"Ever run a historical game, using scifi/fantasy rules?" Topic

Have you ever (or even regularly) run historical scenarios, using rules intended for science fiction or fantasy gaming?

Note that for the purposes of this poll, official conversions do not count (Warmaster Ancients f.x.) unless you did it on your own before it was published.

No "Bolt Action is Warhammer" jokes, pls.

A: Yes, I do this all the time.

B: I've done so on occasion.

C: Once, as an experiment.

D: I haven't but would consider it.

E: I'd never do so.

B – I've used GASLIGHT to run historical scenarios a number of times. Everything from ACW to WWII

Did some WW-II using Striker a long time ago

I've done WW1 with HoTT.

I did a few French and Indian War games using GASLIGHT. Worked fine.
Like TSATF, GASLIGHT is essentially a rules engine, to which you can add or subtract as you please.

Hi

I have done WW1 games with Epic.

B.
I use the Mordheim rules for Border Reiver & Renaissance skirmishes.

B. We were at school (approx. 1985)and a group of us set up a Ancient Brit v Roman competition using, Arfix figs, and the original Warhammer rules.
Great fun was had by all.

I have run several WW2 skirmish games using "Necromunda". Besides coming up with stats for the various weapons, the only major rules change was that weapons that failed their ammo check were just unloaded (one turn to reload) rather than out of action completely. IMHO the scenarios went well – I liked the way the pinning and "bottle-check" rules represented individual and squad morale.

I've run historical skirmish games using the Pulp Alley rules -- no problem! It's a good, clean set of rules that's eminently adaptable. The basic mechanics of movement and combat work for any skirmish game.

Chris Palmer is not the only one, which I have to say because he's an author. ;->=

I've not run, but played in, many such, and it helps that it's our usual VSF game as well. I suppose that counts as 'D'?

Doug

When I first started miniature gaming Metagame's Melee rules were our go to for a variety of historical skirmishes, including Old West and WWII. Later we used Necromunda for WWII games and lately we have experimented with Infinity for modern covert ops.

Sure. Fast & Dirty works fine for WWII.

QILS wasn't designed for a specific milieu, so I don't know if it counts. Technically, the formal rules contain a magick section, so they are not strictly historic or generic.

GURPS might hit the same point. While there are historical GRUPS supplements that do not contain fantastic elements (though many of the historicals contain "optional" fantastic elements), many of the ones that are ostensibly fantastic have a subset that is appropriate for historic gaming. My favourite in this vein is using GURPS Horror to run pure, historic psychopathic killer games. This is actually a suggestion in the material; spice up the supernatural with a completely mundane sociopath to keep the players on their toes.

Also, not sure if Chainmail without the fantasy supplement material counts. Without the supplement, it is a medieval tabletop wargaming system.

I have run a number of Deadlands games based on historical events in the Old West that lacked supernatural elements.

Space 1889 is fine for colonial engagements, if you leave out the capabilities that didn't map to actual historical capabilities. Notably, I've played steampunk what-if Fashoda scenarios as well as historical what-if Fashoda scenarios with that set of rules.

The gang warfare system in Gangs of Mega City One (a tragically underplayed system) is great for modern gang and nacro-criminal engagements. Again, just leave out the stuff that is beyond the technological horizon of the time. I developed my Yakuza system from form fitting GMCO to that milieu.

B
We used Chipco's Fantasy Rules for ancients at BAD Wargamers some years back

B.

Like etotheipi, I've used the Space: 1889 Soldiers Companion rules to play historical games. When play testing the unreleased second edition, I ran an epic fight where a Martian legion used dismounted gashant cavalry to delay an enemy legion until a column of friendly infantry arrived. Since my players weren't particularly historically minded, they didn't recognize the cavalry commander's name: Buford.

E – I have too many rule sets for historical to bother.

Eumelus – we did WW2 Necro as well, but none of those notes survived sadly.

I once did a WSS skirmish game with GW's LOTR rules. Fitted my intended scenario very well, with a heroic rescue of a damsel in distress. Alas the hero fell in the final moments but he had achieved his task- the damsel was riding to safety!

Frank Chadwick, the designer of GDW's Striker
mentioned getting a letter shortly after its release

the customer thanked him for giving him the tools to do…

30yrs war skirmish!

Great Northern War with Hordes of the Things

D considering using Pulp Alley for a WWI trench raid. Also looking at a multiplayer modern middle Eastern game.

I think these will work if each side has a largerthan-life character.

Mike

Many years ago we did a relight of Samichon (Korean War) using Stargrunt in 25mm. SG2 rules worked a treat.

Viking skirmishes with Heritage's Knights and Magick, although K&M did include straight historical lists among the elves and dwarves. So, perhaps that doesn't count?

Battle of Coronel with BFG

1859 French vs Austrians in Italy and Russo-Japanese War using Future War Commander

Use FUBAR for WWII. Worked Great

I should add, I ran Franco-Prussian war using Warmaster rules, and a WW2 version of Warzone 2nd edition.

Always wanted to do Vietnam Stargrunt.

I have always thought that any competent set of fantasy rules are first and foremost competent skirmish or mass battle rules. If they don't work for, say, Robin Hood ambushing the Sheriff of Nottingham or Hastings, then what good are they?
Once that is accomplished, bolt on the fireballs and Doomslayers.

Sort of C.
My friend ran a "Full Thrust" scenario inspired by the Pearl Harbor raids, but allowing the targeted ships in the marshalling area to power up and enter the battle on random rolls.
Great fun!