Barons War Battles of Lewes & Evesham COA 0204-90

Clash of Arms, COA 0204-90, 2004, SRP was $40.00

The two major battles of Simon de Montefort – Lewes & Evesham – provide a new take on a rearely covered period of English history.  These battles took place in a unique period of English history before the long bow had gained predominance on the battlefield, when cavalry was still the most lethal weapon in the English arsenal. 

The system provides a unique simulation of 13th century warfare.  With only 12 pages of rules plus commentary, the game plays fast and furiously.  Each player must preplan the orders for his Battles with the use of Command Points.  This system has built-in limitations on leaders and troops, fog of war, and the chaos of the medieval battlefield.  More importantly, it does this by employing a simple, elegant mechanic, allowing players to focus on the game and not struggle with the rulebook. 

The game turn is interactive, where players must commit the orders of their Battles to seize the initiative and go on the attack, or hold back on defense.  Players must carefully time when to commit to action the4 plans that they have made.  Or, should things go badly, they will be forced to make the difficult choice of when to change their plans and react.  And be forewarned, the cavalry of the era is impetuous; the4 movement of enemy troops may trigger a mad charge for glory that neither player expects. 

Rules also cover individual unit morale, battle morale, cohesion, ranged fire, melee, and leadership, including special rules for Prince Edward and his Battle.  Both the battles of Lewes and Evesham are covered in historical as well as ‘what if’ scenarios.  Contents:  Rules and commentary, 280 counters and markers, 2 17x22 maps, players aids, dice.  Game Designer: Rob Markham