Editing Quest:Iron Hearts (section)

===Gameplay Modes===
There are two different types of Ironhearts threads: Battles and War Room threads. Each of these comprises half the game, but they are very different in nature.

====Battles====
The most active part of the game are the Battle threads. These threads are where active combat occurs, complete with tactical map and varied background scenarios. When a battle begins, the map will be posted, along with some information about the situation at hand. Then, generally a roll call is performed to determine who is active and present at the battle's start. To begin deployed on the map, you must post using your name and trip at this time. When enough people are present, and some time has passed, the battle proper will begin. There are two main parts to a battle: Action phase and Enemy phase.

The structure laid out in this section applies to all playable factions, but some follow additional or different rules during gameplay, laid out in their Combat Doctrine section.

'''Action Phase'''

An 'Action Phase' is the period of time in which players may move and act with their units. An Action Phase begins when an updated tactical map is posted by the GM along with the words ACTION PHASE. Often a URL to a song is included as well. Action Phases do not last an indefinite amount of time - most are seven to ten minutes long. If a time limit is not specified, the song posted with the update can often be used as a timer. Action phase ends as soon as the GM posts the words 'Phase End' or the stated time limit runs out. Failing to post your actions within this time limit will result in them not being processed, though there is some leeway for those who post in the same minute as the GM's Phase End.

An example of a post during Action Phase:

 Name: [K1] Sanchez#y863erlr
 Email: dice+9d10
 dice rolled 7, 8, 4, 4, 5, 1, 1, 8, 10
 > Move 3 NW
 > Fire 3 bursts on the enemy North
 "Eat slag you fethwipes!"

'''Field Manual'''

<gallery>
image:FieldManual1.jpg|Unit card basics
image:FieldManual2.jpg|Standard maneuvers and attacks
image:FieldManual3.jpg|Special actions (Part 1)
image:FieldManual4.jpg|Special actions (Part 2)
</gallery>

'''Enemy Phase'''

Once Action Phase has been processed, the updated tactical map will be posted, and 'Enemy Phase' will begin. It is during this time that the enemy will move and act, and is essentially free time to collaborate with other players in an attempt to create a plan of action. When Enemy Phase is completely processed, an updated tactical map will be posted with 'Action Phase' and the process will repeat. Some rare classes exist that can act during Enemy Phase. These classes do so by acting immediately when the Enemy Phase is posted. While the time limit for acting may seem longer, if you dally there is no guarantee the GM will even see your action before processing the phase.

'''Analogue Phase'''

While rare, there is a third type of phase used for either neutral or allied forces on the map. Often this phase is simply combined with Enemy Phase, and the analogue forces and enemy forces will simply act in tandem.

'''Bowing Out'''

Sometimes it is not possible to play through a whole skirmish. This is perfectly acceptable, and you are given a couple options for your character in such a case:

1. Retreat your unit back to base by ordering a [Withdrawal]. This will allow you to resupply and safely redeploy when you are ready to fight again. This also allows other players to join and frees up processing for OC.

2. Defer your character to be botted by another player. Brave men have continued fighting even after their minds left their bodies by going through the motions or lending their power to a bigger squad. If you notice an obviously idle player, you may bot them to join your squad or give them an independent set of orders until their player returns.

'''Battle Over'''

A battle ends when the objectives have been met, the enemy has been beaten back and defeated or if the Army has retreated, surrendered or have been completely wiped out. At the end of a battle, situation-appropriate XP is handed out, and each player gains XP for their kills and assists made throughout the mission. The responsibility for tracking kills and assists falls to the player.

====War Rooms====
War Room threads make up the interlude between battles. Players are debriefed, and may then interact with each other and NPCs. Players may also spend XP or money as appropriate to upgrade their unit. Finally, some factions allow the player to make Non-Combat Actions (NCAs) to influence the war's progress, either by performing recon, rallying allies, or forming a grand strategy.

Some War Room threads are specifically used as Pre-deployment Briefings, used to call attention to an imminent mission. Other times, this briefing is attached to the end of a currently active War Room. In both cases, the players will be briefed on the situation at hand, and sometimes the battle's roll call will occur before the Battle thread is posted. Once posted, a link to the Battle thread will be posted in the War Room.