"Good medieval wargames rules" Topic

We've been using the excellent Lion Rampant rules for a while now.

While I don't plan to abandon them, I've built 2 40+ point "armies" for them – too many figures to use in a game.

I'd like a rule set for early Middle Ages (1200s) that would use about 10-12 units a side. The figures are on individual bases but "live" on movement trays.

Any suggestions?

It sounds like you want a Rank and Flank game.

Oathmark and Kings of War historical come to mind

Neil Thomas rules, any flavor, from simple to moderatly complex.

Obviously you're looking for a 2 player game. I've run 100 point/side multi player games of Lion Rampant. Loads of fun, if a bit silly.

To the Strongest fits your bill. Uses a grid, and units can be any number of figures. Plays fast and uses a similar activation system to LR except that units can activate multiple times if you can get the right card (it replaces dice with playing cards minus the face cards).

Easy to learn and teach, the army lists are free, I really enjoy them.

I'm in the same situation. I'm presently checking out Never Mind the Billhooks. About 10 units a side, individual figures on movement trays, straightforward mechanics, enough chaos to keep me thinking but it doesn't dominate the game.

Midgard Heroic battles? I've not played it but it gets good reviews. 8-10 units around 100 figures a side.

We have been enjoying " Sword and Spear" games recently. 12 or so units is perfect for these rules. Like a number of " modern rules", movement and missile ranges are based on the unit frontage – in this case half the base width is a "movement unit". Interesting activation system. Can be used with figures based for the DBX family of rules, but other basing works fine ( a lot of my figures are based for Warmaster)

I agree with TheNLMinister, Ochoin. NMTBH plays well, even with 10+ units per side, and is easy to pick up. The card activation can be left out if you want a more traditional IGoUGo type of game.

How about the new Billhooks Ruckus set?

Man, I have a similar interest in a set of rules for the medieval period that is playable, fun, and generic -- I wasn't impressed by my initial exposure to Lion Rampant -- and what do I see here above? Pretty much everyone in disagreement. One vote each for a myriad of rules systems. There doesn't seem to be any default, universally accepted rules system, eh? Sad. Weepy sad.

@ Piper.

Not really – wargames rules are like underpants. What you find comfortable. some one else might find too constricting, too loose or not giving adequate support.

The problem here is that to properly explore the 8 suggestions, I'd have to buy 8 rule sets. With P&P, this would run to several hundred dollars.

I have had this problem with other periods. Obviously, you get recommendations, read online reviews etc & narrow the list down.

Inevitably, you'll buy 2-3 & get at least 2 rule sets that are baggy, scratchy & very unflattering for your nether regions (continuing the underpants metaphor).

Midgard would certainly work. You might also consider 'To the Strongest'.

Another vote for Midguard. I've only a couple of games under my belt but it's very promising so far. Size-wise it fits your criteria to a "T".

There's a game called Mayhem that I really like – it's a fantasy game but just cutting out the magic and monsters would be easy. Very interesting mechanics but not complex. PoD off Amazon is cheap ($10?) A fair review is here: link

Is Hail Caesar any good to you? It's no longer the new sexy but it's pretty solid and easily tweakable.

Lots of rules = lots of choice. If there was only one set, and you hated it, that would be a shame. Maybe try some out at a convention?

To the Strongest or Sword and Spear.