A good piece of advice is to read the rule book first! Yes, many players
(specially veteran players) skip the rule book, and make new rules as they go
along. This will only cause pain. Once you read the rules once, then try not to
simplify the rules; simplify the game instead.
This is a skirmish type game, so it can really go in depth if you want
to. For your first games you don't want to be (too much) overwhelmed by its
complexity. However, these first battles tend to stick into your memory, and if
you play it wrong, it will affect your future game-play. So don't make mess of
the rules, instead use a simplified scenario where only a limited portion of the
rules will apply.
Following is a staged approach, which I think will get you into the game
quickly and easily. Move onto the next stage whenever you are comfortable with
the rules covered up to that point.
First Battles: Start with individual battles, simply exploring
characters and game-play. Don't use any missile weapons, armor or magic
ability, and only weapons that cost 5gc or less; avoid terrain and
fear-causing creatures. Mercenary warbands are nice to explore the game;
maybe take small warbands at first, say 200gc. This will cover the basic
close combat rules:
charging and initiate
to-hit, to-wound and injury
knocked-down, Stunned, out-of-action
routing
Complex close combat and shooting
Include armor, any weapons, and common missile weapons (no guns or
pistols). This will make the game quite a bit more of difficult, covering
almost all common aspects of combat:
limitations in arming warriors (2-handed weapons, difficult to use)
first strike and strike last
weapon strength modifiers
armor saves
basic rules for shooting
Psychology, magic, terrain and experience
Special rules: Include fear-causing creatures (maybe just as props), a
single magic spell per warband, and start collecting experience. Pay special
attention to all psychology rules (if you haven't before). Add buildings
etc:
fear-tests, all-alone tests
climbing and jumping
magic
post-battle sequence
Full game & optional rules: Now you're ready for the full game and soon
your very own campaign full with optional rules. Check out the sections on
miniature converting and painting, as well as building your own terrain!
