Control of the Relic is typically determined by having more models within 3" of it than your opponent. Refer to your chosen rulebook's general objective control rules if clarification is needed.
Battleplan: Race to the Relic
Fast racing scenario for 500‑point Warbands
Setup
Points: 500 pts per player or Spearhead vs Spearhead.
Board size: Standard table size (use 4' x 6' if you want more running room).
Terrain: LOS blockers so no army can be seen at deployment.
Deployment & Relic placement
Place the Relic on the centreline, 6" from the short table edge of the player who goes second. Deployment follows normal rules. The first player may move toward the Relic but cannot pick it up on Turn 1.
Special Rules (Relic & Carrying)
- Picking up: A model can pick up the Relic if it ends a Move or Charge within 1" of it.
- Carrying: Only the designated model is the carrier. Carrier’s Movement is reduced by 1" and the carrier cannot run.
- Flying: Flying units lose their Flying keyword while carrying the Relic; the relic is too heavy to lift.
- Dropping: Carrier may drop at the end of its Movement; if removed from play the Relic drops where it left play.
- Teleporting: A unit cannot be teleported while carrying the Relic. If a rule attempts to teleport a unit that has the Relic, the Relic is dropped at the unit's original location instead.
- Contested: If within 3" of models from both players the Relic is contested and cannot be delivered.
- Relic Combat: If the unit carrying the Relic is engaged in combat, it may forgo fighting to make a break‑free attempt: after all eligible units have taken their combat actions, the carrier may attempt to break free and move its Movement characteristic to disengage (subject to core break‑free rules).
Turn & First Turn
Game uses the normal core turn sequence. First player cannot pick up the Relic on Turn 1.
Victory Conditions
Immediate race win: If at the end of your Movement phase you have the Relic within 3" of your opponent’s short edge and you control it (not contested), you immediately win.
If no immediate winner by end of Round 6, score points:
- 3 pts — Relic is in opponent’s half (beyond centreline)
- 2 pts — Controls Relic (carrier or uncontested presence within 3") at game end
- 1 pt — More models within 6" of the Relic at game end
- Tiebreaker: most battleline units remaining, then defender of deployment if still tied
Battleplan Map
Balance Tips & Resources
- For a balanced game, ensure both armies are built to the same agreed-upon points value (e.g., 500pts).
- Consider the impact of units with high Movement or Teleportation abilities in this race scenario.
- Focus on securing the relic and moving it towards your opponent's edge.
- PDF Rules:
Quick tactics: use a fast skirmisher to grab the Relic, supported by screens to slow the enemy.
Quick FAQ & Clarifications
As per the 'Immediate Race Win' rule, if the Relic is contested, no player achieves an immediate win. If the game ends on Round 6 with the Relic contested, then neither player scores the 'Control Relic' points for that condition, and the other end-game points and tiebreakers apply.
Yes, any model (including Heroes) can pick up and carry the Relic, subject to the movement restrictions mentioned in the 'Special Rules (Relic & Carrying)' section.