The effect of traps is worked out immediately and
Note that traps can be set up in the same terrain areas as
ambushing units – the ambushing units are aware of the
traps, having most likely laid them – and are only waiting for
the enemy to stumble into the snare before they pounce.
interrupts the normal sequence of play. Elements that survive the
trap can complete their move.
Roll 1 attack for each element in the enemy unit. It does not
matter how many individual elements move into the terrain
feature where the trap is set – roll 1 attack for each element in the
entire unit. Traps have a ‘to hit’ and Power bonus of +4, and no
cover bonuses apply to units affected by traps.
Once a trap has been activated, it has no further effect during the game
– either all of the traps in the area have been set off, or the enemy is
now alerted to the presence of traps and will not be caught by them.

The Dallas Star

36TH YEAR DALLAS, TEXAS, MONDAY, OCTOBER 21ST, 1914 PRICE, 3 CENTS

WITH LAWRENCE action of resistance from horseback

OF ARIZONA
R EPORTED B Y E D S PETTIGUE
Across the deserts of Arizona,
New Mexico, and as far north as
Utah and Nevada, the Martian Red
Weed has crept, and the machines
of the monsters crawl about the
landscape as a plague. They do not,
however, do so without risk. They
never know when brave men will
spring a trap and destroy them if
they wander alone or far afield from
their strange Martian redoubts.
Many tales of daring do come
from the Occupied territories, but
the young officer, T. E. Lawrence
of the BEF, is becoming justifi-
ably famous. Allied with ruthless
Apache, Arapahoe, and Comanche
warriors, T. E. Lawrence and his
allied Indians fight a desperate
and with motorbikes in the desolate
places of the South West.
This reporter, braving the
hazards of the Occupied territo-
ries, recently travelled with Law-
rence of Arizona, as he is now
known, on a mission to trap and
kill one of the Martian Tripods
deep in their own territory.
On this particular mission, I
witnessed recklessly brave Apache
warriors risk all by fleeing from a
hunting Tripod down one of the
many box canyons of this beautiful
but harsh land. The retreat was a
feint of course, similar to what the
Apache did to our own cavalry forces
not so long ago. Once in the box
canyon, other Apaches along its rim
used dynamite to create an avalanche
sealing the only exit from the canyon
and the fate of the Martian machine
at the same time. As it roamed
around helplessly trying to escape,
the Apaches under the direction of
Lawrence peppered it with rifle fire
and the spray of machine-guns until
its formidable armor was finally
whittled down and the machine
ceased to function. The Apaches
then rapelled down the canyon walls
and after much effort retrieved the
Martian occupant from his protected
cabin. The warriors then proceeded
to destroy the Martian in a ritualis-
tic killing requiring all the warriors
to dash toward it with only knives
and tomahawks.
Many young warriors from
various tribes have undergone these
kinds of rituals to become warriors.
What these new warriors will do
if the US government fails to meet
Lawrence’s promises of a free Indian
nation after the war is anyone’s guess,
but for now, the only foes that need
fear them are the hated Martians.

68
RESERVES AND
REINFORCEMENTS
In some scenarios, players are given the option of keeping a
portion of their forces in reserve at the start of the battle. In
some instances, they are obliged to do so. Reserves can enter the
battlefield from the second turn onwards.
In other scenarios, a portion of units must be kept back from
the battle as reinforcements. Reinforcements can only enter the
table when a suitable test is made, and may or may not turn up
at all.
RESERVES
Reserves are troops positioned just behind the battlefield, ready
to move onto the tabletop when and where they are needed
during the game. Units placed in reserve can enter the tabletop
along the player’s own edge from the second turn of the game
onwards. They can enter in either move phase and measure their
movement from the table edge. Units can enter at any point along
the player’s table edge. It is not necessary to bring all reserves on
at the same time, or to bring them on in the same place. Each unit
can be brought on when and where it is needed.
Units brought on from the third or subsequent turn of the game
can also move on to the tabletop from any point along the side
edges of the player’s own half of the table. This represents units
that have moved around the edge of the battlefield, possibly
outflanking enemies already taking part in the fighting. Note that
these outflanking units cannot enter the table any further forward
than the table’s halfway line, i.e. not in the other player’s ‘half ’ of
the table, and cannot therefore be used to bypass, for example,
defenses in the Fortress or Redoubt scenarios.
Reserves that have not entered the table by the final turn of the
game count as casualties.
69
REINFORCEMENTS
Reinforcements are troops that are on their way to the
battlefield but which may still be some way off. Whereas
reserves will automatically deploy when and where they are
needed, reinforcements must make a test to determine when
and if they arrive.
Units that are held back as reinforcements must test from the
second turn onwards to determine when they arrive at the
battle. Test separately for each unit at the start of each turn until
it arrives.
Units enter the tabletop along the player’s own edge in the first
move phase of the turn they arrive, measuring their movement
from the table edge. Units can enter at any point along the
player’s own table edge. Note that reinforcements cannot
move onto the table along the side-edges, while reserves can as
described above.
At the start of each of the player’s turns after the first, roll a die for
each unit held back as reinforcements.
Score Result
1-5 No show – the unit does not arrive that turn. Test again
next turn.
6-8 The unit can move onto the table as normal that turn
but cannot make an attack.
9-10 The unit can move onto the table and make an attack
that turn if it is otherwise able to do so. This means the
unit can shoot or even mount an assault if it can reach
an enemy.
Reinforcements that fail to arrive before the battle is over do not
count as casualties. Note that this is different to reserves, which
do count as casualties, as described above.

BUILDINGS
Buildings are included in the terrain charts as a general terrain
category; this section introduces additional rules for substantial,
large buildings – the sort of construction that covers at least
one entire terrain area, and potentially more. At the turn of the
twentieth century, large, multi-story buildings are relatively rare,
but thanks to the use of the steel-framed ‘Chicago skeleton,’ it
is now possible to build upwards ten or even more stories. Such
tall and sturdy constructions make ideal strong points in the war
against the Martian invader, as during the battle of St. Louis,
where the dogged defense of the ten-story Wainwright Building,
built in 1891, saw some of the most intense fighting of the whole
war. These new kinds of buildings are restricted to America’s
largest cities, most notably Chicago and New York. The latter
city is home to the famous Fuller, or ‘Flatiron’ Building, towering
over the surrounding district at no less than twenty-two stories
tall. The proposed Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower
Terrain Infantry
Large substantial buildings Def+4
Arm +2
in New York was planned to be the tallest building in the world at
700 feet, but construction, intended to begin in 1909, was halted
while materials were diverted to the war effort.
The cover value of large buildings is given in the terrain chart, and
repeated below for convenience.
Note that buildings are impassable to all units other than
infantry, although artillery can be set up inside buildings in some
scenarios, i.e. emplaced. Once positioned in this way, artillery
cannot be moved. The cover values for vehicles and machines
are included in the chart to take account of intervening buildings
in situations where targets are partly obscured, such as when a
Tripod is lurking behind the corner of a building.
Substantial buildings are eligible targets for attack, and can be
shot at, or assaulted, as if they were enemy units. This allows
buildings to be damaged and reduced to rubble. Buildings that lie
beneath barrage templates, or sweeping Heat Ray attacks, are also
treated as separate targets, in the same way as units of troops.
Buildings have a Defense value of 2. It is – admittedly – hard to
miss a building! Note that a building doesn’t provide cover for
itself – only for troops inside it.
Buildings have an Armor value that varies depending upon
the building’s construction. Although these rules are mostly
concerned with substantial buildings constructed from steel,
stone and concrete, account is also taken of sprawling, low-
level workshops and factories, which might be made of flimsier
materials such as wood, sheet metal or brick.
Building
Wooden or sheet metal,
Armor
or single story brick building 5
Multi-story brick building 6
Steel-framed stone or
concrete clad multi-story building 7
To simplify matters, a further value is allocated to each building
to indicate how much damage it can take. For a building that
stands upon a single terrain area, the standard value is 5, rising
to 6 if the building covers two such areas, 7 if three, and so on.
If a building is hit and damaged, place damage markers on the
building to indicate how much damage it has taken.
Once a building has taken as much damage as it can, it is reduced
to rubble, and it counts as a rubble terrain area.
Target/Cover
Vehicles Machines
Artillery & Tanks & Tripods Movement
Def +2 Def +1 Def +1 Impassable to
Arm +1 Arm 0 Arm 0 all except infantry
70
 MARTIAN SLAVE TROOPS
Extract from diary of Professor James Herrick – 14th May 1913

T he first cadavers of the Martian Slave Troops were

delivered to Cook County Hospital Morgue early this
morning amidst much official secrecy. Lt. Col. Ireland is
some apparatus – something like the innards of a wireless
receiver – some means by which the Martians are able
to exert control over their Slaves. Whether the electrical
determined to keep the story out of the newspapers as long experts can make anything of how these masks work, I
as possible. The cadavers arrived sewn into sacks by the don’t know. They were carefully packed away and dis-
field teams. Even the soldiers who brought them in weren’t patched to the Edison laboratories where Tesla himself is
supposed to know what was going on. Just another routine preparing to examine them – or so the Lieutenant Colonel
autopsy of the kind we’re getting used to in this war. That’s tells me. ‘Like puppets without strings’ was how one of the
the cover story at any rate. You could tell by the way the witnesses describes these things in the briefing notes. How
soldiers looked at each other they knew something was up. those strings work, whether by electrical impulses, radio
I suppose they’d heard the rumors the same as the rest of waves, or some subtler power of the mind alone I – for one
us – or worse. – find myself unable to say.
It’s true that you get used to the sight of human bodies By tomorrow the last of the tissue tests will be complete
broken by war, ruined by the gases and death rays of the and Lieutenant Colonel Merritte Weber Ireland – assistant
Martians. There’s a part of every pathologist that under- to Major General William Gorgas, Surgeon General of the
stands the structure of muscles, bones and organs with all United States Army – will have full details of the autopsies.
the hardheaded clarity of science, and which remains neces- No doubt the newshounds will be fed like they always are
sarily indifferent to the suffering of the human soul. Even so, – I don’t envy Ireland that job one bit.
I must have started when the first cadaver was cut from the
sack because several of the interns also gasped and suddenly
stepped back, and a few blanched and averted their eyes.
The autopsies were surprisingly straightforward in the
end, though what to make of it all is still a mystery. At least
the basic facts are established beyond question. The Slave
Soldiers are not ‘the walking dead’ as the rumors suggest
but living, breathing human captives. The cadavers had
all suffered mortal injuries that would have killed any
ordinary men: gun shot, blast, and shell. In fact, aside from
the alien masks enclosing their heads there was nothing
to suggest these were anything but ordinary soldiers. Two
of the cadavers had military tattoos that enabled us to
identify the units to which they once belonged.
It was impossible to extract the masks without dis-
turbing a great deal of the brain. The casing of the mask
concealed a network of metallic fibres forming a kind of
mesh within the brain tissue. A large portion of the cerebral
cortex – notable the frontal and temporal lobes – had been
removed together with corresponding portions of the
frontal and parietal bones. Exactly how this was done is
a mystery. What horrors these men endured is unimagi-
nable – and perhaps best left unimagined too. In all cases
the inner mask material directly behind the faceplate corre-
sponding to the position of the cadaver’s eyes was drawn
out into two long spiked probes, piercing the eyes and
brain right through to the occipital lobes.
Having learned a little of what use the Martians
make of these poor wretches, I was expecting to find

71
DEFENSE WORKS
The rules distinguish between two types of defense works. These
are: field fortifications and fortresses.
The rules for field fortifications cover the majority of field-defense
works, from simple foxholes and slit trenches to machine-guns
nests, firing pits, barbettes, emplaced gun turrets and concrete
bunkers linked by underground tunnels. These kinds of defenses
form a part of all the major defensive lines across America.
The scenarios describe the types of fortification present and
indicate where fixed weapons, such as gun turrets, are included.
These scenarios represent battles where one side is defending
prepared positions against enemy attack (usually, humans
defending against Martians). In these cases, individual areas
of fortification represent a network of trenches, foxholes,
bunkers, firing pits and whatever features the players wish to
model. These are typically either 4-inches square or 4-inches by
6-inches deep – i.e., large enough for a single infantry element
to fit across the width.

The rules for fortresses cover the huge defensive walls raised
behind the major rivers of the United States and around the largest
cities. These are far more formidable than field defenses and
present a massive physical barrier to the enemy, as well as serving
as a base of operations for the troops stationed within them.
FIELD FORTIFICATIONS
Field fortifications are treated as a special kind of terrain area.
This area can include any of the following: earthworks, trenches,
foxholes, bunkers and fixed emplacements of one kind or
other. Note that this includes things like gun pits and barbettes
for artillery and firing pits for tanks that are ‘dug in.’ Field
fortifications can be substantial, such as armored turrets in fixed
emplacement and concrete blockhouses and bunkers.
Some of the scenarios described later include field fortifications,
either for free or at an optional cost for the defending force.
Units from both sides can move over field fortifications,
which count as difficult ground to all troops except infantry.
Fortifications always belong to one side. This is always the human
side in the scenarios described in this book. The cover benefits to
Defense and Armor count for the side they belong to, but do not
count cover at all to the opposing side. Cover benefits are given
on the Terrain charts and are repeated below for convenience.
Field fortifications often include armored turrets or raised turret
towers armed with guns. These static units do not benefit from
cover bonuses because they are conspicuous by nature and
positioned to give them a clear field of fire. These turrets have
standard stats as follows.
Element Type Speed Defense Armor Weaponry Special
Armored Turret Exceptional Static 3 10 varies Field
Fortification

Target/Cover
Vehicles Machines
Terrain Infantry Artillery & Tanks & Tripods Movement
Earthworks, fox holes, gun pits, bunkers, Def+4 Def +4 Def +1 Def 0 Difficult ground to
and other fortifications Arm +2 Arm +2 Arm +1 Arm +1 all except infantry
Defenders only Defenders only Defenders only Defenders only

72
 M illions of tons of concrete and steel, vast
armies of labor, and the unbreakable deter-
mination of the American people have raised the
most formidable defense works ever conceived
by man. These mighty walls stretch for hundreds
of miles, and the longest and most heavily armed
of all stands east of the Mississippi river. Behind
steep walls of concrete are hundreds of miles
of galleries and barracks; home to thousands of
troops. Within the walls are set gun positions,
armored turrets mounting the latest weapons,
and sturdy bastions encased in thick concrete.
Similar works lie around all of America’s greatest
cities, concentric rings of defenses, each stronger
than the next. Even small towns have been
turned into heavily defended bastions where
local human populations can take refuge against
the invaders. From these bases, the military can
launch daring strikes against the Martians and
their murderous machines.
FORTRESSES
The Fortress scenario on page 157 features a long defensive
fortress wall which the Martians must attempt to breach.
Fortress walls are assumed to have plentiful firing positions
built into them, including turrets or other emplacements
for artillery, and firing pits for tanks. The fortress wall is
represented by a series of linked wall sections. Each section
is treated as a separate target with a Defense value of 2 and an
Armor value of 14.
Enemy units can target the fortress wall itself or any enemy units
positioned on the wall. Units positioned on the wall receive the
same bonuses for cover as units in field fortifications. Attacks
73
FORTRESS DAMAGE RESOLUTIOn CHART
If a fortress wall section suffers damage from an enemy unit’s
shooting or an assault, it is not automatically destroyed. Instead,
roll a die and consult the following chart. If the fortress wall has
suffered more than one point of damage from the attack, add +1
to the die roll for each additional point of damage scored. For
example, if a fortress wall were to suffer 2 points of damage from
an enemy unit’s attack, roll a die and add +1. If it suffers 3 points of
damage add +2, and so on.
Score Result
1-5 The fortress wall section is damaged. Its Armor value is
permanently reduced by -1.
6-9 The fortress wall section is badly damaged. Its Armor value is
permanently reduced by -1. In addition, each unit on the wall
section suffers one attack per element from the weapon that
scored the damage – work this out immediately.
10 The fortress wall section is breached. It no longer counts as a
fortification for cover, but as an area of ruins. Remove the wall
section and replace it with ruins or rubble terrain covering the
same area (a scatter of rubble will do). In addition, each unit on
the wall section suffers one attack per element from the weapon
that scored the damage – work this out immediately.
upon the fortress wall can also affect units positioned on the wall,
as noted on the Fortress Damage Resolution chart below.
A fortress wall cannot be crossed until it has been breached as
described above. An unbreached wall is impassable to the enemy.
Friendly units, including vehicles and tanks, cannot cross the wall
either, but can move along it, or up onto it from the other side.
MARTIAN REDOUBTS
The huge bases built by the Martian invaders are generally
referred to as ‘Redoubts.’ Redoubts take the form of a crater.
Behind the wall-like rim of the crater lies an underground
complex and secret inner-works hidden from human eyes. The
rim consists of the heaped spoil of Martian excavation, and forms
an outer barrier that is both steep and difficult to ascend because
it consists of loose soil and rubble.
The Redoubt scenario on page 162 features the rim of a Martian
base, which the humans must attempt to break through. The rim
is represented by a length of crater rim stretching across the table
from one side to the other.
The crater rim is treated in a similar way to a long ridge or
hill stretching across the table. Because it consists of loose
rubble and soil, it is very difficult for troops or vehicles to
cross, although Martian Tripods and other machines can cross
without great difficulty.
Tripods and other Martian machines treat the crater rim as difficult
ground, reducing speed to half pace, but are otherwise unaffected.
All other elements treat the crater rim as difficult ground and
also risk becoming either bogged down or stuck altogether when
they attempt to move over it. Note that this includes Martian
Lobototons as well as human infantry and other units.
74
• If an element begins its move on the crater rim and wishes to
move that phase, make a test before the unit moves to see if the
unit is affected.
• If a unit moves onto a crater rim, halt each element as soon as
it has moved entirely onto the rim, or as soon as it reaches the
mid-point of the rim if the model is very long, and make a test
to see if it is affected.
A test is made as follows. Make just one test for the entire unit; all
of its elements moving over the crater rim are affected. Roll a die.
Add +3 if the element is infantry other than mounted troops on
motorbikes or horses.
Score Result
1-5 Stuck Fast! The element cannot move further that
turn and must test again next turn if it wishes to move,
deducting -3 from the result.
6-8 Bogged Down! If the element is infantry, it can only
move in one move phase that turn, and if testing for its
second move phase it cannot move if it has already done
so that turn. If not infantry, the element cannot move
further that turn.
9-13 Keep Going! The unit continues to move normally over
the crater, counting it as difficult ground (half speed).
75
 NEW YORK HERALD
THE WAR IN THE AIR - CHICAGO DEFENDED BY BRAVE AVIATORS
BY FLOYD GIBBONS
How many have gaped in wonder at
the latest realization of man’s long-held
dream of flight, and pictured themselves
aloft amongst the clouds, buoyed upon
wings of wire and canvass? To the troops
defending Chicago, America’s latest
weapon in the Martian War, the aerial
observer, has become a common sight
above the trenches. General Pershing
himself has praised the ‘far-seeing eyes
of the army’ as he recently described the
brave aviators of the Signal Corps new
Aeronautical Division.
Until now, those reporting upon this
war have been reduced to doing so from
the perspective of the earthbound. When
invited to accompany a scouting flight
of the 1st Aero Squadron, the reader
will hardly be surprised to learn that I
seized upon the chance with great eager-
ness. Mine was to be the first official
flight of any war reporter. It was a privi-
lege that was not without its hazards, as
I was made all too aware upon arrival at
Moore’s Field south of Rockford in the
dark hours of the early morning.
‘We’ll take off in the dark and climb to
5,000 feet. Then we’ll drop down over the
target area,’ explained Captain Benjamin
Foulois commanding officer of 1st Aero
Squadron. ‘Our course will take us west
close to the old Upper Mississippi Line.’
Minutes later, engulfed in thick
leather coats, we made our way through
the darkness towards the awaiting
airplanes. The machines were bathed
in the light of kerosene lamps as the
squadron’s engineers busied themselves
with last minute intricacies in readi-
ness for the dawn patrol.
‘These are Curtiss pushers,’ explained
Lieutenant Taliaferro, the pilot whose
machine would take my trusty Eastman
quarter-plate camera and I into the air
for the first time. ‘You’ll take the forward
observer’s position in front of me. You’ll
get a good view of the ground from there.’
An affable Kentuckian, the Lieuten-
ant helped me into the tiny bucket at
the nose of the airplane and showed
me how to attach the safety straps that
would prevent me falling out, ‘if things
get choppy’.
MORNING EDITION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST, 1914
‘You’ll need to stand and lean into the
slipstream to get the camera into posi-
tion,’ he explained. ‘But you can lean
forward quite a long way. You can brace
yourself against the air pressure so long
as we keep level.’
‘What happens if we don’t keep level?’
I ask.
‘Then you hunker down out of the
slipstream and hold on as tight as you
can. Leave the rest to me,’ he said with
all the daredevil insouciance I’d come
to recognize as a trademark of aviators
everywhere.
Twenty-three minutes later and I was
grateful for all the scarves, socks, gloves
and wool-lined leather with which I’d
been burdened. If – like me – you had
imagined peace and serenity amongst
the clouds, let me dispel that notion
at once. The first and most enduring
sensation is of noise and bustle from
the roaring engine. The second is the
growing chill that seeps through clothes,
flesh and eventually to the very bones.
Before very long my hands and feet
ached with cold. Numb fingers strained
to secure the camera in my lap.
The icy wind and rapid pace of our
progress soon forced me to huddle
below the fuselage where I found it
just about possible to shelter from
the relentless buffeting of the freezing
air. It was only now that the Lieuten-
ant nosed the airplane gently down-
wards and the engine pitch settled to
a regular patter. I readied the heavy
camera – the first plate safely loaded
on the ground – and struggled from the
flimsy canvas seat.
It is wondrous thing to see the earth
as through the eyes of a bird upon the
wing. The fields and woods, rivers and
roads lying like the faded pattern of a
distant Turkey carpet. The morning
light revealed the bright glimmer of
water some way to my left, without
question the Mississippi itself. To my
right and the east was a patchwork of
greens and browns, scarred with the
blackened ruins of what must have
been part of the defense lines of 1913.
Ahead I could see hills rising in a series
of gentle undulations towards the north,
the far peaks clad not in the native
76
green of woodland but the revolting red
of Martian Weed.
I twisted round so that I could see
Lieutenant Taliaferro. His gloved hand
gestured in the direction of the red
vegetation. The Curtiss pusher made a
gentle turn westward heading toward
the darkest patch of weed. As we
turned, the left wing dropped a little
and the ground appeared to tilt toward
me in the most alarming fashion. As I
recovered my composure I noticed the
other airplane some little distance to
our right: Captain Foulois’s machine.
Of the third airplane in our flight
I could see no sign. Only later was I
to learn its engine had failed shortly
after take off. The pilot had made a
landing no more than fifty miles west
of Rockford. The machine was wrecked
as it careered into a tree. The observer
died in the impact, but luckily the
pilot, Lieutenant Byron Jones, escaped
without injury and was rescued by a
patrol of Rough Riders.
Captain Foulois’ machine drew into
line with our own as we approached the
red-clad hills. I could see the observer
in the other airplane as he rose and
braced himself against the flimsy
fuselage. Likewise I secured myself
against the cockpit’s narrow edge
and felt at once the exhilarating rush
of wind as the Curtiss sped through
the air at almost a hundred miles an
hour. Seeing that I was ready to begin,
Lieutenant Taliaferro throttled back
the engine and the airplane seemed to
settle upon the air.
I began to work the Eastman and had
exposed three plates before we passed
the crest of a hill and found ourselves
suddenly suspended above a crater
that filled the camera’s optic. We had
uncovered a Martian redoubt – or at the
least what was plainly the beginnings
of one. I was so startled that the plate
I was about to load slipped from my
cold-deadened hands and I scrambled
to uncover a fresh one. In the time it
took to do so the air was rent by the
shriek of Martian Heat Rays. The little
Curtiss pitched violently from side-
to-side. Fortunately, our altitude was
sufficient to dissipate the worst of the
deadly rays, though the Martian’s fire
was hot enough to haze the air. The
whole aircraft seemed to shimmer as
we plunged toward the ground. I must
confess all thoughts of my camera were
banished from my mind in that moment
of terror. Hunkered down in the cockpit
and hanging on to the leather rail with
all my strength, I thought only how my
life now lay in the hands of Lieutenant
Taliaferro.
For what seemed a great age, but
which I know to have been no more than
a minute and a half, Taliaferro weaved
and looped the little Curtiss as Heat
Rays hissed and shrieked around us.
Once I heard a loud crack and fearing
the worst raised my head above the
fuselage to see the Lieutenant wres-
tling with the controls as he fought to
master the airplane. One of the wing
struts had snapped and splintered, not
battle damage from the Heat Ray but
the stress of our pilot’s acrobatics. With
one last fizz of boiling air the airplane
steadied and we soared free of the
crater. Captain Foulois’s machine fol-
lowed closely behind.
Quick as a flash I stood up and,
steadying the camera against the side
of the fuselage, took a picture of the
Martian Redoubt as we left it behind
us. In that hellish image you can see
splashes of light from Heat Rays and
the long shadows of a dozen Tripods.
Beyond the pit’s rim, tunnels and
borings hide shining machines exposed
by the fire flashes. It is the first photo-
graph ever taken of a Martian Redoubt
from the air. Had the construction been
further advanced I think it unlikely we
would have survived to report its exis-
tence.
‘These pushers are good enough
machines in the hands of an experi-
enced aviator,’ Captain Foulois confided
nearly an hour later back at Moore’s
Field. ‘We’re getting the first deliveries
of the new tractors in a few weeks,’ he
said – referring to the new kind of air-
planes with the engines mounted at the
front rather than at the back. ‘The latest
engines are more powerful and the con-
trols better thought out and stronger.’
‘We need to train more pilots and
quickly,’ added Lieutenant Taliaferro.
77
His right cheek was dark with the flash
of a Heat Ray. Otherwise nothing about
his calm, reflective manner suggested
he had been battling for his life scant
hours before. We had yet to receive
news of the third pusher crew whose
fate was very much on all our minds
as we spoke.
‘More pilots, better and bigger air-
planes!’ agreed Foulois. ‘The Martians
haven’t found a way of countering our
aircraft yet. In hot weather their Heat
Rays have the range to bring down the
old pushers, though any dampness in the
air reduces the weapon’s effectiveness.’
By nightfall Captain Foulois, Lieu-
tenant Taliaferro and the men of the
1st Aero Squadron lay far behind as
the Flivver carried me back through
the Chicago defense lines and home. It
had been an honor and a privilege to
witness the aviators of America at war
against the alien invader. Never again
will I hear the drone of a distant air-
plane without thinking of those brave
men of the Aeronautical Division who
everyday risk their lives in the battle for
the skies.
The Second Martian Invasion has brought conflict to every
place on Earth. In the Far East, Japan, protected by the ocean,
arms and ponders defense and taking the war to the Martian
occupied lands to gain territory. All the many peoples of
Russia not under the red weed work in the armament factories
night and day. Europe, untouched by the invaders so far, arms
with new scientific wonders and builds huge armies not only
for defense from Martians but also as a bulwark against the
new tremendously advanced army of the British Empire. Even
the Martian threat has not quelled all the European dreams of
an empire that closed the 19th century. Elsewhere, beyond
Earth, things stir on other orbs besides Mars and Earth.
New technology, drawn from the wrecked machines of the
first invasion, is changing everything. Scientists all over the
78
world, seeing the possibilities in the Martian Machines, are
making huge strides in metallurgy, power supply, chemistry
and more. For most of the world, the very survival of the
human race is at stake. These new machines and the nature of
the threat itself are changing the way that armies organize and
fight everywhere.
This section details the armies involved in the conflict
in North America. The Martians rightfully assessed the
industrial might of America as a key threat to their plans
of conquest. Their machines, modified from the more
mundane construction and transportation engines of their
home world, are fighting hard against fierce resistance from
the Americans, the Canadians, and the recently arrived
British Expeditionary Force.
79
This section of the book describes the army of the United States
of America. As well as background information covering the
development of the army since the Martian invasion, you will
find a description of the various fighting formations, equipment
and machines, together with game stats, rules and points values
to represent them on the tabletop.
THE ARMY AT WAR
The US Army was a small affair at the time of the Second Martian
Attack, consisting of Cavalry, Artillery, and several Infantry
Divisions. It was spread out across America in small garrisons.
As the US Army met the Martians, they did so in dribs and drabs
at first, and usually after a long journey by train followed by a
long march. They were ground up piece by piece by the superior
machines of the Martians.
80
It is now believed the Martians chose to stop at the Mississippi.
They weren’t really stopped by the US Army, but nonetheless this
hiatus was the chance that America needed. The nation plunged
fully into rushing new war materials and recruits to the front.
Fortunately, the Martians spent several months consolidating in
the West. This gave the Americans just enough time to fortify the
Mississippi Line.
In 1910, America ran on coal. With the largest and most
advanced railway system in the world, huge coal reserves, and the
petroleum industry still in its infancy, coal was the most efficient
resource to exploit in defending against the Martian invasion. In
addition, steam engines were a well-developed technology. The
manufacturing base was in place on a large scale, and it could all
be done quickly. This last bit was particularly important, as the
American army was very tiny in comparison to the amount of
territory that had to be defended, and technologically ill-equipped.
With the exception of a few primitive trucks and steam tractors,
the American Army was a horse-drawn affair of towed guns,
cavalry, and infantry. These forces were virtually useless against
 New York Evening Post
FRIDAY, JULY 4TH, 1913 LATE CITY FINAL 2 CENTS

ADVANCES IN Rapid firing guns in numer-

MILITARY SCIENCE
A REVIEW FOR OUR READERS OF THE
NEW WONDERS OF THE MACHINE WAR
AND REASONS TO TAKE HEART IN
OUR ULTIMATE VICTORY
The First Mar tian Invasion
marked a new age in human
history: the age of New Science
inspired by the study of alien
technologies. The needs of this
Second Mar tian War have led our
scientists to increase the pace of
research tenfold. From an unlikely
conception in catastrophe and war,
the achievements of mankind have
advanced to an ex tent undreamed
of only a few shor t years ago.
New Land Ironclads emerge
from the factories every day.
Internal combustion motors
fuelled by gasoline and oil now
supplement the latest steam tur-
bines developed by Westinghouse
and Parsons.
ous calibers adorn these metal
behemoths, endowing them with
a destructive power greater than
that of a whole regiment of troops
from the turn of the century.
Cordite charges and the latest
steel cannons now propel vast
projectiles for many miles and
with great accuracy. Even the
tallest and most soundly con-
structed buildings are reduced to
a smoldering crater if struck by
such a weapon.
Nikola Tesla and Thomas
Edison vie with each other to
unveil the latest and most dev-
astating electrical weapons –
unleashing the power of nature
itself against the Mar tian invader.
Armored railroad cars carry our
newest electro-cannons into
battle beyond the Tennessee line.
Thanks to the pioneering work
of the Aerial Experiment Associa-
tion, the skies over the trenches are
now the domain of human aero-
nauts piloting the latest Curtiss
flying machines. Readers famil-
iar with the sight of Alexander
Graham Bell’s famous Silver Dart
will be astonished to see the sleek
and swift craft that are now able
to observe the enemy’s movements
from the safety of the clouds.
Heat resistant armors of
chrysotile asbestos have been
created to counter the deadly
Mar tian Heat Ray. These are
now used routinely to protect
our for tifications and the newest
Dreadnoughts. Armored suits are
beginning to arrive at the front
for the use of our brave men in
the trenches.
This relentless pursuit of New
Science has but one purpose – to
defeat the Mar tians and drive
them from our world forever.
These latest achievements give us
yet more cause to celebrate Inde-
pendence on this special holiday.
American victory – and ultimately
human victory – is inevitable.

the Martians. If America had any hope of survival, it needed new
weapons, vehicles, and technology immediately. It was both natural
and logical to turn to the strengths of its current industrial base.
While defensive lines of massive trench works and fortifications
could slow the Martians, it certainly didn’t stop them. What was
needed was defense in depth, and the ability to relocate resources
to repel an attack at its point of origin. The War was becoming
a far more mobile affair. The one advantage that mankind had
was numbers. Getting enough numbers into action to absorb
the Martian attacks was a key factor. This meant vehicles, and,
due to the appalling losses against the Martian technology, lots
of vehicles. The automotive industry was tiny, just beyond the
cottage industry level. Ford was just beginning. The biggest
producers of vehicles were the railroad companies.
Baldwin Locomotive Works, The American Locomotive
Company, Lima and others soon started building more steam
tractors, which eventually became armored to improve their
survivability, and then tracked to increase their mobility. Within
a matter of months, it was clear that standard designs would
speed production immensely. Thus was born one of the single
greatest accomplishments in all of industrial history. America
went from having virtually no self-propelled military equipment,
to assembly lines producing thousands of vehicles, in the course
of a single year.
Steel and coal are the materials of choice. The great locomotive
companies of the industrial East bring their expertise to
production. Oil – and the refining of it into suitable fuels like
kerosene, gasoline, and diesel fuel – is far less abundant than the
vast coal fields of West Virginia and Pennsylvania, and with the
Martians putting tremendous pressure on Texas, supply looks
sketchy. Petroleum does make it onto the battlefield in the form of
internal combustion engines used for motorcycles, armored cars,
the new airplanes, etc., but it is steam that powers the huge gun-
carrying vehicles with their heavy steel and ceramic armor on the
battlefield. At the time of the Great Interplanetary War’s beginning,
internal combustion engines simply were not advanced enough
to provide the power needed for some of the larger military
constructs, and in America, refined oil products were in short
supply compared to the need.

81
While these charts reflect official regulations, attrition and conditions in the field have a considerable effect on their actual execution. Supply problems and
specific missions often call for temporary remixing of forces. In addition, at various times, experimental weapons and units have been available and tried in
combat. These include Heavy Infantry battalions where all of the infantry were equipped with heavy battle suits, Heat Gun Mark IV tanks, Clamp tanks,
Mine Layers, and so on.

82
83
 CHOOSING AN
ARMY FOR THE GAME
In the All Quiet on the Martian Front game, players are free
to choose their armies to whatever agreed points value they
wish, aside from the stipulation that every army must include
one Command Unit to act as the army’s Field Commander.
Otherwise, armies can include whatever units you wish, and can
include further Command units, although no more of these may
be Field Commanders.
The points values provided allow a player to put together an army
to a preset value to take part in the various scenarios, or to play
any points-matched game against an equal value of the enemy.
You can field as many Goliaths and Land Ironclads as you want if
84
that is your desire – as long as the total points value of the army
does not exceed that agreed for the game.
Note that some scenarios impose specific restrictions on
the units available to one or sometimes both sides; these are
indicated in the section on scenarios.
We will not concern ourselves with choosing armies for official
tournament play, where it may be necessary to impose restrictions
upon the size and exact composition of armies to facilitate running
tournament-style games. Instead, details of official tournament play
will be made available online, as this provides a more flexible means
of arranging tournaments and allows formal competition games to
be developed in more varied and interesting ways in the future.
Note that the organization charts given in the introductory
background are intended to provide an idea of how the forces are
organized in the actual armies of the Martian Wars as we imagine
them. They are provided for the benefit of those players who wish
to recreate the historical basis behind the game. Players need not
follow the organizational charts if they prefer not to.
 US ARMY
SPECIAL RULES
COMMAND AND CONTROL
With few radios, the US Army relies on couriers, semaphores,
and land lines for communications, to issue orders, and to send
and receive intelligence reports.
To represent this limitation, the US Army Field Commander
unit can only issue orders to units within its line of sight, or to
those units that can trace a path to the Field Commander unit via
fortifications or field works, which are equipped with telephone
lines. For example, if a Field Commander is positioned at one
end of a trench system, any troops occupying trenches, bunkers
or other defense works that are a connected part of the system
can be issued orders even if the Field Commander unit cannot
see them. See the Field Commander rules page 63.
FIELD MODIFICATIONS
The US army has become proficient at adapting the equipment
it is issued to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern warfare.
Many vehicles have been modified to carry alternative weapons,
or additional ones, a practice made easier by the development of
universal weapon housings that readily accommodate different
kinds of machine-guns and cannons of various sizes.
To represent this adaptability, model vehicle weapon mountings
designed to take one of the universal weapon types can be re-
fitted to take a different weapon. This allows for vehicles to be
customized or prepared for specialist roles, if desired. Simply
remove the standard weapon and deduct the cost indicated, and
add the new weapon and add back the cost for that. Weapons that
can be fitted to standard mounts are as follows.
Weapon Cost
4-inch gun 25 points
Machine-gun 10 points
1.65 Hotchkiss gun 15 points
INDUSTRIAL MIGHT
United States industry is the most productive in the entire world.
Practically all the main industrialized regions remain firmly under
human control. Now, those factories are churning out tanks,
guns, and innumerable other weapons for the war. Furnaces burn
night and day; the coalfields are worked continuously as never
before; foundries work around the clock – as one shift finishes,
in comes the next to pick up their tools. No other nation upon
Earth can match the industrial capacity of America.
To represent the extraordinary industrial output of the United
States, the US Field Commander may expend his Order markers
85
Optional Rule: State Militias
State Militias are the rebirth of the old regimental system
that preceded the formation of the National Guard by the
Militia Act of 1903. It was found that more volunteers would
step forward, and, just as importantly, it was found easier to
raise money for equipment purchases by returning to the old
locally based militia systems. This practice was particularly
embraced in southern states.
Any units can be designated as militia units, up to the entire
army. Militia fighting beyond the confines of their state
boundaries suffer a -1 penalty when checking their morale.
In this case, the point value of militia units is reduced by
10%, rounding up to take into account their extra fragility.
On the other hand, militia units fighting within their home
state automatically add +1 to their morale checks. Militia
fighting in their home state pay 10% extra points, rounding
up to represent this improved fighting spirit.
Example: the 31st Alabama receives a +1 on all morale roles
when fighting within the state of Alabama, but receive a -1
penalty if fighting far from home, like Michigan.
State Militias provide an opportunity to paint your units in
special colors, especially for infantry with home-sourced
uniforms. These units look great when adorned with a state
flag emblazoned with a suitable motto.
to send for reinforcements at the start of any of his turns.
Reinforcements can be drawn from any of the player’s units that
have already become casualties. A maximum of one unit may
be ordered as reinforcement each turn. A unit worth up to 200
points can be ordered as a reinforcement for 1 Order marker,
a unit worth up to 400 points requires 2 Order markers, a unit
worth up to 600 points requires 3 Order markers, and so on.
Once a unit is ordered as a reinforcement,
it is treated exactly as a unit placed in
reinforcement at the start of the
game, and a die roll is made each
turn to see if it enters the battle,
starting on the player’s next
turn. See page 69.
Munitions Carrier
 THE INFANTRY
Recent years have seen the introduction of ever more powerful
artillery, as well as new weapons such as Steamer Tanks, Land
Ironclads and airplanes. Despite these many innovations, the
most important part of our fighting forces remains the ordinary
foot soldier – for it is he who bears the brunt of this war against
the Martian invader.
The standard khaki uniform affords excellent camouflage
in close battlefield conditions. Although doubts remain as
to the visual sensitivities of the Martians, the vast majority
of fighting men are convinced of the benefit. Of undeniable
value is the trench helmet. The introduction of the steel
helmet immediately reduced casualties from falling debris
and shrapnel. The infantryman’s sturdy webbing carries his
backpack, dust mask, grenades, and ammunition and spare
magazines for his rifle.
The standard infantry arm is the magazine-fed 1903 Springfield
.30 bolt-action rifle. Even well-aimed rifle fire is not always
effective against Martian war machines, and for this reason all
infantry carry grenades powerful enough to cripple the legs and
smash the extremities of a Martian Tripod. Infantry formations
typically include at least a portion of troops with more powerful
explosive charges. Grappling hook launchers are also carried by
brave volunteers known as the Forlorn Hope, who use ropes and
grapples in conjunction with explosives to attack Tripods directly
at close quarters.
US Infantry Squads advance, supported by covering fire from a Machine-Gun unit.
86
The infantryman’s best defense against the Martians is undoubtedly
the cover provided by fixed fortifications and battlefield debris.
These make it difficult for the aliens to identify a target and afford
some protection against the Heat Ray. The deadly Black Dust can
only be countered by the use of dust masks, which are now standard
issue to all troops. These allow the wearer to breathe for up to an
hour by filtering out the dust particulates. A separate chemical filter
also provides some limited defense against the Green Gas, although
prolonged exposure to dense concentrations of the gas will dissolve
flesh and perish the rubber of the mask itself.
Years of combat experience have led to innumerable changes
in the tactical role of infantry, compared to that of their
predecessors in the nineteenth century. It is impossible to face
the Martians on an open battlefield where their Heat Rays will
cut a swathe through exposed troops from long range. Effective
resistance relies upon fixed fortifications, trenches and bunkers,
as well as improvised defenses amongst ruined buildings. These
measures oblige the Martians to close to a distance at which
troops can employ their grenades and explosive charges. Tunnels
and covered trenches are essential where movement is to be
undertaken without attracting unwelcome attention.
The appearance of Martian Lobototons presents the infantryman
with a new foe. Although capable of exposing the hiding place
of human infantrymen, these mindless animated cadavers
are vulnerable to the infantryman’s weapons in the same way
as ordinary human foes. Their sluggish and automaton-like
movements mean they are easily cut down by well-aimed rifle
fire. Overall, they present little threat as opponents, and the main
challenge is to eliminate the Lobototons before they can expose
ambushers and concealed traps.
US INFANTRY SQUAD If an Infantry Squad that includes a Forlorn Hope moves to
The mainstay of the US Army is the infantry squad, consisting within 6" of an enemy unit in its turn’s first move phase, the
of fighting men armed with rifles and grenades. Although highly Forlorn Hope can immediately emerge and then move again to
vulnerable to the Martian Heat Ray, these troops are not to be assault the enemy. Whether it does so is up to the player – the
underestimated. In the game, their stealth ability enables them Forlorn Hope can remain secreted within the unit if preferred,
to move as blips while remaining hidden. Infantry squads can unless the whole unit makes an assault – in which case, the
also include Forlorn Hope, volunteers equipped with grapple Forlorn Hope emerges automatically.
launchers and explosives, capable of taking down Tripods – with
a little luck. To launch the assault, the player reveals that his unit contains
a Forlorn Hope and places the element onto the enemy target.
The assault is worked out in the combat phase, just like other
US Infantry Squad assaults. Once the assault has been worked out, and regardless
Unit: 3 elements of the result, the Forlorn Hope is removed as a casualty. This
Points per unit: 30 (+ 15 pts if Forlorn Hope included) means a Forlorn Hope gets to make just one attack, after
which its troopers are either slain by the enemy, blown up
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
by their own explosives, or too badly injured or exhausted to
Infantry 6" 5 4 Stealth
fight on.
Weaponry Range Power Special
Rifles 15" – – The loss of the Forlorn Hope does not count as a casualty on the
Grenades Assault +2 – Infantry Squad, and no morale check is required as a result.

Include Forlorn Hope

Up to half the infantry squads in the US army can include a single US COMMAND SQUAD
Forlorn Hope element at an additional cost of +15 pts. A command unit represents officers together with telephone
operators, runners, and other ancillary troops. These valiant
Stealth leaders are often the first to confront the enemy, cheering their
A unit with the Stealth special rule can move while hidden, as men forward, and exhorting weary troops to greater efforts. As
described in the rules for hidden units. See page 66. with other infantry squads they have the stealth rule, enabling
them to move as blips while remaining hidden. The army can
include any number of command squads, and must include at
least one. One command squad must be nominated as the army’s
FORLORN HOPE TEAMS Field Commander.
Forlorn Hope teams are made up of volunteers and only the most
courageous step forward for what is virtually a death sentence.
Concealed amongst the regular doughboys, Forlorn Hopes are US Command Squad
specially-trained assault troops. If they can get close enough, Unit: 1 element
these heroic lads launch their grappling lines onto Tripods. Points per unit: 30
They then climb, braving the Tripod’s lashing tentacles and the
whirling gyrations of its motion. If they make it, they fasten Type Speed Defense Armor Special
explosive charges on vulnerable points and take their chances Infantry 6" 5 4 Stealth, Rally,
when their charges blow. Field Commander
Weaponry Range Power Special
Rifles 15" – –
Forlorn Hope
Unit: Secreted inside Infantry Squads
Points per unit: See Infantry Squads
Stealth
A unit with the Stealth special rule can move while hidden, as
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
described in the rules for hidden units. See page 66.
Infantry 6" – – See below
Weaponry Range Power Special Rally
Grapples & Explosives Assault +3 – If a friendly unit is within 6" of a command element, it can re-roll
a failed morale check, including a check induced by panic.
Forlorn Hope Field Commander
Forlorn Hope elements are not placed on the table when units Only the command unit representing the army’s field
deploy. Instead, they are secretly included within units until such commander has the Field Commander rule.
time as they are ready to make their assault. The player must note
down which infantry squads include a Forlorn Hope element For the rules governing field commanders, see the rules section
at the start of the game. If a unit is destroyed before its Forlorn on Field Commanders on page 63 and the special US Army
Hope is revealed, the Forlorn Hope also becomes a casualty. Command rule on page 85.

87
MACHINE-GUN
The Maxim gun is an effective weapon when it comes to shooting
down Lobototons, though even with armor-piercing bullets it
will be extremely lucky to damage a Martian war machine. It has
the advantage of the stealth rule, as for other infantry, allowing
machine-gunners to move as blips while staying hidden.
Machine-gun
Unit: 3 elements
Points per unit: 40
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Infantry 4" 5 4 Stealth
Weaponry Range Power Special
Machine-gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3
Stealth
A unit with the Stealth special rule can move while hidden, as
described in the rules for hidden units. See page 66.
Rapid Fire
Machine-guns have the rapid fire rule – so each time a machine-
gun fires roll three dice ‘to hit’ rather than just one.
ROUGH RIDER MOTORCYCLE SQUAD
When the Martian War began, cavalry still had a significant role
to play as part of the US Army, as they did in other armies of the
day. Mounted troops performed scouting duties that couldn’t
be achieved by infantry or by the primitive motor vehicles
then available. Cavalry were often the first troops to encounter
Martian attacks. When the Martian war began, many horsemen
joined the ranks, and none more skilled or fearless than those
from Buffalo Bill’s Wild West and the Congress of Rough Riders
of the World. It was these cavalrymen who discovered that
they could attack Tripods by using the speed of their horses to
dive under the machine’s legs, putting them out of reach of the
Martian’s own Heat Ray. Soon, riders were carrying explosive
charges to use against the Tripod’s legs. Some even went as far
as to use lassos or grappling hooks to latch onto the Tripod’s
midsection, enabling a brave attacker to climb the machine and
place explosives directly underneath the armored canopy.
Within two years, the Martians developed a response to these
direct assault tactics: the Green Gas. By dispensing the gas from
vents in a Tripod’s feet, a Martian pilot was able to choke to
death troops foolish enough to approach too closely. The Rough
Riders were not so easily discouraged, however. Swapping their
horses for powerful Harley-Davidson V-Twin motorcycles and
adopting modified dust masks with chemical filters, they were
able to continue mounting direct assaults using strong tow cables
to entangle and topple Tripods. This proved even more effective
than before, and many new units of Rough Riders were recruited.
Rough Riders assault Tripods by ‘firing’ their long tow cables at
the legs of the Martian machines using grappling-hook launchers.
Once a rider has a firm hold on a tripod he races around and around,
entangling the tripod and hopefully trapping it or tripping it over.
88
Rough Rider Motorcycle Squad
Unit: 3 elements – 1 of which is armed with a motorcycle-mounted
machine-gun.
Points per unit: 45
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Infantry 10" 7 4 See below
Weaponry Range Power Special
Rifles 15" – –
Bike MG 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3, MG -1 to hit
Tow Cable Assault – See below
Courageous
Rough Riders are uncommonly courageous individuals, ready to
sacrifice themselves to overcome their hated enemy. Therefore,
regardless of casualties or other modifiers than might apply,
Rough Riders always pass their morale check on any die roll of 2
or greater. They only fail on a roll of 1.
Mounted
Unlike troops on foot, mounted troops count the full movement
penalties for moving over difficult ground. A mounted unit can
dismount at any point in the game, and counts as an equivalent
infantry squad thereafter. Once dismounted it cannot mount
up again. Dismounted motorcycle troops must abandon their
machine-gun because it is attached to the motorbike.
Rapid Fire
In a unit of three Rough Rider elements, one element is armed
with a motorcycle-mounted machine-gun. Machine-guns have
the rapid fire rule – so each time a machine-gun fires, roll three
dice to ‘hit’ rather than just one.
MG -1 To Hit
Motorcycles are unstable platforms from which to shoot a machine-
gun, so all shots made by this element suffer a –1 penalty ‘to hit.’
Tow Cable
Tow cables can only be used to assault Tripods and can only be used
by mounted units. For each hit struck against the Tripod during the
assault, do not work out damage. Instead an immobilized marker is
placed next to the Tripod. If a Tripod has one or more immobilized
markers it cannot move unless it first breaks free. As long as it remains
immobilized, all shooting against the Tripod gets a special ‘to hit’
bonus of +1 for each immobilized marker. For example, if a Tripod
has four tow markers, add +4 to the ‘to hit’ roll when shooting at it.
An immobilized Tripod cannot move at all, and if obliged to move
for any reason – for example because of a damage result – it topples
to the ground and is destroyed. An immobilized Tripod can attempt
to break free at the start of any of its own move phases if the player
wishes. The player does not have to try and break free, but the Tripod
will remain immobilized as long as it has one or more tow cable
markers on it. To try and break free, roll a die and deduct the number
of immobilized markers the Tripod has from the score. If the result is 6
or more, the Tripod breaks free – remove all the immobilized markers
immediately; the Tripod is no longer immobilized. If the result is less
than 6, the Tripod’s frantic struggles only succeed in causing itself
damage – roll on the Tripod Damage Resolution Chart. Remember –
if a result indicates the Tripod must move, it is destroyed instead.
US CAVALRY SQUAD explosive grenades and large caliber, heavy rifles adopted by the
Horse power continues to provide much of the transport for Armored Infantry are highly effective against all Martian targets.
the army, as it does in civilian life, but horses are as vulnerable The suits themselves have proven largely impervious to both
as humans to the Heat Rays and foul vapors of the Martians. Green Gas and Black Dust under normal battlefield conditions.
As a consequence, new machines have mostly replaced them
in combat roles, and the mounted arm has been supplanted to
a large extent by motorbikes and other small motor vehicles. Armored Infantry Squad
However, there are some roles where horses still excel – as scouts Unit: 3 elements
and as mounted infantry – especially in the disputed regions Points per unit: 65
and behind enemy lines, where the demand for fuel may limit
the usefulness of vehicles. The British Expeditionary Force also Type Speed Defense Armor Special
includes a portion of cavalry used to fight the Martians, including Infantry 4" 5 5 Stealth, Gas Proof
the exotically attired veterans of the Indian frontier. Weaponry Range Power Special
Heavy Rifle 10" +1 –
Grenades Assault +2 –
US Cavalry Squad
Unit: 3 elements
Points per unit: 35 (+ 15 if armed with explosives instead of grenades) Stealth
A unit with the Stealth special rule can move while hidden, as
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
described in the rules for hidden units. See page 66.
Infantry 8" 6 4 Mounted
Weaponry Range Power Special Gas Proof
Rifles 15" – – Armored Infantry Squads are gas-proof. Black Dust and Green
Grenades Assault +2 – Gas cannot harm them.
Explosives Assault +3 –

Mounted UNARMED CIVILIANS

Unlike troops on foot, mounted troops count the full When Martians break through the defense lines, they often make
movement penalties for moving over difficult ground. A harvesting raids into civilian areas to capture the ‘food’ that they
mounted unit can dismount at any point in the game and need to survive. Civilians have no fighting value and do not even
counts as an equivalent infantry squad thereafter. Once enjoy the protection of the stealth rule – their only hope is to run
dismounted, it cannot mount up again. and keep running! Civilians are included here because they are
an integral feature in the scenarios described later. They don’t
form part of the United States armed forces.
ARMORED INFANTRY SQUAD
Experiments with armored suits continue, although field trials Unarmed Civilians
have so far proven disappointing. The greatest challenge to Unit: One individual element
overcome is the weight of the protective armor, with even the Points per unit: Free – for inclusion in scenarios as objectives
lightest versions resembling a cumbersome diving suit laden with Type Speed Defense Armor Special
huge helmets fashioned from asbestos and glass. Finally, a design Infantry 6" 4 3 –
by Westinghouse proved to be light enough for effective field use. Weaponry Range Power Special
This suit provided increased armor and protection against gas None – – –
weapons, while still allowing for mobility and weapon use. The

Rough Rider Motorcycle Squads ride into action.

89
 THE ARTILLERY considerable weight of gun and ammunition, these mobile
artillery vehicles are unable to carry quite as much armor as a
tank. With their long range and considerable hitting power they
are primarily support weapons, able to pick out targets at a great
distance or disperse enemy formations with a barrage of shells.
Artillery in the form of static defenses, field guns, and steam-
powered mobile artillery are amongst the most powerful The most potent of all the artillery available to the human cause
weapons available to the human cause. Many of the weapons is the new Electric Artillery developed by Nikola Tesla. This
deployed by the United States and allied armies are modern, development heralds an era of technological warfare upon the
recoiling breech-fed artillery pieces firing explosive and armor- battlefields of America, opposing the Martian threat with all the
piercing shells. These are potent long-range weapons easily resources that human science can muster.
capable of destroying a Martian machine with a direct hit. The
biggest guns are also vulnerable to attack because they are large,
static targets, and all too often a cannon’s first shot also turns out
to be its last. FIELD GUN BATTERY
Field guns are excellent ambush weapons with a long range and
Field guns are amongst the most effective weapons available to the ability to fire a barrage of high-explosive shells which can
the gallant defenders of planet Earth, for they are available in potentially strike several enemies at once. They are most effective
great quantities and are relatively simple to operate. The biggest against dense enemy formations, but they are also up to the job of
disadvantage of these medium-caliber guns is that they are taking down individual Tripods. Most of the weapons currently
very vulnerable to enemy counter-attack. Once they have fired, in service are of the 3-inch type or US-built variants of French 75
they are all too soon targeted and destroyed. Artillerymen with mm guns imported before the Martian invasion.
experience of fighting the Martians know that the most successful
tactic is to lie in ambush, waiting until the Martians come within
range, at which point a single salvo is fired and the gun hastily Field Gun
moved to avoid the inevitable retaliatory Heat Rays. Field guns Unit: 3 elements
are often seen as poor cousins to the Mobile Artillery, but they Points per unit: 80
can be more easily hidden from the enemy and remain one of the
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
most useful weapons available to humanity.
Artillery 4" 5 5 Field Gun
Mobile artillery now fulfills most of the functions of traditional Weaponry Range Power Special
artillery on the battlefield. These are heavy guns mounted onto Howitzer 60" +3 Barrage 1
mobile chassis and powered by steam engines. Because of the

A Heavy Field Gun Battery preparing to fire. The Flivver and Munitions Carrier in the background provide vital battlefield support.

90
Field Gun
Field Guns require a great deal of effort to move about and prepare OVER DRESSED OVER PLAID AND OVER HERE!
for operation. A Field Gun can only do one thing per turn. It can
move once in either move phase or it can attack in the combat British officers were amongst the thousands of troops to
phase, but it cannot do any two or three of these things. This means enjoy the hospitality of New York last night as America cel-
an artillery piece will be able to move or shoot, but not both. ebrated the defeat of the Martians at St. Louis. Amongst the
glittering uniforms that have so captivated the attentions of
New Yorkers, none have drawn more admiration or curios-
ity than the kilted officers of the Highland regiments. Every
HEAVY FIELD GUN BATTERY Stuart, Campbell and Mac in New York has been quick to
While lighter field guns have proven highly effective, they lack shake hands with his long-lost cousin, whilst Highland reels
the range and punch of heavier artillery, and for this reason and Scottish dances have become the latest fashion amongst
a number of larger guns have been developed. They lack the
the city’s top set.
mobility of smaller howitzer – which can be manhandled by
their crews if necessary – but the range and devastating barrage
of these heavier guns are a great advantage. These weapons
typically have a caliber of five or six inches and are served by
a mechanical hoist, which is necessary to haul the huge shells ANTI-TRIPOD GUN BATTERY
into the gun’s breech. The extremely large AT (Anti-Tripod gun) is a 90 mm caliber
high-velocity cannon of German design, numbers of which
where imported into the United States at the start of the Martian
Heavy Field Gun War. Many more have been manufactured under license, and the
Unit: 3 elements original design has evolved in the light of combat experience. In
Points per unit: 160 particular, due to the large size of the gun, it was found necessary
to provide the crews with extra protection in the form of a large
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
gun-shield, known as the Whitaker shield after its inventor.
Artillery Tow only 5 5 Heavy Field Gun
This shield combines layers of hardened steel, asbestos and clay,
Weaponry Range Power Special which offer the best resistance to Heat Ray attack. The shield is
Heavy howitzer 150" +4 Fixed Position (unless also angled to deflect as much energy as possible. In US service
towed), Bombardment, the weapon is often referred to as the 3.5-inch gun. Due to the
Barrage 3 high-velocity and substantial recoil, it is not suitable for vehicle
mounting, but its pinpoint accuracy and armor-piercing shells
provide the surest methods of destroying a Tripod with a single
Fixed Position hit. A high-explosive shell is also available, giving the battery the
A heavy artillery piece cannot move of its own volition, ability to fire a barrage when required.
not even to point in a different direction. A heavy artillery
piece cannot change its forward-facing position unless it is
repositioned by a tow. Anti-Tripod Gun
Unit: 1 element
Bear in mind a gun can draw its line of sight anywhere to its front,
Points per unit: 80
just like other elements, so this restriction is not too problematic.
It is assumed the crew can turn the barrel to face targets to the Type Speed Defense Armor Special
gun’s front. Artillery Tow only 5 6 Heavy Field Gun
Weaponry Range Power Special
Bombardment A-T Gun 30" +3/+4 Barrage 1, AT Shell
To represent the extraordinary long range and firepower of a
heavy howitzer, a player whose army includes heavy howitzers
can shoot them once at the start of the game before either Heavy Field Gun
player begins the first turn. A heavy howitzer can target any Heavy Field Guns cannot move at all unless there are towing
enemy on the table, or any single unit in reserve if the heavy vehicles available to move them.
howitzer’s range is sufficient to reach the opposing player’s table
edge; normal line-of-sight is not required for a bombardment Barrage/AT Shell
as the guns are firing using map references. No modifiers are An Anti-Tripod Gun Battery can
applied ‘to hit’ – the ‘to hit’ roll is always made against the shoot with either high-explosive
target’s basic Defense value. This preliminary bombardment shells, creating a barrage with
represents the guns firing at the approaching enemy before they a Power of +3, or a solid
reach the tabletop. Anti-Tripod shell tipped
with hardened steel,
Heavy Field Gun which gives each gun a
Heavy Field Guns cannot move at all unless there are towing single shot and Power
vehicles available to move them. of +4.
Anti-Tripod Gun

91
 HOLT MOBILE ARTILLERY STEAMER
The first kinds of mobile artillery were simply conventional Holt-type mobile artillery based on pre-war tractor designs have been
field guns mounted onto Holt Tractor chassis. Wheeled replaced in frontline service by the more substantial Mk II Mobile
versions were produced to meet the immediate needs of Artillery Steamers. Being converted from commercial tractors, they
war. These were followed by the first caterpillar-tracked are not armored and carry a lighter gun in an improvised mounting.
Mobile Artillery Steamers, which mounted a 4-inch naval A few still survive in militia and training units, while some have been
gun on an open deck. The crew were protected by a heavy relegated to static defense roles around America’s cities.
gun shield, but were otherwise exposed to the elements
and, in particular, to the deadly effects of Martian Heat
Rays. Most of these early types of mobile artillery have now Holt MA Steamer
been replaced in service by a 6-inch mobile artillery piece Unit: 3 elements
built on the chassis plates and drive of the Mk II Steamer Points per unit: 160
Tank. This vehicle is therefore known as the Mk II Mobile
Artillery Steamer. There is no Mk I – the Mk II designation Type Speed Defense Armor Special
simply refers to the base vehicle: the Mk II Steamer Tank. Vehicle 6" 4 6 –
Weaponry Range Power Special
The 6-inch naval gun is too large to fit inside the sponsons Light Howitzer 60" +2 Barrage 1
or gun box of a tank. It is the largest weapon that can
be successfully mounted into the Mk II chassis. The
original tank’s rearward cabin is replaced with a gun deck, Light Howitzer
where three artillerymen are required to work the gun. Because a light howitzer fires a shell with a reduced charge, it has
Ammunition is loaded into the breech with the assistance of a Power rating of only +2 compared to a normal howitzer’s +3.
a steam hoist driven by the rear-mounted engine. The stoker
acts as a reserve loader where required. The front cabin has
room for the helmsmen and engineer. The Captain usually
rides in the open gun compartment. MARK II MOBILE ARTILLERY STEAMER
The Mobile Artillery Steamer carries the heaviest fully mobile
Three types of ammunition are carried: high explosive, artillery in the human forces. This howitzer can out range even
armor-piercing, and smoke shells. Dense smoke has been Martian weapons, and with its Power bonus of +3 stands a good
found effective at reducing the range and power of the Heat chance of knocking down a Tripod. The main drawback of the
Ray in addition to hiding human troop movements from Mobile Artillery is its open structure, which makes it vulnerable
sight. Since the appearance of Martian Lobototon Troops, to attack, giving it an Armor stat of a mere 6. The howitzer is a
crews of open vehicles such as the Artillery Steamer have barrage weapon, which means it uses the barrage template and
taken to carrying a Maxim gun in the cabin. can potentially target more than one enemy. This is very effective
against closely-packed enemy formations.
Cabin armor is the same as the Mk II Steamer Tank, as
is the drive train and other construction details. Overall
performance is comparable to a standard steamer tank as Mobile Artillery Steamer
the weight of the reduced armor and superstructure is more Unit: 3 elements
than met by that of the 6-inch gun and ammunition. Points per unit: 220 points (Any Mobile Artillery Steamer may be armed
with a machine-gun at +10 points each.)
In frontline service Mobile Artillery Steamers are supported
by Mk II Ammunition Steamers which replace the main gun Type Speed Defense Armor Special
with additional stowage space. Vehicle 6" 4 7 –
Weaponry Range Power Special
Maximum Armor Thickness: 1½" Steel Plate Howitzer 60" +3 Barrage 1
Maximum Speed: 8 mph Machine-gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3
Armament: 1x 6-inch gun
Crew: 7
HEAVY ARTILLERY
Heavy artillery pieces are an important feature of the static
defenses that surround our greatest cities, standing between the
Martians and free America. Many of these large-caliber weapons
were taken from our battleships during the early days of the war,
and many new and even larger cannons have been installed since.
Because of their huge size, these weapons are fixed into permanent
positions either in open barbettes, enclosed turrets or concrete
emplacements. Although by far the most powerful weapons we
Mk II Mobile Artillery Steamer have, it is a sad fact that these very large cannons make easy targets
for the Martians and rarely get a chance to fire more than once.

92
 Bombardment
Heavy Artillery To represent the extraordinarily long range and firepower of a
Unit: 1 element heavy howitzer, a player whose army includes heavy howitzers
Points per unit: 50 points (+5 points if mounted in a barbette, +25 points can shoot them once at the start of the game, before either player
if mounted in an armored turret (increase Armor to 10)) begins the first turn. A heavy howitzer can target any enemy on
Heavy guns can only be included in a defending force that is able to set up the table, or any single unit in reserve if the heavy howitzer’s range
guns into gun pits, field fortifications or a fortress at the start of the game. is sufficient to reach the opposing player’s table edge; normal
Type Speed Defense Armor Special line-of-sight is not required for a bombardment as the guns are
Artillery None 3 5 – firing using map references. No modifiers are applied ‘to hit’ – the
Weaponry Range Power Special ‘to hit’ roll is always made against the target’s basic Defense value.
Heavy howitzer 150" +4 Fixed Position (unless This preliminary bombardment represents the guns firing at the
turreted), Bombardment, approaching enemy before they reach the tabletop.
Barrage 3, Turret (if turreted)
Barbette/Turret
A heavy gun can be mounted in a barbette for an additional +5
Fixed Position points or a turret for an additional +25 points. Often these are
A heavy artillery piece cannot move or change its forward-facing turrets taken from battleships. If a gun is mounted in a barbette or
position unless it is in a barbette or turret (a barbette is an open turret, it can shoot in any direction where the gun can draw a line
turret – a revolving platform that allows the gun to be brought to of fire; its line of sight is not limited to its front. Guns in turrets
bear upon a target). have an Armor value of +5 (i.e. 10).

93
TESLA ‘LIGHTNING GUN’
ELECTRIC ARTILLERY STEAMER
Since the beginning of the war, the greatest minds in America
have striven to develop ways to overcome the Martian
invaders. Perhaps the greatest of all is Nikola Tesla – that
master of electricity whose genius outshines even that of the
renowned Thomas Edison. Now, these two giants of American
technological enterprise are working together to create new
weapons to defeat the Martian menace. While the investigation
of captured Martian technology continues behind closed doors,
the newspapers have made much of ‘the latest Wonder Weapon’:
the Tesla Electric Arc or – to use the name endowed upon it by
the press and popularized by the troops – Lightning Gun.
The principles behind Tesla’s fearsome weapon derive from his
own investigations into the transmission of high-voltage electricity.
Turning these principles into a workable weapon took years
of development, but eventually bore fruit in the form of a gun
suitable for static defense: the Tesla Electric Arc. The weapon
was enormous. This was partly due to the number of Tesla coils
needed to generate sufficient voltage within the gun’s resonant
electric circuits. An even more telling reason was the sheer size
of the electric generators needed to power the new gun. Three of
these early Lightning Guns were installed along the Mississippi
defenses at Memphis in June of 1912, and a further three were
added into the Western Colorado Defense line by the end of the
year. Unfortunately, although well emplaced in armored bunkers,
the spectacular discharge and very slow rate of fire of the Lightning
Guns made them easy for the Martians to spot and destroy with
focused Heat Rays. As a result of the weapon’s poor performance
during battles along the Western Colorado defenses, it was decided
to abandon plans to install more static Lightning Guns and
concentrate instead on developing a mobile version.
The first mobile Lightning Guns were about half the size of the
original emplaced weapons and mounted onto railroad cars.
Adjoining carriages carried electric generators as well as teams
of engineers and copious spares to keep the machinery operable.
A Tesla Electric Artillery Steamer (rear), accompanied by several Mk II Steamer Tanks, a Mk IV Monitor (left flank) and a Mk III Steamer Tank (front).
94
It was these Lightning Guns which saw action in Western
Tennessee following the fall of Memphis and subsequent Martian
breakout. The new weapons were obviously restricted to the
railroads, but their ability to move from point to point finally
gave the crews a chance to shoot and shift position to avoid
retaliation. Unfortunately, the generators were still huge, heavy,
and unreliable. The weapons’ rate of fire remained very slow, with
up to fifteen minutes needed to build up enough power to trip
the array of resonant circuits. For this reason, the armored trains
would typically include conventional artillery cars as well as a
Lightning Gun car, providing some defense during periods of
power build-up. Twelve of these rail-mounted guns continue in
service, and the fast pace of rail movement makes these a valuable
asset to the US army.
Even before the first rail-mounted Lightning Guns rolled off the
production line, Tesla began work on a compact version that
could be mounted onto a Steamer Tank chassis. Because there
was insufficient room for an on-board generator, this would be
towed behind the tank. When it came to building a generator
small enough to provide the power needed, Tesla turned to
the Westinghouse Company, whose engines already drove the
army’s Land Steamers. The resulting mobile turbine generator
was inevitably less powerful than the huge, static versions,
but careful recalibration of the gun resulted in a serviceable
weapon. The resulting weapon, mounting the Tesla Arc with
a towed generator, was adopted by the army as the Electric
Artillery Steamer. These were organized into new Electric
Artillery Battalions that included their own mobile engineering
workshops and supply vehicles. Consumption of coal proved to
be prodigious. In action, Tesla Lightning Guns are supported by
MkII Cargo Steamers carrying coal.
Maximum Armor Thickness: 1½" Steel Plate
Maximum Speed: 8 mph
Armament: 1 Tesla Lightning Gun
Crew: 7
 The Lightning Gun hits and
damages the Tripod. Then
the lightning arcs to the
Lobototons. They are also
damaged, so the lightning
jumps to the nearest target that
it has not struck yet, which is
the US infantry unit.
Luckily for the player, the
damage roll against the
infantry unit is a treble, so the
lightning stops before reaching
the Tesla steamer itself – phew!

To shoot the gun, nominate the target and work out line of sight
Electric Artillery Steamer and range, then roll ‘to hit’ in the normal way. The total score to
Unit: 1 element damage is the equivalent of all the dice already generated – so roll
Points per unit: 350
all the dice and add the results together to get a total score. For
example, with three dice it would be possible to score anywhere
Type Speed Defense Armor Special from 3 to 30. Note this is the total score – do not add a further
Vehicle 6" 4 7 See below D10 roll as you normally would when making an attack.
Weaponry Range Power Special
Lightning Gun 40" x dice Lightning Gun If you roll a treble when making an attack (three 1s, three 2s,
etc), work out the damage caused as normal, but the Lightning
Gun cannot fire again – its delicate mechanism has broken
down. The Lightning Gun is not destroyed, but it can’t be fired
Lightning Gun further in the battle.
The Lightning Gun is a unique weapon that always forms a unit
of one element – or two if accompanied by a Cargo Steamer. If the Lightning Gun damages its original target, roll again to see
Shooting is calculated a little differently to normal. In each move if the arc jumps to another target. Roll a die, and if there are any
phase, the player can either move as normal, or remain still and elements, friend or foe, within the number of inches rolled, the
generate electricity to feed the Lightning Gun instead. He does electric arc strikes the one nearest the original target with the
not have to do either, of course, but he cannot move and generate same number of dice damage as before. Roll again for damage.
electricity in the same phase. To generate electricity, he places If this second target is also damaged, roll again for distance to
a die next to the model instead of moving. Subsequently, in any determine if a further target is hit, and continue in this fashion
Combat phase of his turn, the player can use electricity already until a target is not damaged, or until there are no new targets
generated to shoot the Lightning Gun. A Lightning Gun can within range. If any further damage roll results in a treble, the
continue to build electricity in phases when it doesn’t move, Lightning Gun is not broken (breakdowns only occur on the
up to a maximum of three dice. This doesn’t stop the Electric original damage roll), but the arcing finishes at that target. Note
Artillery Steamer from moving once electricity is generated, but that the electric arc won’t bounce back to an element that has
it cannot move and generate electricity in the same phase. already been struck but which wasn’t destroyed outright – it will
only bounce to a new target.
A lightning gun can shoot in the player’s Combat phase if it
already has one or more dice of electricity stored up. If the Fuel Tender
Lightning Gun shoots in the combat phase, it cannot generate If a Lightning Gun has a Fuel Tender Cargo Steamer within
electricity in the second move phase of that turn, even if it 6" then, instead of using the tender to make an extra move, it
remains stationary. can be used to generate extra electrical power. If an Electric
Artillery unit has a fuel tender within 6", it can generate two dice
If the Lightning Gun already has three dice at the start of the of electricity instead of one in any phase that it begins with no
player’s Combat phase, he must either shoot the gun or lose all of electricity already generated. This obviously makes it quicker
the dice already generated – as the resonant circuits can no longer to generate a lethal charge. See Cargo Steamers for more about
hold the charge. these useful vehicles.

95
 STEAMER TANKS Now known officially as the Mk I Steamer Tank, a number of
vehicles remain in frontline service, although they have been
mostly withdrawn to reserve and training units wherever
possible. Various improvements have been made in the field
to improve the Steamer’s reliability, crew comfort, and vision.
Following the Martian invasion of 1908, the Holt tractor Many of these improvements were initiated by the crews
company proposed designs for a number of steam-powered themselves, with occasionally disastrous results that included
tractors with the new caterpillar tracks. These would enable boiler explosions and structural collapse. This led to a ban on
artillery pieces to be towed into action. These tractors soon unsanctioned modifications with the introduction of the Mk II
proved their worth, and military observers were quick to see the Steamer Tank in 1911.
potential for further development. The first Holt Gun Tractors
mounted artillery pieces and were protected by an armored The Mk I Steamer Tank is armed with a 3-inch gun adapted from
shield, but were otherwise open and their crews exposed. a standard field gun. Its armor consists of hardened boiler plate
Meanwhile, Holt continued working on prototypes for fully- up to 1-inch thick and is mildly resistant to sweeping Heat Rays.
enclosed vehicles that would offer their crew some protection The coal-fired boiler is capable of providing sufficient power
against Heat Rays. This was to result in the adoption of the first to propel the tank at 4 miles per hour for almost twenty miles
Holt Land Steamer in 1910 – retrospectively known as the Mk I without re-fuelling or taking on water – this drops to less than ten
Steamer Tank following the introduction of the miles at the tank’s maximum speed of 7 miles per hour.
Mk II in 1911.
Max. Armor Thickness: 1" Steel Plate
Max. Speed: 7 mph
Armament: 1x 3-inch gun
MARK 1 LAND STEAMER ‘THE TUMBLER’
Crew: 7
The Holt Land Steamer became known as the ‘Tumbler’ by
its crews after a popular fairground attraction of the time. This
suggests something of the uncomfortable, jarring and noisy
ride experienced by its operators. The basic form is that of an Mk I Steamer Tank
elongated box of armor plate, with a single front-mounted gun, Unit: 3 elements
and a steam boiler mounted at the rear behind the armored cabin. Points per unit: 120
Space inside the cabin is extremely limited for the crew including Type Speed Defense Armor Special
captain, helmsman, stoker, engineer, gunnery officer, and two Tank 4" 4 7 –
artillerymen. Heat from the boiler becomes intolerable once the
Tumbler is closed for action. Many vehicles have been modified Weaponry Range Power Special
in the field to include extra ventilation, at the expense of some 1x 3-inch gun 30" +1 –
slight increase in vulnerability.

Mk II Steamer Tanks advance into battle alongside a Mk III Steamer Tank (front right), a Fuel Tender (rear centre) and a Clamper Tank (rear right).

96
MARK II STEAMER TANK OR BALDWIN TANK
With the introduction of the improved Holt Land Steamer
in 1911, the designation ‘Steamer Tank’ was officially
adopted by the US Army. The original Holt Steamer was
retrospectively renamed the Mk I Steamer Tank with the new
model becoming the Mk II. However, amongst the crews
themselves it remained common to refer to both machines
as tanks, tumblers, and steamers. Mk IIs are also known as
Baldwin Tanks after one of their main manufacturers: the
Baldwin Locomotive Company.
The Mk II retained the same basic layout as the earlier tank
with the back-mounted boiler served by an external coal chute
to facilitate rapid refuelling. Coal and water capacity were
both increased, giving the new tank a slightly improved range,
while the drive shafts, rods and most engine components were
substantially strengthened to improve reliability. The tracks
were of a more robust design, overcoming one of the Mk I’s
chief faults: its tendency to throw a track in a tight corner.
Armor was thickened to 1½" along the top and front, the most
common targets, and to compensate for the increased weight,
the rear armor was reduced to only ½" with the addition of
coolant vanes and improved ventilation.
A larger gun – the 4-inch Tank gun – was built especially
to provide a harder-hitting weapon that was still workable
within a confined space. Crew protection was augmented
with asbestos sheeting to deflect Heat Rays – a common field
modification of the Mk I henceforth carried over into all
production models.
The Mk II entered service during the 1911 Martian Offensive,
but arrived too late to make a significant contribution to the
fighting. It proved its worth in the protracted skirmishes that
followed the Martian attack, and quickly gained the favor of
crews re-equipping from the earlier tank.
The Mk II remains the most common Steamer Tank in service
with the US Army, and its hull and superstructure have lent
themselves to numerous variants including mobile howitzers,
unarmed field tractors, engineering tractors, and armored
wireless tractors. Numerous Mk II Steamer Tanks have been
supplied to the Edison Company for use as experimental
weapon mounts.
Max. Armor Thickness: 1½" Steel Plate
Max. Speed: 8 mph
Armament: 1x 4-inch gun
Crew: 7
Mk II Steamer Tank
Unit: 3 elements
Points per unit: 165
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Tank 6" 4 8 – single shot can be directed from either side – drawing line of
Weaponry Range Power Special
1x 4-inch gun 30" +2 – unit must engage a single enemy target: you can’t shoot at one
97
MARK III STEAMER TANK
The success of the Mk II Steamer Tank led to successive detail
improvements, but attempts to increase the tank’s firepower
continued to be limited by the size of the chassis. Experiments
with a lengthened chassis – the so-called ‘long-steamer’ –
proved a disappointment, indicating that an entirely new design
was called for. This new design would eventually become
the Mk IV. In the meantime, Baldwin Locomotive Company
engineers decided to adapt the basic Mk II chassis by adding
side sponsons and building up the superstructure to create
an armored box. This became the Mk III Steamer Tank – a
compromise design that proved extremely successful. Equipped
with the latest Baldwin engines and mounting no fewer
than three 4-inch guns, the Mk III Steamer Tank finally gave
America’s fighting forces a weapon capable of confronting the
Martians in open battle.
The chief distinguishing feature of the Mk III is the fixed box
superstructure mounted high on the tank’s deck. Indeed, the Mk
III is sometimes called the steam box on account of this large
box housing the tank’s third gun. The addition of a gun above
the main decking was intended to overcome the chief drawback
of the hull-mounted gun in the Mk’s I and II: their inability to
elevate sufficiently to hit the body of a Tripod at ranges under
two hundred yards. This often resulted in crews being unable to
bring their weapon to bear on an approaching Tripod, leaving
them no option but to bail out. The Captain and Gunnery
Officer’s positions were moved up into the box to give them a
much better view – Captains of earlier tanks having been known
to stand on the open deck to direct fire.
The extra guns increased the crew size by four artillerymen, but
many crews prefer to fight under strength to increase space inside
the cabin, considering it easier to serve three guns with two well-
trained men rather than overcrowding the cramped interior.
Max. Armor Thickness: 1½" Steel Plate
Max. Speed: 8 mph
Armament: 3x 4-inch guns
Crew: 9-11
Mk III Steamer Tank
Unit: 3 elements
Points per unit: 225
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Tank 6" 4 8 Sponsons
Weaponry Range Power Special
3x 4-inch guns 30" +2 –
Sponsons
The Mk III carries a single forward-firing and two sponson-
mounted guns. When it shoots, it can direct all three guns
to its front, giving it three shots at the target. Alternatively, a
sight from the center of the tank’s side. Remember, the whole
enemy to the front and a different enemy to the side as part of
the same attack.
MARK IV STEAMER TANK
During their encounters with the Martians, the Tank Corps soon
realized the limitations of its 3 and 4-inch gun tanks, and came
up with a draft specification for a heavily-armored, multi-gunned
tank that could also mount a larger main armament in a rotating
‘battleship’ type turret. Initial trials with a lengthened Mk II
chassis were dogged with problems, mostly due to the narrow
confines of the chassis plate, which made it impossible to mount
the kind of turret envisaged. As a result, the interim Mk III
design was developed, mounting three 4-inch guns, while work
progressed on an entirely new design – the Mk IV Steamer Tank
or Heavy Steamer.
The Mk IV only began to arrive at the frontline in the summer
of 1914. The intermittent skirmishing of the latter half of the
year saw the new machines committed to battle for the first
time, where their considerable firepower was to prove extremely
effective. Nonetheless, as an all-new design, the new tanks soon
gained a reputation for breakdowns. In August, almost three
quarters of the tanks were unavailable for front-line service,
having been withdrawn to the regimental workshops for
essential modifications to their Shay-designed drive gears. The
longer tracks soon showed a marked tendency to break or shed
under cornering, and overall the size and weight of the machine
presented problems that had never troubled earlier machines.
Several were lost attempting to cross bridges that proved unable
to bear their weight. To top it all, fuel consumption was over
double that of the Mk III over the same distance, reducing the
machine’s operational range to a mere six miles at maximum
speed. Despite these problems, the Mk IV answered the Tank
Corps’ often-stated need for a heavily armed and armored vehicle
that was both more resistant to Heat Ray attacks and which
carries more guns than a standard tank.
A Mk IV Monitor protects the rear of a column of Mk II Steamers.
98
Space inside the Mk IV remains cramped despite its vast size.
To save interior space, the side rods are located beyond the track
rails for the front drive wheel. Powered wheels at the front and
back of the vehicle drive the tracks themselves, spreading the load
evenly over the length of the linkage. This tricky design problem
was resolved with the help of railroad engineer Ephraim Shay, the
creator of the geared-steam drive, who developed a geared drive
system specifically for the new tank. The Mark IV also lacks range
due to the small size of its internal water tank and prodigious rate
of fuel consumption. Consequently, some vehicles have been
equipped with towed water tenders to extend their range. Much of
the interior space is taken up by internal stowage for ammunition.
Fifteen crewmen are usual, including captain, helmsman, stoker,
engineer, gunnery officer, and ten artillerymen. The artillerymen
can also act as stokers while the stoker doubles as an extra loader.
The captain, gunnery officer and one or two artillerymen manage
the turret guns. Because of the vehicle’s weight, it is necessary for
the engineer to act as a second helmsman, braking the left track
from the port steering position.
The Mk IV has a twin boiler steam-turbine engine that is
normally coal powered but which can also burn wood with
some reduction in performance. The basic layout is similar
to earlier machines, with the forward steering position at the
front of the tank and the boiler and engine mounted outside
the armored cabin for maximum heat dissipation. The double-
opposed sponsons carry two 4-inch guns each, one forward-
firing and one rear-firing, but both capable of covering a
considerable portion of the area to the tank’s flank. Two more
4-inch guns are mounted in the front hull, positioned to fire
forwards. The main turret can carry either a 5-inch gun or
a specially adapted 7 inch gun with semi-automatic breech
that extends through and behind the turret. The turret is
also provided with two mountings that can be used for fixed MARK IV MONITOR
machine-guns, light Hotchkiss cannon, or observer cupolas. The Monitor variant of the Mk IV has been produced to
take advantage of the newly developed 7" nickel-steel gun.
The 5-inch gun is an entirely new design. Although relatively Weighing only five tons, compared to almost fifteen tons for
lightweight, it is built to a more robust pattern than earlier the equivalent old naval weapon, the 7-inch gun is the largest
weapons, and incorporates a recoil system that utilizes glycerine weapon currently mounted in any US-built tank. The gun
and air. This allows the use of more powerful shells as well as recoils through the turret and out through the open back. Its
conventional ammunition. This gives the gun a longer range and shells, which weigh about 100 lbs each, are loaded by means of
improved accuracy. a semi-automated side-breech. Only a tank as heavy as the Mk
IV could possibly withstand the substantial stresses involved
The Mk IV Tank’s armor is 2" thick along the front and upper in firing such a large weapon. Even so, firing on the move has
deck plates, the side sponsons are 1 ½" thick, and the turret, proven impractical. Despite this limitation, the Monitor is the
rear and side plates are 1" down to ½". The front, upper deck most heavily-armed tank in the Tank Corp, and the great range
sponsons and turret are further protected by asbestos plating, and hitting power of its main armament has proven invaluable.
which is proof against glancing Heat Ray damage. The weight of
armor means the tank’s maximum speed is no greater than the Maximum Armor Thickness: 2" Steel Plate
old Mk I at 7 miles per hour. Range is 12 miles at an operational Maximum Speed: 7 mph
speed of 4 miles per hour, reducing to a mere 6 miles flat out. Armament: 4 x 4-inch guns in opposed side sponsons, 2 x 4-inch guns
Maximum Armor Thickness: 2" Steel Plate in hull mount, and 1x 7 inch gun in turret – additional machine-guns
Maximum Speed: 7 mph or rapid firing 1.65" Hotchkiss cannon in cupola mounts.
Armament: 4 x 4-inch guns in opposed side sponsons, 2 x 4-inch guns Crew: 15
in hull mount, and 1 x 5-inch gun in turret – additional machine-
guns or rapid firing 1.65" Hotchkiss cannon in cupola mounts. Mk IV Monitor
Crew: 15 Unit: 1 element (choose 2x 1.65-inch gun or 2x machine-guns)
Points per unit: 190
Mk IV Steamer Tank Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Tank 4" 4 10 See below
Unit: 1 element (choose 2x 1.65-inch gun or 2x machine-guns)
Weaponry Range Power Special
Points per unit: 190 6x 4-inch gun 30" +2 –
Type Speed Defense Armor Special 1x 7-inch gun 40" +4 See below
Tank 4" 4 10 See below 2x 1.65-inch guns 30" +1 Rapid Fire 2
2x machine-guns 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3
Weaponry Range Power Special
6x 4-inch guns 30" +2 –
1x 5-inch gun 30" +3 –
2x 1.65-inch guns 30" +1 Rapid Fire 2 Turret
2x machine-guns 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3 The turret carries a main gun and two cupolas, which can be used
to mount machine-guns, a Hotchkiss cannon, or a combination
of the two. When the tank shoots, either the main gun or the
Turret cupola guns can be used – not both. The main gun is designed
The turret carries a main gun and two cupolas, which can be used for taking out Tripods, while the cupolas’ weapons are ideal for
to mount machine-guns, a Hotchkiss cannon, or a combination protection against Lobototons and Drones.
of the two. When the tank shoots, either the main gun or the
cupola guns can be used – not both. The main gun is designed Shoot in Any Direction
for taking out Tripods, while the cupolas’ weapons are ideal for Because the Mk IV has a turret as well as sponson-mounted
protection against Lobototons and Drones. side guns, it can draw line-of-sight from its front, side or rear
as follows:
Shoot in Any Direction
Because the Mk IV has a turret as well as sponson-mounted Front: Turret + four 4-inch guns
side guns, it can draw line of sight from its front, side or rear Side: Turret + two 4-inch guns
as follows: Rear: Turret + two 4-inch guns

Front: Turret + four 4-inch guns Remember – regardless of the number of guns it has, a unit can
Side: Turret + two 4-inch guns only shoot at one enemy unit at a time, so the greatest number of
Rear: Turret + two 4-inch guns guns that can be brought to bear on a target is the turret plus four
4-inchers.
Remember – regardless of the number of guns it has, a unit can
only shoot at one enemy unit at a time, so the greatest number of Fire from Halt
guns that can be brought to bear on a target is the turret plus four The 7-inch gun can only shoot if the Monitor does not move that
4-inchers. turn. If the Monitor moves, it cannot also shoot the 7-inch gun.

99
MARK IV FLAME TANK Shoot in Any Direction
Envious of the incredibly powerful and versatile Heat Ray of the Because the Flame Tank has a turret as well as front-mounted guns,
Martians, the Tank Corps wanted an equivalent weapon. After it can draw line-of-sight as follows:
much study and some experimentation, the best the Ordnance
Department could come up with was the ‘Heat Gun’ mounted on Front: Turret + two 4-inch guns
a Mark IV chassis. The Dupont Chemical Company developed Side: Turret
a special two-part fuel for the weapon. These fuels are mixed at Rear: Turret
the same time a pressurized system drives them out of the nozzle
and into the igniter. The resultant mixture is highly combustible Remember – regardless of the number of guns it has, a unit can only
and burns at a temperature of nearly 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. shoot at one enemy unit at a time, so the greatest number of guns that
Early experimentation found the chemicals could not be stored can be brought to bear on a target is the turret plus two 4-inchers.
pre-mixed as they were both too unstable and corrosive when
combined. Even with the large electrically-powered pump Flame Gun
on the main tank, the resultant stream of heavy liquid had a The flaming mass thrown from the flame gun covers the target
disappointing range. To make the weapon effective against unit. To represent this effect, the flame gun makes D5 attacks
Tripods, it had to be elevated, and thus was born the turret when it shoots and not just one attack. This is like a machine-gun
tower that makes the Flame Tank so recognizable. Despite the rapid fire attack, but instead of a fixed number of attacks, roll a
considerable height of the tower, the tank is still relatively stable D5 to determine the number of attacks each time the flame gun
as the upper works and turret are very lightly armored. These hits. A D5 is just half the score of a D10 rounding up, so the flame
weapons are just entering combat, and while effective when close gun makes 1 to 5 attacks depending on how lucky you are. Also,
enough to get direct strikes, they have proven very vulnerable to because the flame gun covers its target in burning chemicals and
the Heat Rays. Heat Ray puncture of any of the chemical storage vapor, the target gets no cover modifiers to its Defense or Armor.
tanks often results in a spectacular and widespread explosion of
sticky burning fluid. Explosive Combination
The highly unstable chemicals used to power the flame gun make
Maximum Armor: Thickness 2" Steel Plate it extremely likely the Flame Tank will simply explode when
Maximum Speed: 7 mph hit. Consequently, if the Flame Tank is hit by an enemy unit,
Armament: Flame Gun, 2x 4-inch guns immediately roll a single D10 before rolling for damage. If the
Crew: 15 score is 10, the Flame Tank explodes, immediately destroying it,
and every unit, friend or foe, within 6" is automatically hit by the
flame gun, suffering D5 attacks each. If the flame tank does not
Mk IV Flame Tank explode, then go on to determine damage as normal.
Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: 180
Type Speed Defense Armor Special MARK IV COMMAND TANK
Tank 4" 4 10 See below A rare variant of the Mark IV Chassis, the Mk IV ACP for Armored
Weaponry Range Power Special Command Post, usually called simply the Command Tank, features
1x Flame Gun 15" +3 Rapid Fire D5 a very tall observation and communications tower. The vehicle was
2x 4-inch guns 30" +2 – designed as a mobile command bunker for senior field commanders
(mostly three star generals and above). Only a few dozen have
actually been built. It is typically armed with two 4-inch guns and
two machine-gun turrets for self defense. Many Generals have seen
fit to refit the armament to their own tastes after deployment. The
vehicle is equipped with a signalling platform on the back (frequently
used to address gatherings of troops as well). ACPs carry the new
75 watt radio sets, which gives them a communication range of
up to 200 or more miles, depending on weather conditions. The
towers are covered with thin armor plate, suitable for defense against
small arms and even some light cannon, but are not very effective
against Martian ranged weapons. To date, only one of these vehicles
has been lost. It occurred when the Martians broke through the
Shreveport Gap, cutting Texas off from the rest of the Free US.
General Samuel Yates, the commander of the 5th Corp defending
the gap, was killed along with his staff when several Assault Tripods
sliced his command vehicle up with their Heat Rays.
Maximum Armor Thickness: 2" Steel Plate
Maximum Speed: 7 mph
Armament: 2x 4-inch guns, 2 x machine-guns
Mk IV Flame Tank Crew: Up to 10

100
 Mk IV ACP
Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: +220 pts to cost of Field Command squad
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Tank 4" 4 9 See below
Weaponry Range Power Special
2x 4-inch guns 30" +2 –
2x machine-guns 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3

Command Tank
If a Command Tank is included in the force, the army’s Field
Commander rides inside it, so the model effectively replaces
the Field Commander Squad and has the same Rally and Field
Commander rule. However, because the Command Tank is
equipped with a radio set, the Field Commander can now issue
his bonus moves to any US Army unit, regardless of whether he
has line-of-sight or not. In addition, the Commander’s Rally rule
is extended from the usual 6" to include any US Army unit to
which the Command Tank has line-of-sight.
Mk IV Command Tank

CLAMPER TANK
The first years of the Martian Invasion called for desperate acts
of valor by Earth’s brave defenders. Assault troops, armed with
nothing but grappling ropes and explosives, fought Martian
Tripods hand-to-hand, a tactic so fraught with danger that such
troops were dubbed humanity’s Forlorn Hope. Amongst the
Tank Corps, the gallant crews of the Clamper Tanks performed
deeds that were just as heroic, and equally dangerous. These
bizarre contraptions were initially devised in the field by adapting
a steam shovel, a powerful excavation machine developed by
the Bucyrus Foundry and Manufacturing Company of Ohio, to
produce a powerful steam-driven clamp. This was affixed to the
front of a tank: either an Mk I or MkII. The tank’s engine was fitted
with an exterior reservoir to enable it to build up extra pressure.
This pressure was used to operate the steam clamp, and also to
temporarily boost the tank’s speed. With a sudden burst of steam,
the Clamper Tank rushes towards its Tripod target and grabs one
of the machine’s gigantic legs before the Martian can bring its own
weapons to bear. The weight of the tank immediately cripples the
Tripod, turning it into a sitting target for the rest of the human
force. Clamper Tank crews typically bail out and run for it once
the clamp is successfully engaged. When the Clamper Tank was
first deployed, losses in men and tanks using these kinds of tactics
were high, but as more and better weapons became available, the
Clamper Tanks were phased out of use, many being reconverted
into ancillary vehicles such as Cargo Steamers.
Clamper Tank
Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: 100
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Tank 6" 4 8 See below
Weaponry Range Power Special
Steam Clamp Assault – See below
Maximum Armor Thickness: 1½" Steel Plate (MkII)
Maximum Speed: 8 mph
Armament: Steam Clamp
Crew: 3
Steam Clamp
A Clamper tank is unusual insofar as, unlike other tanks, it is allowed
to make an assault. However, it can only assault a Martian Tripod and
no other kind of target. When it makes its assault, the Clamper tank
can double its speed to 12". When the assault is fought, roll to hit the
Tripod as normal, and if a hit is scored, the Tripod is held fast and
immobilized. The immobilized Tripod cannot move for the rest of
the game, making it an easier target, so all attacks against the Tripod
get a ‘to hit’ bonus of +1. If the immobilized tripod is obliged to
move for whatever reason – such as a damage resolution result – then
both it and the Clamper tank are automatically destroyed.
Once the Clamper tank has grabbed its target, it is abandoned
and plays no further part in the game. It cannot be targeted.
It is automatically destroyed if the Tripod it is attached to is
destroyed, as noted above. Should a Clamper tank fail to attach
itself to a Tripod during an assault, it withdraws at the end of the
assault in the usual way, and can continue to fight on.
Clamper Tank

101
 PATTON’S MK IV
George Smith Patton Jr. graduated from West Point on June Shoot in Any Direction
11th, 1908. That was the very year that reports of falling Because the Mk IV has a turret as well as sponson-mounted
cylinders started coming out of the southwestern deserts of the side guns, it can draw line-of-sight from its front, side or rear
United States, as well as from other remote areas of the world. as follows:
Patton would march to war with the army as it gathered to stop
the Martian menace. He shipped out with the 12th Cavalry Front: Turret + four 4-inch guns
and headed straight to the front. Almost the entire unit was Side: Turret + two 4-inch guns
wiped out with only three survivors, of which Patton was one, Rear: Turret + two 4-inch guns
although he was badly wounded. Sent back to the east coast
for recuperation, he shipped out again as one of the first of the Remember – regardless of the number of guns it has, a unit can
Mk IV tank commanders. Facing horrendous odds, Patton, only shoot at one enemy unit at a time, so the greatest number
his trusted tank driver, Sgt. James Lewis Crossley, and the rest of guns that can be brought to bear on a target is the turret plus
of the crew proved over and over, during the course of many four 4-inchers.
near-hopeless battles, that the Mk IV Lucky 12 was a force to be
reckoned with by any Martian machine – large or small. Patton Well Trained
would later go on to command the American Exploration Force. The crew of the Lucky 12 can choose to use one of the
following abilities in a turn: rapid fire, well-aimed shot, or
Patton’s MK IV rapid advance.
Unit: 1 element (choose 2x 1.65-inch gun or 2x machine-guns)
Rapid Fire
Points per unit: 260 The Mk IV’s 4-inch guns can all shoot twice this turn – rapid
Type Speed Defense Armor Special fire 2. However, all these shots receive a penalty to hit of –1,
Tank 4" 4 10 See below because little time is spent laying the guns into their target.
Weaponry Range Power Special Note that this rule only affects the 4-inch guns!
6x 4-inch guns 30" +2 –
1x 5-inch gun 30" +3 –
Well-aimed Shot
2x 1.65-inch guns 30" +1 Rapid Fire 2 Patton has personally sighted the main 5-inch gun, and
2x machine-guns 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3 receives a bonus of +2 to the roll to hit. When using this rule,
no other guns on the tank can shoot that turn, as the crew
Turret knows to keep quiet while George is concentrating.
The turret carries a main gun and two cupolas, which can
be used to mount machine-guns, a Hotchkiss cannon, or a Rapid Advance
combination of the two. When the tank shoots, either the main Always eager to get into the fray, Patton can push his crew and
gun or the cupola guns can shoot – not both. The main gun is tank to their limits to reach the battle zone. The Lucky 12 can
designed for taking out Tripods, while the cupolas’ weapons move at double its Speed value during the first move phase, but
are ideal for protection against Lobototons and Drones. a die roll must be made to see if the tank holds together. A roll of
1, 2 or 3 means the tank has thrown a rod and is immobilized for
the rest of the game. If the Lucky 12 performs a Rapid Advance,
it may not move at all in the second move phase.
Command Tank
Patton’s Tank is a command unit. Because the Tank is
equipped with a radio set, the Field Commander can now issue
his bonus moves to any US Army unit, regardless of whether
he has line-of-sight or not. In addition, the Commander’s Rally
rule is extended from the usual 6" to include any US Army unit
to which the Command Tank has line-of-sight.
Bonus Commander
Regardless of the size of the force, if Patton is the army’s Field
Commander he receives +1 one extra Order marker at the start
of the game. This bonus only applies while Patton lives; if he is
killed, remove one Order marker from those remaining before
appointing a new Field Commander.

102
 OTHER Fuel Tender
Unit: 1 element

MECHANICAL UNITS
Points per unit: 15 points (may be armed with a machine-gun at +10 points)
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Vehicle 6" 4 7 Refuel
Weaponry Range Power Special
Machine-gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3

As well as its fighting machines, the army has a great need for
transportation as well as innumerable specialized units from field
workshops and ambulances to mobile canteens. While the press
is ever ready to print stories of heroic action by our troops, let us
not forget those who work unceasingly to support the fighting
men, whether amidst the shrieking Heat Rays and roar of shells,
or in the factories and laboratories where the war continues with
no less dedication and energy.
If proof were needed of the vast strides taken by human science,
one has to look no further than the new Ironclads and Goliaths.
The tide of battle is surely about to turn and, if not tomorrow,
then one day the world will be rid of the Martian invader forever!
Refuel
If a steam-powered vehicle unit begins any move phase within
6" of a fuel tender, it can double its speed that move phase. A
unit that doubles its speed in this way cannot also shoot that
turn and is unable to double its speed if it has already shot. Each
time a unit uses a fuel tender to increase its speed, roll a die; on
the score of a 1, the tender’s coal and water are exhausted; the
tender can no longer be used to refuel. A fuel tender is allowed to
consume its own supplies – doubling its own speed – but must
then make the same test.
Munitions Carrier
Unit: 1 element

CARGO STEAMERS Points per unit: 30 points (may be armed with a machine-gun at +10 points)
The army consumes vast quantities of coal and water as well Type Speed Defense Armor Special
as ammunition, food and all the other essentials of waging Vehicle 6" 4 7 Extra Munitions
modern war. Because of the need to refuel during action, all Weaponry Range Power Special
steam-driven fighting forces must carry prodigious quantities Machine-gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3
of coal and water. Although rail transport supplies the bulk
of material to the war zones, all supplies must be delivered
by horse-drawn or road transport, and carried into action by Extra Munitions
vehicles that are sturdy enough to keep pace with the tanks and If a tank or vehicle unit armed with any kind of cannon or
mobile artillery. The MkII Cargo Steamer provides the basis for artillery piece, for example a howitzer or tank gun, begins its
a number of ancillary vehicles used to transport the essential combat phase within 6" of a munitions carrier, it can take 1
materials of war. We have already described how Cargo extra shot when it fires or – in the case of howitzers – adds
Steamers can be used to support Electric Artillery units, and 1 to its barrage value. Note this is +1 extra shot/barrage for
we have noted how Cargo Steamers carrying ammunition can the entire unit and not for each element in the unit; if the
support artillery formations. unit carries weapons of different caliber or type, the player
can choose which gets the extra shot. Each time a unit uses a
Maximum Armor Thickness: 1½" Steel Plate munitions carrier to increase its shooting, roll a die; on a score
Maximum Speed: 8 mph of 1, the carrier is out of ammunition and can no longer be used
Crew: 4 in this way.

Fuel Tender Munitions Carrier

103
MK II MINELAYER power value of +5. Any other units within 6" must roll to see if
From the earliest phases of the invasion, human forces have they are hit in the usual manner. Once a mine has exploded it is
attempted to halt the Martians with dense minefields. This largely removed… a mine only explodes once!
failed to have any impact, as the Martian machines proved largely
impervious to such blasts because of their tripod construction
and great height. Large magnetic naval mines were tried, but
Martian metal has a very low ferrous content, and these devices FLIVVERS
proved more of a menace to human forces than to Martians. Flivvers are light Model-T Ford trucks with gasoline- or ethanol-
After considering the problem, Tesla invented a proximity mine fuelled combustion engines. They are used as transports by all
that was triggered by the powerful electrical fields generated by kinds of units, and many are employed as ambulances, supply
Martian machines. Unfortunately, human tanks and vehicles trucks, and even as mounts for machine-guns and light artillery
can and often do set them off too, so they must be used with pieces. They are very flimsy vehicles and utterly useless over
the greatest care. The Mark II Cargo Steamer provides the basic difficult terrain, but tremendously valuable when it comes to
carrier for the mine-laying equipment. ferrying men and materials to the battlefront. Many cars and
trucks now carry additional machine-guns as defense against
Maximum Armor Thickness: 1½" Steel Plate Lobototon attack.
Maximum Speed: 8 mph
Crew: 4 Flivver
Unit: 3 elements of the same type
Minelayer Points per unit: 15 for Transports and 60 for Gun Carriers. Any
Unit: 1 element Transports can be armed with a machine-gun for +10 points each.
Points per unit: 150 points (may be armed with a machine-gun for an Type Speed Defense Armor Special
additional +10 points) Vehicle 10" 5 4 See below
Type Speed Defense Armor Special Weaponry Range Power Special
Vehicle 6" 4 7 Tesla Mines Light Howitzer 60" +2 Barrage 1
Weaponry Range Power Special Machine-gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3
Machine-gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3

Tesla Mines
The minelayer has three tesla mines. One per turn can be
dropped behind the Minelayer as it moves. Place one of the crater
models where the mine has been dropped to mark the spot. A
tesla mine cannot be triggered by either Martian Lobototons or
Human infantry, but can be triggered by any kind of artillery,
vehicles, tanks, machines, Tripods and Martian Drones. If any
of these comes within 6" of a marker at any time, immediately
roll a die and add +8 if the model is Martian. If the total is 10 or
more, the mine goes up and automatically hits the target with a
Tow/Transport
A unit of Flivvers can either transport a unit of infantry or tow a
unit of field artillery. It cannot transport mounted infantry, for
example Rough Riders, and it cannot tow heavy field artillery
units. See pages 64-65.
Road Vehicle
Flivvers are really road vehicles and not good at tackling difficult
terrain. So, instead of counting the distance covered over difficult
ground as twice the distance, Flivvers multiply the distances
covered by four, so 1" travelled counts as 4".

A unit of Flivver Transports tow a Field Gun Battery into action, while a MkII Minelayer lays Tesla mines to protect against enemy outflanking maneuvers.

104
 ALIEN PACIFISTS NOT WANTED!
ALL ACROSS THE world people
reacted in different ways to the news
of the Martian invasion. Many who
found themselves in the path of the
enemy simply fled if they could.
Panic was widespread. In many
nations directly affected by the alien
attack, law and order broke down
entirely. But surely the most curious
reaction was that of the Alien Paci-
fist Movement - whose most vocif-
erous activist was the Hungarian
born champion of Women’s Suffrage,
Rosilka Schimmer. As a leader of
the Women’s Peace Party, Rosilka
Schimmer had many admirers and
supporters, including Henry Ford in
America, who provided the funding
for her so-called Ford Peace Ship.
This ship, with Schimmer and Ford
on board, toured Europe, calling
upon the nations of the world to seek
mediation with the Martians.
The International Committee
for Immediate Mediation, as the
pacifists styled themselves, met
with a generally hostile reception
from the peoples of Europe. Crowds
gathered at the docks to jeer at the
Ford Peace Ship. Schimmer and her
compatriots had to be protected
from angry mobs that assembled
wherever they went. When the ship
arrived at Stockholm, Henry Ford,
who had by now become the subject
of considerable press ridicule both
at home and abroad, fled. He would
later abandon his extreme pacifist
beliefs and turn his energies to the
defense of the nation. However, the
incident was to cause Ford consid-
erable embarrassment, and his rep-
utation would never quite recover.
As for Schimmer, she remained
firmly wedded to her extreme
pacifist views, and continued to
argue for a negotiated peace with
the Martians. How she imagined
such negotiations would be con-
ducted remains a mystery. She later
settled in Chicago and applied for
American citizenship. However,
her application was overturned by
the U.S. Supreme Court in a much-
publicized case, resulting in the
famous newspaper headline, ‘Alien
Pacifists Not Wanted!’

FLIVVER AMBULANCE
The Martian War has reaped a terrible cost in lives broken and
destroyed by the dreaded Martians, but how much greater would
that cost have been were it not for the gallantry and expertise of
the Medical Corps and its frontline doctors and nurses? Field
dressing stations operate as closely to the lines as possible, for
speed is of the essence and only by rapid and expert action
can lives be saved. Often, lightly-wounded men can be treated
immediately and returned to their units, ready to confront the
Martian menace once more.
element within 6" of the Flivver Ambulance is destroyed, roll a
die. On a score of 1-8, the medics fail to rescue any of the stricken
soldiers, on a roll of 9-10, the medics make all the difference, the
element is restored and does not become a casualty.
Road Vehicle
Flivvers are really road vehicles and not good at tackling difficult
terrain. So, instead of doubling the distance covered over difficult
ground, Flivvers multiply the distances covered by four, so 1"
travelled counts as 4".

Flivvers are used by the Medical Corps and often serve as field Support Unit
bases for dressing stations. Flivvers with medics and stretcher- Ambulances are ignored when it comes to calculating how many
bearers often brave the fierce fighting to rescue stricken soldiers. units an army contains and how many units have been destroyed.
However, if it comes to counting up point values at the end of
a game to determine a winner, Ambulances do count their full
Flivver Ambulance value just like other troops.
Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: 15
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Vehicle 10" 5 4 See below
Weaponry Range Power Special
None – – –

Medic
If an infantry or artillery unit is within 6" of a Flivver Ambulance,
then it can potentially recover elements that become casualties
during the enemy’s Combat phase. If any infantry or artillery
Flivver Ambulance

105
HOLT GUN TRACTORS Wrecker
Holt-built heavy tractors are used as prime movers for all kinds If a steam-driven vehicle is destroyed within 6" of a Wrecker, the
of equipment and in particular for heavy artillery pieces such as destroyed vehicle can be claimed as a wreck. Instead of removing
Anti-Tripod guns. the destroyed vehicle, it is immediately placed behind the
Wrecker, which can then tow the wrecked vehicle as it moves. If
A unit of tractors can tow a unit of field artillery or heavy field the Wrecker can tow the wrecked vehicle back into contact with
artillery. This is the only way a unit of heavy field artillery can its Workshop, then an attempt can be made to repair the wreck in
move. See page 65. the combat phase.
Workshop
Holt Gun Tractor Although Wreckers and Workshop Trucks are purchased
Unit: 3 elements as a single unit, the Workshops are always deployed on the
Points per unit: 25. Any tractors can be armed with a machine-gun for +10
player’s home table edge and cannot move. This is why their
points each.
defense rating is so low – they are large static targets. The
two Workshop trucks are placed in formation together on
Type Speed Defense Armor Special the table edge to represent the Workshop. The Wrecker is
Vehicle 6" 4 6 – deployed in formation with the Workshop but is free to move
Weaponry Range Power Special independently – the Wrecker and its Workshop being treated
Machine-gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3 as two separate units for all purposes other than for counting
destroyed units during the game (all three vehicles must be
destroyed to claim the unit killed).
FIELD ENGINEERING UNIT If a wreck is touching the Workshop in the player’s combat
The Armored Recovery Tank, or Wrecker, equips the new phase, it can be repaired as follows. Roll a die: on a score of
Battlefield Recovery sections of the Engineering Corps. It is based 1-7, the wreck is not repaired that turn, although the player
on the chassis of the Mk II Steamer Tank. This vehicle mounts can roll again in subsequent turns; on a score of 8-10, the wreck
a huge crane and powered winch, and is used to recover broken is repaired.
down or disabled vehicles from the battlefield. Engineering units
also include truck-based mobile workshops; they are an essential Up to one wreck per Workshop Truck can attempt a repair in any
part of the armed forces without which it would be impossible turn (i.e. up to two per turn with two trucks).
to keep tanks and other armored vehicles in action. Mobile
workshops are equipped with forges and iron-working equipment. A repaired vehicle must return to its own unit, assuming this has
The Mack Brothers AB trucks are popular with the military for not otherwise been destroyed. Until it moves back into formation
these tough, demanding roles. The combustion engines that power it cannot do anything other than move. If the repaired vehicle is
these heavily-laden trucks are capable of burning gasoline, ethanol the only survivor of its unit, then it re-enters the battle as a unit in
or kerosene. With heavy reinforced chassis and axles, speeds of its own right.
about 20 mph are practicable, though in action Mobile Workshops
are set up in static positions ready to deal immediately with Wrecks count as casualties up until they are repaired. Repaired
recovered vehicles. vehicles do not count as casualties – i.e. repaired units score no
points for the enemy as the unit is no longer destroyed.
Mk II Wrecker Mack AB Truck
Maximum Armor Thickness: 1½" Steel Plate None Static
Maximum Speed: 8 mph 20 mph Once set up, the mobile Workshop is unable to move without
lengthy preparations. For the purposes of the game, the
Crew: 4 Up to 4 engineers Workshop is immobile and cannot move during the game. If
obliged to move for whatever reason, including leaving the table,
Field Engineering Unit they are considered destroyed. Note that this is why the Defense
Unit: 3 elements comprising 1x Wrecker and 2 x Workshop Trucks
value is only 2.
Points per unit: 60. A Wrecker may be given a machine-gun for +10 pts. Exception
Mk II Wrecker The Land Ironclad and Mk V Goliath are just too big and heavy
Type Speed Defense Armor Special to claim as a wreck and far too complicated to repair in the field –
Vehicle 6" 4 7 See below so a Wrecker and Workshop cannot recover or repair an Ironclad
Weaponry Range Power Special or Goliath.
Machine-gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3
Workshop Truck Support Unit
Type Speed Defense Armor Special Field engineering units are ignored when it comes to calculating
Vehicle None 2 4 See below how many units an army contains and how many units have been
Weaponry Range Power Special destroyed. However, if it comes to counting up point values at the
None – – – end of a game to determine a winner, field engineering units do
count their full value just like other troops.

106

VOL LXI...NO 20413
LEAGUE INVADES TURKEY
According to sources in Con-
stantinople, the armies of the
Balkan League crossed into Turkish
territory yesterday in what appears
to be a full-scale invasion led by
Bulgarian and Serbian armies. The
Turkish army – already committed
against the Martians in the battle-
fields of the near east – is reported
to be fighting a rearguard action at
the town of Adrianople. Meanwhile,
reinforcements that are desperately
needed to face the Martians in the
east are assembling in the docks at
Constantinople ready to be trans-
ported to Salonika.
This latest blow against the
Ottomans comes after the seizure
NEW YORK, DATE – WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23RD, 1912
of the Dodecanese islands by Italy
and renewed pressure from the
Greek government over the Cretan
question. The admittance of the
Balkan League into the European
Union – as the Franco-German
alliance formed before the Martian
war now styles itself – has doubt-
less encouraged Bulgaria’s ambi-
tions in the Balkans. Members of
the Prussian imperial staff have
long wielded their influence over
the emergent states of the region,
and it feared that once more the
Franco-German Alliance is seeking
to extend its power at the expense
of its neighbors.
With British and Turkish troops
actively engaged in joint operations
against the Martians, this develop-
107
THE WEATHER
Rain and cloud; Winds
north-easterly.
Elsewhere
ONE CENT In Greater New York City,
Jersey City and Newark TWO CENTS
ment can only bring the Franco-
German Alliance into direct con-
flict with the British Empire. It is a
conflict that many believe the alli-
ance has actively sought these last
ten years. Unthinkable as it may be
in the midst of the Martian War,
the European Union seems poised
to betray the embattled nations of
the world to serve its own narrow
interests.
This will come as no surprise
to those who have watched the
growth of Prussian power since
the turn of the century, whilst
the French – ever jealous of their
British neighbors – have proven
increasingly willing servants of
the Kaiser and the Prussian Chiefs
of Staff.
MK V STEAM TANK ‘GOLIATH’
The Goliath is the latest machine to emerge from the prolific Mk V Goliath
Baldwin Locomotive Works in Pennsylvania. It combines Unit: 1 element
innovative Westinghouse-Baldwin electric motor technology with Points per unit: 375
Westinghouse’s proven steam turbines to power the largest and Type Speed Defense Armor Special
most advanced Steam Tank to date. Dubbed the Goliath because Machine 4" 4 10 See below
of its great size, the Mk V is the first US-built tank to abandon
caterpillar tracks in favour of four enormous wheels. It mounts a Weaponry Range Power Special
12-inch gun 60" +7 Variable Damage
single huge 12-inch gun in a naval-style turret. Electric motors turn
4x machine-guns 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3
the turret and feed the enormous shells into the gun’s capacious
breech. The Goliath has been kept away from the battle zones since
the first machines rumbled off the production lines in the summer
of 1914. The Goliath’s weight and size has proven something of a Turret
problem, as it is impossible to transport by rail, while it is simply The turret carries a main gun and a co-axial machine-gun. When
too tall and heavy to cross all but the strongest of existing bridges. the tank shoots, either the main gun or the co-axial machine
Issues with the turret’s drives have also not been fully resolved, can be used – not both. The main gun is designed for taking
since the prototype was lost in a spectacular explosion following an out Tripods, while the rapid-firing machine-guns are ideal for
electrical fire. For all its impressive bulk and devastating armament, protection against Lobototons and Drones.
the Goliath has yet to be officially adopted into the US Tank Corps
and is still undergoing strenuous trials at the newly established Super Heavy Gun
Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. The huge 12-inch gun is a marvel of modern design. It is far
lighter than earlier naval guns and features an advanced shock-
Maximum Armor Thickness: Classified absorbing oelio-pneumatic system that makes it possible for the
Maximum Speed: Classified Goliath to shoot without being pushed over by the recoil. The
Armament: 1x 12-inch gun in turret, co-axial MG, 3x MG in hull mount 12-inch gun is so powerful that it rolls a combined damage score
Crew: 8 of 2 D10s. Any combined damage score of 10 or more destroys
its target.

108
Shoot in Any Direction
Because the Mk V has a turret as well as a hull-mounted machine-
gun, it can draw line of sight from its front, side or rear as follows:
Score
Front: Turret + machine-gun
Side: Turret
Rear: Turret
Remember – regardless of the number of guns it has, a unit can
only shoot at one enemy unit at a time, so the greatest number of
guns that can be brought to bear on a target is the turret plus the
hull machine-gun.
Turbine Blower
The Westinghouse twin-turbine is the most powerful yet built,
but because of the machine’s great weight and wheeled design,
the Goliath has proven disappointingly slow. To overcome this
problem, it has been fitted with a steam compressor that boosts
pressure into the steam turbine. This turbine blower can be
used in any move phase to increase the vehicle’s speed up to a
maximum of 8"; however, this is risky. If you use this option,
roll a die once you have moved. Add +1 to the score for each 1"
of speed above 4" (i.e. if you go 6" add +2). If the score is 10 or
greater, something has gone wrong – immediately roll on the
Goliath Damage Resolution Chart (right) and apply the result.
Goliath Damage Resolution Chart
If a Goliath suffers one or more points of damage from a shooting
or assault attack, it is not automatically destroyed. Instead, roll a die
and consult the Goliath Damage Resolution Chart. If the Goliath
has suffered more than one point of damage, add +1 to the die
roll for each additional point of damage scored. For example, if a
Goliath has taken 3 points of damage, roll a die and add +2.
Multiple and Cumulative Damage
As with all machines that have their own damage chart, multiple
rolls of the same result have no further effect other than to reduce
the Goliath’s armor value further. It will be necessary to record
armor damage scored in some manner, for example, using a chit,
marker or ordinary six-sided die placed next to the model.
GOLIATH DAMAGE RESOLUTIOn CHART
Result
1-5 The Goliath is partially damaged and its Armor
value is permanently reduced by -1.
6 The Goliath’s turret drives are damaged and the
turret can no long turn. The turret is jammed facing
(D10) 1-7 forward, 8 left, 9 right, 10 rear. The
Goliath’s armor value is permanently reduced by -1.
7 The Goliath’s main armament is hit and the electric
drives that feed ammunition stop working. To shoot
the main gun, you must now roll 8 or more on a D10
to successfully load it by hand before rolling to hit
the target. The Goliath’s armor value is permanently
reduced by -1.
8 The Goliath’s main drives are hit and damaged. To
move the Goliath in any turn, you must now roll
an 8 or more on a D10 to build up enough power.
Make this test only once per turn – the Goliath can
move in both move phases if the test is successful.
If the test is failed, the Goliath cannot move that
turn, and if obliged to move for whatever reason, it is
destroyed. The Goliath’s armor value is permanently
reduced by -1.
9 The Goliath is immobilized. It can no longer move,
and if obliged to move for whatever reason it is
destroyed. The Goliath’s armor value is permanently
reduced by -1.
10+ The Goliath explodes and is destroyed.

Other Life Besides Martian?

I t is quite possible that there are other forms of what we would
call intelligent life in the solar system beyond even the Martians.
When I first postulated about their civilization, given my observa-
tions and cataloging of their extensive network of canals, it was
the clarity with which modern science could see the Red Planet
that allowed me to do so. Unfortunately, such observations of
other planets, such as Venus or perhaps some of the outer planets,
is hindered by their dense atmospheres and the limited ability to
see any surface details. Now that we know fundamentally that life
exists on worlds other than our own, it is a logical conclusion that
life also exists on other worlds under the right conditions.
Venus in particular seems a strong candidate. Covered in
cloud, the surface is undoubtedly very wet and swamp like, and
such environments on Earth team with life. Living beings could
inhabit many of the outer planets and their moons, even though
they are much colder than the Earth or even Mars.
I have contended for some time that now we must strive
to travel to some of our nearby neighbors – Mars obviously, but
certainly Venus as well. It may be the only way to understand
what lives on Venus. We must get below its perpetual cloud
layer. It may be that the French effort to build a machine capable
of travelling through the ether to the Moon will be a solid first
step. Regardless, we must understand the other planets to
avoid another catastrophe as devastating as the Martian attack
on England.
An excerpt of a conversation with Percival Lowell, the famous astronomer,
first published in The Journal of American Planetary Science, 1906.

109
DESTROYER CLASS LAND IRONCLAD (MIL 1914)
The huge Land Ironclad is no mere weapon of war. It is a potent
symbol of human ingenuity and American industrial might!
These towering vessels were first built in the Norfolk Naval
Shipyard in Virginia, utilizing the methods and skills employed
in ship construction to produce what many have dubbed ‘land
battleships.’ The popular press have so far been denied access to
complete details of the Land Ironclad’s armament and defensive
systems, but such information as has been revealed speaks of a
weapon as superior to the existing steam tanks as those mighty
machines are superior to a mere infantryman.
Owing to the use of naval facilities and personnel, it became a
matter of some controversy whether the new Land Ironclads
would fall under the command of the army or navy. As the
first machines were built with watertight hulls, the navy
considered them to be ships. Sea trials indicated that, though
capable of transport by water, lacking a proper keel, the Land
Ironclads were unstable in anything but the calmest waters.
The first Ironclads were delivered to the US Army and were
still officially undergoing land trials when they encountered
110
Tripod raiders in Western Tennessee. On that occasion,
a flotilla of three Ironclads was about to steam for home,
having completed a test of its primary gunnery systems,
when it ran into a force of more than a dozen Tripods. The
Tripods swept the vessels with their Heat Rays, causing only
superficial damage thanks to the dense asbestos plates that
shield the Ironclads’ metal armor. The Ironclads responded
by laying steam as a precautionary defense and engaging the
tripods with their 12-inch and 7-inch guns. Four Tripods were
destroyed or crippled in the first salvo, and the remainder
quickly withdrew, leaving the Ironclads very much the victors
of this first encounter in this new war of the machines.
Maximum Armor Thickness: Classified
Maximum Speed: Approximately 4 mph in trials
Armament: 1x 12-inch gun mounted in main turret, 1x 7-inch gun
mounted in forward turret, 4x 5-inch guns mounted in side turrets –
2 per side, and 6x 4-inch guns mounted in side-turrets – 3 per side.
8 machine-guns in sponsons and bastions
Crew: At least 30
 Armor reduction, the minimum value that the Ironclad can
Ironclad Destroyer Class be reduced to is 1: an Ironclad can never be reduced to zero
Unit: 1 element Armor. This means that an ironclad can only be destroyed
Points per unit: 750 by critical hits – and never by loss of Armor – no matter how
much damage it takes. As a score of 10+ is required on the
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Ironclad Damage Resolution Chart to score a critical hit, this
Machine 4" 3 12 See below
means that Ironclads are very difficult to knock out, even for
Weaponry Range Power Special the most powerful Martian Heat Rays.
12-inch gun 60" +7 Super Heavy Gun, see page 108
7-inch gun 40" +4 –
4x 5-inch guns 30" +3 –
4x 4-inch guns
8x machine-guns
30"
20"
+2
+1
–
–
ironclad DAMAGE RESOLUTIOn CHART
Score Result
1-5 The Ironclad is partially damaged and its
Fully Independent Targeting Armor value is permanently reduced by -1 to a
The Land Ironclad is so large that it is treated as a mobile minimum value of 1.
fortress, able to train its armaments upon any targets that its
crews can see. Therefore, each weapon fires independently 6 The Ironclad’s boiler is damaged and and its
and can choose any target that is visible from the weapon’s movement rate is reduced by 1-inch every time it
position. This enables the Ironclad to shoot at different targets
regardless of where they lie. However, the player must declare takes boiler damage.
all the weapons that are going to shoot at a target before rolling 7 The Ironclad’s steering mechanism is damaged.
any dice to score hits. It is not permitted to shoot at a target
with one weapon and then decide to shoot at the same target When the Ironclad moves, roll a die; 1-3 move
again with a different weapon if the first shot misses – all shots directly ahead. 4-5 move directly towards the
at a target must be declared before you fire at it! In all cases, enemy table edge, 6-7 move directly towards
measure the range from the position of individual weapons
from the end of the gun barrel. the table side edge to the player’s left, 8-9 move
directly towards the table side edge to the player’s
Limited Maneuverability right, 0 move directly toward the player’s own table
The Land Ironclad is not so easily maneuvered as an ordinary edge.
vehicle, so the way it moves is restricted compared to tanks and
other vehicles. An Ironclad cannot pivot to face any direction it 8 The Ironclad’s armament is hit. Roll a die; 1-3
likes when it moves; instead it must move directly forwards and
can pivot once as it does so, up to a maximum of 45 degrees, a machine-gun is destroyed, 4-6 a 4-inch gun is
either before, after or at any point in its move. destroyed, 6-8 a 5-inch gun is destroyed, 9 the
7-inch gun is destroyed, 0 the 12-inch gun is
Lay Steam
A US-built ironclad can lay steam in any move phase whether destroyed. In the case of machine-guns, 4-inch and
it moves or not – but cannot shoot in the same turn it lays 5-inch guns, the opposing player can select the
steam (as it cannot see!). An Ironclad that lays steam is weapon that is destroyed.
invulnerable to Black Dust and sweeping Heat Rays. Focused
Heat Rays are reduced to Power +2. All enemy weapons are 9 The Land Ironclad is immobilized. It can no
limited to a maximum range of 25" against the Ironclad. The longer move and cannot lay steam.
steam protection lasts until the beginning of the Ironclad’s
following turn. 10+ The Land Ironclad takes 1 point of critical damage
Ironclad and its armor value is also permanently reduced by
If an Ironclad suffers one or more points of damage from -1 to a minimum value of 1. An Ironclad can take 5
shooting or assault, it is not automatically destroyed. Instead, points of critical damage in all. Once an Ironclad has
roll a die and consult the following chart. If the Ironclad has taken 5 points of critical damage, it is destroyed.
suffered more than one point of damage add +1 to the die roll
for each additional point of damage scored. For example, if an
Ironclad has taken 3 points of damage, roll a die and add +2.

A Destroyer-class Ironclad can take 5 ‘critical hits’ as

described in the table before it is destroyed. Record each
critical hit as it is inflicted. This means you will have to record
both Armor reduction and critical hits. When recording

111
 STATIC DEFENSES
Turret
Turreted weapons can shoot in any direction.
Static Defense
The turret cannot move. If damaged, it is destroyed outright.
The fortifications that surround America’s largest cities are the
most formidable defenses ever constructed by man. Lines of
concentric trench works form the outer defenses, with bunkers ARMORED COMMAND TOWER
and armored turrets placed at intervals to cover the approaches. Armored command towers form part of field fortifications. They
Behind them lie gun pits and holding areas for reserves, small are built over concrete command bunkers sunk deep into the
independent fortresses called bastions, and finally the towering ground, where the tower’s crews can take refuge against enemy
earthworks and sheer concrete walls of the main defense lines. fire. Command bunkers are used by Field Command units to relay
These are studded with towers and topped by guns in armored messages and send or receive signals. They are usually sighted
turrets reaching layer upon layer into the sky. These elements can some distance behind the front lines along secondary and tertiary
only be included in a scenario that features human defense works defenses, from where they have the best view of impending battle.
– see the scenarios section.
Command Bunker
Unit: 1 element
ARMORED TURRETS Points per unit: 50
Turreted weapons are mounted at ground level upon raised Type Speed Defense Armor Special
towers of metal or concrete. They often form part of field Exceptional Static 3 8 See below
fortifications or fortress defenses. Weaponry Range Power Special
4-inch gun 30" +2 –
2x machine-guns 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3
Turret
Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: 25 + for weaponry as follows: machine-gun +10, Command Bunker
4-inch gun + 15, 5-inch gun +20, howitzer +30, heavy howitzer +50, If an Armored Command Tower is included in the force, the
flame gun +20 army’s Field Commander can take up position inside it, so the
Type Speed Defense Armor Special model effectively replaces the Field Commander Squad and has
Exceptional Static 3 10 See below the same Rally and Field Commander rule. However, because
Weaponry Range Power Special the Command Tower is equipped with a radio set, the Field
4-inch gun 30" +2 – Commander can now issue his bonus moves to any US Army unit,
5-inch gun 30" +3 – regardless of whether he has line-of-sight or not. In addition, the
Machine-gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3 Commander’s Rally rule is extended from the usual 6" to include
Howitzer 60" +3 Barrage 1 any US Army unit to which the Command Tower has line-of-sight.
Heavy Howitzer 150" +4 Bombardment, Barrage 3
Flame Gun 15" +3 Rapid Fire D5 Static Defense
The tower cannot move. If damaged, it is destroyed outright and
any unit inside must deploy within 6".

112
 VOL 40351
The
DIPLOMATIC CRISIS
GRIPS EUROPE
Just in from the Transatlantic
Cables – A diplomatic crisis is con-
suming Buckingham Palace as well
as Parliament. Allegedly written
some time ago, unnamed sources
have released a copy of a letter
that was intended as a private
communiqué between France and
Germany. If the letter can be veri-
fied as accurate, it will elevate ten-
sions between the United Kingdom
and the Franco-German Alliance
to new levels.
While authentication efforts
are underway, the Government has
released a condemnation of its con-
tents and are preparing a formal
protest to the French Govern-
ment as this is written. The Czar
is urging caution and verification
from St. Petersburg.
A full copy of the alleged letter
is below:
A Diplomatic Communiqué
from France to Germany
To: His Majesty Kaiser Wilhelm,
Emperor of Germany
From: Raymond Poincaré, Prime
Minister of France
It is with Am besten Wünsche
from the people and govern-
ment of France that I send you a
message of solidarity. Our respec-
tive countries, having a common
border and providing the cultural
and moral center of all of Europe,
and indeed the world, must fulfil
our destiny together.
LONDON, MONDAY, JULY 13TH, 1914
Times
The Martian Invasion, though sci-
entifically advanced, is undoubt-
edly going to be another failed
attempt by this soulless and dying
race to wrest from the Earth what
they cannot have on their own
home globe. It will end long before
it touches our borders as it did last
time and we must be prepared for
the inevitable aftermath.
As occurred during the first
Mar tian War, I fully believe, as
do all the leading scientists of
France, that this invasion will
fail and it will be the last. The
damage done to civilization will
be great.
When it is over, the world will
need leadership if it is to be kept
from falling into a second Dark
Age. It is with absolute clarity
that I believe France and Germany
must sacrifice their own interests
to take that role.
With our two countries side
by side in common cause, the
oppor tunity after the fall of
the Mar tians is to set the world
to order with an impor tance of
mission unprecedented in Human
History. The people of the world
need those like us, too strong for
the Mar tians to attack, to save
them from the wreckage of this
second invasion.
Together, France and Germany
can bring Reason, Science, and
Moral principle to the entire World.
I firmly believe it is the duty of our
Great Nations to do so.
The only thing that stands be-
tween an unprecedented advance-
ment of civilization and darkness
is not the Martians. The true
obstacle is the Kingdom of Great
113
PRICE: 1d
Britain and its insatiable desire
to rule the world. This has been
demonstrated by their consistent
actions of the last three hundred
years, and is in the very blood of
the British Race.
The current Franco-German
Alliance has been a successful
endeavor in containing British
Imperial will. Our defensive
posture and the rebuilding and
advancement of our military and
civil forces have kept them and
their exploitation of the Mar tian
War Science from global domina-
tion. I do not, nor does the Cabinet
of France believe that contain-
ment of Britain’s ambitions alone
will be sufficient.
The time has come for France
and Germany to march forward
together. Britain must be struck
down and taught a permanent
lesson BEFORE the Martians’
inevitable defeat. Occupied as they
are with assistance to America and
to the defense of their colonies, this
is their weakest moment.
It is only with the fall of Great
Britain that France and Germany
can bring a Grand Vision of a Civi-
lized Society to a war weary world.
We must find the strength between
us to lead our people to do what
must be done.
It is with great anticipation
that I look forward to our upcom-
ing summit in Geneva.
Arm in arm France and
Germany can lead the world to a
new and better place.
Yours with Sincerity, Urgency,
and Respect,
Raymond Poincaré
Prime Minister of France
Without doubt, the Martian invaders laid their plans for Earth
many years ago, and what fate they have in store for mankind is
only now becoming apparent. The aliens undoubtedly learned a
great deal from their first foray against England at the end of the
nineteenth century. The second invasion of Earth was infinitely
better prepared, and when it came, it did so in great strength. As
with the original Martian invasion, the main fighting arm of the
aliens takes the form of gigantic Tripod machines piloted by a
single Martian. Tripods carry a variety of different armaments.
The Heat Ray remains the most devastating of their weapons, but
is supplemented by new gases designed to exterminate human
‘pests’ and drive them from their refuges.
All Martian forces operate from huge crater-like settlements
called Redoubts. Redoubts are protected by static defenses of
different kinds. The exact nature and extent of these defenses are
still uncertain. That the Martians are able to learn and adapt is
evidenced by the appearance of the Lobototon troops. This is a
114
ghoulish and terrifying development that threatens to counter the
advantage humans have in the close confines of urban warfare.
Martians don’t have a conventional military organization in human
terms. Social and military groups seem to have an affiliation with
the founding cylinders (those that make initial landings). When
a minimum of nine cylinders has landed in an area, an Overseer
appears and becomes the command focus for all the Tripods in
that group. Until that time, the Founding Tripod seems to take on
a directorial or command role. These cylinder groups have come
to be called a ‘Pod.’ Pods can vary a great deal in size. Inside the
structure of these ‘Pods’ are other groupings commonly referred to
as Cells. It is important to note that these Pods and attendant Cells
vary a great deal in their composition, and the Martians change
their structures to suit their purpose on a constant basis. Friction
in the form of physical violence has been reliably reported between
pod groups. The latest theory is that this has something to do with
disputes regarding territorial responsibilities between pods.
Note that the organization chart shown here is intended to provide an idea of how the forces are organized in the actual armies of the Martian Wars. It is
provided for the benefit of those players who wish to recreate the historical basis behind the game. Players need not follow the organizational chart if they
prefer not to.

115
 CHOOSING AN facilitate running tournament-style games. Instead, details of
official tournament play will be made available online, as this
provides a more flexible means of arranging tournaments and

ARMY FOR THE GAME

allows formal competition games to be developed in more varied
and interesting ways in the future.

In the All Quiet on the Martian Front game, players are free
to choose their armies to whatever agreed points value they
wish, aside from the stipulation that every army must include
MARTIAN
SPECIAL RULE
one Command Unit to act as the army’s Field Commander.
Otherwise, armies can include whatever units you wish, and
can include further Command units, although no more of these
may be Field Commanders. The points values provided allow a
player to put together an army to a preset value to take part in the
various scenarios, or to play any points-matched game against
an equal value of enemy. You can field as many units of whatever MARTIAN COMMAND
kind you wish if that is your desire – as long as the total points Martian forces have very flexible command structures and no
value of the army does not exceed that agreed for the game. clearly identifiable individual leaders. To represent this, the
Martian Tripod with the highest point value is automatically
Note that some scenarios impose specific restrictions on the army’s Field Commander. If this Tripod should be
the units available to one or sometimes both sides; these are destroyed, the next highest value Tripod takes over, inheriting
indicated in the section on scenarios. any order tokens that remain, and so on. If several Tripods are
of the same highest value, just choose one to be your Field
We will not concern ourselves with choosing armies for Commander. Because Martians can issue orders to any units
official tournament play, where it may be necessary to impose they please, it doesn’t really matter very much which Tripod is
restrictions upon the size and exact composition of armies to the army’s Commander.

116
 THE MARTIAn INVADERS

MARTIAN TRIPODS Green Gas and Black Dust

Tripods are the universally feared and immediately recognizable
Martian machines of war. During the initial invasion, only the
predominant type was seen, but over the years new types of
Tripods have emerged. Different sized machines have been
recognized, while specialized designs carrying different weapons
have been encountered in fighting all over the world.
All Tripods are similar in overall appearance and are made from
the same mysterious Martian metal: shining silver in color, light
and extremely strong. They are tall, upright machines that are
carried aloft upon three legs, towering over their human prey. The
single alien pilot occupies a sealed cabin covered by an armored
hood or carapace. Coiling metallic tentacles hang beneath the
hood, including one or more especially thick limbs that serve
as arms. With its strong and dextrous tentacles, the Martian
pilot can direct the Tripod to pick up objects or push aside
obstructions in its path.
Tripods move with a speed and surety that belies their appearance,
and which makes them relatively difficult targets. They are not
the sluggish, lumbering mechanical monsters that many humans
imagine them to be. Their upright and open structure also makes
them difficult to destroy with artillery, with only a direct hit on the
main body likely to destroy one of the machines.
The Black Dust launcher and Green Gas grenades are
alternative weapons that the Martians use to force infantry
out from amongst ruins and bolt-holes. They are both
barrage type weapons (see page 60 for the rules and
description of how these work) and both ignore any cover
bonuses that would normally apply to the target. Black Dust
has the advantage of covering a larger area, while Green Gas
has the benefit of a greater Power value.
Black Dust
Black Dust is a noxious, choking dust that poisons and suffocates
those exposed to it. No cover bonuses to Defense or to Armor
count when a target is attacked by Black Dust.
Green Gas
Green Gas is a corrosive gas that dissolves all organic material
exposed to it. No cover bonuses to Defense or to Armor count
when a target is attacked by Green Gas.

ASSAULT TRIPODS
Although it is impossible to know what the Martians call their
machines – if indeed they even share such human concepts as
language – their opponents refer to the most common type as
the ‘Assault Tripod.’ On the whole, these are Tripods that carry
the iconic Martian weapon: the deadly Heat Ray. Amongst them,
however, a few are armed with Black Dust launchers or Green
Gas grenades.

Assault Tripod
Unit: 1 element (armed with Heavy Heat Ray)
Points per unit: 200. An Assault Tripod can swap the Heat Ray for a Black
Dust launcher or Green Gas grenades at no additional cost. Alternatively, it
can be given a Black Dust launcher or Green Gas grenades in addition to its
Heat Ray at an additional cost of +50 pts.
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Tripod 8" 6 11 –
Weaponry Range Power Special
Heavy Heat Ray 30"/15" +4/+3 Sweep (see page 62)
Black Dust Launcher 10" +1 Barrage 4, Black Dust
Green Gas Grenades 10" +2 Barrage 2, Green Gas

Tripod
When a Tripod suffers one or more points of damage from an
attack, roll on the Tripod Damage Resolution Chart to determine
what happens. See page 48.
Assault Tripod

117
 Tripod
When a Tripod suffers one or more points of damage from an
attack, roll on the Tripod Damage Resolution Chart to determine
what happens. See page 48.
Inaccurate
Heavy Launchers are inaccurate and suffer a –2 penalty when rolling
to hit. For example, against a Defense of 6, a heavy launcher will
require a roll of 8 to score a hit. Note that the die roll receives a bonus
of +3 if shooting at a target illuminated by a Scout Tripod using a
Targeter – which makes this a particularly useful combination.
Heavy Launcher
A heavy launcher can fire two different types of canisters – the
high-explosive Shock canister or a Black Dust canister. When a
Grenadier Tripod shoots, it can select either type of canister, but
both launchers always shoot the same type.
Shock Canister
Shock canisters explode with a massive shock wave focused in
the immediate area. If you fail to hit when shooting with a Shock
Canister, you can take the roll again – if this re-roll is successful
then you have hit the target after all – such is the power of its
concussive blast.
Grenadier Tripod
Black Dust Canister
Black Dust canisters burst apart on impact, scattering
GRENADIER TRIPOD deadly Black Dust over the target. The volume of dust in a canister
Grenadier Tripods use their magnetic launchers to lob is less than that of the short-ranged Black Dust launcher on an
concussive Shock and Black Dust canisters at suspected human Assault Tripod, so the barrage value is 2 rather than 4 (making
resistance locations or fortifications. These powerful devices a total of 4 when you fire both together). No cover bonuses to
can propel a charge a great distance, enabling the Grenadiers to Defense or to Armor count when a target is attacked by Black Dust.
remain out of range of most human weapons. These attacks can
be so intense that they have resulted in a new type of casualty,
a condition known as Martian Shock. Victims show little or no
outward physical damage, but are reduced to quivering wrecks, SCIENTIST TRIPOD
barely able to stand or hold a gun, their nerves completely shot. Sightings of this Tripod are rare. Its purpose is not entirely
Entire wards of men affected by Martian Shock are secreted in clear, but it appears not to be one of the Martian weapons
quiet, out-of-the-way places up and down the east coast. of war. Rather, it is designed for exploration or as a mobile
laboratory. Dubbed ‘Scientists’ by the Observer Corps, these
Grenadier Tripods rely on Scout Tripods equipped with machines are always surrounded by Drones, which appear to
Targeters to direct their shots, without which they are very act as assistants, fetching and carrying equipment and samples
inaccurate. Some human observers have theorized that these to the Scientist Tripod itself. It has been noted that all incidents
sluggish Tripods are actually unpiloted machines that are of Scientist Tripod sightings are associated with reports of new
somehow controlled by the Scout Tripods, much the same as the types of Martian war machines, and it may well be that there is a
Martian Drones, but until a machine is captured and examined, it connection between them.
is impossible to say for sure.
Tripod
When a Tripod suffers one or more points of damage from an
Grenadier Tripod attack, roll on the Tripod Damage Resolution Chart to determine
Unit: 1 element what happens. See page 48.
Points per unit: 100
Type Speed Defense Armor Special Scientist Tripod
Tripod 4" 6 10 – Unit: 1 element
Weaponry Range Power Special Points per unit: 80
2x Heavy Launcher: Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Shock Canister 50" +2 Shock, Inaccurate Tripod 4" 6 10 See below
Black Dust Canister 50" +1 Barrage 2, Black Dust, Weaponry Range Power Special
Inaccurate Medium Heat Ray 20"/10" +3/+2 Sweep (see page 62)

118
 THE MARTIAn INVADERS

Controller
The Scientist can control Drone and Lobototon units as
described for a Slaver Tripod. See left.
Experimental Machine
If the Martian force includes one or more Scientist Tripods, a
single Assault Tripod can be rated as an experimental model
with improved performance. Roll a die at the start of the game to
determine which enhancements have been built into the Tripod.
Score Result
1-3 Speed increased to 10"
4-6 Range of Heat Ray increased to 40" with 20" sweep
7-9 Power of Heat Ray increased to +5 and +4 for sweep
0 Armor increased to 12
Lobototon Converter
The Scientist Tripod is able to process human casualties and turn
them into one unit of Lobototon troops (three elements). The
Scientist can only do this if the force also includes a Harvester
Tripod or a Gatherer Tripod, and can only do it one time in the
battle. Once the Harvester or Gatherer has captured at least three
elements of human infantry, the Scientist can process these into
a unit of Lobototons, as long as it is within 6" of the Harvester or
Gatherer at the start of the player’s turn.
Tripod
When a Tripod suffers one or more points of damage from an
attack, roll on the Tripod Damage Resolution Chart to determine
what happens. See page 48.
Multiple Targeting
The Dominator Tripod can shoot each of its three weapon
systems independently, choosing different targets for each attack
if the player wishes.
Rapid Fire
Guided Missiles have the rapid fire rule because it shoots four
missiles at once, so each time the Missile Pod fires roll four dice
‘to hit’ rather than just one.
Guided Missile
If a target is illuminated by a Scout Tripod’s targeter, a
Dominator may fire its missiles at the unit as long as it is within
range, even if it does not have line-of-sight. However, if the
Dominator cannot see its target, it receives no extra bonus to
hit from the targeter.

The Lobototons are deployed at the start of the second move

phase, within 6" of the Scientist Tripod and not within 1" of
any other unit – friend or foe. The Lobototons can move in the
phase they are deployed. Note that creating Lobototons in this
way does not reduce the ‘tally’ of human captives where these
are an objective for the scenario – captives remain captives even
if turned into Lobototons that are subsequently destroyed. For
rules and stats for Lobototons see page 127.

DOMINATOR TRIPOD
The Dominator Tripod is much larger and more heavily-
constructed than other Tripods. These especially powerful
Martian war machines sometimes appear amongst larger
formations of Assault Tripods and Slave Driver groups, as
support for smaller and weaker machines. Fortunately, they
are very rare. The Dominator is armed with two independently
targeting Heat Rays as well as a guided missile pod on its
crown. The guided missile pod is especially effective when the
Dominator works in concert with Scout Tripods equipped with
targeters, which are able to direct its fire.

Dominator Tripod
Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: 350
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Tripod 8" 6 12 Multiple Targeting
Weaponry Range Power Special
2x Heavy Heat Ray 30"/15" +4/+3 Sweep (see page 62)
Guided Missile Pod 25" +1 Rapid Fire 4,
Guided Missile

Dominator Tripod

119
SCOUT TRIPOD automatically illuminated by the targeter, and for the remainder
Not long after the initial Martian attacks, observers began to notice of that combat phase any Martian Grenadier or Dominator
the appearance of a smaller, more lightly-built Tripod. These Tripod that shoots launchers or guided missiles at the target
nimbler machines were often to be encountered in the vanguard receives a +3 to its dice rolls to hit.
of the enemy forces, ranging ahead of the main body to scout
out defenses and identify targets. For this reason, these smaller
Tripods have been dubbed ‘Scout Tripods.’ In other respects, they
are practically identical to the larger Tripods and are undoubtedly SLAVER TRIPOD
constructed in the same manner and from the same materials. Martian Lobototon troops and mechanical Drones are directed
by short, squat Tripods known as Slaver Tripods or Slave Drivers.
These special Tripods control units of Lobototons and Drones
Scout Tripod nearby. It is unclear exactly how the Martians exert control over
Unit: 1 element their Lobototon slaves. It is commonly believed that the Martians
Points per unit: 150. A Scout Tripod can be equipped with an arm have some kind of mind-control ray that enables them to move
mounting a targeter at an additional cost of +5 pts. human corpses as if they were puppets. Slaver Drivers often take up
a position at the forefront of a Martian attack, driving Lobototons
Type Speed Defense Armor Special and Drones into cover to root out hidden human troops and
Tripod 10" 6 10 – ambushers so the Slaver can exterminate them with its Heat Ray.
Weaponry Range Power Special
Medium Heat Ray 20"/10" +3/+2 Sweep (see page 62)
Slaver Tripod
Unit: 1 element
Tripod
Points per unit: 100
When a Tripod suffers one or more points of damage from an
attack, roll on the Tripod Damage Resolution Chart to determine Type Speed Defense Armor Special
what happens. See page 48. Tripod 6" 6 10 –
Weaponry Range Power Special
Targeter Medium Heat Ray 20"/10" +3/+2 Sweep (see page 62)
A Scout Tripod can be equipped with a targeter in addition to its
Heat Ray. In the combat phase, a Scout Tripod so equipped can
either shoot with its Heat Ray or use its targeter to illuminate an Tripod
enemy unit – it cannot do both. Targeters When a Tripod suffers one or more points of damage from an
are used to direct the fire of Martian attack, roll on the Tripod Damage Resolution Chart to determine
Grenadier Tripods armed with what happens. See page 48.
launchers, and Dominator Tripods
firing guided missiles, as noted in Controller
the entries for these Tripods. Lobototon and Drone units can only move and make attacks if
they have a Controller within 12" of the unit. It is not necessary
The targeter has a that every element in the unit be within the required distance, as
range of 30". Choose long as at least one element is within control range, the entire unit
an enemy unit that the is under control. A Slaver Tripod can control any number of units.
Tripod can see and
which is within range.
The opposing unit is
GATHERER TRIPOD
Gatherer Tripods carry large cages for captives, and they often
accompany Harvester Tripods on their missions. Any Martian
unit equipped with reaper tentacles can transfer victims to nearby
Gatherer Tripods, where they are held captive until it is time to
meet their fate.

Gatherer Tripod
Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: 50
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Tripod 6" 6 11 See below
Weaponry Range Power Special
None – – –

Scout Tripod Slaver Tripod

120
 THE MARTIAn INVADERS

Tripod
When a Tripod suffers one or more points of damage from an
attack, roll on the Tripod Damage Resolution Chart to determine
what happens. See page 48.
Cage
The only purpose of a Gatherer Tripod is to act as a mobile
cage to transport human captives. This is particularly useful in
some scenarios, where the Martian objective is to harvest humans
and take them captive. If a Martian unit armed with Reaper
Tentacles makes an assault, any human casualties it causes are
immediately transferred to the nearest Gatherer Tripod within 6".

HARVESTER TRIPOD
It was not long after the second Martian attacks that it became
apparent what fate the invaders had planned for the human race:
humanity would be enslaved as mere food animals. Soon the
Martians began to actively gather up human captives and herd them Harvester Tripod
into their redoubts, where the aliens sucked their bodies dry. Ghastly
as this is, worse things were to come, for plainly the Martians studied as an assault weapon – enabling the Harvester Tripod to assault
their captives in order to discover what further uses they could make enemy units. With four sets of tentacles, the Harvester makes
of the Earth’s native inhabitants. These studies were to lead to the four attacks when it assaults the enemy.
development of Lobototon Slave troops and Harvester Tripods.
Today, the Martians hunt down humans so they can be rendered into Reaper Claw
sustenance, turned into Lobototon troopers, or else subjected to the The Harvester Tripod has an especially large and powerful tentacle
perverse experiments of Earth’s new masters. designed for ripping apart human constructions such as buildings
and defense works. The Harvester can use its Reaper Claw instead
The Harvester Tripod’s purpose is to gather up human captives of its Reaper Tentacles when it makes an assault. It cannot use its
and grind them into pulp. This pulp is then processed within the Reaper Claw and Reaper Tentacles at the same time.
Harvester, creating the nutrient fluid that forms the Martians’
sole sustenance. Sometimes a Harvester will transfer captives to a
Gatherer machine or Scientist Tripod for processing – a fate that is
considerably worse than death. Harvester Tripods have clusters of FOUNDER TRIPOD
mobile tentacles, called Reaper tentacles, which they use to seize It is only recently that human reconnaissance units first spotted this
human captives and stuff them into the grinders. They also carry a heavy, bulky Tripod, and there is some question as to the role it plays
Heat Ray for protection and are usually escorted by other Tripods. in the Martian war effort. It carries no weapons and is always escorted
by other Martian machines, which gather around it, protecting the
larger Tripod from attack and hiding it from prying eyes. Many human
Harvester Tripod scientists maintain that these Tripods transport the means to establish
Unit: 1 element a new Martian colony, and hence the name Founder Tripod. Whether
Points per unit: 150 these Founder Tripods are transporting a single Martian ‘mother’
creature, or clutches of immature Martians, or some other means of
Type Speed Defense Armor Special establishing a new Martian population, is unknown at this time.
Tripod 6" 6 11 –
Weaponry Range Power Special
Medium Heat Ray 20"/10" +3/+2 Sweep (see page 62) Founder Tripod
4x Reaper Tentacles Assault +2 Reaper Tentacles Unit: 1 element
Reaper Claw Assault +5 Reaper Claw
Points per unit: None – specific to the Founder scenario
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Tripod Tripod 4" 6 13 –
When a Tripod suffers one or more points of damage from an Weaponry Range Power Special
attack, roll on the Tripod Damage Resolution Chart to determine None – – – –
what happens. See page 48.
Reaper Tentacles Tripod
The Harvester Tripod has four sets of agile tentacles that are used When a Tripod suffers one or more points of damage from an
to grab victims and thrust them into its masticating mechanical attack, roll on the Tripod Damage Resolution Chart to determine
maw. To represent this, the Harvester Tripod’s tentacles are rated what happens. See page 48.

121
OVERSEER TRIPOD it touches. This devastating weapon is capable of destroying
An Overseer Tripod is as tall as a six-story building and the practically anything in its path with super-concentrated heat.
largest Tripod encountered to date. While the internal workings Experience has demonstrated that the Sun Gun takes time to
of Martian society remain a mystery, it is possible that the recharge between blasts, giving human troops a brief chance to
Overseer Tripods carry within their enlarged carapaces the counterattack this vast mechanical monstrosity.
leaders of groups of cylinder clusters and chains of redoubts.
Overseers are accompanied by drones, which ride within recesses
Overseer Tripods are not often encountered, but when they in its carapace.
stride across the battlefield, even the bravest of men have
been seen to tremble in fear. They are studded with Heat Ray Overseers have been known to hurl their drones towards
projectors, including an especially large and powerful weapon the enemy. Upon impact with ground, the tough robots pick
that human troops call the Sun Gun because of its incredibly themselves up and scuttle forward unharmed.
bright yellow ray. The Sun Gun blasts through and melts anything
Overseer Tripod
Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: 860 – an Overseer can carry up to four units of Drones at
an additional cost of +60 per unit.
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Tripod 10" 6 12 See below
Weaponry Range Power Special
3x Heavy Heat Ray 30"/15" +4/+3 Sweep (see page 62)
Sun Gun 60" +6 Sun Gun,
3x Damage Resolution

Near-Indestructible Tripod
An Overseer Tripod is far more massive than any ordinary tripod,
and is so resilient to damage that it has its own special damage
rules and resolution chart.

If an Overseer suffers one or more points of damage from

shooting or assault, it is not automatically destroyed. Instead, roll
a die and consult the chart on the following page. If the Overseer
has suffered more than one point of damage add +1 to the die roll
for each additional point of damage scored. For example, if an
Overseer has taken 3 points of damage, roll a die and add +2.

An Overseer can take 3 ‘critical hits’ as described in the chart

before it is destroyed. Record each critical hit as it is inflicted.
This means you will have to record both Armor reduction and
critical hits. When recording Armor reduction, the minimum
value that the Overseer can be reduced to is 1. An Overseer can
never be reduced to zero Armor. This means that an Overseer
can only be destroyed by critical hits – and never by loss of
Armor – no matter how much damage it takes. As a score of 10+
is required on the Overseer Damage Resolution Chart to score
a critical hit, which means that Overseers are very difficult to
knock out, even for the most powerful human guns.
Sun Gun
The Sun Gun is the most powerful kind of Heat Ray created by
the Martians. It requires immense amounts of power, so in the
combat phase, the Overseer can either shoot with the Sun Gun or
with its Heat Rays – but it cannot shoot with both the Sun Gun
and Heat Rays in the same turn.

In addition, the Sun Gun places such a strain upon the Tripod’s
power supply that it must recharge before it can shoot again.
In the turn after it has fired, the Sun Gun recharges and cannot
Overseer Tripod

122

shoot. In the turn after that it is partly recharged, and is able to
shoot if the player first rolls an 8 or more on a die – otherwise the
Sun Gun is still recharging and cannot shoot. In the following
turn, the Sun Gun is fully recharged and can shoot again.
The Sun Gun works a little differently to other kinds of
shooting, as follows. When firing the Sun Gun, draw a straight
line from the Overseer Tripod all the way to the maximum
range of the weapon. This is the line of destruction wrought
by the Sun Gun. Use an extended tape measure to represent
the path of the Sun Gun’s beam if you wish. With such a long
range, the line will often extend all the way to the table edge.
Regardless of any terrain or topography, every element that is
under this line, even if only partly, is hit unless it can quickly
dodge out of the way. The player attempting to dodge rolls a die
for each element and must score as follows to successfully avoid
the Sun Gun’s gaze.
Type of Unit Minimum Score Required to Dodge
Infantry 5+
Tripods 7+
Vehicles/Tanks 8+
Ironclads Not possible
Other Machines 9+
Artillery, Lobototons, Not possible
Drones and static units
Any element that succeeds in dodging aside is immediately
moved sufficiently to avoid the line of destruction, but must
remain in formation with its unit where possible. Dodging
does count as movement to units that have been immobilized
for whatever reason, or which have special movement
restrictions. Units do not have to dodge – it is up to the player.
Static units, including fixed defenses such as turreted heavy
artillery, cannot dodge aside. Ironclads also cannot dodge
aside. Elements that fail to dodge aside, or which choose not
to, are automatically hit. Determine the damage against each
element in turn, starting with the one closest to the Overseer
and working your way to the maximum extent of the Sun
Gun’s line of destruction.
If a target has a Damage Resolution Chart, instead of rolling once
on the results chart to determine a result, roll three dice, and
apply all the results. For example, against an Ironclad, you might
roll a 3, 7, and 8, which would knock out three levels of Armor,
damage the steering, and destroy one weapons station – a mighty
weapon indeed.
Drone Carrier
An Overseer Tripod can carry up to four units of Drones within
its carapace (each unit comprising 3 elements). Any or all of
these Drone units can be deployed in any of the Martian player’s
turns, at the beginning of either move phase. To deploy a unit,
place it within 6" of the Overseer Tripod but not within 1" of
any other unit – friend or foe. Once deployed, Drones cannot
return to their carrier. The Drones can move in the phase they are
deployed. For rules and stats for Drones, see page 126.
Controller
The Overseer can control Drone and Lobototon units as
described for a Slaver Tripod. See page 120.
123
THE MARTIAn INVADERS
overseer DAMAGE RESOLUTIOn CHART
Score Result
1-5 The Tripod is lightly damaged. The Tripod’s Armor
stat is permanently reduced by 1 to a minimum
value of 1, but otherwise it is unaffected.
6 The Tripod is damaged and temporarily disabled.
The Tripod’s Armor stat is permanently reduced by
1 to a minimum value of 1. The Tripod cannot do
anything in its following turn, it cannot move or
shoot, it cannot deploy its drones, and it cannot act
as a controller. This only lasts until the end of the
Tripod’s following turn – after which it recovers
and is no longer affected.
7 The Tripod is damaged and crippled. The Tripod’s
Armor stat is permanently reduced by 1 to a
minimum value of 1. In addition, every time the
Martian player wishes to move the Tripod, both
players roll a die, and the highest scoring player
can move the Tripod anywhere up to the number
of inches equal to the combined score rolled.
For example, if the Martian player rolls 3 and the
human player rolls 7, the human player moves the
Tripod up to 10". If both players roll the same, the
Tripod does not move.
8 The Tripod’s weapons are damaged. Roll a die.
On a roll of 1-7, a Heat Ray is destroyed; on a roll
of 8-10 the Sun Gun is destroyed. Once there is
only one kind of weapon remaining, any further
weapon damage results in the loss of one weapon
of that type. In addition, the Tripod’s Armor stat is
permanently reduced by 1, to a minimum value of 1.
9 The Tripod is badly damaged. The Tripod’s Armor
stat is permanently reduced by the score of a D10
to a minimum value of 1.
10+ The Overseer Tripod takes 1 point of critical
damage and its armor value is also permanently
reduced by –1 to a minimum value of 1. An
Overseer can take 3 points of critical damage
in all. Once an Overseer has taken 3 points of
critical damage, it is destroyed. If there are any
other units within 6" of the destroyed Overseer
Tripod, from either side, then these are all caught
in the explosion. Each unit suffers 3 hits with a
Power level of +2. Work out the results of these
attacks immediately.
 THE RED MARTIAN
The subject of many campfire stories intended to scare new
recruits, and, in fact, judged by most senior command as a myth,
the Red Martian does actually exist. There have been very few
survivors of a Martian attack in which this tripod has been
seen. How or why the Martians – cold, purely logical, seeming
to lack any sign of emotion – modified this Assault Tripod in
the way they did is unknown. Some think it is an experiment
to use terror on the battlefield; fewer believe that the Martian
occupying this Tripod was the famous captive rescued from
his collapsed machine and taken prisoner near St. Louis. They
say he is ‘unhinged’ by his ordeal and has gone insane – thus
displaying the emotion of hatred, and seeking revenge.
Regardless, the Red Martian Tripod does exist. It is a strange
and much darker metallic black to the typical Martian
machines, and is decorated, or streaked, with strange red
markings, evoking thoughts of the Martian red weed or
perhaps, some say, blood.
Its upper cowl is decorated with the skeletal remains and skulls
of dead humans. Above its eye is a new weapon – not seen
before – that survivors call
the ‘dazzler,’ an intense
flashing light that
brings temporary
blindness to any
that see it.
124
The Tripod is very difficult to target because of this device. In
addition, it has a large gramophone-like mechanical speaker,
which constantly replays the sound of human screaming, no
doubt recorded somehow from past victims. The Red Martian
can also use this sound-amplifying device to terrorize all on
the battlefield with an horrendous wailing siren, so loud it can
be heard even in the noisy bowels of a steam tank hundreds of
yards away.
Whether the Red Martian is an experiment in terror weapons
or truly some strangely deranged Martian is a moot point. This
Tripod instills unbridled fear in its opponents, coldly burning
them down with its Heat Ray as they cower.
The Red Martian
Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: 275
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Tripod 8" 6 11 Siren of Terror,
Cowering Fear
Weaponry Range Power Special
Heavy Heat Ray 30"/15" +4/+3 Sweep (see page 62)
Tripod
When a Tripod suffers one or more points of damage from
an attack, roll on the Tripod Damage Resolution Chart to
determine what happens. See page 48.
Siren of Terror
The Red Martian sounds its Siren continuously, a great wail of
despair and horror that drives mere humans out of their minds.
As long as the Red Martian is on the battlefield, all human
units suffer a –1 penalty on all morale checks: deduct –1 from
all morale test results.
Cowering Fear
At the start of its own move phase, if a human unit is within
12" of the Red Martian, it cannot move that phase unless it
first takes and passes a morale check. If this check is failed,
the unit routs and becomes a casualty – remove the unit from
the battlefield. A unit does not have to risk this test – it can
stay where it is and cower in fear instead, rooted to the spot
beneath the horrific eye of the Red Martian.
Dazzler
On the top of the Red Martian’s metal hood is a projector that
sends out a beam of intense light out to thousands of yards.
Anyone who sees it directly is momentarily blinded. Human
troops call this the Red Martian’s Dazzler. If an enemy unit
targets the Red Martian with a ranged weapon, and the Red
Martian has line of sight to the firing unit, the Red Martian
automatically blinds the firers with the Dazzler. As a result of
this, the firing unit suffers an additional –1 to hit modifier when
taking this shot. The Dazzler has no effect against Assaults.
 THE MARTIAn INVADERS

125
 MARTIAN INFANTRY even telepathically; it is impossible to be sure. What is certain is
that these small machines are armed and dangerous adversaries,
accompanying Tripods and other Martian machines to war,
offering protection from human attackers and a means of
infiltrating human fortifications and tunnels.
When they arrived on Earth, the Martians brought with them the
means to construct small, scuttling robotic machines, or Drones.
These machines act as workers, builders, helpmates and in battle as Drones
a means of entering buildings, tunnels and other human defenses Unit: 3 elements
that are inaccessible to larger machines such as Tripods. Drones are Points per unit: 60
pilotless automatons, or robots, which Martian Controllers are able
to direct and command as they wish. Recent developments have Type Speed Defense Armor Special
seen the creation of Hover Drones, which fly above the ground and Infantry 6" 6 7 Drones
propel themselves through the air, presumably utilizing some kind Weaponry Range Power Special
of repulsor ray as yet undiscovered by human science. Light Heat Ray 10" +1 –
Reaper Tentacles Assault +2 Reaper Tentacles
In addition to their robotic drones, the Martians have found the
means to turn humans into a kind of biological drone – a living
corpse. These cadaverous troops – dubbed Lobototons by the Drones
scientific community – are controlled by the Martians just as A Drone unit can do nothing at all in its own turn unless it has a
they control their machines. These terrifying creations of Martian Martian Controller within 12". It cannot move in the first move
science are often driven forward into ruins and dense cover to phase unless it has a controller within 12" at the start of the
expose human positions ahead of the Martian war machines. phase, it cannot shoot or make an assault in the combat phase
The troops who encounter these foul things refer to them by any unless there is a controller within 12", and it cannot move in the
number of colorful names, such as Herky Jerkies, because of their second move phase unless there is a controller within 12" at the
erratic and stilted movements, Rots, Rotters, Stinkers and just start of the phase. If a Drone unit is ever obliged to move for any
plain old Dead’uns. reason, and there is no controller within range to enable it to do
so, it can still move as required. Drones are semi-autonomous
and can make limited decisions for themselves.
DRONES Reaper Tentacles
Drones are semi-autonomous robots that perform all kinds A Drone uses its tentacles to grab humans and tear them apart. If
of useful tasks such as building, transporting materials, and a Drone unit is within 6" of a Harvester or Gatherer, any human
constructing other devices for their Martian masters. Martian infantry it kills during an assault are automatically captured by
Controllers are able to direct and command these Drones using the Harvester or Gatherer (capturing humans in this way is a
some kind of ray undiscovered by human science, or possibly scenario objective in some battles).

Drones assault human tanks

126
 THE MARTIAn INVADERS

HOVER DRONES
A recent appearance amongst the Martian ranks is a new machine
called a Hover Drone. These are identical in most respects to
ordinary Drones, except that they fly above the ground, and
propel themselves through the air by means of some hitherto
unknown ray.

Hover Drones
Unit: 3 elements
Points per unit: 70
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Infantry 6" 6 7 Drones, Fly
Weaponry Range Power Special
Light Heat Ray 10" +1 –
Reaper Tentacles Assault +2 Reaper Tentacles

Drones
See Drones, left.
Reaper Tentacles
See Drones, left.
Fly
Hover Drones can move over any units from either side, or over
any kind of terrain, even if it is normally impassable. A Hover Drone flies over a mob of Lobototons

In recent months, reports have reached the human high

LOBOTOTON SQUAD
Lobototons are the latest and most horrifying development of
the alien invader: human captives cruelly fashioned into living
corpses controlled by their Martian masters. These ghastly
creations have been developed to counter human infantry,
which the Martians find practically impossible to identify
amongst the rubble and ruin of the urban battlefield. However,
if that is indeed the aliens’ intention, Lobototons are little more
than shuffling automata, lacking even the basic instincts of the
human soldier. Slow and cumbersome, Lobototons are easily
dealt with except in overwhelming numbers, and rely upon the
instructions of a Martian Controller in order to perform even
the most basic tasks.
Although some Lobototons appear to be entirely unarmed, most
carry a Martian development of human weaponry, a short-ranged
gun that spews out bullets – albeit not very accurately. These have
been dubbed ‘blasters’ by human troops.
command of Lobototons armed with a terrifying new weapon
metal knife-like arms that enmeshes its target before suddenly
tightening and slicing its victims into pieces like a giant cheese
wire. The troops who report this development refer to the new
weapons as ‘slicers.’
Lobototons
A Lobototon unit can do nothing at all in its own turn unless it
has a Martian Controller within 12". It cannot move in the first
move phase unless it has a controller within 12" at the start of the
phase, it cannot shoot or make an assault in the combat phase
unless there is a controller within 12", and it cannot move in the
second move phase unless there is a controller within 12" at the
start of the phase.
If a Lobototon unit is ever obliged to move for any reason, and
there is no controller within range to enable it to do so, then it is
destroyed.

Because Lobototons are essentially mindless, they are very

Lobototon Squad poor at avoiding danger, including enemy fire. To represent this,
Unit: 3 elements (each element is armed with either Blasters or Slicers) Lobototon units never receive the benefit of Defense bonuses
from cover. They receive any Armor bonuses as normal.
Points per unit: 20
Type Speed Defense Armor Special Support Unit
Infantry 4" 4 6 Lobototons Lobototons are ignored when it comes to calculating how many
Weaponry Range Power Special units an army contains and how many units have been destroyed.
Blasters 10" +1 – However, if it comes to counting up point values at the end of a
Slicers Assault +1 – game to determine a winner, Lobototons do count their full value
just like other troops.

127
 OTHER
Repair
During its combat phase, a constructor engine can attempt to
repair any single damaged Martian Tripod or Martian machine it is

MARTIAN MACHINES
touching. Constructor Engines can only repair Armor; they cannot
repair other kinds of damage. When a Constructor Engine attempts
a repair, it cannot do anything else in the combat phase; it can only
do one thing at a time. Roll a die. On a score of 6-10, the repair is
successful and 1 point of Armor stat is restored to the damaged
Tripod/machine. On a score of 1-5, the repair is not complete and
Although the Tripods are the most immediately recognizable there is no effect. Repairs over several turns can potentially restore a
Martian machines, there are many others, not all of them badly damaged Tripod/machine to its original Armor stat value.
weapons of war. Amongst the most common of these are
construction machines, whose role is to build other machines, A Constructor Engine can attempt to repair itself if it is damaged,
excavate the huge underground redoubts in which the Martians but it cannot repair any other damaged Tripod/machine at the
live, and to mine for resources. same time. Several Constructor Engines can potentially work
on the same damaged Tripod/machine at once, enabling more
than one point of Armor stat to be restored in a turn. Martian
constructions, including those described as exceptional units,
CONSTRUCTOR ENGINE can also be repaired in the same way if they have an Armor stat
As well as their war machines, the Martian cylinders brought that is reduced as a result of damage. No Tripod, machine or
other and even stranger machinery to Earth. One of these has construction can be repaired once it is destroyed!
been called Constructor Engines by humans. Unlike Tripods,
which commonly appear at the forefront of battle, these Build/Mine
machines are rarely seen amidst the fighting, but they are a vital In some scenarios, Constructor Engines are allowed to build
part of the Martian invaders’ arsenal nonetheless. Though sharing during the game, mine for resources, or undertake other specific
a common appearance in general terms, Constructor Engines are tasks. Depending on the game, they may be allowed to build
readily adapted to serve a variety of purposes. What exactly these static defenses or machines of one kind or another. The rules for
are, only the Martians know for sure, but without a doubt it is this vary depending upon the scenario being played – see the
these machines that enable the Martians to raise their formidable scenario section for rules in each case.
redoubts, to tunnel beneath the ground, to mine and fashion
the metal they need, and to build other machines, including the If all the Constructor Engines that are working on a construction
mighty Tripods. are destroyed, regardless of the cause, incomplete constructions are
also destroyed. If all Construction Engines abandon an uncompleted
construction at any time, whether because they are destroyed or
Constructor Engine because they move away, then the construction is destroyed. At least
Unit: 1 element one Constructor Engine must remain with a part-built construction,
Points per unit: 50
and continue working upon it, until it is complete.
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Machine 4" 6 10 –
Weaponry Range Power Special

STATIC DEFENSES
None – – –

Constructor Engine
If a Constructor Engine suffers one or more points of damage
from shooting or assault, it is not automatically destroyed.
Instead, roll a die and consult the following chart. If the
Constructor Engine has suffered more than one point of damage
add +1 to the die roll for each additional point of damage scored.
For example, if a Constructor Engine has taken 3 points of
damage, roll a die and add +2.
Score Result
1-3 The Constructor Engine is damaged and its Armor stat
is permanently reduced by -1.
4+ The Constructor Engine bursts apart, leaving a pile
of twisted metal and a cloud of pinkish vapor – it is
destroyed!
The Martians surround their redoubts with static defenses.
These include the armed towers that humans call Sentinels,
Observation Detectors, energizing Power Nodes, and Heat
Ray fences. All of these are ‘exceptional’ types of units. These
elements can only be included in a scenario that features Martian
defense works – see the scenarios section.
SENTINEL
Sentinels are armed towers, silver cylinders that rise to a height
of about fifteen feet, topped by a mobile turret that looks very
much like the armored compartment of a Martian Tripod. Each
Sentinel is armed with a Heat Ray projector.

128
 THE MARTIAn INVADERS

Heat Ray Fencing

Sentinel Heat Ray Fencing comes in pieces that correspond to an element.
Unit: 1 element Pieces can be arranged together to make barriers, corrals, and so
Points per unit: 25 on. A section of Heat Ray Fencing is impassable for all troops.
Any element attempting to move through a Heat Ray fence is
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
automatically destroyed.
Exceptional Static 3 10 See below
Weaponry Range Power Special In addition, any unit that ends its move within 2" of the fence
Heavy Heat Ray 30"/15" +4/+3 Sweep (see page 62) is automatically attacked and hit. This attack has no Power
bonus. Note that the fence is not a weapon as such, and it
cannot ‘attack’ in the Martian player’s combat phase. Instead,
Static Defense its effects are worked out at the end of the opposing side’s move
The Sentinel cannot move. If damaged, it is destroyed outright. phase as noted.

DETECTOR POWER NODE

The Detector’s only purpose seems to be to watch and observe. Power nodes radiate an energizing force that the Martians are
These silver cylinders rise to a height of about fifteen feet and able to exploit to boost the power of their machines.
are topped by a mobile turret with three metal domes, like three
silver eyes.
Power Node
Unit: 1 element
Detector
Points per unit: 25
Unit: 1 element
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Points per unit: 25 Exceptional Static 3 10 See below
Type Speed Defense Armor Special Weaponry Range Power Special
Exceptional Static 3 10 See below None – – –
Weaponry Range Power Special
None – – –
Static Defense
The Power Node cannot move. If damaged, it is
Static Defense destroyed outright.
The Detector cannot move. If damaged, it is destroyed outright.
Power Node
Detector • All damaged Martian Tripods within 6" of a
The detector senses any human troops within 2D10". At the start of Power Node at the start of their first move
each Martian combat phase, make this roll and determine whether phase can attempt to repair 1 point of Armor
units are detected. Any hidden units (i.e. ‘blips’) within range are from their Armor stat before they move. Roll
revealed, and any ambushing troops within range are forced onto the a die. On the score of a 7 or greater, 1 point of
table. Ambushing units are revealed if the center point of the terrain Armor is repaired.
area where they are concealed lies within range of the Detector.

HEAT RAY FENCING

Static Defense
The Heat Ray Fencing cannot move. If an element is damaged, it
is destroyed outright.

Heat Ray Fencing

Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: 10
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Exceptional Static 3 8 See below
Weaponry Range Power Special
Heat Ray Fence 2" – –

Power Node

129
After the first Martian Invasion, the United Kingdom lay in
ruins. Its population, industry, army and infrastructure were
shattered. Amongst those ruins lay the Martian machines and
the bodies of the slain. Upon the cessation of hostilities, once
it was clear the Martians were finished, many countries sent aid
immediately to Great Britain in the form of food, medicine and
doctors. The government of Great Britain quickly rallied, and
the army was reorganized and put to work building shelter for
the inhabitants, policing the towns and country, and restoring a
sense of order.
Several months passed and one thing started becoming very
clear. The European powers and Russia were slow to extend
130
aid to the UK. Their public position supported humanitarian
assistance, but, in reality, they were driven by the need to be
ready if the Martians returned. Privately, the various governments
looked with envious eyes towards the remainder of the British
Empire and considered their options. The British Navy, relatively
undamaged by the Martians, still stood in their way and gave
them pause, but the wheels were turning.
Across the Atlantic, things were quite different. In America
and Canada, a populist movement began to aid ‘our cousins
across the sea.’ The great industrialists of the age – Carnegie,
Rockefeller, JP Morgan – saw opportunity. They lent their
support, which was considerable. With their control over
 THE WEATHER
Fair; Light,
variable winds

Elsewhere
VOL LXIII...NO 20644 NEW YORK, DATE – SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH, 1914 ONE CENT In Greater New York City,
Jersey City and Newark TWO CENTS

LATEST DREADNOUGHT In service with US and Cana-

ENTERS IMPERIAL SERVICE
The British Expeditionary Force
took delivery today of the first batch
of ‘General Benedict Arnold’ Dread-
noughts as these gigantic American
Land Ironclads are to be known in
British service. Sir Graham Cummings
received the vessels at the official
handing-over ceremony at the British
army base of Franklin just outside Mil-
waukee. These new machines are being
provided to supplement the BEF’s two
British-built Land Ironclads.
dian forces for over a month now, the
Land Ironclad (MIL1914) has already
proven its worth during engagements
against Tripod Raiders in Western
Tennessee, where it not only overcame
the enemy with its massed firepower,
but was seen to be largely resistant
to the Martian Heat Ray thanks to
its innovative ‘steam venting’ defense
system.
Amongst the many detailed modi-
fications made to meet British opera-
tional requirements are provisions for
a separate senior and junior officers’
mess, space for additional catering
staff and servants, interior and exterior
tea urns, and a modified cabin to allow
extra headroom for be-turbaned Sikh
crews in Indian service.
British officers had requested the
installation of stabling, many continu-
ing to pursue their favorite sport of
fox-hunting at every opportunity; some-
times even during the height of Martian
attacks. Sadly, this proved impossible
without removing a good portion of the
Dreadnought’s armament, a modifica-
tion that was felt too great a compro-
mise even by the British.

much of the press, the ‘Across the Sea’ movement became a
groundswell. Eventually, the US Government acted out of
political pressure. American resources, through many and
varied arrangements, began pouring into Great Britain. As
allies, America and the UK became stronger and much more
closely entangled.
Before the European powers could rise to the occasion, Great
Britain was not only coming back to her feet again, but something
new was emerging.
The Martian Machines that had been left behind were the subject
of close and unparalleled scrutiny. The Martian Invasion had
been the worst defeat of British arms in history. The sting of it
was felt through the highest echelons of the service. The Press
was playing their part by laying blame as well. Something had
to be done, and it galvanized the higher command into rather
unprecedented cooperation with each other.
With the help of American resources for a civilian recovery, the
scientists and industrialists of the UK worked under the full
support of the military. In a remarkably short period of time,
the UK rose from the ashes of the invasion with new reverse-
engineered Martian technology that was fifty years or more ahead
of their nearest rivals.
When the second invasion occurred, there was no question
that the UK, untouched by any new cylinders, must protect its
colonies and support the US. The question was how. A Force had
to be sent to America – the British Expeditionary Force.
From the earliest days of negotiations, the United Kingdom was
hesitant to send the BEF to America because of the drain on
its own resources. While Britain had become the technological
wonder of the world, its advanced military vehicles caused
three challenges.
The first was construction time. It took longer to build a
British tank than the flat-sided, riveted steam vehicles of the
US. Also, the processing of ore and its smelting into some of
the new alloys had stretched the foundries of England to
their limits.
The second issue was one of logistics. The armies of Great
Britain required more sophisticated supplies and far more
mechanics and technicians to keep their high-technology
equipment repaired and in good operating order. This meant
lots of support vehicles. Horse-drawn transport was out of the
question in most cases if it was to keep pace with the newly
mechanized forces.
The third issue was a concern of the Treasury. With some
of Great Britain’s colonies already in the tentacles of the
Martians, and India very hard pressed, the UK was extremely
concerned that the war effort would bankrupt the country.
That would leave the country much more vulnerable to the
continental powers.
It was the President of the Board of Trade in the UK, Winston
Churchill, who proposed the answer. If the US would agree
to lease the BEF and lend it support in the form of additional
vehicles, logistical support and, in particular, supply train
vehicles and certain types of artillery, then Great Britain could
commit. Roosevelt approved the arrangement immediately and
Winston Churchill’s famous Lease-Lend Proposal went down in
history as the concept that brought British troops to American
soil. It was nearly 100 years after they had last departed for the
ports of England.

131
 British Technology
To understand the British Forces in All Quiet on the Martian Front,
it is important to know of a few key advances in technology that
set them apart from everyone else on the planet. The British forces
are by far the most technically advanced of all human armies. This
knowledge has all been gleaned by reverse-engineering technology
from the wreckage of the first Martian Invasion.
METALLURGY
The UK now leads the world in many branches of metallurgy.
New alloys are being introduced such as Rustless Steel (despite
the claims of Leon Gillet and the French Government),
aluminium compounds and more. The secret of the ultra-hard,
lightweight Martian Metal still eludes human science, but it is
only a matter of time. This has manifested itself in the creation of
large complex casting, composite materials in the armor mix, and
lighter, more efficient vehicle construction.
THE KING
OF ENGLAND
FAR DOWN IN the list of succession, Queen Vic-
toria’s youngest son, Prince Arthur – the Duke of
Connaught, pursued a military career that took him
all over the world. By the time of the Martian inva-
sion of 1898 he was in command of Britain’s home
forces based to the west of London. It was therefore
the Duke who was to lead much of the military
response to the attack. During the aftermath that
followed, he set about restoring order with the
welcome assistance of Roosevelt’s American Relief
Force - newly arrived from Cuba. When they met
,neither man could know that within a matter of
weeks the last of the Duke’s surviving brothers
would be carried away by cholera, leaving him heir
to the throne of England. It says much of the mili-
tary man that he at first refused the crown upon
the death of his mother in 1901 – claiming that now
was the time for Britain to at last adopt the repub-
lican values for which there had been much support
before the invasion. However, the people had by
now elevated the Duke to the status of national
hero, and so he reluctantly accepted the burden of
rule. As king, he has done all he can to bring the
resources of the empire to bear against the Martian
threat wherever it may be found.
132
ELECTRICALS
The Martians were very advanced in the use of electricity and
electrical devices. Study of their machines gave insight into new
applications of the principles of electricity. This has given rise
to an entirely new school of engineering and industry called
Electricals. This could be seen in improved radios making most
British vehicles accessible to the chain of command and support
for such weapons as the Coil Gun.
CONSTRUCTION
The construction of Martian machines and their complete
lack of known methodologies such as rivets, screws, and other
mechanical fasteners has manifested itself in the widespread
use of electric welding of various metals. As a result, the UK
equipment did not require many rivets.
MAGNETISM
The Martians understood Magnetic Principle far better than
humans, but through careful study and application, methods
were learned to make magnetism a far more harnessable force.
These improvements were seen in the rapid advancement of
small electric motors and the wonder weapon, the Coil Gun.
RADIUM
Much has been written about the wondrous application of Radium
and the exploitation of its properties. One of the biggest advances
on the horizon is harnessing its power for trains, ships and even
automobiles. Recent experiments have shown that concentrated
radium, tightly packed, can generate enough heat to turn water into
steam, and thus power the newest electric generators.
OLEO-ELECTRIC ENGINES
With improved machining, casting and welding, it became
possible to manufacture high-compression heavy oil-burning
combustion motors that were smaller and more efficient than
ever before. These were first invented and developed by the
engineer Herbert Akroyd Stuart at Hornsby Engineering in
Grantham, and are nowadays commonly known as Hornsby-
Akroyd engines. In many cases, Hornsby-Akroyd engines were
used to power electrical generators, which in turn powered
electric motors in many vehicles such as the Imperial Main
Service Tank chassis and its variants.
BRITISH MILITARY DOCTRINE
– THE ALL MOBILE FORCE
The British Army embraced the new technology with a brand-
new tactical doctrine – The All Mobile Force. With better
vehicles, the old role of stationary infantry came into question.
Increasingly, tanks and other weapon platforms capable of rapid
redeployment and aggressive, rather than static, defensive tactics
changed attitudes. The infantry needed to be able to adapt to this
advanced form of warfare, and many new equipment trials were
taking place on machines known as Infantry Carriers, to allow
the Infantry support to keep pace with concentrated armored
vehicles’ attack forces. The old horse-drawn methods and
marching of forces rapidly fell by the wayside.

CHOOSING AN
ARMY FOR THE GAME
In the All Quiet on the Martian Front game, players are free
to choose their armies to whatever agreed points value they
wish, aside from the stipulation that every army must include
one Command Unit to act as the army’s Field Commander.
Otherwise, armies can include whatever units you wish, and
can include further Command units, although no more of these
may be Field Commanders. The points values provided allow a
player to put together an army to a preset value to take part in the
various scenarios, or to play any points-matched game against an
equal value of enemy.
Note that some scenarios impose specific restrictions on
the units available to one or sometimes both sides; these are
indicated in the section on scenarios.
We will not concern ourselves with choosing armies for
official tournament play, where it may be necessary to impose
restrictions upon the size and exact composition of armies to
facilitate running tournament-style games. Instead, details of
official tournament play will be made available online, as this
provides a more flexible means of arranging tournaments and
allows formal competition games to be developed in more varied
and interesting ways in the future.
Note that the organization charts given on pages 134-135 are
intended to provide an idea of how the forces are organized in
the actual armies of the Martian Wars as we imagine them. They
are provided for the benefit of those players who wish to recreate
the historical basis behind the game. Players need not follow the
organizational charts if they prefer not to.
133
THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
BRITiSH ARMY
SPECIAL RULES
RADIO COMMAND AND CONTROL
Unlike his American counterpart, the British Field Commander
relies upon radio to issue his orders. To represent this
technological advantage, the Field Commander can only issue
orders to vehicle units, to infantry or field artillery units within 3"
of a vehicle unit, and to any units within 6" of a Command squad,
including to the Command squad itself. In practice, this is not
much of a restriction as long as care is taken to support infantry
with vehicles and to ensure there are sufficient Command squads
to relay orders to other units.
BATTLEFIELD INITIATIVE
Thanks to widespread use of radios by British vehicles and
Command units, the British are able to communicate and react
to enemy troop movements very quickly. To represent this, the
British Field Commander is allowed to expend order markers to
adjust the British Initiative score when deciding which side goes
first each turn. Both sides make the test as usual by rolling a die
and applying any modifiers which are appropriate that turn. If the
British lose the initiative that turn, the British Field Commander
can expend any number of order markers to add to the British
score to win back the initiative – each marker adding +1 to the
score. In the first turn of the game only, each marker used in this
way adds +5 to represent preliminary reconnaissance, but note
that this only applies where the usual test is made.
In scenarios that specify which side goes first in the first turn,
Battlefield Initiative has no effect in the first turn.
While these charts reflect official regulations, attrition and conditions in the field have a considerable effect on their actual execution. Supply problems and
specific missions often call for temporary remixing of forces. In addition, at various times, experimental weapons and units have been available and tried in
combat. These include such ideas as Heavy Infantry battalions where all of the infantry were equipped with heavy battle suits, Heat Gun Mark IV tanks,
Wicket tanks, and so on.

134
 THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

135
 THE INFANTRY British Infantry Squad
Unit: 2 elements. One element is rifle-armed, the other element has rifles
plus a man with the coil gun. Both elements have grenades.
Points per unit: 35
The British infantryman has seen vast improvement to his Type Speed Defense Armor Special
equipment since the first Martian Invasion. Troopers are now Infantry 6" 5 5 Stealth
protected by lightweight personal armor, including the newly- Weaponry Range Power Special
developed Brodie helmet. This helmet incorporates a new pattern Rifles 15" – –
of highly efficient gas mask and offers excellent protection for the Coil Gun 15" +2 Coil Gun
head and neck. The ordinary rankers carry the Lee Enfield Rifle Grenades Assault +2 –
with armor-piercing ammunition, while each squad now includes
one man carrying a battery-operated portable coil gun for anti-
vehicle capability. The main support weapon of the infantry is Coil Gun
the improved Vickers Machine-gun. Lighter and more mobile The element that includes the coil gun shoots with a Power bonus
than earlier Maxim-type weapons, it can also fire armor-piercing of +2. Because each of the unit’s two elements has different Power
ammunition made from re-purposed Martian Metal. bonuses, it will be necessary to roll separately for each to hit the
target. A good way of doing this is to roll different colored dice; for
example, red for the rifle and blue for the coil gun. The coil gun is a
temperamental weapon. If the ‘to hit’ die roll for the coil gun is a ‘1,’
BRITISH INFANTRY SQUAD the shot misses and the coil gun malfunctions. From that point on,
British infantry squads are smaller than their US equivalent and the element is counted as an ordinary rifle element.
based on the number of men that can be transported within one
of the new Cardigan Infantry Carriers, affectionately referred to as
‘Cardies’ by the common troopers. Infantrymen carry rifles and
grenades, but one trooper substitutes his rifle for a coil gun; a high- BRITISH COMMAND SQUAD
velocity weapon that is especially useful against armored targets. Thanks to lessons learned from the examination of Martian
technology, the British army is the most advanced in the
world. Radio communication is utilized throughout the chain
of command, and all fighting vehicles are radio-equipped. A
British command unit represents officers together with radio
COIL GUNS operators and other ancillary troops. As with other infantry
squads, they have the stealth rule, enabling them to move as blips
Coil guns are essentially a series of magnetic rings that while remaining hidden. The army can include any number of
pull a ferrous projectile down a barrel, propelling it at high command squads, and must include at least one. One command
velocity. An improvement was made to the penetrating squad must be nominated as the army’s Field Commander.
power of these missiles when it was discovered how iron
rings attached to crushed Martian metal salvage could be British Command Squad
formed into a high-velocity round without comparison.
Unit: 1 element
Coil guns require a high voltage power source to operate. Points per unit: 25
A portable version using new technology has been created Type Speed Defense Armor Special
for an infantryman to carry, but the weapon is of very small Infantry 6" 5 5 Stealth, Rally,
caliber and limited power. The battery pack is heavy and Field Commander
awkward and once spent, cannot be easily recharged. The Weaponry Range Power Special
1/2 lb Coil Gun is the most common vehicle-mounted Rifles 15" – –
version. It is commonly seen as a main gun modification
on the Imperial tank. Larger versions have been developed
into powerful artillery pieces, such as the 2-lb Coil Gun. Stealth
A unit with the Stealth special rule can move while hidden as
In general, the larger a coil gun, the less reliable it is likely described in the rules for hidden units. See page 66.
to be. The amount of electricity needed to power a large
coil gun is high and presents a considerable danger in Rally
its own right. While the mechanics of the gun are fairly If a friendly unit is within 6" of a command element, it can re-roll
simple, problems with transformers and electrical systems a failed morale check including a check induced by panic.
can be a nuisance. The crewmen of the 2-lb Coil Gun wear
insulated boots, gloves and large rubber aprons to reduce Field Commander
accidental fatalities caused by arcing and unintentional Only the command unit representing the army’s field
electric discharges. commander has the Field Commander rule. For the rules
governing field commanders, see the Field Commander rule on
page 63 and the British Army Special Rules on page 133.

136
 THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

VICKERS MACHINE-GUN ASSAULT SQUAD

The Vickers gun is an improved version of the Maxim type of
machine-gun that utilizes many of the new wonder-metals in
its construction. This makes it extremely lightweight as well as
very durable, resulting in superior maneuverability compared to
earlier weapons. It fires armor-piercing ammunition, but its main
purpose is to scythe down the ranks of lobototons and drones
that accompany Martian war machines. As with most infantry
units, it has the advantage of the stealth rule, allowing machine-
gunners to move as blips while staying hidden.
British Assault squads are equipped with the latest experimental
Lee-Enfield ‘Mars Pattern’ guns, which fire a .5-inch caliber bullet
tipped with reforged Martian metal. Other experimental and
largely secret weapon developments include a compact version
of the coil gun, comparable in performance to the Lee-Enfield,
and another large-caliber variant of the Lee-Enfield developed
in India and known as the Ishapore gun – so far used only by
the Indian army. In addition to their rifles, assault squads carry
explosive charges with which they attack Tripods at close range.

Vickers Machine-Gun Assault Squad

Unit: 3 elements Unit: 2 elements
Points per unit: 50 Points per unit: 60
Type Speed Defense Armor Special Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Infantry 6" 5 5 Stealth Infantry 6" 5 5 Stealth
Weaponry Range Power Special Weaponry Range Power Special
Vickers Gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3 Experimental Rifles 15" +1 –
Explosives Assault +3 –

Stealth
A unit with the Stealth special rule can move while hidden, as
described in the rules for hidden units. See page 66.
Rapid Fire
Machine-guns have the rapid fire rule, so each time a Vickers gun
fires, roll three dice ‘to hit’ rather than just one.

CAVALRY SQUAD
Although mounted troops are a more important part of Britain’s
armies in India and the Middle East, they still provide a useful
scouting and reconnaissance capability for the BEF. Cavalrymen
carry rifles and grenades, and often dismount to fight, especially
if confronted by Martian Tripods. They have had occasion to
charge down Lobototons in the open battlefield, sabers drawn, in
the fashion of cavalry of an older age.

Cavalry Squad
Unit: 3 elements
Points per unit: 55
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Infantry 8" 6 5 Mounted
Weaponry Range Power Special
Rifles 15" – –
Grenades Assault +2 –

Mounted
Unlike troops on foot, mounted troops count the full
movement penalties for moving over difficult ground. A
mounted unit can dismount at any point in the game, and
counts as an equivalent infantry squad thereafter. Once
dismounted, it cannot mount up again.

British Infantryman

137
 THE ARTILLERY
When the BEF shipped to America, it was considered
unnecessary to bring many of the common weapons of war
such as artillery and transportation, for these were readily
available in the United States. Furthermore, the adoption of
US artillery would avoid problems of supply and maintenance
– even keeping British tanks in the field would be challenging
enough. The BEF therefore uses all the US Field Artillery
and Mobile Artillery except for the 90 mm Anti-Tripod gun,
considering its own Coil Guns superior in this role. The
British do not use Electric Artillery, although the Royal
Ordnance has expressed interest in acquiring the latest Tesla
Electric Arc for evaluation.
ON TO VICTORY!
THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the British
Expeditionary Force led his troops on a ticker-
tape parade of New York today to the cheers of
the crowds and the accompaniment of the New
York Military Band playing the ‘On to Victory
March’ followed by the rousing beat of The
Liber ty Bell.
How many of those lining the streets and
windows could once have imagined – let alone
welcomed – the sight of British soldiers on
American soil. It is surely a sign of how much
the world has changed that troops from oppo-
site sides of the Atlantic now stand shoulder
to shoulder as brothers in arms against the
Mar tian menace.
New York’s citizens flocked in the thousands
to catch a glimpse of the famous Sir Graham
Cummings, whose defense of the Khyber Pass,
in par ticular, offered a rare moment of hope
during last year’s fighting. On show too were
some of the veterans of those distant battles
including the exotically attired Deccan Horse,
Bombay Lancers and – most to the delight of
the crowds – a company of Ghurka tribesmen
who could not help but gape in wonder at the
multitudes as they marched past.
As the khaki ranks make their way toward
the awaiting trains that will take them west-
ward, the American people salute their friends
and allies from across the sea.
New York Times, March 2nd 1912
138
2-POUND HEAVY COIL GUN
This towed artillery piece is the largest coil gun design so far
adopted by the army, and fires a 2-pound weight projectile of re-
purposed Martian Metal at high velocity. The generator required
to power this formidable weapon is built into the gun’s trail and
produces enough energy to pose a considerable risk to its crew.
Those serving the heavy coil gun wear insulated boots, thick
rubberized gloves, and rubber aprons.
2-Pound Heavy Coil Gun
Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: 90
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Artillery – 5 4 See below
Weaponry Range Power Special
2lb Heavy Coil Gun 60" +4 See below
Fixed Position
A heavy coil gun cannot move of its own volition, not even to point
in a different direction. A heavy coil gun cannot change its forward-
facing position unless it is repositioned by a tow. Bear in mind that
a gun can draw its line of sight anywhere to its front, just like other
elements, so this restriction is not too problematic. It is assumed
the crew can turn the barrel to face targets to the gun’s front.
Heavy Field Gun
The heavy coil gun is a type of heavy field gun. As with all heavy
field guns, it cannot move at all unless towed by a vehicle capable
of towing heavy field guns. In the case of the British, this includes
the Cardigan Carrier as well as US-built Holt Gun Tractors.
Heavy Coil Gun
The heavy coil gun is a dangerous weapon to its crew as well as to the
enemy. When you roll ‘to hit,’ any roll of a 1 means some malfunction
has occurred. Roll a die and apply the result as follows:
Score Result
1 Catastrophic failure. The gun’s circuits violently
discharge all over the place, electrocuting the
unfortunate crew. The gun and crew are destroyed.
2-4 Overcharge. The weapon fires, but with double its Power
value (+8). Because of the increased ballistic effect of this
tremendous power surge, roll again to see if the target is hit.
If the target is missed, the shot hammers into the ground
and has no effect. The overcharge burns out the generator
and the weapon cannot fire during the next turn while the
crew affects repairs. It can shoot again the turn after.
5-7 A major electrical connection is shorted out. It does not
fire this turn and cannot fire the next turn either while
its crew affects repairs. It can shoot again the turn after.
8-10 The Heavy Coil Gun fails to operate this turn. It can
shoot again the next turn.
 THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

ARMORED VEHICLES
Turret
The turret carries a Vickers Gun and can shoot in any direction.
Rapid Fire
Vickers guns have the rapid fire rule, so each time a Vickers gun
The British forces in America include a number of very advanced fires, roll three dice ‘to hit’ rather than just one.
armored fighting vehicles such as the Imperial Main Service Tank,
Kitchener Tank, Mono Tank and wheeled armored cars such as
the Defiant and the venerable Spector. Keeping these technically
complex vehicles in the field is especially demanding, and involves DEFIANT ARMORED CAR
a whole army of logisticians and maintenance personnel based in It soon became apparent that the Spector armored cars lacked
the eastern United States. With limited resources and relatively firepower against any but the most vulnerable Martian targets.
small numbers, the BEF relies upon US-built vehicles for routine Although an up-gunned version of the Spector was proposed,
operations. The BEF version of the US Mk II Steam Tank – the advances in engine technology and new metallurgical processes
Baldwin British Pattern Mk II – incorporates the best of the new suggested that the old-fashioned Rilles-Royce would make a
weaponry with US mass-production expertise and has proven very poor basis for further development. Plans were drawn up for a
successful; the Canadian army has even adopted this so-called new vehicle. The resulting vehicle was the larger, more heavily-
‘Tommy Tank’ as its main battle tank. armored, and substantially more heavily-armed Defiant. There
was some initial reluctance to adopt the vehicle amongst the BEF’s
reconnaissance units due to the sheer size of the new armored
car and its slightly reduced top speed. However, after initial
SPECTOR ARMORED CAR deployment in India, the Defiant’s much higher survival rate soon
As part of the new All Mobile Force doctrine, fast-moving came to be appreciated by its crews. In numbers, the Defiants
armored cars play a significant role in British service. The Light proved capable of causing significant annoyance to the Martian
Armored Car Mk I, based on the famous civilian Rilles-Royce Machines with their combination of firepower and speed.
Spector, is lightly armored and features a cast turret and Vickers
Machine-gun. All of these vehicles are radio equipped and
perform admirably as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the army. They are Defiant Armored Car
used in large numbers for scouting as well as in courier roles. Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: 55
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Spector Armored Car Vehicle 8" 5 7 6-pounder gun
Unit: 1 element Weaponry Range Power Special
Points per unit: 55 6-pounder gun 20" +2 –
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Vehicle 10" 5 6 Turret
Weaponry Range Power Special Turret
Vickers Gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3 The turret carries a 6-pounder gun and can shoot in any
direction.

A Defiant Armored Car (left) and a Specter Armored Car

139
IMPERIAL MAIN SERVICE TANK MK I relatively rare and prone to maintenance problems in the field,
The Imperial Main Service Tank Mk I entered service in their penetrating power is deemed worth the aggravation.
February of 1909, after two years of design and experimentation.
They soon became known simply as Imperial tanks. In the fall of
1909, new Imperial tanks entering service were re-equipped from Imperial Tank
kerosene motors to a petrol engine driving a generator, which in Unit: 3 elements
turn powered electric motors for the tracks. This combination Points per unit: 270 – any or all tanks may replace their main armament
proved less powerful than first hoped. Imperial tanks switched with ½ pound coil guns for free
from service in India and transported to the USA with the Type Speed Defense Armor Special
British Expeditionary Force were re-equipped, in transit, with Tank 7" 4 8 See Below
Akroyd-Stewart Electric Drives. This combination was a vast Weaponry Range Power Special
improvement over previous power plants and is well-liked by 17-pdr HV Gun 30" +3 –
the crews and field engineers. Subsequently, all Imperial Main ½ lb Coil Gun 30" +3 Coil Gun
Service tanks were equipped with this drive as standard. Vickers Gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3

The Imperial tank has an all cast turret and upper hull. These
two components are cast with a proprietary mixture of steel and
a classified material. They are then heated in the vast new ovens
outside of Warrington until they are red hot. This process bonds
the materials together and creates a very hard and heat-resistant
casting. Casting objects of this size and complexity is a process
only properly perfected by the British, but experiments are being
conducted in Germany and the United States. The suspension
and caterpillar tracks are of a new design conceived to be suitable
for both cross-country and road performance. Access in the
field has been the primary complaint so far, because working
on the suspension and tracks is difficult with the heavy side
skirts in place. The Imperial is armed with a new 17-pounder
high-velocity gun, and a Vickers machine-gun is mounted in
an auxiliary turret on the forward deck. Some Imperial Tanks
have been equipped with half-pound coil guns instead. While
Turret
The turret can shoot in any direction.
Rapid Fire
Vickers guns have the rapid fire rule, so each time a Vickers gun
fires, roll three dice ‘to hit’ rather than just one.
Half-Pound Coil Gun
Coil guns are prone to sudden failure. If a ‘1’ is scored when rolling to
hit, the coil has burned out and the weapon cannot be fired until it is
repaired. The crew can attempt to replace the coil before attempting
to shoot in the combat phase. Roll a die. On the roll of 7 or more, the
coil has been repaired and can shoot once more. On a roll of less than
7, the coil is still not working and cannot shoot this turn, but you can
continue to attempt a repair in the same way each turn.

An Imperial Tank (front), a Kitchener Tank (back) and a MkII Steamer Tank in British service (rear) take aim at the Martians

140
 THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

THE MONO TANK THE KITCHENER TANK

The Fairley–Johnson Uni-Tread tank was not well-favored by The Imperial Main Service tank chassis was intended to provide
the military before the field trials of early 1910. It was one of a platform for a number of new weapon systems. The Kitchener
several inventions pitted against each other for the Ordnance is the first of these developments. It is an ungainly-looking
Department’s Advanced X-Craft Department. The trials took vehicle with a huge box-like superstructure which houses its
place on an excessively rainy day and the field was thick with main armament. This comprises three 17-pounder guns rotated
mud. The Barlton Multi-PediWheel Carrier got stuck and broke by an electric motor, each barrel firing in rapid succession
down almost immediately. The so-called Grayson Electric Flivver before it is reloaded with the aid of a mechanically-driven shell
never started. The MacIntosh Mole disappeared, never to be feeding system. The shell used carries a lower charge than a
seen again. The Uni-Tread, however, dashed around the field and standard 17-pounder to reduce the effect of recoil. The Tri-barrel
overcame every obstacle in its path, flipping over and righting 17-pounder is the first attempt at a rapid-firing fully mobile gun
itself several times. It did, indeed, look unstoppable. Production of large enough caliber to destroy Martian Tripods. It has already
approval was granted immediately, even as Fairley and Johnson proven to be a very effective Tripod killer in India, but its high
whisked away the terrified driver of the machine as he raved profile makes it a vulnerable target.
about how the throttle had become stuck, resulting in the
machine careering around the course at full speed.
Kitchener Tank
The Uni-Tread became officially known as the FJ Mono Tank 1 Unit: 1 or 3 elements. Kitchener troops are often divided into single
by the army. By the men who drove it and serviced it, it became vehicles to help support more lightly-armed tanks.
a Wheeler. Wheeler was the name that stuck with the press and Points per unit: 115 points for a unit of 1 tank, or 345 points for a unit of
the public. three tanks
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Wheelers are very fast but unstable at top speed, and prone
Tank 7" 4 8 –
to toppling over or into each other. They carry two clip-fed
rapid-firing cannons, but the machine must be stopped and the Weaponry Range Power Special
ammo reloaded externally when depleted. They have a crew of Tri-Barrel 30" +2 Rapid Fire 3,
two, and the armor is rather light, certainly in comparison to an Tri-barrel Gun
Imperial tank. Still, their speed and maneuverability give them Vickers Gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3
an important role on the battlefield. They are one of the new fast-
attack weapons designed for the All Mobile Force. Their crews
are volunteers and wheeler men, or just wheelies for short, and Turret
are well-known for their spirited morale and cavalier attitude. The turret can shoot in any direction.
Tri-barrel Gun
Mono Tank The Tri-barrel Gun is a complex and not entirely reliable weapon.
Unit: 3 elements You can choose to shoot one, two or three shots from the gun
Points per unit: 160
– although in most situations you will want to fire with all three
barrels for maximum effect. When you roll ‘to hit,’ any roll of a 1 for
Type Speed Defense Armor Special any of the barrels means all the barrels jam and none of the barrels
Tank 8" 6 6 See below shoots that turn. This doesn’t affect shooting in subsequent turns –
Weaponry Range Power Special it just means if you roll any 1s, you don’t get to shoot the Tri-barrel
2x 2 pounder repeaters 15" +2 Rapid Fire 2 that turn, and any rolls that would otherwise have hit are ignored.
Rapid Fire
Mono Tank Vickers guns have the rapid fire
Mono Tanks can move through any kind of terrain as if they were rule, so each time a Vickers
infantry. However, when any tank in a unit moves more than gun fires, roll three dice ‘to
6" at a time, the whole unit risks falling over – roll a die to find hit’ rather than just one.
out if they do! On a die roll of 6 or greater, the entire unit has
flipped over and cannot move until its machines manage to right
themselves. A flipped machine can still shoot, but only with one
of its two guns. It takes an entire move phase for the unit to right
itself using the movable side arms on the Mono Tank.

A Mono Tank automatically flips over if the unit is at any time

rendered immobile as the result of an attack (for example, if it is
caught within the blast of an Ironclad’s Bombard).
Rapid Fire
The 2 pound repeating gun has the rapid fire rule, so each time a
2 pounder fires, roll two dice ‘to hit’ rather than just one. Mono Tank

141
 A Cardigan Infantry Carrier and British Infantry Squads, with support from a Field Gun Battery

CARDIGAN INFANTRY CARRIER weapons and the infantry/crews inside can shoot from either the
It soon became apparent that tanks and armored cars needed left or right hand side with the Vickers guns. If the cardigan is not
the close support of infantry if they were to face the invaders carrying infantry/gun crews, its side-mounted guns cannot fire.
on equal terms. This was impossible while infantry remained
constrained by the speed of marching men. Therefore, it was Tow/Transport
decided that infantry had to be carried in a vehicle of their own, A Cardigan Carrier can either transport a unit of infantry or tow a
and thus the concept of the Cardigan Infantry Carrier was born. unit of field artillery or heavy field artillery. Because of its special
The size of the vehicle and the number of troops it could carry construction, one Cardigan can carry two infantry elements at
led to a drastic reorganization of British infantry platoons. Each full speed. This bonus is due to the Cardigan’s capacious design,
Cardigan carrier – affectionately known as ‘Cardies’ by their and applies only to infantry and not to vehicles towing guns.
crews – would serve as transport for a new-style platoon, and
also function as a fire base to support those troops in action. The
Cardigan is well-armed with multiple Vickers machine-guns, four
of which are designed to be operated by the infantry it carries. LLOYD COMMAND CARRIER
Cardigans are also used in the role of heavy tractors to tow The Lloyd Command Carrier is a modified Cardigan with
artillery and carry their crews. extensive radio gear, excellent tea service, and a provision for a
portable chart room. Unlike the transport-based carriers, it has
only limited carrying capacity and serves as a mobile command
Lloyd Infantry Carrier post for the army’s Field Commander.
Unit: 1 element
Points per unit: 175
Lloyd Command Carrier
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Unit: 1 element
Vehicle 7" 4 7 See below
Points per unit: 175
Weaponry Range Power Special
5x Vickers Guns 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3 Type Speed Defense Armor Special
2-pounder repeater 15" +2 Rapid Fire 2 Vehicle 7" 4 7 See below
Weaponry Range Power Special
Vickers Gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3
Crewed Weapons
Because the Cardigan has front and side mounted guns, it can
draw line-of-sight from its front or any side: Command Carrier
If a Command Carrier is included in the force, the army’s Field
Front: 1 Vickers and 2 pounder repeater Commander rides inside it, so the model effectively replaces
Side: 2x Vickers (if carrying infantry) the Field Commander Squad and has the same Rally and Field
Commander rule. However, because the Command Tank is
The side-mounted Vickers guns are fired by the infantry or gun equipped with a more powerful radio set, the Field Commander
crews carried inside, so they count as a separate shooter to the can now issue his orders to any BEF Army unit, regardless of
Cardigan itself. This means the Cardigan can shoot its front-firing whether it is within range of a vehicle unit or Command squad.

142
 THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

THE WICKET SPECIAL PURPOSE TANK Glue Gun

Originally designed to lay down a plume of viscous, combustible The Glue Gun has a limited range and uses the 4" barrage template.
liquid to burn out entrenched infantry and attack fortifications, Roll to hit in the usual way – a unit that is hit suffers no damage,
inventor Charles Wicket’s mobile incinerator suffered from one but risks becoming immobilized.
serious flaw. The compound it pumped at high pressure proved
very difficult to ignite, succeeding only in laying down giant Roll a die for each unit. On a score of 6 or more, the unit is
puddles of impossibly sticky liquid. Charles Wicket, the Duke immobilized – place an immobilized marker next to it. On a
of Cunningham, persisted in the idea and eventually the army score of 5 or less, the unit is unaffected. Mono Tanks that are
was persuaded to adopt the Wicket as an anti-infantry vehicle. immobilized in this way immediately fall over and cannot get
Surprisingly, Wicket’s hastily renamed Glue Gun proved very up again. Other units can attempt to free themselves at the start
effective in India at ‘gumming up the works’ of Martian Tripods, of any of their own move phases if the player wishes. The player
and was adapted into an effective anti-tripod weapon. does not have to try to break free; units can simply remain where
they are immobilized if the player prefers.
Wicket Tank To try to break free, roll a die. If the result is 6 or more, the unit
Unit: 1 element breaks free and can move as normal from that move phase on. If the
Points per unit: 150
result is less than 6, the unit’s struggles only succeed in worsening the
situation, causing 1 point of damage on the unit, whatever its type.
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
Tank 7" 4 8 See below Overseer, Dominator and Founder Tripods, as well as Goliaths
Weaponry Range Power Special and all Ironclads, are far too large and powerful to be seriously
Glue Gun 15" – Barrage 4 affected by a Glue Gun. If a Glue Gun hits any of these, a roll of
Vickers Gun 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3 10 is required for it to be immobilized, while a roll of 2 or more is
required for it to break free.

143
 OTHER EQUIPMENT With the new wireless devices, they have been indispensable in
scouting and ranging for the ponderous Ironclads.
Maximum Armor Thickness: Classified

IN BEF SERVICE Maximum Speed: Approximately 4 mph

Armament: 1x 4lb Coil Gun mounted in main turret, 1x 24-inch
Bombard mounted in auxiliary turret, 4x 5-inch guns mounted in side
turrets – 2 per side, and 12 Vickers guns in sponsons and bastions.
The BEF uses large quantities of US equipment to support Carries two Spector armored cars as scouting vehicles.
frontline forces. Months before the deployment, a British
military contingent came to the US to make arrangements. The Crew: At least 30
idea was to make as much use as possible of American equipment
with British and Empire crews. Ironclad Benedict Arnold Class
Unit: 1 element
The one vehicle the British military were at first reluctant to
welcome into their ranks was the venerable Mks II and III Points per unit: 1,200
Steamer Tanks. Compared to the Imperial Tanks in service with Type Speed Defense Armor Special
the British army, these clanking behemoths looked, sounded Machine 4" 3 12 See below
and smelled ludicrously archaic. However, as there were too few Weaponry Range Power Special
British tanks to meet the BEF’s needs, it was decided that the 4lb Coil Gun 80" +6 Super Heavy Coil Gun
US tanks would be adopted with a few modifications. Amongst 24-inch Bombard 60" +4 Barrage 4
these was the installation of a British-built main gun with the Cole 4x 5-inch guns 30" +3 –
Pattern mantlet. Other changes were mostly internal, apart from 12x Vickers Guns 20" +1 Rapid Fire 3
the auxiliary cupola over the driving compartment, which was
removed for vehicles in British service. This version, built by the
Baldwin Locomotive Works, became the British Pattern Mark II Fully Independent Targeting
Baldwin Tank, more commonly known to the Americans as the The Land Ironclad is so large that we are obliged to treat it as a
Tommy Tank. Once the Canadians saw it, they demanded some mobile fortress, able to train its armaments upon any targets that
too. Despite their best efforts, Baldwin can’t produce enough of the its crews can see. Therefore, each weapon fires independently and
Tommy Baldwins to meet demand, so it’s actually more common can choose any target that is visible from the weapon’s position.
to see the original US versions in both BEF and Canadian forces. This enables the Ironclad to shoot at different targets, regardless of
where they lie. However, the player must declare all the weapons
Many other US equipment types are used by the BEF. All other that are going to shoot at a target before rolling any dice to score
American origin equipment, with the exception of the Goliath, hits. It is not permitted to shoot at a target with one weapon and
Land Ironclads and the Mark IV chassis variants have seen use then decide to shoot at the same target again with a different
with the BEF. The Monitor is the only Mark IV chassis to be weapon if the first shot misses – all shots at a target must be
used by the BEF in North America. Whole fleets of Flivvers and declared before you fire at it! In all cases, measure the range from
service vehicles work in support roles. the position of individual weapons from the end of the gun barrel.
Limited Maneuverability
The Land Ironclad is not so easily maneuvered as an ordinary
THE THUNDERCHILD II vehicle – so the way it moves is restricted compared to tanks and
Thunderchild II is currently the only British-built Land Ironclad other vehicles. An Ironclad cannot pivot to face any direction
in North America. It was partially disassembled and towed across it likes when it moves; instead, it must move directly forward
the Atlantic Ocean. While fraught with risk, this was not a unique and can pivot once as it does so up to a maximum of 45 degrees,
voyage, for the same process had also been used to move seven of either before, after or at any point in its move.
the remaining eleven British Land Ironclads to India via the Cape
of Good Hope (The Suez Canal having fallen to the Martians). Super Heavy Coil Gun
The Royal Navy has developed super heavy coil guns of 3 to
The Thunderchild II is of advanced cast and welded construction, 7lb caliber, many of which are fitted to ships of his majesty’s
and its armor incorporates layers of ceramic plate and asbestos to Navy. The 4lb coil gun fitted to the Thunderchild II is the largest
protect it against Heat Rays. Like other Ironclads of the Benedict mobile land-based weapon of its kind. As with all coil guns, there
Arnold Class, it runs on pedi-rails rather than conventional tracks is a certain amount of risk. The Thunderchild’s main turret is
like the US-built Ironclads. protected from electrical discharges by a ceramic isolator ring.
Specially developed liquid mercury fuses protect the crew and
British Ironclads fall under the command of the Royal Navy and are weapon from massive electrical malfunction; however, refilling
crewed by seamen. The Thunderchild II is captained by Sir Clive these fuses in the event of a blowout takes time.
Dudley, the famous hero of the Evacuation of the Nile. It is one of the
Benedict Arnold class of Ironclads, the first Ironclads built in Britain, When you roll ‘to hit,’ any roll of a 1 means some malfunction has
and carries two Spector armored cars as part of its crew compliment. occurred. Roll a die and apply the result as follows:

144

Score Result
1-3 The Super Heavy Coil Gun fails to operate this turn. It
can shoot again the next turn.
4-6 A major electrical connection is shorted out. It does not
fire this turn and cannot fire the next turn either while
its crew affects repairs. It can shoot again the turn after.
7-9 Overcharge. The weapon fires, but with double its
Power value (+12). Because of the increased ballistic
effect of this tremendous power surge, roll again to see if
the target is hit. If the target is missed, the shot hammers
into the ground and has no effect. The overcharge shorts
out the mercury fuses, and the weapon cannot fire
during the next turn while the crew affects repairs. It
can shoot again the turn after, on a die roll of 6 or more.
Otherwise, repairs continue, and it is necessary to roll
each time you try to shoot until a repair is successful.
10 Catastrophic failure. The gun’s circuits violently
discharge, evaporating the fuses, melting the gun, and
frying its crew. The gun is destroyed. Roll a die. On a
roll of 1-5, the Ironclad also suffers 1 critical damage
point; on a roll of a 6-10 there is no further damage.
24 Inch Bombard
This gigantic naval weapon is used for bombarding fortifications from
the sea, and it provides the Thunderchild with a means of battering the
enemy with its huge 24-inch shells. The range of the bombard is not
especially great as it is designed to ‘lob’ its shells into the air so they fall
down upon the foe. The concussive effect of the resultant explosion is
enough to knock men – and even Tripods – off their feet!
Work out the barrage just like any other barrage type of attack.
One you have done this, roll a die for each unit within 10" of the
center of the barrage template. On a roll of 6 or more, the unit
is temporarily stunned by the blast. If it is an enemy unit, it can
neither move nor shoot in its following turn, and if obliged to move
it goes out of control, crashes and is destroyed. If it is a friendly
unit, it cannot shoot that turn if it has not already done so, and
cannot move in the second move phase of the current turn, and if
obliged to do so is also destroyed as described for the enemy.
Spector Carrier
The Thunderchild II carries two Spector armored cars. Each car is
a unit of one element. These can be launched from the Ironclad at
the start of the move phase – measure their movement from the hull
of the Ironclad adjacent to the mooring rigs. These cars can act as
spotters for the Ironclad’s guns as noted below. See page 139.
Spotters
The Ironclad’s Spector armored cars are equipped with powerful
radios that allow them to transmit firing coordinates directly to the
fire-control room of their parent Ironclad. This works with all the
Ironclad’s guns apart from the Vickers Guns, which are point defense
weapons, and which are not coordinated in this way. The Ironclad
can trace line-of-sight from its Spector armored cars, and can shoot
at any target the armored cars can see, working out line-of-sight from
the armored car. The target must be within range of the Ironclad’s
guns, but it does not matter if the Ironclad cannot see the target.
145
THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
Furthermore, if both armored cars can see the same target, their
parent Ironclad is able to triangulate the target’s position with great
precision, adding a +1 bonus to the dice roll ‘to hit.’
Ironclad
If an Ironclad suffers one or more points of damage from shooting
or assault, it is not automatically destroyed. Instead, roll a die and
consult the Ironclad Damage Resolution Chart. If the Ironclad has
suffered more than one point of damage, add +1 to the die roll for
each additional point of damage scored. For example, if an Ironclad
has taken 3 points of damage, roll a die and add +2.
The Thunderchild II can take 6 ‘critical hits’ as described in the table
before it is destroyed, more or less as if it were six elements. Record
each critical hit as it is inflicted. This means you will have to record
both Armor reduction and critical hits. When recording Armor
reduction, the minimum value that the Ironclad can be reduced to is
1. An Ironclad can never be reduced to zero Armor. This means that
an Ironclad can only be destroyed by critical hits – and never by loss
of Armor – no matter how much damage it takes. As a score of 10+ is
required on the Ironclad Damage Resolution Chart to score a critical
hit, this means that Ironclads are very difficult to knock out even for
the most powerful Martian Heat Rays.
ironclad DAMAGE RESOLUTIOn CHART
Score Result
1-5 The Ironclad is partially damaged and its Armor value is
permanently reduced by -1 to a minimum value of 1.
6 The Ironclad’s boiler is damaged and it is reduced in
movement by 1-inch every time it takes boiler damage.
7 The Ironclad’s steering mechanism is damaged. When the
Ironclad moves, roll a die; 1-3 move directly ahead, 4-5
move directly towards the enemy table edge, 6-7 move
directly towards the table side edge to the player’s left, 8-9
move directly towards the table side edge to the player’s
right, 0 move directly toward the player’s own table edge.
8 The Ironclad’s armament is hit. Roll a die; 1-4 a Vickers
gun is destroyed, 5-7 a 5-inch gun is destroyed, 8-9 the
24-inch bombard is destroyed, 0 the 4lb Coil Gun is
destroyed. In the case of Vickers guns and 5-inch guns, the
opposing player can select the weapon that is destroyed.
9 The Land Ironclad is immobilized. It can no longer move
and cannot lay steam.
10+ The Land Ironclad takes 1 critical hit and its armor value
is also permanently reduced by -1 to a minimum value
of 1. The Ironclad can take 6 critical hits in all. Once the
Ironclad has taken 6 critical hits, it is destroyed.
Beneath the Ruins of St. Louis
T he 2nd Company of the 5th Indiana Battalion moved
quietly toward the front lines. Through narrow square-
cut tunnels sheered up with timber balks and joining one
brick-built basement to the next, the underground roadway
led them unerringly westward. Silently, they passed beneath
the devastation of what was once Washington University,
the site of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition during what
now seemed a forgotten age. In long rows, the khaki clad
soldiers shuffled onwards, one behind the other, those at
the front guiding their footsteps by the glow of kerosene
lamps. When the troops reached the dispersal point beyond
Art Hill, the underground roadway fanned out into a dozen
paths leading left and right before joining the north-south
service tunnel. From the service tunnel, the soldiers emerged
into daylight once more, quickly dispersing into the open
trench-works and bunkers beyond.
To the left of the line, a squad of infantry settled down
into the ruined shell of an old storehouse. From behind the
half standing walls, the soldiers had a good view down the
hill. Below them the Tripods were advancing in a loose line,
halting every few strides to release devastation upon the
patchwork of toppled buildings and flattened groves where
stands of trees had once stood. The shriek of Heat Rays and
dull thud of artillery told of the battle raging in the ruins.
The Martians marched on with mechanical indifference.
‘Pickets forward!’ ordered the Sergeant, and two of the
squad disentangled themselves from the rubble, stooping
low to stay out of sight as they joined their leader.
Neither man was more than eighteen years old. The
whole battalion had been recruited over the winter. This was
its first major action. The young soldiers’ dust masks were
pristine black and their rifles were the new cheaper models
with fixed sights.
‘Baker – left one hundred yards – O’Connor right same
instructions – and don’t take any chances, got it!’ growled
Etherington. Sergeant Victor Etherington’s voice still carried
the reminisce of his native Australia. He had left the streets
of Melbourne for a new life in America two decades ago.
Rifles and explosive charges were quickly shed. Neither
were much use to a picket whose only job was to watch,
distract and hopefully avoid the enemy. Each soldier belted
on a pistol and a flare gun together with a bag of cartridges
– green for the picket on the left and red for the picket on
the right. In a moment they were ready. Baker headed left,
keeping to the cover of a low wall. O’Connor slipped away
right and started to crawl over the open ground toward
what looked like a ruined gate house.
Soon both men had disappeared from view and Ether-
ington dispersed the rest of the squad throughout the ruin.
Keeping an open formation meant that if a Heat Ray should
sweep their position, at least some of them would escape.
Silently, the soldiers readied their explosives and prepared
146
the grappling hooks and lines they would need to catch a
Tripod. Each man carried two satchel-charges as well as four
grenades suspended from the canvass webbing, from which
also hung his back pack, dust mask case, canteen and ammo
pouches. Though their rifles were loaded with armor-pierc-
ing bullets, everyone knew these were very much weapons
of last resort. When it came to fighting a Tripod, an explosive
charge hooked onto a leg joint was the most effective way of
bringing down one of the metal monsters.
They did not have long to wait. The artillery in front
of the infantrymen soon fell silent and the silver machines
began to advance up the slope heading in their direction.
Onwards the Tripods came in a row, each about five hundred
yards from the next. Every few steps the whole formation
would halt as one, and the steely canopies swivelled to
either side, probing the ground for signs of life. When the
aliens stopped moving the men instinctively kept as still and
as quiet as they could – lying low to escape detection – not
daring to breath. Closer and closer the Tripods came. One
of the silver machines was heading straight for the squad’s
position. With its steely gaze fixed upon their hiding place
they wouldn’t stand a chance. They would be cut down as
soon as they stuck their heads above the crumbling walls.
Etherington turned to check his men. If anyone
panicked and fired now the Martian’s Heat Ray would cook
them all. He motioned to keep down – to keep silent. The
shadow of the Tripod fell over them as it drew to a halt a
dozen yards in front. The machine’s metal eye rested upon
the broken walls and tumbled ruin.
A crack and a loud whooping noise broke the silence
and made even the dour Aussie start. A green flare arced
toward the ruins of a house somewhere to the left – smashing
into the rubble with a flash of light and a bang. The Martian
turned in an instant, its gaze drawn to the spot where the
flare had landed. The Tripod’s Heat Ray shrieked and the
air quivered in its path. The house exploded into molten
fragments of brick and glass.
‘Good lad, Baker!’ murmured the Sergeant, who had
recognized the flare as that of his picket. It was a picket’s job
to confuse an attacking Tripod by firing his flare gun into an
empty part of the battlefield – a tangled thicket, empty ruin
or abandoned trench. The bright flare made a loud noise –
the whooping sound that had startled Etherington – before
bursting with an explosion of light. It was almost a childish
trick, but it always confused the Martians who seemed
unable to distinguish between flares and rifle fire.
The Martian took a stride toward Baker’s hiding place,
its metal tentacles weaving to and fro like scythes.
‘Now lads – attack!’ cried the Sergeant and half-a-
dozen men leapt from behind cover and began to run
toward the Tripod. The Martian’s attention was still
firmly fixed upon the flare, and the soldiers soon covered
 THE BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE

the few yards that separated them from the machine’s

metal legs. In a moment the grappling hooks flew. Two
rattled against the shining metal and fell to the floor, but
Etherington’s hook lodged upon the leg’s joint with a
clang. Up he climbed, hand over hand, and as he did so
he saw another rope fasten itself upon the adjacent leg.
He glanced down to see Corporal Jones hauling upon
the rope – three satchel charges upon his shoulder as he
ascended the giant machine.
By now the Martian has realized the danger – though
whether it had heard or felt or in some other fashion
sensed its enemies was impossible to know. Its tentacles
flailed about, scattering the infantrymen who scurried at
its feet and knocking two of them to the ground. Now it
began to spin round, perhaps in an attempt to dislodge the
attackers, and as it did so it emitted a wail that rose in pitch
to an ululating scream. It was the call of the Martians. From
either side, other Tripods turned at once and began to stride
toward their stricken comrade.
A burst of red light reflected from the Tripod’s shining
surface was enough for Etherington to know that his other
picket – O’Connor – was doing his best to divert the rescuers.
He heaved the first canvass pack stuffed with explosives,
and hooked it over the joint in the Martian’s leg. He reached
for the second charge and deftly fastened it alongside the
first. But now the Tripod was beginning to lurch suddenly
left and then right, and he was almost shaken to the ground.
The Tripod’s metal tentacles seemed to be probing the area
beneath its canopy – reaching for its tormentors. Bullets liquid seemed to ooze from the stump that remained. As
zipped from the Tripod’s carapace – everything the infantry- the Tripod staggered upon its two remaining legs, this
men could do to distract the Martian made a difference now. liquid gushed like blood from a severed artery. It was hard
The Sergeant slipped down the rope and dropped the last not to marvel at the engineering that enabled the Tripod to
six feet to the ground, instinctively rolling away to escape balance on its two remaining legs, and though reduced to an
the charge’s blast. ungainly stagger, its pilot had not entirely lost control of the
As he turned round, the Tripod stepped suddenly machine. Nothing, however, could save the Martian from
away and Etherington saw Corporal Jones cast from the the second explosion that ripped apart a second leg and sent
machine like a rag doll. One of his explosive charges hung the silver capsule smashing to the ground. The metal hood,
from the machine’s leg joint – but of the others there was buckled by the force of the explosion, now sprang away from
no sign. The Martian recognized its enemy at once and its the cabin, exposing the bloated form of the alien within. The
metal tentacles swept the limp figure from the ground and creature’s cold eyes gave no hint of recognition or fear as the
with a single deft movement sliced the body into pieces human soldiers levelled their rifles and discharged a volley
that fell to the ground. Without pause, the Tripod turned that mashed its quivering flesh to pulp.
to face Etherington. Its tentacles quivered as they stretched ‘Back to the tunnel!’ yelled the Sergeant – his voice
out toward the Sergeant and the silver canopy appeared to sounded strangely distant in ears deafened by the explosions.
fix him with a metallic stare. The men lost no time in obeying. Five… six men plunged
A blinding green flash burst upon the Martian’s steely into the tunnel. It would be moments before another Tripod
eye – so bright that Etherington was momentarily dazzled. bore down upon them with its Heat Rays or – worse still –
The Tripod reared as if stung and emitted an unearthly the choking Black Dust that killed all it touched. Seven…
wail so loud that the infantrymen instantly dropped their it was Baker, the picket, whose green flares had drawn the
weapons and clasped their hands over their ears. It was Tripod to its doom. The young soldier dashed into the tunnel,
one of Baker’s flares aimed directly at the Tripod. The flare bright eyes blazing with the excitement of his first battle. Of
couldn’t hurt the machine of course, but it was enough to the other picket, O’Connor, there was no sign, but perhaps he
give Etherington the time he needed to dash behind the had made it into the adjoining bunker – it would have been
broken wall of the storehouse. No sooner had he done so closer and probably safer than heading toward the fighting.
than there was an explosion that drowned even the noise of Etherington threw himself through the entrance only seconds
the wailing Martian. before the Heat Ray shattered what was left of the old store-
One of the Martian’s legs had been blown clean away house, sending a blast of scalding air into the tunnel hot
and now lay twitching uselessly upon the ground. A black enough to singe the hair on the back of the Sergeant’s neck.

147
This section of the rulebook describes how scenarios are
chosen, how forces are selected, and how forces deploy to take
part in the game. At this stage it should be noted that a perfectly
good game can be had using whatever forces you have at hand,
played over whatever area you have available, and utilizing
whatever scenery you please. Players do not have to select
armies using the system of points values described, nor are they
obliged to use the rules and scenarios presented here. Anyone
who prefers to play in this free and self-regulating manner
is welcome to do so, to make up their own scenarios, and to
arrange matters as they please.
The scenarios described in this section are designed to give
a challenging and reasonably balanced game when used in
conjunction with the points values given in the Armies of the
Martian Wars section of the rulebook.
148
CHOOSE A SCENARIO
Eleven scenarios are provided in this section. The first scenario
is called The Encounter, while the remaining scenarios are as
shown on the chart below. The Encounter scenario is intended
to serve as an introduction to the rules, and is also designed to
work as a simple, straightforward game, with the same basic
victory conditions for each side. The Encounter is a good
‘default’ scenario if time is short, forces limited, or players are
still familiarizing themselves with the game. The remaining ten
scenarios are based upon the back-story to the Martian invasion,
and present different challenges to each side.
Each of these ten scenarios describes a different kind of game
between the Martians and their human adversaries – the forces
of the United States army and/or British Expeditionary Force.
In each scenario, one player controls the Martians and the other
player controls the humans. To begin with, the players must
decide which scenario they wish to play. You can either choose a
scenario or randomly select one by rolling a die. Some scenarios
require specific scenery and – in some cases – specific units on
one side or the other, so make sure you pick a scenario for which
you have suitable forces.
Score Scenario
1 The Outskirts*
2 The Bunkers
3 The Cylinder
4 The Harvest
5 The Fortress
6 The Rescue*
7 The Ruins*
8 The Founder
9 The Excavation
10 The Redoubt
*Suitable for preselected forces – see text
Sometimes, it is convenient to play a game with a preselected
force – if you are travelling to a games club, for example. If this is
the case, you can either play the basic Encounter scenario, or any
of the Outskirts, Rescue or Ruins scenarios from the chart above.
These four scenarios are all suitable for playing using preselected
forces and typical terrain features of the Martian War. In this
situation, we recommend that players choose a scenario rather
than roll randomly.
Further scenarios for The Great Interplanetary War are available
on the Alien Dungeon website. Scenarios specifically aimed at
facilitating tournaments and other competitions will also be
covered on the Alien Dungeon website.
THE TABLETOP BATTLEFIELD
The game can be played on any convenient surface the players
have, whether that is a kitchen table, a flat board or something
comparable. Most gamers will obtain a sheet of suitable board, and
the most popular size for such sheet materials is four feet wide and
either four, six or eight feet long. Six feet is ideal for most players,
because it is relatively easy to store away and gives more room to
deploy armies than a smaller table. It is also the standard size used
in most gaming clubs where it is necessary to fit sufficient tables
into the space available. For these reasons, we assume that games
are played on a standard-sized table four feet wide and six feet long.
Players who have smaller or larger tables will need to reduce or
increase the amount of terrain proportionately. For tables that
are narrower, some allowance must also be made in games where
the objective is to cross the table, in which case either reduce the
number of turns played or start the armies further apart. In all these
cases, it is left to the players to sort out to their mutual satisfaction.
THE SIZE OF GAME
Before the game can begin, the players must decide how large a
battle they wish to play. All units are allocated a points value, and
each player selects an army to a maximum value of whatever total
the players have agreed. The bigger the game, the larger the army
can be. We make no recommendation as to the size of a force;
the game can be played with as small or as large an army as you
wish. We find that a mixed-force army of approximately 1,000
points provides a game that typically lasts for two to three hours
on a table of the dimensions envisaged. Remember, the scenarios
described in the following pages, assume that players are using
forces of a size appropriate for a standard four by six foot table.
Where this is not the case, some adjustment will have to
be made to the amount of scenery available or the
length of the game in some cases.
Player A’s
table edge
The war games table with opposing players’ table
edges indicated. The center line is an imaginary line drawn
halfway across the table from side to side as shown, dividing one
player’s half of the table from the other.
149
CHOOSING FORCES
It is assumed that one side represents the Martians and the
other represents humans. Although this is consistent with the
theme of the Great Interplanetary War as presented in the
background to this book, there is scope for players to fight
Martian against Martian or human against human games, if
they want. These types of games are not mere fancy – they do
reflect developments in the history of the Great Interplanetary
War that lie beyond the scope of this book, and which will be
explored with further models and supplementary rules on the
Alien Dungeon website. However, for our immediate purposes,
we assume one player is representing the Martians and the
other the humans.
The Martian player chooses units from the Martian forces
available to him, up to whatever maximum value the players have
agreed. The human player likewise chooses units from the human
forces available to him, up to the same maximum value.
In most of the scenarios, players are free to choose whatever
troops they wish, and can select any number of any given type of
unit, as long as they do not exceed the agreed total. The scenarios
present players with different objectives and circumstances,
requiring a different mix of troops in each case.
In some scenarios, the player must include a number of specific
units, or may be barred from selecting certain units, or may be
limited in the number of units he can select (as in the Founder
scenario where the Founder Tripod acts as an objective).
In several cases, the scenario provides one side with units for
‘free.’ The value of free units is not included in the army’s total
points value; they are extra.
Center line
Player B’s
table edge
ARRANGING THE SCENERY
Scenery is arranged once both players have selected their forces
according to the description given for the scenario. Some
scenarios require specific scenery while others do not. Ruins
are a common feature of games because many battles are fought
in the devastation of America’s cities, while other battles take
place amongst the woods and hills of regions as yet untroubled
by the Martian menace. Two of the scenarios are based upon
the defense of fixed positions – The Fortress and The Redoubt –
and in both of these scenarios, it is necessary to represent these
significant features.
We have found the best size for areas of terrain to be
approximately rectangular and about 8" x 6", roughly circular
and 8" across, or oblong, triangular or irregular with dimensions
bounded within a 12" by 5" block. These sizes are given with the
scenarios and standard table sizes already described in mind, and
have been found to work reasonably well. Of course, players are
free to ignore these restrictions by mutual consent if they wish to
do so – there is no need to be dogmatic about such things.
A NEW HELMET FOR THE ARMY
This new helmet is made of hardened chrysotile asbestos
fibers and steel plate. It provides protection against the
Martian Heat Ray and the dreaded Black Dust. Weighing
only fifty pounds, it affords plenty of mobility for the
soldier within.
150
BREAKING THE ENEMY ARMY
Many of the scenarios are played until the enemy army is
‘broken,’ and we shall explain what this means here.
An army is broken if half or more of its units have been destroyed
at the end of any side’s turn.
It is convenient to count up the total number of units in each army
at the start of the game and note down how many units it can
lose before it is broken. Only units purchased as part of the army
are counted towards this total, and never any units included in a
scenario for free or constructed during the game (for example by
a Martian Constructor Engine). Free and constructed units are
ignored when it comes to calculating how many units an army
contains and how many units have been destroyed. Human field
fortifications and Martian static defenses are also ignored, even
when they are purchased as part of the army. Note that only actual
units count towards the break total, and not blips or traps. Units
included as reserves or reinforcements do count – even if they are
not actually on the table. Routed units do not count as destroyed
until they either leave the table without regrouping, or until the
game is over – at which point all routing units count as destroyed.
Finally, some units, which are defined as ‘Support’ in their special
rules, are ignored when it comes to calculating how many units an
army contains and how many units have been destroyed. Normally
this is because these units are on the battlefield in a non-combat role,
or because they are considered as irrelevant. For example, Lobototons
are simply ignored when it comes to breaking the Martian army – the
Martians regard Lobototons as expendable. However, if it comes to
counting up point values at the end of a game to determine a winner,
Support units do count their full value just like other troops.
So, to summarize, all units counts towards the size of the army
and its break point, including routed units, Reserves and
Reinforcements, but excluding:
• Free and constructed units
• Human field fortifications
• Martian static defences
• Blips and traps
• Support units
CALCULATING VICTORY
An army that is broken is defeated, but sometimes both sides will
be broken in the same turn, or perhaps the game finishes before
either side is broken. In most scenarios, specific victory conditions
apply, and, in some cases, we count the point values of the units
lost on each side to see which side has scored the highest value of
casualties. Regardless of any other victory conditions that apply,
you can always add up the point values of casualties in any game to
compare how well the opposing forces have done.
Note that if it comes to counting up points values at the end
of a game to determine a winner, all purchased units that are
destroyed count their full points value. Even Lobototons and
Support units count their full value just like other troops.

SCENARIO 0
THE ENCOUNTER
This is a very straightforward game intended to serve as an
introduction to the rules. A Martian breakthrough force has
breached the human defense lines and is sweeping towards a
vulnerable human town. Human reserves are mobilized to meet
the Martians in open battle and throw them back.
Note that you can easily play this game as Martians against
Martians or humans against humans should you wish, as already
described in the introductory text.
TERRAIN
Each player’s half of the table must include four areas of terrain.
Both players roll a die, and the highest-scoring player selects an
area of terrain from the permitted types available and places it
wholly within his half of the table at least 4" from any table edge
and at least 4" from any area of terrain already placed. The other
player does likewise, and then the players alternate choosing and
placing terrain until all eight terrain areas are placed.
Terrain areas for this scenario can include low ruins, light
woodland, marshes, and hills.
INTRODUCTORY GAME SET-UP
If you are playing your first game, set up the forces as follows. The
players must alternately deploy one entire unit at a time, starting
with the player whose army has the most units. Once one army
has been set up in its entirety, the other player can deploy the rest
of his army. If both armies have the same number of units, roll a
die to decide which begins to deploy first.
All units must be deployed within 6" of the player’s own table
edge. No units can be hidden or set in ambush. No units can be
kept as reserves or designated as reinforcements in this scenario.
Both armies are deployed on the table in their entirety.
STANDARD SET-UP
If you have already played before and have a good grasp of the
rules, then set up as follows. The players must alternately deploy
one entire unit at a time (this can be a single blip counter),
starting with the player whose army has the most units, until
one army has been set up in its entirety, at which point the other
player can deploy the rest of his army.
Martian units must be deployed within 6" of the player’s own
table edge. The human player can set up any of his infantry
or artillery units hidden within his own half of the table, as
described in the rules for hidden units. One human infantry
unit can alternatively be set up in ambush in a terrain feature
151
PLAYING THE GAME
within the player’s half of the table, as described in the
ambush rules. Any units not hidden or set up in ambush at the
start of the game must be deployed within 6" of the player’s
table edge. No units can be kept as reserves or designated as
reinforcements in this scenario.
OBJECTIVE
Each side must try to break the other by destroying as many
opposing units as possible.
GAME DURATION
The game ends if at the end of either player’s turn either side’s
army is broken.
If neither side has won by the time both sides have played six
turns, roll a die. On a score of 1-5, the game ends, and on a score
of 6-10, each side plays one more turn.
VICTORY
If the game is ended because one side breaks, then the other side
has won. If both armies should happen to break in the same turn,
or neither side is broken at the end of the game, count up the
point values of units destroyed on each side. The side that has
destroyed the greatest value of enemy units is the winner. Should
both sides have lost exactly the same value, the game is a draw.
Designer’s Note
This is a very simple scenario and not necessarily typical
of the battles fought between the Martian invaders and
human forces. In our imagined war, humans must often
rely upon carefully-prepared defenses and the placement of
reserves. It is hard for the humans to win the introductory
game outright, because they are not allowed to set up either
hidden or in ambush. However, it is a good scenario to play
if you are learning the rules or teaching the rules to someone
else – in which case the more experienced player should take
the human side.
As the human player, be careful to make use of the terrain
you have, and try to take advantage of any long-range
artillery to knock out as many enemy units as possible
before the Martians can close in on your force. If you are
playing the Martians, you are best advised to use whatever
terrain you have to keep out of sight of enemy artillery as
you advance, but advance you must if you are to sweep the
enemy from the field.
The standard Set-up is provided for more experienced
players, allowing for hidden and ambushing units, and
this provides a relatively simple scenario that is still worth
playing and which requires very little preparation or much in
the way of specific terrain or forces.
 SCENARIO 1
THE OUTSKIRTS
A roving band of Martian war machines is heading towards the
ruined outskirts of a city occupied by human forces. The human
troops deploy amongst the ruins, ready to meet and hopefully
defeat the invaders. The Martians will attempt to drive away the
humans and establish a foothold in the city.
In this scenario, the Martians are the attackers and the humans
are the defenders.
TERRAIN
The defenders’ half of the table must include six areas of low
ruins. These are selected and set up by the Human player.
Ruinous areas must be set up at least 4" from any other terrain
areas, and either wholly within the defender’s half of the table or
straddling the center line.
Once the terrain has been positioned in the defenders’ half of the
table, the Martian player must place three areas of terrain. These
can be chosen from low ruins, light woodland, marshes and hills.
Terrain areas must be set up at least 4" from any other terrain
areas and wholly within the attackers’ half of the table.
Once both players have placed their terrain, any terrain areas that
are straddling the center line are ‘disputed’ and must be diced
for. Each player rolls a die for the disputed terrain feature, and
the highest scoring player can move the feature up to 6" in any
direction, making sure there is at least 4" remain between terrain
areas as he does so.
152
SET-UP
The humans are defending the battlefield and must set up their
entire army in the defenders’ half of the table before any Martians
are deployed. In this scenario, any human infantry, artillery or
vehicle/tank units can be deployed hidden as described in the
hidden Set-up rules. Up to three infantry units can alternatively be
set up in ambush in terrain features within the defender’s Set-up
zone, or straddling the center line, one unit per terrain feature,
as described in the ambush rules. In addition to his troops, the
defender may position two traps in terrain areas that are within the
defender’s Set-up zone, or straddling the center line, as described
in the trap rules. Note that traps can be set up in the same terrain
areas as ambushing units – the ambushing units are aware of the
traps, having most likely laid them – and are only waiting for the
enemy to stumble into the snare before they pounce.
Once the human army has deployed, the Martians must set up
at least half their units along the attackers’ table edge with all
models/bases touching the edge as far as possible. Any Martian
units not set up at the start of the battle are automatically placed
in reserve and can be brought onto the battlefield in subsequent
turns as described in the reserves rules. No units are designated
as reinforcements in this battle.
OBJECTIVE
The Martians must try to move as many of their units as they can
into the human force’s Set-up zone. The humans must try to stop
them without losing too many troops.
GAME DURATION
The game ends if at the end of any player’s turn, either side is broken.
If neither side has won by the time both sides have played six
turns, roll a die. On a score of 1-5, the game ends, and on a score
of 6-10, each side plays one more turn.
VICTORY
The Martians must have at least one Tripod unit wholly in the
human Set-up zone to claim victory in this battle. If there are
no Tripods in the human Set-up zone by the end of the battle,
the best result the Martians can get is a draw. Any result that
would otherwise give a Martian victory counts as a draw if the
Martians have no Tripods within the human Set-up zone at the
end of the game.
If one side is broken, the other side wins the game (remembering
that Martians must have at least one Tripod in the enemy’s table
half to claim victory). If both sides are broken, the result is a
draw. If the humans are broken but the Martians fail to get a
Tripod into the human table half, the result is a draw.
If neither side is broken at the end of the game, the Martians win
if they have at least one Tripod for every two human units wholly
inside the defenders’ Set-up area at the end of play. For example,
if the Martians have 3 Tripods in the enemy Set-up zone, they
win if the humans have 6 or fewer units left within their set-up
area. If the Martians have too few units inside the human player’s
Set-up area to win, the human player wins.

SCENARIO 2
THE BUNKERS
The Martians are advancing through hills and woods that
separate the Martian redoubts from human settlements. As they
advance, they encounter outlying defenses consisting of bunkers
and entrenchments.
In this scenario, the Martians are the attackers and the humans
are the defenders.
TERRAIN
The defenders’ half of the table must include six areas of light
woodland, hills or wooded hills. These are selected and set up by
the human player. Terrain areas must be set up at least 4" from
any other terrain areas and either wholly within the defenders’
half of the table or straddling the center line.
Once the defender has positioned his terrain, the Martian player
must place four areas of woods, hills, or wooded hills in the attackers’
half of the table. Terrain areas must be set up at least 4" from any
other terrain areas and wholly within the attackers’ half of the table.
Once both players have placed their terrain, any terrain areas that
are straddling the center line are ‘disputed’ and must be diced
for. Each player rolls a die for the disputed terrain feature, and
the highest scoring player can move the feature up to 6" in any
direction, making sure there remains at least 4" between terrain
areas as he does so.
Once the other terrain has been set up, the human player must
position three areas of field fortifications. These are essentially
bunkers with short stretches of associated trenches. These can be
placed anywhere within 6" of the table’s center line in either player’s
half of the table, and at least 12" apart. Each field fortification covers
an area roughly 6" x 6". Field fortifications can be set up as close to, or
within, other areas of terrain if you wish, in which case the whole area
counts as a single terrain area for purposes of ambushes, traps, etc.
Once three field fortifications have been set up as described, the
human player can choose to add up to three further areas of field
fortifications. These must be paid for from his points total at a
cost of 75 points per field fortification – reducing the value of
his army by removing units to meet the cost, if necessary. Field
fortifications purchased in this way must be positioned on the
table wholly within the player’s Set-up zone, more than 6" from
the center line, and at least 12" from other field fortifications (i.e.
forming a second line of defenses behind the first).
SET-UP
The human deployment zone includes the entire human half of
the table behind the center line, plus any area in the attacker’s half
of the table covered by field fortifications.
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PLAYING THE GAME
The humans are defending the battlefield and must set up their
entire army on the table in their deployment zone before any
Martians are deployed. Any human infantry, artillery or vehicle/
tank units can be deployed hidden as described in the hidden-set
rules. One infantry unit can alternatively be set up in ambush
in a terrain area that is wholly or partially within the defenders’
Set-up zone, as described in the ambush rules. In addition to
his troops, the defender may position two traps in terrain areas
that are wholly or partially within the defenders’ Set-up zone, as
described in the trap rules. Note that traps can be set up in the
same terrain areas as an ambushing unit.
Once the human army has deployed, the Martians must set
up at least half their units along the attackers’ table edge. Any
Martian units not set up at the start of the battle are automatically
placed in reserve and can be brought on to the battlefield in
subsequent turns (see page 69). No units can be designated as
reinforcements in this battle.
OBJECTIVE
The Martians must try to eliminate the human defenses. The
humans must try to stop them without losing too many troops.
GAME DURATION
The game ends if at the end of any player’s turn, either side is broken.
If neither side has won by the time both sides have played six
turns, roll a die. On a score of 1-5, the game ends, and on a score
of 6-10, each side plays one more turn.
VICTORY
The Martians must attempt to clear the three field fortifications
within 6" of the center line to win this game. Only these field
fortifications count for purposes of winning the game; field
fortifications added to the defender’s half of the table at extra cost
are not included.
If there are no human units wholly within any of these three field
fortifications at the end of the game, the Martians win as long as
the Martian army is not broken. In this case, if the Martian army
is broken the result is a draw.
If there are human units wholly within any of these three field
fortifications at the end of the game, the humans win as long as
the human army is not broken. In this case, if the Human army is
broken the result is a draw.
 SCENARIO 3
THE CYLINDER
A Martian cylinder had fallen far from its intended landing zone in
the desert close to a human military outpost. The local commander
has sent a force to intercept the cylinder and destroy it before the
Martians can establish themselves or send reinforcements.
In this scenario, the humans are the attackers and the Martians
are the defenders.
154
TERRAIN
This battle takes place in the dangerously open and exposed
desert where the Martian cylinder had landed. No terrain is used
and the human player must rely on speed, daring and luck to
achieve his aim.
SET-UP
The attacking human forces begin the game off the table
and move onto the battlefield during the first human turn,
measuring their first move from the attackers’ table edge.
Any units not moved onto the table in the first turn are
automatically placed in reserve.
The Martian player begins the game with a Cylinder (see below).
The Martian player can position the Cylinder anywhere within
 PLAYING THE GAME

the defender’s half of the table at least 6" from any table edge. Up
to three Constructor Engines purchased as part of the army in the
normal way can be deployed within 6" of the cylinder and within
the defender’s half of the table, but all other Martian forces must
be kept as reinforcements.
Anything completed during a combat phase can do nothing that
turn, but is fully activated at the conclusion of the turn on the
spot where the build point marker is placed. In the case of Heat
Ray Fencing, place one length of fence on this spot and arrange
the other two lengths on either side to make a continuous length.

Martian reinforcements begin the game off the table and move onto Construction Points To Build
the battlefield as and when indicated in the reinforcement rules. Heat Ray Fencing 1 point for 3 lengths
Power Node 1 point
OBJECTIVE Sentinel with Heat Ray 2 points (up to a max. of 6)
The Martians must try to defeat or drive away the humans Assault Tripod with Heat Ray 4 points (up to a max. of 3)
before the attackers can destroy the fallen cylinder. The Humans
must try to destroy the cylinder and its cargo before they are
overwhelmed by Martian reinforcements. THE CYLINDER
The Martians travel to earth in huge metallic cylinders that carry
a number of Martians together with the prefabricated parts from
GAME DURATION which they make their various machines and begin to build
The game ends if at the end of any player’s turn, the cylinder is defenses. In this scenario, the Martians have had time to assemble
destroyed or if either side is broken. up to three Constructor Machines, though the Martian player
does not have to take advantage of this if he prefers to rely upon his
If the game has not ended by the by the time both sides have reinforcements alone. The Cylinder can be attacked and potentially
played six turns, then roll a die. On a score of 1-5, the game ends, destroyed by the humans and has stats as follows. Note that with
and on a score of 6-10, each side plays one more turn. the Cylinder’s Armor rating of 14, the human player will have to
take at least some units capable of cracking open the Cylinder
before it becomes vulnerable to other weapons.
VICTORY
If the Cylinder is destroyed, the human player wins the game
regardless of any other considerations. Cylinder
Type Speed Defense Armor Special
If the Cylinder is not destroyed, the Martians win, as long as Exceptional None 2 14 See below
there are no human units within 6" of the Cylinder. Weaponry Range Power Special
None – – –
If the Cylinder is not destroyed and there are human units within
6" of the Cylinder at the end of the game, the result is a draw.
Cylinder
CONSTRUCTION If the Cylinder suffers one or more points of damage from a unit’s
Any Martian Constructor Engines deployed with the Cylinder shooting or assault, it is not automatically destroyed. Instead,
at the start of the game can build machines or defenses in the roll a die and consult the Cylinder Damage Resolution Chart. If
following way. the Cylinder has suffered more than one point of damage, add
+1 to the die roll for each additional point of damage scored. For
Constructor Engines can only build if they are within 12" of the example, if a Cylinder has taken three points of damage, roll a die
Cylinder. Each Constructor Engine can build 1 ‘point’ in each and add +2. Note that a Cylinder cannot be destroyed by a single
combat phase, two machines touching can work together and point of damage inflicted by an attacking unit; a minimum of two
build up to 2 points, and three working together can build up to points have to be scored by an attacking unit because a roll of 11
3 points. Markers, such as tiddlywinks, can be used to represent or more is needed to destroy it. Cylinders are tough!
build points – or use an ordinary die as a marker to keep a tally.
Place your marker next to the Constructor Engine to mark the
spot where the construction is taking place. Cylinder DAMAGE RESOLUTIOn CHART
Score Result
Points can be accumulated from turn to turn to build more and 1-10 The Cylinder is damaged and its Armor stat is
bigger machines, but only if the Constructor Engine(s) remain
permanently reduced by 1.
stationary throughout the turn. If all the Constructor Engines
that are working on a construction are destroyed, regardless of 11+ The Cylinder is destroyed.
the cause, incomplete constructions are also destroyed. If all
Construction Engines abandon an uncompleted construction
at any time, whether because they are destroyed or because Damage caused upon a Cylinder can be repaired by a Constructor
they move away, the construction is destroyed. At least one Engine using its standard Repair rule, but only up to a maximum
Constructor Engine must remain with a part-built construction, Armor stat of 10. A Cylinder reduced to an Armor value of 10, 11, 12
working upon it and not moving, until it is complete. or 13 cannot be repaired. Cylinders reduced to 0 Armor are destroyed.

155
 SCENARIO 4
THE HARVEST
A Martian force has broken through the human lines and is harvesting
captives that will be transformed into Lobototon troops, rendered
into nutrients to feed the growing brood of Martians, or used in some
other fashion to further the Martians’ diabolic ends. Human troops are
dispatched to hunt down the Martians and drive them away, or at least
win enough time for the bulk of the civilian population to flee to safety.
In this game, the Martians are attackers and humans are defenders.
TERRAIN
To begin, the human player selects three areas of terrain chosen
from light woodland, hills, marshes and low ruins. The human player
positions this terrain as follows: one terrain area must be set up
straddling the center line, and the remaining terrain areas must be set
up wholly within the defender’s half of the table, at least 4" from any
other terrain areas and at least 9" from the defender’s own base edge.
Once the terrain has been positioned in the defenders’ half of the
table, the Martian player must place three areas of terrain in the
attackers’ half of the table. These can also be chosen from light
woodland, hills, marshes and low ruins. Terrain areas must be set up
at least 4" from any other terrain areas, at least 6" from the Martian
table edge, and wholly within the attackers’ half of the table.
Once both players have placed their terrain, the terrain area that is
straddling the center line is ‘disputed’ and must be diced for. Each
player rolls a die for the disputed terrain feature, and the highest
scoring player can move the feature up to 6" in any direction, making
sure that at least 4" remain between terrain areas as he does so.
SET-UP
For each area of terrain in turn, the human player places five human
Civilian elements entirely within the terrain area and at least 1" apart
(remember they are individual units and so must keep this distance
apart as per the standard rule). These are the human civilians that
the Martians must attempt to capture and which the humans must
attempt to rescue. Each Civilian element is an individual unit.
Civilians are part of the human side, although they are unarmed
of course, and cost no points! Civilians do not count towards the
human army for purposes of calculating whether the army is broken.
Once Civilians have been placed, the Martian player must set up
the entire Martian army within 6" of the attacker’s table edge.
Once the Martian army has deployed, the human player must set
up half of his units within 6" of the defender’s table edge (round
down if an odd number). Human units not set up at the start of the
battle are automatically placed in reserve and can be brought on
to the battlefield in subsequent turns, as described in the Reserves
rules. No units are designated as reinforcements in this battle.
156
OBJECTIVE
The Martians must try to capture as many human civilian
elements as they can, and to kill those they cannot capture. The
human player must attempt to save as many civilian elements
as he can, and prevent the Martians carrying off their prisoners
where possible.
To take captives, the Martian player must include one or more
Gatherer Tripods in his army. He will also have to include Tripods
or drones equipped with Reaper Tentacles – for example Harvester
Tripods – in order to assault and either kill or capture Civilians.
If a Martian Tripod assaults and destroys Civilians, these are
automatically transferred as ‘live captives’ to a Gatherer Tripod
within 6". If there is no Gatherer Tripod within 6", any Civilian
elements destroyed simply become casualties and are ‘dead.’ Bear
in mind that only Tripods and drones armed with Reaper Tentacles
or Reaper Claws can make an assault, so the Martian player must
include at least some Harvester and Gatherer Tripods to undertake
this scenario with any hope of success.
Make a note of the number of captives held by each Gatherer
Tripod. If a Gatherer Tripod is destroyed, any captives it has are
also destroyed. If a Gatherer Tripod leaves the table, any captives
it carries are prisoners of the Martians.
At the end of the game, any Civilians held captive by a Gatherer
Tripod become Martian prisoners.
Any Civilians that leave the battle from the human player’s table
edge are saved. As the human player can move Civilian elements
in his turn, it will be relatively easy to save those close to the table
edge, and less easy to save those closer to the Martian table edge.
Civilians that are either destroyed or which are still on the table
at the end of the game are neither captured nor saved and count
for neither side.
GAME DURATION
The game ends if at the end of any player’s turn there are no
Civilian elements left on the table, or if either side’s army is broken.
If the game has not ended by the time both sides have played six
turns, roll a die. On a score of 1-5, the game ends, and on a score
of 6-10, each side plays one more turn.
VICTORY
The Martian player wins if the Martian army is not broken and
he captures more Civilian elements than the human player
saves. If the Martian army is broken and the Martians have more
prisoners than saved Civilians, the result is a draw.
The human player wins if the human army is not broken and he
saves more Civilian elements than the Martians capture. If the
human army is broken and the humans have more saved Civilians
than prisoners, the result is a draw.
In the event that the number of captives and the number of saved
elements is the same, then if one side is broken and the other is
not, the unbroken side wins, otherwise the result is a draw.

SCENARIO 5
THE FORTRESS
The defenses of the Mississippi are the most formidable of many
similar defense works raised behind America’s biggest rivers and
around American cities. Martians wading beneath the water and
mounting a concerted attack upon the Memphis Bastion finally
succeeded in breaching the Mississippi defenses. In this game,
the Martians mount an attack from the water against human
fortifications and must overcome the defenders and break through.
In this game the Martians are the attackers and the humans are
the defenders.
TERRAIN
The Martians must mount their attack across a river whose
shallow edge and muddy banks lie along the attackers’ edge of
the board and extend 12" onto the table. The main, deep-water
part of the river lies beyond the table itself. The riverbank forms
a continuous zone of boggy or muddy ground. The rest of the
attackers’ half of the table is empty.
The defenders’ half of the table includes a fortress wall that runs
from one side to the other immediately behind the center line.
This fortress wall cannot be crossed except where a section
is breached, after which it counts as an area of low ruins (see
Defense Works on page 73).
The human player can choose to position up to three field
fortifications within the defenders’ half of the table, behind the
fortress wall, if purchased separately as part of his forces. Field
fortifications cost 75 points each – and the player must reduce the
value of his army by removing units to meet the cost if necessary.
These can be placed anywhere behind the fortress wall at least 12"
apart. Each field fortification covers an area roughly 6" x 6".
SET-UP
The human player must set up his entire army within the
defenders’ half of the table. Infantry and/or artillery can be
positioned on the fortress wall itself, taking up positions within
the wall’s defenses. Remaining infantry/artillery and all other
kinds of troops must be set up behind the wall. Any human
infantry, artillery or vehicle/tank units can be deployed hidden
as described in the hidden rules. Units can be deployed hidden
on the fortress wall, if desired. No units are designated as
reinforcements in this battle.
Once the human army has deployed, the Martians must set up at
least half their units along the attackers’ table edge with all elements
touching the edge. Any Martian units not set up at the start of the
battle are automatically placed in reserve and can be brought onto
the battlefield in subsequent turns, as described in the reserves rules.
No units are designated as reinforcements in this battle.
157
PLAYING THE GAME
OBJECTIVE
The Martians must try to overcome the fortress defenses and
reach the opposing player’s table edge. As soon as one Martian
Tripod leaves the battlefield by the human player’s edge, the
Martians have won. The humans must try to prevent the Martians
from breaking through.
GAME DURATION
The game ends once one side is broken, or as soon as a Martian
Tripod leaves the table by the defender’s table edge. Note that
field fortifications purchased as part of the human army are not
units and are ignored for purposes of determining whether the
army is broken.
If the game has not ended by the time both sides have played six
turns, roll a die. On a score of 1-5, the game ends, and on a score
of 6-10, each side plays one more turn.
VICTORY
If the Martian player gets one or more Tripods off the opposing
table edge, the Martians win.
If the Martians fail to get at least one Tripod off the opposing
table edge, the human player wins, as long as the human army is
not broken. Note that field fortifications purchased as part of the
human army are not considered units for purposes of breaking
the army!
If neither side can claim an outright victory as described above,
the result is a draw.
If you wish to play this game as an assault upon a city,
replace the river with areas of towering ruins, low ruins,
and boggy ground representing abandoned suburbs and
flooded defense works. Leave at least 4" between these areas
to allow the Martians to move through. Big cities are often
surrounded by several concentric rings of fortress walls,
sometimes linked by tunnels and covered roadways to allow
troops to move easily between them.
 SCENARIO 6
THE RESCUE
With the development of reconnaissance aircraft, American
forces gained their first significant advantage over the invaders.
Airmen were able to observe Martian forces and positions with
relative impunity. The natural hazards of flight are a considerable
obstacle alone, and inevitably many aircraft are lost to accidents,
weather, and mechanical failure. In this scenario, an airplane of
the Signal Corp’s Aeronautical Division has crashed amongst
dense terrain on its way back from photographing Martian
positions. Its crew are either dead or injured. Both human and
Martian forces race towards the wreckage to recover whatever
secrets it contains.
In this game, both sides must attack to achieve their objectives.
TERRAIN
The table must include ten areas of terrain, including at least
three hills and at least three areas of light woodland, and can
otherwise include marshes, boulder-strewn or similar rocky,
craggy or steep ground, or low ruins.
The players take turns positioning the terrain, and can place
terrain in either half of the table or straddling the center line.
158
Terrain areas must be set up at least 4" from any other terrain
areas already placed.
Once the terrain has been placed, each player can reposition
one item of terrain that lies wholly within his half of the table
to anywhere within his own half of the table, or he can choose
to remove it altogether. Repositioned terrain must be at least 4"
from any other terrain already on the table.
SET-UP
The crashed airplane is placed in the center of the table.
The players each roll a die, and the highest score can decide to
deploy first or second.
Up to half the units from each side can be deployed along their
side’s table edge with all elements touching the table edge. Any
units not set up at the start of the battle become reinforcements
and arrive onto the battlefield in subsequent turns, as described in
the reinforcements rules. No units are kept in reserve in this game.
Once the first player has deployed his force, the second player
deploys in the same fashion, keeping back those units not
deployed as reinforcements.
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to recover the camera from the wreckage of the
airplane and carry it off the player’s table edge.
Any element that moves into touch with the wreckage of the
aircraft can take the camera automatically and complete its move.
Once taken, the element carries the camera until the element is
destroyed. If the element carrying the camera is destroyed, the
camera is dropped on that spot and can be picked up again by
any other element in the same fashion. If an element carrying the
camera is destroyed by means of an assault, one of the elements
in the opposing enemy unit captures it (the capturing player
selects which one).
GAME DURATION
The game ends if at the end of any player’s turn, the camera has
been carried off either player’s table edge, or if either army is
broken.
If the game has not ended by the time both sides have played
six turns, roll a die. On a score of 1-5, the game ends, and on the
score of 6-10, each side plays one more turn.
VICTORY
If the camera has been carried off the table at the end of the game,
that side wins.
Otherwise, the side that is carrying the camera at the end of the
game wins as long as it is within its own table half and the army is
not broken.
If no side can claim victory, the result is a draw.

SCENARIO 7
THE RUINS
A city destroyed by the Martians has been reoccupied by its
human defenders. The defenders have constructed a network of
tunnels, concealed fire-pits, and booby-traps to catch marauding
Tripods. The Martians must attempt to root out the defenders.
This scenario requires a great deal of terrain in the form of ruined
buildings and is, essentially, a fight over ruins that extend over the
entire playing area.
In this game the Martians are the attackers and the humans are
the defenders.
TERRAIN
The table must include twelve areas of ruins, up to six of which
can be hills with ruins on top. The ruins can include up to three
areas of towering ruins, but are otherwise low ruins.
Starting with the Martian player, the players take it in turns to
select and position an area of terrain from those available. An area
of terrain can be placed in either half of the table or straddling the
center line. Terrain areas must be set up at least 4" from any other
terrain areas already placed.
Once all the terrain has been placed, each player can reposition
one item of terrain that lies wholly within his half of the table to
anywhere within his own half of the table. Repositioned terrain
must be at least 4" from any other terrain already placed.
SET-UP
The humans are defending the battlefield and must set up their
entire army before any Martians are deployed. Human units can be
deployed anywhere on the table, including in the attackers’ table
half if they wish, but not within 6" of the attackers’ table edge.
159
PLAYING THE GAME
Any human infantry, artillery and vehicle/tank units can be
deployed hidden as described in the hidden rules. Up to three
infantry units can alternatively be set up in ambush, as described
in the ambush rules. The defender may position three traps in
terrain areas anywhere on the table, as described in the trap rules.
Note that it is allowed to have an ambush and trap in the same
terrain area.
Once the human army has deployed, the Martians must set up
at least half their units along the attackers’ table edge, with all
elements touching the edge. Any Martian units not set up at the
start of the battle are automatically placed in reserve and can be
brought onto the battlefield in subsequent turns, as described in
the reserves rules. No units are designated as reinforcements in
this battle.
OBJECTIVE
The Martians must try to destroy the human defenders and drive
them from the ruins.
GAME DURATION
The game ends if at the end of any player’s turn, either side is
broken.
If the game has not ended by the time both sides have played six
turns, roll a die. On a score of 1-5, the game ends, and on a score
of 6-10, each side plays one more turn.
VICTORY
If one side is broken and the other is not, the unbroken side wins.
If both sides are broken, the result is a draw.
If neither side is broken, the Martians win if they have at least one
Tripod for every two human units wholly inside the defenders’
half of the table at the end of the game. For example, if the
Martians have 3 Tripods in the enemy half of the table, they will
win if the humans have 6 or fewer units left within their half of
the table. If neither side is broken and the Martians have too
few units inside the human player’s half of the table to win, the
human player wins.
 SCENARIO 8
THE FOUNDER
A Founder Tripod escorted by a large Martian force is making
its way across a region recently abandoned by human forces.
Aerial observers report the progress of the Founder Tripod.
Military intelligence suggests the Martians are about to establish
a Redoubt in this newly-conquered territory. An expedition is
dispatched to meet and destroy the Founder Tripod before it can
begin its work.
In this game, the humans are the attackers and the Martians are
the defenders.
TERRAIN
Each half of the table must include four areas of terrain. Terrain
can be light woodland, hills, lightly wooded hills or marshes.
Starting with the Martian player, the players take turns selecting
160
and placing an area of terrain from those available. A player must
place terrain wholly within his own half of the table. Terrain must
be set up at least 4" from other terrain already placed and at least
4" from any table edge.
SET-UP
In this scenario, the Martian army includes a single Founder
Tripod for free. It cannot include other Founder Tripods.
The Martian player sets up first and must deploy at least half his
units, including the Founder Tripod, along the Martian table
edge. All elements must touch the table edge. Any Martians units
not set up at the start of the battle are automatically placed in
reserve and can be brought onto the battlefield in subsequent
turns, as described in the Reserves rules.
Once the Martian player has set up his forces, the human player
can deploy up to half his units along the human table edge with
all elements touching the table edge. Any human units not set
up at the start of the battle are automatically placed in reserve
and can be brought onto the battlefield in subsequent turns, as
described in the reserves rules.
No units are designated as reinforcements in this battle.
OBJECTIVE
The Martians must try to move their Founder Tripod off the
human table edge, or at least prevent its destruction. The humans
must try to destroy the Founder Tripod or at least prevent it from
leaving the battlefield by the human player’s edge by the end of
the game.
GAME DURATION
The game ends at the end of any player’s turn if the Founder
Tripod is either destroyed or has left the table by the human
player’s table edge, or if either side is broken.
Note that the Founder Tripod itself does not count for purposes
of determining whether the Martian army is broken (because it is
a free unit – and free units never count towards this).
If the game has not ended by the time both sides have played six
turns, roll a die. On a score of 1-5, the game ends, and on a score
of 6-10, each side plays one more turn.
VICTORY
The Martian player wins if he can move his Founder Tripod off
the opposing human player’s table edge before it is destroyed.
The human player wins if he can destroy the Founder Tripod
before it can move off the human player’s table edge, or if the
Founder Tripod leaves the table by any other table edge (whether
deliberately or otherwise!).
If none of the above applies, then if one army is broken at the end
of the game and the other army is not, the unbroken army is the
winner. In any other situation, the game is a draw.

SCENARIO 9
THE EXCAVATION
Aerial observers have discovered Martians busily building a new
Redoubt. Human forces are sent to destroy the Martians before
they can complete their excavations.
In this game, the humans are attackers and the Martians are defenders.
TERRAIN
The table includes eight areas of terrain, including three Martian pits
in the defender’s half of the table. Martian pits are areas of cratered or
pitted ground. Other terrain can be hills or light woodland.
Starting with the Martian player, the players take it in turns to
position areas of terrain from the terrain available. Players can place
terrain in either half of the table or straddling the center line. Martian
pits can only be positioned wholly within the defender’s half of the
table, but can be placed by either player. Terrain areas must be set up
at least 4" from any other terrain areas already placed.
SET-UP
To begin with, the Martian player must set up any static defenses
included in his force within the Martian pits on his side of the table.
The Martian player can deploy any Constructor Engines he has
included in his force anywhere within his own half of the table. No
other Martian forces are placed on the table at the start of the game.
All other Martian forces are reinforcements (see the reinforcement
rules on page 69). In this game, reinforcements can deploy onto the
table edge in the usual way for reinforcements, or they can deploy
directly into any of the Martian pits, as long as there are no human
elements in the pit. If a pit has at least one human element within
it, Martian reinforcements cannot deploy into that pit even if the
humans have not captured it, as described below.
Once the Martian player has set up the forces available to him,
the human player can deploy up to half his units along the human
table edge with all elements touching the table edge. Any human
units not set-up at the start of the battle are automatically placed
in reserve and can be brought on to the battlefield in subsequent
turns as described in the reserves rules.
OBJECTIVE
The humans must attempt to stop the Martians from completing
their excavations by capturing and holding all three Martian pits.
A pit is captured if there is at least one human element in the pit
and no Martian elements in the pit at the end of a turn. It remains
captured only as long as there is at least one human element in
the pit and no Martian elements in the pit at the end of a player’s
turn. A pit can potentially be captured, lost to the Martians, and
recaptured throughout the game, but only counts as captured
161
PLAYING THE GAME
if occupied by at least one human element and no Martian
elements at the end of a player’s turn as described.
GAME DURATION
The game ends if at the end of any player’s turn, all three pits are
captured by the human player, or if either army is broken. If the
game has not ended the by the time both sides have played six
turns, roll a die. On a score of 1-5, the game ends, and on a score
of 6-10, each side plays one more turn.
VICTORY
If all three pits are captured by the human player at the end of the
game, the human player wins.
The Martians win if the human player has captured no pits when
the game ends.
If neither of the above applies, and if one army is broken and the
other is not, the unbroken army has won.
If no army can claim victory at the end of the game, the result is a draw.
CONSTRUCTION
The only mobile units the Martian player can deploy at the
start of the game are Constructor Engines. In this scenario,
Constructor Engines can build other units. They can only build if
they are within 12" of a Martian pit that has not been captured by
the humans. Each Constructor Engine can build 1 ‘point’ in each
combat phase, two machines touching can work together and
build up to 2 points, and three working together can build up to 3
points. Markers can be used to represent build points – or use an
ordinary die as a marker to keep a tally. Place your marker next to
the Constructor Engine to mark the spot where the construction
is taking place.
Points can be accumulated from turn to turn to build more and
bigger machines, but only if the Constructor Engine(s) remain
stationary throughout the turn. If all the Constructor Engines
that are working on a construction are destroyed, regardless of
the cause, incomplete constructions are also destroyed. If all
Construction Engines abandon an uncompleted construction
at any time, whether because they are destroyed or because
they move away, the construction is destroyed. At least one
Constructor Engine must remain with a part-built construction,
working upon it and not moving, until it is complete.
Anything completed during a combat phase can do nothing that
turn, but is fully activated at the conclusion of the turn on the
spot where the build point marker is placed. In the case of Heat
Ray Fencing, place one length of fence on this spot and arrange
the other two lengths on either side to make a continuous length.
Construction Points To Build
Heat Ray Fencing 1 point for 3 lengths
Power Node 1 point
Sentinel with Heat Ray 2 points (up to a max. of 6)
Assault Tripod with Heat Ray 4 points (up to a max. of 3)
 SCENARIO 10
THE REDOUBT
The Martians’ grip upon the Earth is secured by means of
gigantic bases dug into the ground and tunnelled into the
bedrock. From these bases, the Martians mine for raw materials,
build their war machines, herd human captives, and raise fresh
generations of conquerors. Like an ants’ nest, a Redoubt conceals
a network of tunnels and caverns, the extent and purpose of
which is impossible to observe. Above ground, the Redoubt takes
the form of a crater whose rim is raised high with the spoil of
Martian excavation. In this game, a human assault force attempts
to mount an attack upon a Redoubt.
In this scenario, the humans are the attackers and the Martians
are the defenders.
162
TERRAIN
The attackers’ half of the table contains four terrain areas chosen
from either hills or patches of red weed ‘woods.’ The defending
player places these in the attackers’ half of the table anywhere at
least 4" from any table edge and from each other.
The defenders’ half of the table includes the rim of the redoubt,
extending from one side to the other immediately behind the
center line. The rim is 6" wide and counts as difficult ground.
Aside from Tripods and other Martian machines, any units from
either side attempting to move on the crater rim must test to
determine if they become stuck or bogged down, as described in
the rules for Martian Redoubts (see page 74).
SET-UP
The Martian player must set up any static defenses he has
included in his force (Sentinels, Detectors, Power Nodes or Heat
Ray Fencing) along the crater rim. No other Martian forces are
placed on the table at the start of the game. The remainder of
the Martian army forms reinforcements that enter the battle as
described for the reinforcement rules.
Once the Martian player has set up his static defenses, the human
player must set up at least half his army along the attackers’ table
edge, with all elements touching the edge. Any human units not
set up at the start of the battle are automatically placed in reserve
and can be brought onto the battlefield in subsequent turns, as
described in the reserves rules. No human units are designated as
reinforcements in this battle.
OBJECTIVE
The humans must try to overcome the Martian defenses and
reach the opposing player’s table edge. As soon as one human
unit leaves the battlefield by the Martian player’s edge, the
humans have won. The Martians must try to prevent the humans
from breaking through.
GAME DURATION
The game ends as soon as one human unit leaves the table by the
opposing defender’s table edge, or if either side is broken at the
end of any turn.
If the game has not ended by the time both sides have played six
turns, roll a die. On a score of 1-5, the game ends, and on a score
of 6-10, each side plays one more turn.
VICTORY
If the human player gets one or more units off the opposing table
edge, the humans win.
If the humans fail to get at least one unit off the opposing table
edge, the Martian player wins, as long as the Martian army is
not broken.
If neither side can claim an outright victory as described above,
the result is a draw.
 PLAYING THE GAME

163
 THE COLOR
OF WAR
Painting and Modeling the World
of All Quiet on the Martian Front
★★★★★

All Quiet on the Martian Front can be as easy or as challenging
as you would like when it comes to painting and modeling.
The basic colors of the US Army and the Martian Machines
allows for great results quickly. If you want to go farther,
recreating diverse color schemes and the battlefields of
North America can provide hours of good quality hobby
time. We have deliberately chosen a slightly larger take on
the traditional 15 mm miniature to take advantage of the
huge amount of HO scale model railroad terrain. While
we provide lots of modeling and hobby support on our
website at Alien Dungeon, the following pages are offered
for inspiration.

164
 The Color of War

PAINTING A TRIPOD
BASICS
After assembling our Tripods, we gave
them a coat of grey primer. After that
dries thoroughly, we have found Testor’s
1455 Gun Metal Spray to be an excellent
foundation for “Martian Metal”. We
sprayed the whole thing and then let it
dry before moving on. We painted deep
recesses black and used Vallejo Oily Steel
on various edges of the tripod to give it
some highlights. Additional lighter silver
colors can go on top of this as highlights
as well. We sometimes use earth colored
ink washes on the lower legs or “feet”
to make it look as if our tripod has been
stomping about through mud and dust.
We like to make our tentacles and arms
a bit darker. To do that, once everything
else is painted, we applied a black wash
to those parts that’s half paint and half
water. The “body” of Heat Ray projectors
is black with bright silver details and a
red tipped lens. We highlighted the red
lens with a bit of orange and gloss coated
it once everything else was completed.

THE EYE
We painted our eye dark red, then bright
red leaving just a little bit of the dark all
around the edge. We then painted a dark
green line in a crescent shape along the left
side. A very bright green, used sparingly,
was applied in little horizontal dashes
over the dark green. We painted the center
black and added a tiny dot of yellow on the
opposite and upper side of the eye from our
green stripe. After all other steps are done,
we gave the eye two coats of clear gloss.

REAPER TENTACLES
After we have given the tentacles the
overall highlight treatment as described
above for the entire tripod, we painted the
tips of the tentacles all the way back to
the last barb with very bright silver. We
really liked using paint markers for this as
you can get an almost chrome like finish.
Once that is dry, we put some fresh red on
the end and then gave the tip an ink wash
with some suitable dried blood color.

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The Color of War

PAINTING TANKS
Painting tanks can be quick and easy. Here are four basic steps we used when in a hurry.

1 Assemble your model according to the instructions

packed with it or found on our website. It is best to
start with a nice even surface for all your painting,
so we recommend a coat of primer on everything. We
used light grey for most machines. Remember, when
using spray paints, to make sure it is done in a well
ventilated area.

2 The fastest way to get your tank or war machine painted

is to spray them with a base color. We used Testor’s
Olive drab spray here. You can, of course, use any base
color you want. The Colors of War section on vehicle
variants can give you some ideas as can a search for tank
colors on the internet. Even though All Quiet is set in
the WW1 era, don’t be afraid to experiment with later
military vehicle paint schemes.

3 Paint all your solid color work now. Gun barrels,

MGs, etc. We used a solid dark brown for our tracks.
Once all of your solid colors are done, you can paint the
whole tank in a wash of watered down black or brown
paint. You want this thick enough to flow into nooks
and cracks, but thin enough it doesn’t show much on
the flat surfaces.

4 The detail work you choose to do on your tank can make

a good model great. Start by choosing some markings.
These can be the decals from us or make up your own
with off the shelf transfers. The really bold hobbyist can
paint them on directly. After the markings are done,
highlight the edges of hatches and panels with the base
color mixed with a little white. We also used powdered
chalks to dirty things up. The goal here is to make them
look like they have fought hard on the battlefield but not
too rusted out that they can’t fight!

166
 The Color of War

THE COLOR OF WAR

HUMAN FORCES

23rd Canadian 4th US Army

9th Texas 19th Ohio

31st US 2nd Wisconsin

The only limit for what color to paint your equipment is your imagination. Here is a page showing various
schemes for different theaters and forces. While the US army followed a standard Olive Drab scheme, state militias
and local forces can deviate quite a bit.

167
The Color of War

THE COLOR OF WAR

Fleeing
CIVILIANS Civilians

& VICTIMS
Don’t forget about the human populace!
You’ll want stands of fleeing civilians
to protect or harvest for food as well as
Lobototon troops! Here are some examples
of how we painted ours.

Lobototon Slicers Lobototon Blasters

THE COLOR OF WAR

DRONE
Seen on the snow-covered
plains in Canada

Seen in the brick ruins VARIANTS

of various cities

Seen in heavily
forested regions

Martian Drones can be

painted in a variety of colors
to match you battlefields.

168
 The Color of War

THE COLOR OF WAR

BIG MACHINES
The energy, treasure, and hope that pour into the
creation and manufacture of the big human machines
are a source of great national pride for the creators.
So it should be with you too! Below are some ideas on
painting your biggest war machines to really be the
proper centerpiece of your army.

Goliath in Northern Army camouflage

A British Thunderchild II
in the Navy’s dazzle scheme

A Texas Land
Ironclad

A US Land Ironclad
in autumnal camouflage

A US Goliath in an
experimental dazzle scheme

169
The Color of War

THE COLOR OF WAR

BUILDINGS
All of the buildings, light posts, and
civilian vehicles are HO Scale model
railroad kits. They are relatively
inexpensive and easy to acquire. The
great news is that many, many models are
available for the North American Theater
of 1914. For inspiration, look at old
post cards on line to get a sense of what
America looked like in the early decades of
the last century.

170
 The Color of War

171
The Color of War

THE COLOR OF WAR

VIGNETTES
If you are so inclined, you can add some
wonderful little stories with models to
your army. The subject matter of the
Great Interplanetary War leads to all
kinds of great modeling possibilities,
large or small. These vignettes add a lot of
flavor and can be used to represent your
HQ, a supply point or other objective.

A supply scene for

the 23rd Georgia

A US tank gets
some much needed
maintenance

172
 The Color of War

173
Index

A D Hidden Units 66
Holt Gun Tractors (US) 106
Ambush 67 Damage 40 Holt Mobile Artillery Steamer (US) 92
Anti-Tripod Gun Battery (US) 91 Damage Resolution Charts 48 Hover Drones 127
Armored Command Tower (US) 112 Fortress Damage Resolution Chart 73
Armored Infantry Squad (US) 89
Armored Turrets (US) 112
Goliath Damage Resolution Chart 109
Ironclad Damage Resolution Chart 111, 145 I
Assaults 46 Overseer Damage Resolution Chart 123 Impassable Terrain 55
Damage 40 Tripod Damage Resolution Chart 48 Imperial Main Service Tank Mk I (BEF) 140
Damage Resolution Charts 48 Defense Works 72 Infantry Squad (BEF) 136
Fortress Damage Resolution Chart 73 Field Fortifications 72 Infantry Squad (US) 87
Goliath Damage Resolution Chart 109 Fortresses 73 Initiative Phase 36
Ironclad Damage Resolution Chart Defiant Armored Car (BEF) 139 Initiative Modifiers 36
111, 145 Destroyer Class Land Ironclad (US) 110
Overseer Damage Resolution Chart 123
Tripod Damage Resolution Chart 48
Detector 129
Dice 33 K
Lucky Strike 47 Difficult Ground 55 Kitchener Tank (BEF) 141
Morale 43 Dominator Tripod 119
Panic! 44
Rout 44
Drones 126
L
Shooting Into An Assault 47
Tough Luck 47 E Land Steamer - Mk I (US) 96
Lightning Gun 94
Assault Squad (BEF) 137 Elements 33 Line Of Sight 41
Assault Tripods 117 Unit Formation 33 Cover 56
Green Gas 117 Formation Distance 33 Lloyd Command Carrier (BEF) 142
Lobototon Squad 127
B F Lucky Strike 43, 47

Barrage Weapons 60
Battlefield 149
Field Commander 63
Field Engineering Unit (US) 106 M
Black Dust 117 Wrecker - Mk II 106 Machine-Gun (US) 88
Breaking The Enemy Army 150 Workshop Truck 106 Martian Heat Rays 62
British Expeditionary Force 130 Field Fortifications 72 Martian Invaders
British Army Special Rules 133 Field Gun Battery (US) 90 Martian Special Rule 116
Battlefield Initiative 133 Flame Tank - Mk IV (US) 100 Martian Command 116
Radio Command and Control 133 Flivver Ambulance (US) 105 Martian Tripods 117
The Infantry 136 Flivvers (US) 104 Martian Infantry 126
The Artillery 138 Gun Carriers 104 Other Martian Machines 128
Armored Vehicles 139 Transports 104 Static Defenses 128
Other Equipment in BEF Service 144 Forces (Choosing) 149 Martian Redoubts 74
BEF Stats 53 Forlorn Hope Teams (US) 87 Martian Stats 52
BEF Weapons Stats 53 Fortresses 73 Martian Weapons Stats 52
Buildings 70 Fortress Damage Resolution Chart 73 Measurement 35
Founder Tripod 121 Minelayer - Mk II (US) 104
C Mobile Artillery Steamer - Mk II (US) 92

Cardigan Infantry Carrier (BEF) 142 G Monitor - Mk IV (US) 99

Mono Tank (BEF) 141
Cargo Steamers (US) 103 Games Stats 35 Morale 43
Fuel Tender 103 Armor 35 Commanders 44
Munitions Carrier 103 Defense 35 Move Phase 37
Cavalry Squad (BEF) 137 Special Rules 35 Double Moves 38
Cavalry Squad (US) 89 Speed 35 Moving Units 37
Clamper Tank (US) 101 Type 35 Move, Combat, Move Again 38
Combat Phase 40 Weaponry 35 Moving Off The Table 38
Assaults 46 Gatherer Tripod 120
Shooting 40
Commanders 44
Goliath - Mk V Steam Tank (US) 108
Grenadier Tripod 118 O
Command Squad (BEF) 136 Overseer Tripod 122
Command Squad (US) 87
H
Command Tank - Mk IV (US) 100
Constructor Engine 128 Harvester Tripod 121 P
Counters 34 Heat Ray Fencing 129 Panic! 44
Cover 56 Heavy Artillery (US) 92 Patton’s Mk IV (US) 102
Shooting From Cover 56 Heavy Field Gun Battery (US) 91 Power Node 129

174
 Index

R Range 42
Rapid Fire! 42
Thunderchild II (BEF) 144
Tough Luck 43
Range 42 Rout 44 Tough Luck 47
Rapid Fire! 42 Shooting From Cover 56 Tows 44, 65
The Red Martian 124 Shooting Into An Assault 47 Transports 44, 64
Reinforcements 69 To Hit 42 Traps 68
Reserves 69 Tough Luck 43 Tripod Damage Resolution Chart 48
Rough Rider Motorcycle Squad (US) 88 Vehicle Machine-Guns 43 Troop Types 32
Rout 44 Size Of Game 149 Artillery 32
Slaver Tripod (Slave Driver) 120 Exceptional 32
S Spector Armored Car (BEF) 139
Stats 50
Infantry 32
Machines 32
Scenarios 148 British Expeditionary Force 53 Tanks 32
Scenario 0 – The Encounter 151 British Expeditionary Force Weapons 53 Tripods 32
Scenario 1 – The Outskirts 152 Martians 52 Vehicles 32
Scenario 2 – The Bunkers 153 Martian Weapons 52
Scenario 3 – The Cylinder 154
Scenario 4 – The Harvest 156
Us Army 50
Us Army Weapons 51 U
Scenario 5 – The Fortress 157 Stealth 67 Unarmed Civilians 89
Scenario 6 – The Rescue 158 Steamer Tank - Mk III (US) 97 United States Army
Scenario 7 – The Ruins 159 Steamer Tank - Mk II (US) 97 US Army Special Rules 85
Scenario 8 – The Founder 160 Steamer Tank - Mk IV (US) 98 Command And Control 85
Scenario 9 – The Excavation 161 Steam Tank - Mk V, Goliath (US) 108 Field Modifications 85
Scenario 10 – The Redoubt 162 Industrial Might 85
Scenery 150
Scientist Tripod 118 T State Militias 85
The Infantry 86
Scout Tripod 120 Templates 34 The Artillery 90
Sentinel 128 Terrain 54 Steamer Tanks 96
Shooting 40 Buildings 70 Mechanical Units 103
Commanders 44 Cover 56 Static Defenses 112
Cover 56 Defense Works 72 United States Army Stats 50
Damage 43 Field Fortifications 72 United States Army Weapons Stats 51
Damage 40 Fortress Damage Resolution Chart 73 Units 33
Damage Resolution Charts 48 Fortresses 73
Fortress Damage Resolution Chart 73
Goliath Damage Resolution Chart 109
Difficult Ground 55
Impassable Terrain 55 V
Ironclad Damage Resolution Chart Martian Redoubts 74 Vehicle Machine-Guns 43
111, 145 Terrain Chart 57 Vickers Machine-Gun (BEF) 137
Overseer Damage Resolution Chart 123 Tesla ‘Lightning Gun’ Electric Artillery Victory 150
Tripod Damage Resolution Chart 48 Steamer (US) 94
Line Of Sight 41
Lucky Strike 43
The Turn 36
Combat Phase 36 W
Morale 43 Initiative Phase 36 Wicket Special Purpose Tank (BEF) 143
Panic! 44 Move Phase 36

175
The Color of War

More on the
GREAT INTERPLANETARY WAR
Including rules expansions, new units and models, more
background, and future developments can be found at:

www.aliendungeon.com
Find hobby fellowship and discussion – visit our forum at:
http://robotpeanutstudios.proboards.com/

OF THINGS TO COME
VENUSIANS

UNDERDWELLERS MORE EARTH FORCES SELENITES

176