March 2, 2026 Andy Hobday

The Barons’ War: King John - Historical Scenarios: Bringing King John’s World to Life

Over the past few weeks, we have explored the new retinues arriving in The Barons’ War: King John, from Angevin kings and continental allies to Celtic princes and outlaws beyond the reach of the law. Our hope is that these additions dramatically expand the scope of the game. With publication now imminent, it feels fitting to close this series by looking at the scenarios that bind all of these elements together.

One of the great strengths of The Barons’ War has always been its suitability for narrative gaming. Wargames tell stories, and there are few better ways to explore history than by re-enacting it on the tabletop. King John’s reign was a gift in that respect, packed with sieges, ambushes, raids, pitched battles, and sudden reversals of fortune. From this turbulent period, we have selected thirteen historical scenarios, each designed to capture a moment that shaped the age. We hope there is something here for everyone.

Although each scenario is rooted in a historical event, with suggested forces and commanders, none of them are locked to a single retinue. You are free to substitute factions as you wish, using the structure of the scenario to create your own “what if” moments or to fit the models you have to hand.

Variety was a key goal when designing the scenarios. They range from plundering expeditions and ambushes to street fighting and full-scale battles. Some play like tense skirmishes, others like desperate last stands. While the core rulebook includes scenarios you can choose and play on the spur of the moment, many of the historical engagements assume a clear attacker and defender, or an ambusher lying in wait. A little advance planning may help players pick suitable forces, but there is always the option to fight it out anyway and then swap sides for a rematch.

Although The Barons’ War is a skirmish game at heart, we know that sometimes players want to go bigger. To support that, King John includes rules for larger battles. This is not a new or separate game; it is the same system you already know, simply played with more Groups on the table. Instead of fielding a single retinue, players can bring two or three, reflecting how medieval armies were assembled from multiple contingents. It is also an excellent way to run multiplayer games.

Each retinue operates as a force in its own right, controlled by its player, with activations passing between them. Some retinues work seamlessly together, sharing language, culture, and command structures. These are treated as Combined Retinues and benefit from each other’s Commanders. Others are more suspicious allies, divided by mistrust or incomprehensible languages. These Allied Retinues must rely solely on their own leaders.

Several historical scenarios use Combined and Allied Retinues, making them ideal for introducing new players or letting experienced commanders try an unfamiliar force on a smaller scale. Many scenarios also include guidance on scaling up. A game designed for 750 to 1,000 points per side can be expanded into a multi-player affair, with each participant commanding a retinue of their own, or even more if you want a truly epic clash. Big games are not for everyone, but they can be a memorable way to cap a campaign or anchor a special gaming day.

With that, our journey through The Barons’ War: King John comes to an end. From kings and counts to princes, mercenaries, and outlaws, the book offers a wealth of new stories waiting to be told. We cannot wait to see how you bring King John’s turbulent world to life on your tabletops.

New to The Barons' War? Check out the Starter Box set here.