BFGXR - Rulebook

BFG:XR RULEBOOK
I t has been ten thousand years since Mankind returned to the stars to reclaim that which was lost in the cataclysmic wars
of the Age of Strife. Led by the Immortal God-Emperor and his sacred Primarchs ten millennia ago Mankind rose
again from the mire of barbarism and cast back the darkness in the legendary times of the Great Crusade. A new age was
forged, the Age of the Imperium.
The glittering achievements of the Dark Age of Technology have been all but lost, obscured by uncounted centuries of superstition
and fear. The worlds of Man are scattered across the galaxy, with vast gulfs of wilderness space separating one from another. But the
Age of the Imperium has cast the Emperor's Divine Light across a million worlds. It has established an iron regime only maintained
through flesh and blood, endless toil, monumental sacrifice, and unthinking loyalty to distant Terra. Man has learned to embrace
war as its religion; billions take up arms against a galaxy of foes. Great ships sail the void, their guns charged to rain death upon the
enemies of the God-Emperor.
Still it is not enough to guard the fragile worlds of Man from a cruel and uncaring universe.
Still it is not enough to guard against the unnumbered horrors which lurk upon forgotten worlds, the alien races which prey upon the
scattered outposts of humanity and the heretics who dare to defy the Emperor's will.
And even these dire threats pale before the ancient and implacable hatred of the traitors who took up arms against the Emperor in
the earliest days of the Imperium. Traitors who gave their worship to the dark and terrible gods which dwell in the Realm of Chaos.
Traitors who wounded the immortal Emperor unto death and forced him to seek solace upon the Golden Throne from where he rules
still, his essence maintained only by the sacrifice of supplicants from across his vast realm. By the Emperor's supreme sacrifice these
minions of evil were defeated and driven forth from the sight of Man to join with their foul masters in the outer dark. Ten thousand
years has not slaked their thirst for vengeance and their plots to bring ruin upon Mankind are pursued with undimmed malice.
This is the Age of the Imperium, A time of war and carnage among the stars, of great fleets and mighty armies, selfless heroism and
blackest infamy.
If you dare enter these dark times, read on.
Original Game Design and Development
Andy Chambers, Gavin Thorpe, Jervis Johnson
Revised Edition
Plaxor, Afterimagedan, The Specialist Games Community
Artwork & Graphics Special Thanks

John Blanche, Richard Wright, Alex Boyd, Nate Montes, Bob Henderson, Ray Bell, Pete Haines,
Wayne England, Des Hanley, Neil Hodgson, Gary ‘Slim’ Parsons, Roger Gerrish, Jes Goodwin, Rick Priestly,
Nuala Kennedy, Paul Smith, John Wigley, Talima Fox John Carter, Che Webster & Richard Hodgekinson
Roy ‘Horizon’ Amkreutz, Fred Martinson, W.S. Scott Boyd,

Miniatures, Models, & Painting Robert C.M. Passovoy, Aaron Dickey, Sam Stewart,
Tim Adcock, Dave Andrews, Owen Branham, Mark Jones, Stephen Cundiff, Colin Young, Dex Sy, Brandon Pooley,
Chris Smart, Dave Thomas, Matt Parkes, Keith Robertson, Wesley Herndon, Florian Piening, John Lambshead,
Martin Footitt, Stuart Thomas, Richard Baker, Neil Green Matt Sprang & The 40k Specialist Games Community
The Battlefleet Gothic: Expanded Revised Edition
What is BFG:XR?
The Battlefleet Gothic: Expanded Revised Edition is an updated, visually remastered version of Plaxor and
Afterimagedan’s well known Battlefleet Gothic: Revised project. The aim of BFG:XR is to build and maintain
a complete, unified rule set that is both easy for new players to learn and deep enough for veterans to enjoy.
Note that this project was formerly known as the BFG 2015 Project, and some documents may still bear that
name or refer to it in the text.
How are these rules made?

The BFG:XR edition is a combination / update of the classic BFG v1.5 Rulebook, the unofficial FAQ 2010
Compendium, and the BFG:R faction fleet lists. I have carefully transcribed these documents into new, fully
edited and reformatted documents that attempt to preserve the style and character of the classic BFG rules.
Who is responsible for BFG:XR?

BFG:XR is a personal project of one user, Xca|iber (that’s me), and is not directly endorsed by Games Workshop,
Plaxor, Afterimagedan, or any other BFG authority. The contents of these documents, such as text, artwork,
symbols, and so forth are the property of their respective creators - I have only made relatively small changes
to the formatting and rules where necessary to improve readability and clarity.
I found a typo or mistake, what should I do?

Any questions, concerns, or comments about the BFG:XR project may be submitted online at the Specialist
Arms Forums, under the Battlefleet Gothic heading. You may also reach the author (me) directly by email at
BattlefleetGothic2015@gmail.com.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION....................1 ORDNANCE PHASE.......... 25 CELESTIAL
WHAT YOU WILL NEED...... 2 USING ORDNANCE...............26 PHENOMENA.......................46
FIRST PRINCIPLES................... 3 TYPES OF ORDNANCE....... 27 SETTING UP...............................47
UNIT TYPES................................. 5 TORPEDO BATTLEZONES........................48
LEADERSHIP............................... 7 SPECIAL RULES......................29
TABLETOP FEATURES........50
ATTACK CRAFT
SPECIAL ORDERS.....................8 TABLETOP EFFECTS............53
SPECIAL RULES.......................31
THE TURN................................10 HIT-AND-RUN RAIDS...........33 ASSEMBLING
TURN SEQUENCE................... 11 END PHASE............................34 THE FLEET..............................54
MOVEMENT PHASE..........12 B.FIELD CLEAN-UP................35 USING FLEET LISTS.............. 55
AUXILIARY UNITS................ 57
BASIC MOVES...........................13 ADVANCED RULES...........36
MOVEMENT PHASE.............37
SHOOTING PHASE.............15
ORDNANCE PHASE..............39
DIRECT FIRE.............................. 16 END PHASE.................................41
DAMAGE...................................... 20 SQUADRONS............................43
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Battlefleet Gothic, the game of spaceship combat set during the Gothic War and beyond in the 41st
millennium: a grim time when the Imperium of Mankind battles for survival in a hostile galaxy. Battlefleet Gothic
allows you to command fleets of warships in deadly combat among the stars, though whether as Mankind’s saviour
or its destroyer is up to you!
once. You don’t have to read every word, just get shooting, weaponry, and damage are all covered in
This book contains all the rules you need to play the
an idea of what’s going on and where different this section.
game. Extra components, such as reference sheets,
rules can be found. After that, the best idea is to
faction books, and templates can be found in the
get stuck in and play a few games! As you come The Advanced Rules introduce extra rules for
BFG:XR Complete Pack or online at the Specialist
across situations that you’re not sure how to deal things like ramming, boarding actions, ships
Arms forums. There you will find articles, links to the
Warp Rift monthly magazine, Q&A threads, classic
with, look up the relevant section and read the rules fighting in squadrons, celestial phenomena on the
rules, and much more.
as you are playing. battlefield, as well as how to use your fleet list
to pick out your forces. Combined with the core
Although these rules were designed and produced by
In particular, the sections on Unit Types, Leadership section, these rules cover almost all of the regular
Games Workshop, the classic BFG game has sadly
Tests, The Turn, The Movement Phase, The gameplay mechanics in Battlefleet Gothic.
been discontinued. This document is 100% fan-made
Shooting Phase, The Ordnance Phase, and The End
with the intent of keeping this wonderful franchise
Phase contain all the core rules you need to play The Scenarios Section contains mission scenarios
alive. It has been compiled from resources made and it is there you will find most of the information for you to fight and sub-plots to add extra spice to
available by Games Workshop and those found on you’ll need. If you start in this way you will find your games.
the internet. No infringement of any kind is intended that you pick up the basic rules in a few games and
will be able to play for much of the time using just
and all materials are the property of their respective The Gothic War & Beyond details the history of
owners. This project is not officially endorsed by the the information on the quick-reference sheets.
the Gothic War and other infamous space conflicts
Specialist Arms forums and is merely the work of a across the galaxy.
single individual with far too much time on his hands. As you introduce other elements into your games,
such as squadrons and lumbering battleships,
read through the appropriate rules to refresh your The Campaign Rules tell you how to run an
This first section of Battlefleet Gothic details the ongoing series of battles through the Gothic War
memory and refer to them during play.
core rules of the game - the nuts ’n’ bolts of how (or any other conflict - feel free to make up your
different ships move and fight in space. Later own) with rules for crews gaining experience,
This book is divided into five sections containing
sections cover the history of the Gothic War (as rules, advanced rules, battles to fight, background commanders winning (and losing) renown, repairs,
well as other conflicts) and how to fight a series of information, and details of how to prepare and run refits, upgrades, and capturing star systems.
battles as part of an ongoing campaign. You don’t a campaign set in the 41st millennium. Note that for
really need to have learned all of the following this digital edition, the sections have been divided The very first part of this book, the bit you’re
rules to start playing; in fact, if you try to learn into a few separate documents, for ease of reading reading now, is given over to discussing common
everything at once, you may end up getting a bit on electronic devices. conventions used in Battlefleet Gothic, including
confused. Very few games, especially if you’re model scale, what you will need to play, and so on.
just starting out as a Battlefleet Gothic player, will The Core Rules give you rules for staging your Even if you are familiar with table-top wargames
involve all of the rules detailed over the entire book. own battles using miniatures and dice. Types of in general, you may find it useful to read over this
Our advice is to have a quick look through the rules ships, leadership values, special orders, movement, section before going on to the rest of the book.
Expanded Revised - Rulebook 1

INTRODUCTION
WHAT YOU WILL NEED

As well as the Battlefleet Gothic rulebook, there fought, such as planets, moons, asteroid fields, and
are a number of other things you’ll require to be dust clouds. You can find out more about fleets and
able to play. For a start, you will need two or more the battlefield later on in this document.
players, with models to represent their ships. You
will also need a battlefield to fight over. Any firm, As well as players, ships, and a battlefield, there
level surface will do, such as a tabletop or area of are a few more things you will need. At least one
floor - most kitchen tables will do fine! It’s a good measuring device marked in centimeters, a few
idea to use an old sheet or blanket to protect the ordinary six-sided dice, plus a pen and paper for
table from scratches, however. Some players make marking down damage and other details.
a special gaming table from chipboard or other
Above are some of the items you will need to play
similar material, which they can place on top of a If you do not have the BFG boxed set, you will also
table to extend their playing area, as full-size games need certain tokens, most of which can be found Battlefleet Gothic - pens, paper, ordinary six-sided dice,
may need more space to allow ships enough room online and printed on sturdy paper. Some fully special order dice, and some sort of measuring device
to maneuver. Onto this surface, you can then place modeled markers can also be purchased if you want (in centimeters). As well as these you will also need a
the celestial objects around which the battle is more cinematic battles. tabletop on which to play your battles.
"Y ou are expected at all times and in all situations to conduct yourself in a manner
appropriate to, and mindful of, the great duties and traditions of the Emperor's Most
Glorious and Honourable Navy."
Opening line of the Imperial Navy Articles of War
INTRODUCTION
FIRST PRINCIPLES
At this early stage in the book it’s worth establishing In keeping with this principle, movement distances 3D OR NOT 3D?
some initial principles about the Battlefleet Gothic are measured from the stem on the ship’s base and As well as being very big, space is also infinitely
game. distances for firing weapons (and other ship-to-ship wide, high, deep, etc. Despite this, Battlefleet
effects) are measured from the stem of the ship’s Gothic is played on a flat tabletop. To allow for the
base to the stem of each target model. Players
SCALE may always pre-measure these distances unless
vagaries of three dimensions and the vast distances
First of all - space is big! Very, very big. Take your involved, ships can move and fire past each
conception of a long way (i.e. down to the shops everyone agrees otherwise. other without any risks. It’s easy to imagine that
when it’s raining hard) and multiply it by a million, individual ships are just a few hundred kilometers
then another million... and then by another million The base of a ship model represents close range higher or lower than each other and so have plenty
and you’re still not even close to how far apart around the ship. At this distance, all kinds of of clear space in which to maneuver.
things are in space. In order to include interesting dangers can affect it, such as ordnance, explosions,
and exciting features such as planets and moons asteroids, and even debris blasted off of the ship The reason for the lack of 3D movement is twofold.
on the battlefield and have ship models which are itself. For game purposes, if something affects an Firstly, making the game work in three dimensions
not the size of molecules, Battlefleet Gothic takes area of the battlefield, like ordnance markers or would add little to the tactics of it, because unlike
some liberties with scale. In short, the ship models celestial phenomena, a ship is affected if its base aircraft combat, where the force of gravity means
are designed to look good and be nice to paint, but comes into contact with it. The diagram below whoever is highest has an advantage, combat in the
they are not intended to be in scale with planets and demonstrates this principle on an Imperial cruiser: zero gravity of space would turn fighting in three
other celestial bodies. To prevent this becoming a dimensions into little more than a range modifier.
problem in the game it is assumed that the ships Secondly, for the mechanics of the game, working
actually occupy the point in space shown by the in 3D would complicate the rules immensely.
stem on the model’s base. The diagram below
demonstrates this principle on a model:
DICE ROLLS
There are lots of occasions in a battle when you
have to roll dice to see how a ship’s actions turn out
- how effective shooting is, what damage is done to
an enemy ship, how well captains and their crews
react to the stress of battle, and so on.
All dice rolls in Battlefleet Gothic use standard six-

sided dice (usually abbreviated as D6). Sometimes
you will need to modify the result of the dice roll.
This is noted as D6 plus or minus a number, such as
D6+1 or D6-2. Roll the dice and add or subtract the
number indicated to get the final result. Note that
you will never ‘take the negative of a negative’ - for
example, if an effect ‘reduces a value by -3’, that
value is decreased by three points. Although this is
not absolutely precise in mathematical terms, it is
much more intuitive, practically speaking.

INTRODUCTION
"The whole principle of naval fighting is to be free to go anywhere with every damned thing the Navy
possesses."
-Captain Grenfeld of the Hammer of Justice
You may also be told to roll a number of dice Re-rolls Secondly, it is used to find out what aspect a target
together, which is written as 2D6, 3D6, and so In some situations the rules allow you to ‘re-roll’ is presenting to a ship firing at it. In this case the
on. Roll the indicated number of dice and add the the dice. This is exactly as it sounds - pick up the bearing compass is placed over the target in the
scores together, so that with a 2D6 roll, two dice dice you wish to re-roll and roll them again. The same way as described previously. The aspect of
are rolled and added together for a result between second score stands (and may not be re-rolled again the target is shown by which quadrant faces the
2 and 12, while 3D6 totals between 3 and 18, and by any means), even if it means a worse result than attacking ship.
so forth. the first.
A diagram of these quadrants is shown below. For
Other types of modifier may require you to multiply
a dice score by a certain amount. This is applied
THE BEARING convenience, some players will mark them directly
on a ship’s base to speed up gameplay.
directly, so D6x5 means the result of a D6 roll COMPASS
multiplied by 5, giving a value between 5 and 30. A vital instrument in the game is
the bearing compass, a circular
Sometimes, a combination of these methods may card template with a hole
be used. If this happens, add any dice together first, punched through the middle. It
then multiply the result, and finally add or subtract is used for two purposes. Firstly to check the fire
any remaining modifiers. So 2D6+5 would yield arcs of your own ships to see which weapons they
7-17, while 3D6x2 would yield 6-36! can bring to bear against the enemy. Doing so is
simple: place the template over your ship so that
In a few rare cases, you may be told to roll a D3. the hole in the center is above the center of the
Since there’s no such thing as three-sided dice, flying stand and the two arrows are pointing along
use the following method for determining a score the length of the ship. This places the 90° quadrants
between 1 and 3. Simply roll a D6 and halve the so that one is in front, one is behind, and one is to
result, rounding up. So a result of 1-2 becomes each side of the ship. Fire arcs and ship’s gunnery
‘1’, a result of 3-4 becomes ‘2’, and a result of 5-6 are explained in more detail in the Shooting Phase
becomes ‘3’. section.

INTRODUCTION
UNIT TYPES
Battlefleet Gothic allows you to fight space battles Escort Ships are the most common warships in any SHIP DATA SHEETS
amidst the cold, bright stars of the Gothic Sector fleet. They are fast, lightly armed and capable of In each faction’s codex document, you will find
and beyond, during the various periods of raging running rings around the heavier ships which they a complete set of characteristics for each vessel
war and unbridled destruction heralded by such are usually assigned to protect. They are also used available to that faction. These characteristics
monumental conflicts as Abaddon the Despoiler’s for independent actions such as scouting, raiding, tell you how fast, maneuverable, well-armored,
Black Crusades or the Wars for Armageddon. protecting transport ships, and chasing pirates. and viciously armed they are. Note that while it
Throughout these times, Imperial and Chaos ships is perfectly fine to use models that do not match
of all sizes clashed in deadly confrontations, while Satellites and Ground Facilities are special types the images on your ships’ data sheets, you must
aliens in bizarre and exotic spacecraft pursued their of units in Battlefleet Gothic, used for defending a be clear with your opponent about the identities of
own unfathomable goals. Massive battlecruisers planet during some scenarios. Together, these units each unit in your fleet list.
joust with burning lances of fusion fire, lumbering may simply be referred to as Defenses. Don’t worry
battleships duel with coruscating salvos of cannon about these for now; their special properties are The table below shows the characteristics for a
batteries, and agile escort ships dart through the described in later sections. For now, simply treat typical Imperial and Chaos cruiser, in this case a
fray to slash at the battling leviathans. them as ships. Lunar and Murder class cruiser, respectively.
The miniatures used to play Battlefleet Gothic are
referred to as ships or vessels, with the exception of NAME: AGRIPPA CLASS: LUNAR LEADERSHIP: 7
planetary defenses which are described later. In any TYPE/HITS SPEED TURNS SHIELDS ARMOR TURRETS
case, each unit is an individual playing piece with
its own capabilities. Different units can have very Cruiser/8 20cm 45° 2 6+ Front / 5+ 2
different capabilities, so they are separated into ARMAMENT RANGE / SPEED FIREPOWER / STR FIRE ARC
the following types: battleships, cruisers, escorts, Port Lance Battery 30cm 2 Left
satellites, and ground facilities.
Starboard Lance Battery 30cm 2 Right
Battleships are the largest fighting ships in space. Port Weapons Battery 30cm 6 Left
They can absorb a tremendous amount of damage Starboard Weapons Battery 30cm 6 Right
and mount weapons batteries capable of laying Prow Torpedoes Speed: 30cm 6 Front
waste to entire continents. These vessels are so huge
that they are comparatively slow and ponderous to
maneuver, so they need support from other vessels
to bring the enemy to battle.
NAME: UNCLEAN CLASS: MURDER LEADERSHIP: 7
Cruisers are the workhorses of any fleet. They
are maneuverable, well-armed ships capable of TYPE/HITS SPEED TURNS SHIELDS ARMOR TURRETS
operating away from a base for extended periods. Cruiser/8 25cm 45° 2 5+ 2
This means that cruisers are used for long-term ARMAMENT RANGE / SPEED FIREPOWER / STR FIRE ARC
patrols, blockades, and raiding deep into enemy-
Port Weapons Battery 45cm 10 Left
held space. In a major battle, cruisers screen the
approach of the fleet in support of the escorts and Starboard Weapons Battery 45cm 10 Right
form the gun line once the battle begins. Together, Prow Lance Battery 60cm 2 Front
cruisers and battleships are called capital ships.

INTRODUCTION
Type/Hits: A unit’s type tells you if it is a battleship, Turrets: In addition to their main armament, most
cruiser, escort, satellite defense, or ground facility. ships carry numerous small, quick-firing turrets.
"T here is nothing better that a man
can do than lay down his life in the
service of the Emperor."
Its number of hits indicates how tough and strongly
built its hull is and how large a crew it has. In
Battlefleet Gothic, a ship’s Hits (also referred to as
These are mounted over the length of their hull to
shoot down incoming torpedoes and attack craft.
Both cruisers mount enough of these weapons to
damage points) represent how many times it can be have a Turrets rating of 2.
Inscription at the top of the Gothic hit and damaged before it is reduced to a flaming
wreck. Both cruisers in our example have 8 hits, Armament: This section lists the ship’s primary
Monolith in the Chamber of Heroes which is average for a cruiser. armaments and their locations on the vessel’s hull.
Speed: The Speed characteristic tells you how far Range/Speed: The maximum range of weapons
Name: All ships deserve a name! Well, except a ship moves in one turn. Vessels can potentially is shown in centimeters. In the case of ordnance
escorts maybe. Most ship data sheets include a list move faster than this but the additional power weapons which move towards their target, such
of famous vessels of the same class, so feel free to output needed will divert energy from weapon as torpedoes or fighters, the speed and/or type of
use those or make up your own. systems. The Chaos cruiser has a slight edge over the weapon’s ordnance is shown rather than its
the Imperial one in terms of speed, which gives it maximum range. As you can see, the Lunar class
Class: Ships are not all the same, so they are listed an important advantage in combat. cruiser mounts more weapon systems than the
as belonging to a particular class. Different classes Murder class, but they all have a shorter range.
may be approximately the same in terms of size and Turns: Ships can usually turn just once during their
weight but vary a lot in details. What is basically move. This characteristic shows how sharply it can Firepower/Strength: This number represents how
the same hull may carry different weapons, bigger turn. In this case both ships can turn up to 45°, effective a weapons system is when it shoots - the
engines, more or less armor, etc. Ships may even which again is about average for cruisers. higher the number the better. Special weapons
be converted from one class to another in the systems like torpedoes and lances have a strength
course of a major refit. The two ships shown on Shields: Nearly all ships are protected by powerful rating instead of a firepower value. In this case the
the previous page are a Lunar class Imperial Navy force field generators that can absorb or shunt aside greater firepower of the Murder class is counter-
cruiser and a Murder class Chaos cruiser. You will incoming hits. Shields are rated according to how balanced by the lances and torpedoes of the
notice that while they are the same type, their actual many hits they can absorb before they temporarily Imperial ship.
characteristics are quite different. collapse. Both the ships shown have shields capable
of absorbing two hits. Fire Arc: Weapon systems may only fire in
Leadership: A ship’s leadership value indicates particular directions depending on where they are
the level of experience and training of its crew, and/ Armor: The ship’s Armor rating shows how well mounted on the ship. These arcs correspond to their
or how cunning its captain can be in the heat of protected it is and/or how difficult it is to damage. respective quadrants described in the rules for the
combat. In a one-off game of Battlefleet Gothic, the When the ship is fired upon, the attacker needs to bearing compass. Both the cruisers shown mount
leadership value of ships is randomly generated at roll equal or better than its Armor rating on a D6 in most of their weaponry in broadsides on either side
the start of the game. If the ship fights in an ongoing order to score a hit. The Chaos cruiser has Armor of the ship. Few vessels mount any rear-facing
campaign, then its leadership value can improve or of 5+ all around, while the Imperial cruiser has an weapons - their engines are too massive and the
worsen depending on how well the ship performs in armored prow which makes it Armor 6+ against thermal ‘backwash’ they create makes targeting
each of its battles. shots from its front almost impossible.
+++INCOMING.ORDERS+++FLEET.TO.ASSEMBLE.AT.GRID.586/A.[GETHSEMANE]+++LORD.RAVENSBURG.COMMANDING.DIVINE.
RIGHT+++BATTLEGROUP.FEROCIOUS.TO.ATTEND+++BATTLEGROUP.IMPETUOUS.TO.ATTEND+++PATROL.FLEET.ERINYES.
TO.ATTEND+++OPERATION:TOTAL.ERADICATION.OF.ENEMY.FORCES.BY.ALL.MEANS.NECESSARY+++MAY.THE.EMPEROR.GUIDE.YOUR.GUNS+++
+++BY.YOUR.COMMAND+++PRAISE.THE.EMPEROR+++

INTRODUCTION
LEADERSHIP
In Battlefleet Gothic, the expertise of a captain and with the whole squadron sharing the value rolled.
"A magnificent ship, no doubt, but I would his (or her) crew is shown by the ship’s leadership Each capital ship rolls individually for leadership,
rather have a crew who knew their airlaps value: the higher it is, the better the captain and even if it is part of a squadron. The complete rules
crew. Leadership is very important, because ships for squadrons are detailed later, so don’t worry too
from their transons."
must test against this value if they wish to use much about it right now.
-Admiral Rath special orders.
LEADERSHIP MODIFIERS
Even the very smallest of stellar craft is a marvel STARTING LEADERSHIP VALUES During a game, various modifiers may be applied
of engineering, packed with machinery and As mentioned earlier, in one-off games you roll a to your ships that may increase or decrease their
D6 to determine each ship’s leadership value before leadership value. However, under no circumstances
technology of the highest sophistication. The truly
the start of the game. Look up the result of the dice can a ship’s leadership be modified higher than 10
massive interstellar warships are almost impossible
roll on the table below to see what Leadership after taking all bonuses and penalties into account.
to comprehend in their complexity, with thousands In effect, a leadership check roll of 11 or 12 always
value the ship has. Escorts roll once per squadron,
of crew members performing millions of tasks to fails unless specifically stated otherwise.
keep the whole vessel in working order. It is said
D6 ROLL LEADERSHIP
that no single man could fully understand all of the If a ship is reduced to leadership 1 or less, it cannot
machinery and systems that work together to make 1 Untried (Ld6) voluntarily attempt special orders or leadership
such a vessel function. Nonetheless, it is ultimately tests of any kind unless some combination of effects
2-3 Experienced (Ld7)
the captain and crew who will determine how brings it to leadership 2 or greater. If forced to take
well a ship performs in combat. A ship under the 4-5 Veteran (Ld8) a leadership test with leadership 1 or less, the ship
command of an inspiring captain with a dedicated, automatically fails. Note that a ship’s leadership
6 Crack (Ld9)
well-trained crew can defeat almost any enemy. value cannot be reduced below zero.
"The Emperor is master of the galaxy, but the captain is master of his ship."
Popular Imperial Navy saying

INTRODUCTION
SPECIAL ORDERS
There are six different special orders that a ship Reload Ordnance: Each time a ship To represent this uncertainty, a vessel undertaking
may use, each one allowing the vessel to perform deploys ordnance, it must ‘reload’ its special orders must first pass a Command check.
better at something, such as gunnery or navigation, launch bays, torpedo tubes, and so on A command check is resolved by rolling 2D6 and
during its turn. A ship or squadron may only ever before it can deploy another wave or comparing the result to the ship’s leadership (Ld). If
be on one special order at a time, unless specifically salvo. To do this, a vessel must successfully use the roll is equal to or less than the ship’s Ld value, it
stated otherwise in its special rules. the Reload Ordnance special order. As this does not has passed the check and goes onto special orders.
drain weapon or engine power, the ship’s movement Other than Brace for Impact, all special orders last
Special orders are declared during the movement and shooting effectiveness remains unchanged. until the start of the vessel’s next turn.
phase by choosing a vessel or squadron, declaring
the order, resolving the associated command check, Brace for Impact! This order is unique If the roll is higher than the ship’s Ld value, it
then moving the ship or squadron. You must resolve in that it can only be used during the fails the check and may not go onto special orders.
this process completely, including any movement, ordnance phase or during an opponent’s Furthermore, once you have failed a command
before continuing with the next ship or squadron. turn (usually when a particularly deadly check for one ship in your fleet, you many not make
salvo is about to strike the ship), and may be used any further command checks to use special orders
All Ahead Full: A ship going All Ahead even if the ship is already on special orders. Power in the same turn. It can be imagined that the delays
Full directs more power to its engines to from systems is redirected to shields, blast doors, and confusion in trying to get that particular ship to
produce an extra burst of speed, gaining and other defenses, while the crew hunkers down perform special orders means that the opportunity
additional movement distance (allowing at their stations. The vessel gains a saving throw has passed for any further orders to be issued.
it to either escape or close with the enemy) at the against incoming hits at the cost of reducing its
cost of its weapons’ effectiveness. combat effectiveness and preventing it from using With all special orders except Brace for Impact you
any other special orders for a full turn. must attempt the command check in the movement
Come to New Heading: The ship phase, before moving. Remember that a ship must
diverts power to its directional control Complete descriptions for each of these special then resolve any required movement immediately,
thrusters in order to change course more orders can be found in the appropriate sections of and no ship may be on multiple special orders at the
sharply, allowing the vessel to turn the core rules. Furthermore, a simplified summary same time unless specifically stated in its special
twice during its movement phase, at the cost of its can be found on the next page and on the Battlefleet rules. However, there is no restriction on how many
weapons’ effectiveness. Gothic quick-reference sheet. ships and/or squadrons in your fleet may be on
special orders at one time. Of course, you may find
Burn Retros: The ship directs additional COMMAND CHECKS that sometimes you do not want any ships in your
energy into its retro thrusters in order to In the midst of battle a captain may order his ships fleet to go onto special orders.
kill some of its forward momentum and to perform special maneuvers or direct more of his
hold position. Again, this impairs the ship’s power to weapons or engines. However, a If your fleet has access to special rules that grant
vessel’s ability to bring its weapons to bear against vessel’s crew is never perfect; miscommunication, the ability to automatically pass a command check,
enemy targets. mistakes, and slow response can prevent a ship from such abilities may only be used before a command
enacting its captain’s orders exactly as instructed. check is failed unless specifically stated otherwise.
Lock On: The ship maintains a steady
course and draws additional energy
from its engines to fire its weapons "He who seizes the moment, he is the right man."
in multiple salvos. A vessel that is
locked on cannot turn, but improves its shooting -Fleet Admiral Hawke
effectiveness dramatically.

INTRODUCTION
MOVEMENT SPECIAL ORDERS COMBAT SPECIAL ORDERS

ALL AHEAD FULL LOCK ON
Increases the ship’s movement speed. Improves the vessel’s shooting capabilities.
Speed: Full + 4D6cm Speed: Half to full
Turns: None Turns: None
Shooting: Half effect Shooting: Full effect + Re-roll to-hit with lance and gunnery weapons
Ordnance: Full effect Ordnance: Full effect
Notes: The vessel must move the maximum distance. Squadrons roll Notes: None.
once, applying the same speed bonus to every member.
RELOAD ORDNANCE
COME TO NEW HEADING Replenishes the vessel’s available ordnance.
Speed: Half to full
Increases the ship’s maneuverability. Turns: Up to one
Speed: Half to full Shooting: Full effect
Turns: Up to two Ordnance: Full effect + All ordnance reloaded
Shooting: Half effect Notes: None.
Ordnance: Full effect
Notes: The ship must still move the minimum distance before each turn. BRACE FOR IMPACT
Protects the ship from incoming damage.
BURN RETROS Speed: Half to full
Slows the ship’s forward movement. Turns: Up to one
Speed: Zero to half Shooting: Half effect
Turns: Up to one Ordnance: Half effect
Shooting: Half effect Notes: Used in ordnance phase or on opponents turn, replacing any
Ordnance: Full effect special orders the ship already has. Provides a 4+ save against incoming
Notes: The vessel does not need to move forward before turning. hull hits. Lasts until the end of the ship’s next turn.
Command Check Modifiers Enemy Contacts (+1Ld) Other Leadership Tests

Some circumstances will make it easier or harder Enemy ships operating under special orders create Sometimes, a ship will need to test against its Ld
for a vessel to use special orders. To represent this, a variety of anomalous energy readings and sensor value for something other than a command check,
there are two modifiers that can apply to command echoes. This makes it much easier for enemy ships such as changing target priority, ramming an enemy
checks, one positive and one negative. Remember to detect them and react quickly. For this reason, vessel, or navigating an asteroid field. In such cases
that these modifiers cannot increase a vessel’s Ld a vessel gains a +1 bonus to its leadership value this test represents the captain and crew’s ability
value above 10 or below zero. when attempting command checks if any enemy to succeed in a courageous or difficult undertaking.
ships are on special orders.
Under Fire (-1Ld) A leadership test is taken just like a command
If a ship has blast markers in contact with its base, it For example: The Imperial cruiser Agrippa (Ld7) check, by rolling 2D6 and comparing the result to
is under fire and suffers a -1 penalty to its leadership wants to use All Ahead Full orders to catch up with the vessel’s Ld value. A ship may attempt multiple
value when attempting command checks. Blast the Chaos cruiser Unclean, which used Lock On leadership tests each turn, and may do so even if a
markers are special tokens that represent shield orders on its last turn. Rolling 2D6 the Imperial command check has been failed earlier in the turn.
impacts, debris clouds, and other impediments to player scores a total of 8, which would normally be However, remember that a ship cannot attempt the
calm and orderly ship operations. Don’t worry too a failing result. However, because the enemy is on same test more than once. Furthermore, the Under
much about them for now; the complete rules for special orders, the Agrippa’s leadership gains a +1 Fire and Enemy Contacts modifiers do not apply to
blast markers will be more fully described in the bonus, bringing it to Ld8. As a result, the Imperial leadership tests, although other Ld modifiers may
Shooting section of the rules. cruiser passes its command check. apply as described in the relevant special rules.

THE TURN
A game of Battlefleet Gothic is unlike many other games such as chess or draughts where you only move one piece at a time.
A tremendous amount of action takes place in a real battle: ships maneuver and fire at each other, fighters and bombers are
launched in vast waves, and skyscraper-sized torpedoes scream towards their targets.
In a real battle, this all happens at once amidst the WHO GETS THE FIRST TURN? winning, and (sometimes) losing all sorts of
chaos of space combat. A Battlefleet Gothic game Which player gets the first turn of the game can different battles are topics covered in more detail in
represents the ebb and flow of battle, but in order be determined in a number of different ways. the Scenarios section.
for us to decide its outcome, players must alternate Normally both players roll a D6 and the player with
taking turns, moving, and fighting with their ships. the highest score can decide to move either first or
So in a battle, player A will move and fight with his second. Sometimes the scenario you are fighting
EXCEPTIONS
ships first, then player B will move and fight, and There are times when a player will perform certain
will decide it for you. For example, in an ambush
then player A will move and fight again, etc. actions when it is not their turn, such as Bracing
the attacking side will always get the first turn.
for Impact, for example. It may also be convenient
During his or her turn, a player can move and to interrupt a player’s turn because of some event
fight with all of his or her ships. For convenience, ENDING THE BATTLE occurring, such as an enemy ship being detected.
moving and shooting are dealt with one after the A battle can end in a number of different ways. The thing to remember is that the turn sequence will
other. This means that you move all your ships first Most commonly in Battlefleet Gothic, fighting always continue after the interruption as normal.
and then all your ships (that are able to do so) may continues until either one side surrenders, or has no
fire. This helps everyone keep track of what’s going ships remaining on the tabletop.
on and makes it easier to know when each player’s GAME TURNS
actions are finished. However, in certain kinds of battles, players might Occasionally, you will see the term game turn used
be able to win a ‘sudden death’ victory which ends in special rules or scenarios. A game turn consists
In a turn the player performs his actions in the the game immediately, such as if they destroy the of both player turns - so a battle which lasts eight
appropriate phases - the move, shoot and ordnance enemy flagship and so on. Alternatively you might game turns consists of sixteen player turns. When
phases to be precise. Exactly what happens in each decide to end a battle at a preset time if you only this term is not used, it is always assumed that a
phase is described later. have a limited amount of time to play in. Fighting, rule is referring to a single player’s turn.

THE TURN
TURN SEQUENCE
1. THE MOVEMENT PHASE Note that ships must always move at least half 3. THE ORDNANCE PHASE
This is when a player moves his or her ships. their speed unless they wish to use the Burn Retros Both players may move any Ordnance markers
special orders in order to hold position. See the (such as torpedoes or fighter squadrons) which
The player begins by removing any special order Movement rules for more details about how to were launched in the shooting phase or are still on
dice placed on his or her ships’ last turn (except for move your ships. the tabletop, having been launched in a previous
ships on Brace for Impact orders. They are stuck turn. See the Ordnance rules for more details.
with them for this turn). 2. THE SHOOTING PHASE
This is when a player fires his or her ships’ weapons 4. THE END PHASE
Next, the player moves his ships and squadrons one and/or launches their ordnance. Both players may attempt to repair critical damage
at a time. In this phase he may also take command which has been inflicted on their ships: D6 blast
checks to institute special orders before moving a The player can shoot with any of his or her ships markers are also removed by the player whose
ship or squadron. Remember that if any command that are within range of enemy vessels, and launch turn it is. See the End Phase rules for more about
check, is failed no further checks may be attempted ordnance at the end of the phase. See the Shooting repairs, removing blast markers, and other End-
in the same turn. rules for more details about how to resolve shooting. phase actions.
"W ith the blood of an enemy shall the marks be made upon the missile. Then bless the missile and present unto the mounting. Say the prayer of firing and
curse the target. Do this rapidly lest the wrath of the weapon be wasted. Point the eye of the weapon so that it may see the object of its wrath. When
the weapon has uttered its curse and eaten the soul of its victim, then shall you take up the next missile..."
Imperial Rite of Firing

THE MOVEMENT PHASE
During the movement phase, vessels maneuver into position to begin battle. Moving your battlefleet into the right position to
rain destruction upon your opponent is vital — some ships need to keep their distance while others need to come to grips at
close quarters. The movement phase is filled with opportunities. By moving your ships you can surround a target and destroy
it, smash through the heart of an opposing fleet, lurk behind planets and moons, flee from powerful enemies, even set traps
to lure unwary foes to their destruction. A wise admiral can achieve all this and more in the movement phase.
"The Imperium! How mighty its aspect! How far-reaching its boundaries! As one world dies ten more are brought into the
fold. Fear us, for we count the lives of planets, not men!"
Cardinal Morius Blate

THE MOVEMENT PHASE
BASIC MOVES
A player may move each ship up to its standard Minimum Move Distance A ship can turn by a maximum of either 45° or
move distance each turn. Once a ship has completed Ships moving under engines retain enormous 90°; how sharp a turn it can make is included in the
its movement, the player selects another and moves amounts of momentum. If a vessel slows down ship’s characteristics. A ship can only count forward
that one, and so on until all of his or her ships have without the correct preparations, it is so big that movement made in the current movement phase as
moved. This can be summarized as: there is a very real chance that its structure will part of its minimum movement before turning. By
be damaged because the whole of its vast length way of example, the Imperial Lunar class cruiser is
1. Choose one of your ships to move. isn’t moving at the same speed. Because of this, able to make turns of up to 45°.
2. Move the ship up to its maximum move distance. ships must always move at least half of their speed
3. Choose another ship to move. unless they use the Burn Retros special order. Ships Large ships have to move a certain distance before
who are unable to move half their speed (due to they are allowed to make a turn. The distance they
At no time do ships count as moving simultaneously damage, blast markers, and so forth) must move the must travel depends on their type:
(even if part of a squadron), and must always be maximum possible distance instead.
moved one at a time, in any order desired by the • A battleship must move 15cm before it can execute
owning player. Overlapping Bases a turn.
As ships are able to fly over or under one another, • A cruiser must move 10cm before it can execute
Normally, a ship must move unless it uses the Burn it is possible to “stack” ships (such that their bases a turn.
Retros special order to remain stationary. A ship overlap or take up the same space) during a game. • An escort ship can execute a turn at any point in
that does not move at least 5cm (for any reason) When ships’ bases overlap, it is common practice its move.
counts as Defenses against the Gunnery Table. See to remove the models from their flying stems. To
the Shooting rules for more details. keep things clear, it is usually best to have a few
stemless flying bases around with a straight line
MOVE DISTANCE
Ships are pushed through the firmament by the most
powerful engines anywhere in the galaxy. In space
draw from the central hole to the bases edge to
indicate direction, which maybe used in place of
an overlapping ship. If desired, numbered contact
"H is great art was to be in the right
place at the right time - others
were not so cunning."
markers can be used for this as well. As a rule, ships
combat, the thrust available to a vessel can mean
should only be stacked or overlap as an unavoidable
the difference between survival and destruction.
consequence of movement or to attain a particular
-Captain Compel Bast
shooting solution, and should not otherwise do so of Lord Admiral Ravensburg
All ships can move at up to their normal speed.
solely because it is allowed.
Speed varies from one ship to another, but by way
of example, an Imperial Lunar class cruiser has a
speed of 20cm.
A vessel’s normal move may be increased or

TURNING
The bigger a ship, the slower it will turn. While
light escort ships are quite agile, larger cruisers
"B lessed be the coruscating plasma
of the engine room. Spiritus
Mechanicus protect us from thy
decreased by the All Ahead Full and Burn Retros are ponderous beasts. The time lag between a burning doom. Harness unto our will
special orders, respectively, as described on the cruiser applying thrust and turning is considerable.
next page. A vessel’s move can also be decreased Battleships take even longer to maneuver. the power of light. Let conduit and coil
in some circumstances during a battle. Damage to work alright."
the ship may inhibit the efficiency of its engines When ships move they have to travel in a straight
and reduce its top speed, and a ship which moves line, directly ahead. However, ships may make one -Catechism of the Engin-near
through blast markers will be slowed slightly by the turn as part of their movement unless they are using
shockwaves and explosions. special orders which prevent them from doing so.

THE MOVEMENT PHASE
MOVEMENT ORDERS which only rolls 2D6 would use the highest two
The three special orders which can affect a ship’s results of the 4D6 rolled for its squadron.
movement are described below. All Ahead Full
improves a vessel’s speed, Burn Retros slows a Burn Retros: If the ship passes its
vessel’s forward momentum, and Come to New command check, it is not required to
Heading doubles a ship’s maneuverability. Learning move a minimum distance, nor is it
when and how to use these orders effectively is a required to move before turning, and it
crucial part of playing Battlefleet Gothic. may even remain stationary if desired. However, a
ship on Burn Retros special orders may not move
All Ahead Full: If the ship passes its more than half its cruising speed. The vessel also
command check, it adds 4D6cm to its halves the firepower and strength of its weapons
movement speed and must move this batteries and lances, respectively (rounding up).
full distance. In the case of squadrons,
only one roll is made and the amount is added to the Come to New Heading: If the ship
speed of every ship in the squadron. A vessel on All passes its command check, it may make
Ahead Full special orders may not turn at all, and an extra turn during its movement. All
halves the firepower and strength of its weapons of the normal restrictions apply to this
batteries and lances, respectively (rounding up). extra turn, meaning a capital ship must move its
minimum turning distance again before making
Note that if a squadron includes ships which roll a its second turn. For example, a cruiser which
different number of dice for All Ahead Full orders, moves 10cm before turning must move another
roll once using the largest number of allowed D6 10cm before turning again. A vessel on Come to
in the squadron. Ships which would roll less than New Heading special orders halves the firepower
this number use the highest results scored, up to and strength of its weapons batteries and lances,
their allowed number of dice. For example, a vessel respectively (rounding up).
"T he warp is a vital tool to us, a means of communication and transport. Without it, there would be no Imperium
of Man, for there would be no quick bridges between the stars. We use it, and we harness it, but we have no
absolute control over it. It is a wild thing that tolerates our presence, but brooks no mastery. There is power in the
warp, fundamental power, not good, nor evil, but elemental and anathema to us. It is a tool we use at our own risk."
The Arch-traitor, Horus Lupercal

THE SHOOTING PHASE
In the shooting phase, your ships get to unleash their weaponry against the enemy. The attacks that ships make are divided
into two sorts: direct firing and ordnance attacks. Direct fire attacks include weapons such as lasers, fusion beams and
plasma launchers which when fired hit almost immediately, even across tens of thousands of kilometers. Ordnance attacks
include torpedoes and fighters, which are launched during the shooting phase but are not resolved until they hit their target
in a subsequent ordnance phase.
"T he Incendrius shuddered as the fire from our gun-decks continued. Broadside after broadside was leveled into the grand
cruiser's prow, smashing through her shields and making a ruin of her bow armor. The enemy tried to turn sharply to
bring her own batteries to, bear, but Captain Grendl was expecting this and we moved with them, still pouring a torrent of
plasma into the twisted and wrecked prow. Flames were licking along the port side of the traitor's hull now, as ruptures in her
armor sent pressurized air flooding into the ether, ignited by the plasma bolts that were continually raining down."
Excerpt from the log of Third Lieutenant Brass on the destruction of the Bringer of Despair by the Incendrius

THE SHOOTING PHASE
DIRECT FIRE
Direct firing uses a ship’s weapons batteries, lances FIRE ARCS TARGET PRIORITY
and nova cannon. A player can make direct fire Weapons have a limited field of fire depending on Enemies at close range pose a much greater threat
attacks with each of his or her ships during the turn. than those thousands of kilometers away, so a ship
where they are mounted on the vessel. The different
In order to make direct fire attacks, the firing ship will typically focus its attention on the nearest
must have at least some weapons within range and fire arcs are: front, left, right and rear.
enemy ship or squadron.
fire arc of the enemy. Once one ship has done all its
firing, the player selects another and fires that one Normally, each weapon that a ship chooses to fire
and so on until the player has fired all of the ships must target the nearest enemy within its firing arc.
he or she wants to. This can be summarized as: However, if the ship passes a leadership test (also
called a target priority test), its weapons may be
1. Choose a ship to fire. fired at any targets within range and firing arc.
2. Check the ship has targets within range.
3. Check the ship has weapons within fire arc of the A vessel firing at enemy ships and defenses may
target. ignore enemy ordnance markers when determining
4. Resolve firing. the nearest enemy and vice versa for ships firing at
5. Choose another ship to fire. enemy ordnance.
RANGE
Measure the range from the firing ship to the target A weapons system must have a target within its fire arc in
vessel. Then look up the range of the firing ship’s order to be fired.
weapons on its characteristics: any weapons which
are out of range may not fire. Because ships vary
immensely in size and shape, we use the stems of
the models’ bases as a pair of convenient center
points for checking range.
The Unclean has the Agrippa in its right fire arc, so

it may fire at it with any of its weapons which can be
brought to bear in that arc.
Some weapons can shoot in more than one fire arc.
For example, most dorsal weaponry can be fired
left, front, or right. Some weapons can even fire all
round. Other weapons may have an area-of-effect
that is not directed at a particular target, instead
In the example above, the Unclean is firing on the
Agrippa. The Unclean is 34cm away so its weapon affecting everything around the firing vessel. If the
batteries (Range 45cm) are within range. Remember that line of fire is between two arcs, the attacking player
you may always pre-measure the range of your weapons gets to choose which arc to use for that phase. This Here, the Unclean may fire its left weaponry against the
before firing. applies to both shooting and target orientation. Iron Duke and its right weaponry against the Agrippa.

THE SHOOTING PHASE
DIRECT FIRING: or moving away from you. By cross referencing the
total firepower of the attack with the target type
"R ake 'em across the prow from close range! They'll
not forget that in a hurry." WEAPONS BATTERIES
Weapons batteries form the main armament for
and orientation you will find out how many dice to
roll to hit. Each dice roll which equals or beats the
-Captain Grenfield
most warships, and as a result most hulls are pock- target’s Armor value scores a hit and inflicts 1 point
marked by innumerable gun ports and weapon of damage.
DIRECT FIRING: LANCES housings. Each battery consists of rank upon rank
Lances are incredibly high-powered energy of weapons: plasma projectors, laser cannons, Mixing Different Gunnery Weapons
weapons that are capable of burning straight missile launchers, rail guns, fusion beamers and If a ship or squadron has multiple distinct weapons
through an armored hull or cutting an escort ship graviton pulsars. Weapons batteries fire by salvos, that rely on the gunnery table (like a Space Marine
in two. On Imperial and Chaos ships, lances are using a co-ordinated pattern of shots to catch the strike cruiser), all of its gunnery weapons may be
usually mounted in huge turrets with quad or triple target in the middle of a maelstrom of destruction. treated as firing simultaneously. This means such
energy projectors that focus into a concentrated ships will not suffer a column shift due to the blast
beam of destruction. Weapons Battery Rules markers inflicted by one of its gunnery weapons
If a ship’s weapons battery is within range and fire when firing another in the same phase. The order in
Lance Rules arc of the target, look up the battery’s firepower on which the weapons hit is up to the shooting player,
If a lance weapon system is within range and fire the ship’s data sheet. Then look up the target’s type so bombardment cannons can hit after weapons
arc of the target simply roll 1D6 per point of lance and orientation on the Gunnery table that follows. batteries have taken down shields, for example, or
strength. Any dice which score a 4, 5 or 6 hit the vice versa if desired. In this case, calculate the dice
target regardless of the target’s Armor value and If a ship is firing multiple weapons batteries at on the gunnery table separately for each different
cause 1 damage point. Ships that pass a target the same target, total up the firepower of all the type of gunnery weapon.
priority test may split the strength of their lance weapons batteries the firing ship is shooting at the
weapons between multiple targets in a given fire target before consulting the Gunnery table. First Firepower Greater Than 20
arc. Naturally, a ship must have lance strength of find your total firepower on the column on the left If a combination ships or weapons has a firepower
2 or greater (after any modifiers) in order to split of the table. Next look across the top of the table to value greater than 20, look up 20 and the remaining
fire this way. find the target type you are shooting at. firepower separately and add the resulting numbers
of dice together. For example, a squadron of two
For example, the Agrippa has Strength 2 lances. If Which way the target is traveling is important for Carnages with a firepower 32 salvo against an
the vessel were to fire them, it would roll 2D6 and gunnery purposes as it is much harder to hit a target abeam capital ship would roll 7+4 dice for its attack
score one hit for each dice which rolled a 4 or more. moving across your sights (abeam) than one closing (firepower 20+12).

THE SHOOTING PHASE
No target aspect or modifier can adjust shooting the Gunnery table and the Unclean would roll 9D6
beyond the far left or right columns on the gunnery instead. If the Agrippa was over 30cm away the
table. The gunnery modifiers are summarized as column shift to the right would mean the Unclean
follows: will roll 5D6 instead.
Modifiers: Splitting Fire

< Target within 15cm: Left-shift. Ships that pass a target priority test may split the
> Target more than 30cm away: Right-shift. firepower of their gunnery weapons between
> Firing through blast markers: Right-shift. multiple targets in a given fire arc. Naturally, a
ship must have firepower of 2 or greater (after any
For example, as shown earlier, the Unclean firing modifiers, which must be applied before working
at the Agrippa rolls 7D6. If the Agrippa were out target orientation on the Gunnery table) in order
Above: A target’s orientation depends upon which arc the within 15cm you would shift one column left on to split fire this way.
firing vessel is in, as shown. This is determined by tracing
the line of fire to its stem and using the bearing compass
to see which aspect is facing the firer. Match this with the GUNNERY TABLE
target’s type to determine the column to use. CLOSING CAPITAL SHIPS ESCORTS
MOVING AWAY CAPITAL SHIPS ESCORTS
Below: The Unclean fires with its starboard weapons ABEAM CAPITAL SHIPS ESCORTS
batteries. They have a firepower of 10 and the Agrippa is SPECIAL DEFENSES ORDNANCE
a closing capital ship, which on the Gunnery table means
1 1 1 1 0 0
that the Unclean rolls 7D6 to hit.
2 2 1 1 1 0
3 3 2 2 1 1
4 4 3 2 1 1
5 5 4 3 2 1
6 5 4 3 2 1
7 6 5 4 2 1
8 7 6 4 3 2
FIREPOWER
9 8 6 5 3 2
10 9 7 5 4 2
11 10 8 6 4 2
12 11 8 6 4 2
Gunnery Modifiers 13 12 9 7 5 3
Sometimes conditions will affect how difficult a 14 13 10 7 5 3
target is to hit. Ships at very long range or behind 15 14 11 8 5 3
debris will be hard to hit and at close range they will 16 14 11 8 6 3
be easy to hit. Even weapon batteries that always 17 15 12 9 6 3
count as closing can be affected by these modifiers.
18 16 13 9 6 4
19 17 13 10 7 4
Modifiers are applied in the form of column shifts.
20 18 14 10 7 4
A good modifier means that you move across the
Gunnery table one column to the left when you Notes: To save space, both cruisers and battleships are referred to as capital ships on the Gunnery table. Defenses
work out how many Hit dice to roll. A bad modifier (both satellites and ground facilities) and ordnance are not affected by orientation, and will always use their associated
means you move across one column to the right. column (plus any applicable column-shifts), even when shot at by ships which normally count all targets as closing.

THE SHOOTING PHASE
3D6 if the range is between 60cm and 150cm. If the COMBAT ORDER: LOCK ON
scatter die rolls a “Hit,” the template remains where The first combat-oriented special order is Lock On,
T he groans of the gun crew were drowned out by the
bellow of Gun Captain Murman.
it is placed. If it is a miss, the template moves the
distance rolled (in cm) in the direction shown by
which increases the accuracy of a vessel’s direct
firing weapons. This order is most useful when
"Heave faster, yer lackluster space rats! Put yer backs the miss arrow. Any ships attempting to use Brace an enemy is within range and no course change is
into it, Emperor damnit!" for Impact orders against a nova cannon must do so required to bring weapons to bear.
The forty men pulled harder at the traversing chains, before this roll is made.
heaving the massive barrel of the macro-cannon into Lock On: If the ship passes its command
position amidst the clank-clank-clank of rusty gears. Any vessel whose base touches the template check, it may re-roll any missed dice
takes one automatic hit. Any vessel whose base to hit for lances and gunnery weapons
"Avast heaving! Stand to for reloading!" ordered touches the hole at the template’s center takes D6
Murman and the men dropped th chains and hurried to
during the shooting phase. Simply pick
hits, regardless of its Armor value. Any ordnance up the missed dice and roll them again - the second
stand by the gun's huge breech. At a signal from the Gun touching the template is automatically removed. If
Captain, ten of the men sprang into action, pushing back result stands. A ship on Lock On special orders may
no ships were hit by the nova cannon place a single not turn during its movement, as it must maintain
the breech block. When it was open, the others bent their
blast marker under the center of the template. Blast a steady course and direct additional power to its
backs to the loading winch, lowering the shell, which
markers are explained in more detail later in this weapon systems.
weighed several tons, into the heart of the cannon. With
section.
a deafening clang the breech was closed again.
Note that nova cannon are not affected in any way +++TRACKING.TARGET+++LOCK.
by Lock On and Reload Ordnance special orders. A FIRING.SOLUTION+++PREPARE.
NOVA CANNON vessel on any other special orders may not fire its TO.ENGAGE+++FOR.THE.THRONE+++
A nova cannon is a massive weapon, normally nova cannon at all.
mounted in the prow of a ship so that the recoil it
generates can be compensated for by the vessel’s Obstacles
engines. It fires a projectile at incredible velocity, The nova cannon is a line of sight weapon and cannot
using graviometric impellers to accelerate it to fire through any obstacles or celestial phenomena
close to light speed. The projectile implodes at a that act as normal line of sight obstructions, such as
preset distance after firing, unleashing a force more planets, moons, asteroid fields, etc. However, such
potent than a dozen plasma bombs. obstacles may be fired upon if desired. If a direct hit
is scored on the scatter dice, place D6 blast markers
Nova Cannon Rules in contact with the obstacle or field’s edge.
To fire a nova cannon, place the template so that the
entire outer edge is anywhere between 30cm and Template
150cm from the firing ship and within the correct A nova cannon template is a circle with a 5cm outer
firing arc (usually the front). It does not have to diameter and a 1.2cm diameter hole in the center. In
centered on a single enemy vessel and can be placed a pinch, the Games Workshop small blast template
so that it touches more than one ship. However, a may be used for this purpose.
target priority test must be made if the closest target
more then 30cm away is not at least partially under In the diagram shown to the right, the Steadfast,
the template, and the template must not touch any a Dominator class cruiser, fires its nova cannon
friendly ships. at the Abominator, scattering slightly to the right.
The hole in the nova cannon template still partially
When the template is placed, check the range. If covers the Abominator’s base, inflicting D6 hits on
the target is within 45cm, roll a scatter die and 1D6. it. The nearby Doombringer is also caught in the
Roll 2D6 if the range is between 45cm to 60cm, and blast and suffers one automatic hit.

THE SHOOTING PHASE
DAMAGE
The weapons carried by some ships are powerful Roll a D6 for each hit scored on a ship (but not point of damage scored on a ship, regardless of its
enough to reduce entire cities to plains of radioactive against its shields). On a roll of 1-5 the hit causes source (unless otherwise specified).
glass. Ships are armored and shielded in order to no extra effects. On a roll of 6 the hit causes critical
resist outright destruction, with reinforced hulls damage. Roll 2D6 on the table below to see what Critical Hits on Small Targets
that can survive the horrific impact of gigawatts effect it has. Do not roll for further critical hits for Escorts and defenses with less than 3 starting hits
of energy. But within every ship is a crew all too any damage caused by a critical hit. Note that a suffer one point of damage whenever they suffer a
vulnerable to the fires of battle and the deadly check for critical damage must be made for every critical hit, instead of rolling on the table.
cold of the void. Ships are often crippled by crew
casualties long before hulls crack or drives explode. CRITICAL HITS TABLE
EXTRA
TAKING HITS 2D6
DAMAGE
RESULT
When a ship is damaged, note the number of hits it Dorsal Armament Damaged. The ship’s dorsal armament is badly damaged by the hit - power lines are
has taken on your fleet roster. Once a ship has lost 2 +0 severed, traverse mechanisms crippled and many gunners are killed. The ship’s dorsal armament may not
half its damage points (rounding up) it is crippled. fire until it has been repaired.
When a ship has lost all its hits, it is out of action Starboard Armament Damaged. The starboard armament is taken off line by the hit. The ship’s starboard
and a roll needs to be made on the Catastrophic 3 +0
armament may not fire until it has been repaired.
Damage table to see if it explodes in a spectacular Port Armament Damaged. Heavy damage silences the port side weaponry. The ship’s port armament may
fashion or simply drifts helplessly. 4 +0
not fire until it has been repaired.
Prow Armament Damaged. The ship’s prow is ripped open. Its prow armament may not fire until it has
Crippled Ships 5 +0
been repaired.
A ship which loses half its damage points is Engine Room Damaged. The engine room is rocked by explosions, forcing all hands to tend to the reactors.
crippled. Crippled ships halve their lance strength, 6 +1
The ship may not make any turns until the damage is repaired.
ordnance strength, gunnery firepower, turrets, and
Fire! Oxygen lines are broken, leading to fires in many compartments. Each fire that a ship fails to repair
shields values (rounding up) and reduce their speed 7 0
(extinguish) in the end phase inflicts 1 point of damage on the ship.
by 5cm. Crippled vessels may not fire their nova
Thrusters Damaged. The ship’s thruster assembly is disabled. Reduce the ship’s speed by 10cm until the
cannon, if they have one. When a crippled ship is 8 +1 damage is repaired. This penalty is not cumulative, but all thrusters must be repaired before the ship regains
on Brace For Impact special orders, the firepower its normal speed.
of its gunnery weapons and strength of its lances
Bridge Smashed. The armored fortress around the ship’s captain and his officers is smashed. The ship’s
and ordnance are halved again. 9 0
Leadership is reduced by 3. This damage may not be repaired.
Shields Collapse. The shield generators overload and burn out, leaving the ship virtually defenseless. The
For example, a standard Lunar class cruiser has 8 10 0
ship’s shield Strength is reduced to zero. This damage may not be repaired.
hits and is therefore crippled when it has suffered 4
points of damage. 11 +D3 Hull Breach. A huge gash is torn in the ship’s hull, causing carnage among the crew.
Bulkhead Collapse. Internal pillars buckle and twist, whole compartments crumple with a scream of
12 +D6
tortured metal. Just pray that some of the ship holds together!
CRITICAL HITS
The weapons used in space are so destructive that Notes: If a ship suffers multiple (repairable) critical hits to the same location, they must all be repaired before the
when a ship is hit there is a chance that a vital system functions again. However, any effects of these critical hits are not cumulative unless otherwise specified. If a
location will be critically damaged. Critical hits critical hit is rolled which cannot be applied, or multiple critical hits are rolled for a location that cannot be repaired,
can temporarily knock out a ship’s weapons and apply the next highest result instead. For example, a ship with no prow weapons that suffers a ‘Prow Armament
engines, start fires or even breach its hull. Damaged’ result would suffer an ‘Engine Room Damaged’ result instead.

THE SHOOTING PHASE
Declaring Brace For Impact Orders SHIELDS
Brace For Impact orders may be attempted after Ships are protected by powerful energy shields so
"T he Intolerance was surrounded

by a seething sphere of plasma
and missile detonations, held back
any checks or tests to determine if a vessel will be
attacked, but must always be declared before any
rolls to hit are made (including those made by a
that they can survive the rigors of traveling through
space. A ship’s shields form a band of invisible
force that can absorb or deflect the impact of most
ship’s own turrets). interstellar hazards and weapons hits. However,
by the bright coruscating arcs of its the amount of damage shields are able to absorb
energy shields. With a blinding flash For example, you do not have to declare bracing is limited and they can be quickly overwhelmed,
until you know an enemy ship attempting to ram has forcing a temporary shutdown while generators
the shield generators collapsed under successfully passed its Ld test. In the same manner, vent off excess energy.
the onslaught, leaving the ship at the a ship does not have to brace for damage against
mercy of its enemies." traversing asteroid fields until after it actually fails Each point of a ship’s shield strength can block one
the leadership test to traverse the field. When facing point of damage. A blast marker is placed touching
-History of the Imperial Navy damage from an exploding vessel, a ship may wait the ship’s base for each hit prevented this way, to
to brace until after the 3D6cm measurement for show how much energy has been absorbed.
blast radius is made, and so forth.
A ship reduces its shield strength by 1 for each blast
COMBAT ORDER: marker touching its base (regardless of how it came
In all other cases, a decision to brace must be made
BRACE FOR IMPACT before any rolls to determine the number of attacks into contact) to a minimum of 0, at which point its
The second combat-oriented special order is Brace or amount of hits against the ship (such as for Ork shields are depleted and any incoming damage will
For Impact, which protects the ship from damage. weapons and similar effects). reduce its hit points as normal.
It is unique among special orders in that it may be
used any time the ship faces damage (but before the Other Special Orders Shields are automatically restored as a ship leaves
result is rolled). Any changes to a ship’s movement resulting from contact with blast markers. However, a vessel may
need to move away from several markers before any
previous special orders remain in effect even after
Brace For Impact: If the ship passes its of its shields come back online, depending on how
bracing (such as from All Ahead Full or Burn Retros
command check, it is placed on Brace many are actually in contact when the ship moves.
orders). Similarly, a vessel that is braced while on
More details about how blast markers interact with
For Impact special orders until the end Reload Ordnance orders is still reloaded normally.
ships can be found in the next section.
of its next turn, replacing any special
orders it is on currently. A braced ship gains a Bonus Damage Shields are effective against most forms of attack,
saving throw against any hits it suffers (but not hits Brace For Impact special orders do not protect such as direct fire from lances, weapons batteries,
against its shields or other defenses). Roll a D6 for against any critical damage inflicted by unsaved and nova cannon. However, attacks from boarding
each hit: on a score of 4+, the hit is ignored. hits. However, against any weapons which inflict actions, ramming, torpedoes, attack craft, and other
multiple damage points with each hit (such as some such tactics bypass a vessel’s shields - in these cases
A ship on Brace For Impact orders may not use Ork and Eldar weapons), a braced ship rolls one a ship’s shields offer no protection of any kind.
special orders at all during its next turn. The ship save per damage point inflicted past its shields and
also halves the firepower of it gunnery weapons other defenses. In the first example shown on the next page, two
and the strength of both its lances and ordnance Imperial cruisers fire upon a Chaos cruiser. Each
armaments (rounding up). Boarding & Hit-and-Run Raids ship scores one hit, so a blast marker is placed in
Braced ships may save against any hit-and-run raids contact with the Chaos cruiser’s base facing each
If a ship fails its command check, it cannot attempt directed at them, just like other types of attack. of the Imperial ships. In the second example, the
to go on Brace For Impact special orders again until However, Brace For Impact special orders offer no Unclean scores three hits on the Iron Duke, causing
the ship, squadron, or ordnance marker currently protection whatsoever against any damage (critical two blast markers to be fanned out around its base,
attacking has completed its attacks. or otherwise) inflicted during a boarding action. and the third hit to damage the Iron Duke directly.

THE SHOOTING PHASE
the base of the target ship, keeping them in contact than the point it comes into contact with the marker
and as close as possible to the origin of the attack (and not before).
without overlapping any other blast markers unless
there is no more room to place them otherwise. If a ship is not equipped with shields, or its shields
have been permanently disabled (rather than simply
Any other placement of blast markers is described depleted) and it moves through at least one blast
in the relevant rules (such as for nova cannon, marker, roll a D6. On a result of 6, it suffers 1 point
catastrophic damage, and so forth). Note that blast of damage. Likewise, when an ordnance marker
markers do not move once they have been placed moves through any blast markers, it is destroyed
on the tabletop. They show an area of tumultuous, on a D6 roll of 6. These tests only need to be made
strife-torn space and temporarily become part of once per move, no matter how many blast markers
the battlefield while they are in play. a unit encounters along its path.
Multiple Ships Under Fire Shooting Through Blasts

If a vessel taking fire has other ships in base contact Blast markers interfere with gunnery, as mentioned
with it, blast markers fanned out normally around earlier, disrupting firing and causing plenty of
it will affect other ships in base contact, as long as ‘ghost’ images on the firing ship’s sensors. Hence if
the markers are actually placed touching the bases a ship’s line of fire passes through any blast markers
of the ships in question. In addition, if a vessel in (including those in contact with a ship’s base) it
base contact is closer to the firing vessel than the suffers a column shift to the right on the Gunnery
ship actually under fire, place the first blast marker table. Lances and nova cannon are unaffected. Note
touching both ships’ bases and as close as possible that blast markers come into effect immediately
BLAST MARKERS to the origin of the attack, fanning out any other and so can affect subsequent shooting in the same
When ships are fired on, some of the results are blast markers from there. (If multiple ships meet turn in which they are placed.
shown by blast markers. Blast markers represent this criteria, use the one closest to the line of fire).
all kinds of events - huge explosions, expanding
shockwaves, intense radiation clouds, tumbling Nearby Vessels
debris, unexploded warheads, plasma bursts, etc. Blast markers may never be placed touching a ship
that is near to but not actually in base contact with
Placing Blast Markers the vessel under fire, even when fanning out blast
Blast markers are shown on the tabletop by placing markers normally. Note that one cannot declare that
counters where the event occurs. They remain in ships are not in base contact if the models’ bases are
play until they are removed in a subsequent end physically touching - that would be cheating.
phase. Blast markers are most commonly placed in
the following circumstances: Moving Through Blasts
If a vessel moves through any blast markers, it
• For each hit absorbed by a ship’s shields. reduces its speed that phase by 5cm, regardless of
• For destroyed ships (see the Catastrophic Damage the number of markers actually moved through.
section for more details). A vessel is considered to be moving through blast
• For missed nova cannon attacks. markers even if it is moving away from markers it
is in contact with at the beginning of the movement
Blast markers that are caused by shield impacts are phase. If a ship cannot elect to slow down (such as
placed touching a ship’s base, facing as much as those on All Ahead Full special orders), and comes
possible towards the origin of the attack. Do not into contact with a blast marker within the last 5cm
overlap blast markers; instead, fan them out around of its movement, it must instead stop no farther

THE SHOOTING PHASE
MODERN BLAST MARKERS CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE Escorts

A ship with no hits left is effectively out of action. When escort ships are reduced to zero damage
Optional Rules There may still be some crew left alive, trapped in remove them from play and replace them with a
compartments that have yet to be breached, and blast marker, to represent the expanding cloud
If desired, players may use the following extra there may still be power available in some sections of debris left by their passing. Note that because
rules concerning blast markers. These ‘modern’ of the ship, but the vessel can no longer fight. When a normal blast marker token is smaller than the
blast marker rules simplify the process for firing a ship is reduced to zero damage, do the following diameter of a 32mm flying base, this blast marker
through blasts, but may be more complex when based on their type: cannot take down the shields of any ships in base
more than a few ships are on the table. contact unless they are actually overlapping the
Capital Ships destroyed escort’s base.
Intervening Blasts For mighty capital ships, there is a chance that the
A ship in base contact with any blast markers vessel will spectacularly explode as its reactors Defenses
is always counted as being behind those blast overload or its warp-drive malfunctions. Roll 2D6 Any defenses with 3 or more hits are treated as
markers for the purposes of enemy shooting on the Catastrophic Damage table below to see capital ships and may explode as normal. All other
and ordnance attacks, regardless of the markers’ what happens. defenses are replaced by a blast marker, like escorts.
actual positions. This means that enemy gunnery
weapons will suffer a right column shift on the CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE TABLE
gunnery table and any attacking ordnance is
treated as moving through blast markers (being 2D6 RESULT
destroyed on a D6 roll of 6). Drifting Hulk. The ship is reduced to a shattered hulk drifting in space. Wrecked ships move 4D6cm forward in each of
2-6
their subsequent movement phases. Place a blast marker in contact with a hulk’s base after each move.
Overlapping Bases Burning Hulk. The ship is reduced to a burning wreck with uncontrolled fires blazing on every deck. In time, the fires
Any ship whose base is overlapping the base of a 7-8 will burn out or trigger a cataclysmic explosion. A burning hulk is treated just like a drifting hulk, but at the end of each
ship in contact with blast markers also counts as movement phase, it rolls again on the Catastrophic Damage table (replacing this result if a 2-6 is scored).
being in contact with those blast markers. Note
Plasma Drive Overload. The ship’s plasma coils overload and explode in a blazing inferno of white hot plasma.
that this effect does not cascade to other vessels Remove the ship from play, leaving behind a number of blast markers equal to half its starting number of hits. Every ship
whose bases are overlapping in a ‘chain’ of ships. 9-11
within 3D6cm of the exploding wreck is struck by lance shots with a strength equal to half the ship’s starting damage
For example: Ships #1 and #2 are overlapping capacity. Roll to hit as normal.
bases with Ship #3, but not with each other. If
Warp Drive Implosion. The ship’s warp drive implodes, ripping a hole in real space that tears at nearby vessels with
Ship #1 is in contact with a blast marker, Ship horrific force. Remove the ship from play, leaving behind a number of blast markers equal to its starting number of hits.
#3 will also count as being in contact with a blast 12
Every ship within 3D6cm of the imploding wreck is struck by lance shots with a strength equal to the wreck’s starting
marker, but Ship #2 will not. damage capacity. Roll to hit as normal.

THE SHOOTING PHASE
While in a gravity well, hulks must make any turns
"Every man is expected 'to work his fingers to conferred to it towards the center of the gravity
well. It must always turn the full amount and will Fifteen Orks on a dead man's hulk,
the bone to accomplish the task in hand. And if
make both turns if it starts and ends its movement Lookin' down the barrel of a gun,
that proves insufficient, he shall work them to the
inside a gravity well. If the gravity well is generated Gruntin' to each other,
marrow!"
by a Space Hulk, the wrecked ship is removed through big sharp teeth,
First Standing Order of Captain Krassus it if contacts the Space Hulk’s base (rolling one Sayin' "This one'll give us some fun"
final time on the Catastrophic Damage table if the
wrecked ship is a blazing hulk).
Exploding Vessels Fourteen Orks on a humie's ship,
Explosions resulting from the Catastrophic Damage Drifting/Blazing Hulks in Combat Killin' anything that isn't green,
table count as area-of-effect attacks which are not Drifting or blazing hulks will block lines of fire that Gruntin' to each other,
blocked by line of sight obstructions such as hulks, pass over their base, due to the clouds of venting
minefields or celestial phenomena. through big sharp teeth,
gases and debris they produce. Naturally, they have
no shields, turrets or any other defense mechanisms Sayin' "Times are getting lean"
When placing an exploding ship’s blast markers, (such as holofields or reactive hulls). Furthermore,
place a single blast marker exactly where the ship a drifting or blazing hulk may be ignored for target Thirteen Orks with the captain's chest,
was, and then place the rest fanning out around and priority purposes if it is the closest enemy target Hopin' to quench their greedy thirst,
in contact with the first marker, without overlapping (shooting at a hulk is still subject to target priority
other blast markers unless there is no more room to Gruntin' to each other,
if it is not the closest target).
do so. The normal restriction against placing blast through big sharp teeth,
markers in contact with nearby vessels does not Drifting and blazing hulks cannot be fired upon, Sayin' "I was da wun dat saw it first"
apply in this case. boarded, or have torpedoes deliberately launched
at them by friendly vessels or ordnance for any One lone Ork left to steal the loot,
Moving Drifting/Blazing Hulks reason, although enemies may still do so normally,
The owning player may always move his or her
Wishin' it hadn't turned out so,
usually in the hopes of causing a devastating
drifting and blazing hulks in whichever order he or explosion! Use the destroyed ship’s Armor value Gruntin to isself,
she chooses. They are affected normally by blast to roll for hits. If a hulk suffers any hits, roll once through big sharp teeth,
markers and other speed modifiers, and will be on the Catastrophic Damage table (replacing the Sayin' "I shoulda let the pilot go"
damaged by moving through blasts on a D6 roll of current result, if necessary). Note that hits caused
6, just like other ships with no shields. Note that by each individual ship, squadron, or ordnance -Traditional Shipmens Song
this does not include the blast marker a drifting or wave may only trigger one roll on the table, not one
blazing hulk generates at the end of its movement. roll per hit inflicted.

THE ORDNANCE PHASE
In the ordnance phase, both players move and attack with any of their ordnance on the table. Ordnance includes everything
from torpedoes the size of skyscrapers to swarms of small, one-man fighters and bombers. Although tiny compared to the
kilometers-long behemoths around which they battle, most torpedoes and attack craft pose a very real threat to even the
largest and most fearsome battleships, as they are able to fly in past a vessel’s shields and attack it where it is most vulnerable.
Underestimating the impact of a single fighter can mean the loss of an entire space station or battlefleet.
"A ttention all vessels, this is Lord Admiral Rath. It is clear to me that we cannot win this fight by utilizing conventional
weapons of warfare. I order you all to disengage and withdraw. The Dominus Astra shall be the fiery sword of
retribution that ends this war. I repeat, disengage and pull away. The Emperor's blessing be upon you!"
Final Transmission of Lord Admiral Zaccarius Rath

THE ORDNANCE PHASE
USING ORDNANCE
All ordnance attacks are represented by markers in mind that being crippled and/or braced still affect SHOOTING AT ORDNANCE
that are moved across the tabletop during each the strength of all ordnance armaments normally. Ordnance may be fired at in the shooting phase
ordnance phase. Ordnance markers interact with with direct fire weapons. Ordnance is subject to the
ships and other ordnance when they make physical Attack Craft Limits normal rules for target priority, but remember that
contact, regardless of whose turn it is or what phase When launching attack craft, a player may not have ships firing at ordnance only count other enemy
of the game is being resolved. more markers in play than the total number of launch ordnance markers for the purposes of determining
bays remaining in their fleet. Note that this does not the nearest enemy.
restrict which types of craft may be deployed, nor
LAUNCHING ORDNANCE which vessels may deploy them - only the total
Ships armed with torpedo tubes, mines and/or launch Unless otherwise specified, all weapons treat
number of markers on the board. If a fleet’s launch ordnance markers as having an Armor value of
bays can use ordnance. Ordnance is launched at the
capacity is reduced below the number of markers it 6+, because they are such difficult targets. If an
end of the shooting phase (the marker is put on the
currently has in play (due to critical damage or loss ordnance marker or wave is hit by enemy shooting
ship’s base to show it has fired its ordnance) but the
of ships, for example), the owning player may not it is removed from play.
ordnance moves and attacks during the ordnance
deploy any further attack craft until the total number
phase. Once a ship has launched its ordnance it may
in play is reduced accordingly. Ships with random- Note that gunnery weapons firing at ordnance use
not launch again until it has reloaded via the Reload
strength launch bays may always use their maximum the ‘Ordnance’ column on the Gunnery table. This
Ordnance special order.
possible value to determine attack craft limits. is because ordnance targets are relatively small
Note that a ship which launches any ordnance must and fast moving. Target aspects are not taken into
Recalling Attack Craft account, but column shifts for range, blast markers,
be reloaded regardless of the number of markers
Before starting the ordnance phase, attack craft on or other special rules do apply.
actually deployed. For example, a carrier with four
the table may forgo attacking and be removed from
launch bays cannot place two markers and ‘save’
play to ‘free up’ a fleet’s launch capacity.
the other two for later. This same concept applies to ORDNANCE ATTACKS
torpedoes and mines as well. If an ordnance marker comes into contact with a
MOVING ORDNANCE ship’s base or an enemy ordnance marker it will
The only exception to this is a ship with both In the ordnance phase both players move and attack immediately attack it with the effects detailed on the
attack craft and torpedoes/mines. For such vessels, with any ordnance they have launched, including following pages. Other than torpedoes, ordnance
launching torpedoes and/or mines does not affect ordnance launched on previous turns. Note that the will typically be removed from play after attacking.
its ability to launch attack craft later, and vice versa. player whose turn it is always moves all of his or
In other words, if a ship equipped with both types her ordnance first. Unless otherwise specified, all ordnance attacks
of ordnance launches only one or the other, it may ignore a target’s shields and affect the target vessel
still launch the other without needing to reload. For All ordnance has a speed value that dictates how immediately upon contact. This includes if a ship
example, if an Imperial Dictator launches its attack far it moves during each ordnance phase. Ordnance contacts an ordnance marker in the course of its
craft but not its torpedoes in one turn and then fails markers in a wave or salvo must be spread in normal movement. Ordnance must attack the first
its command check for Reload Ordnance special contact with each other and cannot be stacked. valid target they come into contact with, but are
orders in the subsequent turn, it may still launch its not required to move into contact with the nearest
torpedoes in that turn. Different types of ordnance have different rules for enemy target.
turning and attacking - these rules are covered in
Finally, any ship that has ordnance loaded will later sections. Remember that any ordnance marker If two ships are so aligned that there is no way to
remain loaded for as long as it does not launch or wave which moves through blast markers must visually identify which of two overlapping ships is
it, regardless of how many turns go by or what test to see if it is destroyed on a D6 roll of 6, as actually closer to attacking ordnance, the attacker
subsequent special orders the ship receives. Keep described in the section for blast markers. decides which target is being attacked.

THE ORDNANCE PHASE
TYPES OF ORDNANCE
TORPEDOES If a torpedo marker contacts a ship’s base (friend or Premature Detonation
The term ‘torpedo’ has always been used to describe foe) it attacks. Roll a D6 for every point of strength A salvo of torpedoes can be triggered prematurely
any long-range missile carried by a spaceship. A in the torpedo salvo. Each dice result which equals (removing it from play) by any of the following:
typical anti-ship torpedo is over 200 feet long and or beats the ship’s Armor value scores one hit,
powered by a plasma reactor, which also acts as applying the appropriate effect for the torpedo’s • On a D6 roll of 6 while moving through any blast
a sizable portion of its warhead, turning it into a type, as described in its special rules. The torpedo markers.
devastating plasma bomb. The area of a ship given salvo continues moving after the attack but its • If the salvo is fired on by direct fire weapons and
over to the torpedo tubes is a massive space criss- strength is reduced by 1 for every hit it inflicted. any hits are scored.
crossed by lifts, hoists and gantry cranes for moving Torpedoes that re-roll missed attacks must do so, • If the salvo hits another torpedo marker.
the huge missiles from the armored magazine silos even if the target is already destroyed.
where they are stored to the launch tubes.
A torpedo salvo may never attack a target that is not
MINES
Space-borne mines almost always follow similar
Once a torpedo has been launched, the plasma drive actually in its firing arc, no matter how close it is or
designs, regardless of which race constructs them.
propels it forward at high speed, whilst beginning whether the marker contacts the target’s base. Also,
Although little more than self-guided explosives,
an energy build-up that culminates in its detonation. torpedoes may never attack a single target more
mines are quite dangerous to enemy warships, and
Torpedoes have a limited ability to detect a target than once per full turn, even if they are already
pose a substantial threat in large numbers.
and will alter course to intercept if they pass within in contact with it at the start of the movement or
a few thousand kilometers of a vessel. ordnance phase. For example, a torpedo marker
Space Mine Rules
that ends its movement overlapping the base of a
Each mine launcher on a vessel may launch one
Torpedo Rules vessel will attack it upon contact, but will not attack
mine per turn (the number of mine launchers a
Torpedoes are launched by ships with torpedo that same ship again at the beginning of that ship’s
ship has is often called its mine launcher strength).
tubes, which are typically fitted to the prow of a movement phase. Vessels in such a situation may
Mines are represented by 20mm square markers,
ship. In Battlefleet Gothic, torpedo salvos have a assume the torpedoes have flown off behind them like attack craft, but may never be grouped into
strength value and a speed value, which are shown and move off of the torpedo marker. waves or salvos. Once launched, a mine activates
on a vessel’s profile. The higher the strength, the and will continue to function until it is destroyed.
more torpedoes there are in a salvo; the higher the Mines move exactly 10cm directly towards the
speed, the faster they move across the battlefield. nearest enemy vessel in every ordnance phase.
All torpedo salvos are represented by 2.5cm wide If a mine contacts an enemy vessel it attacks it
markers. In older editions of Battlefleet Gothic, this immediately, rolling 8D6 against the target’s
is equivalent to a ‘Strength-3’ torpedo token. Place Armor value to hit. Unlike other ordnance, damage
a D6 (or two) next to each marker to indicate the from mines may be blocked by shields. If a ship
actual strength of the salvo. with mine launchers suffers critical damage to the
launchers’ location, it suffers an extra D3 damage
Torpedoes move in a straight line once launched as some mines explode!
(although certain types may make limited turns
before moving), traveling a distance equal to their In the diagram above, a Strength 6 torpedo salvo moves Mines follow all the regular rules for ordnance
speed in each ordnance phase until they detonate or in the ordnance phase and hits a ship. 6D6 are rolled to regarding moving through blast markers, shooting,
leave the battlefield. Unlike ships, torpedoes must attack and three dice score hits on the target. The salvo and so forth. Except for fighters (which will remove
always make their full move in each ordnance is reduced to Strength 3 and continues its full move of mines just like any other ordnance), mines are not
phase, keeping the marker’s center on the same 30cm. If any other ships were in this path, they would affected by, and do not affect, any other ordnance
point along the line of fire at all times. also be attacked. markers on the battlefield.

THE ORDNANCE PHASE
those available to the carrier. For example, a ship DEFENSE TURRETS
could launch both fighters and bombers at the Most warships mount numerous point-defense
"I 'd never seen anything like it, and Emperor knows I
never want to again. It was just torpedo after torpedo
streaming out of the asteroid field, heading straight for
same time, or decide to launch only a single type
during its turn. Different types of attack craft are
systems and automatic turrets for shooting down
enemy ordnance during their final attack run. A
represented by markers with different icons. ship’s main armament is simply too huge and slow
us. I saw one of the little boats out front of us get hit
and just vanish, kind of fold in on itself and vanish. I to track ordnance at such close ranges. However,
Unlike torpedoes and mines, attack craft can turn as turrets may be fired immediately whenever enemy
don't know what could have been in there throwing out
many times as desired and move in any direction, up ordnance touches the ship’s base. This always takes
torpedoes like those... But more to the point, I can't
imagine what treasure's worth guarding with weapons
to the distance indicated by their speed on the ship’s effect before resolving any ordnance attacks. To
like that. I'll warrant there's men fool enough to try
profile. They are not required to move towards the fire turrets, roll a D6 for each point of the ship’s
finding out though." closest target or any nearby obstructions unless the turret value, and apply the relevant effect below:
course of their movement unavoidably brings them
-First Mate of the Rogue Trader Lucky Bones in contact. Any attack craft that come into contact Vs Torpedoes
with enemy ships or ordnance must immediately Each dice that scores a 4, 5, or 6 reduces the salvo’s
attack as explained in the appropriate sections. strength by 1.
ATTACK CRAFT However, attack craft (unlike torpedoes and mines)
The term ‘attack craft’ refers to all small, manned Vs Mines
may choose to engage enemy vessels with small If at least one dice scores a 4, 5, or 6, the attacking
combat vehicles deployed to support allied warships
bases who are ‘hiding’ within the footprint of a marker rolls 4D6 to hit instead of 8D6.
during a fleet action. They are typically launched to
large ship’s base. Naturally, the markers must have
defend their mother ship or make long range strikes
sufficient range to actually reach the smaller ship. Vs Attack Craft
against exposed enemies. Such versatility makes
This is the only manner in which attack craft may Each dice that scores a 4, 5, or 6 destroys one
them dangerous against all kinds of targets. ignore the first enemy ship they contact. squadron, chosen by the defending player.
Attack craft vary in size and shape from sleek one-
COMBAT ORDER: Due to the greater difficulty tracking attack craft as
man fighters to blocky, lumbering heavy bombers.
opposed to torpedoes and/or mines, a ship which
Attack craft make difficult targets a ship’s guns: RELOAD ORDNANCE uses its turrets to defend against attack craft may
their small size and high speed enables them to The last of the combat-oriented special orders is not use them against any other type of ordnance in
evade the worst of enemy fire. However, attack Reload Ordnance. This special order does exactly the same phase, and vice versa. Otherwise, a ship
craft have a limited endurance and can only operate what it says: reloads any expended ordnance so that may always fire its turrets at every ordnance marker
away from their carrier for a short time before they a vessel may launch again. which attacks it in a given turn.
must return to rearm and refuel.
Reload Ordnance: If the ship passes Massed Turrets
Attack Craft Rules its command check, all of its ordnance Ships in base contact with a vessel under attack by
Attack craft are deployed from a ship’s launch is successfully reloaded and may be ordnance may ‘mass’ their turrets with it. For each
bays. Each bay may launch one squadron of attack launched in any subsequent shooting ship contributing its turrets, add +1 to the turret
craft per turn. The number of launch bays a ship phase. Note that this special order reloads all of a strength of the defending ship (limit +3). Ships that
has (also called its launch bay strength) is found vessel’s ordnance, regardless of type. For example, mass turrets are subject to the same restrictions as
on the vessel’s profile as normal. For example, a a ship with both attack craft and torpedoes would the defending ship regarding attack craft and other
Dictator class cruiser with four bays can launch only need to use Reload Ordnance special orders ordnance. Ships that are crippled or have no turrets
four squadrons. Each squadron is represented by a once to reload both types. All vessels begin the may not contribute to this bonus, but may benefit
single 20mm square marker. game with ordnance loaded unless otherwise from allied ships’ turrets normally. As ships move
specified. Some players find it helpful to use their individually, it is not usually possible to mass turrets
The owning player always chooses which attack fleet roster (or a pen and paper) to keep track of during a vessel’s move unless it contacts ordnance
craft to use at the time of launch, selected from which ships have ordnance ready. while moving through an allied ship’s base.

THE ORDNANCE PHASE
TORPEDO SPECIAL RULES

SPLITTING TORPEDO SALVOS TORPEDO TYPES Short Burn Torpedoes
Any ship capable of firing torpedoes at strength-7 There are a wide and creative variety of torpedo Short burn torpedoes have more powerful engines
or greater may split its salvo in two, representing it designs employed by the many races of Battlefleet but a limited amount of fuel. They are considerably
with two separate strength-3 markers. If this option Gothic, however the most common types all use faster than ordinary torpedoes but will ‘burn out’
is taken, the salvos must go in different directions relatively similar principles. and lose engine power very quickly in comparison
(no double-attacks on the same target or in the same to ordinary torpedoes, which are designed to cruise
direction), and no single salvo can contain less Standard Torpedoes at speed for longer periods.
than three torpedoes. Note that this only applies to By default, most ships simply use the most basic
individual ships firing torpedoes; squadrons firing torpedo design: an explosive warhead on top of Short burn torpedoes have an increased speed of
torpedoes separately or together may still do so a big rocket. The minor details vary, but in rules 40cm. However, to represent the chance of them
according to their rules (see the Advanced Rules terms, standard torpedoes are all identical. They burning out, roll a D6 for each salvo of short burn
section for more details). may not turn at all once launched, and each hit they torpedoes after they have moved and made any
inflict causes 1 point of damage on the target. If attacks – on a roll of 6 the torpedoes run out of fuel
a ship armed with torpedo tubes does not specify and are replaced with a blast marker. In all other
FIRING THROUGH ALLIES what kind of torpedoes it has, it is equipped with respects they are treated as standard torpedoes.
Although torpedoes will normally attack any target standard torpedoes.
they contact (friendly vessels included), a ship may Barrage Bombs
fire its torpedoes ‘through’ an allied ship without Boarding Torpedoes Barrage bombs are specially configured to penetrate
attacking it if the ally is in base contact when the Boarding torpedoes are designed to punch through the atmosphere of a targeted planet and bombard
torpedoes are fired. Note that this rule cannot be the outer hull of an enemy vessel and plunge a surface targets. In comparison to ordinary anti-ship
used to combine torpedoes from ships that are not squad of heavily armed troops inside to sabotage torpedoes, barrage bombs have a relatively diffuse
part of the same squadron, however any squadrons the target ship’s systems. These torpedoes are blast radius, being designed to achieve maximum
with members in base contact will benefit from the manned, so they can turn up to 45°, following the saturation of the target area. Barrage bombs can be
effects of this rule as normal. rules for turning torpedoes. In addition, they always launched even while a ship is in low orbit, where
ignore friendly ships and attack craft (unlike other they will move just like ordinary torpedoes in deep
TURNING TORPEDOES torpedoes) and may choose to ignore any drifting space (they are unaffected by the planet’s gravity).
Certain torpedoes, whether through living pilots or or burning hulks they encounter. Otherwise, they Barrage bombs may also be launched in space
some other guidance system, may turn to track a must attack the first enemy ship they contact, and normally.
desired target. When turning a torpedo salvo, it must are still destroyed normally if they contact another
always be rotated around the center of the marker at torpedo marker. Each salvo of barrage bombs which strikes a planet
the beginning of its move. It must be turned so that during a planetary assault scenario earns +1 assault
no edge moves more than the salvo’s maximum For each hit inflicted by a boarding torpedo, point if it is strength-6 or less, or +2 assault points
speed in any way. This means the side facing the conduct a hit-and-run raid against the target ship if it is strength-7 or greater. Each hit from barrage
inside edge of the turn may end up moving less than immediately. Hit-and-run attacks are explained in bombs against an enemy ship inflicts one point of
the maximum allowed distance. a later section. damage that does not ignore shields.
Note that a torpedo salvo cannot turn in the ordnance

phase of the same turn in which it is launched. "There can be no bystanders in the battle for survival. Anyone who will not fight by your side is an enemy you
This means that torpedoes capable of turning may must crush."
only be launched into the firing arc shown on their Attributed to Lord Solar Macharius
profile, just like non-turning torpedoes.

THE ORDNANCE PHASE
Guided Torpedoes surveyors they use to detect enemy ships are easily Hits from melta torpedoes inflict no damage points,
Guided torpedoes are directed via laser telemetry blinded by blasts and debris, leading to premature instead, each hit causes an automatic Fire critical
from the ship which launched them, allowing them detonation. Vessels armed with seeking torpedoes hit (even on vessels whose critical hit tables do not
to be guided onto a specific target or enemy ship may only launch one salvo of them per game, due normally have a ‘Fire’ result). If a ship which is
even amidst the confusion of battle. Although tight to their rarity and expense. carrying unused melta torpedoes suffers a critical
beam communication links are used to control hit to the location of its torpedo launcher, it
the torpedoes from the parent ship, they are still Each subsequent ordnance phase after launching, a suffers an extra D3 Fire critical hits as some of the
vulnerable to enemy interference and jamming. seeking torpedo salvo will turn up to 45° (following torpedoes detonate!
the rules for turning torpedoes) such that it is
Guided torpedoes can make a turn of up to 45°, pointing towards the nearest enemy ship. If several Vortex Torpedoes
following the rules for turning torpedoes, but only ships are an equal distance away, it will turn to Vortex torpedoes carry warheads which implode to
if the ship which launched them passes a leadership attack the largest (where Defense > Battleship > create a highly unstable and dangerous rift in warp
test. If the leadership test is failed, one enemy Cruiser > Escort). Furthermore, seeking torpedoes space. The damage inflicted by even a single vortex
ship can attempt to give the torpedo salvo false will ignore any friendly ships and attack craft that torpedo is horrendous – whole sections of the ship
instructions by passing a leadership test itself. If they encounter. However, seeking torpedoes which and its crew are ripped asunder and sucked into the
the enemy ship is successful, that vessel’s owning move through blast markers will detonate on a D6 warp. However, constructing and transporting such
player is allowed to turn the torpedoes instead! roll of 5+ instead of only on a result of 6. Each hit weapons is extraordinarily hazardous. As such,
Each hit from guided torpedoes inflicts one damage from seeking torpedoes inflicts one damage point they are perhaps one of the rarest armaments in the
point on the target as normal. on the target as normal. entire galaxy. Vessels armed with vortex torpedoes
may only launch one salvo of them per game, due
Seeking Torpedoes Melta Torpedoes to their rarity and expense.
The art of building self-guided torpedoes is almost The warheads on melta torpedoes are fitted with
lost to the Imperium, but they are still manufactured fusion detonators, which explode into enormous Each hit from vortex torpedoes causes one point of
in tiny numbers at the great Adeptus Mechanicus conflagrations of nuclear fire upon impact. The damage and automatically inflicts a critical hit. If
temples on Mars. Logic engines and matriculators flames will burn through even the outer hull of a ship which is carrying unused vortex torpedoes
aboard the torpedoes themselves enable them to the largest battleships, threatening to consume the suffers a critical hit to the location of its torpedo
identify the attack vector most likely to result in entire vessel in a hellish inferno. Ships armed with launcher, it suffers D3 points of additional damage
the salvo reaching a target. The disadvantage of melta torpedoes may only launch one salvo of them and an automatic critical hit itself as some of the
seeking torpedoes (other than their rarity) is that the per game, due to their rarity and expense. torpedoes detonate!

THE ORDNANCE PHASE
ATTACK CRAFT SPECIAL RULES

FIGHTERS BOMBERS TORPEDO BOMBERS
Fighters are small, fast and extremely agile. Bombers are slower, heavier craft with destructive Torpedo bombers are normal bombers reconfigured
They are only armed with weapons suitable for anti-ship weapons. Though vulnerable to enemy to carry a payload of small anti-ship torpedoes.
destroying torpedoes, mines, and other attack craft. fighters, bombers can be a serious threat to ships. This gives them the ability to stand off from their
In combat, the fighter’s job is to intercept enemy target at greater range before launching an attack.
ordnance and protect the vulnerable bombers and Bomber Rules
assault craft on their way to and from their target. Bomber attacks have the following effects when Torpedo Bomber Rules
they move into contact: Versus other ordnance, torpedo bombers are treated
Fighter Rules like regular bombers. However, they cannot attack
Fighter attacks have the following effects when Vs Ordnance Markers. Enemy fighters will remove ships directly. Instead, at the start of any ordnance
they come into contact: bombers normally, as described in their rules. Any phase after the turn they are launched, a torpedo
other ordnance will simply be avoided - leave both bomber squadron may be replaced by a strength-2
Vs Ordnance Markers. The defenders are scattered markers in play (no attacks are resolved). torpedo salvo (facing in any direction). However,
or destroyed during the dogfighting. The victorious the salvo has limited fuel and must be removed at
fighters return to their mother ship for rearming and Vs Ships. The bombers make an attack run on the the end of the phase in which it is fired. A wave of
refueling. Remove both the defending and attacking ship. Make D6 rolls to hit against the ship’s lowest torpedo bombers can combine their salvos together
markers from play. Note that this is a compulsory Armor value for each attacking bomber squadron. just like a squadron of ships in base contact.
attack; fighters must always intercept enemy attack The number of attacks the squadron makes reduces
craft and mines they encounter, as well as any
torpedoes (friend or foe) that they contact.
by one for each turret on the ship (minimum zero).
Note that this does not include any bonuses from
ASSAULT BOATS
Assault boats are designed to clamp on to a target
vessels massing turrets, but still applies even if the vessel and breach its outer hull, allowing squads of
Vs Ships. The puny fighters cannot hope to damage defending ship fired its turrets at torpedoes or mines elite warriors to storm on board. Once aboard the
the much larger vessel, so they will simply hold in the same phase. Remove the squadron markers boarders plant demolition charges, massacre the
position out of harm’s way. Leave the squadron from play once the attack has been completed. crew, poison the air and generally cause as much
marker in play (do not roll any turret attacks). damage as possible before retreating.
Fighters in base contact with friendly ships may For example, a wave of two bombers attack a cruiser
move with them to screen against enemy ordnance with two turrets. The cruiser gets two dice to shoot Assault Boat Rules
in a process called combat air patrol, which is at the incoming bombers, and any that survive will Assault boat attacks have the following effects
explained further in the Advanced Rules section. make D6-2 attacks and then be removed from play. when they move into contact:
Vs Ordnance Markers. Enemy fighters will remove

assault boats normally, as described in their rules.
Any other ordnance will simply be avoided - leave
both markers in play (no attacks are resolved).
Vs Ships. The assault boats make an attack run on

the ship. Immediately conduct a hit-and-run raid
against the ship for each assault boat squadron.
Hit-and-run raids are described in a later section.
Remove the squadron marker from play when the
attack is complete.

THE ORDNANCE PHASE
For example, if a wave of five bombers attacks an For example, if an Emperor battleship (foolishly)
+++ALERT+++ATTENTION+++ALL. enemy cruiser with three turrets, the enemy ship launches a wave of three bombers and five fighters
PILOTS.TO.HANGAR.DECK+++PREPARE. only makes three turret attacks against the whole against an enemy ship with three turrets, the
TO.LAUNCH+++REMEMBER.YOUR. wave, meaning that at least two of the bombers are attacking player rolls 1D6-3 attacks per bomber,
DUTY+++FOR.THE.EMPEROR+++ guaranteed to attack. plus three attacks total (not per bomber), due to the
fighters’ turret suppression. If the battleship had
In another example, if a wave of two fighters comes instead launched a wave of four fighters and four
LAUNCHING WAVES in contact with a wave of five enemy bombers, each bombers, the total bonus would be +4, because
OF ATTACK CRAFT fighter will remove one bomber marker and then be there would be four bombers capable of benefiting
When a ship launches its attack craft, it may choose removed itself, leaving three enemy bombers in the from turret suppression instead of only three.
to combine any number of them into a wave, which enemy wave.
will move and attack together. To show attack
craft deployed as a wave, place the markers so On the other hand, each wave of attack craft is ADDITIONAL RULES
targeted as a single unit by enemy shooting, so if a
they’re touching and keep them together as they
move. Their formation must have the smallest hit is scored the entire wave is removed. Likewise,
FOR ATTACK CRAFT
a wave of attack craft only makes a single test to In addition to the rules presented here, there are a
circumference possible, such as a block of four,
pass through blast markers, and will be removed as few other unique things that attack craft bring to
two rows of three, etc. For example, a single wave
a whole if the test is failed. the game. This includes combat air patrol, resilient
of eight ordnance markers cannot be stretched out
into a single-file line eight markers long. If a wave saves, and attack craft which combine the abilities
contains attack craft moving at different speeds, the In addition, waves containing any assault boats and/ of multiple squadron types. Explanations of each of
entire wave moves at the speed of the slowest. or bombers are always removed entirely (including these can be found in the Advanced Rules section
any fighters or other attack craft) after resolving and/or the specific fleet lists for certain races.
Fighter Escorts attacks against an enemy ship, even if the target
If enemy fighters or turrets attack a wave they must is destroyed before all the bombers and/or assault For your first few games, it is probably better to
remove any fighter squadrons before moving onto boats have actually made their attack runs. leave these extra rules alone - the ordnance phase is
the bigger ships. You can use this rule to put your complex enough as it is! Once you are comfortable
wave together so that it contains fighters who will Turret Suppression with using ordnance and attack craft, however,
defend the vulnerable bombers or assault boats, Attack craft waves containing both fighters and these additional features can add a lot of depth to
sacrificing themselves to save the bigger vessels. bombers gain a unique bonus in addition to those your games of Battlefleet Gothic.
already discussed. Any fighters escorting bombers
Splitting Waves may temporarily neutralize enemy turrets before
Waves of attack craft can split up during their move the bombers make their attack run, increasing the
if you wish. However, once squadrons have split up bombers’ effectiveness. This is resolved as follows: "...Repeat, this is Ensign of Mars, we are crippled
they may not recombine into waves. A wave may ...Five assault boat strikes three standard hours ago, no
only be formed when the craft are launched from Each fighter in a wave of bombers attacking a ship casualties, engines crippled...
their mother ship. will add +1 attack to the total attack runs of the
...Further eight strikes two standard hours ago, seventeen
wave, regardless of whether they are shot down casualties, forty-five taken prisoners...
Combined Attacks by turrets or not. The maximum number of bonus
The greatest benefit of attacking in a wave is that it attacks that can be added in this way cannot exceed ....Fourteen strikes two standard hours ago, nineteen
functions as a single unit - effectively becoming one the number of surviving bombers in the wave. taken, no further damage done... They seem to be playing
big ordnance marker - until attacks are resolved. The Note that fighters which are neutralized before the with us.."
greatest advantage of this is that a defending ship’s enemy ship fires its turrets cannot contribute to -Last recorded communication
turrets only fire once at the whole wave (rather than turret suppression. Naturally, there must be at least from the Ensign of Mars
at each individual marker). Note that each marker one surviving bomber in the wave after turret fire to
still resolves its own attacks separately. gain these bonus attacks.

THE ORDNANCE PHASE
HIT-AND-RUN ATTACKS
In a hit-and-run attack, a select force of warriors is Vs. Escorts & Small Targets
dispatched to infiltrate and attack a specific location Against small units which do not use the Critical
on an enemy ship, planting demolition charges
and killing crewmen in an effort to neutralize the
Hits table, such as escorts and some defenses, there
is a good chance that a hit-and-run raid will put the
M any naval commanders and captains were
inspired tacticians and strategists, but
some of the greatest plans were born out of sheer
vessel’s combat capability. A ship can quickly be vessel or station out of action. Against such targets, desperation. For example, Captain Cornwallis
left helpless from damage inflicted by repeated hit- a hit-and-run attack causes one point of damage on of the Invincible rammed a Chaos vessel he had
and-run raids, giving its enemies the freedom to a D6 roll of 4+, applying any modifiers as normal. crippled, just as it activated its warp engines. The
finish it off with conventional gunnery weapons at two ships locked together and as they drifted
their leisure. For example, a Space Marine Thunderhawk, which through the warp, several boarding parties from
benefits from a +1 bonus to its hit-and-run attack, the Imperial cruiser managed to deliver the
Hit-and-run attacks are usually caused by assault would need to roll a 3+ to inflict damage on an killing blow.
boats and boarding torpedoes, although fleets may enemy escort. Similarly, a boarding torpedo that
There were also several reports of bomber crews
have access to other methods as well (such as hits a Tyranid escort would need to roll a 5+ to
making suicide runs against enemy ships, driving
teleport attacks, which are described later). damage it, as it must subtract 1 from its roll due to
their craft into the hull of their target when their
the Tyranids’ special rules.
bombs and missiles had run out. Similar cases can
Vs. Capital Ships be found in the actions of assault boat crews. The
Against capital ships or other targets that can suffer Hit-&-Run Bonuses boarding parties set their Sharks to self-destruct
critical damage, simply roll a D6 and look up the As previously stated, a ship will sometimes have after they had deployed onto the enemy vessel,
score on the Critical Hits table, and then apply the a bonus to its hit-and-run attacks. Where this is ripping gaping holes in the side of the target ship,
corresponding result immediately. A score of ‘1’ or the case, any bonus to the ship’s hit-and-run raids and then fighting to the last man to inflict as
less has no effect - the raiders have been defeated. also applies to any ordnance the vessel launches, much internal damage as they could.
Note that this means ships or fleets that benefit from unless clearly stated otherwise. This holds true for
a bonus to their hit-and-run attacks will normally both faction-wide bonuses as well as any refits, From A History of the Gothic War
never fail to inflict some critical damage. upgrades, or special crews a ship has purchased.

THE END PHASE
During the end phase, players sort out any events which have been set into action during the turn, such as repairing any
critical damage. Some of the Blast markers are removed from the table, as the energy and debris they represent is naturally
dissipated. In addition, many of the more advanced tactics and special rules come into play during the end phase, such as
boarding actions, teleport attacks, and so on. While it may not seem like much, learning how to effectively fight your enemy
at all times, even during the end phase, is what separates a good commander from a great one.
"Speak not to me of Abaddon, blackest of hearts, basest of fiends. Who else amongst the hosts of the
traitors embraced Damnation with such a fierce glee?"
Attributed to Roboute Guilliman,
Primarch of the Ultramarines
THE END PHASE
BATTLEFIELD CLEAN-UP
The end phase is a good opportunity to tidy up the DAMAGE CONTROL BLAST MARKER REMOVAL
table top, count victory points, check up on scenario Both players can attempt to repair critical damage With time, the debris and shock waves represented
victory conditions and break out the biscuits. There during the end phase. Repair crews will be working by blast markers will dissipate sufficiently to be of
are also a couple of things to resolve before moving continuously of course, welding up hull breaches, no further impediment to ships or their weapons.
on to the next turn. re-routing power conduits, putting out fires and
generally trying to keep the ship functioning. To represent this, the player whose turn it is rolls
For your first few games, the important actions to a D6 and removes that many blast markers from
complete during the end phase are the following: In each player’s end phase, every capital ship with the table. Blast markers in contact with ships’ bases
repairable critical damage rolls 1D6 per hit point may not be removed, but otherwise the player is
1. Attempt to repair critical damage. it has remaining. Each result of ‘6’ enables a ship free to choose which ones will go.
2. Remove dissipating blast markers. to repair one critically damaged system. However,
due to interference from debris and shield impacts, You have now read all the most important rules
Later, once your gaming group has become more ships in contact with blast markers only roll half as that you need to play Battlefleet Gothic. At this
familiar with the rules, you can add teleport attacks many dice (rounding up). If both players need to point we suggest that you try playing Scenario
and boarding actions to this list. These are described make repair rolls, the player whose turn it is rolls One: Cruiser Clash (which can be found in the
in the Advanced Rules section. for his or her ships first. BFG:XR Scenarios list) to test them in action.
"The universe has many horrors yet to throw at us. This is not the end of our struggle. This is just the
beginning of our crusade to save Humanity. Be faithful! Be strong! Be vigilant!"
The Emperor of Mankind

ADVANCED RULES
The following section is dedicated to all kinds of exciting special stuff which may not occur in ordinary games or would simply
get in the way of trying to learn the basic rules. For example, ships ramming and boarding are both viable tactics but do not
happen very often (well, unless you’re an Ork)! They have been included in this section so that they can be added in once the
mechanics of the basic rules have been mastered. Likewise, while warship squadrons and advanced attack craft tactics are
important for many fleets, such concepts are typically too complicated for beginners.
O Eternal God Emperor; who alone spreadest out the heavens and rulest the raging of the warp; Who hast compassed the void with bounds until day and night
come to an end;
Be pleased to receive into thy Almighty and most gracious protection the souls of thy servants and the fleet in which we serve; Preserve us from the dangers
of the void, and from the violence of the enemy;
That we may be a safeguard unto our fellow man and his dominions, and a security for such as pass through the void upon their lawful occasions; That the
inhabitants of our Imperium may serve thee, our Saviour and that we may return in triumph with the fruits of our labors;
And with a thankful remembrance of thy mercies to praise and glorify thy Holy Name;
Through thine eternal rule;
Amen.
Common Prayer of the Imperial Navy

ADVANCED RULES
MOVEMENT PHASE
ALL AHEAD FULL: Furthermore, a vessel attempting to ram must still
abide by the restrictions of All Ahead Full special
RAMMING SPEED! orders, meaning that it cannot turn at all, and must
A ship moving at All Ahead Full may attempt to complete its full move (assuming it survives the
ram a single enemy vessel as it moves. A ship may attempt - even if only as a wrecked hulk)! Other
never ram more than one enemy in a single move, than this, it may still shoot, board, launch ordnance,
as the 2D abstraction of the table-top means that and so forth, provided that it meets the criteria for
vessels which appear to be along a straight line may doing so after resolving the ramming attempt.
actually be hundreds of kilometers above or below
one another. Resolving Damage
Ramming is determined by base-to-base contact. If
The intent to ram a chosen target must be declared any part of the ramming ship’s base contacts any
after passing the command check for All Ahead Full part of the target’s base during the course of its
special orders, but before rolling to determine the movement, the ram is considered to be successful.
vessel’s speed bonus. Once declared, a vessel may If so, roll 1D6 for each point of the ramming ship’s
neither abort a ramming attempt nor change targets, starting damage capacity. Any dice that equal or
even if it ends its movement in base contact with beat the target’s Armor value (on the facing struck Ramming example: The Agrippa, a Lunar class Imperial
more than one enemy or does not reach the intended by the ramming ship) score a point of damage on cruiser, rams the Unclean, a Murder class Chaos cruiser
victim. Likewise, the number of vessels a ramming the target. This damage is not deflected by shields.
in the starboard side. The Agrippa has a starting damage
ship ‘moves through’ during its movement is also
irrelevant. Note that the choice of enemy ship is not capacity of 8, so it rolls 8D6 against the Unclean’s Armor
The ramming vessel may well suffer damage too,
affected by target priority - any enemy vessel may 5+, rolling 1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, thus scoring 3 points
so the ship being rammed also rolls a number of D6
be nominated as a ramming target. as follows: if the two ships are hitting front-to-front of damage. By way of return the Unclean, which has a
(or the rammed target is a defense), the number of starting damage capacity of 8, rolls 4D6 (because it was
Check Course dice is equal to the rammed unit’s starting damage hit on the side) against the Agrippa’s 6+ prow armor,
Before engaging its drive systems, a ramming ship capacity. Otherwise, it only rolls half that amount rolling 3, 3, 5, 6 and scoring 1 point of damage.
must ensure its course is precisely aligned. The (rounding up). Any dice which equal or beat the
vessel must take a leadership test when the ram is ramming vessel’s front Armor value score a point
declared: if the test is passed, the captain skillfully of damage. This damage is not deflected by shields. "Perhaps today is a good day to die. Prepare for
maneuvers his vessel into a ramming position. If ramming speed!"
the test is failed, the ship misses the target and must Note that any damage inflicted during a ramming +++
complete its move normally, without resolving any attempt is resolved immediately upon contact. This
ramming (but still on All Ahead Full orders). means that if either ship explodes due to damage "You fool! You failed to realize that with your
from a ramming attempt, any subsequent hits from armor gone, my ship will tear through yours like
Obviously, it is easier for an escort to ram a cruiser the explosion must be resolved before the ramming tissue paper!"
or battleship than the other way around. Thus, the vessel finishes its move (if any). Likewise, if the
leadership test must be taken on 3D6 if the target rammed ship explodes, the ramming ship will +++
vessel is of a smaller type than the ramming one always be slowed by the resulting blast markers. "AAAAAAAARRRRRGHHHH!"
(where Defense > Battleship > Cruiser > Escort).
On the other hand, if the target vessel is of a larger Once a ramming attempt has been fully resolved, -Famous quotations from
type than the ramming one, then the leadership test the ramming ship continues its move (assuming it Captains attempting to ram
will be rolled on just 1D6. did not explode).

ADVANCED RULES
If the test is passed,the disengaging ship is removed Squadrons Disengaging
"A good admiral does not lead his fleet to its from the tabletop and may not return during the When ships act together as a squadron, they are
destruction just because he knows it will follow." game. If the test is failed the ship remains in play subject to some additional rules for disengaging, as
and may not fire, launch ordnance or attempt to use described below (the complete rules for squadrons
"The only justifiable risk is one that can do more special orders (except Brace for Impact) during the are explained later in this section):
harm to the enemy than it can to you. All risks rest of its turn.
must be calculated in your favor. Otherwise you If any single ship in an escort squadron disengages,
are fighting for the enemy!" Note that both enemy ships and ordnance markers the whole escort squadron must then immediately
count against a vessel’s leadership when it attempts (and in every subsequent turn) attempt to disengage
-Naval Officer's Handbook,
to disengage. Furthermore, remember that a ship or using any available means of doing so. This is to
adapted from Tactica Imperium squadron’s leadership value cannot exceed 10 for prevent an escort squadron from disengaging one
any reason - as such, a roll of 11 or 12 will always or two vessels to keep leadership or victory point
DISENGAGING fail, regardless of modifiers. benefits, then pushing the rest of them in a suicide
run at the enemy.
FROM COMBAT Forced Disengagement
Sometimes it is better to run away and live to fight Normally, a vessel will stay in the fight as long as Capital ships always disengage separately, relying
another day. A ship may be crippled with no hope its captain wishes, no matter how foolish that might on their individual leadership to do so, rather than
of defeating its attackers, or just outnumbered so be. However, a crew pushed to the breaking point that of the squadron. If one attempts to disengage
heavily that its captain decides that it’s hopeless to may completely lose the will to fight, regardless of and fails, it falls out of the squadron and may not
fight on. The classic approach to disengaging is to their captain’s orders! As such, any ship or squadron re-join it. It is for all intents a solitary capital ship
make a sudden course alteration and then cut all that through any combination of effects is reduced for the rest of the game. This is in addition to all
power so that the ship cannot be detected by its to Leadership 1 or less must attempt to disengage other effects for ships that fail to disengage when
energy emissions. With luck the vessel will simply or move off of the closest table edge (if possible). attempting to do so.
drift out of the immediate battle area and can set
course for home once it is clear of the fighting.
Sometimes it even works...
A ship may disengage from battle in one of two

ways: first, any vessel that moves off of the table
edge during play for any reason counts as being
disengaged (whether it intended to or not)! Second,
a ship or escort squadron may take a leadership test
at the end of its movement phase with the following
modifiers:
Our thoughts light the Darkness that others may cross space.
• Each blast marker within 5cm.................... +1 Ld
• Celestial phenomena within 15cm*............ +3 Ld We are one with the Emperor, our souls are joined in his will.
• Each enemy within 15cm............................. -1 Ld
Praise the Emperor whose sacrifice is life as ours is death.
*This is for a tabletop feature such as an asteroid
field, gas cloud, or planet. If a tabletop effect such Hail his name the Master of Humanity.
as a radiation burst or solar flare is taking place
this bonus applies anywhere on the tabletop. Only
apply this bonus once, regardless of the number of The Credo of the Astronomican
celestial phenomena within range.

ADVANCED RULES
ORDNANCE PHASE
RESILIENT ATTACK CRAFT Further Interactions Three Tau Manta bombers are intercepted by two
Some attack craft are so large and heavily armored Since resilient attack craft that use their save to Eldar Darkstar fighters. The Eldar player chooses
that interception by enemy fighters may not always remain in play may continue to interact with enemy to begin with DS #1 attack MT #1.
guarantee victory. Likewise, some fighters have ordnance, a resilient marker which intercepts or is
expanded fuel reserves and armaments, allowing intercepted a second time in the same phase will If both pass their saves, both markers remain in
them to operate away from their mother ship for be removed just like regular ordnance. Note that play. Since they are still in contact, the Eldar player
extended periods of time. This is represented by a attack craft squadrons always resolve interactions decides to have DS#1 continue attacking MT #1,
‘resilient’ save noted in an attack craft’s description. one at a time, with the player that is moving his or removing both markers since they have both used
her ordnance attacking first (and choosing the order their save for that phase.
Attack craft that are resilient have a save (usually of attacks). The following is an example:
4+) against other ordnance. When resilient attack DS #2 now attacks MT #2. The Darkstar passes its
craft intercept or are intercepted by enemy ordnance A wave of two resilient Space Marine Thunderhawks save and the Manta fails, leaving DS #2 and MT #3
markers, roll a D6 for each resilient marker - if the (which can behave as fighters) move into contact remaining. DS #2 must then continue its attack and
result is equal or better than the squadron’s save with a wave of two Swiftdeath fighters. Here, the be removed (since it is a fighter). However, MT #3
value, it remains in play rather than being removed. Space Marine player attacks first, and considers passes its save and remains alone, as all the other
the following scenarios: markers in the encounter have been destroyed.
Resilient attack craft can only attempt this save once
per phase, regardless of whether they are attacking TH #1 begins by attacking SD #1, removing it. Now, Splitting Waves
or being attacked. Furthermore, if they pass their if TH #1 passes its save it may continue to attack, If a wave containing resilient attack craft intercepts
save and remain in play, they must immediately removing SD #2 and being removed itself (since or is intercepted by enemy ordnance, any markers
stop where the interaction took place and cannot it already used its save to intercept SD #1). This which use their save (and stop moving) may be
move any further (although fighters on combat air leaves TH #2 free to continue its move and attack immediately split from the wave normally, allowing
patrol will still move with their parent ship). In all other targets. any remaining squadrons to continue on as normal.
cases, resilient attack craft that fail to make their
save are immediately removed. Conversely, the Space Marine player may decide to
Note that a resilient save does not function when

making attacks against enemy ships (such as for
have TH #1 and #2 engage each enemy one apiece,
in which case both Thunderhawks may remain in
play if they both pass their saves, at the cost of both
"D o not throw your forces blindly
into battle. Before committing
your fleet, examine the situation. Review
assault boats and bombers). In this case, the marker markers using up their movement and saves for that
or wave is still removed after attacking. Resilient phase. This may leave them vulnerable when the your own strength, and that of your enemy.
multi-role attack craft that can behave as fighters enemy moves his or her markers, however. Remember your own objectives, and try to
must do so when in contact with ordnance, although anticipate those of your opponent. Then
surviving markers may attack enemy ships in base Opposing Resilient Ordnance
If two markers that both have a resilient save attack
select those of your ships best suited to
contact after resolving other ordnance interactions.
each other and both remain in play by successfully the task in hand."
Fighters and Multiple Attacks rolling their saves, they stop movement and remain
If a resilient fighter squadron is still in contact with in contact until one moves away or is removed by
enemy ordnance markers when it passes its save, it further ordnance interactions. When combined with
will automatically attack again (if possible), since the preceding rules for multiple ordnance markers, -Naval Officer's Handbook,
it is obligated to always engage enemy ordnance it this can become quite complex. The following is an adapted from Tactica Imperium
encounters. (See the next section for details). extreme example:

ADVANCED RULES
Multiple Fighters on CAP Note that because the markers on CAP are not in a
+++LAUNCH!+++LAUNCH!+++LAUNCH!+++ More than one fighter squadron on CAP for a single wave, if an enemy ship is destroyed by multi-role
ship function as independent markers in all respects attack craft on CAP, only remove the markers that
and are never a wave, even if markers were part of actually attacked.
COMBAT AIR PATROL (CAP) one when placed on CAP. (Any non-fighters that
Due to the danger posed by enemy bombers, assault are part of a wave when the fighters are placed on CAP vs. Friendly Ordnance
boats, and torpedoes, fleets will often employ fighter CAP will automatically split off). It is possible (though difficult) to defend friendly
escorts to supplement the turret defenses of their attack craft by moving them within the perimeter of
light and medium cruisers (although particularly As a result, if the ship encounters blast markers or is a ship’s base that has fighters on CAP, since enemy
important battleships will sometimes receive a few subsequently destroyed, the fighter squadrons must ordnance which contacts the escorted ship will be
squadrons as well). This practice is called combat roll separately against any effects. Any fighters that intercepted by the fighters on CAP first.
air patrol, or CAP. survive the destruction of their parent vessel will
thereafter act as independent ordnance markers and Furthermore, fighters on CAP will not intercept
Joining / Leaving CAP may move again in the subsequent ordnance phase. torpedoes or mines while they are being launched
Any fighters or attack craft that behave as fighters from the parent ship or from friendly ships in base
may, at any point during their normal movement, be Multi-role / Other Attack Craft contact, including massed torpedo salvos launched
placed on CAP for a friendly ship in base contact. Other attack craft which do not behave as fighters by a squadron. However, they will defend against
Squadrons on CAP move with the parent vessel cannot be placed on a ship’s CAP for any reason. torpedoes and enemy mines in any other instance.
during its movement phase, remaining in contact For example, a bomber squadron cannot be placed
rather than moving independently in their ordnance on CAP in order to attack enemy ships that the Resilient Attack Craft vs. CAP
phase (in other words, no double moves). escorted vessel encounters during its movement. Resilient bombers and assault boats that end their
movement in base contact with a ship escorted by
A fighter squadron which moves further than its However, multi-role ordnance markers that can act CAP may attack it normally, even if stopped after
normal speed as a result of escorting a faster ship, as fighters may still be placed on CAP normally. In using their save (provided that they do not need to
such as a Thunderhawk (Speed: 20cm) escorting a this case, such squadrons are capable of attacking move any further and that they survive the vessel’s
Cobra (Speed: 30cm), also forfeits its move in the enemy ships they encounter, but may only do so turret attacks).
opposing player’s ordnance phase, though they are during the ordnance phase or if an enemy vessel
still capable of defending the ship they are currently moves into contact during the enemy’s movement
escorting. phase. They may not otherwise attack a ship unless
they leave CAP first. See the examples below:
"P reservation of life for its own sake is not to be
commended where sacrifice offers a reasonable
chance of gain. Nonetheless, the purposeless waste of
A fighter squadron will usually stay on CAP until life is equally to be avoided. The loss of trained pilots
it is removed by ordnance or its parent vessel is An Ork Terror Ship with two Ork fighta-bommas on implies the loss of resources, equipment and knowledge.
destroyed. However, it may voluntarily leave CAP CAP decides to ram an Imperial cruiser. Despite A true soldier does not belittle his value as a resource.
at the start of the owning player’s movement phase contacting the enemy, the fighta-bommas dragged The duty of the fleet commander is to judge what means
or during the owning player’s part of the enemy along with the Terror Ship do not automatically should be undertaken to achieve each objective. He must
ordnance phase. In both cases, it will immediately attack the Imperial cruiser. Instead, they must wait be aware of what is to be gained and what may be lost. A
return to the regular rules for moving and attacking. until the ordnance phase and may only attack if the commander who places his ships in a position where he
escorted ship actually ended its movement in base may likely lose more than he may likely gain risks more
CAP Special Rules contact with the target vessel. than the lives of his men. He risks far more: he risks
Fighters on CAP will always intercept any enemy failure. Loss is acceptable, failure is not."
ordnance the escorted ship encounters, regardless On the other hand, if the Imperial cruiser moves
of where the ordnance actually makes contact. This into contact with the Terror Ship for any reason,
is the only instance where ordnance may interact the fighta-bommas will attack it immediately (if the -Naval Officer's Handbook,
without actually being in physical contact. In all contact is from ramming, the cruiser’s ram attacks adapted from Tactica Imperium
other respects they will intercept enemies normally. are resolved first, however).

ADVANCED RULES
END PHASE
BOARDING ACTIONS • Boarding value is higher than enemy’s............ +1 Look up the results of the boarding action on the
Boarding actions are brutal, bloody, and usually • Boarding value is double or greater................ +2 table below. Then, make a single critical hit check
desperate battles between ships at very close range. • Boarding value is triple or greater.................. +3 against each ship involved (regardless of who won),
The boarding vessel maneuvers close to an enemy • Boarding value is quadruple or greater.......... +4 comparing the score to the appropriate requirement
ship and sends a wave of armed crewmen across shown in the third column. Resolve any subsequent
via teleporters, shuttles, life pods and sometimes Crew Damage Bonuses critical damage in the usual manner.
even pressure suits to grab a foothold on the outer Some factions in the 41st Millennium are especially
surface of the enemy ship. The attackers then blow adept at boarding actions. These fleets apply a crew RESULTS TABLE
breaches in the hull and swarm inside, hoping to damage bonus to their boarding roll as described in
Difference in Boarding Winners / Losers
overcome the defending crew in the ensuing melee. their respective rules. Ships may only use the largest Scores Result Suffer Critical Hit On
Boarding actions are dangerous for both sides: applicable bonus, unless otherwise specified.
1 Stalemate 5+ / 5+
even a victorious ship may suffer critical damage
Resolving a Boarding Attempt 2 Heavy Fighting 5+ / 4+
in the fighting or a prospective victim may explode
with catastrophic results. All boarding actions are resolved in the attacking 3 Driven Back 6+ / 3+
player’s end phase, before damage control has been 4 Stormed 6+ / 2+
Moving in for Boarding attempted or blast markers are removed. Naturally, 5+ Overwhelmed None / Auto
To initiate a boarding action, the attacking vessel the target must still be in base contact - if it has
must first move into range of the target. The owning somehow moved or been destroyed, the attacking When a ship is reduced to 0 damage by a boarding
player must declare the intent to board as soon as vessel cannot choose to board some other enemy action, do not roll for catastrophic damage. Instead,
base contact is achieved in the movement phase. ship in base contact instead. To resolve the action the ship immediately becomes a drifting hulk. Any
Vessels that have initiated a boarding action may both players roll a D6 and add the appropriate excess damage still counts towards the boarding
not fire their weapons or launch ordnance in the modifiers from the following list: result and a critical hit roll must still be made.
same turn, because their crews are too busy trying Note that ships which are reduced to 0 hits due to
to reach the enemy ship. • Enemy ship has blast markers in contact........ +1 critical damage are not subject to this rule and must
• Enemy ship is on special orders...................... +1 roll on the Catastrophic Damage table as normal.
Boarding Value & Base Damage Bonus • Enemy ship is crippled..................................... +2 Otherwise, any vessels that survive boarding may
During a boarding action, the vessel with the largest • Base Damage Bonus...................................Varies move off normally in their next movement phase.
crew will usually be able to overwhelm the enemy, • Crew Damage Bonus..................................Varies
regardless of any differences in fighting skill. This Drawn Combats
is represented by the vessels’ boarding values, Boarding Action Results If both players have the same score after modifiers,
which determines one side’s base damage bonus. The player with the highest total wins the boarding the combat is a draw. In this case the ships grapple
action. The losing ship then suffers damage equal together and will continue fighting, repeating this
Before a boarding action is resolved, both sides to the difference in scores. This damage cannot be process in each end phase until one of the ships is
must determine their boarding values and compare absorbed by shields or saved by Brace For Impact reduced to zero damage. While locked in combat,
the results. A vessel’s boarding value is equal to the special orders. neither ship may move, shoot, launch ordnance,
number of damage points it has remaining, with the or disengage. Furthermore, they do not add their
defending ship also adding its current number of Furthermore, due to the intensity of close-quarters remaining turrets to their boarding value. In all
turrets (after any other modifiers) to its score. The combat, the chance that a ship might suffer critical other respects the ships may fight normally (such as
side with the higher boarding value gains a base damage is much higher. As such, damage inflicted defending against ordnance, using special orders,
damage bonus to its boarding roll as follows (only by a boarding action does not cause critical hits in teleport attacks, etc). Once combat is resolved, the
apply the highest possible modifier): the usual way. Instead, do the following: surviving ship may move off in its next turn.

ADVANCED RULES
Boarding Action Example TELEPORT ATTACKS
The following is a simple, step-by-step example of
"I n any battlefleet balance is the key to success. An
admiral who puts his faith in cannon alone will be the boarding process:
Ships which are close to their enemies may attempt
to initiate a small-scale boarding action using their
outmaneuvered. A commander who relies on close assault teleporters. A ship may make one teleport attack in
without support will lose his force to enemy fire. Each The Imperial cruiser Hyperion (remaining damage each player’s end phase, directed at a single enemy
element must work in harmony, so that the effectiveness 3) is boarded by the Chaos cruiser Plagueclaw ship within 10cm. Ships that are crippled or on any
of the fleet is greater than the sum of its parts." (remaining damage 6). The Hyperion has several special orders except Lock On or Reload Ordnance
-Naval Officer's Handbook, blast markers in contact from enemy shooting, may not attempt teleport attacks. A teleport attack
adapted from Tactica Imperium while the Plagueclaw used Come to New Heading is resolved as a hit-and-run raid against the target.
special orders in order to reach its intended victim.
Active shields interfere with the teleport beams, so
Multi-Ship Boarding Actions The Plagueclaw has a boarding value of 6, equal such attacks can only be made against an enemy
When several vessels attempt to board the same to its current number of hits. The Hyperion has a whose shields have been knocked down. Likewise,
enemy ship, the attacker may choose to have some boarding value of 3 plus the number of its remaining it takes a lot more manpower to disable the systems
or all of them fight together rather than individually. turrets - in this case +1, bringing its overall total to of a battleship than it does for a cruiser or frigate,
4. As a result, the Plagueclaw gains a base damage so a ship cannot conduct a teleport attack against a
Ships that combine their efforts only make one roll bonus of only +1, even though it has double the target with more remaining hits than it has itself.
against the target vessel (and vice versa), but the remaining hits of the Hyperion.
combining ships get to add their boarding values Furthermore, only ships of sufficient size have the
together, allowing several small ships to overpower The Plagueclaw gains the following modifiers: +1 capacity to move enough crewmen onto their target
a single larger vessel. However, the defending ship for the enemy being in contact with blast markers, to inflict any meaningful amount of damage, and
will gain bonuses to its roll if any of the attackers +2 for the enemy being crippled, +1 from its such teleport attacks require prodigious amounts of
are crippled, on special orders, etc, even if the other base damage bonus, and finally +1 for the Chaos energy from a vessel’s reactors. Therefore, escorts
members of the group are not. faction’s crew damage bonus - a total bonus of +5. and defenses with less than 3 starting hits cannot
make teleport attacks.
If the attacking group loses combat, any resulting Unfortunately, on the other side the Hyperion only
damage points are distributed amongst the attacking has a puny +1 bonus for the enemy being on special Teleport attacks must be conducted before damage
ships by the attacker himself, but the chance orders. control is attempted or blast markers are removed.
of critical damage being caused always applies If both players wish to attempt teleport attacks, or
individually to each ship attempting to board. When both ships go to resolve the boarding action, if there are boarding actions in progress, the player
the Plagueclaw rolls a 1, while the Hyperion rolls a whose turn it is decides the order in which these
Note that an attacker may always choose to have his 3. After modifiers, the Plagueclaw scores a 6 while events are resolved.
or her ships board separately, resolving modifiers the Hyperion scores a 4. The Hyperion has lost by
and results for each different vessel on its own. 2 so it loses 2 damage points. In addition, the result
However, such tactics are seldom advisable. of Heavy Fighting means that the Hyperion will
Escorts Ships Boarding

suffer a critical hit on a D6 roll of 4, 5 or 6. The
Plagueclaw will also suffer a critical hit on a D6
"T he meaning of victory is not the defeat of your
enemy but his utter destruction, to eradicate
him from living memory, leaving no remnant of his
Escort ships may engage in boarding just like any roll of 5 or 6. endeavors, crushing utterly his every achievement and
other vessels, although they will usually only stand removing from all record his every trace of existence.
a chance against other escorts or a badly damaged If the Hyperion, now reduced to 1 damage point, From that defeat no enemy can ever recover. That is the
capital ship. Remember that critical hits against suffers a critical hit which causes extra damage, true meaning of victory."
escorts always inflict 1 point of damage rather than it will be destroyed and roll on the Catastrophic
-Naval Officer's Handbook,
rolling on the table, so it is quite possible for an Damage table as normal - which might result in an
adapted from Tactica Imperium
escort to win a boarding action but be destroyed in unpleasant victory celebration for the crew of the
the process, if the enemy scores critical damage! Plagueclaw if the Hyperion explodes!

ADVANCED RULES
SQUADRONS
Small ships, such as escorts, stand little chance of SQUADRON LEADERSHIP SQUADRON COHERENCY
damaging larger ships on their own, so they are Using squadrons enables the Admiral of the Fleet To remain part of a squadron, each member must be
normally grouped into squadrons. A squadron will to give orders to groups of ships at the same time, no more than 15cm away from another ship in the
maneuver closely together and mass its weaponry instead of having to relay orders to each ship in his squadron, so that they form a continuous chain with
to attack more effectively. Although cruisers and fleet individually. Furthermore, squadrons of ships `links’ of up to 15cm between each ship.
battleships normally operate alone, they can also be are often experienced at fighting together, and thus
grouped into squadrons for a major battle, where will be less prone to miscommunication and errors. If a ship is forced to break formation, it no longer
their awesome firepower can be put to good effect. These advantages are represented by the following counts as part of the squadron until it moves back
Squadrons may have all sorts of different names, special rules: to within 15cm of another member. If a squadron
such as formations, flotillas, packs, patrol groups or breaks into multiple groups, simply designate one
forces, but they all work in the same way. Capital Ship Squadrons as the ‘main body’ of the squadron that the others
Each capital ship in a squadron rolls for leadership must rejoin, and treat the rest as out of formation.
FORMING SQUADRONS individually, as normal. However, if a capital ship
In general, a fleet’s largest vessels will not always squadron contains ships with different leadership Any ships out of formation must move to restore
fight as squadrons, except in the fiercest of battles. values, the squadron will always use the highest squadron coherency as soon as possible, and cannot
However, most races’ escort-class ships function leadership value among its remaining members. benefit from the squadron’s special orders until
almost exclusively in groups. As such, squadrons they have done so.
are formed a little differently depending on the type Escort Squadrons
of ships involved. Before the start of the game, each escort squadron
only makes a single roll to determine the leadership
Capital Ships value for the entire squadron as a whole.
Squadrons of capital ships will be formed at the
beginning of a game, before any ships are deployed Command Checks & Other Rolls
for battle. See the ‘Forming up the Fleet’ section All squadrons have the highly desirable advantage
on page 56 for further details regarding capital ship of only needing to attempt a single command check
squadrons. to place the entire squadron on special orders.
Escorts However, squadrons under fire suffer -1 Ld to their

Squadrons of escorts, on the other hand, are selected command checks if any one member is in contact
as such from your fleet list at the time players pick with blast markers. All other leadership modifiers
their forces. Usually, escort squadrons will have no apply to ships in the squadron normally. As is true
more than six ships, although some fleet lists may for individual vessels, squadrons may only undergo
be different (again, see page 56 for more details). one special order per turn (including Brace For
Impact, which replaces any current special orders
In general, squadrons may include ships of different for the entire squadron).
classes, as long as they are all the same type (and
no more than four are 2-hit escorts). For example, Any other rolls that ships would be required to make
you could form an escort squadron of three Cobra are also resolved once for the whole squadron, such
class destroyers and three Firestorm class frigates. as for bonus speed while on All Ahead Full special
In practice, it is often easier to form squadrons of a orders, leadership tests, target priority checks, and
single class, but this is ultimately a matter of taste. so forth, unless otherwise specified.

ADVANCED RULES
category he chose. For example, if a squadron has
two ships closing and two abeam and the attacker
fires at them as if they were all closing targets he
can only score hits on the two closing ships.
Allocating Hits against Squadrons

When a squadron is fired upon, any hits scored
are allocated to the nearest eligible vessel in the
squadron until it is destroyed (including any critical
damage), then the next nearest eligible ship takes
the remaining hits and so on. Ships in the squadron
which are out of range or fire arc of the attacker may
not be hit. A leadership test cannot be taken to pick
out individual ships within a squadron. This does
not apply to ordnance, which will still attack the
first ship contacted as normal. Likewise, boarding
actions, teleport attacks, and so forth may pick out
individual targets as per their rules. Nova Cannon
In the example above, the Chaos cruiser Unclean targets
still only damage ships actually under the template.
an Imperial frigate squadron and scores 3 hits. The first
hit knocks down the shield of the nearest frigate within
Critical Damage and Hit Allocation
the Unclean’s fire arc and the second hit destroys it. The
In the example above the escorts in the squadron have Ships in a squadron that are being fired upon to the
third hit is taken on the next nearest frigate, knocking
maneuvered (one at a time) so that two have made a turn point that one is destroyed must roll for and apply
down its shield. Note that there is a frigate closer to the
to starboard while the other two have continued moving all critical damage before counting as destroyed, to
Unclean than the one which was destroyed but it is out
straight ahead. Note that they are still in formation at the prevent squadrons from ‘hiding’ extra damage on
of the Unclean’s fire arc and so cannot be hit.
end of their move. wrecked ships. The easiest way to avoid confusion
is to simply roll for critical hits one damage point at
Maneuvering Squadrons a time, recording any extra damage as you go. +++CAPTAIN.ANTONIUS.TO.SQUADRON
Individual ships within a squadron can maneuver +++AUTHORIZATION.AQUILA.433.5/B
freely using the standard movement rules, as long For example, if a squadron of three Dauntless light
as they stay in formation at the end of their move. If cruisers (6 hits and 1 shield total) is fired upon >>>RECIPIENT.CONFIRMS<<<
any ship in an escort squadron moves off the table and takes a total of 13 hits, all critical damage +++ASSUME.ATTACK.FORMATION.DELTA
edge, the entire squadron must immediately and in rolls must be made for the first Dauntless before +++READY.TORPEDOES
subsequent turns only attempt to disengage. Capital declaring it destroyed. This means if while applying +++FIRE.SEQUENCE.DESTRUCTUS
ships will disengage individually as normal. hits one at a time and the first Dauntless rolls a +++LAUNCH.450.5.FROM.ATTACK.SIGNAL
Thrusters Damaged (+1Hp) and Engine Room +++LAUNCH.TRAJECTORY.45/0/90.5%
Damaged (+1Hp) criticals in the process of being
SHOOTING AT SQUADRONS destroyed, there remains a total of eight remaining >>>RECIPIENT.REPORTS.TARGET.LOCK<<<
When a squadron is targeted it is quite likely that hits to be applied to the next closest Dauntless. +++LET.OUR.WEAPONS.BRING.THE
some of its vessels will present different target +++EMPEROR'S.VENGEANCE!
aspects to the attacker. For example, some ships in This rule in particular applies to squadrons of ships +++FIRE!
the squadron may be closing targets while others are that do not count critical damage normally, such >>>HEAT.BLOOM.DETECTED<<<
abeam. In this case, the attacker can select which as escorts, small defenses, and other unique ships
category of targets to go after but he cannot score which take a point of damage when they suffer a >>>TORPEDO.LAUNCH.CONFIRMED<<<
hits on anything that is harder to target than the critical hit.

ADVANCED RULES
up their firepower and/or weapon strength before Launching Ordnance
dividing it in half (rounding up), while capital Ships in a squadron launch ordnance individually
ships must still halve their shooting individually. unless they are in base-to-base contact. Any ships
Otherwise, squadrons are subject to all of the same in base-to-base contact with other ships from
rules and restrictions as for individual ships, such the squadron can opt to combine their ordnance
as target priority, line of sight, and so forth. Any together into a bigger attack craft wave or torpedo
squadron members out of range or fire arc of the salvo. Measure the distance traveled by a combined
primary target may fire on another enemy, in the ordnance attack from the ship furthest from the
same way that a vessel with weapons in other arcs target, to ensure that it does not get a free speed
may fire upon several enemies around it. boost. Remember that ships in base contact may
fire ordnance through one another freely.
Firing Weapon Batteries
Ships in a squadron normally add their firepower
together before working out how many dice they
roll on the Gunnery chart. However, this can cause
a few problems, because ships may be in a position
to fire at the target ship from different aspects,
ranges, etc. Where this occurs calculate the ships’
firepower for each fire arc and/or target range. To
Different Armor values clarify, if a squadron of five frigates are firing on
A mixed squadron may include ships with different a cruiser where two are in its rear arc and three are
armor values, or armor may vary because the ships in its abeam arc, the two escorts behind it would
have different values between arcs. When attacking calculate their firepower together as Moving Away,
a mixed squadron, find out what the lowest armor and the three on the ship’s beam would calculate
is before rolling the dice. Any dice which equal or their firepower together as Abeam. Then these two
beat the lowest armor in the squadron will score sums are then added together before rolling attacks.
hits: allocate the dice one at a time, starting with
the lowest rolls against the nearest targets they can
affect and work your way up.
In the example above, the Unclean is firing on a

mixed squadron including a Sword class frigate
and a Cobra class destroyer. Rolling three dice, it
scores a 4, 5 and 6. The 4 is good enough to hit the
Cobra and is allocated to it, the 5 and 6 can hit the
Sword and both are allocated to that ship as it is a
closer target.
SHOOTING BY SQUADRONS
As mentioned earlier, ships in a squadron combine
their firing together, totaling their firepower and/or
weapon strength before resolving shooting attacks.
When a squadron’s shooting is halved for whatever
reason (such as being braced), escorts always add

CELESTIAL PHENOMENA
Space, the void, vacuum. Sounds empty, but there are actually all kinds of things floating around between the stars. Space is
not exactly densely packed of course, but such phenomena do have effects on navigation and combat. Strategy being what it is,
battles are often fought in and around this celestial ‘terrain’. For example, dust clouds and asteroid fields are enough to force
a ship to slow down as it passes through the area, making it an ideal spot for an ambush. Equally, capturing or raiding worlds
will always be an objective of enemy ships, ensuring that space combat will often happen in close proximity to planets.
"T he klaxon was sounding all across the ship now. I tried to enter the lower bridge, but the emergency bulkheads had shut. Sporadic bursts from the engines
were pushing us to starboard and dipping the stern down towards Proxadis' outer moon. I heard one of the Tech-Priests reporting over the internal
comm-net that the artificial gravity had failed along the starboard quarter gun-decks. With the bridge presumed destroyed, I was left as the highest authority
on board. I ran into a party of ratings trying to jettison the blazing remains of the tertiary starboard lance turret and I ordered them to get to the savior rafts.
Another explosion shook the ship, sending us flying in all directions. Rushing up to the secondary aft bridge, I took stock of the situation. We had lost all
helm control, the fifth, ninth, and eleventh reactors were discharging plasma and the number three reactor was going to endphase overload. I ordered the
general abandonment and led the aft bridge crew to the rafts at the end of 'C' Deck, port quarter. Just as we jettisoned, I saw the outside of the ship through the
port. Plasma was slowly engulfing the whole of the engine section. A gaping hole had been torn through both quarter galleries and fires were burning up on
the bridge section. We had perhaps got 12,000 away when the reactors blew, sending a sheet of gas and flame surging towards us. It passed by about 4000 away,
but the shockwave buffeted us badly, and the engines cut."
The loss of the Invincible by 4th Lieutenant Burns, one of only 1,250 survivors.

CELESTIAL PHENOMENA
SETTING UP THE BATTLEFIELD

In order to fight a battle you will need somewhere PLACING CELESTIAL 3. Attack Ratings: Players may use their fleets’
to set up your battlefield — any flat, stable area will attack ratings to determine the battlezone,
do. Some people make do with a smooth bit of floor PHENOMENA which represents the fleets trying to fight where
but most use a kitchen or dining table (preferably There are many ways to set up celestial phenomena, it suits them best. Each player secretly chooses a
protected by a cloth or blanket). and any method is perfectly acceptable as long as it battlezone and adds the number of the battlezone
creates a fair battlefield. Remember that the purpose to his or her fleet’s attack rating. Both players
By far the best option, if available, is to fight over of setting up celestial phenomena is to provide an then declare their total score. The player with
a gaming area made up of sheets of chipboard, entertaining and interesting game, not to impede the highest score wins and the battle is fought in
plywood or MDF laid over another table. Typically movement or lines of fire so much that it becomes the zone he or she chose.
the battlefield should be between 6’ to 8’ long impossible to actually fight the enemy. If a piece of
(around 1.8 meters to 2.4 meters) and 4’ to 6’ wide scenery is going to be a major feature of the battle, Setting the Table
(1.2 to 1.8 meters). such as a wide asteroid belt spanning the table, then Once players have established which part of the
you need to okay this with your opponent. This sort system they are fighting in, you may use either of
You can play on a smaller area quite easily but both of battlefield is perfectly fine and might make for the following methods to choose and set up the
players will need to keep the forces that are fighting an enjoyable game, but both players would have to celestial phenomena for the game:
proportionately smaller to ensure that you’ve got agree upon it beforehand.
some room to maneuver. 1. Arbitrary Setup: One player simply positions
Battlezones all the celestial phenomena on the table. His or
Most inhabited systems can be divided into six her opponent may then pick a valid table edge
COLLECTING CELESTIAL regions or zones, from deep space all the way to from which to deploy (ignoring any scenario
PHENOMENA the flare region near the system’s sun, as shown restrictions or roll-offs for deployment zones).
So you’ve got your battlefield, but it’s a featureless, on the next page. These are called battlezones, and This is a good method if playing at one person’s
empty void. While this might be appropriate if will determine the types of tabletop features and house, as he or she can set up the table before
you’re in the depths of space, it makes for a rather effects that players may face during a game. Some the other player arrives, allowing everyone to
dull battle. Celestial phenomena are an important scenarios will state which battlezone to use; others get straight on with the battle.
feature of every battlefield. A good commander may be played in one of several battlezones. A few
will use them to his best advantage during a battle, scenarios may even be played in any battlezone. If 2. Random Generation: Divide the table into
blocking the enemy’s lines of fire, getting his heavy players are given a choice of battlezone, use one of 60cm square areas. Next, roll a D6 for each area.
ships into good firing positions and concealing his the following methods to pick which is played: On a 4+, the area contains celestial phenomena
escorts until they are ready to strike. determined using the appropriate table (found on
1. Player Agreement: Both players may simply page 49). Roll a D6 on that table, then position
Building up a collection of scenery to represent agree upon any valid battlezone offered by the the resulting tabletop feature anywhere at least
celestial phenomena is an important and enjoyable scenario. This is by far the quickest and easiest partially in that area (but not overlapping any
part of the hobby, as it enhances your games. Most method. other features). If an effect is rolled rather than
types can be easily represented on the tabletop at a feature, simply make a note of it instead. The
minimal cost using sand, pebbles, etc. Beyond this 2. Home Field Advantage: If the scenario requires difference between tabletop features and effects
there are almost limitless opportunities for making a planet, players may have the defender choose is described later in this section.
scenery easily and cheaply. Many resources, such any valid battlezone for the location of his or her
as the Warp Rift Online Magazine, and inspiration planet (after all, a defending fleet that doesn’t If desired, players may use their own customized
from fellow gamers can be found on the internet know the coordinates of its own world probably celestial phenomena tables that include all of the
and at your local hobby shop. doesn’t stand a good chance of winning)! pieces in their respective collections.

CELESTIAL PHENOMENA
BATTLEZONES
S ome of the fiercest fighting

of the Gothic War took place
in and around Quinrox Sound.
With a large proportion of hive
worlds and mining colonies, the
Quinrox Sound was a major
source of materials for building
and repairing ships, and both sides
took heavy casualties attempting
to control the sub-sector. In the
Corilia system alone, known to
many as the Hulk's Graveyard,
there were the remains of at least
thirteen Imperial and Chaos
capital ships, and two dozen or
more escorts, creating a field
of debris and shattered hulls
spreading across the inner system.
The Hulk's Graveyard itself
became a focal battlezone, as
Imperial and Chaos forces tried to
salvage as much as they could from
. the derelict vessels to be found
there. Quinrox 'Sound became the
scene for daring raids to capture
prize ships and a gathering place
for pirates and other renegades
to steal whatever resources they
could find. Enemy ships lay in
wait amongst the drifting wrecks,
waiting for the opportunity to
ambush some unwary foe.

CELESTIAL PHENOMENA
3. Inner Biosphere Phenomena Table 5. Outer Reaches Phenomena Table
*A Note on Planets:
As the inner biosphere is reached, planets become The outer reaches of a system are the realm of gas
In all cases, a maximum of one planet will be
more hospitable, though often their atmospheres giants and worlds generally too cold and harsh to
present on the tabletop. If a second planet is
are a noxious soup of harmful gases. Nonetheless support life. Many battles between ships occur here
generated, re-roll the dice until you get another
colonies and hive cities occur in the inner biosphere as the system’s defenders attempt to prevent enemy
result. Remember to check whether a planet has
of certain systems. ships reaching the primary biosphere.
any moons. If a large planet is generated, it may
also have rings as well.
D6 Roll RESULT D6 Roll RESULT
1. Flare Region Phenomena Table Roll a D6: 1-3 = Solar Flare 1 D3+1Asteroid Fields
1
5-6 = Radiation Burst
The flare region is closest to the system’s sun. It 2 D3 Asteroid Fields
is an area scoured by incandescent flares of super- 2 Asteroid Field
3 D3 Gas/Dust Clouds
heated gas from the surface of the sun and fierce 3 D3 Asteroid Fields
4 Gas/Dust Cloud
radioactive winds. Planets this close to the star are 4 D3 Gas/Dust Clouds
almost always death worlds, places too ravaged by 5 Planet (roll a D6: 1-3 = Small, 4-6 = Large)*
the sun’s heat to be habitable to life. 6 Planet (roll a D6: 1-3 = Small, 4-6 = Large)*
6 Planet (roll a D6: 1-5 = Small, 6 = Medium)*
D6 Roll RESULT 6. Deep Space Phenomena Table

1 Solar Flare 4. Primary Biosphere Phenomena Table Ships coming out of the warp must appear some
In the primary biosphere a balance is struck distance from a star or risk destruction among the
2 Solar Flare
between the burning heat of the sun and the icy cold graviton surges in-system. Many civilized worlds
3 Radiation Burst of the void. Most inhabited worlds lie within this have specific jump points marked by beacons to
4 Asteroid Field biosphere and it’s here that the bulk of a system’s assist navigation. Ambushing fleets often lurk near
5 D3 Gas/Dust Clouds defenses are built. a jump point in the hope of catching a foe unaware.
D6 Roll RESULT D6 Roll RESULT
1 Asteroid Field 1 D3 Asteroid Fields
2. Mercurial Zone Phenomena Table
At the mercurial zone, the sun’s ferocity is 2 D3 Asteroid Fields 2 Asteroid Field
still awesome to behold, but solar flares less 3 Gas/Dust Cloud 3 D3 Gas/Dust Clouds
frequently reach out to burn everything in their 4 D3 Gas/Dust Clouds 4 Gas/Dust Cloud
path. Occasionally a planet can be found in the
5 Planet (roll a D6: 1-5 = Small, 6 = Medium)* 5 Warp Rift
mercurial zone which can sustain limited life deep
underground or constantly moving around its dark 6 Planet (roll a D6: 1-5 = Small, 6 = Medium)* 6 Small Planet (such as a rogue moon)
side to shelter from the sun’s rays.
D6 Roll RESULT
1 Solar Flare
2 Radiation Burst
3 Asteroid Field

CELESTIAL PHENOMENA
TABLETOP FEATURES
The following types of celestial phenomena are GAS AND DUST CLOUDS ASTEROID FIELDS
tabletop features, meaning they are placed directly Gas and dust clouds represent areas of space with Asteroid fields orbit most stars at varying distances.
onto the tabletop to represent a specific object or a notably greater density of (mostly) hydrogen gas They are generally thought to be debris fragments
region that will affect nearby ships. Remember to or tiny particles of matter. These clouds may be left over from collisions between planets during
leave plenty of empty space between them. fragments left over from the formation of stars and the formation of a star system. Asteroid fields may
planets, the outer fringes of nebulae or protostars, or also be left over after the destruction of a planet or
Determining Sunward Table Edge even gasses ejected by solar flares. They represent moon, or represent an area of wreckage resulting
Tabletop features are generally placed in relation to a moderate navigational hazard to shipping: basic from a space battle.
the nearest star. This is because nearly everything shielding is sufficient to prevent damage but ships
caught in the inconceivably gross gravitational pull must reduce speed to pass through them. Gas and Placement
of a star will be in some kind of orbit around it. dust clouds impair targeting by weapon batteries Each asteroid field is D3x5cm wide and D3x5cm
and may destroy ordnance however, making them long. Use rocks or gravel to represent them on the
When placing tabletop features, always start by useful areas to exploit in ship-to-ship combat. table, with the long direction running parallel to the
determining which table edge is closest to the sunward table edge.
nearest star, described as ‘sunward’ in Battlefleet Placement
Gothic. To do so, roll a D6 and compare the result Each gas/dust cloud is D6x2cm wide and D6x5cm Effects
to the following diagram: long. Use flock or cotton wool to represent them on Asteroid fields block line of sight for direct fire
the table, with the long direction running parallel to attacks such as lances, gunnery weapons, and
the sunward table edge. nova cannon, and any torpedoes that strike one
will automatically detonate. Hulks which drift into
Effects an asteroid field are also destroyed. Attack craft
To ships in base contact, gas and dust clouds have squadrons which move through an asteroid field
the same effect as a single blast marker in all are destroyed on a D6 roll of 6, just like for blast
respects (such as for shooting, movement, shields, markers. Opposing vessels in an asteroid field may
etc). Note that if a ship with no shields whatsoever fire upon each other with battery-type weapons and
(not those whose shields are just overloaded) takes lances, but at no more than 10cm range, and all
damage from a gas or dust cloud and explodes, the weapons do so at half strength/firepower (and no
explosion is resolved at the point where the ship column-shifts for close range). Crippled or braced
made contact with the feature. ships in an asteroid field may not fire at all.
Furthermore, ships moving through an asteroid

Once you have established which way is sunward, field, or coming into base contact with the edge of
you can start to place celestial phenomena. Each one, must first pass a leadership test to navigate it
type of feature is listed as follows, with standard successfully. Ships on All Ahead Full special orders
sizes and methods of placement. However, if you must test on 3D6 instead of 2D6. Due to their size,
have phenomena made up on bases of a particular escorts may re-roll the result if they fail, but the
size or something similar just use them the way second roll stands. A ship that fails this test suffers
they are. Likewise, do not let these standards stop D6 damage from asteroid impacts (shields blocking
you from doing something interesting or exciting: damage normally). Note that blast markers are not
they are just there as guidelines to make setting up placed when asteroid impacts overload shields, but
the table as quick, easy, and fair as possible. the ship will still be slowed down by 5cm.

CELESTIAL PHENOMENA
WARP RIFTS PLANETS
Occasionally, a temporary rift can occur between Less than 1% of systems have planets orbiting a
normal space and warp space, particularly during solitary star in the manner of ancient Terra. Even
a powerful warp storm or after a large fleet has so, there are millions of star systems containing
dropped out of the warp. Moving into such a rift is billions of worlds scattered across the galaxy.
highly dangerous, but may well provide an edge for Most planets are either desolate, empty and airless,
a desperate or foolish captain. or surrounded by an atmosphere too noxious to
support life. In the Gothic sector there are over two
Placement hundred inhabited worlds and tens of thousands of
Warp rifts are D3x5cm wide and D3x10cm long. other planets. Planets often become the focus of
Use a strip of white paper, cloth, or cotton wool to space battles as opposing fleets attempt to establish
represent one. They do not need to be oriented in forward bases or extend their control throughout a
any particular direction. contested system.
Squadrons test once for the whole group, just like
any other leadership check. When a squadron of Effects Placement
capital ships fails the test, each member that comes Warp rifts block line of sight for a ship’s direct fire Planets are placed anywhere on the table or as
in base contact with the asteroid field in any way weapons in the same way as an asteroid field, and described in the scenario being played. In addition,
suffers D6 damage. On the other hand, when an any torpedoes that strike it are detonated. Hulks planets may have moons and/or rings. A medium
escort squadrons fails this test (even after re-rolling which drift into a rift disappear, never to be seen planet usually has D3-1 moons, while a large planet
it), D6 damage must be distributed evenly among again, so they may not be salvaged after the battle. usually has D6-2 moons. A large planet will also
the escorts that actually contacted the asteroid field, Attack craft squadrons which move into a rift are have D3 rings on a D6 roll of 5 or 6. The rules for
in the order that the ships were moved. also destroyed. moons and rings are described on the next page.
Note that asteroid fields do not block damage from Ships moving into a warp rift must pass a Typical Template Sizes
exploding ships for any reason - resolve explosions leadership test on 3D6 to navigate it successfully. The following are typical sizes for your planets:
as though the field were not there. If the ship passes the test, it may be repositioned up
to 2D6x10cm away from the rift, pointing in any • Small planet (equivalent to Mercury, Pluto or
Firing on Asteroid Fields direction. If it fails, the ship disappears from the Mars) - up to 15cm diameter.
In rare instances, players may wish to fire upon an battle altogether — lost in the warp! • Medium planet (equivalent to Venus or Earth) -
asteroid field. To do so, a ship or squadron must 16-25cm diameter.
first pass a leadership test (regardless of range, and Roll a D6 for each ship lost in the warp after the • Large planet (equivalent to Saturn or Jupiter) -
even if it is the only possible target). Shooting at game: on a score of 1, it is trapped forever, doomed 26-50cm(!) diameter.
an asteroid field is resolved normally, counting the to drift on the tides of the immaterium until its crew
field as ordnance. For each hit inflicted, place a wither and die - count the ship as destroyed. On Effects
blast marker in contact with the edge of the field, a result of 2-6, it is only temporarily lost and will Planets are represented by a template or model
as close as possible to the direction of shooting eventually find its way back to the fleet - count the placed on the tabletop. The template blocks line of
(without overlapping other markers). ship as having disengaged. sight for direct fire weapons, and any torpedoes that
strike it are detonated (much to the distress of any
local life-forms!). Hulks which drift into a planet
"Contact with alien races always renews one's faith in humanity. It is my belief are also destroyed. Ships may move ‘through’ a
planet (passing over or under it). However, line of
that foreign travel narrows the mind wonderfully." sight is not blocked to any such ships that are on or
touching a planetary template, and torpedoes fired
-Helem Boesch from within the template are removed when they
reach the edge.

CELESTIAL PHENOMENA
FIGHTING IN LOW ORBIT MOONS
"If your battle plan's working, it's probably In certain scenarios, ships can enter low orbit to Most planets have many small moons around them
a trap." attack a planet. Achieving low orbit is essential to and most of these are no larger than generously
any such attack, since a drop ship’s range is very sized asteroids. These rules are confined to dealing
-Kolton Phae, limited and any attempt to bombard ground forces with larger moons several thousand kilometers in
On Military Matters, 739.M41 from a greater distance is purely up to chance. diameter.
You will need a separate table (or section at one Placement

Furthermore, every planet is surrounded by an end of the main table) to represent low orbit. This Moons use templates up to 5cm in diameter. Each
area of space where its gravitational pull is strong does not need to be very large: 45-60cm wide by moon is placed 2D6x10cm from the planet’s edge,
enough to affect shipping. This area is referred to as 90-135cm long should be sufficient. Nominate one in a direction determined by a scatter die (pointing
its gravity well. The gravity well extends out a set long table edge as the ‘planet’ edge, representing from the center of the template). Note that moons
distance from the edge of the planet template and the surface of the planet itself. do not move during the course of the game, as the
affects a ship’s maneuvering. time-scale for their orbit is much longer than that of
Low Orbit Special Rules a typical battle.
• Small planet - up to 10cm from template edge. Ships in low orbit do not have to move and capital
• Medium planet - up to 15cm from template edge. ships do not require a minimum distance before they Effects
• Large planet - up to 30cm from template edge. can turn. To represent interference from the planet’s Moons are counted as small planets in all respects,
gravity and the outer edges of its atmosphere, all including the effects of gravity wells and so forth.
High Orbit gunnery weapons in low orbit suffer one column However, we recommend that players do not use
A ship within a planet’s gravity well is normally in shift to the right. Furthermore, lances and nova the low orbit rules for moons unless fleets are very
high orbit. While in high orbit, ships do not need to cannons require a 4+ roll to fire, and torpedoes and large and there is ample table space available.
move, but remember that stationary vessels use the mines may not be launched at all.
defenses column on the Gunnery chart.
Ships that move within 45cm of the planet edge are RINGED PLANETS
In addition, a ship may make a free turn when it gripped in the heart of the gravity well and must use Occasionally large planets will have rings made up
begins and/or ends its move in high orbit. These their engines to keep them aloft. At the start of each of gas, dust and asteroids.
free turns must be made towards the center of the player’s turn, all ships within 45cm of the planet
planetary template, or up to 45° in that direction table edge fall directly towards the planet (without Placement
(by the shortest possible angle), whichever is less. changing facing in any way). The distance that they Each ring is D6cm wide and begins D6x5cm away
Turns made this way do not require any minimum move depends upon the size of the planet: from the planet’s edge. Note that some may end up
movement distance. They can even be made when merging into one another, but that’s fine. Use any
a ship cannot normally turn, such as when under All • Small: 5cm materials or templates you prefer to represent them.
Ahead Full or Lock On special orders. Finally, they • Medium: 8cm If you have pieces with fixed sizes and materials,
can also be combined with Come To New Heading • Large: 10cm feel free to use those instead, rather than generating
special orders the size and type of rings randomly (this can speed
Any ship that moves off of the planet table edge in up the setup process).
Low Orbit this way is totally destroyed. Escorts and transports
Alternatively, ships within a planet’s gravity well which voluntarily move off the planet edge are said Effects
at the start of their turn may choose to enter low to have landed and count as disengaging. However, Roll a D6 to determine the type of each ring: a score
orbit. A ship that does so is removed from play and capital ships cannot land. If a ship in low orbit of 1-4 generates a gas/dust ring, while a score of
placed on a separate low orbit table. The rules for moves off from any other edge, it returns to high 5-6 generates an asteroid ring. These use the rules
fighting in low orbit are found in the next section. orbit. However, a ship may not enter and leave low for gas/dust clouds and asteroid fields, respectively.
Ships which return to high orbit are placed touching orbit in the same turn, and any ordnance launched Alternatively, you may simply assign a type to each
the outer edge of the planet template. on the low orbit table cannot leave it at all. ring instead, to fit with your available models.

CELESTIAL PHENOMENA
TABLETOP EFFECTS
The following types of celestial phenomena are SOLAR FLARES RADIATION BURSTS
tabletop effects, meaning they will affect everything Most stars periodically release explosive bursts of As well as solar flares and often in conjunction with
on the table regardless of where it is. Remember to energy over small areas of their surface. Of course them, a sun will frequently emit bursts of radiation,
make a note of any tabletop effects, as they are not small, in solar terms, means areas hundreds of including electromagnetic and radio waves. These
represented by any models or templates. millions of kilometers across! These huge flares temporarily scramble any communications traffic
of energy rush outward at tremendous speeds, between ships and even disrupt ship-board comm-
FIGHTING SUNWARD flooding the vicinity with highly charged particles nets. Commanding a ship under these conditions
It is sometimes easy to forget that a star is quite an and magnetic shock waves. A shielded vessel can is extremely difficult, and for this reason most
impressive phenomenon itself, and no less relevant find its protection virtually overwhelmed by these captains assiduously avoid the flare region and
to an admiral than an asteroid field or gas cloud. In events and a vessel without shields is sure to suffer mercurial zone of the local star.
battles close to the center of a system, the presence damage.
of the local star has powerful effects on a ship’s Effects
ability to detect other vessels. At extreme ranges, Effects At the start of each turn, roll a D6 per radiation
the glare of the sun will tend to obscure the energy At the start of each turn, roll a D6 per solar flare burst generated on the celestial phenomena table. If
signature of enemy vessels, making them difficult generated on the celestial phenomena table. If any any dice score a 5 or more, a radiation burst occurs
to target accurately. In close proximity, an opposing dice score a 6, a solar flare occurs. Note that a solar (limit one per turn). If this happens, roll a D6 to see
ship with the sun behind it is easier to pick out and flare may only occur once per game - afterwards, what the interference level will be. All ships on the
track using reflection surveyors and image capture no further rolls are made in subsequent turns. When table reduce their Leadership value by that value for
devices. a solar flare occurs, each ship on the table has one the duration of the turn. For example, if a radiation
blast marker placed in contact with its base, as close burst occurs and a 3 is rolled for the interference
Effects as possible to the sunward table edge. Any vessel level, all ships suffer -3 to their leadership.
In the outer parts of a solar system, the light from without shields (whether overloaded, collapsed,
the distant star has no effect on combat. In battles etc) suffers one automatic hit and will take critical In addition to the reduced leadership value for the
taking place from the Flare Region to the Inner damage on a roll of 4+ (rather than 6). Finally, roll interference, Fleet Commanders may only use their
Biosphere, the intense light from the sun provides a D6 for each ordnance marker on the table - on a re-rolls on command checks for their own ship or
the following effects: score of 4 or more it is removed from play. squadron during radiation bursts.
Any gunnery weapons fired towards the sunward

table edge double the normal number of column
shifts for long and short range. To determine if you
are shooting sunward, place the bearing compass
over the firing ship with the arrows parallel to
the sunward table edge. If the target is within the
abeam arc on the sunward side, the vessel is firing
sunward.
For example, a cruiser firing its weapon batteries

at a sunward target 40cm away would suffer two
column shifts to the right instead of one. Likewise,
a ship firing at point blank range (within 15cm)
gains two column shifts left rather than only one.

ASSEMBLING THE FLEET
Contained within this section are the general rules for assembling your fleet, such as how to pick out commanders or upgrade
and other restrictions necessary to create a fair game. The specific rules for your chosen faction can be found in their respective
codex documents. Digital versions of these documents may be found online or by request at BattlefleetGothic2015@gmail.com.
As the original Battlefleet Gothic game pieces have been discontinued as of this writing, exact models for your ship may be hard
to acquire, but don’t despair! Many fine starship models and stand-ins can be found on the Internet or at your local game shop.
"I n my high seat I gaze into the immaterium and see the shadow that our own universe casts into depthlessness. This
eye... this eye sees gentle flows of soul-stuff where the becalmed mind might starve to death, and tides and churns of
genius and hate. The warp mocks the power of words to describe. But what I can never turn my back on is the power and
the beauty of the Emperor. I see His soul shine out from Earth and His presence fill every corner of the immaterium.
I am scorned for what I talk of seeing, scorned by my family - so be it. Some say that every one of us sees a face of the
warp meant only for him, a warp that none other shall ever see, but it makes no matter. I have known from the first time
I beheld it that I could do nothing but follow that light with my life."
Peshto Vask Zemlya, Navigator

USING YOUR FLEET LIST

Each fleet list is divided into the following sections: Note that the effects of any commander’s special Ordnance & Upgrades: This details the various
rules may be combined with the special rules and types of ordnance and special upgrades available to
Fleet Commander(s): Your fleet may be led by a upgrades for their assigned ship, as long as they do the ships of the fleet.
commander, such as an Imperial Admiral, Chaos not directly match or contradict each other.
Warmaster, Eldar Dragon Prince or Ork Warboss. Attack Rating: The fleet’s attack rating is used to
A fleet commander is a unique type of unit that A fleet with a total points value of more than 750 determine the scenario and/or battlezone where the
is not represented by a separate model. Instead, a points must be led by a fleet commander. If he or fleet will fight. If left unspecified, use the default
commander must embark upon a ship in your fleet, she cannot embark on an escort, the fleet must also attack ratings shown in the Scenarios section.
which will usually be a flagship of some sort. That have at least one capital ship. Any fleet smaller than
ship will then act as the game piece for your fleet 750 points may be led by a fleet commander if you Reserves: This section details the other fleet lists
commander (in addition to its normal rules). wish, but this is not compulsory. In addition, some (if any) from which your fleet may draw reserves
fleets have access to additional commanders called and reinforcements. The full rules for taking allies,
Fleet commanders often come with special rules secondary commanders. These are treated exactly reserves, and other ships are described later in this
that will benefit their own ship or those around it. like regular fleet commanders, except that they section.
In addition, they will often have a fixed leadership cannot fulfill the commander requirement for fleets
value (shown in brackets). A fleet commander’s of more than 750 points, and may have restrictions Other: Some fleets may have other special bonuses
leadership always supersedes that of the vessel he on their re-rolls or upgrades. or restrictions, such as for scenarios, sub-plots, and
or she is assigned to, even if it is lower! Lastly, most other unique units. These will be clearly described
fleet commanders may purchase special upgrades Finally, no single capital ship or escort squadron in the rules for those fleets.
for themselves or their ship, including re-rolls for may embark or be led by more than one commander
your fleet’s command checks (see below). of any kind. POINTS VALUES
The cost of a fleet commander (and any of his or Each type of vessel in Battlefleet Gothic usually
Capital Ships: This section shows which, and how has a points value, which reflects how useful it is in
her re-rolls and upgrades) is added to that of the many, capital ships you may have in your fleet.
assigned ship - if it is lost or crippled, that cost will game terms. The higher a vessel’s points value, the
Often, the number of larger capital ships such as better it is in battle. For example, a small Imperial
count against the vessel’s victory point value (see
battleships, grand cruisers, and battlecruisers you Cobra class destroyer is worth only 30 points, while
the Scenarios section for details).
may take is defined by the number of ordinary a huge Chaos Desolator class battleship is worth
cruisers or light cruisers in your fleet. This is because 300 points - that’s ten Cobras for every Desolator!
Fleet Commander Re-rolls: such mighty vessels rarely operate independently
Most commanders have a number of command and generally fight only in larger fleet formations. Size of Game
check re-rolls available to them, as indicated in
When you fight a battle, you will normally need to
the Fleet Commander or Secondary Commander Escorts: This shows the different types of escorts choose your fleet up to an agreed points limit. For
section of the fleet list. Each of these re-rolls can available to the fleet. There is usually no limit to the example, to fight a 1,500 points Fleet Engagement,
only be used once per game and allows you to re- number of escorts allowed in a fleet, although the each player picks a fleet worth up to 1,500 point
roll a failed command check or leadership test
number of certain types of escorts may be restricted in total. A 500-1,000 points battle can be fought in
for a ship or squadron in the fleet. Remember
in some fleet lists. a couple of hours, while battles involving larger
that you can only use one re-roll at a time, so it
is not possible to use several re-rolls on the same fleets will take longer. In some scenarios, fleets are
Using Your Fleet: This section describes how to not picked to equal points values, or have additional
test. If a ship suffers a Bridge Smashed critical
make the best use of your fleet, it’s typical tactics, units worth a random number of points. In such
hit, any re-rolls from an embarked commander
are lost for the remainder of the battle. and the kinds of forces it may represent. This part cases, the scenario will tell you what proportion of
may also list general fleet rules or restrictions. points to use.

A single escort may be taken in a fleet as long as
A Note on Base Size:
there are no other escorts included. However, you
As many of the models for Battlefleet Gothic
B etween the stars the ancient unseen enemies of
mankind wait and hunger. Every voyage into
the nothing is a confrontation with horror, with
cannot ignore any other restrictions, such as fleets
which require a minimum number of escorts, and
are hard to find, we have included some rules
for how to base your ships. There are two base
so forth. In addition, if a fleet has at least two
the implacable things of the warp, and with man's sizes, large (60mm diameter) and small (32mm
escorts, they must be divided so that no escort is
own innermost fear. diameter). These can be found online at Games
operating without at least one other in a squadron
Workshop’s website or from other retailers.
(except those that are normally allowed to operate
alone, such as transports or Tau Messenger ships).
Any unit with either 3 or more shields or more
BUILDING YOUR LIST than 10 hits must use a large base. All other
When you know what size battle you are playing, Cruisers, battlecruisers, heavy cruisers and light
vessels use the small base. However, any capital
you can start selecting ships. As you pick ships to cruisers may be formed into squadrons of two to
ship may purchase Tractor Fields for free, which
include in your fleet, simply add up their points four ships each, at the time they are deployed, and
upgrades it to use a large base. This makes it
value until you reach the agreed limit. You may may be mixed in the same squadron. easier for the ship to ram and/or board, but also
not spend more than this on your fleet and often makes it a larger target for enemy ordnance,
you’ll be a few points short because there simply Grand cruisers and battleships may be formed into ramming, and boarding.
isn’t anything to spend those last few points on. squadrons of two to three ships at the time they
Remember when picking your fleet that you must are deployed, but you may not mix battleships and
have models to represent the ships you choose. This grand cruisers in a squadron. SECRECY OF FLEET LISTS
helps both players to remember exactly what each Fleet lists are not normally secret. However, to add
ship is (and what their armaments are) and stops Note that the distinctions between different types of a degree of subtlety to a battle, fleet lists may be
players getting a nasty surprise halfway through the cruisers will be found in the fleet list itself - as far as kept secret until the end of the game (or campaign)
battle (“It’s a nova cannon is it? I see...”). profiles go, they are all cruisers (also note that some if both players agree. However, it must be written
fleets will use different names for their cruisers - down, complete with all refits and point totals. If at
Ship Class Variants look for the terms grand, heavy, light, etc). If a fleet any time your opponent wishes to see your fleet list,
In some ship entries, you may see options to does not differentiate its cruisers, they will use the both players must then immediately reveal their
mount different weaponry than ‘regular’ models of preceding rules for normal cruisers. fleet lists to each other.
that ship or class. For example, some Lunar class
cruisers may exchange their prow torpedoes for a Fighting Battles Without Fleet Lists
nova cannon. Unless specifically noted as unique The fleet lists for each faction have been written to
in their profile, such as the mighty Planet Killer, allow players to pick a fleet that should be fairly
you may have multiple copies of any such ship or balanced against one another. This means that
class variant in your fleet list (subject to the normal players who have never met before, such as in a
restrictions given in their profiles). tournament or pick-up game, know that they should
have a fair battle to play.
Forming Squadrons
When forming your ships into squadrons, your fleet However, if you are gaming with regular opponents,
must obey the following restrictions, except where you may like to choose fleets which ignore some
your faction’s fleet list states otherwise: or all of the rules in the lists. For example, you
might like to have an all-battleship clash, or allow
All escort ships must be formed into squadrons of battlecruisers, heavy cruisers and grand cruisers
between two and six ships each, at the time they are to be taken without having to take the specified
chosen for your fleet. The escorts in a squadron do number of cruisers first. This is perfectly fine, but
not have to all be of the same class, but you may not remember to be clear with all players in your group
have more than four 2-hit escorts in one squadron. so that everyone has a good time.

AUXILIARY UNITS
PLANETARY DEFENSES System Ships patrol the trade routes within a star From Your Points Limit
In certain scenarios, one player may be allowed system and may often be sent into battle when an In addition to the two previous methods, if you are
to select planetary defenses as part of their forces, enemy fleet attempts to break through the defending the defender in any scenario with a planet present,
generally to assist in protecting a planet against forces and land on a planet. System ships follow all you may spend up to one third of your points limit
an attacking enemy fleet. Planetary defenses the same rules as normal ships of their type. on planetary defenses. This allows you to use larger
also include minefields and some types of small space stations whose high costs would normally be
defensive vessels which have no warp drives. The following rules detail the different ways that prohibitive in regular games.
The complete rules for planetary defenses can be fleets may include planetary defenses in games of
found in the BFG:XR Fleet Support list. Defenses Battlefleet Gothic: In a Campaign
are broken up into three types: orbital satellites, If you are playing a campaign and you know which
ground facilities, and system ships. Scenario Driven type of system you are fighting in, you can use the
Some scenarios (like planetary assault) specify that following table to decide the level of planetary
Satellite units may not move as they are stationed the defender can spend a certain amount of extra defenses. Remember, not all the battles in a system
in orbit around a planet or moon, or occasionally points on planetary defenses. In this case, the player will take place around the primary world - there
in deep space. Their weapons are typically able to chooses his or her planetary defenses from the may be a different type of inhabited world, or the
fire all round so they do not worry about fire arcs BFG:XR Fleet Support list (as well as any special two fleets might be fighting around an uninhabited
at all. Since they are targeted as defenses, they also defenses in his or her race’s fleet list document), up planet.
ignore matters of orientation (closing, abeam, etc). to the points value indicated in the scenario.
You can also use the table below to generate a planet
Ground facilities protect planets from spaceships If a Planet is Present type during a non-campaign game if desired. Roll
getting close enough to send troops down to the If a planet is generated as a celestial phenomenon, 2D6 and see what type of planet you’re fighting
surface. These huge anti-ship weapons cannot move you may assign it planetary defenses as follows: around. In this case, the number of planetary
because they are concealed in deep underground defenses are determined by the planet’s type rather
silos for their safety. Ground units are limited to a • A small planet will have D6-2 defenses. Small than its size.
single 90° fire arc extending up from the planet’s planets should not have ground facilities unless
surface, as shown in the diagram below. Note that both players agree otherwise.
2D6 PLANET TYPE DEFENSES
ground facilities ignore all of the usual restrictions • A medium sized planet will have D6-1 defenses.
• A large planet will have D6 defenses. 2 Forge World D6+1
for firing weapons and/or launching ordnance while
on the low orbit table. 3 Hive World D6
If the scenario requires an attacker and a defender, 4-5 Civilized World D6-1
then the defender is assumed to have control of 6-7 Uninhabited D3-1
the planet (although you could switch this to fight
8-9 Agri-World D6-2
defensive battles in an enemy-held system). If there
are no attackers and defenders, both players roll a 10-11 Mining World D6-2
D6 to see who controls the planet and its defenses. 12 Penal Colony D6
Each planetary defense can be worth up to D6x5 Bear in mind that while you can use any of these
points (roll for each separately). You may combine rules to include planetary defenses in your normal
the points of several defenses to buy a single, more games for added variety, it’s not something you
expensive one - for example, you may give up three should feel compelled to do every time you stick a
30-point defenses to buy one 90 point defense. planet on the tabletop!

When taking additional types of transports from a Choosing Reserves
For every battle honor, a thousand heroes die alone, faction’s fleet list (or the Fleet Support list), such For every three battleships, cruisers (of any type),
unsung, and unremembered. ships will use the normal rules for the appropriate or escorts chosen from your fleet list, you may also
list but will often cost additional points (taken pick one ship of the same type from a different fleet
against the points limit of your fleet). Factions with list belonging to one of the factions shown in your
TRANSPORTS & CONVOYS access to their own transports may still choose to fleet’s ‘reserves’ section. Any reserves chosen from
In some scenarios, a player may have access to one use the default profile shown here instead. a different faction than your main fleet are subject
or more transport ships. In general, transports are to the rules for Allies found on the next page.
small, slow, and poorly armed, yet nevertheless Note that some special types of transport may count
they are crucial for moving ground troops and vital as more than (or less than) one ‘regular’ transport. For example, for every three cruisers picked from
supplies from star system to star system. Where this is the case, the ship counts as that many the Gothic Sector Imperial fleet list, you may pick
transports for all rules purposes, such as assault one cruiser from the Armageddon Sector Imperial
Transports typically do not cost any points, but may points and so forth, not just for choosing how many fleet list. Alternatively, you could choose a cruiser
only be included in your fleet when a scenario calls you may include in your fleet. from the Adeptus Mechanicus fleet list, as this is
for them. The default transport profile is shown on an allowed faction in the Gothic Sector’s reserves
this page - it does not benefit from any special rules section (see the next page for a list of all factions).
except for those on its own profile, cannot take any RESERVES
upgrades or refits, and cannot form a squadron with Most fleet lists have the option to take reserves. Only ships of the same type (battleship, cruiser or
non-convoy ships. Additional convoy ships may be Reserve vessels represent ships from a nearby fleet escort) count for reserves purposes so you cannot
found in the BFG:XR Fleet Support list. that have been requested (or commandeered) to pick three escorts from one fleet list and use them
assist the main fleet. In game terms, reserves allow to qualify for a battleship from another. Note that
For example, in a Space Marine fleet, any transports a fleet list access to ships from the same faction (or in this context, all cruisers, light cruisers, heavy
you include could not benefit from or purchase any a closely aligned faction) that would not normally cruisers, battlecruisers, and grand cruisers are
Space Marine refits or crew upgrades. be available by default. simply treated as cruisers.
For example, three light cruisers from one fleet

CONVENTIONAL TRANSPORT.............................. Points: Special list would qualify you to take a grand cruiser from
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of transport ships participated another fleet list of the same race as a reserve ship.
in the Gothic War. The vast majority of these were chartered
merchantmen pressed into service to move war materials to Reserves are still subjected to any restrictions on
systems under blockade, while many others were Imperial minimum and maximum numbers of certain types
Navy support vessels used to resupply the fleet and form of vessels.
temporary repair bases in isolated systems.
For example, having three Chaos cruisers entitles
TYPE/HITS SPEED TURNS SHIELDS ARMOR TURRETS a 12th Black Crusade Incursion Fleet to have a
Repulsive grand cruiser. It also entitles the fleet to
Escort/1 15cm 45° 1 5+ 1 have one reserve cruiser such as the Executor grand
ARMAMENT RANGE / SPEED FIREPOWER / STR FIRE ARC cruiser, but that ship cannot be taken because you
Weapons Battery 15cm 2 Left / Front / Right must have at least six cruisers to have two grand
cruisers, not merely three.
Special Rules: Conventional transports do not have the powerful drives routinely fitted to warships.
As such, they only add +3D6cm to their speed while on All Ahead Full rather than the usual +4D6cm.
Every man is a spark in the darkness. By the time he is noticed
Conventional transports also have a fixed leadership value of 7, which they use for all command checks he is gone forever. A retinal after-image that fades and is
and leadership tests. obscured by newer, brighter lights.

ALLIES, SUBJECTS, AND
+++BATTLE.GROUP.ERINYES.REQUESTS.REINFORCEMENTS+++RESPOND+++RESP---+++ MERCENARIES
Sometimes, fleets may have access to ships from
Reserve Vessels and Upgrades other, allied races. These ships will assist the main
may only be taken exactly as described on their
Reserve ships from the same faction as the core fleet fleet list rules and may not be taken as reserves for fleet, but are not usually subordinate to the same
may take any upgrades, refits, and so on normally another fleet unless otherwise specified. command structure. To represent the convoluted
available to them from either fleet list. Reserves political landscape of the 41st Millennium, allies
from a different faction may only have upgrades See the following examples for more details about brought along with a fleet (for any reason) are
from their own fleet list. In all cases, you may not how reserves function for different fleets: subject to some additional rules and guidelines.
take any commanders from a reserve fleet list to use
with the primary fleet. 1. An Imperial fleet taken from the Armageddon First, allied vessels cannot be placed in squadrons
Sector list can take Space Marine vessels as with those from the core fleet, nor can they make
For example, an Imperial Navy player that takes a part of its regular fleet list, despite being a use of upgrades, commanders, and/or re-rolls of the
Mercurcy class battlecruiser from the Bakka Sector different faction. However, a Gothic Sector core fleet unless specifically stated otherwise.
fleet list as a reserve in their Gothic Sector fleet fleet list cannot take Space Marine vessels from
could still upgrade the Mercury with the +1 Turret the Armageddon Sector fleet list as reserves. In addition, vessels should not be allied to fleets
refit from the Bakka fleet list. On the other hand, a which are their natural enemy (or any fleet which
reserve cruiser from the Adeptus Mechanicus could 2. On the other hand, an Imperial Navy Gothic includes ships of such enemies). In all cases treat
not be given an Imperial Navy power ram, because Sector fleet joined by an Inquisition fleet (as this only as a guide as opposed to any requirement
it is from a different faction. per their special rules) may explicitly take or restriction. Following are the canonical alliances
Space Marine vessels as reserves, overriding you may use for this purpose:
Allowed Reserves the normal limitations.
The list of available reserves for a given fleet can • “Imperials” (Navy, Ad-Mech, & Inquisition): Never
be found under the ‘Reserves and Allies’ heading 3. The Demiurg and Kroot have specific rules ally with Chaos, Dark Eldar, Craftworld Eldar and
Orks.
in the fleet list. Sometimes a fleet will only draw allowing them to be used by various fleets as
• Space Marines: Only ally with Imperials and Rogue
reserves from specifically named fleets, although allies in the same manner those fleets can take Trader vessels (excluding Xenos ships).
most often reserves will be available by faction (in reserves. However, the Tau Kor’vattra fleet list • Chaos: Never ally with Imperials, Craftworld Eldar,
which case any fleet of that faction may be used). allows for the direct use of Demiurg vessels Corsair Eldar, Space Marines or Tau.
The official factions are: in the fleet. In this case, Demiurg vessels may • Craftworld Eldar: Never ally with Imperials, Chaos,
be taken as provided for in the Tau Kor’vattra Space Marines or Orks.
• Imperial Navy fleet list irrespective of limitations that would • Corsair Eldar: Never ally with Chaos, Space Marines
• Adeptus Mechanicus normally be placed on using reserves. or Orks.
• Space Marines • Dark Eldar: Never ally with Imperials, Tau or Space
• Chaos A given fleet may take ships as reserves from any Marines.
• Eldar (Corsair Eldar & Craftworld Eldar) • Orks: Only ally with Chaos, Dark Eldar and Rogue
• Dark Eldar
number of allowed fleet lists, not just one. Note,
however, that allowed reserves are not themselves Traders.
• Orks • Necrons and/or Tyranids: Never ally with anyone.
• Necrons part of a fleet list - so you cannot take the reserves
• Tau (except Demiurg and Kroot): Never ally with
• Tyranids of a different list as your own. In short, you cannot Orks, Chaos, Dark Eldar or Space Marines.
• Tau Empire (Tau, Demiurg, Kroot, & Nicassar) use a reserve of a reserve. • Demiurg and/or Kroot: Never ally with Orks or
• Rogue Traders (incl. Minor Xenos) Space Marines. When allied with two opposing fleets,
• The Inquisition (incl. Grey Knights) Campaign Rewards and Reserves they will never fire upon ships of their own race.
Any ships or special characters awarded or earned • Rogue Traders: May ally with any fleet except
Some fleet lists may provide access to ships from through a unique scenario or campaign are exempt Tyranids and Necrons but may not take Xenos vessels
other races directly (instead of as reserves). These from these restrictions. when allied with Space Marines.

Congratulations! You’ve made it through all of the normal rules for Battlefleet Gothic. The
descriptions and rules for all of the default missions you can play are found in the BFG:XR -
Scenarios document.
In addition, you can read up on all the history of the Gothic Sector and the galaxy of the 41st
Millennium in the BFG:XR - Gothic Sector and Beyond document.
Once you’ve had your fill of individual scenarios, get a few friends together and try out a
campaign from the BFG:XR - Campaigns document, or get together and make up your own;
the possibilities are as endless as space itself!
MAIN RULEBOOK CHANGE LOG
BFG:R to BFG:XR - CHANGE LOG

Some elements of BFG:R and the original BFG rules have been altered as part of the transcription process for the BFG:XR Project. For the most part, these changes are
simply adjustments to grammar and language, in order to improve clarity or fix (a few) typos. Other changes include a few minor expansions to the existing material or re-
integrations of older rules that were either dropped or not included when the BFG:R documents were produced. These changes are meant only to add flavor or clarity to the
existing rules, and not an attempt to dramatically alter the function or power of any one faction’s fleets. This document generally only lists those changes which constitute an
actual addition or alteration of the rules, not adjustments to language or readability.
2010 FAQ Boarding Assembling the Fleet

[Addition] [Change] Almost all rulings from the 2010 FAQ [Change] Clarified that damage from boarding does not trigger [Addition] Returned the ruling preventing escort squadrons
have been integrated into the main rules. The only rulings that additional critical hit rolls – these are abstracted into the single, from having more than four 2-hit escorts per squadron. This was
were excluded were those which, due to changes in the rule text, improved critical hit roll from the boarding action result. an oversight on my part.
were no longer necessary (as other changes already accounted
[Change] Reversed the scores on the critical hit requirement [Addition] Added a ruling explicitly preventing a single ship or
for the circumstances of the given ruling, and so forth).
table to reflect the new way in which the rules are worded (this squadron from having multiple commanders aboard.
should make it clearer for multi-ship boarding). This does NOT
Language change the way in which the table works – only the way it reads. Squadrons
[Change] In some parts of the text, American English spelling [Addition] Vessels locked in a drawn combat cannot disengage [Addition] Added extra rules to the Squadron Coherency
is used, since the BFG:XR author (that’s me!) is from the while the combat is ongoing. Once you’re stuck in, you’re stuck! section to clarify what to do if a squadron is broken up into
US. However, this may not always be consistent everywhere multiple groups of ships in coherency with one another, as per
(particularly in long, copied segments where no changes were [Change] Clarified the wording for bonuses to the actual D6
the 2016 mini-FAQ from horizon and Ray Bell.
made). roll to be more easily distinguished from bonuses to boarding
values. This should make fleet upgrades more intuitive.
Hopefully everyone can forgive me for this… it just wasn’t very Reserves & Allies
important compared to finishing the document and making all
the necessary formatting and changes, especially as I can read
Blast Markers [Change] Reserve rules have been cleaned up to accommodate
the large number of fleets with unusual or cross-faction reserve
both British and American English equally well. If this is still an [Addition] [Change] Both the classic blast marker rules and
options. Overall the rules should be identical; they simply read
issue later, I can go back and fix it. modern ‘entire base’ blast marker rules are included; players slightly differently.
may choose which style to use. I have also re-written the
Armada Ordnance wording for both to increase clarity – it should be functionally
Resilient Attack Craft
identical to how both systems previously worked. I know this is
[Addition] [Change] All ordnance (special torpedoes, torpedo one of the bigger areas of controversy with the fan-made 2010 [Change] Resilient fighters now continue to attack any enemy
bombers, mines) are now included in the main rules. These have FAQ, so I wanted to accommodate both styles. ordnance they are in contact with, until they are removed or no
been distributed out to different fleet lists on a case-by-case basis more enemy ordnance is left. This makes the interaction much
rather than having fleets roll on a random table. In general, this [Change] Altered the way the “one shot hitting two ships” rule
more intuitive. Previously, there were implied differences when
means fleets now have greater control of what special ordnance works for placing blast markers if there are other ships in base
resilient fighters attacked waves of only non-fighters, in which
they get, although some ships and fleets may have fewer (or contact with the one under fire. Now, the criteria to hit two ships’
the non-fighters were given an opportunity to move away after
more expensive) options for taking them. shields with one shot is as follows:
the fighters had used their resilient saves.
I am strongly opposed to the way special torpedoes were done in • Second ship must be in base contact with the ship under fire.
the original rules – I felt that they took too much control away • Second ship must be closer to the firing vessel than the ship
from the player, and I much preferred to simply increase the Last Updated: April 13, 2017 10:31 PM
under fire.
cost in exchange for having a choice. Most fleets may now pick
torpedoes (or roll on a D3), but the cost is substantially higher. • Second ship must be the closest vessel in base contact to the
line of fire.
[Addition] Clarified that melta torpedoes inflict a Fire result
regardless of the target’s actual critical hit table. This only changes the position of the first blast marker. All others
will then fan out from that one. In effect, the first shot pops both
Target Priority ships shields, and may bring down the rest as they fan out from
there. I added some restrictions on distance though to prevent
[Change] Clarified the wording. It is functionally identical, but hitting ships “behind” another ship, and also to clarify some of
should read more intuitively for new players. the confusing wording with the FAQ 2010 ruling on the issue.

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BFG:XR RULEBOOK

Artwork & Graphics Special Thanks

Roy ‘Horizon’ Amkreutz, Fred Martinson, W.S. Scott Boyd,

How are these rules made?

Who is responsible for BFG:XR?

I found a typo or mistake, what should I do?

Expanded Revised - Rulebook 1

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

All dice rolls in Battlefleet Gothic use standard six-

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MOVEMENT SPECIAL ORDERS COMBAT SPECIAL ORDERS

Command Check Modifiers Enemy Contacts (+1Ld) Other Leadership Tests

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A vessel’s normal move may be increased or

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The Unclean has the Agrippa in its right fire arc, so

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Modifiers: Splitting Fire

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"T he Intolerance was surrounded

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Multiple Ships Under Fire Shooting Through Blasts

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MODERN BLAST MARKERS CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE Escorts

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TORPEDO SPECIAL RULES

Note that a torpedo salvo cannot turn in the ordnance

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ATTACK CRAFT SPECIAL RULES

Vs Ordnance Markers. Enemy fighters will remove

Vs Ships. The assault boats make an attack run on

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A ship may disengage from battle in one of two

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