Par le feu, le fer et la Foi

About this board game

Par le Feu, le Fer et la Foi is a 2014 grand-tactical board wargame for two players, with games lasting about 120 minutes. It recreates five battles from France’s Late Renaissance and Religious Wars, fought between 1562 and 1598.

The first phase of the conflict pits Protestant Huguenots against Catholics. After Henri IV’s accession in 1589, the struggle shifts to Royalists versus members of the League. Players can command forces at Saint-Denis, Jarnac, La Roche-l’Abeille, Coutras, and Arques.

This is a classic “I go, You go” system of average complexity, enhanced by a reaction sequence for the passive player during the active player’s phase. Reactions can include fire, counter-charges, and tactical backsteps, giving both sides meaningful decisions during each turn.

Battlefields use areas measuring roughly 300 to 500 meters on each side. Color coding helps players determine movement costs and lines of sight, while each unit represents approximately 100 to 500 soldiers or one or two guns. A turn covers around 20 to 30 minutes, and corps represent a vanguard, rearguard, or main battle formation.

Combat highlights the era’s changing methods of war, including charges “in wall,” clashes between pikemen, artillery fire, and the interaction of shock and shooting through a support system. Optional rules for caracoles, orders, lost children, and looting add further period detail.

• Five historical battle scenarios
• Three A2 maps, including double-sided maps
• 540 die-cut counters
• Full-color rules and examples booklets
• Play aids and two dice

Based on historical research, contemporary accounts, and surviving battlefield topography where available, Par le Feu, le Fer et la Foi offers an elegant way to experience the tactical challenges of Renaissance warfare.