What happens when a world of charming, anteater-like creatures becomes trapped in a devastating industrial war? That is the unusual premise behind This Quar's War, a miniature wargaming setting that combines whimsical character designs with trench warfare, political revolutions, armoured tractors and generations of conflict.

Created by Joshua Qualtieri and developed through ZombieSmith, the Quar universe has grown into a distinctive tabletop gaming range supported by hard-plastic miniatures from Wargames Atlantic.

At the centre of the current range is Clash of Rhyfles, a narrative skirmish game where players command small patrols of Quar soldiers across the battlefields of Alwyd.

Unlike many science-fiction and fantasy wargames, This Quar's War does not revolve around powerful heroes, magic or enormous monsters. Instead, it focuses on ordinary soldiers, military traditions, political divisions and the small moments of courage that occur during a seemingly endless war.

In this beginner's guide, we'll explore the lore of the Quar, explain the major factions, examine the available miniature kits and recommend the best way to start playing in 2026.

What Is This Quar's War?

This Quar's War is a fictional military setting taking place on the world of Alwyd, home to the Quar: small, intelligent, long-snouted creatures whose societies have developed complicated political systems, military traditions and industrial technologies.

The Quar are immediately recognizable through their rounded bodies, long noses and distinctive uniforms.

Despite their friendly appearance, their world is anything but peaceful.

Alwyd has experienced centuries of conflict between rival kingdoms, republics, revolutionary movements and regional powers. Its armies fight with rifles, machine guns, artillery, cavalry and armoured vehicles.

The setting draws inspiration from late-19th- and early-20th-century military history, especially the First World War.

However, This Quar's War is not simply World War I with different miniatures. Its nations have their own histories, political motivations, equipment and traditions.

That combination of familiar military technology and entirely fictional societies gives the setting a distinctive identity.

The Origins of Quar: From ZombieSmith to Wargames Atlantic

The Quar were created by sculptor and artist Joshua Qualtieri, whose distinctive designs established the visual identity of the setting.

Through ZombieSmith, the range developed from characterful miniature sculpts into a fictional world with detailed military histories and dedicated tabletop rules.

Earlier editions of This Quar's War explored larger battles involving infantry formations, cavalry and armoured vehicles.

Over time, the range also developed smaller skirmish rules that allowed players to focus on individual soldiers and patrols.

The partnership with Wargames Atlantic helped introduce the Quar to a wider audience through multipart hard-plastic miniatures.

These plastic kits made it easier for players to build larger forces, customize individual soldiers and collect both sides of the conflict.

The Modern Clash of Rhyfles Game

Clash of Rhyfles is the current small-unit skirmish system set in the Quar universe.

It focuses on patrols of infantry and support troops carrying out missions across the battlefields of Alwyd.

The full rules also support cavalry, armoured vehicles and heavy weapons, allowing players to expand beyond basic infantry engagements.

The 2026 range continues to grow, with new factions and miniatures bringing additional regions of Alwyd into the conflict.

The Lore: Understanding the Long War

To understand This Quar's War, players first need to understand the conflict known as the Long War.

For generations, the nations of Alwyd have fought over political ideals, national independence, territory and competing visions of society.

Some nations defend established monarchies and traditional institutions. Others support revolutionary movements that seek to overthrow the old order.

The conflict has become deeply embedded in everyday life.

Military service, national traditions, industrial production and political identity are all shaped by the continuing war.

Yet the setting is not presented as a simple battle between good and evil.

Individual Quar soldiers often have more in common with the enemies facing them across a trench than with the political leaders directing the fighting.

This gives the setting its unusual emotional character. The Quar can be humorous, stubborn, brave and sympathetic even while participating in a destructive conflict.

Why the Setting Feels Like World War I

The influence of early industrial warfare is visible throughout the miniature range.

• Infantry carry rifles, automatic weapons and grenades.
• Officers and non-commissioned officers direct small units.
• Armoured tractors provide mobile firepower.
• Cavalry remains in service despite increasingly mechanized warfare.
• Trenches, barricades and ruined settlements dominate many battlefields.
• Traditional military uniforms coexist with modern weapons.

What makes the Quar different is how these elements are filtered through an original fictional world.

The result is a game that feels familiar to historical wargamers while offering far more freedom in creating battles, campaigns and miniature collections.

Quar Factions Explained: Which Army Should You Choose?

The world of Alwyd contains numerous nations and military organizations.

For beginners, the most important distinction is between the revolutionary Crusaders and the traditionalist Royalist nations, although the wider setting contains more complicated political relationships.

Not every faction has the same number of plastic kits. Crusaders and Coftyrans have established infantry and support ranges, while Western Arnyarans and Creevish are central to the newly redesigned starter set.

1. Crusaders: The Modernized Revolutionary Army

The Crusaders are one of the most recognizable factions in This Quar's War.

Their military organization was transformed by Alykinder's reforms, which emphasized standardization, improved logistics and more effective infantry tactics.

Crusader soldiers use relatively practical uniforms and standardized equipment, reflecting a military force concerned with efficiency rather than elaborate tradition.

Their infantry relies on coordinated squad tactics and experienced non-commissioned officers.

For collectors, the Crusaders are particularly attractive because they offer a complete military aesthetic with infantry, command figures, specialists, cavalry and armoured support.

Crusader Infantry Kit

The Wargames Atlantic Quar Crusader Infantry box builds 24 hard-plastic miniatures.

It includes weapon options such as:

• Ryshi heavy rifles
• Bogen combat rifles
• Alternative heads
• Additional equipment and customization components

The box also includes 24 dual-use 25mm bases.

This is one of the best starting purchases for a player who wants to build a Crusader patrol and later expand into a larger force.

Recommended for: beginners who prefer mobile infantry, modernized military equipment and a faction with several expansion options.

2. Coftyrans: Defenders of Tradition

The Coftyrans represent a very different military philosophy.

Their army, known as the Crymuster, is deeply connected to the traditions and identity of Coftyr.

Where Crusader equipment emphasizes mass production and practicality, Coftyran uniforms and military equipment preserve details associated with older military traditions.

Coftyran soldiers take pride in the quality of their weapons, clothing and regimental identity.

They are not technologically helpless traditionalists, however. Their forces use effective rifles, automatic weapons and armoured machinery.

Coftyran Infantry Kit

The Wargames Atlantic Quar Coftyran Infantry box builds 24 plastic soldiers.

Its weapon options include:

• Harlech long rifles
• Cryfen light machine guns
• Doru submachine guns
• Alternative heads and equipment

The kit includes 24 dual-use 25mm bases.

Coftyrans are an excellent choice for players who enjoy distinctive military uniforms and the theme of soldiers defending their homeland against a larger invading force.

Recommended for: collectors who enjoy traditional military aesthetics, varied infantry weapons and defensive scenarios.

3. Western Arnyarans: A New Front in the Long War

The Western Arnyarans feature prominently in the redesigned Clash of Rhyfles starter released in October 2026.

In the current storyline, Arnyaran forces have moved into Creevin, bringing new fighting to the region.

Their armies include the distinctive military traditions of western Alwyd, and their involvement expands the game's narrative beyond the familiar Crusader-versus-Coftyran conflict.

The new starter contains 12 Western Arnyaran Rhyflers, allowing players to begin a patrol immediately.

Recommended for: players interested in the latest storyline and the new two-player starter.

4. Creevish: The Trench Watch

The Creevish are the defenders of Creevin, a nation caught in the expanding conflict.

The Creevish Trench Watch has a strong defensive identity, with soldiers determined to resist the forces entering their homeland.

In the redesigned starter, the Creevish face Western Arnyaran troops in a new introductory conflict.

Players receive 12 Creevish Rhyflers, making them an accessible faction for learning the game.

Recommended for: players who enjoy defensive missions, trench warfare and the narrative of a smaller nation resisting invasion.

5. Fidwog: Regional Forces and Specialists

Fidwog is another nation involved in the Long War, with its own political identity and military traditions.

While its miniature range is less extensive than the Crusader and Coftyran plastic lines, specialist models allow collectors to add more regional character to their games.

TistaMinis lists the This Quar's War: Fidwog Specialists kit.

These miniatures are particularly useful for players who want to explore a less commonly represented faction or create narrative scenarios involving forces beyond the two major introductory armies.

Recommended for: established Quar collectors interested in expanding the setting and building unusual patrols.

Best Quar Starter Set: Clash of Rhyfles

The easiest way to begin playing This Quar's War is with a dedicated Clash of Rhyfles two-player starter.

However, there are now two different starter configurations that buyers should understand.

Original Starter: Crusaders vs Coftyrans

The original Wargames Atlantic starter features the two best-known opposing forces.

Contents	Quantity
Crusader miniatures	12
Coftyran miniatures	12
Hard-plastic bases	24
Activation cards	10
Six-sided dice	6
Introductory rulebook	48 pages
Cut-out terrain	Included on the box sides

This is an excellent starting point for players interested in the classic conflict between the Crusaders and Coftyrans.

TistaMinis has a listing for the original Clash of Rhyfles starter set. Check the listing for current stock, as the original configuration is distinct from the 2026 redesign.

New 2026 Starter: Western Arnyarans vs Creevish

The redesigned Clash of Rhyfles starter shifts the focus to the fighting in Creevin.

It includes:

• 12 Western Arnyaran Rhyflers
• 12 Creevish Rhyflers
• Full 140-plus-page rulebook
• Activation cards
• Unit cards for both factions
• Market and barricade scenery
• Quick-reference sheet
• Game tokens

The newer set is particularly attractive because it includes the expanded rules and introduces two factions that are central to the current storyline.

Quar Miniature Kits: What Should You Buy First?

One of the strengths of the modern Quar range is that players can start with infantry and gradually expand their patrols.

Wargames Atlantic's multipart plastic kits provide alternative weapons, heads and equipment, making it possible to personalize individual soldiers.

Crusader Command: Officers and Battlefield Personality

The Crusader Command kit is one of the most characterful products in the range.

It provides the components needed to create a command team, including officers, standard bearers, musicians and support specialists.

Some of the most memorable options include messenger squirrel handlers, reflecting the unusual humour of the Quar setting.

These details help establish the personality of a patrol beyond its basic weapons and uniforms.

The kit includes 12 dual-use 25mm bases and is designed to be compatible with other Crusader hard-plastic kits.

Buying recommendation: add Crusader Command after purchasing your first infantry box, especially if you want more distinctive leaders and narrative characters.

Coftyran Command: Leading the Crymuster

The Coftyran Command kit provides a similarly characterful collection of officers and support figures.

Its options include:

• Caerten officers
• Standard bearers
• Company drummers
• Support specialists
• Company cooks

These miniatures emphasize the traditional military culture of the Coftyran Crymuster.

They also provide excellent opportunities for hobbyists who enjoy painting banners, decorative uniforms and distinctive individual characters.

The kit includes 12 dual-use 25mm bases and compatible parts for Coftyran infantry conversions.

Crusader Cavalry: Mobility in a Mechanized War

One of the most interesting aspects of This Quar's War is that cavalry remains important even as industrial technology changes the battlefield.

Crusader cavalry ride creatures known as Cadier, which serve as mounts for scouts, raiders and mobile troops.

These cavalry units provide a striking visual contrast with the infantry and armoured tractors.

The Wargames Atlantic Crusader Cavalry kit contains:

• 8 mounted cavalry riders
• 8 dismounted troops
• 25mm round bases
• 25mm x 50mm cavalry bases

The dismounted figures are particularly useful because the full Clash of Rhyfles rules support cavalry fighting on foot after dismounting or losing their mounts.

For collectors, this makes the kit more flexible than a conventional cavalry set containing only mounted models.

Explore the Quar Crusader Cavalry kit at TistaMinis.

Coftyran Chyweethl Tractor: Armoured Support

Few miniature designs capture the personality of This Quar's War as effectively as its armoured tractors.

These vehicles combine early mechanized warfare with the distinctive industrial engineering of Alwyd.

The Coftyran Chyweethl Tractor is a hard-plastic vehicle kit that provides a larger modelling project for players expanding beyond infantry.

Its rugged plating, mechanical details and distinctive silhouette make it an excellent centrepiece for a Coftyran collection.

Armoured vehicles add new tactical considerations, including mobility, firepower and the need to protect them against opposing weapons.

Because vehicle rules are included in the expanded Clash of Rhyfles system rather than the free infantry-only introduction, beginners should learn the core game before adding a tractor.

View the Coftyran Chyweethl Tractor at TistaMinis.

How Does Clash of Rhyfles Play?

Clash of Rhyfles is a small-unit skirmish game built around tactical movement, ranged combat, close combat and unpredictable battlefield developments.

Players command individual Quar soldiers organized into patrols, with games focused on completing missions rather than simply eliminating every opposing miniature.

Double-Blind Activation

One of the game's defining features is its double-blind activation system.

Rather than following a completely predictable turn sequence, players must make decisions without knowing exactly how events will unfold.

This creates tension and encourages careful planning.

Sometimes a soldier will have the opportunity to move into cover or take a critical shot. At other times, an opponent may act before a planned manoeuvre can be completed.

The Pluck Mechanic

Clash of Rhyfles also uses a resource called Pluck.

This gives players a way to influence certain outcomes and creates additional decisions about when to commit resources.

Using Pluck at the right moment can be important, especially when a critical action or dangerous situation threatens the success of a mission.

Small Patrols and Individual Soldiers

Unlike large army games, Clash of Rhyfles focuses on a relatively small number of figures.

This allows players to give their soldiers names, create personal histories and develop campaigns around recurring characters.

The narrative emphasis suits the Quar setting particularly well because its fiction often concentrates on ordinary soldiers rather than legendary heroes.

Expanded Rules

The full Clash of Rhyfles rules add:

• Cavalry and mounted troops
• Armoured tractors and other vehicles
• Heavy weapons teams
• Additional special abilities
• Equipment traits
• Expanded scenarios

These additions make it possible to build more complex patrols while retaining the game's small-scale focus.

Are the Quar Rules Free?

Yes. Free core rules are available for players who want to learn infantry skirmishes before purchasing the complete game.

The free version provides the fundamental mechanics needed to command a small group of Rhyflers.

However, it does not contain the full range of vehicle, cavalry and heavy-weapon rules.

For those additional options, players should use the full Clash of Rhyfles rules.

Official downloads, current statistics and supporting documents can be found at Rhyfler.com.

Wargames Atlantic also provides free Clash of Rhyfles core rules.

How to Start Playing This Quar's War: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose Your Faction

For beginners, Crusaders and Coftyrans are especially convenient because both have established infantry and command kits.

Western Arnyarans and Creevish are excellent choices if you're purchasing the redesigned 2026 starter.

Choose the faction whose miniatures and background interest you most.

Step 2: Purchase a Starter or Infantry Box

The two-player starter is the easiest way to begin if you're learning with a friend.

If you're collecting one faction, a 24-model infantry box provides more than enough miniatures to experiment with small patrols.

Step 3: Download the Rules

Start with the free infantry rules and current unit profiles.

Read the activation and combat sections before assembling your entire collection.

Step 4: Assemble a Small Patrol

Begin with a handful of soldiers carrying basic weapons.

Include a leader and a few different infantry roles where permitted by the current rules.

Don't worry about fielding every model in the box immediately.

Step 5: Build a Simple Battlefield

A Quar battlefield can be created using relatively inexpensive terrain.

Start with:

• Low walls and barricades
• Trenches or earthworks
• Small rural buildings
• Fences and hedges
• Rocky terrain
• Crates and military supplies

The setting works particularly well with muddy countryside, damaged farms and early-industrial military positions.

Step 6: Play Your First Mission

Start with a straightforward encounter to learn activation, movement and shooting.

Once comfortable, introduce missions involving objectives, ambushes and defensive positions.

Step 7: Expand Your Collection

After several games, add command miniatures or specialist troops.

When you're comfortable with the full rules, consider cavalry and armoured tractors.

Best Quar Buying Paths for Different Players

Painting Quar Miniatures: Why They're Great Hobby Projects

The Quar are especially rewarding miniatures to paint because their unusual proportions and military clothing create a strong visual identity.

Unlike armies covered entirely in elaborate armour, Quar soldiers feature cloth uniforms, leather equipment, distinctive helmets and expressive faces.

This makes them suitable for both beginners and experienced painters.

Painting Crusaders

Crusader miniatures benefit from a practical military colour scheme.

Muted greens, browns, greys and other earthy colours help emphasize their modernized military identity.

Consistent uniforms make it easy to paint an entire patrol efficiently.

Painting Coftyrans

Coftyran uniforms provide more opportunities for contrasting colours, traditional military details and unit markings.

Leather equipment, regimental insignia and distinctive helmets can help make individual soldiers recognizable.

Painting Armoured Tractors

Quar vehicles are excellent projects for weathering techniques.

Try using:

• Chipped paint around armour edges
• Mud and dust effects on tracks
• Dark metallic colours for mechanical components
• Rust effects around exposed metal
• Regimental symbols and unit markings

These techniques help reinforce the industrial-war aesthetic of Alwyd.

Creating a Narrative Quar Campaign

One of the best ways to enjoy This Quar's War is to create a continuing campaign rather than playing unrelated battles.

For example, a Crusader patrol might be ordered to capture a bridge held by Coftyran defenders.

The next game could involve the surviving Coftyrans attempting to recover supplies or rescue a missing officer.

A third scenario might introduce an armoured tractor supporting an attack against the same position.

Because the game focuses on small patrols, players can give individual soldiers names and remember their achievements between battles.

The combination of serious warfare and unusual characters makes these stories particularly memorable.

Clash of Rhyfles vs This Quar's War: What's the Difference?

The names are closely connected but do not always refer to exactly the same game format.

The current Wargames Atlantic plastic miniatures are primarily marketed around Clash of Rhyfles.

Players interested in older mass-battle editions should check the relevant rules and miniature scale carefully, since not every edition uses the same model scale or basing conventions.

Is This Quar's War Worth Playing in 2026?

For players looking for something different from conventional fantasy and science-fiction wargames, This Quar's War has several appealing qualities.

Its world is distinctive, with detailed fictional history and military traditions.

The miniatures combine humour and personality with believable weapons and equipment.

Small patrols make the game approachable, while the expanded rules allow players to introduce cavalry, heavy weapons and vehicles.

The hard-plastic range also offers substantial customization potential.

Perhaps most importantly, the setting encourages narrative play. A small encounter between a few soldiers can feel significant because it takes place within a much larger ongoing conflict.

For collectors who enjoy games such as historical skirmish wargames, World War I-inspired settings or unusual independent miniature ranges, Clash of Rhyfles is well worth exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: A Small Game with an Enormous World

This Quar's War stands out because it combines two ideas that rarely appear together: charming miniature characters and a detailed setting inspired by the tragedy and complexity of industrial warfare.

The Quar themselves are memorable, but the world of Alwyd is what gives the game lasting appeal.

Crusaders fight for revolutionary ideals. Coftyrans defend traditional institutions. Western Arnyarans and Creevish soldiers battle over the future of their homeland. Across the continent, ordinary Quar continue serving in a war that has shaped their societies for generations.

For beginners, Clash of Rhyfles offers an accessible introduction through small patrols, free infantry rules and detailed hard-plastic miniatures.

The best starting point is a two-player starter or a box of Crusader or Coftyran Infantry. Once you've learned the game, command figures, specialists, cavalry and armoured tractors provide natural ways to expand.

With its distinctive lore, growing miniature range and emphasis on narrative tabletop gaming, This Quar's War is an excellent choice for hobbyists seeking something outside the mainstream.

Explore Wargames Atlantic miniatures at TistaMinis and discover your own corner of the Long War.