There are 5 core, historically based factions for the Oak & Iron Miniatures game. Each faction offers its own unique abilities and style of gameplay. When you choose to represent one of these nations you will gain access to new admirals and initiative card options for your squadrons. Each faction card has a nationality symbol and special rules that apply to all of the ships in a player’s Squadron.
In addition to national faction bonuses, your faction also determines the admirals and captains to which you have access. Each Oak & Iron Faction has 3- 5 Admirals, each with their own unique attributes and abilities. While an admiral is not required for your force, their bonuses can help lead you to victory and grant you additional initiative cards.
Official Oak & Iron Factions
Select one of the factions below to see our breakdown of the playstyle and pros & cons of each Oak & Iron nation, their admirals, and initiative cards. Each guide comes with our recommendations for how to take advantage of the features in building your Oak & Iron Squadrons.
Dutch
The Dutch are expert sailors and employ superior boarding tactics making them a brutal force in close combat. Their ships are sleek and have shallow drafts allowing them to sail into areas other ships can’t.
More about the Dutch Faction
English
The English Royal Navy was trained in using long-range gunnery from large warships. They prefer to smash their opponents at a distance before they close. Their sailors were led by a strong officer core whose experience helped them overcome many opponents.
More about the English Faction
French
Finesse and maneuverability are the foundation of the French Navy. Their vessels are swift, well-armed fleet. French tactical doctrines relied on proper positioning with the wind and disabling an opponent’s masts and rigging. Their crews were also skilled in small arms.
More about the French Faction
Pirates
The Pirates faction is a multi-national band of brigands that seek freedom and fortune on the high seas. Masters of deceit & trickery, they wield fear as a weapon. Because they are a rag-tag band without a national bank and taxes to support them, they don’t have access to the largest warships.
More about the Pirates Faction
Spanish
The Spanish are an aggressive and ruthless lot. Their ships are heavily built and focused on endurance and durability. They are a bit of a “tank” faction with a strong defense and heavy hitting small arms fire when up close and personal.
More about the Spanish Faction
Unofficial Factions:
The following are unofficial factions created to be compatible for play with the Oak & Iron historical miniatures game. These contain all the rules and content needed to represent a new nation in Oak & Iron.
Natives
The Natives are fighting to defend their homeland from foreign invaders. They may not have the advanced technology, but they have courage and stalwart resolve.
More about the Natives Faction