SWORDS & SPELLS
FANTASY MINIATURES
WAR GAMING RULES
INTRODUCTION
Rules for miniatures battles in a fantasy setting
TURN SEQUENCE
Cavalry, flying, and fast units (7"+) move first
Movement is in inches
The base move rate of cavalry is 10"
Roll high to see which player goes first
Units in base to base contact with enemy units cannot move unless they retreat
A unit may retreat on a roll of 1-4 on D12
Retreating units cannot attack
Infantry and slow units (6" or less) move next
The base move rate of infantry is 4"
Roll high to see which player goes first
Ranged Attacks
This includes archers, thrown weapons, catapults, many spells, etc
Roll high to see which player goes first
Polearm Attacks
This includes pikes, halberds, spears and lances
Infantry that did not move may set their spears to receive a charge
The units must have their bases touching
Pikes attack first, all other attacks are simultaneous
Flyers must declare if they are engaging in HTH (otherwise they cannot be attacked by nonflyers)
Hand to Hand Attacks (HTH)
The units must have their bases touching
Attacks with normal HTH weapons resolved first and are simultaneous
Unarmed attacks and attacks with 'short' HTH weapons resolved next and are simultaneous
Morale Check
Determine if unit needs to check morale
Rally Check
Leaders may attempt to rally routing units
ATTACK RESOLUTION
To determine the result of an attack roll D12 and consult the following table
Each figure can make one attack per turn against another figure in range
ATTACK ROLL RESULT TABLE
Roll 1D12 Result Notes
1-6 Miss A natural roll of 1 always misses
7-12 Hit A natural roll of 12 always hits. Roll on Damage Table
ATTACK ROLL MODIFIERS
All modifications are cumulative
Die Roll Modification
+1 The attacker is Infantry
-1 The attack is Ranged
-1 Attack is at Long Range
-1 Attacker is unarmed (Bare hands)
-3 Attacker is prone (Knocked down)
+1 Second HTH attack vs target this turn
+1 Each additional HTH attack made vs target this turn
+1 Attacker is veteran, elite, heroic, or highly trained
+1 Cavalry HTH vs archer targets
-1 Defenders have heavy armor (Move -1)
-1 Defender has shield
-2 Defender has large shield
-1 Attacking in HTH vs defender with any type of sword (swords are good parrying weapons)
-2 Attacking in HTH vs defender wielding staff two handed
-1 Attacker has large shield (Move -1)
+X magical weapon bonuses
+1 Attacker using Blunderbuss (Shot spreads)
-1 Attacker is an archer that moved this turn
-1 Attacker is mounted archer
+1 Attacker is infantry with pike set to receive a charge
-1 Charging infantry with pikes set to receive a charge
+1 Attacking unit from side in HTH
+2 Attacking unit from rear in HTH
+1 Surprise attack
+1 Charge (Moving into HTH from at least 2" away; cannot be the result of a retreat)
-1 Attacker is wounded/per wound
-1 Attacker is making additional attacks/per attack (If unit is capable of such)
+1 Attacker berserk (Battle Frenzy) HTH
+1 Berserk Defender
+1 HTH Attacks vs siege unit crews and noncombatants
-1 Defenders have Dodge ability
-1 Defenders have cause Fear ability
+1 Attacking a unit that tried to retreat but failed
-1 Attack by figure that tried to retreat this turn
+1 Bonus vs units of a certain type. For example: +2 vs Giants
-1 Large unit attacks vs Small figures
+1 Attacking Large units
+1 Attacker riding on Savage Mount in HTH
-1 Defender has Tough hide
-1 Ranged attack vs unit partially under cover (behind wall, tree, window)
-1 Attacker fatigued
-1 Attacker on unstable ground
+1 Defender in HTH on unstable ground
+3 Defender immobilized. Immobilized units cannot move or attack
+1 Attacking with net. Net does no damage but target immobilized for 1D3 turns
+1 Attacker or defender using Flail or Ball & Chain in HTH
+1 Attacker using pick or morning star against unit in heavy armor
+1 Attacker using a 1H weapon with 2 hands in HTH
-1 Attacker using any type of axe
+1 Attacker is a Spellcaster casting an attack spell with a Magestaff
RANGED ATTACKS
Ranges are in inches
Double the listed range is long range
Range Attack Type
2 Thrown dagger, Knife, Axe, Ball & Chain
3 Spear, Sling, Matchlock Pistol, Crossbow Pistol
4 Javelin, Blunderbuss
5 Short bow
7 Crossbow
8 Arquebus
10 Long bow
15+ Catapult, Ballista, Cannon
DAMAGE ROLL TABLE
Roll on this table if a unit has been hit
Roll 1D12 Result
1 or less Stunned (No damage but unit's next attack roll is at -1)
2-3 Wounded (Move & Attack & Damage rolls -1 per wound)
4 Wounded & Disarmed (Unarmed units Attack roll & Damage roll -2)
5 Wounded & Knocked Down (Move = 0 & Attack roll -3)
6 Wounded & Disarmed & Knocked Down
7-8 Mortally Wounded (Unit immobilized & will die in 1D6 if not healed or regenerated)
9-12+ Killed (Unit loses 1 Hit)
LIST OF MODIFIERS TO DAMAGE ROLL
Roll Modifier
-3 Attacker is unarmed (Bare hands)
-1 Dagger, Club, Staff
-1 Arrows, sling stones, pistol, blunderbuss, crossbow pistol
-1 Whip (Attack in Pole arm phase, +1 to Rally Roll)
+0 Swords, spears
+0 Mace, Hammers: Hits caused by these weapons are always also knock down
+0 Crossbow bolts, Arquebus(Guns & crossbows require a turn to reload)
+2 Ballista bolts, catapult shot
+1 Pike, Halberd, 1-H axe, 2-H sword, 2-H Warhammer
+2 Battle axe
-1 Defending unit has heavy armor
+1 Defending unit has no armor
-1 Defending unit has tough hide
-1 Attacking unit is weak
+1 Attacker is berserk
+1 Attack is poisonous
+1 Defender is wounded/per wound
+1 Attacker is strong
MOVEMENT RATES
Speeds are in inches
A unit may double its move but it will be fatigued next turn
A fatigued unit moves at half speed rounded down
Speed Unit Type
2 Supply Wagons, Siege engines being towed, Walking wounded
3 Infantry with heavy armor, Slow units, Pikes, Large shield, Refugees, Encumbered
4 Typical infantry
5 Infantry with no armor, Fast units
6 War Elephant
7 Chariot
8 Horse & Rider with heavy armor & barding
10 Horse & Rider
12 Horse & Rider with no armor or barding
TERRAIN
Nonflying units will in general move around obstacles like boulders and trees
Units on rough or unstable terrain will move at half speed rounding down
Rough terrain: Mud, rocks, loose sand, bushes, tall grass, rope bridge, up slopes
Noncavalry units can climb at a rate of 1" turn
Only units described as "scalers" can climb flat walls without ropes and ladders
MORALE
Units must check morale under the following circumstances:
If the unit has been attacked this turn
If a friendly unit within 10" has been killed, immobilized, or is routing
If a far superior enemy unit is within 10"
If heavily outnumbered
A Fear unit ability may require a morale check
MORALE CHECK RESULT TABLE
Roll 1D12 Result
1-4 Unit routs next turn
5-12 Unit continues to fight
A routing unit will attempt to move off the table at full speed avoiding enemy units
MORALE CHECK MODIFIERS
All modifications are cumulative
Die Roll Modification
+2 Unit making check is veteran, elite, heroic, or a monster
-2 Unit making check is a noncombatant, untrained, green, or cowardly
-1 Facing a unit with more than one hit
+4 Unit making check is undead
-1 Unit making check is heavily outnumbered
+1 Friendly Musician within 10"
+1 Friendly Leader within 10"
+2 Friendly Commander within 10"
+1 Friendly Standard within 10"
+2 Unit making check is berserk
RALLY CHECK
A leader unit may try to rally routing units within 8"
A rally attempt is successful on a roll of 1-6 on D12
Roll once for all units in range
RALLY CHECK MODIFIERS
Die Roll Modification
+1 Commander
+1 Unit being rallied is veteran, elite, heroic
SPELLS
Make a card for each spell. At the beginning of the battle each spellcaster draws a number of cards equal to the
number of spells they know. Each caster may discard and draw one new spell.
Spell Notes
Blood Rage 2D6 Friendly units within 10" go berserk for 3 turns
Stone Wall 10" long, 3" high, ½" thick, Permanent, Range = 10"
Fire Wall 10" long, 3" high, fear ability, Units that cross it are attacked immediately (Attack roll +1) , Range = 10"
Stone to Mud Destroys Earth obstacles (10" length of wall) Range = 10"
Slow Units in a 5" radius cannot move for 3 turns, Range = 10", Units may save vs magic
Enlarge Unit becomes large (Move +4", Hits +1, & Attack roll +2) for 4 turns, Range = 5"
Polymorph Unit becomes helpless for 1D6 turns, Range = 10", Unit may save vs magic
Dispell Negates a spell that lasts X turns, Range = 20"
Teleport Move self or unit within 10" anywhere on table
Weakness Units in a 5" radius become very weak (Attack rolls -2) for 3 turns, Range = 10", Units may save vs magic
Animate Dead Target Dead unit becomes undead & gains fear ability, Range = 5"
Alter Terrain Change the terrain in a 5" Radius permanently, (Add or remove obstacles), Range = 10"
Petrify Target becomes a terrain obstacle (statue) permanently, Range = 5", Units may save vs magic
Charm Take control of target unit, Range = 5", The unit may save each turn
Turn Undead All undead in 10" radius of caster must check morale at -8
Fireball Range = 10" affects all units in 2" radius. Attack roll +2, Damage roll +1
Fear Cast in Morale check phase. All enemy Units within 10" must check morale at -1
Lightning Bolt Range = 15" Damage roll +3
Cone of Cold Range = 8" affects all units in 30 degree cone. Attack roll +2, Units immobilized on a roll of 1-2 on D6 for 1 turn
Poison Gas Range = 6" affects all units in 4" radius. Attack roll +2, Damage roll -1
Touch of Death HTH attack. Damage roll +5
Heal Cast in Rally phase. Remove all wounds on one figure. Range = 5"
Great Heal Cast in Rally phase. Remove one wound from all friendly units in 5"
Ressurrect Cast in Rally phase. Restore one dead unit to 1 Hit. Range = 5"
Haste Range = 5" Cast in Move phase. Target gets double movement for 4 turns
Fly Range = 5" Cast in Move phase. Target flying & move = 20" for 3 turns
Shield Range = 5" Cast in Move phase. Target is -3 to be killed for 3 turns
Courage Friendly units in 8" get attack roll +1 & morale check +1 for 2 turns
Paralyze Range = 10" Unit immobilized(cannot move or attack) for 1-3 turns, Units may save vs magic
SAVE vs SPELL
If a spell allows its target a saving throw, roll 1D12
Roll Result
1-10 The spell takes effect
11-12 The spell is resisted and there is no effect on that target unit.
LIST OF MODIFIERS TO SAVE vs SPELL ROLL
Roll Modifier
+1 Defending Unit is veteran, heroic, or elite
+1 Defending Unit is large, giant, monster, or dragon
+X Defending Unit has magic resistance +X
+2 Defending Unit is a spellcaster
+1 Defending Unit has shield
-1 Caster has a magestaff
UNIT COSTS
Unit costs are in gold
The Base cost of a figure is 5 gold (1 Hit, 1 Attack)
Cost Ability or Equipment
-1 Weak
-1 Cowardly
-1 No armor(Move +1)
+1 Shield or Large Shield
+2 Tough hide
+2 Heavy armor
+2 Strong
+2 Ranged attack up to 7" (not including Thrown weapons)
+0 Short 1H weapon: Dagger, short sword (get one free if unit has no other HTH weapons, otherwise cost +1)
+1 1H or 2H HTH weapons: Sword, battle axe, staff
+2 1H Polearms: spear, halberd, lance
+2 2H only Polearms: pike (Move -1)
+3 Ranged attack 7" or over
+3 Additional attack
+1 Berserker
+2 Veteran, elite, hero
+2 Spellcaster
+1 Spell known
+2 Magestaff (cost +1 if in the form of a weapon)
+2 Leader
+3 Commander
+1 Undead
+2 Cause Fear: Enemy units within 4" must check morale
+2 Regenerate: Unit removes one wound per turn in Rally phase
+2 Cavalry: Move 7"+
+4 Flying: Unit can avoid HTH
+3 Extra Hit
+1 Net. No damage but target immobilized for 1D3 turns
+2 Special Bonuses: Per +1 to damage roll. Examples: Giant, Claws
+2 Special Bonuses: Per +1 to attack roll. Examples: Area effects, skill
+4 Siege artillery. These fire once every other turn
+1 Scaler (can climb flat walls without ropes and ladders)
+1 Magic Resistance +1
SAMPLE UNITS
Cost Type: Notes
DWARVES
14 Dwarf Clanlord: Infantry, Heavy Armor, Veteran, Shield, Sword, Commander
11 Dwarf: Infantry, shield, heavy armor, hammer or axe, veteran
13 Dwarf Hero: Infantry, heavy armor, warhammer (2-H), Berserker, Leader, Hero
14 Dwarf Rune Master: Spellcaster, 4 Spells, hammer (magestaff)
8 Dwarf Gunner: Arquebus, Short Sword
8 Dwarf Shieldbearer: Heavy armor, Large shield, Short sword
7 Gnome: Archers, blunderbuss, sword or axe, weak
ELVES
14 Elf Battlemage: Sword, Spellcaster, 4 Spells known, Leader
19 Elf Lord: Sword, Spellcaster, 8 Spells known, Commander
11 Elf: Archer, longbow, sword, veteran
18 Elf maiden on Unicorn: Savage mount, Magic sword +1, Spellcaster, 4 Spells, Second attack (Unicorn horn) Leader
12 Elf Blade master: Infantry, Sword, Veteran, Dodge, No armor, Second attack (Sword or Dagger)
GOBLINS
11 Goblin General: Infantry, Sword, Veteran, Commander
10 Goblin Sergeant: Infantry, Sword, Veteran, Leader
6 Goblin: Infantry, shield, spear, cowardly, weak
5 Goblin Scout: Infantry, sword & dagger, scaler, no armor, weak
9 Goblin Wolf Rider: Cavalry, savage mount, sword or axe
7 Goblin Archer: Archer, shortbow, cowardly, weak, poisoned arrows
11 Goblin Witchdoctor: Spellcaster, 4 Spells, leader, weak, No armor
8 Goblin Fanatic: Berserk, Weak, Ball & Chain (2-H), Dagger
6 Goblin Powder Keg: No armor, Bomb strapped to back (1" Radius, Attack roll +2)
13 Troll: Large, Strong, Claws (Damage roll +1), tough hide, regenerate
ORCS
11 Orc Taskmaster: Infantry, Whip, Sword, Veteran, Leader
14 Orc Warboss: Infantry, Heavy Armor, Veteran, Shield, Sword, Commander
9 Orc: Infantry, shield, heavy armor, sword or axe
9 Orc Bolter: Crossbow, axe
12 Orc Shocktroop: Cavalry (Warpigs), savage mount, shield, heavy armor, sword or axe
13 Orc Shaman: Spellcaster, 3 Spells, leader, Sword
8 Savage Orc: Infantry, No Armor, Berserk, War club or Stone axe, Shield
11 Black Orc: Strong, Sword or Morning star, Shield, Heavy armor
18 Ogre: Large, Giant (Damage roll +2), hits = 2, tough hide, Maul (Damage roll +2)
MEDIEVAL MEN
15 Knight Captain: Cavalry, Heavy Armor, Veteran, Shield, Sword, Leader
16 Kings Champion: Cavalry, Heavy Armor, Veteran, Shield, Sword, Commander
14 Knight: Cavalry, shield, heavy armor, lance, veteran
7 Pikeman: Infantry, Pike, short sword
9 Halberdier: Infantry, Heavy armor, Halberd
7 Swordsman: Infantry, shield, sword
8 Yeoman: Archer, Longbow, dagger
15 Wizard: Spellcaster, 7 spells, No armor, weak, Magestaff
17 Cleric: Spellcaster, 4 spells, heavy armor, shield, mace, leader
6 Flagellants: Flail, No armor, Berserk
BARBARIANS
11 Barbarian Chieftan: Infantry, Two-handed Sword, Veteran, Commander
11 Barbarian Chieftans Bodyguards: Infantry, Two-handed Sword, Veteran, Berserk, Leader
14 Barbarian Warpriest: Warclub (Magestaff), Spellcaster, 4 spells known
6 Barbarian: Infantry, Berserkers, Battle axe
7 Barbarian Raider: Infantry, shield, sword or axe
6 Barbarian Naked Warriors: Infantry, No Armor, Javelins, Dagger
NOMADS
9 Nomad Lancer: Cavalry, Lance, Shield, No armor
6 Nomad Dervish: Infantry, Sword, No armor, Berserker
5 Nomad Unich Guard: Infantry, No armor, Two-handed sword
13 Nomad Raj: Cavalry, Leader, Sword, Shield, Veteran
14 Nomad Rajesh: Cavalry, Commander, Sword, Shield, Veteran
14 Nomad Sorcerer: Spellcaster, 5 Spells, No armor, Magestaff
11 Nomad Horse Archer: Cavalry, archer, longbow, sword
8 Nomad Hussar: Cavalry, Sword, No armor, Shield
UNDEAD
11 Skeleton: Undead, Infantry, shields, spears, cause fear
10 Skeletal Archer: Undead, archers, shortbows, cause fear
11 Zombie: Undead, Infantry, claws, regenerate, cause fear
15 Skeletal Champion on Undead Horse: Cavalry, Shield, sword, cause fear, savage mount, leader
19 Necromancer: Spellcaster: 5 spells, cause fear, no armor, Commander, Dagger (Magestaff)
ORIENTAL
13 Shogun: Heavy armor, Sword, veteran, Commander
12 Diayamo: Heavy armor, Sword, veteran, Leader
12 Shugenja: Spellcaster, 6 Spells, No armor
13 Samurai Mounted Bowman: Cavalry, Archer, Longbow, veteran, sword
10 Samurai Sword: Infantry, Sword, Berserk, Elite
9 Heavy Infantry: Heavy armor, Shields, Maces
7 Bushi Spearman: Infantry, Spear
9 Ashigaru Gunner: Arquebus, Short sword
5 Monk: No armor, Staff
OTHER UNITS
12 Catapult: Siege artillery, affects all units in a one inch radius, range = 5-20", requires 3 crew
12 Ballista: Siege artillery, affects all units out to 15", requires 2 crew
5 Siege Crewmember: No armor, short swords
5 Porter: Carry supplies such as ammo, ladders and ropes
5 Sapper: Pick & shovel
5 Musician: Instrument (Drum or horn), no armor, short sword, weak
6 Standard bearer: Standard, sword, weak
5 Kobold: Infantry, shield, dagger, net, cowardly, weak
6 Ratling: Infantry, shield, sword, weak
7 Halfling: Archers, sling, short sword, weak
8 Dark Elf: Sword, Crossbow Pistol
8 Sea Elf: Trident, Net
13 Chaos Warrior: Infantry, Heavy Armor, Shield, Sword or Axe, Fear, Chaos Mutation (Attack roll +1)
11 Beastman: Infantry, Tough Hide, Shield, Sword or Axe, Berserk
16 Minotaur: Large, Very Strong (Damage roll +2), Berserk, Battle Axe, Tough Hide, Hits =2
36 Dragon: Fire breath (Range = 4" affects all units in 30 degree cone. Attack roll +2.
Useable 3x per day) or bite +2 Damage, Second attack: Claws +1 Damage,
Third attack: Tail sweep(Rear 90 degrees only), Hits = 4,
Flying (Move = 16), Tough Hide x 3, Large
EXAMPLE OF A SPECIAL HERO
Cost Component
12 Elwylin the Elf Lord: Hero, Commander, Heavy Armor
9 Rune Sword: 1-H, Damage roll +2, Attack roll +1, HTH attack rolls vs this unit at -1
Attack roll +2 vs Demons, Cast 1 Fireball per battle
8 Spellbane: Shield, Magic resistance +3, attack rolls vs this unit at -1
20 Griffon Mount: Beak attack, Claws (second attack), Flying, Move = 18", Monster, Savage (Attack rolls +1)
The total cost for Elf Lord on Griffon is 49 gold
AFTER THE BATTLE
The winners battlefield casualties include:
25% Dead/Missing, 35% Routed, 40% Wounded
The losers battlefield casualties include:
40% Dead/Missing, 15% Captured, 15% Wounded & Captured, 15% Routed, 15% Wounded
Routed & Wounded units return to their armies after the battle
BASIC SCENARIO
500 Gold to a side
Each side has one Commander
No dragons in the basic scenario
The first side to lose all its leaders or suffer 50% casualties will abandon the field.