# Chainmail tags: #game/wargme/chainmail ![[Chainmail (cover).jpg]] **Chainmail**, a tabletop wargame released in 1971, holds a unique place in gaming history. While not as widely recognized as its descendant, **[[Dungeons and Dragons|Dungeons & Dragons]]**, **Chainmail** laid the groundwork for the fantasy role-playing genre. In essence, it's a game where you push miniature armies around a table, roll dice, and hope for the best. **Core Die Resolution Mechanics** Chainmail's combat resolution is elegantly simple, yet surprisingly deep. It revolves around a few key elements: - **Man-to-Man Combat:** Each figure represents a certain number of soldiers. When figures clash, you roll a six-sided die (d6). The higher roll wins, with modifiers based on troop type and terrain. - **Missile Fire and Magic:** Missile weapons and spells are resolved similarly, with different tables for different types of attacks. - **Fantasy Supplement:** Chainmail included an optional fantasy supplement, introducing elements like wizards, dragons, and spells. This supplement used a similar d6 system, but with additional tables for resolving fantastical combat situations. **Editions and Changes** Chainmail saw a few editions, with some notable changes: - **1st Edition (1971):** The original release, published by Guidon Games, included the core medieval rules and the fantasy supplement. - **2nd Edition (1972):** Published by TSR, this edition cleaned up some rules ambiguities and added a few clarifications. - **3rd Edition (1975):** TSR again revised the rules, focusing on streamlining gameplay and balancing the fantasy elements. While Chainmail may seem dated by modern standards, its influence is undeniable. It paved the way for **Dungeons & Dragons** and the entire tabletop role-playing hobby. So, if you're feeling nostalgic or curious about the roots of fantasy gaming, give **Chainmail** a try. You might be surprised at how much fun you can have with a handful of dice and a few dozen miniature soldiers. ## References - [Chainmail (game) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chainmail_(game)) - [Chainmail | Board Game - BoardGameGeek](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/8193/chainmail) - [Chainmail - rules for medieval miniatures - American Roads](https://www.americanroads.us/DandD/Chainmail_3rd_Ed.pdf) - [Chainmail - Rules for Medieval Miniatures - DriveThruRPG](https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/17010/chainmail-rules-for-medieval-miniatures-0e) [!note] Editor's Note > > Honestly, I think my pet AI is being a litle bit too generous here. > > **Chainmail** is very much a product of its time and not necessarily even a particularly well-designed game. But it did lead to a revolution in the conceptual nderstanding of what tabletop play could be and gave rise to an industry. > For that, we give thanks.