Commands & Colors: Medieval, 2nd Printing

Note on 2nd Printing: This printing will be identical to the first printing, except that any known errata will be corrected.

Commands & Colors: Medieval  is based on the highly successful Commands & Colors game system and by design is not overly complex. The Medieval game introduces many new game concepts to the Commands & Colors system, which add historical depth and flavor. Some of the new concepts are:

• Superior armor and status when battling

• Cavalry units increase to 4 blocks

• Heavy infantry battle dice are reduced from 5 dice down to 4

• Light Bow Cavalry units can employ the Parthian Shot when they evade

Still, some Commands & Colors game mechanics remain familiar to players of other games in the system, like the deck of Medieval Command cards that drive movement while creating a “fog of war,” and the battle dice that will resolve combat quickly and efficiently. The stylized battlefield scenario maps emphasize the important terrain features and highlight the historical deployment of forces in scale with the game system. The scale of the game is flexible, and varies from battle to battle. For some scenarios, a unit may represent a Chiliarchy of soldiers, while in other scenarios a unit may represent just a few brave warriors. The battlefield tactics, however, that you will need to execute to gain victory conform remarkably well to the strengths and limitations of the various medieval unit types, their weapons, the terrain, and history.

The medieval battles showcased in the scenario book focus on the historical confrontations between the Byzantine Empire and Sassanid Persians (530 to 627 AD) with a slight detour to battle the Moors and their rebel allies (645 - 648 AD). The Byzantine Empire during this period of medieval history was one of constant transition and reorganization. Its army tended to mirror its eastern adversaries by deploying an increasing number of armored cavalry formations (Cataphracts) and more missile troops. Yet, it was how the Byzantines adapted their battlefield tactics in relation to the enemy it faced that is perhaps the chief reason for the longevity of their Empire.

Tentative Scenarios:

• Dara - 530 AD - Sassanid Persians vs Byzantine
• Callinicum - 531 AD Stage 1 - Sassanid Persians vs Byzantine
• Callinicum - 531 AD Stage 2 - Sassanid Persians vs Byzantine
• Thacin - 545 AD - Moors & Rebels vs Byzantine
• Marta - 547 AD - Moors & Rebels vs Byzantine
• Fields of Cato - 548 AD - Moors & Rebels vs Byzantine
• River Hippis - 549 AD - Sassanid Persians vs Byzantine
• Melitene - 576 AD - Sassanid Persians vs Byzantine 
• Solachon - 586 AD - Sassanid Persians vs Byzantine
• Cappadocia - 622 AD - Sassanid Persians vs Byzantine
• Nineveh - 627 AD - Sassanid Persians vs Byzantine 
• And More…

Although the Byzantine army fought on other frontiers, against a multitude of opponents, Visigoths, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Franks, Alemanni, those conflicts are beyond the scope and space of this one package. Additional expansion modules that address those battles will be forthcoming.

I truly believe, that the Commands & Colors: Medieval game will provide even the most veteran Commands & Colors players many new challenges and experiences.

Welcome and Enjoy!

Richard Borg

Components:

• Components
• 1 Medieval Core Rule Book and 19 medieval battle scenarios
• 1 22 x 29.5 inch Mounted Battlefield game board (11 hexes deep by 13 hexes wide)
• 4 countersheets
• 65 Medieval Command cards (new card deck)
• 8 Laser printed Battle dice
• 2 Unit Reference Cards
• 5 Block Label sheets
• 350 Plus Blocks (including spares)