Tuesday, May 13, 2025

"Dominion of..." Rules Booklets

     Sometimes rule sets will get the wargaming world abuzz. It also happens in the niche wargaming world.  A perfect example  is Bob Cordery's "The Portable Wargame", which has inspired many wargamers and led to several books and and variations.

    The newest set of rules that has the "Portable Wargame" world excited is Steve Parker's "Dominion of.." series of wargame rules for different periods. The rules themselves are explained in around six pages, followed by a playthrough of the rules. He also includes army lists and battles. For the best description of the rules, Bob Cordery's Wargaming Miscellany is a good place to go.

  These rules are available through the Wargame Vault for a very reasonable price. I downloaded the rules, then print them out with 2 pages on each sheet. It makes for nice little pamphlets. Most of the books I divide in half, with the rules and playthrough in one pamphlet,

My "Dominion of.." booklets.

and army lists and battles in another. They come out quite nice. Stapling them together can be hard, as I have a small stapler. I am thinking of buying a heavier stapler, and also getting some card stock for the covers.

On the back of each booklet, I put a copy of the "Quick Reference Sheet".


13 comments:

  1. I splashed out on the 18th century volume from Lulu. It has been posted and I await its arrival with enthusiasm. I will probably mainly use it for imaginations and the Jacobite rebellion. I really must invest in a printer, we have a number which don’t work or only others can operate…
    Alan Tradgardland

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    1. I would likecto see what the volume from Lulu looks like. I have never checked out Lulu as a printing option. My wife and son bought me a new printer for Christmas. I couldn't get it to work on Wifi, but found an app for my phone and can plug directly from my phone. My booklets are from pdf files on my phone. Hope to see a battle report soon.

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    2. In my experience Lulu is one of the better print on demand companies. I am happy with the quality of the books - helped by the fact that I went for the better quality paper. The books feel nice. It will be interesting to see what Alan thinks.
      Steve (the author)

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    3. Thank you for your information. I believe someone had a copy of one of Mike Lambo solitare wargame printed spiral bound, which would be convenient for playing his games.

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    4. Mmm. Interesting. Lulu do spiral binding. Maybe I should get one copy printed with my next order to see how it comes out. Might have to increase the inside margin though.
      Steve

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  2. Nice idea John. I print mine and use the office binder. I prefer to read from paper than the screen!

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  3. I was originally going to print them on full size pages, but found they were going to use too much paper and ink, so went with the 2 pages per sheet of paper. They are quite handy this way. Started camping already and find having the small booklets easier to carry. I agree with you on reading from paper, especially when playing a game and the screen keeps shutting down on you. That's another reason why I put the Quick Reference Sheet on the back of the rules.

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  4. I am actually having a mind overload with ideas on how to use the different sets and figures to use with them.

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  5. Ditto! There are just so many different interesting periods and wars to model and game! And I am writing these rules! And having the time of my life!
    Steve

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    1. It seems like you hit on a good, simple ruleset that is easily adapted to other periods. For me, the army and battle lists are a big plus. I can see using these lists even with other rules, which makes these rules an especially good value. With your games going viral, I am sure it must be a great feeling knowing that your work is appreciated.

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  6. I am glad that people are having fun with the various rulesets and getting some games in. I really like just looking at and reading army lists and, as you say, army lists can be adapted for other rulesets. Plenty more on the way with American War of Independence next. More 24 battles than generic army lists though.
    Steve

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    1. Reading your various army lists, I picture different figures I own and how I could use them for other armies.

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