I do not have the rules (but have played authors SYW set - King of the Battlefield) and Stephen not played them before (hence the play test) so a few things to absorb especially re the set up and deployment of forces which is quite involved (roads entering table more important than in most sets).
Forces are very like standard Shako with each player fielding a roughly a Corps (4-6 Infantry Divisions and/or Cavalry Brigades) and indeed 15mm unit sizes are same as in Shako (ie 2 stand units each stand 40mm wide) which perfectly suits our armies.
System hinges around Morale Tests which occur as the (only) result of declaring a shooting target or units engaging in close combat (unusual use of a D8 counting positive and a D6 counting negative along with various modifiers to generate an result) with failed tests generating a Waver marker.
Combat/shooting potentially very bloody as most units Rout upon suffering 2 Wavers (1 for Raw and 3 for Guard) and are removed but can cause cascading morale tests on any units routed through.
Another interesting facet is charges can be preceded by a preparatory firing phase in attempt to force target to temporarily 'flinch' (minus factor in any ensuing combat).
Formation changes require a Control Test (modified 4+ on a D10) to be successful.
Several optional rules (we did not use any) covering an Orders system and Rallying Router and suchlike.
All in all a interesting set with decent unit interactions and points system (if you like that sort of thing) but lacking army lists and any national traits (again if you like that sort of thing).
Believe they were used at recent Warfare show for a small competition and they seem well suited to such.
Only real criticism is that the QRS and the rules seem to be at odds on couple of things but nothing major.
Liked them enough to order a set although was it ever in doubt I could resist !!??
Only couple of pics as busy trying to fathom how things worked
Back cover
Good luck. Curious to see what you think after the game. New sets are always intriguing.
ReplyDeleteLiked their potential enough to order a set.
DeleteThey sound an interesting set of rules.
ReplyDeleteYes some interesting concepts/systems (an upgrade from earlier KingotB set) expect it will be a 'bloody' system as only 1-3 hits per unit, this of course allows a game to reach a decision more quickly.
DeleteGiven some new videos on youtube for King of the Battlefield, both these sets of rules are generating some interest (fast play and well reviewed0, yet they are largely unavailable. Frustrating - like advertising for a product you can't get. I hope the writer scans them and at least makes pdfs available. Thanks for your post.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know King if Battlefield is out of print, but Emperor of the Battlefield is certainky available.
DeleteHi. This is Ian. I have been trying to reply to your emails but they are bouncing. Thor knows why??
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the game. Even I need a plan. Roads are very useful and help establish the scale and look of the battlefield.
Have fun.