Conquest: First Blood – The Skirmish Challenger to Rule Them All

Para Bellum Wargames has just unleashed the latest iteration of Conquest: First Blood, a skirmish wargame that has steadily carved out its own niche, positioning itself as a compelling alternative to the ubiquitous Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team. For those of us who appreciate tactical depth beyond mere dice rolls and a narrative canvas that rewards engagement, First Blood has always been a system worth watching. Now, with a refined rule set and a fresh wave of warbands, it demands our attention.

At its core, Conquest: First Blood is a brilliant distillation of its larger sibling, Conquest: The Last Argument of Kings, retaining much of the strategic DNA while streamlining for smaller engagements. This isn't just a "lite" version; it's a distinct game designed for a different scale of conflict. The defining mechanic, undoubtedly, is the Command Stack. Instead of alternating turns or complex initiative rolls, players build a hidden stack of command cards, activating units in the order they've chosen. This creates a fascinating layer of strategic bluff and counter-play, forcing players to predict their opponent's moves while planning their own. Do you activate your heavy hitters early to seize an objective, or hold them back to counter a threat? This system alone elevates First Blood beyond many of its peers, providing a dynamic, unpredictable flow that feels less like a chess match and more like a fluid, desperate skirmish.

Unit activation is further nuanced by "Resolve," Conquest's unique take on wounds and morale. Instead of simply removing models, units accumulate Resolve tokens, which degrade their effectiveness and can eventually lead to their breaking and fleeing. This means every hit matters, but a unit isn't immediately out of the fight. It creates tense moments where a battered unit might still hold the line, albeit less effectively, adding a layer of tactical decision-making regarding when to push an advantage or consolidate. The new warbands further expand these tactical options, introducing specialized units and unique abilities that interact with the core rules in fresh ways, ensuring that each faction feels distinct not just in aesthetic, but in playstyle.

While the crunch is satisfying, it's the rich world of Aethel that truly brings First Blood to life. This isn't just a generic fantasy world; it's a realm teetering on the brink, where ancient powers stir and disparate factions vie for survival or dominance. First Blood allows players to zoom in on the desperate, ground-level conflicts that define this world. A Hundred Kingdoms patrol clashing with a raiding party of Nords, a cunning Spire vanguard attempting to capture a Dweghom relic, or a Spires Biomancer experimenting with battlefield mutations – these small encounters are the capillaries of the larger narrative. Each warband isn't just a collection of models; it's a story waiting to unfold. The updated rules and new unit profiles often reflect the evolving lore, providing mechanical representation of a faction's current struggles or new discoveries within the ever-expanding narrative of Para Bellum Wargames. This connection between the grand narrative and the individual skirmish enriches every game, making victories and defeats feel more meaningful within the broader struggle for Aethel.

Conquest: First Blood delivers a skirmish experience that is both deeply tactical and remarkably fluid. Games play out relatively quickly, making it an excellent choice for a night of multiple matches or as an accessible entry point into the wider Conquest universe. The low model count reduces the barrier to entry, both in terms of cost and painting commitment, which is a huge plus for new players or those looking for a secondary game system. The Command Stack ensures that every turn presents meaningful choices, keeping both players engaged throughout. It avoids the pitfall of many skirmish games where one player simply reacts to the other, instead fostering a dynamic back-and-forth that rewards foresight and adaptability. For those seeking a skirmish game that offers genuine strategic depth without sacrificing narrative immersion, First Blood is not just a viable alternative; it's a compelling primary system. It’s a testament to Para Bellum’s commitment to quality design that they continue to refine and expand this excellent system, offering a truly engaging tabletop experience that stands proudly alongside, or indeed above, many of its competitors.