I decided that cards are the way to handle random events for the campaign rules. I have listed out the key events that actually occurred and added a few generic events as well. These will be divided into events that happened in a particular year and those which could happen at any time. So for example in 1642 a Spanish ship ran aground off the North Lancashire coast and brought ashore a number of artillery pieces that were seen as a great prize by both sides. So I have a card which could come up in 1642 or 1643 of 'A Ship in Distress' It must be played at once and on a random dice throw it either founders at sea, reaches a safe port or is wrecked in one of the three coastal Hundreds at a random location. Cargo is then diced for. Other cards include Supply trains, bonuses for Digging defensive works, training troops and the like.
I have a set of general cards for use throughout the campaign plus a set of cards for specific years which are drawn as a replacement for a general use card that tells the player to draw an 'Annual Card'. Some cards must be played at once, some can be held back subject to only holding 4 cards at any time. Some force one particular side to carry out an action such as 'Reinforce the King' or 'Fairfax calls for Aid' no matter which player draws the card. Others apply to the player drawing them no matter which it is. Once I have completed the set I think I will see if my local print shop can put them onto good card stock and print a back to them to make clear if they must be played at once (to keep the players honest). The cards should look like something like this.
Hi Elenderil. Have a look at Artscow on the inter web. They allow you to design a pack of playing cards (with each card front and back being individual and with no need for regular card icons on them) which they then print off for a very small price on very good quality playing card type card. You can even jump on the back of other peoples work and modify it for your own usage.
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