"Actium report - the rules are not quite working" Topic
3 Posts
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olicana | 21 Jan 2017 10:25 a.m. PST |
link We've been playing Actium using Xyston 1:600 galleys and GMT's War Galley rules. The game has had its moments but, for us, the rules haven't quite worked out as well as they might. The rules still hold a lot of promise but we feel some of the balance (between ram and hull) is wrong and that the missilery rules are far too time consuming and memory taxing, not to mention much, much too deadly.
Anyway, I've posted my thoughts and look forward to giving it another go. |
Plasticviking3 | 21 Jan 2017 11:11 a.m. PST |
Great report and analysis of rules. I think too many galley rules are used without adjusting them with feedabck from playing. I also think the larger ships were definitely not good rammers but if they could get a blow in it should be devastating. Octavians speech at Actium says just this. I have had the same experience with making missile rules. At this period missiles are crucial to the battle – one ship's marines would be pinned down or severely depleted by missiles before any boarding attempt (in my opinion). Then comes the gaming problem of an accurate but quick method ….casualties, markers, timing etc.. I also think ships that are effectively rammed can be declared finished immediately – much better for game mechanisms than having a load of limping half dead to administer. In history I think the rowing crew especially would have quite readily appreciated if their vessel was doomed and acted accordingly rather than sitting at the benches until the water reached their necks. Nice battle and report! |
Plasticviking3 | 21 Jan 2017 11:25 a.m. PST |
Re. Fire. Fire weapons are very rare in ancient naval battles and at Actium it is suggested clearly by Dio that Octavian brought fire from the camp to reduce the surviving Antonian ships after the battle was decided. Normally fire was too dangerous and unpredictable to have on a ship. This means a game should not normally bother with fire .. less to do… although it does look good.. |
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