For some time now, I’ve thinking about running a short campaign with some friends inspired by the Wars of the Roses. My initial concept was to make it largely historically accurate, with the only fantastical element being perhaps some ‘witchcraft’ or alchemy based on historical examples. The setting would be England of that era, with the PCs uncovering a plot to murder a local lord.

The thing is – when I came up with this idea, I really didn’t have a system in mind yet. I was leaning towards a rules-light approach, with theatre-of-the-mind combat rather a war game approach, but I also want to provide a satisfying combat experience. When I pitched the idea, I mentioned Fate Accelerated, but I wasn’t committed to the idea.

What have people used for similar settings & game goals before? What worked for you – or what didn’t?

I’m open to any suggestions – even crunchy rule systems if they seem a good fit, as this idea has been a long time coming.

EDIT: some excellent suggestions! That was way more than I thought this would get & I'm very much appreciative!