The last few months I have been looking at different wargame rules and campaigns, each one more involved than the last. Every time I tried to get a game going, the complicated rules and limited time would frustrate me and I would give up on the project, only to start the process all over again. About a month ago I took a break from wargaming, until last week. I decided to play a No Brain wargame using my Zulus. In the end the White Shield tribe beat the Brown Shields.
After the game I remembered an article in Lone Warrior about a simple campaign rule idea where each side gets so many coins, and roll to decide how many coins they are playing for. Just for fun I rolled for both tribes. The Brown Shields rolled a 4, the White Shields 1. I imaged the tribes were fighting over cattle (cattle being the source of wealth with the Zulu) and the Brown Shields lost 4 head of cattle.
I started thinking more of a simple narrative campaign, going so far as coming up with tribal names and the reason for their battles. I even looked up how much beef 4 cattle would provide: at between 1600 to 2000 pounds of beef, to me it would be worth fighting for.
 |
| The two tribes close for battle. |
 |
| The Brown shields fall back and lose 4 head of cattle. |
It is always surprising how a narrative, however short or in depth, adds to the enjoyment of a game.
ReplyDeleteThinking about a simple campaign for this game occupied my thoughts for a work day while driving between stops. Right there the game was a success for me.
DeleteLooking forward to hearing more…
ReplyDeleteAlan Tradgardland
I will probably do a small follow up on the narrative in the next couple of days, even if I don't get another game in for a while.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete