"SAGA rulebook/timeline overlap" Topic

I was considering investing in one of the core rulebooks for the SAGA game plus one or more of the associated warbands. My gut feeling was to choose a faction that crossed swords over the longest period and with the most different opponents. Is there anything that would preclude using factions from the original Dark Age rulebook against those from C&C for example (other than historical authenticity)? The Moors and Vikings were active in both periods and the latter certainly "put it about a bit" throughout Europe.

Yes, the Dark Ages warbands are fully compatible with the Crusades warbands, so long as you don't mind the anachronism.

Thx Ivan, that's good to know. The reason I ask is that someone said they wouldn't mix because of the "heroes". At least that's what I think he said; my memory isn't quite what it used to be.

The Heroes rules tend to be pretty narrow in time period – Alfred is fielded as an old man, as is Brian Boru, for instance.

Both Vikings and Normans from the first book can be used against pretty much anyone. Vikings came down the Volga and traded and/or fought with everyone along the way so is fine for C and C (except maybe the holy orders).

Normans likewise were everywhere and would historically have fought pretty much anyone but the Rus. Again, if you either don't use a particular hero or use them more as an extraordinary leader rather than "that guy" you are fine.

The Long Ships even gives you a campaign of Vikings v. Moors…

YouTube link

There is nothing in the rules for heroes that stops you from mixing Dark Ages with Crusades. I recently fielded Anglo-Danes led by King Cnut against Crusaders, and had a great game. I assume your friend was simply referring to the fact that the named heroes are of course tied to a shorter time span than their nationalities as a whole (e.g., Anglo-Saxons cover a span of centuries, but only a couple decades of which would it be accurate to field Alfred the Great.)

Even within Dark Ages, without crossing over to Crusades, you are doing some time traveling if you include heroes. For example, King Alfred can battle William the Conquer--nothing on the rules forbids this. SAGA is unashamedly meant to be a fun game, rather than a historical simulation. I have yet to meet any players who were bothered by the anachronisms.

All very helpful thanks. I think I'll try to pick up the C&C rules at Colours this weekend. Is there a legitimate way of getting hold of the Viking battleboard from the original Dark Ages Saga without buying the whole rules set again (since it's a superseded duplicate)?