"Dark Age Rules Choices" Topic

Hi Guys
OK I've decided the best way for me to do Dark Ages is 28mm. So many lovely figures and plastic boxed sets. Also battles where quite small in this era so its very doable.

Next question is rules for the period we are looking at 700-1066. I've got my eye on three and I want to try them all. What preference do you guys have? The three I am looking at are.

1/ Swordpoint
2/ Hail Caeser
3/ Mortem Et Glorium

I am thinking full battles not skirmishes at least not yet.
Thanks

Pick the one you like the best. You put the armies on the table your mates will play. If your basing is the same for both armies, then you can play multiple rule sets.

We've enjoyed both Swordpoint and Hail Caesar…you can't go wrong with either, although I believe Swordpoint is easier to learn. IMHO. Although Swordpoint has some differences, internally, in basing, you can pretty much use the same basing for both with a few exceptions.

I have been using Triumph for the battle of Hastings and it handles it brilliantly.

Here it is in 28mm

Very impressive

Look at To the Strongest as well. Being grid-based, it's basing-neutral.

Also, TtS! being grid-based fits better with a more linear for of warfare, so to me seems more appropriate. Plus it is a great set of rules…

Captain, of the rules you've listed I've only read Hail Caesar and it's 2 Dark Age army supplements.

For me HC is a good compromise of flexibility and relative simplicity whole still being able to give the historical flavor for the period.

It's upside is it is flexible, as mentioned, and has numerous well thought out army lists. I've found very easy to convert historical orders of battle inot HC army lists.

Possibly it's only downside I see is that it takes quite a few figures to game with.

Anyway, welcome to DA wargaming. It's a lovely period.

To the Strongest.

Maybe the momentum tokens from Swordpoint can mitigate saga style (not SAGA rules style) gameplay as featured in Dux Bellorum? Anyhow, if you tried out all three it would be awsome to read about your experieces!

AdLG handle dark ages pretty well.

As someone who plays pretty much only Dark Ages from 400 to 1100, I'm a passionate advocate of Triumph. The troops types are quite varied and nuanced and give dark ages armies distinctive character. It's not a simple dice rolling of similar troops against similar troops. The rules are also well written and well organized. I probably have 15+ dark age armies and I was able to run a multi-player event with new players – and even they got the dark age feel. Really surprisingly good.

There is a big battle variant but it's not official yet. The army lists are online and free so you don't even need a copy of the rules to check them out. Worth a look.

Where are those triumph lists located?

I use Impetus for my games but really only good for larger battles, have not found a sweet spot for smaller than 4000 men battles.

Interested in looking at triumph also, as it looks like large bases like Impetus basing

Cheers
Matt

Where are those triumph lists located?

meshwesh.wgcwar.com

Mortem Et Glorium is what I use.

To the Strongest is loads of fun!

I'd put forth Warhammer Ancient Battles.

I am now going to check out Triumph, though.

wmyers, prior to Triumph I played a lot of different systems. Why I like Tirumph? it allows you to play the strategy not the rules, the rules are simple and straight forward, clearly written and concise. They give you reasonable results without the need for turn to turn memory (no markers or record keeping). Scalable, I can play a small battle or a large battle. Quick to teach, perfect for presenting a set piece convention game to new players. Since you play the strategy, it keeps experienced players challenged with the tactical situations or by playing head to head against another skilled player.

A great quote from John the OFM which I think applies to Triumph! he said once "I like a rule systems that do not hurt my head or insult my intelligence".

I have presented historical battles from Hastings to Hattin, Qadesh to Hydaspes and it does a great job providing fun games with reasonable results.

Howdy,

My new rules, So Convenient for Hewing will be available before June 2020. Watch for them!

Current draft of cover:

Ponder on,

JAS

Hail Caesar. Dux Bellorum is the best Dark Age game under $20. USD