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Lion of Judah: The War for Ethiopia, 1935-1941 (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Lion of Judah: The War for Ethiopia, 1935-1941 is a board game that simulates the conflict between Italy and Ethiopia during the Second Italo-Ethiopian War. This historical period was marked by Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia in 1935, leading to a five-year war that ultimately resulted in Ethiopia’s liberation in in 2017. The game allows players to experience the strategic and tactical challenges faced by both sides during this pivotal moment in history.

Game Components of Lion of Judah: The War for Ethiopia, 1935-1941

  • Counters:** Two full sets for each side in both the Italian invasion and British liberation campaigns.
  • Maps:** Representing the Ethiopian terrain.
  • Combat Resolution Tables (CRT):** Separate tables for Italian and Ethiopian forces, with the Ethiopian CRT limited to 4:1 odds.
  • Reinforcement Points (RP) counters:** Used for unit repair, reconstitution, and bribing tribal leaderships.
  • Event chits:** Introducing random elements such as League of Nations intervention and gas bombardment penalties.
  • Irregular units:** Italian colonial and Ethiopian irregulars with unknown combat values until engaged in combat.

    How To Setup Lion of Judah: The War for Ethiopia, 1935-1941

    Setting up the game involves placing the maps, deploying units according to the specific campaign, and distributing counters and chits. Players must clip the counters, set up the game board, and allocate reinforcement points. Each campaign has distinct setup requirements, reflecting the different military situations in 1935 and 1941.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Unit Movement:** Through various terrains, affecting combat and supply.
  • Combat Resolution:** Using odds-based CRTs, with different tables for Italian and Ethiopian forces.
  • Resource Management:** Reinforcement points used for unit repair, reconstitution, and bribing tribal leaders.
  • Event System:** Random events impacting gameplay, such as League of Nations interventions.
  • Game Objective:** The Italian player must capture regional capitals and Addis Ababa, while the British player must liberate Ethiopia. Victory points are awarded based on territory control and casualties inflicted.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Lion of Judah** is a vibrant and engaging experience, combining traditional hex-and-counter mechanics with unique twists. The game requires strategic thinking, especially in managing reinforcement points and navigating the complexities of tribal activation and bribery. The unknown combat values of irregular units add an element of bluffing and tactical surprise.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy:** Combines traditional wargame mechanics with innovative elements like bribery and irregular units.
  • Historical Accuracy:** Faithfully represents the military campaigns and political nuances of the period.
  • Replayability:** Different campaigns and random events ensure varied gameplay experiences.
  • Integrated Mechanics:** Well-integrated systems that avoid clunkiness, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** May be overwhelming for new wargamers due to the depth of mechanics and strategies.
  • Availability:** Currently out of stock at several retailers.
  • Learning Curve:** Requires significant time to understand and master the game’s unique mechanics.

    Personal Thoughts on Lion of Judah: The War for Ethiopia, 1935-1941

    **Lion of Judah** is ideal for experienced wargamers looking for a challenging and historically rich game. It offers a unique blend of traditional hex-and-counter mechanics and innovative systems that simulate the complexities of guerrilla warfare and colonial conflicts. While it may not be the best choice for beginners, it is a must-play for those interested in World War II and African military history.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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