Once Upon a Time...

(English Civil War Rules)

by Tom McMillen

ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST COUNTRY and ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST INDIES:

Published by Partizan Press, both written by Pete Berry, Illustrated by Neil Wright.

Available from Falcon Miniatures, PO Box 444, Woburn, MA 02115. No price listed.

Skirmish gaming the English Civil War is probably not a prospect likely to send most American gamers scurrying to their paintbrushes. However, the period does have some unique and intriguing aspects, primarily because the combatants are armed with probably the worst skirmish weapons in history, the 16 foot pike and the matchlock musket. While allowing for the creation of teeny little pike blocks of 4 or more people, the author admits that the idea is somewhat strained at best. The musket, however, can generate plenty of excitement in that you get one shot, then have to spend 5 turns virtually unarmed, (except for this rather ineffective club) while you reload.

Consider two enemy musketeer's approaching one another. With 2D6 you need a nine to hit at 18", an 8 at 12", a 7 at 6", etc. The good news is that should you miss even if your opponent then runs up and blasts you at point blank range, he might well miss as well! Or consider a doughty little band of half a dozen musketeer's sheltered in a sunken road as an enemy band approaches. Decisions on when and how many troops to fire are guaranteed to cause sweaty palms. All in all, an interesting if somewhat limited system.

THE WEST INDIES is a fun little bit of silliness that never pretends to take itself seriously. There are, for instance, special rules for 'Deeds of Derring Do' (officially called DoDDs) and 'Dramatic Entrances' which momentarily stun the opposition. There are also rules for 'ship combat' mostly involving lifeboats and the parent ship, which seem to get a little complicated for the overall design philosophy. No doubt the club could have a good time with this one if they're in the right mood, particularly if, British Style, the club happens to meet at the local publican's house.

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