Lion Rampant: The Crusader States is an expansion for Lion Rampant. It works like an historical gamebook that explores the Middle East during the heyday of the Crusades, between 1097 and 1291. Become a crusader lord from Europe or the Holy Land, the commander of a Templar patrol or a group of leper knights, or an Italian pirate/merchant prince! Or perhaps you'd rather be the chief of a band of Assassins, a charismatic preacher of pilgrims, the boss of a marauder band, a Muslim emir, an African mercenary captain, the Lady of a castle defending her people, a Mongol commander, or a Byzantine or Armenian officer! This expansion brings them all to life. The Crusader States were the product of the First Crusade, and became a unique meeting point for people and military forces from all over Europe and the Middle East, but also as far afield as Asia and East Asia. Since these groups not only fought against, but also often with each other, it is possible to create assorted warbands or multiplayer games. This expansion includes historical information, new upgrades (from Greek fire to holy and magical characters and items), and twelve factions with unique features and special abilities from all groups that fought in and around the Crusader States. It also comprises scenarios that re-enact stories from medieval sources by Western, Byzantine, Armenian and Muslim authors. They have been selected in order to represent highlights in the story of the Crusader States and their neighbours, from the siege of Antioch in 1097-98 to the fall of Acre and the final execution of the Holy Land in 1291. -Description from cover