King John: A Source Book for The Barons' War Second Edition 2026

Having an entire book devoted to the period has allowed to look far beyond the civil war of 1215–17 and delve into the full, chaotic sweep of King John’s reign from 1199 to 1216. This was a time of intrigue, betrayal, shifting loyalties and near-constant conflict, presided over by a king whose realm stretched from the Cheviots to the Pyrenees. For wargamers, it is a goldmine of inspiration.

The Barons’ War: King John presented the perfect opportunity to expand the Feudal European retinue list from the second edition rulebook and bring the king’s allies, enemies and rivals to life on the tabletop. The result is six new historical retinue lists, each with its own distinctive style of play and tactical challenges.

Included retinues:

Feudal European (revisited) Flemish Poitevin Mercenary Scottish Welsh Outlaws

But The Barons’ War: King John is more than a collection of retinue lists. It is a full sourcebook for wargaming the period. The book opens with a historical introduction to the Angevin world our hero, or anti-hero, inhabited, charting the dramatic events of his reign. It is a story overflowing with violence, vindictiveness and derring-do, all crying out to be recreated on the tabletop. To help bring that history to life, the book includes thirteen historical scenarios that allow you to refight key moments from John’s turbulent rule.

—description from the publisher