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Chainmail: Rules for Medieval Miniatures (0e) $4.99
Average Rating:4.5 / 5
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Chainmail: Rules for Medieval Miniatures (0e)
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Chainmail: Rules for Medieval Miniatures (0e)
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
by Brendan B. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 08/27/2022 13:37:25

I ordered the PoD version of Chainmail, because i was looking for some classic rules to play with my 15mm medievals. I love the rule set. There are three separate sets of rules, plus optional and supplemental sections, as follows:

  1. Main Battle Rules
  2. Optional rules to add flavor to the Medieval game (such as prisoners and how certain troop types will fight).
  3. Supplemental siege rules, including undermining.
  4. Man-to-Man (skirmish) Combat rules.
  5. Jousting Rules.
  6. Fantasy supplement.

I see reviews saying that the rules are poorly organized, but I'm not having any trouble, and in play, if I need to reference the rules, I can easily find what I'm looking for. Like all rulesets, once you know them, you don't need to reread them repeatedly. The main tables are neatly placed at the back of the book, and page tabs can be used if it's really an issue to get to others

I'm thoroughly enjoying them and modifying them to meet my specific gaming needs, just like the introduction says I should! I've played about ten games now of varying sizes, and I've had a blast with each.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Chainmail: Rules for Medieval Miniatures (0e)
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
by Karyn L. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 12/01/2021 16:26:32

Chainmail

Rules for Medieval Miniatures

Writers: Gary Gygax, Jeff Perren

Illustrator: Don Lowry

Version Reviewed

Scanned PDF of 3rd Edition, 7th Printing. The PDF includes bookmarks.

History and Trivia

Chainmail was originally published in March, 1971 by Guidon Games. Starting with the 3rd edition, it was being published by TSR and is now part of Wizards of the Coast’s library of products. Chainmail was the precursor to the original edition of Dungeons & Dragons. In fact, players of OD&D were referred to Chainmail for combat rules. A Print on Demand softcover version is also available.

Is it Pretty?

Chainmail is only sparsely illustrated with black and white art and a couple of what appear to be photographs of terrain. The photos are difficult to make out and may have lost something in the translation to PDF. The font is a bit difficult on the eyes and makes reading a chore. No stars in the pretty department.

Is it Professional?

Looking back on this through a modern lens, the layout is adequate and the writing is well done, if a bit cerebral at times, with only a few editing errors and spelling errors. 1 star.

Is it Useful?

The introduction has some notes on constructing terrain to play out your miniature battles. I have never been one for minis, and don’t have the crafting skills to create playing surfaces regardless.

There seems to be an assumption that players will have a modicum of experience with both miniature wargaming and the historical conflicts which are often simulated with such games. Chainmail doesn’t take much time to explain settings and context and I think the game suffers for it. The rules are also a bit…muddled at times. The types of dice to be used aren’t explained, but most tables indicate numbers ranging from 1-6. The man-to-man rules are even more arcane, with very little in the way of explanation.

This is definitely a game that, at least for me, I would have to see someone play in order to grasp how the game is supposed to play out. The rules just don’t do a very good job of explaining how to play. No stars here.

Is it Affordable?

If this historical artifact is something you want to add to your collection, it will only cost you $4.99 to do so, or $8.24 for POD (Print On Demand). Getting both is the real money saver, though, as you essentially get the PDF for free. Definitely a good price for what you are getting. Original printings go for $300 or more on ebay and other sites. 1 star.

Is it Fun?

Chainmail is a chore to read and certainly not a game I’d ever consider playing on its own. Its ties to D&D are most noticeable in “The Fantasy Supplement” section that comprises the last 20 pages. Several races, monsters, and spells are mentioned that would carry over into D&D. The last few pages are tables that make absolutely no sense to me. No stars.

Conclusion

The main appeal for this book nowadays is its historical value. As a standalone game seen through modern eyes it is incomplete and virtually unplayable unless one already has familiarity with the precepts of historical and fantasy wargaming.

Two out of five stars.

Please consider supporting my patreon for more reviews and other content - https://www.patreon.com/user?u=8208616



Rating:
[2 of 5 Stars!]
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Chainmail: Rules for Medieval Miniatures (0e)
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
by Nicolas L. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 04/03/2020 12:04:24

Except for the cover page being a bit darker than I expected, all things considered, the quality of the scan is great, the clarity of the images are more than I could have hoped for. I’m pleased with the overall product, only wish that this and other classic mods/classic booklets were available in soft/hard cover print, and not just as a PDF.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
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Chainmail: Rules for Medieval Miniatures (0e)
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
by James H. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 03/15/2008 20:50:57

A classic if somewhat poorly organized and explained set of wargame rules, as well an an indespensible text for players of the Original Dungeons & Dragons (the 3-book 1970s boxed editions) and RPG history buffs. Well worth the low buy-in price.



Rating:
[4 of 5 Stars!]
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Chainmail: Rules for Medieval Miniatures (0e)
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
by William V. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 11/23/2007 13:43:55

This is what started it all! This book began to open a new door, moving from traditional miniatures wargaming into the world of role-playing games. The rules are quirky and not entirely clear, but as an historical document, priceless. I recommend this booklet if you are interested in the early days of Dungeons and Dragons. I also recommend that you purchase the three booklet set of Old Dungeons and Dragons ("Men & Magic", etc.), recently made available on pdf.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Chainmail: Rules for Medieval Miniatures (0e)
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
by Jason J. W. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 09/26/2007 09:39:50

Great to have a copy of this! The download came out clean and complete. Really cool to be able to see the early development of what was to become D&D. And a good price. Highly recommended.



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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Chainmail: Rules for Medieval Miniatures (0e)
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
by David W. [Verified Purchaser]
Date Added: 12/23/2005 00:00:00

I purchased this to back up the hardcopy that I bought in 1975.<br><br> <b>LIKED</b>: Everything, it is classic and the forerunner of The One True Game.<br><br><b>QUALITY</b>: Excellent<br><br><b>VALUE</b>: Very Satisfied<br>



Rating:
[5 of 5 Stars!]
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