Ah, a new miniature skirmish game to explore. It is a good day at the gaming table anytime that happens.
This time around the game is Norsgard.
Let's start with a snippet from the rule book intro, something most gamers are likely to peruse before deciding on a new game.
"Norsgard is a game that takes you into the world of eternal winter - Isbran. A world where valor and cold steel mean more than the glisten of gold. In Isbran it is the brave, not the wealthy, that deserve to become heroes of stories told over mugs of ale. Bands of champions traverse the old roads to fulfill missions given by their sovereigns or in search of fame and fortune.
"Across the lands of Isbran, a perennial war between the forces of good and evil rages. For centuries the stalwart templars of the Order of the Ram have been engaged in a bitter struggle against the elves, the forever damned. Both sides have committed terrible atrocities, casting a long shadow over entire Isbran ... Demons, long ago banished by elves, have returned and enlisted new allies - the barbarians of the tribe of Mork. Now the Order of the Ram faces a new threat. Are they up to the challenge? Or will they stand alone, forsaken by all, and share the fate that befell the elven kingdom so many years ago?
"Norsgard features a unique game system, which allows the players to make decisions at every step of the match, offering much more than simple dice rolling. At the same time, the rules are straightforward enough to learn over the course of two or three games. Of course, to fully grasp the workings of your army and win consistently will take you many more battles, for each army offers a distinct play style.
"Norsgard is more than just battles. The campaign system allows for leveling up each of your fighters not unlike in an RPG. From battle to battle, they steadily grow in power... So long as they do not cross paths with a warrior stronger than they, for then the injuries they suffer may render them incapable of fighting any further."
To start with having a campaign system built into the core rules, and mark that as a huge win.
Most miniature game systems, and certainly the best among skirmish level offerings, eventually come up with campaign rules. There is great pride in having a character grow over a series of skirmishes, and you really do 'feel' the loss should one of the more developed characters die.
I suppose that goes back to role playing. I have a character sheet in a book for every character I have ever played, and I could tell the tale of the demise of those marked deceased.
A miniature game gains immediate depth of play with developed campaign rules.
Check it out at www.norsgard.com
