Last Update: 02-Oct-05
Publishing Free Wargames Rules on the Web
As you may have noticed not much has changed on the site for some time. Unfortunately the pressure of the real world has delayed a number of our ongoing projects and the almost complete absence of feedback via the Yahoo group has considerably slowed the progress of the playtest sets. We are hoping to get things back on track but in the meanwhile if you download any of our rules and try them please visit or subscribe to our rules discussion group and let us know what you think!
OCULUS was formed by wargamers to write and publish wargames rules and scenarios on the web. OCULUS rules and scenarios are provided entirely free of charge. Our only proviso is that OCULUS publications must not be sold (if we aren't making any money from them we don't see why someone else should!).
However, if you do enjoy any OCULUS product then we would like you to:
If you don't like an OCULUS product or have any suggestions for improvement we would still like you to tell us (but please be gentle!).
OCULUS is home to the following rule sets, just click on the logo to go to the relevant page:
Napoleonic skirmish rules
Ever wanted to recreate Sharpe? Then you should try Chosen Men!
One of the simplest rule systems available. Chosen Men doesn't provide a quick reference sheet as all the rules fit on to 1 side of A4 (and not in microscopic print either!).
The rules are intended for use with individually based figures with players controlling one or two squads each.
World War 2 skirmish rules
Having bad luck with your dice throws? No worries Hit the Deck! doesn't need them! The system is based on using playing cards thus guaranteeing an even distribution of numbers (no more 10 ones in a row!).
Hit the Deck! uses a simple system and emphasises player involvement. But purists should note that it is more Holywood than simulation.
The rules are intended for use with individually based figures with the players controlling one or two figures each.
Skirmish rules for Roland's last stand!
Want to recreate a desperate rearguard action against the Saracens? That's the sole purpose of Monjoie!
Monjoie! is a set of skirmish rules designed to provide an entertaing wargame based on the Song of Roland. It allows the players to take the part of Count Roland, the commander of Charlemagne's rearguard, and his valiant men fighting a desperate action to hold the Saracens at the past at Rencevals to enable the main army to prepare. The umpire takes the part of the waves of Saracens.
The rules are intended for use with individually based 25mm/28mm figures with players controlling one or two heroes and their retinues each.
The following rule sets are available for you to playtest (but please give us some feedback!), just click on the logo to go to the relevant page:
Skirmish level rules for the frontiers of the Late Roman Empire
PAX ROMANA is designed to represent small-scale actions on the frontier of the Roman Empire in the late 4th or early 5th Century. It is intended to be simple and fun - any relationship to historical reality is purely co-incidental. The original inspiration for these rules was Chosen Men, from which many of the mechanisms are derived.
The rules are intended for use with individually based 25mm/28mm figures with players controlling several units of 6-12 figures each.
Warband level rules for the Dark Ages
Like the Gripping Beast or Foundry Dark Age figures? Want to recreate the Battles of Brunanburh or Maldon? Then WEROD could be for you!
WEROD is a set of warband level rules for the Dark Ages. It covers the Age of Arthur through to the Norman Conquest and allows you to use the tactics of the period, shieldwalls and svinfylking. Optional rules are also provided for those interested in recreating the battles from Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles.
The rules are intended for use with individually based 25mm/28mm figures with players controlling one or two warbands each.
Skirmish rules for 11th - 13th Centuries
Interested in the Middle Ages? Crusader will allow you to recreate small actions across Europe or the Middle East.
Crusader is a set of skirmish level rules for the 11th - 13th Centuries. It places you in the role of the Knights leading your retinue.
The rules are intended for use with individually based 25/28mm figures with players controlling two or three knights and 10-20 infantry.
Skirmish rules for the Border Reivers
Reiver at heart? Fancy leading a Hot Trod? The Fyre & Sworde may be the rules for you!
Fyre & Sworde is a set of skirmish level rules based around our popular Chosen Men rules - ones of the simplest sets of rules around. We have tried to add the necessary "flavour" without affecting the simplicity of the system.
The rules are intended for use with individually based 25/28mm figures with players controlling a group of 5-10 Reivers.
Rules for small engagements in the 18th Century
Interested in the Seven Years War or the French & Indian Wars? Grenadier will allow you to recreate small actions in Europe or New France.
Grenadier is a concise set of small action rules for the 18th Century. It places you in the role of the officer leading your company.
The rules are intended for use with 3 per base 15mm figures with players controlling two or more units.
Skirmish rules for World War 2
Ever wanted to game Band of Brothers? Easy Company will allow you to recreate the action!
Easy Company is a set of skirmish level rules for World War 2. It puts you in the role of the NCO leading a squad of men.
The rules are intended for use with individually based 20mm figures with players controlling one squad each.
Modern hostage rescue skirmish rules
Remember the Iranian Embassy seige? Like Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six? Then try CQB!
CQB is not intended to be a simulation (it doesn't take 5 real hours to play 5 game seconds!) but rather a fast paced skirmish game. CQB will include all the relevant references and equipment to allow you to recreate a variety of scenarios from around the globe.
The rules are intended for use with individually based 20mm or larger figures with players controlling one to five figures each.
The following rule sets are current under development and should be released soon for playtesting:
Wargames rules for 11th - 13th Centuries
Interested in the Crusades? Saracen will allow you to recreate the larger actions than Crusader allows.
Saracen will allow battles of the Crusades and the Reconquista to be replayed.
The rules are intended for use with individually based 25/28mm figures with players controlling anything many units.
Wargames rules for the Wars in Tudor Ireland
Interested in recreating the engagements of Tyrone's Rebellion? Gallóglaigh will enable you to refight the war between the Irish and Queen Elizabeth I between 1594 and 1603.
Gallóglaigh will be a set of mid-level rules for the late 16th Century. It will place you in the role of the captain or constable leading your company.
The rules are intended for use with individually based 25/28mm figures with players controlling two or three captains/constables and their companies of infantry or cornets of cavalry.
Either ask us if we're interested in producing a new set of rules (no promises!) or go to our links page to visit other free rules sites.
The best way is to visit or subscribe to our rules discussion group.
