[Hivemind Demeter]

Escalation?
I keep seeing it about tourney things, but I don't have any clue what it is.
I'm catching on slowly, so you'll have to level with me. ;D
Thanks a lot.

(Any other words I should know can be shared here. Keep in mind I'm no idiot, just new to Warhammer.)

 

[Bishop120]

Look to page 84 (second column) of the BRB for the answer to your question my child.

 

[Someguy]

Escalation is a scenario special rule used in Omega level games (50% of games in UK GTs). It's in the core rulebook around where the scenario rules are. There are several other special rules in effect in omega games, but escalation is the headline one.

The effect is that all vehicles, all units with transports, all jump infantry, monstrous creatures, bikes, beasts and cavalry start in reserve. Only units with the type "infantry" and no dedicated transport get to deploy, and anything with the scouts special rule.

So for example in a tau army you will probably only see fire warriors, kroot and broadsides at the start of the game. The rest will show up later.

Tournament players therefore have to design an army that works both with escalation and without it. This can be quite challenging.

If you haven't played any games with escalation then I suggest you try it. Lots of things are different.

 

[The Wraithlord]

The all mech Tau and Eldar armies out there can be really hurt by it as well when you consider that they function based on all units working together. When only a couple units show up per turn it can really hose them, especially if facing an all infantry gunline army with little terrain.

 

[Hivemind Demeter]

Wouldn't that hurt 'Nids a bit more?
If the Tyrant can't make it to the field right away, it makes the Tyrant look a lot less useful.
I suppose horde armies make more sense for nids in that situation.

 

[Dirge Eterna]

Broodlord?

-Dirge