Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Pendraken Rules! => Blitzkrieg Commander IV => Topic started by: Leon on 14 March 2019, 11:30:36 PM

Title: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Leon on 14 March 2019, 11:30:36 PM
(https://pendraken.co.uk/ProductImages/BKCIVPromo.jpg)

After a lot of hard work and effort we are delighted to announce that BKC-IV will be officially released on 6th April 2019, at the Salute show!

Our revision team, led by Mark Fry, have put a tremendous amount of effort into fixing the mistakes of BKC-III and getting a much-improved set of rules back into print and into your hands.  We've also used an extensive feedback group to read through and playtest the new rules and the response has been extremely positive.  We're very excited about BKC-IV and we hope you're going to like it too!


Replacement Copies

Now our first priority is to get a copy of BKC-IV out to everyone who bought BKC-III when it was released.  How this is done will depend on how you purchased originally:

Bought Online / Not going to Salute 2019
- You will already be in the replacement queue and don't need to do anything.  Your copy will ship out first, possibly before we leave for Salute but most likely on the Monday/Tuesday after the show.  If you've moved house since April 2017, you'll need to drop us an email with your new address.

Bought Online / Going to Salute 2019
- Please contact us to let us know that you will be attending Salute and we will pull your original order from the replacement queue.  We'll bring your new copy along to Salute for you.

Bought at Salute / Not going to Salute 2019
- If you bought at Salute but won't be attending this year, we'll need you to either send us the cover of your BKC-III book, or a picture of it by email, along with the address that you'd like your replacement sending to.  We apologise for the hassle involved in doing this, but it's the only way for us to verify that you bought a copy of BKC-III.  If you're outside the UK, it's probably easier to send a photo, but contact us if you're having any problems.

Bought at Salute / Going to Salute 2019
- If you'll be attending Salute again this year, simply bring your copy of BKC-III along to the show and we'll swap it for a shiny new copy of BKC-IV!  If you'd like to keep hold of the previous rules for any reason, we'll need to either remove the cover or mark the inside to show that the copy has been replaced.

Bought on Wargame Vault
- You don't need to do anything at all, you will receive your new pdf copy of BKC-IV through Wargame Vault automatically.  We don't have a confirmed date for this just yet, but you should receive your replacement pdf by Monday 8th at the latest.

If there's any queries on that, please let me know and we'll get you sorted out.  If you've already been in touch or given us your BKC-III cover, then you're already in the replacement system and don't need to worry.


New Pre-Orders!

For anyone who didn't buy a copy of BKC-III, we have put BKC-IV up for pre-order on the Pendraken website now: https://pendraken.co.uk/rules/blitzkrieg-commander/  Any new pre-orders will ship out after the replacement copies have been dealt with, so we're estimating April 11th/12th for that.  BKC-IV will be available at a discounted launch price for a limited time, so grab yourself a copy for £20! (RRP £25).  This offer will end and the rules will return to RRP when we get back to work after the Salute show on Monday April 8th.

The rules will also be available as a pdf on Wargame Vault from this point onwards.


So What's New?

One question we know that people will be asking is 'What's changed in BKC-IV?', so here's a brief summary from our author:

Our overriding intention with BKCIV was to show a natural evolution from BCKII, retaining the best elements of BKCIII but at the same time remaining true to both the BKC tradition and the Commander series of rules mechanisms.  In addition, we've added new game mechanisms, incorporated several widely used, tried and tested 'house rules', as well as tidying up the army lists.  The design of BKCIV will allow players to choose between a more formalised and higher-level game, back (almost) to BCKI and BKCII in many ways; or to play a much more granular game, almost but not quite down to a skirmish level or 1:1 level game.  We have also added (by request) more Example Tables, for ease of play and quick reference.

The significant changes are:
•   An enhanced and expanded Reconnaissance section – making Recce a more important and integral part of the game.
•   Introduction of Snipers and their effect on the battlefield.
•   Changes to the way Infantry Anti-Tank Weapons work to make them more cost effective and realistic.
•   Changes to the Artillery Barrage rules – to remove a potential for imbalance.
•   The correction of an anomaly around Naval Guns and FAOs.
•   Adding a new Tactical Doctrine for Guerrillas/Partisans, with additional features to make playing an insurgency or resistance style game possible.
•   Re-working and clarifying the Scenarios.
•   Adding to, re-wording and editing the list of Special Characteristics.

Rather than a printed QRS supplied with the rules, we'll be putting up a pdf download for people to print off as many copies as they like.  Along with this we'll be creating a series of pdfs containing a variety of expanded Optional Rules – including Perilous Terrain, Armoured Trains and Refugees amongst many others.  More of these Optional Rules will be added to the archive going forward, as will more Army Lists (an ANZAC list is already on the work-bench!)

If you are a long-standing BKC player or a new convert to WW2 gaming or even a 'refugee' from another set of rules, we believe that BKCIV will give you a fast to play, enjoyable and realistic table-top WW2 gaming experience.


Thank You

And finally, we'd like to apologise to everyone who bought a copy of BKC-III and has had to wait for us to get this fixed.  We appreciate how patient and understanding you've been throughout this process and we hope you enjoy BKC-IV.  We'd also like to thank every single person who has helped us get this new ruleset into production, including the authors, the playtest groups, and anyone who has provided feedback or even just a supportive email or comment at a show.  It's been a long road to get here but we're there now and we can all start enjoying some BKC games again!
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: paulr on 14 March 2019, 11:38:09 PM
 =D> <:-P =D>
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Ithoriel on 15 March 2019, 01:30:47 AM
Well done!

Looking forward to getting my grubby paws on this. :)
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Itinerant Hobbyist on 15 March 2019, 04:57:09 AM
WOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!! :D
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Steve J on 15 March 2019, 06:58:28 AM
Well done to all involved in making this happen and especially to Leon & Dave, for 'doing the right thing', which is why Pendraken are such a great company.
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Techno on 15 March 2019, 07:32:14 AM
Well done to all !! =D> :-bd =D>

I'm really delighted to do the vast majority of my 'putty pushing' for a firm that cares so much about its customers.
And......For me, Leon's well up there with the best 'bosses' I've ever worked for.

Take a bow, Leon.

Cheers - Phil







Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Ben Waterhouse on 15 March 2019, 09:00:21 AM
Bravo
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: fred. on 15 March 2019, 09:04:17 AM
Well done for getting the latest version of BKC out. It's been a slog for you, but let's hope this is do really successful for Pendraken.
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Big Insect on 15 March 2019, 10:00:32 AM
Well done Leon

Many late nights & long weekends of computerwork expended by you, keeping my gibbering in line and adding structure and discipline to my thought processes.

I'll be available via the forum to answer questions, clarify anything and listen to feedback.

It's been an interesting adventure & the playtesting has been huge fun.

Fingers crossed our 'public' likes the end result. It's been an honour to be allowed to work on a great wargaming institution like BKC.

Mark

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: steve_holmes_11 on 15 March 2019, 11:05:35 AM
(https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/icecoldinalex_6729.jpg)

Worth the wait.
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Westmarcher on 15 March 2019, 11:40:27 AM
 ;D ;D ;D

Nice one!
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: FierceKitty on 15 March 2019, 12:18:16 PM
Adding my voice to the chorus of admiration for your sterling qualities.
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Zbigniew on 15 March 2019, 02:33:24 PM
Great news!
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: petercooman on 15 March 2019, 08:49:42 PM
 :-bd :-bd :-bd :-bd :-bd :-bd


Great work everyone!
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: pierre the shy on 15 March 2019, 11:08:09 PM
Quote from: steve_holmes_11 on 15 March 2019, 11:05:35 AM
(https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/icecoldinalex_6729.jpg)

Worth the wait.

Great to see BKC 4 get over the finishing line. Well done to the production team/testers etc.

Love the picture Steve  8)

Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: fsn on 16 March 2019, 07:36:50 AM
Complete aside: Many years ago, I bought a copy of Ice Cold in Alex (the film from which the still is taken) from Amazon.

Amazon then recommended, because I bought Ice Cold in Alex the book Dr Miriam Stoppard's Breast Health Book.




Nothing about the Desert War in it at all!
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: ronan on 16 March 2019, 03:59:39 PM
  :-\
(http://2d6.fr/docs.temp/AAR/icecoldinalex_bkc4.jpg)
:D
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: fsn on 16 March 2019, 04:32:20 PM
 ;D ;D

Dice Rolled in Alex?
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Stratoq on 22 March 2019, 03:47:39 PM
Fantastic news, looking forward to playing it!
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Ithoriel on 22 March 2019, 04:23:53 PM
Quote from: fsn on 16 March 2019, 04:32:20 PM
;D ;D

Dice Rolled in Alex?

;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Techno on 22 March 2019, 05:28:01 PM
 ;D ;D ;D

Don't encourage him, Mike.  ;)

Very good, Nobby !!

Cheers - Phil

Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Steve J on 22 March 2019, 05:51:35 PM
Very good. Apparently John Mills said it was his best mornings work, because it took 3 - 4 takes to get the scene and he was half-cut at the end of it :D.
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Big Insect on 05 April 2019, 12:19:17 PM
If you are attending Salute this weekend do pop by the Pendraken stand and say hi to Leon and the crew ... that's if you can make your way through the press of rules hungry gamers after their new copy of BKCIV  :D

Also Richard Philips and crew are putting on a BKCIV demo game, so go and support them by throwing dice and insults !!!  ;D ;D

Have a great weekend folks ... sorry I cannot join you all

Mark
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: AndyT on 18 April 2019, 08:40:24 PM
Is there a way that I can check that I am on the "bought a hardcopy of BKC III" list?

Cheers, Andy
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Leon on 18 April 2019, 09:14:32 PM
Quote from: AndyT on 18 April 2019, 08:40:24 PM
Is there a way that I can check that I am on the "bought a hardcopy of BKC III" list?

What email address would you have ordered under originally?  I can't find anything linked to the address in your forum profile.
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: AndyT on 18 April 2019, 09:35:34 PM
Should be the same one. Andrewthomas650 at yahoo.co.uk

Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: AndyT on 18 April 2019, 11:50:31 PM
Order refence number 18265, 1st April 2017
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Leon on 19 April 2019, 12:11:56 AM
Quote from: AndyT on 18 April 2019, 11:50:31 PM
Order refence number 18265, 1st April 2017

Thanks for that, I've found the order now.  I'll check the replacement pile when I get into work on Friday and confirm that it's been sent out, are you still at the same address as that original order?
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: AndyT on 19 April 2019, 06:54:38 AM
Yes I am thank you  :)
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Leon on 22 April 2019, 06:00:51 PM
Quote from: AndyT on 19 April 2019, 06:54:38 AM
Yes I am thank you  :)

For some reason it looks like you've been missed so we'll get a copy in the post on Tuesday.
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: AndyT on 22 April 2019, 06:52:17 PM
Fantastic, thank you very much  :)
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Leon on 22 April 2019, 10:05:39 PM
Quote from: AndyT on 22 April 2019, 06:52:17 PM
Fantastic, thank you very much  :)

8)
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: petercooman on 23 April 2019, 01:29:06 PM
received my copies today! Looks great!
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Leon on 23 April 2019, 01:30:26 PM
Quote from: petercooman on 23 April 2019, 01:29:06 PM
received my copies today! Looks great!

Excellent!

8)
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: AndyT on 27 April 2019, 08:57:01 AM
Quote from: Leon on 22 April 2019, 06:00:51 PM
For some reason it looks like you've been missed so we'll get a copy in the post on Tuesday.

Arrived safe and sound yesterday. many thanks Leon
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Leon on 27 April 2019, 03:57:57 PM
Quote from: AndyT on 27 April 2019, 08:57:01 AM
Arrived safe and sound yesterday. many thanks Leon

Great stuff, apologies again for missing you there!
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: nheather on 16 June 2019, 10:15:00 AM
Fathers Day in the UK.

Rather than the usual socks and mugs asked my son and daughter to buy the BKC-VI rules between them.  Some reading to look forward to today.

Cheers,

Nigel
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 16 June 2019, 12:10:11 PM
6 Nigel ?????
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Ithoriel on 16 June 2019, 12:14:40 PM
BKC-VI ... you'll give Leon conniptions! :)

I hope you enjoy both the day and the rules!

Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: lowlylowlycook on 16 June 2019, 02:53:35 PM
Hmmmm, which faction do you think will get the first codex in BKC VI?     :P
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Ithoriel on 16 June 2019, 04:42:45 PM
Don't know about factions in BKCVI but I gave up chess when they released the ridiculously overpowered Codex White ;)
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: nheather on 17 June 2019, 09:19:35 PM
Quote from: ianrs54 on 16 June 2019, 12:10:11 PM
6 Nigel ?????

Oh heck! Things get so confusing for us time travellers.  Just forget anything I said.  Don't want to disrupt the continuum.

Cheers,

Nigel
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 17 June 2019, 10:22:03 PM
'Interested in time travel, meet me here last Thursday!'
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Techno on 18 June 2019, 07:23:29 AM
I'll have to check my diary, to see if was doing anything then, Will. :-\

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 18 June 2019, 07:29:12 AM
Phil - you NEVER DO ANYTHING !!!!!! ;)
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: fsn on 18 June 2019, 08:35:27 AM
It's a little known fact - whisper is softly - that Techno is so old because of a sad and tragic story. Before WRG v1, before the Blessed Featherstone, before the Precursor Wells, in a time of savagery when even the Prussian Staff Corps was unaware - there dwelt in the land a daemon. This daemon was formless and without rule or standard base size. It knew not d6 or d10, but threw rocks instead. It painted everything with blood (gloss) and scorned boundaries in favour of outandish sweeping movements that threw men aside as if they were tiny metal figures.

From the Void the Darker Lord looked upon the world of men and laughed, 'cos frankly he could be a bit of b. Eventually, he saw the evil that the Daemon created in the realm of man, and decided to act. It was either that or mowing the lawn. The Darker Lord realised that his strength alone was not enough to defeat the Daemon, so he (by some unsavoury process) created the Dark Lord, who was like the Darker Lord, but with a slightly less funny accent, and a passion for knitwear.

Together the two Lords descended from the Void (probably using the A1) and came into the world of man. There, they saw the chaos, and heards the wails of the suffering, and smelt the aroma of fear. They decided to go for a pint and talk things over, for they were unsure and afraid. So afraid, that a little bit of wee came out. The Darker Lord could blame his age, but there was nothing down for the Dark Lord.

In their counsel, they decided that even they with their unnatural powers could not defeat the Daemon. The Dark Lord suggested that the Darker Lord create a Mid-Shade Lord, but the Darker Lord wasn't too keen. Firstly, there was all the unsavoury practices, and secondly he didn't think the Mid-Shade Lord was a very good name for a power from the Void. After more Newcastle Brown, the Lords of the Void came up with a plan. A cunning plan. As cunning as a fox with two tails - but they needed a dupe, a patsy, a fall guy. The Darker Lord knew the very chap, so off the pair went to Nottingham.

Unaware of the designs of the Lords of the Void, Techno was happily creating Blood Bowl, and orcs and ... y'know. Things. He was in Nottingham, sat on his workbench, his hairy feet crossed over his hairy head, whittling away. He was told to stop, because whittling didn't mean what he thought, and that was disgusting and please could he put on some socks and shoes.

And trousers.

Anyway, Techno was a happy chap. He whistled the songs of ABBA as he drew inspiration from Chaos, and possibly from dreams powered by strong cheese, and was content. His mood changed and he was afeared when suddenly before him stood the Darker and the Dark Lord. He too emitted a little bit of wee. The Dark Lord smiled knowing bladder control was not only his problem, and wondered about Tena for Men.

Whilst the Dark Lord was thus engaged, the Darker Lord was negotiating with Techno. It was the kind of negotiation that involved the twin strands of threats, and more threats. With no option but to agree of face an eternity in the very worst place in existence (Hull - look it up), Techno agreed to be a part of the Darker Lord's plan. They all laughed in that rather melodramatic way, and the Darker Lord rubbed his hands together - for he was hoping for the part of Baron Hardup in the Void and Middle-Borough's Amateur Stage Stars pantomime that year.*

In a trice (using the M5) the trio found themselves in Wales. This was odd because they were heading for Scotland, but Techno told them to turn left at the end of the road.

There, they confronted the Daemon and after a titanic struggle, the Lords of the Void imprisoned it under the ground where it could not affect the world of men. They gave unto Techno eternal life (with aging obviously), and a supply of green putty and set him over the Daemon's prison. As long as Techno continues to make figures out of green putty; bringing form from the formless the Daemon remains under the ground. But should Techno stop, then the Daemon will rise from the earth and begin again his rampaging.

And you say he does nothing!


Footnote. During the struggle with the Daemon the Darker Lord's powers were much dimished, and so after returning to the Void, the Dark Lord overthrew him, and struck him down, and chained him to a casting machine - for the Dark Lord could also be a bit of a b.    

 
* He didn't get it. They were doing Aladdin.
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: paulr on 18 June 2019, 09:01:14 AM
 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

And its not even Christmas :)
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Big Insect on 18 June 2019, 09:58:05 AM
Very very good FSN .... I can feel a set of Fantasy rules coming on .... oh, no, that was just the cheese I ate too late last night!

Have you also forgotten to mention the Priestly conjurer of great fire demons or the Elven craft-master of Dalimore ... all be it that they were also the spawn of the 2 lesser hells of Nottingham and SaufLunden?

Mark
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Techno on 18 June 2019, 12:06:36 PM
NOBBY !!

You're a complete OIK !

Paul.....PLEASE don't encourage him.  ;D ;D ;D ;D

Cheers - Phil (Who wishes Nobby would learn to use his sodding answering service. X_X)
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: fsn on 18 June 2019, 12:33:14 PM
I have an answering service?  :o
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Techno on 18 June 2019, 12:54:05 PM
YES.....YOU OIK !!!.......(Gimme strength. X_X)

(One day Nobby will learn how to use it, and find there are hundreds of messages on it)

I mean.... You're so, SO much better at modern technology than me, Nobby...But the really simple stuff. X_X

Cheers - Phil  ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D



Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: fred. on 18 June 2019, 06:21:34 PM
Quote from: fsn on 18 June 2019, 12:33:14 PM
I have an answering service?  :o

Well the number you told Techno was yours, appears to have.
Title: Re: BKC-IV Released at Salute!
Post by: Lord Kermit of Birkenhead on 19 June 2019, 08:32:38 AM
Its more likley Phil cant us a phone....after all its very modern technology to him.  ;D