"Review: WF version of "Battle Troll"" Topic

Inspired by Saga references and the release of a new set of published rules ($20 download, more or less), I re-read the rules in the Wargames Factory download version I have.

My review is that they are less of a set of rules and more of a "study" with some individual combat rules interspersed. However, the study is fun and interesting. They provide a general framework for heroic Viking fights.

But the lack of complete rules makes it more like a Gamemasters kit, except that any RPG I know would have more detailed rules for encounters. There are no scenarios/terrain generator, no campaign system or any other specific links between games. You can keep track of Reputation and Wounds and just play again.

The set needs tighter rules for a more definite game – this would help new players to the game a lot. I'd say that a new player to the hobby can't get started with the present framework. What the rules desperately cry out for is a campaign system that is authentic to the Saga genre. As long as this set of rules has been around, I would be surprised if Mr. Whitehouse doesn't have not only such a system but one that has been playtested thoroughly.

So that's what I'd be looking for in this published set:
- Clearer, more definite rules and optional rules,
- scenario generator,
- campaign system to link scenarios.
Otherwise, I can't see spending $20 USD on it.

I welcome a reply with some details about what direction and improvements the published set have. Meanwhile, I find the old version (free download from Wargames FActory) a useful reference, inspiring and presenting some fun mechanics for a beer'n pretzel game.

Here's my thoughts. I've only played once but with the author. I just ordered the rules and have the PDF but not the hard copy. ( I'm not a fan of reading rules on the computer.)I've never seen the WF download and I don't think it's still available.

The basic rules take up about 12 pages with another 6 or so of optional rules.There's 8 scenarios in the book most which seem to be based on the Sagas they give an introduction, forces,terrain and what happened in the Saga. There's a campaign system covering 9 pages. All in all 70+ pages.

I would say a new player could get into the period with this set. The rules are simple and clear. I'm looking forward to the next game.

And yes I'm still fighting the urge to buy some Vikings as I made a vow of no new periods again this year:-)

too late for me – I already have 40mm S&S Vikings and Saxons, so Battle Troll is already appealing from the start!

Dying to know more about the scenarios and the campaign system. Post when you give them a look and especially if you give them a run thru.

Hey Grandviewroad!

The published version has a selection of eight scenarios based on the Icelandic sagas plus a campaign system devised by the cunning Mr. Roderick Robertson, who has a long history designing RPGs for love and money.

We've changed the activation system to something better defined than the original – based on our GAMA awards nominated 'Mad Dogs with Guns" rules, and generally tightened up parts that seemed a bit vague.

Oh, and here it is (in case you'd been stunned by an axe!):
link

I also asked the WF site admin to take down the old copy from their site. I haven't checked if they did.

sounds promising – at this level, it's almost an RPG so that sort of design would apply best here, I think.

I feel myself weakening…

any batreps floating around on the cloud?

Also, does the card system now allow limited actions by a side even if their card doesn't come up before the Joker?

Howard, you will be happy to know that WF did take down the old copy of your rules. I'll be picking up a copy of your new set when I am in position to actually paint some Norsemen!

Thanks for letting me know that, John. I had asked but – for reasons we won't go into – thought they might not, just cuz ---. Their web guy is a decent fella.

"Also, does the card system now allow limited actions by a side even if their card doesn't come up before the Joker?"

You can hold cards to interrupt the other player's actions. But you have to have a card dealt for that option to occur.

If you simply get a series of cards by one player, then a joker --- well, Odin has a grudge against you. Also, whoever shuffled them, didn't.

oh well, I weakened. Bought it, looks good! Haven't read it yet.

@ Mexican Jack Squint
As the apparent spokesman of the group, can you give me some guidance…

The card deck downloaded as 104 pages with each side of the 52 cards on its own page. My printer does give an option to change the number of files per page, and it "seems" like a 3x3 will work best. That'll make the cards about 2 1/3 inches by 3 1/3", and each page can be laminated back to back with the next page (ie p1 back to p.2, p3 to p.4 etc). Is that the recommended approach? I'm not very technical.

have had a read thru – the rules look great, and I'm keen to give them a try. I think this version is looking better than the previous, and it worth the $20 USD I paid. The cards are very nice, definitely worth the whole $2 USD to upgrade to them.

The historical scenarios and campaign system look great!

I'm going with 40mm S&S as my goal, have about 30 cleaned, assembled and primed. Meanwhile, will playtest with 25mm Dark AGes figs.

Present verdict – a LOT of game and info for $20 USD!

Hubba-hubba!