Honours of War: Wargames Rules for the Seven Years’ War (2015) Board Game

Honours of War is a set of wargaming rules designed by Giuseppe Rava, focusing on the Seven Years’ War, a global conflict that took place between 1756 and

The rules aim to recreate the tactical challenges and strategic decisions faced by commanders during this period of warfare, where armies were transitioning from linear tactics to more flexible formations.

Game Components of Honours of War: Wargames Rules for the Seven Years’ War

Rulebook: 64 pages, including illustrations and explanatory diagrams.

Figures: Compatible with 15mm, 10mm, and 6mm models.

Dice: Uses average dice for combat resolution.

Basing: Specific basing type recommended, but flexible for playtesting.

National Guides: Includes information on all nations involved in the SYW in Europe and their unique fighting doctrines.

How To Setup Honours of War: Wargames Rules for the Seven Years’ War

Setup involves dividing battalions into brigades of 2-8 units and optionally fielding independent units/battalions. Each brigade and the army has a commander that affects unit performance during activations. Units are arranged in linear formations as was common during the SYW period. The game includes scenarios of varying sizes, from small to large battles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Activation System: Players activate brigades or independent units, with both sides active throughout the turn.

Command Performance: Rolls dictate unit options such as double moves or restrictions on advancing closer to the enemy.

Combat Resolution: Firing and melee are resolved using the same table, with modifiers for different unit types and conditions.

Damage and Morale: Represented by “Hits” which reflect casualties and morale effects; units remain on the table until they are “Done For”.

Game Objective: To outmaneuver and defeat the enemy, capturing key positions and breaking the enemy’s morale.

Player Experience

**Honours of War** is designed to capture the essence of 18th-century warfare, emphasizing historical accuracy and tactical depth. Players must think like commanders on a horse and musket battlefield, planning their battles carefully and adapting to the “fog of war” and unexpected outcomes. The game is quick to learn but offers complex strategies, making it suitable for both new and experienced wargamers.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The rules are straightforward and easy to understand, even for those new to the period.

Fast and Dynamic: Games move quickly, with a focus on tactical decisions and rapid execution.

Historical Accuracy: The rules reflect the tactics and units of the SYW period accurately.

Command and Control: The command system adds a layer of realism and unpredictability, preventing the “side out” effect common in other rulesets.

Cons

Light Infantry Balance: Some players have found standard light infantry to be overly powerful if not used correctly.

Scalability: Smaller games with few units may not be as enjoyable as larger battles with many units.

Personal Thoughts on Honours of War: Wargames Rules for the Seven Years’ War

**Honours of War** is ideal for wargamers interested in the Seven Years’ War and 18th-century linear warfare. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy tactical depth and historical accuracy without the complexity of overly detailed rules. The game is a great choice for both solo and multi-player games, and its versatility in using different figure scales makes it accessible to a wide range of players.

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