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Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2003 10:43 pm
Posts: 7925
Location: New Zealand
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(iblisdrax @ Aug. 18 2006,14:36)
QUOTE Which ancient rules would that be, M/C ?
ib
HI ib,
The rules are De Bellis Multitudinus (Latin for 'Battles of the Multitudes') by WRG. Good concise complete rules, but noted for cheap production with lack of pictures and examples. The competition rules are very nice, having been honed over many years, I really like the terrain and weather rules, which are basically:
To begin, both sides declare a season they wish to attack in (Summer, Winter, Autumn or Spring), and roll a D6 each. They add to this an Aggression Factor specific to their army (eg Alexander The Great's army would be 4, Gauls would be 2 - specified by the army list). Highest total is the Invader, lowest ?the defender.
The defender gets greater choice over the terrain (which is specific to his historical army/nation and specified by the army list), but the battle happens in the season chosen by the Invader. The difference in dice rolls (which will be 0-5) also determines the weather conditions, which are specific to the season, and defenders climate type (Cold, Warm, Tropical or Arid, again specified by the army list).
Weather can affect terrain - eg in winter roads often turn to mud which is difficult going, and combat factors - eg rain gives bowmen -1 to their shooting. Some effects can stop and start throughout the battle, like rain, wind direction etc.
Both dice added together gives the time after midnight that the battle starts.
The system is simple in its operation (just one dice throw), yet gives a great range of realistic and important factors which affected historical ancient battles. ?Eg sun dazzle, dust storms, fog etc.
Many people play without weather rules when learning the game, but add them in later once they have mastered the rest of the rules.
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