Issue 16 of Fanatic's Mordheim magazine, Town Cyer, is the first in a new format. It is now only half the size of the previous issues, 24 pages instead of 48. In compensation they have reduced the cover price from £3.50 to £2.00. The reason I have been told is that Fanatic are taking on more work and new magazines (ie Exterminatus). As such they have limited capacity and have to reduce it's size. TC is now consistent with the other Fanatic magazines. I for one am disappointed. They admit that Mordheim has a great future and is still their best seller but we are losing out by 50% of the previous editorial content. Hopefully this will be restored in the future.

So what is in this issue?

FRONT COVER

On the front is a Kislevite warband in the city of the damned. Inside is a close up of painted Kislevite minis. This is a new warband available from Fanatic by mail order. The models have been designed by Mark Harrison and Seth Nash. Very nice they look too, with a preponderance of furry hats. They have a plug-in weapon sprue to make equipping the models easier. This is the future way Mordheim models will be produced.

KHEMRI-LAND OF THE DEAD

The first instalment of the new setting. I have to declare some self interest here as I am the Khemri setting project leader. Like Lustria before it is written by gamers and enthusiasts working via the internet. This instalment covers the introduction and the core rules for running a campaign in the land of the dead including the all important water rules. Unlike Mordheim trading is a lot more difficult. You may not be able to find somewhere to sell your treasure and buy equipment between every game. You may even have to choose between the treasure you carry and the water you need to survive. The article also gives some history of the Land of the Dead and tells you who may and may not be found fighting there. Most Mordheim warbands can be used but some, like Sisters of Sigmar are very unlikely.

KISLEVITE WARBAND

This is the latest warband from Mark Havener. Fanatic are producing the miniatures and have commissioned the rules to go with them. The warband looks pretty well balanced but I am not convinced about all of the special equipment. They can buy vodka at 35+2D^ gc which is a one-use item giving them +1 leadership. That sounds expensive to me but then if you don't like it you don't have to buy it. A number of silly errors have crept into the editing. Watch out for the warriors, they should cost 25 gc not 15 gc as printed. Take a close look at the example warband and you will see what I mean. I will definitely be buying myself some when I get chance.

THE WATCHTOWER:

The latest update of the rules list. Not great reading but a useful. reference

BACK CATALOGUE

Just what it says. This is a complete price list of all Mordheim models and suitable alternatives from the Warhammer range. It includes the latest Amazons and Kislevites. Unfortunately some the Kislevite prices differ from the feature advert on the previous page which makes it less useful. Best to check with mail order before placing any order.

BACK COVER

Inside are colour photos of a tomb raid in progress. On the back are the usual 'small ads' and 'personal' items. One of my favourite features.

All in all, the magazine is still good value and packed with interesting, however I do regret the reduction in size.

(tm)