Song of Drums and Tomahawks: Fast Play Skirmish Rules for the French & Indian War and More

This proved as useful as a reference as well as a game manual.

Smaller book size wise, expected magazine size

Great set of simple rules.

A very simple and fun rule set that is playable with less than 20 units. More be would be even more fun. I really like the challenge of each unit to perform an action

An excellent set of rules for small scale skirmish actions set in the Eastern American Woodlands. The rules encompass the period from the earliest European Settlers right up to the mid 19th Century, so there's plenty of scope for scenario settings. Movement and combat ranges are all based on three different length 'sticks'; short, medium and long. These simplify things no end, without detracting from the game at all. You can give individual figures a 'character' by the use of traits to re-create the larger than life personalities from this period in history. By the use of a variable actions mechanic you can decide how many actions a figure will try to do during its turn. You can play it safe by rolling for fewer actions, or risk ending your turn altogether by choosing to go for more actions for a figure and failing! In this way you get less of an 'I go you go' feel to the game turn.I found playing a game taking about 100 minutes for a dozen or so figures per side, and it had a more 'role-playing' feel to it compared with traditional wargame rules. I'd imagine that repeated play and just using 'stock' figures would shorten the game time somewhat. With the availability of excellent 28mm figures now available for this period you could build yourself a good set of forces for not too much money, and have a fun time playing to boot.

Best war-game ever. I love the era, I love the skirmish stile, I have the supplement books as well. War-games Factory sell some amazing colonials and Woodland Indian models in plastic for cheap to go with this, I think Warlord bought them out now. If you like role play these rules adapt too. The character creation allows for hero type units and treats every man as a unique set of abilities (if you wish) or just generic cannon fodder. Down with Games Workshop lets back these passionate war gamers

Fantastic fast playable game rules, with each player needing only 6-7 figures each, and the rules also allow for all weapon use - musket / rifles, tomahawks, knives for hand to hand conflict etc; They also allow you to pick and make up your group and traits to what you require for game play, which is smooth and very easy to pickup same. We use 2 - 4 - 6 players, depicting Indians - various Tribes, French / Americans Regulars & Rangers, Woodsmen / Militia, Settlers - families, and make up any scenarios that you wish or actual events and create scenarios etc;

Excellent system, just right amount of detail for low level skirmish action. Well produced and a fun interactive game engine.

New to the whole skirmish idea. Ideally wanted Muskets and tomahawks but shall see