Black Seas | An Interview with the Lead Designer | Warlord Games

We interview lead game designer Gabrio Tolentino prior to the release of Warlord Games new Napoleonic naval game: Black Seas.
For more on Black Seas, look out for the October issue of Wargames Illustrated, Where we have an Designers notes and Rules showcase on Black Seas!

[@TomCruiseRisky]

I got my hands on the Trafalgar rules from GW, but screw that, this game is supported and comes with models. I am sold.

[@Tupinamba77]

Very much looking forward to this, although already have far too much hobby stuff to do really.

[@simonbreckon7975]

Still need to finihs of my winter German arrmy. but then decided to get SPQR, yet to paint all but one. have also a box of Vikings and Saxons on the go. will i get Black seas, probably yes :) :) if the other half lets me

[@Tupinamba77]

@@simonbreckon7975 yea, we´ll sea. I definitely want it too ;)

[@jackneverquit1879]

Bat Rep & a "How to Play' vid would be great. But not expecting that until after the Preorders are shipped, or even the general 'Release' date. Did you all notice the Pirate ship at 7:52 in the vid? Im sure they'll be sold as was CS's, by Sqrdns. Perhaps also, "battle" sets. Ex: A set w/ 4 FF, (2 Br - 2 Fr).

[@Kondi2100]

Great interview and really looking forward to this. But a question; in the beginning you move a ship in front of another, I cannot get out of my head what happens next? I mean it is not like these ships can instantly break or turn right?

[@grahamlloyd7157]

I am interested in this one, but l already have two fleets of 1: 1200 scale Navwar ships....just wondering how these rules will tempt me away from Ryan Miller's Fighting Sail rules...

[@FreeFragUK]

Black Seas has been around for a while now and given I'm currently looking into an Age of Sail era game at the moment Black Seas inevitably caught my eye. Sadly upon closer inspection the rules are shallow to put it mildly, even with the advanced rules. I can't help but look at this and feel as though it is a missed opportunity. Perhaps I'll be able to find a decent rule set elsewhere while still being able to use Warlord's models.

[@Hedgehobbit]

When I heard of the large size of these ships (about 40% bigger than Sails of Glory), I was expecting a more detailed approach to the ship, i.e. crew allocation and more complex sailing rules. I'm surprised how light the rules are especially in a market that has plenty of lighter age of sails rules out there.

[@leifedmondson2813]

Are the basic models (the brig, frigate and 3rd rates) all using a common mold no matter the nationality? E.g. are the french frigates the same basic model as the English? And finally will you introduce 1:700 scale unrated craft (xebecs, lugger/chase maries, cutters, schooners).I ask, as these make excellent pirate/smugglers/targets for Brigs and Frigates. bravo,1/700 scale is just right for this game.

[@epicfoxtabletop2165]

I'm waiting for that as well. Indiamen, sloops and schooners, xebecs, and other lanteen rigged ships. These things are mandatory for what they are trying to focus on. I'm really surprised some of these weren't in the initial launch.

[@shockerck4465]

This all very nice, but we need some sample game plays/ battle reports.

[@WargamesIllustrated]

Check out the October issue of Wargames Illustrated (when it's released), it has a Rules Showcase, exclusive scenario, Designers Notes, painting guide and FREE Black Seas model ships!

[@charlesrowan1978]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Warlord at it again.

[@LithoSpear476]

I would love to see a Prussian Fleet

[@vectorstrike]

same!

[@LithoSpear476]

Will there be a Prussian Navy Fleet ?

[@vectorstrike]

I have the same question. The new book has Swedish and Danish-Norwegian rules

[@maddogtannen69]

Just bought some ships the resin parts are very nice but working with the medal is a pain the butt

[@leespiderpod]

The wind has to be the main factor

[@WysteriaGuitar]

When can we buy these?

[@toni2668]

There are very big mistakes with the Spanish Navy : - Santìsima Trinidad, it is written with only one "s ",not Santissima !!! -The command of the Spanish fleet was not Alava, it was Gravina -The Spanish flag has the bad shield, the lion is upside down with respect to the tower What would have happened if in the rules instead of Nelson, Colingwood is put as the main English command, Bictory is written instead of Victory and an erroneous English flag is placed?

[@sgktube4001]

I want to see some rules and gameplay

[@sgktube4001]

And pirates

[@WargamesIllustrated]

Check out the October issue of Wargames Illustrated (when it's released), it has a Rules Showcase, exclusive scenario, Designers Notes, painting guide and FREE Black Seas model ships!

[@BootsontheTable]

So torn with this game. Sounds fun but hell Warlord have done a terrible job play testing and proof reading the last few games they issued.

[@ostrowulf]

I keep looking at this and Oak and Iron. The nice thing with Oak and Iron is that I can see play throughs so know more about the game

[@BootsontheTable]

ostrowulf yeah I just don’t know......

[@billburnside4364]

Gabrio Tolentino so what are the chance's of just a basic rule book, was it the first 30 ? page's or less, I can sort out my own scenario's from history book's, I'd rather have some fun than going into the advanced rule's, paying £20 for a rule book that I only need half of is a bit much

[@tinywargames892]

sea mats available from Tinywargames

[@billburnside4364]

for a far better game, rules and model ships take a look at Little Wars TV on youtube, a fantastic Trafalgar game

[@jamesmaclennan4525]

And off course being Warlord they cant just go with the popular scales for the period but have to go 1/700th..sighs.

[@charlesrowan1978]

So another historical period ruin by fun above accuracy. Warhammer 40k for the seas.

[@leifedmondson2813]

If you want accuracy I'd hartilly suggest Rod Langton's rule set.