Tweaking.

This game is will require miniatures to field feudal English, French, Scottish and Welsh troops (the system should, however, be portable to other settings and times). The time frame of 10 “seasons” (a purposefully vague term—Edward I ruled for over thirty years) is based on the likelihood that Edward will have to defeat each of his opponents twice, and may indeed suffer a reversal or two along the way. Tabletop battles should end up being between adversaries of usually 400-500 points. If larger or smaller armies are desired, simply increase or decrease each region’s base points, decrease or increase attrition, etc.

The system contemplates a solitaire play of the strategic background for the game, but there is no reason that a multiplayer game cannot be fashioned out of it, with one or more players representing France, Scotland, Wales, and a rebellious noble faction in England. Some tinkering with these rules and Events would be necessary. A multiplayer game contemplates active player participation and will slow the strategic side of the game, but it does have the advantage of being interactive. Note also that Edward came to the throne after crusading several years—another aspect that could be incorporated into the campaign. Tweak away!

Events equalize some of the marginal advantages the English bring to the battlefield. Some Events provide battlefield situations that are not normally faced by a gamer in tournament play (such as an overly enthusiastic subordinate advancing before Edward can deploy); but generally Events change the O/Bs or battlefield terrain only slightly. Again, add, delete and modify at will the system to meet your needs. Terrain sizes are based on 25mm figures and may have to be adjusted for other scales.

Use of optional rules is generally recommended. Some (such as Feigned Flight) will have less impact because of the combatants here (lack of horse archers); others (such as Ambush and Uncontrolled Charges) are (in my opinion) essential to capturing the nature of this period’s warfare. As an aside, I’d give the Scots and the Welsh a +1 in ambush attrition rolls to reflect (and encourage) their historical use of this tactic. Or maybe it’s because they represent my ancestral heritage….

I want to acknowledge Mr. Alex Aimette who wrote an inspiring earlier SAGA article entitled “The Feudal English,” which initially instigate my interest in the period; and to Mr. Craig Taylor, who wrote an article for The Courier advocating mapless campaigns that I now whole-heartedly endorse.

Edward I Late 13th Century Campaign Game

Introduction
A. Background
B. Campaign Sequence
C. Notes
D. Appendix: Event Cards List