I’ve been working on Bolivar’s Very Bad Day, my variant of Tilly’s Very Bad Day for the South American Wars of Liberation, for a while now. Years even. So I thought I’d make it available for download (thanks to Hugh for the nudge). It is only four pages long with another two for the Quick Reference Sheet (QRS). And there is a massive caveat: it is only Beta. I thought it better to get it out there and gather feedback. All feedback welcome.
Summary of “Bolivar’s Very Bad Day”
Bolivar’s Very Bad Day is a four-page variant of my earlier ruleset Tilly’s Very Bad Day, tailored to simulate the South American Wars of Liberation, particularly the campaigns of Simón Bolívar. The variant retains the fast-play nature and core mechanics of the original while adapting them for the unique conditions, unit types, and tactical realities of early 19th-century South America.
The title follows the established naming convention from the original system: a capable general brought low by military misfortune. Just as Tilly was mortally wounded at Rain, Bolívar suffered a dramatic reversal in 1814, culminating in defeats at La Puerta and Aragua de Barcelona. Exiled by his own side soon after, these events form Bolívar’s metaphorical “very bad day” — though he would ultimately return and lead much of South America to independence.
What’s New and Different:
1. Unit Types and Command Structure:
The rules introduce unit types specific to the Wars of Liberation, such as Gauchos/Llaneros for cavalry and two stand Battalions for regular infantry. Units can be Infantry (Battalion, Spearmen, Skirmisher, Rabble), Cavalry (Gauchos/Llaneros, Horse), Artillery (Light Gun, Howitzer, Heavy Gun), or Commanders (C-in-C, Brigadier). Commanders can have scenario-based traits (e.g. “Strategist”), and unit quality ranges from Superior to Raw, impacting resolve.
2. Resolve System and Unit Formation:
As in “Tilly”, Resolve is central, and most units are single stands. But formations and formation changes were a key part of warfare in this period so both Battalions and Spearmen are two-stand units. They must be in Formation (Line, Column, Square or March) and can Change Formation as part of a normal movement
3. Terrain and Movement Zones:
The variant emphasises terrain typical of the South American campaigns: hills, villages, and rough country are now central features. Movement is governed by zone classifications based on the degree of threat (Locked, Control, Threat, and Manoeuvre Zones). These zones limit what kinds of moves are possible.
4. Special Rules and Tactics:
Feigned Flight, a classic Gauchos/Llanero tactic, is now a one-use strategic play allowing a rallied-back cavalry unit to immediately countercharge. Pass Through simulates cavalry units disengaging after a tie in melee, adding historical flavour. Battalions can perform a passage of lines. Skirmishers and Gauchos/Llaneros may Evade, and artillery is immediately eliminated if contacted, underscoring their vulnerability.
5. Morale and Army Breakpoint:
Morale erosion mechanics and commander casualties directly impact Resolve, creating cascading effects. As in the parent game, the army loses when a third of its units are routed, reinforcing the fragility of revolutionary forces.
6. Rules Length
The currently published version of Tilly’s Very Bad Day rules are 70 pages long. In contrast. the initial version of Bolivar’s Very Bad Day is only four pages. It leaves out a lot of explanations, options, and special cases. Some people don’t like all that extra gloss (I’m thinking of you Jamie), so I left it out.
I hope “Bolivar’s Very Bad Day” is a lean yet robust ruleset that captures the asymmetric, dynamic nature of South America’s liberation wars. It maintains the clarity and structure of the original while injecting period – specific flavour and appropriate tweaks to mechanics, offering a fast, flavourful experience with high replay value.
Having said that the current version is still very much Beta. Feedback appreciated.
Download Bolivar’s Very Bad Day
You can download Boliars’s Very Bad Day as a PDF.
And you will need the QRS as well (PDF).
Versions
Version 0.5 Beta (10 May 2025) – First published (Beta) version