Understanding the Dice in Infinity: A Comprehensive Guide
For many tabletop role-playing games and wargames, the roll of the dice is a fundamental mechanic that determines the success or failure of actions. When it comes to the popular miniature wargame Infinity: The Game, the question of "how many dice for infinity" is a common one, and the answer isn't as simple as a single number. It depends entirely on the specific situation you're facing on the battlefield.
The Core Mechanic: The D20 Roll
At its heart, Infinity uses a d20 system for most rolls. This means you'll be rolling one twenty-sided die to determine the outcome of your actions. However, this single die roll is almost always modified by a variety of factors.
Skills and Attributes
Your miniatures in Infinity have statistics representing their skills and attributes. These are typically numerical values that you add to your d20 roll. For instance, if your trooper has a 'Marksmanship' skill of 12, and you're taking a shot, you'll roll a d20 and add 12 to the result. This significantly increases your chances of hitting your target.
Range Modifiers
The distance between your attacking trooper and their target plays a crucial role. Infinity uses a system of range bands, and each band applies a modifier to your attack roll. Closer ranges generally provide a bonus (meaning you add to your roll), while longer ranges impose a penalty (meaning you subtract from your roll).
Cover and Concealment
Terrain features on the battlefield are vital for survival. If your target is behind cover (like a wall or building), they gain a defensive bonus. If they are in concealment (like smoke or a bush), they also gain a defensive bonus, though typically less potent than full cover. These defensive bonuses are added to the target's roll when they attempt to dodge or their opponent attempts to hit them.
Special Skills and Equipment
Many troopers in Infinity have special skills or equipment that can affect dice rolls. These can include:
- Suppressive Fire: This action forces an enemy trooper to make a defense roll with a penalty.
- Chain of Command: This allows a trooper to grant bonuses to nearby friendly models.
- Targeting Systems: Advanced weaponry might provide bonuses to hit.
- Special Ammunition: Certain types of ammunition can inflict negative modifiers on the target's defense.
Combat Scenarios: When Multiple Dice Come into Play
While most individual actions in Infinity involve rolling a single d20, there are specific scenarios where you might be rolling more. The most common of these is when a trooper is subjected to a Gallantry Roll or a Neuro-wound.
Gallantry Rolls
When a trooper is in a desperate situation, such as being the last one standing in their unit or facing an overwhelming threat, they might be required to make a Gallantry Roll. This typically involves rolling two d20s and taking the better result. This represents a surge of adrenaline and a higher chance of success in the face of adversity.
Neuro-wounds
Certain critical hits or special attacks can inflict neuro-wounds. When this happens, the affected trooper may need to make a series of rolls, often involving multiple d20s, to determine the severity of the wound and their ability to continue fighting. These rolls can be quite complex and depend on the specific weapon or effect that caused the neuro-wound.
Critical Hits and Failures
While not strictly rolling more dice, the result of your single d20 roll can have amplified effects. Rolling a natural 20 on an attack roll is often a critical hit, dealing extra damage or having special effects. Conversely, rolling a natural 1 can be a critical failure, leading to unintended consequences.
When in Doubt: Consult the Rules!
The beauty and complexity of Infinity lie in its detailed ruleset. The exact number of dice you roll, and how those rolls are modified, is always dictated by the official rulebook. If you're ever unsure, the best course of action is to refer to the relevant section of the rulebook for the specific situation you're in. The Infinity rulebook is your ultimate guide.
A Quick Summary of Dice Rolls in Infinity:
- Most Actions: 1 x d20 (modified by skills, range, cover, etc.)
- Gallantry Rolls: 2 x d20 (take the higher result)
- Neuro-wound Rolls: Can vary, often involving multiple d20s depending on the wound.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many dice do I roll for a standard attack in Infinity?
For a standard attack in Infinity, you will typically roll only one twenty-sided die (d20). This single roll is then modified by your trooper's skills, the range to your target, any cover or concealment the target has, and other potential bonuses or penalties from special skills or equipment.
Why would I ever roll more than one die in Infinity?
You would roll more than one die in specific, less common situations. The most prominent examples include making a Gallantry Roll, where you roll two d20s and take the better result to represent increased determination, or when dealing with neuro-wounds, which can involve a series of rolls, sometimes using multiple dice, to determine their impact.
Does terrain affect how many dice I roll?
Terrain itself doesn't directly change the *number* of dice you roll for an attack or defense. Instead, terrain provides cover or concealment bonuses. These bonuses are added to the target's defense roll, making it harder for your opponent to hit them. So, while it influences the outcome, it doesn't change the quantity of dice thrown.
Are there ever situations where I roll a whole handful of dice?
No, in the standard rules of Infinity, you will never roll a "handful" of dice in the way some other games might use for massed attacks. Infinity focuses on individual trooper actions and the detailed mechanics of each engagement. The most you'll typically roll for a single resolution is two dice for a Gallantry Roll or for certain complex neuro-wound checks.
