Hammer of Democracy: Friendly Battle Rules for the Second World War 2019

So after much pain, sweat and toil, Hammer of Democracy is available.

If you aren’t familiar with our Hammer series of games, it’s a relatively rules-light game for low-level ww2 action, aiming to play very quickly and with minimal rules look-up.

A typical game ranges from a reinforced platoon up to a company or more and plays in a very small span of time, combining pretty simple mechanics with surprisingly deep tactical play.

The game is welcoming of open-ended play where target numbers are set by consensus or a GM, as well as offering a more traditional “fixed” approach with modifiers and tactical factors.

As always, we offer suggestions for campaign play, a scenario generator and a points system.

You also get profiles for the more common fighting vehicles and anti-tank guns of the war, complete with the formula to calculate your own points values if you need.

This also means if you disagree with our factors, you can adjust them as you see fit.

If you want to play a simple pick-up game, you can generate an overall battle situation and either roll up random forces to play with, bring an army built to a pre-determined points total or any other option you want to employ.

A key innovation of Hammer of Democracy is the Support system, tying in things like off-map fire and using weapons such as machine guns and anti-tank guns in a way that feels truly combined arms, while forcing hard choices on the player.

Playtesters have been pretty universally excited about this system and I think you’ll find it really cool.

Lastly of course we offer a tool box of rules for things like radio problems, fighting in the snow and dealing with civilians, as well as troop traits for commando’s, die-hards and even special hero characters if you like your gaming a bit more pulp.

Whether you are already a fan of games like Squad Hammer and Trench Hammer or brand new to the concept, I hope you’ll give us a chance to win you over.

The core mechanics are shared between Trench Hammer and Hammer of Democracy so that should give you a pretty good idea of what you are in for.

Basic factors

All dice used are plain D6’s with most rolls made using 2D6. There are no ‘Bucket of dice’ mechanics in play. Turn sequence is IGOUGO with reaction options. Game turns are very fast, most being resolved in 5 minutes or so. Basic elements are squads/sections of infantry or single vehicles. Infantry can be based on team stands or individually. The rules are nominally intended for 15mm figures but has been tested with anything from 6mm to 1/72 scale.

—description from publisher