The Barons’ War: King John – Bringing the Angevin World to the Tabletop

The latest update from Wargames Atlantic and Andy Hobday

Andy:

We (Benedict Coffin and Wargames Atlantic) are putting the finishing touches to the very first supplement for the second edition of The Barons’ War, and we are excited to finally lift the curtain on what comes next.

There were plenty of ideas on the table about where the game could go, but in the end, the decision was an easy one. The Barons’ War began with the First Barons’ War, so it felt only right that our first sourcebook should return to those roots. With that in mind, we are proud to unveil The Barons’ War: King John.

Having an entire book devoted to the period has allowed us 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.

And no great story is complete without memorable characters. King John’s reign offers them in abundance. You will encounter chivalrous heroes like William Marshal, dastardly villains such as Prince Louis, and champions of peace and justice like King John himself. Or, depending on your perspective, outraged freedom fighters like Robert FitzWalter, wise theologians such as Archbishop Stephen Langton, and malicious schemers who also happen to be King John. All of these dramatis personae, and more, take to the stage with dedicated rules to reflect their unique roles.

We will be revealing more about what you can expect from The Barons’ War: King John in the coming weeks, so stay tuned. The age of Angevin ambition and baronial rebellion is almost ready to march onto your tabletop.

New to The Barons' War? Check out the Starter Box set HERE.