Lion Rampant 2nd Ed Soon - Any Previews?

[Emir of Askaristan]

My copy arrived from Amazon just after 5

Two takeaways, the unit types are more generic elite cavalry = mounted men at arms - I think this covers the period of the rules better than making them just "medieval"

The lists start with Late Roman and go up to the Swiss with halberds, not the Swiss with pikes. This pushes the 'scope' back but not any further forward.

[Atheling]

My copy arrived from Amazon just after 5

Two takeaways, the unit types are more generic elite cavalry = mounted men at arms - I think this covers the period of the rules better than making them just "medieval"

The lists start with Late Roman and go up to the Swiss with halberds, not the Swiss with pikes. This pushes the 'scope' back but not any further forward.

#

That's great to hear as it confirms what Dan from WI described in the video I posted earlier in the thread 

[DeRuyter]

Well worth it. I only played the 1st edition but hadn't purchased the book so this was a no brainer. The book is well laid out and sprinkled with designer notes explaining rules and changes from the 1st edition. There are more optional rules and alternatives for some rules that were changed. For example now you pick leader skills but the book includes the table for generating random skills from the 1st edition as an alternative. The illustrations do add a bit of appreciated "gloss" to it. As has been mentioned the time line has been expanded. Now I can bring out the late Romans!

[Mr. White]

I've generally been more of a fantasy gamer, coming to Lion Rampant through the excellent Dragon Rampant, but historical gaming is intriguing to me. However, I'm not a deeply read historian. I've got some dark ages welsh  as well as some French and English Hundred Years War models. I understand this new edition allows for a wider scope of conflicts, but are there tips/suggestions on how to have warbands of different eras feel like their correct era? I mean so like your Dark Ages warbands feel different from the Late Medieval?

[Atheling]

Dark Ages warbands feel different from the Late Medieval?

Very different. With Late Medieval warbands you have much more of an emphasis on shooting, though please note, despite having the new rules I haven't had the time to read them so my comments are based the first edition. still , shooting is not overpowering, unless you are very lucky with aa dice roll- I remember that happening at least once in our Haggis Rampant campaign a few years ago (I must have been the recipient for me to remember it so well  )!

[Pan Marek]

As someone interested in Dark Ages gaming, I'm concerned whether Lion Rampant2 can handle units with mixed types.  My reading suggests that Dark Age army units contained fully, partially and even unarmored warriors.   Unless we're talking Byzantines, units were not uniformly equipped.

[Mr. White]

Hasn't there been a `mixed weapon` option (which added some limited shooting - short bows/spears/slings/javelins) for some of the foot units in 1e...or am I thinking of Dragon Rampant?

[Atheling]

Here's another vid for anyone who might be interested hasn't got a copy yet....

[Mick_in_Switzerland]

I have received my copy today. The quality of the book is amazing.

[TomMcC]

Here's a little laugh,

I was on this thread and watching the videos on YT via links you chaps kindly mentioned above, when my copy dropped through the letterbox.

Paused my watching to pick up a substantial looking book.  I'll look at it in more detail later and over the weekend, but it looks good from a first flick through.   

cheers,
Tom

[LouieN]

Here's a little laugh,

I was on this thread and watching the videos on YT via links you chaps kindly mentioned above, when my copy dropped through the letterbox.

Paused my watching to pick up a substantial looking book.  I'll look at it in more detail later and over the weekend, but it looks good from a first flick through.   

cheers,
Tom

I would start watching videos of other things I want to show up at my door.   Let's see if the magic repeats

[Mr. White]

Finally got my copy, and tbh, it’s better than I expected. I get hesitant with new editions, but this really is just LR 1e but with a larger toolbox to play with. Love it.

Now the harder part… do I start on my 28mm Welsh or 1/72 Hundred Years War?

[ColCampbell]

Pan wrote: "As someone interested in Dark Ages gaming, I'm concerned whether Lion Rampant2 can handle units with mixed types.  My reading suggests that Dark Age army units contained fully, partially and even unarmored warriors. "

and Jack wrote: "Hasn't there been a `mixed weapon` option (which added some limited shooting - short bows/spears/slings/javelins) for some of the foot units in 1e ... ?"

My group has played two games using the 2nd edition rules.  Here are the gists of the infantry unit capabilities:

Elite infantry -  well armed and well armored warriors carrying the best equipment and weapons.  6 models per unit.

Heavy infantry - armored footmen usually armed with long spears.  Can be upgraded to veteran to depict those armed with two-handed chopping weapons.  Can be given javelins (6" range).  12 models per unit.

Light infantry - poorly armored spearmen, usually carrying shields  but lack body armor.  Can be upgraded to veteran with two-handed chopping weapons and can be given javelins.  Also can have mixed weapons (spears and bows - range 12").  12 models per unit.

Warriors - "big hairy chaps with axes, fur waistcoats, and a nasty outlook on life."  More frequent in Warbands (new name for old Retinues) from the fringes of medieval Europe, such as Ireland, Scottish Isles, and pagan Baltic states.  Can also be used for sword-and-buckler men and Swiss halbardiers.  Can be upgraded to armored.  12 models per unit.

Levied infantry - "cheap sword fodder."  No upgrades.  12 models per unit.

Archers and Crossbow units same as in 1st edition, with upgrade to veteran or pavises, respectively.  12 models per unit.

Skirmishers - woodsmen, scouts, brigands, etc.  Unarmored; armed with a variety of missile weapons.  6 models per unit.

And it gives suggested compositions for various warbands.

Hope this helps.

Jim

[Pan Marek]

Thanks!