The medieval period is an extremely difficult period to find solid facts on army strengths and makeup. Often times the only information that exists is a vague location, date and an exaggerated size. In either case players should follow these pregame steps.

1. Determine the size of the battle. If recreating a historical battle with known numbers divide the number of men on each side by 100. This will give you the total number of points for the army.

2. For every 50 points you have one pick.

3. For every pick add an additional card in points. Draw a card from a regular playing deck of cards. If the card is a numbered use the value on the card. If the card is a Jack, Queen or King count it as 5, and if a Joker or Ace is drawn count it as a 1.

Ex: THE BATTLE OF AGINCOURT
October 25, AD 1415.
English vs. French.

The English under Henry V, King of England, had around 10,000 men. This would translate into 100 points. When divided by 50 the result is 2 picks from the chart for the English army. So the English army would be 100+2cards in points from two picks from the army list.

The French under Charles D'Albret, Constable of France, had about 20,000 men. This would translate into 200 points. When divided by 50 the result is 4 which gives us four picks from the chart for the French army. So the French army would be 200 points+4 cards in points from four picks from the army list.

Macro-Battles

Often times an historical battle is difficult to fight due to the numbers involved. Many writers and scholars agree that battles that list hundreds of thousands of men present are suspicious. Never the less these may be the only figures available. I suggest that a ratio of forces be used to fight the battle. The army lists will give the historical feel for the army and the ration of forces will give the points.

Battle Size: As mentioned earlier, a basic army or pick is designed for one player. Skilled players however will have no trouble commanding a larger army that is two or three picks. In some cases though I suggest that a ratio of troops be determined, then compare this to the number of figures and players on hand and determine your points.

Ex: Lets say Agincourt was to be played out but the forces and table size were well beyond the players capability. If the ratio system is used the French out number the English by about two to one. Therefore the points could be adjusted from 200:100 to 100:50 or even 60:30. Once the points are known the number of picks and additional dice are easily determined. In our last example the French would have a 60+2 cards for their army made up from two picks. The English would have 30+1 card for their army made up from one pick.