Chainmail

Rules for Medieval Miniatures

Writers: Gary Gygax, Jeff Perren

Illustrator: Don Lowry

Version Reviewed

Scanned PDF of 3rd Edition, 7th Printing. The PDF includes bookmarks.

History and Trivia

Chainmail was originally published in March, 1971 by Guidon Games. Starting with the 3rd edition, it was being published by TSR and is now part of Wizards of the Coast’s library of products. Chainmail was the precursor to the original edition of Dungeons & Dragons. In fact, players of OD&D were referred to Chainmail for combat rules. A Print on Demand softcover version is also available.

Is it Pretty?

Chainmail is only sparsely illustrated with black and white art and a couple of what appear to be photographs of terrain. The photos are difficult to make out and may have lost something in the translation to PDF. The font is a bit difficult on the eyes and makes reading a chore. No stars in the pretty department.

Is it Professional?

Looking back on this through a modern lens, the layout is adequate and the writing is well done, if a bit cerebral at times, with only a few editing errors and spelling errors. 1 star.

Is it Useful?

The introduction has some notes on constructing terrain to play out your miniature battles. I have never been one for minis, and don’t have the crafting skills to create playing surfaces regardless.

There seems to be an assumption that players will have a modicum of experience with both miniature wargaming and the historical conflicts which are often simulated with such games. Chainmail doesn’t take much time to explain settings and context and I think the game suffers for it. The rules are also a bit…muddled at times. The types of dice to be used aren’t explained, but most tables indicate numbers ranging from 1-6. The man-to-man rules are even more arcane, with very little in the way of explanation.

This is definitely a game that, at least for me, I would have to see someone play in order to grasp how the game is supposed to play out. The rules just don’t do a very good job of explaining how to play. No stars here.

Is it Affordable?

If this historical artifact is something you want to add to your collection, it will only cost you $4.99 to do so, or $8.24 for POD (Print On Demand). Getting both is the real money saver, though, as you essentially get the PDF for free. Definitely a good price for what you are getting. Original printings go for $300 or more on ebay and other sites. 1 star.

Is it Fun?

Chainmail is a chore to read and certainly not a game I’d ever consider playing on its own. Its ties to D&D are most noticeable in “The Fantasy Supplement” section that comprises the last 20 pages. Several races, monsters, and spells are mentioned that would carry over into D&D. The last few pages are tables that make absolutely no sense to me. No stars.

Conclusion

The main appeal for this book nowadays is its historical value. As a standalone game seen through modern eyes it is incomplete and virtually unplayable unless one already has familiarity with the precepts of historical and fantasy wargaming.

Two out of five stars.

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