Cataclysm: A Second World War

Rulebook ~ by William Terdoslavich and Scott Muldoon

TABLE OF CONTENTS 9. OPERATIONS ........................................................ 18
9.1 OPERATION DEFINITIONS ......................................................... 18
TABLE OF CONTENTS...................................................... 1 9.2 OPERATION SEQUENCE .............................................................. 19
1. OVERVIEW ............................................................... 1 9.3 CAMPAIGN ......................................................................................... 19
9.4 RAID ...................................................................................................... 19
1.1 POWERS ................................................................................................ 1
9.5 INVASION............................................................................................ 20
1.2 NUMBER OF PLAYERS.................................................................... 2
9.6 SUPPLY................................................................................................. 21
1.3 SET-UP ................................................................................................... 2
9.7 ATTACKING A COUNTRY ............................................................ 21
1.4 ENDING THE GAME ......................................................................... 2
9.8 SPECIAL CASES ................................................................................ 21
1.5 HOW TO WIN ...................................................................................... 2
2. COMPONENTS......................................................... 2 10. COMBAT ................................................................. 22
10.1 COMBAT SEQUENCE............................................................... 22
2.1 THE MAP - THEATERS ................................................................... 3
10.2 SUPPORT ...................................................................................... 22
2.2 THE MAP - AREAS............................................................................. 3
10.3 AIR SUPERIORITY .................................................................... 22
2.3 THE MAP - OTHER FEATURES ................................................... 4
10.4 LAND COMBAT .......................................................................... 22
2.4 COUNTERS AND CUBES ................................................................. 5
10.5 NAVAL COMBAT ....................................................................... 23
2.5 POWER CARDS ................................................................................... 5
10.6 AIR COMBAT............................................................................... 23
2.6 CRISIS TABLES ................................................................................... 6
10.7 COMBAT RESULT ..................................................................... 23
2.7 DICE ......................................................................................................... 6
10.8 TRIUMPH AND DISASTER.................................................... 23
2.8 ACTION CUP ........................................................................................ 6
10.9 LOSSES........................................................................................... 24
3. SEQUENCE OF PLAY .............................................. 6 10.10 AFTERMATH............................................................................... 24
3.1 PRODUCTION PHASE ...................................................................... 6 10.11 RETREAT ...................................................................................... 24
3.2 ACTION PHASE................................................................................... 7 10.12 REGROUP ..................................................................................... 25
3.3 RESOLVING UNITS AND MARKERS ......................................... 7 COMPREHENSIVE LAND COMBAT EXAMPLE ................................ 25
3.4 END PHASE .......................................................................................... 8
11. CIVIL WARS ........................................................... 25
4. ECONOMICS ............................................................. 8 11.1 CIVIL WAR CRISIS EVENTS ................................................. 25
4.1 COMMITMENT ................................................................................... 8 11.2 CHINESE CIVIL WAR............................................................... 26
4.2 PRODUCTION SEQUENCE ............................................................. 8
4.3 RESOURCES ......................................................................................... 9
12. SPECIAL POWER RULES .................................... 27
12.1 FASCIST POWERS .................................................................... 27
4.4 LINE OF COMMUNICATIONS (LOC) ......................................... 9
12.2 DEMOCRATIC POWERS......................................................... 27
4.5 CONVERSION ...................................................................................... 9
12.3 COMMUNIST POWERS........................................................... 28
4.6 CONSTRUCTING UNITS.................................................................. 9
4.7 WAR ECONOMY OFFENSIVES..................................................... 9 GLOSSARY / INDEX. ......................................................... 1
4.8 REPAIR ................................................................................................. 10 COUNTER GUIDE .............................................................. 1
5. POLITICAL CONCEPTS ...................................... 10 CRISIS TABLES .................................................................. 3
5.1 INTERESTS ......................................................................................... 10
5.2 FLAGS.................................................................................................... 10
5.3 EFFECTIVENESS .............................................................................. 11 1. OVERVIEW
5.4 FAILED POLITICAL ACTIONS .................................................... 11 Cataclysm: A Second World War is a multi-player game
5.5 STABILITY .......................................................................................... 11 simulating political and military conflict in the 1930s and 40s.
5.6 WAR ....................................................................................................... 12 The games premise is that a second world war could have
5.7 WAR STATUS .................................................................................... 13 broken out at a time other than September 1939, given the
6. POLITICAL ACTIONS ......................................... 13 numerous political crises provoked by revisionism against the
6.1 ALLIANCE ........................................................................................... 13 post-Versailles order.
6.2 DECLARATION OF WAR (DOW) .............................................. 14 Each player commands a power or group of powers committed to
6.3 DIPLOMACY ....................................................................................... 14 an ideology: Fascism (Germany, Italy, and Japan), Communism
6.4 INCREASE COMMITMENT .......................................................... 14 (the Soviet Union) or Democracy (France, the United Kingdom,
6.5 MANEUVERS ..................................................................................... 15 and the United States). The status quo favors the Democracies,
6.6 PRESSURE........................................................................................... 15 while Communism and Fascism must use political or military
6.7 PROPAGANDA .................................................................................. 15
force to revise the world order to their liking... but once all three
6.8 POWER-SPECIFIC SPECIAL ACTIONS ................................... 15 ideologies are fighting, a second world war is on!
7. MILITARY CONCEPTS ....................................... 15 Many of the terms used in Cataclysm have very specific
7.1 OCCUPATION LIMITS .................................................................... 15
meanings. When in doubt, consult the Glossary at the end of the
7.2 MOVEMENT ....................................................................................... 16
playbook. When referencing a rule number in this rulebook, the
7.3 OPERATIONAL RANGE................................................................. 17
format of (x.xx) will be used; if the rule is in the playbook the
8. MILITARY ACTIONS ........................................... 17 format is (PB x.xx).
8.1 OFFENSIVES ...................................................................................... 17
When a term is defined, it will appear in blue boldface.
8.2 AUGMENTATION ............................................................................ 17
8.3 BUILDS ................................................................................................. 17
8.4 DEPLOYMENT .................................................................................. 18 1.1 POWERS
8.5 INTERVENTION ............................................................................... 18 There are two types of nations in Cataclysm, powers and
countries.

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Cataclysm: A Second World War
Powers are nations run directly by players, while countries are
minor nations with no agency of their own in the game. A power
that has not surrendered (5.5.3) is an active power.
Each power belongs to an ideology. The three ideologies are
Fascism, Communism, and Democracy. The Fascist powers are
Germany (gray), Italy (yellow), and Japan (orange). The sole
Communist power is the Soviet Union (red). The Democracies are
France (blue), the United Kingdom (brown), and the United
States (green). A powers ideology never changes during the
game.
Several terms define the relationships of powers to each other.
Powers from different ideologies are opposing powers.
A power at war (5.6.1) with one or more other powers is
belligerent. Powers at war with each other are enemy
powers.
A counter, cube, or area is friendly to its controlling power.
Counters, cubes, and areas controlled by an ally (6.1.2) are also
friendly if both powers are belligerent.
1.2 NUMBER OF PLAYERS
Cataclysm plays best with three players, one in charge of each of
the three ideologies.
With four or five players, the Fascists and Democracies can be
divided: Germany and/or the United Kingdom (UK) can be run
separately from the other powers in their Ideology.
With two players, one player runs both the Democracies and
Communists. Changes to the rules for the full two-player game
are noted in 1.5.1 and 5.2.2 (only).
Some scenarios have been designed specifically for two players,
see the Playbook for details.
1.3 SET-UP
Begin by laying out the map and deciding which scenario to play.
The powers are assigned among the players, and each player
takes their associated power cards (2.5) and counters (2.4).
Neutral counters (2.4.4) that are not currently in use are set
aside, along with any counters not currently in a powers force
pool (4.1.1) or available markers box (2.4.3). Finally, each
ideology takes their dice (2.7) and player aid card (PAC). The
crisis tables (2.6) should be placed where all players can access
them.
Design Note: A power never has access to all of their counters. Only a
portion of their countermix will be available to them throughout the
game.
1.4 ENDING THE GAME
The game is over at the end of the scenario-designated final game
turn, or at the end of the turn indicated by the Global War
marker, whichever is later.
IMPORTANT
When flipped to its Global War side, the war status marker is
placed on the turn track two turns ahead to mark the last turn of
the game, or in the 1945-46 box, whichever is later.
Example: Germany is at war with the UK and declares war on the Soviet
Union during the 1943-44 game turn. This causes the game status to
enter Global War. The Global War marker is placed in the 1947-48 box
on the turn track and the game will end at the end of that turn.
Design Note: Even though a typical full game will end in 1945-46, if
Global War starts late, the game is extended to accommodate the
fighting.
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The game also ends immediately when one or more of the
following conditions apply:
All powers in one ideology have surrendered (5.5.3).
One ideology has caused the surrender of two powers.
War status is Global War (5.7.2) and all powers are non-
belligerent.
When the game ends, proceed immediately to scoring (1.5.1) to
determine the winning ideology.
1.5 HOW TO WIN
In most scenarios, the winner is determined by which ideology
has the greatest number of victory points when the game ends.
1.5.1 SCORING
Design Note: Scoring is easyjust count the number of your cubes on
the map, then subtract the number of opposing or neutral cubes in
your home or colony areas.
A power scores victory points for controlling land or mixed areas.
Scoring is tracked immediately as points are gained or lost, and
should always reflect the current situation on the board. There
are also ideology victory point markers to track the total for each
ideology. The reverse of each victory point marker indicates a
negative total.
A power has one victory point for each of its cubes (2.4.1) in any
area on the map. Bases (2.3.2) do not count for scoring.
A power is penalized one victory point for each opposing or
neutral cube in its home or colony areas. A powers score may
be negative.
IMPORTANT
Any cube, even a neutral cube or a cube from a power in the same
ideology, penalizes the original owner of the home or colony
area.
A power that is no longer active (due to surrender, 5.5.3) is still
counted for scoring.
1.5.2 DETERMINING THE WINNER
At the end of the game, total the score of all powers in each
ideology; the ideology with the highest total score wins.
If one or more ideologies are tied with the highest score, the
Communists win if they are one of the tied ideologies; if they are
not, the Fascists win.
Design Note: If two players control powers in the winning ideology,
they may compare their scores to determine who won more.
2P Only: If one player controls both the Democratic and
Communist ideologies, use only the lower of their two total scores
for determining victory.
2. COMPONENTS
Your copy of Cataclysm contains:
One map, 22 x 34, depicting Europe, the Pacific Ocean, and
their environs.
X double-sided counters, 9/16, in X sheets.
140 wooden cubes in eight colors.
One 40page rulebook (youre reading it).
One Xpage playbook with scenarios, notes, and an extended
example of play.
Eight 8.5 x 5.5 power status and ideology special rules cards.
Three four-panel fold-out play aid cards.
Cataclysm: A Second World War
2.1 THE MAP - THEATERS
The map is divided into two theaters: Europe (that part of the
map from South Africa to the Barents Sea) and the Pacific (from
Dutch Harbor to the South Indian Ocean). The areas comprising
the United States and Canada are in both theaters. Some
scenarios focus on only one theater the scenario special rules
specify what areas are out of play.
2.2 THE MAP - AREAS
The map is divided into three types of areas representing the
various nations and bodies of water during the 1930s and 40s.
The three areas types are:
Land land and air units may enter and occupy.
Naval units may enter and occupy coastal land areas
(2.2.5) only. (Example: Benelux)
Sea all units may enter, but occupation is generally
prohibited (7.1.2).
(Example: Central Pacific South)
Mixed combines both land and sea in one area.
Borneo, Denmark, Hokkaido, New Guinea,
Philippines, and Turkey are the only mixed areas.
A unit on the map must always be located in a single specific area.
Areas are adjacent if they share a non-red border. Units move
(7.2) from area to adjacent area.
Example: Turkey is a mixed area including the land across the
Dardanelles straits. It is adjacent to three sea areas and six land areas.
Red borders are impassable and may not be crossed. Areas
separated by red borders are not adjacent.
Gray-shaded areas with no name are out of play and may not be
entered.
2.2.1 PORTS AND AIRFIELDS
An area is a port if it is a coastal area (2.2.5) or if it is a sea area
containing a naval base (2.3.2).
An area is an airfield if it is a land or mixed area, or if it is a sea
area containing a naval or air base (2.3.2).
Ports and airfields determine what areas can be occupied by
naval and air units (7.1).
2.2.2 HOME AREAS AND COLONIES
At the start of 1933, a power controls all land and mixed areas in
that power's color.
If such a controlled area has its name in ALL CAPS, it is a colony;
otherwise, it is a home area. A power's capital is the home area
with its name in red.
Example: Eastern Canada is a home area of the UK, but India is a colony.
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Colony areas have the following rule exceptions:
An enemy power that conquers (10.10) a colony does not gain
a flag or cause a stability test (5.5.1) unless the colony contain
a resource (2.3.6).
Colonies are ineligible for diplomacy attempts during the
surrender procedure (5.5.3).
Resources in Democratic colonies cannot be collected while
Status Quo is in effect (12.2).
A colony no longer controlled by its original power is treated as a
country (2.2.4) for all purposes. If the original power regains
control, it returns to colony status.
Design Note: The strategic importance of the Suez Canal to the
mercantile economy of the UK was such that any act of seizing control
of Egypt and the Suez Canal would have been viewed as an act of war
against the UK. For that purpose, we have treated Egypt as a colony in
the game even though it technically was not.
2.2.3 AREA CONTROL
An active power controls its home and colony areas containing
no opposing or neutral cubes, as well as any other areas
containing at least one of its own cubes. A power that has
surrendered (5.5.3) never controls any areas.
Sea areas (and the sea area portion of a mixed area) are never
controlled by any power. Land (and the land portion of mixed
areas) are always either controlled by a single power or
uncontrolled.
Control of an area is important for scoring (1.5.1), collection of
resources (4.3), and deploying units (8.4). Control may change
due to crisis events (3.3.7), diplomacy (6.3), or military conquest
(10.10).
2.2.4 COUNTRIES
Land or mixed areas that are not a home or colony area are
countries.
Design Note: Each area in China is a separate country.
A country is controlled if a power has a cube (2.4.1) in it;
otherwise it is uncontrolled.
A country is garrisoned if it contains a powers land unit;
otherwise it is ungarrisoned. The presence of a minor army or a
non-land unit does not count. All uncontrolled countries are also
ungarrisoned, by definition.
Example: Germany has a cube in Romania, but the only unit there is the
Romanian minor army. It is a controlled, ungarrisoned country.
China, colored in lilac, is not a power or country of its own. It is a
region made up of several independent countries. Due to the
Chinese Civil War (11.2), a number of special rules apply to
China.
2.2.5 COASTAL AREAS
All mixed areas and all land areas adjacent to at least one sea area
are coastal areas.
SPECIAL COASTAL AREAS
A unit in Egypt, Ruhr, South Africa, or the United States may
move (7.2) or support (10.2) into any adjacent sea area. Note that
no unit may use naval movement through (i.e. into and out of)
one of these areas unless it is friendly.
Example: A UK unit beginning in Egypt may move to either the Eastern
Mediterranean or the Arabian Sea. However, a UK unit may only move
through Egypt, from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Arabian Sea, if
Egypt is friendly.
Lombardy and Spain each have two different coasts that are not
connected. Lombardy has one coast adjacent to the Adriatic Sea,
Cataclysm: A Second World War
and one adjacent to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Spain has one coast
adjacent to the Western Approaches, and one adjacent to the
Mid-Atlantic Ocean and Western Mediterranean. A naval unit in
Lombardy or Spain must be placed on one specific coast; no naval
unit may move directly between the two coasts.
Siam has a single coast, adjacent to the Gulf of Siam. The portion
of its coastal border that is red is impassable.
2.2.6 SPECIAL AREA RESTRICTIONS
EASTERN CANADA, SOUTH AFRICA, UNITED STATES
Deploying units must stop upon entering these areas, and may
move no further during that action. Temporarily place such units
in the Transit box in the area, as a reminder; at the end of the
action, move them to the area proper.
A line of communications (4.4) can only be traced into or out of
these areas, not through.
Only United States units can enter the United States.
Only United Kingdom units can enter Eastern Canada and South
Africa.
URALS
Only Soviet Union units can enter the Urals.
Design Note: This means these areas cannot be attacked.
2.3 THE MAP - OTHER FEATURES
2.3.1 ADVERSE TERRAIN
Adverse terrain (rough texture) represents
difficult or mountainous terrain that negates
armor superiority and gives defenders a +1 to
their combat rolls (10.4).
2.3.2 BASES
Some sea areas contain base symbols printed in them,
representing facilities on landmasses too small to count as an
area.
Bases start the game either owned by a specific power (indicated
by a flag) or unowned (no flag). Ownership of a base may change
due to a raid operation (9.4.2), but bases are never created or
destroyed (exception: special British bases may be removed from
the game see below).
IMPORTANT
Ownership of a base does not provide control of the sea area the
base is in. Sea areas are never controlled.
There are two types of bases: air bases and naval bases.
An air base allows one air unit to occupy its area, and
each adjacent sea area (7.1.2).
A naval base allows one naval unit and one air unit to
occupy its area, and each adjacent sea area (7.1.2). A
submarine pack may occupy a sea area up to two sea
areas from a naval base.
The occupation limits of an area with a base are increased by the
presence of a logistics unit (7.1.4).
Design Note: Bases are not separate locations; they are merely
symbols/markers that allow units to remain in areas normally
prohibited. Also, do not confuse an air or naval base with a logistics
unit (see the Counter Guide).
2.3.3 SPECIAL BRITISH BASES
In some scenarios, the UK has naval bases attached to the
countries Borneo, Guangdong, and Spain (south coast). These
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bases do not provide control of the country, but do provide an
interest (5.1) in the area. Like other naval bases, they allow one
naval unit and one air unit to occupy the country (and adjacent
sea areas) while it remains uncontrolled.
Design Note: These bases represent Sarawak, Hong Kong and
Gibraltar, respectively. Gibraltar is on the south coast of Spain (2.2.5).
Unlike many WW2 games, Gibraltar does not directly restrict enemy
movement between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Special British bases cannot be captured by a raid operation
(9.4.2).
If a country with a special British base becomes controlled by
another Democratic power, normal occupation limits (7.1) still
apply these bases simply allow the UK to occupy the area even
if not allied with the controlling power.
If a country with a special British base is attacked, ignore all
British units in the area if the UK is not at war with the attacking
power (the attack still counts as a provocation due to British
interest). If the country becomes controlled by an opposing
power, remove the base marker and any friendly units there
must immediately retreat (10.11).
2.3.4 CROSSING ARROWS
A black crossing arrow connects two areas divided
by a strait (a narrow body of water). The areas are
adjacent for all purposes. Attacking across a strait
gives the defenders +1 to their combat rolls (10.4).
A green crossing arrow indicates two non-adjacent
land or mixed areas that are still close enough for air
operations. The areas are adjacent for movement
(7.2.3) and support (10.2) of air units only.
Example: Siam is not adjacent to the Bay of Bengal due to the red
impassable border, but air forces can fly from Borneo to Siam across the
impassable border because of the green crossing arrow.
2.3.5 RESISTANCE
Each country has a resistance value ranging from zero
to two, represented by the number of red fist icons.
A countrys resistance is subtracted from diplomacy attempts
against it (6.3). If no resistance icon is printed in the country, its
resistance is zero (i.e. no penalty). Areas with a neutral cube
(2.4.5) have a resistance of one.
Resistance does not apply to attempts to gain control of a country
after a failed attack (9.7.2).
2.3.6 RESOURCES
Resources are collected during production (4.3) and then
converted into builds or offensives. Two types of permanent
resources are printed on the map:
natural resources and
industrial resources.
Natural resources have no special rules. Industrial resources
provide bonus offensives (6.4.2) and war economy offensives
(4.7), and act as production sites (2.3.7).
In addition to these permanent resources, there are limited and
special resources indicated by markers. Limited resources are
only used once before being discarded (4.3). Special resources
are permanent once they enter play (12.3).
2.3.7 PRODUCTION SITES
Cataclysm: A Second World War
A production site is a home area controlled by its original power
that contains a permanent industrial resource, even if damaged
(9.4.4).
Example: Lombardy is a production site for Italy, but Rome is not since
Rome is not a permanent industrial resource.
Example 2: German-controlled Paris is not a production site for any
power, since it is not controlled by its original owner (i.e. France).
A production site acts as a point of origin when its power places
newly constructed units (3.3) or traces a line of communications
(4.4).
2.3.8 RESTRICTED TERRAIN
A restricted terrain symbol in an area reduces occupation
limits (7.1.3) and blocks lines of communications (4.4) through
the area.
Movement (7.2.1) is not affected by restricted terrain.
The effects of restricted terrain are negated by a friendly logistics
unit (7.1.4).
Example: French North Africa is both adverse and restricted terrain.
2.3.9 TRACKS AND DISPLAYS
There are several tracks and displays included on the map to
record individual power and game states.
Effectiveness Track: This track records the political
effectiveness (5.3) of each power.
Failed Political Action Boxes: These boxes record when a
power has failed a political action (5.4) and is eligible for a
bonus on its next political action of the same type.
Political Display: This triangular display records the existence
of wars (5.7) and alliances (6.1) between powers.
Reserve Display: This display contains the counters held in
reserve by the powers (3.3.4).
Stability Track: This track records how close a power is to
collapse (5.5.2). When a powers stability increases, move the
marker towards Steady. When a powers stability decreases,
move the marker towards Collapse.
Turn Track: This track records the current game turn, and
also acts as a holding box for counters to be added to the action
cup the following turn (3.1.1).
Victory Point Track: This track records the victory points of
each individual power, and the total victory points for each
ideology (1.5.1).
2.4 COUNTERS AND CUBES
Each power has a set of printed counters and wooden cubes in its
color. The number of each powers counters and cubes are a hard
limit; you cannot make more or substitute other pieces if you run
out. Counters not in a specific power's color are neutral and do
not belong to any individual power.
Counters are divided into units and markers. Units represent the
various military forces that a power uses to project its might
around the globe. Markers represent abstract concepts, record
game state information, or act as memory aids.
See the Counter Guide for a comprehensive listing of counter
types.
2.4.1 POWER CUBES
A power's cubes are used to indicate control of an area (2.2.3),
wars (6.2), alliances (6.1), and failed political actions (5.4).
[TESTERS: if you do not have cubes, use the small flag markers
provided instead.]
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2.4.2 UNITS
There are several types of units in Cataclysm, broken into four
classes as shown on the Counter Guide.
Whenever the rules refer to an army, fleet, or air force, they refer
to both the regular and upgraded versions of such units. An
upgraded version of a unit always retains the capabilities of the
corresponding non-upgraded version.
A land unit is an infantry army, tank army, fortress, minor
army (2.4.6), or Chinese faction marker (11.2.1).
A naval unit is a surface fleet, carrier fleet, or submarine pack.
An air unit is a tactical air force or strategic air force.
A logistics unit does not fight, but provides other benefits
(7.1.4).
2.4.3 POWER MARKERS
Each power has a set of markers in their color, as shown on the
Counter Guide. Some powers have additional markers to denote
limited or special resources, or to act as memory aids for special
rules.
A powers flag (5.2), offensive (8.1), and resource (4.3) markers,
as well as markers associated with special rules for the power
(e.g. Lend Lease, A-Bomb) are kept in the powers available
markers box when not in use. These markers do not count
against a power's force pool limit (4.1.1).
2.4.4 NEUTRAL MARKERS
In addition to the counters associated with specific powers,
Cataclysm includes several types of counters that are used either
with uncontrolled countries or for all powers. These are also
shown on the Counter Guide.
2.4.5 NEUTRAL CUBES
Neutral cubes (natural wood color) are used to mark home or
colony areas that are uncontrolled due to civil war (11.1) or
surrender (5.5.3). An area with a neutral cube is an uncontrolled
country with a resistance (2.3.5) of one.
[TESTERS: if you do not have cubes, use Uncontrolled Country
markers instead.]
2.4.6 MINOR ARMIES
Some countries have a minor army for defense. A minor army
cannot move, attack, or retreat, but does count towards the
occupation limit of its area (7.1). Chinese faction markers
(11.2.1) are also minor armies for all purposes. A minor army
cannot be voluntarily removed by its controlling power.
Example: Germany gains control of Romania through diplomacy. Only a
single German army may occupy Romania, as the Romanian army counts
towards the occupation limit for land units.
2.5 POWER CARDS
Each power has a status card that houses the power's force pool
(4.1.1) and available markers (2.4.3). A powers status card also
tracks its current commitment (4.1), which determines the
powers force pool limit, conversion rate (4.5), effectiveness (5.3)
and home front penalty (4.1.2). The card also indicates which
opposing powers provoke the power (and are themselves
provoked) by a commitment increase (6.4) or alliance formation
(6.1).
Unless otherwise stated by a scenario special rule, a power has
available all of its offensive/resource markers and all markers
associated with its special rules. The number of flags a power
Cataclysm: A Second World War
starts with (in 1933) is listed on the status card. A power will
never have all of its units in its force pool.
Each ideology also has a special rules card that notes special
rules for that ideologys powers. These rules are duplicated in 12.
for your convenience. These special rules are in force at the start
of all scenarios unless otherwise indicated.
2.6 CRISIS TABLES
Two crisis tables one for peacetime, and one for use during
Limited or Global War (5.7) are used to resolve the random
events associated with each drawn Crisis marker (3.3.7).
2.7 DICE
Cataclysm includes three dice for each ideology: black for
Fascism, red for Communism, and blue for Democracy. There are
three cardinal rules in Cataclysm regarding all die rolls:
1. When you roll more than one die, count only the highest die,
then apply any bonuses or penalties.
2. If more than one 6 is rolled, the result before modification is
6 +1 for each additional 6 rolled (i.e. three 6s is a result of 8).
3. The minimum modified result of any die roll is 1.
If a power is to roll one die and suffers a game effect requiring it
to lose a die (i.e., would be reduced to zero dice), instead the
power applies a -1 to the die result.
Example 1: Germany rolls three dice for a political action, getting a '3',
'6' and '6'. The result of their roll is '7' ('6' with a +1 for the second rolled
'6').
Example 2: An ungarrisoned country defending against an attack rolls
only one die. If the attacker also has armor superiority, the defender
normally loses one die; but with only one die being rolled, the defender
would instead apply -1 to the die result.
Example 3: The Soviet Union may find itself at 1 effectiveness while also
in the military reforms posture. It will roll one die with a -1 to the result
for any political action.
2.8 ACTION CUP
The action cup contains all the counters due to enter play for a
given turn. During the action phase, the counters in the cup are
mixed and then drawn at random, one at a time. You will need to
provide an opaque wide-mouthed container (such as an empty
coffee mug) to serve as the action cup.
Unless specifically directed otherwise, inspecting or emptying the
action cup is prohibited.
3. SEQUENCE OF PLAY
There are three phases to each two-year turn, a production
phase, an action phase, and an end phase, carried out in that
order.
There are two means of determining player order in Cataclysm,
both involving comparing effectiveness (5.3): either in
decreasing effectiveness order (highest to lowest) or in
increasing effectiveness order (lowest to highest). When
resolving ties in decreasing effectiveness order, Fascists go
before Communists, which go before Democracies. In increasing
effectiveness order, Democracies go before Communists, which
go before Fascists.
Design Note: The effectiveness track spaces are subdivided to show
these tiebreakers.
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If two powers in the same ideology are tied, their player(s) can
resolve them in the order of their choosing. If they cannot decide,
determine randomly.
3.1 PRODUCTION PHASE
The steps in the production phase are carried out in the following
sequence:
1. Collect turn track counters (3.1.1)
2. Collect flags (3.1.2)
3. The United States designates any resources to be lent (4.3.1)
4. Production (4.2)
5. Place counters in reserve or action cup (3.1.4)
3.1.1 COLLECT TURN TRACK COUNTERS
First, any Crisis, Home Front, or Civil War Resolution markers on
the turn track for this turn are placed in the action cup.
Next, any power counters on the turn track for this turn are
placed in front of the corresponding power's player. These will be
previous turn production (4.6) or end of turn (3.4) counters.
Do not remove the Turn marker or the Global War marker from
the turn track.
IMPORTANT
If the Global War marker is on the turn track for the current turn,
the game is over at the end of the current turn.
3.1.2 COLLECT FLAGS
Then, each power receives one flag from their available markers.
Italy may choose the special Il Duce flag if it is available (12.1).
Exception: Germany receives two flags while under Night of the
Long Knives (12.1).
Exception: While Status Quo is in effect (12.2) France and the
United Kingdom only receive this flag at the cost of a stability
test, and the United States cannot receive this flag at all.
Design Note: The Democracies political activities are very limited
during peacetime. Each flag earned from a provocation should be
used judiciously until Status Quo has ended.
3.1.3 PRODUCTION
Next, each power in increasing effectiveness order collects
resources (4.3.2) and converts them to builds or offensives (4.5).
Builds are spent immediately to construct new units (4.6), and
offensives are used in the action phase to move and attack with
units on the map. All production choices are public knowledge. A
belligerent power (1.1) may also receive war economy offensives
(4.7) during production. A detailed step-by-step description of
the production process is in section 4.
3.1.4 RESERVE AND ACTION CUP
Finally, at the end of the production phase, each power may
reserve (3.3) a single counter from those accumulated during the
production phase. All other flags, offensives, and newly
constructed units or markers are added to the action cup.
Exception: Newly-constructed fortress and surface fleet units are
NOT placed in the action cup, nor can they be placed in reserve;
instead they must be placed on the turn track to enter during the
production phase next turn (4.6).
Resource markers are never placed in the action cup. Any
resource markers not converted or placed in reserve by the end
of the production phase are discarded.
Cataclysm: A Second World War
3.2 ACTION PHASE
Once production is complete, the game moves to the action
phase where counters will be played from the reserve or
randomly drawn from the action cup one at a time. The player
with the lowest victory point score (1.5.1) is in charge of drawing
counters for the entire turn.
Design Note: Players can agree to have anyone be in charge of
pulling from the cup, but there may be a slight advantage in having
some idea how many counters are left in the cup.
Any time a counter is to be drawn from the action cup (even at
the start of the action phase) any eligible power may trump
(3.3.5) to pre-empt that draw to play their counter from the
reserve.
Once all eligible powers decline to trump, a single counter is
drawn from the action cup and resolved as follows:
Flags or offensive markers are either played immediately by
their power (3.3.1), placed in reserve (3.3.4), or rejected
(3.3.6).
Units are either played onto the map (3.3.2), placed in reserve,
or rejected.
Upgrade markers are either played immediately (3.3.4), placed
in reserve, or rejected.
Crisis (3.3.7), Home Front (3.3.8) and Civil War Resolution
markers (3.3.9) are resolved immediately. Once resolved, place
them on the next turn of the turn track they will re-enter the
action cup at the start of next turn.
After resolving the counter, if all eligible powers again decline to
trump, draw another from the action cup. Continue in this fashion
until the fourth and last Crisis marker is drawn (3.3.7).
3.3 RESOLVING UNITS AND MARKERS
As noted above, when a power's counter is drawn, the player has
a choice between playing the counter, rejecting it, or placing it in
reserve (exception: Home Front marker).
3.3.1 PLAYING A FLAG OR OFFENSIVE
When a flag is played, its power performs a single political action
(6.).
When an offensive is played, its power performs one or more
military actions (8.).
3.3.2 PLAYING A UNIT
When a unit is played, it is immediately placed on the map at a
production site (2.3.7) for that power. The power may then
conduct a deployment action (8.4) for that unit alone. Units are
always placed on their non-upgraded side. Naval units must be
placed in a coastal area nearest to a production site.
If the unit has no legal area for placement, it is put on the turn
track for next turn.
3.3.3 PLAYING AN UPGRADE MARKER
Upgrade markers are used to improve existing units. When an
upgrade marker is played, its power traces a line of
communications (4.4) to an area containing one of its units of the
appropriate type, then flips the unit to its upgraded side (tank
army, carrier fleet, or strategic air force). Return the upgrade
marker to the powers force pool.
3.3.4 RESERVE
A counter currently in the reserve box on the map is that power's
reserve.
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Each power may hold a single flag, unit, offensive, resource, or
upgrade marker in reserve. No other counters may be reserved. A
given power may never have more than one counter in reserve at
a time (not one of each). A resource marker in reserve is held for
potential use in the following turns production phase. All other
counters in reserve may be used to trump (3.3.5).
Any time a power gains or receives an eligible counter (including
one drawn from the action cup) it may be placed in reserve. If the
power already has a counter in reserve, that counter is
immediately rejected (3.3.6).
3.3.5 TRUMP
Immediately before any counter is drawn from the action cup,
any power may trump by playing their counter in reserve. If
more than one power wants to trump, priority goes in decreasing
effectiveness order (3.).
A trump may occur after another trump, however an ideology can
never act twice in a row via trumping. Specifically, a power
cannot trump if a counter from any power in its ideology
(including itself, and including a Home Front marker) was the last
to be drawn from the cup or played from reserve.
Example: Both Italy (Eff 1) and the UK (Eff 3) want to trump. The UK
has a higher effectiveness than Italy, so gets to trump first. After seeing
the effects of the UK trump, Italy can decide again whether it wants to
trump in this case, Italy changes its mind and decides to wait before
trumping. Conversely, the UK (seeing that Italy wants to trump) could
decline and let Italy trump first, then after Italys play is resolved the UK
could decide whether to trump.
3.3.6 REJECTION
A power may reject its counter when drawn from the action cup;
place the counter in the powers available force pool (4.1.1) or
available markers box (2.4.3).
The Crisis, Home Front, and Civil War Resolution markers cannot
be rejected.
3.3.7 CRISIS
There are four Crisis markers in the action cup at the start of
each turn. When each of the first three Crisis markers are drawn,
roll two dice, reading them as {highest die}-{lowest die}, and
consult the appropriate Crisis Table. Use the 'Wartime' table if
war status (5.7) is Limited or Global War; otherwise, use the
'Peacetime' table.
Example: When the first Crisis marker is drawn, the drawing player rolls
a '2' and a '4'. This would be read as the '4-2' entry on the appropriate
crisis table.
After a Crisis marker is resolved, place it on the next turn of the
turn track.
When the third Crisis marker is drawn, flip the turn marker to its
Sudden Death side as a memory aid that the turn could end at any
time.
When the fourth and last Crisis marker is drawn, do not roll for
an event instead, the game turn ends immediately (3.4).
3.3.8 HOME FRONT
When a powers Home Front marker is drawn, it must
immediately make a home front stability test (4.1.2). Then, the
power may conduct a deployment action (8.4) (exception: during
the End Phase). Finally, place the Home Front marker on the next
turn of the turn track.
3.3.9 CIVIL WAR RESOLUTION
When the Civil War Resolution marker is drawn, all currently
ongoing civil wars are resolved (11.1.3), including the Chinese
Cataclysm: A Second World War
Civil War (11.2.3). Then, place the Civil War Resolution marker on
the next turn of the turn track.
3.4 END PHASE
When the fourth and last Crisis marker is drawn, the turn is over.
Immediately check to see if the game ends (1.4).
If the game does not end, turn out the contents of the cup and
resolve the following in sequence (in increasing effectiveness
order within each step).
1. Resolve the Civil War Resolution marker (3.3.9), if present.
2. Resolve any Home Front markers (3.3.8), but ignore the
associated deployment action.
3. Units are placed on the map (3.3.2), but ignore the associated
deployment action.
4. Upgrade markers may be played immediately (3.3.3) or
placed on the turn track for next turn.
5. Flags and offensives are placed on the turn track for next turn.
6. Powers place their current reserve (if any) on the turn track
for next turn.
7. Commitment markers on their Increased side and
Effectiveness markers on their -1 side are flipped back to
their front side.
8. Flip the turn marker from its Sudden Death side back to its
normal Turn side, advance it to the next box on the turn track,
and begin a new turn with the production phase.
4. ECONOMICS
In the production phase, powers collect resources from areas
they control, then convert them to either builds or offensives.
The ability of a power to produce material for war is governed by
its commitment, a measure of the fraction of the powers
economy geared for war.
4.1 COMMITMENT
A power's commitment determines its political effectiveness, its
force pool limits, and its military efficiency. Effectiveness and
force pool limits are indicated on the status card.
A summary of all the game effects for each commitment level is
provided below:
Civilian: Every two resources convert to one build (i.e. 2:1), no
rounding. May not declare war, convert resources to
offensives unless belligerent, or have upgrade markers in
its force pool. No home front stability test. Each played
offensive provides one military action.
Rearmament: Each resource converts to one build (1:1) or
one offensive. May not declare war. Each played offensive
provides one military action (i.e. 1:1). Home front stability test
is unmodified.
Mobilization: Each resource converts to two builds (1:2) or
one offensive. Each played offensive provides two military
actions (1:2). Home front stability test is at -1.
Total War: Each resource converts to three builds (1:3) or one
offensive. Each played offensive provides three military actions
(1:3). Home front stability test is at -2.
Exhaustion: Each resource converts to two builds (1:2) or one
offensive. May not declare war. Each played offensive
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provides two military actions (1:2). Home front stability test is
at -2.
When a powers commitment changes, its new conversion rate
(4.5) and force pool limit (4.1.1) take effect immediately. It may
also have to adjust its total number of available flags (5.2.1).
4.1.1 FORCE POOL
A power's force pool includes all of their units and upgrade
markers that are currently available or in play. The number of
these units and markers that are on the map, in the action cup,
and/or unbuilt on its status card is constrained by the powers
force pool limit, dependent on its commitment. When a power
increases its commitment, it immediately adds (or subtracts)
units or upgrade markers until the new force pool limit is
reached. The exact units or markers added or removed are at the
player's discretion. When removing units or markers, the player
can remove them from any location on the map, in the action
cup or from its status card (this is the only time a player may
examine the contents of the action cup).
Example: Germany increases its commitment from mobilization to total
war. It gets to add four new units or upgrade markers to its force pool
(16 20). When its commitment reaches exhaustion, it will have to
remove any four units or markers.
Unused units and upgrade markers not in a powers force pool
are out of play and should be kept in storage away from the
power status cards.
4.1.2 THE HOME FRONT
When a powers commitment is increased to rearmament, place
its Home Front marker on the turn track for the next turn.
Design Note: Your people wont start feeling the pinch of guns or
butter immediately
When a Home Front marker is drawn, the associated power must
immediately make a stability test (5.5.1) as a home front check.
Depending on its commitment level, a penalty is applied to this
stability test (-1 at mobilization and -2 at total war or
exhaustion).
After the home front check, the power may conduct a deployment
action (8.4) (exception: during the End Phase), and then must
place the Home Front marker on the turn track to enter the action
cup at the start of the next turn.
4.1.3 EXHAUSTION
A powers commitment shifts to exhaustion if it collapses (5.5.2)
while at mobilization or total war.
Exhaustion reduces the powers conversion rate and may reduce
effectiveness, as well as its force pool limit the power will need
to remove counters immediately (4.1.1). Remember to remove a
flag when a powers effectiveness permanently decreases (5.2.1).
A power at exhaustion cannot declare war (6.2) or make a
surprise attack (9.8.3).
Exhaustion is a permanent condition and cannot be alleviated in
any way.
4.2 PRODUCTION SEQUENCE
In increasing effectiveness order, each power resolves their
production as follows:
1. Collect resources (4.3.2)
2. Convert resources (4.5)
3. Construct units (4.6)
4. Receive war economy offensives (4.7)
Cataclysm: A Second World War RULEBOOK
5. Repair: remove damage markers (4.8) from resources An LOC is traced from a production site (2.3.7) to the area
Design Note: Players may agree to carry out their production indicated. It may enter an unlimited number of areas, provided
simultaneously to speed play. each area is:
a friendly land area (including the target of an intervention
action, 8.5); OR
4.3 RESOURCES
a mixed area not controlled by an enemy power; OR
An area with an undamaged permanent resource symbol (2.3.6) a sea area within two areas of a friendly port (2.2.1),
produces one resource each production phase for its controlling containing no enemy naval units or enemy strategic air forces.
power. An LOC can be traced into or out of (but not through) a restricted
Limited resources are used once, then discarded. land area (2.3.8), Eastern Canada, or the United States. Restricted
A damaged (9.4.4) permanent resource is unavailable for mixed areas do not block LOCs.
production. Damage markers on permanent resources are
removed at the end of the production phase (4.8). 4.5 CONVERSION
4.3.1 LENDING RESOURCES Each successfully collected resource may be converted into a
In general, resources may not be lent or transferred between single offensive marker or a variable number of builds,
powers. However, the United States may lend resources via Lend depending on a power's current commitment level (4.1). A power
Lease (12.2) and/or must via US-Japan Trade (12.1). at civilian commitment may only convert a resource to an
offensive if it is belligerent (1.1).
When the United States lends a resource, it is collected by the
receiving power during its own production phase, by tracing a Commitment Level Builds Per Resource
line of communications (4.4) from the United States. The lent Civilian 2 resources to 1 build, no rounding (2:1)
resource counts towards war economy offensives (4.7) if it is an Rearmament 1 resource to 1 build (1:1)
industrial resource. Mobilization 1 resource to 2 builds (1:2)
Example: A neutral US lends a resource to the UK while the UK is at war Total War 1 resource to 3 builds (1:3)
with Germany. If the German player has units in Iceland and the North
Exhaustion 1 resource to 2 builds (1:2)
Atlantic Ocean, the UK could not trace a line of communications through
those enemy units. If the UK and Germany are not at war with each For each resource marker, the player either leaves it on the
other, German units cannot block UK resource collection. resource side (to convert it to builds at the ratio above), or flips it
4.3.2 COLLECTING RESOURCES to the offensive side (converting it to a single offensive,
regardless of commitment level).
A power may collect an undamaged resource if it can trace a line
of communications (4.4) to the area containing the resource. A
production sites own resource does not need to trace an LOC.
4.6 CONSTRUCTING UNITS
For each resource collected, the powers player takes one The power counts its resource markers and multiplies that
resource marker from its available markers box. If a power does number by its commitment conversion rate (4.5). The result is
not have enough resource markers, the excess resources are lost the number of builds available to be spent during production.
and unavailable for production this turn. When collecting a Then return the resource markers to the powers available
limited resource, take the limited resource marker itself from the markers box.
map. Example: France is at civilian commitment and has two resources
designated for builds, giving France 2 x = 1 build.
Design Note: Resource markers are on the back of offensive markers.
The power then uses its builds to construct new units and
Note the number of resources collected that were industrial upgrade markers as shown in the table below. Constructed units
resources (for war economy offensives, 4.7). and upgrade markers are selected from the powers force pool
The Democracies are limited as to which resources they can (4.1.1), never directly from the countermix. Any builds not spent
collect while Status Quo is in effect (12.2). by the end of the production phase are forfeit.
Once all resources have been collected, add to these any resource Unit Cost Placed
from the turn track (i.e. placed there from reserve at the end of Upgrade markers Two builds In action cup or reserve
the previous turn, 3.4). A resource from the turn track is never Surface fleets Two builds* On turn track for next turn
counted as an industrial resource for war economy offensives.
Fortress units One build On turn track for next turn
Example: If Japan controls Borneo, they can collect the Borneo resource
All other units One build In action cup or reserve
through the Philippines so long as Japan and the US are not enemies.
* Italy and France may purchase a single surface fleet for a cost of
Example 2: A German-controlled Moscow resource cannot be collected
one build by using the Dreadnought Refit Program marker.
by Germany, as it is surrounded by restricted land areas that block LOCs.
Design Note: Units and upgrade markers are never placed directly on
4.4 LINE OF COMMUNICATIONS (LOC) the board when constructed. They are played via the action cup or the
reserve.
A line of communications (LOC) must be traced under the
Once on the map, units may never be voluntarily removed from
following circumstances:
play.
To play an upgrade marker (3.3).
To collect a resource (4.3.2).
To receive bonus offensives (6.4).
4.7 WAR ECONOMY OFFENSIVES
To intervene in a civil war (8.5). Belligerent powers (1.1) now receive one offensive marker
To determine supply status during an operation (9.6). (from the available markers box) for each industrial resource

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Cataclysm: A Second World War
they collected, regardless of whether it was a permanent or
limited resource. These are war economy offensives.
Design Note: Recall that offensive markers are on the back of
resource markers.
4.8 REPAIR
Remove all damage markers (4.3) from permanent resources.
5. POLITICAL CONCEPTS
The political capital of a powers government is represented by
flag markers (5.2). When a power plays a flag, they may attempt
one political action (5.). Some powers have special political
actions only they can take (6.8).
Powers can gain flags during production (5.2.3), when they are
provoked in an area within their interest (5.2.4), or through other
game events (5.2.5).
To succeed at a political action, a power usually must pass an
effectiveness check (5.3).
5.1 INTERESTS
A powers interests limit where it may gain a flag by provocation
(5.2.2), and where it may attempt diplomacy (6.3).
A power has interests in:
Every area it controls.
Every area (land, mixed, or sea) adjacent to an area it controls.
Every land or mixed area across a single sea area from its
home or colony areas.
Every area where it has an aid marker (8.5).
Every area where it owns a base (2.3.2).
Example: The UK has interests in Benelux, Denmark, Paris, Normandy,
and Norway, across the North Sea from London; and interests in Ireland,
Portugal, and Spain across the Western Approaches. The US similarly has
interests in Guangdong and Jiangsu, across the South China Sea from the
Philippines.
Areas separated by red impassable borders (2.2) are never
adjacent and interests do not extend between them.
It is possible for more than one power to have interests in a given
area.
IMPORTANT
Allies (6.1) share interests for all purposes.
Example: France and the UK are allies. If France controls Poland, both
the UK and France have interests in Poland.
5.2 FLAGS
When a power plays a flag (from the cup or reserve), it may
attempt to perform a single political action (5.4). After a flag is
played, it is returned to the available markers box on the powers
status card.
5.2.1 FLAG AVAILABILITY
Each power has at any given time a number of flags
equal to its base (unmodified) effectiveness plus one.
Flags are gained, played, and then recycled and available to be
gained again. Available flags are held on the powers status card
in the available markers box.
Example: Germany has four flags to start the 1933 scenario. One is
placed in reserve, one goes in the action cup and two are on its status
card, available to be gained.
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If a powers base effectiveness changes due to an increase in
commitment (6.4), add or subtract a flag as appropriate. The
scenario rules may designate a flag to be placed on a commitment
level box that means the flag becomes available when the
power reaches that commitment level. Temporary changes to
effectiveness, such as by certain crisis events, do not change the
number of flags for a power.
Example: The United Kingdom is at a commitment level of rearmament,
with an effectiveness of two, and has three flags available for use. When
the UK increases commitment to mobilization, its fourth flag becomes
available. When the UKs commitment subsequently becomes total war
or exhaustion, it will lose the fourth flag and go back to having only three
flags available.
5.2.2 GAINING FLAGS
When a flag is gained, the power takes a single flag from the
available markers box of its status card and must immediately
put it in the action cup or in the reserve (rejecting its current
reserve, if any). If no flags are available, any flag(s) it would have
gained are forfeit.
Design Note: Try not to leave yourself with no flags on your status
card, or your opponents can provoke you with no penalty as you will
be unable to gain flags from their actions!
5.2.3 FLAGS DURING PRODUCTION
Every power gains one flag at the start of the production phase
(3.1.2).
Exceptions: Germany gains two flags while Night of the Long
Knives is in effect. While Status Quo is in effect (12.2) France and
the United Kingdom only gain a flag at the cost of a stability test,
and the United States cannot gain a flag at all.
5.2.4 FLAGS BY PROVOCATION
A provocation is an action by an opposing (but not enemy)
power that results in a flag being gained by another power. Flag
gains by provocation are cumulative unless noted otherwise.
IMPORTANT
Provocations only provide flags if the powers are opposing, not
enemy powers (i.e. not at war with each other).
A power is provoked (gaining a flag) when a non-enemy opposing
power does any of the following.
Increases commitment (6.4), if indicated on its status card.
Forms or joins an alliance (6.1), if indicated on its status card
(maximum one flag per action).
Declares war on it or its ally (6.2).
Declares an operation (9.) against an area where it has interest
(5.1), whether successful or not.
Makes a surprise attack against it (9.8.3) (cumulative with the
provocation for the operation).
Gains control of an area where it has interest (5.1), including
by diplomacy (6.3), conquest (10.10), civil war decisive victory
(11.1.3), or crisis event (3.3.7).
Intervenes (8.5) in an area where it has interest (5.1).
Example: When the UK increases commitment, both Germany and Italy
are provoked and gain a flag assuming they are not at war with the
UK.
Example 2: If the UK and US form an alliance, Germany, Italy, and Japan
would all be provoked.
Example 3: Germany attacks Benelux, where France and the UK have an
interest. France and the UK are each provoked.
2P Only: If one player controls both the Democracies and the
Communists, Democracies do not gain flags from provocation by
Communist actions, and vice versa.
Cataclysm: A Second World War
5.2.5 FLAGS BY GAME EVENTS
A power gains a flag for any of the following:
Earning a triumph in land or naval combat (10.8).
Honoring a defensive alliance (6.1).
Being targeted by a successful Pressure political action (6.6).
Conquering an active enemy home area (two flags if a capital
area), or active enemy colony area containing a resource
(10.10).
Removing an enemy cube from one of its home areas (two flags
if capital area), or from its colony area containing a resource
(10.10).
When an enemy power collapses (5.5.2) or surrenders (5.5.3).
When Status Quo ends (12.2).
When Japan ends the Washington Naval Treaty (12.2).
Powers may gain flags as instructed by certain crisis events
(3.3.7).
Example 1: If Germany gains control of Paris, it would earn two flags
one each for Paris being an enemy home area and for being an enemy
capital.
Example 2: If the UK were to remove another power's cube from India, it
would gain a flag...but if the UK were to do the same for Burma, no flag
would be gained.
5.3 EFFECTIVENESS
Effectiveness represents a powers willingness and ability to
form and apply a coherent political policy.
Political actions undertaken by a power are resolved by an
effectiveness check (exceptions: increasing commitment while
belligerent; changing posture). The power rolls a number of dice
equal to its current effectiveness and if the modified result is 5 or
higher, the check succeeds.
The effectiveness of a power is based on its current commitment,
as listed on its status card. A powers current effectiveness is
recorded by an effectiveness marker on the Effectiveness Track.
Some crisis events temporarily reduce a powers effectiveness.
Effectiveness can never be reduced by more than one, to a
minimum of one. Flip the powers effectiveness marker as a
reminder that its effectiveness has been temporarily reduced.
Example: The UK begins 1933 at an effectiveness of 2, as shown on its
status card. When it reaches a commitment level of mobilization, its
effectiveness increases to 3.
If a power with an effectiveness of 1 has its effectiveness reduced,
per (2.7) apply a -1 to the result of their effectiveness checks
instead.
Note that if Italy plays the Il Duce flag, it has +1 effectiveness for
the political action it is attempting.
IMPORTANT
The Soviet Unions posture (12.3) may impose a penalty to
political action effectiveness checks.
5.4 FAILED POLITICAL ACTIONS
Every time a power fails the effectiveness check when attempting
a political action (exception: diplomacy, 6.3), it may place a cube
in the corresponding failed political action box (2.3.9). If the
next political action by that power is the same type, apply a +1
bonus to the result of its effectiveness check for each of its cubes
in the failed political action box.
When a powers political action fails, discard its cubes from all
failed political action boxes that do not match the type of political
action attempted.
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When a powers political action succeeds, discard its cubes from
all failed political action boxes.
When an alliance (6.1) political action fails, each attempting
power places a cube in the failed political action box. All powers
attempting an alliance must have cubes in the box to receive the
bonus, and all their cubes are removed if any of those powers
attempt a different political action type (exception: When a third
power attempts to join an existing alliance, only its own cubes are
placed or counted for failed actions).
For special actions unique to a power (e.g.. the Soviet Union's
Trans-Siberian Railway), use the 'special action' box; if a marker
would be added to the map on a successful effectiveness check
with the action, place the marker in the special action box as a
reminder.
Example: France attempts to increase its commitment while a non-
belligerent and rolls a 2 failing. It places a single cube in the
commitment failed political action box. With its next flag play, France
attempts to increase commitment again and rolls a 3, which still fails
even with the +1 bonus from its previous failure. It places a second cube
in the commitment box. France later draws another flag and attempts
diplomacy against Hungary, rolling a 4 and failing. Because France
attempted a different type of political action, the two cubes are removed
from the commitment failed political action box.
Design Note: We call these Cubes of Shame, and you can, too!
5.5 STABILITY
The stability of each power is marked on the stability
track, ranging from steady to wavering to unstable, and
finally collapse. A power that collapses may surrender
and be eliminated from the game.
5.5.1 STABILITY TESTS
A stability test is an effectiveness check (5.3). If the check
succeeds, the powers stability does not change. If the check fails,
the powers stability is reduced one level. If a powers stability is
reduced below unstable, it collapses (5.5.2) or surrenders (5.5.3).
A power must make a stability test under the following
circumstances:
Home Front: When the powers home front chit is drawn. If
the powers commitment is at mobilization, this test is made
with a 1 penalty; if at total war or exhaustion, with a 2
penalty.
Military Disaster: When the power takes excess losses in a
land or naval combat (10.8).
Loss of Control: When the power loses control of one of its
home areas or one of its colony areas containing a resource.
Make a second, additional test if it is the powers capital.
Collapse/Surrender: When the powers ally collapses (5.5.2)
or surrenders (5.5.3).
A-Bomb: Each successful A-Bomb attack requires the
defending power to make a stability test (12.2).
Events: Certain crisis events will require powers to make a
stability test.
5.5.2 COLLAPSE
Collapse of a powers government can represent a change
ranging from the formation of a new cabinet to a coup dtat or
worse.
If a powers stability marker is moved to the collapse box, the
power collapses and may surrender.
Determine the powers surrender target number as follows,
starting with zero:
Cataclysm: A Second World War
+1 for each of the powers colony areas that it no longer
controls, if that area contain a resource.
+1 for each of the powers home areas that it no longer
controls.
+1 if the power does not control its capital (cumulative with
the above).
+1 if the powers victory point total (1.5.1) is currently zero or
less.
+1 if the powers commitment is exhaustion (6.4).
The powers player rolls one die. If the roll is less than the
surrender target number, the power surrenders, following the
sequence in 5.5.3.
If the roll is greater than the surrender target number, or the
target number is zero, the power collapses. Follow the collapse
sequence below.
IMPORTANT
A power also immediately surrenders (without a roll) if at any
time it controls none of its home areas.
Design Note: Yes, it is possible for the United States to surrender.
Imagine this unlikely event as a historic shift toward extreme
isolationism.
COLLAPSE SEQUENCE
1. Any stability tests pending for the collapsed power are
canceled.
2. Set the powers stability to wavering.
3. If the powers commitment is mobilization or total war, set it
to exhaustion and adjust the powers force pool and available
flags, if necessary (4.1).
4. Discard the powers reserve (3.3), if any.
5. Each enemy power gains a flag (5.2.2).
6. Make an effectiveness check (5.3) for each area containing the
powers cubes but none of its land units; remove the cube if
the check fails. Any allies with land units in such an area may
immediately gain control of the area. Any units that can no
longer legally occupy an affected area must immediately
retreat (10.11).
7. The powers allies must make a stability test (5.5.1). Then the
power breaks its alliance (6.1.4).
8. The power must offer an armistice (5.6.2) to all enemy
powers. Each enemy power, in increasing effectiveness order,
decides to accept the armistice or not.
If Italy collapses, the Il Duce flag permanently loses its special
ability. If Germany collapses, the Night of the Long Knives special
rule is cancelled for the remainder of the game.
After collapsing, the power remains in the game as part of its
original ideology and functions as normal except as noted above.
Design Note: Its possible that a collapse does no lasting harm to a
power, especially early in the game.
5.5.3 SURRENDER
When a power surrenders, it is eliminated from the game and is
no longer an active power. Apply the following effects strictly in
order:
1. Each enemy power gains a flag (5.2.2).
2. Any allies with land units in the powers controlled areas or
air or naval units in areas with the powers bases may
immediately gain control of those areas or bases.
3. The powers allies must make a stability test (5.5.1). Then the
power breaks its alliance (6.1.4).
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4. Remove all the powers remaining counters and cubes from
the game including base markers on the map and any
counters in the action cup. Its printed bases become unowned
if not owned by another power at this time.
5. Place a neutral cube (2.4.5) in each of the powers home or
colony areas not currently controlled by a power.
6. Each power controlling one of the surrendered powers home
areas may conduct an immediate diplomacy political action
(6.3) against each adjacent uncontrolled home area of the
surrendered power (i.e. those with a neutral cube). If more
than one power succeeds for a given area, the highest rolling
power places its cube (no marker is placed on a tie).
7. Any units that can no longer legally occupy an affected area
must immediately retreat (10.11).
8. The opposing ideology that controls the most home areas of
the surrendered power after applying all these effects has
caused its surrender. In case of a tie, both opposing
ideologies have caused its surrender. This may cause the
game to end (1.4).
Example: Germany attacks Paris, winning the
combat against a combined French and
British defense. Germany gains two flags for
the conquest one because it was an enemy
home area and another because it was the
enemy capital. France must take two stability
tests and fails both, sending its stability to
Collapse. France has zero victory points, has
lost Paris and Lorraine, and has lost its
capital, giving it a surrender target number of
four. France must roll one die; if the result is 4
or less France will surrender.
France rolls a 3 and surrenders. Germany gains a flag and the UK (as an
ally of France) must make a stability test. All French units and markers
are removed from the game. Then neutral cubes are placed in Normandy
and Provence. Only Germany is eligible to roll for control of Normandy
and Provence, needing a 6 (due to the neutral cubes resistance of one).
Germany rolls a 4 for Provence and fails, but a 6 for Normandy and
succeeds, replacing the neutral cube there with a German one. The
historical Vichy occurs, with an uncontrolled Provence and the rest of
the French home areas controlled by Germany. The Fascists get credit for
causing the surrender of France.
5.6 WAR
In Cataclysm, war is a status between two opposing powers that
allows military operations against each other. A power at war is
belligerent. Opposing powers at war with each other are
enemies.
5.6.1 STARTING WARS
A power enters a state of war with an opposing power by
performing or being the target of a declaration of war political
action (6.2) or surprise attack (9.8.3).
IMPORTANT
Communist and Democratic powers can only initiate a war by a
declaration of war political action; Fascist powers can start war
by either a declaration or a surprise attack.
When powers enter a state of war, their allies must decide
whether to uphold their respective alliances and join the war.
Any allies that do not join the war must break the alliance (6.1.4).
Indicate a state of war by placing cubes of the belligerent powers
together in the war box on the political display.
Cataclysm: A Second World War
IMPORTANT
Powers within a single ideology fighting a common enemy
combine into a single war. This is irrespective of alliance status.
Example: There are three wars
ongoing in the above figure. War #1 is
Germany and Italy versus the Soviet
Union; war #2 is US versus Japan; and
war #3 is UK and France versus
Germany and Italy. Note there are no
alliances.
If the US forms an alliance with the UK,
wars 2 and 3 would be combined into
one large war: US + UK + France
versus Germany + Italy + Japan, since
all the Fascists would have at least one
common enemy (the US).
If instead Japan declared war on the UK, wars 2 and 3 would still be
combined, even though the US and the other Democracies are not in an
alliance. The key is that the UK is an enemy of all three Fascist powers, so
the wars must be combined into one.
5.6.2 ENDING WARS
Once started, a war can end two ways.
Armistice: A war can be ended at any time by the mutual
consent of participating powers. A power that collapses (5.5.2)
must offer an armistice to each enemy power and abide by
each enemy powers decision to accept or not. If only some
powers in an alliance agree to an armistice, the powers
accepting the armistice must break the alliance (6.1).
Capitulation: A war ends if all participants from one
participating ideology have surrendered (5.5.3).
When a war ends, remove the corresponding power cubes from
the political display.
5.7 WAR STATUS
The war status marker tracks the global extent and intensity of
war. It does not apply to any individual power.
When resolving a crisis event (3.3.7), if the war status marker is
on the political display (Limited War) or turn track (Global War),
resolve the Wartime event; if it is not, resolve the Peacetime
event.
5.7.1 LIMITED WAR
When any powers first become belligerent (1.1),
immediately place the war status marker on its Limited
War side in the center of the political display.
The war status marker is never removed from play, even if at a
future time there are no belligerent powers.
Example: The Soviet Union and Japan go to war early in the 1935-36
turn. The war status marker is placed in the center of the political
display on its Limited War side and all crisis events from now on will use
the Wartime event table.
5.7.2 GLOBAL WAR
Flip the war status marker from its Limited War side to its Global
War side immediately when any power increases its commitment
to total war or at least one nation from each ideology is currently
belligerent. Once on its Global War side, the war status marker
never reverts back to its Limited War side.
IMPORTANT
When flipped to its Global War side, the war status marker is
placed on the turn track two turns ahead (or 1945-46, if later) to
mark the last turn of the game (1.4).
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6. POLITICAL ACTIONS
A power attempts a political action when it plays a flag (5.2) or
occasionally via a crisis event (3.3.7).
In general, a political action requires an effectiveness check to see
if the action succeeds. Unless stated otherwise, the power playing
the flag uses its own effectiveness value to make the effectiveness
check. If the check succeeds, the action is successful. If the check
fails, the power may qualify for a failed political action bonus
(5.4).
The remainder of this section details each political action.
6.1 ALLIANCE
A power may play a flag to attempt to form an alliance with one
or more other power(s) in its ideology. The other power(s) must
each have a flag in reserve, which is played as part of the attempt.
Only one effectiveness check is made for the attempt. Use the
effectiveness of the least effective power to make the check.
Design Note: If Italy plays its Il Duce flag for an alliance attempt,
remember to add one to its effectiveness.
If successful, indicate the alliance by placing cubes from all allied
powers together in the alliance box on the political display.
Example: France and the UK attempt to form an alliance.
The effectiveness check is made using France's effectiveness
of one, not the higher UK effectiveness. A six is rolled and the
attempt is successful; a French cube and a UK cube are
placed in the Democracy Alliance box.
A successful alliance is a provocation (5.2.2) to opposing powers
(see the powers status cards for which opposing powers are
affected). A power cannot gain more than one flag from a given
alliance political action.
Example: When France and the UK form an alliance, Germany and Italy
only gain one flag each not two.
6.1.1 JOINING AN ALLIANCE
There can only be one alliance per ideology. If two powers are
allied, the third power in the ideology may only join this alliance.
To do so, that third power only must play a flag and pass an
effectiveness check. Provocation due to a successful alliance
would occur based on all three powers in the alliance, noting that
an opposing power cannot gain more than one flag from an
alliance formation.
6.1.2 ALLIANCE EFFECTS
Powers in an alliance share interests (5.1).
Additionally, belligerent allies are friendly (1.1).
They may occupy the same area (7.1).
They may move (7.2) or trace an LOC (4.4) into or through
each others controlled areas.
They may use each others bases (2.3.2) for occupation (7.1)
and for tracing operational range (7.3).
They may activate their units together for an operation (9.).
6.1.3 ALLIANCES AND WAR
When a power in an alliance enters a state of war (5.6.1), its allies
may join the war immediately at no additional cost; any that do
not must break the alliance.
If a belligerent power forms or joins an alliance, its new allies
must join the war at no additional cost.
If only some powers in an alliance agree to an armistice (5.6.2),
the powers accepting the armistice must break the alliance.
Cataclysm: A Second World War
Design Note: Essentially, allies must always be at war with the same
enemy powers, or the alliance is broken.
6.1.4 BREAKING AN ALLIANCE
A power breaks its alliance when:
It fails to join a war along with its allies (6.1.3).
It collapses (5.5.2) or surrenders (5.5.3).
It accepts an armistice (5.6.2) and an ally does not.
Powers that are no longer allies remove their cubes from the
political display.
If a single power breaks a three-power alliance, the other two
powers may remain allied.
After an alliance is broken, units in areas they cannot legally
occupy must retreat (10.11). If units from multiple powers must
retreat, do so in decreasing effectiveness order.
Example: Germany and Italy are allies. Italy collapses and must break its
alliance with Germany. German units in Italian-controlled areas (and
vice versa) must retreat.
Example: France, the United Kingdom, and the United States are allies.
France accepts an armistice with Germany, but the UK and US do not.
France breaks its alliance, but the UK and US remain allied to each other.
6.2 DECLARATION OF WAR (DOW)
A power may enter a state of war with a target power by
succeeding in a declaration of war (DOW) political action.
IMPORTANT
A declaration of war is not required to attack an ungarrisoned
country (9.7).
A power joining a war due to alliance (6.1) does not have to meet
any requirements for a DOW listed here.
To declare war, a power must have a commitment of mobilization
or total war. The United States and its allies may not attempt a
DOW against Japan if the US-Japan Trade marker is in play.
If all conditions are met, a power may attempt to declare war on
an opposing power (and potentially its allies) by playing a flag
and making a successful effectiveness check.
If war is successfully declared, place the newly belligerent
powers cubes on the political display as described in 5.6.1. The
target power gains a flag immediately. Each ally of the declaring
power must either join the war or break the alliance (6.1.4). Each
ally of the target power must either join the war (and gain a flag
for doing so) or break the alliance.
IMPORTANT
After successfully declaring war, the declaring power must
immediately conduct one operation (9.), which must target the
same power as the DOW. If such an operation is not possible, the
DOW is canceled, all its effects are negated, and the political
action used for it is forfeit.
Design Note: Be sure you can make a valid attack before declaring
war!
6.3 DIPLOMACY
A power may play a flag for a political action to attempt to gain
control of an ungarrisoned country (2.2.4) by diplomacy. The
power designates a single ungarrisoned country in their interest
as the target. A power may attempt diplomacy against a country
controlled by another power, even in its own ideology, or against
a home or colony area with a neutral cube (2.4.5).
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The target country cannot contain a Civil War marker (11.1.1)
(exception: areas in China not occupied by a faction marker may
be targeted.)
Design Note: Remember that allies share interests for all purposes,
which expands potential diplomacy targets for powers in an alliance.
The acting power must make an effectiveness check (5.3), with
the following bonuses and/or penalties:
Subtract the country's resistance (2.3.5).
Subtract one if the target country is controlled by an enemy
power.
Add one if the acting power has an aid marker under a flipped
Civil War marker in the area (8.5).
Example: Italy spends a political action to attempt to place a cube in
uncontrolled Yugoslavia via diplomacy. Italy rolls a five, which becomes
a four due to the one resistance in Yugoslavia Yugoslavia resists Italy's
attempt to control it.
If the effectiveness check succeeds, the power places one of its
cubes in the country, removing any cube(s), Civil War Winner
marker, or aid markers (8.5) already in the country. However, if
the area is a home or colony area of an active power in the same
ideology, no cube is placed and control is returned to the original
power.
The placement of a powers cube counts as a provocation (5.2.2)
and increases the power's victory points (1.5.1) by one. Any units
in the country belonging to other powers (except allies) must
immediately retreat (10.11) (in decreasing effectiveness order, if
more than one power).
Design Note: One should consider successful diplomacy not just as
political alliances, but also small military actions below the scale of
the game (e.g. the historical German invasion of Norway could be
represented by a successful diplomacy action).
6.4 INCREASE COMMITMENT
A power may attempt to increase its commitment by playing a
flag and making a successful effectiveness check (exception: if
the power is currently belligerent the effectiveness check is
automatically successful).
IMPORTANT
A power may only increase its commitment to total war if it is
belligerent (1.1) or the war status (5.7) is currently Global War.
If successful, move the powers commitment marker one column
to the right on its status card. A power may not voluntarily
increase its commitment beyond the total war commitment level.
No power may successfully increase its commitment more than
once per turn; flip the commitment marker when it is increased
as a reminder.
6.4.1 EFFECTS OF INCREASING COMMITMENT
Increasing commitment is a provocation (5.2.2) to some opposing
powers, as listed on the status cards.
Any markers in the new commitment level column become
available to the power. The powers effectiveness and conversion
rate may change. The power must also adjust the total number of
counters in their force pool.
When commitment reaches rearmament, the power
becomes subject to home front stability checks each
turn (4.1.2), beginning the following turn.
A power also gains bonus offensives (6.4.2) upon increasing
commitment to mobilization or total war.
Cataclysm: A Second World War
When any power increases its commitment to total war,
the war status (5.7) immediately shifts to Global War
(5.7). Flip the war status marker to its Global War side
and place it two turns ahead (or 1945-46 if later) on the
turn track. The game is now set to end on that turn (1.4).
6.4.2 BONUS OFFENSIVES
Immediately upon increasing commitment to mobilization or
total war, a power receives bonus offensives, one for each
industrial resource it can trace a line of communications to (4.4).
A power receives these bonus offensives even if non-belligerent.
Counting a limited industrial resource for bonus offensives is
optional; discard the resource if it is counted (4.3).
Example: Germany mobilizes while still controlling the Ruhr limited
industrial resource; Germany discards it, gaining three bonus offensives:
the Ruhr limited resource and one each for the industrial resources
printed on map in Ruhr and Berlin.
6.5 MANEUVERS
A power may play a flag to attempt to perform one military action
(8.). If the effectiveness check is successful, the power designates
and conducts a single military action.
Design Note: You do not have to declare the type of military action or
any other specifics before making the effectiveness check.
6.6 PRESSURE
A power may play a flag, designate another power, and make an
effectiveness check. If successful, the designated power
immediately gains a flag (5.2.2).
6.7 PROPAGANDA
A power may play a flag to attempt to increase its stability (5.5).
If the effectiveness check is successful, increase the powers
stability one level (but never beyond steady).
6.8 POWER-SPECIFIC SPECIAL ACTIONS
Several powers have special actions listed on their ideologys
special rules card. A successful effectiveness check is still
required to perform the action.
Germany may attempt to flip the Rhineland Demilitarized
marker to its Ruhr Limited Resource side.
Italy may attempt to play the Abyssinian Adventure marker.
The US may attempt to remove the US-Japan Trade marker.
The US may attempt to play the Lend Lease marker.
The Soviet Union may attempt to play the Trans-Siberian
Railroad marker.
The Soviet Union may attempt to change its Posture
(exception: changing Posture does not require an effectiveness
check).
7. MILITARY CONCEPTS
7.1 OCCUPATION LIMITS
Units occupy the area they are located in. The number of units of
a given type allowed in a given area is the occupation limit.
Occupation limits apply separately for each ideology.
A player may never voluntarily exceed occupation limits except
while moving during a deployment action (8.4) or operation (9.).
Units found to be in excess of the occupation limit at any other
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time are immediately destroyed and returned to their powers
force pool.
IMPORTANT
A powers units may not occupy the same area as opposing units,
except while moving during a deployment action (8.4), or in the
target area during an operation (9.).
Units from the same ideology may occupy an area together only if
their powers are friendly (1.1), i.e. allied and belligerent.
7.1.1 LAND AND MIXED AREAS
Occupation in land and mixed areas is limited as follows:
Up to two land units, but a maximum of one fortress and one
Chinese faction marker (11.2.1) per area.
Up to two naval units in a coastal area (2.2.5); naval units may
not occupy a non-coastal land area.
Up to two air units.
Up to one logistics unit (7.1.4).
Restricted terrain reduces the occupation limits in land and
mixed areas (7.1.3). A logistics unit negates restricted terrain in
its area for this purpose (7.1.4).
As indicated on the map, there are no occupation limits in the
United States, Eastern Canada, or the Urals. This applies to all
types of units.
7.1.2 SEA AREAS
Units may not occupy sea areas, except for the following:
One naval and one air unit may occupy a sea area that contains
a friendly base (2.3.2); up to two of each may occupy a sea area
with a friendly base and logistics unit.
While belligerent, one naval unit (and one strategic air force)
may occupy each sea area adjacent to an area with a friendly
port (or airfield). They may not occupy an area containing
opposing units or an opposing (non-enemy) base. This is not
cumulative with occupation allowed by a base in the area.
While belligerent, one submarine pack (only) may occupy each
sea area two areas away from a friendly port. They may not
occupy an area containing opposing units or an opposing (non-
enemy) base.
During an operation, up to two naval units and/or two air
units may occupy a sea area.
Example: While the UK is belligerent, one British naval unit and one
strategic air force may occupy the Norwegian Sea area (due to the
friendly adjacent land area of Scotland). No other British units may
occupy the Norwegian Sea area.
Example 2: One British naval unit and strategic air force may occupy
the Eastern Mediterranean sea area (due to the British naval base
there). While belligerent, no additional units may occupy the Eastern
Mediterranean sea area, even with the adjacent port in Egypt.
Example 3: While belligerent, one German submarine pack may occupy
the Western Approaches sea area (it is two areas away from the Ruhr, a
German port area). No German fleets or strategic air forces may occupy
the Western Approaches sea area, since there are no friendly adjacent
port or airfield areas. If Germany controls Normandy, a fleet and
strategic air force could occupy the Western Approaches, and submarine
packs could occupy the North and Mid Atlantic Ocean sea areas.
IMPORTANT
When a port or airfield changes hands, re-check all occupation
limits in nearby sea areas that might be affected. Units in excess
of the limit must retreat immediately (10.11), in decreasing
effectiveness order if controlled by more than one power.
7.1.3 RESTRICTED TERRAIN
Cataclysm: A Second World War
Restricted terrain (2.3.8) reduces the occupation limit in land and
mixed areas to one land unit, one naval unit, and one air unit.
Restricted terrain never applies to the sea portion of a mixed
area. A friendly logistics unit in the area negates this penalty
(7.1.4).
7.1.4 LOGISTICS UNITS
A logistics unit represents a concentration of facilities and
material strength.
A logistics unit negates the effects of restricted terrain (7.1.3
occupation limits and 4.4 LOC) in its area.
In a sea area with an air base it increases the occupation limit in
that area to two air units.
In a sea area with a naval base, it increases the occupation limit in
that area to two naval units and/or two air units.
Example: Japan deploys a logistics unit to the Carolines
sea area. Up to two naval units and/or two air units may
now occupy the Carolines.
Logistics units are limited to one per area and are destroyed if
control of its area or ownership of the base in its area is lost for
any reason.
Logistics units never move except when played from the action
cup or reserve (3.3.2). They never participate in combat and are
destroyed if forced to retreat (10.11). They cannot regroup
(10.12).
7.1.5 NAVAL AND AIR BASES
A base allows naval and/or air units to occupy areas where they
are normally prohibited.
A base (2.3.2) in a sea area or a special British base in a land or
mixed area (2.3.3) allows occupation of the area by:
Up to one logistics unit.
One naval unit and one air unit with a friendly naval base; two
of each type with a logistics unit.
One air unit with a friendly air base; two with a logistics unit.
A belligerent power (1.1) may also occupy adjacent sea areas
(7.1.2).
7.2 MOVEMENT
Units move during deployment actions (8.4), operations (9.),
support (10.2), retreat (10.11), and regroup (10.12).
Moving units cannot enter a non-friendly land or mixed area
unless it is the target area of an operation.
Adverse (2.3.1) or restricted (2.3.8) terrain has no effect on
movement.
IMPORTANT
Fortress units and logistics units may only move when played
from the action cup or reserve (3.3.2). They never retreat (10.11)
or regroup (10.12).
7.2.1 LAND MOVEMENT
Land and logistics units use land movement to move from a land
or mixed area to an adjacent land or mixed area.
Land movement is allowed across black crossing
arrows (e.g. from Philippines to New Guinea, 2.3.4).
Land movement cannot cross red impassable
borders.
Design Note: Land movement across straits represents ferrying below
the scale of the game.
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During a deployment action, land movement may only enter
friendly land or mixed areas.
During an operation, land movement is conducted the same as
during a deployment action, except units can also enter the target
area of the operation (9.), but must stop there.
7.2.2 NAVAL MOVEMENT
Naval units use naval movement to move from a sea or port
(2.2.1) area to an adjacent sea or port area. Naval units cannot
move directly from a land area to an adjacent land area, even if
both are ports.
Land and logistics units must use naval movement to deploy
across one or more sea or mixed areas to a destination port area.
Air units must use naval movement to deploy across more than
one consecutive sea area.
IMPORTANT
Units using naval movement may only enter sea or mixed areas
within two areas of a friendly port (three if using extended
range).
Example: If the US loses control of the Philippines, it would need to be
allied with the UK to enter the Palaus sea area, as its closest naval base is
Ellice Islands three sea areas away.
Naval movement cannot end in an area containing an opposing
unit or base.
Naval movement cannot enter an area containing an enemy naval
unit or strategic air force.
Exception: Submarine packs may enter an enemy-occupied area,
but cannot remain there.
During a deployment action, naval movement may only enter
sea areas or friendly port areas.
During an operation, naval movement is conducted the same as
during a deployment action, except units can also enter the target
area of the operation (9.), but must stop there.
7.2.3 AIR MOVEMENT
Air units use air movement to move from one area to an
adjacent area.
Air movement cannot enter or remain in an area containing an
enemy air unit.
Air movement is allowed across black or green crossing arrows
(2.3.4). Air movement cannot cross red impassable borders.
When an air unit wishes to move through (not just into) more
than one consecutive sea area, it must use naval movement
(7.2.2) instead.
Example: A UK air force deploys from London to Egypt, by naval
movement through the Bay of Biscay, Mid-Atlantic Ocean, Western
Mediterranean, and Tyrrhenian Sea, to the UK air base in the Central
Mediterranean. From there, it uses air movement to cross the Eastern
Mediterranean to Egypt.
Cataclysm: A Second World War
During a deployment action, air movement may only enter
friendly land or mixed areas, or any sea areas.
During an operation, air movement is conducted the same as
during a deployment action, except units can also enter the target
area of the operation (9.), but must stop there.
7.3 OPERATIONAL RANGE
Operational range describes geographic limits imposed on
naval and air movement and operations.
During a deployment action (8.4), units using naval movement
are required to remain in operational range of a friendly port at
all times. This range is traced from any friendly port as the unit
moves, and may change area by area.
Operational range has no effect on air movement during a
deployment action.
During an operation (9.), naval and air units may only move to
and attack areas within operational range of their port or airfield
of origin, respectively. This range may be extended by one at the
cost of a combat penalty (see below).
During retreat (10.11) or regroup (10.12), naval and air units
must move to a friendly port or airfield (respectively) within
operational range, if possible; or the nearest such area if none are
within operational range.
Design Note: When counting operational range from a base, do not
start counting with the area the base is in. Bases are not spaces!
7.3.1 NAVAL OPERATIONAL RANGE
The operational range of a unit using naval movement is two
areas from a friendly port.
Example: The naval base in the Central Mediterranean can trace
operational range up to two sea areas away from the Central
Mediterranean area itself. As such, a naval unit in the Central
Mediterranean can conduct an operation at normal range targeting any
of following: the Aegean Sea, Greece, Turkey, Eastern Mediterranean,
Egypt, Libya, North Africa, Tyrrhenian Sea, Western Mediterranean,
Provence, Lombardy, Rome, Sicily, Adriatic Sea, Yugoslavia or Albania. A
UK carrier fleet based in the Central Mediterranean could move to the
Tyrrhenian Sea ('range 1') and end in the Western Mediterranean
('range 2').
7.3.2 AIR OPERATIONAL RANGE
The operational range of a tactical air force is one area from a
friendly airfield.
The operational range of a strategic air force is two areas from a
friendly airfield.
7.3.3 EXTENDED RANGE
At the start of an operation (only), the operational range of
activated air and/or naval units may be extended one area by
declaring extended range and accepting a 1 penalty to all
combat involving extended range units during the operation.
Extended range applies to retreat (10.11) and regroup (10.12) by
these units as well.
Operational range may not be extended beyond one additional
area.
Example: The UK uses a military action to
conduct a raid against the Ruhr, activating
a strategic air force and a tactical air force
in London. The strategic air force has an
operational range of two areas and can
reach the Ruhr via either Benelux (thanks
to the green crossing arrow) or the North
Sea.
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The tactical air force has an operational range of only one area, and can
only reach the Ruhr using extended range. The UK would suffer a -1
penalty in any ensuing combat involving the tactical air force (i.e. air
combat). Note that neither air force could support into the Ruhr since
support can only be to adjacent areas.
8. MILITARY ACTIONS
A military action allows a power to move and attack with their
forces on the board, among other related activities.
A power may perform one or more military actions when it plays
an offensive (8.1). A power may perform a single military action
via a successful maneuvers political action (6.5), a successful
DOW political action (operation only), or when its Home Front
marker is drawn during the action phase (deployment only).
Military actions may be spent for augmentation (8.2), builds
(8.3), deployment (8.4), intervention (8.5), or for operations (9.).
Design Note: Operations are a big deal, so they get a whole section to
themselves.
Military actions may be spent individually or in combination,
depending on the type of action.
Augmentation actions are spent in addition to the action for an
operation, to enhance that operation.
Two build actions are spent together to construct units that
cost two builds.
An invasion operation costs two military actions.
All other military actions are spent individually.
8.1 OFFENSIVES
A power plays an offensive (from the cup or reserve) to
perform one or more military actions, depending on its
commitment level (4.1). These may be the same or
different type of military actions, at the player's
discretion. A power may forfeit some or all of these
military actions.
Example: The Soviet Union is at total war commitment when it plays an
offensive marker from the reserve. It conducts up to three military
actions.
8.2 AUGMENTATION
At the immediate start of any operation (9.), including an
invasion, a power may spend additional military actions to
augment that operation, applying a bonus to all of its combat
rolls.
For each additional military action spent, a power adds a +1
bonus to all of its combat roll results for the entire operation.
These additional actions must come from the same offensive
marker.
Example: The US is at total war, and plays an offensive for three military
actions. For one military action it designates an operation. As the first
step of the operation, it augments it with the remaining two actions,
gaining a +2 bonus for all combats during the operation.
8.3 BUILDS
A belligerent power (1.1) may spend one or more military actions
to generate an equal number of builds (4.6). The power must use
the builds immediately and can build any available unit or
upgrade marker in its force pool.
The constructed counter is added to the action cup, reserve, or
turn track as if it was built during production (3.1.4). To build a
Cataclysm: A Second World War
fleet or upgrade marker, a power must spend two military
actions from the same offensive for the required two builds.
8.4 DEPLOYMENT
A deployment action allows a power to move some or all of
their units an unlimited number of times. Allied units may not be
moved during a deployment action, even if they occupy the same
area as the activating power's units.
Deploying units move one at a time, area by area. A power may
move one unit, move another unit, and then go back and move
the first unit again. There is no limit to how far a deploying unit
may move (exception: operational range during naval movement,
7.3).
Units move using land, naval, or air movement, depending on the
type of unit and the area being entered (7.2). Within a single
deployment action, a unit may freely intermix eligible types of
movement.
Example: A land unit might use land movement to reach a coastal area,
then use naval movement to move to a coastal area on the other side of
the map, then land movement again, etc.
Occupation limits (7.1) do not apply during the movement of a
given unit, but do apply when the unit stops moving (i.e. when
another unit begins moving, even if the original unit will move
again later in the same action).
FORTRESSES AND LOGISTICS UNITS
A fortress or logistics unit may not move during a deployment
action, except when played from the action cup or reserve (3.3.2).
However, during a deployment action, a power may withdraw
any of its fortress or logistics units from the map and place them
in the action cup, to be redeployed when drawn. A fortress or
logistics unit can only be withdrawn if its power can trace an LOC
to it (4.4).
Design Note: This represents the additional time and effort required
to move facilities and supplies.
SUBSEQUENT ACTIVATION
Deploying units may not be activated for an operation later in the
same offensive. However, units that have already been activated
for an operation previously during this offensive may deploy.
IMPORTANT
Deployed fleet and air forces are eligible to support immediately
(10.2).
Example: Germany is at mobilization and gains
two military actions when it plays an offensive.
It deploys an army and two air forces to Poland,
already occupied by a tank army. This uses its
first military action.
For its second military action it conducts a campaign operation to attack
into Ukraine with the tank army the infantry army cannot participate
because it deployed earlier in the same offensive. The two air forces can
support the attack on Ukraine, even though they deployed to Poland
earlier in the same offensive.
8.5 INTERVENTION
A power may intervene in a civil war by providing aid to a
faction (11.1.2).
8.5.1 PLACING AID
A power (the patron) may spend a military action to provide aid
to a civil war faction (11.1.1) or Chinese faction marker (11.2.1),
termed the client. To provide aid, the patron must trace a line of
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communications (4.4) to the client area. For this purpose, areas
occupied by the target factions markers are friendly, and areas
occupied by opposing faction markers are enemy (blocking the
LOC).
If an LOC can be traced, the patron places one of their offensive
markers in the client area to the left or right of the Civil War
marker, as appropriate to the aided faction in a non-Chinese civil
war; or the marker is placed under the designated Chinese
faction marker.
Design Note: Not all civil wars were neatly divided into left vs.
right, but designating them this way in Cataclysm keeps things
simple and organized. There is no other game significance to these
terms.
A patron may have multiple aid markers in a client and a client
can have aid markers from multiple patrons. A patron may only
intervene to support one side in a given civil war area, but may
provide aid to both GMD and ChiCom Chinese faction markers.
8.5.2 AID EFFECTS
Intervention is a provocation (5.2.2) to any power with interest
in that area.
An aid marker grants interest (5.1) in the client area to its patron.
A client that is attacked even by the patron rolls one extra die
for defense by expending an aid marker (10.4). When resolving a
civil war, the faction with the most aid rolls an additional die
(11.1.3).
8.5.3 AID REMOVAL
Aid is removed and returned to the patrons available markers
box if the client area comes under control of any power (even the
patron), if the civil war ends (11.1.4), or voluntarily by the patron
at any time.
Aid given to Chinese faction markers does not return to the
patron if the Chinese civil war goes inactive (11.2.2), but remains
on the map until removed as above.
9. OPERATIONS
An operation is a military action to activate one or more friendly
units in an area to move to and attack a target area.
The target area must be controlled by an enemy power, contain
an unowned or enemy base, be occupied by enemy units, or be an
uncontrolled country (exception: surprise attacks, 9.8.3).
Units may be activated by multiple actions during a single
offensive for successive operations.
Example: Germany is at mobilization and plays an offensive for two
military actions. Germany activates a tank army in Ruhr to attack and
conquer Benelux. With its second military action, Germany then activates
the same tank army and attacks Paris.
9.1 OPERATION DEFINITIONS
9.1.1 ATTACKER AND DEFENDER
During an operation, the attacker is the power conducting the
operation. The defender is determined according to the
following order of priority:
If the target area is an ungarrisoned country (2.2.4), the
country itself.
The power controlling the area, if it owns a participating unit.
A power with a participating unit in the area (but not
controlling the area). If more than one power qualifies, players
Cataclysm: A Second World War
must agree who will be the defender, or it is determined
randomly.
The power controlling the area (if the area has no participating
units).
9.1.2 OPERATION TYPES
There are three types of operations:
Campaign (9.3) a land operation to attack an adjacent land
or mixed area.
Raid (9.4) an air and/or naval operation to attack air or
naval units, bases, or resources. Raids are further classified as
naval raids, sweeps, base captures, or strategic bombing.
Invasion (9.5) a special operation to attack a land or mixed
area across one or two sea areas. Invasions require two
military actions.
9.2 OPERATION SEQUENCE
Every operation is resolved according to the following sequence:
1. The attacker declares:
a. The type of operation (9.1.2), including which type of raid
if appropriate (9.4).
b. Which units are activated for the operation (more than
one area requires a coordinated attack, 9.8.1; more than
one power requires joint operations, 9.8.2).
c. The target area (determining the defender).
2. If the attacker is a Democratic power, and the target is an
ungarrisoned country not controlled by an enemy power, or is
an unowned base, the Democratic power must pass an
effectiveness check or the operation is canceled and the
action is forfeit (9.7).
3. The attacker declares any augmentation for the operation
(8.2).
4. Each power provoked by the attack gains a flag (5.2.2). If the
operation is a surprise attack (9.8.3), the defender gains an
additional flag. The attacking and defending powers (and
potentially their allies, 6.1.3) are now at war.
5. Attacking and defending units must trace an LOC for supply
(9.6); place a Limited Supply marker on units that cannot.
6. Attacking units move to the target area (7.2). Occupation
limits apply normally in the target area (7.1).
7. Resolve combat (10.):
a. Commit supporting (10.2) units, attacker first.
b. Resolve air combat (10.6), if necessary. If the main combat
is a land or naval combat, determine air superiority (10.3).
c. Resolve land (10.4) or naval combat (10.5), if any.
d. Resolve the aftermath (10.10); remaining units retreat
(10.11) or regroup (10.12).
9.3 CAMPAIGN
A power may spend a military action to activate one or more
friendly armies to attack an adjacent enemy land or mixed area
or uncontrolled country (9.7). The activated armies must be in a
single area unless making a coordinated attack (9.8.1). At least
one of the armies must belong to the power performing the
action.
The activated armies move to the adjacent area and resolve land
combat (10.4).
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Minor armies cannot move or attack and thus cannot be activated
for a campaign, even if they occupy the same area as an activated
unit.
9.4 RAID
A power may spend a military action to activate one or more
friendly fleets and/or air units to attack an area. The activated
units must be in a single friendly port or airfield area unless
making a coordinated attack (9.8.1). At least one of the activated
units must belong to the power performing the action.
Submarine packs are never activated for operations.
Design Note: At Cataclysms scale, submarine activity is about
interdiction and sea denial. They can only block naval movement and
LOCs, not conduct offensive operations.
Raids are classified according to the intended objective,
determining the types of units that are eligible to be activated to
participate.
Raid Type Objective Eligible Units
Naval Raid Enemy naval units Fleets and Strategic
Air Forces
Base Capture Enemy or unowned Fleets and Strategic
base Air Forces
Sweep Enemy air units Air units
Strategic Bombing Enemy resource Strategic Air Forces
The activating power designates the type of raid and the target
area, which must contain a target of the type matching the raid
type. The area must be within operational range (7.3) of all
activated units (possibly including extended range).
The activated units move to the area and initiate combat. Enemy
units that are the objective of a raid must participate in the
ensuing combat. Units may be committed to support the combat
normally (10.2). Units in the target area that are not objectives by
raid type, and do not support, do not participate in the combat.
Land and logistics units in the target area are always excluded
from combat during a raid.
9.4.1 NAVAL RAID
A naval raid operation targets enemy naval units in any type of
area.
Fleets in a friendly port area and strategic air units in a friendly
airfield area are eligible to activate for a naval raid. Air and naval
units may support.
A naval raid is resolved as a naval combat, including air
superiority.
Example: Italy has a fleet and a tactical air force in Sicily. The UK has a
strategic air force in the Central Mediterranean Sea (using the air base
there). The UK plays an offensive and declares a naval raid operation
against Sicily, activating its strategic air force in the Central Med and
moving it to Sicily. The Italian fleet must participate, and Italy also
commits the tactical air force there to support.
Air combat is resolved, and the result is a tie, so the Italian tactical air
force is destroyed and the British strategic air force is flipped to its
tactical side.
In the ensuing naval combat, the British start with only one die in the
naval combat due to having no naval units, but roll an additional die
thanks to air superiority. The British air force is immune to losses, since
only naval units take losses in naval combat.
9.4.2 BASE CAPTURE
A base capture operation targets a sea area containing an enemy
or unowned base (2.3.2) (exception: special British bases [2.3.3]
cannot be captured).
Cataclysm: A Second World War
A Democratic power may only attempt to capture an unowned
base if it is already belligerent (1.1) and must pass an
effectiveness check to do so.
Fleets in a friendly port area and air units in a friendly airfield
area are eligible to activate for a base capture operation. Enemy
naval units in the target area must participate in the combat. Air
and naval units may support.
The base capture operation is resolved as a naval combat if any
naval units are participating, otherwise resolve it as an air
combat only. If no enemy air or naval units are present after
support has been committed, skip to the aftermath (10.10).
During the aftermath of the combat, if the attacker is eligible to
regroup (10.12), replace the enemy or unowned base in the area
with one of the attackers base markers of the same type. Any
enemy logistics unit present is destroyed and returned to its
owners force pool.
Design Note: A vacant base is automatically captured if your
opponent cannot (or chooses not to) support the base against your
attack.
Example: Japan just took the Philippines from the US in a surprise
attack, then got lucky and drew another Japanese offensive from the cup.
The Japanese player uses the first of his two actions to declare a base
capture operation against the Marianas. He activates a Japanese carrier
fleet in the Palaus and moves it to the target area. No US units are
present or adjacent, so it is unopposed and the Japanese place one of
their air base markers in the Marianas. The Japanese carrier fleet
regroups to the Marshalls.
With his second action, the Japanese players declares another base
invasion against the Ellice Islands, occupied by a US surface fleet and
tactical air force. The Japanese player activates the carrier fleet in the
Marshalls again, and moves it to the target area. The US surface fleet
must participate, and the US tactical air force supports. No other units
are in range to support. The Japanese carrier superiority is offset by
American air superiority. The Japanese luck out and roll a 6 to the US roll
of 2. The US fleet is destroyed in a disaster, and the US must make a
stability test. The Japanese player gains a flag and places their port
marker in the Ellice Islands. The American air force must retreat to
either Samoa or the Phoenix Islands. The Japanese player may remain in
the Ellice Islands or regroup back to the Carolines or the Marshalls.
9.4.3 SWEEP
A sweep operation targets enemy air units in any type of area.
Air units in a friendly airfield area are eligible to activate for a
sweep. Only air units may support.
A sweep is resolved as an air combat.
Example: The US would like to invade the Ruhr directly but cant
support an invasion there from London. The US play an offensive for
three actions and declares a sweep against Ruhr, which contains two
German tactical air forces. The US uses his remaining two actions to
augment the sweep twice, for a +2 bonus during combat, then activates
two strategic air forces in London, one US and one UK, and moves them
to Ruhr. Neither side can support since the occupation limit for air units
has been reached. Any German naval or land units in the Ruhr will be
completely unaffected by the sweep, regardless of the result.
The sweep is resolved as an air combat. The US rolls a 3 modified to 5,
and the Germans roll a 4, for one German loss. Germany declares a
retreat, reducing his losses to zero. He retreats both air forces to Bavaria,
where they will still be able to support combat in the Ruhr. The
chagrined US player regroups the attacking air forces back to London.
9.4.4 STRATEGIC BOMBING
A strategic bombing operation targets a resource in an enemy-
controlled area.
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Strategic air units in a friendly airfield area are eligible to activate
for strategic bombing. Only air units may support.
Strategic bombing is resolved as an air combat.
IMPORTANT
If there are no defending air units, the defender still rolls one die
for intrinsic air defense, but cannot choose to retreat (10.11).
During the air combat, the defender may apply one loss to the
resource, damaging it.
Damaged resources cannot be collected during production
(4.3.2). A limited resource that is damaged is instead destroyed
and immediately removed from the map.
Example: The UK declares a strategic bombing operation against the
Ruhr, activating a strategic air force in London. Germany supports with
a single tactical air force. In the air combat, the UK rolls a 5 (reduced to
a 4) and Germany only a 2, resulting in two losses for Germany. If the
Germans declare a retreat and reduce their losses to one, they would
have to apply a loss to damage the resource and not the air force, since
at least one unit has to actually retreat. Still, this is better than suffering
two losses and losing everything, so the German player retreats his
tactical air force and damages the resource.
9.5 INVASION
An invasion is an operation (requiring two military actions) to
attack a land or mixed area across one or two sea areas. An
invasion may not be conducted as a coordinated attack (9.8.1) or
surprise attack (9.8.3). The operation sequence for an invasion is
modified as follows:
1. The attacker spends two military actions, declares the
invasion, activates one or two armies in a single area as the
invasion force, and declares the target area.
2. If the attacker is a Democratic power, and the target is an
ungarrisoned country not controlled by an enemy power, the
Democratic power must pass an effectiveness check or the
invasion is canceled and the actions are forfeit (9.7).
3. The attacker declares any augmentation for the operation
(8.2).
4. Each power provoked by the invasion gains a flag (5.2.2).
5. Attacking and defending units must trace an LOC for supply
(9.6); place a Limited Supply marker on units that cannot.
6. Designate one or two sea or mixed areas as the invasion path.
The invasion path must connect the area containing the
invasion force to the target area in a contiguous line of
adjacent areas.
Each area of the invasion path must contain at least one
fleet friendly to the active power. Submarine packs cannot
enable invasion.
If the invasion path consists of two areas, the invasion is at
extended range, and the attacker receives a -1 penalty in the
invasion land combat (7.3).
7. Move the invasion force directly to the target area and resolve
land combat (10.4). Occupation limits apply normally in the
target area (7.1).
8. Resolve combat (10.). If the invasion force retreats, return it
directly to its original area. If the invasion succeeds, units may
regroup (10.12) to and/or from the original area.
Example: Japan has conquered Siam and Malaya and decides to bypass
Burma and invade India directly. During previous offensives, Japan
captured the naval base in the Indian Ocean and deployed fleets there
and in the Bay of Bengal. Japan spends two actions, designates an army
unit in Malaya as the invasion force, and the Bay of Bengal and Indian
Cataclysm: A Second World War
Ocean as the invasion path. The army is moved from Malaya to India and
a land combat is fought there. Unfortunately, Japan forgot to base an air
force at the naval base in the Indian Ocean and could not achieve air
superiority in India they roll low and lose the land combat, suffering
one loss. Japan chooses to reduce their losses to zero and retreat, moving
their army from India back to Malaya.
Design Note: An invasion in Cataclysm does not mean an entire
army unit of two or three dozen divisions gets on transports and hits
the beaches. Instead, think of the invasion action as establishing a
beachhead with notional smaller-scale units, then if the beachhead
holds, major forces continue the fight inland.
9.6 SUPPLY
At the start of an operation, each area containing activated or
defending units must trace a line of communications (4.4) for
supply. If an LOC cannot be traced, place a Limited Supply marker
with the affected units for the duration of the operation. Units
with a Limited Supply marker apply a -1 penalty to their combat
rolls.
The following never require supply:
Minor armies (2.4.6)
Logistics units (7.1.4)
Supporting units (10.2)
Intrinsic defense (10.4)
Chinese faction markers (11.1.1)
Japanese infantry armies (12.1)
Japanese fortresses (12.1)
9.7 ATTACKING A COUNTRY
REMINDER: A country is controlled if a power has a cube in it
(2.4.1); otherwise it is uncontrolled. A country is garrisoned if a
power has a land unit in it; otherwise it is ungarrisoned. The
presence of a minor army or a non-land unit belonging to a power
does not make a country garrisoned.
A power may attack a garrisoned country only if it is controlled
by an enemy power.
A Fascist or Communist power may attack an ungarrisoned
country whether it is controlled or not. No declaration of war or
surprise attack occurs the Fascist or Communist power simply
declares an operation against the country.
A Democratic power may only attack an ungarrisoned country
if they are already belligerent (1.1). After declaring the operation,
unless the country is enemy-controlled, the Democratic power
must immediately pass an effectiveness check (5.3) to continue. If
the check fails, the operation is canceled and the military action is
forfeit.
A Democratic power is restricted in the same way when
attempting to capture an unowned base using a raid operation
(9.4.2); they must already be belligerent, and must pass an
effectiveness check to proceed.
An attack against a country provokes (5.2.2) all opposing powers
with an interest in the country. Whether a country is controlled
or not does not change how a country defends against an attack
it only impacts which powers are provoked by the attack.
Example: France has a cube in Poland, but the only land unit in Poland is
the Polish minor army. Germany plays an offensive and uses a military
action to campaign against Poland. Germany is not at war with France
because of this attack, but France (and any of its allies) gain a flag for
the provocation due to French control. The Soviet Union, which has
interest in Poland by adjacency, also gains a flag.
9.7.1 CIVIL WARS & AID
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A Civil War marker (11.1) has no effect on whether a country can
be attacked. Remove the Civil War marker if a power takes
control of the country.
When a country marked with a Civil War marker is attacked, a
single aid marker (8.5) must be spent to assist the countrys
defense, if available (10.4). Remove any remaining aid if the
attacking power gains control of the country.
9.7.2 FAILED ATTACKS
If a power attacks an uncontrolled country (exception: any
Chinese country) but fails to take control of it by the end of the
campaign operation, an opposing power may attempt to gain
control of the country.
First, if the attacking power has any enemy powers, one of these
enemy powers may immediately gain control of the country. If
multiple enemy powers wish to gain control, each enemy power
makes an effectiveness check. The power with the highest
successful check (i.e. at least '5') gains control of the country; no
control is gained in the case of a tie, or if no power succeeds in
their effectiveness check.
If the attacking power has no enemy powers, any opposing
powers with an interest (5.1) in the country may attempt to gain
control of it. All such powers may make an effectiveness check
and the power with the highest successful check gains control of
the country; no control is gained in the case of a tie, or if no
power succeeds in their effectiveness check.
Ignore the countrys resistance (2.3.5) for these effectiveness
checks.
If no power succeeds or no power is able to attempt to take
control, the country remains uncontrolled.
If a power gains control of the country, it places one of its cubes
in the country, removing any cube(s), Civil War Winner marker,
or aid markers (8.5) already there. Gaining control of a country in
this way counts as a provocation (5.2.2).
Example: Italy is at mobilization and plays an offensive for two military
actions. For its first action, it campaigns against an uncontrolled
Yugoslavia moving an army from Lombardy into Yugoslavia and
supporting with an air force. No enemy or opposing powers have interest
in Yugoslavia, so no powers are provoked. The combat goes poorly for
Italy and it fails to conquer Yugoslavia, retreating back to Albania. The
UK and Soviet Union do not have an interest in Yugoslavia, but both are
at war with Italy. Both wish to place cubes, so both the UK and Soviet
Union make effectiveness checks. The UK rolls a 6 and the Soviet Union
rolls a 2 the UK places its cube in Yugoslavia.
9.8 SPECIAL CASES
9.8.1 COORDINATED ATTACK
Normally, units from a single area are activated for an operation.
To activate units from more than one area to attack a single
target area, you must declare a coordinated attack. Each area
containing activated units requires one military action. There is
only a single combat, and occupation limits apply as normal in
the target area.
Coordinated attack cannot be used with an invasion operation
(9.5).
9.8.2 JOINT OPERATION
A power may activate units belonging to any allied power if the
allied power gives permission. Allied units may support (10.2) an
operation without making the operation joint. The power
initiating the operation must activate at least one of its own units
for the operation. Allied units must meet all normal requirements
Cataclysm: A Second World War
to conduct the operation. Occupation limits (which are per
ideology) apply as normal in the target area.
Design Note: Joint operations and coordinated attacks may be
combined to activate an allied unit in a separate area.
Example: The US and UK are at war with
Japan and both are at mobilization. The
UK plays an offensive for two military
actions, and chooses a raid against the
Palaus. It activates the surface fleet from
the naval base in the Bismarcks and
with US permission the US carrier fleet
in Papua. The UK commits the tactical
air force in the Bismarcks for support.
This is a joint operation (US and UK) and a coordinated attack
(Bismarcks and Papua). Note that even though the US has an additional
surface fleet in Papua, the fleet cannot participate in the raid since it
would exceed the occupation limit.
9.8.3 SURPRISE ATTACK
A surprise attack is an operation that creates a state of war. It
requires neither a political action nor an effectiveness check and
can only be done by Fascist powers.
To conduct a surprise attack, a Fascist power with a commitment
of mobilization or higher spends a military action to attack (9.) a
non-enemy opposing power (exception: no invasions, 9.5).
A surprise attack results in a state of war (5.6.1) during the
operation between the attacker and defender (and potentially
their allies, 6.1.3). The defender gains an additional flag for the
provocation.
For the duration of the surprise attack operation, the defender
suffers a surprise penalty of 1 to its combat results. Place a
Surprised marker in the operations target area. At the end of the
operation, flip the Surprise marker to its No Surprise side and
move it to the political display to show that surprise penalties do
not apply to the defending ideology for the remainder of the
game.
The allies of a power conducting a surprise attack also benefit, if
the operation is a joint operation (9.8.2).
Design Note: An ideology can only suffer the surprise penalty once
per game.
Example: In the 1941-42 turn, Japan conducts a
surprise attack against US fleets in the Hawaii sea
area. The US and Japan are now at war with each
other, and the US gains two flags. If the US or Japan
had allies, their allies would have to decide
immediately whether or not to uphold the alliance(s).
A Surprise marker is placed in the Democracies circle on the political
display. During this operation, all US combat rolls will suffer a -1 penalty.
After resolving the combat, flip the Surprise marker on the political
display to its No Surprise side. Democracies are not subject to the
surprise penalty for the remainder the game.
10. COMBAT
Combat occurs when a power moves one or more units into an
area that contains a cube or unit of an opposing power, or into an
uncontrolled country.
Combat is resolved sequentially always finish the resolution of
one combat before starting another.
10.1 COMBAT SEQUENCE
All combat is resolved according to the following sequence:
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1. Commit all supporting (10.2) units, attacker first.
2. Resolve air combat (10.6). If the main combat is a land or
naval combat, this determines which side has air superiority
(10.3).
3. Resolve land (10.4) or naval combat (10.5), if any.
4. Resolve the aftermath (10.10); remaining units retreat
(10.11) or regroup (10.12) as necessary.
10.2 SUPPORT
Air units in an airfield area and fleets in a port area may support
combat in their area or an adjacent area. Supporting units must
use appropriate movement (7.2) to enter the target area and
obey occupation limits (7.1).
Design Note: Units cannot use extended range to support.
Operational range has no bearing on support eligibility.
In a given combat, the attacker must commit all support first,
then the defender. Units may only support a combat if they
belong to the attacker, the defender, or an ally of either the
attacker or defender (at that allys discretion).
When an ungarrisoned country is the defender, only units
belonging to powers that are at war with the attacker may
support it.
Air units may support any type of combat: land, naval, or air.
Fleets may only support naval combat. No other unit type
(including submarine packs) can provide support.
Design Note: Note that tactical air forces can support in combats
that they could not be activated to participate in.
Example: France and the UK are allies when Germany
attacks Paris. Germany first moves a tank army into
Paris. Then, Germany commits a tactical air force in
support. A UK tactical air force in London can support
against this attack even if no UK unit is in Paris, as
London is adjacent to Paris for air forces and France is
an ally. Whether France commits the air force in Paris
or not, only one of the air forces in London can support
due to occupation limits.
Once committed to the combat, supporting units suffer all the
effects of the combat (e.g. retreat, regroup, etc.)
10.3 AIR SUPERIORITY
Air superiority is determined during the resolution of a land or
naval combat.
An air combat (10.6) is resolved and whichever side has more air
units remaining gets air superiority. If only one side has air units
present, they automatically have air superiority (without
combat). In case of a tie, or if there are no participating air units,
neither side gets air superiority.
The side with air superiority rolls one additional die in the main
land (10.4) or naval (10.5) combat.
Design Note: Air superiority plays a vital role in land and naval
combat, so always take air support into account.
10.4 LAND COMBAT
Land combat may occur as a result of a campaign (9.3) or
invasion (9.5) operation. Only land units participate in land
combat.
Resolve land combat as follows:
By default, each side rolls two dice. If one side has no land
units, it rolls only one die.
Cataclysm: A Second World War
Air superiority: The side with air superiority (10.3), if any,
rolls one additional die.
Armor superiority: If one side has more tank armies than
the other side it gets armor superiority. A power rolls one
fewer die in land combat if the opposing side has armor
superiority. If both sides have the same number of tank
armies, no tank armies are present, or if the target area has
adverse terrain (2.3.1), neither side gets armor superiority.
REMINDER: If a side is rolling one die and must lose a die,
instead apply a -1 penalty to their roll (2.7).
Aid. If the defender is a client with one or more aid markers
(8.5), one aid marker must be discarded and the defender
rolls an additional die. No more than one aid marker may be
used in a single combat. If multiple patrons cannot decide
whose aid is spent, spend the aid from the patron with the
lowest effectiveness; if tied, determine randomly which aid
marker is spent.
Calculate bonuses and/or penalties to each sides combat roll.
Attacker +1 for each augmentation action spent for this
operation (8.2).
Attacker -1 if the operation is an invasion at extended range
(7.3).
Defender +1 if the target area is adverse terrain, if defending
across a strait, and/or if defending against an invasion.
These bonuses are not cumulative.
Defender +1 if defending units include a fortress.
Defender -1 if surprised (9.8.3).
Attacker or defender -1 if marked Limited Supply (9.6).
Both sides roll and determine the results of the combat (10.7).
10.5 NAVAL COMBAT
Naval combat may occur as a result of a raid operation (9.4).
Only naval units participate in naval combat.
Resolve naval combat as follows:
By default, each side rolls two dice. If one side has no naval
units, it rolls only one die.
Design Note: This can happen if one side in the naval combat has only
strategic air forces.
Air superiority: The side with air superiority (10.3), if any,
rolls an additional die.
Carrier superiority: If one side has more carrier fleets than
the other side it gets carrier superiority. A power rolls one
fewer die in naval combat if the opposing side has carrier
superiority. If both sides have the same number of carrier
fleets, or no carrier fleets are present, neither side gets
carrier superiority.
REMINDER: If a side is rolling one die and must lose a die,
instead apply a -1 penalty to their roll (2.7).
Calculate bonuses and/or penalties to each sides combat roll.
Attacker +1 for each augmentation action spent for this
operation (8.2).
Attacker -1 if any of its naval units is operating at extended
range (7.3).
Defender -1 if surprised (9.8.3).
Attacker or defender -1 if marked Limited Supply (9.6).
Both sides roll and determine the results of the combat (10.7).
10.6 AIR COMBAT
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Air combat may occur as a result of a raid operation (9.4) or to
determine air superiority (10.3) in a land or naval combat. Only
air units participate in air combat.
Design Note: Carrier fleets are not air units.
Resolve air combat as follows:
By default, each side rolls two dice.
During a strategic bombing raid, a defender with no air units
rolls one die instead.
Calculate bonuses and/or penalties to each sides combat roll.
Attacker +1 for each augmentation action spent for this
operation (8.2).
Attacker -1 if any of its air units are operating at extended
range (7.3).
Defender -1 if surprised (9.8.3).
Attacker or defender -1 if marked Limited Supply (9.6).
Both sides roll and determine the results of the combat (10.7).
10.7 COMBAT RESULT
All combat is resolved in the same manner. Each side rolls a
number of dice as determined above and the modified scores are
compared. The higher score wins the combat and the loser incurs
losses (10.9) and/or retreats (10.11). If the final scores are tied,
neither side wins; both sides takes one loss and cannot retreat.
The side that loses the combat must take a number of losses
equal to the winners score divided by the losers score (drop all
fractions); e.g. if the winners score is double the losers, the loser
suffers two losses.
Design Note: In most cases, the loser will only suffer one loss.
Example: Germany and France fight an air combat, each side rolling two
dice. Germany rolls a '6' and '6', while France rolls a '1' and a '2'.
Germany's final score is 7 (remember, each additional '6' counts as +1!)
and France's final score is 2. Since 7 is three full multiples of 2, France
incurs three losses (7 2 = 3.5 = three full multiples).
Additional Examples: Final modified scores of 5 vs. 2 would cause two
losses, but 5 vs. 3 would only cause one loss (which could be taken as a
retreat). 7 vs. 2 would cause three losses while 7 vs. 1 would cause seven!
4 vs. 4 is a tie, which causes one loss for both sides.
Design Note: All combat in Cataclysm relies upon this variable loss
dynamic that for each full multiple of the losing sides roll that is
achieved by the winner, a loss is incurred. It is important to
understand how this interacts with rolling fewer dice or having
penalties to your roll.
Apply the combat result in the following sequence:
1. Determine if a triumph/disaster occurs (10.8) (land or naval
combat only).
2. Except in case of a tie, the loser may reduce their losses by
one by declaring a retreat (10.11).
3. Apply all remaining losses (10.9). In case of a tie, the defender
applies their loss first.
4. If a retreat was declared, the losing units retreat from the
operations target area (10.11).
5. Resolve the aftermath of the combat (10.10).
10.8 TRIUMPH AND DISASTER
In a land or naval combat (only), if the result will inflict more
losses than the loser can sustain, the winning power wins a
triumph and gains a flag (5.2.2) and the losing power(s) suffers a
disaster and must make a stability test (5.5.1).
A triumph only affects the winning attacker or defender (9.1).
Cataclysm: A Second World War
A disaster affects all losing powers with a participating land or
naval unit in the combat.
10.8.1 LAND TRIUMPH/DISASTER
A triumph/disaster can only occur in a land combat if both sides
have at least one land unit in the battle.
A disaster suffered by a lone defending minor army (including a
Chinese faction marker) does not result in a stability test, even if
controlled by a power; however, the attacking power still gains a
flag.
Example: Japan attacks the Soviet Union and inflicts three losses on the
Soviet defenders. The Soviets only have a single tank army, which can
take two step losses. The tank army is destroyed, Japan gains a flag and
the Soviet Union must make a stability test.
Example 2: Germany and Italy occupy a single area and attack an
adjacent French home area containing a British and an American army.
Germany is conducting the operation, so is the attacking power. France
has no land units in the target area, so the Democracies agree the US will
be the defender. Germany rolls well and triumphs, eliminating both the
British and American armies and gaining a flag. As the defender, the US
must make a stability test.
10.8.2 NAVAL TRIUMPH/DISASTER
A triumph/disaster can only occur in a naval combat if the losing
side has at least one fleet in the battle.
Example: Italy sends two surface fleets supported by a tactical air force
to raid a British submarine pack in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The UK supports
with a tactical air force, but no fleets. If the naval combat results in the
UK taking two or more losses, the UK will neither lose its tactical air
force, nor be required to make a stability test. Likewise, Italy will not
gain a flag.
10.9 LOSSES
For each loss suffered by a side in combat, an upgraded unit is
flipped to its non-upgraded side or a non-upgraded unit is
destroyed and returned to its owners force pool. The same unit
can take multiple step losses in a single combat (i.e. an upgraded
unit can be flipped, and then destroyed, to satisfy two step
losses).
The attacker and defender choose how to apply losses to their
sides units (including whether to declare a retreat, 10.11) within
the following restrictions:
First, at least one loss must be to flip an upgraded unit, if
possible.
Second, at least half of a sides losses must be applied to units
of the attacker or defender (9.1), if possible.
Air units, even when they are the only units on a side, never take
losses from land or naval combat only from air combat.
10.10 AFTERMATH
The aftermath of a combat determines whose units may remain
in the target area.
10.10.1 LAND COMBAT AFTERMATH
After land combat, if no attacking land units remain OR at least
one defending land unit remains in the target area, the attacking
units must retreat (10.11); land and air units friendly to the
defender may regroup (10.12).
If the only remaining land unit(s) in the target area belong to the
attacking side, the attacker conquers the area, gaining control of
it. Resolve the effects according to the following sequence:
1. Powers gain flags (5.2.4, 5.2.5) or make stability tests (5.5.1)
triggered by the conquest.
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2. Remove all cubes, any Civil War marker, and all aid markers
(including from the attacking power) from the area.
3. Unless the area is a home or colony area of an active power in
the attackers ideology (including the attacker itself), the
attacker places one of their cubes in the area (two cubes if the
area is a capital).
4. Adjust victory points for each cube added or removed (1.5.1).
5. Remaining defending units must immediately retreat (10.11).
Any defending logistics unit in the area is destroyed (return it
to the owners force pool).
6. Land and air units friendly to the attacker may regroup
(10.12).
10.10.2 NAVAL COMBAT AFTERMATH
After naval combat, if no attacking naval units remain OR at least
one defending naval unit remains in the target area, the attacking
units must retreat (10.11); naval and air units friendly to the
defender may regroup (10.12).
If the only remaining naval unit(s) in the target area belong to the
attacker, the defending units must retreat and naval and air units
friendly to the attacker may regroup. A defending base in the sea
area may be captured (9.4.2).
Land units in the area are unaffected in either case.
The capture of a base may result in units no longer being eligible
to occupy nearby sea areas (7.1.2). Units in excess of any
occupation limit must retreat immediately.
10.10.3 AIR COMBAT AFTERMATH
After air combat (with no accompanying land or naval combat)
losing air units must retreat (10.11), and air units friendly to the
winning side may regroup (10.12).
In the case of a tie, the attacker retreats and the defender
regroups.
When fighting an air combat to determine air superiority, the
aftermath is not resolved until after the main land or naval
combat. However, air units that choose to retreat to reduce losses
must do so immediately, and do not count towards determining
air superiority.
10.11 RETREAT
The losing side of a combat may choose to reduce its losses by
one by declaring a retreat; this may reduce losses to zero. A
retreat may not be declared if the combat result is a tie.
Units may also be forced to retreat in the aftermath (10.10) of a
combat.
Retreats follow all the rules and restrictions of movement (7.2).
In a land or naval combat, the retreating side must retreat all its
units. In an air combat, only air units retreat; land or naval units
never retreat as a result of air combat.
A retreat may only be declared if eligible units will survive to
actually make the retreat (i.e. you cannot reduce losses by
declaring a retreat, and then destroy all your retreating units.)
10.11.1 LAND RETREAT
Each retreating land unit must move to an adjacent friendly land
or mixed area that it can legally occupy (7.1). If unable to retreat,
the unit is destroyed instead.
Fortress units, logistics units, and minor armies (exception:
Chinese faction markers, 11.2.1) cannot retreat and are
destroyed if they must.
Cataclysm: A Second World War
10.11.2 AIR AND NAVAL RETREAT
Retreating air or naval units use air or naval movement
respectively to move to a friendly port or airfield within
operational range (7.3) of its current position (including
extended range, if declared at the start of the operation). If this is
not possible, it must move to the nearest friendly port or airfield
that it could legally occupy (7.1), owners choice if more than one
is equally near. If unable to retreat, the unit is destroyed instead.
A retreating unit must leave its current area, even if the area
contains a friendly port or airfield.
10.12 REGROUP
Regroup allows units to reposition after combat even units that
were not involved in the combat. All eligible units belonging to
powers on the regrouping side (including allies) may regroup:
land units after land combat, naval units after naval combat, and
air units after any combat.
Regroup does not cost any actions nor does it activate the units
involved. All rules of movement (7.2) apply. At the end of
regroup, occupation limits must be obeyed in all affected areas
(7.1).
Design Note: Its possible for a side to be eligible for regroup and yet
not be able to remain in the target area, i.e. a raid against an enemy
land or mixed area. In that case the regroup just allows units to return
to friendly ports and airfields.
Land units may regroup by moving from the target area to any
adjacent friendly land or mixed areas, or vice versa. Minor armies
(including Chinese faction markers, 11.2), fortress units, and
logistics units may not move during regroup.
Air and naval units may regroup by moving from the target area
to any friendly ports or airfields within operational range
(including extended range, if declared at the start of the
operation), or vice versa.
COMPREHENSIVE LAND COMBAT
EXAMPLE
It is 1939 and there are no belligerent powers. A German flag is drawn
from the action cup. Germany decides to spend its political action to go
on maneuvers, but must make an effectiveness check or the political
action fails. At rearmament, Germany rolls three dice for effectiveness
checks, and easily passes, rolling a 6, a 4, and a 3 (needing a 5 or better
on its highest die).
Germany spends its resulting military action on a campaign operation
(Fall Weiss) targeting French-controlled Poland. Since the French have
no units in Poland, this is not an act of war against France, and Poland
itself is the defender. Germany activates a tank army and an infantry
army in Silesia for the attack. Poland will defend with its minor army.
Since France has a cube in Poland, it receives a flag for the provocation
of the German attack. It places this flag in reserve, currently empty of
French counters. The UK is allied with France, so it also has an interest in
Poland and receives a flag. The UK has a resource currently in reserve, so
rather than rejecting the resource and losing it, the UK chooses to place
their flag into the action cup. The Soviet Union, which has interest in
Poland due to being adjacent, also receives a flag, which it places in
reserve.
Both sides now check supply. Poland's minor army does not need to trace
an LOC for supply, and the German armies easily trace an LOC from
Berlin (a German production site) to Silesia. Therefore, no supply
penalties for either side.
Germany moves its armies into Poland, then commits a tactical air force
from East Prussia in support. Poland cannot get support from France
since France is not at war with Germany (and there are no French air
units adjacent to Poland anyway).
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Both sides start with two dice, since they both have armies present.
Germany has air superiority, gaining one extra die for the land combat.
Germany also has armor superiority, causing Poland to roll only one die
instead of two.
No bonuses or penalties to their combat rolls apply, so Germany rolls
three dice and Poland rolls one. Germany rolls a robust 6-6-4, while
Poland manages only a 3. The German score is a 7, taking the highest die
(a 6) and adding +1 for the extra 6. This is at least double Poland's score
(7 to 3), so Poland suffers two losses. This is more than can be satisfied by
Poland; one loss is sufficient to destroy Poland's minor army. That means
this combat is a triumph for Germany and a disaster for Poland.
Germany receives a flag immediately, which it places in reserve. Even
though Poland was controlled by France, the Polish disaster does not
affect France in any way.
Since the Polish army cannot retreat, it must take a loss and is removed
from play. In the aftermath of the combat, since the German armies are
alone, Germany conquers and gains control of Poland. France, the UK,
and the Soviet Union each gain a flag, then Germany removes Frances
cube and places one of its own. Germany gains one victory point and
France loses one victory point.
Germany is eligible to regroup, so they move their infantry army from
Poland into Czechoslovakia, which is adjacent and friendly controlled
(having a German cube). The German tank army remains in Poland. The
German air force moves to Silesia, although it could remain in Poland,
which is now a friendly airfield. If another German air force was in
Czechoslovakia (for instance), it could regroup into Poland, even though
it did not participate in the combat.
The conquest of Poland is complete, but before a new piece is drawn from
the action cup, France plays its flag from reserve to attempt a
declaration of war on Germany. France rolls a 5 a second world war
has begun!
11. CIVIL WARS
A civil war is an internal conflict within a country. Powers may
intervene in a civil war for their own advantage.
11.1 CIVIL WAR CRISIS EVENTS
When the crisis event Civil War or Colonial Revolt occurs (3.3.7),
the player who drew the crisis marker rolls two dice and consults
the table in the event listing. The result designates one or more
areas where a civil war has broken out.
If any land unit(s) belonging to a power occupy the area, the civil
war is suppressed and the crisis event has no effect. Otherwise,
place a Civil War marker in the area; if it is a home or colony area,
place a neutral cube (2.4.5) as well. Remove any minor army in
the area. Any non-land units in the area must immediately retreat
(10.11).
Diplomacy (6.3) may not be attempted against an area marked
with a Civil War marker (exception: areas in China not occupied
by a faction marker may be targeted). However, such an area may
be attacked normally (9.) and aid to either faction may assist in
its defense.
If a power gains control of a civil war area, the civil war ends
immediately (exception: the Chinese Civil War); remove any
remaining aid markers, neutral cubes, and the Civil War marker.
11.1.1 CIVIL WAR FACTIONS
Each civil war has two factions, a notional left side and right side.
If a civil war breaks out in an area controlled by a power, the
cube is removed (if a country) or a neutral cube is placed (if a
home or colony area); subtract one victory point from the
powers score. The former controlling power may immediately
place one aid marker for either faction (this placement does not
cause provocation).
Cataclysm: A Second World War
Design Note: The aid represents the remnants of the original regime
aligned with the former controlling power.
11.1.2 INTERVENTION
While a civil war is in effect, powers may spend military actions
to intervene (8.5) to assist either faction.
Example: A civil war has broken out in Spain.
Germany and Italy have spent military
actions to send aid to the left faction. The
Soviet Union spends a military action to send
aid to the right faction, seeking to oppose the
Fascist influence in Spain and also allowing
the Soviet Union to gain an interest in the
area.
11.1.3 CIVIL WAR RESOLUTION
When the Civil War Resolution marker is drawn from the
action cup, one round of civil war combat is immediately
resolved in all areas marked with a Civil War marker
(including the Chinese Civil War, 11.2.3).
The order of resolution is determined by the player who drew the
marker. After resolving all combats, place the Resolution marker
on the turn track to enter the action cup at the start of the next
turn.
To resolve a round of civil war combat, each faction starts with
two dice. The faction with the most aid rolls an additional die, if
applicable. Any player can roll, though the patrons (8.5) have
priority.
Compare the rolls and apply the results as follows:
Stalemate (rolls tied): Both factions discard all their aid
markers, but the civil war continues.
Marginal Victory (one roll higher, but not double the
other): The losing faction discards all its aid markers, but the
civil war continues. If instead the losing faction had no aid
markers, the civil war ends in a marginal victory for the
winning faction (11.1.4).
Decisive Victory (one roll at least double the other): The
losing faction discards all its aid markers, and the civil war
ends in a decisive victory for the winning faction (11.1.4).
11.1.4 ENDING CIVIL WARS
When a civil war ends with a marginal victory, flip the Civil War
marker to its reverse side and place any remaining aid markers
under it. Any power with an aid marker under a flipped Civil War
marker may apply a +1 bonus when attempting diplomacy (6.3)
against this country.
When a civil war ends with a decisive victory, one of the
winners patrons (8.5), if any, immediately gains control of the
area, placing their cube in it (this counts as a provocation). If the
winning faction has multiple patrons, their players must agree on
whose cube is placed or no cube is placed (treat as a regular
victory in this case). Remove any remaining aid markers, neutral
cubes, and the Civil War marker.
11.2 CHINESE CIVIL WAR
Design Note: Throughout the period covered by Cataclysm, China
was fractured by civil war, with two major factions represented by the
Guomindang (GMD) and Chinese Communists (ChiCom). The
complexity of the situation in China requires additional rules.
China begins the game in a state of civil war. Each area in China is
an individual country.
Manchuria is a separate country and is not part of China.
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Resolve the Chinese Civil War along with all other civil wars
whenever the Civil War Resolution chit is drawn from the action
cup.
11.2.1 FACTION MARKERS
Chinese GMD and ChiCom faction markers count as
minor armies (2.4.6). Unlike minor armies, they may
retreat if defeated in combat, but only to an
uncontrolled Chinese country without a faction
marker. No more than one Chinese faction marker
may occupy each Chinese country.
CONTROL
A power may control (i.e. have a cube in) a Chinese country
occupied by a faction marker, but such a country is not friendly
to the controlling power. Specifically:
The power cannot move units (7.2) or trace a line of
communications (4.4) into or through the area. Note that this
means any resource in the area cannot be collected (4.3.2).
The power does control the area for scoring (1.5.1) and for
determining interests (5.1).
DIPLOMACY
Diplomacy (6.3) against a Chinese country occupied by a faction
marker is prohibited while the Chinese Civil War is active
(11.2.2). A power that controls a Chinese country without a
faction marker must apply a -1 penalty to diplomacy actions
against any Chinese country occupied by a faction marker.
AID
Aid (8.5.2) to a Chinese faction marker is attached to the
individual faction marker, and not to the faction as a whole. When
tracing an LOC to intervene (8.5.1), faction markers of the
opposing side block the line of communication.
11.2.2 ACTIVE/INACTIVE STATUS
The status of the Chinese Civil War is checked at the
start of civil war resolution.
If any Chinese country is garrisoned, set the Chinese Civil War
marker to its Inactive side. Otherwise, set the marker to Active.
11.2.3 CHINESE CIVIL WAR RESOLUTION
PATRON
First, determine the current patron for each faction, according to
the following priority:
1. Most control cubes in the factions areas.
2. Most aid attached to the factions markers.
3. The Soviet Union (for the ChiComs) or the United States (for
the GMD).
The current patron for a faction makes all decisions for attacks,
retreats, and expansion.
RESOLUTION
If the Chinese Civil War is Inactive, no combat occurs between
the GMD and ChiCom factions. Instead, each faction attempts to
expand (11.2.5).
If the Chinese Civil War is Active, the faction with more faction
markers in China must attack an adjacent area containing an
opposing faction marker. If the two factions are tied in strength,
the GMD must attack.
Do not move the faction marker into the adjacent area, simply
designate the two opposing faction markers that will be fighting.
The faction markers attack is resolved in an identical manner to
a regular civil war (11.1.3), but with the following modified
effects:
Cataclysm: A Second World War
Stalemate (rolls tied): Both faction markers discard all their
attached aid markers. Neither faction retreats or is destroyed.
Marginal Victory (one roll higher, but not double the
other): The losing faction marker discards all its attached aid
markers. If instead it had no aid, the marker must retreat to an
adjacent uncontrolled Chinese country with no faction marker;
if there is no legal retreat area, destroy the marker instead. If
the area is vacated, the winning faction expands into it by
placing a new faction marker there; remove any cube from the
area.
Decisive Victory (one roll at least double the other): The
losing faction marker discards all its attached aid markers.
Then flip the losers faction marker to the winners side, and
remove any cube in the area.
11.2.4 ENDING THE CHINESE CIVIL WAR
When faction markers from only one Chinese faction remain in
play, the Chinese Civil War immediately ends. Set the Chinese Civil
War marker to its Inactive side, and place a flipped regular Civil
War marker to show that the winning factions patrons (if any)
apply a +1 bonus when conducting diplomacy (6.3) against any
Chinese country with a faction marker that has aid from that
patron.
During each subsequent civil war resolution, the victorious
faction attempts to expand (11.2.5).
Once the Chinese Civil War has ended, no power may intervene in
China.
11.2.5 CHINESE EXPANSION
Chinese factions attempt to expand while the Chinese Civil War
is Inactive.
Each faction with markers in China (GMD first) may attempt to
expand using diplomacy (6.3) into one adjacent ungarrisoned
Chinese country with no faction marker. The same area may be
selected by the ChiComs if the GMD fails their diplomacy attempt.
GMD effectiveness for expansion diplomacy is 2. ChiCom
effectiveness for expansion diplomacy is 1, or 2 if they have won
the Chinese Civil War. Do not apply the -1 penalty for diplomacy
against an area controlled by an enemy power.
If the expansion diplomacy attempt is successful, place a faction
marker of the expanding side in the area and remove any cube
there. Any units in the area must immediately retreat (10.11) (in
decreasing effectiveness order, if controlled by more than one
power). Chinese expansion is not a provocation against powers
with interests in the target area.
12. SPECIAL POWER RULES
12.1 FASCIST POWERS
STRESA FRONT
While the Stresa Front marker is in play, Germany and Italy
cannot declare an operation or attempt diplomacy against an
area in the others interest.
Remove the Stresa Front marker from the game once Germany
and Italy are allied, or once France and the United Kingdom are
allied, or if Germany or Italy are at war with any power.
12.1.1 GERMANY
NIGHT OF THE LONG KNIVES
In the production phase of every turn, Germany receives an
additional flag. Permanently canceled if Germany collapses.
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RULEBOOK
RHINELAND DEMILITARIZED
While the Rhineland Demilitarized marker is in play, Germany is
denied the use of all resources in the Ruhr.
Germany may flip the Rhineland Demilitarized marker to its
limited resource side, either by taking a political action to do so
(and making a successful effectiveness check), or by moving a
German unit to the Ruhr via a deployment action or other means;
in either case, this is a provocation against France.
12.1.2 ITALY
IL DUCE
When you play the Il Duce flag for a political action, roll an
additional die for the effectiveness check. Permanently canceled
if Italy collapses.
ABYSSINIAN ADVENTURE
If the Abyssinian Adventure marker is available and Italy is non-
belligerent, Italy may spend one or more military actions to
invade Ethiopia. France and the United Kingdom are provoked
by this action. Italy rolls one die for each military action spent - if
the result is 5 or more, place the Abyssinian Adventure marker
and an Italian cube in Rome.
DREADNOUGHT REFIT PROGRAM
If the Italian Refit marker is available, the cost of building a single
fleet from the Italian force pool may be reduced to one. Remove
the Refit marker from the game when it used.
12.1.3 JAPAN
RICE AND WATER
Japanese fortresses and infantry armies (but not tank armies) are
never required to trace supply.
US-JAPAN TRADE
While the US-Japan Trade markers are in play:
The United States must lend one industrial resource to Japan
each production phase.
The United States and its allies cannot declare war on Japan.
As a political action, the United States may attempt to remove the
US-Japan Trade markers from the game. If it succeeds, Japan
gains a flag.
Remove the US-Japan Trade markers from the game if Japan is at
war with any Democratic power or Japan loses control of Tokyo.
12.2 DEMOCRATIC POWERS
STATUS QUO
While the Status Quo marker is in play:
Democratic powers do not gain a flag during the production
phase. France and/or the United Kingdom may choose to gain a
flag, but each of them that does must immediately make a
stability test.
Democratic powers cannot collect resources outside of home
areas (i.e. from colonies or controlled countries).
Democratic powers cannot increase their commitment to
mobilization.
Immediately remove the Status Quo marker from the game when:
Germany, Italy, or the Soviet Union increases their
commitment to mobilization; or
The combined victory point total of Germany and Italy is
greater than the combined total of France and the United
Kingdom; or
Any Democratic power becomes belligerent.
When Status Quo is removed, each Democratic power
immediately gains a flag.
Cataclysm: A Second World War RULEBOOK
WASHINGTON NAVAL TREATY (WNT) INDUSTRIAL REFORM
While the Washington Naval Treaty marker is in play: The Soviet Union gains Special Resource markers when
Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States may not add increasing commitment to mobilization (gained in Volga) and
fleets to their respective force pools. total war (gained in Urals). These markers function for all
No power may deploy units to or attack areas in the Pacific purposes like permanent printed industrial resources. They
Ocean, including the Philippines, Borneo, New Guinea, Papua, immediately count towards bonus offensives.
and Australia. Deployment to Japan, Hokkaido, Hawaii, or any GENERAL WINTER
mainland Asia area is legal. See the WNT line on the map. The Soviet Union ignores all restricted terrain (affecting lines of
Remove the Washington Naval Treaty marker from the game if communication and stacking) in its home areas in the European
the United Kingdom or United States are at war with any power. theater.
Japan may end the treaty and remove the marker from the game TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILROAD
at any time, at no cost even in the middle of an action. Doing so As a political action, the Soviet Union may attempt to place the
is a provocation against the United Kingdom and United States. Trans-Siberian Railroad marker in Siberia.
12.2.1 FRANCE While the Trans-Siberian Railroad marker is in play, the Soviet
DREADNOUGHT REFIT PROGRAM Union ignores all restricted terrain (affecting lines of
If the French Refit marker is available, the cost of building a single communication and stacking) in its home areas in the Pacific map
fleet from the French force pool may be reduced to one. Remove region.
the Refit marker from the game when it used. Design Note: Units in Primorye and Baykalsky are out of supply until
this marker is in play.
12.2.2 UNITED STATES
NO RETREAT
LEND LEASE The Soviet Union rolls an additional die for all propaganda
As a political action, the US may attempt to place the Lend Lease
political actions, and for all stability tests except home front tests.
marker in the United States.
Until the Lend Lease marker is in play, the US may not form or
join an alliance.
While the Lend Lease marker is in play, during each production
phase the United States may lend its home area resources to any
belligerent power(s) it chooses (no more than one of any type
per power).
ATOMIC BOMB
When the US increases commitment to total war, place the A-
Bomb marker two turns ahead on the turn track. Place the A-
Bomb marker in the available markers box at the start of that
turn; it may be constructed for one build. When drawn, place it
on the map in the United States.
When the US conducts strategic bombing, it may discard the A-
Bomb marker from the map before rolling for air combat to have
each enemy loss additionally cause a stability test (1 to the
surrender check for each loss, if the power collapses). Return the
A-Bomb marker to the available markers box.

12.3 COMMUNIST POWERS

12.3.1 SOVIET UNION
POSTURE
The Soviet Union is always in one of three postures indicating
penalties to its actions. The Soviet Union may spend a political
action to change its posture (no effectiveness check required).
Posture may only be changed once per turn (flip the Posture
marker as a reminder).
Design Note: While the uses for a flag are all political actions, not all
effectiveness checks are political actions (e.g. stability tests).
MILITARY REFORMS
Roll one fewer die for all your political actions.
POLITICAL PURGES
Roll one fewer die for your diplomacy political actions.
1 penalty to your score in all combats.
COLLECTIVE SECURITY
Roll one fewer die for your political actions except diplomacy.
You may not play offensives or convert resources to offensives.

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