Norman Architecture in Tabletop Wargaming.

Norman architecture has had a strong influence on tabletop wargaming, from historical battles through to fantasy settings. The buildings, forts, and churches from the Normandy region form a versatile terrain base from which you can build many different battlefields. Below are a few ways Norman architecture can be incorporated into different settings.

Fantasy Wargames

Many fantasy settings are based on the designs typified in Norman buildings and fortifications. Settings like Warhammer: The Old World, with its rank-and-file fantasy system, include a lot of half-timbered houses and gothic churches in its artwork, both of which are staples of Norman design.

Though Age of Sigmar is more high fantasy than the Old World, there are loads of Norman and French influences in the realm of Shyish. Many townships in this bleak realm are in disrepair, making a great opportunity for mixing and matching ruined and intact structures, to form a small village in the wilderness. 

George R.R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series borrows heavily from medieval English and Norman designs when describing the buildings, especially through the Crownlands and The Reach. The Song of Ice and Fire wargame is therefore a perfect place to use your Norman terrain, and recreate some of the major battles from the books.

The ruined cities of Frostgrave and Mordheim lend themselves to using the ruined Norman church, fort, and buildings. Both settings lean heavily on gothic stone buildings and half-timbered housing, which is typical of Norman design.

Medieval Wargames

All through the Medieval period, countless wars were fought throughout Northern France and Normandy. Many battles were fought to control the Motte-and-Bailey forts and small towns that dot the countryside. Whether using the Saga Skirmish rules or the mass-combat system of DBBM, the Norman forts or a collection of Norman houses make great objectives or obstacles for historical games.

Napoleonic Wargames

Though Normandy itself saw little fighting during the Napoleonic conflict, it shares many of its architectural styles with its Belgian neighbors. The Norman houses are perfect for representing farms like Hougoumount or villages such as Plancenoit when recreating the Waterloo campaign in your games of Blackpowder or Blücher.

World War 2 Games

Normandy saw much of the fiercest fighting during World War 2, which took a toll on the farms and houses throughout the region. Towns and strongpoints were shelled and fought over, leading to many grand churches and ancient forts being reduced to ruined husks. Both the intact and ruined Norman terrain will find plenty of use on Bolt Action and Flames of War tables, providing cover for advancing soldiers and tanks.

The ease with which Norman buildings fit into so many game systems makes them a must-have addition to any terrain set.

The Kickstarter for our latest set of Norman terrain, Country & King, is live and the best way to get an awesome deal on this universal terrain style.