"help finding rules" Topic

hello- I need help finding a good set of ancients rules to meet my specific needs;
1)I do not like removing individual casualties
2)I like simple units like Armati/Impetus
3) I probably will be playing solo…
so something either card activation or roll to activate units to give unpredictability
4) simple flow mechanics but with a good historical feel
5) free downloadable would be even better
6)good army list support
7)more into the enjoyment of the game than competitive killer armylist tournament circuit crap
thanks for your help
steve

ps…years ago I had a computer program for ASL-GAP--game assist program--any idea if Slitherine's FOG computer game can be used as such with miniatures?

Tactica II would fit most of what you want, but they haven't been published yet. Also, they don't fit solo play. I fixed this by playing the Tactica system with Piquet card decks – I like the way they jumble up the turn sequence. Alternatively, you could do the same with Piquet and Armati.

Either way, that's two games, not one… good luck!

Paul

Hi Steve

Might of Arms meets most but not all of your criteria. Not downloadable and not random activation but it ticks all the other boxes. Might be worth a look

Phil

I think you said it your self Impetus!

Warmaster Ancients.
1)Units consist of one to three stands. As unit cohesion is eroded, stands get removed. Not really like removing individual casualties, it is more like representing states of effectiveness.

2)Units are simple.

3)Unit activation is rolled for. Units are activated by command stands, roll dice vs. command value and if you get under (with some easily remembered modifiers) then you can activate the unit. If you fail, then you cannot activate the unit and that command stand cannot activate any more units that turn. If your general fails a roll, your turn is over.

4)I think this fits.

5)The fantasy version is free to download so that you can see the mechanics. There are differences, but they are basically the same.

6)The core book has got lots of lists, there are two additional books that have additional lists and rules support.

Why not try Command & conquer : Ancients ?

Great boardgame but very easy to transform with figures…
See pictures on gamegeek : link
Cards activation.
Solo game available.

All rules are available on the net with a lot of historical scenarii.
Follow this link :
ccancients.net

I'd suggest "Legion and empire" but since playtesting is done the free download has been removed.

I find that DBA or Big Battle DBA (DBA with 3 times as many bases) works well for solo games.

There are a couple of useful documents on the Fanaticus website (on the resources page. Pick 'Rules Variants' from the list on the left hand side. Scroll quite a long way down then choose 'De Bellis Solitarius'.

fanaticus.org

or go straight to:

link

You may need to adapt it as it was written for a previous version of DBA. (Even if you choose another set of rules you may well be able to adapt it for your chosen rules.)

By the way, on the 'Rules Variants' page there are a couple of random terrain placement generators for DBA.

Ancient and Medieval Wargaming meet many of your criteria…

1)I do not like removing individual casualties
element based
2)I like simple units like Armati/Impetus
very simple (8 units of 4 bases per army)
3) I probably will be playing solo…
so something either card activation or roll to activate units to give unpredictability
I think the deisgner mainly plays solo.
4) simple flow mechanics but with a good historical feel
regarded well by simulationists
5) free downloadable would be even better
reasonably priced. ($35 or so with tons of army lists)
6)good army list support
lots in basic game
7)more into the enjoyment of the game than competitive killer armylist tournament circuit crap
Not designed for tournament play

If you are interested in the later Roman period and dark ages you can download my Comitatus rules for free at link
Working on a companion set for the earlier classical period.

I'd say Warmaster Ancients as well. Seems to fit all of your requirements apart from not being free. Designer's site here
rickpriestley.com
Has a lot of extra lists.