The Sword and the Flame

About this board game

The Sword and the Flame is a miniature wargame for 2–4 players, with battles taking about 60 minutes. First published in 1979, it provides introductory rules for recreating miniature battles involving the British Empire across several Colonial periods.

One rules set supports six settings: the Pathans in 1878, the Zulus in 1879, the Boers in 1880, the Egyptians in 1882, the Dervishes in 1884, and African Exploration in the 20th Anniversary Edition. No additional supplements or game cards are required.

The game uses individually mounted figures, while movement, morale, and combat are handled by the unit. The basic unit is a 20-figure infantry platoon, Pathan clan, Zulu Iviyo, or Dervish warband. Cavalry troops contain 12 figures, and artillery batteries contain four figures, with units combining into larger formations such as companies, battalions, tribes, Ibuthos, commandos, and squadrons.

• Variable movement: Different unit types and circumstances use different numbers of six-sided dice.
• Random sequence: Card draws determine which units move first.
• Combat uncertainty: Cards also determine the effects of firing and combat.
• Specific casualties: The rules include distinct casualty determination rather than treating losses as purely abstract.

Described as a semi-skirmish game, The Sword and the Flame combines unit-level command with the character of individually mounted miniatures. The 20th Anniversary Edition adds pinning defenders, two ranks firing, overhead fire, pass-through fire, limited ammunition, volley and independent fire, plus a rules synopsis page.

The rules are designed for 25mm figures, but can also be adapted for 15mm and 20mm miniatures. Play requires six-sided and ten-sided dice, a tape measure, and a standard deck of playing cards.