The Beta release of Rattle and Rend is officially here! This is all thanks to feedback on the rules and input from players across several countries – and the hodge podge of folks I’ve been able to rustle up for my own in-person playtests. Thanks to you all.
(TL;DR? Get the new Beta rules by joining the email list or the Facebook Group.)
The primary goal with this version was to give the rules a stronger narrative hook through the new Bonds and Reputations systems while uncovering any remaining points of friction in the gameplay. The good news is that the core of the game “just works”. It remains a focused experience for two players bidding Momentum back and forth, offering fun games without a ton of rules or complex mechanics to stress about. Plus, the new campaign system allows you to track your warband’s story without tedious amounts of bookkeeping.
Rattle and Rend Beta Files
The v03 Beta release contains three PDF files: the updated rulebook, updated warband roster, and – new for the Beta – a two page quick reference sheet. Depending on the reception to the Beta and the growth of the community, I’ll put together an online warband builder in the future.
Key Beta Updates
- Adjusted Stat Math: I have dropped the target numbers for Fury, Guile, and Will for almost every Element. You will succeed at attacks and cool maneuvers more often now, and since your Will scores are better, your fighters are more likely to hold their ground when things get ugly.
- Bonds and Reputations: You now select a Bond for your warband – such as Fellowship or Bloodlust – which determines how you regain Momentum during the thick of battle. Reputations allow you to manipulate the pre-game setup, giving you a tactical edge before the first blade is drawn.
- Dregs: A new 1pt Element type has been added. These are expendable “fodder” units designed to screen your elites and soak up damage.
- Revised Ward Rules: The Reaction-enabling Element is easier to field and play.
- Campaign Play: I have introduced a minimalist campaign system. It focuses on your warband’s growing renown and shifting roster size rather than granular bookkeeping, XP tracking, or WYSIWYG updates to your miniatures.
- Terminology Tweaks: Your units, formerly called “Groups,” are now “Elements.” The warband-level special rules formerly called “Traits” are now “Tactics.”
- Visual and Structural Clarity: The rulebook has been reorganized and edited with clearer gameplay examples, and updated warband rosters.
How to Get the Rules
Until now, access to the Rattle and Rend rules was locked exclusively to the Facebook Group. As I move into this Beta phase, I am slightly opening up the gates to include a dedicated email list for playtesters.
These rules are not available for public download – you must be part of the growing Rattle and Rend community to participate in its development!
- Option 1: The Rattle and Rend Facebook Group. Join over 600 other hobbyists to download the rules, share photos of your 10mm warbands, and discuss tactics.
- Option 2: The Playtest Email List. If you prefer to get updates and specific playtest requests directly in your inbox, sign up for the official email list.
What’s Next
The core of Rattle and Rend is locked in, and the feedback from this Beta will be the final polish it needs. My focus for the coming months is shifting toward sharing the game more broadly and pitching it to publishers.
How You Can Help
If you want to see the game picked up by a publisher, your support is the most powerful tool I have:
- Invite Others: Bring friends into the Facebook Group. A large community proves there is a real hunger for 10mm skirmish games.
- Share Your Games: Post photos of painted Elements and battle reports in other gaming circles. Organic buzz is what publishers look for.
This is a hobbyist project built for gamers who want to spend more time playing and less time managing rulebooks – and less time dealing with all the space all these minis take up. Thank you for being part of this journey.