League Format Proposal
These are some suggestions for a Wizkids Pirates CSG league format (not the combined CSG/LotHS campaign) falling firmly under the Specialist rather than Historic banner.
Each captain will choose a fleet worth 40 points, at least 30 points of which must be ships or monsters. Fleets must be of a single nationality but can include mercenaries (but mercenaries cannot dock at home islands, as per the standard rules). Details of all fleets and special characters or cards will be published on the website before the league starts.
Depending on how many players are in the league there may be a "transfer window" during which you can change your core fleet. We can agree this before the league starts. This will require league members to have played an even number of games, though, when the "transfer window" is opened. For example, if it's decided that transfer windows open after 10 games then players must wait for everyone to have played 10 games before changes can be made.
Each player will also supply treasure counters totalling 15 gold pieces. The backing of these treasure counters must be consistent (i.e. no choosing gold backgrounds for the 6 point cards so you can find them easily!) This hoard can include unique treasures but no more than one of each. If a hoard includes a unique treasure then it must be announced - together with the rules associated with it - before battle commences. The composition of the hoard can be changed between games.
League battles will be played on a 3' x 3' board with four neutral islands in addition to each player's home port.
The treasure counters are spread as evenly as possible (based on number of counters, not their value) between the neutral islands and must be collected and returned to your home island.
League battles will last for 60 minutes plus the time needed to finish the current round (to ensure both players have the same number of turns). This will allow players to play up to three league matches on a club night (kicking off at 7:15, 8:30 and 9:45).
When time is up, the gold on each player's home island - and only that on the home island - will determine the winner. Players will get 30 points for having more gold than their opponent (or 10 points each if numbers are equal). There will also be bonus points awarded to both players are follows:
- You get bonus points equal to the total treasure you get back to your home island (but no bonus points for any "unique treasures"). If you have a unique treasure which multiplies or specifically increases the value of treasure cards (e.g. "Smuggled Goods") then this is taken into account.
- Sinking or capturing an opponent's ship or eliminating crew cards earns you bonus points equal to the value of the ship and crew on board.
The scoring structure means that you can, should you wish, ignore the treasure and concentrating on sinking your opponent's vessels but if you do, he or she will probably find it very easy to score 30+ points just by getting one treasure counter back to their home island.
League placings will be determined by the number of wins and losses with any ties determined by the number of bonus points accrued.
For example, if after 10 battles both Mark and Jim have won 6 battles and drawn 1 then each will have 190 points but Jim will be ahead of Mark if he's scored more bonus points (and vice versa).