Global Self Defense Force Army List
A 100% Unofficial Supplement to Gates of Antares
by Mark Barber
The fighting which rages across Antarean space is often dominated by the largest and most powerful alliances and empires; the PanHuman Concord and the Isorian Senetax are seemingly constantly locked in combat with one another and a host of other factions, whilst the eternally aggressive Ghar seek to eradicate every shred of human existence wherever they find it. Whilst factions are at war with each other, they are also - for a variety of reasons - also seeking to annex other civilized planets which they encounter. For IMTel civilizations this is one of the core components of their society; isolated human civilizations will prosper and advance at an astronomically accelerated rate if they are embraced within the Concord or Senetax, even if they do not realise it or appreciate the offer to merge. Likewise, the Ghar and Vorl see isolated, lone planets as an easy source of raw materials, slave labour or even just somewhere to fight and kill.
For these isolated planets, a sudden and unwelcome awareness of their part in a much wider universe can be a terrifying thing. Depending on the level of technology the planet enjoys, an invasion can be seen as anything from sky gods or mythical warriors from the stars to an invasion from a foe with marginally advanced technology. For the purposes of this supplement, we will look at planets who have only just began to take tentative steps into space; who have began to explore their own system but have limited or no awareness of the vast empires which struggle against each other in the systems which surround them. These planets probably still consist of individual nations which war with each other, using mag technology at best for their weapons but more likely still relying on archaic chemical reactions to propel solid bullets at each other across the battlefield.
But the militaries of these planets do invariably rally together when starships bearing advanced warriors make planetfall on their planet, their home, and threaten their freedom. Even with comparatively primitive arms and armour, militaries can muster heavy weapons, air power, tanks, or even fall back on waging guerilla warfare against the future tech of their invaders.
This unofficial list allows players to field a Global Self Defense Force in Gates of Antares to fight against any of the official factions. It is mainly intended for new players who want a simple force to experiment with the game mechanics, perhaps using miniatures from the Bolt Action or Terminator: Genisys range to dip their toe in the water before committing to purchasing an official (and more capable!) army. However, it also provides something a little bit different for veteran gamers or those who would like to add another level of detail to a narrative campaign.
GSDF FORCE SELECTOR
Force Size
|
Points Value
|
Tactical
|
Support
|
Strategic
|
Auxiliary
|
Scouting Force
|
500
|
3-6
|
0-2
|
0
|
0-1
|
Skirmish Force
|
750
|
4-8
|
0-3
|
0
|
0-1
|
Combat Force
|
1,000
|
5-8
|
1-5
|
0-1
|
0-2
|
Battle Force
|
1,250
|
5-10
|
2-6
|
0-2
|
0-2
|
Offensive Force
|
1,500
|
6-12
|
3-8
|
0-3
|
0-3
|
Invasion Force
|
1,750
|
6-13
|
3-9
|
0-4
|
0-3
|
Conquest Force
|
2,000
|
6-14
|
3-10
|
0-5
|
0-3
|
Each 250+ after
|
+250
|
Same/+1
|
Same/+1
|
Same/+1
|
Same
|
- ‘Tech Lvl 1’ refers to GSDFs from planets with a more advanced level of technology. If players do not choose any Tech Lvl 1 options, they may have a free Fire Team with 8 soldiers and all available upgrades (not including Tech Lvl 1 options!)
- No More than 1 in 4 (25%) of units can be Limited Choices
- You can spend up to 10% of your points on Army Options, but you can only take ‘Superior Shard’ for a Tech Lvl 1 forceTACTICAL
COMMAND TEAM
The Command Team is made up of an officer and his squad, normally including a Senior NCO. This can range from a platoon commander up to a battalion commander, depending on the size of the force being led.
|
Infantry Command Unit Points Value: 90 Limited Choice
|
Unit: Command Team Ag Acc Str Res Init Co Special
|
1 x Officer: Assault Rifle, Pistol
Body Armour 5 6 5 5(6) 7 9 Command, Follow, Leader 2
|
2 x Soldiers: Assault Rifle,
Body Armour 5 6 5 5(6) 7 8
|
Options
|
|
FIRE TEAM
The basic building block of the GSDF, this tactical element typically consists of four soldiers led by an NCO. Six Fire Teams make a platoon, which is led by a junior officer and his or her Command Team.
|
Infantry Unit Points Value: 60
|
Unit: Fire Team Ag Acc Str Res Init Co Special
|
1 x NCO: Assault Rifle,
Body Armour 5 5 5 5(6) 7 8 Leader
|
3 x Soldiers: Assault Rifle,
Body Armour 5 5 5 5(6) 7 8
|
Options
|
|
SF TEAM
Special Forces are made up of highly trained and experienced soldiers who have volunteered for special duties. They are used for reconnaissance, infiltration, destroying key enemy installations or mounting lengthy guerrilla campaigns against invading forces.
|
Infantry Unit Points Value: 100 Limited Choice
|
Unit: SF Team Ag Acc Str Res Init Co Special
|
1 x NCO: Assault Rifle, Pistol
Body Armour 5 6 6 5(6) 8 9 Leader 2
|
3 x Soldiers: Assault Rifle, Pistol
Body Armour 5 6 6 5(6) 8 8
|
Options
|
|
RESISTANCE VOLUNTEER TEAM
Whilst the GSDF is built around professional, experienced soldiers, a planetary invasion by a vastly superior foe will inevitably galvanize ordinary citizens into taking up arms against the invaders. With limited training and basic equipment, these hastily assembled forces can still prove to be a threat and are often underestimated.
|
Infantry Unit Points Value: 37
|
Unit: Resistance Volunteer Team Ag Acc Str Res Init Co Special
|
1 x NCO: Assault Rifle,
Body Armour 5 5 5 5(6) 7 8 Leader
|
4 x Volunteers: Assault Rifle 5 4 4 5 6 7
|
Options
|
|
ROBOTIC TROOPER TEAM
Some isolated civilizations within Antarean space have now evolved to the point of using Artificial Intelligence to assist with many functions within society. This also includes military capability, and crude robotic soldiers have been used in combat on many planets. The AI of these units is simplistic; they are unable to feel emotion or display much in terms of initiative and flexibility, but consequently they are unable to feel fear and will not abandon their orders under any circumstances.
|
Infantry Unit Points Value: 150 Limited Choice - Tech Lvl 1
|
Unit: Robotic Trooper Team Ag Acc Str Res Init Co Special
|
5 x Robotic Troopers: Mag Gun 4 6 5 8 4 - SV2 in assault, Scramble Proof
Command checks pass automatically
|
Options
|
|
SUPPORT
WEAPONS TEAM
A Weapons Team is centred around a heavy weapon, often too cumbersome to keep pace with Fire Teams. It is deployed at platoon or company level.
|
Weapons Team Unit Points Value: 34
|
Unit: Weapons Team Ag Acc Str Res Init Co Special
|
1 x Soldier: Guided Missile Launcher,
Pistol, Body Armour 5 5 5 5(6) 7 8
|
1 x Soldier: Assault Rifle,
Body Armour 5 5 5 5(6) 7 8
|
Weapon Options
|
The weapons team is armed with a guided missile launcher. The unit can be rearmed with any of the following support weapons at the points cost shown
|
Options
|
|
TECHNICAL
A Technical is a generic term for a civilian 4x4 road vehicle, adapted for military use by mounting a weapon on the back. It also has a limited troop transport capability.
|
Vehicle Unit Points Value: 60
|
Unit: Technical Ag Acc Str Res Init Co Special
|
1 x Technical with heavy
machine gun 5 5 1 6 7 8 Transport 5, Large
Scramble Proof
|
Weapon Options
|
The technical is armed with a heavy machine gun. It can be rearmed with any of the following weapons at the points cost shown
|
SNIPER TEAM
Snipers are highly trained and proficient marksmen who are adept at working behind enemy lines to eliminate high value targets. Whilst normally equipped with normal rifle calibre weapons, GSDF snipers routinely arm themselves with high calibre sniper rifles intended to anti-vehicle use so as to give them a chance of countering enemies with technologically advanced armour.
|
Weapon Team Unit Points Value: 38
|
Unit: Sniper Team Ag Acc Str Res Init Co Special
|
1 x Sniper: Sniper Rifle,
Body Armour 5 6 5 5(6) 8 8
|
1 x Soldier: Assault Rifle,
Body Armour 5 6 5 5(6) 8 8
|
Options
|
|
STRATEGIC
MBT
The Main Battle Tank is a compromise between mobility, protection and firepower. Whereas previous tanks specialised in certain roles, the MBT is an all-rounder, with enough speed to be in the right place at the right time, but enough armour and punch to make a difference once it gets there. MBTs were amongst the first military units to employ mag technology, and so are fitted with early, bulky mag weapons. However, compared to the combat drones of the Concord and Isorian Senetax, the GSDF MBT is little more than a curious museum piece.
|
Vehicle Unit Points Value: 120
|
Unit: MBT Ag Acc Str Res Init Co Special
|
1 x MBT with early mag cannon* 3 6 1 11 7 8 Large, Scramble Proof
and 2 light machine guns
|
Weapon Options
|
The MBT is armed with an early mag cannon* (rules on page 75 of Gates of Antares rulebook, but does not include the Massive Damage special rule) and two light machine guns. It can be rearmed with any of the following weapons at the points cost shown
|
APC
The Armoured Personnel Carrier provides a good degree of protection in a swift, armoured vehicle for transporting troops directly into action. Some APCs are also fitted with turrets, providing limited fire support for troops as they drop them off in the thick of the action.
|
Vehicle Unit Points Value: 90
|
Unit: APC Ag Acc Str Res Init Co Special
|
1 x APC with light machine gun 3 5 1 10 7 8 Large, Transport 10
Scramble Proof
|
Weapon Options
|
The APC is armed with a light machine gun. It can be rearmed with any of the following weapons at the points cost shown
|
AUXILIARY
MEDIC TEAM
Medics are medically trained military personnel who deliver first aid on the battlefield. Within the GSDF, medics may also be civilian doctors or nurses who have volunteered by help with the fight against the invaders.
|
Weapon Team Unit Points Value: 45
|
Unit: Medic Team Ag Acc Str Res Init Co Special
|
1 x Medic: Pistol,
Body Armour 5 5 5 5(6) 7 8 Medic - counts as medi-drone
|
1 x Soldier: Assault Rifle,
Body Armour 5 5 5 5(6) 7 8
|
Options
|
|
SENTRY GUN
The sentry gun is a tripod mounted, fully automated sustained fire defensive weapon. It has an integral scanner system which detects targets and, if they are not equipped with an IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) device, will automatically engage them.
|
Weapon Team Unit Points Value: 30
|
Unit: Sentry Gun Ag Acc Str Res Init Co Special
|
1 x Sentry Gun - 6 - 4 8 -
|
The Armoury
These pages list the new weapons and equipment used by GSDF. For weapons and equipment which already exist in the Antarean universe, consult the rulebook.
HAND WEAPONS
PISTOL
The pistol is the simple, primitive forefather of the Mag and Plasma pistols. It fires solid bullets from a semi-automatic feed, usually from a magazine housed within the pistol grip. Even on planets with relatively primitive technology, it has limited uses and is carried by officers, special forces and vehicle crews.
Type of Weapon Effective Long Extreme Strike Value Special
|
Pistol 10 20 30 +1 -
|
SUBMACHINE GUN
The submachine gun is a compact weapon capable of firing fully automatically, utilising a small, pistol calibre bullet. It lacks the range of weapons chambered for larger cartridges but as a result of the lower recoil, it is more controllable when fired automatically. For this reason it is classified as a hand weapon.
Type of Weapon Effective Long Extreme Strike Value Special
|
Submachine Gun 20 30 None +1 RF2
|
|
STANDARD WEAPONS
ASSAULT RIFLE
The mainstay of all militaries prior to the development of magnetically accelerated projectiles, the assault rifle is a long barrelled weapon capable of fully automatic fire, utilising a full sized, rifle calibre cartridge. This term covers a broad category of weapons, ranging from the very first fully automatic rifles up to weapons using caseless ammunition and targeting assistance.
Type of Weapon Effective Long Extreme Strike Value Special
|
Assault Rifle: Single Shot 20 30 50 0 -
Assault Rifle: Rapid Fire None 10 20 0 RF2
|
|
LIGHT MACHINE GUN
The light machine gun is a fully automatic weapon designed to be used by an individual soldier to provide integrated sustained fire support within a squad. It may be a larger, box or belt fed weapon or bipod fitted, or even a simple modification of an assault rifle.
Type of Weapon Effective Long Extreme Strike Value Special
|
Light Machine Gun 30 40 60 0 RF3
|
|
SMART GUN
The Smart Gun Weapons system consists of a man portable machine gun, a gyroscopically stabilised harness and a head mounted targeting system. It is a powerful and accurate weapon, but it is also cumbersome and maintenance intensive which is why it has been replaced in more advanced militaries.
Type of Weapon Effective Long Extreme Strike Value Special
|
Smart Gun 40 60 None 1 RF3
|
|
UGL
The Underslung Grenade Launcher is a modular addition to the assault rifle, consisting of a tube and ammunition feed system which is fitted beneath the weapon’s main barrel. This gives the squad a limited capacity to deploy High Explosives on lightly armoured targets. This weapon is a compromise; whilst it adds some offensive capability to the squad, it is not as effective as a bespoke, stand alone explosive launcher.
Type of Weapon Effective Long Extreme Strike Value Special
|
UGL 10-20 30 None 0 OH, Blast D4
|
|
SNIPER RIFLE
The sniper rifles adopted by most GSDF snipers are large, heavy weapons mounted on bipods and chambered for an anti-vehicle round. Whilst devastatingly effective against contemporary armour and light vehicles, even these weapons struggle against the advanced armour of IMTel societies.
Type of Weapon Effective Long Extreme Strike Value Special
|
Sniper Rifle 40 80 Unlimited 1 No Cover, Scope
|
|
LIGHT SUPPORT WEAPONS
GUIDED MISSILE LAUNCHER
The guided missile launcher consists of a simple firing tube which launches a missile with pre-programmed way points. The missile, whilst not particularly agile, is able to fly along a path made up of user defined waypoints before accelerating to impact the target. Guided missile launcher teams are normally made up of two soldiers, who carry High Explosive and Armour Piercing projectiles as standard.
Type of Weapon Effective Long Extreme Strike Value Special
|
Guided Missile Launcher: HE 10-80 None None 1 Blast D4
Guided Missile Launcher: AP 10-80 None None 4 -
|
|
MORTAR
An ancient but still effective weapon, the mortar lobs bombs high into the air to fire over the top of intervening terrain and cover. Light mortars have largely been replaced in rifle platoons by UGLs, so this entry refers to larger, medium or heavy mortars.
Type of Weapon Effective Long Extreme Strike Value Special
|
Mortar 10-30 50 100 1 OH, Blast D5
|
|
HEAVY MACHINE GUN
The heavy machine gun fires a larger cartridge than its squad based relatives, giving it more stopping power and a limited anti-vehicle capability. Due to the weight of the weapon, it is normally tripod mounted and manned by a crew of at least two.
Type of Weapon Effective Long Extreme Strike Value Special
|
Heavy Machine Gun 40 60 80 1 RF3
|
|
SENTRY GUN
The sentry gun is a tripod mounted, fully automated sustained fire defensive weapon. It has an integral scanner system which detects targets and, if they are not equipped with an IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) device, will automatically engage them.
Type of Weapon Effective Long Extreme Strike Value Special
|
Sentry Gun 20 30 None 0 RF4
|
|
AUTOCANNON
The autocannon is a vehicle mounted, fully automatic weapon with a slow rate of fire, firing explosive shells.
Type of Weapon Effective Long Extreme Strike Value Special
|
Autocannon 40 60 80 2 RF2
|
|
ARMOUR
BODY ARMOUR
Body armour is crude and simplistic when compared to cutting edge hyperlight or phase armour which equips the soldiers of the most advanced civilisations. Normally consisting of a helmet and simple plates attached to a jacket, it provides nothing more than the most base level of protection against weapons of a similar technological level.
The following rules apply to troops equipped with body armour:
- Troops equipped with body armour add +1 to their resist (Res) value against weapons with a strike value (SV) of 0 or greater only. No Res bonus is granted against weapons with a SV of -1 or less.
- Against any hit from a blast, body armour will provide a +1 to the target’s resist (Res) value down to a SV of -1. No Res bonus is granted against any blast weapons with a SV of -2 or less.
EQUIPMENT
UAS DRONE
The Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is the primitive forefather of the modern drone. It has no AI, no ability to think and act independently and responds only to commands and input from its user. It is, to all intents and purposes, a camera on a remote and very basic flying platform. It follows the basic rules for Buddy Drones as detailed on page 110 of the Gates of Antares rulebook. In addition:
- A single blast weapon fired from the unit with the UAS gets a +1 Accuracy bonus.
- The UAS can act as a waypoint for a guided missile launcher (see rules above).
- If a unit shooting a guided missile launcher or mortar does not have LOS to the target, then it can patch into any friendly UAS within 30”. If the patched UAS has LOS to the target then the shooting unit counts as having LOS too.
- The UAS is scramble proof.
TARGET DESIGNATOR
A target designator is a man portable pod which uses an emission such as a laser or infrared pointer to designate a target to a second party. It is often used by sniper’s spotters for assistance, or Special Forces to direct Fast Air.
- Once per turn, any unit equipped with a target designator can grant a re-roll to a unit who has missed when attempting to fire at a target within the target designator’s LOS. This can only be applied to the following weapon systems:
- Guided Missile Launcher, Sniper Rifle
- This bonus can be applied to another model within the same unit as the target designator, as well as to other friendly units.
- The target designator can also be used to assist with Fast Air support (rules coming soon).
- The target designator is scramble proof.
MOTION SENSOR
The motion sensor is a hand held unit which uses internal sensors to scan around the user to detect movement, which is then displayed on a screen. It has proven to be a simple method of partially mitigating the effects of Isorian phase technology.
- If a unit is equipped with a motion sensor, when it is shooting at an enemy target equipped with Isorian phase-armour, the Isorian unit is limited +1 to its Res value for its armour, even if the range of the attack is over 10”. Cover modifiers are applied as normal.
- The motion sensor is scramble proof.
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