Storm Above the Reich Rulebook

Table of Contents

Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: Campaign
Section 3: Mission
Section 4: Mission Tally

Section 1: Introduction

Basic Game and Advanced Game

The Basic Game presents the challenge of breaking up the combat box. Your goal is to knock bombers out of formation, or destroy them outright. The Advanced Game adds another segment called "pursuit" where you dispatch fighters to chase after and intercept bombers knocked out of the formation. This makes the Advanced Game more challenging, and rules for the Advanced Game can be found in the Advanced Rule Book.

Campaigns

Storm Above the Reich is played as a Campaign. A Short Campaign is but one "Season" of Missions, while a Full Campaign could encompass all seven Seasons. You must knock bombers out of formation, or destroy them outright, in order to make an impact on the enemy's assault from the sky. You must also keep your pilots alive. Campaign types are explained on p. 25 of the Situation Manual, and the Victory Schedule is printed on the back cover of that manual.

Seasons

A "season" here represents a discrete period in the airwar. Taken altogether, the seven Seasons offer a broad stroke depiction of the bloody contest as it changed, from 1942 to 1945. The first three Seasons are assumed to take place in and around the Mediterranean Sea, as the mighty B-24 was gradually brought to bear in increasingly greater numbers on a variety of sensitive targets (harbors, shipping, and installations in North Africa, Crete, Sicily, and Italy). The last four Seasons assume your staffel has been transferred north to defend the Greater Reich (Germany, Austria, and Romania). During a Season, you will play Missions in which your staffel will tangle with enemy heavy bombers and their escort. The game only gives you a look at those brutal confrontations, although your staffel no doubt would have been assigned other missions in between those depicted here (this is particularly true in the Mediterranean). If you prefer a glimpse of those other missions, you are welcome to use the optional Staffel Erosion Table on the back of this Rule Book.

Missions

The play of the game is the Mission. You use the Mission Set-Up Table and the Operations Menu on the Bi-Fold Player Aid to establish the conditions of the Mission, and then use the Situation Manual to set up the formation map. Altogether set-up takes about five minutes, unless you linger over decisions (it will naturally take longer your first time out). As your staffel gains experience, measured in Experience Points (EP), you will have some influence over these starting conditions, giving you decisions to make and prolonging set-up time. Set-up is not something that happens before the game starts. If you are setting up, the game has begun.

On a Mission you will catch the American formation as it is either inbound towards its target or outbound as it speeds home to bases in England or Italy. You will have several Mission Turns to send your fighters into and through the formation attempting to disrupt it by damaging individual B-24s, until you reach the flight limit and must end the Mission. The enemy's formation may have its "little friends" accompanying it, an escort of deadly fighters making your task much harder.

Formations

The four maps (two 17x22 and two 22x34) included with the game depict B-24 heavy bombers organized in a formation called a combat box. Devised in 1942 after much trial and error, the combat box was intended to make the bevy of armament carried by individual bombers even more deadly by allowing one bomber to support another with covering fire. Luftwaffe pilots that learned skills tangling with French, British, and Russian fighters and light and medium bombers, found that the combat box was a nightmarish gauntlet. Taken as a whole, the maps portray a chronological sequence of technological and organizational development. (Note: Storm Above the Reich includes Maps 5-8; Maps 1-4 are included in Skies Above the Reich.)

Map 5 depicts a nascent formation prior to the development of the combat box.

Map 6 depicts the "javelin down" formation, a proto-combat box of ten bombers. You will find it more lethal than the first map, as bombers are arranged in relation to one another such that an overlapping field of fire extends across nearly the entirety of the formation.

Map 7 presents a transition between the javelin down and the ultimate form of the combat box, a sprawling horizontally oriented formation that will prove more daunting than what you faced on Map 6. This "terrain" of the bomber formation has become deadlier partly because the B-24 itself was armed with more guns (even American escort pilots preferred to stay at a safe distance). Bomber crews, especially the pilots, got better at maintaining formation, also contributing to the increasing lethality.

Map 8 represents a combat box of late-war B-24 heavy bombers. Each is armed with a third gun turret mounted under the nose, a "chin turret" intended to punish Luftwaffe pilots attacking head on. The formation by 1944 had become a cauldron of spraying tracers. It is worth noting, however, that the map only depicts part of a larger group of combat boxes.

FW 190

The game presents you with an oversized staffel of Focke-Wulf 190 fighters. The challenge in the Full Campaign is to keep your staffel a viable fighting force, using it to deliver severe harm to the formations of bombers.

The FW 190 sported more power and gunnery, and could match the agility of the most recent allied fighters, such as the British Spitfire. It went into service after the Battle of Britain but in time for the invasion of the Soviet Union the following year, proving superior to every machine in the air. Its power suffered at higher altitudes, however, which was significant against United States heavy bombers that regularly flew higher than 15,000 feet. The FW 190 was continually improved at the factory and at the aerodrome in order to gain advantage over its adversaries. As the Americans made improvements to their heavy bombers, the FW 190 was augmented even more with all manner of adjustments and modifications (called "attachments" in this game). Its pilots devised unusual tactics, too. They dangled barrage cables into the formation of heavy bombers, hoping to wreck aircraft below or disrupt the cohesion of the formation as American pilots avoided the obstructions. Infantry rockets were attached under the wing or fuselage: fired at a safe distance, they exploded with such a blast that, even if individual bombers were unscathed, the shock forced pilots to veer and swerve, degrading the formation's cohesion. By 1944, some FW 190s were so augmented with armament and armor that they needed their own escort, and if you implement the Sturm190 rules in the Advanced Rule Book you can simulate that "sturmbocke" heavy bomber-killing fighter. All these modifications made the fighter particularly suited to battling the heavy bomber, but, as you may find, they also made the FW 190 a lame duck for U.S. escort fighters.

Auxiliary Fighters

The Luftwaffe confronted the bomber formations with a variety of aircraft types besides the FW 190. Those other fighters are called "auxiliaries" in this game. At the start of a Mission (except in 1942), you may requisition them to bolster your attack. Like your FW 190s, some of them can be armed with cannon and rockets, enhancing your attack. The Bf110, a twin-engined heavy fighter is available. A good machine but vulnerable against enemy escort that are protecting the bomber formation. Italy and Romania contribute auxiliaries to the fight as well, agile single-engine aircraft, the MC202 and the IAR80. You also have available a Luftwaffe bomber with twin-engines, the Ju88. That workhorse was a level bomber commandeered to fight the American formations when it became obvious that more oomph was needed to crack open those deadly formations. They will prove particularly vulnerable to escorts, however, so use them carefully. Finally, late in the war, you may avail yourself of the unique machine known as the Me163, a cockpit strapped to a rocket.

Combining with Skies Above the Reich

You may combine Storm Above the Reich with Skies Above the Reich. The Advanced Rule Book explains how to knit the two games together to make a coherent whole.

Getting Started

STICKERS: See p. 61 to apply stickers to blocks. See p. 62 for a Training Mission to jumpstart the action.

You don't need to read this Rule Book to learn the game. Peruse the Player Aid folders. They will explain the components and some basic concepts. Then, follow the Instructions on the Bi-Fold Player Aid for the Basic Game, and start playing. Refer to this Rule Book as needed.

Reference icons used throughout this Rule Book: a lettered tab refers to a player aid card; a bare page number refers to a page in this Rule Book.

Components

Boards: 22x34, 17x22 (both double sided)
Pursuit Maps: 2 @ 8.5x11 (double sided)
Roster & Log Pad: 8.5x11
Stickers: 8.5x11 sheet
Blocks: 50 gray, 12 blue
Cards: 24 Nose, 24 Tail, 16 Oblique, 32 Continuing Fire
Countersheets: 1 @ 1 inch counters, 1 @ 5/8 counters
Off Map Panel: 2 @ 8.5x22 (one is the Vector Map)
Player Aids: 4 @ 11x17 (double sided)
Rule Book
Advanced Rule Book
Situation Manual
Two Dice (ten sided, one red, one black)

Section 2: Campaign

The criteria to win (or lose) a Campaign is explained on p. 25 of the Situation Manual. The Victory Schedule is printed on the back cover of that Manual.

Glossary

CAMPAIGN A sequence of Missions played one after the other.

Short Campaign = one Season you win, or lose, or fall somewhere between
Medium Campaign = at least one Season but could last several Seasons; keep at it until you win or lose, there is no in between
Full Campaign = multiple Seasons until you win four of them, or lose just one

SEASON A sequence of Missions played one after the other, depicting a period of the war (for example, "early 1943"). A Season is either six or ten Missions long, as indicated by the Mission Set-Up Table on the Bi-Fold Player Aid.

MISSION Takes place on the formation map, lasting 1-12 Mission Turns, until you reach the "flight limit." During a Mission you use your fighters to knock down bombers depicted on that map.

FIGHTER Either a FW190 or some other aircraft listed on the Operations Menu. Each FW190 is a pilot in your staffel; the other aircraft are also "fighters" for the purpose of these rules.

The game does not ask you to worry about those other pilots, they are merely assets temporarily requisitioned to work with you on a Mission. However, there are consequences to Operation Points and Staffel Experience Points for losing those other aircraft (see p. 59).

You start with eighteen FW190s, the pilots of your staffel, and may use any of them each Mission. If killed, that pilot may not be used again, but each may be replaced once. If you have enough Operation Points (OP) you may use all of them during a Mission.

Historically, a staffel was really only comprised of eight or nine aircraft, but we stock you with the equivalent of two staffels at the start. If you prefer, you are welcome to restrict yourself to nine pilots, availing of the other nine only when your numbers dwindle. Think of those others as additional replacements and transfers.

Although a staffel was likely to conduct hundreds of "missions" in any of the Seasons depicted in this game, scrambling into the air more than once a day when the action was particularly desperate, Storm Above the Reich condenses that action in order to present an impression of that bloody history. Here we reduce the life (and probable death) of a staffel into a game box. For added realism, and an increased challenge, you are welcome to apply the Staffel Erosion Table located on the back of this Rule Book.

Campaign Set-Up

Select a Season

The Full Campaign must start in the 1942 Season, but a Short or Medium Campaign may start in any Season. Use the Mission Set-Up Table's leftmost column on the Bi-Fold Player Aid as a menu to select a starting Season.

Example: starting in the 1943 Early Season means you begin with four Experten (experte, or "ace", pilots); the Season lasts 6 Missions.

Pilot Roster

Start a new Pilot Roster by taking a sheet from the pad. The Mission Set-Up Table (on the player aid) indicates how many experte (ace) and green pilots you begin with (the remainder are veterans, or "non-green," the default pilot in this game, neither an ace nor green).

Experte: If one or more pilots start experte, assign them to names on the Pilot Roster, noting each pilot's skill in the Experte skill column. Skills may be selected by you, or if you prefer, select them randomly. The effect of each skill is noted on the roster, and also explained on p. 60 of this Rule Book.
Green: If one or more pilots start green, assign them to the Pilot Roster, noting each pilot's penalty in the Green Penalty column of the roster. Penalties may be selected by you, or if you prefer, select them randomly. They are explained on p. 60 of this Rule Book.

Staffel Log

Start a new Staffel Log for the Campaign (Staffel Logs are printed on the other side of the Pilot Roster sheet).

Example (Short Campaign: 1943 Late) — sample Pilot Roster and Staffel Log annotations: Bär has the Quick experte skill. Ahrens has the Wiley experte skill. Clausen has accumulated 3 Experience Points (EP) (pilots start a Campaign with zero EP). Doppler has the Rookie green penalty — if Doppler is killed, write the name of his replacement in this space (replacements are automatically green, and must be assigned a green penalty); to make it easy to identify, start the replacement name with the same first letter as the name of the replaced pilot. On the Staffel Log, under Mission 1, use this space to note how many bombers are knocked out of formation (fallen) or destroyed; or for other notes.

Mission Set-Up

Use the Mission Set-Up Table on the Bi-Fold Player Aid to establish the starting conditions of the Mission. Work left to right across the table, rolling a die as necessary, to determine the map to use, the mission type, the number of Operations Points (OP) you have to spend, and the presence or absence of escort and its composition and timing.

Determine the following in order:

a. Map Roll a die to determine the formation map you must use for this Mission (Map 5, 6, 7, or 8). Maps 1-4 are in Skies Above the Reich (they are not needed to play this game).

b. Mission Type Roll a die to determine the mission type: Inbound, Near Target, or Outbound. The mission type determines the row you must use for determining the number of OP you have to spend and the presence of escort.

c. Operations Points (OP)? Roll a die and look up the number rolled in the OP column of the table. The result will be the number of Operations Points (OP) you may spend for this Mission. You may not save OP for a later Mission.

Spend Operations Points

Example: 1943 Early Season

Step	Roll	Result
1	4	Use Map 6.
2	7	It is an Outbound Mission.
3	8	Get six OP, to be spent before checking for escort. So, the player may select six FW190s, or three FW190s arming each with cannon, and requisitioning four MC202s. There are other combinations possible as well.
4	5	The bombers are defended by light escort, which enters on Mission Turn 5 (Kittyhawks).

Before determining escort (step d below), spend OP using the Operations Menu printed on the Bi-Fold Player Aid. That menu indicates each fighter (Bf109 and/or auxiliary) and attachment available during the present Season, as well as their cost in OP. Only fighters and attachments you purchase now may be used on the Mission, even if you used those fighters/attachments on a previous Mission.

FW190s: These fighters represent the pilots of your Pilot Roster, and all 18 are available in every Season. They cost 1 OP each. In the two player game, each player gets 2 FW190s for free each Mission.

Auxiliary Fighters: These represent fighters and light bombers that may augment your staffel. Their cost varies. MC202s (Italian fighters), IAR80s (Romanian fighters), and Ju88s (Luftwaffe fighters) are "requisitioned" individually or in groups of two or three (that is, spend 1 OP to get 2 or 3 of them, as indicated on the Operations Menu). Not all types are available every Season (see the Operations Menu).

Attachments: These represent equipment augmenting your fighters. They either cost 1 OP each or 1 or 2 OP for multiples, as indicated on the Operations Menu. More than one type may be attached. For example, a fighter may have armor and rockets at the same time. There are limits to what can be attached to a single fighter, however, and those limits are indicated on the Operations Menu. Attachment markers are provided, and you may place them on your fighter blocks or set them nearby. Usually, it is easy to remember which fighters have attachments, and there are a variety of ways to use the markers to help you remember: for example, you can place them on your Pilot Roster as a reminder, or make a note on the Staffel Log or Pilot Roster.

Component illustrations on this page show: a pilot block named Haase; an MC202 auxiliary fighter block; and attachment markers labeled Armor and Rockets.

d. Escort

Finally, use the rightmost section of the Mission Set-Up Table and roll a die to determine the presence of escort defending the bomber formation. "None" means there is no escort. Apply all results, deciphered as follows (also noted at the bottom margin of the Mission Set-Up Table):

H — Heavy Escort: The formation is escorted by a large contingent of enemy fighters. Use all seven Escort markers.
L — Light Escort: The formation is escorted by a modest contingent of enemy fighters. Use only five Escort markers, selected randomly. Do not look at the numeric side of the Escort markers when selecting them.
# — Arrival/Exit Turn: The number indicates the Mission Turn that the escort either arrives or exits (p. 17). If an Inbound or Near Target Mission the number represents the turn that the escort exits (escort is not present on Mission Turns after exit). If Outbound it is the turn that the escort arrives (escort is not present on Mission Turns prior to arrival). If no number, escort has already arrived and will not exit (except as an aerial combat result, p. 22, but this affects only 1 Escort marker).
m — P-51 Mustangs: The escort is comprised of P-51 Mustangs. Use only those Escort markers. This is the most lethal escort to your fighters.
p — P-40 Kittyhawks: The escort is comprised of P-40 Kittyhawks. Use only those Escort markers.
s — Spitfires: The escort is comprised of Supermarine Spitfires. Use only those Escort markers.
t — P-38 Lightnings: The escort is comprised of twin-engine P-38 Lightnings. Use only those Escort markers.

Escort marker counts: 7 total Escort markers; 5 for a Light Escort; 2 P-51 Mustang markers; 2 P-40 Kittyhawk markers; 2 Spitfire markers; 1 P-38 Lightning marker.

Escort Set-Up

Place the Escort markers in their stations on the Escort Display (do this now or when scheduled to arrive, player's choice). Determine which station(s) by rolling a die and consulting the Escort Set-Up Table printed on the Escort Display.

The Escort Display carries its own printed instructions: "Escort Phase: First, an Escort marker on the formation map at a box adjacent to a fighter automatically moves into the fighter's box. Then, if one or more escorts are in a station, make an Escort Check (roll a die and refer to the Escort Check Table). One check per station maximum, but only for stations with escort present. Then, resolve aerial combat (escort vs. fighter) and fighter(s) share the same box on the formation map. Finally, if 2 or more Escort markers exit the formation map, one Escort marker moves to the station or box indicated." "Escort Check Result: One Escort marker moves to the station or box indicated." The display's Escort Set-Up Table cross-references a die roll (1-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-10) against Heavy (7 markers) or Light (5 markers) escort to place markers Above Trailing, Forward, and/or Below Trailing. Separate Station Check Tables for the Above Trailing, Forward, and Below Trailing stations then govern, on an Escort Check, whether escort moves to Forward, Tail High, Return Box, the box with the least/most fighters, Nose Level, Flank Level (8-10 o'clock or 2-4 o'clock), or exits — fighters are not permitted on the Escort Display itself.

Staffel Command: 7 EP

When determining any of the above (steps a through d), instead of accepting the result of the die roll, you may spend 7 Staffel Experience Points (EP) in order to select the result, overriding the die roll. Note the expenditure on your Staffel Log. Note: you start a Campaign with zero EP.

Determine Situation

Situation Manual

After you perform the steps of Mission Set-Up (map, mission type, OP available, spend OP, and escort), use the Situation Manual to configure the formation map. Open the manual to the correct map and mission type. Unlike use of the Mission Set-Up Table, the order in which you use the manual is not important. You must determine the following information, by rolling a die for each item.

Pre-Existing Damage

Roll a die to determine if some of the bombers in the formation are already damaged. The number rolled determines the damage pattern to use. Draw a Damage marker or markers as indicated by the pattern, and place them on the appropriate bomber(s). Check for Catastrophic Effect immediately (p. 47) and replace with a Fallen or Destroyed marker as appropriate (you do not earn EP or VP). In some cases, none of the bombers will be damaged.

Anchored Status

Roll a die to determine if the formation is part of a larger formation of bombers flying just off the edge of the formation map. Place an Anchored marker in each position box indicated. A space with an Anchored marker is impassable to fighters (that is, a fighter may not move into or through it). Escorts may enter or move out of an anchored box. Once an Anchored marker is placed in the box, it remains there for the entire Mission, and its presence may increase the Lethal Level of some spaces on the formation map (as noted on the formation map itself).

Sun Position

Roll a die to determine the position of the sun. Place the large Sun marker in the position box indicated. If "none," do not place the Sun marker. For the sun's effect, see p. 48 (Out of the Sun).

Contrails (Maps 7 & 8 only): If the sun is present, roll a die to determine if contrails are also present. If they are, you may enter your fighters in the Tail/Level box (instead of a Low box), AND skip the first Escort Phase of the Mission. You can only skip the first Escort Phase if ALL fighters enter Tail/Level (doing this costs 1 TP). Luftwaffe pilots sometimes used the contrails streaming behind high-altitude heavy bombers as camouflage.

Tactical Points (TP)

Roll a die to determine the number of Tactical Points (TP) you start the Mission with. Place the TP marker on the Turn Track, and use it as a means of remembering how many TP you have (or use pencil and paper, or just remember how much you have). Unless playing Advanced Rules, you will not get any more TP during the Mission (Regroup, Adv. Rules p. 9).

Two Players

If two players, each starts with the amount of TP indicated (as above). Do not split the amount between players. Each player gets their own TP marker.

Flight Limit

Roll a die to determine the last turn of the Mission (it ends at the conclusion of the Flight Limit Turn). Place the Flight Limit marker on the appropriate space of the Turn Track as a reminder. The Mission will end earlier than the Flight Limit Turn if no fighters remain in play before then. "In play" means on the formation map.

Staffel Command: 7 EP

Instead of accepting the result of a die roll (when using the Situation Manual) you may spend 7 Staffel Experience Points (EP) in order to override the result. Note the expenditure on your Staffel Log.

Determine Situation Example (Map 7, Outbound)

Pre-Existing Damage: Rolled a 1. Two Damage markers, placed as instructed. Check for Catastrophic Result (p. 47); if the Bomber is Fallen or Destroyed, you do NOT earn EP or VP.
Anchored Status: Rolled a 4. Place an Anchored marker in the Level and Low boxes of the Tail Position.
Sun: Rolled a 2. Place Sun marker in the High box of the Flank Position. Then checked for contrails, rolling another 2, so no contrails.
Tactical Points: Rolled a 6. Three TP. If two players, each gets three TP.
Flight Limit: Rolled a 2. Used a Staffel Command to override that sorry result, costing 7 Staffel EP. Selected a Flight Limit of 12 (the equivalent of rolling a 10). This Staffel Command must be used immediately (you can't decide later to reverse this result).

Game Table Layout

When you are ready to start a Mission, your gaming table should look something like this: Damage markers in a bowl or big cup; card decks (Oblique Attack, Nose Attack, Tail Attack, Continuing Fire) in convenient location(s); Hit/Proximity markers in a small bowl, or cup; the formation map with pilot blocks (e.g., Ahrens, Bär) and auxiliary blocks (e.g., a Ju88) placed in their boxes; the Escort Display; and the Turn Track with its markers.

When you enter fighters onto the formation map during the first Move Phase, you must place them in LOW altitude boxes of one or more positions (Nose, Flanks, Tail; but not in Approach Boxes). You decide where. On Maps 7 and 8, if contrails are present, you may pay 1 TP to enter ALL fighters Tail/Level instead.

Flight Limit and TP markers are placed on the Turn Track in spaces determined by the Situation Manual. If two players, each gets his own pair of TP markers.

Escort markers (if any) are placed in stations on the Escort Display, as determined by the Escort Set-Up Table printed on the Display itself.

Section 3: Mission

This section is organized chronologically, following the Mission Sequence of Play.

Missions happen on the formation map, and the map you must use is determined during Mission Set-Up (see p. 5). Missions involve you in decisions about how your fighters will attack the bomber formation.

Starting a Mission

A Mission starts on Turn 1 using the fighters and attachments you "purchased" during set-up. They will enter during the first Move Phase. They may "enter" in any position on the formation map (Nose, Flank, Tail), but only enter Low altitude boxes, but not Approach Boxes or Return or Evasive Return Boxes. (There is an exception for contrails on Maps 7 and 8, see p. 7 - Sun Position.) Entering is the only action fighters may take during the first Move Phase.

The bit where airplanes take off, climb, communicate with radar control stations, evade sweeps of enemy escorts, is not depicted in this game. We fast forward to the moment of interception with the bomber formation. If you're starting with a low Flight Limit or only one or two Tactical Points, that's because your fighters endured their share of trials and tribulations on the way to the formation map, or were given very little notice before scrambling.

Mission Delay?

You may delay entering by paying 1 TP per turn of delay. See p. 14 Delay Entry. The purpose of delaying entry is to avoid escort that will soon exit.

Outline of the Mission Sequence of Play

Phase	What happens
Move	Fighters enter, exit, or move from one box on the periphery of the formation map to another.
Return	Fighters shift from a Return Box to a High/Low Position Box, or from an Evasive Return to a Return Box.
Escort	Skip this phase unless escort markers are present, or arrive this turn.
Recovery	Check each hit fighter to determine if the hit is trivial or severe.
Blast & Flak	Fire rockets, deploy cable, and Ju88 may fire cannon; then, if Near Target, check for flak.
Cohesion	Check each element for cohesion.
Attack	Skip this phase unless one or more fighters are in an Approach Box. There are several steps to this phase. See the Bi-Fold Player Aid.

Start a new turn.

Mission Abort?

You may cancel the play of a Mission prior to Mission Turn 1. Note the Mission on the Staffel Log by writing "abort" and moving on to the next Mission by performing set-up again.

In other words, the aborted Mission counts (you earned zero VP and EP, but at least you didn't lose any fighters). Once Turn 1 starts, you can't abort, but you can end the Mission by exiting all your fighters (p. 14 & 16).

Mission Ends?

The Mission ends when the Mission Turn marker reaches the Flight Limit marker's space on the Turn Track (it ends at the CONCLUSION of the turn). It can also end earlier, when you no longer have at least one fighter (FW190 or auxiliary) on the formation map. If this condition occurs in the middle of a turn, do NOT finish the turn. In either case, unused TP are forfeited (they may not be saved for the next Mission). If a fighter still has a Hit marker on it when the Mission ends, perform Recovery. Once the Mission ends, resolve the fate of fighters in Fate Boxes (p. 58), and then tally VP and EP, if you have not done so already (p. 59).

Formation Map

The formation map is labeled with Positions and Elements:

Nose Position (11 to 1 o'clock)
Flank Position (2 to 4 o'clock, and 8 to 10 o'clock)
Tail Position (5 to 7 o'clock)

High Bombing Box (Maps 6-8 only): The only fighters that may enter this box are those with cable attachments.

Dogfight Box: Fighters may only enter this box as a result of aerial combat against enemy escorts. There is no other way for them to enter this box. Escorts, however, may enter this box during the Escort Phase as a result of a Station Check (p. 18). The Station Check results of "box with most fighters" and "box with least fighters" could send Escort markers here.

Element: Three bombers are in this element (an example grouping of bombers).

Space: Two bombers are in this space.

Attack Advantage: You can keep Advantage markers here for convenience, or keep them nearby. They are likely to be used repeatedly during the Mission (pp. 42-43).

Positions: Nose, Flank, and Tail Position Boxes represent space on the periphery of the bomber formation, and out of range of its armament.

Spaces & Boxes

A SPACE is in the formation of bombers. Bombers were armed with up to twelve .50 caliber guns facing many directions. Spaces are therefore dangerous, and each is rated for its "Lethal Level" (p. 13). If a space does not have a Lethal Level printed on the map, it is not a space (fighters can only be in spaces or boxes). A fighter can only get into a space from an Approach Box, and only during the Attack Phase (p. 35).

A BOX is outside the bomber formation. Boxes are safe from bombers, but not from enemy escorts. Boxes are linked to each other by arrows or notes, and fighters may move across links to other boxes (p. 14). Escort markers may move from a box to an adjacent box, but only if a fighter is in the adjacent box (p. 19).

Formation map's anatomy (example annotations):

Space: Two bombers are in this space, and its Lethal Level is 3. It is an Edge Space. Not all spaces have bombers in them.
Edge Space: This space has one bomber in it. Its Lethal Level is normally 2, but if an Anchored marker is in the Nose Position, it increases to 3.
A space is rated for its LETHAL LEVEL. Example: 4. Each bomber occupies four spaces.
Return Box: Fighters break away here when CLIMBING if in Determined mode.
Evasive Return: Fighters break away here when CLIMBING if in Evasive mode.
Return Box: Fighters break away here when DIVING if in Determined mode.
Evasive Return: Fighters break away here when DIVING if in Evasive mode.
Approach Boxes
Position Boxes: Altitude relative to the bomber(s).

Elements

There are six elements on Map 7, and each has 9 spaces and 3, 4, or 5 bombers (some bombers are in two elements). On Map 8 (shown here) there are 7 elements and four overlapping spaces but no bomber is in more than one element.

The formation map marks each element's spaces with a diagonal "ELEMENT" label.

Blue Numbers: This number is a measure of how dangerous the space is to your fighters. The higher the number the more lethal the space.

Overlapping Space: On Maps 7 and 8, some elements overlap. The space of overlap is considered to be in EITHER element. Thus, when a fighter is in that space, you must decide which element's Attack advantages (p. 42) and Lethal Level deductions for degraded element cohesion (p. 42) apply to that space. A Detonation marker (p. 24 & 32) in that space affects one or the other element (your choice).

Lethal Level (during Burst and Break Away steps of the Attack Phase):

Lethal Level 4 (but if fighter is at low altitude, the Lethal Level is 5)
Lethal Level 5 (but if fighter is at high altitude, the Lethal Level is 6)

Move

What Moves?

Each fighter in a High, Level, or Low position may move, and so may fighters in the High Bombing Box. Fighters not yet in play may also move (see Entering, below). No other fighter may move during this phase of the turn.

Hit Fighters?

Fighters with Hit markers may NOT move. They may not exit.

Return Boxes?

Fighters in Return or Evasive Return Boxes may NOT move.

One Box to Another Box

Fighters may move from one box to another, following either an arrow or the instructions of a note printed in the fighter's box. Some moves cost Tactical Points (TP), as indicated by the arrow or the note.

TP Costs and Groups

Movement is free, unless noted on the map. Pay the Tactical Point (TP) cost for movement immediately. Pay for each GROUP of fighters that move, not for each fighter individually. A group is any number of fighters that start the Move Phase in the same box and move together to the same destination. If a group has but one fighter in it, then that lone fighter is considered a group. If a group splits to move to two or more destinations, treat each as a separate group, one per destination.

"any" clarification: In a Position Box, the word "any" means any other Position Box in the same or different Position. It does not mean a fighter may move to the Dogfight Box, or to an Approach Box in another Position.

ANCHORED exception: Boxes with Anchored markers may NOT be moved into or through by fighters.

ESCORT: Boxes with Escort markers MAY be moved into or through by fighters. Fighters may NOT move to Escort Stations on the Escort Display, nor may they move to the Dogfight Box.

Entering

Fighters enter on Mission Turn 1. Entering costs zero TP. Organize them into one or more groups and place them in one or more Low boxes in one or more positions. They may not be placed in an Approach Box on their turn of entry.

Contrails: On Maps 7 and 8, if contrails are present, you may spend 1 TP to enter ALL fighters in the Tail/Level Position Box. Doing this allows you to skip the first Escort Phase of the Mission.

Delay Entering?

At your discretion, you may delay entry of some or all fighters. To do so, spend 1 TP per turn of delay (regardless of the number of fighters delayed). If you delay entry of ALL fighters, move the Turn marker up the Turn Track and start the Mission on the turn of entry.

Entering fighters may be placed in the Low box, but not in any other box in the Flank Position.

Exiting

A fighter may use its move to exit the map. It costs nothing to do this, simply remove the fighter from play. Exited fighters may not return to play later in the Mission. Exiting is considered a move.

Move Example 1

Fighter in the Flank/Low Position Box moves into the Low Approach Box. It eludes the enemy escort and will attack the formation this turn.
Bär spends 1 TP to move from the Flank/Low to the Flank/High Position Box. Moving through enemy escort is allowed. This gives Bär altitude advantage when the P-38 inevitably chases him during the Escort Phase.
Fighter is in the Return Box, so it is not allowed to move. It also has a Hit marker, so even if it were in the Flank/Low Position Box with Bär, that marker prohibits movement (but it would not prevent Bär from moving, because the Hit marker is not attached to Bär).

Move Example 2

Fighter in the Flank/Level Position Box will remain where it is. It does not have to move.
Bär will apply the note in the Flank/Level Position Box to move to the Nose/Level Position Box. This costs 1 TP, which the player pays immediately. Had both fighters moved there, the cost would still be 1 TP (because the cost is per group, not per individual fighter). This group of fighters could have moved to either Oblique Approach Box (via arrow), but not an Approach Box in another position.

Return

What Returns?

Each fighter in a Return or Evasive Return Box MUST return or exit. The only exception are Hit fighters (that is, fighters with Hit markers).

Hit Fighters?

Fighters with Hit markers do NOT return. They remain where they are during the Return Phase. They may not exit.

During the Recovery Phase, the fighter will either be moved to the Fate Box (and its Hit marker returned to the cup), or it will lose its Hit marker and remain in play (and staying in its Return or Evasive Return Box) (see p. 23).

Return Where?

Each returning fighter shifts to an adjacent box, following the direction of the arrow connecting the two boxes. (Example: a fighter shifts from the Return Box to the Low box; a fighter shifts from the Evasive Return Box to the Return Box.)

Mode?

A fighter's mode has no relevance during this phase.

Exit?

Instead of returning, a fighter may exit. Remove the exiting fighter from play (it may not return to play during the Mission).

Pursuit?

Advanced Rule: A fighter in a Return or Evasive Return Box may NOT pursue (Adv. Rule Book p. 4).

Anchored?

If the box a fighter would shift to is anchored (that is, it has an Anchored marker in it), the fighter must exit.

ESCORT

An Escort marker has no relevance during this phase. If a fighter returns (that is, shifts) into a box with an Escort marker, it does so. Of course, during the Escort Phase, that escort will attack the fighter. Maybe exiting during the Return Phase is a better choice?

"Return" simulates a fighter's trajectory back to the airspace represented by the positions surrounding the bomber formation. A returning pilot is racing back to make another run at the bombers, but those bombers are not standing still. They too are moving. If hit, a fighter's return is delayed as the pilot checks the condition of his aircraft, as best he can, or is recovering from the shock of taking the hit, momentarily disoriented. Evasive Return means the pilot took care to keep as much distance between his aircraft and the formation. Arcing back into position takes more time.

Escort

When escorts are present, Escort markers will start on the Escort Display (on the Off-Map Panel). Escort markers will start in one or more escort stations (Above Trailing, Forward, Below Trailing). Each Escort Phase, you will check each station occupied by an Escort marker, by rolling a die and applying the result in the appropriate Station Check Table. That is how Escort markers will move from one station to the next, and to boxes on the formation map. Fighters are not allowed on the Escort Display.

Escort Action Sequence

Check Arrival or Exit
On-map Escort Move
Check Stations
Aerial Combat
Peel Off

(The Escort Set-Up Table, Escort Station diagram, and Station Check Table govern these steps — see the Escort Display.)

During a Mission, you can expect Escort markers to move among the three Escort Stations, and from those stations to the various boxes of the formation map. The most dangerous station is Above Trailing, a vantage from which enemy pilots can see the entire combat box. But keep in mind that the game allows you to watch only a fraction of the air battle. There are other bombers nearby as well as other Luftwaffe fighters, so if it seems an Escort marker is just sitting there doing nothing, it may be because their attention is elsewhere. It could also mean that they are low on ammunition, low on fuel, are following orders, or their pilots simply do not see your aircraft. It's a big chaotic moving battlefield and maybe somebody besides you screwed up for a change.

Escort Arrives or Exits

Arrives? During an Outbound Mission, escorts may "arrive" (which means the Escort markers are placed in escort stations on the Escort Display on the turn of arrival). Escort arrival was determined during Mission Set-Up (see p. 5). If escorts arrive this turn, they do so at the very start of the Escort Phase. Perform Escort Station Checks on the turn of arrival.

Exits? During an Inbound or Near Target Mission, escorts may "exit." Escort exit was determined during Mission Set-Up (see p. 6). If escorts exit this turn, remove all Escort markers from play at the very start of the Escort Phase (even those in the Dogfight Box; fighters in that box also exit). An individual Escort marker might also exit due to a result of aerial combat (in which case you remove only that Escort marker from play). Aerial combat is explained on page 20.

Escort Stations

The three escort stations (Above Trailing, Forward, Below Trailing) represent space just beyond the perimeter of the formation, but in close proximity to the four positions (Nose, Flanks, Tail). Fighters may never enter an Escort Station. Your job is clear: Attack the bombers. Tangling with escort is some other Staffelkapitän's job.

Escort Station Check

During the Escort Phase, check each station that has at least one Escort marker. Do this after moving Escort markers to adjacent boxes on the formation map. No Escort marker should move more than once during an Escort Phase.

PROCEDURE: To check the station, roll a die. Each station has a table printed next to it. The number rolled determines the action that one Escort marker takes at that station. Check a station only once per Escort Phase, regardless of how many Escort markers are in that station.

Anchored? Unlike fighters, Escort markers may move to a box with an Anchored marker.

Box With Most or Least Fighters?

Example (Forward Station Check Table): die roll 1-4 → Escort moves to Above Trailing; 5-7 → Escort moves to Nose Level; 8-10 → Escort moves to Below Trailing. Escort Check example: you roll a 5, so one Escort marker moves to the formation map (it is placed in the Nose/Level Position Box). Had you rolled an 8, the marker would have moved to the Below Trailing Escort Station.

The Above Trailing Station has two potentially ambiguous results, requiring the Escort marker to move to the "box with most fighters," or "least" fighters. What happens if two or more boxes are tied for "the most" or "the least"? In those cases, you are free to choose which of the tied boxes the Escort marker moves to. In the case of "least" fighters, there must be at least one fighter in the box to qualify as "least." Note that the Dogfight Box may qualify for "most" or "least," which means the Escort marker may move to that box and join another Escort marker there, reinforcing it.

Escort Actions

Action Sequence

During the Escort Phase, each Escort marker on the formation map will either remain in place or move to an adjacent box (for example, from Nose/Level to the Nose Approach Box). Their movement is mandatory when triggered (see "Escort Moves" p. 19). Then, check each escort station that has an Escort marker in it. An Escort marker in an escort station will move only as dictated by the Station Check Table, and only one Escort marker in each station will move each Escort Phase (the extra Escort markers in a station, if any, remain where they are until the next Escort Phase). At the end of the Escort Phase, an Escort marker in a box with a fighter, attacks that fighter. After resolving aerial combat, Escort markers on the formation map may peel off (p. 19).

Escort Markers

Light Escort is represented by five Escort markers and Heavy Escort by seven markers. Until an Escort marker is involved in aerial combat, it should remain face up (that is, the picture of the airplanes should be visible, not the other side). The point of keeping it face up is to hide the numeral on the other side of the marker, representing the actual number of enemy planes represented by the marker (for example, a P-38 Lightning marker's reverse might read 4). Once a marker is flipped over, it may remain that way.

Escort Moves

Fighter's Box?

An Escort marker that starts the Escort Phase in a box with one or more fighters, MUST remain in that box. Resolve aerial combat at the end of the Escort Phase for each box shared by escorts and fighters.

Even if an adjacent box has fighters in it, the escort will remain in its box as long as it is occupied by at least one fighter. However, if two Escort markers share a box with fighters, one MUST move to an adjacent box if it too is occupied by one or more fighters.

(Diagram examples: "Escort marker stays" when alone with a fighter; "one Escort marker stays the other moves" when two Escort markers share a box with a fighter and the adjacent box also has a fighter.)

Adjacent to Fighter?

An Escort marker that starts the Escort Phase in a box adjacent to a fighter (that is, adjacent to a box occupied by a fighter), will automatically move into the fighter's box and initiate aerial combat (unless the escort's own box is also occupied by a fighter – see "Fighter's Box?" above). Aerial combat is resolved at the end of the Escort Phase. If more than one Escort marker is in the box, only one moves to the fighter's box (the other one stays where it is, regardless of the number of fighters in the adjacent box).

If two boxes, each with a fighter, are adjacent to an Escort marker, select which box the Escort marker moves into (player's choice). If there is a second Escort marker in the box, it moves into the other box occupied by fighters. It too initiates aerial combat.

(Diagram examples: "choose which box the escort moves to"; "each Escort marker moves"; "escort moves into fighter's box".)

Escort Peels Off

Escort Returns to Station

After resolving aerial combat, a box with two or more Escort markers will lose one of those markers to the Below Trailing Escort Station. Place one of the Escort markers from the overstacked box to Below Trailing on the Escort Display.

However, if the overstacked box is adjacent to a box with one or more fighters, or is in the same box with one or more fighters, the Escort marker will remain where it is (it does NOT peel off to the Below Trailing Station).

(Diagram: "one escort marker moves to Below Trailing".)

Aerial Combat

(during the Escort Phase, or the Break Away step of the Attack Phase)

Escort Attacks

Aerial combat usually takes place only during the Escort Phase, and only at the end of that phase after Escort markers have had a chance to move. It may also take place during the Break Away step of the Attack Phase when resolving a Bounce event (see p. 55). Regardless of when it takes place, resolve combat in each box shared by fighters and Escort markers, one box at a time. If more than one Escort marker, or more than one fighter, is in the box, they all participate in the combat. Results affect all involved fighters but only one involved Escort marker (see Results on p. 22).

Aerial Combat Table

Resolve aerial combat by rolling a die and using that number to find a result on the Aerial Combat Table. The table is organized by fighter type (for example, FW190) and escort type (e.g., Spitfire). Use the fighter type corresponding to the fighters in the box, and the escort type of the Escort marker.

Mixed Fighter Types?

If more than one type of fighter is in the box, choose one type. Generally, fighters higher up the table will do better than those lower down, with the exception of the Me163 (it is the best against escorts).

Example: two FW190s and one Me163 share a box with a P-51 Escort marker; the player may select either the FW190 row or the Me163 row of the Aerial Combat Table.

Advantage in Aerial Combat

Two Questions

Each row of the Aerial Combat Table is subdivided by the answers to two important questions. Answer those questions to find the exact row to use for determining the combat's outcome.

Me163 EXCEPTION: If one or more Me163 fighters are involved in the aerial combat and you select the Me163 Table, ignore the two questions. Modifiers for attachments still apply.

Q1) Fighter is Higher?

The first, or leftmost question, is whether your fighters enjoy an altitude advantage. This is determined by how the fighter or escort moved into the box, from above or below, initiating combat. If neither fighter nor escort is higher, the answer is "no," the fighter is not higher. If even one fighter in a box is not higher, the answer is "no."

Cases: The answer is "no" if the Escort marker moved into the fighter's box from a higher altitude (for example, it moved from a Level box to the Low box, or from a Return Box to a Low box), or if it moved from the Above Trailing Station into the fighter's box this turn.

Example: Fighter is higher? Answer: "no" — Evasive Return and Return Boxes do not have relative altitudes, so the fighter can't be considered higher.

If the Escort marker started the Mission Turn in the box with the fighter(s), then the fighter is not higher (the answer is "no"). The escort is not higher either, but that just means the fighter does not enjoy an advantage.

If the fighter(s) moved into the Escort marker's box during the Move Phase of the current Mission Turn, from a higher altitude box, then the fighter is indeed higher than the escorts (the answer is "yes"). Likewise, if the Escort marker moved into the fighter's box from a lower altitude box (from Low to Level, or Level to High), then the answer is "yes."

Example: Fighter is higher? Answer: "no." Neither moved.

Example: Fighter is higher? Answer: "no" — A fighter and escort started the Mission Turn in the box together; a fighter moved in from a higher altitude (during the Move Phase) and an Escort marker moved in from a lower altitude (during the Escort Phase). Not all fighters are higher than escorts, so the fighters do not enjoy an advantage.

Example: Fighter is higher? Answer: "yes." Fighter moved from Level to Low.

Q2) More Fighters than Escort?

The other question has to do with numerical superiority. Are there more fighters in the box than escort?

Count the number of fighters in the box and compare to the number printed on the back of the Escort marker. If more than one Escort marker, add their numbers and use the sum. Unless the number of fighters exceeds the Escort number, the answer is "no."

Altitude advantage is more beneficial than a preponderance of numbers.

Example: More fighters than escorts? Answer: "no" — a P-38 Lightning Escort marker (value 2) faces two fighters.

Example: More fighters than escorts? Answer: "yes" — a P-38 Lightning Escort marker (value 2) faces three fighters, one of them a Me163 (value -1 modifier).

Resolving Aerial Combat

Modifiers

As noted on the Aerial Combat Table, the die roll used to resolve aerial combat may be modified negatively. If any fighters have these attachments or markers, subtract one from the die roll (for each). The modifiers are cumulative, so if a fighter has a Cannon attachment and a Hit marker, subtract two from the die roll. If three fighters each have a Cable attachment, subtract three from the die roll. No matter how many subtractions there may be, the number rolled can never fall below 1.

Modifiers, subtract from the die roll; these are cumulative, -1 each:

No Ammo
Jammed
Cable
Armor
Cannon
Rockets
Hit marker
Any Green penalty

Each green penalty also counts as a negative modifier.

Aerial Combat Results

Result: After rolling the die and subtracting modifiers (if any), look up the result in the appropriate row of the Aerial Combat Table. The result is given as one or two letters, which can be deciphered by the legend printed below the table. They are explained here in alphabetical order:

Example: Two MC202s are in combat with a Spitfire marker with the number 4 (four Spitfires). One of the fighters has a Rockets attachment (modifier of negative one). Your fighters are not higher and they do not have numerical superiority. You roll a 1, modified to a 0 (a modified result of zero or less is treated as a 1). The result is "Dx," read as a "D" and an "x."

B – Break Off

All fighters involved in the combat exit, and one Escort marker exits (others remain in the box, UNLESS it is the Dogfight Box in which case they all exit). By the time fighters emerged from the brief battle against escorts, the formation of bombers was far away...

D – Dogfight

Place the fighter(s) and an Escort marker in the Dogfight Box, and keep them together as a group (if one of them has the Wiley Experte skill, it may exit or move to Return Tail high or low). Fighters remain in that box until the next Escort Phase, when aerial combat is resolved again (fighters are not higher in that next combat). If more than one Escort marker, place only one in the Dogfight Box (choose one). Dogfighting fighters may do nothing until the next Escort Phase. If the Mission ends with a fighter in the Dogfight Box, resolve aerial combat.

NUMERICAL SUPERIORITY EXCEPTION: If the number of fighters exceeds the Escort number used to resolve the combat, the excess fighters may remain in the box where the aerial combat was resolved.

Example: Three fighters are in a box with an Escort marker with a '2' Escort number. Only two of the fighters must be transferred to the Dogfight Box (although all three may be transferred if the player prefers).

Multiple Groups: If another combat puts another group in the Dogfight Box, keep the groups in the Dogfight Box separate, resolving combat next turn for each group separately.

e – Fighter earns a "kill"

One of the escorts is shot down by your fighter(s). Assign an Experience Point (1EP) to a pilot in the box where the aerial combat took place (if more than one is in the box, assign the EP randomly). The staffel does not earn EP.

R – Return

Fighters got the better of the escort. The Escort marker exits (if more than one is involved in the combat, only one exits, the rest remain in the box). Your fighters break away to the Evasive Return Box (Tail/Low).

S – Scattered

Fighters are dispersed by the escorts, and exit (remove fighters from play). Place the Escort marker on the Escort Display in the Below Trailing Station (if more than one, only one Escort marker is placed there, the rest remain in the box where the aerial combat happened; if it happened in the Dogfight Box, the rest exit).

x – Fighter Destroyed

One fighter is shot down by the escorts. Select the fighter randomly. Note: this result is not a "hit," it is a "destroyed" result, and can't be negated by the Luck experte skill (or anything else). Roll a die to determine the pilot's fate (but only do so if a FW190, not for an auxiliary). Add +2 if the fighter has the Armor attachment. Check the result on the table under the Aerial Combat Table. If he bails out, the pilot earns 1 EP. If wounded, place the fighter in the Wounded Box on the Off-Map Panel (he also earns 1 EP). If an auxiliary, deduct 1 OP during set-up for the next Mission.

Lone Fighter? If this result destroys the only fighter in the combat, convert the other result to S. For example, convert a Dx to an Sx.

Recovery

Check Hit Fighters

Each fighter with a Hit marker must be checked during the Recovery Phase. To make a check, select a fighter and its Hit marker, and roll a die. If the fighter has more than one Hit marker, select any one of them and resolve the check before checking its next Hit marker.

Less Than?

Compare the number rolled on the die to the number printed on the Hit marker. If less than the printed number, the hit is serious. If equal to or greater than the printed number, the hit is trivial.

Trivial

If the hit is trivial, put the Hit marker back in the cup. There is no other effect. If the fighter has another Hit marker, check it by repeating the procedure.

Serious

If the hit is serious, put the fighter in the Fate Box corresponding to the hit type. The fighter must remain in that box until the Mission is completed, at which time you will determine its fate (p. 58). The Hit marker (and any others still on the fighter) must be placed back in the cup immediately.

Hit Type & Fate Boxes

The Off-Map Panel has a number of Fate Boxes, each corresponding to a type of hit. Each Hit marker is printed with the name of its hit type: Cockpit, Elevator, Engine, Fuel, Fuselage, Rudder, and Wing.

Example diagram: a Hit marker reads "hit / wing / 2." Equal to or greater than the printed number = no effect ("just a scratch"); compare the die roll to this number; less than = place fighter in Fate Box.

Exit?

During the Attack or Escort Phase, if a fighter exits but has a Hit marker attached, perform Recovery for that fighter. During the Move and Return Phases, a Hit fighter may not exit.

A Hit marker takes away a fighter's ability to Return (p. 16) and Move (p. 14), and that includes exiting or pursuing (pursuit is an Advanced Game rule), but a Hit marker does not restrict or influence the actions you may take with a fighter in an Approach Box or in a space on the formation map. The reason for this delayed effect is the rapidity of a fighter's attack. Storm Above the Reich slows down the action to make the game playable, but from a pilot's point of view, making a run on the bomber formation takes but a blink of an eye. That is, from the pilot's point of view, there is no delay, all of the steps of the Attack Phase are compressed into a prolonged and terrifying moment.

The Off-Map Panel's Fate Box results table (illustrated for the Fuselage Fate Box) cross-references fighter type (Me163; Bf110/Ju88; FW190/MC202/IAR80) against a die roll to give a result of Lands, Crashes, Fire, or Explodes, with a further Bail Out? check (No/Wounded/Yes) for Crashes and Fire results.

Recovery Example

The player decides to check the Fuselage marker first. He rolls a 6, which is higher than the '3' printed on the marker, so the Hit is trivial. He puts the Hit marker back in the cup.

He checks the Fuel marker next. He rolls a 7, which is higher than the '5' printed on the marker. It too is trivial, so it goes back in the cup.

But let's say the first die rolled a 2 instead. The hit would have made the hit severe, which means the fighter would be immediately placed in the Fuselage Box on the Off-Map Panel (its Fate Box). The two Hit markers would then have been put back in the cup.

Blast

Cable

The Luftwaffe briefly experimented with dangling steel barrage balloon cables into bomber formations. Cables may be deployed only by a Fighter in the High Bombing Box (possible only on Maps 6, 7, and 8). Only a fighter with a Cable attachment may do this. The cable remains attached to the fighter unless the attack results in a Collision. As long as it remains attached, a fighter may deploy cable every turn it is in the High Bombing Box.

Rockets

A variety of rockets were used by the Luftwaffe, but this game depicts them generically. Once fired, turn the Rockets marker over to its "fired" side (it will continue to serve as a negative modifier during aerial combat against escort, p. 20). Rockets may only be released in the Tail/Level Position Box, and only by a fighter with the Rockets attachment. They may not be used on Map 5 (nor on Map 1 in Skies Above the Reich).

Deploying Cable/Firing Rockets

Cable and rockets are deployed or fired only during the Blast & Flak Phase: cable from the High Bombing Box, rockets from the Tail/Level Position Box (not the Approach Box).

Step 1. Aim

When deploying cable or firing rockets, aim for an element, not a specific bomber or space. Place a Target marker in the element. Do this for each Cable and/or Rockets marker. Then, if aiming a cable, make a Deploy Cable Check (Step 2a); if aiming rockets, make a Blast Location Check (Step 2b on p. 25).

Place the Target marker anywhere in the Element.

Step 2a. Deploy Cable Check: Roll two dice, add their sum, and apply the result indicated by the Deploy Cable Table on the player aid. Locate the result in the row corresponding to the state of the element (Good Order, Loose, or Kaput). If the result calls for a Proximity Marker, draw one from the cup randomly and place it in the element. Ignore its effect unless it is an Impact? result. Regardless of the result, remove the Target marker.

Proximity Marker: Place the marker in the element (anywhere in the element but not in an overlap space). Ignore the Collision Check effect of the marker, unless it is an Impact? result (see below). Although the marker does not have an effect, during Cohesion Check later (p. 31), it counts as a marker in the element.

Impact? Select a bomber in the element and roll a die. If the number rolled is less than the number printed on the Proximity marker (for example, a marker printed "2"), the bomber collides with the cable. Remove the cable attachment and draw four Damage markers and apply them to the bomber (p. 47). If the bomber falls out of formation or is destroyed, you earn Staffel EP and VP (p. 59). If equal to or less, leave the marker in the element and the Cable remains attached.

Ju88 CANNON (Long Range)

During the Blast & Flak Phase, if in the Tail/Level Position Box, each Ju88 with a Cannon attachment may make a long-range attack. It must target the rearmost bomber of the rearmost element (it may not fire rockets in the same phase). "Rearmost" means closest to the Tail Position, and if more than one bomber seems to qualify, the Ju88 may target any of those qualifying bombers. What constitutes rearmost may change as bombers fall out of formation.

Attack Procedure: Select a Ju88 (with Cannon at Tail/Level) and roll two dice. If the red die is higher than the black die, the bomber suffers a Damage result (draw two Damage markers and select one). If the red die is not higher, it misses. If either die rolls a '1', or if the dice roll the same number (that is, you roll doubles), in addition to the Damage result (if any), the Ju88 becomes No Ammo (p. 50).

NOTE: Damage and No Ammo are the only results possible in a long-range attack.

Deploy Cable Example

Two fighters with a Cable attachment are deploying cable in the same element. They could deploy in different elements, if the player desired.
Step 1: The player places two Target/Detonation markers in the element, Target side up.
Step 2a: They roll two dice for the first cable's deployment and note the sum, 10. The element is in Good Order (it does not have a Loose or Kaput marker), and so, the result is a Proximity Marker. The player draws one Proximity Marker from the cup and places it in the element. There is no other effect.
The player rolls dice to check the other cable deployed in the element and notes the sum, a 9. The element remains in Good Order which means the result is another Proximity Marker. After pulling one from the cup the player must roll a die (it is an Impact? result). The number rolled is a 2, which is less than the '3' printed on the Proximity Marker, so the player now draws four Damage markers and places them on one of the bombers in the element. For each Damage marker, the player must check for Catastrophic Effect and then flip the marker over (see p. 47 for Damage). Finally, the player removes the cable attachment from the fighter (but the Proximity Marker remains in the element).

Blast Location Check

(firing Rockets during the Blast & Flak Phase)

After placing Target markers in elements (Step 1, p. 25), proceed to Step 2b:

Step 2b. Blast Location Check: For each Target marker, one Target marker at a time, roll two dice (a red die and a black die). Note which die rolled a higher number and locate the space on the Blast Location diagram printed on the player aid (there is more than one diagram, use the one corresponding to the shape of the element). Shift the Target marker to the space indicated by the diagram, and flip the marker so that it is Detonation side face up, and immediately perform Step 3 (Blast Effect) before locating the next Target marker. It is possible for a Target marker to "fall off" the map due to the result on the diagram, or to detonate in an adjacent element. If it is shifted to a space outside all elements, remove the marker.

Step 3. Blast Effect: Use the lesser die rolled in Step 2b to determine the result on the Blast Table (also printed on the Tri-Fold Player Aid Card). After applying the result, if any, leave the Detonation marker on the map and resolve Step 2b again for the next Target marker. Detonation markers remain on the map until the conclusion of the Cohesion Phase (they will degrade the element's cohesion, p. 32).

Blast Effect

Blast Table

Note the number rolled on the lesser die, and locate the immediate effect on the Blast Table. (Leave the Detonation marker in place until the end of the Cohesion Phase; it will degrade cohesion during that phase.) Immediate effects of the blast apply only to a bomber in the Detonation marker's space. If no bomber is in the space, there is no immediate blast effect (that is, no damage to or destruction of a bomber; do not draw any Damage marker(s)).

die	1-4	5-6	7	8	9
immediate effect	no damage	1 Damage marker	2 Damage markers	3 Damage markers	1 Bomber Destroyed and 1 other bomber suffers 1 Damage marker

Results: "1 Bomber Destroyed and 1 other bomber suffers 1 Damage marker" (die roll of 9); "1 to 3 Damage markers (place on one bomber)" (die rolls of 5-6, 7, or 8).

EP & VP: If a bomber is Fallen or Destroyed due to the blast effect, the Staffel earns EP and VP, but individual pilots do NOT earn EP. For EP, see the Pilot Roster or p. 59; for VP, see the back of the Situation Manual.

Rocket Example

The player places a Target/Detonation marker in the element, Target side up. A fighter with a Rockets attachment is firing.
They roll two dice (one red, the other black). A Red 8 and a black 7. The red die is higher so they flip the marker over to its Detonation side, moving it to the Blast space (as dictated by the diagram on the player aid).
The "lesser die" was the black die, and it is a 7. The player uses that number to determine the immediate Blast Effect on the Blast Table, which tells them the bomber in the Blast space suffers 2 Damage markers. They draw the Damage markers immediately from the cup, resolving their catastrophic effects (neither effect was triggered), and flipping them to show their Damage numbers face up (in this example, Wing 9 and Wing 10). The player completes the rocket attack by leaving the Detonation marker in the space.

(This is the "greater" die, because 8 is greater than 7; this is the "lesser" die, because 7 is less than 8.)

Rocket Example 2

A fighter with a Rocket attachment is in the Tail/Level Position. It fires its rockets. This is Formation Map 7. Its Rocket attachment is flipped to its Fired side.
Step 1: The player places a Target/Detonation marker in the element, Target side up.
Step 2b: They roll two dice (one red, the other black). A Red 5 and a black 8. The black die is higher so they use it to find the Blast space on the diagram (on the player aid). They flip the marker over to its Detonation side, moving it to the corresponding Blast space on the game board.

Blast Location diagram (an example nine-space element grid, each space labeled with its Red-die and Black-die values): R6/R5 and R4 across the top row with B5/B6 and B7/B10 and R7/R8/R9/R3 in the middle rows, and B4/B8/B3/B2 and B9/R10/R2 along the bottom — black is the greater ("high") die, used to find the blast location result (the space); red is the lesser die, used afterward to find the Blast Table result. One bomber in the diagram is gray because it is present only in some elements.

The "lesser die" was the red die, and it is a 5. The player uses that number to determine the immediate Blast Effect on the Blast Table, which tells them the bomber in the Blast space suffers 1 Damage marker. They draw the Damage marker immediately from the cup, resolving its catastrophic effect (this Damage marker does not have a Catastrophic effect number, so there is no check to be made). The Damage marker is flipped over to show its Damage number face up (Wing 1). The player completes the rocket attack by leaving the Detonation marker in the space.

Flak

Near Target

Flak only occurs during a Near Target Mission, and only at the end of the Blast & Flak Phase.

"Flak" refers to ordnance fired from the ground, in this case, by Luftwaffe gunners striving to knock down bombers. Flak can indeed damage bombers, but it can also hit fighters in Approach Boxes (you've been warned).

Advanced Rules: Flak does not occur on the pursuit map.

Resolving Flak

At the end of each Blast & Flak Phase, resolve flak by determining where the flak attack happens in the formation (that is, where ordnance explodes). Then, apply Damage to bombers (if any), and Hits to Fighters (if any). Use the Near Target page in the Situation Manual corresponding to the formation map.

Flak Location

Find the page in the Situation Manual (it is the same page you used to set-up the formation map). For example, if this is a Near Target Mission on Map 7, go to page 15 and 16 of the Situation Manual.

Next, roll a die (do this every Mission Turn, at the end of the Blast & Flak Phase). Use the number rolled to find the "window," a numbered box, in the Situation Manual. In this example, if you roll a 7, find the window numbered 7.

Flak Result

Visually locate the bombers damaged by the attack by noting the location of the Damage icon. Draw a Damage marker for each bomber damaged by the attack, and resolve its catastrophic effect immediately (if any). For Damage, see p. 47.

If a Hit icon is in an Approach, and a fighter is in one of the Approach Boxes corresponding to that position, it is hit by the flak attack (draw a Hit marker, see p. 48). Only one fighter may be hit in each position marked by an icon. If more than one fighter is eligible to be hit, because more than one is in one or more Approach Boxes in that position, choose one fighter to suffer the hit (or select randomly).

Window 7 example: two bombers receive damage (randomly draw a Damage marker for each, check for Catastrophic Effect, and flip to show their Damage numbers). Also, if any fighters are in Nose approach boxes, one of them is Hit.

Window 5 example: two bombers receive damage. Also, if any fighters are in Nose or Oblique 2 to 4 o'clock approach boxes, one of them is Hit (one in the Nose position and one in the Oblique).

Destroyed Bombers?

If a flak attack results in a fallen or destroyed bomber (that is, a Fallen or Destroyed marker is placed on the map due to flak), you earn 1 Victory Point (unless playing the Advanced Game, in which case you earn 1 VP only if it is Destroyed). EP is not earned for flak.

Flak Example (Map 6, Near Target; Flak die roll: 8)

Bomber: One bomber is damaged. The player draws a Damage marker for it.
Fighters: Three fighters are in Approach Boxes in the Tail Position. The player selects one of them to be hit. He draws a Hit marker and places it on the FW190. There is no immediate effect, the hit may prove trivial. For now, the FW190 can still attack a bomber during the Attack Phase (in fact, because it is in the Approach Box, it is required to).

The player rolls a die for the Damage marker they just placed, to determine if its catastrophic effect is triggered. If they roll a 9 or a 10, it is, and the bomber will fall out of the formation (see Damage on p. 46).

Flak Example 2 (Map 7, Near Target; Flak die roll: 7)

Bombers: Two bombers are damaged by flak. The player draws a Damage marker for each and places it on the corresponding bombers.
In order to check for a catastrophic effect, the player immediately rolls another die for each marker, starting with the Engine damage. They roll a 5, so the bomber falls out of formation.
The player puts the Damage marker back in the cup and places a Fallen marker on the bomber. If they were playing the Advanced Game, they would place the Damage marker on the current space of the Turn Track instead of putting it back in the cup.
Now the player checks for the Wing damage. If they roll an 8 or higher the bomber explodes, but they roll a 6, and so flips the Damage marker over, ending the flak attack for this turn.
The fighter is not hit because it is not in an Approach Box.

Cohesion Check

Cohesion

Bombers were not easy to fly, especially in formation, and especially when harassed by flak and fighters. Cohesion is a measure of the formation's integrity, and the unit of measure is the element.

Markers?

Check the cohesion of each element that has one or more markers.

Overlapping Elements: Maps 6, 7, and 8 include elements that overlap. A marker in an overlap space or on a bomber that is in two elements (Map 6 & 7 only), is considered to be in both elements. That means a marker will be counted twice, once in each element.

What Kind of Markers?

Count every marker except Maneuver and Attack Advantage markers (they should not be on the formation map during the Cohesion Phase anyway). (The markers that count include: Detonation, Proximity, Damage, a Fallen bomber marker, a Destroyed bomber marker, an Element Loose marker, and an Element Kaputt marker.)

Less Than or equal to?

Roll a die and compare the number rolled to the number of markers in the element. If the number rolled is less than or equal to the number of markers, cohesion degrades. If equal to or higher than the number of markers, cohesion remains the same or improves (see p. 32). If the element only has a single marker, there is no need to roll (the result is "Improves").

The B-24 was more difficult to handle for American pilots than the B-17, which is why on Maps 5-8 the Cohesion Check degrades cohesion when equal to or less (on Maps 1-4, Cohesion degrades only when less than the number of markers).

Degrades?

An element must be in one of three states: good order, loose (bad), or kaputt (very bad). When kaputt, there is a chance that one of its bombers will fall out of formation. The effect of a degrade result depends on the state the element is in at the moment the check is conducted, as follows:

Element is...	Effect...
Good Order	If the element is neither loose nor kaputt, it becomes loose; place a Cohesion marker on its Loose side. (There is no "good order" marker; good order is the default state of an element.)
Element Loose	If already loose, the element becomes kaputt. Flip the marker to its Kaputt side.
Element Kaputt	If already kaputt, one bomber falls out of formation (select the bomber with the most Damage markers and place a Fallen marker on it; if two or more have the same number of Damage markers, or none have Damage markers at all, select randomly; return its Damage markers to the cup). Then, flip the Kaputt marker over (the element's state improves to loose). If a bomber is fallen, the Staffel earns 1 EP, and 2 VP if an Inbound Mission (or 1 VP if not).

Improves (or stays the same)?

If the Cohesion Check does not result in "degrade," then cohesion either remains the same or improves. The result depends on the state the element is in when the check is made, as follows:

Element is...	Effect...
Good Order	If good order, there is no effect. The element remains in good order. (There is no "good order" marker; good order is the default state of an element.)
Element Loose	If the element is loose, there is no effect, the element remains loose. (It does not improve to good order.) Once loose, an element will never return to good order.
Element Kaputt	If the element is kaputt, the element's cohesion improves to loose. Flip the Kaputt marker to show its Loose side.

Detonations: Cohesion Automatically Degrades

After completing the Cohesion Check, each Detonation marker in an element has an additional effect. (Detonation markers are generated by rockets; see p. 26). Each Detonation marker degrades the element's cohesion one level (from good order to loose, or from loose to kaputt). If already kaputt, one bomber becomes fallen (flip the Cohesion marker to its Loose side, then select the bomber with the most Damage markers and place a Fallen marker on it; return the Damage markers to the cup).

Remove Markers?

After all Cohesion Checks are complete, remove Proximity and Detonation markers (put Proximity markers back in the cup).

No Bombers?

If there are no bombers in an element (because they are all fallen or destroyed), the element is automatically and permanently kaputt.

The formation map is a static two dimensional representation of a potentially dynamic three dimensional space. If not closed up entirely, holes in a combat box can at least be considered to narrow as bomber pilots maneuver closer to other elements for protection. Thus, even when all bombers have been shot out of an element, it may still be lethal to your fighters because other bombers are nearby in adjacent elements.

Leader Shift (Optional Rule)

During the Cohesion Phase, when the forwardmost bomber of an element is either fallen or destroyed, one of the remaining bombers in the element takes its place. Select the bomber with the least number of Damage markers and shift it to the fallen/destroyed bomber, and shift the Fallen/Destroyed marker to the selected bomber.

Cohesion Check Example

Markers: 5 (Loose, Damage, Proximity, 2 Detonation markers). State: Loose.

The element has five markers and the player rolls a 3, so cohesion degrades.
The element is already loose, so it must degrade to kaputt. The player flips the marker to show its Kaputt side face up.
There are 2 Detonation markers in the element. One of them degrades the element's cohesion and since it is already kaputt, one bomber becomes fallen. The Kaputt marker is flipped over to show its Loose side face up. The player earns 1 Staffel EP and 1 VP (it is an Outbound Mission).
The second Detonation marker degrades the element yet again. The Loose marker is flipped over (again) and the element's cohesion is now kaputt.
The two Detonation markers and the Proximity marker are removed (the Proximity marker is put back in the cup while the Detonation markers are set aside for later use).

Cohesion Check Example 2

Markers: 4 (top element: 2 Damage, Loose, Proximity marker); and 2 (lower element: 2 Damage markers). State: Loose (top element); and Good Order (all other elements).

The top element has four markers. The player rolls a 7, so cohesion does not degrade (it remains Loose).
The Proximity marker is returned to the cup.
The lower element has two markers. The player rolls a die, a 5, and cohesion does not degrade (it remains Good Order). No other element has two or more markers, so no die rolls are necessary for them (they remain in Good Order).

Approach

(during the Approach step of the Attack Phase)

Fighters in Approach Boxes must be placed into spaces on the formation map.

How Many at a Time?

Up to six fighters may leave an Approach Box (or Boxes) at the same time (this is called a "wave"). If you have more than six in your Approach Box (or Boxes), shift them to the formation in waves (maximum six fighters in each wave; the remainder wait for the next wave). Fighters comprising a wave may come from different Approach Boxes.

Place Where?

Place each approaching fighter in any space with a bomber, so that it is oriented to attack the bomber. Orientation is relative to the bomber (note the direction the bomber is flying). More than one fighter may be placed in the same space. Even when emerging from the same Approach Box, fighters need not be placed in the same space or element. Orientation is dependent on the fighter's Approach Box, as follows:

Nose: A fighter approaching from the Nose must be placed in a space in front of a bomber. It will attack that bomber.
Tail: A fighter approaching from the Tail must be placed in a space behind a bomber. It will attack that bomber.
Oblique: A fighter approaching from the Oblique must be placed in a space to the side of a bomber. It will attack that bomber.

Out of the Sun?

If a fighter leaves an Approach Box connected to the Sun marker, it earns the Out of the Sun advantage (p. 48).

Altitude?

The fighter's altitude is relative to the bomber it is attacking, and is determined by the Approach Box it came from: High, Level, or Low. For example, if the fighter was moved from the High Approach Box, the fighter's altitude is "high" relative to the bomber. If it is hard to remember a fighter's altitude, place blocks under the fighter, as follows: one or two blocks if Level or High; none if Low.

Approach Example

There are nine fighters in Approach Boxes. Only six can be included in a single wave.

The player selects five fighters for the first wave (four FW190s and one auxiliary fighter).
Two fighters emerge from the Nose/Level Approach Box. They are placed in front of two bombers.
Auxiliary fighter (Bf110) emerges from the Tail/Low Approach Box. It is placed behind a bomber.
Two fighters are moved from the Oblique/High Approach Box and placed in different spaces, each to the side of a bomber.
A sixth fighter may attack as well (from Tail/High), but the player elects to hold it back for the next wave.

Mode

(during the Engage step of the Attack Phase)

Select Mode

A fighter's block has two sides, each representing its mode of attack: Determined and Evasive. Whichever side you choose to be face up is the fighter's mode. Mode can be thought to represent a number of things, but foremost is how close to the target a pilot intends to be when he pulls the trigger.

Determined fighters are more dangerous to bombers. Evasive fighters have less to fear from bombers.

Changing Mode

A fighter's mode is chosen at the beginning of the Engage step of the Attack Phase, and may not be changed during a later step. The only exception is when the Event Text of an Attack Card forces you to change a fighter's mode.

Mode is only meaningful during the Attack Phase, Steps 7B through 7C (Engage, Burst, and Break Away). A fighter's mode is irrelevant during the rest of the Mission Turn.

Quick: A fighter whose pilot has this Experte skill may change mode at any time during the Attack Phase.

Maneuver

(during the Engage step of the Attack Phase)

Select Maneuver

Each fighter in a space on the formation map must have a maneuver selected for it. Use the Maneuver marker as a reminder of your selection, or just remember the fighter's maneuver. The maneuver you select will influence what happens during the Break Away step of the Attack Phase, p. 56 (also see pp. 38-39).

Climb or Dive?

A maneuver must be either a climb or a dive. Climbing means the fighter will ascend away from the formation after its burst, while diving means it will descend away. Thus, climbing means it will break away towards the High box while diving means it will head for the Low box.

Roll?

Besides climbing or diving, a fighter may also roll. This allows the fighter to turn as it breaks away rather than continue in a straight direction.

Direction?

The maneuver determines the fighter's destination when it Breaks Away: Nose, Flank, or Tail. Break away happens during the Break Away step of the Attack Phase.

Climb or Dive: If not rolling, the fighter will break away to the position opposite its approach. For example, if approaching from a Nose Approach Box, it will break away to the Tail.
Roll: If rolling, the fighter will break away to the position to the left or right of its approach, depending on which direction it rolls towards. For example, if approaching from a Nose Approach Box and rolling to the right, it will go to the 8 to 10 o'clock Flank. Use the arrow on the marker to indicate direction of the roll.

Example (Map 8): the Fighter approaching from the Tail will dive roll to the Flank.

Maneuver Direction

(Approach from which Position → Maneuver marker → Breaks Away to)

Approach from	Maneuver marker	Breaks Away to
Nose	Climb or Dive	Tail
Nose	Roll (Climb or Dive)	Flank 2 to 4 o'clock, or Flank 8 to 10 o'clock (break away position depends on direction of arrow)
Tail	Climb or Dive	Nose
Tail	Roll (Climb or Dive)	Flank 2 to 4 o'clock, or Flank 8 to 10 o'clock (break away position depends on direction of arrow)
Flank 2 to 4 o'clock	Climb or Dive	Flank 8 to 10 o'clock
Flank 2 to 4 o'clock	Roll (Climb or Dive)	Nose, or Tail (break away position depends on direction of arrow)
Flank 8 to 10 o'clock	Climb or Dive	Flank 2 to 4 o'clock
Flank 8 to 10 o'clock	Roll (Climb or Dive)	Nose, or Tail (break away position depends on direction of arrow)

Maneuver Direction Examples

In this example, all but one of the fighters are in Evasive mode, and so, all but one will end up in the Evasive Return Box.

This fighter approaches from the Nose and will climb to the Tail Position.
This fighter approaches from the Flank and will climb roll to the Nose Position.
This fighter approaches from the Nose and will dive to the Tail Position.
This fighter approaches from the Tail and will dive roll to the 8 to 10 o'clock Flank Position.

Collision

(during the Engage and Burst steps of the Attack Phase; does not apply to the pursuit map)

Collision?

During the Engage step, after mode has been selected, perform a Collision Check for each space that has two or more fighters in it. To perform the check, draw a Proximity marker and place it on one of the fighters in the space. Apply the result. During the Burst step, some Attack cards may impose a Collision Check as well, in which case you must also draw a Proximity marker and place it on the fighter. Collision is possible only in a SPACE, not in a BOX.

Altitude?

Ignore differences in altitude. That is, a Collision Check is triggered by fighters sharing the same SPACE even when they are at different altitudes.

Collision Check Results

No Collision: There is no additional effect (unless the marker has "x2" printed on it). If the fighter is Evasive mode, put this Proximity marker back in the cup. If Determined, leave the marker in the element (it will influence the Cohesion Check during the Cohesion Phase, p. 33). x2: Regardless of mode, if the Collision marker has "x2" printed on it, draw a second Proximity marker. Do not apply its effect but leave it in the element (even if evasive mode).
Escape: You have a choice: Either pay the TP cost noted on the Proximity marker, or don't pay it. If you pay the cost, the fighter immediately breaks away to the Tail Position (place it in either Return Box). If you do not pay, the fighter exits instead. In either case, if the fighter is Evasive mode, put the Proximity marker back in the cup. If it is in Determined mode, leave the marker in the element (it will influence the Cohesion Check during the Cohesion Phase, p. 33).
Veer: If the fighter is Evasive mode, treat as No Collision (put the Proximity marker back in the cup). If Determined, roll a die. If the number rolled is less than the number of fighters in the ELEMENT, treat as a Hit result (flip the Proximity marker over and apply it as a Hit marker; you may immediately use the pilot's Luck experte skill, Attack or the Out of the Sun advantage, if you have any of them, to remove the marker). If equal to or higher, ALL fighters in the Proximity marker's SPACE break away to the Tail Position (place them in either Return Box; they don't have to go to the same box). Then, leave the Proximity marker anywhere in the element; it will influence the Cohesion Check during the Cohesion Phase.
Hit: If the fighter is Evasive mode, treat as No Collision (put the Proximity marker back in the cup). If Determined, flip the Proximity marker over and attach it to the fighter as a Hit marker: you may immediately use a pilot's Luck experte skill, Attack Advantage, or the Out of the Sun advantage, if you have any, to remove the Hit marker as per p. 48 (put the Hit marker back in the cup).
Impact? If the fighter is Evasive mode, treat as No Collision (put the Proximity marker back in the cup). If Determined, immediately roll a die. If the number rolled is less than the number printed on the Proximity marker, a collision occurs (see below). A collision cannot be cancelled by Luck experte skill or anything else. If equal to or higher, the collision is avoided. Regardless of the die roll, leave the Proximity marker anywhere in the element; it will influence the Cohesion Check during the Cohesion Phase.

Collision! If a collision occurs, roll another die. The result depends on the number rolled, even or odd:

EVEN: If the number rolled is EVEN, the fighter collides into the bomber. The fighter is destroyed (no bail out). Draw four Damage markers and place them on the bomber (check for catastrophic effects, p. 47).
ODD: If the number rolled is ODD, the fighter crashes into another fighter (both are destroyed, no bail out). If there is no other fighter in the space, it crashes into another fighter in the element (select randomly if more than one). If there is no other fighter in the element, it collides into the bomber after all (treat as an EVEN result).

No Bomber? If there is no bomber in the space where the Collision Check was triggered, select a bomber in the element. If the space is outside an element, or there is no bomber in the element (they are all fallen or destroyed), treat as an automatic ODD result. If there is no bomber in the element, the fighter is struck by debris and is destroyed (no bail out).

Experte Skill?

Flyer: When a fighter with this Experte Skill triggers a Collision Check and a Proximity marker must be placed on the game board, draw two Proximity markers instead of one. Then, after looking at both markers, put one back in the cup and place the other on the game board (and apply its effect, if any).

Collision Check Example

(during the Engage and Burst steps of the Attack Phase; does not apply to the pursuit map)

Attempting to gain the Schwarm Advantage and keen to knock out the lead bomber, the player places three FW190s in the same space. The player must make a Collision Check for that space, and draws a Proximity marker randomly from the cup and places it on one of the fighters.

The rules are not clear about whether the player may look at the marker before choosing the fighter to place it on, but the player decided at the start of the game to select the fighter first whenever drawing and placing Proximity markers.

The player elects not to pay the cost in Tactical Points (TP), and so, the fighter immediately exits, thereby ruining the Schwarm Advantage. Even if the TP cost was paid, the fighter would have been moved to the Return Box, and thus, the Schwarm Advantage would still have eluded the player. The fighter is removed and the Proximity marker stays in the element (in this case, on Map 5, the entire board is a single element, so it can go anywhere).

Attack Advantage

(check for advantage during the Engage step of the Attack Phase; use Advantages during the Burst or Break Away steps (for Attack Procedure, see p. 41); Attack advantage also applies to Pursuit (Advanced Rules))

Check for Attack Advantage

At the end of the Engage step (after Collision Checks), check to see if your fighters earn Attack advantage. Check each element where fighters are present. An advantage is particular to its element, which means an Attack advantage may only be used in the element where it was earned. A fighter does not take an advantage with it if it leaves the element during the Burst step of the Attack Phase (by passing through), but a fighter that enters the element may use advantages in the newly entered element (if they haven't already been used). For each advantage earned, place the appropriate Advantage marker in the element as a reminder, and remove it when the advantage is used. Remove all unused Advantage markers at the end of the Mission Turn.

Rotte Advantage

You earn this advantage if at least one space in the element is occupied by two or more fighters. The fighters must be in the same space, at the same altitude, and must have emerged from the same Approach Box. Also, the fighters must be in Determined mode, and they must be the same type (e.g., both are Bf109s, or both are Bf110s).

Effect: This advantage allows you to cancel one Hit during the Burst step or during Continuing Fire in the Break Away step. It need not be used on the two (or more) fighters that earned this advantage; it may be used to cancel a Hit applied to another fighter in the element. Remove the Advantage marker when the advantage is used.

Example: two Determined-mode fighters from the same Approach Box in the same space — Rotte advantage earned.

Position Advantage

You earn this advantage if at least two fighters attack the element from different positions and different altitudes. The fighters need not be in the same space, nor must they attack the same bomber.

Examples:

Two or more positions and altitudes — Position advantage earned.
Two positions but only one altitude — Position advantage NOT earned.
Two altitudes but only one position — Position advantage NOT earned.
Two or more positions and altitudes — Position advantage earned.

Schwarm Advantage

You earn this advantage if four or more fighters attack the element and at least four are in the same or adjacent spaces. The four must be at the same altitude, and must have emerged from the same Nose or Tail Approach Box (not from the Oblique). Also, the fighters must be in Determined mode, none of the four may be No Ammo, and all four must be the same type (e.g., all four are FW190s, or all four are Bf110s; thus, if two are Bf110s and two are Ju88s, the Schwarm Advantage is NOT earned).

Effect: This advantage allows you to automatically inflict two Damage results when resolving the attack during the Burst step of the Attack Phase (p. 47). Both Damage results may be used simultaneously by the same fighter, or one at a time (by the same or different fighters, even by one that did not help earn the advantage). If using the Damage result one at a time, flip the Advantage marker over as a reminder that one Damage result has been used. When the second is used, remove the marker.

Continuing Fire: This advantage may also be used during Continuing Fire in the Break Away step, by any fighter in the element that has a bomber in its space (it need not be in front of the fighter). The Damage result is applied simultaneously with Continuing Fire, after the effect of the Event Text is applied (if any).

SCHWARM: Developed during the Spanish Civil War, the "schwarm" was a formation of four fighters that proved flexible yet lethal. Adolf Galland asserted that it proved so successful against British fighters early in the Second World War that the Royal Air Force copied it, as did the Americans who called it the "finger four." Its utility against bombers was that four fighters approaching abreast established a brief but nearly uniform burst of tracers that was difficult for an evading bomber to avoid. Even if it managed to evade one fighter, it might stray across the trajectory of another.

The Schwarm was invented as a tactic against enemy fighters, since it allowed for great flexibility of maneuver for each pair within the schwarm (the pair was called a "rotte"). That maneuverability was irrelevant against heavy bombers. Nonetheless, the breadth of attack is simulated by this advantage.

ROTTE & POSITION ADVANTAGES: These advantages are predicated on the idea that the bomber's defensive fire can be split, erratic, and confused when presented by targets hurtling in from a variety of directions. The risk of attacking densely in a rotte is mitigated by gunners splitting their fire between two targets.

Example: Four fighters attack from the Nose Low Approach Box in Determined mode. They earn the Schwarm advantage, and the Rotte advantage. Another fighter attacks from Oblique Level, earning the Position advantage. Shown here is not the only configuration that would earn the Schwarm Advantage. All four FW190s could be in the same space, for example. There are other configurations as well.

Multiple Advantage?

Example: The Burst step has occurred and fighters passed through. One of the two Damage results of the Schwarm advantage has been used, so the other remains. Any of the fighters in the element are eligible to use that remaining Damage result during Continuing Fire, because they all share a space with a bomber (three share a space with more than one bomber, and can apply the Damage result to any bomber in their space).

Fighters attacking in an element may earn all three advantages, but each type may only be earned once per element. Thus, the Rotte may only be earned once in an element, even if two spaces qualify for the advantage.

Attack Procedure: Lethal Level

(during the Burst and Break Away steps of the Attack Phase)

Resolve your fighters' attacks, one fighter at a time. Each fighter in a space on the formation map MUST attack. Fighters in boxes may not attack during the Burst and Break Away steps.

A fighter must attack the bomber in front of it. If there is no bomber (because another fighter knocked it out of formation or destroyed it), go through with the attack anyway and apply all results except Damage (see No Bomber?, p. 46).

Lethal Level?

Each space on the formation map is rated for its lethality to a fighter. Locate the blue number in the space; that is the space's Lethal Level. (Example: "Lethal Level is 2, it can be modified.")

The bomber formation was designed to create a 360 degree field of covering fire, and the Lethal Level is a crude estimation of the danger posed by that field to a fighter. Each B-24 was armed with as many as twelve .50 caliber guns facing a variety of directions, including two or more revolving turrets. As bombers took damage, fell out of formation, or were destroyed, the ability to mutually support fellow bombers became weaker. Game Terminology: Fallen and Destroyed refer to a specific bomber within an element, while Loose and Kaputt refer to the element within a formation.

Modifying the Lethal Level?

A space's Lethal Level is modified by several factors, each modification noted as a numeral preceded by either a minus or plus sign. A minus sign indicates a deduction to the Lethal Level while a plus sign indicates an increase. If the Lethal Level is reduced below zero, treat it as zero, and if increased beyond five, treat as five. Deductions are good for your fighters; increases are bad.

Missing Bombers

A bomber occupies four spaces, and when a bomber falls out of formation or is destroyed, those four spaces become less lethal. The Lethal Level of those spaces is reduced by 1, as noted on the marker. The Fallen marker projects its -1 deduction to all four spaces (decreases the Lethal Level by 1 in each).

Degrading Cohesion

A Loose or Kaputt marker applies to every space of its element, decreasing the Lethal Level of each space by 1 or 2, as indicated by the marker. A Loose marker projects its -1 deduction to every space of the Element; a Kaputt marker decreases the Lethal Level by 2.

Machines

Some auxiliary fighters (Ju88s, Bf110s, Me163s) modify the Lethal Level of their space, as noted on the auxiliary fighter sticker, but this modification applies only to itself. For example, if a Ju88 in Determined mode is in a space, it increases the Lethal Level of that space by 2, but that increase applies only to the Ju88, not to another fighter in its space.

Cumulative

There is no limit to the number of modifications to the Lethal Level. For example, a space with a Fallen bomber (-1 Lethal Level) in a Loose element (-1 Lethal Level) has a cumulative deduction of -2.

Lethal Level Example

The FW190 approaches from the Nose Position and is in a space with a Lethal Level of 3. The Fallen marker reduces that level to 2, and the Kaputt marker, applying to every space in the element, reduces it by another 2. Thus, the Lethal Level for the FW190 is zero.
The Ju88 approaches from the Oblique. Its space has a Lethal Level of 3, but if at High altitude (which it is), that level is increased to 4, as noted on the formation map. Because it is in Determined mode, the Ju88 increases the Lethal Level by 2, raising it to 6 (yikes!). But the Kaputt marker reduces it by 2. Thus, the modified Lethal Level for the Ju88's attack is 4.

? Assuming the player elects to resolve the FW190's attack first, what happens if the FW190's attack forces its target to fall out of formation? Does the Ju88 still attack? Yes. If the first attack's results require a Fallen or Destroyed marker be placed on the bomber, the player would still resolve the Ju88's attack. The Lethal Level would be reduced by 1, because of the new marker, and an Oblique Attack card would be drawn. All results would apply, except Damage results on the bomber. (See p. 46, "No Bomber?")

Attack Cards

(during the Burst step of the Attack Phase)

Once you determine the Lethal Level (explained on p. 44), draw an Attack card and apply all of the results, if any.

Attack Card

Draw an Attack card from the deck corresponding to the fighter's position (Nose, Oblique, or Tail). After applying the results, discard the card.

The most reliable way to do damage to a bomber was to fire on it from the rear, but that was also the easiest way to receive harm from the bomber's gunners.

No Bomber?

If there is no bomber to attack (because another fighter just destroyed it or knocked it out of formation), include the Fallen/Destroyed marker's Lethal Level deduction and draw an Attack card. Apply all results except Damage.

Reading the Attack Card

Each Attack card is printed with a grid: columns for Lethal Level (0 through 5), and rows for the fighter's Altitude (High, Level, or Low; for Oblique cards, High and Low only), each Altitude row split into an upper section (Determined mode) and a lower, blue section (Evasive mode). Each cell holds the result(s) for that combination, printed as icons and letter codes (explained on pp. 47-50).

Attack Card Type (Nose, Tail, Oblique): printed in the card's corner.
Lethal Level (0-5): Use the column corresponding to the Lethal Level of the fighter's space, modified by the factors noted on p. 44. If modifications reduce the Lethal Level below zero, use the zero column, and if greater than 5, use the 5 column.
Altitude (High, Level, or Low): Use the row corresponding to the fighter's altitude.
Determined Mode (upper section of each row): Use this section if the fighter is Determined.
Evasive Mode (lower section of each row): Use this section if the fighter is Evasive.

Results

Cross-index row and column to find the results of the attack (that is, cross-index altitude and mode with the lethal level). If the cell is empty, the attack had no effect (there is no result except that the attack has been resolved). In most cases there is an effect to either the fighter or the bomber, or both. When there is more than one result indicated, apply them all in any order (unless noted otherwise). The effect of each type of result is explained on pages 47-50.

All Results? In some cases, a result will not apply. For example, if a 'C' result is applied before a Pass Through result, and the fighter exits as a result of the Collision Check, the Pass Through is not applied.

Attack Result: Damage

(during the Burst and Break Away steps of the Attack Phase, and during the Blast & Flak Phase)

Damage

For each Damage result, randomly draw a Damage marker from the cup. Place the marker on or next to the bomber. It may have an immediate and catastrophic effect: roll a die and compare the number rolled to the Catastrophe Number printed on the front of the marker. If you roll EQUAL TO OR HIGHER than that number, the catastrophic effect is triggered (destroyed or fallen, apply the appropriate marker). If less than the number, it does not take effect (flip the Damage marker over and leave it on the bomber).

Catastrophic Effect

(a Damage marker's front shows a Catastrophe Number, e.g. wing, 6, Destroyed; its back shows the Damage Number, e.g. wing, 9, Fallen)

If the effect is Destroyed, place a Destroyed marker on the bomber and return its Damage markers to the cup. You earn VP (see the back of the Situation Manual for the VP chart).

If the effect is Fallen, the bomber falls out of the formation. Place a Fallen marker on the bomber and return its Damage markers to the cup. If playing the Advanced Game, place the bomber's Damage markers on the current space on the Turn Track (the bomber can be intercepted during Pursuit, see Advanced Rule Book, p. 4).

If the catastrophic effect was NOT triggered (this is the most common result), flip the Damage marker over and leave it next to the bomber.

(A letter used on some markers applies only when playing the Advanced Game (p. 6; it applies only to the pursuit map).)

Cannon?

If the fighter is armed with Cannon, draw two Damage markers instead of one. Do this for each Damage result. Look at both markers (you may look at the front and back) and select one to apply (put the other back in the cup). This is a permanent benefit of the cannon and may be used every attack.

Schwarm Advantage?

If you earned the Schwarm Attack advantage, you may use it to add one or two Damage results to the results indicated by the Attack card. Once both are used, remove the marker.

Accumulated Damage

The moment that the Damage numbers on all of a bomber's Damage markers add to 10 or more, the bomber is destroyed (place a Destroyed marker on the bomber and return the Damage markers to its cup). VP is earned.

In the Advanced Game, this only applies to the formation map, not to the pursuit map (see Advanced Rule Book, p. 3).

Attack Result: Hit

(during the Burst and Break Away steps of the Attack Phase, and as a result of flak during the Blast & Flak Phase)

Hit

For each Hit result on a fighter, attach a randomly drawn Hit marker to the fighter (place the marker on the fighter block, or keep it next to it). Each marker represents damage to the fighter.

You won't know right away if the hit is trivial or severe (you'll know during the Recovery Phase), but the marker will tell you where the aircraft is hit (cockpit, wing, etc.). When a Hit marker is attached to a fighter, there is no other immediate effect to suffering a hit while in a space on the formation map. Once the Attack Phase is over, however, Hit fighters may not move during the Move Phase, nor may they return during the Return Phase. Nor may they exit. To add insult to injury, they suffer an adverse modifier during aerial combat with escorts.

Hit Cancelled?

There are a variety of ways to cancel a Hit result:

Out of the Sun (Does not apply to flak.) If the fighter approached from an Approach Box connected to a position box containing the Sun marker, it benefits from the Out of the Sun advantage. (Example: a Ju88 approaching out of the sun; place an Out of the Sun marker on the fighter.)

This advantage cancels one Hit if the fighter is in Evasive mode; if in Determined mode, roll an EVEN number on one die to cancel the Hit. If you roll ODD, it does not cancel the Hit and the advantage is not used. Remove the Advantage marker if the Hit is cancelled. You must make the decision to use this advantage before drawing a Hit marker.

If the fighter does not use its Out of the Sun advantage by the conclusion of the Break Away step, remove the Out of the Sun marker.

Attack Advantage (Rotte or Position): Each of these markers allows you to cancel one Hit, but you must make that decision before drawing the Hit marker. Any fighter in the element may use it. Remove the marker when you use it.

Green Penalty?

Disoriented: When a fighter with this green penalty suffers a Hit (for any reason), the fighter changes mode. Do this after the Hit marker has been placed on the fighter.

Rookie: When a fighter with this green penalty suffers a Hit (for any reason), draw two Hit markers instead of one. Look at both and place the one with the higher Hit number on the fighter and put the other back in the cup. If they are the same number, select either of them.

Attack Result: Pass Through

(during the Burst step of the Attack Phase)

Pass Through

The numeral printed on the Attack card (1, 2, or 3) is the number of spaces the fighter must move. If no numeral, treat as a zero (that is, there is no Pass Through movement, the fighter remains in its space). On Formation Map 6, Climb and Dive maneuvers are altered, as illustrated on the game board itself.

Which Direction?

Direction is determined by the Maneuver marker.

Climb or Dive: If climbing or diving, movement must be straight ahead.

Climb Roll or Dive Roll: If rolling, direction must be as indicated by the placement of the Maneuver marker. The arrow on the marker indicates direction (left or right).

Direction summary: CLIMB/DIVE crosses intersections; ROLL crosses lines.

Edge of the World?

A fighter may not exit the map due to Pass Through movement. If it reaches a space on the edge of the formation and still should move another space, it remains in that last space.

Pass Through Example

The Ju88 attacked obliquely and one of the attack results requires it to make a Pass Through move of three spaces. It is Dive Rolling towards the front of the formation (that is, towards the Nose Position), and thus, it must move in the direction indicated. After moving two spaces, the Ju88 stops, because it has reached the edge of the map and may not move a third space.

Other Attack Results

(during the Burst step of the Attack Phase)

Collision (see p. 40): Make a Collision Check (that means drawing a Proximity marker and placing it on the fighter, and apply the result; see p. 40). Make this check even if the bomber is destroyed by Damage or attacking a bomber that was already fallen or destroyed by another fighter's attack. Why? The collision may happen with debris and not just another intact aircraft.

Riding the Tail

After applying all other results of the attack, the fighter must either attack again immediately, or drop back to the Tail Position.

Attacking Again: Draw another Attack card and apply the results. If one of the results is "Riding the Tail," the fighter may attack yet again or drop back to the Tail Position.
Drop Back to the Tail Position: Place the fighter in the Level Box of the Tail Position. Doing this allows the fighter to skip Continuing Fire.

Note: a fighter that drops back is NOT placed in the Approach Box, it is placed in the Tail/Level Position Box.

No Ammo

After applying all other results, place a No Ammo marker on the fighter as an attachment (or make a note on the Pilot Roster, or just remember). For the remainder of this Mission, the fighter is incapable of producing a Damage result on a bomber, and it suffers a -1 modifier in aerial combat against escorts. If a pilot with the Timing experte skill is No Ammo, he may not use his skill. Note: A fighter with a No Ammo attachment may attack. Any Damage result it garners is cancelled, but all other results apply.

No Bomber? A fighter resolving an attack against a bomber that has just fallen or been destroyed due to another fighter's attack, is affected by a No Ammo result (see p. 46, No Bomber?).

Schwarm Advantage? You may not earn the Schwarm advantage if one of the fighters qualifying for that advantage is No Ammo (see p. 43).

Jam? A Jam result has no effect on a No Ammo fighter.

Jam

After applying all other results, place a Jam marker on the fighter as an attachment (or just remember that its guns are jammed). For the remainder of this Mission, when the fighter scores a Damage result on a bomber, roll a die: if the number rolled is EVEN, apply the Damage result normally. If ODD, the Damage result is cancelled.

No Bomber? A fighter resolving an attack against a bomber that has just fallen or been destroyed due to another fighter's attack, is affected by a Jam result (see p. 46, No Bomber?).

No Ammo? If a fighter with a Jam marker garners a No Ammo result, flip the marker over. The fighter is now No Ammo. But look on the bright side: at least it isn't Jammed!

To the dismay of many a fighter pilot in the unfriendly skies above Europe, it was not unusual to experience weapons malfunction, including the jamming of machine guns or momentarily inoperable cannon.

Attack Example

(during the Burst step of the Attack Phase)

The player decides to resolve Bär's oblique attack first. His space has a Lethal Level of 2 but the element's cohesion is Kaputt, lowering the Lethal Level to zero. He draws an Oblique Attack card and finds the result under the zero column and the "Low" row (because the FW190's altitude relative to the bomber is Low). He finds the result in the upper section of that row because the fighter is in Determined mode.
Results: Bär damages the bomber, and so one Damage marker is drawn and placed on the bomber's image on the formation map. It's an engine hit with a Catastrophe Number of 5, so the player immediately rolls a die. He rolls a 7, which triggers the catastrophic effect and the bomber falls out of formation. A Fallen marker is placed on the bomber. Bär then moves one space forward (the fighter moves straight ahead because the Maneuver marker is Climb).

Bär earns 1 EP for knocking the bomber out of formation, and so does the Staffel. And VP is earned too.

The player now resolves the attack of the Evasive mode fighter attacking from the Nose. Its space's Lethal Level is 2, but the Nose position is anchored, raising the Lethal Level to 3. However, the element's cohesion is Kaputt, reducing it to 1. He draws a Nose Attack card and finds the result under the 1 column and the "Level" row.
Results: The fighter is Hit, must Pass Through 2 spaces, and make a Collision Check. The player elects to use the fighter's Experte skill (Quick) changing mode to Determined, which means instead of the 'C' result they garner a Damage result. They remove the Experte marker to remember the skill was used, and then draws a Damage marker and places it on the bomber. Also, the player elects to use the Position advantage to cancel the Hit (he removes the Advantage marker).
Pass Through: The fighter moves forward two spaces to satisfy the Pass Through result on the Attack card.

Continuing Fire

(during the Break Away step of the Attack Phase; does not apply to the pursuit map (Adv. Game Rules))

Select a fighter in a space on the formation map, and draw a Continuing Fire card for it. Flip the card over and read the Event Text (do this first, following its directions), then check to see if the fighter is Hit by locating the result in the Continuing Fire Table printed on that card. You must do this for every fighter in a space on the formation map, one at a time (one card per fighter).

Reading the Continuing Fire Card

Continuing Fire Table — Lethal Level (0-5): Use the column corresponding to the Lethal Level of the fighter's space, modified by the factors noted on p. 44. If modifications reduce the Lethal Level below zero, use the zero column, and if greater than 5, use the 5 column.
Determined Mode: Use this row if the fighter is Determined.
Evasive Mode: Use this row if the fighter is Evasive.

Event Text

Each Continuing Fire card has text printed below the Continuing Fire Table. Follow the directions of that text. In most cases, the directions apply only under specific circumstances (and those circumstances are indicated in the Event Text itself). If those circumstances do not apply, ignore the text. If the directions allow you to "skip" Continuing Fire, ignore the result in the Continuing Fire Table.

Continuing Fire Table

After applying the Event Text, if the fighter is still in a space on the formation map (that is, the Event Text has not allowed it to Break Away or exit before resolving Continuing Fire), use the table to determine if the fighter is Hit as it flies out of the bomber formation. Only two results are possible, either the fighter is Hit, or it is not Hit (actually, there is a third possibility: the fighter may suffer more than one Hit). Locate the result in the column corresponding to the Lethal Level, and the row corresponding to the fighter's mode. If Determined, use the upper row, and if Evasive use the bottom row (blue). (An icon on the table marks where the fighter is Hit.) Hits may be cancelled by Luck experte skill, Attack and/or Out of the Sun advantage (p. 48).

If you have advantages with these icons, you can use them to cancel a Hit during Continuing Fire (p. 48).

Lethal Level Modifications

The Lethal Level can be modified by all the same factors that modify it during an attack (during the Burst step of the Attack Phase, explained on p. 44). In addition to those, the Continuing Fire card itself may modify the Lethal Level, if the fighter's Maneuver marker corresponds to that shown on the card. Not all cards modify the Lethal Level.

Example: this card indicates that if the fighter's maneuver is Climb or Climb Roll, the Lethal Level is increased (+1 if Climb Roll, and +2 if Climb).

Continuing Fire Example 1

(during the Burst step of the Attack Phase)

The player decides to resolve Continuing Fire against Bär first. He draws a Continuing Fire card and notes that the Event Text does not apply. Had he drawn this card for the other FW190, which is diving, it would have applied (and changed mode to Evasive).
Result: The Lethal Level in Bär's space is 4. But the Fallen marker lowers that level by 1 and the Kaputt marker lowers it again by 2. Thus, the Lethal Level is 1, and so the player locates the result in the upper row of the 1 column and finds that Bär is Hit. The player draws a Hit marker and places it on the fighter.
The player now resolves the Continuing Fire on the other fighter. He draws a card and then rolls a die (because he is directed to do so by the Event Text). He rolls a 7, which is an odd number, and so the fighter is hit by debris. He draws a Hit marker from the cup, a Wing hit, and places it on the fighter. (This hit may not be cancelled.)
Result: Now the player determines the Lethal Level. The Lethal Level for the space is 4, but the Kaputt marker lowers it to 2. Clausen occupies an overlap space, so he could instead apply the other element's Cohesion state (Loose), and in this rare case, it makes sense to do so. The player locates the result in the 3 column on the table, and because the fighter is in Determined mode, there is no Hit.

Continuing Fire Example 2

(during the Burst step of the Attack Phase)

The player draws a Continuing Fire card for Bär (this is a new example). The Event Text is "Slow Climb," and it applies because the fighter is climb rolling. Thus, the Lethal Level is increased by 1. Resolving Continuing Fire, the Lethal Level printed in the space is 2, modified to a 3 because of the Event Text, and modified again because the fighter is high and the note in the space indicates that there is a +1 increase if altitude is high. Thus, the player must use the 4 column. He does not benefit from the Loose marker because Bär is not in that marker's element. Had there been a Cohesion marker in the element he is currently in, he would have used it.
Result: Bär suffers a Hit. The player cancels the Hit by using the Rotte advantage. Bär breaks away to the Flank Return Box (High).
Clausen's turn. The player draws a card, "Hard Roll." The Event Text applies because Clausen's maneuver is dive roll, so the fighter skips Continuing Fire and breaks away to the Tail Return Box (Low).
Had Clausen not dive rolled: The Lethal Level in the space is 2. This would have meant Clausen suffered a Hit (and since Bär already used the Rotte advantage, it could not be canceled).

Event Text

(during the Break Away step of the Attack Phase)

We hope the directions printed on the Continuing Fire cards are self-explanatory, but in case confusion arises, a more elaborate explanation is provided here.

Achtung!

This Event Text applies after Continuing Fire and only if the fighter's mode is Determined. If an Escort marker is in the Above Trailing station, it immediately moves to the fighter's Return Box, wherever it may be.

Bounced

This Event Text applies after Continuing Fire and only if the fighter's Maneuver marker is Dive or Dive Roll. If an Escort marker is in the Below Trailing station, it attacks the fighter. Immediately perform aerial combat (p. 20). If the result is Dogfight, place the fighter and Escort marker into the Dogfight box (if the fighter is destroyed, however, convert the D result to an S result). If the fighter does not exit due to Aerial Combat Table results, it may exit or break away to the Evasive Return Box in the Tail Position. If the Escort marker does not exit, return it to the Below Trailing station.

Confused

This Event Text applies only if the pilot has a green penalty. After resolving Continuing Fire, and regardless of the result of Continuing Fire, you must spend 1 Tactical Point. If you do not have a TP to spend (because you currently have zero TP), the fighter is Hit (place a randomly drawn Hit marker on it). This Hit may not be cancelled by an Attack advantage, and there is no way to avoid spending 1 TP if you have at least 1 TP to spend.

Notice the Hit pattern on the Continuing Fire Table. Your pilot may not be the only confused actor on this flying stage.

Debris

This Event Text automatically applies. Roll a die. If the number rolled is an EVEN number, draw a Damage marker and place it on the nearest bomber. If more than one bomber qualifies as nearest, choose one of them. Check for catastrophic effect in the normal way (explained on page 47). If the number is ODD, place a Hit marker on the fighter. This Hit may not be cancelled.

If a bomber is fallen due to debris, you earn 1 staffel EP, and 1 or 2 VP depending on the Mission Type (2 VP if Inbound) (zero VP if playing the Advanced Game). If destroyed, you earn 2 EP and 1 or 2 VP. If two players, only the player who drew the card gets EP and VP.

The sky is filled with bits and pieces of metal. There are fragments blasted away from bombers, and from fighters. A crewman's tool box might be torn out from his bomber. Empty casings from a .50 caliber belt of ammo whistle through the air after a gunner expends the whole nine yards...

Fall Away

The Event Text of this card applies only if the fighter's maneuver is Dive. If in Determined mode, the fighter switches to Evasive mode (before Continuing Fire). It must break away to the Evasive Return Box. If already in Evasive mode when this card is drawn, the fighter skips Continuing Fire and breaks away immediately.

Friendly Fire

This Event Text automatically applies. Roll a die. If the number rolled is an EVEN number (such as a 2 or a 6), draw a Damage marker and place it on the nearest bomber. If more than one bomber qualifies as nearest, choose one of them. Check for catastrophic effect in the normal way (explained on page 47). If the number rolled is ODD, skip Continuing Fire (the fighter breaks away in the confusion).

If a bomber is fallen due to friendly fire, you earn 1 staffel EP, and 1 or 2 VP depending on the Mission Type (2 VP if Inbound) (zero VP if playing the Advanced Game). If destroyed, you earn 2 EP and 1 or 2 VP. If two players, only the player who drew the card gets EP and VP.

Hard Roll

This applies only if the fighter's Maneuver marker is Dive Roll. The fighter breaks away immediately and skips Continuing Fire.

Into the Sun

The Event Text applies only if the fighter's Maneuver is Climb or Climb Rolling, and the fighter is about to Break Away to the position that has the Sun marker in it. If there is no Sun marker on the formation map, this Event Text does not apply even if the fighter is climbing or climb rolling. If this Event Text applies, the fighter skips Continuing Fire.

Strafe

This applies only if the pilot has one or more experte skills. Even if all the pilot's experte skill(s) have been used already this Mission, this Event Text applies. However, if there are no bombers in this fighter's element, or if this fighter is not in an element, ignore the event text. If the text applies, roll two dice, and if one or both dice produce an EVEN number (for example, a 2 and a 6), one bomber in the element is Damaged (draw a Damage marker and apply it; p. 47).

This experienced pilot has a good eye, good reflexes, and knows what to do when a target wanders into his sights.

Power Bleed

Apply Continuing Fire, and then the Fighter breaks away to the Tail/Low Evasive Return Box (even if in Determined mode).

Slow Climb

This Event Text applies only if the fighter's Maneuver marker is Climb or Climb Roll. The Lethal Level is increased by 1 if Climb Rolling, and by 2 if Climbing. Also, the fighter must break away to the Tail Position (high). Mode still applies when determining where the fighter breaks away to: if Evasive mode, the fighter must be placed in the Evasive Return Box, or the Return Box if in Determined mode.

Break Away

(during the Break Away step of the Attack Phase)

One by one, after Continuing Fire, each fighter in a space on the formation map breaks away.

Break Away Where?

A fighter breaks away to the position opposite its approach. For example, if a fighter approached from the Nose, it breaks away to the Tail. However, if the fighter rolled, then it goes to the position it rolled towards, as indicated by the arrow of its Maneuver marker. See page 38-39 (Engage step) for a complete schematic of break away destinations.

Climb or Dive?

If the fighter climbed, it breaks away to the Return or Evasive Return Box connected to the position's High altitude box. If it dove, it goes to the Return or Evasive Return Box connected to the Low box.

Determined or Evasive?

If the fighter is in Determined mode, it breaks away to the Return Box. If Evasive mode, it breaks away to the Evasive Return Box.

Green Penalty?

Blackout: When a fighter with this green penalty breaks away, roll a die before placing it in the Return or Evasive Return Box. If the number rolled is a '1', the fighter crashes and the pilot is killed. If the number rolled is a '2' or '3', the fighter exits (if it has a Hit marker attached, perform Recovery immediately, p. 23). If the number rolled is '4' or higher, there is no adverse effect and the fighter breaks away normally.

Summary: 1 = pilot killed; 2-3 = exit; 4+ = break away. (This is printed in the margin of the Pilot Roster.)

Section 4: Mission Tally

When a Mission ends, determine what happened to fighters that were sent to the Fate Boxes.

If the Mission ended with one or more Hit markers still on fighters, perform Recovery (p. 23). Also, if a fighter and Escort marker are in the Dogfight Box, perform Aerial Combat (p. 20).

Then, tally the number of Victory Points (VP) earned, Experience Points earned (EP) by your Staffel and its individual pilots (on your Pilot Roster), and note any Operations Points (OP) that must be deducted due to the loss of auxiliary fighters.

Two Players: Each player keeps track of their points separately, using their own Pilot Roster and Staffel Log.

Fate

Check Each Fighter

Each fighter in a Fate Box must be checked. Do so by rolling a die and noting the number rolled on the table printed in the Fate Box to get the result. With the exception of "Lands," all results require a second die roll. If the pilot earns an EP, it is awarded only to him, not to the Staffel.

Armor: If the fighter has the Armor attachment, add +2 to the number rolled when checking the Cockpit, Engine, or Fuel Fate Boxes. This modifier also applies to Bail Out checks.

Example: A FW190 ends a Mission with a serious Cockpit hit and is in the Cockpit Fate Box. You roll a die – a 9 – and so the pilot safely lands. Had you rolled a 1, the fighter would have exploded, and you would have rolled a second die – a 6 – learning that the pilot is now dead. He could not bail out in time to save himself. However, if the fighter had the Armor attachment, the 1 would have been increased to a 3, which meant the aircraft was on fire. The second roll would have been increased to an 8, which would have meant the pilot bailed out but must be placed in the Wounded Box.

Lands: This result earns the pilot 1 EP and the pilot is available to participate in the next Mission.

Bail Out? Crash, Fire, Explode

If this result happens to an auxiliary fighter, deduct 1 EP from the Staffel and 1 OP from the next Mission during Mission Set-Up. If a FW190 crashes, catches fire, or explodes, roll another die to determine the pilot's fate (add +2 for the Engine, Cockpit, or Fuel Fate Box if the fighter has the Armor attachment):

Bail Out: Yes — The Pilot successfully bails out. He earns 1 EP and may participate in the next Mission.
Bail Out: No — The Pilot does not bail out. He is dead. Cross his name from the Pilot Roster.
Wounded — The pilot is wounded. He earns 1 EP but is not necessarily available for the next Mission. Place the fighter in the Wounded Box (on the off-map panel). At the start of each Mission, you may check for the return of the wounded pilot ("return" means he can leave the box). Check by rolling a die: if the number rolled is a 9 or 10, the pilot returns and may participate in the Mission (and every Mission thereafter). Any other number rolled means the pilot remains wounded (and thus, unavailable). You may replace him, but if you do so you may no longer attempt to return him. A pilot that remains wounded may be checked for return at the start of every Mission (and this may continue indefinitely throughout the game).

The off-map panel's Wounded box: Place Wounded Fighters here. At the start of each subsequent Mission, you may attempt to recover each wounded pilot. Roll a die for each: Recovery is successful if you roll a 9-10. Any other result means the pilot remains wounded. You may instead replace the pilot.

Replacement Pilot

If a pilot dies or is wounded, you may replace him (and in the case of a wounded pilot, you relinquish the option to return him; see "Wounded" above). Cross the name of the dead or wounded pilot from your Pilot Roster. Invent a name for the replacement and write it in the space under the deceased or wounded pilot's name. Determine the replacement's green penalty (choose, or determine randomly).

We recommend inventing a name that starts with the same first letter as the pilot you are replacing. It will make identification easier as you proceed with the Campaign.

Replacing a Replacement? A replacement pilot may NOT be replaced. For the purpose of determining available pilots, an "available pilot" is one that is not in the Wounded Box nor has it been crossed off your roster (see the back of the Situation Manual).

Tallying Points

Tactical Points (TP)

Leftover TP is forfeited, not saved (but if playing the Advanced Game, it is forfeited after Pursuit, when the Mission is completely over).

Operations Points Deduction (OP)

For each auxiliary fighter destroyed during the Mission (by escort, or failed to land), you must deduct 1 OP during Mission Set-Up when you play the next Mission.

Victory Points (VP)

The back of the Situation Manual has a VP chart. See "Winning and Losing" on page 25 of that manual.

Experience Points (EP): Staffel

Note on your Staffel Log EP earned for the Mission. You should do this during the Mission itself. Staffel EP can be earned during any phase. Staffel EP are used to pay for Staffel Commands during set-up (pp. 6-7).

You earn 1 EP for each bomber forced out of the formation (Fallen), and 2 EP for each bomber destroyed.

DEDUCTION: For each auxiliary fighter destroyed during the mission (by escorts, or failed to garner a Lands result on the Fate Box Table), you must deduct 1 EP.

Experience Points (EP): Pilot

Note on your Pilot Roster each pilot's EP earned for the Mission. This should be done during the Mission itself, since it may be difficult to remember each pilot's actions. A pilot may earn EP only during the Attack Phase, Escort Phase, or Pursuit (if playing the Advanced Game).

A pilot earns 1 EP for each bomber he forces out of the formation (Fallen), and 2 EP for each bomber he destroys. For the pilot to earn the EP, the event must have been a DIRECT and IMMEDIATE result of that pilot's actions.

For example, a fighter's attack results in a Damage marker being placed on a bomber, and the catastrophic effect is triggered, forcing the bomber to fall out of formation. Thus, the pilot earns 1 EP.

Another example: A fighter's attack results in 4 Damage points, and a second fighter adds another 4 Damage points. On a subsequent attack a third fighter adds 2 more Damage points, destroying the bomber. Only the third fighter earns the 2 EP.

A pilot also earns 1 EP if he survives a Fate Box (that is, if the Fate Box Table result is Lands, Bail Out "Yes", or Wounded).

EP during Blast & Flak Phase?

During the Blast procedure, effects of rockets and bombs earn the Staffel EP (if the result is Fallen or Destroyed), but individual pilots do NOT earn EP. No EP are awarded for Fallen or Destroyed results from flak (but you earn VP).

EP for Escorts?

A pilot also earns 1 EP for each "e" result in aerial combat that the pilot earned. Only one pilot may earn an EP for a single aerial combat. However, no Staffel EP is earned.

Staffel Commands

Earning Staffel Commands

Staffel Commands are earned by accumulating Staffel Experience Points (EP). Record Staffel EP on your Staffel Log.

Staffel Command Costs and Timing

You may use one or more Staffel Commands during Mission Set-Up. When using the Mission Set-Up Table (player aid folder), or the Situation Manual, each command costs 7 EP. You may take as many commands as you can pay for in EP. A Staffel Command may not be made retroactively. Once you roll another die during the set-up process, you may not go back to override a previous die roll.

Effect of a Staffel Command

A Staffel Command allows you to make a selection to override the roll of a die.

For example, after rolling a die to determine the Mission Type, you note that the result is "Outbound." Not liking the result, you spend 7 EP and select "Inbound".

Experten, and Green Pilots

Experte Skills

Each skill costs 5 EP to earn (deduct the EP from the pilot's total on the Pilot Roster). Once earned, the skill is permanent and may be used every Mission. Each skill may be used once during a Mission. A pilot may earn more than one skill, and may earn the same skill more than once. For example, a pilot with the Flyer skill may spend 5 EP to earn it again, allowing him to use that skill twice every Mission.

Flyer: When this fighter triggers a Collision Check, during the Attack Phase, draw two Proximity markers and select one (put the other back in the cup). You may look at both markers.
Quick: Change mode anytime. For example, when you draw an Attack Card, you may look at the card and then change the fighter's mode. When applying Attack results, however, you may change mode before or after applying all of the results. Thus, as an example, if a fighter would score a Damage result in either mode, don't apply the result and then change mode to apply a second Damage result due to the change in mode.
Wiley: When the Aerial Combat result forces the fighter to the Dogfight Box, use this skill to either exit or move to any Return Box. The Escort marker exits and other fighters remain where they are (they do not go to the Dogfight Box).

Green Penalties

A replacement pilot automatically starts with a green penalty. You may select it, or, select it randomly. During the course of the game, a penalty may be removed by spending three of the pilot's EP. Unlike experte skills that can only be used once per Mission, penalties must be used whenever applicable.

Blackout: When performing Break Away (p. 56), roll a die and apply the result: 1 = pilot killed (remove the fighter and cross the pilot's name from the roster); 2-3 = exit (remove the fighter); 4+ = Break Away.
Disoriented: When Hit, change mode. Apply the mode change after placing the Hit marker. Thus, if by Continuing Fire, apply the event text first (unless it tells you to apply the event after Continuing Fire).
Rookie: When Hit, draw two Hit markers. Look at both and select the marker with the higher number (put the other back in the cup). If the numbers are the same, select either of them.

Stickers

Stickers are organized by type: Mc202, Fw190, Bf110, IAR80, Ju88, etc. Two stickers go on each block, a Determined mode sticker on the front and an Evasive mode sticker on the back.

There are two color groups, Gray Group and Green Group, useful when playing the two-player version of the game, or when organizing your Fighters during a Mission. All blocks are used when playing solitaire.

AIRPLANES: stickers on gray blocks (front and back). ALTITUDE: no stickers on blue blocks.

Evasive Mode Letters

FW190s (only) have a letter on their Evasive Mode side. It should match the first letter of the pilot's last name. In this example, 'A' for 'Ahrens.'

Credits

Designers: Jeremy (Jerry) White & Mark Aasted

Playtesting, Proofing, and Counsel: Steve Calloway, Edson Heckels, Tom Holliday, John Legget, Troy Nichols, Stephen Perkovich, Doug Sun, Alex Vayhinger, Brian Workman, and special thanks to the Friday Game Knights.

Spanish Translation: Juan Francisco Luzón Bermejo

Component Design & Art (except box): Jeremy White

Art Director & Package Design: Mark Simonitch

Cover Art: Antonis Karidis

Production Coordination: Tony Curtis

Publishers: Gene Billingsley, Tony Curtis, Andy Lewis, Mark Simonitch

Training Mission

Set-Up and Objective

To get you started playing fast, set up the game board as you see here. This is a short Training Mission that skips the Mission Set-Up sequence and only uses two FW190s. No auxiliaries and no attachments, and no Escort to worry about. You also get zero Tactical Points (TP). Place the Flight Limit marker in the 5 space of the Turn Track. This indicates that this Mission ends at the end of Turn 5. Your goal is to Damage a bomber without putting a Fighter in a Fate Box.

Start

It is Mission Turn 1 so grab the Mission Sequence of Play player aid folder (shown below). A turn starts with the Move Phase, but all you can do right now is place your Fighters in any Low Altitude Box (they are "entering"). We show them entering in the Flank Position (Low), but feel free to place them in any Position (as long as they are in a Low Altitude Box). You can split them up if you like, or keep them together.

Make Your Move

You skip the other phases of this first Turn (because there are no actions to take). Move the Mission Turn marker up one space on the Turn Track. It is Mission Turn 2 now, and time to make another decision. Each Fighter gets to move. Do you have them attack now? If so, move them into the adjacent Approach Box. Or do you maneuver for a better run? If so, move them to Level altitude or perhaps to another Position (take a look at the examples on page 15). If you moved one or both Fighters into an Approach Box, you will have to play the Attack Phase. If not, you will move on to Turn 3.