Song of Arthur and Merlin (2008) Board Game

Song of Arthur and Merlin is an expansion for the base-game Song of Blades and Heroes, which is a popular fantasy wargame. This expansion adds new miniatures, scenarios, and rules to enhance gameplay and provide players with more options for their battles in the world of Arthurian legend.

Game Components of Song of Arthur and Merlin

Rulebook: A comprehensive guide with three versions of the Arthurian story: Hollywood’s knights, the gritty hero of Welsh legend, and a historical world without magic and monsters.

Scenarios and Campaigns: 6 Arthurian scenarios and 11 additional scenarios compatible with **Song of Blades and Heroes** games.

Rosters: 100 new rosters featuring knights, magicians, creatures from British folklore, and historical enemies such as Saxons, Picts, and Irish warriors.

Magic Items: 38 new magic items to enhance gameplay.

Warband Advances: 19 new warband advances for character development.

Special Rules: New special rules and optional rules for larger warbands.

How To Setup Song of Arthur and Merlin

To set up the game, players need to choose their warbands and scenarios. For example, the “None Shall Pass!” scenario involves setting up a natural barrier across the table with a single crossing point, such as a river or thicket hedge. Players then deploy their models and begin the game according to the selected scenario’s specific rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Based on the **Song of Blades and Heroes** engine, the game focuses on skirmish-level combat with an emphasis on strategy and character abilities.

Game Objective: Objectives vary by scenario. For instance, in “Kill the Monster!”, the attacker must kill a Big or Huge model defended by the opponent, while in “Finding the Grail”, a knight must pass a Grail Test and hold the Grail at the end of the game.

Player Experience

**Song of Arthur and Merlin** offers a rich and immersive experience, allowing players to delve into various interpretations of the Arthurian legend. The game’s flexibility, with multiple scenarios and character options, ensures that each playthrough is unique and engaging. Players can choose from a range of historical and fantastical elements to create a game that suits their preferences.

Pros

Versatile Scenarios: Multiple scenarios and campaign options provide a high replay value.

Deep Character Customization: With 100 new rosters and 19 warband advances, players can create highly customized characters.

Immersive Setting: The game offers three distinct versions of the Arthurian story, catering to different tastes in historical or fantastical settings.

Stand-alone Rulebook: The revised edition is a stand-alone game, requiring no additional books to play.

Cons

Complexity: The game’s rules and numerous special abilities can be complex for new players.

Steep Learning Curve: Mastering the game mechanics and understanding the various scenarios and rules may take time.

Personal Thoughts on Song of Arthur and Merlin

**Song of Arthur and Merlin** is ideal for fans of miniatures wargaming and those with an interest in Arthurian lore. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy strategic gameplay and character customization. While it may present a steep learning curve, the depth and variety of the game make it highly rewarding for those willing to invest the time to learn its intricacies.

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