Rules for Ancients Wargaming.

by Norm Asquith

Why write another set of Ancients figurine wargaming
Rules?

Usually because the rules available are felt to be
inadequate in some way. So the question that must arise
is " what do I want in a set of Rules?"  This is the
critical question, for the answer defines the structure
of the Rules that we develop.  In my case the most
important need was - simplicity with realism. This should
give a set of Rules that a novice to Ancients can
comprehend and enjoy with a minimum of confusion or
conflict with the popular history of a period.  The
"minimum" above however, will inevitably conflict with
the need to have scope for tactical ability,
understanding troop capabilities, planning beyond the
current situation, knowing your enemy, decision making on
often inadequate information, - in short, GENERALSHIP.

So, the guidelines are to be: Simplicity, Historical
flavor, Tactically challenging, Fun.  The last category
requires that there be a minimum of disruption to the
flow of the game, so as little paperwork as possible is a
crucial element.

The Mechanisms of the Rules

Rebasing of figures. Definitely no. The Rules describe
troops as elements but also as the equivalent figures to
make up an element. Casualties are in single figures, the
"element" is only a convenience and it is more satisfying
and realistic to see a units deplete as casualties mount.

Paperwork. The only times that you may need to lay pencil
to paper is to describe troops in ambush or for drawing
maps of deployment (optional).  Cardboard squares marked
on one side with an "A" or *  are placed face down and
turned over simultaneously to denote either: 1/ advancing
on or reacting to your opponent, 2/ attempting a charge
or not charging.

Casualties. Sections of coloured pipe cleaner in four
colours are used to show morale state and casualties (or
remove figures). Add a D6, tape measure and you have all
the equipment needed to play.

What determines who wins ? The results of a battle rests
on generalship and the "fortunes of war" or random die
roll. The possible variations in dice throw are less than
in other rules. Generalship consists of looking ahead,
manoeuvre, knowing the troop types and their abilities
and understanding that MORALE was the crucial determiner
of Ancients battles.

Manoeuvre is the art of figurine wargaming. The hairy
question when writing Rules is "how do we move two
opposing armies fairly?"  Simultaneous movement is more
realistic but more difficult to do if the relative moving
of troops is critical at crunch time. The system adopted
starts with hidden marking for advances or reacts of the
troops. Then both sides dice and movement starts from the
right of the player with the highest die roll. Troops
move in sequence from the right (as above) and if two
measure equal them dice it!  The troops marked for
advance are done first, then troops reacting and then
marches. Troops can move and formation change depending
on type (regular/irregular), formation and circumstance.
Open formation skirmishing troops move identically. When
reacting to an enemy charge troops may manoeuvre
depending on a morale test an the distance to the
charging enemy.

There are two movement rates: tactical moves and march
moves in column. March moves are simply two tactical
moves. After various schemes for moving through terrain
we settled on moving at half speed through delaying
terrain as this gives a flexible and easy to pro-rata
system. As usual, simplicity proves to be best.

Combat. To "get stuck in" troops must charge. To be
realistic this must be governed by morale and control.
The Rules support linear formations through morale and
control test factors for mutual support.  A unit isolated
will rarely get off a charge unless their enemy is
vulnerable to a flank or rear charge.

Weapon Factors. As always, a great area for debate and
discussion. The most noticeable change is that mounted
spear and lance are separate items. The Rules cover from
the earliest times to the pre-knight era. Anyone with
Knight armies can count Knights as super heavy cavalry,
or introduce their own factors.

Summary

The Rules have proved to be quick to learn and fast to
use. They seem to cover the historical side adequately,
but of necessity cater for the broad majority of
historical circumstance. To depict more closely a
particular period then I urge gamers to add your own
conditions or factors, particularly for campaigns!  Best
of all, the Rules are free. We intend to issue
improvements once a year, so if anyone can see an
improvement then put it forward.  Development and
playtesting has been carried out with the assistance of
Selwyn Peake, Jonathon Marshallsay and Simon Wheaton and
improvements will be reviewed my them and myself.