"Seeking simple medieval skirmish rules" Topic

My children where keen to start paining some toy soldiers so they are the proud owners of a box of Perrys medieval foot each. We have just had our first session – gluing some together.

As we get a few painted I was going to write a simple set of rules to use for them to play with there new figures. Then I thought that before going to the effort I am sure someone has already done the same thing and put them online for free. When I checked there were quite a few. So now of TMP – am asking for recommendations for free skirmish rules to use. Must be 1 figure is 1 man and be suitable for a 9 and 6 year old. I know that wounds young but the six year old can play Wings of Glory amongst other things so can follow rules…..

Simple and fast would be best I feel.

Lion Rampant

The Lord of the Rings game from GW is great. Just count 9YO as "Men of Rohan" and the 6YO as "Men of Gondor" and have at it!

I have successfully taught that game to groups of 8-10 year olds, none of whom ever played a minis game before.

Lion Rampant is fun but you probably need a couple dozen figs a side to play. Units are nominally 6 or 12 figures, but you can "double up" – count each mini as two figures and use a "wounded" marker for single hits. So that would let you play a game with fewer figs.

It also has a Fantasy version "Dragon Rampant" which is mostly the same. Plus it has a lot of other variants for Colonials, etc.

You could always try the old Cry Havoc rules which are one figure one man. You can get the rules for free from cryhavocfan.org. The site also contains the hex maps and a range of variants including Siege. Good luck!

Mine may do? link

A quick guide on how to use them: link

Lion Rampant +1

It's not free but inexpensive ($15 ?)

Actually Dragon Rampant might work better. You can single model "heroes" that would mean not so many figures needed. You could probably find a dragon somewhere too …..

John

Steve Jackson is realising Melee soon.

Open Combat for super simple skirmish with 5-10 figures per side.

Song of Blades & Heroes is similar, but more flavorful and feels more like D&D.

It's been a few years since I last looked at them, but The Rules by Ral were good fun, and are probably available for free somewhere.

LOTR Strategy Battle Game is also excellent, and is very flexible.

What about Saga and just don't use the bottom of the battle boards? Basic Saga. I've played that way with young-uns and the game plays simple, fast and fun.

And then the kids would know the basics. Later add some of the lower battle board stuff. Work your way up to a truly excellent Skirmish game.

I will second Song of Blades and Heroes. Simple to teach, and gives a good game.

Rules by Ral are fun. But are 12 man foot units and 6 man Cav.

Make your own up. 5 and 6 hit. Armor gives a save. No armor means 4, 5 and 6 hits and so on.

Swordplay by 2 Hour War Games is free. link

I agree with the suggestion that you should just make up your own rules.

Try Gorkamorka without the Trukkz, Trakkz or Shootaz.

Have you checked freewargamesrules.com or .uk?

"Chainmail" rules for man-to-man combat (not the bit for larger battles) can be fun.

9 and 6 year old players?
Make opposed D6 rolls for combat and fake the rest.

The most important thing IMO is to teach them that losing is OK and to just try to do better next time. Nobody likes or wants a screaming loser.

Great Hall Burning by Two Hour Wargames. Has some easy rules for Sea Battles, campaign system, taking prisoners for ransom and some optional RPG elements for the lead character. Can also be played solo.

Great Hall Burning by Two Hour Wargames. Also has some easy rules for Sea Battles, campaign system, taking prisoners for ransom and some optional RPG elements for the lead character.