"Why Game the War of the Roses?" Topic

What makes this period interesting on the miniature tabletop?

Hot knight on knight action.
Plus, you can use Kingmaker as a campaign game. 👍

Isn't WOTR just Game of Thrones without dragons?

Isn't The Game of Thrones just the WotR WITH Dragons…?

Dave

I finally punted, merging what castings I could into an early Tudor Army suitable for Flodden. I find the period fascinating as history, and--as noted--certainly suitable for a campaign game, but I was never satisfied that I understood enough of what was happening on a WOTR battlefield to translate it to a tabletop. The retinues and livery jackets make it for very attractive armies though, especially in the larger scales.

Colourful, no "super troopers" to give one side an advantage and, as the OFM says, Kingmaker is available to act as a good campaign engine.

I was never satisfied that I understood enough of what was happening on a WOTR battlefield to translate it to a tabletop.

You're not alone, Robert. There seems to be as many versions of "what actually happened" on the battlefields as there are historians (and wargamers) to write about them. I just went with a rules set (NMTBH) that didn't feel too anachronistic and was enjoyable.

The whole feud between various branches of the family. The hard fighting in battles that could flip quickly with one side winning then losing. Units that switch and join the other side. Cool looking armor. Retinues of the various lords and nobles.

Getting to be pedantic and remind everyone that it's "The Wars of the Roses."

I think it's all the mucking about all over England, with the internecine strife, colorful liveries, excessive amounts of armor, knights on horseback with lances, and of course getting to legitimately quote Shakespeare in-game.

But as of yet, I haven't played such a game— though the above certainly attract me to it…

It has balanced sides; every army had archers, footmen, and knights. Sure, numbers and quality varied, but it's not like colonial wargaming [not my cup of tea] where the sides are completely different.

Pick a noble house (major or minor), paint up some figs and you can play in a small 10 man skrimish game. Keep adding figures and your games grow in size.

Lots of options for rules. Pick your figure and game scale.
Easy to add some fantasy monters and wizards to get the younger kids (and those young at heart) involved.

Tons of books, pamphlets, illustrations, and general information for us English only types to read.

Knights are cool.
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Image taken from this Sunday Times article:
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Similar forces. Often balanced battles. Nothing better than a civil war.
As John states great campaign aspects.

what the OFM said

Just some thoughts.

Both armies have the same potential.
Plenty of well recorded battles.
Weapons and army compaction allow a smaller table space.
Lots of supporting books.
A large array of identifiable villains.
The wonderful Peter Pig bloody barons range.

martin

Handgonnes

Heraldry!

Almost every battle has a quirk to it one way or the other!

WotR may be the quintessential medieval settings. Plus everyone speaks English.

Shakespeare may have something to do with the notoriety, too.

Pretty sure WotR came before GoT.

I've rarely strayed from Britain when it comes to wargaming.

The Roman re-con, invasion, occupation and finally the departure were gamed for years. More years were spent on the emerging kingdoms, their falls, influx of the Scandinavians and the founding of nations. The Anglo-Scottish wars of the 13th and 14th centuries are dear to my heart.

Never had the slightest interest in WOTR.

I game them because of the variety of troop types, use of mercenaries and great potential for campaigning.

I personally use the "Test of Resolve" rule set as I like the way they flow and how archers are handled, as well as the leader outcome part which aids in campaigns.

I use my own campaign rules.

Arguably the high point of stylish armor (later 15 century) and pikes are not dominatingly battles in England just yet.

I've rarely strayed from Britain when it comes to wargaming…Never had the slightest interest in WOTR.

How come?

I have played quite a bit WotR. Collection here -

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I was drawn by heraldry and interest in the period overall. Lots of good books, great resources such as Lance & Longbow Society.

Downside is pretty much foot battles with not a great deal of maneuver if the rules really matching history. Might of Arms Rule work well. Also The Perfect Captain's WotR rules if you want something really period specific.

Hindsight, I would have done Barons War instead because of the horse barding allows for much more heraldry and color. You can also use for the Wallace and Bruce era battles.

Duke, your heraldry painting is truly exceptional!

Surprised it took so long to get to to the heraldry!

It's just so darn colourful and looks great on the table.