Saturday, October 18, 2014

Lion Rampant - First Game

Several of us met at the Game Matrix in Tacoma today for some Lion Rampant games. It was the first time for most of us, but we all seemed to enjoy the rules even though we may have not gotten everything exactly right. For one thing, in the game I played we initially had not correctly done the Courage tests. We didn't count the casualties cumulatively when figuring out the tests - that is, we only subtracted casualties caused in each turn when working out the Courage test result. At first this seemed very harsh and made for units to be destroyed quite quickly, but it does seem correct for the overall flavor of fast-paced game.

My buddy Adrian and I used the Bloodbath scenario as it is the most straight forward. I only got off a few pictures as I was referring to the rule book throughout the game to ensure we were on track.
My Early-HRE foot serjeants receiving an attack by English MAA. The foot serjeants are good at defense - although in this case they'd have been even better off in Schiltron, but they had just moved out off the woods in their previous turn.
The same unit of HRE foot serjeants in the previous turn  in cover from English archers.
The HRE crossbowmen only got to take out a few of the English before they failed their Courage test after receiving casualties from English bow fire.
One of two HRE mounted MAA units - with the Archbishop of Cologne as the retinue leader. Both mounted MAA units failed multiple movement activations early in the game. After eventually passing their movement activation this unit put the English right to flight.
The mounted MAA unit on the HRE right eventually passed movement activation to move up and attack an English foot MAA unit. They did very well in their attack and practically destroyed the English foot MAA unit. However, due to consecutive bad Courage tests, enough HRE units left the table to give the English an edge for victory.
Pat's Byzantinnes facing Old Bob's French
Wes' knights taking fire from Scott's bidowers.
For the most part I have no trouble with the rules as they are. Some of the players did have issues with the 3" between units rule though. I believe they are in the spirit of the rules being kept to small unit actions. It appears that no more than two units (one per side) can be in a close combat at any given time. Although there is the possibility of a unit being attacked by two different units in a given turn - separately of course. I like the size of units and the assignment of hits to casualty per type of unit. I'm looking forward to playing out the other scenarios - as well as adding more terrain. We did use the minimum suggested - one piece per quarter. Overall I like these rules and I think they should appeal to a lot of the community for various reasons - not the least of which is the price of the rules (clearly written and nicely illustrated at that), as well as the relatively modest amount of figures required. Unless of course you want to run 4 units of Serfs!

28 comments:

  1. Gorgeous miniatures Dean! Good to hear you enjoyed your gaming.

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    1. Thanks, Michael. It was nice to use these guys in a set of rules that I foresee using again in the future.

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  2. Beautiful figures, Dean, and a new set of rules gets a trial, Great!

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    1. Thanks, Jonathan. It was a great game - even with the learning curve. A set of rules which have me looking forward to the next round. Best, Dean

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  3. Beautiful minis! Just perfect for games like Lion Rampant!

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    1. Thank you very much for the visit and comment, Captain! Your blog is excellent too. Regards, Dean

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    1. Thanks a lot, Nate. These are very well written and fun rules I must say. Best, Dean

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  5. Interesting sounding game, and amazing figures!

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    1. Thank you very much, Paul. Appreciate your visit and nice comment. Best, Dean

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  6. About rules I will tell nothing, but figures very much were pleasant to me

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  7. Superb Knights there Dean! Have the rules but haven't played a game yet.

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    1. Thanks! You'll enjoy them I'm quite sure. The basic system seems very simple, yet there are little nuances in them to make it very interesting to play. I'm really looking forward to my next game(s). Best, Dean

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  8. Lovely looking armies Dean! These are one set of rules I need to give a chance someday.

    Christopher

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    1. Thanks, Christopher. I think you'll be pleased with these for smaller skirmish games. The play-action flows very nicely - even while still learning the basics. Best, Dean

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  9. That is just superb, what a glorious looking game Dean.

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    1. Thanks, Michael. The next time we'll use a scenario with more challenging terrain. Although this one was still very enjoyable. Best, Dean

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  10. Those knights look absolute fantastic Dean! What make are they?

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    1. Thank you very much, Soren. The knights are a mixture of Mirliton, Old Glory (some with Mirliton helmets) and old Gripping Beast (sold as Battle Honors). The heraldry is based upon images from the Codex Manesse. Best, Dean

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    1. Thank you, Simon. Appreciate the visit and nice words. Best, Dean

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  12. Great looking game Dean, these figures are really impressive (love the knights!)...good job!

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  13. Your knights are superb! I'd be afraid to use them for fear of losing one. I do love skirmish games and I think I'd like this one based on your AAR, Dean.

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    1. Monty:

      I think you'd have a great time with Lion Rampant. You could use your SAGA figures too - always nice to use the same figures for different rules. Best, Dean

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  14. You've convinced me to get Lion Rampant.

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    1. James: I sure you'll be happy with it; the low cost notwithstanding. The rules are simple, yet have enough variables to keep it fun and interesting to play. See it like getting fast-play, fun use with a fraction of the figures from your WAB armies. Let us know how you like them once you get the rules and play them. Best, Dean

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