This issue is primarily about some of the things that can be considered when writing rules. My attention has been focussed on the development of “Lace Warfare”, the next Saga rulebook set for publication. Much time has been spent reading about warfare in the 18th Century and comparing the various commercial rulebooks including Age of Reason, Konig’s Krieg and Volley and Bayonet.

The emphasis has been on the factors or influences that make this period unique from the preceding Renaissance and following Napoleonic periods. In simple terms, any rulebook would highlight musket-armed infantry, sword-armed cavalry and artillery support to both. Such an approach would limit the conflicts to Europe because of the universal troop types and equipment employed by European states and their imitators.

In reality, European wars were not confined to Europe and surrounding waters. North America, the Indies and other locations colonised by Europeans were important theatres of war. So conflicts encompassed fighting between the modern Europeans and more backward locals. More primitive weapons and tactics featured in such confrontations and thus a significant difference in technology. This means that “Lace Warfare” has to cater to a range of weapons embracing everything from stones to siege artillery.

Alas, it is no simple task when trying to write rules that are straightforward and must fit into an existing chronological system. I have noted that it can be kept simplistic by recognising that many factors or influences have minimal impact when the rules focus on relatively large groups of men. Firepower still must be concentrated in some way(s) to create an overall effect within the duration of a game. For example, the rate of fire between matchlock and flintlock muskets was different; however, the number of shots fired in any engagement was similar. This suggests that both weapons had basically the same impact in battle.

The painting shown on the cover is a good example of the ability of steady infantry to resist unenthusiastic cavalry. It would be a very unlikely situation in the Napoleonic era, but may have been similar to the British infantry action against the French during the Battle of Minden.

Well that is my opinion and I remain open to other views. As always, I hope that there is something of interest to you, the reader, in this issue.