The Masks of Venice
By Alex Kremer
An Flat out War Supplement
As the Turkish galley rowed its way through the harbor of Venice a scant amount of light was appearing over the horizon. Bound for the Basilica of San Marco, the ship was carrying what was supposed to be a relic. However that night something was aloof in the harbor. Two blacked out ships rammed the other ship and began throwing Greek fire onto it. Screams could be heard through the night; until the fire hit the precious cargo.
At that moment is is said the sun shone direct on Venice. All the clouds disappeared in the sky, and the ship exploded with the fury of a thousand cannons. Both of the black ships and all of their troops (Or so its said) sunk that day. No Turk has ever been found from the ship either. As the shockwave exploded though It left no damage to the citizens or their buildings. The local Bishop considered this a Miracle however and decided to dedicate a feast to the day it happened.
The side effects began during carnival. As the first man who dawned his mask that night found out something wasn’t right. Looking up he felt more powerful. Then he went down towards the docks and saw a box that weighed half a ton; picked it up and threw it like there was nothing in it! For the mask was imbued with power.
Upon seeing this other individuals started putting on their masks; and found that they were extremely beneficial and unique. Some allowed them immense speed, amazing strength, and even the abilities to walk on water! This night however began something stronger; at a local ball each man was trying to one up the other. It resulted in the deaths of five hundred individuals; either at the hands of another; or foolishly overestimating their chances of survival.
The following day the Doge was extremely anxious to consult with the merchants of the city. But the captain of the Guards warned him that there was now a premium on his head. For the merchants of Venice the idea of quickly gaining power was an instant classic; and doing so with the power of the mask was even more enticing.
As different groups began to form and conspire against the Doge; the guards began to lock down the Doge’s Island. No sooner had it been locked down than the first fight in the city began, men tangling for the pride and ultimate control of Venices major mercantile empire.
Note this game uses Flat out War. Please download it from
www.oversoul-games.com as no further reference will be made on how to play or use these rules! It is understood that you currently have an understanding from reading the original rule book.
How do Masks Work
Masks are added to different units before a battle is fought. These masks are bought just like normal individual troops but ‘given’ to individuals in order to wear them in battle. Most leaders will gain the use of a mask first or give it to another soldier. Masks can be taken off and exchanged at will also; count this as an action for both units. If a unit has more than one mask then it costs one action to switch it off.
In game terms Masks will be considered extensions of Special Abilities and or Magic spells.
Factions
Uomini del Piazza San Marco
First rallying the Piazza San Marco these individuals are extremely wealthy. It is said they have already sent ahead to hire Mercenaries from all over Europe to come and dawn their masks. In their ranks you can find Swiss Mercs, Landsknechts and all types of Turkish Warriors. The masks that these individuals wear are older than usual. But are imbued with powers which all the user to lift heavy materials; or to give others the power to lift and perform feats of strength. The first man to find the mask was one of the founders of the Uomini del Piazza San Marco, as it is here he first discovered his true powers!
Soldiers :
The Combater is a rich man who uses a powerful sword thrust to keep his enemies at bay. These are also leaders of individual forces which roam the streets of Venice. Of course most noble men try to keep their sword handy, so when a civil war started in the streets of Venice the Combater was ready and willing to fight!
Combater’s are solo units, and do not work in formations. As they are too arrogant to be commanded by someone that is not the grand master of an alliance! Best used in rear
guard positions or in brazen attempts to fight off an army on one owns self.
When with in 3 inches of another combater this soldier gains a +2 to attack rolls. However they may not go towards your starting position until out of the range of another combater. This forces them to try to show off and continually attack the enemy line.
Statistics : D8. Movement : 5. Special Abilities : Poor Teamwork.
Swiss Mercenary
A man hired from the Canton of Uri. Carries a pike and has limited usage and knowledge of masks. Swiss Mercs can only be bought in groups of six at a time. Any fewer and they are no longer a useful unit; nor a money making enterprise. Swiss Mercenaries were hired from all around Europe to fight in wars, and to defend small kingdoms. In Venice the need for more trained individuals was an instant request. With this came the quick messenger to the (Current) region of Lombardy where there were Swiss Mercenaries in camp. However this information was quick to get to the Swiss Mercs. They had no idea that the church was going to condemn them or that the soldiers they’d fight with would be wearing masks! These mercenaries fight with a long sword.
Statistics : D4. Movement : 4. MUST BE in formation at all times. Cost : (For six units.) :
Landsknechts
Uses long pikes which protrude into the faces of their enemies. This group like the Swiss mercs must stay in relatively tight formation. Their use of pikes makes them excellent for taking on forces on horseback, and for holding the enemy at bay. Because of this the pikes extrude for two inches forward from their base. Anything coming in contact with the front edge is attacked instantly. Units who get closer are still attacked but have a harder time doing so en-mass.
Statistics : D4 Movement : 4. Must be in formation at all times. Cost : (For Five units)
Turkish Sailors
Hired straight from the docks; these Turkish sailors attack a target in large groups using a scimitar. These were among the first individuals to see the power of the masks in action. It did not take long before they threw their support behind the original founders and began to fight for them for power. It is said that if the faction wins then the individual members of the group will be granted a galley each!
Statistics : D4 Movement : 6 Cost : (For Five Units.)
Orient Monkey
A small monkey kept on a chain by one of the soldiers. This monkey can do things during the battle which humans don’t want to. For example it can run over at quick speeds and attempt to do a melee attack against an enemy. If successful the mask which the unit is currently winning is stolen!
Statistics : D4 Movement : 7. Cost : Special Abilities : Steal Mask.
Masks
Strength Mask : Allows the user to pick up heavy materials at ease. Anything at or below one ton is picked up like it’s a feather. Cost :
Power Mask : Gives the wearer a +2 roll on attacks.
Global Power Mask : Each unit within a 4 inch radius gains a +2 rolls on attacks (Including enemies.)
Strength Caster Mask : Allows the user to channel the power of his mask to someone wearing; or not wearing a mask. This must be within the range of the masks abilities (12 inches.) No other action can take place while the caster is channeling. It lasts as long as the channeled concentrates on the task. This gives a +2 to all attack rolls.
Uomini del Ca’ d’Oro
Gremilo Contarini founded this after a meeting with friends in family at his palazzo. Just arriving home from a Turkish trading trip the merchant found the power of the masks amazing. He set out to buy all the masks in the city and to return them to his home. At the moment he has a bone to pick with the current Doge because his family is usually the one who would have the Doge! However at the moment this is not the fact. Uomini del Ca’ d’Oro use masks which enhance their speed.
Units
Ignored Noble
An ignored noble uses a rapier for combat duties. This unit acts as a solo unit during conflicts. When the groups were being founded a ton of individuals came to the Ca’ d’Oro in order to try to gain fame and power. These nobles were pretty much ignored by the entire city of Venice, until now. They fight with amazing strength and ability, as they feel that this could be the last days for them. Most Ignored Nobles have a large base of masks to choose from when they go into battle.
Statistics : D8. Movement : 5.
Gremilo Contarini
Only one of these units can be used on the battle at any given time. Gremilo is the founder of the Uomini del Ca’ d’Oro. He routinely goes and fights with his group during battles. However his role is usually left in the rear guard in order to channel things through the mask.
Rally : Allows Gremilo to double the speed of any unit which is moving in his direction.
Statistics : D8 Movement : 5. Special Ability : Rally
House Slaves
Contarini’s house slaves fight furiously because of the promise of freedom. Given small swords and a shield these forces are excellent at running quickly and fighting ferociously against an unknown enemy. Most of these slaves come from Africa. However there are a few which are naturalized. In the end the slaves do not organize themselves into any cohesive group; but instead attack randomly at points in a line.
Statistics : D4 Movement : 5.
Ship Staff
Hardened warriors who have returned from numerous trips; and defended against many a pirate attack. Weapons used are normal swords or scimitars. Fiercely loyal towards the family in which they’re indebted too.
Statistics : D4 Movement : 5
Masks
Speed Mask - Gives the wearer a speed boost of +4 inches per turn.
Global Speed Mask - Gives the wearer, and those within 3 inches a speed boost of +3 inches per turn.
Jump Mask - Allows the user to jump 12 feet into the air; if already moving this allows the user to effectively flank their enemy; or come down on them with an air attack.
Channeled Speed Mask - By using the channeling abilities this mask allows a unit to be given a +3 inch boost in speed while someone continues to channel them from at least 20 inches.
Doges House Guard
As the Doge’s island was locked down the House Guard was the one to do it. These troops only dawn masks when they are ready to fight in a battle. However recently the Catholic Church decided to throw their support into the ring of the Doge, and have been sending ships lined with mercenaries into the island. Note : The Pope declared the wearing of magical masks to be a hearsay. This is not enforced in Venice by any of the Catholic Churches hierarchy. Because of this the Doges troops typically wear masks which enhance their combat abilities.
Units
Doge
The leader of Venice. As a solo character the Doge has an impressive list of abilities which most always turn the favor towards him. One is the ability to rally troops towards him; any time this happens they gain a +3 on defense rolls. This will last indefinably until the doge decides to end the defense.
Statistics : D8. Sword. Movement : 6.
House Guard
Using pikes the house guard is adopt at defending the doge. They are best bought in formations four men. While in tight formation these troops can form up and pull their pikes closer together. Causing the enemy to be forced to attack a litteral wall of pikes.
Statistics : D6. Movement : 4
Christian Monks
Staff wielding monks from nearby churches. Upset about the hearsays going on in the islands they are here to defend the last actual catholic supported leader in the area. Monks are only in groups, but never fight in tight cohesion.
Statistics : D4. Movement : 6
Byzantine Sailor
A sailor sent on good will from the current emperor in Constantinople. Sailors fight individually and use swords and shields to fight off their enemies.
Statistics : D4. Movement : 6
Loyal Noble
A solo unit which works almost like a spy. These units can not be attacked by the enemy unless they are with in 9 inches of one of their own soldiers. Otherwise they operate like the ignored noble soldiers.
Masks
Attack Mask - Gives a +2 attack bonus to the wearer.
Defense Mask - Gives a +2 defense bonus to the wearer
Global Combat Mask - Gives a +1 attack and a +1 defense bonus to the wearer. And any units with in 3 inches.