By month's end a major Ancient/Medieval campaign will be well under way. The set of rules being used is Warrior Kings. Some of you may have heard of or even played them in one form or another over the past few years. In case you haven't heard of them they are a set of miniatures rules that are quick and easy to learn. Figures of any scale and basing can be used (yes, you can use Armati or DBA armies, as is.) Unit sizes are from 1 to 4 figures (yes, you can make the units as large as you like!). A typical army for Warrior Kings would be about 30 to 50 figures, 6 to 20 stands. Not a big outlay in time or money. All the figures, maps, etc. needed for the campaign is provided.

We currently have 15 players involved but with the Warrior Kings campaign system, bookkeeping is minimal. Play as little or as much as you like. The system allows players to come and go as they please. If you are interested in playing a game that is not campaign-related that can be arranged too! Current armies in the campaign include Feudal Spanish, 100 Years War English, Swiss, Romans, Byzantine, and even Incas to name a few. Any army from Biblical times to 1450 AD will work. If interested, please contact me at 206-303-7859. 1 plan to publish battle reports in future issues of The Citadel. Rebuttals are welcome!

Also being played is a set of Wild West miniatures rules tentatively titled Cowboys: Gaming the Wild West. These are a fast paced shoot 'em set that relies on the "React" system used in Warrior Kings. The way the "React" system works is the actions taken by your units, or people in this case (shooting, moving, etc.) triggers an equal reaction from the enemy units.

We played a large scenario at Fantastic Games and Toys in Lynnwood where the Sheriff (Tim McNulty) and his deputies tried to stop the town from being robbed by two conflicting gangs. From this early play test many things were learned, such as when people start shooting it's best to not be in the open, holding another players guys as hostages does not stop them from shooting at you (!), and sometimes it is dangerous to "do the right thing". (Ask Bill Stewart about the hazards of "checking in your guns"!). Cowboys is a quick to learn set of rules that require only one to four figures.

In keeping with my current philosophy, the game plays quick, to a conclusion, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg to get involved. 25mm western figures can be bought for about $1 each. Check out the large demo we will be putting on at ENFILADE. Anyone interested in playing Cowboys please call and leave a message on the previously mentioned phone number.

The first printing of Warrior Kings will be available at ENFILADE'97.