Destrier is a card system for individual combat to be used with FGU's C&S (sometimes abbreviations do get out of hand). It comes in all 8 1/2"x 11", 16-page, staple-bound booklet with eight inserted pages of heavy paper which are destined to be cut and become the tac and melee cards, the essence of the combat system. The system claims to streamline the usual C&S combat (which was evidently bogged down by detail previously) by axing the paperwork and offering specific, uniform tactical decisions. Also. the system appears to be easier for the novice. At this point, allow me to qualify this review: I know nothing about C&S other than what I see in this playing aid. I have never played the game or seen it played, but I am impressed enough with Destrier to acquire a copy of C&S and give it a try.

Destrier is best used with miniatures. Wes Ives. the designer, provides rules for stand size and orientation of the figures on the stand for use in this system. I mention this because it deviates slightly from the mounting I've seen used in D&D and fantasy miniatures. Besides figures, the players must also have a copy of C&S, a ruler, and percentile dice.

Destrier combat system combines a unique dual-initiative determination sequence with missile fire, spell casting, and movement, each occurring twice and culminating in the melee phase, where players use the tac and melee cards mentioned above.

The tac phase occurs first, having seven separate possible actions, which may be ex- panded upon, if players wish, on the two blank tac cards included in the mix. The tac actions cover: charge, stand ground, close, run away/flee, fleche (a short move to engage in melee and to realign one's figure), and keep distance. All of these actions are explained in brief on the tac card, and in detail in the rules.

The melee phase occurs second, having 26 possible actions and one blank card: 3 separate dodges, prepare spell, cast spell, draw weapon, move and turn, 4 types of grapples, 3 types of parries, fire missile, reload missile weapon, 3 ways to deliver blows, punch, kick, and desperate defense; furthermore, actions using horses include trampling, wheeling, moving and hamstringing.

Destrier appears to be comprehensive, very manageable, and quite fair. It is available from Fantasy Games Unlimited, POB 182, Roslyn, NY 11576, or from Lowry Enterprises, for $5.00.

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