Historical Sandbox Wargaming ◆ Join the Faithful
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Historical Sandbox Wargaming ◆ Join the Faithful
The Seljuk Turks have taken Jerusalem and their westward expansions threaten the lands of the Byzantine Emperor, Alexios Komnenos. Long having fought to secure control of Asia Minor, he turns this threat into opportunity, and sends tales of Christian persecution, torture, and the desecration of holy sites to Pope Urban II.
The Pope, seeing a chance to both strengthen the prestige of the papacy and regain Christian control of the Holy Lands, implores all men of faith to Take the Cross and set forth on a war-pilgrimage to free Jerusalem from enemy control.
Hundreds of knights answer this call to arms, but thousands more answer from the masses of the pious, the so-called, ‘People’s Crusade’. Led by Peter the Hermit, a preacher bent on revenge for his torture at the hands of the infidels, and Count Emicho of Leningen, their host of warriors and peasants pillage and murder their way across Europe to arrive at Constantinople in the summer of 1096.
They are met with fierce resistance, with thousands slaughtered in the early stages of the fighting, but seasoned knights and zealous masses of crusaders arrive soon after, winning victories at Nicaea and Dorylaion. The Crusaders march on the great city of Antioch, once the dwelling place of the saints Paul and Peter, and a strategic key to the Euphrates frontier.
To take such a fortress city will exact a fearsome toll in blood and lives, but this is a price the Crusaders are only too willing to pay. Recapturing Antioch will be a significant victory for the forces of Christendom, and when the city falls, the road to Jerusalem and the rest of the Holy Land will be wide open.
The very best and worst of Mankind’s nature is revealed in this bloody conflict — a nature that fans a thirst for war that has echoed down through the centuries, and likely always will.
Martyrdom begins where history is at its most ferocious, the Crusades. Our launch box pits the Italo/Norman Crusaders against the Seljuk Turks, with the People's Crusade, Byzantine Empire, and Fatimids following close behind as additional factions.
From this foundation, Martyrdom aims to grow into a multi-period historical system spanning the ancient and medieval world. Armies of Antiquity through to the age of Pike and Shot. Our single ruleset will allow players to pitch sandbox battles of authentic forces from across history.
Our miniature range has been developed with serious historical rigour, drawing on early consultations with armour specialist Dr Toby Capwell on period weapons, armour and source methodology, and shaped by ongoing input from an Oxford-trained medieval historian. Every figure earns its place on the table by representing actual history and not an amalgamation.
And of course, the rules are free. Always.
Baldwin IV. Saladin. The Crusader States. The Mongols. New factions are in development — each one expanding the conflict across two centuries of Holy War.
Inspired by systems like Bolt Action, Baron's War, A Song of Ice and Fire, and The Old World, Martyrdom's ruleset balances ease of learning with genuine tactical depth. Rigorously playtested and shaped by the community, it is designed to support historical scenarios, sandbox matchups, and competitive play under a single unified framework.
The rules are free. Always. No supplements required to play a complete game.
Special rules like Zealot, Skirmisher, and Duelist are written in a universal framework applied consistently across every faction. No gotchas. No faction-specific exceptions you have to memorise. One language, every army.
Combat isn't just about casualties. Fatigue markers and morale checks represent battlefield exhaustion — manage your unit stamina or watch your army crumble.
No rigid turn structure. Activation is randomised, creating the fog of battle and forcing flexible thinking over predictable play-by-numbers.
Straightforward wound rolls and morale thresholds keep your eyes on the table. Tactical decisions take centre stage — not the rulebook.
No proprietary dice. No card decks. No stacks of bespoke tokens. A handful of universal markers and the core rules are all you need.
The core rules are free. Full stop. No supplement required to play a complete game. We believe the barrier to getting on the table should be as low as possible.
At Spearhead Studios we work exclusively with real creatives — 3D sculptors, illustrators, writers, and musicians from within the wargaming community. Every contributor is fully credited. Always.
Developed alongside historians including armour specialist Toby Capwell and crafted by sculptors with serious industry pedigree. Every figure earns its place on the battlefield.
Martyrdom is currently in development. For press, trade, and general enquiries — including playtesting opportunities and early access — get in touch directly.
