"Campaign Aid for Italian Wars Battles & Sieges?" Topic

I'm wondering if there are any campaign rules, and/or boardgames that could be adapted, for running military adventures, sieges, and battles/skirmishes for the Renaissance Italian Wars, from 1494 – 1525, or so, and also for the earlier 1300s and 1400s periods as well?

It appears that some have adapted the Kingmaker boardgame to setting up DBA, and/or DBM battles, for the Wars of the Roses (other rules can be used for the battles too):

TMP link

So, I suspect more than one or two intrepid individuals may have done the same for the Italian Wars of the Renaissance, and Medieval periods as well.

So, are there any good boardgames, and/or other aids that might be pressed into use for such a venture?

How about any topographical maps of Italy, and/or various regions in Italy, that show pre-modern era rivers, roads, towns, castles, mountains, and other terrain, that would aid movement and campaigning?

It'd be nice if they have rules not only for campaign movement and setting up battles, but also will permit sieges, political maneuvering, setting up and breaking alliances, foraging, raids by smaller forces, etc., etc., too.

Thoughts?

It appears that some have adapted the Kingmaker boardgame to setting up DBA, and/or DBM battles, for the Wars of the Roses (other rules can be used for the battles too):

I've often heard that said, but never come across anyone that had actually done it?

You might try Pike and Plunder

pikeandplunder.vexillia.com

I believe there is a system in the Medieval rule set based on Tactica. I think I still have a set here somewhere.

My immediate thought was Spanish Fury link

It may be a little later than you want, however

Is this for solo play? If not, you could look at the old AH boardgame Machiavelli. It was (IIRC) a Diplomacy variant, so might be a good foundation for a multiplayer campaign.

It could be for solo, and/or multi-player campaign play. I suspect the latter would be more interesting.

Concerning maps:

Maps like this (from the 16th century) can be found online, but it's not easy. Arfaioli's thesis (but not his published work) has some for the area between Rome and Naples, but he's drawn on them to show the route of the campaign.

link

I second Olicanalad's suggestion of Pike and Plunder. Comes with maps, counters and everything you need for an early Great Italian Wars campaign. I am just finishing up the armies needed to umpire such a campaign with our group.

Kent

Go with Machiavelli.

Another vote for Olicanalad's Pike and Plunder.

The ultimate board game for the Great Italian Wars (and earlier struggles in Italy) is Machiavelli. Great game, lots of fun. It was used a few years ago for a large campaign game in our club.

link

Looks good, but the price is shocking.

May be able to use their map though.