PHALANX

Fast table-top gaming with model soldiers,

dice and rules covering the period

3000 BC - 1500 AD

For use with 6mm, 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, HO/OO and 25mm scales
Phalanx 3000BC - 1500AD DEMO VERSION 2
Welcome to another set of ancient wargame rules from Alienstar
Publishing. The other sets we do is Historicon, a fast play set with
lots of dice, System 4 (release late 2001) an in-depth Historical
set and FLD the fantasy version of System 4. Each was written
with a particular aim in mind. Where this set differs is that we have
concentrated on speed of play while maintaining a good level of
accuracy. We hope this is achieved by using efficient game mechanics
that take a pure mathematical approach. The fact that we programme
has a bearing on this. I hope you’ll find the logic submerged beneath
game terminology and classification so as to be invisible. This game
contains many radical systems, terminology and mechanics of which
combat resolution by one die is at the forefront. A lot of effort and
thinking went into this game, our hope is that you enjoy gaming with
Phalanx. To say that your gaming will never be the same again may
be an overstatement, perhaps at least, somewhat true.

We assume that you are familiar with, at least, basic wargaming

principles, so won’t bore the experienced here with verbose
explanations. For the new and uninitiated we are preparing an
introductory guide to wargaming and role playing, which I hope will
be of interest and whet the appetite for more.

Of course the term ‘war’ is synonymous with the hobby, I prefer the
term ‘gaming with model soldiers’ as I abhor violence. When we
talk of realism, we mean being realistic within the framework of
gaming with model soldiers, which of course is far removed from
the real thing and, therefore, totally unrealistic (there’s a paradox
here, somewhere, there). Therefore, war and wargaming cannot
be possibly confused. Wargaming is a misnomer, a bit of hobby
nomenclature. Please treat it as such. We are not warmongers.

EQUIPMENT.
To play this game you will need a number of model soldiers, hopefully
proudly painted, a table on which the game is played and some
model terrain. We’ll run through troops types, scales, setting up the
battle (terrain rules etc) and finally the battle rules.

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MODEL SCALE.
The most popular scale by far is 15mm. They are relatively
inexpensive and some makes are beautifully detailed. Other scales
have their own virtue, these are 25mm and 6mm. You can use either
with this set. My own preference is for the 25mm scale.

TROOP TYPES.
Your nicely painted figures should perform on the tabletop in a similar
fashion to how their real life counterparts acted on the battlefield. To
facilitate this effect we categorise troops according to a class. These
classes and their hierarchy are as follows.

There are four general classifications each with sub-classes, two

army classes and five integrity classes. The four General Classes
are FOOT, MOUNTED, EXPENDABLE and ANIMAL.

The sub-classes of the FOOT class are as follows;

HIP: Heavy Infantry Pikes. Foot troops in a solid close formation

armed with pikes. Advantage: Pikes are used in deep formation and
can roll over any but the most resolute foot. Disadvantage: Very
sensitive to difficult terrain. The deep mass made formation keeping
and manoeuvre difficult and terrain would also disrupt the formation.

HIS: Heavy Infantry Spears. Foot troops in close formation armed

with large shields and a long thrusting spear such as Spartan and
Greek Hoplites. Advantage: Their tight formation and large shields
gave them good resisting power. Disadvantage: Sensitive to difficult
terrain. Not very manoeuvrable, weak flanks, risk of being overlapped
or outflanked by light troops. Vulnerable to missiles if they have no
support from similar troops.

HIB: Heavy Infantry Bows. Close or Loose foot troops whose main
weapon of engagement is at a distance using bow, longbow, crossbow
or firearms in volleys of fire at command. Advantage: Particularly
effective against mounted troops. Disadvantage: Sensitive to difficult
terrain. Weak in melee, especially against mounted troops if they
manage to get into contact.

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HIN: Heavy Infantry. Foot troops whose main role is close combat
and armed with such weapons as the pilum, angon (or similar), or two
handed shafted weapons such as halberd or naginata, or with short
ranged throwing weapons such as javelin and/or dart. Advantage:
Strong against any foot except HIP in good order. Disadvantage:
Sensitive to difficult terrain. Can be prone to cavalry if caught in good
terrain.

HIW: Heavy Infantry Warband. Close formation foot troops whose

prime role was to break an enemy with a fanatic charge to contact.
Advantage: May sweep all before them, even HIP. Disadvantage:
Sensitive to difficult terrain. Prone to cavalry (but less so that LIW) if
caught in the open, formation keeping and control difficult due to their
irregular nature. LIS can fight them on even terms.

LIW: Light Infantry Warband. Loose formation foot troops whose

prime role was to break an enemy with a fanatic charge to contact.
Advantage: Immune to difficult terrain. May sweep all before them,
even HIP. LIW are more flexible in dealing with difficult terrain than
HIW, and can built up more speed and momentum in the charge
compared with the dense and slow moving formation of HIW. This
makes them very dangerous. Disadvantage: Prone to cavalry if
caught in the open, formation keeping and control difficult due to their
irregular nature. LIS can fight them on even terms.

LIS: Light Infantry Spears. Loose formation foot primarily armed

with large shields and a long thrusting weapon such as the lancea.
Advantage: Immune to difficult terrain, can avoid contact of close
formation troops and shoot or skirmish them at a distance, the
ideal counter to HIW and LIW. Able to Drive off LIN and VLI.
Disadvantage: Vulnerable to mounted troops.

LIN: Light Infantry. Loose formation foot armed with shield and
mainly javelins with the aim to skirmish a close formation battle line at
distance, evading if charged. Advantage: Immune to difficult terrain,
may slow or even halt the advance of close formation foot. Able to
drive off VLI. Disadvantage: Vulnerable in open terrain especially
against mounted troops.

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VLI: Very Light Infantry. Open formation foot armed with a variety
of missile weapons and perhaps shields. They persistently hang
around enemy foot causing a small number of casualties due to their
shooting perhaps forcing HI to halt and present shields. Advantage:
Can pester slow moving HI with a constant dribble of casualties and
running away if charged, VLI are used to slow and sometimes pin an
enemy unit. Disadvantage: Avoid melee with the enemy.

The sub-classes of the MOUNTED class are as follows.

CAT: Cataphracts and Knights. Mounted troops in loose or close

formation. Equipped in full metal armour of either plate or mail and
mounted on horses similarly equipped. Their role was a charge to
contact in the hope that the impetus and shock of contact would route
the enemy. Advantages: Only steady foot in deep formation could
resist the charge, others were just ridden down. Disadvantages:
They demonstrated a sensitivity to terrain, could be pestered and
taken in the flanks by LSC and are vulnerable to the massed missile
fire of HIB.

HCC: Heavy Charging Cavalry. Loose formation troops in partial

metal armour mounted on horses that are unarmoured or have partial
metal or cloth armour. Armed with a lance, their function was to
break the enemy with a charge to contact. Advantage: Only steady
foot in deep formation could resist the charge, others, except CAT
were ridden down. Disadvantages: They demonstrated a sensitivity
to terrain, could be pestered and taken in the flanks by LSC and are
vulnerable to the massed missile fire of HIB.

HSC: Heavy Skirmishing Cavalry. Loose formation troops in partial

metal armour mounted on horses that are unarmoured or have
partial metal or cloth armour. Primarily armed with javelins or bows,
their function was to weaken the enemy by skirmish shooting before
delivering the fatal charge. Advantages: Generally effective against
all troops especially the LI variants. Disadvantages: Can be ridden
down by CAT and HCC, sensitive to difficult terrain and the massed
fire of HIB.

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LSC: Light Skirmishing Cavalry. Un-armoured open formation troops
on un-armoured horses. Armed with bow or javelin. Their function was
to harass enemy troops, out manoeuvre and take them in the flanks
and to drive off the lighter foot troops. Advantages: Usually fast and
mobile, useful for scouting, fast strikes and getting behind the flank
lines on the enemy. Disadvantages: Avoid melee with the heavier
troop types unless at an advantage.

RSC: Royal Shakespeare Company. Loose formation thespians,

much ado about nothing save a good bloody slaughter.

The sub-class of the EXPENDABLE class is:

SCH: Scythed Chariots. Four horse scythed chariots with a crew of

one. Driven at high speed into enemy units, the driver bailing out
just before contact. Advantages: Can be effective against solid
targets such as HI variants and CAT. Disadvantages: Need good
terrain, can be countered by LI who can easily evade, distract and
re-mount.

The sub-classes of the ANIMAL class are:

CAM: Camels. These are treated as the camel equivalent of LSC

with similar advantages and disadvantages. In addition, some horses
were frightened of them.

PEL: Protected Elephants. Indian elephants protected with a

combination of metal and textile armour and with a tower howdah,
or a crew of up to six with supporting VLI on foot mounted on the
same base. Advantages: Very intimidating to close formation foot
who presented a nice solid target, some horse were afraid to close
with them. Disadvantages: Unreliable, even when trained, elephants
are by nature gentle creatures not well suited to war (Humans -
learn!). Can also be countered by the missiles and manoeuvrability
of light foot troops.

IND: Indian Elephants. Un-armoured Indian elephants, with or

without a howdah and a crew of up to four. Advantages: Very
intimidating to close formation foot who presented a nice solid target,
some horse were afraid to close with them.

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Disadvantages: Unreliable and can also be countered by the missiles
and manoeuvrability of light foot troops.

AFR: African Elephants. The small African Forest Elephant now

extinct. Up to 3ft smaller than the Indian. Used in a similar manner
with corresponding advantages and disadvantages. This is the
elephant Hannibal Barca used to invade the Roman Republic.

ARMY CLASSES
There are two army classes. Regular Army (RA) and InFormal (IF).

RA troops as the name suggests belong to a regular army, usually

professional and uniformed. RA troops are trained and disciplined to
obey orders. Whether in combat or manoeuvre, the emphasis is on
mutual co-operation. Advantages: Able to manoeuvre in small bodies
depending on other class definitions.

IF troops have a more informal organisation usually along tribal

or feudal lines or as a matter of social psychology. They fight as
a group of individuals. IF class troops are often difficult to control
due these reasons and to their personal motivation and/or dislike
for rigid command.

INTEGRITY CLASSES
Integrity encompasses such qualities as morale, determination, elan,
ferocity, discipline, steadfastness, loyalty, armour and the reaction to
the stress of combat. There are five integrity classes, these are:

Class V Troops of the highest quality morale, loyalty, training

and discipline if RA class or ferocity, frenzy and
zeal if IF class. Such examples as Spartan Hoplites,
some Gauls, Late Jewish zealots.

Class IV Troops exhibiting above average qualities of

morale, loyalty, training and discipline if RA class or
ferocity, frenzy and zeal if IF class. Such as Roman
Legionnaires, Argyraspids and Companions.

Class III Troops of average quality and ability such as Hoplites,

most cavalry and phalanx troops.

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Class II Troops of below average quality such as green, raw
or garrison troops.

Class I Troops of low or little combat ability, morale and

unit integrity. Fearful and reluctant to close with the
enemy. Troops such as levy fall into this class.

BASING AND ORGANISING YOUR TROOPS

PHALANX is an army level game. This means that you are an
army commander and concerned with the mechanics of that level
of command. Low level organisations and command is left to your
subordinates. Your subordinates know how to command their troops
and they, in turn, know how to fight. Therefore, we are not going to
organise the troops in a low-level fashion but as an ancient army
commander would view it: in lines and wings, or if you are a medieval
player, in battles.

The lowest tactical unit is what we call the Vignette. Your army is
comprised of 12 Vignettes. Vignettes are subdivided into tactical
units such as Mora, Cohortes or warbands. The below table gives
a number of options for the base size of each of your armies
vignettes.
Scale Option1 Option2 Option3
Scale Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
25mm 6cm 12cm 18cm
15-20mm 4cm 8cm 12cm
6mm 2cm 4cm 6cm
Table 1

You can choose any option depending on the number of figures you
have in your collection. You will find that the frontages of the vignettes
are multiples of the most commonly used frontages used in other
games, so re-basing is not required. Vignette depth is not critical, but
foot troops should be based two ranks deep. Mounted troops should
be based in one or two ranks as aesthetically pleasing ideally on a
base as deep as it is wide. Close formation troops should be mounted
on the base shoulder to shoulder, loose formation troops should have
about a one figure gap between them, open formation troops should
have a two or three figure gap between them. This is to reflect the
density of their formation and to make visible identification easier. RA

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class troops should be positioned evenly on the base while IF class
troops should have a disorganised irregular look. If you have mounted
your troops to another set of rules, no problem, just place the stands
together to form the vignette of the required size. Of course, if you base
your troops native to this set you can go to town on the modelling of
the base and create a truly inspiring model vignette, hence our term.
If you are basing your troops for use with this set then OPTION 2 (as
above) is the ‘standard’ vignette size.

A Vignette represents an average of 2000 HIP, 1500 HIS or 1000

other close formation troops (this is to reflect their historical depth),
750 loose formation troops or 500 open formation troops. If you are
using inherently small armies you can half this number.

We have chosen 12 vignettes as the army size, not just to share

commonality with another popular fast play set, but because this
number is divisible by 6, 4, 3 and 2 making organisation in to lines
and wings very efficient.

THE TABLE
The table that the game is played upon is a standard wargames
table that is usually 4’x4’, 6’x4’, 8’x4’ or 8’x5’ depending on scale
and room. The surface of the table is divided into 20’’, 16’’ or 12’’
squares as required. See “What table size shall I use” found at the
end of the rules. Carpet tiles are ideal for this or terrain blocks. Then,
for each square throw an eight sided dice on the below table, the
result is the terrain piece/type that occupies each square.
Score TERRAIN TYPE
1 to 4 No Terrain or open Area
5 Gentle Hill*
6 Steep Hill**
7 Wood**
8 Built up Area**
9+ Impassable Terrain
Terrain pieces cannot be any larger than the square that they are
in, nor smaller than half a square. Add two to the dice score when
throwing for the terrain type in the squares that border the table edge.
Impassable terrain is such as mountains, highland, swamp, bog, lake,

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sea or Major River. After Terrain has been placed, both players throw a
six-sided die. The player with the highest score can choose his table
edge and can remove up to two pieces, or swap the positions of two
pieces to his choice. If one player exceeds his opponents score by 5,
the looser must write down his order of march and then move in that
order across any one of the tables diagonals. The higher scoring may
deploy anywhere within 30cm of his opponent at any time during the
march. Then the first turn is decided by another die throw, the higher
score moving first. Terrain pieces marked * give a combat advantage
of +1 if higher up the slope than opponent. Terrain pieces marked **
give some troops moving into them a combat penalty.

TIME SCALE and BATTLE READINESS

Troops of this period did not have the same time consciousness
of today. Battles are considered to take place in the morning or
afternoon, generally being set pieces with both sides prepared.

DEPLOYMENT
You can deploy your troops in the following zones as the diagram of
the games table is demonstrated with diagonals in Fig. 1 below.

REAR ZONE

CENTRE SECTOR

FLANK CENTRE LINE FLANK

SECTOR SECTOR

CENTRE SECTOR

REAR ZONE

Using any one of the table sizes as on P9, the Rear Zone is 8in deep
as measured in from the table edge and the Flank Sector is 60cm if

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using an 8’ table, 45cm if using a 6’ table and 30cm if using a 4’ table,
as measured in from the table edge.

All your vignettes have to be initially deployed in the Rear Zone. They
can be either deployed in the Rear Zone of the Centre Sector or
the Rear Zone of the Flank Sectors. Some Vignettes can be placed
immediately behind another to increase combat advantage, in this
case they are treated as a single vignette. Unless permitted by the
army list, all vignettes must be deployed in one line, this is the MAIN
BATTLE LINE (MBL). The exception to this is LIS, LIN, VLI, LSC and
HSC which can be deployed in front of, to the side of, or behind the
MBL. There may not be a gap of greater than the frontage of three
vignettes (depending on what scale and Option you use, this distance
will vary) between any vignette of the MBL. Any section of the MBL
that extends into the Flank sectors at deployment are called Wings
(see Page 12). The narrowest gap that can be passed through is the
frontage of a vignette. LIS, LIN and LSC can pass through a gap of
half this. VLI can move through any troops belonging to their side.

For example, if you are using Option 2 in 15mm, the gap between
vignettes of the MBL cannot be greater than 24cm, the minimum
gap that a vignette can pass through is also 8cm. LIS, LIN, VLI and
LSC would be able to pass through a gap a 4cm. Have terrain pieces
further apart than the frontage of one of your vignettes.

MOVEMENT
The movement rate of Vignettes is as on the below table;

VIGNETTE TYPE TURN Good Going Bad Going

LSC: 180o 2 1 (cp)
HCC, HSC, SCH, CAM: 90o 1.5 0.5 (cp)
VLI: 180o 1.5 1.5
PEL, IND, AFR: 45o 1 0.5
LIW, LIS, LIN 90o 1 1
CAT, HIP/S/B/N/W: 45o 1 0.5 (cp)
Table 3

When any part of a vignette moves on or over a terrain piece described

as Steep Hill, Built-up-area or Wood as on Table 2 (Page 9) the entire

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vignette is counted as being in Bad Going. Movement along roads
negates the effect of Bad Going. In the Bad Going column (cp) means
that a combat penalty is conferred when this type of vignette is in
Bad Going. The TURN column gives the vignettes maximum turn rate
allowable per turn. Turning in bad going halves this. Vignettes with
a Good Going turn rate of 45o turn by holding one front corner still
and pivoting the other front corner. Other vignettes turn by pivoting
on the centre of their base. The figures in the Good Going and the
Bad Going columns are the vignettes move rates as expressed as
vignette widths. For example, 25mm VLI based as Option 2 will move
1.5 times its frontage, which is 18cm. The same vignette in 15mm
will move 12cm. Apart from turning the only other allowed voluntary
movement is straight ahead.

COMMAND AND CONTROL

The battle is won or lost either in the deployment section or here in the
Command and Control section. Good control can partly off-set a bad
deployment. You may divide your army in to three parts, the Centre
and two Wings. One vignette has to be nominated as having the
General, he must be represented by a suitable figure on the vignette,
this is called the General’s Vignette. The vignettes that belong to the
army centre must deploy in the Rear Zone of the Centre Sector. While
the vignettes that belong to the army wings must deploy in the Rear
Zone of the appropriate Flank Sector.

Linked Vignettes
There are two ways to link vignettes, an In-Line Link and a Support
Link. RA troops cannot be linked to IF troops.

In-Line Link: Two or more vignettes are placed together to form

a contiguous line two or more vignettes wide. If the In-Line Linked
vignettes turn, divide their turn rate as on Table 3 (Page 11) by the
number of vignettes in the link. If you like, you can leave a small gap
between the vignettes. HIP linked in this manner may not turn.

Support Link: Some Vignettes can be placed immediately behind

an other to create a double depth vignette, this is to confer a combat
advantage to its front. Linked vignettes are merged and are
counted as one vignette for the purposes of movement and
combat. Linking is permanent.

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ACTIVATION
Before you can exert any influence over a vignette, it must be
activated. This simulates messengers being despatched from you,
courier to destination and interpretation of orders. Activated vignettes
will carry out your orders while vignettes that are not activated may
act on their own initiative. The below table tells you the number of
activation points it takes to activate each single vignette or link.

Troop Class Activation Points Required

RA Class troops 1
IF Class troops 2

The minimum number of AP’s required is always 1. The number of

activation points required to activate a vignette or group of vignettes
that are linked is modified if any of the following apply:

+1 For every 4 vignette widths distant from the General.

+1 If line of sight is blocked from the General’s vignette.
+1 If any one of the vignettes in a link are Class I or Class II.
+2 If the vignette or link is crossing to/from flank/Centre sectors
-1 If the vignette is Class IV or Class V and RA.

The army lists will tell you the base number of Activation Points it has
to spend on activating vignettes. Vignettes that are not activated may
act on their own initiative. Throw a d6 on the below table.

Score Action Taken

Less Charge the nearest enemy, taking any amount of turns to do so.
1 Charge the nearest enemy to the front within ‘3’ and within
normal turn allowance otherwise do nothing.
2 Charge enemy that is directly ahead, or shoot.
3 Retreat two turns by moving directly to the rear.
4 As vignette to right, if none then as left otherwise halt.
5 As vignette to left, if none then as right otherwise halt.
6 Do nothing.
7+ As the player wishes.

Modify the die score if any of the below apply.

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-1 If the vignette is IF Class. -1 If the vignette is Class IV IF.
-2 If the vignette is Class V IF. +1 If the vignette is Class IV RA.
+2 If the vignette is Class V RA.

Phrases like ‘within 3’ means 3 frontages of the vignette. Please

remember that this varies with basing option and figure scale.

THE GAME TURN

After terrain has been laid out, the players take it in turns to deploy
one vignette at a time until all deployment is completed. Then both
players throw a d6, the higher score being the first to move (see The
Table (Page 9). Then on in, each player takes it in turns to go through
the following sequence.

A) Activate each vignette or group of linked vignettes as in the

ACTIVATION section as on Page 13. An army’s AP’s are modified
as on the below table:

Die Score AP’s modified by

1 -2
2 -1
3, 4 0
5 +1
6 +2

B) Move activated vignettes in any order as you see fit. If contact

is made with an opposing vignette you have the option of
either halting at contact or lining up the vignettes, you may
not exceeding your turn and move distance. The opponent’s
vignettes are not moved except some may evade contact.

C) Vignettes that are not activated and act on their own initiative
carry out their action here. Vignettes acting on their own
initiative can be moved in any order as required.

D) Shooting: Any activated vignette that can shoot and wishes to,
can do so in this phase. The target my return fire if they can and
wish to. See SHOOTING section on the next page.

D) Melee: Vignettes in contact engage in hand-to-hand combat.

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A move to contact is called a charge, it needs to be declared before
the vignette is moved. The target of the charge may counter-move
by declaring an evade. The evade move is made before the charge
move.

EVADING
LI may evade HI, LSC may evade any vignette, HCC, HSC, CAM
may evade HI. In this case LI refers to all LI classes and HI
refers to all HI classes. The evade move is made by moving the
evading vignette one full move to its rear, it still may face in the
same direction. Evaders may shoot at chargers if of a type able
to do so.

SHOOTING
Only HIB, LIN, VLI, HSC, CAM and LSC can shoot. In real life some
types of HI can shoot, this is generally HIN and HIS which can shoot
with dart, bow or light spear. In this case the shooting is considered
in support of the melee and is integrated in to melee factors. HIB
can shoot to 2*. LIN, VLI, HSC, CAM and LSC can only shoot to 1*.
*Means shooting range as expressed as vignette widths see Page 12
first paragraph. Any vignette that can shoot may shoot at vignettes
that have moved into contact with them before melee is conducted.
VLI and LSC can shoot all round, others can only shoot directly
ahead. Any effects are applied immediately. A vignette that is shot at
may shoot back after the shooters result is applied (if any) and if it's
of a type able to shoot.

METHOD: Nominate the shooter and target. Make sure that the
eligibility for shooting applies. Throw a die, apply any shooting
conditional modifiers and consult the shooting results table.

Shooting Conditional Modifiers:

+2 If HIB are shooting at any troops classed as Mounted or
Animal (see Page 3) and within 1* (see above).
+1 If the target is HIP, HIS, HIB or HIW.
-1 If the target ended its move in contact with the shooters. If
the target then receives an H result due to the shooting, the
target converts the H result into and R result..
-2 If the shooters have a combat penalty (Table 3 on Page 11).

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The shooting Results Table:

Vignette Class Die Score

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
HIB - - R RR B B
Other - - - H H R R

H means that the target has to Halt and cannot move during its
sides next turn. R means Repulsed, the target has to be immediately
moved back one full turn. B means the target is Broken if Mounted
otherwise RR. See RESULTS on P19 for definitions.

MELEE
When vignettes come into contact, melee occurs. The radical feature
of this set of rules is that combat is adjudicated using only one die.

METHOD: Cross reference your vignette’s General Class (Page 3)

and its Integrity Class (Page 7) with whether the opponent is FOOT or
MOUNTED/ANIMAL. The result is the base combat factor (cf).

Class Factor vs. Foot Factor vs. Mounted/Anim Disadvantage

I II III IV V I II III IV V
HIP 5 6 7 8 9 5 6 7 8 9 HIW, LIW, CAT, SCH.
HIS 4 5 6 7 9 4 5 6 7 8 HIW, LIW, CAT, SCH.
HIN 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 LIW, CAT, SCH
HIW 2 3 4 5 6 2 2 3 3 4 LIS, CAT, SCH.
HIB 1 2 3 4 4 1 2 2 3 3 MTD, SCH.
LIW 1 2 3 3 4 1 2 2 2 3 MTD, SCH.
LIS 1 2 3 4 - 1 2 2 3 - CAT, SCH.
LIN 1 2 2 3 - 1 1 2 2 - MTD.
VLI 1 1 1 1 - 1 1 1 1 - MTD.
CAT 3 4 5 6 7 3 4 5 6 7 EL, HIW, LIW.
HCC 2 3 4 5 6 2 3 4 5 6 EL
HSC 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 CAT, EL.
LSC 1 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 3 EL.
CAM 1 2 3 4 5 3 3 4 4 5
SCH - - 5 - - - - 4 - - LIS, LIN, VLI, HIB.
PEL 3 4 4 5 5 4 4 5 6 7 LIS, LIN, VLI, HIB.
IND 3 3 4 4 4 3 3 4 5 6 LIS, LIN, VLI, HIB.
AFR 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4 5 LIS, LIN, VLI, HIB.

Now modify the base combat factor (cf) with any applicable melee
conditional modifiers, deduct your opponents base combat factor,

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throw a die and cross reference your result on Table 8 (Page 18).
Your cf can go negative. A vignette fights the opponent with which it
shares most base contact. If a vignette is contacted by multiple melee
opponents, it fights against one only, the others supporting.

Melee Conditional Modifiers

Half Half base combat factor (cf) if the vignette in a melee has a
combat penalty as described in MOVEMENT on Page 11.

Half Half a vignettes cf if HIP, HIS, HIN, HIW, HIB or CAT is

contacted by an opponent in flank/rear or front and flank

-1 If the vignette is overlapped by an opposing vignette that

is contiguous to the vignette in contact to the front. The
overlapping vignette must have a total modified combat
factor that's at least half the vignette that it is overlapping.

-1 For every two R or RR accumulated if RA class troops.

-1 For every R result accumulated if IF class troops. An RR

result is counted as two R results.

-2 If fighting a vignette that is classed as a disadvantage as in

the right hand column on Table 7 (Page 16).

Half If the vignette is supported by a friendly vignette that is

support-linked and is placed immediately to its rear. Add
half of the supporting vignette’s base cf rounded up.

+2 If fighting a vignette that counts your vignette as a

disadvantage. E.G. : If your Vignette is HIW and you are
fighting an HIS vignette, you get the +2 in this case.

Only HIS, HIN and HSC may be supported, and only by LIN and VLI.
Here’s a quick example: Please study the diagram carefully,
SIDE A: HIN SIDE A: HIN SIDE A: HIN
SIDE B: HIS

In the example above, Side A are Class III and Side B are Class IV. It

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is Side B’s turn and he has just moved his HIS into contact with Side
A’s HIN as illustrated. The base combat factor for Side A is 5 and for
Side B the base combat factor is 7. However, a melee conditional
modifier is applicable. Side B’s vignette is overlapped as in the 3rd.
melee conditional modifier above, this means Side B’s combat factor
is reduced to 5 (he is overlapped twice, once on each flank). Both
sides fight on even terms. Side B’s player now rolls a die and consults
the Combat Results Table.

RESULTS
Lets recap. Cross reference your vignette’s General Sub-class (Page
2) and its Integrity Class (Page 6) with the opponents General Class,
whether it is FOOT or MOUNTED. The result is the base combat factor
(cf). In this case the ANIMAL General Class is counted as Mounted.
Now modify the base combat factor (cf) with any applicable melee
conditional modifiers (Pages 16 and 17), deduct your opponents base
combat factor against you (he does this in the same manner as you
have just done). Finally, throw a die and cross reference your result
on the Table 8 (Page 18). Your cf can go negative. The table gives
you the results for both sides. Combat Results Table is a three part
table as below:
The difference The difference
between the scores between the scores
is -3, -4, -5 or more is -1 or -2
The Result The Result
The Result The Result
in this in this
in this in this
column is column is
Die column is column is
applied applied
Score applied applied
to your to your
to your to your
Opponents Opponents
Vignette Vignette
Vignette Vignette
6 Repulsed Stand Stand Repulsed
5 Repulsed Stand Stand Repulsed
4 Break Stand Repulsed Stand
3 Break Stand Repulsed Stand
2 Break Stand Break Stand
1 Break Stand Break Stand

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The difference The difference
between the scores between the scores
is +1 or +2 is +3 or more
The Result The Result
The Result The Result
in this in this
in this in this
column is column is
Die column is column is
applied applied
Score applied applied
to your to your
to your to your
Opponents Opponents
Vignette Vignette
Vignette Vignette
6 Stand Break Stand Break
5 Stand Break Stand Break
4 Stand Repulsed Stand Break
3 Stand Repulsed Stand Break
2 Repulsed Stand Stand Repulsed
1 Repulsed Stand Stand Repulsed

Stand: The vignette

The difference
Stands its ground and,
between the scores remains where it is. It
is 0 (i.e. Scores Even) may carry on as normal.
The Result
The Result
in this Repulsed: This
in this
column is means the vignette is
Die column is
applied Repulsed and has to
Score applied
to your be immediately moved
to your
Opponents back the distance of
Vignette
Vignette one full turn and end
6 Stand Break facing opponents. If you
or the opponents are IF
5 Stand Repulsed Class III, IV or V they
4 Stand Repulsed must follow up a full
move, even if this means
3 Repulsed Stand
they may still maintain
2 Repulsed Stand contact.
1 Break Stand
Above in three parts Table 8

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RR: (From Shooting - Page 15/16) The vignette is Repulsed and
has to be immediately moved back the distance of TWO full
turns and end facing opponents. If you or the opponents
are IF Class III, IV or V they must follow up a full move. If
a vignette receiving an R or RR result means that their R
or RR move will take them into friends the R or RR result is
converted into a B result if the distance between them is half
of the R or RR move or less. Don't have your second line too
close.

Break: The vignette is broken in route and is removed from play. For
effect, the vignette can be turned about and make a few full
moves for a couple of turns fanning out the figures if this is
possible. LSC, LIS, LIN, LIW and VLI getting this result when
fighting any HI or any elephants convert this in to an RR
(double R) result instead unless the vignettes cf has already
been reduced to half or less (round up) in which case the B
result stands. This is treated as two simultaneous R results
as above.

On the example on Page 17 & 18, the player of Side B (it’s his turn)
throws on the Combat Results table and scores 3. Cross-referencing
3 with the 0 column (the result of the melee was 0), he finds that his
opponent Stands and he has to make an immediate Repulse move.
If he had scored 4 or more, his opponent would have had to make a
Repulse move while his vignette Stands. Simple.

CHARIOTS
Three and four horse chariots (4HC) are counted as HCC or HSC
depending on their real life role. Two horse chariots (2HC) are
counted as HSC or LSC, again, depending on their real life battlefield
use, formation etc. Full details to be given in our army lists.

VICTORY
When at least a third (round up) of the vignettes of the MBL are
broken (B result), or when any one of the army’s key vignettes (see
army list) get a B result, or when the General’s vignette gets a B
result that side has lost. If your army is allowed to deploy in multiple
lines, the side is defeated when any vignette of the last line is broken.
Remember, fortune favours the brave, the same with these rules.

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RECOMMENDED BASING
If you use other sets then you easily make up the required vignette
size by placing your bases together. This section is for those who wish
to base their figures native for use with this set only. We recommend
using Option 2 (Page 8) and 25mm or 15mm figures as a ‘standard’
format for use with these rules. See our website for pictures and
demos of the rules.

RECOVERY OF R AND RR RESULTS

On Page 17 there are two melee conditional modifiers (the 4th and
5th) that reduce a vignettes cf due to the accumulation of R and
RR results. For every turn an activated vignette is not involved with
combat, movement or is shot at, it can cancel out an accumulated -1.
This action, called rallying, will encourage players to keep pressure
on opposing vignettes in the attempt to wear them down. Also, keep
a reserve of fresh troops and commit them to battle at the appropriate
time. This is an optional rule.

RECORDING OF R AND RR RESULTS

As a suggestion, to record R and RR results use small coloured
elastic bands. When a vignette gets an R result, place a coloured
band on the vignette. When a vignette cancels out a -1, remove one
band. If the vignette is IF class, count an RR result as two R results.
This is an optional rule.

ARTILLERY
The period employed the use of torsion, counterweight and powder
artillery of various sizes. We classify them as amalgamated or
attached. The former are those weapons (of any type) used
collectively in a ‘battery’ and are treated as HIB. The latter are those
(generally smaller) weapons attached to foot vignettes. An example of
this would be balista attached to Cohortes. If the artillery is attached,
integrate an artillery model into that of the vignette, or place a model
touching the behind or the side edge of the vignette. The vignette
can shoot to 1 if attached and to 4 if amalgamated, both use the
‘Other’ row on the shooting results table that is on Page 16. In melee
a vignette with attached artillery gets a -1 melee conditional modifier.
Amalgamated artillery melee as HIB. This is an optional rule.

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FIELD DEFENCES
Some troops had the historical use of static field defences such as
stakes and palisade. Vignettes using such defences may not move
when deployed and must have the defences reproduced by model to
their front. A new combat conditional modifier needs to be introduced
as follows:

-1 If in melee with a vignette that is protected by static field

defences such as stakes or palisade.

This is an optional rule.

DETACHMENTS.
A Wing, including vignettes of the MBL that extend into the Flank
Sectors can be detached from the MBL and separate themselves
from the MBL by any distance. A detachment may cross into other
Sectors. Increase activation points by 1 when activating a detachment.
Detachments are ideal for flanking manoeuvres but may leave your
own flanks exposed. This is an optional rule.

CONVERSION
You may find the following chart helpful when moving from one set of
rules to another. For now we’ll have to limit the chart to DBA/DBM as
these are the most popular rules used in the UK.

Phalanx DBA/DBM Phalanx DBA/DBM

HIP Pikes CAT Knights (S)
HIS Spears HCC Knights
HIB Bows HSC Cavalry
HIN Blades LSC Light Horse
LIS Auxilia (S) PEL Elephants (S)
LIN Auxilia IND Elephants
LIW Warband AFR Elephants (I)
HIW Warband (S) SCH Scythed Chariots
VLI Psiloi CAM Cavalry

I hope that this will prove useful as a general guide, you’ll be able to
fit in more as you see appropriate.

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WHAT TABLE SHALL I USE
The below table gives you further details on what table, Tile and Flank
sector size you can use when using different options and scales.

Table Size (Feet and cms)

Used Basing Option 4’x4’ 6’x4’ 8’x4’ 8’x5’
120 x 120 180 x 120 240 x 120 240 x 150
25mm Option1 Yes Yes No No
25mm Option2 No Yes Yes Yes
25mm Option3 No No Yes Yes
15mm Option1 Yes No No No
15mm Option2 Yes Yes No No
15mm Option3 No Yes Yes No
6mm Option1 Yes No No No
6mm Option2 Yes No No No
6mm Option3 Yes Yes No No
Tile Size (inches) 12" 12" 16" 16" or 20"
Flank Sector 30cm 45cm 60cm 60cm

I hope the above table is self explanatory.

CONTACT
We value your comments, playing experience and feedback. If you
would like to email us please do so.

Email: info@[Link]

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THE LEGAL STUFF

© ASP Games 1988 - 2007. Although this publication is without

charge, it is not in the public domain. ASP Games (wholly owned
by Chris Bryant) own the copyright and intellectual property rights
wholly and exclusively. This publication is protected by international
copyright laws. You may distribute this product in any way you like,
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any amount of copies on your personal non-commercial printer and
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reward whatsoever or reproduce it in any shape or form whatsoever,
or modify, re-modify the pdf or reproduce it in any other format.

Please feel free to contact ASP Games on:

info@[Link]

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