APPENDIX C: FAQs
These are the FAQs based on previous years’ experiences and of what else I could think of at this point. However, it is possible (inevitable?) that new issues may arise that would require a ruling. In that case, once I make a ruling I’ll add it here so all participants can be updated simultaneously. So, before you ask a question check here first – it might be already answered.
Q: How do I post pics in a thread?
Well, there are many ways to do that: If you have already uploaded it in an image-hosting site, you can copy the image address and then paste it straight to your post using the “image” tool at the menu of your post editor.
However, we always recommend you use the B&C gallery. If you’re not familiar with this feature, you can find a quick walkthrough below. Feel free to contact me should you have any questions.
Uploading pictures from your PC to the B&C Gallery
Step 1: go to Gallery. The link to the Gallery can be found in the top menu of B&C home screen.
Step 2: Once in the Gallery click on the red “upload” button that can be found on the top side
Step 3: Youget the option the either create a new album or select an existing album or select category. Assuming you’re a first time user of this feature click on “Create a New Album”
Step 4: Name your Album (e.g. ETL VI) and if you want you may add a description (e.g. miniatures painted for the 2018 ETL event). You may then assign it to a specific category to reflect the theme of the content or just leave it at the default “The Bolter & Chainsword”. You can further customise this by allowing/disallowing comments and/or ratings.
Step 5: Once you’ve created the album you may start uploading the pictures from your PC. To do that you click on “Choose File” button and then select the pics you want to upload from your PC. Make double sure that the pics a B&C appropriate.
Step 6: Once the pics are uploaded, click on the “Review & Publish” button located at the bottom right of the screen. Here, for each picture, you can add tags, rotate the image add a tittle and a description. Once you’re happy with it, click the “Finish and Publish” button at the bottom of the screen. The pictures are uploaded to your gallery!
Posting picture from your gallery to a thread
Step 1: Go to your gallery and select the album that contains the pics you want to post (e.g. ETL VI)
Step 2: Select the picture you want and double-click on it so it will become enlarged. By right-clicking on it you will be offered the option to select size. The options are “Thumbnail”, “Small”, “Medium”, “Large”. Select the size you want (e.g. “Medium”).
Step 3: You then can copy the image straight (or copy the image address) and paste it in your post (or use the the image function in your post editor to paste the image address). Now you should have your picture visible in your post.
Q: Are dedicated transports legal entries in their own right?
A: Yes, they can be entered as standalone entries for the points mentioned in the relevant section of the Codex or other lists.
Q: How far do we go with WYSIWYG?
A: As much as you can. Equipment that goes at the basic price of the mini is not really required (but they are most welcome - I love those frag grenades) but everything from the options list MUST be represented in order to count.
Q: What about mixing units from different Forums within the same vow assuming they share the same Faction?
A: As a general rule you cannot. What defines the units you can pledge in a vow is the Forum. Sometimes Forums allow for more than one Codex or army list and sometimes it only allows a single Codex. Be that as it may, you should visit your Outpost thread to see what units can be used with each Forum.
Q: Can I vow alternative load-outs and earn the extra points for them?
A: No. You must pledge a particular configuration – so choose carefully. There is no benefit from magnetizing, not gluing or blue-tacking alternative bits on the mini. If you intend to do alternative load-outs, you may as well pledge the most expensive configuration (in terms of points) so you’ll get the maximum benefit.
Q: Can my second vow include expansions of units completed in my first vow? For example if I vowed and completed a 5-strong tactical squad can I then vow for another 3 to bring it to a total of 8?
A: No. Each entry should be a standalone 40k-legal unit from the list of your choice. No add-ons on previous vows.
Q: Why a limit of only 5 vows?
A: We believe 5 vows to be adequate to capture the zeal and to deliver the points that the participants plan to complete. Also (and this is important) the limit of 5 vows creates an additional strategic consideration. Participants need to think ahead, discuss with each other, review their stash of miniatures and decide on their commitment when the time comes. I think this adds another dimension to the ETL!
Q: Why a limit of 20,000pts per participant?
Past experience has shown that the average vow of the ETL is ca. 600 - 700pts. However, there were cases where the points’ value of a vow diverges significantly from the average and we had cases where people were vowing in excess of 5k pts per vow and in some cases more than 10k pts(!) with the record being more than 17k pts in a single vow!!! Now this was the 7thEdition point system, which generally allocated lower points for the same units than 8th.
Although the ETL cannot be won by any frater singlehandedly, the painting daemons amongst us can influence the performance of a given Faction disproportionally. As such the Inner Circle decrees that there will be a limit imposed on each individual participant of 20,000 points in total for all 5 vows! We believe 20,000pts per participant to be more than adequate to sate the thirst of the painting daemons among us in this new 8thEdition environment while retaining the focus of the ETL on mass participation and teamwork.
We also want to encourage people to focus on quality rather than quantity, as improved standard is always preferable to painting huge amounts with no tangible impact on painting quality.
Q: Why was the limit changed from 3,000 pts per vow to a total of 20,000 points for all 5 vows?
The answer is twofold: The first reason is of course Titans! Under 8thEdition 40k rules Reavers cost 4,000pts each and Warlords 6,000pts each. That meant that and in case they were to be pledged with no adjustment to the pts/vow limit, then an automatic haircut to the nominal value would have to be imposed. This seemed blatantly unfair. I mean if someone buys such the expensive model (both cash-wise and points-wise), and one of (if not the) most complicated ones, goes to the trouble to build it (a huge undertaking in itself) and then paint it, it would seem petty (and somewhat stupid) from my part to deprive them of their in-game point value based on some technicality…
I considered many alternatives, but this strikes the best balance of keeping it same while allowing people to paint those behemoths. Now if someone wants to paint 3 Warlords or 4 Reavers, then I’m afraid he/she will be limited to the cap of 20,000 points.
The second reason for raising the total from 15,000 pts to 20,000 pts is that the point-system in 8th is something of 30%+ higher than the equivalent points in 7th Edition. As such a points hike seemed appropriate in ETL VI.
Q: Got a “count-as” from another manufacturer (not GW/FW). It’s roughly the same size – can I enter it?
Yes. If it’s a 28mm scaled mini there is no restriction of using non-GW models – provided they can easily be recognised as belonging to the 40k Universe and WYSIWYG is observed to a reasonable level…
However, if we are talking about models of tank of even Knight / Titan size, then a more case-by-case approach will be required to take into account the relative complexity of the models and the effort involved in completing one. For example, if the model in question is of significantly lesser complexity vs. the GW/FW equivalent (even if it’s roughly the same overall size) you should expect a (sometimes severe) haircut in the points’ value. The idea is to keep this as fair as possible and if someone is making the effort to paint up a hugely complex model he should be awarded the full points – whereas someone who opts to go with a less complex “count-as” then he/she should be prepared to give-up some points.
Q: Why introducing the completion rate to determine the ETL score?
A number of reasons played into taking this decision. Firstly, I wanted to give an extra boost to the Forums/Factions that have lower traffic but display a great enthusiasm for the ETL yet are unable to threaten the top positions. Well now they will have an extra incentive. Staying true to the cause and deliver high completion rates will have a tangible result (as well as the implied honour of delivering on the promise). Secondly it means that participants will be incentivised to pledge more manageable vows to begin with and those who overextend themselves will feel the added pressure to deliver as, in case of failure, they will not only be depriving their Faction of their pledged points for this and any previous vows they might have completed; they would also be penalising the chances to win by lowering their Forum’s/Faction’s overall completion rate. So you feel like vowing a huge amount? You’d better be confident you’d deliver!
Q: But what if real life intervenes and I fail to complete due to no fault of my own? Everybody will hate me!
Nonsense. Real life happens to all and always takes priority! Furthermore, this is the B&C – no one will hate anyone on the basis of something happening in his/her life that prevents him/her from painting little plastic miniatures. It’s called reality check!
Q: What happens when an existing army list gets updated?
If an updated army list comes out during the life of the event that invalidates a pre-existing one (e.g. a Codex that invalidates an Index list) then all units that have already been vowed (either completed or in WIP stage) will still be priced according to the value points and configurations of the pre-existing list. Once a vow is made it cannot be changed (provided it’s factually correct at the time of submission). Units included in vows made after the release of the updated list must be configured and priced according to the updated list with no option of going back to the pre-existing list.
Q: What happens when a totally new army list is released?
In case a totally new army list is released during the life of the event (e.g. a new Codex of a never seen before army) then:
- If B&C decides to allocate the totally new army its own Forum and this happens before the cut-off date of the event (June 1st) then participants who have not pledged for any Forum yet can choose to pledge for the new Forum. If the totally new army comes out after the cut-off date of the event (June 1st) then it is irrelevant for this year’s ETL – it’s just too late. Participants that have already vowed for a Forum cannot change sides.
- If the totally new army is allocated to an existing Forum participants who have pledged for that Forum will be able to use it – even if it shows up after the event’s cut-off date (June 1st)
EXAMPLE:
Let’s assume that GW releases Codex: Kroot before June 1st. If the B&C decides to give Codex Kroot its own Forum, then participants who have not pledged for any Forum yet can now choose to pledge for Kroot.
If however B&C decides to integrate Codex Kroot in the Tau Forum, then only participants pledging for the Tau Forum may use it, and they may do so even if the army is released after the ETL cut-off date of June 1st.
Q: Have you put all the Astartes in one faction? Have you lost your mind?
I know many of you may be taken aback by the grouping together of all Astartes Chapters. Well, don’t panic. It is true that the Astartes do vow big – but they also hold one of the lowest completion rates historically. If we were to apply the same rules last year, the Astartes would have won with a fairly slim margin – nothing that cannot be altered in my view.
This, in conjunction with:
- No new Codex-specific units (excluding the Primaris)
- The ability of IFOR to use the entire range in all vows
- The new Nurgle range for Chaos (and the Tzeentch range is also fairly new)
- The arrival of Xenos that will be cannibalizing the Astartes more than any other Faction
…makes me believe that this is fair. If it turns out it is not I will be revisiting the concept next year.