Fields of Battle 1986

Fields of Battle is a simple tabletop wargaming ruleset published in Warlock (Issue 12 - Oct/Nov 1986). The game is designed to introduce Fighting Fantasy gamebooks readers to tabletop gaming.

The rules are derived from the Fighting Fantasy rules: each unit has a STRIKE and a STRENGTH rating (which work like FF's SKILL and STAMINA), and a MOVE and ATTACK score. Move is the distance the unit can move in inches, Attack the number of attacks per turn (most units have only one).

Each game turn, units move or fire, then combat between units in contact is resolved (each unit adds a 2d6 roll to its STRIKE rating, the unit with the lowest result loses 2 points of STRENGTH). After combat resolution, units that have suffered losses must pass a morale test or rout. A routing unit must test morale again in the next turn and is removed from the game if it fails that second test.

The rules also include a few special rules for flank attacks, cover, fortifications and siege engines.

The rules come with a scenario (The Battle of Grey Rock) for which colour counters are included in the magazine.