Lion Rampant Battle Report | Wars of the Roses

I solo-game the Blood Feud scenario from Lion Rampant, with Wars of the Roses figures from Perry Miniatures. The House of York must kill or capture the Lancastrian general, while their opponents must hold them off.

[@variancehammer246]

I think one of the keys in this system is to make sure your assault units *don't* outpace your ranged units. The archers on the hill were hugely vulnerable to being driven off the board by a failed morale test, but they never really took fire. This is often the danger I get into with my Swedes in Pikeman's Lament.

[@johnallen9520]

I have played several Dragon Rampant battles. Lion/Dragon Rampant is the best system IMO. But I have adopted the common house rule that commanders have the Command trait, that is, a second chance to Activate a unit within 12 inches. Then, of course, you place the commander near the center for better influence on Activation as well as Rallying. Nevertheless, I have played a lot more Total War on the computer and have watched a lot of historical battles online. Usually, skirmishers are on the sides harassing and softening heavier troop formations, cavalry are held back until they can deliver a charge that breaks the enemy line, infantry anchor the line. I usually started my archers ahead of the front line to hit the advancing enemy then retreated them to shoot from safety behind the infantry. Flanking is a huge advantage, so if you can get cavalry or infantry behind their line it becomes very advantageous. Archers can be devastating. So I charged them, usually with horses, to get them running instead of shooting. But cavalry connecting with archers was always rewarding.

[@axisandaliens]

I love the Total War games too! The Rampant series of games are certainly some of my favorites even if they represent smaller encounters.

[@lexlex-d6h]

I would put the skirmishers in the front line. Can only be shot at 12 inch with a defence of 2 armour. Followed by a charge of the heavy infantry and cavalry. The archers could fire from the flanks at the hill. Army of york hiphip hoera.

[@axisandaliens]

Worth a try! Just got to pass those activations!

[@Roll-Some-Dice]

Great board and superb models - really enjoyed as I don’t know much about Lion Rampant 👍

[@axisandaliens]

Thank you! Even if you’re not totally into the period, purely as a set of rules, Lion Rampant has to be one of the most enjoyable sets of rules out there right now. It’s fun, challenging, has a lot of scope and you don’t need huge armies.

[@Roll-Some-Dice]

@@axisandaliens I’m definitely tempted! Was thinking about this period, so you may persuade me 😂

[@axisandaliens]

@@Roll-Some-Dice all the cool kids are doing it! Take a look at the channel WargamesHobby - Alec has some great LR battle reports.

[@basement1908]

Awesome 👍

[@axisandaliens]

Thank you, Sir!

[@BootsontheTable]

I am not a Lion Rampant player really but the few games I’ve played having the general where he can help with rerolls is crucial. Also even point games where you have to walk across the table into archers is always going to be problematic, maybe next time reduce the size of the defence force?

[@harryxly6240]

any recommendations on kits good for getting a lion rampant army in action?

[@axisandaliens]

Oh sure! For Wars of the Roses era you have to go with Perry Miniatures. Other periods are well served by Victrix, Gripping Beast or Fireforge. What kind of force are you looking to collect?

[@alexfietta]

Greetings, am I mistaken or the Yorks have more points on the board? 2 Heavy infantry 4x2 = 8 Archers and crossbows 4x2 = 8 Elite Cavalry = 6 2 skirmishers 2x2 = 4 That is actually 26 points on the board, did I miss something? Did you add more points to counterbalance the encounter?

[@axisandaliens]

Hey Alex - the cavalry is just heavy, not elite, so it’s 2 points cheaper.