In this episode, we talk about how to run non-competitive 40k events. The two main types are friendly or casual and narrative. We will talk about both one-time events and leagues and how you can get the most out of running them.

Show Notes

With any kind of event, the goal is for the players to have a good time. Everything you do should be about ensuring the most amount of players will enjoy the event.

For non-competitive events, this means that most of the players attending are expecting a lower power level and a more laid back, less intense experience.

Casual or Friendly Games

More laid back, more time to play, usually the lists are much less intense.

Outcome should not be as important.

Great for beginners, or those that don’t have a ton of models to field competitive lists, or those that just want a fun experience.

How to get the message that it’s a casual event?

* Call it a casual event

* Charity event

* Random prizes

Ideas for how to tone down lists

* Be clear with your expectations

* Restrictive army builds: “Oldhammer”, restrict units, etc.

* Pre-submit lists

* Invite only

Narrative

For the fluff bunnies: you want the players to take part in a larger story arc, where their actions impact the story.

Some unique missions, very relaxed time frames.

Armies should be themed, and it’s nice when people have nicely painted models.

Missions tell the story in narrative games,

Mission Structures

Missions in a set sequence, although you can use interesting missions where players take a certain role depending on how they do in a previous mission, or there are bonuses for the winner.

Branching missions, where an outcome changes what mission is next.

A big map, where players can choose which “tile” to attack/defend. The most complicated, game within a game.

Ideas for keeping lists themed:

* Same as casual: clear with expectations, restrictive army builds, pre-submit lists.

* Invite only: not every player is really a narrative player.

Leagues versus Events

Events are a day or weekend long, usually no more than 2 games a day.

Leagues typically run themselves, better for narrative games.

What happens when you get TFG?

Or, a guy that did not get the memo…

Tips for running a casual or narrative event

What is the “hook” or interesting thing that sets it apart? Where does the fun come from, and why would someone want to spend the time with your event?  Story, format, terrain?

Figure out the mission structure first: set missions, branching, etc.

Come up with missions

* Borrow freely from other sources

* Get feedback from other players

* Make them fair. Competitive missions have a lot to offer here.

Have a plan for how to tone down the lists or make them themed.

Keep it REALLY simple!