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An Age of Sword and Arrow

Intellectual property of The College of William and Mary. All rights reserved.


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Table of Contents

How to Read this Book 3

Overview of the Game 5

Vocabulary 8

Line of Sight 9

Components 10

The Board 12

Falter Tests 13

Fatigue and Exhaustion 14

Terrain Features 15

Unit Organization 18

Unit Characteristics 20

Unit Types 22

Saves 27

Equipment 28

Unit Special Rules 30

Morale 33

Break Tests 34

Withdrawal Tests 35

Command 36Preparing the Game 37

Generals 39

Playing a Game 41

Rally Phase 42

Reserves 43

Ambushes 44

Movement Phase 45

Resting

Special Maneuvers 47

Shooting Phase 49

Shooting Modifiers 50

Shooting Tides of Battle 51

Ranged Weapons 53

Assault Phase 55

Combat Phase 58

Combat Resolution 60

Combat Tides of Battle 61

Consolidation 62

Combat Weapons 63

Winning the Game 65

Optional Rules 64Retainers 68

Generals Traits 69


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Your Experience Level

We also understand that not all readers have the same level of experience with playing tabletop

games. With that in mind, weve written the main body of text so that it is easy for complete novices to

understand. This type of text provides thorough descriptions of basic wargaming concepts. Of course,

veteran gamers already know most of this material and should feel free to skim through it quickly.

We have also included a few areas of text purely for veteran gamers. These passages are easily

identified by their marooncolor and are written in wargaming lingo to quickly communicate how the

rules work. Beginners will not be able to understand these passages and should avoid them to prevent

confusion.


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Overview of the Game

An Age of Sword and Arrow (ASA) is a tabletop wargame designed for two or more players. A

wargame is any type of game that attempts to recreate some of the tactical realities of warfare. A good

example is chess, one of the worlds oldest wargames.

Every wargame has its own objectives and design philosophy. Some wargames try to be very

accurate simulations of the fundamental mechanics of warfare. Their rules are very precisely designed so

that any battle between two forces will yield realistic results.

Other games ignore some realism to focus purely on a particular aspect of warfare. Returning to

our example of chess, its clear that the game is not a totally accurate representation of battles: castles

werent actually able to move! However, chess does a fantastic job portraying a battle of the generals in

which each player attempts to out strategize their opponent. It also does an excellent job representing the

importance of positioning your troops (aka pieces) on the battlefield. If you dont position your soldierscorrectly, youll surely lose!

Still other games focus purely on the aesthetics of warfare. Their goal is to make the gameplay

come to life, even if its not an entirely realistic interpretation. These games usually ignore the more

tedious aspects of warfare, for example, the logistics of feeding an army. Instead, they focus on those

aspects that give a visceral feel of the battlefield. Video games are the ideal example of this type of game.

Their emphasis on aesthetics provides an immersive experience.

ASA, like many miniatures games, is designed in accordance with all three of these philosophies.

We have tried to create a game that generally yields realistic results, emphasizes key aspects of strategy,

and provides an immersive experience. Of course, all of these aspects have to be balanced against eachother and there are tradeoffs that need to be made. In general, ASA leans more towards strategy and

immersion than pure realism.

Order of Play

Like popular games such as chess and checkers, players in ASA take turns to maneuver their

pieces across a playing surface. However, unlike chess and checkers, your pieces can do more than just

move. They represent groups of soldiers who may charge, shoot, and battle each other. The actions that

your units can take are determined by the phase of the game.Each players turn has five phases: the Rally, Movement, Shooting, Assault, andCombat

Phases. Once you have finished all of these phases, your turn is over and it is now your opponents turn.

The player whose turn it is is referred to as the active player while his opponent is the inactive

player. Note that several of the game phases allow both players to make actions. ASA uses a modified

form of IGO-UGO.


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When both players have completed taking turns, one round of the game is finished. The players

continue to alternate taking turns until one player has won the battle. Alternatively, both players may

choose to end the battle after a set number of rounds, agreed upon before the battle begins.

Declared Intentions

An Age of Sword and Arrow is not designed to penalize players due to measurement errors.

Thus, when maneuvering your troops, you may declare your intention (e.g. I want to move my

company of knights into assault range of your infantry company). As long as this movement is valid and

follows all the rules of the Movement Phase, this declaration will decrease future disputes, especially if

models are accidently bumped during gameplay.

PremeasuringYou may measure any distance on the tabletop at any time.

Automatic Failure/Success

Despite any modifiers, a natural die roll of a 1 is always successful while a roll of 10 is always a

failure.

Rerolls

In some exceptional situations you will be allowed to re-roll a die result. To do so, you may

choose to re-roll the relevant number of dice and count the successes and failures. Once you have re-

rolled the dice you must abide by the new result, even if it is worse than the original. Unless the rules

specifically state otherwise, you may never reroll a reroll.

Not WYSIWYG

An Age of Sword and Arrowis not a What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) game. This

means that the miniatures on the tabletop do not have to be exactly equipped as the unit they represent.

For example, it would be appropriate to field bow-equipped miniatures to represent a unit of

longbowmen, provided that you clearly inform your opponent before the game begins. This rule is

designed to keep the game from being overly rigid. This is especially important since we do not produce

miniatures and thus players may be unable to find figures that perfectly match what our rules dictate.


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2-Dimensional Mechanics

To make gameplay as fluid as possible, ASA treats all game features as 2-dimensional objects.

This means that all objects have area but no height, even if they are physically represented in three

dimensions. For example, you may choose to use a 3-D hill on your game board. Despite the slopes and

rise that are physically represented on the tabletop, the height of the hill has no impact on the gameplay

whatsoever. Instead, all that matters is the area - the amount of ground - that the hill covers.

When youre reading through this ruleset, one way to visualize gameplay is to imagine two

planes, one resting atop the other. The bottom plane represents the board and terrain. In terms of the

chess metaphor, this plane is the chessboard, the ground across which your pieces will maneuver. The

top plane consists of units, the game pieces at your disposal. Because they exist within a 2-D plane, you

cant have multiple units occupying the same area (overlapping each other). However, your units can

interact with the terrain that they are maneuvering across. Imagine you are playing a game of chess

where the different tiles of the board could affect the pieces on top of them! The effect on your units

varies depending on what type of terrain feature they are on.


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Vocabulary

To be able to understand this rulebook, you have to learn a few terms. These definitions are

standardized to make it as easy as possible to understand the rules:

Stands

The term stand refers to a group of identically equipped miniatures that are glued onto a

common base. Together, they constitute a single game piece.

Companies

Most stands are organized into companies, each company consisting of a number of identically

equipped stands. Companies are easy to identify because all of their constituent stands are adjacent to

each other.

Units

Whenever the game rules refer to a unit, this means any company. This also refers to any

stands that are not part of a company (independent stands).

Casualties

These rules will occasionally refer to stands being destroyed, killed, removed, or

removed as a casualty. These terms do not mean that your models are physically damaged in any way.

Instead, remove the stands from the playing surface. These stands many no longer participate in the

current game. This represents their constituent warriors being killed or driven off the field of battle.

Characteristic Tests

Whenever a unit has to take a characteristic test (e.g. Morale Test, Skill Test, etc.), roll a die and

compare the result to the units corresponding stat value. You want the result (score) to be equal to or less


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than the target value. For example, if you are taking a Morale Test at morale 8, a die result of a 1-8 would

be a success. A result of a 9 or 10 would be a failure.

Whenever you roll multiple dice, treat each die result as separate. If you roll three dice looking

for a 5 and get a 1, 2, and 7 this would count as two successful rolls and one failed roll.

Modifiers

In some cases, the score needed for a successful role will be modified. For example, there is a +1

modifier to skill when a company has a height advantage. This means that if a company has a skill rating

of 6, normally needing to roll a 6 or less for a successful attack, it now needs a 7 or less. This has

dramatically increased its chances of a successful attack.

Occasionally, there will be multiple modifiers that apply to the same unit. Apply each of the

modifiers to the affected unit. For example, an unarmored company with a normal Natural Save of 5 is

targeted by ranged weapons, receiving a +1 Natural Save modifier. However, the company is also

Exhausted, giving it a -2 modifier. Thus, the companys final Natural Save is a 4, meaning it makes a

successful save on a roll of a 4 or less.

Line of Sight

Line of sight is a term used to indicate which units can directly see each other. To see if line of

sight exists between two points, place a straight measuring implement from one point to the other. If that

line crosses through units of troops or Concealing Terrain features, line of sight is blocked. This means

that the two points in question are considered to be out of line of sight. An Age of Sword and Arrow

does not use true line of sight.


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Components

This is a list of all the items you will need to play the game:

A Flat Surface

You will need a flat surface to play the game on, preferably a table but the floor can work, too. It

should cover an area of at least 4' by 4 for a normal two-player game. When playing battles with multiple

players on each side, the flat surface should be at least 6' by 4. This surface represents the area that the

battle is being fought over. From this point onwards, we will refer to this surface as the board.

TerrainBecause the earths surface is usually not just a flat plane, its a good idea to add some terrain to

the playing surface. This makes the gameplay more dynamic and visually pleasing.

Game Pieces: Stands

As a wargame, we need pieces to represent groups of soldiers. These playing pieces are the

stands. Each stand is a 40mm wide by 20-40mm deep rectangle, representing the physical area that a

group of soldiers occupies. Think of a stand as a single piece from a game of chess. It doesnt really matter

what the pieces look like as long as they occupy the right amount of area (e.g. they dont cover multiplesquares), you can tell what type of piece they are, and you know which pieces belong to each player.

Representing units in ASA can be just as easy as chess. The simplest way to do so is to label each

stand according to the unit it represents. For example, if you have a company of eight spearmen, you

could take 8 stands and write spearmen on each one. Thats all you need!

Of course, it can add a lot to the game to embellish your stands and make them look cool. If

youve ever seen a custom chess set, you know exactly what we mean. The most common way to do this

is to glue miniatures on top. Miniatures are very tiny figures that depict historical warriors. By using

accurately modeled figures, players can instantly identify what type of soldier each stand represents. In

addition, using miniatures adds a lot of aesthetic appeal to the game, especially if theyre well painted.

Its really cool to see your lines of Roman legionnaires march across the table!

We recommend that players use miniatures between 6mm and 15mm tall. Miniatures under 6mm

tall will be difficult to tell apart. Miniatures over 15mm tall may not fit within the base dimensions,

especially in the case of large models such as elephants and chariots.


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When gluing miniatures onto your base, take care to have them all facing the same direction

towards one of the longer edges. This is important because it matters what direction your troops are

facing during the game. For example, most soldiers cant shoot in the opposite direction theyre facing!

DiceYou will need ten-sided dice (D10s).

A Measuring Implement

ASA doesnt use tiles or game squares like you would find with chess and checkers. Instead,

distances are represented by literal rates given in inches. For example, an infantry stand with a movement

rate of 6 can move up to 6 across the playing surface during a single Movement Phase. As a result, you

need some sort of measuring implement so that you can measure distances. A ruler or tape measure

would work nicely. If you would prefer to measure using centimeters, multiply the given measurementsby 2.5.

An Opponent

Finally, you need someone to play against. While you could play ASA by yourself, it would

greatly diminish many of the strategic aspects that make the game both fun and challenging. Of course,

your opponent will also need stands to represent his army. If he doesnt have his own pieces, youll have

to loan him an army.


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The Board

Playing Surface

For standard sized battles, the board should be a 4 by 4 square. For larger battles, increase the

dimensions of the board as necessary. 6 by 4 is a good size for playing doubles. To make the board

aesthetically pleasing, you can paint it, apply flock, or use a colored mat to illustrate dirt and grass.

Terrain

Once you have a board to play on, youll want to cover it with terrain. The amount and type of

terrain depends on the location that youre attempting to represent.

Types of Terrain

In An Age of Sword and Arrowthere are four categories of terrain: Rough, Difficult,

Treacherous, and Impassable. The rest of the board counts as Open Ground and has no effect on your

troops unless listed otherwise. These are the general effects of the three terrain categories:

Cavalry suffer -1 attack in Rough Terrain features. Units that move through Difficult Terrain receive an additional Fatigue Marker. Cavalry may

not run and suffer -1 attack while in Difficult Terrain. Cavalry stands that assault through

Difficult Terrain must take Falter Tests.

Cavalry and artillery may not be deployed in or move through Treacherous Ground. Unitsmay not run across Treacherous Ground and receive a Fatigue Marker when marching or

assaulting across it.

Units may not be deployed in or move into or through Impassable Terrain.

Units in Terrain

Any stand that is at least partially within a terrain feature counts as being within that feature for

all intents and purposes. Units may be partially in a terrain feature but receive Fatigue on a unit wide

basis. For example, this means that your unit of spearmen would gain a Fatigue even if only one of their

stands had marched through Difficult Terrain.


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Attrition

Falter TestsEnemy forces are not the only danger present on the ancient battlefield. The terrain itself can be deadly and

units may suffer casualties as they traverse steep cliffs, swift rivers and other obstacles. Even the weather can be

deadly as men collapse from exhaustion under the hot summer sun or freeze to death in a blizzard. Even more

frightening is the danger of confusion and chaos on the battlefield. If a unit loses order and the mass of men begins to

frighten and press together, there is the serious possibility of being trampled by ones own comrades. This danger is

exacerbated in difficult terrain, creating further confusion and casualties. An interesting example of this is the 1415

Battle of Agincourt during which a significant number of French men-at-arms died due to being knocked over by

their own men. Their armor was heavy enough that they couldnt pull themselves out of the thick mud and drowned.Units are required to take Falter Tests when crossing certain terrain features. Roll a D10 for the

unit. If the result is a 9 or more, the test fails. The number the roll fails by indicates how many stands

must be removed as casualties. For example, your unit needs to roll a 7 or less to pass its Falter Test.

Unfortunately, you roll a 9, which is 2 more than what you needed. This means that 2 of your units

stands are destroyed. Otherwise, the test is passed and your unit remains unaffected.

Each unit only has to take a single Falter Test each phase. If the unit makes several actions that

would require a Falter Test, all of those Falter Tests are compiled into a single test. For example, an

Exhausted unit of heavy cavalry runs across quicksand and rocky ground. The unit must take a Falter

Test with a -2 penalty (running while Exhausted [thereby incurring a Fatigue and prompting a Falter

Test], -1 for moving over Quicksand, and -1 for being a heavy unit). Thus, the unit will fail its Falter

Test on a roll of 7 or more.

Modifiers to Falter Tests

Note that the following modifiers affect the score required to pass the Falter Test, not your actual

die roll. For example, this means that light units are less likely to fail a Falter Test.

+ 1 Classified as light

- 1 Classified as heavy

- X Terrain penalties as listed


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Fatigue and Exhaustion

When units move across certain types of terrain or run, they receive a Fatigue Marker. A unit

may accumulate Fatigue up to the value of its Stamina static. As soon as that limit is reached, the unit is

Exhausted and may not be issued any more Fatigue. For any Fatigue that they would suffer, they must

instead take Falter Tests. Note that Fatigue is issued on a unit-wide basis. For example, this means that ifan Exhausted unit marches but only one of its constituent stands moves through Difficult Terrain, the

whole unit would still suffer one Fatigue Marker. However, since they are Exhausted and cannot be

issued any more Fatigue Markers, the whole unit is forced to take a Falter Test.

Units may lose Exhaustion by resting.

Units also receive Fatigue Markers due to enemy shooting, being assaulted, or participating in

combat. Units must take 1 Fatigue Marker for every 3 hits they suffer during any single Shooting Phase

(rounded down). Units must take Fatigue Markers if an enemy assaults them. Finally, units must take a

Fatigue at the end of every Combat Phase during which they participated in combat.

Exhaustion Penalties

Exhausted units suffer a -2 penalty to their Natural Save, Shock, and Harassment Values, to a

minimum of 0.


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Terrain Features

This section describes the rules for all the types of terrain features you might use on your

battlefield. Terrain features classified as Concealing Terrain block line of sight.

Open Ground

The following terrain features are listed as Open Ground. They have no effect on gameplay unless

listed otherwise:

1. Fields, Grass, Light Snow, Ice, Roads, and Bridges

2. Thin IceUnits must take Falter Tests when moving across thin ice.

3. Towns and VillagesTowns and villages are Concealing Terrain. In addition, units never count as charging when

initiating combat within a town or village. This means, for example, that cavalry and elephants fight in

combat using their reduced number of attacks, even on turns when they charged.

4. Rivers

Units attempting to cross must march or charge across at !speed. For each turn that the unit

spends crossing or attempting to cross a river it must take a Falter Test. Units that charge into or across

rivers do not count as charging for the purposes of shock and their number of attacks.

5. Gentle Hills

Hills have two sections, the slope and the crest. The crest represents the top of the hill and is

completely surround by either slopes or cliffs. The crest blocks line of sight across it but not to and from

units on top of it. For example, a ranged unit positioned on top of the hillcrest can shoot at targets in any

direction. If the unit was positioned on the slope, it could shoot in any direction except through the crest

of the hill. Units that are on the hill and closer to the crest than their targets receive a + 1 bonus to skill.

This represents the advantage of taking the high ground during shooting and combat.


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Rough Terrain Features

Cavalry suffer -1 attack in Rough Terrain features, to a minimum of 1 attack.

1. Muddy Fields, Heavy Snow, Rocky Ground and Sand Dunes2. Woods, Vineyards, Orchards, and Ruins

Concealing Terrain.

3. Rocky HillsRocky hills are hills that count as Rough Terrain.

4. Streams & FordsUnits positioned in streams and fords suffer -1 penalties to their skill and Natural Save. Units that

run across streams and fords must take Falter Tests.

5. QuicksandUnits must take Falter Tests when moving across quicksand.

Difficult Terrain

Units that move through Difficult Terrain receive an additional Fatigue Marker. Cavalry may not

run and suffer -1 attack while in Difficult Terrain, to a minimum of 1 attack. Cavalry units that assaultthrough Difficult Terrain must take Falter Tests.

1. Thick Mud and Wetlands2. Forest

Concealing Terrain.

3.

Steep HillsSteep hills are hills that count as Difficult Terrain.


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Treacherous Ground

Cavalry and artillery may not be deployed in or move through Treacherous Ground. Units may not

run across Treacherous Ground and receive a Fatigue Marker when marching or assaulting across it.

1. Scree SlopesScree slopes are hills that count as Treacherous Ground.

2. Swamps and JungleConcealing Terrain.

Impassable Terrain

Units may not be deployed in or move into or through Impassable Terrain

1. Cliffs, Gorges, and Wide Rivers


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Unit Organization

Stands

Each 40mm by 20-40mm base is referred to as a stand and is the simplest grouping of soldiers

in the game. Each stand represents anything between a few dozen to a few hundred warriors, depending

on the scale of the battle. Although a stand represents several soldiers, they all combine to form a single

stat line and will fight and die as a group. This means that miniatures are never removed from a stand.

Instead, if casualties are suffered, the entire stand counts as destroyed and is removed from the game.

Companies

Stands are rarely ever fielded by themselves. Instead, stands are often organized into companies,

each company consisting of a number of identically equipped stands. Unless stated otherwise in their

unit profile, infantry companies consist of between 3-8 stands while cavalry companies consist of 3-4

stands.

In terms of movement, Fatigue, and Morale Tests, companies always count as a coherent unit. In

the case of Morale Tests, this means that you only need to roll a single die for the entire company. For

example, a company consisting of four stands of spearmen needs to take a Morale Test. Instead of rolling

four dice (one for each stand) you only need to roll one die for the entire company. If the die result is

successful, the entire company counts as having successfully passed the Morale Test. Similarly, if the die

result is a failure, the entire company counts as having failed.

Company Coherency

All the stands belonging to the same company must be adjacent to each other. If, for some reason,

a gap develops separating stands from the same company, they must be moved back together at the

earliest opportunity. The only exception to this rule are stands with the Skirmisher special rule who may

be up to ! apart.

Companies are organized by ranks, each of which can be between 2 to 4 stands wide. The front

ranks must be filled in first, such that no rank is wider than any rank before it. If stands in the front ranks

are killed, stands in the back ranks are moved forward to replace them.

Company FacingExcept in extraordinary circumstances, all the stands belonging to the same company must face

the same direction. This means that each company has four distinct facings. The direction in which the

company is facing is its front. The areas to its right and left are the companys flanks. Finally, the area


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behind the company is its rear. These facing arcs are extended out of the companys corners at a 45 angle

such that each arc forms a quadrant.

Use Slowest Movement SpeedCompanies must always move at the slowest movement speed of their constituent stands.

Attachments

Some army lists allow you to purchase specific types of troops as attachments. These stands do

not constitute an independent unit. Instead, their job is to support one of your main units. Choose one of

your infantry units for them to join and place them in the rear rank. The attached stands constitute part of

their host unit for all intents and purposes. Each of your infantry companies may only have one unit ofattached stands. Even though they are in the rear rank, attached stands may still participate in combat

provided that they may make attacks.

Independent Stands

Independent stands are those stands that are not permanent members of any company. In most

cases, treat independent stands as if they were a company composed of a single stand.


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Unit Characteristics

Each stand in An Age of Sword and Arrowhas its own characteristics that represent its

individual skills and capabilities. These characteristics are displayed in its unit stat lines. Here is an

example stat line for a stand of Norman Milites (knights):

Type Shck Hras Skll Arm Mor Stam Size Cost

Milites CHC 3/1 1/0 7 1 9 6 3-4 66

Unit Type (Type)

There are several different types of units, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

With the exception of elephants and artillery, most units are listed as three letters. The first refers to its

combat role: close combat (C) or ranged (R). The second is its mobility: light (L), medium (M), or heavy

(H). The last letter indicates either infantry (I) or cavalry (C).

Shock (Shck)

A units Shock Value represents the ferocity of its charge. Heavily armed and armored units such

as Persian cataphracts have a much fiercer charge than a group of peasants waving pitchforks! When a

unit with a Shock Value greater than 0 successfully charges an enemy, that enemy receives 1 Fatigue

Marker for each Shock Value. For example, if a unit of Norman Milites with a Shock Value of 3

successfully charges a unit of peasants, those peasants immediately gain 3 Fatigue Markers. Note that if a

unit has two Shock Values divided by a slash, the first number is its value when mounted whereas the

second number is its value when dismounted.

Harassment (Hras)

A units Harassment Value represents its ability to skirmish with enemies and disrupt their

formation. Lighter armed units, especially when mounted on horseback, are quick and agile, makingthem much better at harassment than more heavily armored soldiers. Units with a Harassment Value

greater than 0 may probe an enemy unit in the Assault Phase. The enemy unit suffers 1 Fatigue Marker

for each value of your units harassment statistic. If a unit has two Harassment Values divided by a slash,

the first number is its value when mounted whereas the second number is its value when dismounted.


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Skill (Skll)

Skill measures a units combat prowess and experience. Whenever a stand rolls attack dice

during shooting or combat, use its Skill Value as the score required for each die to hit. If a die result is

equal to or less than the stands Skill Value, it counts as a successful attack and has the potential to

destroy enemy stands. Otherwise, the attack fails and has no effect.

Armor (Arm)

A stands Armor Value measures the strength and durability of its protection. Whenever taking a

save, a units Armor Value is added to its Natural Save. Thus, units with a higher armor rating are more

likely to survive enemy attacks. A units Armor save bonus can be negated by enemy weapons with an

AP (armor piercing) value. Reduce your Armor save bonus for each AP value of the enemys weapon, to

a minimum of zero.

Morale (Mor)

Morale measures a units courage and fighting spirit.

Stamina (Stam)

Stamina measures a units level of battlefield endurance. While this also represents physical

stamina, it is more dependent on the soldiers experience, level of training, and discipline. A units

Stamina Value indicates how many Fatigue Markers it can accumulate before it becomes Exhausted.

Size & Cost

A units size indicates the number of stands that it may field. A units cost is its price (point cost)

per each stand. These values help players design their armies.


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Unit Types

There are several different types of units, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

With the exception of elephants and artillery, most units are listed as three letters. The first refers to itscombat role: close combat (C) or ranged (R). The second is its mobility: light (L), medium (M), or heavy

(H). The last letter indicates either infantry (I) or cavalry (C). As mobility is heavily interconnected with

being either infantry or cavalry, it is explained below under the relevant infantry and cavalry sections.

Ranged Units (R)

Ranged units are those units who are not trained to fight in close combat. Ranged units:

Automatically receive an additional Fatigue Marker when successfully charged in close combat. Have 1 less attack in close combat per stand, to a minimum of 1. For example, this means that

ranged cavalry have only 1 attack per stand on turns when they charge into close combat (combat

cavalry would have 2 attacks per stand).

Suffer a -2 penalty to Combat Resolution and are thus more likely to lose when fighting hand-to-hand.

Combat Units (C)

Combat units are primarily trained to fight in close combat. Sometimes they are also armed withranged weapons (this may also represent ranged soldiers integrated into their unit). In this case, they may

use their ranged weapons during the Shooting Phase but suffer a -1 penalty to their rate of fire, to a

minimum of 1.


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InfantryInfantry are the most common type of soldier in the medieval era. Infantry units can be extremely

varied, ranging from armed brigands to noble samurai. Nonetheless, infantry units all share one

commonality: they fight on foot. Although this means they are not as fast as mounted soldiers, they are

significantly more agile in difficult terrain. Additionally, since they dont have to pay for their horses

upkeep, infantry units are generally less expensive. Employing even the most elite infantry unit will be

significantly less pricey than its mounted counterpart. Infantry units are subject to the following rules:

March Distance:6 Run Distance:10 AssaultDistance:4 Slow: Infantry units may not arrive from reserve during the first round of the game. Attacks:Infantry stands have 2 attacks in close combat.

Light Infantry (LI)

Light infantry forgo heavy equipment so that they can better move through rough terrain.

Woodsmen: Light infantry never receive Fatigue due to moving across terrain. Fast Deployment: Light infantry receive a +1 bonus when rolling to arrive from reserve. Quick:Light infantry may run and assault an additional 2. Agile:Light infantry may make reform maneuvers without expending movement. In addition, they

benefit from a +1 bonus to Falter Tests.

Medium Infantry (MI)

Medium infantry are the typical soldiers of the medieval era. They are neither heavily armored

nor are they particularly mobile in difficult terrain.

Heavy Infantry (HI)

Heavy infantry are the elite of medieval infantry. They are clad in great suits of armor that make

them almost impervious to enemy attacks. Unfortunately, such armor is also very burdensome and tiring,

causing them to become easily exhausted.

Clumsy:Heavy infantry suffer a -1 penalty to Falter Tests.


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Cavalry

Horses are expensive to maintain but are worth their weight in gold. Their speed allows cavalry

to outmaneuver their enemies, giving them a decisive battlefield advantage. Cavalry units are subject to

the following rules:

March Distance:10 Run Distance:16 AssaultDistance:6 Attack Order:Charging cavalry units make their combat attacks before enemy infantry and artillery.

This means that infantry units will suffer casualties before being able to strike back.

Attacks:Cavalry units have 1 attack per stand. This is increased to 2 attacks if they charged this turn.

Light Cavalry (LC)

Light cavalry are the most mobile elements of the medieval army. Their light armor gives them

greater mobility but leaves them vulnerable to prolonged melees.

Agile:Light cavalry may make reform maneuvers without expending movement. In addition, theybenefit from a +1 bonus to Falter Tests.

Quick:Light cavalry may run and assault an additional 2. Vanguard: Light cavalry receive a +1 bonus when rolling to arrive from reserve.

Medium Cavalry (MC)

Medium cavalry are the standard cavalry of the medieval era. They are neither heavily armored

nor particularly swift-footed.

Heavy Cavalry (HC)

Heavy cavalry are the masters of the battlefield. An ordered charge of heavy horse will break

almost any enemy, crushing the foe beneath a wave of horse and iron.

Clumsy:Heavy cavalry suffer a -1 penalty to Falter Tests.


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Special Types of Cavalry

Camels

Some factions may upgrade their cavalry units to be mounted on camels. Units mounted on

camels are still cavalry and follow the normal rules for their unit type. Camels units are Terrifying to all

non-camel cavalry, both friends and enemies.

Chariots

Some factions may field chariot units. Units mounted on chariots are still cavalry and follow the

normal rules for their unit type. Chariots must take Falter Tests when running or assaulting across Rough

Terrain. In addition, they suffer a -1 penalty to Falter Tests.

Artillery

Although mostly used for siege battles, artillery units were occasionally employed during field

battles. If positioned correctly, they could be used to deadly effect.

March Distance:6 Cannot Run:Artillery units cannot run. Cannot Charge:Artillery units cannot charge or otherwise initiate close combat. Non-Combat Unit:If an enemy unit successfully charges your artillery, the artillery unit is

immediately Exhausted.

May not Fall Back:If an artillery unit would be forced to fall back from combat, it is destroyed. Attacks:Artillery units have 1 close combat attack per stand. Bulky:Artillery units suffer a -1 penalty to Falter Tests. Slow:Artillery units may not arrive from reserve during the first round of the game. Ranged Units:All artillery are ranged units.

Note that most army lists do not include the stat lines for artillery units. Instead, each army list will

indicate which artillery units it can use (if any). Stats for those artillery units can be found within the

Artillery Support List.


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Elephants

Elephants are a terrifying sight to behold on the battlefield. Massive creatures, they can crush

men, horses, and steel beneath their incredible bulk.

March Distance:6 Cannot Run:Elephants are too heavy to move quickly for sustained periods. They cannot run. AssaultDistance:6 Slow: Elephants may not arrive from reserve during the first round of the game. Attack Order:Charging elephant units make their combat attacks before enemy infantry, artillery,

and cavalry. This means that enemy units will suffer casualties before being able to strike back.

Terrifying:Elephants are Terrifying. Rampage:Every Phase that an elephant unit suffers Fatigue due to enemy shooting, you must roll to

see if they rampage. Roll a D10 with a -1 penalty for each Fatigue Marker they incurred this Phase. If

the final score is a 1 or less, they go on a rampage. The elephant unit immediately charges the nearest

unit in any facing, whether friend or foe, and initiates combat. The rampaging elephants will

continue to attack units in this manner until they are killed.

May not Ambush: Elephants may never be held in ambush. Attacks: Elephants stands have 3 attacks per stand. This is increased to 4 attacks on turns when they

charge into close combat.

Crushing Blow: Elephant close combat attacks are AP 3. In addition, targeted cavalry units suffer anadditional -1 penalty to their Natural Save.

Combat Units: All elephants are combat units.

Unattached Generals

If you choose not to attach your general to one of your units, he remains as an independent stand

and is subject to the following rules:

Counts as combat light cavalry unless mounted on an elephant Never suffers Fatigue and cannot become Exhausted

Grants a +1 Morale bonus to friendly units within 4


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Saves

Saves represent both a stands natural resiliency and any protective equipment that it may be

armed with. In An Age of Sword and Arrow, saves are broken down into two categories, Natural Savesand Armor. Both of these factors are combined to determine a stands save, or saving throw, the value

that it must roll less than or equal to in order to survive hits from enemy weapons.

All units have a Natural Save value of 5. Not all units have Armor and those that are equipped

have a variable value depending on their level of protection.

Modifiers to Saves

All units receive a +1 bonus to their Natural Save when targeted by ranged weapons. Exhausted units suffer a -2 penalty to their Natural Save. Some weapons may reduce the Natural Save or the Armor Value of their target. These penalties are

only applied when these weapons hit the target and do not permanently affect the targets Save

Values.

Example:

A unit of huscarls wearing heavy armor have a Natural Save Value of 5 and an Armor Value of 2,

giving them a combined Save Value of 7. A unit of enemy crossbowmen shoot at the huscarls. Since the

crossbows are AP3 weapons, they reduce the value of huscarls Armor save bonus by 3, to a total of 0,

leaving just their Natural Save. However, because crossbows are a ranged weapon, the huscarls benefit

from a +1 bonus to their Natural Save. This means that for each hit that the huscarl unit receives, it must

roll equal to or under its Save Value of 6 or lose a stand as a casualty.

The same unit of huscarls is charged by an enemy unit of levy infantry carrying hand weapons.

Since the levy infantry are only carrying hand weapons (AP 0), their hits do not reduce the huscarls

Armor save bonus. This means that for each hit that the huscarl unit receives, it must roll equal to or

under a Save Value of 7 (Natural Save of 5 + Armor bonus of 2). For each roll that exceeds this save, the

huscarls lose a stand as a casualty.


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equipped with multiple ranged weapons may only use one type of ranged weapon each turn. For a list of

ranged weapons, see page 47.

Close Combat Weapons

Close combat weapons are only used during the Combat Phase. They enable your troops toattack the enemy when fighting at close quarters. Most units may only use 1 close combat weapon during

a turn. However, if equipment is listed with a dash (-), then the unit uses both pieces of equipment

simultaneously. The unit receives all of the benefits from both weapons but only uses the higher save

modifier (e.g. AP), as these modifiers are not cumulative. For a list of close combat weapons, see page 57.

AP

Some weapons are listed as having an AP, or armor penetration. This means that these weapons

are powerful enough to break through enemy armor and are thus best unemployed against heavily

armored opponents. When one of your stands hits an enemy, the enemys Armor save bonus is reducedby 1 for each level of your weapons AP, to a minimum of 0. For example, when your stand of

crossbowmen (AP 3) shoots an enemy unit with an Armor Value of 2, your enemys Armor save bonus is

reduced to 0. This means that your enemy must roll equal to or under its Natural Save value of 6 or be

removed as a casualty.

Upgrades

Some units may be upgraded. These upgrades usually provide the unit with additional

equipment but may also allow them to use special rules. Each upgrade has a cost. When purchasing a

unit with upgrades, add in the cost of the upgrade to the base cost of a stand: this is the units new cost

per stand. Note, that all stands within a unit must be similarly upgraded (e.g. you may not upgrade just

half of the stands with spears).


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Unit Special Rules

Some units are subject to the following special rules, as listed on their unit profile. Unit profiles

are located in their respective Army List, available for download online.

Cataphracts

Cataphracts only gain Fatigue for every 4 hits that they suffer from enemy fire.

Combat Specialists

Ranged units with the Combat Specialists special rule do not suffer any of the disadvantages ofbeing a ranged unit.

Fanatical

Units with the Fanatical special rule ignore negative morale modifiers.

Foreign Allies

Some companies are listed as Foreign Allies. Your general may never join companies composed

of Foreign Allies. In addition, you may not expend command dice to reroll or boost Foreign Allies rolls

on the Tides of Battle chart.

Highly Drilled

Units with the Highly Drilled special rule never suffer Fatigue while moving through a friendly

unit. In addition, they may perform reform maneuvers without expending movement.

Impetuous

Impetuous units require an additional command point to execute your orders. The one exception

is a run order provided your unit advances directly towards the nearest enemy.


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Insignificant

Some units are not equipped to stand and fight. Subsequently, no one is too concerned if these

units Break or are destroyed. If a unit with the Insignificant special rule Breaks, is destroyed, or flees

through a friendly unit, friendly units are not required to take Break Tests. In addition, Insignificant unitsdo not cause a Morale penalty if they are destroyed or routed off the table, and are ignored for the

purposes of Withdrawal Tests.

Parthian Shot

Cavalry stands with the Parthian Shot special rule may fire at targets in their rear and left facings.

In addition, they may make a retreat action even if they are in the previous Shooting Phase or are firing in

defensive fire.

Phalanx

Units with the Phalanx special rule that lose Combat Resolution by a value of 2 or less do not

have to roll on the Tides of Battle chart. Essentially, they count that combat as a draw. In addition,

whenever they would suffer Fatigue due to shock, that Fatigue is reduced by a value of 1.

However, Phalanxes suffer from a lack of maneuverability and are unable to maintain order

when fighting on rough terrain. Phalanx units may not make Assault Reactions, or attempt Feigned

Flights and must expend 4 of movement to make reform actions. Additionally, units with the Phalanx

special rule also receive an additional Fatigue for moving across or fighting on Rough, Difficult, or

Treacherous Terrain.

Skirmishers

Skirmisher units may perform a Retreat charge reaction. Infantry Skirmishers do not block line of

sight. Skirmishers are always considered to have the Subordinate Initiative special rule.

Stubborn

Stubborn units receive a +1 bonus to their rolls on the Tides of Battle chart.

Subordinate Initiative

Units with Subordinate Initiative may march in any direction without expending command.


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Terrifying

Some units are listed as Terrifying. Your units must pass a Morale Test to charge a Terrifying

enemy. If this test is failed, your unit may not make an action during this Assault Phase.

Units within 8 of Terrifying units are terrified and suffer a -1 Mor penalty. When calculatingCombat Resolution, any side which includes at least one terrified stand suffers a -1 penalty.


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Morale

There are two main instances during which your units will be called upon to take a Morale Test:

Break Tests and Rally Tests. Roll a die and compare it to the units morale value, making sure to add any

required modifiers. If the result is less than or equal to the units morale value, the test is passed.

Otherwise, the unit fails. Both of these types of Morale Tests are subject to the following modifiers:

Morale Modifiers

Units begin the game with high morale, often with a value of 9 or above (and thus only fail

Morale Tests on a roll of 10). This represents fresh units who are eager to win glory through heroic

combat. However, as the battle begins in earnest and the men are exposed to the horrors of warfare, their

courage begins to waver. Your units are affected by the following morale modifiers:

+ 2 If there are no non-routing enemies within 10

+ 1 If your unit includes your general, or is within 4 of an unattached friendly general

- 1 For each friendly Broken unit within 8

- 1 If your unit is within 8 of a Terrifying enemy

- 1 If your general has been destroyed, is broken, or has routed off the board

- 2 Your unit has fewer than !its starting number of stands still alive

- 2 Your unit is Broken


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Break Tests

Except for the most diehard soldiers, most men will run if they believe that defeat is certain. Such

hopelessness leads men to flee and abandon their lord and fellow soldiers in the desire to save their own lives.

Ironically, this desperate action often causes catastrophic defeat and massacre as more and more soldiers see their

comrades running and lose heart.

Break Tests are Morale Tests to see if your unit begins fleeing and are always taken at the end of

the phase. If a unit fails a Break Test, it immediately turns directly away from its nearest enemies and

moves its full charge movement + 2 towards the nearest board edge. It now counts as a fleeing unit.

Place a Broken token next to it. There are three situations in which a unit is required to take a Break Test:

1) If your unit was within 8 of a friendly unit or general that was destroyed or Broken.2) If a friendly unit flees through your unit.3) If your unit suffered casualties from enemy Shooting during this phase and its stands are reduced to

less than half of its starting number (it is below half strength).

If a unit passes a Break Test, it is considered to automatically pass any additional Break Tests it

would be required to take during this game phase.

Broken

Broken units suffer the following penalties:

May not shoot or engage in combat in any way May not move except to move their maximum movement rate possible towards the nearest board

edge (excluding the enemys deployment edges) during their opponents Rally Phase while

avoiding enemy units by at least 2. If it is impossible for a fleeing unit to move its maximum

movement distance while avoiding enemy units, your fleeing unit is destroyed. Note that fleeing

units continue to accumulate Fatigue and suffer Falter Tests.

If a fleeing unit is charged by an enemy, the fleeing unit is immediately destroyed

Rally Tests

Your fleeing units may attempt to rally during your Rally Phase. If they pass their Morale Test,

they are no longer Broken and may act as normal. Otherwise, they continue to flee.


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Withdrawal Tests

The third and final type of Morale Test is a Withdrawal Test. Every turn during which your

opponent controls one of your objectives or if more than half of your non-insignificant units have been

destroyed, are fleeing, or have been routed off the board, your general is required to take a Withdrawal

Test. This test is taken at the start of the Rally Phase and is only subject to the following modifiers:

- 1 For each friendly, non-Insignificant unit that is destroyed or routed off the board

- 3 For each of your objectives controlled by your opponent

If your general passes this test, your army endures its losses and the game continues. Otherwise,

the game immediately ends and your opponent gains 2 Victory Points. If your general is destroyed,

Broken, or routed off the board, you automatically fail any Withdrawal Tests that you are required to

take.

Objectives

Some scenarios include objectives, flat rectangles that should be 2 !" by 2. These are somewhat

abstract components that indicate areas of important ground. For example, they could designate the

presence of a baggage train, the kings tent, or other crucial battlefield feature. Objectives are deployed at

the beginning of the game following the scenario instructions. When placing objectives, players are

encouraged to situate them in terrain which would be of obvious strategic value such as at a crossroads

or atop a bridge.You may seize control of an opponents objective by positioning a non-insignificant unit within

4 of the objective. If, however, your opponent also has a non-insignificant unit within range of the

objective, it is still contested and thus cannot be seized until those enemies are destroyed, forced back, or

otherwise move away.


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Preparing the Game

The Board and Terrain

You first need to set up the board and any terrain that you are going to place on it. Position the

board in a convenient location which allows easy access for all players. Make sure that the board is sturdy

so it won't flip over or fall during gameplay. Add any grass mats or other enhancements to your board

surface as you see fit.

Once the board is set up, youll want to cover it with terrain. The amount of terrain you use is

dependent on the environment that youre trying to imitate. If youre recreating a battle set in the middle

of the Arabian Desert, you probably wont have too much besides a few scattered sand dunes. On the

other hand, if youre recreating a battle in the French countryside, youll want to include items such aswoods, villages, and farm fields. If youre trying to represent a particular historical battle, it can be very

rewarding to print out a map of the actual battlefield and try to recreate its main features on your board.

Creating your Army

The last thing you need to do to before starting a game of An Age of Sword and Arrowis to

design and build an army. To do so, select an Army List from the Army Lists supplements available

online. Each Army List provides an inventory of all the units that particular nationality can field. These

units are broken down in six categories: General, Core, Support, Rare, Artillery, and Attachments. Note

that you may only field units from a single Army List; you may not employ units from multiple lists.

Army Requirements

When building your army, there are a few requirements that you must meet:

1. GeneralYour army must have a single general

2. Core: 50% +At least !of your units must be Core units. Note that, unless listed otherwise, units of infantry

Skirmishers do not contribute to this requirement.


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3. Support: 50% or lessNo more than !of your units may be Support units

4. Rare: 25% or lessNo more than "of your units may be Rare units

5. Artillery: 1 UnitNo more than 1 unit may be artillery

Purchasing Units

Each unit in An Age of Sword and Arrowhas a cost value, measured in points. This is the cost of

the units individual stands and must be multiplied by the number of stands in the unit to derive the

units total cost. A units cost represents its overall combat value relative to other units. Units withexceptional soldiers (e.g. samurai) will have a much higher cost than units composed of poor soldiers

(reluctant militia). This cost discrepancy represents the vast difference in the units combat effectiveness.

When building armies, it is suggested that both players spend approximately the same number of

points. This means that both armies should have the same overall combat effectiveness and an equal

chance of victory. However, this does not mean that every battle between these armies will be a draw.

Instead, players will have to rely on superior tactics and planning to defeat their opponent.

However, standard battles are by no means the only type of engagement. You may want to fight

mismatched battles in which one side is vastly outnumbered by an enemy army. This can still be a fair

battle if the smaller army is defending terrain which seriously hinders the larger army (e.g.

Thermopylae). You might also want to recreate historical battles, using a realistic representation of the

troops that were present.

Be careful to follow the army requirements described above. For historical battles, these

restrictions can be ignored.


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Generals

Your general is the leader of your army. In effect, he represents you, the player, guiding your

troops as they seek to prevail against the foe. Your generals stand has the following stat line:

Type Shck Hras Skll Arm Mor Stam

Generals Unit - - - 6 1 11 -

Joining Companies

Before the game begins, you must choose whether you want to attach your general to one of your

non-artillery and non-insignificant companies. He is considered to be a part of that company for all

intents and purposes. Place him in the front rank. As a member of a company, the general is subject to

anything that affects the company as a whole, such as being shot at, failing a Morale Test, etc. Yourgeneral adopts the unit type, equipment, and special rules of his host company. Note that your general

may not be attached to independent stands.

Companies always use their own ratings and never use the ratings of an attached general. The

generals morale value is only used for Withdrawal Tests. Unless your general is subject to the Impetuous

special rule, you do not have to expend command points to move a company that your general is

attached to: they are free to move in any direction. Additionally, the host company benefits from a +1

bonus when rolling on the Tides of Battle chart.

If you choose not to attach your general, he remains an independent stand and is considered tobe light cavalry unless listed otherwise. Unless he is subject to the Impetuous special rule, he may move

in any direction without being issued command points.

Leadership and Strategy

Your generals also have two additional stats, Leadership and Strategy. These stats are ranked 1-5,

with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. Your general is automatically assumed to be rank 1. When

creating your army, you may purchase additional ranks for 50 points for each rank of either Leadership

or Strategy. Each rank of Leadership gives you 3 command dice. Higher Strategy ranks give your armyadvantages during mission selection and deployment.


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Tactics, Traits, and Retainers

Besides purchasing Leadership and Strategy ranks for your general, you may also purchase

Tactics, Traits, and Retainers. This selection is entirely optional but it helps give your army more

individuality and a unique character. Traits are also great for coming up with good epithets for your

leader. Who wouldnt want their army led by Ulric Half-troll, Brom the Beardless, or Vladislav theTyrant? To see the full list of Tactics, Traits, and Retainers, see the Generals supplement available online.

Bodyguard Save

Protected by a bodyguard of fierce warriors, your general is extremely hard to kill. Whenever his

stand would be destroyed due to failing a save from enemy shooting or close combat, roll a die. Your

general survives on a roll of 6 or less. If your general passes this save, he lives. Do not remove his stand.

Otherwise, your general fails his bodyguard save and is destroyed.

Choosing a Scenario

Unless you are recreating a historical battle, you have to pick a scenario. If your generals

Strategy rating is at least 3 ranks higher than your opponents, you may choose which scenario to play.

Otherwise, choose a scenario at random. There will be a list of scenarios you may choose from in the

Scenarios supplement available online. Until that time, feel free to create your own missions.

Deploying your Armies

The final step is for you and your opponent to deploy your troops. For historical battles, try to

place your miniatures where their real-life counterparts were arranged. For standard scenarios, follow the

scenarios deployment guide. This will tell you where the deployment zones are located and who will be

the attacker and who will be the defender.

If your generals Strategy rank is greater than your opponents, you get to pick which

deployment zone you want to deploy in. Furthermore, if your Strategy rating is at least 3 ranks higher

than your opponent's, he must deploy his entire army before you deploy any units. Otherwise, you andyour opponent switch off deploying one unit at a time, starting with the defender.


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Playing the Game

Now that the battlefield is all set up and the armies are deployed, it is time to begin the game!

The players take turns maneuvering their armies of miniature warriors in the hope of winning the battle.

Whichever scenario you are playing should identify the player who goes first. Otherwise, it is assumed

that the attacker gets to go first.

Each players turn has five phases: the Rally, Movement, Shooting, Assault, andCombat

Phases. Once a player has finished his turn, his opponent takes his turn. When both players have

completed taking turns, one round of the game is finished. The players continue to alternate taking turns

until one player has won the battle. Alternatively, both players may choose to end the battle after a set

number of rounds, agreed upon before the battle begins.

Order of a Game Turn:

1. Rally Phase2. Movement Phase3. Shooting Phase4. Assault Phase5. Combat Phase


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Rally Phase

The Rally Phase is the 1stphase of the turn. During this phase, the active player attempts to reform

his units and prepare his force for battle.

1. Check if Game Ends2. Broken Enemy Units Flee3. Attempt to Rally Broken Troops4. Roll for Reserves5. Place Ambushes6. Add Fatigue and Take Falter Tests

Check if Game Ends

At the start of the Rally Phase, check to see if either player has fulfilled their victory conditions. If

they have, the game ends immediately and scores are tallied. See the specific scenario details for

instruction.

Additionally, if more than half of your units are destroyed, Broken, or have routed off the table,

your general must take a Withdrawal Test. If the test is failed, the game ends immediately and your

opponent immediately claims all objectives (or gains 2 VPs if playing a mission without objectives).

Otherwise, your forces endure their losses and continue the fight.

Broken Enemy Units Flee

Broken enemy units must move their maximum movement distance towards the nearest board

edge while avoiding your units by at least 2. If it is impossible for a Broken unit to move its full retreat

distance while avoiding your units, the fleeing enemy unit is destroyed.

Attempt to Rally Broken Troops

When your soldiers are frightened during the battle, they may decide that your cause is not worth dying for

and choose to Break. However, once removed from immediate danger, these troops may regain their composure and

decide to rejoin the fight.


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Take a Morale Test for each of your fleeing units. If the Morale Test is passed, the unit

immediately rallies and is no longer Broken. If the Moral Test is failed, your unit continues to flee. In your

opponents Rally Phase, it will make the maximum movement possible move toward the nearest table

edge while avoiding non-Broken enemy units by at least 2.

Example:

You have a company of spearmen and a company of knights that are Broken and are within 8 of

each other. During your Rally Phase you must try to rally both of these units. You decide to try to rally

the unit of knights first. You would take a Morale -2 Test but, since there is one friendly Broken unit

within 8, you must take a Morale 3 Test. Despite this disadvantage, your knights manage to pass the

test. They are no longer Broken.

Next, you need to roll to rally your Broken spearmen. Since there are no longer any Broken

friendly units within 8 of the spearmen, they just need to pass a Morale -2 Test. Unfortunately, they fail

and must continue to flee. In your opponents Rally Phase, the spearmen will move their maximum

movement distance directly towards the nearest board edge, avoiding enemy units if possible.

Roll for Reserves

Some scenarios call for part of your army to be held off the table at the start of the battle. These

units are in reserve and will arrive later in the battle. To roll for reserves, roll one die for each company

you have in reserve that is eligible to arrive. On a roll of a 5 or less, your unit arrives from reserves. It may

march onto the battlefield from any of your table edges. This movement does not require you to expend

command points. If a unit fails to arrive from reserve, keep rolling for it on subsequent turns. Provided

that the battle doesnt end prematurely, all your reserves should eventually arrive.

Some types of units are faster and will likely arrive from reserve more quickly. Infantry, artillery,

and elephant units may not arrive from reserve during the first round of the game.

Roads

Roads are absolutely essential for facilitating the movement of your troops. If you want your reserves to

arrive in time for battle, they need some way of getting there quickly. For each road along your table edge, youmay reroll one failed reserve roll each turn. If this reroll is successful, the corresponding unit must march

onto the table along one of these roads. Each company that arrives in this manner must enter along a

different road.


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Roman Roads

Straighter and better built than medieval paths, Roman roads are true highways, allowing your troops to

mobilize quickly for battle. If there is a Roman road exiting along one of your table edges, your reserves

arrive on a roll of a 6 or less.

Place Ambushes

Some scenarios and special rules call for units to be held in ambush. These units are not deployed

at the start of the battle but are kept off to the side of the table. They represent hidden troops who are

waiting to surprise their enemies.

At the end of your Rally Phase, you may place any ambushing units that you have. Note, that

you do not have to place ambushing units if you do not want to. Ambushing units may be placed

anywhere at least 4 from enemy units and at least 20 away from enemy units in line of sight.Note that ambushing units may not be placed in your opponents deployment zone. Instead of

deploying from ambush, you may also choose to have any of your ambushing units arrive along one of

your table edges. These units may march on from one of your table edges exactly as if they had arrived

from reserve.

Add Fatigue and Take Falter Tests

All units which ran, moved through friendly units, or moved through certain types of terrainfeatures must receive the appropriate amount of Fatigue, up to the value of their Stamina level. If their

level of Fatigue is equal to their Stamina Value, the unit is Exhausted. Any units which moved through

dangerous terrain or were issued Fatigue beyond their Stamina Value must also take Falter Tests.


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Movement Phase

The Movement Phase is the 2ndphase of the turn. During this phase, the active player may maneuver

his companies across the battlefield.

1. Declare Resting Companies2. Select a Company to Move3. Move Stands in the Company and Attempt Special Maneuvers4. Return to Step 2 and Select Another Company to Move5. Add Fatigue and Take Falter Tests6. Take Break Tests

Declare Resting Companies

The first action that you may take during the Movement Phase is to declare which of your

companies will be resting this turn. Any company may rest provided that there are no enemy units

within 10. Resting companies may not move, shoot, or initiate combat for any reason during this game

turn. If necessary, place a marker next to resting companies to remember not to activate them in later

phases. Resting Companies remove 2 Fatigue and, if armed with a ranged weapon, receive 2

Ammunition, up to their maximum allowance. Note that rampaging elephants may not rest.

Select a Company to Move

During the Movement Phase you may move each of your companies one at a time. You may

move companies in whichever order you desire and do not have to move any of your companies if you

do not want to. Select one your companies you wish to move. Unless you expend command points, your

company must move forward towards the nearest, non-insignificant enemy unit, avoiding terrain where

necessary. Companies that begin the Movement Phase engaged in combat may not move. However, theymay perform a Feigned Flight special action.

If you select a cavalry company you may choose to dismount it. Dismounting a cavalry company

turns it into an infantry company of the corresponding type. For example, if you dismount a unit of

heavy cavalry, they will become a unit of heavy infantry. Cavalry units may only dismount at the start of

their movement turn. They may then move as infantry but count as having already expended 2 of

movement this phase.


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Move Stands in the Company

Before moving your selected unit, you must choose whether you want it to march or to run.

Marching

Marching is the standard movement speed for units in An Age of Sword and Arrow. Infantry

and cavalry have different marching speeds, noted below as a distance measured in inches. This is the

maximum distance stands can move when marching.

Infantry march distance: 6

Cavalry march distance: 8

RunningRunning represents a quicker pace of movement, giving troops more mobility but also causing

them to become tired. Infantry and cavalry have different running speeds, noted below as a distance

measured in inches. This is the maximum distance stands can move when running.

Infantry run distance: 10

Cavalry run distance: 16

Any unit which makes a running move may not shoot or assault during this turn and

immediately receives 1 Fatigue. To issue a unit a run order, you must expend a command point.

Maintain Coherency

When moving a company, you must keep the stands in coherency. This means that the stands

must be adjacent to each other. The only exception to this rule are units of Skirmishers who are allowed

to be up to !" apart.

WheelingSince companies must remain in coherency, even while moving, the easiest way for a company to

turn is to perform a wheeling maneuver. This is accomplished by pivoting the company around one of its

front corners. When making this action, every stand in the company is considered to be moving as far as

the stand on the outer edge (i.e. the stand which is moving the farthest).


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around their current location so that they form a square or rectangle with each stand facing the outer

edge. Note that no single stand may move more than 4 when moving into this formation.

Companies in square formation cannot move, assault, make assault reactions except for defensive

fire, or pursue enemy units. All four sides of the company are now considered its front facing. In

addition, units in square formation suffer one less Fatigue when harassed by enemies. Units may expend

2 of movement to leave square formation during their Movement Phase.

Up to 4 stands may be positioned inside a friendly unit square formation and cannot be attacked

until the protecting square is destroyed or flees. This is an ideal way to protect archers and independent

generals.

3. Feigned FlightFeigned Flight can only be attempted by companies that begin the Movement Phase engaged in

combat. Expend 3 command points for each unit attempting to take part in this maneuver. Take a Morale

Test and apply it to each of your participating companies. If the Morale Test is failed, your company

immediately Breaks.

Each company that passes its Moral Test may immediately take a free reform action and move up

to its maximum distance away from its engaged enemy.

Your opponent must now issue 3 command points to each of his previously engaged units to

allow them to remain exactly where they are positioned (restrain them). Otherwise, they make a full

charge move directly forward to pursue your fleeing units. If this charge move allows them to come

into contact with any of your fleeing units, your caught unit is immediately destroyed. Note that

enemy units cannot attempt to pursue your Feigned Flight if they are still engaged in combat.


All units which ran, moved through friendly units, or moved through certain types of terrain

features must receive the appropriate amount of Fatigue, up to the value of their Stamina level. If their

level of Fatigue is equal to their Stamina Value, the unit is Exhausted. Any units which moved through

dangerous terrain or were issued Fatigue beyond their Stamina Value must also take Falter Tests.

Take Break Tests

At the end of the phase, any units that were within 8 of a friendly unit or general that Broke or

was destroyed must take a Break Test, applying any necessary modifiers.


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Shooting Phase

The Shooting Phase is the 3rdphase of the turn. During this phase, both sides may fire their

ranged weapons at their opponents. These attacks are considered to be simultaneous so any casualtiesthat a unit incurs during this phase will not affect its volume of fire this turn. However, because it can be

confusing for both players to roll their attack dice at the same time, it is usually best to have the active

player complete their entire shooting first followed by their opponent. Note that units that fire in the

Shooting Phase may not make Charge Reactions this turn.

1. Select a Shooting Company & Targets2. Determine Line of Sight3. Roll to Hit4. Allocate Hits and Roll Saves5. Return to Step 1 and Select the Next Shooting Company6. Repeat Steps 1 through 9 for the Inactive Player7. Remove Casualties8. Roll for Tides of Battle9. Add Fatigue & Take Falter Tests10. Take Break Tests

Select a Shooting Company & Targets

During the Shooting Phase, each of your companies equipped with ranged weapons may shoot.

Select one company equipped with a ranged weapon that has not yet fired this turn. Units that ran during

the Movement Phase, are currently engaged in combat, or are out of Ammunition may not fire.

Your selected company may now target enemy companies. The targeted companies must be at

least partially within the shooting units front facing. Your company may split its fire between multiple

targets but each stand must fire at a single company. Only your stands that are within range of their

target may fire. Any stands that are out of range may not fire this turn.

Note, you may not shoot at enemy units that are engaged in combat as the risk of hitting your

own troops is just too high!

Determine Line of Sight

Next, you must determine line of sight between your shooting stands and their target. If there are

any units or Concealing terrain positioned directly between your stands and their target, there is no direct


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Mark & Remove Casualties

After rolling saves, you should mark which of your stands were killed and will be removed as

casualties. You may mark a stand by turning it on its side or place some other sort of suitable indicator.

Marking casualties allows the inactive player to fire back even with the stands he lost during thisShooting Phase. This helps to represent both sides simultaneously shooting at each other. After both

players have resolved their shooting, you must remove your casualties.

Roll for Tides of Battle

Any unit which suffered at least 3 hits due to enemy shooting must roll on the Tides of Battle

chart. Roll 2 dice, adding the result together. Then add the following modifiers:

- 1 for each casualty sustained this Phase

+ 2 unless targeted by Gunpowder Weaponry

The resulting number is your Tides of Battle score. Consult the following chart. Note that units

that are positioned directly in front of Impassable Terrain may not fall back.

Score Result

15 + Hold your ground! Your unit is unaffected

8-14 Gain a Fatigue Marker

5-7 Break if Exhausted, otherwise fall back 4 and gain a Fatigue Marker

4 or less Break

Add Fatigue and Take Falter TestsYour units receive 1 Fatigue for every 3 hits they received from enemy shooting this turn,

rounding down. If this Fatigue brings your unit beyond its Exhaustion level, it must take a Falter Test.


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Take Break Tests

At the end of the phase, any units that suffered casualties due to shooting such that they are

reduced to below half strength (have fewer than !their starting stands remaining) or were within 8 of a

friendly unit or general that Broke or was destroyed must take a Break Test, applying any necessary

modifiers.


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Ranged Weapons

Ranged Weapon Special Rules:

Gunpowder Weaponry

Some ranged weapons are listed as gunpowder weaponry. Enemy units must take 1 Fatigue

Marker for each hit they suffer from gunpowder weapons.

Common Ranged Weapons

The following weapons can only be used by both infantry and cavalry:

Javelin:

Javelins are RoF 2, AP 2 weapons with a range of 6 and 2 Ammunition. Units equipped with

javelins do not suffer a -1 to hit modifier for shooting after moving. In addition, Skirmishers armed with

javelins may make retreat reactions even on turns when they have already fired.

Bow:

Bows are RoF 2 weapons with a range of 12 and 3 Ammunition.

Light Crossbow:Light Crossbows are RoF 1, AP 2 weapons with a range of 10 and 3 Ammunition.

Infantry Ranged Weapons

The following weapons can only be used by infantry:

Sling:

Slings are RoF 1, AP 1 weapons with a range of 12 and 3 Ammunition.

Longbow:

Longbows are RoF 3 with a range of 14 and 3 Ammunition.


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Assault Phase

The Assault Phase is the 4thphase of the turn. During the Assault Phase, the active player may

harass and charge his opponents units.

1. Select Assaulting Units & Targets2. Target Units Respond3. Move Charging Units into Contact4. Add Fatigue and Take Falter Tests5. Take Break Tests

Select Assaulting Units & TargetsDuring the Assault Phase, each of your companies within an enemy unit in its front facing may

make an assault action, provided that your unit is not already engaged in combat and did not run during

the Movement Phase or shoot during the Shooting Phase. Additionally, for your unit to be able to assault,

at least half of its front rank stands must be within assault range of the target.

There are two types of assault actions that your units may make: charges and probes (also

referred to as harassment). For each assaulting unit, you must decide whether you want it to harass or

charge this turn. You may assault enemy units that are already engaged in combat provided that your

own units are not in the way.

Harassment

The first type of assault is a harassment action which causes the target unit to gain Fatigue. The

assaulting unit remains stationary.

Charging

The second type of assault is a charge action. This allows your assaulting unit to move into

contact with an enemy and initiate combat.

Target Units Respond

Once your assaulting units have selected their targets, the targeted units now get to respond. Any

target unit that is not already engaged in combat and did not fire in the Shooting Phase this turn may take

1 of the following actions. Cavalry units may take 2 of the following actions:


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1. Turn to Face

Rotate the target unit to face the assaulting enemy unit.

2. CounterchargeThe target unit moves its full charge move directly toward its charging opponent. Note that if both

units are charging/countercharging, then they are both moved halfway. If this countercharge brings the

target unit into contact with its assaulter, it counts as launching a successful charge and both units are

locked in combat.

3. RetreatThe target unit may rotate on the spot and move up to its assault distance directly away from the

assaulting unit. If this move brings it into contact with an enemy unit, it immediately Breaks.

If the targets retreat brings it out of assault range, the assaulting unit may select a new target.

Cavalry units making a retreat action may not take another action as well (e.g. they cannot bothretreat and shoot in defensive fire).

4. Defensive FireThe target unit may shoot at the assaulting unit exactly as described in the Shooting Phase section.

Note that the assaulting unit always counts as being within range of all of the shooting teams, even if it is

currently positioned out of range. This represents the target company opening fire as the assaulting unit

approaches it.

Move Charging Units into Contact

Your charging units must now move into combat with their targets. This movement follows all

the rules regarding normal movement except that you must bring your charging unit into base-to-base

contact with their enemies. Use the assault value of your unit to determine how far it can move. Once

your units have contacted their targets, you may wheel your units so that they are directly adjacent to

their target. They are now considered engaged in combat and will fight during the Combat Phase.


All units which moved through friendly units or assaulted through certain types of terrain

features must receive the appropriate amount of Fatigue. Units which made a harassment action suffer 1

Fatigue. In return, their targets suffer a number of Fatigue equivalent to your units Harassment Value.


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Units that charged receive 1 Fatigue Marker for each value of the charging units shock statistic. Any

units which assaulted through dangerous types of terrain, or were issued Fatigue after being Exhausted

must take a Falter Test.

Take Break Tests

At the end of the phase, any units that suffer losses due to shooting such that they were reduced

to below half strength (have less than !their starting number of stands) or were within 8 of a friendly

unit or general that Broke or was destroyed must take a Break Test, applying any necessary modifiers.


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Combat PhaseThe Combat Phase is the 5thphase of the turn. During the Combat Phase, each combat is resolved

one at a time. The active player gets to select the order in which the combats are resolved.

1. Select a Combat2. Determine Attack Order3. Roll to Hit4. Allocate Hits, Roll Saves, and Remove Casualties5. Return to Step 3 for Next Set of Attacking Stands6. Calculate Combat Resolution7. Loser Rolls for Tides of Battle8. Victor Consolidates9.


10. Return to Step 1 and Select the Next Combat11. Take Break Tests

Select a Combat

Select one of the combats to be resolved. This can be any combat that has not already been

resolved this turn. A combat consists of any units that are engaged in combat with each other. This is

usually composed of 2 companies, one from each player. However, some combats can include multiple

units from the same side. This can lead to rather complex scenarios, so make sure you keep track of which

units are involved in which combats.

When lines of units are engaged with each other, the players should pair off units as best as

possible so that they form independent combats. In some situations for example, when the opposing

sides are not directly aligned with each other these combats can overlap. In these scenarios, it is

acceptable to have units involved in multiple combats but you should note that individual stands may

only contribute to one combat or the other. Declare which stands are participating in each combat.

Determine Attack OrderAfter selecting a combat to be resolved, you must determine the Attack Order - the order that the

units will make their attacks. This is important because units that attack first will be able to inflict damage

against their opponents before their enemies get a chance to attack back. Charging elephant units attack

before all other units while charging cavalry units attack before infantry and artillery units. Some

equipment can change the order of attack. For example, infantry armed with spears attack at the same


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time as cavalry. This means that when a unit of spearmen fights a unit of cavalry, both companies will

roll attack dice simultaneously.

Note, that a company can have stands that attack at different times. For example, imagine that a

unit of spearmen is fighting both a company of charging cavalry and a company of infantry. Those stands

of spearmen that attack the cavalry will roll to hit at the same time as the cavalry unit. However, the

spearmen that are fighting the infantry will roll attack dice at the same time as their infantry opponents.

Roll to Hit

Next, the attacking stands roll to hit their opponents. Each stand in your units front rank or that

is adjac

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