From: Roberto Chiavini <mumaye@mail.dada.it>
Subject: A few more reviews for the Summer I

SCOTLAND THE BRAVE (Avalanche Press)

Originally appeared on Shadis (an RPG magazine), but recently upgraded
to a boxed version, with mounted board (the counters were already
mounted in the magazine version), this is a little in size, but big in
scope game on the Scottish Wars of 1297-1298, the time of William
Wallace, of Braveheart fame.

There are a micro map and 140 counters in this game (the latter of
really good quality, reminescent both in graphics than in material of
the S&T of the TSR period).
 
The hexagoned map covers southern Scotland and a small part of northern
England. The units are cavalry or infantry, divided in levy, regular and
elite quality, plus a few leaders (with King Edward) for the English and
a few more leaders (with Wallace, Murray and Robert the Bruce) for the
Scottish player. There are also several strategy markers, most important
in the enjoyment of the game (a very limiting factor in the solitaire
play).

Each monthly turn, both players start drawing randomly 5 to 7 chits
(strategy markers), which affects play in several ways, from adding more
units to the levy of a player, to converting a Scottish city to the
rebel cause. Then, they roll a die to see how many marches they have
available for their side that turn: marches are necessary to move units
without a leader. A leader may try to roll his march with a die. Combat
happens when both sides share a location and is resolved in one or more
turns, with a syst em clearly made on the old "A House divided": each
unit have a combat rating, from 1 of the infantry levy to 4 of the
cavalry elite. If it rolls the same value (modified by a leader) or
less, it hits one enemy unit. Each unit has two steps. There are also
rules for retreat.

The winner of each combat my promote one of his units to a superior
grade. Other promotions may be made during each turn.

The core of the system are the strategy markers, which makes this little
game a small gem in itself, adding depth to an otherwise mediocre game
situation. I rate this game 7 in a scale 1-10.