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Robert at Bannockburn: The Battle of Bannockburn, 1314 (1979) Board Game

ByMichail

Robert at Bannockburn: The Battle of Bannockburn, 1314 is a historical wargame that simulates the famous battle between the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England in in 1979. This battle was a significant event in the First War of Scottish Independence and resulted in a decisive Scottish victory led by Robert the Bruce.

Game Components of Robert at Bannockburn: The Battle of Bannockburn, 1314

  • Counters:** Regular-sized (100-300 men) and double-sized (500-800 men), some with back-printed multi-mode units
  • Map:** Represents the boggy ground near the Firth of Forth
  • Rules:** Shared with other games in the *Great Medieval Battles* collection, with exclusive rules for this scenario
  • Leaders:** Leader counters with special abilities

    How To Setup Robert at Bannockburn: The Battle of Bannockburn, 1314

    To set up the game, players need to place the counters on the map according to the specific scenario instructions. This involves deploying the English and Scottish forces in their historical starting positions near Stirling Castle. The game includes detailed setup charts and rules to ensure accurate historical deployment.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Game Objective

  • The objective for the English is to relieve Stirling Castle, while the Scots aim to defend and maintain their siege.

    Gameplay Mechanics

  • Rout Movement:** Move routed counters
  • Movement:** Active player moves units
  • Ranged Fire:** Both players fire ranged weapons
  • Melee Combat:** Active player engages in melee, followed by the other player
  • Morale System:** Cumulative morale effects can rout units
  • Unit Modes:** Units can change modes (e.g., cavalry dismounting to become infantry)
  • Schiltrons:** Scottish pike units can form open or closed formations

    Player Experience

    Playing **Robert at Bannockburn** offers a deep dive into medieval warfare, particularly the Battle of Bannockburn. The game requires strategic thinking and management of units, morale, and terrain. Players must balance movement, ranged fire, and melee combat to achieve their objectives. The game’s phases are structured to simulate the intense and dynamic nature of the battle.

    Pros

  • Historical Accuracy:** Reflects the conditions and tactics of medieval warfare.
  • Replayability:** Part of a quadrigame collection with shared rules but unique scenarios.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires careful planning and execution.
  • Unique Mechanics:** Schiltrons and unit mode changes add complexity and realism.

    Cons

  • Slow Pace:** Excessive number of die rolls can slow down gameplay.
  • Limited Realism:** Some critics argue that the game mechanics do not fully capture the details of medieval combat.
  • Complexity:** The game has a medium to high complexity level, which may not be suitable for all players.

    Personal Thoughts on Robert at Bannockburn: The Battle of Bannockburn, 1314

    **Robert at Bannockburn** is ideal for fans of historical wargames and those interested in medieval warfare. It offers a challenging and engaging experience, particularly for players who enjoy strategic planning and historical accuracy. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and the time required for each game session. Despite some criticisms on realism, the game remains enjoyable and a great addition to any wargamer’s collection.

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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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