Gladiatorial Fantasy Rules Recommendations for Generic Models

[Hobgoblin]

We just played a game of Fistful of Kung Fu. Although we were using sci-fi miniatures, I kept an eye out for its effectiveness as a gladiatorial game. I reckon it would work really well. It is - by design - pulpy and larger than life, but that probably suits an arena set-up well, as it's theatrical and entertaining.

One of the key differences between the game and others in the Ganesha/SoBH stable is that you get an even wider variety of potential combat outcomes. The core SoBH rules are pretty good for this already, with their knock-downs and push-backs, but AFFoKF has wounds, disarming (in various forms), grappling, distraction, knock-outs, humbling, stunning, staggering, laming, blinding and activation of scenery.

The emphasis on dropped weapons is particularly appropriate for gladiators, I reckon, and there's an Entangle rule that's perfect for retiarii.

And again, the various special rules are highly intuitive. You'd probably check a few of them the first time you play and then never need to look them up again; that's certainly been our experience with SoBH-type rules.

[Solus Ludio Unus]

Hobgoblin; thank you so much for taking time out of your day to help me.  I had a look at your blog and loved your write up of Oathmark. You have a refreshing perspective and it is greatly appreciated.  I have much to consider, though my path seems to be a little clearer thanks to you. Blessings upon you, your house, and family. I look forward to reading your blog regularly, and having something to look forward to is what keeps us all going.

[Easy E]

Interesting and thorough reviews (as always). I disagree, though, with the common criticism of SoBH for having too few stats and too many special rules. I've played most of the iterations with both my kids and other adults over the past six years, and we've always found that the special rules are so intuitive that you never need notes on the roster sheet.

Of course, I fully expect people to disagree with my thoughts.  After all, I write and review based on my biases about games.  I at least try to be transparent about where my biases are, so you can decide if you agree with me or if you prefer something else. 

Thanks for sharing those additional insights about the game as you have experienced it.  Good stuff!

I have also been tempted to do 1/72 Gladiators but I all ready have my 28mm Crusader ones, and I do love them so.  I doubt I will be making the leap to 1/72 even though it is very tempting!

Edit: I read your review of Oathmark, and it is the first one to actually make me somewhat interested in trying the game out.  I think it was the "Proxy" section of your review that really spoke to me. 

[Solus Ludio Unus]

Easy E you could use the 1/72 stuff with 28mm, and be still be historically accurate.

What led me down the path for this particular project was the "Celtic Holocaust" a free podcast by Dan Brown on his website "Hard Core History".

https://www.dancarlin.com/hardcore-history-series/

He goes into detail about how tall the Romans were when compared to the Gauls a.k.a Celts, and how much they feared the bordering "German" tribes which were giants compared to the Gauls.

Then I checked out a copy of "The Landmark Julius Caesar The Complete Works" by Kurt A. Raaflaub. Chapter one of this book set the hook.

When Caesar and his men paused outside of Vesonito to acquire grain and other provisions; the Gauls and traders who lived there declared to his troops that the Germans had "enormously" tall bodies, and were unbelievable brave in battle, and that when they Gauls met with the Germans they could not tolerate their facial expressions nor the sharpness of their gaze.

From there Caesar goes on to tell of how terror and panic seized the whole camp ....

For my own collection according to Dan's Carlin's observations I may model Romans in 25mm, Gauls in 28mm, and Germans in "heroic" 28mm or even larger.

Another interesting concept Mr. Carlin notes in this particular podcast episode is how recently archaeologists have been examining newly discovered graves of "Huns" and that these specimens have "monstrously" elongated skulls.....

[Solus Ludio Unus]

In case you did not receive anything for Christmas:

Mordheim Pit Fighter Rules

https://i.4pcdn.org/tg/1432916976630.pdf

Primus Palus

http://anatolisgameroom.blogspot.com/2017/02/primus-palus-gladiator-rules-free-to.html

Printable Paper Gladiators

https://juniorgeneral.org/index.php/figure/view/RomanGladiators

Wargame Vault has several free and "pay what you want" gladiator rule sets.

https://www.wargamevault.com/

More Free stuff here:

https://juniorgeneral.org/