A geas can be compared with a curse or, paradoxically, a gift.  If someone under a geas violates the associated taboo, the infractor will suffer dishonor or even death.  On the other hand, the observing of one’s geas is believed to bring power.  Often it is women who place geasa upon men. In some cases the woman turns out to be a goddess or other sovereignty figure.

—  From “Geas” on Wikipedia

This scenario is a modified version of the Eternal War scenario ‘The Emperor’s Will’ from the 7th edition Warhammer 40K rule book.  As a Sovereign Lady of Chaos and Sanguine Narrator, the idea of placing geasa upon men appeals to me greatly!

Objectives:  Each player places an objective as per the ‘The Emperor’s Will’ mission.

• Each player’s objective must be entirely within his own table half.
• The objectives should should be large.  A 12″ by 12″ base  or scatter terrain enclosing a 12″ x 12″ area is ideal, though it can be larger or smaller so long as each player’s objective is about the same size.
• Treat the objectives as a Twisted Copse so far as granting models a cover save within the boundary or on the base of the objective.  (If you are playing 7th edition 40K, remember the rules for vehicles and cover on p. 77 of the BRB.)
• The area within the objective is normal terrain so far as movement is concerned, though the players may agree to make it difficult or even dangerous terrain if they wish.

Victorious Warboss Hungry hit Lord Draigo so hard his base fell off!

Geas Special Rule:  Each player’s warlord is under a psychic compulsion or geas.  The general idea is that each warlord is compelled to kill the enemy warlord in close combat.  The following applies to each player’s warlord:

• The warlord has the Objective Secured special rule, even if he normally cannot.  Any vehicle, retinue or other unit bought with or for your warlord does not have the OS rule unless it normally would.  The warlord does not confer OS to any unit he is part of or vehicle he is embarked on.
• Must start the game on the table or enter play during turn one.
• Must, if possible, end each player turn closer to the enemy warlord than he was at the beginning of the player turn.
• If a warlord is in a close combat containing the enemy warlord, both leaders must issue a challenge to or accept a challenge from the enemy warlord, if possible.

Optionally, if both players desire a more narrative gaming experience, they can collaborate during the list building phase by discussing their choice of warlords.  The idea is to insure that the two leaders have a decent chance against each other so the fight isn’t one-sided.  The objective of this scenario is to encourage the leaders to seek each other out for a fight to the finish!

If using the narrative method, players may agree to allow characters as warlords, who normally couldn’t be nominated as such.  Obviously, it is up to both players to not try to game this for an undue advantage.

Victory Conditions:   A player receives 3 VP’s if his warlord kills the enemy warlord in a challenge.  If the warlords simultaneously kill each other, both players receive 1 VP.  Victory points are not awarded if a warlord dies in any other manner.

At the end of the game, each player receives 1 VP for each of his units with at least one model within 3″ of an objective, even if they don’t control it.  Units embarked in a vehicle count as one unit.

Additionally, a player receives 2 VP for each objective he controls.  In the case of there being multiple units with the Objective Secured special rule within 3″ of an objective, the side with the most contesting OS units is considered as controlling the objective.  OS units embarked in OS vehicles count as one OS unit for this tally.

Optional and Alternative Rules

• You Want Me to do What?  No, For the Greater Good!:  One or both players may elect that his warlord’s geas is fulfilled when he personally kills the enemy warlord with a shooting attack and/or witchfire power instead of in close combat.  This option must be announced as part of declaring which model is your warlord.
• I Just Want Him Dead!:  The geas is fulfilled if a warlord kills his counterpart with any kind of attack at his disposal.
• Not Expendable Under Any Circumstances:  A player receives 1 VP at the end of the game if his warlord survives.
• King of the Hill:  Each player receives 1 VP at the end of his player turn for each objective he controls.  This is in addition to the victory point tally at the end of the game.
• Hamburger Hill:  There is only one objective in the game and it is centered in the middle of the board.
• Geas of the Sanguine Sorceress Supreme:  If your warlord is killed by anyone other than your opponent’s warlord and his warlord is still on the table, your character who is closest to your opponent’s warlord is now your new warlord.  Note that the new warlord does not receive a warlord trait nor does he have the Objective Secured special rule unless he already has it.