Dragon Rampant Second Edition is official... Cover Inside!

[Hobgoblin]

I had this problem with the original DR - it seemed to me to really be decided by deployment (is my rock unit opposite their scissors unit) and whether your activation rolls succeed. I couldn't really see very much room for tactics beyond throwing the right unit against the right unit - and then only if they deployed in a position to be able to do so.

Maybe I just needed to play on larger tables or with better scenarios 

I recall DR/LR really clicking for us the first time we played it with proper depth (a 4' deep table rather than a 3'ish dining table). But I think it's the interactions with terrain (and Wild Charges) that give the game a bit of extra tactical oomph. It's definitely towards the lighter end of things, but there's tremendous satisfaction to be had when you manage to lure your opponent's high-falutin' Elite Cavalry into a forest ambush with your Ravenous Hordes!

We've also found that the game plays best (unsurprisingly, perhaps!) with just the 24 recommended points on each side.

[boneio]

We've also found that the game plays best (unsurprisingly, perhaps!) with just the 24 recommended points on each side.

Do you not find that vastly limits the 'fantasy' element so that you're either largely playing LR, or you have only a handful of units?

Will be interesting to see if 2nd ed addresses this somehow.

[Hobgoblin]

Do you not find that vastly limits the 'fantasy' element so that you're either largely playing LR, or you have only a handful of units?

Will be interesting to see if 2nd ed addresses this somehow.

I tend to favour low fantasy; before Dragon Rampant, came out, we used Lion Rampant for fantasy battles (in line with the fantasy armies listed in that ruleset). The big change for us with DR was the Strength Points concept (though I think we'd actually anticipated that by just tracking hits on groups of ogres or the like). And of course there were the new unit types: Greater Warbeasts and Lesser Warbeasts.

So, yes, our DR games have been more or less LR games. I just found some old roster sheets in my rulebook: they tend to have maybe one or two fantasy rules per side. Venomous is a favourite, along with Spellcaster and Shiny Armour (used mainly with Bellicose Foot, I think).

[jon_1066]

LR has optional flank rules.  This does change the game quite a bit where plodding foot can get shot to pieces from flanking archers.

The game really shines in the scenarios and boasts.  You can potentially win the game without winning the battle.

It’s a fun light game that works for getting almost any fantasy or pre gunpowder figure on the table.  It is not a game about a battle line facing off against another until it breaks.  If you want that then Midgard would be a better choice at a similar figure count.

[Rick]

I certainly shall be getting DR2 when it comes out later in the year. Just saving up to buy B&B 2nd when it comes out in a few days.

[soldieroftheline]

Maybe I just needed to play on larger tables or with better scenarios 

I have found that a good scenario is key to a good game, whether LR, DR or Pikeman's Lament. And whether you take one from the rule book or design one yourself.

[AdmiralAndy]

Having had a read of your post, I think scale wise DR would fit, also Heroes in units can die during battle, and with a test for activation has some scope for Solo play.

As I'm looking at it for a GoT as it has undead units. I would also add that a Viking in the Sun LR standalone ruleset also has a version of Greek Fire for rules for that explodey green stuff used against the High Sparrow and a Fleet of ships.

Other options maybe Never Mind the Billhooks, Andy Callan referenced LR as one of the inspiration in its design, and there is now a fantasy version and the rules has a card drawing technic so need the cards too also playable solo. Has some logistics, and there is a nevermind the boothooks you may want. Ship combat occurs in GoT, and has logistics, arrows can run out...

Barons War maybe more the 30 guys a side are getting a Fantasy Version, a logistic consideration here is mounts can only charge once or twice then there tired or injured/dead and you'd have to dismount.

There were also articles in Miniature Wargames 395 for GoT adaption from Middle Earth Strategy Battle Games, Wargame soldiers Strategy 74 for modelling advise, and more covers all points overview in Wargames Illustrated 386 for Wargaming games of thrones.

You may find that with DR as the base using elements from LR and Nevermind the Billhooks may get you what you want, as for charging, unless 1 big block of guys, multiple units assulting the same target would hit in waves anyway they didn't have a means of co-ordinating by someone firing off a very pistol fired off to all charge, or at 0100 exatly etc, CnC beng what it was back in the day. If anything the hitting together if not in one combined mass is unrealistic. The nuance of LR/DR imo is the activation and the units that do better on attack/defence with glass cannon cavalry, and how you use/cover your skirmishers and cavalry. not quite the rock/scissors as someone else mentioned though there is an element of that.

Is there a particular setting you want it for? As Midgard may more fit also as another option.