Ancient Warrior Battles

V1.7
8.4 Post combat conforming .................... 16
Ancient Warrior 8.5 Echelon units (defence in depth) ....... 16
8.6 Camps ................................................ 16
Battles 8.7 Scythed Chariots (untested)............... 16
Version 1.7 FINAL 8.8 Artillery (untested)............................. 16
Shaun Travers 8.9 War Wagons (untested) ..................... 17
September 2012 8.10 Crossbow, Longbow, Handguns
© Copyright Shaun Travers 2012 (untested)......................................................... 17
9 Recommended optional rules ..................... 17
Table of Contents 9.1 Stricter group rules ............................ 17
1 Introduction................................................... 1 9.2 Stop on breakpoint............................. 17
1.1 Scale..................................................... 1 9.3 More impetuosity............................... 17
1.2 Equipment ............................................ 2 9.4 Foot generals...................................... 17
2 Units.............................................................. 2 9.5 SI and LI in Mounted support............ 17
2.1 Describing a unit .................................. 2 9.6 Units returning from off board .......... 18
2.2 Point cost.............................................. 3 10 Example Units ............................................ 19
2.3 Dismounting units ................................ 4 11 Example of Play ......................................... 20
2.4 Unit status ............................................ 4 12 Army Deployment and Tactics................... 23
2.5 Army characteristics............................. 4 12.1 Process ............................................... 23
3 Set Up ........................................................... 4 12.2 Army Type......................................... 23
3.1 Board size............................................. 4 12.3 Tactic selection .................................. 23
3.2 General command ability ..................... 4 12.4 Tactic Description.............................. 23
3.3 Attacker/defender................................. 4 13 Designer Notes ........................................... 25
3.4 Terrain.................................................. 5
3.5 Army Setup .......................................... 6
3.6 Army breakpoint .................................. 6
3.7 Army morale test.................................. 6
1 Introduction
3.8 Victory ................................................. 6 These rules are based on my own fast ancient
4 Sequence of play........................................... 6 battles (derived from Bill Bank’s Ancients) but
4.1 Group action responses ........................ 6 influenced by Justified Ancients and to some
4.2 Left to Right clarification..................... 7 extent by Rally Round the King as troops
4.3 Tests, commands and actions............... 7 automatically react to some enemy actions. The
5 Move commands........................................... 7 aim is for a fast (30-40 minutes) satisfying solo-
5.1 General’s command ability .................. 7 friendly game on a 2’x2’ board with 15mm figures.
5.2 Issuing Move Commands..................... 7 The latest version may be found online at
5.3 Move .................................................... 8 http://shaun-wargaming-
5.4 Complex move ..................................... 9 minis.blogspot.com.au/p/ancient-warrior-
5.5 Reform ................................................. 9 battles.html
5.6 Charging............................................... 9
5.7 Pursuit ................................................ 10 1.1 Scale
5.8 Movement Rates ................................ 10
5.9 Terrain effects on movement ............. 10 1.1.1 Turn Length
5.10 Proximity Zone .................................. 10 One turn is approximately 15-30 minutes. One unit
5.11 The General........................................ 10 is 400-1500 soldiers.
5.12 Moving off the board ......................... 11
6 Action Tests ................................................ 11 1.1.2 Base size
6.1 Involuntary actions............................. 11
6.2 Army Morale Test .............................. 12 Designed to play with 15mm figures and the
6.3 Proximity Zone Test........................... 12 following base sizes:
6.4 Charged Test ...................................... 13
7 Firing........................................................... 13 Base Width Depth
7.1 Firing Process..................................... 13 Infantry 40mm 20mm
7.2 Fired-on Test ...................................... 13 Cavalry 40mm 30mm
8 Close Combat.............................................. 14 Elephants, Chariots, Camps 40mm 40mm
8.1 When to do close combat ................... 14
8.2 Process ............................................... 14 Depth is not too important and variations do not
8.3 Close Combat Test ............................. 15 significantly influence the game. Width is

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 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
important; if each side is using the same width then
it is fine to differ from 40mm.
A base is a unit is an element.
Usually, units defined as Close Order units have
four figures to a base, Loose Order three,
Skirmishers two, elephants and chariots one. Each
side's general is represented by an individual
figure.
1.1.3 Ranges
Measurement is in centimetres and all distances
but wheeling is proportional to the base width. The
rules assume all base widths are 4cm. If using
larger or smaller base widths, proportionally alter
the measurements. For example, if using 6cm base
widths treat each cm in the rules as 1.5cm.
1.2 Equipment
Two D6 – one for each side, a tape measure or
ruler with increments of 4cm and markers for
disorder and depletion. And figures.
2 Units
2.1 Describing a unit
Units are described by a number of attributes:
• Type
• Armour
• Order
• Fortitude
• Abilities
Additionally, unit types are grouped into classes
for easier reference, and the attributes of a unit
allow a point cost to be associated with a unit.
2.1.1 Unit Types
These are all the unit types in the game:
Heavy Infantry (HI): Infantry in a formed mass
whose primary function is to engage and destroy
the enemy in melee. These troops may as a
secondary function carry a bow.
Light Infantry (LI): Generally loose order
infantry armed with javelins and are poor in melee.
Occasionally they may be armed with bows such
as English longbowmen or early Biblical era
bowmen
Skirmish Infantry (SI): Archers, javelineers or
slingers in open (skirmish) order. Their role is to
disorder the enemy through missiles and run away
rather than fight in close combat.
Cataphracts (CAT): Close order heavy cavalry
with fully armoured riders and mounts that move
slower than looser order heavy cavalry.
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Knights (KN): Similar to Cataphracts - heavily
armoured close order cavalry – but are generally
faster moving and rasher.
Heavy Cavalry (HC): Loose order cavalry that
charge at the enemy to engage in close combat.
May also be armed with a bow but primarily
trained in melee.
Light Cavalry (LC): Cavalry designed to skirmish
with the enemy but can close in to close combat
with suitable enemies. They are usually armed with
spears or javelins but may also be bows (horse
archers).
Heavy Chariots (HCH): Loose order chariots that
used more than two horses and a decent chariot
frame, relying usually on shock of impact to defeat
lighter chariots and infantry.
Light Chariots (LCH): Chariots carrying up to
three soldiers and usually with two horses. Their
role is to skirmish with the enemy using missile
fire.
Elephants (ELE): Elephants with a fighting crew
either riding, or mounted on a riding platform. The
default classification is loose order with medium
armour.
Camels (CAM): Similar to cavalry but do not get
a charge bonus against infantry. In tactical use
camels are more effective against horse troops
since camels tended to scare non camel-proof
horses.
Scythed Chariots (SCH): Chariots with scythes
on wheels that charge at heavy infantry to try to
disorder, or even better rout, them.
Camp: The place where the baggage is stored,
along with army followers, stragglers and booty.
Note: Generals are not units.
2.1.2 Armour
Armour value is based on the degree of protection
available in melee and to a lesser extent against
missiles. It includes shield use.
Light Slingers, Greek Psiloi
Medium Successor Pikemen
Heavy Roman Principes, Cataphracts
The rules are designed to highlight light versus
heavy armour. Therefore medium armour is not a
common value assigned to units.
2.1.3 Order
Units are one of three orders.
Close Order HI, HA, CAT, KN.
(CO)
Loose Order LI, HC, HCH, ELE, CAM,
(LO) SCH
Skirmishers SI, LC, LCH
(SK)
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2.1.4 Fortitude
Fortitude is the staying power of the unit. Fortitude
is a combination of morale, experience, skill and
élan. Fortitude is either:
• High
• Average
• Low
The default fortitude for a unit is Average.
2.1.5 Abilities
Units have zero or more abilities:
Archer Non-skirmisher units armed with
bow.
Phalanx Units armed with a long spear or
pike in deep formation that are
trained to keep in tight formation.
Macedonian and Successor
Phalangites and Greek hoplites
have the phalanx ability. A
Phalanx denies mounted charge
bonuses in close combat.
Impetuous Some units are susceptible to
impulsively charging at the
enemy, such as warbands or
knights. They also receive a
charge bonus.
Javelin Skirmishers carrying javelins.
Bow, Skirmishers and missile-armed
Crossbow, unit armed with bows. Archers
Longbow by default have the bow ability.
Sling Skirmishers carrying slings.
Disciplined Units better able to control
themselves when faced by or
pursuing enemy units. For
example Macedonian
Companions, Byzantine
Cataphracts.
Line Relief Troops trained to relieve fighters
from the front line. Units with
this ability may swap with a
disordered unit of the same group
to their front. Mostly Roman
legionaries.
Lock A unit that lock shields and can
shields present a wall of spears that acts
similar to a stationary phalanx.
An undisordered unit with this
ability is treated as a phalanx as
long as the unit does not move.
Long Non-phalanx units may have this
Spears ability. It denies the enemy the
mounted charging bonus similar
to a phalanx.
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Missile Units that have better missile
Protection protection that their armour
classification indicates. Not
common, an example is biblical
infantry with very large shields,
normally with light armour but
should be harder to hit with
arrows. Units with heavy armour
units cannot have this ability –
they are already well protected.
Veterans These are rare units and are well
experienced troops with a long
history of excelling in combat.
Examples are the Theban Sacred
Band or the Silver Shields. An
army may have up to one veteran
unit and it must be a high
fortitude unit. A veteran unit only
suffers a -1 action test modifier
for being depleted.
Skirmishers must be missile armed: javelin, sling,
bow, crossbow or long bow.
2.1.6 Classifying types
Unit types are classified for easier reference.
These are the unit type classifications:
Class Types
Infantry Heavy Infantry, Light Infantry,
Skirmish Infantry
Cavalry Cataphracts, Knights, Heavy
Cavalry, Light Cavalry
Chariots Heavy Chariot, Light Chariot,
Scythed Chariot
Mounted Cavalry, Chariots, Camels and
Elephants
Skirmishers Skirmish Infantry, Light Cavalry
and Light Chariots
Heavy Heavy Infantry, Cataphracts,
Knights, Heavy Cavalry, Heavy
Chariots, Elephants
Light Skirmishers and Light Infantry
When the rules refer to a classification type, it
encompasses all the unit types in that
classification.
Note: Camps, Camels and scythed chariots are
neither heavy nor light.
2.2 Point cost
All units have an associated point cost based on
type, fortitude and abilities. The cost of a unit is 2
+ type cost + fortitude cost +the sum of the unit
abilities cost. Many abilities have a zero cost. The
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minimum unit cost is 1. This accounts for the only 2.4.2 Depleted
case of a Skirmish Infantry unit with low fortitude Depleted is received when retreating, evading
and no abilities that would calculate to a cost of 0. while disordered or from loose order
interpenetration. Depleted units are destroyed if
Base cost 2 depleted again. Skirmish Infantry receiving a
depleted result are destroyed instead. Depletion
Unit type cost cannot be removed.
Mounted +1
Close Order (CO) +1 2.4.3 Destroyed
Skirmisher -1
A unit is destroyed when it is routed or receives a
Heavy Armour +1 second depletion (or one depletion if Skirmish
Fortitude cost Infantry).
High +1
Low -1
2.5 Army characteristics
Abilities cost
Phalanx +1 An army will be defined in an army list. Each army
Impetuous (exception: a Heavy list will have
Mounted classed unit with • a name
impetuous is +0) +1 • a period of time the army operated
Increased Missile protection +1 • a terrain location for the defending army
Veteran +1 • an army deployment type
• a list of possible units available to use
Generals, including subgenerals A deployed army must have a least one general.
Exceptional (+2) +7
Skilled (+1) +5 3 Set Up
Average (+0) +3
Poor (-1) +1 3.1 Board size
The game is played on a 60cm by 60cm board.
An army for a decent game on a 60cm square
board is 40 points.
3.2 General command ability
2.3 Dismounting units For scenarios the generals command ability will be
obvious. For other games, generate the general’s
Some mounted units may be dismounted as command ability. Roll 1d6:
infantry units. One mounted unit is replaced with 1: Poor
an equivalent infantry unit. If a unit can dismount, 2-5: average
this is identified in the army lists. Dismounted 6: skilled.
must be done prior to setup and prior to On a 6 roll another d6 and if a 6, the general is
deployment. No dismounting or mounting can exceptional.
occur after deployment.
3.3 Attacker/defender
2.4 Unit status
Scenarios may dictate which sides are attacker and
During the game a unit’s status may change. A defender. Otherwise each player rolls a die and
unit may be ordered or disordered, depleted, or adds their general command ability (see section
destroyed. 5.1). Higher roll is attacker and has the first player
turn. The lower roll is the defender. Re-roll ties.
2.4.1 Ordered/Disordered The defender chooses one side of the board for
Disordered is received from a combat result, their deployment after the terrain is setup. The
evade, pushback, retreat, moving through terrain or attacker deploys on the opposite side.
from close order interpenetration.
Disorder is removed by a successful reform
command. An already disordered unit receiving a
disordered result has no effect. A unit not
disordered is considered ordered.

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 Ancient Warrior Battles
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3.4 Terrain 3.4.5 Terrain location cards
C Open Mixed Woods Hilly
3.4.1 Generating terrain 1 Rise Rise Rise Rise
Terrain is randomly generated based on the 2 Hill Hill Rise Hill
defender’s location. If no location is given for an 3 Clear Woods Wood Hill
army, the defender may choose a location. There 4 Clear Clear Wood Rough
are four types of location: Open, Light, Woods and 5 Clear Clear Clear Rough
Hills. The board is split into 9 equal squares, 6 Clear Clear Clear Clear
20cmx20cm each. A stream is diced for and placed 7 Clear Clear Clear Clear
if required. 12 terrain cards are associated with 8 Clear Clear Clear Clear
each location. Each terrain card has a terrain type 9 Clear Clear Clear Clear
on it. A terrain card is randomly placed on each 10 Clear Clear Clear Clear
square. After placing the 9 terrain cards, the terrain 11 Clear Clear Clear Clear
mentioned on the card is placed in the square by 12 Clear Clear Clear Clear
the attacker. The 3 remaining terrain cards are not
used. Rather than creating specific terrain cards, GREY: If a greyed card is placed in the centre
just use cards Ace to Queen (Jack equals 11, square, it is treated as Clear. For example, with
Queen equals 12) and look up the value in the Open or Mixed terrain locations, a Hill never
table. appears in the centre square; if the Hill is drawn for
the centre square, it is clear terrain instead.
3.4.2 Stream
The defender may optionally try to deploy a 3.4.6 Terrain definition
stream. Roll a d6 – on a 6 a stream is placed on Terrain Effect
the board. To three grid squares on one edge assign Rise Blocks visibility and missiles. No
1-2, 3-4 and 5-6 respectively. Roll 1d6 and the other effect.
stream enters at that grid square. The stream exits
Hill Blocks visibility and missiles.
at the opposite grid square on the opposite table
Halve movement for mounted and
size – do not dice for exit.
CO units.
Rough Halve movement for all but
Exit
skirmish infantry. Mounted cannot
1,2 3,4 5,6
enter. Moving in rough disorders all
CO.
1,2 3,4 5,6 Wood Visibility and missile fire range is
Entry reduced to 4cm in a wood. Units
within a wood cannot be seen by
The precise entry and exit point of the stream is units outside the wood unless
placed by the defender. touching the edge. Units within 4cm
of the edge of a wood can see out
3.4.3 Town and fire missile at full distance out
A town, village or city is scenario specific and is of the wood.
not generated using the terrain system. Halve movement for all mounted
and CO units. Chariots cannot enter.
3.4.4 Size and placement of terrain Moving in woods disorders all CO
Terrain pieces are a minimum of 10cmx10cm and and Mounted units.
a maximum of 20cmx20cm. Terrain pieces, except Stream There are two types of streams.
for streams, must be placed at least 8cm from any The first (and the one randomly
other terrain piece. If this is still not possible after generated) reduces movement by
reducing the terrain size, the terrain piece cannot 4cm for all units and provides a
be placed. Hills and rises cannot be placed on defence bonus to units on the bank
streams. and attacked from the front.
The second type of stream is a river
and may appear in a scenario. These
rivers are impassable except at fords
or bridges.

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 Ancient Warrior Battles
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Town A town is treated as woods, but
chariots may enter. There is a
combat bonus to defending a town.
3.5 Army Setup
A screen is set up across the middle of the board in
such as way so neither player can see into the
other’s deployment area. Each player sets up their
units. Camps are deployed only for scenarios.
Units are setup no more than 20cm from their
side’s base edge and at least 6cm from any edge.
Once this is completed, the screen is removed. The
game starts with the player designated as the
attacker taking the first player turn of the first
game turn.
3.6 Army breakpoint
Breakpoints are important as they assist in
determining the winner of a battle. To calculate an
army’s breakpoint:
Ignore skirmish infantry and scythed chariots.
Allocate 1 point per LI or LC or LCH. Allocate 2
points to all other units. Divide this number by 2,
rounding up. This is the breakpoint of the army.
Each skirmisher or scythed chariot lost is a 0 loss
to the breakpoint; LI, LC, LCH are 1 loss and the
rest are 2 loss points. A general counts as 2 points
if lost. Note a general is not counted as a unit
when working out the breakpoint. A camp, if
present, counts as 2 points if lost if taken. Note
baggage is not counted as a unit when working out
the breakpoint.
3.7 Army morale test
As soon as an army has a number of units and
generals destroyed that cause it to equal or exceed
its breakpoint, it must immediately take an army
morale test. It will continue to do so each time
another unit or general is destroyed that increases
its breakpoint loss. Both sides may need to take a
test if they both exceed their breakpoints at the
same time.
3.8 Victory
Victory occurs immediately when only one side
has non-routed units on the board. This side is the
winner. For a faster game, immediately an army
reaches its breakpoint that side loses. If both
armies reach there breakpoint at the same time,
then continue play until one side loses another
breakpoint.
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4 Sequence of play
Each player performs alternate turns each game
turn. A player turn consists of the player activating
groups to perform actions. All actions for a
group’s units are done when it is activated –
moving, firing, close combat. If this causes
reactions in the opposing units, this is also
adjudicated at this time. Group activation is
performed from right to left.
Attacking player begins a game turn. Start with the
group on the player’s far right.
If the group is in contact with the enemy, perform
a Close Combat Test. Units may need to resolve a
Pursuit Test against retreating or routing units.
Perform Missile Fire. Target performs a Fired-On
Test and any resulting Tests.
Check for mandatory charges and movement
restrictions if within an enemy zone of control.
If the group did not fire, choose a move option and
take a Move Command Test.
If a unit is not charging and moves within 4cm of
an enemy’s front, the enemy unit may need to take
a Proximity Zone Entered Test.
If charging, the charged unit will perform a
Charged Test.
Resolve outcomes from any tests (e.g. if a charged
unit’s outcome is to Missile Fire, the charging unit
needs to perform a Fired-On Test).
Units newly in contact with the enemy perform a
Close Combat Test. Units resolve a Pursuit Test
against retreating or routing units.
Continue with the next group to the left of the
previous group.
During the turn if the army exceeded its breakpoint
it must perform an Army Morale Test at that point.
Once all the attacking player’s groups’ actions are
resolved, the defending player takes a turn.
4.1 Group action responses
If a group is performing the same action against
another group e.g. a group is firing on another
group, then roll the action test for each unit in the
group simultaneously and then perform the result
at the same time. This assists in determining if a
unit is in support, and also prevents groups being
broken up and being forced to advance or charge
one at a time. Group to group combat is also
performed the same way – roll for each unit’s close
combat at the same time when two groups are in
contact. See 5.2.4 Groups and support modifier on
the application of support unit modifiers when
rolling simultaneously. See 7.1.1 Multiple fire
targets for resolution .of missile fire between
groups. See 8.2 Process on multiple unit close
combat resolution.
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4.2 Left to Right clarification 4.3.3 Uncontrolled charges
Groups are activated right to left. If there are units Note that a charge is a voluntary move to contact
in front of other groups, these are activated before and is a move command. Some results of an action
the rear group. test will cause an involuntary charge, called an
Example uncontrolled charge. Uncontrolled charges are not
rolled for.
D C A
4.3.4 Close Combat
Close combat must occur whenever a unit is in
E B B B contact with an enemy unit.
The groups are activated in this order – A, C, B, D,
and E. 5 Move commands
4.3 Tests, commands and 5.1 General’s command ability
actions Generals are rated for their move command ability.
This is a rating of the general’s real-life tactical
There are three types of tests: move commands,
ability and leadership skills. It also incorporates
actions and close combat. Tests drive the game.
the command and control ability of the army. The
The difference between commands and actions is
general’s ability determines the number of re-rolls
that each has different modifiers and, in general,
for move command tests. Only an average general
you either pass or fail a command, while actions
(+0) or above can impart a positive modifier to
have pass and level of failure. Close combat is a
tests, i.e. a poor general will not enable a +1
special test similar to an action but both sides roll a
modifier for the move command, nor a +1 modifier
die, rather than only one side for most actions.
in close combat. An inexperienced general is not
normally assigned to an army at deployment and
4.3.1 Move command summary
only comes into play as a replacement when the
Commands are: army general is incapacitated.
• Move Inexperienced general -2
• Complex move Poor general -1
• Reform Average general 0
• Charge Skilled general +1
• Pursue Exceptional general +2

Move, Complex move, Charge and Reform are
voluntary. A units/group can undertake only one
voluntary command per turn. Pursue is a special
command undertaken as a result of an action test
result. A move, complex move or reform command
cannot be used to contact an enemy unit. Only a
charge or pursue command can be used to contact
an enemy unit.
4.3.2 Action summary
Actions are:
• Fired-on
• Proximity Zone Entered
• Army Morale
Fired-on and Proximity Zone entered actions occur
as reactions to enemy moves or action results.
Army morale occurs when the breakpoint of an
army is reached. If a test calls for an action to
occur, roll for that action.
5.2 Issuing Move Commands
5.2.1 Limitations
The Acting Player chooses to issue commands to
any of his units, starting from the right. Issuing
commands is optional. If a unit has fired, it cannot
undertake a move command. Units in contact with
an enemy unit cannot be issued a move command
and must perform a Close Combat test. No
command may bring a unit into contact with an
enemy unit except the charge or pursue command.
5.2.2 Deliberate interpenetration
No command may deliberately interpenetrate
friends, except:
• skirmish infantry of the same group may
interpenetrate units directly to their rear as the
first part of the move command for that group
• Skirmish infantry may deliberately
interpenetrate other friendly units when
evading

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• Any unit can deliberately interpenetrate 5.2.6 Move Command test
skirmish infantry during a move command. Command
• Units with line relief may interpenetrate each Move (or a Complex move > 2+
other with a move command. 20cm from enemy)
Note that interpenetrating skirmish infantry, other Complex Move 3+
than with other skirmish infantry, depletes and Charge or Pursue 3+
destroys them. Impetuous: 2+
Archers, Skirmishers: 4+
5.2.3 Process Reform 5+
To issue a command to a unit choose a command,
roll 1D6, add all the modifiers that apply and Common modifiers (cumulative)
compare the result to the minimum score needed General in contact with stand +1
for success. There is no penalty for failing a Supported +1
command other than the unit cannot perform that High fortitude +1
command, or any other commands (this is different Low fortitude -1
to actions, where there are normally downsides to Command modifiers (cumulative)
failing the roll). During a game turn, a player may Range from general > 20cm (& -1
re-roll any move command roll, including pursuit. per extra 20cm) (not pursue)
The number of re-rolls that may be made per game Poor/inexperienced general -1
turn is equal to the general’s rating.
For example, a Briton General tries to order a low
5.2.4 Groups and support modifier fortitude chariot to reform. They are 30cm away.
Commands can be assigned to groups to gain the Rolls a D6, scores 4. -1 low fortitude, -1 range
+1 modifier for supported units. A group is one or >20cm equals 2. Score needed is 4+ so the
more units in edge to edge contact and facing the chariots remain disordered.
same direction. No matter how large the size of the
group, there is a maximum of +1 for support. A 5.3 Move
roll is performed for the group, but each unit in the
group checks individually for success or failure of Move the unit or group up to the maximum
the move command. Groups not in corner to corner distance. Movement is in a straight line forwards.
contact cannot wheel. The advantage of the group Up to a 45o wheel can be performed at the start of a
is the +1 support modifier. move. The move distance for the wheel is
Example: subtracted from the maximum move distance. The
wheel is performed with one front corner being
A B C stationary and the unit pivoting around that corner.
Note: players may find it easier to replace 45o with
A, B and C are a group. B is low fortitude, the rest 3cm per front-line unit (in reality the wheel is
are average. A single die roll to charge against an 2.9cm – it is not worth arguing over a millimetre).
enemy group is made. A 3 is rolled, +1 for Loose Order units, Skirmishers and all mounted
support, and -1 for B only for low fortitude. A and units may wheel and move. Close Order infantry
C score a 2+ which is a success, B scores a 3+, units can only wheel up to 45o OR move.
also a success and so all 3 units charge Additionally, Skirmishers and Light Infantry can
simultaneously into the enemy group. That group also:
now undertakes a charge test against all 3 units • About face 180 o freely at the start of their
move at no movement cost.
5.2.5 Lost General • Wheel 90o and move.
If the general is lost, replace with a new general at Skirmish Infantry may also move directly
-2 to the command rating of the original general. backwards without changing facing as their move.
More losses are replaced with a -2 general.
5.3.1 Line relief
Units with the line relief ability may use the move
command to swap places with a unit of the same
group directly to their front and in contact. The
unit to their front must be disordered to perform a
swap. The front unit may be in contact with an
enemy. The two units swap positions. No other

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move may occur with the units. Note that all units charger. Once contacted, the contacted enemy unit
of a group must be given the move command to must perform a charged action test.
allow the line relief swap, but not all units must
perform the swap if the move command roll is 5.6.1 Group charges
successful. If a group is moved using the charge command, at
Units with line relief and directly behind a unit of least one unit of that group must contact an enemy
the same group and in corner to corner contact unit. At that point, other units may be moved
with that unit are not disordered by an (without moving out of the group) into contact
interpenetrating retreating or routing front unit. with other enemy units. Otherwise the other units
of the group must stop.
5.4 Complex move Example
This is an attempt at manoeuvres beyond that Before charge:
allowed in a move. A complex move is:
• Any unit, except Skirmishers and Light B
Infantry, attempting to wheel > 45o or about
A
face. The wheel of greater than 45o or about
face is done with no further movement. The
wheel cannot exceed the maximum move
distance.
Y Z
• CO infantry attempting to wheel up to 45o and
move.
Note: skirmishers and Light Infantry cannot do a After A contacts:
complex move as their normal move allows this
freedom already. B
If attempting a complex move further than 20cm
from an enemy unit, treat it as a normal move (i.e. A
a base 2+ for success, rather than a 3+).
Y Z
5.5 Reform
The group’s units, or the single unit, may pivot on
each unit’s centre to face any desired direction. If B may make the following move:
the units are disordered, the disorder is removed. If
the reform command roll fails the unit or group A B
remains in place, it is still disordered, and it cannot
move this turn. Y Z

5.6 Charging
The unit moves up to their maximum move 5.6.2 Mandatory charge
distance into base to base contact with an enemy
If a non-missile armed heavy mounted unit or an
unit. A unit that fails the command roll remains
impetuous unit has an enemy Heavy classed unit
stationary and cannot move at all this turn. Only
(HI, HA, CAT, KN, HC, HCH, ELE) in charge
charging and pursuing units can move into base
reach and able to be contacted without a wheel, the
contact. The unit must have the target unit within
unit must roll for a charge command. If multiple
45o degrees of its front edge corners and the target
units in a group are subject to mandatory charge,
unit must be visible at the start of the charge. Other
each unit rolls individually (rather than one group
friendly units, such as skirmish infantry, do not
roll), but simultaneously so each unit does receive
block visibility. A wheel, subject to the limitations
the +1 modifier for being supported. If the roll
of the move command, may be performed before
fails, they may roll for another non-charge
charging - even a 45 o wheel by Close Order
command. Disciplined units are not subject to
infantry - but priority is given to enemy units that
mandatory charge. Mounted are not subject to
do not require a wheel. Once the unit touches the
mandatory charge against elephants, or to the front
target, immediately stop movement. Do not
of an enemy with the phalanx or long spears
conform the unit’s front to the target. The
ability.
contacted enemy unit does not turn to face the

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 Ancient Warrior Battles
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Mandatory charge also applies to all units with an
enemy camp in charge reach and able to be
contacted without a wheel.
5.6.3 Pulled along
Units behind a charging unit are pulled along if of
equal or lower fortitude. Higher fortitude units or
disciplined units may choose to be pulled along.
5.7 Pursuit
Units charging or in close combat may need to
pursue as a result of an action test. Units firing do
not need to pursue.
A general may subtract one from the die roll as a
modifier rather than adding one.
A disciplined unit may add or subtract 1 from the
die roll.
Pursuit is a ½ move directly following the path of
the retreating or routing unit. Add 2cm to the
move if a natural 6 is rolled for the pursuit test.
For close combat tests, a pursuing unit is treated as
a charging unit. A pursuing unit may recontact the
pursued unit, or another unit that did not cause the
pursuit test.
5.8 Movement Rates
The table below gives the maximum distances in
centimetres a unit can move.
Unit Move
(cm)
Heavy Infantry 8
Light Infantry, Skirmish Infantry 12
Cataphract, Elephant 12
Heavy Cavalry, Knight, Camel 16
Light Cavalry 20
Heavy Chariot 12
Light Chariot, Scythed Chariot 16
Camp 0 for losing a general.
5.9 Terrain effects on movement
Refer to the table in 3.4.6 Terrain definition.
5.10 Proximity Zone
The 4cm square directly in front of a unit is called
its Proximity Zone. The only exception is
Skirmishers that have no Proximity Zone, unless
they are Skirmish Infantry facing enemy
Elephants. Units may not enter and leave an enemy
Proximity Zone in the same move. Enter and leave
is defined as the entire front edge of the moving
unit starts outside the Proximity Zone and the
entire front edge of the unit ends outside the
Proximity Zone (this is to prevent a unit zipping
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past the front of enemy units). A moving unit with
a Proximity Zone that ends its movement not in
contact but within an enemy unit’s Proximity Zone
forces that enemy unit to take a Proximity Zone
test. Skirmishers with no Proximity Zone do not
cause a Proximity Zone test, but if a unit with a
Proximity Zone came within 4cm of a Skirmisher
unit, the Skirmisher unit takes a Proximity Zone
Entered test.
5.11 The General
Generals move first or last each player turn. They
move up to 20cm in any direction, ignoring any but
impassable terrain. They cannot move within 4cm
of an enemy unit unless attached to or attaching to
or detaching from a friendly unit. A general can
attach to a unit, and then move with that unit. The
unit may still move its full movement allowance.
The fact the general may have moved 20cm does
not reduce the movement rate for the unit the
general attached to. Generals may detach from one
unit and attach to a different unit in the same turn.
Generals do not need to be attached to a unit.
Generals attached to a unit are assumed to be
within the base of that unit. It is convenient to
leave the generals base against the unit to indicate
where the general is. The general’s base can be
moved (or removed) if an enemy unit moves to the
side where the general base is located.
5.11.1 Chance of losing general
If the general is attached to a unit that is depleted
or destroyed and a 1 was rolled by the unit to cause
the depletion or destruction, roll another 1d6. The
general is destroyed on 1. A 2-6 is no effect. If the
unit is destroyed but the general is not, the general
is positioned in the centre of where the unit was
before being removed from the board. Note that
disordering a unit does not require a roll to check
5.11.2 Capturing a general
If any unit contacts an unattached enemy general in
movement or in pursuit, the general is considered
captured. For game purposes it is counted as
destroyed.
5.11.3 Sub-generals
Armies in larger battles may include sub-generals.
These act like a general. Units may measure
command distance to any general. A sub-general’s
command rating cannot exceed that of the general.
Sub-generals do not provide a bonus in combat and
count as 1 breakpoint lost. They may provide re-
rolls for the move command if their rating is above
 Ancient Warrior Battles
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0. The advantage of sub-generals is the positive
modifiers in the move command – the +1 for being
attached and range to the commanding general. In
some scenarios, there may be further restrictions
on the units that benefit from different generals, for
example, if an army comprises different national
contingents.
5.12 Moving off the board
Units may move off the board, either voluntarily or
involuntarily. Units that move off the board
cannot return and treated as destroyed for
breakpoint purposes.
6 Action Tests
Perform an action tests (see section 4.3.2 for the
list of actions) by rolling 1d6. All tests require a
4+ to pass. Add all modifiers that apply.
Modifiers are cumulative.
Common modifiers (cumulative)
General in contact with stand +1
Supported +1
High fortitude +1
Low fortitude -1
Action test modifiers (cumulative)
Disordered -1
Depleted (veterans are -1) -2
Uphill of all enemies, in fieldworks, +1
defending a stream bank, behind stakes,
in a camp or town.
6.1 Involuntary actions
Further to these actions, the action tests may
require a unit (active or non-active player) to
perform various involuntary actions.
6.1.1 Stand
Unit stays where it is.
6.1.2 Evade
Only Skirmisher units may evade. Perform a ½
move +2cm directly backwards. Do not change
facing. The unit is disordered. If the Skirmisher
unit was already disordered then the unit is
depleted, if Skirmish Infantry it is destroyed.
Skirmishers may interpenetrate during an evade
move. Skirmish Infantry are depleted if
interpenetrating with CO units and so are then
destroyed as Skirmish Infantry can take one
depletion before being destroyed.
If the chargers are not stopped (by missile fire) the
chargers automatically pursue (no command roll
required) towards the evaders. If they contact the
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evaders the evading units are destroyed, unless
skirmishers charged by other skirmishers then
cease moving and perform close combat. If the
chargers contact a new unit, then that enemy unit
performs a charged test. Skirmish Infantry units
do not evade from elephants. An evade result
received by Skirmish infantry units from elephants
is treated as stand.
6.1.3 Push-back
If caused by close combat and the enemy unit
can follow up, or caused by missile fire:
move directly back ¼ normal move and become
disordered (if already disordered, stay disordered).
If the pushed-back unit cannot move back a full ¼
move due to terrain, camps or enemy units, the
pushed-back unit moves as much distance as
possible and is disordered and depleted (and if
already depleted, destroyed). The enemy will
follow up to remain in contact with the unit. Close
combat is performed again next turn. Following
up does not count as charging or pursuing.
Pushed-back units will push-back friendly infantry
behind them, except pushed-back skirmish infantry
will interpenetrate friendly units behind.
Otherwise resolve interpenetration.
If the enemy cannot follow up:
Stay in place and become disordered. If there is
another enemy unit or impassable terrain touching
another edge of the unit, become disordered and
depleted (and if already depleted, destroyed). Close
combat is performed again next turn.
6.1.4 Retreat
Perform a ½ move to the unit’s rear with up to a
45o wheel only to avoid other units or impassable
terrain. Roll a d6 and on a 6, add 2cm to the move
distance. Do not change facing (other than the
wheel). If the retreating unit cannot avoid friendly
units resolve any interpenetration. If the retreating
unit cannot avoid enemy units (except enemy
skirmish infantry are simply run through and
destroyed) or impassable terrain the unit is
destroyed. The unit is disordered and depleted, and
for assessing interpenetration is considered
disordered and depleted at the start of the retreat.
If the unit is already depleted, it is now destroyed.
If the enemy can pursue, the enemy rolls a pursuit
test. If the pursuing unit recontacts the retreating
unit perform another close combat test. The
pursuing unit counts as charging. If the pursuing
unit contacts a new unit, the newly contacted unit
performs a charged test.
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6.1.5 Rout
o
The routing unit about faces 180 and performs a ½
o
move with up to a 45 wheel to avoid other units.
Movement restrictions as per a retreat apply.
Resolve any interpenetration. At the end of the
move, the unit is destroyed. Remove the unit from
board. Enemy unit tests for and resolves pursuit as
per retreat. If the pursuing unit contacts a new
unit, the newly contacted unit performs a charged
test.
6.1.6 Pushback, retreat etc. direction
A unit pushbacks or retreats or routs away from the
enemy based on its facing, not that of the enemy.
If a unit is charged or fired-on at an angle to its
front, it pushbacks or retreats directly to its rear.
To determine the direction to go (to the front or to
the rear), use the definition of a flank or rear attack
to determine if a unit is attacked via the front, flank
or rear. A unit charged from the flank push-backs,
retreats or routs to its other flank.
6.1.7 Fire
Missile fire must be at the cause of the test if
possible. The unit may only fire if the enemy unit
is directly to the front and cannot turn to fire.
Firing may stop a charge. See section 7 Firing for
the missile fire process and resolution.
If a unit cannot return fire, it stands in place. It can
always attempt a wheel or reface command next
turn.
6.1.8 Uncontrolled charge
The unit automatically charges into contact with
the enemy unit that caused it to take an action test.
No roll is required for an uncontrolled charge. The
charged unit performs a charged test.
If a unit is required to charge but the enemy unit
causing the test is not within the 45o charge arc, the
unit will stand. A unit defending a camp,
fortification, stakes, riverbank or uphill of an
enemy does not uncontrolled charge and stands
instead.
6.1.9 Interpenetration
There are a few cases of deliberate interpenetration
– skirmish infantry evading or moving within a
group, and units with Line relief ability (see
section 5.2.2). Evading mounted skirmishers will
cause interpenetration results. Line relief units
moving within the group will not. Involuntary
interpenetration occurs as a result of a retreat or
rout. Interpenetration will cause adverse results
and apply to both the penetrating and penetrated
unit. Skirmish Infantry never cause
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interpenetration results on others, but are affected
by interpenetration (except by other skirmish
infantry). Interpenetrating units disorder all
CO and LO units (and deplete if it is an
elephant interpenetrating), and deplete all
Skirmishers and already disordered LO units.
Units with line relief are not disordered by
interpenetrating units. Units overlapping on top of
friendly units at the end of the unit’s movement are
moved to the opposite side of the unit they
interpenetrated from and retain their facing. Camps
cannot be interpenetrated.
Example
A LO Gallic warband unit is in close combat. A
second LO warband is directly behind this unit.
The first unit loses the combat and must retreat,
and is disordered and depleted. It interpenetrates
the second warband. The second warband is
disordered. The first warband completes its
retreat move and is then destroyed as it receives a
second depletion for interpenetrating the second
warband.
6.2 Army Morale Test
This test is taken immediately an army reaches it
breakpoint and each time a unit or general is
destroyed after that.
4+ • Carry on.
3 • All Pushed-back.
1 or 2 • All Retreat.
0 or less • All Rout.
6.3 Proximity Zone Test
If a non-skirmisher unit moves into the proximity
zone of an enemy unit, that enemy unit must
perform a Proximity Zone test. The test is only
taken when a unit moves into the proximity zone,
not it the unit started in the proximity zone.
4+ • Impetuous Uncontrolled Charge.
• Archers and Skirmishers fire.
• Other Mounted Uncontrolled
Charge.
• Others Stand.
1, 2 or 3 • Skirmishers Evade (no fire).
• Infantry Archers Pushed back
from Mounted.
• Others Stand, no missile fire.
0 or less • Archers & Skirmishers Retreat.
• Others Pushed-back.
Example: A Roman Heavy Cavalry unit moves to
within 3cm of the front of a Gallic Light Infantry
warband unit. The Gallic unit must perform a
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
Proximity Zone entered test. It rolls a 4 and, as
impetuous, will uncontrolled charge the Roman
heavy cavalry. The latter will need to perform a
charged test.
6.4 Charged Test
When a unit charges, move the charging unit into
contact with the enemy unit. Halt the unit the
moment the units touch. There is no conforming to
align edges or corners. The enemy unit performs a
charged test. Roll 1d6 and consult the table. If the
units remain in contact, perform close combat.
4+ • Skirmishers Fire and Evade.
• Archers Fire.
• Other non-retreating Mounted
and Impetuous count as Charging
in Close Combat.
• Others Stand.
1, 2 or 3 • Skirmishers Fire and Retreat.
• Archers Fire with a +1 modifier.
• Others Stand.
0 or less • Skirmishers Rout.
• Others Retreat.
Example: The Gallic unit from the previous
example moves into contact with the Roman
cavalry unit. The Roman unit rolls a 4 for the
Charged test, and will count as charging for close
combat. Both units must now perform a close
combat test. If the Roman cavalry had rolled a 2, it
would stand and not receive the charging positive
modifier for close combat.
7 Firing
7.1 Firing Process
At the start of a unit’s turn, it may fire. Archers
and skirmisher units must fire or move. If they
choose not to move and have a target within range
to fire, they must fire. A unit cannot move after
firing unless directed to by an action test. Firing
may also occur involuntarily as a result of taking a
test. A unit can return fire as a result of an action
test, even if it moved. For example, a unit may
cause an enemy unit to perform a Proximity Zone
entered test that directs the enemy to fire. The
friendly unit’s fired-on test determines it should
return fire. Normally because it had moved it
should not be able to fire. In this case it must do
so.
Firing units may shoot at any unengaged groups
directly to their front. Closer groups take priority
as targets over further ones.
Page 13 of 28
Arc of
Fire
Unit
An unengaged enemy unit with any portion of its
base within the arc of fire is a potential target.
Only Skirmishers may fire javelins. To resolve
missile fire each targeted unit performs a fired-on
test.
7.1.1 Multiple fire targets
When two potential targets exist in the same group,
only perform the fired-on test for one target unit
(selected by firer); the other unit automatically
receives the equivalent of the 4+ result on the
fired-on test. A unit performs the fired-on test only
once per fire, unless there are two units firing at
one target.
Example: If a line of 4 archers is firing at a line of
4 enemy units, each enemy unit performs only one
fired-on test. If the archer line is 5 units, 3 enemy
units take one test, and one unit takes two tests; if
the archer line is 3 units, 3 enemy units take a test,
and one unit automatically pass the test.
7.2 Fired-on Test
There is no firing roll, only the fired-on test roll.
Determine the target. The target rolls 1d6 and
consults the table.
Firing Distance
Infantry Archers 12cm
Skirmishers and mounted archers 8cm
Javelins (Skirmishers only) 4cm
Special fire-on modifiers (cumulative)
Heavy Armour or Missile protection +1
Each subsequent fired-on test after first -1
caused by same firer
4+ • Chargers and Pursuers continue.
• Archers & Skirmishers not
Charging / Pursuing Fire; if not
in range, advance up to ½ move
to get into range with no firing.
• Impetuous and other mounted
Uncontrolled Charge if in reach,
else advance a full move.
• Others if within 4cm
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
Uncontrolled Charge, else
advance 4cm.
1, 2 or 3 • Skirmishers Retreat.
• LO (not elephants) Pushed-
back.
• Other Chargers and Pursuers
continue Disordered.
• Others Stand (no fire) and
Disordered.
0 or less
• Skirmishers Rout.
• All Others Retreat.
7.2.1 Subsequent fired on test
modifier
The subsequent fired-on test modifier applies only
to fired-on test caused by the same firer in the
same round of action tests. A fired-on test by a
different firer does not receive this modifier. It
also does not carry over from turn to turn; it is only
in the same sequence of action-action-action such
as two missile units firing at each other.
Example:
Unit A
Unit Z Unit Y
Enemy archer unit A is within the arc of fire of
both archer unit Y and Z. Unit Y fires on unit A
and the fired-on test is 4+ and results in unit A
returning fire. Unit Y performs a fired-on test, gets
a 4+ and returns fire. Unit A now performs a
fired-on test with a -1 modifier for subsequent
fired-on test. Rolls a 4, -1 is a 3 that is to stand
(no fire). Now Unit Z fires on Unit A. Unit A does
not use the -1 modifier for subsequent fired-on test
as it is caused by a different firer.
7.2.2 Advancing limitations
If a unit is required to advance but the unit causing
the test is not directly to the unit’s front, the unit
will stand. Directly to its front is the same as the
arc of fire for a unit as defined in section 7.1Firing
Process.
A unit defending a camp, fortification, stakes,
riverbank or uphill of an enemy does not advance
and stands instead.
Page 14 of 28
8 Close Combat
8.1 When to do close combat
Close combat is performed when a unit is in
contact with an enemy unit. Close combat for a
group that started the turn in contact with the
enemy is performed when the group is activated.
A unit in contact with an enemy unit must perform
a close combat action.
8.2 Process
Combat is performed between two units in base to
base contact. Each unit rolls 1D6, adds the
applicable action modifiers and the close combat
modifiers (all cumulative). The difference is
consulted on the close combat table. If there are
multiple unit close combats these are rolled for
simultaneously but resolved from the active
players’ right to left. Each unit in a combat only
rolls once but applies the modifiers relevant to
each opponent. For example, a unit attacked to the
front and on the flank by two units only rolls 1d6.
It applies the -2 modifier for the flank attacking
melee but not for the frontally attacking melee.
Close combat opponents are matched up so that
every unit contacted is paired with an opponent.
This is important when two battlelines clash but do
not line up perfectly – if the battlelines are the
same length, every unit will participate in a melee.
You cannot ‘gang-up’ 2 units to 1 unit and leave
another one un-meleed.
Example:
A B C
X Y Z
Unit A, B and C are in close combat with enemy
units X, Y and Z. A pairs with X, B with Y and C
with Z. In close combat, a die is rolled for each
unit simultaneously. Modifiers are then applied.
Now consult the combat table from right the left.
Therefore compare C’s modified die roll to Z’s and
apply result. Then compare B’s modified roll to
Y’s and apply result. Lastly, compare A with Z.
8.2.1 Two on one combats
Two units in contact with only one unit are
resolved with two close combats for the single
unit. The single unit rolls 1d6 while the other two
units roll one die each. Apply only the worst
result, if applicable, to the single unit and any
failed results to each of the other units. If a unit
charges into contact with an enemy unit that is
already in contact with another friendly unit,
perform melee only with the charging unit if the
 Ancient Warrior Battles
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enemy unit has already performed close combat
with the already in contact friendly unit. If not,
then perform close combat as described above. If
two friendly units both need to pursue, then the
player may choose which rolls and pursues first.
8.3 Close Combat Test
Note there is no separate roll for melee damage.
Both sides roll a die. Each side adds action test
modifiers, additional close combat troop and
situation modifiers. Compare the difference and
look up the result in the table. One side will pass,
one will fail. The side that fails looks up the result
in the table (which may also affect the winner). A
tie results in both sides being disordered.
Carrying on from the charged example, the Gallic
Light Infantry is in contact with the Roman Heavy
Cavalry unit. The Roman Heavy cavalry counts as
charging. Neither side is supported. The Gallic
player rolls on a d6 a 4 with no modifications. The
Roman rolls a 3, +2 for charging +1 heavy
armour Vs light Armour, +1 CO Vs LO, for a total
of 7. 4 minus 7 is -3 so The Gallic Player unit
retreats 6cm and is disordered and depleted. The
Roman cavalry must undertake a pursuit test.
They roll a 4, so they must pursue up to 8cm. They
recontact the Light infantry unit that must now take
a charged test, and if stands, then undertake close
combat, but now at an additional -3, -1 for
disorder and -2 for depleted.

Troops (cumulative)
Skirmisher (SI versus Elephant +1)
Infantry Archer (not skirmishers)
Ordered Pike Phalanx to front
Ordered Long Spear Phalanx to front
Ordered long spears to mounted front
Elephant
Camp
Camel (on a d6=4+ Vs mounted +1)
Situation (cumulative)
Heavy Mounted, or any Impetuous,
Charging or Pursuing Vs Infantry to
their front (except ordered Phalanx /
long spear).
Heavy Armour Vs Light Armour
CO Vs LO
Supported
Attacked in flank or rear
(LO Infantry attacking or Elephant)
SK Infantry or LO Infantry in difficult
Chariot after first round or in difficult
Action test modifiers (section 6) also apply to each
unit’s close combat die roll.
0 or • Carry on.
more • On a 0 both sides Disordered.
-1 • Skirmishers Retreat.
• Others Pushed-back.
• Both sides Disordered.
-2 • Skirmisher Infantry Rout.
• Others Retreat.
• Higher scorer Disordered.
-3 • Skirmisher Infantry Rout.
• Others Retreat.
-4 or • Rout.
less
8.3.1 Skirmish Infantry Vs elephants
-2 Skirmish infantry in close combat with an elephant
-1 have a +1 modifier rather than the -2 modifier that
+2 skirmishers use in all other instances.
+1
+1 8.3.2 Charging & Pursuing
+2 Some units that charge and contact with their front
-3 edge enemy infantry units get a +2 modifier for the
-1 close combat test occurring because of the charge.
The charging units that get the bonus are all heavy
mounted units and any impetuous units. Heavy
+2 mounted units and impetuous units charged to their
front and a 4+ result on the charged test also get
the +2 modifier for the close combat resulting from
the charge. Any unit pursuing a retreating unit that
+1 results in a close combat gets the +2 modifier.
+1
+1 8.3.3 Medium armour
-2 Medium armour imposes no special modifier.
(-1) Only a Heavy armour unit versus a Light armour
+2 unit produce a modifier. Heavy armour versus
-1 Medium armour, or Medium armour versus light
armour, produces no modifier.
8.3.4 Supported
A unit is supported if it is contact with one or more
other unit of a group. A group is one or more units
in edge to edge contact and facing the same
direction. A skirmish infantry unit never provides
support except to other skirmish infantry.
8.3.5 Flank attack
A flank attack is one where the attacking unit’s
front edge is at 90° or more from the defender’s
front edge and there is contact with the defender’s
rear corner. A rear attack is one where the attacker
contacts the defender’s rear edge (not just a
corner).

Page 15 of 28
 Ancient Warrior Battles
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Front attacks by the white unit:
Flank attacks by the white unit:
8.3.6 Rear attacks by the white unit:
Skirmishing troops have no flank or rear for
combat purposes. LO infantry troops attacking on
the flank or rear only cause a -1 modifier for the
enemy unit, not a -2. An elephant attacked on the
flank or rear by any unit is only subject to a -1
modifier for attacks from the flank or rear.
8.3.7 Lock Shields
A unit with the lock shields ability uses the order
phalanx to front modifier if the unit is not
disordered and did not move into combat.
8.4 Post combat conforming
After close combat test and results applied, any
units in contact do not conform.
8.5 Echelon units (defence in
depth)
A friendly infantry unit directly behind another
friendly unit, facing the same direction and with its
entire front edge in contact with the front unit’s
rear edge, is defined as being in echelon. Neither
unit may be a skirmish infantry unit. If the front
unit retreats or routs, an echeloned unit must move
into the same location as that of the
retreating/routing unit. Close combat is not
resolved at this time. It will be resolved when
either of the units in contact turn comes next. It is
treated as a continuing melee. Therefore unit will
get any close combat modifiers for the first turn of
close combat (for example, charging) and chariots
Page 16 of 28
will receive the -1 for after the first round of
combat.
8.6 Camps
Camps are not destroyed – when a camp is
depleted or destroyed, one attacking unit is moved
onto the camp and remains there (looting) for the
rest of the game. This unit cannot attack or move
or missile fire. It can defend in close combat, but
cannot be pushed-back, retreat, evade or pursue. It
does not receive a bonus for being in a camp. If the
result of an action test results in push-back or
evade, ignore the result. If retreat is an action test
result, the unit is removed from the board and
treated as destroyed. The new attacker is moved
onto the camp (defending it from further looters)
and remains there for the rest of the game.
8.7 Scythed Chariots (untested)
Scythed chariots are defined as loose order, light
armour chariots that move 16cm. Their troop
modifier is +2. Any pushback or retreat or rout
inflicted on them is converted to destroyed. If
Scythed chariots do not score at least a +1 in close
combat they are destroyed. Scythed chariots
always pursue. Skirmish infantry treat Scythed
chariots as elephants for combat purposes. 3
points.
8.8 Artillery (untested)
8.8.1 Light Artillery
4cm move, LO, light armour, archers. Range =
12cm, ignore heavy/extra missile protection but all
targets get a +1 on the fired-on test. 3 points.
8.8.2 Medium Artillery
4cm move, LO, light armour, archers. Range =
18cm, ignore heavy/extra missile protection
modifier. 5 points.
8.8.3 Heavy Artillery
No move, LO, light armour, archers. Range =
24cm, all targets get an additional -1 modifier to
fired-on test. And ignore the heavy/extra missile
protection modifier. 7 points.
8.8.4 Action result changes
Artillery does not move when forced to pushback
or retreat, but suffer all other effects (disorder and
depletion). Artillery never pursues.
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
8.9 War Wagons (untested)
War Wagons are defined as 8cm move, mounted,
LO, heavy armour, 5 points and have a +2 combat
factor. They may have bows or light artillery and
extra missile protection. When armed with
missiles, they are normally classed as archers. War
wagons pursue, get pushed-back, follow-up, retreat
and rout as per the rules.
8.10 Crossbow, Longbow,
Handguns (untested)
Crossbow, Longbow and Arquebus: range as per
bow but ignore heavy/extra missile protection.
Handguns: treat as javelin for missile fire and
ignore heavy/extra missile protection.
Muskets: range as per bow but with an extra -1
modifier to fired-on test.
9 Recommended optional
rules
9.1 Stricter group rules
The number of controlled groups that may be
deployed at setup is 3 + general rating +1 for each
sub-general (ignore sub-generals rating). The
number of group points defines the number of
controlled groups that may be formed at the start of
the game.
This is especially useful for historical battle
deployment and the number of groups may be
adjusted to fit the battle.
9.1.1 Uncontrolled Groups
More groups may be deployed at the start of the
game than the army’s group points. However, the
number of groups deployed over the army’s group
points will be uncontrolled. Uncontrolled groups
must be identified at deployment. They cannot
voluntarily perform actions during the game except
uncontrolled groups may missile fire at any units
that come in range. Uncontrolled groups cannot
voluntarily perform a move command except to
charge at any unit that comes within charge range.
Uncontrolled units are still subject to mandatory
charge and must perform a charge move command
against enemy units if subject to mandatory charge.
Otherwise an uncontrolled group cannot perform
any other action voluntarily, but must perform
actions as a result of action tests.
A general may start a move attached to the
uncontrolled group (except for the first turn when
it may not start the game attached to a unit in the
uncontrolled group) and stay attached for the entire
turn. On the subsequent turn, the uncontrolled
Page 17 of 28
group is now controlled on a d6 roll of 4-6, and
may act as any other controlled group. This check
can occur once per turn. The general may move at
the start of the turn the group becomes controlled.
9.1.2 Splitting groups
Groups formed at deployment must move as a
group. Groups may be combined with other groups
to form new or larger groups after the start of the
game.
Groups may be split into smaller groups after
deployment. Any group voluntarily splitting from
another group, via a move command, does not
receive any +1 support modifier for the move
command generating the split. If the group is split
due to losses in melee or evades/flees, that does not
impact the group move commands or the +1
support modifier for the move command. Units,
and parts of a group, are still subject to mandatory
charge and may cause a group to split. In this
instance, mandatory charge is done without the +1
support modifier.
9.2 Stop on breakpoint
For a faster game, as soon as one side reaches their
breakpoint the game is over. The winner is the
side that did not reach their breakpoint. If both
sides reach their breakpoint at the same time, they
take an army morale test, and continue until one
side loses another break point.
9.3 More impetuosity
Impetuous units of a group must always roll
individually, not one roll for the group. As
described in the rules, they can still receive the +1
support modifier, but must implement the move
immediately.
9.4 Foot generals
Generals may operate on foot such as
Mesoamerican or some ancient Mesopotamian
generals. Foot generals are selected as part of the
army and remain foot generals. Foot generals
move up to 12cm and cost 1 point less than a
regular general, with a minimum of 1. The
command distance penalty for foot generals is in
multiples of 12cm, rather than 20cm.
9.5 SI and LI in Mounted support
For all armies up until around 100BC Skirmish
Infantry and Light Infantry units armed with bows
may support mounted units. The LI/SI is placed
immediately behind the mounted unit it is
supporting at deployment. The infantry or
mounted unit may split away from the other during
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
movement, but then the infantry unit is no longer
supporting the mounted unit, and cannot move
back into support. When together, they effectively
are one unit, so if attacked from the rear, it will
count as a rear attack on a mounted unit supported
by an SI/LI. A supported unit gains a +1 close
combat modifier to any attack or defence by the
supported mounted unit to its front from any
enemy unit except an HI enemy unit.

9.6 Units returning from off

board
For those that believe that some units should be
able to return to the battlefield: a unit that pursued
a routed or depleted retreating enemy unit (not a
retreating enemy unit that would not be destroyed
at the end of the retreat) off the board may return.
The following turn the unit went off the board, a
move command may be assigned to each unit (no
group commands) that pursued off the board.
There is no support bonus and an additional -2
command penalty applies. If the move command
is successful, the unit is placed on the board
exactly where it left with its rear edge on the board
edge. If the move command is unsuccessful, the
unit is treated as destroyed for breakpoint purposes
and further attempts to return the unit to the board
cannot be made. This optional rule should be for
historical scenarios only.

Page 18 of 28
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
10.1.6 Marian Roman
10 Example Units HC, low fortitude, medium armour
Until decent army lists are available, here are some HI (Legionaries), line relief, high fortitude, heavy
examples to assist with formulating historical unit armour
types. Army lists are not necessarily complete;
they merely contain some representative unit types. 10.1.7 Parthians
CAT, low fortitude, heavy armour
10.1.1 New Kingdom Egyptians LC, bow, low fortitude
Chariots, HCH, archer, average fortitude, light
armour, 3 points
Spearmen, HI, average fortitude, light armour, 3
points
HI, archers, average fortitude, light armour, 3
points
SI, bow, 1 point
Note: the categorisation of the chariots has heavy
chariots with light armour depends on the
perception on how chariots were used at this time.
An alternative is to make them light chariots with
high fortitude. The main difference is skirmishers
will evade from combat, are a bit more fragile, not
as good versus infantry and are harder to order to
charge. If Egyptian chariots are HCH, then Hittite
opponents could be HCH, medium armour, high
fortitude. If Egyptian chariots are LCH, then
Hittite chariots should e HCH, light armour,
average fortitude.

10.1.2 Early Achemenid Persians

HC, low fortitude, medium armour, 2 points
LC, light armour, bow, 2 points
HI (Immortals), archer, extra missile protection,
high fortitude, heavy armour
HI (Sparabara), archer, extra missile protection,
heavy armour

10.1.3 Alexandrian Macedonian

HC (Companions), disciplined, high fortitude,
heavy armour
HI (Phalangites), phalanx, light armour
HI (Hoplites), phalanx, heavy armour

10.1.4 Porus Indians

ELE (elephant)
HCH, heavy armour
HC, low fortitude, light armour
HI, archers, light armour

10.1.5 Gauls
LC, javelins, low fortitude, light armour
LI (warbands), impetuous, light armour
SI, javelin, light armour

Page 19 of 28
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
11 Example of Play
This short example takes place on a portion of the
battlefield when Pyrrhus is attacking the Romans.
A colour version is available on line at:
http://shaun-wargaming-
minis.blogspot.com.au/p/ancient-warrior-
battles.html
Deployment and troops
The generals are just out of the picture so all units
start within 20cm of general. Generals are +0.
Romans
3 Legionaries: HI, CO, average fortitude, heavy
armour, line relief (marked A, B, C from Roman
right to left).
2 Italian infantry: LI, LO, average fortitude, light
armour.
Pyrrhic
1 Warband: LI, LO, average fortitude, light
armour, impetuous.
2 phalangites: HI, CO, medium fortitude, light
armour, phalanx (marked W, X from Pyrrhic right
to left).
2 Skirmishers: SI, average fortitude, light armour,
bow (marked Y, Z from Pyrrhic right to left).
1 Cavalry – HC, LO, high fortitude, medium
armour.
Roman turn
Activating from right to left.
Italian infantry do not move.
Page 20 of 28
Legionaries move and proximity test
Legionaries roll to move straight ahead – rolls a 3
+1 supported =4. Needed a 2+. Move the group
8cm. They are within 4cm of the Skirmishers.
The Skirmishers roll a Proximity test – both roll a
3 +1 supported = 4 so they fire at the Legionaries.
Legionaries fired-on test
The Legionaries take a fired-on test. Legionnaire
A rolls a 1 +1 supported +1 heavy armour =3
Stand and disordered. Legionnaire B rolls a
5+1+1=6 so charges. Legionnaire C will
automatically pass and charge. Fired-on test is
only rolled for matching pairs with any extra units
fired on automatically passing. Legionnaire B and
C are in contact with the Skirmishers so the latter
must roll a charged test.
Skirmisher charged test
Skirmisher Y rolls a 1 +1 supported = 2 Fire and
retreat. They retreat 6 cm (½ move). The retreat
disorders and depletes the Skirmisher; they can
only take one depletion so are destroyed. The
Pikemen behind suffer no interpenetration effects -
Skirmishers do not cause any interpenetration
results. Skirmisher Z rolls a 6 +1 supported = 7.
Fire and Evade. The evade takes them though the
pike unit – a Skirmisher interpenetrating a close
order unit is depleted, so the Skirmisher is
destroyed.
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
Legionaries fired-on test
Time to resolve the fired-on test from the
retreating and evading Skirmishers.
Legionnaire B fired on test is a roll of 1 +1
supported +1 heavy armour = 3 Chargers
Disordered.
Legionnaire C fired on test is a roll of 6 +1
supported +1 heavy armour = 8 Chargers continue.
Legionaries pursuit test
Both skirmishers retreated/evaded so the
Legionaries need to take a pursuit test.
Legionnaire B rolls a 4 +1 supported -1 disordered
= 5 pursues (needed a 3+).
Legionnaire C rolls a 4 +1 supported = 5 pursues.
Legionnaire B and C contact the phalangites.
Pike charged test
Pike W charged test rolls a 2 +1 supported = 3
Stand.
Pike X charged test rolls a 4 +1 supported = 5
Stand.
In general, most non-skirmishers in good
condition will pass a charged test. Only if
disordered and depleted is there a good chance of
failure.
Legionnaire B close combat with Pike X
Legionnaire B rolls a 4 -1 disordered +1 supported
+1 heavy armour Vs light armour = 5.
Pike X rolls a 1 +2 ordered phalanx to front +1
supported = 4.
Legionnaire B wins by 1. Pike X is pushed back
and disordered. Legionnaire B also gets a
disordered result, but as they are already
disordered, this has no effect. Legionnaire B
cannot follow up due to Pike W also in contact,
they both stay in place.
Legionnaire C close combat with Pike W
Legionnaire C rolls a 6 +1 supported +1 heavy
armour Vs light armour = 8.
Pike W rolls a 3 +2 ordered phalanx to front +1
supported = 6.
Legionnaire C wins by 2. Pike W retreats ½ a
move (4cm) and is disordered and depleted.
Legionnaire C disorderd.
Legionnaire C for pursuit rolls a 3 +1 supported =4
Pursues – right into the Warband unit.
Page 21 of 28
Warband charged test
Warband takes a charged test and roll a 4, no
modifiers. The warband will count as charging in
close combat. On a 3 or less, it would not have,
and not got the +2 charging bonus in close combat.
Legionnaire C close combat with warband
Legionnaire C rolls a 5 +1 CO Vs LO +1 heavy
armour Vs light armour – 1 disordered = 6.
Warband rolls a 6 +2 charging impetuous Vs foot
= 8.
Warband wins by 2. Legionnaire C retreats ½ a
move (4cm) and is disordered (no effect as already
disordered) and depleted. Warband is disordered.
Warband pursuit roll is a 2 (2+ required as they are
impetuous compared to the usual 3+) and
recontacts Legionnaire C.
Legionnaire C close combat with warband (2)
Legionnaire C rolls a 5 +1 CO Vs LO +1 heavy
armour Vs light armour -1 disordered -2 depleted
= 4.
Warband rolls a 4 +2 pursuing -1 disordered =5.
Warband wins by 1 and Legionnaire C pushed
back 2cm and both sides disordered. Both
Legionnaire C and Warband already disordered so
no effect.
Pyrrhic turn
Working from right to left.
Warband close combat with Legionnaire C
Legionnaire C rolls a 6 +1 CO Vs LO +1 heavy
armour Vs light armour -1 disordered -2 depleted
= 5.
Warband rolls a 1 -1 disordered = 0.
Warband Loses by 5 and routs. Legionnaire
pursue check roll is a 5 so yes. Disordered and
depleted do not effect move commands – only
action commands.
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7

Pike W rally Roman turn (just the LI)

Try to rally Pike W rolls a 6. Required is 5+. Cavalry close combat with LI
Disorder removed. Depleted cannot be removed. Cavalry rolls a 1 +1 high fortitude =2.The Cavalry
Disorder is important for pikes, only an ordered do not get the charge bonus as they are not
phalanx receives a +2 in combat. charging.
LI rolls a 3 -1 disordered = 2.
Pike X close combat with Legionnaire B Tie: Carry on. Cavalry is disordered. LI would be
Note Legionnaire B is now supported by disordered too if it wasn’t already.
Legionnaire C.
Pike X rolls a 4 +2 phalanx = 6. End of example.
Legionnaire B rolls a 1 +1 supported +1 heavy
armour Vs light armour -1 disordered = 2.
Legionnaire B lost by 4 and routs.
Pike rolls a 2 for pursuit. Needed a 3+ so the Pike
unit stays where they are.

Cavalry charge
Cavalry does not have to mandatory charge LI as
the LI are not classed as Heavy. But will try to
charge anyway, rolls a 6 +1 high fortitude =7.
Needed a 3+ so charges.

LI takes a charged test and rolls a 3 +1 supported =

4 Stand.

Cavalry close combat with LI

Cavalry rolls a 3 +1 high fortitude +2 charging
into foot = 6.
LI rolls 2 +1 supported = 3.
LI loses by 3. The front LI unit retreats through
the rear LI and the retreating LI is disordered and
depleted. Resolving interpenetration, the rear LI
unit is disordered and the front (retreating) LI is
depleted as it is already disordered from the
combat (interpenetrating LO are disordered, or
depleted if disordered). This second depletion
destroys the retreating LI unit. This is how it
normally goes for loose order units in echelon.
The rear LI unit moves up into the place occupied
by the front LI. Combat will occur next turn,
which is now:

Page 22 of 28
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
2 Centre attack
12 Army Deployment and 3 Flank attack
4-5 Flank and centre attack
Tactics 6 Envelop flanks

12.1 Process 12.3.2 Warband

This section allows for a random choice of Roll Tactic
deployment and battle tactics for an army. It is 1 Defend
based on the composition of the army. The tactics 2-3 All out attack
is based on the army type. The army type is based 4-5 Centre attack
on the army before extra bases are randomly rolled 6 Flank and centre attack
for. This may mean that the full army may qualify
for a different army type but still use the original
12.3.3 Missile
army type. Generals get what they are given.
Alternatively, a +1 or +2 General may use the Roll Tactic
army type of the army after extra bases are rolled 1-2 Defend
for. 3-4 Reserves attack
Look at, or calculate the army type for the army, 5-6 Skirmish
roll 1d6 and refer to the appropriate army table for
deployment and tactics to use. 12.3.4 Infantry
The centre is the central 30cm of the deployment Roll Tactic
area. Each flank is the 15cm from the edge in the 1 Defend
deployment area. This is only a guide, and if you 2-3 Centre attack
cannot fit the units into the defined deployment 4 Flank attack
zone, it is ok to have a unit or two that is supposed 5 Flank and Centre attack
to be on the flank being in the centre (but should 6 Reserves attack
be close to the flank).
If a specific flank is not mentioned, then the
12.3.5 Skirmish
weaker flank is that with a terrain item in it. If no
terrain feature, then roll 1d6 for the stronger flank: Roll Tactic
1-3 left, 4-6 right. 1 Reserves attack
2-3 Envelop flanks
12.2 Army Type 4-6 Skirmish
Work down the table until a match is found for
12.3.6 Other
army type. The last row is used if no earlier match
is found. Roll Tactic
Army composition Army Type 1 Defend
1/3 or more bases are heavy Mounted 2 Centre attack
mounted. 3 Flank attack
½ or more bases are impetuous Warband 4 Flank and Centre attack
1/3 or more bases are Archers Missile 5 Reserves attack
or Skirmishers; or ½ or more 6 Envelop flanks
bases are archers, skirmishers
or missile armed
½ or more bases are heavy Infantry
infantry 12.4 Tactic Description
½ or more bases are LC or Skirmish
LCH 12.4.1 Defend
Any not above Other Defend along the line, with archers and skirmishers
to the front.
12.3 Tactic selection
Deploy
12.3.1 Mounted 70% in centre with a reserve of fast moving units
Roll Tactic (up to 25%) behind the main line.
1 All out attack

Page 23 of 28
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
Roll again to see if the focus is on one flank or 12.4.7 Envelop flanks
both: Attack with both flanks while holding the centre.
1-2 15% on each flank
3-4 10% on right flank or terrain flank Deploy
20% on other flank 40% in the centre
5-6 10% on left flank or terrain flank 30% on each flank
20% on other flank
12.4.8 Skirmish
12.4.2 All out attack Light units wear down the enemy, usually by
Attack all along the line. missile fire, and hope to draw the enemy out.
Heavier troops then attack
Deploy
50% of units in the centre Deploy
25% of units on each flank 40% in centre with over 2/3 heavy units in centre
Roll again to see if the focus is on one flank or
12.4.3 Centre Attack both:
Attack with the units in the centre with an aim to 1-2 30% on each flank
break the enemy’s centre. Flank units are held 3-4 20% on right flank or terrain flank
back to protect the flanks of the centre units. 40% on other flank
5-6 20% on left flank or terrain flank
Deploy 40% on other flank
60% in centre with over two-thirds the heavy units
and a skirmish screen (if available)
20% on each flank

12.4.4 Flank Attack

Attack with one flank hoping the break the
opposing flank. Advance with the centre to protect
the attacking flank and hold back the other weaker
flank.

Deploy
40% in the centre
40% on the attacking flank with at least 30% of the
heavy units.
20% on the weaker flank.

12.4.5 Flank and Centre attack

Attack with the centre and a strong flank while
holding back the weak flank.

Deploy
50% in the centre
30% on the strong flank
20% on the weak flank.

12.4.6 Reserves attack

Defend along the front line. When enemy is worn
down, a reserve body of heavy units moves in for
the kill.

Deploy
40% in the centre with at least 50% heavy units
behind the main line in reserve
30% on each flank

Page 24 of 28
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
13 Designer Notes
Some notes on the thinking that went into these
rules.
Principles
When I wrote these rules here are the design
principles I had in mind:
• Solo friendly - increase uncertainty and
remove as much decision making as viable.
• Only two markers required in the game –
disordered that can be removed, and depleted
aka hit points that cannot be removed. Most
units would have two hit points.
• Not IGOUGO - a unit would take its entire
turn (move, missile, and melee) before moving
onto another unit.
• Units would not have much freedom of
movement.
• Some command and control possibly by a
support unit bonus modifier, forcing individual
bases to be formed into units.
• All distances are in centimetres and in
multiples of 4cm to match the base width of
my 15mm armies.
• The game allows for push-backs and retreats.
• The game does not require bases to align for
combat.
• Infantry skirmishers are removed from the
board quite quickly and only have one hit
point.
• Only one d6 for all rolls and a high roll is
always good.
• Only melee will be an opposed roll.
• Variable actions in reaction to enemy events.
• Javelins have a range for skirmishers. Other
heavier units do not, and will be incorporated
into unit melee factors.
• There is some sort of mandatory charge for
warband and non-bow armed heavy cavalry.
• Reaction tests to determine actions to enemy
events. While there are RRtK reaction-type
tests in these rules, they are based for a
different outcome than RRtK, more closely
aligning with JA events. The charged test in
RRtK a preliminary to combat - poor units will
retreat or rout. In these rules, the charged test
is more to see whether a unit will stand or
retreat (as per JA or Battle Standard or many
other rules where a unit can choose an action
when charged). The results of the charge are
determined in close combat, rather than some
being resolved on the charged test like in
RRtK. The fired-on test is actually the firing
result test (it produces similar results to the JA
Page 25 of 28
firing table). There is no fired result, and then
roll for reaction – it is all in one test. The
close combat test is the same – it is a close
combat table with results (reactions) similar to
JA and BBA. So the tests in these may on the
surface may seem to equate to RRtK, but the
reason for their inclusion and the results are
quite different.
Missile weapons
Javelins and other short range melee weapons that
are used by other than skirmishers are incorporated
into the unit statistics. It is assumed that many
non-phalanx heavy and light infantry carry short
range weapons, and used them at short range.
Those that do not have them generally have a -1
fortitude. Close combat is considered a
combination of short range missile firing (if used)
and contact. Incorporating a distinct short range
missile capability for all units that did so is beyond
the scale of the game.
Armour
Armour should really be better thought of as
protection but armour sounds better. There are
missile modifiers for firing at Heavy armour, and
also a combat bonus for heavy units fighting light
units. The medium armour category is for those
units where they have heavier armour than light
and are also ok in melee, but not enough to warrant
extra missile protection. Examples of medium
armour troops that come to mind are Successor
phalangites and Thorakites.
Long Spear Phalanx
It is my belief that at the level these rules are
pitched at, there is no real difference between a
hoplite (long spear) phalanx and a phalangite
(pike) phalanx. However, hoplite armour will
almost always be heavy, while phalangite armour
will be light (or medium for some successor
phalangites). I used to have a straight +2 phalanx
combat modifier, but this meant hoplites were
better than phalangites against most troops. So the
phalanx +2 modifier applies to pike phalanxes, and
long spear phalanxes only get +1. They still get a
+1 Vs mounted for long spears.
Chariots
Chariots would normally get a melee bonus but as
they mostly fight biblical troops, these should have
light or medium armour at most, and low fortitude.
Close combat table
The close combat table - while similar to JA - uses
opposed 1d6s, while JA uses opposed 1d3s. In the
really old JA forum posts, there are examples
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
posted by Pete of combat using opposed 1d6s, but setup strike a balance – random terrain, attacker
with the same results table! So somewhere along gets exact choice, defender chooses side to defend,
the way he hit on the idea of using 1d3 rather than both setup hidden.
1d6 to stop the swings. I like to think I have
managed to reduce the swing a little (from moving One command roll per group
to d6s again) with judicious selection of modifiers. The rules originally had the player choose for each
group whether to roll once for the group or once
When to charge for the each unit. In the end, I went for one roll per
In Armati, a unit must charge. In my version of group as this reflects how I have read groups
BBA, it is more like DBM where a unit must roll tended to act in ancient battles.
(or allocate PIPs) not to charge if in range. In
RRTK, a unit in charge reach of an enemy can do
nothing but charge or stand and there is a roll to
charge. In Justified Ancients a unit must roll to
charge too. These rules are derived from Shaun’s
BBA, JA, Armati and lastly RRtK. In these rules a
non-bow armed mounted or warband must roll for
a charge if an enemy heavy (not heavy armour but
HI, HC etc.) unit is in reach. If it fails it can
attempt a non-charge move.

The charge test

In early versions, there was only a charge action
test with a +2 modifier. I then split it into the
charge move command and an uncontrolled charge
action test. It was clunky. So I kept mandatory
charge and charge move command but no
uncontrolled charge test. Uncontrolled charge is a
reaction to enemy events and is a charge to contact
that does not need to be rolled for. I like this -
simplifies the game, and more results are worked
out via close combat than in the tests themselves.

Terrain setup
There are lots of options to go with when
considering terrain and deployment setup. The
reason it went to the defender to choose which side
to deploy is, while the terrain type is the defenders,
the attacker gets to place the terrain (albeit limited
by the grid square it is assigned to but the attacker
gets to choose the size of the terrain and where in
the grid it goes). So the defender then gets to
choose sides based on what terrain the attacker
setup. Streams are setup by the defender and it
assumes that if a stream exists, the defender would
choose deployment based on where the stream is.
Terrain setup is tied to an extent on how the rules
work. For example, I understand why DBA goes
the way it does. Basic Impetus has an interesting
choice - the defender chooses a side, chooses
terrain but sets up first, completely in view of the
attacker. There is a plus and a minus there. I went
for a conservative approach and wanted to stay
away from randomising the side you attack from.
I also wanted to stay away from one side choosing
terrain and the other moving some of it around, or
adding/removing some. I am hoping the terrain

Page 26 of 28
 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
Commands Action tests 4+
Move (or a Complex move > 20cm from 2+ General in contact with stand +1
enemy) Supported +1
Complex Move 3+ High fortitude +1
Charge or Pursue 3+ Low fortitude -1
Impetuous: 2+ Disordered -1
Archers, Skirmishers: 4+ Depleted (veterans only -1) -2
Reform 5+ Uphill of all enemies, in fieldworks, +1
defending a stream bank, behind stakes,
Pursuit modifiers: in a camp or town.
+1/0/-1 if general attached or disciplined.
Range from general modifier does not apply.
Modifiers Proximity Zone Test
General in contact with stand +1
Supported +1 4+ • Impetuous Uncontrolled Charge.
High fortitude +1 • Archers and Skirmishers fire.
Low fortitude -1 • Other Mounted Uncontrolled
Range from general > 20cm (& per -1 Charge.
extra 20cm) (not pursue) • Others Stand.
Poor/inexperienced general -1 1, 2 or 3 • Skirmishers Evade (no fire).
• Infantry Archers pushed back
Unit Move (cm) from Mounted.
Heavy Infantry 8 • Others Stand (no Fire).
Light or Skirmish Infantry 12 0 or less • Archers & Skirmishers Retreat.
Cataphract, Elephant 12 • Others Pushed-back.
Heavy Cavalry, Knight, Camel 16
Light Cavalry 20
Heavy Chariot 12 Charged Test
Light Chariot, Scythed Chariot 16
4+ • Skirmishers Fire and Evade.
Move • Archers Fire.
CO infantry: wheel 45o or move • Other non-retreating Mounted
Skirmishers, Light Infantry: and Impetuous count as Charging
About face for free, wheel 90o + move in Close Combat.
Others: 45o + move • Others Stand.
SI: move directly backwards 1, 2 or 3 • Skirmishers Fire and Retreat.
• Archers Fire with a +1 modifier.
Complex Move • Others Stand.
CO infantry wheel 45o and move 0 or less • Skirmishers Rout.
Any wheel > 45o (no move) • Others Retreat.
Any about face

Army Morale Test

4+ • Carry on.
3 • All Pushed-back.
1 or 2 • All Retreat.
0 or less • All Rout.

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 Ancient Warrior Battles
V1.7
Fired-on Test
0 or • Carry on.
Infantry Archers 12cm more • On a 0 both sides Disordered.
Skirmishers and mounted archers 8cm -1 • Skirmishers Retreat.
Javelins (Skirmishers only) 4cm • Others Pushed-back.
• Both sides Disordered.
Heavy Armour or Missile protection +1
-2 • Skirmisher Infantry Rout.
Each subsequent fired-on test after first -1
caused by same firer • Others Retreat.
• Higher scorer Disordered.
4+ • Chargers and Pursuers continue. -3 • Skirmisher Infantry Rout.
• Archers & Skirmishers not • Others Retreat.
Charging / Pursuing Fire; if not -4 or • Rout.
in range, advance up to ½ move less
to get into range with no firing.
• Impetuous and other mounted
Uncontrolled Charge if in reach, Evade
else advance a full move. If disordered, depleted (and destroyed if SI).
• Others within 4cm Uncontrolled Move ½ move +2cm directly backwards.
Charge, else advance 4cm. Disordered.
1, 2 or 3 • Skirmishers Retreat. Enemy Chargers automatically pursue.
• LO (not elephants) Pushed-
back. Push-back
• Other Chargers and Pursuers If enemy can follow-up, move directly back ¼
continue Disordered. normal move and pushback infantry, interpenetrate
• All Others Stand (no fire) and others.
Disordered. Disorder if not already.
0 or less Enemy charging/in combat follow-up
• Skirmishers Rout.
• All Others Retreat. Retreat
Move ½ move (+2cm on a d6=6)
Close Combat Test Resolve interpenetration.
Depleted. If already depleted, destroyed.
Note: Not 4+, opposed die roll & use difference Disordered if not already.
Skirmisher (Infantry Vs Elephant +1) -2 Enemy charging/in combat test for pursuit.
Infantry Archer (not skirmishers) -1
Ordered Pike Phalanx to front +2 Rout
Ordered Long Spear Phalanx to front +1 Retreat then destroyed.
Ordered long spears to mounted front +1 Enemy charging/in combat test for pursuit.
Elephant +2 Interpenetration
Camp -3 Disorder (& Deplete if elephant) CO and LO.
Camel (on a d6=4+ Vs mounted +1) -1 Deplete Skirmishers & disordered LO.
Destroy Skirmish Infantry.
Heavy Mounted, or any Impetuous, +2
Charging or Pursuing Vs Infantry to Pursuit
their front (except ordered Phalanx / ½ move, +2cm if a natural 6 is rolled in the test.
long spear).
Heavy Armour Vs Light Armour +1
CO Vs LO +1
Supported +1
Attacked in flank or rear -2
(LO Infantry attacking or Elephant) (-1)
SK Infantry or LO Infantry in difficult +2
Chariot after first round or in difficult -1

Also apply action test modifiers

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