Rebels and Patriots: Wargaming Rules for North America (2019) Board Game

Rebels and Patriots: Wargaming Rules for North America is a tabletop wargame that allows players to recreate historical battles from various conflicts in North America, including the American Revolutionary War, American Civil War, and American Indian Wars. Designed by Michael Leck and Daniel Mersey, this game provides a strategic and immersive experience for 2 or more players.

Game Components of Rebels and Patriots: Wargaming Rules for North America

Rulebook: The primary component is the rulebook, which outlines the mechanics and setup for the game.

Miniatures: Players need miniatures representing troops from various historical periods.

Terrain: Terrain pieces to create battlefields.

Dice: Necessary for activation tests and resolving combat.

Casualty Tokens/Counters: Optional, to replace model removal for casualties.

How To Setup Rebels and Patriots: Wargaming Rules for North America

Setup involves preparing the battlefield with terrain, deploying miniatures according to the scenario, and determining initial unit positions. Each unit is associated with a Group Leader, which helps in movement, facing, and other measurements. Models are placed within 4 inches of the Group Leader. The game can be set up for various historical battles, such as those involving Wolfe, Montcalm, Tarleton, or Washington.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Activation System: Units must pass an activation test to act; failure does not immediately turn play over to the opponent.

Action Selection: Once activated, a unit can choose one action from a list.

Group Leader System: Units move and face based on their Group Leader.

Casualty Removal: Originally uses model removal, but can be modified to use counters or tokens.

Terrain Effects: Uniform and based on common sense.

Game Objective: Depending on the scenario, objectives can include defeating the enemy, holding positions, or completing specific tasks.

Player Experience

Playing **Rebels and Patriots** involves strategic decision-making and tactical play. The game forces players to prioritize actions, as units can only perform one action per turn. The activation system introduces friction, requiring players to manage uncertainty and adapt to changing circumstances. The rules are designed to be consistent and easy to follow, making the game simple to resolve.

Pros

Consistent Rules: Easy to follow and streamlined for efficient play.

Tactical Depth: Requires strategic decision-making and prioritization.

Historical Flexibility: Covers a wide range of historical periods and battles.

Group Leader System: Enhances unit cohesion and simplifies movement.

Cons

Model Removal: Original rules use model removal for casualties, which some players may not prefer.

Random Charge Distances: Activation rolls determine charge distances, which can be unpredictable.

Limited Native American Options: The game’s native options are limited, particularly regarding cavalry.

Personal Thoughts on Rebels and Patriots: Wargaming Rules for North America

**Rebels and Patriots** is ideal for fans of the “Rampant” series of games and those interested in historical wargaming, especially focusing on North American conflicts. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy games like **Black Powder** or **Horse and Musket** but set in the New World. While it may have some limitations, such as the treatment of native forces, it offers a solid and engaging wargaming experience. For those considering projects like the War of 1812 in Wisconsin or the Minnesota-Dakota War of 1862, **Rebels and Patriots** provides a versatile and historically rich framework to explore these conflicts.

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