Sword & Spear: Wargames Rules for Ancient and Medieval Battles (2014) Board Game

Sword & Spear is a wargame ruleset designed for simulating ancient and medieval battles. It was first released in 2014 by Great Escape Games and Polkovnik Productions. The game is designed for 2 to 6 players with a runtime of around 120 minutes. Players take on the role of commanders leading their armies into battle, utilizing tactics and strategy to outmaneuver their opponents.

Game Components of Sword & Spear: Wargames Rules for Ancient and Medieval Battles

Rulebook

Command dice

Units (organized into equal frontage)

Army lists

Quick Reference Sheet (QRS)

How To Setup Sword & Spear: Wargames Rules for Ancient and Medieval Battles

Setup involves organizing units into equal frontages, typically around 12 units per side. Players prepare their armies according to the provided army lists, ensuring each unit has a type, discipline rating, and strength rating. The battlefield is set up to accommodate the units, and command dice are distributed to each player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Command and Control System: Players use command dice to activate units. The number on each die determines which units can be activated and what actions they can take.

Unit Activation: Units are activated in phases, with each unit performing all actions (movement, shooting, melee combat) when activated.

Combat Mechanics: Missile shooting and melee combat use the same mechanics, involving dice rolls compared between units.

Impetus: Certain units gain extra dice in combat based on specific conditions, such as unit types and command dice allocation.

Game Objective: The objective is to rout the opponent’s units by accumulating hits equal to the unit’s strength rating.

Player Experience

**Sword & Spear** is praised for its innovative command and control system, which keeps both players engaged throughout the game. The rules are designed to focus on outcomes rather than detailed mechanics, making the game relatively straightforward after the initial learning phase. Games typically last 2-3 hours.

Pros

Innovative command and control system

Engaging gameplay with depth and subtlety

Suitable for any scale figures and basing standard

No complex “to hit” tables or charts

Quick to learn and play after initial games

Cons

Requires some memory for specific impetus rules

May not appeal to players seeking highly detailed rules

Personal Thoughts on Sword & Spear: Wargames Rules for Ancient and Medieval Battles

**Sword & Spear** is ideal for wargamers interested in large-scale battles in the Ancients and Medieval periods. It suits players who enjoy strategic decision-making without being bogged down by intricate rules. The game’s balance between simplicity and depth makes it accessible yet challenging, making it a great choice for both new and experienced wargamers.

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