Dues Vult (God Wills It)

Before I start anything let me just say that this is a very beautifully designed rulebook. I love the layout, the colors chosen, the presentation style...all of it. You can feel the love that was put into this book when you flip through it for the first time.

Dues Vult is published by FireForge Games. It's a set of rules for wargaming in the crusades era. As I've mentioned above, the 200 page book is very well and clearly presented. The main pages are in parchment style effect and on either sides are brown tabs giving tips or historical notes. Overall very pleasing to the eyes in my opinion.

This is my first ever historical ruleset which uses 28mm figures and I must say that I am pleasantly surprised. I haven't had a chance to play it yet due to lack of models but I'm slowly trying to build up a force. Hence, the painted Saladin and Richard figures in my two previous posts.

There are two armies that are listed; the Crusading armies and the Arab dynasties. Religion aside, I've always been fascinated with this era. And the models shown in the book are gorgeously painted. I'm surprised that FireForge Games didn't even hint at using their new cavalry and infantry range. That is until the very end of the book! Say what you will but I call it class :). Compare this to another company which I've stop buying their monthly magazine a loooooong time ago. Go here  http://www.fireforge-games.com/webstore.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=36&category_id=12 and honestly tell me you are not tempted to get those Templar knights.

Therein lies our biggest problem with being a wargamer/miniatures hobbyist in Malaysia. It is so so very difficult to find what we need. But I guess it's also a blessing in disguise as I would probably max out and  go bankrupt were I living in America or UK :). So slow and steady getting things from the net is the way for me. Even this book was brought in from UK when I couldn't find any shops carrying it local. If you can get this book on the shelf anywhere here please contact me :). I'm hoping they would have some nice Arab cavalry and/or infantry.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and think the game mechanics would make for some very memorable games. My most sincerest appreciation to Dave Edwards of the UK for graciously getting me this book.

One final note. If you have not watched Kingdom of Heaven; the Director's Cut then you truly owe it yourself to do so. This should have been the actual movie that was released and not the cut/edited version. Having the movie play while you paint (of course concentrate on seeing it the first time) your Arab or crusading knight is ....nirwana.
http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/movies-we-love-kingdom-of-heaven-the-directors-cut.php

God wills it!