Inferno: Guelphs and Ghibellines Vie for Tuscany, 1259-1261 is the third volume in Volko Ruhnke’s Levy & Campaign series from GMT Games. After Nevsky took us to the frozen north and Almoravid to Reconquista Spain, this time we travel to 13th-Century Tuscany, where the comuni of Firenze and Siena stand at the head of the two great parties of the age. Ghibellines aligned with the Hohenstaufen imperial dynasty, Guelphs backed the Pope, and the whole region marched toward the bloody confrontation at Montaperti in September 1260.

The game was designed by expert Italian wargame designer Enrico Acerbi together with Volko Ruhnke, and it brings the age to life within Volko’s accessible medieval-operation system. What I appreciate most here is the effort put into depicting logistics – so important, yet so often underrepresented in wargames. We do not simply draw a line of supply; we have to gather, transport and then actually consume our provender. On top of that comes the Treachery mechanics, with rebel towns and castles switching sides along key roads – which quickly became one of my favorite aspects of this title.

I had a chance to play this title extensively – which resulted, among others, in my full review of the game. My experiences, observations and suggestions I gradually converted into a set of materials which I would like to share with Dear Readers today. Enjoy!

⬆️(First Look)⬆️
We start with a general overview of the game – its theme and historical background, the components, the core concepts of the Levy & Campaign system and what the Author decided to change after the success of Nevsky. This section serves as an ideal introduction, allowing Readers to quickly understand what the game offers and determine whether it might appeal to them.

⬆️(Teach & Play)⬆️
Next, we examine the rules in greater detail – a thorough explanation, with examples, of how to actually play Inferno. We go through the sequence of play, the Lord mats and their capabilities, the Levy and Campaign phases, and the logistics which sit at the heart of the whole system. This part is more procedural and explanatory, leading the Reader step by step through how the game operates. In many ways, it can also function as a practical alternative to studying the rulebook directly.

⬆️(New Mechanics)⬆️
If you are already familiar with earlier volumes of the series, this is the material for you. Here we focus on what Inferno brings that is new – the Treachery mechanics with rebel towns and castles, the distinctive Tuscan troop types like the plundering berrovieri horsemen, the famed elite crossbowmen and the palvesari shield bearers, as well as the way florins and the wealthy Tuscan strongholds shape the campaign. Cool stuff – especially to compare with your own observations after a few plays.

⬆️(Medieval Battles)⬆️
Last but not least – the most practical part. What is the best way to learn a game? By playing it! Here we look at how the medieval engagements are actually resolved in Inferno: the array of troops, the combat sequence, sieges of the Tuscan strongholds and the considerations behind committing your Lords to battle. All the earlier teachings, now in action.

The above set will give you a solid foundation in Inferno: Guelphs and Ghibellines Vie for Tuscany, 1259-1261. If you want to see the game in action across a full campaign, I also recommend the Replay and Tutorial series by Christophe Correia which I hosted on the blog (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3). Also, I hope I sparked a bit of interest in you to try this title – definitely recommended!