I have seen various options, both commercial and freely available that provide generic wargame rules for use with any figures, and printable paper figures for use with any game, or even specific systems. The folks over at Black Orc games decided to do something a little different (though it is an approach that has seen use by other companies). They released a copy of their rules for free over the web. Rather than being a generic set of rules, this system had its own flavor and factions; factions which don't rely on third party figures, but on a range manufactured by Black Orc to suit the 100 Kingdoms setting. Because of its electronic format, the rules could easily be updated and improved based on testing and feedback. Of course that can also lead to a few snags: the rulebook I was using is not the same rulebook that is currently available for download.
Most of the basics seem to have remained the same. The biggest exception being that while they make mention of Warband, and the different costs for purchasing units, most of the specific rules seem to be missing; I didn't see mention that in Warband games all units get one command, rather than a limited number based on your WarLord and Commander units.
Gameplay itself is simple. Players take turns in classic I-Go/You-Go format: one player moves all his units, then the next player, then play reverts back to the first player (or on to additional players in a larger game). Units may receive one command per turn, be that movement, attacking, casting a spell, rallying etc. Actions are resolved through the use of a twenty-sided die (d20) check. In the case of combat the attacking unit rolls a d20 for each attack it has, (generally 1 – 3) with the desired number being less than or equal to the unit's combat score. For each successful hit, the defending unit rolls a d20, looking to score less than or equal to its defensive rating. Failure to pass this check results in the unit suffering a wound.
Some units are possessed of special abilities, such as polearms which deny an attacker a bonus for charging, assassination which denies the defender the normal save, or the blood rage ability which allows an attacker to keep making attacking rolls so long as they successfully inflict wounds. Some units have the ability to cast spells. These units have a reserve of spell points, which are expended to power the spell. Often a successful check has to be made as well. The more powerful the spell the more points required. These points do not refresh each turn, instead a magic unit may spend a command action to meditate, and regain two spell points.
While the games did go quickly, and I liked the smaller skirmish feel of Warband, overall the rules didn't appeal to me. The majority of the rules were the bare basics, and what few advanced maneuvers were available, such as pinning, were poorly explained. The newly issued rules seem to add a few more options, such as rules for weather and siege conditions as part of the basic package, yet special abilities, magic and army lists need to be downloaded separately. One thing that all these sections lack is flavor text. I honestly got more information about each faction from the blurbs in the print catalog than from the rules or army lists. The information is available on the 100 Kingdoms website, but it would have been nice to see it integrated with the other material.
That all being said, it's time to move on to some of the miniatures themselves. I had a chance to review several figures from the Bushido and Panthera Tribe factions, and singular offerings from the Freak Show and Simian Empire ranges. These single-piece 28mm metal figures were all relatively clean. There were a few spots that needed cleaned up, primarily on the Bushido figures; in addition to a few bits of metal running between weapons and figures, they seemed more prone to retaining bits of flashing than the others. I also had to do a careful bit of bending in order to straighten several weapons.
As the name suggests, the Bushido are an asian-themed faction. Featuring such troop types as samurai and ashigaru, they primarily have a Japanese flavor, but the Wuxia Warrior managed to sneak his way in there. The Ashigaru, Bushido Bowman, Samurai, Hamoi Priest, Geisha Assassin and Wuxia Warrior were all sculpted by Bob Murch. All six figures are well detailed, though painted images suggest more detail than is seen on bare figures; a fact which always gives me pause, as it means I have to be more careful in my painting attempts to avoid obscuring details. There were also a few annoyingly small bits that came with these figures – swords and helmet crests that can be used to add a bit of character and detail. My only real complaint here is that I don't like some of the faces. The Geisha Assassin's face in particular just strikes me as being too angular. My favorite of the Bushido figures is the Wuxia Warrior. Designed so that he could be mounted on a flight stand, the mounting hole is in an asininely amusing location.
The Panthera are a group of feline humanoids. The Jaguar Javelin Thrower, Jaguar Archer, Tiger Swordsman, Lynx Shaman, Black Panther Assassin and Lioness Captain were all sculpted by Sandra Garrity. While not usually a fan of animal-themed figures, I like most of these. They're well sculpted, with nice texture, and several of the figures carry visually interesting African-influenced shields. The only real problems I've had with these are that the weapons seem even more prone to bending than usual. Some of the open-mouthed poses look a bit silly, more like yawning than battle roars, but that's just me.
Last but not least we have the Ammo Clown and Messenger, both of which were sculpted by Jason Weibe. From the evil circus themed Freak Show faction, the Ammo Clown is meant to be used as ammunition in the Circus Cannon. From the Roman themed Simian Empire, the Messenger can carry marching orders to troops. Both figures are nicely detailed, I'm personally quite fond of the fur texture of the Messenger. While I don't have any other miniatures for either faction, the day I can't think up something to do with a monkey with scroll and messenger pouch, and a clown in boxing gloves and a top hat is the day I hang up my dice bag.
Other factions which I haven't had a chance to review include the insectoid Hive, saurian Outkast, centauran Wildlings, and the feudal humans of the Kingdom of Avalon. Developing ranges include the elven/serpentine Donella and the mysterious Devout. While many of the available figures are quite attractive, and provide interesting alternatives to other ranges, they're also a bit pricey. Single-figures weight in at $4.00+ USD, while a pack of two standard infantry or archers is around $5.00. Each faction also has one or more large figures, including such things as dragons and giant gorillas. Prices on these range from around $9.00 up to $40.00. Some pack deals are available, which help to cut the cost somewhat.
While I ultimately wasn't impressed with the rules, they are quick playing and easy to learn; combined with the free price tag and wide selection of factions, they make a good choice for those looking for an introductory set of miniatures rules. Though their single-piece construction might make conversions a bit difficult, I'm fond of the majority of the 100 Kingdoms miniatures. Even if the 100 setting or rules doesn't appeal, these miniatures would work well in other games; whether you're looking to represent an rpg character, adding to a preexisting force, or looking to put together a custom army list.
