MEST Tactics :: Tabletop Simulator Update

Overview

I updated the Tabletop Simulator modules for MEST Tactics.

1. Removed the older QSR rules and reference charts.
2. Added the new QSR rules as a PDF. This of course has a pop-out.
3. Updated the Basic set characters profiles.

Gates of Huyuk scenario for MEST Tactics.

Getting Tabletop Simulator

It can be purchased here via Steam, which needs to be first installed if you don't already have it.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/286160/Tabletop_Simulator/

MEST Tactics Modules

Once Steam is loaded, either visit the Community Hub at https://steamcommunity.com/app/286160. Or, click on the "Community Hub" button as shown in the image below:

Afterwards, click on the Workshop tab:

In that bottom-right search field, enter "MEST Tactics - Baseline" and hit ENTER to see results:

The MEST Tactics items

Click on the "MEST Tactics - Baseline" result to get to the details page.

Details page for MEST Tactics - Baseline

Click on the Subscribe button to add this to your Tabletop Simulator library of games.

Loading Tabletop Simulator and MEST Tactics - Baseline

Go back to your Steam interface and your list of games. Click on Tabletop Simulator to get to that launch interface. 

You can see here that I dabble in the excellent Card Hunter game, and I've got a bunch of other modules as well. None of those yet have MEST Tactics created for them.

Click the big green "Play" button to launch Tabletop Simulator.

This modal dialog appears. Click "Play" again.

On this next screen, you can either choose to Join an existing server, or Create a new game server. Since this will be your first attempt, click "Create"

And then, these choices appears "Single player", "Hot seat", "Multi player". Choose Single player because you'll be attempting to learn too many things at this time, and the priority is to learn to use Tabletop Simulator with MEST Tactics.

This next screen comes up, and it provides to you a matrix of all of your subscribed games. One of which should be MEST Tactics - Baseline.

If you ever want to get back to this matrix, it appears as an item at the top of your Tabletop Simulator display:

If everything goes well, the MEST Tactics - Baseline is loaded and will appears as follows:

At this point, you'll need to go through the exercises of learning how to use the navigation controls for Tabletop Simulator. Those unfamiliar with 3D controls will struggle for a bit, but the cheat menu is accessible from the tray at the top as "Menu".

Click that, and then click "Help Menu" to see the cheat sheet.

MEST Tactics :: Update

 

Overview

These are the recent changes to the QSR.

MEST Tactics Edits

I went through the rules again, and made many refinements.  at https://sites.google.com/site/mesttactics/change-lists/change-list-2-x

There were also Core rules edits as well, but this post focusses on the changes which affect the Quick Start Rules accessed via the Downloads section.

Actions - [ changes ]

1. Wait - Allow this to be acquired for 2 AP if not Outnumbered. This includes while Engaged.

Situational Test Modifiers - [ corrections ]

1. High Ground - Changed to benefits Disengage and Hit Test. Should not benefit the Damage Test.
2. Outnumber - Altered to be +1 Wild die at 1, 2, 5, or 10 additional Friendly models, instead of per Friendly model.
3. Obscured - Altered to be -1 Modifier die at 1, 2, 5, or 10 other models along LOF to target, include within 1 MU of LOF beyond target. This adjusts Friendly Fire.
4. Friendly Fire - [ correction ] Altered with Obscured. Friendly Fire should include non-combatants, and Opposing models. It should limited to just those which cross LOF, unless beyond the target then it is within 1 MU of LOF. 

Movement - [ changes ]

1. Repositioning - [ correction ] It must be a location within LOS that could have been reached if it were to perform a 2 AP Move action. It can be into base-contact or LOS of the Active model.  The entire path to this repositioned location must not cross into LOS of Opposing models not involved with the action. 
2. Agility - [ clarification ] The amount of repositioning allowed is reduced by the amount of Agility used.

Other - [ changes ]

1. In-Hand - [ correction ] Affects Fiddle Tests, and the very next Test when interrupted, when using too many Hands. 
2. Stealthy X - [ changed ] Updated to allow repositioning up to X x 2 MU instead of X x 1 MU. I think this will make for a more thematic behavior.

Random Photos

 Here are just some photos I created recently of the MEST Tactics game.

AGrav Vehicles. I designed these in Blender and then printed them out on my FL-SUN QQS using a 0.4mm head. I'm still working out the Vehicle rules for MEST Tactics, but I think I like them.

Another Black Gates of Hoyuk play-test. These are the Rangers who defend against mazemouth incursions.

And these are the Undying of the Great Underworld Empire. The mazemouth has formed a warpgate to allow the Denizens to attack the Overland.

MEST Tactics :: Update

Overview

These are the recent changes to the QSR.

MEST Tactics Edits

I went through several play-tests to scrub them and will promote these changes. I've identified each change here as well as below:

Bonus Actions - Several tweaks.

The majority of these are simplifications or normalizations of phrasing. In the case of the addition for "+1 MU per 3 more cascades spent", these Bonus Actions ("Push-back", "Disengage", and "Reposition") allow the battlefield to be more dynamic.

1. Circle - [ clarification ] terrain must be Clear, and the path can’t be through other models.
2. Fiddle - [ new ] If Free Ordered Attentive, perform any Fiddle action if have a carryover for the Attacker Damage Test.
3. Reposition -  [ correction ] if Free, reposition model up to MOV × 1". Allow +1 MU per 3 more cascades spent.
4. Disengage -  [ correction ] Allow +1 MU per 3 more cascades spent.
5. Push-back - [ correction ]  in Close Combat; reposition target away up to the Active model’s base-diameter. Allow +1 MU per 3 more cascades spent.

Passive Player Options - Several tweaks.

Counter-charge! actually is a correction and Wait status already offers more than was had been written before this change.

• Counter-charge! - [ correction, clarification ] Allowed otherwise also during first 1 AP used for Movement if REF is higher than Active model.
• Defend! - [ clarification ] If afterwards no attack can occur, the AP spent is lost.

Other Rules - Several tweaks.

Most of these are small additions to improve theme. Added Durability to create a future hook. It is used by Stun X at the moment. Line-of-Fire is probably uncommon for most game sessions. The change to the Disengage action is because Agility can already be used without cost during reposition. 

• Durability - [ addition ] It is the higher of FOR or SIZ.
• Out-of-Play - [ clarification, addition ] In-play and Out-of-play are opposites. A a model is Out-of-play if it is KO'd or Eliminated.
• Line-of-Fire  - [ clarification ] LOF may not pass through a model of higher SIZ than the Active model or the target.
• Disengage action - [ DELETE ] remove “If Attentive spend a cascade to use Agility.” 
• Leaning - [ limitation ] This is a Fiddle action.
• Confined - [ clarification ] includes Difficult and Impassable terrain
• Friendly Fire - [ clarification ] - LOS to a target is blocked if it passes through the volume of a model of higher SIZ than the Active model or target.
• Keys to Victory - [ clarification ] Elimination - +1 VP if have most Opposing KO’d and Eliminated characters by BP total at game end. Doesn’t include models Bottled.

Traits - Several tweaks

Many small adjustments to the Core rules. For the QSR, this includes Reach X, Fight X, Leap X, and Stun X.

1. Reach X - [ DELETE ] remove the part about increasing Melee Range according to the SIZ of the model. 
2. Pummel X [ addition ] - Receive the Stun trait if the Opposing model is within 1 SIZ of this model.
3. Boxer - [ addition ] Receive the Stun trait if the Opposing model is within 1 SIZ of this model.
4. Slam X - [ addition ] Receive the Stun trait if the Opposing model is within 1 SIZ of this model.
5. Fight X - [ clarification ] When Attentive, for each level of Fight higher than the Opposing character, allow an additional Bonus Action for the Attack action.
6. Leap X - [ clarification ] Must be used at either the start or end of a Movement action or reposition.
7. Stun X - [ correction ] Uses Durability instead of SIZ and FOR. Effectively the same, just new terminology.

Quick Start Rules [ QSR ] edits - Several tweaks.

These are changes made to the QSR for the 2025 version of those rules. They carry through to the Core rules as well. The prior QSR rules includes some things which are entirely wrong and have been deleted; marked below as [ DELETE ].

• Re-add Endgame Turns - [ correction ] 4-6-8 for Small-Medium-Large games.
• Mail armor options - [ DELETE ] Shouldn't be in the QSR.
• Momentum & Impetus - [ DELETE ] These shouldn't appear within the QSR.
• Surefooted X - [ addition ] Added to the QSR. Added some Archetypes with these as well.
• Weapons - [ addition ] Add Long Axe and Warhammer to QSR
• QSR - [ correction ] phrasing as "... shows Profiles for the sample characters."
• Concentrate with Move - [ DELETE ] It is effectively the same as being in Wait status and using Focus. 

Late Changes - 2025-02-25

see https://sites.google.com/site/mesttactics/change-lists/change-list-2-x

I simplified and clarified Wait status. First is to remove the limiting requirement to be first be Free. Second is to match how Wait is used with Delay tokens; elsewhere in the existing rules which that if a Delay token is acquired, this removes the Wait status instead.

Late Changes - 2025-02-26

see https://sites.google.com/site/mesttactics/change-lists/change-list-2-x

I updated Disengage action by allowing the use of its cascades for a passed Disengage Test to be used with Bonus Actions. This is a huge change, and it encourages thematic behavior. A character can now Refresh and remove a Fear token, or Push-back or Reversal around its target, before using MOV x 1" and repositioning away from harm.

Reach X is modified as well to require the character to be Attentive Ordered to reach across other models.

Some more painted miniatures

These few pictures are of some repaints by Damon.

These were inexpensive oil paints applied heavily over a miniature, and then wiped down with a makeup sponge or Q-tip.

The ensemble.

Some close-ups.

3D-printed Mordheim-esque building.

Another MEST Tactics update

I received a few proof-copies of my MEST Tactics :: Quick Start Rules. 

Overview

These are the near-identical rules available at the MEST Tactics downloads page. The difference is that these have some full-color pictures!

• Each of these are 40-pages long. High-quality paper.
• The Front is full-color.
• The Back is a reference chart for Situational Test Modifiers.

I'm not sure if I want to make it an illustration or a painting instead of using a simple cropped-shot of some figurines. 

As for cost; these are really affordable compared to the 200-page Core rules book. The shipping cost is still a crazy $10 USD or so.

Outside Art proof-print version

Interior layout. 

A very brief set of Archetypes to choose.

Long-term

I got them printed via The Game Crafter, but I haven't decided on making them available for purchase either there or some place such as Wargames Vault. I'm not sure of pricing, availability, and others logistics factors. 

I'm not sure if I want to have a Kickstarter or Indiegogo or GameFound campaign.

MEST Tactics :: Updates

Big News!

I took the time to make many new components of the MEST Tactics game system which were previously unavailable become available.

Overview

These are the recent changes.

MEST Tactics QSR v2

This is an extraction of the MEST Tactics Core rules limited to 40-pages. It keeps the number of Archetypes (character profiles) to a small number and removes nearly all of the Intermediate rules, and all of the Advanced rules and traits. Again, this is from many, many, years of effort to edit and clarify. 

MEST Tactics on Tabletop Simulator

I've made public the MEST Tactics modules which I wrote and scripted for Tabletop Simulator [ TTS ].

TTS will require that the free playground container known as "Steam" be installed on your desktop or laptop. TTS is a separate purchase of about $15 USD for license.

Afterwards, each player can access the modules ("mods") which I created and made public in the TTS Workshop under the keywords "MEST" and "MEST Tactics". 

Launch the MEST Tactics - Baseline module first, and then any one of the MEST Tactics - Terrain modules to add interesting terrain.

The entire Introductory Scenarios, including character cards and the free TTS fantasy models are available for players that have mastered the QSR from above.

I've got bunches of other play-aides made available within the Baseline module as well.

MEST Tactics Site

I've updated the MEST Tactics Google Site with lots of content, including media shots and some history of the game design. The Downloads section is where you will want to visit for PDFs of everything.

see https://sites.google.com/site/mesttactics

A Viking Longhouse

 I created a variation of dutchmogul's Longhouse found on Thingiverse at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4245111

The original files were able to build the open shelters, but don't allow for a longer building. My modification allows for a longer building. Both are visible in my second picture below.

I will try to upload the STL files by this weekend. The location will be is https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6613687

The view from Blender

Ready for a small engagement

A 3D Marx Vehicle

I really like Marx Cars of the Future designs.

They are hard to find on the market, and so I decided to design something and get more practice with Blender and my 3D printer.

The Plan in Blender

Here's my humble first attempt:

A stream-lines 50's future car

The Result

And here is the printed version, painted next to a 28mm Dragon Lady from Pulp Action (now Northstar) Figurines.

You can the Blender file and OBJ file here on ThingiVerse at https://www.thingiverse.com/kitrok/designs

MEST Tactics :: Updates

I've been working on several things at once, but I've got some time today to provide some news for MEST Tactics.

MEST Tactics > Quick Start Rules

These QSR 2.x rules are now available at the quick links on the right. They replace all of the version 1.6 and 1.7 rules. I've provided a booklet form as well. These are all very plain but number at 40 pages and 20 pages respectively.

MEST Tactics > Old 1.x Rules

These are now available in the Archives section under Downloads at https://matter-energy-space-time.blogspot.com/p/downloads-for-noble-pursuits.html 

MEST Tactics > 2.x Updates

I've been trying to clean up the working set of MEST Tactics 2.x. There's still a lot of churn on phrasing and the use of keywords. Some traits are streamlined as well. 

Here are the biggest changes:

Traits

• [Automaton] — Altered to work better with revised Controller and with Synchronized
• [Fragile] — Added as a trial. Added [Flint], [Bronze], [Iron], [Wood] as references to it.
• Bash — Cleaned up.
• Brawl — allows additional cascades equal to level for use with Bonus Actions. Unrestricted. The idea is that character with both the Fight and Brawl skill traits are incredible.
• Controller — Simplified to give 1 AP if Attentive to an Automaton.
• Fight — allows additional Bonus Action per level superior to target, every Combat action.
• Protective — Cleaned up.
• Synchronized — Clarified and expanded to work better with Controller and [Automaton+]
• Transfix, Torment, Terrifying — All of them cleaned up.

Other Areas

• Defend! — Cleaned up where possible, and rephrased to make it have a trade-off for usage.
• Facing — Cleaned up and expanded. It is still an optional rule, but I wanted to make it was more comprehensive than what I've seen in other rule sets. However, facing really messes with several traits such as Perimeter and Leadership, for example. Such as, can a [Winged] model fly backwards? 

MEST Tactics :: Core Rules

I'm still sourcing my prototype book from The Game Crafter, but I think their Perfect Bound Jumbo Book is limited and the glue I just don't trust to hold pages in. But the pages are beautiful.

I'm going to try DTRPG because they have an upper limit of 400 pages and also allow for hard-cover.

Tutorials

I've been creating a bunch of tutorial videos, but this has slowed a bit. I'll get them ready when I can.

Boxed Set

In the meanwhile, I'll continue with The Game Crafter to include the QSR (quick start rules from above) as a booklet in the boxed set I'm fashioning. Of course, all of the tokens and dice are available separately from this. 

Game Store

I don't have a game-store yet. I need to create a small business and file my fictitious business name, as well as get a separate account for managing costs and purchases.

Painted Miniatures 28mm

 I finally got back to some painting of my backlog of miniature figurines. These are 28mm (~ 1:56) from various manufacturers or vendors. I'll try to identify them where possible.

Reaper Orcs. In MEST Tactics and Sarna Len, these are known as Orogs or Orogsu. 

The front are Etsy. The back is an Ogre ("Oaghir"). I'm not sure of the vintage of either set. I'll update when I can.

Dawn People, I think. Maybe Northstar?

Lizard folk ... Yuan Ti? Dang. Not sure.

I always think Phraint, but I'm sure this is from D&D instead.

MageKnight soldiers from WizKids!

A few Lords of the Underworld for Dunjon of Death. I think these are all MageKnight except the orange one ... which I don't know who produced it.

A set of Commanders for the Great Underworld Empire for Dunjon of Death.

A set of archers. Nolzur's Marvelous Miniatures for most of them.

These are from Zombicide: Black Plague by CMON. I didn't paint them, but I did rebase them. Painted by D. Williams.

Not sure, but really cool for Mech, Beast, and Infantry. I could also use the for Near Future within MEST Tactics. 

Troglodytes. Not sure. Northstar?

RAFm Cthonian. A small one. SIZ 6 in MEST Tactics.

Cultist for scale next to a RAFm Shub-niggurath "Black goat of the woods".

Reaper Deep Ones next to a Cult Leader. They are much larger (SIZ 4 vs SIZ 3) than the RAFm ones.

I think these are Gremlins from Reaper. They are upon Megabases (as used within MEST Tactics) and are affixed by magnets. 

Also from Reaper. These are Mites.