For a lot of us middle-aged wardolly junkies, Mordheim was the Alpha and the Omega of wargaming when it hit in 1999. The art design defined what Grimdark meant without losing that whimsical edge that made it great. Playing with a dozen minis meant you could get a warband together in a good weekend of hobbying. It was also built off of (I think) Fourth Edition Warhammer Fantasy Rules, so it was easy enough to learn one if you knew the other.
And then, like most great things, it disappeared, unloved and scorned by its creator, like the Creature when Victor decides to cast the wretch out to pursue other endeavors.
I’ve been chasing Mordheim now for over a quarter century. The rules set feels a little antiquated now, and while there are modern contenders to the game, I’m not smitten by any of them in the same way.
Necromunda is pretty great in its modern incarnation, but I really don’t want to have to carry around half a library worth of books to get a game in. One Page Rules is fun, but a little too simple for what I want to sink my teeth in to. Frostgrave and Five Leagues from the Borderlands both come much closer to what I’m looking for, but I’m still struggling to find that Goldilocks system that works just right for me.
So, I think I’m just going to have to write it out myself. Something that bridges that gap between crunchiness and simplicity, allows some customization, and, most importantly, is miniature agnostic.
I’ll be starting with a Witch Hunter warband, using the ideas I have in my head to get the classic warband on the table. I have plenty of figures to build out a good roster, and that’ll help me get more of my Paint What You Got challenge figures finished.
At first, I was a little daunted about base size, since I’ll be using some modern Warhammer minis in this warband, and they have larger bases. Then I realized that I’m not bound to those restraints, as I’m working my own forge now. So, the first step in setting myself free is setting those minis free. Goodbye, lovely decorative but overly large bases, and hello 25mm classics!
I’ll be mashing up some classic GW sprues with some modern classics from the Frostgrave range, which should allow me to have some fun with the warbands.
Next up, I’ll share some of the ideas I have for the mechanics, because why not? They’re not entirely mine, but after 40 years of gaming I have a billion game systems in my head that I am going to openly pillage.
Now we’ll see how long this conviction lasts, I could do almost all of this with the 5x from x system and be just as happy!
Grimmleigh's Lab 
Its interesting to hear your thoughts on Mordheim as I never played it. I don’t think it was well-supported by the time I got into the hobby in the early to mid 2000’s so I just missed it.
I have to admit that I’m in a similar boat in that I want something specific and am in the mood or mindset that I might even make up my own rules to get what I want. I have a different fantasy setting in mind, but more on that in my next blog post. I’ll be looking forward to seeing how you get on with this and love the barbarians you showed off as well!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think Mordheim might be better in memory than it is in reality, especially now. But I still have my best wargaming memories from it, so it’s easy to forget the rough parts. Then again, I tried to play Warcry and just ended up confused, but that’s more my brain not having much room left for rules!
I’m looking forward to seeing what you cook up for game mechanics!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would guess that some games have iterated on its ideas and there’s been some improvements since then. However, the real question is whether there’s a game out there that tickles your fancy with miniatures you want to use in a setting you like AND that captures the spirit of Mordheim’s rules (if not outright improves them). That might be a different question altogether! I completely agree on learning more rules. I’m more or less at my limit and that’s without adding something for Conan on top of it. I guess it is a good problem to have! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Probably the BEST problem to have! I keep trying, but the last system that stuck with me was Wild West Exodus, and not a soul wanted to play it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a shame. I’m sure this is little solace, but I’d give it a try for sure, especially if someone had the miniatures and terrain already. It looks fun and you can’t beat steampunk westerns!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some ideas are coming together, it’s either going to be a lot of fun, or a fun way to lose my damned mind!
LikeLiked by 1 person
When Mordheim came out I was working at GW, and to me it felt like fantasy Necromunda, except the ranged weapons were not as effective ! LOL Look forward to reading how your rules come along, as I’m currently doing the same, to have a system that works perfectly for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that’s cool! Are you building from the ground up, or “borrowing” inspiration from other systems?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bit of both, some rules are my own creation, others come from what I’ve liked from other games.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds really cool, Dave!
LikeLiked by 1 person