War Law (1993)

About this game

"The War Law system simulates mass combat in a fantasy setting. The Standard Game is provided for a quick way of resolving large scale combats between two opposing forces in a minimum amount of time. The Standard Game doesn't require a Gamemaster or Referee; instead, the rules provide a set of guidelines that make a GM unnecessary for resolving movement and combat. The Standard Game is an abstracted method for simulating large scale battles without a GM. In that sense, it is more like a military simulation board game than a role playing game." War Law covers morale rules, maneuver rules, ferocity rules, leaders, formations, siege weapons, and historical and tactical considerations. The scale is 50-100 combatants per unit. Each unit has an Offensive Bonus, a Defensive Bonus, an Armor Type, a level, and a shield bonus. In addition, units also have a movement point total and a morale rating. Combat is resolved using percentile dice and an extensive collections of charts. Counters and hexmaps (5/8" hex = 100ft.) are provided, but miniatures can also be used. The turn length is 120 seconds per turn.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 3.9/5 this is a heavy game — read the rulebook before people arrive.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.