Hello all! I’ve been working on a set of rules for 15mm skirmishes on a 5x8 inch “tabletop”, while also working on my own dynamic miniature tabletop to showcase them. Thanks to Jennifer (the Librarian Gamer) for her original comment that got me started on this train when I showed off my ruined Noble’s house. Something about what she said made me think “why not make rules for that small of a table?” And since I’m already a mostly-solo-wargamer, the thought of a portable and quick gaming setup that leaves a low “footprint” was right up my alley!
But enough prefacing! Below are the rules:
The rules are centered around my usual “medieval fantasy” vein, but would definitely work Pike & Shotte era and even Horse and Musket with some tweaking, I think.
Please keep in mind they are the skirmish rules alone, I’m still working on campaign rules. Also, in most cases (as in, most of the time), 2 cm can be converted to 1”, and 4 cm can be converted to 2”. I am fully aware of the -5-10 cm difference between these two measurements, but it’s easy and laid-back to make the conversion.
Finally, I’ve already applied these rules to skirmishes on larger tabletops, and full-scale battle scenarios, with minor adjustments to the rules. I’ll type those up and post them soon as well! I’m really in love with these rules, they’re easy and I’ve had fun with them. I hope you do too.
This is a great looking project. I started a similar thing myself earlier this year though it's stalled. Must take another look at it!
ReplyDeleteYou must! As someone who grew up moving and traveling a lot, the portable perspective is always one I hold dear.
DeleteThis is terrific fun. I really look forward to giving them a go…
ReplyDeleteAlan Tradgardland
Have you given any thoughts to size battlefield/ movement etc for 28mm figures? I wondered about doubling everything? I have more options available in 28mm so would like to give it a try in that scale…
ReplyDeleteAlan Tradgardland
When I play with my 15’s on a larger space, I convert the measurements to inches (2cm = 2 inches) which is just a little more than doubling. For 28mm I think I’d go with 3” for foot and 6” for cavalry, on a small surface maybe twice the size of the 5x8? Apologies for the inches, Alan, we use Imperial over here still! On a larger battlefield skirmish I’d give 28mm footmen a 6” move and cavalry a 10-12” move, probably. I’ll test out the rules with the bigger figures I’ve got and let you know more! :)
DeleteNo apology needed. I think in inches, always have. I look forward to reading of how the play test with bigger figures goes…
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
Brilliant! I've printed out a sheet of Paperboys "base paper" and look forward to playing a game on an ordinary sheet. (With twice the space, might use inches rather than cm.) Undecided whether to use Paperboys fantasy skirmishers or 1/72 plastic Zulus. I am curious that the shooting rules don't seem to include a to-hit roll - can shooters not miss at the short ranges in the rules? :p
ReplyDeleteThat’s exactly the idea, as shooters have to use the “Aim” action on the turn before shooting. The target has the option of moving into cover, if they win the initiative! Or if they’re lucky enough to have cover…it balances out, especially when reloading is considered. I just thought “why not cut down on rolling?”
DeleteAn interesting mechanism and thanks for the question, answer and explanation folks.
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
Looks very good! I'll give them a try with my 1/72 figures and the cm to inches conversion. I also think they will work very well with battle mats.
ReplyDeleteThanks! They probably will, I could see a grid also making measurements and movement easier, maybe a hex grid?
DeleteWill give these a go! How do you plan to handle magic?
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I have no plans at the moment (that’s not to say they won’t come). When it comes to fantasy games, I’m a fighter. I always think of the no magic perspective first, and then fumble through until I make a weird or bad magic system…maybe I’ll use a modified version of what I’ve got in the RPG I’m writing. I’m pretty happy with it. We’ll see.
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