HELLFIRE CAMPAIGNS

Jim Webster, contributor and rules writer for this magazine, has written a set of rules called Hellfire. I reviewed it last month and – if you turn to page 33 of this very issue – you can see a scenario for this system: A Policeman’s Lot. Now if this grabs you and leaves you wanting more, you can buy some campaign support from Mr Webster in either printed or downloadable format from Wargames Vault. Having said that, I have another scenario to publish in this magazine so...

But if you want more games pronto (especially ‘narrative’ ones), Hellfire Campaigns is produced in the same way as the rules: a picture on the cover and – save for a map inside – all published in the same format as the rules (which last month I described as ‘comfortable word processor: clear type in a good, easy-on-the-eye size and font’). The campaign system is wide ranging and deep with a basis on‘geography, finance and human relations’and Mr Webster lays this all out in his useful rules introduction mentioning that – despite it being linked to his Hellfire system – it could easily be adapted to (just for an example) an 18th century Imagi-Nations campaign or even a Slammers campaign run by the editor... Anything which needs a non-historical background that involves, mercenaries, armies and resources!

Over its 70 or so pages it covers topics ranging from technology, Military formations, the cost of raising troops and hiring mercenaries, politics and finance. It also touches on the actual transition into conflict with pages on Current Political Stability and Drifting into War, How do we get a Crisis and Preparing For War. Detailed stuff! It even goes into Battlefield Salvage. This is a very thorough basis for a campaign background. Recommended.