North European Bronze Age Review

[Rogerc]

So thinking about how I can get good rules to work with this collection, I decided to get them out and organise them into units and took quite a few snaps I thought I would share, details are on the blog.
https://gapagnw.blogspot.com/2020/11/reviewing-plans-for-northern-european.html
bronze age by Roger Castle, on Flickr

[SJWi]

Roger, I will be intrigued to hear any recommendations . I too have quite a large Bronze Age force. All nicely painted and based, but I suspect I may need to re-base them for a more "large skirmish" style game.

I will watch for any replies with interest.   

[Irregular Wars Nic]

I have eyed up this range for years without being ale to justify another project, or sell the period/theme to an opponent. I'm keen to hear your thoughts.

[v_lazy_dragon]

And off the wall suggestion... but North Star just released Bronze Age European Skeletons.. ;-)
Might be handy for conversions if the prospect of bronze age fantasy doesn't appeal 

[WuZhuiQiu]

Inspiring stuff! Might Wargods of Aegyptus (without the fantasy element) or some Japanese skirmish system (without the samurai aspects) provide an adequate rule framework?

[SJWi]

By the way have you thought of using Mana Press’ “Tribal” rules and “Primeval” supplement. Currently out-of-print but you might find a copy somewhere, or 2nd hand.

 On paper they seem to do the trick.

[NickNascati]

Yes, I’ll second the recommendation for Tribal.  This is exactly the kind of warfare the game models.

[Irregular Wars Nic]

By the way have you thought of using Mana Press’ “Tribal” rules and “Primeval” supplement. Currently out-of-print but you might find a copy somewhere, or 2nd hand.

 On paper they seem to do the trick.

Would Tribal work on its own, or would you need Primeval as well?

[NickNascati]

Yes, Tribal is actually the basic rule set.  Primeval is a supplement for warfare among cavemen clans, and also includes Ice Age beasts.
The Tribal Player Community on Facebook is very active and very helpful.

[WuZhuiQiu]

It caters to much smaller forces, but Flint & Feather's system could be adapted, too. Thus far, and pending the new kickstarter, I think that it lacks specific rules for swords and slings, as well as for cavalry and (obviously) chariots. Nevertheless, it seems to capture the ritual nature of such warfare:

https://www.cruciblecrush.com/files/Flint%20and%20Feather%20Basic%20Rules(1).pdf

[zippyfusenet]

North Star just released Bronze Age European Skeletons..

Just the thing for stocking your burial mound.

"Come, dance with the King  under the hill!"

[Lost Egg]

A lovely collection sir.

So are you looking for rules aimed at the Bronze Age or rather a set that works with what you've got and that you enjoy?

I've been working on a set of rules for the Bronze Age Britain & Ireland (though they could be used for anywhere in Europe) but they are centred around raiding with 6-12 minis per side. I'm planning on using the new Oathmark BA Skeletons combined with some plastic Dark Age warriors which should work well even though the games more focused on the early BA side so rapier rather than leaf shaped swords and no chariots or cavalry.

I don't play such large games anymore but I have heard good things about Clash of Spears which are aimed at games of 30 or more figures per side. I believe the Lord of the Rings game (or whatever GW calls it now) is meant to be good and can handle that many figures too.

[Rogerc]

Thanks very much for the feedback folks, I envisage this being between 40 and 50 figures per side in a nmber of small units. Bronze Age Britian and Ireland is pretty much what I had in mind. A few people have mentioned tribal would that work with the numbers mentioned and chariots, cavalry, heroes etc?

I may have an option and still not finished painting the figures yet but really appreciate everyones thoughts.

[DintheDin]

You have done a great job there!
A visit to your blog is highly recommended!

[Rogerc]

Thank you my firiend.