1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 KILLER KATANAS is a set of rules for recreating Samurai watfare from the middle 16th to early 17th centuries with model soldiers.

These rules were developed over a five year period. They were first used at the November 1989 HMGS/PSW convention. Since that time the rules have evolved through several major and minor revisions. The rules are fairly simple to learn. In past experiences novice players were taught how to play in about ten minutes. Games involving over eight hundred figures have been fought to a conclusion in about five hours.

My thanks goes to those who were involved in the continual play test of these rules over the years: Al Anderson, John Brickner, Richard Burnett, Glen Frers, Charles Morfin m, Charles Morfin Jr., David Morfin, Chuck Prince, Don Soelberg, Frank Steo, and Dale Voit.

Special thanks to Norio Sakuta and Hiroshi Takahashi, for their translations from Japanese sources.

Thanks and acknowledgment to Debbie Fyvie for the tremendous job she did at typing and retyping the many changes of the rules, and procuring the copyright for the rules.

I am happy to answer questions concerning the rules. Send your questions, along with a self addressed stamped envelope to: Brian Bradford, 631 Ridgeway Lane #L, La Habra, CA 90631.

1.2 KILLER KATANAS was written for use with 15mm figures, but 25mm figures may be used by doubling all ranges, distances, and base sizes.

2.0 SCALE

2.1SMALL BATTLE SCALE: 1" = 40 feet, 1 figure = 15. One inch on the table represents fom actual feet of distance. One figure represents 15 actual men arranged in three ranks. Each cannon represents two guns. A leader figure represents a high-ranking Samurai or Monk and his subordinates. Games in this scale are suited for armies under 10,000 and can be Basil, played on a 5x9 foot (ping pong) size table

2.2LARGE BATTLE SCALE: l" = 80 feet, 1 figure = 30. Each cannon represents four guns. This scale is suited for armies over 10,000. A bigger table might be needed to play a histoncal battle. For this scale, half all ranges and distances referred to in the rules. Keep all base sizes the same. The scenarios presented in this book are all done in this scale.

2.3 TIME SCALE: In both battle scales, one game turn represents approximately fifteen minutes of real time. What is meant by "approximately" is that some turns may represent lesser amounts of time, while others, more. Fifteen minutes is an average.

3.0 BASING

3.1 All infantry and dismounted cavalry are mounted with four figures on a 1 1/2" x 1/2" base as in (A). Leaders and bodyguards on foot, cannon crew, and standard bearers are mounted individually on a 1/2" x 1/2" base as in (B).

3.2 All cavalry are mounted with two figures on a 1 x 1" base as in (C). Mounted leaders, standard bearers, Daimyos, and bodyguards are mounted individually on a 1" x 1 " base as in (D).

3.3 Cannon are mounted individually on a 1 1/2" x 1" base as in (E). Cannon were present at some Samurai battles; they were used at Sekigahara. They were not used on the battlefield like those in Europe, but they were used in sieges. However, for those who wish to use them in a field battle, rules for their use have been included. Cannon are classified as heavy or light. Light cannon are "saker" type and heavy cannon is "culverin" type--these being usually acquired from foreign ships.

3.4 Infantry pavises (shields) are mounted four on a regular infantry base as shown back in example (A).

4.0 EQUIPMENT

4.1 In addition to these rules two six-sided dice, a tape measure, figures, terrain (optional), casualty caps, cotton, paper and pencil are needed to play.

Located at the end of the rules is a chart with game reference material. This should be copied and distributed to the players. Also there is a page containing counters and movement cards. These should be copied on cardstock for use in play.

5.0 UNITS

5.1 Units in the game represent those controlled by senior retainers or commanders serving under a Daimyo, i.e. Takeda and his 24 generals. Each unit must be of the same type; infantry, cavalry, or cannon and have the same weapon; lance, long spear, bow, etc.

5.2 Infantry and cavalry should be grouped into units. The size of these units is up to the players, but four bases is a good minimum. Each unit is given a leader, either on foot for infantry or mounted for cavalry. A standard figure is given to those units that have no identification, such as Sashimonos. Historical organization of Samurai armies is hard to come by. Some Daimyos did have some means of organizing their units; such as the Hojo and Tokugawa clans. However, most troops were received based on a koku system. A Daimyo's retainer would supply him men at the rate of twenty foot and two mounted per 1000 koku. Therefore, unit sizes varied and were dependent upon a retainer's wealth.

5.3 Cannon units can be grouped as desired. A unit can be just one base. Each gun is given two crew and a leader. It is given a standard if identification is required.

5.4 A Daimyo is given a bodyguard, either foot, mounted or both. The size is up to the players. The Daimyo will serve as the leader of these troops. He is also given a personal standard or icon.

5.5 In addition, each side is given some unattached leaders. The number again is up to the players. These leaders have no units. They wander alone and can be used for challenging and leader replacement.

To purchase Killer Katanas, contact Brookhurst Hobbies: 12188 Brookhurst St., Garden Grove, CA 92640, ph: 714-636-3580, fax: 714-636-9150.

More Killer Katanas

Interview: Brian Bradford, Co-Designer, Killer Katanas