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How to start Kings of War

Kings of War is a fantasy battle game played with miniatures. You collect and command an army of your favourite fantasy figures against an opponents collection of fantasy figures, in a variety of scenarios across different fantasy landscapes. The action takes place on the world of Pannithor, which is the setting for the fantasy games produced by Mantic including Dungeon Saga, Vanguard and Armada. While it may be new to a number of people it does contain familiar elements, such as Dwarves, Elves, Undead and Dragons.

In order to play Kings of War you will need a Rulebook, Army list and of course models. You will find your army list in either the Core Rulebook or another publication called Uncharted Empires. Between both books there are twenty-six army lists so there is much to choose from. A review of the game has already been completed here.

Starter Sets

Uniquely there are two starter sets for Kings of War. Shadows in the North and War in the Holds. Both boxes contain the rulebook and two starting armies of Nightstalkers and Northern Alliance for Shdows in the North. Goblins and Ratkin for War in the holds. Both are great value and can be the perfect introduction for new players.

Books

There are two versions of the rulebook. The Hardback edition which contains the rules, army lists, maps and the background stories to world of Pannithor. The Gamers edition, which is a soft cover book that just contains the game rules and army lists. If you are have an existing collection of miniatures you may prefer to get the book instead of the starter sets.

Other books to consider is Uncharted Empires and Clash of Kings. As mentioned before Uncharted Empires is a book the contains twelve more Army lists for the game. Clash of Kings is an annual publication which has rules updates and new content for the game. While it is not strictly necessary to own Clash of Kings in order to play and enjoy the game, many existing players in the Kings of War community will be using the updated rules to play, particularly in tournaments.

Miniatures

The Army Boxes are excellent value and contain a good variety of troops, to start your collection. They can compliment an existing army or be the beginning of a new force. If you have decided that the armies in the starter sets above are not for you then grabbing one of these with a rulebook can be a great way to start.

There are a good number of miniatures manufacturers and it’s really easy to incorporate your existing collection of miniatures into the game, or to collect an army for Kings of Kings of War outside of Mantics own brand of miniatures. Fantasy miniatures have a number of existing shared concepts, that although each may be unique they are recognisable. You’ll find that figures from Dwarves, undead, elves, orcs and various periods of human history to name but a few are perfectly usable in Kings of War.

Of course it will be up to you how they fit in and which miniatures to use. The army lists in Kings of War and Uncharted Empires should have you covered. For example the “Kingdoms of Men” army list in Uncharted Empires can fit in many figure collections of historical periods from ancients, through medieval to early renaissance. Likewise you’ll find Mantic own miniatures suitable for other fantasy battle and role playing games.

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Why you need to play Kings of War

Kings of War is the best fantasy war game ever!

It’s quick

Kings of Wars simple and intuitive system is fast. The rules are incredibly easy to learn and the stats of the armies are self-explanatory. More fantastic elements such as magic, artillery or flying troops are incorporated into Mantic’s streamlined rules. So their inclusion adds to the flavour of the game while maintaining the flow. You can play 2000 points in an evening comfortably – including setup time, tea breaks and interruptions.

It’s balanced

The rules reward use of placement of troops and out manoeuvring your opponent . Winning a game is down to how you use your army. Each armies strengths and weaknesses have been balanced against each other by the rules committee.

The main rulebook has eleven armies inside. They were written at the same time, and they all use the same rules in the book.

It’s very smartly priced

Just take a look at the army deal boxes.  No Really check them out

You already have the figures

Chances are if you are reading this you may own a number of fantasy figures. You can use them in this game with a minimum of fuss. You can even mix your Mantic figures with those of other companies in your regiments and armies.

Its well supported

There are a number of Tournaments and campaigns happening everywhere. The Summer 2017 saw the global Edge of the Abyss campaign with long lasting effects for the future of the world of Mantica.

Mantic has a number of supplements for this game. A full campaign book including rules for the characters from scenarios for Dungeon Saga Here! Mantic’s dungeon crawler game set in the same world.

Uncharted Empires contains army lists for nine more armies. Contains some of the more esoteric armies such as alternate takes on existing human kingdoms, Beastmen, that Halfling army you wanted, Ratmen, ancient themed undead, nightmare legions and many more…

Kings of War historical, the game rules even work for ancient, dark ages and medieval armies. Fight historic battles or blend the two to fight some interesting battles like Romans vs Orcs or Spartans vs Elves

Don’t take my word – try it today!