So this is a random idea that's been bouncing around in my head. Thought I might as well put it out there for discussion.

We have been doing a lot of the same kind of thing every month for 40K tournaments. This isn't really a complaint, because this seems to be what most people like to do. doing the standard force org, standard rules and standard missions means you know exactly what will be going on during the event. But on the other hand, I really love wonky events. like the crazy missions for the escalation league, team tournaments, campaigns, anything that moves us away from playing the same 3 missions at the same point level all the time.

I also was realizing that one of the things I really like about warmahordes is their tournament system. So that got me thinking about how we could possibly integrate the steamroller format into a 40K event. I think it would be pretty doable, what do you all think? here's an example I thought up on how it could be run, other tweaks could be thrown in as well.

Each player must bring 2 lists. the two lists must be from the same codex. the two lists *cannot* have the same HQ choices. meaning if list A has a runepriest and a wolf lord, list B could not bring either one of those HQs (not even a lord on a thunderwolf, as those are the same unit, just different equipment). special characters would not count as their base type, so list B would totally be allowed to bring Njal, it just can't have another rune priest. Non-HQ special characters would also not be allowed in both lists. this includes any uniquely named unit or unit upgrade. so a nid player could only bring one list that included ymargl genestealers.

Because of these restrictions, the game would probably work better at 1500 points instead of a larger 2000 point game. also, exceptions could be made where needed. Templars of course have to have the Champion, so he wouldn't count towards this restriction. necrons are the only other army I can think of right off that don't have at least 2 usable HQs at 1500 points, so there could be an exception there if anyone actually played them.

Before the game started, both players would get to view both of their opponent's lists. then both players secretely choose a list and then set up as normal. Assuming 3 rounds, players would be required to play each list 1 time. if we played small enough games for 4 rounds, you would have to play both lists twice.

timed turns could be used, but there was another discussion the other day about why that might not be good for 40k. probably not timing turns would be better.

the games would also be played using steamroller-type scenarios. I think there are a good number of tournament scenarios that would work for 40k almost as is. the three rounds would have one each of 1) flag capture 2) circular zone control 3) area control (3 rectangle scenario). I think these could work well with 40K. scoring would start on the 2nd players 2nd turn, and units inside transports would not be allowed to score a flag/zone.

Secondary win condition (like caster kill) would be great to have as well. killing HQs is probably not the way to do it, though. at 1500 you're probably only taking 1 hq, and will lose him pretty fast to a dedicated push. I was thinking the game could end if one player kills all of his opponent's Troop infantry. you don't have to kill the transports, but any infantry have to be dead. this would encourage bringing more troops. the control points can be scored by any models, not just troops, but the troops are important still. variations could be killing all of the enemy vehicles, or all of the enemy elites, etc. But I think troops would be the best target.

rounds would be scored as w/l instead of by points. if there is a tie at the end of the day, the number of control points you scored over the course of the day would determine the winner. and some other tie breakers if needed.

I think it could be a ton of fun, and would be very different than the normal rounds of 40K we normally get to play. anyone else like the idea? or is it total crap?