"The return of the classic “Pony Wars” rules" Topic

Ian Beck's "Pony Wars" rules are being re-released (provided they get enough support for the project): it's being organised by Baccus, who are producing a 6mm range to go with them (though the rules are usable with all scales).

More info here:

ponywars.uk

Excellent news, I still have my original copy and figures in 15mm, but very happy to back this.

I have paid !

Paid. No brainer.

Paid as well!

Yep, me too

1,500 minimum subscription copies required

I'm in.

Sorry but £30.00 GBP for this is way past anything I would spend – it was a good game but not that great…

It pushes it into the GW / Manticores costs and they are more fun, easier to play and gut feel more glossy / better produced.

Shame there is no PDF option or it was a more sensible cost.

No idea why they need 1500 to go to print – way better options now start at lower numbers than when these first came out.

I think I'm with Andrew on this one.

I don't understand the hardback and full color in the new one. I think if I was them I'd maybe sell the card deck separately too.

Thanks.

John

Great by me – although I still have copies of the origial rules. Any idea as to – If the target number is not reached what happens to the monies funded?

I had that rules set once but I don't want a hardcover copy or pay that kind of money.
Good luck to them but that's a large number of needed backers.

"it was a good game but not that great"

I would have to take issue with that. Looking back, it was utterly groundbreaking. A co-operative game 30 years before Matt Leacock. A delight to play at shows, it broke new ground in terms of participation games, and what games could be about.The remote control enemy was a revelation, and the firing/close combat simplification through the statistical charts was brilliant in concept and execution.

I admit I'm buying it for nostalgic reasons, and when I have a break in my current schedule I have half a plan to buy the figures in 6mm. The only sadness is the reminder of what we lost when Ian Beck was killed.

No doubt the numbers are related to economical printing costs, yes?

And people have overlooked the set of cards included.

@altfritz: I publish on a just in time basis. To do it hardback and at this price in full colour and include the cards you'd need a reasonable sized print run.

I've never played Pony Wars. But, I've heard, and read, good things about it.
What're the basic mechanics?
Does the GM run the Indians?
If so, can the "white eyes" ever lose?
Can it be used for the fighting against the Apache and/or Navajo?

I've only ever played one game of it but it was pretty fun. I had command of a wagon train of settlers. The referee had told me that I only had 1D6 of ammo (or something like that) – house rule? I don't know. The other thing he said was always save round for yourself – to avoid be captured by the Indians.

Anyway, I was making my way towards the next settlement when a large Indian Warband appeared. The ref asked me what my response was. I said "I shoot the women and children and then fire the rest off at the warband", hoping for a quick death in the melee that would surely follow.

The ref had me roll for shooting. I rolled extreme. i.e 00 or something like that. He checked and told me I had killed a chief. Then he had me roll for the Warband's reaction. Again, I rolled an extreme number and he said "They run away".

Much hilarity followed.

That's a win, right? ;-)

Alt-

Ummmm… had you already shot all your women and children by that time?

@Pan Marek; The natives care entirely automatically controlled. The umpire has little or no discretion in what they do or where they go. The "white eyes" can lose, and may do so in spectacular fashion. They were written for "fighting the Sioux" and so work best for plains Indians, but they are heavily influenced by Hollywood. Peter Gilder adapted them for the Sudan.

And that Altfritz story is well known. Yes. He'd shot all the women and children.

The natives are "automatically controlled". But not by the GM. Can anyone explain how that works?

There's a series of reaction tables. The players could roll the dice instead of a GM if needed.

So if they don't get 1500 pre-orders is the money going to be refunded to those who've paid? It looks like it's at 121 currently. I didn't see a time limit to reach the goal like in KS. My concern is paying then not getting product and too late to file for a refund if things go south. Call it KS-shellshock.

Ummmm… had you already shot all your women and children by that time?

Absolutely! :-) Certain death situation, saved from a fate worse than death! Or so I thought…

In retrospect I might have been a tad "hasty"… ;-)

Agree with Striker. 1500 is very ambitious for a rule set that specializes in a minor period.

"Minor period"??? Go tell that to John Wayne & Hollywood.

I've asked Pete Berry about the issue with the prepayment and so on. He said:

"The publication will definitely go ahead. 'Publish means Publish!' Should the unthinkable happen, then refunds will be issued. This is not KS where you lose your money at the whim of the people running the project."

I've known Pete for years. We met when I went up to University, so way before he started Baccus (NB This is not a Baccus project – see the FB page for more discussion). If he says he's going to do something, he does.

Good to know Trebian. I'll probably get the rules just because I collect things. I wasn't sure how hard that 1500 target was.

Altfritz
Same happened to me! Hostiles appeared on a hill above a cabin with only one round apiece. Settlers did the dirty deed on the lady. Hostiles rode off! Cavalry arrived next turn to find four men with smoking carbines, a lady riddled with bullets and no sign of any hostiles…

I used strips of thick card instead of figures when I was a cash-strapped 16 year old in 1983, so did it in 2D. Lots of fun then, but sadly not enough time or room now.

Any news on the rules coming out? I just don't want to forget about them and miss doing something.

They have closed pre orders. So I am expecting an announcement on availability at some point.

ponywars.uk

Latest news I know of is here.

Don't know how I missed this thread but based on above comment will it only be available if you pre-ordered?

Still got a copy of the original book. I've not used it in years but now Baccus have brought out their 6mm, looks like i@ll be dusting them off.

Apparently shipping to subscribers now and then, once that is done and the Berry family return from August holiday – in whichever order, rules will be available for regular ordering. I'm guessing same with the cards.

I have the original rules but might like the new reprint. Was not an early subscriber so don't know the cost (which I hear might be a bit expensive) so can anyone advise their cost, please? Also, more information on the cards would be nice to know.

Off to do some rereading. Which will definitely remind me why I might spend the money, even if pricey, for a reprint – not the easiest rules to read. But that was true of so many rulesets back then.

Thanks to anyone who can help me out!

I got my rules last week!

Rules are now open for ordering for all – ordered mine today. Available on Baccus site which cautions no plans to reprint if they run out. So, best to buy now if you are interested.

And looking at my copy of the old rules, I may need to order some more mounted Indians. I have a tad over 400 but can use up to 600 per the comments at the back of the rules! Off to see what Bluemoon can do for me – in 15 mm.

I've received mine Monday and they are EXCELLENT!!! Highly recommend!

I did a blog post about the updated rules book and cards.

link