“The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms” invites players into an intricate, strategy-rich universe where tactical finesse and thoughtful decision-making reign supreme. Set within the beloved Tamriel, the game offers an exhilarating skirmish wargame experience, drawing from the deep lore of the Elder Scrolls series. To truly understand and appreciate the complexity of this tabletop masterpiece, it’s crucial to delve deeper into the game’s mechanics, resource management, and strategic options.
The Skill Test System: The Heart of the Game
At the core of “Call to Arms” lies the Skill Test, a deceptively simple but highly impactful mechanic that dictates almost every action a player takes. Whether it’s swinging a sword, casting a spell, or completing a quest objective, the Skill Test determines the outcome of each action. This system is based on custom dice—Skill, Effect, and Miss dice—that players roll when attempting an action.
The Skill die represents the core challenge of the task at hand, offering a direct measure of difficulty. Meanwhile, the Effect die determines the potency of the action, whether it’s the damage dealt by an attack or the progress made on an objective. The Miss die, though seemingly an annoyance to some, is the unpredictable factor. It guarantees failure in certain instances, forcing players to account for the risk of their actions no matter how meticulously planned they are.
This triadic die mechanic allows for a fluid, streamlined system that keeps gameplay dynamic. The simplicity ensures that new players can quickly grasp the mechanics, while the unpredictability and depth of the dice rolls provide an enriching experience for seasoned strategists. Yet, the Miss die introduces a layer of uncertainty, ensuring that even the most powerful players face a fair challenge, avoiding a one-sided domination of the battlefield.
Boosting Actions: The Dynamic Role of Stamina, Magicka, and Thu’um
While the Skill Test governs the basic actions within the game, the real depth emerges through the nuanced resource management system that defines every character’s approach to the battlefield. The resources of Stamina, Magicka, and Thu’um are the lifeblood of the heroes and adversaries alike, each representing a distinct facet of character power.
Stamina powers physical feats—ranging from powerful strikes to tactical maneuvers like Sprinting. While these actions can drastically shift the momentum of the game, overusing Stamina can deplete a character’s capacity for other critical maneuvers, leaving them vulnerable in later rounds. Magicka, on the other hand, fuels the arcane might of spellcasters. From summoning flames to unleashing destructive energy, Magicka allows players to harness the forces of magic. However, its slow regeneration means players must use it judiciously, ensuring it’s saved for key moments in the game.
Lastly, Thu’um represents the power of the Dragonborn, the ability to unleash potent Dragon Shouts. These special abilities can have game-altering effects, whether it’s knocking back enemies or temporarily incapacitating foes. However, their rarity and potent effects mean that players must decide when to use them carefully.
These resources don’t just enhance actions but also foster a strategic rhythm to the game, forcing players to carefully plan when to use each one. The ebb and flow of resource management add a layer of complexity that pushes players to adapt constantly. Is it worth spending a powerful attack now, or should you save your Stamina for the next round? Should you unleash a destructive Thu’um or save Magicka for a crucial defensive spell? These questions define the strategic mastery required to succeed.
Heroes and Followers: Mastering Customization and Strategy
One of the standout features of “Call to Arms” is the ability to deeply customize heroes. Rather than simply having generic figures, players can select from a diverse array of legendary characters from the Elder Scrolls universe. These heroes are more than just powerful models; they represent iconic figures whose abilities and potential evolve throughout the game.
Heroes are equipped with two-sided cards: one showcasing their base stats and another reflecting their improved version. As players progress, they can enhance their characters with powerful weapons, armor, and abilities. The upgrade system introduces a delightful tension between focusing on a singular powerhouse hero or spreading upgrades across a wider range of characters. Such decisions will ultimately influence your overall strategy, forcing you to weigh long-term sustainability against the immediate power of high-end heroes.
Followers, on the other hand, offer a different kind of strategic value. While their customization is limited compared to Heroes, they offer a crucial balancing element to your forces. They come with preset abilities and equipment, but their reliability in completing certain tasks, like defending an area or holding back enemy forces, can be invaluable. Balancing a group of Heroes and Followers is crucial, as this synergy determines how well your army operates as a cohesive whole.
The challenge of designing a well-rounded force is both rewarding and strategic. Some players may focus on a few, heavily-leveled heroes capable of overpowering opponents, while others might favor an army with a strong foundation of Followers, allowing for more diverse tactics and adaptability. Regardless of the approach, the variety of options means that no two armies will ever feel the same, ensuring a personalized experience each time you play.
Adversaries: Unpredictable Foes That Keep Players on Their Toes
One of the most exhilarating aspects of “Call to Arms” is the introduction of the Adversary system. Instead of opposing players controlling the threats, the game’s adversaries—enemies, monsters, and environmental hazards—are activated randomly or in response to player actions. This unpredictability creates a constant sense of tension, as players cannot always foresee when new challenges will emerge.
Each round, players will activate a set of adversaries, each chosen from a pool of available enemies. These adversaries may be triggered by specific player actions or through the game’s randomization system. The element of chance means that no two sessions are ever the same, offering a unique experience each time. Furthermore, these adversaries can react to players, creating a fluid and dynamic battlefield that shifts based on the characters’ choices.
While some players revel in this unpredictability, others find it overwhelming. Managing the randomization of adversary tokens—while ensuring that players can still focus on their strategies—can occasionally feel cumbersome. However, the inherent chaos introduces a layer of excitement, as players never truly feel safe. The dynamic reactions of adversaries prevent the game from feeling like a repetitive slog, ensuring that every battle remains fresh and exhilarating.
Game Balance: Mastering the Learning Curve
The balance within “Call to Arms” is delicate but rewarding. The combination of the Skill Test mechanic, resource management, unit customization, and adversary unpredictability creates a game that requires both tactical foresight and adaptability. Mastery of the game isn’t achieved easily—new players will need to contend with the complexities of token management, resource depletion, and the precise timing of their attacks.
For seasoned players, the game’s depth becomes evident as they begin to understand how to balance resource usage, the positioning of their units, and the unpredictable nature of the adversaries. Learning how to use the Skill Test system efficiently and leveraging the strengths of both Heroes and Followers becomes an essential part of every match. As the learning curve can be steep, those who invest the time to fully immerse themselves in the mechanics are rewarded with a highly engaging and multifaceted game.
The Enduring Appeal of “The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms”
“The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms” stands as an exceptional tabletop experience, blending strategic depth with the richness of the Elder Scrolls universe. Its clever use of resource management, the depth of hero customization, and the ever-evolving challenges from adversaries combine to form an engaging and dynamic tactical adventure. While the game’s complexity might initially overwhelm newcomers, those willing to delve into its nuances will find a highly rewarding and deeply satisfying experience.
Whether playing solo or against others, the game offers endless replayability, ensuring that no two sessions are ever the same. By combining strategic planning, resource management, and adaptive thinking, “Call to Arms” challenges players to master the art of war in the fantastical world of Tamriel. For fans of both tabletop gaming and the Elder Scrolls series, it presents a uniquely thrilling opportunity to shape the destiny of their characters in an unpredictable, ever-changing world.
Expanding the Experience: Exploring the Game’s Expansions and Future Potential
The base experience of “The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms” already offers an impressive and intricate gameplay system. However, as with many great games, it is the expansions that elevate the experience to new heights. As players delve deeper into the core mechanics, the allure of additional content beckons. These expansions bring forth new possibilities, from intricate factions and heroes to diverse gameplay elements that ensure every session feels fresh and exhilarating. It is in these expansions where “Call to Arms” truly begins to shine, offering layers of depth that extend far beyond the original game’s scope.
Expanding the Factions: New Horizons
One of the most exhilarating facets of any expansion is the introduction of new factions, and “Call to Arms” does not disappoint in this regard. The base game sets the stage with iconic factions like the Imperials and Stormcloaks, each offering distinct playstyles and strategic avenues. Yet, it is the added factions from the expansions that inject variety into the experience, allowing players to explore entirely new dynamics and strategies.
Take, for instance, the “Histories of the Empire, Vol. 1” expansion. This addition introduces powerful new factions such as the Thalmor and the Orcs of Orsinium. Each faction offers a completely unique approach to gameplay. The Thalmor, with their intricate knowledge of arcane magics and political scheming, play a stark contrast to the ferocious and relentless nature of the Orcs. This dichotomy between factions offers an exciting opportunity for players to experiment with different playstyles and engage in fresh tactical challenges.
Moreover, the expansion brings a host of new heroes to the battlefield. These heroes are not merely additions for the sake of variety—they come with specialized abilities, unique traits, and powerful weapons that allow players to fine-tune their strategies. For example, the introduction of a mage hero capable of casting devastating area-of-effect spells, or a rogue hero skilled in evasion and debilitating attacks, opens new paths for customization and planning. These new characters deepen the strategic choices players must make, ensuring that no two encounters feel identical.
New Scenarios and Objectives
While new factions and heroes undoubtedly add substantial depth to “Call to Arms,” it is the novel scenarios and objectives within the expansions that truly elevate the game’s narrative potential. The base game already includes a compelling set of missions, but the expansions take these missions to the next level, blending them seamlessly into the rich lore of Tamriel.
Expansions like “The Thalmor Invasion” and “The Orcs of Orsinium” delve into the stories of these new factions, providing narrative-driven missions that not only challenge players but also immerse them in the world of Elder Scrolls. These missions are far more than simple objectives—they are carefully crafted scenarios that push the limits of storytelling and provide players with rich, engaging experiences. For example, players may be tasked with defending a village from an all-out enemy assault, recovering ancient artifacts from the clutches of dangerous foes, or completing perilous quests that carry significant consequences for the world around them.
These expanded missions offer far more than just combat—they provide opportunities for role-playing, decision-making, and emotional investment in the unfolding storyline. Players are no longer simply moving pieces across a table; they are participants in an epic saga, where their actions and decisions impact the world of Tamriel itself.
Beyond the Table: The Digital Future of “Call to Arms”
As the world of tabletop gaming continues to evolve, so too does the potential for digital integration. The digital future of “The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms” holds immense promise, particularly with the increasing popularity of online platforms and tools designed for tabletop play. Modiphius has already begun exploring this avenue with their Elder Scrolls tabletop RPG app, which could serve as a stepping stone for incorporating digital elements into “Call to Arms.”
Imagine a world where players can engage in digital playthroughs, where character progression and battle outcomes are automatically tracked, or where players from around the world can compete in virtual tournaments. The integration of digital tools into the game could streamline certain aspects, such as token management or the tracking of complex rules. Additionally, it could open the door to an entirely new form of gaming, where players interact with others across vast distances and experience new forms of multiplayer campaigns.
This digital future could also introduce new ways of experiencing the game, allowing players to participate in campaigns that blend tabletop and digital elements. Virtual campaigns could offer unprecedented flexibility, enabling players to join or leave games at will, manage their characters remotely, and access real-time rule references and updates. For those who thrive in an online setting, the prospect of digital tournaments and virtual community engagement would significantly enhance the game’s appeal.
As “Call to Arms” continues to evolve, the expansions have proven to be invaluable in maintaining the game’s longevity and excitement. By introducing new factions, heroes, scenarios, and objectives, the expansions breathe new life into the gameplay, ensuring that players will never run out of fresh content to explore. The game has grown from its humble beginnings into a sprawling epic that offers an unparalleled level of customization and replayability.
For those willing to invest in these expansions, “Call to Arms” offers an experience that is constantly evolving, adapting, and expanding to meet the needs of its player base. The game’s ability to provide new challenges, new lore, and new ways to engage with the world of Tamriel ensures its position as one of the most dynamic and enjoyable miniatures games on the market today.
Looking ahead, the future of “Call to Arms” holds even greater potential. With the possibility of digital tools and further expansions, the game could evolve into an even more immersive and flexible experience. Whether you are a new player or a seasoned veteran, the game’s expansions continue to offer exciting new opportunities to explore the world of Tamriel in ways that were previously unimagined.
In conclusion, the expansive nature of “Call to Arms,” both in terms of gameplay and future developments, highlights the game’s potential to stand the test of time. Through its ever-growing range of expansions and its future integration with digital technologies, it promises a rich, engaging, and endlessly replayable experience for all those who venture into the realm of Tamriel.
Introduction to The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms
The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms (CtA) immerses players in the expansive world of Tamriel, offering a captivating tactical wargame experience. Inspired by the celebrated Elder Scrolls series, this miniatures game allows players to take control of legendary heroes, factions, and regions, each imbued with rich history and mythology. Whether you’re leading a band of Stormcloaks or commanding Imperial forces, CtA enables players to experience the thrill of combat, strategic maneuvers, and the immersive narrative elements that have made the Elder Scrolls universe so beloved. The game presents both challenges and rewards, requiring players to think critically, make tough decisions, and embrace the unpredictable nature of warfare in Tamriel.
Game Setup and Board Size
The layout of The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms is vital for ensuring a balanced and engaging experience. Recommended board sizes typically range between 24″x24″ and 36″x36″, providing ample room for strategic maneuvering and complex battlefield interactions. These dimensions allow players to utilize diverse movement strategies and create dynamic positioning opportunities for their forces. The setup may seem deceptively simple at first, but as you begin to arrange tokens, cards, and miniatures, you’ll quickly realize that managing the game’s components requires thoughtful organization. From tracking health and stamina to preparing spell cards and special tokens, the game demands careful attention to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gameplay experience.
Core Mechanics and Resource Management
At the core of CtA lies its distinctive Skill Test system, where every action — be it attacking, defending, or casting a spell — is influenced by a roll of Skill dice. The dice can either grant success, result in failure, or even produce a “miss,” introducing an element of randomness that keeps players on their toes. This mechanic adds depth and realism to the game, ensuring that no outcome is ever fully predictable. Another crucial aspect of the game is its resource management system. Players must keep track of three distinct resources: Stamina, Magicka, and Thu’um. Each resource plays a significant role in shaping the flow of the game. Stamina powers physical actions, Magicka fuels spellcasting, and Thu’um governs the legendary shouts of the Dragonborn. Strategic resource management becomes essential, as players must balance immediate actions with the preservation of resources for future turns, leading to a heightened sense of decision-making.
Heroes, Followers, and Character Customization
One of the standout features of CtA is the ability to control iconic heroes from the Elder Scrolls universe. Players can take charge of legendary characters, like the Dragonborn, equipping them with a range of weapons, armor, and magical items. The customization of heroes is particularly engaging, as each hero has two versions of their card: a base form and a leveled-up version. This provides players with the flexibility to tailor their hero’s abilities and stats to fit their playstyle. In addition to the heroes, players can also recruit followers. Though less customizable than the heroes, followers can still offer crucial support during gameplay. With preset equipment, followers bring tactical depth to the battlefield, providing valuable assistance without the need for extensive customization. The customization options for heroes provide an extra layer of personalization, making each player’s experience unique and rewarding.
Scenario Design and Replayability
CtA excels in its approach to scenario design, offering a wide variety of randomized quests and victory conditions. This ensures that no two games are ever the same, keeping the gameplay fresh and unpredictable. Players must adapt to different objectives and conditions, constantly shifting their strategy to meet the challenges at hand. Additionally, the game incorporates treasure and event decks, which introduce unexpected twists and surprises into the game. From securing rare loot to facing unforeseen challenges, these random events keep players on edge and heighten the excitement. While the inclusion of randomization fosters replayability, it can occasionally feel overwhelming, especially in the early stages of a game. However, as players become more experienced, they will learn to anticipate and adapt to these random elements, enhancing their overall strategic depth.
Adversary Activation and Tactical Challenges
The adversary activation system adds a significant layer of strategy to the game. At the start of each round, players activate adversaries according to a set of predefined rules, introducing new threats and challenges to the battlefield. These enemies may spawn on the field or activate based on their proximity to player characters, creating a dynamic and ever-changing combat environment. Players must constantly reevaluate their tactics, taking into consideration both their own actions and the behavior of the adversaries. This creates a constantly evolving game state, requiring players to stay alert and make tactical decisions on the fly. However, managing adversary activation can sometimes slow down gameplay, as players must reference tokens and consult various rulebooks. Streamlining this process could improve the flow of play, allowing players to focus more on the strategic elements of the game.
Token Management and Component Overload
For players unfamiliar with tabletop wargames, the volume of tokens in CtA can be daunting. Tokens are used to track everything from health and stamina to status effects such as poison, burning, and staggered. Each status condition requires its own distinct token, which can be cumbersome to manage on the battlefield. In addition to these essential tokens, there are also treasure markers, puzzle pieces, and mission objectives to keep track of. While these elements add thematic depth to the game, they can also create clutter on the playing field. Players may find themselves constantly searching for the right token or figure to represent a particular condition, which can detract from the overall flow of the game. Despite this, the sheer volume of components offers a level of depth and complexity that will appeal to players who enjoy a more intricate and detailed gaming experience.
The Rulebook: Clarity and Structure
The rulebook for The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms is an essential tool, providing the foundation for understanding the game’s mechanics and rules. While comprehensive, the rulebook is not always as user-friendly as it could be. The information is scattered across multiple sections, which can make it difficult for players to quickly reference specific rules during a game. For example, the rules for adversary activation are found in both the Event Phase chapter and the Adversary chapter, leading to frequent page-flipping in the middle of gameplay. While the rules themselves are not overly complex, the organization of the rulebook leaves something to be desired. Many players opt to create their own reference sheets or use online resources to assist with gameplay. Despite these shortcomings, the rulebook is a valuable resource for new players, though a more streamlined layout would undoubtedly improve the overall experience.
The Expansion Potential
The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms offers a captivating and strategic gameplay experience, but it’s clear that the game has room for growth. The core box introduces players to the rich world of Tamriel, yet many fans will find themselves yearning for more content and variety. Expansions for the game have already begun to add new factions, units, and gameplay rules, which promise to enhance the overall experience. However, the core game still leaves much to be desired in terms of unit diversity and progression. Those who are looking for a deeper role-playing experience may feel somewhat disappointed by the limited options for hero customization and unit progression. Nevertheless, the strategic depth, immersive narrative, and customizable gameplay make CtA an enjoyable experience for those who are willing to invest time in learning the intricacies of the game.
In conclusion, The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms is a game that offers a richly detailed world and a rewarding tactical experience. It presents a challenging yet engaging adventure for players who enjoy deep strategy and customization. While the game’s complexity and learning curve may deter casual players, those who are ready to embrace its challenges will find a satisfying and dynamic experience. Whether you’re a seasoned tabletop gamer or a dedicated Elder Scrolls fan, CtA provides an immersive wargame experience filled with strategic depth and endless possibilities.
Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms – An Immersive Tabletop Adaptation
The Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms (TES: CtA), developed by Modiphius Entertainment, is a narrative-driven tabletop miniatures game set in the beloved world of Tamriel. Launched in 2019, it invites players to dive into the conflict-ridden province of Skyrim, replicating the intense battles and rich storytelling found in the Elder Scrolls video games. This review explores the core elements of TES: CtA, including gameplay mechanics, components, aesthetics, and community support, highlighting how it translates a sprawling RPG universe into an engaging skirmish experience.
Game Overview and Setting
TES: CtA is designed as a skirmish-level miniatures game where players command small warbands to complete varied objectives inspired by Skyrim’s civil war and other iconic events. The game supports 1v1 duels as well as cooperative and solo play, accommodating different playstyles and preferences. Scenarios range from dungeon crawls, where stealth and careful planning take precedence, to open battlefield engagements emphasizing tactical positioning and combat prowess.
Set against the backdrop of Tamriel’s deep lore, the game captures the political turmoil between factions such as the Stormcloaks and the Imperial Legion, while also featuring classic enemies like Draugr, Bandits, and Dragons. The narrative aspect is emphasized through quest cards and mission objectives that push players to think beyond mere combat, incorporating elements like looting, stealth, and strategic use of terrain.
Components and Miniatures Quality
The core boxed set provides players with a comprehensive rulebook, custom dice, tokens, and cards that underpin the game’s mechanics. Modiphius offers miniatures in both hard plastic and resin, catering to collectors and hobbyists who value either durability or intricate detail. The models themselves are finely sculpted, capturing the gritty and varied aesthetics of Skyrim’s warriors, monsters, and heroes.
Starter factions such as the Imperial Legion and Stormcloaks are available in dedicated sets, allowing players to build their warbands easily. Beyond the starters, expansions introduce notable characters like Ulfric Stormcloak, General Tullius, and fearsome creatures such as Frost Trolls and Dragons, expanding tactical options and variety. Terrain pieces and scenic elements further enhance immersion by providing customizable battlefields reminiscent of Skyrim’s diverse landscapes.
Gameplay Mechanics and Strategic Depth
TES: CtA employs an alternating activation system, where players take turns activating individual miniatures, deciding whether to move, attack, or perform special actions. This system keeps the gameplay dynamic and interactive, requiring players to adapt constantly to their opponent’s moves and the evolving battlefield.
What sets TES: CtA apart is how it integrates Elder Scrolls-specific gameplay elements into the tabletop format. For example, mechanics such as pickpocketing, sneaking, and looting reflect iconic video game features and introduce non-combat strategies that reward clever play. The game also uses a card-driven initiative and event system, adding unpredictability and narrative flair to each session.
Scenarios in TES: CtA are diverse and narrative-rich, pushing players to explore multiple paths to victory. Some missions emphasize combat dominance, while others focus on objectives like treasure recovery or escorting NPCs. The inclusion of AI-controlled enemies and neutral monsters adds layers of challenge and replayability, making each game feel fresh.
Visual Appeal and Thematic Immersion
The visual design of TES: CtA is one of its strongest assets. Miniatures are meticulously detailed, offering a faithful representation of Skyrim’s inhabitants — from armored soldiers and mages to mythical beasts. The painting potential is immense, drawing hobbyists who enjoy personalizing their armies with Skyrim’s distinct color palettes and iconography.
Beyond miniatures, the game’s artwork, iconography, and terrain options contribute significantly to immersion. Battlegrounds can be customized to resemble snowy mountains, ancient ruins, or dense forests, echoing the atmospheric environments fans recognize from the video games. This dedication to thematic consistency helps players feel truly connected to the Elder Scrolls world.
Community and Ongoing Support
Modiphius Entertainment has fostered a vibrant community around TES: CtA through regular expansions, new miniatures, and mission packs. The company’s commitment to updating rules and releasing new content has sustained player interest and kept the game evolving.
The official forums and various online groups provide spaces for players to discuss strategies, share painted armies, and create custom scenarios. This active engagement has helped the game maintain relevance despite the competitive landscape of tabletop miniatures games.
Pros and Cons
TES: CtA offers a rich blend of narrative and tactical gameplay, making it an excellent choice for Elder Scrolls fans seeking a new way to experience Tamriel’s conflicts. Its detailed miniatures and thematic depth provide great hobby appeal, while the diverse scenarios ensure that no two games are alike.
However, some newcomers might find the rule set dense at first, especially if unfamiliar with miniatures gaming conventions. Additionally, as with many miniatures games, the cost of expanding your collection can grow quickly, particularly if aiming for fully painted and assembled armies.
Conclusion
Elder Scrolls: Call to Arms stands as a commendable adaptation of a vast video game franchise into the tabletop realm. It captures the spirit, conflict, and immersive storytelling of Skyrim, translating these elements into a compelling skirmish game. Whether you are a seasoned miniature gamer or a devoted Elder Scrolls enthusiast, TES: CtA offers an engaging and richly thematic experience that transports you directly into the heart of Tamriel’s most volatile battles.