Trial by Battle is a set of wargames rules for playing games set in the Medieval period of history. They are designed to be easy to learn and to play and are ideal for a quick game. They are ideal for players who are not very familiar with wargames rules or who don't have hours to play with. Sometimes this type of ruleset is called a "beer and pretzels" game. Neither beer nor pretzels are required to play, but a game is always more enjoyable with good refreshments.

The rules aim to be representative of how medieval armies fought but aren't an exact simulation. They don't provide for all the different variations in types of soldiers and armies during the Medieval period. For instance, there is an Archers unit that can represent crossbowmen or longbowmen. The rules provide the framework for an enjoyable Medieval wargame that captures the feel of battles in the Middle Ages.

The rules include six scenarios and some sample army lists to help you get started.

Mark Lord studied Medieval Studies at the University of Birmingham and wrote his M. Phil. Thesis on Medieval Alliterative Poetry. Since then he has worked in publishing and writes historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction in his spare time.

Mark is the author of the novels Hell has its Demons, The Return of the Free and numerous short stories. He is also editor of the popular Alt Hist magazine - one of the few literary magazines to focus exclusively on historical fiction and alternate history.

He lives in Hertfordshire with his family.